Chapter Three: New Places, New Faces

"I'm glad they asked me to join, I've always wanted to make new friends."

Alive!

I'm alive!

As I started to regain consciousness, I felt my body being rocked back and forth as if it was in being carried over a bumpy road. I could feel somepony examining my wounds. I also heard a voice of a stallion.

"Hello? Can you hear me?"

I opened my eyes to a blinding light directly above me. Forcing them shut, I waited till it was removed, revealing the face of a blue stallion with a green mane.

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah." I responded, looking around, I saw I was in a carriage, along with the stallion, 2 mares, and... Ace!

"Ace!" I croaked, trying to sit up. She was laying down, covered in bruises while one of the mares bandaged them. The stallion who was examining me kept me pinned.

"You need to rest." he said, trying to keep me pinned.

"No! I have to help Ace!" I responded, struggling to get out of his grip.

"Nurse! Get the anesthetic!" He cried, as I continued to struggle. I then felt them inject something into my foreleg. I suddenly felt woozy.

"Ace." I let out one last time before losing consciousness.

As consciousness once again, came back to me, I found myself on a bed, tucked in with blankets, feeling warmth all over my body. I wonder how long I've been out. I lifted my forehoof to check the date on my Pipbuck, only to find it turned off. I lifted my other forehoof to turn it back on, only to find it didn't work. Damn it! Stupid thing never works! Sitting up, I looked around to see I was in a clinic, I saw rows of medkits all lined up, the walls were white and spotless, I also saw other beds, some with their curtains closed.

I had so many questions. What am I doing here? Who was the pegasus that saved me? Where is Ace?

Ace...

Where's Ace?!

I quickly uncovered my self, and began to search for her.

"Well, look who's awake!" The voice of a mare right behind me startled me. Turning around, a saw an orange mare with a pink mane, who I instantly recognized as one of the mares in the carriage.

"How are you fe-" She began to say before I cut her off.

"Where's Ace?!"

"Ace?" She asked, with a confused look, before looking shocked. "Oh, you mean the mare you were with?"

I nodded, "Yes! Where is she?!"

The mare pointed to one of the beds with it's curtain closed. I sprinted towards it, unveiling the curtain. There, laying on the bed, was Ace. She was covered in bruises. Most of them were covered in bandages. The rest weren't so bad.

"Ace." I croaked, tearing up at the sight of her.

This is all my fault. If i hadn't accepted that mission, none of this would of happened. I promised mom I would watch her. I failed.

"Well. It seems you've woken up." A voice said, drawing my attention.

Looking over my shoulder, I was stunned. He was a zebra, an elderly one at that. He had a small grey beard, and a cutie mark was a big gray swirl outlined by small gray triangles. It sort of reminded me of the sun.

"How are you feeling?" He asked, snapping out of my confusion.

"Uh, fine. Thanks for asking." I replied, feeling a little suspicious. "How long was I out?"

"Two days," the zebra replied, smiling. "It's a good thing we found you in the nick of time. If you're little friend hadn't found us, I don't know what would have happened."

"Little friend?" I was really confused. "What are you talking about? A pegasus found us?"

The zebra arched an eyebrow. "Pegasus? There haven't any Pegasus in Equestria since the Great War. Are you sure you're alright?"

I wracked my brain for answers. Had the Pegasus took off after finding us?

"Then who found us?"

"Our scouts spotted you a few miles out," he explained. "You were all covered in bruises and suffering blood loss."

"If you think he's big now. Just wait until you what he'll grow into." The pony replied chuckling. "So my friend, what are you're plans now?"

"I'm going to wait for my sister to wake up. Then we're going back home."

"Ah, you came from a Stable. That did explain your uniforms," he commented. "Very well, you two are free to remain her until she recovers. By the way, I never got your names."

"My names Gadget, but my friends called me Mech. My sisters name is Ace, but everypony called her Vet."

"Nice to meet you Gadget, my name's Xenor." He replied, holding up his hoof to shake.

"Pleasure." I stated, shaking it.

"Since you're going to be staying for a short while, perhaps I can give you a tour?" Xenor offered.

I glanced at Ace, the orange mare was checking her wounds, it would take some time for her to full recover. Then again, we don't know these ponies. They could be hiding something.

"Fine, but we're going to need our stuff back."

"Of course." Xenor replied, smiling. "Your supplies are being kept in storage, we can get them during the tour. And don't worry about you're sister, Nurse Bandage will take good care of her." The mare nodded her head as she continued to check Ace's wounds.

He led me to the door of the hospital, where a guard was standing watch. He narrowed his eyes when he saw me.

"It's alright, he's with me." Xenor stated.

The guard nodded as he opened the door for us, but he still gave a glare as he closed the door behind me.

To be honest, I was shocked. Several builds stood in pace surrounded by huge walls, the streets were filled with ponies going about their business.

"Welcome," Xenor said. "To Ellicolt City."

A city.

An actual city.

I stared in amazement and me and Xenor walked through the city, ponies waving at us whenever we passed.

"Surprised?" Xenor asked, drawing my attention.

"Very," I replied, as I took in what I saw. "I didn't think anything could survive out here."

Xenor let out a small chuckle. "It wasn't easy let me tell you, I took us over a year to set up these walls."

"How many were you at the beginning?" I asked.

"We started off with one hundred and fifty five, and it's grown ever since the completion of the walls." Xenor let out a small smile. "I remember when my son was born, it was the happiest day of my life."

"What about your wife?"

His smile instantly disappeared and I swore I could see regret in his eye.

"Let's continue on with the tour," he responded, trotting ahead. Not wanting to make the situation worse, I kept my mouth shut and followed him.

I learned so much about Ellicolt City. It was built around Stable 64 about one hundred and eighty years after the Great War. Xenor was the founder and leader of the town as he was first to leave the stable.

When I asked him about the resources he has available he revealed that his scouts where sent out to search and also trouble with other settlements. When I inquired about Chips and Nails, Xenor said that the two were fine, but was upset when he learned of Lucky's fate. According to him Lucky was with them for only one week. They had found him beaten, and nearly starved to death, so they took him in.

"He was a good kid," Xenor mentioned. I felt awkward in that moment since I had only known Lucky for a few minutes before his death.

Xenor introduced me to so many ponies. He took in anypony that was in need of a home. He didn't care if they looked different, talked different, or acted different. All he needed to know is if they could pull their own weight, and help out others. He created a motto for everypony to follow.

"Together, we stand strong. Divided, we fall."

But of course the guards were wary, they always made sure to check for any tricks. But, all in all, they all seemed to get along.

"Here is the storage." he said, as we walked into a building not far form the infirmary. Inside were hundreds of shelves stocked with supplies. Saddlebags, medkits, tools, maps, etc.

"You're bags are over here." Xenor said, trotting over to one of the shelves. Our supplies were all organized into separate boxes. Each box was labeled with our names.

Taking a look inside, all our supplies were in check. Except our weapons.

I turn to him with a suspicious look.

"We have rules. Unless you're a guard or if you're leaving, you can't have your weapons. I'm sure you understand."

I was tempted to demand my weapons back, but I stopped myself. These ponies were only trying to look out for themselves, could I blame them for that?

"Yeah, I understand. You're only trying to protect your family."

He smiled, "I'm glad you do. But enough about me, let's hear about you." He said, as we left the storage. "I'd like to know how you ended up like that, when we found you."

"Well," I began. "It all started when I woke up yesterday."

After explaining our story to him, Xenor generously gave rooms to stay in for the night. Before having to attend to his son. I was taking a stroll through the city, when I heard some shouting coming from an alley. Trotting over, I saw a group of ponies attacking a stallion, and from the looks of them, I could tell they weren't pleasant folk.

"Take that you shrimp!" One of the attackers said.

"Crawl back to the gutter you call home!" Another shouted.

"You wanna move in on our turf, you gotta pay!" The third stated.

"Please..." The stallion cried, "Stop. I've paid whatever I can!"

"And we told you it's not enough!" The first pony shouted.

Without thinking, I rushed over to where they were, and rammed one right into a dumpster. The stallion was dazed for a few seconds before finally falling to the ground.

"What the?"

I turned on the other two so fast I saw them back up a few steps. I actually saw fear in their eyes.

"Back off!" I stated standing over the bruised creature. "He's had enough!"

"I don't think so blue," One of them spat, the fear in his eyes melting away. Most likely since he realized he was dealing with a kid. "Besides, are you even trying to be a hero? Cause you're doing a pretty bad job."

I cringed, they were right I was trying to be a hero. But what else was I supposed to do let them kill this, guy? Looking back at them I saw their smirks. Before I could register anything a powerful blow to the back of my head sent me tumbling down on top of the stallion, earning a grunt from it.

Rolling over I looked up to see a blurry image of the stallion I knock into the dumpster. He had a purple coat, with blood trickling from the side of his head. I should have checked what species he was because I could see a purple glow surrounding the horn on his head.

A unicorn, damn it.

"Kid," he said, levitating what looked like a plank on wood above me. "You're in a lot of trouble." He levitated the piece of wood a feet in the air, before bringing back down. I closed my eyes and braced for impact, only it never came.

Instead what came next, was a sound of magic being cast, and the plank landing an inch from my head. I opened my eyes to see the unicorn and his crones being restrained by guards, as I was helped up by Xenor. After helping the creature get, he turned his attention to the troublemakers.

"I thought I made it clear. You are not to cause trouble in my town!" Xenor shouted, at the three captives.

"Well, that's kinda hard to do, when it's full of ponies who don't fulfill debts," the unicorn replied, glaring down at his battered victim. "Besides, need I remind you of what your kind did?" He continued with a smirk.

It took me a minute to realize that a crowd had gathered once Xenor went stiff. I could see them exchange glances, whisper, and gesture at Xenor.

How could I forget? The Great War...

Before the unicorn could continue, he was gagged and hauled off by the guards with the other goons.

"Mech?" He asked, getting my attention. "Do you think you can attend to our friend here? I have other things to... ahem attend to."

Before I could answer, he trotted away, the ponies stepping aside to let him through, some giving him glares.

I had questions, but they could wait. I turned back to the stallion, his body was covered in bruises and one of his forelegs was bent the wrong way. He looked at me with an innocent expression and a toothy grin, though some were missing.

"Can you give me a hoof?"

His expression of gratitude was the last thing I saw before he disappeared behind a pair of double doors.

I trotted down the hall, heading to the infirmary, I had to make sure Ace was ok. I opened the door-

"Gadget!" A voiced cried causing me to jump and stumble to the floor.

Looking up I saw Ace sitting on her bed looking at me giggling.

"Ace!" I cred rushing towards her, wrapping her in a tight hug which she returned in equal strength.

"Big bro!" She replied, nuzzling my neck, letting loose a few tears.

"Don't let go," She said, her voice muffled, I felt her tears dampen my neck but I didn't care, my sister was ok."

"Didn't even cross my mind," I replied, rubbing her back.

"Oh!" Ace and I turned to see nurse Orange by the door hold a tray. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"Oh no, you're fine," I replied, as I let go of Ace.

"Oh good," she responded, as she trotted over. "Good afternoon Ace, how're you feeling."

"Better now that my bro's here," Ace replied, smiling at me, to which I smiled back.

"Glad to hear it," Orange replied as she set the tray on the nightstand next to Ace's bed. "I'm just gonna give you a quick check up alright?"

"OK doc," Ace said as Orange took out a stethoscope. "So Gadget, when do we get back on the road?"

I was just reaching over to get a glass of water nearby when she said that, I almost dropped it in shock.

"What?" I asked, my voice just above a whisper.

"When are we getting back on the road?" Ace asked again as she sat up, letting Orange check her back.

"Breathe in," She said, "breathe out."

"Ace... we're not finishing the assignment."

"What?" She exclaimed, as Orange finished up her examination. "Gadget we can't back out now."

"Yes we can and we will," I reaffirmed. "We nearly died out there Ace! You were traumatized yourself when saw that stallion get shot!"

"I just wasn't ready!" Ace snapped angrily, causing me to step back a little. "I knew we would run into trouble and see things we wouldn't like. But I wanted to go to prove I could any situation like dad did! It's not my fault I'm so weak..." Tears started streaming down her face non stop.

I stepped forward to hold her, "Ace, I..." She swatted me away.

"GET OUT!" She cried catching the attention of the other nurses and patients in the room, "I want to be left alone."

"Ace-"

"I SAID GET OUT!"

"Maybe it's best that you left," Orange said, guiding me away from Ace. "She in serious distress and it's making the other patients uncomfortable."

I looked back at Ace to see, she had turned away to face the wall. "But...

"Please," Orange said. "She's in no mood to talk, give her some time to cool down."

I looked at her before nodding and moved towards the door. Slipping through, I cast one last look at Ace before she disappeared behind them.

I was given a room to stay in, which was pretty nice I guess. It had a bed, a and a restroom I mean, what more could you want?

My sister's happiness that's what.

I should never have let her convince me to take this job, and now she hates me. Can't she see I'm just trying to protect her? Why couldn't the Overmare find somepony else to deliver it? Looking to my left, I saw my saddle bag sitting on a nightstand, along with a couple of welcome gifts from the locals.

With nothing to do I decided to go for a small stroll to clear my mind. As I left, I bumped into a couple of familiar figures; Chips and Nails.

"Hey there Gadget!" Nails said, the brown donkey smiling. "It's good to see you're ok."

"Hey there Chips, Nails," I responded with a small smiles. "How are you guys feeling?" I noticed they had a few bandages wrapped around them, most likely from the grenade.

"We're fine," Chips responded, the grey donkey rubbing his left for foreleg while wincing slightly. "Only a few bruises."

"We heard Ace was in the infirmary." Nails added, looking concerned. "Is she doing alright?"

"Yeah." I replied, my smiling dropping a little. "She's fine."

"That's a relief," Nails responded.

"So, what are you two doing up and about?" I asked, trying to change the subject.

"Well, as per rules, we need to report in with what we've discovered on our scouting mission," Nails answered.

"It's standard procedure for all scouting parties," Chips added. "How about you? From what we heard, you and Ace were banged up pretty hard."

"Oh, from what the doc's said, I only suffered a few broken bones. Ace will have to stay bedridden for a another day." I responded trying not to mention the our fight. "So, I'm just looking around town."

"Well, if you're in the mood, I'd suggest heading down to Appletini's bar." Nails suggested. "She has some of the best cider you could ever taste."

"Really?" "I could use some cider."

"Yeah, it's just around the corner." Chips said, pointing at a turn a few buildings down. "You can't miss it."

"Thanks." I smiled, turning to leave before looking back. "Be careful out there."

Nails chuckled, "don't work about us. We've been through worse. As long as we have each others back, we'll be fine."

As the two left Nails's words echoed in my head.

"As long as we have each others back, we'll be fine."

I'm glad nopony else was near. I didn't want anypony to see the tears running down my face.

"You alright?" The bartender; a mare with a buttermilk coat, and a brown and beige mane, who I assumed was Appletini asked as I sat down on one of the stools.

"Not really, no." I muttered. "I'll take anything you have that's strong."

"That bad, huh?" She responded, as she poured me a drink.

"Like you wouldn't believe." I took the glass, and had a sip. I didn't hit me instantly, but my brain felt a little fuzzy. I looked down my glass, spinning the contents in boredom.

"You wanna talk about?" Appletini offered as I stared at my drink.

"Why?" I mumbled, not even bothering to look up.

"I find that talking with ponies about their problems, tends to help them out," she explained.

Letting out a sigh, I looked up. "Sure, why not? Where should I start?"

"How about we start from the beginning?

I explained to her the argument between me and Ace. How I wanted to head back home while she wanted to continue our mission, even after seeing somepony get killed.

"Oh yeah, I heard about that. Poor Lucky," she commented, looking upset.

"I just don't understand why she would want to continue on," I stated, gulping down the rest of my drink. "It's dangerous out here."

"You're not wrong about that," she agreed. She seemed to be thinking about something before turning to me. "You said, that she stated that she wanted to be like your dad right?"

"Yeah?"

"Well, maybe she wants to be just like him. Your father left the Stable in order to find supplies for the Stable. He never cared about what was out, because your safety was all that mattered to him. Your sister probably wants to prove she can get the job done."

"That's what worries me." I countered. "Our dad died our here, and we almost joined him."

"Well, another reason could be that she doesn't want to go back to the Stable."

I arched an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"Come on," she replied as if the answer was obvious. "I lived Stable 64 before Xenor founded this town, you can't tell me it doesn't get boring after a while."

"Well yeah, but it's our home and we have jobs."

"And that's why I hated it," she explained. "The moment you're born your given an assignment to fulfill. Then, you're stuck with it until somepony else takes your place."

She poured herself a glass. "I was assigned to be janitor, when all I wanted to do was make cider. My grandmother taught me how and when I went the Overmare about changing my job, she refused to listen to me. I had nearly given up, but then Xenor spoke up."

She smiled. "He taught us that there was a world out there to explore, where we could be whoever we wanted to be. It was soon after that more ponies began to support his goal to leave the Stable." She took a sip.

"Why would you listen to him?" I asked. "Ponies and Zebras fought each other in the war?"

"Xenor's ancestors had lived in Equestria long before the war," she explained absent-mindedly. "During which they were assigned to be spies. The last of them fled to Stable 63 on the Last Day. The inhabitants wanted to kick them out, but the original Overmare allowed them to stay for a Zebra had saved her life during the war.

"But getting back to the story, Xenor had gained so much support that the Overmare eventually agreed, and we were let out. We were told the outside was dangerous and it is, but it was still our home. We had been given a chance to start over, with our paths in mind. Soon after, we began construction of Town 63, with Xenor as our leader."

Finishing her drink, she looked me in the eye. "Do you understand what I saying?"

I thought over it. Ace had always grown bored during our time in the Stable, that's why she started to do pranks, even against the Overmare. I always believed she was just doing it for fun, but from Appletini pointed out, it was much more.

"Do you want another one?" She asked, breaking me out of my thoughts.

"Um." I looked at my glass before setting it down. "No, I've had enough."

"You sure?" She asked as I got up.

"Yeah. I'm gonna turn in. I have a lot to think about." I trotted towards the door before looking over my shoulder. "Thanks for the talk."

"No problem," she replied smiling. "And don't worry, you two will work things out. Just give it time."

I gave her a small smile and nodded before exiting the bar.

I'm glad they have streets cause I definitely would've gotten lost.

I had just managed to reach the door to my apartment, when a guard came rushing over.

"Excuse me?" He asked in between breaths. "Are you Gadget?"

"Yes?" I answered confused. "Why?"

"Xenor needs to speak with you! It's urgent!"

I followed him to a building that was heavily guarded. After being granted admittance, he took me to what looked like a conference room. Xenor was there along with another Zebra who I guessed was his son, and several others ponies. Two of which were trying to operate a radio.

"Gadget, I'm glad you're here," Xenor said as I arrived.

"What's going on?"

Xenor and his son exchanged glances. "Your Stable, is it number 80?"

I paused. "Why?"

"Our radio operators just received a transmission from them. They're under attack."

Author's Note

Here's chapter three.

I won't deny, I'm having trouble shaping this story.

If anyone is willing to offer some advice, I'll take it.