Chapter 8

The Manehattan Project

Disclaimer! there are multiple POV shifts in this chapter, each one is marked by a corresponding image of the character.

Cherry offered to walk with me back to the spa, but seeing how tired she looked I ordered her to go bed. To her credit she tried to wave me off, but a yawn interrupted her, and both Homage and I shared a knowing look. "do you mind if she crashes on one of your couches? We don't exactly have caps for a room." I ask her, hoping it wouldn't be too much of a problem. Instead Homage had done us one better, and gave us a spare key to the very room LittlePip and her friends used during their travels. Homage had kept the room just in case Calamity or Velvet came along this way.

Admittedly I didn’t feel like taking the room due to...well everything, but my friends needs came well before my own personal issues. Cherry took the key in her magic, and yawning again thanked Homage for the spa trip, and everything they had done before her and I left Homage to her personal space. She did have a lot to think about after all. Cherry and I entered the elevator, her exhaustion was too powerful to make her freak out about heights at this point. Secretly I just hoped she didn't come to the realization until she made it to the room.

The bell chimed, signifying that I was on the floor I needed to get off at, and with a quick wave to Cherry, I turned and walked toward the spa for the second time in a few hours. "Ah velcome. Miss Cherry told us you vould be returning, please right this vay." Spoke another mare, this one a light peach color. I followed her, ignoring all of the dirty looks cast my way at my haggard appearance. She led me to a heavy door, and opened it revealing a large bath. The tiles were dingy and a little grey, but the water was pristine and emitting a thick cloud of steam.

"Go on in and take a seat in the vater. Ve vill let you soak for a while, before one of our lovely assistants will give you coat a careful scrubbing." Admittedly I was a little nervous. I had never had another pony bathe me. But I pushed it aside, and stepped into the hot water. At first it felt like it was boiling, but I quickly grew acclimated to it and sunk down with a contented sigh. If nothing else, the water would be worth the time on its own. I move closer to an edge and lean my head back onto the cold tile.

I sit still and just soak in the warm water, letting my tense muscles relax in a way I didn’t think they could. Before I knew what was happening, I was like a blue, pony shaped mass of jelly. I floated on the top of the water, thoroughly enjoying my bath, before a noise caught my submerged ears. I opened my eyes, and looked around, but all I saw was the billowing steam. "H...Hello?" I ask, only to be greeted with silence. With ears perked up I listened intently, but the amount of steam built up served to mute any sounds.

A full minute passes, and as far as I could tell I was in the room by myself. Then to shock my already alert nerves, the door to the room opened noiselessly and a large imposing figure in the form of Rogue the Alicorn entered. Secretly I was hoping the noise I had heard wasn't a signal of his arrival. Rogue squinted, looking around the steam filled room, before his eyes fell on me. "You certainly find your way around here." He said before stepping into the bath. Where the water as neck deep for me, hib belly only barely grazed along the top of the water

"what can I say, I'm like a bad bottle cap." I say jokingly, the presence of the Alicorn allowing me to relax again. Rogue says nothing, before moving over and taking a seat in the deeper end, but the water still only made it just under his chest. Then to my surprise I notice his horn was glowing and a pack of cigarettes was floating beside him. Once again, my interest was piqued, as I sat up and looked at the pack. "what, you want one?" He asks and I nod enthusiastically. Rogue levitates out one for me, and lights it with their lighter, before taking one for himself.

I take a long drag, and lean back against the tile wall once more. Having gone unnoticed until now, ash trays were scattered around the edge of the pool. Rogue levitated on for himself, and to my amazement I found out they could float. I left mine at the edge of the pool, and sat nearby as he and I smoked in silence. Before long, with the effects of the bath, and the nicotine I was like a buzzing pile of goo. And just as I am about to hit peak relaxation, a new noise echoes around us, putting Rogue and myself on edge immediately.

"Shhhhhh Shhhh Shhh Ahhhh Ahhh Ahhh." Rogue and I sent nervous looks at one another, each of us gauging the others reactions to see if it was us. "Shhhhhh Shhhh Shhh Ahhhh Ahhh Ahhh." The noise came again, this time much closer than before. Now Rogue and I were spooked, and were slowly working our way back out of the pool. Then, before both of our eyes, the water took on a green hue, while a shapeless mass writhed below the surface toward us. I was in the process of climbing out of the water, but Rogue was a few seconds behind. And as I turned to look, a slick and gray mass slithered out of the water and along Rouges side, who was in the process of cowering to the side out of fear.

I stood, mesmerized out of both fear and curiosity as the seaweed wrapped blob reached around Rogues neck with pony like hooves in my direction. Then to my amazement and fear it spoke in a deep and rumbling growl "MooooonnnnnShhhhiiiinnnneee" Imy eyes widened and my heart beat increased to probably near fatal levels as I screamed in response. "IT KNOWS MY NAME!" Before I could even begin thinking of moving, Rogue beat me to it. With a powerful flap of his wings, he left the pull of the water and flew right through me. I was sent tumbling into a wall as Rogue let out the loudest and girliest scream I have ever heard as he barreled toward the door.

I watched as the one pony who left me at the mercy if the water monster flew toward the door out, but before he could have any hopes of opening it, it opened for him...Right into his muzzle. I winced as I heard the impact, followed by the sight of Rogues body pinned to the wall by the door knob. Standing where Rogue would have been, was the same spa pony who guided me in here "ACH! who turned zee's fans off?" She said before reaching to her right and flipping a switch. With a soft hum the fans above us kicked to life, and all of the steam in the room was pulled out leaving a clear line of sight all around the room. And there. In the middle of the pool, floating on the waves created by Rogue leaving the water, was Zakk, with strands of sea weed clinging to his coat.

"Zakk, you know you aren't supposed to get in zee pool vis a seaveed vrap." She scolded the trouble maker. He just shrugged in her direction before speaking in his regular voice. "Well I didn't know that, you should have told me earlier." He said in his defense. I however was sitting there, my brain having trouble putting two and two together. "Wha...but... you...He... Zakk." I finally growled out as my right eyelid twitches. Upon hearing his name, he looked back over to me, before reaching out of the water, seaweed still clinging to his weights and waved at me.

Before I could shout however, the spa pony then noticed the Alicorn who was stuck behind the door. "Oh my, how did you end up back zere?" She questioned as she freed Rogue. with a quick glance, I knew he was fine, maybe in shock at the situation, but unharmed. I walked over to help him back to his hooves, while the spa pony went to the edge of the pool where Zakk had ended up floating. Rogue and I reentered the water, but due to the shock, he and I both had lost our cigarettes, and the pack was busy floating in the water. Neither one of us cared too much however while he and I both worked on calming down.

A short while later, after our adrenaline had faded, and left us both tired and anything but relaxed, the spa pony was in the middle of discussing the next portion of treatment with Zakk. "und you vould like zese painted?" She asked in a very questioning tone. I glanced over, to see he was talking about having his weights painted. Rogue heard it too, and despite his normal reactions around Zakk, his curiosity proved to be stronger. "What color were you thinking?" He asked as he walked over to look closely. I face hoofed at the scene

Zakk however flipped onto his back, holding his legs up, and studying them closely. " I was thinking some type of yellow, but I want each one a different shade." Rogue looks on, tilting their head side to side, before speaking softly. "How about the right forehoof chartreuse, the other lemon, the rear left could be daisy, and the last could be sunrise." Both Zakk and I were a little stunned by the Alicorns sudden change in demeanor, but with what we knew of their race, it shouldn’t have been surprising. Having spent the better part of two hundred years as an amalgamation of personalities, it would seem possible that Rogue had different aspects of their soul. It would explain the pink room he slept in.

Zakk pondered the suggestions for a moment, before nodding at the spa pony. She sighed and walked off to get the supplies while Rogue returned to their sitting position. Zakk, in a moment of legitimate emotion, looked at Rogue, and apologized for scaring him so badly. I did also take note that the same apology was not extended toward me. "It...its fine, I just wish that my trip to the spa hadn't spoiled my relaxation." He said and I felt his words. I too had my experience spoiled. The spa pony then returns, with a series of different paints and brushes accompanying her. At first, I was surprised that they would do this here, but whatever.

"I think I pulled something when I jumped from the bath." Rogue complained, while rubbing his shoulder. Once again Zakk looked troubled by his actions before he looks to the spa pony and in her natural tongue, he spoke to her. I can't write what they said, because I can't really pronounce it, let alone spell it, but I heard words like "Bremse", Schlagen", and "Zerstoeren" I didn't know what they meant, but I didn't like how they sounded. The spa pony nodded and said "Ja." before turning to look at Rogue with a soft smile, before jerking her head back and yelling at the top of her voice "THUD!"

I looked to Rogue, who looked back at me and all he said was "Thud?" before echoing and heavy hoof falls sounded in the room. My eyes widened as I beheld the largest and most muscled pony I had ever seen! His chest was nearly twice as wide as Rogue, and his mane was a short and cropped blonde, Rogue Gulped as the spa pony pointed at the Alicorn, before he moved over and wrapped his hooves around Rogue, and picked him up. I watched in shock as the pony walked on his rear hooves, a struggling and afraid Rogue clasped tightly in his grip. Pushing open a curtain, he entered a side room, with a now afraid and screaming Rogue still fighting.

I sat in utter horror as the spa pony began to work on painting the weights on Zakks hooves, and a moment later I heard the unmistakable sound of ratchet straps clicking loudly and rogue shouting "Are you tying me down?!" Both Zakk and the mare paid it no attention, instead beginning to chat idly in the same tongue used earlier. I heard loud cracks, and pops, followed by screams of pain and anguish. Soon another small silence enveloped the pool room for a few moments, and then a new yet familiar sound echoed around the tiled room. It was the loud clatter and repeated chatter of a jack hammer! once again Rogue screamed, an unholy, and un-pony like noise of fear.

I stood up, about to move to the Alicorns aid, before the spa pony held up a hoof and waved me off. "Thud is an expert in his craft, just let him do his thing." Zakk said nonchalantly amidst the sounds of torture and pain. " But Rogue..." I said before being cut off by the mare "Iz just fine, relax and let Thud do his job." I didn’t know why but her stern gaze forced me back into the pool, while Rogue began to scream out, "No! No! that doesn't bend that wa..." CRACK. I winced as a new and louder scream came from Rogue. I sat traumatized as I listened to the sounds coming from him.

While I wanted to help Rogue, the last thing I ever wanted to do was enter the same room as that massive pony, with his now obvious collection of power tools. This continued on for many more minutes, at one point I heard a sudden rush of air, followed by a whimpering Rogue, and then another familiar sound of an air powered impact wrench. My mind was left to wonder what each of those tools could be used for, and my imagination taking it to the worst possible scenarios. "What if Rogue dies?" I ask, ctill clearly concerned. Zakk then looks to me, his newly painted weights casting a golden glow all around the room. In a deep and guttural voice, and thick accent, Zakk responds, stone faced." Then he dies."

as the finale I heard Thud grunt, followed by the sound of a two-stroke engine attempt to crank to life. One more grunt, and the engine cranks to life with a loud roar. only Rogues shout was louder. "IS THAT A FUCKING SAW!" I closed my eyes and held my lower legs to my chest as I heard the saw begin to go to work, Rogue screaming the entire time. And then finally, mercifully, silence fell. I was left to wonder if Thud hadn't just cut the Alicorn in half, finally putting him out of his pain in a sympathetic show of mercy.

to my surprise though, the curtain was ripped aside, and Thud stormed out of the room, followed by a wobbly, and hollow-eyed Rogue. He was in fact, not cut in half, in fact there wasn't even a cut on him. and it could have just been a trick of the light, but his coat somehow looked to shine even more. "Uhh Rogue are you ok?" I asked. For a few moments he said nothing as he slipped back into the tub near me. His eyes didn't seem to focus on anything, even when he turned in my direction. "I... I'm traumatized beyond all recognition, but damn am I loose now." He said as he lifted his forelegs out of the water and wiggled them. "I mean seriously I couldn't do this before." I watch as his limbs seem to take on the consistency of rubber, even flexing at points where bone wasn't meant to flex.

I turned away from the spectacle, if only because it weirded me the hell out. I wasn't left without much to do for long though, as a new pony entered the room, this one also carried a bag of different tools with him. "Moonshine?" He asked looking around the room. I raised a hoof, and waved him over. He joined me by the pool, and took a long look at my coat. "we're gonna be here a while." He said, not angrily, just matter of factly. I nodded and he sighed before pulling out a thick bristled brush. "let's get to work."

An hour and a half later, my coat brushed and smooth, and my mane and tail trimmed nicely I left the spa, both relaxed and traumatized at the same time. I didn't think I would be coming back to the spa for the foreseeable future. I slowly wove my way through the halls on my way the room Homage had given us, but a sudden thought occurred to me on my way, I hadn't seen Shady since we left her with Doctor Life Bloom. I picked up the pace then, as much as my sprained ankle would allow, and trotted to the hospital wing.

When I entered Shady was lying in a bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. "Shady?" I whispered out, hoping not to scare her. Instead all I got was a lazy wave from a hoof, and when she turned to look at me, I could tell she wasn't all there. "Heyyyy Moonshine, wow you're like glowin' and stuff." She said, her words slurred and her motions extremely slow. "Man... Since when were there two of you?" She asked, trying hard to focus on me.

"Goddesses what does he have you on?" I asked as I moved over to sit near her. Even at the close range she was having trouble focusing on me. "Shady are you ok?" I asked softly. She nodded slowly, and looked back up to the ceiling. "Everything's great ya know. The Doc came in, and gave me a shot earlier, now I am just laying here and watching the stars." I glance up at the ceiling, seeing only the pitted stucco tiles and dead lights. "Shady, you are inside a building, there are no stars..." I whisper. She just blinked and looked back at me, her pupils were dilated so much her emerald irises were barely visible. 'Only if you're looking with your eyes." She slurred and then closed her eyes and fell asleep.

"Wait what the fuck does that mean?" I asked as I gently shook her. But for all my efforts she was already gone, floating in whatever drug induced dreams she was having. I shook my head, and covered her back up with the thin blanket Life Bloom had given to her. As I left the room, I ran into said Doctor, and I closed the distance with him. "Doc, what the hell did you give my friend? She was saying something about stars!" I asked loudly. He put a hoof to his lips to quite me down, and motioned to the hallway outside. I joined him, albeit reluctantly.

"She suffered major trauma to that leg Moonshine, it was a miracle she was able to walk, not to mention the incredible pain she was in. You are her friend, but you are no Doctor. You don't know the signs to look for in regards to pain, especially when it is Shady you are talking about. I have never seen a pony hold that pain so stoically." He explained, and I was left6 to nod in agreement about Shady's stubborn nature. " ok I get that, but I have never seen Med-x cause any pony the kind of trip she was on." Life Bloom nodded again, and sighed. "I tried Med-x, but she was highly resitant to it. I had to use a rare industrial grade dose meant to tranquilize regular ponies for surgery. Even then, all it did was numb her pain. I suppose her hallucinations were a side effect never documented before because other ponies were ya know, unconscious."

I sighed too, and rubbed my hoof across my muzzle. "is there any chance she could get hooked on the stuff? I mean last thing we need is a junkie." I said tersely, Life Bloom fixed me with a hard glare, and I shrank back a little bit. "I wouldn’t let that happen, if she does develop a dependency on it, I have the techniques and the medicine to purge her system. I nod once again and give him an apologetic look. "sorry, I know you are doing your job, I'm just unfamiliar with all of this. The only time I've seen a doctor was when Velvet saved my life, and when I was born. Maybe not even then." I grumble, thinking about how much of a pile of shit my father was.

Life Bloom however gave me a very curious look. "You mean you've never had a physical, or just a checkup?" He asked and I shook my head. "Isn't a physical when you cup a pony's balls and make them cough?" I ask and the Doc face hoofed. It's a bit more than that Moonshine, it's about making sure you are in good health. Sure, you may seem healthy, but there can be infections, malnourishment, hernias, lesions, and a number of other things regular ponies aren't trained to look for. And yes, even the whole turn your head and cough thing." He said irritably. I shrugged, hoping it conveyed how little I knew about doctors.

He groaned out loud, followed by yet another sigh. "Ya know what, come by tomorrow, and I will give you a physical. Being nearly twenty you are far overdue. I nod, and make to leave, but one thought pops into my head, and I couldn't just let it go. "wait, doc, you are into stallions right, don't you need to take me out to dinner at least?" I say with a joking tone. But Life Bloom was having none of it. "I am a professional Doctor, I take my job very seriously Moonshine. But if you still feel inclined afterwords I might take you up on that offer." He said, just a touch of humor in his words. Now I grew uncomfortable, I never judged ponies on their preferences, honestly, I didn't care who slept with who, but here I was in a very tricky situation.

"Doc, I was just joking. While it might be fun, I uhh... "bat for a team different than yours." I said as carefully as I could. Life Bloom, now more amused than hurt fixed me with a "No shit?" Expression that had me fumbling for words. "I know that Moonshine, your concern for Shady showed me as much. You two numb skulls make a cute couple." He said before turning away and walking back into his hospital. By the time I had pieced together what he said, and shouted back after him, "We are just friends!" The door had already closed. Seriously, why did every pony I met think Shady and I were a couple. It made no sense.

A few minutes later, after I had put the encounter with Life Bloom behind me, I finally entered the room Homage lent us. I tried to be quiet, only because I knew Cherry was asleep as I entered. But to my shock, and Cherry's embarrassment I caught her in the middle of...well something no pony likes to be caught doing. "Cherry screeched in surprise and I turned beat red before turning and averting my eyes. "Moonshine, I thought you were at the spa!" She shrieked. My ears foled back as I held a hoof up to cover my eyes while she readjusted and cleaned up her mess. "Yeah, I was, had the bath and a grooming, how long did you expect it to be?" I asked finally able to drop my hoof and face my friend.

She was now blushing a bright crimson, the blanket wrapped around her to hide her shame. Seriously, why was this a big deal for the two of us, we had both seen each other before, and done...things. "shouldn't we both be passed the point of awkwardness after all we did by now?" I ask, facing my friend. She paused for a moment, still blushing, but finally she chuckled and smiled, yeah, I guess we should." SHe said, though she was still clearly embarrassed at having been caught. I laugh softly as I close the door and move into the room to sit by the bed. "Cherry listen, there are two types of ponies in the world, ponies who do it, and ponies who lie about it." I chuckle out, making her laugh as well.

"That’s is rather wise, where did you learn it?" She asks, sitting up and moving closer." Now I grow embarrassed and look down, before muttering my response. "Sorry, what was that?" Cherry asks, her ears perked to hear me clearly. "I said, Shady said it when she caught me once." When no response was forthcoming, I looked back up to see Cherry biting her lower lip, and tears in her eyes. When we made eye contact, she burst out in a fit of laughter that had me hanging my head in shame.

When her laughter finally subsided, and noticing my embarrassment, she moved from her covers and wrapped her hooves around my neck in a playful hug. I hugged her back, if only because hugs were something I rarely encountered in my life, and every one of them was special to me. "I'm sorry I laughed, I just couldn't help from imagining the look on her face." She said chuckling lightly. Now it was my turn to laugh, because she probably couldn't imagine what Shady actually looked like.

Cherry and I stayed like that for a few minutes, laughing and hugging each other. But a more pressing matter was making itself known. "Cherry can you let me go for a while?" I ask as I pull back and look at her." Why? Was I holding you to tight?" I shook my head and looked aside. "I really need to use the bathroom." I said, looking toward the aforementioned room. Cherry, giggling lightly released me, and gave my flank a playful slap toward the bathroom. "Sure, just hurry up." She said with a seductive tone in her voice, one that I couldn't ignore. I nodded, still blushing as I trotted off to the bathroom to relieve myself.

A short time later, after washing my hooves, I moved back in to the main part of the room, where Cherry was laying on her side, the blanket draped casually across her side, leaving nothing else to the imagination. I had to admit, the sight was quite tantalizing. "come join me?" She asked in a sultry way, and I couldn't disobey. I climbed onto the bed with her, and lay down facing her. Before I knew what was happening, he had her hooves on my cheeks, and had pulled me into a deep kiss. After the initial shock wore off, I kissed her back, wrapping my hooves around her back, and pulling her against my belly.

We remained kissing for a while longer, just content to hold the other, before she broke away, leaving my lips cold. "remember how I said we should have a repeat performance?" She asked with a low whisper. I gulped and nodded, my cheeks still bright red. "Well I think now is as good a time as any." She nickered into my ear, and just the tone of her voice made me get excited in a way I didn't expect. Cleary Cherry did, as she looked down between us, having expected the reaction. "That is what I wanted to see." She said before kissing me once again.

A short while later, the two of us sweaty, and covered in a mix of different fluids, Cherry and I cuddled together on the bed. I was panting hard, and trying desperately to get my breathing under control. Cherry was a quivering wreck beside me, her eyes still holding the remainder of feral lust. "Wow, hard to think you did that with broken ribs and a sprained ankle." She panted and pressed her head against my chest. I stretched out and put my forehooves behind my head as I looked up to the ceiling. "Yup, just gonna lay here and keep being awesome." I said, half prideful, and the other half joking. Cherry though giggled lightly and slapped my uninjured side. "Sweet Luna, I think I am going to carry that memory for the rest of my life." She nickered, and I smiled before nuzzling her. "I think I am going to carry the scars of where you bit my neck for the rest of mine." I said, teasing her for her wild side.

She blushed and looked like she was about to apologize, so I silenced her with another kiss, letting her know that I didn't mind, there were many more dangerous ways to get scars after all. She relaxed against me once again, wrapping her hooves around my middle, very hesitant to let me go. I sighed contentedly, feeling so much more like a pony than when I had upon entering TenPony. We lay like that for what felt like hours, though it could just as easily have been minutes. When I finally made a motion to look down at Cherry with a thought on my lips, she was fast asleep. Soft little snores coming from her as she slept soundly. I smiled, not wanting to wake her up, and just felt content to run my hoof through her long mane, and hold her warm body to mine. And before long, I too felt my eyelids grow heavy, and finally close into a dreamless sleep.

I had no idea how long we slept for, but when I did finally awaken, Cherry was on the other side of the room, tying her mane into a practical bun. With all we had done the night before, I had completely forgotten that she would be heading out with Zakk to look for the medical supplies to help Shady. I felt myself already growing worried for her safety, if I hadn't been the day before, I certainly was now. Sitting up in the bed drew Cherry's attention, and we both just looked at each other, not wanting to say the one thing I knew we were both thinking. Instead, she moved over to me, and nuzzled my neck gently. I nuzzled her in return, not wanting to break the silence. Cherry though chose to break it instead. "Come on, Homage promised us breakfast." She said before taking my hoof in hers, and practically dragging me from the bed.

I whined as she did, having landed on the floor onto my hurt ribs. "Oh shit... Sorry." Cherry said, moving to try helping me to my hooves. I waved her off and winced, as I pushed myself into a standing position. I yawned loudly, before stretching my legs, which resulted in a series of pops and creaks. Cherry watched on in horror as I cracked my neck, which to me felt almost as good as what we had done the night before. "That sounds painful." Cherry whispered as I leaned forward and popped my back. "maybe, but it feels great." I said before one set of pops actually caused me to fall flat on my face and whimper. Apparently broken ribs do not enjoy things popping around them.

Cherry, despite concerned for my well being laughed as she tried helping me back up. I waved her off again, and just lay there for a moment as I recomposed myself, and let my watering eyes dry themselves. When I did finally push myself up, Cherry was growing more and more anxious. "c'mon, lets go." She said, dragging me along in her magic. My hooved skidded along the floor, and I just sighed as I was pulled from the room and onto the elevator. To my surprise, Cherry didn't even stop to think about her fear of heights as she pushed the button.

A few minutes later, the elevator dings, and the doors slide open. Cherry and I step from the car, and begin walking down the hall toward Homages studio/library. The two guards from the day before were back, one having a bandage around his head, the other looked unharmed. Upon seeing us, they immediately parted, eyes darting around as they searched for Zakk. Cherry and I paid them no mind as we made our way to Homages area, and once at the door, Cherry knocked several times. And the door opened up to a crack, showing Homages eye. Upon seeing us, she pulled open for door and greeted us with a warm smile.

"Come on in, breakfast is almost ready." She said before stepping aside and allowing us entry. Cherry and I went inside hoof in hoof, Homage didn’t show any reaction to it, probably because she was comfortable around other couples. Cherry and I sat at the table, while Homage returned to her kitchen, leaving us alone for the time being. I had to admit, I would have to find some way to thank her for all she had done. Before we could wait for long, a single knock came at Homage's door, and I shouted to Homage that I would get it. I stood and moved to the door, but before I could reach it, it suddenly burst open, and Zakk was standing there on his rear hooves, one having been used to smash the door open. "Boom baby!" I shouted and fell back in complete surprise, looking at the pony.

Cherry came running out her horn alight with magic, followed by Homage who was wielding a wooden spoon. I don't know why, but the idea of any pony fending of an attacker with a wooden spoon was immensely funny to me. "Oh, Zakk it's just you. I take it you got my invitation for breakfast?" Homage said, sliding her spoon into the strap of her apron. "Wait you sent me an in invitation?" He said, as a pony appeared from the inside of one of the potted plants and whispered at me. "I didn't have the guts to take it too him." He said. Zakk heard it too, and whirled on the plant. "No pony here, I'm just an ordinary potted plant... Ya know just photo...synthesizing?" I cringed as Cherry and Homage face hoofed. Zakk stared intently at the plant, moved closer, and then seemed to prod the leaves of the plant, before saying. "You do you my leafy bro.

Shortly after, Zakk made for the kitchen, and the mysterious plant pony shuffled off, we all sat down to breakfast. Homage had gone out of her way to provide blue berry muffins, and cold sparkle colas for us to enjoy. And boy did I! "Homage, these muffins are amazing, I've never had muffins before, but better than oatmeal." I said in sincere honesty. Cherry nodded in agreement, while Zakk... well he demolished his food in a most unholy way. It was more like a desecration than eating. While I was taken aback, and Cherry looked like she would be sick, Homage paid it no mind.

"Homage, mind if I ask you a question?" I spoke up a few minutes later. Before Homage could nod, Zakk interrupted with a shout. "You just did!" Homage and I both roll our eyes, before continuing. "Sure, what do you wanna know?" I look back to Zakk, and measure my words carefully. "How is it that you and Zakk know each other? And why is it that you are the only pony not afraid of him?" I ask, leaning my hooves on the table. Zakk pays the rest of the conversation no mind as he guzzles his drink, and sets about licking the wax paper the muffin was wrapped in.

"We...used to travel together. Before I settled in Tenpony and became DJ-Pon3, I wandered the wasteland with my mare friend Joke Blue." I listened intently, not wanting to interrupt her. "One day we got into an insane ordeal, there were robot ponies, and horribly mutated ponies, a pony in a blue box, and then Zakk showed up. He helped us all out of a tricky situation, and after that he tagged along with us, he said it was because he was bored and had nothing else to do, but I honestly think it was loneliness." I nodded and looked at the crazy pony. He had said the same thing about boredom when he offered to go on this trip today.

"Despite him being incredibly annoying, he certainly made life interesting. And after a while we couldn't get rid of him even if we wanted too." She said, a glimmer of the past flickering behind her eyes. "So why did the guards out front ask if Zakk was here for revenge?" Cherry asked, adding to the conversation. Zakk, having polished off his meal, locked eyes with Cherry in a very blatant stare, and placed a hoof on the edge of Cherry's plate, Cherry matching his stare, hooked her plate in her magic, and pulled it back. Homage ignored them and continued. "That is not my story to tell, but I wouldn't bet on getting the answer from Zakk." She said eyeing the pony to make sure he didn’t make a mess.

Zakk and Cherry continued their battle for dominance over the half Muffin, slowly driving Cherry crazy. I nod, not too worried about it, I would either find out, or I wouldn't. Either way, it did instill a little more confidence in sending Cherry with him. But I had to make sure she would come back healthy. I stand up as Cherry Huffs angrily and yanks back her plate, sending the muffin flying into her face, and I tap Zakk's shoulder to get his attention. He stops messing with my friend, and looks at me, while I motion to the sitting room. "Can I have a few words?" He nods and gets to his hooves before walking away. I look back to Cherry, who was wiping muffin bits off of her face angrily, and Homage who was watching me with confusion. "Don't worry about it... Stallion talk." I said before catching up with Zakk.

Homage went to helping Cherry clean up, before I closed with Zakk. He stood watching me, curious, and a notable lack of his sense of humor caught me off guard. Still I pressed on, I had to say what was on my mind. "Zakk, when we first met, I threatened you into hugging Shady. Do you remember?" He nodded and listened carefully. I nodded and continued. 'I won't do that now, that isn't how I operate. So instead I wish to ask you a favor." He turned his head sideways, confused but intrigued all the same. "I want you to make sure Cherry comes back in one piece. She is beginning to grow on me, and I like her, please as a favor to me, keep her safe."

Zakk nods, clearly understanding my words. I half expected him to make some quip, or do something disgusting again. Instead he spoke, and there was a tone of seriousness I didn't think he was capable of. "You got it. And between me and you, I don't want any pony hurt if I can help it." I smile and nod, relaxing and growing confidence in him. Then when I was caught off guard, Zakk leapt atop me, and drove me to the floor. "Wet Willy!" He shouted before letting a string of drool slip from his muzzle and down into my right ear. "Ugghhh you son of a bitch, that's not how wet willy's work!" Cherry and Homage run into the room to see the scene, and it takes them several seconds to figure it out. But when they did, instead of helping me escape the deranged pony, they both just toppled onto their sides laughing loudly.

I finally wiggled out of Zakk's, grasp. And shook my head, trying to clear my ear of his spit. "Ugghhh that’s fucking disgusting." I whined as I rubbed my ear. Cherry and Homage continued to roll on the floor laughing, and Zakk, sat up on his haunches, quite pleased with himself. "I can't believe I was starting to trust you. Goddesses dammit!" I cursed as I rubbed my ear more, trying to clear it. "You can trust me, I'm harmless." He said innocently, batting his eyelids for added effect. "I swear to Celestia I better be able too." I growl as I stare intensely at him.

After the initial outburst of Laughter subsided, and the one after that, Cherry finally stood, and shaking herself, states, "Alright Zakk, we have a long day ahead of us, we better get going." Zakk snaps of a quick salute, and together, he and Cherry head out of Homages study, and toward the elevator. I watch them leave, more than a little worried, and a touch jealous. I had only just realized that I wanted to go with them. "I hope he keeps her safe." I said, letting my worry come through in my voice. "Don't worry about it Moonshine, if any pony will keep her safe it will be Zakk." Homage says as she moves up to my side and places a hoof on my shoulder.

((alright, at this point, I will let Cherry do some writing. This is after all her adventure, and I felt it would only be prudent to let her tell her side of it. There may be several points of view changes here, but I think it will be fine.))

Umm, hi there, I'm not too sure how to start this, I've never had to try and keep an accurate record of events the Moonshine does, I just hope I can tell it the way he would. Anyway, Moonshine left off, having just watched Zakk and myself leave. I suppose I can start there. Zakk and I had just left Homages suite, and made our way too the lift. Zakk pranced happily beside me, just as eager for the adventure as I. as we neared the doors, I grew apprehensive again. I had gotten used to entering the lift, but still, the thought of the old cables holding the car up, and them snapping sent shivers down my spine. I pressed the button, and after a short wait, the lift let out a small ding, and together Zakk and I entered.

Zakk pushed the button for the ground floor, and slowly we began our desent. We continued in silence for just a short time, before a new noise began to sound from the top of the car. I looked up, afraid as I heard loud pings and groans. ZAkk looked up too, and the noises only grew louder as I began to shake. I had fallen a great distance before, but I was scared of it now. Then Zakk suddenly grabbed my shoulders and pushed me into a corner, fear evident in his eyes as he screamed into my face. "We are going to die! The elevator is going to fall!" He shouted and I closed my eyes against the onslaught of saliva he had sprayed into my face. I screamed with him, not a string of words, but just a loud, fear filled holler that echoed around the car and into my ears, drowning out the creaking and groaning of the cables.

I cowered down into a corner, clenching my eyes tightly as I felt us suddenly accelerate and wobble around. I quaked and shook, because I was afraid of dying. I didn't want to become a nasty smear when I had such a wonderful buck upstairs. We plummeted down, the sound of metal screeching on metal filling the cabin and muffling my screams. Then everything went silent, and a small ding signaled our arrival on the ground floor. A soft bump jostled me, and the doors parted, letting the sounds of posh ponies going about their day filling my ringing ears. I cracked my eye open, to see we were safe and sound, and not even a scratch upon me.

I lay there, panting and trying to make sense of everything amidst my panic attack but all I kept coming back with was that we should be dead. At least horribly hurt. But here we were, unharmed, and Zakk smiling wickedly in my face. "Wh...What?" I choked out, and Zakk's smile just widened. "Did you really think I would let that Mule comment go unpunished?" I just look back at him in confusion. "Wait... what?" Zakk leaves it at that, before turning and leaving the lift, and me cowering in the corner still shaking. I lay there for an uncomfortable amount of time, many ponies staring at me. It was only when the doors began to close that I jumped up and ran from the lift and shouting. "Zakk you piece of shit!"

I chased him out of the tower, and every guard was already finding a new hiding spot upon Zakk's presence. I didn't pay too much attention to them, as I was busy chasing my target. All I wanted at that moment was to set his flank on fire, and watch him hop about trying to put his tail out. Still, when I stepped passed the open gate, and back out into the Manehattan streets, did the situation finally catch up with me. Here I was, with a psychotic pony, about to track down bandits or worse, with no weapons, or armor, or healing potions. All I had was my magic, and whatever abilities Zakk had. I cursed myself for only just now realizing what kind of half-baked plan this was.

I trotted after Zakk, and finally caught up to him. While I was still pissed about him scarring me on the lift, he was the only company I had, and he might even prove to be a decent meat shield. I kept my anger at the crazy pony under control, after all, I couldn't reliably cast magic if my mood wasn't calm. I mean I can cast magic, but it can go wild if I don't concentrate. ((and no that is not at all foreshadowing.)) Anyway, Zakk and I keep our own thoughts for the time being, and make our way into the wild streets.

"Are we there yet?" Zakk asks again. He had been doing this on and off for the last hour and a half, slowly whittling away my self-control. "No" I reply for the thousandth time. Luckily, I had other things to occupy my mind, which made it easier to ignore him. We had gotten close to where the Caravan had last been seen. One of the rough and dirty squatters in a nearby building had pointed us in the right direction in exchange for relighting his fire barrel. Zakk and I had gone a few blocks south, before stumbling upon the remains of desecrated brahmin. Zakk, despite his goofy nature, could not allow himself to come any closer to the corpses. And while the action thoroughly disgusted me, Moonshine, and Shady really needed the supplies stolen from this caravan.

I stooped low over one of the less decomposed brahmin, looking for any tell-tale sign of who might have done this. One thing I did notice however was the distinct lack of pony bodies. So immediately a few possibilities popped into my head "Zakk, do you see any recent pony bodies?" I asked him, and for once the seriousness in my voice made him focus for more than a few seconds. We both took a quick look around, but only a hoof full of spent brass lay around, and no blood, other than that of the brahmin was to be seen. Not even a trail leading away. So that narrowed down my list. "Alright, I see two possible outcomes here. One, the trader group was set upon by ex-slavers or bandits, and the ponies were taken prisoner. Or the caravans' crew took the shipment, killed the brahmin, and made it look like an attack. Your thoughts?" I asked, and Zakk took a moment to think before replying.

"It could be that the ponies just got sucked up into a spaceship by aliens, leaving the brahmin alone, and a few scavengers found them?" Zakk proposed in all seriousness. All he got for his efforts from me though was a blank stare followed by me asking, "What?" With a deadpan tone. Before he could try and elaborate though, I cut him off with a wave. "If all you are going to be doing is spouting nonsense, I won't ask you again and we can keep silent this whole trip." I warn, and while he looked like his normal self, I could tell that he actually thought his idea had some merit. Seriously though, how could any pony so batshit crazy actually survive this long in the wasteland. He had to be older than me by a few years at least.

I sighed, it had only been several minutes since Cherry and Zakk left. But already I felt like things weren't going well. But I shook the thought from my head, and decided I should show more faith in Zakk, and just pray Cherry would be safe. Homage was quick to notice my growing anxiety, and quickly placed a hoof on my back to keep me from pacing any more than I already had. "Moonshine relax, they are going to be fine, the streets of Manehattan are far safer than they used to be. Plus, Cherry is a smart and capable mare. You should have more faith in her." I nod, looking into Homages eyes. "it's not Cherry in this situation that has me nervous. I know virtually nothing about Zakk, apart from the fact that ninety-nine percent of the tower is afraid of him for some reason or another. It doesn’t exactly brew confidence in him." I said, not judging the pony, just stating the facts.

"That is true, but by now you must have seen some inkling of why ponies are afraid of him the way they are. After all, wasn't it because of him that you and I have been able to talk? Wasn’t he furious when he thought that I had put you and Shady in danger on purpose?" Homage asks, and thinking about it I had my answer. "You mean because he would go so far just over a misunderstanding to help right something he thought was wrong?" I ask, and Homage nodded her head softly. "Exactly. Zakk goes beyond any normal sense of logic, you cannot try to comprehend him just by studying him. You have to get to know him, and over time you can begin to accept that no matter what you think, or feel, Zakk will always just be Zakk.

I take a moment to think about her words, and what little I did know of Zakk. But even still all I came up with was that he was a complete mystery, and little more than a stranger. But there was little I could do but worry at this point about my friend, and hope Zakk meant what he said earlier. "Anyway, it looks like you need a fair distraction to take your mind off of this problem. Worrying about it now won't help. So, give me just a minute, I'll be right back." She said before turning and leaving the room, letting me to sit and ponder about Zakk for a few minutes.

When Homage did appear again, she was carrying a dusty old book in her magic. Bu there was an odd look in her eyes, like she was about to step on awkward ground, and wanted to make sure of her footing. "This.. Is a book that Twilight Sparkle herself read quite a few times, probably more than any other book." She said, glancing between me and the book, unsure of how to approach the reveal. Finally, she just sighed and spat it out. "It’s a book called the Pony Sutra. It was created by Zebra's before the war. You might... Umm find the contents will help in your... time alone with Cherry." She said before passing me the book.

I blushed a deep crimson, not expecting her to bring up this topic, let alone give me a book on how to get better at it. "Let me guess, while you and Cherry were in the spa you two... talked about our first time?" I asked, now growing uncomfortable with the sudden change in a topic I really didn't want to talk about with any pony besides Cherry. Homage nodded a little awkwardly, which was odd considering how she was portrayed in LittlePip's story. I guess that behavior was only reserved for ponies she was comfortable with. And considering I wanted Littlepip dead, that did create a little friction in the "friends" area.

"Yeah, she did, but don't be mad about it, it's just girl talk. You know how stallions also talk about mares they have been with like a fisher would exaggerate the tale of making a big catch? This is just the mare equivalent." When Homage put it like that I could understand it. I had often heard the stallions of Respite tell such tales, though I never partook. Mostly out of embarrassment. But also, because I had no stories of my own to share. "Besides," Continued Homage. "It was a fascinating tale, though I had a hard time believing you umm... performed so well despite it being your first time. I could only expect that kind of stamina from a Pegasus."

I turned an even deeper shade of red then, Cherry had not exaggerated at all. Infact it took almost everything I had to last as long as I did. "Ya know, I really don't feel comfortable talking to you about this Homage. I can understand that Mares talk, but that was a moment just meant for me and Cherry. No pony else." I said, feeling a little embarrassed, and a touch betrayed. "That's fine, I understand, but if you wanna get back at her for talking, give that book a read, it may make her want to keep quiet in the future. "Homage said, with just a tone of her reserved self. I gave her a quizzical look. What could this book contain that would make Cherry want to keep it a secret?

It had taken the better part of an hour just to find any sign of a trail leading away from the dead brahmin, but when we did it did not instill much confidence. There were around ten sets of tracks, and some of them looked to be dragging one hoof or another. That showed some of the ponies that came this way had been injured. There were no signs of any of the caravan ponies being injured from the direction they came, so these injuries must have either been the group that attacked, or worse yet, the caravan ponies we were looking for. Zakk paid the tracks little heed, but did avoid walking over them after the last time he had, which resulted in a stern lecture. And when I had mentioned that it was looking like the caravan ponies were pony-napped, he serioused the fuck up really quick.

Once we had the trail, we followed it, occasionally there looked to be a small scuffle on the dirt covered streets. But the tracks continued on. We continued like this for another hour, before the tracks led straight to a fresher pile of blood, accompanied by what looked to be a bandit pony that had gotten mauled by something big and ferocious considering the amount of damage the poor mare suffered. Zakk didn't shy away from this corpse however, and he stood right beside me as we looked it over.

Her wounds were extensive, but it looked like the final blow had snapped her neck. That meant she suffered for a while before finally dying. Whatever had done this had packed some serious power, seeing as her right fetlock had been snapped in two places. That area of the leg held some of the strongest bones in the pony body, and these were snapped just like toothpicks. Still, I did keep on my guard, listening for any sound of a monster while we searched the mare.

Zakk made his opinions known about how he felt going through some dead pony's belongings, but we were after a way to save Shady's leg, and beggars couldn't be choosers. Despite holding a small nine-millimeter pistol and a clip of ammo, there was very little salvageable that was worth taking. I did also find a quickly scrawled not in one pocket, but the top half had been torn away, leaving only the last half of the message.

...an, they are carrying a load of supplies heading for the tower. All our informant was able to offer was that it could be an ammo shipment, or better yet medical supplies. Luna knows we need what we can get our hooves on if we plan on taking...

I flipped the paper note over, looking for the rest of the message, but whatever it had said had been torn away with the top half of the page. What little I did get, it confirmed that our missing caravan ponies and medical supplies had come this way. Not only that, but some pony had tipped the bandits off. I took the mares coat, and slipped the note back into the pocket. I also took her pistol, thinking if anything else, Moonshine could use it to replace the one he had forgotten on the white rose. ((it does puzzle me how he forgot about it, but then again, he did have a lot on his mind so I guess it's acceptable.))

I also took her boots, after all I had just gotten my hooves looking good for once, and I really didn't want to chip them on a loose bit of tarmac. Zakk rolled his eyes, but said nothing as I laced up the boots. And to be honest, if they were buffed and cleaned a bit, they wouldn't look half bad, maybe Moonshine has a thing for tall boots or socks? I thought to myself as I stood back up and searched the area for more tracks. Having found them again, Zakk and I took off, hoping to at least find where they had gone before lunch.

I had taken up a quiet corner of Homages study, flipping through the book she had given me, while jotting down a few notes. Homage was right, there were things in this book that I could use, but some required a few personal additions I knew she would like, and a few I thought we could try. Still, I worked with a furious blush on my cheeks, the contents of this book were...well foreign, though I could see the appeal something like this would have on Twilight. From what I knew of her, she was a study driven egghead. And something as unique as the concept of sex would require ample study on her part before she would go about it. And that did make me wonder if she ever put what she had learned from this book to use.

Still, by the time I had finished, it was growing close to mid-day. I closed up the book, and tucked my notes in one fetlock as I carefully picked the book up with my lips, and hobbled back to Homages main room. When I noticed she wasn't there, I instead forced myself up the stairs, and through the door Zakk had destroyed and subsequently repaired yesterday into her studio. I remained silent as Homage motioned me in, she was in the middle of yet another broadcast. And this one I was familiar with because her and I had talked about it the night before.

"...And for the final nail in the coffin, all ponies aboard the White Rose went under the water with the ship. Pardon the grim pun children, that was not on purpose I assure you. But needless to say, while the wasteland is a far sight better than in previous years, somethings never change. Keep an eye out for bandits, or even raiders as both groups still exist. But don't let that sad news get your hearts down, because today I have some news that will make your summer day into something beautiful. You see just yesterday I got reports of a well-known Pegasus ghoul by the name of Ditzy Doo finally tying the knot with her companion Lionheart. Some of you may remember him as the Canterlot ghoul who single hoofed took down an enclave raptor. If you should run across these two lovebirds, be sure to say hello, and give them some big congratulations from ole' DJ-pon3. Remember children, no matter how dark it may seem somedays, there are wonderful things headed your way. This was DJ-Pon3 with the news, and coming up for the next half hour we got Velvet Remedy singing Fly like you, the original DJ-pon3 with Dubstep Dishwasher, Octavia Melody playing her Motzcart compilation, and finally wrapping things up we have NeighC/DC with tollway to tarterus. I don't know about you children, but that sounds like a good hoof tapping lineup. Once again, this was DJ-pon3, telling the truth, no matter how bad it hurts."

With that, Homage flipped a switch, muting her microphone, and starting up the first song. But I wasn't paying her any attention. Ditzy had finally gotten married to Lionheart, and I couldn't help but feel happy for the ghouls. If any mare in the wasteland deserved to be happy for a change, it was Ditzy. Homage finishes up, lining up the next few songs, before moving over to me. "Did you get any useful information out of that book?" She asks, and I blush as I try to hide the stack of papers clutched in my fetlock. "A few ideas, nothing more. But this book does explain the whole thirty-one thing Littlepip mentioned in her book. Homage to her credit just smirked and gave me a look that told me I had the wrong information.

"Actually it's because of this book that we were able to break that record by nine last year." She said as she levitated up the book to put it back...wherever she kept it. And that was more than enough for me to throw my hooves up into the air, and nope the fuck right out of there. "Nope, Nope, Nope, Nope, Nope, Nope, Nope." I repeated as I walked my way out of her studio, down the stairs, across her living room, through the front door, down the hall, and finally into the elevator when it finally arrived. I pushed the down button, Homages laughter echoing behind me before the doors finally closed, silencing her.

A few moment later, I swung by the room Homage lent us, dropped off my notes, and made my way back up a few floors to the hospital wing. All the while my repeating mantra of "Nope" repeating through my head until I finally sat down on a pillow by Shady's bed. She was sound asleep, laying in a strange pose, half of her body twisted in an awkward angle. Despite the pose however, she snored loudly, and then scratched her belly. I Chuckled lightly. Making sure I could remember this scene in particular so I could write it into my journal should I get it back. I was pulled from my focus on my sleeping friend by a light tap on my shoulder. I turned to see Doctor Life Bloom beside me, looking more like his regular self, with a much kinder demeanor.

" I don't suppose you remembered your appointment for today?" He asked and I looked at him quizzically for a heartbeat before I suddenly remembered. I was supposed to have come seen him for a physical. 'Shit Doc, it slipped my mind, sorry about that." I said, not entirely sorry. After all I really didn't want to have to go through with it anyway. "Oh, it's fine, today has been slow, so I have time to see you now." He said, with just a hint of teasing, which made the whole situation way to uncomfortable for my liking.

I looked him dead in the eye, and pointed my sprained hoof into his face. "Nuh uh, none of that. You're supposed to be a professional Doctor, remember?" I said, throwing his own words back into his face from the night before. Life Bloom just put his hooves into the air, and with an innocent grin on his face he replied, "Hey, I didn't say anything. Though it is nice to see you got all cleaned up for our dinner date tonight." He said, this time I knew it was a joke, he made it plainly obvious with his small smile. I face hoofed, and sighed. Between Homage and Life Bloom I was sure I was going to need counseling by the time we left here. "Fine, but I swear if one hoof goes where it shouldn't, Shady isn't going to be the only pony here in a cast." I growl, despite earlier having told Zakk that threats weren't really my style. Life Bloom just shrugs, not even registering my words. "alright then, follow me." He said and led me to his office.

Zakk and I crouched on the roof of a still standing prewar building. We had followed the tracks back out toward the river, but had decided to stop when we saw bandits milling around an old warehouse with a dock. I had led us to this roof so we could learn what me may. Zakk was having a hard time staying still, but I gave him a look before staring back out. There weren't that many bandits around. Maybe I could take each one out with my magic. But I immediately dashed those thoughts as I saw a sniper pony change location on the roof. If I started charging my magic here, I would be a bright orange target. So instead I slowly motioned Zakk back inside, where we weren't sitting ducks.

I paused in an old hallway, placing my hoof under my chin. There had to be some way to get in there. But Zakk actually provided the solution. He had been looking out of one of the windows and noticed that a large pipe had been run out to the river. I join him at the window looking out, and thinking of a possibility. If it was a sewer pipe, it would most likely lead back into the warehouse. If we could make it there, and not be seen by the sniper pony we would have a chance at getting in. "Do you think there is a river bank over there, or will we have to swim?" I ask Zakk, looking to him for advice.

Zakk paused for a moment to think, but actually came up with a better idea. "What if we found another access point in one of these buildings nearby. I'm sure there has to be other ways to get into the sewer." I take a moment to consider his words, and they actually seemed sound. Plus, if we had to use that open pipe by the river, Zakk might not be able to follow with his weights. And as much as the stallion irritated me, I didn't want him dead. "Alright Zakk, got any ideas where we should look?" I ask and he nods.

Basements, why did it always have to be basements. Why couldn't pre-war ponies just make things easier, and paint "secret sewer entrance this way!" In bright orange letters. This was the fifth building we had checked. And my patience was growing short. Most of the buildings we had searched held nothing of importance, having already been looted by the nearby bandits, or some other group years before. But finally, after two hours of searching, we had finally found our way in. An old and rusty pony hole cover, leading below ground. I grabbed it with my magic, and heaved, trying to lift the heavy steel plate. But my telekinesis wasn't that strong.

Zakk had the bright idea to wrap his hooves around my middle, and tried pulling me back. "Zakk that’s not how this works!" I shout at him. But no matter what I said, or how I said it, Zakk gave me an even harder yank. And with a teeth hurting squeal, the cover was wrenched free of its rusty hold. Zakk and I fell back, the cover still held in my magic. "How...what...Why?" I stutter, confused how that worked. Magic wasn't like some rope you just put more pressure on and things would just happen. Magic doesn't work like that. "Zakk pushed me off of him, and shrugged, not having any explanation either. I decide to file this mystery under "Shit to deal with later," and moved toward the now open hole. I just hopped this wouldn't be a dead end, and we could get where we needed too.

"Now cough" Life Bloom said. I grumbled to myself for a second, before forcing a cough. This whole ordeal was awkward, and I didn't like it one bit. First, he had had me open my mouth and say "Ahhh" so he could check my throat. Then he lifted my tongue and checked under it too. The tapped on my knees, and one jerk almost caught him under the chin with a hoof. Now he was checking for what he called a hernia, whatever that was. "Alright, so far so good." He said as he pulled off a pair of rubber gloves from his hooves, and tossed them in the trash.

I squirm, trying to feel comfortable in my own skin, and look at him. "Now what?" I ask, and he smirks. "Now comes the cool bit. I will look you over like I did with Shady." He says and his magic begins to glow. I felt a sudden coolness across my body, as Life Bloom scans me with his spell. I shiver a bit, before my body grows back to its original temperature. 'Let's see what he have here." He says as he projects the images on a white wall. It was eerie, seeing my anatomy, but also more than a little interesting. The Doctor, flips through layers of my body, peeling away layers of muscle and sinew, before showing just my bare skeleton. Even without the trained eye of a medical practitioner I was able to see clearly the breaks in my ribs, and the damage to my ankle.

Life Bloom moves closer to the images, looking the scan over carefully. "Hmm, I see many old breaks that healed properly. Could that be the damage you endured before Shady saved your life as a young stallion?" He asked and I nodded. The most painful of those injuries had been my shoulder. Life Bloom then rotates the image, showing my left side. Here he looked carefully at the three broken ribs and nodded. "These have already begun to heal. Luckily, they broke cleanly, and you are not at risk for puncturing a lung." I nodded, glad to have some good news for a change. "There is very little I can do to speed up the healing though, you will just have to be careful for the time being. Same with your Hoof. Just try to keep from injuring it further, it should be fine in about a week or so." He said as he slowly panned across the image.

Then his eyebrows narrowed, and he zoomed in on a spot near my back. "What is this?" He says as he tries to understand what he was seeing. I moved closer as well, there was a weird shaped bone appearing behind my shoulder blade. But I had seen plenty of skeletons to know that wasn't normal. Life bloom spun the image around, and there too was a similar growth. "Interesting." He said in a low voice, and then turned to me, and began lightly poking along my back. Then I felt his hoof brush the area where the shapes were, and I felt a tingle down my spine.

"whoa what the hell Doc." I said, shaking myself to get rid of the odd feeling. But Life Bloom was looking around his office, tossing books and paperwork aside. I watched him curiously, hoping this wasn't a life-threatening condition. Finally, he found a grubby old journal, and began flipping through pages. He searched frantically, and I was growing more afraid by the moment. Then he let out a triumphant "Ah ha" and began to read. I waited patiently for him to finish, though all I wanted to do was scream at him to tell me what was going on! 'This is very interesting. I haven't seen anything like this in... just over seven years?" He asked himself before looking at me. "Very interesting..."

"This wasn't the dead end I meant!" I yelled as Zakk and I ducked under another stab in our direction. We had entered the sewer from the pony hole cover, and had been trying to figure out the maze of connecting tunnels before one of the ugliest things I had ever laid eyes on charged us. "Hey, could be worse, it could be a manticore instead of a cute little Rad Scorpion." Zakk crooned, all the while dodging another vicious stab from its stinger. "Yeah it's cute maybe you should go cuddle it!" I shouted as I ran around one bend with Zakk on my tail. Laughing like a maniac. The scorpion didn't slow down, its legs carried it around the bend, and allowed it to run along the concave wall.

"Oh shit! Oh shit! OHSHIT!" I screamed as I ran for my life. Now I understood what had happened to the bandit mare earlier. This thing had killed her, and was tracking the rest of the bandits before getting trapped down here. Now we were its next victims. I ran ahead, my hooves pounding on the cracked concrete, while Zakk lagged behind, gushing at the monster. "Zakk hurry the fuck up our you're gonna be its next meal!" I shouted as I looked back and lobbed a fireball at it. To my shock it splashed over its face and all it left was scorched chitin. Then to make matters even worse, we rounded a corner and came to a literal dead end. The tunnel had collapsed inward, blocking our path.

I whirl around, the monster was on Zakk's tail. He drew up short, knowing we were in trouble now. He likewise turned to face the scorpion, and to my shock it didn't advance. It was at this moment of closeness I noticed its eyes had been bloodied. Two large caliber rounds had destroyed its eyes. That meant it could only hear us. "Zakk, I whispered, we have one chance to get out of this alive." I whispered as low as I could. Zakk's ears perked, yet he didn't stop looking at the monster. "Tell me what you need." He responded, just as quiet, and completely serious. "I need you to distract it. I have a spell, but I need to remain still to charge it." The monster swung its body, trying to listen for us, even a scrape, but we remained still. "That isn't so bad, how long do you need?" Zakk whispered back before sparing me a glance. I pause for a second calculating and guessing. "About five minutes."

Life Bloom placed his hoof under his chin as he thought, even I could tell he was pushing his memory to the max. By now I thought I had been patient enough. "Doc what the fuck is going on!" I shouted, drawing him from his memories with a shock. "S...sorry got lost in thought. Take a seat, I have some news for you." He says, but if this was a terminal condition, he didn't sound like he was delivering bad news. I wearily took a seat before him, looking at him and gauging his emotions. Though I only caught a flicker of a smile, he had the best poker face I had seen. Moonshine I have good news and... well news. It's not good or bad, just news." He said, while looking back at the old journal. "In this book is a recollection of odd cases that my predecessor, Doctor Helping Hoof, kept during his years as a Doctor." I nodded following him so far, but waiting for him to get on with it.

"Well about seven or so years ago, a pony came in here with a major panic attack. We had to sedate him and observe him, that is when we noticed a change overcoming him." I tilted my head to the side, listening intently. "This patient, while he remained anonymous, was one of a few ground born pegasi before the day of sunshine and rainbows." He paused to collect his thoughts, and I could tell his memories. "anyway, what happened was a mutation to his genes through taint exposure. He developed a full set of stripes, like a zebra's." My eyes widened and I shook my head. "Wait, are you telling me that I am gonna start getting stripes too?" I ask, to be honest, I couldn't help but picture myself with black stripes. To be fair, I didn't think I would look half bad. But then Life Bloom shook his head and actually smiled.

"No Moonshine, this pony was born from a Pegasus father, and a Zebra mother, he is what we call a Zony. Ya know, half and half." Now I was fully confused, but he continued. "What I am saying, is that while his stripes were a product of taint, they were something he should have had by then. That is where you and he are similar. Now here is the news. You have a taint mutation. But unlike a regular mutation, it has triggered an aspect of your genes that you should have had by now, if it wasn’t due to a birth defect as a result of the inbreeding in Arbu."

The Doctor paused for dramatic effect, and when I felt like I would tear my mane out, he finally spilled the beans that had me on edge. "The good news is, that your taint mutation is causing your body to develop wings, just like you should have had when you were born." I jerked as if I had just been physically slapped. Did this pony seriously just tell me that I was a Pegasus, or should have been?" How can you be so sure?" I asked, trying to remain calm. Now he was fully smiling, showing me that this was a great thing, I wasn't so sure. "Well, the developing bone structures you saw in the scan, those are growing sockets for your wings to continue developing. And one other tip off, was your weight. You are small, even by Pegasus standards, however, I couldn't miss the significant differences in your anatomical construction. That and your malnourishment."

I looked at him quizzically, confused by his last statement. Then he elaborated. "Pegasi have a much higher metabolism, you need more food than Earth ponies and Unicorns do. Plus, your bones are thinner, while just as strong, in order to shed much needed weight for flight." Once he finished, I looked around the room, unsure how to feel. On one hoof he had told me I was going to become a Pegasus, but on the other I had taint. "Doc, you just threw a lot at me, but how lethal is my taint exposure. Being able to fly won't mean shit if I die because of it." I said, a touch of worry in my words. Then Life Bloom smiled, and shook his head. "Moonshine, it’s a very minor amount, hardly enough to cause severe side effects. But, while we can remove it, I would recommend letting it stay for a while. If only to continue to speed up the development." He then brought up the scan again, and showed me the new bones.

"If I had to guess, I would say so far that it has only been about a week or so since you were exposed. But that makes no sense, you said you were in Hoofington and on a boat the rest of the time before coming here?" He asked and I nodded, confirming his question. "Then I'm at a loss. The only way to have gotten it would be from another infected life. But there are no current cases of taint from the Hoofington area, so I don't know where you could have gotten it."

But, when he finished, and turned to look at me, the look of dread in my face, and the lack of color. There could only be one place I had gotten it. The only new thing in my life that I didn’t have before leaving, the one thing I encountered just about a week ago. Then I whispered my thoughts aloud, and the color drained from Life Blooms face. "Cherry..."

"Ready!" I shouted. Zakk had kept the scorpion occupied for the last few minutes, dodging and weaving its tail, all the way taunting it with compliments. Upon my shout, Zakk hit the deck, covering his head in his weights. The scorpion, also hearing my shout, rounded on me, and charged. I let it draw close, struggling to hold my concentration. Then when only a meter separated it and I, I released the spell I had been preparing. I screamed as I let the torrent of magic loose, a hearty stream of fire hosed the beast down. It screeched, trying to reverse its heading, but it was all in vain as my spell hit, in seconds its body temperature spiked, and the water in its body boiled. Then in horrific slowness, it's chitin shell exploded from the pressure. Before the shrapnel could reach me, the chitin too was cooked to ash, rendering the whole monster as dust.

I canceled the flow of magic, struggling to reign in my power unleashed. But once I did, all that was left was glowing ash, and charred rocks, glowing a bright amber. Once the entire cave had gone silent, and the remaining bits of scorpion had crumbled into dust, did allow myself to relax. Stumbling and slamming into the wall, which was hot enough to singe my fur, and raise a few blisters on my hide. Sweat poured down my face, and my back, soaking my coat as I lay there, not even bothered by the heat. Then, my vision went dark, and I passed out from exertion.

When I finally did stir, consciousness returning to me, I was floating, no I was bobbing up and down. Was I back on Thrush's boat? Opening my eyes however revealed a different truth. I was on Zakk's back, and the sight of the battle was nowhere to be seen. "W... what? I croaked, my mouth parched from the heat in the tunnels. Upon hearing me speak, Zakk, jumped, and uncharacteristically shrugged me off his back. Then he whirled on me, a look of confusion, and discontented wonderment in his eyes. "That is my line Cherry, what the hell!" He shouted, and now that I was able to focus a little better, I noticed multiple burns, and the yellow paint on his weights had flaked away from the heat.

I struggled to sit upon wobbly hooves as I looked at him, and sighed. "I did what I had to, otherwise we would have died." I whispered as I crossed one forehoof across my chest, and wrapped it around the other in a defensive posture. " I get that Cherry, but damn that spell was ridiculous, how did you do that?" He asked and I looked aside, avoiding his gaze. Finally I sigh and begin talking. "In the first year on the surface, I was exposed to taint. It... it changed me." I said, keeping the rest of my thoughts to myself on the matter. "Anyway, my magic changed, and so did my cutie mark." I said as I stood and drew attention to the elegant knot on my flank, wreathed in fire. "I was good at tying ropes and knots, that was my job on the boat where I met Moonshine and Shady. I was in charge of securing cargo. But the flames... they were a gift from the taint, and the more at peace I am, the better control I have over it. But, under the right circumstances, I can lose control of it, and everything before me gets incinerated."

I sigh, far too tired for this conversation. Every time I lost control of my magic, it left me drained and sore. I left it at that, and gently pushed past Zakk, who was unusually quiet. It remained like that for a time, just silent as we walked along, trying to find our way back to the tunnel we had been searching for when the scorpion attacked us. I was suddenly reminded just how far we had run, but it all happened so fast. But now I was too drained to even trot. We slogged along for a while longer, taking turns and trying to navigate the maze. Then Zakk broke the silence with a question that had been nagging at him. "Did you tell Moonshine?" He asked, which caused me to stop and look at him. "What?" I ask, not following his train of thought.

"Did you tell Moonshine about your taint exposure?" He asked, and this time I grew a little defensive. "No, I didn't it never came up in conversation. Hard to talk to some pony you like about the fact that you might die from something you can't deal with." I said tersely, but then his reply sent chills up my spine. "You know taint is passed by sharing DNA. He said, and that made me freeze in my tracks. "Come again?" I asked looking to him once more. Then he dropped the bomb on me. "You and Moonshine bumped uglies. Chances are he has taint exposure now too." My eyes widened, and my heart sank. I had no idea that taint could be passed from pony to pony like that. If what Zakk said was true then... "Oh Celestia what have I done?" I muttered as I sank to my haunches against the wall of a tunnel.

I put my head in my hooves, feeling lower than I had in years. Then, like a calming rain, Zakk was there, his hoof comfortingly across my shoulders. "Shh it's alright Cherry, you didn't know." He said as tears began to fall down my cheeks. How could it be alright? Moonshines life was already such a mess, how could I return to him, knowing I had made it worse, accident or not. Seemingly reading my mind, Zakk, shook me to get my attention, and when I finally looked up at him, he held a soft smile. "Relax, Moonshine is in Tenpony. And if I remember right, he was supposed to have a physical today. I bet the Doc already found it, and purged it from his system. So, no harm done right?" Despite feeling like crap, Zakk had just thrown a life line to a drowning pony.

I nodded, feeling a little better at his words. But still shaky, and low on energy. All I needed right now was a good rest, and a meal. But that was a few hours back in Tenpony, and we still had a job to do. So, with what little strength I had left, I stood, and began walking again. If I was going to see Moonshine again, I had better return with those medical supplies for Shady. Zakk, also sensing my change in attitude also changed his. We searched for a few more hours, and through it all, Zakk had begun lightly singing "Ninety-Nine Bottles of Cider on the wall." And by the point he had gotten below fifty, I had grown so annoyed with him that I actually yelled at him to shut up.

I enjoyed the few minutes of silence I had gotten, before under his breath I heard Zakk finish off his song. Through it all I grit my teeth, but looking back on it now, it helped take my mind off things, and allow me to recover some of my energy. Then, miraculously we found it. The door we had hoped we would find. I knew it was the right one, because the tunnel left of me led to the river. I tried the handle, but it was locked. Typical. Seeing my face, and my sinking hopes of sneaking in, Zakk pushed my aside, and tried his hoof. But the lock didn't give for him either. I gave him one of the dirtiest looks in my repertoire, but he just smirked, and placed his hoof back on the latch, and began to shake it quickly. Then to my amazement even faster. And then, finally with a soft click, the door screeched open.

"Wha... but how?" I asked as I jumped back to my hooves to look inside. ZAkk chuckled and followed me in, whispering. "Old locks like that grow weak over time, wiggle them fast enough, and the metal can't keep up. It just breaks it open." I stood, flummoxed at his explanation. "I'm not even going to try figuring out what is wrong with that explanation." I complain, before following him through the door. Honestly, I didn't care what odd sorcery he used, the point was that we were in, and no alarms had gone off.

Together, we made our way up a few flights of stairs, before coming across another door. I sighed, and tried it, but to my amazement it was open. I suppose luck would have it that this particular group of bandits was quite dumb. Still, they weren't dumb enough to leave the door unguarded. As soon as I opened the door, I locked eyes with a bandit, who was wearing a battered red shirt, a desperado cow pony hat, and had a thick and bushy mustache. From this angle I even caught a glimpse of his cutie mark, it was some kind of bird, wings and talons spread, and it looked like its wings were on fire. Some kind of firebird? Like a phoenix? Still, I didn't have time to ponder about it long, before he whirled, his gun in his mouth, and another in a holster on his leg.

I wrapped my hooves around his neck, and pulled him back into the room. Zakk was quick thinking enough to shut the door behind us as I wrestled with the buck. To his credit, he put up a bigger fight than I imagined, but that didn’t change what I had to do. Once I got a good enough moment, I quickly hosed his face with fire. He opened his muzzle to scream, but all he got for his efforts was a set of seared vocal chords. I released him to the floor, and ceased my magic. But sadly, the poor buck was still alive. I used the only method I had left, and levitated up his dropped revolvers, and pressed one into his mouth. Luckily his skull muffled the shot.

I stepped over the fresh corpse, the smell of burning pony filling the small room. Good thing Moonshine wasn't here, or the smell might trigger him again. Zakk, while remaining silent, I could tell was judging me for my actions. Too bad I didn't care what he thought. I had a time frame, and the goal was almost in sight. I pulled open the door again, and looking around, no pony was in sight. I motioned for Zakk to follow with a shake of my head, and slowly we moved out.

Twenty yards away was a stack of old crates, and steel barrels. We made a bee line toward them, and slipped around behind the stack. We had to push ourselves onto our rear hooves, and shuffle along with our backs against the brick wall. Near the end, the wall ended, and a sliding garage door was open, leading into the next room. I paused, and took a small peak around the edge of the door. What I saw stopped my heart. Several bandits were standing in a semi-circle with their backs to us. In the center was a group of ponies, bound and gagged. What chilled my blood most however was one pony who was hanging by a chain upside down. Each bandit had taken their turns in whacking the buck with sticks like some macabre piñata.

I grit my teeth as I levitated one of revolvers around beside me. The .44 magnum had an intricate engraving down the barrel, ending in the open maw of a coyote. It was quite the piece of hardware, but I didn’t notice any of that as I took aim at the back of one pony. I narrowed my eye, and pulled the hammer back. Just as I was about to pull the hammer though, I heard a grunt, followed by the sound of steel barrels crashing to the floor behind me. The shock of the noise caused me to fire my shot wide, missing the pony I was aiming at. Infact the bullet missed everything, even slipping past a shard of broken window without hitting a thing.

Again, that remained unnoticed by me as I turned and looked in shock at Zakk, who had clearly knocked over the stack on purpose. I heard shouts from the bandits on the other side of the wall as they took cover behind their prisoners. "Why? Was all I managed to think of as I stared at my companion in shock. His response was to smirk, before leaning close and making like he would be whispering into my ear, then shoved me out into the open. I fell onto my side, looking back to him as I heard the bandits shout, and charge at me with their sticks. If I had time, I could probably kill them with the revolvers, but now I had their attention, and also had little chance of taking them all before they descended on me.

Instead I sprayed fire in their direction, hoping to buy enough time to get to my hooves and formulate a new plan. Preferably one that involved killing Zakk. I did manage to get up and begin backing away, but my fire wasn't able to cover the entirety of the door and inevitably they managed to move past with only singed fur for their efforts. Now I knew I was in deep shit, six bandits, all wielding clubs and broken sticks. As I was about to try some reckless magic in a last-ditch effort, I saw another cascade of barrels and crates topple over. These ones fell all around the bandits, somehow miraculously missing every pony, but trapping them under heavy boxes. I looked up, astonished and confused as Zakk leapt atop the pile, and began dancing.

"Ohhh pony are you ok, are you ok, are you ok Pony, you been hit by, you been hit by... A smooth criminal. Owww.!" He sung while standing on his rear hooves and leaning over at an angle I didn't think was possible without falling over. And to top it all off, he had somehow gotten his hooves on an old and battered fedora. Truthfully the hat suited him. And apparently, he thought so too and he kept it as he jumped off the boxes to land before me, who was completely stunned into silence at the display. Luckily his he fixed that with a few words.

"Dammit Cherry, look at the mess you made." He said, shaking his head at me. I balked for just a second, trying to gather my thoughts. "Wha...but you... Zakk there is no way you can blame this on me." I shouted, trying desperately to make sense of the situation. Then Zakk leaned closer. "it's all your fault Cherry. Who killed that bandit guarding the door?"

"I did." I replied, but that was because I had too.

"Who possibly gave Moonshine Taint?" He asked

"Also me." I growled not happy he threw that back in my face.

"What day of the week is it?" He asked

"Umm Tuesday?" I responded to his random question.

"It's Tuesday because it's your fault!" He shouted, lifting the brim of his new hat so I could see into his eyes. "And do you know why everything is your fault? I don't know, I'm just a mule..." He finished, before turning and skipping away. I blubbered in confusion for a few seconds, trying to figure out what he meant. "Wait... Did you just hold a grudge?" I asked after him as he jumped over the boxes effortlessly.

I sat in Life Bloom's office, my head hung low. I had possibly just found out the one mare I was beginning to like may have exposed me to taint through sex. Luckily, he had said it was far from lethal, or even dangerous. But Cherry had to have known she had it, chances are she had developed her own mutation. Life Bloom seemed to be reading my thoughts at this point, because he gently cleared his throat to get my attention. "Ya know, it could be possible that she didn't know she had taint, or if she did, that it could be passed along by... certain means." He said skirting around the topic of my activities with the mare.

"Still, when she returns I will have a look at her as well to see what needs to be done. She may not be aware of it, but we do hold the cure to taint right here in tenpony." He said. And truth be told, it made me feel a little better. I was really hoping that it was all an accident, and that she wasn't trying to screw my life up more than it was. I mean if it wasn't for the fact that I should have been Pegasus it easily could have ruined me. Then, I allowed a new thought to enter my head, more of a question really. Thinking about Cherry had brought up the memory of her and I discussing what we felt when Gardens had fired. I had sensed what earth ponies must have felt right? I asked Life Bloom as much, and he chuckled.

"Moonshine you were supposed to be born a Pegasus, but you weren't. You were born as an Earth pony. Now with your wings developing, you are somewhere in between the two races." I nod, following him so far, but there had to be a downside somewhere. "There will be one thing you will have difficulty with though." He said cupping his chin in a hoof. I rolled my eyes, even when weird things were happening, I couldn't catch a break. But his words actually stirred something in me I hadn't felt before. "You're gonna want to fly. That will be very difficult as a full-grown pony." He said, issuing me a small smile. And I couldn't help it. I smiled back, and for the first time in a while, I actually felt confident in myself. If the only challenge was going to be learning to use my wings, then it was a challenge I was eager to take on.

"How long do you think I have before my wings fully develop?" I ask, curious. He takes a moment, and looks to the scan again, looking at the developing bone structure. "Well given the amount of growth in the past week, take into consideration your change in diet..." He pauses to make sure I took the hint that I needed to be eating a lot more. " I would guess that around a month to two months, your wings will be fully grown. But the muscles will be incredibly weak, and it will take even more time to develop them." I smile and nod knowing that in just one month, my life, and body would be completely different. And I actually felt happy about it.

"Any chance I can start working them out as they begin to grow from my back?" I ask him, wanting to know all I could now. He nods and actually smiles as he takes into consideration my excitement. "Yes, you can, though I wouldn't push them too hard, the ligaments will still be new and can tear easily. You will need to be patient while they develop as well. But light weight lifting, such as books, and things can speed up the muscle growth." I pumped the air before me, excited and pumped. These were all feelings I hadn't really felt before, I was actually excited about myself for once. Where my tail had been a single source of pride for me, the prospect of flying gave me a new outlook on myself. Before I could lose control over my emotions however, I quickly reigned them back under control. There was a lot of time between now and then, and I still had other ponies to think about. Shady primarily for her injuries, and Cherry for her own well-being when she found out what she had caused.

"Hey doc, thank you, turns out this whole... physical, thing, actually, paid off. Thank you." I said, it wasn't often I could thank some pony without there being any sarcasm marking my words, but Life Bloom had done a lot to make sure I was healthy, despite having other patients. Life Bloom smiled, and for the first time in a while, he felt like he had delivered good news. This was still the wasteland; very rarely did he get this chance to see a happy patient. I suppose this is what makes it worth all the long nights, and terrible things he had seen as a Doctor.

"Doc, mind if I go see Shady, I kinda wanna tell her the news." I said sheepishly. Not wanting to sound like a giddy foal who had just gotten their cutie mark. From the look I got in return, I could tell I was failing, but fuck it, I didn't care right now. "Sure, just don't disturb the other patients please, and keep your voice down." He said as he stood and opened his office door for me. I trotted out, even a sprained hoof wouldn't keep my spirits down right now, and made for Shady's bed.

I found her, sitting up, and bleary eyed. Her meds having worn off, and her nap having just ended. As I moved over, she looked to me, trying to make herself focus. "M... Moonshine, what's going on. Why do I feel like I got hit by a tank?" She asked as I drew near. "actually, you were hit by a bullet, still, close enough." I say with a little sarcasm, and humor to my voice. Shady, despite being loopy caught it and fixed her eyes on me. "What happened to you. Did you get laid or something." She said, clearly trying to tease me a bit about Cherry. "Yes actually, but I have even better news." I said, and then over the next half hour I filled her in on everything, only omitting Cherry as the source of the taint. That should probably remain between her and I for the time being.

"wait, so you’re a Pegasus. Just born without the wings?" Shady asked, trying to make sense of the situation. I nodded, still excited like a little puppy. "And now you're growing them because of taint?" I nodded again, and Shady whistled softly. "That explains so much." She said lowly while looking off into the distance. I tilt my head, confused at her words. "what do you mean? I ask, not sure I understood. Shady looked back to me with a small smile. "I mean, when I was teaching you how to fight on the Seahorse, your hooves slipped. Earth ponies are more precise than that. Also, when you and Calamity were fixing the power armor, I heard you swear every time you accidently hit yourself. And going further back, to the night respite fell, you accidently hit a buck in his gonads." I stopped her with a hoof before she continued even further. I didn't need any more reminders of how many times my Earth pony side failed to live up to expectations.

"Anyway, it actually makes sense, and if it will be as soon as the Doc says, then you can actually be more capable in a fight. Us ground ponies still have a difficult time looking for attacks coming from the sky, and you can use that to your advantage." She said, always thinking of function over form. And here I was thinking I would just look cool with them. But upon hearing her words, I couldn't help imagining how useful wings would be in combat. And that thought spawned many more, and how I could use the wings in ways I doubted Shady would think of.

A short time later, when Shady began to yawn and nod off, I quietly left her to rest up, and then found myself wandering aimlessly. I was lost in thought about the changes that were soon to come, that I didn't notice I had wandered up toward Homages home. I blinked, taking in my surroundings for a change, and then reached up to knock on the door. I had little hope she would answer, for all I knew she was in her studio recording another broadcast. But life had found a new way to surprise me, as she answered almost immediately.

"Moonshine, I thought you would be back in your room resting up." She said, giving me a stern mom voice. I shook my head, not only to answer her question, but to also shake off the rest of my stupor. But since I was here, I figured I could do some learning in her library. "Actually, I was wondering if I could use your library. Do you have any books about Pegasi and flying?" I asked. The question derailing her usually cool demeanor. I mean how often do non Pegasi ask about flying. Homage stood aside, allowing me entrance to her home again, and walked with me to the shelves of books.

"If I may ask, why the sudden interest in the Pegasi?" She questioned as she helped me look for books on the subject. So, I gave her a quick rundown of my physical, and Life Bloom's discovery. By the time I had finished, we had a small collection of tomes, ranging from foal's books about flying lessons, all the way to advanced science in how wings achieved lift. One book though immediately caught my eye, it was blue and yellow, with a lightning bolt sporting a pair of wings descending from a cloud. "That is a Wonderbolts Training manual. I think Twilight got her hooves on a copy as a gift for Rainbow Dash. But I think the world ended before she could deliver it." Homage said somberly, and I felt a certain reverence for the book. "Do you think it would be ok if I read it?" I ask as I look at the spine, noting that it had probably never been opened.

"I don't see why not, books were meant to be read, and with your current situation I think you need all of the information you can get your hooves on. Infact..." She pauses and looks around, before walking to a closet and retrieving an old leather saddle bag, the hide having been dyed a royal blue, before opening it, and slipping a few of the books inside. Including the Wonderbolts manual, and even a new leather-bound notebook and a set of pens. "Here, consider these a gift to you from me." She said before setting the bag across my back. I fumbled with my words for a moment, before finally saying what was on my mind. "Homage, you've already been more than helpful toward me and my friends, this is too much." I say, trying to push the bag back to her, but she backed away from me, a small smile on her face.

"Moonshine, those books were sitting here gathering dust. How many Pegasi do you think come through here, who don't know how to fly?" She asks, and I had no clue, though I could guess probably never. "There ya go, now I want you to have these books, and put the contents to good use." I probably couldn't say no after that if that response would save my testicles, not after Homage had put such a finality to her words. Besides, I really didn't want to offend her, not after all she had done. And with that, I left her to her own work, thanking her again and again, before heading to my room to begin reading. But once I was there, and I had opened my new bag, I was not only surprised at the number of books she had given me, but also the sheer amount of space inside. "Holy shit! Another bag that's bigger on the inside!"

I followed Zakk around the crates, and slowly approached the small band of traders, and the pony who was hanging upside down, and covered in rags. The traders shied away from us, and I went to them, setting the empty revolvers down, and trying to soothe them with kind words while Zakk set about freeing the bound pony. "It's ok, my name is Cherry, and we were sent out to find you by Doctor Life Bloom from TenPony tower." I said, keeping my voice low, and trying to show them I wasn't a threat. Even though the wasteland had changed, ponies still held on to their general distrust in strangers. "Cherry..." ZAkk said, drawing my attention away from the group. "I think this pony wants a word." He said and moved aside to show the pony in question.

I tried hard not to gasp, honestly I did. But seeing a pony bearing the distinctive stripes of a zebra, while sporting a pair of wings as well was unheard of. I couldn't help but stare at him, my eyes following the pattern of stripes that all seemed to originate from a point near his shoulder. He walked past Zakk, tired and hurt, but still having his dignity. He came to a stop just before me, before looking to the pistols laying beside me. "Sorry, but can I have those back?" He asked calmly, despite having literally been a hanging toy for the bandits a few minutes ago. I nod, and pick it up with a hoof, before giving them to the... Pebra?... Zony? Eh it didn't matter.

He nodded his thanks, before scooping them up with his wings, and sliding them into the holsters on his back. "Thanks, I couldn't forgive myself if I lost them." He said, growing more comfortable in the presence of his guns. Seriously they must have been a family heirloom or something. He looked past me to the group of traders, and smiled. That seemed to be more than enough to make the group relax. "I thank you for the timely rescue, a few more minutes and I would have spilled my guts across the floor here." I was seriously hoping he meant telling them secrets, and not puking across the ground. "Anyway, you said Life Bloom sent you?"

I nodded, and looked around, hoping to find a crate marked "Medical Supplies." But we didn't get to lucky. "If you are here for the supplies, the boss has them. And with all the commotion, chances are he locked himself in his office." I sighed, this just had to keep getting better. "Alright, well we need to get them, we have a friend back in Ten Pony who really needs them." I didn't feel comfortable sharing Shady's name with this stranger, but I did have to stress the importance of our need.

Joey nodded, rubbing his bleeding lip, and his eyes gaining the fires of rage and pain as he turned and drew his revolvers with his wings. That was something new, but I filed it away for later, as Zakk and I stepped beside the Zony, and together, sharing a nod, we set off after the boss bandit. A minute later, after Joey took out a shoddy turret with a single round from his .44, we stood in front of the door to the Bosses office. Too bad for him, he made it difficult by chaining the door shut, locking him inside. Joey made to shoot the hinges, but I put a calm hoof on his shoulder and stopped him. Instead I gave Zakk a look, followed by a smile. He knew what I meant.

A heartbeat later, the door was sent off of its rotten hinges, showering the room with in in splinters. I heard the boss inside scream, her shout of pain and fear filling our ears. Together we stepped through the door, facing the mare who had made our day so rough, but it was nothing compared to what she had put Joey through. "If you all want the supplies, they're in that crate. Me and cunt face here need to have a few words." Joey said, a calm tone in his voice, but the fires of rage flickering behind his eyes.

Zakk and I checked the crate to see it was full of healing items, and a box of .44 rounds. I levitated the ammunition to the Pegasus, and together Zakk and I packed all of the supplies into a few burlap sacks which we tied with rope. Then, to further compound on the quivering Mare's suffering, I broke her desk open, and robbed her of any caps she had hidden with-in, as well as several un-opened packs of cigarettes, and a silver lighter. Through it all, Joey remained silent, keeping his guns pointed at the bandit. "Zakk, check her for anything useful." I command as I light up one cigarette, using the lighter this time to save any magic I might need on the walk back, then I walk over to Joey, and hoof him the bag of caps. Honestly, I didn't count it, but it felt like a couple hundred. "I figured you can use these to take care of those trader ponies outside." I said quickly, before leaving them in his hoof, he nodded his thanks, and issued a kind enough farewell before Zakk and I left the room, laden down with bags of medical supplies, and a shiny 9mm pistol.

As Zakk and I left the old warehouse, having wished the traders well, we suddenly heard a scream from within from the boss Mare, followed by a single retort of a .44 pistol. Zakk and I didn't even blink as we made our way back to Ten pony as the sun began to set.

Just as the sun finally dipped below the horizon, leaving the sky with streaks of purples and oranges, Zakk and I finally made it back to the tower. We climbed up some steps, and walked across the celestia line, and came upon the gate leading in. Rogue the Alicorn was at his post again, but this time, more relaxed and fluid than before. But the second he saw Zakk, that vanished. But unlike the last time, every pony remained silent as we walked by, I think they could all tell, that the two of us were spent. Between the burns and the tiredness in our eyes, no pony wanted to mess with us right now.

I was in fact, so exhausted, I didn’t even think about stepping onto the elevator and pushing the button marked up. Zakk though, apparently still had energy enough to try messing with me again. As the door began to close, Zakk grabbed me and began to shout into my face, like we were going to fall. I didn't fall for it this time though, and instead, my horn ignited.

All ponies on the outside of the elevator witnessed was a sharp pop, followed by a trail of smoke pouring from between the doors.

By the time the lift let out its little ding, and the doors parted, Zakk and I both stepped out, our fur burned, and our manes and tails trailing smoke. We both said nothing, and didn't even look at each other as we made for the room Homage had lent us. I paused outside the door, just feeling that Moonshine would be on the other side. Part of me really began to dread going in there, I mean how do you start a conversation with "Hey, so I think I gave you some terrible thing that will probably kill you."

Zakk took a breath, getting ready to speak, but I shushed him, and furrowed my eyebrows. If any pony deserved the truth, no matter how horrible, it was Moonshine. I sighed and closed my eyes for a heartbeat, before opening the door, and letting myself in.

I had come back to the room, with the sole intent of reading about Pegasi and their wings. But, after the revelation with the bag, I decided to do something else. I pulled out the journal Homage had given me, and riffled through it, it was of course, blank. So, for the first time in almost two weeks, I began to write. I had a lot of material to cover, and it took me the better part of the late afternoon. I had only just finished writing about... well, the time I had with Cherry the night before, when the door to the room creaked open. I sat up quickly, already gearing up for a fight. What I saw though, made me pause. The mare standing there had a familiar face, but it was blackened and singed. Even her mane had been blasted back.

"Cherry?" I asked, narrowing my eyes curiously as I looked at her. Honestly if it was her, what the hell had she been through? "Yeah, it's me." She said tiredly, but I could tell there was more to her voice. "Cherry what the fuck happened!" I said as I rushed over to her, looking for any serious injuries. But she just looked away, before gently pushing me aside, and entering the room, followed by Zakk, who also looked like he had stuck his head into an oven.

Before I could begin to ask again what happened, Cherry put a hoof against my lips to silence me, and shrugged off the heavy bags now on her back. "Moonshine, I will explain later, but come here first," She said, before pulling me into a hug, and leading me to sit on the bed. Zakk on the other hoof, suddenly decided that now would be a great time to try dance lessons or some other random thing, and ditched his bags too, before leaving the room quickly.

I ignored him, instead focusing on my friend, and seeing an immense sadness, a look that didn't belong on her face. "Moonshine...I... Oh fuck I don't know how to start!" She says, but when I try to speak, to let her know that it's ok, she puts her hoof over my mouth again. "Look, there is no way I can do this easily, so I will just go ahead and rip the scab off. There... there may be a chance that...because of me, you umm... you might have taint." She finally spat out, I could tell this was tearing her apart, but her telling me now, means that she must have not known it was passed on the way it was. And that honestly made me feel a lot better.

I then smiled, something she didn't see because she had her head down, and was fighting back tears. "Cherry, it's ok, I already know." I said, calmly, and with a smile. She suddenly snapped her head up, tears brimming in her eyes as she looked at me. "You... What?" She stammered. I placed my hoof on her cheek, and gave her a small kiss. "I already know about it, and I have some news of my own to share with you." I comment, the smile never leaving my face. Cherry looked confused, and a little relieved that I didn't seem to hate her.

So, it went, I spent a solid hour explaining what Life Bloom had found, how I was slowly developing wings due to some type of repressed genes or something, and that the taint I had gotten from here was actually bringing about the change. For a while, she couldn't understand why I was excited about it, but the more I talked, the more she relaxed, and soon she was growing excited for me as well. She then told me when she had gotten hers, a similar thing occurred, making her magic change, and how it was driven from her emotions more than her mind. To be honest, I couldn't fathom how hard she had to keep focused in order to contain it.

We continued to talk, for the better part of the early night, telling the other about what the other had gone through. Finally, we both finished, her exhaustion finally catching up with her, and the stress having been whittled away by my acceptance left her drained. She yawned loudly, barely stifling it with a hoof, before flopping onto the bed. I stood, and gently scooted her into the center, and wrapped the threadbare blanket around her. "Get some rest Cherry, you had a long and busy day." I whisper, but I could already tell, before I finished talking, that she had already fallen into a gentle sleep.

I kissed her forehead, and immediately regretted it because I got singed fur on my lips, and it tasted gross. But before I made a sound, I quickly wiped my muzzle, and quietly picked up the bags to take to Life Bloom. I left as silently as possible, and carefully made my way upstairs. Once in the hospital wing, I searched out Life Bloom, only to find him talking with Shady, and sharing a laugh before I came close. I set the bags down at his hooves, and moved back.

"Here is everything Cherry and Zakk managed to recover." I said, interrupting their conversation, and the Doctor immediately halted and moved to the bags to search through them. "Looks like almost all of it is here, though the med-X is missing, no surprise." He said, sounding a little sour about some of the medicine missing, but still happy that so much had been recovered. He said good night to Shady and myself, before levitating up the sacks, and heading off to conduct inventory, leaving Shady and myself sitting silently.

"Ya know, I never said this, and if you tell any pony I will deny it, but it's a good thing you convinced Cherry to come along with us, it's almost like the universe hoofed us a big Deus Ex, and we took it." I nodded, not knowing what a Deus Ex was, but not asking either. "Ya know, we still have a lot to do. You need to get healed up, and we need to go back to Hoofington to get our shit back." Shady nodded, but then sighed, knowing it would be a little while before we were able to head out. "Yeah, but in the meantime, we are safe, healthy, and warm, not to mention well fed." Shady said, gesturing with a hoof at a small bowl of apples. To be honest, I hadn't eaten anything since breakfast, and my stomach let out a loud grumble.

I didn't even ask Shady if I could have one, before picking it up, and rubbing it on my freshly groomed coat, and took a large and healthy bite... which I immediately spat back out. I seriously don't have to explain why do I?

End of Book One

Author's Notes:

Alright Mares and Stallions, this chapter represents a huge Milestone for me, first completing the first part of Winter Moon, and reaching my first 100,000 words. never have I written anything as long, and even still I have much more story to go! Stick around, because part 2 will be swiftly on it's way! Until then, Keep calm, and Pony on!