An Azure Futureby Krass McWriterChaptersPart 1Part 3Part 4Part 5Part 6Part 7Part 8Part 9Part 10Part 11Part 12The Lost Chapters: Drunken and Joke Editions. (Pt 8 and Pt 10)Part 13EpilougeAlternate EndingAlternate EpilogueAlternate Ending 2 (Written by Erac)Part 2The Lost Chapters: DressclubPart 1An Azure Future Based off the conversion bureau and other TCB fan fics Italics are thoughts. Alone. Again. Just like yesterday, and the day before that and the day before that and the years before that. Johnathan "Coke" Norris was completely alone. Ever since those bureaus opened ten years ago, he had started losing those around him until he was completely alone.. His friends, his family, all got ponified. Even the only woman he’d ever love got ponified. He didn’t hate ponies, he just couldn't bring himself to part with his humanity, it was a part of who he was. John felt that every scar he earned was a trophy to be shown off, the stains on his skin, nerve damage, all testaments to his human will. If he got ponified, he wouldn’t have any of them. Currently, Johnathan Norris hadn't left his room in a bit over two weeks. Standing at six foot three John had a runner’s build with a passable upper body, he towered over all the ponies and the few humans left. Having been a recluse for so long he definitely needed a good bit of sun. He lived in the top floor penthouse of an apartment complex, or more rather, imprisoned himself there. There was a time when he used to jog the old course that weaved through the city but the gawks and whispers of ponies had a draining effect over the years. Whispering accusations that ranged from holding mankind back to being a member of the Human Liberation Front constantly bombarded him whenever he left his room. Mares would take their foals to the other side of the streets, Various ponies gave him dirty looks, foals always asking what he was, if he was a monster. After a while John went out less and less frequently, at first he’d stay in about three or four days, then a week then two, and for almost the last few years he’d been staying in for a month at a time. He lit a cigarette took a drag and thought back seven years ago, recollection a past time of his, when the ponies had come. His friends, His family, Catherine and their reactions. His best Friend was the first person he knew that got ponified, one of the first in line. John even went with him to the bureau for moral support. It was his friend’s decision to get ponified and he respected that, just as his friend respected his decision to remain human. His dragged on his cigarette which was half gone. Then His family went, there was bickering, fighting, pleading, he wondered occasionally why they would never let him be. If they want to be ponies, let them. John was hopelessly loyal to his humanity. He drained the cigarette, relishing the sensation. It was then Catherine, the only woman he’d ever love, left. They had met years ago, while John was running his course through the city and she was running hers, it started raining and they both ducked into a small family owned eatery. They hit it off famously, love at first sight one might say. They started meeting to run together and showed each other things around the small city one usually wouldn’t notice. The had been living together for over a year when one morning he woke up to an empty Condo. There was a note on the morning dresser that read simply, “Going to get ponified, I’m Sorry.” followed by her signature. The only person he ever held close to his heart had left without even saying goodbye. She just left without even a word. The note had no explanation, just an apology. John needed another cigarette. He grabbed the pack and sighed at its emptiness. "Now," he stated to no one at all. "What is a man to do with ALL THIS..." motioning around the room. "When he has nothing?" It was a question he had asked the desolate room many times with no reply. He had taken to putting his thoughts out loud to stave off the undoubtedly onsetting insanity. "Good God, where are those cigarettes?" He asked himself, getting up he frantically searched the wrecked room. He just finished the last of the pack and could not for the life of him remember where the rest of the carton was. He had been searching for approximately eight minutes and was checking underneath the couch when there was a knock at the door. "Who the blueberry fuck? No one visits me." He swore while getting up off the floor. The knocking came again, he could tell that it came from the lower portion of the door. Whoever it was, it was a pony. "God damn ponies, can't they just leave me alone? I've told them a hundred times, I don't want to be a pony." He muttered under his breath, getting up. The pony at the door grew impatient and beat the door again. "Hold on, I'm coming! Holy fuck!" He stomped over to door mumbling obscenities to himself. John threw open the door and there on his doorstep, there was a young pegasus colt whose coat was one of the darker shades of blue, sporting a deep steely grey mane with a wild look, though it was well kept. The young pony's eyes reminded John of ice. He barely had time to get a good look at the young pegasus before he was tackled to the ground. "Daddy!" The young sky blue Pegasus sitting on his chest shouted. The weight pressing down from the surprisingly heavy pegasus was very uncomfortable. John picked the pegasus up off his chest and got up himself. "Did you just call me daddy? I don't know how to tell you this kid, but I never banged a pony.’ John was genuinely confused. “Whats your name kid?" He asked after a brief pause. "My names Azure wind! Grandma said you were my daddy and she would never lie to me like that! She did say you'd be sketi, skept, skep a pu tal? Or whatever. So she gave me a letter explaining!" The colt hopped off his chest and started digging through his bag. John's mind started racing. Here There was a young pegasus colt, claiming the he was his father. Someone must’ve put him up to this. He thought. He observed the Pegasus as he dug through his bag. He seemed to genuinely believe that John was his father. Let just see where this goes. It’s entertaining "Ha! Found it!" Exclaimed the pegasus colt with pride. In his mouth was a plain vanilla envelope. John took it from the colt. He opened the envelope, it contained a letter, birth certificate, and a few other things. John removed the letter and started reading. Dear Johnathan, This is Dancing Leaf's mother, you might remember her as Catherine. Now first things first, this is in fact your child. She came home crying the night you said you didn't want to get ponified with her. I never found out exactly what you said but she'd never cry over a simple "no". She packed her things that morning and headed to the conversion bureau. I went with her. We were both ponified on the same day. She became an Earth pony. We moved to Los Angeles after we were given the okay to leave the bureau. She worked in the parks and I got a job as a librarian. We lived. Happily for almost two months when she started to get sick. We had her checked out. She was with foal, 3 months along. You were the only one she ever had. She wanted to tell you. She was scared how'd you react after last time. She had the foal on the 16th of april four years past. She raised the colt with all the love she had. He'd ask about you, hardly a day went by he didn't beg her to see you. Two weeks ago, She agreed to take Azure to see you. Oh, you should have seen him, it was the cutest thing. Of course she wanted me to go with her and make sure you are still there. It is now I’m afraid I must break some bad news. As we were walking down to your apartment, we were... attacked by some Human Liberation Front extremists. She didn’t make it, I’ve beengiven a week to live at the time of writing this. Im not long for this world and You’re the only family he has left. He doesn't know what happened. Please raise him well for Catherine Sincerely, Morning Dew (Kelly) Before John could really absorb the contents and weight of the letter there was a large CRASH and the sound of shattered glass from the bathroom. He ran towards the source to find Azure next to a large amount of shattered glass. “I didn’t do it!” Blurted the young pegasus, putting his forehooves up in front of him in a show of false innocence. His large wall mirror was comletely lost. “Hey, do have anything to do around here? All I can find is trash. When was the last time you cleaned this place anyhow?” The steely maned pegasus asked while walking off. “Uhhh...” John trailed. Things had gotten much more livelier than He would like. “Just wait in the living room while I make you a room.” “But I’m bored!” The colt whined. “Then watch some movies or something.” John snapped back. “You’re the best! Mom NEVER let me watch movies!” And on that note Azure galloped into the living room. A little under ten minutes of picking up the shattered mirror shards later, John walked into the living room and there was Azure, furiously trying to work the blu-ray player. John caught himself chuckling at the sight, it was quite adorable. “How do you work this thing?!” Asked Azure well he fiddling with the old device. What are you trying to watch anyways?” “Box said ‘Repo: The Genetic Oprea’” He noted as he continued to fiddle with it. “Uhhh, Maybe you should watch something else... Here try this, ‘The Lion King’. Classic. You just put the disc in the tray, close the tray and then it wait till the menu pops up...” He paused as the disc span and some trailers came up. John skipped through to the menu. “And you hit ‘play’.” “Cool. Hows it work?” He asked as he sat down on. “Ummm, Magic?” “Really?” “No. Now just watch the movie while I fix up a room for ya.” “Will do!” Azure happily exclaimed. John walked to the upstairs area, his bedroom a bathroom, a music/party room, a storage room, and an empty room were up there. He grabbed an extra mattress from the storage room, some sheets a blanket and a pillow. John carried the full load to the empty room, which would be semi spacious to human, and set them down. After a few moments, the bed was made. He took a step back to examine his handiwork. “The bed should be fine. But this room needs some color.” He walked back to the storage room. He looked around casually, scanning the room, to see if he had any paint. “I KNOW I have paint in here.” He growled moving boxes and supplies. After John had searched a good portion of the Room he finally he found a can of forest green paint behind some emergency rations. “This should do nicely, now where are those rollers?” After a quick search he had found them. Satisfied with what he had found John headed into Azure’s room. He set up and started painting, Throwing the deep, rich green on the bleach white walls. The fumes started to give John a headache. He tried to crack the window, but had rusted shut. John struggled with it for a few minutes. After failing to open the window he grew frustrated. He Tried one last time, pulling with all his might, the window finally came free. The window jammed into the frame and became stuck. I’ll deal with it later. John got back to painting the room. Up, down, up down, up, down. Like grass growing anew, the room springs to life with a vibrant deep green. John chuckled at the sentiment. After thirty more minutes of painting the room was a nice shade of green. As John admired his work The letter the young pegasus bore came to mind. Catherine still loved him, she was pregnant, she never told him, then she was murdered. She was going to come back. He had a son. They were going to be a family like they always talked about. He remembered the last thing the letter said, “...You’re the only family he has left... Please raise him well for Catherine.” He sighed, “If I’m all he’s got, I feel bad for the kid.” He remembered the colt was still downstairs. John moved downstairs to check on him. The young colt was completely engrossed in the movie, which was about over. John snuck into the room and sat down unnoticed. Instead of watching the old familiar movie he watched the soft glow it cast upon Azure. That is my son. Echoed in John’s head. He watched as his son was engrossed in the movie. His reaction to certain scenes, The return to pride rock, the raid, the final battle and the final scene. Azure watched intently, as if trying to piece together a puzzle. The movie finished. “So what did you think Azure?” John asked, making his presence known. “It was a very well told tale of a son trying to live up to the standards of his father whom he knew only very briefly.” Azure answered, still looking at the blank screen. “What.” Azure turned around to face his father, “I mean, he knew his dad for a very small portion of his life, and then spent the rest of it either in shame from falling short, or trying to live up to the imagined expectations of his father.” He explained. “I... never thought about it that way...” John responded. The young pegasus yawned deeply. ‘Hey, lets get you to bed boy-o.” The pegasus didn’t protest. John motioned for him to follow him, and lead him to his room. “Its a bit... empty...” Azure noted upon seeing the bare room with a sole mattress on the floor. “Well, feel free to spruce it up however.” John replied a bit listless. The deep blue pegasus made his way to bed and laid down, pulling the blanket over his small form. “Can you read me a bed time story dad?” The young pegasus asked juat as John was about to turn away. “You have a bed time story kid?” “In the left saddle bag.” John opened up the said saddlebag and pulled out a good sized book. ‘A collection of bed time stories’. He opened the book and read the table of contents, “An Equestrian Bedtime Story (title lost, though also known as The Three Trials), Upon a Shooting Star, The Spoiled filly, Seven Ponds, The Juggler, Tale of the Royal Sisters, False Feathers, Rise of the Everfree, The Shore of Chestnut Cove, The Forest’s Guardian, and finally The Voyage of the Stowaway. Which one do you want to hear?” Azure considered it for a moment, “Upon a shooting star.” John flipped to the proper page and read aloud. As he finished the last word, he noticed Azure was soundly asleep. He closed the book and set it with the rest of the pegasus’ things. John turned and paused at the doorway, finger on the light switch. He looked upon the snoozing colt for a moment, taking in the sight. “Goodnight, Azure.” He said, as he flicked the lights off. ******************************************************************************************************** -Azure wind is a pretty cool name huh? dot hack? never heard of it. I knew a John, I knew a Norris. I know crazy people. -The nickname comes in later. Like next update. Part 3An Azure Future Part 3: Once more! With PLOT! John Norris checked his watch. It was that time. Again. It had come early this time around, but he had another mouth to feed now and it was his fault. He should’ve calculated for increased usage. It was time to shop for groceries. John shuddered, A chore most loathsome. He mentally kicked himself for lack of planning. He walked up to Azure’s room, the pegasus was asleep. He let out a sigh of relief. The last thing he needed was his son to accompany him on his godless mission. He went to his room, hit a few numbers on the keypad to the hidden room, gathered an impressive sum of bits and loaded them into his backpack. He scrawled a quick note explaining where he was going, what to do in an emergency and what to do if he never came back. John headed out the door, pausing to observe the room for what may be the last time. John made his way out of the dead apartment complex, it seemed desolate and forbidding as he walked down the stairs. The doors slid open silently as he approached. He was finally outside. The high noon sun blinded him instantly. How he hated the sun. He ducked into the parking complex across the street and let out a sigh of relief. That was close... The parking lot was full of cars collecting dust with red X’s on them He made his way through the mausoleum of cars, truck and motorcycles to his personal modus of transportation. It was older than him by far, but a classic 2015 F150, One of the last gs engine models released. He unlocked the door with his key, having lost the clicker long ago, and got in the driver seat. He turned the key in the ignition and the engine roared to life. He put it in drive and headed to the market. He reached the market after a short drive, and parked in an empty spot. He turned off the truck and dewelled in the silence of the cab for a moment or two. Letting out a sigh he readied himself mentally and exited the truck. The grocery store seemed like an indomitable fortress of doom to John. What horrors lie within, awaiting me, this time? He braced himself one last time and headed inside. “Hello!” Exclaimed a bright yellow pony at the door. Oh god. The name tag read Sunny Smiles and Her cutie mark was a smiling sun. Not very creative with names, this lot. John observed. “How may I help you today?” The yellow pony beamed. It made John’s stomach churn. How I despise social interaction. “Uhm, yes. I need some help with the impressively extravagant amount of groceries I will undoubtedly be purchasing this evening. It usually is about three carts full, and I have some trouble managing that amount by my lonesome. So, if it is not too much trouble, I would like to ask if I could get two helpers to be in charge of the other two carts while I shop.” John threw up in his mouth a little bit. Oh god, she’s going to yell at me. I asked for too much... Why can’t I just suffer in silence? Why do I bother others? John’s face, instead of betraying his true emotions, just displayed a cheesy smile. “Oh, why that would be no trouble at all sir! Let me go get someponies from the loading area, they shouldn’t be occupied! No problem!” OhgoditsworsethanIthought. She was back in a few moments with two colts following behind. The one on the right was a pegasus with a deep green coat and mane a few shades lighter than his coat, his cutie mark was a simple brown box. his name tag simply read Soarin. The one on the right was a white unicorn whose cutie was a rusty dolly. His name tag stated he was Twink Express. “Hello again! This is Soarin and Twink! They will be assisting you today! Just let me know if you need anything else byeee!” Sunny Smiles came and went like a flash of lightning. “So... Uh... Grab a cart I guess?” They simply grunted in reply. John twitched nervously at their reply. “Well then, lets get started!” He exclaimed. John headed off and started snaking through the isles. I should grab more of a variety of fruits, vegetables, and just food in general. I wish I knew what Azure likes... Ah well. I don’t want him to experience the horrors of this place, everyone silently judging... giving me LOOKS... John shuddered. The first aisle held nothing of interest to John, It was just various cooking utensils. He merely used it to get to the back wall, where all the produce and meat was. How there was still meat in stores when the majority population was vegetarian never failed to astound him. John just took it as good proof that there were still enough humans around to market it and farm it. As long as there is meat in the market, mankind isn’t going to be extinct any time soon. He thought with some pride. He grabbed a substantial amount of the freshest meat and produce, filling his own cart to brink and even placing a small amount in Soarin’s cart. He noted their confused and just slightly horrified looks. They don’t mean harm, they don’t mean harm, they don’t mean harm... Okay. I’m good now. A short trip down the cereal aisle and John had managed fill Soarin’s cart to the point the pegasus was starting to struggle with it. He had gathered a good amount of meat, a truly impressive array of various produce item and now only had one last aisle. Snacks and soft drinks. He ventured down the aisle. He cleaned the store of its entire supply of Diet coke. What little room was left in Twink’s cart was filled with an assortment of snacks. He moved to check out. “Thats a lot of food mister.” Noted the cashier pony. “Eh. I stock up.” After about twenty five minutes, silent except for the beeping of the scanner, the process was done. John paid and made his way to his truck with the help of Twink and Soarin. He thanked them for their help and loaded up the bed of his truck. He unlocked the truck and opened the door, what he saw horrified him. He had left the headlights on. His heart sank. He jammed the keys and turned the ignition but no luck, the battery was drained. John shouted a string of profanities. He had a trickle charger back in the apartment. The apartment ten miles away. No choice but to walk John gave. Welp, I ain’t gonna get there by magic. John checked his watch and the sun, it was four o’clock and it was already starting to get dark. He started down the walkway. It was a brisk evening, by Californian standards. Not too many ponies out and about right now. John observed. He turned his attention skyward. Only a handful of Pegasi too. Usually its pretty lively up there. There was a faint siren crying a few blocks from John. Some things never change. He looked towards the sound and saw black smoke rising on the horizion. Welcome to California, home of the Fire Season. Winter wrap-up? No thanks, we prefer to put out brush fires. John was lost in thought when a gray unicorn approached him. “Hello sir!” The gray unicorn exclaimed, surprising John. John jumped. “Where’d you come from!” “Places.” Stated the unicorn motioning to nowhere it particular with his hooves. “I’m from ‘Ponification for Earth’s Rebirth’, Or P.E.R. for short.” Fuck. John had heard about PER. Humans had HLF and various things like it, ponies had PER. This is very no beuno. “I can tell by the look on your face that you HAVE heard of us. I’m here to talk about... Ponification.” John was in a bad spot. Then John was unconscious. John snapped awake. He didn’t recognize his where abouts. He was tied to a stretcher. Leather straps kept him in place. He tried them with a small tug. They were strong. He looked around. There were syringes and a cup of potion on the small table next to him. The height of the roof suggested that this was a warehouse. It was kept very sanitary. The whole thing reminded John of a doctors office. Well. This just keeps getting better. “Oh! You’re awake! I was SO worried my friend over here used too much force, but don’t worry, he’s being... taken care of.” As if on cue John heard a painful scream tear from an unseen room somewhere down a dark hall. “I assure you that he won’t be making that mistake ever again.” The Unicorn beamed. “So, who are you and why are you doing this?” John asked plainly. I just want to go home... “Oh! My stars, how rude of me! I’ve yet to introduce myself! I am Gray Crusader, and I run the orange county chapter of PER. I heard there was still a human in this sector, and I just had to make sure. A few questions and well placed bits and I’ve finally found you! as for why I am doing this, you are familiar with our purpose correct? I believe we had a good number of believers come to your apartment numerous times before.” John knew. The almost daily assualts on his door. The zealous ponies telling him how he was holding mankind back by remaining human. How being human holds back humans is just a bit odd. He could almost recite the pamphlet from how many time they read it to him. It was a simple train of thought. The ponies had come bearing peace, tolerance, and came from a pristine land. They promised to make the rest of the earth like their land but humans could not survive the process. PER’s goal was to eliminate the human race via ponification or other means if it came to it. Their exploits were infamous, When princess Celestia caught wind of the organization, she announced that there were to be human preservation areas set up, areas free of magic where humans could live, SoCal being one of them. Most of the PER disbanded that day, but some diehards remained, bent on ridding the human race.. “So, you scoured the town looking for the only human left living in it to force ponification on it? Really? You guys are crazier than I thought.” “Hey now, I prefer to be called forward thinking. You know we’ve sworn to make way for this planet’s purification by removing the human race. Either through ponification or other means.” Gray smiled. “Still crazy.” “If you insist.” “You know Celestia said she would be erecting human preservation areas right? Areas free of magic where humans could live.” “Ah. Yes, but as you may remember, our goal is the complete restoration of earth. As long as there are humans, this planet will bear the scars they have made.” “You... There is nothing I can say. You’ve set your mind in stone on this matter. You can’t fix stupid, you can’t fix crazy, and you’re crazy stupid.” Gray laughed in response. “Now,” stated Gray, levitating the potion toward John. “Let’s get started.” _________________________________________________________NOTES: And then, OUT OF NOWHERE, plot. Whatever that is. I NO BE GOOD AT MAKING PONI NAMES. Yeah, Azure’s not in this really, but you now what? Whatever. Its only named An Azure Future. Shout out to lightsideluc for helping me with probably reason for the run-in with the ponify now group As always, Comments, thoughts, and what’d you like to see can be posted in the current TCB thread or emailed to me. Part 4An Azure Future Part 4 So Very Strapped The Styrofoam cup floated in front of John Norris' face. This is what I wanted when I woke up this morning. Eyup. Nothing like being strapped down by a madman. Or is that Madcolt? Madstallion? Madpony? Oh god, I’m about to be ponified and my last human thoughts are of TERMINOLOGY. When did this become my life? Wonder what kind of pony I’d be? ...What would Azure think? The thought of his son woke something up in John. Aw shit, the note! He must think I’m dead. I have to get out of here, for Azure! John examined the straps on his wrist, they had a small amount of give but the leather was good. Then John noticed something about the strapping system itself, it was a metal button in a well worn notch in the leather strap. All he had to do was push out against it. A plan quickly formed in John’s racing mind. “So, you mind if I ask a question before this happens?” John asked as nonchalantly as he could manage given the situation. This had to work. There was no plan b. There was hardly a plan a to begin with. A twisted smile adorned Grey Crusader’s face at the perceived crushed spirit before him. ”You caught me in a good mood, I’ll tell you what, you get three.” The gray pony smirked, already celebrating victory judging from his tone. He kept the cup floating in front of John’s face. John’s plan was working. So far so good, now if only I actually had questions... PER members are mostly all ex-human and hate their human past, that could work for me. “So, what’s your story? start at when you human. Equestrian ponies wouldn’t hardly ever bother with humans like you PER ponies do, so don’t play like you’re equestrian born.” John was taking a lot of risks, if he messed up he'd be ponified anyways, if he somehow succeeded... “You know, your very mouthy for someone strapped down.” Crusader spoke through gritted teeth. “But I will answer nonetheless.” He cleared his throat and began. “I was born in Anaheim, just a few block from here infact. I grew up in what you would call a ‘broken home’ never knew my father, mother was either not around or on something. I kept my head down and my nose clean. I lost my closest friend when I was eighteen to gang violence, wore the wrong color shirt on the wrong street. I graduated shortly after the incident. I broke ties with home and studied ecology at FCSU. When the AI’s finally took over my job and my degree wasn’t worth the paper it was printed on, as if some sort of saviour, the ponies came, offering ponification, offering peace, offering to take away the corruption I’ve seen, offering to heal the earth. I was among the first covenrtee’s. But then the HLF came along, they refused ponification, they refused to heal the planet. It was then I founded Ponification for Earth’s Rebirth. Things went well at first, but then we were condemned by our own kind and now we have to work in complete secrecy. Next question?” John thought for a bit. He had undone the straps on his hands but was now at the full attention of his captor. Oh man, that was pretty all inclusive... I need something else... “So... Uh... Come here often?” Dammit. Grey Crusader blinked out of confused, “You can’t be serious. Are you fucking real with that question? This is the local chapters base of operations. I am the Grand Master of the PER and headquaters is nearby. I spend a good deal of time here. Do you even HAVE a third question?” John smirked, “Why yes I do.” John mentally prepped himself mentally, Here we go... “What happens when you throw a styrofoam cup of ponification anaesthetic in an insane ponies face?” Before the gray pony could react, John snatched the cup out of the air and threw its contents at Grey Crusader. It hit him square in the face. John unstrapped his legs with haste, he had no idea if it would do as he tought it would and render his captor uncounsious. “What the fuck?! Do you know how much this shit stings when it gets in your eyes?! Motherfuck son!” The gray pony screamed, blinded by the potion. John removed the strap from the chair and placed it over Grey's muzzle, tightening it so he couldn't scream. He moved on to check the door Locked. Right by the door was a map of the building in the form of a fire escape route on a piece of paper taped to the wall.Must be my lucky day. John looked at the map, the closest room was well down the way. Maybe nobody heard him scream. The alarm’s eerie siren started blazing. “Goddamit.” The intercom came to life “We are under attack, I repeat we are under attack. This is not a drill. Enforcers, to your battle stations. This is not a drill.” The recording played endlessly. “Well, that sounds like fun. I need a plan...” John stared listlessly at the fire routes for a few long moments, trying to make sense of the multilevel map. “Screw this, lets just get out and roll with whatever.” John kicked the door open. The scene before him was one of war. Scattered across the large compound were men in dark clothing, HLF across their backs, wielded various weapons. A few would charge into a building, shots were fired, sounds of struggle came from within, even fewer emerged from the room. Sometimes, no one would come out. The local HLF found the Local PER, the two terrorist orginizations fighting over the fate of mankind. John ran into the closest building, careful to avoid the crossfire. It apperead to be dedicated to the weaponization of potion. Looking around, John could see various projects that would put the final gravemarker on mankind. There was modifications for pistols, rifles, and machines to shoot potion tainted rounds. A picked apart 81mm mortar round suggested their development of a long range area ponification. What really caught his eye was a tear gas canister marked 'Ponification Gas X-17'. If they could just carpet bomb an area with gas... There was a sudden noise, an earth pony with fresh crimson stains on his chest and streaks across his side stumbled from somwhere in the back. "You..." it rasped, blood dripping from its muzzle. John stepped back in shock. "W-what did I do?" "This," The pony motioned to itself with a hoof. "to me." "I'm not with the HLF." John tried to reason. "Oh, are you sure about that? Why are you still human then?" The pony posed his last question just before there was the crack of a gunshot and a large chunk of the pony's skull disappeared. “Are you okay? I didn’t expect to see a non-combatant here.” John turned to the voice. The boy seemed to be about seventeen years old. He was holding an old bolt action rifle. John identified it as world war two era. His dad was a gun aficionado and he knew a few things himself as a rule. “The names Enfield, we need to get you out of here, ASAP. Lets go.” The young man took off, leading the way. They ran through the large PER compound, which John now knew was mostly dedicated to R&D. Bullets wizzed through the air and there was a ceasless chatter of gun fire. The pair ducked into cover behind a concrete slab. Checking the map, John tried making sure they were headed out but was pulled away from where he crouched as potion splattered against the slab's corner. "That was close eh?" Enfield smirked. A few ponies filed out of a building and Enfield quickly dispatched them the moment they dared come into view. John was perturbed by the how easily the young man pulled the trigger. There was no hesitation, no visible remorse, he didn’t even looked troubled. "This way!" Enfield bolted and John chased after. Soon, John could see a large gate that lead to the street. Better yet, it was open. John and Enfield charged through the gate. He looked around whilst panting, John recognized his surroundings, he was just a bit over a mile from his apartment, he could see the high rise from here. There was a good number Human Liberation Front vans parked askew around the building. A few men heavily armed guarding the front in case they needed to make a hasty retreat or some support. “Where the fuck did you find him?” One of them asked Enfeild. “We kinda ran into each other. I think they were going to forcibly ponify him.” He answered. Well, out of the frying pan and into the fire. I probably could make a run for it, but knowing HLF they’re likely to shoot me down for fun. I wonder if these are the same bastards that killed her... John looked around for an escape route. He had to get out of here. I need a distraction. Then the night exploded. Standing before him was a pony as dark as the night itself with all the night’s stars in its mane. It was a pony that John had seen before, both in person and on TV. Princess Luna. That’ll work. John took off, the barbaric screams of humans and the fearful screams ponies mixing in the night. ********** John was out of breath when he reached the entrance of the apartment. He made his way to the elevator and hit the button for his floor. He collapesed on the floor of the elevator as it began its ascent. “Jesus, that was fun stuff.” He sighed. The doors slid open, John exited the elevator and entered the apartment. “And where the hay were you?” Asked a small pegasus staring at him from the counter. “Did you think it’d be funny just to leave this note and disappear?” Azure asked with as much anger as he could muster up, then he started to tear up. “I worried about you, dad. I don't want to be alone again.” His voice wavered. ”Azure, its okay now, I’m here. I kinda realized after the fact that the note was a bad idea. I... got caught up with some.... stuff.” John checked the time, it was eight pm the following day. I must’ve been knocked out for a good while. “Hey how about some dinner?” “Sure, where are the groceries?” Azure asked. “Shit." John cursed, realizing they were still in the truck, miles away. "Knew I was forgetting something. Wanna help me go get some fresh groceries tomorrow?” Azure laughed lightly “Sure dad, why not?” _______________________________________________________________NOTES: Thats right, of all the references to be made, I reference one of the only fics whose author dosen’t hang out on the tcb /fic/ threads anymore..What son? (Ten rounds Written by defoloce) Also, The character from the show is none other than Luna in Princess mode. Fun chapter. I was just playing around with my imagination and everything got INTENSE. As always, thoughts, concerns, ideas, what you’d like to see. I’m going to try to put a cameo in each update from here on. So post ‘em in the current TCB thread or email me at or if your interested in a cameo. Anonymous Is Grammar NUTZI. Also a dirty liar. Part 5An Azure Future Part 5: The Park and The Jump (for real this time) It was sunny outside. Horridly so. It was a cloudless day, with a gentle breeze. John Norris was taking his son, Azure Wind, to the park. It was a one on one thing. John picked one thing for them to do and Azure picked one. Today was Azure's turn to go first, and he chose a picnic in the park. John was adamant and swore vengeance. "Do we have to go?" The six foot three inch well built two hundred pound human complained. "Hey, you made the rules, any one thing I want and any one thing you want. Only disqualifier was that it had to be done together. It’s a beautiful day out, the weather team and Celestia herself would be cross if we didn't enjoy it." Azure stated. "Fiiine." John admitted defeat. (I'll just have to make azure do something horrid too...) "The parks just three blocks down, we don't even need to drive. You ready dad?" The small blue pegasus said ecstatically, Azure had been dragging John out of the cooped apartment as much as possible. "But the other ponies are mean!" "Dad, I've said this once, and I'll say it again. STOP BEING PARANOID. NOPONY IS TRYING TO STEAL YOUR SOUL. Or your thumbs." Azure sighed, every time he'd try to get his dad outside, he always pulled this same act. It was tiring to say the least. "Fine, but if one of those damn unicorns even THINKS about doing magic on me, I’m hateshanking them with their own horn." The human pouted. "Holy- Ugh, can we go now, PLEASE?" The pegasus begged. John sighed, "Lead the way." He said while picking up the basket and motioning to the door. The pair decided to forsake the elevator and take the stairs. For the first part at least. Azure and John were tired after the fifth flight of stairs and ended up in the elevator. One of the tenants from John’s building was there. “Oh, hey-John, long-time-no-see! Hey-whos-this-little-guy?” A hyperactive light green earth pony bombarded John, spitting words out at a million words a minute. John knew the pony when he was human, hard to believe he was as much of a recluse as John was. At least before ponification. “Hey Joseph, how the equine life treating you?” John smirked. He knew he hated his human name, something about a relic from the shambles of his former life. How he reacted was always worth the interaction. The pony’s head snapped to the left and his right eye twitched. “My name... Is Breezy Fields. NOT. JOSEPH.” John neighbor seethed through gritting teeth. Success. “Calm down Breezy, just messin’ with ya man. Calm down.” Its a bit mean, but it always calms him down. “Sorry ‘bout that, so who is this plucky young pegasus?” Beamed Breezy Fields. “Oh, him? I just let him follow me around” John joked. ‘I’m his son.” Azure added. “YOU have a SON? Omigosh-this-is-so-exciting! Oooh, I-just-cant-WAIT-tell-Everfree! How-old-is-he? Who’s-his-mother? Is-it-Catherine-I-think-her-name was? I-just-can’-BELI-” the door of the elevator slid open and John and Azure made a break for the exit. “What... was that... about?” Azure gasped between breaths. “He’s been all uppity ever since he got ponified. They say it doesn’t affect personality but that man right there is proof otherwise. I guess its an improvement but I still don’t like the idea of my head being messed with.” Explained John in a very matter-of-fact tone. “Huh.” Azure dismissed. The pair started down towards the park, the odd pair garnering the attention of some of the many ponies enjoying the day. John looked skyward. It was alive with pastel pegasus, looking as if there was an ocean of color above them. How he world has changed. John was searching the sky when Azure asked “What’s that?’ pointing towards a building wih a neon sign and blacked out windows. Yet some things never change. The sign read ‘The hosieried hoof’ and underneath the sign, ‘Pretty fillies in frilly things!’. What’s the point of a stripclub when... wait a minute... they’re clothed? A dressclub? Oh I GOTTA see this... “Uhm, I don’t know Azure, Wait here while I find out. Be back in five-ten minutes.” John lied and headed towards the dressclub. “Okay! Tell me what it is!” Azure beamed as his father left towards the blackened building. John paid the entrance fee and walked inside the dressclub. "My god..." The place was designed exactly like its human counterpart, lingerie and seductive clothing was everywhere. There was one fundamental difference, instead of stripping down to nudity, the fillies on stage started off naked and put on the scanty clothing. John ducked out after he noticed he caught one of the dancer's eyes. "So what was it?" Azure bounced. John couldn't meet the gaze of the young pegasus. "I'll... I'll tell you when you're older, okay?" John compromised. Starting down towards the park once more. "Awww... Okay..." Azure looked defeated. “Hey, don’t get down Azure. Look, we’re here!” John cheered. The park lay before them about one hundred meters, it was vibrant and alive. Various ponies inhabited the parks ground, air, and fourth dimension. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to magic... “So Azure, how about a race to that hill?” John grinned, pointing to one of the hills in the park.. “You are ON.” The pegasus beamed. “ONETWOTHREE GO!” Azure took off, galloping as fast as he could. “Cheatin’ Bastard!” John shouted as he gave chase. He caught up to Azure in a matter of moments, Azure reacted by cutting him off, this resulted in John falling onto Azure and the pair slid up the hill into the tree with a loud thud. John started to laugh, “I guess we tied then, eh kiddo?” When was the last time I laughed like this? “You wish, I was totally ahead by like an inch!” Azure countered, sticking his tongue out at John. John just shook his head in reply, set up sheet, impaling the corners with loose sticks he found. Opening up the picnic basket he brought with him, he set up a few BLT’s he made for himself, two daisy sandwiches he made for Azure, and a few snacks for them to share. The pair sat under the tree and enjoyed each others company, eating a little of their food. I wonder what a flower sandwich tastes like... “Hey Azure, wanna try each others sandwiches?” John asked. The blue pegasus thought for a moment “...Sure. Why not?” Azure said while offering John his daisy sandwich. John switched out the daisy sandwich in Azure's hoof with his BLT. "On the count of three we take a bite." Azure nodded in reply. "One... Two... Three!" They took a large bite of each others sandwich. John started gagged immediately and Azure started coughing. "You LIKE this stuff? It tastes like grass covered in shit." John coughed. Azure hit his chest a few times with his hoof. "I still don't understand the appeal of meat, but to each his own. Or something like that." John laid down on the sheet, lit a cigarette and took a drag. It is a nice day. His view of the blue sky was obstructed by a young filly with yellow coat and unkempt brown mane. “Are you a human?!” It shouted with a look of joy, inches from John’s face. “Uhhh...” Where the hell did she come from? “That would appear to be the case, wouldn’t it?” “Thats SO COOL. I’ve only seen like a few other humans before and they protected us from some other humans who wanted to become ponies and kill Celestia. Hey mister, why didn’t you become a pony huh?” You know what... I’m in a good mood. “Well it started in lets say... high school. My friends and I were always a bit off, a group of loners, stoners, emos, goths, nerds, all the outcasts, the best group of crazies you’d ever find. We didn’t get along with society’s rules, so we made our own. We called ourselves the Get ’em gang. We had all had nicknames, mine was Coke. We all had our vices, drugs, self harm, as for me, I felt I had obligations, extreme loyalty kinda thing. Also extreme paranoia and social anxiety. Being around people that decided that we should celebrate our flaws, for they made us unique, certainly didn’t help. I got it in my head to... well I don’t know. I guess I became loyal to my humanity? It slowly became all I have left as more and more of my friends and family got ponified. I cling to it because its all I have really.” The earth pony filly’s eyes were wide. “Are you sad that you can’t get ponified anymore?” She asked. “Really now, what happened?” John asked, Did they close down all the conversion bureaus? “Yeah, Like three days ago, there was an incident between the PER and HLF, Princess Luna got involved and they closed down all conversion bureaus and recalled all the potion. Oh shoot, my mom’s calling me, gotta go. It was nice talking to you mister Coke!” As the young earth pony trotted off to her mother, John noticed her cutie mark was an open book. Quite appropriate... But, all the bureaus are closed? Feels kinda... odd. Not having that option... “Hey dad, who was that?” Azure asked. “Oh, hey little guy. I don’t believe I got her name... Interesting little filly though. Where were you?” “Oh, I was playing with my ball.” Azure explained, bouncing the ball into the air and catching it with his back hoof in a demonstration. “I’m kinda done here, lets do your thing now.” A devious smile spread across John’s face and he hollered, “TO THE TRUCK-MOBILE!” After a quick walk back to the complex, Azure and John got in the vintage truck. “So were are going?” Azure questioned. “Oh trust me, you will love it.” A wicked smile adorned John’s face. “But first you need to put this blindfold on. Its a SURPRISE.” Azure looked concerned. “Uhhh, o... kay...?” he slipped the blindfold on and John started the truck and drove. Forty minutes later, John was parking the car on a bridge. “We’re here Azure. You can take it off now.” Azure took off the blindfold and immediately wished he hadn’t. A sign over the bridge read ‘BUNGEE JUMPING, 50 BITS A PONY.’ “I hate you so much right now.” “Oh c’mon Azure, it’ll help with your fear of heights! Shock therapy!” John beamed. “Thats wrong and you’re stupid.” A unicorn with a taut bungee cord for a cutie approached them. “Hi, you must be John and this little guy must be Azure Wind! Welcome to The Bridge, I’m Bounce and I’ll be your jump-master today. Come right this way and we’ll get started.” He smiled, just as he had for the last hundred customers and just like he will for the next hundred. Azure begrudgingly followed John to the harnesses. “Okay lets strap you up!” Bounce exclaimed, his horn lighting up with magic as he placed the harness on John and Azure. “Its perfectly safe, you won’t even come within one hundred meters of the ground!” “How far up are we?” Azure asked, the pegasus looked sick. Bounce thought for a moment, “About six hundred and fifty meters, why?” “OH HAY N-” Azure started, but then Bounce had already pushed him and John hurtling into the abyss. Azure screamed in terror. Then the line went taut and they bounced back up, this repeated about several times. Azure never stopped screaming. This was a mistake... GOD I’m so STUPID. Bounce brought them back off and thanked them. The pair got into the truck and drove in silence until John spoke up. “Hey, Azure, I’m... I’m sorry about putting you through that...” Azure didn’t respond at first. Oh man, I really messed it up this time... “I promise to never put you through anything like that again.” John apologized, Azure could hear the sincerity in his voice. “Its... okay. Im over it now... Dad, can I ask a favor of you?” Azure looked at John, sincerity, seriousness, and sadness were all blended together in those icy eyes. It was enough to stop a raging bull. “For you Azure, anything. What is it?” “Can you teach me to fly?” The blue pegasus asked. “Uhhh... I could hire a professional fli-” Azure cut John off, a move unusually brash for the young pegasus, “No dad, I want you to teach me.” John realized what Azure was hinting at. Once more, someone close to him wanted him to get ponified. John thought about it. I’ve... lost so many people to this, to the point where I was completely alone. Until Azure came along, I was in bad shape, mentally. All the scars I earned , tributes to battles I’ve both won and lost, journeys I’ve been on. I worked so hard and so long on making my body the ultimate testament to my will. The nerve damage in my feet from the thousands upon thousands of miles I’ve ran, the large scars on my shins from falling down that mountain. My immense stature. Becoming a pony would erase it. I don’t think I can take losing another person over this. I... I think its time to let go of my pride. Having a human father and being a pony... I’m done losing the people I love over this. Its... Its time I got ponified. John solemnly stated, “Sure.” _)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_NOTES: And out of fucking nowhere, the main plot. The Dress club is by - anon, we may see them again (dressclubs that is). Bungee jump by same anon as above. IM KRASS MCWRITER AND THIS MY FAVORITE PART IN THE WHOLE SERIES That filly in park definitely WAS NOT a yellowstone reference. Not in the SLIGHTEST. I really enjoyed writing this. A little TOO much... I thought it was a good stopping point... As always, thoughts, concerns, ideas, what you’d like to see. I’m going to try to put a cameo in each update from here on. So post ‘em in the current TCB thread or email me at KrassMcWriter@gmail.com or if you’re interested in a cameo. Part 6An Azure Future part 6 The Get’em Gang Has A Problem AKA: AAF’s sub-plot so the story lasts longer John Norris and his son, Azure Wind, were at Top Goods, a local bakery run by an old friend of John’s. Cream Baker as he was known to the general populous, he was better known to John as Grindah. John ordered a chocolate twist, a glazed donut, and a dozen donut holes from one of the clerks, his usual fare when he would make a trip from his apartment. Azure mimicked John and had the same. The baked goods shop did not have its usual cheery atmosphere today. Grindah, instead of being his usual happy and energetic, if not overly so, self, seemed a bit lethargic. John was observing his ponified high school friend’s behavior and noted it was uncharacteristic of him, even when he was a human. Grindah was called so for his ability to keep a sunny and upbeat disposition even when he was doing something most people would detest or just a menial and repetitive task, or grinding as it was called. It also worked on the level that he ground his own flour. “Hey, shop keep!” John called out to his friend. Even when they were down, the Get’em gang was always up on each other with jokes made at personal expense. The cream colored earth pony’s head turned slowly to John’s voice. “Whatcha need bro?” His voice carried an outstanding amount of his exhaustion. The pony’s body showed it too, there were heavy bags under his eyes and his steps were shaky. He had lost a lot of sleep to insomnia. John caught on, his friend was hiding something. John wasn’t going to have it. His friend was having trouble, his friend needed help. Secrets are cool, but not when they’re fucking with you. He may not want help but, by golly, he’s getting it! “Hey, Grindah, whats up man?” John said nonchalantly. “Huh, oh, sorry bro. I’m just really tired, is all.” The pony yawned. John didn’t buy it. Grindah could sleep through finals in high school, and occasionally did. If he’s having sleep issues, then there is something wrong in the most hardcore way. “Dude, you are the worst liar ever. I know you too well. What’s up?” John moved into full accusation mode. He wasn’t going to have his friends go alone trough troubles. His friend sighed. “You remember Noob?” The name alone had memories flooding back. He was his best friend, they were hanging out well before they started the Get’em Gang, he was the closest thing they had to a leader. They were as close as two friends could be. John silently acknowledged Grindah. “He’s in trouble...” “Wait, what kind of trouble? How come he didn’t contact me?” John felt wounded. Grindah was Noob’s second closest friend, and was picked over him. The pony picked up on John’s distress. “Hey, we thought you were dead, remember? I thought I was seeing a ghost when you first walked in my shop. He’s in trouble with the HLF in New York. He knew I was in contact with you, but he didn’t have your info. He said something about reciprocation for the ‘dog incident’ whatever that means.” Goddammit. I knew that’d come back to bite me in the ass. “What does the HLF HQ want with Noob of all people? I mean, no offense, but he’s kinda the craziest and periodically retarded person I know. Lots of fun, he is, but damn.” John was quite confused. If he’s calling in the Dog Incident, it must be serious... “It didn’t say.” His friend shrugged. Or at least John thought it was a shrug. I need to hang with ponies more... “All I know is that he’s in trouble. I... I have some sleep to catch up on... if you don’t mind.” John motioned him to go off. Azure had been watching the exchange in silence and finally, after several short moments, decided to ask, “What’s that all about, dad?” He posed, tilting his head in confusion. “That,” John swallowed the last donut hole, “is us going on a road trip to New York, boy-o.” He stood up and left the shop, Azure followed after a momentary hesistation. “You do realize that doesn’t explain a single thing, right?” Azure stated more then asked as he caught up to his father. “Well, he was my best friend for about eight years, and I owe him big time for a favor done a while back. He’s called me up on it so we’re going.” John explained. A confused look spread across his face. “What did he do that you gotta drag yourself and your son to the other side of the country?” John remembered the events that constituted the ‘Dog Incident’ as it was called by those unfortunate enough to present for them. He tried to hide his shudder. “Something you should never, ever know about. Ever. If he tries to bring it up, leave.” He gritted through his teeth at the memory of his past shame. “Bu-” Azure started before he was interjected. “No Buts. Butts are for pooping. Trust me on this Azure. Its a part of my life no one should know about. I don’t want to know about it and I’m the guy who did it.” John spoke quickly, trying to keep his stomach down. They arrived at the apartment, and john started packing immediately. “Go get your good saddlebags and a duffel bag. Pack whatever you need. We leave tomorrow.” John dead panned. Azure stomped. “You said you’d teach me to fly four days ago! You haven’t even done anything for that yet.” Azure was mad. No, Azure was pissed, furious, John had never seen him this angry. It seemed he had finally had enough of his fathers procrastination. His dad was running off, dragging him along, breaking promises. “I’m sick of not being able to fly. I’m sick of being afraid to talk about flight. You said you would help! Now you’re just running off to New York!” John dropped what he was doing. What do I say? What should one say in this situation? ‘I’m looking for potion so I can personally give you lessons?’ ‘I’m working on it’?’ ‘Shut up?’ Christ... Lets go with this. John knelt down to Azure.“Azure, I’m looking at professional flight coaches and how they teach. I said I will do it. I need your trust. The man in trouble has helped me with more than I care to say and now its time I do the same for him. He needs my help. Trust me Azure, I haven’t forgotten.” The pegasus shifted and appeared to be in deep thought for a moment.. “Fine. On onecondition. No more delays once this, whatever it is, is over.” He demanded. John dwelled on the proposal. “Fine, I’ll see what I can do. But you have to start school when we get back. Now go pack.” John spoke with an ultimatum in his voice. Azure seemed to accept this and went to his room to pack. John moved up to his room. This better be worth it Noob. Now what to pack for myself? If he’s calling in that favor, I’m going to need some weapons, can’t go wrong with emergency rations, some basic survival gear wouldn’t be out of place either. HLF is involved, so something will need to be done with Azure. Maybe as a pretend prisoner? I should bring some rope in that case. John stared at an old rifle that his dad used in the last great war, the war on terror as they called it, and a gravity knife with a four and a half-inch blade. Seeing the old rifle reminded John of his own father. The only good thing the old man did for me was when he left me these. I don't like them but sometimes you have to deal with the hand you got. The old man had hardly a sober moment or a kind acknowledgement. He was known more to his harsh hand than kind words. John sighed and shuddered at the memory off his father. What would he say if he could see me today? Prepared to go to battle with his old gear. John lingered on the horrid thought for a moment before dismissing it. He’s gone now. No use thinking about it. He packed them in his bag, and proceeded to do so with the other supplies he imagined he’d need. Wait a minute... Does Azure even know how to pack? Oh god. I better check on him. John made his way to Azure’s room. He looked around the room, it was a far cry from the cot on the ground he and Azure shared on his first night here, the wall was more posters and trinkets than paint. A majority of them were for the Wonderbolts, John made a mental note to take Azure to a show sometime. The young pegasus had a layout on his bed consisting of a two books, a few comics, a portable game system (How does he even use it?), and a wonderbolt game for said system. “Is that all you’re bringin’?” John asked with a bit of worry. Azure answered with a confused look. “If there's one thing my father taught me, its be prepared. You might want to bring a sleeping bag and some food just in case the truck breaks down or some unforeseeable event occurs.” John sighed. “Well dad, I figured that's your problem being the parent and all. Also, I really doubt that the truck will break down, its older than you and still in mint condition. Either way, the trip shouldn’t be more than a week or two.” Never looking up at John, instead looking for more stuff to bring. “Bah. Don’t say I didn’t tell you so if it happens.” John dismissed. He re-examined the posters on the wall. A good number were for the Wonderbolts, a majority of the remainder for pony bands and musicians. What caught John’s eye was the what the last few were. They were posters of stallions in various poses. I may not have much experience with ponies and their culture, but that would seem to be a centerfold poster. Why does my son have centerfold stallions on his wall? Isn’t he a bit... young for that? Could he... nah. You know what? Fuck it. I’m going in. “Azure, what’s the deal with these posters?” John prepared for the fallout. “Hm? I know you’re still human and all dad, but I knowyou’ve heard of the Wonderbolts.” Azure seemed genuinely confused. “Not... Not those posters...” “Oh, those are just some bands I like dad. I’ll bring their CDs so we can listen to them on the way!” Azure beamed, happy his father was taking notice of his interests. John coughed. It was getting pretty awkward on his part. “The um... The other posters...” Azure figured out which ones he meant. “Oh. Those posters. It’s the Stallions of the Wonderbolts poster series, next month they’re putting out the first one of the mares. It’s supposed to be Spitfire.” “Oh thank god. For a moment I thought. Oh man... that was close.” John let out a sigh of relief. “What was close?” Azure asked, curious. “Nothing. Nothing at all. I’m pretty tuckered out from events. I'm going to bed. Don’t stay up too late Azure.” John walked to his room. “Oh Jesus, for a moment there I thought, oh man.” John flopped onto his bed, set his alarm, and passed out. Tomorrow his ‘adventure’ would start. _)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_NOTES: First and foremost, Thanks to windchaser or this may have never materialised. Also for editing. Out of fucking nowhere, the sub plot. Collectibles Posters. Yeah. fun times. I hope you guys like the concept of the Get’Em Gang, because we will be meeting these crazies at an accelerated rate. As always, thoughts, concerns, ideas, what you’d like to see. I’m going to try to put a cameo in each update from here on. So post ‘em in the current TCB thread or email me at KrassMcWriter@gmail.com or if your interested in a cameo. Part 7An Azure Future Part 7: Roadtrip. I find it both depressing and exciting that I wrote 7 parts... John Norris woke up to the sound of his alarm clock. He checked his watch, it was five in the morning. Lets get this show on the road. John grabbed a few of his bags and made his way to the stairs. He paused at Azure’s room. The alarm John had set up in his room was blaring. Goddammit. It should get him up eventually. John continued down to his truck and threw the bags in the bed. After two more trips John had the truck packed. John went to check on Azure. The first thing he noticed was the alarm’s blaring electric buzz was no longer in the air. John opened the door. The alarm he gave Azure was smashed and in shambles. Well, fuck. Too bad I don’t have a watergun. Note to self: buy super soaker. “Azure, get up!” Bellowed John. Azure had slept in. John had already packed the truck with various supplies and the only thing preventing them for leaving, was Azure. The pegasus shifted under the sheets and groaned. Okay then, lets do it your way. John carefully grabbed the corners of the sheet on the bed, taking care to not wake Azure, and with one sudden movement pulled it up, forming a sack containing the young pegasus. Azure instantly became fully aware and started thrashing about inside the makeshift sack. “Dear Luna on the moon! What the hay dad?!” Azure swore as he struggled. “We are going. Now.” John stated, walking down the stairs. “Can, I at least walk now? I’m pretty sure I’m awake now.” Azure had given up on breaking free from the sheet-sack John had him trapped in. “Your walking privileges are been revoked. You are now my sack pony. I shall keep you in the sack accordingly due to your new status. We shall go everywhere with you in sack. You shall never leave sack. Sack is new home now. You will eat in the sack. You will sleep in sack You with urinate in the sack. You will defecate from sack, but I recommend not doing it in sack. You will love sack. The sack is all there ever was, all there ever will be. You will try to recall a life before that sack and you will see that it was always sack. Hope is useless. resistance is futile. Look upon the sack and despair!” John spoke, imitating a strong Austrian accent. He was now outside of the apartment complex. “Dude, what?” “Saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!” John screeched in response. “You are so random.” Azure replied with true concern in his voice. “Thats mister random to you boy. We are here.” John swung the sheet-sack over his shoulder and opened his truck, putting the sheet-sack in the passenger seat. He walked around the front, got in the driver seat and started the engine. Azure shrugged off the sheet and pushed it off the seat. “Ya know that was pretty much unnecessary, right? I have perfectly good legs and all.” Azure cracked his neck from side to side to accentuate his point. John shrugged. “Now you have a story to tell your kids. No need to thank me, you’re quite welcome.” He put the car into drive and started got on the road. “Now lets get going! It says the fifty seven north for nine miles, which turns into the sixty. From there I get on the interstate fifteen for almost five hundred miles. Then the forty for over a thousand miles. Damn. The seventy eight, and then we’re there pretty much. ” John got on the first freeway. “now, going the speed limit average of seventy five would take forty six hours to get there. Good thing is, there are no cops anymore, and therefore, the whole thing is an autobahns and this truck may be older than me, but its seen some upgrades, this baby can easily hold speeds upwards of 200 miles per hour and has a driving AI to boot. we should be there before midnight, considering food and restroom stops.” After hitting a few buttons on the touch screen in the dash, the truck accelerated tremendously and John put his feet on the dash. “It must’ve sucked to have to do this manually for almost fifty hours.” He boasted. The truck fell silent and remained so for the next hour when Azure spoke up. “So what are we doing again?” “My best friend has called in a very old favor. He helped me with the ‘Dog Incident’.” John explained. “What was the ‘Dog Incident’ anyways?” Azure asked furrowing his brow in confusion over what it could possible entail to drag his father across the country John shuddered at the memory. “All I will say on the subject is that I wasn’t always a nice person.” Another uncomfortable silence followed only to be broken by Azure once more. “Hey dad, where did mom go?” The question hit John like a sack of hammers and his heart skipped. He had dreaded the day Azure would ask about Catherine. How do you tell a child his mother was murdered? Its not going to be pretty. Best just give it straight. “Azure, you are familiar with mankind's long kept tradition of hate and violence more often than not based on nothing?” Azure nodded in response, a worried look on his face. “Well, in the letter you gave me it explained that she and your grandmother were on their way to check on me, make sure I was still there, they were attacked by some human liberation front fanatics and beaten savagely. Your mother didn’t make it. Your grandmother died a few days later from wounds.” The silence that followed hurt worse than speaking. Azure’s features hardened, “So...” Azure finally spoke after a long silence, His voice was shaking, “Mom’s... gone? Forever?” John’s heart shattered at the sight of Azure. He clenched his jaw to the point where it caused significant pain to keep his emotions steady. “Yeah kid, I’m afraid she’s gone. You know what though Azure?” “Huh?” the reply was barley audible over the dull sound of the engine as the pony fought back tears. “I shared some of the best moments and years of my life with your mother. I knew her better than she did, and she knew me better than I did. She was all I wasn’t and wanted to be, a truly happy and outgoing individual. If there is one thing I know, its that she would want us to be happy. Its okay to be sad though, don’t get me wrong, but don’t let it get in the way of your life. I wasted the last four years of my life like that...” The truck rolled on, much like life itself. The silence perfectly accentuated the mid-morning scenery, somewhere in new mexico, the wide feilds and cliffs were even more desolate now that the few houses and towns that dotted along them had long since been abandoned. After a very extensive amount of time, Azure broke the silence,“I think... I think I understand. If we spend all our time and energy focusing on how much we miss her, we’ll be letting her down by not living.” “Yes. Exactly.” He seems to have taken it well. He’s pretty rational for being so young. John checked his progress. They were making good time, better than he expected. They were a third of the way across the country. John decided to take a nap. John woke up a few hours later. First things first, progress. Damn, almost there now. Oh man I really got to pee. Pee and poop. “Pull over at the next stop with a restroom.” He directed the onboard AI. The screen said it would arrive shortly. John looked over at the passenger seat, Azure was sound asleep. John shook him gentley, “Hey Azure, we’re pulling over to take a rest stop. If you need to use the facilities, nows the time, we’ll be in New York soon enough.’ “Okay.” Azure replied simply. He stretched out his legs and yawned deeply. They arrived at a convenience store a few minutes later and exited the truck The pair walked inside, much to John’s surprise, the store was active, and a pony behind the counter welcomed John to the store. John went to restroom first, and when he finished, Azure walked into the small water closet. When John exited the restroom, He saw something he hadn’t seen on good terms in a long time. Another human. The man had shaggy unkempt hair, and was just a bit shorter than John. It looked like he hadn’t had a decent meal for a long time. He was the first to speak, “Are you going to Fort Stillwater as well?” John was in shock. Last time he had seen another human at all wasn’t in the best of situations, the last time he actually had a real conversation with a human was months ago. “Whats that?” Were the first words out of his mouth. “You haven’t heard? The International Human Survival Association. They’ve made strongholds for humans all over the globe. A last ditch survival measure. I’m Isaac by the way, Isaac Hamilton.” The man claimed, extending his hand for a handshake. John reciprocated. “I’m John Norris, been quite some time since I’ve seen another human on good terms. Can’t say I’ve heard of that organization before.” “Hey, you should come with me and my friend, and join up with the IHSA.” Isaac offered. “Actually-” John started, when Azure came out from the bathroom. “Hey dad, who’s this?” The pegasus asked upon seeing the other human. “Did that pony just call you ‘dad’? Did you... you know... with a pony?” Isaac questioned. “Oh. Oh God no. His mother got ponified when she was pregnant. I’d never do.. that with a pony.” John explained. There was a honking outside, “Oh, thats Will, I should go now.” With that Isaac left. Nice to know there’s still some good humans left. John grabbed some snacks and checked out. John and Azure left the store got back in the truck. John started it up and got on the road, driving manually. Twenty minutes later, They were pulling into a parking lot across from a building that proclaimed itself simply as ‘HLF HQ’. “We’re here.” On that note John exited the truck and faced the building, unsure of what he would find within. It was time to saave his friend from the hands of mad men. _)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_NOTES: ALL SHALL LOOK UPON THE SACK AND DESPAIR!!! Yes, those are the actual directions more or less. http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&xhr=t&q=new+york+new+york&cp=12&qe=bmV3IHlvcmsgbmV3&qesig=UFaR7hVkofukdtG_t8sIBA&pkc=AFgZ2tkKG_cyR1d1jYz45QIcc-ICr995NdY8WySbZMxE4Z1Tr7yDWxlnKq2OY5G5FhlBHS6BGFQA7BcxGK8QhWEiQFaJmX_fIA&safe=off&biw=1280&bih=622&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x89c24fa5d33f083b:0xc80b8f06e177fe62,New+York,+NY&gl=us&ei=zlkFTunuOOX00gG-5bmCCw&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&sqi=2&ved=0CCoQ8gEwAA Isaac Hamilton from LMS. Thought it’d be a believable mesh to have them meet like that. For an austrian accent see The Terminator Not much for notes. I enjoyed the sack bit a little too much. I made the trip so quick because I didn’t want 2+ parts on a roadtrip. As always, thoughts, concerns, ideas, what you’d like to see. I’m going to try to put a cameo in each update from here on. So post ‘em in the current TCB thread or email me at KrassMcWriter@gmail.com or if your interested in a cameo. Part 8An Azure Future part 8 John Norris stared at the building in front of him that boasted its purpose, the headquarters of the human liberation front. A more prideful bunch of madmen has never before been gathered in such multitude before and quite likely never again... The human noted to himself. He grabbed the rope from the bench in the truck, pausing to prepare himself mentally for what he had to do. "Hey Azure, I'm going to need you to stay here." John informed Azure. "What, why?" The young pegasus asked concerned. John got a knee and bent down, lowering himself to the pony’s level. “The men in that building are the of worst sort imaginable. They are closer to monsters than men. I don’t know what horrors they get up to in there, and it’s better if you don’t either. So please, stay here, and keep low.” John walked across the noticeably empty streets. >Where is everybody?< He scanned up and down the street, as far as he could see, there were no cars. His truck was also the only vehicle in the otherwise desolate parking lot. He reached the large glass door of the HLF headquarters. Trying the door handle, he found it was unlocked. Stepping into what seemed to be the reception room, he noticed that inside was as desolate as the street, even the front desk was unmanned. "Hello?" John ventured. Immediately the loudspeakers came to life. "AI Model: HK7. Serial: HK2017. Copyrighted and patented by Intelligent Designs. Human life form detected. Message playback initiated." There was a moment of silence before the message played. "Hello," A man's voice came over the speakers. "this is Frank Dunland, leader of the HLF. If you can hear me, know this: the HLF is no more. For years we have fought the demons invading our planet, but we no longer have the numbers. Thus we have birthed the International Human Survival Association. Where we WILL persevere!" The speakers played a few seconds of static before the AI informed John it was the end of the message. Well fuck, Noob might not even be here! Maybe I can find out where they moved him at least. But if no one else is here, I might as well bring Azure. John left the empty building and crossed the street that was just as desolate. "Hey Azure!" John called, a pegasus colt with a dark steely mane and a coat that took after his name poked his head out of the bed of the truck. "What's up Dad?" The young pony queried, standing up to come into full view. John closed the rest of the distance and leaned into the bed, “Hey Azure, want to go into the desolate ruins of a place that belonged to a group of people who’d kill us on site if they were here?” His only response was an estranged look. “C’mon kiddo! It will be fun!” Azure squinted his eyes and cocked his head slightly, feigning a look of worry “Are you positive you’re alright?” “Oh shut it.” John snapped. “Now come on, I can use an extra set of han-uh, hooves.” He nodded towards the HLF HQ building. The azure pegasus rolled his icy eyes and hopped out of the bed to black-top. “Thanks boy-o.” The pair headed across the street and through the glass doors. The message played again as John entered with Azure. "Are you sure he's even here? The message said their gone..." Azure asked, unsure why his dad was still here. "Hey, do you see that on the front desk? I know you ponies are short but you should still be able to see it." Azure examined the object in question. It was nothing special, just a typical receptionist desk. Chestnut brown with a fine glossy shine, a computer sat on it with a few papers. It was a post unmanned. Then it hit Azure, "They didn't pack up and leave, they abandoned ship!" John smirked. "Exactly. We might be able to at least find out if and where they moved any prisoners." John looked around. "Now where would I put a pony that I never wanted to see the light of day again?" "A sack." John shook his head, "C'mon, it’s serious time." Azure gave him a look of disbelief. "I can be serious!" This only intensified the look. "...Moving on, I think the lower levels would be a good spot to start." "Are you sure you even know what you’re doing?" "Not really, but I'm doing it anyway!" John beamed. "Now... which way is down?" John looked around and found a reasonable source of directions, a fire exit map. Stairs were just down the hall to the left. After a short walk to the staircase, John walked inside and noted that the stairs went far down. There were at least seven basement levels. "Well ain't that shit." John stated, looking down with a twinge of worry. "So, what do we do now?" Asked the blue pegasus next to him. "I guess we just start going floor by floor." John responded with a shrug. Thus the odd pair started the painstaking task of checking every floor for signs of prisoners. Two flights per level. They made their way down the first set. John opened the door. The room revealed was dark, lockers lined the walls to the left and right, with a small cluster against the back wall. There was a security uniform on a hanger on a locker. Out of curiosity, John walked inside. Most of the lockers had security uniforms, towels, and civilian clothes. A few would have a pill bottle, probably steroids, or a picture of a family. John was most curious in the small patch of lockers at the end. Half the size of all the other lockers by all means, the design itself was of sterner stuff. While the other lockers were crisscrossing strips of metal, the ones at the end had octagons made of thick steel. The gaps were also smaller than their larger compartments. Most importantly, John could see there was something still there and the door was slightly cracked. John approached the locker and opened it. Inside was a single forgotten shotgun and three boxes of ammunition. John stared at it a moment, contemplating on taking it. If they left a weapon and ammunition on the very first sub-level, there was no telling what the lower ones held. It might come in handy. He remembered the last time he used a gun. His father had decided that John should learn how to use the said weapon efficiently, as the son of an old soldier. He took him out to a desolate spot in the desert, miles away from all civilization. The set up bottles, propane cans, fruits, and various other things that the shooting of which gave a nice effect. "Dig the rifle into your shoulder, focus, line up the sights, control your breathing, relax, pull the trigger slowly, don't jerk it. It should surprise you when it fires." His father instructed. John did his best to keep the pointers in mind as he practiced the bead of the rifle and heirloom onto a watermelon. His target was maybe fifty meters away and the gun felt heavy in his hands. He pulled the trigger steadily with a slow methodicalness. The gun rocked into John's shoulder suddenly and forcefully. He imagined he'd have a bruise to show for it, though this turned out fanciful. John could still see the effect the low caliber weapon had on his target. He had fired a .22 hollow point into the dead center of the now decimated fruit. There were no scraps left of his victim bigger than a good sized bite. John shuddered a little at the thought of what such a thing could do to a live body and his father congratulated him at a well done first shot. John recovered from the brief memory and decided that whatever horrors remained below, if there were any, he would deal with without the gun. "There's nothing here Azure, let's go to the next level." Azure just shifted his shoulders in what could only be a shrug and the pair left the room with the weapon. Down another two flights to the second sub-level. John opened the door and revealed a room filled with high tech equipment, monitors, and other things used in the pursuit of science. "Wow... I wonder what they were researching..." gawked the ever curious Azure. "Let's find out." John walked to the only computer left, it was unhooked but in mere moments John had it up and running. "Let's see..." John opened up the computer's data files. To his dismay and Azure's disappointment, they were wiped clean. "Damn." John swore. "I wonder..." After a few moments of thought and some of John's special brand of techno-wizardry later, he was able to recover a single corrupted file. It mentioned something about an immunity to magic, at least as best as he could figure. "That's stupid, how can anyone be immune to magic?" Azure posed. "Kid, thaumaturgical studies are not my strong suit." John shook his head in surrender to the lacking of the requested knowledge. "Let's get moving, I don't want to stay here too long." Another pair of stairs, another room. A room of which the very contents and nature would baffle John and Azure to no end. "Who the hell build a break room three stories underneath the earth?!" Azure just stared at the room in front of him. There was a pool table, snack and drink machines, a large television, plush couches, there was even presence of a bar! Words finally found the steely maned pegasus. "But... why?!" "Maybe its for the people who work on the lower levels?" John tried to reason. "But... the snack machine has ALFALFA in it!" "Maybe it’s stocked by ponies?" "But that makes even less sense! It’s THE HLF headquarters!" "I think we need to leave before this room summons Cthulu through its total impossibleness, or we go mad." John rubbed his temples messaging his oncoming migraine. "I am right behind you dad." Azure agreed. The pair made their way from the overwhelming contradictions that the room held to the fourth sub-level. Immediately John knew they had found the right area. There were what was undoubtedly holding cells. What John heard next cost him a good nights sleep and some faith in his species. There was a faint clopping of hooves. The human liberation front had left their prisoners to die. John was filled with an unparalleled rage. He wasted no time in finding the controls for the door switches. The desk staring down the aisle had a built in touch control. He hit the screen to turn it on and waited as the machine booted up. The infuriating seconds ticked by as John waited on the machine. Finally, the machine finished loading. John swore, it needed a passcode. John guessed at what he thought were likely entries: We will prevail, their motto and In God's Own Image, their older motto. After both failed, John had to resort to back door methods. These had their own dangers as there could be technological traps. He got in, seemingly avoiding any security protocols. With a few swift and precise flicks of his fingers, John unlocked all the doors. Then all hell broke loose. A turret unfolded out of the ceiling and began firing. John scooped up Azure and shielded him and not a moment too soon as three rounds grazed John's left arms bicep. Shit! Now what?!< John's mind went into a panic as it tried to come up with a plan, any plan. Suddenly, John remembered the pre-recorded message kept by the AI. The AI developed by Intelligent Designs, the company that John built his wealth of off. If that was a House Keeper mark II, then this was most likely the Guardian Mark III. Back when the company was still around and he was in charge, he insisted on an universal override code hardwired into each and every AI. The code was in every AI up to the Mark IV series, the last one developed before John pulled out. It was better than sitting there getting shot at. John took a deep breath and bellowed, "OVERRIDE COMMAND: CATHERINE 12-05-20-37!" There was a long, pregnant pause and John held his breath and hoped. "... OVERRIDE ACCEPTED. GUARDIAN MARK IV STANDING DOWN." The metallic voice rang before the unit powered down. John released his breath. I got lucky. If they had a slightly better budget or resource... "Hey, you alright Azure?" John asked the shaken colt. "Azure?" "I-I'm fine." Azure managed. He may have lived with a human for almost a month now and become desensitized to many a harsh thing, but getting shot at was something else. "Your arm!" Azure noticed the three bullet wounds on John's arm, and they were bleeding quite profusely. The adrenaline that had been coursing through John up till that point faded, and John found his arm to be in a good deal of searing pain. "Ffffffffffff-" John gritted through his teeth. John needed to pack the wound immediately or risk fainting from blood loss. Lacking gauze, he'd have to improvise. He took his shirt off and ripped a long thin piece from it. He took the remainder of the shirt, balled it up and put it atop the wounds. He then placed the long strip over the makeshift packing and tied it as tight as possible. It would do. For now. "I'm good Azure, see?" He waved the limb about to show that the bleeding had slowed to a near stand-still. "Now, let's save some ponies." >Or what's left of them.< Azure seemed to brighten a little, "Okay." "Hey, stay here while I go gather everyone, okay?" Azure nodded in agreement. John moved into the hallway. Steeling himself, he dared to poke into the first room. The smeel of fecal matter, urine and death stung John's nostrils. There in the room was what may have once been a pegasus. Its wings were missing but stubs remained, it was shriveled and dried, a husk. John fought the urge to vomit and removed himself as quickly as possible. At the second doorway, he prayed for mercy for what he would find. Looking in it was blessedly empty. He moved to the third one. He went in, there, on the floor was a unicorn with a shattered horn. John would of thought the poor wretch to have expired if its broken form didn't utter the most haunting moan at the sight of the human. John felt his heart give at the sight. He contemplated for a second on what to do. He picked up the unicorn as gently as he could and carried it over to Azure. "Please... don't hurt me... I never... did... an-" It managed through its immense pain. "Don't worry. I'm not going to hurt you." John gingerly set the unicorn down by Azure. "Azure, keep him company. I'll be right back." Azure only nodded solemnly at the acceptance of the task. John went back to his own grim task. He checked the fourth room. He suppressed his gag reflex as he saw a re-enactment of the first room with an earth pony this time. He moved onto the fifth room, once more an unbearable pungent stench attacked him. How can people do such things? How does a man do THIS to another living creature and live with himself?< John boggled at the seemingly endless capacity of evil some humans enjoyed. He was no stranger to cruelty himself, but he learned from his mistakes. The sixth room was a bittersweet sight. There was no corpse and very little smell at least. That was the good part. However the wingless pegasus cowering in corner, wasn't such a welcome sight. The whimpering plead didn't help either "St-stay away! Please... no more..." "Shhh... I'm not going to hurt you..." John spoke softly as he slowly approached with his arms out and his hands open. "L-liar... that's what all you humans say. Then you be-beat me, o-or stab, or th-the machine." The former flyer squirmed backwards against the corner. "It's okay, the bad people are gone. I'm here to rescue you." John was steadily approaching and was now a little more than halfway across the small room. "Wh-why would a human ever help me?" The battered creature's eyes twitched around the room, looking for the non-existent escape. "I'm not like them." John stated as comfortingly as he could. The pony seemed to relax and John quickly embraced it while its defenses were down. The pegasus seized up at first and then struggled madly against John. John stayed there, just holding the poor pony. After a few moments of fighting the pony finally realized what this was. A hug. The pegasus relaxed and placed its head on John's shoulder. "Can you walk?" The pegasus nodded. "My son is at the end of the hall, go wait with him. I'll be right back after I check these last four rooms." The pony nodded once more and walked down the hall to meet Azure, dragging its hooves. The seventh room marked the second unoccupied cell. John let out a sigh of relief. All of which fled the moment John looked inside the eighth room. All the various smells the previous rooms were present, accompanied by a few new ones. It smelled strongly of burnt flesh and hair. There was another scent, very faint, but could only be registered as sex. The scene grisly. A good two thirds of the former ponys form burnt and black. Its hind legs were broken and out at odd angles. Its chest was flayed, organs on display. And the face! It was left untouched. The look of complete horror, pain, dismay and sorrow painted upon the perfect visage would haunt John until the end of his days. John lost the battle against his stomach. Puking, John stumbled out of the room. He activated the individual controls, shutting the door. John heaved again. He took long deep breaths to regain his composure. After doing so, he moved to the second to last room. "John? Is that you?" The fuschia earth pony queried weakly. He had found his friend. Alive at that. "Its me bro. Can you walk?" A slight nod. "Meet the others at the front. I've got one more room to check." The pony got up weakly and headed to the instructed spot. John took a deep breath and headed into the last room. Empty. Maybe there was a kind and loving deity. John turned back and headed down the hallway. The closed door catching his eye and invoking the images contained within into his mind. He continued to the end where Azure waited. "Everpony ready?" Three solemn nods. "Let's go." John picked up the unconscious unicorn and left the jail. The process of leaving the HLF HQ was a silent and somber one. Up the stairs, out the lobby, across the street. Upon reaching his truck, he opened the back door driver side and sat the pony in it. He walked around to the other side and helped the other two malnourished ponies into the back. Azure hopped into the passenger seat on his lonesome. John moved back to the driver's side and got in. He turned on the truck and navigation AI. "Nearest hospital." John commanded as he turned the key. Directions popped up on the front windshield. John threw the truck into drive and floored it. Left, right, right, left. Destination on left. John whipped around the corners and drove like a mad man. He slammed his brakes pulling up to the hospital. "Azure, stay here, this won't be long." He said while getting out and grabbing the unconscious unicorn. "Either of you wanna come? You can ride with me back to good ol' Cali." The wingless pony wanted to come surprisingly and Noob wanted to as well which was expected. John carried the pony inside. "I found this in the old HLF HQ." He stated to the shocked receptionist pony. In seconds they had a stretcher and took away the beaten pony. After answering a few questions, John was clear to go. They'd be sending a team to the headquarters. John went back to the car, got in the drivers and started the engine. The other two ponies he rescued were sound asleep. "So where to dad?" asked the steely maned pegasus next to him. "Home." His stomach grumbled. "Right after we eat, that is." John smiled weakly. He put the truck in drive and set off. Part 9An Azure Future Part 9 John had come home one evening to an official looking letter bearing the Equestrian seal of Foal Services. He broke the seal in both curiosity and interest. The letter’s parchment was a little rough and tinged slightly yellow, a notable difference from the usual milky white, smooth paper. The envelope held only two pages, John picked up the first page and began to read. Dear Mr. John Norris, It has come to our attention that on March 5, 2046, custody of Azure Wind defaulted from a Miss Dancing Leaf to you. This was due to her unfortunate passing from actions by members of the H.L.F.. We would like to take a moment and express our condolences for your loss. However, there are several occurrences that have been brought to attention that demand immediate examination of your parenting ability. A Mr. Gray Crusader has informed us of various dangerous activities you have involved your son in. These include, but may not be limited to: The groups Ponification for Earth’s Rebirth and The Human Liberation Front attacking you and your son in in your apartment in order to elicit an extravagant amount of bits from you, on April 1, 2046. Being involved with the incident on March 16, 2046, which involved P.E.R. kidnapping you, a raid upon the P.E.R. by H.L.F., and The Honorable Princess Luna. Most disturbing of all, a raid on the H.L.F. headquarters in New York on your own volition, where you used your son as a hostage in order to obtain ease of access into the building which took place on March 29, 2046. Then there is the unknown probable psychological damages of a young colt having a human for a father. Documentation of these events are included in the second page of this letter. It is due to such events that we have decided to investigate whether or not you are a fit enough parent for Azure Wind. We have attached a paper with the date and time we will be having an Caretaker stopping by. For The Foals, Caretaker Philharmonic John put the letter behind the other paper and hurriedly looked at the appointment. It was on the fifth, today was the third. They’d be here in just two days. John looked around the apartment, the entire place looking like a storm blew through it. It was completely trashed from two days ago when PER burst in. God damn you Gray. First, you try to take my humanity. That upset me. Then you send goons after my money. I was angered, I worked hard for that money. But now? Now you are after my son. And that’s just too far. John lit a cigarette and swore under his breath. He had work to do. ----------------------------------------------Two Days Later----------------------------------------------- John Norris rubbed his bandaging absent-mindedly. He surveyed the nigh spotless living room, making sure it was perfectly clean. He doubled checked that the new iron door was secured on it hinges. Like Fort Knox. Filth and deficiencies would not do on this most important day. Today he was being examined by Child Services. There were many reasons why John was nervous. The PER and the HLF both attacked his home three days ago, a week ago, he raided the HLF HQ and before that he was captured by the PER and almost forcibly ponified. And that was just what they would know about, not mentioning the time he broke a Wonderbolt’s wing in a show, accidentally of course, and it’d be hard for someone to prove it. The bungee jumping. And recently, the acid he gave Azure, as well as he himself taking a bullet in his upper left arm. He had cleaned the large apartment to the point where it was completely immaculate. John checked his watch. One hour remained. He had no idea how to say what needed to be said, but it was time to talk to Azure. John made his way up the stairs to Azure’s room. John paused at the door to take a deep breath. He stepped into the room. It was the same as always, with the exception that his new Spitfire poster was up in the wall. The pegasus colt was snoozing peacefully, the light from the window playing across his body. It made John’s heart sink at the prospect of losing him; the only thing that really mattered to him anymore. John moved silently and delicately across the room to the bed. He knelt down to his son, who appeared to be having a lovely dream judging by the look of content on his face. Reaching out, he put his hand on Azure’s shoulder and gently woke him. “Azure… We need to talk.” The young pony awoke slowly, yawning and rubbing his eyes with one of his hooves. “Whahuh? What’s happening then?” His voice slightly groggy. Azure stretched out his hooves, arching his back and rotating his neck. “Do you want to stay here? With me?” John asked, there was a tinge of sorrow that leaked into his voice. Azure was made awake by the serious tone. “Dad, what’s going on?” John sighed. “Azure, the equivalent of child services is going to be here in about fifty five minutes. They are here to see whether or not I’m a fit enough parent to keep you. They think I‘m bad for you because of how many times you and I have been in danger.” He explained. Azure was silent for a moment, “And what if they decide you’re not a good parent? What happens then?” “They take you away from me. You won’t see me again. They’ll give you to some other family to live with.” He explained, tone of sorrow in his voice. Azure appeared downcast for a moment, then angry. “You’re my dad. The only one I have. The only one I will ever have. I will refuse.” He stomped his hoof on the last statement for emphasis, against the mattress. John gave a half hearted laugh then said, “Well, neither of us really have a choice. Its up to the agent from the Equestrian Foal Services. So here’s what I need. First and foremost, follow my lead. Whatever I say, play off it. Second, they know about the HLF HQ thing we did last Friday. I have no idea how to play that one off, so I’m going with a ‘my bad’ thing. Claiming temporary lack of judgment, as my best friend was in trouble. So remember, you were okay with it. Third, don’t bring anything up like the bungee jumping incident. For both our sakes. Finally, think before you say something. ‘How will this look to someone who knows nothing about the situation?’ Can you handle all that Azure?” Azure nodded three times in acknowledgement. “Got you loud and clear. Follow your lead and don’t say nothing stupid!” Azure beamed, then added, “Don’t worry, you’re a great dad. Just a tad nontraditional. I’m proud to call you my father.” and nuzzled the large human’s leg. John smiled weakly at the young pegasus. “Heh. Thanks kiddo. I’m proud to call you my son.” Almost instantly, Azure’s eyes lit up. “You called me son.” he said, looking up at John in wonder. John wore a confused look for moment, “Why is that a big deal?” Azure was dumbfounded. He couldn’t believe John never noticed. “That was the first time you said, acknowledged, or otherwise called me your son.” John humphed at this. “Really now. How quaint. I should get on saying that more then, shouldn’t I?” John checked his watch. Twenty minutes remained. Twenty measly minutes until some stranger decided his fate. It’s not enough, John thought, but would any amount be sufficient? Better to get it over with than prolonging. John informed Azure of the proximity of the visit and instructed the pegasus to meet him in the living room shortly. He headed down to unlock the door and put some fresh black tea out on the main coffee table, as he used to when he entertained guests on a more regular basis. He took out a small bag of sugar as well and placed it next to the large pitcher. He looked over the whole set up of the living room. It was satisfactory, it looked and felt like the loving home it was. John just prayed that the Foal Services agent would think so as well. His phone rang. Picking it up John answered, “Hello?’ The voice on the other end replied, “Hi, this is Sweetie Pop, the receptionist. Are you expecting a visit from Foal Services, Mr. Norris?” “Why in fact I am. Send him up.” John could hear Sweetie Pop and the Foal Services agent make a short exchange, though he couldn’t make out the details. “He’ll be right with you Mr. Norris.” The phone clicked as she hung up, John reciprocated the act. John slouched just slightly into the couch. Azure came down shortly. A minute or two later, a hollow, ringing knock came from the iron door. The pair shot a look at the sound. The Foal Services agent was here. John’s judgment had begun. John got up and opened the door, revealing a purple unicorn with a jet black mane and tail, his cutie mark a band-aid. He had a clipboard and a pen magically suspended in front of him. The unicorn spoke without looking up from the clipboard. “Hello Mr. Norris, I am Caretaker Obsidian, but you may call me Obsidian if you wish. I am here on behalf of The Equestrian Foal Services, and I am to ask you and your son, Azure Wind, a few questions about some situations that have come to our attention, give you what could be equated to a personality quiz for your parenting, and then ask Azure some questions. Do you understand everything I just said?” Obsidian spoke dryly as though he was bored of saying the rehearsed lines. “Yeah. Pretty simple really. Your interviewing me and my son to see what’s up.” John shrugged. Maybe this won’t be so bad. “Yes.” The unicorn spoke with contempt, “I’m here to see ‘what’s up’ with you and your son.” Obsidian walked into John’s condo, taking notes as he looked around. He made his way to an armchair and sat down. “Now Mr. Norris, if you would, I like to get started. In your own words, explain your involvement with the incident on March 16, 2046.” John sat down on the couch Azure occupied on the opposite corner. He took a silent deep breath, in… and out… Then John started. “I had been monitoring the levels of food, snacks and various other supplies as per usual, and had noticed that it was time to restock the pantries and the storage. I went up stairs to check on my son, who was asleep at the time, then I left a note with an explanation of my whereabouts including a full five point contingency plan and some emergency contacts.” “I left the condo penthouse at eight pm. I had two thousand five hundred bits with me so that I may stock up on the needed supplies. I arrived at the grocery store, exited my truck, and proceeded inside. I was asked for assistance from a greeter who worked there to push my carts. I usually have about two to three carts full of groceries, being one man, I require help.” “After finishing grocery shopping, I loaded up my truck. Upon entering said vehicle I noticed that the headlights had been illuminated during my time in the store, my battery having been drained. I locked up the vehicle and proceeded to walk home, as there are no more auto services really, so I could get my trickle charger.” “Well walking home I was approached by a Mr. Gray Crusader. We had a brief conversation about PER and ponfication, then one of his thugs bucked me in the back of the head without provocation. I think it is worth noting that Gray Crusader is also the one who filed this case. Just a thought. “ “I woke up approximately thirty hours later. I was strapped to stretcher where he tried to forcibly ponify me. I was able to distract him enough with both wit and humor to escape my bonds and throw the potion back at him. The HLF found me and before I could even think what they’d do to me, the night exploded. I believe you call her Princess Luna, but she looked more like a nightmare shrouded in the infinite darkness and light of space. “Then I ran. I ran all the way back here. That’s pretty much what happened.” John finished. Obsidian scribbled just a few more notes, and then read off the next question. “Okay then, can you explain what occurred on April 1, 2046?” He magically flipped to a new page in the note book. The event was fresh in his head. “Four days ago late in the morning, there was an loud explosion outside of my apartment. It turned out the noise was from of one of those teleporting jets exiting its jump here. Some people and ponies broke through my door, which I’m still a bit angry about, being that my granddad carved it out. Anyways, they burst in and say that they’re some sort of government elite guard. “About thirty or forty minutes later, I get a room call for a package. I wasn’t expecting a package so the really buff cowboy one, Hawk I think his name was, took my place. Then I don’t know, apparently some mess happened with a giant spider downstairs. My neighbor, Breezy Fields, came knocking at my door in a panic. “Unbeknownst to me, he was panicking due to being held hostage by seven PER members. The result of four unicorns blowing down my door wasn’t very fun at all. I was knocked down and out by a few of them. I was told Azure tried to help me. One of the unicorns picked him up and put him in a sack with magic. Not a second too soon, the female that was with the first group came in and blew them all to oblivion. Nothing of note really happened after that. I had some ponies clean up the bodies, set in a new carpet, and install a new door. Fortunately, the Princesses and the President gave me a blank check for my troubles to get the place fixed up. I had a talk with Azure about it, and he seemed to take it very well. Even the death of his mother, as tragic as it was, had logic applied to it to ease the pain.” John really needed a cigarette at this moment, but suppressed the need best he could, it just wouldn’t do to light up with his son right there and the agent watching. Obsidian jotted down some notes and read the main atrocity of parenting that John had committed. “Now, the most disturbing of all these. Can you even explain what occurred on March 29th?” John dreaded the coming of this question. He swallowed nervously. He needed this combination of omissions, lies, and sorrys to work. “A long time ago I got mixed up in a bad incident. I was a stupid kid. One of my friends got me out of it, and I owed him for life. He was captured by the Human Liberation Front. So, he called in the favor. “Was it the best idea I had to bring my son along? No. But I was unable to find a babysitter and like hell I was leaving him here alone. So I brought him along. I threw the truck into autopilot, we talked about various things and then took a nap. “Upon arrival I decided that it would be easier to gain access to the dungeon area with a ‘prisoner’. I asked Azure if he was okay with it and he said yes. I did not expect the alarm. We were both lucky that my poor decisions and rasher actions did not claim our lives.” John finished, perhaps too soon. The Unicorn gave him an intense look, as if he was trying to gauge the sincerity in John. “Well then,” he spoke, breaking his gaze, “I have a few situations to present to you, then I will speak to Azure, and then I will make my final assessment.” “Shoot.” John replied. Obsidian read off the first question, “Your foal comes home and has been bullied at school. What do you do?” “I’d teach him to fight like my dad taught me, and he his, and so on and so forth. So he can stick up for himself.” John said with sincerity. “Interesting.” The unicorn jotted down the answer. “You are going through your foal’s room and find something unsavory. Let’s say drug paraphernalia. What do you do?” “Well, I’d probably confront him about it and go from there. I'll do what I can to help him through it if he’s doing drugs. In all honesty, I really believe he has enough sense to avoid that altogether though.” John shrugged. “Alright, fair enough. Last one for you. Your foal comes home with a, ahem, very close friend. They are of the same gender. What do you do?” Obsidian asked, ready to scribe John’s reaction. “Well. If he really does swing that way, I’d just be happy as long as it’s a serious love-based relationship. It’s hard enough to find it as is.” John shrugged. “Okay. Well then, I will have to ask you to leave the room so I may speak to young Azure privately. I will call you down when we are done.” The unicorn motioned towards the staircase with his hoof as he shuffled through papers with magic. John solemnly nodded and walked up the stairs. He went into his room and flopped onto the large bed. Well, nothing to do but wait... A minute passed. Then another. Five minutes. Ten minutes. What’s going on down there? Why is it taking so long? Oh god, did Azure talk? Did he slip up? No. Must. Remain. Calm. Fifteen. Twenty. Twenty five. “Holy fuuuckk...” He sighed out loud. Just before it hit the half hour mark, he heard Obsidian holler for him. Popping up, he went down to the living room. Obsidian spoke up, for the first time his attention wasn’t divided in slightest. “Why don’t you have a seat over there?” He motioned towards the couch opposite him and Azure, who had a troubled look on his face. John complied. “Mr. Norris, you are a danger to yourself and your son. I am sorry to say this but... I have no choice. Azure Wind must come with me. If you would Azure, please go pack your things.” Everything stopped. The universe froze in place. Time refused to budge. Reality shattered. No. The simplistic thought reverberated against the nothingness where John’s heart used to be. He had just found a reason to continue living, only to have it torn away. Azure looked down as he moved slowly to the staircase and up it. John spoke up, “What do I have to do?” “Excuse me?” Obsidian replied. “You want bits? You can have all of them. You want goods, name it and it’s yours. You want my condo? Have it. My father’s M4. Take it. You want my humanity? Give me the damn potion and I’ll do it right now. Power? I can get that. Fame? It’d be at your doorstep. Anything. Everything. Just name it. Just... Just don’t take my son, he’s the only thing I have left.” John, the wealthy, tall, prideful human was fighting back tears. He never felt so small before. “Are you really willing to give up absolutely everything for your son? Even though you have put him in danger inadvertently and on purpose?” Obsidian queried. “He is my everything. I just wallowed here alone until he came along. I never even left my room except to stock on food. My son is my life. I’ve made mistakes, but who hasn’t? Please don’t take him from me.” John’s voice was starting to crack as much as his heart had. Then something happened out of left field. Obsidian smiled and proclaimed happily, “You passed.” “What?” John asked in utter confusion. “Though it is true that Azure is in danger here by being your son, you being a high profile target and all. I discerned from what he told me and your reaction right now that you’d never harm him truly on purpose, and that you really do love him as your son.” “What?” John was still in shock from the immense change of demeanor. “It was a test Mr. Norris.” “What.” This time anger seeped into his voice. “Please Mr. Norris,” Obsidian said in a calm tone, “I do not like taking foals away from their sires. We at Foal Services do everything to try and make sure that they may keep their children, as long as they truly mean well. From what you and young Azure said, it’s quite obvious that you two have a healthy, mayhaps odd, relationship. Of course there are few things that have come to my attention that need addressing.” John was making a slow recovery back into normalcy. “O...kay...” Obsidian appeared oblivious. “First, it seem young Azure is not currently enrolled in school. That needs to be addressed. Second, enrollment in a public school should take care of it, but he should spend time with foals his age. Third, Mr. Norris, Foal Services is a little reluctant to the fact that you are human while he is an impressionable young pegasus colt. We are weary of the psychological effects of such. Though I cannot force such a decision upon you, I urge you on the behalf of Foal services to get ponified. For your son’s sake. That’s all I have. I will be checking to make sure he gets enrolled within the week.” Obsidian got up to walk out the door, thanking John for his time before he left. John sat in silence for a good while. Azure came back down the stairs and sat on the seat he occupied before leaving. The air was thick with a myriad of emotions. After what felt like a small eternity, Azure spoke up. “Sorry dad. He told me to play along.” John got up and moved over to sit by Azure and answered slowly, “It’s alright Azure. You did good.” Then a smile crept onto John’s face. “So I guess your ass is mine then.” Azure laughed weakly and nuzzled against his father, “Forever and a day, you sack of hay.” _________________________________________________________________NOTES: Wow. I love this part yet despise myself for putting them through such emotional turmoil. It was emotionally racking to me to write this. Fun stuff to write this thing here. But it can be troubling. The story is starting to end. I COULD finish the main AAF in 2/3 parts and an epilouge. I have 6/7 planned not including epilouge. What’s that? When did that wonderbolt thing happen? That’s lost chapters material. As always, thoughts, concerns, ideas, what you’d like to see. Just want a cameo? Post ‘em in the current TCB thread or email me at KrassMcWriter@gmail.com. Part 10An Azure Future Part 10 John Norris loomed over a snoozing Azure Wind, his shadow cast over the young pegasus. “Heh heh heh...” He laughed inwardly as he prepped his new super soaker. Lets see you if you sleep through your alarm again. I know I sure didn’t. Let’s give him one last chance. “Hey Azure!” There was no response. Time to super soak his shit. John pulled the trigger. A jet of water drenched Azure. The effect was immediate. “What the hay dad?!” John released another torrent. “Ease up dad! I’m awake! I’m awake!” Azure exclaimed while moving with a purpose out of his bed. John lit a cigarette and threw a faded black and red trimmed backpack at Azure. “You start school today. This is also the fifth and last time you’ve slept through your alarm. Unless of course you like being woken up with the super soaker.” Azure examined the backpack. It was of an obvious human design with two large straps for arms. “Dad. This is for humans. I can’t use this thing.” He noted while holding it as if it was contaminated. John snorted in response. “That is why it has straps you fool.” He adjusted the straps for a pony his size and placed the backpack on Azure. It fit well enough, but the design looked funny on Azure. John stifled a laugh, “Okay, I’ll get you some new saddlebags this weekend. But this’ll work for now.” “It’s actually surprisingly comfortable. I think I’ll roll with this.” Azure shifted the backpack around into a comfortable position. “Well thats good.” John took another drag of his cigarette. “Breakfast is on the table, c’mon down when you’ve dried off.” John turned and walked down the stairs. He plopped on the couch and turned on the TV. He flipped to the news. Another debate was on. Usually John would change the channel, but the identity of the debaters caught his attention. It was an old friend representing the HLF, known to John as Tall Guy back in high school, and none other than Grey Crusader representing the PER. John turned up the volume. “...There were no survivors.” The newspony beamed, ever happy to be spitting headlines. “Now we go to a live interview of The founder of the Human Liberation Front and the founder of the Ponfication for Earth’s Rebirth for their thoughts on the closing of all conversion bureaus and recalling of all the ponification serum. We go live to Mr. Frank Dunland your thoughts on this Frank?” “You will address me as Mr. Dunland.” The man shot a glare at the camera. “Sorry. Mr. Dunland, what do you think about the closing of all the conversion bureaus?” The newspony corrected. The man that John once considered a friend had a pleased look on his face. “As a representative of the H.L.F., I am quite pleased at the turn of events. Maybe now, between the founding of the International Human Survival Association and the halting of ponifications, the human race may once again take up their mantles as the owners and sole proprietors of Earth.” The smugness in his face and tone made John want to punch him square in the face. Azure had finally made his way down stairs, he grabbed the vegetarian breakfast and joined his father. “Whatcha watching?” he asked. “Two old friends go at it. Shhhhh.” John was immersed in the debate. The newspony was back on the television. “Well, good luck with that Mr. Groebirch. Now, Grey Crusader, can I call you Grey?” It switched over to a grey pony who had a victoriously waving white flag that had the latin word ‘Veni, Vidi, Vici’ in it on his flank that John was all too familiar with, who simply nodded in response. “Good. Now Gray, your group’s goal, if I remember correctly, is a complete character foil of the HLF. Consisting entirely of ponies, you aim to ponify and ‘cleanse’ humanity. What are your plans now that the conversion bureaus are closed and the serum recalled?” “Well Mr. Front Page, PER retains the ability to produce serum if we so choose. We will continue to cleanse the earth of its filth for its eventually rebirth at the hands of the goddesses. “So am I to understand that PER still has ponification serum?” The newspony replied. “No comment.” The reply was as simple as it was ominous. The newspony cleared his throat. “So any last remarks?” “Superabimus, we shall prevail!” The human exclaimed with passion. Grey just shook his head, respectfully declining. “All right, that wraps this up.In other news the human race now stands a feeble one millio-” The newspony started, before John shut off the television. Well fuck. He cracked his neck and sighed. He got up off the couch and grabbed his keys off the kitchen counter. “Come on son, once more to the truck-mobile. Then onwards to school.” John continued, not even bothering to check if Azure was behind him. The only confirmation he had was the sound of his hooves against the floor. The stairs were mostly empty, except for some of the staff, who were about their various duties. The pair went down at a moderate pace reaching the lobby in two and a half minutes. He walked outside and was greeted by a rare sight, an overcast sky. John noted the occasion but kept moving to his truck. He hit the unlock button on his truck fob, to which the truck chirped in response. They covered the rest of the short distance and John opened the driver’s door. Sitting down he leaned over and opened the door for Azure. “Hop in kiddo, I got candy.” Azure chuckled at poor joke, “You’re so silly.” Then jumped into the car. “So where are we going?” The young pony asked. “I told you, you’re going to school.” John replied while turned the keys in the ignition and the engine roared to life. “Well, duh. But where? Is it down the block? Other side of town? Whats the school called? Give me something to work with here.” Azure snapped. John put the truck in drive and started down the street. “Its about three miles from here, it’s called Valencia Park, which is where I went when I was your age. Its a nice little place.” He explained as the truck moved down the empty street, garnering looks from the various ponies on the sidewalk. For the first time. John didn’t mind it. The truck was silent, but only for a moment when Azure asked a troubled question, “What if none of the other ponies like me?” John had expected this. He recalled a speech his own father gave him long ago, whenever he needed advice. “Well boy-o, I’m going to give a speech that is an old Norris family tradition, passed down from father to son. Every generation adding to it. One day, you will tell it to your son and add your own bit. Here goes,” John cleared his throat. “If they don’ like you, that’s their own damn problem. You’re you. That’ all ya are and all ya can be. You can either embrace it, run from it, or fight it. You can also kill yourself, but if ya do that I’ll bring ya back to kill you again. Don’t be afraid to get into a scrap, but try words first for god’s sake. If it does come to a fight, be sure to win, or failing that, take it like a man and don’t give up till he’s done. Don’t go around starting shit neither, nobody likes an asshole who goes around starting shit. Its okay to be afraid. Stand on your own two feet. It’s not okay to let fear stop you. Being afraid and going on in spite of that is the definition of courage. As for recreational drugs, if you got to do it, don’t let it get in the way of life. If you love someone, go for it, disregard what others may say. Love is rare enough and precious in all forms. Don’t abuse the one’s you-” “Dad.” Azure interrupted. “What is it?” “I’m going to school. Not moving out.” John shrugged, “Tradition dictates I say the whole thing. Almost done anyways. Now where was I? Ah yes. Don’t abuse the ones you love. One last thing, never ever betray those loyal to you. There. You were that close. That betrayal bit was mine.” John hit himself on the chest at the mention of his contribution, obviously proud. “So what purpose does that speech serve besides killing time and advice?” Azure asked, sounding a little short. “Well you forgot about being nervous for starters, and second adding to that speech is the step to manhood in this family my little pegasus. Hold onto your ass!” John spun the wheel all the way to the left, throwing Azure against the door and causing the tires to squeal. “Holy hay!” Azure exclaimed while pressed firmly against the door. The truck pulled into the old school and into one of the many available parking spots. “We’re here.” The human stated simply. “I noticed.” Azure retorted while regaining composure. Azure looked out the window, all sorts of ponies his age were going in through the gate. His wings fluttered out and promptly returned flush. “Hey... Can you walk me to my classroom?” John pondered for a moment and then agreed, “Sure, why the fuck not?” He turned off the engine and threw open his door as the truck shuddered to a halt. He slammed his door, moved around the front and opened Azure’s door. The pegasus hopped out onto the cool blacktop. John threw the door closed. “C’mon kiddo, it’s this way.” John took the lead, going through the chain link gate. “Now you are in room twenty, which if I remember correctly is...” John hesitated a took a moment to familiarize himself with his old campus. “This way?” he pointed down the hall and to the right from where they stood. He double checked mentally. “Yeah. This way. Follow me.” John once again took point motioning for Azure to follow. He moved down the hallway and to right. A few doors down was room twenty’s propped open green door. John went into the room first, followed by Azure. The room had about fifteen desks and a teacher’s desk. A majority of the seats were taken. John was surprised to see a multitude of adult ponies in the classroom. He turned to the white board which had ‘BRING YOUR FATHER TO SCHOOL!!!’ Fuck. “Excuse me, but are you Mr. Wind?” The teacher, a yellow earth pony with a picture of chalkboard on her flank asked. “Uh... no. I’m John Norris.” John corrected. “Oh, but I thought you were Azure Wind’s father.” “I am Azure’s father.” John was confused for moment then it clicked. “This is obviously some sort of big cultural misunderstanding. I am John Norris, thats a human name, My son is a pony, so he has a pony last name in place of a hereditary one.” “Oh, I see. Well Mr. Norris, you can have a seat back there by Forest Mint. We will begin momentarily. Azure, why don’t you introduce yourself?” The teacher motioned towards the front. Azure looked to his father, who just shrugged and took a seat in the back. Azure shifted around a little bit. He swallowed then gave a shaky introduction, “H-hi, I’m Azure Wind. I live with my dad.” The entire class spoke in unison, “Hi Azure Wind!” The teacher instructed Azure to take a seat, Azure complied sitting next to a deep green unicorn filly with a lighter mane of the same color. The filly shot him a bright smile which he returned weakly. If John didn't know better he'd say Azure was blushing slightly. “John is that you?” Called an all too familiar voice. John turned to see his old friend, Cream Baker, better known as Grindah. “No shit. What are you doing here broseph?” He beamed. “The twins are mine.” He motioned toward two identical looking earth pony fillys. ‘No shit, you never told me.” “You never asked, now shhh. It begins.” The teacher walked to the front of the class and cleared her throat. The room fell silent and the teacher spoke, “Hello class, for the visitors and new folk, I’m Miss Shale Quarry I was born and a raised on a rock farm. I teach this class. Today is ‘Bring your father to school’ day. We will be having your fathers talk about what they do.” The teacher proceeded to take down a list of the other fathers names, John’s being the last. She called the first up. A very serious looking white unicorn with vanilla folder cutie mark stepped up to the front of the class. “Hello, I am Dawn Filer.” The deep green filly next to Azure acknowledged her father with a wave. “I am an accountant. I work with numbers, organize files, handle payrolls and do various other work to keep businesses running. Anypony have any questions?” The class was dead silent. Forest Mint shuffled in her chair and her father was a bit flustered. Shale Quarry called up the next one, An orange earth pony that looked like he could crush boulders with a half hearted buck, in fact that was his cutie mark. “Ah’m Stonebreaker. Ah work construction.” The earth pony drawled in a southern accent. “Questions?” Two hooves shot up. “You.” Stonebreaker pointed at a young orange pegasus. “What do you do in construction?” The pegasus asked. “Ah usually haul around beams and clear land fer development. Ah do what’s required of me though.” He answered. “Next.” The question came from Forest Mint whom John noticed Azure was just a little shy from full on staring at. John enjoyed an inward laugh at the sight. “What kind of things do you build?” “All sorts o’ things, playgrounds, bakeries, houses... Whatever needs built really.” He paused. “Anypony else got a question?” The class didn’t respond. “Okay then. Guess I’ll take a seat.” The earth pony moved slowly to a seat in the back. There were only three ponies left then it was John’s turn. The next one called up to the whiteboard was a Pegasus wearing a flight suit. “Hi!” He was bursting with energy, “I’m Blitz! I’m the captain of the local weather team!” The hooves of all four pegasi in the class instantly shot up. “Yes?” He pointed at Azure. This should be interesting. “Exactly what does your job entail given your leadership position versus a casual member of the weather team?” Azure asked. The well spoken question caught Blitz by surprise, obviously whatever he rehearsed did not entail such a question. “Uhhh, I mostly just either receive orders and give or pass them on to the weather team. I usually just pass on the orders from the mayor though...” The other hooves went down. Heh. The leader of the weather team walked back to the chair set up in the back, murmuring something about ‘a tough crowd.’ Shale Quarry called up the next father, a unicorn with a yellow coat and orange mane walked up to the front of the class. “Hello, I’m Aquis. I’m a firefighter at station two.” Once again a small collection of hooves shot into the air, Azure’s among them. “Yes?” He pointed at a pure white Unicorn filly. “Um, how many fires have you put out?” She asked nervously. “I’ve been involved in twelve large fires since arriving here from Equestria.” He answered.”Next question?” He asked openly. The next one came from jet black pegasus colt. “Have you saved anypony? Like from a fire?” He asked. The firepony looked lost in thought for a moment before he answered, “Three times. The last one was here. The other two back in Equestria. I... don’t really like talking about it...” There was a small awkward silence before Aquis spoke up once more, “Alright, one more question then.” He pointed at Azure, “Kid with the interesting questions.” “Um, yes. I have two questions. First off is the origins of your name, is it a derivation of aqua for water, or does it come from the greek mythos slash zodiac sign of Aquarius which means water carrier?” Aquis was about to respond when Azure shot of the next question. “Also, you said you originate from Equestria. Why, may I ask, did you leave to come here?” Azure finished. The orange maned Unicorn coughed twice into his hoof, “Um, I just like the way it sounds. I wasn’t aware that there were lines to be drawn. As for why I came out here, well, I’ve been here for two months and been involved in twelve fires. Back in Equestria I was only involved in one fire in the ten years I’ve worked there as a firepony. I was needed here more.” He answered solemnly. “Okay, can we have the next father up here? Mister Cream Baker?” The teacher spoke quickly interjecting the downcast looking firepony. “Hi, I’m Cream Baker and I run a baked goods shop called Top Goods. Are there any questions?” Grindah beamed. Only one hoof raised, one of the earth pony twins in the class. “Of course you would ask a question. Proceed.” “When are you going to teach me how to cook daddy?” The filly asked. “This isn’t the time sweetie, we can talk about this at home.” “But daddy-” The young filly whined. “No buts, last time you set the kitchen on fire. Your special talent is not cooking.” Grindah rubbed his face with his hoof. “Anypony else?” Silence. “Okay then. John, it’s your turn now.” He said while walking back to the seats. Before John could get up, Shale Quarry spoke up, “We have a very special guest today as you all know, we have a human in class today!” She turned to face John. “Mr. Norris? If you’d please?” She motioned towards the chalk board. John got up to his feet and made his way to the front of the class. He stood before a room of fourteen young ponies and six of their fathers. He cracked his neck from side to side, yawned, then stated, “Hello, I am John Norris. I used to play the stock markets way back when and became obscenely rich. I am now retired. Questions?” Thirteen hooves shot up. Shit. “From left to right, you first.” He pointed a beige earth filly. “How do fingers work?” The young pony asked. John was taken a little aback by the question. “Um. I do not really know how to explain it... I just use them.” He wriggled his fingers to make his point. The next question came from a unicorn filly. “What’s it like being soooo tall?” John laughed a little, “I’m not that tall by human standards, not by a long shot. I’ve seen plenty taller than myself. Next question?” It came from a jet black pegasus “Just how rich are you anyways?’ John coughed dryly “Ummm... I have about a few billion bits.” The looks of envy elicited from the response were absolute. There was a short moment of silence. “So, how’s about that there next question, eh?” “My daddy says humans are inherently evil. Are you evil?” Forest Mint asked with genuine curiosity. “Uhhh... Nooo...” John was little weirded out by the question. “Some humans are no doubt, but then again, so are some ponies. Now to you, the honey colored earth pony.” “Um, yes. So what do you do retired being so young and rich?” She asked a bit nervously. “Whatever I want really. I usually just kick back with my son. I have nothing stopping me or making me do anything.” He replied. “Next question?” The next two in line, cream colored earth fillies, counted off to each other silently then spoke in unison, “What’s meat taste like?!” they shouted. John grew a little scared at the nature of the question. Only Grindah’s kids... “W-well, it’s kinda bad unless you cook it. Then its pretty kick ass.” An eager looking pegasus spat out the next question, “Can humans fly?” “Not without a machine.” This seemed to make the pegasus sad. Okay? “Next question?” “Do humans really have fangs?” The unicorn asked. John opened his mouth and pointed to his canines in response. “Are you a member of the HLF?” A Unicorn colt asked. “No. Never ask me that again. Just because I’m human doesn't mean I’m a bad guy. I never hurt anyone on purpose.” John glared at the unicorn colt, who sunk down a little in his chair. “Next question.” “Uh, uhm, yes, Why didn’t you get ponified?” A unicorn filly asked. John paused for a moment. “Well, that’s... very personal. I’m sorry to say.” He spoke a bit nervously. The filly looked sad, John rubbed his arm, “Next question?” A pegasus pony with a mane and tail the washed form light blue to pure white asked John’s his next question.“So what was life like before ponies came?” “Now that's a good question.’ John admitted, “What’s your name kid?” “Wind Rapids.” “Well, Rapids, let me tell you of the time before contact.” John cleared his throat. “Once upon a time there was something not too unlike peace, yes there were wars and murders and thievery and all sorts of corruption. But there was relatively little. The air could be a bit sour, the food a bit nasty, but it was life. I grew up around humans and thought nothing of it, for that was all there really was. My dad was a cruel and bitter remnant of the war on terror.My mom was a sweet thing, a bit too soft spoken though. Life went on. Then AI’s came about, I was there as an investor when the first one was ‘born’. Within eighteen months the job market was shit. Crime was high. War was approaching faster everyday.” John paused for effect. “Then something happened. You lot showed up. Promising happiness and health and a paradise, all we had to do was become you. That’s more or less a brief look at things.” John shrugged on the last line. The class seemed taken aback. “So, last question then.” It was an earth pony filly, “Do you have a cutie mark?” John noticed she lacked hers, “Humans don’t get cutie marks.” “Then how do know what your special talent is?” The filly looked a mix between sad and confused. John shrugged for what felt like the hundredth time that day. “We just do if we ever figure it out. Any more questions?” The class seemed to have their thirst satiated. The teacher instructed John to move to the back of the class. He sat down and reclined in the seat. It was revealed that it was a short day today, due to some Equestrian holy day. John didn’t pay attention to what it was exactly. The teacher assigned some chapters in a book and released them shortly after. John walked over to Azure as he bid Forest mint goodbye. John motioned for Azure to follow him. The pair headed out the classroom door, “So, what’d you think of school Azure?” John asked of the young pony. Azure seemed to dwell on it for a moment.before answering, “It seems alright, this was my first day though, one occurrence does not make a pattern. So I can’t really judge.” John opened both of the truck doors and hopped in the driver’s seat as Azure did the same into the passengers. John started the truck and slyly posed a question, “So... Azure... Anypony catch your fancy?” Azure’s normally blue face was bright red. He started down the road to the apartment. “Aha! I knew it! You like what’s-her-face!” “Forest Mint.” Azure corrected. “Heh. Take it easy kiddo, I think she likes you too.” John leaned into his seat, reclining. The young pegasus seemed to light up, “R-really? You think so?” “If she doesn't she’s batshit insane. Crazier than your ol’ dad.” He smirked. “Why don’t you invite her and the rest of your class to your birthday party this Saturday. So how about it?” John pulled into his parking spot at the complex. “Alright.” Azure agreed. They got out of the truck and headed inside to the penthouse condo they shared. __________________________________________________________________NOTES: I know what John’s pony form is going to be, as well as how Azure gets his cutie mark and what it is now. No word on John’s though. Scratch that. Best part, some of you know how he looks but don’t know you know! Town is Fullerton, California. It may or may not have changed its name in the fic due to ponies. Deal with it. Cultural misunderstandings should be more common eh? What in the fuck is THAT? Is that CANON SHIPPING? In MY AAF?! But HOW? So we have Azure, Forest, Two unnamed Pegasi colts, one filly, earth pony twins three more earth ponies. then four unicorns (not including forest) I made a seating chart for ya’ll at the end. enjoy. I murdered myself over it. FOR YOU. Part 11An Azure Future 11 I apologize for formatting and various errors, as this was written on my phone. stuff here is thoughts< John surveyed the living room. Everything was in order. There was a large table with every kind of sweet imaginable on display. A similar sized table was empty for the purpose of holding presents. A medium sized circular table held a cake which was a maginificent interpretation of the wind itself. The decorations around the room mirrored the artistry of the cake. When John hired the pink earth pony to organize the party, he was doubtful about his vision for it. Fortunately, those doubts were severely unfounded. It was a pity that the decorations had to be taken down by the end of the day. The patio outside was decorated the same as the interior, along with another long table covered with even more sweets. He unlocked his phone and checked the appointments. The party was scheduled to start in one hour. The entertainment to arrive in three. John sat upon his couch and flipped on his television. The news was on. John observed various reports of happenings in his changing world, though none caught his eye. Just new reports of the same things, HLF becoming IHSA. PER movements. The red plauge. John grumbled and turned the TV off. Any moment Azure would be waking up. As if on cue a sleepy pegasus came down the stairs, brushing his dark steely mane out of his icy eyes. "Impeccable timing Azure." John stood up and waved his hands around the room at the bright decorations. "What do you think?" The sleep left the young pegasus' eyes as wonder replaced it. "You set this all up?" "Well... no. I got the best equestrian party planner." John admitted, shrugging. Azure just luaghed in response. "I love it dad. Thank you." There was a small silence. "So what's for breakfast?" John stood up and stretched, "What ever you want kiddo, it's your day." Azure pondered for a moment. "How about we just eat some candy like cereal in our PJ's. Just visit, you know?" A weak smile creeped onto his muzzle at the warmth of the thought. John felt something inside him waiver. "Sure kid, That sounds nice." John and Azure sat next to each other, sharing the middle seat of the three cushion couch. The television was playing a nonsensical cartoon as the pair muched on super sugary chocolate flavored cereal. John wore an old pair of pajamas he got as part of his family's christmas tradition when he was seventeen. They were of simple design and color, but surprisingly soft to the touch. Azure had donned his Wonderbolt style pajamas. The pegasus leaned against the human as he munched on his cereal. The two sat silently, the crunching of cereal the only sound interrupting the tv. Moments passed. John broke the semblance of silence, "So how's things with that filly you got your eye on?" Azure almost swallowed his spoon. After a small series of coughs he managed to respond. "Luna's night Dad!" He choked out, still coughing. John stifled a laugh. "I was just wondering..." John scooped up a spoonful of cereal. "So who'd you invite to this shindig anyways?" Azure brightened up. "Oh! I invited Wind Rapids, Sugar dew and Sweetie cane, Blazing Star, Clay, he's new, and... Forest Mint..." His voice went quiet, barely above a whisper. "What was that last name now?" Azure spooned some cereal into his muzzle to postpone awnsering. "Well?" John prodded further. "Forest Mint." Azure sighed in defeat. John wore a sly smile in victory. "On another note, hows school going?" Finishing his bowl off. "Good I guess." Azure shrugged. "Ms. Shale Quarry says I'm doing really well, yesterday I passed a pop quiz. She was impressed because I wasn't there for most of the lesson. Then there's Jet Blaze and Cloudbreaker. They were making fun of Forest Mint, something about her dad. Anyways, I told them to stop it. They said 'Make us.'. So I did." Azure finished off his own bowl of chocolate cereal and guzzled the milk. "By the way, I have detention on Monday." He added. "Wait, what?" "I... sorta bucked Jet Blaze in the face..." Azure shifted his eyes downward. Then John did something Azure didn't expect to happen. He laughed. "Well shit, why'd you do that?" "When I told them to leave Forest alone, they did. Then they started making fun of me... about you... So, I kinda lost it and bucked Jet Blaze in the muzzle." Azure avoided looking at John, facing away. John patted Azure on the back. "Son," John started, breaking out the 's' word and getting Azure's attention, "I'm going to pass something on that my father told me after I got in my first fight. 'You have to stand up for your self or no one will.' There is no reason to feel bad. Hell, what you did deserves commendation." John beamed. "What was your dad like?" Azure asked, curious. John's left eye twitched in response. "He was a soldier. Through and through. Fought in what's now known as the Last Great War. When it ended he came back and settled down with my mom. He was tough on me. When my mother died, he was broken. After all he did, killing was his only way to solve problems. So he killed himself when I was seventeen. I would say I cried but... he was never a kind man..." John trailed off, lost in the memories. It was Azure's turn to comfort John. Azure hooves wrapped as far around the human's waist as he could, his steely grey mane brushing up against John's arm. "I think you're a great dad." John felt something stir that hadn't for years. Then his watched beeped. "Oh shi- its time to get ready. Go get dressed Azure." John started cleaning up the mid-morning mess. "You know we don't normally wear clothes, right?" John had put on a pair of blue jeans, boots and one of his favorite graphic tees. He had come downstairs to answer a knocking at the door. He made his way across the living room as the weak knock came again. He opened the door, revealing the unicorn filly known to him as Azure's crush, Forest Mint, and a large grey pegasus with an eyepatch partially hiding a jagged scar across his eye. He snorted at John, "Are you sure you wish to stay at this human's place?" He said with noticable disdain. Then added, "Alone?" "Oh please Thunder Head, I'll be quite fine." Forest Mint groaned, rolling her eyes. "Then I shall take my leave. Do not hesitate to contact me if you’re in trouble." The pegasus then pounded his chest with his right hoof and bowed his head in some sort salute. He proceeded to fly out the nearest window. "Huh. Well come on in! Don't just stand in the hallway!" John beamed, inviting the green unicorn filly in. She proceeded to walk in levitating a gift behind her. "Where's Azure?" She asked as she floated the gift onto the table. As if on cue, Azure came down from his room. "I heard somepony come in! Who is-" he cut off mid sentence upon seeing his guest. "Oh." He stopped in the living room. "Hey Azure!" She trotted up and made the day memorable. She gave Azure a small kiss on the cheeck which proceeded to turn his blue muzzle bright red. "That's for helping me out yesterday, the teachers took you away before I could thank you..." She paused for a moment "So, um, thank you. I'll be checking out your snacks." She walked off towards the appropiate table. "Are you okay Azure?" John asked slightly concerened but mostly trying to keep from laughing. Azure shook his head violently and regained composure. He walked off to awnser the knocking at the door. "That's my boy." John said, laughing softly. Two identical earth pony fillies tackled Azure in a hug as he opened the door. "Happy birthday Azure!" They shouted in unision. "We got you a present!" In unison again. They released him from their coordinated attack hug, picking up their present from the hallway and setting on the table. They left behind a comically dizzy pegasus in their wake. After Azure regained composure yet again. The party started up proper. Azure put the music, some almost obnoxiusly happy beat, and started dancing. Azure danced and talked to twins, occasionally he even dared a word or two to Forest Mint. Checking the time, John noted that there was a little over hour until the entertainment arrived. He was about to get things started when there was a furious pounding at the door, accompanied by a voice. "Are you sure this is the right place? I don't even think this is the building." "We already checked the other building!" Another voice replied with a slight whine. John threw the door open in a sucessful effort to startle them. There was a white pegasus who was hovering in the air acommpanied by brightly colored unicorn levitating three gifts and an earth pony. "Ah told ya we shoulda came 'ere first." The earth pony colt spoke with a southern drawl. His coat was a shade similar to that of Azure's, but a decent bit darker. "You said nothing!" Shot back the pegasus. "Well, if you stopped to listen-" Started the unicorn. "Hey look guys, I got us here!" Shouted the pegasus over his freinds. Azure took notice of the commotion and troted over to greet his friends. "Hey Rapids, Star, Clay! You made it! What's up?" The pegasus put Azure in a playful headlock. "Of course we made it! I was leading!" Azure broke the headlock and laughed. "Hay, now I'm surprised you guys are even in the right state!" He prodded, eliciting a laugh from all but Rapids who sat on his flank with his forehooves crossed in response. "So where do I put these?" Asked Star floating up three wrapped boxes in question. "Right over here, c'mon!" Azure walked off motioning for them to follow. John felt a tugging at his blue jeans pants leg. "Excuse me sir, but ah'd like to introduce mah self. Ah'm Clay, Ah just moved from New Appleloosa. Pleased to meet ya." "Uhhh... likewise." John responded, unsure how to act. The response seemed to satisfy the young pony as he trotted off towards the party. Well, let's get this started before they get here. John picked up a megaphone and clicked the trigger. "WE WOULD LIKE YOUR ATTENTION!" He blared with the help of the megaphone. Simultaniously and immeadiatly the music schreeched to a stop and all eyes were on him. "THANK YOU." Clicking the megaphone to life once more. "IT IS THE TIME FOR THE CERMONIAL UNWRAPPING OF PRESENTS AND SERVING OF CAKE." He annouced, setting aside the megaphone. Azure walked up to the table containing five brightly wrapped presents and one with black wrapping paper from John. "Alright buddy, the floor's yours." Azure carefully examined the presents, deciding which one to open first. "Try to make mine last." John requested. Azure made his selection, the present from the twins. He tore into the wrapping with his hooves. How the hell do they grip things like that? He opened the box and pulled out a small plushie of a familiar form. It was Azure in a wonderbolt suit. "We made it ourselves!" The pair beamed. "Thanks guys, I love it!" Azure smiled with almost genuine enthusiam. Next on the chop block was Clay's gift. Azure made short work of the box and its wrapping. He lifted the lid and revealed a cowboy hat. "How do I look?" He asked as he slid the hat over his dark steely mane. "Ya look like uh real cowpony." Clay smirked. Wordlessly Azure opened Wind Rapids gift. It was a book on philsophy and its history entitled 'Obscure Thought and YOU'. The present was almost as curious as Azure's elation upon seeing the gift. "Oooo, I've been dying to read this! Thank you!" "No prob Azzy. I remember you talking about it, so it seemed a pretty obvious gift." Only two gifts and John's remained. Azure saved Forest Mint's for next, opting to open Blazing Star's present first. He took an odd amount of caution, slowly and carefully untying the bow. The moment the bow was off, the box exploded, sending the lid flying. "Sweet Luna! Next time a little less, yes?" The unicorn looked a little sheepish. Azure peered into the charred remains of the box, then turned it over, dumping out a large pile of ash. Azure glared at Blazing Star. "I'll use less magnesium next time, sheesh," the unicorn defended. Azure rolled his eyes and turned his attention to Forest Mint's gift. He opened it as normal but with a bit more reserve. It was a rose contained in a simple vase. Oh boy. "I saw it and thought of you." She spoke timidly while shying away. John noticed her gift looked excatly like her cutie mark. "Thanks. I love it." John couldn't dechipher the myraid of emotions in Azure's voice. One present remained, John's. Azure opened the untied, decorative box. With a look of disbelief, Azure lifted the contents up: An official Wonderbolt flight suit and a permenant marker. "Thanks Dad!" He cheered, his face lighting up. "No problem Azure." Only fifteen minutes remained. "Let's hurry up and get this cake served!" John announced. The gathering moved over to the large cake whose colors were based of Azure himself. In frosting that reflected his mane it proclaimed 'Happy Birthday Azure!' with eight candles framing it. John lit a match and ignited the candles. "Make a wish." Azure seemed to concetrate for a while then blew out all the candles. John proceeded to cut the cake and serve it up to all the guests. No sooner had everyone received their cake and John finished serving the entertainment arrived. The Wonderbolts were here. They annouced their arrival by way of a blinding flash. "Everyone to the patio!" he ordered needlessly, as they were heading out before he could finish. Three pegasi wearing characteristic blue flight suits with lightning bolts. Trailing behind them were dark storm clouds. They broke their chevron formation and started writing in the sky. With a unsupassed deftness the message was wrought. 'Happy Birthday Azure!' The trio then reformed and weaved in and out of each other pulling a tight loop at a high speed. As the show progressed the stunts became more complex and intricate. Then the trio seperated, taking equidistance spots in the sky. The began to sprial up and closer to each other. Once they were making body contact with eachother they dove down as a ball of lightning filled the sky. It was much better than the show he went to see, though significantly shorter. The wonderbolts swooped down and landed on the patio, removing their goggles. "I heard it was somepony's birthday!" Beamed the leader, Spitfire. She was flanked by Wildfire and Cirrus, who was filling in for Soarin on account of a broken wing. Azure looked like he was about to explode. He opened his mouth to say something but only emitted a squeak. "Are you alri-" Cirrus began. "Oh my gosh! Stay right there, be right back" blurted Azure before he bolted off, returning with John's gift. "Could you sign this?!" "Heh, sure kiddo." Spitfire took the marker in her mouth and scribbled her name on the suit. "So you wanna go for a flight?" Wildfire offered, striking a pose. Azure immediatly averted his eyes down. "I... I can't fly..." Cirrus and Spitfire shot her a look. John told them to avoid the subject, but apprantly she didn't read the memo. Thankfully, Spitfire came to the rescue. She placed a hoof on Azure's shoulder. "Hey, don't worry about it, I didn't learn to fly until I was ten. In fact, when you can fly, write us and we'll do a flight together." She comforted, to accuntate, she removed her goggles and put them around Azure's neck. Azure's mood did a one eighty. "Really?!" "Yep. Just be patient. You'll get it." Spitfire smiled. Azure started machine gunning questions like only he could. "How'd you become a Wonderbolt? How many times did you try to get in? How'd you make captain? How much do you practice?" "Woah, uhhh... Well I got in my second try by sucessfully pulling off my signature move, The Volcano. I got captain for knowing how to run the squad better than anypony else when the spot opened. As for practice... about four hours as a team. I practice an additional two on my own. Except for the day of and the day before a performance." Azure seemed satisfied, as he stopped asking questions. Cirrus nuged Spitfire and motioned that it was time to go. "Hey kid, it was fun meeting you and all, but we gotta bolt." Spitfire explained. "Oh, that's okay. I understand." Azure admitted, and with that the Wonderbolts left. "Man that was so awesome! Why didn't you tell me the Wonderbolts where coming?!" Wind Rapids gushed. "I didn't even know." Azure shrugged, wearing a smile that wouldn't fade for the rest of the evening. He turned to face John and gave him a hug. "Thanks dad." "No problem" John grinned. The party winded down after the Wonderbolts left and the guests went as they came. First was Azure's friends who bid him farewell til Monday. The twins left next. Once more Azure and Forest were alone. "I had a lot of fun Azure. Maybe we can hang out next Saturday?" Forest offered. Azure was still riding high from the party. "That sounds good. Hell, let's make it a sleep over. Can you come over Friday night?" Forest mint smiled, "Sure, I'd like that." There was a pounding at the door. "That's Thunder. I gotta go." Then, the second time that day, she leaned in and kissed Azure. This time, however it wasn't on the cheek. Azure's wings shot straight up. "See you later." She turned and exited the penthouse. "So... Azure?" "Yeah dad?" "Did you have a good day?" "Best. Day. Ever." Part 12An Azure Future pt. 12 John was flying over open fields, multi-colored ants, ponies, were down beneath him. There were pegasi flying lower than John, if by just a few hundred meters. John banked right towards abstract mountains with peaks that soared out of sight. I REALLY need to teach Azure... was the sole thought that passed through his head, an odd one with his present situation considered. John came upon the mountain, it was as contorted and as strange as it seemed from afar. He hovered at its side and craned his neck upward, straining to see the peak. The mountain rose out of sight. He stretched his wings and flew upwards. Time endless passed, the cloud floor seemed miles below. Then there was a nothingness, the world was black. All that remained was the never ending mountain and John. Untold ages passed as John finally reached the summit. Upon the mountain was a castle with a stylized sun and moon on it. The royal palace, John recognized, or at least A royal palace. John folded his wings and walked inside. Upon two thrones sat the twin goddesses of sun and moon. He bowed and they nodded acknowledging the act. “John, I have long wondered when I would see you.” The room shook as the white one spoke. After a few moments, the vibrations failed to diminish but instead began to grow in intensity. Colossal boulders fell from the roof as the palace began to collapse from the earthquake. John went into full panic, spinning in place and bounding for the exit as a large piece of the ceiling denied him his leave. John’s eyes dashed from side to side in a panic, searching for any way out. He looked back to where the divine entities sat but a few moments before, but was instead greeted by two empty thrones. He could swear he hear Azure’s voice in what seemed to be his final moments. Then John woke up. The first thing he noticed was he was being shaken quite violently. The second thing was that an all too familiar pegasus was severely violating his personal space. As he woke up more and regained audio processing, he felt the shouting. “Dad, c’mon! C’mon! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! She’s coming over TODAY! And we haven’t prepared AT ALL!” John begrudgingly regained his senses and checked his watch. “Azure, you have approximately five seconds to explain why in god’s name I am awake at five in the morning.” “DADFORRESTMINTISCOMINGANDWEHAVENTEVENGOTTENEVERYTHINGREADYANDIFSHECOMESANDITSLIKETHISWHA-” The pegasus machine-gunned, only to be cut off by John holding his muzzle shut. “Azure. She’s not due til six o’clock. In the afternoon. I am going back to bed. If you wake me up, I will give you immediate flight lessons by tossing you out the window.” John turned over and pulled the sheets over his head. A few short moments later, he was off to a dreamless sleep. Azure sat there for a few moments considering various options. After a while, he chose what seemed to be the best one. He wiggled under the blanket and curled up to his snoozing dad, taking care not to wake him, then proceeded to drift off on his own. _________________________________ The pair woke up at about three thirty in the afternoon, the early rising negating all previously gathered sleep. Mornings, if they could be called that, were usually silent affairs. John went to the bathroom and then proceeded to the kitchen, where he microwaved a precooked meal for himself. Azure came into the kitchen in time to see John snag a pre-made salad in a bag, and rip it in half over a bowl, pouring out the green contents. Azure sighed. It was going to be another one of THOSE days. Their meal passed silent and uneventful. “So, what in god’s name did you want to prepare anyways?” John ask as he policed the remains of the late breakfast. The pegasus ran an azure hoof through its dark steely mane as it puzzled over the question. “I... don’t really know. Maybe plan some stuff to do? I never had a sleep over before.” “Huh. No shit. Hmmm...” John trailed off into thought. “How about... some movies, a video game or two, maybe even something like truth or dare... I don’t know.” “Hm... That could work...” said Azure while tapping his muzzle. The pair were locked in thought until a furious rapping at the door interrupted them. The time was checked and grim news was delivered. It was four forty-two, Forest Mint had arrived. "Quickly, to the door!" John shouted as he mounted and jumped over the counter separating the kitchen and the living room. He bolted across the floor to the door and threw in open inwards. A familiar gray pegasus with an eye patch partially covering a scar over his left eye accompanying a forest green unicorn filly awaited him. "Is this young Azure's residence?" Thunder Storm leered at the human. "Uh, I guess you can say that..." Thunder snorted, “I will be leaving Lady Forest at this residence for her planned ‘sleep over’ with young Azure.” The battle scarred guardian intensified his glare. “If any harm comes to her, HUMAN, nothing good will come of it. I assure you.” “Oh c’mon Thundie, give it a break.” The filly interjected. Once more, the pegasus snorted. He then proceeded to do what was either a deep nod or a shallow bow and took his leave. The unicorn filly was noticeably absent of any kind of luggage. I guess they don’t need extra clothes... “Hey Azure, what are we doing first?” Forest mint asked seductively, walking by Azure and brushing her tail underneath his muzzle. The simple action sprung Azure’s wings all the way up as they quivered in place. What is WRONG with this filly? “I-uh, I... have... uh...” Azure stammered, trying desperately to to regain control of his stiff wings and blushing furiously. Forest giggled, not helping Azure’s situation at all. “How about we watch some cartoons, hm?” “That uh, that sounds... nice.” Azure was finally regaining control of himself. “So, I guess I’ll leave you kids alone then. If you need me, holler. I’ll probably check up on you from time to time throughout the night.” John informed, before turning and going upstairs. He went up the spiral staircase and into his personal room. He booted up his computer and the security system. On one monitor he had the internet, on the other the security system output. Azure and Forest were watching cartoons. Seemed innocent enough. John zoomed in and enable audio. “...is that scary dude with you all the time for?” Azure asked over the cartoon. “Hm? Oh Thunder Storm? He’s just my body guard.” Came the dismissive awnser. This of course only confused Azure further. “Why in Luna’s name *chrzt* -odyguar- *chrzt*?” “Shit!” Johns audio was cutting out. He played with the wires and when that failed, he checked the software. >Dammit. It’s the hardware. Bah, I'll get it in a moment.< John turned to the other monitor and started browsing the news. Let's see... Tabloid bullshit, tabloid bullshit, tabloid bullshit... 10 ways to get a firmer ass... fuck man, no wonder why ponies are getting so many sign ups. We do stupid fucking shit.< John typed in the url of site dedicated to the more serious side of news. >HERE we go. 'Two killed in HLF attack on Bureau' 'Despite threats renowned cellist announces third tour in US' 'Break-in at conversion Bureau, prototype zebra potion missing' 'HLF Reports mass Kidnapping' 'Mysterious jail break at HLF HQ. Hero Remains Unnamed' Heh, sweet. 'One man walks in, Six ponies walk out. The amazing story of Thomas Thail' What in gods name? Sounds stupid.< John refreshed the page to see if anything new had come in. Sure enough in big scarlet letters: 'BREAKING NEWS!: IHSA SAN DIEGO HUMAN STRONGHOLD ATTACKED BY PER WITH WEAPONIZED POTION!' John clicked immediately. "DAAAD!" a voice wailed from downstairs. John swore under his breath; he'll have to read it later. Fuck, San Diego is a just a short ride south of here...< He thought as he went down the stairs, the broken security audio forgotten. "What ya need Azure?" John asked, a little annoyed. "Can we talk in the kitchen?" The pegasus asked, looking pleadingly up at the human. John sighed. "Alright. Fine." The azure colt jumped off the couch elicitin a look of half curiousity from the filly accompanying him. Once in the kitchen Azure started flipping out. "HOLY SHIT DAD, SHE SAID SHE LIKES ME! WHAT DO I DO?!" John blinked a few times, dumbfounded. "What did you do?" "I called you!" Azure exclaimed. John's hand met his face. "What is WRONG with you? GET IN THERE AND MAKE OUT! Before its too late!" John picked Azure up and tossed him carefully into the living room. The colt made his way over to the couch, shaking the whole time. He jumped up on the couch. "Uh... Hey, Forest..." The deep green unicorn filly took the nervous colt by surprise and cyan was made as blue met green. Azure pushed back after inital shock left. The kiss lasted a moment longer before they parted. "Took you long enough." Good for Azure but damn if she doesn't work fast. they’ve only known each other for about two weeks. I’ve heard a lot about how ponies are ‘better’ but I never thought relationships was part of the deal. Or maybe its just her. I’m definitely going to have to look into this later... Maybe the PER attack is on the news, I should check. John walked into the living room and sat on the opposite side of Azure. "You two lovebirds mind if I put the news on?" The two were lost in each other. John changed the channel. Just as he hoped, the article he saw upstairs was on TV. "We are now on scene where the group PER has utilized an aerolized form of ponification serum to forcibly convert the west coast IHSA stronghold!" There behind the unicorn reporter was San Diego University covered in a thick purple crowd. The area was alive with commotion and spectators. The pony counterparts of firemen, police, and various other emergency were running about doing god knows what. The news caught the attention of the ponies on his couch. John thought he heard Forest murmur something. She seemed worried about something. “The western US installation of the International Human Survival Association has been reported to contain about ten thousand humans. All of whom have been victimized this evening.” The newspony had a genuine look of concern, worry and horror. "This coming in, Princess Celestia is going to speak on this attack! We go live to Canterlot." The screen now displayed a familar royal visage upon the balcony of which she made a majority of her speeches. "My little ponies and remnants of the Human race, I am here before you today due to the genocide committed by a terrorist organization comprised of our own people." The alicorn wore an ageless, undefinable expression. "Ten years ago, our kind extended a helping hoof to the human race. They had war. They had most of their own kind starving and impoverished. Asking a human for what to us are simple generosities would more often end in violence than kindness. Pollution was beginning to choke their world. “We offered them solace when they needed it most. We offered to take away their poverty, their war, their overly violent nature, and heal their planet. But sadly, mankind was found to be incompatible with the magicks inside Equestria. “We were determined to save our neighbouring sentient species despite this. If they could not survive as humans, perhaps they could still survive... as one of our own. We worked hand in hoof with them to create ponification serum in hopes of a better future for mankind. “Today, the purity that the serum held has been vandalized. Today the choice that was always upon the humans was taken away from ten thousand nine hundred sixty three of them in the greatest act of terrorism ever known to us. The serum was weaponized, aerolized and without any sedative, and some did not make it trough the conversion process, while others suffered from dreadful mutations and defects. A heartbreaking majority were rendered mentally unsound from the process.” The ageless monarch’s face shifted from a sadden expression to one John nor the rest of the world had yet to see on the princess, an expression of pure fury. “It is for the victims of this attack that I, Princess Celestia of Equestria, herby swear that the all members, former or current, of PER shall know no mercy nor peace, and that they WILL be brought to justice!” The TV switched back to the newspony who continued to cover on-site. John changed the channel back to Azure’s cartoon, some action filled filth with no real plot called Yellowstone. “Well, shit.” An expected response from the unexpected source of Azure. “Azure! Watch your language!” John shouted as fatherly as he could. “You cuss all the time!” Was the retort. “Azure, we both know its far too late for me, save yourself.” The only other being in the room was being oddly silent. A fact noticed by Azure, "Hey, are you alright Forest?" He asked putting a hoof on her shoulder. Forest looked around, everywhere except John and Azure. "I.. I'm alright... I'll be fine..." "Cool, I'll get some snacks and show y'all a real cartoon." John proclaimed a he turned to the kitchen. He rifled through the drawers and grabbed some vegetarian snacks and a bag of beef jerky for himself. Azure met his father on the way back to the couch. "Dad, I think she's actually in some emotional turmoil." "What? You heard her, she's fine. Don't worry about it. C'mon, it adventure time." John finished his journey to the living room. Upon returning he booted up the old Blu-Ray player and inserted a disc. "This was my dad's favorite when he was young and one of my favorites too." The disc booted and the cartoon played. John slouched out of relaxation into the couch on its right most seat. "What am I watching?" Azure asked, slightly disturbed. "Adventure." "That dosen't awnser the-" "No buts, ADVENTURE." "I didn't even say-" "Ad. Venture." Having long ago realizing the futility of ever debating anything with his father using real logic, Azure gave up. John was John. Instead he leaned against Forest. "Sorry, my dad gets a little weird sometimes." There was no reply. "Are you worried about your dad?" This time a slight nod. "He'll be fine, don't worry about it." A faint smile. "Thanks Azure. I needed that." The deep green unicorn relaxed and went back to enjoyin the date, regardless of the unexpected intteruption. There was a furious rapping at the door, one that would be associated with anger, panic, or eccentricity of the person at the door. John, Azure and Forest all turned at the queer sound with a single simple collective thought: >Who?< The rapping came again, harder and faster than before. This time however, it was accompanied by a someone shouting, "Open up! Forest! Its your dad!" I know that voice...< John got up with a look as if he had just entered the twilight zone. He walked to the door. The persistent pounding of fate itself came once more, more savage than before. John opened the door of destiny. There on the otherside of the doorway was an all too familiar gray unicorn. The world froze in place for the pair. "Gray." "Norris." The Lost Chapters: Drunken and Joke Editions. (Pt 8 and Pt 10)An Azure Future part 8 Yeah. This fic again. It never ends. LSD, ALICORN SPIDERS AND CAPTAIN AMERICA EDITION John Norris stared at the building in front of him that boasted its purpose, the headquarters of the human liberation front. A more prideful bunch of madmen has never before been gathered in such multitude before and quite likely never again... The human noted to himself. He grabbed the rope from the bench in the truck, pausing to prepare himself mentally for what he had to do. "Hey Azure, I'm going to need you to take this aphrodisiac and tie you up. If you wake up, don't give us away." John informed Azure. "What." The young pegasus stated more than asked. “At least I think they are aphrodisiacs... Aphrodisiac’s are sleeping pills right?” John asked himself, fiddling with the drugs in question “You can’t be serious...” “I’ll get you an official Wonderbolt flight suit.” Azure contemplated for a few moments. “Aw hay. Give it here.” John handed Azure the pills who looked at them for a moment before ingesting them. Approximately four minutes passed. “Hoooly haaaaay. Everythings sooo...” Azure staggered to the left three steps and then to twice to the left. “Dad. When did you join the Shadowbolts? How could you betray me like that?” John got a little concerned. “Are you alright Azure?” “dot dot dot...” “Okay. You happen to be an in area I have experience in. You are obscenely high.You need to be unconscious.” Azure jumped five feet in the air, “Holy shit, did you see that alicorn spider?!” “Azure.” “Oooooooooh myyyyyyyyyyyyyy celestia.” John took a hold of Azure and made makeshift blindfold out of an extra shirt he had packed.”Azure, try to sleep it off and for God’s sake keep quite.” The human carefully tied up his son making sure not to cause discomfort. This is so bad... Little guy’s probably having the time of his life. he thought to himself. He took a deep breath, prayed to whatever God there may be, and walked across the street, into the HLF Headquarters. John pulled the door open, which gave more resistance than expected. As he stepped inside with the young pegasus tripping balls slung carefully over his shoulder. The lobby was not too unlike that of his home’s, outside of being smaller and much more empty. Pretty desolate for being the HQ of one of the major players in these final days. A young man with a wild look who sat at the desk stopped playing with his Rubik’s cube to raise an eyebrow at John. “Can I help you?” He asked seeming annoyed that he actually had to do something on his shift. John paused for a moment, “Uhhh... I found this one... uh... snooping around? I captured him, where do I put ‘im?” There was a complete lack of confidence in his voice. The wild looking young man either didn’t notice or didn’t care as he went back to his Rubik’s cube. “Its down stairs, third basement level. Put him an an empty cell for interrogation later.” He explained non-chalantly. That was much easier than I thought. John made his way to the stairs, and proceeded down them. He opened up the door to find what looked like an old time prison that’d you’d see in the movies. Expect it had a distinct office feel, courtesy of the cubicles. Even more shocking then the HLF dungeon was who was there: No one. This is starting to seem a mite too easy... not that I can do anything about it. Okay, there has to be a rooster, or a list or chart or something of who’s in what. John set Azure down in a chair in one of the cubicles, who appeared aleep. Poor kid must’ve really been tuckered out. Well, I did give him LSD, thinking it was an aphrodisiac, which I’m still pretty sure means sedative. That’s going be hard as shit to explain to child services... Man, I’m like the worst parent sometimes. “DAAAaaaAAAd, why are crying?” Azure giggled. Guess not. “Azure, you can’t see. You have a blindfold on. It should pass in about four hours.” John sighed. “But I can see! He rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. My physical eyes may be gone, but they have been replaced! I have been blessed with sight in a third eye I can see into your mind, and you are crying.” Azure spoke rapidly and unsure, seemingly on the verge of mad laughter. Goddammit. John stopped rummaging through the front desk. “Azure. You are on drugs, not chosen by God, or Celestia or what have you. Now please be quite so we don’t get caught.” Azure was smiling like a madman, but silent. John looked the desk over, He found a map with cell numbers and prisoners. Lets see, Cell 16: For quitting the internet three times a day: King Of Gets | Cell 15: For going against God: Smittons Cell 14| For Impersonation a famous pony and being generally drunk: VodKaRoo | Cell 13: For silliness: Anonsi | Cell 12: High ranking pony: Midnight Shadow | Cell 11: For atrocities against writing and fracturing human emotions: Videomaster | Cell 10: For general stupidity and overall horribleness: Krass McWriter | Cell 9: For betraying the human race: Rose | Cell 8: For being a pony: Windchaser | Cell 7: For Using magic on a human child Erac | Cell 6: For quitting Lightsdieluc | Cell 5: For founding foreign conversion bureaus: Purple Prose | Cell 4: for never finishing and giving out really short parts Sonic | Cell 3: For biological warfare Sir Issac Johnington | Cell 2: For never updating even on status: Mush | Cell: 1 For creating music to convince others to get ponified: Leggos. Bingo. John made his way to cell one. Aw fuck. Its electronically locked. John looked around for the switch. It was nowhere to be seen. “Are you looking for something father?” Azure spoke delicately. “Azure... I’m out of things to say. Shoot.” John gave up. “Its the desk. The whole desk. Flip it.” “What?” John asked puzzled. “The Alicorn spider told me.” He stated. John decided it was best not to respond and just comply. He made his way back to the desk and kicked it over. Then all hell broke loose. Alarms started going off and all the doors slammed open. Well, fuck. I probably don’t have more than a minute. John threw Azure over shoulder and sprinted to the first cell. There, unconscious and laying in the cell was an earth pony with a fuchsia coat and a rusty colored mane. He had an acoustic guitar on his flank. John hesitated a moment, then he made a decision. “Azure, I need you to walk by yourself. I’m going to take off your blindfold.” “They brought a blind man to The Lord and asked him to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and brought him outside of the village. Then he spit on his eyes, placed his hands on his eyes and asked, ‘Do you see anything?’ Regaining his sight he said, “I see people, but they look like trees walking.” Azure paraphrased as John removed the blindfold and untied him. The pegasus was set down. “Azure, this we have angry men with guns on their way down here. I sorta left the rifle in truck, and only have the knife.” “But its a magic knife. You just have to believe!” Azure exclaimed, his pupils were all that was visible of his eyes. John heard heavy footsteps. He took a quick look around, scanning the room for anything he could use. He spotted a metal trashcan lid. He picked it up and drew his gravity knife, holding the combination as a sword and shield. “Azure, stay close and don't wonder off.” John took a deep breath a swallowed, then he charged up the stairs shield first with Azure following. The red light gave everything an eerie glow. The footsteps were growing louder as John’s own footsteps thudded loudly against the steps. There were three men with guns just a few steps ahead of him. Before the could lift their weapons, John pushed through them, using the trashcan lid as a shield. “Azure, ya there?” John verbally checked as he continued to rush up the stairs. “Right behind you and the Alicorn Spider! When did you become Captain America? Can you get on of the other Avengers to teach me how to fly?” Azure shot back in response. “Azure, now is NOT the time!” John shouted back. He had reached the ground floor, he had a fatal funnel, about forty meters of open area and linear danger area. John was in deep shit. “Azure. I’m going to bust through this door. If something happens, keep running to the truck. I have instruction in the center console. “One...” John started. “Two...” John’s heart was stopped dead. He kicked the door, which slammed open. He charged towards the exit, trash can lid first. There were HLF combatants wait who fired at john without hesitation. Much to John’s surprise, the makeshift shield held up under fire. John let out a barbaric yell and charged, makeshift shield in front and the Luftwaffe gravity knife out and tight to his right. He pushed trough the hallway, making sure to incapacitate the HLF soldiers so he wouldn’t get shot in back. For the first time in his life he thanked his father. John clocked one of the HLF with the trash can lid, rendering him unconscious. He looked around. The hall was clear. He put away the knife and searched the soldier, finding a small automatic with three clips and two grenades. “Daaad. The Alicorn spider says we should go now. Or else bad things will happen.” Azure spoke nervously.” “Azure. Just...“ John stumbled on the words then just sighed, ”Whatever. Lets go.” John moved to the end of the hall pausing to prep the grenades and toss them in the lobby. John rushed in as he heard them go off. He charged through the smoke and debris filled lobby, firing blindly at anything that moved. He busted out of the door like a bat out of hell, adrenaline coursing through his veins. He threw the arm with the makeshift shield behind him as he charged towards his goal. He slid the fuchsia pony off of his shoulders, preparing to throw him inside the truck. After about ten meters of dodging bullets John threw open his truck tossed in the fuchsia coated pony in the back, his head slamming against a door. He started the car as Azure hopped in, looking as if he hadn’t a care in the world. He threw it into drive and as he squealed off, he caught a bullet in his left arm. John swore profusely and Azure giggled, “You’re it!” John wordlessly put the truck on auto, pulled out the old German knife once again and stabbed himself in the bullet hole. He grunted in pain. He twisted and flicked the knife, removing the bullet. He took some bandages and wrapped the wound. John let out an exhausted sigh as the adrenaline left his body. “Ima... take a nap...” “May Luna bring you dreams sweeter than a cool summer night.” Azure beamed in return, as he stared off into the distance. John yawned as he looked around the cabin of the old truck. He dwelled for a moment on Azure and his old friend. He smiled at the young pegasus who was staring out the window. Then he sighed one last time as he drifted off to sleep. ____________________________________________________________NOTES: That was bad and I should feel bad. AN AZURE FUTURE PART 10. Azure woke up to the sound of his blaring alarm. He hated that alarm with a burning passion. The pegasus swore vengeance upon all thing that beep. He made his way down stairs where his father and some scottish dude were passed out on the couch. They made all sorts of weird noises last night. It worried Azure. He hugged his Soarin throw pillow til he passed out from exhaustion. Azure sighed at the scottish mans nudity. He made his way to kitchen and poured some wonderbits©, the wonderbolts official breakfast cereal, into a bowl of DIAMONDS that john bought when he was drunk. Azure was still hungry, so he at the box too. Azure was going to wake up his dad, but he was under a naked human. And naked human germs are of the worst sort. Instead he rearranged the furniture and the surround sound system. Then he plugged in his dad’s MP3 player and blasted some five years of broken glass. When nothing happened he tried to push the couch out the window, but lacked the strength. So he went upstairs and grabbed a pointy stick. He had no idea why John had a pointy stick, but he was going to use it. He went back to the living room and saw that the naked scot was missing.This troubled Azure. He did not like strange men running around naked. Even more so when it was in his house. Azure turned to the sound of two drunken stomps. There the naked hairy scot was standing, his manhood fully out. “Ah assume ye ar da wee pony tha i john’s sun? Ah’m McDrunk!” “You are naked.” “Nye, Ah’m scottish.” “Yo dick be out sonny.” The scottish man looked down. “Why, would ye lookit dat!” “I’d much rather not...” Then John was a pony. But he wasn;t an pegasi. Instead he was a filthy earth pony. So he flew out the window. Azure grew up and got into the wonderbolts by sucking off the leader and substantial bribes. Later they got married. then John was a tree for no reason. the end. ______________________________________________________________NOTES: Never again. Pt 10 for real will be done whenever. 100% non-canon Part 13An Azure Future Part 13 The Final Chapter Its not whether or not you know the destination, but if you enjoy the journey. I'd like to take the time to thank each and everyone of you who has put up with my shenanigans throughout the writing of this fic. Its been real fun getting to know all of you! I hope you have enjoyed reading as much as I have writing. Though I doubt it. I was drunk half the time. ********************* John stared intently at the grey coated white maned unicorn on his doorstop. This was the pony that had tried to steal Azure, the pony who was hellbent on removing his race from existence. He remembered the last time he was face to face with this pony. He was strapped down and about to be forcibly ponified. "Long time no see." John seethed. "Move aside skin bag. I'm here for my daughter." Grey Crusader growled. "First things first, you organized that attack didn't you?" John leered at the pony before him. "Yes I did, what's it to you?" The was no remorse in his tone. "You are without a doubt the most wanted man in the world. Top of Celestia's list and every single human's. You took the ponification potion and weaponized it. You forced what should be a choice upon thousands of people." It was hard to decipher his emotion. "And?" "And, I may regret this, but I need a favor from you." It was resignation. "Oh, do you now?" Grey smirked. "I think this is a conversation better held in more..." he waved his hoof around as if he were searching for the right word, "...private areas." John begrudingly stepped aside, letting the fugitive into his home. "Daddy!" The green filly cried in an attack hug. "You're alright!" John knew by now that Grey was the filly's father, but seeing the kind, almost too friendly foal hug Grey was an odd sight indeed. "Of course I'm fine, sweetie." "But they were talking about your work on the TV and Celestia herself is overseeing your capture and-" Forest machine gunned. She was cut off by her father with a gentle embrace. "Its okay honey," he said softly, he then glared at John, "I think I found a way out." "What's he talking about dad?" Azure asked, catching on. "Azure, go play." John deadpanned. "Me and Mr. Crusader have some business to discuss." "I think you should accompany Azure, Forest." Grey dismissed his own child. "When ya need to talk about it..." Azure trailed as he sulked off to his room, accompanied by Forest. Once their respective offspring were out of ear shot, John and Grey began their bartering. "So, you want to be the little pony eh?" Grey smirked. "Be serious." John snapped in response. "Heh. I am no idiot, you want a service I can provide and I believe you can help me with my... situation." "Name it." John stated. "E-Excuse me?" The unicorn stammered, taken aback by the unexpectedness and bluntness of it. "You heard me." His temper rising. "Name it." The PER leader regained his composure, "You know, a blank check isn't the best way to get what you want from a negotiation." "What I WANT," John was uncharacteristically calm for the given circumstance, "is to raise my son. The barrier's growing. Flying lessons or not, I'd have at best three years. Realistically, eight to fourteen months. And that's not accounting for its random growth spurts. I'm all he has left." "'The Beast slain by love' eh?" John glared at Grey. "Now, now. No need for that. As for my price Mr. Norris, listen closely." If John acknowledged him, he didn't show it. "I have three things I require. First, I am going to assume you are indeed rich and influential. You are going to use this to help me escape the wrath of Celestia. Help to escape the wrath of a supposedly immortal being that some believe to be a goddess...? that's going to be a hell of a trick.< "Second, you are to impart ten million bits to the cause. You will also help the cause as needed as a member." The prospect of actually joining the insane stallion on his crusade to eliminate all mankind was both foreign and unwelcome. John gritted his teeth and reminded himself of his purpose. "Third, you are to help us launch the attack on Fort Stillwater. Our transportation is... indisposed at the moment. You will drive us there. Once we are finished, you will help us escape. Upon returning to the headquarters you will have your prize." John was silent. He would be betraying his species. Marked a terrorist. Help the greatest villain of the century get away Scott free. "Where do we start?" Grey smiled. "Let's get those bits and then get me out of here." John led the way up. Past Azure's shut door, into his own room. "Turn around." John instructed Grey. "Excuse me?" "Just because you have secured some reluctant favors does not mean I'm about to let you know my code." "Fair enough Mr. Norris." Grey complied. John punched the code into the keypad and the false wall slid away out of sight. John entered the room stacked with bits. Over a period of several minutes, he counted out the required sum by the stacks of thousand and piled them outside of the entrance. "There. Now how do you plan on getting this out of here?" John gestured towards the sizable pile. Grey just gave John an odd look and tapped his horn. "The transportation of inanimate objects is foal’s play." His horn glowed with grey light as did the pile. Then it disappeared. "Now how do YOU plan on sneaking me out of here?" John paused for a moment and pondered. Then a wicked smile crossed his face. "Follow my lead." John made haste to Azure's room and kicked the door open upon an odd scene. Forest Mint had Azure pinned to his bed and was inches away from the young colts muzzle. "FOREST?!" Her father bellowed. "D-Dad! Uh, its not what it looks like!" The filly defended, removing herself from the nervous looking colt. "Damn. Your daughter works FAST." John stated. "What's THAT supposed to mean?!" Grey turned to John furious. "I'll have to show you the video later. Its fucking hilarious. Your filly was damn near presenting herself to Azure earlier." John chuckled. "You RECORDED that dad?!" Azure exclaimed, to which John just shrugged. "We are going to have a talk later little missy." Grey glowered at his daughter. "Okay kiddies, off the bed. Grey, hop on." John orderd. Once he sat alone on the bed, Grey asked, "I fail to see what y-" He was cut off by john suddenly snatching up the corners of the comforter and gathering them up into a bundle in a move he made once before. "Trust in the power of the sack, inexperienced one." He smirked. "What the hay are you doing?!" The PER leader and founder struggled against his makeshift prison. "You told me to sneak you out. This is me sneaking you out. Now stop making so much commotion." John explained. "I am a pony of prestige and respect! I refuse to be subjected to such barbaric measures and I fail to see how this could possibly work!" Grey complained. "Well, for better or worse the tenants of this building have come to expect a good deal of eccentricities from yours truly. Also, I own this building so they can fuck themselves." The pony in the sack was oddly silent for a few moments. "You are truly mad." John ignored the comment. "Azure, grab your female and let's go." "'His female?!" Apparently Forest would be having none of that. "Holy hell, we can work this out later, let's go. Azure, Forest, follow me." John kicked the door open and tromped down the stairs. "AWAAAY!" The filly and the colt just looked at each other for a moment, confused, before finally shaking their heads in disapproval and following. The group consisting of a human, a sacked unicorn, a young unicorn and a pegasus colt made their way awkwardly out of the penthouse condo. They were stopped by a light green earth pony. "Hey John!" It beamed. "Jo- I mean Breezy, this isn't the time. I'm kinda busy right now..." John tried to dodge. "Did you see the news?! PER is carrying out attacks on the human race all over the globe man! You’re, like, the last human on the West Coast! Maybe the world! Hey, what's in the sack?" John scanned the area and found nothing. He busted out his fallback, "HEY LOOK, A DISTRACTION!" John pointed behind the pony and bolted towards the stairs the moment he turned, Forest and Azure following closely. They screamed down the stairs, Grey's sack bouncing against John's back and the walls every time they turned a corner. John stopped about two thirds of the way down, panting heavily. "I... think we... lost him." "John." Came a muffled voice from the makeshift sack. "Yes?" "Could you do me a favor and BE MORE GENTLE?!" The unicorn shouted. "Shouting will get you nowhere. Except caught. Now pipe down boy-o." John lazily formed the words. He shifted the sack as Grey muttered something intelligible. Probably insults and swears. The group finally descended the final flight of stairs and exited into the lobby. Once more their smuggling effort was interrupted by social nuances. "Hello, Mr. Norris!" Cheered the receptionist, Sweetie Pop. A confused look crossed her face once she saw John towing a large comforter over his shoulder like a sack. "What's with the blanket Mr. Norris?" "Its just the world's largest shit bag, wanna see?" John smirked as he leaned into the counter. He could've sworn he heard Grey murmur a death threat under his breath. "Uh.. N-no... I'm quite alright..." she shied, going back to the computer in front of her. "Well, then, I'll carry on my merry way." John beamed before turning and exiting the building. The group crossed the lit street to the parking complex where John kept his truck. He unlocked the truck and tossed the sack inside. A very angry unicorn burst out. "What the horsefeathers Norris!" Gray seethed. "I got you down unnoticed, what more could you ask for?" John shrugged. "Oh I don't know... How about not slamming me into walls and tossing me around?!" "That's your own damn problem. What did you expect when you let me make the plan? To use my secret emergency escape route?" John shot back. "We have a secret escape route dad?" Azure asked as he hopped into the passenger seat. "Since when?" He asked as he situated himself. "Since forever. I'll have to show it sometime, its really cool. You'd dig it." John beamed as he got behind the wheel. Forest climbed into the back and was trying to calm her father out of his nigh uncontrollable rage. "So ponydude, how do I get there?" John asked. Grey swallowed his rage the best he could, though his voice was still trembling with it, "Its not far... just at the old junior college." "Really? FJC? That's about an eight minute drive from here. Why there of all places?" John queried as he started the engine and put it drive. "It was abandoned and convenient. Has buildings and areas suitable to our needs. And it was close." The truck had rolled out of the parking complex and unto the street. John drove slowly as much of the town walked about the street with moving cars being quite a rare sight. The truck garnered looks from the few ponies about at night. "So, basically 'because'?" "Sure. 'Because'." Grey gave to John's illogical approach to debates. The rest of the way was silent. John arrived at the old junior college after a short drive. The truck unloaded. "Follow me, I know the way." Grey lead the group out of the complex and onto the campus. It wasn't long til they came across the first pony of many. An earth pony whose eyes went wide with shock. "Grand Master Crusader! You escaped!" He bowed. John was taken a little aback. >No wonder why Grey is pissed at my escape. He's the Grand Master of PER, it must've been a hellava blow to his pride. One of the few to escape the PER and from their leader no less. Never thought about that before...< "Squire, take me to Grand Knight Pathfinder, I found us a way to Fort Stillwater." Grey commanded. "Right away Grand Master!" The Earth pony turned and began to trot away, the group followed closely. It was a silent journey. John noticed looks of respect and adoration directed at Grey. It wasn't long until the earth pony leading the group stopped in front of the library. "He is inside Grand Master, in the observation deck with Grand Knight Cross, Grand Knight Silence, and Grand Knight Whisper." The pony bowed out of the way. "Thank you squire." Grey dismissed. His horn lit up dully as he grabbed the wood and glass doors magically. "Welcome to the PER Knight Norris." The Library was just as grand and majestic as is was for his time as a student here, cut short by a wise investment and a young fortune. The ponies roaming were new though. All the effects of seeing this place again were lost to John. "'Knight?'" "Well of course." Grey lead the way to and up the staircase. "I told you you would be inducted into our ranks. If you can help me escape Fort Stillwater I will happily promote you to High Knight." Grey paused for a moment, "Maybe even Grand Knight once you become a pony proper, if I'm in the mood." He continued. "Now, let us meet three of The Nine." They summited the stairs and John could see them, two earth ponies and two pegasai in the observation area that overlooked the campus. They approached the table where they sat; there were maps, charts and assorted layouts strewn about it. "Grand Master Crusader, I was just beggining to think those skin bags got you." Said one of earth ponies without lookin up from the papers in front of him. "I made it out quite fine Grand Knight Cross. I am happy to inform you that not only did I escape, but I found a driver." Grey motioned towards John. "Well that's fantastic news!" Piped the other Earth Pony. "What's with the foals, Grey?" Posed a female pegasus that was lightly armored. "Ah, this my daughter, Forest Mint." "I know that Grey." She interjected. "Remember your place Grand Knight Silence. The other one is Azure Wind, he is Knight Norris' son." "Let me guess, he knocked some human up and she ran off and ponified?" The other pegasus guessed. John clenched his fist, to hear it put so bluntly. Before he could he awnser, Pathfinder spoke up. "Wait, Norris? As in THE Norris? The one who escaped not once, but twice?!" John smiled a little at his reputation. "Both assumptions are correct." He answered both questions with a single statement. "Well, we have been discussing the manner in how we'll carry out the final stage of Operation Disinfect." Pathfinder continued to indulge specifics. They would be expected, so a distraction was necessary. They'd send in a single unicorn, with the liqud ponification potion. Once he was captured, he'd cast the spell to turn it into a vapor. Then three teams of three pegasi would swoop in and drop gas canisters. After the area was flooded they'd hurry back to where John was waiting on an unregistered back road. "Sounds solid." Grey approved. "Now let's begin." John turned to Azure. "Son, I want you to stay here. I will return." Azure smiled weakly. "Okay dad. Just... Just stay safe. For me?" John gave Azure a hug. "I promise." He said as he embraced his son. He turned to the assembled leaders of PER. "Let's do this thing." "Alright then, Knight Norris, Squire Sugar will escort you to the vehicle." He stated. "Squire Sugar, escort Knight Norris and fetch him a gas mask." He orderded to one of the earth ponies standing by. The pony bowed. "If you would follow me Knight." She asked and lead the way. John followed and cast one last look at Azure as he left. Once his son was out of sight, he resigned himself to his fate and went along silently. They came to a garage after a while, inside was a completly unremarkable semi truck with a trailer attached. It was inconspicous. It was perfect. John never noticed the earth pony leave, just that it suddenly reappeared, gas mask in the clutches of its mouth. John jumped. "Tath thith!" She said around the mask. He regained his composure and took the mask. It was suprisingly dry for just having been in a mouth. >How the hell do they do that?< "Grand Master Crusader and High Knight Streak will be here with the rest of the strike force shortly." The pony bowed and dismissed herself. >Did she... just bow to me?< John decided to get behind the wheel. He noticed it had a Navigator Mk I. It was little buggy in mint condition and probably had broken self driving capabilities given the situation. On the plus side its auto balance and anti-tip programs were nigh infalliable, meaning John could go as fast as he wanted. John ran a quick diagnostics check that only proved his suspicions right. Auto Drive was shot, balance and tip counter measures were gold. He took a look at the Auto Drive, it was a hardware failure. John swore. There was no way out of it, he was driving the whole way. It was no sooner than John finished his checks that he noticed Grey and an unfamiliar Pegasus approach. Behind them was a group of nine pegasi and a single nervous looking unicorn. They unceriousmonly loaded into the semi's trailer. Grey hopped in the front with John. "Let us finish the final chapter of mankind." He stated as he buckled down, there was a look of sereness, upon his face. As if he knew his lifes purpose and was about to see it finished. John took this as the signal to go. So he started and drove out of the now open garage. ************ They had been on the road for two days now and were a little over half way to Fort Stillwater. They should arrive tomorrow around noon. The previous day was painstakingly silent and John felt he would go insane if it were silent again. "So... Grey. What's with the King Arthur rank system?" John ventured. "Its based off that of The Crusades in the ninth century actually. Its because I intend to lead the last great crusade against the last great evil in the name of the goddesses Luna and Celestia." It seemed Grey also desired conversation. "Now now, 'Last Great Evil'? Isn't that a bit harsh?" Anything but silence. "Mr. Norris, as one of the prime contributors to the problem, you don't make the best advocate. Or should I call you 'The Great Job Thief'?" A few years back, when AIs had replaced a majority or workers, Time magazine had printed a distasteful article about John using the very same title. Even though he never personally developed an AI, he owned them. Thus, he received the blame. It hurt then and Grey had only reopened old wounds. "Oh hey now, Grey, that kinda hurt. C'mon just tell me what's burning ya?" "Are you quite sure you want to know?" Grey asked. John motioned to the open road. "From the beggining mankind has only killed, hurt, or desecrated anything and anyone that stood in their way. Their fellow animals. Their own species. Their own family. The very planet they stood on. "Now, for a time, some of this was necessary. But then man became master over all! Did they need to contiune their rampant destruction? Did the need to keep each other down? No! They had thousands of years, billions of chances to make utopia theirs. "The people with power, such as yourself, held onto it greedily. Unwilling to share and all happily ready to do whatever was necessary to keep it. I saw mankind for what it is. A monster that fancies itself a saint. A demon who believes he's an angel. "Then along came ponies. They didn't fight each other beyond a strongly worded dispute. They worst they'd ever do is exchange verbal blows however dire the circumstance. If something else fucked with them, they'd subdue them no more than was absolutely needed. They didn't pillage their planet, they lived in harmony with it. "From the moment I saw Celestia, heard about their lands, found out about the potion. I knew what I had to do. I would help her on her noble crusade. I founded PER." Grey finished his monolouge. John almost felt sorry for the pony. Sure it may be true that the last ten years or so John was one of the wealthiest men who ever lived. But he grew up in a broken home. No mother figure to speak of; an abusive father. If his dad had never committed suicide, John would never have had the money or opportunity to invest in AIs. John couldn't, and may never be able to explain it, but for some reason - despite all the horrors and tragedies of his past - He still believed in his race. His ‘doomed to go extinct and fade from all memory’ race. "So... what kind of music you listen to?" John changed the subject. Grey smiled slightly. "You ever hear of a band called Lamb of God? Their 'Wrath' album is amazing." "Hear them?" John beamed. "I've been listening to them since I was twelve." The rest of the trip was filled with delightful small talk between the odd pair. ************* They were an hour away from Fort Stillwater. John check his watch, it was ten fifty-eight in the morning. "Grey, where's this back road you were talking about?" "Give it a moment..." Grey paused, waiting for it to appear. "Take the next thing that even looks like a left." He instructed after a couple minutes. John saw the path, it was quite small. He hoped it didn't narrow further on down as the semi was barely fitting on the small dirt trail already. It veered and curved in what would be a relaxing drive in anything but an eighteen wheeler. It might not tip, but it could still get stuck in the woods. Fortunately the road didn't narrow. Soon John came to an area that looked recently cleared. "Turn around here and stop. This is where you will wait." John performed the action and exited the truck as did the Grand Master of PER. John went around back and opened the trailer. The ten pegasai and lone unicorn unloaded. They assembled into two ranks of five with High Knight Streak in front. Grey positioned himself in front of the formation. "Knights," He began. "Today is the day PER erases the last stronghold of mankind from the face of the earth. Whether or not we survive this day, know this: We will have done all of pony kind and Celestia herself a service. No longer will the violent apes roam free! The way for Purification will be paved clear! Today the final chapter of mankind is written!" The ponies cheered. Grey approached his fellow unicorn. "Knight Fresh, you have been awarded the honor of leading the charge. Go now and carry out your task." The unicorn bowed nervously and set about his purpose at a slow trot. "Now, we wait." John, Grey, and the assembled pegasai sat and stood around waiting. Moments turned to minutes, minutes to hours. Suddenly, Grey's horn glowed and everyone jumped, John heard the faint sound of distant shots fired shortly after. "That's the signal! Let's go!" He ordered. "Stand at guard, and wait for our return! And wear that mask in case it comes down here!" He shouted back at John as the pegasai took flight. John put the gas mask on. There was nothing to do but wait in the semi. Just wait in the semi and think. >They've been gone for two hours... I hope Azure is ok... Alone... with lots of anti human crazy ponies. Well fuck. He's an intelligent little guy, he should be alright. I hope.< John decided to light a cigarette while he waited. He removed the mask, a cigarette and his lighter. After he lit it, he just sat there smoking, watching the cherry slowly descend towards the filter. When it was gone he sat there and watched the smoke play around the cab. He heard a rustling sound in the forest. John threw the engine on. He looked towards the sound and saw Grey galloping towards the truck with four pegasi behind him. Grey simultanously threw open the passenger door, jumped in, and slammed the door to the trailer. "Drive!" He shouted,shutting his own door. John started back down the dusty trail. The drive was made infinetly more intense by the slow carefulness it required. "Did you smoke in here?" Grey accused. "Uh, yeah." John admitted. "Why?! You knew I was returning!" Grey shot, offended. "That wasn't a given." John retorted. Grey seethed. John reveled in it. The forest started to thin out ahead. "Take it slow when we get to the road. No need to draw attention by speeding." John rolled his eyes. >Yeah I was going to do a hundred and seventy eight while swerving.< He took a right onto the hardball and sped up to seventy-eight miles per hour. Ten minutes after leaving the dirt trail John saw something that seemed impossible. It was another vehicle. Then John heard the faint siren of a cop car. >There's still human cops?< His internal question was answered as the car grew closer. "Fuck." Any hope Grey or John had of it passing by quickly disapeared as it made a quick, tight U-turn shortly after passing. John calmly pulled over and the officer followed. "John, put the mask on." Grey ordered. "What?" "Just do it Knight." Grey's horn was lit and John saw an odd canister in his magical grip. There was only one thing it could be. Ponification gas. John obliged, strapping on the mask and making sure it was sealed tight. Grey popped the canister and the cab was quickly filled with a purple gas. John could vaugly make out what was probably the last human cop in america approaching. John waited for his fellow human to come closer. The purple smoke was viscous and so thick that it limited John's vision. The mask seemed to be working, as he didn't feel any changes. He heard a curious rapping on his window and rolled it down. The vaporized potion flooded out of the window. As soon as he saw the human collapse from the beginning of the change, John sped off. "It seems Grand Knights Gear and Aether really got their departments to improve the anesthetic. There wasn't any screaming this time around." "Wait, what? Wouldn't you know that already?" John puzzled. "Bah, some people scream anyways." Grey rolled his eyes. They crossed the state border not too long after. Now there was nothing to do but drive home. John kept the window down to air out the cab. Even with the wind whipping around, it would be hours before John could remove the Gas Mask. John turned on the radio and relaxed. It was a long journey home. ************** John recognized the area, he had been here many times before. They were just outside of the recently redubbed New Foalerton. His hometown. They weren't too far from the PER HQ. It was nine in the morning. "Homestretch." John's statement was blunt and accurate. His journey of over a month and a half would be complete by day's end. Tomorrow he would wake up on hooves. "Indeed." Grey agreed. The two had driven across the country and back. Celestia had found PERs front; the real HQ was safe. Unfortunately, it was only be a matter of time until someone talked. Thus, Ponification for Earth's Rebirth was moving once more. Though never again would they gather as they had. PER would spread across the Earth, scouring it for remaining humans. At least that’s what Grey had said on the drive over. John and Grey had spent a good time talking about their lives. Turns out they weren't so different and actually became fast friends. Grey wanted to immortalize John as a PER hero for his services rendered. John declined but Grey wouldn't hear it. The short remainder of the long week was surprisingly relaxed. John let out a sigh. This last month and a half felt closer to about a year. John took a right. The garage was three blocks down the street. Moments later John was pulling into the garage. This was it. Azure was waiting there as was Forest, and a fair amount of PER. John put the truck into park. John and Grey exited the truck to the stamping of hooves from the various PER members. Which only was re-doubled when John opened the back and let out the remaining pegasai. John was tackled to the ground by a wild blue streak. "I was so worried dad!" Azure was crying. John held his son and comforted him. Then he noticed something that wasn't there before. It was a partially unfurled scroll, with three checks down the left side of it. It was located on his flank. "Azure... is... that what I think it is?" Azure's mood changed immediatly and brightend. "I got my cutie mark! Some of the ponies here were having a debate about humans being evil, but I know you aren't! So I talked about how mankind's unique drive is what's lead to it advancing far beyond what Equestria. How the main reason mankind should convert is mostly due to Equestria devouring the Earth, not because we're inherently better. Which isn't true, both species have their advantages, its just ponies have the advantage of overall survival. I used the stories you told me and the histories I read and applied them. I mean I've done it before but I only then realized just how much fun it was when I saw the looks on their faces. Then IT appeared!" He beamed as he machine gunned the story. John smiled, "I guess we'll have to have a party then." The crowd had died down. "Cutecenera." "A what?" John asked, puzzled. "A party that celebrates a cutie mark is called a Cutecenera." Azure answered. John was about to make a remark when he felt a hoof on his shoulder. He turned to face Grey Crusader. He was floating a small flask of the type that usually held alcohol. "Your prize, be it well earned." Grey placed it in John's hand and trotted away. It wouldn't be the last time John saw him, but it felt as such. John turned to Azure. "Let's go home." *********** John stood in his living room. Azure was sitting attentively on the couch. "Are you sure dad?" He asked, a hint of remorse in his voice. John stopped. He stared down into the flask. A viscous, purple liquid stared right back. He had betrayed his race to obtain these few ounces. He had labeled himself a terrorist for them. He had attacked an officer to get away. There may be hell to pay down the road. >Why?< He found his answer in that pegasus colt with the azure coat and dark steely grey mane. Before he had come along, John was broken. Alone. Purposeless and just waiting to die. He was afraid of all social interactions. Now, he was actually happy to wake up in the morning. He hung out on the weekends. He had someone that looked up to him. It was painfully obvious. "I have never been more sure of anything in my life." John downed the contents like he was shooting whiskey. It tasted like grape, just as he knew it would. John smiled faintly at Azure and collapsed unconscious. ***********************Authors Notes: Wow, been a while since I did this huh? Look at that! A cliffhanger! Whodathunk? Oh god Azure almost got laid. Just the epilogue left. It shouldn't be too long. Once I actually start it! HUZZAH! EpilougeAn Azure Future: Epilogue One Month After Conversion The mahogany brown pegasus lay in wait for his prey. Any second now, his target would be walking through the door. He swayed his jet black tail to keep time. He had held his position for an hour, just in case. The door flew open and his target presented itself in the form of a deep blue pegasus with a steely grey mane. John lept and tackled Azure. “Gyah!” Azure let out a surprised yelp. John pulled himself off his son, “Told you I’d pay you back for last week.” He smirked. “Geez dad,” Now it was Azure’s turn to pick himself up and dust off. “I guess that’s why you didn’t pick me up?” “Sure as sugar boy-o!” “You are so weird dad. Besides, I didn't even do it, Blazing Star did!” He defended. “Don’t care.” “But-” “Don’t. Care.” Somethings just weren’t fixed through ponification. Azure decided it was high time to change the subject. “Hey Forest wants to go to a movie next Saturday, can I borrow the truck?” John raised an eyebrow. “It drives itself, I don’t see why not... I’m going to have to program you into the AI though.” “That’s alright.” Azure shrugged. “Hey, How about we do today’s lesson in the park?” John suggested. He had been giving Azure the long awaited flying lessons everyday for the last eight days. Ever since he himself had finished his own flying lessons from a local teacher chosen at random, some pegasus called Derpy. To say that the lessons were something special was a whole new category of an understatement. She needed the bits for her daughter though, her mailmare job just didn’t pay enough. Besides it wasn’t like she was a bad teacher, just a little... all over the place. “Sounds good.” Azure agreed. “Hey, you go ahead kiddo. I’ll meet you there.” There was some business John needed to attend to. It still seemed odd to John that he was no longer actually able to properly look down on Azure. “Well, don’t take too long dad.” Azure turned and trotted out, a tinge of concern in his voice. “Don’t worry, it wont be long.” John smiled weakly. “I just... need to say... goodbye to someone...” He was speaking to the now shut door, Azure being long gone. It was no matter. John made his way up the stairs, the clacking of his hooves reminding him of a time not too long ago at all where he could hardly stand. He laughed a little internally at the memory. Into his room. He hardly slept here anymore, most nights spent cuddling with his son. He needed to get to the black box under his bed. His was a task that would have been done long ago, if he didn’t have to relearn his body. Now was as good a time as any. He hoped she’d understand. She needed to... He lowered himself to the ground and began crawling underneath, it was a tight fit, dark and cramped. Finally, after a few moments he reached his goal. A black box he had hidden under there years ago, the silver sharpie inscription was faded but ‘Catherine’ could still be made out. He grasped it in his mouth and reversed his direction. Making it out from underneath the bed, he stood up and removed the lid. There was a jacket on top, her favorite. Green with white trim and a reflective Nike logo across the breast. The jacket she was wearing when they met. He removed it, revealing a collection of photos. Photos... and a small jewelry box. There was a good number of Catherine and John from when they first met. There were some from their later years of course, but her smiles grew so few and far between then. John let a sigh loose. He removed the box and opened it. His mother’s wedding ring glistened brilliantly in the light of the room. Just a week before she left, he had planned on proposing to her. She always seemed so down those days, and John could think of nothing better than proposing to the love of his life to cheer her up, they had been together for four years at that point and it seemed it would last forever. Funny how things turn out sometimes. John shook the memory away and went back to riffling through the precious memories. Finally he came to his favorite photo. It was framed in gold leaf and treated with a special material so it would never fade. At least in his lifetime. It was the last photo taken of Catherine smiling. She so loved the beach, John had bought a home upon that very shore as well as the beach itself as a gift, it was taken the day he gave it to her. She was wearing the Nike jacket, her light brown hair blowing in the breeze. Waves gently crashing on the rocky shoreline. The sunset behind her lending an angelic glow to her features. But of all the things, it was her smile that stood pout the most, brilliant and pure. “Hey Catherine...” John started, his voice heavy. “It’s been what, about nine years since we last spoke?” He gave a weak laugh at his own failed attempt to lighten the mood. “Well, I’ve missed you, but I guess that goes without saying. I’m trying my best to raise Azure like Celestia asked, not that she needed too. He misses you too, you know...” John was choking back his tears as best he could. “Why did you leave Catherine? We were going to get married, and start a family... Well, I guess we already did that last one kind of.” John chuckled weakly and dried his eyes with a fore leg, only for it to become soaked again. “You’d be proud of Azure, he got his cutie mark, ya know! He’s very smart too. He even has a fillyfriend now. You know, she kinda reminds me of you. I’ve even started teaching him how to fly. Kid’s gonna be somepony important.” John smiled with pride for his son. “Now... There’s something sucky I did you should know... They shut down the bureaus and Celestia stopped making potion. Only one group still continued mass production... Well, I made a deal with some bad ponies. I helped them assure mankinds destruction. Yeah, you heard right, there’s no more humans. At least, not that many. “When I was having my conversion dream thingy, Celestia approached me. She KNEW. It was the first time I felt afraid for myself since the night my dad killed himself. She wanted to know why, and I told her, ‘for my son’. She seemed... saddened? Touched? It was hard to tell for sure. But she made me promise something, that I would love and look after our son and to be the best father I could. Heh, easy enough I guess... She also wanted me to try to find... a mother... for our son. I love you, I always will. But sometimes... Sometimes people need to move on.” John thought a moment, making sure he didn’t forget anything. “I love you Catherine, may we meet in the Celestial Herd.” John planted a kiss on the photo and placed it back in the box with the rest of the contents, this time with the photo on top. He slid it back under the bed for the last time. John looked back at the room before turning off the lights and heading out to the park. ******************************************************************************************************** John touched down in front of his son. “There you are dad, I was beginning to worry!” Azure was tapping his hoof out of impatience. “Well, I’m here now. So are you ready for today’s lesson?” John asked. “Hay yeah!” “Well lets start!” John leapt up and soared thirty feet into air, his son following. “Today we will be going over basic flying maneuvers...” **************************************AUTHOR’S NOTES: That was fun. davidhedrick95: I thought I would be editting the sequel to this story, not this one... But I could still edit it, when I can motiivate myself that is Alternate EndingJohn stood in his living room. Azure was sitting attentively on the couch. "Are you sure dad?" He asked, a hint of remorse in his voice. John stopped. He stared down into the flask. A viscous, purple liquid stared right back. He had betrayed his race to obtain these few ounces. He had labeled himself a terrorist for them. He had attacked an officer to get away. There may be hell to pay down the road. >Why?< He found his answer in that pegasus colt with the azure coat and dark steely grey mane. Before he had come along, John was broken. Alone. Purposeless and just waiting to die. He was afraid of all social interactions. Now, he was actually happy to wake up in the morning. He hung out on the weekends. He had someone that looked up to him. It was painfully obvious. "I have never been more sure of anything in my life." John downed the contents like he was shooting whiskey. It tasted like cheeries. Odd I thought they were supposed to be grape... John smiled faintly at Azure and collapsed unconscious. *************************** John woke up a little disorientated. His conversion dream consisted of a lot more giggling alicorns than he thought it would. “D-dad?” It was a question, honest and true. “It’s me Azure.” Is my voice supposed to be that high? “You’re... uh... ummm... How do I put this?” Oh shit. Did something go wrong? Am I disfigured? “What happened? Is it my face?!” John was panicking. “No... You’re face is just fine...” “Well, out with it then! What happened?!” John snapped. “Well, there is really no use for delaying.” Azure took a deep breath. “Dad, you’re a mare.” Time froze in place as the universe cracked and shattered into countless fragments revealing the truth that his life was in fact a joke. “Please tell me your joking.” John’s own voice was evidence against him. “I am unfortunately telling the truth dad. Wait, do I call you ‘mom’ now?” Azure wore a puzzled look. “No!” John snapped. “I am your father!” “But you’re a mare now. You have mare bits and everything.” “That’s besides the point! I am you father and you will call me ‘dad’!” “You’re also in heat.” Azure pointed out. “And another thi- Wait, WHAT?!” John was about to go on yet another nonsensical rant when she processed what Azure said. “You know what?” She said after a long pause. “Whats that?” John got up and made her way to the kitchen as best as she could, stumbling and falling occasionally. After a few bumps, scrapes,bruises and a lot of Azure giggling, John finally made it to the refrigerator. Nuzzling it open, she sent up a small prayer for prior habits. John grabbed the bottle of whiskey and managed to remove the cap. Taking the mouth of the bottle in her muzzle she quickly started guzzling the liqud before her gag reflex could kick in. “Wait! Alcohol is really strong for ponies, most cant handle more than two beers!” Azure called desperately. Alas, it was too late. After a few considerable gulps, John spit out the bottle and coughed up the remainder in her mouth. She vomited immediately, swayed once to the left, once to the right, and then fell unconscious in her own puke. **************************************************************** And thats it for the original! Well, one more thing, but thats not until after the sequel ends, so Im slapping a complete on this for now. BUT HOLY FUCK. THAT WAS TOO AWESOME AN IDEA TO RESIST. Alternate EpilogueAn Azure Future: Alternate Epilouge. I promised myself I wouldn’t write this... Fuck. ***A One week coma and Three conscious ones later.*** John climbed wearily out of her bed, she was still slightly sore from when she chugged a good third of her whiskey. Not that the name ‘John’ really suited her at all anymore. She had been a mare for about a month now. She looked at the alarm clock by the bed. Three o’ four pm. Aw, hell. Azure must be waiting. She sighed and trotted outside and down the stairs. She brushed off the stares and greetings, which had taken a turn for the uncomfortable. Not to mention that she seemed to be in the longest heat EVER. The doctors claimed the alcohol, coma, potion, and sunlight were to blame. John muttered silent curses to these elements everyday. She finally came to the truck, thankful that the whole thing was voice operated. Hopping inside she started the truck and set its destination to Azure’s school. ************************* The truck screeched to a stop in front of a very pissed off looking Azure. “Hey buddy, hope in!” “You’re late, ‘Dad’.” He accused. John had made it clear once he woke up that he still wanted to be adressed as ‘Dad’ and sometimes Azure liked to poke fun at John’s unfortunate situation. “You’re stupid. Now hop in.” John shot back. “Sooo...” “So?” “Park today dad?” “Yeah, sure. What are supposed to be covering today? Basic flight mechanics and maneuvers?” John tried to recall. “You’re supposed to be keeping track of that!” John though for a bit, “Yeah, yeah its mechanics and maneuvers.” In short order the very odd father and son arrived at the park. Getting out of truck, the pair was heading to their usual spot when the unthinkable happened. “Uh, excuse me miss, I’ve never seen you around before and you’re very pretty. I was just wondering if you were available later for some tea?” John spun around, revealing a blushing white unicorn stallion. Oh lord. “Uh... well... that’s... very nice, and I thank you for the offer but I’m busy later...” John tried to doge. No reason to really hurt the poor guy. “Well, how about tomorrow?” He offered. Oh holy fucking shit. TAKE A HINT! “Ummm... actually I’m REALLY busy this weekend too...” John issued strike two. Azure was barely containing his laughter. “Oh... Well, when ARE you available.” Strike three. “I like mares.” You’re out. Azure could no longer contain himself and started laughing hysterically. “Oh. I’m terribly sorry m’am.” The stallion quickly disappeared, clearly embarrased. “Now where were we Azure? Ah yes.” John took off thirty feet into the air and was joined by Azure after he recovered from his laughing fit. “Basic flight mechanics and manu-” A voice chimed in, cutting him off, “Excuse me miss...” ***************************************************************NOTES: I hate all of you. Alternate Ending 2 (Written by Erac)An alt ending to An Azure Future, By: a lunatic. . . I mean, EracTick. “The first thing I’ll need from you mister Norris is a contribution to the cause,” Gray smirked. “How much?” “Mister Norris, A blank check isn’t the best thing to use during a negotiation,” Gray deadpanned. “I don’t give a fuck, I’m doing what’s best for my boy,” John sneered. “I’d say about three million bits will suffice,” he smirked, taking pleasure in Johns rage. “Allright, but first things first, We have to get you out of here,” John said waving his hands for Gray to stop. “What about the money?” “Look me in the eye Gray. Do I look like the type of person who’d keep a heavily reinforced vault with keypad/fingerprint scanner, with 10 inch thick titanium doors in his home to store his vast riches. without going scrooge mcduck with the billions of bits that are held inside?” “. . . I guess not. So how do you suppose we escape?” * * * “I swear to the goddess’s that I’ll get you back for this, this INDIGNITY!” Gray growled from his sack. “Welp, this is what you get when you come to me making threats and such Gray,” John smiled. “What are you doing Mr.Norris?” Gray said banging against John’s back as he walked down the hallway towards the garbage chute. “Same thing I do with all shit bags,” John smiled at Azure as he trotted alongside him giving him a nod. “and what pray tell is that?”Gray Crusader growled. “Garbage chute,” He cheered grinning like a loon, The bag flashed with magic as Gray ensnared it with his telekinesis, “Oh come on, you and I both know that unicorn magic can’t do shit if you can’t see what your trying to grab, visualization and all that jazz.” “I see you’ve been doing your homework. Of course there’s no way you could have prepar- OUCH!” Gray cried out as he was stuck with a needle.” “Sorry to disappoint, but I know you guys can’t do offensive magic if you can’t concentrate,” John chuckled before unceremoniously stabbing at the bag with a needle once more. “Stop th-OW I’ll kill Y-OUCH!” Gray cried out as Azure simply shook his head in disappointment. “What, he’ll kill us both the second he gets a chance anyways,” John shrugged, looking at Azure who simply facehoofed. “Still shouldn't do this dad, I don’t see the point.” “Well Buck-O. This is the point,” John said sticking Gray once more. “OW! MY EYE-EEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeee~!” Gray called out as he was dumped down the trash chute. “Will he be alright?” Azure asked slowly. “. . . what day is today?” John said rubbing his chin, idly as he balled up the sheet in the other. “Tuesday, why?” Azure said tilting his head. “Oh good then the furnace might not be lit today,” John smiled. “. . .” Azure shot John a look (Not a nice one, mind you). “What?” John said raising his hands defensively. “. . .” Azure glared. “Wat?” John said innocently. * * * “Oh I get it now!” Azure declared watching Gray as he cursed, dragging himself from the rubbish heap. “So we follow him back to his hideout and steal the potion.” “Sort of.” “what do you mean ‘sort of’?” “You're half right, we follow him there and then I start throwing some money around, and then we get to watch a little show.” John grinned. “Your gonna cause a lot of bad things to happen, aren’t you dad?” “Oh you bet son,” John beamed. * * * “Yep, Nice and straight forward, just gonna follow this smug bastard back to his hideout.” “. . . Dad, can’t he teleport?” “I have no idea,” Azure and John ducked behind a nearby dumpster just as Gray looked back. “. . .Must be hearing things,” Gray muttered. “Well well well,” John chuckled as Azure and he moved quickly down a side ally, almost as though to cut Gray off, stopping to duck behind a dumpster once more to avoid their prey, “Dad, what do you think he’ll do to us if he catches us?” “Hmm. . . Probably blast us with some wicked mojo from his horn, most likely. . .” John mused. “Hey look, isn’t that a old college campus?” Azure said looking up to his father who had a manic grin painted across his face, one you mostly see on men in straight jackets. “Oh this ‘IS’ going to be fun!” John laughed, Azure pushing him down behind cover as Gray turned around to see the noise, with a scratch of his head Gray continued into the seemingly abandoned campus. “Hey, don’t be so rough there,” “Stop being loud, we almost got caught,” Azure said flatly. “Nah, now ready for a car ride?” John said grinning as he wrapped his jacket around his arm, striding towards an abandoned police cruiser. “Dad we should take something a little less conspicuous!” “Hey, I’m not going to have thumbs by tomorrow, I plan to have a little fun!” * * * Azure stopped screaming as the police car jumped the steep hill at eighty miles per hour, time slowed down as he looked at his father hanging halfway out the window with a bottle of jack and an already spent uzi. “When you're no longer able to drive, the world will be a safer place!” Azure yelled, eyes peeled wide open. “LIVININ IT UP, WOOOT!” John howled with glee, as the tires screeched along the road taking a hard right, the rear end fishtailing just enough to tap a lamp post and send various ponies running, screaming for their lives. “DAD, SLOW DOWN!” “LIVININ IT UP!” John yelled with adrenaline fueled bravado, taking the car to a full spin before tapping against the edge of the sidewalk, just like in the movies. “. . .” “You alright son?” John said leaning close, *BLEGH!* Azure vomited into the floor board, “Eww. . . well. . . not our problem,” John said moving to the other side to let his son out. “Is this the place you wanted to go?” “Yep, heard this Ol piss bucket had some real scum, real shady place where you're as likely to get your throat slit as getting tetanus from some bum who’ll try and stab you with a needle. . . perfect place to find some mercenaries!” John grinned wide. * * * John and Azure walked through the last of the dirty alleyways before finding the entrance they were looking for. “Alright, let’s have a look at your wrist there,” growled the large man guarding the door. “Wait what are you talki- HEY!” John yelled as his left arm was grabbed and roughly pulled up, lifting John off the ground as the man examined his arm. “No mark, No entry.” “Hey liste-!” John shouted, stamping a foot. “No mark, no entry, no way no how, dem’s the rules and the rules be the rules be the rules always,” The man said with a voice that didn’t sound unlike he was gargling tar. “Isn’t that last part redundant?” John said raising a brow, before being dropped back to his feet. “Well, dem’s da rules as their written.” “Well, my mark just got burned off is all,” John grinned sheepishly. “Oh?” “Yeah, so let me in I need to talk to someone,” John, held his breath, hoping he was as stupid as he thought. “Piss off, how stupid you think I am?” “. . . Depends,” John hissed silently. “ I heared that.” “Listen, I’m sorry but I really do need to get in here,” John pleaded. “Sorry can’t do that, cau-,” “Dems the rules is the rules. . . I know that, but please for my son,” John asked, hope soaring. “. . .Double no. dis is a bar, bar’s ain’t for minors. T’aint no way you’s is changin da rul-. . .” The thugs eyes lit up as a large handful of bits was shoved in front of his face, “Screw the rules, I have money,” John smiled. “. . . Oh I see it know, your tat just got burned off, but. . . Rules is still rules, and ya can’t get in without a tat or without someone to escort ya, and since I gots to guard the door. . .” * * * “Wow dad, just wow.” Azure said looking as his father tried not to vomit. “. . . He tore off his own skin to give this to me,” John repeated to himself, unsure of what just happened. “Just. . .wow. They take rules seriously here.” The duo looked around scanning the scene, before them lay the scum of the city, thugs of all races and all creeds lurked around the bar, blanketed by acrid smoke, glasses clinked as the patrons hastily drank their low quality liqueur, men and griffin at one side arm wrestling, The losers against the griffins clutching there still bleeding hands from the talon marks. “Damn, so I heard there was this guy who strolled into the Palace and attacked the princess’s directly.” “Wat, happened to him?” “Fucker just got back from Jersey, apparently after he clobbered the sun goddess she pulled the rug out from under him. . . so to speak.” “Huh?” Said the thug “He brought back a piece of her mane to prove it.” “But ain’t it all wispy wisp like’un. . . um. Mist?” the thug drooled. “. . . Yeah, he’s in the back showing it off with that fat bastard Gill,” “Oh, Shush they might hear you, you know’s dat them there Perfect Weapon types get a lil antsy when you be sayin shit like dat!” “Who?” John said striding up to the pair, who glared at him “And whos you supposed to be?” “Heh, Ha huh, look he’s all dressed fancy like, pertey, wanna know what we be doin to pertey types back here?” Grinned the thug before his eyes widened eyes nearly poping out of his skull. “Wat is it?” said his companion. “He done tore door keeps arm to get himself a tat, He’s he’s wona does Freaks!” The bar was swept with a deathly blanket of quiet, all eyes going to Norris and his son, “We we didn’t thinks you was a weapon and all, we was foolin, Honest!” “. . .Um, don’t let it happen again,” John said not completely sure of what was going on anymore. “Please don, kill us by rippin off our arms, spin em around and shit, then usin dem ta impale out our heart from behind us with our own arms!” the man lept back, knocking over his chair as he scampered away. One of the bartender’s quickly leapt over the bar and rushed to John, and his son. “Really very sorry for the inconvenience, but I don’t need you gettin blood everywhere when you kill these morons. Here I know who you must be lookin for, and they're back this way!” The bartender said, with a forced smile on his face, Fear in his eyes as he led John and Azure to the back room, and the lair of the ‘Weapons’. * * * “Here you go mister crazy psychotic bioweapon, heres your friends,” The bartender rattled off shoving John and Azure through the door. “GILL IS HIGHLY DISTURBED AT THIS INTRUSION!” Gill rumbled. Everyone averted their eyes from the mostly naked man, as it was evident that the poker game they were playing wasn’t going well for him. “We’re gonna start paying him to keep them on eventually.” “Shadup motherfucker, don’ be sayin dat.” “Umm, alright.” John coughed uncomfortably, “Who here is dangerous and will work for mon-?” John stopped as everyone raised their hands cept one women, who fired off a round into the ceiling. “. . . good. . . So, let’s get down to business,” John said giddily, clapping his hands together. As John’s mind turned to business Azure began to wander about the room. “Heh heh, hey kid, wanna see a magic trick?” grinned SeVen ushering Azure closer, “Let me see your hoof.” “Oh, um, all right,” Azure said nervously as he began to place his shaky hoof into SeVen’s hand, a thunderous report rang out, and SeVens head slumped back as a .45 slug was placed between his eyes, “AHHHH!” Screamed Azure, before calming down, now noticing SeVen raise his head again with a smear of lead across his forehead, exposed bone underneath where he was shot, “I don’t think you’d be too smart to try that again, ya idjit!” said the woman, “Ya ain’t gonna hurt the kid!” “DAMMIT! I wasn’t this time, I just wanted to try somethin first! Oh well, hey kid get me dat thick steel pipe over their,” SeVen said rubbing his wounded skull while pointing at a rusted pipe with the other. “H-here,” Azure said nervously dropping the pipe into the man's outstretched hand, Azure stared in wonder as the man opened wide enough to swallow his head whole, triangular teeth glistening with saliva before snapping together with a sickening crunch, and biting the pipe in two.”Woah, that’s amazing!” “Dat ain’t nuthin kid!” SeVen mumbled with his mouth full, he began to chew viciously before giving the women who shot him a evil look, grinning before spitting out a stream of hot lead like a machine gun. “HA, TAKE THAT YA BITCH!” The women reeled before dropping to the floor, new holes gracing her shoulders face and chest. A thin wisp of steam leaked from each wound before they knitted themselves back together. “Oh, you're DEAD!” She screamed, lunging at SeVen, who simply laughed like a maniac. “D-Dad, are you sure you want to hire these guys?!” “Yeah, they seem nice enough to me.” “THEY’RE PSYCHOPATHS!” “Well, you know what they say, fight fire with fire,” John grinned. “DAD, THIS IS GOING TO BE LIKE TRYING TO USE NAPALM TO PUT OUT A GREASE FIRE!” Azure yelled, dumbfounded at his father's willingness to work with theses monsters. Azure’s eyes widened as the women proceeded to chase SeVen around the room with a fireaxe, bringing it crashing through the door as SeVen slammed it behind him in his mad dash to freedom, the room grew silent as yelps of terror could be heard down the hall in the main room proper, There was the muffled sound of a shotgun being fired, before an unhappy SeVen came walking in, Missing half of his face, he grumbled as it slowly began to heal (Slow for a healing factor that is). “. . . Well. . . while that was fun and all, who do I speak to about hiring some killers?” John said, clapping his hands together with a smile. “. . . I guess, that’d be Bartleby.” Said a soft spoken women, John looked every which way, but her wide brimmed hat seemed to shield her face whichever way he looked at her. “Who are you?” John inquired. He recoiled as a disembodied shadow punched him square in the nose. “OMAGOSH, I’m so so very sorry!” The women apologized frantically. “It doesn’t like sitting still for long. . . my shadow that is.” “. . . it's all right.” John said before thinking to himself ‘. . . Oh shit, scary shadow lady! Maybe Azure was right, but it’s a little late now.’ * * * “The, the GALL, THE NERVE TO ASK ME TO HELP YOU THROW AWAY YOUR HUMANITY, How, HOW DARE YOU EVEN CONSIDER ASKING ME SUCH A QUESTION?!” The large man bellowed at the cowering John Norris. “It’s not for my sake it’s fo-.” John whimpered “I WILL HAVE NONE OF IT! LEAVE NOW, Before I try and see if I can’t send you into low orbit,” growled the man. His eyes widening as he saw the young blue colt step out from behind his father, and made himself known. “He want’s to to teach me to fly, he’s not betraying anyone!” Azure yelled, giving the large muscular man pause. “Who is this? WHAT IS THE MEANING OF, OF THIS?!” Bartleby barked. “He’s my son, and if you have a problem with that, well. . . You’ll just have to deal with it.” John said with a stiff upper lip. “. . .You’re going to give up your humanity for a one in three chance. . . of being able to teach your son to fly?” Bartleby said in a hoarse voice, now completely awestruck. He stood there for a moment repeating what he had just said, wordlessly. John yelped as he was grabbed in the man's vice like grip, iron clad and unbreakable. “Wait, you don’t have to ki-!” John tried to yell before he was crushed in a bear hug. “THE COURAGE, THE, the AUDACITY. TO ASK ONE OF THE HLF’S ELITE SOLDIERS TO HELP. TO HELP HIS SON FLY, SO POIETIC! SUCH COURAGE SUCH, SUCH RAW. MANLINESS!” Bartleby cried towards the heavens, knocking loose plaster from the ceiling, and eliciting yelps of panic from everyone within earshot (about a quarter mile). John struggled against the man's grip, but was only crushed harder against his chest, as the man reeled on. “Um, I don’t think my dad can breathe.” Azure said, watching helplessly as his father turned an uncomfortably similar shade to his coat, as he attempted in vain to ‘tap’ out, whether Bartleby noticed or not is anyone’s guess. “FATHERHOOD IS THE EPITOME OF MANLINESS, THE CARE FOR ONE’S OWN FLESH AND BLOOD, TRANSCENDING THROUGH ALL BARRIERS OF RACE, CREED, AND RELIGION, AND BEFORE MY VERY EYES TODAY! I WITNESS AN ACT, NAY A DECLARATION OF ONE FATHER'S LOVE FOR HIS SON, A LOVE SO INTENSE THAT HE WOULD BRAVE THE DEN OF THE PERFECT WEAPONS, JUST FOR THE CHANCE! THE MERE CHANCE TO TEACH HIS SON TO FLY! Of course I will help you in this most noble of endeavors, Mister Norris.” Bartleby smiled at him, finally realizing that John was almost past the point of passing out. With quick apology he released John. John sat on the floor for a while trying to regain his breath, before he began again. “That’s, that’s wonderful. . .” John gasped, color returning to his face. “what do we do to set this, show up?” He panted. * * * “Everything is alright on the east side of the campus, over.” The earth pony said into his walkie talkie clipped to his vest. his shift for guard duty was coming to an end, he moved stealthily through the buildings keeping out of sight, suddenly he spun around. “Footsteps.” He frantically activated his communicator, but was met by only static. “Luna damn it! It’s jammed,” He moved to meet the intruder who had darted into a side room, “HALT, STAY WHERE YO- OOMPH!” He cried out as two heavy boots came crashing down on his head, John muttered into his wrist watch, “Allright big guys, all the guards on this side are down, move in and let’s take that potion without them even noticing.” John grinned, ‘bout time he got some exercise’ he thought to himself, as he crouched low and took off in a stealthy run. He skidded to a stop as he looked out a window, facepalming at the scene taking place before him. “GILL MOVES SILENTLY THROUGH THIS WRETCHED HIVE, ALL SHALL TREMBLE BEFORE MY STEALTH!” Gill bellowed, rattling windows as he merrily charged down the center of the road, head first at the auditorium doors. *Such a lack of finesse, is most appalling.* Bartleby said over the communicator, “Oh well, TAKE THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE THAT WE HAVE LEFT, CHARGE!” John’s forehead turned red from the force of his palm grinding into his face, John sighed and checked his dart launcher once more, fast acting horse tranquilizers filled its clip, "Oops, this one had Drain-O in it." John chuckled before replacing the chambered round. John stealthy moved to where the fight would soon take place. * * * "DEFEND THE TANKS, THE SERUM MUST NOT BE DESTROYED!" Cried the pegasus, before dive bombing the mountainous man who was tearing at the support struts of the tank, He came down hard against his stomach, but bounced harmlessly away, "PATHETIC, WHO HAS SENT SUCH INCOMPETENTS TO FIGHT ME!" Gill roared, busting the support struts of the vat of cherry potion, it collapsed under its own weight, flooding the room with a flood of cherry, Gill remained unmoved and unchanged by the goop, even as the wave slammed the ground bound defenders against the far wall. "NO, I DON'T WANNA BE A WOMEN!" "I feel pretty," Giggled a newly turned unicorn. " I mean. YOU'LL DIE FOR THAT!" "WORDS MEAN LITTLE, ACTION!" Bartleby cried as he burst into the building, the glass glistened and fell with a tinkle as Bartleby landed heavily. He grinned, turning to meet the PER members. 'Now, just to distract them for a while longer, then I'll destroy the tanks’. * * * John crept at an even and slow pace, he froze as several ponies ran in front of his hiding place, rushing to greet the intruders who were making quite the spectacle. Two darts in their flanks apiece sent them tumbling down for the count, "I hated to do that, really." John couldn't help but snicker at a funny thought, "Guess I'm a real stickler for Metal Gear, eh?" He chuckled to his victims before locking them in a handy janitors closet, *Hurry it up!* John simply grimaced at the voice, he'd hurry as fast as he damned well please. He moved quickly along the catwalks to the open tank of sparkling purple goo, and lowered a flask attached by fishing line into the tank, pulling it up quickly he toweled off the flask with a rag held in gloved hands, last thing he needed was getting any on himself here after all. As he looked up he caught sight of a familiar unicorn. "YOU!" hissed Gray Crusader, charging John Norris at a full gallop, John snapped the lid closed and was off like a shot, Gray was simply too quick down the straight hallways and would be on him in an instant, but two legged creatures have an advantage over four legged ones, the two legged ones will always beat a four legged creature in the short distance, enough for John to duck into an office, and double back around. Doing his best to lose his pursuer, "Dammit." John hissed as Gray skidded out in front of him, he had cut him off! John dodged the first blazing barrage of arcane missiles, he was close to the exit, and only a short sprint away would find him safely seated behind the wheel of a truck. John cried out in pain as the magical bolt tore through him and burst out of his chest. 'NO, SO CLOSE!' He gasped, with sure force of will, and grit. He forced himself to continue his charge towards the door. The door slammed shut behind him, and he tripped, crying out as his chin smashed against the unforgiving cement, he gasped as his leg throbbed. Ankle twisted, John lay there fumbling desperately for the dart gun, he grimaced as he looked at the faulty thing, busted from the impact. "Cheap Taiwanese trash!" He cursed. “Nowhere else to run Mr.Norris,” Gray said in a low voice narrowing his eyes as he followed the blood trail. “I said you would pay dearly when I found you again, did you think I would bestow the gift of the goddess onto the likes of you!” Gray launched a blast of telekinetic energy, the point of the magical dart smashing into the metal door in front of him and collapsed into a finite point of brilliant energy, Gray cracked a smile as he saw John sprawled out on the ground, clutching what must be a twisted ankle. “Oh, it would seem you're hurt.” Gray smiled trotting closer “allow me to ease your pain.” His horn flared, the glow changing from a lifeless gray to a foreboding black, all light seemed to fade in the room, swallowed by that one horrific glow. “Time to die Mr.Norris.” Gray smirked standing over John. “Heh, one problem with that buddy boy.” John smiled wide, and a split began to appear from the corner of his mouth, cracks spreading from his left eye. “I’m not John.” SeVen grinned a wicked, razor sharp smile, and lunged. “MONSTER!” Gray cried, rolling to dodge SeVen’s deadly bite, his horns fey light burst in a brilliant mockery of moonlight and all consuming darkness, SeVen howled in pain as the blast seared flesh, and flayed muscle from bone, He swiped in a wide arc, leaving a deep gash, and slashing deeply into Gray’s already wounded eye, Gray gritted his teeth and let the torrent of dark magic flow freely through him, his horn glowed cheery red, and he paled as he felt his very essence being consumed to fuel the spell. The room grew still as a loud pop emanated through the room, the light slowly crept back into the void where Gray stood, as though afraid of the forbidden spell used. “Hah!” Gray gave one final cheer looking at the smear at what little remained of SeVen. “Weak.” He panted before the bliss of unconsciousness took him. * * * “YOU CAN NOT STAND BEFORE GILL!” Gill charged, shaking the ground with enough force to topple the less sure footed of the ponies, a cinnamon coated mare and a tan earth pony stallion moved quickly behind Gill and smashed into his back side, the force of his own charge sending him skittering across the floor as he rolled and shattered bleachers. *BLOW THE TANKS! WE NEED TO MOVE NOW!* The P.A. blasted, the room shook as the ponies rushed to escape, warning lights flashed and Bartleby moved deftly and quickly to move and launch Gill out of a window before they blew. “Sorry about this!” Bartleby shouted hurling Gill through an upper window, when one of the tanks blew, in a burst of arcane light and deadly shrapnel. Bartleby cringed as he was coated in purple mutagenic goo, and grimaced. “Thank the gods for an immunity to this blasphemy.” * * * Azure looked worriedly at his father as the sound of the explosion reached them. “Dad, what’s going on?” “I’m not sure, this was supposed to be a stealth mission.” John sighed, moving the wrist watch up to his mouth. +Hey, what went wrong?!+ John’s brow furrowed as he got no response, He and Azure scanned the lot from their vantage point across the way, Azure with a telescope and he with a set of binoculars. the minutes seemed like hours as they waited. they turned with a shot as the door opened, and Gill appeared before them. “THE TANKS WERE BLOWN, NO POTION COULD BE RECOVERED!”Gill said in his booming voice, and shook his head in disappointment, “WE FAILED YOU, TONIGHT THERE WILL BE NO CAKE.” “Where is SeVen and Bartleby?” John asked, frowning deeply, maybe he should have taken Grays offer after all. “I am here Mr. Norris.” Bartleby said with a solemn look on his face. “I thought you said you didn’t get any potion?” Azure said tilting his head. “GILL DID NOT LIE, SeVen COULD NOT BE LOCATED!” Gill boomed, angered over the thought someone would think him a liar. “What, but Bartleby is soaked in it.” Azure pointed out at the muscle man in shredded clothes “He’s right, John there is still hope for your son.” Bartleby grinned mustache bristling. “Wait, what?” John asked becoming weirded out. “QUICKLY JOHN NORRIS, HUG MY NAKED CHEST!” Bartleby yelled, spreading his arms wide in a dramatic flourish, The lights glistening off his potion covered chest. “No. . . this is gay, can’t you just, you know, scrape some of it off?” “Dad, it’s only gay if you make it gay, now get naked and hug the glistening naked muscle man so you can teach me to fly.” “Never said your dad didn’t do anything for you. . .Allright, but I keep the undies ON!” * * * “But, but THE WHOLE REASON I DID THIS IS SO I COULD TEACH MY SON TO FLY!” John yelled at the princess’s, He rubbed his new horn with a shaky hoof, “PLEASE BREAK THE RULE THIS ONCE!” “Life isn’t always fair mister Norris, be happy that you have your health. Now go and live your life happily with you son for he lo-.” Celestia stopped as Johns shadow began to darken and lengthen. “Tia, what’s happening?” Luna whispered to her sister. “I’m not sure myself,” Celestia said in a low voice as the shadow became more solid, and soon took on a new shape as the silence was broken by one uttered word. “Manliness.” The shadowy silhouette whispered. “What?” Luna asked leaning forward, “Oh no. . . Please not him, what in the nine hells could HE be doing here?!” “YOU SHALL NOT STAND IN THE PATH. OF FATHERHOOD!” The shadow lunged at Celestia, peeling away as Bartleby emerged like a cannon shot, striking her and smashing her into the back wall. “BIG MISTAKE COMING HERE, THIS IS OUR REALM! WE HOLD ABSOLUTE POWER HERE!” The princess’s shouted in tandem. “. . .What’s going on,” John asked. Cadence simply shrugged. “Aren’t you going to help?” “. . .Um, I’m just going to sit this one out, I’ve seen what this guy can do. . .” “You got knocked the fuck out by him, didn’t you?” “. . .Yes.” Cadence sighed, Raising a shield to shelter them from the shower of rubble picked up by Luna tossing a statue at Bartleby, who cleaved it in two with a punch. “STAND STILL, I WANT TO PUNCH YOU. WITH MY RING HAND!” Bartleby cried leaping back into the fray. “So he actually did beat you guys.” John asked “. . .Yes, I still don’t know why though.” Cadence sighed. “. . . So. . . about teaching my son to fly. . .” John began, Cadence sighed heavily before letting out a sharp ‘EEP!” Teleporting them away from the blast zone of Celestia’s solar fire. Bartleby emerged badly burnt but seemed unbothered as he simply lepta gain at the Alicorn sister. “. . . I’m sorry John, I really am but rules can’t be broken with jus- AHH!” Cadence screamed as she was knocked head over hoof, by her aunt being bowled into her. “HAVE AT YOU!” Bartleby cried, smashing his fist into the ground, the resulting wave of earth pounding the Princess’s into a wall, while miraculously throwing John into the air, to land with an ‘Omph’ on top of a statue. “Sorry, My friend. I will be more careful next time!” Bartleby hooked his hands together, and spirled once then twice in a front flip, before pounding Celestia straight in the face, and sending her spiraling at John, “HOLY SHI-!” Johns cry was cut off as he leapt off the statue, as Celestia smashed through. John walked over to the downed Princess. “Hey. . . hey. . . Princess. . . yoohoo!” John said poking her with a hoof, pulling back as she groaned, eyes snapping open to reveal bloodshot orbs of rage, that instantly cooled to a calm understanding gaze. “Did, did anypony get the number of dat wagon dat hit me?” She mumbled dazed. John cringed before beginning to speak. “You do realize there's at least four more that are going to be here soon to help him right?” John’s gaze was motionless as stone as he looked into her eyes. “I bet, he’d leave willingly if you’d just swap out the Ol’ horn here for a set of wings.” John smiled sheepishly. ‘Am I really trying to threaten a god here for my son?. . . All right, so. . . I’m threatening a physical god for my son. . . neat!’ “So. . .” Celestia began, standing back up. the sound of her regenerating organs and bones snapping together made John cringe. “He’ll leave, if I break the rules this once? Will he attack my sister without warning again if I were to allow this, this once?” Celestia spoke slowly. “I don’t even believe that the others can get here.” She smiled coyly. John tilted his head to the side, and smiled a much too wide, razor tooth filled smile. “WRONG PRINCESS, WE’RE ALREADY HERE!” Cried out ‘not John’ in a cry of glee and bloodlust. SeVen lunged at the princess, Jaws snapping through the tip of her horn, gnashing together for a chance at devouring more. Celestia screeched as SeVen latched onto her. * * * Cadence, Cringed as the ground rumbled, A mountainous human standing above her, emerging from shadows. “GILL, I AM CALLED, ENEMY OF BUREAUS!” Gill blasted, each step shaking the ground, and breaking tile under heavy foot, “I AM UNSTOPPABLE, UNBEATABLE, NONE HAVE STOOD BEFORE ME AND DID. NOT. FALL!” Cadence began to crawl backwards, away from the booming voice of the man. “I, I HAVE DONE NOTHING TO HARM YOU!” Cadence called out. Quickly pointing her horn, a Heart blossomed out from the tip and fluttered to pop gently against his head, Cadences eyes shone with hope for a moment before he continued. “ALL WILL BE CRUSHED UNDER MY MIGHTY FEET!” Gill boomed, slowly beginning to charge. picking up speed before bellybutting the young Cadence through the wall and into the maw of the gaping black sky. Gill rolled and bounced, as a lightning bolt struck him squarely in the chest. “THE NIGHT IS NOT TO BE TOYED WITH!” Hissed Luna, firing a gobs of dark wobbling energy at Gill, Tendrils of red lighting lashing out snatching up anything in its wake to be consumed. Gill winded back, and punched the glowing orb with a meaty fist, the Orb continued and engulfed him, in a burst of light and necrotic energy Gill Emerged, completely nude. Luna screamed as she used her most powerful spell to bind herself in concealing shadows so dark that even she could not fully see through the inky black. “DO NOT ACT LIKE YOU ARE NOT IMPRESSED, WELP!” boomed Gill. “YOU WILL SHOW DECENCY IN FRONT OF A LADY!” Luna boomed back, the force causing Gill’s gelatinous rolls to wave. causing her to gag once again. * * * “Wow. . . just. . . wow.” John muttered to himself, he leapt up with a yelp as a meaty thunk hit the floor next to him, still smoldering from atmospheric reentry Cadence looked up with tired eyes. “I yield. I offer no more objections to this exchange.” Cadence coughed weakly. “What about the other two?” John said motioning towards Luna in a battle of the blasting voice, and Celestia flying erratically through the air screaming as she barrel rolled, slinging SeVen to the ground. Bartleby's manly laugh could be heard by the two as Bartleby caught SeVen and sent him flying back at the princess with a spinning toss. “. . . At this point I don’t think they’ll object much.” Cadence sighed, her horn glowed as she healed herself, before she turned it on Joh. John’s horn glowed and slid down the back of his skull and spine till it came to the shoulder blades, it split into two bones spikes that wavered and bent before slowly morphing into wings. “It is done, two things before you go John.” “Yeah?” John said flexing his new appendages with a smile. “I want you to settle down, and find someone to raise Azure with, he deserves a happy childhood. . . Plus, well I mean you did already go through the trouble of threatening physical gods to do right by him. . . Oh and the other thing.” “Yeah?” John said leaning forward to bask in the wisdom all alicorns must possess. She sighed “Now. . . TAKE YOUR FRIENDS AND GET THE FUCK OUTTA HERE!” She whipped her head once and a whip of pure light smashed into John's face. Everything went dark. * * * “Dad. . . Dad. DAD!” Azure called out, as John slowly opened one eye then the other. “Ah HA, IT WORKED!” John said pumping a new foreleg into the air and flaring his wings, He tried to fall back onto all fours but realized he was stuck to something. . . someone. “GAH!” John cried out in pain as Bartleby unceremoniously pealled him off of himself. “AH HA, John you have earned your wings. in the manliest way possible. By beating down a goddess and making her hand them to you!” Bartleby cracked a smile. “Yeah. . . we all did it, woo hoo,” SeVen replied sarcastically. “ Now if you excuse me, I have to lie down. I have a headache from somebody spinning me like atop and hurling me like a javelin towards a pissed horse princess!” SeVen grumbled before stomping away. “I am glad you completed your task,” smiled the shadowy women, John was still unnerved by the fact that all the shadows in the room reached out for her as though wishing to greet her. John wiggled uncomfortable noticing the boxer shorts he was still wearing. “A little hel- *YIPE*” John yelped, as the women's shadow reacted quickly slicing through the clothing quickly, with enough gentleness to not harm a hair on his. . . back side. “When you’d get here anyway?” “SeVen was harmed, I collected him as he regenerated and carted him here, I sent the others into the dream world to assist you in your quest.” She smiled. John chuckled once. “Well, thank you for your help I’ll pa-.” John was stopped by Bartleby raising his hand. “No John, we require no payment for this deed. because of you we shut down the source of forced ponification, ‘WE’ are indebted to you,” Bartleby smiled, chuckling to himself. “WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR, CAKE FOR ALL!” The windows cracked and fell to the ground from Gills over zealous yell. everyone shrugged and began to follow after Gill Enemy of Buffets. ******************************************************************************************************** Well. This was fun to write, even though I took my sweet time with it. It may be awful it may be good, and it may be funny. please don’t let it color your view of Krass however, if you have a complaint PM me. Daniel Overton: think you could just use 'get' here Daniel Overton: more extra capitals Daniel Overton: rippin' Daniel Overton: comma Part 2An Azure Future part 2: THE BAKERY “GET DOWN FROM THERE!” John shouted in a panic and anger. Azure Wind, a four year old pegasus colt who had turned out to be his long lost son, was on the top of bookshelf. “But I LIKE IT up here!" protested Azure. He had been living with his father for almost a week now but it felt like much longer to John. "You're gonna get hurt! Just get down!" John with a tinge of annoyance "But it was HARD to climb up here!" Pouted azure, it’d taken him almost five minutes to climb atop the twelve foot bookshelf. "Oh my go- Why'd you climb? You have-" John stammered, he may not have left his apartment much, but he knew that a pegasus' most prized possession were their wings and they'd make up an excuse to use them if they had too. Come to think of it, Azure had been here about a week, and he'd... "That’s not the point. You could fall and get hurt. Just... Just jump down and I'll catch you." "You sure? Its kinda far..." "Azure... Are you afraid of heights?" "N-No!" "Its okay if you are. I'm not going to judge you." "I said I'm not afraid. Its just... REALLY far down..." "Its twelve feet to the floor. I’m six three. I have a reach that extends.. lets say fifteen inches. That’s about seven five. That’s only about four seven to fall and you're not falling. I’m catching you." John explained. "I don't know..." Why'd you climb up there if you're afraid of heights anyways Azure?" "I'M NOT AFRAID OF HEIGHTS! I'M A PEGASUS DAD!" "Azure, I don't care if you are afraid of heights. It’s okay.” “Pegasus can fly dad. These wings aren’t for show.” “Haven't seen you use ‘em.” “Th-Thats because... Its... Ummm... too cramped in here?” “Azure, we’ ll deal with this later. Just jump. You’ll be okay, I promise.” “Here goes...” Azure closed his eyes and gave a little hop. John caught him and set him down. “Now that wasn’t so bad, was it?” John asked with a slight grin. The young Pegasus averted his eyes. “N-no...” “Do you wanna talk about it?” “I-I wasn’t scared...” stammered Azure, his face getting red from embarrassment. John let out a sigh, “If ya say so.” He dropped the subject at that. “What do you want for lunch? I got stuff for sandwiches. Or some potatoes. Or a Salad.” John listed as he looked through the kitchen. Azure cringed at the list. It was all he had eaten for almost a week. “Dad... do you think we could, I don’t know, Go out to eat?” John froze. He found he aspect of going out horrifying. “You SURE you don’t want some cheesy potatoes?” John asked nervously. “Dad. we’ve had potatoes every day for the last week. It’s getting old, and you need to get out.” Azure stated. It was John's turn to cringe. But Azure did have a point. It couldn't be healthy to coop up a young pegasus. “Fine, if you really want to.” John conceded. "Huzzah!" exclaimed Azure. He finally had convinced his father to venture out the door. John gave Azure a funny look. "What? You got a problem with 'Huzzah'?" John just shook his head and rolled his eyes in response. "You got a place in mind there big boy?" He asked with a heaping helping of sarcasm in his voice. "Well... Can't say I do..." "So what’s the plan? Just roam the city and hopefully find a place that seems good?" "Uhhh..." John smirked. "Sounds like a plan." "Awesome!" "But first, I need to go grab some bits from the Money Room." John stated. "You have a money room?" "Wanna see it? It’s pretty cool." John said, his grin growing bigger. “Well why not?” John walked into his room, Azure following him, and opened his closet. He brushed aside a light trench coat to reveal a keypad. He hit a few numbers with the deftness and precision of a marksman and the back of the closet slide to the right. The wall hid a room about six meters wide, ten meters back and its roof was that of the apartment's second floor. Bits were contained in locked steel mesh cages that ran down the walls on either side. Azure had never seen so many bits in his life. “How-how did you GET all this? How much IS there?” John took a deep breath, sighed and delved into a little backstory. “A long time ago, well before the ponies came, well before I even met your mother, I used to play the stock market. When I was fourteen, I invested a new company called ‘Intelligent Designs’ You may know them a the company that invented produced and perfected Artificial Intelligence. When it was near the height of its power, I was the second most majority shareholder, The guy who had just a few thousand less shares than I opted to buy me out to become the majority shareholder. I accepted. Got a few billion. I was eighteen, retired, and filthy rich. I bought this apartment complex and moved into the penthouse on top. When the ponies came and I saw the alarming rate of conversions, I exchanged all my money for bits when the exchange rate was still good. Just in time too, in a few weeks dollars were hardly worth the paper it was printed on. There is about... three billion four hundred million and some change in there.” John opened up a cage and grabbed a good number of bits and pocketed them. Turning around, he covered his mouth to stifle his laughter. If Azure’s jaw was any lower, it’d be on the floor, and the look of shock was priceless. “Sooo... we gonna go before I change my mind?” “Why don’t you ever do anything if you that rich?!” Exclaimed Azure, snapping out of the initial shock. “It’s... complicated.” John shrugged, unsure how or even if he should explain his mother left with no warning and more or less lost the will to live. “We doin’ this?” “Lets go.” ****************************************************************************** John stared at the door to the outside world. Its had been years since he left for anything unnecessary. He took a deep breath, collected himself, and stepped outside. John was instantly blinded. “Gyaaaaah! My EYES!” Azure facehoofed in response and pushed his overreacting father the rest of the way out of the entrance way. John blinked a few times in rapid succession to help adjust to the light. The streets looked like a rainbow threw up, they were practically INFESTED with pastel colored ponies. “Shit thats a lottta ponies.” John mumbled. He looked around, which way to go? “Lets go this way!” Azure exclaimed while pointing down the street, and started walking off. Not even one hundred meters walking down the sidewalk John started to panic. Ponies. Ponies. PONIES! John’s paranoia was kicking into full gear. I KNOW they’re talking about me, saying bad things. Horrible things! John started fidgeting. “Are you alright dad?” Azure asked with some concern. “Never better!” John said nervously, giving a weak laugh. “Nopony cares that you’re human dad, and if they do, they can suck on a muffin.” The pair continued down the street. John thought about what Azure said. Maybe... It really is all in my head. Nopony’s even really looking at me, no second glances, no odd looks, no glares. He examined the day. A gentle breeze was blowing, The sun was shining, a few pure clouds were lazily trekking across the sky. It was a typical Californian day. The natural weather must make it easy on the weather team. Hell, they probably don’t even work most days. They continued down the street just enjoying the day. They finally came to a small bakery, John recognized the bakery from his past, It was where he met Catherine. He smiled at the memory. “Hey let’s go in here Azure. If it’s half as good as it used to be, you’ll love their donuts.” John said, opening the door and heading in. “Welcome to Top Goods! I’m Cream Baker, what can I get you today?” The Cream colored earth pony from behind the counter called, preoccupied with putting a fresh batch of cupcakes in the oven. “Sup, Grindah, it’s Coke.” The baker pony dropped the tray and whipped around. “Ho-lee shit. Its the Muther-fuckin Coke. I haven’t seen you in about... three and a half years. Me and the rest of the Get’em gang thought you died. We placed bets on what we thought happened, I opted for ‘Abducted by a Pegasus gang who buried you on Mt. Everest’. But Noob always thought you went insane and moved to the middle of nowhere and stockpiled weapons for the ‘oncoming war’ or somethin’.” Cream Baker sighed. “Good times, good times. So who’s this little pegasus?” queried Baker, taking a bite of a banana nut muffin. “I’m his son!” Azure exclaimed. Baker choked on his muffin. “YOU HAVE A SON! WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN!” Baker shouted. “Eh, I just found out too bro.” John shrugged. “So, how about some donuts?” “Man, never thought YOU of all people would have a kid. The usual coming right your way Coke.” “Bring another for the kid would ya Grindah?” “Waaaaaay ahead of you, as always.” Baker said, finishing John’s order. “Dude, everyone saw you push me into that ravine Grindah.” “But, ‘I’ won.” Stated the earth pony, puffing out his chest pridefully, and set down the pastries on the table. “What ARE these?” Azure asked sniffing the donuts. “They’re good is what they are. So what you’ve been up to Grindah?” “Runnin’ the shop mostly, I have to get back to work now, don’t be a stranger!” The earth pony trotted into the bakery of the shop. Azure sniffed the pastries and took a small exploratory bite. “These. Are. AWESOME!” Azure snapped up half the donut. “Sho, howsh do yoush kniw dats poniesh?” Azure asked, his mouth still full of the sugary treat. “Me, him and few other demented souls were the best bunch of crazies you could find. Went to high school together. Had all sorts of adventures. Hung out all the time.” “What happened?” “Ponies. I’ll just leave it at that.” John said. They finished their meal. He yawned and arched his back. John looked outside, it was starting to get dark out. “So, ya ready to go?” “Yeah, we should head back.” John paid for the food, bid farewell to his old friend, and exited the shop. “Hey, how about a race?” “A race?” “Yeah, back to the apartment complex.” “Heh. Sure. on the count of three.” “One...” “Two...” “GO!” And with that, the odd pair took off. ****************************************************************************** “Beat ya dad.” Azure gasped between heavy breaths. “You cut me off in the hallway!” “Bah. You’re just a sore loser.” “Whatever.” John opened the door to his apartment and walked in, Azure following. Notes: I already have names for everypony in Johns Get’em Gang and we’ll met most of the later. The town they’re in is based loosely off the town In california where I grew up. It was a fun chapter, leave a review, thought, and stuff you’d like to see whereever. If I like it I’ll use it. The Lost Chapters: DressclubAn Azure Future: The Lost chapters: Dressclub. (you knew this was coming) (the following takes place in between parts 9 and 10) Azure was in bed, and John was making his way to his own bed when his phone rang. John’s first reaction was one of confusion, phone calls were years past being regular. John slide the phone out of his pocket and checked the caller id.The phone displayed Grindah with a picture of his human form. I damn near forgot what he used to look like. Let’s see what’s up. John changed his course to the living room as he answered the call. immediately his ears were abused by a very drunk Grindah. “Hey broseph! Whatya doing fag?!” John held the phone away from his ear to compensate for the volume. He was about to attempt to diffuse the situation when he was treated to another bombardment. “Hey. Hey. Me and few other guys are going to the local dressclub, and you’re coming with!” “I don’t think I-” John was able to start before being cut off. “Too late!” Grindah stated, as John heard the sound of his door swinging open. He turned towards the sound and there was Grindah and Noob. “Hey faggot! Grab yo’ coat, we’re heading out!” The pony was having trouble standing up, made evident by his stumbling. “How much did you too drink?” John asked. “Does that really mater?” Asked the fuchsia pony. “You’re coming, thats final.” Grindah stated as he pushed him towards the door. Might as well. “Okay, okay. Just let me grab a jacket.” John went up to his room, grabbed his jacket and came back down. “Lets do this then.” The trio left through the door, and headed out into the night. *****TIME LAPSE***** *****AT THE HOISERIED HOOF***** The blacked out glass door swung open inwards. The revealed room was reminiscent of a strip club we had once been to. There was bar to the left of where he stood, ‘dancing’ area to his left, and a spacious viewing area in front of him. John almost jumped out of his skin when an earth pony mare popped out of nowhere and welcomed them to the dressclub. "Are you all right sir?" The earth pony asked John. "Quite fine! Never Better." John lied. "Do you serve alcohol?" I could really use a drink right now. "In fact, we do! We serve Equestrian beers and liqours and even a few human ones!" The mare beamed. "Great, give me some beer." John looked around nervously. "You know what? Make that a lot of beer and a bottle of whiskey." The mare giggled and walked off. "Nice bro, that's some high grade tail right there!" Leggos said giving John a pat on the back. John was taken aback, "Wait, what?" "She wants ya bro!" Grindah explained. Oh god what. John's friends sat down in the front row of one of the stages and instructed him to sit down in the empty seat next to him. The earth pony mare brought John his whiskey and two pitchers of beer, giving him a small wink as she set it down. Oh shit. Wait a minute, I’ve see her before "Do I know you? You look familiar." The eartth pony mare blushed, "Oh, um, well you popped in about ten days ago when I was on stage, but now I work the floor. If you need anything else, give me holler. My name's Persephone." She turned a left to attend to the other ' customers'. Some where a speaker blarred to life. "NOW ON STAGE, CANDY SHORES!" John couldn't tell if that was a working name or a pony name. An earth pony whose colores were very much that of the beach came on stage with a bag in her mouth. John could tell she was going for a seductive walk. He downed as much whiskey as he could manage then poured a beer. Candy set down the bag and unzipped it, revealing a scanty school girl outfit. The room started swirling as John took another shot of whiskey. John was feeling drunk enough to actually enjoy his enviroment. Candy was tantilizing as she ever so slowly slipped on a sock, followed by three more. John noticed the room started spinning and his thoughts were dull. He caught himself throwing out some bits as she slipped on a skirt. This garnered her attention, which John immediately regretted. The earth pony made the short walk over to John as enticing as possible. “Hey there big boy,” her voice was sweet, “not often we get humans in here.” She slowly rubbed his left arm with her hoof. She didn’t break eye contact or let her sly smile drop as she slipped on the top and the tie that completed the outfit. John held a small bag of bits up close to his face and took a long draught from his beer. She removed the bag from John’s hand with her mouth, placing it in her clothing bag. Her smile grew impossibly more erotic. “Meet me at the VIP room in five.” She said before grabbing her bag and walking off behind stage, her hips swaying. “No way man! Give me high five!” Demanded the fuchsia pony on his left. John obliged, too drunk to fully process what was going on. “Dude go get that shit.” He nudged john off toward the VIP room. John staggered off, not entirely aware of what was going on. After a brief exchange with the bouncer, John made his way into the VIP room. it had numerous curtained off seats, Candy Shores was in one of the rooms with the curtains open. She was wearing see through lingerie. The fuck? “Hey there.” she called seductively. "Uh, hi." John replied in a drunken stupor. This response elicited a giggle from Candy. She motioned with her hoof for John to sit down next to her. John obliged. "So big boy," She placed a hoof on the crotch of John's pants and leaned in close to the human. "ya got a thing for ponies?" A simple "What?" was all John could manage. "Oh, no need to be so shy about it, we get humans in here all the time. Sometimes we even get some high ranking HLF individuals." It was at this moment her hoor slid into John's pants. It would be an amazingly large understatement to say John freaked out. It was a flurry of events. Almost simultaniously he ripped his blue jeans off and rolled off the bed. He didn't hear the surprised protests of Candy Shores as he bolted off. In his hurry he forgot to open the glass door and ended up going through it, causing it to shatter. John managed to locate his friends immeaditly. "We're going. NOW." Panic in his voice. The two ponies exchanged a breif look before following John's lead out the exit. The trio barely made it past the bouncer and bolted out into the night. "What did you do bro?!" Leggos accused. "She touched me man!" John spat back, never slowing. After a few blocks they stopped in front of John's building, wheezing as the caught their breath. "Man, I forgot how introverted you were." commented Grindah. John responded the most dignified way he could, by throwing up and passing out. The two ponies sighed, "Just like old times eh?" They proceeded to drag Johns uncounscious form inside. ------------------------------NOTES: I went to a strip joint and got wasted to research this instillation. The things I do for you.
Part 1An Azure Future Based off the conversion bureau and other TCB fan fics Italics are thoughts. Alone. Again. Just like yesterday, and the day before that and the day before that and the years before that. Johnathan "Coke" Norris was completely alone. Ever since those bureaus opened ten years ago, he had started losing those around him until he was completely alone.. His friends, his family, all got ponified. Even the only woman he’d ever love got ponified. He didn’t hate ponies, he just couldn't bring himself to part with his humanity, it was a part of who he was. John felt that every scar he earned was a trophy to be shown off, the stains on his skin, nerve damage, all testaments to his human will. If he got ponified, he wouldn’t have any of them. Currently, Johnathan Norris hadn't left his room in a bit over two weeks. Standing at six foot three John had a runner’s build with a passable upper body, he towered over all the ponies and the few humans left. Having been a recluse for so long he definitely needed a good bit of sun. He lived in the top floor penthouse of an apartment complex, or more rather, imprisoned himself there. There was a time when he used to jog the old course that weaved through the city but the gawks and whispers of ponies had a draining effect over the years. Whispering accusations that ranged from holding mankind back to being a member of the Human Liberation Front constantly bombarded him whenever he left his room. Mares would take their foals to the other side of the streets, Various ponies gave him dirty looks, foals always asking what he was, if he was a monster. After a while John went out less and less frequently, at first he’d stay in about three or four days, then a week then two, and for almost the last few years he’d been staying in for a month at a time. He lit a cigarette took a drag and thought back seven years ago, recollection a past time of his, when the ponies had come. His friends, His family, Catherine and their reactions. His best Friend was the first person he knew that got ponified, one of the first in line. John even went with him to the bureau for moral support. It was his friend’s decision to get ponified and he respected that, just as his friend respected his decision to remain human. His dragged on his cigarette which was half gone. Then His family went, there was bickering, fighting, pleading, he wondered occasionally why they would never let him be. If they want to be ponies, let them. John was hopelessly loyal to his humanity. He drained the cigarette, relishing the sensation. It was then Catherine, the only woman he’d ever love, left. They had met years ago, while John was running his course through the city and she was running hers, it started raining and they both ducked into a small family owned eatery. They hit it off famously, love at first sight one might say. They started meeting to run together and showed each other things around the small city one usually wouldn’t notice. The had been living together for over a year when one morning he woke up to an empty Condo. There was a note on the morning dresser that read simply, “Going to get ponified, I’m Sorry.” followed by her signature. The only person he ever held close to his heart had left without even saying goodbye. She just left without even a word. The note had no explanation, just an apology. John needed another cigarette. He grabbed the pack and sighed at its emptiness. "Now," he stated to no one at all. "What is a man to do with ALL THIS..." motioning around the room. "When he has nothing?" It was a question he had asked the desolate room many times with no reply. He had taken to putting his thoughts out loud to stave off the undoubtedly onsetting insanity. "Good God, where are those cigarettes?" He asked himself, getting up he frantically searched the wrecked room. He just finished the last of the pack and could not for the life of him remember where the rest of the carton was. He had been searching for approximately eight minutes and was checking underneath the couch when there was a knock at the door. "Who the blueberry fuck? No one visits me." He swore while getting up off the floor. The knocking came again, he could tell that it came from the lower portion of the door. Whoever it was, it was a pony. "God damn ponies, can't they just leave me alone? I've told them a hundred times, I don't want to be a pony." He muttered under his breath, getting up. The pony at the door grew impatient and beat the door again. "Hold on, I'm coming! Holy fuck!" He stomped over to door mumbling obscenities to himself. John threw open the door and there on his doorstep, there was a young pegasus colt whose coat was one of the darker shades of blue, sporting a deep steely grey mane with a wild look, though it was well kept. The young pony's eyes reminded John of ice. He barely had time to get a good look at the young pegasus before he was tackled to the ground. "Daddy!" The young sky blue Pegasus sitting on his chest shouted. The weight pressing down from the surprisingly heavy pegasus was very uncomfortable. John picked the pegasus up off his chest and got up himself. "Did you just call me daddy? I don't know how to tell you this kid, but I never banged a pony.’ John was genuinely confused. “Whats your name kid?" He asked after a brief pause. "My names Azure wind! Grandma said you were my daddy and she would never lie to me like that! She did say you'd be sketi, skept, skep a pu tal? Or whatever. So she gave me a letter explaining!" The colt hopped off his chest and started digging through his bag. John's mind started racing. Here There was a young pegasus colt, claiming the he was his father. Someone must’ve put him up to this. He thought. He observed the Pegasus as he dug through his bag. He seemed to genuinely believe that John was his father. Let just see where this goes. It’s entertaining "Ha! Found it!" Exclaimed the pegasus colt with pride. In his mouth was a plain vanilla envelope. John took it from the colt. He opened the envelope, it contained a letter, birth certificate, and a few other things. John removed the letter and started reading. Dear Johnathan, This is Dancing Leaf's mother, you might remember her as Catherine. Now first things first, this is in fact your child. She came home crying the night you said you didn't want to get ponified with her. I never found out exactly what you said but she'd never cry over a simple "no". She packed her things that morning and headed to the conversion bureau. I went with her. We were both ponified on the same day. She became an Earth pony. We moved to Los Angeles after we were given the okay to leave the bureau. She worked in the parks and I got a job as a librarian. We lived. Happily for almost two months when she started to get sick. We had her checked out. She was with foal, 3 months along. You were the only one she ever had. She wanted to tell you. She was scared how'd you react after last time. She had the foal on the 16th of april four years past. She raised the colt with all the love she had. He'd ask about you, hardly a day went by he didn't beg her to see you. Two weeks ago, She agreed to take Azure to see you. Oh, you should have seen him, it was the cutest thing. Of course she wanted me to go with her and make sure you are still there. It is now I’m afraid I must break some bad news. As we were walking down to your apartment, we were... attacked by some Human Liberation Front extremists. She didn’t make it, I’ve beengiven a week to live at the time of writing this. Im not long for this world and You’re the only family he has left. He doesn't know what happened. Please raise him well for Catherine Sincerely, Morning Dew (Kelly) Before John could really absorb the contents and weight of the letter there was a large CRASH and the sound of shattered glass from the bathroom. He ran towards the source to find Azure next to a large amount of shattered glass. “I didn’t do it!” Blurted the young pegasus, putting his forehooves up in front of him in a show of false innocence. His large wall mirror was comletely lost. “Hey, do have anything to do around here? All I can find is trash. When was the last time you cleaned this place anyhow?” The steely maned pegasus asked while walking off. “Uhhh...” John trailed. Things had gotten much more livelier than He would like. “Just wait in the living room while I make you a room.” “But I’m bored!” The colt whined. “Then watch some movies or something.” John snapped back. “You’re the best! Mom NEVER let me watch movies!” And on that note Azure galloped into the living room. A little under ten minutes of picking up the shattered mirror shards later, John walked into the living room and there was Azure, furiously trying to work the blu-ray player. John caught himself chuckling at the sight, it was quite adorable. “How do you work this thing?!” Asked Azure well he fiddling with the old device. What are you trying to watch anyways?” “Box said ‘Repo: The Genetic Oprea’” He noted as he continued to fiddle with it. “Uhhh, Maybe you should watch something else... Here try this, ‘The Lion King’. Classic. You just put the disc in the tray, close the tray and then it wait till the menu pops up...” He paused as the disc span and some trailers came up. John skipped through to the menu. “And you hit ‘play’.” “Cool. Hows it work?” He asked as he sat down on. “Ummm, Magic?” “Really?” “No. Now just watch the movie while I fix up a room for ya.” “Will do!” Azure happily exclaimed. John walked to the upstairs area, his bedroom a bathroom, a music/party room, a storage room, and an empty room were up there. He grabbed an extra mattress from the storage room, some sheets a blanket and a pillow. John carried the full load to the empty room, which would be semi spacious to human, and set them down. After a few moments, the bed was made. He took a step back to examine his handiwork. “The bed should be fine. But this room needs some color.” He walked back to the storage room. He looked around casually, scanning the room, to see if he had any paint. “I KNOW I have paint in here.” He growled moving boxes and supplies. After John had searched a good portion of the Room he finally he found a can of forest green paint behind some emergency rations. “This should do nicely, now where are those rollers?” After a quick search he had found them. Satisfied with what he had found John headed into Azure’s room. He set up and started painting, Throwing the deep, rich green on the bleach white walls. The fumes started to give John a headache. He tried to crack the window, but had rusted shut. John struggled with it for a few minutes. After failing to open the window he grew frustrated. He Tried one last time, pulling with all his might, the window finally came free. The window jammed into the frame and became stuck. I’ll deal with it later. John got back to painting the room. Up, down, up down, up, down. Like grass growing anew, the room springs to life with a vibrant deep green. John chuckled at the sentiment. After thirty more minutes of painting the room was a nice shade of green. As John admired his work The letter the young pegasus bore came to mind. Catherine still loved him, she was pregnant, she never told him, then she was murdered. She was going to come back. He had a son. They were going to be a family like they always talked about. He remembered the last thing the letter said, “...You’re the only family he has left... Please raise him well for Catherine.” He sighed, “If I’m all he’s got, I feel bad for the kid.” He remembered the colt was still downstairs. John moved downstairs to check on him. The young colt was completely engrossed in the movie, which was about over. John snuck into the room and sat down unnoticed. Instead of watching the old familiar movie he watched the soft glow it cast upon Azure. That is my son. Echoed in John’s head. He watched as his son was engrossed in the movie. His reaction to certain scenes, The return to pride rock, the raid, the final battle and the final scene. Azure watched intently, as if trying to piece together a puzzle. The movie finished. “So what did you think Azure?” John asked, making his presence known. “It was a very well told tale of a son trying to live up to the standards of his father whom he knew only very briefly.” Azure answered, still looking at the blank screen. “What.” Azure turned around to face his father, “I mean, he knew his dad for a very small portion of his life, and then spent the rest of it either in shame from falling short, or trying to live up to the imagined expectations of his father.” He explained. “I... never thought about it that way...” John responded. The young pegasus yawned deeply. ‘Hey, lets get you to bed boy-o.” The pegasus didn’t protest. John motioned for him to follow him, and lead him to his room. “Its a bit... empty...” Azure noted upon seeing the bare room with a sole mattress on the floor. “Well, feel free to spruce it up however.” John replied a bit listless. The deep blue pegasus made his way to bed and laid down, pulling the blanket over his small form. “Can you read me a bed time story dad?” The young pegasus asked juat as John was about to turn away. “You have a bed time story kid?” “In the left saddle bag.” John opened up the said saddlebag and pulled out a good sized book. ‘A collection of bed time stories’. He opened the book and read the table of contents, “An Equestrian Bedtime Story (title lost, though also known as The Three Trials), Upon a Shooting Star, The Spoiled filly, Seven Ponds, The Juggler, Tale of the Royal Sisters, False Feathers, Rise of the Everfree, The Shore of Chestnut Cove, The Forest’s Guardian, and finally The Voyage of the Stowaway. Which one do you want to hear?” Azure considered it for a moment, “Upon a shooting star.” John flipped to the proper page and read aloud. As he finished the last word, he noticed Azure was soundly asleep. He closed the book and set it with the rest of the pegasus’ things. John turned and paused at the doorway, finger on the light switch. He looked upon the snoozing colt for a moment, taking in the sight. “Goodnight, Azure.” He said, as he flicked the lights off. ******************************************************************************************************** -Azure wind is a pretty cool name huh? dot hack? never heard of it. I knew a John, I knew a Norris. I know crazy people. -The nickname comes in later. Like next update.
Part 3An Azure Future Part 3: Once more! With PLOT! John Norris checked his watch. It was that time. Again. It had come early this time around, but he had another mouth to feed now and it was his fault. He should’ve calculated for increased usage. It was time to shop for groceries. John shuddered, A chore most loathsome. He mentally kicked himself for lack of planning. He walked up to Azure’s room, the pegasus was asleep. He let out a sigh of relief. The last thing he needed was his son to accompany him on his godless mission. He went to his room, hit a few numbers on the keypad to the hidden room, gathered an impressive sum of bits and loaded them into his backpack. He scrawled a quick note explaining where he was going, what to do in an emergency and what to do if he never came back. John headed out the door, pausing to observe the room for what may be the last time. John made his way out of the dead apartment complex, it seemed desolate and forbidding as he walked down the stairs. The doors slid open silently as he approached. He was finally outside. The high noon sun blinded him instantly. How he hated the sun. He ducked into the parking complex across the street and let out a sigh of relief. That was close... The parking lot was full of cars collecting dust with red X’s on them He made his way through the mausoleum of cars, truck and motorcycles to his personal modus of transportation. It was older than him by far, but a classic 2015 F150, One of the last gs engine models released. He unlocked the door with his key, having lost the clicker long ago, and got in the driver seat. He turned the key in the ignition and the engine roared to life. He put it in drive and headed to the market. He reached the market after a short drive, and parked in an empty spot. He turned off the truck and dewelled in the silence of the cab for a moment or two. Letting out a sigh he readied himself mentally and exited the truck. The grocery store seemed like an indomitable fortress of doom to John. What horrors lie within, awaiting me, this time? He braced himself one last time and headed inside. “Hello!” Exclaimed a bright yellow pony at the door. Oh god. The name tag read Sunny Smiles and Her cutie mark was a smiling sun. Not very creative with names, this lot. John observed. “How may I help you today?” The yellow pony beamed. It made John’s stomach churn. How I despise social interaction. “Uhm, yes. I need some help with the impressively extravagant amount of groceries I will undoubtedly be purchasing this evening. It usually is about three carts full, and I have some trouble managing that amount by my lonesome. So, if it is not too much trouble, I would like to ask if I could get two helpers to be in charge of the other two carts while I shop.” John threw up in his mouth a little bit. Oh god, she’s going to yell at me. I asked for too much... Why can’t I just suffer in silence? Why do I bother others? John’s face, instead of betraying his true emotions, just displayed a cheesy smile. “Oh, why that would be no trouble at all sir! Let me go get someponies from the loading area, they shouldn’t be occupied! No problem!” OhgoditsworsethanIthought. She was back in a few moments with two colts following behind. The one on the right was a pegasus with a deep green coat and mane a few shades lighter than his coat, his cutie mark was a simple brown box. his name tag simply read Soarin. The one on the right was a white unicorn whose cutie was a rusty dolly. His name tag stated he was Twink Express. “Hello again! This is Soarin and Twink! They will be assisting you today! Just let me know if you need anything else byeee!” Sunny Smiles came and went like a flash of lightning. “So... Uh... Grab a cart I guess?” They simply grunted in reply. John twitched nervously at their reply. “Well then, lets get started!” He exclaimed. John headed off and started snaking through the isles. I should grab more of a variety of fruits, vegetables, and just food in general. I wish I knew what Azure likes... Ah well. I don’t want him to experience the horrors of this place, everyone silently judging... giving me LOOKS... John shuddered. The first aisle held nothing of interest to John, It was just various cooking utensils. He merely used it to get to the back wall, where all the produce and meat was. How there was still meat in stores when the majority population was vegetarian never failed to astound him. John just took it as good proof that there were still enough humans around to market it and farm it. As long as there is meat in the market, mankind isn’t going to be extinct any time soon. He thought with some pride. He grabbed a substantial amount of the freshest meat and produce, filling his own cart to brink and even placing a small amount in Soarin’s cart. He noted their confused and just slightly horrified looks. They don’t mean harm, they don’t mean harm, they don’t mean harm... Okay. I’m good now. A short trip down the cereal aisle and John had managed fill Soarin’s cart to the point the pegasus was starting to struggle with it. He had gathered a good amount of meat, a truly impressive array of various produce item and now only had one last aisle. Snacks and soft drinks. He ventured down the aisle. He cleaned the store of its entire supply of Diet coke. What little room was left in Twink’s cart was filled with an assortment of snacks. He moved to check out. “Thats a lot of food mister.” Noted the cashier pony. “Eh. I stock up.” After about twenty five minutes, silent except for the beeping of the scanner, the process was done. John paid and made his way to his truck with the help of Twink and Soarin. He thanked them for their help and loaded up the bed of his truck. He unlocked the truck and opened the door, what he saw horrified him. He had left the headlights on. His heart sank. He jammed the keys and turned the ignition but no luck, the battery was drained. John shouted a string of profanities. He had a trickle charger back in the apartment. The apartment ten miles away. No choice but to walk John gave. Welp, I ain’t gonna get there by magic. John checked his watch and the sun, it was four o’clock and it was already starting to get dark. He started down the walkway. It was a brisk evening, by Californian standards. Not too many ponies out and about right now. John observed. He turned his attention skyward. Only a handful of Pegasi too. Usually its pretty lively up there. There was a faint siren crying a few blocks from John. Some things never change. He looked towards the sound and saw black smoke rising on the horizion. Welcome to California, home of the Fire Season. Winter wrap-up? No thanks, we prefer to put out brush fires. John was lost in thought when a gray unicorn approached him. “Hello sir!” The gray unicorn exclaimed, surprising John. John jumped. “Where’d you come from!” “Places.” Stated the unicorn motioning to nowhere it particular with his hooves. “I’m from ‘Ponification for Earth’s Rebirth’, Or P.E.R. for short.” Fuck. John had heard about PER. Humans had HLF and various things like it, ponies had PER. This is very no beuno. “I can tell by the look on your face that you HAVE heard of us. I’m here to talk about... Ponification.” John was in a bad spot. Then John was unconscious. John snapped awake. He didn’t recognize his where abouts. He was tied to a stretcher. Leather straps kept him in place. He tried them with a small tug. They were strong. He looked around. There were syringes and a cup of potion on the small table next to him. The height of the roof suggested that this was a warehouse. It was kept very sanitary. The whole thing reminded John of a doctors office. Well. This just keeps getting better. “Oh! You’re awake! I was SO worried my friend over here used too much force, but don’t worry, he’s being... taken care of.” As if on cue John heard a painful scream tear from an unseen room somewhere down a dark hall. “I assure you that he won’t be making that mistake ever again.” The Unicorn beamed. “So, who are you and why are you doing this?” John asked plainly. I just want to go home... “Oh! My stars, how rude of me! I’ve yet to introduce myself! I am Gray Crusader, and I run the orange county chapter of PER. I heard there was still a human in this sector, and I just had to make sure. A few questions and well placed bits and I’ve finally found you! as for why I am doing this, you are familiar with our purpose correct? I believe we had a good number of believers come to your apartment numerous times before.” John knew. The almost daily assualts on his door. The zealous ponies telling him how he was holding mankind back by remaining human. How being human holds back humans is just a bit odd. He could almost recite the pamphlet from how many time they read it to him. It was a simple train of thought. The ponies had come bearing peace, tolerance, and came from a pristine land. They promised to make the rest of the earth like their land but humans could not survive the process. PER’s goal was to eliminate the human race via ponification or other means if it came to it. Their exploits were infamous, When princess Celestia caught wind of the organization, she announced that there were to be human preservation areas set up, areas free of magic where humans could live, SoCal being one of them. Most of the PER disbanded that day, but some diehards remained, bent on ridding the human race.. “So, you scoured the town looking for the only human left living in it to force ponification on it? Really? You guys are crazier than I thought.” “Hey now, I prefer to be called forward thinking. You know we’ve sworn to make way for this planet’s purification by removing the human race. Either through ponification or other means.” Gray smiled. “Still crazy.” “If you insist.” “You know Celestia said she would be erecting human preservation areas right? Areas free of magic where humans could live.” “Ah. Yes, but as you may remember, our goal is the complete restoration of earth. As long as there are humans, this planet will bear the scars they have made.” “You... There is nothing I can say. You’ve set your mind in stone on this matter. You can’t fix stupid, you can’t fix crazy, and you’re crazy stupid.” Gray laughed in response. “Now,” stated Gray, levitating the potion toward John. “Let’s get started.” _________________________________________________________NOTES: And then, OUT OF NOWHERE, plot. Whatever that is. I NO BE GOOD AT MAKING PONI NAMES. Yeah, Azure’s not in this really, but you now what? Whatever. Its only named An Azure Future. Shout out to lightsideluc for helping me with probably reason for the run-in with the ponify now group As always, Comments, thoughts, and what’d you like to see can be posted in the current TCB thread or emailed to me.
Part 4An Azure Future Part 4 So Very Strapped The Styrofoam cup floated in front of John Norris' face. This is what I wanted when I woke up this morning. Eyup. Nothing like being strapped down by a madman. Or is that Madcolt? Madstallion? Madpony? Oh god, I’m about to be ponified and my last human thoughts are of TERMINOLOGY. When did this become my life? Wonder what kind of pony I’d be? ...What would Azure think? The thought of his son woke something up in John. Aw shit, the note! He must think I’m dead. I have to get out of here, for Azure! John examined the straps on his wrist, they had a small amount of give but the leather was good. Then John noticed something about the strapping system itself, it was a metal button in a well worn notch in the leather strap. All he had to do was push out against it. A plan quickly formed in John’s racing mind. “So, you mind if I ask a question before this happens?” John asked as nonchalantly as he could manage given the situation. This had to work. There was no plan b. There was hardly a plan a to begin with. A twisted smile adorned Grey Crusader’s face at the perceived crushed spirit before him. ”You caught me in a good mood, I’ll tell you what, you get three.” The gray pony smirked, already celebrating victory judging from his tone. He kept the cup floating in front of John’s face. John’s plan was working. So far so good, now if only I actually had questions... PER members are mostly all ex-human and hate their human past, that could work for me. “So, what’s your story? start at when you human. Equestrian ponies wouldn’t hardly ever bother with humans like you PER ponies do, so don’t play like you’re equestrian born.” John was taking a lot of risks, if he messed up he'd be ponified anyways, if he somehow succeeded... “You know, your very mouthy for someone strapped down.” Crusader spoke through gritted teeth. “But I will answer nonetheless.” He cleared his throat and began. “I was born in Anaheim, just a few block from here infact. I grew up in what you would call a ‘broken home’ never knew my father, mother was either not around or on something. I kept my head down and my nose clean. I lost my closest friend when I was eighteen to gang violence, wore the wrong color shirt on the wrong street. I graduated shortly after the incident. I broke ties with home and studied ecology at FCSU. When the AI’s finally took over my job and my degree wasn’t worth the paper it was printed on, as if some sort of saviour, the ponies came, offering ponification, offering peace, offering to take away the corruption I’ve seen, offering to heal the earth. I was among the first covenrtee’s. But then the HLF came along, they refused ponification, they refused to heal the planet. It was then I founded Ponification for Earth’s Rebirth. Things went well at first, but then we were condemned by our own kind and now we have to work in complete secrecy. Next question?” John thought for a bit. He had undone the straps on his hands but was now at the full attention of his captor. Oh man, that was pretty all inclusive... I need something else... “So... Uh... Come here often?” Dammit. Grey Crusader blinked out of confused, “You can’t be serious. Are you fucking real with that question? This is the local chapters base of operations. I am the Grand Master of the PER and headquaters is nearby. I spend a good deal of time here. Do you even HAVE a third question?” John smirked, “Why yes I do.” John mentally prepped himself mentally, Here we go... “What happens when you throw a styrofoam cup of ponification anaesthetic in an insane ponies face?” Before the gray pony could react, John snatched the cup out of the air and threw its contents at Grey Crusader. It hit him square in the face. John unstrapped his legs with haste, he had no idea if it would do as he tought it would and render his captor uncounsious. “What the fuck?! Do you know how much this shit stings when it gets in your eyes?! Motherfuck son!” The gray pony screamed, blinded by the potion. John removed the strap from the chair and placed it over Grey's muzzle, tightening it so he couldn't scream. He moved on to check the door Locked. Right by the door was a map of the building in the form of a fire escape route on a piece of paper taped to the wall.Must be my lucky day. John looked at the map, the closest room was well down the way. Maybe nobody heard him scream. The alarm’s eerie siren started blazing. “Goddamit.” The intercom came to life “We are under attack, I repeat we are under attack. This is not a drill. Enforcers, to your battle stations. This is not a drill.” The recording played endlessly. “Well, that sounds like fun. I need a plan...” John stared listlessly at the fire routes for a few long moments, trying to make sense of the multilevel map. “Screw this, lets just get out and roll with whatever.” John kicked the door open. The scene before him was one of war. Scattered across the large compound were men in dark clothing, HLF across their backs, wielded various weapons. A few would charge into a building, shots were fired, sounds of struggle came from within, even fewer emerged from the room. Sometimes, no one would come out. The local HLF found the Local PER, the two terrorist orginizations fighting over the fate of mankind. John ran into the closest building, careful to avoid the crossfire. It apperead to be dedicated to the weaponization of potion. Looking around, John could see various projects that would put the final gravemarker on mankind. There was modifications for pistols, rifles, and machines to shoot potion tainted rounds. A picked apart 81mm mortar round suggested their development of a long range area ponification. What really caught his eye was a tear gas canister marked 'Ponification Gas X-17'. If they could just carpet bomb an area with gas... There was a sudden noise, an earth pony with fresh crimson stains on his chest and streaks across his side stumbled from somwhere in the back. "You..." it rasped, blood dripping from its muzzle. John stepped back in shock. "W-what did I do?" "This," The pony motioned to itself with a hoof. "to me." "I'm not with the HLF." John tried to reason. "Oh, are you sure about that? Why are you still human then?" The pony posed his last question just before there was the crack of a gunshot and a large chunk of the pony's skull disappeared. “Are you okay? I didn’t expect to see a non-combatant here.” John turned to the voice. The boy seemed to be about seventeen years old. He was holding an old bolt action rifle. John identified it as world war two era. His dad was a gun aficionado and he knew a few things himself as a rule. “The names Enfield, we need to get you out of here, ASAP. Lets go.” The young man took off, leading the way. They ran through the large PER compound, which John now knew was mostly dedicated to R&D. Bullets wizzed through the air and there was a ceasless chatter of gun fire. The pair ducked into cover behind a concrete slab. Checking the map, John tried making sure they were headed out but was pulled away from where he crouched as potion splattered against the slab's corner. "That was close eh?" Enfield smirked. A few ponies filed out of a building and Enfield quickly dispatched them the moment they dared come into view. John was perturbed by the how easily the young man pulled the trigger. There was no hesitation, no visible remorse, he didn’t even looked troubled. "This way!" Enfield bolted and John chased after. Soon, John could see a large gate that lead to the street. Better yet, it was open. John and Enfield charged through the gate. He looked around whilst panting, John recognized his surroundings, he was just a bit over a mile from his apartment, he could see the high rise from here. There was a good number Human Liberation Front vans parked askew around the building. A few men heavily armed guarding the front in case they needed to make a hasty retreat or some support. “Where the fuck did you find him?” One of them asked Enfeild. “We kinda ran into each other. I think they were going to forcibly ponify him.” He answered. Well, out of the frying pan and into the fire. I probably could make a run for it, but knowing HLF they’re likely to shoot me down for fun. I wonder if these are the same bastards that killed her... John looked around for an escape route. He had to get out of here. I need a distraction. Then the night exploded. Standing before him was a pony as dark as the night itself with all the night’s stars in its mane. It was a pony that John had seen before, both in person and on TV. Princess Luna. That’ll work. John took off, the barbaric screams of humans and the fearful screams ponies mixing in the night. ********** John was out of breath when he reached the entrance of the apartment. He made his way to the elevator and hit the button for his floor. He collapesed on the floor of the elevator as it began its ascent. “Jesus, that was fun stuff.” He sighed. The doors slid open, John exited the elevator and entered the apartment. “And where the hay were you?” Asked a small pegasus staring at him from the counter. “Did you think it’d be funny just to leave this note and disappear?” Azure asked with as much anger as he could muster up, then he started to tear up. “I worried about you, dad. I don't want to be alone again.” His voice wavered. ”Azure, its okay now, I’m here. I kinda realized after the fact that the note was a bad idea. I... got caught up with some.... stuff.” John checked the time, it was eight pm the following day. I must’ve been knocked out for a good while. “Hey how about some dinner?” “Sure, where are the groceries?” Azure asked. “Shit." John cursed, realizing they were still in the truck, miles away. "Knew I was forgetting something. Wanna help me go get some fresh groceries tomorrow?” Azure laughed lightly “Sure dad, why not?” _______________________________________________________________NOTES: Thats right, of all the references to be made, I reference one of the only fics whose author dosen’t hang out on the tcb /fic/ threads anymore..What son? (Ten rounds Written by defoloce) Also, The character from the show is none other than Luna in Princess mode. Fun chapter. I was just playing around with my imagination and everything got INTENSE. As always, thoughts, concerns, ideas, what you’d like to see. I’m going to try to put a cameo in each update from here on. So post ‘em in the current TCB thread or email me at or if your interested in a cameo. Anonymous Is Grammar NUTZI. Also a dirty liar.
Part 5An Azure Future Part 5: The Park and The Jump (for real this time) It was sunny outside. Horridly so. It was a cloudless day, with a gentle breeze. John Norris was taking his son, Azure Wind, to the park. It was a one on one thing. John picked one thing for them to do and Azure picked one. Today was Azure's turn to go first, and he chose a picnic in the park. John was adamant and swore vengeance. "Do we have to go?" The six foot three inch well built two hundred pound human complained. "Hey, you made the rules, any one thing I want and any one thing you want. Only disqualifier was that it had to be done together. It’s a beautiful day out, the weather team and Celestia herself would be cross if we didn't enjoy it." Azure stated. "Fiiine." John admitted defeat. (I'll just have to make azure do something horrid too...) "The parks just three blocks down, we don't even need to drive. You ready dad?" The small blue pegasus said ecstatically, Azure had been dragging John out of the cooped apartment as much as possible. "But the other ponies are mean!" "Dad, I've said this once, and I'll say it again. STOP BEING PARANOID. NOPONY IS TRYING TO STEAL YOUR SOUL. Or your thumbs." Azure sighed, every time he'd try to get his dad outside, he always pulled this same act. It was tiring to say the least. "Fine, but if one of those damn unicorns even THINKS about doing magic on me, I’m hateshanking them with their own horn." The human pouted. "Holy- Ugh, can we go now, PLEASE?" The pegasus begged. John sighed, "Lead the way." He said while picking up the basket and motioning to the door. The pair decided to forsake the elevator and take the stairs. For the first part at least. Azure and John were tired after the fifth flight of stairs and ended up in the elevator. One of the tenants from John’s building was there. “Oh, hey-John, long-time-no-see! Hey-whos-this-little-guy?” A hyperactive light green earth pony bombarded John, spitting words out at a million words a minute. John knew the pony when he was human, hard to believe he was as much of a recluse as John was. At least before ponification. “Hey Joseph, how the equine life treating you?” John smirked. He knew he hated his human name, something about a relic from the shambles of his former life. How he reacted was always worth the interaction. The pony’s head snapped to the left and his right eye twitched. “My name... Is Breezy Fields. NOT. JOSEPH.” John neighbor seethed through gritting teeth. Success. “Calm down Breezy, just messin’ with ya man. Calm down.” Its a bit mean, but it always calms him down. “Sorry ‘bout that, so who is this plucky young pegasus?” Beamed Breezy Fields. “Oh, him? I just let him follow me around” John joked. ‘I’m his son.” Azure added. “YOU have a SON? Omigosh-this-is-so-exciting! Oooh, I-just-cant-WAIT-tell-Everfree! How-old-is-he? Who’s-his-mother? Is-it-Catherine-I-think-her-name was? I-just-can’-BELI-” the door of the elevator slid open and John and Azure made a break for the exit. “What... was that... about?” Azure gasped between breaths. “He’s been all uppity ever since he got ponified. They say it doesn’t affect personality but that man right there is proof otherwise. I guess its an improvement but I still don’t like the idea of my head being messed with.” Explained John in a very matter-of-fact tone. “Huh.” Azure dismissed. The pair started down towards the park, the odd pair garnering the attention of some of the many ponies enjoying the day. John looked skyward. It was alive with pastel pegasus, looking as if there was an ocean of color above them. How he world has changed. John was searching the sky when Azure asked “What’s that?’ pointing towards a building wih a neon sign and blacked out windows. Yet some things never change. The sign read ‘The hosieried hoof’ and underneath the sign, ‘Pretty fillies in frilly things!’. What’s the point of a stripclub when... wait a minute... they’re clothed? A dressclub? Oh I GOTTA see this... “Uhm, I don’t know Azure, Wait here while I find out. Be back in five-ten minutes.” John lied and headed towards the dressclub. “Okay! Tell me what it is!” Azure beamed as his father left towards the blackened building. John paid the entrance fee and walked inside the dressclub. "My god..." The place was designed exactly like its human counterpart, lingerie and seductive clothing was everywhere. There was one fundamental difference, instead of stripping down to nudity, the fillies on stage started off naked and put on the scanty clothing. John ducked out after he noticed he caught one of the dancer's eyes. "So what was it?" Azure bounced. John couldn't meet the gaze of the young pegasus. "I'll... I'll tell you when you're older, okay?" John compromised. Starting down towards the park once more. "Awww... Okay..." Azure looked defeated. “Hey, don’t get down Azure. Look, we’re here!” John cheered. The park lay before them about one hundred meters, it was vibrant and alive. Various ponies inhabited the parks ground, air, and fourth dimension. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to magic... “So Azure, how about a race to that hill?” John grinned, pointing to one of the hills in the park.. “You are ON.” The pegasus beamed. “ONETWOTHREE GO!” Azure took off, galloping as fast as he could. “Cheatin’ Bastard!” John shouted as he gave chase. He caught up to Azure in a matter of moments, Azure reacted by cutting him off, this resulted in John falling onto Azure and the pair slid up the hill into the tree with a loud thud. John started to laugh, “I guess we tied then, eh kiddo?” When was the last time I laughed like this? “You wish, I was totally ahead by like an inch!” Azure countered, sticking his tongue out at John. John just shook his head in reply, set up sheet, impaling the corners with loose sticks he found. Opening up the picnic basket he brought with him, he set up a few BLT’s he made for himself, two daisy sandwiches he made for Azure, and a few snacks for them to share. The pair sat under the tree and enjoyed each others company, eating a little of their food. I wonder what a flower sandwich tastes like... “Hey Azure, wanna try each others sandwiches?” John asked. The blue pegasus thought for a moment “...Sure. Why not?” Azure said while offering John his daisy sandwich. John switched out the daisy sandwich in Azure's hoof with his BLT. "On the count of three we take a bite." Azure nodded in reply. "One... Two... Three!" They took a large bite of each others sandwich. John started gagged immediately and Azure started coughing. "You LIKE this stuff? It tastes like grass covered in shit." John coughed. Azure hit his chest a few times with his hoof. "I still don't understand the appeal of meat, but to each his own. Or something like that." John laid down on the sheet, lit a cigarette and took a drag. It is a nice day. His view of the blue sky was obstructed by a young filly with yellow coat and unkempt brown mane. “Are you a human?!” It shouted with a look of joy, inches from John’s face. “Uhhh...” Where the hell did she come from? “That would appear to be the case, wouldn’t it?” “Thats SO COOL. I’ve only seen like a few other humans before and they protected us from some other humans who wanted to become ponies and kill Celestia. Hey mister, why didn’t you become a pony huh?” You know what... I’m in a good mood. “Well it started in lets say... high school. My friends and I were always a bit off, a group of loners, stoners, emos, goths, nerds, all the outcasts, the best group of crazies you’d ever find. We didn’t get along with society’s rules, so we made our own. We called ourselves the Get ’em gang. We had all had nicknames, mine was Coke. We all had our vices, drugs, self harm, as for me, I felt I had obligations, extreme loyalty kinda thing. Also extreme paranoia and social anxiety. Being around people that decided that we should celebrate our flaws, for they made us unique, certainly didn’t help. I got it in my head to... well I don’t know. I guess I became loyal to my humanity? It slowly became all I have left as more and more of my friends and family got ponified. I cling to it because its all I have really.” The earth pony filly’s eyes were wide. “Are you sad that you can’t get ponified anymore?” She asked. “Really now, what happened?” John asked, Did they close down all the conversion bureaus? “Yeah, Like three days ago, there was an incident between the PER and HLF, Princess Luna got involved and they closed down all conversion bureaus and recalled all the potion. Oh shoot, my mom’s calling me, gotta go. It was nice talking to you mister Coke!” As the young earth pony trotted off to her mother, John noticed her cutie mark was an open book. Quite appropriate... But, all the bureaus are closed? Feels kinda... odd. Not having that option... “Hey dad, who was that?” Azure asked. “Oh, hey little guy. I don’t believe I got her name... Interesting little filly though. Where were you?” “Oh, I was playing with my ball.” Azure explained, bouncing the ball into the air and catching it with his back hoof in a demonstration. “I’m kinda done here, lets do your thing now.” A devious smile spread across John’s face and he hollered, “TO THE TRUCK-MOBILE!” After a quick walk back to the complex, Azure and John got in the vintage truck. “So were are going?” Azure questioned. “Oh trust me, you will love it.” A wicked smile adorned John’s face. “But first you need to put this blindfold on. Its a SURPRISE.” Azure looked concerned. “Uhhh, o... kay...?” he slipped the blindfold on and John started the truck and drove. Forty minutes later, John was parking the car on a bridge. “We’re here Azure. You can take it off now.” Azure took off the blindfold and immediately wished he hadn’t. A sign over the bridge read ‘BUNGEE JUMPING, 50 BITS A PONY.’ “I hate you so much right now.” “Oh c’mon Azure, it’ll help with your fear of heights! Shock therapy!” John beamed. “Thats wrong and you’re stupid.” A unicorn with a taut bungee cord for a cutie approached them. “Hi, you must be John and this little guy must be Azure Wind! Welcome to The Bridge, I’m Bounce and I’ll be your jump-master today. Come right this way and we’ll get started.” He smiled, just as he had for the last hundred customers and just like he will for the next hundred. Azure begrudgingly followed John to the harnesses. “Okay lets strap you up!” Bounce exclaimed, his horn lighting up with magic as he placed the harness on John and Azure. “Its perfectly safe, you won’t even come within one hundred meters of the ground!” “How far up are we?” Azure asked, the pegasus looked sick. Bounce thought for a moment, “About six hundred and fifty meters, why?” “OH HAY N-” Azure started, but then Bounce had already pushed him and John hurtling into the abyss. Azure screamed in terror. Then the line went taut and they bounced back up, this repeated about several times. Azure never stopped screaming. This was a mistake... GOD I’m so STUPID. Bounce brought them back off and thanked them. The pair got into the truck and drove in silence until John spoke up. “Hey, Azure, I’m... I’m sorry about putting you through that...” Azure didn’t respond at first. Oh man, I really messed it up this time... “I promise to never put you through anything like that again.” John apologized, Azure could hear the sincerity in his voice. “Its... okay. Im over it now... Dad, can I ask a favor of you?” Azure looked at John, sincerity, seriousness, and sadness were all blended together in those icy eyes. It was enough to stop a raging bull. “For you Azure, anything. What is it?” “Can you teach me to fly?” The blue pegasus asked. “Uhhh... I could hire a professional fli-” Azure cut John off, a move unusually brash for the young pegasus, “No dad, I want you to teach me.” John realized what Azure was hinting at. Once more, someone close to him wanted him to get ponified. John thought about it. I’ve... lost so many people to this, to the point where I was completely alone. Until Azure came along, I was in bad shape, mentally. All the scars I earned , tributes to battles I’ve both won and lost, journeys I’ve been on. I worked so hard and so long on making my body the ultimate testament to my will. The nerve damage in my feet from the thousands upon thousands of miles I’ve ran, the large scars on my shins from falling down that mountain. My immense stature. Becoming a pony would erase it. I don’t think I can take losing another person over this. I... I think its time to let go of my pride. Having a human father and being a pony... I’m done losing the people I love over this. Its... Its time I got ponified. John solemnly stated, “Sure.” _)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_NOTES: And out of fucking nowhere, the main plot. The Dress club is by - anon, we may see them again (dressclubs that is). Bungee jump by same anon as above. IM KRASS MCWRITER AND THIS MY FAVORITE PART IN THE WHOLE SERIES That filly in park definitely WAS NOT a yellowstone reference. Not in the SLIGHTEST. I really enjoyed writing this. A little TOO much... I thought it was a good stopping point... As always, thoughts, concerns, ideas, what you’d like to see. I’m going to try to put a cameo in each update from here on. So post ‘em in the current TCB thread or email me at KrassMcWriter@gmail.com or if you’re interested in a cameo.
Part 6An Azure Future part 6 The Get’em Gang Has A Problem AKA: AAF’s sub-plot so the story lasts longer John Norris and his son, Azure Wind, were at Top Goods, a local bakery run by an old friend of John’s. Cream Baker as he was known to the general populous, he was better known to John as Grindah. John ordered a chocolate twist, a glazed donut, and a dozen donut holes from one of the clerks, his usual fare when he would make a trip from his apartment. Azure mimicked John and had the same. The baked goods shop did not have its usual cheery atmosphere today. Grindah, instead of being his usual happy and energetic, if not overly so, self, seemed a bit lethargic. John was observing his ponified high school friend’s behavior and noted it was uncharacteristic of him, even when he was a human. Grindah was called so for his ability to keep a sunny and upbeat disposition even when he was doing something most people would detest or just a menial and repetitive task, or grinding as it was called. It also worked on the level that he ground his own flour. “Hey, shop keep!” John called out to his friend. Even when they were down, the Get’em gang was always up on each other with jokes made at personal expense. The cream colored earth pony’s head turned slowly to John’s voice. “Whatcha need bro?” His voice carried an outstanding amount of his exhaustion. The pony’s body showed it too, there were heavy bags under his eyes and his steps were shaky. He had lost a lot of sleep to insomnia. John caught on, his friend was hiding something. John wasn’t going to have it. His friend was having trouble, his friend needed help. Secrets are cool, but not when they’re fucking with you. He may not want help but, by golly, he’s getting it! “Hey, Grindah, whats up man?” John said nonchalantly. “Huh, oh, sorry bro. I’m just really tired, is all.” The pony yawned. John didn’t buy it. Grindah could sleep through finals in high school, and occasionally did. If he’s having sleep issues, then there is something wrong in the most hardcore way. “Dude, you are the worst liar ever. I know you too well. What’s up?” John moved into full accusation mode. He wasn’t going to have his friends go alone trough troubles. His friend sighed. “You remember Noob?” The name alone had memories flooding back. He was his best friend, they were hanging out well before they started the Get’em Gang, he was the closest thing they had to a leader. They were as close as two friends could be. John silently acknowledged Grindah. “He’s in trouble...” “Wait, what kind of trouble? How come he didn’t contact me?” John felt wounded. Grindah was Noob’s second closest friend, and was picked over him. The pony picked up on John’s distress. “Hey, we thought you were dead, remember? I thought I was seeing a ghost when you first walked in my shop. He’s in trouble with the HLF in New York. He knew I was in contact with you, but he didn’t have your info. He said something about reciprocation for the ‘dog incident’ whatever that means.” Goddammit. I knew that’d come back to bite me in the ass. “What does the HLF HQ want with Noob of all people? I mean, no offense, but he’s kinda the craziest and periodically retarded person I know. Lots of fun, he is, but damn.” John was quite confused. If he’s calling in the Dog Incident, it must be serious... “It didn’t say.” His friend shrugged. Or at least John thought it was a shrug. I need to hang with ponies more... “All I know is that he’s in trouble. I... I have some sleep to catch up on... if you don’t mind.” John motioned him to go off. Azure had been watching the exchange in silence and finally, after several short moments, decided to ask, “What’s that all about, dad?” He posed, tilting his head in confusion. “That,” John swallowed the last donut hole, “is us going on a road trip to New York, boy-o.” He stood up and left the shop, Azure followed after a momentary hesistation. “You do realize that doesn’t explain a single thing, right?” Azure stated more then asked as he caught up to his father. “Well, he was my best friend for about eight years, and I owe him big time for a favor done a while back. He’s called me up on it so we’re going.” John explained. A confused look spread across his face. “What did he do that you gotta drag yourself and your son to the other side of the country?” John remembered the events that constituted the ‘Dog Incident’ as it was called by those unfortunate enough to present for them. He tried to hide his shudder. “Something you should never, ever know about. Ever. If he tries to bring it up, leave.” He gritted through his teeth at the memory of his past shame. “Bu-” Azure started before he was interjected. “No Buts. Butts are for pooping. Trust me on this Azure. Its a part of my life no one should know about. I don’t want to know about it and I’m the guy who did it.” John spoke quickly, trying to keep his stomach down. They arrived at the apartment, and john started packing immediately. “Go get your good saddlebags and a duffel bag. Pack whatever you need. We leave tomorrow.” John dead panned. Azure stomped. “You said you’d teach me to fly four days ago! You haven’t even done anything for that yet.” Azure was mad. No, Azure was pissed, furious, John had never seen him this angry. It seemed he had finally had enough of his fathers procrastination. His dad was running off, dragging him along, breaking promises. “I’m sick of not being able to fly. I’m sick of being afraid to talk about flight. You said you would help! Now you’re just running off to New York!” John dropped what he was doing. What do I say? What should one say in this situation? ‘I’m looking for potion so I can personally give you lessons?’ ‘I’m working on it’?’ ‘Shut up?’ Christ... Lets go with this. John knelt down to Azure.“Azure, I’m looking at professional flight coaches and how they teach. I said I will do it. I need your trust. The man in trouble has helped me with more than I care to say and now its time I do the same for him. He needs my help. Trust me Azure, I haven’t forgotten.” The pegasus shifted and appeared to be in deep thought for a moment.. “Fine. On onecondition. No more delays once this, whatever it is, is over.” He demanded. John dwelled on the proposal. “Fine, I’ll see what I can do. But you have to start school when we get back. Now go pack.” John spoke with an ultimatum in his voice. Azure seemed to accept this and went to his room to pack. John moved up to his room. This better be worth it Noob. Now what to pack for myself? If he’s calling in that favor, I’m going to need some weapons, can’t go wrong with emergency rations, some basic survival gear wouldn’t be out of place either. HLF is involved, so something will need to be done with Azure. Maybe as a pretend prisoner? I should bring some rope in that case. John stared at an old rifle that his dad used in the last great war, the war on terror as they called it, and a gravity knife with a four and a half-inch blade. Seeing the old rifle reminded John of his own father. The only good thing the old man did for me was when he left me these. I don't like them but sometimes you have to deal with the hand you got. The old man had hardly a sober moment or a kind acknowledgement. He was known more to his harsh hand than kind words. John sighed and shuddered at the memory off his father. What would he say if he could see me today? Prepared to go to battle with his old gear. John lingered on the horrid thought for a moment before dismissing it. He’s gone now. No use thinking about it. He packed them in his bag, and proceeded to do so with the other supplies he imagined he’d need. Wait a minute... Does Azure even know how to pack? Oh god. I better check on him. John made his way to Azure’s room. He looked around the room, it was a far cry from the cot on the ground he and Azure shared on his first night here, the wall was more posters and trinkets than paint. A majority of them were for the Wonderbolts, John made a mental note to take Azure to a show sometime. The young pegasus had a layout on his bed consisting of a two books, a few comics, a portable game system (How does he even use it?), and a wonderbolt game for said system. “Is that all you’re bringin’?” John asked with a bit of worry. Azure answered with a confused look. “If there's one thing my father taught me, its be prepared. You might want to bring a sleeping bag and some food just in case the truck breaks down or some unforeseeable event occurs.” John sighed. “Well dad, I figured that's your problem being the parent and all. Also, I really doubt that the truck will break down, its older than you and still in mint condition. Either way, the trip shouldn’t be more than a week or two.” Never looking up at John, instead looking for more stuff to bring. “Bah. Don’t say I didn’t tell you so if it happens.” John dismissed. He re-examined the posters on the wall. A good number were for the Wonderbolts, a majority of the remainder for pony bands and musicians. What caught John’s eye was the what the last few were. They were posters of stallions in various poses. I may not have much experience with ponies and their culture, but that would seem to be a centerfold poster. Why does my son have centerfold stallions on his wall? Isn’t he a bit... young for that? Could he... nah. You know what? Fuck it. I’m going in. “Azure, what’s the deal with these posters?” John prepared for the fallout. “Hm? I know you’re still human and all dad, but I knowyou’ve heard of the Wonderbolts.” Azure seemed genuinely confused. “Not... Not those posters...” “Oh, those are just some bands I like dad. I’ll bring their CDs so we can listen to them on the way!” Azure beamed, happy his father was taking notice of his interests. John coughed. It was getting pretty awkward on his part. “The um... The other posters...” Azure figured out which ones he meant. “Oh. Those posters. It’s the Stallions of the Wonderbolts poster series, next month they’re putting out the first one of the mares. It’s supposed to be Spitfire.” “Oh thank god. For a moment I thought. Oh man... that was close.” John let out a sigh of relief. “What was close?” Azure asked, curious. “Nothing. Nothing at all. I’m pretty tuckered out from events. I'm going to bed. Don’t stay up too late Azure.” John walked to his room. “Oh Jesus, for a moment there I thought, oh man.” John flopped onto his bed, set his alarm, and passed out. Tomorrow his ‘adventure’ would start. _)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_NOTES: First and foremost, Thanks to windchaser or this may have never materialised. Also for editing. Out of fucking nowhere, the sub plot. Collectibles Posters. Yeah. fun times. I hope you guys like the concept of the Get’Em Gang, because we will be meeting these crazies at an accelerated rate. As always, thoughts, concerns, ideas, what you’d like to see. I’m going to try to put a cameo in each update from here on. So post ‘em in the current TCB thread or email me at KrassMcWriter@gmail.com or if your interested in a cameo.
Part 7An Azure Future Part 7: Roadtrip. I find it both depressing and exciting that I wrote 7 parts... John Norris woke up to the sound of his alarm clock. He checked his watch, it was five in the morning. Lets get this show on the road. John grabbed a few of his bags and made his way to the stairs. He paused at Azure’s room. The alarm John had set up in his room was blaring. Goddammit. It should get him up eventually. John continued down to his truck and threw the bags in the bed. After two more trips John had the truck packed. John went to check on Azure. The first thing he noticed was the alarm’s blaring electric buzz was no longer in the air. John opened the door. The alarm he gave Azure was smashed and in shambles. Well, fuck. Too bad I don’t have a watergun. Note to self: buy super soaker. “Azure, get up!” Bellowed John. Azure had slept in. John had already packed the truck with various supplies and the only thing preventing them for leaving, was Azure. The pegasus shifted under the sheets and groaned. Okay then, lets do it your way. John carefully grabbed the corners of the sheet on the bed, taking care to not wake Azure, and with one sudden movement pulled it up, forming a sack containing the young pegasus. Azure instantly became fully aware and started thrashing about inside the makeshift sack. “Dear Luna on the moon! What the hay dad?!” Azure swore as he struggled. “We are going. Now.” John stated, walking down the stairs. “Can, I at least walk now? I’m pretty sure I’m awake now.” Azure had given up on breaking free from the sheet-sack John had him trapped in. “Your walking privileges are been revoked. You are now my sack pony. I shall keep you in the sack accordingly due to your new status. We shall go everywhere with you in sack. You shall never leave sack. Sack is new home now. You will eat in the sack. You will sleep in sack You with urinate in the sack. You will defecate from sack, but I recommend not doing it in sack. You will love sack. The sack is all there ever was, all there ever will be. You will try to recall a life before that sack and you will see that it was always sack. Hope is useless. resistance is futile. Look upon the sack and despair!” John spoke, imitating a strong Austrian accent. He was now outside of the apartment complex. “Dude, what?” “Saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!” John screeched in response. “You are so random.” Azure replied with true concern in his voice. “Thats mister random to you boy. We are here.” John swung the sheet-sack over his shoulder and opened his truck, putting the sheet-sack in the passenger seat. He walked around the front, got in the driver seat and started the engine. Azure shrugged off the sheet and pushed it off the seat. “Ya know that was pretty much unnecessary, right? I have perfectly good legs and all.” Azure cracked his neck from side to side to accentuate his point. John shrugged. “Now you have a story to tell your kids. No need to thank me, you’re quite welcome.” He put the car into drive and started got on the road. “Now lets get going! It says the fifty seven north for nine miles, which turns into the sixty. From there I get on the interstate fifteen for almost five hundred miles. Then the forty for over a thousand miles. Damn. The seventy eight, and then we’re there pretty much. ” John got on the first freeway. “now, going the speed limit average of seventy five would take forty six hours to get there. Good thing is, there are no cops anymore, and therefore, the whole thing is an autobahns and this truck may be older than me, but its seen some upgrades, this baby can easily hold speeds upwards of 200 miles per hour and has a driving AI to boot. we should be there before midnight, considering food and restroom stops.” After hitting a few buttons on the touch screen in the dash, the truck accelerated tremendously and John put his feet on the dash. “It must’ve sucked to have to do this manually for almost fifty hours.” He boasted. The truck fell silent and remained so for the next hour when Azure spoke up. “So what are we doing again?” “My best friend has called in a very old favor. He helped me with the ‘Dog Incident’.” John explained. “What was the ‘Dog Incident’ anyways?” Azure asked furrowing his brow in confusion over what it could possible entail to drag his father across the country John shuddered at the memory. “All I will say on the subject is that I wasn’t always a nice person.” Another uncomfortable silence followed only to be broken by Azure once more. “Hey dad, where did mom go?” The question hit John like a sack of hammers and his heart skipped. He had dreaded the day Azure would ask about Catherine. How do you tell a child his mother was murdered? Its not going to be pretty. Best just give it straight. “Azure, you are familiar with mankind's long kept tradition of hate and violence more often than not based on nothing?” Azure nodded in response, a worried look on his face. “Well, in the letter you gave me it explained that she and your grandmother were on their way to check on me, make sure I was still there, they were attacked by some human liberation front fanatics and beaten savagely. Your mother didn’t make it. Your grandmother died a few days later from wounds.” The silence that followed hurt worse than speaking. Azure’s features hardened, “So...” Azure finally spoke after a long silence, His voice was shaking, “Mom’s... gone? Forever?” John’s heart shattered at the sight of Azure. He clenched his jaw to the point where it caused significant pain to keep his emotions steady. “Yeah kid, I’m afraid she’s gone. You know what though Azure?” “Huh?” the reply was barley audible over the dull sound of the engine as the pony fought back tears. “I shared some of the best moments and years of my life with your mother. I knew her better than she did, and she knew me better than I did. She was all I wasn’t and wanted to be, a truly happy and outgoing individual. If there is one thing I know, its that she would want us to be happy. Its okay to be sad though, don’t get me wrong, but don’t let it get in the way of your life. I wasted the last four years of my life like that...” The truck rolled on, much like life itself. The silence perfectly accentuated the mid-morning scenery, somewhere in new mexico, the wide feilds and cliffs were even more desolate now that the few houses and towns that dotted along them had long since been abandoned. After a very extensive amount of time, Azure broke the silence,“I think... I think I understand. If we spend all our time and energy focusing on how much we miss her, we’ll be letting her down by not living.” “Yes. Exactly.” He seems to have taken it well. He’s pretty rational for being so young. John checked his progress. They were making good time, better than he expected. They were a third of the way across the country. John decided to take a nap. John woke up a few hours later. First things first, progress. Damn, almost there now. Oh man I really got to pee. Pee and poop. “Pull over at the next stop with a restroom.” He directed the onboard AI. The screen said it would arrive shortly. John looked over at the passenger seat, Azure was sound asleep. John shook him gentley, “Hey Azure, we’re pulling over to take a rest stop. If you need to use the facilities, nows the time, we’ll be in New York soon enough.’ “Okay.” Azure replied simply. He stretched out his legs and yawned deeply. They arrived at a convenience store a few minutes later and exited the truck The pair walked inside, much to John’s surprise, the store was active, and a pony behind the counter welcomed John to the store. John went to restroom first, and when he finished, Azure walked into the small water closet. When John exited the restroom, He saw something he hadn’t seen on good terms in a long time. Another human. The man had shaggy unkempt hair, and was just a bit shorter than John. It looked like he hadn’t had a decent meal for a long time. He was the first to speak, “Are you going to Fort Stillwater as well?” John was in shock. Last time he had seen another human at all wasn’t in the best of situations, the last time he actually had a real conversation with a human was months ago. “Whats that?” Were the first words out of his mouth. “You haven’t heard? The International Human Survival Association. They’ve made strongholds for humans all over the globe. A last ditch survival measure. I’m Isaac by the way, Isaac Hamilton.” The man claimed, extending his hand for a handshake. John reciprocated. “I’m John Norris, been quite some time since I’ve seen another human on good terms. Can’t say I’ve heard of that organization before.” “Hey, you should come with me and my friend, and join up with the IHSA.” Isaac offered. “Actually-” John started, when Azure came out from the bathroom. “Hey dad, who’s this?” The pegasus asked upon seeing the other human. “Did that pony just call you ‘dad’? Did you... you know... with a pony?” Isaac questioned. “Oh. Oh God no. His mother got ponified when she was pregnant. I’d never do.. that with a pony.” John explained. There was a honking outside, “Oh, thats Will, I should go now.” With that Isaac left. Nice to know there’s still some good humans left. John grabbed some snacks and checked out. John and Azure left the store got back in the truck. John started it up and got on the road, driving manually. Twenty minutes later, They were pulling into a parking lot across from a building that proclaimed itself simply as ‘HLF HQ’. “We’re here.” On that note John exited the truck and faced the building, unsure of what he would find within. It was time to saave his friend from the hands of mad men. _)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_)_NOTES: ALL SHALL LOOK UPON THE SACK AND DESPAIR!!! Yes, those are the actual directions more or less. http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&xhr=t&q=new+york+new+york&cp=12&qe=bmV3IHlvcmsgbmV3&qesig=UFaR7hVkofukdtG_t8sIBA&pkc=AFgZ2tkKG_cyR1d1jYz45QIcc-ICr995NdY8WySbZMxE4Z1Tr7yDWxlnKq2OY5G5FhlBHS6BGFQA7BcxGK8QhWEiQFaJmX_fIA&safe=off&biw=1280&bih=622&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x89c24fa5d33f083b:0xc80b8f06e177fe62,New+York,+NY&gl=us&ei=zlkFTunuOOX00gG-5bmCCw&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&sqi=2&ved=0CCoQ8gEwAA Isaac Hamilton from LMS. Thought it’d be a believable mesh to have them meet like that. For an austrian accent see The Terminator Not much for notes. I enjoyed the sack bit a little too much. I made the trip so quick because I didn’t want 2+ parts on a roadtrip. As always, thoughts, concerns, ideas, what you’d like to see. I’m going to try to put a cameo in each update from here on. So post ‘em in the current TCB thread or email me at KrassMcWriter@gmail.com or if your interested in a cameo.
Part 8An Azure Future part 8 John Norris stared at the building in front of him that boasted its purpose, the headquarters of the human liberation front. A more prideful bunch of madmen has never before been gathered in such multitude before and quite likely never again... The human noted to himself. He grabbed the rope from the bench in the truck, pausing to prepare himself mentally for what he had to do. "Hey Azure, I'm going to need you to stay here." John informed Azure. "What, why?" The young pegasus asked concerned. John got a knee and bent down, lowering himself to the pony’s level. “The men in that building are the of worst sort imaginable. They are closer to monsters than men. I don’t know what horrors they get up to in there, and it’s better if you don’t either. So please, stay here, and keep low.” John walked across the noticeably empty streets. >Where is everybody?< He scanned up and down the street, as far as he could see, there were no cars. His truck was also the only vehicle in the otherwise desolate parking lot. He reached the large glass door of the HLF headquarters. Trying the door handle, he found it was unlocked. Stepping into what seemed to be the reception room, he noticed that inside was as desolate as the street, even the front desk was unmanned. "Hello?" John ventured. Immediately the loudspeakers came to life. "AI Model: HK7. Serial: HK2017. Copyrighted and patented by Intelligent Designs. Human life form detected. Message playback initiated." There was a moment of silence before the message played. "Hello," A man's voice came over the speakers. "this is Frank Dunland, leader of the HLF. If you can hear me, know this: the HLF is no more. For years we have fought the demons invading our planet, but we no longer have the numbers. Thus we have birthed the International Human Survival Association. Where we WILL persevere!" The speakers played a few seconds of static before the AI informed John it was the end of the message. Well fuck, Noob might not even be here! Maybe I can find out where they moved him at least. But if no one else is here, I might as well bring Azure. John left the empty building and crossed the street that was just as desolate. "Hey Azure!" John called, a pegasus colt with a dark steely mane and a coat that took after his name poked his head out of the bed of the truck. "What's up Dad?" The young pony queried, standing up to come into full view. John closed the rest of the distance and leaned into the bed, “Hey Azure, want to go into the desolate ruins of a place that belonged to a group of people who’d kill us on site if they were here?” His only response was an estranged look. “C’mon kiddo! It will be fun!” Azure squinted his eyes and cocked his head slightly, feigning a look of worry “Are you positive you’re alright?” “Oh shut it.” John snapped. “Now come on, I can use an extra set of han-uh, hooves.” He nodded towards the HLF HQ building. The azure pegasus rolled his icy eyes and hopped out of the bed to black-top. “Thanks boy-o.” The pair headed across the street and through the glass doors. The message played again as John entered with Azure. "Are you sure he's even here? The message said their gone..." Azure asked, unsure why his dad was still here. "Hey, do you see that on the front desk? I know you ponies are short but you should still be able to see it." Azure examined the object in question. It was nothing special, just a typical receptionist desk. Chestnut brown with a fine glossy shine, a computer sat on it with a few papers. It was a post unmanned. Then it hit Azure, "They didn't pack up and leave, they abandoned ship!" John smirked. "Exactly. We might be able to at least find out if and where they moved any prisoners." John looked around. "Now where would I put a pony that I never wanted to see the light of day again?" "A sack." John shook his head, "C'mon, it’s serious time." Azure gave him a look of disbelief. "I can be serious!" This only intensified the look. "...Moving on, I think the lower levels would be a good spot to start." "Are you sure you even know what you’re doing?" "Not really, but I'm doing it anyway!" John beamed. "Now... which way is down?" John looked around and found a reasonable source of directions, a fire exit map. Stairs were just down the hall to the left. After a short walk to the staircase, John walked inside and noted that the stairs went far down. There were at least seven basement levels. "Well ain't that shit." John stated, looking down with a twinge of worry. "So, what do we do now?" Asked the blue pegasus next to him. "I guess we just start going floor by floor." John responded with a shrug. Thus the odd pair started the painstaking task of checking every floor for signs of prisoners. Two flights per level. They made their way down the first set. John opened the door. The room revealed was dark, lockers lined the walls to the left and right, with a small cluster against the back wall. There was a security uniform on a hanger on a locker. Out of curiosity, John walked inside. Most of the lockers had security uniforms, towels, and civilian clothes. A few would have a pill bottle, probably steroids, or a picture of a family. John was most curious in the small patch of lockers at the end. Half the size of all the other lockers by all means, the design itself was of sterner stuff. While the other lockers were crisscrossing strips of metal, the ones at the end had octagons made of thick steel. The gaps were also smaller than their larger compartments. Most importantly, John could see there was something still there and the door was slightly cracked. John approached the locker and opened it. Inside was a single forgotten shotgun and three boxes of ammunition. John stared at it a moment, contemplating on taking it. If they left a weapon and ammunition on the very first sub-level, there was no telling what the lower ones held. It might come in handy. He remembered the last time he used a gun. His father had decided that John should learn how to use the said weapon efficiently, as the son of an old soldier. He took him out to a desolate spot in the desert, miles away from all civilization. The set up bottles, propane cans, fruits, and various other things that the shooting of which gave a nice effect. "Dig the rifle into your shoulder, focus, line up the sights, control your breathing, relax, pull the trigger slowly, don't jerk it. It should surprise you when it fires." His father instructed. John did his best to keep the pointers in mind as he practiced the bead of the rifle and heirloom onto a watermelon. His target was maybe fifty meters away and the gun felt heavy in his hands. He pulled the trigger steadily with a slow methodicalness. The gun rocked into John's shoulder suddenly and forcefully. He imagined he'd have a bruise to show for it, though this turned out fanciful. John could still see the effect the low caliber weapon had on his target. He had fired a .22 hollow point into the dead center of the now decimated fruit. There were no scraps left of his victim bigger than a good sized bite. John shuddered a little at the thought of what such a thing could do to a live body and his father congratulated him at a well done first shot. John recovered from the brief memory and decided that whatever horrors remained below, if there were any, he would deal with without the gun. "There's nothing here Azure, let's go to the next level." Azure just shifted his shoulders in what could only be a shrug and the pair left the room with the weapon. Down another two flights to the second sub-level. John opened the door and revealed a room filled with high tech equipment, monitors, and other things used in the pursuit of science. "Wow... I wonder what they were researching..." gawked the ever curious Azure. "Let's find out." John walked to the only computer left, it was unhooked but in mere moments John had it up and running. "Let's see..." John opened up the computer's data files. To his dismay and Azure's disappointment, they were wiped clean. "Damn." John swore. "I wonder..." After a few moments of thought and some of John's special brand of techno-wizardry later, he was able to recover a single corrupted file. It mentioned something about an immunity to magic, at least as best as he could figure. "That's stupid, how can anyone be immune to magic?" Azure posed. "Kid, thaumaturgical studies are not my strong suit." John shook his head in surrender to the lacking of the requested knowledge. "Let's get moving, I don't want to stay here too long." Another pair of stairs, another room. A room of which the very contents and nature would baffle John and Azure to no end. "Who the hell build a break room three stories underneath the earth?!" Azure just stared at the room in front of him. There was a pool table, snack and drink machines, a large television, plush couches, there was even presence of a bar! Words finally found the steely maned pegasus. "But... why?!" "Maybe its for the people who work on the lower levels?" John tried to reason. "But... the snack machine has ALFALFA in it!" "Maybe it’s stocked by ponies?" "But that makes even less sense! It’s THE HLF headquarters!" "I think we need to leave before this room summons Cthulu through its total impossibleness, or we go mad." John rubbed his temples messaging his oncoming migraine. "I am right behind you dad." Azure agreed. The pair made their way from the overwhelming contradictions that the room held to the fourth sub-level. Immediately John knew they had found the right area. There were what was undoubtedly holding cells. What John heard next cost him a good nights sleep and some faith in his species. There was a faint clopping of hooves. The human liberation front had left their prisoners to die. John was filled with an unparalleled rage. He wasted no time in finding the controls for the door switches. The desk staring down the aisle had a built in touch control. He hit the screen to turn it on and waited as the machine booted up. The infuriating seconds ticked by as John waited on the machine. Finally, the machine finished loading. John swore, it needed a passcode. John guessed at what he thought were likely entries: We will prevail, their motto and In God's Own Image, their older motto. After both failed, John had to resort to back door methods. These had their own dangers as there could be technological traps. He got in, seemingly avoiding any security protocols. With a few swift and precise flicks of his fingers, John unlocked all the doors. Then all hell broke loose. A turret unfolded out of the ceiling and began firing. John scooped up Azure and shielded him and not a moment too soon as three rounds grazed John's left arms bicep. Shit! Now what?!< John's mind went into a panic as it tried to come up with a plan, any plan. Suddenly, John remembered the pre-recorded message kept by the AI. The AI developed by Intelligent Designs, the company that John built his wealth of off. If that was a House Keeper mark II, then this was most likely the Guardian Mark III. Back when the company was still around and he was in charge, he insisted on an universal override code hardwired into each and every AI. The code was in every AI up to the Mark IV series, the last one developed before John pulled out. It was better than sitting there getting shot at. John took a deep breath and bellowed, "OVERRIDE COMMAND: CATHERINE 12-05-20-37!" There was a long, pregnant pause and John held his breath and hoped. "... OVERRIDE ACCEPTED. GUARDIAN MARK IV STANDING DOWN." The metallic voice rang before the unit powered down. John released his breath. I got lucky. If they had a slightly better budget or resource... "Hey, you alright Azure?" John asked the shaken colt. "Azure?" "I-I'm fine." Azure managed. He may have lived with a human for almost a month now and become desensitized to many a harsh thing, but getting shot at was something else. "Your arm!" Azure noticed the three bullet wounds on John's arm, and they were bleeding quite profusely. The adrenaline that had been coursing through John up till that point faded, and John found his arm to be in a good deal of searing pain. "Ffffffffffff-" John gritted through his teeth. John needed to pack the wound immediately or risk fainting from blood loss. Lacking gauze, he'd have to improvise. He took his shirt off and ripped a long thin piece from it. He took the remainder of the shirt, balled it up and put it atop the wounds. He then placed the long strip over the makeshift packing and tied it as tight as possible. It would do. For now. "I'm good Azure, see?" He waved the limb about to show that the bleeding had slowed to a near stand-still. "Now, let's save some ponies." >Or what's left of them.< Azure seemed to brighten a little, "Okay." "Hey, stay here while I go gather everyone, okay?" Azure nodded in agreement. John moved into the hallway. Steeling himself, he dared to poke into the first room. The smeel of fecal matter, urine and death stung John's nostrils. There in the room was what may have once been a pegasus. Its wings were missing but stubs remained, it was shriveled and dried, a husk. John fought the urge to vomit and removed himself as quickly as possible. At the second doorway, he prayed for mercy for what he would find. Looking in it was blessedly empty. He moved to the third one. He went in, there, on the floor was a unicorn with a shattered horn. John would of thought the poor wretch to have expired if its broken form didn't utter the most haunting moan at the sight of the human. John felt his heart give at the sight. He contemplated for a second on what to do. He picked up the unicorn as gently as he could and carried it over to Azure. "Please... don't hurt me... I never... did... an-" It managed through its immense pain. "Don't worry. I'm not going to hurt you." John gingerly set the unicorn down by Azure. "Azure, keep him company. I'll be right back." Azure only nodded solemnly at the acceptance of the task. John went back to his own grim task. He checked the fourth room. He suppressed his gag reflex as he saw a re-enactment of the first room with an earth pony this time. He moved onto the fifth room, once more an unbearable pungent stench attacked him. How can people do such things? How does a man do THIS to another living creature and live with himself?< John boggled at the seemingly endless capacity of evil some humans enjoyed. He was no stranger to cruelty himself, but he learned from his mistakes. The sixth room was a bittersweet sight. There was no corpse and very little smell at least. That was the good part. However the wingless pegasus cowering in corner, wasn't such a welcome sight. The whimpering plead didn't help either "St-stay away! Please... no more..." "Shhh... I'm not going to hurt you..." John spoke softly as he slowly approached with his arms out and his hands open. "L-liar... that's what all you humans say. Then you be-beat me, o-or stab, or th-the machine." The former flyer squirmed backwards against the corner. "It's okay, the bad people are gone. I'm here to rescue you." John was steadily approaching and was now a little more than halfway across the small room. "Wh-why would a human ever help me?" The battered creature's eyes twitched around the room, looking for the non-existent escape. "I'm not like them." John stated as comfortingly as he could. The pony seemed to relax and John quickly embraced it while its defenses were down. The pegasus seized up at first and then struggled madly against John. John stayed there, just holding the poor pony. After a few moments of fighting the pony finally realized what this was. A hug. The pegasus relaxed and placed its head on John's shoulder. "Can you walk?" The pegasus nodded. "My son is at the end of the hall, go wait with him. I'll be right back after I check these last four rooms." The pony nodded once more and walked down the hall to meet Azure, dragging its hooves. The seventh room marked the second unoccupied cell. John let out a sigh of relief. All of which fled the moment John looked inside the eighth room. All the various smells the previous rooms were present, accompanied by a few new ones. It smelled strongly of burnt flesh and hair. There was another scent, very faint, but could only be registered as sex. The scene grisly. A good two thirds of the former ponys form burnt and black. Its hind legs were broken and out at odd angles. Its chest was flayed, organs on display. And the face! It was left untouched. The look of complete horror, pain, dismay and sorrow painted upon the perfect visage would haunt John until the end of his days. John lost the battle against his stomach. Puking, John stumbled out of the room. He activated the individual controls, shutting the door. John heaved again. He took long deep breaths to regain his composure. After doing so, he moved to the second to last room. "John? Is that you?" The fuschia earth pony queried weakly. He had found his friend. Alive at that. "Its me bro. Can you walk?" A slight nod. "Meet the others at the front. I've got one more room to check." The pony got up weakly and headed to the instructed spot. John took a deep breath and headed into the last room. Empty. Maybe there was a kind and loving deity. John turned back and headed down the hallway. The closed door catching his eye and invoking the images contained within into his mind. He continued to the end where Azure waited. "Everpony ready?" Three solemn nods. "Let's go." John picked up the unconscious unicorn and left the jail. The process of leaving the HLF HQ was a silent and somber one. Up the stairs, out the lobby, across the street. Upon reaching his truck, he opened the back door driver side and sat the pony in it. He walked around to the other side and helped the other two malnourished ponies into the back. Azure hopped into the passenger seat on his lonesome. John moved back to the driver's side and got in. He turned on the truck and navigation AI. "Nearest hospital." John commanded as he turned the key. Directions popped up on the front windshield. John threw the truck into drive and floored it. Left, right, right, left. Destination on left. John whipped around the corners and drove like a mad man. He slammed his brakes pulling up to the hospital. "Azure, stay here, this won't be long." He said while getting out and grabbing the unconscious unicorn. "Either of you wanna come? You can ride with me back to good ol' Cali." The wingless pony wanted to come surprisingly and Noob wanted to as well which was expected. John carried the pony inside. "I found this in the old HLF HQ." He stated to the shocked receptionist pony. In seconds they had a stretcher and took away the beaten pony. After answering a few questions, John was clear to go. They'd be sending a team to the headquarters. John went back to the car, got in the drivers and started the engine. The other two ponies he rescued were sound asleep. "So where to dad?" asked the steely maned pegasus next to him. "Home." His stomach grumbled. "Right after we eat, that is." John smiled weakly. He put the truck in drive and set off.
Part 9An Azure Future Part 9 John had come home one evening to an official looking letter bearing the Equestrian seal of Foal Services. He broke the seal in both curiosity and interest. The letter’s parchment was a little rough and tinged slightly yellow, a notable difference from the usual milky white, smooth paper. The envelope held only two pages, John picked up the first page and began to read. Dear Mr. John Norris, It has come to our attention that on March 5, 2046, custody of Azure Wind defaulted from a Miss Dancing Leaf to you. This was due to her unfortunate passing from actions by members of the H.L.F.. We would like to take a moment and express our condolences for your loss. However, there are several occurrences that have been brought to attention that demand immediate examination of your parenting ability. A Mr. Gray Crusader has informed us of various dangerous activities you have involved your son in. These include, but may not be limited to: The groups Ponification for Earth’s Rebirth and The Human Liberation Front attacking you and your son in in your apartment in order to elicit an extravagant amount of bits from you, on April 1, 2046. Being involved with the incident on March 16, 2046, which involved P.E.R. kidnapping you, a raid upon the P.E.R. by H.L.F., and The Honorable Princess Luna. Most disturbing of all, a raid on the H.L.F. headquarters in New York on your own volition, where you used your son as a hostage in order to obtain ease of access into the building which took place on March 29, 2046. Then there is the unknown probable psychological damages of a young colt having a human for a father. Documentation of these events are included in the second page of this letter. It is due to such events that we have decided to investigate whether or not you are a fit enough parent for Azure Wind. We have attached a paper with the date and time we will be having an Caretaker stopping by. For The Foals, Caretaker Philharmonic John put the letter behind the other paper and hurriedly looked at the appointment. It was on the fifth, today was the third. They’d be here in just two days. John looked around the apartment, the entire place looking like a storm blew through it. It was completely trashed from two days ago when PER burst in. God damn you Gray. First, you try to take my humanity. That upset me. Then you send goons after my money. I was angered, I worked hard for that money. But now? Now you are after my son. And that’s just too far. John lit a cigarette and swore under his breath. He had work to do. ----------------------------------------------Two Days Later----------------------------------------------- John Norris rubbed his bandaging absent-mindedly. He surveyed the nigh spotless living room, making sure it was perfectly clean. He doubled checked that the new iron door was secured on it hinges. Like Fort Knox. Filth and deficiencies would not do on this most important day. Today he was being examined by Child Services. There were many reasons why John was nervous. The PER and the HLF both attacked his home three days ago, a week ago, he raided the HLF HQ and before that he was captured by the PER and almost forcibly ponified. And that was just what they would know about, not mentioning the time he broke a Wonderbolt’s wing in a show, accidentally of course, and it’d be hard for someone to prove it. The bungee jumping. And recently, the acid he gave Azure, as well as he himself taking a bullet in his upper left arm. He had cleaned the large apartment to the point where it was completely immaculate. John checked his watch. One hour remained. He had no idea how to say what needed to be said, but it was time to talk to Azure. John made his way up the stairs to Azure’s room. John paused at the door to take a deep breath. He stepped into the room. It was the same as always, with the exception that his new Spitfire poster was up in the wall. The pegasus colt was snoozing peacefully, the light from the window playing across his body. It made John’s heart sink at the prospect of losing him; the only thing that really mattered to him anymore. John moved silently and delicately across the room to the bed. He knelt down to his son, who appeared to be having a lovely dream judging by the look of content on his face. Reaching out, he put his hand on Azure’s shoulder and gently woke him. “Azure… We need to talk.” The young pony awoke slowly, yawning and rubbing his eyes with one of his hooves. “Whahuh? What’s happening then?” His voice slightly groggy. Azure stretched out his hooves, arching his back and rotating his neck. “Do you want to stay here? With me?” John asked, there was a tinge of sorrow that leaked into his voice. Azure was made awake by the serious tone. “Dad, what’s going on?” John sighed. “Azure, the equivalent of child services is going to be here in about fifty five minutes. They are here to see whether or not I’m a fit enough parent to keep you. They think I‘m bad for you because of how many times you and I have been in danger.” He explained. Azure was silent for a moment, “And what if they decide you’re not a good parent? What happens then?” “They take you away from me. You won’t see me again. They’ll give you to some other family to live with.” He explained, tone of sorrow in his voice. Azure appeared downcast for a moment, then angry. “You’re my dad. The only one I have. The only one I will ever have. I will refuse.” He stomped his hoof on the last statement for emphasis, against the mattress. John gave a half hearted laugh then said, “Well, neither of us really have a choice. Its up to the agent from the Equestrian Foal Services. So here’s what I need. First and foremost, follow my lead. Whatever I say, play off it. Second, they know about the HLF HQ thing we did last Friday. I have no idea how to play that one off, so I’m going with a ‘my bad’ thing. Claiming temporary lack of judgment, as my best friend was in trouble. So remember, you were okay with it. Third, don’t bring anything up like the bungee jumping incident. For both our sakes. Finally, think before you say something. ‘How will this look to someone who knows nothing about the situation?’ Can you handle all that Azure?” Azure nodded three times in acknowledgement. “Got you loud and clear. Follow your lead and don’t say nothing stupid!” Azure beamed, then added, “Don’t worry, you’re a great dad. Just a tad nontraditional. I’m proud to call you my father.” and nuzzled the large human’s leg. John smiled weakly at the young pegasus. “Heh. Thanks kiddo. I’m proud to call you my son.” Almost instantly, Azure’s eyes lit up. “You called me son.” he said, looking up at John in wonder. John wore a confused look for moment, “Why is that a big deal?” Azure was dumbfounded. He couldn’t believe John never noticed. “That was the first time you said, acknowledged, or otherwise called me your son.” John humphed at this. “Really now. How quaint. I should get on saying that more then, shouldn’t I?” John checked his watch. Twenty minutes remained. Twenty measly minutes until some stranger decided his fate. It’s not enough, John thought, but would any amount be sufficient? Better to get it over with than prolonging. John informed Azure of the proximity of the visit and instructed the pegasus to meet him in the living room shortly. He headed down to unlock the door and put some fresh black tea out on the main coffee table, as he used to when he entertained guests on a more regular basis. He took out a small bag of sugar as well and placed it next to the large pitcher. He looked over the whole set up of the living room. It was satisfactory, it looked and felt like the loving home it was. John just prayed that the Foal Services agent would think so as well. His phone rang. Picking it up John answered, “Hello?’ The voice on the other end replied, “Hi, this is Sweetie Pop, the receptionist. Are you expecting a visit from Foal Services, Mr. Norris?” “Why in fact I am. Send him up.” John could hear Sweetie Pop and the Foal Services agent make a short exchange, though he couldn’t make out the details. “He’ll be right with you Mr. Norris.” The phone clicked as she hung up, John reciprocated the act. John slouched just slightly into the couch. Azure came down shortly. A minute or two later, a hollow, ringing knock came from the iron door. The pair shot a look at the sound. The Foal Services agent was here. John’s judgment had begun. John got up and opened the door, revealing a purple unicorn with a jet black mane and tail, his cutie mark a band-aid. He had a clipboard and a pen magically suspended in front of him. The unicorn spoke without looking up from the clipboard. “Hello Mr. Norris, I am Caretaker Obsidian, but you may call me Obsidian if you wish. I am here on behalf of The Equestrian Foal Services, and I am to ask you and your son, Azure Wind, a few questions about some situations that have come to our attention, give you what could be equated to a personality quiz for your parenting, and then ask Azure some questions. Do you understand everything I just said?” Obsidian spoke dryly as though he was bored of saying the rehearsed lines. “Yeah. Pretty simple really. Your interviewing me and my son to see what’s up.” John shrugged. Maybe this won’t be so bad. “Yes.” The unicorn spoke with contempt, “I’m here to see ‘what’s up’ with you and your son.” Obsidian walked into John’s condo, taking notes as he looked around. He made his way to an armchair and sat down. “Now Mr. Norris, if you would, I like to get started. In your own words, explain your involvement with the incident on March 16, 2046.” John sat down on the couch Azure occupied on the opposite corner. He took a silent deep breath, in… and out… Then John started. “I had been monitoring the levels of food, snacks and various other supplies as per usual, and had noticed that it was time to restock the pantries and the storage. I went up stairs to check on my son, who was asleep at the time, then I left a note with an explanation of my whereabouts including a full five point contingency plan and some emergency contacts.” “I left the condo penthouse at eight pm. I had two thousand five hundred bits with me so that I may stock up on the needed supplies. I arrived at the grocery store, exited my truck, and proceeded inside. I was asked for assistance from a greeter who worked there to push my carts. I usually have about two to three carts full of groceries, being one man, I require help.” “After finishing grocery shopping, I loaded up my truck. Upon entering said vehicle I noticed that the headlights had been illuminated during my time in the store, my battery having been drained. I locked up the vehicle and proceeded to walk home, as there are no more auto services really, so I could get my trickle charger.” “Well walking home I was approached by a Mr. Gray Crusader. We had a brief conversation about PER and ponfication, then one of his thugs bucked me in the back of the head without provocation. I think it is worth noting that Gray Crusader is also the one who filed this case. Just a thought. “ “I woke up approximately thirty hours later. I was strapped to stretcher where he tried to forcibly ponify me. I was able to distract him enough with both wit and humor to escape my bonds and throw the potion back at him. The HLF found me and before I could even think what they’d do to me, the night exploded. I believe you call her Princess Luna, but she looked more like a nightmare shrouded in the infinite darkness and light of space. “Then I ran. I ran all the way back here. That’s pretty much what happened.” John finished. Obsidian scribbled just a few more notes, and then read off the next question. “Okay then, can you explain what occurred on April 1, 2046?” He magically flipped to a new page in the note book. The event was fresh in his head. “Four days ago late in the morning, there was an loud explosion outside of my apartment. It turned out the noise was from of one of those teleporting jets exiting its jump here. Some people and ponies broke through my door, which I’m still a bit angry about, being that my granddad carved it out. Anyways, they burst in and say that they’re some sort of government elite guard. “About thirty or forty minutes later, I get a room call for a package. I wasn’t expecting a package so the really buff cowboy one, Hawk I think his name was, took my place. Then I don’t know, apparently some mess happened with a giant spider downstairs. My neighbor, Breezy Fields, came knocking at my door in a panic. “Unbeknownst to me, he was panicking due to being held hostage by seven PER members. The result of four unicorns blowing down my door wasn’t very fun at all. I was knocked down and out by a few of them. I was told Azure tried to help me. One of the unicorns picked him up and put him in a sack with magic. Not a second too soon, the female that was with the first group came in and blew them all to oblivion. Nothing of note really happened after that. I had some ponies clean up the bodies, set in a new carpet, and install a new door. Fortunately, the Princesses and the President gave me a blank check for my troubles to get the place fixed up. I had a talk with Azure about it, and he seemed to take it very well. Even the death of his mother, as tragic as it was, had logic applied to it to ease the pain.” John really needed a cigarette at this moment, but suppressed the need best he could, it just wouldn’t do to light up with his son right there and the agent watching. Obsidian jotted down some notes and read the main atrocity of parenting that John had committed. “Now, the most disturbing of all these. Can you even explain what occurred on March 29th?” John dreaded the coming of this question. He swallowed nervously. He needed this combination of omissions, lies, and sorrys to work. “A long time ago I got mixed up in a bad incident. I was a stupid kid. One of my friends got me out of it, and I owed him for life. He was captured by the Human Liberation Front. So, he called in the favor. “Was it the best idea I had to bring my son along? No. But I was unable to find a babysitter and like hell I was leaving him here alone. So I brought him along. I threw the truck into autopilot, we talked about various things and then took a nap. “Upon arrival I decided that it would be easier to gain access to the dungeon area with a ‘prisoner’. I asked Azure if he was okay with it and he said yes. I did not expect the alarm. We were both lucky that my poor decisions and rasher actions did not claim our lives.” John finished, perhaps too soon. The Unicorn gave him an intense look, as if he was trying to gauge the sincerity in John. “Well then,” he spoke, breaking his gaze, “I have a few situations to present to you, then I will speak to Azure, and then I will make my final assessment.” “Shoot.” John replied. Obsidian read off the first question, “Your foal comes home and has been bullied at school. What do you do?” “I’d teach him to fight like my dad taught me, and he his, and so on and so forth. So he can stick up for himself.” John said with sincerity. “Interesting.” The unicorn jotted down the answer. “You are going through your foal’s room and find something unsavory. Let’s say drug paraphernalia. What do you do?” “Well, I’d probably confront him about it and go from there. I'll do what I can to help him through it if he’s doing drugs. In all honesty, I really believe he has enough sense to avoid that altogether though.” John shrugged. “Alright, fair enough. Last one for you. Your foal comes home with a, ahem, very close friend. They are of the same gender. What do you do?” Obsidian asked, ready to scribe John’s reaction. “Well. If he really does swing that way, I’d just be happy as long as it’s a serious love-based relationship. It’s hard enough to find it as is.” John shrugged. “Okay. Well then, I will have to ask you to leave the room so I may speak to young Azure privately. I will call you down when we are done.” The unicorn motioned towards the staircase with his hoof as he shuffled through papers with magic. John solemnly nodded and walked up the stairs. He went into his room and flopped onto the large bed. Well, nothing to do but wait... A minute passed. Then another. Five minutes. Ten minutes. What’s going on down there? Why is it taking so long? Oh god, did Azure talk? Did he slip up? No. Must. Remain. Calm. Fifteen. Twenty. Twenty five. “Holy fuuuckk...” He sighed out loud. Just before it hit the half hour mark, he heard Obsidian holler for him. Popping up, he went down to the living room. Obsidian spoke up, for the first time his attention wasn’t divided in slightest. “Why don’t you have a seat over there?” He motioned towards the couch opposite him and Azure, who had a troubled look on his face. John complied. “Mr. Norris, you are a danger to yourself and your son. I am sorry to say this but... I have no choice. Azure Wind must come with me. If you would Azure, please go pack your things.” Everything stopped. The universe froze in place. Time refused to budge. Reality shattered. No. The simplistic thought reverberated against the nothingness where John’s heart used to be. He had just found a reason to continue living, only to have it torn away. Azure looked down as he moved slowly to the staircase and up it. John spoke up, “What do I have to do?” “Excuse me?” Obsidian replied. “You want bits? You can have all of them. You want goods, name it and it’s yours. You want my condo? Have it. My father’s M4. Take it. You want my humanity? Give me the damn potion and I’ll do it right now. Power? I can get that. Fame? It’d be at your doorstep. Anything. Everything. Just name it. Just... Just don’t take my son, he’s the only thing I have left.” John, the wealthy, tall, prideful human was fighting back tears. He never felt so small before. “Are you really willing to give up absolutely everything for your son? Even though you have put him in danger inadvertently and on purpose?” Obsidian queried. “He is my everything. I just wallowed here alone until he came along. I never even left my room except to stock on food. My son is my life. I’ve made mistakes, but who hasn’t? Please don’t take him from me.” John’s voice was starting to crack as much as his heart had. Then something happened out of left field. Obsidian smiled and proclaimed happily, “You passed.” “What?” John asked in utter confusion. “Though it is true that Azure is in danger here by being your son, you being a high profile target and all. I discerned from what he told me and your reaction right now that you’d never harm him truly on purpose, and that you really do love him as your son.” “What?” John was still in shock from the immense change of demeanor. “It was a test Mr. Norris.” “What.” This time anger seeped into his voice. “Please Mr. Norris,” Obsidian said in a calm tone, “I do not like taking foals away from their sires. We at Foal Services do everything to try and make sure that they may keep their children, as long as they truly mean well. From what you and young Azure said, it’s quite obvious that you two have a healthy, mayhaps odd, relationship. Of course there are few things that have come to my attention that need addressing.” John was making a slow recovery back into normalcy. “O...kay...” Obsidian appeared oblivious. “First, it seem young Azure is not currently enrolled in school. That needs to be addressed. Second, enrollment in a public school should take care of it, but he should spend time with foals his age. Third, Mr. Norris, Foal Services is a little reluctant to the fact that you are human while he is an impressionable young pegasus colt. We are weary of the psychological effects of such. Though I cannot force such a decision upon you, I urge you on the behalf of Foal services to get ponified. For your son’s sake. That’s all I have. I will be checking to make sure he gets enrolled within the week.” Obsidian got up to walk out the door, thanking John for his time before he left. John sat in silence for a good while. Azure came back down the stairs and sat on the seat he occupied before leaving. The air was thick with a myriad of emotions. After what felt like a small eternity, Azure spoke up. “Sorry dad. He told me to play along.” John got up and moved over to sit by Azure and answered slowly, “It’s alright Azure. You did good.” Then a smile crept onto John’s face. “So I guess your ass is mine then.” Azure laughed weakly and nuzzled against his father, “Forever and a day, you sack of hay.” _________________________________________________________________NOTES: Wow. I love this part yet despise myself for putting them through such emotional turmoil. It was emotionally racking to me to write this. Fun stuff to write this thing here. But it can be troubling. The story is starting to end. I COULD finish the main AAF in 2/3 parts and an epilouge. I have 6/7 planned not including epilouge. What’s that? When did that wonderbolt thing happen? That’s lost chapters material. As always, thoughts, concerns, ideas, what you’d like to see. Just want a cameo? Post ‘em in the current TCB thread or email me at KrassMcWriter@gmail.com.
Part 10An Azure Future Part 10 John Norris loomed over a snoozing Azure Wind, his shadow cast over the young pegasus. “Heh heh heh...” He laughed inwardly as he prepped his new super soaker. Lets see you if you sleep through your alarm again. I know I sure didn’t. Let’s give him one last chance. “Hey Azure!” There was no response. Time to super soak his shit. John pulled the trigger. A jet of water drenched Azure. The effect was immediate. “What the hay dad?!” John released another torrent. “Ease up dad! I’m awake! I’m awake!” Azure exclaimed while moving with a purpose out of his bed. John lit a cigarette and threw a faded black and red trimmed backpack at Azure. “You start school today. This is also the fifth and last time you’ve slept through your alarm. Unless of course you like being woken up with the super soaker.” Azure examined the backpack. It was of an obvious human design with two large straps for arms. “Dad. This is for humans. I can’t use this thing.” He noted while holding it as if it was contaminated. John snorted in response. “That is why it has straps you fool.” He adjusted the straps for a pony his size and placed the backpack on Azure. It fit well enough, but the design looked funny on Azure. John stifled a laugh, “Okay, I’ll get you some new saddlebags this weekend. But this’ll work for now.” “It’s actually surprisingly comfortable. I think I’ll roll with this.” Azure shifted the backpack around into a comfortable position. “Well thats good.” John took another drag of his cigarette. “Breakfast is on the table, c’mon down when you’ve dried off.” John turned and walked down the stairs. He plopped on the couch and turned on the TV. He flipped to the news. Another debate was on. Usually John would change the channel, but the identity of the debaters caught his attention. It was an old friend representing the HLF, known to John as Tall Guy back in high school, and none other than Grey Crusader representing the PER. John turned up the volume. “...There were no survivors.” The newspony beamed, ever happy to be spitting headlines. “Now we go to a live interview of The founder of the Human Liberation Front and the founder of the Ponfication for Earth’s Rebirth for their thoughts on the closing of all conversion bureaus and recalling of all the ponification serum. We go live to Mr. Frank Dunland your thoughts on this Frank?” “You will address me as Mr. Dunland.” The man shot a glare at the camera. “Sorry. Mr. Dunland, what do you think about the closing of all the conversion bureaus?” The newspony corrected. The man that John once considered a friend had a pleased look on his face. “As a representative of the H.L.F., I am quite pleased at the turn of events. Maybe now, between the founding of the International Human Survival Association and the halting of ponifications, the human race may once again take up their mantles as the owners and sole proprietors of Earth.” The smugness in his face and tone made John want to punch him square in the face. Azure had finally made his way down stairs, he grabbed the vegetarian breakfast and joined his father. “Whatcha watching?” he asked. “Two old friends go at it. Shhhhh.” John was immersed in the debate. The newspony was back on the television. “Well, good luck with that Mr. Groebirch. Now, Grey Crusader, can I call you Grey?” It switched over to a grey pony who had a victoriously waving white flag that had the latin word ‘Veni, Vidi, Vici’ in it on his flank that John was all too familiar with, who simply nodded in response. “Good. Now Gray, your group’s goal, if I remember correctly, is a complete character foil of the HLF. Consisting entirely of ponies, you aim to ponify and ‘cleanse’ humanity. What are your plans now that the conversion bureaus are closed and the serum recalled?” “Well Mr. Front Page, PER retains the ability to produce serum if we so choose. We will continue to cleanse the earth of its filth for its eventually rebirth at the hands of the goddesses. “So am I to understand that PER still has ponification serum?” The newspony replied. “No comment.” The reply was as simple as it was ominous. The newspony cleared his throat. “So any last remarks?” “Superabimus, we shall prevail!” The human exclaimed with passion. Grey just shook his head, respectfully declining. “All right, that wraps this up.In other news the human race now stands a feeble one millio-” The newspony started, before John shut off the television. Well fuck. He cracked his neck and sighed. He got up off the couch and grabbed his keys off the kitchen counter. “Come on son, once more to the truck-mobile. Then onwards to school.” John continued, not even bothering to check if Azure was behind him. The only confirmation he had was the sound of his hooves against the floor. The stairs were mostly empty, except for some of the staff, who were about their various duties. The pair went down at a moderate pace reaching the lobby in two and a half minutes. He walked outside and was greeted by a rare sight, an overcast sky. John noted the occasion but kept moving to his truck. He hit the unlock button on his truck fob, to which the truck chirped in response. They covered the rest of the short distance and John opened the driver’s door. Sitting down he leaned over and opened the door for Azure. “Hop in kiddo, I got candy.” Azure chuckled at poor joke, “You’re so silly.” Then jumped into the car. “So where are we going?” The young pony asked. “I told you, you’re going to school.” John replied while turned the keys in the ignition and the engine roared to life. “Well, duh. But where? Is it down the block? Other side of town? Whats the school called? Give me something to work with here.” Azure snapped. John put the truck in drive and started down the street. “Its about three miles from here, it’s called Valencia Park, which is where I went when I was your age. Its a nice little place.” He explained as the truck moved down the empty street, garnering looks from the various ponies on the sidewalk. For the first time. John didn’t mind it. The truck was silent, but only for a moment when Azure asked a troubled question, “What if none of the other ponies like me?” John had expected this. He recalled a speech his own father gave him long ago, whenever he needed advice. “Well boy-o, I’m going to give a speech that is an old Norris family tradition, passed down from father to son. Every generation adding to it. One day, you will tell it to your son and add your own bit. Here goes,” John cleared his throat. “If they don’ like you, that’s their own damn problem. You’re you. That’ all ya are and all ya can be. You can either embrace it, run from it, or fight it. You can also kill yourself, but if ya do that I’ll bring ya back to kill you again. Don’t be afraid to get into a scrap, but try words first for god’s sake. If it does come to a fight, be sure to win, or failing that, take it like a man and don’t give up till he’s done. Don’t go around starting shit neither, nobody likes an asshole who goes around starting shit. Its okay to be afraid. Stand on your own two feet. It’s not okay to let fear stop you. Being afraid and going on in spite of that is the definition of courage. As for recreational drugs, if you got to do it, don’t let it get in the way of life. If you love someone, go for it, disregard what others may say. Love is rare enough and precious in all forms. Don’t abuse the one’s you-” “Dad.” Azure interrupted. “What is it?” “I’m going to school. Not moving out.” John shrugged, “Tradition dictates I say the whole thing. Almost done anyways. Now where was I? Ah yes. Don’t abuse the ones you love. One last thing, never ever betray those loyal to you. There. You were that close. That betrayal bit was mine.” John hit himself on the chest at the mention of his contribution, obviously proud. “So what purpose does that speech serve besides killing time and advice?” Azure asked, sounding a little short. “Well you forgot about being nervous for starters, and second adding to that speech is the step to manhood in this family my little pegasus. Hold onto your ass!” John spun the wheel all the way to the left, throwing Azure against the door and causing the tires to squeal. “Holy hay!” Azure exclaimed while pressed firmly against the door. The truck pulled into the old school and into one of the many available parking spots. “We’re here.” The human stated simply. “I noticed.” Azure retorted while regaining composure. Azure looked out the window, all sorts of ponies his age were going in through the gate. His wings fluttered out and promptly returned flush. “Hey... Can you walk me to my classroom?” John pondered for a moment and then agreed, “Sure, why the fuck not?” He turned off the engine and threw open his door as the truck shuddered to a halt. He slammed his door, moved around the front and opened Azure’s door. The pegasus hopped out onto the cool blacktop. John threw the door closed. “C’mon kiddo, it’s this way.” John took the lead, going through the chain link gate. “Now you are in room twenty, which if I remember correctly is...” John hesitated a took a moment to familiarize himself with his old campus. “This way?” he pointed down the hall and to the right from where they stood. He double checked mentally. “Yeah. This way. Follow me.” John once again took point motioning for Azure to follow. He moved down the hallway and to right. A few doors down was room twenty’s propped open green door. John went into the room first, followed by Azure. The room had about fifteen desks and a teacher’s desk. A majority of the seats were taken. John was surprised to see a multitude of adult ponies in the classroom. He turned to the white board which had ‘BRING YOUR FATHER TO SCHOOL!!!’ Fuck. “Excuse me, but are you Mr. Wind?” The teacher, a yellow earth pony with a picture of chalkboard on her flank asked. “Uh... no. I’m John Norris.” John corrected. “Oh, but I thought you were Azure Wind’s father.” “I am Azure’s father.” John was confused for moment then it clicked. “This is obviously some sort of big cultural misunderstanding. I am John Norris, thats a human name, My son is a pony, so he has a pony last name in place of a hereditary one.” “Oh, I see. Well Mr. Norris, you can have a seat back there by Forest Mint. We will begin momentarily. Azure, why don’t you introduce yourself?” The teacher motioned towards the front. Azure looked to his father, who just shrugged and took a seat in the back. Azure shifted around a little bit. He swallowed then gave a shaky introduction, “H-hi, I’m Azure Wind. I live with my dad.” The entire class spoke in unison, “Hi Azure Wind!” The teacher instructed Azure to take a seat, Azure complied sitting next to a deep green unicorn filly with a lighter mane of the same color. The filly shot him a bright smile which he returned weakly. If John didn't know better he'd say Azure was blushing slightly. “John is that you?” Called an all too familiar voice. John turned to see his old friend, Cream Baker, better known as Grindah. “No shit. What are you doing here broseph?” He beamed. “The twins are mine.” He motioned toward two identical looking earth pony fillys. ‘No shit, you never told me.” “You never asked, now shhh. It begins.” The teacher walked to the front of the class and cleared her throat. The room fell silent and the teacher spoke, “Hello class, for the visitors and new folk, I’m Miss Shale Quarry I was born and a raised on a rock farm. I teach this class. Today is ‘Bring your father to school’ day. We will be having your fathers talk about what they do.” The teacher proceeded to take down a list of the other fathers names, John’s being the last. She called the first up. A very serious looking white unicorn with vanilla folder cutie mark stepped up to the front of the class. “Hello, I am Dawn Filer.” The deep green filly next to Azure acknowledged her father with a wave. “I am an accountant. I work with numbers, organize files, handle payrolls and do various other work to keep businesses running. Anypony have any questions?” The class was dead silent. Forest Mint shuffled in her chair and her father was a bit flustered. Shale Quarry called up the next one, An orange earth pony that looked like he could crush boulders with a half hearted buck, in fact that was his cutie mark. “Ah’m Stonebreaker. Ah work construction.” The earth pony drawled in a southern accent. “Questions?” Two hooves shot up. “You.” Stonebreaker pointed at a young orange pegasus. “What do you do in construction?” The pegasus asked. “Ah usually haul around beams and clear land fer development. Ah do what’s required of me though.” He answered. “Next.” The question came from Forest Mint whom John noticed Azure was just a little shy from full on staring at. John enjoyed an inward laugh at the sight. “What kind of things do you build?” “All sorts o’ things, playgrounds, bakeries, houses... Whatever needs built really.” He paused. “Anypony else got a question?” The class didn’t respond. “Okay then. Guess I’ll take a seat.” The earth pony moved slowly to a seat in the back. There were only three ponies left then it was John’s turn. The next one called up to the whiteboard was a Pegasus wearing a flight suit. “Hi!” He was bursting with energy, “I’m Blitz! I’m the captain of the local weather team!” The hooves of all four pegasi in the class instantly shot up. “Yes?” He pointed at Azure. This should be interesting. “Exactly what does your job entail given your leadership position versus a casual member of the weather team?” Azure asked. The well spoken question caught Blitz by surprise, obviously whatever he rehearsed did not entail such a question. “Uhhh, I mostly just either receive orders and give or pass them on to the weather team. I usually just pass on the orders from the mayor though...” The other hooves went down. Heh. The leader of the weather team walked back to the chair set up in the back, murmuring something about ‘a tough crowd.’ Shale Quarry called up the next father, a unicorn with a yellow coat and orange mane walked up to the front of the class. “Hello, I’m Aquis. I’m a firefighter at station two.” Once again a small collection of hooves shot into the air, Azure’s among them. “Yes?” He pointed at a pure white Unicorn filly. “Um, how many fires have you put out?” She asked nervously. “I’ve been involved in twelve large fires since arriving here from Equestria.” He answered.”Next question?” He asked openly. The next one came from jet black pegasus colt. “Have you saved anypony? Like from a fire?” He asked. The firepony looked lost in thought for a moment before he answered, “Three times. The last one was here. The other two back in Equestria. I... don’t really like talking about it...” There was a small awkward silence before Aquis spoke up once more, “Alright, one more question then.” He pointed at Azure, “Kid with the interesting questions.” “Um, yes. I have two questions. First off is the origins of your name, is it a derivation of aqua for water, or does it come from the greek mythos slash zodiac sign of Aquarius which means water carrier?” Aquis was about to respond when Azure shot of the next question. “Also, you said you originate from Equestria. Why, may I ask, did you leave to come here?” Azure finished. The orange maned Unicorn coughed twice into his hoof, “Um, I just like the way it sounds. I wasn’t aware that there were lines to be drawn. As for why I came out here, well, I’ve been here for two months and been involved in twelve fires. Back in Equestria I was only involved in one fire in the ten years I’ve worked there as a firepony. I was needed here more.” He answered solemnly. “Okay, can we have the next father up here? Mister Cream Baker?” The teacher spoke quickly interjecting the downcast looking firepony. “Hi, I’m Cream Baker and I run a baked goods shop called Top Goods. Are there any questions?” Grindah beamed. Only one hoof raised, one of the earth pony twins in the class. “Of course you would ask a question. Proceed.” “When are you going to teach me how to cook daddy?” The filly asked. “This isn’t the time sweetie, we can talk about this at home.” “But daddy-” The young filly whined. “No buts, last time you set the kitchen on fire. Your special talent is not cooking.” Grindah rubbed his face with his hoof. “Anypony else?” Silence. “Okay then. John, it’s your turn now.” He said while walking back to the seats. Before John could get up, Shale Quarry spoke up, “We have a very special guest today as you all know, we have a human in class today!” She turned to face John. “Mr. Norris? If you’d please?” She motioned towards the chalk board. John got up to his feet and made his way to the front of the class. He stood before a room of fourteen young ponies and six of their fathers. He cracked his neck from side to side, yawned, then stated, “Hello, I am John Norris. I used to play the stock markets way back when and became obscenely rich. I am now retired. Questions?” Thirteen hooves shot up. Shit. “From left to right, you first.” He pointed a beige earth filly. “How do fingers work?” The young pony asked. John was taken a little aback by the question. “Um. I do not really know how to explain it... I just use them.” He wriggled his fingers to make his point. The next question came from a unicorn filly. “What’s it like being soooo tall?” John laughed a little, “I’m not that tall by human standards, not by a long shot. I’ve seen plenty taller than myself. Next question?” It came from a jet black pegasus “Just how rich are you anyways?’ John coughed dryly “Ummm... I have about a few billion bits.” The looks of envy elicited from the response were absolute. There was a short moment of silence. “So, how’s about that there next question, eh?” “My daddy says humans are inherently evil. Are you evil?” Forest Mint asked with genuine curiosity. “Uhhh... Nooo...” John was little weirded out by the question. “Some humans are no doubt, but then again, so are some ponies. Now to you, the honey colored earth pony.” “Um, yes. So what do you do retired being so young and rich?” She asked a bit nervously. “Whatever I want really. I usually just kick back with my son. I have nothing stopping me or making me do anything.” He replied. “Next question?” The next two in line, cream colored earth fillies, counted off to each other silently then spoke in unison, “What’s meat taste like?!” they shouted. John grew a little scared at the nature of the question. Only Grindah’s kids... “W-well, it’s kinda bad unless you cook it. Then its pretty kick ass.” An eager looking pegasus spat out the next question, “Can humans fly?” “Not without a machine.” This seemed to make the pegasus sad. Okay? “Next question?” “Do humans really have fangs?” The unicorn asked. John opened his mouth and pointed to his canines in response. “Are you a member of the HLF?” A Unicorn colt asked. “No. Never ask me that again. Just because I’m human doesn't mean I’m a bad guy. I never hurt anyone on purpose.” John glared at the unicorn colt, who sunk down a little in his chair. “Next question.” “Uh, uhm, yes, Why didn’t you get ponified?” A unicorn filly asked. John paused for a moment. “Well, that’s... very personal. I’m sorry to say.” He spoke a bit nervously. The filly looked sad, John rubbed his arm, “Next question?” A pegasus pony with a mane and tail the washed form light blue to pure white asked John’s his next question.“So what was life like before ponies came?” “Now that's a good question.’ John admitted, “What’s your name kid?” “Wind Rapids.” “Well, Rapids, let me tell you of the time before contact.” John cleared his throat. “Once upon a time there was something not too unlike peace, yes there were wars and murders and thievery and all sorts of corruption. But there was relatively little. The air could be a bit sour, the food a bit nasty, but it was life. I grew up around humans and thought nothing of it, for that was all there really was. My dad was a cruel and bitter remnant of the war on terror.My mom was a sweet thing, a bit too soft spoken though. Life went on. Then AI’s came about, I was there as an investor when the first one was ‘born’. Within eighteen months the job market was shit. Crime was high. War was approaching faster everyday.” John paused for effect. “Then something happened. You lot showed up. Promising happiness and health and a paradise, all we had to do was become you. That’s more or less a brief look at things.” John shrugged on the last line. The class seemed taken aback. “So, last question then.” It was an earth pony filly, “Do you have a cutie mark?” John noticed she lacked hers, “Humans don’t get cutie marks.” “Then how do know what your special talent is?” The filly looked a mix between sad and confused. John shrugged for what felt like the hundredth time that day. “We just do if we ever figure it out. Any more questions?” The class seemed to have their thirst satiated. The teacher instructed John to move to the back of the class. He sat down and reclined in the seat. It was revealed that it was a short day today, due to some Equestrian holy day. John didn’t pay attention to what it was exactly. The teacher assigned some chapters in a book and released them shortly after. John walked over to Azure as he bid Forest mint goodbye. John motioned for Azure to follow him. The pair headed out the classroom door, “So, what’d you think of school Azure?” John asked of the young pony. Azure seemed to dwell on it for a moment.before answering, “It seems alright, this was my first day though, one occurrence does not make a pattern. So I can’t really judge.” John opened both of the truck doors and hopped in the driver’s seat as Azure did the same into the passengers. John started the truck and slyly posed a question, “So... Azure... Anypony catch your fancy?” Azure’s normally blue face was bright red. He started down the road to the apartment. “Aha! I knew it! You like what’s-her-face!” “Forest Mint.” Azure corrected. “Heh. Take it easy kiddo, I think she likes you too.” John leaned into his seat, reclining. The young pegasus seemed to light up, “R-really? You think so?” “If she doesn't she’s batshit insane. Crazier than your ol’ dad.” He smirked. “Why don’t you invite her and the rest of your class to your birthday party this Saturday. So how about it?” John pulled into his parking spot at the complex. “Alright.” Azure agreed. They got out of the truck and headed inside to the penthouse condo they shared. __________________________________________________________________NOTES: I know what John’s pony form is going to be, as well as how Azure gets his cutie mark and what it is now. No word on John’s though. Scratch that. Best part, some of you know how he looks but don’t know you know! Town is Fullerton, California. It may or may not have changed its name in the fic due to ponies. Deal with it. Cultural misunderstandings should be more common eh? What in the fuck is THAT? Is that CANON SHIPPING? In MY AAF?! But HOW? So we have Azure, Forest, Two unnamed Pegasi colts, one filly, earth pony twins three more earth ponies. then four unicorns (not including forest) I made a seating chart for ya’ll at the end. enjoy. I murdered myself over it. FOR YOU.
Part 11An Azure Future 11 I apologize for formatting and various errors, as this was written on my phone. stuff here is thoughts< John surveyed the living room. Everything was in order. There was a large table with every kind of sweet imaginable on display. A similar sized table was empty for the purpose of holding presents. A medium sized circular table held a cake which was a maginificent interpretation of the wind itself. The decorations around the room mirrored the artistry of the cake. When John hired the pink earth pony to organize the party, he was doubtful about his vision for it. Fortunately, those doubts were severely unfounded. It was a pity that the decorations had to be taken down by the end of the day. The patio outside was decorated the same as the interior, along with another long table covered with even more sweets. He unlocked his phone and checked the appointments. The party was scheduled to start in one hour. The entertainment to arrive in three. John sat upon his couch and flipped on his television. The news was on. John observed various reports of happenings in his changing world, though none caught his eye. Just new reports of the same things, HLF becoming IHSA. PER movements. The red plauge. John grumbled and turned the TV off. Any moment Azure would be waking up. As if on cue a sleepy pegasus came down the stairs, brushing his dark steely mane out of his icy eyes. "Impeccable timing Azure." John stood up and waved his hands around the room at the bright decorations. "What do you think?" The sleep left the young pegasus' eyes as wonder replaced it. "You set this all up?" "Well... no. I got the best equestrian party planner." John admitted, shrugging. Azure just luaghed in response. "I love it dad. Thank you." There was a small silence. "So what's for breakfast?" John stood up and stretched, "What ever you want kiddo, it's your day." Azure pondered for a moment. "How about we just eat some candy like cereal in our PJ's. Just visit, you know?" A weak smile creeped onto his muzzle at the warmth of the thought. John felt something inside him waiver. "Sure kid, That sounds nice." John and Azure sat next to each other, sharing the middle seat of the three cushion couch. The television was playing a nonsensical cartoon as the pair muched on super sugary chocolate flavored cereal. John wore an old pair of pajamas he got as part of his family's christmas tradition when he was seventeen. They were of simple design and color, but surprisingly soft to the touch. Azure had donned his Wonderbolt style pajamas. The pegasus leaned against the human as he munched on his cereal. The two sat silently, the crunching of cereal the only sound interrupting the tv. Moments passed. John broke the semblance of silence, "So how's things with that filly you got your eye on?" Azure almost swallowed his spoon. After a small series of coughs he managed to respond. "Luna's night Dad!" He choked out, still coughing. John stifled a laugh. "I was just wondering..." John scooped up a spoonful of cereal. "So who'd you invite to this shindig anyways?" Azure brightened up. "Oh! I invited Wind Rapids, Sugar dew and Sweetie cane, Blazing Star, Clay, he's new, and... Forest Mint..." His voice went quiet, barely above a whisper. "What was that last name now?" Azure spooned some cereal into his muzzle to postpone awnsering. "Well?" John prodded further. "Forest Mint." Azure sighed in defeat. John wore a sly smile in victory. "On another note, hows school going?" Finishing his bowl off. "Good I guess." Azure shrugged. "Ms. Shale Quarry says I'm doing really well, yesterday I passed a pop quiz. She was impressed because I wasn't there for most of the lesson. Then there's Jet Blaze and Cloudbreaker. They were making fun of Forest Mint, something about her dad. Anyways, I told them to stop it. They said 'Make us.'. So I did." Azure finished off his own bowl of chocolate cereal and guzzled the milk. "By the way, I have detention on Monday." He added. "Wait, what?" "I... sorta bucked Jet Blaze in the face..." Azure shifted his eyes downward. Then John did something Azure didn't expect to happen. He laughed. "Well shit, why'd you do that?" "When I told them to leave Forest alone, they did. Then they started making fun of me... about you... So, I kinda lost it and bucked Jet Blaze in the muzzle." Azure avoided looking at John, facing away. John patted Azure on the back. "Son," John started, breaking out the 's' word and getting Azure's attention, "I'm going to pass something on that my father told me after I got in my first fight. 'You have to stand up for your self or no one will.' There is no reason to feel bad. Hell, what you did deserves commendation." John beamed. "What was your dad like?" Azure asked, curious. John's left eye twitched in response. "He was a soldier. Through and through. Fought in what's now known as the Last Great War. When it ended he came back and settled down with my mom. He was tough on me. When my mother died, he was broken. After all he did, killing was his only way to solve problems. So he killed himself when I was seventeen. I would say I cried but... he was never a kind man..." John trailed off, lost in the memories. It was Azure's turn to comfort John. Azure hooves wrapped as far around the human's waist as he could, his steely grey mane brushing up against John's arm. "I think you're a great dad." John felt something stir that hadn't for years. Then his watched beeped. "Oh shi- its time to get ready. Go get dressed Azure." John started cleaning up the mid-morning mess. "You know we don't normally wear clothes, right?" John had put on a pair of blue jeans, boots and one of his favorite graphic tees. He had come downstairs to answer a knocking at the door. He made his way across the living room as the weak knock came again. He opened the door, revealing the unicorn filly known to him as Azure's crush, Forest Mint, and a large grey pegasus with an eyepatch partially hiding a jagged scar across his eye. He snorted at John, "Are you sure you wish to stay at this human's place?" He said with noticable disdain. Then added, "Alone?" "Oh please Thunder Head, I'll be quite fine." Forest Mint groaned, rolling her eyes. "Then I shall take my leave. Do not hesitate to contact me if you’re in trouble." The pegasus then pounded his chest with his right hoof and bowed his head in some sort salute. He proceeded to fly out the nearest window. "Huh. Well come on in! Don't just stand in the hallway!" John beamed, inviting the green unicorn filly in. She proceeded to walk in levitating a gift behind her. "Where's Azure?" She asked as she floated the gift onto the table. As if on cue, Azure came down from his room. "I heard somepony come in! Who is-" he cut off mid sentence upon seeing his guest. "Oh." He stopped in the living room. "Hey Azure!" She trotted up and made the day memorable. She gave Azure a small kiss on the cheeck which proceeded to turn his blue muzzle bright red. "That's for helping me out yesterday, the teachers took you away before I could thank you..." She paused for a moment "So, um, thank you. I'll be checking out your snacks." She walked off towards the appropiate table. "Are you okay Azure?" John asked slightly concerened but mostly trying to keep from laughing. Azure shook his head violently and regained composure. He walked off to awnser the knocking at the door. "That's my boy." John said, laughing softly. Two identical earth pony fillies tackled Azure in a hug as he opened the door. "Happy birthday Azure!" They shouted in unision. "We got you a present!" In unison again. They released him from their coordinated attack hug, picking up their present from the hallway and setting on the table. They left behind a comically dizzy pegasus in their wake. After Azure regained composure yet again. The party started up proper. Azure put the music, some almost obnoxiusly happy beat, and started dancing. Azure danced and talked to twins, occasionally he even dared a word or two to Forest Mint. Checking the time, John noted that there was a little over hour until the entertainment arrived. He was about to get things started when there was a furious pounding at the door, accompanied by a voice. "Are you sure this is the right place? I don't even think this is the building." "We already checked the other building!" Another voice replied with a slight whine. John threw the door open in a sucessful effort to startle them. There was a white pegasus who was hovering in the air acommpanied by brightly colored unicorn levitating three gifts and an earth pony. "Ah told ya we shoulda came 'ere first." The earth pony colt spoke with a southern drawl. His coat was a shade similar to that of Azure's, but a decent bit darker. "You said nothing!" Shot back the pegasus. "Well, if you stopped to listen-" Started the unicorn. "Hey look guys, I got us here!" Shouted the pegasus over his freinds. Azure took notice of the commotion and troted over to greet his friends. "Hey Rapids, Star, Clay! You made it! What's up?" The pegasus put Azure in a playful headlock. "Of course we made it! I was leading!" Azure broke the headlock and laughed. "Hay, now I'm surprised you guys are even in the right state!" He prodded, eliciting a laugh from all but Rapids who sat on his flank with his forehooves crossed in response. "So where do I put these?" Asked Star floating up three wrapped boxes in question. "Right over here, c'mon!" Azure walked off motioning for them to follow. John felt a tugging at his blue jeans pants leg. "Excuse me sir, but ah'd like to introduce mah self. Ah'm Clay, Ah just moved from New Appleloosa. Pleased to meet ya." "Uhhh... likewise." John responded, unsure how to act. The response seemed to satisfy the young pony as he trotted off towards the party. Well, let's get this started before they get here. John picked up a megaphone and clicked the trigger. "WE WOULD LIKE YOUR ATTENTION!" He blared with the help of the megaphone. Simultaniously and immeadiatly the music schreeched to a stop and all eyes were on him. "THANK YOU." Clicking the megaphone to life once more. "IT IS THE TIME FOR THE CERMONIAL UNWRAPPING OF PRESENTS AND SERVING OF CAKE." He annouced, setting aside the megaphone. Azure walked up to the table containing five brightly wrapped presents and one with black wrapping paper from John. "Alright buddy, the floor's yours." Azure carefully examined the presents, deciding which one to open first. "Try to make mine last." John requested. Azure made his selection, the present from the twins. He tore into the wrapping with his hooves. How the hell do they grip things like that? He opened the box and pulled out a small plushie of a familiar form. It was Azure in a wonderbolt suit. "We made it ourselves!" The pair beamed. "Thanks guys, I love it!" Azure smiled with almost genuine enthusiam. Next on the chop block was Clay's gift. Azure made short work of the box and its wrapping. He lifted the lid and revealed a cowboy hat. "How do I look?" He asked as he slid the hat over his dark steely mane. "Ya look like uh real cowpony." Clay smirked. Wordlessly Azure opened Wind Rapids gift. It was a book on philsophy and its history entitled 'Obscure Thought and YOU'. The present was almost as curious as Azure's elation upon seeing the gift. "Oooo, I've been dying to read this! Thank you!" "No prob Azzy. I remember you talking about it, so it seemed a pretty obvious gift." Only two gifts and John's remained. Azure saved Forest Mint's for next, opting to open Blazing Star's present first. He took an odd amount of caution, slowly and carefully untying the bow. The moment the bow was off, the box exploded, sending the lid flying. "Sweet Luna! Next time a little less, yes?" The unicorn looked a little sheepish. Azure peered into the charred remains of the box, then turned it over, dumping out a large pile of ash. Azure glared at Blazing Star. "I'll use less magnesium next time, sheesh," the unicorn defended. Azure rolled his eyes and turned his attention to Forest Mint's gift. He opened it as normal but with a bit more reserve. It was a rose contained in a simple vase. Oh boy. "I saw it and thought of you." She spoke timidly while shying away. John noticed her gift looked excatly like her cutie mark. "Thanks. I love it." John couldn't dechipher the myraid of emotions in Azure's voice. One present remained, John's. Azure opened the untied, decorative box. With a look of disbelief, Azure lifted the contents up: An official Wonderbolt flight suit and a permenant marker. "Thanks Dad!" He cheered, his face lighting up. "No problem Azure." Only fifteen minutes remained. "Let's hurry up and get this cake served!" John announced. The gathering moved over to the large cake whose colors were based of Azure himself. In frosting that reflected his mane it proclaimed 'Happy Birthday Azure!' with eight candles framing it. John lit a match and ignited the candles. "Make a wish." Azure seemed to concetrate for a while then blew out all the candles. John proceeded to cut the cake and serve it up to all the guests. No sooner had everyone received their cake and John finished serving the entertainment arrived. The Wonderbolts were here. They annouced their arrival by way of a blinding flash. "Everyone to the patio!" he ordered needlessly, as they were heading out before he could finish. Three pegasi wearing characteristic blue flight suits with lightning bolts. Trailing behind them were dark storm clouds. They broke their chevron formation and started writing in the sky. With a unsupassed deftness the message was wrought. 'Happy Birthday Azure!' The trio then reformed and weaved in and out of each other pulling a tight loop at a high speed. As the show progressed the stunts became more complex and intricate. Then the trio seperated, taking equidistance spots in the sky. The began to sprial up and closer to each other. Once they were making body contact with eachother they dove down as a ball of lightning filled the sky. It was much better than the show he went to see, though significantly shorter. The wonderbolts swooped down and landed on the patio, removing their goggles. "I heard it was somepony's birthday!" Beamed the leader, Spitfire. She was flanked by Wildfire and Cirrus, who was filling in for Soarin on account of a broken wing. Azure looked like he was about to explode. He opened his mouth to say something but only emitted a squeak. "Are you alri-" Cirrus began. "Oh my gosh! Stay right there, be right back" blurted Azure before he bolted off, returning with John's gift. "Could you sign this?!" "Heh, sure kiddo." Spitfire took the marker in her mouth and scribbled her name on the suit. "So you wanna go for a flight?" Wildfire offered, striking a pose. Azure immediatly averted his eyes down. "I... I can't fly..." Cirrus and Spitfire shot her a look. John told them to avoid the subject, but apprantly she didn't read the memo. Thankfully, Spitfire came to the rescue. She placed a hoof on Azure's shoulder. "Hey, don't worry about it, I didn't learn to fly until I was ten. In fact, when you can fly, write us and we'll do a flight together." She comforted, to accuntate, she removed her goggles and put them around Azure's neck. Azure's mood did a one eighty. "Really?!" "Yep. Just be patient. You'll get it." Spitfire smiled. Azure started machine gunning questions like only he could. "How'd you become a Wonderbolt? How many times did you try to get in? How'd you make captain? How much do you practice?" "Woah, uhhh... Well I got in my second try by sucessfully pulling off my signature move, The Volcano. I got captain for knowing how to run the squad better than anypony else when the spot opened. As for practice... about four hours as a team. I practice an additional two on my own. Except for the day of and the day before a performance." Azure seemed satisfied, as he stopped asking questions. Cirrus nuged Spitfire and motioned that it was time to go. "Hey kid, it was fun meeting you and all, but we gotta bolt." Spitfire explained. "Oh, that's okay. I understand." Azure admitted, and with that the Wonderbolts left. "Man that was so awesome! Why didn't you tell me the Wonderbolts where coming?!" Wind Rapids gushed. "I didn't even know." Azure shrugged, wearing a smile that wouldn't fade for the rest of the evening. He turned to face John and gave him a hug. "Thanks dad." "No problem" John grinned. The party winded down after the Wonderbolts left and the guests went as they came. First was Azure's friends who bid him farewell til Monday. The twins left next. Once more Azure and Forest were alone. "I had a lot of fun Azure. Maybe we can hang out next Saturday?" Forest offered. Azure was still riding high from the party. "That sounds good. Hell, let's make it a sleep over. Can you come over Friday night?" Forest mint smiled, "Sure, I'd like that." There was a pounding at the door. "That's Thunder. I gotta go." Then, the second time that day, she leaned in and kissed Azure. This time, however it wasn't on the cheek. Azure's wings shot straight up. "See you later." She turned and exited the penthouse. "So... Azure?" "Yeah dad?" "Did you have a good day?" "Best. Day. Ever."
Part 12An Azure Future pt. 12 John was flying over open fields, multi-colored ants, ponies, were down beneath him. There were pegasi flying lower than John, if by just a few hundred meters. John banked right towards abstract mountains with peaks that soared out of sight. I REALLY need to teach Azure... was the sole thought that passed through his head, an odd one with his present situation considered. John came upon the mountain, it was as contorted and as strange as it seemed from afar. He hovered at its side and craned his neck upward, straining to see the peak. The mountain rose out of sight. He stretched his wings and flew upwards. Time endless passed, the cloud floor seemed miles below. Then there was a nothingness, the world was black. All that remained was the never ending mountain and John. Untold ages passed as John finally reached the summit. Upon the mountain was a castle with a stylized sun and moon on it. The royal palace, John recognized, or at least A royal palace. John folded his wings and walked inside. Upon two thrones sat the twin goddesses of sun and moon. He bowed and they nodded acknowledging the act. “John, I have long wondered when I would see you.” The room shook as the white one spoke. After a few moments, the vibrations failed to diminish but instead began to grow in intensity. Colossal boulders fell from the roof as the palace began to collapse from the earthquake. John went into full panic, spinning in place and bounding for the exit as a large piece of the ceiling denied him his leave. John’s eyes dashed from side to side in a panic, searching for any way out. He looked back to where the divine entities sat but a few moments before, but was instead greeted by two empty thrones. He could swear he hear Azure’s voice in what seemed to be his final moments. Then John woke up. The first thing he noticed was he was being shaken quite violently. The second thing was that an all too familiar pegasus was severely violating his personal space. As he woke up more and regained audio processing, he felt the shouting. “Dad, c’mon! C’mon! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! She’s coming over TODAY! And we haven’t prepared AT ALL!” John begrudgingly regained his senses and checked his watch. “Azure, you have approximately five seconds to explain why in god’s name I am awake at five in the morning.” “DADFORRESTMINTISCOMINGANDWEHAVENTEVENGOTTENEVERYTHINGREADYANDIFSHECOMESANDITSLIKETHISWHA-” The pegasus machine-gunned, only to be cut off by John holding his muzzle shut. “Azure. She’s not due til six o’clock. In the afternoon. I am going back to bed. If you wake me up, I will give you immediate flight lessons by tossing you out the window.” John turned over and pulled the sheets over his head. A few short moments later, he was off to a dreamless sleep. Azure sat there for a few moments considering various options. After a while, he chose what seemed to be the best one. He wiggled under the blanket and curled up to his snoozing dad, taking care not to wake him, then proceeded to drift off on his own. _________________________________ The pair woke up at about three thirty in the afternoon, the early rising negating all previously gathered sleep. Mornings, if they could be called that, were usually silent affairs. John went to the bathroom and then proceeded to the kitchen, where he microwaved a precooked meal for himself. Azure came into the kitchen in time to see John snag a pre-made salad in a bag, and rip it in half over a bowl, pouring out the green contents. Azure sighed. It was going to be another one of THOSE days. Their meal passed silent and uneventful. “So, what in god’s name did you want to prepare anyways?” John ask as he policed the remains of the late breakfast. The pegasus ran an azure hoof through its dark steely mane as it puzzled over the question. “I... don’t really know. Maybe plan some stuff to do? I never had a sleep over before.” “Huh. No shit. Hmmm...” John trailed off into thought. “How about... some movies, a video game or two, maybe even something like truth or dare... I don’t know.” “Hm... That could work...” said Azure while tapping his muzzle. The pair were locked in thought until a furious rapping at the door interrupted them. The time was checked and grim news was delivered. It was four forty-two, Forest Mint had arrived. "Quickly, to the door!" John shouted as he mounted and jumped over the counter separating the kitchen and the living room. He bolted across the floor to the door and threw in open inwards. A familiar gray pegasus with an eye patch partially covering a scar over his left eye accompanying a forest green unicorn filly awaited him. "Is this young Azure's residence?" Thunder Storm leered at the human. "Uh, I guess you can say that..." Thunder snorted, “I will be leaving Lady Forest at this residence for her planned ‘sleep over’ with young Azure.” The battle scarred guardian intensified his glare. “If any harm comes to her, HUMAN, nothing good will come of it. I assure you.” “Oh c’mon Thundie, give it a break.” The filly interjected. Once more, the pegasus snorted. He then proceeded to do what was either a deep nod or a shallow bow and took his leave. The unicorn filly was noticeably absent of any kind of luggage. I guess they don’t need extra clothes... “Hey Azure, what are we doing first?” Forest mint asked seductively, walking by Azure and brushing her tail underneath his muzzle. The simple action sprung Azure’s wings all the way up as they quivered in place. What is WRONG with this filly? “I-uh, I... have... uh...” Azure stammered, trying desperately to to regain control of his stiff wings and blushing furiously. Forest giggled, not helping Azure’s situation at all. “How about we watch some cartoons, hm?” “That uh, that sounds... nice.” Azure was finally regaining control of himself. “So, I guess I’ll leave you kids alone then. If you need me, holler. I’ll probably check up on you from time to time throughout the night.” John informed, before turning and going upstairs. He went up the spiral staircase and into his personal room. He booted up his computer and the security system. On one monitor he had the internet, on the other the security system output. Azure and Forest were watching cartoons. Seemed innocent enough. John zoomed in and enable audio. “...is that scary dude with you all the time for?” Azure asked over the cartoon. “Hm? Oh Thunder Storm? He’s just my body guard.” Came the dismissive awnser. This of course only confused Azure further. “Why in Luna’s name *chrzt* -odyguar- *chrzt*?” “Shit!” Johns audio was cutting out. He played with the wires and when that failed, he checked the software. >Dammit. It’s the hardware. Bah, I'll get it in a moment.< John turned to the other monitor and started browsing the news. Let's see... Tabloid bullshit, tabloid bullshit, tabloid bullshit... 10 ways to get a firmer ass... fuck man, no wonder why ponies are getting so many sign ups. We do stupid fucking shit.< John typed in the url of site dedicated to the more serious side of news. >HERE we go. 'Two killed in HLF attack on Bureau' 'Despite threats renowned cellist announces third tour in US' 'Break-in at conversion Bureau, prototype zebra potion missing' 'HLF Reports mass Kidnapping' 'Mysterious jail break at HLF HQ. Hero Remains Unnamed' Heh, sweet. 'One man walks in, Six ponies walk out. The amazing story of Thomas Thail' What in gods name? Sounds stupid.< John refreshed the page to see if anything new had come in. Sure enough in big scarlet letters: 'BREAKING NEWS!: IHSA SAN DIEGO HUMAN STRONGHOLD ATTACKED BY PER WITH WEAPONIZED POTION!' John clicked immediately. "DAAAD!" a voice wailed from downstairs. John swore under his breath; he'll have to read it later. Fuck, San Diego is a just a short ride south of here...< He thought as he went down the stairs, the broken security audio forgotten. "What ya need Azure?" John asked, a little annoyed. "Can we talk in the kitchen?" The pegasus asked, looking pleadingly up at the human. John sighed. "Alright. Fine." The azure colt jumped off the couch elicitin a look of half curiousity from the filly accompanying him. Once in the kitchen Azure started flipping out. "HOLY SHIT DAD, SHE SAID SHE LIKES ME! WHAT DO I DO?!" John blinked a few times, dumbfounded. "What did you do?" "I called you!" Azure exclaimed. John's hand met his face. "What is WRONG with you? GET IN THERE AND MAKE OUT! Before its too late!" John picked Azure up and tossed him carefully into the living room. The colt made his way over to the couch, shaking the whole time. He jumped up on the couch. "Uh... Hey, Forest..." The deep green unicorn filly took the nervous colt by surprise and cyan was made as blue met green. Azure pushed back after inital shock left. The kiss lasted a moment longer before they parted. "Took you long enough." Good for Azure but damn if she doesn't work fast. they’ve only known each other for about two weeks. I’ve heard a lot about how ponies are ‘better’ but I never thought relationships was part of the deal. Or maybe its just her. I’m definitely going to have to look into this later... Maybe the PER attack is on the news, I should check. John walked into the living room and sat on the opposite side of Azure. "You two lovebirds mind if I put the news on?" The two were lost in each other. John changed the channel. Just as he hoped, the article he saw upstairs was on TV. "We are now on scene where the group PER has utilized an aerolized form of ponification serum to forcibly convert the west coast IHSA stronghold!" There behind the unicorn reporter was San Diego University covered in a thick purple crowd. The area was alive with commotion and spectators. The pony counterparts of firemen, police, and various other emergency were running about doing god knows what. The news caught the attention of the ponies on his couch. John thought he heard Forest murmur something. She seemed worried about something. “The western US installation of the International Human Survival Association has been reported to contain about ten thousand humans. All of whom have been victimized this evening.” The newspony had a genuine look of concern, worry and horror. "This coming in, Princess Celestia is going to speak on this attack! We go live to Canterlot." The screen now displayed a familar royal visage upon the balcony of which she made a majority of her speeches. "My little ponies and remnants of the Human race, I am here before you today due to the genocide committed by a terrorist organization comprised of our own people." The alicorn wore an ageless, undefinable expression. "Ten years ago, our kind extended a helping hoof to the human race. They had war. They had most of their own kind starving and impoverished. Asking a human for what to us are simple generosities would more often end in violence than kindness. Pollution was beginning to choke their world. “We offered them solace when they needed it most. We offered to take away their poverty, their war, their overly violent nature, and heal their planet. But sadly, mankind was found to be incompatible with the magicks inside Equestria. “We were determined to save our neighbouring sentient species despite this. If they could not survive as humans, perhaps they could still survive... as one of our own. We worked hand in hoof with them to create ponification serum in hopes of a better future for mankind. “Today, the purity that the serum held has been vandalized. Today the choice that was always upon the humans was taken away from ten thousand nine hundred sixty three of them in the greatest act of terrorism ever known to us. The serum was weaponized, aerolized and without any sedative, and some did not make it trough the conversion process, while others suffered from dreadful mutations and defects. A heartbreaking majority were rendered mentally unsound from the process.” The ageless monarch’s face shifted from a sadden expression to one John nor the rest of the world had yet to see on the princess, an expression of pure fury. “It is for the victims of this attack that I, Princess Celestia of Equestria, herby swear that the all members, former or current, of PER shall know no mercy nor peace, and that they WILL be brought to justice!” The TV switched back to the newspony who continued to cover on-site. John changed the channel back to Azure’s cartoon, some action filled filth with no real plot called Yellowstone. “Well, shit.” An expected response from the unexpected source of Azure. “Azure! Watch your language!” John shouted as fatherly as he could. “You cuss all the time!” Was the retort. “Azure, we both know its far too late for me, save yourself.” The only other being in the room was being oddly silent. A fact noticed by Azure, "Hey, are you alright Forest?" He asked putting a hoof on her shoulder. Forest looked around, everywhere except John and Azure. "I.. I'm alright... I'll be fine..." "Cool, I'll get some snacks and show y'all a real cartoon." John proclaimed a he turned to the kitchen. He rifled through the drawers and grabbed some vegetarian snacks and a bag of beef jerky for himself. Azure met his father on the way back to the couch. "Dad, I think she's actually in some emotional turmoil." "What? You heard her, she's fine. Don't worry about it. C'mon, it adventure time." John finished his journey to the living room. Upon returning he booted up the old Blu-Ray player and inserted a disc. "This was my dad's favorite when he was young and one of my favorites too." The disc booted and the cartoon played. John slouched out of relaxation into the couch on its right most seat. "What am I watching?" Azure asked, slightly disturbed. "Adventure." "That dosen't awnser the-" "No buts, ADVENTURE." "I didn't even say-" "Ad. Venture." Having long ago realizing the futility of ever debating anything with his father using real logic, Azure gave up. John was John. Instead he leaned against Forest. "Sorry, my dad gets a little weird sometimes." There was no reply. "Are you worried about your dad?" This time a slight nod. "He'll be fine, don't worry about it." A faint smile. "Thanks Azure. I needed that." The deep green unicorn relaxed and went back to enjoyin the date, regardless of the unexpected intteruption. There was a furious rapping at the door, one that would be associated with anger, panic, or eccentricity of the person at the door. John, Azure and Forest all turned at the queer sound with a single simple collective thought: >Who?< The rapping came again, harder and faster than before. This time however, it was accompanied by a someone shouting, "Open up! Forest! Its your dad!" I know that voice...< John got up with a look as if he had just entered the twilight zone. He walked to the door. The persistent pounding of fate itself came once more, more savage than before. John opened the door of destiny. There on the otherside of the doorway was an all too familiar gray unicorn. The world froze in place for the pair. "Gray." "Norris."
The Lost Chapters: Drunken and Joke Editions. (Pt 8 and Pt 10)An Azure Future part 8 Yeah. This fic again. It never ends. LSD, ALICORN SPIDERS AND CAPTAIN AMERICA EDITION John Norris stared at the building in front of him that boasted its purpose, the headquarters of the human liberation front. A more prideful bunch of madmen has never before been gathered in such multitude before and quite likely never again... The human noted to himself. He grabbed the rope from the bench in the truck, pausing to prepare himself mentally for what he had to do. "Hey Azure, I'm going to need you to take this aphrodisiac and tie you up. If you wake up, don't give us away." John informed Azure. "What." The young pegasus stated more than asked. “At least I think they are aphrodisiacs... Aphrodisiac’s are sleeping pills right?” John asked himself, fiddling with the drugs in question “You can’t be serious...” “I’ll get you an official Wonderbolt flight suit.” Azure contemplated for a few moments. “Aw hay. Give it here.” John handed Azure the pills who looked at them for a moment before ingesting them. Approximately four minutes passed. “Hoooly haaaaay. Everythings sooo...” Azure staggered to the left three steps and then to twice to the left. “Dad. When did you join the Shadowbolts? How could you betray me like that?” John got a little concerned. “Are you alright Azure?” “dot dot dot...” “Okay. You happen to be an in area I have experience in. You are obscenely high.You need to be unconscious.” Azure jumped five feet in the air, “Holy shit, did you see that alicorn spider?!” “Azure.” “Oooooooooh myyyyyyyyyyyyyy celestia.” John took a hold of Azure and made makeshift blindfold out of an extra shirt he had packed.”Azure, try to sleep it off and for God’s sake keep quite.” The human carefully tied up his son making sure not to cause discomfort. This is so bad... Little guy’s probably having the time of his life. he thought to himself. He took a deep breath, prayed to whatever God there may be, and walked across the street, into the HLF Headquarters. John pulled the door open, which gave more resistance than expected. As he stepped inside with the young pegasus tripping balls slung carefully over his shoulder. The lobby was not too unlike that of his home’s, outside of being smaller and much more empty. Pretty desolate for being the HQ of one of the major players in these final days. A young man with a wild look who sat at the desk stopped playing with his Rubik’s cube to raise an eyebrow at John. “Can I help you?” He asked seeming annoyed that he actually had to do something on his shift. John paused for a moment, “Uhhh... I found this one... uh... snooping around? I captured him, where do I put ‘im?” There was a complete lack of confidence in his voice. The wild looking young man either didn’t notice or didn’t care as he went back to his Rubik’s cube. “Its down stairs, third basement level. Put him an an empty cell for interrogation later.” He explained non-chalantly. That was much easier than I thought. John made his way to the stairs, and proceeded down them. He opened up the door to find what looked like an old time prison that’d you’d see in the movies. Expect it had a distinct office feel, courtesy of the cubicles. Even more shocking then the HLF dungeon was who was there: No one. This is starting to seem a mite too easy... not that I can do anything about it. Okay, there has to be a rooster, or a list or chart or something of who’s in what. John set Azure down in a chair in one of the cubicles, who appeared aleep. Poor kid must’ve really been tuckered out. Well, I did give him LSD, thinking it was an aphrodisiac, which I’m still pretty sure means sedative. That’s going be hard as shit to explain to child services... Man, I’m like the worst parent sometimes. “DAAAaaaAAAd, why are crying?” Azure giggled. Guess not. “Azure, you can’t see. You have a blindfold on. It should pass in about four hours.” John sighed. “But I can see! He rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. My physical eyes may be gone, but they have been replaced! I have been blessed with sight in a third eye I can see into your mind, and you are crying.” Azure spoke rapidly and unsure, seemingly on the verge of mad laughter. Goddammit. John stopped rummaging through the front desk. “Azure. You are on drugs, not chosen by God, or Celestia or what have you. Now please be quite so we don’t get caught.” Azure was smiling like a madman, but silent. John looked the desk over, He found a map with cell numbers and prisoners. Lets see, Cell 16: For quitting the internet three times a day: King Of Gets | Cell 15: For going against God: Smittons Cell 14| For Impersonation a famous pony and being generally drunk: VodKaRoo | Cell 13: For silliness: Anonsi | Cell 12: High ranking pony: Midnight Shadow | Cell 11: For atrocities against writing and fracturing human emotions: Videomaster | Cell 10: For general stupidity and overall horribleness: Krass McWriter | Cell 9: For betraying the human race: Rose | Cell 8: For being a pony: Windchaser | Cell 7: For Using magic on a human child Erac | Cell 6: For quitting Lightsdieluc | Cell 5: For founding foreign conversion bureaus: Purple Prose | Cell 4: for never finishing and giving out really short parts Sonic | Cell 3: For biological warfare Sir Issac Johnington | Cell 2: For never updating even on status: Mush | Cell: 1 For creating music to convince others to get ponified: Leggos. Bingo. John made his way to cell one. Aw fuck. Its electronically locked. John looked around for the switch. It was nowhere to be seen. “Are you looking for something father?” Azure spoke delicately. “Azure... I’m out of things to say. Shoot.” John gave up. “Its the desk. The whole desk. Flip it.” “What?” John asked puzzled. “The Alicorn spider told me.” He stated. John decided it was best not to respond and just comply. He made his way back to the desk and kicked it over. Then all hell broke loose. Alarms started going off and all the doors slammed open. Well, fuck. I probably don’t have more than a minute. John threw Azure over shoulder and sprinted to the first cell. There, unconscious and laying in the cell was an earth pony with a fuchsia coat and a rusty colored mane. He had an acoustic guitar on his flank. John hesitated a moment, then he made a decision. “Azure, I need you to walk by yourself. I’m going to take off your blindfold.” “They brought a blind man to The Lord and asked him to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and brought him outside of the village. Then he spit on his eyes, placed his hands on his eyes and asked, ‘Do you see anything?’ Regaining his sight he said, “I see people, but they look like trees walking.” Azure paraphrased as John removed the blindfold and untied him. The pegasus was set down. “Azure, this we have angry men with guns on their way down here. I sorta left the rifle in truck, and only have the knife.” “But its a magic knife. You just have to believe!” Azure exclaimed, his pupils were all that was visible of his eyes. John heard heavy footsteps. He took a quick look around, scanning the room for anything he could use. He spotted a metal trashcan lid. He picked it up and drew his gravity knife, holding the combination as a sword and shield. “Azure, stay close and don't wonder off.” John took a deep breath a swallowed, then he charged up the stairs shield first with Azure following. The red light gave everything an eerie glow. The footsteps were growing louder as John’s own footsteps thudded loudly against the steps. There were three men with guns just a few steps ahead of him. Before the could lift their weapons, John pushed through them, using the trashcan lid as a shield. “Azure, ya there?” John verbally checked as he continued to rush up the stairs. “Right behind you and the Alicorn Spider! When did you become Captain America? Can you get on of the other Avengers to teach me how to fly?” Azure shot back in response. “Azure, now is NOT the time!” John shouted back. He had reached the ground floor, he had a fatal funnel, about forty meters of open area and linear danger area. John was in deep shit. “Azure. I’m going to bust through this door. If something happens, keep running to the truck. I have instruction in the center console. “One...” John started. “Two...” John’s heart was stopped dead. He kicked the door, which slammed open. He charged towards the exit, trash can lid first. There were HLF combatants wait who fired at john without hesitation. Much to John’s surprise, the makeshift shield held up under fire. John let out a barbaric yell and charged, makeshift shield in front and the Luftwaffe gravity knife out and tight to his right. He pushed trough the hallway, making sure to incapacitate the HLF soldiers so he wouldn’t get shot in back. For the first time in his life he thanked his father. John clocked one of the HLF with the trash can lid, rendering him unconscious. He looked around. The hall was clear. He put away the knife and searched the soldier, finding a small automatic with three clips and two grenades. “Daaad. The Alicorn spider says we should go now. Or else bad things will happen.” Azure spoke nervously.” “Azure. Just...“ John stumbled on the words then just sighed, ”Whatever. Lets go.” John moved to the end of the hall pausing to prep the grenades and toss them in the lobby. John rushed in as he heard them go off. He charged through the smoke and debris filled lobby, firing blindly at anything that moved. He busted out of the door like a bat out of hell, adrenaline coursing through his veins. He threw the arm with the makeshift shield behind him as he charged towards his goal. He slid the fuchsia pony off of his shoulders, preparing to throw him inside the truck. After about ten meters of dodging bullets John threw open his truck tossed in the fuchsia coated pony in the back, his head slamming against a door. He started the car as Azure hopped in, looking as if he hadn’t a care in the world. He threw it into drive and as he squealed off, he caught a bullet in his left arm. John swore profusely and Azure giggled, “You’re it!” John wordlessly put the truck on auto, pulled out the old German knife once again and stabbed himself in the bullet hole. He grunted in pain. He twisted and flicked the knife, removing the bullet. He took some bandages and wrapped the wound. John let out an exhausted sigh as the adrenaline left his body. “Ima... take a nap...” “May Luna bring you dreams sweeter than a cool summer night.” Azure beamed in return, as he stared off into the distance. John yawned as he looked around the cabin of the old truck. He dwelled for a moment on Azure and his old friend. He smiled at the young pegasus who was staring out the window. Then he sighed one last time as he drifted off to sleep. ____________________________________________________________NOTES: That was bad and I should feel bad. AN AZURE FUTURE PART 10. Azure woke up to the sound of his blaring alarm. He hated that alarm with a burning passion. The pegasus swore vengeance upon all thing that beep. He made his way down stairs where his father and some scottish dude were passed out on the couch. They made all sorts of weird noises last night. It worried Azure. He hugged his Soarin throw pillow til he passed out from exhaustion. Azure sighed at the scottish mans nudity. He made his way to kitchen and poured some wonderbits©, the wonderbolts official breakfast cereal, into a bowl of DIAMONDS that john bought when he was drunk. Azure was still hungry, so he at the box too. Azure was going to wake up his dad, but he was under a naked human. And naked human germs are of the worst sort. Instead he rearranged the furniture and the surround sound system. Then he plugged in his dad’s MP3 player and blasted some five years of broken glass. When nothing happened he tried to push the couch out the window, but lacked the strength. So he went upstairs and grabbed a pointy stick. He had no idea why John had a pointy stick, but he was going to use it. He went back to the living room and saw that the naked scot was missing.This troubled Azure. He did not like strange men running around naked. Even more so when it was in his house. Azure turned to the sound of two drunken stomps. There the naked hairy scot was standing, his manhood fully out. “Ah assume ye ar da wee pony tha i john’s sun? Ah’m McDrunk!” “You are naked.” “Nye, Ah’m scottish.” “Yo dick be out sonny.” The scottish man looked down. “Why, would ye lookit dat!” “I’d much rather not...” Then John was a pony. But he wasn;t an pegasi. Instead he was a filthy earth pony. So he flew out the window. Azure grew up and got into the wonderbolts by sucking off the leader and substantial bribes. Later they got married. then John was a tree for no reason. the end. ______________________________________________________________NOTES: Never again. Pt 10 for real will be done whenever. 100% non-canon
Part 13An Azure Future Part 13 The Final Chapter Its not whether or not you know the destination, but if you enjoy the journey. I'd like to take the time to thank each and everyone of you who has put up with my shenanigans throughout the writing of this fic. Its been real fun getting to know all of you! I hope you have enjoyed reading as much as I have writing. Though I doubt it. I was drunk half the time. ********************* John stared intently at the grey coated white maned unicorn on his doorstop. This was the pony that had tried to steal Azure, the pony who was hellbent on removing his race from existence. He remembered the last time he was face to face with this pony. He was strapped down and about to be forcibly ponified. "Long time no see." John seethed. "Move aside skin bag. I'm here for my daughter." Grey Crusader growled. "First things first, you organized that attack didn't you?" John leered at the pony before him. "Yes I did, what's it to you?" The was no remorse in his tone. "You are without a doubt the most wanted man in the world. Top of Celestia's list and every single human's. You took the ponification potion and weaponized it. You forced what should be a choice upon thousands of people." It was hard to decipher his emotion. "And?" "And, I may regret this, but I need a favor from you." It was resignation. "Oh, do you now?" Grey smirked. "I think this is a conversation better held in more..." he waved his hoof around as if he were searching for the right word, "...private areas." John begrudingly stepped aside, letting the fugitive into his home. "Daddy!" The green filly cried in an attack hug. "You're alright!" John knew by now that Grey was the filly's father, but seeing the kind, almost too friendly foal hug Grey was an odd sight indeed. "Of course I'm fine, sweetie." "But they were talking about your work on the TV and Celestia herself is overseeing your capture and-" Forest machine gunned. She was cut off by her father with a gentle embrace. "Its okay honey," he said softly, he then glared at John, "I think I found a way out." "What's he talking about dad?" Azure asked, catching on. "Azure, go play." John deadpanned. "Me and Mr. Crusader have some business to discuss." "I think you should accompany Azure, Forest." Grey dismissed his own child. "When ya need to talk about it..." Azure trailed as he sulked off to his room, accompanied by Forest. Once their respective offspring were out of ear shot, John and Grey began their bartering. "So, you want to be the little pony eh?" Grey smirked. "Be serious." John snapped in response. "Heh. I am no idiot, you want a service I can provide and I believe you can help me with my... situation." "Name it." John stated. "E-Excuse me?" The unicorn stammered, taken aback by the unexpectedness and bluntness of it. "You heard me." His temper rising. "Name it." The PER leader regained his composure, "You know, a blank check isn't the best way to get what you want from a negotiation." "What I WANT," John was uncharacteristically calm for the given circumstance, "is to raise my son. The barrier's growing. Flying lessons or not, I'd have at best three years. Realistically, eight to fourteen months. And that's not accounting for its random growth spurts. I'm all he has left." "'The Beast slain by love' eh?" John glared at Grey. "Now, now. No need for that. As for my price Mr. Norris, listen closely." If John acknowledged him, he didn't show it. "I have three things I require. First, I am going to assume you are indeed rich and influential. You are going to use this to help me escape the wrath of Celestia. Help to escape the wrath of a supposedly immortal being that some believe to be a goddess...? that's going to be a hell of a trick.< "Second, you are to impart ten million bits to the cause. You will also help the cause as needed as a member." The prospect of actually joining the insane stallion on his crusade to eliminate all mankind was both foreign and unwelcome. John gritted his teeth and reminded himself of his purpose. "Third, you are to help us launch the attack on Fort Stillwater. Our transportation is... indisposed at the moment. You will drive us there. Once we are finished, you will help us escape. Upon returning to the headquarters you will have your prize." John was silent. He would be betraying his species. Marked a terrorist. Help the greatest villain of the century get away Scott free. "Where do we start?" Grey smiled. "Let's get those bits and then get me out of here." John led the way up. Past Azure's shut door, into his own room. "Turn around." John instructed Grey. "Excuse me?" "Just because you have secured some reluctant favors does not mean I'm about to let you know my code." "Fair enough Mr. Norris." Grey complied. John punched the code into the keypad and the false wall slid away out of sight. John entered the room stacked with bits. Over a period of several minutes, he counted out the required sum by the stacks of thousand and piled them outside of the entrance. "There. Now how do you plan on getting this out of here?" John gestured towards the sizable pile. Grey just gave John an odd look and tapped his horn. "The transportation of inanimate objects is foal’s play." His horn glowed with grey light as did the pile. Then it disappeared. "Now how do YOU plan on sneaking me out of here?" John paused for a moment and pondered. Then a wicked smile crossed his face. "Follow my lead." John made haste to Azure's room and kicked the door open upon an odd scene. Forest Mint had Azure pinned to his bed and was inches away from the young colts muzzle. "FOREST?!" Her father bellowed. "D-Dad! Uh, its not what it looks like!" The filly defended, removing herself from the nervous looking colt. "Damn. Your daughter works FAST." John stated. "What's THAT supposed to mean?!" Grey turned to John furious. "I'll have to show you the video later. Its fucking hilarious. Your filly was damn near presenting herself to Azure earlier." John chuckled. "You RECORDED that dad?!" Azure exclaimed, to which John just shrugged. "We are going to have a talk later little missy." Grey glowered at his daughter. "Okay kiddies, off the bed. Grey, hop on." John orderd. Once he sat alone on the bed, Grey asked, "I fail to see what y-" He was cut off by john suddenly snatching up the corners of the comforter and gathering them up into a bundle in a move he made once before. "Trust in the power of the sack, inexperienced one." He smirked. "What the hay are you doing?!" The PER leader and founder struggled against his makeshift prison. "You told me to sneak you out. This is me sneaking you out. Now stop making so much commotion." John explained. "I am a pony of prestige and respect! I refuse to be subjected to such barbaric measures and I fail to see how this could possibly work!" Grey complained. "Well, for better or worse the tenants of this building have come to expect a good deal of eccentricities from yours truly. Also, I own this building so they can fuck themselves." The pony in the sack was oddly silent for a few moments. "You are truly mad." John ignored the comment. "Azure, grab your female and let's go." "'His female?!" Apparently Forest would be having none of that. "Holy hell, we can work this out later, let's go. Azure, Forest, follow me." John kicked the door open and tromped down the stairs. "AWAAAY!" The filly and the colt just looked at each other for a moment, confused, before finally shaking their heads in disapproval and following. The group consisting of a human, a sacked unicorn, a young unicorn and a pegasus colt made their way awkwardly out of the penthouse condo. They were stopped by a light green earth pony. "Hey John!" It beamed. "Jo- I mean Breezy, this isn't the time. I'm kinda busy right now..." John tried to dodge. "Did you see the news?! PER is carrying out attacks on the human race all over the globe man! You’re, like, the last human on the West Coast! Maybe the world! Hey, what's in the sack?" John scanned the area and found nothing. He busted out his fallback, "HEY LOOK, A DISTRACTION!" John pointed behind the pony and bolted towards the stairs the moment he turned, Forest and Azure following closely. They screamed down the stairs, Grey's sack bouncing against John's back and the walls every time they turned a corner. John stopped about two thirds of the way down, panting heavily. "I... think we... lost him." "John." Came a muffled voice from the makeshift sack. "Yes?" "Could you do me a favor and BE MORE GENTLE?!" The unicorn shouted. "Shouting will get you nowhere. Except caught. Now pipe down boy-o." John lazily formed the words. He shifted the sack as Grey muttered something intelligible. Probably insults and swears. The group finally descended the final flight of stairs and exited into the lobby. Once more their smuggling effort was interrupted by social nuances. "Hello, Mr. Norris!" Cheered the receptionist, Sweetie Pop. A confused look crossed her face once she saw John towing a large comforter over his shoulder like a sack. "What's with the blanket Mr. Norris?" "Its just the world's largest shit bag, wanna see?" John smirked as he leaned into the counter. He could've sworn he heard Grey murmur a death threat under his breath. "Uh.. N-no... I'm quite alright..." she shied, going back to the computer in front of her. "Well, then, I'll carry on my merry way." John beamed before turning and exiting the building. The group crossed the lit street to the parking complex where John kept his truck. He unlocked the truck and tossed the sack inside. A very angry unicorn burst out. "What the horsefeathers Norris!" Gray seethed. "I got you down unnoticed, what more could you ask for?" John shrugged. "Oh I don't know... How about not slamming me into walls and tossing me around?!" "That's your own damn problem. What did you expect when you let me make the plan? To use my secret emergency escape route?" John shot back. "We have a secret escape route dad?" Azure asked as he hopped into the passenger seat. "Since when?" He asked as he situated himself. "Since forever. I'll have to show it sometime, its really cool. You'd dig it." John beamed as he got behind the wheel. Forest climbed into the back and was trying to calm her father out of his nigh uncontrollable rage. "So ponydude, how do I get there?" John asked. Grey swallowed his rage the best he could, though his voice was still trembling with it, "Its not far... just at the old junior college." "Really? FJC? That's about an eight minute drive from here. Why there of all places?" John queried as he started the engine and put it drive. "It was abandoned and convenient. Has buildings and areas suitable to our needs. And it was close." The truck had rolled out of the parking complex and unto the street. John drove slowly as much of the town walked about the street with moving cars being quite a rare sight. The truck garnered looks from the few ponies about at night. "So, basically 'because'?" "Sure. 'Because'." Grey gave to John's illogical approach to debates. The rest of the way was silent. John arrived at the old junior college after a short drive. The truck unloaded. "Follow me, I know the way." Grey lead the group out of the complex and onto the campus. It wasn't long til they came across the first pony of many. An earth pony whose eyes went wide with shock. "Grand Master Crusader! You escaped!" He bowed. John was taken a little aback. >No wonder why Grey is pissed at my escape. He's the Grand Master of PER, it must've been a hellava blow to his pride. One of the few to escape the PER and from their leader no less. Never thought about that before...< "Squire, take me to Grand Knight Pathfinder, I found us a way to Fort Stillwater." Grey commanded. "Right away Grand Master!" The Earth pony turned and began to trot away, the group followed closely. It was a silent journey. John noticed looks of respect and adoration directed at Grey. It wasn't long until the earth pony leading the group stopped in front of the library. "He is inside Grand Master, in the observation deck with Grand Knight Cross, Grand Knight Silence, and Grand Knight Whisper." The pony bowed out of the way. "Thank you squire." Grey dismissed. His horn lit up dully as he grabbed the wood and glass doors magically. "Welcome to the PER Knight Norris." The Library was just as grand and majestic as is was for his time as a student here, cut short by a wise investment and a young fortune. The ponies roaming were new though. All the effects of seeing this place again were lost to John. "'Knight?'" "Well of course." Grey lead the way to and up the staircase. "I told you you would be inducted into our ranks. If you can help me escape Fort Stillwater I will happily promote you to High Knight." Grey paused for a moment, "Maybe even Grand Knight once you become a pony proper, if I'm in the mood." He continued. "Now, let us meet three of The Nine." They summited the stairs and John could see them, two earth ponies and two pegasai in the observation area that overlooked the campus. They approached the table where they sat; there were maps, charts and assorted layouts strewn about it. "Grand Master Crusader, I was just beggining to think those skin bags got you." Said one of earth ponies without lookin up from the papers in front of him. "I made it out quite fine Grand Knight Cross. I am happy to inform you that not only did I escape, but I found a driver." Grey motioned towards John. "Well that's fantastic news!" Piped the other Earth Pony. "What's with the foals, Grey?" Posed a female pegasus that was lightly armored. "Ah, this my daughter, Forest Mint." "I know that Grey." She interjected. "Remember your place Grand Knight Silence. The other one is Azure Wind, he is Knight Norris' son." "Let me guess, he knocked some human up and she ran off and ponified?" The other pegasus guessed. John clenched his fist, to hear it put so bluntly. Before he could he awnser, Pathfinder spoke up. "Wait, Norris? As in THE Norris? The one who escaped not once, but twice?!" John smiled a little at his reputation. "Both assumptions are correct." He answered both questions with a single statement. "Well, we have been discussing the manner in how we'll carry out the final stage of Operation Disinfect." Pathfinder continued to indulge specifics. They would be expected, so a distraction was necessary. They'd send in a single unicorn, with the liqud ponification potion. Once he was captured, he'd cast the spell to turn it into a vapor. Then three teams of three pegasi would swoop in and drop gas canisters. After the area was flooded they'd hurry back to where John was waiting on an unregistered back road. "Sounds solid." Grey approved. "Now let's begin." John turned to Azure. "Son, I want you to stay here. I will return." Azure smiled weakly. "Okay dad. Just... Just stay safe. For me?" John gave Azure a hug. "I promise." He said as he embraced his son. He turned to the assembled leaders of PER. "Let's do this thing." "Alright then, Knight Norris, Squire Sugar will escort you to the vehicle." He stated. "Squire Sugar, escort Knight Norris and fetch him a gas mask." He orderded to one of the earth ponies standing by. The pony bowed. "If you would follow me Knight." She asked and lead the way. John followed and cast one last look at Azure as he left. Once his son was out of sight, he resigned himself to his fate and went along silently. They came to a garage after a while, inside was a completly unremarkable semi truck with a trailer attached. It was inconspicous. It was perfect. John never noticed the earth pony leave, just that it suddenly reappeared, gas mask in the clutches of its mouth. John jumped. "Tath thith!" She said around the mask. He regained his composure and took the mask. It was suprisingly dry for just having been in a mouth. >How the hell do they do that?< "Grand Master Crusader and High Knight Streak will be here with the rest of the strike force shortly." The pony bowed and dismissed herself. >Did she... just bow to me?< John decided to get behind the wheel. He noticed it had a Navigator Mk I. It was little buggy in mint condition and probably had broken self driving capabilities given the situation. On the plus side its auto balance and anti-tip programs were nigh infalliable, meaning John could go as fast as he wanted. John ran a quick diagnostics check that only proved his suspicions right. Auto Drive was shot, balance and tip counter measures were gold. He took a look at the Auto Drive, it was a hardware failure. John swore. There was no way out of it, he was driving the whole way. It was no sooner than John finished his checks that he noticed Grey and an unfamiliar Pegasus approach. Behind them was a group of nine pegasi and a single nervous looking unicorn. They unceriousmonly loaded into the semi's trailer. Grey hopped in the front with John. "Let us finish the final chapter of mankind." He stated as he buckled down, there was a look of sereness, upon his face. As if he knew his lifes purpose and was about to see it finished. John took this as the signal to go. So he started and drove out of the now open garage. ************ They had been on the road for two days now and were a little over half way to Fort Stillwater. They should arrive tomorrow around noon. The previous day was painstakingly silent and John felt he would go insane if it were silent again. "So... Grey. What's with the King Arthur rank system?" John ventured. "Its based off that of The Crusades in the ninth century actually. Its because I intend to lead the last great crusade against the last great evil in the name of the goddesses Luna and Celestia." It seemed Grey also desired conversation. "Now now, 'Last Great Evil'? Isn't that a bit harsh?" Anything but silence. "Mr. Norris, as one of the prime contributors to the problem, you don't make the best advocate. Or should I call you 'The Great Job Thief'?" A few years back, when AIs had replaced a majority or workers, Time magazine had printed a distasteful article about John using the very same title. Even though he never personally developed an AI, he owned them. Thus, he received the blame. It hurt then and Grey had only reopened old wounds. "Oh hey now, Grey, that kinda hurt. C'mon just tell me what's burning ya?" "Are you quite sure you want to know?" Grey asked. John motioned to the open road. "From the beggining mankind has only killed, hurt, or desecrated anything and anyone that stood in their way. Their fellow animals. Their own species. Their own family. The very planet they stood on. "Now, for a time, some of this was necessary. But then man became master over all! Did they need to contiune their rampant destruction? Did the need to keep each other down? No! They had thousands of years, billions of chances to make utopia theirs. "The people with power, such as yourself, held onto it greedily. Unwilling to share and all happily ready to do whatever was necessary to keep it. I saw mankind for what it is. A monster that fancies itself a saint. A demon who believes he's an angel. "Then along came ponies. They didn't fight each other beyond a strongly worded dispute. They worst they'd ever do is exchange verbal blows however dire the circumstance. If something else fucked with them, they'd subdue them no more than was absolutely needed. They didn't pillage their planet, they lived in harmony with it. "From the moment I saw Celestia, heard about their lands, found out about the potion. I knew what I had to do. I would help her on her noble crusade. I founded PER." Grey finished his monolouge. John almost felt sorry for the pony. Sure it may be true that the last ten years or so John was one of the wealthiest men who ever lived. But he grew up in a broken home. No mother figure to speak of; an abusive father. If his dad had never committed suicide, John would never have had the money or opportunity to invest in AIs. John couldn't, and may never be able to explain it, but for some reason - despite all the horrors and tragedies of his past - He still believed in his race. His ‘doomed to go extinct and fade from all memory’ race. "So... what kind of music you listen to?" John changed the subject. Grey smiled slightly. "You ever hear of a band called Lamb of God? Their 'Wrath' album is amazing." "Hear them?" John beamed. "I've been listening to them since I was twelve." The rest of the trip was filled with delightful small talk between the odd pair. ************* They were an hour away from Fort Stillwater. John check his watch, it was ten fifty-eight in the morning. "Grey, where's this back road you were talking about?" "Give it a moment..." Grey paused, waiting for it to appear. "Take the next thing that even looks like a left." He instructed after a couple minutes. John saw the path, it was quite small. He hoped it didn't narrow further on down as the semi was barely fitting on the small dirt trail already. It veered and curved in what would be a relaxing drive in anything but an eighteen wheeler. It might not tip, but it could still get stuck in the woods. Fortunately the road didn't narrow. Soon John came to an area that looked recently cleared. "Turn around here and stop. This is where you will wait." John performed the action and exited the truck as did the Grand Master of PER. John went around back and opened the trailer. The ten pegasai and lone unicorn unloaded. They assembled into two ranks of five with High Knight Streak in front. Grey positioned himself in front of the formation. "Knights," He began. "Today is the day PER erases the last stronghold of mankind from the face of the earth. Whether or not we survive this day, know this: We will have done all of pony kind and Celestia herself a service. No longer will the violent apes roam free! The way for Purification will be paved clear! Today the final chapter of mankind is written!" The ponies cheered. Grey approached his fellow unicorn. "Knight Fresh, you have been awarded the honor of leading the charge. Go now and carry out your task." The unicorn bowed nervously and set about his purpose at a slow trot. "Now, we wait." John, Grey, and the assembled pegasai sat and stood around waiting. Moments turned to minutes, minutes to hours. Suddenly, Grey's horn glowed and everyone jumped, John heard the faint sound of distant shots fired shortly after. "That's the signal! Let's go!" He ordered. "Stand at guard, and wait for our return! And wear that mask in case it comes down here!" He shouted back at John as the pegasai took flight. John put the gas mask on. There was nothing to do but wait in the semi. Just wait in the semi and think. >They've been gone for two hours... I hope Azure is ok... Alone... with lots of anti human crazy ponies. Well fuck. He's an intelligent little guy, he should be alright. I hope.< John decided to light a cigarette while he waited. He removed the mask, a cigarette and his lighter. After he lit it, he just sat there smoking, watching the cherry slowly descend towards the filter. When it was gone he sat there and watched the smoke play around the cab. He heard a rustling sound in the forest. John threw the engine on. He looked towards the sound and saw Grey galloping towards the truck with four pegasi behind him. Grey simultanously threw open the passenger door, jumped in, and slammed the door to the trailer. "Drive!" He shouted,shutting his own door. John started back down the dusty trail. The drive was made infinetly more intense by the slow carefulness it required. "Did you smoke in here?" Grey accused. "Uh, yeah." John admitted. "Why?! You knew I was returning!" Grey shot, offended. "That wasn't a given." John retorted. Grey seethed. John reveled in it. The forest started to thin out ahead. "Take it slow when we get to the road. No need to draw attention by speeding." John rolled his eyes. >Yeah I was going to do a hundred and seventy eight while swerving.< He took a right onto the hardball and sped up to seventy-eight miles per hour. Ten minutes after leaving the dirt trail John saw something that seemed impossible. It was another vehicle. Then John heard the faint siren of a cop car. >There's still human cops?< His internal question was answered as the car grew closer. "Fuck." Any hope Grey or John had of it passing by quickly disapeared as it made a quick, tight U-turn shortly after passing. John calmly pulled over and the officer followed. "John, put the mask on." Grey ordered. "What?" "Just do it Knight." Grey's horn was lit and John saw an odd canister in his magical grip. There was only one thing it could be. Ponification gas. John obliged, strapping on the mask and making sure it was sealed tight. Grey popped the canister and the cab was quickly filled with a purple gas. John could vaugly make out what was probably the last human cop in america approaching. John waited for his fellow human to come closer. The purple smoke was viscous and so thick that it limited John's vision. The mask seemed to be working, as he didn't feel any changes. He heard a curious rapping on his window and rolled it down. The vaporized potion flooded out of the window. As soon as he saw the human collapse from the beginning of the change, John sped off. "It seems Grand Knights Gear and Aether really got their departments to improve the anesthetic. There wasn't any screaming this time around." "Wait, what? Wouldn't you know that already?" John puzzled. "Bah, some people scream anyways." Grey rolled his eyes. They crossed the state border not too long after. Now there was nothing to do but drive home. John kept the window down to air out the cab. Even with the wind whipping around, it would be hours before John could remove the Gas Mask. John turned on the radio and relaxed. It was a long journey home. ************** John recognized the area, he had been here many times before. They were just outside of the recently redubbed New Foalerton. His hometown. They weren't too far from the PER HQ. It was nine in the morning. "Homestretch." John's statement was blunt and accurate. His journey of over a month and a half would be complete by day's end. Tomorrow he would wake up on hooves. "Indeed." Grey agreed. The two had driven across the country and back. Celestia had found PERs front; the real HQ was safe. Unfortunately, it was only be a matter of time until someone talked. Thus, Ponification for Earth's Rebirth was moving once more. Though never again would they gather as they had. PER would spread across the Earth, scouring it for remaining humans. At least that’s what Grey had said on the drive over. John and Grey had spent a good time talking about their lives. Turns out they weren't so different and actually became fast friends. Grey wanted to immortalize John as a PER hero for his services rendered. John declined but Grey wouldn't hear it. The short remainder of the long week was surprisingly relaxed. John let out a sigh. This last month and a half felt closer to about a year. John took a right. The garage was three blocks down the street. Moments later John was pulling into the garage. This was it. Azure was waiting there as was Forest, and a fair amount of PER. John put the truck into park. John and Grey exited the truck to the stamping of hooves from the various PER members. Which only was re-doubled when John opened the back and let out the remaining pegasai. John was tackled to the ground by a wild blue streak. "I was so worried dad!" Azure was crying. John held his son and comforted him. Then he noticed something that wasn't there before. It was a partially unfurled scroll, with three checks down the left side of it. It was located on his flank. "Azure... is... that what I think it is?" Azure's mood changed immediatly and brightend. "I got my cutie mark! Some of the ponies here were having a debate about humans being evil, but I know you aren't! So I talked about how mankind's unique drive is what's lead to it advancing far beyond what Equestria. How the main reason mankind should convert is mostly due to Equestria devouring the Earth, not because we're inherently better. Which isn't true, both species have their advantages, its just ponies have the advantage of overall survival. I used the stories you told me and the histories I read and applied them. I mean I've done it before but I only then realized just how much fun it was when I saw the looks on their faces. Then IT appeared!" He beamed as he machine gunned the story. John smiled, "I guess we'll have to have a party then." The crowd had died down. "Cutecenera." "A what?" John asked, puzzled. "A party that celebrates a cutie mark is called a Cutecenera." Azure answered. John was about to make a remark when he felt a hoof on his shoulder. He turned to face Grey Crusader. He was floating a small flask of the type that usually held alcohol. "Your prize, be it well earned." Grey placed it in John's hand and trotted away. It wouldn't be the last time John saw him, but it felt as such. John turned to Azure. "Let's go home." *********** John stood in his living room. Azure was sitting attentively on the couch. "Are you sure dad?" He asked, a hint of remorse in his voice. John stopped. He stared down into the flask. A viscous, purple liquid stared right back. He had betrayed his race to obtain these few ounces. He had labeled himself a terrorist for them. He had attacked an officer to get away. There may be hell to pay down the road. >Why?< He found his answer in that pegasus colt with the azure coat and dark steely grey mane. Before he had come along, John was broken. Alone. Purposeless and just waiting to die. He was afraid of all social interactions. Now, he was actually happy to wake up in the morning. He hung out on the weekends. He had someone that looked up to him. It was painfully obvious. "I have never been more sure of anything in my life." John downed the contents like he was shooting whiskey. It tasted like grape, just as he knew it would. John smiled faintly at Azure and collapsed unconscious. ***********************Authors Notes: Wow, been a while since I did this huh? Look at that! A cliffhanger! Whodathunk? Oh god Azure almost got laid. Just the epilogue left. It shouldn't be too long. Once I actually start it! HUZZAH!
EpilougeAn Azure Future: Epilogue One Month After Conversion The mahogany brown pegasus lay in wait for his prey. Any second now, his target would be walking through the door. He swayed his jet black tail to keep time. He had held his position for an hour, just in case. The door flew open and his target presented itself in the form of a deep blue pegasus with a steely grey mane. John lept and tackled Azure. “Gyah!” Azure let out a surprised yelp. John pulled himself off his son, “Told you I’d pay you back for last week.” He smirked. “Geez dad,” Now it was Azure’s turn to pick himself up and dust off. “I guess that’s why you didn’t pick me up?” “Sure as sugar boy-o!” “You are so weird dad. Besides, I didn't even do it, Blazing Star did!” He defended. “Don’t care.” “But-” “Don’t. Care.” Somethings just weren’t fixed through ponification. Azure decided it was high time to change the subject. “Hey Forest wants to go to a movie next Saturday, can I borrow the truck?” John raised an eyebrow. “It drives itself, I don’t see why not... I’m going to have to program you into the AI though.” “That’s alright.” Azure shrugged. “Hey, How about we do today’s lesson in the park?” John suggested. He had been giving Azure the long awaited flying lessons everyday for the last eight days. Ever since he himself had finished his own flying lessons from a local teacher chosen at random, some pegasus called Derpy. To say that the lessons were something special was a whole new category of an understatement. She needed the bits for her daughter though, her mailmare job just didn’t pay enough. Besides it wasn’t like she was a bad teacher, just a little... all over the place. “Sounds good.” Azure agreed. “Hey, you go ahead kiddo. I’ll meet you there.” There was some business John needed to attend to. It still seemed odd to John that he was no longer actually able to properly look down on Azure. “Well, don’t take too long dad.” Azure turned and trotted out, a tinge of concern in his voice. “Don’t worry, it wont be long.” John smiled weakly. “I just... need to say... goodbye to someone...” He was speaking to the now shut door, Azure being long gone. It was no matter. John made his way up the stairs, the clacking of his hooves reminding him of a time not too long ago at all where he could hardly stand. He laughed a little internally at the memory. Into his room. He hardly slept here anymore, most nights spent cuddling with his son. He needed to get to the black box under his bed. His was a task that would have been done long ago, if he didn’t have to relearn his body. Now was as good a time as any. He hoped she’d understand. She needed to... He lowered himself to the ground and began crawling underneath, it was a tight fit, dark and cramped. Finally, after a few moments he reached his goal. A black box he had hidden under there years ago, the silver sharpie inscription was faded but ‘Catherine’ could still be made out. He grasped it in his mouth and reversed his direction. Making it out from underneath the bed, he stood up and removed the lid. There was a jacket on top, her favorite. Green with white trim and a reflective Nike logo across the breast. The jacket she was wearing when they met. He removed it, revealing a collection of photos. Photos... and a small jewelry box. There was a good number of Catherine and John from when they first met. There were some from their later years of course, but her smiles grew so few and far between then. John let a sigh loose. He removed the box and opened it. His mother’s wedding ring glistened brilliantly in the light of the room. Just a week before she left, he had planned on proposing to her. She always seemed so down those days, and John could think of nothing better than proposing to the love of his life to cheer her up, they had been together for four years at that point and it seemed it would last forever. Funny how things turn out sometimes. John shook the memory away and went back to riffling through the precious memories. Finally he came to his favorite photo. It was framed in gold leaf and treated with a special material so it would never fade. At least in his lifetime. It was the last photo taken of Catherine smiling. She so loved the beach, John had bought a home upon that very shore as well as the beach itself as a gift, it was taken the day he gave it to her. She was wearing the Nike jacket, her light brown hair blowing in the breeze. Waves gently crashing on the rocky shoreline. The sunset behind her lending an angelic glow to her features. But of all the things, it was her smile that stood pout the most, brilliant and pure. “Hey Catherine...” John started, his voice heavy. “It’s been what, about nine years since we last spoke?” He gave a weak laugh at his own failed attempt to lighten the mood. “Well, I’ve missed you, but I guess that goes without saying. I’m trying my best to raise Azure like Celestia asked, not that she needed too. He misses you too, you know...” John was choking back his tears as best he could. “Why did you leave Catherine? We were going to get married, and start a family... Well, I guess we already did that last one kind of.” John chuckled weakly and dried his eyes with a fore leg, only for it to become soaked again. “You’d be proud of Azure, he got his cutie mark, ya know! He’s very smart too. He even has a fillyfriend now. You know, she kinda reminds me of you. I’ve even started teaching him how to fly. Kid’s gonna be somepony important.” John smiled with pride for his son. “Now... There’s something sucky I did you should know... They shut down the bureaus and Celestia stopped making potion. Only one group still continued mass production... Well, I made a deal with some bad ponies. I helped them assure mankinds destruction. Yeah, you heard right, there’s no more humans. At least, not that many. “When I was having my conversion dream thingy, Celestia approached me. She KNEW. It was the first time I felt afraid for myself since the night my dad killed himself. She wanted to know why, and I told her, ‘for my son’. She seemed... saddened? Touched? It was hard to tell for sure. But she made me promise something, that I would love and look after our son and to be the best father I could. Heh, easy enough I guess... She also wanted me to try to find... a mother... for our son. I love you, I always will. But sometimes... Sometimes people need to move on.” John thought a moment, making sure he didn’t forget anything. “I love you Catherine, may we meet in the Celestial Herd.” John planted a kiss on the photo and placed it back in the box with the rest of the contents, this time with the photo on top. He slid it back under the bed for the last time. John looked back at the room before turning off the lights and heading out to the park. ******************************************************************************************************** John touched down in front of his son. “There you are dad, I was beginning to worry!” Azure was tapping his hoof out of impatience. “Well, I’m here now. So are you ready for today’s lesson?” John asked. “Hay yeah!” “Well lets start!” John leapt up and soared thirty feet into air, his son following. “Today we will be going over basic flying maneuvers...” **************************************AUTHOR’S NOTES: That was fun. davidhedrick95: I thought I would be editting the sequel to this story, not this one... But I could still edit it, when I can motiivate myself that is
Alternate EndingJohn stood in his living room. Azure was sitting attentively on the couch. "Are you sure dad?" He asked, a hint of remorse in his voice. John stopped. He stared down into the flask. A viscous, purple liquid stared right back. He had betrayed his race to obtain these few ounces. He had labeled himself a terrorist for them. He had attacked an officer to get away. There may be hell to pay down the road. >Why?< He found his answer in that pegasus colt with the azure coat and dark steely grey mane. Before he had come along, John was broken. Alone. Purposeless and just waiting to die. He was afraid of all social interactions. Now, he was actually happy to wake up in the morning. He hung out on the weekends. He had someone that looked up to him. It was painfully obvious. "I have never been more sure of anything in my life." John downed the contents like he was shooting whiskey. It tasted like cheeries. Odd I thought they were supposed to be grape... John smiled faintly at Azure and collapsed unconscious. *************************** John woke up a little disorientated. His conversion dream consisted of a lot more giggling alicorns than he thought it would. “D-dad?” It was a question, honest and true. “It’s me Azure.” Is my voice supposed to be that high? “You’re... uh... ummm... How do I put this?” Oh shit. Did something go wrong? Am I disfigured? “What happened? Is it my face?!” John was panicking. “No... You’re face is just fine...” “Well, out with it then! What happened?!” John snapped. “Well, there is really no use for delaying.” Azure took a deep breath. “Dad, you’re a mare.” Time froze in place as the universe cracked and shattered into countless fragments revealing the truth that his life was in fact a joke. “Please tell me your joking.” John’s own voice was evidence against him. “I am unfortunately telling the truth dad. Wait, do I call you ‘mom’ now?” Azure wore a puzzled look. “No!” John snapped. “I am your father!” “But you’re a mare now. You have mare bits and everything.” “That’s besides the point! I am you father and you will call me ‘dad’!” “You’re also in heat.” Azure pointed out. “And another thi- Wait, WHAT?!” John was about to go on yet another nonsensical rant when she processed what Azure said. “You know what?” She said after a long pause. “Whats that?” John got up and made her way to the kitchen as best as she could, stumbling and falling occasionally. After a few bumps, scrapes,bruises and a lot of Azure giggling, John finally made it to the refrigerator. Nuzzling it open, she sent up a small prayer for prior habits. John grabbed the bottle of whiskey and managed to remove the cap. Taking the mouth of the bottle in her muzzle she quickly started guzzling the liqud before her gag reflex could kick in. “Wait! Alcohol is really strong for ponies, most cant handle more than two beers!” Azure called desperately. Alas, it was too late. After a few considerable gulps, John spit out the bottle and coughed up the remainder in her mouth. She vomited immediately, swayed once to the left, once to the right, and then fell unconscious in her own puke. **************************************************************** And thats it for the original! Well, one more thing, but thats not until after the sequel ends, so Im slapping a complete on this for now. BUT HOLY FUCK. THAT WAS TOO AWESOME AN IDEA TO RESIST.
Alternate EpilogueAn Azure Future: Alternate Epilouge. I promised myself I wouldn’t write this... Fuck. ***A One week coma and Three conscious ones later.*** John climbed wearily out of her bed, she was still slightly sore from when she chugged a good third of her whiskey. Not that the name ‘John’ really suited her at all anymore. She had been a mare for about a month now. She looked at the alarm clock by the bed. Three o’ four pm. Aw, hell. Azure must be waiting. She sighed and trotted outside and down the stairs. She brushed off the stares and greetings, which had taken a turn for the uncomfortable. Not to mention that she seemed to be in the longest heat EVER. The doctors claimed the alcohol, coma, potion, and sunlight were to blame. John muttered silent curses to these elements everyday. She finally came to the truck, thankful that the whole thing was voice operated. Hopping inside she started the truck and set its destination to Azure’s school. ************************* The truck screeched to a stop in front of a very pissed off looking Azure. “Hey buddy, hope in!” “You’re late, ‘Dad’.” He accused. John had made it clear once he woke up that he still wanted to be adressed as ‘Dad’ and sometimes Azure liked to poke fun at John’s unfortunate situation. “You’re stupid. Now hop in.” John shot back. “Sooo...” “So?” “Park today dad?” “Yeah, sure. What are supposed to be covering today? Basic flight mechanics and maneuvers?” John tried to recall. “You’re supposed to be keeping track of that!” John though for a bit, “Yeah, yeah its mechanics and maneuvers.” In short order the very odd father and son arrived at the park. Getting out of truck, the pair was heading to their usual spot when the unthinkable happened. “Uh, excuse me miss, I’ve never seen you around before and you’re very pretty. I was just wondering if you were available later for some tea?” John spun around, revealing a blushing white unicorn stallion. Oh lord. “Uh... well... that’s... very nice, and I thank you for the offer but I’m busy later...” John tried to doge. No reason to really hurt the poor guy. “Well, how about tomorrow?” He offered. Oh holy fucking shit. TAKE A HINT! “Ummm... actually I’m REALLY busy this weekend too...” John issued strike two. Azure was barely containing his laughter. “Oh... Well, when ARE you available.” Strike three. “I like mares.” You’re out. Azure could no longer contain himself and started laughing hysterically. “Oh. I’m terribly sorry m’am.” The stallion quickly disappeared, clearly embarrased. “Now where were we Azure? Ah yes.” John took off thirty feet into the air and was joined by Azure after he recovered from his laughing fit. “Basic flight mechanics and manu-” A voice chimed in, cutting him off, “Excuse me miss...” ***************************************************************NOTES: I hate all of you.
Alternate Ending 2 (Written by Erac)An alt ending to An Azure Future, By: a lunatic. . . I mean, EracTick. “The first thing I’ll need from you mister Norris is a contribution to the cause,” Gray smirked. “How much?” “Mister Norris, A blank check isn’t the best thing to use during a negotiation,” Gray deadpanned. “I don’t give a fuck, I’m doing what’s best for my boy,” John sneered. “I’d say about three million bits will suffice,” he smirked, taking pleasure in Johns rage. “Allright, but first things first, We have to get you out of here,” John said waving his hands for Gray to stop. “What about the money?” “Look me in the eye Gray. Do I look like the type of person who’d keep a heavily reinforced vault with keypad/fingerprint scanner, with 10 inch thick titanium doors in his home to store his vast riches. without going scrooge mcduck with the billions of bits that are held inside?” “. . . I guess not. So how do you suppose we escape?” * * * “I swear to the goddess’s that I’ll get you back for this, this INDIGNITY!” Gray growled from his sack. “Welp, this is what you get when you come to me making threats and such Gray,” John smiled. “What are you doing Mr.Norris?” Gray said banging against John’s back as he walked down the hallway towards the garbage chute. “Same thing I do with all shit bags,” John smiled at Azure as he trotted alongside him giving him a nod. “and what pray tell is that?”Gray Crusader growled. “Garbage chute,” He cheered grinning like a loon, The bag flashed with magic as Gray ensnared it with his telekinesis, “Oh come on, you and I both know that unicorn magic can’t do shit if you can’t see what your trying to grab, visualization and all that jazz.” “I see you’ve been doing your homework. Of course there’s no way you could have prepar- OUCH!” Gray cried out as he was stuck with a needle.” “Sorry to disappoint, but I know you guys can’t do offensive magic if you can’t concentrate,” John chuckled before unceremoniously stabbing at the bag with a needle once more. “Stop th-OW I’ll kill Y-OUCH!” Gray cried out as Azure simply shook his head in disappointment. “What, he’ll kill us both the second he gets a chance anyways,” John shrugged, looking at Azure who simply facehoofed. “Still shouldn't do this dad, I don’t see the point.” “Well Buck-O. This is the point,” John said sticking Gray once more. “OW! MY EYE-EEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeee~!” Gray called out as he was dumped down the trash chute. “Will he be alright?” Azure asked slowly. “. . . what day is today?” John said rubbing his chin, idly as he balled up the sheet in the other. “Tuesday, why?” Azure said tilting his head. “Oh good then the furnace might not be lit today,” John smiled. “. . .” Azure shot John a look (Not a nice one, mind you). “What?” John said raising his hands defensively. “. . .” Azure glared. “Wat?” John said innocently. * * * “Oh I get it now!” Azure declared watching Gray as he cursed, dragging himself from the rubbish heap. “So we follow him back to his hideout and steal the potion.” “Sort of.” “what do you mean ‘sort of’?” “You're half right, we follow him there and then I start throwing some money around, and then we get to watch a little show.” John grinned. “Your gonna cause a lot of bad things to happen, aren’t you dad?” “Oh you bet son,” John beamed. * * * “Yep, Nice and straight forward, just gonna follow this smug bastard back to his hideout.” “. . . Dad, can’t he teleport?” “I have no idea,” Azure and John ducked behind a nearby dumpster just as Gray looked back. “. . .Must be hearing things,” Gray muttered. “Well well well,” John chuckled as Azure and he moved quickly down a side ally, almost as though to cut Gray off, stopping to duck behind a dumpster once more to avoid their prey, “Dad, what do you think he’ll do to us if he catches us?” “Hmm. . . Probably blast us with some wicked mojo from his horn, most likely. . .” John mused. “Hey look, isn’t that a old college campus?” Azure said looking up to his father who had a manic grin painted across his face, one you mostly see on men in straight jackets. “Oh this ‘IS’ going to be fun!” John laughed, Azure pushing him down behind cover as Gray turned around to see the noise, with a scratch of his head Gray continued into the seemingly abandoned campus. “Hey, don’t be so rough there,” “Stop being loud, we almost got caught,” Azure said flatly. “Nah, now ready for a car ride?” John said grinning as he wrapped his jacket around his arm, striding towards an abandoned police cruiser. “Dad we should take something a little less conspicuous!” “Hey, I’m not going to have thumbs by tomorrow, I plan to have a little fun!” * * * Azure stopped screaming as the police car jumped the steep hill at eighty miles per hour, time slowed down as he looked at his father hanging halfway out the window with a bottle of jack and an already spent uzi. “When you're no longer able to drive, the world will be a safer place!” Azure yelled, eyes peeled wide open. “LIVININ IT UP, WOOOT!” John howled with glee, as the tires screeched along the road taking a hard right, the rear end fishtailing just enough to tap a lamp post and send various ponies running, screaming for their lives. “DAD, SLOW DOWN!” “LIVININ IT UP!” John yelled with adrenaline fueled bravado, taking the car to a full spin before tapping against the edge of the sidewalk, just like in the movies. “. . .” “You alright son?” John said leaning close, *BLEGH!* Azure vomited into the floor board, “Eww. . . well. . . not our problem,” John said moving to the other side to let his son out. “Is this the place you wanted to go?” “Yep, heard this Ol piss bucket had some real scum, real shady place where you're as likely to get your throat slit as getting tetanus from some bum who’ll try and stab you with a needle. . . perfect place to find some mercenaries!” John grinned wide. * * * John and Azure walked through the last of the dirty alleyways before finding the entrance they were looking for. “Alright, let’s have a look at your wrist there,” growled the large man guarding the door. “Wait what are you talki- HEY!” John yelled as his left arm was grabbed and roughly pulled up, lifting John off the ground as the man examined his arm. “No mark, No entry.” “Hey liste-!” John shouted, stamping a foot. “No mark, no entry, no way no how, dem’s the rules and the rules be the rules be the rules always,” The man said with a voice that didn’t sound unlike he was gargling tar. “Isn’t that last part redundant?” John said raising a brow, before being dropped back to his feet. “Well, dem’s da rules as their written.” “Well, my mark just got burned off is all,” John grinned sheepishly. “Oh?” “Yeah, so let me in I need to talk to someone,” John, held his breath, hoping he was as stupid as he thought. “Piss off, how stupid you think I am?” “. . . Depends,” John hissed silently. “ I heared that.” “Listen, I’m sorry but I really do need to get in here,” John pleaded. “Sorry can’t do that, cau-,” “Dems the rules is the rules. . . I know that, but please for my son,” John asked, hope soaring. “. . .Double no. dis is a bar, bar’s ain’t for minors. T’aint no way you’s is changin da rul-. . .” The thugs eyes lit up as a large handful of bits was shoved in front of his face, “Screw the rules, I have money,” John smiled. “. . . Oh I see it know, your tat just got burned off, but. . . Rules is still rules, and ya can’t get in without a tat or without someone to escort ya, and since I gots to guard the door. . .” * * * “Wow dad, just wow.” Azure said looking as his father tried not to vomit. “. . . He tore off his own skin to give this to me,” John repeated to himself, unsure of what just happened. “Just. . .wow. They take rules seriously here.” The duo looked around scanning the scene, before them lay the scum of the city, thugs of all races and all creeds lurked around the bar, blanketed by acrid smoke, glasses clinked as the patrons hastily drank their low quality liqueur, men and griffin at one side arm wrestling, The losers against the griffins clutching there still bleeding hands from the talon marks. “Damn, so I heard there was this guy who strolled into the Palace and attacked the princess’s directly.” “Wat, happened to him?” “Fucker just got back from Jersey, apparently after he clobbered the sun goddess she pulled the rug out from under him. . . so to speak.” “Huh?” Said the thug “He brought back a piece of her mane to prove it.” “But ain’t it all wispy wisp like’un. . . um. Mist?” the thug drooled. “. . . Yeah, he’s in the back showing it off with that fat bastard Gill,” “Oh, Shush they might hear you, you know’s dat them there Perfect Weapon types get a lil antsy when you be sayin shit like dat!” “Who?” John said striding up to the pair, who glared at him “And whos you supposed to be?” “Heh, Ha huh, look he’s all dressed fancy like, pertey, wanna know what we be doin to pertey types back here?” Grinned the thug before his eyes widened eyes nearly poping out of his skull. “Wat is it?” said his companion. “He done tore door keeps arm to get himself a tat, He’s he’s wona does Freaks!” The bar was swept with a deathly blanket of quiet, all eyes going to Norris and his son, “We we didn’t thinks you was a weapon and all, we was foolin, Honest!” “. . .Um, don’t let it happen again,” John said not completely sure of what was going on anymore. “Please don, kill us by rippin off our arms, spin em around and shit, then usin dem ta impale out our heart from behind us with our own arms!” the man lept back, knocking over his chair as he scampered away. One of the bartender’s quickly leapt over the bar and rushed to John, and his son. “Really very sorry for the inconvenience, but I don’t need you gettin blood everywhere when you kill these morons. Here I know who you must be lookin for, and they're back this way!” The bartender said, with a forced smile on his face, Fear in his eyes as he led John and Azure to the back room, and the lair of the ‘Weapons’. * * * “Here you go mister crazy psychotic bioweapon, heres your friends,” The bartender rattled off shoving John and Azure through the door. “GILL IS HIGHLY DISTURBED AT THIS INTRUSION!” Gill rumbled. Everyone averted their eyes from the mostly naked man, as it was evident that the poker game they were playing wasn’t going well for him. “We’re gonna start paying him to keep them on eventually.” “Shadup motherfucker, don’ be sayin dat.” “Umm, alright.” John coughed uncomfortably, “Who here is dangerous and will work for mon-?” John stopped as everyone raised their hands cept one women, who fired off a round into the ceiling. “. . . good. . . So, let’s get down to business,” John said giddily, clapping his hands together. As John’s mind turned to business Azure began to wander about the room. “Heh heh, hey kid, wanna see a magic trick?” grinned SeVen ushering Azure closer, “Let me see your hoof.” “Oh, um, all right,” Azure said nervously as he began to place his shaky hoof into SeVen’s hand, a thunderous report rang out, and SeVens head slumped back as a .45 slug was placed between his eyes, “AHHHH!” Screamed Azure, before calming down, now noticing SeVen raise his head again with a smear of lead across his forehead, exposed bone underneath where he was shot, “I don’t think you’d be too smart to try that again, ya idjit!” said the woman, “Ya ain’t gonna hurt the kid!” “DAMMIT! I wasn’t this time, I just wanted to try somethin first! Oh well, hey kid get me dat thick steel pipe over their,” SeVen said rubbing his wounded skull while pointing at a rusted pipe with the other. “H-here,” Azure said nervously dropping the pipe into the man's outstretched hand, Azure stared in wonder as the man opened wide enough to swallow his head whole, triangular teeth glistening with saliva before snapping together with a sickening crunch, and biting the pipe in two.”Woah, that’s amazing!” “Dat ain’t nuthin kid!” SeVen mumbled with his mouth full, he began to chew viciously before giving the women who shot him a evil look, grinning before spitting out a stream of hot lead like a machine gun. “HA, TAKE THAT YA BITCH!” The women reeled before dropping to the floor, new holes gracing her shoulders face and chest. A thin wisp of steam leaked from each wound before they knitted themselves back together. “Oh, you're DEAD!” She screamed, lunging at SeVen, who simply laughed like a maniac. “D-Dad, are you sure you want to hire these guys?!” “Yeah, they seem nice enough to me.” “THEY’RE PSYCHOPATHS!” “Well, you know what they say, fight fire with fire,” John grinned. “DAD, THIS IS GOING TO BE LIKE TRYING TO USE NAPALM TO PUT OUT A GREASE FIRE!” Azure yelled, dumbfounded at his father's willingness to work with theses monsters. Azure’s eyes widened as the women proceeded to chase SeVen around the room with a fireaxe, bringing it crashing through the door as SeVen slammed it behind him in his mad dash to freedom, the room grew silent as yelps of terror could be heard down the hall in the main room proper, There was the muffled sound of a shotgun being fired, before an unhappy SeVen came walking in, Missing half of his face, he grumbled as it slowly began to heal (Slow for a healing factor that is). “. . . Well. . . while that was fun and all, who do I speak to about hiring some killers?” John said, clapping his hands together with a smile. “. . . I guess, that’d be Bartleby.” Said a soft spoken women, John looked every which way, but her wide brimmed hat seemed to shield her face whichever way he looked at her. “Who are you?” John inquired. He recoiled as a disembodied shadow punched him square in the nose. “OMAGOSH, I’m so so very sorry!” The women apologized frantically. “It doesn’t like sitting still for long. . . my shadow that is.” “. . . it's all right.” John said before thinking to himself ‘. . . Oh shit, scary shadow lady! Maybe Azure was right, but it’s a little late now.’ * * * “The, the GALL, THE NERVE TO ASK ME TO HELP YOU THROW AWAY YOUR HUMANITY, How, HOW DARE YOU EVEN CONSIDER ASKING ME SUCH A QUESTION?!” The large man bellowed at the cowering John Norris. “It’s not for my sake it’s fo-.” John whimpered “I WILL HAVE NONE OF IT! LEAVE NOW, Before I try and see if I can’t send you into low orbit,” growled the man. His eyes widening as he saw the young blue colt step out from behind his father, and made himself known. “He want’s to to teach me to fly, he’s not betraying anyone!” Azure yelled, giving the large muscular man pause. “Who is this? WHAT IS THE MEANING OF, OF THIS?!” Bartleby barked. “He’s my son, and if you have a problem with that, well. . . You’ll just have to deal with it.” John said with a stiff upper lip. “. . .You’re going to give up your humanity for a one in three chance. . . of being able to teach your son to fly?” Bartleby said in a hoarse voice, now completely awestruck. He stood there for a moment repeating what he had just said, wordlessly. John yelped as he was grabbed in the man's vice like grip, iron clad and unbreakable. “Wait, you don’t have to ki-!” John tried to yell before he was crushed in a bear hug. “THE COURAGE, THE, the AUDACITY. TO ASK ONE OF THE HLF’S ELITE SOLDIERS TO HELP. TO HELP HIS SON FLY, SO POIETIC! SUCH COURAGE SUCH, SUCH RAW. MANLINESS!” Bartleby cried towards the heavens, knocking loose plaster from the ceiling, and eliciting yelps of panic from everyone within earshot (about a quarter mile). John struggled against the man's grip, but was only crushed harder against his chest, as the man reeled on. “Um, I don’t think my dad can breathe.” Azure said, watching helplessly as his father turned an uncomfortably similar shade to his coat, as he attempted in vain to ‘tap’ out, whether Bartleby noticed or not is anyone’s guess. “FATHERHOOD IS THE EPITOME OF MANLINESS, THE CARE FOR ONE’S OWN FLESH AND BLOOD, TRANSCENDING THROUGH ALL BARRIERS OF RACE, CREED, AND RELIGION, AND BEFORE MY VERY EYES TODAY! I WITNESS AN ACT, NAY A DECLARATION OF ONE FATHER'S LOVE FOR HIS SON, A LOVE SO INTENSE THAT HE WOULD BRAVE THE DEN OF THE PERFECT WEAPONS, JUST FOR THE CHANCE! THE MERE CHANCE TO TEACH HIS SON TO FLY! Of course I will help you in this most noble of endeavors, Mister Norris.” Bartleby smiled at him, finally realizing that John was almost past the point of passing out. With quick apology he released John. John sat on the floor for a while trying to regain his breath, before he began again. “That’s, that’s wonderful. . .” John gasped, color returning to his face. “what do we do to set this, show up?” He panted. * * * “Everything is alright on the east side of the campus, over.” The earth pony said into his walkie talkie clipped to his vest. his shift for guard duty was coming to an end, he moved stealthily through the buildings keeping out of sight, suddenly he spun around. “Footsteps.” He frantically activated his communicator, but was met by only static. “Luna damn it! It’s jammed,” He moved to meet the intruder who had darted into a side room, “HALT, STAY WHERE YO- OOMPH!” He cried out as two heavy boots came crashing down on his head, John muttered into his wrist watch, “Allright big guys, all the guards on this side are down, move in and let’s take that potion without them even noticing.” John grinned, ‘bout time he got some exercise’ he thought to himself, as he crouched low and took off in a stealthy run. He skidded to a stop as he looked out a window, facepalming at the scene taking place before him. “GILL MOVES SILENTLY THROUGH THIS WRETCHED HIVE, ALL SHALL TREMBLE BEFORE MY STEALTH!” Gill bellowed, rattling windows as he merrily charged down the center of the road, head first at the auditorium doors. *Such a lack of finesse, is most appalling.* Bartleby said over the communicator, “Oh well, TAKE THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE THAT WE HAVE LEFT, CHARGE!” John’s forehead turned red from the force of his palm grinding into his face, John sighed and checked his dart launcher once more, fast acting horse tranquilizers filled its clip, "Oops, this one had Drain-O in it." John chuckled before replacing the chambered round. John stealthy moved to where the fight would soon take place. * * * "DEFEND THE TANKS, THE SERUM MUST NOT BE DESTROYED!" Cried the pegasus, before dive bombing the mountainous man who was tearing at the support struts of the tank, He came down hard against his stomach, but bounced harmlessly away, "PATHETIC, WHO HAS SENT SUCH INCOMPETENTS TO FIGHT ME!" Gill roared, busting the support struts of the vat of cherry potion, it collapsed under its own weight, flooding the room with a flood of cherry, Gill remained unmoved and unchanged by the goop, even as the wave slammed the ground bound defenders against the far wall. "NO, I DON'T WANNA BE A WOMEN!" "I feel pretty," Giggled a newly turned unicorn. " I mean. YOU'LL DIE FOR THAT!" "WORDS MEAN LITTLE, ACTION!" Bartleby cried as he burst into the building, the glass glistened and fell with a tinkle as Bartleby landed heavily. He grinned, turning to meet the PER members. 'Now, just to distract them for a while longer, then I'll destroy the tanks’. * * * John crept at an even and slow pace, he froze as several ponies ran in front of his hiding place, rushing to greet the intruders who were making quite the spectacle. Two darts in their flanks apiece sent them tumbling down for the count, "I hated to do that, really." John couldn't help but snicker at a funny thought, "Guess I'm a real stickler for Metal Gear, eh?" He chuckled to his victims before locking them in a handy janitors closet, *Hurry it up!* John simply grimaced at the voice, he'd hurry as fast as he damned well please. He moved quickly along the catwalks to the open tank of sparkling purple goo, and lowered a flask attached by fishing line into the tank, pulling it up quickly he toweled off the flask with a rag held in gloved hands, last thing he needed was getting any on himself here after all. As he looked up he caught sight of a familiar unicorn. "YOU!" hissed Gray Crusader, charging John Norris at a full gallop, John snapped the lid closed and was off like a shot, Gray was simply too quick down the straight hallways and would be on him in an instant, but two legged creatures have an advantage over four legged ones, the two legged ones will always beat a four legged creature in the short distance, enough for John to duck into an office, and double back around. Doing his best to lose his pursuer, "Dammit." John hissed as Gray skidded out in front of him, he had cut him off! John dodged the first blazing barrage of arcane missiles, he was close to the exit, and only a short sprint away would find him safely seated behind the wheel of a truck. John cried out in pain as the magical bolt tore through him and burst out of his chest. 'NO, SO CLOSE!' He gasped, with sure force of will, and grit. He forced himself to continue his charge towards the door. The door slammed shut behind him, and he tripped, crying out as his chin smashed against the unforgiving cement, he gasped as his leg throbbed. Ankle twisted, John lay there fumbling desperately for the dart gun, he grimaced as he looked at the faulty thing, busted from the impact. "Cheap Taiwanese trash!" He cursed. “Nowhere else to run Mr.Norris,” Gray said in a low voice narrowing his eyes as he followed the blood trail. “I said you would pay dearly when I found you again, did you think I would bestow the gift of the goddess onto the likes of you!” Gray launched a blast of telekinetic energy, the point of the magical dart smashing into the metal door in front of him and collapsed into a finite point of brilliant energy, Gray cracked a smile as he saw John sprawled out on the ground, clutching what must be a twisted ankle. “Oh, it would seem you're hurt.” Gray smiled trotting closer “allow me to ease your pain.” His horn flared, the glow changing from a lifeless gray to a foreboding black, all light seemed to fade in the room, swallowed by that one horrific glow. “Time to die Mr.Norris.” Gray smirked standing over John. “Heh, one problem with that buddy boy.” John smiled wide, and a split began to appear from the corner of his mouth, cracks spreading from his left eye. “I’m not John.” SeVen grinned a wicked, razor sharp smile, and lunged. “MONSTER!” Gray cried, rolling to dodge SeVen’s deadly bite, his horns fey light burst in a brilliant mockery of moonlight and all consuming darkness, SeVen howled in pain as the blast seared flesh, and flayed muscle from bone, He swiped in a wide arc, leaving a deep gash, and slashing deeply into Gray’s already wounded eye, Gray gritted his teeth and let the torrent of dark magic flow freely through him, his horn glowed cheery red, and he paled as he felt his very essence being consumed to fuel the spell. The room grew still as a loud pop emanated through the room, the light slowly crept back into the void where Gray stood, as though afraid of the forbidden spell used. “Hah!” Gray gave one final cheer looking at the smear at what little remained of SeVen. “Weak.” He panted before the bliss of unconsciousness took him. * * * “YOU CAN NOT STAND BEFORE GILL!” Gill charged, shaking the ground with enough force to topple the less sure footed of the ponies, a cinnamon coated mare and a tan earth pony stallion moved quickly behind Gill and smashed into his back side, the force of his own charge sending him skittering across the floor as he rolled and shattered bleachers. *BLOW THE TANKS! WE NEED TO MOVE NOW!* The P.A. blasted, the room shook as the ponies rushed to escape, warning lights flashed and Bartleby moved deftly and quickly to move and launch Gill out of a window before they blew. “Sorry about this!” Bartleby shouted hurling Gill through an upper window, when one of the tanks blew, in a burst of arcane light and deadly shrapnel. Bartleby cringed as he was coated in purple mutagenic goo, and grimaced. “Thank the gods for an immunity to this blasphemy.” * * * Azure looked worriedly at his father as the sound of the explosion reached them. “Dad, what’s going on?” “I’m not sure, this was supposed to be a stealth mission.” John sighed, moving the wrist watch up to his mouth. +Hey, what went wrong?!+ John’s brow furrowed as he got no response, He and Azure scanned the lot from their vantage point across the way, Azure with a telescope and he with a set of binoculars. the minutes seemed like hours as they waited. they turned with a shot as the door opened, and Gill appeared before them. “THE TANKS WERE BLOWN, NO POTION COULD BE RECOVERED!”Gill said in his booming voice, and shook his head in disappointment, “WE FAILED YOU, TONIGHT THERE WILL BE NO CAKE.” “Where is SeVen and Bartleby?” John asked, frowning deeply, maybe he should have taken Grays offer after all. “I am here Mr. Norris.” Bartleby said with a solemn look on his face. “I thought you said you didn’t get any potion?” Azure said tilting his head. “GILL DID NOT LIE, SeVen COULD NOT BE LOCATED!” Gill boomed, angered over the thought someone would think him a liar. “What, but Bartleby is soaked in it.” Azure pointed out at the muscle man in shredded clothes “He’s right, John there is still hope for your son.” Bartleby grinned mustache bristling. “Wait, what?” John asked becoming weirded out. “QUICKLY JOHN NORRIS, HUG MY NAKED CHEST!” Bartleby yelled, spreading his arms wide in a dramatic flourish, The lights glistening off his potion covered chest. “No. . . this is gay, can’t you just, you know, scrape some of it off?” “Dad, it’s only gay if you make it gay, now get naked and hug the glistening naked muscle man so you can teach me to fly.” “Never said your dad didn’t do anything for you. . .Allright, but I keep the undies ON!” * * * “But, but THE WHOLE REASON I DID THIS IS SO I COULD TEACH MY SON TO FLY!” John yelled at the princess’s, He rubbed his new horn with a shaky hoof, “PLEASE BREAK THE RULE THIS ONCE!” “Life isn’t always fair mister Norris, be happy that you have your health. Now go and live your life happily with you son for he lo-.” Celestia stopped as Johns shadow began to darken and lengthen. “Tia, what’s happening?” Luna whispered to her sister. “I’m not sure myself,” Celestia said in a low voice as the shadow became more solid, and soon took on a new shape as the silence was broken by one uttered word. “Manliness.” The shadowy silhouette whispered. “What?” Luna asked leaning forward, “Oh no. . . Please not him, what in the nine hells could HE be doing here?!” “YOU SHALL NOT STAND IN THE PATH. OF FATHERHOOD!” The shadow lunged at Celestia, peeling away as Bartleby emerged like a cannon shot, striking her and smashing her into the back wall. “BIG MISTAKE COMING HERE, THIS IS OUR REALM! WE HOLD ABSOLUTE POWER HERE!” The princess’s shouted in tandem. “. . .What’s going on,” John asked. Cadence simply shrugged. “Aren’t you going to help?” “. . .Um, I’m just going to sit this one out, I’ve seen what this guy can do. . .” “You got knocked the fuck out by him, didn’t you?” “. . .Yes.” Cadence sighed, Raising a shield to shelter them from the shower of rubble picked up by Luna tossing a statue at Bartleby, who cleaved it in two with a punch. “STAND STILL, I WANT TO PUNCH YOU. WITH MY RING HAND!” Bartleby cried leaping back into the fray. “So he actually did beat you guys.” John asked “. . .Yes, I still don’t know why though.” Cadence sighed. “. . . So. . . about teaching my son to fly. . .” John began, Cadence sighed heavily before letting out a sharp ‘EEP!” Teleporting them away from the blast zone of Celestia’s solar fire. Bartleby emerged badly burnt but seemed unbothered as he simply lepta gain at the Alicorn sister. “. . . I’m sorry John, I really am but rules can’t be broken with jus- AHH!” Cadence screamed as she was knocked head over hoof, by her aunt being bowled into her. “HAVE AT YOU!” Bartleby cried, smashing his fist into the ground, the resulting wave of earth pounding the Princess’s into a wall, while miraculously throwing John into the air, to land with an ‘Omph’ on top of a statue. “Sorry, My friend. I will be more careful next time!” Bartleby hooked his hands together, and spirled once then twice in a front flip, before pounding Celestia straight in the face, and sending her spiraling at John, “HOLY SHI-!” Johns cry was cut off as he leapt off the statue, as Celestia smashed through. John walked over to the downed Princess. “Hey. . . hey. . . Princess. . . yoohoo!” John said poking her with a hoof, pulling back as she groaned, eyes snapping open to reveal bloodshot orbs of rage, that instantly cooled to a calm understanding gaze. “Did, did anypony get the number of dat wagon dat hit me?” She mumbled dazed. John cringed before beginning to speak. “You do realize there's at least four more that are going to be here soon to help him right?” John’s gaze was motionless as stone as he looked into her eyes. “I bet, he’d leave willingly if you’d just swap out the Ol’ horn here for a set of wings.” John smiled sheepishly. ‘Am I really trying to threaten a god here for my son?. . . All right, so. . . I’m threatening a physical god for my son. . . neat!’ “So. . .” Celestia began, standing back up. the sound of her regenerating organs and bones snapping together made John cringe. “He’ll leave, if I break the rules this once? Will he attack my sister without warning again if I were to allow this, this once?” Celestia spoke slowly. “I don’t even believe that the others can get here.” She smiled coyly. John tilted his head to the side, and smiled a much too wide, razor tooth filled smile. “WRONG PRINCESS, WE’RE ALREADY HERE!” Cried out ‘not John’ in a cry of glee and bloodlust. SeVen lunged at the princess, Jaws snapping through the tip of her horn, gnashing together for a chance at devouring more. Celestia screeched as SeVen latched onto her. * * * Cadence, Cringed as the ground rumbled, A mountainous human standing above her, emerging from shadows. “GILL, I AM CALLED, ENEMY OF BUREAUS!” Gill blasted, each step shaking the ground, and breaking tile under heavy foot, “I AM UNSTOPPABLE, UNBEATABLE, NONE HAVE STOOD BEFORE ME AND DID. NOT. FALL!” Cadence began to crawl backwards, away from the booming voice of the man. “I, I HAVE DONE NOTHING TO HARM YOU!” Cadence called out. Quickly pointing her horn, a Heart blossomed out from the tip and fluttered to pop gently against his head, Cadences eyes shone with hope for a moment before he continued. “ALL WILL BE CRUSHED UNDER MY MIGHTY FEET!” Gill boomed, slowly beginning to charge. picking up speed before bellybutting the young Cadence through the wall and into the maw of the gaping black sky. Gill rolled and bounced, as a lightning bolt struck him squarely in the chest. “THE NIGHT IS NOT TO BE TOYED WITH!” Hissed Luna, firing a gobs of dark wobbling energy at Gill, Tendrils of red lighting lashing out snatching up anything in its wake to be consumed. Gill winded back, and punched the glowing orb with a meaty fist, the Orb continued and engulfed him, in a burst of light and necrotic energy Gill Emerged, completely nude. Luna screamed as she used her most powerful spell to bind herself in concealing shadows so dark that even she could not fully see through the inky black. “DO NOT ACT LIKE YOU ARE NOT IMPRESSED, WELP!” boomed Gill. “YOU WILL SHOW DECENCY IN FRONT OF A LADY!” Luna boomed back, the force causing Gill’s gelatinous rolls to wave. causing her to gag once again. * * * “Wow. . . just. . . wow.” John muttered to himself, he leapt up with a yelp as a meaty thunk hit the floor next to him, still smoldering from atmospheric reentry Cadence looked up with tired eyes. “I yield. I offer no more objections to this exchange.” Cadence coughed weakly. “What about the other two?” John said motioning towards Luna in a battle of the blasting voice, and Celestia flying erratically through the air screaming as she barrel rolled, slinging SeVen to the ground. Bartleby's manly laugh could be heard by the two as Bartleby caught SeVen and sent him flying back at the princess with a spinning toss. “. . . At this point I don’t think they’ll object much.” Cadence sighed, her horn glowed as she healed herself, before she turned it on Joh. John’s horn glowed and slid down the back of his skull and spine till it came to the shoulder blades, it split into two bones spikes that wavered and bent before slowly morphing into wings. “It is done, two things before you go John.” “Yeah?” John said flexing his new appendages with a smile. “I want you to settle down, and find someone to raise Azure with, he deserves a happy childhood. . . Plus, well I mean you did already go through the trouble of threatening physical gods to do right by him. . . Oh and the other thing.” “Yeah?” John said leaning forward to bask in the wisdom all alicorns must possess. She sighed “Now. . . TAKE YOUR FRIENDS AND GET THE FUCK OUTTA HERE!” She whipped her head once and a whip of pure light smashed into John's face. Everything went dark. * * * “Dad. . . Dad. DAD!” Azure called out, as John slowly opened one eye then the other. “Ah HA, IT WORKED!” John said pumping a new foreleg into the air and flaring his wings, He tried to fall back onto all fours but realized he was stuck to something. . . someone. “GAH!” John cried out in pain as Bartleby unceremoniously pealled him off of himself. “AH HA, John you have earned your wings. in the manliest way possible. By beating down a goddess and making her hand them to you!” Bartleby cracked a smile. “Yeah. . . we all did it, woo hoo,” SeVen replied sarcastically. “ Now if you excuse me, I have to lie down. I have a headache from somebody spinning me like atop and hurling me like a javelin towards a pissed horse princess!” SeVen grumbled before stomping away. “I am glad you completed your task,” smiled the shadowy women, John was still unnerved by the fact that all the shadows in the room reached out for her as though wishing to greet her. John wiggled uncomfortable noticing the boxer shorts he was still wearing. “A little hel- *YIPE*” John yelped, as the women's shadow reacted quickly slicing through the clothing quickly, with enough gentleness to not harm a hair on his. . . back side. “When you’d get here anyway?” “SeVen was harmed, I collected him as he regenerated and carted him here, I sent the others into the dream world to assist you in your quest.” She smiled. John chuckled once. “Well, thank you for your help I’ll pa-.” John was stopped by Bartleby raising his hand. “No John, we require no payment for this deed. because of you we shut down the source of forced ponification, ‘WE’ are indebted to you,” Bartleby smiled, chuckling to himself. “WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR, CAKE FOR ALL!” The windows cracked and fell to the ground from Gills over zealous yell. everyone shrugged and began to follow after Gill Enemy of Buffets. ******************************************************************************************************** Well. This was fun to write, even though I took my sweet time with it. It may be awful it may be good, and it may be funny. please don’t let it color your view of Krass however, if you have a complaint PM me. Daniel Overton: think you could just use 'get' here Daniel Overton: more extra capitals Daniel Overton: rippin' Daniel Overton: comma
Part 2An Azure Future part 2: THE BAKERY “GET DOWN FROM THERE!” John shouted in a panic and anger. Azure Wind, a four year old pegasus colt who had turned out to be his long lost son, was on the top of bookshelf. “But I LIKE IT up here!" protested Azure. He had been living with his father for almost a week now but it felt like much longer to John. "You're gonna get hurt! Just get down!" John with a tinge of annoyance "But it was HARD to climb up here!" Pouted azure, it’d taken him almost five minutes to climb atop the twelve foot bookshelf. "Oh my go- Why'd you climb? You have-" John stammered, he may not have left his apartment much, but he knew that a pegasus' most prized possession were their wings and they'd make up an excuse to use them if they had too. Come to think of it, Azure had been here about a week, and he'd... "That’s not the point. You could fall and get hurt. Just... Just jump down and I'll catch you." "You sure? Its kinda far..." "Azure... Are you afraid of heights?" "N-No!" "Its okay if you are. I'm not going to judge you." "I said I'm not afraid. Its just... REALLY far down..." "Its twelve feet to the floor. I’m six three. I have a reach that extends.. lets say fifteen inches. That’s about seven five. That’s only about four seven to fall and you're not falling. I’m catching you." John explained. "I don't know..." Why'd you climb up there if you're afraid of heights anyways Azure?" "I'M NOT AFRAID OF HEIGHTS! I'M A PEGASUS DAD!" "Azure, I don't care if you are afraid of heights. It’s okay.” “Pegasus can fly dad. These wings aren’t for show.” “Haven't seen you use ‘em.” “Th-Thats because... Its... Ummm... too cramped in here?” “Azure, we’ ll deal with this later. Just jump. You’ll be okay, I promise.” “Here goes...” Azure closed his eyes and gave a little hop. John caught him and set him down. “Now that wasn’t so bad, was it?” John asked with a slight grin. The young Pegasus averted his eyes. “N-no...” “Do you wanna talk about it?” “I-I wasn’t scared...” stammered Azure, his face getting red from embarrassment. John let out a sigh, “If ya say so.” He dropped the subject at that. “What do you want for lunch? I got stuff for sandwiches. Or some potatoes. Or a Salad.” John listed as he looked through the kitchen. Azure cringed at the list. It was all he had eaten for almost a week. “Dad... do you think we could, I don’t know, Go out to eat?” John froze. He found he aspect of going out horrifying. “You SURE you don’t want some cheesy potatoes?” John asked nervously. “Dad. we’ve had potatoes every day for the last week. It’s getting old, and you need to get out.” Azure stated. It was John's turn to cringe. But Azure did have a point. It couldn't be healthy to coop up a young pegasus. “Fine, if you really want to.” John conceded. "Huzzah!" exclaimed Azure. He finally had convinced his father to venture out the door. John gave Azure a funny look. "What? You got a problem with 'Huzzah'?" John just shook his head and rolled his eyes in response. "You got a place in mind there big boy?" He asked with a heaping helping of sarcasm in his voice. "Well... Can't say I do..." "So what’s the plan? Just roam the city and hopefully find a place that seems good?" "Uhhh..." John smirked. "Sounds like a plan." "Awesome!" "But first, I need to go grab some bits from the Money Room." John stated. "You have a money room?" "Wanna see it? It’s pretty cool." John said, his grin growing bigger. “Well why not?” John walked into his room, Azure following him, and opened his closet. He brushed aside a light trench coat to reveal a keypad. He hit a few numbers with the deftness and precision of a marksman and the back of the closet slide to the right. The wall hid a room about six meters wide, ten meters back and its roof was that of the apartment's second floor. Bits were contained in locked steel mesh cages that ran down the walls on either side. Azure had never seen so many bits in his life. “How-how did you GET all this? How much IS there?” John took a deep breath, sighed and delved into a little backstory. “A long time ago, well before the ponies came, well before I even met your mother, I used to play the stock market. When I was fourteen, I invested a new company called ‘Intelligent Designs’ You may know them a the company that invented produced and perfected Artificial Intelligence. When it was near the height of its power, I was the second most majority shareholder, The guy who had just a few thousand less shares than I opted to buy me out to become the majority shareholder. I accepted. Got a few billion. I was eighteen, retired, and filthy rich. I bought this apartment complex and moved into the penthouse on top. When the ponies came and I saw the alarming rate of conversions, I exchanged all my money for bits when the exchange rate was still good. Just in time too, in a few weeks dollars were hardly worth the paper it was printed on. There is about... three billion four hundred million and some change in there.” John opened up a cage and grabbed a good number of bits and pocketed them. Turning around, he covered his mouth to stifle his laughter. If Azure’s jaw was any lower, it’d be on the floor, and the look of shock was priceless. “Sooo... we gonna go before I change my mind?” “Why don’t you ever do anything if you that rich?!” Exclaimed Azure, snapping out of the initial shock. “It’s... complicated.” John shrugged, unsure how or even if he should explain his mother left with no warning and more or less lost the will to live. “We doin’ this?” “Lets go.” ****************************************************************************** John stared at the door to the outside world. Its had been years since he left for anything unnecessary. He took a deep breath, collected himself, and stepped outside. John was instantly blinded. “Gyaaaaah! My EYES!” Azure facehoofed in response and pushed his overreacting father the rest of the way out of the entrance way. John blinked a few times in rapid succession to help adjust to the light. The streets looked like a rainbow threw up, they were practically INFESTED with pastel colored ponies. “Shit thats a lottta ponies.” John mumbled. He looked around, which way to go? “Lets go this way!” Azure exclaimed while pointing down the street, and started walking off. Not even one hundred meters walking down the sidewalk John started to panic. Ponies. Ponies. PONIES! John’s paranoia was kicking into full gear. I KNOW they’re talking about me, saying bad things. Horrible things! John started fidgeting. “Are you alright dad?” Azure asked with some concern. “Never better!” John said nervously, giving a weak laugh. “Nopony cares that you’re human dad, and if they do, they can suck on a muffin.” The pair continued down the street. John thought about what Azure said. Maybe... It really is all in my head. Nopony’s even really looking at me, no second glances, no odd looks, no glares. He examined the day. A gentle breeze was blowing, The sun was shining, a few pure clouds were lazily trekking across the sky. It was a typical Californian day. The natural weather must make it easy on the weather team. Hell, they probably don’t even work most days. They continued down the street just enjoying the day. They finally came to a small bakery, John recognized the bakery from his past, It was where he met Catherine. He smiled at the memory. “Hey let’s go in here Azure. If it’s half as good as it used to be, you’ll love their donuts.” John said, opening the door and heading in. “Welcome to Top Goods! I’m Cream Baker, what can I get you today?” The Cream colored earth pony from behind the counter called, preoccupied with putting a fresh batch of cupcakes in the oven. “Sup, Grindah, it’s Coke.” The baker pony dropped the tray and whipped around. “Ho-lee shit. Its the Muther-fuckin Coke. I haven’t seen you in about... three and a half years. Me and the rest of the Get’em gang thought you died. We placed bets on what we thought happened, I opted for ‘Abducted by a Pegasus gang who buried you on Mt. Everest’. But Noob always thought you went insane and moved to the middle of nowhere and stockpiled weapons for the ‘oncoming war’ or somethin’.” Cream Baker sighed. “Good times, good times. So who’s this little pegasus?” queried Baker, taking a bite of a banana nut muffin. “I’m his son!” Azure exclaimed. Baker choked on his muffin. “YOU HAVE A SON! WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN!” Baker shouted. “Eh, I just found out too bro.” John shrugged. “So, how about some donuts?” “Man, never thought YOU of all people would have a kid. The usual coming right your way Coke.” “Bring another for the kid would ya Grindah?” “Waaaaaay ahead of you, as always.” Baker said, finishing John’s order. “Dude, everyone saw you push me into that ravine Grindah.” “But, ‘I’ won.” Stated the earth pony, puffing out his chest pridefully, and set down the pastries on the table. “What ARE these?” Azure asked sniffing the donuts. “They’re good is what they are. So what you’ve been up to Grindah?” “Runnin’ the shop mostly, I have to get back to work now, don’t be a stranger!” The earth pony trotted into the bakery of the shop. Azure sniffed the pastries and took a small exploratory bite. “These. Are. AWESOME!” Azure snapped up half the donut. “Sho, howsh do yoush kniw dats poniesh?” Azure asked, his mouth still full of the sugary treat. “Me, him and few other demented souls were the best bunch of crazies you could find. Went to high school together. Had all sorts of adventures. Hung out all the time.” “What happened?” “Ponies. I’ll just leave it at that.” John said. They finished their meal. He yawned and arched his back. John looked outside, it was starting to get dark out. “So, ya ready to go?” “Yeah, we should head back.” John paid for the food, bid farewell to his old friend, and exited the shop. “Hey, how about a race?” “A race?” “Yeah, back to the apartment complex.” “Heh. Sure. on the count of three.” “One...” “Two...” “GO!” And with that, the odd pair took off. ****************************************************************************** “Beat ya dad.” Azure gasped between heavy breaths. “You cut me off in the hallway!” “Bah. You’re just a sore loser.” “Whatever.” John opened the door to his apartment and walked in, Azure following. Notes: I already have names for everypony in Johns Get’em Gang and we’ll met most of the later. The town they’re in is based loosely off the town In california where I grew up. It was a fun chapter, leave a review, thought, and stuff you’d like to see whereever. If I like it I’ll use it.
The Lost Chapters: DressclubAn Azure Future: The Lost chapters: Dressclub. (you knew this was coming) (the following takes place in between parts 9 and 10) Azure was in bed, and John was making his way to his own bed when his phone rang. John’s first reaction was one of confusion, phone calls were years past being regular. John slide the phone out of his pocket and checked the caller id.The phone displayed Grindah with a picture of his human form. I damn near forgot what he used to look like. Let’s see what’s up. John changed his course to the living room as he answered the call. immediately his ears were abused by a very drunk Grindah. “Hey broseph! Whatya doing fag?!” John held the phone away from his ear to compensate for the volume. He was about to attempt to diffuse the situation when he was treated to another bombardment. “Hey. Hey. Me and few other guys are going to the local dressclub, and you’re coming with!” “I don’t think I-” John was able to start before being cut off. “Too late!” Grindah stated, as John heard the sound of his door swinging open. He turned towards the sound and there was Grindah and Noob. “Hey faggot! Grab yo’ coat, we’re heading out!” The pony was having trouble standing up, made evident by his stumbling. “How much did you too drink?” John asked. “Does that really mater?” Asked the fuchsia pony. “You’re coming, thats final.” Grindah stated as he pushed him towards the door. Might as well. “Okay, okay. Just let me grab a jacket.” John went up to his room, grabbed his jacket and came back down. “Lets do this then.” The trio left through the door, and headed out into the night. *****TIME LAPSE***** *****AT THE HOISERIED HOOF***** The blacked out glass door swung open inwards. The revealed room was reminiscent of a strip club we had once been to. There was bar to the left of where he stood, ‘dancing’ area to his left, and a spacious viewing area in front of him. John almost jumped out of his skin when an earth pony mare popped out of nowhere and welcomed them to the dressclub. "Are you all right sir?" The earth pony asked John. "Quite fine! Never Better." John lied. "Do you serve alcohol?" I could really use a drink right now. "In fact, we do! We serve Equestrian beers and liqours and even a few human ones!" The mare beamed. "Great, give me some beer." John looked around nervously. "You know what? Make that a lot of beer and a bottle of whiskey." The mare giggled and walked off. "Nice bro, that's some high grade tail right there!" Leggos said giving John a pat on the back. John was taken aback, "Wait, what?" "She wants ya bro!" Grindah explained. Oh god what. John's friends sat down in the front row of one of the stages and instructed him to sit down in the empty seat next to him. The earth pony mare brought John his whiskey and two pitchers of beer, giving him a small wink as she set it down. Oh shit. Wait a minute, I’ve see her before "Do I know you? You look familiar." The eartth pony mare blushed, "Oh, um, well you popped in about ten days ago when I was on stage, but now I work the floor. If you need anything else, give me holler. My name's Persephone." She turned a left to attend to the other ' customers'. Some where a speaker blarred to life. "NOW ON STAGE, CANDY SHORES!" John couldn't tell if that was a working name or a pony name. An earth pony whose colores were very much that of the beach came on stage with a bag in her mouth. John could tell she was going for a seductive walk. He downed as much whiskey as he could manage then poured a beer. Candy set down the bag and unzipped it, revealing a scanty school girl outfit. The room started swirling as John took another shot of whiskey. John was feeling drunk enough to actually enjoy his enviroment. Candy was tantilizing as she ever so slowly slipped on a sock, followed by three more. John noticed the room started spinning and his thoughts were dull. He caught himself throwing out some bits as she slipped on a skirt. This garnered her attention, which John immediately regretted. The earth pony made the short walk over to John as enticing as possible. “Hey there big boy,” her voice was sweet, “not often we get humans in here.” She slowly rubbed his left arm with her hoof. She didn’t break eye contact or let her sly smile drop as she slipped on the top and the tie that completed the outfit. John held a small bag of bits up close to his face and took a long draught from his beer. She removed the bag from John’s hand with her mouth, placing it in her clothing bag. Her smile grew impossibly more erotic. “Meet me at the VIP room in five.” She said before grabbing her bag and walking off behind stage, her hips swaying. “No way man! Give me high five!” Demanded the fuchsia pony on his left. John obliged, too drunk to fully process what was going on. “Dude go get that shit.” He nudged john off toward the VIP room. John staggered off, not entirely aware of what was going on. After a brief exchange with the bouncer, John made his way into the VIP room. it had numerous curtained off seats, Candy Shores was in one of the rooms with the curtains open. She was wearing see through lingerie. The fuck? “Hey there.” she called seductively. "Uh, hi." John replied in a drunken stupor. This response elicited a giggle from Candy. She motioned with her hoof for John to sit down next to her. John obliged. "So big boy," She placed a hoof on the crotch of John's pants and leaned in close to the human. "ya got a thing for ponies?" A simple "What?" was all John could manage. "Oh, no need to be so shy about it, we get humans in here all the time. Sometimes we even get some high ranking HLF individuals." It was at this moment her hoor slid into John's pants. It would be an amazingly large understatement to say John freaked out. It was a flurry of events. Almost simultaniously he ripped his blue jeans off and rolled off the bed. He didn't hear the surprised protests of Candy Shores as he bolted off. In his hurry he forgot to open the glass door and ended up going through it, causing it to shatter. John managed to locate his friends immeaditly. "We're going. NOW." Panic in his voice. The two ponies exchanged a breif look before following John's lead out the exit. The trio barely made it past the bouncer and bolted out into the night. "What did you do bro?!" Leggos accused. "She touched me man!" John spat back, never slowing. After a few blocks they stopped in front of John's building, wheezing as the caught their breath. "Man, I forgot how introverted you were." commented Grindah. John responded the most dignified way he could, by throwing up and passing out. The two ponies sighed, "Just like old times eh?" They proceeded to drag Johns uncounscious form inside. ------------------------------NOTES: I went to a strip joint and got wasted to research this instillation. The things I do for you.
