After cleaning the blood off my leg, we went back to where Sweetie and Raindrops are. Somehow, they managed to make a game that involved some rocks and dust. Kids can be such interesting creatures.

So after they were done playing, since they didn’t want us to interrupt their game, we went back to the big building. Before Sweetie and Raindrops entered, we told them to stay outside with the unconscious unicorn as me and Autumn went in first. What we were going to do was horrible but it was the most convenient way to dispose dead bodies at that time.

“Are you sure you want me to do this?” Autumn asked me, hesitating to aim. “I mean, it’s just not right.”

“I know it’s not right but we can’t leave them here!” I told him. “They’re beginning to stink so we can’t stack them up in one room. Now start shooting, it’s better to turn them to ashes than to let them decompose...I guess.”

He nodded and fired his laser rifle at each dead body, turning everyone into pink ashes. The hardest part was Raindrop’s father. I offered to do that part of the shooting, I don’t know why though. Afterwards, I felt horrible and guilty, if I had just concentrated on the battle, none of this would happen.

After we ashified every dead body and dumped their burnt remains in a pot, we gave the all clear signal for the fillies to enter. I went to get Jewel, who was such a drag. We eventually made ourselves comfortable in a big room, fixing it up to look welcoming. There was a smaller nearby, which served as a temporary clinic for our guest.

Sweetie volunteered to be the one to take care of Jewel, since she claimed to be programmed with a medical emergency system (or M.E.S). So while the bot was acting doctor, Raindrops was busy playing with the Pinkie statuette.

“Hey Autumn, what are you doing with that piece of junk?” I asked the pegasus, who exited one of the rooms with what looked like to be a broken radio.

“First of all, it’s not junk, it’s a survivor's greatest tool. Second, I’m going to fix it,” He replied.

He sat at a corner of the room and started doing whatever he wants with the radio. I just shrugged and sat down on a moldy mattress. It wasn’t the best feeling in the world but it’s better than concrete.

After about a half an hour, Sweetie returned.

“Hey Mister! I’m done with whatever you just told me to do,” She beeped.

“Hey Sweetie, how’s Jewel?” I asked her.

“Well, she has a lot of cuts and bruises, a small amount of her flesh seems to be bitten off, and there’s a bullet in her leg, which I removed. But don’t worry, she’ll be fine. I already patched her up as best as I can and she’ll recover after a few days or weeks,” She told me.

“That’s a pretty long time and I don’t think we can stay at this place for days or even weeks. Is there any way we can speed up the healing process?” I asked her.

“There is one way. We can use a healing potion to speed things up,” She replied. “But we don’t have any.”

“Hey, I think I know of a place,” Autumn cut in, apparently abandoning the radio and decided to listen to our conversation. "I think I saw a clinic in this town. Maybe it has healing potions?"

"Hmm...how far is it?" I inquired. Autumn thought for a while.

"Far from this building, somewhere near the edge of this town." He replied. "And the danger of encountering raiders or slavers or even mercs are very high."

"Great. Who wants to go?" I asked rhetorically.

"Err...maybe we can just wait for her to heal?" Autumn said, scratching the back of his head. I shook my head; I had a feeling that we don't have much time.

"Alright, I’ll just go, like I have much to do anyway. Autumn, make sure Raindrop eats while I'm away." I told him. Upon hearing her name, Raindrops turned to me.

"Daddy, where are you going?" She asked me.

"Somewhere but I'll be back soon..." I uneasily said, Autumn's eyes looking at me with a judgmental and confused look. Raindrops just nodded and continued playing with the statuette. I stood up and told Autumn to follow me to a nearby room, leaving the filly and the bot to play with each other.

"So, when did you become a parent?" Autumn asked.

"Seriously, Autumn? I’m just her guardian. Nothing more, nothing less," I replied. "And you, why did you leave her and her dad here?"

"What do you mean?" He nervously asked. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

"Autumn, I found her alone here...and her dad's dead." I sighed. “You remember that stallion? The one I shot? That was him.”

"Well...ever since you got knocked out, we had a tough time battling them. We decided to escape while we can using an emergency escape route me and my men made,” He explained. “When we got out, that’s when we realized we forgot the filly. You see, she was asleep and most of us were so panicked that we couldn’t think straight. Her father immediately went back to get her. We wanted to follow him but then this extraordinary thing happened.”

“What do you mean extraordinary? And how was that related to Raindrops and her father?” I asked him, confused.

“Uhm, first, the raiders eventually got in the place. That’s when I started running back to the building but my men stopped me. They pointed to an Alicorn that just appeared out of nowhere. And then she entered the building. We thought everyone inside was doomed but looks like that wasn’t case, luckily.” He answered.

“Alicorn? Who was it?” I asked even more, curious about what he said.

“That’s the thing, we don't know who she is or if it even has a name, but I suspect it to be under the control of a certain earth pony in Fillydelphia.” He answered. “But this one was different than the others...it’s coat was pure white and it’s mane was dark blue.”

“Wait, you’re saying there are more alicorns other than the princesses?” I asked. He nodded then continued talking about this alicorn.

“Usually, we find alicorns that are green, purple, or...blue. And this once just came out of the blue, I mean, it came out of nowhere.” He said. “Anyways...when she came out of the building, she looked like she successfully accomplished a mission or something like that, and flew away. She seemed to be passive when she got out, but what I don’t get is how she did not notice us. I mean, she flew over us…or maybe she just ignored us.”

“Ok, so an alicorn of different kind showed up and later vanished.” I summarized. “Alright, we are getting off topic. I’ll head towards the clinic.”

“What?! Oh hell no! I just told you about how risky that place could be and you still want to dive into danger?!” He angrily said.

“I have to, Autumn. I have a feeling something bad will happen if we stay here any longer.” I argued. “And I know the slavers...or cannibals, that ran off crying will be back...with an even powerful group.”

“Eclipse, listen to me. The threat is too high for you to go alone. And them coming back? That’s just a hunch. You know what? Fine, let’s go together,” He insisted.

“No, I need you to stay here and watch Raindrop for me. Sweetie will also need to watch over Jewel for now,” I argued.

“You’re asking for a death wish! Fuck, and what about Raindrops, huh? What happens if you don’t return? She’ll be worried damnit!” he shouted, slamming his hooves on the ground.

“I’ll be fine! And I will return. Even if I didn’t, you have a better chance of taking care of her anyways. Her father requested me to let someone trustworthy and caring take care of her. That’s you Autumn.” I insisted. “No more questions asked. I’m leaving now.”

And I turned my back from him and walked out of the room. Raindrops and Sweetie were now looking at me, a bit worried; I guess they heard our argument. I sighed and calmed down a bit.

“What’s wrong Mister?” Sweetie asked me.

“Ah, nothing. Nothing’s wrong, Sweetie.” I replied as calmly as I could. “Just make sure our sleeping guest will be fine while I’m away.”

“Are you going to tell me where you are going?” Raindrops asked again, tilting her head in confusion.

“Just...somewhere. I can’t really explain how it will look like or the name of the place." I answered, getting a saddlebag. "Don't worry, I'll be back soon. Just behave."

I left the building as quick as possible, before any more questions were asked. For some reason, I was mad and felt like I can blow in any moment. I looked at my PipBuck to check the map; Sweetie taught me how to use that feature. I was in the middle of the town that was literally named "Ghost Town". The edge of the town was not really that far but it would be a long walk. I was too focused on my current mission that I failed to notice my necklace, which was glowing.

Moony? A voice spoke to me. Hmm, I kinda like that nickname. What’s the next thing you’re going to call me?

I looked around for the source of the voice. I wouldn't be surprised if the voice was from my mind but this voice belongs to a mare. I quickly dismissed it as my brain making up sounds.

It's not really in your mind, It said once more, Actually, it's in your mind. Just not the way you are thinking of.

"Who's there?!" I yelled out, ready for anything. Nothing happened, other than tumbleweed passing by.

Calm down Phantom, This time, I recognized the voice, Is this how you greet an old friend?

"Luna? Where are you?" I asked, my voice trembling. I was confused and suddenly afraid.

No need to speak, just think, Luna said, And don't be afraid.

"What is the meaning of this?!" I said, frustrated.

Calm down! Luna commanded, I'll tell you as soon as you calm down. And as soon as you start moving.

I gave up and continued walking, no use in arguing with a disembodied voice. I also kept on looking around, making sure I won't get ambushed.

What you are doing is a foolish act, Luna scolded, You are putting your life in danger.

I'll be fine damnit! I thought angrily, What's with you kinds of ponies worrying too much?!

What makes you say you're fine? With only 1 bullet left, you're likely to die, She argued.

I was supposed to die when that building collapsed on me, remember? That was supposed to happen, Or even when that…missile hit me.

Your body was strong enough to survive that blast or the collapse of that building. Those things on your legs and back were made for defense and medical purposes, meaning your endurance has been increased and your body’s healing speed has been doubled, She explained.

Whatever, you told me you'll explain what the hell you're doing in my mind. I changed the topic. I was getting even more...frustrated arguing with her.

I was getting to that before you got mad. Now listen closely! She started explaining.

The necklace you're wearing allows me to communicate with you telepathically...if you find that word fitting for our current situation. I can talk to you anytime but I would rather save my energy than to talk to you for a whole day. So that’s why I’m in your mind right now. Anyways, the reason I’m talking to you right now is because I’m trying to stop you from doing this stupid plan of yours!

Yada yada yada, I don’t care, can you just shut up already? I know what I’m doing, okay? I tried to block her out of my mind.

Eclipse! Just listen to me, She refused to be silenced, The place you are going to now involves something about your past. It could be bad, it could be good, but I know that place is really dangerous. It involved an experiment done during the war.

What war? I questioned

Eclipse, I’ll tell you about that next time. But for now, stay alert, you’re near, She told me, Hopefully, you’ll be safe. Try not to get killed then, ok?

And then silence. I was glad she was finally gone. Suddenly, a bullet whizzed by me. I realized I had walked into a small raider group. Damn, I should really keep focus of where I’m going next time.

“Hey, get out of my way,” I angrily told them.

“You think we take orders from you? Ha, you’re real funny,” One of them said sarcastically. I just rolled my eyes and grumbled a few meaningless words.

“Get…out of my way…” I told them one more time. I was in no mood to deal with them, especially since I only have a bullet left. “Just get out.”

“Not before we deal with you!” They aimed their weapons at me. “And we’ll be taking what you have from your cold dead body.”

I groaned in annoyance. I should be more worried, seeing that I was outnumbered, but I was more frustrated than worried. This time, I was willing to kill and I felt something sinister take over me.

“Come and get me,” I said before rushing them.

They were slow in reacting so I got the first hit. I punched the one who did the speaking, sending him flying a good distance away. The 2 others finally regained their composure but it was too late. I kicked the head of the one who tried shooting me first, quickly killing him as I heard his skull crack. The last one looked at me with fear, unsure of what to do.

“Not so tough now, are you?” I taunted him.

“S-Shut up! I’ll shoot you!” He tried to say. “You’re just like everyone else, a mortal!”

“And so are you…”

He fired and the bullet hit me in shoulder. I winced in pain but I tried to ignore it. I had been shot many times now that I shouldn’t be standing. But I didn’t care; my only goal now is to kill.

I ran towards him and kicked him in the chest, making him fly towards a wall of a nearby building. He was lodged into the wall, immobilizing him. He was still alive, somehow, and he was coughing heavily. I looked into his eyes and I saw that it was filled with so much fear.

“H-Have….mercy…” He tried to beg. He was gasping for air now and blood was trickling from his mouth. He reminded me of the first time I killed with my hooves.

I just shook my head and laughed. I slowly walked towards him, watching him frantically try to escape. It was too late for him, if only he and he’s bodies though it through.

“Tsk tsk tsk, consider this as a punishment for all the lives you took away,” I told him.

As I got nearer to him, I felt a warm feeling in one of my forelegs. It was getting hotter with every step forward. I ignored it and continued moving, listening to him try to speak.

“But…I-“ Before he could finish his sentence, I have already rammed my leg into his chest. I noticed my leg had a black aura but it faded away as quick as it appeared, along with the hot feeling. I just dismissed it as something my mind made up. I didn’t realized that there was a gurgling noice and I look at the raider. He seemed to be trying to speak.

“…never killed anyone…” That was his final words before he breathed his last.

I blinked before I realized what I had done. I quickly removed my leg, which was covered in blood once more, and looked at the corpse in horror. One thing he said continued to roam around my mind.

I never killed anyone…

I tried to block this off my mind. I did not need this, I do not need to remember what happened. But even if I tried, I couldn’t. I felt myself be crushed by even more guilt. What if he was completely innocent?

I sighed and looked around. My eyes widened as I realized where I am. Either it’s by sheer luck or fate, I had found the clinic. I looked at the place, making sure my hunch was right. The item that proved it was the clinic was a small, rusty sign that hung outside.

Dr. Goodfeels' Clinic

It was a strange name but it had the word clinic. I surveyed the area and found out that all means of access to the building were either blocked, destroyed, or even barricaded.

Damnit! I tried so hard but yet so far, I still failed. There was no way I can break into the place. Even if I could, I think it would cause a loud racket which could alert everyone nearby on my position.

Oops, looks like a dead-end. Luna spoke again, nearly making me jump and run away.

Oh, it’s you, I was still a bit mad at her for some reason. What do you want?

You need to improve on your attitude, She told me. Anyways, I’m here to give you a clue. Remember Nurse Redheart?

Nurse Redheart? I don’t think so, I replied. Who is she?

Well, since you don’t remember, I must as well tell who she is. Obviously, she is a nurse. She used to work back then at Ponyville, I think, She told me. During the war, she was one of the nurses assigned to treat anyone injured in this town. She also happened to be...a part of something else. Don’t get the wrong idea, she’s innocent. She was just manipulated to join. What she joined...it involved you, my friend.

What? How am I involved? I asked her, confused.

You are her patient, or so she thought. She treated you well, thankfully. But then there was this…project. She was hesitant at first but eventually agreed to it. Why? Because you were dying. I’m not sure if she had feelings for you or not-both of you were so friendly to each other-but if she did, then that’s why she agreed to it. Anyways, she realized her mistake and decided to make up for it. She went to you one night and told you the codes to a secret entrance to the place, in case you wanted to run away or come in anytime. That’s all I’ll tell you for know.

Hold on, what is the secret code? I questioned. ‘Cause I don’t remember any codes so far.

Just try to remember, that’s all you need to know. I know you can do it, She answered.

I did try and it hurts. The process of trying to remember of what I presumed was a lost memory was hard. It was vague at first but I soon managed to remember the code. I couldn’t believe it, I did what I thought could not be done!

Though quite skeptical to what she said, I still tried to do it anyways. To remember something which was presumed lost or even not true surprisingly took quite a toll on me. A sharp pain pierced through my head, followed by pressure on all sides. I nearly buckled, resting on the wall to avoid falling. Different imagery flashed through my mind. A road, a bench, a random pony, but more important, a set of numbers.

Breathe in, breathe out. If you don't, you'll knock yourself out!Luna warned me, I have not expected this, they must have done something to stop you from remembering. But you need those numbers if you want to succeed. So, relax and breathe!

And so I did. I took another deep breathe and relaxed, closing my eyes. Once more, I tried to focus on those set of numbers. The pain was still there, but it was much more bearable. The random images slowly decreased in frequency as a certain memory became clearer: the hidden entrance.

Bingo...

I opened my eyes and sucked a lot of air before retching stomach acids. The world spun around me as I tried to get my bearings. The pain in my head suddenly increased in intensity before it subsided, along with the dizziness and nausea. After a while, I can finally breathe easily.

Good work but that would be the only memory you will be able to extract from your past, I’m afraid, Luna told me. Now get in there and do what you have to do or this trip will be all for naught.

I just nodded and slowly moved towards the back of the building, guided by what I faintly remember. If my old memory was right, then there would be a lot of paintings of the clinic’s doctors or nurses’ cutie marks. It was some kind of tribute to those who worked hard to save thousands of lives. I eventually discovered them, much to my surprise. Most of the paintings were either weathered down and gone. I studied each cutiemark carefully, to see if one of it would be where the entrance is hidden. A few moments later, I managed to find the cutie mark I was looking for: a pink cross outline with a red heart within and in each corner. If one were to look carefully at the painting, he or she would notice some sort of panel within the cross. I tapped it twice and it opened, displaying a keypad with a screen with four lines. I quickly tapped in the code.

1835, that’s the passcode. If you want to get out or get in quickly, you can use the secret passage way. Little to no one know about it, I just got lucky to be one of those who knows it. I never went there actually so I’m not sure about the layout of the place but I assure you it will be easy to navigate, I think. Anyways, if you want to enter, just look for my cutie mark symbol at the back of this place. Once you find it, tap on the middle of the cross at least twice. Soon, it will open and the rest, you can fill in the blanks. Just make sure you don’t get caught, okay?

I waited after I entered the code, expecting something to happen. Just before I was ready to look for another way in, I heard a hiss and a door opened. I was impressed to see it working after all this years, even if the movement was a bit jerky due to the rust on it’s surface. Once the door fully opened, I was faced with a very dark hallway. I gulped and and entered the place,

Click

The lights flickered on, temporarily blinding me with their sudden presence. There was also a low hum on the background when the lights did turn on. When my eyes finally adjusted to the lighting, I could see a long corridor ahead of me. Since I see nothing interesting, I continued walking. After a few minutes, I realized something odd.

This is taking quite longer than expected. These corridor must be damn long, though I did encounter some turns and stairs a while back..

Then I saw two paths, one going straight and one going right. I started looking for any signs that can lead me towards the clinic. Another cutie mark was drawn on the wall of the right path so I decided to go that way. Another long walk, this time with more twists and turns here and there. And finally, I found an elevator in the end. I also noticed the hum was louder this time. I did not mind this and stepped in the elevator. I saw three buttons and naturally clicked the button saying "clinic".

Elevator music started playing and I found myself humming to the song.

Weird songs all the way. Finally, after a long walk and puzzling stuff, I'm in the clinic. It was dusty and papers were scattered everywhere. Lights were flickering on and off here and there, giving the place a very haunting feeling. But I had only one thing in my mind and that was to get healing potions, so I did not notice the only warning about the danger i'm soon to face: 3 long, bloody scratch marks.

Rooms, rooms everywhere. Some with corpses and others with just IV drips. It would be right to say that it was an unsettling view. I continued peering into each rooms to find the familiar box. I managed to stumble into a different kind of room. It has the numbers "18" on the wall and it seems to be some sort of sleeping quarters for a nurse. On the corner, near a bed, was another safe. It was those kinds of safes where you have to turn the dial on the right orders of numbers. On the other side of the room was a dusty table and what was placed on top of it caught my eyes. A holotape.

Oh look at that! It could be something important. Luna whispered to me, urging me to check it out. I grabbed it and...I had no idea how to play it.

Check your PipBuck. You might be surprised with what you find. Luna continued to say. I checked it and I was indeed surprised. A port that seems to fit the tape, or was that the other way around? Anyways, I played the tape and it started with a “bzzt”. After a few seconds of static, a mare’s nervous voice finally started speaking. She sounded familiar but I can find a name, yet.

“Hopefully, this tape would be useless and all I had experienced last night was a really, REALLY, bad dream. A-Anyways, I’m recording this for a certain stallion, just in case that dream was real. Aargh! I can’t! I can’t! I can’t! Oh sweet Celestia, I should calm down...I’ll...I’ll just have to say it straightly. Esi...Esi...FUCK! Eclipse, check the safe at the corner of my room, it has everything you would need. Please, just please, don’t go any further down the place. I...I saw what was in there and I dreamed what could happen to you if...Fuck! I shouldn’t have said that! Damnit, damnit, DAMNIT!”

I could hear the sound of someone pounding on the wall on the background. It took another few seconds before whoever was speaking calmed down. But when she spoke again, her tone changed. It was sad...worried.

“Please take care of yourself. I know I won’t be there to take care of you next time you get hurt. I already suspect you have a lot of wounds before you arrived to this place. Just take what you need and leave, I don’t want you to get killed. I know there are a few ponies who are worried about you, like that...filly. Oh that cute little filly. So please, just heed me...please...”

A bitter laughter followed, I must be so paranoid to make this tape...I'm a nurse, I should be rationale...not...like this...

She sighed heavily and she seemed to be...crying. Not soon after, a different voice cut in. This time, I don’t recognize it.

"Nurse Redheart? Are you alright?”

“Y-Yes, I’m fine. What is it you need?”

“Uhm, we have a new patient and most of us are too busy to take care of her. You’re the only one that seems to be not doing anything so I figured that you could do it.”

“Alright, just give me a minute.”

The recording ended with a click. I sat on the bed to think about what I had heard. It was her alright, the nurse that took care of me. She seemed to already know about the future; all of her guesses were true. She did say something about a dream that predicted all that. Was Luna involved somehow?

The tape was definitely a blast from the past, an important piece of my past. This may be just a small reminder of what life was like back then but it was enough for me to think, If I was from the past, then how am I still here?

I walked towards the safe, ready to grab what I came for. I was sure that the potions were there, it had to be!

I noticed a folder placed on top of the safe once I reached it. Curious, I decided to check it. Carefully turning the very old papers, I read what the folder offered me.

Patient 35

Name: ?

Sex: M

Age: Around 20

Cause of hospitalization(?):

-[CLASSIFIED]

The file was extremely vague. The name and age were not exactly know, the cause of hospitalization was smudged and the word CLASSIFIED blocked most of it, and it seems the only thing they were certain was the gender obviously. The file wasn’t the only thing interesting thing I spotted. Between some papers, there was a key card. It was damaged but it was not a serious problem. The bar codes weren’t ruined so that’s something.

Once I was done with the files, I decided to open the safe. The password was really easy, since it only involved two numbers. Strange for a lock to only have two numbers as its password. Putting in the first two numbers I thought of, the safe opened, much to mu surprise. inside, I finally saw what I was looking for: A box of healing potions. I eagerly grabbed it and was about to get out but I noticed two more items inside the safe. The first item was a knife, in a sheath, and the second one was another holotape.

What are you doing? Luna asked me. You have the potions so just get out already!

I ignored her and loaded the tape. There was no dangers anyway so why rush?

-The tape played but it was a different mare. She sounded...crazy. I wasn’t sure what to think of her but I listened to it anyways.

"I suspected...that you would arrive." Her voice sounded hoarse. "The nurse thought only she knew her safe's passcode but it was pretty obvious when you get to know her better. Of course, she would think that only you would open this.

"I also had a dream, but this time, it involves something horrible involving an experiment of ours. You are lucky that you were one of my best friends and since I owe you a favor, here it is. I will place this knife next to this recording. This knife is special, its blade has a special venom mixed with a little something from the Everfree forest.

"I must tell you what it does. One strike from it that hits any non-vital organs will cause the victim to black out instantly, just make sure it...passes through the skin. A strike that only cuts the skin will cause the affected area to become very painful and will have a feeling that it's in fire. A strike on any vital organs will cause the victim...you get the point.

"But this knife also has a bad side for you. It's made with...something that fell from the sky. Everytime you kill something with it, your body will slowly be affected by radiation, poison, or something else more dangerous. Unless...the experiment was successful..."

The tape abruptly ends. I just stared at the screen, confused. Who was this mare? She claimed that I am one of her “best friend” but her voice doesn’t ring a bell. She also sounded off, like she was drugged or something.

I looked at the knife. She said the knife’s blade had a special venom, what was it? And it also had an effect on the user apparently. I was debating whether I should take the knife or not. In the end, I grabbed it. I would only use it for emergencies and nothing else. I strapped the weapon on my free foreleg and grabbed the key card from the folder.

What are you doing? Just get out already! I could tell Luna was getting angrier.

I said I'll be fine! I stubbornly replied. Besides, there’s no threat here.

I did not receive a reply from her but I can still feel that she's still with me. I imagined her slowly shaking her head and sighing. I walked back to the elevators and this time pressed the third option. A key card reader popped so I swiped the key card and I was on my way. The key card had the word “Lab” so I assumed it would involve sciencey stuff. Once the elevator stopped moving, the door opened with a ding. In front of me was another hallway.

I noticed something on the middle of the hallway, more specifically, on the middle of a dried pool of blood. I carefully stepped out of the elevator and nervously picked up the object, another holotape. I played it, wondering what kind of knowledge I’ll gain next.

“Uhm, hello? Oh good, it’s recording,” The voice belonged to a stallion this time. “This recording is going to be about Project 35. It involves a certain stallion, a soldier that was a part of the platoon of Big Macintosh, I think. The details they gave me. Anyways, he started of as a patient though, suffering multiple gunshot wounds. We thought we could do nothing to help him but the founder of Ministry of Wartime Technology insisted we do something, saying that there had to be a way and she can’t lose another loved one. That’s when a certain group of ponies emerged, called themselves...I can’t say it, it’s confidential and I heard they were keeping tabs on everypony in this clinic. They hired the best possible inventors, scientists, doctors, engineers, and computer technician. Unfortunately, I was chosen. I, Dr. Tesla, was chosen to oversee the...nevermind.

“Anyways, we managed to bring the stallion back in good health. He was soon released but the ‘Management’ continued to watch his every move. Though one day, the management captured him once more. This where the dark story begins…

“He was sedated, and was being experimented on with a special substance that allows him to be stronger than anypony else. It failed dramatically, causing him to be aggressive. Another experiment on him that allows him to manipulate magic ended into another disaster, he did manage to manipulate magic but something dark consumed him...causing him to be...like… Ahem, anyways. The final experiment before he was released once more involved something very dangerous, something that gives me nightmares till this very day. We should have know the effects on him mentally. Either he was just a really great actor, has schizophrenia, or multiple-personalities disorder. When he was injected with the drug, there were no violent reactions. We thought the experiment was a success...but then...all hell broke loose.

“I looked into his eyes and I suddenly felt weak. There was something malevolent his eyes were showing and I noticed a dark aura surrounding him. I immediately ordered him to be sedated. One thing that I only know is that these drugs have some zebra potions on it, who...who knows how they got there.

“Another project was called to attention, dubbed the “Shadow Armor”. It was a special kind of armor, allowing the pony using it to have an increase of endurance, strength, and perception. It also had a special effect, anypony wearing the armor can easily camouflaged when night falls, though it only happens when he or she stops moving for a certain period of time. We had to build the the armor part by part but was ultimately cancelled by the founder herself when she finally found out what was happening. End of story.”

There was a long pause. I thought it was finished but I noticed it was still playing. Then in a dramatic voice, he finished the recording.

“Project 18...we shouldn’t have done it but we did it anyways... The voice suddenly changed in pitch, followed by a terrible moaning sound in the background, Run...Eclipse. RUN!”

I nearly yelped when he said that. To tell me to run, but from what? It gave me the shivers and the pool of blood I found it on wasn't helping me feel safe. Come to think of it, it looked fresh.

I was starting to become scared. Did he also foresee this event? There seems to be something more than what meets the eye...something sinister. Three ponies that recorded their message for someone named Eclipse, or me, each with their own different purpose.

CLICK!

I heard blood-curdling scream after the tape ended, somewhere far away from me. All lights shut down, the only lights source was from the screen of my PipBuck. I quickly backed up to the elevator and kept on pressing the “clinic” button. Before the doors closed, I saw 2 large, red eyes coming right at me.

He's here! What have you put yourself in! Luna yelled at me.

I closed my eyes and tried to breathe. When the elevator stopped and the doors opened, I double checked the area to make sure I was back at the clinic. Once I was sure, I calmed down. Then another scream that made the building shook scared me shitless. I immediately ran out of the elevator and towards reinforced window. While I may be lucky it was just a thin sheet of metal covering it from the inside of the building, there were still planks outside of the building that was covering the window, for some reason. Even though, I jumped through the window, ignoring the pain I was feeling as broken glass, sharp metal, and splinters cut through my skin and continued running. As I continued dashing through the empty streets, bullets whizzed by me followed by furious shouts.

Just run and don't look back. I should have stopped you before your curiosity took hold. Luna scolded me, sounding even more angry with every word she speaks, Alas, you should have heed my warnings! But you foolishness has caused you to make rash decisions.

Luna, I just- I tried explaining but She cut me off.

I will have none of your excuses. I will talk to you next time.

I arrived back at the building, barging into the top floor. Everyone looked at me with confusion. Finally, I collapsed in exhaustion and Raindrops immediately rushed towards me, followed by Sweetie and Autumn.

“Daddy! You came back.” Raindrops exclaimed, hugging me tightly. I just weakly nodded, trying to catch my breath.

“Well? Was it worth the trip? I could see some bloodstains in your suit.” Autumn sarcastically commented. Once again, I just nodded, too tired to even argue with him.

“Uhm, Mister? You seem to be hurt,” Sweetie told me. “We should fix you up before anything else happens.”

“I’m...fine…” I groaned in pain.

“Mister, you need immediate medical attention,” Sweetie insisted. “Tell me, Mister, did you get the potions?”

I nodded and pointed at my saddle bag. Autumn immediately grabbed what was inside of it and opened the box.

“Dang, we have a problem. There’s only 1 healing potion.” Autumn announced. “ Good news? There’s a lot of magical bandages.”

“I’ll take the bandages,” I told him. “Sweetie, take the potion to Jewel.”

Sweetie nodded and grabbed the bottle out of the box and went to where Jewel is currently in. Meanwhile, Autumn applied the bandages on my wounds.

“Daddy, are you okay? The robot said you’re hurt...Are you going to be fine?” Raindrops worriedly asked me.

“Yes, I’ll be fine. Nothing to worry about…” I answered.

“Hopefully,” I heard Autumn said under his breath. “I mean, seriously Eclipse, you need to watch yourself. I’m not even...Did you even remove any of the bullets that got into you? You have been shot at least 5 times now, maybe even more.”

“Um, whoops,” I looked at Autumn in the eye, smiling dumbly. “Guess I forgot about those…”

Autumn just looked at me blankly before shaking his head.

“As soon as we are done with this...recovery period, we’re getting you fixed.” He told me before telling Raindrops to follow him and both of them went to another room.

I just waited for the pain to subside. Out of all the things I experienced so far, I didn’t expect splinters to be this painful. Well, I guess the combination of splinters, broken glass, sharp metal, and even bullets really hurts. What a world I woke up in.

“Mister, are you okay?” Sweetie asked as she exited the room. I gave her a nod.

“So, how’s Jewel?” I asked her.

“She’ll be ok after a few seconds.” Sweetie beeped. I sighed in relief.

“Great...now...I’ll go to sleep….” I weakly mumbled, trying to stay awake.

“Mister? Mister?!”

I closed my eyes, feeling tired and weak. Running across town powered by only adrenaline would make me feel that way, I thought. Darkness enveloped me, dragging me away from reality and into the land of broken dreams and promises.

“So, how is he?” I heard a voice, he sounded worried. “It’s been sometime now.

“He’s fine,” Another replied, the tone of the voice sounded like a robot. “I managed to stabilize his condition. All the bullets that were inside his body has been successfully removed.”

I managed to opened my eyes and saw a very surprised pegasus and a happy robot.

“Eclipse, you’re finally awake!” Autumn happily greeted me. “Raindrops was getting worried.”

“What...what happened?” I asked him.

“Well, this robot told me that you...were in deep shit. Heavily wounded, internal bleeding, those kinds of things,” He explained.

“Hey! I have a name!” Sweetie told him, annoyed.

“Yeah, yeah, you’re name is Sweetie…” The pegasus looked at her apologetically.

I tried standing up. Autumn, who noticed me trying, helped me up.

“Whoa, you need to slow down,” He told me. I just waved a hoof at him.

“I’ll be fine, now where’s Jewel?” I asked him. “She should be fine by now.”

“She’s at…She’s somewhere at the balcony place, I think,” He replied.

“Ok,” I thanked him. “You can let go of me now, I’m fine.”

Autumn gave me one last look before shrugging. I left both of them, slowly making my way towards balcony. There, leaning on the rails, was the red-head unicorn looking at the dark sky, if there was a sky. The last time I checked in the morning, there was only clouds. Depressing.

“Jewel?” I walked to her side. She gave me a surprised look before smiling a bit.

“Eclipse...you’re...awake. That’s good,” She softly told me. I nodded and sighed.

“So how are you feeling?” I asked her.

“I’m feeling...fine,” She replied. “Yeah, just fine. How about you? I heard you risked your life trying to get get that healing potion.”

“Well, what do you think?” I asked her. “Am I fine or not?”

“You look the same, as always. Hard to tell if you’re feeling great or under the weather,” She answered. “But I think you’re fine...seeing that you’re...still alive...”

She suddenly hugged me, crying a bit. I was caught unprepared for this moment, unfamiliar to her sudden change of attitude and a hug from a mare. I awkwardly hugged her back, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

“Are you really okay, Jewel?” I asked her again. “Because you’re acting a bit off.”

“I’m fine,” She insisted. “I’m just glad you’re still alive. That you’re still here.”

She broke off the hug, wiping her tears off from her eyes. I looked at her, hoping that she really is alright. But deep down, I know she was missing something.

“Come on...sis, let’s go back inside.” I jokingly told her.

“Look who’s callin me sis now?” She laughed, punching me on the shoulder. “I don’t follow you, lil’ bro, you follow me!”

We both went back to where the others are. Apparently, they have a cozy fire started in the fireplace. I didn’t even know the building had a fireplace.

“Hey, what were you doing in the balcony that took so much time?” Autumn asked as soon as he noticed us enter the room.

“We just talked, that’s all,” I replied. He gave me a satisfied nod and continued to enjoy the warmth of the fire.

I took a sit beside Raindrops, who was busy talking with Sweetie. They seemed to be getting along well, I can’t doubt that. They’re both fillies after all, well, one of them is programmed to act one but filly nonetheless. Meanwhile, Jewel sits beside Autumn. They seem to be talking about someone, I think. Maybe they’re talking about me, who knows?

I continued to mess around with my PipBuck. There was a lot of things to do with, like playing as a line that eats dots that appears in the screen. That was fun. After what felt like hours playing that game, I felt someone tug on my mane. I looked at who was trying to get my attention and smiled.

“What is it, Raindrops?” I asked her.

“Daddy, who’s the white unicorn pony?” She whispered to me.

“She’s a friend of mine,” I answered her. “Her name is Jewel.”

She nodded and stared at her for a few minutes before continuing her talk with Sweetie. I just continued playing around with the Pip. For once, I thought we were going to have an ordinary night. Just an ordinary chat with a bunch of ponies that looks and acts friendly to you. No fighting, no running, no threats. Like everyday, I was wrong.

We were all startled when a gunshot rang out. That was followed by a lot of shouting. I looked at Autumn and he looked back at me.

“I told you so,” I simply told him. “They’d come back...for revenge.”

“Oh really? Well thanks for sharing that info,” He replied sarcastically. “Come on, let’s go before they eventually enter the place. I barricaded the entrance when you arrived so we have some time to run.”

“Isn’t the entrance the only exit of this place?” I asked him.

“Not anymore. Before you arrived, I found a hidden tunnel in this place,” He answered me. “I guess that tunnel is our only chance of escaping now.”

“Then what are we waiting for?” Jewel suddenly asked, wielding her shotgun. “Let’s go!”

“Hold on, I need to test my theory on them,” I immediately grabbed the broken radio from the corner of my room.

“Really Eclipse?! This is no time for testing anything!” The pegasus, annoyed as hell, yelled at me.

“Don’t worry, it’ll be quick. Just go on ahead, I’ll follow,” I quickly told him.

“You’re going to do something stupid, are you?” He asked, sighing.

“Trust me. Besides, I never made a single stupid mistake in my entire life.”

Footnote: Level Up!
New perk: Karate Master I
Your skills in fighting an opponent with only hooves have increased. You also have an increased reaction time when fighting a group of ponies hoof-to-hoof (This only applies to ponies, obviously).