Dead Pony Rising 2

Chapter Two

A Bike and a Dream

Date: August 29, 2011 9:30 a.m.

Buck slowly trotted through the gate and onto the dirt road outside. There were many, many zombies still shambling around. He looked around some more, getting his bearings and figuring out where he could get the supplies he needed. That’s when a wasp flew into his view and started buzzing around his head. Buck swatted it and it fell to the ground; unable to fly due to the sudden shock it received. The zombies noticed Buck and started shambling towards him.

Remembering the book that Flank West wrote a few months earlier, Buck lifts up his hoof and slams down onto the wasp, killing it instantly. The zombies around him started to react; seizuring out and their heads exploding off their bodies. As the last one hit the ground; Buck couldn’t help but smile. He wiped his foot off and started trotting back into the center of Stable Brook.

“Now, if I were a bike seat, where would I be?” He asked himself. He looked all around at the shops that were available in the small town, but had no idea where to start. A zombie slowly shambled up to Buck and was about to bite when the sound of a gun rang through the air. The zombie’s body fell to the side and Buck looked all around for his savior.

“Hey, buddy!” Somepony shouted. Buck looked up and saw an old stallion with a dark gray mane standing on top of the local bank. “There’s a ladder in the alleyway. C’mon up, I’d like to talk to you.” He says. Buck then gallops into the alleyway on the side of the bank and quickly climbs up the ladder leading to the roof. He trots up to the old stallion and they shake hooves.

“Thanks for saving my flank down there.” Buck says.

“It wasn’t a problem, buddy.” The stallion says. “The name’s Ace Spade.”

“Buck Greene.” Buck says. The two shake hooves again. Buck catches his breath before speaking again. “Do you know where I could find a bike seat and other materials to make a Motoclops bike?”

“If I had to guess, I’d go to Trot ‘n’ Go.” Ace says. “If you go down one block that way and make a right, you’ll find a giant building with the words Trot ‘n’ Go in big red letters on the front of the building. They should have anything you need.”

“Thanks, Ace.” Buck says as he starts trotting back to the ladder. Ace stops Buck and spins him around.

“While you’re there, could you do me a favor?” Ace asks.

“Anything, what do you need?” Buck asks.

“My daughter and I got separated when everything started.” Ace says. “Could you look for her and tell me if you find anything?”

“Absolutely. What does she look like?” Ace takes out a picture from the front pocket on his vest and hands it to Buck. “She’s very beautiful. Where was the last place you saw her?”

“Over near the Royal Guardian campsite a little ways out of here.” Ace says taking back the picture. “After the explosion, things got crazy and we got separated. I’d go look for her myself, but, the old grey stallion just ain’t what he used t’ be.” The two shared a small laugh.

“I’ll go check it out.” Buck says. “I was over there earlier; but I didn’t see anything.” He trots over to the ladder and starts climbing back down to street level. His hooves hit the ground and he started galloping down the road to the Trot ‘n’ Go store. As he galloped past a bar, he could hear a couple arguing with each other. Buck slowly opens the door and sees a unicorn and a Pegasus fighting with each other.

“Sweetie, I’ll come back for you, I promise.” The Pegasus says.

“No you won’t!” The unicorn says angrily. “As long as you have the bits, you’re not coming back.”

“How could you say something so hurtful? You’re the love of my life.”

“Then explain to me why you want to take the case full of thousands of bit with you to get help.”

“Because, if I leave this here with you, you might get robbed or eaten…”

“Excuse me,” Buck says, “I know where the two of you can be safe.”

“And just who are you?” The Pegasus asks angrily.

“I’m…”

“Here to steal my quarter of a million bits?” He asks angrily.

“You’re quarter of a million bits?” The unicorn asks. “I thought what yours is mine and what’s mine is yours, hubby?”

“Look,” Buck says as he trots closer, “I can take you somew…” The Pegasus slammed the briefcase full of bits across Buck’s face; knocking him to the ground.

“Gold Bar!” The unicorn shouts. “This stallion is trying to help us.”

“No, he’s trying to take my hard-earned bits.” Buck then sweeps his leg under Gold and knocks him to the ground. Buck quickly jumps on top of him and pins him to the ground, making sure that the stallion didn’t try to pull himself back up.

“I don’t want trouble, buddy.” Buck says through gritted teeth. “But if I have to kill you, I will.”

“You wouldn’t kill an innocent pony!” Gold says.

“Try me.” Buck says. The two stay there in awkward silence until the box of Zombrex Buck had falls out from his shirt pocket.

“Zombrex?” Gold asks nervously. “You’re infected?”

“No, my daughter is.” Buck says. “And she needs that stuff twice a day.” Buck inches his face closer to Gold Bar’s. “I’m willing to kill anypony that gets in my way to make sure she gets this stuff.” Buck pulls himself off of Gold Bar and starts trotting out of the bar. The unicorn gallops up behind him and stops him.

“Wait!” She says. “Can you take me to that safe place you were talking about?”

“Absolutely.” Buck says. “Do you want to bring your husband?”

“I don’t know.” The unicorn says. “After today, I don’t think I can really consider him my husband.”

“Juniper, I’m sorry.” Gold starts to say.

“It’s too late.” Juniper replies. “You can keep your bits, I’m sure you cheated the casinos out of them anyway.” Juniper then trots next to Buck and the two leave the small bar. As they gallop down the street to the Trot ‘n’ Go, Gold Bar steps out of the bar and takes to the sky; briefcase full of bits in tow.

“The name’s Juniper Leaf.” The unicorn says.

“Buck Greene.” Buck says.

“Wait, Buck Greene?” Juniper asks. “As in, the Buck Greene?”

“One and only.” Buck says as he gallops to the store front. “I’d give you an autograph, but I need to get out of here with my daughter.”

“Oh, I completely understand.” Juniper says. “I’m just amazed that I’m actually with you.” They open the doors, trot inside, and then quickly close the doors behind them.

“So, you want to help out for a good cause?” Buck asks.

“Sure, what do you need?” Juniper asks.

“I’m looking for material to make a makeshift Motoclops bike.” Buck says. “I’ve already got the body, but I need hoofstraps, seats, wheels, and a light. Can you help me find the light?”

“Sure thing.” Juniper says. “You take aisles one and two; I’ll take three and four.”

“Thank you, you’re a lifesaver.” Buck says. The two then split up and start looking down the aisles. Buck looked high and low on both sides, but was quickly losing hope.

“Are you looking for anything in particular?” Juniper shouted from the other side.

“No, a simple flashlight could work just fine.” Buck replies.

“Great, then let’s get out of here.” Juniper says.

“You found one?” Buck asks excitedly as he gallops out of aisle one and rushes over to aisle four.

“I sure did.” Juniper says as she trots over to Buck with the flashlight floating in the air; an aura of light green surrounding it as Juniper used her magic.

“Okay, that’s one item down, four more to go.” Buck says. He looks around and finds a saddlebag that he could wear. He grabs it and straps it down quickly; Juniper places the flashlight in the bag and the two start trotting back to the entrance.

“What’s next on the list?” Juniper asks.

“Wheels.” Buck says. “We’re gonna’ need to stop by the bank and talk to a stallion named Ace.”

“Why?” Juniper asks as they open the door and start galloping back to the bank.

“He knows this town better than anypony I’ve met so far.” Buck says. “If anypony knows this town, it’s him.” They gallop down the street and into the alleyway next to the bank. Juniper hauls herself up first and helps pull Buck up onto the roof.

“Well,” Ace says, “did you find what you were looking for?”

“Yeah, now I’m looking for wheels, do you know where they could be?” Ace stands there for a moment; thinking carefully.

“If I had to guess,” he finally says, “there might be some at Pawn’s shop.”

“Pawn?” Buck asks. “He may have some wheels?”

“Yep, Pawn and I are probably the last native ponies in Stable Brook.” Ace says. “Pawn’s been here longer, however, and he owns his own store.” Buck growls angrily and starts trotting back to the ladder.

“Do you want me to come with you?” Juniper asks.

“No.” Buck says. “You head back to the safe area.” Buck turns back to face Juniper. “Do you see that chariot repair shop down there?”

“Yeah.” Juniper says; looking at the shop Buck was pointing at.

“There’s an open gate next to it. Just go inside and make yourself comfortable.” Buck starts trotting back to the ladder. “Oh, by the way,” he says, “my daughter is in there; so, let her know I sent you. That way she won’t panic and try to come looking for me.”

“Sure thing.” Juniper says. “Be safe.” Buck then climbs down the ladder and gallops across the street to Pawn’s shop. He trotted up to the door and knocked loudly on the glass. For a moment, there was silence, until Pawn started talking.

“The doors unlocked,” he says from inside, “Just don’t let anypony that’s unwanted inside.” Buck then swings the door open, trots inside, and closes the door behind him.

“Well, look who it is.” He says. “How can I help you, Mr. Greene?”

“Ace Spade told me you know where I can find some wheels for my bike, is this rumor true?” Buck asks.

“Yes, it is true, I do sell wheels here.” Pawn says.

“How much?” Buck asks, remembering what Pawn said earlier that morning.

“For you, fifty bits. It’s an out-of-towner discount I have.” Pawn says. Buck digs through his back pants pocket and pulls out five gold ten bit coins. Pawn quickly counts it up and trots into the backroom of his shop. After a few seconds, Pawn returns with two giant wheels for Buck’s bike.

“Thank you, Pawn.” Buck says as Pawn places them on the counter.

“No problem, Greene.” Pawn says. “I’ll do anything to help a fellow pony citizen.” And with that, Buck grabs the wheels and trots back into Stable Brooke. Before he opened the door, he noticed a small device sitting on a shelf. He sets down the wheels and gets a closer look at it. It was a portable gaming system. He picked it up and trotted over to Pawn.

“How much for this gaming thing? My daughter is bugging me to get her something to play with.” Buck asks.

“Two hundred bits.” Pawn says. "Again, that's an out-of-towner discount."

“Two hundred bits? That’s outrageous!” Buck says angrily.

“I told you, Mr. Greene, I want my granddaughter to go through her schooling in Canterlot.” Pawn says. Buck gets angry and jumps over the counter to strangle Pawn.

“You shouldn’t be charging ponies in the first place!” Buck says angrily. “This is a dark time for all of us and all you can think about is making a quick bit!” He punches Pawn across the face; knocking him out cold. Buck pulls himself up and hops onto the other side of the counter.

“I’m sorry, but that’s just how I feel about that.” He says as he places the gaming system and any games he could find, into the saddlebag. He grabs the wheels and trots out of the store. As he enters back into Stable Brook, he sets the wheels down and looks at his watch. The afternoon was quickly ticking away; Buck had only four hours to get the remaining supplies and rebuild the bike. He picks up the wheels again and gallops back to the alleyway next to the bank. He gets to the roof and sets all of his things down.

“Seen any signs of your daughter?” Buck asks.

“No, you?” Ace asks.

“No. But, like I said, I’ll let you know the moment I find anything.” Buck says. “Will you watch the wheels until I get back?”

“Where you heading?” Ace asks.

“Back to the repair shop.” Buck says. “When I pulled in earlier, I had to replace the harness straps on my chariot just before somepony stole it. There were plenty left last I checked.” Buck looks over to Ace. “I figure they’ll work just a well.”

“And, is that it?” Ace asks.

“No, I also need to find two seats…possibly three or more at this rate.”

“Don’t worry about me and my daughter. We’ll get out of here just fine; you worry about yourself and your daughter.” Ace says. There was a brief moment of silence. “I know where you can find seats.” Ace finally says.

“Really? Where?” Buck asks.

“There’s a diner just up the block.” Ace says. “You can use the red stool seats they have in there.”

“Hopefully those will work.” Buck says. “Thanks.”

“It’s no problem, Buck. I’ll look after your wheels while you get the last of your supplies.”

“Thanks.” Buck says as he starts trotting back to the ladder.

*** *** ***

Date: August 29, 2011 2:36 p.m.

Back at the repair shop, Buck had all the parts laid out in front of the bike. He wrote a few more things on his pad of paper, and then proceeded to start the repairs.

“It’s a nice place to visit,” he says, “but I ain’t gonna’ die here.” He took a small wrench and started attaching the wheels first. After he left Ace one more time, he headed back to the diner he was talking about and grabbed three, one for him, one for Katey, and one for Juniper. From there he grabbed a couple hoofstraps from the front of the repair shop, grabbed the wheels back from Ace, and then came back to the repair shop.

After a few minutes of tightening the screws onto the wheels, he attached the strap to keep his front and back hooves in place while riding. From there, he taped on the flashlight Juniper found to the front of the body. And, lastly, he screws on the three seats, each one in front of the other. He positioned them so he could lay down and get a better hold on the bike and the other two so Katey and Juniper can lay on top of him. He finished it up and stood up.

“You got it done?” Juniper asked. “That was pretty fast.”

“Well,” Buck says, “when you work in Motoclops, you just pick up some experience. These bikes are very easy to make, even the simplest of simpletons can make one.”

“Are you sure it’ll work?” Juniper asks.

“I’m positive.” Buck says. “This could even be Motoclops worthy, but aside from that. I’m gonna’ head back out.”

“What for?” Juniper asks. “You’ve got everything you need.”

“That stallion at the bank is looking for his daughter.” Buck says. “I’m going to do my best to find his mare before the three of us leave this Celestia forsaken town.” He opens the door and trots back into Stable Brook.

“Buck, wait!” Juniper shouts. She gallops after him and turns him to face her.

“Where will you be?” She asks. “Just in case.”

“That Royal Guardianship campsite outside of town; that’s where Ace last saw his daughter.”

“When you’re in that area, could you get something for me?”

“Depends, what is it that you want?”

“When Gold and I escaped Las Pegasus, he had just bought me these jewels from some of the winnings he got. Even though I despise that parasprite, I want those jewels back.” She says; a small tear going down her face.

Buck just sighs, “What do they look like?”

“It’s a gold necklace encrusted with rubies, diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds. It should be inside a rusted-down red chariot.”

“I’ll see what I can do, I’m not gonna’ guarantee anything.” Juniper then placed her lips against Buck’s and kissed him heavy and passionately. Buck pushes her away. “What’s wrong?” She asks.

“I…I don’t want to talk about it...just yet...” Buck says. He then gallops for the gate and into the town.

*** *** ***

Date: August 29, 2011 5:07 p.m.

Buck had taken a few hours to get back to the guardian outpost, mostly to calm himself down and try to stay composed. He was sifting through some of the charred remains of a destroyed chariot; but couldn’t find the necklace Juniper wants. He continued searching some of the other chariots; hoping that he could find the jewels.

Suddenly, there was a rustling sound from behind Buck. He swung around and saw a young mare unicorn trotting up to him, limping on a bloodied hoof.

“Who are you?” Buck asks.

“Diamond Heart.” She says. “Who are you?”

“Buck Greene, are you Ace Spade’s daughter?” He asks.

“Daddy’s looking for me?” Diamond asks.

“Yeah, and he put me in charge.” As he looked at her, he noticed she was wearing a gold necklace that had many gems on it. It didn’t take more than a moment for Buck to figure out the original owner. “Come with me, I’ll take you to him.” She slowly limps up to him and whispers in his ear.

“I was bit.” She says.

“Are you serious?” Buck asks. “How did it happen?”

“I climbed through the barricade and was attacked by a Royal Guardian.” She says solemnly. “He seemed nice…until he pinned me down and bit my hoof.” Buck didn’t know what to say, the news of this just put him in total shock. “If you could get me some Zombrex…” She says. Buck slowly pulls out the small box of the miracle liquid.

“I’m saving this for my daughter.” He says. “She needs it in a few hours.”

“Please?” Diamond asks. “I’ll give you this necklace I found.” Buck thought it through quickly.

“No.” He says.

“No?” Diamond asks shocked. “Why not?”

“Because my little filly means more to me than all the bits and jewels in Equestria.” He lends Diamond a hoof and the two slowly make their way back to the bank. The trip was quick goin as Buck wanted to get back to the repair shop on time. He helped her up the ladder and led her to Ace.

“Daddy!” She shouted in excitement.

“Diamond!” He shouted back. The two embraced each other for a very long hug. Ace looked down at Diamond’s hoof and noticed the blood.

“By Celestia, what happened to your hoof?” He asked.

“I was bit, Daddy.” She says.

“How did it happen?”

“I made it through the barricade and was jumped by a Royal Guardian.” She says. “And…I want you to do something for me.”

“Anything, you name it.”

“I want you to shoot me.”