>"Then I spun round him, flicked the ball and BAM! Back of the net. Isn't that right Pinkie?"
>Ohyeahitwassoamazing! The way you zoomed down the field and -"
>"Wait, ya zoomed down the pitch? Ya know you shouldn't use your powers like tha'.
>"I only did it once, or twice. Besides, it was only a practice game. I wouldn't use it for real games, I'm way better than anyone else, even without superspeed."
>"Well, ah can't argue that."
>"Hey Sunny, wassup?"
>You blink a few times and look over to Pinkie, who's inches away from your face.
"Oh, well, have you ever wondered why Anon's always alone?"
>Everyone glances over at Anon, sitting at a table with various bits of what looks like a dual screen laptop.
>"Ain't that the new guy who joined a few weeks ago?"
>"I believe so darling. I dont recall seeing him at Camp Everfree either."
>You look over to Rarity, then back to Anon, who now seems to be rummaging through his backpack.
"Yeah, but he never seems to hang out with anyone. Maybe he's nervous, with it being a new school and all."
>The girls nod their heads, while following your gaze.
>"Ooh what's he doing now? It looks fun!"
>You lean forward over the table, trying to inspect what he's working on.
>"It seems he's trying to fix his laptops motherboard, judging by the tools he has on the table", Twilight replies
>"Ooh ooh you should go over there and talk to him!", Pinkie exclaims.
"That's not a bad idea, I mean it seems like you share some interest in technology. Maybe you could help him with his laptop?"
>Twilight looks down and wrings her hands.
>"Oh, erm..."
>Smiling, you lean over and hold Twilights hand, comforting her.
>She smiles back at you, her nervous stance slowly fading.
"Maybe we could all go together? Then we can introduce each other and... wait. Where's Pinkie?"
>Everyone looks around, confused at Pinkie's sudden disappearing act.
>You look back to Anon, spying a blur of pink nearby.
"Uh oh, looks like Pinkie's decided to say hi first."
>"Well, that's not good. Ya know how Pinkie Pie can be", Applejack replies.
>Rarity looks up from her compact and peers over to Anon.
>"I agree, Pinkie can be quite, overbearing at times."
>"Should we go over there and, um, help Anon out. He seems a bit distressed", Fluttershy chimes.
>Before you can say anything, Pinkie pops back up, seemingly from thin air.
>"Guess what girls? He's coming to our party tonight!"
>You look at Pinkie, surprised that she actually got a reply from Anon.
"And he said yes?"
>"Yep! And I told him he'll have his own "welcome to Canterlot High cake!"
>And there's you thinking it might take abit more effort to get Anon making friends.
>Well its a start
>The lunchtime bell brings, signalling the end of lunch.
>You and the girls pack up your things, ready for class.
"So we still meeting up for shakes before we get ready for the party?"
>Everyone but Rarity nods in approval.
>"I would darling, but I have a dress design to finish tonight. I want it ready for tomorrow, the client has quite high standards and I wouldn't want to ruin it."
>"You're still coming to my party though, right Rara?"
>"Of course dear, though I may be a tad late."
>The bell dings once more, urging you to get to class.
>You wave to your friends and grab your bag.
>Looking back to anon's table, you notice he's gone.
>Like he was never there.
>Shrugging, you sling your bag on your shoulder and head to class.
 
>A party?
>Yeah, like you have time for a party.
>Seriously, who bounces up to you, invades your personal space and just invites you to some dumb party?
>And suddenly getting invited to a party by some girl you haven't even looked at before?
>Something smells suspicious.
>Plus you didn't finish sorting your laptop.
>Sighing, you pack up at the sound of the bell, making sure to get every little screw and other bits and bobs.
>You get up, casually looking over to where the pink girl went.
>What was her name? Ponka or something?
>Not that it matters, you look over, spotting six other girls at her table.
>Something's definitely suspicious about all this.
>Oh well, you can deal with it later.
>You pull out your timetable, glazing through it.
>Gym then history, not bad.
>You get up, and grab the pink flyer off the table.
>Giving it a quick once over, you crumple it up, toss it in the bin and head to class.
 
>"And after the truce the Saddle Arabians used their expertise to bla bla bla..."
>Oh lordy, the lecture never ends.
>With all your strength, you try to keep your eyes open.
>You know for a fact you'll get detention if Cranky catches you sleeping again.
>Stifling a yawn, you open up your notepad and flip through the pages.
>You keep flipping through until you find your doodles.
>Plans for your new battlebot.
>There's not much there, but that's nothing to worry about.
>You flinch a little as a crumpled piece of paper lands on your notepad.
>You look around to find the culprit.
>Everyone's facing forward, either asleep or playing with their phones.
>With no idea who it could be, you unfurl the note and glance at it.
>'Meet me at the statue after school. R'.
>The writing looks fancy, and there's even a little heart on the end.
>R? Who's R?
>You look round the room once more, but to no avail.
>It could be one of those girls Ponka was with.
>Without much thought, you crumple up the note and toss it aside.
>You're not going to fall into this trap easily.
>Stifling yet another yawn, you pull out your phone and check the time.
>As soon as you turn it on, the bell rings out, startling most of the students, especially the ones sleeping.
>Faster than a cheetah on speed, you grab your stuff, shove it in your bag and bail for the door.
>You're sure Mr Cranky said something, but fuck it; it's not like it matters or anything.
>Making your way out of school, you pull out your car keys and flick them through your fingers.
>5pm can't come quick enough.
 
"Can anyone see him yet?"
>"Come on Sunset we've been waiting for him for like, ever."
"we've only been here 5 minutes".
>"And I'm bored. Can't we just go already?"
"We still need to wait for Rarity to come out. Hopefully with Anon too".
>With a huff, Rainbow folds her arms and paces round the statue.
>Hopefully Rarity gave Anon that note. That should bring him here.
>Hopefully.
>As the rest of the students pour out the doors, you spot Rarity, alone.
>So where's Anon?
>"Hello girls, sorry I'm late, Mr Cranky can really drone on".
"That's okay Rarity. Where's Anon?"
>Rarity blinks, then quickly looks around her.
>"I'm sure he was here before, we did leave at the same time after all. I did give him that note though!"
>You think for a moment, looking around for any trace of Anon.
"Where could he have gone then?"
>As if on cue, an old Mustang drives past, blaring some sort of electro music.
>You look over, surprised that Anon is driving it.
>The rest of the girls follow your gaze, mumbling comments between each other.
"Rarity, did Anon even look at the note?"
>Rarity looks at you, visible confusion wrinkling her face.
>"Oh er I don't know. I didn't look back at him because you know how Mr Cranky feels about notes."
>Well that was a bust, you were really hoping Anon would meet up with you.
>Well, he did say he was coming to the party, so at least you can talk to him then.
>"Okay girls, I need to get home and finish this dress off. I'll see you tonight!"
>You and your friends wave her off and walk the opposite way, eager to relax and have some shakes.
 
>Dropping down a gear, you peel into the road and slide into your driveway.
>You pull out the keys and hop out.
>grabbing your bag, you close the door, lock it and head into your house.
>You really need to clean up at some point.
>Eh, you can do it tomorrow.
>You shut the front door when your phone buzzes in your pocket.
>You pull it out, not surprised at who it is.
"Hey Rusty, what's happening?"
>"Not much man, you still game for tonight?"
"Yeah I'll be there, we still got all the players coming in?"
>"Yeah, but one of the bots broke again. You reckon you can fix it in time? I know you've got the others to fix and -"
"Dont sweat it. I'll get it done. I'll just leave a bit earlier."
>Ah okay, cool. Oh yeah, we have a new contestant to. I'll give you the details when you get here."
>A new contestant? That sounds interesting, considering its been the same teams for the past few months now.
>It'll be nice to get some fresh metal in the arena.
>"Righ' I gotta go, Gotta sort tonights matches out. See ya tonight yeah?"
"Yeah mate take it easy."
>"Same ta' you man."
>You hang up and stick the phone in your pocket.
>Looks like the laptop will have to wait.
>You put your bag down on the floor and make your way to the kitchen.
>Hopefully there's some decent grub in there.
>You open the fridge.
>Nothing besides milk and butter.
>Sighing, you check the cupboards.
>Aside from some mouldy bread, there's nothing in to eat.
>When was the last time you went shopping?
>Fuck it, looks like you're having more fast food tonight.
>You check the microwave clock.
>4.25, damn. Looks like you're leaving now.
>Walking into the lounge, you step over the various bits and pieces that litter the floor.
>You bend down and grab your laptop, then carefully make your way out.
>Checking you haven't forgotten anything, you set the alarm and head out the door.
>God knows what time you'll be back tonight.
>You head to your car and pop the trunk.
>Screwdrivers, spanners and other tools fill the trunk, along with wires and an energy drink.
>At least you have something to drink on the way to work.
>Satisfied you have all your tools, you close the trunk and hop in the car.
>Popping your drink open, you start up the car and peel out the drive.
>Time to battle some robots.
 
"Is everything set for when Anon arrives Pinkie?"
>Pinkie pops up from under counter with two plates stacked with cupcakes of all colours.
>"Yep, and I have a big surprise when he gets here!"
>She disappears behind the counter again and pulls out a small box, wrapped in sparkly pink paper, topped with a little red bow.
"A present? What is it? Is it a-"
>"Nope, not telling. It's a surprise!"
>Pinkie giggles and tucks the box back under the counter.
>Giggling to no one in particular, you walk around the bakery, checking everything's in it's place.
>Anon shouldn't be much longer now.
>Pinkie did say he would be here by five.
>You pull out your phone and check the time.
>5:15? He definitely should be here by now.
>Unless he decided not to come.
>Maybe he got nervous?
>Afterall, no one else seemed to talk to him at at school, it's no wonder he wouldn't show up.
>You step out into the street, taking a look around.
>Nope, no sign of him anywhere, Pinkie's not going to be happy.
>Sighing, you head back inside.
>"Yo is Anon here yet? I wanna dig into that cake of his."
>You pull Rainbow into the corner of the room, checking to make sure Pinkie is out of earshot.
>You lean in close and whisper into Rainbows ear.
"I dont think he's coming to the party."
 
>"LADIES AND GENTLEBOTS! WELCOME TO ROBOT WARS! THE ONE AND ONLY PLACE TO WATCH YOUR FAVOURITE BOTS BATTLE TO THE DEATH!"
>The crowd roars with applause and screaming.
>You look through the crowd from behind the arena.
>The junkyard is filled with people of all ages, jumping and whooping with anticipation.
>It's more than twice as full as last week.
>Those youtube videos must be going viral.
>Not that you're complaining; more people equals more money.
>And you know you could do with a bit more dosh in your pockets.
>You head into the back, and inspect the robot on the table.
>The pneumatic axe on the top is working fine; a little bent but it'll manage.
>Next you inspect the wheels, checking the nuts are tight and held in place.
>Finally, you test the spinning disk on the front.
>It's bent out of shape, but still spins at a pretty fast rate.
>Considering the state of it after it's last battle, you did a pretty good job fixing it up.
>Just in time too. You look up and nod to Lightning.
>"Hey Anon, is hypnodisk all ready to go?"
"Yep, just about. She took a real beating in the last round though, and you'll need to replace the rear axle, but it should be good for tonight."
>"Yeah, that last bots hammer really did a number on her, at least she won though."
>You're lucky it didn't get flipped over, you'd have been fucked if that happened.
>Leaning above Hypno, you inspect the axe and space around it.
>You could probably fit a flipper on there if you move the hammer over a bit.
>It can wait, right now it needs to get on the battlefield.
>Pulling a lever, you lower the bot down and hand the remote to Lightning.
>"Nice one dude, I'll be sure to win again for ya!"
>Waving him off, you turn back, pack up your tools and make your way to the arena.
>You jog up the steps and motion to Rusty.
>He grins and gives you a thumbs up.
>Smiling yourself, you make for your chair and plop yourself down, admiring the view of the pit.
>There's always great perks when you're the only person helping Rusty out.
>He sorts and hosts the battles, you just fix whatever needs fixing.
>Pretty sweet deal if you say so yourself.
>Leaning into the chair, you grab your snacks and wait for the countdown.
>"First up, we have Hypnodisk and Tornado. Who's gonna win?!"
>The crowd screams their names, and a jumble of other noise.
>"Five, four, three, two one!"
>"FIGHT!"
>The cacophony of noise from the crowd blows you away.
>As you look down, Hypno rushes to the middle.
>Her oponents a small, rectangular bot, with small spikes at each end.
>Even without the weapons, it fares well against Hypnodisk, being nimble and fast enough to push it around with ease.
>And with it being so small, it's impossible to be flipped over and disabled.
>Tornado runs circles around Hypno, dodging it's attacks with ease.
>Hypno spins around, smashing it's axe all over the place.
>With a quick spin, Tornado rushes behind Hypno and rams it towards the pit.
>You look over to Lightning, who's not taking the battle well.
>He's smashing buttons like he's playing guitar hero on expert mode.
>In a desperate maneuver, Lightning spins the bot 180 degrees, and smashes the axe down, piercing the middle of tornado's hull.
>Panicking, Tornado rushes back, dragging Hypno along with it.
>With a cheeky grin, Lightning activates the disk, slicing effortlessly through the opponents front wheels.
>Tornado stops, unable to move around.
>Hypno raises the axe up with tornado still attached, and slowly drives towards the pit.
>With smug satisfaction, Lightning slams the axe down once more, sending Tornado down into the pit with an echoing clang.
>Horns blare out across the yard, signalling the end of round one.
>The crowd screams with joy, whilst others shout obscenities at each other.
>Nothing surprising, quite a few people make bets to see which bot wins.
>Obviously they lost a bit of money.
>Or they have to do something embarassing.
>You look down to Lightning, who's sporting quite possibly the smuggest grin you've ever seen.
>Rusty waves to you and readies the microphone.
>"And a brilliant start to the new season everybody. Next up, we have a newcomer, The Big Cheese and a big favourite from the last season, Razor. Let's see how the newcomer fares against the sheer might of Razor's claw."
>The teams retrieve their respective bots and head for the competitors room, passing by the next set of contestants.
>You recognise Razor instantly, having fixed it once or twice yourself.
>You look over the newcomer, a large, yellow wedge shaped robot with a red lifting arm at the front.
>You've heard little about this robot, which is hardly surprising since it hasn't competed at all.
>Rusty was right though, it does look like a big piece of cheese.
>The competitors line up their bots at each corner, ready to fight.
>You lean forward a little, eager to see how Cheese fares in it's first battle.
>"Are you ready everyone?!"
>The screams in approval, eager to watch the battle.
>"Three!"
>"Two!"
>"One!"
>"FIGHT!"
 
 
>The Big Cheese races forward, aiming straight for Razor.
>Razor slowly moves forward, and turns round Cheese, narrowly missing It's powerful lifting arm.
>Cheese spins round and rams Razor towards the pit.
>With minimal effort, Razor slowly crushes Cheese with its claw, effortlessly piercing the yellow hull.
>The big wedge drives back, attempting to remove Razors claw, but to no avail.
>Razor crushes its claw down once more, piercing Cheeses front wheel, immobilising it.
>Cheese slams its arm down, hitting Razor in the side.
>It raises back up, lifting Razor up with it.
>It only lifts halfway before dropping Razor back on the ground.
>Free from Cheese's grip, Razor rushes forward and smashes into the wedge, slowly pushing it towards the pit.
>Completely helpless, The Big Cheese spins its wheels, before toppling straight into the pit, ending the match.
>The horns blare once again, accompanying the roar of the crowd.
>"And an amazing performance by Razor and The Big Cheese; unfortunately, Cheese is out of the game and Razor's going through to the next round!"
>Smiling, you get up and head back down to the workshop, eager to have a chat with the teams.
>Team Cheese wont be happy about the outcome of the match.
>First battle ever and they lost.
>Well they did go up against Razor, who without a doubt is one of the best robots here.
>Oh well, that's their problem.
>As if on cue, Team cheese barges into the workshop.
>Their leader storms in, whilst a geeky little guy drags the holey robot through.
>"Where's the other team!?"
>Neon lights, the dickbag.
>Well a bag of dicks would be more pleasant to look at.
"Not here, why?"
>The look on his face says it all, he's looking for trouble.
>"They ruined my robot, they're paying for the damages!"
>You look between him and his teammate, who's struggling with dragging the robot through.
>You walk towards him, grab the other end and haul it through.
>It's big, but heavier than you expected.
>You look back to Neon, still seething from his defeat.
"Your robot eh? What kind of motor is in it?"
>He looks between you and his teammate, clueless to what you're talking about.
>"Well er, it's er-"
"Er, eh, er" you mimic in a poor impression of his voice.
"Are you sure its your robot? It doesn't seem like you're sure."
>Neon huffs and slowly stomps towards you.
>"And what makes you think it isn't my bot hey?!"
>You chuckle and give him your best smug grin.
"If it was your bot, you would be able to tell me what motor is in it, what the shell is made from, how much power the lifting arm has. Y'know, the basic things you should know if you built it."
>You look back to the geeky kid, who's nervously standing there, looking at the floor.
"My guess is this dude built the robot, and you're merely riding his coattails and taking the credit."
>If he wasn't angry before, he sure is now, his hands are practically shaking.
>Before Neon can reply, the workshop doors bang open, with Norman pushing Razor through.
>Before you can even greet him, Neon pushes past you and storms up to Norman, seething with rage.
>This could get very ugly very quickly.
>"What the fuck are you doing trashing my bot?!"
>Neon kicks Razor over, then storms right up to Norman and pushes him back, sending him tumbling back through the doors.
>Not having any of it, you jog towards Neon and grab his collar.
>You pull him back, hard, and throw him down to the floor.
>Without missing a beat, you step towards your workbench and grab a thick metal bar.
>Neon gets up and rushes you.
>He only takes a few steps before noticing the bar in your hands.
"I wont have any fighting in my workshop, you understand?"
>He looks between you and Norman, who's slowly getting back on his feet.
>"We're not done here, and you!"
>He points at Norman.
>"I better not see you here, or I'll-"
>"Or you'll what?"
>Rusty calmy walks in, and gets straight into Neon's face.
>Considering Neon is a good few inches taller than Rusty, he still looks terrified at Rusty's appearance.
>He should be, since Rusty is a burly, muscular bloke.
>"I ever see you here again, I'll personally put you in my car crusher, got it hotshot?"
>Neon glares at Rusty, before wordlessly pushing past him and out the workshop doors.
>You put the metal bar back by the workbench and stretch your arms.
"Bloody hell, what an utter twat."
>You chuckle and head for the geeky kid.
"Your bot fared well, considering Razor is one of the best bots we've had."
>You pat him on the shoulder and look at his robot.
"What's your name man?"
>"Uh, Micro Chips. And you think my robots good?"
"Yeah, I mean you nearly pitted Razor over there. You could do with making it smaller maybe? And maybe a flipper on the front here."
>You point to the panel at the front of the robot.
>"So, you built this yourself?"
>Micro Chips straightens up and beams.
>"Yep, I made it out of some bits lying around. And some bits from the junkyard.
>"I knew I recognised you, Rusty interjects. You came by a few weeks back looking for metal right? If you had told me you were building a bot I would have given you more than a few bits of metal. Afterall, it's you guys that make this whole event possible. Speaking of..."
>Rusty reaches into his pocket and pulls out a large wad of cash.
>Splitting it, he hands half to Norman and half to Chips.
>Chips looks at the money, not really sure what to make of it.
>"What's this for?
"Its for participating. You built the bot so you get something out of it, even if you dont win. As Rusty said, it's people like you who keep the show going. No robots, no show."
>Chips smiles, pockets the cash and shakes Rusty's hand.
>"What should I do about Cheese? Neon drove me here, and I can't drive so-"
>"Don't worry 'bout it kid, leave it here and I'll keep it locked up in here. Norm over there does the same usually."
>Chips smiles again and holds out his hand.
>You give it a firm shake, and give him a nod.
"Take it easy man, oh I forgot to ask. Why are you working with that arsehole? What does he get out of it?"
>"Oh. Well he said if we win the battles we'll get rich, and we'll get more popular on Youtube," Chips replies halfheartedly.
"Trust me, you're better off without him, he's just using your brains cause he doesn't have any."
>You share a laugh with him, then check your watch.
>8pm. Perfect.
"Right, I'm going home, need to get this homework done."
>"You're leaving now?! To do homework?! You lameass!" Rusty laughs deeply.
"Well it needs to be done, plus I need to fix that laptop out, the replacement I'm using here is bollocks."
>The mechanic nods in approval.
>"Yeah you're right about that, I'll see you on Friday night though yeah?"
"Oh yeah, I'll be there all night, and I'll have that laptop sorted by then."
>Rusty nods once more, then looks at his watch.
>"Righto, time for the final two battles, you can stay and watch if you want kid."
>He looks over to Chips, who merely nods back.
"Cool, see you Friday Rusty."
>You give him a fistbump, and start walking out.
"Later Norman!"
>He waves at you before you walk out the doors.
>You pull out your phone and check up on your favourite mongolian image boards.
>Nothing interesting, oh well.
>You pocket your phone and pull out your keys.
>Popping the door open, you hop in and shut the door.
>You start it up and pull your phone out again.
>You scroll through your music till you find what you're looking for.
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFH2Xou9ZPI
>Time to chill out and drive.
>Probably your favourite pastime.
>Just cruising down the roads, enjoying the sound of your music.
>The rumble of the engine as you drive through the city calms your mind.
>Yep, definitly your favourite past time.
>You drop a gear and turn the corner, slowing down as you near your home.
>The rumbling of the engine stops as you pull out the key.
>Locking it, you fumble for your house key and unlock the door.
>Once again, you carefully tread through the mess that is your home.
>You really need to tidy up at some point.
>You stumble your way through to the kitchen, eager to calm the low grumble of your stomach.
>Then it hits you.
>You forgot to go shopping.
>Bollocks, looks like you're going back out again.
>Not that it bothers you much.
>Sighing, you tread once more through your house and back outside.
>Locking the door, you unlock the car and hop in.
 
"Sorry about the party Pinkie, I know you really wanted Anon to come."
>You wrap your arm around Pinkie and pull her close, attempting to comfort her.
>"Its okay sunny bunny, I'm not that upset."
"Your hair's deflated a bit though."
>Pinkie sniffles and turns to you.
>"Okay maybe I'm a bit upset, but it's okay, we can try again tomorrow."
>Pinkie smiles and her face lights up a little.
"Maybe we should give him some space first, I think we came on too strong and he got agitated. I mean, it didn't look like he had many, if any friends.
>"Yeah, but it doesn't mean he can blow us off like that the asshole," Rainbow shouts.
>"I have to agree with Rainbow darling, it's quite uncouth of him to just not bother showing up, without letting us know."
>"Um, well it wasn't very nice of him", Fluttershy chimes in.
"Well at least we had a good time, didn't we Pinkie?"
>Pinkie grins and her hair poofs back up again.
>"Yeah, it was pretty fun, especially when Rainbow got cake all over her face!"
>Everyone laughs and giggles with Pinkie, brightening her up even more.
>Applejack stops and points over to the road.
>"Ain't that Anon over there in the car?"
>You look over and see the same Mustang you saw outside school.
"Yeah it is, should we-"
>"I'm on it", Rainbow replies as ahe speeds off towards the car.
>You watch as she speeds past Anon and stops in the middle of the road.
>The car screeches to a halt as Rainbow grins like an idiot.
>Anon leans out the window and shouts at her.
>"What the fuck are you doing you dopey cunt? You trying to get yourself killed?!"
>Without thinking, you run towards the car, with the rest of you following suit.
>"Well you should have come to the party!", Rainbow shouts.
>"The fuck are you talking about? MOVE!"
>You dash up and pull Rainbow out of the way.
>Before you can say anything, Anon revs the car and speeds off down the road.
>You look at Rainbow sternly, hoping she has a decent reason why she would do something so stupid.
"Rainbow Dash! Why would you something like that?"
>"Ya could'a been killed!", Applejack shouts.
>"what were you thinking darling?! He could have run you over!"
>Rainbow huffs and pulls herself away from you.
>"We needed to do something. I couldn't just let him drive by without doing something."
"Rainbow lets just leave it." You sigh deeply and rub your head.
"We can talk to him tomorrow okay? Now lets just get home and chill out yeah?"
>The group nods in agreement and walk off the road towards home.
>"Soo Sunset, what are we going to do about Anon?"
>You think for a moment.
>What are you going to do?
>You've ruined your chances of being friends with him.
>No Sunset, you can't just give up like that.
>You have to try harder.
"I'll speak to him tomorrow, alone. Then I'll see where it goes. There's no telling how Anon's going to react, especially aftet all this."
>"That's not a bad plan, Twilight replies, but should I still try and talk to him about technology and things?"
>You think it over, mulling over the possibilities and outcomes.
>It shouldn't be too bad.
"Yeah. That's a good idea. If you have any classes with him you could chat then."
>Twilight meekly nods and pulls out her phone.
>"It's getting late, I should head home."
>"Yeah ah gotta be up early tomorrow to help Big Mac with some stuff."
>You near your house and turn to the girls.
"I could do with an early night myself, I'll see you in school tomorrow?"
>Everyone nods and says their goodbyes.
>You wave back to them and head inside.
>You flick your shoes off and head for the sofa, plopping yourself down and sinking into the cushions.
>Hopefully things will go better tomorrow.
>You sigh as your breathing slows and your eyelids flutter.
>You should probably get into bed.
>Its nice and comfy on the sofa.
>Without thinking, you pull a blanket over yourself and snuggle into the sofa.
>Just a few minutes...
 
 
>You slowly pry your eyes open to the sound of birds chirping in the trees.
>You squint at the sunlight peeking through the blinds, and stretch yourself out.
>What a lovely sleep. Best one you've had this week.
>Who knew the sofa could be that comfy to sleep in.
>Hang on, you're on the sofa.
>Suddenly it all comes back to you.
>Standing up tall, you rummage through your pockets and pull out your phone.
>You turn the screen on and look at the time.
>8:45? Fifteen minutes to get to school.
>In an instant, you're fully awake.
>Scrambling around the room, you run upstairs and burst into you room.
>Pulling out a jumble of clothes, you strip off and tactically jump into them.
>You look over to the alarm clock by your bed.
>8:50, ten minutes to get to school.
>You rush downstairs and straight into the kitchen.
>Rummaging through the cupboards, you grab a few chocolate bars and rush out the door.
>Locking it, you head down the road.
>You take two steps, then realise you're missing something.
>Mentally kicking yourself, you run back into the house and grab your school bag from the hall.
>Locking the door once more, you sprint down the street.
>If you keep this pace up, you should make it in time, hopefully.
>Your legs burn as you pelt down the street.
>The heavy bag doesn't help either.
>Nearing the statue, you slow to walking pace and take a breath.
>That's you tuckered out for the day. You just hope you dont have gym first period.
>The deep rumbling of a car engine catches your attention.
>Looking around, you spot Anon stepping out of his car.
>You did say you needed to talk to him.
>Jogging up to, you wave and grab his attention.
>He mutters under his breath as he walks towards you.
>"What do you want now?"
>His annoyed tone of voice stops you for a second.
"Anon, I wanted to apologise about last night, I didn't think any of that would happen, especially with Rainbow and the whole standing in front of you car."
>You giggle nervously and run a hand through your hair.
"Okay look," You straighten up.
"The only reason we invited you, well Pinkie invited you herself."
>Focus Sunset, you're getting sidetracked.
"We thought you looked lonely, I mean you didn't seem to have any friends, and you started school recently so..."
>You trail off and rub your arm, waiting for Anon's reply.
>"Okay, but it doesn't mean 'Pinkie' or whatever it was can just barge into my space, invite me to a party and then start shit with me when I don't show up."
>He runs a hand through his hair, sighing from exasperation.
>"I get that you're trying to do something nice for me, and that's great, but I'm good for now yeah?"
>He jingles his keys and walks past you and through the school doors.
>You cant just leave it at that.
>You just need to persuade him a little.
>Wasting no time, you run through the doors and catch up to Anon.
"Anon wait!"
>He turns to you, looking twice as annoyed as before.
"Listen, just meet me at lunch so I can explain in full. Please?"
>His face softens slightly. Maybe he's actually considering it.
>He pulls out his phone and starts tapping away on it.
>"Fine, but don't bring your friends, especially that rainbow haired dyke looking smug little-"
"Okay okay, deal."
>"Good." He looks back up from his phone. "By the way, you're ten minutes late for the register. Later!"
>He turns heel and walks off down the hall.
>You quickly pull out your phone and check the time.
>9:10. Dammit.
>You sprint past Anon, down the halls and burst into the classroom.
>"Ah there you are Sunset, just in time."
>Miss cheerilee's sing song voice calms your nerves a little. At least Miss Cheerilee isn't to harsh with you.
>Although you really don't want to get on her bad side.
>Sighing heavily, you drag yourself to a chair and drop onto it.
>Your stomach grumbles at you.
>You never did get anything to eat.
>Going through your bag, you pull out a chocolate bar and slyly rip it open.
>As sneakily as you can you pull up your bag onto the table and hide behind it.
>You bite into the rich chocolate, savouring it's dark taste.
>Gulping down, you quickly finish off the rest and stuff the wrapper in your pocket.
>With your stomach calmed, you move your bag and focus on Miss Cheerilee.
>"-And so gym will moved to last period for all of you due to the repairs."
>The bell rings throughout the school halls.
>"Okay everyone, have a good day!"
>You wave to Cheerilee as you go out, and head to your class.
 
>Well that whole thing was, unexpected.
>Hell unexpected isn't even the right word for it.
>You should have expected it anyway after all that shit last night.
>Seriously. Who the fuck stands in front of a car and shouts shit at the driver? Do they want to be run over.
>Should have done it. If Rainbow cunt wants to play chicken, you'd happily oblige.
>Then again, how did she even get in front of you without you even noticing?
>You would have seen her from afar easily; but she just appeared from nowhere.
>You make a mental note to look into it and head down the hall.
>Why did it have to be history first thing in the morning.
>You could snort a few lines of coke and still fall asleep.
>Might as well just get it done with.
>With maximum effort, you trudge along to class.
>You shuffle into class and take a seat at the back.
>At least you can finally try out your new toy.
>Leaning down, you go through your bag and pull out your newly built laptop.
>You open it up and boot it up.
>Dual screen holodisplay. (patent pending)
>500GB ram, 100TB hard drive, 128 core  processor and the best motherboard ever designed, probably.
>You are pretty good with this stuff.
>Well, you're very fucking good, if you say so yourself.
>With the screens on, you tap in your password and load up your favourite nigerian imageboard.
>Time to browse through stupidity.
>"Right class listen up."
>Mr Cranky's voice reverberates through the classroom, pulling you away from the glow of your screens.
>"Today, we'll be learning how and why the Yaks invaded the Saddle Arabian homelands, and what..."
>You zone out and browse the catalog
>Nope nope nope, shit.
>You switch tabs and check up on your regular threads.
>Bump
>Bump
>Bump
>Well, nothing interesting there. You look up across the classroom and scan the room.
>Most of class looks like they're about to die from boredom.
>You look back to your laptop, but stop.
>Someone's looking at you.
>You look back up and scan the room again.
>You eyes fall upon a purple skinned girl, who quickly looks away and buries her head in a book.
>It's one of the girls you saw last night.
>You can feel your paranoia setting in.
>Seriously, what's she looking at?
>It's actually creeping you out a little.
>Ignoring the niggling feeling of paranoia, you focus your attention on your laptop.
>You lazily swipe through the pages, opening tabs and saving random images.
>Anything to keep you awake in this nightmare that is history.
>You quickly glance up, checking up on Mr Cranky.
>He's still blabbering on, pointing to random pictures on the board.
>You look back to your laptop and bring up the diagnostic manager.
>Everything seems to be running smoothly, battery's discharging quicker than you would like it too.
>That can be sorted later.
>You close the program and bring up the device searcher.
>The small ring graphic spins round, searching for any devices.
>About 20 pop up at once, all belonging to your classmates.
>It's working even better than you thought.
>Although there's still kinks, it works like a charm.
>You scroll through the list and click on a device.
>It belongs to Mr Cranky, perfect.
>You click through various windows, and click on an action.
>This should be good.
>You look up as a phone rings through the classroom.
>Judging from the noise, it sounds like it's coming from your right.
>The teachers head snaps round to the class, his face twisting into an angry grimace.
>"Who's phone is that!?"
>He chucks his pen down onto the desk and stomps up to a grey skinned blonde girl.
>Aw shit, now you feel bad.
>The poor girl shrinks into her chair as she fumbles with her phone, trying to silence it's ringing.
>"Hand it over, now! I will not have people disturbing this class with their incessantly annoying phones!"
>You can see the girl quivering as she hands over her phone.
>Now you really feel bad.
>Cranky puts the phone on his desk and looks around the class.
>"Anyone else caught messing with phones will be in detention. I suggest you silence your phones now."
>Within seconds of him speaking, everyone has their phone, quickly tapping and swiping away.
>You slide your phone out your pocket and turn on the screen.
>Happy it's on silent, you lock it and slide it into your jeans.
>Next, you quickly lean over and grab your bag.
>Lifting it onto the desk, you carefully place it behind the laptop, double checking it's hidden from the teachers gaze.
>You really don't want to tempt fate and get it taken off you.
>Mr Cranky surveys the room once more, before turning back to the board.
>"Right, now we can continue."
>Quickly looking back to your laptop, you scroll through the devices once more and click on another one.
>You check the details twice, making certain it's actually Cranky's phone.
>You tap through windows again and set his phone to ring.
>Three, two, one.
>And go.
>Cranky stops midsentence as his own phone vibrates and rings uncontrollably.
>"Oh dammit", he shouts as he scrambles to find his phone.
>He pulls it out and quitens the ringing.
>Only for it to go off again.
>He growls as he angrily taps the screen, silencing it once more.
>He looks at the screen, then slides it into his pocket.
>Oh we're not through yet.
>You quickly tap a button on your screen and look back up.
>His phone rings out again, elliciting a loud, donkey sounding noise as he pulls his phone out once more.
>You barely hear the school bell ring as the teacher grunts and taps away.
>With his phone silent, he turns to the class and grunts.
>"Right, I want you to research the Yak war and write an essay on why it happened and the cause and effects of the war. No less than 4000 words. Understand?"
>The students all mumble and chatter as they pack up their things and leave the room.
>Packing up yourself, you get up and move to the door.
>You step out into the hall, when a hand taps you on the shoulder.
>You look around, finding the purple skinned girl staring at you nervously.
>"Eh erm, hey, Anon, how's it going?"
>What? Why can't these girls just leave you alone?
"What do you want, a picture?"
>Erm no, heh heh."
>She nervously fiddles with her hair as she looks at you.
>"I couldn't help but notice your laptop. It's very interesting, would you mind showing it too me sometime? I would really love to know the specs and technology used. I've not seen anything like it before."
>Bitches always be digging your tech.
>Seriously though, why does she want to look?
>Is she trying to steal your secrets?
>She does look like the geeky brainy type, with all the books and the glasses and whatnot.
>Maybe she actually is interested in it; afterall it would be nice to talk about the stuff you make to someone who could understand the jargon and inner workings.
"Sure, I'm meeting one of your friends at lunch, so meet me there."
>You really need to learn their names.
>She smiles and straightens up.
>"Well I was thinking you could show me in our free period? Then we have lots of time to look and experiment with it, and stuff."
>Experiment? The fuck's she planning to do to it?
>Not only that, but since when did you have a free period? You weren't told that.
>Then again, you probably weren't listening.
>Oh well, free period fuck yeah.
"So we don't have gym class then?, you ask.
>"We do, it's last period instead of geography, but we don't have a teacher, he's off sick."
>Well that explains it.
>"Oh, I'm Twilight by the way, Twilight Sparkle."
>Right, that's one name to remember.
"And I'm Anon, though you already seem to know it. Oh well, you wanna go to the library then?"
>"Okay, It's nice and quiet in there with little distractions."
>You walk down towards the library, with Twilight in tow.
>You sidestep as a student stumbles down the hallway.
>It's that blonde girl from history class.
>Did she ever get her phone back?
>Without thinking twice, you spin round and head back to the classroom.
>Twilight calls out to you, but you ignore her.
>Focus on getting the phone first, then hang out with speccy.
>Peeking your head round the doorframe you spot Mr Cranky fiddling with something in the store cupboard.
>You look to the desk and spot two phones on top.
>Better be quick at this.
>As casually as you can, you walk into the classroom, head for the desk and slyly grab a phone.
>You turn the screen on and check out the background.
>It's filled with bubbles and smiley faces, it must be her phone.
>You quickly pocket the phone and spin on your heel.
>"Anonymous, what are you doing?"
>The teachers gruff voice startles you for a second, before you regain your posture and spin round.
>Stay casual.
"I thought I dropped my keys in here, but I found them. Oh, when did you say we had to hand in the essay?"
>"Oh, next week, Monday morning okay?"
"Perfect sir, I'll be sure to get it done. See you later."
>Turning around, you speedwalk out of there and back down the hall.
>Twilight spots you and steps toward you.
>"Did you forget something?"
>You hold up the phone and wave it a little.
"Yeah it's, well it's not mine it's hers; just hang a second and..."
>You trail off as you jog down the hall.
>Catching up to the blondie, you tap her shoulder and hand her phone.
"Here, got it off his desk for you."
>She smiles and takes the phone off you.
>"Thank you, I just don't know what went-"
>You wave your hand and cut her off.
"Sweet, 'scuse me a second, I have to go, so yeah bye."
>You give her another wave and walk back to Twilight.
>You next to her as you follow her.
"Yeah it was her phone, long story, but nevermind. So what do you want to know about my stuff?"
>You step into the library, finding two people at a desk, and Miss Cheerilee pushing the book cart along.
>"Ah good, we shouldn't get any distractions here. Should we go to the back?"
"As long as there's a plug nearby, I'm not arsed really."
>You follow Twilight through the library and take a seat at the back.
>There's only a couple of small tables, but it's enough to space out your things.
>Plus it's mostly hidden behind the bookshelves, so no prying eyes can, well pry.
>"Anon, Twilight over here."
>You recognise that voice, even if it is a whisper.
>You look to your left and spot the bacon haired girl sitting at a similar small table.
>"Oh hi Sunset, how come you're here?"
>Twilight joins Sunset at the table, with you following her.
>You drag your feet along the floor and sit on a chair, opposite Sunset.
>Two names to remember now.
>"I had a free period because my Physics teacher is on holiday, and the supply teacher didn't turn up, so I figured I'd get some quiet time here. So what are you two doing then?"
>"Well Anon was going to show me his laptop, it does look quite fascinating, the technology must be quite advanced."
>You zone out of their conversation and pull your bag onto the table.
>Pulling out your charger, you plug it into the wall and into your laptop.
>You boot it up and login, checking the laptop is charging.
>"Anon?"
>Waking up a little you look up to the girls.
>"So how about it Anon? You want to come with?"
"With what? I wasn't listening."
>Sunset huffs slightly and rolls here eyes.
>"I said do you want to come to our slumber party tomorrow?"
>A slumber party with multiple girls sounds like a dream come true.
"I'd rather explore the effects of gravity and high altitudes on living tissue."
>The girls glance at each other, their faces giving away their obvious confusion.
>"But what's that got to do with a slumber party? And we already know what happens when something falls from high heights."
>You look at Twilight, who has no idea what you're talking about.
"Nevermind. Anyway, you wanted to know about my tech?"
>"Oh yes, well I would love to know how-"
>"Before we get into that", Sunset interjects.
>"I want to talk to you Anon, and apologise for last night. We just thought you were lonely and needed some friends."
>Sunset smiles at you, while Twilight attempts to fiddle with your keyboard.
>You push her hand away and move the laptop closer to you.
"I appreciate what you're doing, but I'm fine. Besides, I get by pretty well without friends."
>She's not wrong though. You could do with a few friends.
>Well, Rusty's your friend.
>That'll do for now.
>"Okay, how about we all go get milkshakes after school? You can meet my friends and get to know them. They're really not as bad as you think, trust me."
>Milkshakes after school? It doesn't sound that bad.
"On one condition."
>"Okay, what?"
"You have to buy my milkshake for me yeah?"
>"Okay, that sounds good. Oh, and I could introduce you to everyone at lunch."
"Well that sounds absolutely delightful."
>Sarcasm drips from every word.
>"Great! So, what do you have there?"
>And straight over her head, wow.
"It's a laptop with two holographic led displays, a hell of alot more ram and storage than any regular computer, and a processor that's about four times as powerful as the best processors on the market."
>You glance over to Twilight, who's quickly scribbling on her notepad.
>Twilight looks up from her notepad and adjusts her glasses.
>"How do the screens work?"
Well they work by translating data from the laptop into readable images, which are then displayed above the laser bar here."
>You point to the bottom of the display and run your finger along it.
"If I cover up part of the laser, that part of the display isn't shown."
>You swipe across the laser a few times, demonstrating the effect.
"You can also touch it, like a touchscreen, and manipulate things."
>You make another demonstration by swiping on the screen and opening apps.
>Twilight scribbles through her notebook, hanging on every word you say.
>"This is incredible. This kind of technology is still in prototype stage, but your's is working flawlessly. Does it use laser plasma technology?"
"Well I wouldn't say it's flawless but..."
>You trail off as you watch Twilight furiously jotting down notes.
>What if she tries to steal your technology?
>Can't be having that, you could make big money with this.
"Well it works by electricity and other things."
>That should be enough info for her.
>"How long did it take to design?"
>You think back to when your started making it.
>How long ago? You can't even remember.
"A few months, give or take. Can't really remember." Why do you want to know though?"
>Twilight flips the page and jots down a couple of notes.
>"I'm just interested, I do quite like experimenting and discovering new technology."
>"Twilight is very good with all this techno stuff, she even made a magical amulet that absorbs magic!"
>Sunset sits up and leans back in her seat.
>Twilight however, frowns and glares at Sunset.
>"Sorry Twilight", Sunset looks down as she apologises.
>Alrighty then, that happened.
>Shaking your head, you pack your laptop into the bag and pull the charger from the wall.
"Alrighty then, nice talking to you and, whatever."
>"Wait!"
>Sunset gets up from her chair and stands next to you.
>"You're still meeting us at lunch right?"
>Meet the girls at lunch?
>Or get high in your car?
>Decisions decisions decisions.
"Yeah I'll see you there, maybe."
>You whisper the last bit under your breath.
>You probably wont, besides, you have your lunch sitting in the car.
>You wave to the girls and head out the library.
>You check your phone.
>20 minutes before your next class.
>Might as well chill in the car for a bit.
 
>"So now we have had some practice, you now have a paper to complete at home. The equations are slightly harder,  but I have faith in you all. Once you get hang of it, it's easy!"
>Thank fuck you have Miss Cheerilee for maths, at least she's quite easy going.
>Makes it so much better to work.
>It's not that you hate maths, it can just get boring very quickly.
>Still, it's somethimg you need to know, unlike history, damn.
>The lunch bell rings out, startling you awake.
>It's lunch time already? Where the hell did the time go?
>Probably shouldn't have had a smoke in the car.
>Not that you're complaining, you didn't even realise how hungry you were.
>You stroll down the halls and out the doors, pulling your keys out as you do.
>Unlocking the car and hopping in, the strong aroma of smoke and fruit still clings to the seats, the door panels and everywhere else.
>You stick the keys in and flick on the radio.
>You open the glove box and pull out your smoking tin.
>Nothing like rolling a nice smoke in your car.
>You quickly glance around, checking there's no teachers around.
>Principal Celestia would go ballistic if she saw you doing a "dangerous drug" in school.
>Then again, she has been a bit off a few times before, like she was high...
>Tossing those thoughts aside, you carefully pull out a skin and place it on the board.
>Checking around once again, you pull out your grinder and grab your bud.
>You carefully place it in, grind it up and shake it into the skin.
>Don't want a repeat of last time, bloody air blowers.
>Happy with the amount, you put your grinder away and pull out a filter.
>You roll it up and stick it in the end.
>You lick your fingers and roll it up.
>Nice and tight, but not too tight, perfect.
>You put your stuff back in the glove box, stick on some tunes, and spark it up.
 
>"Soo, where's Anon? He's ditched us again hasn't he?"
>"Hold on there Rainbow, he migh' just be late that's all."
>Applejack responds and takes a bite of her apple.
"Well he did say he would be here at lunch. Maybe he forgot? Or he didn't want to come..."
>You really hope he arrives soon though.
>You look up and spot Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy walking towards the table.
"Hi girls, have you seen Anon by any chance? He was supposed to meet us at lunch."
>The girls look between each other and shake their heads, all except Fluttershy.
>"W-well when I went outside to help cute little bird, I saw him sitting in his car, I-if that helps."
>In his car?
>So he ditched us again!?
>No point jumping to conclusions, maybe he was just getting something out of his car?
>"So he ditched us again!? That little-"
"Calm down Rainbow, we can just go to his car."
>"And we surprise him with this!" >Pinkie Pie exclaims as she pulls out a small, pink frosted cake from out of thin air.
>No point questioning the logic of that, it is Pinkie afterall.
"Okay then, let's go. You all coming with?"
>A jumble of replies answer you, which you take as a yes.
>Everyone grabs their bags and whats left of their lunch, and follow you out the cafeteria.
>You dont think Anon would be expecting this.
>He might have forgotten, although you doubt that a little bit.
>With all your friends, you bustle past students and out the doors of CHS.
 
>Nice tunes, tasty food, good bud.
>This is the life.
>Well if you were on a beach it would be better.
>Taking a long drag of your blunt, you rustle up some more snacks and turn the music up a bit.
>"SURPRISE!"
>You jump up out of the seat, flinching at the sound of a fist banging on the window.
>With practiced motion, you flick the blunt onto the floor and wave your hands around in A futile attempt to get rid of the smoke.
>You look up to the window.
>To your surprise, it's not the principal, or her sister.
>It's that poofy pink girl, and her friends.
>Shit.
>You forgot about that whole friends meeting thing.
>Why do they always seem to find you?
>You sigh and roll the window down.
>The girls stagger back a bit as a cloud of smoke billows out the window into the air.
"What do you want now?"
>"You were supposed to meet me at lunch, what happened?"
>Sunset sighs and crosses her arms.
>Wow she's not best pleased with you.
>Didn't she used to be a right bitch awhile ago?
>You don't particularly want to start a girl like her off.
"I forgot Sunset, sorry."
>That ought to calm her down a little.
>Her left eye is twitching a little bit though.
>Before she can reply, the pink nutjob pops up from under the window.
>"Hiya Nonny! I made this just for you!"
>She holds up a little pink cake and holds it out to you.
>Free cake? What's the catch?
>Fuck it, it's free cake.
>You take the cake from her and chuck it on the dash.
>Better save it for later.
>It'll go nicely with a cheap frozen meal.
>Casually leaning over, you pick up your joint and spark it up again.
>You take a deep toke, and look towards the others.
>They stare at you like you've just shown them your bare arse.
>You lean out the window a little and hold it out to them.
"Want any? It's pretty good stuff."
>They all blink at you and step away a little.
"More for me then. So are you going to introduce me to your friends, Sunset?"
>Sunset blinks a couple of times before shaking her head a little.
>"Yes, um right this is Twilight, but you've already met her."
>She gestures to Twilight, then moves her hand along the group while reciting their names.
>"This is Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy and-"
>"And I'm Pinkie Pie! I'm sure we'll be best of friends!"
>You lean back a touch as Pinkie leaps up to the window.
>Is she just hyper, or drugged up?
>Sunset steps up and puts her hand on Pinkie's shoulder.
>"-And this is pinkie Pie."
>Lovely, lot's of names to remember.
>Why are you so bad with names?
>That can be pondered later.
"Well for those who don't know me, I'm Anonymous."
>You take another drag and blow it out.
"So, now that we've been introduced, what next?"
>Maybe they'll leave and you can go back to chilling alone.
>That's just wishful thinking though really.
>"Well, why don't you tell us about yourself? We could chat a little while you do your...thing."
>Sunset trails off as you take another drag.
"Well, I'm six foot something, with green skin and black hair. Anything else?"
>You grin as you exhale the smoke.
>The girls exchange glances before looking back at you.
"Actually, there's one thing we should clear up."
>You point a finger at Rainbow.
"Why'd you run in front of me last night? Are you mentally deficient or something?"
>Rainbow goes wide eyed before spreading her arms out to her sides.
>"Well you didn't go-"
>Sunset slaps a hand over Dash's mouth, muffling her shouting.
>"I know you're a bit angry with Rainbow, but I'm sure she will apologise, right Rainbow Dash?"
>Sunset gives her a glare before removing her hand.
>Rainbow crosses her arms and huffs.
>"Ugh fine. Anon, I'm sorry for running in front of your car, okay?
>A bit of a forced apology, but an apology neverthless.
"Thank you. Although I have to ask; how did you even get in front of me? Because you weren't there one second then suddenly you're there."
>This'll be interesting to hear.
>You've heard rumors about magic or something, but nothing concrete.
>Probably just people exaggerating things.
>" Well, when we went to Camp Everfree, we got these magical-"
>Rainbow gets cut off by something you really, really didn't want to hear.
>"Hello girls, how are you this lovely day?"
>Fucking Principal Celestia.
>With a flick of your wrist, you throw the joint over the car hood and on the opposite side of the car.
>Looking as innocent as possible, you straighten up and put on your best smile.
>The girls turn and greet the principal in unison, which is a tad creepy.
>"Hi Principal Celestia, we were just chatting to Anon, since he's new and we thought we would introduce ourselves".
>Sunset turns and gestures to you with a smile.
>"Well that's very nice, I did notice you don't talk to many people Anonymous."
>The principal steps closer to the car.
>Right into the danger zone, shit.
>She squints a little as she stands next to the window.
>Oh that is not a good sign.
>Maybe she didn't smell anything, and she's just squinting.
>"That's a very, herbal smell Anon."
>She looks down to you and narrows her eyes.
>Fuck she's onto you. Think of something funny to say.
"Oh yeah, a friend borrowed my car yesterday. I think he put some kind of air freshner in here because it smells funky."
>Perfect delivery.
>She looks at you and stares into your eyes, looking for anything that'll give away your lie.
>Good thing you have a very good pokerface.
>But that's only when you play poker.
>"Yes, funky. Well, since you all seem to be getting along with Anon, how about I task you with helping Anon get to know the students here. Try and get him out of his shell a little. Does that sound good Anonymous?"
>Celestia slyly smirks at you when she finishes.
>Oh jeez why would she say that.
>She must know what the funky smell is and now she's punishing you for it.
>The girls all chatter amongst themselves, while Sunset beams at the principal.
>"That's a great idea Principal. We were actually just about to ask Anon if he still wanted to join us at Sugarcube Corner after school today."
>"Ah, well I'm sure Anon would love to join you girls."
>She flashes you the sly grin again.
>There's no doubt in your mind that she knows what you're doing.
>There's no way out of this now.
>At least this sort of confirms the rumors about her.
"That sounds delightful, Principal. I can't wait."
>"Splendid. Now I think you best be going in soon, lunch is almost over."
>On that note, the principal turns around and walks back towards the school doors.
>The girls wave to the principal, then turn back to you.
>Checking the principal has gone, you climb out of the car and walk around it.
>You pick up the joint and spark it up again, taking a few tokes to get it burning.
"That was a close one, almost got caught there."
>You chuckle as you take a few more tokes.
>"Did you know that marijuana is illegal, you can be put in prison for possesion."
>Twilight would be the first person to bring that up.
>"Twilight is right Anonymous, and it is a disgusting habit."
>Rarity shivers a little as she speaks.
>"Not to mention the effects of smoking. That's why I don't smoke dude, gotta be in top shape when I'm on the field."
>Great, now Rainbow Dyke is joining in.
>"And if Principal Celestia knew what you were doing, you would be in a heap of trouble. I would know because she caught me smoking once."
>So Sunset was a bit of a bad girl. Nice.
"I'm pretty sure I'm already getting punished for it."
>You mutter under your breath, but still catch the attention of Sunset.
>"What did you say?"
>Before you can answer, the bell rings out, bringing students shambling into school.
>Quickly finishing off your smoke, you flick it away and get back into the car.
>You roll up the windows, switch the engine off and lock it up, grabbing your bag as you do.
>You follow the girls into the school halls and pull out your timetable.
>English, not too bad.
"Right, I'm off to English class, I guess I'll meet you here after school?"
>The group nods and chats with each other as they go their seperate ways.
>You walk down the halls, enjoying the high of your perfectly legal substance.
>Maybe you could skip gym class and fake an injury.
>Yeah, that sounds like a plan.
 
"And that's why I can't do gym today coach, it's too painful and dangerous for my health."
>Coach Spitfire looks at you, her neutral expression hiding whatever feelings she has at your 'impressive' excuse.
>"I don't believe it, but you can go. I've got too many students anyway as it is. I expect you in your next class though, no excuses."
>She's taking this surprisingly well.
>Still, she has a point, pretty much all of the students are in here.
"Deal, I won't flake out."
>You give her a thumbs up and stride out the gym.
>Well, you have an hour free to do whatever you want.
>But what to do.
>You could do with looking at your RefBot's blueprints and such.
>Shifting your bag onto your shoulder, you walk through the halls and straight to the library.
>You push open the doors and walk towards the back.
>"Anonymous, shouldn't you be in gym class?"
>Shit, you forgot Cheerilee would be here.
"I have an injured leg, so I thought I would get some homework done before school finishes."
>"Ah, well that's good, have fun!"
>Bloody hell, why would have fun doing homework.
>You make your way to a table and sit down.
>You pull out the laptop and set it up.
>Switching it on, you login and browse the a folder.
>A few taps and swipes later, you bring up the blueprints and inspect them.
>Weight seems  alright, but it needs balancing out a little.
>Pretty much perfect for the engine you're sticking in.
>You could probably get 30mph out of it, or more.
>More is good.
>You inspect the sides, more specifically the armours shape and placement.
>Currently it's pretty robust, with reinforced steel and edged design.
>You go over the dimensions and weight if the panels.
>Decent weight, but inbalanced at the back.
>If you're hit from the front sides, your bot would more than likely topple over.
>You open up your model design and move the armour plates around.
>You drag them towards the front of the robot, any check the weight balance.
>The weight problem is solved, but now there isn't enough armour at the rear end.
>You could put some lightweight spikes there, it should reduce the damage you take and protect you a little bit better.
>Only from certain bots though.
>Next, you check over the weapons.
>Two sets of pneumatic pistons push out two boot shaped ocks of hard wood, complete with kevlar soles.
>The pistons pressure should be enough to shove a robot away, without damaging them, or the boots themselves.
>It is meant to be a referee after all.
>Some competitors do go a bit overkill on their opponents, which then leads to arguments and occasionally fights.
>Can't attract too much attention, the popo might even shut the place down if they feel the need to.
>Happy with with pistons, you move on to the engine chassis.
>You tap on the icon and zoom in on the chassis.
>You spin it around and inspect the back.
>Seems pretty perfect, it should fit in nice and snug.
>"Anonymous. Please report to the Principal's office, thank you."
>The PA speaker reverberates through the otherwise quiet library, disrupting you concentration.
>This always happens when you're working on something.
>Groaning, you pack up and head out the library.
>Trudging through the halls, your mind wonders what she wants.
>Is she gonna suspend you?
>You doubt that, she would have suspended you on the spot if that was the case.
>Getting to the door you knock twice and wait.
>"Come in."
>On cue, you swing the door open and close it behind you.
>"Anonymous, please sit."
>She motions to the chair, which you promptly sit on.
>"Right, I won't bother with the pleasantries, so let's right to it."
>Celestia shuffles a bit in her chair before continuing.
>"I know exactly what you were doing, so don't take me for a fool."
"I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about PC."
>"Cut the shit Anonymous, you know what I'm talking about."
>Jeez, she must be pissed if she's talking like that.
"Fine I was smoking, you gonna suspend me or something?"
>Her eyes narrow as she picks up a piece of paper.
>"I was going to suspend you, but that wouldn't really work now would it?"
>That is a very good point, you would only be fucking around at home.
>Doesn't really seem like a punishment.
>"So instead, since you don't seem interested in making friends yourself, you will get help from Sunset and her friends. And no, It's not optional."
>Bollocks.
"Just give me the suspension, or detention I really don't mind."
>The Principal chuckles whilst writing on the piece of paper.
>"No, because I doubt you'll learn anything from that. So instead, you will be required to go out with your new friends and report to me each week. That way I'll know how you're getting along with friendship."
>Jeez, that sounds like something from a kids cartoon.
"So what, I go out with Sunset and her friends whenever they invite me out? What if I'm busy?"
>"I'm sure you'll be able to make time."
>Celestia checks her watch and shuffles up some more papers.
>"You can leave now Anonymous, but let me get one thing clear."
>She leans forward a little and gives you a stern look.
>"If I catch you smoking on school premises again, I will be forced to suspend you, and possibly report you to the authorities, understand?"
>The tone of her voice says it all.
>You best obey her this time.
"Yes ma'am."
>You give her a little salute before getting out of your chair.
>You step out into the hall, letting the door close behind you.
>The bell rings out, signalling the end of the school day.
>For once you wish school wasn't finished.
>Milkshakes with that gaggle of goons?
>Sounds awful, although you are getting a free milkshake out of it.
>Sighing deeply, you shuffle out through the doors and head towards the statue.
>Oh what fun this will be.
>You pull out your phone and lazily browse through your tabs.
>You don't wait long as the students come pouring out the doors.
>You scan the crowd until you spot Sunset and her friends.
>She spots you and waves, prompting you to lazily wave back.
>"Hey Anon, you ready to go?"
"I assume we're going to Sugarcube Corner, and yes but I need to go and check on my house. I'll drive down and meet you there. Sound good?"
>"Yep, I'll see you there."
>You exchange goodbyes and make for your car.
>Sod walking with them, it'll be bad enough hanging out with them for just a milkshake.
>Hopping into the car, you rev up, peel out the space and head home.
>Fucking Celestia.
 
>"So now I have double History homework, and  maths homework for tomorrow. How stupid is that?"
"Well we can help you with it. Together we can get all our homework done tonight and enjoy the weekend."
>Rainbow Dash sighs and sticks her hands in her pockets.
>"Well ta be honest, 'ah wouldn't mind you helping me with mah maths homework, 'ah can never work out how to do all that algebra stuff."
>It seems everyone needs some help.
>"Ooh ooh, are we gonna invite Anon too? Then it'll be a big slumber welcome to the gang homework party!"
>You grin as Pinkie bounces down the road.
>Always full of energy, you don't know how she does it.
"I'll ask him when he gets here, but I'm not too sure that he'll want to come. I don't think slumber parties are his kind of thing."
>It is worth an ask though, he might even agree to it.
>Always best to stay optimistic.
>Nearing Sugarcube Corner, you go to push the door when you hear a car pulling up.
>Turning around, you spot Anon climbing out of his car.
"Hey Anon, how's it going?"
>"Hello to all, and it could be better Sunset. You're still paying for my milkshake right?"
"Of course, what would you like?"
>"Dunno, I'll look at the menu."
>Heading inside, you find a booth and sit down, squashing together so everyone can fit.
>You grab the menu and hand it to Anon.
>He skims through, making small comments about the food.
>You spot a waitress, who comes over, notepad in hand.
>"And what can I get you today?"
>You look to the girls, who chatter and place their orders one by one.
>"And what can I get you hun?"
>The waitress looks to you, ready to jot your order down.
"I'll have a chocolate milkshake and a blueberry muffin please. What about you Anon?"
>Anon, mumbles, still looking at the menu.
>"Yeah I'll have a large chocolate and strawberry milkshake, a triple choc muffin, and a couple of those fancy little cupcakes over there thanks."
>He points to the counter, where a large assortment of different cupcakes fill the trays.
>"Any particular ones hun?"
>"Surprise me."
>"Alrighty then, coming right up."
>The waitress scribbles on the notepad before leaving the booth.
>"You still paying my order then Sunny?"
>Oh he's so irritating, but you are trying to help him, so you settle your nerves.
"So Anon, why don't you tell us a little about yourself?"
>"Like what? Anything?"
>"Ooh, what's your favourite flavour of cake? Mine's chocolate with strawberry cream and sprinkles and lot's and lot's of icing!"
>"Mine's chocolate, like full on chocolate sponge, chocolate buttercream, the works."
>"Hey Anon, you're a tekkie kinda guy aren't ya?"
>"Yeah I guess, why?"
>Rainbow taps on her phone then holds it out, prompting Anon to take it.
>"Check this out. It's these awesome robot battles, and someone posted a new one today."
>Anon looks at the video briefly before handing the phone back.
>"Oh yeah I was there, The Big Cheese got well fucked up."
"You were there?"
>"Yeah, I host them sometimes and fix up the robots."
>"Really?! That's awesome!"
>Anon nods while tapping away on his phone.
>"Yeah It's pretty cool, there's another battle tomorrow if you're interested."
>"Can you get us in? That would be pretty sweet."
>"I agree, better than watching it on ah phone. Ya wanna bet on who wins Rainbow?"
>Oh you're on Applejack, 10 dollars?"
>"You betcha, 10 dollars."
>Applejack and Rainbow shake hands, sealing the bet.
>You look over as the waitress comes over, hands full with trays filled with milkshakes and other assorted items.
>You take your milkshake and  take a sip.
"So Anon, we're having a slumber party at my house, to get homework done and help each other out. So I was wondering if you wanna join us?"
>You look to Anon, waiting for his reply.
>He's annoyed, his face says it all.
>Maybe it wasn't such a good idea afterall.
>"Bollocks. Yeah whatever. It better not be some pizza and boy talk shit though. Seriously."
>Success!
>Although it was slightly odd that he agreed so quickly.
>He looked so annoyed at the prospect of it.
>That doesn't really matter though, you're making a bit of progress  now.
>You drink some more milkshake whilst the girls chatter amongst themselves.
>You look back to Anon, as he pulls out his laptop.
>A collection of ooh's and aah's come from the girls.
>It does look futuristic though.
>Anon looks up, visibly surprised at their reaction.
>"What?"
>"Ooh, that's a funky futuristic super laptop!"
>Pinkie leans forward and pokes a finger through the holographic screen, giggling at the novelty of it.
>"Get away I'm trying to work here."
>Anon pulls the laptop away, much to Pinkies dismay.
>"Hehe, it's so cool and see-throughy."
>"yeah whatever, let me do my work."
>He takes a bite of his muffin and leans closer to the screen, examining what looks like a small engine or motor.
"What are you working on Anon? It looks pretty interesting."
>He swipes the screen a few times then pinches it, bringing his hands apart as the screen gets bigger.
>"I'm working on a robot, well a referee to keep the contestants in check. Quite a few contestants left because their robots were getting destroyed by other contestants, which is bad for business."
>Anon taps a few times, shrinking the screen and brings up a 3D model of the robot.
>You'd be lying if you said you weren't impressed by his work.
>"It still needs a few details ironing out, after that it'll be time to build it."
>Twilight leans in close to the screen, examining the holographic model.
>That is very impressive Anon, you wouldn't erm, by any chance let me help you? Or just watch you work? You don't really get to see this everyday."
>Anon looks to Twilight, rubbing his chin in thought.
>"Yeah alright, It will be handy to have someone bring me food and drink when my hands are full."
>"But I thought you would-"
>Before Twilight can finish, a phone starts ringing.
>Anon pulls his phone from his pocket and answers the call.
>You try not to listen in, but it's clear somethings up with the shouting from this phone.
>"Hang on a sec', I'll call you back, let me just get the my car."
>He quickly puts his phone away and packs up his laptop.
>"Yeah this was fun and all, but I got somewhere to be."
>"Is everything alright Anon? Do you need any help at all? We could-"
>No it's fine, I need to sort this myself."
>He gets up and slings his bag on his shoulder, grabbing his milkshake as he walks to the door.
>I'll meet up with you later!"
>He shouts over to you then leaves.
>You look back over to the girls.
>"What was tha' all about? Seemed in a bit of a hurry."
"Yeah, something's definitely up with him girls. I'm sure he'll be fine though."
>Well, you hope he's fine.
 
"So what are you saying? He's trying to shut us down or something?"
>"No idea, seems tha' way, I just told him to wait for ya though."
"Alright hang on, just give me five minutes."
>You hang up,  not bothering to wait for a reply.
>Quickly starting the car up, you pull out onto the road and speed down.
>Whatever it is, it must be important.
>Rusty did seem pretty agitated.
>And he very rarely gets agitated.
>Quickly pulling up to the junction, you turn left and pull into the junkyard.
>You turn off the car and quickly get out, spotting an expensive, classy looking car a few feet from your's.
>You wave to Rusty, standing next to Neon Lights and another bloke you don't recognise.
>He's in a light blue suit, which looks pretty expensive.
>You've never seen him before, but he looks stinking rich, considering the suit and car.
>He steps towards you as you walk up.
>"Afternoon, Anonymous I presume?"
"Who's asking?"
>"Filthy Rich, good to meet you."
>Well you weren't wrong about him being rich.
>What kind of name is that anyway?
>He extends a hand, prompting you to take it.
>Ignoring the gesture, you step aside and walk up to Neon.
"What are you doing here? I'm pretty sure we made it clear that you're not welcome here, with your shit haircut and wonky nose."
>Neon steps forward, steaming.
>"You're one to talk, you little-"
>"Calm yourself Neon."
>Filthy place's a hand on Neon, keeping him from moving closer to you.
>"Now Anonymous, Neon here has been telling me about your 'business' here and I must say it's a pretty good concept, if the internet videos are anything to go by. I understand you run this and keep it maintained?"
"Well maintained isn't the word I'd use, but yeah pretty much. Rusty here owns the junkyard and I use it to host battles."
>"Splendid, I'm sure you'll like my propos-"
"Nope."
>"No? I'm sure we can-"
"Nope not interested, go away. Tell 'em Rusty."
>Rusty grins at the rather annoyed rich dick.
>"No means no, now ah' suggest leaving or I'll tell the cops you're trespassing."
"Yeah technically you are, so shoo."
>You shoo them away with your hands, only to make Neon seemingly pop a blood vessel, and Filthy to only look slightly more irritated.
>This probably isn't his first rodeo, or business type thing, whatever it's called.
>Filthy smiles and reaches into his pocket, pulling out a business card.
>"Well, if you decide to change your mind, don't hesitate to call. I'm sure we can come to an arrangement."
>Taking the card, you have a little look.
>Nice font, good colour, he's got nothing on Paul Allen though.
"I'm sure we will, maybe, probably not."
>Filthy smiles, a shifty looking smile now that you think about it.
>You give him a cheesy grin in return, as he usher Neon back to his car.
>Watching as he pulls off and out the yard, you turn to Rusty as the two of you burst into laughter.
"Oh jeez, my chest hurts now. You want a fag?"
>"Yeah if you don't mind, could do with one right now."
>Nodding your head, you pull out your tin and skin up.
>Carefully rolling, you finish one and pass it to Rusty, then roll your own.
"How long do reckon it'll be until he comes back? I'm guessing Monday."
>"Nah, Saturday I bet. I know how guys like him work. They keep coming back, pestering you non stop until you give in."
>He takes a long drag and slowly blows it out.
"You ever dealt with him before?"
>"No, all I know is he owns some supermarket chain and a camp somewhere. Although I've heard other stuff, like apparently he does dirty dealings or something like that."
>Sounds like a regular rich fuck.
>Probably dodges taxes and all.
"In any case, I gotta get back, got to go to some shit slumber party."
>Taking another drag, you pull your phone out and flick through your contacts.
>"Ah' slumber party? With girls? Doesn't sound tha' bad, hell it sounds like a wet dream come true."
"We're all doing our homework together as a 'team'.
>"Oh, alright then. Not what I was expectin' really."
"That reminds me, I need to go over these blueprints with you, and the materials I need. I'll do that tomorrow though."
>You take a final drag and toss the fag, as does Rusty.
>"Sounds good, I gotta shoot anyway. S'posed ta' be watching my bro's kids, ah'm already late as it is."
"Sweet, I'll catch you tomorrow then yeah?"
>"Yeah kid, seeya!"
>You walk back to your car and step in.
>Finding the right contact, you dial it and start up the car.
>A few rings later, she picks up the phone.
>"Hello who's this?"
>She sounds pretty apprehensive, wonder why.
"Hey Sunny, I'm on my way to your's, just stopping off at home first."
>"Wait, how did you get my phone number? And do you even know where I live?"
"I guess we'll find out soon enough eh? Bye!"
>You hang up as Sunset starts rattling off on the phone.
>Revving, you pull out of the junkyard and make a beeline for home.
>Something still doesn't seem right though.
>Filthy probably wants to corner the market on robot battles.
>But what does Neon get out of this?
>There's no way he would do it just to fuck you over.
>Unless the rich fuck is going to give him a job, become the host maybe?
>He does look like the fame whore type.
>Shaking away the thoughts, you pull up outside home and get out.
>Making a mental checklist, you step into your house and head for your room.
>Giving the room a quick glance over, you spot your old sleeping bag and grab it.
>Schoolbag and homework's still in the car, got the sleeping bag.
>That's pretty much it.
>Happy with what you have, you go back downstairs and gead to the security box.
>You tap in your password and set the alarm.
>You'll only be gone one night but still, better safe than sorry.
>You lock the door and get in the car.
>Pulling your phone out, you find Sunset's profile and put her address into the satnav.
>It's actually not too far away, only a couple miles, if that.
>Starting the car, you stick some music on and head out.
>Oh what fun this will be.
 
>"Sir, Filthy Rich is here to see you."
>Leaning over your solid oak desk, you press the intercom button and reply to your secretary.
"Thank you Penny, send him in."
>Leaning over your desk, you take two glasses and pull the dark whisky bottle towards you.
>You start pouring the whiskey into a glass, interrupted only by a knocking on your door.
"Come in."
>The door opens as Filthy Rich steps into the room.
>"Evening Sombra, you're looking well today."
"Thank you Mister Rich, whisky?"
>You push a glass across the desk, which Filthy takes as he sits opposite you.
>"Thank you Sombra, now I guess you will want the details on our investment?"
"Yes actually I want to know, how's it going so far? I trust you spoke to him today?"
>Filthy takes a sip of whisky and shifts in his seat.
>"I spoke to him yes, but we have a little problem."
"And that would be?"
>"Well, the mechanic who owns the yard is refusing, but will not change his mind. I've dealt with men like him before, they are tough to crack."
>Expected, but should be easily sorted.
"And what about Anon? What did he have to say?"
>"He also said no, and is alot more stubborn than his friend. I fear that I cannot change his mind."
>Looks like you will have to step in a little.
>He could be useful though in keeping things together for the shows, since he has experience.
>He can also pay his debt off this way, saves things getting messy.
>You stand up and walk over to your cabinet, admiring the assortment of crystals inside.
>It really helps you think, makes things a bit clearer.
"Try again tomorrow, they have a show tomorrow correct?"
>"Yes, at 7pm."
"Good, go over there tomorrow, I'll send a couple of guys with you; For persuasion should the need arise."
>"Oh there's no need for that, I'm sure I can persuade him myself."
>You hum and sip your whiskey.
"I'm sure you could Mr Rich, but time is of the essence. The money is piling up with nowhere to clean it, and that police captain has been on my case for awhile.
>You turn around and face the businessman.
"It's only a matter of time before he gathers enough evidence. I've been on his radar ever since that lowlife whore screwed up my previous venture. I will not have that happen again."
>Sighing, you take your seat at the desk and pour another drink.
>"And what about Neon Lights?"
"What about him? Is he a problem?"
>"No not at the moment, but if he were to find out about our little deal, what should I do with him?"
>Filthy does have a point.
>You don't know him well, so there's no telling how he would react.
"If he finds out, let me know and I'll arrange a meeting with him. I don't particularly want to get my hands dirty with this. It would be best to keep him on our side; I don't particularly want loose ends to tie up."
>You sip some whiskey and place it on the desk.
>"I understand Sombra. Trust me once it's done, you'll be glad you did it. You won't need to worry about your cash afterwards."
"Excellent. You're a good friend Filthy, I don't want to ruin this partnership; I trust you won't let me down."
>You open your left desk draw, and pull out a tin of cigars.
"Give me a call when you meet with them, and I'll send my men out with you. Cigar?"
>You hold the tin out, and Filthy takes one.
>You do the same, and close the tin.
>Taking your lighter, you spark it up, then light Filthy's.
"So, you haven't told me in full; What are your big plans with this endeavour?"
>"Haha, big is a bit of an understatement. What I have planned will change entertainment altogether. It will be known everywhere."
 
>"And then you carry that over and done!"
>"Well tha' wasn't so bad, I think ah' got it now. Thanks Sunset."
>"It's no problem Applejack, I was confused too when I first did it."
>Jesus this is excruciating.
>You're gonna need another smoke soon just to cope.
>"Hey Anon, wanna game of Super Brawl Fighter II? Bet I can kick your ass!"
>You look to Rainbow, who's holding out a controller to you.
>Might as well pass the time someway.
>Just a few hours.
>Then you can sleep.
>Eternally hopefully.
"Yeah whatever, gimme."
>You take the controller and position yourself in front of the TV.
>"Hey, you wanna make this interesting? How 'bout a little bet?"
"Depends, how much?"
>"Ten dollars?"
>Ten dollars?
>You don't mind losing a bit of pocket money.
"Ten it is. But..."
>Rainbow looks at you apprehensively.
>"But what?"
"We have to use the same character, to keep it fair of course."
>Rainbow waves her hand dismissively and smirks.
>"Yeah alright, I pick the character though."
"Fair enough, which one?"
>"Kendoll, the best fighter ever!"
"Alright, prepare to get smashed."
>You hold the controller firmly as the match begins.
>The countdown finishes, and you move to the middle of the arena.
>Within seconds, Rainbow attacks with a combo, sending you straight to the ground.
>Getting back up, you punch and follow with a kick.
>Rainbow counters your attack and unleashes another combo, sending you up in the air and crashing straight back into the ground.
>She's good, pretty good actually.
>You glance over to Rainbow, catching a glimpse of her smug grin.
>You counter her next attack and follow with a double kick, sending her backwards.
>Taking advantage, you jump up and send a flying kick to her face.
>She blocks the attack, then follows with a four punch combo.
>You fly backwards and fall to the ground once more.
>Looking up to the health bar, you blink at the sizable chunk missing.
>A few more hits and you'll be dead.
>Before you can even react, Rainbow pins you to the wall and unloads a combo of kicks and punches, knocking you down for the count.
>It was barely even a fight.
>Rainbow throws her hands in the air and fist pumps, shouting and revelling in her victory.
>"I owned you! You got schooled bro! Come on, cough it up."
"You weren't playing fair, I want another round."
>"Alright, twenty dollars this time yeah?"
"Fine fine let's do it already."
>Rainbow smirks and sets up another game.
>"You ready to lose again Anon?"
>Let her laugh a little.
>The countdown starts as you ready yourself.
>Much more will she weep.
>It match begins and you both move to the middle.
>Without thinking twice, you step forward and deliver a swift uppercut.
>Before she hits the ground, you deliver another uppercut and follow with an air kick, sendinng her across the arena.
>You take a quick glance at Rainbow as her character gets up.
>Her smug grin is faltering, perfect.
>Avoiding her attack, you counter and deliver a three punch combo, followed up by another air kick.
>Just before she hits the ground, you hit her with a high kick and follow with an air kick combo.
>You grin and step back, letting her recover from your devastating ten hit combo.
>Another quick glance in her direction shows you how hard she's taking it.
>Her smug grin has changed into a frown.
>Well frown is an understatement, her teeth are gritted and her controller looks like it's about to crack in two.
>Maybe you should give her a chance.
>She steps forward and hits you with a kick, followed by a few jabs.
>Getting up, you block a punch and step back.
>Stepping quickly, Rainbow delivers another combo and sends you to the ground.
>Her smug grin returns as she takes a few steps towards you.
>Time for your finishing move.
>Attempting another kick, you block it and unleash a flurry of punches and kicks.
>Jumping into the air, you kick her back down, finishing her off.
>Dropping the controller, you stand and face Rainbow.
"Get rekt fag! Who's getting schooled now noob!"
>You clasp your hands together and shake them above your head, infuriating Rainbow.
>Rainbow throws the controller down and stands up.
>"You cheated. I want a rematch!"
>Someone's a sore loser.
"Don't hate the player, hate yourself for being so shit at the game. Twenty dollars, gimme gimme gimme."
>Huffing, Dash stuffs a hand in her pocket and fishes out a twenty.
>You take it off her and give it a sniff.
"Mhmm, the scent of victory. This was fun, we should do it again sometime Dashie."
>"Don't call me Dashie."
>Stuffing the note away, you stretch and sit down by your laptop.
>You bring up some schematics and look through them.
>"Hey Anon, you never did explain how you knew where I live."
"Does it matter though?"
>"Yes. I mean it is a bit, creepy, that you know. And you know my phone number somehow."
"I know all your phone numbers, and where you all live. It's not a big deal."
>You look to see that all eyes are trained on you.
"What?"
>"It's not a big deal? Really?"
>Sunset stands up and takes a step towards you.
>"You don't think it's creepy that you know all this, without even telling us?"
>"Yeah that is pretty creepy dude."
"Calm down. It would be creepy if I knew all your dirty little secrets and everything you ever sent to people, or received. Like bitchy texts or passwords, or maybe some lewd pictures."
>You glance over to rarity as you say it and give her a sly wink.
>She blinks and look away, with a hint of a blush on her face.
>Oh shit maybe she does have nudes somewhere.
>You've got to look in to that sometime.
>"That doesn't make us feel better Anon."
>"And it is very rude to look into a lady's private things without permission Anonymous."
>Nothing like getting a bunch of girls riled up.
"Alright, if it makes you feel any better I haven't actually looked at anything private. I've only looked for phone numbers and addresses, okay? I do respect people's privacy, well most people."
>Twilight sits up and shifts a little closer to you.
>"How exactly did you get this information?"
>You sit up and twist your laptop around, facing the screen towards Twilight.
"Back when I was familiarising myself with programming languages and whatnot, I sort of created my own. After that I designed a program capable of finding devices and creating backdoor's into them, letting me see everything the owner can."
>You demonstrate this by bringing up Twilight's phone information and details.
"See? I can access anyone's online profiles, messages etc without them even realising."
>Twilight's eyes widen as you bring up her conversations with her friends.
>"This is amazing. Can you do it with any person online?"
"Yeah pretty much, as long as I know at least their name."
>"Well that's real assuring douchebag. How can we even trust you?"
>You look over to Rainbow and flash her a cheeky grin.
"You can't, well you could but you barely even know me, so yeah."
>Shrugging at her, you turn back to your laptop and bring up your robot schematics again.
>Before you can begin working, the doorbell rings.
>"Pizza's here!"
>Without warning, Pinkie leaps up from the sofa and zips to the door.
>Damn that girls quick.
>Pinkie thanks the delivery man and closes the door, balancing five pizza boxes on her hand.
>Dropping them on the table, everyone digs in.
>"Okay, we have cheese and tomato, pepperoni, meat feast, veggie supreme and super duper spicy!"
"Cheers Pinks, dibs having some super spicy."
>"Okie dokie, be careful, it's hot hot hot!"
>You grab a few slices, then grab two pepperoni slices and chuck them on your plate.
>You chow down and go over your bot schematics once more.
>As everyone munches their pizza, Twilight leans closer you and watches intently.
>You know she likes her technology and sciencey shit, but damn it's hard to work with someone looking over everything you're doing.
>You turn around and stare at her.
"Can I help you Twiggy?"
>Twilight blushes slightly and glances away.
>"Sorry, I'm just quite fascinated with what you're working on. It's not everyday I meet someone who's very familiar with the inner workings and technical knowledge of the technology we use today."
>Twilight pushes her glasses up and shifts ever so slightly towards you.
>"So, have you designed anything else, besides your laptop and this robot?"
>You think back to what you've designed.
>Most of what you've done is merely sketches, or ideas.
>You doubt little dancing robots would really count as something interesting.
>They are fun to watch though.
>Taking a bite of pizza, you think a little more.
"I made my own security system for my house. It's pretty standard in design, but it notifies me as soon as someone enters or attempts to break in, meaning I can alert the authorities."
>Or scare the shit out of them, which you prefer.
"I can also speak directly from my phone to speakers dotted around inside, that usually scares them shitless."
>You chuckle to yourself and take another bite of pizza, savouring the spicy taste.
>"That's actually pretty impressive, has it worked well in the past?"
"Well, I've had a few people break in and either quickly left, or got paralysed and dragged out by me."
>Twilight stops scribbling on her notepad and looks at you quizzically.
>Wait, how did you not notice that before?
>"Do you mean they got electrocuted?"
"Yeah, not enough to kill them though. They also get locked in the house until I arrive, which is pretty neat."
>You don't like to brag, but it is a pretty nifty system.
>"What are you guys talking about?"
>Sunset sits herself down next to Twilight, munching on pizza.
>"Anon was just telling me about the security system for his house. It sounds pretty advanced."
>"Oh that sounds cool, what's it like?"
>You're not explaining it again.
"It tells me about burglars, electrocutes them bla bla bla. I'm more interested in what little doohickeys Twilight has made."
>You're not, but whatever takes the focus off you.
>Twilight's face lights up as she smiles.
>"Well I made a powerful computer out of spare parts for myself, it wasn't a hard task really but I've made some other things too."
>Didn't she make an electric amulet or something too?
>Maybe you're making shit up again.
"Hey didn't you make an electric amulet thingy or something or other?"
>Twilight looks down and fiddles with her hair.
>"W-well I did make an amulet, but it, well..."
>She looks to Sunset who places a hand on her shoulder.
>Smiling, Twilight looks back to you and continues.
>"Well, it was designed to detect magic in the surrounding area, but it also absorbed the magic from my friends."
>What.
>She sighs before continuing.
>"During the Friendship Games, principal Cinch told me to release the magic in it and win the games for my school, well my old school."
>The.
>Sunset leans in and carries on Twilight's speech.
>"When Twilight released the magic, it corrupted her and turned her into Midnight Sparkle."
>Fuck.
>Seriously, what the fuck.
"The fuck are you talking about? Magic and demons, really?"
>Sunset and Twilight nod their heads, both sporting slightly puzzled looks.
>Is that why Dyke Dash was able to run fast?
>She did just pop up in front of your car, no doubt about it.
"Hang on, is that why Dash somehow caught up with me and made me slam on?"
>"Well yes, sort of. When we went to Camp Everfree we discovered these crystals."
>Sunset reaches into her top and pulls out a necklace with a red crystal attached to it.
>It doesn't look very special, just a regular looking geode.
>You look to Twilight as she does the same.
>It's pretty much the same as Sunset's, only Twilight's is purple.
"They don't look very magical to be honest."
>You finish your pizza and put the plate aside.
"So what you're saying is you found these crystals, and now you have superpowers?"
>"Yes, sort of. We had to defeat-"
"Yeah yeah you defeated a big bad and won bla bla bla. I'm more interested in what superpowers you have. So, what are they?"
>You lean your head on your arm and wait.
>This will be very interesting to know, maybe they could be of use at some point.
>Although this is all getting a bit strange.
>Twilight clears her throat and sits up a little.
>"Well, I have telekinesis, I can move things around."
>Sunset leans in and pipes up.
>"I can read minds just by touching someone."
>Sunset points over to Rainbow Dash and Applejack.
>"Rainbow Dash has super speed and Applejack has super strength."
"That makes sense, in some way."
>It really doesn't, but none of this really makes sense anyway.
"What about the rest of you?"
>"Well Rarity can summon strong shields and barriers, Pinkie Pie can make explosions from sparkles, and Flutter-"
"Wait, explosions from sprinkles? You're bullshitting me now. Next your gonna say Shutterfly can talk to animals."
>Twilight glances away while Sunset rubs the back of her head nervously.
>"Well, she does kinda, talk to..."
>No way.
>No fucking way.
"You having a fucking laugh? Really?"
>Sunset smiles a little nervously.
>That's all the answer you need.
>Standing up, you walk over to Shutterfly, as she plays and talks to her little dog.
>Since when was there a dog here?
>Nevermind about that.
"Hey Shutterfly, Sunset says you can talk to animals and shit. Can you?"
>Shutterfly meekly looks at you, slightly nervous.
>"Um my name's actually Fluttershy."
"Shutterfly, Butterfly whatever. Can you talk to animals though?"
"Um, well yes I can communicate with animals. Ever since we went to Camp Everfree I could talk to them, it's a new power me and my friends got when we defeated-"
"Yeah whatever big bad, got it. So Sunset isn't talking shit then?"
>Fluttershy blinks, clearly confused with what you're saying.
>"Yeah it's pretty cool, Twilight can levitate things with her mind!"
>You look to the dog suspiciously.
>No way the dog spoke.
>You're not that high are you?
>You didn't have that much, but no way the just dog talked.
>"Um, are you okay Anon?"
"Yeah Shutterfly, just imagining talking dogs and whatnot."
>Fluttershy looks at you quizzically, while the dog cocks it's head at you.
>"What? You never seen a talking dog before?"
>The dog's fucking grinning at you now.
>Fuck this is too weird.
"Actually no I haven't, because as far as I know dog's can't talk."
>This is all a bit too much.
>Building futuristic tech with minimal funding and supplies you can get.
>Literal magic and shit? That's something else.
>Oh and talking dog's, that's just...
>You massage your temple a little bit.
>You can't even think properly now.
>You need to chill for a minute.
>Best try to think and make sense of things now.
>Your gut's telling you things are just going to get weirder.
>Maybe all this magic shit goes deeper than you thought.
>No point delving into that now, it's crazy enough as it is.
>You could really do with a smoke right about now.
>Turning around, you stroll to the bedroom door and open it.
"I'm going for a smoke, back soon you bunch of weirdos."
>You wave your hand nonchalantly and head for the front door.
>At least you'll have a bit of peace away from them for a little while.
 
>Well that was a bit unexpected.
>"Boy, wha' got his knickers in a knot?"
>Applejack looks to you, equally as confused as you are.
>You look to Fluttershy, hoping she know's why Anon seemed upset.
"Fluttershy, what happened?"
>Fluttershy looks at you, still a bit confused.
>"Well, he asked me if I could talk to animals, then he got really nervous when Spike talked to him. He looked really panicky, like he was scared of something."
>He must be freaking out about the whole magic thing now.
>He's only been here a short while, and he clearly doesn't know about you and your friends saving the school and such.
>Maybe you should talk to him alone.
"I'm going to go talk to him."
>"No don't!"
>You look over to Fluttershy, as does the rest of you.
>"She shrinks down a little, surprised by the sudden attention.
>"I mean, he should be left alone to calm down. When I get anxious I like to hide somewhere quiet and calm down. He must do the same too."
>That makes sense, maybe it is best you leave him alone for awhile.
>Rainbow Dash joins in.
>"So what, he found out we have magic powers and decides to panic and run away? What's the big deal?"
"Well he hasn't been here long, but I would have thought he heard about us from the other students."
>"Well he clearly hasn't", Twilight chips in.
>"But it seem's it was Spike who really spooked him. I really don't think he's used to seeing talking animals."
"Either way, I'm sure he'll be back and calm soon."
>Well you hope so anyway.
>If he was going to leave, he would have taken his stuff with him.
>You glance over to Twilight, who seems to be playing with Anon's laptop.
"Twilight, you really shouldn't be playing with that. If Anon come's back and see's you messing around he wont be happy.
>Twilight looks at you forlornly.
>"I can help it, it's just so interesting to see someone else's technological feats."
"Come on Twilight, I don't want Anon getting angry when he seems okay with us so far."
>Twilight moves away, leaving the laptop as it was.
>"Alright, but when he get's back maybe we could convince him to let me play around with it?"
>Twilight jokingly smiles.
>No matter how much you try and persuade him, I doubt he would let Twilight play with it.
>Clearing your throat, you change topics.
"So, what does everyone think of Anon so far?"
>Applejack speaks up first.
>"He seems like an alrigh' fella to me."
>Rainbow Dash huffs and crosses her arms.
>"I think he's a douche. Did you see how much he gloated when he beat me before?"
>"He kinda reminds ya of yerself, don't he?"
>Applejack laughs while Rainbow just glares at her.
>"Well I think he's a super duper cool guy!"
>Of course Pinkie would think that. She seems to like everyone she meets, well most people.
>"He's a bit of a ruffian, and his smoking habit is a bit unpleasant."
>"W-well I don't think he's too bad, I'm sure he's a nice person really."
"I'm sure once we get to know him and vice versa he'll warm up to us."
>A jumble of mixed replies answer you as everyone goes back to do their own thing.
>You look around your room, lightly sighing at all the mess.
>Might as well clean up now and save time in the morning.
>Standing up, you gather up the pizza boxes and plates and put them in a pile.
>Applejack and Rarity stand up and offer to help.
>You decline with a smile and head downstairs, carrying the boxes and plates in your hand.
>Walking downstairs, you set the rubbish on the kitchen counter and grab a bottle of water from the fridge.
>You take a drink and savour the coolness.
>Hearing the front door open, you glance up and greet Anon.
>He stares at you, giving you a weird look.
>Like he's looking through you.
>He grins and slowly wanders over to you.
>"Sup Sunny Bunny, hope you saved some pizza for me I'm starving."
>Jeez you hate his stupid nicknames.
>Sunny Bunny, really.
"Well maybe, I haven't checked the boxes yet."
>Grinning, he suddenly speeds up and brushes past you.
>The smell of weed floods your nostrils, taking you by surprise.
>Is he always smoking that stuff?
>You did try it a few times back when you weren't reformed, but no way could you smoke it all day.
>Maybe it'll loosen him up a little.
>You watch as Anon rummages through the boxes, searching for any scrap of pizza that might be left.
>"Oh yes, we're in luck Sunny!"
>He turns around, holding a slice of pizza in each hand.
>You take another drink of water then look back to Anon.
"Do you want a bottle? I have loads in the fridge."
>He gratefully smiles, so you go back to the fridge and pull one out.
>He takes it and gulps it down, nearly finishing the bottle.
>"Cheers Sunset, I needed that. So, we going back upstairs?"
>He traipses up the stairs with you following behind.
>Stepping back into your room, the sit yourself down on the bed, whilst Anon plops himself by his laptop.
"So Anon, you haven't told us much about yourself. What do you like-"
>"Who touched my laptop?"
>Everyone glances at Twilight as she just sits there, nervously playing with her hair.
>Anon glares at Twilight, with a hint of annoyance on his face.
>"Stop messing with my stuff! Gawd."
>He laughs to himself and chews on his pizza viciously.
>"So what did you say Sunnybuns? I wasn't really listening."
>Ugh, why is it so hard to just ask him a question?
>And why does he have to use a different nickname everytime he speaks to you?
"I said you haven't told us much about you."
>"So what? What do you wanna know?"
>Pinkie Pie bounces up to Anon, smiling like a loony.
>"Ooh, what's your favourite food? Mine's cupcakes and ice cream sundaes!"
>"Pizza, pepperoni pizza though, or meat feast I can't decide."
>Anon rubs his chin in thought, deeply contemplating which pizza is his favourite.
>"Pepperoni, oh and ice cream. You can't go wrong with some ice cream."
>Well, it's a good start.
"So, where did you go to school? Before you came here I mean?"
>He looks to you for a second, seemingly confused by your question.
>Maybe it's your eyes playing tricks on you, but you're sure you saw a hint of sadness in his eyes.
>Did something bad happen that made him move to Canterlot?
>Best not ask too many questions, you don't want to inadvertently upset him.
>"Well, I lived in Manehattan, and went to school there; Manehattan High. Moved here though cause it was shit."
>Finishing his pizza, he turns around and sets up his sleeping bag, then crawls into it.
"Did you have many friends there?"
>"A few, but that was years back though."
>Yawning, he adjusts his pillow and lies down.
>"Besides, I moved here cause it's nice here, and I've got a sweet house, and..."
>Before he can finish, his eyes slowly close and he falls asleep.
>Yawning yourself, you glance at your bedside clock.
>12:25?! How did you not notice how late it was.
>Now you're really feeling the tiredness.
>You look to your friends, as they all yawn as well.
>"Well, ah' dunno 'bout you gals but ah'm hitting the hay."
>A round of replies follows as you all settle down into your sleeping bags.
>You climb into bed and snuggle up to the covers, feeling the warmth spread through your body.
>Your eyes are already getting too heavy to keep open.
"Alright girls, see you in the morning. Night."
>You barely hear their replies as you slowly drift into your peaceful slumber.
 
>"...ake up, Anon."
>Oh jeez who's that now.
>"Anon wake up, we're going to be late!"
"Five more minutes..."
>Rolling over, you snuggle back into your sleeping bag and sleep.
>Whoever it is, she isn't happy.
>Five more minutes cant hurt though.
>Before you can even drift off, you're shook awake, shaking away the desire to sleep.
"Fuck's sake I'm awake now, fuck."
>Rolling back over, you sit up and rub your eyes.
>You twist your back, stretching your muscles and joints.
>You could have done with an air mattress instead of sleeping on the hard floor.
>That doesn't matter now though.
>You look up to sunset and blink a few times, trying to unblur them.
>Sunset puts on a stern face and waves her hands.
>"We only have ten minutes to get to school, now hury up!"
>You hazily look around the room.
>Is everyone else downstairs, or have they left already?
>Doesn't matter, what matters is getting an energy drink down you.
>With slightly renewed vigor, you stand up and stretch once more.
>You look to Sunset, who's scrambling around getting her stuff together.
>It's not like she'll be punished alot for being late.
>With a heavy sigh, you roll up your sleeping bag and pack up your laptop.
>That's everything, you probably should have brought a change of clothes.
>"Anon, you did drive here right? Could we go in that?"
>That's a bit of a dumb question.
"How else would we get to school on time, running? And where's everyone else?"
>"They left earlier, I offered to stay behind to get you up, and tidy up a little."
"That's something you should know about me; I'm a heavy sleeper."
>Sunset slumps her shoulders.
>"Well that's, good I guess? Anyway, we need to get going."
"Come on then."
>You sling your bag over your shoulder and hold you sleeping bag under your arm.
>You plod down the stairs and dump your things in the kitchen.
>You're not going anywhere without going for a piss first.
>Plodding back up the stairs, you get in the bathroom and do your business.
>It is quite pleasant emptying your bladder in the morning.
>Finishing up, you leave the bathroom and trot down the stairs.
>Meeting Sunset in the kitchen, you grab your stuff once more and head out the door.
>You unlock your car and dump your things on the seat.
"Hop in Sunny."
>Sunset runs round the car and gets in the passenger seat.
>You rummage through the glove box and pull out a Monster.
>Perfect.
>You pop it open and guzzle it down, savouring the sweet taste.
>Setting it in the cup holder, you stick your keys in and start the car.
>The engine roars to life, and you give it a few revs to get it going.
>"That's louder than I'm used to."
"What, you've never been in a car other than a shitty electric car? This gets louder hunny."
>Emphasizing your point, you strap your seatbelt on and shift into gear.
>You look both ways and pull onto the road.
"Fasten your seatbelt, we're gonna go fast."
>You fly down the road, quickly shifting gear and going way over the 30mph speed limit.
>Sunset shouts and grips her seat tightly.
>"Anon slow down, we're going to crash!"
"Calm down you fag, I can drive well.
>Shifting gears again, you go round the corner and floor it, garnering even more screams from Sunset.
>You're almost there anyway.
>Pulling up to the school, you slow down and park up.
>Sunset practically leaps out the car and shouts at you again.
>All you hear though are muffled yells and whining noises.
>Cant be doing with that shit in the morning.
"Sunset! Calm down, we're here in one piece aren't we?"
>She looks at you for a second, before grabbing her things and walking to the school doors.
>Jeez, Rainbow Dash would have loved that.
>You lean into the car and grab your bag and drink, then lock it.
>Another lovely day in school, oh joy.
>Stepping into the school, you shamble down the halls, drinking your monster.
>Damn it tastes so much better in the morning, even if it is a bit warm.
>Turning the corner, you shamble some more, before a loud imposing voice stops you in your tracks.
>"Anonymous! Please report to the principal's office now."
>Of course you would run into the vice principal when you're already late.
>You really do hate her sometimes.
>Well most of the time actually.
>And why does she love the dark so much?
>Maybe she has an evil dark side to her that no one knows about.
"Yes vice principal Luna."
>You keep walking, not bothering to turn around and look at her.
>As slowly as possible, you make your way to Celestia's office, dreading what she wants to see you about.
>It's not like you did anything wrong.
>Well, you don't think you've done anything wrong.
>Reaching the office, you knock and open the door.
>"Ah, Anonymous. Please, sit down.
>Taking a seat, you sling your bag to the floor and take a sip of your drink.
"So, what have I done wrong this time?"
>"Nothing, I hope. I want to know what you've learned about friendship so far."
>Celestia shifts in her seat and leans forward.
"Well, I've learned bugger all; Except the fact that all those girls have super magical powers or some bullshit."
>Celestia sighs and narrows her eyes.
>"Anonymous, the only reason I've been lenient with your behaviour is because you're relatively new to this school; That and the fact that you rarely talk or socialise with others."
>She adopts a sympathetic look and clasps her hands together.
>"I know it's hard moving to a different school and leaving your friends behind, but that doesn't mean you can't make new friends here."
>She does have a point, but fuck that point.
"I'd rather not get involved in other people's affairs and shit like that. Plus there's that obligation to hang out and stuff like that."
>You down the last of your drink and throw it into the rubbish bin.
"I'd rather spend my time making money and working on my little projects, to be perfectly honest."
>"Nevertheless, I still want you to socialise with the girls and try to make friends. Okay?"
>She's not going to let this go.
>Well you could still hang out with them, insult them and be a dick all the time.
>Maybe they'll get sick of you and leave you alone.
>Yep, that sounds like a plan.
"Okay Celly, I'll try and make some friends, but no promises."
>"Wonderful. It pains me to see a student with no one to talk to, especially when we strive to make this school as friendly as possible."
>Okay then.
"So, can I go now?"
>She nods and you grab your bag, ready to head out.
>"One more thing Anonymous."
>You turn away from the door and look back at her.
>"Don't call me Celly again. Understood?"
"Yes Principal Celly."
>You laugh and quickly step out, not wanting to face her wrath.
>Well, time for another dreary school day.
>At least it's a Friday.
 
>Ding fucking ding ding.
>The sound you've been waiting to hear all day finally graces your ears.
>Leaping up from your desk, you grab your things and head for the door.
>You did say you would meet up with the girls after school.
>Maybe you shouldn't bother.
>Then again, they'll only pester you some more.
>Especially Sunset, she's probably the worst for it.
>Stepping out of the school, you spot Sunset and Twilight at the statue.
>They look to you and wave.
>Oh lovely.
"Hey. Where's everyone else?"
>"They should be out soon, me and Twilight finished our class early."
"Oh joy. So, I need to know who's coming with me."
>"To the robot show?"
"It's robot battles, but yeah. You coming Twi?"
>Twilight looks and smiles at you.
>"Well , if you don't mind. I'd love to see what you work with, and maybe we could build one together?"
"Eh maybe. What about you Sunbuns?"
>Sunset glares at you.
>Yeah, it seems like she hates the nicknames you come up with.
>Better think of some more later.
>"I would but I promised Fluttershy I would help her out at the shelter today. Not many people have volunteered recently."
"Well that sucks but oh well."
>You count off the numbers in your head.
>Rainbow Dash and Applejack will be coming, along with Twilight.
>Rarity won't come, no surprise there.
>That only leaves Pinkie, but she's likely to come.
>Looks like you'll have to take your other car.
>Looking over to the school doors, you spot the rest of the group walking over.
>They greet you all and gather around.
"Okay, I need to know now who's coming with me to the robot battle tonight. Applejack And Dash, you're still coming right?"
>They both nod and reply, while Pinkie starts bouncing.
>"Ooh ooh, can I come, Can I?!"
>Figures she would.
"Yeah fine. Anyone else?"
>"That kind of entertainment isn't really my cup of tea darling, besides I have outfit's I need to work on tonight."
>Yep, you called it.
"Well whoever's coming, meet up at Sugarcube Corner in an hour and I'll come pick you up. Sound good?"
>The gang nods and approves in excitement.
"Alrighty then, I need to get home and sort some stuff out then I'll meet up with you lot. Later."
>"Yo Anon!"
>You look around for the source of the voice, spoting Vinyl waving at you.
>She jogs up to you and reaches into her jacket.
>"Here's this months cash, plus a bit extra."
>She pulls out a wad of cash and passes it over.
>Taking it, you quickly flip through it, checking it's all there.
>You trust Vinyl but you can't be too careful.
"Cheers for that, everything still working alright with it?"
>"Yeah, the brakes are a bit worn but I'm replacing them soon. Oh yeah, I'm gonna be a bit late with next months installment; I got bills to pay and not enough dough for it all."
"As long as I get it I'm to too fussed, sort yourself out first."
>You bump fists and she walks off, meeting Octavia by the doors.
>You swear they're lesbo's, they sure do seem like it.
>"What was that all about?"
>You turn to Sunset and pocket the cash.
"She wanted me to modify a car for her awhile back. Materials and parts were expensive so she's paying me in small installments."
>Sunset goes wide eyed for a second.
>"Wait, you mean that transforming car she had at the battle of the bands?"
"Yep that's the one, it was a bitch to put it together."
>All those hours trying to fit in everything Vinyl was asking for, fuck it was exhausting.
"Anyway, I need to go so see you all whenever.  
>You walk to your car and get the keys out.
>You eye up the black BMW parked right up the arse end of your car.
>Someone clearly doesn't know how to park.
"Who the fuck decided to park there?! Fucking retards."
>Walking over you go to look inside the vehicle.
>The windows are blacked out, stopping you from looking inside.
>Shrugging it off, you get in your car and fire it up.
>Shifting gear, you pull out and make your way home.
...
>Watching the car rev off, you pull out your phone and phone a contact.
>A few rings later, your boss picks up.
>"Yes Grounder?"
"Anonymous just left the school. Scratch and I are following him now."
>"Good. Follow him home and find out where he lives. I want to know what he's up to from now on."
"Understood. I'll phone again with information soon."
>You hang up and put the phone away.
>Turning to Scratch, you relay what Sombra said.
>"What do we do after we follow him home? Follow him some more?"
"Maybe, I'll ask when I phone the boss again. It wouldn't be wise, just in case Anonymous clicks on to us."
>He nods in approval and pulls the car onto the road, with Anonymous not far ahead.
>"So what are we doing when we get to the junkyard? Do we just threaten him or break his legs?"
"Boss said to just persuade him. Breaking his legs might be a bit to far. Plus, he said he want's Anonymous bringing in sooner or later."
>"Ah right. Guess he want's to sort Anonymous out himself eh? That'll be fun to watch."
"Nah, he said to me he could come in handy at some point. My guess is he'll keep Anonymous around and do some jobs for him, so he can work off his debt."
>"Jobs that boss wouldn't want us to do?"
"Yeah something like that."
>Slowly turning right, Scratch speeds up slightly, keeping a good distance from the target.
>You've been tailing with Scratch many times, and rarely you've been caught out.
>He's the best man for this kind of job, no doubt about it.
>Watching Anonymous, he slows down and parks up outside a house.
>It's doesn't look spectacular, just an average house.
>It's larger than you expected; Three, possibly four bedroom house.
>It must be an extra house his parents bought, because you can't really see someone like him wasting money on a large house like that.
>Scratch parks up on the opposite side and turns off the car.
>Pulling out your phone, you dial the boss again and wait.
>"You have the address?"
"Yes, Cloverhorn Lane, the number is unknown at the moment."
>"Good, that's all I need thank you."
"What do you want us to do now?"
>"Keep tailing him until he gets to the scrapyard, then wait for Filthy Rich to arrive. You wont have to wait long for him."
"Understood sir, anything else?"
>"No, call if there's any problems Grounder."
>He hangs up and you leave the phone on the dash.
>Now you play the waiting game.
...
>You could really do with a good smoke right now.
>Too bad you're driving though.
>You rummage through the kitchen and grab a frozen mini pizza.
>Sticking it in the microwave, you potter around and get your tools together.
>You best check how much fuel you have in the car.
>Lugging your tools with you, you go into the garage and open up the car.
>You chuck the tools into the boot and start up the car.
>You wait a moment for the dash to turn on and stare at the fuel gauge.
>Roughly half full, should be enough to get to a petrol station.
>You can't remember the last time you used this car, so you leave it running to get it warmed up.
>You hear a ding from the kitchen, beckoning you to get your food.
>It's not the best food, but it'll do for now.
>Pulling it out, you stick it on the counter and get some snacks together.
>Energy drinks, chocolate bars and a few packs of crisps.
>All the ingredients for a healthy nutritious meal.
>You chow down your pizza and chuck all your shit in the car.
>That's pretty much it really.
>Finishing off your pizza, you plod around the house, checking there's nothing you're missing.
>A quick round and you're set and ready to go.
>Pulling out your phone, you glance at the time.
>You still have half an hour before the girls should be arriving.
>Might as well have a munch at Sugarcube Corner while you wait.
>Hopping into your car, you open up the garage door with your remote and slowly pull out.
>Getting out again, you lock up , making sure your other car is locked  as well.
>With that done, you get back in the car and pull out onto the road.
>First stop, petrol station.
...
>The waiting is starting to get to you.
>He's been in there for a good half hour now, who's he waiting for?
>Unless he's just getting something to eat.
>"I'm really fucking bored now. How long does it take to get something to eat in there?"
"Eh, I think he's waiting for someone, or he's just a hungry bastard. He'll be out soon Scratch."
>Right on cue Anonymous steps out, with a group of four girls trailing behind him.
>Watching intently, the group gets into the car and drives off.
"Alright Scratch, let's go."
>Scratch shifts into gear and follows behind, while you phone Sombra once more.
>"Yes Grounder?"
"We're following him again, he stopped off in a cafe and met up with some girls. They've gone with him to the junkyard, I assume."
>"That shouldn't complicate things too much. Let me know when you arrive, and I'll send Filthy over to meet you."
"Understood boss."
>You hang up and pocket your phone.
"Not long now Scratch, not much longer."
>"Good, I've been waiting all day to pound some sense into that arrogant little bastard."
"You and me both partner."
>Hopefully you wont be waiting too long for Filthy to arrive.
 
>Now you remember why you prefer driving alone.
>The incessant chatter of the girls is slowly driving you insane.
>"How long until we get there dude?"
"You asked that not even five minutes ago Dash and it's the exact same answer as before; We get there when we get there!"
>She's like a little kid.
>Turning around at the sound of rustling, you eye up Pinkie opening up a pack of crisps.
>With quick reflexes, you snatch the bag off her and chuck it into the footwell.
"No food or drink in the car. I'm not having you making a mess and leaving cheeto shit in my car."
>Slowing down, you make a left and head down the road.
>Only a short drive now and you'll be there.
>"So Anon," Rainbow speaks up, "which robot's are fighting then?"
"No idea, I haven't talked to Rusty about the line up yet. We'll be there soon anyway so you'll find out then."
>"I hope Razor is in it, he's the best by far," Rainbow replies.
"Razor wont be in tonight, he played the other day so it'll be new robot's who haven't competed yet."
>You pull up outside the yard and drive in.
>Parking up, you all get out, making sure you lock the car.
"Well, here we are. The home of Robot Wars."
>The girls look around, taking in the mess of crushed car's and piles of junk.
>"Well ain't this ah fancy place fer some robot battles."
"Not much, but it does the job. Plus it gives it a more authentic feel to it I think."
>"This is gonna be so awesome!"
>The girls chatter amongst themselves as you make your way to the garage.
>Spotting Rusty, you wave to him over.
"What's up Rusty. Girls, this is Rusty. Rusty, these are the girls I was telling you about."
>The girls all greet Rusty, with mild enthusiasm.
>"Well howdy, nice to meet ya. The show ain't starting for a good half hour yet so make yerselves at home and Anon will show ya the best seat's in the house."
>The girls follow you and Rusty to the arena, spotting a few early birds in the audience seats.
"Yeah we're still pretty early, I'll have to hang around to let people in and whatnot.
>You point up to the seats next to the hosting booth.
"Those seats there are reserved for me and whoever I bring along, so get comfy up there and I'll be back soonish."
>You turn around, only to be stopped by a hand on your arm.
>"Anon, you don't mind if I come with you to the garage, do you?"
"Why you wanna see the robot's in person?"
>"Well, if that's alright with you."
>Eh, no harm in letting her have a look around.
"Yeah fine, just don't touch anything, okay?"
>Twilight beams and nods her head.
>You and Twilight head back into the garage, greeting the contestants inside.
"Okay Twi, you have a look around while I talk to Rusty and sort out the line up."
>Heading to Rusty, you take a glance at the new robots dotted around.
>There's four in total, all of which you don't recognise.
>Not surprising, considering the popularity of the battles is only getting higher.
>You should probably move the tournament forward a bit.
"Hey Rusty, you figured out a lineup yet?"
>"Well, that team there want's to go first."
>He point's to a team of two with a robot covered in road signs.
>"That there's Roadblock. Tungsten tipped circular blade on the back, with a scoop on the front which apparently is very good at turning bots on it's side."
"Nice, what about that see-through one?"
>You point over to the plastic robot with an axe equipped at the top.
>"That's Terrorhurtz. It's got polycarbonate and steel armour, with a double headed axe attached to a rack-and-pinion system, allowing the axe to swing both ways."
"That's cool, should be a good contender. Now tell me about that sick green and black one.
>"Ah, Carbide. Made with military grade steel and aluminium, a bar spinner at the front which is the most powerful we've had so far. I reckon that'll be a definite winner for sure.
"I wonder how much damage that'll do to the other bots; I'll have to look into that. What about the last one?"
>You motion to the final contestant, a grey robot with a front mounted scoop.
>"That's Onslaught. has a lifting scoop which could flip bots over, or just push them around. It also has a couple of spikes on the back too, but they're mostly to help push enemies around ah think."
>These are some pretty decent robots, now to decide who fight's who.
"Here's an idea; Onslaught vs Roadblock first, then Carbide and Terrorhurts after. What do you think?"
>Rusty rubs his chin for a second, then nods his head.
>"Yeah tha' sounds good. I'll let the teams know."
>You look over and spot Twilight talking to the Carbide crew, scribbling notes on her pad.
>She really is making the most out of this.
>It might actually be a good idea to let her help with your referee bot.
>It'll lessen the workload, and hopefully get done a lot quicker.
>Walking up to Twilight, you tap her on the shoulder, interrupting her interrogation with the team.
"You enjoying yourself then?"
>"Absolutely. It's very rare I get to look at stuff like this, I just wish I had found out about this sooner."
"I'm surprised you didn't know about this at all. I figured this kind of thing would be right up your alley."
>"Well, I was mostly preoccupied with other-"
>"Anonymous! May I speak with you for a moment."
>Not this guy again.
>Looking over your shoulder, you spot Filthy Rich and roll your eyes.
"I'll be back in a bit Twi, tell Rusty to sort out the teams and I'll be back soon."
>Twilight nods and turns back to the Carbide team.
>She'll probably get caught up in her thing and forget what you told her, but oh well.
>Walking over to Filthy, you follow him outside and to the car park, where you spot his car and a black car.
>Isn't that the car who parked up your arse earlier?
>It must be, same model, colour and blacked out windows.
>You're not liking this one bit.
>The car door's open, and the driver and passenger get out.
>As soon as you see their faces, your face drops.
>"Anonymous, these are my friends, Grounder and Scratch; I believe you've met before?"
>You were hoping you wouldn't see these two again, but it was bound to happe sooner or later.
"Yeah I know the chuckle brothers alright. What exactly do you want?"
>Filthy grins and straightens up.
>"You remember the last time we met? I wanted to buy your junkyard but you refused?"
>You really don't like where this is going.
"Yeah what about it? I guess you got some hired goons to try and persuade me? Not gonna happen."
>Grounder takes a few steps towards you, getting within arms distance.
>You cautiously take a small step back, bending your knees slightly as you do.
"You know this kind of tactic wont work Filthy. As I've already said, we're not-"
>Before you can finish, Grounder delivers a left hook, sending you down to the floor.
>Pain radiates through your skull as you recover from the blow.
>You forgot how hard he hits.
>Spitting blood onto the floor, you get back up and crack your knuckles.
>Before you can attempt to fight back, Scratch pulls out a pistol and trains it on you.
>"What you need to realise Anonymous," Filthy speaks, "is that if I want something..."
>Grounder slams a fist into your stomach, sending you down on your knees, coughing and spluttering.
>Filthy gets right into your face as he speaks, "I will get it, understood?"
>Without a thought, you spit blood in his face, making him step back and wipe his face with a hankerchief.
>You smile, until a hard knee to the face slams you into the dirt.
>Grounder stands above you and crouches down.
>"You haven't seen the last of us yet Anonymous."
>He stands up and walks over to his partner.
>"sombra will want to see you very soon, so I suggest not making him mad, okay?"
>You roll over coughing and spluttering into the dirt, as Flithy and his goons walk back to their cars.
>"The next time I see you Anonymous, I expect you to comply, otherwise..."
>Filthy trails off and, smiles evily before he gets into his car.
>You need to sort this out asap, but there's no way you're giving into his demands.
>Rusty's certainly not going to like this.
>The men drive off, as you get up and dust yourself down.
>It's not the worst beating you've had, but it's been quite awhile since the last one you had.
>Hurting and aching all over, you clutch your stomach and hobble back to the garage.
>You wave Rusty over, who comes running when he see's the state you're in.
>"Woah wha' happened to you? Was it that Neon guy?"
"Filthy came back, this time with some of Sombra's goons."
>Rusty sighs and shakes his head.
>"Ah told ya didn't I? You never should have gotten mixed up in his affairs, now he's caught up to ya!"
"Yeah I know, unfortunately they'll be back for me at some point. We need to get this sorted as quick as possible."
>"Too right, you need an icepack or anything?"
"Nah I should be fine, I've had worse. Let's just get these battles on the go yeah?"
>"Well you get yourself cleaned up and I'll man the gate and get the crowds in."
"Cheers. I'll be in here going over the rules and stuff with the contestants, after I've had a smoke. Need something to ease the pain."
>"Too right," Rusty says as he walks out the garage.
>You need to figure out a plan to get rid of Filthy.
>But what Grounder said is eating at you.
>Sombra want's to see you, so he must have sent his goons here with Filthy.
>Is Filthy working with Sombra or something?
>You really hope not, since that's going to complicate things tenfold.
>Making your way to Twilight, you tap her to get her attention.
>She looks at you and gasps, nearly dropping her pad and pencil.
>"Anonymous, what happened? Is everythin-"
"It's fine Twilight, don't worry about it. Now listen, can you keep an eye on things here for a few minutes while I get something out my car?"
>"Um, sure, but what do you want me to do exactly?"
"Just talk to the teams or something I don't know. Any problems, shout for Rusty, he's by the gate, okay?"
>Twilight nods and you walk back out towards your car.
>Things are just getting better and better.
>Sighing to yourself, you hop in car and prepare your smoke materials.
>You roll a filter and place it in the end of the skin.
>Picking a bag, you take a whiff before carefully placing buds in the grinder.
>A few twists and turns and it's ready.
>Happy with the grind, you pour it onto the skin and place the grinder back in your tin.
>A quick lick of your fingertips and you're ready to roll.
>Carefully picking it up, you roll it between your fingers, spreading it out evenly.
>You lick the gummy and finish the roll, perfect as always.
>You grab your lighter and spark it up, deeply inhaling.
>Now that your blunt is rolled, what the hell are you going to do about Filthy?
>He's not letting up with this "business deal" of his, and now he's involving Sombra and his goons too.
>Not to mention they said that Sombra will be seeing you soon, which is just perfect.
>You seriously need to sort some sort of defence out.
>You do have a half decent security system, but you can't just hide in your house everyday.
>Taking a few more deep tokes, you hold it in for a few moments before blowing it back out.
>You could invest in a couple of guns, although you do have a handgun at home.
>Taking another toke, a thought suddenly hits.
>Rusty said something about Filthy and dirty dealings.
>Maybe he's working with Sombra, laundering money or something.
>And with all kinds of shady business, there's always a trail to follow.
>Or a few computer's or phones to hack, whichever.
>You toke some more, feeling the substance flow to your head.
>You should get more of this strain, definitely.
>Breathing out slowly, you blink as someone taps on the car window.
>It's Twilight, probably wanting to ask more questions about some little detail or something.
>Checking everything's in place and put away, you step out the car and lock it behind you.
"What's up Twiggles? Enjoying yourself? Have you been chatting everyone's ear's off about every litt-"
>"Anonymous. Rusty told me to find you, you need to fix one of the bots; The engine's broke and you're the best and the fastest here."
>Twilight scrunches her nose and adjusts her glasses.
>It's always when you're having a smoke you get asked to fix something or other.
>Might as well get it over with.
"Alright, let's go then," You grumble.
>Taking a few tokes, you walk with Twilight to the workshop, eager to get things fixed and ready to roll out.
>Twilight takes a side glance at you before speaking up.
>"So Anon, I know you're not the most sociable person, but I was wondering if I could-"
"Help out here? Hover over me while I work, that sort of thing?"
>"Umm, maybe?"
>She gives a cheesy grin and looks away.
>Normally you would instantly say no, fuck having more people interfering with your business.
>But you have been getting busier, with the popularity of the Robot Wars rising, you're going to need a few more hands to help even the workload.
>It might as well be someone who's at least interested and has some technical know-how.
"Maybe, I'll have to think on it though. Rusty and I could do with an extra pair of hands every now and then."
>"Really? I would love to help you out and-"
"Yeah yeah I get it. So which bot needs fixing up?"
>Twilight flips through her little notebook and skims through a page.
>"Roadblock, I believe the battery shorted out so they need a replacement and a little fix up."
>A battery change?
>Doesn't seem to hard, assuming you can find a replacement.
"Nice one If you want to help you can do, but don't pester me with questions, okay?"
>"Okay? I can ask a few questions though right?"
>You give a deadpan, before rolling your eyes.
"I suppose, maximum of five though."
>Twilight frowns a little before smiling again.
>"Okay, deal."
>You chuckle to yourself and enter the workshop.
>You look around and smoke, watching what everyone's doing.
>Most of the teams are just milling around, checking over their robots.
>Team Roadblock however, is hopping about, panicking and fumbling around with tools.
>You look between the couple, enjoying the sight of them getting mad and frustrated.
>They look up and spot you, instantly smiling and jogging towards you.
>"Anonymous, good you're here. Our bot has-"
"Yeah Twilight here told me," you grumble while smoking your blunt.
"I need to know what type of battery you're using, and what needs tuning up, shoot."
>The two blokes look at each other, their faces drawing a blank.
"Hang on, you don't know what battery you're using? What?"
>You look to the blue skinned lad, awaiting an answer.
>"Well, er we don't know. Our friend built it and he was going to come with us to fight, but he got ill and-"
"Yeah okay, I don't need your life story. Anyway, Mr..."
>You look between the blue and orange fella's, waiting for their names.
>Blue speaks up first.
>"Oh right, I'm Ocean Breeze, and this is Sky Trail."
>Those are some weird names.
>Then again, most people have weird names.
"Well, good to meet ya. Now, follow me."
>Talking the last few tokes, you flick it away and head towards the Roadblock table.
>You roll up your sleeves and inspect the engine first.
>The first thing you spot is the broken cable, hanging loosely near the motor block.
>Following it, it looks to be a cable to help power the motor for it's rear spinning blade.
>How they managed that you'll probably never know, not that you really want to.
>Checking through again, there doesn't seem to be anything else wrong, besides the battery and it's circuits.
>They've completely fried out, with the battery placed on the table.
"Okay, well your spinning disk is fucked, so I'll do that first. The motor drive could do with some tweaking and adjustments."
>You grab the battery and look at the specifications.
>Seems to be a regular battery, most likey for a motorised kid's car.
>Luckily you have one or two lying around somewhere.
"I've got a spare for you, the problem you had was you shorted the circuit and fucked up the battery, somehow. I'll fix and fit the new one for you, but don't fuck about with it anymore. Got it?"
>They both nod and smile at you.
"Good. Twilight, mind lending a hand?"
>She beams and eagerly walks round the table to you.
>You point over to your toolbox on the left wall.
"Okay, I'll need a six and eight millimetre alan key, and some cable cutters."
>You look back to the robot and start moving bits about, waiting for your tools.
>Twilight rushes back, the tools in hand, and hands them over to you.
>Thanking her, you get to work unscrewing the bolts.
>The motor's perfectly fine, but you adjust some things on it to get to run smoothly.
>The robot's actually pretty well built, it's a shame the retards screwed it up.
>with the motor sorted, you move on to the broken wire.
"Twiggy, third draw down, there's some yellow cable, pass a roll of it."
>You pull the cable out and chuck it away.
>Twilight comes back and hands you the cable, unravelling some off for you.
"Okay Twi, cut some cable off and attach it here and here," you point to the computer chip and the chip for the saw blade.
"You can help find a battery," You point to Ocean Breeze.
>He shifts a little before you traipse off.
>Going to the corner oof the workshop, you crouch and look through the pile of battery's lying around.
>Half of them are probably dead, but there are some recent one's that should work.
>Ocean Breeze joins you and stands there, unsure what to do.
>Sighing, you turn and look up at him, your annoyance slowly rising.
"Well? Come on, I'm not doing it by myself. Get searching."
>Clearly disturbed by your demeanor, he gets on his knees and moves battery's around, clueless to what he's looking for.
"Fuck's sake, look at the labels and find a 16 volt one."
>How does this guy get through life?
>It's like he's on some drugs that mong you out.
>Rummaging through some more, you find a suitable one.
>Originally from a motorised toy jeep, you think.
>This was only brought in a couple weeks ago, so it should stil be good.
>Taking it to the bench, you hook it up to the battery checker.
>Flicking it on, you're stunned that it has an almost full charge.
>It's rare you even get a half charged battery in here.
>Happy with it, you unplug it and take it over to the robot bench.
>Placing it down, you inspect Twilight's work.
>It's pretty neat.
>In fact it's a very tidy job, you're slightly surprised.
"Nice job Twi, very tidy job."
>"Thanks Anon, it was nothing really," She cheerfully smiles.
>You might just take her on now, even though she's kind of annoying.
>It would help though.
>Oh well, too lazy to think about it now though, got to focus on sorting this out.
>grabbing the battery, you push it into the slot and connect it up.
>Checking it over, to grab the controller and turn it on.
>The motor sputters slightly before it spins up.
>Watching carefully, you note how the robot is responding.
>It seems pretty much fine, there's not much point in tweaking and fiddling now.
>Especially when the fight will be starting soon.
>Making sure it's still fully working, you pick up the panels and screw them back one.
>Now that's sorted, you just need to get the teams ready.
"Alright! Team Onslaught and Team Roadblock, get ready 'cause you're fighting in ten minutes!"
>You raise your hands as you speak and display all ten fingers.
>Quickly responding, both teams go over the final checks and prepare to move their bots.
>You turn to Twilight, who's still taking notes.
>Seriously, you've never seen someone take so many notes about every little detail.
>It sounds exhausting.
"Okay Twilight, there's nothing else you can do. You might as well go back to the seats and get comfy, or don't since I don't really care."
>Twilight looks up and frowns briefly.
>"What? Why? Can I take a few more notes?"
"What's the point? You might as well go up to watch the fight and take note's then."
>You shrug and walk past her to the teams.
>"Oh, okay then; Will you be joining me to watch?"
"Yeah, just need to speak to the teams first; I'll catch up with you."
>You approach the teams and clasp your hands together.
"Alright teams, when your robot is called get up into the arena. First one to get called goes to the far end; There's a booth for you to stand in."
>You point to the ramp to the arena.
"There's another booth round the corner, the other team goes there, understood?"
>Both teams nod in unison and ready themselves.
>Approaching the workshop doors, you're greeted by Rusty holding the money tin.
>Notes stick out the sides and the lid is barely closed.
>There must be double what you made on the last battle.
>"Got ah full turnout tonight, we're gonna need to invest in more seatin'."
"Too right," You nod. "It's only going to get more popular now."
>"Definitely. Right, better get the show started eh?"
"Sweet, I've already briefed the teams on what to do."
>You walk up the ramp and head for the stairs, with Rusty following close behind.
>"Anon, been meaning to ask ya', you mind sorting tomorrow's match? I'm takin' the kids out for a family day out which I've promised them fer awhile."
"Yeah no worries, I'll handle it. Where are you taking them?"
>"The mall, swimming pool, and the cinema. Got tha day all planned out."
"Sounds good mate, oh yeah forgot to ask; did the rest of the parts I ordered arrive today?"
>"Yeah they did. Ah left them with the other bits you needed."
>Perfect, that means you can start working on the refbot tomorrow.
>In fact, this would be a perfect time to get  Twilight to help you.
>Hell you may even get it done for tomorrows match, that'll be decent.
>You squeeze past the chairs and spot the girls waving you over.
>Stepping past you, Rusty heads to the hosting booth and get's comfortable.
>You sit down next to Twilight and the girls, eager for the upcoming match.
>They all turn to you though, surprised at the state you're in.
>Well you are sporting a black eye now, so it's no wonder they noticed.
>"Damn Anon what happened to you?" Rainbow asks.
"Nothing you need to worry about Dash, all you need to worry about is watching the battle."
>"Well," Applejack looks at you, slightly suspicious, "As long as everythings alright with ya that's all tha' matter's."
"Anyway, the battle's about to start, so get comfy 'cause shit's going down!"
>The group cheers, as does the crowd.
>Horns blare and fire blasts up from pipes surrounding the pit, making the audience holler even more.
>"Alright everyone, who's ready for a fight?!"
>Rusty shouts into the microphone, as the horde shouts and screams, eager for the battle to start.
>"Alrighty then; For our first battle we have, Roadblock vs Onslaught!"
>The horns blare once more as the two teams make their way into the pit, with the bots taking the lead.
>They each go to their respective booths, then position their robots at the corners of the pit.
>Pinkie Pie bounces impossibly fast her seat, squealing and hooting.
>Twilight on the other hand, has her notebook and pen ready and waiting.
>"Oh my gosh this is going to be so awesome!" Rainbow shouts.
>"Darn right, betcha Roadblock loses Rainbow," Applejack replies.
>"Oh you're so on! Roadblock's gonna wreck Onslaught, easy!"
>Applejack chuckles and narrows her eyes.
>"Ten bucks says you're wrong. Deal?"
>"Deal!" Rainbow shouts as they fistbump.
>You lean back and pop your feet up on the chair in front, while Pinkie pulls out a bag of popcorn.
>Rusty's deep voice booms across the arena.
>"Competitors, start your engines."
>You look down as the teams get themselves ready.
>"Three!"
>"Two!"
>"One!"
>FIGHT!"
 
>The horns blare as the robots charge into the middle, with Onslaught being noticeably faster.
>As they reach the middle, Onslaught veers to the left and rams Roadblock, attempting to flip it over.
>Roadblock reverses back and rams Onslaught, pushing it on it's side towards the pit.
>Onslaught rolls over, unable to move.
>Seeing an oppurtunity, Roadblock reverses then speeds forward.
>Before it can hit, Onslaught flips itself back onto it's wheels, and reverses out the way.
>The crowd cheers at the spectacle, and even you're surprised.
>You weren't aware it had a self righting mechanism, you only noticed the scoop.
>Facing each other again, they charge at eachother.
>Once again Onslaught veers off to the left, catching Roadblock's side with it's scoop.
>Lifting it's pneumatic scoop, it lift's Roadblock onto it's side, immobilising it.
>Slowly, Onslaught pushes Roadblock towards the pit.
>Roadblock falls back onto it's wheels and reverses, narrowly avoiding the pit.
>"Ohmygosh, this is so awesome!" Rainbow shouts as she jumps and punches the air.
>The girls all shout in agreement as the battle continues.
>with Roadblock avoiding the pit, it faces away from it's opponent and reverses.
>With it's spinning blade incoming, Onslaught leans to the right.
>Before it can react, Roadblock turns, catching it's blade on Onslaught's wheel.
>The tread falls off as Onslaught drives off.
>The battle is coming to an end, and the crowd knows it.
>With Onslaught slightly immobilised, Roadblock drives forward.
>It catches Onslaught on it's scoop, and pushes it towards the pit.
>Desperatly, Onslaught reverses off the scoop and turns right, catching one of it's wheels on the edge of the pit.
>Roadblock quickly stops itself falling into the pit and reverses.
 
>It speeds towards Onslaught and rams into it, flipping it's opponent over.
>With the crowd gasping and cheering, Onslaught once again flips itself over and faces Roadblock.
>Using it's speed, Onslaught drives around him, catching it's scoop on Roadblock's right side.
>The scoop rises, and Roadblock is once again on it's side.
>Wasting now time Onslaught drives into it's opponent, pushing it towards the pit.
>With an extra hard shove, Onslaught topple's Roadblock as it falls into the pit.
Horns blare once more as the crowd screams and whoops.
>"OOHOHO! Now that was a close one!" Rusty shouts into the microphone.
>"You've seen it folks, Onslaught goes through to the final!" His voice gets louder as he announces the winner.
>Rainbow suddenly jumps up from her seat.
>"WHAT?! Roadblock toppled him over twice! Onslaught cheated!"
>You almost forgot Rainbow and AJ made a bet.
>She really is a sore loser.
>"Calm down Dashie, it's only ten dollars, which are now mine!" Applejack gloats.
"Right, I'm off to sort the next battle." You say to no one in particular.
>They all reply, which you barely register, and get up from your seat.
>You shimmy past the rows of chairs and down onto the arena.
>You need to get Roadblock out of the pit before anything.
>Making your way to the edge of the arena, you pull a switch, activating the pit floor.
>The bot's team heads for the arena as the pit floor rises, coming level with the ground.
"You reckon you can still drive it?" You ask.
>"Erm, maybe. Let's try." Ocean Breeze replies.
>Disregarding the thought, you carefully help them push the bot back onto it's wheels.
>Sky Trail readies the remote control, and flicks a switch.
>You step back as the robot jumps forward.
 
>It's wont drive very well, but it'll manage for now.
>Walking with them, you meet the other team in the workshop.
>Facing eachother, both teams shake hands and compliment eachother on the fight.
>It's good to see people can get along, although there have been quite a few heated arguments before.
"Alright, Team Carbide and Terrorhurtz, you're up next." You shout.
>Rusty steps into the workshop.
>"Ya always forget to put tha' floor back down."
"That's because I know you'll do it for me." You both chuckle as he enters the workshop.
>Walking up to Roadblock's team, he pulls out a wad of cash and hands it to Ocean Breeze.
>"Tha's your compensation, fer participating."
>The team smiles and takes the money.
>"Thanks Mr Rusty, it was fun battling it out!"
>"No problem my friend, come back anytime; You'll always get some money if you lose." Rusty replies.
"We need you to put on a show, it's only fair you get something out of it." You add.
>Righ', ah better head back up and get ready." Rusty turns to you.
"Yeah don't worry," You reply, "I'll handle things here."
>He nods and heads back out the workshop.
"Alright Carbide, Terrorhurtz, get ready 'cause you're on in two minutes."
>The teams assemble themselves by the ramp and ready their robots.
"Alright when your name's called go onto the arena bla bla bla, you get the gist."
>Finishing your lazy speech, you once again walk up the stairs and shuffle through the seats.
>You wave to the girls and take your seat.
"Alright ladies, we have Carbide and Terrorhurtz up next, this'll get interesting I reckon."
>Applejack chuckles and tips her hat up.
>"Alrigh' Rainbow, double or nothin'?"
>"You bet!" Rainbow replies, shaking Applejack's hand.
>They grin at eachother until the horns blare out.
>"Alright everyone, who's ready for the next round!?"
 
>Rusty's voice blasts through the speakers, as the crowd wildly cheers.
>"Alrighty we have Carbide!" Carbide drives out onto the arena to the far end.
>"And we have Terrorhurtz!"
>Terrorhurtz speeds out, doing a spin before getting to it's starting position.
"So who do you think will win?" You ask the girls.
>They each stare at the robot's, taking their pick.
>"Terrorhurtz ah reckon, it'll smash Carbide up!"
>"No way!" Dash retorts, "Carbide's gonna destroy Terrorhurtz, no contest!"
"I think I know who will win, judging by their designs and weapons."
>They both look at you, eager to know.
>"Go on then, who?"
>You think Carbide will win, judging by how powerful it's bar spinner is.
>Not that they need to know.
"Not telling you."
>"What! Why?" Rainbow shouts.
"it would ruin the fun." You reply with a cheesy grin.
>They pout and glue their eyes to the arena, waiting with anticipation.
>"So Anon," Twilight whispers to you, "Who do you think will win?"
>She leans in with her notepad in hand.
>Does that thing ever leave her hands?
>You can't even remember seeing her without it.
"Well since Carbide's spinning bar is so powerful, according to the builders, it should tear through Terrorhurtz armour easily."
>Then again, a few well placed hits with Terrorhurtz axe could pretty much immobilise Carbide completely.
>"What about Terrorhurtz though with it's axe weapon?"
"Well, if it gets a few good hits in, it could immoblise-"
>You're cut off as the horns blare and Rusty starts the countdown.
>"THREE!"
>"TWO!"," The crowd joins in.
>"ONE!"
>"FIGHT!"
 
>The two bots rush eachother, heading straight into the middle.
>Carbide is slightly faster, which helps it avoid Terrorhurtz axe as it swings down.
>Spinning around, Carbide rushes to Terrorhurtz side, firing up it's bar spinner.
>It clashes against the polycarbonate armour, cracking it slightly.
>Going on the offence, Terrorhurtz turns and swings it's axe, smashing directly on Carbide's top.
>As Carbide reverses back, you spot the slight dent in it's armour.
>It was a pretty solid hit to, one or two more hit's and that'll break.
>"A pretty solid hit there from Terrorhurtz, let's see if he can keep it up!" Rusty shouts into the microphone.
>"OHMYGOSH THIS IS SO AWESOME!" Pinkie and Rainbow scream in unison.
>Eh, at least they're enjoying themselves.
>Focusing on the match squint as Carbide rushes to the side, dealing more damage to Terrorhurtz metal skirts.
>Barely avoiding the pit, Terrorhurtz reverses, attempting to shake Carbide off.
>Swinging it's axe down, it hit's Carbide's side and grazes it.
>With the force from the pneumatic axe, Terrorhurtz spasms into the air, nearly toppling itself.
>Not a good sign if your bot's doing that.
>Does it even have a self righting mechanism?
>Seeing an opportunity, Carbide rushes forward and attacks the front.
>With little effort, the bar spins into the armour, denting and smashing it up.
>"An' a vicious attack by Carbide with it's bar, that's got some force!"
>Reversing, Terrorhurtz avoids Carbide by hanging around the pit, attempting to lure it's opponent closer.
>Instead, Carbide gives a wide berth and aims for it's side once more.
>Thinking quickly, Terrorhurtz turns ninety degrees and slams it's axe donw.
>It penetrates Carbide's top armour, getting stuck in the process.
>Panicking, Carbide reverses away from the pit, trying to shake the axe free.
>Terrorhurtz reverses, attempting to pull Carbide closer to the pit.
>With both bot's reversing, they barely move at all.
 
>The crowd screams some more as the bot's attempt to free themselves.
>Without warning, Terrorhurtz' axe pops out, sending it careening towards the pit.
>With inches to spare, Teroorhurtz speeds forward, only to be met with Carbide's spinning bar.
>The bar tears into the armour, ripping off the panels and exposing it's insides.
>Terrorhurtz doesn't stand much of a chance now.
>With victory imminent, Carbide reverses and goes in for another hit, only to be flipped aside as it's opponent rushes forward.
>Being invertible, Carbide spins around and attack's the side.
>Terrorhurtz swings it's hammer, cracking through Carbide's top armour plate.
>Undeterred by the hit, Carbide get's in close and smashes the side.
>Metal grinds on metal as Carbide's weapon tears through the steel plating.
>sparks fly as the bar cut's into an exposed cable, disabling the axe.
>The bar stops spinning as Carbide reverses away.
>looking down below, the team fiddles with buttons and switches attempting to fix the problem.
>"And massive damage inflicted to Terrorhurtz, but it seems Carbide's spinning bar has burnt out!" Rusty's voice echoes out.
>With lack of weapons, the two bots push each other around, edging closer to the pit.
>Carbide reverses away from Terrorhurtz and drives round the pit.
>The bar starts spinning up again, slowly but it's getting there.
>Terrorhurtz notices, and speeds up.
>Carbide reverses away, as the bar spins to full speed.
>With barely enough time to brake, Terrorhurtz slams into the bar and bounces off to the side.
>God damn the power in that bar is incredible.
>The crowd screams even louder as Terrorhurtz gets moving again, albeit very slowly.
>The front left wheel has been destroyed, there's not much hope now.
>Carbide rushes in once more, then spins around to face away from it's opponent.
>Reversing and using it's rear scoop, Carbide pushes Terrorhurtz to the pit.
 
>The horns blare as the bot falls into the pit, ending the battle.
>The girls scream, Rainbow being the loudest out of them all.
>"And it looks like Carbide is entering the final!", Rusty shouts into the mic.
>The crowd cheers louder in response.
>"Ohmygoshthatwassoawesomewooow!"
>The fuck did Pinkie just say?
>She speaks far too fast to comprehend.
>"Looks like you owe me twenty bucks Applejack!" Rainbow shouts.
>You can tell Applejack is annoyed as she begrudgingy hands over a twenty bill.
>"Well Anon, that went well."
>You look to Twilight, as she jots down a few more notes.
>Her hand must be really sore.
"Yeah it was a pretty good one, quite evenly matched."
>"This is quite amazing, I always wanted to build a robot, well not a robot that destroys other robots to pieces and stuff, heh heh."
>Alrighty then.
"Yeah it is pretty cool, espescially the final tomorrow, that's going to be fucking amazing."
>"Well I don't suppose you could-"
"Bring you along? Sure whatever, but how would you like helping me wit building a bot tomorrow?"
>Twilight's face lights up, and she gives you a big smile.
>"Yes, this will be an amazing opportunity to study! Ooh i can't wait!"
>Wow she's quite excited.
>Eh, at least she wants to learn, better than the average plebs around here.
"Okay, we'll talk more soon", You reply as you get out of your seat.
"Alright then," you turn around to the girls, "Wanna come back to the workshop?"
>You're met with enthusiastic replies, especially from Rainbow Dash.
>Boy she likes her robots.
>Well she is the kind of girl who's into all things cool, or sports or whatever.
>You shimmy through the seats behind Twilight, and slink down the stairs with the gang in tow.
>You flick the pit switch raising the bot to ground level, then walk over.
>The team walks towards it, attempting to restart it and get it moving.
 
>Team Carbide walks over, bringing the robot with them.
>"Want us to push it back? We don't mind."
>Awesome, some more good sports, nice.
>The other team gratefully accepts, and shake's their hands.
>Carbide lines up behind Terrorhurtz, then pushes forward.
>It's moving a bit slow, but it's still easier than moving it by hand.
>You follow it along into the workshop, where the bots rest on the floor.
>Rainbow squeals and rushes towards the bots.
>"Ohmygosh, this is so awesome!"
>She pulls out her phone and snaps a few pictures of each bot.
>She would love to come to the final.
>You bet she would pay a lot to come backstage.
>Or do alot, hmmm...
>"Er Anon, ya'll right there?" Applejack asks.
"What? Yeah I'm fine. Anyway, let's get this sorted out.
"Alright, let's get the bot's loaded up and Rusty will sort you out."
>All four teams nod and go to their respective bot's to load up.
>May as well check Rusty's alright with the crowd.
>Besides, everything's pretty much handled here.
>Shrugging, you stroll through the workshop and to the gates, where Rusty is filtering people out.
>Joining Rusty, you say your farewells to the customers.
>"See ya'll later, dont' forget the final is on tomorrow!"
>A random mix of replies jumble out before the last few people leave.
>Shutting the gates, you  walk with Rusty back to the workshop.
>"What do ya think of that battle then eh?"
"Brilliant mate. Surprisingly it was quite balanced, I figured Carbide would just tear into him within seconds."
>"Yeah I was pretty surprised to. You know what the team told me about it?"
"Yeah?"
>"Basically, if a bot got hit with it's bar at full speed, it's got somethin' like sixty times more energy than a sniper bullet."
>What? Fuck that's pretty impressive.
"That's pretty awesome, not something I've seen before."
>Entering the workshop, you find Rainbow still gawking over the robots, while Twilight and Applejack are talking to Terrorhurtz team.
>Pinkie just seems to be bouncing everywhere.
 
>No way you're leaving her alone in here, or anywhere for that matter.
>"Hey fellas", Rusty greets the teams, "Righ' then, here's your pay."
>Rusty hands over a wad of cash to Team Terrorhurtz, which they gratefully accept.
>"Right then, thanks for coming everyone. If you're coming to the final tomorrow come see me or Anon here, all competitors get free entry."
>"Ooh ooh does that include us?!" Pinkie shouts.
>You share a glance with Rusty, contemplating what to say.
"Eh maybe, it's your call though Rusty."
>"Nah I dont mind," He shrugs, "A friend of Anon's is a friend ah mine."
"Well I wouldn't say friends but..."
>You trail off as you mill about.
>The teams make their way to the cars, with Carbide once again pushing Terrorhurtz along.
>As they pack their bot's into the car's, you head over and open the gates.
>You bid them farewell and shut the gates behind them.
>Right, now that's sorted, just need to lock up and go home.
>In fact, you should check the parts you ordered.
>Can't be having things fuck up and slow you down tomorrow.
>In fact, you need to speak to Twilight as well.
>Going back into the workshop, you wave Twilight over and head to the pile of boxes sitting on the floor.
>"What's up Anon?"
"I've got something you can do for me."
>"Really? What?" Twilight's eyes light up.
>She really does seem to like this stuff.
>Unless she's just gleaning information so she build a massive death bot and rule the world.
>Nah that wouldn't happen.
>You open up  the top box and remove the bubble wrap.
"The bot I've been working on needs to be built for tomorrow's match. You wanna help out with it? I could do with another pair of hands."
>Twilight squees or something.
>Is squees even a word?
>"Oh I'd love to. What time?"
"How early are you willing to get up?"
>"Anytime! Six AM?"
>Fuck that.
>You're not getting up at six on a Saturday, even if you are extremely busy and under a bit of pressure to get shit done.
 
"Let's say nine, that's the earliest I'll be willing to get up, 'kay?"
>"Oh I can't wait! Do I need to bring anything?"
"Nah I have everything we'll need here, or at home so we should be good."
>Pistons are all there, onto the next box.
>Pushing the box aside, you open up the next big one.
>Everythin' all right with them parts Anon?" Rusty walks over.
"Yeah more or less, only need to check this box and another and we'll be good to go."
>"Great, any problems just let me know, ah can speak to the suppliers if ya need me to."
>You should probably just phone them yourself, just to save Rusty having to do it.
"Yeah I'll let you know anyway, but it should be good.
>"Alrigh' then," He chucks the junkyard keys over, "You mind locking up? Ah wanna get back soon, wife's naggin' and stuff."
>She never was too fond of him spending all night here.
"No worries mate, you head off, I've got it covered."
>He nods and grabs his jacket off the bench.
>"Righ' then, take care everyone!"
>The girls wave and say their goodbyes.
>You follow Rusty as he get's in his van.
"Listen, I'm bringing Twilight along tomorrow to help build the refbot; You reckon we get her to help out? If she fares well tomorrow obviously."
>"Eh I dunno," Rusty scratches his stubble. "Is she the purple girl?"
"Yeah, she's well into her techno shit, seems pretty good at it too. That's why I wanna bring her in; She could be a decent pair of hands."
>"Alright, can't see a downside to it; Might as well see how well she does tomorrow."
"I'll let you know when I next see ya, tell you how she got on."
>You unlock the gates and drag them open, allowing Rusty to drive through.
>"Okay kiddo I'm off. I migh' come down tomorrow with the kids, time depending of course."
"No worries, have fun tomorrow!"
>He waves and shouts goodbye as he drives off out the junkyard.
>You drag the gate closed, not bothering to lock it.
>You'll be leaving in a few minutes anyway.
 
>Trundling back, you walk towards the girls as they gather in front of you.
"Alright, we going then? I'm just about ready for bed."
>"Can we-"
"No bugger off, I wanna go home. So we going then?"
>The all murmur replies and head out.
>Giving everything a once over, you turn the lights off and lockup.
>With nothing else left to do, you walk to your car and open it up.
>"Shotgun!" Rainbow shouts as she leaps for the door.
>Everyone else get's in the back and straps in.
>Wandering to the gate, you drag it open, before getting your car.
>You hop in and start it up, giving it a few revs.
>You get out once more and drag the gate closed, and lock it up.
>You give the lock a shake before getting back in your car.
"Alright then, Who want's dropping off first?"
>"Well ah'm closest to hear," Appljeack says, could ya drop me off first?"
>Makes sense, the farms are only about a mile away.
>Shifting into gear, you pull out onto the road.
>The girls in the back chatter, whilst Rainbow twists in her seat, getting comfortable.
>"Yeah I prefer your other car, it looks way cooler."
"It has nitrous too."
>"Can I drive it?!"
>Like hell you would.
"Hahaha FUCK NO."
>Dash sighs and slumps in her seat.
>Good, there's no way in hell you're letting her drive.
>"Say Anon, howdya meet Rusty anywho?"
>Applejack leans in a bit waiting your reply.
>Keep it short and simple, no need to bring anything up.
"When I lived in Manehattan, I met him when I started fixing cars; Known him ever since."
>"How long were ya there for?"
>Boy she's asking a few too questions.
>"Eh, near enough all my life; Anyway we're here," You quickly divert the conversation.
>Applejack climbs out the car and waves.
>"See ya'll later!"
>The rest of them shout goodbye back as you pull off.
"Right, who's next?"
>"Ooh ooh me me!" Pinkie shouts.
"I'm pretty sure Rainbow lives closer."
>Turning a corner, you speed up as you near the dyke's house.
 
>Stopping outside, you ogle her house, which looks very expensive.
>It's got to have at least five bedrooms, plus a dining room.
>No way she could afford this, must be her parents house.
>Even still, it's pretty damn nice.
>Rainbow get's out and you roll down your window.
>"thanks for the ride dude, we still on for tomorrow?"
"What do you mean?"
>"You know the final tomorrow; We are coming right?"
"Yeah sure, if you pay."
>"Aww what?" Rainbow shouts. "Can't you-"
"Fine whatever, jeez," You cut her off as you shift into gear.
>Can't be doing with her moaning.
>Besides, it's only the final; After that there wont be anymore for at least a few months.
"You can come, on one condition."
>"What?" Rainbow crosses her arms.
"Bring food, lot's of it. I'm talking burgers, snacks, hot pockets whatever; I know you can afford it."
>Without another word, you rev up, make a U-turn and speed off.
>Alright, two down, two to go.
>Taking a right, you speed down the road, taking note of car's and any lurking cops.
>Within a minute, you arrive at the cafe and pull up.
"Alright Pink, here's your stop."
>"Thanks Nonny! Here!" She replies as she pulls out a small cupcake.
>Again, where did she pull that from?
>Then again, you don't really want to know.
"Thanks, I'll enjoy it when I get home." You place the cupcake on the dash.
>Pinkie steps out and skips into the cafe, waving at you.
>"BYE! See ya later!"
>Once more you pull off and head down the road.
>Turning the corner, you roll down the window and chuck the cupcake out.
>Twiight looks to you and scowls a little.
>"Why did you do that Anon?"
"What? It's my cupcake, I can do what I want with it."
>"Yeah, but why throw it out?"
"I ain't gonna eat a cupcake that she just magically pulled out her arse."
>Shifting gears, you speed up as you hit the straight road.
>Her house should only be at the end of the road.
 
>Shifting down a gear, you slow at the red light and pull up next to another flashy car.
>Jeez It's got the neon lights on the bottom and everything.
>Bet it drives like shit though.
>You look out your window, and into the other car.
>The driver's none other than Captain Douche from the other day.
>Neon Light's stares you down as he revs the engine.
>So he want's a drag race?
>Let's see what he's got.
>You rev your engine and stare down the lights.
>Tapping a few buttons on the holo dash, you look through the map.
>Checking the lights once more, you rev up as the ight turns orange.
>Ready, set.
>The light's turn green, and Neon screams down the road.
>You however, stay at the light's, waiting.
>And just on time, a police car speeds out of a side road, and turns the blue's on.
"Ha, what a fucking retard." You turn to Twilight. "Wanna go see him and laugh?"
>Not waiting for her answer, you speed off and catch up with the cop car.
>You slow down as both car's pull over.
>You'd rather not get done for dangerous driving and such.
>Passing the cars, you roll the window down and stick your head out.
"Wahey ya knobhead!" You shout to Neon as you give him the finger.
>Laughing to yourself, you pull your head in and resume driving.
"Well that was fun, wasn't it Twiggles?"
>"Not very," She adjusts her glasses, "I mean you did just get them pulled over, that seems a bit mean."
"And? If you knew who he was you'd agree with me."
>Slowing down at the T-junction, you make a left and carry on.
>You can see Twilight's house already.
>It's got a massive fucking telescope on there, what the fuck.
>Twi's parent's must be fucking loaded.
>Pulling up, you wait for Twilight to get out.
>"Thank you for the lift Anon, I guess I'll see you tomorrow." She smiles.
"Yeah cool, I'll pick you up at ten from here; that alright yeah?"
>She nods and head's to her door.
>"Bye Anon!" She waves from her door.
>You wave back halfheartedly and pull off again.
 
>Alright, now that's dealt with, it's just a straight shot down the road.
>And it's a nice, long straight road.
>Shifting gear, you fly down the road and through the lights.
>If you keep this up you'll make it through all the lights.
>Going full throttle now, everything passes by in a blur as you quickly reach the end of the road.
>Shifting down, you slow to a crawl and pull into your road and reverse onto your drive.
>You press a button on the dash, opening the garage door.
>Carefully reversing into the garage, you turn it off and get out.
>You should probably move the Mustang onto the drive.
>Fuck it, it'll be fine for a night.
>You open up your door and head in, leaving the keys on the stairs.
>You kick off your shoes and shamble to the lounge.
>You fall onto the sofa, only just realising how tired you are.
>Pulling out your phone, you stare at the time.
>It's only half nine, pretty damn early for you.
>Putting it down, you flick the telly on and surf through the channels.
>You stop on a film and slump down.
>You don't even know what the film is.
>But you're too tired to check.
>Fuck it, might as well go to bed.
>Turning the telly off, you breathe and try to muster the energy to move.
>with great difficulty, you manage to get up and shamble to the stairs.
>Arriving at the top, you slide out of your clothes and throw yourself on the bed.
>you shuffle around and get snug under the covers.
>This is nice.
>Before you know it, your eyelids flutter and close, sending you to sleep.
 
>What's that banging?
>It's too early for that shit.
>Grabbing your pillow, you squash it over your head in a futile attempt to mask the noise.
>Thankfully, it stops.
>Now you can sleep in peace.
>Rolling over, you get comfy once more and try to drift off.
>*Briiing*
>This is taking the piss now.
>Through hazy eyes, you sit up and grab your phone.
>You swipe without looking and bring it to your ear.
"Mhmello?" You answer groggily.
>"Hello? Anon it's Twilight, I'm outside."
>Words probably can't describe how irritated you are now.
>Didn't you say you would pick her up at ten?
>Goddamn you're not ready for this shit.
"What the fuck are you doing outside?" I said I would pick you up at ten."
>"Um, it's eleven thirty."
>Wait what?
>Binking a few times, you pull the phone away from your ear and check the time.
>It's eleven fucking thirty.
"Hang on," You reply before ending the call.
>You chuck your phone onto the bed and slowly roll off the bed and on your feet, unwrapping the quilt from your body as you do.
>With achy muscles you stumble out and down the stairs.
>Going to the door, you just about type in the security password and unlock the door.
Twilight steps through, smiling and gazing around.
>"Oh,um hello Anon, sorry I woke you up," She says sheepishly as she gazes at you.
>You are naked, save for your boxers.
"Nah nah, it's no problem at all," You reply sarcastically.
>"Sorry," She fiddles with her hair. "it's just you said-"
"Yeah I know what I said, jeez." You snarkily reply.
>It really is too early for this shit.
>Sighing, you go to the kitchen and pop the kettle on.
>You grab a mug and a teabag, and place it down.
"You want a cup of tea Twiggle?"
>She looks at you, with a hint of a frown and adjusts her glasses.
>"No thank you Anon, I've had coffee already."
 
"Suit yourself," you mutter as you close the cupboard door.
>Waiting for the kettle, you go to the lounge, bringing Twilight with you.
>You really should have cleaned up.
>You step through the minefield of random bolts and screws, and the odd little pieces of who knows what.
>"Here," you gesture to the sofa, "Get comfy, turn the telly on whatever; Just let me wake up a bit."
>The kettle pops, bringing you to the kitchen.
>You pour the water and wait, grabbing the milk while you do.
>A few minutes later you take the bag out and put in the sugar and milk.
>Lovely start to the day.
>Taking a quick sip, you set it down and go upstairs.
>Shit? Nah.
>Fuck the shower, you can get one later.
>Nipping into the bathroom, brush your teeth and take a piss, then get changed.
>Jeans or work pants?
>Fuck it, work pants it is.
>Slipping your trousers on, you grab a t-shirt from the draw and throw it on.
>A touch of deoderant and you're ready to go.
>Grabbing your phone, you head out and bounce down the stairs.
>Heading for the kitchen, you grab your tea and walk back to the lounge.
>You cock your head slightly to the faint sound of tapping.
>She's messing with your stuff isn't she?
>She really cant help herself.
>Carefully and quietly, you slip into the lounge and take a few steps toward Twilight.
>Of course she's messing with your little dance bots.
>Eh, they're not that important; As long as she doesn't mess with anything else, you'll be fine.
>You take another sip as you wait for the right moment.
"Oi!"
>"GAH!", Twilight gasps as she practically jumps to the other side of the sofa.
"Hahaha!" You laugh heartily, "The look on your face, priceless!"
>You chuckle some more and drink your tea as Twilight recovers.
>"Why would you do that?"
"You were messing with my toys, just be glad I didn't have my spooky mask on."
 
>"Spooky mask...?"
"Meh, not important. You ready to go?"
>"Ready if you are Anon." She replies.
>Downing the last of your tea, you put the cup in the sink and grab some munch.
>Monster and a mars bar, sorted.
>You grab all your car keys and go to the garage.
>Popping the Chevy trunk, you grab the tools in there and put them on the floor.
>With that done, you close and lock the boot, and open the Mustang boot.
>Grab your toolbox and pop it in.
>And that's pretty much all you can fit in it.
>Grabbing your Snap-on set, you open the back door, and chuck it into the seat.
>Closing all the doors, you go back inside as Twilight idly stands there.
>You'd rather not have her interferring and buggering something up.
>You don't know what, but you'd rather not take the risk.
>You check the back door is locked, then head for the front.
>Happy with everything, you head back to the garage with Twilight in tow.
>A thought comes to your head as you open the car door.
"Hey Twilight, have you got your crystal gem necklace thing that gives you magic powers?"
>She looks down, feeling her neck.
>"No I left it at home. Why do you ask?"
>You both hop in the car and strap in.
"You get telekinesis or something don't you? I'm thinking it'll come in handy and make things a bit easier.
>"Well we could go back and get it if you want?"
"Might as well," you reply as you start the car up.
>You open the garage door and slowly pull out.
>Off to Twilight's it is.
 
>With a gear shift and a yawn, you drive up the road to Twilight's.
>Twilight glances around as you drive, seemingly taking in every little detail.
>It's starting to get a bit unnerving.
>Yeah she's a bit of a brainbox and science fanatic, but it doesn't stop the niggling feeling at the back of your head.
>You're probably just getting paranoid again.
>That's probably something you should work on.
>"So Anon, did you build this yourself?"
"If by build you mean modified and rebuilt, then yeah."
>Your mind wanders back to the day you first laid eyes on the rusty pile of shit that was your Mustang.
>"How long did that take you?" Twilight inquisitively asks.
>Thinking back, you can't really remember exactly how long.
"Hmm, about three to six months or so? It was a rusted piece of shit when I found it."
>Shifting down a gear, you slow at the lights.
"Had to reweld and strengthen the frame, add reinforcements and a whole body kit to put on. And I had to sort the engine out."
>Not to mention all the modifications.
>"So what have you modified on it?"
>As you look at the lights, a terrific idea pops into your head.
>You do still have a nice straight road.
>And lots of it.
You turn to Twilight, "I'll show you."
>You grin as you quickly bring up your scanner.
>A quick sweep indicates there's not many cars around.
>Better keep scanning, just in case a car pops up from nowhere.
>Twilight stares through the screen and adjusts her glasses.
>"What is that Anon? A scanner of sorts?"
"Pretty spot on, it scans for nearby cars and pedestrians, like a radar."
>"And what exactly do you use it for?"
>Without saying a word, you grin at her and start revving.
>Twilight shifts her gaze between you and the lights, trying to process what you're doing.
>She looks a bit nervous, can't blame her.
>"Anon?" She looks back to you as you grin your evil grin.
>She's not going to be ready for this.
 
>Staring the lights, you ready yourself as they shift to orange.
>Time seems to slow down as you focus on the lights, revving the engine even more.
>The lights turn green, and you're away.
>Slamming into gear, you fly down the road while Twilight screams and grips her seat, terrified of the sudden acceleration.
>You laugh as the scenery flys by, merely a blur of blue green and everything else.
>As you sail way over 60mph, you shift again as the lights stay green.
>You should make it without stopping at lights.
>No, you will make it.
>Slamming the pedal to the floor, you gain even more speed as you go straight through the lights, then the next set.
>The end is in sight as you slow down and shift gear.
>You look over to Twilight, who's as stiff as a board.
>She was not ready for that.
>Not at all.
>You can't imagine how she would react if you turned the nitrous on.
>Although that's something you'd love to see, but you're not wasting nitrous for that.
>Slowing down more, you turn into Twilights road and pull up outside her house.
>You stick then handbrake on and turn to Twilight.
"You okay there? You don't look so well."
>She doesn't respond, getting a giggle out of you.
"Alright go and grab your crystal thing and let's get moving."
>She turns to you, before shakily fixing her glasses.
>"Th-that was..."
>She doesn't finish, instead getting out the car and slowly walking to her house.
>That was bloody awesome.
>You only wait a few minutes before Twilight pops out again, this time more irritated than scared.
>She seems a bit angry too, judging by her scowl as she gets in the car.
>"Anonymous, do you realise how dangerous that was? We could have died!"
"But we didn't, and that's the main thing isn't it? Besides, you know you liked it, even if you wont admit it."
>She probably did, girls love speed.
>Well, some girls.
>Rainbow Dash would.
 
>Pulling off again, you spend the drive in silence.
>She really is upset over that.
>Maybe it was a bit too dangerous?
>Nah, you've done worse.
>Not exactly something you're proud of.
>Then again you were younger, and more reckless and overconfident than you are now.
>It's only now you realise how stupid you were back then.
>Always speeding and flying round corners, not caring about anyone else on the road.
>You've only had one crash, you're not having another one.
>Before you know it, you're at the junkyard.
>Hopping out, you take out the keys and unlock the gate.
>With a bit of effort, you pull the gate open and get back in the car.
>Slowly driving in, you pull up and park it up.
>You both hop out and you grab the tools from the back seat.
>Dropping them to the floor, you go round and get the rest of the tools out.
>Closing the boot and locking the car, you grab your tools once more and head to the workshop.
>You open up the workshop and you step inside with Twilight, sweeping the room.
>Looks like no-ones been in, thankfully.
>Looking over to the pile of metal and other random crap, you drop your tools and crack your knuckles.
>Let's do this.
...
 
>You step back and stare at the refbot in front of you.
>You can't really call him that yet though.
>Most of the shell has been made, but nothing else is done.
>Sure the motor works and is ready to go, but all the innards need to go in.
>To be fair, the shell has been welded and bolted together so you don't need to worry about it.
>The rest of it shouldn't take long.
>With a little sketchy math, you should be able to get it all done by seven.
>That should still give you a bit of time to prepare for battle.
>You could probably get the girls to help.
>Not that you particularly want to, but if they're gonna be hanging around might as well make use of them.
>With a little sigh you crack your knuckles and get back to it.
>"Anonymous?"
"Yes Twiggle?"
>She lightly frowns and adjusts her glasses.
>"I've been working some things out, and I think I have the quickest way of getting everything done within a four to six hour timeframe."
"Go on then, what are we doing?"
>"Well if we split the workload, I could set up the motor, electronics and the wheels etc; While you carry on with the weapons."
>She makes a good point, but you'd rather make sure everythings set right.
>The weapons still need to be set up.
>The right arm has a fire extinguisher already set up, but it needs the pincer attached.
>Not only that, but the left arm needs it's lifting claw, otherwise it's a pretty shit refbot.
"Alright, but I'll make the fine adjustments; I know exactly how I want them to get the best performance out of it."
>"Agreed. So I think in order to manage our limited time efficiently, we should both start-"
"Shh," You silence her with a finger to her lips.
>She goes wide eyed for a second, before pushing your finger away.
"Right, before we do anything else I want to get some lunch. I know I'm hungry and I'm sure you are too."
>Her stomach grumbles lightly, giving you a clear answer.
>"Well now that you mention it, I could go for a nice burger or maybe a sandwich?"
"They both sound great, let's go."
>Bending back a little, you stretch your back and your arms, feeling the satisfying stretching and popping of your muscles.
>That could be a bad thing, but whatever.
>Heading to the car with Twilight, you unlock it and climb in.
>Starting it up, you pull out only to brake as a familiar car stops you by the gate.
>Why is nothing simple?
>You just wanted some food damnit.
"Wait here a sec Twilight."
>Sticking the handbrake on, you don't bother turning the car off as you get out.
>One of them gets out, much to your annoyance.
>Slowly meeting Scratch at the middle, you stand there as he eyes you up.
>"Boss want's to see you, now."
"Do I have too? I'm kinda busy here and-"
>Scratch moves his jacket very slightly, revealing only a glint.
>Doesn't matter if you can't see it, you know exactly what it is.
>"No messing about, follow us."
>You don't really have a choice here.
>Might as well get it over with.
>Although he may kill you, then again he would have done it ages ago.
"Whatever, let me lock up and drop Twi-"
>"She comes with," He points over to the car, "Don't want her tattling on our business."
>Well shit.
>You certainly wouldn't look good if Celestia found out you took Twilight to a mob boss.
>Without saying a word, you get back in your car and pull out the gate.
>Getting out again, you pull the gate shut and lock it up.
>Scratch doesn't move until you get back in.
>He gets in his car, and you all drive off.
>"Who are they Anon?" Twilight asks as she quickly panics.
"Just some people I used to know, calm down."
>You shift gear and take a left, keeping close, but not to close to the goonmobile.
>"Shouldn't we call the police? They look like criminals!"
"Because they are."
>You take a right down a secluded road.
"Listen Twilight, before I moved to Canterlot I made some 'aquaintances', and did a few jobs for people."
>"What kind of jobs?"
"None of your fucken beeswax Twiggle."
>You take another right towards the outskirts of the city.
>You're getting a bit far out now.
"They weren't really conventional jobs, let's leave it at that."
>They're slowing down, just outside a small warehouse.
>Guess this is his base of operations down here.
>You quickly turn back to Twilight.
"Right, listen carefully and just follow my lead, don't say anything stupid; In fact don't say anything, at all."
>Twilight nods before you pull to a stop.
>You can't give her too much information.
>Pulling the keys out, you and Twilight slowly get out the car.
>Locking it, you follow the dastardly duo through the double doors.
>It's not what you expected.
>For a shitty warehouse, it has some nice decor.
>Nice floors, big telly, big sofa plus a bar and kitchen.
>And there's quiet, secluded booths for who knows what.
>Although you have a pretty good idea what they're for.
>It's like a one floor apartment, but really fucking big.
>And all over the walls, crystals.
>Big shitty pictures of crystals and geodes.
>Why even put them there?
>You follow the lackey's to the far end of the room, where two bodyguards wait by a door.
>They're pretty damn big too.
>Scratch knocks twice, before opening the door.
>With Grounder ushering you in from behind, you step through the doorway.
>Sombra stares from behind his oak desk.
>"Welcome Anonymous, been awhile hasn't it?"
"Well nice to see you too Sombrero."
>Seconds after the words leave your mouth, Scratch slaps you from behind, sending you dizzy for a second.
>Sombra sighs and takes a sip of his whisky.
>"I thought you would have grown up by now Anonymous; That attitude of yours wont get you very far, so I suggest you work hard on that."
>Well he is right.
>Probably best to tone it down a little.
"I'll try." You reply with a smirk.
>"And who are you my dear?", Sombra looks to Twilight.
>"T-Twilight, Sparkle" She stammers."
>"Ah, friend of yours Anonymous?"
>He looks to you with a hint of a devious smile.
"More like an acquaintance really."
>He narrows his eyes as he looks towards you.
>"Well then, I'm sure you wont mind if she stays here then, until we're done."
>He punctuates the last bit, as you and Twilight look at each other.
"Whatever, I'm sure you wouldn't tell anyone would you Twilight?"
>She meekly nods in fear.
>You can tell by the way she looks at you.
>She'll be fine.
>Hopefully.
>"Well then, let's get right to it."
>Sombra takes his glass and takes a sip.
>"What's this about?" Twilight quietly speaks up.
>"I'm glad you asked Twilight. Allow me to fill you in."
>Oh fuck.
>"About a year or two ago, Anonymous here retrieved some money for me; Two hundred and fifty thousand to be exact."
>Oh this is fucked.
>"That was the last I heard from you wasn't it?"
>He glares at you as he speaks.
>"You mean-"
>"Yes, he stole it," Sombra finishes Twilight's sentence.
>You give her a shrug as she stares wide eyed at you.
"Can we just get to point already Sombrero?"
>He calmly looks back to you, which is slightly unnerving.
>"Ah yes, let's get to it then."
>He leans forward and clasps his hands together.
>"I thought quite a bit about how I was going to punish you, and I had many ideas."
>There's the evil smirk you recognise.
>It doesn't really make you feel better, considering this is the first time he's ever given you that look.
>"The first idea I had was killing you, I couldn't decide how though."
"I wish you would, it'll be a helluva lot easier."
>Sombra chuckles and takes another sip of whiskey.
>"No no no, I have better plans for you. You see, a couple of my men want some time off to relax or be with family,  which they deserve for being loyal to me; That's where you come in."
>Well this situation seems to be heading from bad to worse.
>"Of course I could hire other people, but you can do it for free."
>Oh, well that's not too bad.
>Although you are Sombra's bitch now, that's a big downside.
>And you need to find the time to do it.
"So I do jobs for you, and each one pays off a bit of my debt?"
>"A little bit yes; You'll be working for me for quite awhile Anonymous, so I suggest you get yourself prepared for your first job tomorrow."
>Great, so much for a lazy Sunday.
>"You're a smart man anonymous, reckless but smart. I want you in top form with no childish antics; I will not tolerate mistakes from you."
>Well that's just great.
>Sombra shifts his gaze from you to Twilight, with a glint in his eye.
>Following his eyes, you look at him as he looks intensly at Twilight.
>More specifically, her crystal disk necklace thing.
>"My my," He whispers in a low tone, "That's an interesting necklace you have, Miss Twilight. Family heirloom?"
>Twilight clearly has no fucking clue what to say.
>Better step in.
"Nah it's some shitty friendship necklace crap. Her friends tried to get me to have one, but they're fucking gay."
>Sombra fiercely glares at you again.
>Oh right you forgot he gets boners off crystals.
>They're basically viagra for him.
>He slowly gets up from his chair and walks around towards Twilight.
>Nervous is a pretty big understatement.
>You wouldn't be surprised if she suddenly curled up on the floor and played dead.
>"May I?" He asks as he reaches out to her neck.
>Holding it between his thumb and forefinger, he rubs it and inspects the front.
>He could bore a hole right through it with how intensely he's staring.
>"This is a very interesting piece; expert craftsmanship, not a single impurity."
>He reluctantly lets go as Twilight steps back.
"Heh, didn't know you were into cheap girly jewellery Sombra."
>He blinks a few times, before giving you a death glare with his glowing, blood red eyes.
>Wait a minute.
>Before you can even register what you though you saw, Sombra clears his throat and straightens up.
>"Of course it would look like cheap jewellery to you Anonymous, but that is one of the most exceptionally crafted pieces I've seen; I would love to add it to my collection."
>He gestures over to the right side of his desk, towards his glass cabinet.
>The shelves are littered with various crystals and geodes.
>There's a mixture of different coloured crystals, from green to violet.
>There's a few blue and blood red ones.
>They're all roughly the same size, with a few much bigger than the rest.
>He does have an impressive collection, even if they are practically worthless.
>They're still shit though.
>He looks back to Twilight as he sits back behind his desk.
>"A piece like that would fetch a nice sum, don't you think?"
>Is he serious?
>Better question, could he use the magic?
>Hopefully it only works for the owner, but you'll need to speak to Twilight about that.
>"I-it's not for sale," Twilight stammers, "It's very special to me and my friends."
>"Ah I understand," Sombra replies with a slightly disappointed look, "Well, the offer still stands if you change your mind."
>Sombra looks up as someone knocks on the door.
>"Okay Anonymous; I have some important business to attend to, so Grounder will see you out."
"Yay", You mutter as you head to the door.
>"I want you in my office tomorrow at one o'clock, on the dot." Sombra spits out before you leave.
>You make for the door before Twilight jumps to your side, tightly gripping your arm.
>Quickly shaking her off, you trail behind Grounder and exit the room.
>Passing by quickly, you trade glances with non other than Neon Lights as he heads into Sombra's office.
>Why's he still hanging round here like a bad smell?
>He better not be working for Sombrero now.
>Now's not the time for that shit though, you have other things to worry about.
>Like getting this bloody robot up and running.
>And sorting out the inevitable horde that'll come.
>If it's anything like last season, you'll be swamped.
>Navigating through the small groups of people, you reach the door and head out with Twilight.
>Grounder quickly follows behind you.
>"Alright Anonymous," He growls as you turn to face him, "Make sure you're here; I really don't want to have to come get you."
"Yeah yeah," You retort, "I'd rather you didn't come get me either, Scratch is alright though."
>He frowns and narrows his eyes.
>Not bothering with a reply, you pull your keys out and head for the car.
>You get in and start it up.
>Twilight jumps in the passenger seat like she's turtle heading.
>Slowly pulling off, you glance out the window and give Grounder a little wave before heading down the road.
"Well that was fun" You mutter as you shift gears and speed up.
>"Anon, do even know who that was!?"
>The car swerves a little as you jump at Twilight's sudden outburst.
"Fuck's sake Twilight are you trying to make me crash?"
>"Sorry, but do you have any idea who you were talking too? He's the biggest crimelord in Manehatten!"
"Nope, I have absolutely no idea."
>"Well," She continues, the sarcasm lost on her, "Sombra is head of the largest criminal gang in Manehatten."
"Oh yeah nah, didn't know that", You mutter as you turn a corner.
>Where should you go for food?
>"He has a monopoly on pretty much everything in Manehatten..."
>Burgerbarn sounds pretty good right now.
>"...Then recently he moved here, and my brother wants to find out why and what business he has here..."
"Yeah I hear you," You reply while barely listening.
>"If we tell my brother, it would really help with the investigation."
>Hold the fuck up.
"Investigation? The fuck you on about?"
>"Well my brother is a detective, and when Sombra moved here he start-"
"Hang on a fucking second. You're telling me, that your brother is a pig and he's investigating the guy I have to start working for tomorrow?"
>"Well he can give you protection-"
"Fuck no!" You shout as you slam on at the red light.
"You don't say anything to anyone, got it?"
>You stare her in the eyes before looking back to the road.
>The light turns green and the your foot hits the pedal.
"If you tell anyone, I could get into a lot of shit; You wouldn't want your newest friend to go to prison do you? What would the others think?"
>Twilight looks down and fidgets with her hair silently.
"Listen, let me just deal with the weekend first, and then we'll talk about it alright?"
>Twilight sighs and looks down for a moment.
>"Alright, I wont say anything. But if there's any trouble my brother can-"
"Nevermind that, we have a much more pressing matter."
>Slowing down, you pull into a space and park up.
"Right then," You turn to Twilight, "What do you want from BurgerBarn?"
>She looks at you like you're speaking chinese.
>"Oh, I don't know, food isn't really on my mind right now."
"Whatever then."
>You hop out the car and head for the restaurant.
>"Wait for me!" Twilight shouts as she gets out the car.
"I thought you said food wasn't on your mind?"
>"Well now that you mention it, I am kinda hungry." She gives you a sheepish little grin.
>Rolling your eyes, you lock the car and wander over to the restaurant.
>Glancing through the windows makes you a little happier.
>It's quite packed, but most of them are already eating.
>Hopefully you can order your food quick and get back to work.
>Stepping through, you look around for a free table.
>It makes you wonder why they don't have a drive-thru.
>They'd make alot more money with one.
>Spotting a table in a far corner, you make a beeline and secure your seat, while Twilight takes another.
>It's quiet at this corner, no prying eyes or ears to listen in.
>With a tired sigh, you grab a menu and staft flipping through, while Twilight grabs her own.
>Now that you're here, you cant decide what you want.
"What are you having Sparky?"
>"I'm having the chicken burger and fries."
"That sounds good enough." You reply and toss the menu onto the table.
>You dig into your pocket and fish out your phone.
>It's half three.
>Fucking hell, where does the time go?
>"Ready to order?"
>You glance up at the waitress as she smiles and holds a notepad.
"Yeah, two chicken burgers and fries please hun."
>"So two chicken burgers and fries, would you like drinks?"
>"I'll have a coke please," Twilight pipes up.
"Make that two please."
>"So two chicken burgers with fries, and two cokes coming right up."
>The waitress smiles at you again and saunters off.
>Hopefully it wont take too long.
>Then again, it'll probably take forever when you got shit to do.
"Alright Twi, get your harem on the phone, we're gonna need the extra hands to get this shit done on time."
>"My harem?"
"Yeah, the friendship squad, get 'em down here so we can get shit done."
>"Okay..." She trails off and gets her phone out.
>You pull yours out and tap and swipe.
>Scrolling a little, you find what you're looking for and dial.
>"Who are you ringing?"
"Rainbow Dyke," You reply as you listen for the pick up.
>A few rings later, someone picks up.
>"Hello, who's this?"
"What the fuck did you just fucking say about me you little dyke?" You half shout with a terribly put on voice.
>Before Twilight can say anything, you hold up a finger as you wait for a reply.
>"What? Who is this?"
"I'll have you know I graduated top of my soccer class and I have over three hundred confirmed goals. You're nothing to me but just another scrub."
>"What did you day!?" I'll beat you anyday of the week you coward!"
>Oh yes, she took the bait.
"Oh yeah? Why don't you come down the burgerbarn and see who's best huh?"
>"You wouldn't turn up you faggot, you're-"
"I'm already here, you scared babby?"
>You pull the phone from your ear as loud, crashing sounds almost pierce your eardrums.
>Twilight just looks on as you try not to laugh too hard.
>The noises quiet down as you put the phone up to your ear.
>"I'll be there in ten seconds flat faggot." Rainbow shouts down the phone.
>Before you can reply, she hangs up.
>Now you wait.
>"Why do that Anon?" Twilight asks, not particularly thrilled by your antics.
"Because it's fun, silly."
>"That's not something I'd class as 'fun'," Twilight remarks.
"You clearly don't know what fun is," You chuckle and crane your neck.
>You just about catch a rainbow blur speed into the car park and stop.
>Right on time, she wasn't lying about being ten seconds.
>You pick up the phone and dial again.
>A couple of rings later, Dash picks up.
>"Hello?"
"You think you're tough?" You put on a thick, made up accent, "Come in the burgerbarn and prove it."
>You hang up and quickly pocket the phone.
>You wait a moment as Rainbow steps through the door.
>The look on her face is brilliant.
>A few people look her way, confused by her scowl and the way she looks through the room.
>It's like she's an angry predator, hunting for it's prey.
"Hey Rainbow!"
>You stand up and wave to her.
>Has she clicked on yet?
>Her face softens a little as she makes her way through the hustle and bustle of customers.
"What's up with you Dash? You look angry."
>You hold back your laughter.
>"Hey guys, some punk thinks he's better than me and told me to meet him here. When I find him-"
"Cool story brah," You cut her off.
"Now that you're here, I need your help."
>"With what?" She replies with a hint of annoyance.
"Due to some events wasting my time, I need your help to get everything ready for tonight, since you're getting in for free and whatnot."
>"Yeah sure dude, but I'll need to go finish-"
"Yeah yeah whatever, can you get to the junkyard by half four?"
>"I can get there by four." Rainbow smirks confidently.
"Sweet, now go and do whatever is you're doing and I'll meet you later 'kay?"
>"You got it!"
"Oh yeah, don't worry about that prank caller, I'll find him for you okay?"
>"Sweet dude," She gives you a thumbs up, "Catch you later!"
>In an instant she's gone, leaving only a rainbow after image.
>You can't hold it anymore.
>You burst into laughter, nearly wheezing.
"Did you see her face Twilight? Oh that was worth it."
>She doesn't answer, i stead giving a stern look.
"Whatever then," You roll your eyes and look around.
>No sign of the waitress, or your food.
"Alright then, who else we got?"
>"We could call Applejack, I don't think she's doing anything today." Twilight replies as she scrolls on her phone.
"Get her on the blower then, we could do with her super strength."
>Twilight taps a few times then puts the phone to her ear.
>You look around again, hoping you see the-
>"Two chicken burgers and fries with coke."
>The waitress places the food onto the table.
>Where did she even come from?
>You don't even bother following up on the thought as you ogle the food.
"Looks awesome, cheers."
>"You're welcome." She replies with a smile.
>Twilight silently thanks her before she walks away.
>Wasting no time, you grab your burger and chow down, barely paying attention to Twilight's call.
>Goddamn, you forgot how nice these are.
>Swallowing, you grab some fries and munch as Twilight finishea her call.
>"Applejack said she can help now if you're ready."
"Alright," You swallow your fries, "We'll go pick her up after we've finished, then we can really get to work."
>"What about the rest of us?" Twilight asks as she munches on her burger.
"What do you mean?"
>"Well I'm sure Pinkie could help with the decorations, and will we need snacks? I'm sure Pinkie could provide enough for everyone."
>You weren't gonna get Pinkie to help, she'd probably fuck something up with how hyper she is.
>Taking another bite of food, you wash it down with a drink.
"Yeah you make a decent point, but we'll sort that later on once everything else is ready."
>"Well," Twilight pulls out her notepad, "even though we've lost a bit of time, with everyone helping out we'll get it done in no time."
"Do you always do that?"
>"Do what?" She asks with a quizzical look.
"Y'know, go full on nerd and calculate every little thing and put it all in your pad?"
>"I, well, sometimes"
>She gives you an embarrased smile and focuses on her food.
"Well whatever, at least you're keeping track of things."
>The conversation dies down as you both finish your meals.
>You polish of the last few fries and down your coke.
"I'll get this for now, you can owe me back later."
>You pull out your wallet and rummage through the notes.
>You cant remember how much it cost, so you pull out a twenty.
>Looking around, you find the waitress and wave her over, waving the note in your hand.
>Sod waiting, you're on a tight schedule.
>You put the money on the table and leave the table.
"C'mon on then Sparky, let's get this done."
>With Twilight following behind, you head for the car and jump in.
>Starting it up, you rev up and head onto the road.
>First stop, Applehick's farm.
 
 
>You and the girls stand around the ref bot, as you spark one up.
"Right then," You address the girls as you take a few puffs, "Bluefast, your job is to zip around and make sure seats, benches and everywhere around the arena is clean and ready for the audience."
>"Aww what? I though I was helping with your awesome robot."
"Nope," You reply after a few more tokes, "You're tidying up because I know you're fast, it'll only take you what, 5 minutes?"
>Knowing her she wont say no to a challenge.
>"I'll do it in two!" She shouts proudly and shoots off.
>Well at least that'll be sorted.
"Appul, you can help me with this."
>You gesture for her to follow you as you lead her to the workshop.
>Going far into the back, you shift a couple of boxes and unveil the weapons.
>There's a mixture of things, like serrated blades, spikes, a mini flamethrower.
>You point to a large, serrated spinning blade attached to a makeshift engine and rack.
>It's nothing too fancy, it's only really used for season finals or big matchups.
"This needs to be fitted on the left side of the arena; Shouldn't be too hard to do since you got that super strength shit."
>"Can do pardner!"
>The cowgirl tips her hat and grabs the weapon.
>By grab, you mean she just picked it up like a toy car and wandered off no bother.
>Super strength really is handy.
>She seems like a hands on type, so that should be no bother for her.
>You grab a few spikes and walk back out.
>You just need to open up the two pits and that's done.
>Now to get on with finishing the refbot.
>He really needs a proper name, somethimg decent.
>Fuck it, work that out later.
>By the time you get out the workshop, Rainbow is already waiting and hovering over Twilight as she works.
"Oi! You done yet?" You shout to her as you smoke.
>Rainbow looks to you with a smirk.
>"Told ya I can get it done in two."
"I counted two and a half minutes, you seem a little sluggish." You reply with a grin.
>That should get those almonds activated.
>Ah, there it is.
>That hint of annoyance she's trying to hide as her smile falters.
"Alright Twiglet, how are you getting on?"
>Twilight pokes her head out and glances up to you.
>"Well the electrics are almost finished, but the motor isn't functioning correctly."
>Fuck's sake, there's always something.
"Alright," You take the last few puffs of the joint and chuck it.
"You finish wiring everything up while I have a look at the motor."
>You look over to Rainbow, who seems engrossed in Twilight's work.
"Dash, you can help Twiggle with whatever she needs, just don't fuck anything up yeah?"
>Dash nods and says something or other as you drop the spikes with a clatter.
>You grab the motor, and make your way back to the workshop.
>With a thud, you drop the motor down and take a look.
>It seems fine, you cant understand why Twilight thought it was broken.
>Oh yeah, that's why.
>You forgot to change the coil pack.
>Glancing around, you spot the working coil pack sitting on a bench of tools.
>You grab the pack and put it next to the motor.
>With a bit of fiddling  and pulling apart, you replace the pack and put it all back together.
>There, good as new.
>With that done, you haul it back to Twilight.
>"So what's this for? And that? What about this?"
>You watch as Rainbow leans over Twilight, looking and poking at everything.
"Sorted," You drop the motor down and shoo the dyke away.
"When I said you could help, it didn't mean pester and poke at everything and just get in the way."
>She doesn't reply, merely giving you a nervous chuckle before stepping back.
>You crouch down by the bot and cross your legs, getting as comfy as you can.
>Twilight moves back, giving you room to refit the motor.
>Nothing hard, just a bit awkward getting the screws in.
>As you fit it, you take note of Twilight's work so far.
>She's done a tidy job of it, better than you would have done it.
>With the way she's working, you might even get her to help out more.
>You could get her to help with odd jobs and get some money for it.
>Actually, you could even get her to do it for free.
>You could call it a bonding excercise, laying down the foundations to a strong friendship.
>Heh, like hell that's gonna happen.
>With the last of the screws in and everything more or less in place, you take a step back and admire your work.
>Not to toot your own horn, but it looks pretty damn good.
>It'll look 10 times better once it's all done.
"Looks good now doesn't it?"
>Rainbow and Twilight nod in approval.
>"Tha' razor blade thingey's all set up Anon."
>You look behind you and past Applejack and take a glance at the blade.
"Sweet, looks good AJ. What's next?"
>You scratch your chin and glance around the area.
>Arena's ready, seatings sorted.
>Looks like it's just the refbot you need to finish.
>Let's add it up.
>Innards sorted.
>Count down screen should still be working.
>The rear scoop needs adding, along with the claw and fire extinguisher.
>The self righting system needs adding.
>It's just a metal leg each side, with pistons to force the bot the right way up.
>Guarantee someone will flip it and fuck it up.
>The head needs adding, but save that for last.
>Make it a nice surprise.
>The front scoop needs to be fitted, that'll only take two minutes though.
>And stick some spikes on, maybe.
>Will only take a few extra minutes to do.
>So altogether, two hours?
>It's sketchy math, not that it really matters.
>Should still have enough time to prepare for opening up.
>Hopefully it wont take that long.
>"Yo Anon, what's this?"
>You look to Rainbow, and furrow your brow.
>Why is she in your workshop?
>And why is she holding your refbots head?
"Stop pokin' your fingers in everything, for fucks sake!" You shout at her.
>There's always one that has to prod and sniff around at everything.
>Goddamn irritating.
>How did she even find it anyway?
>You rub your head and squeeze your eyes shut.
>Another smoke is required to deal with this shit.
>The sooner you get this over with, the sooner you can get back home, chillax a bit, maybe watch a film or pass out on the sofa.
>That sounds like a plan.
>With a heavy sigh, you slowly walk to your car and grab your shit.
>It's gonna be a long night isn't it?
...
>You watch silently as your guest slinks out your office, closing the door behind him.
>With the last bit of business sorted, you pour yourself a drink and get out of your chair.
>You pace for a moment, before stopping infront of your excellent crystal collection.
>You take a sip of your drink and gaze at the beautiful pieces.
>Their many faces shine bright, reflecting the light around it, making the cabinet shine with multitudes of colours.
>It always helps you think, and calm down.
>It's rather theraputic.
>You can't stop thinking about that necklace though.
>The impossibly smooth faces and near perfect roundness.
>There's something...about it.
>You cant know for sure yet though.
>You're roused from your thoughts as your phone rings throughout the room.
>Swiftly turning around, you grab the phone and answer.
"Anything unusual?"
>The speaker crackles as your associate speaks.
>"Maybe, I cant say for sure sir."
>Well that's useful.
>"I did film it though, I'll send you it now."
>A few moments later, your phone buzzes again.
>Pulling it away from your ear, you click on the message and tap the video.
>It's blurry, and the quality's not as good as you had hoped; But it's enough.
"Good work, this should support my suspicions."
>"You want me to stay and watch?" The speaker crackles.
"No need Scratch, we have enough for now; I have some things to discuss with you, including this new development."
>"Alright, boss, will be back soon."
>You end the call and place the phone back onto your desk.
>Turning around once more, you sip on your whisky and gaze into the cabinet.
>Seconds slowly tick by as you gather your thoughts.
>If what you've heard is true, then it wont be long until you find it.
>It all seems too good to be true, but you've heard the witnesses.
>Of course some may have exaggerated a bit, but the story stays the same.
>More or less.
>A sharp knock on your door stirs you from your thoughts.
"Come in," You shout to them.
>It creaks open, and Grounder quickly enters.
"Good news I hope?"
>"Eh, it's good and bad." He replies as he takes a seat.
"How so?"
>"Word is that Detective Armour is sniffing around; He's been doing so since we set up here."
>Quite troubling, since you haven't really got anyone on your payroll like you have in Manehatten.
"Do you have any information on him yet?"
>"Not a lot", Grounder replies shaking his head, "But he seems like the type that won't be influenced very easily."
"So he's stubborn? It's rather troubling. I want you to find out more; Friends, family, anything that can be used against him. We're getting close, and I can't afford any distractions."
>"No sweat boss, I'll have something for you tomorrow."
"Good, now go and relax; We have a big day ahead of us."
>Grounder nods before leaving, shutting the door tight.
>You take a sip of whiskey, only to realise it's empty.
>Good time for another drink.
>You pour yourself another glass and return to your crystals.
>Tomorrow will be a good day.
...
>Well today is turning out peachy.
>The refbot is finally finished, complete with the black and white paintjob.
>The only correct colour for a referee.
>You're still reeling over Rainbow's idiotic ideas.
>Flames on the side, seriously?
>What world is she living in where flames on a car or robot are cool?
>"So can we test it out?"
>Rainbow looks at you like a kid who just got his first mini moto, complete with the flame decals.
"We? I think you mean I." You retort.
>"Aw c'mon, just a little go please?"
"You're not qualified to command the refbot, seriously you need to take a class to get qualified to use this kind of stuff."
>It's a little lie, but hey, if it stops her asking.
>"I'm not aware of any special class, do you mean engineering?"
>Oh Twi please don't.
"Er yeah whatever you want. Righty, let's see if he works."
>After quickly deflecting he question, you grab the controller and power it on.
>As the bot boots up, you check over the controller.
>The holographic screen blinks on, hovering slightly above the controller.
>It's pretty much a Gamestation controller with a screen and a few extra buttons on it.
>But it's nice to hold, easy to control and look decent.
>The joysticks are smooth, buttons work.
>And thats it, there isn't anything else to check really.
>Everyone gasps in awe as the bot powers up and blinks it's eyes.
>You look at the screen as everything boots up.
>Alrighty, first off, movement.
>You push the joysticks forward, and the ref moves forward slowly.
>You pull them back, and he reverses.
>Pushing them opposite ways, the bot spins clockwise.
>You repeat the process, then drive it around the arena.
>It drives quite smoothly, although taking turns can be a bit tricky.
>A few adjustments to the sensitivity should do it.
>You tap on the screen and drag the sliders down a touch.
>Once again you drive and spin around across the arena.
>Much better, as long as you dont take tight turns.
>It wont be doing a lot though really, so it should be fine.
"Alright, I think we're ready to go."
>You shout over to the girls as you drive the bot back to you.
>Driving it into the workshop, you park him in the corner and turn it off.
>"So what now sugarcube?"
>The very fit cowgirl walks over with girls.
>Oh yeah, what now?
>Everythings ready, and a quick look at your phone tells you you have an hour and a half left.
"I dunno, stand around? Go home whatever, I dont care."
>"Well Anon, after going through my checklist, we are ready to open. When should we all be here by?"
"Well the battle starts in like, an hour and a halfish, depends on when the contenders arrive."
>"Okay, so should I tell the girls to come at six thirty?"
"What do you mean by that?"
>"Everyone's coming to see this dude, why wouldn't they? It's awesome!"
>No one told you that.
>You were under the impression it would just be those three, plus the pink one.
"Well thanks for letting me know," You reply with a slight sarcastic tone.
>"So six thirty?" Twilight repeats.
"Yeah fuckin' whatever, just make sure they dont get in the way alright?"
>Twilight nods and pops her notepad away.
"So what's doing now? You lot going home or..."
>"I do need to feed Spike, and check he's alright."
>"And I need to get home and eat some grub, then I'll be right back!"
>"Ah ain't got anythin' to do. Mac's finishin' up at the farm tonight so ah could come down."
>Plan of action then; Take Twiggle home, with AJ tagging along.
>Dash is going wherever, so that's sorted.
"Okay, you two with me; Dash you do whatever you're doing. We'll meet back here in 30."
>With that sorted, Dash gives you a thumbs up before zipping off in a blur, leaving you with the other two.
>Not wanting to waste more time, you get your shit together and head for the car.
>Time to add up again.
>Ten minutes to get to Twilight's, then five minutes for Twilight to sort some scooby snacks out for the dog.
>Ten minutes back via McRonaldo's gives you half an hour.
>You should be back before anyone else arrives.
>You all climb into the car, with Twilight riding shotgun and Apple in the back.
"Right," You start the car, "Everyone ready?"
>Two nods is all the answer you need as you drive out and head for the richer part of the neighborhood.