Fallout Equestria: Brotherhood

CHAPTER 29: A TRADER CALLED TWO SOCKS

"I've traveled everywhere. You name it, I’ve been there! Well, almost everywhere. I don't like caves though -- caves are creepy."

Before Adam was a dark, endless oblivion. Where nothing existed inside its malevolent gloom. He was lighter than air, as he searched tirelessly for something in the deep vastness.

In the farther reaches of the empty void, a voice called out to him. Faint at first, but growing in volume the more it echoed through the blackness. It was soft and tender, like the calm coo of a dove.

Adam... Adam...

Adam's gaze spun around looking for the sound's source. Though in every new place he set his eyes upon the voice seemed to call out in the opposite direction.

Adam... Adam...

Adam called out into the darkness, "Where are you? What are you?!"

Adam! ADAM!

The sides of Adam's head throbbed intensely. Firmly pressing his hooves down against the soreness, he gritted his teeth down as the sound grew to an unbearable pitch.

AD-WAKE... WAKE-ADU...

Every inch of his cranium burned. "Stop it!" He shouted, "Stop it! Please!"

Shutting his eyes tightly, Adam tried to remove the sound from his head. Ringing out like tolling bells, the vexatious sounds intensified.

Is he awake?

The voice lowered.

Are you awake? It asked, from all directions.

The longer Adam heard the voice channel itself out through the void, the more clear it became. Until it reached the height of its clarity, the voice which now spoke to him kindly belonged to a mare. Though he could not see her, the certain atmosphere of her tender words were calming.

Adam's pain lingered, but the irritation stirred by the booming sounds vanished. Below his back he could feel hard wood. Cold and loose as it gently wobbled. Then the void became a pale light that flooded his vision. Blurred, and distorted, a shadow hovered over him as his senses slowly returned.

Adam was awake.

A mare, no older than thirty, looked down at him with worried, motherly eyes. Over her dark purple brow hung loosely a thin, stringy green mane. Once more the warm voice of the mare graced his ears. "Are you awake?"

For Adam, the voice was muffled by his dazed consciousness beginning to grasp reality. "Wha-What?"

"Oi!" A contemptuous voice of stallion cried out. "Is 'ey awake? Or not?"

The mare briefly looked behind her and nodded. "I think he'll be fine, master."

"Ey' bettah. Or ah'll make ya pay fer keepin' 'im locked up in t' cart fer so long!"

Adam's eyes scanned his surroundings. Above him, the sky was just as mundane and gray as usual, blanketing the majority of his sight. To his sides were the low wooden walls of an open cart. Rattling and bumping clamorously as it came to a stop.

"Well?" The voice spat, "Get 'em out 'ere! Ah want 'im walkin' wit t' rest of us."

The shaking stopped as several hooves protruded over the cart's side, picking up Adam's body. The sensation of being lifted wasn't very clear. All Adam could feel was the dull hooves on his back and the cool air brush the top of his blue coat.

The ground suddenly appeared before him. Racing much closer to him than he had anticipated, Adam landed squarely upon his face, adding a blunt soreness that spread around the front of his muzzle.

Groaning, Adam put both of his forehooves out in front of him, mustering what inner strength he could to push himself up. Feeling the joints in his legs wobble violently -- it felt as though he might fall.

Stomping a solid hoof against the muddy surface of the ground near the side of Adam's nose, the stallion chuckled, "Tough little buggah, ain'tcha?"

Raising his head up to the voice addressing him, Adam gazed at the pony before him. "What? I don't..."

Grinning widely, Spit Tooth leaned over him. "Ah, ya don' get it, do ya?"

Adam shook his head, feeling his mind clear as his sight, vision, and hearing returned. "What?"

"Hahaha! Yer a slave now, pup!" Spit Tooth boomed.

Trying to stand up, the slaver laid a forceful hoof on top of Adam's head. Pressing against him, Spit Tooth sent his face back into the dirt. The fresh moistness of the soil seeped into the buck's mouth and nose as the callous slaver put his crooked grin to Adam’s ear.

"An' don' ya think 'bout runnin' away neither..."

Spit Tooth's horn became aglow with a magical aura as a round metal collar floated out of a saddlebag on his back. Hovering toward Adam's head, it wrapped itself around his neck snugly. The chilled metal of the device sent a biting shiver down Adam’s spine as it locked tightly -- ringing out a faint beep the moment it did.

"Ya see, this 'ere collar will give ya nasty 'eadache if ya do."

Lifting the hoof from his head, Spit Tooth nodded to one of the slaves. "You, tie 'im up. Now!"

With a chain held firmly in her mouth, the mare from the wagon briskly dashed to Adam's side. There, she placed one of the links onto a hook that latched onto the collar.

"I'm sorry..." The mare whispered, stepping back from him.

For the first time, Adam had finally managed to find his footing, and pushing against the ground he stood up. Connected to the chain that loosely hung from the device on his neck was a dozen other ponies and a donkey. Scraggly and malnourished, the souls bore fresh lash marks across the tops their lanky backs. Standing around the cart next to the chained slaves were nine slavers.

Each was like the next. Wearing roughly stitched leather barding, accompanied by strips of black matted fur holding their trophies of teeth, skulls, and other parts of the pony body. Like the two slavers that had captured him, the seven others had assault rifles at their sides. Bulky in shape, and rugged in design.

Scanning the scene in front of him, Adam's mouth was agape with disbelief. Unlike the void, this reality would not disappear. Poking Adam in the chest with the barrel of his gun, Spit Tooth chortled, "An' don' think 'bout usin' yer gear. We took it all before ya woke up."

Adam's eyes went wide with sudden realization. Placing a shaking hoof on his back he patted his whole body in a desperate search for his gear. Nothing was on him. Not his coat, nor his bags. It was all gone, that was save his PipBuck. But it too bore the scratched markings of something that had forcefully tried to remove it.

"Ya best get accompanied wit yer new friends, mate," Siren guffawed from the cart's side. "It's a long walk t' the Darkmines!"

"Roight." Split Tooth nodded to her. "Let's get a move on then, we got a long way t' go! So get on goin', ya mangy gits!"

"Ya heard him!" One of the other slavers barked at the slaves. "Get a move on! That means you too, ya blue pup!"

Feeling the chain tug on his neck, Adam stumbled forward as the group shuffled onward. There was little he could say in his position. Without his things he could not even attempt an escape. Perhaps the slave collar key in his confiscated bags could help, or perhaps his brother was coming for him.

It was all uncertain. After what had transpired not long ago Adam hoped his brother would come for him, and he had to try all he could to make it easier to find him. By any means necessary.

A deep, sharp pain agitated Neo's brow, and for a time a mysterious darkness filled his vision. Opening his weary eyes an orange glow flooded his gaze, though at the moment it was dim and obscured by a blurry haze.

In a small room, he was laid down along a soft black padded mat, where the faint sounds of wood crackling filled the air. Amid the strange light was a mare. Light brown, with a long chocolate colored mane he felt her hoof gently stroke the side of his head. Even if he could not see her in full detail, the carefulness in her strokes was easing.

Neo groaned, feeling the pain swell on his brow. "Where, where are we? What happened?"

Ally smiled at him and turned her head slightly toward the light's source. "He's awake, everyone. He's finally awake."

When Neo’s eyelids fully opened, they let in the whole room as the obscured blur which glazed his view became clear. Returning to him, Ally smiled once more. "We're inside a building not too far outside of the city."

A thought came to Neo, that sent a sudden jolt of panic surging through his entire body, causing him to sit up quickly. "Adam! Where is he?!"

The pain in his brow tripled ten-fold at the hasty action. Briskly placing a hoof to his head, Neo bit down on his lower lip forcefully as Ally lay him back down easily. "Don't strain yourself, Neo. It'll only make it worse."

Neo sighed. "But where is he? What happened?"

Lucy, who was at the far end of the room, came forth, mournfully looking away from Neo as she came closer. "I don't know how to say this, Neo. I really don't."

Turning his head, Neo felt the soreness prick painfully as he moved his eyes up to her. "Please," Neo murmured, "I need to know..."

A voice, charged with positive energy, spoke, "If you want me to tell him, I can. Though I'm sure he won't be happy about it."

Lucy looked toward the low, warm fire that burned in the center of the room. Behind the flames which spun, and twirled in the cool drafts was a stallion. A tan, lanky unicorn strolled around the fire to his side. Cloaked by the glow of the flames Neo could see a the dark outline of a long, dark coat. And as the pony came closer to his side the tan stallion that stood before him had relaxed sort of posture, sported a shaggy brown beard, with a crooked smile.

Neo's eyes widened. "You..."

"Yep!" The stallion chimed, "It's me, Two Socks! Remember me pal?"

Frowning, Neo rolled his eyes. "I really couldn't forget you if I tried."

Hovering his thin, long face over Neo he continued to smile. "I can tell you're in a bad mood. That's okay though, because I know where your brother went!"

Neo felt the urge to sit up, to listen more closely to what the stallion had to say. Even the mere thought of moving hurt his head. "I know we don't know each other very well, but you have to tell me. I screwed up. I said something I shouldn't of, and now... And now he's..."

Two Socks' smile widened, as he gazed down amiably at Neo. "Heh, you're right there pal. I don't know you two that much, but I can tell ya care about that blue fellow."

Resting his haunches upon the cold, solid, dusty floor Two Socks said, "That slaver that took that friend of yours-"

"Brother." Neo interjected.

Gently smacking the side of his head Two Socks shrugged. "Silly me, I really should have remembered. Funny, memories, huh? Anywho, those slavers that took your frie- I mean brother. They're Split Tooth and Siren. Some of the meanest slavers this side of the northern province. Together they make a living snatching up ponies, and taking them to the Darkmines."

"The Darkmines? How far away is that from here?" Asked Neo.

Leaning next to a set of large, splintering wooden doors beaten down by the elements was Wester. Wester's rifle hung low at his side as he guarded the doors while the orange flames of the fire glistened off of his visor. "It's not far from our position. A few days walk perhaps, excluding sleep and challenges encountered along the way."

Two Socks nodded at the armored stallion. "Indeed. And about two days ago, they snatched up Bill! I went to go see if the TV inside a store was working, and when I get out I see them going off in the distance with him! Ever since then I've been trailing them. I think they get some kind of sick pleasure out of capturing folks, and leaving their friends or loved ones clueless."

Ally scratched her mane cocking her head slightly to one side. "Who's Bill?"

Resting a hoof on his stomach Neo answered, "He's a donkey that travels with him."

"He's my partner that's who he is!" Two Socks added sternly. "And if we don't find them soon, both of our chums are gonna end up slaves for -- I don't know how long! Let alone if we can break them out if they are slaves in that godforsaken place!"

Sighing, Two Socks recovered himself holding a straight expression. "I'm sorry, man. Got a little flustered there..."

"I know how it is." Neo muttered under his breath. "That's why we've got to find them as soon as possible, and make them pay for what they did."

Neo's heartbeat began to rise. The consistent thump of it beat harder, and faster in his chest as the fear of the pain spiking grew. It hurt the most when he stood up, but he needed to stand. He needed to walk. There was no other way he could save his brother laying down on the floor rivaling against the injury on his head.

Directing his gaze toward Lucy, Neo winced as the hurtful soreness peaked suddenly at the movement of his head. "Do we have any health potions left?"

"A few," Lucy remarked, "do you need one to dull the pain?"

"If you could give me one, I'd like to try and stand."

Lucy looked toward her bags briefly. "It takes a little while for these things to heal you up all the way. You sure you want to try and stand?"

A jarring, sharp pain shot through his head as he nodded at her, making his eyes flinch slightly. "I'm sure. We have to start looking for both of them, and laying here won't get us anywhere."

Trotting to Neo's side Lucy stopped, when a faint magical aura encased Ally's horn as a bottle floated soundly out of Lucy's bag through the air.

Smiling at Neo, Two Socks scoffed, "He's a tough little guy, huh? I was like that once, when I was younger. Only, I probably would still be laying down, and sleeping. Then again, Bill would be there..."

As the potion came closer to Neo's lips a tone of hardened determination saturated his words. "Don't worry, we'll get them back."

The life-giving velvet liquid smoothly ran down Neo's throat. The effects of the potion seemed to affect his body quickly, for the pain in his head and body nulled with each large gulp. Drinking the potion to it's last drop Neo took in a deep breath, trying as he could to calm his beating heart.

Rising up from the mat, the soreness from the gunshots was dulled, but still present. Yet, he continued to rise. Biting down on his lip forcefully he tasted the bitter flavor of blood. The pain in his lip was nothing, not a pony or thing could stop him.

Neo felt a strong conviction, like that of a tingling force, that fought the pain in his head and body.

No one else would come after his brother. Adam was all the family he had left in the savage world. It was endure, or give up. There was no middle ground.

Grunting, Neo stumbled around on his fore hooves as he tried to find his footing. Ally was at his side, a hoof hovering worryingly over his shoulder. "Are you okay? Do you need some help."

Standing on all fours Neo shook his head. "It hurts to stand... That's for sure... But if we're going to get anywhere, I might as well ignore it the best I can until the potion kicks in all the way."

"Does it feel any better?" Lucy asked, "You know, the pain and all?"

"A little." Neo answered, wearily smiling.

Two Socks grinned widely, chuckling, "That's the spirit!"

With a single hoof Two Socks heartily patted Neo against the back, sending him hobbling forward a few steps. Lucy smirked at the gruff trader, snickering, "You best leave the beating to me. It's my job after all."

"Heehee," Two Socks chortled raising both hooves in surrender. "I'm still new to how your group operates, and it seems I still need to learn a few more things."

"Heh, then you better learn quick, son." Lucy laughed, "I won't be so forgiving the next time."

"Don't worry about me, Ms. Luck. I learn fast." Two Socks replied, a playfully mocking smile spread across his face.

Ally stood by Neo, eyeing his legs wobble unsteadily. "Do you think you'll be able to walk?"

Looking into her worried eyes Neo nodded once sincerely. "I do."

Taking one, uneasy step forward Neo was determined to find his brother. And when he did they would finally see their mother again. Adam was all the family he had left -- no amount of pain, great or small could change that conviction.

Shuffling along the coarse rocky ground the slaves moved in an orderly single-file line. Adam had kept his eyes low for a majority of the walk, only to rise his gaze upward briefly to inspect his surroundings in search of his things. In his mind, the wagon was the most likely candidate as he gave it above all the other choices, the most glances. Inside it possibly yielded the only hope for escape -- the slave collar key from the border.

The sky above was darker than usual, sporting a mundane dark-grey in the thick rolling clouds overhead. Hills, low and high stripped bare of anything living encompassed the landscape for miles in every direction.

Adam felt the chilling wind howl, and bite at his exposed body. The slavers, with their thick leather barding seemed to pay no mind to the cold, nor its efforts to freeze the slaves.

If only I had my duster... Adam thought, shivering violently.

The slave ahead of him hung his head low, concealing his face behind all four of his groggily shuffling hooves. He was a donkey, and not much was to him in appearance. A simple, short brown coat of fur covered his body as long droopy ears lay at rest along the sides of his head. While Adam could not see it in his eyes, the slow sways of his movements hinted that a tired mourning lingered within him.

All of the slaves held a silent aura like this. But the donkey's was more fresh, and more evident than all of the other enslaved ponies. As Adam shuffled along to the beat of chain's rattle a thought came to mind. The image of a donkey traveling with a rugged looking unicorn trader sparked into view like a sudden flash.

Bill, was the name that came to mind.

Picking up his pace, Adam tapped the donkey gently on the back. Like a paranoid puppy, frightened by its own shadow the donkey jumped, letting a low whimpering yelp! that lightly escaped his lips. The brisk beating of his excited heart slowed when he looked behind him.

The donkey sighed, feeling himself calm. "What do you want from me? Do you know what will happen if they catch us talking?" He asked whispering.

Adam kept his own volume to a minimum. "I know, but I need to ask you something."

Diverting his gaze away from Adam, the donkey replied nervously, "O-Okay, but be quick please..."

Adam smiled. "Is your name by any chance, Bill?"

Looking directly at Adam his eyes went wide. "Y-You, know my name?"

Adam nodded. "You traveled with Two Socks, right?"

"Yeah, I did... How did you know that?"

"My brother and I met you along the road when it was raining. Remember? We took shelter under a collapse shed, and you guys helped us."

Bill was silent for a moment, barring a pondering stare in his baby blue eyes. "I... I think I do. Adam? Right?"

Adam's smile grew wider. "That's me."

For what seemed like the first time in days Bill smiled. "How did you end up a slave?"

Turning his head away from Bill, Adam felt a hollowed soreness in his heart. "It's a long story..."

"What happened to your brother? You know, the white one?"

Adam shrugged. "I don't know. I just hope he's not-"

Sighing heavily, Adam shook his head. "I just hope he’s okay..."

Bill returned to the lazy shuffle, feeling the sharp rocks of the ground poke, and rub against his hooves. "I don't know if it will, but it might get better. I think Two Socks is coming for me, and maybe he'll help you out too."

Adam was silent, as his eyes moved toward the creaking cart ahead of them.

"You'll see," Bill said, "you'll see..."

Over the next hill the caravan trudged, and down at the hill's bottom was a billboard. Deteriorating, the old advertisement was obscured by crude, profane graffiti. Like a mural of vile acts the old sign was still standing on weak iron supports. In the faint shadow it cast the sign towered before the travelers as they passed it by.

Adam stumbled forward, as the chain on his collar tugged suddenly. Near the front of the group Split Tooth held his hoof raised high facing the giant Billboard. "Ah think this 'ere is a good place to take a break. Any o' ya gotta piss?"

One of the slavers, a unicorn, rose his hoof unsurely. "Uh, I do boss..."

Leering at the slaver with one yellow eye Spit Tooth jerked his head toward the Billboard. "Fine, make it quick. If ya not done soon ah'll make sure you nevah piss again. Get going, now!"

Trotting over to the sign the slaver went behind the Billboard gingerly. Sharply drawing his eyes toward the slaves Split Tooth glared at the chained ponies, grinning wickedly.

"If any 'f ya gotta' piss do it now. An' don't ya think ya can go behind t' board neither. If ya wanna piss, or t' like, do it where ya is."

Slumping their flanks firmly onto the ground every slave rested. Some had breaths, shallow, and weak as they tried to fill their lungs with what air they could. The few who did not feel entirely exhausted messaged their aching hooves, enjoying the refreshing cool air of the mid afternoon breeze.

Adam locked his gaze on the cart. It was the only place his gear could be, and without it there was no chance for escape. Two slavers, one a mare and the other a stallion paced themselves around the cart like vultures circling a fresh meal.

Time, Adam thought. Time was all he needed, and ironically it was the one thing he was the most uncertain about.

Moving carefully toward Bill, Adam whispered, “Bill?”

Turning his head slightly to Adam, Bill replied, "What?"

"How far are we from the Darkmines? Like, in days."

Shrugging, Bill sighed heavily, "I wish I knew."

"Shoot!" Adam swore scanning the area around him.

The billboard with its immense size drew his attention. Peering at the graffiti inscribed on the old advertisement a thought came to Adam. Looking down at his chain, he noticed how loose it was, and returning to the billboard he kept low to the ground moving to the front of the board.

Many of the slavers had decided to rest, save for those next to the cart. As Adam crept onward to the billboard, he looked back toward the slavers making sure their gaze never fell onto him. Approaching the old vandalized board, Adam felt the fresh mud squish and shift under his hooves. Taking a hefty clump in one hoof Adam quickly drew over the dried paint that coated the surface.

Painting as well has he could with the mud he stood on Adam drew a large 1, followed by a 4, then a 7. Right below the number, he put an arrow, smaller than the numbers, pointing in the direction they were heading for. Beneath the arrow he wrote the word: Flipper.

The slaver behind the billboard had his back turned to Adam. And through the crimson rust of the creaking steel supports Adam held his breath. Already the squelching coming from the mud started Adam’s hooves shaking as a cold, sharp anxiety swept through him.

Once he was done, he stood back gazing briefly at his work.

147
<---
FLIPPER

After he did, Adam tread lightly back to his place in the line. Snapping his gaze briskly back to the slavers around the area.

Staring out into the vastness of the empty hills around them, Split Tooth waved a hoof to Siren. The mare jogged over to his side, nudging him in the foreleg. "What is it Splitsy?"

Split Tooth narrowed his eyes, keenly studying the hills before him. "Ah think we're bein' followed." He muttered.

Raising an eyebrow at him, she too turned her foggy yellow eyes to the hills in the distance. "We are?"

He nodded. "Ya bet ya sweet flanks we is."

Leaning her muzzle to his ear she placed a hoof at the side of her mouth, whispering, "Ya think it's one of ‘em ponies that knows t' slaves?"

Shaking his head, Split Tooth frowned feeling an unsettling nausea stir in his stomach. "Worse. Ah don' know what, but ah'm gettin' a bad feelin' t' longer we sit 'ere."

"W-What do ya suppose we do Splitsy?"

"There's a Legion outpost, not far from 'ere. We need t' get there. The sooner we does, the sooner ah can shake whatever it is.."

"Then we bettah move quick, eh?" Siren remarked making her way down to the wagon.

"Aye." Split Tooth nodded. "We need t' move out before this feelin' o' mine gets any worse..."

There was but a single gunshot that thunderously boomed throughout the wide streets of Silvermane City. Soldiers of the Ironhoof Legion patrolled the streets, rifles readied as tens of the bloodied hellhounds lay sprawled out down the street. Maimed, and mutilated by the onslaught, bulky, fur-covered limbs were scattered on the pavement. Along the curb dark, warm blood pooled before draining into the old storm drains of the city.

An Ironhoof Legion soldier stood over the the corpse of a dead hellhound. Staring down at a wide, gashing hole in the back of its head he raised a hoof, and called out into the street, "Clear! That's the last of them!"

Coming forward along the side of the road was Covert, whose legs hobbled unsteadily as he walked on the sidewalk. On his back, perched on a velvet cushioned seat held on by a strap wrapped around his belly was Big Lot.

She gleefully smiled at the the multitude of dead creatures that littered the road before them, counting with her tiny hoof how many they had killed the moment Covert passed a body.

As both Covert and Big Lot came to the last dead beast along the pavement she lightly tapped the top of Covert's hat. "Lieutenant? Could you be a dear and stop, please? I want to discuss with the captain our current status."

Covert felt urged to lash out at her, and strangle her tiny neck with his hooves. But turning a scornful eye away from her deceptively sweet stare, he furtively sighed kneeling down to the ground. "Yes... Big Lot."

She promptly smacked him on the head, wagging a tiny hoof at him. "Ah ah ah, Covert. How do you address me?"

Covert was hesitant. "Your radiance..." He uttered lowly.

She put a hoof to her ear, leaning closely to the side of his face. "Excuse me?"

"Your radiance..." He murmured once more.

Stepping down from the cushion on his back she stood before him, glaring directly into his eyes. "I don't think you've learned how to treat royalty respectfully. Shall I have to teach you again?"

Keeping his own gaze away from her cold, demeaning eyes Covert shook his head as she spoke to him. "Well, it's clear you don't know the proper educate on how to address royalty."

A heat burned in Covert's heart, making him want to lunge forth, and redeem himself. There was a wall, however, just like there had been with Cyrus that stopped him. An invisible wall of pure fear, and he could feel it as it nervously pounded away in his chest.

Battling like conflicting elements of fire, and water the two feelings stirred inside. Yet, he did not physically show the furious struggle taking place.

Big Lot put a gentle hoof to his cheek, calmly moving his face closely to her own. When their eyes met, she grinned. "Now, let's try this again."

Covert gulped as thick, anxious droplets of sweat trickled down the sides of his head. "How is it you address me?"

He choked, "Your radiance..."

Grinning wider, she pat his cheek softly. "That's a good pony, and don't you forget it."

A captain, clad in a thick dark-iron green breast plate stepped forth over a freshly killed hellhound corpse to meet Big Lot. Stiffly postured, he saluted her. "Your radiance."

She looked up at him, smiling in a chipper sort of fashion. "Ah, Captain. I take it they're all dead now?"

The Captain nodded. "Yes, your radiance. Every single one is dead."

"And what of our own loses?"

Moving his head toward one of the blasted heaps of flesh and fur, the Captain sighed, "About seven are dead, your radiance. Though, our loses aren't nearly as bad as they could have been. Those that did parish are being buried before we leave."

"Hmm," Big Lot purred, "make sure when we leave they're quick about it. I wouldn't want our search to be delayed because of it."

Further up the road a collapsed water tower lay torn and broken across the street with murky water still pooling around it. A few hellhounds were strewed about at the twisted, razor sharp frame.

"And what of that water tower?" Big Lot asked.

Placing his gaze on the water tower the Captain returned to the filly, as he tried to understand her question. "Excuse me, your radiance?"

"It looks fresh." Big Lot stated. "Do you know what happen there?"

The Captain shook his head once. "I'm not sure. But whatever did it made a soggy mess out of a few hounds."

Out of one of the many hollow shops nearby Scooter, and Whopper stepped out into the street. Both bolstered rifle-action battle saddles fastened tightly around their bodies. Desperately struggling to loosen the strap hugging him, Scooter gnawed at it biting and pulling it loose with his teeth.

"Boss?" Whopper queried, laying a hoof gently on his companion's harness. "Do ya want some help with that?"

Scooter's stomach irked as the vile taste of old leather filled his mouth. "Nah, ah got it. Jus' a sec..."

Whopper raised a doubtful eyebrow. "Ah really think ya could use th-"

"Nah! Ah said ah got it! An' when ah says ah got it, ah got it!"

Watching the two stallions, Big Lot firmly smacked a hoof against her brow. Sighing, she could feel a faint soreness develop along the sides of her head. Embracing the oncoming migraine, she trotted over to the two ponies beckoning for both Covert, and the Captain to follow her.

Stomping a solid hoof on the cracked cement she scowled in disgust at Scooter as he fiddled with his harness. "You two! What are you doing?"

Whopper instantly snapped to attention, keeping his eyes front, and his posture solid. Scooter quickly pulled his head back from the strap, and began quickly searching for Big Lot.

Taking a similar, attentive stance as his comrade Scooter saluted. "Yes, yer raidiance!"

Big Lot didn't respond. Rather, for the moment she simply stood there, letting the moment sink in. "Is there something wrong with your harness... Captain?"

Scooter could feel his breath shorten as the strap constrain his stomach. "No, yer radiance..."

Moving her eyes to the strap that was clearly fastened on too snuggly, she sarcastically remarked, “Right... Anyway, did you two find anything? Particularly about my runaway toys?"

Keeping his hoof pressed on his brow Scooter wheezed as the air rushed out of his constricted body. "We found a burned out fire, over yonder at that there wagon place."

Sighing, Big Lot twirled around to her captain sending her tiny cape swaying through the air. "Captain! Prepare the troops to move farther east. If there was a fire here than that must mean they’ve been here before..."

The strap was finally causing Scooter's breath to become shallow, while the feeling started to turn into a painful pricking along his stomach. "An' mah gut feels like it'll implode..."

The Captain bowed to Big Lot, only as he rose his head he commented, "If they are heading east, I would recommend we move our troops a little further to the north, and curve around. That way we can intercept the group as soon as possible."

Pointing her petite, pink nose to the sky she replied, “Good, good. Than see to it Captain. I’m putting my faith in you.”

Marching off, Big Lot motioned a hoof for Covert to lower himself. "That's right my poor little mule. Get down so your princess may be carried onward."

Laying his belly on the cold concrete, Covert shivered. Climbing on him, she placed her flank on the soft, warm cushion of the seat strapped on his back.

"Rise." Big Lot commanded.

Cramps from the strained load perched on Covert's back made his legs ache. Once he stood up, Big Lot scoffed to herself as she took notice of his struggling stance. "My my, you’re more weak than I had initially thought. It just show that this is where your place is. A mule. Nothing more.”

Covert grunted strenuously, as he began to walk. Not giving her so much as a word in response.

Shaking her head she snickered at him. "Maybe I have broken you. I suppose only time can tell my little pet."

Throughout every muscle in his legs an aching pain burned. Covert's mind was buzzing with disoriented fatigue, yet his thoughts were as clear as Big Lot's callous remarks. Perhaps, he thought, she too could fall victim to the same fate as her uncle.

Like a pickaxe brutally hacking away at the wall of suppressed emotion his thoughts started to motivate him.

She stripped me of my title...

More, the mental wall chipped away a little section at a time.

She took away my honor...

The wall began to split, and weaken.

My dignity...

Like a madman swinging the pickaxe down at the brittle bricks of the wall he tore through it.

I’ll end her miserable little reign. Mark my words Big Lot.

Try as he did, he could not hold back a brief smile. A bubbling happiness bursted from his chest, but he urged himself to conceal it. For there would come a time when this new found confidence, and determination would be needed. With the wall finally tore down once again Covert felt uplifted, almost as though he could accomplish anything. Include put an end to Big Lot's rule.

Loud and mighty the wind overhead roared in the coolness of the afternoon. Neo, Lucy, Wester, Ally, and Two Socks walked along the grinding rocky ground. For miles they had evaded the roads, as Two Socks was sure that the direction they were moving in was the correct one. But for miles, in nearly every direction there was nothing.

Just rolling, empty, hills.

Occasionally one member of the group spotted a tree, or old structure caved in on one side far out in the distance. Outside of this particular clique of items there was, nothing.

Neo had become slightly doubtful of Two Socks' sense of direction, as he started scanning around the area. The bleak consistency of the world around them made him feel disoriented.

Yet, trotting along with a spring in his step leading them was Two Socks. Humming a quaint little tune to himself it was as though he had not a single care in the world.

This gave Neo a disturbing chill along hairs under his neck’s nape. "Two Socks? Are you sure this is the way to the Deadmines?"

Neo glanced at his Pipbuck briefly. "My Pipbuck says we're heading there, but you said there was mountains around it, and I haven't seen anything as of recent. Literally, nothing."

Without breaking his stride, Two Socks turned his head toward Neo. "What? Oh, sorry I was busy."

"Busy?" Neo retorted raising a single eyebrow.

Like a beaming child he answered, "Oh, you know humming and that sort of thing."

"Do you even know where we're going?" Neo queried looking back at his Pipbuck. "Because it says we're heading east, but I'm not sure it’s in the correct direction we're supposed to be heading in."

"We'll get there," Two Socks chirped, "I can feel it!"

"Negative," Wester replied, "I've been in many regions around this sector, and I don't believe we are currently moving in the direction of the Darkmines."

Spinning around, Two Socks started trotting backwards facing Wester. "Do you know where Siren and Split Tooth are?"

"Negative." Wester answered. "I do not."

Cocking his head to one side, Two Socks replied, "Okay then, and do you know where we're heading?"

"East." Said Wester.

"Good." The Trader pony grinned. "And we know that the Darkmines are in the east, right?"

"Affirmative."

Two Socks nodded. "We also know that Siren and Split Tooth are going in that direction, correct?"

"Affirmative."

"Then we're going the right way."

Bounding like a giddy foal, he spun around facing forward once again. Lucy reeled her head back, and nudged Wester in the foreleg. "Wester, I think he just owned you."

"Affirmative. He did."

Giving him a playful smirk she added, "Are you at all little angry? Just a little?"

Lowering his tone Wester sheepishly answered, "Affirmative. I feel the urge to punch him."

Bursting out into loud, hysterical laughter Lucy hit the ground forcefully with her hoof.

Coming up the hillside, Ally saw the edge of a billboard protrude from the top of a hill ahead of them. "Hey, look guys! What's that over there?" Ally shouted, pointing to the unusual object.

The group stopped, and turned their attention to the sign concealed by most the hill. Squinting his eyes, Neo put a hoof over his bow as he focused on the board in the distance. "She's right. It's some kind of billboard."

"What do you think? Should we check it out?" Lucy asked, moving her eyes to the group.

Two Socks shrugged. "I don't see why not. It's something new! I like new things, they're always so interesting!"

With that, he started off to the new structure -- leaving the rest of the ponies at the top of the hill, a little taken back by his sudden rush to action. Galloping at a fair pace all of the ponies chased after Two Socks in an attempt to keep up with him.

Down the hillside the ponies went, keeping their eyes honed onto the billboard as they came closer to it. Two Socks, not even fatigued or weary stood at the base of the large sign gazing up at it with wide, awestruck eyes. A faint shadow was cast off by the board -- encasing the group once they had caught up to their rather spontaneous companion.

Panting, and huffing all eyes soon moved upward. Staring headlong at the profanely painted graffiti that hid whatever message was originally posted on the board.

Neo's chest felt light as took in deep breaths of the cool, dusty air. Everypony had their eyes on the board's center -- where there was a series of crude drawings depicting ponies of both sexes performing acts of a crude, sexual nature.

As Neo caught his breath, he focused his gaze to the lower left corner of the board. The other ponies in the group started to briefly glance at the rude paintings. Lucy's face turned sour at the sight of the vandalized billboard.

Leaning over to Ally, Lucy whispered, "What are we looking for exactly?"

Ally shrugged, her face also turning disgusted. "I'm not sure, to be truthful..."

Neo took a single step forward, once his eyes met the lower left corner of the board. There, written in black dried mud was a message:

147
<---
FLIPPER

A racing energy of joy sent his heart beating, as the words written sparked a newly elated sense of hope. Slowly approaching the board, Neo stood on his hind legs placing both forehooves on the grey, splitter coated wood. Turning his head to the rest of his friends behind him an urgent sensation made his pupils dilate.

"Everyone," Neo spoke, "I think Adam came through here."

Directing their attention toward the mysterious message left in mud, Lucy scratched her blond mane. "I don't know. What's a Flipper? And that number, it's from your stable right?"

Neo nodded, returning to the image. "I know it's Adam. Only he knows about this stuff."

"It might be a trap." Two Socks added, trotting closer to Neo.

Stepping down onto the soggy earth near the board's base, Neo responded bitterly, "Why do you figure that?"

"Think about it," Two Socks added, "they know some kind of group is looking for him. Not only that, but they might have beat him, or tortured the information out of him. Then, they leave this message here pointing us in the wrong direction."

Wester stared at the message. "He might have a point..."

Lowering his head, Neo gritted his teeth. "I swear, if they touched him..."

"But!" Two Socks exclaimed, gleefully prancing to the sign’s side.

"It isn't a trap,” he commented, thoughtfully peering at the sign and rubbing the rugged brown scruff of his chin, ”or at least I'm kinda sure it isn't."

Raising his head, Neo scratched the top of his black, dusty mane. Curiously, he watched Two Socks as he pointed to the sign.

"Why do you say that Two Socks?" Asked Neo.

Grinning, the Trader pony chuckled, "Number one, the arrow here -- it's pointing east. If they reeeeally wanted to throw us off track they would have pointed it elsewhere. Two, I doubt that they've traveled this far beating the tar out of him as they go. That doesn't seem like something slavers this elusive would do. And three, I don't know if the things I just said prior are absolutely certain."

"So, it can still be a trick?" Ally remarked.

Shrugging, Two Socks moved his pointing hoof east. "If they're heading east, and this points east, then we're on the right track. The positive evidence far outweighs the negative."

Trotting toward the east Two Socks, who was in an abnormally chipper mood, began humming to himself again. The further he went the more the gawking faces of everyone else silently followed him.

Ally’s eyes were locked on the Trader, as his actions left her speechless for a moment while she search for a proper response. "Then, what now?" She asked, "Do we just... follow him?"

Neo didn't know what to think, as his mind became bustling with conflicting thoughts on the matter of following Two Socks. "I guess, we do..."

Neo started to follow Two Socks, moving his eyes to the east. "Maybe he was on the right track this whole time..."

Behind Neo, Ally joined Two Socks -- who pacing themselves closely at their rears, was Lucy and Wester. Nudging Wester's solid, armored shoulder Lucy smirked. "Looks like he was right all along, huh Wester?"

"I can be wrong." Wester replied in a firm, metallic tone. "Sometimes."

The wind let out an awful howl as the slaves, and slavers marched forth over the hills that covered the land. At the head of the caravan, was the cart. Creaking loudly as its loose wheels wobbled unsettlingly on their axles.

Adam kept his head low while the chain on his collar rattled softly. Sometimes Adam would turn his gaze to the wagon ahead -- only to divert his eyes once one of the slavers caught him looking at it.

The wagon and its contents were his only hope of escape. If there were an opportune time to look inside, he would take it in a heartbeat. But until that time, Adam kept his wits about him. Remaining absolutely quiet.

In the distance they passed by an old barn with faded red paint. Standing silently, it cast a strange eerie aura that made Adam's hair stand on edge and his body turn cold.

Split Tooth glared frequently at the structure as they passed by. Though, often he would turn to Siren whispering softly into her ears about the unsettling barn. She too looked toward the building with bitter contempt.

Adam nudged Bill's leg, leaning his head closer to him gingerly. "Bill? Do you know what's up with that barn? They don't look happy that we're passing by it."

Bill didn't turn his head to Adam. "I think there might be raiders inside it. I've traveled up here with Two Socks before, and sometimes in them old barns raiders like to hide out."

Returning his eyes to the cart, Adam felt a chill run down his back. "For some reason that place creeps me out. It's either that, or I can't stop thinking about how it'll be when I try to get to the cart."

"Why would ya want to do something like that?" Bill remarked, feeling a sudden surge of panic pulse briskly through him.

"I think they took my stuff and put it in there." Adam answered, briefly pointing to the slave collar around his neck. "I have a key to unlock these things. If I can get to it, I can get us out of here. Then we can help the other ponies escape."

Bill felt a tight knot of anxiousness tie in his stomach as he looked down at the ground unsurely. "Well, I think I saw them load up some new gear in there when they brought you. Though, I can't remember much about it to be truthful."

"They had to have put my gear in there. It's the only other place it could be. Unless..."

"Unless what?" Bill asked.

"Unless." Adam paused as the icy shiver charged through him again, making his hoof tremble. "They got rid of it. In which case, there isn't any hope of freeing us by our own means..."

Bill grinned, motioning his head slightly to Adam. "It'll be okay. Two Socks ain't the sort of pony that quits."

Adam looked at Bill, as all the optimistic energy he had once had was sapped from his very being. Leaving only a cold feeling, and a nervous hoof shaking with uncertain terror. "I said some things to my brother. Before I got taken. Words, I'm not proud of."

Now smiling widely, Bill replied, "I'm sure if he's any good brother he'll forgive you. I bet he's out there, looking for you as we speak."

A warmness, like that of sweet honey, washed away the cold bringing a smile to Adam's face. "Thank you, Bill."

A loud, ear-splitting whistle sounded vexatiously from the front of the caravan, making Adam's ears perk upward. Moving his eyes to the mysterious sound, Siren stood at the top of a hill nearby with a large gin as she peered down at the slaves below.

Split Tooth stood next to her, smirking callously. Pointing into the distance ahead of group, Siren called out, "The outpost is jus' over them hills! Look alive maggots! We're gonna' present ya t' the Legion. See if any of 'em like what we caught!"

Looking up at the two mangy ponies on the hill Adam muttered, "An outpost?"

Bill leaned his head closer to Adam. "I think it's a Legion outpost. They control most of this part of the province after all."

Adam didn't reply, as his eyes once again returned to the cart. The cart, which bumped, and clanked as it moved along the uneven surface of the ground. It was not certain, but the hope that his gear was in the wagon was still very much alive.

High walls of welded steel plates created a large circular protected area for the perimeter of the outpost. The sky about was more fair than normal, sporting a lighter white tinged with cracks made from the sun forcing its rays through the dull cloud-layer above.

Green tents, lined in orderly rows within the wall housed Legion soldiers, who strolled about the camp leisurely. Long towering beams of metal were crossed and held together by steel cabling at their center, forming narrow watchtowers. Soldiers perched at the tops of the towers held rifles close to their sides as they scanned the nearby area keenly.

Banners bearing the Legion's crimson hoof and star were spread about the camp -- gently waving in the dry afternoon breeze. A wide canopy was nestled near the center of the outpost, where Siren and Split Tooth lay back idly in old rusted chairs. Their hooves folded behind their heads, listening to a radio that played on a coffee stand between them.

Not a care in the world, the two ponies enjoyed the music as its sweet melodies of a mare’s voice grace their relaxed ears that drooped low.

"Oh, after the years,
we've been together,
the joys and tears, and all kinds of weather.

Some-day, blue and downhearted,
you’ll long to be with me right back where you started,
and you'll want me only.

After I’m gone,
After I’ve gone away..."

The slaves all lay together away from the canopy, under the careful watch of several Legion soldiers. Adam was next to Bill, feeling his muscles loosen, and his breath return to a normal rate. His eyes were still focused on the cart, which was parked across from them on the other side of the canopy near Split Tooth.

Bill had let his head rest on the dirt, as he drifted off into a quiet sleep. Adam couldn't rest, his mind felt alert as the urge to reach the cart grew more and more, sending a buzzing need to move through him.

I feel like it's a million miles away. Adam thought. Yet, it's right there... taunting me...

A unicorn Legion captain with bright yellow fur, and a short experienced silver mane, stepped out of a tent across from the slaves. His barding covered whatever cutie mark he had while a dark-green cape gently fluttered behind him.

As the captain came forth from his tent, he had levitating at his side a platter holding three murky glasses encased in an orange magical aura. Each was filled to the top with a sparkling, brown drink with a thick white foam gathered at the top.

Hovering two of the drinks to the slavers, he set both of the glasses down gently on the coffee table between them. The captain's voice was firm, and teeming with coarse experience only achieved through age.

"You'll like this." The Captain said, "I got this off of a few traders that came by not long ago."

Siren and Split tooth leaned forward in their seats, focusing their horns on the glasses they levitated them toward their lips. Before Split Tooth sipped his refreshment, he tipped his glass to the Captain grinning.

"Only, fer t' best of ponies, eh mate?"

The Captain nodded. "Indeed. It dates back to the pre-war times. I'm lucky I got it for what I did, some ponies back in Ironhoof would kill for this stuff."

Siren took a sip of her drink, shuddering as the cool bubbling liquid tingled her senses. "Oh, Captn' Flitz. Ya always spoil us when we stop on by."

Taking his own glass, Flitz sipped the beige foam that gather along the glass' rim. "Someone has to, you preform a great service for our order."

"Aye." Split Tooth agreed taking a loud sip of his drink. "Slavin' ain't easy, mate. Not when we got ‘em spunky pups back 'ere."

Flitz turned his eyes to the group of slaves gathered not far away from them. "Yes, quite. And have any of these new ones given you trouble yet? Being spunky, and all."

Split Tooth began to chug his drink in huge gulps, enjoying the rush of carbonated fizz liting his taste buds ablaze with sweet flavor. Releasing the glass from his foam covered lips, he let out a satisfying sign.

Motioning his head to the slaves Split Tooth looked down into the now half empty glass. "That blue one, ‘eys new. ‘Ey's only a pup, an’ feisty one at that. He ain't goin' too easily ah reckon. Keeps lookin' at t' cart. Like it's some sort a babe or whatnot."

"Hmm, and has he done anything irrational?" Fritz asked, taking a seat of his own.

Split Tooth shook his head. "Nah, mate. Though, ah keep a keen watch on ‘im ah does. Ah've dealt with 'em clever folks before, an' he ain't no different if he thinks otherwise."

By the time they were done speaking, the song on the radio had ended. When the sweet tunes of the music left, another voice had replaced it. It was the deep, enthusiastic sound of Cool Blue.

"How's it going my provincial Brother and Sisters? This is Cool Blue, coming at you live with the news! First things, first kiddies. A pack of wild hellhounds was spotted in the outskirts of Silvermane city. Now, I know you folks like to keep away from there, so most of you don't have anything to worry about. But for those of you that have a planned vacation there, ya better think twice about it. Those doggies aren't exactly the friendly type. So keep your distance, and stay away.

In other news, Tiger company has been seen skulking about the eastern hills. I'm not sure what they're doing, but ever since those crazy guardians came in and beat down Vladimir's pet in the arena they've been out doing all sorts of good. Helpin' us strugglin' travelers on the dusty road. If you do have a chance to see one of their members, show them your thanks.

That's enough about that depressin’ stuff kiddies, let's get the music going smooth with one of my favorite hits from the old days by that lovely doll Sweetie Bell."

Another song, just as soft and mild in tune played; charging the air with a calming atmosphere.

Smirking at Flitz -- Split Tooth slumped back into his seat. "Why ya got t' listen t' this? Ah thought t' Legion don't like all that freedom talk."

"Hehe, I know what you mean,” Flitz chuckled, “and any other outpost near Ironhoof city would agree with you. However, I prefer this music over the constant blaring of triumphant marching tunes. Compared to this it's a lot more... Uplifting, as it were."

Resting the glass down on the floor, Captain Flitz smiled. "Where do you two intend on going? To the Darkmines again, I presume?"

Nodding, Split Tooth scoffed, "There ain't nowhere else, mate."

"If that's the case," Flitz started, “I would probably move a few miles north first."

Cocking his skinny head to one side, Split Tooth raised a questioning eyebrow. "Why do ya say that?"

"Recently the Coalition has been raiding trains on the northern tracks. For what reason, I don't know. Apparently it's enough to make them want a few of my troops to defend the trains that go through there."

Siren took several loud gulps of her drink. Removing the glass from her foam coated lips she sighed, feeling a tingling sensation roll up her body. Her vision had become slightly blurred, and her tongue felt numb.

Giggling to herself, Siren's glass levitated toward Flitz in an bobbing motion. "May ah 'ave some more, love?"

Pouring the mare another glass of the sparkling drink, Flitz continued speaking to Split Tooth. "Having said that, as you can imagine supplies don't come in that often since the Coalition decided to raid the trains. Ultimately making life out here -- less than desirable."

There was a slight sway in Siren's movements. Her limbs, and chest felt lighter than air, as the tingling bubbly sensation made her cheeks become warm, turning them a light red. "Wot's t' deal? Ah know ya, an' ya never treat ponies this nice. Even if we is common guests."

"She's roight, mate." Split Tooth remarked, stirring his drink in slow circular motions. "T' fancy drink? T' treatment. Wot's it ya want?"

Flitz picked up the glass and hovered it close to his lips, and smiled coyly. "I guess I couldn't keep a secret from you two, hm?"

Resting his drink on the table, Split Tooth said, "Moight as well spill t' beans, eh?"

Flitz sighed, "The problem I'm faced with, is that food isn't easy to come by. Meaning supplies might be more than what you're used to paying for."

"An' how much is it gonna' cost?" Split Tooth asked.

Thoughtfully putting a hoof to his lower lip, Flitz lay back in his chair. "How much do you have?"

"Two 'undred." Split Tooth answered.

Looking firmly at Split Tooth, Flitz muttered, "It isn't good enough."

Split Tooth nearly rose from his chair, glaring furiously at the captain. "Wot?! Wot ya mean it ain't good enough?!"

"Like I had said," Flitz added holding a solid, determined stare. "Because of the current happenings -- my outpost has been rather drained of funds. However, I'd be willing to accept another form of compensation if you are willing to talk."

Breathing heavily, a great heated fumed inside of Split Tooth turned his face a light red. "And wot might that be, eh?"

The Captain was quite at first. Sitting in his chair he looked up at the gently flapping canopy above. Returning to the slaver, Flitz had a smirk that made Split Tooth feel an unsettling knot irk him within his stomach.

"I lost something. Something that I hold quite dear to me.” Flitz proposed. “I would like one of your slaves to retrieve it."

The fire inside of Split Tooth was quelled, as a bewildering curiosity replaced it. "Wot?" He gawked, cocking his head to the side.

"I have a safe, mainly filled with items passed down in my family." Flitz began, rising from his chair and looking toward the slaves nearby. "I wore the key around my neck to it, and ever since my father gave it to me it has remained on my neck."

Split Tooth commented, "Aye, ah know t' ol' thing. So that's wot it was for?"

"Indeed." Flitz responded with an unshaken tone. "Now, there's a mineshaft the boys and I use next to the wall to store supplies, and occasionally search of mineral pockets. A few days ago when I was down there, checking the supplies we had stored down inside the upper levels, the mine caved in. Apparently the mine's tunnels were next to some sort of underground aquifer. Needless to say, water filled in the lower parts of the upper sections of the mine, and in the panic to evacuate I lost my key."

"An' ya want one of my pretties t' go down there for it?"

Flitz nodded sharply. "Yes, exactly."

Siren was swaying in a undulated motion, as a wide dumb smile was plastered onto her blushing face. "'Em slaves be valuable merch, mate. Some bettah, than others. Nonetheless, they are worth more than some stupid key."

Placing a hoof on Siren's foreleg, Split Tooth patted her gently cooing sweetly to the drunken mare. "Now, now. We need 'em supplies. We gots no food. No water. Nothin'."

Flitz's grin grew wider reaching from ear to ear. "I must say, it does appear as though your current status is rather grim."

Split Tooth sighed, weight a deep heavy weight now sat in his stomach. "Which slave, ya 'ave in mind?"

Shrugging Flitz, looked at the slaves, inspecting them from afar. "I'm not sure. They aren't mine. Though, if I were to chose one I would pick... The blue one.”

Rising briskly from his chair Split Tooth's eyes filled with stern, heated fury. "Out of t' question!"

The slaver's reaction made Flitz's curiosity rise. Retaining his pompous smirk, the Captain snickered, "Oh? So this buck is worth a pretty penny?"

Split Tooth did not comment while Flitz went on. "Because, of them all he looks the most fit for the task. Surely that is why you are so protective of him, am I wrong?"

Siren hiccuped, with groggy drooping eyes. "Aye, he's a healthy buggah if ah ever did saw one."

"Hmm, interesting... Very interesting..." Flitz purred to himself, stroking the dulled yellow fur of his chin.

Spinning himself around, Flitz pointed at Split Tooth. "I have a proposition for you. For both of you."

Both slavers answered in unison, "Aye?"

A weasel-like slyness saturated the Captain's words. "What say you, if you took that blue fellow over there, and made him go find the key. Now, let's say he comes back in one piece, no harm done. In return, I'll compensate you for the risk by not only giving you the supplies you need, but some addition ammunition for your weapons on the side. Plus, some minor repairs to that rickety old wagon of yours."

Looking into one another's eyes, Siren and Split Tooth sized up the risks. Blurred by a drunken haze, Siren could not make a positive decision. Her partner, however, contemplated the proposal thoroughly. Taking into account the potability of losing his best slave.

Messaging the bridge of his snout, Split Tooth's face turned sour. "Fine... But let me talk t' ‘im first."

"Please." Flitz replied rather reluctantly. "By all means."

Adam saw the whole conversation transpire. Strangely, his mood became worse as his hoof shook more feverishly. A sloshing nausea churning inside his stomach, making the blueness of his coat turn pale.

Bill rose his head from ground, licking his dry lips and batting his heavy eyes. "Adam? Is something wrong?"

"What?" Adam replied suddenly, as the uneasy sensation persisted. "H-How did you-"

Bill yawned loudly, "When you travel with another pony for some time you learn when there is something wrong. The air jus' doesn't feel right."

Adam gulped hard. "Well..."

"You! Pup! Get up! Now!" Split Tooth's voice barked from the canopy.

Moving his head to the slaver, Adam saw as his captor trotted toward him. An angered energy filled the air, for in Split Tooth’s narrowed eyes Adam saw a fiery hate burn inside of him.

Split Tooth stopped before Adam, leering down at the buck. "You, pup. 'Ow fit are ya?"

A nervous lump in Adam's throat prevented him from answering.

"Well?" Split Tooth demanded, his hoof tapping the ground impatiently.

"I'm able." Adam answered lowly. "If that's what you mean."

"Able, wot? You sayin' that if ah were t' ask ya to do somethin' physical ya could do it proper good?"

Adam nodded, keeping his eyes away from Split Tooth. "Yes, that's what I meant."

"Hmph," The slaver snorted. "Fine, get up. Ah've got a job for ya."

Looking back at Bill, Adam stood up. "May I ask what it is?"

"Jus' shut it." Split Tooth snarled, pulling a round silver key from a pocket on his barding.

Encased in a sparkling aura of sickly green energy Split Tooth placed it into a slot on the collar. Twisting it once, the key made the device around Adam's neck let out a faint, ping.

"There..." The slaver grunted, returning the key to the pocket. "Yer distance is increased. Ya can go far away from me, an' t' fellahs now. But don' think that ya can make a dash t’ freedom anytime soon. Ya ‘ead will still pop like a cherry if ya stray too far."

"But what am I going to be doing?" Adam asked.

Split Tooth began to seethe, as the agitated expression on his face became more vile. "Ah need ya t' fetch somethin’ for me. An’ ya are goin' to do it. Or ah'll make ya do it. Understand, pup?"

The heavy sinking in Adam's stomach became worse. Now it stirred around like a violent sea being churned by a storm of anxiety. "Can I make a request? Just a little one."

Glaring cautiously at him, Split Tooth nodded once. "Wot is it, pup?"

Motioning his head toward Bill, Adam said, "Can I take the him with me? For an extra hoof."

Split Tooth had his head turned slightly to Bill, pointing one squinting eye at the donkey. For a moment, he was silent. Keeping one yellow iris focused on him. Then, in gruff slur he answered, "Fine... But only 'im, got it?"

Adam gave the slaver a silent nod. Directing himself to Bill -- Split Tooth once more revealed the key that extended the collar's distance. And, like Adam, he inserted it into Bill's collar.

"There," Split Tooth grunted, "now get over 'ere. Both of ya. Ah'm gonna get them chains off ya, then ya goin' t' do that task ah mentioned..."

Outside near the steel-plated wall of the outpost was a hole. It was no larger than four feet in diameter, with a rickety old wooden ladder held together by rusted nails, and tattered rope -- leading down into a dark, chilling abyss.

Around the hole leading into the mine was Flitz, with both slavers at his side. Next to them rested a heavy-looking wooden lid that was meant to seal the top during storms, or raids.

Adam and Bill felt relieved for the moment. No longer were they wearing the heavy, constraining chains which tugged and pulled along the floor as they dragged along. It was liberating, in some ways. Though, for Adam, the wonderful sensation of his sweaty neck under the tight metal collar -- feeling the crisp air was very much desired. For now, this limited freedom would have to do.

Adam had his head leaning over the mine's entrance, peering into the hollow emptiness below. Gulping heavily, the unknown void sent a shiver run up his spine and through his tail.

Ginning, Flitz hovered a dull golden pocket watch below is chest. Glancing down at it, he nodded. "It'll turn six soon. Would any of you two like to take bets on how long it will take them?"

Split Tooth was glaring at him. "Ah'm not gonna take bets on 'em. They're my slaves, an' ah don't need t' take any bets on 'em."

Shrugging, Flitz placed his pocket watch into a cozy little empty ammunition pocket on his iron breastplate. "Fair enough, I was just curious is all."

Siren gave the Legion captain a wide, goofy smile nudging him gently in the foreleg. "Well, mate usually ah would take ya up on that bet. But, not with me an' Splity's slaves."

Flitz raised an eyebrow, unamused by her reply. "Right...”

Turning his attention to the two slaves before the mine’s entrance, Flitz said, “Well, I suppose these two should know what they're looking for."

Perking themselves up at the sound of Flitz's voice the two slaves had looked at him. Standing stiffly, Flitz pointed at the mine's entrance. "Down there is a key. A nice, shiny key. It's quite big, and very beautiful. I would like it if you two were to fetch it for me."

Before either of them could answer, Flitz went on. "Now, the mine flooded a bit. Not too much I think, and my key happened to drop into one of the more deeper pools near the entrance. I would go myself but it's possible the mineshaft is unstable, and being the leading officer here it simply wouldn't do anyone any good if I were to suddenly die. The same can be said about your masters. I hope you understand our predicament."

Adam returned to the hole looking into the darkness that seemed to engulf the ladder the farther it went down. "Please." Flitz continued. "Go in when you are ready. Mind you, we don't have all day and it can get rather boring up here."

Bill came next to Adam, resting a hoof on his shoulder. "If ya want, I can go first."

Like a severed power cable whipping around Adam's hoof was trembling uncontrollably. A coldness, far greater than that of the wind, froze his body. Nodding, he stepped aside for Bill.

Putting his hooves onto the ladder, Bill started to descend into the mine. Farther down the donkey went, slowly being encased in a thick layer of pure blackness. In mere moments -- Bill was out of sight.

Out of the nothingness came forth Bill's voice, calling up to Adam, "Comon' down! It's okay!"

Taking in a brisk, refreshing breath of air Adam forced the churning anxiety in his stomach down. Tightening his gut, and summoning his courage Adam took hold of the ladder, and made his way down into the unknown.

As each hoof rested on a new section of the ladder it creaked unsoundly. The nails along the ladder's side protruded nearly half-way bent, and crooked as though they were not completely hammered in. It was nerve-wracking, and the loud groans of the stressed wood did not help keep down a the chaotic sea of nervousness in his stomach.

Stretching forth his hind leg down to the next section of the ladder, Adam felt an odd surface. It was rocky, and damp with air was thickly laden with cool moisture that smelt of freshly fertilized earth, tilled up on a rainy day.

Feeling the ground more soundly, Adam searched for the rest of the mine's floor. Strangely, it all felt the same. The same rocks and dirt. It was all similar in feeling. Reaching for his Pipbuck, the orange lantern of his only personal possession illuminated the area around him.

Next to him was Bill, who stood near the end of the ladder, smiling at him. "It's a good thing ya got that. I was startin' to wonder how they expected us to see down here."

"Maybe they didn't." Adam commented, inspecting the mine around them.

Adam mouth was agape at the sight of the cave before the two of them. Bill too, was astonished staring in awe at the mine.

Quarts, both in tiny glistening specs, and in large sparkling junks lavishly coated the walls like a tapestry of stars on a clear night. Even along the low mine shaft ceiling the orange glow of the Pipbuck lantern set the whole tunnel ablaze with star-like glitter.

"It's..." Adam muttered, holding his Pipbuck above his head.

"Beautiful..." Bill concluded.

"Well, as nice as this is..." Adam said putting down his hoof. "We better get started. Something tells me we're going to have a hard time finding this thing..."

Bill nodded silently, as they trotted down the long, dark cavernous deep. Walking along droplets of icy water started to drip from the ceiling. The father along the two went, the more water started to fall from above. And, through the darkness was a noise. Distant, yet notable it echoed through the tunnel ahead.

Perking an ear upward, Bill focuses his hearing on the sound, tuning out the low shuffles of their hooves against the ground. The noise was that of rushing water, pouring down in a large continuous stream.

Stepping carefully, they reached a wide round room, with a thin wooden platform extending out just above the surface of a pool of water. A giant crack was split along the wall, that trailed up to part of the ceiling were water spewed forth from the gash in the stone. Below it was where would be a room. However, it was all flooded. Giving off the appearance that the cavern itself was a flooded pool.

The very sound of rushing water made Adam thirsty as his parched throat cried out with aching dryness. Leaning his head down, Adam sipped on the fresh waters of the aquifer. Each gulp was like a relieving breath of air that filled his body with rejuvenating energy.

Bill too came to the water and drank -- only he after a few gulps pulled himself away. "Ya can drink it, but not too much. The amount of minerals in this stuff is crazy."

Removing his lips from the water, Adam gazed down at his rippling reflection. "I see. It's just the water was so..."

"I know." Bill added smiling. "I haven't had some good water like that in a bit. But in this state it ain't tainted, and it ain't too good for ya either."

"So what now?" Adam pondered aloud.

"Well." Bill began taking a shallow breath. "We swim."

Adam's fur stood on-end at the mention of their option. "S-Swim? As in, get into the water?"

Nodding, Bill put his hoof in the frigid water only to quickly pull it out, shivering. "Eeyup, and boy is that stuff cold..."

There was a lump in Adam's throat, and the very image of jumping into the water was terrifying. Looking at him, Bill turned his head curiously to one side. "Adam? Are you okay?"

Beneath Adam's coat a ghostly paleness protruded. Shaking his head, the buck felt his legs lock-up. "It's just... I don't know how to swim..."

Raising an eyebrow Bill chuckled, "It ain't that hard to start learnin'. I can teach you how to hold your breath, and kick yourself up to the surface if you want."

Adam's heart began to race, while the pouring water began to ring thunderously in his ears. "Why can't you go? I'll just slow us down, or get lost under there. What if I can't see! I-"

"Hey." Bill commented sternly, stepping toward Adam and patting him calmly on the back. "We can do it. Plus, I need you down there. You're Pipbuck is the only light we've got right now, and without it we won't be able to find the key."

Trying to force the lump in his throat down, Adam's hoof started to tremble once again as he peered at his rippling reflection. "My brother went into water once... Back in Ironhoof city. I was so scared, and that water... All my life I've never even thought of going into something this deep before. And yet, I’ve fought monsters, and raiders, and the Legion too. But of all those things this terrifies me the most."

Placing a hoof on his chest Bill stood proudly lifting his nose high into the air. "Well, it's good for you that I'm a certified swimmer. Well, sorta. I traveled with Two Socks on the sea once. We had to learn to dive, and swim. That was also a few years ago..."

Shaking his head briefly, Bill continued, "Never mind that. Let's start with the basics of just opening your eyes underwater, okay?"

Adam gave him a weary nod.

"Alright," Bill stated stepping to the water's edge. "What you're gonna’ do is close your eyes, and hold your breath. Then, stick your head under the water. Okay?"

Coming to the where the water met the soggy mine floor, Adam had a feverish chill blow through him. With Bill at his side, Adam closed his eyes and held his breath. Submerging the front portion of his face he felt the icy bite of the water attack the muscles in his face.

Adam's ears were still very much dry, and as Bill was next to him he heard him kindly mutter the other directions while underwater. "Now, what you're going to do next is open your eyes. Slowly at first, then open them fully, got it?"

Nodding, Adam could feel the breath in his lungs slowly drain.

"Good," Bill added. "Now try."

Opening his eyelids slowly Adam could, at first, see a dark blur before him. The cold of the water made the muscles of his face ache while his eyelids gradually became fully drawn back. When they had just start to open an odd weighing sensation poked his eyes -- just as though something had been pressing down hard on his vision.

Reeling back, Adam gasped for air coughing. Patting his student on the back, Bill asked, "How did you do? Did you see anything?"

Huffing tiredly, Adam shook his head. "No..." He coughed." I saw something blurry for a second, and then it all started to feel weird. Not like pain, but more of a quick jolt of pressure... I don't know how to describe it."

"It's okay." Bill said, "That what happens usually when ya try for the first time. Let's try one more."

Like before, Adam took in a deep breath and plunged his head into the dark water. Just as it had done before -- the same strange pressure forced itself on to his eyes. Pulling himself out he shook his head. Again, Adam tried. This time, squinting his eyelids to keep less water from making direct contact with his vision. Oddly enough, though the scene before him was blurred, and distorted generally the environment was visible.

Many of the larger, more dark objects under the water were clear. And the few glistening fragments of quartz down at the bottom were plained visible as well. Outside of this restricted view he could navigate underwater. If only for a short time.

Withdrawing from the water -- Adam rubbed his sore, straining eyes muttering, "It's a little hard still, but I think I can see well enough..."

Bill smiled. "Well, then I guess we better move on to lesson two. Now, for this we'll have to get in."

Great. Adam thought. But, if brother could do it, I guess I can as well...

Jumping in the water, Bill sent up a monstrous splash sending water flying in all directions. Putting both hooves along the water’s edge, he waved at Adam, beckoning for him to join in.

"I have to warn ya, though." Bill announced whipping his drenched mane around. "It's freezing!"

The lump in Adam's turned to stone in that instant. But if there was ever a time to conquer his fears, now would be the time. Rousing his strength, he battled the anxiety and lowered himself into the chilling pool of cave water.

Instantly, the cold began to nip at his limps. It was irritating, as it didn't show any signs of the cold halting any time soon.

Adam's teeth were chattering loudly, while his body had started to shiver. "Alright," Adam sputtered. "W-what now?"

"Okay, first we're going to need to paddle. You know how to do that?" Bill asked.

Adam shook his head.

"Thought so." Bill replied.

Bill submerged his face under the water for a moment, before returning to Adam. "Here, I have an idea. Grab on to me, and I'll take us down. Then, we'll both look for the key. If you need air, tap on me and we'll both kick off the ground back up to the surface. Does that sound like a good lesson two?"

For a moment Adam was quiet. Despite the constant sting of the freezing water, his heart was warm, and beating briskly. "Sure... I'm not certain how long I can hold my breath down there though."

"Don't worry." Bill said nudging Adam gently in the foreleg. "We'll be fine."

"Right..." Adam sighed, making his way behind Bill. Wrapping his legs around Bill's neck, Adam held his breath as they both descended into the frigid deep.

As water filled his ears Adam heard nothing, but the faint running of the water above. There was a certain sort of tranquility to being underwater. Time was slow, and the tensions of the world seemed meager to nonexistent. Even with this sort of conviction there was still a task before them.

And so Adam, squinting his eyes, looked at the world from under the rippling surface.

Like before, everything was blurred -- this was except for larger objects, and the occasional shiny spec of quartz that reflected the light of his Pipbuck lamp back at them. The further Bill dove down the more an odd pressure seemed to form inside Adam’s ears.

At first it was tolerable, but the farther the two went down the more it proved to be a great annoyance. An annoyance, that would eventually turn into a hard forceful weight, piecing painfully into Adam’s eardrums. Biting his lower lip, he endured the pain hoping the frigid temperatures would numb the tension.

Along the rocky bottom the two searched. The orange glow of Adam's Pipbuck made the dark waters illuminate dimly. Those few items which were the darkest objects cast massive, scattering shadows doubling the number of things they could see.

Bill swam past minecart tipped onto its side, only to find that it was the shadow of one. Every second they were down in the deep, a weight on Adam's chest grew as he soon found that the air in his lungs was thinning.

Tapping on Bill's shoulder, Bill placed his legs on the ground at the bottom, and pushed off with one strong kick. Shooting up to the surface, they both opened their mouths -- letting in the fresh air of the mine into their lungs.

"Did you see anything?" Adam asked, huffing and puffing.

Bill shook his head. "No, I didn't. Let's try again. Maybe we can still find it."

Adam nodded, and together they both dived down into the water below.

Holding tightly to Bill, Adam peered careful through the cloudy haze to find the key. And, after searching through the flooded section of the mine their morale started to diminish. Feeling drained, and weary in his chest Adam felt the exasperating sensation of fatigue slowly consume him.

However, Bill seemed to be just as eager, and spry as before. Not even the weight of Adam’s body lagging his mobility appeared to affect his performance.

Then turning his head Adam saw something sparkle no more than ten feet from him. Unlike the quartz or metal tools this object was thin, small and more fine in appearance than anything else they had encountered in the mine. Nestled neatly under a wooden stool the key rested completely still. Nudging Bill, Adam tried to point his companion in the shining object's direction.

But the cold of the water had numbed his companion’s feeling. For all Bill could feel was the weak sensation of Adam’s grip.

Not even sparing Adam a glance, he had his sights set on another metal tool glimmering before him locked between a large rock, and a green toolbox. Convinced it was the key, the donkey tried to reach it.

Returning his view to the key, Adam felt sick. The urge to swim toward it -- to reach the key grew. Yet, a coldness, not part of the chilling water pierced his confidence.

What would brother do? Adam thought.

Please, please what would he do!? He’s more experienced with this stuff! Not me! What would he do!?

In that moment of panic, a thought sparked to life in Adam's mind. W-What... What would I do?

And, locking his eyes on the key he let go of Bill. Pushing out his forelegs he started off through the water. Kicking the water fiercely, Adam pushed the water back with all his might.

It wasn't the best time to learn how to paddle, but if there was ever a time to start he figured now would be better than any. With the key in hoof's reach he focused on it as the light of his lamp glowed brightly. In the water it moved toward him once his artificial levitation worked its magic.

Moving the key slowly to his mouth, Adam grabbed the chilled metal shank firmly between his teeth.

Realizing his comrade was no longer grasping hold of him, Bill quickly searched for Adam. Spotting the light of the Pipbuck, he started swimming behind Adam, desperately trying to reach him.

And though the key was in Adam’s mouth, the buck found there was something dreadfully wrong with his legs.

They had gone numb. In the heat of the moment the thought of his freezing body escaped him. The weight which pressed down onto his chest like a bolder compressing a foam mat signified the breath in his lungs depleting.

Soon his vision started to darken, as Adam slowly felt the whole of his body go limp -- his tongue could still taste the bitter metal. Before his eyes shut, Bill was rushing through the dark to his aid. That was, until the whole of Adam's sight was clouded by a lonely, icy darkness.

Being unconscious was becoming a common ordeal for Adam. Just as it had been the last time he had awoke from the uncertain limbo, a distant voice cried out to him in the dark. A voice, no softer than that of a whisper. Then his eyes opened slowly, when the warmth of life started to pulse through his body once more.

Letting out hoarse, hacking coughs water spewed forth from his mouth. Rolling onto his side, he groaned feeling the cold turn to soreness all over his body. Bill started to rub Adam's side gently speaking to him in a delicate tone.

"Adam? Are ya okay? Say somethin'!"

Adam coughed, slumping onto his back."D-Did we get... the key?"

Blinking, Bill nodded reaching to his side before revealing a small steel key between his teeth. Around the polished bow of the key was a grey rope, and along the long glossy shank was a series of small letters engraved into one side.

Sitting up slowly, Adam caught his breath. "I'm sorry I went off like that..."

Bill rested his haunches down on the muddy ground, and chuckled, "It ain't your fault. I should have noticed that was a mining pin in front of me."

Wanting to rub the back of his aching neck, Adam's hoof bumped the tightly fastened slave collar. Scoffing, Adam remarked, "I almost forgot this was there...”

“I know what ya mean.” Said Bill.

“I suppose we should take the key up there, huh?" Adam added.

"Eeyup. Hopefully those folks up there aren't too mad about the wait."

Pointing with one hoof at the key Adam asked Bill in a shallow voice, "I saw some writing on it. What does it say?"

Bill looked down at the key, and laughed. Standing uneasily, Adam hobbled next to his friend. "What does it say?"

Gigglingly like a young school filly, Bill replied, "It says: Jet Safe Key. Hahaha! Some family!"

Bursting out into a loud guffaw, Adam joined in on the laughter. There was a funny air to it, despite the hardships they had went through. And it warmed Adam's heart to hear their laughter fill the low roofed tunnels of the mine.

After the laughter had faded, both had recovered themselves. Trotting down through the caverns their damp hooves squelched against the soggy mine floor. Coming to the ladder, with a single shaft of pure light beaming down into the dark, Adam started up it placing his hooves on the old wooden ladder.

When Adam was halfway up the ladder, with the bright white light of the outside beaming onto them, Flitz's voice called out. "Is that you, boys? Climb up, we’re waiting for you!"

"We're almost there Bill!" Adam said, taking hold of another creaking wooden step.

As the surface’s glow became greater, it soon consumed his vision causing Adam to wince at the blinding light. The very moment he had emerged from the mine a pair of hooves shot out from the brightness, and took hold of him by the shoulders.

Dragging him out onto the rocky earth, Adam's face slammed directly into the ground making his muzzle throb sorely. The same pair of lanky, greasy hooves came forth pulling Bill out of the mine, and onto the ground.

Blinking, Adam applied pressure to his aching nose as he stood up unsteadily. Very gradually the light which had encased the world began to fade, while his vision came-to.

The first thing Adam was greeted with, was the long, skinny face of Split Tooth glaring at him nearly inches away from his own face. Looking down at him with his wide, yellow eyes the slaver’s putrid breath brushed against the hairs along Adam's snout -- making the young buck feel nauseated.

Crinkling his nose Adam looked up at the slaver, who silently stared at him. No sooner had his eyes met Split Tooth's, did a crooked grin sprout on the slaver’s face -- exposing the sickly tinted skewed teeth in his mouth.

Raising himself, the slaver patted Adam on the head gently. "Well, well. No 'arm done ah see? So, then where is t' key, pup?"

"I have it for ya." Bill answered standing up.

Directing his attention to the donkey, Split Tooth sneered, "Oh? So you're t' one that 'as it then?"

Still fairly tipsy, Siren started bouncing in one spot, grinning widely and clapping her hooves together. "He found it! He found it! The donkey's done an' found it!"

Flitz raised an eyebrow at the mare. "Yes... What she said. I would very much like to see my key now, if you would please."

Trotting behind Bill, Split Tooth promptly slapped the donkey on the back sending a quick jolt of panic surge through him.

Snickering, the slaver added, "Now go on, son. Give t' nice capt' 'is key..."

Taking hold of the key between his teeth, Bill trotted to Captain Flitz. The captain's horn became aglow with a translucent magical aura which enveloped the key in its entirety.

Removing itself from Bill's grasp the key floated toward Flitz were the grey string wrapped itself around his neck.

Once the energy had faded, Flitz smiled placing a hoof at the key's end where he looked down and admired it. "You've done me a good service gentlecolts."

Moving his eyes to Split Tooth, Flitz said with a simple, low bow, "As promised, you will get your supplies. Free of cost, of course. Along with that repair for your wagon. "

Siren leaped onto Flitz, wrapping her boney forelegs around him, ultimately taking the captain by surprise. Her cheeks were burning a vibrant red as she giggled, ogling him. "Yessir Mr. Capt'..."

Gently pushing her off of him, Flitz reeled back brushing off the sections of his body she had touched.

In a boisterous tone Split Tooth declared, "Now wit that gone an' done ah want them supplies before dark comes."

Letting out a quiet sigh, Captain Flitz made his way back to the outpost. "Fine, let us be on our way then. We have much to do in such a small window of time."

"Rioght," Split Tooth agreed.

Pointing at Adam, and Bill Split Tooth shouted, "An' ya two! Hope t' it! Let's get ya back with t' others. Once we get our grub we're headin' out!"

Jumping to attention Adam and Bill followed behind Split Tooth and Siren. As they walked along the tall steel wall of the outpost Adam smiled. It was the first time he had done something so brave on his own, without the help of his brother. A newfound courage beamed within him -- the sort of courage which makes leaders, or courageous heroes what they were.

Though it was simple, it felt like an achievement to him. Bill looked at Adam, raising a single eyebrow. "Why are you smiling?"

"I'm just a little proud of us, I suppose." Adam replied.

Another odd feature was, for the first time since his capture his hoof was completely still. Not a shake, nor a shudder.

Playfully nudging Adam in the shoudler, Bill added, "Really? There isn't anything else?"

"Well," Adam responded looking at Bill's collar. "They didn't lower the distance on our collars."

Big Lot was smiling, as she enjoyed the lovely stroll through the the wasteland. The cool breeze moving through her curly lox, and the sound of armored plates clinging against each other made her feel at peace. Of course, having a loyal pony carry her wherever she pleased was also very enjoyable.

Evening was fast approaching, as the clouds above bled bright vibrant oranges in a multitude of hues. Painting a mural of light in the sky while the day came slowly to an end.

Scattered about the empty wastes, soldiers -- some pulling carts full of supplies -- marched onward toward the east. In order to cut off the ponies Big Lot believe murdered her uncle they had took an alternative route north.

It was known by Big Lot that a Legion outpost nearby could house them, but she was determined to find her lost toys. If she knew anything about the ponies that her group hunted, it was that they would avoid the Legion.

Using a single hoof, she pushed back her hair inhaling the dusty air deeply. Letting out a pleasant sigh, she tapped Covert on the head. "You know, I do enjoy walks such as this. Even if we're on the hunt, there is something I do love about the outdoors. Don't you think so?"

Covert was silent. Keeping an agitated grimace away from her sight.

Frowning, Big Lot tapped him harder on the head. "Did you not hear me?"

Covert thought, Of course I did you little shit. Would you please shut it?

Narrowing her eyes the little filly pouted slamming her hoof down on the top of his head. The sudden pain inflicted on Covert sent him staggering briefly, as an aching pain throbbed all throughout his cranium. Stopping where he stood, he placed a hoof on his brow, shielding it from any further blows.

"Yes, y-your radiance?" He muttered starting to walk once more.

"Why didn't you listen to me?" Big Lot retorted.

Lowering his head to the ground Covert began to whimper, "I-I'm dreadfully sorry, your radiance. I was focusing on that task at hoof..."

"Well!" She declared in a sarcastic tone. "I better not distract you from walking! It's not like that's easy enough already!"

"I-I'm sorry, your radiance." He repeated. "It will not happen again..."

"It better not," She growled, "for your sake..."

She is worse than her uncle. Covert thought. Could I even try to get rid of her? How would I do it? When?

Inconspicuously, his eyes scanned the area around him as the pain pulsed atop his brow causing his thoughts to become distorted. Shaking his head, Covert continued to ponder the many ways of dealing with Big Lot.

Moving his attention to the carts pulled by the soldiers he examined the possibilities. Perhaps if I took a gun from the cart... No, no no that won't work.... What if!... No, too risky...

The additional thinking only made the pain throb more intensely than it had before. Nowhere, within miles seemed to yield any sort of option for a successful takeover.

And so he waited. Keeping a keen eye open for the right opportunity to strike. Fear, usually felt like an odd tingling, or sinking in the chest or stomach. To Covert, fear was everywhere -- like a large, solid wall of concrete. In that moment, however, he could feel nothing. Not a single brick nor barrier of the wall that prevented him from acting out his desires against his master.

The sensation was uplifting, and spry. Giving him a deepened sense of purpose that bubbled like sweet carbonated fizz in his chest. If there was no ponies around he would deal with her right where he stood. To think, the simple motion of taking a knife out from one of the other soldiers, and plunging it into her neck almost brought a smile to his miserable face.

As the soldiers marched forth through the wastes a small gorge came into view. It had dusty, low slopes that lead down into a narrow ditch at the bottom -- where several small boulders along a winding shallow ravine rested scattered about. Only the more distant section that twisted off into the distance peeked out from behind the hills.

Out of the corner of her eye Big Lot spotted a brown, strange object -- covered in fur, moving behind the hills. Standing atop her cushion she began pointing and jumping at it announcing to the world her find.

"Look! Look! Look! I saw something coming from the hills!"

Scooter pulled up along Covert, spotting the gorge. "What is it, yer radiance? Ah don' seem t' follow ya..."

Slapping him upside the head from her cushion, Big Lot barked, "Don't you see? It could be them! We've come so close that now they've resorted to hiding in the hills!"

Blinking, Scooter shrugged. "Ah don' see anythin'-"

Like water vigorously boiling insider her, Big Lot let out a fuming scream, "It's them! I know it is! I KNOW I KNOW I KNOOOW!"

Reeling his head back, Scooter flattened his ears submissively. "Ah know, but ya can't jus' chase after any livin' thing ya see out 'ere."

"W-What's saying she can't?" Covert replied with high degree of meekness in his tone.

Shaking his head, Scooter leaned his face closer to the miserable stallion with the raging filly on his back gawking. "Wah? Ah don'-"

Glaring at her captain, Big Lot answered, "Scooter, stop talking."

Like she had commanded -- Scooter stopped speaking, and listening to her words carefully he looked fearfully up at his master. "But yer radiance..."

Raising her nose into the air, she turned her head away from Scooter, before shoving a hoof in his face. "Ah ah ah! That's no way to talk to me. Now, you listen to me well, Scooter. You're going to get a few guards to come with me. We'll go over that hill and catch them off guard. You take the rest of the troops and circle around. When we've cornered them... Well, it won't be long before they aren't a problem any more."

Scooter's stomach sank, as uncertainty made his chest feel pricked with anxiety. Sighing, he bowed slightly, groaning, "Yes yer radiance. Ah'll get to it..."

As Scooter was ordered did, he trotted off to the other soldiers to fulfill his orders. The company of Big Lot's soldiers halted their movement. Unhitching themselves from the supply carts soldiers raced to prepare their weapons the more Scooter spread the word of their Princess’ commands.

Assembling just as she had commanded, two earth pony soldiers armed with bulky assault rifle battle-saddles came to Covert's side. Strapped to the heavy armor of their breastplates were long jagged edged combat knives, tucked neatly in thick brown leather sheaths.

Big Lot was grinning widely, peering gleefully at the strong soldiers that had came to her.

Intently she waved a hoof to Scooter who was arranging the troops to circle around. Leaning over the edge of her cushion she whispered to her two soldiers, "Now listen here. They're over on the other side of that hill. And-"

"Your radiance, which do you think it is?" One of the soldiers asked.

The little filly found it hard to reach the pony who had spoke out from her seat. Though, with a tap of Covert's head her personal carrier pony shuffled slightly toward the two soldiers. In doing so, she was in hoof’s reach of the soldier.

Raising her hoof, Big Lot briskly smacked the one who had spoke out behind the helmet. Stumbling forward the soldier recovered himself.

"Do you have anything else to say?" Big Lot asked.

The soldier shook his head. "Good," Big Lot snorted, "stay quiet. I won't have you mucking this up for me. Those ponies will pay for what they did to my border, and I will avenge my uncle."

Glancing over to Scooter, who was by now moving the troops farther ahead to circle around the hills, Big Lot said to her own group, "Let's move. Won't they be surprised when they see there's only a few of us... then, WHAM! They'll be dead! Dead! Dead!"

With confirming nods Big Lot's squad moved up the hill gingerly. Deep inside of him Covert felt the intensive beating of his heart as they came closer to the top. Readying their battle-saddles, they halted near the peak of the hill.

Rubbing her tiny hooves together, Big Lot had a wide malicious grin reaching to both ears. "I can't wait! Oh, I can't wait! Now! Let's go now! Show them no mercy!"

One of her soldiers nodded, and hopping from Covert's back she reached the top of the hill with her soldiers. Together, the four of them stormed down the hillside. A faint cloud of dust kicked up behind them as they descended down to the edge of the gorge.

When they had reached the bottom Big Lot stopped, as she spotted something rustle in a dried bush three feet from cliff’s edge.

The malevolent smile, and peppy spirit within her was gone. A stone cold feeling of confusion consumed her entire being. By the edge of the shallow gorge was nothing, but a few shaking bushes and hills as far as the eye can see.

Pointing to one of her soldiers, Big Lot jerked her head to the bush before her. "You. Shoot at it. Shoot at it until it stops moving."

"Yes, your radiance." The soldier said aiming the barrel of his saddle at the dead plant.

Firing two loud shots at the bush all of the commotion within it ceased. The shrub was deathly still, and from out of the it came a large rat that was larger than a brawny hunting hound. On the rat's side was two gushing bullet wounds with warm blood oozing out of them profusely down its matted fur.

Wheezing out blood droplets from its gaping mouth, the injured beast hobbled along five feet away from the bush before falling onto its side. Taking in three raspy, bubbling breaths it died.

Big Lot's eyes went wide, as an enraging heat started to boil within her. "A... rat?" She growled.

"It looks like it, your radiance." One of the soldiers remarked.

Screaming at the top of her lungs at the sky, Big Lot took the nearest stone in hoof and marched toward the dead beast. Lifting the grey, smooth stone high the little filly began to pummel the skull of the rat. Caving in the side of its head she viciously pounded faster, and faster at the animal until tiny, fleshy bits of bone went scattering about around her.

"YOU! STUPID! UGLY! NASTY! DISGUSTING THING!" She screamed as the rock had become caked in a thin layer of brain, blood, and flesh.

Gritting her teeth down hard, she stepped away from the rat, dropping the bloodied rock next to her. Panting, she lay her hunches down on the ground, recovering the strength she had lost. Big Lot's mane was in a tangled mess, and no pony around her dared to make a sound as she cooled herself.

Covert trotted between the two soldiers, who stood idly by watching their princess calm herself. Laying a hoof on one of the soldier's backs he scoffed nervously, "Well, it looks like it wasn't them all along, huh?"

"Looks like it." Said the soldier to his left.

Moving his eyes to the large combat knife on the left soldier's breast plate Covert chuckled, "I don't know about you guys, but-"

Like a flash of lightning striking, Covert went straight for the knife. Quickly removing it from its case, he held the blade firmly between his teeth. As he pulled away from the soldier -- the weapon's razor-like tip sliced cleanly across the soldier's neck. A huge gaping laceration sent blood spilling out of the pony's throat all over the ground.

Tumbling to the ground blood pooled around his neck as Covert lunged forth at the other soldier next to him. Before the soldier had a second to react the cold steel buried itself deep within the soldier's jugular veins. Trembling, blood trickled down the soldier’s purple coat.

Promptly removing the blade from the pony's neck, a brief amount of the red gore went flying through the air spraying messily across Covert's face like paint blasted onto a canvas.

Both soldiers lay on the ground at each of his sides. The salty, bitter red juice that blanketed the knife ran down the blade, and into his mouth. Energy, and strength pumped through Covert. The urge to fight, to kill, to take back what was his was exhilarating.

All of his sense were tingling with life. Everything was clear, and flowing. Never before had Covert felt so powerful. So in control.

Wide were his eyes as he looked at the filly, who had just managed to turn to see what he had done. Trying to stand quickly, Big Lot tripped on her cape -- falling flat on her face.

Taking long, determined strides to her he chuckled insanely to himself, "Your radiance?" he cooed, "Why do you run from me? Are you tired? Shall I carry you?"

Picking up the nearest rock, Big Lot hurled it at his head. Missing by mere inches he continued to prowl toward her. Stopping right before her, he towered over the little one. A dim shadow engulfed the filly, who had tears pooling in the corners of her eyes.

"You were suppose to be loyal! Loyal to me! Your princess!"

"I am loyal to Vladimir!" He bellowed, "Not some little shit like you!"

Big Lot was quiet, as her large sapphire eyes gazed into his own menacing stare. "You humiliated me... Stripped me of my rank... Now... Oh now you'll pay you little brat..."

Cocking his head back he thrashed the knife's hilt directly at the front her brow. Raising her hooves up she could not stop the powerful strike against her forehead. Knocking the filly onto her side, she yelped before laying on the ground groaning in pain.

A darkness consumed her vision. Though she could not see, Big Lot felt like her entire body was spin around. Distorted, and muffled Covert's words barely sounded coherent.

As she lay upon the ground, completely immobilized, he picked her up and slumped her down onto his back. Dropping the bloody knife, Covert carried the little filly to the gorge. Carefully making his way down the dusty slope, he reached the bottom where he rested her body down gently among several small rocks.

Twisting, and turning -- murmuring in pain, Cover put a hushing hoof to his lips. "Shhhh, princess. Do not make a sound. Come nightfall, the terrors that haunt the night shall dine well. You’ll suffer as I did with your uncle. Slowly. And when they’re done there will be nothing left of you. It’ll all be... An accident. So do not fret little one. Soon it will be all over. Trust me."

Taking the largest, most flat stones around him, Covert erected a small wall around her, covering every inch of her body from view at the gorge's edge. Thick, salty sweat dripped off of his forehead.

With a single hoof he whipped his brow before trudging up the slope.

The scene where he had killed the two soldiers was untouched. The whole area was silent, as Covert went to retrieve his knife. A thin layer of dirt and blood coated the weapon's hilt. But he paid it no mind -- all the same he held it steadily in with his mouth.

Slicing tiny, minor cuts along his legs and body he hissed as the stinging pain of each cut burned profoundly against his flesh. Biting down harder on the hilt, Covert stopped making wounds around his body.

When Covert had stood up, a searing pain burned every cut along his body. Wincing at the dreadful wounds cry out in a painful, fiery manner he returned to one of the dead soldiers. Blood still oozed out from the lacerations he had made -- pooling up in warm muddy puddles at their necks.

Lodging the blade back into the soldier's wound, he put a hoof in the bloody mixture of dirt, and gore. With his hoof drenched in the blood he painted various parts of his body. Lathing himself with the look of intense combat. Once he had coated many areas around him with the blood of the soldier, Covert reached for the battle saddle.

Pulling with one hoof, Covert activated the trigger of the mouthpiece, which was positioned below the pony's limp jaw. Letting loose several loud shots, who's sound carried on through the hills, he screamed out, "HELP US! THEY'RE HERE! THEY'RE HERE!"

Again, he chanted the same cry out into the hills, until there was no ammunition left in the battle-saddle. Hurrying the best he could away from the soldier he found a nice, open patch of dirt and fell down.

Closing his eyes, Covert tried as he could to hold back the smile which wanted to form on his filthy, bloodstained face.

Over the hills he could hear the other soldiers coming. In mere moments they would see the scene around him, and with Big Lot nowhere to be found it was a plan he was thoroughly proud of.

I can't believe she thought she could take them on by herself! Did she really think that stupid solo act with only two men would have worked? Perhaps stupidity runs in her family. I'm just glad it does... Covert thought.

Scooter was the first pony over the hillside, who came with Whopper at his side storming down to the horrific scene. "Ah'm comin' yer radiance!" He shouted, his heart racing and his mind buzzing with nervous agnst.

The moment Scooter, and the rest of the soldiers came to the scene he reeled back. Panic took over, as Scooter frantically dashed to the soldiers who had their necks sliced open. Shaking them by the shoulder Scooter cried, "Are ya alive?! Where is her radiance! Say somthin'!"

Whopper pulled up next to his comrade, who despite the soldier's condition kept shaking the dead pony. Resting a hoof on Scooter's shoulder, he froze.

"What... Happened 'ere..." Scooter growled as Whopper stood by his side.

"I'm not sure, boss." Whopper answered, "All I can say is she doesn't look like she's here anymore."

Soldiers spread out across the area calling out for Big Lot. Two Legion medics, with satchels dangling at their sides rushed to the soldier's aid. One of the soldiers behind them called out to the rest. "This one over here is alive!"

Springing up from the dead pony before him, Scooter dashed over to Covert. Over the former Legion captain was a medic with his satchel laid down next to him. Coughing horsley, Covert groaned sitting up slowly.

"Wha... Where are they?" He muttered.

"Was it them?" Scooter asked. "Ya know, them ponies we’re chasin’?"

Clearing his throat, Covert stood up wearily. His legs were trembling as the wounds around his body stung. "Yes, it was them. They came out of nowhere, and took our princess away from us..."

Grabbing Covert by the collar of his armor Scooter pressed his face against Covert's. "Where is she? Where did they go?!"

"I don't know," Covert grunted pushing Scooter away. "They just came at us. With guns roaring, and fury in their eyes. One of them stabbed that soldier over there, then the other... Out of nowhere they grabbed our poor princess, and dragged her away. Before I could stop them one with a knife came at me. Sliced up my legs, and knocked me out."

Backing away a few steps from Covert -- Scooter openly stared out into the hills with panic-stricken eyes. "What are we gonna do? We've got to find her!"

"Yes, indeed." Cover coughed, standing up. "But first we'll need a new leader... Someone who can lead us through this bleak tragedy."

Raising an eyebrow Scooter stepped forward. "But who?"

Placing a hoof on his chin Covert hummed, "Vladimir put me in charge of the border, and I know that she stripped me of my rank, but I was chosen by him to lead..."

"So, what do ya propose?" Scooter asked.

"Well," Covert started contemplating the question. "Why don't I lead us. I think I might have an idea of what to do."

"Ya, wanna' lead... us?" Scooter gawked raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, and I swear we'll not rest until we save her!" Gritting his dirt coated teeth together Covert boomed, "We have to save her! And know this: there will be no failure. I will hunt them down, and gut each one of those despicable souls. So help me Celestia!"

Scooter felt a deep sinking in the bottom part of his stomach. Weighing down, it was like a truck had crashed within him. Lowering his head, he sighed, "What do ya want us t' do?"

Suppressing the smile he so eagerly wanted to show, Covert pushed back the bubbly feeling of joy in his heart. Pointing to the end of the gorge he said, "You go with a few soldiers and head to the Darkmines. Search everywhere as you go. I'll head back to the border and gain some more troops. We'll need them if we're going to get our princess back."

Diverting his eyes from Covert's face, Scooter was on the verge of tears. Laying a reassuring hoof on his shoulder, Covert smiled. "Don't worry. We'll find her. When this whole ordeal is done we'll Celebrate, and who knows... You might just get promoted for your service."

Not even the sweet word of promotion seemed to sway the heavy mood Scooter felt. Inside it irritated him, like an itch he could not scratch. And, trying as he could Scooter went silently about the area gathering half of the search party to take with him.

Whopper trotted next to his sulking friend. "Don't worry boss. I think we can do it, I know we can."

But Scooter was still quiet. Even as his party went forth into the wastes in search of their lost princess. Watching the soldier's leave in the distance one medic came up to Covert. "Sir, your would you like to ride in the cart? You’re not fit to make the trip in your condition."

“I’ll be fine.” Covert uttered under his breath.

“I’d still advise against it. Since you’re able then, what are your orders, sir?”

Though he had tried so hard, a smile had finally broken through. "We need to head back to the border, and let's be quick about it. We have much to do, and so little time to do it..."

In the gorge, Big Lot tried to gain a grasp of her environment. Her whole world was spinning wildly out of control, as light tried to break through the darkness that covered her vision. She had never been knocked out before, and every little part of the experience was dreadful.

There was no feeling in her limbs, and any idea of where her hooves were in relation to the rest of her was a blur. Nothing, could have been worse. The longer she tried, the longer time seemed to race by her. Though, to a little filly who had never been knocked on the head before, any sense of time was hazy.

Perhaps she had been out days? Or maybe just moments. However long it may be changed nothing, as her conviction was set. The very moment she could walk and see again, was the moment she would kill Covert.

At a single moment, a tiny tingle came from her hoof. Then, another -- and another until her hoof felt sore. Not long after, Big Lot's entire body became encased with aches. Especially on her forehead where a swelling, throbbing pain seared uncomfortably.

Blinking, the light had finally bursted in wide cracks through the dark.

She was conscious again, and rage fumed inside her. A heat, like that of a stoked furnace burned hotly. This incredible urge to strangle Covert's skinny neck made her get up, slowly.

"Ow..." Big Lot groaned placing a hoof upon her brow. "I swear, when I find him I'll kill him..."

Getting up, she patted her self down sending small puffs of dust off of her body. Looking at her dust-coated cape, she frowned. "Not my cape..."

Raising her small head up, she shouted, "Hello?! Is any pony there? You're princess needs you! Heeeeellooooo?!"

Faintly echoing off of the slopes of the gorge she heard hoof steps approaching from the ledge above. As the sound's volume rose, her ears flittered merrily. "Scooter? Whopper? Is that you?" She called up to the noise's source.

From out over the ledge poked two heads, looking down at her. With large, greedy yellow eyes Split Tooth and Siren peered down at her ginning.

Split Tooth crowed, "Oi there little one? Ya lost? Do ya need some 'elp now?"

Footnote: Level Up

New Perk: Mask of the Beast: You gain +2 to stealth with every level. In addition to this, enemies have a harder time detecting you. Even if they are alert to your presence. (When crouched.)

Footnote: Level Up

Would you like to level up Adam as well?

Yes-

No

New Perk: La Vie en Rose: Sing! Sing! Sing! When you sing, you gain a +5 health boost for 20 minutes.

Proofread by:

Noakwolf

Thefullmetalbrony

Dannykat

LyonAzakura

(AN: You might have noticed a difference in the quality of writing. I’ve been learning the careful art of showing vs. telling. Additionally, I’ve been trying to shorten my descriptions while at the same time making them more vivid. One thing I want to work on is breaking out of my bad habits, and get into more better ones. Please leave a comment if you liked this chapter, and tell me if the writing has got any better. Next, I’ll try working on my descriptions a bit more. I feel that’s where I’m weakest. Until next time, see you at the next chapter! - Noakwolf)