Fallout Equestria: The Butterfly Effect

Trifecta. I asked Juniper once what it was like, but she told me I’d see for myself one day. Said it’s just one of those places that’s better to experience, rather than hear about from somepony else. I had imagined it being a grand place, full of shops and bars and ponies from all over. Something of a huge, bustling trade center with large wood or metal structures, paved roads and everything. Business owners trying to squeeze every last cap from anypony stupid enough to let them, that sort of thing.

In fact, it was much like Stable 12.

Sure, there were various junk shops and a few bars, and it had a more diverse population, but the whole place was very tidy and organic. As I walked down the road, ponies talked leisurely while sitting at a cupcake shop. Over there, a family was having a picnic on the hill which rose in the center of the town. Just down the road, a dressmaker was busying sizing up a few customers. Right next to that was a beauty parlor. I expect the two businesses worked well together, since they probably served the same customer base. The layout may be different, but the atmosphere... It made me homesick.

I had just rounded a corner when I heard the sound of rattling wheels steady growing larger. “Watch out! Runaway cart!” I looked in the direction of the noise to see a large wooden cart hurtling down the hill. Everyone on the road scrambled to get out of the way, leaving me alone on the road. The only thing that stopped me from doing the same was a scream that pierced me from behind. I looked back, and saw a nursery. The foal-sitter was trying desperately to barricade the entrance, but at this rate?

...I’m gonna regret this...

I charged the cart and held out my fore hooves, waiting for it to strike. Strike it did, and it struck hard. I felt like my legs were broken and my hind hooves were being set on fire by the friction. I wasn’t strong enough to slow it down! I turned around, pressing my back against the cart as we raced toward the nursery. I searched my satchel for something, anything that might help me. Then I saw the rod from the jailbreak.

I grabbed it with aching and tremulous hooves and rammed it through the spokes of one of the cart’s wheels. The wheel shattered, forcing the entire mass to slide violently on its side. The axle broke against the ground and popped the other wheel off. Thankfully, the broken cart ground to a halt just before crashing into the barricade. With me in between them. I sprinkled a health potion on my battered legs.

“Three cheers for our heroine! Hip hip!” Heroine? I looked up from my wounds.

“HOORAY!!” It seems a crowd has formed around me while I wasn’t looking. They cheered several more times, hoisting me up into the air and tossing me, before setting me down in front of the nursery mare.

“Thank you so much, traveler! Without you, I... These children... How could we ever repay you?” I looked into the pink unicorn’s joyous eyes, then at the the ground beneath my hooves. Hmm...

“Could you toss me again? I’ve never been in the air like a Pegasus before, and it was fun!” I requested cheerfully. She looked at me in surprise.

“Why, you’re just a big foal!” she exclaimed at my enthusiasm.

“Miss Nectar! Miss Nectar! I know what we can do!” one of her foals exclaimed hopping up and down in front of her.

“What is it, little one?” The filly jumped up and tugged Nectar’s horn to the ground so she could whisper.

“My big brother does this all the time for me! Why don’t we...” Little whispers poured from foal to foal-sitter.

“Uh-huh... Yes... Oh! What a good idea, Rivercloud!” Her head rose again to meet my eyes. “You want to feel like a Pegasus, right?” I nodded profusely. She turned to the crowd. “May I have two strong-winged Pegasi for volunteers? Let’s give this filly a chance to fly!” Wait a second... Fly fly? As in high-over-the- ground type flying? As in oh-shit-I’m-hurtling-to-my-death-with-nothing-to-break-my-fall flying?! I only meant a few more tosses!

“N-no, that’s--”

“I’ll do it.” One silver Pegasus stepped out of the crowd. There’s something familiar about him that I can’t quite place...

“Really, you don’t have--”

“That would be wonderful! Would anypony else be willing to--” The Pegasus raised a hoof in negation. Please tell me this buck is joking...

“There’s no need to trouble anypony else. Besides, I owe it to her for saving Rivercloud.” He smiled at the little filly beside Nectar.

“Well, if it's you, Comet Tail, then it’s alright.” The crowd gave one last cheer before dispersing, leaving me alone with Comet Tail and the nursery.

I’m really going to die.

“My brother’s the strongest flier in Trifecta, too! You’re gonna really feel like a Pegasus with him helping you!” Rivercloud exclaimed before being shooed back into the building by Nectar. For some reason, I knew she was right, but for the life of me I couldn’t remember why.

“So, would you prefer ponyback, or should I carry you?” he asked.

“Uh... Whatever is easier for you, mister Comet Tail...” Come on, Sapling, think! Why do I know that name?

“Are you alright? You look like you’re going to be sick.” He said, unsuccessfully suppressing a smirk. “You don’t have to do this, you know. It’s a scary thing, flying for the first time. Especially for an earth pony like you.” Those were just the words I needed to hear.

“Ponyback!” I pounced, remembering to dead-weight upon landing. I must admit, it was a satisfying crash.

“Geez, you’re a heavy one! What are you hiding under that cloak of yours, a little sister?”

“Everything but the kitchen sink! Now mush!” I cried. He repositioned me between his wings and slowly began to flap. Faster and faster. Stronger and stronger. In a moment, we were airborne. Slowly we rose, over the nursery, then over the hill, then clear over Trifecta.

“Mush, eh? I suggest you hang on tight!” He retracted his wings and pointed his nose downward. Wait, what?!

*SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEAM!!!!!*

***

“Welcome to Carrot Top’s Garden! I hope you enjoyed your flight as much as I did!... Uh, you can let go now.”

“I th-think I’m s-stuck...” My legs cracked and popped as Comet Tail pried them off his silver hide one by one. I flopped to the ground, an ungraceful, twitching heap of pony.

“Alright, you can get up now. Nopony is around but you and me.” I struggled to my hooves. I never appreciated solid ground so much in all my life.

“Th-thanks for the ride, Mister--”

“Cut the act, foal. I know who you are,” he said firmly, glaring at me like I was some villain. “You’re the Hooded Filly.” My legs solidified instantly. Now I remember! He was the Pegasus from the tournament.

“You’re the one who fought the Alicorn, aren’t you?” He nodded.

“Fought and lost. I thought to myself, ‘The Hooded Filly must be a monster if she can beat somepony like Marian,’ yet there you were, screaming like a silly little foal.” Screaming like a foal? Me...?

“I guess I’m afraid of heights.” I’m not embarrassed... I’m not embarrassed! So why is my face getting warm?

He shook his head. “I can’t believe somepony like you did it.”

“Did what?”

“Beat an Alicorn.”

“Well, I did. Whether you believe it or not.”

“Then you must have cheated,” he accused casually.

“Chea-- How dare you... I’ve never cheated in a fight in my entire life!”

“Then you had help. I remember something about a hole being burned through her flank?”

“That was after the fight was over!” I fumed. The nerve of this Pegasus!

“How could a little filly like you possibly conquer an enemy that not even I could beat?! You have no magic, you can’t fly like me, you aren’t as fast as me, and you aren’t even as strong as me! I can tell you’ve got some muscle under that cloak of yours, but you’re no Juniper! I refuse to acknowledge you, unless you can beat me!”

“Comet Tail, you’re really pissing me off. First you call me a silly foal, then a cheater, and now you insult me by telling me what I accomplished legitimately couldn’t possibly be true. That my victory was a lie because you failed where I succeeded.” I took off my hood and stored it in my satchel, in case he should try to force the issue. “You’re wrong about who I am, by the way. My name is Sapling, not Hooded Filly.” I turned away. “You’re right about her being a monster, but she died two years ago. She was resurrected for one fight, but now she is dead again. Please don’t bring her back.” I left him there, standing alone in that field. 5 steps... 10 steps... 20 steps...

“Don’t think that removing your hood means you’re not the Hooded Filly! Fight me, damn it!” he roared. I could feel the air pulse with his beating wings. The charge of his fury resonated through my skin, giving me wonderful goosebumps. There’s no audience, but to dance with a fighter of his caliber... No! I forced my head to stay forward. Just keep walking, Sapling. Don’t stop moving. Don’t be so eager to fight. Leave that dance behind.

“SAPLIIIIIIIIING!!!” he screamed after me.

Leave the dance behind...

***

“...And then he was all ‘WHOOOOOSH!’ and I was all ‘EEEEEEEEK!!!’ and then he laughed and did it again!” I recounted the story of yesterday’s flight for the wide-eyed foals at the nursery.

“Were you scared, Miss Sapling?” a little unicorn asked.

“Do you reeeeeeally want to know?”

“YEA!” Nectar the foal-sitter laughed as they all chorused.

“I was very scared, but Comet Tail was strong. He never let me fall.”

“That was a wonderful story, Sapling!” She rose to corral the children. “Alright, my little ponies. It’s nap time.” It was hard work, but I managed to suppress a chuckle at their collective groan. The children herded into the other room, followed by their unicorn foal-sitter.

“Did you do something to my big brother?” I jumped. Behind me stood Rivercloud, wearing suspicious look on her face that made me a little uneasy.

“Do something? To Comet Tail?” Question dodge #1.

“Because when he came home from flying you around, he was all upset. He was mad and sad and frustrated and in a bad mood all at the same time! Did you beat him?”

“Beat him? What do you mean, Rivercloud?” #2.

“Aren’t you the pony who won the thing he went to last month?”

“Are you talking about the Arena event? Why would you think that?” And #3.

“He said the winner of that thing he went to last month was coming here, and that she must be very strong. And then you showed up and saved us from the cart, so I thought it must be you! Big brother thought so too.”

“Oh, I see. So that's why he tried to fight me yesterday...” I mused.

“I knew he would! Who won?!"

"Nopony. I told him I wasn't the pony he was looking for and walked away."

"Then you didn't fight him?"

"That's right. Why would I fight your brother? He’s very strong!”

“Yea, you’re right! You wouldn’t stand a chance against my big brother!” I said he was strong, not that I couldn’t whip his over-confident ass... Wait, what am I thinking?! Back, Hood! Back to the grave where you belong!

“Anyways, you should get in there with the rest of your class before Miss Nectar starts looking for you.”

“Okay. See you later, Miss Sapling!" Rivercloud scuttled into the back room where the others slept. Nectar soon emerged.

"Thank you for spending time with the children. You're something of a hero to them, so it really means a lot." The unicorn's face seemed to glow with her smile.

"A hero? Heh. Children can be very silly sometimes." I said with a slight blush, scratching my mane.

"I don't think it's silly," she returned, approaching me slowly.

"All I did was stop a runaway cart."

"And by doing that, you did so much more. Saving this nursery? Saving their lives? That's very heroic if you ask me." What is that smell? Perfume? Something more natural? Whatever it is, it's getting stronger with every step she takes.

"Oh. Well, you said thanks, so I guess you're welcome." Nectar giggled, sending shivers through my spine. The gentle cadence of her steps echoed through the floor, tingling the bottoms of my hooves. No... It's not just my hooves that's tingling.

"I know Comet flew you around yesterday, but is there anything I can do to thank you? You know... personally?" she asked in a tone that, for some reason, made me blush even harder.

"A-actually, there is one thing you could do for me," I replied after a gulp.

"And what might that be, hmm? The children are all asleep, so ask me anything." The sweet scent of a mature and motherly mare nuzzled my nostrils. The gentle touch of her hoof against my chest. Her face so close to mine I could lick it. A fire growing stronger in my cheeks and my... cheeks. There could only be one proper response to such an advance...

"Which way to the mayor's office?"

***

I let out several heavy breaths when I finally stopped running. What the hell was that, back there? My body felt like it was going to burst into flame! If I hadn't gotten away, I don't know what would've happened to me.

When my breathing returned to normal, I looked up at the building to which Nectar guided me. It was small-ish, unattractive, and otherwise nondescript sort of building. Not exactly what I expected the mayor to be working in. On the door was a note reading, 'Office closed until further notice. Signed ~Monarchos, Mayor of Trifecta'. Well, shit. How am I supposed to deliver a package to the mayor if the mayor isn't around?

*Sigh* How many days has it been since I left Juniper? Three? Then I should still have some time if I don't get caught in any more messes like taking jobs for the Steel Rangers or becoming a Trifectan hero. I should probably get Juniper's supplies while I'm waiting for the mayor to get back. Better not waste any more time. *click shuffle shuffle crackle* Hmm...

"Let's see... Should've gone through scorpion territory to get those tails. Oh well, I'll get them on the way back. Now then, where to find some liquor?"

"Sounds like you should start at the Wine'n'Dine." You'd think one would get used to getting startled but not me! Standing next to me was a bright red, purple maned Pegasus the size of Juniper. "They make all sorts of cocktails there. Finest bar in the wasteland."

"Do they sell apple cider and sarsaparilla?"

"That they do, though I doubt to somepony of your age. How old are you, filly?"

"I'm 16."

"Then they won't serve you. Here in Trifecta, we have what's called a 'legal drinking age'." The buck emphasized the quotes, making sure I took the hint. "Gives kids like you one less chance to hurt themselves while they're young."

"Oh, it's not for me. It's for my boss back home."

"But you're the one buying. If your boss wanted some beer, your boss should've come personally."

"But I have to get them! She'll pound me into the dirt if I go back without her ingredients!" Indeed, I could see many whomps to the head in the not too distant future.

"Ingredients?" he asked curiously. "Is your boss a bartender?" My ears perked. I somehow got the feeling that he must know something about the business.

"My boss is the Bartender. Her name is Juniper." A silence echoed through Trifecta as a slow grin spread across the buck's face.

"Juniper, eh? I guess it is that time of year..." He began to pace.

"Huh? What time of year?"

"She sent an underling, though. Does this mean she's finally found somepony to apprentice?"

"What are you muttering about?" I said, slightly irritated.

"If so, then she must've sent you for that as well." I could tell he was in deep thought by the way he tapped his hoof to to his chin.

"Sent me for what?" Okay, this is getting ridiculous.

"How interesting!" he exclaimed, stomping for emphasis. "I'd love to see how that young stallion fares against Juniper's protege!" *kick THUMP*

"Earth to over-sized pony! Contact required!" I said, knocking on his dirt-covered forehead. There's nothing quite like taking daydreamers out at the hooves to bring their heads back from the clouds.

"I'm sorry, I was lost in thought. What was it again?"

"First, how do you know Juniper? Second, what time of year were you talking about? And third, what is 'that'?" I asked, putting hoof quotes into the air as he climbed back upright.

"I'll answer all your questions later. First, let's go to the Wine'n'Dine." Grr...

"Fine."

***

The only difference between the Wine'n'Dine and the Berry Bomb was the presence of the only machine I ever learned to use correctly: a jukebox. Everything else was exactly the same, down to the selection of brews behind the counter.

"From what Hardy told me, I expected something a little... well, more."

"What are you talking about, filly? I've got the finest bar in the wasteland!" Where have I heard that before?

"The only thing you've got that Juniper doesn't is that jukebox, but she's got the brews, and the know how to use them right. Can your bartender say the same?"

"Welcome to- YOU!" Behind the counter stood a silver Pegasus, mouth agape and pointing at me.

"ME!" I replied, mouth agape and pointing a hoof at me.

"I won't let you escape this time! RAAAAGH!!" Comet Tail leapt over the marble slab and charged.

*WHOMP* "What the hell do you think you're doing, Comet?! Bar fighting is strictly forbidden, and you know it!"

"But sir! She--"

"No buts!" He rose from his ungraceful heap on the floor, never taking his eyes off me.

"This isn't over, Sapling. I'm going to beat you!" Comet Tail resumed his place behind the bar.

"Now, if you hadn't so rashly attacked, I would've told you that you two are going to have a battle."

"YES!" Comet cried.

“A battle?” I cried.

“Juniper sent you with a list of ingredients, yes?" I nodded. 'Was one of them the ‘Fist of the Cocktail'?”

"How did you know?"

"Because it's that time of year!" The look I gave him must have said something along the lines of 'What the fuck are you talking about, you batty old buck?' because he continued shortly. "Juniper and I have a standing feud over which of our bars is the best. Every year, we hold a 'Battle of the Saloons' to see who brews the best brew. Back and forth we'd go, mixing better and better drinks, until one year our customers couldn't tell whose blend was the clear victor."

"Congratulations. You must be proud of your skill to keep up with her!" I praised. In the back, I could see Comet Tail get slightly more agitated.

"NO! It's horrible! We need a way of breaking the tie!" wailed the owner dramatically. I rolled my eyes.

"So find one!"

"We did. You two are that way." I cocked my head in confusion. Comet and I are going to break the tie?

"How's that?"

"Isn't it obvious, Sapling?" the silver Pegasus interjected. "Whoever raised the better apprentice is the better barpony!"

"Exactly! Both of you are going to mix your best brews using any or all of the ingredients Juniper provided for on her list. Then I will give your brews to the customers. The one who makes the better drink wins the Fist."

"But I don't know the first thing about mixing drinks!"

"Then forfeit and save me the trouble of stomping you into dust. It's not like Juniper's the better teacher anyways." *twitch*

"...What did you say...?"

"I said Juniper isn't the best. She's just a struggling old mule who can't even win her own battles." Something within me snapped.

"Oh, It. Is. ON!" I went behind the bar and hunted for the ingredients. Odd... Nothing was there. “Where do I find the ingredients that I need?

“Show me the list and I'll tell you.” I gave the list to the barpony. “Alright. We've got the cider here, so need need to hunt for that. Radcarrots and sarsaparilla are up in Carrot Top's Garden, near the center of town. Scorpion tails? Why in Derby... Those might be a bit of a problem.” He and Comet exchanged a look.

“What's wrong with scorpion tails?” I asked innocently.

“First off, I can't imagine why Juniper would want to poison somepony with a venom like that. Second, there's a siege on the town. The Steel Rangers aren't letting anypony in or out of the city.”

“That's not true. How do you think I got here?” I pointed out. Really, the obvious things often fly by unnoticed.

“Now that you mention it, you're from Twoton aren't you? How did you get past the Steel Rangers?”

“They let me in. Which reminds me, do you know a 'Monarchos'? I have a package to give him from the rangers.” The two Pegasi exchanged another glance.

“I know him. He's Trifecta's mayor,” replied Comet Tail. The owner just shrugged and looked away.

“I know. I went to his office earlier, when I met your boss, but he wasn't there. Do you know where he is?”

“I do, but I'm not gonna tell you,” Comet Tail replied firmly. “He's been avoiding those armored murderers for weeks now.”

“Murderers?”

“They've been destroying caravans trying to get into the city,” the barbuck explained. “Down to the last guard, merchant, and traveler. You're the first I've seen to make it through the gates for several weeks.” I thought back to the raider gang. Could they have really been...?

“Would you excuse me for a moment?” Silence accompanied my hoofsteps as I walked slowly to the bathroom.

*paclop paclop paclop paclop paclop... tap creeeeeeek... paclop paclop paclop... squeak squeak tissssssshhhhh... HURGH! splatter*

***

“Are you sure you’re feeling better?” I sipped my glass of ice water and nodded, not at all sure I was telling the truth. According to Cheerwine, the barbuck, Trifecta thrived on the trade of irradiated water to the ghouls in Equestria, for which it would receive healthy soil and fertilizer. This allowed the city to grow its own crops, fresh and untainted by the wasteland, for food and sale to nearby wasteland cities and towns. The water used to irrigate the soil is purified by a talisman, but the talisman has a slight flaw, leaving a trace amount of radiation which eventually decays the soil. Trifecta imports new soil to replace the old every few months.

When the Steel Rangers arrived, they put the city under siege, blocking off all trade to the outside world. That means no food exports, and more importantly, no soil imports. Without soil, plant life becomes unsustainable. No money, no food. In three words...

Trifecta effectively dies.

“How long until your soil decays?” I asked, afraid to hear the answer.

“The crops have already begun to wither. I’d say we have less than a week before we lose the harvest.” That's what I was afraid of.

“What would it take to make them break the siege?”

“It would take the mayor letting the Steel Rangers raid our Stable, but there’s no way we can let them do that,” piped Comet Tail. “That Stable is our only shelter in times of trouble, like if the Steel Rangers decide to invade, or if Radscorpions go on a rampage.”

“Oh. So if the SR took it, you would be basically defenseless?”

“That’s right. They offered their protection, but I don’t trust foreign military. Equestria abandoned Derby when the war started. Unchecked by our ‘allies’ in Canterlot or Hoofington, Groups from all over the region raided us because we were on the border. The only reason we survived the Fallout was because of the Stable that they put here on a whim.”

“I don’t understand why the SR haven’t invaded themselves,” I commented. “They have so much firepower, they could probably take the Stable by force.”

“You’re right about that, and I’m sure they would have by now, if it weren’t for Monarchos.”

“Comet Tail, hush.”

“But--”

“What about Monarchos?” I asked, trying to probe deeper.

“It’s none of your concern.”

“If he can keep them at bay, can’t he drive them away?”

“I said it’s none of your concern!” yelled Cheerwine.

“I don’t believe you!” I yelled back. “If he can do something, but chooses not to, then what kind of mayor is he?!" *Whomp*

“Shut up. Stupid foal...” A small streak flashed on Cheerwine’s face before falling to the ground. Comet Tail stood up, shoulders twitching, staring at the ground like he was trying to control his emotions.

“Sapling, why don’t we leave Cheerwine to be alone for a bit? Let’s go to Carrot Top’s garden,” suggested the silver Pegasus. "We can collect some ingredients while we're there."

***

We slowly walked in silence until we reached the garden at the top of the hill, never once looking at each other. I began to harvest the carrots uneasily. Finally, the silence was too much to bear.

“Trying to pluck these carrots is like pulling weeds embedded in concrete! Is this what happens to the soil when it dies?" Comet Tail’s eyes were void. “Comet?”

“Do you remember when I dropped you off here last time?” he asked with lifeless words.

“You were trying to fight me. To prove that you were the best around,” I replied, filling my satchel.

“That’s right. This time, however...” Something switched inside my companion as he walked beside me. The air around him instantly flooded with his killing intent! I leapt away from him as his hooves struck the air where I stood less than a second before.

“What the hell, Comet?!” I fumed. “I thought we were here to collect ingredients!”

“When did I say that? I brought you here to punish you for making Cheerwine break.” He suddenly burst forward, crashing into me like a missile and sending me rolling like I had been hit by one of Juniper’s punches. “And I’m not going to stop until you’re broken beyond repair, Sapling.” He charged again.

“I don’t want to fight you! Please, Comet Tail!” But in his rage he couldn’t hear me. A flurry of punches and bucks came from all sides, nearly all at once. Damn his incredible speed! I threw off my hood.

“Are you afraid? You’re not going to give me that crap about not being the Filly again, are you? Just because you take off your hood doesn’t mean I’m going to slow down!” Another blitz-like punch.

*catch*

“Are you sure, Comet? You seem to have gotten really slow!” I heard myself say. He was pinned to the ground before realizing what I was doing. When I finally regained conscious control of my legs, I took my hoof off his torso and jumped back. “Please, don’t fight me. It’s not because I’m afraid of you, but because I’m afraid of what I may do to you.”

“Are you making fun of me?!” He disappeared. Next thing I knew, there was a pain in my side and I was rolling through the garden. I flipped up to my feet and slid to a halt. The silver Pegasus hovered in the sky. “I was fast enough to beat your mentor! What makes you think you can do any better?”

“You’re nowhere near as strong as Juniper. If she had gone full strength, you would be nothing more than a pulp swept between the Arena’s tiles.” Having seen Juniper’s strength for myself, I felt confident in the accuracy of that statement.

“Are you going full strength? Do you think you can pulp me?” He began to fly in a circle, creating a small vortex of air around him. “Can you fight a tornado?!” The column of air slowly approached me, getting stronger by the second. The silver streak of Pegasus which held the twister in place steadily grew larger, allowing more air to join the maelstrom. I ran from the growing twister, but soon the force of its vacuum threatened to draw me inside. The pack at my side began to violently jerk, throwing off my balance.

Actually, that gives me an idea.

“How well do you like carrots?” I fought the wind and pulled my pack back toward me. Come on! Just... a little... more! My hoof touched the buckle holding the pack closed. *click* The cover flew open, releasing all the carrots I had collected into the vortex.

“What the... AAAHH--mmph!” The streak broke and rocketed away, the momentum of the vortex proving too much to handle when his concentration broke. He crashed to the ground not far from me, a carrot stuck in his mouth. The tornado died, almost as quickly as it had appeared.

“I guess I can fight a tornado. As long as it’s formed by a pony.” He glared at me and spat the carrot out before climbing back to his feet.

“Alright, not gonna try that again. I’ll just have to face you head on.” Comet Tail stretched his wings, making sure they were still good to go.

I hung my head, exasperated. “Will nothing stop you from trying to fight me?”

“You wounded both mine and Cheerwine’s pride. I’m not going to stop until you’re in the hospital!” I sighed.

“Very well. Just don’t bloody up my face, got it?” I warned. The Pegasus stared at me, then laughed hard.

“Sapling, I knew you were arrogant, but I didn’t think you were conceited too!” In a flash, he was in front of me, hoof arched back for a swift blow. I managed to dodge to the side before it landed, but his speed even after the crash is praise worthy. “I’m going to wipe that vanity off your ugly face!”

“It’s not vanity! It’s--” *Thud* A warmth began to leak from my nose. Hurriedly, I covered my nostrils to prevent the blood from getting into my mouth. “Are you an idiot?! I’m trying to--” *Crack* The swift strike to the back of my neck made me lose my balance. I fell forward and threw both hooves out in front of me to keep from falling, then rolled away to avoid from getting sucker punched again.

“What’s the matter, Sapling? Afraid of getting your face dirty?” Another flash, and my teeth were clicking as he uppercut me beneath the jaw. “Afraid to show a little blood?” Blow after blow to the head. “I can’t believe how easy you’re making this! This is nothing compared to the world of hurt you’re going to face later!” He swiped my leg out of the way and connected his hoof with my teeth, rattling me and knocking me to the ground. Before I could stop it, the leak had spread.

“Comet Tail, run...” I could feel myself losing control.

“From what? Your ‘fury’? You talk big, but you’re nothing when you get a little... Why are you grinning like that?” The last thing I remember is a wonderful feeling of ecstasy as I charged him.

Agh... Where am I? The last thing I remember is fighting Comet Tail. He punched me, and... What the hell? Everything's so... bright. Colorful. And it smells amazing here. I'm reading about a creature called 'Human' from a book as thick as my hoof. WAH!! My hoof! My leg! I'm... colorful! A bright blue-green type colorful. Mother of Celestia, I must've been hit harder than I thought.

“Welcome to Lyra and Bon Bon's Confectionery! How may I-- Applejack!” I said, rushing to greet the orange mare. Well, since I can't seem to control myself, may as well let this dream take me where it will. “It's been ages since I've seen you in Ponyville!” Ponyville? That’s hundreds of miles away! Why would I be dreaming about there?

“Good mornin’, Lyra. Yea, I’ve been busy. How are you an' Bon Bon doin'?” the one called Applejack said, releasing me from a hug. Hold on... I know she can't be that much shorter than me. Am I really only on two hooves?

“We're doing very well! She's in the back cooking up some muffins for Derpy. Would you like something? My treat for such a wonderful surprise visit!” I guided Applejack to the counter of sweets, somehow remaining on two hooves like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“Well, alright. I am a bit hungry.” I levitated a couple-- Oh, wow... I haven't felt this sense in a very, very long time. This feeling... I'm a unicorn again. The sensation of magic flowing through my horn overwhelmed me, and I mentally wept. My dream body didn't join me though, as it didn't seem to care what I was thinking.

“How do you like it?” my body asked, watching in expectation.

“It's not bad. What exactly is it?” she asked, chewing the last of the candy.

“It's a taffy. I hope you liked it! Can you guess the ingredients?”

“I do like it. As for ingredients, I can taste my own apples anywhere, but this has somethin' else in it. What's the secret, Lyra?”

“Carrots.” Apples and carrots? Sounds familiar.

“You mixed MY fruit with HER vegetables?!” she cried, more shocked than angry.

“Where else am I supposed to get Bon Bon's ingredients? Besides, I'd say the result was pretty good.” From the look on Applejack's face, she couldn't help but agree, even if she would never admit it.

“Oh, it's Applejack!” A pale yellow earth pony with a blue and pink mane walked out from the back, carrying a tray of muffins. “I just finished a batch of muffins for Ditzy Doo. Would you like one?”

“Are you kiddin’? If that mare found out I had one of her muffins, no amount of twitchy-tails would save me!” We all laughed.

“Too true,” Lyra replied. “Anyways, as much as I would like to believe you’re here for the confections, I can’t imagine a busy mare like yourself isn’t working.” Applejack nodded. “Why don’t you sit down and tell us about it?”

“Hey, even ponies like me need a break every now and then. Besides, there’ve been some weird things goin’ on with the others.” We all walked over to a table and sat together.

“Like what?” asked Bon Bon.

“Pinkie’s sense has been telling her that something big is going to happen soon, but she doesn’t know what it could mean. She’s never felt anything like it before,” Applejack explained.

“It’s probably just Pinkie being Pinkie. You know how she gets,” I mused. I didn’t actually know, but the others nodded, seeming to understand.

“I’d think the same thing, but Zecora’s been actin’ strange too. Not only them, but even Twilight is in half a frenzy. Normally she’s not the superstitious type, but somethin’ in the stars is tellin’ her about some impending calamity.” Applejack shook her head. “I know this sounds crazy, but she did know about Nightmare Moon’s return. What if this is more than hocus pocus?”

“All three of them? I wonder what’s going on.” *CRASH! badum crash* The four of us landed in a heap next to the counter. Actually, one pony, a gray Pegasus mare with blonde hair and wonky eyes, was sitting on the rest of us and chewing on something.

“Hello Ditzy! Do you like the muffins I baked you?” the voice of Bon Bon said from beneath me. My heart leapt when the gray mare looked down and beamed us with such a grin of purest joy that even after being pummeled and sat on, I couldn’t help but feel glad for her. “Would you mind getting off so we can get up, please?” Obediently, the cock-eyed mare hopped off, still snacking on her baked goods.

“I’d better get goin’,” said Applejack after we climbed to our hooves and dusted each other off. “My schedule is gettin’ hectic with Zap Apple Season comin’ up.”

“If you need any help with this problem, let me know. I’ll be glad to offer my services,” I said.

“I’m not sure how sweets would help, but thanks.” Applejack waved goodbye as she trotted down the street. Bon Bon and I walked back inside. Bon Bon began to clean the mess made by Derpy, but paused after a moment.

“Do you think their problems are related to your research?” she asked, concerned.

“I hope not, but it’s possible. Historically there have been many disputes over economic treaties like the new coal-gem agreement, even during the time of humans. Sometimes even leading to all out war.” War...

“Oh dear. That would be horrible!” exclaimed a frightened Bon Bon.

“What’s war?” I-- Lyra glanced over at the crumb-covered Pegasus and frowned.

“If it’s anything like history has shown, it’s something bad, Ditzy. Something I hope we never see in Equestria.”

I woke up to find myself in my room back home. Or something like it, at least. I must be back at the Wine’n’Dine. Which means I’m not fighting.

“Comet!” I yelled with a start, jumping out of bed. What happened to him? I seem to be fine, which means somepony healed me. They must have seem Comet Tail, too.

“Sounds like you’re awake. How did you sleep?” The voice came from the doorway and belonged to an unusually deadpan Cheerwine.

“Where’s Comet Tail?” I asked, ignoring the previous questions. This was far more important than some weird dream about the past.

“Don’t worry about him. How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine, now where’s Comet Tail?”

“Calm down, Sapling. Do you remember what happened on Carrot Top?”

“I went berserk, okay?! I don't remember anything else, now tell me where Comet Tail is! I want to make sure he’s ok!” Cheerwine glared at me, his face expressionless.

“Comet Tail is on his way to the Berry Bomb. I gave him what medical care I could, but I don’t have the skill that your Juniper has.” I slumped backward to my rump. “He is alive. Right now, that’s all that matters.”

"What about the seige? How did you get him past--" *Bang bang bang bang* I heard the entrance slam open, then some rowdy noises coming from the main dining room.

“It’s about time I got some liquor! I haven’t had a good brew in ages!” sounded a voice from the main dining room.

“I know what you mean. Camping on some city’s doorstep really does a number on your drinking habits.” Camping on the doorstep? No way...

“Don’t tell me you...” Cheerwine remained expressionless as I rushed past and out of the back room to find a group of five unarmored Steel Rangers sitting in the bar.

“Finally, a bartender. And she’s a cutie, too!” one exclaimed.

“Hey there, pretty filly. Why don’t you come sit next to me?” cooed another. Child-mode: Activate.

“Because you smell like you’ve been rotting in your armor for a month.” I said with a cheerful smile. Oh’s and whoa’s rose up from the others.

“Bitch has a mouth on her. Monarchos, you’d better shut your whore up, before I do it for you,” he retorted.

“Monarchos?” I asked. Cheerwine lowered his head and nodded. Now things were beginning to make sense. I turned back to the soldier, determined to try and make up with Cheerwine. “You against me? That wouldn’t be a fair fight, would it?” I looked back at Cheerwine. He shook his head, playing along.

“Probably not.” The ranger laughed. “So I suggest you quiet down and do as you’re told.”

“Oh, I think you misunderstood me. You would have your ass handed to your friend on a silver platter.” Now the others laughed as his face grew redder. “I think I saw one earlier that I can use. Is there one under the counter, sir?” I asked the barbuck.

“There is, but you know the rules. Absolutely no bar fights,” he reminded.

“Not a problem, sir. I’ll just beat him senseless outside, then serve him on the platter when I get finished. Does that work for you, boys and girls?” The soldier rose from the table angrily as his crew’s laughter grew.

“I have half a mind to actually do this. Barbuck, I won’t ask again. Shut up your girl, or I’m making her my bitch and mother to my bastard foal.”

“Hey, now. Calm down, dude. It’s all in good fun, chill out,” said one of his companions. A small chorus of agreement echoed from the others.

“Oh no! What if he hits me in the face?!” I wailed. Cheerwine’s eyes got wide. I'm pretty sure he didn't want to try the memory orb tactic a second time. “Wouldn’t that be horrible?” Despite that, I think he liked the idea of somepony beating the rangers, as a slight smile flashed across his lips.

“Not sure if he could handle hitting something as hard as your stubborn head. But no need to provoke the pony anymore into testing it. His friends would get a really good laugh out of his miserable failure, and we aren’t in the business of entertainment. Remember, we’re just here to sell drinks.”

“You’re right, sir. My head is pretty hard, and it doesn't look like his hoof could take it.” He facehoof'd. “What? He just looks so dainty.”

“That does it! I’m gonna beat you into the dirt!” The soldier lunged at me from over the table.

“Ah-ah-ah. Not in my bar. You want reclaim your pride by attacking a filly, you take it outside.”

“Yes, sir!” I swayed my hips out the door, taunting the soldier. His friends tried to calm him down. If he won, all he did was beat up a filly, and if not, he just lost to a filly. Either way, he loses. Poor bastard didn’t listen and followed me out like a lamb to the slaughter. “Try to go easy on me, okay? And whatever you do, please don’t hit me in the face!”

“Hit you? Girl, I’m going to mop the floor with you! I made it to the semifinals for my species bracket in last month’s Arena tournament,” he boasted. Earth pony, slender, inexperienced stance, arrogant presence. In a single word: Pushover.

“That strong? I want a handicap!”

“Like hell! When I'm done with you, both your ends are going to be sore!”

“Really? You don't want me to take it easy on you?” I asked innocently.

“You-- easy-- on me?! Bitch, there's no way you'll beat me! I'll even give you a free shot!” He tapped his cheek, taunting me. "Go on, hit me!"

“Okay! Here it goes!” I coiled my body, just like I learned from Juniper, planting my roots and setting my hooves solidly into the earth. My legs exploded forward, propelled by the recoil of the ground, sending all their momentum through my decompressing body and into my rising forehoof. By the time my fist connected with the soldier, it had gained enough power to drive Juniper's pump several times over. *thud k-k-krack!!* Unfortunately for him, his jaw wasn't anywhere near as tough as Juniper's pump, and it easily gave way to my uppercut.

“How was that? Did I do okay?” The soldier screamed in agony and was quickly surrounded by the others. After thorough examination from each other them, they concluded the obvious.

“Shit, you broke his fucking jaw! Crusader Orion is gonna throw a fit!”

“Ooo! Ooo! I know him! Tell him Sapling says hi, and ask him if he's seen my mom yet!” The group hurried their companion back to wherever they were camped. Cheerwine/Monarchos motioned me back inside. Obediently, I obeyed.

“I suppose I should thank you for getting them out of my bar. As much as I dislike the Steel Rangers, I can't touch them directly. Also, it's hard to refuse business.” Something in Cheerwine's tone was reserved, like he was trying hard to control his emotions.

“Why did you let the Steel Rangers in? I thought there was...” He simply stared at me, confirming what I feared. "It was me, wasn't it?"

“If it weren't for you, Comet Tail wouldn't be on his way to Juniper. We have ways of smuggling things in and out of the city, so I could have gotten enough soil in time to hold out on the siege, but that takes time to prepare. Comet needed immediate medical attention, beyond what we have here in Trifecta, or he could suffer for the rest of his life. The only way to get him to Juniper quickly was to pacify the rangers.”

“I'm sorry...” Cheerwine tossed me a bag. I looked inside to find a set of powerhooves. “What is this...?”

“That's the Fist of the Cocktail. After Juniper and I began to make drinks that were equally good, we came to blows. The Fist is given to the winner of the contest after the drinks contest. You won the contest that would have been held afterward, so the Fist is yours.”

“But...”

“I have business to attend to with the Steel Rangers. Take your prize and get out, Berserker.” The words stung like an 'I'm disappointed in you' from Harmonica.

Level up! Level 4

New Perk: Underestimated - Everypony thinks you're pathetic. All Faction relations -20, Relationship modifiers are doubled.

New rare Item! Fist of the Cocktail - Fight like a drunk! You feel less pain and your strikes become harder to predict. While equipped, Damage threshold +5, Critical Hit chance +10%