The Heir and the Chimera

It is morning, Glass Cannon was about to wake up, but an idea popped in his head. The idea was if he did wake up, he didn’t have to live in his current mess. The poorly-thought-out idea had him pretending that he was still asleep.

This plan was working until Ironclad knocked on the door. G77 shhes Ironclad.

Ironclad guesses that Glass Cannon is using the “pretend to be asleep” trick again so he uses his counter trick.

Ironclad knocks on the door again and then says, “I wanted to inform the lord that there is news about a new game at that Power Play Arcade.”

Glass Cannon gets up and asks, “What is the new game?”

The Chimera was shocked to see Glass Cannon awaken so easily.

“So you are awake?”

“Darn it, you got me again.”

“Like it or not Lord, we have to get the defenses, ready.”

Glass Cannon groans into his pillow and then gets ready for the day. He gets a black suit on as a way to show that he is serious.

After a while, Glass Cannon is with Ironclad. Ironclad escorts him to a window to show off the progress of the fence enforcement. It is mostly blocked off with a few gaps.

Glass Cannon comments, “Do you think we can get something to go over that the wood? I know we have points on the end of the bars, but I don’t think it work unless they fall down on them.”

Ironclad thinks of an idea, “We could try to get some barbed wire.”

“What is that?”

“It is a metal thorny vine, my lord.”

“We should get some, wait, why not get barrier unicorns.”

“Most of them are already taken and the ones that remain are ‘overpriced’. They know what’s going on and plan to abuse paranoid stallions like you. You should get some breakfast, Lord. I think some of the staying members are still there.”

“I would like some pancakes. Let’s go.”

“I want to inform you that the Head Chef wanted his last meal that he makes to be worth remembering, so you will have a feast for breakfast.”

“If that is true, I won’t need lunch.”

They go to the dining hall; it is emptier than the day before. Glass Cannon goes to his table followed by his chimera. The table had a feast for Glass Cannon and his Chimera. He notices 5 ponies in grey fire proof uniforms wearing patches of a volley of bullets, at nearby table.

The oldest pony in uniform comes up to Glass Cannon. He is yellow with black hair.

The pony says to Glass Cannon, “Hello sir, I am Dragon Diller Starlight.”

Glass Cannon comments, “Hello Dragon Diller, I am surprised you still have a job with that ancient artifact.”

“It is a feat of Disciple, Desire, and Care.” Starlight says proudly. “Of course, replacement parts help.”

“How come I never hear it fire.”

“We don’t practice firing when you or your family are here. It is… was a rule from your uncle. Should we still have our weekly practice?”

“We don’t want to waste bullets…”

“We make practice rounds out of scrap metal every day. It is one of the only things you can do in a place of peace. Last year’s invasion proved that the Dragon Ripper still can do its job and more.”

Another pony in the fire proof uniform screams, “Heck, yeah!” The other 3 ponies cheer in agreement.

“I wouldn’t believe it until I see it in the afternoon, I want to go to the market today and get some stuff for my bodyguard. I bet you 15, no wait 20 bits for each crew pony that this thing can’t fire a full round of bullets and hit anything.”

“Thank you for an early bonus, sir.”

Starlight leaves to go back to his table.

Card Counter notices the conversion from a nearby table and then goes up to Glass Cannon.

Card Counter says, “I would love to go to the Monster Market with you. I can help you make some more funds now. You can pay me back later.”

T21 hears this and threatens Card Counter, “You will give him your money with no payback required.”

“You will make this a 1-time deal.”

Ironclad steps in, “You will not scam the Lord at his time of need, Mr. Card Counter.”

Card Counter whispers to Glass Cannon, “We will talk later.”

Card Counter leaves to go back to his table.

After eating breakfast, Glass Cannon and his Chimera leave to go the Monster Market. The Chimera is carrying a big sack of bits and Glass Cannon on their back.

Glass Cannon is reading the chimera’s guide book to see what parts he wants to get. He notices marks like circles and page numbers nearby prices. Glass Cannon flips over to the goat parts selections and notices the specialists of magic like Lighting, Fire, Shield, and… Teleporting. He looks at the details of Teleporting.

Teleporting Magic Upgrade: Like many fields of magic to choose from, it is useful when used correctly for both combat and travel. It can be used to teleport groups of ponies, cargo, language, and even enemies. The goat head will have a portal door design with its horns and the head will levitate to show its magic charge and maneuver quicker.

In exchange for its basic lightning attack, it can use any part of the body to attack any foe whether it is bringing them closer or teleporting like claw strikes from a distance.

Standard: 2000 bits

With Magical Recharge Organ: 2300 bits

Quick Master: 4000 bits

Glass Cannon says out loud, “Why is Quick Master so expense?”

G77 answers, “It is a quick way to get any power and learn how to use it within the same surgery.”

“So you can get knowledge of how to use a power at the same time you get it. That sounds worth it.”

A voice calls out from the distance, “Glass Cannon wait up!”

Card Counter is running to catch up with Glass Cannon. He has a case in his saddle bag. The Chimera stops and gets prepared to defend Glass Cannon.

T21 says, “You will not scam the Master.”

Card Counter pulls out a helmet from the case. The helmet is shiny steel with a red horseshoe on both sides and a neck guard. The helmet is about the size of Glass Cannon’s head.

Card Counter says, “I bought this to show my loyalty for Master Cannon.”

Glass Cannon sees the helmet and allows Card Counter to come up to him. Card Counter goes up to him and gives him the helmet. Glass Cannon looks inside to see that it was full of bits. He was surprised to see bits with numbers bigger than 1 like 5, 10, and even 20.

Glass Cannon says, “It’s about time they made these bits. I was sick and tired of carring so many of them or having a servant carry them. We can go to a bank on the…”

Card Counter interrupts, “I’m sorry to say but only the First Bank of Canterlot and the Royal Hoof Bank have the multi-valued bits.”

“Dang it, they are not on the way and they are going to be very busy.”

T21 comments, “I… We don’t mind taking a detour to…”

“I would like to get you upgraded as soon as possible. Let’s go.”

Card Counter says, “I would like to accompany you on your shopping trip and don’t worry about paying me back for those bits and helmet as I said, ‘I give you that ot show my loyalty.’ Besides I know how to deal with boys like that.”

“You can come Card Counter, but you have to walk because there is no room up here.”

“Understood. I don’t like it, but I understand.”

Glass Cannon puts the bits from the helmet into his bit sack. He tries to put on his helmet but has no idea how to put it on properly.

After a few minutes, S151 helps Glass Cannon put his new helmet on, correctly. Glass Cannon feels embarrassed that a snake knows how to put on a helmet and not him.

After the helmet is put on correctly, Glass Cannon quickly orders his party to continue their journey towards the Monster Market.

After a while, Glass Cannon notices more metal on ponies, like armor and weapons, plus more Guard Ponies in the streets. Glass Cannon leans towards Card Counter.

Glass Cannon asks, “Are we expecting an attack on the city.”

Card Counter responds, “Anypony that knows about your family’s ‘hoofing out process’ in their place will get ready to avoid death. Even if it is to move away for a while or just get something to arm yourself with.”

“I would never have guessed other ponies would be affected.”

“Best to keep going, sir. I hear of rumors of ponies who would kill you or other heirs to get the killing over with.”

Glass Cannon doesn’t want to confirm the rumors.

Glass Cannon whispers to the Chimera, “Let’s go faster, girls.”

The Chimera (or at least 2 of them) gladly followed the order. The Chimera started a long sprint towards the Monster Market with Card Counter trying his best to catch up.

When the party arrives at the Monster Market, Card Counter was out of breath. They enter the door. At the sight of the bit sack, salesponies pushed each other to get the chance to sell their goods to Glass Cannon. One of the salespoines get through to Glass Cannon. The salespony was short.

The short salespony says, “My name is Pip, how can I help you today?”

“I want to make my Chimera better.”

“Of course, sir. Is your friend shopping here, too?”

Card Counter says, “I want to make sure that he is making the best choices. But getting something for myself wouldn’t hurt.”

“What do you want, sir?”

“I need my bodyguard to be more non-lethal. It is nice to have a bodyguard that knows how to kill but one that knows when to kill is better.”

“For that Chimera model, it requires a personality or training or… a… a.”

“A what.”

“We are working on a beta part that might fit the job.”

Card Counter asks, “I didn’t read anything about betas.”

“Well, that is because beta parts are experimental, unpredictable, and not ready for advertisement. They do come at a discount but you need to sign a form and give us permission to check in with them.”

“Stop beating around the bush and explain what you are talking about.”

“You have to come with me in order to explain more.”

Glass Cannon says, “Lead on then.”

Pip leads Glass Cannon’s party to the elevator.

A parrot’s voice squawks, “4,537 bits. Now you’re a real customer.”

Glass Cannon asks, “Does he have to do that every time?”

The parrot squawks again, “201 bits with the new one, new cheapskate.”

Pip apologies, “He is the boss’s parrot; we have no control over it.”

Pip activates the elevator and then it goes up. The celling opens to reveal a secret 2nd floor. The 2nd floor has all of the business rooms.

Another salespony goes to Card Counter and says, “I will help you with your needs, sir.”

Pip says, “Don’t worry, our customers are always safe here. Come with me, Mr. …”

Glass Cannon says, “I am Mr. Rubyshoes to you.”

Pip’s eyes open, “You’re Mr. Rubyshoes? Then, we have more to talk about. We must go, now.”

Pip runs towards a hallway full of door with numbers and pictures of locks. The Chimera dashes with Pip and Glass Cannon is holding on to the bits with his life. All-the-while Card Counter goes down with the new salespony to get an item sooner than he had hoped.