I stood in front of the double doors to our suite. I hesitated. If they were there, I wasn’t ready to really confront them. No, no. All you have to do is go in and grab your body. That’s all you have to do. I nodded to the horned pony. I reached for the knob with my magic and stopped as I heard voices on the other side. My heart skipped a beat. They were on the other side. I wasn’t ready to meet them. I had picked them up and heard their stories (except Silver Iris) and I had just told them off. I had become the pony I saw others as. I leaned in close to hear the conversation.

“… What’s her deal anyway?” I heard the voice of Silver Iris.

“Pssh, you ask me? She is just going to ditch us.” I heard Comp said.

“I feel awful. What has Sixteen gone through all her life?” Goldenlee asked. “I feel as if I done something wrong? Did I do something wrong?”

“No pony did anything wrong.” I heard Brick said. “She might be just under a lot of stress right now.”

“Or maybe it’s just that time of the month.” Comp said. I heard what sounded like a smack across the head and a hiss. “What? It could be that!”

“I doubt it is.” I heard Shining Star said.

“Well, you’ve read reports on her family. You even seemed to know her when you haven’t even met.” Brick said.

“True. I don’t blame her for acting how she is.” Star said. “In fact, I did hear a recording from a monitor about three years ago.” Three years ago? Father had disappeared when I was a filly and Bell had just been born around the time when the Enclave came from the sky and The Light Bringer opened up the clouds. I leaned in closer. “If I remember, he mentioned about a child of his that always seemed shy around other ponies. I then heard a mare crying and the stallion was very concerned and asked why she was crying? She then said that somepony had traumatized their child to the point where she had to go to the Stable's ER. She stated that some of the colts and fillies had bullied her.” There was a moment of silence.

“You think that was Sixteen?” Brick asked. Star sighed.

“I can’t be sure. I heard that Courier One had five children before leaving them behind.” He said.

“And how is it that most ponies know about her family?” Silver Iris asked, sounding more concerned than annoyed. I bit my lower lip as I continued to listen.

“You ever hear the stories about a courier that changed the tide of battle between the stripes and the Empire?” There was a pause. “Well, that courier happens to be Sixteen’s ancestor.”

“Yeah, I remember you mentioning that.” Comp said. “But that still doesn’t explain why she is so moody.”

“Quiet you!” I heard Goldenlee said sternly. “Please, continue.”

“Say that the filly mentioned from that recording was Sixteen. From the sound of that mare's story, she made it sound like something even more traumatizing happened.” I sighed. Hearing these ponies talk about my past through recordings that my father had left around the Empire was depressing. It made all our hard work to cover up our lineage for nothing. I might as well just tell them out right. I made sure my hood hid my eyes from them and I turned the knob. When I entered, there was silence. I silently stepped in and closed the door. I peeked out from under the hood and saw all eyes on me.

“Hey…” I said weakly. I sighed when no pony responded. “I uh, kind of eavesdropped.” Now they looked worried. I winced.

“I see.” Shining Star said. “Well, I guess we might as well listen to your side of the story.” I looked at him with a tired look. I wanted a drink. I want sleep. I want this all to be over. I threw back my hood and looked at them.

“About that filly you mentioned? Well…” I rubbed my foreleg and bowed my head. “That was me. I remember it very clearly.” I looked up to see them with intent looks. I saw Goldenlee and Brick giving me a small smile. I continued. “It was a long time ago. It was when I found out I wasn’t even being considered a friend to them. The ponies from my stable were training to be couriers too. I was a cadet. I had just finished a private lesson on illusion magic and had received a message on my PipBuck from a filly I had a crush on.” I stopped and tried to calm my breathing. I took a deep breath.

“Take your time, dear. No rush.” Goldenlee said with a warming smile. I continued.

“Well, the message told me to meet her in the atrium. I did so and found that half of my class were all standing there, including the filly I had a crush on.” I felt my heart beat faster as I tried speaking. I could remember it clearly. The laughing, the taunting. “They circled me. I asked what they were doing and then they started… laughing. Then, they began calling me names… Then they…” I felt tears flow down my cheeks and I felt Goldenlee put a hoof around me. I wiped them away but they continued to fall. “Then the filly I had a crush on asked if I wanted to play a game. I asked what game and one colt said 'let's play medical doctors.' They started pushing… then they started hitting… Then they tied me to one of the tables… one colt had stolen a knife from the kitchen. They pinned me down and the colt started…” I sobbed. I remember my screams. I remember the blade tracing into my side. The blade making marks on my hooves and on my stomach. I heard a gasp from Silver Iris.

“They did it, didn’t they?” she asked. I just sobbed more. I remember the pain. The excruciating pain as the colt laughed. I had never felt so hurt in my life.

“After they were done with me, they left me there. I was sore, bloodied and crying. It wasn’t till a few hours later that one of the medic mares found me in a locker where I had secluded myself.” I wiped more tears away. “Then, I guess dad was probably recording by that time. I don’t remember much after that. But I made a silent oath that I would never trust another pony. And from that point on, I had just pushed others away.” I looked down at my hooves. My companions were silent. “I’m sorry I acted like that to you all. But I just couldn’t bring myself to truly call you friends.” I sighed. “I still can’t.” There was silence.

“Have you seen them at all after that?” Star asked. I said nothing but nodded. “Are they still around?” Again I said nothing but nodded. “I see. I’m sorry that had happened to you.” I waved my hoof weakly.

“It was a long time ago. I don’t remember much after that.” I said.

“Well, what’s in the past is in the past.” Silver Iris said. I blinked at her and sniffled. She rubbed the back of her head and gave a sheepish smile. “I mean, what happened, happened. You don’t remember after that and I say don’t bother. Just move on with your life. Besides, you know the saying. Karma is a bitch.” I sniffled more and smiled. She can be. And it doesn’t help either that two little ponies on my shoulder constantly nag at me about decisions.

“She’s right.” Comp said sadly. He went over to me and wrapped his forelegs around mine. “Listen, I’m sorry about being, you know, a brat. I was just… scared.” He said. I looked at him and smiled. I patted his head and he looked up at me. “So… wanna start over?” He held out a hoof. “Hi, I’m Comp. Your package.” I gave a small laugh and shook his hoof.

“Hello, Comp. My name is Courier. Please don’t ever call me Sixteen or Savior of the Roads. And you are not a package.” I looked at the ponies around me. “You are a friend. And I will stay by that promise I made to you.” Comp was now crying.

“B-but, how can you if you are going to die soon?” he sobbed. I looked over to my body.

“I won’t die.” I said. My companions looked at me. “I found some pony who can help. Her name is Mother Dandy. She lives in the basement of the hotel.” I trotted over to my body and was about to sling it over my back when Brick stepped up and did it for me.

“No worries, Sixteen. You have enough to carry as it is.” He said. I smiled at him. Then frowned and gave a good Cheerilee bop on the side of the head with my hoof. He blinked at me in confusion.

“Don’t call me Sixteen. Just call me Courier.” I said sternly. He rubbed his head.

“Sure thing, Six-err, Courier.” He said. I looked at the others.

“That goes for the same as well to you all. I don’t want to ever hear Sixteen or Savior from your mouths, got it?” They looked at each other and then nodded. I eased a little. These ponies won’t hurt me. I could trust these ponies. Not fully maybe. But enough that I know they won’t hurt me. Not like those from long ago. I trotted to the door, feeling an immense relief than I had all my life. I felt good. Really good! I felt as if the whole world was taken off my back. We made our way to the elevator and pushed the down button to head to the casino. Arriving at the casino, we were greeted by Al Capony. She looked at all of us.

“Sixteen.” She said. I said nothing but smiled at her which seemed to take her by surprise a little. “Are you ready then?” I nodded. “Very well. This way.” We followed her to the back of the chip handler, who nodded to Al Capony and to us before turning to help a pony turn in his winning bets. She reached back into her bag and pulled a small key out and unlocked the door. We entered and I turned on my PipBuck’s lamp spell as we descended into the darkness. When we reached the bottom, Al Capony led us through a door on our left and with a reassuring hiss, we were greeted to a room where two chairs sat side by side. There were strange artifacts hanging on the wall and smelly looking plants on the counters.

“Mother Dandy!” Al Capony sang. “You have a customer.” There was silence. Then, there was a puff of green smoke and we were soon engulfed in it. It smelt awful. We coughed and waved away the smoke and I gapped as I saw cloaked figure standing before us.

“I see. And I can tell that this one is strong.” The pony said nodding to me. The figure threw off the hood and I jumped back, my magic hovering over my gun as I recognized the pony. No, not a pony. A zebra. And not just any zebra, but the zebra from Route 2.

“Sukuji?” I gapped. The zebra nodded.

“I prefer Mother Dandy now. Don’t you think it is a fitting name?” she nickered. Al Capony looked between us.

“Wait, you said you never met any pony before.” She said with an arch of her brow. Sukuji or Mother Dandy, I don’t know how I should call her. The zebra gave her a sly look.

“I did. But this pony remembers me. So I can remember her.” She said. My brain was rattling now. How did she get here? Wasn’t she at the camp in front of Stableton? The zebra looked at me and nickered.

“Still conflicted I see. Well then, Maiden of the Stars. I can probably guess why you are here.” She said. I said nothing. I eased a little before nodding. “Then you arrived just in time. Your soul is still strong and I can save it.” She turned to her counter and began mixing in something in a bowl. “The stars have told me you would come. So I prepared a special brew for you. Please, have a seat here. You can put your true body in the other seat.” I hesitated and looked back at my companions. They smiled at me and nodded. I smiled back nervously and went to the chair. Brick laid my body on the other chair and Mother Dandy examined it.

“So, how exactly are you going to do this?” Silver Iris asked. Mother Dandy smiled.

“Is little pony doubtful of zebra mumbo jumbo?” she teased. Iris flushed and rubbed the back of her head.

“N-No. I’m just curious. I’ve never seen how an actual soul can be transferred. So, you know.” She tapped her hooves together bashfully. “Just curious.” Mother Dandy smiled.

“Fear not, little ponies. Your friend is in good hooves. However…” she looked at me, her expression grim. “You must take heed to what I am about to say.” I nodded.

“You and Five seemed to be on some mind link.” I said. The zebra blinked.

“The clown?” she chuckled. “Yes, a strange character. But all the more wise. Remind me of someone I know that tells funny stories.” She held up a gourd and I took it in my magic. I winced as a green goopy bubble popped.

“Err… is it safe to drink?” I asked. The zebra gave a hearty chuckle.

“You ponies are so funny. That is one of the reasons I left the Legion.” She said. Left the Legion? But wasn’t she with the Legion when we last met? I was about to ask, when the zebra cut me off.

“Now take heed, my little pony. I am going to create a road for you. You must walk it. And no matter what you see or what you hear, you must never leave the road. If you do, you will never be able to return. Your soul will be lost forever.” I gulped. Right, curiosity. Don’t follow curiosity, how hard can that be? I sniffed the goop and made a disgusted face before taking a hesitant sip. I looked at the zebra. The goop tasted yucky. “Drink all of it.” She said. I gave a sheepish smile and looked back at the goop. I took a deep breath and chugged like I hadn’t chugged before. My eyes teared as I tried to ignore the taste. I drank the last of it and threw the gourd towards Mother Dandy, who caught it skillfully on her hoof, as I coughed and gagged.

“Damn, that’s gross!” I said. Suddenly, I felt very light headed.

“Rest now, little pony. You have a road to walk.” Mother Dandy said. I looked at her and felt woozy. The room began to morph and I saw my companion’s faces become all funny. I laughed as their faces made weird motions before finally finding myself in pitch black.

I looked around, blinking. Only blackness.

“H-hello?” I asked. Silence. I looked down and gapped as I saw a road come rising up to me. Or was I falling? I screamed as I felt myself fall. I really was falling. I closed my eyes as I waited for the imminent death. Nothing happened. I peeked out one eye and saw I was hovering just slightly off of the ground. I flailed my hooves and touched ground. I looked around. Still the same blackness.

“Whatever you do, do not leave the road. No matter what you see or what you hear.”

I ran Mother Dandy’s warning by me as I took a hesitant step forward. Then another. Then another. I began walking. ‘Okay, Courier. You got this. Nice and easy.’ I thought to myself. I looked back up and focused on the road ahead of me. I could see it winding not too far away. I smiled and began to trot. ‘Okay, not so bad. But wait…’ Something was familiar about the road I was traveling. The way it snaked. The small cracks. Yes, it was familiar. Because I realized it is the same road in my dreams. I slowed my trot and my ears drooped at this realization. I knew what was going to happen. But, it hadn’t happened yet. I cocked my head in confusion. No whispers yet. I continued to trot until I came to a door. I rubbed the back of my head. I don’t remember a door being here. I tried reaching out with my magic, but nothing happened. Maybe it was because I was looking from the POV of my soul? Or this thing that Mother Dandy had me drink had disabled my magic. I sighed and opened it with my hooves. When I stepped in, I found myself in the middle of Pleasant Town. I gapped. This can’t be right.

“How did I get here?” I asked myself. I looked down to make sure I hadn’t wandered off the road. I sighed with relief as the cracked road was still laid out beneath me. My ears twitched. I heard faint laughter. It was coming from further down the road. I trotted further and the laughter became clearer. I darted my eyes to see if I would spot anything. I was sure I was in the middle of the source now. Or was it around me? I was about to step off the road when a winged pony knocked me on the head. Right, don’t stray from the road. As I trotted down the road, I could make out a small black figure. I tilted my head to get a better look. I saw a charcoal filly, crying in the middle of the road.

“Hello? Are you alright?” I was now standing in front of the filly. She was curled up, sniffling. I smiled. “Hey now. No need to cry.” I said reaching out with a hoof. She turned her head and I gasped. I found myself in the stable atrium. I looked around. Did I step off the road? I looked down to see the road still there. Then, I heard the screaming. I looked over to one of the tables as a group of colts and fillies gathered around the charcoal filly. My eyes widened. No… no it couldn’t be… it can’t be! I heard the filly scream. Those were my screams.

Let’s play medical doctors!

These words echoed around me. I sat back on my haunches and covered my ears with my hooves. I could still hear them laughing. The laughter becoming more sinister. Then, I heard it. The sound of flesh being cut with a blade. The charcoal unicorn screamed. I knew what was about to come next. The excruciating pain the colt had inflicted on me. Violating me. I closed my eyes. I didn’t want to hear it. I didn’t want to see it. But I could still hear the laughter. I could still hear me scream.

“Stop it…” I shuttered. The laughter rose. “Stop it!” I shouted. The laughter continued to rise. Make it stop! Please! I don’t want to remember! I want to forget! Come on, Courier. Move! But I couldn’t. I was horrified. The pain coming back to me. I held my stomach, felling sick and beginning to sob now. Please, make it stop… More flesh being cut and more pain being inflicted. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t say anything. All I could do was scream. So I did. I screamed as loudly as I could.

“STOP IT!!!” Then there was a silence. I wanted to open my eyes but I couldn’t.

“Open your eyes, Courier.” A voice said in my head.

“I don’t want too. I don’t want to remember.” I sobbed.

“You have to keep moving. If you don’t, you will die. Now. Keep moving.” I said nothing. I felt myself stand and take a shaking step forwards.

“You have to open your eyes, Courier. You need to see what you have done. What you have become.” I said nothing as I slowly opened my eyes. I found myself still in the atrium. I saw the colts and fillies still gathered around the table and a charcoal filly still struggling. I couldn’t hear anything. I looked away from the scene and saw the door. I took a deep breath and walked to the door. The door slid open with a hiss and I stepped through. I looked back to see that the door I had stepped through had vanish.

“Keep moving. It is as your friend said. What’s in the past is in the past. What happened, happened. You say you don’t want to remember. But you still do. You need to accept what has happened.” I looked around. Where was the voice coming from? “Keep moving.” Without a word, I walked down the road again. Whenever I heard something, the voice kept edging me away from whatever it was. If something had caught my eye, the voice told me to ignore it. I came to another door. I hesitated. I don’t want to remember. I don’t want to go through. But the voice told me otherwise. I opened the door and found myself in a small room. The road seemed to merge with the wall. I looked around and gasped. This looked like the room mother is in. I saw no bed though. I looked around, ignoring the voice. I narrowed my eyes.

“Courier? Is that you?” a voice said. I stiffened. I blinked and the bed had appeared. I could see mother laying in it, looking sickly. I was about to move toward her when I remembered the warning that Mother Dandy said to me. I stopped myself and stayed there. “Come here, Curry. Come see your mommy.” I wanted too. I wanted so badly to see her. But the warning kept popping into my head. I sighed.

“Sorry mom.” I said. I turned.

“Courier? Where are you? Don’t go!” I stiffened and looked back at the bed. I saw mother sitting up looking at me with sad eyes.

“Mother… I…” I took a step forward, but stopped myself. She suddenly looked angry.

“Who are you? You aren’t my Courier!” The light in the room began to flicker. “Who are you!? You aren’t my daughter! What did you do with my daughter!?” She screamed. “What have you done with my children!!?” I backed away a little as mother lunged from the bed, but stopped. I saw a chain around her neck. She lashed out her hooves at me.

“B-but mom… it’s me!” I said.

“You are not my Curry!!!” She screamed. I wanted to look away, but I couldn’t. Why was this happening? Is this some sort of sick joke? I felt tears fall down my cheek. I watched as my mother was just barely out of hoofs reach from reaching me. But the chain around her neck held her back. I wanted to help her. I needed to help her! But I couldn’t. I had thought me and my siblings would make enough to make mother better. But we were always short on caps. I would blow off the short amount of caps I would make on drinks. I gasped. No… was I that bad?

“You must continue, Courier. Open your eyes. See what you have become.”

“I don’t understand you!” I shouted to the voice. My mother still lashed out at me and screamed. I gave her an apologetic look and turned to the door.

“Courier?” she suddenly said, sounding desperate. “Where are you going Courier? Where are you?” I said nothing as I opened the door and stepped through. I was beginning to hate myself more and more. I trotted down the road, reaching the snaking path. I looked up and saw the signs from my dreams.

I stiffened as I began to hear the whispers. Without thinking, I bolted. But I felt myself becoming slower and slower. The whispers becoming louder and louder. No! I won’t let it take me! I won’t be monster food! I willed myself to go faster, but my speed maintained at a snail’s pace. The whispers were getting louder.

“Why are you running? Stop and walk. You don’t need to run.”

“Fuck you! I won’t be eaten! I need to live! I have things to accomplish! Ends to meet!”

“Don’t run. They can’t harm you. You would see this if you just open your eyes. Now, slow down. Walk, don’t run.” I hesitated to stop. “Trust me.” I said nothing. I shivered as I began to slow into a trot and then to a walk. I was surprised to see that my speed had picked up as I walked. But the whispers were still becoming louder. I drooped my ears. I was afraid. Afraid to look back. I made my way through the winding road and stopped… at the end of the road. I cocked my head in confusion. I stiffened as the whispers had stopped some distance behind me. Where was I supposed to go? I balked as I saw Lyon step out from the dark abyss. His cold, dead glazed eyes looking at me. He said nothing. Made no motion of movement. Just standing there in the abyss.

“Lyon? Is that you?” I asked. But Lyon made no movement. It had to be Lyon. He had appeared in my mind before! He saved me from unlocking Din.

“Turn back, Courier.” The voice said. I stiffened and looked up. I wanted to scream.

“Why? Aren’t I at the end of the road?” I asked.

“You would know if you just turned back, Courier. Open your eyes.”

I furrowed my brows. “I don’t even know who the fuck you are, okay? Stop telling me what to do! I don’t want to turn back. There are monsters there!” I backed away slightly, but not too far. I didn’t want to be snatched from behind. Standing in front, between me and Lyon, was a hooded figure. I gapped as the figure threw the hood off. I was staring at me. I noticed she didn’t have those dead cold eyes like last time. She looked at me with a stern face.

“Turn back, Courier.” She said. I bristled.

“No! I won’t! He’s right there! I can just reach him! I don’t want to turn back! They’ll get me!” I said exasperated. My look alike still looked at me sternly, but didn’t move.

“You have to trust me. Turn back, Courier. They won’t hurt you.” She said. Bullshit! After what happened last time, I don’t want to risk it happening to my soul. I took a step forward. But my copy still looked at me sternly. I hesitated now. “You need to open your eyes. You must turn back, Courier. Only then, will you know what you’ve become.”

“What do you mean? You’re not making any sense!” I screamed. But she kept looking at me sternly.

“You would understand if you just open your eyes. Now turn back and open your eyes. That’s all you have to do. They won’t hurt you.” Then she gave me a reassuring smile. “Trust me.” I bit my lip. I slowly turned my head. And what I saw wasn’t a monster. It wasn’t a bunch of glowing green eyes. The whispers stopped. I gapped as I saw…

“Brick?” The red colored stallion smiled at me and nodded his head.

“Courier.” He said. I balked. I then saw Comp. Then Goldenlee. Then Shining Star. Then Silver Iris. I looked back to see my copy smiling at me. The Lyon behind her vanished into the abyss. I looked back and saw Heart. Then Stall. Then Bell. Then…

“Mother?” the mare that was my mother smiled at me. Then, I saw… “Dad?” My father stood next to my mother, his face hidden under his straw hat, but he was smiling. Then, I saw Lyon next to them. His eyes were a luscious blue. The eyes I remembered as my brothers.

“Do you understand now? Have you’ve opened your eyes?” my copy stood next to me. I looked at her with awe.

“T-this isn’t some sort of joke, is it?” I asked her. She looked at me with a kind and gentle smile.

“That’s what it was before, wasn’t it?” she frowned now. “You’ve turned back, but you still haven’t opened your eyes yet. You need to open your eyes, Courier.” I blinked at her.

“How? What am I supposed to see?” My copy looked grim.

“The road isn’t done yet. Keep moving. Maybe then, you will open your eyes.” She said. I frowned.

“But I just came from behi-.” I blinked and noticed that the road wasn’t snaking, but it continued on. I looked back behind me in confusion. Eternal abyss. I gapped. “No… you mean I almost stepped off the road?” My copy nodded.

“You are starting to open them. But it’s not enough. Keep moving. Then you will open your eyes. Understand?” I looked at my friends and family staring at me with encouraging smiles. I sighed and took a deep breath. I walked past by my friends. My family. They watched me as I passed. Then, I heard them following me. I smiled. They weren’t monsters. These were ponies I could trust. Ponies I could listen to. Ponies I know won’t hurt me. I frowned and began hating myself more and more. I trotted further down the road, only hearing the occasional distractions around me. But I smiled and continued trotting with my friends and family behind me. I wasn’t afraid of anything when I was with them. I wasn’t afraid anymore. The road ended to a wide circular area. I looked around.

“Where’s the road?” I asked. My copy trotted to the middle of the circle. She turned to me, looking stern now.

“Now then. Open your eyes.” She said. I blinked at her.

“How? What am I supposed to do?” I asked feeling agitated.

“Think about it, Courier. You just have one last step to take. But you need to open your eyes.” She said. I wanted to understand it. I wanted to think about it. I was about to press more when I stopped. I felt eyes looking at me. I turned to see that the ponies behind me that were my friends and family were now caged. They were looking at me with fearful looks. I backed away. What did I do wrong? I looked back at my copy, still looking stern. And somehow, determined. I shuddered.

“What am I supposed to do then!?” I screamed. “How can I open my eyes if I don’t know how!? You aren’t making any sense!?” My copy sighed and rubbed her temples.

“I thought I would be more intelligent than this. Alright, let me reiterate the statement. Are you a Savior or Destroyer?” she said. I was taken completely by surprise.

“Who are you?” I asked with a shaky breath.

“I’m you.” My copy replied.

“Am I a monster or a pony?”

“Neither. You are me.”

“Am I a… Savior…” I closed my eyes. “Or…” When I opened them, I blinked. I was looking at myself. But she looked different. She was smirking at me. My copy stood in front of my caged friends. I looked around and then down at myself. I understood now. I looked back up and stared at my copy. Her eyes weren’t cold or dead. They were holes with a small tiny red pupil looking at me. She chuckled maniacally.

“Or are you Destroyer?” my copy hissed. I looked past her, my friends and family giving me worried looks. “So foolish. So naïve. You think you could accept them? Did you really think they would accept you? I mean honestly, you have always been alone. You don’t need them. You need me.” I bit my lip as my copy looked at me with a smirk. We began circling the area. “You are nothing without me!” My copies horned glowed and the darkness around us began morphing into something in front of her. It took the form of a blade. A sword. The blade flickered like flames as my copy took the sword in her magic and swung it to her side. “I’ll give you one more chance to change your mind. After all…” she leered. “I’m a reasonable pony.” I backed away. How was I going to fight this? I had to come to terms with myself. The final step I need to do. But I had nothing that could help.

Or did I? Of course I did. They were right there in the cage. I looked to them and they were giving me determined smiles. I smiled back. Yes, I did have something to help me. I felt a new sense of determination now. If I’m to come to terms with myself, I had to start trusting them. They won’t hurt me. They aren’t those ponies. These ponies…

“These ponies are my friends. Ponies I can truly trust.” I said, clear and determined. A bright light pierced the dark abyss and stuck into the ground. I gapped as I saw the glowing blade of Compassion. Without thinking, I took the sword with my magic and the blade sang. My copy bristled.

“Fool! You are nothing without me!” she charged and lashed out her sword. I deflected the blow. I was surprised with myself. I had never handled a blade in my life. I know I’ve swung blunt objects, but something that required skill to use? But, I felt the soul of the creator. The valor and compassion put into making this blade. It is proud. It wants to help. It wants to protect. I let the sword lead me as my copy slashed wildly at me. Each swing was deflected. I ducked, sidestepped and spun as the blade sang with each hit from the sword my copy had. I felt confident. I felt calm. I could think clearly. I had nothing to worry about. My copy lashed out and our blades locked. I had ponies waiting for me. Friends that I need to make amends with. I saw that my copy was glaring at me with full hate. I could even see tears coming from her eyes. “Why do you fight me!? Why do you ignore me now!?” She pushed. I went with the force.

“I don’t hate you.” I said calmly. My copy bristled more.

“Lies! You even thought so yourself!” I pushed this time. My copy gritted her teeth.

“I know what I thought.” I looked at her apologetically. “And I’m sorry.” My copy blinked. “I was afraid. Afraid of myself. Afraid of what I would become. And I had done just that. But I was wrong. You aren’t a bad pony. We aren’t bad ponies.” My copy looked at me, saddened with tears. She then glared and pushed. I didn’t give her the chance to have the advantage. I broke the lock and smacked the hilt of her sword with the flat of Compassion. The sword flew into the abyss and vanished. My copy fell to the floor and looked at me, hate clearly showing.

“Why? Why do you do this now! If you go back, you’ll be attacked by Din again!” she closed her eyes and began crying. “I don’t want that to happen to you. To us. So why do you fight me!? I’ve done everything I could to stop you. I threw in memories, fears and yet you still fought me! You continued on, not looking back!” I felt sorry for me. She laid their crying. “Are you just going to abandon me? Toss me away like they did? Am I not good enough for you?” I smiled at her and stuck Compassion into the ground. She flinched as I threw my hooves around her in a hug. My copy was frozen in shock.

“I could never live without you. Because you are me and I am you. We are two sides of the same coin. And I will never toss you away. I’m not going to be that pony.” I looked at her eyes now. They were no longer holes with colored pupils. They were my golden eyes. Tears were flowing down her cheeks. “I promise.” I said reassuringly. My copy sniffled and sobbed, wiping away the tears. I looked over to my friends in the cage. They were smiling at me. At us. I had done it. I’ve taken that big step. I helped her up. “Now, why don’t we go meet some ponies I know you are going to like?” she sniffled and looked at me.

“They… they won’t hurt me? Hate me?” I gave her a sincere genuine smile.

“I’m positive that they are going to like you. And don’t worry. I won’t go anywhere either.” We both walked over to the cage and my copy let my friends and family go. They smiled and gathered around us. I looked at my baffled self. “See? They already like you.” My copy smile, tears flowing from her eyes.

“Thank you, Courier.” I shook my head.

“No. Thank you, Courier.” I said. She smiled.

“We’ve done it then. End of the road for us here.” She said. I nodded.

“I enjoyed our time together.” I said. “Now it’s time for us to wake up. We have things to do. And we will do it one hoof step at a time.” I reached out a hoof. My copy beamed and locked her hooves with mine. A bright light formed around me. I closed my eyes.

Then, I woke up.

The first thing I did when I awoke was take a deep breath. I was staring up at the ceiling. The next thing I did was look to my left. I saw Comp curled up asleep on the floor. I smiled. The next thing I did was look to my right. I gapped as I saw my copy look at me and mouthed ‘thank you’ before fading.

“You are awake.” A voice said. I looked ahead of me and saw Mother Dandy stirring something in a bowel. I rose my forehooves in front of me. I felt… whole. Like a part of me that was missing had found its’ way back. I was me again. And this time with a new found goal.

“How long was I out?” I asked.

“At least a day.” She smiled at me and brought over the bowel to me. “Drink.” I looked at the goop. I shrugged. Meh, what the hell. I slurped it down and found that it had a carroty taste. I looked at her. “What was in it?” The zebra chuckled.

“Nothing like what was in the potion I brewed for you. Have you’ve finished the journey?” I smiled and nodded.

“I understand now.” I said. I did. I truly and feel I have. I know who I am and I know what had happened to me. I accepted it. “I’m going to continue searching. But not like before.” I smirked at Mother Dandy. “I’m going to take it slow and steady.” Mother Dandy smiled at me.

“I can see you are not as conflicted as you were when you came in. I’m happy to have helped.” She said taking the bowel from me and putting it on the counter. I looked over to Comp who was still sleeping.

“Where are the others?” I asked. Mother Dandy gently placed her cloak over the sleeping colt before speaking.

“They said something about retiring for now. I would assume they are back in the suite sleeping?” I blinked. She really didn’t know? Oh well. I’ll just have to find them myself. As I slid out of the chair, I felt lighter. I looked down and saw that my barding was missing as well as my sword and shotgun. “The pegasus said something about fixing up your barding and the intelligent stallion said that he would go out and gather the supplies needed.” I looked over to her. They had my stuff? Okay, Courier. You’re a new mare now. You need to start trusting. I agreed with the winged pony. I smiled and then flushed.

“Err… do you have something for me to wear?” I asked sheepishly. Mother Dandy rubbed her chin.

“Don’t most ponies not wear clothing?” she asked. I flushed but nodded.

“Well… I feel… you know… naked.” I said lamely. Mother Dandy chuckled.

“Pony should not fear about her body. However, I do have something for you to wear. Courtesy of the Omaretas.” She opened a locker and reached in, pulling out a white suite with a grey undershirt and a white tie. I cocked my head.

“Isn’t that what stallions wear?” I asked. Mother Dandy nodded.

“Yes. When they took me in, they thought I was a male. You can guess how awkward that went.” I chuckled a little.

“Yeah, I guess you’re right. It’s better than nothing I guess.” I said taking it into my magic. I threw my hooves up and put the shirt on before throwing the white suite vest over. I looked at the tie with confusion. Why a tie? What purpose did it serve? I put it under the collar and tried wrapping it. I groaned when I saw the tie looking wrong. Mother Dandy took the tie and with surprising skill, tied the tie around and adjusted it comfortably on me. How did zebras do that with their hooves? I looked myself over. It was a little big, but it fit comfortably around me.

“My. If I would have guessed. You could have been a stallion yourself. But you do have the mare look about you.” She messed with my mane. “Maybe the mane makes you look like a boy.” I flushed.

“It’s not my fault…” I muttered. “Mother says that my mane acts just like dads.” I couldn’t be sure. All the years I have seen him, he never once took his hat off around us. Mother Dandy smiled and looked over to the colt.

“You should find your friends.” She winked at me. “After all that you’ve been through.” I nodded. I understood what she meant. Now that I know that these ponies won’t hurt me like in the past, I can talk with them. Tell them how I feel and not be afraid to laugh in the end. I looked over to the colt. “Do not worry about the colt. I will watch him when he wakes up.” Mother Dandy said. I said nothing and threw my hooves around her in a hug.

“Thank you.” I said.

“Think nothing of it, child.” She said with a motherly smile. I trotted out the door and made my way back in the casino.

“Well, look who’s come out of the basement.” A familiar stallion said as I passed a roulette table. I looked over to see Bucky and his boys sitting around the table as the roulette spun with a small white ball. He smiled as I trotted over. “I hope you don’t mind me asking. But why are you wearing a stallion suit?” I flushed and rubbed the back of my head.

“Well, my friends took off to fix up my barding and this was all Mother Dandy had on her.” I said lamely. Bucky chuckled and turned his attention to the table. I watched as the table stopped spinning and the ball landed on a red circle with the number three on it. Bucky’s boys cheered and the group on the other end looked grim. I saw the mare behind the table take small round chips and pushed them over to Bucky. He looked at me and smiled.

“Wanna give it a go, baby?” he said. I looked hesitant at first.

“Err… how do you play?” I asked as one of his boys moved aside and I sat down in his place. Bucky smiled and put a stack of chips on the number five. Then he stuck three chips on a line between the seven and eight.

“Easy. All you do is place a bet on a single number.” He pointed to the number five. “Or a range of numbers.” He pointed to the chips on the line. “Then, this fine looking croupier spins the roulette table and tosses a ball the other direction. If it lands on any of the numbers you bet on, you win.” I blinked and took two chips in my magic. I placed them on the number sixteen. I figured might as well try with my courier number. The mare spun the table and tossed a ball in. It clattered for a while and eventually began slowing down. The ball still spun as the wheel came to a stop and the ball fell into a black colored tile with sixteen on it. I was surprised when Bucky’s boys whooped and cheered. I blinked in confusion as the croupier took a long metal stick and pushed the chips on the table over to me.

“D-did I win?” I asked flushing. Bucky winked.

“Baby, you just won the entire bet, ya’ dig?” I looked at the chips and cocked my head at them. I have never really tried playing one of Las Pegasus's games. I didn’t really know how to play. But Bucky gave me tips and hints on what I should do and where to put the chips on. I was surprised that I won three bets in a row. His boys were patting me on the back and congratulating me. One of the mares from the other end stood up abruptly and glared.

“Bull shit! She cheated!” she barked. The stallion next to her seemed to agree. Bucky gave her a challenging smirk.

“Non-sense. Beginner’s luck.” He said. The mare looked ready to try something, but Bucky’s boys were already standing next to her. “Don’t be a sore loser, baby. We are just having fun here. No hard feelings, ya’ dig?” The mare growled and sat back down. Bucky smiled at me. “Wanna try again?” he asked. I shook my head.

“Thanks. As much fun as it was, I have to go find my friends.” I said sliding out of the seat. Bucky levitated the chips to me. I blinked and took them in my magic.

“Turn them into that gentlecolt over there. He’ll turn your winnings into caps.” He said. I looked over to the stallion behind a caged window. The door to Mother Dandy’s behind him. I said nothing as I trotted over and put them on the table. The stallion smiled.

“Won big didn’t you?” he asked. I rubbed the back of my head.

“I’m… not sure really.” I said. I really wasn’t sure. I don’t know how casino games worked. Bucky said I had beginner’s luck. Whatever that meant. The stallion looked at the chips and counted before putting them on a tray and stuffed them under the desk before pulling out a bag of caps.

“There you go. A thousand caps.” He said. I balked. A thousand!? I won a thousand caps!? “Is everything alright?” he asked raising a brow. I snapped out of my stupor and lifted up the bag.

“S-sorry. I have never played a casino game before. I didn’t expect to win a thousand.” I said. The stallion chuckled.

“Well, if that ain’t beginner luck if I ain’t seen one at all. That’s not pro winnings, but it’s decent for the big leagues.” He said. I just smiled and nodded, taking my newly won caps and trotting happily to the casino doors. I felt good. Really good! I hummed a tune of one of Velvet Remedy’s songs and saw a waiter going around with a tray of whisky floating next to him. I squeed as I saw a flask of Ranger Whisky. I plucked it from the tray and took a pull. Oh, warmy feelings. How I missed you so. I had finally gotten my drink!

Stepping out of the casino hotel, I took another pull before wiping my mouth and putting the flask into a hidden pocket inside the suit. I looked around the crowded street. Just another day in Las Pegasus. I kind of wanted to get back into my own barding. I checked my PipBuck and looked at the navigation tag. I was surprised to see my main objective was to find the armor dealer. Whoever designed these PipBucks knew what the hell they were doing. I scrolled over and saw a tiny cartoon pegasus. I had two unread messages. Scrolling through them, I gasped as one wasn’t from my siblings, but a certain clown that I knew.

Dear, courier Sixteen. How has life been treating you? Why, you’re actions in Las Pegasus is the news of the century! You should have seen Post Box’s reaction. Tis hilarious. TTFN – Courier Five

I blinked. I had done something here that made it big? I groaned as I knew a certain DJ who may have been behind it. Without thinking, I flipped over to the radio and heard the familiar voice of New Pegas.

“… listeners. This is New Pegas here with my good friend DJ Pon3 again.” New Pegas said.

“That’s right, children! DJ Pon3 will be sticking around for a while. And let me tell you, NP, I am having a hell of a fun time here in Las Pegasus. Even more fun with a certain repair pony too.” DJ Pon3 said. New Pegas chuckled before speaking.

“Shall we start the news?”

“Hell yeah! We got some exciting news about the Empire’s new hero and probably the new Strip hero as well, Courier Sixteen! Take it away, NP.” DJ Pon3 said.

“Yes. As many of you know that an everyday occurrence in Las Pegasus is nothing but gang violence and shady dealings. And I’m sure many of you know the certain place in Las Pegasus called Coltington Way.” I tapped my hooves, waiting for them to get on with it. “Well, most of you know to stay away from a place. But our lone hero, Sixteen, sided to aid the Omaretas in bringing down a corrupt gang head by the name of Bud. Bud is the right hand man of Father Pride. And we have a very special witness about our hero’s confrontation.” I gapped as I recognized the voice of the mare that had beaten me and I had beaten her back.

“I’m not calling her a hero. She’s more a nuisance if anything.” The mare said. “But yeah, Bud was bad news from the start. He told me to keep this a secret but f*** him. Bud had been planning something behind the back of Father Pride for a while now. He was dealing with the Powder Keg gang. We were meeting them to discuss business and wouldn’t you know it, that Bucky and his boys found out about it.” She snorted. “Then, the freaking courier that did this to my face was with them. We fought it out, she spared me. When she went after Bud, she came back with a freaking giant ass robot on her ass.”

“What kind of robot was it?” DJ Pon3 asked with clear curiosity. There was pause before the mare spoke.

“Don’t know. It had wings that shot missiles and had a horn that was a freaking gattling gun. I high tailed it out of there but looked back to see your ‘hero’ shoot the damn thing in the back as it was flying. After that, things seemed to quiet. Then, an explosion. And I saw the kid walking away from the wreckage without a care in the world.” She said. I furrowed my brows. So she ditched us to save her own hide. Go figure.

“Wow! Not only is this kid a Savior of the Roads. But she could be the next Light Bringer to this poisoned land!” DJ Pon3 said with excitement. “And you say Bud was piloting it?”

“Yup. Nearly killed us both. Don’t get me wrong, I won’t admire the kid. She’s not my hero. You hear that, kid? You are still going to be dealt with. By my own hooves! Just you wait!” the mare said. I couldn’t help but smirk.

“Well, I say great job Sixteen, for dealing with another bad apple of the Strip.” New Pegas said. “Now for news on RCE activity.” I shut off the radio. I heard enough. I felt mildly angry, but all the same, feeling like I had done something good. Accomplished something that I couldn’t have if I hadn’t realized what I had done. I scrolled back over to read the last message from Heart.

Curry, you have scared me half to death! You could have gotten hurt. Or worse!

I winced as I read the message in Heart’s voice in my mind.

But I’m glad you came out okay. You’ve grown so much. I’m sure father would be proud about what you have done. I know I am. – Heart

I sighed with relief. I had made her proud. Albeit, a little worried, but not as worried as she was whenever I get caught by slavers and such. She was proud. I pulled out the flask and rose it in the air. Cheers for a job well done, I guess. I took a pull before closing it and putting it back into my suit. I followed the navigation tag to a building. It had cracks running along the walls. A rotted sign over the doorway read:

I entered the store and was greeted by a scene of Silver Iris arguing with a small pink filly with a blonde mane.

“What do you mean you won’t buy it? This piece of junk must be worth at least something!” Iris said gritting her teeth.

“There’s the problem. It’s a piece of junk. Nothing worth selling more.” The filly said looking bored. “Look, are you just going to sit there and try to barter or do you still want to continue arguing?” Silver Iris bristled.

“Why you…” she growled.

“Did I miss something?” I spoke up before Iris could do anything rash. The filly beamed and Iris gave me a confused look.

“Sixteen?” she asked. I shook my head. The pegasus blinked. Her ears shot up and she flushed. “Oh, sorry. Courier?” I smiled and nodded. She looked me over and narrowed her eyes questioningly.

“Well, you took my barding. So I asked Mother Dandy to see if she had anything I could wear. This was all she had.” I said looking down at myself. I looked over to the filly who furrowed her brows.

“You know this idgit?” she asked. Iris turned and growled at the filly. I trotted over to them.

“Well, yes and no.” I said. Iris looked at me. “I’m hoping I can learn more about everypony.” I winked at the pegasus. She smiled and nodded. I looked her over. She still looked good. After her display of skills during the Alicron fight, my heart was beating excitedly as I stood next to her. I ignored the feeling and turned to the filly. “So, what’s up?” Silver Iris sighed and pointed at a gun on the counter. It was a customized 10mm sub-machine gun. I squinted. If I knew my guns, this is a pre-war made model. I looked over to the pegasus. “You have a pre-war prototype model?” The pegasus blinked.

“Pre-war prototype? What’s that?” she asked. I nickered and levitated up the gun.

“Well, I’m not Goldenlee. But have read about these. These were made before the war with the stripes. These were tested to make the actual ones. This is a prototype.” I held it up and the clip slid out and clattered to the floor. “It’s not an actual gun. It’s more for décor purposes.” The filly beamed at me and threw her hooves around me in a hug.

“Finally! Somepony who knows what she’s talking about!” she said happily nuzzling my neck. I patted her head awkwardly before she turned to Iris and stuck her tongue out. Iris balked, then stuck her tongue out back. I rolled my eyes with a smile and picked up the clip. A pre-war prototype weapon. Where did she even get it? I thought these things were destroyed in a balefire bomb attack. Stable text books and knowledge for the win!

“So, where did you even get this?” I asked Silver Iris, who was in a face making contest with the filly. She stopped, blinked in confusion and finally rubbed the back of her head.

“I found it when I was in the Enclave.” She said. “It was weird. I was just patrolling one day and found it in the middle of the hall of a factory in the ruins of Cloudsdale.” I arched a brow.

“You patrolled in the ruins of Cloudsdale? I thought the city was destroyed.” Silver Iris nodded.

“It was. You would be amazed that some of the buildings were still standing. But they are really hard to find. We were looking for Dashites in a building when I found it.” She said. I looked back at the gun. A prototype model found in the ruins of Cloudsdale? That meant this thing had a history. It is pre-war! It may be useless, but this thing is priceless. And whoever had designed it. Tested it. They were just as valuable as this gun. Only important ponies were allowed to test it.

My caps were on a Ministry Mare.

Footnote Level Up!
Small Guns (70)