Fleety's Pile of Anthologyby FleetyChaptersA Little Daring DooA Changeling TaleA world in snowNight in ManehattenA Little Daring DooA dark, ancient, and ominous place. That is what Daring Doo could see down these wooden steps. She’d been staring at them for who knows how long, but she knew she had to go down there at some point: she had to lest she never see Lily again. “It’s okay, she’s just down there looking around…” The little filly tried to encourage herself as she held the lantern in her muzzle. She could see that the stairs were long, if she made a misstep she could get herself hurt! Yet even when she was holding the lantern she couldn’t see the bottom of the staircase. Only darkness greeted her. “L-Lily? You okay down there?” she called out to the darkness below. There was no response and she was too hesitant to move past the door frame. She knew she shouldn’t have done this. Her mum had even told her that the basement was a place where old things go. Ghosts, dust, you name it, it would all be down there. Yet at the time it seemed safe when her friend, Captain Lily, said that there was nowhere else left to explore except the basement, so the two ventured there. Like always, Lily said she would be the first, so Daring sent her in. Before she left, Captain Lily had promised she would come back as soon as it was safe. That had been about ten minutes ago and Lily was still nowhere in sight. Dread was building up within Daring Doo as she remembered the events. What if her friend was in danger? She had to do something. “Gotta be b-brave” Daring said to herself as she took her first step down the steps. *Creaaaak* Daring nearly jumped when she heard the sound of wood creaking beneath her hooves. Taking a moment to compose herself she continued down the stairs. Every step against the rough dusty surface brought her closer and closer to the bottom of the basement. ‘It's so dark,’ Daring thought to herself as she walked down the steps, with the creaking of wood beneath her every step. Her lantern barely illuminated anything. She couldn't see far beyond her muzzle and the walls along her side. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of stepping down a few steps. Daring's hooves finally touched the hard floor. The room was dark, Daring still couldn't see far, but she could make out the shapes of some items that hung around the room. Author's Note This was a story I had back last year, an story idea for a young Daring Doo having no choice but to venture down to fetch her doll that had ended up down there. I thought it was a great plot for the story, and honestly? Stories about Daring Doo as a young filly is ehh... Pretty much unexplored from what I can tell. But as I kept writing it, and the deeper into the story I got, I just couldn't shrug away a sense of difficulty in writing this. I felt that I couldn't properly articulate Daring's emotions. And I think the most important thing that bugged me at the time was finding an explanation on how Daring's toy ended up in the basement. It just felt so difficult to come up with an answer to at the time, and so I pretty quickly lost steam in writing this, and well... This was where I got to. Maybe I could one day recontinue this and finish it, but until now it'll sit here. A Changeling TaleLong ago, in an age forgotten, it was said that the world was ruled by two goddesses. One was the goddess of the sun, a being of unfathomable power that was capable of controlling the sun and the warmth it gave. The other ruled the moon, controlling the dreams of all those who sleeps. They lived like gods among mortals, embracing the worship they were given to them by creatures from all walks of life. However, their most devoted followers were the equines so much so that they manifested their physical forms based on them as well. They ruled the world with kindness and wisdom. Till they ceased to be benevolent. The sun goddess, blinded by the adoration she had received from her equines, turned her back on all the other races, deciding she would let her most devoted followers be the rulers of the world, she had the sun a blazed. It’s burning warmth dries up the land and making deserts and droughts. The moon goddess cast nightmares and monsters upon all who despise her sister and deceive all those who thought they can turn her against the sun goddess. Destruction was brought to the word, only sparing the equines and other races that showed just as much devotion as they do. The people plead for them to see reason, but blinded by their newfound duties they refused. When it seemed, all hope was lost and that nothing could be done, a young queen of her people stood up in defiance. She was the ruler of a kingdom which had turned to dust, buried by sands and rubble caused by the unending heat of the sun. “Arise!” she cried at the top of her voice. “For our survival as a people, it is up to us to do it on our own!” Across the lands, her changelings mustered the last of their forces for a daring assault. However, the goddesses were a step ahead and had constructed a mighty citadel of their own. An impenetrable fortress. When it seemed, nothing could be done to breach the citadel’s walls, the young queen hatched a plan. For while changelings were no match against the powers of the goddesses, they have the ability to disguise themselves using the magic within them. Using this trait, the queen and a retinue of her best soldiers snuck into the citadel at the dead of night, appearing as guards within the castle. They ventured deeper and deeper into the fortress, silently cutting down any sentries that stood in their way. Finally, the young queen confronted the goddesses in the room room. Her eyes were met with absolute coldness and unwavering resolve. The young queen was at a loss for words. “Ah, but your courage shall be rewarded with immortality,” the princess of the sun spoke. “Each sacrifice we have made shall be repaid in kind.” She stared at the young queen, making gesturing for her to accept the offer. “And your subjects will not be left to perish,” she said, with a strong emphasis on those words to encourage the queen to accept the offer. Her voice chilling the blood in the queen. Holding back her temptations, the young queen refused. In a fit of rage, the goddesses lurched forward to fight her. The battle didn’t last two long as the young queen was no match against their immense powers. The queen was struck with despair. “I am sorry, I’ve failed you all.” “No, no my queen you did not fail us.” Her subjects spoke to her as one through the hive-mind, and passing onto her their magic and strength. For another trait that changelings have is their ability to feed on the energies and emotions around them. Her subjects gave her the strength she needed. Using her newfound powers, the queen used all the strength she had gained and defeated the goddesses. Taking away their powers and severing their connection with the physical realm. Victorious, the queen returned to her people’s warren and was greeted with jubilation. Her subjects ran to embrace her in a long, emotional reunion. “You saved us, all my queen.” A drone spoke out in cheer. “It is only for our survival and the hope you gave me that I can do this.” She then walked forth and stood high. “Peace is now upon us. No longer are we at the mercy of the goddesses who have long kept the world in an iron chain. We will rebuild our homes and bring forth a new era for us all!” The queen held aloft her new weapon, a symbol of their new freedom. With a new kingdom, and the entirety of the new land at their disposal, it was time for the queen to set into motion a new era. The Pax Zorphaxia ———————————————————————— “The end” The old ling said as he closed the story book that he had just read. Tensing and rubbing the corners of his eyes he let out a long sigh. He took a sip from his glass of gin and let the rich liquor slide down his throat. He let out another long sigh and turned to face the other ling in the room. Author's Note This was perhaps one of my oldest attempt at writing a fic. Dating all the way back to the early months of 2022, which was some time before I realised "Look, You're Too Small For Me to Take Seriously." fic. Looking back, I think it was either my 3rd or 4th attempt to make a novel size fic at the time. If I had more motivation and imagination at the time maybe I could've finished this chapter. But in the end I wasn't quite completely sure of where I was heading with this story. A world in snowIn a world frozen in snow, the lands are littered with the tombs of dead nations. The ruins of civilization, once home to life now devoid of it all. There is only ever creeping silence, except for the brief moments of respite of howling wind, in this barren wasteland. Yet despite through it all, life endures. It lingers on in small pockets of smoke and light, in fire and warmth. In small pockets across the world, among the barren wilderness and in the ruins of the old world, there still remains civilization. The eras of the old world are long gone, casted away into myths of legend. Now it is the age of frost. In the lands of New Equestria, there is a great city of light. Where its warmth and fire burns away the cold that threatens to freeze its inhabitants in an icy chill. Where its hot steam shall make it so that its inhabitants can feel the hot weather of a summer that has not been felt in centuries. In the city of Luneta life goes on as its residents carry on with their daily activities. Or at least it should be, but today was an occasion. The streets of Luneta were covered in decorations and festive music as its people celebrated the Feast of Lights. While it was a quiet day, the fact that it was a special day had everypony alive in the city in celebration. For somepony, it was more than just an occasion as the sounds of a mare groaning and screaming in pain as she gave labour. Her sounds of pain could be heard through the door as an older stallion waits anxiously for news. Duke Streaks was one of the most powerful figures in the city who amassed his fortune through careful planning and shrewd business dealings. For most, he is just seen as another member of the aristocracy. Despite his shred practices, those high up in the echelons of society viewed him as a valuable contact. He should be somewhere else. Yet here he was, waiting for news of the delivery. His mind was about to wander back to his thoughts when the door opens slowly. At the door stood the doctor who was delivering the news. He was no longer in his scrubs and had changed back into a white coat. “It’s a colt, your excellency,” The doctor said, wiping a sweat off his brow. He seemed to pause for a moment as if avoiding something important. “Ah, good. And what of my wife?” Duke got off his seat and took a step forward. Finally noticing that the screaming had long stopped. His eyes darted to the door as it opened. Author's Note Had been inspired by Frostpunk when I had wrote this thing ages back in like... Maybe almost two years now? It came up as a promising idea to me one day and I had a really vague idea for a plot at the time. Not sure about now though, but I might come back to this someday. Night in ManehattenBefore you read, just know that there's two different versions to the story and your currently at the first one. So just scroll down to the second one if you wanna check it out. 1st Version - The bounty gets away Manehatten, once known as the city that never sleeps long ago by its residence. That term still rings true even in the future as Equestria slowly pushed itself into an era of technology and progress. As cities modernised and cast away its old architecture for something more concrete and rectangular, Manehatten became the basis of how the future should look. Now, it has been centuries since Equestria entered an age of technology and Manehatten still remains a shining jewel for the world to see. Yet under the veil of glamoring neon lights and buzzing billboards, two lone hunters waited. From the balcony the two sat in silence, observing the building across the street. They’ve been here for an hour now and there was no sign of their target. There was a silent sense of tension building up in the air as they waited. Yet there was still nothing. Had they been too late? Did something happen? Had they been tipped off? “Where is he?” Perl said in annoyance as her eyes scanned the crowds below. There were many ponies out and about at this hour, especially during a festival. “Are you sure this is a good spot? It’s been an hour now.” she questioned her friend. “I’m sure of it…” Gadget said in worry as she looked through her binoculars, still having no luck in spotting the target. As the hours ticked by, the stress of the situation slowly began to bring doubt to her and soon she looked about one last time in hopes of spotting who they were looking for. “I don’t think he’s here at all…” Gadget finally admitted in defeat. It had been the third time Whitejack had evaded their grasp, and now with this recent event he had once more cheated death. Whenever somepony dabbles in places they shouldn’t be, and deliberately makes enemies out of others, you don’t expect them to live very long without escaping the Don’s wrath. Especially not when assassins are out to get you. Perl and Gadget were confident of this fact, yet after this? They were starting to think Whitejack was cleverer than he looked. At least they wouldn't be at fault, their superior had told them this was where he would show up and so they were here. Perl wasn’t quite sure of what to do but she shifted her aim across the street one last time, hoping that Whitejack would show up from one of the alleyways. Nothing happened and Perl let out a sigh in defeat. “Looks like someone tipped him off again.” she said as she rested her rifle down on the wooden railing. “Somepony must be feeding him information or something.” Gadget theorised. Before Perl could voice an opinion of her own, a ringing sound could be coming from Gadget's saddlebag. “Oh, jeez… I wonder who that is?” she asked as she retrieved her phone from her bag, answering it. 2nd Version - The bounty is dead It was yet another eventful night in Manehatten, Equestria's bustling metropolis. Once known as the city that never sleeps long ago by its residence. That term still rings true even in the future as Equestria slowly pushed itself into an era of technology and progress. As cities modernised and cast away its old architecture for something more concrete and rectangular, Manehatten became the basis of how the future should look. Now, it has been centuries since Equestria entered an age of technology and Manehatten still remains a shining jewel for the world to see. Yet under the veil of glamoring neon lights and buzzing billboards, two lone hunters waited. From the balcony the two sat in silence, observing the building across the street. They’ve been here for an hour now and there was no sign of their target. There was a silent sense of tension building up in the air as they waited. Yet there was still nothing. Had they been too late? Did something happen? Had they been tipped off? “Where is he?” Perl said in annoyance as her eyes scanned the crowds below. There were many ponies out and about at this hour, especially during a festival. “Are you sure this is a good spot?” she questioned her friend. “I’m sure of it…” Gadget said in worry as she looked through her binoculars, still having no luck in spotting the target. Just when Gadget’s doubts began to wash in there was a sudden movement from one of the alleyways across the street. It was one of many but Gadget’s eyes have been focused on those for the last few moments. “I believe I see him.” she quipped. Soon enough, a figure could be seen staggering out of the dark alley. He wasn’t hard to miss, especially when he stood out from among the crowd with the eyepatch he wore, as well as the white trench coat he had, making him visible in the dark. “There, five o’clock in that alleyway with the trashbags.” “I see him too.” Perl said as she pulled her rifle close, aiming through the iron sight. Perl always said that a scope would only give away their position due to the glint of the lens, but Gadget’s main thoughts always wondered how Perl was able to aim so well without one. “He’s wounded.” Perl pointed out, adjusting her aim and shifting her sights to the right. “Huh you can tell?” “He’s staggering. Looks like our guy had been injured in a firefight. Probably with a rival group of his.” she concluded as she began to line up the shot. Just as she finished her observations, the figure, who was looking about in caution, turned and hastily made his way through the crowded street. If that pony thought he had already escaped, he was dead wrong. As soon as the figure paused next to a lamppost to catch his breath, Perl fired her shot. A poison dart whisks its way through the air. In a matter of moments, he was down. The two left the scene before anypony knew he was dead. Author's Note Artwork was drawn by my friend, hugo231929, which you can find by clicking this! I was inspired by this particular piece of art to write a short story for him months ago, Perl is an OC that belongs to him and Gadget belongs to me. However, other than that, I've never really thought on how else I was going to continue this story past the point I had imagined... But do go show check out some of his works if you can!
A Little Daring DooA dark, ancient, and ominous place. That is what Daring Doo could see down these wooden steps. She’d been staring at them for who knows how long, but she knew she had to go down there at some point: she had to lest she never see Lily again. “It’s okay, she’s just down there looking around…” The little filly tried to encourage herself as she held the lantern in her muzzle. She could see that the stairs were long, if she made a misstep she could get herself hurt! Yet even when she was holding the lantern she couldn’t see the bottom of the staircase. Only darkness greeted her. “L-Lily? You okay down there?” she called out to the darkness below. There was no response and she was too hesitant to move past the door frame. She knew she shouldn’t have done this. Her mum had even told her that the basement was a place where old things go. Ghosts, dust, you name it, it would all be down there. Yet at the time it seemed safe when her friend, Captain Lily, said that there was nowhere else left to explore except the basement, so the two ventured there. Like always, Lily said she would be the first, so Daring sent her in. Before she left, Captain Lily had promised she would come back as soon as it was safe. That had been about ten minutes ago and Lily was still nowhere in sight. Dread was building up within Daring Doo as she remembered the events. What if her friend was in danger? She had to do something. “Gotta be b-brave” Daring said to herself as she took her first step down the steps. *Creaaaak* Daring nearly jumped when she heard the sound of wood creaking beneath her hooves. Taking a moment to compose herself she continued down the stairs. Every step against the rough dusty surface brought her closer and closer to the bottom of the basement. ‘It's so dark,’ Daring thought to herself as she walked down the steps, with the creaking of wood beneath her every step. Her lantern barely illuminated anything. She couldn't see far beyond her muzzle and the walls along her side. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of stepping down a few steps. Daring's hooves finally touched the hard floor. The room was dark, Daring still couldn't see far, but she could make out the shapes of some items that hung around the room. Author's Note This was a story I had back last year, an story idea for a young Daring Doo having no choice but to venture down to fetch her doll that had ended up down there. I thought it was a great plot for the story, and honestly? Stories about Daring Doo as a young filly is ehh... Pretty much unexplored from what I can tell. But as I kept writing it, and the deeper into the story I got, I just couldn't shrug away a sense of difficulty in writing this. I felt that I couldn't properly articulate Daring's emotions. And I think the most important thing that bugged me at the time was finding an explanation on how Daring's toy ended up in the basement. It just felt so difficult to come up with an answer to at the time, and so I pretty quickly lost steam in writing this, and well... This was where I got to. Maybe I could one day recontinue this and finish it, but until now it'll sit here.
A Changeling TaleLong ago, in an age forgotten, it was said that the world was ruled by two goddesses. One was the goddess of the sun, a being of unfathomable power that was capable of controlling the sun and the warmth it gave. The other ruled the moon, controlling the dreams of all those who sleeps. They lived like gods among mortals, embracing the worship they were given to them by creatures from all walks of life. However, their most devoted followers were the equines so much so that they manifested their physical forms based on them as well. They ruled the world with kindness and wisdom. Till they ceased to be benevolent. The sun goddess, blinded by the adoration she had received from her equines, turned her back on all the other races, deciding she would let her most devoted followers be the rulers of the world, she had the sun a blazed. It’s burning warmth dries up the land and making deserts and droughts. The moon goddess cast nightmares and monsters upon all who despise her sister and deceive all those who thought they can turn her against the sun goddess. Destruction was brought to the word, only sparing the equines and other races that showed just as much devotion as they do. The people plead for them to see reason, but blinded by their newfound duties they refused. When it seemed, all hope was lost and that nothing could be done, a young queen of her people stood up in defiance. She was the ruler of a kingdom which had turned to dust, buried by sands and rubble caused by the unending heat of the sun. “Arise!” she cried at the top of her voice. “For our survival as a people, it is up to us to do it on our own!” Across the lands, her changelings mustered the last of their forces for a daring assault. However, the goddesses were a step ahead and had constructed a mighty citadel of their own. An impenetrable fortress. When it seemed, nothing could be done to breach the citadel’s walls, the young queen hatched a plan. For while changelings were no match against the powers of the goddesses, they have the ability to disguise themselves using the magic within them. Using this trait, the queen and a retinue of her best soldiers snuck into the citadel at the dead of night, appearing as guards within the castle. They ventured deeper and deeper into the fortress, silently cutting down any sentries that stood in their way. Finally, the young queen confronted the goddesses in the room room. Her eyes were met with absolute coldness and unwavering resolve. The young queen was at a loss for words. “Ah, but your courage shall be rewarded with immortality,” the princess of the sun spoke. “Each sacrifice we have made shall be repaid in kind.” She stared at the young queen, making gesturing for her to accept the offer. “And your subjects will not be left to perish,” she said, with a strong emphasis on those words to encourage the queen to accept the offer. Her voice chilling the blood in the queen. Holding back her temptations, the young queen refused. In a fit of rage, the goddesses lurched forward to fight her. The battle didn’t last two long as the young queen was no match against their immense powers. The queen was struck with despair. “I am sorry, I’ve failed you all.” “No, no my queen you did not fail us.” Her subjects spoke to her as one through the hive-mind, and passing onto her their magic and strength. For another trait that changelings have is their ability to feed on the energies and emotions around them. Her subjects gave her the strength she needed. Using her newfound powers, the queen used all the strength she had gained and defeated the goddesses. Taking away their powers and severing their connection with the physical realm. Victorious, the queen returned to her people’s warren and was greeted with jubilation. Her subjects ran to embrace her in a long, emotional reunion. “You saved us, all my queen.” A drone spoke out in cheer. “It is only for our survival and the hope you gave me that I can do this.” She then walked forth and stood high. “Peace is now upon us. No longer are we at the mercy of the goddesses who have long kept the world in an iron chain. We will rebuild our homes and bring forth a new era for us all!” The queen held aloft her new weapon, a symbol of their new freedom. With a new kingdom, and the entirety of the new land at their disposal, it was time for the queen to set into motion a new era. The Pax Zorphaxia ———————————————————————— “The end” The old ling said as he closed the story book that he had just read. Tensing and rubbing the corners of his eyes he let out a long sigh. He took a sip from his glass of gin and let the rich liquor slide down his throat. He let out another long sigh and turned to face the other ling in the room. Author's Note This was perhaps one of my oldest attempt at writing a fic. Dating all the way back to the early months of 2022, which was some time before I realised "Look, You're Too Small For Me to Take Seriously." fic. Looking back, I think it was either my 3rd or 4th attempt to make a novel size fic at the time. If I had more motivation and imagination at the time maybe I could've finished this chapter. But in the end I wasn't quite completely sure of where I was heading with this story.
A world in snowIn a world frozen in snow, the lands are littered with the tombs of dead nations. The ruins of civilization, once home to life now devoid of it all. There is only ever creeping silence, except for the brief moments of respite of howling wind, in this barren wasteland. Yet despite through it all, life endures. It lingers on in small pockets of smoke and light, in fire and warmth. In small pockets across the world, among the barren wilderness and in the ruins of the old world, there still remains civilization. The eras of the old world are long gone, casted away into myths of legend. Now it is the age of frost. In the lands of New Equestria, there is a great city of light. Where its warmth and fire burns away the cold that threatens to freeze its inhabitants in an icy chill. Where its hot steam shall make it so that its inhabitants can feel the hot weather of a summer that has not been felt in centuries. In the city of Luneta life goes on as its residents carry on with their daily activities. Or at least it should be, but today was an occasion. The streets of Luneta were covered in decorations and festive music as its people celebrated the Feast of Lights. While it was a quiet day, the fact that it was a special day had everypony alive in the city in celebration. For somepony, it was more than just an occasion as the sounds of a mare groaning and screaming in pain as she gave labour. Her sounds of pain could be heard through the door as an older stallion waits anxiously for news. Duke Streaks was one of the most powerful figures in the city who amassed his fortune through careful planning and shrewd business dealings. For most, he is just seen as another member of the aristocracy. Despite his shred practices, those high up in the echelons of society viewed him as a valuable contact. He should be somewhere else. Yet here he was, waiting for news of the delivery. His mind was about to wander back to his thoughts when the door opens slowly. At the door stood the doctor who was delivering the news. He was no longer in his scrubs and had changed back into a white coat. “It’s a colt, your excellency,” The doctor said, wiping a sweat off his brow. He seemed to pause for a moment as if avoiding something important. “Ah, good. And what of my wife?” Duke got off his seat and took a step forward. Finally noticing that the screaming had long stopped. His eyes darted to the door as it opened. Author's Note Had been inspired by Frostpunk when I had wrote this thing ages back in like... Maybe almost two years now? It came up as a promising idea to me one day and I had a really vague idea for a plot at the time. Not sure about now though, but I might come back to this someday.
Night in ManehattenBefore you read, just know that there's two different versions to the story and your currently at the first one. So just scroll down to the second one if you wanna check it out. 1st Version - The bounty gets away Manehatten, once known as the city that never sleeps long ago by its residence. That term still rings true even in the future as Equestria slowly pushed itself into an era of technology and progress. As cities modernised and cast away its old architecture for something more concrete and rectangular, Manehatten became the basis of how the future should look. Now, it has been centuries since Equestria entered an age of technology and Manehatten still remains a shining jewel for the world to see. Yet under the veil of glamoring neon lights and buzzing billboards, two lone hunters waited. From the balcony the two sat in silence, observing the building across the street. They’ve been here for an hour now and there was no sign of their target. There was a silent sense of tension building up in the air as they waited. Yet there was still nothing. Had they been too late? Did something happen? Had they been tipped off? “Where is he?” Perl said in annoyance as her eyes scanned the crowds below. There were many ponies out and about at this hour, especially during a festival. “Are you sure this is a good spot? It’s been an hour now.” she questioned her friend. “I’m sure of it…” Gadget said in worry as she looked through her binoculars, still having no luck in spotting the target. As the hours ticked by, the stress of the situation slowly began to bring doubt to her and soon she looked about one last time in hopes of spotting who they were looking for. “I don’t think he’s here at all…” Gadget finally admitted in defeat. It had been the third time Whitejack had evaded their grasp, and now with this recent event he had once more cheated death. Whenever somepony dabbles in places they shouldn’t be, and deliberately makes enemies out of others, you don’t expect them to live very long without escaping the Don’s wrath. Especially not when assassins are out to get you. Perl and Gadget were confident of this fact, yet after this? They were starting to think Whitejack was cleverer than he looked. At least they wouldn't be at fault, their superior had told them this was where he would show up and so they were here. Perl wasn’t quite sure of what to do but she shifted her aim across the street one last time, hoping that Whitejack would show up from one of the alleyways. Nothing happened and Perl let out a sigh in defeat. “Looks like someone tipped him off again.” she said as she rested her rifle down on the wooden railing. “Somepony must be feeding him information or something.” Gadget theorised. Before Perl could voice an opinion of her own, a ringing sound could be coming from Gadget's saddlebag. “Oh, jeez… I wonder who that is?” she asked as she retrieved her phone from her bag, answering it. 2nd Version - The bounty is dead It was yet another eventful night in Manehatten, Equestria's bustling metropolis. Once known as the city that never sleeps long ago by its residence. That term still rings true even in the future as Equestria slowly pushed itself into an era of technology and progress. As cities modernised and cast away its old architecture for something more concrete and rectangular, Manehatten became the basis of how the future should look. Now, it has been centuries since Equestria entered an age of technology and Manehatten still remains a shining jewel for the world to see. Yet under the veil of glamoring neon lights and buzzing billboards, two lone hunters waited. From the balcony the two sat in silence, observing the building across the street. They’ve been here for an hour now and there was no sign of their target. There was a silent sense of tension building up in the air as they waited. Yet there was still nothing. Had they been too late? Did something happen? Had they been tipped off? “Where is he?” Perl said in annoyance as her eyes scanned the crowds below. There were many ponies out and about at this hour, especially during a festival. “Are you sure this is a good spot?” she questioned her friend. “I’m sure of it…” Gadget said in worry as she looked through her binoculars, still having no luck in spotting the target. Just when Gadget’s doubts began to wash in there was a sudden movement from one of the alleyways across the street. It was one of many but Gadget’s eyes have been focused on those for the last few moments. “I believe I see him.” she quipped. Soon enough, a figure could be seen staggering out of the dark alley. He wasn’t hard to miss, especially when he stood out from among the crowd with the eyepatch he wore, as well as the white trench coat he had, making him visible in the dark. “There, five o’clock in that alleyway with the trashbags.” “I see him too.” Perl said as she pulled her rifle close, aiming through the iron sight. Perl always said that a scope would only give away their position due to the glint of the lens, but Gadget’s main thoughts always wondered how Perl was able to aim so well without one. “He’s wounded.” Perl pointed out, adjusting her aim and shifting her sights to the right. “Huh you can tell?” “He’s staggering. Looks like our guy had been injured in a firefight. Probably with a rival group of his.” she concluded as she began to line up the shot. Just as she finished her observations, the figure, who was looking about in caution, turned and hastily made his way through the crowded street. If that pony thought he had already escaped, he was dead wrong. As soon as the figure paused next to a lamppost to catch his breath, Perl fired her shot. A poison dart whisks its way through the air. In a matter of moments, he was down. The two left the scene before anypony knew he was dead. Author's Note Artwork was drawn by my friend, hugo231929, which you can find by clicking this! I was inspired by this particular piece of art to write a short story for him months ago, Perl is an OC that belongs to him and Gadget belongs to me. However, other than that, I've never really thought on how else I was going to continue this story past the point I had imagined... But do go show check out some of his works if you can!
