The sun shone high overhead. Thankfully, the body cape had a hood that Zelori made good use of. Troffelton had stated that the Conditioner Antenna disperses a cooling aura of energy over a certain mile radius. The one in the distance covers at least ten miles. Detrot was supposedly three miles east of the tower that was facing north. However, Zelori couldn’t help but adjust the hood over herself, shielding herself from the rays.

Despite the antenna cooling the area off, that didn’t stop the sun’s rays from piercing through. Zelori learned as the old buck took her down a busy street was that, the antenna didn’t exactly cover the whole area. There were some pockets where the dangerous heat would pierce through, creating a pocket that will severely burn those that wander through it unprotected.

“There is no cure fer’ ye if ye do happen on one unprotected.” Troffelton stated, his look grim. “Tis why scavengers, bounty hunters and the NDS wear them fancy suites loik ta’ one ye an’ ta’ lad wore.” Zelori rubbed her chin as they stopped in front of a booth. The tarp laid out beneath a covered up creature, who Zelori couldn’t tell if it was pony nor robot as it wore goggles and a face mask, that looked up to them. It silently moved its’ shawl over its wares. Zelori narrowed her eyes, seeing strange looking metallic boxes with wires, stimpaks, gels and supposedly bullets for Solarium, Lunarium and Luridium gear.

However, what Troffelton had said caught her interest in one particular subject. “The NDS?” she asked. Troffelton opened his mouth to say something when the creature suddenly hissed and scooped up its’ supplies before standing up and dumping the contents in a box. It looked back to them, suspicious of their intent. Troffelton rubbed his chin.

“Best oi tell ya’ over atta’ pub.” He stated before shambling off down the road. Zelori arched a brow before looking to the creature. It continued to stare at her, wondering what she was planning to do. When Zelori gave a quiet sigh, she turned and followed the buck. While the vendors haggled and mingled about, both metallic and pony, Zelori couldn’t help but notice most of the booths bearing strange gadgets, scraps, supplies and other miscellaneous junk.

Troffelton and Zelori stopped in front of a saloon looking building. Zelori narrowed her eyes at the building, studying its’ architecture. It has clearly seen better days. The black scorch marks signaling where the sun appeared to strike more. Thankfully, this building seemed to be made of concrete and partial metal. Her gaze then fell to a sign where it showed a cartoonish mare, winking suggestively down at her in a strange looking attire:

Bannered Mare

Troffelton smiled at the puzzled zebra mare before giving her a hearty pat on the back, making her stumble forward a bit.

“Bawhaha! No worries, lass. Tis but a harmless pub. An’ me personal favorite!” Troffelton shambled up the steps, Zelori watching quietly.

‘A very odd and loud pony.’ She thought with a slightly annoyed frown. As she entered into the pub with the buck, her ears that were protruding the hood twitched. A strange melody spreading through the pub. It wasn’t any like the pulse pounding soothing to hardcore music that went on in New Equestria. No, this one seemed simpler. A box no taller than the pony behind it. His hooves moving over a white pad. However, it wasn’t holographic of any kind. Zelori watched with quiet interest as the pony strummed the keys, pressing them down into the box itself and bringing forth a melody that was… surprisingly catchy to her. However, whenever music was played, ponies were usually cutting a rug on the dance floor.

She arched a confused brow when none of the ponies were doing just that. Instead, they were gathered around tables. She noticed each pony wore a suite or a certain protective barding with tattered shawls and capes to protect them from the heat. She balked slightly, seeing Troffelton shamble his way over to a bar. She quickly trotted forward, adjusting her hood to make sure she wouldn’t draw any attention to herself. And while, she did get suspicious glances and arched brows making her a little hesitant in calling out, none of them made a move. And as she passed, they went back to whatever it was they were doing.

Zelori eased a little, but her mind was on full alert. Troffelton took a stool, creaking as he did, before knocking on the counter.

“Bar Keep! Yer’ finest ale!” he bellowed. Zelori furrowed her brows in worry as she quickly glanced behind her, seeing the buck had caught the attention of a few ponies. However, they seemed to just smirk slightly and turn their attention back to their companions or game. Zelori couldn’t help but find herself… intrigued by these ponies. New Equestria could definitely learn a thing or two about self-respect. ‘But that would be a long time to go.’ She frowned sadly. ‘Perhaps, by the time it is settled, it might be too late for them.’

She couldn’t help but think back to that certain day. The day she and Candlejack stumbled upon a file in a terminal that had been housed in a recent abandoned facility belonging the ETG. They had apparently left it due to certain technical failures. And while, nothing too threatening other than a few giant roaches and a creature that was dubbed a “Barnacle” that become its recent residents, she thought back, remembering how she and Candlejack had entered a room with a line of terminals, either on or off, illuminate the room. Zelori and Candlejack spread out, eyeing the terminals.

They and their team were tasked in retrieving data that had been so carelessly left behind by an incompetent researcher. And as Candlejack sat at a terminal, scrolling through it, he had come across a log file. Curiosity struck him:

>Research on the new material that has been officially dubbed “Luridium” has been going rather smoothly. We predict that within a few weeks, we can export this material and create a new form of energy. The Solarium and Lunarium materials down here were getting to the point of being obsolete anyway. Even these wretched boxes had been acting up because the material used to power them have been, what I would call, having a hiccup.

He scrolled through the log, unaware of the certain danger above him. As he read, he suddenly narrowed his eyes when he heard something wet and sloppy made a faint sound. He suddenly found it hard to breath as a fleshy like rope wrapped around his neck. He felt himself being lifted up, pulling on the flesh like coil around his neck.

Zelori quickly aimed, but couldn’t press the trigger. She couldn’t quite see what had gotten ahold of him. She looked around her sibling’s surroundings, seeing if she could spot anything. Fortunately, Candlejack had reached for a Soalrium knife that was holstered onto his suites foreleg gauntlet, he quickly locked a hoof around the flesh and gave a good hack at it.

A loud screeching sound reached their ears. And with a final good heave, the knife finally sliced the tongue. Candlejack fell to the floor and quickly scrambled out of the way, ducking as the flesh like tongue flailed about. Zelori was about to check the condition of her brother, when her visor was suddenly splattered with red liquid. It even smelled awful too. And then she realized that her helm was being melted.

She quickly pulled her helmet off and threw it aside, watching as the helmet morphed into the ground. She backed up, ducking behind a metal table to avoid the flailing tongue and acid like blood. Candlejack noticed it as well and quickly took cover under a desk. He darted his eyes to the ceiling. He then saw it. A pulsing red pile of flesh hanging above him. It retracted its tongue and let out a screech. He then saw razor sharp like teeth where the tongue had escaped too. He grit his teeth, pulling out his pistol and taking aim.

Firing onto the creature, it took three Solarium bullets before it twitched and gurgled. Candlejack suddenly gagged when a foul stench belched from the creature. And when it did, a red liquid pelted the table next to him where the terminal was. He gaped, seeing the terminal melt along with the table.

“Dammit, the data!” he exclaimed. But it was too late. In a matter of seconds, the terminal and the table had morphed into the ground, the keypad now a smoldering liquid. Candlejack and Zelori took a moment to catch their breath, doing their best to ignore the pungent smell. They then looked up to see the creature hang loosely. It then fell and landed in between them with a sickening splat. They studied the alien like creature.

“The hell is that thing?” Candlejack rasped, rubbing his neck. Zelori narrowed her eyes. She then gasped in shock.

“Jack… this creature is…” Candlejack narrowed his eyes. There was no doubt about. This was the same creature that had mysteriously dragged a stallion and half a mare into the ceiling. They looked up, Candlejack using his helm’s light to scan the ceiling. He then flashed over another creature. And then another. And another. They gurgled and clicked as the light shined past them. Most of the room was a minefield of them! Candlejack bit his lip and sighed.

“Guess this retrieval expedition is a no go.” He said. Zelori narrowed her eyes at the creatures. Candlejack then patted her shoulder. “Let’s go report this. And… hope that our team didn’t fall victim to these things.” They trotted out of the room and back the way they came. It was, however, as Candlejack feared. Realizing the creatures rested on the ceiling, they did their best to keep an eye out and where they stepped.

They had passed a hallway. Candlejack hadn’t noticed, but Zelori did. She balked, seeing down a hall a lone Lunarium carbine. She quickly looked up in horror at the sight of dangling hind legs and colorful tail protruding from another one of the creatures. It made a sickening slurping noise, the tongue aiding the unfortunate prey into its gullet. She felt her blood boil. There was nothing she could have done. And when she bowed her head, Zelori felt something heavy pat her back. She snapped out of her thought and found Troffelton arching a worried brow at her. She looked, her expression mixed with confusion and relief.

“Ye seem a wee bit stressed, lass. Care fer’ a pint?” the buck held up a metal mug with a strange smelling golden liquid. The bubbles forming at the top. However, despite the alcohol reaching her nostrils, she couldn’t help but ponder this. ‘Perhaps… a small sip or two wouldn’t hurt.’ She didn’t realize it herself how stressed she was until she took a seat and studied the liquid. Taking a deep breath, she leaned back and chugged, completely taking the buck by surprise. The liquid burned in her throat. She slammed the tankard down and coughed a bit, wiping her muzzle. Troffelton gave a hearty laugh.

“Bawhahaha! Ya’ got guts, lass! Oi can admire a stomach that can handle a pint or two.” Zelori winced, feeling the liquid still burning her throat. However, the after taste was almost strangely similar to an apple. She arched a brow and studied the tankard.

“What… did I just consume?” she asked. Troffelton smiled and took two big gulps of the alcohol before slamming it down and waving it around.

“Bar Keep! ‘Nother round o’ Spiked Apple Cider fer’ the lass! Aha! And me gullet as well!” The stallion chuckled.

“Comin’ up, chief.” He said. The pony took their tankards and refilled it before sliding them down the counter. Zelori casually caught it in her hoof and furrowed her brows. Troffelton, however, took another few gulps before slamming it down. The cider almost completely consumed. The sight of it made Zelori hesitant in consuming the liquid. However, the proud look he was giving her almost felt a bit reassuring. She took a deep breath again before gulping down the drink. This time, it wasn’t as bad as it was the first time.

Aurora hummed a small tune as she tidied up the kitchen. Placing the rifle back into its place, she looked and moved around the tied up Candlejack on the metal chair. The stallion was still unconscious after being forced face first into the stove. Aurora felt a little bad about her combat program activating the moment she spotted the lone red dot on her optic map sneaking up behind her. And when she realized it was the stallion after tossing him into the wall, she quickly tried her best to get the stallion to listen to her.

However, the way the stallion grinned victoriously at every move he made was confusing for her.

‘He acted like he was winning every time.’ She brought up her memory feed, replaying the footage of her countering the pegasus’s every attempt of assault. And while, the image of the running breeding program mixed with the combat program at the same time on the HUD was disorienting, she enhanced the footage, studying each expression and every movement he made carefully. He is skilled, that she was certain. However, she paused at the footage of him standing low on two hind hooves, aiming the rifle at her. She studied the posture.

‘Perfectly balanced at the midriff. Careful placement of his hooves…’ She then fast forwarded the footage, pausing at him casually standing low on two hind hooves with the knife locked in his foreleg. ‘Balanced swinging stance. Perfect for switching and pivoting… reflexes… where have I’ve seen this…?’ She then brought up another box on her visor, digging through her memory of paragraphs of fighting techniques. A long list was quickly scanned before it stopped and a style was highlighted:

Shaolin Zebra Art

‘Zebra fighting technique?’ She didn’t need to bring up a memory footage of a certain zebra mare that had accompanied him. And as she did, she looked to see the stallion stir from his slumber.

“Urgh… H-huh? Where am I?” Candlejack wanted to rub his aching head, but found he couldn’t move his legs. Or his entire body for that matter. He was able to move his head, however. He furrowed his brows worriedly before looking at the android. His expression turned sour.

“I am glad to see you have awakened.” Aurora said nonchalantly. Candlejack spat.

“Well… guess my luck was about to run out anyway…” He bowed his head. Aurora gave him a stoic look before turning and trotting over to the counter, stirring the bowl before pouring the contents into a smaller one. “So? What brutal way do you have in killing me?” Aurora glanced over to him before sticking a spoon in and using her claw like hoof to carry the bowl over to the table. She sat it down and Candlejack eyed it. He then gave a small raspy chuckle. “I see… melting my insides with that strange substance?” Aurora arched a brow in confusion.

‘Is this stallion for real?’ she thought to herself. She remained stoic as she sat down on another metal chair, crossing a hind leg over another and propping her cheek onto a hoof, stirring the bowl with a spoon. Candlejack grinned. She narrowed her eyes. ‘That same victorious grin again…’

“Then go ahead… feed me the acid substance.” He then looked at her, a victorious look on his face. “And then I can spit it back out at you.” Aurora looked unamused as she lifted the spoon up and hovering it over to him. Candlejack clamped his mouth shut, turning his head. Aurora frowned slightly. She moved the spoon to him, but he moved his head. And again. And again. Each attempt at trying to feed the stallion was nothing but a waste of time. Aurora then brought her other free forehoof and popped her claw stubs out.

Candlejack’s eye twitched slightly, realizing that the liquid might not only be the thing that would kill him this day. He did his best to keep his mouth shout, clenching his eyes shut and moving his head away. Aurora quickly pinched his muzzle, the tips digging in and forcing Candlejack to yelp a little. And when he did, the android quickly shoved the spoon into his mouth. Candlejack wanted to spit it back out, but the android quickly latched her claw around his muzzle, forcing him to keep his mouth closed.

“Chew.” She said with a bored expression. Candlejack, mouthful of the substance, gave a muffled protest. The android clenched down harder. “Chew.” She repeated. Candlejack felt his heart race. He closed his eyes tightly, waiting for the inevitable melting of his mouth. The android then rubbed his muzzle, forcing him to chew. And when he bit down on something crunchy and sweet tasting, he opened his eyes in confusion. A brief pause, their eyes studying one another.

‘This taste… it doesn’t taste like acid.’ But then again, he wouldn’t really know what acid would taste like. And when the sweet crunchy taste was followed by a euphoria of other tastes that blended together harmoniously, he found himself perking up a bit and chewing. He then swallowed. The android kept her claw like hoof on his muzzle, pinching him again and causing him to yelp in protest.

“H-hey, wait! What are you-?” he was given another mouthful of the sweet tasting substance. The android closed his muzzle quickly again, causing him to chew before repeating the process. On the fourth pinch, she finally pulled himself away and frowned at the android. “Stop it! I yield!” he said quickly as the android made an attempt to grab his muzzle again. Aurora scanned the stallion’s vitals. The hurried pace of the line was eased. However, it was still at the cautious level. Aurora, however, arched a brow and hovered the spoon in front of him.

Candlejack shifted slightly, wanting to stretch his muscles. But the rope that bound him to the chair made it impossible. He then looked at the bowl, seeing more of the sweet tasting substance. And now that he was eased a little, the smell was very tantalizing. Candlejack heard his stomach growl, catching a raised brow from the android. He felt his face go hot before shifting again.

“U-umm… can I…?” Aurora hovered the spoon to him. It was in reach. His mouth watered and he licked his lips. He opened his mouth and leaned forward. And when he bit down, the android shifted the spoon slightly away from him, making him miss. Candlejack blinked once before eyeing the android mare. She remained stoic as she held the spoon in front of him. He furrowed his brows before attempting another bite. The android moved it away again. Candlejack frowned, seeing her expression unchanged.

He then bit down again, missing. And again. And again. On the fifth attempt her groaned in frustration.

“What do you want from me!?” he snapped. Aurora put the spoon down into the bowl before propping her cheek against her claw like hoof, a stub tapping her cheek slightly in thought.

“I want you to apologize.” She said suddenly. Candlejack arched a brow.

“Come again?” he asked. Aurora motioned to the kitchen.

“You made a mess in my kitchen. Tossing my pans around and then…” she glared at him. “Pulling my father’s rifle on me.” She held up the spoon again in her other hoof. “I only fed you so that way you could muster enough energy to apologize. So… apologize.” Candlejack was baffled.

‘An android is asking me to apologize!?’ Candlejack mimicked her stoic expression. “Frankly, your kind has given me enough trouble as is. So, I don’t know what you are expecting of me.” Aurora narrowed her eyes at the stallion.

‘He’s referring to more androids? So, he’s no stranger to my kind either. No wonder he was bent up on killing intent. However, why did he assume I was a threat?’ Her memory process brought back up the feed of her dropping the knife and turning it on him. ‘Oh…’ Candlejack noticed the self-realization displayed on her face. However, now that he thought about.

This android was acting entirely different than the ones underground. While the ones he fought were brain dead and had no rhyme or reason for bloodshed, this one seemed to think ahead of time. And not only that… He eyed her body, seeing the sleek white design. His gaze then fell onto her cutie-mark. His eyes widened, seeing that the decal was completely different to the ones underground. Aurora caught the stallion eyeing her and she stiffened, feeling her breeding program activate.

She then gave a quiet breath and stirred the spoon in the bowl. Candlejack eyed her again, arching a brow in confusion. Aurora brought up the spoon, the substance dripping from the tip. She then slowly licked the bottom of the spoon, her tongue brushing it gently. She glanced to see the stallion give her a questioning look. She then murred slightly, moving her tongue around the spoon before sliding it in and sucking. After brushing it inside her mouth against her tongue a couple of times, she opened her mouth slightly and slid the spoon out.

Candlejack shifted slightly. Something about the android and these motions made him uneasy. Why was she suckling the spoon like that? His curiosity got the better of him and he watched as the android mare stirred the spoon again and rose it, making the substance dip back in, but slimy enough to keep the spoon glistening. She brushed her tongue under it again and a small drop of the substance fell onto her lap. She took one of her claw stubs and slowly brushed the substance off of her leg. Making sure the stallion was focused on her stub, she rose it up to her and licked it. Once. Twice. Thrice. She then started suckling her stub before smacking her lips and pseudo dispensed saliva left her as she pulled her hoof away.

Candlejack cocked his head. The android’s motions were still confusing. But there was one thing that struck him odd.

“Umm… I thought machines and liquid don’t mix.” He said. Aurora smiled flirtatiously before speaking.

“That is because I am equipped to… “simulate” the experience.” Candlejack frowned slightly.

“But, android’s don’t eat anything… right?” he asked. Aurora stopped and blinked once. Candlejack returned the expression. “What’s wrong?” Aurora dropped the spoon on the ground, realizing what she had done. No, the breeding program had already deactivated. It was another registered feeling. One that was sending errors flashing on her screen.

Error. Error. Unknown substance consumed.

Activate “Purge” sequence…Purging commencing in 3… 2… Aurora stood up and quickly rushed to the sink, leaning her head in.

1… Candlejack winced, hearing the android vomit out the sweet tasting substance. He then looked over to the bowl, his stomach growling. Taking a quick glance at the vomiting android, he shifted himself, moving the chair along with him. Facing the bowl finally, he took a deep breath and dove his muzzle in, lapping up the soup. Never in his life had he tasted anything so remarkably delicious!

Taking a moment to collect herself, Aurora finally untied the stallion, watching the pegasus chow away at the soup. Thankfully, the pegasus didn’t attempt to attack when he was released. He was too busy with digging his muzzle into dinner. She then furrowed her brows, glancing at the clock.

‘Father should have been back by now…’ The zebra mare came back up to her. She then gave a quick glance towards the stallion before looking back at the clock. ‘Maybe there was more to them than I had thought. And if that mare returns without him…’ she felt her claw stubs scrapping the glass table. Candlejack winced and covered his ears with his hooves.

“That hurts, you know?” he frowned. Aurora looked at him confusedly before realizing she had cracked the glass. She had a touch of red illuminate her cheeks. Another expression that Candlejack found fascinating. He then rubbed his chin.

‘Perhaps this is a new model one. The one’s I’ve met in New Equestria were… well… decrepit.’ He then noticed the android looking at the clock. “Expecting somepony?” he asked. The android was silent for a moment before nodding slowly.

“Father and that friend of yours should have been back by now.” She said. Candlejack arched a brow.

‘Zelori? What is she up too?’ He was about to dig into the bowl again when he realized he had completely lapped up the last of it. He glanced back to the worried android. ‘Perhaps I can find some common ground with it?’ He frowned. ‘But… how shall I approach this?’ He then beamed at an idea.

“Hello world! I am Candlejack, what is your name?” Aurora looked at the stallion questioningly, making him shift uneasily again. ‘Okay… maybe not the right course to take.’

“My registration ID is 4U120124. Or as my father calls me… Aurora.” She said. Candlejack rubbed his chin.

‘Aurora? Another strange name…’ Aurora looked at the clock again and bit her lip. Clearly, she was displaying worry to him. He sighed, rubbing the back of his head. ‘I hope I won’t regret this… but I’m curious to know more about this android.’ Candlejack stood up, stretching his wings before looking to her. “Err… wanna’ go find them?” Aurora eyed him questioningly at first before glancing back at the clock. She then sighed and stood up, trotting out of the kitchen and over to the locker. She opened one, realizing that her usual attire seemed to be missing. She then glanced to the torn and tattered body cape.

She tossed it over her, making sure it was fitted to her needs before looking around. She spotted a jumpsuit. Remembering that it used to belong to Troffelton years back before she was found by him. She tossed him the suit, making him catch it in his hoof before looking confusedly at her.

“The outside may be protected by the Condition Antenna. But that doesn’t mean the rays are still harmful. It’s best if you remain clothed and protected.” She said as she adjusted the cape’s hood over her. Candlejack took a moment before tossing the dirtied jumpsuit on. It has clearly seen better days. And it definitely was a little bit too big on him. However, with a quick roll up of the sleeves, he was raring to go. Aurora gave him a shawl that she wrapped around him. Equipped to combat the heat, they stepped out and Candlejack had to shield his eyes at the blinding light above.

Candlejack was surprised at how lively the place was. Despite seeing most of the buildings in poor condition, booths and vendors were displayed as far as he could see down the cracked cement road. Aurora looked both ways before deciding to take a left. Candlejack followed close behind her.

“Aurora!” A voice called out. They looked to see a vendor waving at her. The pony intrigued Candlejack’s curiosity. His hoof was strangely mechanical. But it was functioning just as it would like those with cybernetic enhancements underground. Aurora smiled.

“Hello, Jolly Rancher.” Aurora said. The pony, Jolly Rancher, smiled.

“On another shopping spree for the chief?” he asked. Aurora shook her head.

“Actually, I am trying to look for him. Do you probably know where he might be?” she asked with a rub of her chin. Jolly Rancher chuckled before using his magic to tinker with a small contraption.

“Perhaps at the ol’ Bannered Mare. The usual spot.” Aurora beamed.

“Thank you.” They waved good-bye to each other before she turned and trotted down the road. Candlejack matched her pace and trotted next to her. Every booth they had passed, Aurora was either greeted or waved at.

“You seem to know everyone here.” He stated as they passed a strange looking covered creature with goggles. Aurora smiled.

“Because my father is very well known to the community. He’s practically done everypony here a favor and in return asked to only live a peaceful life at home. And when he found me and decided to call me his daughter, I was soon doing chores and other tasks to help rebuild this place.” Candlejack smirked slightly.

“Probably taught you those reactions too.” He guessed. Aurora shook her head.

“That was a combat program I was built in with. It activates whenever a hostile is deemed just that. A hostile.” She said. “It was something I had when I was found. And when father rebuilt me, he installed some more components that he found during his salvage run.” She frowned. “I sometimes wonder where most of these programs come from, however.” Candlejack arched a brow. “Most of these programs I have were already built in when I was found. There is one, however, that he had installed that I can’t seem to figure out.”

“Is it that one that made you eat that soup?” he asked. Aurora flushed a little.

“N-no. That was another program that was built into me that I… have trouble trying to delete. It’s another program.” She stopped and frowned, making Candlejack turn to her. “It tends to run when I deem it necessary to activate… but it has no properties that I can look up on. It’s like…” she sighed. “It makes me feel… cold.” Candlejack rubbed his chin.

‘A program that makes an android cold?’ He then narrowed his eyes. “Speaking of, how are you doing those expressions?” he asked. Aurora gave him a stoic look in return. “I mean, the ones I’ve met always were…” he tried finding the right words. “Dead.” Aurora shook her head.

“I have a built in personality chip that registers my feelings and expressions.” She explained.

“So, you are only mimicking the expressions based on a proper variable?” he asked, the question taking the android completely by surprise.

‘Perhaps, not as idiotic as I thought.’ She sighed. “I guess you can put it that way.” She looked up now, seeing the cartoonish mare winking suggestively down at them with a strange attire. Candlejack studied the building. His ears twitched when he heard cheering and a strange form of music playing inside. Aurora trotted forward, causing him to balk a little and follow her. When they entered through the swinging doors, Candlejack looked on in awe at a sight he didn’t think he would ever see.

“’Bawhahaha! C’mon, everypony! Pints on ta’ house!” Troffelton bellowed as he sat on a counter and swinging his hooves around with a metal tankard in his hoof. But that wasn’t what caught his interest. Candlejack had the biggest grin on his face, trying his best not to laugh. While the ponies around them were cheering and swaying with the music along with the cheering Troffelton, in the middle of the circle was Zelori, a tankard in her hooves, as she was tap dancing with her hind hooves to the rhythm of the music. Aurora sighed before giving a slight smile.

“That’s my father.” She said. Candlejack watched with amused interest as his adoptive sister kicked her hind legs up, clacking her hooves together, laughing stupidly as she twirled and tapped away. Candlejack then couldn’t help but smile.

‘At least she is learning how to ease up a bit.’ But despite the sight being entertaining, he couldn’t help but worry a little. ‘Usually, she only drinks on occasions. And even then it’s not that much.’ Whatever Troffelton convinced her to do in drinking, as he soon found out, four tankards of golden brown liquid, it had worked. Zelori laughed as two ponies joined in, copying her hoof steps to the music before she power slid over to the crowd and took another gulp of the alcohol, erupting cheers. When she pulled back from the drink, she blinked once, realizing she had slid up to the hooves of Candlejack, who gave her an amused smile.

“My brother!” she bellowed happily, swaying a bit.

“Already making friends, I see.” He said. Zelori shook her head and wrapped a hoof around him.

“Nope! Jus’ havin’ the time of my life!” She leaned on him. “Yous’ like drink, right? Have a pint!” She held the tankard up to him. Candlejack was tempted, but thought better of it. Usually, he was the drunk one and her the sober one. ‘Time to return the favor, I guess.’ He thought. He gently pushed it away before wrapping a hoof around her, supporting her from stumbling.

“I’ve think you’ve had enough, sis.” he said. Zelori swayed, laughing stupidly as he looked to see Aurora do her best to ease the old bellowing buck.

“Bawhaha! Me daughter! Me perfect little angel! Did oi ever tell ya’ how much ya’ are a sweet little filly?” Aurora gave a small chuckle before patting the buck’s back.

“Many times.” She said. Candlejack looked to her and smiled. He was almost… envious. Aurora caught his look and smiled. “Perhaps, we should call it a night.” She suggested. The pony behind the bar smiled.

“You can have one o’ the rooms upstairs. They both brought enough business in that I wouldn’t mind letting a free night’s stay.” He said, tossing Candlejack a strange looking card. He skillfully caught it in his teeth and peered over his muzzle to look at it. It was a stained looking card, but the bar line remained untouched. “Just pick a room that doesn’t have a red light on the lock. And make sure the heater is on. It’s going to freeze again.” Candlejack arched a brow.

“Fweeze?” he asked through grit teeth. Aurora steadied the buck over to them.

“When the sun goes down, the nights are practically like an ice age.” She explained. “Lunarium is what keeps the equipment at perfect temperature levels during the day. But Solarium is used to keep it the same at night.” She smiled. “Solarium heaters are used to combat this. You don’t want to freeze over inside and out.” With that, she helped the stumbling buck out of the pub, leaving the merriment to continue with the others. Zelori slumped a little, laughing stupidly.

Candlejack furrowed his brows, realizing that he had forgotten to ask. ‘I guess I’ll ask her tomorrow.’ He thought. Helping the stumbling zebra mare up to the room and sat her on the bed, she gave a studying look at him through one lazy eye.

“Jack… may I ask you somethin’?” she began.

“Hmm?” Candlejack replied while he looked around the room, taking in the peeling wallpaper and stained bed. He frowned, flipping the bed over and realized that either way, he was going to be sleeping on a dirty bed. Of course, he wasn’t a stranger to sleeping in dirt. There were a few occasions where he would be taking naps on a bed that he had found that so happened to be surrounded by junk, making it into a natural like room.

He remembered admiring the area. It was spacey and not much other than the usual scrap and junk. Testing the bed, he found it to be pretty comfy. He then blinked once and looked over to see a belongings chest. Curious, the adolescent went over to it. Digging it out and opening it, he cocked his head, seeing stacks of magazines with mares on them. Even more stranger to the adolescent, he pulled one out and read the title:

Play-colt Magazine He squinted his eyes, studying the cover. A mare stared back at him. Vanilla hide, black silky mane and very pretty violet eyes. He read the words over her:

Lingerie speaks about how her fashion wardrobe makes her a hit with the colts. Now that he got a closer look, he suddenly felt his cheeks burn when he noticed the mare exposing her “tender” spot. He remembered Zelori teaching him about the anatomy of both mares and colts. And yet, the adolescent felt something… strangely intriguing. So intriguing, in fact that his wings suddenly unfurled. But he remained focused, studying the image.

The mare also wore some colorful looking striped socks and had a big pink bow in her mane. She even had eye shadow on her. A very pretty mare indeed. Candlejack looked around, seeing the coast clear. He then opened the magazine and found more images along with paragraphs about multiple mare’s “interesting lives”. He eventually found a page where something unfolded before him. He turned the magazine and felt a tingly sensation.

It was a poster of another looking mare that was lying on her back, suggestively smiling at him and her hind legs high in the air over her, her tail hanging loosely over a bed.

“Candlejack?” he heard Zelori’s voice, causing him to balk and quickly looked around, desperately trying to find a way to hide it. Instead, he tossed the magazine back in the box and closed it, sliding it into a pile of junk and sitting down on the bed, his back turned as Zelori rounded the corner. She smiled. “There you are. Dinner is ready.” She then arched a brow, seeing the adolescent nod towards her but not turning to face her. “Is everything alright?”

Candlejack wiggled a hoof at her nonchalantly.

“Yup, everything fine here. I’ll uh… be with you in a moment.” He said quickly, giving her his best smile he could manage. Zelori rubbed her chin before shrugging.

“Very well.” Candlejack waited, making sure the zebra mare was out of sight. He then quickly pulled out the chest and opened it, spying the mags laying on top of each other. Each cover bearing colorful mares in interesting positions. He felt himself smile a bit. ‘I’ll come back for them later.’ He had thought to himself. Candlejack blinked again, finding himself back in the room of the pub. He looked to see Zelori sway a little.

“Did you hear me?” she asked with a slur. Candlejack rubbed the back of his head.

“Oh… uh… what did you say?” he asked. Zelori suddenly dipped forward. Candlejack quickly caught her and laid her down on the bed.

“I jus’ wanted to say how great it is to have you as my brother.” She held out her hooves to the ceiling, swaying them. “I mean, for a long time, I could jus’ care less about the Equestrian Table Round and jus’…” she took a moment to find the words. But she apparently lost them and slumped, her hooves planting and sprawled on the bed. Candlejack smiled and patted her head.

“I’m sure you’ll tell me tomorrow. Right now, we need to gather as much info we need before venturing out.” Candlejack sighed. ‘And maybe learn a thing or two about Apocalyptica’s motive.’ Candlejack couldn’t help but feel that they may have made a mistake. Brilliant Mane could have been telling them the truth. That they would have been safer there than out here. But yet, it seemed like no pony here had any bad intentions. At least, what he could see. Of course, that didn’t sway the fact that some of the residents here were uncanny themselves. He quietly walked towards the boarded window that illuminated the room a bit with the sun’s rays shining through.

He peeked through the slants of the boards, watching the ponies down below trot on by. Each pony that walked by were interesting, to say the least. Each wore something that he couldn’t help but feel made them unique in some way. He sighed quietly before looking back over to the snoozing zebra. Has it really only been a few hours? It almost felt longer than that since they had stepped outside.

Apocalyptica did warn them about the possible dangers. And when they had ventured forth, following the helm’s built in compass, they found themselves wandering through the desert. Or… so he had thought. He had heard that deserts were extremely barren in nature. And while, signs showed him true, there were some things they had passed that both he and Zelori were interested in. They had passed towering crumbly buildings. Some leaning, some decayed and some that looked like it was riddled with bullet holes from bullets.

And as they went further on, Candlejack noticed that his suite started smoking. He looked back to see the pistol that was holstered in was burning red. He quickly tossed it out, wincing as the hot metal hissed at his touch. Zelori followed suit not long after. However, the weapon she had on her combusted into fire. They were baffled by the sudden disarming. And now wandering the cracked half buried street to a city they could make out in the distance unarmed, they cautiously made their way.

An hour has passed and the heat began to be unbearable. Candlejack and Zelori dragged their hooves over the dirt covered sand, panting with each step. Zelori wiped her helm’s top, trying to fake her mind out to wiping the sweat forming on her brow. Another hour passed. The city within reach. However, Candlejack suddenly felt his vision blur and pass out. Zelori quickly rushed to his side and put a hoof gauntlet on his neck.

He was still breathing, however, slowly now. Zelori bit her lip, the panic increasing her temperature. She willed herself through it and tossed Candlejack over her back. She continued on. With Detrot now looming over head, she found her on the verge of passing out. Taking a moment to catch her breath, she decided to keep herself from tiring out, she would stand on two hind hooves and continue forward. It had worked for a time.

But as soon as she made it past the first block, she had tripped, losing her balance and causing Candlejack to roll away from her. She grit her teeth, struggling to will herself up again. Only managing to crawl a few inches, she suddenly felt her body give out on her, exhausted from the heat. The last thing she could remember through blurring vision and pounding headache was a lone tattered figure stepping out of the shadows and looking at them. She could see it. Metallic neon blue eyes. Eyes that she knew what they belonged too. The very enemies they have faced for years on expeditions.

She was uncertain about what to do. And for once, she had prayed to Gaia. Prayed that if anything were to happen, she would hope Candlejack would be alive and well. The blackness welcomed her. And as the day turned to night over the quiet desolate city of Detrot, the Conditioning Antenna in the distance changed from a calming blue to a bright amber aura. Candlejack nodded off to sleep near the window, unaware of the advancing danger outside of the town.

A loud hovering chariot being accompanied by three others. On them were ponies with half machine like parts. One, however, was unique in every way. Being more machine than pony. One red eye scanned the quiet streets. Wearing a tattered duster and a red scarf with a desperado hat, the robotic pony scanned the area, a cursor picking out places to ransack. He glanced back to the ponies behind them.

They too, wore tattered attire, however, they were decaled to look like skulls on their helms. Spikes and chains littered them, Luridium weapons aimed above their heads.

“We are goin’ to be sleepin’ well tonight, boys.” The robotic pony metallically rasped. The ponies behind him whooped and cheered as they sped their chariots down the street, stopping at booths and scooping salvage, scraps and components into their bags, tossing them onto their chariots before moving down to the next one. The one eyed robot pony scanned again, his cursor landing onto a lone building. It appeared to be a scrap worker’s hut. And probably littered with loot.

He stepped off his hovering bi-wheeled chariot and trotted over to the place. He reached for the doorknob, claw like stubs testing it. Locked. He rubbed his chin before suddenly pulling out a revolver like Luridium pistol and blasting the door open. He darted his eye, seeing if the noise woke anypony up. To his surprise, the bellied pony in a red balding mane snored loudly on the sofa. Seeing that nopony else was in sight, he quietly entered. Spotting the pony’s workbench, he dug through it, plucking what he can that he deemed were worthy scraps. His eye landed on a locked safe next to it. He looked back to see if the pony had woken up.

The pony just snorted and turned. The robot pony then smirked to himself. ‘Gullible oafs.’ He thought as he used his claw stubs to pick the lock. It took him a few tries, but when he heard the click and the door opening, he chuckled to himself.

‘We’re in.’ he thought victoriously to himself. He reached in, finding more scrap and metal. But he smiled even more to himself as he pulled out a satchel of little tiny engraved bolts with a Z like pattern on the head. He had hit the jackpot. Not only was this going to be an easy raid, but the riches they were going to sell was going to make them millions of these bolts. He then stopped and furrowed a mechanical uni-brow. He couldn’t help but hear that the snoring wasn’t going on. He turned to see a looming figure of the pony look down at him with a rifle aimed at him.

“Oi hope ye got what ya’ came ‘ere fer’. ‘Cus it’ll be yer last, Deadeye.” He said. The robot pony, Deadeye, chuckled.

“Well, ain’t you a hero of the day. And you know my name too. I’m honored.” The pony replied. “I take it you must be this town’s mechanic for the antenna.” The pony narrowed his eyes.

“Aye, tis me life’s work.” He said. Deadeye nodded.

“Well then, I hope you have an apprentice. Because they are going to need another one.” The pony glared at the robot. Deadeye then quickly reached behind him. But the pony pulled the trigger first. Silence. The pony arched a brow and looked at the rifle. He clicked it again. He then slid the cartridge out and balked. No ammo. But… he could have sworn it had some. He always kept it loaded.

Deadeye took advantage and tackled the buck. His strength quickly overpowering the pony. The pony, however, gave two good slugs to Deadeye’s metallic face. But Deadeye returned the favor with a more brutal method. Taking a claw hoof, he swung, slicing the buck’s throat. The pony gurgled, struggling to hold his neck.

“Aww, poor thing. Like a little puppy without an owner.” He then pulled out his pistol. “This is where your story ends, mechanic. I hope the town will learn not to mess with Deadeye and his gang. And with no pony to fix the antenna, it’ll be ripe for the taking.” The pony couldn’t say anything. Deadeye quickly brought the pistol up and fired, causing the buck’s head to explode on impact. Blood splattered the walls and the body went limp. Deadeye stood and adjusted his hat, unaware of the second resident that was recharging in the room upstairs.

Hearing the noise, Aurora booted out of her sleeping state and looked at her map. She could see red dots moving through the town. She quickly unhooked herself from the bed and rushed down the stairs. She then stopped and her eyes widened.

“No…” she said with a shaky breath. She rushed over to the body, scanning it.

Troffelton “Father” Pint

Age: 78

Job Alignment: Mechanic

Likes: Aurora, tinkering with machines, alcohol.

Dislikes: Anything harming his daughter.

Status: Deceased.

She read the last word over and over again. ‘No… no it can’t…’ She blinked out of her stunned state, hearing the sounds of hovering chariots zoom by with the whooping and cheers of the ponies. She quickly sprinted out and looked down the road, using her optics to zoom in. She spotted the fleeing ponies. And one that she knew all too well. The criminal database registered him as a wanted criminal.

Montague “Deadeye” Claws

Age: 60 (Based on creation date.)

History: Murder. Theft. Vandalism. Prejudice.

Reward: Alive > 40,000blts Dead > 2,000blts

Aurora’s personality chip registered a burning hate. She found herself thinking of scenarios in where she can handle the situation. However, the scenario prediction was always her ending up badly damaged even with the unknown program. She felt herself shiver. ‘He will pay… he will definitely pay… but how can I do this without injury?’ She thought to herself, trying her best to forget the image of her father laying bloodied on the floor. But she couldn’t. She couldn’t believe it. As much as her programs and personalities told her otherwise, she wanted to disprove them.

She grit her teeth, feeling something cold run down her cheek. She had created a tear. She wasn’t sure how she was able to dispense it without activating the function for it. It just… happened. She ran her scenarios through again, the image of her father making it hard to come to a conclusion. She then widened her eyes, her memory feed bringing back up the stallion standing on his hind hooves and aiming a rifle at her. She had no other choice. She wanted to end Deadeye’s reign. But she wouldn’t do it alone. She rushed back into the workshop, trying her best to ignore the body of the once bellowing pony she had called a father.

She tossed on her body cape and galloped back out, her movements graceful and steady as she made her way down to the Bannered Mare. There will be heads rolling this night. And she wanted to make sure of it. She wasn’t sure what was compelling her to think this. And while she was designed for combat as well, her personality chip was registering hate, revenge and sadness all at once. Something she found hard to ignore.

She wants blood. And she will have help in the process. She just needed to find some way to convince them. She felt more of the uncontrolled tears leave her as she galloped. Her thoughts racing with the memories of her and the pony she had once called a father.

Author's Notes:

Excerpt from Equestria's Auto Travels:

Auto chariots have become a popular hit with today's society. A new form of travel that has put many pony's hooves at ease. Able to travel farther and faster with only minimal maintence, you can get your own for no down payment at any Super Speedy Bros. Auto Chariots for as little as 7,000 bits with only payment of 100+ on the auto bill.

Remember, if you don't own an Auto chariot, you are missing out on one of Equestria's most innovative technology advances to date! So make history and get your Auto Chariot today!

Any injuries involving auto chariots and/or properties of Super Speedy Bros. Auto Chariots is non refundable and any damages are on you. Please, drive Auto Chariots at your own risks.

Excerpt from Surviving the Sands:

In the barren lands, you will find many vendors and merchants. Each are willing to give the best deals and barters you can manage. However, if you don't have any bolts on you, don't expect any services at all. Bolts can be found or acquired through the most menial tasks or bounties. And if you happen to find some on personal expeditions, like rouge machines or dead wanderers, keep them, but be sure to spend it on restocking. One can never have too much preparations.