"Excuse me, children? Y-Your attention please..." Jade's kind voice barely made a dent in the noise level filling the ampitheatre style classroom, full of much healthier and therefore rowdier griffon kids than she was used to.

"HEY! Shaddap!!" Val got instant quiet at least, hopping up to perch on the desk beside Jade and screeching after blowing another hole in the already sagging ceiling.

While Jade looked mortified at our griffon friend turning things over to her with a flourish, she sighed and shook her head ruefully. "T-Thank you Valkyrie..."

It only took 24 hours to figure out just how out of our depth we were here, and to have a greater appreciation for just what Magpie went through on a daily basis. I could forgive her being a little crabby after all... Don't get me wrong, I was glad to see them recovering and acting more like kids, and I stood by the decision, but was pretty sure Magpie got the better end of the deal. Val told me there was no such thing as refunds too, so there was that...

Taking on a matronly tone, Jade pressed gamely on, raising a wing to the cracked chalkboard and the rough map we had drawn there. "Now then children, we wished to speak with you about where to send you and what you may wish to do. Valkyrie informs me to simply release you from your contracts or ask you to not work could be insulting if not detrimental. I will reluctantly defer to her expertise, so we hoped to speak with you on the subject and come up with some compromise. Ah, yes Bruno dear, you have a question?"

The grey and red griffon fledgling reclined in a creaky chair towards the back of the class, still keeping his distance from his peers, but seeming much better than he had. His surly attitude was back in force at least, drawling at the sweet alicorn in a hard voice. "Why ya gonna send us off boss lady? You nuts got a fight with the Gunners right? Looks like ya need all the help ya can get. Wouldn't mind me a little payback neither, so no problem right?"

"N-NO! We will not send children into battle, under any circumstances! The south has become far too dangerous, while we are allied with many fine communities to the north that are much safer! You may have your choice of many options Valkyrie and the others have helped me... accept... but not that." Jade stamped her hoof and ignored his pout in return, it had taken a lot just to get the concessions we had out of her, but letting the mini mercenaries fight Gunners had not been one of them.

Not that I disagreed, throwing kids at an army of well trained and equipped professionals was insanity I didn't want anything to do with either, despite Val's ambivalence. She didn't see much of a problem with the idea, but had gotten used to being around us 'sappy ponies' by now at least. Hell, seeing Jade's point of view at all proved how much we had rubbed off on her.

She still rolled her eyes and huffed, being forced to translate for the confused room of young griffons blinking at Jade's outburst without the benefit of all her growth and experience. "Ain't happenin' twerp. Yer ten years too early ta even think about it anyhoo, or did ya not get the idea when they come a knockin' back in the Roost? Blue here won't have it, an' she's the Princess, so that's that. Don't worry, if'n ya want action there's stuff ya can do, yer tough enough ta handle raiders and monsters and what not at least, always plenty of that kinda work. Especially with all'a her goody good Followers roamin' around spreadin' sunshine out their butts with hardly a gun between em."

That garnered a little interest at least, several of our audience whispering to each other and looking over the map behind us. I caught quite a few murmurs about Goodneighbor and should have guessed that would be a big draw. While I was sure Mayor Shamrock could find plenty of work for a mob of young griffons, it was still hardly a great place for kids. Plus we couldn't send them all there anyway, forcing me to cut off that line of thought up front.

"If too many of you pick the same place, we'll have to draw lots. We'll try not to split up friends and family, but spreading you guys around is for the best. We can't dump all of you on one of our friends to take care of. There's farms that could use a helping set of claws, a few towns with ponies we know that can take in one or two of you guys as like a... foster family kind of thing, or you can work with the Followers like Val said and help them travel around. Once your contracts are up, we'll even offer the same deal as Magpie, you can renew or you can do what you like."

"A-All of which is contingent upon a few conditions however! I am given to understand this Magpie saw to your education? That is to continue, wherever you go, you must continue schooling. I am adamant on this point!" Jade spoke up and rose in volume to override the groans that met her demand.

"Quit yer bitchin! Blue's better than Magpie anyway, plus ya get fed and ya get paid!" Val again came to Jade's rescue, the mention of food and caps getting their instant attention.

"Right, that's one reason to spread you guys around. You won't go hungry and you'll get caps to save up, most needs will be met by the people we send you to. So really just think about where you think you'd like to go and what you wanna do. Ok? No rush right now, a lot of you still need time to heal anyway. For those who Jade says are ok to go out and stretch your wings though, I do have a job if you want to try to help out?"

Having the entire flock snap salutes and chorus 'Right boss!' still made me cringe, but Val told us idle claws were nothing but trouble and I did have a little mission to give them they were already experienced at. I still had enough trouble accepting Val's unwavering loyalty and protection though, dealing with it a dozen times over was too much attention.

Hopefully I wouldn't have to put on the tough boss act long. The only reason it worked at all beyond Val's coaching and help, was most of them had seen enough of the fight back at their home to respect me. Though I caught them squinting in disbelief sometimes, trying to resolve the snarling Shroud fighting the Gunners, with just normal, sappy me back with Jade and Glitter.

"Ok then. Val says you guys are good at finding people for Magpie, bounty hunting and so on... We're going to go to University Point today and there's somepony I want to find there. He's hiding, so it won't be easy, the more the merrier I guess. This is just ummm.... recon though, that's all. Got it?"

"Right boss!" The obedient chorus answered again, making me facehoof with a groan.

"And don't call me boss... It feels weird..."

"Right chief!" Ugh...

Walking towards the looming town of University Point in the bright morning sunshine was relaxing, even with half a dozen of our new wards protectively circling and investigating the ruins around us. After admonishing her patients that only those she deemed healthy enough were allowed to go, Jade had to accept certain aspects of the cultural divide that grated for her.

Clopping down the cracked streets while towing her new ambulance behind us also gave Glitter and her new best friend Heidi somewhere to sit safely, the little griffoness was still a little weak, but refused to be parted from her sister and had learned to match our daughter's weaponized cuteness with barely any prompting. A two pronged puppy eye attack was too much even for the worried doctor to deny, so riding atop the loaded down MoP carriage was a compromise.

Witchy maintained her guard at Jade's side and Val swooped around with the other kids, both maintaining their distance as far as they were willing and giving us at least a little privacy. Even Swan had opted to stay behind today, not finding a town full of eggheads and no fighting a very fun prospect, choosing to guard her new temporary territory and the kids still too injured to go out with Zed and Jade's Followers instead.

I was relieved and grateful Jade wasn't too upset after hearing everything we had got up to while we were apart, her occasional jealousy not flaring very brightly since it was Val, someone we both loved as family. She was especially understanding after getting the full story too, even though she had been annoyed at our storming of Stable 75 without her knowledge, the other things we had gone through and found out looked to smooth over my poor choices.

She even seemed proud of herself and smiled broadly after finding out Val and Auntie Broom were apparently related, smirking to my cutie mark with a self satisfied nod, but keeping her voice down as I hadn't really broached the subject with Val herself. "You see Fast, I am correct, you have a special talent for serendipity. To think you two would find each other, it is surely fate, so I will forgive your ...comforting each other. Though I insist we spend today together, we have been so busy lately, I wish to enjoy your company and relax. I am quite looking forward to having you to myself for a date in the town ahead, Glitter and I have already explored and I have so much I wish to do planned!"

"Me too hon. So, what have you got in mind? Anything with you is great, but Val told Glitter not to ruin the surprise, what's this place like?"

By the wide grin and adorable squee she gave, I was getting really curious, maybe a little concerned too... She had that twinkle in her eye like Val got just before putting me through some new torture she called flight training, something only not on the docket today thanks to Jade's insistence.

Beaming even wider, she gave a musical giggle and pranced onward, raising a wing towards a ruin nearby bearing the Robronco logo my pip-buck identified as she spoke. Location Discovered: Robronco Technical School. "Schools! See? This area seems to have been a center of learning, there are many different kinds of schools and academies for advanced learning, the city of University Point is merely the largest. An academy for magic!"

"Magic.... Like Celestia's school?" I replied warily, that's what had her so excited...

I'd run through all the primers we had bought back in Diamond City, meaning it was time for more remedial magic lessons in her view. Something she confirmed immediately with a chipper nod. "Yes! I hardly had time to even look over it all! I've identified the most promising shops and have been eagerly waiting for you to rejoin us, there are so many wonderfully preserved spells and brilliant wizards!"

"Haha! Daddy gets homework!" Glitter giggled from above us, leaning over the darkened ambulance lights with Heidi cocking her head curiously beside her.

"The boss lady makes the boss learn stuff too? Jeez, even he cain't get outta it, huh?" The pigtailed griffon goggled at me, clearly readjusting the pecking order of things in her mind and looking to Jade with new respect.

"Of course not dear, learning is wonderful! Fast would not wish to shirk his studies, just as you may not. We are not insisting you do what we would not, do not sound as if it is a punishment either. He loves it, do you not Fast?" Leaning down to nuzzle me happily made both kids overhead stick their tongues out and wander off to watch the scenery go by from the back of the ambulance, a shared squeal of 'Ewwwww!' not dissuading her in the slightest.

"Sure... lots of fun..." I grumbled, but couldn't really disappoint her either. Settling for dragging my hooves as the town grew closer and only whining a little. "I just hoped for more fun together, less education..."

"The two are not mutually exclusive dear, I enjoy seeing you live up to your potential. You have the makings of a skilled wizard pony if you only apply yourself. Strange you did not experience more success earlier in life, but some of history's most celebrated spell casters were late bloomers as well. We will make plenty of time for more leisurely pursuits as well, I am sure we can impose on our friends for a little privacy later." Jade closed her eyes and smiled, her cute expression and upbeat mood infectious as we approached the upcoming gates.

It wasn't even like I really disliked the idea of learning magic anymore either, that was more a conditioned response from years of failure. Thanks to the supportive encouragement she offered at every opportunity, I had to admit I really did seem to have a talent for it and found it as enjoyable as I always had repairing things. Now anyway...

Part of the reason I gravitated to being a repair-pony was it was as close as I could get to being a real magic user before though. My arcane aptitude test had never really changed though, so what was different now, other than the mare at my side? Like my temper and the dark mutter behind it I worried about, it was a change that only came after I left the Stable.

One more worrisome little thought the paranoid pony in me nagged about, not something worth ruining this time together. I should just be happy about it and relax, something that was surprisingly easy to do with Jade nuzzling me where I stopped with my mouth hanging open in wonder, taking in the fantastical settlement we had reached.

Mission Updated: Dangerous Minds

Objective----
---Travel to University Point
---Locate Dr. Vigil

Location Discovered: University Point blinked in my vision, barely noticeable set against the fireworks of a town full of fellow 'nerds', magical nerds.... The Point part of the name came from the outcropping it was situated on, between forks of the winding river to the north and the sea somewhere to the east. The road we were following rose up out of the ruins, passing under the warped golden gates that marked the outer boundary of the campus.

It was a four story, U shaped structure beyond, surrounded by smaller dorms and other buildings, with a bustling marketplace filling the plaza framed by the three wings of the main school. Even though it was a somewhat dingy ruin of red brick, copper rooftops green with patina and grey cobblestone walks, it was a riot of color over the typical wasteland palette. Glowing magical neon and random flashes of color from a rainbow of horns drew the eye, patterned tents and awnings of stars, flames, stripes, polka dots and more were still vibrant if a bit faded, matching the variety of robes and funny hats worn by a whole town of magical residents.

It wasn't just magic lending the place vibrancy and life either, the plants of the grounds were more alive than any vegetation we had seen outside the Breezie's forest. Small plots of healthy crops were being harvested by earth ponies, some of whom I spotted not just tending the fields, but instructing others in their care. Above it all I could see pegasi flitting about, shoving clouds around and producing a variety of weather effects for their own clusters of younger looking onlookers.

"It's not just unicorns?" I gaped, ignoring the robed and steel armored guards waiting on us with a knowing smirk.

Before Jade could answer as it was clear she looked forward to doing, a pale brown mare wearing dark blue robes that complimented her light blue and violet mane grinned proudly and spoke up for her. "Of course not! U.P. was a full on E.E.A. accredited school, we teach magic here buddy, don't matter what kind! Nice seeing you again Princess, see you brought your buck just like ya said huh?"

While Jade looked a little disappointed not getting to answer, she seemed familiar with the mare and couldn't fault her for being proud of her home. She still got to fill me in anyway as she nodded happily and shut my slack jawed muzzle for me with a giggle. "Indeed Miss Shell, along with the goods to trade I promised, and a few more guests than I anticipated. I hope our... escort, is acceptable?"

A few of the other guards looked around at all the young griffons landing around us in a flurry, but didn't seem as bothered as they might if they were full grown mercs. I didn't like the pointed warning about sticky claws or being on their best behavior, but we were waved through without incident and made for the marketplace up the hill.

Jade picked up on the questions buzzing between all of us goggling around as we walked, slowing to a stately pace so we could take it all in. "The E.E.A. was the Equestrian Education Association Fast, they insured an equal education for all of ponykind and our varied forms of magic. The Board of Education that rules here follow the same basic guidelines and have preserved a great deal of arcane lore, though I have noticed the unicorn population is the most prominent. It is really quite wonderful, such collections of ancient knowledge are few and far between in the ruins of Equestria."

"I bet so.... How?" I faltered a step watching a frog-legged orange go hopping out of the brush nearby, stunned a place like this could still exist anywhere.

"They're eggheads boss, so they're actually pretty smart. They ain't got guns and hardcases, but nobody wants ta screw with a whole town of walkin' cannons. They gots stuff ya cain't find nowhere else and still charge ta teach anybody what can pay, plus they buy up any magicky type crap scavvers or treasure hunters come up with. Since they don't really take sides, they get left ta do their thing. You two'd fit right in." Val chuckled at the pair of us, a note of respect in her voice I didn't often hear her use concerning more intellectual pursuits.

"You've been here before then Val? I wouldn't think this would be your kind of town... er, no offense."

"Meh, usually ain't, but where ya think I kept this baby in top form before I got my own private nerd ta fix it? If ya got the caps they gots all kinds of cool toys. Speakin' of which, think I'll do me a lil' shoppin' too." Val patted her magical energy weapon fondly in reply, breaking off to go corral a pair of young griffons making right for a former campus bank ahead that had displays full of more such weapons outside the boarded up windows.

Reminded of one of the main reasons for our visit here, Glitter hopped down and dug in her backpack, the jingle of a lot of caps drawing the eye of Lila, Heidi and every other griffon still standing nearby as she grinned proudly at us. "Right! Lemme see your list mommy, let's get the borin' buys out of the way so we can spend the rest on fun stuff!"

The griffon sisters peering over her shoulder both gasped on getting a look at the funds our brilliant bandit filly had on her, a stunned, greedy twinkle in their eye watching as she took the long scroll unfurling in Jade's magic and quickly snatched up by her waiting hooves. "You get all the caps Glitter!? How come?"

"'Cause, mom and dad are no good at buyin' stuff, so I get ta do all this kinda thing." Glitter puffed her chest out proudly in reply to Heidi's shocked question, causing both her and Lila to take up a guard at her flanks as they looked to us to make sure she wasn't playing a joke on them.

With Jade and I nodding our agreement and waiting for the little filly to finish scanning through Jade's list, I could see the sisters realign their priorities and pecking order again. Jade told me what to do and was therefore higher up the chain, but Glitter held the purse strings, raising her to the highest rank in their view when we both held out our hooves for our 'allowance'.

"Wooo! We gets to get you guys new clothes and stuff guys! Ok, you can have this much for books an' spells and stuff for now mommy, plus what those healer ponies is 'posed ta trade. I can take care of gettin' the rest if you wanna go be mushy and boring together!" Glitter tossed a bag full of caps to Jade, completely ignoring me waiting for mine too, which only impressed her new friends more.

"What... don't I get any? There's neat parts and stuff here isn't there sweetie? Can't I have just a little?"

"Nuh-uh, mommy's not great at buyin' stuff, but you're awful daddy. I'll go with you later though! So you just browse for now ok? C'mon guys, let's go shoppin'!" Glitter giggled at me scuffing the walk with my hoof in disappointment, dashing off into the busy marketplace with barely a glance back.

Jade nickered and nudged me up from pouting, calling after the trio of young ladies before they pelted off. "Very well dear, do not wander far and stay together! We expect all of you back here for lunch in two hours! Be careful!"

Giving a cute yawn in the morning light, Witchy fluttered up and after them as everyone scattered to the winds. "Do not worry Princess, I'll keep an eye out as well. Enjoy thine outing together!"

With that, it was just the two of us in a sea of fantastical strangers. Some time alone together more than making up for being so easily dismissed. With Jade's ambulance hauled behind her we had to wind our way through the busy market slowly, the roughly repaired conveyance getting between us, so our first stop looked to be her destination to offload it.

Passing tents and stands hawking gaudy magical amulets, rusty robot parts that made me crane my neck and gawk as she guided us onward, we made our way towards the tall brick southern wing of the university itself. The fanciest and most established shops seemed to rate real estate in the old building, entering through repaired doors or holes in the walls, each separated from the others by bright signs added above their entrances and other advertisements. The place Jade aimed for had a rusty billboard above the crudely added door reading; 'Meadowbrook Medicines' with a blinking potion bottle.

"Here we are dear, young Glitter already negotiated a trade with the fine ponies at this establishment, so I will just be a moment. I shall ask if we may leave the ambulance here awhile so we may browse and enjoy ourselves when our business is concluded." Jade smiled brightly as she unhitched herself, making for the shop I could see was full of potion bottles of all shapes, sizes and colors through the dirty windows.

"Right, I'll just watch it while you're inside then hon, maaaaybe look around nearby..." I answered as I fluttered up to perch on top of the ambulance, both guarding it and getting a good vantage to look around from.

She giggled watching me staring at the shop next door in fascination, the gaggle of much rougher looking customers milling around the sparking sign for 'Cid's Cybernetics' all bore the amazing technology apparently sold and installed within.

Chief Steelfist of Salt Lick said he got his eponymous appendage here, seeing a real cybernetics shop functioning in the wasteland was still a shock. The lot outside had a kind of testing ground I watched a few customers working the kinks out of their purchases, running through hurdles on whining cyberhooves, blasting scorched targets with built in magical energy weapons, all with a matching pair of pale pink fillies making adjustments to the cybernetics here and there.

Most of the customers had the look of hardened mercs or adventurers, ponies and griffons flexing arcano-tech appendages. I supposed your average wastelander wouldn't be able to afford such a service, only those who could go out and earn the caps could pay the fees of cyberdocs that could name their price. So the clientele were either the extremely wealthy like the nobles of Diamond City, those they employed and wanted to make tougher, or those who could go out and earn that kind of cash doing dangerous and difficult work like some of the griffons from smaller mercenary companies I recognized from Magpie Roost.

I was so absorbed staring, I flinched when I felt the ambulance doors open below me, spinning around with a yelp to find Jade and an elderly pale lilac earth pony mare, her grey mane pinned back with feathers that matched the trim on her tattered blue dress. A younger light green buck was helping Jade unload vibrant purple healing potions from the Ministry of Peace, while the old mare was squinting suspiciously at the small green bottles of Addictol Jade floated out for her.

While I watched, the old mare opened one of the tiny bottles in her teeth, sprinkling a bit of the golden powder produced by the Breezies on her hoof and giving it a discerning lick. Her tired blue-grey eyes widened as they glazed over, quickly shook off as she croaked at Jade in wonder. "I'll be durned there Princess, ya'll really do have a stock of the real stuff! Addictol is rare as hen's teeth! Vial! Get all this inside quick, then get all the ingredients an' rest of the Princess' shipment loaded up lickety split, throw in the dragon toenail's fer doubtin' her!"

"You're the one who doubted her Granny Pestle..." The colt rolled his icy blue eyes at the elderly mare, bucking the jingling boxes of medicines to his back and trudging back to the shop as she screeched back.

"Did not! Watch yer tone Potion Vial, or I'll send ya out ta scavenge tha Hippo ruins! See how ya like talkin' back with an extra head!" The old mare stamped her hooves and shouted at his retreating tail, turning to Jade's soft gasp and composing herself before continuing. "Sorry 'bout my bratty apprentice yer highness, no respect fer his elders. Can't blame him bein' suspicious lately though, lost a lot of stock ta thievery lately. Don't worry, wouldn't really send 'im out ta that taint hole. Gotta ask where ya dug up all this powdered gold though, some other ruin us normal ponies can't get ta maybe? Willin' ta pay more for tha info!"

"W-While I do not know what ruin you are speaking of, it sounds dangerous enough I am glad to hear it. As for the addictol... let us just say I have a source and leave it at that. I am glad to hear you can put it to such wondrous uses in your potions... A-As a matter of fact my daughter suggested I er... 'sweeten the pot' if you would be willing to teach me?" Watching Jade squint and try to follow Glitter's instructions at shrewd negotiation was adorable, floating out an extra two green bottles of the breezie's powder and waggling them temptingly.

The old earth pony snatched them from the air before I could blink, nodding cheerily and turning to her shop with Jade's hoof in hers, dragging her along with her spritely progress for a mare her age. "Deal! Tell yas all I know dearie, old family recipes. Matter o' fact some from that ruin itself, Hippocratic Industries I mean, totally contaminated with all kinds of nasty muck and monsters like a lot of the ruins around here. Not that it would bother ponies like you two I s'pose, but was a real adventure when I was a filly! I'll tell ya all about it, see in my day...."

"O-Oh my... er... it appears I may be busy for a bit longer Fast, perhaps you could amuse yourself at the shop next door?" Jade called over her shoulder apologetically, giving a knowing nod at the cyber-doc's office before she was dragged inside in a rush.

Given permission and with Miss Pestle's apprentice running in and out keeping an eye on the ambulance, I happily fluttered over and strolled through the busy lot outside Cid's Cybernetics. While I did want to spend time with Jade, we both had our own areas of interest to follow and this place represented a rare opportunity to do so. She might be interested in the medical side that made me a little queasy, actually turning my stomach as I watched one of the twin fillies disconnect a big stallion's foreleg and reveal the scarred biological connection, I doubted Jade enjoyed the technical side of this kind of thing as much as I did.

I barely noticed a few stares at me openly gawking as the other twin fiddled with a cybernetic wing mounted to a brace on a workbench by the door. The reason for working on the delicate machine out here became clear when she powered it up, the single steel wing flaring its sharp pinions in a flash that made her duck and sending a cloud of dust up that set everyone nearby to coughing before she could shut it down.

Watching her apologize sheepishly and kick at the uncooperative appendage, I couldn't resist trotting up with a screwdriver blown off the workbench, coughing politely for attention as I floated the tool back and tapped at the round base of the wing.

"Umm... I'm not really experienced with cybernetics and don't mean to intrude, but that looks like a problem with the Arcane Control Module... errr... probably not regulating the power right. There's usually a manual adjustment right here..."

The filly rolled her eyes in a huff without looking up, pausing when I flipped the hatch concealing the ACM and we could both spot the settings cranked way to high. Having the mistake pointed out didn't look to make her too happy though, snatching the screwdriver away in her own violet magic and facehoofing as she made the adjustments.

She spoke in a bored and irritated tone, focusing on the job in front of her and not turning to look up as she answered. "Didn't ask for any help buddy, I would'a found it ya know. I just forgot to look when I installed it is all, simple mistake... I know what I'm..."

Her grumbling retort kind of dried up to a squeak when she finally looked away to glare as she finished, her light lavender eyes growing wide and dark as she spotted me scuffing the ground apologetically. "S-Sorry... I just thought I could help and all this stuff is really cool... I was hoping to..."

"OHMIGOSH!! Y-You're... you're... L-Loosie! Look!! I-It's the... the..." The pale pink filly's flabberghasted reply made me hide under my hat and lay my ears back at the sudden attention of all the customers, only made worse when her twin gave a shrill scream to finish and dashed over. "The Shrouded Stallion!!! Sweet saint of spare parts, he's real!"

"Errrr.... H-Hi? My name's Fast actually... but y-yeah, I guess you already know who I am, er... and you two are?" I retreated from their eager advance, cringing behind my wings and giving a nervous start when I backed into the rough junk barrier separating this shop from the one Jade had disappeared in next door.

They each grabbed a forehoof and shook frantically, beaming up with grease stained faces and jingling tool belts from the force of their delighted greeting, speaking over each other in turn in an almost eerie way twins could manage. "O-Oh, I'm Screw Ball", "And I'm Screw Loose Mr. Shroud", "We hear all about you on the radio!", "It said you were a great repair pony!", "But we didn't think a big hero would really do this kinda stuff too!", "Sorry I was rude, just usually it's jerks who don't know what they're talking about!", "Everypony around here thinks they know everything, so we get a lot of know it all advice!", "But we know what we're doing! Umm... mostly...", "Mom does if we don't though! You gotta meet her! She'll flip her mane seeing you!", "C'mon!"

With my eyes still spinning from the rapid fire, two pronged attack, I got dragged to the door and the wonderland of arcano-tech inside that somewhat soothed me. The shop looked to take up both the classroom the makeshift door led into, plus the classroom directly back across the common interior hallway I caught glimpse of. The initial room was essentially a workshop / showroom, cybernetic appendages and parts were hung on the walls and dangled from the ceiling, metal hooves, wings, tails, claws and more on display.

The crude countertop separating the workshop area from the rest of the store held a rack of cybernetic eyes of all shapes, sizes and colors, near a chalkboard advertising the exorbitant prices for the services of the older mare behind the counter. I was practically shoved through the swinging counter that led to the back and right up next to her, getting a good look at 'Cid' as she kept right on working on the complicated artificial heart on her work bench.

Her coat was a richer pink than her two daughters only a few years my junior bouncing in place and trying to draw her attention away from her work. Her mane was reddish violet and streaked with blue, pulled back in a tight tail to stay out of her way as she remained hunched over the fascinating part, squinting through a jewelers glass at the tiny parts and guiding equally minuscule tools with the ruby magic from her horn. The sleeves of her tattered lab coat were spotted with dried blood as she waved her enthusiastic daughters away, denoting the medical training that went along with her stuffed tool belt on her flank.

"Mom! Mom! Lookit!" Screw... Loose? I was pretty sure anyway, hopped and shoved at the busy mare on one side, while her sister took the other and bounced in unison, "Look mom! Look! See who's here?"

"Yes, yes, just a minute... I've told you two this is delicate work, speaking of don't you still have plenty on your own plates? We've got customers waiting in the back, unless you want them to stay overnight, you need to keep up. I'm sure whoever's here can't be that..." The tired looking mare sighed and rubbed her eyes when she finally set the magnifying lens down, freezing when she turned to spot me torn between wanting to escape and wanting to look over her shoulder at the repairs she finished up. "Oh... Oh my, I guess they're not exaggerating for once... H-Hello there Mr. ...Shrouded Stallion?"

"Hi... umm it's just Fast, Fast Times, Miss...?"

She paused to light a cigarette, returning my greeting with a chuckle. "I'm Hard Cider, umm... e-everyone calls me Cid though, I see you've met my daughters already. Stop pulling at him already you two! Yes I see the wings, I'm sure he doesn't appreciate you tugging on them like that!"

With one twin on each side pulling out my twitching wings and grinning at the effective proof of my identity, I held a hoof out to the exasperated mare and put on a crooked smile. "Umm... i-it's ok, I have a daughter younger than them and she likes doing that too... P-Pleasure to meet you. I didn't mean to interrupt, your shop is just really awesome and I had to take a look. I was sorta hoping to learn a little too, umm.... I don't have any caps to pay though, my filly won't let me have any..."

Cid blinked in surprise at my pouting, the smoldering cigarette in her mouth drooping precariously before bobbing back and forth with her guffaws of laughter. "So the big hero has to ask for caps from a little filly?! Oh that's too much Mr. Shroud... Fast I mean, she must be an even bigger terror than these two!"

Joining in her laughter with her daughters making faces at the grownups, I had to scratch my mane and nod in answer, realizing it was one parent to another. "Yeah, she is, I'm guessing some of the other shops in your town are finding that out about now. A-Anyway, I'll let you get back to work, I don't want to cause a stir with your customers..."

Noticing the way I glanced at the griffon merc flexing a metallic claw in one of the partitioned areas of the shop from his cot, Cid snorted and stamped a hoof, stopping me from slinking out the door from the thankfully non-Gunner mercenary. "Hey! Quit that glaring over there if you don't want to suffer a sudden malfunction out there collecting your bounties Coldtalon! You know the rules in U.P., I don't care how high the reward is on this one is! And you can stop trying to run away Mr. Times, you wanted to learn right?"

With one hoof already out the door, I looked back at her smirking smile hopefully, unable to resist the siren call of all the lovely arcane technology in her shop. "Yeeeah.... but I told you, I can't pay and..."

"But you can work, right? Or are all those stories about the famous old world repair pony as inaccurate as the ones about the big, bad, tall stallion that's a wall of muscle and takes on armies with a harem in tow? No offense, but you don't quite measure up there..." Cid teased with a twinkle in her eye, getting me to turn back out of professional pride if not injured self esteem.

"I learned from the best, so I know my way around a workshop if that's what you're asking. Umm... w-what are you asking actually?"

I found myself dragged back to the workshop before I could figure out that greedy glint in Cid's eye that matched Val perfectly, shoved in front of a pile of parts and tools with a happy nicker. "I'm willing to accept labor in lieu of caps cutie! You wanna learn, no better way than by doing! Need all the help we can get around here with these two lazy girls shirking their duties. All of ya get to work!"

"Ummm..."

Considering Jade knew where I was and we were both learning things we loved, I didn't feel to taken advantage of working in Cid's shop for awhile. Beyond the enjoyable work tinkering with strange and fantastic arcano-tech I had never seen, it turned out to be pretty informative on a lot of fronts. My instructor apparently didn't get a lot of grown pony conversation, running this shop with just herself and her daughters, so she told me about all kinds of things.

First was the curious question of how exactly she even ran this kind of business, where both the stock and knowledge to use it came from. While she was somewhat light on the details, Cid told me she came from the city of Hoofington and came by her training from a group called the 'Collegiate'. Her husband and small family came to the Commonwealth seeking the wealth of knowledge she read about originating here six years ago, a trip her spouse unfortunately didn't survive from what I guessed when her voice grew sad talking about him.

While Cid and her family managed to pierce the barrier keeping large groups out with a small wagon of wares, that didn't account for the fantastic stock in her shop now. That much was around when she got here apparently, scavenged from local ruins she told me about that made my pip-buck continually flash with 'Map Updated' as I listened. From what I gathered, this area was full of not only a variety of trade schools, but industrial ruins to put the students to work.

From what Cid read, the Commonwealth was one of the major education centers for all the new wartime technology and magic during the end days, even before the Institute. The ponies of this area had latched on to the need to rapidly teach the populace all about the new ideas from the very first firearms all the way up to the cutting edge tech places like the Institute ended up specializing in.

These were all things Cid found reading about Jade's E.E.A. that didn't quite live up to her glowing endorsement of the prewar group. Teaching ponies all about the tech used to end the world was all part of their mission to 'Protect Equestria from vile outsiders' that they took to like a duck to water. The Institute turned out to be the end result, but University Point was an earlier step on that road. Cid learned of the treasures to be found here and while she was disappointed on finding the Institute itself an abandoned ruin, University Point turned out to be nearly as good.

The strange town built in the much older university had made their fame and fortune based on all the ancient knowledge and educational equipment left behind even before Kellogg wiped it out the first time, the next group of settlers simply picked up from the bloody ruins and kept going. Cid even joked that U.P. having a correspondence course helped educate the ignorant wastelanders and make this place a beacon of lost knowledge. The 'Board of Education' that ran this place may guard that information a little more jealously than Jade would like, but it kept them alive and prosperous and they did teach anypony willing to learn and able to pay.

Cid's stock came from the classrooms teaching the rare school of cybernetics, from scavenging local ruins of companies that produced parts for the tech, and from trading her services to mercs and treasure hunters who could find more. It had taken a lot of work for a mare on her own, but her daughters were there to help from the age they could hold a wrench, coming into their own as repair-ponies as good as any I had known.

Working with the three of them in their cozy little shop, enjoying their company and the chance to talk about technical things that made all my friend's and family's eyes glaze over, I forgot to worry about all the danger surrounding us. About mad scientists and their plots, mercenary armies trying their best to wipe us out and take control of the Commonwealth, missing family and friends, even voices in my head that grew soft and silent as I lost myself to my work.

Until I helped finish up the wing that gave Screw Ball trouble outside and took it to the impatient customer in the back waiting for it that was. When my young friend drew back the curtain partition, the pale mare who snorted a complaint that died on her lips on seeing me froze as I did. The two of us recognizing the other in a moment of silence that stretched out long enough for the filly beside me to realize something was wrong.

Hail Mary... The pegasus manager from Summerset Plantation, this must be where she got her wing and hoof... the wing floating in my magic beside me that I had repaired myself... The bitch who had hurt Jade with the steel feathers I had just sharpened and... and I did something to her... Something she remembered a lot clearer than I did by the way her eyes shrank to dots and she started backpedaling on the cot she waited on frantically.

"MONSTER! Get it away! Get it away!!! I'm sorry! I promised I'd do better! I-I haven't been bad! S-Stay away! STAY AWAY!!!" Hail screeched and cringed against the wall, shivering in her loose hospital gown.

I froze where I was, flinching slightly at the spike of pain between my eyes and the rising mutter of 'Be Dark...' waking up. Hail's cyber hoof had already been repaired from when I destroyed it while blacked out back at Summerset Plantation. Her blue and yellow mane was limp but clean as her pale coat, and her surviving real wing flapped and flared frantically, while the gleaming connection waiting for the wing we fixed twitched and whined trying to do the same.

"I... I'm not... n-not a monster... I didn't know... Hail, I s-said I was sorry, I'm not here to..."

Seeing the terrified mare shriek and start throwing nearby objects at me just made me speed my shaky backwards retreat, looking to the surprised and curious faces of the new friends I had made here staring between us making me panic and stammer more. They weren't sure what to make of it, but the sheer terror in Hail's voice was enough to get Cid to push her fillies back protectively, reevaluating me as a potential threat to her children.

I couldn't blame her... I felt my fangs twinge out as soon as I saw Hail, that shadowy growl in my head replaying how the very wing clattering to the floor had slashed at Jade and drew her blood, that fan of red from the mother of my own foal. I truly did feel bad about ...whatever I had done... but that part longed to finish the job. Seeing the friendly Cid look at me like that hurt as bad as Hail's continuing screams I kept backing away from, stammering my weak denials and fighting along with the Ministry Mares to restrain that dark voice.

"I'm not... not... I'm not a..."

I squeaked when my tail ran into a rather warm wall halfway to the door, turning in a rush to see Jade filling the doorway with a concerned look in her kind blue eyes. Seeing her glancing up to the still cringing Hail in confusion, I bolted past her, through the yard outside and into the marketplace, running away and hiding...

Escaping to the crowded market gave me plenty of customers to disappear into, but I couldn't bear being around other ponies either, flying my way up to the peaked bell tower above the central wing of the university and hiding in its shadow. Perched up here like a gargoyle, I could look down on all the hustle and bustle without being a part of it, settling my breathing and slowly getting a hold of myself.

From up here, I could see all the ruins surround University Point, the sea at my back and the shadow of Castle Equinox on the coast. Such a grim view of all the emptiness in between made these little pockets of civilization all the more precious, reminding me again how few of us were left now compared to when Trotson was a busy city teeming with ponies occupying every shattered building.

With that in mind, I really should want to be around others more, but right now I just wanted to be alone. It was soothing as it always had been in the Stable, more so now with Hail Mary's screams still echoing in my ears. Maybe it wasn't just a matter of preferring to be alone sometimes, maybe I really shouldn't be around others, maybe I couldn't be trusted...

"I'm not a monster... I'm not."

While I said that mostly to try to convince myself, stamping a hoof on the green rooftop and frowning down at the market, the soft voice from above answering made me yelp and skitter back across the slanted roof in surprise. "Of course thou aren't a monster Fast, why would you think so?"

Looking up, I spotted the source of that squeaky voice and tried to convince my heart to go back down where it belonged and out of my throat. An upside down Witchy had been roosting in the bell tower above me the whole time, blinking sleepily in the mid morning light and continually flicking her ears as she cocked her head questioningly.

"W-Witchy! Jeez you can be as bad as Zed sometimes. S-Sorry, I didn't know you were here, I just... just wanted somewhere to catch my breath..."

Unfurling her leathery wings from around her, the thestral mare fluttered down beside me, keeping one fluffy ear tilted towards the crowd below and giving me a friendly nudge. "That's not answering the question Fast. The Princess is looking for you, I hear her down there... Actually I've been keeping an ear out for everyone and heard a great deal of screaming where the two of you went. I thought to go down and see, but I heard the Princess and then you came up here yourself, so I assumed it wasn't an emergency. Why are you hiding up here?"

Dammit... those hyper sensitive ears caught too much. No wonder she was up here, a dedicated royal guard both giving Jade and I space, but keeping a wary watch from a distance. While I was glad she kept Jade a concern and so generously spent her time guarding her, it made it kind of hard to lie.

"I... W-We ran into somepony we met before, that Silver Seed pegasus from Summerset Plantation, the one I... I don't even know... A-Anyway, she wasn't too happy to see me again, so I... I ran away."

"Ah... I see. Thou did put the fear of Nightmare Moon into that mare, no wonder she didn't react well. It still avoids my question, why would you think thou art a monster Fast? Because you rightfully punished that mare for daring to harm the Princess? Being frightened for her misdeeds is the least of what that mare deserved, she is still alive, is she not?" Witchy shuffled her way closer and raised a wing in a supportive hug, giving a kind smile with her gleaming fangs.

Being reminded she had been there and had such sharp hearing, I sighed and looked up to her anxiously, thinking of all my recent worries and the stories she made me aware of when we met. "I... I don't remember what I did to her though Witchy. I blacked out and... and she's still terrified just seeing me. I was mad, but sometimes something else takes over and... Y-You said there was a real Shrouded Stallion, right? I'm starting to really worry that maybe he's in my head or something. What did I do? Can you tell me?"

Witchy looked surprised at the worried admission, stifling a slight giggle when she blinked and shook her head. "Sorry Fast, I don't mean to laugh, but you? Being the real Shroud? I told you, he was sealed away by Celestia. What's more he was a monster, nothing like you at all. All you did to that pegasus was destroy her mechanical limbs, you spoke to her in that deep voice you use sometimes... I must admit your words had a strange cadence, and were more like what I'm used to hearing. You used 'Thou' and such, but I've heard you do that playing your silly comic character before. Thou cannot be the real Shrouded Stallion however, he is safely entombed beneath the castle, waiting for... oh..."

"Waiting for what? Please Witchy, anything you can tell me..."

She looked very conflicted for a moment, shifting on her hooves and glancing over her shoulder at the sea. Finally the pretty thestral took my foreleg in hers and fluttered around the bell tower, landing facing the Celestial Sea and pointing to a dim shape on the shore to the south. "I suppose this is not something I am sworn to secrecy specifically about Fast. Can you see my home there? The beached ship? That is Dreadnot."

Following her gesture and focusing my sharp eyes, I could indeed make out the large hulk on the shore so far away, It was irregular and heavily damaged, but it was a huge vessel beached on the shoreline. Tiny specks swarmed around the skeletal sections on a web of scaffolding surrounding it. An Equestrian Navy vessel that had seen better days, tilted slightly where it rested, its once proud cannons drooping and skewed.

At my nod while squinting that way and taking it in, Witchy continued softly. "Before the end... that vessel and my ancestors were here to take the Shroud from the castle fast. He was to be used in the war as a weapon against the zebras. I'm not sure how exactly, but I know that much. He was still imprisoned and was waiting for transport when that ship arrived here, so he can't be... you. I don't understand your worries, but it is clear this bothers you. You should speak with the Princess about it, not run away."

"I'm really good at running and hiding though.... Thanks Witchy, you're right, I shouldn't make her worry. Thanks for telling me that too, though if it's not the Shroud I'm not sure that's much better... it just means I'm crazy."

She actually gave a musical giggle at that, shoving me off the roof and ahead of her through the air, shaking her pretty purple mane and increasing her laughter when I fell like a stone before remembering to flap. "I don't think thou are crazy either Fast. No more than the rest of us anyway. Losing your senses when thine special somepony was hurt is nothing to be ashamed of. It makes spending time with them more important too, so let's return you to her."

With the strong mare shoving me along, it took no time at all to crash to a landing at Jade's hooves in the market, interrupting her trotting through the winding paths and stretching her graceful neck to call over the crowds. I got to my hooves and shuffled in her shadow a moment, wilting under her curious and relieved stare. After enough hemming and hawing, Witchy nudged me into her waiting wings while I was still trying to figure out what to say.

Jade's warm embrace always drained a lot of tension and worry out of me, her anxious words took away the rest. "There you are! I understand wishing to escape that unpleasant encounter, but you could have waited for me! I have been looking all over for you Fast, I was becoming most frustrated and considered finding Glitter to demonstrate how to use this silly pip-buck tracking thing she has shown me before... b-but it would seem I require its use to find her as well..."

Looking up to her biting her lip and frowning at the arcano-tech device on her leg, I instantly felt a lot better and couldn't quite stifle a laugh. Jade was a brilliant healer, kind and caring, but she just had no knack for technology at all. Thinking of all the times Glitter had shown her how to use locator tags, she must have been pretty determined to find me to subject herself to our daughter's exasperated explanation yet again.

"Sorry about that... I kinda freaked out running into that pegasus and... and I shouldn't have run off, I just wanted to get outta there. Being there was just making her scream more, and the family running that cool shop looked at me like... then you... S-Sorry..."

Jade's gaze softened as she leaned down to nuzzle and nodded, still somewhat bothered, but understanding. "Considering I often wish to simply turn invisible in such situations, I suppose I cannot fault you too much. Miss Cider and her fillies were not overly upset, I did take the time to speak with them and calm their patient, whom none of them cared for that much I assure you. In light of her... forceful encouragement to change her ways at your hooves, you leaving at the time was probably for the best. That does not mean it is alright to leave me as well however! I intended to spend today together and that is what we shall do."

My nodding my agreement sheepishly was nudged along by Witchy giving a forceful clearing of her throat, looking at me expectantly until I finally spoke to head off her opening mouth to do it for me. "Umm... R-Right, I want that too Jade. Er... t-there's some stuff I need to talk to you about anyway that I've been.... putting off..."

While she did get a disapproving little frown and eyed me with a vertical line of concern forming between her appraising stare, Jade gave a whinny and ushered us along from the slight scene we caused in the market. "I had been hoping you would decide to do so Fast. I am well aware when things are bothering you and have spoken privately to Zed and Valkyrie both after your latest misadventures, as well as my sister of course... but Swan sees nothing wrong. I am glad you finally decided to approach me yourself, even if it is after some prompting..."

Ignoring Witchy's muffled giggle turned innocent whistling at my wounded look, I sighed and nodded back to Jade in defeat. "Sorry, I wasn't keeping it from you or anything like before though... It's just hard tell the mare you love you might be bonkers, a-and it was only little stuff before we left the Ministry of Peace. I was actually feeling better, because of the new statuette I found there I think, but the things we saw and found out... er... kinda undid a lot of that. I promise I'll talk though."

Jade nickered sympathetically and kept up a stately trot to the central wing of University Point, the soothing tone to her voice warring with her own excitement for the flashy magical signs ahead advertising books, scrolls and spells of all kinds. "Your concerns are another reason I wished to come here together, when you have a problem, there is often a book somewhere that can help after all. You may tell me all about it while we shop, and I do expect to hear all about it..."

I wasn't sure what made me gulp more, trying to cover all the shenanigans the voice in my head had been getting up to lately, or the mountain of complicated books waiting in my immediate future. Either way, the response was the same, utter surrender to my princess, my rueful smile and admission as much lifting both our moods.

"Yes dear..."

Even I had to be impressed at the surviving library at University Point, wandering the stuffed shelves divided by topic and arcane school with Jade was calming and quiet, like I remembered old world libraries to be. The librarians doubling as salesponies that guarded their magical secrets jealously and seemed somewhat territorial and competitive was new, but the treasure trove of old world knowledge was a definite resource as much as water, food or power.

They had somewhat perverted everything from what I knew, which bothered me a little. The first hurdle had been getting a library card, what had been a painless and free process when I was a foal was now a paid service. Visitors to the University Point library had to put down caps just to enter, for this we gained the privilege of reading remedial spell primers, tattered old magazines and moldy newspapers in the common area, a few of which were actually interesting.

For the more useful and rare tomes, we had to go to the pony in charge of that section and 'check them out', not that actually checking books out as I understood it worked the same either. It was simply being allowed to take them from their area and read them, for a price determined by the book, while remaining in the library. Jade still had a stack of finds from the market outside to go over later, but the truly valuable stuff was in here, and no books left this bibliographical vault under any circumstances.

The clerks here also offered their services in teaching spells they knew, each putting up their own little chalkboards with prices. Some of these attendants wore funny square mortar board hats with frayed tassels and mended old robes, these were generally elderly ponies who seemed venerated by the other residents. The Board of Education members according to Jade, a group she had actually spoken with earlier and had yet to meet again concerning joining her growing Kingdom of Sanctuary.

I could tell that made her nervous, but she was resolutely ignoring them and any upcoming talks with the ponies in charge. Instead calling from the nearby medical section of books as she flicked through titles to check out and look over closer, while I was busy reading my own finds from the arcano-tech manuals and grudgingly from the more advanced spell primers.

"Hmmm... Magical Mental Maladies.... that seems promising. Wartime Stress Disorder and other Psychosis.... Ah, Mending Hearts and Minds, 101 Simple Heartmending Exercies! We shall look closer at these, though I fear we may have to ask Glitter for more funds at this rate... I do wish we could examine them at our leisure though, we are due to meet them shortly." Jade stuck her lip out in a pout as she hoofed over the caps at the counter blocking off the healing section to the elderly amber mare there, joining me at the long table already stacked with books and scrolls.

Giving her a sly smile, I unobtrusively tapped at a few buttons on her pip-buck, playfully chiding her while reminding her of how useful the device was beyond just combat, locator tags and occassionally assigning arbitrary 'missions', a function that always seemed to chime in for me alone when we came to a new town. "You can actually hon, them charging for everything might work on most ponies coming here to learn, but not many have pip-bucks to cheat with. Just flip through them fast, it will scan it all as data you can look at later."

She gave a guilty look at the nearest clerks in response, huddling over her first book nervously and turning the pages in a blur. Jade looked conflicted at the minor theft, but kept right on going to the next tome in a rush, like she was shoplifting on a dare and too dedicated to being naughty to stop at this point. Seeing her so flustered and red faced made me laugh and put a soothing hoof on hers, reassuring her I didn't see anything wrong.

"Easy Jade, think of it as having a photographic memory, they wouldn't stop somepony like that from reading, right? Besides, information like this shouldn't be hoarded, you could copy them to holotapes, or even talk to Piper when we go home about printing them out I bet. Her magical printing press thing will take the files. Er... it's not stealing, it's involuntary sharing..."

Jade paused in her rapid flipping to read a passage she found, raising an eyebrow at me over the psychology book she was currently hiding behind. "It is bad enough Glitter has already learned to pickpocket and can be such a larcenous little bandit when it suits her, 'involuntary sharing' is not something we should engage in as an example for her. Though in this case I believe I will make an exception and keep this quiet... such a wonderfully preserved source of knowledge should be shared."

Just being together and drinking in her mysterious smile and twinkling blue eyes made me feel like a million caps, smiling back and nodding as a co-conspirator. "Sure thing Jade, I doubt she'd be interested anyway. You really love books though, don't you? As much as you love Fluttershy, sometimes you remind me of Ministry Mare Twilight Sparkle when we're in places like this. It's really cute."

At the compliment she gained a rosy blush and stuck her nose up with a prim whinny, pausing in a gesture like she wanted to adjust invisible glasses before replying. "Thank you Fast, I do love the opportunity to study the surviving knowledge of ponykind. Books were very helpful to me after... a-after the mother died and Unity was broken. They are like Unity in a way themselves, the voices and information of other minds, just waiting to be picked up and learned from. Despite the things I may disagree with here, I must commend the Board of Education and their mysterious Dean for preserving and sharing everything here, I do hope they are willing to work with the Followers."

"Dean? I thought this place was run by that Board you talked to, the ones in the robes and funny hats? There's somepony else on top?"

Anything I could do to distract her from her attempts to diagnose my problems or my own scanning of a complex book on Lightning and Magnetic spell schools was welcome, though she read me as well as the book in her hooves in the attempt. "Yes, apparently there is an overall ruler or protector, I have not been able to discern which. They seem to not get directly involved in the city's affairs often. Now then Fast, you say you are aware of this voice of yours? It speaks to you like the Ministry Mare statues?"

"Nnnnn.... Y-Yeah... sometimes, when it feels like it. I just thought it was me, er... the stuff you said about the wasteland getting to ponies, corrupting things... I've used it since coming out of the Stable to survive and just tried to keep it separate, but it's getting louder..."

Having her stroke my mane when I thunked my chin to the table and grudgingly answered helped. I may not like it, but I did promise to tell her everything that had been bothering me lately. Jade took it in stride and kept soothing me as she read, tilting her head curiously at the book. "That is odd. In true schizophrenia, there isn't often awareness or communication between alternate personalities. Hopefully we can rule that out then... You did say it answered you? This... thing you repress down in that stasis pod sister Ivy showed me?"

"When I met Klein... it wanted to leave Val and Zed behind to get to him and the Institute, I wanted to I mean... But I didn't too. I... I didn't do it... I passed up the chance to find out where my family is, my old friends... Grandpa... everything. It didn't like that and it... stopped helping?"

"Hmm... curious. Perhaps it is a mental block, you repress all those things and it came back to bite you in the rump. There are cases similar to that, forms of performance anxiety... I have noticed you spend a great deal of time fighting yourself on certain subjects, even before you were changed in a way that exacerbated those traits." Jade spoke half to herself, flipping through pages and switching books, but keeping her voice soft and kind as I cringed and croaked my answers.

"Before I became a monster you mean? Or more of one?"

I replied automatically, facehoofing at her wounded look and realizing again we were the same now, repeating Hail Mary's screams calling me a monster meant throwing that insult at her too, something I had gone to great lengths to convince her wasn't true. She shook it off as I was still jabbering an apology, holding a long blue pinion feather to my lips and sighing softly.

"You are not, we are not... I know you do not think so about me, so accept as much about yourself. There are raiders and savage ponies who put you to shame, even at your worst Fast. You have always listened to me and stopped for example, even in cases like that pegasus. This world is still a more brutal and dangerous place than the world you came from, unfortunately it can inspire monstrous behavior, but you are not a monster unless you choose to be and you do not, yes? If nothing else, I merely need remain by your side to pull you back, a role I am quite happy with dear." Jade smiled and kissed my horn as she finished scanning through her finds and floated it all up, trotting over to return them while I did the same.

I caught her flipping through more while she was putting her initial books back on the shelves in the medical texts section, her guilty look masked by an unconvincing, crooked grin to the bored old mare at the counter. She was actually drawing more attention to herself than if she just went on with the minor theft like she wasn't doing anything wrong, the elderly robed mare kept squinting at her after returning her initial smile with a bored wave.

Stifling a chuckle, I figured I should probably run interference before Jade started really sweating, giving a polite cough at the counter and casting out for something to pester the clerk with. Luckily the room full of ponies in hurried, muffled conversations while pouring over more books than we had gone over offered a decent topic I had wondered about. They all had the look of students cramming for an important test, making me curious about how things were done here for 'enrolled students' who paid much higher fees in caps to apprentice here, but didn't seem to get shafted on little things like checking books out.

"Soooo... Hi there, I understand you're one of the ponies in charge around here? I'm Fast Times, er... my wife is the Princess there, we're looking forward to talking to you folks tomorrow, about an alliance and all that?"

The old mare blew the frayed tassel from her hat out of her eyes and squinted at me, returning to her inspection of the precarious stack of weathered books on her counter. "Eh? Ah, yes, the Princess... Name's Three Ring, pleasure and all that, yer Princess is a nervous filly ain't she? Probably won't have much success young buck, U.P. stays neutral, how we've gotten along a long time now. T'wouldn't mind yer mare's Followers and some of their ideas though, if they're willin' ta share books an' spells we'll most likely work somethin' out."

"I'm sure she'll be happy with that much Ms. Ring, though we like trying to help out however we can, even if you need to stay neutral. Er... Which is why we end up being kinda nosy, if you don't mind. You have an amazing town here, so we have lots of questions. Seeing all these ponies here learning about stuff is good to see, do you usually have so many?"

Following my waving hoof behind me, (and therefore not seeing the large alicorn frantically flipping pages behind her), Three Ring snorted and rolled her tired ruby eyes. "Pshshaw, not by half sonny. We usually got a few bookworms in here, but they're all crammin' fer the Arcane Science Fair."

At that I had to blink in surprise, most of my worries instantly forgotten in a rush of excitement. "An Arcane Science Fair?! Reeeeeally? You still do that kinda stuff? What kind of exhibits? Is there prizes? Can anypony join? Or watch at least?"

Seeing me prancing on my hooves, Ms. Ring shook her head and seemed to catalog me with a chuckle. "Oh, you're one of our own ain'tcha? Heard the famous Shrouded Stallion was actually a big ol' nerd, but that seemed hard to believe along with all the other things that DJ says about you. Anypony can join, though there's a fee for non-students. Not that I think you want to if most of the other stories are true."

I felt my ears droop as a whine came into my voice at the discouragement, "What? Why? I didn't think I'd ever get to participate in an arcane science fair again, and the last one was just a lame paper maiche volcano because I was so young. I'd love to join in the fun, what's the deal?"

The guarded look the old mare gave was infectious, raising my hackles even before she leaned close after looking all around for eavesdroppers and whispered an answer. "Because, the main prize most of these fools are after isn't one we're offerin' sonny. The winner of the fair has a habit of disappearin', rumor is they get recruited... by the Institute."

Before my shocked expression could resolve into the hateful glare I could feel bubbling up to the surface, Jade rushed back out, curling a wing around me to shove us both along as she gave hasty, nervous manners to the informative board member. "T-Thank you so much Ms. Ring! We will be sure to return with more funds, w-we must go meet our friends for now however. C-Come along dear!"

"B-But!"

The main eatery and basic inn that University Point boasted was based out of the old cafeteria, the kitchens still basically operating as they had, while part of the large room was partitioned off and stuffed with rickety bunks for travelers. They actually had a festive, tavern like atmosphere, serving good food and hard drinks in one corner. Both of which were largely produced by talented spell casters behind the dirty glass sneezeguards and tray rails, magicking so so looking apples into apparently powerful apple whiskey and other treats.

It definitely delighted Jade and Glitter, the foal packing away magically made apple tarts as fast as the poor unicorn mare could cast, while her mother sampled her own meal and tried to slow her down. I should enjoy my own food and the time with them, instead I picked at my now soggy hay fries and kept glancing around at the other patrons suspiciously.

They wanted to join the Institute... Maybe not all of them, but enough I was betting. Klein even mentioned 'talent scouts' that should have approached me had I not waged war on their main contact with the surface in Vega. The Institute recruited from the wasteland above, from University Point apparently. Not surprising they'd go for the best and brightest available.

While it bothered me just thinking about ponies wanting to intentionally join the group of mad scientists, what really caused me to keep glaring all around was the idea they had a hoof here. It might be mostly smiling faces and friendly mages, but they were definitely here, hiding in the shadows and meddling.

At least more and more of our group meeting up here distracted me. Witchy had rejoined us from her post outside the library and had been keeping her distance at the bar while it was just the three of us, but one young griffon after another prowling in was making us a little busier and rapidly filling our long table. None had had much luck with the task I asked them and seemed leery coming back with empty claws, the latest trio surprised to be welcomed and rewarded with food for failing, despite Glitter's new friends Lila and Heidi cheerily assuring them.

"Fast dear, stop your brooding and go order more food for our friends, I imagine Valkyrie will bring the last back soon enough. Though she is more likely to amuse herself at the bar with Witching, she should eat as well. See if you can have her join us as well, Witching need not continue to so graciously offer us privacy with everyone joining us." Jade nudged me from wondering who on the kitchen staff were synths, giving a nod to her royal guard engaged in conversation with a ghoul at the bar.

"I'm not brooding... I'm thinking hard..."

My huff of an answer as I got up to do as asked just made Glitter giggle, spewing crumbs as she agreed with her mother. "Yeah daddy, cheer up! You look like you sucked on a lemon! I thought you'd be happier with all this science junk around, you can have more caps to go look at all the weird parts I found if you'll feel better! You ain't even said you like the pretty clothes I found for Heidi an' the others!"

Wiping the hard frown of my face was actually easy taking in my filly's playful pout, despite that persistent, paranoid mutter running in the background of my thoughts. "Oh, sorry sweetie. You did a really good job, honest, both of you look very pretty Heidi."

Seeing griffons dressed up in old world school uniforms was as jarring as Val's new Stable barding, but the smiles shared between the three of them at the praise was heartening. I'd spotted a few residents in town sporting similar clothing from various schools, including leather sporting jackets that reminded me of my DJ friend Miles and made me wonder if he got his from the scavengers here.

Glitter had apparently found bulk deal on predominately dark blue and grey outfits from some ruin nearby, the griffon sisters beaming beside her did look quite pretty in the natty old sweaters and skirts that somehow held a pleat or two still. It was a definite improvement over the rags they had been wearing, plus they got to pass out matching clothes to each of their friends as they joined us from a battered cardboard box. All of them seemed to like having matching uniforms out of their familiarity with military discipline and camaraderie, but at least the school clothes let Jade think of them as a class instead of a platoon.

Heidi hugged her own new sweater to her chest giddily, speaking around mouthfuls of fried cram in her beak. "Mmmryah! Thanks boss! We really like em too! Ya should'a seen Glitter hagglin' fer em, Lila says she must be part griffon!"

"Heidi! Don't talk with your mouth full, and I said she was as frugal as a griffon, not part one. Sorry boss, really though, thanks a lot, for the grub and all too. Miss Val was right, you ponies are really good employers, sorry we didn't do a better job finding who you was looking for." Lila looked unfamiliar with expressing gratitude, but she and her sister hung around with more ponies than the rest due to the influence of the Groverites in her home, so she was trying to speak for all of them.

It still bothered me seeing how suspicious they all were over being given things without something being asked, but they were looking more and more honestly happy as it sunk in. That and my family waving me on to buck up and share with our new friends rather than pouting over enemies helped dispel my funk.

"Don't mention it, getting you guys better clothes with it turning colder and a treat of a meal was always part of the plan. I'm glad you tried to help with the little job I gave you, but it's no biggie. I'll be back with more in just a few, I'm guessing you all want more..."

"MEAT!" The ringing chorus followed as I waved over my shoulder and trotted off with a chuckle, meandering through the smaller tables of hard drinkers and hard ponies. There were still a lot of questions rolling around in my questionable brain here, but synths and the Institute really could be anywhere, I shouldn't let it get in the way of enjoying some time together after everything we had been through lately. Especially after everything all those kids had been through for a lot longer.

Even if you couldn't do anything or got frustrated by your own problems, helping others could make you feel better. Getting pissed off about the Institute or paranoid over their synth spies didn't do anycreature any good, which was why the shadowy group encouraged just that kind of thinking. Just as I decided on learning about the group to begin with, one of the best ways to fight them was to not fall into that trap, seductive as it was. Better to think of others.

Witchy herself was somepony I hadn't spent as much time with since she hadn't joined us on our flight from the MoP hub. Partially because she had dedicated herself to acting as Jade's personal guard, but her little pep talk and pointing out her home not far from here had reminded me of her own goals and issues. Hers in particular as I got a better look at the ghoulish stallion she was speaking with at the bar. He was a thestral too...

A little hard to tell since his withered wings didn't look that much different from the skeletal wings of a pegasus ghoul, but on closer inspection there were tattered bits of ancient leather instead of the odd remaining feather here and there. His armor wasn't as fancy and old fashioned as Witchy's either, mostly a tattered dark blue uniform and a few ancient, dinged plates. His palette was a little darker than Witchy's lilac grey, though that might have been his rotting nature for all I knew.

Still, the similarities were easy enough to see as I approached cautiously, taking in Witchy's concerned face and the way both of their ears flicked as I got close. The stallion only had a few wispy tufts of hair left at the tips of his, but they were apparently still just as sharp as hers. When they turned I noticed his golden eyes widen appreciably, putting aside whatever they had been talking about and gaping with his single remaining fang showing in his wide open mouth.

"Luna's blessed night... thou weren't kidding Witching dear! He looks just like those silly comics doesn't he!? Eh... a little on the short side though. Pleasure to meet you, brave knight Fast TImes, come to steal away young Witching yet again?" The gaunt undead batpony chortled, only somewhat making him less creepy, which was still a fair sight more than even normal ghouls.

"Er.... Hi? You ok Witchy? Jade's asking for you and... umm... you know this pony? From home I'm guessing? Is he one of the ones who..."

As soon as my voice dropped to a growl on thinking of what Witchy had told me of the folks back home and how they treated her, she blushed a bright red and gave a high pitched chirp, waving her hooves and getting between me and the surprised looking ghoul. "No! Nonono! Mr. Moon Tide isn't... h-he's a friend of mine! F-From back home, yes, but he's always been nice! It's ok!"

I saw the red dots in her wide amber eyes wink out and shook myself, how often were my own eyes doing that glowing alicorn bit now? At least the surge of aggression fizzled away as soon as she professed the old thestral's innocence, leaving me to put on a sheepish smile to the curious head tilt he answered with and hold a hoof out in vicarious friendship. If he was Witchy's friend, that was good enough for me, or for 'Be Dark...' it seemed. That was one positive I had noted from actually telling the others like Zed, Witchy, Val and of course Jade about my fears. That voice never went away entirely now, but it was almost behaving itself after sharing with the others, instead of trying to bottle it all up.

"Oh, sorry then. Nice to meet you sir, I didn't think anypony from Dreadnot really went out in the rest of the Commonwealth from what Witchy's said, so it's kind of a surprise, but a nice one if you're her friend. I didn't mean to... umm... not everything she's told me has sounded so good is all, and I thought..."

"Thought I was one of those uppity, elitist, living louts back on the ship eh? No apology necessary Sir Fast, good to see young Witching has made honorable friends! I must say, I may owe thou one myself, about the short for the Shroud jest that is. For a moment there, I thought I was seeing a specter from ages past! I'm certainly glad to not be the target of that ire, even if thou can't be him, thine exploits on the radio are enough." Mr. Tide boomed in something just shy of the royal Canterlot voice, attracting attention from the bar while returning my hoofshake happily.

He didn't quite have Witchy's half earth pony strength, but I was still grateful when she broke his grip before he shook my hat off in the gesture, giving a forced smile mixed with relief. "I told you Fast is very nice Moon, he's not that scary, don't make him think so more than he already does! Sorry Fast, I shall join you and the Princess in just a moment, Moon was just informing me of... things that may come up..."

"Still a faithful servant of the Lunar Guard, even after finding a living Princess to serve out here, eh Witching? My oath ended with my death however, so I am free to speak however I like about those whelps running things now. They don't think much of us who gave the last measure of devotion to our fallen Princess and still linger on, only good for venturing out into the wastes in their stead. Before Witching caused such a stir in any event! I'm here offering employment in Dreadnot Sir Times, thou aren't the only repair pony they wished to contract with lately. There's even a flyer on yonder bulletin board for such missives outside I'm rather proud of, inked it myself and never slacked in my traditional Canterlot calligraphy I shall have you know. I await interested parties here and send them on their way with promises of riches, as instructed by those isolationist foals." Mr. Tide spoke in the same mix of older terms Witchy used, but was a lot more forthcoming with his disdain about his own home, a fact that made me like him even more.

Waving to the waitress bringing a large stein of cider for him and floating out the caps to cover it myself improved his mood too. "Glad they weren't just waiting around on her to drag me back then sir. Of course I am going there eventually, I promised Witchy and she swore to bring me, so I can't make a liar out of both of us. I kinda want to have a talk with the ponies there and how they treated Witchy anyway... Sorry again I thought you were one of them, I'll leave you two to talk, though I wouldn't mind asking you more while we're in town."

Witchy squeaked and glowed in embarrassment hearing me openly threaten the elites in charge of Dreadnot neither me or her friend liked, but I caught the hint a satisfied smile knowing she had friends too. The knowledge that her giving nature could be repaid with something other than abuse was clear on her half hidden expression of gratitude. Not just by me, but the big blue Princess waving her over with a curious look, the chipmunk cheeked foal holding up a treat she wanted to share, by all of us.

She had said she was friends with some ghouls back home even though it was frowned on by her peers, most likely the undead were as ugly to them as the 'impure' half thestral herself. Compared to just the limited amount I had heard about the residents of Dreadnot however, both of them were beautiful in the only way that mattered.

Though I had to admit my personal preference made the living, female batpony much prettier than the undead, male one. Thankfully she had always forgiven me being just a bit shallow.

When we had nearly finished our meal with still no sign of either Val or the last young griffon Bruno meeting us, Jade wasn't the only one starting to get worried. At least checking for her on the map showed Val just outside University Point's gates, leaving us little option but to hope her junior mercenary was with her too and get moving.

Given the crowd with us and the small outpost of Followers and Minutemares not far off, it was cheaper and easier to stay outside the city anyway. Jade didn't look very convinced when I ventured maybe Val just didn't feel like hanging around town any longer and decided to wait for us to leave for whatever reason. It really wasn't her kind of town after all, though I did look forward to all the junk shops Glitter promised on our next visit to speak with the leadership here.

I tipped my hat to Witchy's ghoul friend on the way out, another pony I wanted to talk to when we came back and the thestral herself wasn't in earshot. He made it clear he didn't mind saying some of the things Witchy just couldn't, and some of the questions I had might worry or embarrass her more. If he hung around the bar like he said, I could buy him another drink soon.

After collecting Jade's ambulance and roughly riding herd on a flock of young griffons as excited by new places as Glitter, we made our way towards Val's mark on my compass. She wasn't hard to spot in the bright afternoon sun, lounging atop the dirty rain shelter of an old bus stop for the schools around here and clearly waiting for us. Bruno was with her as well, so that was a relief for Jade, though one that didn't last long when she spotted the gun in his claws and who he had it trained on. A dingy yellow stallion with a balding blue mane was sitting on the bench below Val's perch, gagged and tied atop the rusty seating, with what looked like a rather recent black eye making his furious scowl kind of lopsided..

"V-Valkyrie! What are you doing!? Why did you not meet us as agreed? Bruno's friends have all eaten already, while you have kept him here and... c-c-captured some poor pony!?! What is the meaning of this!" Jade goggled at the griffon lazily swishing her tail off the overhang and the smaller one guarding their hogtied captive, her face reddening in horror at what had apparently kept them.

Stomping up to meet them with the rest of us trying to match her long strides even with the heavy ambulance and passengers, Jade's shouts didn't seem to bother Val in the slightest, though Bruno's weapon shook and he looked a little unsure at least.

He seemed to defer to Val though, regaining confidence as she rolled her eyes and landed in the street between them. "Calm down Blue, I made the kid eat while we was waitin'."

"That is hardly the biggest problem with this situation and you well know it Valkyrie! Who is this pony!? What have you gotten up to now? Is he in such a state due to your actions? I am terribly sorry sir, I p-promise to heal your wounds in just a moment. I am very disappointed Valkyrie! I am willing to defer to your judgement to a point due to my own ignorance of your culture, but this is too far! This is what you would teach not just Bruno, but all his inquisitive friends who look up to you as a voice of experience?!" Watching Jade stamp her hooves and throw a fit, I bit my lip to stifle a very inadvisable laugh at Val's obvious merriment.

"Wooo... look up ta huh? Hadn't thought'a that actually Blue. I mean I was givin' this one a few tips, but he ain't that great about not markin' up the captive an' what not. See kid, I told you we'd pay fer it. Anyhoo, fer all you other brats who missed out, ya don't wanna smack around a prisoner too hard if'n ya don't gotta. Specially when the client might get all weepy over it like Blue here, gotta take big softies inta account sometimes. It gets old, but ya get used ta it. Bruises are better'n blood if it comes to it, though joint locks are..." Val drawled in an impromptu lecture for all the attentive students behind me, steadily pushing Jade towards the breaking point.

Not that I wasn't a little confused too, but I trusted Val, there was bound to be a good here reason somewhere... She was playing up the tough mercenary role just to get under Jade's feathers and show off for the young griffons, and further terrify her captive apparently... but she knew better, had softened up a little. I hoped... Watching her tease Jade and scratch her plumage thoughtfully at the furious sputtering she elicited, I nearly lost the battle against another snort of a laugh that was making my eyes tear up watching the exchange though, along with all the kids Val turned to address with a grin.

I really should probably stop this... The stammering snicker I managed only made Jade wheel on me with hard blue dots for eyes though, not helping that much as I struggled to spit it out. "V-Val... Enough, there is a good reason for this, right? Please tell me there's a good reason... Quickly..."

She groaned at having her fun spoiled, but hoisted her captive up by the ropes binding him and prowled over dutifully, dumping him between us with a huff. "Bah, yer no fun boss. The kid did what ya wanted is all, I just helped a little. You wanted ta find a lead on where this Institute egghead is hidin' out, this guy probably knows."

"Probably?" I raised an eyebrow at the angry looking stallion, noting how he flinched hopefully, but really needing more than just that before Jade finished fuming in indignation.

Bruno answered for her, puffing his red chest out proudly and crowing in front of his friends. "Went an' asked around like ya wanted boss. Nobody knew nothin', but this guy did. He ran off, so I got Val and we chased his ass down. Pretty good work, huh?"

"S-So he is guilty only of leaving your questioning?! Bruno! There is such a thing as presumption of innocence! Oh I am terribly sorry sir! P-Please, accept our sincerest apologies, our young friends are adjusting to many changes lately and... l-let me just get this out of the way..." Jade's fretted at the gag muffling the prisoner's grumbles, alternately turning to fuss at the sulking young griffon scuffing the roadway in return.

"We know how ta flush bounties out boss lady... Magpie had us do it all the time, that guy's guilty, believe it." Bruno pouted in reply, but held firm next to Val, the two of them helping convince me even without much evidence.

The greasy faced buck shouted as soon as Jade managed to ungag him, hopping in place and wriggling in his ropes, the spittle from his howling making even the kind blue alicorn flinch back with a sour look as he raged. "Ain't guilty of nothin'! Healin's the least what I'm owed after these two brutes worked me over! Pain and sufferin'! Mental anguish! I'm traumatized and my trick knee's bein' extra tricky! I expect recompense and..."

"Dr. Vigil..." I spoke half to shut him up for a minute, but the shifty look he gave and that pungent spike of fear changing his scent was proof enough for me.

Jade might not approve, but clearly noticed it too and bit her lip impatiently as I leaned closer and glared, for once willing my fangs out menacingly to make him jabber more. "W-Who's that? Never heard of him! Don't know what you're talking about, y-you let me go and maybe I'll settle for just the healing the famous Princess there was offering. Better hurry up though, o-or I'll have a few choice words for the authorities in U.P.! I'm an upstandin' citizen there and they don't take kindly to even big celebrities abductin' ponies! P-Personal friends with members on the board of education I am, just ask anypony who matters, they all know Sludge... er Professor Sludge Barrel, P.H.D., D.D.S., L.O.L, B.R.B. umm... very important..."

Wow, he was worse at lying than Jade was in general and I was with her... She still didn't look very happy, but hearing that string of nonsense looked to placate her for the moment. Of course part of it might have been making the mistake of giving himself a bunch of fancy titles he clearly didn't understand. For a mare who valued education and real doctors, lying about those things was high up on Jade's list of unforgivable crimes.

"Suuuuure you are... Funny, I didn't say Dr. Vigil was a him, did I? Oh well, since you're such an important pony and all, my wife's right and we should make sure you get the best care. Can hardly do that here on the side of the road either, so you should probably come with us. We don't want to get in trouble over this little misunderstanding, we're supposed to talk to the board tomorrow after all, so we'll be sure to apologize to them too."

"W-What!? No, that's alright, er... feeling better already. Just untie me and gimme a potion for my eye, w-we'll call it even 'cause I'm feelin' generous and... H-Hey! Get outta my stuff! T-That's mine!" This Sludge pony winced again when he heard we could actually call his bullshit, but the sudden clatter of possessions from what I assumed was his own confiscated saddlebag made him really panic.

Giving the cracked leather a final shake for good measure and spreading the deitrus around with a paw, Val shrugged with an exagerrated, "Whoooooooops... Slipped."

The gasp Jade gave on seeing what came spilling out to the road represented his last hope sinking. Potion vials, beakers, tins of obscure ingredients and other advanced apothecary equipment I really doubted this buck knew anything about, but matched the stock of Mrs. Pestle's shop she said had been stolen recently...

"If these are yours I am sure you can identify this object properly, can you not Mr. Barrel?" Jade carefully unwrapped a delicate spiral of glass tubing from the moldy towels padding it, narrowing her blue eyes down at the cringing stallion with a dangerous edge to her voice.

"S-Sure.. that's a class 12, crazy straw... for umm... my experiments and such, y-you're just lucky your griffons didn't break that!" Ooooo... not only did he commit the sin of ignorance yet again, he dug his grave deeper in the process...

The only thing worse than pretending to know about her area of specialization in Jade's view, was stealing from those who actually did. Something she confirmed beyond a doubt as she educated the increasingly nervous buck in the process. "No. This is a condenser coil. Though you are correct finding one this size intact is rare as they are quite fragile. Seeing as it was one of the more precious items stolen from Mrs. Pestle, I find it unlikely you happened across another, identical piece of equipment. Perhaps you are correct and we should get the authorities in town involved here after all..."

"Or you can come along and answer some questions for me. Don't worry, we'll make sure to return all this stuff I'm sure you ...found... to Mrs. Pestle for you after. How's that buddy?"

Looking between the stern Princess staring down her nose at him with a sniff of distaste, me giving a sharp tooted smile offering his only way out, and Val cracking her claws should he chose to ignore it, he really didn't have any option and he knew it. Sludge hung his head in defeat and nodded weakly, his muddy brown eyes peeking past the lank blue strands of his combover.

"F-Fine... Was gonna do that myself before these two mugged me anyway. C-Can you untie me then, I'll come along quietly..." Sludge tried taking advantage of Jade's kind nature one last time, making a show of wincing at his bonds pitifully.

Val opened her beak to cut off Jade being too soft on the liar, but shut it with a happy smirk when the blue alicorn stuck her nose up and huffed first, floating the still hogtied Sludge to the roof of her ambulance and proving she had learned a thing or two from the tough griffon. "Oh no, so wounded a pony should definitely not be forced to walk. We shall offer you a ride as way of recompense, we do not wish to make your wounds worse removing the ropes prematurely. Do not worry, it is no trouble at all..."

The shifty thief gulped at all the young griffons circling overhead as Jade hitched herself back up and continued up the road, wisely keeping his mouth shut before he made things worse for himself. I could tell she still felt conflicted and did want to heal even this jerk, but a black eye wasn't going to kill him. Watching Val prowling at her side with an approving cluck, I had to smile at how they had rubbed off on each other, and at the prospect of actually making some headway today.

I was pretty sure Bruno's instincts were right and ruffled his feathers gratefully before he joined the others in guarding his captive proudly. The runaway Institute scientist was around here somewhere and now we had a lead, not a bad day at all.

New Perk Added!---------------------------

Voracious Reader----
---It might be involuntary borrowing, but taking advantage of your pip-buck's functions allows you new options for helping preserve and spread knowledge. With the proper equipment, you're now able to turn damaged books and magazines into blanks and print new ones from data you've read before.

Reputation Change!----------------------

University Point: Accepted----
---A town full of nerds is your kind of place and they recognize their own. Just roaming around has given you a better idea what kind of settlement U.P. is and you've made a favorable impression so far, receiving fair prices and on your way to making a few friends.