Sitting on a boat, with very little to do doesn’t make for good story. nor is it a time I would like to remember. Besides I doubt anyone reading this would like to know how many times I went to the bathroom. So, when I finished my journal last time, I ended with Shady and I having just met Captain Thrush and her crew before heading out down river. Not much happened in the few hours since we left port, but I did get to see my old home. At least what’s left of it.

I was sitting on the deck, watching the river pass and the minutes tick by. Captain Thrush had told us the going would be slow for a while due to her having to navigate the Sea Horse between submerged debris. It wasn’t until I had begun recognizing landmarks, and the area where friendship city had been, that I realized we were going past Arbu. Some logical part of my brain knew it was unlikely that my home would still be there, after all, LittlePip had burned it down more or less. Still it came as quite a shock when we did sail past.

Arbu had a large stone wall around it with rows upon rows of razor wire across the top. Several guard towers were scattered around, having been constructed out of old scaffolding and sheet metal. I saw ponies and Griffons walking the perimeter and keeping watch from above. Shady had sensed a change in my behavior and came to investigate. Without having to say a word, she followed my line of sight, and immediately knew where we were. Shady placed a hoof across my back to comfort me, and it was more than welcome as I passed the resting spot of my Father and my only friend Clear Glass.

Arbu had become a prison, thanks to the NCR. Many ponies felt it was a good place to keep evil ponies. Where else did evil belong than with a town of evil cannibal ponies? To me it served as a reminder at how most of the normal ponies would respond if they had found out where I was from. I should have been angry, or I should have cried, but all I felt was a hollow emptiness. A place where my heart should have been. With my face a stone mask, I turned my back on the sight, and promptly ignored it for as long as it was still in sight.

Now another reason I am going to gloss over the whole trip, is because I had previously written nearly every detail down, but some pony who shall remain unnamed (I’m looking at you Shady) had accidently spilled water across the pages and rendered the whole segment impossible to read. So, I had to restart. Sorry for the confusion, but at the moment I am more than a little annoyed about it and felt that I had to write it down. Still it could be worse, at least I don’t have to begin writing the whole ordeal again.

Captain Thrush and the large Stallion who was still cradling his shotgun watched on with mixed emotions. Thrush I could tell was at first confused about my behavior before the lightbulb came on and she pretty easily figured it out. Shotgun Buck wasn’t as smart. “I feel tha same. Let tha place hold all o’ tha’ evil on tha ashes o’ evil.” He said, and I tensed. Shady placed her hoof on my back. Either she was trying to comfort me or keep me from flying off the handle. However, I really wasn’t in the mood to calm down yet. I shook Shady’s hoof off gently, before stepping up and getting into his face.

“What if I told you, no pony who lived there was evil, what if they were good ponies who just had a hard time adapting to the world?” I growled, and his response was to sneer down at me and pat his hoof upon my head. “I would say ya are a naïve little foal, who believes tha’ ponies are good deep down.” With that he turned and cast a dark look at Arbu and spat in its direction. That was more than I could handle at the moment. “Oh shit.” Shady whispered, and I even caught a glimpse of Captain Thrush face hoofing.

I narrowed my eyes beneath the stallion’s massive hoof. I had just about enough of the close-minded ponies looking down on those who grew up with a different situation. So, I wrapped my fore hooves around his, and hung from him as I kick my rear hooves under his body. I lashed out as hard as I could and caught him in his nuts. He yelled out in pain, before collapsing on top of me. My breath whooshed out under his weight, and that only infuriated me more. So, I lifted his head up, a look of pain and shock evident in his face and began pounding my right hoof into his muzzle. I felt his nose give, before the cartilage breaking and a spurt of blood falling onto my chest. I didn’t stop though and continued to drill my hoof into his face again and again.

I let my built-up rage and stress fuel my punches, and even when he fell unconscious from the repeated strikes, I continued. It took Shady, Captain Thrush, and a few other deck hooves to pull the stallion off me and separate us. Even still I fought against them, I wasn’t going to stop until he was a bloody smear on the deck. I snarled my intent to break free, but no pony let me go. Only when Shady moved up and slapped me across my face did I stop. “That’s enough!” She yelled, and I just scowled at her and pulled myself free of the ponies holding me back.

I stormed off to the front of the ship and spat into the river. The logical part of my mind told me that what I had done was a bit much, but even still, I felt justified in my actions. I watched as they took the unconscious stallion below decks, presumably to administer some first aid to his injuries. Some part of me had hoped they had some trouble with that. I looked back out over the water and took a few minutes to calm down.

After a time, Shady moved beside me, but remained silent as she joined me in looking out onto the river. Finally, I chose to break the silence. “I’m not apologizing when he wakes up.” I promise, and to my surprise Shady just laughs. “I wouldn’t expect you to, but you may have to explain to a few ponies why you got angry in the first place.” I sigh and close my eyes for a moment. I knew she was right. But only the captain had heard the exchange, and she sure wasn’t dumb. “Still, I didn’t expect you to fly off like that, the only reason it took so long to pull you both apart, was that every pony was in shock.”

I look at her again, seeing an amused grin on her face as she looked at me in return. “I have seen plenty of things in my life Moonshine, but seeing such a little pony as you, making such a large pony look like a punching bag was not just surprising, but amusing.” She said with mirth in her voice. “Ah can’t but agree.” Came the voice of Captain Thrush. I groaned a little, worried that my actions would result in us being kicked off the boat. “I’ve known Brute for a few years now, Celestia knows he would give his life for mine. But seein’ ya pound his face like clay will give us all somethin’ new to talk about fer a while.” She chimed as she leaned on the railing on my other side.

I sighed, a small smile coming to my face. I had been worried that my actions would result in us being thrown overboard, but they all seemed to have rather enjoyed it. But I did know that Thrush was more than a little curious as to why I lashed out in the first place. “So, care ta explain what that was about?” The Captain asked, and I sighed. “I think you know Captain.” I responded, I knew saying the words out loud was just asking for more trouble.

“Aye, I believe I do. And if that be the case, then you must be tha two ponies ole DJPon3 was talking about.” She whispered, and both Shady and I nodded “Please keep it to yourself, not many ponies can know where we are headed or that we were here at all.” Shady implores. But the Captain nods, having already assumed as much. “Ah not to worry, yer secrets safe with me. Besides, I couldn’t risk rippin’ apart such a lovely couple as you two.” Shady and I both reeled, before pointing at one another and saying in unison “We’re just friends!” Thrush rolls her eyes and smirks before looking back at us. “Oi, stop blowin holes in mah ship.” She says, before turning and walking away.

“Ok seriously, what the fuck was that about?” I ask as I watch her move back to the wheel. “Not a clue. On the plus side, we get to stay on board for now.” Shady offers before turning and looking back out onto the water. I nod and agree with her, before pulling a bottle of water out of my bag and rinsing the drying blood off of my coat. Shady looks on, a sudden question on her lips. “Just curious, but where did you learn to do what you did to Brute?” I shrug and pause in my cleaning. Honestly, I had never really been taught anything regarding fights. “I just did what felt natural.” I suggest, not entirely sure.

Shady on the other hoof seemed surprised by my answer. “You mean to tell me that you just did that with no pony teaching you how?” Again, I just shrug and resume my scrubbing. “Son of a bitch!” She exclaims and shakes her head. “Do you have any interest in learning how to fight like that?” Again, I shrug, seriously are all my replies just simple motions like nodding and shrugging? “Well, if I could manage it without getting shot.” I reply after a minute. Honestly, I had never heard of a straight up hoof to hoof fighter who didn’t get filled with lead.

“So, that means you want to rely on speed more than force and given your body structure it might be possible.” Shady offers and puts a hoof under her chin in thought. Then she turns and yells to the Captain. “Hey Thrush, you got any close quarter fighters on board?!” I snap my head up, just what was she planning? “Nah sorry!” The Captain replied and Shady nodded in understanding. I was left confused before Shady wrapped her hoof around my middle and picked me up. “Hey what the fuck!” I shouted, but she just ignored my protests and carried me to the middle of the boat.

I was suddenly dropped, and Shady moved a few meters away, before turning to face me. Most of the deck ponies stopped their work, curious about the commotion. Before I could ask what we were doing, she leapt back at me, and cuffed her hoof hard across my skull. I fell to the ground, my ears ringing as Shady moved back to her original spot. “C’mon Dumbass, get up.” She jeered, and my ears fell back. Just what was this about? I pushed myself to my hooves, more confused than before. But instead of giving me time to think, she came at me again, this time slamming into my chest and driving me back onto the deck.

I groaned and lay there for a minute. Shady was a big pony after all, and she just slammed into me. I took another minute to get up again, but when I did, I was more than a little unhappy. “What the Fuc...” was all I got out before I was kicked in the ribs and sent sprawling on the wood floor again. I lay there, gasping for the air that had been knocked from my lungs. But Shady just kept coming. I felt her hooves slamming on every part of my body that she could. Even when I tried to coil up into a ball, she still kept hitting. I couldn’t process any thought with the abuse, but I did know I wanted it to end.

I felt myself getting angry and frustrated, I really didn’t want to get mad at her, only because she would normally hit me when I did. But she was already hitting me, and I couldn’t think of anything else to do. I waited until she began to tire, after all even she couldn’t keep pummeling me forever. But while I bid my time, I could hear the other ponies laughing at the beating I was taking. That only pissed me off more as Shady began to ease up on the rate of attack. I knew she wasn’t trying to kill me, I had seen her when she wanted to, and now wasn’t one of those times. Hell, she didn’t even break my bones, but still I was having enough of it.

When Shady paused for just a moment in her beating, I uncoiled like a spring, and jumped at her like a jack in the box. In the heartbeat later, I saw the look of surprise in her eyes. Mine were more savage and extremely angry. I slammed into her, knowing I wouldn’t do much damage, I just wanted to surprise her. It worked, and she took a step back out of reflex. I then moved again, sliding under her belly. I grunted out, and lifted myself up, and her atop me. She whinnied in surprise as I lifted her up. I grit my teeth and snarled under her weight, but still I persisted.

I then pushed myself onto my rear hooves and wrapped my fore legs around all four of hers. I heard her gasp as she figured out what I was doing, and she tried to pull herself free, but it was too late. I held onto her, as I stood up straight, then relaxed as I let momentum do the work for me. I fell backward now, Shady panicking, before her face and back were smashed into the deck. My head slammed into her middle from the impact, and I knocked the wind from her lungs in a quick whoosh. I released her legs and let her lay there as I struggled to my hooves.

After my exertion my legs felt wobbly, but I felt like it was worth it. Shady however, wasn’t in such high spirits. She lay on the deck, groaning. Every pony around us was cheering and clopping their hooves, having enjoyed the show. I look down on Shady, not happy about what the hell just happened. I had hurt the pony I believed to be my friend, because she was beating me down. I was hurting, my lip was bleeding, but I was still mad, and I wanted answers. “C’mon get up. GET UP!” I yell, before biting on Shady’s mane and pulling her to her hooves.

“Ow ow ow.” She groaned as I pulled her mane. I wasn’t in the mood to give her pity though. “What the fuck Shady?” I whisper, before slapping her a little just to make her focus. “I…I wanted to see what you could do.” She said, all the while shaking her head trying to clear it. I roll my eyes and clop my hooves before her eyes. “Hey I’m over here.” I snort, drawing her attention back to me. She must have hit her head harder than I thought. I roll my eyes and have her lean on me as I guide her blow decks, and to an empty cot near the wall. “Lay down and get some rest.” I command, and she nods, before flopping into the bed and covering her eyes with a hoof.

I sigh and move to go back onto the deck, but the sight of Brute laying in his own bed, his face covered in bruises, and blood-soaked rags lay on the floor. His eyes and nose were swollen, and he had to breathe from his mouth. I smirk as I look upon him. Twice today I had really messed up two ponies who were nearly twice my size, and I was still standing. Score one for the little guy I guess. Maybe two? I scoop up my saddle bag, and head back onto the deck, where Captain Thrush was promising to cancel shore leave to any pony who didn’t get back to work. But I could tell it was an empty threat by the mirth in her voice.

I take a position near the back, where I lay down out of any pony’s way and pulled out my journal and began writing. I had felt like this was a good way to keep track of details I might forget as time passed, so I relived the events of rebuilding the armor, and our flight out of Junction town. I paused as I remembered DJpon3’s message, as well as her apology to me. While it was awkward being called out publicly as a Child of Arbu, it was nice that she hadn’t given my name. I spent hours writing into my journal, the sounds of water lapping against the ship’s hull, and the crew my only company.

By the time I finished, the sun had just dipped below the horizon, and the sky was a deep amethyst. I sat up and stretched, my muscles sore from sitting in one place for so long, and from the fighting, and the running throughout the day. I yawned and stretched out, feeling my sore back pop and creak before standing up and walking around. At some point while I was writing, the ship had moved passed the mouth of the river, and out to sea. I take a seat at the fore, leaning on the railing and looking out.

I had grown up on the banks of the very river we just left, but I had never gotten to see the ocean. I felt a tingle slide down my back as I looked at something so beautiful, yet so big and dangerous. I felt so small out here, as if what made up who I was would easily get pulled from my body and end up floating out there for all eternity. I sat there long enough for the night to grow dark, and the full moon to slide into the sky. I watched breathlessly as the waters grew still and calm, reflecting the stars and moon above clearly. “So, ya grew up this close to tha sea, yet ya never saw it huh?” Came the voice of Thrush. I stiffened and grew tense as she sat beside me and looked out onto the water.

“I saw how ya looked at her, tha beauty she holds, and tha terrible power she conceals.” Spoke the mare, and I cocked my head to the side in confusion. “I mean the sea, not your friend.” Teased the Captain, and I spluttered. “What... no no, her and I are just friends, it’s not like that.” I swear, but she just chuckles before taking a long drink from a bottle of rum she levitated beside her before passing it to me. I normally didn’t like alcohol, but I saw no harm in having just a sip. It went down smooth but left a harsh burning after taste. I winced and coughed a little as I passed the bottle back to her. “Oh, not much of a drinker are ya?” She asked, and I shook my head.

“Not ta worry, after learning of yer past, I wouldn’t doubt ya avoid all types of stuff.” She grilled, but the edge in her voice gave away her intentions. I turn and fix her with a cold glare, not too pleased at what she was insinuating. She caught the look and held up her hooves in defense as she spoke. “I didn’t mean that, I just meant that with what ya witnessed, I figured ya would wanna keep yerself clear headed.” I nod and pull my gaze back onto the water. I had thought she was talking about eating meat. Not that I did that anymore either, part of why I went hungry more than not. We sat quiet for a time, just enjoying the cool night before she spoke again.

“She sure is lovely. Like a big sapphire dragon. Big and bold, and certainly dangerous, but all together beautiful.” She said, gesturing with her bottle of rum. I nod, completely agreeing with her assessment. I had always respected sea going ponies, and their ships. I used to sit near the side of the river and watch whenever a boat would pass by. Only once did I get in trouble because I threw a rock at one boat. Only when a very angry gray Pegasus came over and gave me a stern lecture did I understand that all boats should be respected. I was too young to understand much about the Pegasi, but I knew they were rare on the surface. It wasn’t until I had read LittlePip’s book did I know what a Dashite was. The gray Pegasus mare with a purple mane and tail had been a Dashite, and looking back on it, she had been crying.

I told Thrush the story, and my view about boats and their crews. But the response I got instead was a hoof slapping me in the back of my head. “What the hell.” I grumble as I rub the back of my head. “That boat ye tossed a rock at was mine, and ya hit me in the face ya douche nozzle.” She growled but relaxed a touch. “Still, ya were just a colt, and ya did get a good ass chewin’ by that gray Pegasus.” I nodded an affirmative as I let my hoof fall back to the deck. “Wait, you said I hit you with the rock. So why was that mare crying?” I ask before setting my gaze back on Thrush.

“Was she now? Well I suppose she should have been. Her mare friend was a passenger on mah boat. She had been blinded and was dying from taint. That little mare pulled every pony she could onto this ship to help her save her friend.” Thrush sighed, and a dark look came over her eyes then as she took another pull on the bottle. “At one point we had to stop to get more supplies and passengers, and while we were gone, some ponies had killed part o mah crew. The injured mare below was protecting a small foal, and got raped, her horn broken, and her legs nailed to a crate for her troubles.” I gasped, and my eyes widened. I had thrown a rock at the boat who was carrying some pony so important and selfless enough to get raped to protect a foal. No wonder the Pegasus was so upset at me.

“Son of a bitch.” I whisper, and Thrush nodded with me. “Sorry I hit you with a rock.” I apologize, but it felt so small and meaningless compared to the story I had just heard. “It was years ago, so it’s fine.” She said, but I could tell that more than once she had nightmares about that time on her boat. At my look, she scowled a little, but followed it up with a small smile. “Don’t worry about it, it’s the wasteland after all, every pony has things in their past they wish to forget.” She then looks into my eyes and knew I understood her clearly.

We fell back into silence then, letting the cool breeze and salty air blow through our manes and coats. “ya know, I’ve seen plenty o’ ponies come an go on mah ship, and only a few o’ them had the same reaction you did to tha sea. And I made them an offer I wanna extend ta you.” She said after a time. I give her my attention, curious about her offer. “When you get done on yer job, and find yerself unsure what ta do next, come find me. ah could always use more crew.” She said and passed me the bottle once again. I took another swig of the rum and nodded. “I’m never sure where life will take me day to day, but I will give it some thought.” I promise, before hoofing her the bottle.

“What is life like on the waters?” I ask, wanting as much information as I could get. I watched the Captains eyes glisten over with both joy and pain. “It’s wonderful, like comin’ home to yer lover after a long week away. Ya get yer pay, and some shore leave. You buy a hot meal and some drink, maybe get laid if yer lucky. But it’s also hard. Rogue waves, salt, and bad weather. More than once one o’ mah crew went overboard in a storm, and we lost em’ under tha waves. But to pony’s like me, there is no other life. Tha sea is a dangerous Mistress, cruel and kind all at once. Beautiful and deadly. There is no other life like it.” She claimed, and I saw she meant every word. I felt a pang of jealousy then. Here was a pony who knew where she wanted to be, and she belonged here. I didn’t have that luxury.

“Thanks Captain, I’ll keep it all in mind.” I promised, and she smiled before standing up and patting her hoof on my shoulder. “Ya do that hun.” She whispered and moved back to her post at the wheel, taking control back from one of the crew ponies who had steered the ship during her break, the same purple Unicorn Mare who helped tie down my power armor. I stretched and yawned once more, the events of the day finally catching up with me. So, I decided to call it a night, and waved to Captain Thrush as I moved below decks, and fell into a cot near Shady. While sleep was normally something that was hard for me to get, wearing myself out so thoroughly proved to be a great way to fall asleep.

As I slept, the Sea Horse moved further out to sea, before finally heading north. In the early morning hours, Captain Thrush gave control to her second mate, and turned in for a few hours of rest. Between the gentle rocking of the boat, and the snoring of several ponies, I slept like a foal. In the small hours of the morning, I was rudely awakened by a shout of anger, before having my cot flipped over. I was tangled in the small blanket and under the bed frame as Brute stomped closer to me. Apparently, he had only just woken up, and was none too pleased with how he felt.

I struggled to try and pull myself free, but I had gotten so tangled up, I had no time to work free before he was on me. Clutched in his teeth, was a rusty flaying knife. Despite the pitted blade, I could tell it was quite sharp. One of his eyes was completely swollen shut, and the other was only half open. But I could see the look of rage he wore. “Shit shit shit shit!” I swore as I tried to get free again. But it was in vain as he stepped close and placed a hoof on my splayed fore hoof. I hissed in pain as he slowly put his weight on it, and I felt it bending in the wrong direction.

“Ye lil shit!” he seethed passed the handle in his mouth. He dipped his head low, and placed the knife edge against my throat, and looked deep into my eye. I felt fear, true fear as I knew he was about to kill me. My only regret being that I hadn’t gotten to know that much about Shady. Despite my fear, I relaxed and smiled into his face. I wasn’t afraid of death, just the pain I would feel before I died. My smile had an odd effect on the stallion, and he paused for just a heartbeat. And that proved to be his undoing, as a set of dark grey hooves wrapped around his neck and wrenched his head back.

I screamed as the blade cut down my chin, leaving a deep cut that bled profusely. Having managed to free only one hoof, I clamped it over the gash and turned my attention to the stallion, and the pony who had saved me. “Shady was laying on the floor, Brute pulled atop her belly as she struggled to hold him. Her fore hooves tightened around his neck, and he coughed and spat the knife onto the floor as Shady choked him. His eye bulged, and Shady snarled as she continued. Finally, his movements slowed, and stopped altogether as he fell unconscious. But Shady showed little notice as she kept choking on him.

“Shady. Shady! That’s enough!” I shout. Even then my words only had the effect of making her pause. “Seriously look at him. He’s turning bluer than I am.” I said, and she looked at the Stallion’s face to verify. Upon seeing him passed out and on the verge of death did she release him and kick his body away. I sigh, thankful that she hadn’t killed him. “You alright?” She panted and moved closer before kicking the bed off me. “Yeah, I think so.” I say as she tries to untangle me from the bedding. “Son of a bitch, do you turn into a little blue storm when you sleep? Cause this is the kind of wreckage I would expect from a tornado in a shanty town.” She grumbles as she works on a tough knot. “Shut it, this normally never happens.” I grumble.

After a short time, Shady just loses all hope, and picks up the fallen knife to cut me free of the offending blanket. With a few quick strokes, I was set free. As I push myself to my hooves, still cupping my chin. Shady then lifts my head and pulls my hoof aside. “Eh it’s not too bad, but we do need to stitch it up.” I roll my eyes and nod. A few of the crew ponies who had been sleeping during the engagement, were now carrying the unconscious Brute back to his bed. Shady went and fetched a first aid kit before returning and quickly getting to work. I had never figured out how Earth ponies or Pegasi could thread a needle, but apparently Shady could. In a few short minutes, she had my head raised, and quickly yet gently sewed shut the split in my hide. I winced every time the needle pierced my skin, yet I didn’t complain. I very nearly wouldn’t be feeling much right now if Shady hadn’t interfered.

After tying off the final stitch, she then pulled out a used bottle of wonderglue, and gently placed the tip against the stitches. “Whoa hey what are you doing?” I asked in surprise. “Hold still, I’m gluing this to keep any further bacteria from entering the wound. Besides we are on the ocean, I wouldn’t wanna know how much this would burn with the salt in the air.” She said, and I quickly shut up. She did have a valid point. “Besides, no pony remembers that wonderglue was invented for medical use. Its adhesive is an active antibacterial.” I remain quiet and motionless as she finishes and blows on the adhesive to speed up the drying process.

Having finally stopped the bleeding, Shady and I fixed the bed, and took the cut up blanket topside. We had to explain everything to Captain Thrush, she wanted to know why one of her blankets looked like it lost a fight with a hell hound. She swore under her breath as Shady explained what had happened, and what she had done. “Well I hope ya didn’t kill em, he’s an idiot, but a good deck stallion.” Shady promised that she hadn’t even though she really wanted to, and then we tossed the blanket overboard.

It was still early morning, the sky only just beginning to change to a deep blue. Shady stretched out, enjoying the cool morning air. A sentiment I completely agreed with as I yawned and stretched. “Wow would ya look at that!” She exclaimed and moved to the railing as she looked out over the ocean. I smiled, having already seen it and completely enjoying her reaction. “It’s so pretty! Could you imagine seeing this all the time?” She gushed as her emerald eyes took in the sight. To be honest I could. Maybe after all this business with the NCR was done, Shady and I could work on a ship like this.

I smiled and left her to her gazing as I quickly pulled a couple of apples and two bottles of water out of my bag. “Oi, catch!” I say and toss the food to her. “Thanks” She says as she tears into the food, killing off the apple with a vicious appetite. I dig into my own apple a little more politely, but even still I was starving. As we ate, we looked out over the calm water, and enjoyed our breakfast. “So, are we gonna talk about what happened yesterday?” Shady asks, and I nod. “Sure, I don’t see why not.” I respond, and she looks at me before continuing.

“You have some real anger issues bud, but given what you went through in the past, and recently, I wouldn’t be surprised if you were just full of rage and all kinds of nasty emotions.” She teased, but I could tell she was bothered by it. “You have some scary talent for melee, hell you lifted me and rung my bell easily. Still, if you wanna fight like that, we can’t wait for you to get angry enough to fight back.” I listen to her, already having come to the same conclusion the night before. “Got any ideas of how you wanna fight?” She asks and gives me a calculating look. I pause to think, having never had to follow this train of thought. “Well, given my size, I would never be able to bulk up like you.” I offer, teasing Shady just a little about her size. At her glare, I quickly pressed on. “Given the fact that most opponents will carry guns, I need to stay on the move in order to avoid getting shot again. But it would be nice to close in and hold my own against larger and stronger enemies as well.” I offer, unsure if what I wanted would be possible.

“So more like a rogue huh. Do you wanna use any weapons?” She asked, and I knew she was going through a mental check list. Again, I paused, unsure of how to answer. “Umm I guess brass hooves or something. I really don’t wanna cut any pony with blades, plus I would like to leave my mouth free in case I need to use my revolver in a pinch.” Shady nods again, expecting as much. “So, we need to keep you lean, yet strong enough to do damage. We also need to work on endurance and agility if you wanna stay out of the line of fire. Hmm.” She puts her hoof under her chin, like she does when her mind is calculating a thousand different possibilities.

I remain silent, so as not to interrupt her thought process. If there was any pony who would help me learn to fight, I felt that it would be her. “Hm. I can assume you don’t want to kill if it can be helped. And seeing how you dealt with Brute, and me, I have a clear picture of what you are capable of. But you need more power in your strikes. You can’t afford to spend time trying to incapacitate an enemy. It took four or five good hits to break Brutes nose, we need to get you where you can do it in two or three.” She said, and I looked on as she formulated a rough plan. Then she looked up and then to me.

“I want you to hit me.” she said and reared up on her rear hooves. “What!” I shouted in surprise. “I am going to gauge how hard you can actually hit, now punch me in the gut.” She affirmed, and I stood in shock at her request. “Can’t I just hit Brute again?” I ask, not wanting to hurt my friend. “No because he won’t tell us what I need to know, just suck it up and hit me.” She said, and I backed away. “I don’t wanna.” I say, and she smirks. “Then I guess Arbu isn’t all you made it out to be. I guess you just made that all up in the hopes of getting some attention.” She jeered, and I reeled. Why would she say that, couldn’t she tell Arbu was a sore spot for me?

“That’s right, I guess you are just a pathetic pussy who couldn’t handle some pony coming to your home and telling you what you did was wrong. Hell, I bet your people attacked her and her friends first.” She taunted, and I grew noticeably angry. “Oh, poor little Moonshine, probably couldn’t handle the fact that your mare friend had a bigger dick than…” I snarled and lunged, punching her square in the gut. Saying horrible things about me was one thing but dragging Clear Glass into it was another. She had no right to bring that up. “Fuck you! You don’t know what it was like!” I screamed as I pulled back and punched her again in the stomach. I both heard and felt the air forced from her lungs as my hoof landed.

“Whoa whoa.” Gasped Shady as she held up a hoof. “Easy bud easy. I just needed to see how hard you could hit.” She wheezed. I narrowed my eyes, unsure of how to proceed right now. “I’m sorry for saying that, but it was obvious that I had to piss you off somehow, and that was the only way I knew.” She gasped, trying to refill her lungs. “You had no right to do that.” I grumble, trying hard not to hit her again. “I know. That’s why I’m apologizing.” I stomp my hoof on the deck, to tired and sore for this shit. She finally managed to get her breath back, all the while rubbing her belly where I had hit her. “Still, that should have happened after the first hit. You still held back on your first punch and let it all loose on the second.” If you decide to strike some pony, you need to hit as hard as you can from the start.”

I take her words with a pinch of salt. I was still fuming about what she had said. “So, let all reservations go, and just let the punches fly?” I ask, growing into a cold acceptance. She nodded, and I actually smiled. “Like this?” I ask, before punching her hard in the nose. A gush of blood shot from her nose as the cartilage broke, and the top of her nose spit open. “Yeah like that.” She said, her voice sounding nasally and her eyes watering. “Good. But don’t ever use Arbu like that again. And keep Clear Glass’s name out of your fucking cocksucker.” I snarl. The look on her face was nearly priceless. She had probably never been talked to like that before.

“Right got it. My bad.” She says as she tries to stem the bleeding. “So, I get what we should do, come over here.” She said and restet her nose with a wince, and wiped the last bit of blood from her muzzle, before leading me behind the ships cabin. “If you wanna rely on speed during a fight, you need to keep moving.” As she talks, she begins to trot in place, one hoof keeping in contact with the deck. I nod and begin copying her movements. “With one hoof on the ground, you can always pivot and move when you need to.” With that she pivots on a fore hoof, and spins around and bucks backward, kicking the railing and denting it. “You try.” She commands.

I nod again and keep running in place for a moment. As soon as my left forehoof touches the deck, I pivot and kick back with both rear hooves. But instead of denting the railing like she had, one hoof rolled, and the other slid off the slick wood. I fell in a heap and grabbed the hoof I had rolled. I didn’t think it was broken, but it sure hurt like a bitch. “Ok, so you got the move down.” She chuckled before helping me back up. “Try again.” And I did. This time connecting with a much more solid hit. “There you go. Just like that.” She instructed.

Over the next hour, she had me try several different moves. Showing me that not only could I attack but defend. “DODGE!” She yelled as she threw a pipe wrench at me. I ducked under the tool, and then spun around and kicked her in the chest. It didn’t have much impact, but it did make her take a step back. “Good, good. You can figure out the movements pretty well. I mean you are an Earth pony like me, so precision isn’t really an issue. We just need to figure out how to get more strike power out of you.” She lamented, as she returned to thinking.

She then pauses, and I can see the light of an idea from behind her eyes. She then trots around back to the front of the cabin and moves up to Captain Thrush. “Hey Cap, are we gonna stop at a settlement along the way?” She asks, and I turn my head to the side, confused about her request. “Aye, we gotta stop as soon as we enter the river, why?” Thrush asks, and Shady gives a very obvious wink, before setting her eyes on me. “I have an idea to make Moonshine here a little better at fighting, but I gotta get some stuff to make it happen.” She says cryptically. Oddly though Thrush catches on, and smirks. “Aye, I know just tha place.” She says and waves us off before continuing her Captains duties.

Now I realize when I started writing this part of the journal, I said I wasn’t going to get too far into it. Guess I lied didn’t I. Any hoof, I will do a small time skip here. Over the next few days, Shady instructed me on the basics of close quarters combat. Honestly, I have no idea where she picked it up, but I am glad to have her on my side. We didn’t have too much more trouble out of Brute either, once he regained consciousness again, he tried to stir things up with us, but Captain Thrush promised to do more than break his nose if he bothered us again. If I remember right, she actually threatened to drop the Sea Horse on his head. I have no clue how she could, but if any mare had the power, I think it would be her.

Any hoof, Shady and I spared throughout the day, and at night Shady would retreat to the engine room, where she promised to, and I quote, “Crush my balls, cut them off, and feed them to a rad roach. Suffice to say, I was more than willing to leave her in peace. Still I did eventually figure out what she was doing, but only when she willingly told me. And no, she wasn’t secretly meeting with one of the crew ponies for a good fuck. Nope that was well known to the crew after the first time. Makes me happy I’m not involved with her like that, the poor buck probably couldn’t walk right for the rest of the season.

Ok, so I’m all caught up to where I was, Shady had read over my shoulder what I was writing and chose to dump water across the journal hoping to erase that little nugget of info. Still, after I let the pages dry, I did rewrite the important bits. Now sorry for the time skip again, I just wanted to make sure I had a place where I could hold some blackmail material just in case I needed it. Anyway, I have only a small part left to cover during our boat ride, it is the moment I was told about Shady’s plan, and what that involved. But without spoilers, I will say I am more than pleased with her design. I might make notes later about how I can improve it later, but for now I am content.

I stood on the deck to the Sea Horse, Shady beside me as Captain Thrush gently guided it into port. We were parking just beneath a bridge, some little town named Chapel. The Captain cut power to the engines, and it was an eerie silence as we came in under our own momentum. As soon as we reached the dock, the crew ponies jumped off, and started tying the ship down and extending the gangplank. “We will rest here for the night. Chapel is a peaceful enough town. Just don’t start any trouble ok. Also tell the store owner that her shipment has arrived.” Thrush ordered. Shady and I nod, before heading into town.

The place was busy, ponies bustled around going this way and that. Plenty of young colts and fillies ran around, playing tag and what not. Upon a hill on the outskirts of town resided an old church, many of the stained-glass windows were broken and cracked. “Well the town name makes sense.” I say as I gesture at the old church. Shady follows my gaze and shrugs. “Never was one for religion.” She says as we weave through the busy streets. “Really, I couldn’t tell.” I tease. Shady flushed a little, but we let the topic of her extracurricular activities fall away. Shady catches the attention of one of the older ponies running around and gets directions to the local shop. The pony shrugs and points to an old post office before going on their way.

Shady and I share a quick glance, before shrugging and moving into the store. The inside was a mass of noise and confusion as many foals run around. Behind the counter, watching the goings on with a bored expression, an old pencil tucked neatly behind her ear, stood a young Earth pony mare, her coat a gentle yellow. “Charity you got a customer!” Shouted one of the foals, before running outside with her friends. The mare called Charity turned her gaze upon us, and I could tell she was sizing us up. “New around here huh?” She asked, as she pulls a clip board over to her and looks us over.

I nod, and Shady matches the gesture before addressing the mare. “Yup, it’s been a hell of a trip.” Shady offered with a smile. The young mare looked on in boredom. “Didn’t ask, don’t care. You need something?” The tone of the mare sounded unpleasant, and I could sense Shady wasn’t too pleased with her tone. I decided to step in to try and keep Shady from strangling her. “Captain Thrush has arrived and has your order.” I offer, and the mare’s eyes quickly light up. “Wait seriously? I have been waiting for this shipment for months. Why didn’t you start off with that?” She asks, and I smirked as Shady’s mouth hung open in surprise. “Sorry for the confusion, but we are kinda new to all of this and are unfamiliar with the procedure.” I apologize.

Charity looked over at Shady and gestured to my friend. “Is she special needs? Ya know some kind of mental disability?” Shady blubbers something akin to a response, but I place my hoof on her shoulder. “Yeah kind of, she has hoof in mouth syndrome, I apologize if she says anything that may bother you, but she does have quite a talent regarding scrap and making cool stuff.” I add. The glare fixed upon me by Shady would have been scary if Charity wasn’t laughing like a little filly. “Hoof in mouth syndrome, I’m gonna have to remember that one.” She chuckled before looking at Shady and sounding out her words.

“Do… You…Know…What…You…Need?” She asks, and I snicker as Shady grumbles and glares down at Charity and speaking through gritted teeth. “Yeah… I have a list of scrap parts.” She growled before digging through her bag and hoofing the page across the counter. Charity gives it a once over, mentally counting out the prices. “The stuff on this list is fairly common. But a few carry a hefty price tag.” She then looks us back over again.” And I can assume you don’t have many caps to spare?” I shrug and nod, confirming that we were low on funds. “If you don’t mind trading down a little to versions with a little more wear and tear, I can work out something.” I nod, that was perfectly acceptable, and the young mare walks into her back room with her stock.

Shady then turned and glared at me like she was about to hit me. “Seriously? Hoof in mouth syndrome… are you shitting me.” She growled, and I just laughed. “Hey, it got us the stuff you want.” I chuckle. “Just go with it for now, ok?” I ask, after wiping a tear from my eye. “I swear after this I am kicking your ass.” She threatens. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.” I add with a smile. A few minutes later, Charity returns to the front with a crate of stuff on her back. “Let’s see what we got here.” Charity chirps as she sets the crate down. “We got two leg braces. Four hydraulic rams, a set of old pony shoes, and a bunch of scrap steel, as well as several strips of leather. That about it?” She asks and lays the items out in front of us.

Shady pauses and puts her hoof under her chin. Do you have any blue and black spray paint?” She asks. Charity nods and produces a few cans in short order. “That’s all I have for now, take it or leave it.” We nod, and Shady pulls out her bag of caps. Hearing the sound, Charity winces and looks at us pityingly. “Is that all the money you have?” upon our unified nod, Charity face hoofs. “Son of a… ponies like you are gonna be the death of my business. Just give me fifty and we’ll call it even.” She grumbles. Shady smiles and begins counting out the caps, but I stop her for a second. “75, we have a place to sleep tonight and some food for now, plus you have been very helpful and patient with us.” I offer. Shady groans out loud, but counts out the additional caps, and hoofs them over to Charity.

“Thank you, those extra caps can go to keeping the town going a little while longer.” Charity carries a small bounce in her step as she packs up our stuff, and even adds an unopened bottle of rum. “Give that to Thrush, tell her I’ll be there in a little while.” I nod, but Shady stops Charity for a moment. “You wouldn’t happen to have a work bench around here would you?” She asks, and Charity rolls her eyes. “Yeah, there’s one around back.” She says and moves back to her store room. I thank her quickly, and together Shady and I move to the back of the shop.

“Seriously what the fuck.” Grumbles my friend as she sets her stuff on the table. “What, I thought that was rather fun.” I tease, much to Shady’s chagrin. “I mean I spend so much time and caps trading with other merchants, yet here you are getting chummy with one who wouldn’t give me the time of day.” I must work to keep my smile from showing in my voice. “Still, we got what you need, anyway, what is all of this for?” I ask hoping to derail her train of thought. “I’m building you your combat gear.” She issues, then pauses and turns to look at my shocked expression. “Oh hell, cats outta the bag now.” I watch her sigh and rub her hoof through her mane. “We talked about you building up some power in your strikes, but since that will take a while I decided to augment your abilities with this.” She gestured at the scrap.

“What is it?” I ask as I look over the junk with a new appreciation. “Well, you will just have to wait and see.” She teases before booping my nose and returning to work. “Guess I’ll take Thrush her rum, and I will come right back.” I offer, before taking the bottle of rum in my mouth, and quickly trotting away from Shady. The journey wouldn’t take too long, but I wanted to get back as soon as possible if only to see what Shady was cooking up. But once I get back, the Captain had other plans. As soon as I give her the new bottle, she hugs me quickly like a young foal, but tells me she needs some help offloading some cargo. Seeing as how we had basically gotten a free ride, I couldn’t argue.

Over the next hour and a half, I helped drag crates of goods from below decks alongside the rest of the crew. And yes, that included Brute. His eyes and nose were a swollen purplish yellow, but at least he could see. The air was tense, but with Captain Thrush sitting nearby nursing her bottle of booze, he wouldn’t start anything. Still I was eager to get back to Shady, and mercifully we soon had all the stuff for Charity on the dock. I took my leave, and trotted back to the shop, and once there, panting and out of breath, I found Shady using some of the spray paint to finish off her creations.

What was once a pile of scrap parts, now looked like a suitable set of gauntlets. One was already finished and laying on the table where the paint had dried. “Try it on.” She commanded as she set the spray can down. I nod, and lift it up, before slipping it over my right forehoof, and pulling tight the straps laced across the back. I take a step, and kick it on the ground, readjusting it. “Not bad, but what is it?” I ask as I look it over. I had seen armor, even power armor. This was somewhere between the two. “Those in the know call them power hooves. But yours is more discreet. Hidden behind the armor are two power actuators that…well you’ll see.” She teases.

I cock my head to the side, as she hefts a large rock, and sets it down before me. “Here, punch this.” She says confidently. I glance down at the painted armor, not wanting to scratch it. “Stop being a pussy and just hit it.” She orders and do as she says. I rear back and slam my right hoof down. As the shoe connects with the rock, it extends out with a soft whoosh, and the rock shatters under the strike. “Holy shit.” I shout surprised after the chunks of debris settle down. “Right!” She exclaims and moves over another rock, this one much larger. “Try again.” She commands, and I all too willing to obey. Rock after rock is shattered under my hoof. And shortly later, the second one finishes drying. After adding it to my left hoof, Shady runs me through one of the training drills she instructed me with.

She scooped up a few rocks and tossed them at me. I reared up unto my back hooves and punched each rock out of the air. Each connecting strike causing the pistons to fire, and the rocks to explode on impact. With each rock obliterated, the more fun we began to have. Shady kept trying odd ways to make me hit a rock, even bouncing some off the back of the building. Some passed by me, but others I struck and obliterated. Finally, Shady ran out of rocks to throw, and dust billowed around us as we finally wound down. “Holy crap! These are freaking awesome!” I gush and admire the work Shady had put into them. Even the paint was close to matching my own coat. Any ponies looking from a distance would just think it was a shadow.

Several ponies had moved around and watched the show, more than a few clopping their hooves on the cracked pavement in applause. Shady and I smiled and took a quick bow each, eliciting more applause from the crowd. A short time later we left the town and headed back to the boat. Shady had lifted a bag before the crowd, and more than a few had dropped caps inside. “Look on the bright side. We can make a killing by doing side shows.” Shady teases. I smirk and nod, not entirely dismissing the idea, maybe it’ll come in handy later.

A short time later, we re-boarded the Sea Horse, and found ourselves sitting with the crew and Captain as we sat around and told jokes and stories until late into the night. We even put on a similar show with the rocks like we had behind the post office. Every pony cheered us on, every pony that is except Brute. He sat alone in a corner sipping on a beer angrily. The rest of the crew ignored him, and eventually he grumbled to himself and headed off to bed. I chuckled, watching the miserable Buck. He did after all make his own bed, so he had to lay in it.

A few hours later Shady and I turned in ourselves. I was hesitant to take off my power hooves, partly because I didn’t want to take them off in case they disappeared. Still, I lay in bed most of the night, hyped up by my present from Shady. But it brought up more questions about the Mare. She had an old suit of power armor and could build power hooves out of scrap. Just who exactly had I been traveling with? I look over at her as she snores softly in her sleep, and little doubts began to settle into my mind about her real agenda. “gah these thoughts are getting me nowhere.” I whisper to myself. And instead of just lying there awake, I moved to the top deck again, in search of some pony with a cigarette I could bum.

It didn’t take long, there was another Mare who was likewise struggling to sleep. Clutched in her magic was a pack of cigarettes, and I politely asked if I could have one. She obliged, offering it with a small smile. “Can’t sleep huh?” She asked, and I fixed her with a playful gaze. “No, I’m sleeping alright, just having an out of body experience at the moment.” I joke, and her soft laugh draws a smile from me. I then take a closer look at her, I had seen her working around the ship, mostly retying the complex rope system that seemed to run and steer the ship. She had a soft red coat, close to the boarder of pink, but not quite there. She had a deep lavender mane and tail, with streaks of a deeper crimson all through out. She had gentle hazel eyes that bore an interesting look, and a cute splattering of pinkish freckles across her cheeks and forehead.

“Ya know, I’ve been watching you two since you came aboard. I gotta hoof it to ya, that bastard Brute got a right good ass kicking.” The tone of her voice told me that many ponies had been hoping some pony would come along and do just that. “Mind if I ask you a question?” She asks as she gazes at me. I take a long drag on the smoke, nodding my reply as I did. “I’ve seen many ponies come and go on this ship, seen all kinds of relationships. But you two are confusing.” At her words I raise an eyebrow, hoping she would elaborate. After a moment she did. “You two act like close friends, yet you fight and bicker, arguing like a married couple. Sorry, it’s just something I noticed is all.” She apologized and took another drag on her own cigarette. “It’s alright, Shady and I have worked together for the past four years. She used to be my Boss before… well before our lives went to shit. Now I suppose we are just taking any odd jobs we can in hopes of surviving another few days.” The Mare nods and tosses her cigarette into the murky water below.

“Either way, you two are so weird.” She teases a bit, but I could tell she meant that in a nice way. “I would consider it weird if a pony wasn’t weird in some way.” I respond with a soft smile. She giggles a little and cups her hoof over her mouth. “I guess you have a point.” She whispers, before leaning close and whispering into my ear. “Perhaps you would like to follow me and, show me just how weird you can be?” I blush a deep crimson, her seductive words carrying a weight with them I hadn’t heard before. “Umm yeah… definitely.” I respond with a touch of nervousness to my voice.

She winked gently, before placing her hoof on mine, and leading me off the ship and away from the docks. I was not only blushing heavily, but also shivering from nerves. The only experience I had was that crazy dream almost a week ago, and the occasional times I fantasized about what it would be like. This was a new experience for me, and with all the stuff thrown at me recently, this was one I really didn’t want to pass up. We went far enough away from the ship, in a dense cove of bushes where she turned to look at me. “I forgot, what is your name?” She asks, and still blushing I manage to stammer it out. “This your first time?” She asks with a soft purr in her voice as she moves closer. I gulp and nod, unsure of the proper response.

“That’s ok dear, we can take it slow. And by the way.” She whispered before leaning in and gently nibbling on my ear. “My name is Spit Shine. Let me show you why.” And with that we were off. Now I normally don’t get too graphic in my content but trust me it makes for great story. Anyway, where was I? Oh right, the stuff at the place. Sorry for the random switch in perspective again, and the somewhat intentional cock block. Seriously get a hobby you perverts.

I shivered gently as her mouth did things I didn’t think a Mare would normally do. I was blushing so much it was a wonder there was blood enough for…well you get the idea. Any hoof, being more than happy with how I was “set up” She then turned and lifted her lavender tail. This was it, the moment I was both hoping for, and dreading. I blubbered something I had hoped sounded right, and then cautiously mounted her. I saw her blush a deep crimson, matching my own, followed by a very soft yet encouraging moan. That was good right?

Slowly I began to move my hips, pushing a little more into her, and eliciting yet another pleasure filled moan. In the heat of the moment I leaned up and took her ear between my teeth and gave it a soft pull, as I gave more of myself into her. “Oh Fuck!” She exclaimed in joy, and I felt her body quiver under my own. Warm fluids dripped from her and into the dirt, and I knew I was doing something right. I moaned along with her, growing more comfortable, and more confident as we gave and received pleasure. Eventually we moved, and she grabbed a tree with her fore hooves for support, and with the pleading look in her eyes I knew what she needed.

With a push I re-entered her, this time taking her mane in my mouth and giving it a pull. I felt her quiver again and whiney happily as I took charge, my instincts kicking in. For hours we continued like this, occasionally switching positions, and letting the other take charge for a while. Never in my life did I realize I needed something so much and not known it until now. Both of us tensed and moaned as one as we both released our pent-up urges, giving into the more primal parts of our brains. Together we collapsed into the dirt, curling against one another as beads of sweat and other fluids dripped from our bodies.

“Are you sure that was your first time?” She asked after we had managed to catch our breath enough to be able to speak. I smile softly, growing a little shy before she leaned in and kissed me. “Stop worrying, you were great.” She whispers. Before levitating her cigarettes from her discarded barding, and after taking one for herself, gave one to me. I offer my thanks via a playful slap on her flank, which elicited a cute yelp from her. She gave me a mischievous look as she took her time lighting the smokes. I took a good long drag and exhaled through my nose as she nestled into the crook of my body.

“We should have done this sooner.” She whispered, and I nodded, wishing we had as well. “Plus, we leave you at the dam tomorrow.” She lamented, and I felt a pang of panic. What was I supposed to do in a situation like this? Should I just ditch Shady? Promise this Mare that I would come back when I didn’t know what the future held in store for me? Finally, after a palpable silence I looked into her hazel eyes and gave her another quick kiss. “You could always come with us.” I offer, and she blinks in surprise. “You mean it? Wouldn’t I get in the way of you and your Mare friend?” She asks a little shyly. Now it was my turn to be shocked.

“Wait, you think her, and I, are… no way. Shady is my friend, we have saved each other’s lives a few times, and grown close only as friends. She isn’t interested in me like that.” I promise. But Spit Shine seemed unconvinced. “You said she doesn’t like you like that, you said nothing about how you feel.” I look at her and hug her closer. “You’re right, I didn’t. I will be honest, there was a time I fancied the idea of her and I. I once got shot in the chest with a high caliber bullet, had a collapsed lung, and two large holes in my hide. To protect me from the pain, my mind created a scenario to keep me unconscious long enough for Shady to patch me up. I had fantasized about her, dreamed we were doing the things you and I just did. But that wasn’t her.” I admit, the only other pony who knew was Gawd, and I knew she would have rather not known at all.

“So, you mean, you getting shot actually ruined your interest in her as a lover?” the mare asks, and I nod softly. “I think my brain used up everything I had involving Shady just to keep me from fighting.” I confess. Truthfully, I would never admit this to my friend, and if she ever read this journal I knew she wouldn’t let me live it down. “That’s kind of sad isn’t it?” She asked. I shrugged, unsure how to respond. Sadness wasn’t something I could comprehend anymore. I spent so much of my youth in sadness that I grew kind of numb to it. “Anyway, my offer still stands. Luna knows we could use a nice pony to travel with us.” I offer again. “You just want me with you, so we can have more fun like we did tonight don’t you.” I pause and look into her eyes again. “That would be a nice bonus, but I think it would be nice having some pony I could get to know. Some pony who isn’t keeping secrets from me.”

Spit Shine moves back from me a little, surprise etched in her face. So, I choose to elaborate a little. “Shady owned that suit of power armor I now have. She made those power hooves you saw me with earlier. She knows hoof to hoof combat and can tell you every part and tool required to rebuild a sky wagon. I can’t put a hoof on it, but I know she is keeping something from me.” I confess my recent thoughts. “Let me think on it ok?” She asks, and I nod, not wanting to pressure her into anything. “Of course.” I say, keeping it short, and burying the thoughts about how dangerous it could be deep in my brain.

A short time later, having let the cool evening air dry most of our sweat, we begin to head back to the ship. The walk was silent for the most part, but it didn’t feel awkward. I think her, and I, were both feeling content at the moment. I would never say it to her, but I felt lighter than air, and had to hide the bounce in my step. Once back on deck, there was a small awkward moment where neither of us knew what to say or do. Luckily the Mare moved first and gave me another small kiss. “Good night Moonshine.” She whispers, and I respond likewise. “Goodnight Spit Shine.” I offer kindly. Her response though was to whip around and place her hoof on my lips and shush me. “Shhh that was a heat of the moment joke.” She whispers, and I tilt my head sideways. “So, uh…what is your name?” I ask. More than curious. “Cherry Wine.” She whispers, before winking and walking way.

A short time later, so as not to arouse any suspicion from the ponies still awake, I slipped back below decks and into my cot. It creaked softly under my weight, but I felt confident that Shady wouldn’t notice. “Took your sweet time.” Came her whisper and my ears folded as I looked over, and saw her emerald eyes highlighted by the dim lighting. “Uh yeah, went and had a smoke. Couldn’t sleep.” I answer, giving her half of the truth. “Oh yeah, just like that mare was smoking you huh?” She teased. My face grew red, and my ears flattened against my skull. “You followed us?!” I ask with a barely controlled whisper. “Yup, heard you leave, saw you talking for a while, then you both left the ship. I followed to make sure you wouldn’t get hurt.” She admitted.

My heart sank. She had been witness to probably the most private moment of my entire life, and was now teasing me over it. “Despite that being your first time, I gotta admit you really gave that mare some good rounds.” Now I knew she was grinning. I could hear it in her whisper. I just wanted her to drop it, it wasn’t her damn business anyway. As much as I wanted to tell her that however, I just blubbered something, before going quiet and burying my head under the pillow and whimpering like a child. There was no way Shady would drop this any time soon. And I had just invited the Mare to join us. I knew Shady would grill her for every saucy detail she could get her hooves on. Part of me wanted to die right there, so I wouldn’t have to face Cherry again with this psychopathic bitch teasing us.

Finally, after a short time, and allowing Shady’s choked laughter die down, did I say what was on my mind. “After your exploits against the stallions on this boat you have no right to tease me for having a little fun. Particularly some fun without you in it.” I growl. Honestly the words came out meaner than I actually meant for them too, but still it did have an impact. “What do you mean by that?” Shady asks, now growing serious. I sit up and move closer to her, so she could hear me clearly, and see how upset I was. “I mean I should be able to have secrets, stuff I keep from you, just like you keep shit from me.” I snarl, and she reeled at my words. “Contrary to belief Shady, I’m not a fucking idiot. If you want to be privy to my personal information again, I suggest you actually start treating me like your friend and place some trust in me, like I have in you. Until then you have no right to say a fucking thing about what, or who I’ve done.”

With a snort of irritation, I turned away from her, and lay back on my cot. I even turned my back to her and faced the wall for the rest of the night. After my initial anger had cooled down, I did manage to squeeze an hour or two of sleep into the early morning, before we were awoken by Captain Thrush. “Sorry ya lot, but this is as far as I can take ya. Sometime last night, the spark system used to get the Sea Horse up an’ running fried itself. I’m sorry, but y’all will have ta walk from here.” I nod, quickly packing up my gear. I even slid the gauntlets Shady made for me into my bag, before moving to the deck, and strapping it to the armor. Shady was right behind me, her own bag across her shoulders. We didn’t make eye contact or say more than two words to each other. We then made our rounds, saying good bye to the crew and Captain. My mood wasn’t improved at all, given that Cherry Wine hadn’t even come to say good bye.

I slide into my armor, and pop the helmet over my head, before giving one final wave, and setting off for the Hoffington dam. Shady and I trotted side by side, heading east and toward the large lake on the horizon. Inside of the helmet, my face was a stone mask, but mentally I was still upset with Shady, and admittedly hurt that Cherry wouldn’t be joining us. “Wait!” Some pony shouted behind us. We whirled around, Shady reaching for her shotgun. But I raise a hoof and push it up and away from the pony trying to catch up. It was Cherry, and she had an old burlap sack strapped across her back, and a set of brass goggles over her eyes.

“Jeez you two don’t mess around huh?” Panted Cherry Wine after she caught up to us. Her mane was tied behind her head, and horn was alight, already pulling a cigarette from her pack. I smile inside of the helmet, and gently bump my hoof on her shoulder. “I’m glad you chose to come with us.” My voice sounded like I had spoken through a tin can, but she looked up and wore a small smile of her own. “Hey, I couldn’t just let a nice chunk o’ meat like you go runnin’ off like that now can I?” She teases, and giggles. I then turn to look at Shady who was, amusingly, looking between her and I, with wide eyes, and a flummoxed expression. “Shady, this is Cherry Wine. Cherry, this is Shady Acres.” I say, making the proper introductions. Shady and Cherry, politely bump hooves, the latter still trying to process what was going on. “Anyway, I hear ya both are headed for the’ Hoffington dam, let’s go!” She said chipperly, before turning and trotting away down the path.

“You planned this didn’t you?” Shady seethes a moment later. I turn and with a smile she couldn’t see I respond. “I have no clue what you’re talkin’ about. I just thought it would be nice traveling with a pony who actually doesn’t make me look like a doll standing next to you.” I tease, jabbing her with a joke about her bulk. “I swear if you just called me fat I will carve my name into your skull with a toothpick.” She threatens, and I chuckle at the visual image. “Not at all.” I snicker, and she and I follow Cherry Wine into the rising sun, and toward the Hoofington dam.

Cherry Wine

S: 2

P: 5

E: 5

C: 6

I: 6

A: 4

L: 7

Total points: 35

Level up, New perk added: Hoof to Hoof level 1, You learned how to fight with your bare hooves, you now deal +5 Damage per hit. Another +10 when using studded shoes and +20 when using power hooves.

New perk point added: +2 to strength.

Moonshine

S: 7

P: 3

E: 6

C: 2

I: 5

A: 8

L: 5

Total points: 36



Author's Notes:

Authors Note: I had to write this chapter three times. Two separate times I had actually lost all I had written do to a bug with my internet. Sorry it took so long to get out, and don’t worry, I am not adding Cherry for the sexual content. I do have a much deeper meaning to bringing her into the story, but you will all have to wait and see where it goes. Till then keep calm, and pony on.