The Last of Equestria

by Valystine

Rating: mature
Tags: Main 6, Drama, Original Character, Spike, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Adventure, Violence, Crossover, Sex, Profanity, Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Death
Length: 33287

For the right price, the Underground will handle or trade anything. Naturally, when the leader of the Firefly's asks them to smuggle something in exchange for weapons, they accept. However, the cargo two mares are given is a bit on the...unusual side

Set in an alternate future where a fungal infection threatens to be the end of Equestria, a mare, hardened by years of brutal survival in an unforgiving apocalyptic world, must learn to let go of her past and move on in order to smuggle the most dangerous, and bizarre, cargo of her life.

Along the way of completing the delivery, the mare finds herself losing old friends, gaining unlikely new ones, confronting enemies of new and old, and forging an unbreakable bond with the one pony she thought she despised the most.

Published 2017-11-27 06:20:06 UTC
Last updated 2018-01-01 11:11:18 UTC

Dr. Moon's Voice Logs {Prologue pt.1}

“Is this thing recording? Good, good. Now, let's see. Where do I begin? Ah, yes.

Today is… May 5th, 2017, day twenty-six. This is Dr. Pearl Moon stationed at the ECDC Laboratory #516 in the Undiscovered West. Earlier this morning, Dr. Snow and Dr. Phantasia, along with Dr. Dawn and myself, made an interesting discovery. We found a new species of fungi that we're calling Mediocris Alas, or Fairy Wings. As the name suggests, the fungus is shaped like a pair of fairy wings. Initial test results have revealed that there are a couple of strands of DNA in the Mediocris Alas that are very similar to those found in Poison Joke plants.

Further testing is currently being condu-

*Slam*
*huff* *huff*
Pearl! It's Doctor's Snow and Dawn! S-something isn't quite right with them! They're sick o-or something! They're acting all weird and-and I don't think it's safe!

Woah, woah, Phantasia calm down! I can't understand a word you're saying! Take a deep breath and start from the beginning.

Snow and Dawn were working with that sample of Mediocris Alas an hour ago in the lab and I guess somehow a spore pocket or two managed to go unnoticed as they went through the decontamination chamber. I forget why the left, I think it was to get supplies from the storage closet, but sometime later they went their rooms and never came out.

*Distant clatter*

Did you hear that?! Oh God…

Phantasia, stay with me! Keep me updated here.

Right, sorry. As I was saying, Aria went to go check on them and we heard her scream. She came back badly injured and Dr. Brown sealed them off in that portion of the lab, but it trapped everypony else but me, you, Brown, Cobalt, Zephyr and Aria inside.

What?! Are you serious?!

Very!

What of Aria? Is she okay?

I don't know, Zephyr wouldn't give me a straight answer. Speaking of, Zephyr mentioned that Aria was bitten on the neck by Dawn and on the ear by Snow. Brown says we're going to evacuate soon and get Aria to a hospital, but I don't think we can wait much longer.

Why is that? If they're sealed off and the lab is closed, we're fine until Brown says we've got to go, right?

If Brown sealed off the lab, he didn't inform the rest of us. But, it's been awfully quiet on the other side for the past twelve minutes and I swear I've been hearing noises in the vents!

What kind of noises?

Clattering and banging, like somepony is crawling in them. I swear that on more than one occasion I've heard groaning and heavy breathing and somepony crying. I'm not fucking crazy, Pearl, I really think somepony is in the vents!

Have you told the others?

I did, but none of them seem to believe me. I think Aria would have if she had been conscious. Brown told me inform you of what was going on, but I heard I noise coming from the lab and it scared me shitless.

Is that why you busted in the room the way you did?

Yeah, sorry if I scared you. Before I forget, Brown wants us all in the med bay.

Alright, let me sign off on this recording.

Oh, you were recording?

Yeah, I was going to document the initial findings on the Mediocris Alas.

Hurry and sign off, I don't think we're alone in here.

Alright. *Ahem* I will continue with documentation of the Mediocris Alas at a later date. In addition, I will also keep updated voice logs of the current situation. This Dr. Moon-

And Dr. Phantasia!

*Chuckle* and Dr. Phantasia signing off.”

Dr. Moon's Voice Logs {Prologue pt. 2}

“This Dr. Moon and Phantasia again. We're at the North Star Medical Center in the northern part of Vanhoover with our fellow scientists Dr. Brown, Dr. Cobalt and Dr. Zephyr while Dr. Aria’s injuries are being treated.

Any thoughts on the situation this far, Phantasia?

Between the two of us, and whoever happens to hear this recording, I honestly think Aria should be put down.

Put down? She's not a fucking dog, Phantasia.

I know, Pearl. It's just that, whatever happened to Snow and Dawn, is clearly a big deal. Aria was fucking bitten by them. BITTEN, Pearl, bitten on the neck and ear. That fucking fungus did something to those two that clearly made them lose their minds, stopped their cognitive abilities. Dr. Snow and Dr. Dawn wouldn't have done this for no reason and out of nowhere. They were fine until we found that fungus and they started working with it.

*Sigh* You're right about that, but why would Aria’s light need to be put out?

Again, I'll reiterate the fact that she was BITTEN. If the spores caused this, initial cause of symptoms are airborne. If such aggressive behaviors were being displayed, so much so that they bit another pony, there's a possibility that the cause and symptoms of the problem could be delivered to another host.

Are you trying to suggest that the fungus basically turned Snow and Dawn into zombies, and that because Aria was bitten, the same things are going to happen to her?

To put it in a frank and unscientific manner, yes. That's exactly what I'm trying to suggest, Pearl.

Sorry to interrupt, but did I just hear this conversation correctly?

Dr. Brown! You overheard?

I did. Phantasia, you think Aria is going to start a zombie apocalypse if she isn't 'put down’?

I do, sir. It's nothing against Aria, I can promise you that. It's just with what happened with Dr. Snow and Dr. Dawn, I feel like we really could have the beginnings of a zombie outbreak on our hooves.

Hmph! I think somepony has been watching one too many sci-fi movies.

Wait, Dr. Brown, in all seriousness, I think Phantasia is onto something. It may not be a zombie apocalypse exactly, but we could have a serious situation on our hooves.

The doctor says that Aria will be fine. There's nothing weird going on with her, so the two of you have nothing to worry about. There isn't going to be a zombie outbreak or something similar threatening Equestria. Everything is going to be fine. Now, I'm going to go check on the others and get some rest. I suggest the two of you do the same, and I don't want to hear another word about zombies apocalypses, am I understood?

Yes sir.

Loud and clear, sir.

Good. When Aria wakes up, I won't tell her that the two of you were suggesting that she put down so long as the two of you drop the zombie thing.

You won't hear another word from us, sir.

Right. Not another word.

*Groan*
I swear, he always has a stick up his ass.

You can say that again. I don't think I've ever seen him smile.

I certainly haven't, nor have I ever seen him laugh.

God, what an ass.

Are you still recording?

Oh, fuck! Yeah, it's still going. Whoops.

Oh well. Let him hear what we think of him. It's about time somepony told him what's what.

*Chuckle* Yeah.

Can I sign off this time?

Go ahead.

*Ahem* This is Dr. Phantasia and Dr. Moon signing off!”

Dr. Moon's Voice Logs {Prologue pt. 3}

“This Dr. Pearl Moon again. This will be my final entry. I've been bitten by one of those things. I'm going to record my thoughts and then commit suicide. I'm not turning into one of those things. I hate to leave Phantasia alone like this, but hopefully she'll understand.

Twenty years later, everypony is either dying, dead or one of those things out there. All my coworkers are dead except for Phantasia. We've kept each other alive and going. We've been careful, but yet, somehow we managed to get ambushed by a pack of those things, Clickers I think they're being called. Phantasia was cornered by two of them while she was trying to reload her pistol. I jumped in front of her and managed to keep them off until she reloaded. In the process, I was bitten. Nipped rather, but still caused a wound. I didn't tell Phantasia. I didn't want to cause her to panic or worry. Of course, this is probably going to make things worse than they would've been if I had told her, but it's too late now.

Everypony we’ve come across has either been turned into one of those things or they've been killed by them. If only Dr. Brown would've listened to Phantasia, this could've been avoided. If only we hadn't kept quiet…

*Groan* *Sigh*

Now Equestria has been flipped upside down and overrun with those things. Perhaps it's a combination of sheer curiosity and my scientific duty, but I've studied those creatures out there. 'Infected’ is what I believe they're being called as a whole. From what I gathered, there are five stages of infection.

Those in the first stages of infection have been given the term 'Runners’. Aggressive and fast, they retain their strength, motor skills, and senses. As stated in previous recordings, cognitive abilities have gone to shit, rendering their ability to think and talk completely useless. Their most notable assets are their strength and ability to run long distances without tiring or giving up. As far as killing them goes, anything seems to work. Stabbing, shooting, choking out… it all works.

*Groan* *Hiss* *Sigh*
God, it's getting worse. I need to hurry this up…

The second stage of infection turns the Runners into 'Stalkers’. Fungal plates now grow from the host's head, partially blinding them. Due to this, they're considerably slower than a Runner, but otherwise retain all other traits.

After some time, Stalkers progress into the next stage of infection: Clickers. The fungal plates have now grown to the point that it causes total blindness in the host. Because they are blind, they use clicks presumably to see in a form echolocation and have exceptionally high hearing. They are vastly slower than Stalkers but are equally as strong. The fungal plates act as a protective barrier, so they're hard to take out.

Those afflicted and at the Clicker stage remain that way for a exceptionally long time. I believe it to be about six years after becoming a Clicker that they move into the next stage: Lurkers. Because of the growth of the fungal plates, their bodies have swollen and increased in size. Because of this, they are extremely slow but very strong. They tend to stay in one place, usually somewhere dark, and project vile at their prey. If hit, the vile could very well spread the infection to the victim or kill them entirely. If one comes too close, the Lurker will grab ahold of you and either bite you or completely crush your body. Oh, also, they're still blind and very hard to kill. A Molotov or two seems to do them in, though.

Those who become Lurkers remain in that stage for another four years or so before turning into a 'Bloater’. As the term hopefully suggests, the body of a Lurker becomes extremely swollen and bloated, so much so that they mostly remain stationary. They have been known to roam occasionally, but much like the Lurker, a Bloater is very slow. Similar to the previous stage, a Bloater will project vile at it's prey. The area of effect of this projectile vomit is significantly bigger than that of a Lurker’s, so watch out. Bloaters are extremely hard to kill, but they seem to have a weaknesses to fire. If you come across one and wish to fight it, throw a couple of Molotovs at it's hooves. That should do it in. If not, aim for the back of the head.

Okay, that's it. That's all I've got. I can't take this pain any longer. Phantasia, I'm sorry to do this to you. Keep going for me though, okay? Keep fighting for a cure. I know you can do it.

*Groan* *Sigh*

I'm sorry I didn't tell you. Goodbye.”

A Somber Start {Ch.1}

“Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear Ivory! Happy Birthday to you!” The other partygoers and I chant in unison inside of Pizza Palace.

“Blow out your candles and make a wish,” I tell my daughter endearingly.

Excitedly, she blows out seven of the candles decorating her rainbow shaped cake.

“My baby girl's growing up so fast,” I say sweetly, hugging my daughter, Ivory Rain.

“Momma, I love you so much. You're the best!” Ivory says happily as she hugs me back.

“I love you too, baby,” I say, kissing Ivory's nose.

My daughter giggles and hops down from her chair. She and her friends run off to go play in the kid’s section of Pizza Palace.

“Hey, have you seen the news lately?” My older brother, Apple Cake, questions as he and our younger sister, Star Cake, approach.
“There have been outbreaks of a really infectious disease that makes ponies go crazy in all the major cities,” Star Cake says.

“Yeah, I heard. Things are starting to get nasty,” I say “hope the ECDC can do something about it soon.”

“Somepony told me it's just a city thing,” Apple Cake says.

“What do you mean?” I question.

“Like, it's only happening in the cities. Big ones like Manehattan and Canterlot. There haven't been any outbreaks in any small rural or country towns,” Apple Cake explains “at least, none that have been reported. So, for right now at least, we're safe here in Ponyville.”

“Yeesh. I wonder what the cause of it all is,” I say “things sound like they're getting to be really frightening.”

“Yeah. I hope none of us catch it,” Star Cake says.

“I doubt it'll affect you,” Apple Cake says to Star.

“What do you mean?” Star Cake questions.

“You said it makes ponies go crazy. You're almost close to Pinkie Pie levels of craziness,” Apple Cake says with a laugh.

“I am not,” Star Cake protests with a laugh.

I shake my head and laugh at my siblings.

“Oh, before I forget, this is for you,” Star Cake says, producing a small package wrapped in red paper and yellow ribbon topped with a sparkly gold bow.

“Sorry I couldn't make it to your birthday party last week,” Star Cake says with a smile.

“It's alright. It was mainly just me and Ivory to start with, but you know Pinkie Pie, she just had to help us celebrate,” I say as I open the package.

Inside is a charm necklace. The chain is gold and sparkles a bit in the light. Attached to the chain are six charms. From left to right, the charms are a gold star, a green apple, a black and gold bee, a blue rain drop, a red heart and a green four leaf clover.

“The star represents me and the apple represents, well, Apple. The bee represents you because bees make honey, and your name is Honey, so you know,” Star Cake explains with a small laugh “the raindrop represents Ivory Rain. The heart represents our love as a family and the four leaf clover was thrown in for good luck.”

Tears of happiness well up in my eyes.

“Thank you so much! I'll treasure it forever!” I exclaim happily.

“You're welcome, Honey Cake,” Star Cake says with a laugh “my favorite- and only- niece helped me pick out the charms.”

“Ah, so that's what that 'top secret mission’ was, huh?” I question with a laugh.

“Ivory is such a sweet and precious filly,” Apply Cake says lovingly “she's going to grow up into a fine mare someday.”

“I couldn't agree more,” I say with a smile.

We hear the unmistakable sound of glass shattering followed by the screams of frightened foals.

My daughter and her friends come running into the main room of the pizza place. Into the room pores multiple ponies drooling, growling and snarling with looks of hunger in their glazed over, empty eyes.

I immediately snatch my daughter up and put her on my back. My siblings and I make a run for it to the front door, but frightened and panicked parents and employees block the way.

“This way! Follow me!” Apple Cake exclaims.
Star Cake and I follow closely after our brother.

“Oh, God! It's happening!” Star Cake exclaims as we gallop “what do we do?!”

“Stay calm, first of all,” Apple Cake says “panicking won't get us anywhere. Just keep running, stay level-headed and close to me.”

“Where are we even going??” I question.

“To the train station. Hopefully it isn't overrun or crowded,” Apple Cake answers.

“How are holding up, sweetheart?” Star Cake asks Ivory Rain.

“I'm scared, Aunt Star,” Ivory replies.

“It's gonna be okay, sweetie,” I say in the most reassuring tone I can muster “we’re gonna be okay. Just hold on tight to mommy, okay?”

Ivory clings onto me tightly and buries her face into my neck as she whimpers quietly. The four of us make our way through Ponyville all the while avoiding deranged ponies and panicked citizens. Apple Cake leads us off the crowded streets and down a dark alleyway.

As we turn the next corner of the alleyway, a deranged unicorn mare comes out of nowhere and tackles me to the ground. Ivory is sent flying off my back. I hear her land with a hard thud somewhere behind me. I hold the mare back as she attempts bite at my face and neck, growling and snarling as she does so. Her lips and teeth are stained with a red substance, one that I assume to be blood. Her eyes are glazed over and look like those of a dead fish.

With a resounding bang, the mare stops biting and becomes completely still before slowly falling over and off of me. Star Cake quickly helps me to hooves.

“Ivory, are you okay, baby??” I question my daughter frantically

“My leg hurts really badly, mommy,” She answers.

“I think it might be broken,” Star Cake says quietly.

“The faster we get to the train station, the faster we can find a doctor for her leg,” Apple Cake says he holds a smoking pistol in his mouth.

“You had a fucking gun?!” I exclaim as we start to gallop off.

“Yes, and you're welcome,” Apple Cake says.

“Nevermind that, are you okay, sis?” Star Cake asks.

“Other than a little shaken, I'm fine. She didn't bite me or anything like that,” I reply.

My siblings and I make it out of the alleyway and find ourselves a few feet from the train station. Much to our dismay, the train and the station are both on fire and overrun with more deranged ponies.

“Quick, hide behind that cart over there,” Apple Cake says.

The four of us gallop to and duck behind an abandoned apple cart.

“What are we going to do now?” Star Cake asks in a hushed tone.

“The train was our fastest way to safety,” Apple Cake replies “where could we go that would be safe and easy to reach by foot?”

“Canterlot is the closest place, but without the train, it’d be hard to reach and probably not the safest place to go, all things considered,” Star Cake says “Dodge City and Apple Loosa aren't exactly close, but it would be easy to reach if we follow the tracks I think. They're safe right? Being so remote like that.”

“Perhaps. Seems like that might be our best- and safest- bet for now,” Apple Cake says “but we're gonna need supplies. Let's find you two something to protect yourselves and Ivory with and food, water and ammo if possible.”

“Thank Celestia you're on the Royal Guard,” Star Cake says “I dunno what'd we'd do without you.”

“I'm glad I was off for the week,” Apple Cake says “I dunno what I'd do if I was unable to protect my little sisters and my niece.”

“Mommy, my leg still hurts,” Ivory whines softly.

“I know, baby, I know,” I say quietly “your leg’ll be right as rain in no time, I promise.”

Ivory nods her head and snuggles her face into Star Cakes mane. My sister affectionately ruffles Ivory's mane with a warm smile on her face.

“Honey, how many ponies can you teleport at once?” Apple Cake questions.

“The most I've done is three,” I answer “why?”

“And how far?” He asks.

“I teleported Ivory, myself and my ex-husband from our home to the Ghastly Gorge to have a picnic once. Our picnic was not far past the bridge the train crosses over,” I reply “so a pretty far distance. Once again, though, why?”

“It would be safer for us if we teleported to wherever,” Apple Cake says “the less we expose ourselves to those… zombies… the safer we’ll be.”

“Good point,” I say “I think I can manage all four of us. Ivory is small and if she stays on Star’s back, it should work. But keep in mind, that spell really fatigues the caster after excessive use.”

“I'll be sure to remember that,” Apple Cake says “just let us know when you get tired.”

“I will,” I say.

“Now that we've got that established, can you teleport us to your home?” Apple Cake questions “we’ll take what we can and go to the store if possible. If not, we'll take from another house and you can take us to the Ghastly Gorge.”

I nod as my magic envelopes my horn with a bright orange glow. With a flash of light, we find ourselves inside of my small, two story home not far from Sugarcube Corner. The house is dark and unnervingly silent. Apple Cake blocks the front door and trots into the kitchen. Star Cake gently lays Ivory Rain on the couch and leaves to go help Apple in the kitchen while I trot upstairs and start the process of packing our precious belongings and basic necessities.

I'm in the middle of packing a bag for my daughter when I hear her scream, my siblings shout and three gun shots. I gallop down the stairs as fast as I can. As I come around the stairs and enter the living room, I see the body of a pony laying motionless on the ground in a pool of blood in front of the couch.

“Ivory!!” I exclaim as I step over the body and approach the couch.
A large chunk of flesh is missing from her tiny neck and her shoulder. There are smaller chunks missing from her nose, cheek and chin. Blood gurgles and spills from the wounds. Tears instantly begin to form and spill from eyes as a sob wells up in my throat. I flop onto my haunches next to the couch and pull Ivory into a hug and hold her close. Her warm, crimson blood gets all over my left cheek and forelegs. Small, choked sobs and whines escape Ivory’s lips as her body shakes.

“No… no…” I sob “stay with me, baby. Everything's gonna be okay, mommy promises!”

“Honey Cake…” Star Cake trails off quietly.

“Stay with me, baby girl. Don't go, please. Don't die on mommy,” I sob, gently rocking the two of us back and forth “you were supposed to grow up and take care of mommy in her old age. Oh, please, please… don't die, baby girl, don't leave me.”

The whines and sobs coming from Ivory suddenly stop as her body becomes motionless. I look down at my daughter and sob loudly. Her lifeless eyes stare blankly at nothing, her mouth slightly agape as blood trickles from the corners. I squeeze my eyes tightly shut, throw my head back and scream in anguish at the top of my lungs.

***

My eyes fly open as I jerk upright in my bed, panting heavily and my cheeks wet with tears. I wipe my face and sigh.

“Every time,” I mumble to myself “every time on her birthday. I'm sorry, baby girl…”

A loud pounding at the door pulls me from my thoughts. With a small groan, I get out of bed and sulk over to the door. I turn the handle and yank it open. On the other side of the threshold stands a familiar- and very angry- earth pony mare. Her livid coat is covered in minor scrapes and bruises. Her royal blue and tyrian purple mane and tail- which are usually styled into messy curls- are messier than usual and are ruffled, like she had previously been in a fight.

“What the fuck, Honey?!” The mare shouts angrily “you were supposed to meet me down at the wharf TWO hours ago so we could meet with our client. But do you show up?? FUCK. NO. You leave me to deal with that client all by myself, and before you ask- the deal went without a single hitch and now we have enough ration cards to last us, I don't know, like five months? In addition, we got some fucking ammunition and firearms.”

“If the deal was successful why are you so fucking pissed off and look like you've been jumped?” I question.

“Because, dickhead, after I left the wharf and was making my way back, two assholes decided to jump me,” The mare answers angrily “I'm pissed off at you because you weren't there to help me kick their asses. They got a few good licks in, but I made sure they wouldn't see the light of day again.”

I step aside and let the mare enter my room. With a huff, she storms into the room and looks around. Her gaze settles on the table littered with empty bottles of beer and whiskey.

“Holy fuck, were you trying to put yourself into a drunken coma??” The mare questions in utter bewilderment.

“Sapphire, you've been with me long enough to know the only time of the year I decide to get that drunk,” I say in annoyed tone.

“Oh, fuck, that's today?” She questions, looking at me “jeez, if I had remembered, I wouldn't have been mad. I wouldn't have even told you about the meet with that client at all. Sorry, Honey Cake.”

I simply shrug and walk over to the refrigerator.

“Would you like something to drink?” I ask.

“You got any whiskey?” Sapphire questions.

“I'm afraid I drank it all last night,” I answer “I have water, three lagers, a case of vodka, a case of grape soda, a case of hard lemonade and apple cider. There is also some mayonnaise, hay and relish if you'd like to drink that.”

Sapphire gives me a bewildered look.

“How in the hell do you drink mayonnaise, hay and relish?” She questions.

“Uh, you blend it obviously,” I say, suppressing every urge to laugh.

“But you don't have a blender,” Sapphire says “and ew, why would you drink a fucking sandwich?”

I shrug my shoulders and pull out the case of grape soda.

“You're drinking grape soda with me,” I say flatly as I sit the case down on the counter.

“Aw, no beer for me?” Sapphire pouts in a joking manner.

“If I drink another thing of beer, I swear I'm going to pass out again and this headache is going to go from an annoying but dull pain to somepony skullfucking the shit out of my head,” I say as I open the case and pull out two cans of cold soda.

Sapphire bursts into a fit of loud laughter. A small smile creeps onto my face as I shake my head in a joking disapproval.

“How would you know what skullfucking your head feels like?” Sapphire teases.

“I dunno, but I can show you if you'd like,” I say as I playfully punch her shoulder.

“Maybe some other time,” Sapphire says jokingly “first I've got to gulp down this soda and share some news with you.”

I pop the tab on my can of soda and it opens with a soft hiss. Sapphire copies my actions and then begins to chug down the soda. I sip casually on my soda as I watch. In an impressive eight seconds, the entire can of soda is emptied and tossed into the trash.

“You beat your record of eleven seconds,” I say.

“I know,” Sapphire says, burping loudly “excuse me.”

“So what's that news you had to share with me?” I ask.

“Oh, you're gonna love this,” Sapphire replies “the two assholes who jumped me? Cobalt sent them. OUR Cobalt, Honey Cake. He thinks he's smart and that he's gonna get us first, but- oooo~!- is he ever fucking wrong.”

“Sending those two after you was a big mistake,” I say “I wish I knew where that sonovabitch was hiding. I need to give him piece or two of my mind.”

“That's where the 'oh, you're gonna love this’ part comes in,” Sapphire says with a proud grin on her face “a little birdie told me where our rat made his new nest.”

“And where would that be?” I question.

“Down at Warehouse 2-B in Eastown,” Sapphire answers.

“Let me guess, crawling with his jackass lackeys?” I ask.

“You know it,” She answers “but he isn't expecting us to come after him this soon. I know he thinks we're gonna take a couple of days so I can 'recover’, but I'm fine now and ready to kick some ass.”

“Then let's go kick some ass,” I say, finishing the last of my grape soda.

Together, Sapphire and I exit my small apartment and leave the building. Outside, I'm greeted with the usual hustle and bustle of the Quarantine Zone. The fresh air eases my dull headache a bit.

“Let's take the easy route through the east gate,” Sapphire says “I got Barron to give us brand new identification cards, so we shouldn't have any trouble.”

“So what's my name this time?” I ask.

“Whimsy Hearts,” Sapphire replies “mine is Blue Rose.”

“You think they'd catch on by now,” I say with a sly grin.

“Tch. 'Emergency Royal Military Reserve’? More like 'Extremely Retarded Military Reserve’,” Sapphire says “they're stupid as hell.”

“That was lame,” I say bluntly.

“Yeah, I wasn't really trying,” Sapphire says with a laugh “but in all seriousness, I'm genuinely surprised they're managing to retain power and 'keep the peace’.”

We laugh as we pass through an iron gate and step onto the main street of the Canterlot Quarantine Zone.

Citizens of the Zone mill about the street, chatting and stopping at the various shops and ration stations. ERMR soldiers patrol the area in pairs of two. As we pass an old theater the ERMR soldiers converted into a makeshift warehouse, Sapphire and I watch four ERMR soldiers force five citizens- three mares, a stallion and a female griffon- out of the building and onto their stomachs with their hooves- and claws- above their heads. Two of the soldiers pull out scanning devices and put it against each of their necks to check for infection. The mares pass the scanning, as the devices don't beep like they do when they find a trace of infection. The soldiers scan the stallion and griffon and the devices emit beeps that seem to echo around the street. Everypony seems to stop and watch on with bated breaths at the scene unfolding.

The two soldiers who had been standing by draw their rifles and put them against the heads of the stallion and griffon. The infected citizens let out pleads and protests that are swiftly silenced with two synced, resounding shots. The three mares begin to scream and cry as they're dragged away by the soldiers, presumably to the prison for leaving the Zone limits. With low murmurs and whispers, everypony resumes with their daily lives.

“That's the fourth execution to happen in the past two weeks,” Sapphire says “seems like more and more ponies are sneaking out of the Zone limits these days.”

“Mostly bored teens it seems,” I say “it always risky when you leave the Zone, no matter what age you are, and there's always that chance you won't come back, but you can't just waltz out there and expect things to go all hunky dory. You've got to prepare and plan for these things. Kids these days just don't understand.”

“I couldn't have said it any better myself,” Sapphire says, looking at two closed ration stations to our right.

“Seems like the Zone is starting to have another food shortage,” I say “the last one was bad. I've never seen ponies fight over a loaf of bread like that.”

“Well, if the ponies keep sneaking out and getting infected, at the rate they're going, we won't have to worry about there being enough mouths to feed,” Sapphire says.

“That's true,” I say with a nod “and maybe if they executed those in prison, we wouldn't have to worry about a shortage either.”

“Tch, yeah. It's not like they're going to ever release them or anything,” Sapphire says “just a waste of food feeding the prisoners if you ask me.”

As we approach the east gate checkpoint, Sapphire gives me our new identification cards. A soldier guarding the checkpoint walks up to us.

“State your business,” He instructs monotonically.

“We have the day off and we wanted to visit our friend in Eastown,” I explain.

“Your ID cards, please,” The soldier says , holding out a hoof.

Wordlessly, I hand him our cards and watch as he checks them. He gives them back and allows us to proceed through the gate. Just as we're passing through, a large explosion a good forty feet away suddenly rocks the area. Somepony yells out 'Fireflies' and bullets begin to fly. Sapphire and I quickly duck and back away as the soldiers instruct us to leave the area immediately. We quickly gallop away from the gate and stop in front of the closed ration stations.

“Well, fuck,” Sapphire growls “so much for the easy way. Now we've got to go the long way.”

“Our gear should still be in the tunnel,” I say “assuming it's clear, we could go through there to get to the warehouse.”

“Right,” Sapphire says “we'll just have to check with Teddy. He's supposed to be watching the tunnel this week.”

“Then let's go see good ol’ Teddy,” I say.

Sapphire and I make our way down Main Street and turn onto a smaller side street. Trash cans and dumpsters filled to the brim with bags of trash line the walls. Rats and small cockroaches skitter around the area.

We make our way past the filth and take the side street to Park View Avenue, the sister street of Main. From there, Sapphire and I travel to another apartment building. A couple of mares, three stallions and two griffons loiter around the steps chatting and playing a game of poker. One of the stallions looks up from his cards and greets us.

“Hey, hey, hey! It’s the Boss, guys!” The stallion proclaims.

“Hey, Boss. What brings you to our shitty little corner?” One of the mares ask.

“Cobalt’s double crossed us. Cakester and I were gonna go and show him the consequences of his actions,” Sapphire answers “is Teddy inside?”

“Call me 'Cakester’ one more time and I swear you're going to be walking around with a pole up your ass,” I sneer.

“That's what you said last time, but it didn't happen. You know what DID hap-” I put my hoof over her mouth and cut her off.

“Shut. Up. Now isn't the time to be bringing that up,” I say coldly.

She laughs behind my hoof and softly punches my shoulder. I remove hoof, shake my head and sigh.

“Teddy’s at home, Boss. Had to watch his daughter while the wifey went to help tend the wounded at the Outskirts,” the mare says after our small banter ends.

“If Teddy isn’t watching the tunnels, then who is?” Sapphire asks.

“I believe Jacks is watching it,” The mare replies.

Sapphire nods her head and begins to trot into the building. I follow closely behind her, keeping silent as I do so.

“Oh, Boss, wait,” One of the griffons call out.

Sapphire stops and looks her.

“What is it, Guffy?” Sapphire questions.

“I saw Ocean Breeze earlier, Boss. She was talking to Jacks,” The griffon answers “I asked Jacks what it was all about and he said she was looking for Cobalt Blue.”

“What did he tell her?” Sapphire asks.

“He said that he told Ocean Breeze the truth, that he didn't know where Cobalt Blue was and that she better beat it before you and Honey Cake showed up,” Guffy answers “told her that the Underground didn't appreciate them coming into our territory, especially after last time.”

“Alright, we gotta hurry and get to Cobalt before Ocean does,” Sapphire says to me.

I simply nod my head and follow her inside. We canter down the halls of the first floor until we reach the cafe. Sapphire opens the door and trots inside with me right behind her. An older, rough looking unicorn stallion stands up to greet us.

“Where ya heading, Boss? Got a job to do in the Outskirts?” He questions.

“We're heading off to give Cobalt a surprise visit. We've got a gift we'd like to give him,” Sapphire answers.

“And what would that be?” The stallion asks.

“A bullet to the brain,” Sapphire replies “he thought it would be wise to betray the Underground and try to snuff out their leader.”

“Holy shit, he tried to kill you?!” The stallion exclaims.

“Yeah, and wasn't very successful,” Sapphire says “is the tunnel clear Jacks?”

“Yes ma'am,” Jacks says “just finished my rounds five minutes ago. Your gear is still in that little side room.”

“Thanks, Jacks,” Sapphire says.

“No problem,” Jacks says “I had Dove and her boys restock your ammo because I noticed you were very low on it from your last mission, so you might run into them but there shouldn't be anypony else.”

Sapphire simply nods her head and trots over to an entertainment center mostly hiding the hole in the wall behind it. With Jacks’ help, we move the center out of the way and pass through the hole, which leads to an old kitchen stripped of most of its appliances. In the center of the kitchen, a heavy wooden door covers a good portion of a large hole. Using my magic, I manage to lift the door high enough for Sapphire to slip under it. Sapphire holds the door up for me as I slip under it as well. Together, we gently set it down and slip further down into the hole until we enter the tunnel below.

Sapphire slips off into the darkness to find the generator. After a few moments, the lights flicker on and illuminate the entirety of the tunnel. I trot down the small pathway until I reach a small side room. A single lamp in the corner between our workbenches lights up the room. I trot up to my workbench and start the process of getting my gear ready. Sapphire trots into the room and begins to do the same.

Like Jacks told us, our ammunition has been replenished. Dove even provided us with extra boxes of ammunition and new weapons. In addition to a new and modified handgun, I now have a long double-barrell shotgun.

“Can't wait to show Cobalt our new toys,” Sapphire snickers as she fastens her saddlebags around her waist.

“Tch, I know right,” I say, fastening my own saddlebags around my waist.

Sapphire looks at me and, with a big smirk on her face, says, “Ready to go kick some ass?”

A Rose By The River {Ch.2}

“We’ll have to go outside the Zone limits to get to the warehouse, won't we?” I ask.

“Yeah, which means we've got stay on guard at all times when we do,” Sapphire replies “take this next right, it'll take us outside of the part of The Wall that's a bit closer to the warehouse than the normal way. It'll save some time.”

“Lead the way, Boss,” I say.

Sapphire gives me a small smirk and trots ahead of me as the walls narrow and split into two. I follow her down the right passageway and look down at the shotgun I'm carrying. As we trot down the tunnel, I think about the past twenty years, all I've done between the day this all started and now, and what my daughter would think of my actions. Ivory was such a kind young filly with a big, compassionate heart and had a knack for being the helping hoof everypony needed. I know she would've grown up like that, too. I was Ivory's greatest role model, her hero as she used to say. I have a feeling that she, wherever she may be right now, is disappointed in my actions. I've done what I've had to do to survive, even if that entailed killing somepony innocent and taking their belongings. It seems that the day that law and order left this world, my sense of morality went with it. Can't say I'm happy or proud of the way I live my life and the choices I make, but- despite minor hiccups from time to time, like this whole thing with Cobalt’s betrayal- things are going good and I don't plan on changing it for anypony.

Up ahead, I can see light coming into the tunnel from the outside. Sapphire leads us out of the dark, narrow tunnel and into a large, wide clearing. Overgrowth clings tightly to the walls of the dilapidated buildings around us. Sunlight shines brightly above in the empty, blue sky. Birds perch at the edges of the tops of the buildings and communicate to each other through chirps and whistles.

“I love it when we leave the Quarantine Zone,” Sapphire says “something about it just makes everything seem so stuffy and bleak, but when we come out here, the world- putting aside all the bullshit- just feels so lively and full of color, not to mention free.”

“It might be a shithole, but at least it keeps us safe,” I say “but it does feel nice to get away sometimes.”

“Well, that's enough scenery watching for now,” Sapphire says, trotting forward “we've still got a rat to catch.”

Wordlessly, I follow Sapphire across the clearing and into the back door of a dilapidated hotel. Ivy and other plant life grow inside, covering the yellow chipped walls and dark brown wood moldings. Weeds grow from the cracks of the old tile flooring.

“I used to stay here on my business trips to Canterlot before everything went to shit,” Sapphire says “it was a nice place.”

“Did those business trips include your various illegal activities?” I question.

“Perhaps,” Sapphire answers “I may or may not have had a major role in the thefts of very valuable objects.”

Sapphire stops and looks back at me with an affectionate smile on her face.

“What?” I question.

“I know this gonna sound out of the blue and very random, but, I just wanted to say thank you for being my partner in crime- sometimes in bed too- and for always having my back,” Sapphire answers “before the apocalypse started, I had my fair share of partners, ponies I thought I could trust, but in the end they always betrayed me. You… you've stayed by my side for the past seventeen years and I can tell you have no intentions of changing that either. As much you like to deny it and act like an emotionless brute, I know you genuinely care for me as a best friend, partner in crime and… hmm… we're not really lovers per se, but… uh… damn, what's the term I'm looking for?”

“I think you're probably looking for 'friends with benefits’, but, I'm willing to admit we've got something more than just friendship going on,” I say.

“Maybe when we get back, we can take some time off, lay low and all that,” Sapphire says “just you and me, whaddya say?”

“Sounds good to me,” I say with a small smile.

“Let's keep going,” Sapphire says “if we keep stopping like this to talk, Ocean Breeze’ll get to Cobalt before we do.”

I simply nod my head and follow closely behind Sapphire as she continues to lead us through the ground floor of the hotel. We make small talk as we exit through the front door and follow the street down to an old bookstore. Much like the buildings nearby, it's run down, falling apart and in the process of being taken over with plant growth.

Before we go in, Sapphire stops and points out the spores growing inside. From the shop windows, I can see the fairy wing-like fungi growing out of the walls, ceiling and shelves in different places. Some fungal bodies are pinkish in color while some look almost red wine in color. The plates and spores themselves that grow from the fungal bodies are a sickly whitish-grey color. The air inside of the bookstore looks almost if it was snowing due to the spore particles floating around inside.

Sapphire and I pull out our gas masks without a word and secure them tightly around our faces.

“Spores. That's a sign that infected could be nearby, so stay alert and keep the noise to a minimum,” Sapphire says.

I simply nod my head and follow Sapphire inside. We carefully and quietly make our way through the front of the small shop, avoiding the spore and fungal bodies the best we can. We quietly slink our way around the checkout counter and head through the door leading to the back area of the store. Sapphire and I pass by a small office and enter a dark storage warehouse shared with the other buildings. We turn on our flashlights and pass by a multiple shelves with boxes crammed onto them and make our way towards a sign that says 'Maintenance’.

As we pass by a forklift, I hear snarling coming from nearby. Simultaneously, we turn off our flashlights. Sapphire gestures towards my shotgun and horn, both of which are enveloped with bright orange colored magic. I grab my shotgun and hold it with my hooves to avoid dropping it as I stop using my magic to hold onto it. I holster my shotgun and crouch down to make myself quieter as we move across the area quietly.

In the darkness, I accidentally trip over a box and send a metal can skittering across the floor. Both incidents make enough noise to attract the attention of the source of the snarling.

“Shit, shit, shit,” I mumble under my breath.

Sapphire and I stop and listen to the source of the snarling. Something in the darkness stumbles around, snarling and growling. Whatever it is seems to stop nearby and becomes quiet. It's listening for us to make a noise so it can come after us.

As quietly as I can, I gently feel for something to throw. My hoof settles on a glass bottle. I pick it up and hurl it as far as I can behind me. The bottle lands with a resounding shatter and the snarling moves from nearby to the other side of the storage area. Quickly and quietly, Sapphire and I move towards the maintenance sign.

A metallic garage-esque door blocks our path. Sapphire quickly grabs the chain that opens the door and begins to yank on it. The sound of the door opening echoes across the shared storage area and alerts the source of the snarling to our location. I ready my shotgun and prepare to defend Sapphire as she works to open the door.

“Here,” Sapphire grunts as she pulls on the chain “go through and hold it open.”

I crouch down and make my way through the small opening Sapphire made and quickly get back up. I grunt as the weight of the door shifts onto my hooves as I hold it open. Sapphire slides under the door which allows me to let go and let the door drop and close with a loud bang. On the other side, the source of the snarling bangs on the door, growling and snarling. The area is spore free and the air is clear and breathable.

“That was close,” Sapphire says quietly “not that we couldn't have handled a couple of Runners.”

“I didn't mean to trip on that box and step on those cans,” I say, equally as quiet “I didn't see them there.”

“It's fine, don't worry about it,” Sapphire says, turning back on her flashlight and removing her gas mask.

I nod my head and copy her actions. Together, our flashlights illuminate the hallway ahead of us as we trot on in silence. We make our way through maintenance area of the building and come to a small, almost bare room. A long, empty table sits on the far end of the room. Next to it is a broken and overturned vending machine.

Sapphire trots up a small set of steps and partially opens a door. A colt about ten years of age comes up to the door and is given a ration card and instructed by Sapphire to check the area for soldiers and or any of Cobalt's followers. We wait for a couple minutes before hearing three knocks on a nearby window. Sapphire opens the door and trots outside. I follow behind her closely as she leads us into the slum area of the Quarantine Zone. A stallion tries his best to get Sapphire’s interest in something he's selling, however she brushes him off and continues to trot through the slums. Various mares and stallions give us cold stares as we pass through.

Sapphire leads us through a small bus and around a small mover’s van. A young pegasus mare smoking a cigarette and leaning against the wall looks at us as we approach.

“Good afternoon, you two,” the young mare says “what brings you to the slums?”

“Afternoon, Callus,” Sapphire says, holding out a ration card “we're looking for Cobalt. He still hiding out in the warehouse?”

Callus gives Sapphire a skeptical look as she accepts the ration card and gestures towards the nearby alley with her head.

“Yeah, he's still there. Got his lackeys on guard all over the perimeter,” Callus answers as she blows smoke from her nostrils.

Sapphire nods her head and trots towards the alley. I follow her silently and focus my gaze on the stock of my shotgun. We follow the alleyway into a large open area littered with chest high crates and boxes. As we approach the other side, two rough looking mares- one a unicorn and the other an earth pony- and a male griffon come through a opening on the other side.

“I suggest you and your little fuck buddy turn around and get the hell outta here right now,” The lead mare- the unicorn- growls as she unholsters her pistol.

Sapphire looks at me then back at the mare.

“We just want to talk to Cobalt,” Sapphire says “we don't got any beef with you, so step aside and let us go.”

“To talk with what? Your guns?” The mare scoffs “I don't have any beef with you either, none of us do personally, but Cobalt is our boss so I'm gonna tell you one more time to get the fuck out of here before I blow your damn brains out.”

“Alright, fine,” Sapphire says with a sigh “you've left me with no choice.”

With a loud, resounding bang, the mare falls to the ground motionless as blood pours from the wound between her eyes. Sapphire and I dive for cover as bullets begin to fly. The griffon takes to the air and begins to fire at us from the sky. I focus on him and aim my shotgun at his wings. I pull the trigger and watch as the bullets find a home inside of his wing. The shot causes him to fall from the air and land not far from me. Without waiting for him to recover, I quickly reload and end his life with a couple of shells to the head. Sapphire makes quick work of the other mare and trots over to me.

“You hurt?” She questions.

“Nope. You?” I answer.

“Nah, I'm fine,” Sapphire says “check the bodies for ammo.”

I nod my head begin to search the griffon's corpse. I confiscate his boxes of handgun ammunition.

“If he's good at one thing, it's writing blank checks,” I comment as I search the unicorn mare for anything useful.

“Tch, definitely,” Sapphire agrees “whelp, let's go exterminate our rat.”

Together, we trot on through the opening and go down another alleyway before coming to a large brick warehouse with '2-B’ painted in white above the partially open door. Sapphire and I sneak up to one of the windows and peer inside.

Armed mares, stallions and griffons patrol the inside of the warehouse in various numbers.

“See those crates over there?” Sapphire questions, gesturing to the left side of the warehouse.

“Yeah, I see 'em,” I answer.

“Our best bet it to sneak in through that side door and use those crates as cover,” Sapphire says excitedly.

“There's one, two… thirty one guards inside,” I say “there's no way we have enough ammo to take them all out.”

“Then what do you suggest?” Sapphire asks.
“I think our best bet would be for us to teleport up onto that top terrace where that box is at near that door,” I reply “Cobalt's more than likely hiding out in an office or something up there.”

“Can you really teleport us that far?” Sapphire questions.

“If I can teleport two full grown ponies and a little filly to the Ghastly Gorge from Ponyville, then I can teleport two full grown mares from a window to behind a box inside of a warehouse,” I answer.

“Then what are you waiting for?” Sapphire asks “take us there.”

With a flash of bright light, Sapphire and I find ourselves inside of the warehouse and behind a large box. Quickly and quietly, we move towards the door, open it and slip inside. To prevent anypony from following us, as soon as she shuts the door, Sapphire blocks the handle with a chair.

“That went better than I thought it would,” Sapphire says quietly.

“I know nothing makes your day more than bashing some brains and spilling some blood, but we don't always have that luxury,” I say “ammo IS limited and we need to use it wisely. Dove did give us a few extra boxes this time, but that doesn't mean we should spend them needlessly.”

“Sheesh, thanks for the lecture,” Sapphire says sarcastically “c’mon let's go get Cobalt.”

I exhale sharply and follow Sapphire. We trot down a short hallway before coming to a stop in front of an office door. Sapphire takes a deep breath in before kicking the door open. Inside, an earth pony stallion with a grey coat and a dark blue mane flinches hard at the sound of the door hitting the ground with a hard thud. The young unicorn mare who had previously been going to town on the stallion’s privates screams and cowers in the corner as we enter with our weapons drawn. The stallion tucks in his junk and nervously gets out of his chair.

“Honey Cake! Sapphire! S-sorry you had to see that, I-” His sentence is interrupted by Sapphire.

“Cut the crap, Cobalt,” Sapphire sneers “you know damn well why we're here.”

“Look, wh-whatever you heard, it wasn't true, okay?” Cobalt says nervously.

“First of all, you owe us a large shipment of weapons that you said would be given to us within a week and it's now been three. Whole. Weeks,” Sapphire growls “secondly, you sent two of your jerkass lackeys to pick me off. There's not a single damn thing you can do to get yourself out of this pickle, Cobalt.”

“That is, unless you have you our weapons,” I interject.

“Do you, Cobalt?” Do you have them?” Sapphire questions.

“It's… it's complicated, okay? You wouldn't understand,” Cobalt answers.

“Is that so?” Sapphire questions, looking to me then back at Cobalt.

I teleport behind Cobalt and quickly disarm him and pin him to the ground.

“I'm only going to ask you one more time,” Sapphire says “where. Are. Our. Weapons?”

“I-I sold them! I sold them!” Cobalt exclaims “there, now let me go!”

“Why? So your friend over there can go back to sucking you off?” Sapphire sneers “tell us who you sold them to or I'll have Honey here break something of yours.”

“I-I can't tell you,” Cobalt stutters.

Sapphire gives me a look as if to say 'do it’. I grab Cobalt’s left foreleg and begin to bend it backwards until we hear a satisfying snap. Cobalt lets out a yelp of pain as he begins to squirm beneath me.

“Fuck! Y-You win, okay?! I'll… I'll tell you!” Cobalt exclaims “I sold them to the Fireflies, okay?? You happy now??”

“No, not really. Know why? Because you sold our weapons to the FIREFLIES!” Sapphire snaps “WHY, Cobalt?? Why would you do that, hm?”

“I… I owed them, okay? Th-they did me a favor a few years back and now that they're in a tight spot, they needed some extra firepower,” Cobalt explains “look, they're basically all wiped out at this point. Why don't we just go in there, show them who's really in charge and get your guns and whatnot back, whaddya say?”

“I say that's the most stupidest plan I've ever heard,” Sapphire says coldly as she draws her pistol and puts a bullet between his eyes.

“Now what do we do?” I question with a sigh as I stand up.

“Well, I suppose we go find ourselves a Firefly,” Sapphire answers.

“Pfft- That’s easier said than done, y’know,” I snark.

“Or maybe not after all,” Sapphire says, gesturing behind me.

I turn my head and fixate my gaze on the pegasus mare entering through the window behind me. Her mane is a sandy brown color with a single white stripe through the middle and is styled into a single, sweeping wave. Crimson blood stains the turquoise skin of her neck, chest and left foreleg. On her back, two rifles are fitted and strapped onto saddlebags. In her mouth is a pistol that she holsters as soon as she's completely inside.

“What are you two doing here?” The mare questions.

“Business,” Sapphire answers “what are you doing here, Ocean Breeze?”.

“What in the hell happened to you?” I ask.

“Don't worry about it, I'm fine,” Ocean Breeze replies “I'm looking for Cobalt Blue. Have you seen him?”

I stand up and back away from Cobalt's body with a small smirk on my face. Ocean Breeze takes in a deep breath and exhales sharply.

“I needed him alive,” she says in a calm yet annoyed tone.

Ocean Breeze takes a step towards us and lets out an exasperated sigh. She looks towards the young mare cowering in the corner and stares at her.

“And we needed or weapons cache,” Sapphire retorts “they weren't his to sell to you, you know”

“I paid for those weapons. I'm not going to hand them over to you just like that,” Ocean Breeze says coldly “you want them back? You're going to have to earn them.”

“Excuse me?! Excuse-fucking-me?!” Sapphire exclaims, charging at Ocean Breeze.

I grab Sapphire and hold her back and watch as she berates Ocean Breeze.

“You paid for them?! We paid for them first. They were- scrap that, ARE- ours after we signed the deal with Cobalt Blue!” Sapphire shouts “you're going to give the weapons to us or else! We’ll make sure you and the rest of your little militia buddy-buddy group gets completely wiped out!”

“Look, I'm not going to give them to you for free,” Ocean Breeze says calmly “but if you do something for me, I'll give you back what Cobalt Blue owed you and then some.”

Sapphire looked up at me then back at Ocean Breeze and let's out a long sigh.

“Fine, fine. I'll bite,” Sapphire says “what do you want? Ration cards? New recruits? A part of Underground territory?”

“I don't need or want any of that,” Ocean Breeze says “I just need somepony to smuggle something out of the city for me. Smuggle it for me and I promise you’ll get double cobalt blue was supposed to give you.”

“You need something smuggled? We can do that,” Sapphire says “but how do we know you've got our goods?”

"You can come with me, I can get patched up, I can show you what I've promised and and then I'll show you what you're smuggling,” Ocean Breeze explains “but if you're going to do this for me, we've got to get going. Soldiers will be here soon looking for me. So what do you say? You in?”

Sapphire looks at me for a sign of approval. I nod my head slightly and look at Ocean Breeze.

“We're in,” Sapphire says.

“Good, let's go,” Ocean Breeze says, turning back to the window.

“Wait! Wait!” The young mare in the corner exclaims “take me with you! If soldiers are coming, I know they'll kill me for associating with Cobalt Blue! I don't want to die and I know I can be of some use!”

"Stsh. Give us one good reason,” Sapphire says.

“Okay, first let me just say the only reason I was here was because he said he would pay a shit ton of ration cards to sleep with him and whatnot,” The young mare says quickly “I just wanted to help feed my little brothers and my grandma and I didn't know what else to do. It was so many ration cards!”

“How many?” I ask.

“Two hundred and fifty,” The young mare replies.

“Bastard must've been equally as desperate,” Sapphire sneers.

“But to answer your question, miss, I'm a really good medic,” The young mare says “I know a few healing spells too for when there aren't any bandages. I have experience out there- outside of the wall and the city- and I know how to handle a gun. I'm better at defense and support, though, so I'm best put to use with medical equipment and things of the like.”

Sapphire and I look at each other, debating the situation with our eyes rather than words. After a moment, Sapphire looks at the mare and sighs.

“Fine, you can come with us,” Sapphire says.

“Oh, thank you! Thank you! You won't regret it!” The young mare exclaims gratefully as she stands “my name is Zephyr Hearts, by the way.”

“If you're done recruiting new Underground members,” Ocean Breeze begins “there's a special cargo that needs smuggling and a injured mare that needs medical attention.”

“I can help!” Zephyr exclaims “what kind of wounds are they?”

“Gunshots,” Ocean Breeze says “I think one of the bullets is still inside me. I pulled the other two out.”

“I was taught that should you get wounded and the object that caused it is still inside you, you should leave it be until you get medical attention,” Zephyr says.

“If you can fix me, do it quickly,” Ocean Breeze says in an impatient tone “the longer I wait, the more likely I'll be found by ERMR soldiers and executed on the spot.”

“Right, right,” Zephyr says “I know three different medical spells. I know three spells of various strengths that will completely heal external wounds, one for healing internal wounds and an x-ray spell. Would you say all your injuries are external?”

“I'm pretty sure they're mostly external,” Ocean Says “and before you ask, use the strongest healing spell. I'm basically running on fumes at this point.”

“Is that why you've been so cooperative and non-hostile with us?” Sapphire asks.

“Partly the reason, yes,” Ocean Breeze replies “believe or not, I'm only hostile and rude when I have to be. Usually, I'm pretty relaxed and kind.”

Sapphire rolls her eyes and looks down at Cobalt. I watch on as Zephyr chunters on about the various medical knowledge she has as her horn begins to glow a peach-red color. With a brief flash of light, the wounds on Ocean Breeze's body slowly begin to disappear.

“Damn, that feels good. Beats morphine anytime,” Ocean Breeze says “now that that's out of the way, let's go.”

“Lead the way,” Sapphire says.

Ocean Breeze climbs back out of the window and flies over to a nearby roof.

“I assume you unicorns still know how to teleport?” Ocean Breeze calls from the roof.

“I do,” I call back.

“Me too!” Zephyr calls.

“Then hurry up,” Ocean Breeze calls “soldiers will be here soon and then we won't make it to my side of town. Well, we might but it's not likely.”

In the blink of an eye, Sapphire and I find ourselves on the roof near Ocean Breeze and Zephyr Hearts. We follow Ocean Breeze as she trots across the rooftop and jumps onto the next. The four of us traverse from rooftop to rooftop until we reach the roof of another hotel.

“Where exactly are we going?” I ask.

“To the temporary Firefly camp we had to set up in the Canterlot mines,” Ocean Breeze replies “we were hold up in the Castle, but then the military came in anc took it, but we still have the dungeons under our control. The dungeons are our main base of operations, however, we've set up an evac camp in the mines just in case, and most of my crew lives down there.”

“So where exactly is our payment?” Sapphire questions.

“In the dungeons,” Ocean Breeze answers “I figured I'd go ahead and hand over the cargo to you first. The tunnels we set up beneath this hotel lead to the dungeons and the evac camp.”

“Are they safe?” Zephyr asks.

“For now,” Ocean Breeze replies “the tunnel is very well hidden, so unless you're either a Firefly or an ally of the Firefly, you'd never find it. I trust that when this is all said and done, you'll keep the location a secret.”

“Don't worry, after we get back and get our weapons, we don't want anything else to do with the Fireflies,” Sapphire says “after what happened before between the Underground and the Fireflies, we really could care less if you all get wiped out.”

“The feeling's mutual,” Ocean Breeze says.

“Wait, what happened?” Zephyr questions.

“There was this big area of unclaimed territory both of our groups wanted. We fought of over it for a bit, but then an agreement was made that we would share it,” Ocean Breeze explains “but our groups have very different ideals, morals and way of running things, so tensions were extremely high between those stationed there.”

“About two weeks in, a fight broke out between two ponies, a mare from the Underground named River Boone and a stallion from the Fireflies named Bull Barrelled,” Sapphire explains “it started out verbal, but then it escalated to physical. Then, Bull Barrelled pulled out his gun and shot River Boone right through the eyes.”

“Oh my,” Zephyr says quietly.

“River Boone's death was the straw the broke the camel’s back,” I say “almost immediately after, both sides began fighting again and it soon turned into a war. It ended when the military came in, claimed the territory and drove us out. Since then, if an Underground member sees a Firefly in or approximately twenty yards from Underground territory, they're given the right to shoot them. Same goes for the Fireflies. They see one of us in or twenty yards from their territory, they're given the right to shoot us too.”

“Why specifically twenty yards?” Zephyr asks.

“I don't remember, we just really said a reasonable number and went with it I think,” Ocean Breeze replies “but anyways, we need to get to the hotel basement, the tunnel entrance is there. Soldiers patrol this area and always search the hotel. There'll be another patrol here shortly so we need to be quick.”

“Lead the way then,” Sapphire says, gesturing at Ocean Breeze.

Ocean Breeze nods her head and trots over to the rooftop door of the hotel. She fishes a key out of her saddlebags and sticks into the lock. The key is turned and the door opens with a soft click. Ocean Breeze trots inside and leads us down several flights of stairs, the four of us making small and somewhat awkward talk as we walk. Finally, we make it to the basement door. Ocean Breeze fishes another key out of her bags and uses it to unlock the door. Once inside, I take a good look around.

The basement walls, ceiling and floor are made of concrete, chipped and cracked with age and neglect. The basement is mostly empty, save for a few washers and dryers, empty shelves and a few stacks of wooden pallets. Ocean Breeze trots up to the second to last pile of pallets and begins to push them over. With help from Sapphire, the pallets move over to reveal a hole in the basement floor.

“Will you the two of you move the pallets back after you jump into the tunnel?” Ocean Breeze questions Zephyr and I.

Zephyr and I nod our heads in response. Ocean Breeze gives us a small smile before jumping down into the hole. Sapphire follows suit and disappears into the hole below. I let Zephyr enter first and follow after her. Together, we use our magic to pull the wood pallets back over the hole. The four of us are enveloped in darkness. Sapphire, Ocean Breeze and I turn on our flashlights.

“So, can we have some details on our cargo?” Sapphire asks as we trot down the tunnel.

“Let's just say, for now, that the cargo is extremely important, precious and must be protected with your lives at all times,” Ocean Breeze replies.

“Okay, then. That's extremely vague,” Sapphire says “so where exactly does this cargo need to be delivered?”

“Vanhoover,” Ocean Breeze says.

“Vanhoover?!” Sapphire exclaims “do you realize how far that is?!”

“I do, which is why I'm only going to ask you to take the cargo to a Firefly facility in Ponyville,” Ocean Breeze says “from there, a group of Fireflies will take the cargo to Vanhoover.”

“Ponyville? Okay, that isn't so bad,” Sapphire says “it'll be a pain in the ass to reach, but that's a pretty reasonable distance.”

“How will we know where to go? How will we be able to identify the facility?” I question.

“You're aware of Princess Twilight's Castle, correct?” Ocean Breeze questions.

“Yeah, why?” I ask.

“That's your target; the Castle of Friendship,” Ocean Breeze says “since the Princesses and the Elements of Harmony went north to the Crystal Empire, the Castle has been vacant. We're making great use of it.”

“This'll be an easy run,” Sapphire says proudly “we can just teleport there and back.”

“I can only teleport so much a certain distance,” I say.

“That's okay, Zephyr can teleport too,” Sapphire says.

“Yeah, but I dunno where Ponyville is,” Zephyr says “to teleport, we've got to have a mental image of where we're going.”

Silence creeps over us as we trot through tunnel. The pony-made tunnel reminds me of that of a mine, with the walls, ceiling and floor comprised of nothing more than dirt and sturdied with wooden beams. The occasional lit lantern hangs from the topmost beams. The tunnel is wide enough for two ponies to walk through it side by side. Ocean Breeze and Sapphire walk side by side, the temporary truce more than likely the only thing keeping them both from tearing each other apart. Zephyr and I trot closely behind the two of them.

I looked over at Zephyr and take a good look at her. Her coat is a nice shade of pink and her mane and tail are a solid crimson, her eyes a dark teal. Her cutiemark depicts a yellow caduceus atop a red cross and two white hearts at the top and bottom of the cross.

Those eyes… they remind of my daughter's. A small pang of sadness and regret echoes in my heart. Zephyr notices my staring and turns to look at me.

“Something the matter?” Zephyr asks.

“N-no, nothing's wrong,” I reply “I was just… your eyes… they, uh- nevermind, don't worry about it.”

Zephyr gives me a look of confusion. Sapphire and Ocean Breeze look back at us with similar looks.

“My eyes? Is there something wrong with them?” Zephyr questions.

“No, not at all. They just reminded me of something is all,” I answer.

Zephyr nods and looks down at my necklace.

“Is that a charm necklace? It's really pretty,” Zephyr says.

“Thanks, I got as a birthday gift from my little sister,” I say.

“Do the charms stand for anything?” Zephyr asks.

“Look, we aren't playing twenty questions, so just mind your fucking business, alright?” I snap angrily.

Zephyr winces as her ears flatten against her head and an apologetic look spreads on her face.

“Don't take it personally, Zeph,” Sapphire says “Honey Cake might sound sweet because of her name, but she's a total bitch.”

“Oh, jeez, thanks,” I say sarcastically as I roll my eyes.

“I'm just slightly kidding,” Sapphire says with a chuckle “but in all seriousness, it takes a lot of time and trust before Honey Cake will open up to you. She's been through a lot, even before the apocalypse.”

“I understand,” Zephyr says quietly “sorry for prodding you.”

“It's fine,” I say with a sigh.

Zephyr gives me a brief smile before turning gaze to the ground in front of her.

“I'm glad you decided against sharing your life’s story,” Ocean Breeze says “we don't have time for one.”

“Listen, I know we absolutely loathe each other but that's kind of fucked up,” Sapphire says defensively.

“No, no. I didn't mean it like that,” Ocean Breeze says “I meant that we're here at the camp entrance is all.”

Sapphire gives Ocean Breeze a skeptical look before turning her attention the wooden door in front us.

“That was quick,” Sapphire says in amazement.

“The mines is a large place. There are lots of entrances and exits,” Ocean Breeze says as she opens the door “it's easy to get lost, but that's only if you're foreign.”

The three of us follow Ocean Breeze into the rocky mines. We pass through several small, lantern-lit caves before coming to a large cavern dimly lit with hanging lanterns, barrel fires and campfires. Tents varying in size and color fill the cavern, giving it the appearance of that of a small town. Ponies and griffons roam the area sporting black and green protective vests with dark orange Firefly symbols emblazoned on the sleeves. A few of them greet Ocean Breeze as we trot by them. Some recognize Sapphire and I and give us cold glares.

“What are these two dumbass fuckers doing here?” A stallion asks a he trots up.

“Watch your tone, Braveheart,” Ocean Breeze says sternly “we don't speak of or to our allies like that, even if they're temporary ones.”

“They're our temporary ally? Them? The leaders of the Underground?” The stallion scoffs “are we really desperate?”

“I don't like it anymore than you do, but we won't get another shot at this,” Ocean Breeze says sternly “there's nopony else willing to do this. The only other pony who would be is dead.”

“Cobalt is dead?” The stallion questions.

“Yes, but I suppose that's what you get when you double cross the Underground,” Ocean Breeze “we, more than anypony, should know that.”

“I guess you're right,” The stallion says “but who killed him?”

Ocean Breeze stares at him for moment then at us and back at him again with an amused smile on her lips. The stallions raises an eyebrow for a moment before realizing the meaning of Ocean’s gesture. He turns and looks at us and scowls.

“You'll kill anypony who doesn't give you what you want, won't you?” He asks bitterly.

“Well, we want you to lose that attitude. Would you like to test that theory?” I say smugly.

A look of terror briefly flashes on his face. Nervously, he says goodbye to Ocean Breeze and trots off. Ocean Breeze looks back at us with an apologetic smile on her face.

“Sorry about that, but I guess with the feud between us, it's expected,” Ocean Breeze says.

Sapphire and I simply shrug our shoulders in response. Ocean Breeze faces her head forward as she trots inside of a large green tent, the three of us not far behind. Inside, three stallions, two mares and a male griffon stand around a table with a map pinned to it. To the right of the table, a young pegasus mares sits on some boxes fidgeting with a pocket knife. Her coat is about the same color as Zephyr's mane and her eyes are a baby blue color. Her mane and tail, which are styled into curls, are blue with green stripes.

They all turn and look at us as we enter. Ocean Breeze greets them and gives them a brief explanation on how Sapphire and I are temporary Firefly allies who will be smuggling their cargo. The only objections come from the young mare with the pocket knife.

“What? No! I'm not going with them!” She objects.

“River, we are not going to get another shot of getting you out of here,” Ocean Breeze says sternly “they're the only ones willing to do this. They smuggle things all the time, alright? They know what they're doing.”

“Wait, wait, wait,” I says “you mean to tell me we're smuggling a fucking teenager out of the city?”

“Why can’t y’all take her there yourselves?” Sapphire questions.

Ocean Breeze takes in a deep breath and exhales it sharply.

“I can't afford to send any of my ponies out of the city. We're spread then enough as it is. Who you see here? That's all of I've got left aside from the few back in the dungeons,” Ocean Breeze explains “please, just take her to the Castle of Friendship for me. You want those weapons, don't you?”

“We do, which is why we'll smuggle that brat for you,” Sapphire says “but what's so special about her?”

“She's… somepony special,” Ocean Breeze says, looking over at the young mare “I promised somepony I'd look at after her and… she's not safe here. In the city, I mean. Her name is River Rose and she… she's got a special… ability… that's vital to the Firefly cause.”

“I really have to go with them?” The young mare, who I presume to be River Rose, questions.

“Yes, you do,” Ocean Breeze answers.

“We're not smuggling jackshit until we verify the weapons we were promised,” Sapphire says.

“You can come with me to the dungeons to verify them, but River isn't going to that part of our territory,” Ocean Breeze says.

“That’s fine. Honey Cake can take her to the west tunnel and wait for me there,” Sapphire says.

“What? No, fuck that! I'm not babysitting her!” I protest.

Sapphire turns to me with a scowl on her face.

“This isn't a debatable matter, you're going to take her to the west tunnel and wait there,” Sapphire says sternly “I'm not asking you to get all buddy buddy with her, okay? Just watch her until I get back and then you can have zero interaction with her afterwards. Zephyr and I can handle that, right Zephyr?”

“Huh? Oh- yes ma'am.” Zephyr says with a nod.

“River, follow Honey Cake and her companion, Zephyr Hearts, and do as they say when they say it,” Ocean Breeze instructs “knowing you and your little rebellious self, you'll cause some trouble without a doubt, but don't cause them too much trouble, okay? Sapphire and Honey Cake- especially Honey Cake- don't fuck around. They'll more than likely shoot you if you piss them off. I can't say anything about Zephyr because we just met her, but don't give Zephyr hell either.”

“Oh, speaking of, please don't shoot her if she gets aggravating,” She adds.

“We won't, I promise,” Sapphire says with a smirk “we'll just leave her wherever and go on home.”

“If you want your weapons, I think it's wise that you don't that either,” Ocean Breeze says.

“Whelp, let's get this over with,” Sapphire says “the sooner it gets done, the better.”

“Sapphire, you'll follow me,” Ocean Breeze says “I assume you two remember the way out?”

“We do,” I say.

“Don't give the kid hell either, Honey,” Sapphire says quietly to me as she walks past.

***

“Curfew is now in full effect. Please return to your homes immediately. Anypony caught outside during curfew without proper authorization will be arrested and prosecuted,” A mare's voice announces.

Her voice echoes around the area as the three of us trot back through the slums. Ponies and griffons begin to close their shops and shuffle home. River Rose trots close to me and next to Zephyr, who is humming a catchy tune quietly.

“Attention all citizens. Harboring or aiding wanted criminals is punishable by death. Please, please do not place yourself at risk,” the same voice announces “please report any suspicious activity to the nearest ERMR soldier as soon as possible. Again, it is punishable by death to harbor or aide wanted criminals. Do not place yourself at risk.”

The announcement warning of the aiding or harboring of wanted criminals repeats itself three times by the time the three of us reach the entrance to the maintenance area.

I stop and turn to Zephyr and River Rose.

“There are spores in an area we have to pass through in here and a couple of Runners,” I say “the Runners are easy enough to avoid, the area they're at is very dark. The spores, well, they're unavoidable. Zephyr, you don't have anything on you. If you breathe in the spores, you're a goner.”

“So how are we going to get through if the two of us don't have masks?” River Rose questions.

“You don't have one either?” I question with a sigh “whatever, that won't matter for now. I'm just going to teleport us beyond the spores and Runners, so get ready.”

Bright orange magic envelops my horn and in the blink of an eye, the three of us find ourselves in a large clearing very familiar to me. I instruct Zephyr and River Rose to follow me through the tunnel Sapphire and I had previously taken earlier in the day. Zephyr and River Rose make small talk as we trot through the tunnel.

“We're going to make a pit stop before going to the west tunnel,” I say “we're going to visit a friend of mine and get some gear from her so that Zephyr will have something to protect herself with, along with a medical kit to treat injuries with since she prefers to be a medic than a fighter, which is fine.”

“What about me? All I have is a pocket knife,” River Rose says.

“No, absolutely not. We might run into a little bit of trouble along the way, but nothing that will need a little filly to help us with,” I say coldly “you're just fine as you are with that pocket knife.”

River Rose mumbles something inaudible beneath her breath. I look back at and glare coldly at her.

“So, uh, this tunnel you're taking me to. Do you use it to smuggle things?” River Rose questions, trying to change the subject.

“Me, Sapphire and all the other members of the Underground all use it to smuggle things,” I answer.

“Are those ‘things’ illegal things?” She asks.

“More often than not, yes,” I reply.

“Have you or anypony else smuggled a kid before?” She asks.

“No, that's a first for me and Sapphire and the Underground as a whole,” I reply.

There's a brief moment of silence.

“My turn to ask some questions,” I say “how do you know Ocean Breeze?”

“She knew my parents and they were good friends, so when they passed, she kept me safe me sticking me in this boring ass military school when I was five,” River Rose explains “and I guess Ocean Breeze is a good friend of mine too. She's nice. Stubborn, but nice.”

“Hmph. Good friends with the leader of the Fireflies, huh? You're what? Like, thirteen?” I scoff.

“There's nothing wrong with being friends with her,” River Rose snaps “and I'm fifteen, dumbass. Not that has anything to do with anything we're talking about.”

"So, instead of staying in school, you decided that you were going to sneak off and join the Fireflies, huh? Is that about right?” I question.

“Listen, miss, I'm not allowed to tell you why you’re smuggling me if that is what you're trying to get at,” River Rose says.

“You want to know something? The best part about my job as a smuggler is that I don't got to know why I'm smuggling whatever it is I'm smuggling,” I say bitterly “to be completely honest with you, I could give two shits about what the story is behind whatever it is I'm smuggling. I sure as hell don't give a damn about what you're up to or what’s so 'special’ about you. All you are to me is cargo and nothing more.”

A brief flicker of sadness crosses her face before it twists into a look of annoyance. Silence, save for the sounds of our hooves against the concrete floor, fills the tunnel as we trot. A few minutes pass before we reach the fork in the tunnel where the left leads back into the Quarantine Zone and the right to west tunnel. I turn and trot down the right pathway. Zephyr and River Rose follow closely behind me. The two of them resume their small talk, leaving me to my thoughts as we trot down the tunnel.

Ever since my daughter was wrongly taken from me twenty years ago, I've always harbored a strong grudge and resentment against young children and teenagers or those who survived the beginning of the apocalypse as a child and grew up in it, even if they haven't done a thing to me. Whenever I see a child or teenager, I always think to myself,‘why? Why do they get to grow up in this apocalyptic world and survive? Why did my daughter have to die while they lived?’, but I can never find an answer for any of those questions. I honestly don't think it's the children themselves, but rather the happiness, innocent and joy they express and share. It's all the qualities of a sweet little kid that, I believe, are what really piss me off. Everytime I see a little kid's face or even that of a teenagers or an adult that was once a child when this all started, I see Ivory's face in them. I see the little filly she once was and the mare she could have been if only she hadn't died. I see all the potential she had and I see all the potential that was wasted when she took her last breath. I see the happiness she brought to the world and all the happiness she could have brought as she aged and all the contributions she could have made to make Equestria a better place. But, most of all, I see the most precious, fragile gift I have ever been given and the day it was smashed and broken beyond all repair. That's one of the reasons why I've acted the way I've acted towards River Rose. The other reason? I've been entrusted with the care of a kid I have to take through zombie infested areas. I have to take her to Ponyville. I have to keep her safe from her. The last time I had the responsibility of keeping a kid safe from zombies, they died. She died. As much as I hate to admit it, even to my own self, I'm afraid I won't be able to protect River Rose. I'm afraid she'll get hurt- or worse.

With a small sigh, I stop and trot into a small side room. Inside, four ponies- a pegasus mare, a pegasus stallion and two unicorn stallions- sit around a table playing a game of poker. The mare’s coat is a pure shade of white, her mane a soft lavender and styled into short waves. Her left eye is covered with a black eyepatch with a pink heart in the middle. From under the eyepatch, the end of a scar peaks out. Two other scars cut across her muzzle and mouth, one slightly longer than the other. Her right eye is light pink in color.

The four of them look up from their game of poker and greet me.

“Hey, Boss No. 2! What brings you to our humble abode?” The mare says.

“Dove, I need saddlebags stocked with light guns, ammo, a flashlight, gasmask and a medical kit or two as soon as possible. I need another pair of saddlebags stocked with nothing more than a gasmask, flares and a flare gun,” I say “in fact, put a flare gun and flares in both.”

“On it, Boss No. 2,” the mare, named Dove, says as she stands “what for? Those new recruits?”

“We’re, along with Sapphire, smuggling something out of the city for somepony. The unicorn here with me is Zephyr Hearts. I suppose she's technically a new recruit,” I explain “but this pegasus with us, she's what we're smuggling. She's got a knife and that's all she needs protection wise for the job we're doing. She doesn't have a gas mask, though, so I figured I'd give her one and you know the protocol with flare guns. If separation occurs outside of the city, the flare guns are used to find one another. Zephyr says she's a medic and best put to use in non-combat situations, so I figured I'd give her some medkits and also something to protect herself with along with a gas mask.”

Dove disappears into another room and is gone for a good ten minutes. We hear rummaging and shuffling coming from the other room. She comes back and trots over to me with two pairs of saddlebags. She gives one to Zephyr and hands over the other to River Rose. The two of them strap their saddle bags around their waist and thank Dove.

“Need anything else, Boss No. 2?” Dove asks.

“No, that's all I needed,” I reply “thank you, Dove.”

Dove gives me a big grin and returns to her seat at the poker table. The stallions murmur of words of goodbye before focusing their attention back on their game of poker. I exit the side room and continue down the tunnel with Zephyr and River Rose.

“Thought you said I couldn't have a gun,” River Rose says.

“I did say that and you still don't have a gun,” I retort, turning my head to look at her “it might be a flare gun, but it's not something you could defend yourself with. I'm sure you could if you tried, but be a total waste of a flare. They’re for emergency uses only.”

“Riddle me this; why are you so goddamn rude to me? What did I ever do to you?” River Rose questions.

“You haven't done jackshit to me. I just really hate children, especially teenagers like you,” I answer bitterly “I hate everypony though, except for a small pool of ponies, but I hate children, teens especially, the most.”

“Why though? What did children ever do to you?” River Rose questions angrily.

“They… they did nothing to me personally,” I answer quietly in calm voice “they just remind me of somepony very important to me is all.”

“If they remind you of somepony so important, then why do you act so bitchy?” River Rose questions in a sneering tone.

“Because that somepony was wrongfully taken away from me,” I answer in the same calm yet quiet voice.

“Hey, River, I think you should stop,” Zephyr says quietly “you're hurting Honey Cake.”

“I'm hurting her? What do you mean?” River Rose questions.

“I can see it in her eyes. It's hurting her to talk about why she hates children,” Zephyr answers “I'm only saying this from what I've been told, not experience, but Honey Cake isn't somepony who trusts easily. You’ve got to earn that trust and that will take some time, a lot of it. Eventually, though, she'll trust you enough to open up to you. It's nothing against you or something you should take personally. Honey Cake has been through a lot in her life, even before the apocalypse or at least according to Sapphire.”

River Rose looks over at me then back at Zephyr and nods her head.

“Now, please apologize to Honey Cake,” Zephyr says.

“Tch, you're not my mother so don't talk to me like you are,” River Rose sneers.

“You’re right, I'm not your mother and I'm sure as hell glad I'm not. I'm only two years older than you,” Zephyr snaps “if I was your mother, you'd be smacked across your haunches with a hole riddled paddle and your mouth would be washed out with soap. That's what I do to my brothers when they misbehave. Moving back to the subject on the table, I may not be your mother but Ocean Breeze told you to listen to what I say. She told you to do as I say when I say it, ditto for Sapphire and Honey Cake.”

River Rose glares at Zephyr before sighing and hanging her head in defeat.

“I'm sorry,” she grumbles.

“Louder,” Zephyr orders.

“I'm sorry,” River Rose says loudly.

“Apology accepted,” I say.

“Aren't you gonna make her apologize?” River Rose questions Zephyr.

“No. Unlike you, I can't make her,” Zephyr answers “besides, she kind of scares me when she's angry. Sometimes interacting with her is like poking an angry bear with a stick.”

I can't help but to laugh at Zephyr's statement.

“Woah, you have emotions?” River Rose questions sarcastically.

“Hey, don't ruin it,” Zephyr says.

“Sorry, sorry,” River Rose grumbles.

A few minutes later, we arrive at a blue metal door labeled, 'West Tunnel’. I push the door open and trot inside. The three of us are greeted by flights of stairs. To save some time, I teleport us to the top and enter the hallway of an abandoned apartment building. We walk down the dilapidated, time-worn halls until reach an apartment labeled, 'C-19’. I fish a key out of my saddlebag, unlock the door and trot inside. The two of them follow me inside and close the door.

The apartment is similar to mine in size and layout, the only real difference is the state of the room. Everything is torn, chipped and falling apart from both time and neglect. I trot over to the couch and lay down on it.

“What are you doing?” River Rose questions.

“Killing time until Sapphire gets here,” I answer as I close my eyes.

“What are Zephyr and I supposed to do in the meantime?” River Rose asks.

“I dunno but I'm sure you'll figure it out,” I reply.

I hear one of them trot up to the nearby coffee table and turn on the radio.

“Good evening, folks. This your beloved Lady Bird here to bring you a glimmer of hope in this bleak world we live in. Here's a little song I wrote about two lovers in the apocalypse.
…
Well, I took a walk around Equestria to ease my scarred mind. I left my body lying somewhere in the midst of the sands of time. I watched the world become as black as the dark side of the moon, but there was nothing I could do, yeah…”

Crossed Lines {Ch.3}

Author's Note

WARNING: In this chapter, there will be mentions of domestic violence! It will only be mentioned twice, once briefly and once in a way that will probably be upsetting. If you want to avoid being upset at mentions of domestic violence, please skip this chapter, or at least stop reading after the dialogue of River Rose stating she loves the song on the radio.

These mentions of domestic violence do serve the basis for the way this chapter ends and affects the chapters following it. So for those of you who'd like to avoid these mentions, I will tell you what basically happens during this chapter or after that specific part of dialogue in spoiler tags. For those of you who don't want a spoiler and or don't mind/won't be upset by the mentions of domestic violence, simply don't click or hover over the spoiler tags.

To sum it up, after a song comes on the radio that reminds Honey Cake of her ex-husband, she blurts it aloud, leaving Zephyr and River Rose confused. Sapphire is as well but only because Honey Cake randomly blurted out personal information, which usually hard to get out of her. After being asked about her ex-husband, Honey Cake briefly explains that he was abusive and that he was just a"sleazy asshole" in general. She then tells River Rose that it's none of her business and then the gang goes on to plan their escape from the soldiers. They make it past several buildings and to a museum,
where their goal is the basement. Honey Cake travels down some stairs and fights off the infected holed up inside the basement all by herself. This pisses off and highly worries Sapphire, who busts in with Zephyr and River Rose just Honey Cake kills the last infected. After asking if she's hurt, Sapphire bucks Honey Cake in the chest, pins her down and puts a gun to her head. Sapphire then proceeds to berate her, but takes it too far when she insults Honey Cake's mother and insults her with Honey's past with her ex-husband. This causes Honey Cake to cry and leaves Zephyr and River Rose shocked (because she is crying and because of Sapphire's rudeness to her). Honey Cake stops crying a few minutes later but states that after they deliver River Rose, get back and obtain their weapons, she's leaving Sapphire and shutting her out of her life for good. The gang then somewhat awkwardly begins to leave the basement via a hole in the wall. The chapter ends after that.

Crossed Lines {Ch.3}

“...and that concludes the updated weather forecast. For those of you living or traveling roughly thirty-two miles north from Las Pegasus or twenty-five miles west from Ponyville, I’ve received information from reliable sources that the number of infected roaming the directional areas of those respective cities have increased. The respective miles west from Ponyville, there have been-”

“Hey, why’d you turn it off?” River Rose questions in an annoyed tone “I was listening to that!”

“Yeah, well, I don’t give a shit,” I snap “so just get over it and stop whining. You don’t need to know what’s going on west of Ponyville, I don’t need to know, we’re not going in that direction. We’re heading roughly north when we reach the bottom of the mountain.”

River Rose glares at me for a moment before mumbling something under her breath as she trots over to the window. Zephyr turns to me with a look on her face as if to ask ‘really?’. I shake my head and sigh as I reach over towards the radio and turn it back on. River Rose looks over at me for a moment before returning her gaze to the window. The door suddenly swings open and slams against the wall. Instinctively, I have my gun drawn and aimed at the door, but holster it when I see Sapphire gallop into the room. She looks out into the hall for a moment before closing the door.

“Everything okay, Saph?” I question.

“For now, yeah,” She answers “a couple of soldiers spotted me but I managed to give them the slip.”

“We should probably get moving then,” Zephyr says “I don't feel like dying or going to jail today.”

“Did you see the weapons?” I ask.

“Oh, yeah,” Sapphire says with a large grin “I thought we had a lot to start off with from Cobalt, but the interest Ocean threw in? The Underground could easily wipe out ERMR and take over the city. Hell, we could wipe out the Fireflies too if we wanted. Ocean even threw in eleven boxes of ammunition for every weapon we get.”

“Talk about desperate, but count me in!” I exclaim happily.

“That's one hell of a deal,” Zephyr says in awe “River must be really important if she's worth a shit ton of weapons and ammunition.”

“You know, that's really been nagging at the back of my mind,” I say “I know I said I didn't care, but I can't help but to be curious.”

“Well, like I told you earlier, Ocean Breeze said I wasn't allowed to tell you,” River Rose says matter-of-factly.

I roll my eyes as I stand up and use my magic to secure my saddlebags around my waist once more. Zephyr stretches and follows my lead.

“Eeep!” River Rose suddenly screeches “I love this song!”

An upbeat, classical jazz tune plays from the radio for about thirty seconds before turning into a slow, classical tune of pianos and violins. A beautifully smooth and rich feminine voice begins to sing;

“Hey, do you remember? Back in school? Two fools blinded by young love, me and you. A pegasus of iron and a unicorn of glass…

You swore you would protect me, keep me safe from harm. You promised you'd love me forever, faithfully, unconditionally. And for a while, you kept all your promises. From rough to sweet, rude to mannerly. Suddenly, your friends, they begin to hate me, despised the stallion I made you to be…”

I've got to admit, that Lady Bird has one hell of a voice. From time to time, she visits Quarantine Zones and performs concerts. She visited our Zone a couple months ago and, despite my profuse denials, I genuinely very much enjoyed her singing. The song Lady Bird is singing now is one she wrote herself. It's fairly new and pretty catchy. I'll even admit, it's also pretty badass. The song has only been out for a couple of weeks. She calls the song 'Don't Need Wings’.

“It reminds me of my deadbeat ex-husband,” I suddenly say aloud.

Sapphire, River Rose and Zephyr all look at me with confusion on their face.

“You had a husband?” Zephyr questions.

“Somepony actually loved you?” River Rose questions.

Zephyr elbows River Rose hard in the chest, earning a winded grunt from the young pegasus.

“Yes, I had a husband, and yes, somepony used to love me,” I answer “I understand why you two would be confused, but Sapphire- you know damn well I had a husband, one that I pray to Celestia has been killed by infected or hunters.”

“No, I remembered,” Sapphire says “I was just confused at your… random statement. You don't usually share personal information out of the blue like that.”

“I was thinking too hard,” I say “it happens sometimes. I'm getting pretty old.”

“You don't look old to me,” River Rose says “you look younger than my mom and she was in her thirties when she died.”

“I’m a lot older than your mom, probably old enough to be your grandma,” I say “I'm in my late forties.”

“Late forties? That's not old enough to be my grandma,” River Rose says “maybe if you were like sixty or something, sure, but forties? Nah. No way.”

“I feel old, at least,” I say “maybe it's just the nature of all I've done since the apocalypse started that makes me feel old.”

“What do you mean?” Zephyr questions.

“I don't have time to tell my life story,” I answer.

“You said your husband was a deadbeat? What'd he do?” River Rose questions.

“Cheat, abuse me and somepony else I loved both physically and verbally, and just all around be a sleazy asshole,” I answer “not that it's any of your business.”

“And here I thought we were getting somewhere,” River Rose mumbles with a sigh “back to square one.”

“We should probably get going,” I say “the sooner we ditch the brat, the better off we'll be.”

“Right,” Sapphire says “we'll need to go the long way out to the back. The soldiers were nearing the front when I ran in.”

“Think we can make it to the train station?” I question.

“At this time of night? Probably, but I think they sealed it off already,” Sapphire answers “Nelly and Guffy said they overheard two guards talking about the train station and sealing both it and the tunnels. Probably a load of infected inside.”

“Let's make a backup plan just in case we can't go that way,” I say “if we can't go down the mountain the easy way, how will we get down?”

“You've been to the bottom of the mountain, right? I know four is a lot but maybe you could teleport us there,” Sapphire says.

“I could try, but it'll exhaust me,” I say “and if I can't, somepony will get left behind. I could go back and get them, but then you'd have to count your powerhouse out of the picture for a while. That would definitely exhaust me.”

“What if I just fly down the mountain and meet you at the bottom?” River Rose asks.

“Out of the picture,” Sapphire replies “we're supposed to protect you and we can't if you're not with us. Besides, ERMR send out frequent aerial patrols. You'd be caught for sure, no matter how fast you might think you are.”

“Do you have a picture of the place we're traveling to? Or some place close?” Zephyr questions “I might can teleport somepony as well if I have a clear picture of where I'm going.”

“No, we don't,” I answer.

“I think the train tunnels might be the only option,” Sapphire says “and if it's sealed off, we're shit out of luck.”

“I know you hate Fireflies and all, but I think the Canterlot mines have exits at the bottom of the mountain, you can ask Ocean Breeze and then we can be on our way to the castle thing,” River Rose says.

“And cross back to that part of time at this time of night? No way,” Sapphire says “not only is that part of town swarming with soldiers, which is dangerous enough as it is, but I'm not taking the risk to get lost in the mines and I'm sure as hell not going to trust a Firefly to escort us through them either.”

“It was just an idea for a plan-b, sheesh,” River Rose grumbles.

“Perhaps- and this just food for thought, so don't get mad- you should swallow your pride and all your hard feelings and distrust towards the Fireflies and ask them for help,” Zephyr says “sometimes even the lion needs the lamb’s help.”

“If we can't get through the tunnel, there is always the mines, and if Ocean Breeze needs River Rose to be taken to the Castle of Friendship that badly, then I'm sure she'll happily aide you through the mines,” She adds “and don't forget we could just teleport over to the mines. I know where it's at and so does Ms. Honey, so that's not an issue.”

“I hate it with other ponies are right,” Sapphire grumbles with a sigh.

“Let's just hope the train tunnels are clear,” I say in annoyed tone “let's go.”

Sapphire trots over to the window and opens it. After checking the area below, she climbs out onto the fire escape and waits for us. I watch as Zephyr and River Rose climb out onto the fire escape and stand close to Sapphire. With a small sigh, I climb out the window and join my companions outside. The sky is in the process of becoming dark as nighttime approaches. Dark clouds of midnight grey litter the sky. It'll probably rain soon.

Sapphire leads us up the fire escape until we reach the roof. Boxy HVAC units and metallic exhaust fans rest atop the roof, broken and worn with both age and neglect. A large wooden plank rests in the middle of the roof next to a rusted, mushroom shaped exhaust fan. Sapphire and I pick up the plank and carry it the right edge of the roof. Just as we’re about to place it on the edge and connect it with the other nearby roof, we hear the voices of soldiers coming from the ground below. Sapphire gestures for us to be quiet and for Zephyr to go over the edge. Reluctantly, Zephyr creeps over to the edge and carefully peers down below. A look of worry washes over her face as she backs away and looks at Sapphire.

“How many?” Sapphire whispers.

“More than ten,” Zephyr whispers back “they’re all over the place.”

“Fuck,” Sapphire whispers “if we teleport across, they’ll know we’re here for sure. We’ll just have to place the plank quietly and slowly go across.”

“What if they see us as we’re crossing?” I whisper.

“Then we’ll go one at a time,” Sapphire whispers “help me put the plank down.”

Quickly and quietly, Sapphire and I place the plank over the gap between the rooves. Sapphire climbs onto the plank and slowly makes her way across. The plank bows in the middle from her weight but continues to support her as she makes it across. Sapphire turns and gestures for one of us to come across. I gesture for River Rose to go ahead and cross the plank. She climbs onto the plank and inches her way across. She jumps off onto the roof and stands next to Sapphire. I climb onto the plank and carefully make my way across. I glance down and watch the soldiers mill about, weapons drawn. I jump off the plank and onto the roof. I trot out of the way and watch as Zephyr begins to make her way across. Halfway through, the plank groans and creaks beneath her. Zephyr pauses and looks warily down at the soldiers, then back at Sapphire and I. We gesture for her to hurry up and get off the plank. Zephyr takes a step forward, which earns another groan from the plank. Another step and, this time, the plank snaps in half. Zephyr’s eyes widen with fear as she begins to fall. With a bright flash of light, Zephyr’s suddenly on the roof. We hear the plank land on the ground below with a loud thump and the soldiers shout at each other.

“Nice quick thinking,” Sapphire whispers “now we’ve got to move quickly.”

Sapphire gallops across the roof with the rest of us closely in tow behind her. We jump across the gap separating this roof and the next and stick the landing. Soldiers have made it onto the roof we started out on and start to shout at us. The next roof is too far away for us all to jump across- or at least for those of us who can’t fly.

“Just jump,” Sapphire says to Zephyr and I as we approach the edge “don’t pause to think, just jump.”

Trusting Sapphire, Zephyr and I jump over the edge along with her. The wind whistles through our manes as we fall. A bright orange light illuminates the area and suddenly we find ourselves on the next roof.

“Holy shit, that was crazy!” River Rose exclaims as she flaps over to us.

“Was that necessary?!” Zephyr exclaims.

“Less distance for us to teleport means Honey Cake won't get as tired,” Sapphire answers with a casual shrug.

“I guess that makes sense, but let's not do it again,” Zephyr says in a quieter tone “that was scary.”

“You think that was scary? Just you wait, scarier things are bound to happen,” Sapphire says “scratch that- they will happen, and when they do, you need to keep your cool and your head leveled. All it takes is one slip up for us all to get fucked in the ass.”

“I see your point and your completely,” Zephyr says “but you have to keep in mind that I'm seventeen and I process things differently than you. I'll do my best to stay calm and collected, but you've got understand there are certain things I won't be able to do that with.”

“Are we done debating?” I question “because I'm pretty sure those soldiers two rooves over aren't going to just stand there and let us finish.”

“Right, follow me,” Sapphire says as she gallops away “I think we'll be able to lose them inside the museum if we go down into the basement. Nelly said there were old maintenance tunnels there, but wasn't sure if they were clear.”

“We’ve all got gas masks and weapons, so I'm willing to take the chance of facing infected if it means avoiding soldiers,” I say as I follow after her.

Thunder rumbles loudly in the sky as rain begins to gently pelt everything in sight. Sapphire dashes around a HVAC unit and onto a fire escape with the three of us following behind closely. The rain is cool against my skin and the sound of it against the fire escape is somewhat soothing. It's time like these the rain is either beneficial to you or completely fucks up your day. Depending on how hard it's coming down, rain can make it hard to see, which is beneficial to making a getaway, but if it is raining, the ground could turn to mud, which will leave behind hoofprints and the possibility of getting caught. I just hope the rain is on our side tonight.

Lightning crackles in the sky as we jump down from the fire escape. In the distance, we hear the soldiers shouting orders at one another. Sapphire leads us through several side streets and alleyways. The rain and dimness of the evening make the time worn buildings around us seem more decrepit than they really are. To some, like me, twenty years has felt like an eternity, but sometimes, twenty years doesn't seem that long ago. When I look at how decrepit and delipidated the buildings around me are and how much nature has begun to reclaim the buildings for its own, I think to myself, 'has it really been twenty years?’.

“Through here,” Sapphire says, pulling me from my thoughts.

She leads us through a doorway and inside of a decrepit building. Inside, we make our way past several relics encased in worn glass and aged wood pedestals. We trot into a room filled with worn, somewhat melted wax figures of the Princesses, Elements of Harmony and other important figures of Equestrian history on pedestals. Behind each of them is either a mural or stain glass window depicting images of the importance.

“Woah, these are cools,” River Rose says in awe as she flaps over to one of the figures “kind of creepy, but cool.”

“They might seem like relics to you or Zephyr, but to me and Honey, these were state of the art,” Sapphire says as she trots up to the wax figure of Princess Celestia.

“Equestria had Princesses?” River Rose questions “what happened to them?”

“They're still alive as far as I know,” I answer “they're just up north in the Crystal Empire, hiding away all snug, warm and safe in that city in the middle of the freezing arctic. It's been twenty years- twenty damn years- and they've yet do anything to help their citizens.”

“It's purely wishful thinking to believe the Princesses are doing anything at all to find some sort of cure or way to rid Equestria of all the infected,” Sapphire says “they only say they're working on something to keep Equestria from totally falling into anarchy.”

“The most they've done is make devices to detect when somepony is infected,” I say “we'll all be dead and gone by the time they actually start making some form of cure.”

“We should place blame some other day,” Zephyr says “it won't be long before the soldiers catch up to us, I'm sure.”

“Right,” Sapphire says, trotting towards a set of double doors “I think the basement is this way.”

“You think?” River Rose questions as we follow.

“Hey, I've only been here a couple of times,” Sapphire say defensively “I'm doing the best I can.”

“How about you just keep your little mouth shut and let us do our job,” I snap at River, who simply rolls her eyes in response.

“It's probably best if you did keep quiet,” Zephyr says to River “your arguing is going to be the death of us all if you keep at it.”

“But I'm not- ugh, fine, I'll keep quiet,” River Rose grumbles “I don't want to talk to that wrinkly asshat anyways.”

“That's pushing it a little,” Zephyr says with a sigh “if anything, just talk to me if you really need somepony to converse with.”

“You seem to have a knack for wrangling in bratty, impertinent teenagers,” Sapphire says to Zephyr.

“Well, I do have two younger brothers I always had to wrangle in and keep in line,” Zephyr says “one is twelve and the other is almost eight. They're pretty mischievous and rowdy, but I suppose all young colts are like that. It’s just me, my grandma and my brothers and my grandma- bless her old heart- is always working her tail off so I'm left to look after my brothers.”

“What happened to your parents?” I question.

“They died a long time ago,” Zephyr answers in surprisingly calm tone “my mom died after she had my youngest brother, which left just my dad, my grandma and the three of us kids until my dad died. He and I went out to scavenge for food and we got separated when Runners started chasing us. When I found him, he was torn apart and his guts were everywhere.”

“Oh- er, sorry for your loss,” I say quietly.

“It's okay,” Zephyr says with a sad smile “hasn't everypony lost something they love to this God forsaken apocalypse?”

“I suppose so,” Sapphire says “it's not like the infected- or the spores that cause it all- systematically target us, but you still can't help to think 'why me?’ whenever you lose something or somepony you love.”

Silence- save for the sound of our hooves against the concrete floor- sweeps over us as we trot down darkened corridors. Stained, crooked paintings hang on the walls. Broken vases sit upon wooden tables covered with moth-eaten tablecloths. Soon, the four us come to a set of closed double doors. On the ceiling above them, an exit sign glows a soft red, just barely illuminating the area. On the wall left of the door is plaque indicating exit stairs.

“Are you sure this is the way to the basement?” I question “because the signs say this is the exit.”

“I'm pretty sure they're this way,” Sapphire says “if not, we’ll just have to keep going. There's no turning back at this point.”

“Well, you're the fearless leader,” I say “lead on.”

Sapphire nods and trots up to the doors.

“Wait!” Zephyr exclaims suddenly.

“What is it? What's the matter?” Sapphire questions.

“Shouldn't we put on our masks just in case there might be spores?” Zephyr questions “I can't really see through the door windows because it's dark and I don't want us to get caught off guard.”

“Hm? Yeah, good call,” Sapphire says “it would really suck ass to fuck up at this point. We really need those weapons.”

Simultaneously, we strap our masks securely to our faces. I trot up to the double doors and push the rightmost door open. Sure enough, the stairwell is filled with spores and fungal plates. Cautiously, I turn on my flashlight and peer down the stairs, my shotgun drawn. The light pierces through the thick darkness and illuminates the millions of spore particles floating through the air. I creep silently down the stairs, fully alert but cautious all the same. Out of the corner of my eyes, I see the wing-like fungal bodies swaying gently on their own accord. The heavy silence is disrupted by the sounds of grunting, groaning and clicking coming from below. The further down I traverse through the fungal-plated stairwell, the more clearer the noises become. Once I reach the bottom of the stairwell, I trot up to a closed metal door and stop. The grunting, groaning and clicking- in addition to shuffles, hoofsteps and choked cries- are coming from the otherside of the door. There’s no doubt in my mind that infected are on the other side. Given the amount of spores present and the clicking I’m hearing, there has to be many infected inside and definitely more than one Clicker, definitely more than four Runners and- based off the shuffling- maybe some Stalkers as well.

I turn off my flashlight and press my ear up against the door. There’s definitely more than five infected on the other side. The Underground has a rule about fighting infected when you’re going it alone: NEVER- and we meanNEVER- fight more than five infected, even if you could easily take them out. Better to be safe than sorry and whatnot. The rule is especially applied when going up against Runners. They travel in packs of six or seven and will swarm you if given the chance. Unfortunately for us- or rather me- there is a disgusting mix of infected inside. Any one type of infected together- or even alone- is dangerous enough as it is, especially when it comes to Runners, Stalkers and Bloaters- but to have a mix of the types of infected? Trying to fight them is almost always a suicide mission. That being said, if I take the time to travel back up and let the others know about the infected in the basement and then come back down with them, that’s ample time given to the soldiers to find the four of us. However, if I go ahead and take them out myself, that saves time for us to get away properly. That is, at least, if I stop standing here thinking to myself. I sigh and ready my shotgun. Looks like I’ll just have to deal with Sapphire’s bantering later.

As quietly as I can, I grab the door handle and turn it. With a soft creak, I pull the door partially open and slip inside. I close it behind me- which probably will end up being a mistake later- and crawl forward slowly. With the door closed, there’s no chance the infected will slip past me and make it up the stairs to the others. Not only would that put them in danger, but it would worry them- Sapphire mostly- and make them think I was killed. I shake my head and focus on my surroundings. Everything is pitch black and I can just barely see what’s in front of me.
Turning on my flashlight would most definitely result in being swarmed and overwhelmed, which would ultimately lead to my demise. Luckily, I have just the spell to cast for situations like these. With the help of some other unicorns in the Underground, I created a spell that greatly enhances the caster’s sense of hearing and outlines anything emitting a sound, whether it be another pony, an infected or even a generator. The spell takes a lot of energy out of the caster, though, and becomes less effective the more they use it (due to the lack of energy, clearly). Not only that, but it only lasts for thirty seconds and is canceled if you move. That’s not the end of it, though. No, this spell has a lot problems despite its usefulness. In addition to the effects above, the spell causes disorientation and dizziness. In some rare cases, it does also cause temporary blindness. Because of that, the spell is mostly only used as a last resort. Hell, it might be a little unrefined, but that spell has saved my ass more than once. That spell was the first I- or any of the other Underground unicorns for that matter- had ever made, so side effects and problems were unavoidable.

I shake my head and mentally slap myself. Just crouching here in the darkness and thinking is wasting time. With a sharp, quiet exhale, my horn is briefly enveloped by bright orange magic. Anything I previously could see in the darkness disappears and is enveloped by pitch black darkness. Around me, several things become outlined in a bright white. With the help of this spell, I'm able to determine the number of infected inside the basement. With the outlines, I can make out six Runners, two Clickers and one Stalker. Numerous fungal plates are outlined as well, but these are ignored. My ears twitch as they focus on every noise the infected make, every small breath, grunt, mutter and groan they make, every single step they take. The clicks being emitted from the Clickers resonate in my ears, which rattles my brain a little.

I take a deep breath in and take a step forward. Everything turns back to normal and the outlines disappear. For a brief moment, a wave of dizziness washes over me, but I soon regain my focus and prepare myself for one hell of a fight. No matter how sneaky I try to be, blood and bullets will definitely be shed. Thankfully, I memorized the locations the outlines of where the infected were, so hopefully I can stealthy take out a few Runners and or that Stalker.

In the darkness, I make my way to my first target and take great care to avoid bumping into or tripping over anything. The sound of soft, choked sobs and grunting catches my attention. I look to my left and see the faint outline of a Runner with its back to me. By the body shape, I'm able to make it out that it’s a pegasus mare.

I creep up behind the infected, sobbing mare and crawl around the right side of her. In the blink of an eye, I have my forelegs squeezed tightly around her neck. I pull up hard on her neck and stumble back onto my haunches. The mare emits quiet chokes and squirms in my grip as I wrap my back legs around her waist and ease gently onto my back, pulling harder and harder until I can pull no harder nor further. The mare tries her best to squirm and buck her way free, but soon, she's still and quiet in my grasp. With a sigh, I release my grip on the mare and push her off of me. I get up, dust myself off and crouch back down. I wander around the basement as quietly as I possibly can and manage to choke out three more Runners without being noticed. I quickly and quietly switch out my shotgun for one of the shivs inside of my saddlebags as I approach the backside of one of the Clickers. With a deep breath, I quickly grab the Clicker from behind and stab the shiv deep into its neck. The Clicker twitches hard and lets out a small click of distress before becoming still. Dark, red- nearly black in this darkness- blood seeps out from around the shiv and dribbles down the Clicker’s neck.

Four Runners and one Clicker down, two more Runners, a Clicker and a Stalker left to go. Quietly but in a decent, slightly faster pace, I continue to wander the basement in search of my next target. In my slight haste to hurry and clear the infected, I accidentally kick a glass bottle and send it skittering across the floor. It clinks against a wall and rolls to a stop. Around me, I hear the Runners and Stalker let out shouts of agitation and the Clicker emit a loud shriek of anger.

Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck! I've really done it now! I've been so careful and quiet and- UGH!

I pull out my shotgun and quickly retrace my steps back to the door. I turn on my flashlight and wait, my shotgun at the ready. Within moments, the disgusting, veiny faces of the Runners come into view. Quickly, I also draw my pistols and take aim at my enemies. Time seems to slow down as each bullet and shell leaves the chambers of my firearms and hurls themselves towards the heads and necks of the infected before me. In no time at all, the Runners are mowed down. Their bodies drop to the floor as blood gushes from their bullet wounds and pools beneath their warped, colorless bodies.

In the blink of an eye, I find myself being tackled and pinned to the ground on my back. The sudden attack from the Stalker causes a moment of fear and throws me off guard. My guns fall to the floor with a loud clatter. The Stalker- a unicorn stallion- attempts to take a chunk out of my mask and face. It takes all of my strength to hold him back and keep him from biting any part of my body. I quickly summon a bright orange magical shield that sends the Stalker flying backwards. He lands with a loud thump and grunts loudly. The move gives me just enough time to stand up and ready my guns. The Stalker lets out a scream of anger and comes charging at me. He barely manages to make it a foot before falling dead to the ground, blood pouring from his wounds and gathering below him.

Behind me, I hear the shrill cry of a Clicker and just barely manage to dodge the plate-faced mare as she charges forward. Angrily, she whips her fungal-plated head back and forth as she emits quick, sharp clicks in quick successions in front of me. Without hesitation, I aim for the back of her head and put three bullets into her skull. Just as her body falls to the ground, the basement door swings open violently and Sapphire bolts into the room with her weapons drawn. Zephyr and River Rose follow behind her closely with their weapons drawn as well.

“Honey Cake!! Are you okay?!” Sapphire exclaims as she gallops up to me “Are you hurt?? Are you bitten??”

“I'm fine, Sapphire,” I say “my chest just hurts a little from being forcefully winded, but that's the extent of my injuries.”

“Your chest hurts?” Sapphire questions in a tone as if she were speaking to a child.

Without warning, she bucks me hard in the chest. A loud gasp escapes my lips as all the air in my lungs is forced out of body. I stumble backwards and fall onto my haunches. Pain hits my chest like a freight train as I struggle to catch my breath.

“Woah, what the fuck Sapphire?!” River Rose exclaims.

“Shut up and stay out of this!” Sapphire sneers at her.

I’ve just barely catched my breath when Sapphire kicks me again and pins me against the floor. The wind I had barely regained leaves my body as Sapphire places the barrel of her gun against my forehead. I try to speak, but all that comes out are winded gasps.

“What the fuck, Honey Cake?! What in the actual fuck?!” Sapphire exclaims “the hell did you think you were doing?! Trying to show off and be a badass hero?! Being a fucking reckless idiot is all you were doing!! You could've been killed!! Why didn't you let us know first?! We could've helped you!! Do you know how upset, sad and angry I would've been if you had died down here all by yourself?!

Why don't you stop thinking of yourself for once and think about how other ponies feel, huh?! HUH?!! You… you fucking bastard!! Didn't your mother ever teach you that there's no 'I’ in 'Team’?! Or was she just as ignorant and self centered as you?! Did all those blows from that bag of meat you call an ex-husband fuck up your small ass brain or something?! Did you fucking forget about the rules of fighting infected and going it alone that we have?! Or did you just blatantly ignore them?! Huh?! HUH?! Answer me you fucking bitch!!”

Welcomed silence- save for Sapphire's heavy breathing- fills the basement. Sapphire stares me right in the eyes, tears welling up and spilling from her emerald green eyes. She's angry, but also sad and upset, and it's honestly understandable.Anger and sadness well up and conflict in my chest. Part of me wants to fight Sapphire, even kill her, for insulting my mother and insulting me with my turbulent past- for just insulting me in such a crude manner in general with a gun to my head. The other half of me, however, wants to burst into tears and run away as far as I can from her and just hide. A small, insignificant and quiet part me wants nothing more than for Sapphire to pull the trigger… to end my life.

What feels like an eternity passes by before the silence is broken by a quiet sob. It takes a moment for me to realize that the sob had came from my mouth. Tears I didn't notice I had been holding back fall from my eyes and wet my face as more sobs escape my lips. It seems the part of me that wanted to run away, crying and sobbing my heart out, has come out on top. More tears and sobs came and soon, I couldn't control them any longer. They just kept coming like a flood.

“Holy shit,” River mumbles in a shocked awe “you… you made her cry!”

“I know I haven't known any of you long, but from the time we've been together, I know Honey Cake is a strong mare, physically and emotionally. Stone cold and rock hard,” Zephyr says “it takes a lot to break somepony like that. You broke Honey Cake, Sapphire. It’s understandable for you to be upset, but you took things too far. Honey Cake probably wants to go home or run away now, so congrats! You've done and fucked up the mission!”

Sapphire looks back at Zephyr and River Rose for a moment before turning her attention back to me. Waves of guilt, sadness and anguish hit me likes tsunami waves. I want to rip off my gas mask and inhale the spores. I want that trigger to be pulled. I… I just really want to be with Ivory Rain again. Guilt, old and new, and anguish from my past flood my heart and mind. It's unbearable and I want it to stop. Why won't it stop?!

Sapphire holsters her gun and pulls me onto my haunches. I'm still a sobbing mess and I feel so ashamed… so embarrassed.

“I'm sorry, I went too far,” Sapphire says quietly “I didn't mean any of it, I swear to Celestia I didn't. Please stop crying. We have to go. They'll find us if we don't leave. You have to stop crying, Honey. Please, I'm so sorry. I'll make it up to you later, I promise. You know I keep my promises. I'm sorry. I'm sorry…”

Sapphire trails off as she backs away from me, guilt and regret apparent on her face. It takes everything in me to suck it up and stop crying. The sobs coming from me are soon replaced by hiccups, small half-choked whimpers and sniffles as I stand up.

“I'll keep going, but only because I want those weapons,” I sniff “the sooner we get this done, the sooner I can get away from you forever.”

“Forever?” Sapphire questions quietly.

“Forever,” I answer with a hiccup “that's the third time you've gone too far in the seventeen years I've known you. I've always forgiven you for the small slip ups, and even the big ones, but you've striked out this time. Haven't you heard the term 'Three strikes and your out’?”

“I… you're right,” Sapphire says quietly “I wholeheartedly deserve that. Just promise me you'll find somepony to look after you, okay?”

“I'm not promising you jackshit,” I snap “let's just get going.”

“R-right,” Sapphire stammers “follow me.”

Reluctantly, I follow after Sapphire through the basement. She leads the three of us to a hole in the basement wall partially blocked by a old, broken vending machine that's fallen over onto a second vending machine. Without a word, Sapphire attempts to move the machines all on her own, but they just barely scoot forward a couple of inches. Zephyr and River Rose join her and together they manage to half unblock the way. The machines could’ve been completely moved if I had decided to help, but I'm just too angry and upset with Sapphire to help out, which- in all honesty- is really fucking petty. I watch as Sapphire squeezes through the gap they created and enter the hole. Zephyr and River Rose follow her lead and soon the three of them are waiting for me inside of the hole. I take in a deep breath, exhale sharply and squeeze past the machines and into the hole.

This is gonna be a long mission...

Forgiveness {Ch.4}

A gentle breeze floats through the silent city of Baltimare and through the rundown buildings surrounding me. The breeze is cool against my yellow skin as it gently tosses my brown mane. Around me, three stallions and four other mares walk around bored and armed with small pistols, broken boards, baseball bats and metal pipes- some with nails, some without. The majority of them are dressed in tattered, raggedy clothing. The rest of them and I are dressed in light clothing with improvised armor.

The eight of us are waiting next to a broken, busted up bus on a hill. I can tell some of them are getting impatient by the looks on their faces. The bus we’re waiting around is part of an ambush scheme I and the other Hunters devised to capture and kill other ponies, ones we call 'Tourists’. Tourists are nothing more than scavenging, wandering ponies who unknowingly found their way into our city, into Baltimare. Unbeknownst to them, the entirety of Baltimare is a trap. There's no one place a Tourist can really go to escape a Hunter here in Baltimare. Ambushes are set up all over the city to surprise Tourists. Scouts are all over the perimeter to let those signed up for ambushes know whenever a Tourist enters the city. If somehow a Tourist escaped the grasp of ambushers and made it into the inner city, they'd be caught by the dozens of patrols that stand on guard. Not even the infected are safe if they wander into the city, not that we care. One way or another, they’ll end up wandering into the Pit, an area in the middle that traps in infected, leaving us to pick them off for the fun of it, like a shooting range of sorts.

The walkie-talkie attached to my bullet proof vest buzzes and a feminine voice comes through;

“I got ten Tourists heading into your sector of the city. Got that bus ram ready?”

The others look at me with excitement plastered to their faces. I press a button on my walkie-talkie and answer the mare on the other end;

“As ready as it'll ever be.”

The voice snickers and comes back through;

“Good, I'll alert the others. The Tourists are pretty well armed, so be careful.”

“Will do,” I say.

My walkie-talkie falls silence as the others and I get ready to push the bus down the hill. We stand there, ready and waiting, until we receive the signal to push. Five minutes later, a flare whistles into the air and bursts into a bright red cloud in the sky. The others shout in excitement as we begin to push the bus. We push the heavy hunk of metal on wheels a few feet until it begins to roll all on its own down the hill, picking up speed as it goes.

We watch seven Tourists gallop into the three way intersection as the bus approaches the bottom of the hill. My fellow Hunters cheer as the bus runs over two of the Tourists. We watch as blood squirts out from either side of the front of the bus as it rams into a building. Weapons drawn, we charge down the hill towards the remaining Tourists, who run off in search of cover. Three of them duck into a rundown convenience store, two of them run off into an alleyway.

My group of Hunters split up and take after the Tourists. Three Hunters- two mares, one stallion- and I follow after the Tourists who've taken shelter in the store. The windows of the convenience store are all busted open and broken. The shelves and freezers inside are picked clean and the rest of the store is a complete mess, glass and wood pretty much everywhere- a product of one of our earlier raids and an ambush against previous Tourists who've come through here.

One of the Tourists- an earth pony mare with a livid coat, a royal blue and tyrian purple mane and tail styled into messy curls and a cutiemark depicting a single large, bright teal gem- darts through a door and hides in the back storage area of the store.

“Get the bitch in the back,” One Hunter says to me “we'll take care of these fuckers.”

I simply nod my head at her in response as I canter away. I make my way around the emptied shelves and towards the door the mare had gone through, all the while dodging bullets sent my way from all three Tourists. I quickly slide behind a fallen vending machine and take cover as I wait for the right opportunity to charge into the back room. Bullets whizz over the vending machine and find new homes in things outside the store. Moments later, I hear the unmistakable sound of a gun being reloaded and use that opportunity to charge into the storage room.

Once in the back room, I tackle the mare, pin her to the ground and put my gun up to her head. The mare looks up at me with beautiful but angry emerald green eyes. My heart flutters and falls into the pit of my stomach. Something in my head starts yelling at me to not kill this mare, so I just freeze, still on top of her with my gun to her forehead. I feel my face relax from an expression of anger to one of soft shock as I stare into her eyes.

“What's the matter? Having second thoughts?” The mare sneers.

I shake my head and my expression of anger returns to my face.

“Of course not, just savoring the moment,” I sneer back.

My statement was an empty one and had no truth behind it. I can't bring myself to kill her. Something inside of me won't let me do it, but if I let her get away, the other Hunters will surely claim treason and kill me.

“Take a picture, it'll last longer,” She snaps as she spits in my face.

I sigh angrily and wipe the spit off my face.

“Look, I'm gonna cut to the chase,” I say “I can't bring myself to kill you.”

The mare’s expression changes to one of surprise.

“Wh-what? Really?” She questions “so you'll let me go?”

“Yes, really,” I answer “I'll let you go, but I'm coming with you. I can't stay here anymore if I do.”

“And why's that?” She asks.

“Because the other Hunters will claim treason and kill me,” I reply.

“Hunters? Is that what you're calling yourselves?” The mare questions with a laugh “sounds fitting, though.”

“Yeah, well, keep it down. We don't got long to talk,” I say “I'm going to let you go, but you're going to let me come along.”

“Why should I?” She questions in snarky tone “give me one good reason.”

“The entire city is one big trap, you'll never make out alive without my help,” I answer.

“I suppose that's good enough,” She says “but I'll let you come with me under one condition.”

“What's that?” I question.

“To make up for ambushing me and my companions, squishing two of my best fighters with a bus and being apart of the Hunters killing my friends,” The mare begins “you have to join MY group, the Underground, and be my little assistant and do whatever I fucking say.”

I let out a small growl before sighing.

“Fine, fine, whatever,” I sneer “I'll do it. Happy?”

“Very,” The mare says “now get off of me.”

I let go of the mare and get off of her. She stands up and quickly grabs her gun. The mare dusts herself off and trots over to the door on the other side of the room. I follow her outside into an alleyway. Half way up, she stops and looks back at me.

“Sparkles, Sapphire Sparkles,” She says, holding out her hoof.

“Honey Cake,” I say, grabbing her hoof and shaking it.

The mare grins at me and trots off down the alleyway.

***

That same mare I met that day leads me now through the abandoned maintenance tunnels of the old Canterlot museum. As we've traveled through these tunnels, occasionally fighting infected, I've reflected on all the years, all the time and all the blood and bullets Sapphire and I had spent together. I've reflected on all the memories we've had together, the good ones, the bad ones… even the half-drunk, exhilarating ones of us in bed together. It wasn't until our first Hearth's Warming Eve together that I realized why I couldn't bring myself to kill her in Baltimare. It was love at first sight that had kept me from pulling that trigger, love that I still have for her. I had kept my feelings a secret from her for two years, partially because I had built a wall around my heart and was scared of losing her if I had told her and partially because I didn't want to embarrass myself and make things awkward between us if I told her. It wasn't until Hearts and Hooves day those two years later that Sapphire knew of my feelings for her, but that had been after she had made me aware that she too was in love with me by giving me a box of chocolates and bottle of whiskey she had stolen from some soldiers and a long, semi-awkward speech. However, because of the nature of our line of work, Sapphire and I never got to find the time to be a real couple and because of that, our feelings for each subsided but they were still there, as evident by the numerous times we've came to each other's apartments, had some drinks, shared some laughs and then somehow found ourselves in bed together and waking up the next morning hot, sweaty- also sticky with a substance that was definitely NOT sweat- and snuggled up together.

I know I told Sapphire that I meant it when I said I was going to keep her out of my life forever, but thinking back on all the memories and all the time we've shared together, I don't know if I could really keep her out for long, let alone forever. Even though she hurt my feelings, hit me hard in memories I had buried away and crossed lines she shouldn't have, I still find myself loving Sapphire. Even though I'm still a little mad at her for crossing lines that should never had been crossed, I fully understand why she went where she did. She said those things because she was worried, scared and terrified at the thought she could've lost me and honestly, it's completely all my fault. I can't say I knew this was exactly what I thought would happen when I went into the basement alone, but I was fully aware of what the consequences would be and had a good idea of what Sapphire would say and do afterwards. I don't think I can really blame Sapphire much at all.

I sigh and look up at Sapphire, who's in front of Zephyr Hearts and River Rose, both of which are in front of me. I let out another sigh as I trot past the two young mares and up next to Sapphire, who looks at me with an expression of guilt and sadness spread across her face.

“Life isn't a baseball game and forever is a long time to be alone,” I say quietly as I kiss Sapphire’s cheek “I forgive you, okay? I thought about it and- even though you crossed some lines you should never have crossed- I decided I couldn't really blame you for scolding me the way you did. It.. it was my fault. I knew what I was doing and that I'd hear a banter from you afterwards. So, with that said, I'm sorry for breaking the rules but more so for scaring you, worrying you and making you think you could've lost me.”

Sapphire stops walking and stares at me. Her expression softens as she gives me a sad smile. I stop as well and stare back at her.

“I didn't mean to say the things I said. I knew what I was saying but I didn't mean for them to come out the way they did,” Sapphire says “I… still feel horrible for saying that about your mother, but even more so for saying what I said about you and your ex-husband. I know you care for me and others and in fact, more often than not, you actually put others before yourself. I know you said you forgive me, but I still feel horrible.”

“Well, don't,” I say “because you look fucking ugly when you frown, cry and look sad.”

Sapphire chuckles and softly punches me in the shoulder.

“You look pretty ugly too when you cry, frown and look sad,” Sapphire says quietly with a less sad smile.

“So that's pretty much all the time,” I say with a laugh.

Sapphire laughs and gently bops me on the nose.

“Nah, I'm kidding,” Sapphire says “I think you always look beautiful, especially when you're kicking some ass and fuc- er-”

Sapphire’s cheeks turn several shades of red as she cuts herself off and glances over at Zephyr and River Rose.

“Ew, I really hope you weren't about to say what I thought you were going to,” River Rose says in a disgusted tone.

“Not that it's any of your business, but there's nothing wrong with Sapphire telling me she likes it when I kick ass,” I sneer, looking over at River “and fuck hers.”

“Honey Cake!” Sapphire exclaims in an embarrassed tone as she punches me in the shoulder.

“What?” I ask as I look at Sapphire while trying to suppress a smirk “you know you do.”

“I-I do but- ugh,” Sapphire grumbles as she facehoofs “it feels embarrassing. I'm not trying to hide the fact we've… you know… but I didn't want to blurt it out. I'm not embarrassed to say that I've… that we've… done it… but... ugh! It hards to explain.”

“Sooner or later, these two were bound to be told about the birds and the bees,” I say, covering my mouth to hide my smirk “well, in this case it'd be the birds and the birds.”

“Ew, no! I didn't want to know about that!” River Rose exclaims in a disgusted tone.

“I walked in on my parents one time, so I already know what that is!” Zephyr exclaims in a slightly less disgusted tone than River’s.

“Ew!! I didn't want to know that either!!” River Rose exclaims as she looks at Zephyr.

“What? It’s true! They were making my youngest brother!” Zephyr exclaims, looking at River Rose.

“EW!! SHUT UP!! SHUT UP!!” River Rose yells as she flops onto her haunches, covers her ears and squeezes her eyes shut.

I uncover my mouth and burst into a fit of laughter. My intentions were to attempt to embarrass Sapphire as some form of non-violent revenge for making me cry, but now that I've made not just Sapphire embarrassed, but both Zephyr and River Rose too, I can't help but to laugh. All three of them look at me with embarrassed expressions.

“We should probably get moving,” I say after I finally manage to quit laughing.

Sapphire clears her throat and trots down the tunnel.

“Right, well, follow me,” Sapphire says awkwardly after clearing her throat “and Honey, if you would kindly take up the rear again, it would be most appreciated.”

“Aw, you don't want me up there with you?” I tease “you don't want me your side, recounting all the times we've-”

“Oh, hush,” Sapphire interrupts “just get in the back and, I don't know, stare at my butt or something- and recount those moments in your head. Just… don't start masturbating or whatever, you fucking weirdo.”

“It's not fun to do when you have company around,” I say “so I guess watching that ass as we walk will have to do.”

I chuckle as I trot past Zephyr and River Rose and resume my position in the rear.

“I swear to Celestia… ugh, when we deliver River Rose, come back and get those weapons, the moment we get back to your apartment- or mine- I'm so getting you back for this,” Sapphire says.

“What are going to do? Fuck me?” I question.

“I… Honey Cake!” Sapphire huffs, looking back me “there won't be no fucking involved if you keep at it.”

“Aw, but I was only asking a question,” I say, pretending to pout.

“I swear, sometimes I wonder what goes on in that head of yours,” Sapphire mumbles “but then again, I think I'm afraid to know. It might drive me to drinking.”

“Drinking is fun,” I say “I like to drink, I do it all the time. Sometimes I drink to forget, but I always remember, like last night for example.”

“God, you're so weird,” Sapphire mumbles.

“I have my moments,” I say with a smile.

“You two better savor the moment, no matter how embarrassing it has kind of been,” Sapphire says “soon she'll be back to being- how did you put again Zephyr? Stone cold and rock hard? Yeah, she'll be that again. I love it when she's like this, but even more so when she's just her normal self.”

“You like stone cold and rock hard, huh?” I question.

“You know it,” Sapphire answers with a chuckle.

I smile warmly to myself as I follow behind my companions. Though the moment was a bit uncharacteristic of me, or at least in front of company, I couldn't help myself. It was, at least, a good- albeit semi-embarrassing- way to lighten the sad, gloomy mood that had been lingering heavily around us for the longest time. Besides, River Rose seems to think I'm a complete bitch. I won't lie, I am most of the time, but I can be fun, loving and affectionate. Before the apocalypse, when Ivory was still alive, I was like that all the time, but after her death, that side of me became buried underneath the nearly impenetrable wall I had built around my heart. I'm still like that from time to time, but more often than not, I choose to act like a emotionless bitch and for my line of work, it's almost necessary.

I'm snapped from my thoughts as River Rose hangs back and lightly taps on my shoulder.

“Um, I know you- uh- extremely dislike me and all, but do you think you could help me find some place to use the bathroom when we get out of here?” River Rose questions in a near whisper.

“Sure,” I answer “what do you need to do?”

“I, uh, I have to piss,” River Rose says quietly.

“I'm sure it won't be much longer until we're out of here, just hold it for as long as you can,” I say.
River Rose nods her as she continues to trot along next to me.

“So, uh, your cutiemark is a cake, strawberry and a stick thing with, uh, I'm gonna guess honey?” River Rose asks.

“Wow, you know to use your eyes and make observations,” I reply sarcastically “obviously that's what my cutiemark is.”

“Sarcasm. Making progress,” River Rose says proudly.

I roll my eyes and glance at her flank.

“Fifteen and still a blank flank, huh?” I question.

River Rose looks back at her bare flank with sad eyes.

“Yeah,” River Rose answers sadly “Ocean Breeze says I'm special but I think she's wrong 'cause I don't have my cutiemark yet. Everypony seems to have on 'cept for me.”

“Er, uh… I-I’m sure you'll get your cutiemark one of these days,” I say awkwardly, slightly thrown off guard by River’s shift in attitude.

“If it makes you feel any better, I didn't get my cutiemark until I was Zephyr's age,” Sapphire says “wanna know how I got mine?”

“How?” River Rose asks.

“I robbed a jewelry store,” Sapphire replies “was my first major crime. Before that, my crimes were petty ones like shoplifting and trespassing.”

“Wow, your 'special talent’ is just… being a criminal?” Zephyr questions.

“Yeah, pretty much,” Sapphire answers “but luckily, my cutiemark is pretty deceiving. That's how I got away with a good number of my crimes.”

“Oh, wow,” Zephyr says in genuine awe “what was the greatest crime you ever did and or got away with?”

“My greatest crime, one that I got away with, has to be the time me and my gang robbed a national bank,” Sapphire says “got away with billions of bits.”

“What did you do with the money you stole?” River Rose questions.

“Made like a pirate and buried it all,” Sapphire answers.

“Woah? Seriously?” River Rose questions in genuine awe.

“No, of course not,” Sapphire says with a laugh “I bought a lot of things and before you ask, yes, they were all illegal things and no, I'm not going to tell you specifically what they were.”

“How did you not get caught?” Zephyr asks.

“Skill, manipulation, money and moderation,” Sapphire replies.

“Honestly, you're cutiemark is better than mine,” I say “all I did was bake my mother a Mother's Day slash birthday cake all by myself.”

“Nah, you're cutiemark is definitely better than mine,” Sapphire says “it has a special meaning to it.”

“I earned mine after saving my family once and healing their wounds,” Zephyr says “could you believe Ursa Minors are still around even in the apocalypse?? I thought my family was dead for sure, but luckily I was able to divert it's attention and save my family.”

“I really hope my cutiemark is something as epic and special as all of yours,” River Rose says.
“Don't worry, squirt, you'll get yours someday,” I say instinctively, ruffling River's mane gently.

“Nicknames and head ruffles. Makin’ more progress, hehehe, ” River Rose mumbles proudly.

“Don't mistake my motherly instincts for genuine care,” I say coldly.

“Pft- motherly instincts my ass,” River Rose sneers “don't get all bitchy because you showed emotions for once.”

“You tryin’ to say I'm lying about being a mother??” I question in a half-yell.

“Did I say that? No, I did not, but what I did say was to not get bitchy just 'cause you showed that you care,” River Rose answers in a snarky tone “Zephyr says you've been through a lot and that's why you're such an asshole-”

“I didn't say you were an asshole,” Zephyr interrupts.

“-but I think you've always just been a shitty asshole. Even if you were a mother, you were probably a terrible one and whatever happened to your kid, they're probably happy they're not with you,” River Rose continues in such a cold, bitter tone that causes my entire body freeze and tense up from a combination of shock and anger.

***

“She's gone, Honey. There's nothing we can do,” A familiar voice says quietly from behind me “it's not safe to stay here any longer, we've got to go.”

I wipe the tears from eyes and look back at my brother, Apple Cake. Next to him stands our younger sister, Star Cake, who nods her head sadly in agreement. Another choked sob erupts from my lips as I return my gaze to the small grave before me. Upon the small pile of dirt sits a small picture of my daughter, Ivory Rain, along with her favorite stuffed bear in front of a makeshift cross made from sticks tied together with a yo-yo string.

“I'm sorry, baby girl,” I sob “mommy’s sorry she couldn't protect you. I… I hope you forgive mommy by the time she comes to see you someday. I won't blame you if you don't, baby. I- *hic*- I promise to come visit someday, okay? Mommy swears she will.”

“Honey Cake,” Apple says gently “I know it's not easy, but you need to say goodbye. We've gotta go.”

“I'm so sorry, baby girl. I'm sorry we have to leave you behind like this,” I sob “goodbye, my sweet little angel. Mommy loves you.”

***

Something inside of me snaps as my vision and hearing becomes a blur and everything turns into a mixture of red and black. All I can feel is rage coursing throughout my entire body like a wildfire. Anguish, guilt and anger swirl through my brain fiercely like a whirlpool. Bad memories and strong emotions hit me like a category five hurricane. Faintly, I can hear screaming and yelling. Just barely, I feel something being squeezed between my hooves and something grabbing my forelegs. I feel a sharp pain in my gut followed by a sharp pain in the back of my head. My cheeks begin to sting as I feel my back being forcibly pressed against something cold and slightly damp. From both instincts and the rage burning throughout my body, I buck at whatever is pinning me down. I hear the faintest sound of a thump and use the opportunity to get back onto my hooves. I feel something being repeatedly squashed beneath my hoof. Something wraps around my neck and yanks upwards, causing my body to lurch backwards. I bite down hard on something slightly squishy in an attempt to get away. Shortly afterwards, everything begins to fade away into darkness and silence as my mind slips away into unconsciousness.

***

As I slowly begin to regain consciousness, I hear two familiar voices talking but can’t make out what's being said. I groan and roll over onto my side. My body aches all over, but my head, stomach, and neck ache the most. The voices stop talking and grow silent. I hear a third familiar voice speak in a pained tone, something I'm barely able to make out:

“She's waking up? You didn't actually kill her?”

I hear somepony sigh and shuffle closer to me.

“Of course I didn't kill her. We need her,” Somepony says “besides, I… I could never bring myself to kill Honey Cake. Not unless she was bitten and turned.”

That voice… I open my eyes to see Sapphire sitting just barely out of my reach. She looks down at me with a sad smile and a look of disappointment in her eyes. I can't tell whether or not if that look of disappointment is meant for me. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Zephyr trot over to me. I grunt and groan as I sit up and flop onto my haunches. The four of us are taking shelter inside of a small, old garage. I rub my neck and let out a sigh.

“The fuck happened?” I question “why does my neck feel like it's been squeezed with a vice?”

“What the fuck do you mean the fuck happened’?!” I hear River’s shout angrily from the other side of the room “you fucking attacked me and nearly killed me, you fucking cunt!!”

“Bullshit,” I snap “what’d she do to me?”

“You mean other than buck you off of her in self-defense? Uh, nothing. Absolutely nothing,” Sapphire says “now, if you were to rephrase that to 'what’d I'd do to her?’, I'd tell you that you suddenly attacked her, broke her nose and right jaw- and almost her neck too if I hadn't stopped you- oh and nearly choked her to death, let's not forget about that.

“Gave her a black, swollen eye along with several other bruises and you busted her mouth wide open too. All in all? You tried to kill River Rose. Oh, oh! Let's not forget that you broke two of my ribs and bit the shit out of my right foreleg in the process!”

My body freezes and I just simply stare at Sapphire. My heart sinks a little in my chest as a pang of guilt.

“You're fucking with me,” I say in disbelief “you both look fine to me.”

“Hello? Are you forgetting something?” Zephyr questions, pointing to her cutiemark.

“Oh, right, of course,” I answer in a half-mumble.

“Sit still for a moment and let me x-ray you again real quick,” Zephyr says, her horn lighting in a peach-red color.

I do as she says and sit completely still. My body becomes enveloped by magic of the same color and begins to feel a little funny. I look down and can suddenly see every bone inside of my body.

“Woah- holy shit,” I mumble in awe “I look like I'm wearing a skeleton costume.”

“Yes, yes, now hold still,” Zephyr orders “it's hard to see a fracture or break if you're moving around.”

I sit as completely still as I can and wait for Zephyr to finish. A quick trot around me and a few moments later, my body is no longer subject to Zephyr's spell and returns to normal.

“Once again, neither of you broke anything,” Zephyr says to River and Sapphire “however, one of you did microfracture two of her ribs,the back of her skull and her cheekbone. Impressive actually, if I don't say so myself.”

“Four microfractures?” I question “what in the hell are those?”

“You ever drop a glass cup and it cracks on the inside, but you rub your hoof over it and you can't feel the crack, like it's not even there?” Zephyr questions.

“Yeah. Er, I've never broken a glass cup like that that I can remember, but my daughter did once so, uh, yeah,” I answer.

“A microfracture is basically that, but with a bone rather than a glass cup,” Zephyr says “and it's also nothing that requires medical attention, so there's no need to use a healing spell on yours, just gotta let your body take care of that on its own.

“However, because you have one on your skull and on your cheekbone- though the one on your skull is what I'm mostly concerned with- I'm gonna have to ask you to keep me updated with how you're feeling up there, okay? I don't know an MRI or CAT scan spell, so I can't look at your brain to see if you have a concussion or not. You let me know ASAP if you start to feel funny or feel like something is wrong up there. Got it?”

“Don't worry, I got it,” I say.

“That said, I can't tell if anything inside of you is damaged- if damaged at all- so if you start feeling funny anywhere-”

“Tell you ASAP, I got it,” I interrupt “do you know a pain reliever spell?”

“Oh, I do actually. Normally when I use a healing spell it also relieves pain, so I don't really use the spell much,” Zephyr says “but, uh, give me a moment to remember it.”

“Make it quick,” Sapphire orders “I don't know how much longer we'll be safe here. We're nearly at the train station.”

“Why don't you just use a healing spell?” I question.

“Because I don't know the full extent of your injuries,” Zephyr answers “yes, I'm aware of your microfractures and the bruises you have, but you could have other injuries that we don't know of, therefore, I can't determine the severity or extent of them- if any at all- and therefore cannot determine which spell to use. I don't want to overtreat or undertreat your wounds.”

“Makes sense,” I say “in that case, don't worry about the pain reliever spell. We need to get going.”

“Are you sure?” Zephyr questions.

“Yeah, I'm sure. I've endured much worse than an aching body and a pounding headache before getting treated and relieved of pain, so,” I answer with a shrug “but, before we go, there's something I gotta do.”

“And what's that?” Zephyr asks.

With a small groan, I stand up and trot over to River Rose. The young pegasi backs away with a look of anger and a hint of fear on her face. She backs up into a shelf and glances at it. I step in front of her to prevent her from being able to trot away. I grab her roughly by the ear and bring her face uncomfortably close to mine. She lets out a yelp of surprise and whimpers quietly.

“Never EVER say that about my daughter or about me as a parent again- do you understand me?- because next time, Sapphire won't be able to save you,” I say sternly, glaring harshly “do I make myself clear?”

“Y-yes ma’am,” River Rose whimpers quietly.

“You were right about two things, though,” I say, my voice wavering “I am- was- a horrible mother. I couldn't… I… I couldn't protect my daughter from those things… those… from the infected. She… died on her birthday. She had just turned seven. Wherever she might be, Ivory is probably glad she's not here with such a shitty mother like me right now. You were right about those things.”

“I-I didn't know… I'm sorry,” River Rose says in a near whisper.

“But before that, before the moment the infected flooded that pizza place that day, before my daughter died in my embrace, I was the happiest, kindest, probably most sweetest, loving mare you would ever meet,” I say in a near whisper myself “but the moment she was ripped my from life was the moment that mare died and the one you see now was born.”

Another whimper, one hinted with pain, escapes from River’s throat as tears well up in her eyes. I suddenly realize how hard I had been pulling on her ear. I let go and take a few steps back from her. River Rose rubs her ear and casts her gaze to the floor.

“This’ll be the only time you'll ever hear these words, so listen up and listen closely,” I say “I blacked out, so I don't really remember attacking you, but it's blatantly obvious that I did and for that, I… I'm s- mmm… I'm sorry.”

“We all good now?” Sapphire questions.

“Yeah, we're all good,” I answer.

“Good,” Sapphire says “now let's going. The sooner we get this over with-”

“The better, I-I know, Sapphire,” I interrupt.

Sapphire nods her head as she rises to her feet and trots over to the garage door. River Rose looks up at me and stares. I gesture for her to come closer, which she does immediately.

“Still got to pee?” I ask.

“No, you- uh... you kinda beat the piss out of me. Literally,” She replies “well, no, I take that back, I still kind of have to pee, but I'll be fine.”

“You sure?” I question, earning a simple nod from River in response.

“You let me know when you have to go again,” I say “I promise I won't beat it outta you.”

“That would be preferable, thanks,” River Rose says quietly.

“Come on, you two,” Sapphire calls “can't deliver her to the other Fireflies without either of you.”

I sigh quietly to myself as I turn and trot over to Sapphire and Zephyr. I follow the two of them out of the garage and into the open cobblestone street. It's still raining and thundering outside- harder now than it was before we entered the museum- and much darker. Wordlessly, Sapphire leads us down the street and down several more. The old, worn buildings around the streets loom over us like a teacher looking over her students’ shoulder to make sure they're not cheating. After several minutes of sploshing through water-filled streets, the four of us find ourselves at the Canterlot train station.

We quickly take cover behind an old car as two soldiers trot out of the back door of the station. They come to a stop a few feet from the door and stand their with their weapons drawn.

“Fuck, I thought this place would be abandoned by the way Guffy and Nelly were talking,” Sapphire mumbles with a sigh “dammit, we’ll just have to sneak our way into the station and into the tunnels.”

“Couldn’t we just, like, go around the station? Or over it?” River Rose questions in a half whisper.

“It would save hassle and lessen the chance of us being caught or killed,” Zephyr whispers.

“Go 'over it’, huh? That isn't such a bad idea, y’know,” Sapphire whispers “hey, River, do you think you could fly up to that roof up there and scout out the other side of the station?”

“I can do it,” River Rose whispers back “what do you want me to look for?”

“Guards, the entrance into the tunnels, a place to teleport and infected if necessary,” Sapphire whispers “don't get us caught, kid, and don't take long.”

River Rose nods her head as she outstretches her wings. In a blur of red, green and blue, she takes to the air and lands on the roof of a nearby building. She disappears from sight and remains gone for a solid ten minutes. As quickly as she had left, River Rose returns to her spot between Zephyr and Sapphire.

“So what did you see, kid?” Sapphire questions.

“There’s, like, at least fifteen soldiers that I could see and the tunnel entrance isn't blocked like we thought,” River Rose answers “but, two soldiers are guarding the entrance. There's an old box car laying next to the tracks. It's got boxes and crates around it that will make for perfect cover.”

“You did good, thanks kiddo,” Sapphire says quietly “now we just need to figure out a plan. If we rush in now, it could jeopardize the mission. The guards are much more well armed than us.”

“River, how were the soldiers placed?” I ask.

“Placed? Oh, uh, there two by the door facing the tracks, four on the platform also facing the tracks, two groups of three patrolling the perimeter and the two guarding the entrance facing the platform,” River Rose replies “but that was just what I saw, there might've been more.”

“That was good enough, don't worry,” Sapphire says “now that we know where they are, what's the best course of action? Hmmm. Got anything, Honey Cake?”

“I could get us up on the roof of the station, then over to the box car and then behind the soldiers at the tunnel,” I say “but, with the light my magic produces when I teleport and the faint sound teleporting makes, we might get caught like that.”

“Good point,” Sapphire says “Zephyr?”

“I wish we had a way of distracting the guards,” Zephyr says “if we could draw most- or at least half- of the soldiers away from the station, we could possibly take out the remaining ones to get through. We'd need to draw those who leave far enough away to give us ample time to hit and run.”

“That's not a bad plan actually, but what could we do to lure them away?” Sapphire questions.

Zephyr, Sapphire and River Rose throw around some decent ideas: faking the sound of infected, shooting off a flare, screaming, even starting a fire. While those are all good ideas, I doubt enough guards will leave to check any of them out. A large grin spreads across my face as an idea pops into my head.

“What's ERMR’s number one enemy?” I ask.

“Uh, the Fireflies,” Sapphire replies “why?”

“Here's what I'm thinking,” I begin “two of us take out those guards over there, steal their uniforms and put them on, make ourselves look injured and enter the station yard claiming there's a Firefly attack not far away.”

“That's… wow. That's a great plan,” Sapphire says “only one problem. How do we make it convincing enough that a good bit of them leave to check it out?”

“Easy. The other two who aren't disguised go off somewhere a good bit aways, start a fire, shoot off a few rounds from their guns and shout,” I say “the two of us disguised will canter in the station yard, alert of them of the 'Firefly’ attack and run off. We'll lose 'em and then meet back at the station near the car.”

“What about the other two? How will they know to come back?” Sapphire questions.

“Hmm, I could try out that magic flare spell Dove and Cranberry Wishes showed me,” I answer.

“Alright, now that that's settled,” Sapphire begins “who's doing what?”

“Honey Cake has the body of a soldier, she should be one of the ones to disguise themselves,” Zephyr says “I'm good at making distractions and plus I can teleport myself and whoever back here to the station.”

“Good call,” Sapphire says “you and River have smaller bodies than me and Honey Cake. I don't think either of you could pass as a soldier anyhow, so Honey and I'll be counting on you to make a convincing ‘Firefly’ attack.”

“You two go on and get in your positions while we take out those soldiers,” I say.

Zephyr nods her head and leads River Rose away. Sapphire and I wait a moment or two for them to leave out of sight before sneaking behind the two oblivious soldiers. In a single, swift and simultaneous movement, both soldiers are put into tight choke holds. The soldiers gag, gasp and wheeze as they make ever faltering attempts to break free from our tight grasps. After a minute or two, the soldiers go limp and still. We drop them- their bodies hitting the ground with a thump- and begin to strip them of their gear.

“You know, we could probably use some of this. Their gear, I mean,” Sapphire says “impersonating soldiers could make things easier on the Underground, so long as we don't over do it. We should bring it up at the next meeting when we get back.”

“I agree,” I say “it could have a lot of perks. However, when we get to the Castle of Friendship, we should probably make ourselves look less like soldiers and more like smugglers.”

“Right,” Sapphire says “alright, you all set?”

“Mhm,” I hum as I make final adjustments to the stolen armor.

“Let's fake some injuries and hide these bodies,” Sapphire says “er, how exactly did you plan on faking injuries?”

I use my magic to pull a shiv from my bag and stab it into one of the corpses. I rip open a large gash and let the blood pour out. I wipe the bloodied shiv against the bullet proof vest and repeat my actions a few more times. After getting the vest bloodied, I dip my hoof into the blood and smear it on my face and the bottom of my forelegs. Carefully, I take the shiv and cut a few circle shaped holes the best I can on the vest. With some more blood, I finally make it seem as if I've been in a tough fight.

“Wow, that's actually pretty convincing,” Sapphire says “okay, my turn.”

I watch on as Sapphire takes the shiv from me and mimics my actions. After finishing, she gives the shiv back and starts dragging one of the soldiers’ body out of sight. I put the shiv back in my bag and copy Sapphire's actions. With the beginning of our end of the plan completed, Sapphire and I trot off to start to next phase. As we get into position, we go over lines to use when we canter into the station yard. Sapphire and I hide next to a dumpster as we wait to see smoke and hear Zephyr and River Rose shout.

“I really hope this works,” Sapphire mumbles.

“It will,” I say “I have faith that we can pull it off.”

“Oh, fuck- the name tags,” Sapphire says “the name tags on the uniforms… wouldn't the other soldiers recognize the names?”

I look down at the stolen armor hugging my body. On the left side of the vest rests a silver name tag pinned securely with the name ‘Sgt. Onyx Ironhide’ engraved onto it. Sapphire's right. One look at our name tags and our ruse is busted. Removing the name tags would avoid the problem, but the other soldiers will surely become suspicious if they see us without them. So, what to do then? My shivs aren't strong enough to engrave fake names on the back of them, not that would do any good anyways considering that the pin is on the back side of the tag.

“We might just have to deal with it,” I say “we could just face them long enough to get their attention, tell our tale and get the hell out of there. We don't need to get close enough for them to read the tags.”

“Yeah, you might be right about that,” Sapphire says “we'll be long gone before they notice it's just a set u- hey, look at that. Smoke. Zephyr and River Rose did it.”

I look to where to Sapphire is pointing and see black curls of smoke rising into the air. Moments later, we hear Zephyr and River Rose whooping, hollering and shouting at the top of their lungs followed up with half a clip’s worth of gun shots evenly spaced out. We take that as our cue to leave from our hiding spot and take action. Sapphire and I dart out from behind the dumpster and canter down the alleyway. As the station yard comes into view, I begin to fake a limp.

“Fireflies!” Sapphire shouts as we approach “Fireflies came out of nowhere and attacked us! You gotta help our squad before they wipe us out! Synthia and I barely managed to get away!”

“You gotta come quick!” I exclaim, doing my best to sound injured "five of us are already down. We radioed for help but nopony answered!”

“Woah, calm down there, soldiers,” One soldier- a unicorn mare- says to us “what's another squad doing out here anyways?”

“We were supposed to bring supplies here, the ones that you asked for,” Sapphire says “that's what our leader- Candy Apple- told us at least.”

“Supplies? Oh, yeah, about time they showed up,” The soldier says “how many were in your squad?”

“Including us, twelve,” I answer “there were seven when we left, though. Candy Apple is dead.”

“What?!” The soldier exclaims “he’s dead?! Oh, those goddamn Fireflies are gonna pay for that! Everypony but Coral’s and Amethyst’s teams come with me!”

“This way,” Sapphire says “follow us!”

Sapphire turns and gallops away. I- despite the fake limp- keep up with her pace. We keep going until we reach a rusty, rundown bus sitting in the middle of the road. As soon as we go around the bus, temporarily out of sight from the soldiers, I teleport me and Sapphire back to the station near the car we had previously been hiding behind. As soon as we're there, I cast the magical flare spell. Concentrated, volatile magic whistles high into the air and explodes into a cloud of smoke and dying magic. After a moment or two, in a brief flash of bright light, Zephyr and River Rose appear in front of Sapphire and I.

“Good job, you two,” Sapphire says “now, let's get going before the other soldiers get back.”

“Roger that, uh, Sgt. Ironhide and… Lt. Flare,” Zephyr says with a small chuckle.

“They left us eight soldiers to deal with,” I say “so, I say we take out the ones on the platform first, then deal with the ones at the tunnel entrance last.”

“Time's a-wastin’,” Sapphire says “let's go.”

“Wait, how are we gonna take them out?” Zephyr questions “we aren't just going to rush in and hope for the best, are we?”

“Well, that was sort of the plan,” Sapphire says “what do you suppose we do, Zephyr?”

“I believe the four outlooking the tracks should be dealt with first,” Zephyr says “and then take out the two at the entrance. Taking out the four cuts down the resistance, especially if we hit them without warning. Then taking out the other two leaves with us with the ability to escape. Plus, it’ll save us some bullets.”

“What about the other two? We just gonna leave 'em?” River Rose questions

“They won't be able to chase us, they'll have to stay to tell the others,” Zephyr answers “and let them tell, we'll be long gone by the time they come back and get the full story.”

“Well, if we don't get going we won't,” Sapphire says “Honey Cake, will you down the honors of ridding Equestria of those maggots?”

“With pleasure,” I say, teleporting onto the roof of the train station.

With my magic, I draw all three of my pistols and my shotgun, creep silently over to the edge and ease the firearms down. I aim the guns at the back of their necks, directly at the spinal cord, about a half a foot away.

“What the-”

The soldier is cut off by an ear piercing, resounding sound similar to that of an explosion. The heads of the four soldiers come clean off with blood and chunks of flesh flying everywhere. I jump down from the roof and take out another soldier before galloping away. Bullets whizz past my head- the air whistling as they slice through it- and pierce the ground. I look over and see a perfect place to hide near the box car. Quickly, I teleport behind some chest high crates- but not before a couple of bullets manage to hit me in my right flank. Pain shoots up from my flank, up my side and down through my leg as blood oozes from the newly formed holes.

“Fuck,” I mumble through gritted teeth.

I peek over the crates to get an angle on the soldiers so I can take them out. As soon as my head leaves the safety of the crates, a bullet whizzes past my head, just barely missing my horn by a couple of centimeters. Another bullet is sent my way and punches a hole through my left ear. I quickly duck my head down and hold my ear.

“Fuck, since when did they finally learn how to shoot straight?” I ponder aloud in a half-grunt.

“Over there! Three mares, get 'em!” One of the soldiers shout.

Quickly, I peek over the crates and take aim at one of the soldiers. Before I can pull the trigger, my target is taken out. I lower my gun and duck back down. Pain runs down from my ear and down the left side of my head. It's not the first- nor the last- time I've been shot, but the pain always stays the same. Somepony grabs my shoulder and- instinctively- I use my magic to point my guns at whoever it is. I whip around to see River Rose crouched down with her knife drawn.

“You're bleeding,” River Rose says “how badly are you hurt?”

“They shot my ear and my right flank, but I'll be fine,” I say “you hurt?”

“Is my eye swollen again? One of the guards punched me in the eye before I took him out,” River Rose says.

“It looks a little purple, but not swollen,” I says “maybe we can find some ice to put on it later.”

“They're all dead! Let's get going!” Sapphire calls.

“Can you stand on your own?” River Rose asks.

“Like I said, I'll be fine,” I reply “it's not the first time I've been shot like this.”

“Okay, okay,” River Rose says with a sigh “just wanted to help.”

I grit my teeth to bear through the pain and grunt as I stand up. Pain shoots up my side, over my back and down my leg like bolts of lighting, causing me to drop back down.

“Seriously, you can lean on me,” River Rose says.

Reluctantly, I grab onto River Rose and use her to help myself stand up. I shift most of my weight on the left side of my body and onto River Rose.

“Oof, you’re a bit heavy,” River Rose says “that's okay, though. I'm not complaining.”

With a sigh, I take a wobbly step forward and nearly fall again due to the pain. I look down at my leg and realize that I’m shot elsewhere besides the two bullets in my flank. Three more bullet holes- two side by side in my hock and one in my gaskin- ooze blood. They must’ve hit me at the same time the bullets hit my flank. I didn't feel them hit me. I shake my head and- with some help from River Rose- make my way over to Zephyr and Sapphire.

“Whelp, so much for that plan,” Sapphire says to Zephyr.

Sapphire looks over at me and frowns.

“Damn, you took one hell of a beating,” Sapphire says “let's get a good bit into the tunnels and I'll have Zephyr help you.”

“Somepony finally taught them how to shoot straight,” I say through gritted teeth, the amount of pain I'm in showing in my voice.

“Holster your weapons and get on my back,” Sapphire says “I'll carry you.”

I slip my pistols back into my saddlebags and holster my shotgun. With some help from Zephyr and River Rose, I climb onto Sapphire's back. I adjust myself so that I'm comfortable despite the pain shooting throughout my body like rods of lighting. I lay with my stomach pressed against part of her neck and her back, my forelegs wrapped gently around her neck and my gaskins and stifles pressed firmly against her flanks. The way I'm positioned reminds of me that of scared foal clinging tightly the seat of a carousel ride.

I let out a small grunt of pain as Sapphire begins to canter inside of the train tunnel. I bury my face inside of Sapphire's mane and sigh. I've been shot more times than I can count, I've broken several bones over the years and I've endured my fair share of punches, but no matter how many times I've been injured- being shot especially- the amount of pain never seems to decrease. Sometimes, like now, it feels as if it increases instead. No matter how many times I've been injured, a small part of me has always been thankful that it was by a living, breathing pony and something I would recover and walk away from and still by myself- still be alive- instead of by the hooves of a infected, where I would either turn into one myself or become its snack. Despite that, another small part of me is always bitter that it was not at the hooves of an infected pony. That small part of me always wishes I'd share the same fate- the same untimely, grisly demise- as my daughter, just so I can know and experience the same pain- the same trauma- she went through. It always nags in the back of my mind everytime I'm injured, whether it's badly or not.

“Hey, how you holding up?” Sapphire questions.

I pull my face out of her mane and sigh.

“Not so well,” I answer “can hardly hear a thing outta my left ear. Not sure if it's 'cause of all the blood inside or what.”

“That's not good,” Sapphire says “just hang on for a bit further- okay?- then you'll get all patched up.”

I simply nod my head and rebury my face into her mane. It smells good, like a combination of cucumbers, ginger and shea butter, but there's also a slight hint of sweat. My shampoo and conditioner both smell like watermelon and cherries. When we get back, I'll have to swap out our mane products or I just might have our friend, Arctic Thunder, find some for myself.

“Alright, I think we're good for now,” Sapphire says “Zephyr, do your thing.”

“Roger that, Lt. Flare,” Zephyr says with a small chuckle “alright, let me look at your war wounds.”

Zephyr gingerly examines my flank, hock and gaskin before examining my ear.

“Alright, so, all the bullets are still inside of you except for the one that got your ear, that one went clean through,” Zephyr says “I'm gonna remove the bullets before healing you up. I'm gonna use a numbing spell, but you'll still feel it a little. You'll just feel uncomfortable pressure.”

I pull my face out of Sapphire's mane and watch as a peach-red magic envelopes Zephyr's horn. From my waist down, the four of us are able to see my bones and the bullets inside of me. A second layer of magic envelopes Zephyr's horn and targets my body from the waist down. Soon after, everything goes completely numb and I can hardly feel a thing. A third layer of magic envelopes Zephyr's horn as she removes each bullet one by one from my body. Like she had said, an uncomfortable pressure arises in my flank and leg with each blood stained bullet she removes. A few minutes later, the magic disappears from her horn and I can no longer see my bones, however, my body from the waist down remains very numb. I look up at Zephyr, who looks physically drained from using so much magic at once, and give her an appreciative smile.

“Hey, you can just wrap them up in bandages,” I say “you look pretty drained and I don't want to tire you out more.”

“Are you sure?” Zephyr asks.

“I'm positive,” I reply.

“Thanks,” Zephyr says with a smile.

The young unicorn pulls a first aid kit out from her bag and opens it up. Zephyr pulls a roll of bandage wrap from the kit and begins to dress my wounds with it. I flinch a little as she wraps my ear with the bandage wrap.

“Oh, also, before it slips my mind, we need to be on the lookout for some hydrogen peroxide so I can clean those wounds and clear out that blood before I use a healing spell on them,” Zephyr says.

“If we pass by a pharmacy or doctor’s office, we'll stop and take a look,” Sapphire says “though any we come across probably will have been scooped clean.”

“It won't hurt to look, though,” Zephyr says.

“Right,” Sapphire agrees “do you still need me to carry you, Honey?”

“Yes,” I say “unless you want me drag myself along on the ground that is.”

“What do you mean?” Sapphire questions.

“I’m numb from the waist down,” I answer with a small chuckle “can hardly feel a thing.”

“Ah, gotcha,” Sapphire says “you should ride me like this more often, but just a ~little~ lower. Hehe.”

“Maybe I will when we get back,” I say sensually.

“Ew, ew, ew!” River Rose exclaims “man, do you have to say those things in front of us??”

“Someday you'll be like that too, so hush,” Zephyr says “everypony gets like that when they find somepony they love.”

Sapphire and I can't help but to chuckle at them before sharing a small kiss. Again, it's a bit uncharacteristic of me to act so flirtatiously in front of others, especially ponies I don't know very well, but at this point- probably because of exhaustion and pain- I don't really care. I love Sapphire and there's really no reason for me not to act as such. Besides, if River Rose continues to piss me off from time to time like she's been doing, knowing acts of romance gross her out, I can use that against her to keep her in line. Hell, I might even do it just for the fun of it, just to watch her squirm. I think it's funny, hilarious even, but perhaps that's just the exhaustion and pain talking.

“Well, let's keep going,” Sapphire says “we’re… um… a third- I think- of the way there. Or maybe a forth? Eh, point is we're getting closer and closer.”

“We won't get lost in here, will we?” River Rose asks.

“Nah. It's just a straight shot to the bottom from here,” Sapphire replies “well, not literally a straight shot, but you know what I mean.”

“Do you know where to go once we get to the bottom?” Zephyr questions.

“Of course,” Sapphire answers “and if we do end up getting lost- which we probably won't- we have Honey Cake with us. She lived in Ponyville for pretty much her entire life, so she knows the place like the back of her hoof.”

“I haven't been there since… since it all started,” I say “you don't mind if we take a detour on the way, do you?”

“You mean other than to get hydrogen peroxide?” Sapphire questions.

“Yeah,” I answer.

“That depends, what are we detouring for?” Sapphire asks.

“I promised somepony I'd visit her the next time I was in Ponyville,” I reply “and I don't want to break that promise.”

“Oh, do you mean your daughter?” River Rose questions.

I look back at River Rose and nod my head.

“But I thought you said she was- oh, did you bury her there?” River Rose asks.

“Well, obviously,” I say, my tone slightly annoyed.

“I didn't know. I was just askin’, yeesh,” River Rose mumbles.

“If it's okay with you, I'm going to take a nap until we reach the bottom,” I say to Sapphire.

“Go right ahead, darling,” Sapphire says warmly.

With a small smile, I bury my face back into Sapphire's mane and close my eyes. I let out a small sigh and allow myself to relax. Slowly but surely, everything becomes dark and silent as I fall asleep.