I felt like hell. When I woke up, the bed sheets were tangled in my hind legs. Kicking them out from me, I slogged my way to the bathroom. I noticed Comp curled up with Goldenlee, sleeping on the circular bed. Goldenlee was wearing a purple robe and had a night mask on as I got a better look at her. Star and Brick were camped out on the sofas. I turned to look at my body. My body’s hide blending into the shadows as twilight began appearing from the big look out window. I looked myself in the mirror. My messy mane was even messier. I had slept in my barding. I felt dirty. I closed the door and threw my barding off, turned on the water and stepped into the shower, ignoring the faint clicking of the slight radiation. It felt weird. I didn’t have any dreams at all last night. I wondered if even though I was a “perfect copy” I didn’t share my actual body’s dreams. I hoped that wasn’t the case. After more thinking of possibilities that could happen to me, I stepped out and dried myself. Looking back into the mirror, I narrowed my eyes. My reflection returned the look.

“What are you?” I asked my reflection.

“I’m you.” My reflection answered.

“Am I really a pony or a monster?” I asked.

“Neither. You are you.”

“How will my siblings act if they knew?”

“They love you because you are you.” I narrowed my eyes more at my reflection.

“I’m trusting you on that.” I said.

“You should trust yourself.” A voice said behind me. I jumped in surprise and saw Goldenlee smiling at me. “Do you always talk to yourself in the mirror?” I flushed and rubbed the back of my head.

“S-sorry. I was just leaving.” I said. Putting on my barding, I tried not to look at her as I trotted past her.

“You know, you aren’t a monster.” Goldenlee said. “I can tell that you are a good pony. You are no monster. And as your friends, we will gladly help.” She smiled at me. I arched a brow at her, then sighed.

“I’m not sure we even are friends.” I said. “Don’t we have to… I don’t know… have something in common to be friends?” Goldenlee said nothing as she threw off the robe and stepped into the shower.

“Friends don’t need to have things in common to be friends. Why, your arch enemy could be your best friend for all you know.” She said over the rushing water. I cocked my head. What kind of logic was that? If you had an enemy, he was your enemy. You both would do everything to kill each other. Not be friends. I rubbed my chin in thought. Goldenlee giggled.

“Don’t think too hard about. You might pop something.” She said. I flushed and tapped my hoof on the ground.

“So… are we really friends?” I asked.

“Dear, a friend is a comrade that you stay beside in any situation. A friend is someone who will be there when you are troubled. A friend is someone who you fight with. A friend is someone you can love. Friends can even be made without exchanging a glance or a single pass of words.” She said. I was even more confused than I was before.

“So… yes?” I asked. She stepped out of the shower and winked at me.

“That solely is up to you.” I said nothing as I stepped out to let Goldenlee finish up. The boys were still passed out. I glanced between them. Can I really and truly call them friends? I know I have said that I could trust them, but now I’m not so sure after what had happened in Tipson. I know Comp sees me as a monster, but do the others see me like that as well? Will they just ditch me like the rest? My heart ached at the thought. I didn’t want to be tossed away again. I pushed ponies away from me that had tried to befriend me. But these ponies I met on my deliveries, we all had been in dire situations and needed one’s help to strive for survival. Was that what a friend meant? To help one another to strive for a goal that they can together accomplish something in the end? I never knew. I was always alone. Sure I had my family, but I had always been alone. And a mare from long ago that I thought had loved me just threw my heart away with the rest of me. Over the years of training to be a courier, I always accomplished things alone. I didn’t need a partner. I managed to ace the partner test without some pony that I should trust for split moment.

I trusted no one. My family was all I could trust. And after Lyon vanished and my mother went under suicide watch, I silently made an oath that other ponies will just drag me down. I told myself I didn’t need other ponies to accomplish tasks. And when I was either captured or in dire situations, I had always gotten out of it by myself. Sure, there was the occasional stranger to help me, but I would only use the pony for my own gain and pretty much did what other ponies had done to me. I gasped silently. It couldn’t be... But it does make sense. I could be that same pony that every other pony had treated me. I looked at the stallions on the sofas. I bit my lip. What if I was going to just turn around and toss them away? I mean, we only met recently, all of us. And what I’ve been through, I couldn’t tell anymore. I realized I was just seeing them as strangers. Ponies I could use for my own gain and then turn my back, never to speak to them and just go about my work.

I’d say we get them to help you get back to your body and then you ditch them here in the city. Leave without any pony noticing. I’m sure they won’t miss you. I half-heartedly agreed with the horned pony. No! We can be better! We can do better! Don’t be the pony that other ponies have been to you. Be a better pony! I looked tiredly between the two tiny ponies on my shoulders. Should I really be that same pony that I saw others as? But I wanted to be a better pony. I always thought of myself the better pony. That I could overcome any trial if I put my mind to it. It isn’t always about you, Courier. The winged pony was right. If I wanted to be a better pony, I should be a better pony. They will only toss you away like the rest. Don’t bother. This time, I had to disagree with the horned pony. I shook away my conflicting selves and looked up to see the boys finally stir. Star yawned.

“Good morning, everypony.” He said tiredly. He looked over to me and squinted. “You all right, Sixteen? Did you get any sleep?” I said nothing but nodded silently. I threw my hood over me as Brick and Comp woke.

“I’m hungry.” Comp said. Brick slid off the sofa and trotted over to the fridge. He opened it and dug his head around. He pulled back, revealing Sugar Apple Bomb cereal and a milk bottle.

“Breakfast already provided? What doesn’t this city have?” Comp asked.

“Virtue.” I said flatly. They looked up at me with confusion. I said nothing as I pulled my hood down further. “I’m going out. I need to see if I can find somepony to get me back in my body.”

“Don’t you want breakfast first?” Star asked. I looked at him and was about to deny when a winged pony told me to be better. I smiled.

“Maybe later. I think I should really waste no time in trying to find somepony who can put me back.” I said. “Don’t worry though, I’m not leaving the city.”

“Yeah, yeah. We get it.” Comp said with a wave of a hoof. I watched him head over to the table, waiting diligently for his cereal. I couldn’t blame Comp for acting as he is. But that would be another matter to handle. If I’m to gain Comp’s trust, I had to be a better pony.

Las Pegasus may be alive at night, but the city never sleeps. As I trotted through the casino rooms and made my way to the exit, I bumped into a familiar mare from last night. She looked at me with an arch of a brow.

“You’re that mare Bucky claims as an honorary guest.” She said. I said nothing but nodded. “Don’t talk much do you?” I said nothing. “Well, if you have nothing to say, then I find no trouble in telling you what I have to say.” I arched a brow at her. “Are you a whore?” I balked.

“What!? What makes you think that!?” I said, bristling. I saw her sly look. “Was that just something to get me to talk?” the mare nickered.

“No need to be so quiet around here. You are in Las Pegasus after all. Live a little.” She said. Easy for her to say. She wasn’t a soul trapped in a copy. I perked up.

“Err… Al Capony?” I asked. She said nothing but looked at me. “Do you, by chance, know of any pony who deal in souls?” I winced as she furrowed her brows.

“Why on earth do you want to handle souls? That is dark magic, even for a unicorn like you.” I tapped my hooves together.

‘“W-well. You see… something happened to me and I need to know if somepony can help me.” I said. Al Capony rubbed her chin.

“Well… perhaps.” She said. I beamed with hope. “But you should have thought about what you have done with your soul in the first place. Any pony being reckless with their souls deserve the punishment.” I drooped my ears. “However, if you truly are desperate, maybe you can do something for me and I could tell you who deals with souls here.” I arched a brow. I wasn’t going to like this. I told myself never to be affiliated with gangs. Courier, this is desperate measures! Your life is on the line. The winged pony was right. I sighed.

“What is it?” I said defeatedly. Al Capony beamed at me.

“Excellent! Finally, somepony who can get their hooves dirty without rhyme or reason!” she said. Great, she was comparing me to a lowly scavenger.

“It’s not like I have a choice anyway.” I muttered.

“Yes, yes. However, you must know the consequences of your actions for messing with your soul. Now you are going to live up to it.” She said. I looked at her. Was she also a paranormal enthusiast like Brick? How does she know dealing with souls have consequences? Assuming she is a gang head and the infamous mob boss’s daughter, I would think she never even had a soul to begin with. She cleared her throat and reached back into her bag. Pulling out a piece of paper and giving it to me. I took it in my magic and unfolded it. “These are your orders.”

To whomever pony who took this up with me, you must now do something for me if you are to get anything in return. You are to meet Bucky and his boys in Coltington Way. He will explain everything there. Failure is not an option. – Al C.

Coltington Way?

“And whatever you do, avoid Coltington Way. It is a bad place, full of anarchy.” Bucky’s words came back to me. I looked up at her and she returned a look, seeing if I was going to react or protest. I said nothing as I stuffed the order in my bag and shifted my shotgun on my back.

“Alright then.” I said. Al Capony seemed a little surprise that I was going along with it. She quickly got over it and smiled.

“Brilliant. Now run along. The clock is ticking.” She said. Without another word, she trotted past me and over to a roulette table. I sighed and made my way out onto the streets. Trotting down the street, I could see what Bucky meant when some places where gang controlled. I saw what looked like a Feather Tail gang get into a fire fight in the ally with a gang called the Powder Kegs. I ignored them and continued trotting over to a street that Bucky had shown us last night. I stopped and stared up at a small street sign.

“Well, ring-a-ding, baby. You the one Al sent?” I looked over to see Bucky with four other stallions. He smiled at me. “So you made a decision?” I sighed and pulled my hood down further.

“I had no choice in the matter. Don’t think I’m doing this to help you Omaretas. I’m doing this because I need to find somepony that could help me get what I want and then I can go and deliver your message to Mr. House.” I said. Bucky shrugged.

“Whatever rings your bell, ya’ dig?” he said. “I’m sure you need an up to date on what’s going down. Well, the Powder Kegs have been getting a little too zealous with their “promotion”. And it is our job to send them a message.” He winked at me. “I also heard The Pride have been getting in on it too. Our grunts mentioned that good ol’ Bud will be here.” I said nothing. I knew I said I wasn’t going to take revenge on The Pride. Well, I didn’t say I was going to storm into their place and shoot every gang on site. If I were to go after them, I would be going for one pony. He needs to pay for what he had done. Disguising as my brother to get to me was unforgivable.

“Let’s do this then.” One of Bucky’s boys said. I trailed behind them. I narrowed my eyes as they walked side by side down the street. Not a single word between them. I noticed ponies that were walking the street quickly took cover. They knew what was about to happen. And seeing four Omaretas walking down the street with their weapons drawn, you knew shit was about to go down. I noticed a group of ponies with plaid suits break from their chat circle and I saw amongst the blue suits, a familiar blonde mane pony. I also saw the mare that had beaten me. Her new found burns and scars from my previous attack with Din clearly visible on her hide and face. She looked pissed. The ponies trotted out onto the street and stood side by side, facing Bucky and his boys. Bud stepped to the front.

“Well, if it isn’t Bucky. Such a great honor that Kingpin's right hand stallion is here. I assume you are here to resolve a matter?” he asked giving him a charming smile. Bucky tipped his hat and smiled back.

“We are just here to send a message. The Pride and the Powder Kegs are taking their promotion to the max. You are abusing the gift of The Family.” Bucky said. Bud kept smiling as he dusted his suite before speaking.

“Now, whatever makes you think we are abusing the gift? We are just merely taking the necessary steps to make sure we don’t abuse it.” He said. Bucky looked grim now.

“You’ve been dealing behind the backs of The Pride. Father Pride won’t be happy to hear about it.” He said. Bud chuckled.

“Really? Whatever gave you the thought of us going behind Father Pride? I would never break my loyalty to The Family.” Bud said smirking. I noticed Chain Whip looking at me and growled.

“Hey bitch! Quit hiding behind those quacks. I got a bone to pick with you.” She growled. Bucky cocked his head before realizing she was talking to me. I walked past him and stood out in the middle of the gangs. Chain Whip did the same. We stared at each other, me with my blank look and her with her major I-want-revenge look. “Wipe that look from your face.” She growled. I said nothing. “You ruined me after the last time. Now I’m going to mess you up good.” I smirked now.

“Like the new look. Did you do something with your hair?” I said smugly. Why was I provoking? I wanted her to walk away. For us to walk away and never speak again. Then, I remembered her beating on me. Laughing wickedly with each land of a hoof. I looked at Bud. I narrowed my eyes. He just looked on at us with surprise intrigue. But I could also see him looking at me with a calculative look. He was uncertain. I smirked even more. Once I was done with this mare, I would go for Bud next. I didn’t want to go after the whole gang. I wanted to go after these certain ponies. To get back at them. The horned pony cheered me on. Me and the mare circled. I looked at Bucky who nodded in return. I looked back to Chain Whip and saw her unravel the chain around her hoof. I levitated out my shotgun and reloaded a fresh drum. I didn’t know how this was going to go out. The last time I was distracted in getting rid of the ponies and the mare used that to her advantage. But it seems the gangs stopped to watch our confrontation. Whoever made the first move, the fight will break out. The mare grinned wickedly at me. I said nothing.

Then she charged. In a blink of an eye she reared back. I hopped to the side as she brought her hooves down. I brought up my shotgun to her head. She ducked as I pulled the trigger. The slugs hit one of the Powder Keg ganger and he went down in a bloody heap. Then, all hell broke loose. More of the Powder Keg gangers appeared to surround us. I conjured up two copies to aid Bucky as they took cover and returned fire on the gang. Guns rattled throughout the street. Me and the mare broke away to take cover, her firing at me as she retreated with her own side arm. I quickly ducked behind a trash can as the bullets were being exchanged. I peeked out and entered S.A.T.S. My EFS was teaming with red. I locked on to a Powder Keg who had exposed himself and I fired five slugs at him. He fell to the ground with a groan. I ducked back and reloaded. I looked to my sides to see my copies and Bucky’s boys. I caught Bucky’s look as he winked at me and peeked out returning fire.

“I’m going after Bud!” I shouted over the rain of bullets and gun fire. He blinked.

“Make sure you leave him for us to handle! We aren’t here to kill, we just want to send a message!” he shouted back. I wasn’t going to guarantee anything, but I nodded anyway. The horned pony cheered as I rushed out of cover, entered S.A.T.S. and took out a mare that tried to get at me. Her head exploded in blood and giblets. I turned to see Chain Whip glare at me. I saw Bud retreating down the alley. I bolted after him.

“Where the fuck do you think you are going!?” Chain Whip hissed as I passed her. She quickly threw the chain under my hooves and tripped me. I fell to the floor with a thud and looked back at her with a growl. She grinned as she twirled the chain with a slight bob of her head. “I’m going to enjoy fucking you up!” she said. She jerked her head, the chain lashed out. I reacted by putting a foreleg up to my face. The chain wrapped around my leg and I felt myself being yanked as the mare glared with as much hate in me as I have with Din. “You ruined me! My face! My body! Everything! I can’t even get laid without feeling like I lost to a bitch like you.” She said. I arched a brow at her, locking my free hooves to the ground, preventing her from dragging me any further.

“It wasn’t me!” I shouted back. “It was somepony else!”

“Don’t fucking play dumb!” she growled as she jerked her head yanking me, but I quickly replanted my hooves to the ground.

“I swear! It wasn’t me!” I could tell the mare wasn’t buying it. Of course she wouldn’t! Silly me. My horned glowed and I focused on the chain. I imagined it being like a snake. The mare looked confused as she saw my smirk. She let go of the chain as it now turned into a snake. The long serpentine hissed at the mare as it curled itself into a coil and focused its’ slit eyes at her. The mare backed away only for the snake to quickly lash out and coil around her. I saw her eyes bulging as the snake began tightening its’ coil around her neck. I watched with strange satisfaction as the mare struggled to break free. Hello! Earth to Courier! Big bad pony getting away! The horned pony snapped me out of my stupor. I turned and rushed down the alley Bud had disappeared in. My galloped slowed to a trot as I reached a clearing. I saw Bud messing with a strange device. I held up my shotgun and pointed at him

“End of the road, Bud.” I said making him stop and slowly stood up.

“Hey now. No need for any of this.” he said as he looked over his shoulder with a smirk.

“Cut the bullshit!” I hissed. “You have done a vile deed in my book.” The stallion balked.

“I would never do vile deeds! I am an honest and hardworking stallion just like any other pony in the Wasteland.” He said brushing his suit. He was really starting to tick me off.

“You disguised as my brother to get to me. You have crossed a line that you shouldn’t have!” Bud backed away a little. Good! I wanted this fucker begging for mercy. “You don’t know what it’s like! You’re a fucking gang head! To even think about toying with me as my brother is beyond forgiveness!” I growled as I took a few intimidating steps forward to the stallion. His smile wavered.

“H-hey now. Let’s take it easy! I-I didn’t know it was your brother I was charmed as. It was the figure they gave me!” he said. I narrowed my eyes.

“Who? Who gave you my brother’s figure?” he took a moment to try and get the right words, but I wasn’t going to have none of it. “Answer me!” I shouted as I now pointed the gun straight at his face. I could see him shake.

“I-I-I don’t know! S-some strange looking pony by the name of Chryxal!” I squinted my eyes. Chryxal? I jabbed the gun at his head.

“You gotta do better than that!” I hissed. “Who are they? Tell me what you know!”

“I-I don’t know nothing about them! Honest! They came to The Pride and wanted us to do something for them. I didn’t know what it was at first. They were a shady bunch. They said they needed to send a certain courier a message. I didn’t know it was your brother, I swear!” What was he going on about? A shady bunch of a ponies and a pony named Chryxal were trying to send me a message? Bull shit! I wasn’t going to buy into this. All I know is that a horned pony reminded me why I was after him in the first place. He then smirked. I turned to see a chain whip me across the face, spiraling me to the ground. I looked up with a growl and spat blood out. I saw Bucky jump into a hole of the strange device and I heard the sound of roaring as the device came to life and stood up. I gapped.

“What the hell?” I said backing away. I saw that Chain Whip had finally snapped out of the illusion of a real snake and smirked as she leapt up onto the back of the rust colored device.

“You are lucky. No pony ever gets to see Alicron. Though most ponies don’t live to tell the tale!” the mare smirked. I hopped back as a mechanical hoof was brought down to where I had once stood seconds ago. I fired twice at the robot. Not even a scratch. I bolted out down the alley with the robot alicorn chasing after me. I dove as Alicron exploded out of the alley with dust and debris flying. I rolled to my hooves and slid to a halt next to Bucky who flicked his hat with awe.

“Aww, you gotta be kidding me!” he said. I looked to see that the remaining Powder kegs retreated back some. I focused back to Alicron as it groaned, steam shooting out of its’ joints. I have never seen a robot like this! Chain Whip cackled as Alicron spread its wings and reared back with a metallic neigh. I gasped as the wings shot horizontal and saw red tipped missiles aimed at us.

“Move!” I shouted. Bucky and his boys retreated as the missiles were launched and blasted around us. We dove behind cemented stairs, peeking out from the cement railing.

“What the hell happened?” Bucky said gritting his teeth. “And what the hell is that thing!? Is it one of Mr. House’s bots?” I shook my head as Alicron bowed its’ head and the horn spun. I ducked as more bullets battered our cover.

“I don’t know! But I know for one thing! Bud is in that thing!” I said. Bucky blinked.

“Bud?” we ducked our heads as more bullets riddled over us. “Go figure.” He said.

“You have no place to run or hide, Bucky!” Bud’s voice echoed from Alicron. “Give up. The Family is over and I’ll make sure you go down with it.”

“Why don’t you come out of that thing and let’s talk it over with our hooves, ya’ dig?” Bucky shouted back. I peeked out and saw the mare manually reloading Alicron’s gatling horn. She closed the compartment and knocked on the head with a smirk. The horn spun and more bullets rang out in small bursts. I ducked back just in time to avoid getting my head blown off.

“Any ideas, boss?” one of Bucky’s boys asked. Bucky peeked over, only to duck as more bullets riddled our cover. We were losing railing.

“I got nothing.” He said. I rubbed my chin.

“If we can take out the mare reloading Alicron, he will be out of bullets.” I noticed the bullets had stopped. I heard a metal compartment open. Without thinking, I dashed out of cover and galloped towards the bot. Alicron reared up as I got close. I entered S.A.T.S. and saw openings under the hooves. I fired straight into the right hoof. I smirked as the hoof made a small explosive sound and began smoking. Alicron backed away, causing the mare on its’ back to hold on for dear life. I entered into the last of my S.A.T.S. and took out the left foreleg. The same sound and more smoke.

“Quit it, you bitch!” the mare said. She tried firing at me. She only got two lucky hits to my side as I backed away as Alicron fell forward with a metallic clang. The mare flew off the back and rolled onto her belly with a daze. I looked down at her as she shook out of her daze and growled. “Don’t think I’m done yet!” I didn’t have time to aim my gun. S.A.T.S. was still charging and the mare tackled me, my magic losing the grip of my gun. I wasn’t going to let her pin me again. We rolled and I smirked triumphantly as I pinned her beneath me. Her eyes widened as I brought my hooves down to her face. Once, Twice, Thrice. With the last blow, I made sure to aim for the jaw. I heard a sickening crack and the mare screamed in pain. I felt the wind leave me as she kicked her hind legs into my stomach. I fell to the floor with a groan as she stood up and with a hoof, popped her jaw back into place.

“You are going to pay for that!” she hissed as she moved her jaw to make sure it was in place. She spat out blood as I stood up. Without a moment’s hesitation, she swung her hoof straight into my face. She brought her other hoof into an uppercut, hitting me square in the jaw. I tasted blood in my mouth. She swung around, her hind leg stretched out, and kicked me on my side. I hissed in pain and stumbled back away, trying to get some distance between me and the mare. She yelled as she began swinging wildly at me. Not this time. I bobbed and weaved each strike and countered by ducking low, spinning and giving a good applebuck to her chest. She crumpled to the floor. I gasped for breath as I shambled my way over to her. She looked up at me, gasping for breath as well.

“I win.” I said after a breath. “Move aside.” The mare rasped a cackle.

“Who do you think you are? I’m not letting some bitch tell me what to do.” She stood shakily up. She blinked as we heard the sound of a roaring metallic noise. I looked past her and saw Alicron stand up. It fell to the floor again. I had damaged the hooves. But what Alicron did next was so unfair. The wings unfolded and began flapping. A strong gust of wind blew my hood off and Alicron slowly rose into the air.

“Karma, why are you such a bitch?” I groaned. Alicron flapped its’ wings and I saw tiny mini guns on the side of the hind legs. The turrets roared to life as the bullets were pelted around us.

“What the fuck, Bud! Don’t shoot at me!” the mare barked.

“You are of no use to me anymore, fool!” Bud rasped. I cocked my head. He sounded like he was in pain. Did the damage to the hooves damage Bud as well? I felt happy with the thought, but I didn’t show it. I saw Bucky and his boys appear out of cover and fire onto the advancing gang that were getting close to me and the mare. They retreated, firing back. No one seemed to be paying us anymore attention.

“The fuck did you say?” Chain Whip said. She spat out more blood.

“You heard me. You are no longer of use to me.” He said. Chain Whip seemed frightened now.

“B-but. What about all the times we had together! I let you had your way with me! Now you are just abandoning me!?” she said, completely shocked by the news. I furrowed my brows. If things couldn’t get more confusing, it would be ponies turning on one another in the midst of battle.

“Friends don’t need to have things in common to be friends. Why, your arch enemy could be your best friend for all you know.” I gasped.

Goldenlee’s words ran over my mind again and again. This mare, the one I had burned and the one who had beaten me, was now being told by a pony she trusted that she is no longer of any use. Be a better pony! I nodded to the winged pony. Even though this mare is an enemy and worked way differently than me. She was now experiencing what I had gone through all my life. Betrayal of trust. Being tossed away. Maybe Goldenlee had been right. I wasn’t sure about the nothing in common, but we both did have something in common now. I looked up at the flying robot.

“You honestly are going to abandon your partner?” I asked. The mare glared at me. Bud chuckled.

“Oh, what is this? Sympathy now? Weren’t you two battling it out to the death? Don’t you two have beef with each other?” he said. I looked at the mare. She wasn’t showing it, but she was hurt. Physically and emotionally. I sighed.

“I know the feeling of abandonment all too well.” I said to her. She balked.

“The fuck!? Don’t even think about being friendly now! I still want to kill you!” she hissed.

“The feeling is mutual. But right now, our true enemy is up there hiding behind a case of metal.” I said giving her my blank look. “If you hesitate now, you are just going to get yourself killed.” I arched a brow and smirked slyly. “And you don’t want to die before I do, don’t you?” The mare narrowed her eyes.

“Fine. But when we are done with him, you are going to die by my hooves!” she barked. I smiled.

“How touching.” Bud said. He laughed as he aimed the turrets at us. I quickly picked up my shotgun, entered into a fully charged S.A.T.S. and aimed at the left turret. I fired six slugs into it before it exploded and I reloaded a full drum. Unfortunately, it took all of my charge to destroy the turret. The right one begin firing. I saw a chain lash out and wrap around the turret. I looked back as the mare gritted her teeth and pulled with all her might. The turret groaned before being ripped off. It landed in front of us with a clang and the mare skillfully drew the chain back and twirled the end with a slight bob of her head. “Tch! How foolish of me. No matter. Alicron still has plenty more where that came from.” He laughed again as Alicron’s neck opened up and a turret fired on us. We retreated as the bullets came down. I felt one bullet strike home and my leg gave away. I rolled to the floor and winced.

“Get the fuck up!” the mare barked as she helped me to my hooves. I quickly chugged a health potion and we made our way behind a chariot taxi. It was beginning to be riddled with holes. I winced as one grazed my cheek. The mare wasn’t faring any better, but she seemed to ignore the bullet holes on her side and her hind legs. Without even thinking, I levitated a health potion to her and she chugged it down without even a glance at me. “The fuck do we do now?” I peeked out as Alicron hovered in the middle of the street. I could see Bucky and his boys still firing at the gang not too far away. Then I saw something in the air above Alicron.

I gapped as I saw an insectiod armored pegasus dive bomb straight into the horn of Alicron. The kick was so fierce that the barrel broke apart and fell to the street in a crumpled heap. The pegasus landed in the street, the concrete cracking beneath the pony. I felt my heart thump in excitement as I saw the silver striped spiked back mane appear as the helmet retracted. I could see the side of Silver Iris’s face smirk. “Who the fuck is that?” the mare asked.

“Our backup.” I said as I noticed my companions galloping into the fray. Goldenlee unslung the anti-material rifle and fired into the wings of Alicron, making holes as the bullets penetrated. Brick fired a grenade under the robot and an electric shock exploded from the grenade, connecting with the hind legs of Alicron. It fell to the street with a loud clang.

“Sorry we are late.” I looked over as I saw Shining Star and Comp gallop over to us. I smiled. “We heard what was happening over New Pegas’s news. We knew you were going to be here so we hired some help.” He squinted over to Alicron as it sparked and began smoking. Brick and Goldenlee joined us. “Mind telling us why a Protect-a-pony Omega is doing here?” I blinked at the stallion and smiled.

“Glad you know what it is. I don’t know how, but Bud seemed to bring it into the battle.” I looked at the mare who glared at me. “I think you can fill us in. After all, you were his partner.” The mare snorted.

“Fuck if I know. All I was told was to accompany him. I heard The Pride working on a certain project.” She growled. “I wasn’t expecting a fucking robot to be it.” I peeked over as I saw Silver Iris fly over to us. She landed next to me and I felt my heart thump excitedly. I blinked and shook my head. Why? Am I cursed? How come my heart won’t stop thumping!? Goddesses please end my torment now! She darted her eyes between us before speaking.

“So, mind filling me in here? I was told to help you end a gang confrontation, not a robot.” She said looking back at Alicron. I controlled my heart beat as I stood and spoke.

“There is somepony in there that I need answers from.” I said. I threw my hood back over my head as I limped out of cover and towards Alicron. And not only that, he still needs to pay for disguising as my brother. I heard the horned pony cheer. Punish the fucker! Oh yes. I was going to. A couple of slugs to the head would do it. No, no. Be more creative! I smirked as I stepped closer to Alicron. I thought of so many ways for a slow and painful death. I stopped and watched as Alicron began roaring to life. Its’ wings came to life and lifted it up off the ground.

“Die, Sixteen!” Bud roared as Alicron brought back a hoof. I crouched low, legs spread, ready to move. I did just that as the hoof came down. Without missing a beat, I pivoted and leapt onto the leg. Turning, I galloped straight up to the head. I saw a turret pop out of the shoulder. I entered S.A.T.S and blew the gun to oblivion. The explosion made Alicron lurch and I rolled off the arm and landed hard on my side with a thud. I coughed and shakily stood, only to have my hind legs give away from under me. I gasped for breath as Alicron fell to the street once again. Another turret from the other shoulder popped out and aimed at me. I felt myself being lifted from the street as the turret fired. My hind legs dangled under me. I looked up with a confused blink and my heart beat more fiercely when I saw Silver Iris maneuver us around the turret.

“Take it out!” She said with a smirk. I snapped out of my stupor and entering S.A.T.S., I blew the turret to oblivion. The explosion causing Alicron to lurch again. I groaned as I heard Alicron roar and the wings moved again, lifting it up. “Damn. That thing is resilient.” Iris growled.

“It’s the pony inside that is. And he’s going to pay.” I said. I must have said it so coldly that Iris gave me a weird look. The neck turret popped out and without hesitating, Iris bolted sharply to the air as the turret fired off. I entered into the last charged bit of my S.A.T.S. and saw my chances of hitting the turret were very minimal. I swore as my slugs missed and pinged harmlessly off of the muzzle. I felt Iris struggle to keep me in her hooves.

“I can’t go my normal speed with you!” she shouted as the turret roared to life and she dipped as the bullets went over head. I darted my eyes as we rounded the robot. I spotted a small square compartment. I smirked.

“Get me onto the back!” I said to her. She blinked at me then nodded.

“Sure hope you know what you are doing.” She said as she changed her flight pattern. I smiled up at her.

“I don’t. I’m just a courier.” I said as she maneuvered around Alicron who was slowly turning to catch us in the turrets aim. “Throw me!” I said. Iris groaned.

“You are insane.” She said. I couldn’t help but laugh as she swung me under her. I whooped as I flew through the air and landed on the back of Alicron. Alicron lurched under me, making me roll. I quickly locked my forelegs onto a small spike on the back of metal armor.

“Annoying little pegasus!” Bud growled. Silver Iris smirked and stuck her tongue out.

“Try and catch me!” she taunted before flying off as the turret fired at her. She laughed as she dipped, turned and flipped as the bullets missed her. I felt my heart thump even more, as if my heart was cheering for the pegasus. Come on, Courier! Focus! The horned pony snapped me out of the stupor. I looked at the compartment and tapped it with a hoof. I smiled as it slid with a reassuring hiss and I saw a bunch of wires and components tangled in each other.

“Let’s hope robotics lessons paid off.” I said to myself as I pulled out a small wire cutter from my utility belt with my magic. I cut a group of wires and felt Alicron lurch.

“What the hell? Get off!” Bud roared. I yelped and gripped onto the spike as Alicron spun sharply. I saw Silver Iris dive in and deliver a powerful kick to the face of Alicron. “You ponies are starting to piss me off!” I gapped as Alicron opened its’ mouth and took aim. I heard Iris yelp and quickly avoided a beam. I fumbled with the wire cutters in my magic’s grip. I had to find the right wire that activated whatever beam Alicron was shooting. I coughed as the smoke and steam began to thicken. From the amount, I didn’t have much time. Alicron lurched again as Iris rounded again and delivered another powerful kick to the face. The wire cutters fell from my grip. Cursing, I looked back at the wires. I was out of options. Just shoot the damn thing! The winged pony exasperated which took me and the horned pony by surprise. I pulled out my Shining Armor enchanted shotgun and took aim. I fired once and a small explosion reached my ears. Alicron lurched again, this time rearing back in the air, neighing metallically as it began to fall to the street. The force of the landing forced me off the back and onto the head of Alicron. I saw fire and smoke coming from the joints and back. I groaned and rolled off the head and landed in front of the eyes. I coughed as the smoke thickened. But I could see him.

I heard the horned pony chant into my ear as I stood up and limped up to the eye. I saw Bud glaring at me through the eye, bloodied and beaten. I took my shotgun, flipped it in my magic and gave a good swing that shattered the glass. He glared at me.

“Do your worse! I will gladly die for the true heir!” I narrowed my eyes. True heir? I aimed the shotgun at him. He chuckled. “Do it!” I stared coldly down at the stallion. Do it! End it! The horned pony chanted. I sighed and put my shotgun onto my back. Wait, what are you doing? I looked at the horned pony and smirked.

“Being creative.” I said. I reached in with my hoof and pressed a button. I didn’t know what it would do, but seeing metal clasp around the stallion’s hooves was satisfying. His eyes widened.

“W-what are you doing? End me!” he pleaded. I shook my head. I could see the smoke coming from behind Bud. I then took out my shotgun and fired at the controls. I must have done something as Alicron neighed and the wings began flapping, the smoke flowing away from us. I smirked.

“Burn in hell.” I said coldly as I heard the horned pony laugh with satisfaction. I turned, hopped off of the robot and walked away, hearing the sound of an explosion coming from inside where Bud was. I heard the stallion scream, but I didn’t turn to look. I had gotten vengeance. No longer will I be toyed like that again. Until I can find this Chryxal pony, I was going to kill all who toyed with me, be it ganger or monster. I won’t be used as a tool. “Never again.” I said. I threw my hood over me as I heard Alicron explode behind me. I saw Silver Iris land a few feet away from me and smirked.

“Hey, not bad.” She said. I said nothing. I had gotten the satisfaction I needed. My companions came trotting over to me.

“Are you alright?” Goldenlee asked as she circled me to see if I had any wounds. I could feel my body suddenly feel sore and I could feel the blood trickling down my head. I just pulled my hood down.

“I’m fine.” I said. We trotted away from the remains of Alicron and met up with Bucky down the street. He was also bloodied and torn, but he just smiled his charming smile and tipped his fedora to me.

“Well, ring-a-ding-ding. If it ain’t the hero of the day.” He said. I looked at the stallion with my blank look.

“The deal.” I said. Bucky nodded.

“Alright. I’ll send word of what happened to Al Capony. You have done The Family a victory against our enemies. Not only did you stop a traitorous dirt bag, but you also destroyed whatever the hell The Pride was working on.” He rubbed the back of his head. “To think it would be a full ton of death and agony. But hey, it’s done and over with, ya’ dig?” I said nothing as I continued to stare at the stallion. He sighed. “Right, right. The deal. Come on then. We gotta go tell Al Capony.” We followed the stallion and his boys back to the Roulette Casino Hotel. No pony seemed to be at all fazed as they saw me, Bucky and his boys trotting down the street bloodied and beaten. Just an everyday occurrence here in the glorious vice city of Las Pegasus.

‘Yeah, because taking out a giant robot alicorn is considered normal.’ I thought to myself.

“Well then.” Silver Iris spoke up. I perked up. I forgot she was still with us. My heart thumped again and I struggled to control it. “This has been a really interesting day. Though, I was hired to stop a gang confrontation.” She looked at me. “Not a freaking robot.” Shining Star sighed.

“Yes, we understand. We had not expected a robot to play into the mix. How much do we owe you?” he asked. Iris rubbed her chin before speaking.

“Fifty thousand.” She said. Goldenlee balked.

“Wabazawah? That is triple the amount we were going to pay you!” she said. Silver iris looked annoyed.

“Well, if you don’t have the caps, why even bothered to hire me? I can’t believe I wasted my time with you.” She said crossing her fore hooves over her chest. Goldenlee bristled.

“I beg your pardon?” she said coldly. Iris stuck her tongue out at her.

“Well, you didn’t get us to pay up front.” Star said. “So, is there any way to pay you back?” Iris gave him a calculative look.

“I guess I have no choice. I’m stuck with you bunch until I get my caps.” She landed in front of me and poked my chest. “You owe me big time.” I stared blankly at her. My heart had stopped thumping thankfully. Something was definitely ticking me off. I had realized that the mare who I had fought with had taken off during the fight. So be it. We were enemies anyway. I blocked out the little ponies as I snapped at the pegasus.

“I didn’t ask for you to help!” I hissed. Silver Iris balked a bit and gave me a challenging look.

“Oh really? Because you sure looked like you needed it.” She retorted. “To think I have to not only make sure you guys pay me upfront, I’m going to also have to babysit you?” she scoffed. I bristled and stomped my hoof down. I heard the cement crack underneath me, but I ignored the pain.

“I’ve been fine all my life by myself.” I turned to my companions. “I didn’t need any of your help! I was doing perfectly fine on my own!” I felt myself breathing heavily. Brick arched a brow.

“What are you talking about?” he asked.

“I’m saying I don’t need you all following me!” That did it. I turned on the pegasus. “And I certainly don’t need a fucking babysitter. I’m a courier! I can handle my own just fine! I didn’t need it when I was a filly, I don’t need it now!” Why was I acting like this? Was I just using my companions to vent my anger? I was pretty angry. I was still pretty upset that I was tricked. I didn’t even get to beat more on the mare that had done the same to me. She just ditched us in the middle of the fight. And now that I realize it, these were all complete strangers! We only recently just met and now we were just friends? I told you we should have ditched them. I was now fully agreeing with the horned pony. They were holding me back.

“Courier, calm down.” Comp said sternly. I turned on the colt making him flinch.

“Easy for you to say! What, you suddenly feel sorry for me now? Well you shouldn’t!” I stomped my hoof. Cracking the cement again. “Ever since we met, you have been constantly looking down on me. You’re just a fucking colt. I don’t need to take shit from you!” He looked on the verge of crying.

“Sixteen, stop.” Goldenlee said sternly. “You’re scaring him.” I turned to the unicorn and grinned wickedly.

“That’s right. Because I’m the big bad monster that can burn an entire town to the ground. I enjoy watching helpless ponies be tortured by my hooves and laugh all the same.” I took an intimidating step forward. “For all I know I really am a monster. My whole life has been a lie.” I looked to Shining Star. “And you know what? All my life I’ve been lied too. Realizing my brother vanished because my father left. My mother is under suicide watch because of former reason. Ever since I was a filly, I had thought I had friends. But in the end they just tossed me away. I won’t play the tool no longer! I won’t be toyed with. Never again!” I turned my back on them, ignoring the strange look from Bucky. “You’re right Goldenlee. We aren’t friends.”

“What? What are you talking about? I specifically told you what I thought!” she retorted.

“And you said it solely depends on me. So, I’m saying we aren’t friends.” I pulled my hood down. “We are just strangers. I’ll just use you for my own gain.” I turned to them. “You said you wanted to speak with Mr. House. Well, here you are in Las Pegasus. Nothing is stopping you from following through.” I looked at Shining Star. “You will tell me where you found all the reports about me and my family. Once you do, I’ll go look for them myself.” I turned to Comp. “After, I’m done delivering you.” I turned to Brick and sighed. “I’m sorry Brick, but she may as well be dead.” Then I turned to Silver Iris. “And lastly, I don’t need a fucking a babysitter.” With that, I looked at Bucky. “I want to get this over with.” Bucky looked at us before nodding silently.

“You’re call, baby.” He said. I trotted after him into the casino, leaving my baffled companions and a stunned pegasus watching me. I felt my chest tighten. By Goddesses, what have I done? Karma must be really looking down on me. I had just pushed these ponies away. I had broken a friendship that I could have had with them. But I also didn’t want to hurt them.

In the end, I had become that pony that I had seen others as so long ago. I felt a tear slid down my cheek and wiped it away as I focused on trying to get myself back into my body.

We stepped out of the elevator and saw Al Capony sitting behind a desk. I glanced to her right and saw a larger circular desk. The chair was spun to look out the window and a vanilla hoof waved us in. Bucky and I, looking like we’ve been through a warzone, stopped only inches away from the desk. I saw in the corner of my eye Al Capony studying me.

“Bucky. Glad to see my best man come out of hell.” A voice said. The accent sounded strange. The chair turned and I saw an aged looking unicorn stallion. His vanilla hide was covered with a white tuxedo and he had a fancier fedora than Bucky’s. He looked to me and smiled. “And you must be Sixteen. Father Pride talks a lot about you.” I cocked my head. If Father Pride had ordered Bud and that mare to seek me out, why would a gang head talk about me? I said nothing. “But where are my manners. I am Kingpin IV. great, great, grandson of the infamous Kingpin I and head of the Omaretas. A pleasure to meet you.” I still said nothing. “Don’t talk much do you? Well no matter. I heard about what went down and I must say, I am impressed. You would make a great addition to The Family.” I snorted.

“Tempting. Only if I wasn’t trained a courier and The Family was out to kill me because of what happened at Route 15.” I said flatly. Al Capony knocked her hoof on her desk.

“You watch your mouth, scavenger. No pony talks to daddy like that.” She said coldly. I didn’t look at her. I kept my focus on Kingpin. He leaned back on the chair before speaking.

“Easy now, dear. No need to get riled up. This mare speaks the truth.” He said. I heard Al Capony snort and sit back down. “Yes, I am afraid that The Family has taken notice of your efforts. After what you did with Bullhorn and Razor. Well, I can tell you, they were very upset.”

“Let me tell you this then. I wasn’t the one who planted that bomb. I was told to just deliver it. No questions asked. So I did.” I snorted. “If Bullhorn hadn’t noticed me on Route 15 I probably wouldn’t be in this situation.” I looked at the stallion before stating. “I want my notoriety wiped. I don’t want to deal with any part of you or The Family again. I have ends to meet and stuff to do.” I looked at Al Capony. “I would like to have my own body back.” She narrowed her eyes in confusion. She perked up as if realizing something.

“Oh yes! I remember now. Silly me.” She looked at Kingpin. “Daddy. This mare wants to know if there is a pony here that deals in souls.” Kingpin arched a brow.

“Forgive me for asking. But why would you want to deal in something about souls?” I sighed and put a hoof to my chest.

“You know about what happened in Tipson?” I asked. The three listen intently. “Well… that was me.” Kingpin didn’t seem to react at all. I was hoping he would just explode on the spot. But he remained calm and collected as he waited for me to continue. “Well, it might not have. I haven’t told the others, and probably won’t be able to, now that I fucked up big time, but I think I have been possessed by a spirit of fire known as Din. And she had possessed me while I was in Tipson.” I bowed my head. “I wasn’t me. But I could watch what she did and I had no control. Then… I don’t know how, but Shining Star said I had done something called a soul transfer during the moment and stopped me err… well Din, from hurting any pony. I used a memory orb on the both of us and when I came to, I found out that I’m here, but really not.” I pushed into my chest. “I transferred my soul into a copy of me. And now Star says I have three days to live. Two because it had happened yesterday if I don’t get my soul back into my original body.” I wiped a stray tear. “I’m going to die. I’m so scared because I had done something and I’m going to die. And when I do, I will no longer exist.” The three Omaretas studied me. Then, Kingpin broke the silence.

“I see. So that’s why you want to look for Mother Dandy.” He said. I blinked at him.

“Mother Dandy?” I imagined an old hag mare looking for a horseshoe in the middle of a dark and scary forest. Kingpin nodded.

“She is the Omaretas personal medicine hermit.” He said. “You can find her in the basement of the hotel.” Al Capony snorted.

“Don’t know why she would even think of living in a filthy place like that when she could have the luxury to live in one of the suites.” She said. Mother Dandy…

“Alright, thanks. Now, I haven’t gotten a moment to lose.” I said turning.

“Not so fast, baby.” Bucky said standing in front of me. “Kingpin still has something for you.” Something for me? Great, now they want to give me gifts? Just kill me and be done with it. I looked over my shoulder as Kingpin arched a brow.

“I can understand your situation.” He said. I gave him a doubtful look before he continued. “If it weren’t for Mother Dandy, I wouldn’t even be here. But I do have something for you. Some pony I owe my life told me to give it to you.” I cocked my head. His horn glowed and I gapped as I saw a sword sheath being levitated towards me. I looked at the pommel and traced my eyes along the edges. I reached out with my magic and grabbed the hilt and the blade sang as it was unsheathed. It glowed brilliantly in the light. Or did it actually have a glowing hue about the blade? I wasn’t much for close range fighting, but the blade looked spiffy. The hilt of the blade had a small pink gem in the middle.

“What kind of sword is this?” I asked flipping it over.

“That there is a relic of the past. A sword said to be enchanted to combat the forces of evil. A sword once held by one of Shining Armor’s kids from two centuries ago. Its’ name is Compassion.” He said. I studied the blade. A relic of the past said to be used by one of Shining Armor’s kids? Wow, I was at a complete loss of words. I felt like I didn’t deserve such a piece of history, but in the back of my mind I couldn’t help but determine. As if the soul of its’ previous owner giving me the valor the blade had once shown on the battlefield. I sheathed it and slung it over my back, sticking it under my shotgun.

“You said you owed this pony your life?” I asked. Kingpin nodded. “Then, why did he tell you to give it to me. Shouldn’t you have it?” Kingpin gave a hearty chuckle.

“I’m too old to be swinging a blade like that around. I prefer guns and strategy. But you are a courier. And so was he.” I gapped. The pony he owed his life to was a courier? “Err… is this courier, by chance, is named Lone Road?” I asked. Kingpin rubbed his chin.

“Funny thing, he never really told me his name. He came out of the blue and I recognized him. He said he knows somepony that can know how to handle a sword. So if I ever here about a pony with the name Sixteen that I am to find you and give you the sword.” I glanced at the blade before pressing.

“So… why?” I asked. Kingpin turned around his chair to look out the window.

“Because I owed him my life. That is all the more reason to give you it.” He chuckled. “You best take care of Compassion. The buck spoke highly of you. It would be wise not to disappoint.” I said nothing as I darted my eyes in thought. This pony he owed his life to was a courier, yet he didn’t know the name?

“What about the number? Did he give you a number?” I asked.

“Like I said. He didn’t give me anything about him. He just told me what to do and just vanished into the Wasteland like a ghost.” He said. I said nothing more after that. I turned and Bucky opened the door.

“Say hi to Mother Dandy for me, ya’ dig?” he said with a wink. I nodded silently and adjusted my hood as I walked out of the room. I stood there in front of the elevator. I had to go get my body. And that would mean confronting some ponies I have told off.

Footnote Level Up!