Wings Of Icarus

“Anything?” Spike shouted, finishing checking one of the many phones in the room.

“I’ve got nothing.” I shouted back.

“No sense in all of us checking the same room.” Suno said, straightening his suit as he and Chey left and entered another of the rooms on the same floor.

“Thats a great point.” I nodded. “We’d cover more phones if we all checked separate rooms.”

“Good point. I’ll finish this room up and move on.” Spike nodded. Bolt and Silver walked out together, then Alfred and Sen.

“I’ll go too.” I said as I started to walk out of the room. I nearly screamed as Spike grabbed me. “Don’t do that!” I said angrily as I turned to him.

“Keep an eye on them.” Spike said quietly.

“You don’t trust any of them?” I asked in the same quiet tone.

“I don’t know who to trust, and that’s what gets me. I have a feeling at least one of them is in on it.” Spike said.

“That’s great I’m not the only one that feels that way.” I sighed. “Don’t worry I’ll keep an eye on them.”

“Good… And Sweetie…” Spike started.

“Yeah?” I asked quietly.

“Be careful okay?” Spike said in a more concerned tone.

“I will.” I said with a reassuring smile. Spike smiled and nodded, giving my hand a squeeze before heading back to the search. I headed out the door and walked down the hall. The first room I saw Bolt practically flipping tables over to find anything out of the ordinary, while Silver was nervously doing the same (but much less violence mind you). I sighed and continued on to find at least one unoccupied room so I could search. “That’s not going to do anything.” I mumbled to myself. “We need to search for phones just pick them up! Not flip everything over!”

“I told him that.” Silver said quietly.

“There is a message attached to it and it’s probably not going to be visible on the top.” Bolt stated.

“And our watches deactivate it when they get close enough to PICK the phone up.” I retorted. Bolt just stared at me for a moment before flipping another table. I groaned and moved on to the next room. I saw Suno sitting down, casually watching as Chey ran around the room and checked phone by phone.

“Great job… Jolly good, keep it up!” Suno said in an effort to pep his guard up.

I put my head in my hands and groaned into them. “Nn… I don’t even…” I muttered. I didn’t even bother to ask as I moved down. In another I saw Alfred slowly picking up and checking the phones, shaking one next to his head and putting his ear up to one. Sen seemed to be doing it right, picking a phone up and then moving on to the next… But he was going almost as slow as Alfred. “Okay… Better. But… you could you know… move a bit faster we do have a time limit for this.”

Sen looked over at me, his eyes seeming to glisten with apology. “He’s a bit slow… He has a rare condition that hurts to move too fast. It’s like a form of arthritis.” Alfred said.

“Oh… I didn’t know.” I said quietly. “That’s fine then.” I smiled reassuringly.

“Hi.” Spike’s voice said from behind me, making me jump almost a foot into the air.

“Stop scaring me!” I said quickly as I glared at Spike. When I turned to him, his attention seemed to be on something else. “Spike?” I asked. He moved past me and walked up to Sen, staring down at the child. Sen looked curiously up at Spike as he kneeled down to his level. “What are you doing?” I asked. Spike lifted a hand and poked Sen in the eye. Sen flinched a moment or two later, blinking twice and staring wide eyed at Spike. “Spike.” I stated, getting a little angrier. Spike stared at Sen for a few more moments before standing up and moving to the doorway next to me. “Answer me.” I nearly growled as I glared at Spike.

“Did you notice anything strange just then?” Spike asked, glancing back at Alfred and Sen.

I glanced at the two other in the room and slowly walked out and down the hall. “I’m being serious.” Spike said, quickly catching up with me.

“I know.” I said in a quiet voice. “And I did.”

“What did you notice?” Spike asked.

“His reaction time. If you had poked me in the eye I wouldn’t have waited two seconds to hit you.” I stated.

“Good, just asking.” Spike said, moving on to another room. I sighed and shook my head.

“God damn it.” I muttered as I to continued to another room. I looked in, seeing it was empty. I walked in and checked each phone one by one, making sure to leave every phone that I had checked off the ringer. My eyes glanced to a door at the far end labeled ‘Administrator’. I walked over and opened it. There was a single desk surrounded by windows, with one phone on the desk. I saw something that seemed off. There was a recorder on the table next to the phone, and I have a feeling I knew what was in it. “Spike! I found it.” I called.

“Just a second!” Spike returned. I looked back to the phone and took a step, quickly being yanked back roughly.

“What the hell?” I questioned loudly. I snapped around and saw Spike holding on to me. He pointed down to the ground, and I saw a line of black tape in the doorway. I quickly glanced down at my watch, then I realized I hadn’t heard any explosion.

“Maybe we shouldn’t rush inside.” Spike suggested. I nodded quickly and glanced around.

“I think we should find something to knock the phone over with.” I said. Spike’s eyes darted around as a thought occurred to him.

“But what if someone without a watch went in?” Spike suggested.

“We need to find Sen.” I nodded. The two of us returned to the hall and back to the room that Alfred was in, seeing Sen had disappeared. “Alfred?” I asked. Alfred turned to me.

“Is something wrong? Did you find the tape?” Alfred asked.

“We did. But none of us can get it, Sen’s the only one who can.” I said. “And he’s not here.”

“He said something about checking the lower levels.” Alfred said reassuringly. Spike glanced at his watch.

“We don’t have time for this.” Spike said, scratching his head nervously.

“Well. We could always throw something at it.” I started.

“But what if it plays the message? We don’t know how it works do we?” Spike said.

“I could you know…” I started, pointing up to my horn. A speaker clicked on.

“No magic.” The Ragman added.

“Nnn. Fuck you.” I grumbled as I looked away.

“I didn’t make the rules.” The Ragman said before the speakers clicked off.

“Sure.” I sighed. “We need to find Sen then.”

“No… we just need a watch.” Spike started, turning to me and smiling.

My eyes widened and I smiled too. “I know right where one is.” I said.

“Go get it quick!” Spike said, rushing to the black taped doorway. I ran back to the room we had started in and rushed the chair Sen had sat in at the beginning. I saw the watch right where we left it, snatching it and hurrying back to Spike. “Thirty seconds.” He said.

“Then catch!” I said as I threw it at him. Spike caught it and spun to the door, tossing it into the room. The watch landed on the desk next to the phone and both of us stared silently into the room. A moment passed and a click was heard. My eyes widened fearfully as the thought that we had failed entered my mind. The gears in the tape started turning.

“Well if you’re hearing this, that means you beat my first puzzle, congratulations!” A voice from the recorder said.

I let out a small sigh of relief.

“Don’t get too relaxed though, now please gather everyone and return to the main room, where Iron’s body is.” The tape said before clicking off. Spike narrowed his eyes and stared at the tape.

“What?” I questioned.

“That’s a pre-recorded message. How did he know Iron was going to die? Did he plan it? Or was it recorded after?” Spike asked.

“I don’t know. But, our best option for now is just to listen… It’s either that or blow up a children’s hospital.” I said. Spike nodded and walked back to the main building. Speakers all over the floor clicked on.

“Please return to the beginning please.” The Ragman’s voice rang out. “Thank you.”

When we returned, I saw that Alfred and Sen were already there. Sen was helping Alfred into a chair before he sat down next to him. Silver and Bolt walked in shortly after. “So… you found it right? Did anything blow up?” Silver asked quickly.

“Look outside.” I said. Silver turned his head and stared out at the hospital.

“Oh.” Silver said quietly.

“Just sit down.” Bolt stated, pushing Silver into a chair and plopping down next to him.

“Is everyone here?” I questioned, looking around and noticing we were still missing Suno and Chey.

“I didn’t see them in the hall, or any of the rooms.” Silver said. Everyone turned to the hospital, seeing it was still alright.

I put my head in my hands and groaned, “They better get here soon…” I muttered angrily.

“You’re probably wondering where Suno and Chey are… Well so am I.” The Ragman said, clearing his throat.

“That’s great. Even you don’t know where they are.” I sighed.

“Which brings us to our next game. Find Suno and Chey.” The Ragman said as a click was heard. The end of the table shattered, wood exploding in every direction. Everyone covered their heads, quickly standing up.

“I’ll give you a ten second head start.” The Ragman laughed. All of us bolted out of the room and scattered into the hall. Spike turned to me.

“Okay, he has view of the south side of the building, just make sure you don’t get seen by any of the windows there.” Spike said sternly.

“Right I nodded. Avoid any windows on the side of the building.” I nodded.

“Also I might want to mention that the fire department will be notified in about ten minutes.” The Ragman said.

“God damn it! Where the hell could they have gone?” I questioned as I ran for the stairs, doing everything I could to stay out of sight of the windows.

“Why the fire department?” Silver asked curiously. Spike sniffed as the small hint of smoke was detectable.

“Because there’s a fire!” I said quickly. “We need to put it out and find the two of them!”

“Put it out with what? We’re in the top of an office building, not the side of a lake!” Silver panicked, falling to the floor. “Stop drop and roll!” He shouted, rolling down the hall back and forth.

“THERE IS A THING CALLED A BATHROOM!” I nearly screamed. “GOD DAMN IT! I CAN BARELY TAKE ANY MORE OF THIS STUPIDITY!”

“Sweetie listen to me.” Spike said, grabbing me and holding me against the wall.

“What?” I questioned.

“We are on the 47th floor. We don’t know how far the fire has spread, and we certainly don’t have the time to put out every floor. We just need to find Suno, got it?” Spike said quietly.

I stared at him for a moment before nodding. “Got it.” I said as I calmed down slightly. “My bet is that they’re trying to get out. So they’re going to be somewhere below us.”

There was a flushing sound from the bathroom. Suno casually walked out and looked at us. “What?” He questioned.

“Or not.” I said. Chey walked out behind him and stood guard once again.

“Thank you again Chey, I don’t know what I would have done without you.” Suno said as formally as possible.

“Zippers are tricky sir.” Chey nodded.

“Okay… Well we found them.” I said, looking over at Spike.

“Yeah… I expected that to be difficult.” Spike said, scratching his neck.

“Maybe it wasn’t planned…” I started. “Or it’s not over.”

“Great, you found them! I’m proud of you. What’s your prize…” The Ragman drifted off into thought.

“Stop stalling.” I stated.

“Oh right, everyone please gather into the hall.” The Ragman said. We stood there for a minute as everyone gathered around us, staying away from any windows.

“We’re here.” I said.

“Cool! Ready for the next step in our game?” The Ragman said joyfully.

“The one where we all get pulled out by firemen? Or will the building fall before then?” I asked sarcastically.

“I don’t know. Isn’t it exciting?” The voice laughed.

“No.” I said dryly.

“Anyway… I’ll let you all choose a room to keep away from the smoke.” The Ragman said. Everyone glanced around the hall, finding a room with no windows and was decently sized. We all walked in and closed the door. Bolt took off his uniform and stuffed it under the door. “Good, now sit down while I think.” The voice said, trailing off.

“This is getting really old.” I sighed as I leaned back against a wall.

“I’d watch out, those walls might be…” The Ragman started. I yelped as my back touched it and burned. I jumped away from the wall.

“Nn…” I grumbled quietly as I gently rubbed my back.

“You okay?” Spike asked, rushing over to me and checking my back.

“I’m fi…” I trailed off as a thought hit me. “Spike.” I whispered as quietly as I could.

“Yeah, what is it?” Spike asked.

“How would he have known I was going to lean against a wall if he can’t see us?” I asked in the same whisper. Spike’s eyes widened slightly and he glanced around the room. Suno and Chey were casually talking as Bolt made sure no smoke could get in. Silver nervously sat in one of the chairs, his hands in his lap. Alfred was sitting, taking a nap as Sen played with some of the things on the table.

“I think I know at least two people we can trust in here.” I whispered, shooting a glance towards Suno and Chey.

“Why them?” Spike asked curiously.

“The Ragman didn’t know where they were since no one else did either.” I started.

“True…” Spike nodded. “So that leaves Silver, Bolt, or Alfred.”

“No… Alfred’s asleep.” I said. “And Bolt’s been occupied since we entered.” I continued.

Spike stared silently at Silver, who was staring at the two of us.

“I have a…” My face blanked as a new realization slowly dawned on me. “Spike…” I said quietly. “I need you to think about a few things for me.”

“Go for it.” Spike said, turning back to me and leaning in.

“Who conveniently disappeared when we needed him?” I asked quietly. Spike turned to Sen.

“He’s just a kid.” Spike said quietly.

“Yeah. And he also had that extremely delayed reaction when you touched his eye.” I continued. “And he didn’t put on a watch. Yes I know what The Ragman said, but why didn’t he even have it in his hand when the rest of us got ours out?” I stared intently at Spike.

“Well…” Spike said, the gears in his head turning as he thought.

“Why should we be trusting the fact that he’s ‘just a kid’? I’d think that’d be the perfect cover.” I finished.

“So, what do we do?” Spike asked. I stared blankly at him.

“Wh…” I started to mumble for a second. “You’re… serious right?”

“About what?” Spike tilted his head.

“Wanting a plan from me.” I said quietly.

“And what’s wrong with that? You’re smart… Too smart. Maybe you’re with the Ragman.” Spike joked.

I laughed quietly. “Fine… Fine. I think we should just play along for a little longer. I have my doubts anyone else has been paying attention as much as we have… so we’re on our own.” I whispered.

“Yeah, we shouldn’t tell anyone.” Silver whispered. The two of us practically fell over as our head snapped to Silver, who was standing right next to us.

“Where did you come from?” I questioned. Silver stared at me for a moment before pointing to the seat he was previously in. “Why did you feel the need to listen in on our conversation?” I questioned.

“Because he’s smart?” Bolt said. I turned and saw he was still fiddling with the door, not even looking at the three of us.

“Point taken.” I sighed.

“Do any of you by chance happen to have something to drink?” Suno called.

“No.” I said.

“Well if we’re going to do something we should do it now.” Spike said. Silver turned and charged at Sen. Sen’s eyes widened and he fell to the floor. Silver’s attempt to tackle Sen sent himself into the wall.

“Nnrf… What’s going on?” Alfred grumbled, yawning and looking down at Silver.

“What are you doing?” Suno questioned.

“He’s working with the Ragman!” Silver said, pointing at Sen. Sen hid under the table and avoided Silver.

“That’s my grandson!” Alfred growled, standing up and looking as if he was about to throw a punch.

“Calm down old timer.” Chey said calmly, approaching Alfred.

“I am still spry enough to kick your butt!” Alfred declared.

“This isn’t going to get us anywhere!” I shouted, “Everyone CALM down NOW!”

“Yeah, what she said.” The Ragman’s voice rang out. “Or don’t, either way works.”

My eye twitched.

“For all we know, you could be the one working for him!” Alfred stated, poking Chey’s chest.

“Leave my pecs out of this.” Chey stated.

“Don’t get any blood on my suit please.” Suno asked.

“I’m sick of people.” I grumbled quietly. I felt a tugging on my pant leg, and looked down to see Sen staring up at me in a prone position. I sighed and despite my reluctance, helped him up. Sen smiled and hugged me. I sighed quietly again and glanced to Spike. Spike shrugged and glanced back to the others feuding. “No one ever listens anymore.” I said quietly.

“Okay I’ve had enough.” Bolt said, standing up and approaching the others.

“Are you here to compare dick sizes t-” Chey was cut off as Bolt lifted him up and threw him into the wall.

“Nothing’s going to stop them now.” I muttered. I looked down at Sen and it looked like he was staring at something. I looked up and couldn’t find what had his attention. I kneeled down and waved a hand in front of his face, not getting any response. “Hello?” I asked. Sen jumped, blinking once and snapping his head up to me. “You alright?”

Sen nodded and smiled again. There was a slight bit of static heard from Spike’s coat. Spike quickly opened his coat and pulled out a small transmitter. “Bulk? That you?” He said quickly.

“Spike? Where are you?” Bulk’s staticy voice rang out quietly.

“We’re in an office building in midtown at the 47th floor.” Spike said quietly.

“You want me to come get you?” Bulk asked.

“No.” Spike said bluntly.

I glanced at Spike for a moment before returning my gaze back down to Sen. Sen was aware of the conversation, seeming focused on Spike. “There’s a children’s hospital across the street. I want you to evacuate it immediately.” Spike said into the small device. Sen simply smiled and walked back over to Alfred, clinging gently to him.

“What’s next then.” I said loudly.

“Then I uh… I guess I’ll get you.” Bulk said uncertainly.

“No you won’t.” I said.

“After you evacuate the hospital I want you to check the roof… Bring a gun.” Spike said.

“Roger that.” Bulk said as the transmitter clicked off.

“I think the fire is getting close.” Suno pointed out, feeling one of the walls and yanking his hand back. “Yes, yes it is.”

“For a game that we can ‘win’ you’re sure good at trying to kill all of us with something we can’t stop.” I commented.

“You’re so boring. I thought you’d think out of the box, that’s why I chose you lot.” The Ragman’s voice rang out.

“I’m sure.” I nodded. “Well you’ve trapped us on a high floor with a fire right below us. What are we supposed to do?”

“Well if I told you that, then it wouldn’t be a game would it? No tutorials!” The Ragman laughed.

“It’d be helpful if everyone would stop acting like children and man the fuck up.” I stated, glaring at everyone in the room. Sen simply giggled at the statement. I turned to Spike and stared at him. Spike reached into his pocket and pulled out a revolver, shooting one bullet into the ceiling.

“EVERYONE SHUT UP AND SIT DOWN!” Spike shouted. Everyone including me froze and took a seat in the many chairs.

“Oh a gun! I never expected that from the bounty hunter.” The voice mused.

“I don’t know how you’re seeing us, but there are no cameras in this room. One of you dumbasses has something on you, so speak up.” Spike stated, pointing the weapon at the lot. Sen hid behind Alfred, Chey stepping between Spike and Suno.

“Thank you Chey.” Suno said.

“Anytime boss.” Chey nodded.

“Yes… a body can stop a loaded gun.” I sighed, putting my head in my hands. My eyes shifted back to Sen and I saw he was staring at me. Sen pointed to the corner of the room, where a ventilation shaft was seen. That’s new.” I said.

“What?” Spike asked. I pointed to the vent and Spike simply blinked. “Oh.”

“Though chances are with the fire nearby all metal’s going to be hot.” I said.

“It should be… But don’t you think it’s strange that there’s no smoke pouring in from it?” Spike added.

“Yeah I do…” I nodded slowly. “It’s almost like it either leads outside or…” I started.

“Good show Chey!” Suno cheered as Chey spotted the vent and attempted to pry it open.

I glanced to Spike to see if he caught my train of thought. Spike stared up at the vent silently. “None of this makes any sense.” Spike said.

“Yeah… I’d expect we’d hear sirens by now.” I nodded.

“So why are the walls hot?” Spike questioned, grabbing the door handle.

“Wait!” Bolt shouted. Spike yanked the door open and stepped out. The hall was absolutely silent, and there was no smoke.

“It was just a little play.” I said as I followed him out.

“Finally!” The Ragman sighed. “Man you people are slow.”

“No it’s just this is all stupid.” I stated.

“To you maybe. But this is absolutely hilarious! Watching you run around in circles, thinking of a way out of the maze that doesn’t exist.” The voice laughed.

“I’m beginning to wonder just how much of the other things you’ve told us are true.” I said slowly.

“Spike?” Bulk’s voice called out from the transmitter. I looked over at Spike.

“Are you going to answer him?” I asked.

“The hospital you wanted me to check… It’s empty.” Bulk said. Sen covered his mouth, giggling absurdly.

“i’m sick of all of this.” I stated as I turned to Sen and glared angrily at him.

“There’s a sniper rifle on top of the building, but…” Bulk started.

“No one there.” I finished.

“Not just that but… It looks strange. There’s some kind of machinery on it.” Bulk said. Sen blinked once. “And now it’s turning…”

“Destroy it.” I stated calmly.

“Damn!” Bulk shouted as several clicks were heard. I slowly walked towards Sen. Sen’s smile faded slowly. Alfred stood up and stepped in front of him.

“Get out of my way. I’m done with his little games.” I stated. Everyone turned to Alfred and Sen.

“Oh well. It was fun.” Alfred sighed.

“So you are with the Ragman?” Bolt questioned.

“No you idiot. He IS the Ragman.” Alfred said, glancing back at Sen. Sen simply smiled and waved.

“And you let him do this? To how many people?” I asked.

“Well It’s not as if I have a choice.” Alfred smiled.

“Oh really?” I asked. “Why is that?”

Alfred looked back at Sen, who nodded. Alfred turned back to me and stared for a moment. “I’m sorry.” He said. My eyes narrowed as I stared at him.

“For what.” I said slowly. Before I knew what hit me, Alfred’s hand was around my throat, lifting me up with a strength that I never would have expected from him. Sen bolted away and into the vents. My horn lit up and slammed Alfred to the ground. I bolted after Sen and my horn again lit up. As I crawled in, a hand grabbed my foot and yanked me out. Spike tackled Alfred into the wall and held him tightly. A large burst of green fire spit out and seared the elder pony’s face.

“STOP IT!” I shouted as my magic forced Spike into the air and off of Alfred. When the flame cleared, I saw that large portions of Alfred’s face was burned off, and it was… metallic underneath.

“Oh darn.” Alfred sighed. I let Spike down only to pick up Alfred and throw him even harder into another wall.

“Bulk if you can hear me make sure NO ONE leaves this building alive until I say so!” I ordered.

“Sorta pinned down at the moment!” Bulk stated, more clicks heard over the transmitter.

“Spike you think you can destroy the rifle?” I questioned, glancing over at him.

“Easier said than done.” Spike started. He turned in time to see Bolt get tossed at him, sending them both to the floor. Chey headbutted Alfred, freezing in a daze immediately as the sound of metal clanked through the room. Alfred chuckled and punched Chey, sending him to the floor with a groan.

I stared at Alfred for a few moments before I again seized him with my magic and threw him down the hallway. “All of you take care of Alfred I’m going after Sen.” I stated as I climbed into the vent and crawled through it. I heard the faint echoing of metal as someone crawled away, a quiet giggling heard. I used my magic to muffle my own movements as much as I could manage as I crawled after the sounds. I followed it up to the roof, hopping out and looking around. I saw Sen sitting on the edge of the building, kicking his feet back and forth off the edge. He turned to me and smiled, waving slowly. I glared angrily at him and remained where I was. Sen motioned me over. I slowly walked over my magic at the ready if anything happened. Sen showed me a small square box and handed it to me.

“What is this?” I asked, as I glanced between the box and him. He pressed a button and a gentle static was heard from the box.

“Hi.” A familiar voice rang from the box.

“Hi.” I said slowly.

“I can’t talk normally. Sorry.” The box said.

“Why did you do this?” I asked cutting straight to the point.

“Will you be my girlfriend?” The box asked.

“Wh… Why should I after everything you’ve done?” I questioned.

“Because you’re pretty. And I like you. And you’re smart.” The box said. I was simply unable to get used to THAT voice talking for the teenager in front of me.

“Flattery won’t go anywhere after you tried to kill two of my friends today.” I said.

“If I wanted them dead, do you think they would be here?” The box said, Sen rolled his eyes.

“That doesn’t excuse the fact that what you did. You lied and that gives me more than enough reason to not want to be your girlfriend. Why should I trust you after all the lying you did? You haven’t given me any reason nor want to.” I stated. “Let alone out right murdering someone.”

“He was a sexist and a bad man. All of you are. I’ve done my research.” The box stated firmly.

“What?” I questioned, a little more curiosity entering my voice.

“Suno is the head of a bureaucratic, and may I say very large company on this planet. He steals from the poor and middle class… He forces those who don’t have an education or any talent to work for him. And Chey? He’s a convict. Suno kept him out of jail as a bodyguard because they have a history together.” The box continued.

“Okay.” I said slowly. “Bolt and Silver?”

“What needs to be said about Bolt that you don’t know? Oh right… He’s a murderer. A SOLDIER. He kills for fun because the government says it’s for a good cause, long live our GLORIOUS nation!” The box said in a more annoyed tone.

“So we just shouldn’t have soldiers then?” I questioned, raising an eyebrow.

“You don’t need soldiers if there is peace… But if there’s peace, then there’s no soldiers. And if there’s soldiers… The government can’t handle that. You want you know why?” The box asked.

“Why.” I said.

“Because the companies own the government. And if there aren’t people dying, paying for funeral services, paying for medicine and artificial limbs… They aren’t making money. And that isn’t acceptable.” The box said.

“People aren’t indestructible or immortal. We aren’t perfect either.” I stated.

“But we could be.” The box said as Sen hopped back onto the roof and walked up to me, motioning me to kneel down.

“No.” I said bluntly. Sen frowned, tugging on my shirt. “I’m not moving.” I said in a firmer tone.

“I want to show you something.” The box said.

I grumbled and reluctantly kneeled down. Sen opened his eyes wide I saw something in them flicker. “What the…” I started. The white and pupils disappeared, replacing with what looked like a camera. I could see Bulk in his eyes, along with the barrel of a sniper rifle. I grimaced as I watched. “Yes… I already figured out that you can see through the rifle.” I muttered.

“Not just the rifle.” The box said. His eyes changed to a street view, now looking through a security camera. I could see people and ships moving about the busy city.

“So… you’re connected to the entire city.” I started.

“And with connection… You have power.” Sen said. There was a buzzing as the power to the entire city flickered several times before returning to normal.

“And just because you have power means you should abuse it?” I questioned.

“I’m trying to make you understand the good I can do. I want you to help me.” The box said as Sen grabbed my hand.

“So it’s alright for you to kill but when others do it’s wrong.” I stated. “It’s wrong for others to use their power outside of your view but instead of actually helping people you want to kill.”

“Only those that deserve death.” The box said casually.

“And what give you the right to judge a life for its’ worth? What gives ANYONE that power?” I questioned angrily.

“That power is already here. I’m just the one using it for the right cause.” The box said.

“No. No you aren’t.” I stated as I yanked my hand back and stood up. “You think of your power as a game. You’ve already proved that. You don’t care for anyone unless they can help you, do you?”

“DON’T JUDGE ME!” The box screamed, catching me off guard. Sen looked absolutely angry. A click was heard and a bullet whizzed past my head.

I fell to the ground and stared up at Sen. “Then… stop judging everyone else.” I said shakily.

“I’ve paid for this. I made my way here, I deserve this power! Everything else was taken from me… It’s people like your friend Spike that took my parents from me.” The box said, going absolutely silent.

“You can’t ever change the past. But what you’re doing is the wrong thing. You’re tormenting others and making them suffer… When you should be helping the people they’ve forced to suffer. Good doesn’t come from suffering, it comes from healing.” I said quietly. There was a small whirring around me. Slowly, I saw the two fighters that acted as Icarus’ wings hover up from the edge and aim their guns at Sen. I slowly stood up. “The only thing we have left is the future. And the only way to it is to forgive and move on, never forget the past though it made you and shaped you. Just like we can shape the other’s futures with a single action.” I said as I stood in front of Sen and faced both the fighters. There was a long pause before Sen spoke again.

“You’re different.” The box said.

“And I’m proud I’m different. It’s what makes me, me.” I said with a small laugh. Sen smiled and hugged me gently. I smiled a little and patted his hands. I looked back up at the fighters and waited calmly for them to do something other then hover uselessly.

“Hey… Anyone there?” Bulk’s voice rang out from inside my shirt.

“Yeah. And you guys need to stop hiding things on me or in my clothes.” I said.

“Okay I got some good news and some bad news.” Bulk said.

“Go ahead.” I said.

“Good news, the sniper has stopped shooting at me.” Bulk continued.

“The bad news?” I asked.

“The fighters on Icarus have launched by themselves.” Bulk said. Sen giggled quietly.

I looked back at Sen and stared silently at him. One of the fighters landed and Sen climbed aboard, waving at me.

“Where are you going?” I questioned. Sen threw the box at me as the door closed and I caught it.

“My city, I can go where I want.” The box said.

I sighed. “Nothing I said did anything did it?” I questioned.

“Nope! But it was fun talking. Can we still be friends?” The box asked.

I remained silent as I turned away and my horn lit up. “Please?” The box said in a softer, almost pleading tone.

“Can you stop being something you aren’t?” I questioned. “Can you try helping instead of harming?”

“You know…” The box started.

I silently stared at the box. “Suno is going to be very unhappy.” It said.

“Why?” I questioned.

“Well… He’s going to probably have a fit once he realizes all the money in his company was just donated to every children’s hospital on the planet.” The box said.

“Yes. We can be friends. Just keep up the good work.” I laughed. A giggling was heard over the box as the fighters hovered higher and flew away.

“Those are MY fighters!” Bulks voice rang out angrily.

“I’m sure we can get new ones. Eventually.” I chuckled. There was a small grinding as the door to the rooftop stairwell tore itself open. Alfred walked out, Spike and Bolt clinging tightly to him.

“We got him, don’t worry!” Bolt grunted. Alfred smiled at me and bowed slowly.

“Get off of him you two. It’s over.” I sighed, smiling back at Alfred. The other fighter that was previously unused returned and opened. Spike and Bolt let go of Alfred as he climbed into it. “If we meet again do NOT choke me again. Next time it won’t be such a nice ‘let down’.” I said.

“Well to be fair, I was trying to kill you.” Alfred laughed as the door shut and the fighter lifted off.

“And to be fair I could have turned you into a pile of rubble at the bottom of the he’s gone isn’t he?.” I said.

“Yep.” Spike nodded. I sighed.

“Well…” I said.

“You wanna get something to eat?” Spike asked.

“Yes. I do.” I laughed as I walked over to him, I slipped the box I was holding into the bag I had on my hip. “You’re paying right?” I said.

“That’s a good answer, I’ll take it.” Spike nodded.

“Good. Let’s go somewhere good then.” I said. After Spike and I returned to the ship, we noticed that the wings had returned… And they looked polished and shiny. I smiled. “I need to use the bathroom.” I said as I walked away from Spike. When I passed my room, I saw something gleaming inside. When I entered, I saw a sniper rifle sitting on my bed.

“Spying on me are you?” I laughed as I sat down beside the gun and pulled the box out of my bag.

“What makes you say that?” The box rang.

“Well you left a sniper rifle in my room.” I started.

“Well I couldn’t leave it on that roof now could I? Think of it as a gift… You’re leaving aren’t you?” The box said quietly.

“Yeah. We are… Don’t worry though. I’m going to make sure we come back. I’m not one for leaving my friends behind forever.” I smiled as I looked into the scope. “You’re no exception to that rule.”

“So does that mean I get a kiss?” The box laughed.

“Well does having a camera in my room mean you’re going to watch me dress and strip?” I laughed. There was a long, looong moment of silence.

“No.” The box said.

“Oh I’ll make sure you don’t get the chance.” I chuckled as I covered the scope with a pillow.

“I can only use it so far. Once you leave the planet you’ll be safe… I promise.” The box said.

“Oh. I was hoping I’d get to talk to you face to… well scope sometimes. I just don’t want you watching me while I’m naked.” I said.

“I’d like that. And I promise… no more killing.” The box said with absolute sincerity. My hand moved the pillow from the scope.

“Mm.” I hummed, I pulled my shirt up so my bra was revealed and I uncovered the scope, and used my magic to aim it right up at me. There was no response. “That’s what I thought.” I chuckled as I lowered my shirt again. I stuck my tongue out teasingly. “I hope you enjoyed it because that’s just about all anyone’s gotten to see.”

There was again no response. The box clicked and both it and the sniper seemed to power down.

“Oh so that’s how it’s going to be.” I pouted as I picked them both up and set them down on the drawer in my room. “Fine.” As I sat back down I just started laughing.

“I think you broke him.” Spike whispered into the room from the doorway.

“God damn it! I said stop sneaking up on me!” I nearly shouted as I again glared at Spike. Spike walked in and plopped down on the bed. “What do you want?” I asked.

“Can’t I just say hi to my crew from time to time?” Spike questioned.

“Mm. No. But still you were spying on me.” I said as I scooted beside him.

“Yeah… Sorry.” Spike apologised.

“You’re making it hard to dislike you, you know that right?” I said jokingly as I smiled at him. Spike just stared at the floor without a word. “Hey. It’s fine.” I said reassuringly as I grabbed his hand and squeezed it.

“It’s not that...” Spike said. I smiled a little more.

“Oh?” I hummed.

“I could care less if I saw your boobs.” Spike chuckled.

“Well what about this?” I asked softly as I kissed his cheek. Spike blinked a few times, his face turning a color I’ve never seen it turn before. I laughed a little. “You’re cute.” I smiled.

“I don’t want you to come on anymore missions.” Spike said bluntly.

“What… Why not?” I questioned. Spike sat silently, refusing to look at me. “Spike. Answer me. Why am I not wanted on missions anymore?”

“Because I don’t know what I’d do if anything happened to you.” Spike said, looking up at me. I saw his eyes seemed almost glossy, sad.

“Then you can’t go on anymore either.” I said quietly. Spike’s stare turned to more surprised.

“Sweetie?” Spike said slowly. I glanced over at my dresser and slowly stood up and motioned for Spike to follow as I walked out of the room. I lead him down to the currently unoccupied cargo hold and sat down on a crate. I patted the spot beside me and looked up at Spike. Spike sat down beside me, never taking his eyes off mine.

“You’re worried about me… and I’m more worried about you.” I said quietly. “You haven’t coddled me, you’ve only protected me when I wasn’t able to do it myself. No one’s done that for me. The only reason Bulk offered me a ride in the first place was because stallions were eyeing me up. But every time I’ve gone somewhere with you, you’ve held your own and let me alone. I like that… I like being able to show people I’m not weak and helpless.” I continued as I scooted right against him and hugged him tightly.

“Heh… You’re not useless. And you’re anything but weak.” Spike smiled, returning the warm embrace.

“Why is it that only you saw that right away?” I asked, more to myself then to him. “And… Spike…” I said quietly.

“Yeah?” He said.

“I’m sorry I’ve been teasing you constantly.” I said. “And, well I’m sure you’ve figured it out by now.”

“I’m not an idiot… But just in case, you should tell me.” Spike joked. For the first time since I got here I giggled. I smiled widely up at him and gently placed my hand to his cheek. I slowly leaned up and planted a small kiss right on his lips.

“That.” I said quietly as I pulled back and looked away, I could feel my face start to burn.

“Sweetie…” Spike started. I slowly turned back to him and opened my mouth to speak when his attached to it. I shivered and squeezed him closer as I held myself in the kiss. Our lips were together for what seemed like days before we pulled away and simply stared at each other.

“Wow…” I said quietly.

“I know… You’re really soft.” Spike said. My eyes slowly moved down and I saw he had a hand on my breast. I pulled his hand off.

“Ask first.” I stated as I glared at him. The two of us turned and saw Owlick peeking at us, giving Spike two thumbs up. Spike immediately just started to laugh.

I just shook my head and sighed. “Owlick…” I started. I felt Spike’s hand again, but this time it was squeezing mine. I glanced back to Spike and smiled a little. Spike’s face twisted up slightly as a thought obviously hit him. “What?” I asked.

“What happened to Silver?” Spike asked curiously.

“What?” I questioned, taken completely off guard by the random question.

“Well… When you went after Sen, and we were left with Alfred… Silver just disappeared. What happened to him?” Spike asked.

“I don’t know.” I said. “I didn’t see him on the roof…”

Spike scratched his head. “It’s probably nothing…” He reassured. A moment passed before he looked at me again. “So about that kiss.”

“You want another kiss right after you groped my breast?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I didn’t hear a no.” Spike grinned. I just stared at him. “I mean of course not, that was a horrible thing to do that I won’t do again.” He corrected.

“Just shut up.” I sighed as I kissed him again.

ELSEWHERE:

“So they’re still on the planet?” A female voice hummed.

“Yes, but not for much longer.” The smaller stallion said. “What should we do?”

“Just keep following them… Update me if you see anything interesting.” The female said. The stallion nodded and turned, walking away from the bridge. “Oh… And good work Silver.”

The stallion stopped and turned back to her. “Please… Call me Triton.”