Chapter Six: Reset the Board

“Alright Twilight. I've picked them up. I've worn them. Even the friggin' tiara. Nothing. Has. Happened.” I say slowly, glaring at the purple alicorn pony.

My mood has gone from sour to downright apocalyptic, and the unapologetic gaze I'm getting from the purveyor of my torture of the last thirty minutes isn't helping. Of course, that gaze changes a few moments later, and now Twilight's frowning, her ears flicking at me as she considers the jewelry hanging off of me.

“I swear that something should be happening right now.” Twilight says with a huff, sitting back on her haunches again. I shake my head and open up the Element's box again.

“Should be and Is are two different things, Einstein.” I point out with a firmly pointed finger. “I don't see you putting 'your' tiara on there, Ms. Element of Magic.”

Twilight waves her hoof. “And I'm sure that if I put the tiara on, something would happen, or I'd feel something, but it's not me we're questioning right now Michael, it's your connection to the elements that we're trying to determine.” The mad mare muses manically... ok, she's not really mad or anything, I just don't have the patience for this kinda crap. Science was definitely -not- my best class during high school, that's for fucking sure.

I sigh, rubbing my forehead with two fingers. “Well, whatever it is you're looking for, it isn't happening, and we don't have time for this right now.” I grumble, cracking my neck softly. “Look, lets just take a break, ok? We'll try again later, or something, but right now, we really need to make sure that all the packing is done so we can get the hell outta here.”

“Good timing then.” Brick... Redheart says as she trots through the door, giving me an appraising look. “You look good Pony. You need to wear jewelry more. You know, put all the bells on and go get yourself a stud.” She teases, eyes flashing her amusement as I roll my eyes and start taking off each element carefully, putting them away.

“Says the mare. I'll let you know if I find one that might catch your eye there sugar.” I grump back at her, rocking my neck from side to side, sighing happily as it cracks and pops. “You got good news?”

Redheart nods and grins, her tail lashing once. “Better then good, great news. Me and Shiny finished the packing. We've got the bug out bags set and ready, and we found all of the camping equipment. Your paperwork is waiting for ya, and we scrubbed any extra evidence about where or why we left.”

Twilight and I look at each other before I look back to Redheart. “And... what have Danny and Pinkie been up to?” I ask cautiously.

“I sent him to help Rarity and Pinkie, and from what he was blabbering about when he came back, it sounds like they figured out how to make it look like there's a normal person driving while Pinks works the wheel and Rarity works the pedals. Thankfully the bread-truck's an Automatic.” Redheart chimes, and I give her a flat stare.

“... You're going to be using the mail truck?”

Redheart shines me a butter-wouldn't-melt-in-my-mouth smile. “We're gonna -steal- the mail truck. They already got the keys. We just need to hoof the gear down, throw it in the back, and get the buck outta here. You know as well as I do that the family isn't gonna think much of it if you have to pull a bug out.”

“That's... pretty awesome, actually.” I mutter, tapping my chin. “I'm assuming I'm going to be driving my bike?”

“Of course, we're not just gonna leave it behind Pony-boy.” Redheart smirks at me. “Who's gonna do the epic God Damn Heroes moment if you don't have it or go all Terminator on that shit?”

Twilight looks back and forth between us, looking a bit bewildered as I palm my face. “You've been re-watching old shows and movies during your personal time recently, haven't you?” I sigh.

“Duh.”

“Fine, whatever, I'm not wearing my Brown Coat.” I snort at her as she trots out of the kitchen, laughing the whole way. I firmly close the Element's case, latching it shut. “Come on Twilight, we better join the others and get this show on the road.”

-//-

-May 4th, 2100-

Things picked up tempo after that, just a little bit.

Most of the remaining daylight had been spent double-checking the bags. We got all of my food from the fridge, and we all had a small, sit down dinner snack, not really an actual meal, due to time constraints and lack of food, and made plans to stop by a grocers the next day and stock up, and buy a cooler and ice.

Packing the mail truck was fairly simple. A pair of scissors and a levitation spell by Rarity was more then enough to knock out the camera that watched the truck, and the back was empty, so it was just a matter of sneaking back and forth as the sun started to dip below the horizon, loading the bags in quickly while I stood watch. I wanted to load the bags, but a human being would be better for being our warning sign then a pony would, because if the spotter was spotted, the whole gig would go up in flames.

Once the important bagging (food, bank documents and my dash-stash of cash, my collection of fake ID's, a thing of disposable cellphones, Danny's favorite posters and our computers, changes of clothing for me and for Pinkie, who apparently needed to be wearing a shirt for the illusion to work, which I found kinda ridiculous but seemed to work quite well when they showed me, especially when powered by Twilight so Rarity could work the pedals and the shiftier, thank whoever for automatics.) were stowed inside, Shining Armor started to look over my Motorcycle, due to the fact that he was going to be riding side car.

“So explain to me again why you're riding with me?” I mutter to him as I glance out the door to my apartment before slipping out, four gun cases slung over my shoulders, holding various rifles and the ammunition and magazines for them before motioning for him to follow. We quietly slid out and down the stairs, glancing about for any night-time smokers or other latebodies while making our way to the mail truck.

“Because Miss Redheart can't hold the Thompson anymore and having someone to help cover your back was deemed a good idea.” Shining says, rolling his eyes. “Come on, you were there when Twily laid out the plan.”

“I'm aware, I still think it's a stupid idea though. Non of you should be riding with me, it's too easy for any of you to be spotted.” I grumble.

I didn't like this part of the plan, not one bit. The general consensus between the mares plus my little brother, much to both Shining Armor's and my objections, were that the white-furred stallion and I were going to be riding buddies so that I had some kind of magical backup. If excrement hit the osculating rotary cooling device, Twilight, with Redheart's help, would defend the mail truck so that Pinks and Rarity could keep driving, and Shining Armor would defend me.

Frankly, I think they should stick to him keeping them safe. He surprised me in agreeing, but both of us were swiftly overruled.

“I agree, but that doesn't change the fact that we're stuck together Michael.” Shining comments as he floats the two other gun cases with slightly shakier but much more stable magic then earlier, tucking them into the truck with an awaiting Danny as I pass my bags in. “That's the last of 'em.” He says to Danny, who nods and steps back.

“Ok! Tell Miss Twilight that we're ready in here, Big Brother, and we'll leave when you're ready!” Danny says brightly, his tail almost wagging in his excitement as Shining gives him a bright smile in return.

I sigh and nod. “You might as well get in the sidecar now Shining.” I say, tugging on my messenger bag's strap again. Solid as always.

The Stallion and I part ways, and I watch as he trots over to the sidecar and lifts himself half-way inside, kicking his hind hooves as he tries to scramble in. I can't help but stand there and snicker as he works his way in before finally lugging himself into the side car, vanishing into it.

I nod to myself before I make my way back to my apartment. The last details are about to be handled, so we can get on the road and make tracks. Twilight is waiting for me in my apartment with Redheart, and the two ponies follow me to my office.

Redheart lets out a low breath as I take a last look around, softly running my hands over the trimming of my desk... Dad's old desk.

“You sure about this Pony?” She asks quietly, standing next to me in support, leaning into my leg.

“No other way around it Redheart...” I state quietly, noting how somber the mood felt and how my apartment didn't quite feel like home anymore.

“Yes, but...”

“No time for buts Brick. It's too late for that anyway.” I stop her firmly, turning and giving her a significant look. “You and Twilight get the truck, and lead the way.” I say, pulling out a pair of rubber gloves that were kept as part of the medical kit, pulling them on carefully. “Me and Shiny will be right behind ya'll. Call on the cell and we'll go from there. Got the map, Twilight?”

Twilight nods. She was going to be our navigator for this trip, and we needed to be out and away from Seattle as soon as possible. “Yes. Are you sure this is going to look like an attack from an outside source?” She asks.

I let out a deep sigh. “It better.”

The two look at one another worryingly before I shoo them out. I take a last look around before hanging my head, letting out a deep sigh, muttering an apology to my Da' under my breath as I pull out a zippo and flick it on, looking at the important documentation that I was about to set up in flames, idly noting the sound of tires against asphalt as the mail truck rolled away.

My connections to the Mob, my contract, the promises that I got from my Uncle and the Boss. All of it was about to go up in flames, and a small part of me screamed vindictively that it was more then they deserved, while a greater part of me raged against the necessity of the task as I lit the papers and left the lighter on the floor, still lit, and jogged out of my apartment.

The fire alarm would go off on a delay, and with Redheart's experience in setting up scenes like these, my apartment would end up looking like someone lobbed a molly through my window, pre-broken towards the inside with the assistance of one human elbow.

A light sound rolled through my head, much like a guitar strum as I pulled my helmet on and jogged down the stairs, leaving the front door to my apartment to swing closed on it's own, starting up my bike as I glanced down at Shining Armor, wearing Danny's helmet, which had been cut open on the top of the leather to let his ears poke out.

“Ready, Renegade?” I asked with a half-hearted attempt at a smile, which he returned as the guitar's swelled, and my motor let out a quiet purr as I carefully gave just enough gas to get out of the parking lot without waking up or alerting anyone, tailing after the mail truck that had been waiting for us to turn after them, noting the man with a crisp white button up and curly brown hair waving at us before it pulled away.

A few moments passed before a light roar and a pop could be heard as the window too my office suddenly lit up brightly with the loud woosh of air being sucked into a gasoline accelerated fire, and the guitars rolled in a gentle chorus line, bidding me to work the gas as we pulled away, and words slipped out of my mouth.

“Run away, away with me, Lost souls and reverie...” I sang softly, not noticing Shining's ears perk up as the sound of my motorcycle's engine slid out into the background, leaving the guitar and Shining's humming along.

“Lost souls, and reverie.” I hum out, hearing more voices join into the humming that Shining was doing as I sang, unaware of our travels as the song drowned out the world.

“Running wild and running free! Two kids, you and me!” I called out as I made out Danny's voice, and Redhearts, coming from the mail truck as we sang.

“And I say Hey, hey hey hey, Living like we're Renegades! Hey hey hey, hey hey hey, Living like we're Renegades, Renegades, Renegades!” We sang out, our voices mixing in the night before I felt an urge to wait a moment, Shining's voice suddenly ringing out clear besides mine.

“Long live the Ponies here! The Messanger, the Runners here! Go forth, and have no fear! We won't stop, the end is near!” Shining sang out, and this time with me humming in the background, enjoying the bliss of just letting the music sweep me away as it felt like the world thrumbed along with the music, the world passing us by without much worry, my mind idly noticing that we were out on the highway now.

“And I say hey, hey hey hey! Living like we're Renegades! Hey hey hey, hey hey hey, Living like we're Renegades! Renegades, Renegades!” The ponies chorused, and I felt the urge to rev my engine, smoothly pulling head of the mail truck.

“All hail the Underdogs! All hail the new pony! All hail the royalty! Take back our Destiny!” I sang out with abandon, letting the lyrics flood my very being. “It's time to make a move! It's time to make amends! It's time to break the rules! Let's Begin!”

“And I said hey, hey hey hey! Living like we're Renegades!” We chorus, as the guitars play strong.

Renegades. I like it.

-//-

May 5th, 0635

Our little caravan of two made our first pit stop at an out of the way Gas Station at around two in the morning, refueling (with cash) and buying snacks (nuts, berries and chocolate trail mix for the ponies, a energy drink and a protein bar for me) before we went back to the road.

Shining Armor and I had been quiet since the... moment, when we were pulling away, and I felt good. Really good. Great in fact. I felt liberated, like it was something that I had needed to do my entire life. The rising sun made a bright smile roll up onto my face as I gestured to Pinks that we should pull off the highway and find a stopping point so the ponies could get out and we could guestimate at where we were at.

Once I found a exit that lead to a small turn off point out of view of the highway, I pulled into the point and got out, stretching and rolling my shoulders as Shiny jumped out, trotting in place and stretching out as well. Having to lay-low in the side car in order not to be spotted by any passers-by wasn't the most comfortable position, considering that my side car was meant for a human being to sit in comfortably, not for a Pony to hide in.

The mail truck pulled up a few moments later and the rest of the gang spilled out, taking their own time to stretch as Pinkie Pie plonked up to me. There's no other way to describe that weird bouncing she does.

“You've got a really pretty voice Michael! You didn't tell me you knew how to Sing!” Pinkie accuses as she pushes her muzzle up into my face, which required her setting both of her forehooves on my chest. I blink at her and softly push her off by her chest-scruff.

“Everyone knows how to sing Pinkie. I'm just surprised you all joined in.” I commented idly, raising an eyebrow at her as I walked towards the mail truck, intent on getting a bottle of water, reveling in the feeling of stretching out in the sunrise before a small frown finds it's way across my face.

“Wait, how the hell did you hear me sing? Come to think of it, why were we singing?” I ask, now surprised and a little confused as I open up one side of the duel doors for the mail truck and pull out a water bottle, taking a swig of the life-giving liquid.

Pinkie blinked and tilted her head, looking much like a confused puppy, big blue eyes gazing at me. “Why wouldn't I?”

Ok, ow, just thinking of all the reasons why she wouldn't be able to hear me sing, much less thinking about that moment, is giving me a roaring head ache. I decide to just ignore it for now as I turn to the rest of our little 'herd', ignoring the heap of pony still laying in the truck that is my little brother. “Alright ponies, gather 'round, we gotta figure out where the fuck we're going next.” I say, crossing my arms lightly, looking over at Twilight and Rarity.

“Language, Mr. McCloud.” Rarity chastises again, earning herself another eyeroll as I wave a hand at her to move past it. Jeeze, its as if she's forgotten that she was human just a few days ago and probably used just as many curses as I do in everyday conversation.

“Right, anyway, where are we going? Driving around aimlessly isn't gonna do us any favors, especially once the end of the week comes along and the family realizes I'm not answering any calls.” I say, crossing my arms over my chest, drumming my fingers against my jacket's sleeve.

Twilight smiles and her horn lights up as she pulls out the map, unfurling it and holding it up for the four of us to see, Pinkie hopping up and down in place as she looks at it, Shining Armor off and away, still trying to stretch out from the first leg of our journey. “Well, based on the roads we've been following so far, and based on your desire to get out and away from Washington as quickly as possible, our first stop and search will be just a little ways away. We're currently in Idaho, just on the outskirts of Missoula, Montana.”

I click my tongue lightly. “Such a weird name for a town.” I mutter, but nod at Twilight. “That sounds like a good first stop. We'll spend a day in Missoula, mostly for resting purposes, and then we'll make a run for the boarder, so to speak, and make for Casper in Wyoming. I'll do some searching online to see if someone's panicking online, news reports, that kind of thing, and see if we can't pick up anyo- anypony else for our merry band of hooligans.”

Twilight gives an uncertain smile, but rolls up the map. “Sounds like a plan at the very least. Are you good to keep driving? We're about thirty minutes out of town, and I'm sure the state patrol officers will be bright eyed and ready for tired, swerving drivers.”

Huh, did I really look that tired to her? Bah. I wave her off with a snort. “I'm fine Twilight, don't worry about it. Thirty minutes, I'll get us a motel room and sneak you all inside, or something.” Maybe. Probably. Hopefully the roach motel I find doesn't decide to charge me out the nose for parking space.

End Chapter

Author's Note

Sorry for the shorter chapter that took way too long to come out. I've kinda hit a brick wall and I'm working on finding my inspiration again so I can keep going. I don't want this story to stagnate and die...

Partially what the chapter title means. Here's to a mental reset and hopefully not having to push what feels like a month between this chapter and the next.