Fallout Equestria: Mona Lisa Overdrive

"Fuck you, Blackjack, I can handle shit on my own."

That was yours truly, Morning Glory. Twenty-one and counting, I ditched Thunderhead and Hoofington ages ago for a shot at a better life here in Marechester.

Get away from my folks and my sisters, you know? Want to toughen up, show 'em I ain't no pushover.

Assholes, one day I'm coming back to Hoofington, gonna settle scores with you three: Dusk, Moon Shadow, and 'my father.' Guess I should just call him Sky, he sure as hell don't deserve the title 'father.'

I'm sick of being just a damn shadow, known as 'Blackjack's plaything'. Well, screw that noise, 'cause it ain't gonna fly no more.

I'm worth more than that, and mark my words, I'm gonna prove it, you'll see.

Maybe I ain't some weapon expert or a hoof-to-hoof combat pro, but that's gonna change. Every day, I'm busting my ass to get stronger.

I ain't scared of taking a bullet or a beating, don't give a shit about that. I know I can handle it. No pain compares to being remembered as some whore, the sidekick of a suicidal idiot, chasing after fame and its decadence from grace.

And here she is, showing up at my doorstep bawling like a puppy. Hahahahah, now she's mine to command. She'll do anything I say just to get a piece of my pussy, you bet your ass.

Don't go thinking I'm some gullible fool, Blackjack. Your sad puppy-dog eyes ain't gonna sway me. I can see right through you.

On one hoof, I feel a tad guilty about using Blackjack to rid myself of those assholes who've been causing me grief, but I reckon it's only fair, considering all the crap I've been through on account of her.

I took advantage of her vulnerabilities to get her to do me these favors... and it makes me feel like some sorta manipulator. I never figured I'd stoop to such lows in my life, pulling the same moves ponies have pulled on me. Is it the right thing to do? I ain't got a clue. These days, it's hard to tell what's wrong and what's right. It's all about surviving until somepony takes you out. If you're lucky, you might live to a ripe old age, but only the luckiest and those who keep their noses outta trouble manage that.

But with all the problems in my life, it's impossible not to push boundaries I'd normally never even consider to achieve my goals. If I off Sky, the whole Thunderhead enclave's gonna be breathing down my neck.

No matter how much I beef up, I ain't gonna take on the whole enclave solo. I'd need somepony like Rampage to help, but she's got her own mess to sort out.

I feel for her, I really do. She's been on the run for most of her life, ever since they found out what they could do with her immortality. She had to split from us temporarily to keep us safe.

At some point, those enclave bastards are gonna sniff out where I'm hiding. So, I can't say I'm sitting pretty. Before I off Sky and my sisters, I gotta be ready. I gotta have my own crew to help me deal with this shitshow.

I got some new buddies I met here in Marechester, Comet Star and Linus. They're solid, always ready to lend a hoof when needed.

Linus, though, he's a bit hard to understand with that thick accent of his. He's always saying "An ting" and calling me "Rasta" for some reason. Beats me what it means, but it don't matter much. Even if his Equestrian ain't the best, he's still a good mate, and I know I can rely on him.

They should be swinging by in a bit, saying they got some trouble they need help with. Even though I ain't exactly a whiz with weapons, this could be a chance to step up and help out my pals.

Yesterday, they gave me the heads up they'd be swinging by, so I took the chance to get in some training. Knocked out forty push-ups with my wings, and I've been clocking in at seventy kilometers per hour, flying for a solid five minutes without feeling winded. It's a real accomplishment.

Just a while back, I pushed through one hundred and fifty burpees. Tough as nails, but I powered through it, sweating up a storm.

Got a little setup going in the spare room upstairs, turned it into a gym since it's just me and my cats around here. Can't let it gather dust and cobwebs, right?

Every now and then, I'll hit up the skatepark, work on my moves with my hoverboard. Got a couple of traditional skateboards too, with the classic wheels. Can't pick a favorite, they both got their charm.

I'm chilling on my couch, giving Bella, my kitten, some pets. Out of all my kittens, she's the chilliest, doesn't go clawing up my stuff. Although, she's got this weird habit of napping on top of the fridge. Cats, right? Always finding the weirdest spots to snooze.

They're the absolute cutest critters in all of Equestria, always putting a smile on my face. From their soft fur to their gentle purring, I'm head over hooves for 'em.

It's a relief to know that not all the animals got hit by the radiation. There's still a bunch out there that managed to escape its effects. But it breaks my heart seeing them out on the streets, all malnourished and struggling. Can't just leave 'em to suffer like that. Gotta do my part to give 'em a better shot at life.

I still remember the day my mother dropped that bomb on me: "No animals in my house." Ugh! She can be such a pain in the flank sometimes. Just one of the thousand reasons I packed my bags and found a place of my own.

Sure, she's done plenty for me, like getting us out of Thunderhead and sticking by me since I was just a foal. But she's got her moments, you know? Like the day I broke the news to her that I was flying the coop and planning to take care of my "family" myself.

My mom's over in Spanningfields, about fifteen minutes from here. You could fly there, but it's a real wing-tirer. Sometimes it's easier to just take the car, not that I'm in any hurry to visit her.

Great Ponytain's been a real blessing for us, nestled up here in the north of the Celestial Seas. You could say this side of Equestria's about as safe as it gets.

As I stroked Bella and locked eyes with her, I couldn't help but reminisce about the day I broke the news to my mom about moving to a different neighborhood. Spanningfields was packed, not a lot of empty houses. Ended up settling here in Charlton, the lower-class part of town.

It was night, and I'd just wrapped up another contract, finally getting paid in bottle caps. The last episode was a pain in the ass to record, but I didn't give a damn about the rest of it. It was all about the caps and hanging out with Rampage.

My mom's house was a typical two-story brown building, just like most of the houses in Marechester. Sometimes it's hard to tell them apart. It's not like Hoofington, where we lived in a rundown, mosquito-infested wreck. Here's cozier, at least, even if it's confusing that so many houses look the same.

"Mom, I'm here! Open up!" I rapped my hooves against the door, carrying two bags full of caps, enough to keep me going.

"Just a sec!" Her voice floated from somewhere inside, but I didn't hear her hoofsteps. She was probably flying over to the door.

My mother swung the door open with enthusiasm. "It's good to see you, dear. You're here earlier than usual," she greeted me with a warm smile, welcoming me into the house.

"Yeah, it was the final episode. Finally done with that torture. I feel... free, in a way. Got what I wanted," I replied, heaving the bags onto the living room floor.

My mother's smile faltered, replaced by a worried expression as she closed the door behind her. "Doesn't sound like you had much fun. I thought you, Rampage, and Blackjack were enjoying the dream show you'd all wanted for so long," she murmured, trailing after me as I made my way to the kitchen.

"It wasn't like that, Mom. Blackjack took over everything. It was HER damn show, not ours," I snapped, my frustration bubbling to the surface. I rummaged through the refrigerator, searching for my strawberry yogurt amidst the fruits, juices, and energy drinks—a stockpile that would last for months. But that yogurt? All mine.

"I see. And what about you and Blackjack? Isn't she coming to visit?" My mother's voice was soft, almost hesitant, as she hovered nearby, concern etched on her face.

"We're done," I replied bluntly, grabbing a clean spoon from the drawer and turning to face her. She stepped aside, silently acknowledging my need for space as I settled at the table with my yogurt.

My mother remained silent, slowly gliding to the other side of the table. My revelation had left her speechless, and I could see her struggling to find the right words. "I'm sorry to hear that, dear," she finally managed, her gaze shifting between me and the floor.

"It's okay, Mom. Now your hangouts with Gin Rummy might be a bit awkward, but it had to happen. I just couldn't stand Blackjack anymore," I replied, relishing the coolness of my yogurt and the air conditioning. I've always loved cold environments.

"Don't worry, we're still great friends... I suppose not everything lasts forever," my mother said, taking a seat opposite me at the table.

My mother doesn't know much about my life because I hardly ever talk to her about it. We rarely see eye to eye on anything, which is why I tend to keep things to myself. She doesn't want pets in the house, she worries about me skating because I might get hurt... It feels like she complains about everything I do. That's why once I'm done here, I'm moving out. I love her dearly, but sometimes she can be so annoying.

"I wonder what happened between you two, for it to end like this. Why didn't you tell me anything?" my mother asked, resting her head on her front hooves, her gaze fixed on me.

I let out a small sigh of annoyance. "Can we please stop talking about that bitch? I don't want to hear her name anymore. It just makes me sick," I snapped, feeling a wave of frustration wash over me. This wasn't like me—I don't usually talk to my mother this way.

My mother leaned back, a surprised sigh escaping her lips. "How dare you speak to your mother like that?! I've only ever worried about you."

"Yes, but I've had it with Blackjack! I don't want anything to do with that self-centered, whiny, suicidal piece of shit! I'm worth more than her, and I'll prove it. I'll become strong and independent, just wait and see," I declared, my voice rising with frustration. Our heated exchange echoed throughout the house, and soon enough, one of my younger sisters, Lucent, had come downstairs. The tranquility that had reigned before my arrival was now shattered by our argument.

My mother and I turned towards Lucent, who stood there with her head down, looking at us with innocent eyes. "Big sis? Mom? Are you fighting?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern. She was too young to understand the adult topics we were discussing.

"No, sweetheart, we're just having a grown-up conversation. Why don't you go back to your room?" my mother reassured her, offering a smile to ease the tension.

"Really, Mom? From my room, I can hear both of you. You're yelling ugly things at each other," Lucent said, hugging her Cappy plush tightly, covering half of her face.

"We're just in a disagreement, sweetheart. We're not fighting," my mother said, her voice softened with sweetness.

"Why don't you go to your room and watch your cartoons?" she proposed to Lucent, smiling warmly. I understood her concern, but I didn't want Lucent to be involved in this discussion.

"I would like to, but I can't stand listening to you two yell at each other... I don't want Glory to leave, Mom," Lucent said, speaking slowly. What she said made me even more sad; she didn't know that I was leaving the house because of my own decision.

My mother held out a hoof for Lucent to come towards her.

Lucent slowly approached my mother, Dawn, who wanted to pick her up to comfort her and assure her that everything is okay.

"Listen, dear, your sister is not going anywhere. But you must understand that ponies, when they are adults, have all the freedom to leave the house and continue with their lives. But that doesn't mean that Glory no longer loves us. She's coming to visit us. Do you understand what I'm saying?" my mother asked, stroking Lucent's mane.

"I think so..." Lucent said, a little unsure.

"It's true, Lucent. I still love you a lot, you know? I'll stay a couple of days, and we'll play with my PonyStation all day. What do you think?" I suggested to Lucent, although I wanted to leave today. I should have thought a little more about my little sister. My departure must be painful for her.

Lucent looked at me, smiling with excitement. She was thrilled about the idea of playing with my console, as I never let her touch my stuff since she tends to break things. She has broken a lot of toys, but at times like these, it no longer mattered. "Of course I want to. You'll see how I beat you," Lucent said enthusiastically before trotting quickly towards my room, where I had my console stored.

My mother, watching Lucent disappear into the darkness of the second-floor hallway, turned back to me. "I'm glad you're at least trying to make your sister happy, Glory. I know I haven't been the best mother to you, but think about Lucent and how she would feel about all this."

"Sure, Mom. I'll stay one more week before I explain everything to her," I told my mother, putting my front hooves together on the table and looking down.

I sat there, reflecting on my situation. I had gotten so angry that I forgot about Lucent's feelings. Minutes later, my mother had left me alone, heading towards her room and saying goodnight to me. I love you, mom, but I have many problems that I must solve. One day, I will reveal to you my plans to deal with your husband and my other sisters. They mean nothing to me, but they must mean a lot to you.

Having finished eating, I headed to my room, flying to avoid keeping Lucent waiting for me. It was normal among pegasi, at least in my family, not to touch the ground with our hooves. We used our wings almost all the time.

When I got to my room, my little sister was already there, vigorously pressing the buttons on my console. Each hit on the buttons felt like a stab to me. I know I'm exaggerating, but games have become a crucial part of my life since I was a filly. It's incredible how they've evolved over the years.

I had to practically beg my mother to buy it for me. What great memories.

"Look, Glory! Look how I handle this ship," Lucent exclaimed, moving the controller as if she were playing. However, only the intro of the game, WipeOut 2085: Equestrian Championship, was playing. I couldn't help but laugh a little.

Before sitting next to her, I quickly gathered all the adult games like Resident Wicked 2 and Silent Town and stashed them in my backpack. I didn't want Lucent to beg me to play any of those.

"We'll see how good you are when you compete against me," I said, settling down next to her and connecting my controller.

What good memories. I should visit them more often, maybe next week. Right now, I can't.

I heard the sound of a car horn multiple times. I'm sure it must be Comet Star and Linus.

Bella, upon hearing the sound, had bolted away from my hooves and headed towards the second floor. She's very skittish; she probably went to lie down in my bed.

I flew towards the door and saw Comet's 1994 Marcedaz Banz E500, black. I'd recognize that car from a distance. I opened the door and flew a few kilometers forward.

"Hey, Morning, que pasa?" Comet Star greeted me as he got out of the car.

"Wah gwaan, rasta?" Linus said, emerging several seconds after Comet.

Both of them were in armor. I assumed that what we were about to do would be intense, more than I was used to.

"Hey guys, nice to see you both," I greeted them, raising my hoof slightly.

"Same, Morning. We have a surprise for you. It'll be useful for what we're going to do. We're taking down a gang that stole some weapons from Linus," Comet said, heading to the trunk of his car and opening it.

I flew closer to Comet, feeling worried about what he said. "How did it happen? Who were they?" I asked.

"I was sellin' my weapons on di corner an' ting. Den, several cars roll up an' dem was packed wid too many boys an' ting. Dem hit me. Mi couldn't do nuttin' against dem. Dem was too much. Dem take mi weapons an' never pay me. Mi want mi weapons back! Ya know?" Linus explained, gesturing with his hooves vigorously.

I remained silent for a few minutes, trying to decipher Linus's words. It seemed like he was talking about some sort of attack involving weapons and a group of assailants.

Comet, noticing my puzzled expression, stepped in to clarify. "What Linus is getting at is that he got jumped while peddling his goods. The Rogues. They not only jack stuff to flip it for a profit, but they also got a real beef with zebras," Comet elaborated, gesturing with his hoof towards me.

"I may not know them, but that's all the reason I need to put a bullet between their eyes," I responded, my tone carrying a hint of defiance.

"Dem bumbaclots, dem just nuh stop. I don't know why dem have it in fi we, y'know? Di war dun long time now. What's di point in carryin' dis hate?" Linus exclaimed, mimicking a sword swipe with his right hoof.

"Don't worry, Linus, we'll get those weapons back," I assured him, placing a hoof on his shoulder.

"Tank yuh, mi yout, I'm glad to have ya help," Linus replied, smiling gratefully at me.

"Yeah, with your help, this will be a breeze," Comet chimed in, nodding in agreement. He then gestured towards the trunk of his car. "Here's an armor for you. It's just the three of us against... well, who knows how many. This armor will come in hoofndy," he explained, acknowledging the potential danger we faced.

"It looks incredible," I remarked, eyeing the armor for a moment. It was black and yellow, with a radioactive trevol symbol emblazoned on the back. It likely offered protection against both physical harm and radiation.

I reached out with both front hooves to lift it, but to my surprise, I couldn't budge it. The weight was overwhelming, as if I were trying to lift three power armors with just one hoof.

"Cho! It woulda be easier if we had a unicorn with us, dem can lift objects an ting'," Linus remarked. But I wasn't about to admit defeat. I didn't need unicorns. I could do this myself.

"Well, it's a shame. We pegasi are strong too," I insisted, pushing against the heavy armor with all my might. It frustrated me to no end that I couldn't lift it, but I refused to give up.

"I know that I can!" I exclaimed, flapping my wings in an attempt to lift the armor. But it was futile. No matter how hard I tried, it remained stubbornly on the trunk. Why couldn't I lift it?

"Ostias, Glory, Linus and I will put it on the ground, vale?" Comet intervened, placing a hoof on my chest to gently push me back. I reluctantly complied, stepping away as they prepared to lift the armor.

With Linus and Comet working together, they strained against the weight of the armor. It was so heavy that even the car shook slightly, underscoring its massiveness. There was no way I could have lifted that alone.

Finally, with a collective effort, they managed to lower the armor to the ground. Comet wiped the sweat from his forehead as they released it.

"That's it, Glory. Just stand in the center, and the armor will automatically adapt to your body," Comet instructed, his voice tinged with relief.

I nodded and cautiously approached the armor, aligning myself in the center as instructed. As I positioned my hooves according to the glowing green squares, the armor emitted a soft hum, indicating that it had detected my movements.

With my wings folded neatly against my sides, I watched as the armor began to close around me, the process accompanied by a satisfying sound reminiscent of a closing door. Once it was fully secured, I marveled at how light and comfortable it felt, despite its imposing appearance. The interior of the armor maintained a pleasant coolness against the heat of the sun, and I couldn't help but admire the striking yellow and black color scheme of my newly adorned wings.

"Do you like it? Linus modified it for you," Comet remarked, nudging Linus with a playful smirk.

Linus, looking somewhat bashful, replied, "Bu' it's not fi di reason ya think, rude bwoy. She's a parri."

Suppressing a laugh, I covered my mouth with a hoof. "Oh, come on, Comet. You know how Linus gets whenever you bring up THAT day."

"Yeah, you know I like teasing him with that," Comet said, his laughter subsiding as he cleared his throat. "I think we should go." He paused, his gaze shifting between Linus and me. "Not all of us can fit in the car, so, Glory, you should fly. And Linus, who are you going with?" The weight of our armor would likely cause the car's body to sink low to the ground.

Linus pondered his options, scratching his chin thoughtfully.

"Why don't you come with me? I can take you. Have you ever wondered what Marechester looks like from above?" I offered, knowing that Linus often showed a vulnerable and shy side when alone with me. He was so tender in those moments.

"I don't know, mi sista. Me nah really like heights," Linus admitted, his nerves evident in his slower speech.

"I won't let you fall, I promise. Besides, it might be fun," I reassured Linus, extending a hoof toward him.

"Alright, rasta, but nuh fly too high, seen?" Linus said slowly, trotting towards me.

"Perfecto. The Rogues are located in Bello Vue. I'm going to guide you there, and we'll plan the attack," Comet said, closing the trunk of his car.

I nodded and flew up a little, extending a hoof. "Give me your hoof," I said to Linus.

Linus slowly extended his hoof towards mine, avoiding making eye contact with me. He seemed embarrassed, likely remembering the day I slept with him.

Taking both of Linus's hooves, he blushed and looked away.

"Alright, chavales, get ready," Comet said, getting into his car and turning it on.

Linus also had armor, but I could carry him without feeling him too heavy; my armor gave me the ability to lift heavy objects.

As Linus and I rose higher and higher, he began to move his hind hooves nervously, picking them up and sighing in a somewhat hurried manner.

"Yo, yo, yo! Yu tink we goin' too high, rude gyal?" Linus blurted out, his voice tinged with urgency.

"I have to go at this height so you don't hit objects like traffic lights," I assured him, gathering and spreading his hooves again and again.

I took to the skies, keeping a careful eye on Comet's movements below. My goal was to maintain a steady pace, neither too fast nor too slow, ensuring that Linus could keep up without feeling overwhelmed. Bello Vue was unfamiliar territory for me, so I relied on Comet's lead to navigate the streets below.

As I flew, the bustling life of Marechester unfolded beneath me. Foals pedaled their tricycles with youthful exuberance, accompanied by watchful parents guiding them along. Ponies of all kinds trotted purposefully towards their destinations, while overhead, other pegasi soared gracefully through the sky.

Despite the usual hustle and bustle, I remained vigilant, mindful of the need to avoid collisions with anypony below. Every street corner held the potential for surprise, every rooftop a potential obstacle. Yet, with each flap of my wings, I maintained a steady course, determined to see this mission through to the end.

My attention was momentarily diverted to the stallion on my right, engaged in animated conversation with his friend via a Pipbuck. It seemed their family might have originated from a Stable, given their familiarity with the device.

"Did you read Iplay magazine? Resident Wicked 3 finally went on sale," the stallion exclaimed with palpable excitement, deftly navigating through the crowd as he spoke.

His friend's response was more subdued. "No, I won't be able to go to the races with the lads, I have to go to work," he lamented, deftly maneuvering to avoid bumping into other ponies.

The stallion sighed in disappointment. "You know my parents are a duo of wazzocks, they don't want to buy me the game, so I'll have to get it myself," he complained, prompting a nearby mare to cover her filly's ears at the colorful language.

"But hey, we could have a sleepover and play all night, skip school. That place is bloomin' boring," he suggested enthusiastically, his gaze briefly shifting to me and Linus as he approached the restaurant.

"Wow, that's some sick armor you two have there. Does it come from some video game?" the young stallion inquired, his eyes widening with curiosity as he took in our armor.

"Not really, they're armors that were used during the war," I replied with a smile, appreciating his innocent curiosity.

"That's really cool," the stallion remarked before disappearing into the restaurant.

I love this area of Charlton; the avenue boasts all kinds of businesses, and you don't have to travel extremely far to get basic goods. There are many restaurants, pharmacies, bars, and convenience stores. I definitely don't regret my decision to live here.

Unfortunately, I can't say the same about the skatepark. I have to fly ten minutes to get there, but I can tolerate it.

"We look proper like Amber Aura, innit? I'm well into her tunes and her swag," one mare remarked, gently touching her hair, proud of the outcome. Her hair was long and black, mirroring Aura's style, and she wore a black dress.

"Same 'ere, sis. Did you clock the gear she had on in her Whisper music vid? It's exactly what I'm sportin'," her twin added, sporting a white dress and a very long ponytail.

"I s'pose you caught it on EMT, innit? That telly channel that dishes out music vids. Only the bleedin' lucky ones get to watch it; snaggin' a telly ain't no cheap task," the mare observed, examining herself in a mirror held with her wings.

"You could always swap out summat you don't need for a telly," her twin suggested.

"I ain't got nuffin' to swap, and you know what they're after if I ain't got the caps," the mare replied, a hint of annoyance in her voice.

"Sex," both mares chimed in simultaneously. I couldn't help but laugh at their conversation. Sex has become the number one means of pleasure in all of Great Ponytania, much like Hoofington.

As we continued through the neighborhood, we came across a mother sitting on a bench with her foal, who was engrossed in playing with an RC car. They were conversing in a foreign tongue, a common sight in Marechester. For these ponies, mastering Equestrian was a necessity; without it, they'd struggle to communicate with others in this city.

"Mamma, guarda, va così la mia macchinina, brr brr!" exclaimed the colt excitedly, steering the RC car around with enthusiasm, occasionally crashing it into nearby walls. But his joy was undeterred by the mishaps; all he wanted was to revel in the moment.

"Stai attento con quella macchinina, potresti ferire qualcuno. E non voglio nemmeno che tu la usi vicino alla strada, è pericoloso" the foal's mother cautioned with a worried tone, releasing a weary sigh. Motherhood, it seemed, was far from the idyllic image often portrayed.

We had arrived at Bello Vue, and it wasn't quite what I had expected. The neighborhood seemed ordinary enough, though there weren't many ponies around. Nevertheless, the impending shootout with The Rogues would undoubtedly send the locals into a panic. Unfortunately, there wasn't much we could do about that.

The Rogues were holed up in a dead-end alley in Callington CI. Some of them loitered outside the houses, sporting black sleeveless leather jackets and bandages on their foreheads. They seemed to be mostly earth ponies and unicorns, not particularly formidable. I reckoned we could handle them without much trouble.

Negotiation didn't seem like a viable option either. Asking politely, "Please, could you return the weapons you took without paying?" might have worked in old Equestria, but in the current state of affairs? Highly unlikely.

Comet parked a little ways from The Rogues' location, presumably to avoid drawing attention. They must know him and Linus, so it's wise not to reveal our presence just yet.

I carefully set Linus down, ensuring he landed safely. Flying low the whole way wasn't easy, especially with the lampposts, but I understood his fear of heights.

Comet stepped out of the car, opening the back door. "Here, I've got the weapons we'll use." With one hoof, he produced an M4A1, extending it toward me, while he held three magazines with another hoof.

I took the M4A1 and the magazines, stashing them in my mane. I couldn't help but wonder about Linus. With Comet arming himself with two IMI UzIs, it left Linus unarmed.

"What about Linus? Shouldn't he have a weapon? It could be dangerous for him to be unarmed," I asked, a hint of concern in my voice.

"Don' worry, rude gyal, mi armor mek me invisible fi a likkle bit, mi can drop some a dem bloodclots an' tek dem weapons to defend meself," Linus explained, retrieving a combat knife from his lengthy mane, which cascaded down his back and covered half of his left eye.

"Linus takes the fight against Babylon very seriously, even if he uses a pencil while the others use swords," Comet said, reloading his two Uzis.

"That's right mi breda, mi weapons dem haffi deh hidden inna some a dem houses, we gonna haffi search fi dem separately an' mek sure say nopony try fi escape wid dem, even if we ain't got nutten fi cover we heads wid," Linus remarked, gesturing towards potential cover points with his knife. "We can use di cars an' walls fi cover," he added, lowering his knife.

I was rubbing my front hoof with the other out of embarrassment because I didn't really understand what Linus said. "We have to cover ourselves with cars and walls, I got that part, but the rest of it, what did you say?" I asked.

"He says that the weapons must be in some of the houses and that we should search for them separately, that way it would be faster," Comet explained. It also made me feel bad that he had to translate what Linus said to me.

I hadn't had much contact with Zebras before, Vagina—oops, I mean, Majina doesn't count 'cause she was born in Equestria, not Nazabre.

"Thank you for the clarification, and Linus, I'm sorry if sometimes I can't understand you, I know it has been an impediment to being able to communicate," I explained to Linus.

"Don't fret, Glory, one day ya gonna get de hang o' mi accent, dat's how Comet learned to get mi, y'know," Linus said, glancing at me briefly before turning to ready his knife. "But fo' now, let's focus on fightin' Babylon."

"That's right, Glory, don't worry about that now, let's kill those gilipollas," Comet gave me a few small touches on my back, then turned to Linus's side.

I flew as low as possible to avoid making noise with my armor, which could give away our position. Standing beside Linus and Comet, I followed Comet's signal towards a nearby car, which would serve as our temporary hiding spot.

As we advanced cautiously, The Rogues carried on with their daily activities. Some played Buckball in the street, others lounged in the corners smoking, and a few indulged in alcohol, discarding their bottles and cigarettes carelessly onto the ground, contributing to the city's grime.

A group sat inside a Velkswagen Karmann-Ghia 1600 L, tuning in to the beloved Moving Darkness radio, a popular Drum & Bass station in Great Ponytania.

We maneuvered to the other side of the street without drawing attention. I refrained from peering through the car's windows to avoid unnecessary exposure, having already scoped out the area. Five houses lined the street until it culminated in a dead end; the weapons we sought must be hidden within one of them.

"The plan's simple: Linus uses his armor to go invisible and take out a Rogue. When the chaos ensues, we open fire. Got it, Glory?" Comet asked, focusing his gaze on me, raising an eyebrow.

"Roger that," I affirmed. We just needed to await the signal.

Linus and Comet exchanged nods, indicating they'd already hashed out the details before my inclusion in the mission.

Linus activated his armor, rendering himself invisible save for his floating knife. I watched in astonishment, marveling at the capabilities of zebra technology, a sight I'd never witnessed firsthoof.

Linus left the hiding spot and made his way toward the scattered garbage cans along the street. He discreetly stashed his knife behind one of them, avoiding raising suspicions about a floating blade.

With patience, Linus waited for a Rogue who was smoking to turn around, presenting an opportunity for attack. The Rogue had a Remingten 870 Shorty shotgun beside him.

As the Rogue turned, Linus seized the moment, swiftly slicing his throat. Blood gushed out, and the Rogue's scream pierced the air.

Without hesitation, Linus grabbed the Remingten 870 and delivered a fatal shot to the Rogue's head. The impact was devastating—his skull exploded into a gruesome fountain of blood and brain matter, painting the surroundings with a macabre splatter. Fragments of skull and brain scattered across the street, trash cans, and nearby walls.

"GO!" Comet exclaimed, standing on two hooves and unleashing a barrage of gunfire from his Uzis. His aim wasn't just focused on the Rogues; he also targeted the tires of their vehicles, ensuring none could escape. Though he missed hitting any Rogues directly, he managed to deflate several tires with precision shots.

I took flight and joined the fray, squeezing off rounds from my M4A1 at the scattering Rogues. They darted for cover, making it nearly impossible to land a shot. "FUCK!" I muttered under my breath, frustration boiling as my shots missed their marks, despite firing off fifteen rounds.

"It's that damn zebra cocksucker! Kill 'em all, and that whore with 'em too!" one of the Rogues barked from behind cover, his voice dripping with frustration and malice.

The Assault

What the hell did he just call me? Did he call me a whore? I'll smash his fucking head!

I don't let anypony insult me like that. When I get the chance, I'll personally take care of that son of a bitch. For now, I can't because I have several Rogues aiming at me. I don't want them to manage to shoot me in the neck or another part of my head. It's the only thing I don't have covered.

Comet made a roll on the ground, seeking cover behind another car a few meters ahead of me, where he swiftly began to reload his two Uzis.

Linus, meanwhile, hunkered down against the wall of a nearby house, no doubt strategizing his next move.

"Shit, they killed Brisk! Shit, shit!" cried another of The Rogues, his voice with fear. Well, you should've thought before attacking my friend. You're gonna die too.

Shooting at the cars where they're hiding wouldn't work. Cars are tough to explode, and they're the best cover on the street.

I noticed a Rogue advancing towards us with a 44.Magnum. He was a unicorn, taking shots toward Comet's position. I aimed at him and fired multiple rounds into his chest and right hoof, dropping him dead. I ducked back into cover, pumped with adrenaline, celebrating my first kill. I hoped for more.

Linus had aimed at a car, shattering its windows. Glass sprayed everywhere, sending the Rogue inside scrambling for cover. Linus seized the opportunity, closing in and blasting him at point-blank range with his shotgun. The impact blew off the Rogue's hoof, coating Linus in blood. I could see the floating blood, evidence of his invisible armor still at work.

The motherfucker who insulted me was still breathing, and I was hell-bent on ending him. I made a risky move, bursting out of my hiding spot and flying up high. With only two Rogues left on the street, one was taking potshots at Linus, who was holding his ground, bullets bouncing off his armor. Linus fired back, not managing to kill the Rogue but providing enough cover to seek refuge.

Comet took down the Rogue targeting Linus, riddling his body with bullets from both Uzis. From my aerial view, I witnessed it all unfold.

The remaining Rogue spotted me and fired. The bullet slammed into my chest, but strangely, I felt no pain. I made sure not to land directly facing him, avoiding exposing my head, and touched down on two hooves right in front of him.

As I landed, the ground quivered under the weight of my armor, causing him to stagger slightly. Before he could aim his gun at me, I thrust my right hoof forward with all my strength. It pierced through his ribs, shattering bone and tearing flesh as it plunged into his chest cavity. He let out a bloodcurdling scream, tears streaming down his face as agony gripped him.

With a determined grip, I seized his heart from around the aorta, yanking it forcefully from his body. Blood gushed forth, drenching me in crimson spray, but I paid it no mind.

His lifeless form crumpled to the ground, leaving behind a spreading pool of scarlet. In my hoof, I held his still-beating heart, squeezing it like a ripe tomato until it burst, splattering gore in all directions.

Comet and Linus cautiously emerged from their hiding spots, approaching me as they took in the scene. I could tell they were unfazed; they'd seen worse before. They carefully avoided looking at the lifeless body of The Rogue.

"Aw'right, di res' of di batty bwoys must be hidin' inna di houses. We gotta check each one till we find di weapons," Linus declared, reloading his shotgun with a smooth pull of the fore-end. The spent cartridge clattered to the street, mingling with the blood, discarded cigarettes, and shattered alcohol bottles. The stench of the street was bound to worsen, and unfortunately, somepony else would have to clean up our mess.

"I'll be checking this house," Comet declared, indicating the one adjacent to us. Linus and I nodded in agreement, with Linus heading to the one next to Comet's choice.

I made my way into the first house, taking note that it appeared deserted from our earlier reconnaissance. Nonetheless, it wouldn't hurt to have a look around.

The stench of cigarettes assaulted my nostrils as I entered, indicating the presence of the Rogues. They sure had a fondness for smoking, these bastards.

Flying silently to avoid giving away my position, I kept my M4A1 at the ready, prepared for any surprises.

I doubted they'd be foolish enough to stash the weapons in plain sight in the living room, but I checked anyway.

The room surprised me; unlike the chaos outside, it was neat and orderly, with a clean white interior illuminated by a warm yellow ceiling lamp.

I searched under pieces of furniture, hoping to uncover something of value, but came up empty-hoofded. The dust under there nearly had me sneezin' my head off, so I moved on quickly.

With the house bein' so small, I figured the second floor wouldn't take me long to cover, I headed on up.

As I climbed the second step, the open window at the end of the hallway allowed the sound of gunfire to drift in from outside. Linus's shotgun blasts mingled with the staccato rhythm of Comet's Uzis and the sporadic shots from The Rogues, creating a chaotic symphony of violence.

Could it be that I'd stumbled into an empty house? To find out, I pressed on, my ears attuned to the distant battle raging outside.

Approaching three doors, I assumed two to be bedrooms and the other the bathroom. Figuring the bathroom wouldn't likely be a hiding spot, I opted to leave it be for now.

I cautiously pushed open the door to the first room, closest to the stairs. Peeking inside, I scanned the space for any sign of activity before easing myself in, careful not to disturb the squeaky door.

What I found inside was a scene straight out of a nightmare. Playpony magazines littered the floor, and... well, let's just say the bed was adorned with more than just sheets.

As I stepped into the room, a pungent, sickly-sweet odor assaulted my senses, curling into my nostrils like a putrid fog. It was the unmistakable stench of sex, thick and cloying, saturating the air with its musky presence.

The bed was now a grotesque tableau of depravity. Stains, dark and viscous, marred its surface, the unmistakable remnants of countless lewd acts. The fabric now bore the marks of debauchery, its fibers soaked and stained with the evidence of lust.

I couldn't help but recoil. This wasn't just a bed; it was a desecrated altar to carnal desire, a shrine to the basest instincts of ponykind. And amidst it all, the stench of sperm hung heavy in the air, a foul reminder of the depravity that had taken place here.

As I approached the next room, the sound of tearing paper caught my attention, like somepony frantically trying to conceal evidence. Peeking inside, I saw a Rogue sitting in a chair, tearing at papers with an air of desperation, his AK-47 lying nearby.

Without hesitation, I flew sideways and unleashed a barrage of bullets, ripping through his chest and neck, the wall and his belongings splattered with blood as his lifeless body slumped to the ground.

Curiosity gnawed at me as I approached, picking up a piece of paper marked 'Missing' in red. What could be missing? Further investigation revealed more papers, each bearing the image of a missing foal. It was a disturbing sight, one that raised more questions than answers.

As I pondered the significance of the discovery, a nagging feeling tugged at the back of my mind. Was this connected to our mission, or just a coincidence? With time of the essence, I knew I couldn't afford to be distracted by mysteries beyond our objective.

"Yo, mi breda! I just found di weapons!" Linus exclaimed, his voice carrying from the second floor window of the house where he was.

I headed out of the house, the sounds of guns firing echoing nearby, likely from where Comet was. Before moving forward, I reloaded my M4, just in case more trouble lurked ahead. I didn't know much about that gang, but I had a feeling there might be more of them ready to strike at any moment.

Exiting the house, I found Linus with a pack of weapons, one in his mouth and another on his back. It looked heavy, and he dropped the one from his mouth onto the ground.

"We finally did it! I did a good job, right?" I asked Linus eagerly, hoping for some reassurance about my performance.

Linus's armor stopped concealing him, revealing his orange eyes. He raised his mane with a hoof to get a better look at me. "Of course, dawg, you did a good job, ya also protected Comet and helped me get mi weapons. Celestia bless ya, my yute."

I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. Not only did I help my friends, but I've also become more skilled. Though I haven't killed many, I still did better than I thought.

Comet emerged from the house, one of his Uzis lacking a magazine, suggesting he ran out of bullets. He kept both Uzis in his mane. "Phew, we finally found the weapons. I only found porn magazines and many bottles of Pimms," he remarked, approaching Linus to assist with the weapon packs.

"Believe me, I found something worse, semen on a bed," I said, adopting a sarcastic tone, though the reality was far from trivial.

"Hahahah, that's very typical. I'm sorry you had to go through that. It must have been an unpleasant sight for you," Comet replied, showing understanding.

I raised a front hoof and bent it. "Pshh, not really. By the way, how do you think I did today?" I asked.

"Muy flipante, to tell the truth. You've improved a lot. I appreciate you helping me and Linus," Comet replied. He lowered his hoof, which had been raised while speaking to me.

Excellent. My role here was wonderful. If I continue like this, I won't have so many problems dealing with more dangerous situations or even taking down an entire gang or my 'family' by myself. I couldn't help but raise my hoof a little, squeeze it, and lower it while saying "Hell Yeah!" in my mind.

"Whenever yuh want, yuh can call me, and I bring yuh weapons at a low price. Even if we are bredren, I can't give dem to yuh for free, 'cause I need di caps to eat and ting, seen?" Linus said, chuckling. Sometimes when he speaks, it sounds like he's rapping.

"I understand, thanks Linus, I'll call you when I need some. And the M4? Shall I give it back to you?" I asked, uncertain if I could keep the gun without paying for it.

"Nuh, ya don't need to pay dat one," Linus replied as he trotted with Comet back towards his car.

"I suppose you will return home on your own, Glory," Comet said.

Glancing behind, I noticed the Velkswagen of one of the rogues still parked there. It was a classic piece of art; I couldn't let it go to waste. "Don't worry, I already found a new way to get back."

"Alright, thanks for your help, chavala. We'll see you soon. Take care," Comet bid farewell, raising a hoof in parting.

"One love, rasta," Linus chimed in, making the same gesture.

Returning the gesture, I said goodbye to them. I hoped to see them soon; I was sure they must be busy with other matters.

I flew to the Velkswagen. I would've liked to stay and admire its beauty, but with corpses about to rot nearby, I got into the car immediately. Luckily, the keys were inside, so I didn't have to search for them.

The car didn't have a single bullet hole, suggesting it must work perfectly. I turned it on and prepared to head home.

The weight of the armor made the body of the car sag a little, but when I accelerated, I didn't hear it hit the ground directly. With a determined look, I pushed down on the pedal and headed back home; my kittens had been alone for too long, and I was sure they must miss me.