Blast Bolt- Canterlot Smugglerby SpellbounderChaptersCh.1-Just another day in CanterlotCh.2-The usual problemCh.3-The Escape PlanCh.1-Just another day in CanterlotThe weather was perfect, with not a single cloud in the sky in the beautiful land of Canterlot. The streets were lined with the most sophisticated and glamorous colts and mares any pony would dream to be. But as high and mighty Canterlot is, there are still those who don’t meet with their standards, who somehow manage to gallop through the city without being seen. Such as a white coated colt and his blue scaled dragon friend, chowing down at one of the classiest restaurants you’d ever see. Their sloppy way of eating got the attention of everypony there, each giving them the stink eye. “Waiter! More bread sticks!” screamed the colt, wiping off tomato sauce from his mouth with his hoof, splatting a mare’s dress with a huge stain. “AGH! You creep! This dress costs more than anything you could possibly own!” “Sorry sister, but in my defense, I did you a favor.” Both rude boys let out a huge chuckle, angering the mare to the point of leaving the restaurant in a huff. The blue dragon accidently lets out a light green blaze of fire in a belch, setting a nearby colt’s wig on fire, causing him to release a scream so high in pitch that all the cider glasses around them shattered to pieces, making the two laugh even louder, disappointing a huge stallion in a tux, face more red than lava. “THAT’S IT! BOTH OF YOU! OUT OF HERE RIGHT NOW!” “Hey hey hey….chill out will ya? My friend here can’t hold his fire. It’s a medical condition.” “Yeah….cut me some……. (gulp) slack.” “I DON’T CARE! YOUR SLOPPY DOMINEER HAS CLEARED OUT ALMOST EVERY CUSTOMER! I WANT YOU OUT NOW!” He slams a check down on the table, refusing to leave until it is paid. The colt stares at the amount, scratching his light brown mane as he double checks the prices of each meal. “Hmmmmmm……..quick question? Why did you charge us this much for hay?” “ARE YOU SERIOUS!?! I SAW YOU SCOOP SOME OF THE OTHERS FOOD WITH YOUR TONGUE!” “Heehee…..yep. That’s quite a talent, am I right Bunker?” “Yeah Blast….heeeheeheee..you should be in show business…..oh….oh no…not again.” Bunker’s stomach began to moan, hurling a huge fireball into one of the occupied booths, burning the clothes off the two mares sitting there to a crisp. Covering their exposed forms, they gallop out screaming at the top of their lungs, forming a light red blush on Blast’s face.” “It’s all good, Bunker. Nothing wrong with what you just did…heehee.” The stallion was getting annoyed, slamming his hooves on the ground angrily to regain their attention. “UHHHHH HELLO!?! ARE YOU GONNA PAY OR NOT!?!” Blast nibbles on another bread stick, looking at the angry stallion with a cocky grin. “It’s all good…..we’re terribly sorry….hey….if it isn’t too much of a trouble, mind if we a to go bag for this?” The stallion stares into Blast’s eyes with a twitching stern gaze, but calms down with a few deep breaths. “Alright……I’ll be back in a few minutes….don’t even think about leaving just yet!” “Wouldn’t even think about it, right Bunker?” “Yeah, we’re cool. We’re cool.” As the angry stallion marches off in a huff to the kitchen, Blast looked around to make sure the coast was clear. No pony was in sight of the quiet restaurant. “Ok, that’s all for me. Let’s get going before that stal blows a fuse. We gotta get to the meeting at the Hill Grain.” “Lead the way, boss.” The white coated colt brushes bread crumbs off his dark blue vest and makes his way for the exit, with Bunker tip toeing behind him. “What’s a matter with you? Ever heard of playing it casual?” “What? This ain’t casual?” “Of course it isn’t, and keep your voice down. Just walk with me, Bunker.” They were slowly opening the glass door out when a familiar roar got their attention. “AHA! I KNEW YOU’D TRY AND LEAVE!” “Uhhhhh run with me, Bunker!” Both dash out the door as fast as they can, as the stallion attempts to catch them. “TWO THOUSAND BITS! THOSE SCUM BAGS OWE ME TWO THOUSAND BITS!!!!” A nearby royal guard gets the stallion’s attention, charging after the two free loaders when the angry stallion plops on his own face, out of breath. “Don’t worry, I’ll get em! Hey! You two stop right there!” “Oh no, not the royals!” “I don’t need Celestia sending me to the moon all because of a simple chow down! Head down that alley, Bunker!” The two cut down the alley way, only to be blocked by a dead end. The colt lets out a huge sigh, turning around to see three more royal guards staring at him in anger. “Halt right there.” “Heeeeeeey……how’s it going boys? Still keeping our princess safe? Classy lady that Celestia….heeehee…if I wasn’t such a busy pony, I’d give her a call.” “You won’t be calling anyone after your flank is thrown in Canterlot prison, Blast Bolt!” “Uhhhhh…..come again?” “You’re Blast Bolt…..charged with several crimes of smuggling illegal crystals, changling blood, savage animals, and I’m not even gonna begin with the harassment cases!” “You really made a huuuuuge mistake. You see, my name isn’t Blast, I’m…..Flash Sentry….yeah.” “Wait….you’re Flash Sentry?” “Yep…..just came in all the way from Manehatten just a few days ago.” “Then who’s the dragon?” “Who? Him? He’s a friend of my cousin, names Vincent Tong……he’s touring me.” He hits Bunker in the stomach, signaling him to play along with the little charade. “Uhhh..Yeah….I’m a fast runner…this silly pony here just can’t keep up.” “Yeah…heeheehee….I really need to hit the gym more oftern.” The head royal guard slaps his own hoof again his helmet, shaking his head in disgrace before the two. He then moves closer to Blast, becoming very displeased. “Wha…whats wrong?” “YOU are not Flash Sentry.” “Oh yeah? What makes you so smart?” “BECAUSE I’M FLASH SENTRY, YOU STUPID SMUGGLER!” Both Blast and Bunker look at each other in shock, moving back until they hit the wall. “Oh really? Well….fancy that.” “Yeah yeah, quit while you still can, Blast. You and your dragon friend there are under arrest for the countless crimes around Canterlot.” “Boys…come on…be reasonable…you know I used to look up to you guys when I was a filly. Could’ve sworn my cutie mark was gonna be a royal helmet.” “But it wasn’t. I clearly see a red blast mark on your flank. You can’t flatter your way outta this one.” “Well you can’t blame me for trying. Bunker! NOW!” The blue dragon smiles, inhaling with all his might before releasing a huge smokescreen around the alley. “AHHH! WHAT THE HAY!?!” “FLASH! I CAN’T SEE!” Blast and Bunker use this opportunity to escape, jumping into the first travel carriage they could find. “I don’t care where you’re going! Just get us outta here!” “Uhhhh….ok.” As they leave the scene, Flash finally finds his way out of the smoke, coughing while trying to stay conscious. “Where’d they….oh you’ve gotta be kidding me!” “Captain ain’t gonna be happy about this.” “NOSE GOES!” “Wait I wasn’t……dang it!” Each guard sighed in relief, glad that Flash has to tell the captain that one of the biggest criminals in Canterlot made another escape. Meanwhile, after hiding in the carriage for nearly twenty minutes, Blast and Bunker managed to turn their luck around, rerouting to Hill Grain, one of the oldest bars in Canterlot, also the head site for meetings with associates of criminal activity. “We made it……wooo….for a minute there, I thought we were toast.” “That’ll be three hundred and fifty bits Mr….ehhhh…..who did you say you were again?” “Oh me? Ehh…I’m Neon Lights and this is my partner Bill. We’re singers.” “Oh yeah…….I think I’ve heard of you……well I wish you a lot of luck tonight.” “Yeah its no problem…..this gig at the Grain will be easy..uhhh…Bill, pay the pony while I check in.” Blast made his way inside the old bar, as Bunker tries to use some armor pieces they stole from the guards in the smoke as pay. Looking around, Blast was relieved to see that there was no sign of anypony they knew there. Violence was something Blast really needed to avoid. He walks up to the bar and asks for a cup of hard cider, looking over to see a shady looking figure sitting in the corner of the Grain. Knowing from experience, Blast could tell that it was the pony he was suppose to meet. Once receiving his cider, he slowly made his way to the booth in the corner, as Bunker walked in. “What took ya?” “Hey, you try to convince these Canterlot ponies to accept stolen guard armor as pay!” “Ok, ok..shhh…keep your voice down, will ya?” “Alright, alright…I’m sorry….its just that run from those royalty goons made me hungry again, and you know that makes me grumpy.” “Look, lets just talk to this guy then we’ll hit a hayburger. We all know its better food than that fancy crud.” Both sat down, staring at the figure, who had his face covered by a ball cap, sipping juice from a small cup. “So….you guys Blast and Bunker.” “Depends, you the guy who sent the letter?” “That also depends, what’s the pass phrase?” Bunker sighs, plopping his face on the table. “Do we really gotta do this every time we get a job?” “Just shut up for a minute, Bunker. The pass phrase is…….Zapple Drive.” The pony raises his cap and looks around to notice if anypony is snooping, before pulling out a small bag. “I got a mare in ponyville who’s interested in some ancient forbidden elixirs made from the powders in this bag. Ever since the commotion with that bug, Chrysalis, security to get in and out of Canterlot has nearly quadrupled. I need you two to deliver it to her without any eye from the guard. Even Celestia isn’t cool with powder like this.” Blast stares at the bag, curious to what’s inside. “Sooooo….what kind of powders are exactly in the bag?” “Hey hey hey! I thought you guys don’t ask questions!?!” “Just wondering……just this sounds like a big deal.” “Let’s just say it is. That’s all I’m saying. So can you two do this or not?” “You can count on us. We’ve done transfers all over Equestria. Canterlot would praise us if we exist.” “Wait what?” “What the pony means is that if we existed, a lot of royal guards would be on our tails. But we don’t…get it? Wink wink?” Blast sighs, bopping Bunker on the head.” “Ow! It’s not ok to hit!” “Just wink. Don’t say wink, I thought we talked about this?” Bunker rolls his eyes, taking out a small crystal to nibble on from his coat pocket. “Alllllright? Well….just get this to her, stat! Her name is…ehhh…..Vinyl something…..but she goes by DJ-Pon3. Quiet type, blue mane, wears purple shades all the time.” “Hmmmm….sounds like my kind of gal.” Bunker bops Blast this time, shaking his head in neglect. “Ow…what? She sounds hot!” “Just get this to her. Please, we’re wasting time!” “Cool it kid, we still have bigger issues to discuss. Just how much are you willing to pay?” “Well…..I don’t have much…..how’s about…..a thousand bits?” Blast looks at the shady pony confused, then looks back at Bunker, who also had the same look. “A thousand bits? I’m not risking my life against the guard for a measly thousand bits. Come on Bunker.” They were about to leave the booth, before the pony slams his front two hoofs on the table, shaking nervously. “WAIT WAIT WAIT! Ok fine, it won’t be easy, but I can get you five thousand bits to do the job, then five thousand when you come back in about…..I don’t know…three days here, in this same booth.” Blast paused, sitting back down with Bunker, smirking to himself. “Well well…..holding out on us, mister mysterious.” “Look I have some bits coming in from another job…I was gonna use it to fix my broken wing but……I really need this delivered.” “Flyer huh? Weather control?” “Used to…but….that’s not important. Just get this to her please!” The two smugglers remained quiet for a few minutes, before shaking the Pegasus’ hoof. “You got a deal.” “Oh thank you! You won’t regret this! I’ll have those bits ready in no….” “JUST….hold up. You said those bits were coming up……” “Sighs……here…..I…uhhh…wanted to bargain.” He takes out a bag containing five thousand bits, frowning as Bunker began counting every las one. “It’s all here, Blast.” “Great, let’s head out, oh and one more thing, kid.” “Uhhh yeah?” “I can tell you’re new at this so I’ll give you some advice. Don’t bargain with smugglers, cause most of them ain’t nice colts like me and my dragon friend here.” “O…Ok?” Bunker grabs both bags, the bits and the powder, and prepare to leave, before stopping in their place at the group of colts entering the bar. “Hi, have you seen these two?” It was Flash and three other royal guards, each holding a flyer with a crude drawing of Blast and Bunker. “Oh you’ve gotta be kidding me!?!” “I hate those drawings. They always make me look like a gator.” “Just move to the back, we’ll sneak out there.” The two make their way behind the bar, heading for the kitchen before one of the guards notice a scaly blue tail sliding away. “THERE! THERE THEY ARE!” “Oh crud….you and that stupid tail of yours!” With that, the two run for the exit, making yet another run from the royal guards. TO BE CONTINUED.... Author's Note Hope you like this! Here, all I can say. ;) Ch.2-The usual problemThe only safe place to hide was two trashcans in the back. There was no chance of escaping from the front. The royal guard was everywhere, passing out wanted posters to every pony that passed by. Blast was tired of this. He was a smuggler, not a coward, and he was willing to prove it. “Hiding in filth won’t get us any more bits! We gotta get outta here.” “Exactly how? The guard knows who we are, and they don’t look like they’re the forgiving type, especially with your record.” Blast rolls his eyes and hops out of the can, shaking the grime and filth off his mane and tail. He quickly peaks from the corner of the Hill Grain, gazing upon a fancy carriage belonging to the guard. This gave the colt a very clever, or very stupid idea. “Bunker, you still have any of that guard armor you stole?” “Uhhhh…..yeah….a helmet.” “Good……hey…you trust me right?” “Yes, but I have a feeling that I’m gonna regret it….like I always do.” Blast whispers his plan to Bunker, who simply sighs and leans against the brick wall of the Grain, groaning in anger. “It won’t work, Blast.” “Will you just trust me!” “Fine, but if we get caught, I’m gonna smack you silly!” “Shut up and get in the bag!” The guards started interrogating customers walking out the bar, as Blast, wearing the helmet, drags the bag of powder and their payment, which also contained Bunker. As they made their way to the carriage, Blast caught the eye of three guards. “Hey! There he is!” “Hey! Hey! No, I’m one of you! See? I caught Bolt’s partner in this sack and also snatched the stuff they were gonna smuggle!” Flash Sentry appeared next to him, shaking his head, feeling sorry for him. “A helmet…..you think that was enough to fool us? I can see your cutie mark!” Blast remained silent, eyes shrinking in fear as more guards appeared around him. “Uhhhh……well…….you see……..FRY EM BUNKER!” Bunker quickly leaps out of the bag upon hearing the signal, firing a blaze of light green fire at the colts, setting their tails on fire. “FIRE! FIIIIRE! STOP! DROP! ROLL!” Nearly every pony in the guard began rolling on the ground, even Flash, who was screaming like a little girl. “TELL TWILIGHT I LOVE HER!!!! AGGGHHHHH!!!!” Blast and Bunker stared at them for nearly a minute, confused that a simple attack helped them in the clear. The colt quickly regains control of the situation at hand, grabbing Bunker by his tail as they run into the carriage and lock the door. “MOVE OR I’LL FRY YOU!” The stallion guard controlling the carriage simply laughed, remaining still with his head held high. “You can’t threaten me! The royal guard can’t be threatened!” Blast gives Bunker the ok, as the blue dragon blows a small shot of fire on the stallion’s tail, causing him to charge off, screaming in terror. “AGGGHHHHHH!!!! PUT IT OUT! PUT IT OUT! PUT IT OUT!” The so called royal guard even began to break into tears, forming a smirk on the confident smuggler’s face, relaxing in the fancy carriage. “There…..told you to trust me.” Bunker smacks Blast on the head, as he promised, forming an angry frown, showing some of his razor sharp teeth. “Ow…..ok what’s shaking your scales now, Bunker?” “THAT WAS YOUR PLAN!?! WE’RE IN MORE TROUBLE THAN WE STARTED!” “Cool it blue…..we still got the powder…..five thousand bits…..I really think this is going better than expected.” Bunker couldn’t believe what he just heard from his friend, slapping his hand against his own scaly face. “Then tell me, how are we gonna get to Ponyville in a stolen carriage!?! Go on….try and explain that!” “You really need to worry less…it ain’t good for your flaming heart. Now chill…..you recognize this street? We’re heading for the safe house. All we gotta do is slip out of here and run there with our heads held high.” Blast remained confident, but Bunker wasn’t so sure. Sometimes he wonders how Blast keeps convincing him to do this, but every time he saw those glowing bits, he realized why they do this. Sure it seemed rough, but its good to know that it will be all worth it. “Ok Blast, lead the way boss.” He smiles, smacking his hoof against his friend’s shoulder in a chuckle. “There’s the tough guy I know. Ok, we’re coming up on the stop. On three, jump off into that old hay stack by the fruit stand.” “Alright…….oh this is gonna hurt.” “Tough dragon…not wimpy dragon….keep remembering that, Bunker.” The dragon opens the door, peaking out to see the roof of their home in the distance. It wouldn’t be long now. Both began stretching, preparing to jump as Blast began to count. “Here goes….this is it…..one…..” “I change my mind.” “Two….” “Let’s not do this.” “THREE!” It seemed like time slowed down when the two finally leaped out of the moving carriage. In a split second, Bunker looked over at Blast, who was smiling as they move closer to the hay. However, Blast made a small mistake when deciding which side to jump. Bunker landed on a soft pile of hay, as his friend crashes into the trash can next to it. “AGGHHHH! COME ON!” “AGH!?! Huh? Blast! Blast, are you ok!?!” “Yeah…..oh gross! I think I found that spoiled milk we threw out last week!” “Ewwww….” As Bunker helped Blast get the smell of old milk out of his mane, Flash Sentry and the other royal guards made their way to the castle, not happy with trying to explain to their captain how they got outsmarted by a pair of smugglers…..twice! But no one felt more unpleasant than Flash himself, being tagged out by the other guards to tell Shining Armor the news himself. As he made his way to the main hall of the castle, there he was, writing a letter to his wife, the lovely Princess Cadence, of the Crystal Empire. Flash swallowed what little pride he still had left and walks up to the captain, sweating slightly. “Sir, its uhhh….pleasure to see you back in Canterlot.” Shining Armor stops writing and turns to Flash, forming a smile. “It’s great to see you again too, Flash. I heard there was a lead on the whereabouts of the smuggler, Blast Bolt. Is that correct?” “Uhhhh…..yes, there was, sir. But I hate to inform you that we lost him….again….I’m sorry.” The captain remained quiet, unsure how to reply to something that he expected so many times. Flash was waiting patiently for his response, sweating more, hoping that he doesn’t get demoted for his failures. “I..I…I’ll try again next time, sir. He won’t get away with this.” “He has….and he probably will again unless we take serious action.” “Ummm….sir?” “There’s something different about this colt. I can’t put my hoof on it, but for some reason, no matter what situation he’s in, Bolt always finds a way to push things in his favor. After all, he’s smuggled out more times in Canterlot than most of the criminals in Equestria.” “Must be his talent.” “A cutie mark in stealing? That’s ridiculous, I don’t see a reason for such a thing.” “What do you propose what we do about it then, sir?” “Carriage checks, twenty-four seven. Triple the search, and hang more posters. The things he’s transferred for others is gonna get that colt killed one day. He needs to be put in his place. Do you understand, Flash?” “Yes sir, alright, it will be done.” As the hours went by, more preparations were made in an attempt to cut off all lines in Canterlot to a smuggler’s trail. Shining Armor was prepared to finally arrest Blast and bring him to Celestia, in hopes that he’ll confess why he would endanger so many ponies lives by bringing in and out such dangerous, illegal materials, from the dark crystal gems containing horrible curses, to the blood of the evil changelings. No pony would do this for money alone. There had to be a bigger reason. But soon nightfall came, and still no sign of Blast or his partner, Bunker. They were still at their hideout, planning each route carefully using a map of Canterlot. “My little birdy was right…..the captain plans to corner us for good.” “Ok, that’s it…we gotta move again! This is like the third time that we’ve been made the huge target in town! We’re running outta places, boss.” “Quit your whining, fire breath! I got an idea, but it’s a long shot.” “Long shot? Oh no.” “Just hear me out on this one. If you really wanna bail on the pad, then fine. But if its really come down to that, then I gotta go meet with one of our friends on Crimson Hoof drive.” “Wait….oh……do you really wanna make him madder?” “You just leave him to me. Get the stuff together and load it into the carriage. In twenty minutes after I leave, go ahead and ride out. I’ll meet you at the checkpoint…..ehhhhh….HERE!” He slams his hoof on a certain spot of Canterlot, which Bunker marked with a big red marker, confused on the location. “Any reason why there?” “I have my methods….just head there. It’s time to cash out!” Blast runs out of his hideout with a smile, as Bunker began getting their stuff together. They didn’t have much, but only because the last few weeks have been them losing money, not gaining money. Blast hoped that his idea works, cause if it doesn’t, he could be in serious trouble with the guard, and the so called “friend” that he was going to meet. After sneaking from alley to alley for about ten minutes, Blast found his way to Crimson Hoof drive, appearing before a large old warehouse. He slowly walks up to the main double doors and enters a secret knock. The next thing he realizes, the smuggler is grabbed by the collar of his vest and thrown against a wall inside, staring into the eyes of a very angry griffin. “You…are one dead pony!” “AGH! Heeeeey………Chuck right? Heehee…..its great to see you again.” “I’m gonna enjoy this!” Blast closes his eyes, waiting for the punch before the voice of an elderly turtle stopped the griffin. “Let him go Chuck, but don’t let him leave just yet.” He did so, causing Blast to smile in relief. He looks down to see the small old turtle, petting his beard as he struggled to stand with his walking cane. He slowly adjusts his top hat before looking with difficult into the pony’s eyes, going as far to poking his foot with the cane to make sure he was really there. “Ahhh! Blast, my boy. So you finally came out of hiding!” “Well Mr. Tortuga….heehee…..I didn’t really have a choice.” “Oh you know I enjoy your company. By the way, how’s that dragon you keep lurking around with….ehhh……Bungee?” “Ummm no, its Bunker….and he’s fine.” “ENOUGH! WHEN CAN I TEAR THIS CREEP A NEW ONE!?!” “Chuck, what did I tell you about your anger problem?” “Yeah….sorry, Mr. Tortuga…..I forgot.” “So Blast, do you have my money? It’s been quite awhile since we last met, you know?” “Well that’s what I came here to discuss….yes, I have….and don’t have your money.” “What do you mean by that, son?” “Well….I got a new job smuggling some mystic powders that’ll promise big pay. But the journey there is gonna cost quite a lot of bits….” “Your point?” “I’d like to take that advance that you offered me about five years ago.” “Oh hohohohoooo….that offer? Well Mr. Bolt….I’m quite surprised…..never thought I’d see the day.” “Boss, you ain’t seriously thinking of giving him that cash advance! He’ll just waste it on crystals again! I say we end this sucker once and for all!” “Patience chuck, remember that, ok? You are aware of the consequences if you don’t fulfill this offer to its full potential, correct Mr. Bolt?” “Yeah……I understand completely.” The old turtle thinks for several minutes, before finally shaking the colt’s hoof in agreement. “I still don’t know how you convince me otherwise, Blast. Guess the things Chuck tells me aren’t all true.” Chuck rolls his eyes, giving a relieved Blast the stink eye. “Alright, you know what to do. I expect feedback in the upcoming week.” “Awww thanks, Mr. Tortuga! You won’t regret this!” “I should hope not. I’m not always a nice little turtle, Mr. Bolt.” The old turtle signals Chuck to let Blast go, biting down on his tongue as he escorts the smiling colt out with his boss waving. When Mr. Tortuga returned to his previous work, Chuck grabs Blast again, shaking in frustration. “Get one thing straight, you lying sneak! One of these days, you’ll push the old man too far, and you….will…pay!” “Easy Chuck….ehhhh remember what he said about that anger of yours!” “SHUT UP! This isn’t a game, you stubborn colt! Mess with us again, and we’ll finish what those changelings started!” He pushes Blast away from the door and slams it shut, leaving the colt in the darkness of the night. Blast wipes the sweat off his head and slowly made his way to the objective point to meet Bunker, thinking about what Chuck said. “Changelings…..just the name makes my skin crawl.” TO BE CONTINUED……. Author's Note Here's the next chapter! Hope you like it! ;) Ch.3-The Escape PlanBunker was waiting for Blast down by the pond, bored out of his mind. He kept thinking that his friend was taken by the royal guard, and that the whole plan was ruined. “Boss, you better get here soon. Already my scales are tingling.” He looked out to the distance to see a familiar face running towards the carriage Bunker was hiding in. It was Blast, carrying something on his back. “You’re here, its about time. What’s in the saddle bag?” “Just something to help us on our journey to Ponyville.” He opens the bag and pours out several shiny gold bits, causing Bunker to drool in delight. “Great Celestia! Look at them! Wait……hold on a sec, where did you get these?” “I had a talk with our good friend Mr. Tortuga.” “What!?! Crazy old Tortuga!?! That senile reptile that….” Blast fell to the floor laughing, confusing Bunker even more. “BLAST! ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME!?!” “Senile reptile! Hahahaaaa! It rhymes! Now that’s hilarious!” “This is not a game, Blast! Haven’t you forgotten what Tortuga did to you the last time you saw him?” “So he threatened my life and put a bounty on my head. Big whoop, I’ve seen worse.” “REALLY? I can not believe you there!” “Will you just cool it? Things will be different this time with Tortuga. I did some digging and found out where that mystic powder came from. Turns out, its from the castle of the Princess of Friendship!” “Twilight Sparkle? That Alicorn braniac?” “The very same! Turns out its made from within the roots of that tree her castle stands upon. So here’s the plan. We use the cash advance from Tortuga to help us on our journey to Ponyville, deliver the goods to DJpon3, smooth talk our way into the castle, get as much powder our carriage can carry, give a share to Tortuga’s men residing in Ponyville to pay off the advance, and use our share to live like kings!” “But…there’s no way that powder can be worth so much.” “That’s the good part! Turns out this stuff comes in two forms. The kind that’s worth over a million bits, and the other kind that’s worth barely anything! It all depends on the right root!” “So let me get this straight. You wanna make things worse for us by making crazy Tortuga even madder by cheating him on the powder, when already we got the guard on our tails. I’m starting to think you hit your head on the way over here.” Blast rolled his eyes and walks over to the pond, staring at his reflection in the water with a cocky grin. “You don’t get it. Out of all our smuggling jobs, there’s nothing more expensive I’ve carried than this. Now’s our chance to live the lives we deserve. We’ll be rich, Bunker! Think about it! I can finally afford to fix that issue I’ve been having, and you can buy all the rubies your teeth can handle!” Bunker began to fantasize the mother load of their future success. He could see a chamber, full of crystals and rubies of many shapes, sizes, and colors. Each would have a different flavor, more delicious than the last! Bunker started to drool again, licking his scaly lips next to a pleased Blast Bolt. “You don’t need to be a genius to know you’re imagining it. So what do you say? Can I count on my dragon buddy for this one?” The blue dragon drifts off for a few minutes before snapping back to reality, with a small smile on his face like it didn’t really matter that much. “Kay, I’m in.” “Good answer. Now I got a way to sneak past that blockage the guard is placing to stop our delivery. We got the bits for the plan to work, but we just need one more thing.” The white colt walks over to a large tree and sticks his hoof down the small opening of the trunk. “Oh, by the way, Bunker? Get that shovel in the back of the carriage.” “Uhhhh…..ok?” As the dragon searches for the shovel, Blast obtains a small key from within the tree, looking around several times to make sure no pony else was nearby. “Ok, coast is clear. Dig…..ehhhh…..right here!” He points to a small spot by a patch of flowers, smiling eagerly. “OK, what exactly are we digging up?” “Something to aide us just in case things get too violent.” Bunker digs for about five minutes, before hitting something hard. “AGH! Found something!” Blast runs up to him and pulls out a small metal box with a picture of his cutie mark imprinted as the lock. The colt quickly places the small key inside the hole and turns, making a small snapping sound to signal that its unlocked. “Oh ho hooooo! Now things get interesting!” Bunker was surprised to see what his friend pulls out of the box, a small crossbow. He held it in one hoof, forming a cocky grin as he walks back to the carriage. “That thing? I thought that mare you dated took it and tried to kill you!” “Nope, and thank Celestia too! You have no idea how much I value this baby! It’s gotten me outa more trouble than I can count. Under the circumstances we’ve gotten ourselves into, guess its time to dust it off! Just hope it still works. Let’s see here…hmmm….” The colt places a small colorful bag of a strange crystalized substance on the end of an arrow. He then loads the weapon and takes a quick shot on a nearby tree, which instantly turns frozen solid in a chilling wave of ice. “Yeesh…..feels like winter wrap up…..” “Exactly! And Celestia thought illegal magic altering crystal were dangerous. Ha! I beg to differ! Now let’s ride!” “Hold up! There’s still something that doesn’t add up! How in the hay did you figure this all out about the powder!?! Oh wait…..let me guess…..you know a guy?” “What did I tell you about asking things from my past interventions?” “Ok…sorry…sorry…whatever. Let’s just get going…..this time, you pull the carriage.” “Wait….what about that stallion we hired?” “He skipped town once news spread out. Had to pull the carriage here myself! I told you that charade we pulled on him wouldn’t last forever!” “It wasn’t a charade….we simply stated that we worked for a shipping company….heehee…..it was uhhh….kinda true.” Bunker didn’t know how to reply to that. All he did was walk back to the carriage, pouting in anger. “Don’t be like that, Bunker. I hate it when you act all pouty.” “It’s just….sometimes I question the value of our friendship.” “Oh shut up, you’re just saying that cause we got the guard on our tail. It’ll get better, I promise. The crystals, Bunker…..remember the crystals?” “Crystals…….tasty…..juicy…..ALRIGHT FINE!” “Heehee, your one weakness.” “Shut up….just pull this thing, will ya?” “Oh no, my friend….I got a better idea.” “When I hear those words come out of your mouth…..either something good will happen, or I’ll wind up regretting it.” Blast climbs into the back of the carriage, ignoring Bunker as he crawls through their cargo, pushing several things away from jars of old dragon eggs, to bags of changling horns. “Lets see…..hmmmm….AHA! THERE WE GO!” In the colt’s hoofs were a pouch of large firework, causing Bunker to gasp in shock. “Oh no” “Yes” “No way” “Yes way, pass me that rope.” “It’s not gonna work.” Blast huffs with a grin, moving to the back wheels of the carriage. “Heeheehee, you underestimate me, pal.” Bunker can’t help but laugh, as he helps Blast tie several firework rockets to the back end of the carriage. “You’re nuts, you know that? But heehee….sometimes that’s what makes this job really fun.” “You ready?” “As I’ll ever be.” Blast ignites a match and lights the rockets, as the two smugglers quickly climb onto the top of the carriage, strapping themselves in. “here goes nothing, Bunker.” “The crazy thing is that you never know when its gonna…” The carriage rockets off into the streets, as Blast and Bunker try desperately to keep their eyes open from the wind blowing into their faces. Many fellow colts and mares leap out of the way as the carriage zooms right past them. Some couldn’t tell what it was by the insane speed. Blast could see the blockade up ahead with what little eyesight he still had, as several royal guards stared in shock at what was coming. “Uhhhhh captain?” “What now? Can’t you see that……GREAT CELESTIA! LOOK OUT!!!” Several guards run for their lives, screaming as the carriage slams through the large wooden gate they built to keep the smugglers from leaving. This caused the fireworks to finally explode, pushing Blast and Bunker off the carriage from impact, slamming their faces into the dirt as debris fell from the sky around them, from pieces of wood to the remains of what was left in their cargo. Bunker managed to hold on to the large bag of powder and bits before take off, but everything else was history. “Ow……well….that went better than I thought it would.” “Yeah……ow……brilliant……my ears are ringing!” “Bunker, get up….before….” “ALRIGHT YOU TWO! FREEZE!” Once again, they were surrounded, but Blast planned to make things different for this encounter with the guard. He quickly leaps to his feet and grabs his crossbow from his saddle bag, pointing it straight at Shining Armor. “Ok…….every pony just calm down, ok? No need to make things ugly.” “Ugly!?! You rammed a carriage into the gate in a blaze of fireworks!” “That’s beside the point!” “Look kid, just give up. There’s no way you can get outta this. If you come with us peacefully, maybe Princess Celestia won’t send you two to the moon!” “Can’t do that Shining. Gone too far for this one.” “Blast please, this has to stop!” “Did Daring Do stop? No.” Bunker slowly stands, still dizzy from the fall. “Ow….uhhhh boss, Daring Do isn’t really the best term of inspiration at the moment.” “Shut up! Now this is how things are going. Me and my friend here are leaving. No questions ask. I suggest you go back to guarding the princess…heeeeheee….like that Alicorn even needs protecting. She can raise the sun! She’s basically guarding you!” “The better reason for you to give up! This conversation is over! Men, take him in!” “Uh oh. WARNED YOU!” Blast immediately fires the arrow at Shining Armor, who protects himself within a shield. The arrow ricochets off him and hits Flash Sentry in the flank, trapping his entire lower body in ice. “Flash!” “AAAAHHHHAAAHAAA! So….c…c….c…c…c…cold!!!” “Whoops….” This makes Shining mad, as more guards move in on the two smugglers. “Blast……please tell me you got a backup plan.” “Yeah….as a matter of fact…I do.” “What is…..” “RUN!!!!!” The two flee from the guards as fast as they can, as reinforcements from above arrive, shining a light on the two smugglers. “Great…..they got eyes in the sky! I don’t have enough arrows to take them all out!” “HEAD FOR THAT FOREST!” Blast follows Bunker into a small area of trees over by a mountain. The colt had to fire off a few more arrows to keep distance from the guards. They kept their trail on them for several hours, before finally losing them completely. “Sir, I don’t know what to say...we just…lost them.” “They’ll get themselves killed! Without the train, those two will have to climb down the mountain on their own. Keep searching men! We gotta stop those smugglers!” The two could barely stand, slowly walking down the mountain after losing he guard at that small section of forest. Finally, Bunker calls it quits, collapsing on top of a rock. “Worst…..plan….ever.” “We got out, didn’t we?” “NOW WHAT!?! We’re gonna die out here!” “Calm down, Bunker.” “Those crystals…I knew those crystals would be the death of me!” “You are a such a whiner! I outta…..wait…..do you hear that?” “Yeah….thats……” “Move up, pal. We got a train to catch!” TO BE CONTINUED…… Author's Note Chapter three! If you enjoy this story so far, feel free to comment! Would love the feedback if any.
Ch.1-Just another day in CanterlotThe weather was perfect, with not a single cloud in the sky in the beautiful land of Canterlot. The streets were lined with the most sophisticated and glamorous colts and mares any pony would dream to be. But as high and mighty Canterlot is, there are still those who don’t meet with their standards, who somehow manage to gallop through the city without being seen. Such as a white coated colt and his blue scaled dragon friend, chowing down at one of the classiest restaurants you’d ever see. Their sloppy way of eating got the attention of everypony there, each giving them the stink eye. “Waiter! More bread sticks!” screamed the colt, wiping off tomato sauce from his mouth with his hoof, splatting a mare’s dress with a huge stain. “AGH! You creep! This dress costs more than anything you could possibly own!” “Sorry sister, but in my defense, I did you a favor.” Both rude boys let out a huge chuckle, angering the mare to the point of leaving the restaurant in a huff. The blue dragon accidently lets out a light green blaze of fire in a belch, setting a nearby colt’s wig on fire, causing him to release a scream so high in pitch that all the cider glasses around them shattered to pieces, making the two laugh even louder, disappointing a huge stallion in a tux, face more red than lava. “THAT’S IT! BOTH OF YOU! OUT OF HERE RIGHT NOW!” “Hey hey hey….chill out will ya? My friend here can’t hold his fire. It’s a medical condition.” “Yeah….cut me some……. (gulp) slack.” “I DON’T CARE! YOUR SLOPPY DOMINEER HAS CLEARED OUT ALMOST EVERY CUSTOMER! I WANT YOU OUT NOW!” He slams a check down on the table, refusing to leave until it is paid. The colt stares at the amount, scratching his light brown mane as he double checks the prices of each meal. “Hmmmmmm……..quick question? Why did you charge us this much for hay?” “ARE YOU SERIOUS!?! I SAW YOU SCOOP SOME OF THE OTHERS FOOD WITH YOUR TONGUE!” “Heehee…..yep. That’s quite a talent, am I right Bunker?” “Yeah Blast….heeeheeheee..you should be in show business…..oh….oh no…not again.” Bunker’s stomach began to moan, hurling a huge fireball into one of the occupied booths, burning the clothes off the two mares sitting there to a crisp. Covering their exposed forms, they gallop out screaming at the top of their lungs, forming a light red blush on Blast’s face.” “It’s all good, Bunker. Nothing wrong with what you just did…heehee.” The stallion was getting annoyed, slamming his hooves on the ground angrily to regain their attention. “UHHHHH HELLO!?! ARE YOU GONNA PAY OR NOT!?!” Blast nibbles on another bread stick, looking at the angry stallion with a cocky grin. “It’s all good…..we’re terribly sorry….hey….if it isn’t too much of a trouble, mind if we a to go bag for this?” The stallion stares into Blast’s eyes with a twitching stern gaze, but calms down with a few deep breaths. “Alright……I’ll be back in a few minutes….don’t even think about leaving just yet!” “Wouldn’t even think about it, right Bunker?” “Yeah, we’re cool. We’re cool.” As the angry stallion marches off in a huff to the kitchen, Blast looked around to make sure the coast was clear. No pony was in sight of the quiet restaurant. “Ok, that’s all for me. Let’s get going before that stal blows a fuse. We gotta get to the meeting at the Hill Grain.” “Lead the way, boss.” The white coated colt brushes bread crumbs off his dark blue vest and makes his way for the exit, with Bunker tip toeing behind him. “What’s a matter with you? Ever heard of playing it casual?” “What? This ain’t casual?” “Of course it isn’t, and keep your voice down. Just walk with me, Bunker.” They were slowly opening the glass door out when a familiar roar got their attention. “AHA! I KNEW YOU’D TRY AND LEAVE!” “Uhhhhh run with me, Bunker!” Both dash out the door as fast as they can, as the stallion attempts to catch them. “TWO THOUSAND BITS! THOSE SCUM BAGS OWE ME TWO THOUSAND BITS!!!!” A nearby royal guard gets the stallion’s attention, charging after the two free loaders when the angry stallion plops on his own face, out of breath. “Don’t worry, I’ll get em! Hey! You two stop right there!” “Oh no, not the royals!” “I don’t need Celestia sending me to the moon all because of a simple chow down! Head down that alley, Bunker!” The two cut down the alley way, only to be blocked by a dead end. The colt lets out a huge sigh, turning around to see three more royal guards staring at him in anger. “Halt right there.” “Heeeeeeey……how’s it going boys? Still keeping our princess safe? Classy lady that Celestia….heeehee…if I wasn’t such a busy pony, I’d give her a call.” “You won’t be calling anyone after your flank is thrown in Canterlot prison, Blast Bolt!” “Uhhhhh…..come again?” “You’re Blast Bolt…..charged with several crimes of smuggling illegal crystals, changling blood, savage animals, and I’m not even gonna begin with the harassment cases!” “You really made a huuuuuge mistake. You see, my name isn’t Blast, I’m…..Flash Sentry….yeah.” “Wait….you’re Flash Sentry?” “Yep…..just came in all the way from Manehatten just a few days ago.” “Then who’s the dragon?” “Who? Him? He’s a friend of my cousin, names Vincent Tong……he’s touring me.” He hits Bunker in the stomach, signaling him to play along with the little charade. “Uhhh..Yeah….I’m a fast runner…this silly pony here just can’t keep up.” “Yeah…heeheehee….I really need to hit the gym more oftern.” The head royal guard slaps his own hoof again his helmet, shaking his head in disgrace before the two. He then moves closer to Blast, becoming very displeased. “Wha…whats wrong?” “YOU are not Flash Sentry.” “Oh yeah? What makes you so smart?” “BECAUSE I’M FLASH SENTRY, YOU STUPID SMUGGLER!” Both Blast and Bunker look at each other in shock, moving back until they hit the wall. “Oh really? Well….fancy that.” “Yeah yeah, quit while you still can, Blast. You and your dragon friend there are under arrest for the countless crimes around Canterlot.” “Boys…come on…be reasonable…you know I used to look up to you guys when I was a filly. Could’ve sworn my cutie mark was gonna be a royal helmet.” “But it wasn’t. I clearly see a red blast mark on your flank. You can’t flatter your way outta this one.” “Well you can’t blame me for trying. Bunker! NOW!” The blue dragon smiles, inhaling with all his might before releasing a huge smokescreen around the alley. “AHHH! WHAT THE HAY!?!” “FLASH! I CAN’T SEE!” Blast and Bunker use this opportunity to escape, jumping into the first travel carriage they could find. “I don’t care where you’re going! Just get us outta here!” “Uhhhh….ok.” As they leave the scene, Flash finally finds his way out of the smoke, coughing while trying to stay conscious. “Where’d they….oh you’ve gotta be kidding me!” “Captain ain’t gonna be happy about this.” “NOSE GOES!” “Wait I wasn’t……dang it!” Each guard sighed in relief, glad that Flash has to tell the captain that one of the biggest criminals in Canterlot made another escape. Meanwhile, after hiding in the carriage for nearly twenty minutes, Blast and Bunker managed to turn their luck around, rerouting to Hill Grain, one of the oldest bars in Canterlot, also the head site for meetings with associates of criminal activity. “We made it……wooo….for a minute there, I thought we were toast.” “That’ll be three hundred and fifty bits Mr….ehhhh…..who did you say you were again?” “Oh me? Ehh…I’m Neon Lights and this is my partner Bill. We’re singers.” “Oh yeah…….I think I’ve heard of you……well I wish you a lot of luck tonight.” “Yeah its no problem…..this gig at the Grain will be easy..uhhh…Bill, pay the pony while I check in.” Blast made his way inside the old bar, as Bunker tries to use some armor pieces they stole from the guards in the smoke as pay. Looking around, Blast was relieved to see that there was no sign of anypony they knew there. Violence was something Blast really needed to avoid. He walks up to the bar and asks for a cup of hard cider, looking over to see a shady looking figure sitting in the corner of the Grain. Knowing from experience, Blast could tell that it was the pony he was suppose to meet. Once receiving his cider, he slowly made his way to the booth in the corner, as Bunker walked in. “What took ya?” “Hey, you try to convince these Canterlot ponies to accept stolen guard armor as pay!” “Ok, ok..shhh…keep your voice down, will ya?” “Alright, alright…I’m sorry….its just that run from those royalty goons made me hungry again, and you know that makes me grumpy.” “Look, lets just talk to this guy then we’ll hit a hayburger. We all know its better food than that fancy crud.” Both sat down, staring at the figure, who had his face covered by a ball cap, sipping juice from a small cup. “So….you guys Blast and Bunker.” “Depends, you the guy who sent the letter?” “That also depends, what’s the pass phrase?” Bunker sighs, plopping his face on the table. “Do we really gotta do this every time we get a job?” “Just shut up for a minute, Bunker. The pass phrase is…….Zapple Drive.” The pony raises his cap and looks around to notice if anypony is snooping, before pulling out a small bag. “I got a mare in ponyville who’s interested in some ancient forbidden elixirs made from the powders in this bag. Ever since the commotion with that bug, Chrysalis, security to get in and out of Canterlot has nearly quadrupled. I need you two to deliver it to her without any eye from the guard. Even Celestia isn’t cool with powder like this.” Blast stares at the bag, curious to what’s inside. “Sooooo….what kind of powders are exactly in the bag?” “Hey hey hey! I thought you guys don’t ask questions!?!” “Just wondering……just this sounds like a big deal.” “Let’s just say it is. That’s all I’m saying. So can you two do this or not?” “You can count on us. We’ve done transfers all over Equestria. Canterlot would praise us if we exist.” “Wait what?” “What the pony means is that if we existed, a lot of royal guards would be on our tails. But we don’t…get it? Wink wink?” Blast sighs, bopping Bunker on the head.” “Ow! It’s not ok to hit!” “Just wink. Don’t say wink, I thought we talked about this?” Bunker rolls his eyes, taking out a small crystal to nibble on from his coat pocket. “Alllllright? Well….just get this to her, stat! Her name is…ehhh…..Vinyl something…..but she goes by DJ-Pon3. Quiet type, blue mane, wears purple shades all the time.” “Hmmmm….sounds like my kind of gal.” Bunker bops Blast this time, shaking his head in neglect. “Ow…what? She sounds hot!” “Just get this to her. Please, we’re wasting time!” “Cool it kid, we still have bigger issues to discuss. Just how much are you willing to pay?” “Well…..I don’t have much…..how’s about…..a thousand bits?” Blast looks at the shady pony confused, then looks back at Bunker, who also had the same look. “A thousand bits? I’m not risking my life against the guard for a measly thousand bits. Come on Bunker.” They were about to leave the booth, before the pony slams his front two hoofs on the table, shaking nervously. “WAIT WAIT WAIT! Ok fine, it won’t be easy, but I can get you five thousand bits to do the job, then five thousand when you come back in about…..I don’t know…three days here, in this same booth.” Blast paused, sitting back down with Bunker, smirking to himself. “Well well…..holding out on us, mister mysterious.” “Look I have some bits coming in from another job…I was gonna use it to fix my broken wing but……I really need this delivered.” “Flyer huh? Weather control?” “Used to…but….that’s not important. Just get this to her please!” The two smugglers remained quiet for a few minutes, before shaking the Pegasus’ hoof. “You got a deal.” “Oh thank you! You won’t regret this! I’ll have those bits ready in no….” “JUST….hold up. You said those bits were coming up……” “Sighs……here…..I…uhhh…wanted to bargain.” He takes out a bag containing five thousand bits, frowning as Bunker began counting every las one. “It’s all here, Blast.” “Great, let’s head out, oh and one more thing, kid.” “Uhhh yeah?” “I can tell you’re new at this so I’ll give you some advice. Don’t bargain with smugglers, cause most of them ain’t nice colts like me and my dragon friend here.” “O…Ok?” Bunker grabs both bags, the bits and the powder, and prepare to leave, before stopping in their place at the group of colts entering the bar. “Hi, have you seen these two?” It was Flash and three other royal guards, each holding a flyer with a crude drawing of Blast and Bunker. “Oh you’ve gotta be kidding me!?!” “I hate those drawings. They always make me look like a gator.” “Just move to the back, we’ll sneak out there.” The two make their way behind the bar, heading for the kitchen before one of the guards notice a scaly blue tail sliding away. “THERE! THERE THEY ARE!” “Oh crud….you and that stupid tail of yours!” With that, the two run for the exit, making yet another run from the royal guards. TO BE CONTINUED.... Author's Note Hope you like this! Here, all I can say. ;)
Ch.2-The usual problemThe only safe place to hide was two trashcans in the back. There was no chance of escaping from the front. The royal guard was everywhere, passing out wanted posters to every pony that passed by. Blast was tired of this. He was a smuggler, not a coward, and he was willing to prove it. “Hiding in filth won’t get us any more bits! We gotta get outta here.” “Exactly how? The guard knows who we are, and they don’t look like they’re the forgiving type, especially with your record.” Blast rolls his eyes and hops out of the can, shaking the grime and filth off his mane and tail. He quickly peaks from the corner of the Hill Grain, gazing upon a fancy carriage belonging to the guard. This gave the colt a very clever, or very stupid idea. “Bunker, you still have any of that guard armor you stole?” “Uhhhh…..yeah….a helmet.” “Good……hey…you trust me right?” “Yes, but I have a feeling that I’m gonna regret it….like I always do.” Blast whispers his plan to Bunker, who simply sighs and leans against the brick wall of the Grain, groaning in anger. “It won’t work, Blast.” “Will you just trust me!” “Fine, but if we get caught, I’m gonna smack you silly!” “Shut up and get in the bag!” The guards started interrogating customers walking out the bar, as Blast, wearing the helmet, drags the bag of powder and their payment, which also contained Bunker. As they made their way to the carriage, Blast caught the eye of three guards. “Hey! There he is!” “Hey! Hey! No, I’m one of you! See? I caught Bolt’s partner in this sack and also snatched the stuff they were gonna smuggle!” Flash Sentry appeared next to him, shaking his head, feeling sorry for him. “A helmet…..you think that was enough to fool us? I can see your cutie mark!” Blast remained silent, eyes shrinking in fear as more guards appeared around him. “Uhhhh……well…….you see……..FRY EM BUNKER!” Bunker quickly leaps out of the bag upon hearing the signal, firing a blaze of light green fire at the colts, setting their tails on fire. “FIRE! FIIIIRE! STOP! DROP! ROLL!” Nearly every pony in the guard began rolling on the ground, even Flash, who was screaming like a little girl. “TELL TWILIGHT I LOVE HER!!!! AGGGHHHHH!!!!” Blast and Bunker stared at them for nearly a minute, confused that a simple attack helped them in the clear. The colt quickly regains control of the situation at hand, grabbing Bunker by his tail as they run into the carriage and lock the door. “MOVE OR I’LL FRY YOU!” The stallion guard controlling the carriage simply laughed, remaining still with his head held high. “You can’t threaten me! The royal guard can’t be threatened!” Blast gives Bunker the ok, as the blue dragon blows a small shot of fire on the stallion’s tail, causing him to charge off, screaming in terror. “AGGGHHHHHH!!!! PUT IT OUT! PUT IT OUT! PUT IT OUT!” The so called royal guard even began to break into tears, forming a smirk on the confident smuggler’s face, relaxing in the fancy carriage. “There…..told you to trust me.” Bunker smacks Blast on the head, as he promised, forming an angry frown, showing some of his razor sharp teeth. “Ow…..ok what’s shaking your scales now, Bunker?” “THAT WAS YOUR PLAN!?! WE’RE IN MORE TROUBLE THAN WE STARTED!” “Cool it blue…..we still got the powder…..five thousand bits…..I really think this is going better than expected.” Bunker couldn’t believe what he just heard from his friend, slapping his hand against his own scaly face. “Then tell me, how are we gonna get to Ponyville in a stolen carriage!?! Go on….try and explain that!” “You really need to worry less…it ain’t good for your flaming heart. Now chill…..you recognize this street? We’re heading for the safe house. All we gotta do is slip out of here and run there with our heads held high.” Blast remained confident, but Bunker wasn’t so sure. Sometimes he wonders how Blast keeps convincing him to do this, but every time he saw those glowing bits, he realized why they do this. Sure it seemed rough, but its good to know that it will be all worth it. “Ok Blast, lead the way boss.” He smiles, smacking his hoof against his friend’s shoulder in a chuckle. “There’s the tough guy I know. Ok, we’re coming up on the stop. On three, jump off into that old hay stack by the fruit stand.” “Alright…….oh this is gonna hurt.” “Tough dragon…not wimpy dragon….keep remembering that, Bunker.” The dragon opens the door, peaking out to see the roof of their home in the distance. It wouldn’t be long now. Both began stretching, preparing to jump as Blast began to count. “Here goes….this is it…..one…..” “I change my mind.” “Two….” “Let’s not do this.” “THREE!” It seemed like time slowed down when the two finally leaped out of the moving carriage. In a split second, Bunker looked over at Blast, who was smiling as they move closer to the hay. However, Blast made a small mistake when deciding which side to jump. Bunker landed on a soft pile of hay, as his friend crashes into the trash can next to it. “AGGHHHH! COME ON!” “AGH!?! Huh? Blast! Blast, are you ok!?!” “Yeah…..oh gross! I think I found that spoiled milk we threw out last week!” “Ewwww….” As Bunker helped Blast get the smell of old milk out of his mane, Flash Sentry and the other royal guards made their way to the castle, not happy with trying to explain to their captain how they got outsmarted by a pair of smugglers…..twice! But no one felt more unpleasant than Flash himself, being tagged out by the other guards to tell Shining Armor the news himself. As he made his way to the main hall of the castle, there he was, writing a letter to his wife, the lovely Princess Cadence, of the Crystal Empire. Flash swallowed what little pride he still had left and walks up to the captain, sweating slightly. “Sir, its uhhh….pleasure to see you back in Canterlot.” Shining Armor stops writing and turns to Flash, forming a smile. “It’s great to see you again too, Flash. I heard there was a lead on the whereabouts of the smuggler, Blast Bolt. Is that correct?” “Uhhhh…..yes, there was, sir. But I hate to inform you that we lost him….again….I’m sorry.” The captain remained quiet, unsure how to reply to something that he expected so many times. Flash was waiting patiently for his response, sweating more, hoping that he doesn’t get demoted for his failures. “I..I…I’ll try again next time, sir. He won’t get away with this.” “He has….and he probably will again unless we take serious action.” “Ummm….sir?” “There’s something different about this colt. I can’t put my hoof on it, but for some reason, no matter what situation he’s in, Bolt always finds a way to push things in his favor. After all, he’s smuggled out more times in Canterlot than most of the criminals in Equestria.” “Must be his talent.” “A cutie mark in stealing? That’s ridiculous, I don’t see a reason for such a thing.” “What do you propose what we do about it then, sir?” “Carriage checks, twenty-four seven. Triple the search, and hang more posters. The things he’s transferred for others is gonna get that colt killed one day. He needs to be put in his place. Do you understand, Flash?” “Yes sir, alright, it will be done.” As the hours went by, more preparations were made in an attempt to cut off all lines in Canterlot to a smuggler’s trail. Shining Armor was prepared to finally arrest Blast and bring him to Celestia, in hopes that he’ll confess why he would endanger so many ponies lives by bringing in and out such dangerous, illegal materials, from the dark crystal gems containing horrible curses, to the blood of the evil changelings. No pony would do this for money alone. There had to be a bigger reason. But soon nightfall came, and still no sign of Blast or his partner, Bunker. They were still at their hideout, planning each route carefully using a map of Canterlot. “My little birdy was right…..the captain plans to corner us for good.” “Ok, that’s it…we gotta move again! This is like the third time that we’ve been made the huge target in town! We’re running outta places, boss.” “Quit your whining, fire breath! I got an idea, but it’s a long shot.” “Long shot? Oh no.” “Just hear me out on this one. If you really wanna bail on the pad, then fine. But if its really come down to that, then I gotta go meet with one of our friends on Crimson Hoof drive.” “Wait….oh……do you really wanna make him madder?” “You just leave him to me. Get the stuff together and load it into the carriage. In twenty minutes after I leave, go ahead and ride out. I’ll meet you at the checkpoint…..ehhhhh….HERE!” He slams his hoof on a certain spot of Canterlot, which Bunker marked with a big red marker, confused on the location. “Any reason why there?” “I have my methods….just head there. It’s time to cash out!” Blast runs out of his hideout with a smile, as Bunker began getting their stuff together. They didn’t have much, but only because the last few weeks have been them losing money, not gaining money. Blast hoped that his idea works, cause if it doesn’t, he could be in serious trouble with the guard, and the so called “friend” that he was going to meet. After sneaking from alley to alley for about ten minutes, Blast found his way to Crimson Hoof drive, appearing before a large old warehouse. He slowly walks up to the main double doors and enters a secret knock. The next thing he realizes, the smuggler is grabbed by the collar of his vest and thrown against a wall inside, staring into the eyes of a very angry griffin. “You…are one dead pony!” “AGH! Heeeeey………Chuck right? Heehee…..its great to see you again.” “I’m gonna enjoy this!” Blast closes his eyes, waiting for the punch before the voice of an elderly turtle stopped the griffin. “Let him go Chuck, but don’t let him leave just yet.” He did so, causing Blast to smile in relief. He looks down to see the small old turtle, petting his beard as he struggled to stand with his walking cane. He slowly adjusts his top hat before looking with difficult into the pony’s eyes, going as far to poking his foot with the cane to make sure he was really there. “Ahhh! Blast, my boy. So you finally came out of hiding!” “Well Mr. Tortuga….heehee…..I didn’t really have a choice.” “Oh you know I enjoy your company. By the way, how’s that dragon you keep lurking around with….ehhh……Bungee?” “Ummm no, its Bunker….and he’s fine.” “ENOUGH! WHEN CAN I TEAR THIS CREEP A NEW ONE!?!” “Chuck, what did I tell you about your anger problem?” “Yeah….sorry, Mr. Tortuga…..I forgot.” “So Blast, do you have my money? It’s been quite awhile since we last met, you know?” “Well that’s what I came here to discuss….yes, I have….and don’t have your money.” “What do you mean by that, son?” “Well….I got a new job smuggling some mystic powders that’ll promise big pay. But the journey there is gonna cost quite a lot of bits….” “Your point?” “I’d like to take that advance that you offered me about five years ago.” “Oh hohohohoooo….that offer? Well Mr. Bolt….I’m quite surprised…..never thought I’d see the day.” “Boss, you ain’t seriously thinking of giving him that cash advance! He’ll just waste it on crystals again! I say we end this sucker once and for all!” “Patience chuck, remember that, ok? You are aware of the consequences if you don’t fulfill this offer to its full potential, correct Mr. Bolt?” “Yeah……I understand completely.” The old turtle thinks for several minutes, before finally shaking the colt’s hoof in agreement. “I still don’t know how you convince me otherwise, Blast. Guess the things Chuck tells me aren’t all true.” Chuck rolls his eyes, giving a relieved Blast the stink eye. “Alright, you know what to do. I expect feedback in the upcoming week.” “Awww thanks, Mr. Tortuga! You won’t regret this!” “I should hope not. I’m not always a nice little turtle, Mr. Bolt.” The old turtle signals Chuck to let Blast go, biting down on his tongue as he escorts the smiling colt out with his boss waving. When Mr. Tortuga returned to his previous work, Chuck grabs Blast again, shaking in frustration. “Get one thing straight, you lying sneak! One of these days, you’ll push the old man too far, and you….will…pay!” “Easy Chuck….ehhhh remember what he said about that anger of yours!” “SHUT UP! This isn’t a game, you stubborn colt! Mess with us again, and we’ll finish what those changelings started!” He pushes Blast away from the door and slams it shut, leaving the colt in the darkness of the night. Blast wipes the sweat off his head and slowly made his way to the objective point to meet Bunker, thinking about what Chuck said. “Changelings…..just the name makes my skin crawl.” TO BE CONTINUED……. Author's Note Here's the next chapter! Hope you like it! ;)
Ch.3-The Escape PlanBunker was waiting for Blast down by the pond, bored out of his mind. He kept thinking that his friend was taken by the royal guard, and that the whole plan was ruined. “Boss, you better get here soon. Already my scales are tingling.” He looked out to the distance to see a familiar face running towards the carriage Bunker was hiding in. It was Blast, carrying something on his back. “You’re here, its about time. What’s in the saddle bag?” “Just something to help us on our journey to Ponyville.” He opens the bag and pours out several shiny gold bits, causing Bunker to drool in delight. “Great Celestia! Look at them! Wait……hold on a sec, where did you get these?” “I had a talk with our good friend Mr. Tortuga.” “What!?! Crazy old Tortuga!?! That senile reptile that….” Blast fell to the floor laughing, confusing Bunker even more. “BLAST! ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME!?!” “Senile reptile! Hahahaaaa! It rhymes! Now that’s hilarious!” “This is not a game, Blast! Haven’t you forgotten what Tortuga did to you the last time you saw him?” “So he threatened my life and put a bounty on my head. Big whoop, I’ve seen worse.” “REALLY? I can not believe you there!” “Will you just cool it? Things will be different this time with Tortuga. I did some digging and found out where that mystic powder came from. Turns out, its from the castle of the Princess of Friendship!” “Twilight Sparkle? That Alicorn braniac?” “The very same! Turns out its made from within the roots of that tree her castle stands upon. So here’s the plan. We use the cash advance from Tortuga to help us on our journey to Ponyville, deliver the goods to DJpon3, smooth talk our way into the castle, get as much powder our carriage can carry, give a share to Tortuga’s men residing in Ponyville to pay off the advance, and use our share to live like kings!” “But…there’s no way that powder can be worth so much.” “That’s the good part! Turns out this stuff comes in two forms. The kind that’s worth over a million bits, and the other kind that’s worth barely anything! It all depends on the right root!” “So let me get this straight. You wanna make things worse for us by making crazy Tortuga even madder by cheating him on the powder, when already we got the guard on our tails. I’m starting to think you hit your head on the way over here.” Blast rolled his eyes and walks over to the pond, staring at his reflection in the water with a cocky grin. “You don’t get it. Out of all our smuggling jobs, there’s nothing more expensive I’ve carried than this. Now’s our chance to live the lives we deserve. We’ll be rich, Bunker! Think about it! I can finally afford to fix that issue I’ve been having, and you can buy all the rubies your teeth can handle!” Bunker began to fantasize the mother load of their future success. He could see a chamber, full of crystals and rubies of many shapes, sizes, and colors. Each would have a different flavor, more delicious than the last! Bunker started to drool again, licking his scaly lips next to a pleased Blast Bolt. “You don’t need to be a genius to know you’re imagining it. So what do you say? Can I count on my dragon buddy for this one?” The blue dragon drifts off for a few minutes before snapping back to reality, with a small smile on his face like it didn’t really matter that much. “Kay, I’m in.” “Good answer. Now I got a way to sneak past that blockage the guard is placing to stop our delivery. We got the bits for the plan to work, but we just need one more thing.” The white colt walks over to a large tree and sticks his hoof down the small opening of the trunk. “Oh, by the way, Bunker? Get that shovel in the back of the carriage.” “Uhhhh…..ok?” As the dragon searches for the shovel, Blast obtains a small key from within the tree, looking around several times to make sure no pony else was nearby. “Ok, coast is clear. Dig…..ehhhh…..right here!” He points to a small spot by a patch of flowers, smiling eagerly. “OK, what exactly are we digging up?” “Something to aide us just in case things get too violent.” Bunker digs for about five minutes, before hitting something hard. “AGH! Found something!” Blast runs up to him and pulls out a small metal box with a picture of his cutie mark imprinted as the lock. The colt quickly places the small key inside the hole and turns, making a small snapping sound to signal that its unlocked. “Oh ho hooooo! Now things get interesting!” Bunker was surprised to see what his friend pulls out of the box, a small crossbow. He held it in one hoof, forming a cocky grin as he walks back to the carriage. “That thing? I thought that mare you dated took it and tried to kill you!” “Nope, and thank Celestia too! You have no idea how much I value this baby! It’s gotten me outa more trouble than I can count. Under the circumstances we’ve gotten ourselves into, guess its time to dust it off! Just hope it still works. Let’s see here…hmmm….” The colt places a small colorful bag of a strange crystalized substance on the end of an arrow. He then loads the weapon and takes a quick shot on a nearby tree, which instantly turns frozen solid in a chilling wave of ice. “Yeesh…..feels like winter wrap up…..” “Exactly! And Celestia thought illegal magic altering crystal were dangerous. Ha! I beg to differ! Now let’s ride!” “Hold up! There’s still something that doesn’t add up! How in the hay did you figure this all out about the powder!?! Oh wait…..let me guess…..you know a guy?” “What did I tell you about asking things from my past interventions?” “Ok…sorry…sorry…whatever. Let’s just get going…..this time, you pull the carriage.” “Wait….what about that stallion we hired?” “He skipped town once news spread out. Had to pull the carriage here myself! I told you that charade we pulled on him wouldn’t last forever!” “It wasn’t a charade….we simply stated that we worked for a shipping company….heehee…..it was uhhh….kinda true.” Bunker didn’t know how to reply to that. All he did was walk back to the carriage, pouting in anger. “Don’t be like that, Bunker. I hate it when you act all pouty.” “It’s just….sometimes I question the value of our friendship.” “Oh shut up, you’re just saying that cause we got the guard on our tail. It’ll get better, I promise. The crystals, Bunker…..remember the crystals?” “Crystals…….tasty…..juicy…..ALRIGHT FINE!” “Heehee, your one weakness.” “Shut up….just pull this thing, will ya?” “Oh no, my friend….I got a better idea.” “When I hear those words come out of your mouth…..either something good will happen, or I’ll wind up regretting it.” Blast climbs into the back of the carriage, ignoring Bunker as he crawls through their cargo, pushing several things away from jars of old dragon eggs, to bags of changling horns. “Lets see…..hmmmm….AHA! THERE WE GO!” In the colt’s hoofs were a pouch of large firework, causing Bunker to gasp in shock. “Oh no” “Yes” “No way” “Yes way, pass me that rope.” “It’s not gonna work.” Blast huffs with a grin, moving to the back wheels of the carriage. “Heeheehee, you underestimate me, pal.” Bunker can’t help but laugh, as he helps Blast tie several firework rockets to the back end of the carriage. “You’re nuts, you know that? But heehee….sometimes that’s what makes this job really fun.” “You ready?” “As I’ll ever be.” Blast ignites a match and lights the rockets, as the two smugglers quickly climb onto the top of the carriage, strapping themselves in. “here goes nothing, Bunker.” “The crazy thing is that you never know when its gonna…” The carriage rockets off into the streets, as Blast and Bunker try desperately to keep their eyes open from the wind blowing into their faces. Many fellow colts and mares leap out of the way as the carriage zooms right past them. Some couldn’t tell what it was by the insane speed. Blast could see the blockade up ahead with what little eyesight he still had, as several royal guards stared in shock at what was coming. “Uhhhhh captain?” “What now? Can’t you see that……GREAT CELESTIA! LOOK OUT!!!” Several guards run for their lives, screaming as the carriage slams through the large wooden gate they built to keep the smugglers from leaving. This caused the fireworks to finally explode, pushing Blast and Bunker off the carriage from impact, slamming their faces into the dirt as debris fell from the sky around them, from pieces of wood to the remains of what was left in their cargo. Bunker managed to hold on to the large bag of powder and bits before take off, but everything else was history. “Ow……well….that went better than I thought it would.” “Yeah……ow……brilliant……my ears are ringing!” “Bunker, get up….before….” “ALRIGHT YOU TWO! FREEZE!” Once again, they were surrounded, but Blast planned to make things different for this encounter with the guard. He quickly leaps to his feet and grabs his crossbow from his saddle bag, pointing it straight at Shining Armor. “Ok…….every pony just calm down, ok? No need to make things ugly.” “Ugly!?! You rammed a carriage into the gate in a blaze of fireworks!” “That’s beside the point!” “Look kid, just give up. There’s no way you can get outta this. If you come with us peacefully, maybe Princess Celestia won’t send you two to the moon!” “Can’t do that Shining. Gone too far for this one.” “Blast please, this has to stop!” “Did Daring Do stop? No.” Bunker slowly stands, still dizzy from the fall. “Ow….uhhhh boss, Daring Do isn’t really the best term of inspiration at the moment.” “Shut up! Now this is how things are going. Me and my friend here are leaving. No questions ask. I suggest you go back to guarding the princess…heeeeheee….like that Alicorn even needs protecting. She can raise the sun! She’s basically guarding you!” “The better reason for you to give up! This conversation is over! Men, take him in!” “Uh oh. WARNED YOU!” Blast immediately fires the arrow at Shining Armor, who protects himself within a shield. The arrow ricochets off him and hits Flash Sentry in the flank, trapping his entire lower body in ice. “Flash!” “AAAAHHHHAAAHAAA! So….c…c….c…c…c…cold!!!” “Whoops….” This makes Shining mad, as more guards move in on the two smugglers. “Blast……please tell me you got a backup plan.” “Yeah….as a matter of fact…I do.” “What is…..” “RUN!!!!!” The two flee from the guards as fast as they can, as reinforcements from above arrive, shining a light on the two smugglers. “Great…..they got eyes in the sky! I don’t have enough arrows to take them all out!” “HEAD FOR THAT FOREST!” Blast follows Bunker into a small area of trees over by a mountain. The colt had to fire off a few more arrows to keep distance from the guards. They kept their trail on them for several hours, before finally losing them completely. “Sir, I don’t know what to say...we just…lost them.” “They’ll get themselves killed! Without the train, those two will have to climb down the mountain on their own. Keep searching men! We gotta stop those smugglers!” The two could barely stand, slowly walking down the mountain after losing he guard at that small section of forest. Finally, Bunker calls it quits, collapsing on top of a rock. “Worst…..plan….ever.” “We got out, didn’t we?” “NOW WHAT!?! We’re gonna die out here!” “Calm down, Bunker.” “Those crystals…I knew those crystals would be the death of me!” “You are a such a whiner! I outta…..wait…..do you hear that?” “Yeah….thats……” “Move up, pal. We got a train to catch!” TO BE CONTINUED…… Author's Note Chapter three! If you enjoy this story so far, feel free to comment! Would love the feedback if any.
