Chapter 4-2: Change In The Wind

“Goood evening Equestria! It is I, your voice in these not-so-nice lands, DJ Pon-3!” As I left the Lethbridle south gate under the fading light I had to raise an eyebrow at the faceless DJ’s enthusiasm. This would be...interesting.

“Now then fillies and colts, you know I’d love to talk a little more about the rank injustice around these parts, and the evil ponies responsible for it all...”

Who and what is he talking about? Isn’t evil just kinda the thing in the Wasteland?

“...but this time I’ve got some news from a little further afield. I’ve just now gotten some fresh info about a couple of other notable noisemakers up north! Cast your minds back a few weeks Do you remember when I had the pleasure of reporting on that cool-cookin’ Blue Fire? Well they’re back in the news after supposedly wiping out a whole nest o’ Raiders up near Lethbridle. Keep up the good work...uh...whoever you are! I’m still working on that. A source did mention feathers though, so if you see a tough-looking Pegasus in those parts and you’re up to no-good then I’d consider closing up shop. That one ain’t messing around!”

A Pegasus in Lethbridle? I never saw one. Granted I was mostly unconscious during my time here but still...it’d be nice to see at least one after all this time out of the Stable. What’s up with that anyway?

“Now this next part has me scratching my head, folks. See while Blue Fire was tearing through Raiders near Lethbridle the neighbouring town of Plottawa got itself a big name visitor! Now I’m not naming him on the air since that scarlet snake keeps butting in on my talk time but this is very strange since I’m pretty sure the stallion’s still in his home base in Fillydelphia. Reaching as far north as Plottawa without anypony noticing is a scary thought. I’d advice staying away from there folks. Way away. This might be the first time Plottawa has dealt with this particular pony but it can’t spell good news for anypony, even if the reports I’m getting back were that the meeting actually turned violent.”

Violent? Uh oh.

“So violent, in fact, that the Plottawa slavers have actually put a hit out on Red Eye-dammit I wasn’t gonna say his name! Well anyway the rank-and-file up in Plottawa apparently aren’t pleased about Red Eye’s treatment of their boss. I couldn’t get that name.. I guess even slavers can be loyal, huh? Either way I’d say avoid the area at all costs. Both Plottawa and Fillydelphia can wield some serious muscle and if they go at it then a lot o’ folks will get caught in the crossfire. We’ve just gotta hope that they wipe each other out and do the whole Wasteland a favour.”

Oh crap, did I do that?

“That’s all for now, mares and stallions. Stay safe and stay positive! I promise next time I’ll have some news from closer to home. I'm always bringing you the truth no matter how bad it hurts. This is DJ Pon-3 signing off.”

The channel went dead and I switched off the radio.

So that was DJ Pon-3, huh? I like him. It’s nice to know there’s somebody out there who’s looking out for their fellow Equestrians. Maybe I’ll get to meet him someday.

The thought cheered me as I strolled on. Soon Lethbridle was out of sight behind me.

~~~~~~

My peaceful dozing under the rocky outcropping where I’d taken shelter after night fell was interrupted by the crackle of my radio coming to life. “Huuuaaahhhh! Sorry for yawning fillies and colts but this is an unscheduled broadcast. Your faithful Wasteland word warrior was tucked up nice and snuggly warm in bed like all the other good little foals when out of nowhere I’ve got my helpful assistant banging on my door because the Plottawa slaver boss is on the line saying he wants a chat. I guess you good folks won’t have to wait that long for his name after all because he’s joining me on this broadcast through a link to his office up in Plottawa. Good ponies of the Wasteland, I give you Peanut, freedom-stealer extraordinaire.”

Peanut’s threatening DJ Pon-3? This can’t be good. I hope everything’ll be alright. I was fully awake now, listening in eagerly so that I didn’t miss a second of the conversation.

Peanut’s voice was as warm as when he’d pulled me into a dance. The no-nonsense flat quality of our office confrontation was entirely absent. He was certainly skilled in employing his natural charisma. “First off I want to thank you for agreeing to speak with me, dear DJ Pon-3. I always look forward to your broadcasts with cheer and do my darnedest not to miss your show. I do apologise for the lateness of discussion but there was a misunderstanding that I believe is in desperate need of clearing up before some negative actions come of it.”

“Darnedest”? Seriously now, what ARE you Peanut?

“What understanding would this be that’s got a big bad ponynapper like yourself fretting?”

“While I don’t think the tone of your question is productive to a pleasant chat I’ll answer you anyway. You made a mention of Red Eye visiting Plottawa and a fracas ensuing. I’m here to tell you that nothing could be further from the truth...”

Oh I can think of a few things.

“Oh I can think of a few things.”

If this upset Peanut he didn’t show it. “...yes well, as I was saying. I’m afraid that your source for this information may need to work on his enunciation. For you see Red Eye did not in-fact visit my home of Plottawa, though he is certainly welcome to do so and I guarantee his safety and comfort should he take up my offer. No, Red Eye is, as you so rightly pointed out, still in his own base of operations in Fillydelphia.”

My heart skipped a beat. I was really in trouble here. Once word got out that I was the one who kicked up the fuss in Plottawa it’d be even less likely that I’d be able to return to Lethbridle or Cefar or anywhere in the area anytime soon. I might never get back to the Stable! To make matters worse Bosco and Naiara could be named as my accomplices! If they missed this broadcast they wouldn’t know people would be after them! I mentally begged Wings and Schwarzald to be up to the task of protecting them. I’d never forgive myself if I ended up dragging them into terrible danger. Again.

Not like I can forgive myself anyway but that’s besides the point.

“Red Eye is home in Fillydelphia. No, my assailant was in fact not a stallion at all. It was a mare, still a filly really. She was not even an Earth pony but a Unicorn. She called herself Red Ice. Given Red Eye’s fame it is understandable that a mistake could be made as the tale was passed on. Perhaps she thought to use the confusion to her advantage? Regardless, Red Ice and her companions attempted to assassinate me in my office. Luckily my wonderful subordinates were able to drive them away.”

What? That’s not what happened! Why isn’t he taking credit for whooping the three of us? He’s making out that a ‘still a filly’ got the better of him. Why?

DJ Pon-3 seemed as confused as I am. However he found this news amusing rather than worrying. “So you let three random ponies walk right up into your office and start shooting? Did you fire your security afterwards?”

Peanut did a masterful job of sounding affronted. “I’ll thank you not to make light of those ponies’ sacrifices. The only reason that these ‘three random ponies’ managed to get so far into our compound is because they savagely murdered my guards and took their uniforms.”His voice turned melancholy. “The fault is mine and I can never make it up to the families of those guards. I treat all my staff with respect and trust. Sadly there are so many that I have not been able to develop as strong a friendship with as many as I should have. I will work harder in that regard to ensure that this tragedy is not repeated. These wounds are my penance for failing this time.”

Sensing weakness, DJ Pon-3 jumped in. “Yes, can you give us some details about your wounds? As I understand it you were not the instigator of this bounty offering against Red...Ice. In fact it was your troops-”

“Not troops, guards. I am not raising an army.”

“...right, ‘guards’. No army there, sure. Anyway, your ‘guards’ put the bounty on Red Ice because of what she did to you. So tell us, what did you do to you?”

Peanut’s voice shifted again, this time to anger. “She killed three of my ponies. The rest is unimportant. I do thank all of my subordinates for their devotion and I will personally match the bounty amount offered by my staff should Red Ice be apprehended. The spirits of my murdered comrades demand nothing less.”

The faceless music pony was unimpressed. “So you managed to answer a lot of questions except the one I asked. Anyway, to sum up: Red Eye did not attack Plottawa, that was a new pony going by Red Ice, is that correct?”

“Yes. That’s correct. I want to stress that point. Plottawa is no enemy of Red Eye.”

“You are his competition though.”

“Certainly not. Red Eye has a vision. I merely provide a service.”

“That service being the trafficking of living beings against their will?”

“There are worse fates out there in the Wasteland. All my...indentured servants are cared for. They receive food and medical care that surpasses what they might find on their own and nopony in my employ is allowed to raise a hoof against them.”

“And these basic rights, not privileges, justify you taking all choice away from them? Does that justify you depriving them of their future, Peanut the slaver?”

Some of the warmth seemed to recede from Peanut’s tone but he made an effort to remain unperturbed by the DJ’s words.
“Each pony in the Wasteland is entitled to their own opinion on the matter. I think it’s somewhat late to get into the deepest implications. As you mentioned at the beginning, I am interrupting your rest. I have said my piece to correct the error concerning Red Eye and to raise awareness of the dangerous menace Red Ice. The rest is for other ponies to decide for themselves. With that, dear DJ, I shall bid you a good night. I await your next broadcast with the same affection and anticipation as always.”

A change in the background static indicated that the line on Peanut’s side had gone dead. The radio host remained silent for a few seconds. It was long enough for me to begin reaching for the switch to turn off the radio before DJ Pon-3 spoke up again. “Well well well, how about that Wasteland listeners? Here I was all excited to see Red Eye take on an enemy that could bite back and it turns out Peanut’s actually a fan! I am disappoint! I’ll give my thanks to this Red Ice, whoever she is. Three less slavers in the world and a serious drop in reputation for Plottawa. Not a bad night’s work. Huuaahh! Speaking of night work, ol’ DJ Pon-3 is just about running on empty, folks. Let’s call it here and we’ll pick up at the regular time tomorrow. So long Equestria. Enjoy what’s left of the night. Over and out.”

No static this time. The line was dead. I sat there trembling. Not from fear this time. From anger!

What do I have to do? Everything I do ends up looking bad!

I was furious. I was just trying to survive out here! The Wasteland wouldn’t leave me alone. It paired up with Old Equestria. They were determined to make my life miserable.

They took away away my safe haven, my Stable, MY HOME! Them and their stupid messed up way of thinking! I just wanted to help Contego and Vorbis but now I’m a triple pony-killer! I don’t want any more murders on my conscience! Who cares if it was the slaver boss saying these things? People will believe him. He’s just like Roc. Give a nice smile and people will fall over themselves just to support him! They get everything! They’re popular, respected, supported, rich! They don’t have to worry about being alone or scared or cold. They’re fucking WINNERS!

With still-shaking hooves I took out the memory orb. With most of my gear buried in snow outside of Plottawa, this was the only thing I had left from Stable 61. I hadn’t felt right leaving it unattended. The Overmare might have casually tossed me out but I had hope that she was STILL my Overmare. That someday I’d get back in. Back home. I held it gingerly between my hooves. What little moonlight made it through the clouds illuminated the crack running along its surface.

“All of this is your fault.”

I looked out of the cropping to the nearby ravine. I could toss it in and be done with it. Go back to Lethbridle, find Bosco and Naiara and apologise then start a new life. I could live in Hoofshine Harlots if I wanted. Only me and Bosco could get in after all. Hell, I could re-open the brothel if need be. I could be Snowflake, Mismatch’s successor. I could even pull the same schtick. One day a unicorn filly, then a zebra, or an Earth stallion.

All I had to do was let the orb roll off my palm.

“To whom are you referring?”

“YEEEP!!!” I shot backwards, instinctively cradling the orb in my hooves. Unfortunately I failed to take into account the solid rock just behind me and the instant blinding pain where my head struck the stone was a painful reminder.
“Motherf- damn that hurts!”

I glared up at the two sets of upside-down eyes staring at me from atop the lip of the rock roof. “What do you two want? If you’re looking to rob me, I haven’t got any money.”

Both of the mares were around my age or maybe a year or two older. The moonlight wasn’t the best to see by but it looked as if both had light blue coats. Their mane were anything but the same though. The one who’d spoken had a long scarlet mane with a black trim adorned with a star-shaped ornament. The other’s mane was shorter and largely a rich cobalt interspersed here and there with white gashes. A single bang hung longer than the rest. Usually it would rest over one eye but as she was hanging upside down it swayed beneath her in the night air.

The latter grinned at me. “Buuut you do have talkative little thing on your wrist. Was that DJ Pon-3 I heard clear as if she were standing here?” Her voice was rough and casual, very different from her companion's refined, melodic lilt.

Said companion answered before I could. “Of course it was, dear sister. You know you pick up everything with those wonderful ears of yours. However...” She turned her royal blue eyes, identical to her sister’s, back to me. “...I confess I’m more interested in that shiny little trinket she’s hiding in her hooves than the dear DJ’s broadcast.”

I stayed silent, not wanting to reveal the truth of the matter. Neither of the two seemed concerned as their conversation continued. “Hah! Can’t beat my sis’ peepers. Show us what you’re hiding, girl!”

I didn’t like the situation. I literally had my back to the wall and was outnumbered on top of that. I needed to get some room to manoeuvre, literally and figuratively. Trying to project a relaxed air I slowly stood up and began taking a few steps towards the outside. “Do you always act so casual with a person before introducing yourselves?”

I was halfway to the open air. Both fillies were still hanging over the ledge lip and watching me like inverted hawks. The red-haired one looked slightly upset at my words. “Oh where are our manners? You’re absolutely right. We were a tad forward. Come, sister, let us introduce ourselves. My name is Cassiopeia Venatici. A pleasure to meet you. And this is my sister...”

She nudged her sibling with her shoulder, which set the solitary bang swinging. The owner of said bang gave a brash grin. “...the name’s Aqua Breeze. Nice to meet ya! So seeing as we’re all friendly-like I’ll say again. Now show us what you’re hiding, girl!”

I was three quarters of the way out from under the outcropping and the two hadn’t moved from their perch. “Well nice to meet you two...uh...too. Did you say that you were sisters?”

Breeze snuggled up to her sibling momentarily. “Ayup. She’s the best sister that I could ask for and she asked you a question!”

Okay, so their patience is not infinite. Almost there. A few more steps.

“Sorry about that. I’m just trying to show an interest in you two. I’ll answer YOUR question first, Aqua Breeze. You asked about the radio broadcast. Yes, that was DJ Pon-3. I’ve got a gizmo that can pick up the radio broadcasts anywhere in Equestria.” Supposedly.

Breeze’s eyes had been growing wider as I talked. So had her grin. I apparently had her attention now. Unfortunately she had a sister. “That’s very impressive, however I’d like to remind you of two things: One, you chastised us for not giving our names yet we still haven’t heard your name in response. Two, I did ask you a question about that object in your hooves. I really would like it if you’d show it to us.”

Dang. So close. It sounds like they’re done ‘asking’. What am I gonna do about the name thing? They know nothing about Snowflake but how much do they know about Red Ice? Do I want them knowing about Snowflake? Should I give them a fake name? What should it be?

Uh-oh. They’re starting to look impatient. Better say something. I guess I better show them the orb. “Let me show you in the moonlight.”

I took a few steps out into the open air and, when they didn’t immediately attack me, I moved my hooves out of the way and showed them the orb. The “ooh”-ed appreciatively and nodded to each other. Cassiopeia cleared her throat. “Yes, I do believe we’ll be taking that Memory Orb.” Next to her, Aqua Breeze was sporting a grin that had a definite edge to it.

I slowly shook my head but kept my eyes on the two. “I’m afraid I can’t allow that.” The orb disappeared beneath my cloak and I took the opportunity to surreptitiously slip on my Power Hooves.

Staring down at me from the ledge, Aqua Breeze rolled over so that she was rightside-up. “Well that’s the thing. We’re not exactly thrilled to take ‘no’ for an answer. Are we Cassie?”

“No, Breeze, I don’t believe we are. Please, nameless miss, do not make this harder on yourself.”

I cocked my head to the side. “You’re very polite for thieves. Do you guys work for Peanut?”

Breeze giggled. “That guy from Plottawa? Nah we’d never heard of him before listening in on your midnight broadcast.”

“You heard that? How long had you two been there?”

“We got here just after it started. The noise was what got our attention.”

I didn’t hear them at all! They could’ve snuck up on me and I’d never have known. These two are trouble.

“At least I know you two aren’t looking for me.”

‘Cassie’ looked confused. “Why would we be looking for you, dear? Are you somepony special?”

...I’m an idiot. Why don’t I just hang a big sign with “I’m Red Ice” around my neck? “Me? No. Just a pony with terrible luck apparently.”

“Hmm. Well I am inclined to believe you. You’re a little young to have much of a reputation.”

Breeze wasn’t satisfied though. “Hey, sis...”

“Yes?”

“She’s a Unicorn mare, right?”

“Come now, Breeze. The light isn’t that bad. You can see her horn, can’t you? Although it might be premature to call her a mare.”

“So would you say she’s still a filly, really?”

“In body and, I think, in spirit.”

“See the thing about that is...those are the exact words that that Peanut colt used to describe the pony who jumped him in his office. The one calling herself Red Ice. I don’t know whether you saw or not but she was paying real close attention to what was being said on the radio.”

Oh hell. Cassio...something-or-other was right. She DOES have good ears.

Understanding dawned on Cassie’s face. “We never did get your name, did we? Well she’s not red but she does have a Cutie Mark that could easily refer to ice. What do you think, sister?”

She can see my Cutie Mark in this light?! Her eyes are insane!

“I think I really really want a look at that wrist gizmo of hers.”

Cassie nodded. “Yes. That memory orb seems significantly more valuable now as well.”

I took a few steps back. “N-now...let’s talk about this...” The rest of my plea died on my lips upon seeing what happened next.

Rolling upright, both sisters stood upright on the ledge.

Then they spread their wings.

“PEGASI! You’re Pegasi!...WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN?!”

My sudden outburst took both of them aback. “W-what?”

I ignored their wide-eyed stares and continued. “I’ve been out here for days now, over a week, and you two are the first Pegasi I’ve seen. What, did you all forget how to NOT fly or something?”

The two Pegasi’s wide eyes narrowed remarkably quickly. Breeze spoke first. “You think that’s funny, do you?”

I still wasn’t really listening closely. “Seriously though, what’s been going on? Where have all the Pegasi been hiding themselves?”

Cassie wrapped a comforting wing around her sister. “This is in poor taste, Red Ice.”

“What do you mean?”

Breeze angrily shrugged off her sister’s embrace. “She’s mocking us! Let’s just take her now!”

“Who’s mocking you? You two really are the first two Pegasi I’ve seen since leaving the Stable.”

This caused a momentary relaxation in Cassiopeia. “Ah, now I understand. Calm down, Aqua Breeze. She’s not being facetious. She really doesn’t know.”

Breeze looked to her sister and then back to me before turning her head away with a disgruntled “tch”. I kept her in my view but focused on Cassie. “Doesn’t know what?”

Her face was emotionless. “Aside from a very small minority, no Pegasi descend below the clouds. Even fewer live down here.”

“What?! That’s insane! Pegasi don’t live in the Wasteland at all?!”

Breeze rejoined the conversation. “No, they don’t. The ‘Grand’ Pegasus Enclave decreed it. Even went so far as to declare any Pegasus who didn’t agree with them as a race traitor.” The raw emotion in her voice was evident.

“Was this because of the war? And what’s the Enclave?”

“The Enclave is the ruling authority for all Pegasi. All of those who live above the cloud barrier anyway. After Cloudsdale fell in the war they washed their hooves of Equestria and the whole affair and went skyward. Closing the door behind them, as you can plainly see.”

“What do you mean?”

Breeze made a dismissive sound in the back of her throat. “Dumb dirtpony. Look up once in a while why don’t you?”

I looked up.

I can’t see anything. Barely any light gets through the...ah. “The clouds?”

Cassie nodded. “Yes. A parting gift to Equestria.”

I felt dizzy. 200 years of isolation? This was madness!

Hold on... “So why are you two down here?”

Ms. Venatici had obviously been expecting this question. Her head drooped instantly. Her eyes were covered by her mane. “We...we...”

She got no further. Her sister had apparently decided question time was over. “Enough! We answered your question. Now you’re coming with us!”

Instantly she soared high into the sky, soon joined by her sister. Still distracted by the new cloud revelation I almost lost them in the dark. I called out to them in a last-ditch attempt at defusing the situation. “Wait, please? We don’t need to do this.”

“Too late!”

Cassie put her hooves together in front of her. For the first time I noticed the bracers she wore around her forelegs. Aqua Breeze had similar armour strapped to her legs. Seeing no other recourse, I triggered my Power Hooves.

The red-maned sibling kept her hooves together and dropped like a rock towards me. Her dive would flatten me if she connected. After my disastrous battle with Peanut I was not greatly confident in my martial prowess. I began a dash to the side, hoping to avoid the charge. The Pegasus was fast though. Not as fast as Peanut or even Naiara but more than capable of keeping up with my untrained flank. A simple dip of her wing put me back in her path. When she was almost upon me I made a clumsy swing which missed but at least had her pull up, breaking off her attack.

Cassie didn’t immediately retreat to the sky though. She stayed a few feet off the ground and circled. I kept her in my sights in case she charged again.

Two thuds sounded from the dirt at my hooves. Startled, I looked down to see two dark apples on the ground.

Grenades!

I leapt aside as they went off. The heat was intense and the shockwave sent me rolling. I’d barely managed to stagger upright before Cassie hit me in the shoulder with both hooves. The force of the hit sent me sprawling instantly, which probably saved my life. The hidden blades within her bracers just missed my flesh as I fell away. Instantly my adrenaline picked up and I moved faster.

I have to get away. I have to get away or I am going to die!

I couldn’t see Cassie from my fallen position and desperately scrambled upright. I spotted her floating maybe 10 meters up. She didn’t press her attack. I had a half-second to ponder that before something long and hard slammed into the ground next to me.

My heart pounded in my chest as I sprang away and darted in the not-Pegasus direction. I’d barely gone 5 meters before another rod touched down before my eyes. I turned 90 degrees and headed off again but yet again was halted.

I raised my eyes skyward, seeking out the Pegasi I’d been mostly ignoring, Aqua Breeze. She was smirking at me as she hefted a 4th spear and launched it downwards. It thudded into the dirt to the side of me. I looked at it in confusion for a moment.

All four rods suddenly began sparking. Beams of electricity shot from one to another, boxing me in on all sides. I was trapped!

“Shock Lock. My own design. Nice, no?” Breeze’s smug voice sounded from just above the cage where she watched with Cassie.

I said nothing and tentatively reached out my hoof to touch the wall of lightning...

OHSWEETMERCIFULGODDESSESTHAT’SSOUNBELIEVABLYPAINFUL ...And almost instantly drew back my now-completely-numb hoof. Frantically I cast about for something, anything to assist me in this situation.

The results were not promising. Three sides had nothing but open terrain and the 4th had literally nothing at all. I hadn’t realised how close to the ravine I’d been driven. It was a mere meter or two to the edge. Over the crackle of my lightning cage I could make out the faint sound of rushing water.

This is a terrible idea, and I am justifiably upset that it is the only option I can think of.

This was my only chance. I wasn’t in as bad shape as back in Plottawa so there was a minute possibility that this wouldn’t knock me out cold again. Having no better option, I concentrated on the rod closest to the ravine and began focusing on my horn.

“Hey! Her horn’s glowing!”

“Stop her!”

Too late. The ice covered the rod and the electrical current winked out. I was woozy but amazingly still conscious. Hobbling on three legs I erratically made my way to the edge. A crash sounded behind me as Cassie couldn’t react to my irregular gait and slammed into the dirt. I was at the cliff edge and momentarily hesitated as I saw just how big a drop there was before I would hit the water.

This moment’s hesitation turned painful as Aqua Breeze’s hastily thrown grenade contacted with the back of my head and sent me over the edge.

Because I couldn’t have just a little bit of dignity at the end, now could I?

After what felt like an age in the air I smashed into the water. Pain erupted along my entire body as I tumbled beneath the swell. I had no idea which was way up or even where the river was taking me. I only hoped it was flowing fast enough to get me away from the crazy fillies at the canyon top.

A tightening in my chest reminded me of the need for fresh oxygen so I kicked out towards the surface. Or what I thought was the surface. When my head contacted the river bed and stars burst before my eyes I quickly reversed direction. Breaking the surface as darkness crept into the corner of my vision, I allowed myself a brief moment of elation at still being alive.

Then my hoof jerked.

I looked down at the still-numb appendage and noticed a half-inch hole punched straight through it. Aghast, I searched along the cliff walls to where Cassiopeia Venatici was sighting down the scope of the high-powered rifle she’d produced from...somewhere. I was swept around the bend just as her second bullet clipped the wall by my ear.

She really does have good eyes.

~~~~~~

“MMMMPHHPHHPHHPHH!” I screamed through the leather gag.

“Yes, we know you’re in pain. Everypony in the compound knows you’re in pain. Shut up about it already!” The purple Unicorn mare with the orange mane was healing my bullet wound but the limb had shaken off the electric numbing and immediately (and continuously) made its displeasure at being perforated quite clear.

I was disinclined to acquiesce to her request and continued thrashing. She tried in vain to keep her horn steady at the wound but lost patience very quickly.

“SOMEPONY GET IN HERE!” She hollered angrily towards the corridor. There was a sudden clatter as several stallions burst through the doors at high speed.

“Yeah, boss?” A dim-sounding voice asked for further instructions.

“You grab this dumbass and hold her down. I’m gettin’ a headache tryin’ to keep my horn in the right spot. We’re puttin’ her under a memory orb trance til I’m done.” Fedexi Lexi, the boss of Sprinkles Sprinkles supplies who pulled double duty as their doctor was no angel. She was hard and tough and brutally good at what she did. Just don’t expect her to be nice about it. She’d taken one look at me after I’d dragged my half-dead self from where the river had spat me out to the (mercifully close) compound and gotten to work. They had no anaesthetic. Hence the gag. Well...gags. I’d bitten clean through the first one in a matter of minutes.

“Dahh...you got it boss.”

I suddenly found myself unable to move at all as the ponies trapped my limbs. Lexi held a memory orb up to my horn. “Here kid, magic yourself into this. By the time you come out we’ll be done here.”

Frantically I shook my head. After what had happened in the Stable I was in no mood to go through that again. That mishap was then entire reason I was even out in the Wasteland. I didn’t care that the first one had been damaged and hadn’t played back properly. It had been hours of mental torture. I barely kept hold of who I was.

Hell no am I doing that again.

Lexi apparently disagreed. She seized my mane and shoved the thing painfully at my horn. “I ain’t askin’! Get in there!”

I panicked and my horn reacted on instinct. Apparently that was enough as the world dropped away around me.

“Are we there yet?”

Don’t care. I don’t want be here. Let me out. LET ME OUT NOW!

“No, Caramel, we’re not there yet. Would you like to know how I know we’re not there yet?”

“Sure, let’s hear it.”

“BECAUSE WE’RE STILL OUTSIDE!”

No no no, I’m not interested in whatever this is. I want to be back in the surgery! The pain wasn’t that bad, I’m sure I could keep quiet. Lexi? Lexi can you hear me? I’ll be good and quiet, I promise. You can let me out now.

“Wow, Sassaflash, you’re always so good at this sort of thing.”

...Really?

My host, Sassaflash, shrugged and flexed her stiff wings.

Another Pegasus...

“Well thank you, babe. You know I still think you could do just fine for yourself if you focused on what you were doing rather than looking around all the time.”

Caramel didn’t seem terribly put out by this. The pretty stallion, there really was no other word for the flowing locks and delicate features, nudged a shoulder as he strolled beside her. “But then I wouldn’t get to spend so much time with you. We always have a good time when you’re helping me with stuff, don’t we?”

Sassaflash rolled her eyes helplessly and whispered to the side. “Yeah but that’s because we always end up having sex afterwards. Dumb he may be but damn if he’s not capable between the sheets.”

Why am I hearing this?

Caramel apparently noticed her monologue. “What’s that Sass?”

She sighed in exasperation and shook her head. “Nothing, Caramel. Keep an eye on the map. We don’t wanna get lost up here. I’ve never been this far north.”

“A-kay!”

Apparently perfectly satisfied to have a minor task assigned to him, Caramel spent the next hour constantly looking between the map and their compass while Sassaflash silently followed. This had the sobering effect of giving me time to think about my current situation. I was, frankly, tired of freaking out over all that I was doing. I’d been shut out, stalked, shot at, smacked around, shocked, shot up and now stitched up in a stupor. Granted I’d had less to deal with in the Stable but this couldn’t continue. No matter what happened, I was gonna go the next few days without freaking out. Whatever I saw or did I would accept it.

“How typical of Old Equestria, Red Ice.”

Shut up, Overmare, I’m not in the mood!

Silence. I claimed it as a minor victory.

Roughly two hours had passed for Sassaflash and Caramel and the sun had begun to set. Both seemed sluggish and lethargic so they’d settled down under an outcropping I was quite familiar with. Caramel had his head in Sassaflash’s lap.

“Do you think we’ll like Stable 61, Sass?”

Wait, WHAT?! No! No. Keep it together. They were heading to the Stable. They wanted to escape the war just like our predecessors!

Sassaflash had a faint smile on her face as she stroked his silky hair. “I’m sure. This is the right move for us. After all that’s happened...Big Macintosh...we need a fresh start. The Stable will give us that. It’ll keep us safe.”

Caramel didn’t immediately respond so my host looked down at him. He had a faraway look in his eyes. “I...really miss him. I thought it’d get easier but it doesn’t.”

"I know." She just held him closer. “...I know.”