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				<a id="mw-mf-last-modified" data-timestamp="1494275669" href="http://mulpwiki.org/index.php/Special:History/15_to_make_light_grey" data-user-name="HotRobotSlave" data-user-gender="unknown" class="top-bar truncated-text">Last modified on 8 May 2017, at 20:34</a>		<script>
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			<h1 id="section_0">15 to make light grey</h1><ul id="page-actions" class="hlist"><li id="ca-edit" class="icon icon-32px icon-edit" title="Edit the lead section of this page."></li><li id="ca-talk" class="hidden icon icon-32px icon-talk"><a href="http://mulpwiki.org/index.php?title=Talk:15_to_make_light_grey&amp;action=edit&amp;redlink=1" title="Discussion about the content page [t]" accesskey="t">Discussion</a></li><li id="ca-watch" class="watch-this-article icon icon-32px"><a href="http://mulpwiki.org/index.php?title=Special:UserLogin&amp;returnto=15+to+make+light+grey" title="Add this page to your watchlist [w]" accesskey="w"></a></li></ul>		</div>
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<table class="wikitable" style="float:right">
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<td><b>Writefag</b>
</td>
<td> qinop
</td></tr>
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<td><b>Pastebin link</b>:
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<td><a rel="nofollow" class="external free" href="http://pastebin.com/7ReavhnU">http://pastebin.com/7ReavhnU</a>
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<td><b>Pastebin creation</b>
</td>
<td>Wednesday 14th of March 2012 11:25:11 PM CDT
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Last Pastebin update</b>
</td>
<td>Monday 9th of January 2017 02:04:05 AM CDT
</td></tr></table>

</div><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="15_to_make_light_grey">15 to make light grey</span><a href="15_to_make_light_grey#/editor/1" title="Edit section: 15 to make light grey" data-section="1" class="edit-page icon icon-32px icon-edit enabled">Edit</a></h3><div>
<div dir="ltr" class="mw-geshi mw-code mw-content-ltr"><div class="gettext source-gettext">&#160;<br /><span class="nu0">15</span> to make light grey</div></div>
</div><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="21:17_DecapKing_hey.2C_the_booze_would_numb_his_mouth_21:18_Denied-Existence_I_on">21:17 DecapKing hey, the booze would numb his mouth 21:18 Denied-Existence I on</span><a href="15_to_make_light_grey#/editor/2" title="Edit section: 21:17 DecapKing hey, the booze would numb his mouth 21:18 Denied-Existence I on" data-section="2" class="edit-page icon icon-32px icon-edit enabled">Edit</a></h3><div>
<div dir="ltr" class="mw-geshi mw-code mw-content-ltr"><div class="gettext source-gettext">&#160;<br /><span class="nu0">15</span> to make light grey<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">17</span> &quot; DecapKing &quot; &quot; &quot; hey, the booze would numb his mouth<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">18</span> &quot; Denied_Existence&quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; I only will need one.<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">18</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; Razyn sighs. <span class="br0">&#40;</span><span class="br0">&#40;</span>If you were a little less tense, maybe you would take it in stride...<span class="br0">&#41;</span><span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">18</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; *** Two-Bits quit <span class="br0">&#40;</span>Connection reset by peer<span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">18</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; *** GGgala quit <span class="br0">&#40;</span>Connection reset by peer<span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">18</span> &quot; Razyn &quot; <span class="br0">&#40;</span><span class="br0">&#40;</span>Thoughts? how do we do those?<span class="br0">&#41;</span><span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">18</span> &quot; Denied_Existence&quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; <span class="br0">&#91;</span>?<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">18</span> &quot; Denied_Existence&quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; <span class="br0">&#91;</span>Blah blah blah, wow my thoughts are dull...<span class="br0">&#93;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">18</span> &quot; Dashite <span class="br0">&#40;</span>I don't think we have anything specific for them yet<span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">18</span> &quot; CrystalClear&quot; &quot; <span class="br0">&#40;</span>I do single apostrophes instead of quotations <span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">19</span> &quot; Razyn &quot; <span class="br0">&#40;</span>As do I, but this is new territory for me<span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">19</span> &quot; DecapKing &quot; &quot; &quot; <span class="br0">&#91;</span>thinks about that MILF from before<span class="br0">&#93;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">19</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; *** GGgala joined #SilverShipper<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">19</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; *** Two-Bits joined #SilverShipper<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">20</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; CrystalClear slices her sandwich in a bright flash of light with the sound of a flying blade. &quot;Oopsie, I cut the plate again.&quot; The plate clatters in two, perfectly cut.<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">20</span> &quot; Razyn &quot; Boombox?<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">20</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; Denied_Existence reads DecapKings mind.<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">20</span> &quot; GGgala&quot; <span class="br0">&#40;</span>fuuu-- my face when i didn't see anything after &quot;so guys, to the bar?&quot;<span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">20</span> &quot; Denied_Existence&quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; Decap!<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">20</span> &quot; Boombox ...? ...*<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">20</span> &quot; DecapKing &quot; &quot; &quot; hey you wouldn't say you thought she was hot!<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">21</span> &quot; Dashite <span class="br0">&#40;</span>I've been waiting for you, GGgala. We meet again, at last. The circle is now complete. When I left you, I was but the learner; now *I* am the master.<span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">21</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; Razyn looks away from the stressed out mare. &quot;Play me something to clear my head...&quot;<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">21</span> &quot; Boombox <span class="br0">&#91;</span>Show YouTube video <span class="br0">&#40;</span>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqlpHa0pk8E<span class="br0">&#41;</span><span class="br0">&#93;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">21</span> &quot; Denied_Existence&quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; No, I wouldn't...although I am drunk and horny...so the thought could appear at any time.<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">21</span> &quot; Razyn &quot; ...<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">21</span> &quot; Razyn &quot; VEEEEEEEERY LOOOOOOUD<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">22</span> &quot; DecapKing &quot; &quot; &quot; thanks for the junk update DE<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">22</span> &quot; Denied_Existence&quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; xD<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">22</span> &quot; Razyn &quot; So the three of us will fight the fight...<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">22</span> &quot; Denied_Existence&quot; &quot; &quot; &quot;<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">22</span> &quot; CrystalClear&quot; &quot; WE ARE THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">22</span> &quot; GGgala&quot; <span class="br0">&#40;</span>only a master of sandwiches, Dashite.<span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">22</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; Razyn glances back at CrystalClear<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">23</span> &quot; Dashite <span class="br0">&#40;</span>*lightsaber noises*<span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">23</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; Denied_Existence stares over to CrystalClear...wondering why she is singing that....<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">23</span> &quot; CrystalClear&quot; &quot; <span class="br0">&#40;</span>ooc<span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">23</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; DecapKing turns back to the cafe looking at the MILF now standing up<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">23</span> &quot; Razyn &quot; <span class="br0">&#40;</span>I didn't see any <span class="br0">&#40;</span><span class="br0">&#41;</span>!<span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">23</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; Dashite looks oddly at Razyn<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">23</span> &quot; CrystalClear&quot; &quot; <span class="br0">&#40;</span>well bite me<span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">23</span> &quot; Dashite O.o<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">23</span> &quot; Denied_Existence&quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; <span class="br0">&#40;</span>xD<span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">23</span> &quot; DecapKing &quot; &quot; &quot; <span class="br0">&#40;</span>bow chicka wow wow<span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">24</span> &quot; Denied_Existence&quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; <span class="br0">&#40;</span><span class="nu0">0</span>_o<span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">24</span> &quot; Razyn &quot; Aw it's over<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">24</span> &quot; Dashite <span class="br0">&#40;</span>This is where you say &quot;gladly&quot;<span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">24</span> &quot; GGgala&quot; <span class="br0">&#40;</span>Dashite, now I shall become more powerful than you could possibly imagine.<span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">24</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; Denied_Existence takes a sip from his flask.<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">24</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; +++ ChanServ has given owner to GGgala<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">24</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; +++ ChanServ has given op to GGgala<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">24</span> &quot; Denied_Existence&quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; <span class="br0">&#40;</span>*Facehoof*<span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">24</span> &quot; Razyn &quot; <span class="br0">&#40;</span>MFW, that song is half of the driving force behind Brutal Crusade<span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">24</span> &quot; Dashite <span class="br0">&#40;</span>dammit GGgala, you were supposed to wait for me to strike you down first. <span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">25</span> &quot; GGgala&quot; <span class="br0">&#40;</span>dammit Dashite, you took too long<span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">25</span> &quot; CrystalClear&quot; &quot; <span class="br0">&#40;</span>dammit, what is taking that filly?<span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">25</span> &quot; Dashite <span class="br0">&#40;</span>It's not my fault you're a little too trigger happy!<span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">25</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; Denied_Existence walks into the bar...ouch...<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">25</span> &quot; GGgala&quot; <span class="br0">&#40;</span>how am i supposed to respond to *lightsaber noises* if the next line is yours?!<span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">26</span> &quot; DecapKing &quot; &quot; &quot; DE if you really are looking for a hot mare, why not try that MILF from before?<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">26</span> &quot; Dashite <span class="br0">&#40;</span>The way you did respond to it? I meant you were supposed to wait for me to strike you down before claiming admin again. <span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">26</span> &quot; Denied_Existence&quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; DecapKing...are you mind? Cause you're sounding like your out of your drunk...<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">26</span> &quot; CrystalClear&quot; &quot; <span class="br0">&#40;</span>yfw if you call me a milf to silver's face<span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">26</span> &quot; GGgala&quot; <span class="br0">&#40;</span>oh... well that's obvious now, Dashite <span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">27</span> &quot; Denied_Existence&quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; *hic*<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">27</span> &quot; Dashite <span class="br0">&#40;</span>hence the become more powerful than you could imagine line. <span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">27</span> &quot; GGgala&quot; <span class="br0">&#40;</span>dear Boombox: do you happen to have the logs of the last ten minutes?<span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">27</span> &quot; DecapKing &quot; &quot; &quot; yeah, i actually am, but i need to stay sober for a while<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">27</span> &quot; Razyn &quot; <span class="br0">&#40;</span>mfw, how would the Razyn_the_Lustful pull that off<span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">27</span> &quot; Boombox ...? ... ... ...*<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">27</span> &quot; DecapKing &quot; &quot; &quot; but you my friend are completely shit faced<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">27</span> &quot; Boombox ONE HOUR RECORDED<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">27</span> &quot; Boombox ...*<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">27</span> &quot; GGgala&quot; <span class="br0">&#40;</span>Dashite: i was waiting for 'Your powers are weak', at least, to be sure you were still working it <span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">28</span> &quot; Dashite <span class="br0">&#40;</span>Damn. Next time old man, next time!<span class="br0">&#41;</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">28</span> &quot; GGgala&quot; <span class="br0">&#40;</span>Boombox: pastebin log? <span class="co4">&gt;_&gt;)</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">28</span> &quot; Denied_Existence&quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; You know what? *hic* Fuck fathers...all they ever are, are dicks with brains....<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">28</span> &quot; Denied_Existence&quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; *hic*<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">28</span> &quot; Boombox WORKING WORKING WORKING ...*<br /><br /><br />COMPILED BY:&quot; &quot; Multi Purpose-Unit Model <span class="nu0">3</span><br />REGISTERED NAME:&quot;Boombox&quot;</div></div>
</div><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="90_DAY_BRAWL.21">90 DAY BRAWL!</span><a href="15_to_make_light_grey#/editor/3" title="Edit section: 90 DAY BRAWL!" data-section="3" class="edit-page icon icon-32px icon-edit enabled">Edit</a></h3><div>
<div dir="ltr" class="mw-geshi mw-code mw-content-ltr"><div class="gettext source-gettext">&#160;<br /><span class="nu0">15</span> to make light grey<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">17</span> &quot; DecapKing &quot; &quot; &quot; hey, the booze would numb his mouth<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">18</span> &quot; Denied_Existence&quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; I only will need one.<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">18</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; Razyn sighs. ((If you were a little less tense, maybe you would take it in stride...))<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">18</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; *** Two-Bits quit (Connection reset by peer)<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">18</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; *** GGgala quit (Connection reset by peer)<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">18</span> &quot; Razyn &quot; ((Thoughts? how do we do those?))<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">18</span> &quot; Denied_Existence&quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; [?<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">18</span> &quot; Denied_Existence&quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; [Blah blah blah, wow my thoughts are dull...]<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">18</span> &quot; Dashite (I don't think we have anything specific for them yet)<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">18</span> &quot; CrystalClear&quot; &quot; (I do single apostrophes instead of quotations )<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">19</span> &quot; Razyn &quot; (As do I, but this is new territory for me)<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">19</span> &quot; DecapKing &quot; &quot; &quot; [thinks about that MILF from before]<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">19</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; *** GGgala joined #SilverShipper<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">19</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; *** Two-Bits joined #SilverShipper<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">20</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; CrystalClear slices her sandwich in a bright flash of light with the sound of a flying blade. &quot;Oopsie, I cut the plate again.&quot; The plate clatters in two, perfectly cut.<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">20</span> &quot; Razyn &quot; Boombox?<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">20</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; Denied_Existence reads DecapKings mind.<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">20</span> &quot; GGgala&quot; (fuuu-- my face when i didn't see anything after &quot;so guys, to the bar?&quot;)<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">20</span> &quot; Denied_Existence&quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; Decap!<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">20</span> &quot; Boombox ...? ...*<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">20</span> &quot; DecapKing &quot; &quot; &quot; hey you wouldn't say you thought she was hot!<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">21</span> &quot; Dashite (I've been waiting for you, GGgala. We meet again, at last. The circle is now complete. When I left you, I was but the learner; now *I* am the master.)<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">21</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; Razyn looks away from the stressed out mare. &quot;Play me something to clear my head...&quot;<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">21</span> &quot; Boombox [Show YouTube video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqlpHa0pk8E)]<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">21</span> &quot; Denied_Existence&quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; No, I wouldn't...although I am drunk and horny...so the thought could appear at any time.<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">21</span> &quot; Razyn &quot; ...<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">21</span> &quot; Razyn &quot; VEEEEEEEERY LOOOOOOUD<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">22</span> &quot; DecapKing &quot; &quot; &quot; thanks for the junk update DE<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">22</span> &quot; Denied_Existence&quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; xD<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">22</span> &quot; Razyn &quot; So the three of us will fight the fight...<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">22</span> &quot; Denied_Existence&quot; &quot; &quot; &quot;<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">22</span> &quot; CrystalClear&quot; &quot; WE ARE THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">22</span> &quot; GGgala&quot; (only a master of sandwiches, Dashite.)<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">22</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; Razyn glances back at CrystalClear<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">23</span> &quot; Dashite (*lightsaber noises*)<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">23</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; Denied_Existence stares over to CrystalClear...wondering why she is singing that....<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">23</span> &quot; CrystalClear&quot; &quot; (ooc)<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">23</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; DecapKing turns back to the cafe looking at the MILF now standing up<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">23</span> &quot; Razyn &quot; (I didn't see any ()!)<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">23</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; Dashite looks oddly at Razyn<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">23</span> &quot; CrystalClear&quot; &quot; (well bite me)<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">23</span> &quot; Dashite O.o<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">23</span> &quot; Denied_Existence&quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; (xD)<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">23</span> &quot; DecapKing &quot; &quot; &quot; (bow chicka wow wow)<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">24</span> &quot; Denied_Existence&quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; (<span class="nu0">0</span>_o)<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">24</span> &quot; Razyn &quot; Aw it's over<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">24</span> &quot; Dashite (This is where you say &quot;gladly&quot;)<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">24</span> &quot; GGgala&quot; (Dashite, now I shall become more powerful than you could possibly imagine.)<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">24</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; Denied_Existence takes a sip from his flask.<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">24</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; +++ ChanServ has given owner to GGgala<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">24</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; +++ ChanServ has given op to GGgala<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">24</span> &quot; Denied_Existence&quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; (*Facehoof*)<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">24</span> &quot; Razyn &quot; (MFW, that song is half of the driving force behind Brutal Crusade)<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">24</span> &quot; Dashite (dammit GGgala, you were supposed to wait for me to strike you down first. )<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">25</span> &quot; GGgala&quot; (dammit Dashite, you took too long)<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">25</span> &quot; CrystalClear&quot; &quot; (dammit, what is taking that filly?)<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">25</span> &quot; Dashite (It's not my fault you're a little too trigger happy!)<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">25</span> &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; Denied_Existence walks into the bar...ouch...<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">25</span> &quot; GGgala&quot; (how am i supposed to respond to *lightsaber noises* if the next line is yours?!)<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">26</span> &quot; DecapKing &quot; &quot; &quot; DE if you really are looking for a hot mare, why not try that MILF from before?<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">26</span> &quot; Dashite (The way you did respond to it? I meant you were supposed to wait for me to strike you down before claiming admin again. )<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">26</span> &quot; Denied_Existence&quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; DecapKing...are you mind? Cause you're sounding like your out of your drunk...<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">26</span> &quot; CrystalClear&quot; &quot; (yfw if you call me a milf to silver's face)<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">26</span> &quot; GGgala&quot; (oh... well that's obvious now, Dashite )<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">27</span> &quot; Denied_Existence&quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; *hic*<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">27</span> &quot; Dashite (hence the become more powerful than you could imagine line. )<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">27</span> &quot; GGgala&quot; (dear Boombox: do you happen to have the logs of the last ten minutes?)<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">27</span> &quot; DecapKing &quot; &quot; &quot; yeah, i actually am, but i need to stay sober for a while<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">27</span> &quot; Razyn &quot; (mfw, how would the Razyn_the_Lustful pull that off)<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">27</span> &quot; Boombox ...? ... ... ...*<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">27</span> &quot; DecapKing &quot; &quot; &quot; but you my friend are completely shit faced<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">27</span> &quot; Boombox ONE HOUR RECORDED<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">27</span> &quot; Boombox ...*<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">27</span> &quot; GGgala&quot; (Dashite: i was waiting for 'Your powers are weak', at least, to be sure you were still working it )<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">28</span> &quot; Dashite (Damn. Next time old man, next time!)<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">28</span> &quot; GGgala&quot; (Boombox: pastebin log? <span class="co4">&gt;_&gt;)</span><br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">28</span> &quot; Denied_Existence&quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; You know what? *hic* Fuck fathers...all they ever are, are dicks with brains....<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">28</span> &quot; Denied_Existence&quot; &quot; &quot; &quot; *hic*<br /><span class="nu0">21</span>:<span class="nu0">28</span> &quot; Boombox WORKING WORKING WORKING ...*<br /><br /><br />COMPILED BY:&quot; &quot; Multi Purpose-Unit Model <span class="nu0">3</span><br />REGISTERED NAME:&quot;Boombox&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;2012</span><br />http://tinyurl.com/90DayBrawl<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You're not coming back next year. I hope you understand that, between your poor attendance, grade point average, and athletic contributions to the school, that there's virtually no way for the dean of Crystal Prep to accept your entry into grade 9.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your lip curls up into a snarl</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You try to ignore her as you pack up your backpack</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Why is she doing this just as summer break is getting out?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But Sugarcoat ignores you. She looks you in the eye as she leans against the locker next to yours</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I mean it. You're never going anywhere in your life. Your grades are abysmal, a disgrace to these crystal halls. You have the most tardies of anyone in our class too, insulting all of us with your record. And finally, despite it being a requirement, you can't physically perform to match the rest of the school either. Your failure at the track meet left a bad taste in our mouths and cast a shadow over our reputation.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Staring at your backpack is all you can do</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's not like you can argue that she's wrong or anything, you are kind of pathetic</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Indigo Zap.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;With a sigh, you continue packing up your locker, one piece of scrap paper at a time</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Indigo Zap, I'm trying to talk to you, but you aren't listening. Should we add social incompetence to your list of shortcomings?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You glare at her</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Why literally the end of school?</span><br />&quot;Yeah, whatever, I already applied to CPA for next year.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sugarcoat shakes her head. &quot;I don't believe they'll let you in. I think you should consider attending a different high school for the rest of your academic career.&quot; She adjusts her glasses and puts on a small smile. &quot;I've heard Canterlot High retroactively takes Crystal Prep credits at a grade higher. You'd excel there where you struggled here.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grunt back at her and turn your back</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Indigo Zap, I'm serious. Don't come back.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You glare back at her over your shoulder. &quot;Why's that?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She tightens her arms around her belly, scowling at you. She moves closer, propping up her glasses on the tip of her fingers.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;For the first time you've ever heard, she whispers, &quot;No one wants a stupid fat girl at Crystal Prep.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your glare melts and you slowly look down</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yeah, your shirt bulges out a bit</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And it's hard to tuck your shirt in sometimes</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sometimes it's hard to walk up stairs, and you admit you'd want to pick your panties out from your big butt, and you get sweaty a lot-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Maybe she's on to something</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Maybe you're a lot fatter than you thought. You just didn't think anyone noticed as much as you did, that maybe you were exaggerating</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But as you watch slim, attractive Sugarcoat walk away, you can't help but think that maybe, just maybe, you've been going easy on yourself</span><br />&quot;Yeah, well-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You're a failure!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You recoil and your stomach sinks, deep in your fat belly</span><br />&quot;I uh, I can still get in!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You fish around in your backpack. You saw something...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yeah</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You hold up a flier and point to it</span><br />&quot;The uh, the Regional Triathalon!&quot; Biking, running, and swimming. The three things you're the worst at<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sugarcoat scoffs. &quot;You're a terrible liar, Indigo Zap. You don't even look like you've convinced yourself.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her back is still to you, though</span><br />&quot;You... You aren't even looking at me!&quot; The flier gets crunched in your fist<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She looks back at you, her expression bored now. &quot;I didn't need to. That look of desperation and fear are exactly what I imagined.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A bead of sweat rolls down your neck</span><br />&quot;Y-yea-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Give up already. You're a pathetic fat girl, and that's all you'll ever be.&quot; Sugarcoat reaches out and presses a hand against your doughy belly. With a flick of the wrist, she switches to rolling your belly between her fingers and thumb</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The sudden contact makes you flush in embarrassment, and you have to look away from her intense gaze</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;ffs</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Stop trying to keep up with us and quit. You're only going to make a fool of yourself and CPA if you continue. Go somewhere where your failure of a self can accomplish something. A fat... Fat ass like you will never be a good enough athlete to get in on your marks.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sugarcoat lets go and pushes you with the same hand. You almost fall back on your butt</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You quietly watch Sugarcoat reach into your vest pocket and grab some tissues</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She starts pulling one after the other out until she has a fat handful of cheap tissue paper</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Then she tosses the rest on the ground</span><br />&quot;S-sugarcoat, come on...&quot; You squat down to pick it up, and a big ball of paper bounces off of your forehead<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;That was because I grabbed your greasy gut.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look up at her. She's crossing her arms already</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Quit. Crystal. Prep.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Before you can say anything, she turns on her heel and starts walking</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can't make yourself do anything but watch her walk</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's gone</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;No more yelling</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sniff</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;No more... Fat... Truth?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You put your face in your empty hand and quietly sob in the hallway</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Summer's starting</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You kick a can on your way home</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sniffle</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fuck Sugarcoat, though, man</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can too get into CPA if you try hard enough</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You sigh and gulp as you step onto your stoop</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Looking up, all you can see is the tiny house you live in with mom</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You once heard that parents of kids who go to CPA get better jobs almost overnight</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Since you two can barely pay to live here, maybe that means your mom won't have to stress as much</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You shake your head and grab the knob, heading in</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Anyway, you're getting in. For mom, for you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Inigo!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Not even half way in, and she's calling from the kitchen</span><br />&quot;Yeah ma!?&quot; You slip off your shoes, unsling your backpack, and untuck your fucking shirt so you can scratch at your belly. Fucking starch<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;What time do you want to see your father!?&quot;</span><br />&quot;I don't wanna!&quot; You wander into the dark living room and plop down, flipping through channels<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Inny!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You sit upright and throw your head back. &quot;What!?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;C'mere!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You groan and roll to your feet. You just want to relax!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Plodding around a bit, you follow the sounds of stirring and sizzling to the kitchen</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your mom stands there, hand on waist as she stirs something. For some reason, she has her hair, your hair, braided in a ponytail</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Inny!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You pull out a chair and slump into it, setting your chin over your arms. &quot;What, mom, god.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She looks back at you, blinks, and grins</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Welcome home, sweet pea. How was school?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Good, I guess, whatever.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You start remembering Sugar again, but other shit she's pulled</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Before you can start down that way, Ma butts in</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Made your favorite, hun. Chicken and gravy and mashed 'tatoes!&quot; She grins back at you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look up from her from where you have your head set down, and she turns the heat down</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ma steps next to you and puts a hand down over your back, rubbing nice and gentle</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;What happened, sweet pea?&quot; She whispers as she pulls some strands of hair out of your face</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Grunt</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ma looks at dinner for a sec, but then grabs a chair</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Tell mama. Was it that cow titted Sour Sweet again?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You shake your head, looking away as your eyes start burning and your throat starts closing up</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ma coos, shushing the tears away as she rubs at your back</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Maybe Sugarcoat? That little shit? She giving you a hard time?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You nod and close your eyes</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Aw...&quot; Ma kisses the side of your head and hugs you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You sniffle again. Ffs you're gonna cry at this rate</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But Ma hugs you and rubs your back</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ma pulls you close and squeezes. &quot;Mama's here, sweet pea, you ain't gotta worry about that little twerp.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She pulls you out to arm's length and grins extra wide. &quot;Hey, guess what?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You blink and rub at your eyes with one of your sleeves</span><br />&quot;What, Ma?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ma throws her hands up, still grinning. &quot;It's summer break!&quot; She pats her hands down on her knees. &quot;Whatcha gonna do?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You sniffle and rub at your face</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's summer break</span><br />&quot;Practice, I guess.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;For what...?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You pull out the flier again, holding it out for her</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She gasps. &quot;That looks like a triathalon!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You nod. &quot;Yeah?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ma takes the flier, and reads it closer. &quot;You can't do any of this...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You groan and slam your head back on the table, over your arms</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ma chuckles and leans next to you again. &quot;I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I just didn't expect my little Inny to go running and jumpin and shit.&quot; Ma moves closer, and kisses your cheek</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But then she blows and makes that stupid fart noise</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And you reflexively laugh, swatting her away</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ma chuckles and stands, letting you wipe at your cheek with the back of your sleeve</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She goes back to stirring the potatoes</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look down at the flier</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Running, swimming, and biking</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You'll need to come out at least tenth place to get in the newspaper</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But CPA doesn't care about tenth</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Only first place gets a high school scholarship</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You glance up at Ma</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's humming to herself as she cooks</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The rest of the house is kinda dirty</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's a small crap shack out in West Canterlot. Just you and Ma and the bed you both share.</span><br />&quot;H-how was work, Ma?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ma sighs. You listen to her complain about her jobs</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;CPA isn't cheap. You know Ma easily put you through grade school, but middle school has been harder</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And you hear high school will be at least five times as much</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stare down at the flier</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Now full, you sit down at the dinner table, planner in hand, and pull out a pen</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Time to schedule your totally awesome workout schedule for the Regional Triathalon</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grab your tablet</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Time to research awesome workout schedules!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Google, google...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hm, let's see...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;'How 2 lose wait'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;How to lose weight</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Articles...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Uh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hm, 'Lose weight the easy way!' 'Drop fifty pounds in fifty days!' 'The miracle work out that MELTS the weight away!'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;ffffffffffffffuck, this is all stupid</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's just a buncha ads! What can you do with ads?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Augh, you need like a real work out plan, and all you find is these stupid articles of clickbait and stuff, you can't use that!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Uh, but what else can you do?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Where do people get fit?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;...Gyms, yeah, okay</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yeah, forget work out plans!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can get super in shape by getting pro advice from a gym guy, like Rocky did!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sorta</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Google: 'gyms'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hey, there's a lot</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hey, there's one in your neighborhood!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Open everyday, 6 am to 10 pm</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Damn, you're probs not gonna be working out all day, but that's convenient</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Aw man</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're gonna need new undies</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And like other clothes, too, since you'll be sweating so much</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Can't really wear your usual stuff to work out...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;In public</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your cheeks flush with blood, growing hot at the idea of someone noticing you working out out there</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Now that you think of it, you'll probably be running around a lot, outside</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Everyone will see your... Your belly and butt as you run</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grab your face and groan</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They already jiggle when you walk up and down the stairs too fast...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Agh!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You slide away your tablet ad pull out your planner</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Okay so, like your summer is basically empty</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The first of June, July and August is the usual HSHW tournies</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And... Yeah that's it</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There's a concert in July, but you probs won't have enough cash for that</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After buying all this shid</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Does a gym membership cost snything?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Tablet says... Yes, fourty a month</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fourty a month! What? That's insane!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grab your forehead</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Damn...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Maybe you don't need new clothes...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grab a calculator and some scratch paper</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Jiggling</span><br />&quot;Ah!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your stuff goes flying</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You kay!?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Yeah, ma!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grab up your stuff and keep working</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ignore that image, count</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ugh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Gym membership is 40/month, tourney entry is 20 each, new shoes... You'll worry about them later, you guess</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Uh...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Can't... Really think of anything else, for like money, anyways</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So you need... 200 for this summer</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;No wait, 180</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hunh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You hop up and pace to your little lockbox under the bed, mostly ignoring mom laying down and reading a magazine</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hm... You have... 50 bucks. And a 5 dollar credit for entering the next tourney</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ah, okay</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You lay down in bed and stare at the ceiling</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ma leans toward you and points out an article</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Lookie here, work out tips.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You raise your brow and look at it</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Looks like some work out style from... Literally who?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh!</span><br />&quot;Da fug?&quot; It's the actress who played Daring Do!<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ma offers up the article and you snatch it up, reading it up and down</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What's her secret!? She was so slim and hot!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Interview, interview, interview, movie news- Oh, new movie in 2016?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hunh, that's cool... Summer 2016, and she's already filming for it...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wait, no, the work out! The work out!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Where is it!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ah, okay, okay</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Okay, so, you're supposed to start slow?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Workout only a few days a week, yeah, makes sense</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Workout until you can handle the workout, then move to a heavier workout routine</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yeah, okay</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Make sure you eat no... Sweets, or oily food, or greasy food...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ah, yeah...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You lay down again</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Ya saw the bad part, huh?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You nod and hold up the article again</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Workout, push yourself, eat better</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What do you eat?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Low fat meats, whole grains, nuts and fruits</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yeah, sure...</span><br />&quot;Bluh.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ma chuckles at you, and you glare at her</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She starts laughing harder and pulls her phone out to snap a pic of you being angry</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Augh, you gotta roll over to look away from her</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She giggles some more and lays closer to you, probably so she can apologize</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Sorry sweet pea, but you know how cute you look when you're angry.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You groan louder, pulling your pillow into your face and dropping the magazine</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You keep on groaning while ma hugs you from behind, squeezing around your belly</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Still angry groaning into the pillow, you start trashing around when she smooches your cheek while giggling</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Eventually, your kicking and screaming tuckers you out, and you lay slack against the bed</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Breath. Not... Coming</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You flop your pillow onto mom, who's pulled away by now</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And she's still laughing, as you pant for air, sweaty</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You lay in bed a little while, letting ma hug you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ma leaves after a minute so she can catch her shows, leaving you alone in bed</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;One more time, you look at the article</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This time, you carefully read it, just so your dense head gets it</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And you make sure to grab the light next to the bed</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;'The number one tip I can give is to find a reason to get fit. I didn't do it just for the movie, I did it for my own sake.'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Time to sit up</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;'It wasn't easy, but it was worth it. There was a lot of pain the first month or so. Exhaustion, fatigue, I wanted to sleep all the time, but I needed to get that work out in.'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your eyes narrow</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;'I had to lose fifteen pounds in one month, and then put the rest into muscle... It was hard, but it wasn't impossible. Seemed like it, sometimes.'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Slowly, you lower the magazine and raise your head</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Looking across the room, you see your chubby face in the mirror. You're still in your uniform, and you still have your ponytail tied down low</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Even in the dim light of your lamp, you can see your belly through your long sleeve shirt, and your soft arms, and how your thighs sink into the mattress</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's not impossible</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;For you to change</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Get fit</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fight your way into CPA</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You set the magazine down on ma's half of the bed and lay down</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You need to get in shape</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ma needs you to get in shape</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You close your eyes and take a deep breath</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ma's counting on you to get a good education</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;That's your reason to get fit, and no other</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You squeeze your eyes shut and roll over</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Not cause you hate how you look or you're pathetic in every way you can think of</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're doing it for ma. She works really hard for you to go to a good school and get C's in everything</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She does it cause she thinks you can do good if you get the chance</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Augh...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're already crying into a pillow, again</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;12:58 am</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You haven't cried in a while now</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ma's already snuggled up to you again, and she pulled the covers up over you both for bed</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;12:59 am</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sugarcoat's voice comes back</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You're not coming back.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You'd cry again if you could</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's right</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;When you fail that stupid triathalon, you're gonna be stuck at CHS</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;1:00 am</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You close your eyes and sigh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Maybe some music to cheer you up</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You wiggle away from ma and grab your slippers and some sweat pants</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh those are for exercising</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Maybe you'll bring them tomorrow</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Living room...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grab your backpack and snatch up your walkman</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Slowly, you ease into the couch while the track buffers</span><br /><br />https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7VLgEhiBxA<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Aaaah, now this is good shit</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yeah</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Just lean back and enjoy</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This... This is 'it'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Like the one moment when you can like</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ya know?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Just stop being worried or notice things</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Just be a different you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A cool, calm you, ya know?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Aaaaaaaaah...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Just let yourself sag into the couch and bob to the rhythm</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;If only you could feel like this all the time</span><br />&quot;Mm...&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You should make a workout mix</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;For tomorrow...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You yawn and pick yourself up, walking to the computer</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Poke. It's booting, while you relax with your music</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your hand is under your chin as you stare</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wiiiiiiindooooooooooows</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;1998</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Computer is as old as you... Yawn</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;That's your favorite part, same age</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grab up a cord and plug your mixtape maker into the computer holes</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Whatever they're called... Wuh, you're getting tired already</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But that's alright, this'll be quick</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As soon as you have a new blank in hand, you're already picking out good songs</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Aah... This this that and this...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You work as fast as you can, but you're fading quick</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Done</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Record...!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The blank starts spinning. Computer is making mixtape. Computers are cool</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You shove your hands into your pockets and stare at the glowing screen</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Windowsssssssssss... 98</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your eyes close</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sniff</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Eggs?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Augh, ffs, your face</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sitting up pops your back</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Looking around...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Living room? You fell asleep here?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;At the computer?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What's this mix tape?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh oops, you fell asleep at your computer</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What time... 6 in the morning!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Eggs at 6, what the fug?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your feet cross over each other, and you stumble out of the chair</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But don't fall over</span><br />&quot;Maaaaa?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your dry throat cracks a bit</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Kitchen, sweet pea!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Aight</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So you slowly wander on over to the kitchen</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And... Notice a few bags near the front door as you do</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Weird</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mom's already setting down a plate of eggs and toast when you get in</span><br />&quot;Ey ma.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ma grins and sits down</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Breakfast!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You slowly take your usual seat, plopping into it. &quot;Yeah... Why so early?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yawning starts happening now, getting you then ma</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I wanted my little Inny to get a good start on her summer!&quot;</span><br />&quot;Summer, right.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Right, yer gonna... Do this summer thing</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You slowly blink and pick up a forkful of eggs</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I think you can do it, Inny.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You rub at your eyes and then you're looking at Ma</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She slides over a cup</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Uh</span><br />&quot;Coffee?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yup!&quot; Ma stands up and picks your empty plate and hers</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stare at the cup</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It smells okay</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sniff sniff</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Pretty good, actually</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;How bad can it taste?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Okay...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Maybe a little more...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stare at the bottom of your coffee cup, fully awake and sniff</span><br />&quot;Bretty gud.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ma pats your head and grabs the cup</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'm headin to work. The bags at the door are all for you! And an old friend of mine is gonna call you, so if you get a weird phone number, try answering, kay?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You nod and drink up the last few drops in your cup</span><br />&quot;Kay.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ma reaches over and kisses your forehead and then hustles out the front door</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You watch the empty space where she was</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Time to go, too...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Okay so these bags Ma left for you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Dafaq is this?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's a bunch of old clothes from the 80s</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Tights, leg warmers, high top sneakers, scrunchies!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Scrunchies!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This is kickass!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You hold out a big shirt with a huge neck hole</span><br />&quot;Heaven and Hell Live <span class="nu0">1982</span>... I love you ma.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grab up the bags and hug them all the way back to your room</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Dropping them on the bed, you start dumping them out</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Okay so what do we really have...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A bunch of those old tights and unitards to go with them</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Like twenty pairs of leg warmers-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;VELCRO</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;SNEAKERS?????</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;WHAT EVEN!? MOM IS SO COOL!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Huh?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A base ball bat?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You hold it up. It's wooden, and theres a dark blue star spray painted on the side near the top</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Weird...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh, there's something written on the tape handle... Hm...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Blueberry Pop &lt;3</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Whoa</span><br />&quot;Mom, why did you give me all this cool shit... I love you so much.&quot;<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Alright, so one quick shower, and you're staring at all this stuff</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're pretty sure that... These shorts are for jogging, yeah</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Aaaaaaaaand, these shoes are good for running</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And... This... Is a sports bra? You think?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Tee shirt to top everything off... And damn, this all fits nice</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Was Ma fat like you?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The bat catches your eye, the big blue star sticking out against mom's bat and the white sheets</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;That's not blue</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You pick up the bat, again, surprising yourself at how light it feels</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You pull a lock of still damp hair up and look at it with the star behind</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your hair disappears</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grin</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This is an Indigo Star, and your Ma gave it to you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;One of these bags is a duffle bag</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Inside is a few base balls, a second pair of sneakers and an empty water bottle</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;All new... Er, unused</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You put away Indigo Star and wipe your hands together</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're gonna hit the batting cages real soon</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But first</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You snatch up your headphones and your walkman and your new mixtape...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And uh, a few bucks</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh right, your keys</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You reach inside and grab those, and lock up. Time to work out...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Uh, so you just jog?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look down at your sneakers and then your hands</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ball up your hands, and move, you guess?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Right down the walkway from your house...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So you just hustle down to the sidewalk</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fug, you suck, you're already breathing heavy</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But, this is it, you're not gonna quit</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Left, right...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Around South Canterlot or into Central Canterlot...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Huff</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The uh, gym is near your house</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So you turn left and put one foot in front of the other, feeling your thick thighs rubbing against each other</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They're heating up, but that classic 80's design keeps your thighs from rubbing up</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can't breathe, but you smile and keep moving, twice as fast as you usually do</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So a jog</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What you think is a casual pace</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But its fast for you!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Its fast for you!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your lungs are burning up</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And your throat is drying</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're dead</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're so fugging dead, you're gonna die, you're gonna die</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Its only been ten blocks</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This bus stop is a godsend</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can't breathe</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You keep trying, but fug, it's hard</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Augh, the third bus is coming</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Third in a row</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You gotta learn how to pace yaself, blue.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You cough a little and look at the girl sitting next to you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Some big pink girl</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Peace sign</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You return it and cough some more</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She leans over and rubs at your back</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;My dad runs a gym. If ya ask nice enough, I think he'll give ya some advice to get fit!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You take another breath and look at her</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's smiling extra wide, showing off her kinda fugged up teeth</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You smile back</span><br />&quot;U-uh...&quot; You cough again, and then something cold touches your lap<br /><span class="co4">&gt;A water bottle</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You rip it open</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Wait!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's already at your lips, but you stop</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Nice 'n slow, blue.&quot; She chuckles.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You quietly sip at the icy water while you listen to your new friend (?)</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's a big girl, with tons of lime green hair</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's really fit too, but she seems proud of you for trying to lose weight</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's p great</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;So what's yer circuit?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You furrow your brow</span><br />&quot;My what?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She chuckles</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yer circuit! Your routine! Where do you start, where do you stop? Do you run back, or do you take a jog back?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Uh.&quot; You feel your cheeks heat up. Is a circuit important?<br />&quot;I-I dunno, I just started.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She blinks a few times. &quot;Whoa, and how far'd you get on yer first run?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Run</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Jog</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;S-same thing</span><br />&quot;Uhm... T-ten blocks.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She raises her brow at you. &quot;Uh... Aight, das coo.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look away, your cheeks burning up</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;F-fug</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're not gonna cry</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I mean, it's not far, but I think it's good that you're willin to try.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You pause and look at her</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She grins again</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grin. &quot;Thanks. I'm trying my best, ya know?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I getchu, I getchu... You should come to my dad's gym, really. He'll help you if you mention me!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You nod, grinning ear to ear</span><br />&quot;I'd love to!&quot; You frown. &quot;Oh, but I don't ha-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Don worry bout cash.&quot; She winks</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Cute girl like you deserves everythin.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your face flushes and you slowly look away, feeling your breath hasten a little again</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She chuckles, tapping your shoulder with her big fist</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Jus teasin!&quot; She sets her hand down on the bench now</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You frown at her, and she chuckles some more</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I mean, ya are cute, but I ain't tryina flirt with ya. Jus a compliment, ya know?&quot; At this point, she's a little flush herself!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You smirk and bump your own fist against her shoulder and chuckle with her</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;So uh... Yeah, go ahead and mention me, and bein my friend, and my dad should offer you to stick around for the summer.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You nod</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sounds easy</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And hella cool of this girl</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;...uh</span><br />&quot;What's your name?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You and she stare at each other for a few moments, until she snorts and quickly chuckles</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Aw man, we been talking this long without any intros?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You nod and hold out your hand. &quot;I'm Indigo Zap. Or Indy, if you like.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She takes your hand in her big hand. &quot;Well, Blue, they call me Lem. Lemon Zest.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;With a grin, you shake your new friend's hand</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But as you shake, a bus rolls up, the fourth one so far</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She grins at you and stands, waving down at you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Seeya, Blue! Hope we can hang out some more!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You nod and wave back, grinning</span><br />&quot;I do too! That sounds totally rad!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Lem hustles up into the bus, and it takes off</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh, that one's going far. Where's she headed?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hm... She didn't say what gym</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Dang</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're gonna have to wait till you get home to look that up</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;For now, time to continue this jog-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oof!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your legs. They're sore</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh man</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh ow, ow, ow</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You toss your empty bottle into the trash bin, one less thing to worry about</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Then you rub your legs a bit</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fug</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Just gotta keep going, right? Or no?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Uh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;W-walk for now, yeah</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;With a deep breath, you start walking a little faster than normal</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Not even close to a jog, but hey</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's gonna make you sweat</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Maybe you can visit that gym you know about</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hey maybe it's the same one!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ha, maybe!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ow, your feet</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your feet, your legs, a little bit of your arms, too</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So sore, man</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Maybe you'll walk around a bit, now that you've cooled down</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Just down the street</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Everyone outside gives you weird looks</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Weird, you don't feel like you're walking too weird, except for having all this jelly for your legs</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What's up?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look around, and everyone's still giving you weird looks</span><br />&quot;W-what?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;They all ignore you and go back to what they were doing</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Da fug?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Whatever, walking</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Trying as hard as you can, you definitely can walk, just slower than normal</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your feet hurt, but whatever, no pain no gain, right?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;If you remember right, that gym is like eight blocks away, so you're more than halfway there</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Er</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well, not really, stupid</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Augh, why'd you lie to her, that was so stupid</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Okay, so you ran two blocks, and the gym is like eight blocks away</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You won't die from walking that far</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Whew...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You take a deep breath in front of the Gym</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Maybe you're already making improvement, but that brisk walk barely winded you!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Now then!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;'Lemon Pie Gym - Training chumps into champs since 1886.'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hot diggity damn, dude</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This building is ancient, but it's still standing! Its like a small castle, where people go to get buff and beat ass!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Awesome!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You wander on in and take in the scene</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh yeah</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's only like 8 in the morning, and theres already a dozen guys in this huge work out joint</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Awesome</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Need somethin, lil missy?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You excitedly whip ar-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;HOLY SHIT</span><br />&quot;Y-you're huge!&quot; You're pointing without realizing it<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The huge pink bald guy is built like a tank, wide, tall, and with a lot of fat. But you can tell he can dish out the hurt real easy, look at those arms!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He's quiet for a few seconds, then grunts</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'm Lemon Preserves. I own 'n run Lemon Pie Gym. You here to get fit lil missy? I'm always accepting kids for the summer.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You nod, letting your excitement out. &quot;Heck yeah! I wanna get in shape, sir!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He smirks. &quot;That's what I like to hear.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Big Lem motions toward the gym. &quot;For a decent fee, you can use all this equipment, and ask me and my staff for help any time.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ah</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hm...</span><br />&quot;Right, I don't have cash...&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He frowns. &quot;...I see.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You awkwardly shrug and look away. &quot;Say uh, do you know Lemon Zest?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Lil Lem? My daughter?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You flinch and look up at him, blinking</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He's pointing to a trophy case he was completely blocking</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;In it, Lil Lem and Big Lem are in like ten pictures, and there's easily twenty trophies, most gold.</span><br />&quot;Wow... I never would've guessed you were her dad.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look away from the trophies and smile. &quot;She said if I asked super nice, you'd let me in for free!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You slide over to Big Lem, who's now glaring down at you. &quot;So can I? Please, please?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After a bit more prodding, he groans. &quot;Fine! Only for the summer!&quot;</span><br />&quot;Yass!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;First up, we draw out a nutritional plan! Follow me!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh boy</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh boy, oh boy...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stare at the bit of paper Big Lem scribbled out for you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Aw man, he was kinda rough, but he's a nice guy</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;His handwriting is real neat too</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He's a good guy</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And he gave you really good advice about food, and running too!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Running as fast as you can, which isn't that fast, isn't the best!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Good thing you got that out of the way!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're supposed to find out what tires you and do a little less than that</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And keep working on that limit everyday!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Exercise is cool, now that you have some kind of handle on it</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Anyway, you're heading back next week after jogging every day, like Big Lem said</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So you're just gonna stock up on (beg mom for) healthier food and do this schedule every day</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Up early, bed early, excercise, eat better</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Aaaaaaaaand...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So you're in a convenience store</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're trying to pick a water to buy</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This one has electrolytes</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But this one is Ph 8.88</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This one was voted best work out water</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But this one is half off right now</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This one has protein, which... &quot;promotes good muscle growth&quot;?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But this one has a clown on it</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Dang it, which one's better</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Why is eating healthy so hard?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You sigh, letting your shoulders sag</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Guess you're gonna have to buy both</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You trudge back to the regis...ter...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The mustached guy at the register is quietly pulling money out and putting it down on the counter</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;For a burglar, who's got a gun in his pocket and pointing it forward</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What the actual fuck, dude. It's 10 AM and he's robbing someone!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What the fuck!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What a piece of shit!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You set the bottles down on the counter, nice and quiet and look around</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Canned peas</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Canned ham...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yeah... Canned whole chicken</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It fits nice in your palms</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fuck this guy, dude, shitting up your town</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You glare over at the counter</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There's one of those mirrors, but the burglar won't notice you if you come up right behind him</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;One</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Two</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;One, two</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You swing up, let your left hand go, and whip the can on his head</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Whew</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You take a deep breath and pick up the can and tie the guy's sleeves together behind his back</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Stupid kid</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Scrawny dude too, pretty boy face</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Eugh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You go back and grab your waters and reach for your money</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Thank you!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wha?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Looking up, you see the dude running the store crying and praying</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You are a gift from God! Thank you for your help, thank you thank you thank you!&quot;</span><br />&quot;Uh...&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look around the store for the hidden cams, but there ain't none. &quot;K-kay.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You hold out your money. &quot;I just did what anyone would do, dude.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He grabs your hand in both of his</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;No no! No money! I'll give you the water, for free, you come by every day for a free drink for your good act!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Blink</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grin. &quot;Thanks, dude! You're awesome!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He grins back and hustles to stuff the money back in the register</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You go on home!&quot; He chuckles, and gives you a weird salute. &quot;I have to get the cops here, and I can't explain a little kid stopping a robber!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You snort and hustle out. &quot;Thanks again dude, I'll be back tomorrow morning!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'll be waiting!&quot;</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Gosh...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's like 11, you think</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Bout time to head home for lunch</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grab Big Lem's paper from your waist band</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;'Do NOT excercise more than 3 hours per day. Do NOT exercise for more than 1 hour per 8 hours!'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yep... Lunch and... Something, till after dinner</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hm.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Why's mom's car here?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Door's unlocked too</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You slowly twist and slide in</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Duffle bag is still at the door</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grab the bat and swing it into both hands</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You hear the sounds of eating</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The kitchen</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;One, two, one-two</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There's a fucking bastard in your kitchen, eating your food</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ma looks up from him and smiles at you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Hey sweet pea!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The dude stops and turns to you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He grins that grin full of crooked teeth, framed by five o'clock shadow</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;His shitty jacket smells</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He smells</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Hey, lil Zappy!&quot;</span><br />&quot;Sup, assmunch.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Lightning Zap</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Dad's home</span><br />&quot;Hey.&quot; You make sure he knows you still hate his gappy grin and stubble and shitty cologne and ugly face with one word<br /><span class="co4">&gt;As always, he grins real wide at you, not getting it. He just puts his arm out to you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Come give your pappy a hug!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You squint at him</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You wanna say a few things before you hug him, but you don't</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Only because ma's pleading eyes catch your eye</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Instead you groan and walk away</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Don't walk away, come give me a hug! Something got you down, baby cakes?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Whatever</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You lay down on your bed and grab some new batteries for your walkman</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Dad comes bumbling in</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fffffffffffffffffug</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stare at your walkman, almost melting it with your anger</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He drops down next to you, throwing an arm around your shoulder</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He clicks his tongue, snaps his fingers and points at you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Who wants to go to the zoo?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Not me.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;C'mon-&quot;</span><br />&quot;No.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It'll be fun, I swear!&quot;</span><br />&quot;Sure.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Nice, nice, I'll just grab the car.&quot;</span><br />&quot;No.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your dad pauses and puts his hands together as he sits next to you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;God, he's stinking up the place with that shitty cologne</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look away so you don't have to smell him</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Are those Poppy's... Old clothes?&quot;</span><br />&quot;I guess.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You pry open the battery hole and slide them out</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;They look good on you. You trying the old styling look out?&quot;</span><br />&quot;I'm trying to lose weight, actually, cause I'm fat and need to.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You answered the next couple of questions, maybe he'll shut up</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Good. You slide some batteries in</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;So.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Ugh!&quot; You throw your head up, and then glare at him<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He raises his hands, and you can see gold all over his wrists</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Hey, come on, I just want to be a part of your life!&quot;</span><br />&quot;And I don't. Get out.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;But-&quot;</span><br />&quot;Out!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You throw a pillow at him, and he starts walking out</span><br />&quot;This counted as your visit, by the way!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He stops in the middle of the hall and points down at you. &quot;Bullshit it did! I deserve a real father daughter day, don't pull this fuckin bullshit, Indy!&quot;</span><br />&quot;Get out!&quot;<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;8 hours later, and you're fugging exhausted, showered, and fed</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Just trying to relax with some dvd ma rented</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You and she are snugged up on the couch, sitting pretty in front of the fan</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And you suddenly remember your dad from this morning</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fug</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And here you were enjoying yourself</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What the fug, though</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Why can't he just go away?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ugh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Bad enough you have to deal with being fat, you have to deal with him every other week</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mm, but your work out went well today</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Like Big Lem said, you made sure not to kill yourself with the running</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You made sure to eat good, too. Which is super important</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So time to just relax</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Watch some anime, you guess</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Power Ponies, but from neighpon</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's been interesting so far, but you're fading in and out</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Listen, Chilly. You and I need to have this talk.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's always weird that Mistress Mare-velous used their real names all the time</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;At least to you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You yawn, long and hard</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Boy, that was a yawn</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;-heroes. You, me, everyone on this team.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hm?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;We don't fight the bad guys because we want to. We fight them because we have to. If we don't, who will? It's not destiny, it's not our duty, it isn't even something as frivilous as using our powers responsibly.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You lean forward</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;We're heroes. That means we stop wrongs and evils just because no one will. Because it doesn't come naturally to anyone else like us. Only heroes get the urge to do good like us, and we can't sit idly by and let that urge go un-scratched.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You lean back again, closing your eyes</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;MM's always cool with her speeches</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Superheroes are awesome</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grimace</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wish you had some superheroes in Canterlot</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Someone to wipe the floor with your dad and punks like that shitter in the convenience store this morning</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But all it's got is you to bean punks with cans and mouth off at your dad</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Eh, whatever</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Why don't you just become a superhero?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Heh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;That'd be totally rad</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You yawn and cuddle Ma, closing your eyes</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;6 AM!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You slap your alarm and go back to tying up your trainers</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Duffle bag</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Baseball bat</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Keys</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Six waters (with a clowns on em)</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Some cash</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yeah, you're ready!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Time for your second week!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You take a deep breath and march on into the kitchen, smile creeping on your face as you inhale</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Inny, you up!?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Yeah, ma.&quot; You take your seat, and ma sets down breakfast and a cup of coffee<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Coffee first</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Black, baby</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's strong, just like you like it, and it's not that sweet either, which wakes you up like you want</span><br />&quot;Aaaaaah!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ma giggles as you shake your head and dig into breakfast</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You're looking better, sweet pea. All that work's really payin off.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grin at her and chew</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's leaning forward on one of her hands, smiling, and already finished her breakfast</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You smile back. &quot;Thanks, ma.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She grabs up everything but your plate and moves to the sink</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She shouts over the rushing water, &quot;So what's up today? More runnin?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You take a deep breath and nod...</span><br />&quot;Gettin ready for next week's exhibition.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;The what!?&quot;</span><br />&quot;The exhibition, ma!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You roll your eyes and add your plate to the sink just as she stops the water, making her start again</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She rubs a wet hand into your hair!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fug!</span><br />&quot;MA!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ma just giggles at you and pokes your nose with a soapy finger</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You shake away the soap and rub your face</span><br />&quot;Bah! I'll see you later, Ma!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She just keeps giggling as you walk out with your crap</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ma...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look around outside</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Another bright and sun shiney day in canterlot</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Punks run in the streets, bullies roam the schools and no one does anything about either</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Some guy is letting his dog shit on your lawn</span><br />&quot;Hey!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He gives you a glare and a bird</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You whip out Blueberry Pop and chase him and his stupid dog for a few minutes, with no one saying anything about it</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You love this city</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You walk again, rolling your shoulders</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Canterlot city, Equestria</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's 2012, and this city is still standing</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It really speaks to the... Uh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's like</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;People just won't leave, 2bh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Like this city would have been broken a long time ago if no one wanted to deal with any of the bs here</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But then again</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Can you and mom leave?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hm</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Not... Really?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wait, how many people are like you and mom?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Everyone in your neighborhood</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But like no one is in any crystal schools...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You furrow your brow and ponder</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Okay, so your school costs a fortune</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And ma barely managed to paid for any of it</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Aaaaaaaand...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;No one else in your neighborhood can afford that</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What were you thinking about?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Right, like no one can afford to leave Canterlot</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And a lot of stuff sucks, but that doesn't mean it's a bad city</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Augh... Someone's gotta clean up Canterlot, so everyone see how cool it is...</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh fug</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You squeeze your fingers behind your head</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Deep breath</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You pull forward, pushing one more time</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You clench your teeth so you don't sputter all over yourself</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;C'mon, Indy!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;That's Blueblood</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He gets paid to yell at you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Can you do it!? Gotta ask yourself! CAN YOU DO IIIIIIIIT!?&quot;</span><br />&quot;YEAH! AUGH <span class="nu0">43</span>!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You pull forward one more time, your forehead stopping an inch from his</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He shouts out again</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;CAN YOU DO IT!?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He's p great 2bh</span><br />&quot;I CAN! <span class="nu0">44</span>!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Just then, Big Lem steps behind Blueblood and sets a huge hand on his shoulder</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Alright, enough shoutin, it's time fer the real work out. Lots planned today, Inigo. Gotta see how you progressed.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You slowly fall back flat, breathing heavy</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Ya ready?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You nod and wipe your forehead</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;No you ain't. Get yourself a cooldown stretch and some water first.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And then he walks away, smirking</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You smirk back</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Big Lem talks big, but he cares</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Blueblood slides behind you and puts his hands on your shoulders</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You ready!?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You manage to gasp, &quot;Totes.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Blueblood helps you up and you stretch a little to get the blood back into your wobbly legs</span><br />&quot;Whatcha think he's got?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Blueblood shrugs and crosses his thick arms</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I suppose he's got the usual in store for you, little lady.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He smirks</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You frown</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He talks weird when he's not working out</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I do hope you can overcome your anticipation and come out on top though.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You pick up your water bottle and sip a bit</span><br />&quot;Yeah, same, 2bh. Does he do this a lot?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Blueblood cocks a brow and shakes his head as he sits down and hooks his fingers into a free weight</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Nah, dude. Never seen Big Lem doing this.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You watch him curl the weight for a while until you've caught your second wind</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Time to impress Big Lem</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wherever he is</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Where'd he go?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look around the flat gym</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;In his office, maybe...?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You walk past a few older tough guys and to his door</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He usually doesn't like to be bothered, but...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You gotta know what this is about!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You raise a knuckle</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And his door flies open</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He's there</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He slowly looks down at you, still pissed as usual</span><br />&quot;Hey, sup?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He cocks a brow</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Big Lem reaches up and rubs at his stubble</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It's time.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He guides you to one of the older treadmills, one of the ones that can't go too hard for too long...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Why?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;BB.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Blueblood puts his mega protein bar into his belt and saunters over, hand on his bouncing hip</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Big Lem grumbles, &quot;Stop that.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He starts the treadmill, leaving you to walk on it, and nods to your swole coach</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Increase the speed every ten seconds until she flies off.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You jump and keep walking, &quot;W-what!?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Blueblood salutes and Big Lem walks off</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Just before you can say anything, he starts the treadmill on a walk</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You keep walking, but shake your head</span><br />&quot;W-wait, what're you doin?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Blueblood shrugs. &quot;Just doing what the boss says. I'm sure he knows what's what.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You toss out your hands. &quot;What? Come on, that's crazy.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Blueblood bats at the air with a limp hand. &quot;Please, you'll do fine!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And that's when he grabs the dial and turns it</span><br />&quot;Stop!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He shrugs, and you almost stumble into a slow jog</span><br />&quot;Come on!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Uh, what's up, Indy?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grunt as you jog</span><br />&quot;This isn't cool, don't keep pushing it.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Blueblood shakes his head and turns it up into a quick jog</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You take a deep breath and keep your breathing even</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This treadmill doesn't go too much faster, luckily</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He can't turn it up too high or else it'll fall apart</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You think</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Blueblood reaches over and you smack his hand</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He chuckles and steps next to you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As you jog, he ties up your hair for you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Then twists the dial when you aren't looking!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Running now! FFS! You almost trip over yourself, and the treadmill isn't doing better!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This huge bulky thing is shaking, it's gonna fugging explode!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You just gotta keep running, cause if you trip or slip, you'll fugging get launched!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Just breathe, Indy</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Blueblood won't turn it up higher, cause he's not allowed to</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This thing is rattling at the nuts and bolts</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Deep breaths</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;See, he's not even near the controls</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Instead, he's wrapping up your hair for you, into a pony tail</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Ready?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What?</span><br />&quot;W-wha?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;ARE YOU READY?&quot;</span><br />&quot;No!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He slams his hand onto the treadmill controls, tossing it forward into overdrive!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Holy moly!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your feet fly across the belt thingy floor part and you keep running</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You feel something in your side explode, but your feet keep going</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your feet just fly back and forth and it doesn't even feel like you're making contact anymore!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But yeah, looking down, you're def hitting that belt thing!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And looking forward, you see Blueblood bite his lip</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;With a hand over the control</span><br />&quot;N-n-n-nooooo!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The thing is already shaking! It's gonna freaking explode!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He twists the dial once more</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You fly back</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oof</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're not dead?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're raised up to your feet?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wha?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Big Lem squeezes your shoulders and you blink, looking back at him</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He has an approving frown, and nods</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;G'job, Inigo.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You gulp and nod</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You take a deep breath and tighten your bag's straps across your chest</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cars are goin, so might as well take the moment, right?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And it keeps comin loose, dude</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Deep breath</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sun says its been like three hours since the gym</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And you're still sore all over from Big Lem's... Test thing</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Whatever the fug that was...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;At least your breathing is even now</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You reach down and squish at your belly</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There's less of you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You smile and look down at your looser shirt</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Big Lem is nuts, but he's smart</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fuggin smart as hell</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Knows a lot about gettin fit, like he's a genius...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The light changes, and you get back into step</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Heel - toe times infinity</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ad nauseum? Ad museum? Until you get sick of it, that's the word of the day</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yeah</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Run forever, listen to rock forever, and eventually, you'll get into CPA</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Do Ma proud, keep running these streets till you get fit enough to blow everyone outta the water</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A big smile fills your cheeks</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Gonna do Ma proud</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Gonna make her smile!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Faster! Breathing harder!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The streets blur together but you keep going</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can't read the signs, cars are blending together, and you only just now stop</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Because you're at a street light</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Gotta wait</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You jog in place</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;O-oh, h-hey.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wha</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ayy, it's Twilight</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You smirk and give her the two finger salute</span><br />&quot;Sup!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's got her usual half smile, and that blue girl with her</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;S-sup yourself... Y-you're r-r-really thinning o-out.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her friend nods. &quot;Trixie thinks you look good.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Aw man</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your face heats up and you shrug</span><br />&quot;I'm just doin my best!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She giggles. &quot;W-well, y-your best is p-pretty good, I-indy.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grin and give her a thumbs up</span><br />&quot;Thanks! But I'm not done yet! I'm gonna keep goin till I'm a star, I've got like... So many weeks left!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;E-eleven weeks.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Eleven weeks!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They look at each other and grin</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Daw</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The light changes, so you salute</span><br />&quot;Seeya at the tourney?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Twilight nods, giving you a thumbs up. &quot;G-gonna be c-cool, d-dude.&quot;</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You chuckle inside as you jog</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Heh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Those two are cute... When they aren't fighting</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Bleh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But they're just a couple of smart girls who hang around the HSHW tourneys</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They enter as a team cause no one cares</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They usually come 1-5 or 0-6, so literally no one cares that they enter as a team</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;(Besides, it's kinda cute the way Trixie tries to be Twi's hypeman)</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hm</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You should get to painting up your Relic Harvesters and Egg Spewers</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Kind of... Super need those</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Especially if Sour Patch actually has all the smurfs she took that selfie with the other day</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Gotta whoop her ass</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Humiliating you last month... She's gonna pay</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;'Oh boo hoo, Indy's using an illegal army!'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;'Look, as of the October errata, her Swarmers cost 6 each, not 5, so her army is 50 pts over!'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fuggin</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Slap that bi...mbo</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Slap her.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yeah</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;No!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wait, what</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Where did that come from?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You squat down and listen</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There's a girl screaming into something covering her mouth</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There's an ally near you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As you creep closer, you can hear her better</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You peek around the corner</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A guy has a girl in a full nelson, and she's got something stuffed into her mouth</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Two other dudes are getting close</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ffs, it's not even noon! You stupid sewer rats!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You creep into the alley and behind a dumpster</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Slap her again.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;SMACK</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Before he even hit, Blueberry Pop is in your hand</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You get closer to the other side of the alley</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There's a fire escape, which you climb</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sneakers. They're for this.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Three men</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;All the same size</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You get to the top without too much noise</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They're making enough noise that you can afford to bump and snag the metal</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Poor girl</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The alley is only ten feet across, but there's enough trash, that it's basically like 8 feet across</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The fire escape extends three feet out</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Those punks in front of her are in the middle of the alley, basically</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You narrow your eyes</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're right above them</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grit your teeth and squeeze your bat</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Which one</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;No guns, their jackets aren't weighed down</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;One has a knife</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The one holding the girl is basically defenseless</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Knifey it is-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You slide your scarf out and wrap it up across your mouth, nice and tight</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Time to serve ass</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You drop and swing, super quiet</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Blueberry Pop POPS against the side of Knifey's head, and you land on his friend's shoulders</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They lose their freaking minds, and start screaming</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But you pop Knifey again, and he drops</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;His bro tries punching you, but your running/thicc thighs are good at soak</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So it's just a quick matter of jamming the butt of your bat into the top of his head till he drops</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You hop up and glare up at Hold Bro</span><br />&quot;Get the fuck outta Canterlot, you piece of shit.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He sprints off, but you throw a trash can lid at him</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He stumbles... Gives you a chance to pop on him</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So, three KO'd alley rats</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look back at the girl</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She pulls her... Undies out of her mouth</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ew</span><br />&quot;You kay?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She rubs the back of her neck and nods</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I-I guess. Who are you?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You chuckle and put your bat away, pulling out some rope and a skateboard</span><br />&quot;I call myself Amber Horizon. Just doing what I do.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She watches you search them up</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;A-are you mugging them!?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You shake your head as you grab up one of their cell phones</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;One of those fancy smart ones</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Uh... Apps...</span><br />&quot;Nope, just calling the police to pick up the trash.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look back at her, smiling under your scarf</span><br />&quot;You should go home. Get some rest, take the day off.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She makes an understanding sound</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Then hugs you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You chuckle and hug her back, till she starts to walk off with a wave</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You wave back and dial 9/11</span><br />&quot;Hey. It's me. Amber Horizon. I got three more. Corner of 11th and 4th, North Canterlot.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You hang up and toss it into the pile of rats</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You take one of their hoodies, tie em up and...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Roll them to the edge of the alley</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You sprint off to the end of the alley and keep running</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Deep breaths</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You cross four blocks and slow down</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Then stop at a bus stop</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Water</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You take off the hoodie and your scarf, tossing the hoodie in the trash while you guzzle water</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;That's done...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You toss the water bottle</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wait no, you can refill that</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Plus, it has a clown on it</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Which is p great</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stare at the clown</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her happy grin is infectious</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You sit down at the bus stop bench</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Those are the like...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Uh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fug</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Okay... Average of... Two</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Seven days</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Twelfth-ish, thirteenth-ish and fourteenth-ish thugs you've locked up</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Er well, Amber Horizon has locked up</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This city is great</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's got a lot of room for people to grow, but she lets everyone live within her walls</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's up to her good kids to polish her up</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Take care of her in her old age</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You lean forward, taking a deep breath</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Amber Horizon will continue to fight for her city</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;For your city</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;For all the good people who live in her stone walls and steel skeleton</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;For you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;For Ma</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's gonna fight</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You close your eyes and lean back, taking another deep breath</span><br />&quot;Be the one to save this city.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Augh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grab your side</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The fug?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You pull up your shirt</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Nothing there...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Poke</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;No, nothing there</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Weird</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Felt like someone pinched you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Meh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Better start walking home for lunch</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You hop up and start lightly jogging the twenty blocks home</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Nice and cool, you pull out your keys</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ma's not here</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Neither is dad</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You push open the door</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Good</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You slide on in and</span><br />&quot;Ah...&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Home sweet home</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Nice and cool</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You wander on over to the living room and pop it on</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;News</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Important to watch</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Even if some of the stations lie, it's easy enough to pick out what the actual truth is, if you think about it</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But right now, it looks like they're just going on about some 'stay cool in the summer' tips</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Good stuff</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You turn it up and and walk away, on into the kitchen</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;And we're here with Granny Smith, oldest member of the Canterlot community. Granny, what do you do to stay cool?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Almond butter...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Ya see, lil missy, we hear at Sweet Apple Acres like to cool off the same way our forefathers did!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hm, toast or not?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;A dip in the waterin hole!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;...That's gross</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Not the watering hole, your almond butter needs to be stirred</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grab a knife and get to it while walking back to the living room</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Granny Smith is in a 30's bathing suit and leaning on a cane, and</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Whoa</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Is that her grand daughter?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's pretty cute, with the freckles...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The toaster pops. You flinch and hustle back to the kitchen</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yeah, lunch</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Toast, almond butter...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You pop open the fridge...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mm... A fruit, a fruit</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Grapes?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Maybe... An apple?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh boy</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's gonna be one of those days, isn't it?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Bluh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You shake your head and grab the red fruit</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The news changes in the other room to... Something</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh a commercial</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You take your time, then</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Chop up the red fruit</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Grab a plate, put down the wedges</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Deal out some almond goo</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your toast goes next to that...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And... Some...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look over at the coffee maker</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Nice</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You scoop some of that black good stuff in and turn it on</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Then back to the tv with your food</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Looks like the news is back</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The head of the Canterlot PTA is... Talking about crime rate</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This lady gets around</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You slide your toast into the almond and bite</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her name is on the screen, but you've heard of her</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's been making waves in the Canterlot local government</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's full of radical ideas for reform and making law enforcement better, but never getting in the way of people living their lives</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You like her</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This Luna is a pretty 20-something. Even though she's young, she has a serious frown and even though she works at CHS, she's dressed like she works at an office</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Probs for the conference</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You turn the tv up a bit so you can hear it over your munching</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Everybody's out of work, punks are running wild in the street, and no one seems to know what to do about the wild happenings either. There's no end to it. Canterlot is seen as the worst city in Equestria to live in right now.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Huh...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There's booing from the crowd</span><br />&quot;Shut up, nerds!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She patiently waits until they finish</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Every day we get reports of, say eight homocides, twenty firearm crimes and four cases of arson, like that's the way it's supposed to be. But that's not how it's supposed to be!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This is met with silence. Maybe stunned silence</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I know things are bad, everyone knows things are bad. But I'm here to tell you that the solution is near!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yeah?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I, along with the CPD, am working on a new program of training to ensure the people's safety. Your safety.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She leans forward, palms set against her podium as her frown turns to a smile.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You pop a red fruit into your mouth and mindlessly chew</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Mayor Mare has already given her approval to the new program, and we should begin training as early as the start of autumn. I can't tell you exactly what it consists of - yet. But I can tell you this.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're on the edge of your seat, and your fourty year old tv buzzes out her next words</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It's going to be the cutting edge of crime response technology.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After that, Luna gives the stage to the Mayor</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And she goes right into blabbing about this or that</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You blink and chew some more</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Swallow</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Good speech, you guess</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But that's a tall order...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hopefully Luna knows what she's doing</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hopefully this goes well</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hopefully! This is good for Canterlot!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You take a deep breath and look down at your empty plate</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What's she planning, though?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your side hurts a little, so you rub it</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Luna's pretty smart</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's a good planner</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She plans all sorts of cool stuff</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She was responsible for a ton of small things</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Like CPA accepting scholarships after like a hundred years of not doing that</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But this?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What's she got?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You set your plate down and start scrubbing it with a soapy sponge</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You furrow your brow</span><br />&quot;What do you have, Luna? What are you bringing to my city?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The phone rings, drawing your attention from the butter knife you're staring down</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's the middle of the day</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You wander over</span><br />&quot;Hey, Pop house.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Whoever it is takes a deep breath</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Whoever it is, he sounds like a sweet old man</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Hello, is this Indigo Zap?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Niceness aside, it's kinda random, getting a call like this</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Also creepy</span><br />&quot;Hi? No one by that name lives here.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh. My mistake! Sorry little lady, I must have the wrong number!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He doesn't hang up though</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I just don't use the phone that often, you see.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Uh huh...&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You furrow your brow and lean your back against the sink</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I got this number from her mother, you see.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ma?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I just wanted to talk to her for a bit, you know?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stare at the table as he slowly speaks</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He sounds like a really nice guy...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But something about him seems... Off</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Ah, but what am I bothering you for?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can't place your finger on it</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You should get back to that pain in your side, Indy!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You gasp as it flairs up</span><br />&quot;Who are you?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Hm?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grab your side and rub it</span><br />&quot;I said, who are you, dude?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He chuckles on the other end</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;How rude of me! I am a simple old man. They call me Scorpan, but I'm not that important.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'm worried more about that pain in your side, Indigo...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He... Actually sounds kinda worried</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'm a special kind of doctor, you see. I heard that you sprained a muscle in a very special way today.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You furrow your brow again</span><br />&quot;Should I stop exercising?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh, no... I think it should be fine. If you continue to exercise.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You hear him chuckle</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;In fact, I think your extra exercising will be good for relieving this sprain.&quot;</span><br />&quot;...Huh?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Da fug?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Your extra exercising? With the baseball bat!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You flinch</span><br />&quot;W-what!?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He chuckles again, but then slowly speaks, nice and sweet</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Indigo, Indigo... Please, it's okay.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You take a deep breath</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I like your work, honestly.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You take another deep breath</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You have a very creative persona, too. Amber Horizon... After the sunset, or sunrise?&quot;</span><br />&quot;S-sunrise. O-o-ov-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Over Canterlot, yes.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He speaks lower again, really trying to calm you down</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Indigo, I swear. You are not in trouble, nor am I threatening you, or anything like that... I just wanted to talk. Can we talk?&quot;</span><br />&quot;S-sure.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Okay.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Again</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Nice and slow</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Like he's talking to a scared... Patient?</span><br />&quot;Did you say you were a doctor?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'm a very particular doctor, yes. I'm just interested in making sure that that special strain you have isn't too bad.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Okay... So, what, you need me to come to you?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He chuckles</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;No, no, I don't need you to come over unless you fail this simple test...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You take a deep breath and square your shoulders</span><br />&quot;Okay?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Press two fingers into the sprain, nice and firm.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Okay...&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Poke</span><br />&quot;Ow!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh dear. How far did you get?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Fug... Not too far?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh dear... Please visit me then, when you can. I'm local...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He sputters a bit and you lower your shirt while he shuffles around papers</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;22nd and 14th, building two. Central Canterlot.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Kay...&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;That Scorpan guy was weird...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Clank!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You twist your hands across your bat</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Gotta get Ma to drive you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Swing</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Thwonk!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Clang!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The auto-pitcher winds back up</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You move your feet back and forth, sliding against the sand</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Next week's no good, you've got the exhibition</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Big Lem wants you to be there, show off his new junior while Lil Lem is out of town</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Thwonk!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Week after that...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Tourney</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Gotta beat Sour Patch's tits in this month</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Clang!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ma's only got Sundays off...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hm...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Thwonk!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Hey, yer pretty good.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Thanks...&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You sorta auto-reply</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Lotsa people telling you that these days</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You just kinda picked up doing this to have an excuse to pack Blueberry Pop</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Whoever the dude is chuckles</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Ah came here tah pick up mah cousin n' her girliefriend. Didn' know many folk'er still comin roun here.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You sigh and look over at-</span><br />&quot;Holy sh...&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Pretty boy</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The one from the convenience store</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The back of his head is covered in wrappings, and he's wearing the same ratty navy hoodie, and a big belt under...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He chuckles as he steps closer to your cage</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Ah know Ah gotta handsome face, but can Ah get a hello?&quot;</span><br />&quot;H-hey.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The girl from news comes up behind him, along with a rainbow haired girlie</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You gulp when he's looking back at his cousin, you guess she is</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He looks back at you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Be sein ya. Glad ta see someone's keepin Equestria's oldest sport alive sides lil Renbow.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She scoffs</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I don't think she's keeping it alive, but whatever.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She thumbs at herself. &quot;Not everyone can be as awesome as I am!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh fug, she ruins the tension</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You chuckle and set Blueberry Pop against your shoulder</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She smirks at you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Something funny?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You shrug. &quot;Nah, well maybe you.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her girlfriend chuckles, a deep southern chuckle</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Ah think RD's a real hoot sometimes too.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She blushes before she can counter your taunt</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The pretty boy pats at them both. &quot;C'mon, granny'll be mighty angry if'n you two are late.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You watch them leave</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fug...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Pretty boy</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Does he know who you are?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The auto-pitcher loads up again</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You backhand swing the ball against the fence</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You get your footing again</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He doesn't</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look back at him</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He's looking through his keys</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But he notices you and waves, smiling</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You wave back and smile</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You got him good with that can</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And Amber made sure not to be seen</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yeah</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Thwonk!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Clank!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He was just some dumb thug</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;One of dozens you and Amber have and will take down...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;...Thwonk!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;...If you... Amber, took him down...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Why isn't he in prison?</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;That question has been bugging you all day</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your memory is bad</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can't really check if every goon, hench and thug are the same person or not, but</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The police have to be doing SOMETHING right?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Amber called and everything...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You open the front door and wander on in</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Inny is that you!&quot;</span><br />&quot;Yeah ma!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You slide off your sneakers and drop em</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'm in the living room! Come snuggle with me!&quot;</span><br />&quot;Kay!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Thugs... Put em aside for now</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Mommy time</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Speaking of Mommy</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You set her bat down next to the door with extra care</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Blueberry Pop did good today</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Many goons, much xp</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Good day</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Confusing day, but eh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You wander on into the living room, where mom's got a fan set up next to her, and the tv on</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You relax next to mom and she immediately hugs you close</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She smooches your cheek, makin you giggle</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But then she grunts</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Aw... I'm happy you're doing so good, but I miss your belly, sweet pea.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You bust out laughing, and she joins you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You close your eyes</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;When you open them the tv is on the news, and mom is gone</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There's a cop on</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;...Amber?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You blink and sit up, straining your eyes as you yawn</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Like I said, this Amber Horizon... She's no good.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You blink and rub away some yawn tears</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Officer Copper Top, CPD</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Channel 12 News</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This lady is calling Amber out?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sure</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;S-u-r-e</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;She's a menace. A vigilante working outside the law to her own ends.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You smirk</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;If you're watching, Amber Horizon?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Yeah?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You cock your head and sneer</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You're not welcome in Canterlot City. Leave crime fighting for the crime fighters!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You jump up and put out the birds</span><br />&quot;Yeah? Fuck you too, do your job!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You yawn</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fug, you're tired</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You sit back down and recline</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The news station switches to some reporter lady</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;But not everyone disagrees with Amber Horizon.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh yeah?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The reporter moves to stand next to someone with a blurred outface</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;We have a recently reformed member of the Rotten Apples gang, who claims to have met Amber Horizon.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can tell it's pretty boy, apple kid</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;When was this filmed?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Not live, obviously</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So he... Knows who you are?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;What do you have to say about Amber Horizon?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He hitches his belt and stuffs his hands in his hoodie pocket</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I think she's doing good for this city.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh fug they had to get someone to dub him</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;His accent probably fugged up the voice blurrer</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;That's p hilarious</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But... He knew who you were?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I've never met her, thank God in heaven.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;But after getting a good hit from someone, I dunno, I feel like it knocked some sense into me.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hunh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Pretty boy turned good?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I know I have a lot of apologizing to do, but I'm glad I got a second chance. I feel like if I can change, Amber Horizon can change at least half the thugs she puts away.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You recline</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And smile</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;We're doing good</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're doing good</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You close your eyes. Tomorrow's Sunday, time to sleep in a bit</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Terra Gold...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;D-dab...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Gently...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Just the claw</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Just this one claw</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Not the finger</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Claw</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yass</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You sigh and set down your brush</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;That's one more Wriggler done</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You flip him over and grab a permanent marker</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;W14</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You set him aside and grab your notepad</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wrigglers</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Subspace Claws:</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;W1, W2, W3, W4, W5, W6, W7, W8, W9, W10, W11, W12, W13</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;W... 14</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You hum to yourself as you add this guy to the other lists</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He's got Subspace Claws, the Mindless trait, Pod Mate and Improved Carapace</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You sigh and look at your army</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're bringing a lot fewer this month</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Out of your hundred thirty, only eighty are coming now</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;These improvements will be worth it...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Just to see Sour Patch's face when you drop three Egg Pods turn two</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Heh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Kek!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You pick up the next one and your brush</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;...The tourney will last till 11 PM</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Will anyone notice Amber missing?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You slowly dip your brush into Terra Gold</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And you slide the bristles against the open part of the little bottle</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Then you put the brush in some water</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Thinning paint...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;...You can slip out and do a quick patrol right now</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Augh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You set the brush down and grab a marker</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;W15</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You set him down and grab up your notebook</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You sigh as you scribble some more</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The CPD will notice</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You set down your notebook and pen and grab your forehead</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Okay</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The CPD will notice you gone</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And the tourney will happen next month</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Leaving you with a gap that has to be filled</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You set down this little guy and stand up, heading out of the kitchen</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Gotta get some air</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You walk past the living room and smile at Ma</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's napping, with the TV on</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Horizon. Investigators believe-&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stop</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;The style is very similar. Police believe that this Magenta Sunrise may be an accomplice to Amber Horizon.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You take a step back</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;The police should do something about those rats running around, huh, Indy?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You sock your dad in the chin</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You both grab yourselves and groan</span><br />&quot;Dafug are you doing here!?&quot; You make sure to whisper so mom doesn't wake up<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He rubs at his chin some more, and rolls his jaw</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;With a nod, dad mutters, &quot;Good right hook...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You glare at him and raise your fist again</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;God, lay off. BB asked me to drive you to your toy game. Pack your shit.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You roll your eyes and cross your arms</span><br />&quot;First, fuck off with the toy game nonsense. Second, it's not till <span class="nu0">6</span>, third, I can walk.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He scoffs</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I got shit to do, Indy. Enough games, pack up and lets go.&quot;</span><br />&quot;I'm not going.&quot; You wander back to the kitchen and sit down, tossing your hair back up into a ponytail<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grab up a Husker and check your notes</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Dad slaps the table</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I ain't fuckin around, Indy, let's go!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You glare up at him and put a finger to your lips</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Shhhh. &quot;Ma's sleeping.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He throws his hands half way up and leaves the kitchen</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Huskers are losing their Terra-Bane bolters and gaining...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You flip the page back and forth</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Gaining... Extra armor?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Carapace and armor don't stack though...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wot de zog</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stand and hustle to your room</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can't help but notice dad's sitting next to mom in the living room</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hm</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Whatever, that's fine</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Once in your room, you grab up the Slugganoid Codex...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And see a little box on your nightstand</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's labeled &quot;To: Indy&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grab it too and walk back to the kitchen while flipping through your book</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Why armor...?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Okay, armor, armor...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hm</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;'Slugganoids gain no benefit from wearing armor since it is not designed for their forms'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;'However, that only-'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ohhhhhhh yeah!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Armor adds +2 armor against shrapnel and +2 against shell cracking...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yer fuggin smart</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Huskers' size means they can get hit by three grenades in a round...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You sit down and quickly start painting</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ugh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Dad...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;At least you're at the tourney hall, surrounded by 200 nerds and no idiot thugs or... Whatever dad calls himself</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You slump down at one of the tables and pull out your army</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Almost fugging... Ruined your paint job like a hundred times</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look over all of them, one at a time</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yeah...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;15 Wrigglers, 15 Huskers, 15 Decapedes, 15 Webbers, 10 Grub Tossers, 5 Terror Formians, 3 Hive Bosses, 2 Titanic Queens</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;80 big bad bugs. Yeah</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They're all okay</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Nice paintjob, Indy.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grin up at the L1</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He hands you the usual forms and stuff for entry and carefully look over one of your Huskers</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Changing it up? Care to share?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You shake your head, smirking</span><br />&quot;Nah, dude. Not out loud anyway.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You scribble in the usual and pull a copy of your army list out of your backpack</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He sighs and trades forms for your Husker</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'll be watching... Don't let Sour get under your skin this time, okay?&quot;</span><br />&quot;I mean, I'll try...&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You shrug as he reads your list and whistles</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;If Sour Patch starts something...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're gonna kick her ass in a game</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Maybe kick her ass after, too</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You've...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You blink</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grab at your soft belly</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And the harder abs underneath</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can totally destroy Sour now...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You slowly sit up</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And pretend to look over your notes a bit</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your hands are shaking</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You really need to keep your cool this time</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;If you fight Sour, you might end up knocking her out</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Or worse</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sour Sweet is just a chubby girl with a fat butt and big boobs</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She might have a few inches on you, but...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Amber's been knocking out groups of thugs for weeks now</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You gulp and close your eyes</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;If she picks a fight with you...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Can Amber throw a fight?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;S-she... Sour's not a thug or a villain</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It'll.... It'll be okay</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You think</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your brow furrows as you imagine all the ways that fight could go</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A fist to the face</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A knee to the gut</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A literal ass kicking</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Table breaking, chair slamming, neck slamming, figure smashing</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Augh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;First dad, now this</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;No matter what Sour's got planned, you're gonna have to keep yourself from busting a vein when you see her</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;H-hey, Indy.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Salutations, Indigo!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look behind</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Twi and Trix are wavin and comin to ya</span><br />&quot;O-oh hey! Yo, wassap?&quot; You smile and wave<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Okay, you can handle a bit of these two, you know that for sure!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They drop their giant backpacks onto the table, and the whole thing jumps</span><br />&quot;Wat.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;They snicker</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;P-part of o-our new p-plan.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yes! We shall blow away the competition!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Smirking, you shrug</span><br />&quot;Can't wait...&quot; You relax again, waiting on round <span class="nu0">1</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Ms. Zap! Is there anything new happening?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Shrug</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Not gonna say anything about your army...</span><br />&quot;Uh... I lost weight. Like a lotta weight.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;They sit across from you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Twilight does</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Trixie stands next to her, holding her arms behind her back</span><br />&quot;I-I noticed. Y-you look r-really good!&quot;<br />&quot;Heh.&quot; You shrug, feeling your cheeks burn up<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're about to say something, but Trixie's phone goes off</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Twilight glares at her</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;P-put it away! W-we're at a t-t-tournament!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh, but Trixie can't help it! Amber is so interesting, she has to check all the news now!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Uh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Twilight just bats at Trixie some, with Trixie dodging away to read her news update</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;S-silence it!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Trixie smirks and does some things on her phone and puts it away</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I-Is it on m-mute?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Maybe!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You rub your forehead and look away</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;How many people talk about Amber?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;How popular is she?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You didn't ask for this!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You don't want to-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What if someone figures out you're Amber?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Holy. Moly. That's a bad thought</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;How would they figure it out though?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;So Indigo!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You snap to Trixie</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She grins bobbibg her head back and forth</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Trixie cannot help but notice! You have been ahead of the fashion curve!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wha</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What are you wearing?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Tights, a faded Black Sabboth tee, high tops</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stare at your bracelets and looks back at Trixie and Twilight</span><br />&quot;Wut?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;They both point at their ponytails</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You also have a po-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;AMBER HAS A PONYTAIL</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You take a deep breath and don't freak out</span><br />&quot;Oh, yeah! Yeah, I just like keeping my hair outta the way!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Awkward chuckle (since these nerds won't notice)</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Still</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They giggle with you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Twilight winks. &quot;I-I never noticed, b-but you're p-pretty good l-looking.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;...wat</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She grins wide</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Y-you look k-k-kinda like a b-blast from the p-p-past!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stare at her</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Trixie gives her a strange look</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Trixie did not know you liked girls, Twilight.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Twilight sputters and starts batting at Trixie again</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They run off, Twi hitting Trixie, Trixie ducking and holding her head...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They end up leaving their stuff behind</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yo!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You flinch under the girl's hand</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You glare up at Sour Sweet</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Looks like she's dressed up again!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Low riding shorts and a crop top, very classy</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Good for a family friendly event, yup</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Just let those fat tiddies and that jiggly ass hang right out</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Good for the kids</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's why the event can't be simulcasted on youtube</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And with how she's standing, all you can really see is her fat udders</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;...Freckles</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She bends over, laying herself against your shoulder as she holds the other</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Gawd she smells like a strawberry milkshake and fries</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You're looking good, Indy!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She pulls you close into a soft hug</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But then she snarls</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Decided to finally cut all that beef?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Amber's fist clenches as Sour Sweet holds you in a warm and sweaty hug</span><br />&quot;Ya know.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Hm~?&quot; She gets close enough that her cheek presses against yours</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh gawd</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The smell</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;How have you never noticed how horrible she smells?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your stomach turns upside down and your eyes roll up</span><br />&quot;Y-you reek.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She grunts and stands up</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;That's my perfume, numbskull. Maybe wisen up a bit and start acting like a woman.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You pinch your nose and the words come out</span><br />&quot;Is that what you call that outfit? Womanly clothes? Really showing how womanly you are there, Sweet Cheeks.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her eye twitches and her arms tense up</span><br />&quot;Smells like you hit McDicks for a shake over the way here. And like you went out for some fast food.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Teeth grinding</span><br />&quot;Speaking of McDicks, were they playing your favorite song? Ya know, the lunch bell?.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sour's eyes are bulging out and she's squeezing her fists now</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Is this you or Amber?</span><br />&quot;I always wondered... They kick drunks out of bars... Do they kick you out after your fourth quarter pounder?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're out of your seat before she can tackle you, leaving her bowling over it</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's growlin now, hoo boy</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Heh</span><br />&quot;Hey, you okay? Last time something Equestrian dropped that fast, the Neighponese responded with Pearl Harbor.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You think Amber is smarter than you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Neat</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sour screams from her tangle in the chair and jumps to her feet, almost grabbing you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But Amber's too fast</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're too fast</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can't believe you can move like this</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You and Sour Sweet used to be pretty even, but now...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;H-hey, Sweetie!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sour stops stock still</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Then smiles sweetly at Twilight, who just returned, pulling Trixie by her sleeve</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh, Twi~! How good to see you here!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She almost runs around the table and scoops Twilight and Trixie up into the same hug</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The three join together into a giggle fit</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Okay everyone, quiet down for a bit.&quot; The tournament's L3 calls out on the intercom</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The hall quiets down</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Please line up, pay admission, grab a ticket, and pairings should be up in ten to twenty minutes, thanks.&quot; Some static and he's quiet again</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Time to get to it</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You roll some dice between your fingers and size up your round 1 opponent</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Some kid from outta town</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Real cool dude</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Poser, looks like it</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Got himself an internet list of an army, too</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Didn't bring any structures</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Defaulted every rule</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Amauteur Hour nods behind his cool kid sunglasses</span><br />&quot;You ready to get roflstomped?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He scoffs and rolls out his dice</span><br />&quot;I roll first.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Shit.&quot; He quickly scrambles them up</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You internally smirk</span><br />&quot;No swearing.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He flinches, fixing up his sunglasses. &quot;Kay. Sorry.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You've already won... Heh</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You jot down 'Win' and hand it to the third dude so far so he can sign it</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He was okay</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Surprised you with some obscure ruling on Slugganoids in his army</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But he got the ruling wrong, as you told him</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So he had an illegal army</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So he had to cut out a tenth of his units</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Tried so hard, got so far...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Aight so that's three rounds down and three to go</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Bah</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Its more like</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Three hours down, two hours till the finals vs Sour</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Bluh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your match is over...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grab a clown water and relax at your table</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Indigo Zap...?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wha</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Some old dude on a cane</span><br />&quot;Uh. Hey dude. What's up?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He smirks and looks behind himself</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wha...? There's some other, bigger old dude behind him, carrying a leather box</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;With a grin and a grunt, he puts the trunk thingie down on the table</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He groans and straightens his back, making a lot of popping noises that the smaller man doesn't seem to like</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The bigger man continues to grin as the smaller guy sneers at you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It appears we will be competing against one another in the coming round, Indigo Zap.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Uh</span><br />&quot;Wha? How do you figure, pairings aren't even up...&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh, I'm quite aware. However, this late into the tournament, one can determine their most likely of upcoming matches.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your brow furrows</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wha...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Okay?</span><br />&quot;Y-yeah, sure, dude. Whatever you say.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;His grin turns sour</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He raises his cane and swats it down on the table, making a huge boom and almost knocking you out of your seat</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your heart pounds, and the old dude snickers</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You kids sure are jumpy these days.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fugging</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ass</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your heart is pumping a mile a minute and your side is hurting again</span><br />&quot;F-fug you.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;My my...&quot; He takes a seat at your table and swats at the bigger old guy who starts unpacking the small trunk</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I had no idea youngings were so rude in this city.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your heart is still pumping, but you glare at him</span><br />&quot;At least our local seniors are polite.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;His lip curls</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Dude's teeth are so yellow-</span><br />&quot;Hey, do you spit a lot?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;What...?&quot; He narrows his eyes as the bigger man pauses</span><br />&quot;I'm just saying, you better not. Butter is a trip hazard.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;His eyes widen as he snarls</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You recline in your chair, stuffing your hands in your pockets</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And that seems to be the last straw, you guess</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He starts for you, holding his cane in both hands</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Brother, watch your temper.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He glares at the big guy, who's finished putting the minis down</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You'll do well to remember your place and shut your mouth.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He glares back at you. &quot;And you as well.&quot;</span><br />&quot;How's ED treating you?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He silently stares at you, gaze darkening, and inside, you flinch as your side starts hurting</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He leans back and a chair... Comes under him</span><br />&quot;...wat.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He snaps his cane down into a thinner pen and pockets it</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Ignorant child. I came here to humiliate you in this game.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He motions toward the table, where the big guy is setting up beautifully painted terrain now</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Gotta see this up close...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Damn!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's all black iron and groady, dirty steel, and he even laid down a red texture map...</span><br />&quot;Is... Is that Mars?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The big guy smiles and nods, and finally talks</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I figured you'd appreciate it.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wait</span><br />&quot;Scorpan?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The older gentleman nods, bowing slightly</span><br />&quot;What're you doin here?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He wrings his hands a little</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Scorpan goes where I tell him to. Now come play this infernal game.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Dude, pairings aren't even up yet, and we're between rounds.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You pick up your backpack</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The L3 starts up on the speakers as you do so</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Pairings are up.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You glance at the old dude</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He smirks</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You frown and go off to get pairings</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can feel him watching you as you hustle past neckbeards and skinnier nerds</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Aside from a quick smirk or smile, you mostly ignore any of your competitors/friends as they go on making a commotion over who they're up against and who they're being passed over</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grab one of the pairing sheets...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Indigo Zap</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Das u</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;vs</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;...No one</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You got a free win this round</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;...wat</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You glare back at your table</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The old man smiles at you, showing off his yellow teeth, which are just as gross from this distance</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fug</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You start back to him</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He's just smirking in his seat</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Scorpan standing behind him, like a vintage bodyguard</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Who is this guy?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stop at the table, and drop your backpack with just enough care</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He motions to your chair</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You ignore him and pull out your army box in one hand</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It weighs heavily in your palm as you stare him down and your side pulses angrily</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You don't...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Indy doesn't know who this guy is</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But he gives you the kind of creeps thugs give you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But worse</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He makes you sick and you don't know why</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You just know, deep in your stomach, that this guy's bad news</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;With a swift flick of the wrist, you set your reinforced box down into the wastes of the Martian desert</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He chuckles as you cross your arms</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh? Your demeanor has changed. Why would that be?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You unclasp the box and puts figures out one at a time</span><br />&quot;Why do you want to play so much?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I seek your challenge. A fledgling hero like you deserves to prove herself whenever she gets the chance.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You put down some more of Indy's Wrigglers</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;When Scorpan alerted me to your presense, I was drawn to meet you.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You pick up some dice from the corner of the box, juggling them in your hand without looking at the old man</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I've been drawn to meet the amber eyed lass my brother was so invested in.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Those amber eyes raise to stare at him</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He smirks</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You missed your appointment with Scorpan. That hurt his feelings.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You narrow your eyes</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Scorpan attempts to say something, but the old man raises a hand</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He snaps his fingers, and Scorpan puts a small box of dice into his palm</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You don't know what his angle is, but he's going down regardless</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He makes your skin crawl under Indy's sweatshirt</span><br />&quot;Roll for initiative.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;[spoiler]'Wrong game'[spoiler]</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It sounds cooler</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;[spoiler]'Shid, u rite'[spoiler]</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The old man grabs five dice and tosses them at the table</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You drop your handful</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Most 6s first</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The dice clatter against Mars' surface as you glare at the sitting senior</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Before they even land, he asks, &quot;Perchance are you a gambler?&quot;</span><br />&quot;You looking to make this interesting?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your voice comes out in a loud grumble, unlike Indy's</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He chuckles, a dry, angry chuckle, but with a smile. &quot;You could say that... But we'd be wagering information.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The dice finally clatter to a stop</span><br />&quot;What information, old man.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;His old face crinkles up into a grin. &quot;Your name. Or rather...&quot; He leans in toward the table</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The entire hall goes silent</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can't hear him speak, but his accent makes it easy to see what he says</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;[spoiler]Your imaginary friend's name.[spoiler]&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You coldly blink, maintaining your cool</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Indy panics</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But that's okay</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The dice are down, but neither of you have looked</span><br />&quot;Sure. If I win, you tell me who told you she exists.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He motions to Scorpan</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The big oldie leans forward, staring across Mars</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Er...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Sixes, Scorpan, sixes.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Ah.&quot; He looks again. &quot;Three to one in Indigo's favor.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The old man grunts and rises to his feet. &quot;&quot;I contest.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look over his army. &quot;Which of your units lets you seize initiative?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He smirks, raising a hand into his jacket</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Out comes a small leather book</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;My 10 Raven Bolters have Seize.&quot;</span><br />&quot;My <span class="nu0">15</span> Huskers have Sneak Attack, negating your first <span class="nu0">15</span> instances of Seize.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stare at him</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He furrows his brow and lays down his book, set to his army list</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;So be it. You're first.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stare at him as you grasp at your army case</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;His smirk slowly drops into a sneer as Indy sets down unit after unit across Mars' barren</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You let her put down the giant figures, and that's where she ends it</span><br />&quot;Finished.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;This is your army? Where are your Huskers? What of the rest of the box?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Place your units.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He grumbles a bit and snaps his fingers</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Scorpan assembles a huge army of one hundred Black Ravens</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Their specialty is magi- psionics and swarming</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The only army that can compete with Slugganoids in numbers</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Good. You smirk</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Impressed? I thought you'd appreciate a challenge. I didn't expect you to sabotage yourself, however...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You pick up your dice</span><br />&quot;Deployment has ended. Turn one: begin.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You glide your hands over the giant units, scanning each in turn</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Indy grabs the big red ants and moves them in different directions</span><br />&quot;<span class="nu0">2</span> Terror Formians accelerate using Haste to establish two points.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The old man nods</span><br />&quot;They fall at rest, speed dropping to half, gaining +<span class="nu0">3</span> armor.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Very well, my-&quot;</span><br />&quot;No.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You glare at him, and he returns the motion</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You've taken your tu-&quot;</span><br />&quot;My Terror Formians acted on haste. A number of units equal to the turn counter +<span class="nu0">1</span> with haste can act in addition to the standard <span class="nu0">1</span> unit per turn.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He fumes a bit... &quot;Fine, then. Carry on.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stare at him a moment longer, but Indy grasps for a beetle</span><br />&quot;<span class="nu0">1</span> Hive Boss will move and climb this building, ignoring obstacles less than <span class="nu0">5</span> centimeters tall along the way.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She measures out the distance and puts it on top of a turned over car-tank.</span><br />&quot;It readies a special action to call reinforcements next turn as a free action, as does the other <span class="nu0">2</span> Hive Bosses, both Titanic Queens, and all <span class="nu0">5</span> Terror Formians.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You maintain eye contact</span><br />&quot;Now. Your turn.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The old man gazes across your miniatures, then snaps his fingers.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Scorpan, move my Ravencaster to the front. When she moves, her Black Apprentices move with her. As long as they are in formation, her spells gain +1 damage, +5 centimeter range per Black Apprentice, and for every two, she can cast one more spell per turn... Additionally, she allows each of her Black Apprentices to cast at +5 range.&quot;</span><br />&quot;While in formation.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He half shrugs, both hands on his cane. &quot;Naturally.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The Ravencaster has 6 Black Apprentices</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your Terror Formians are 100+ centimeters away, holding 2/12 points</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;She will cast Black Warp, giving all Black Ravens Subspace Resistance and +1 armor. She will do this three times-&quot;</span><br />&quot;She will do this twice.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He furrows his brow. &quot;Three times... She has Six apprentices, giving her thr-&quot;</span><br />&quot;She has three apprentices in formation. You announced casting your spell after moving. Their placement is finalized and they are no longer in formation.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He blinks, mouth gaping a little, then snaps his gaze down at Mars</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;His rickety body moves closer and he pulls a protractor from his jacket pocket, waving about his units</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You allow yourself a smirk as he desperately tries and fails to find an angle where all of his apprentices are within 3 centimeters of his Ravencaster</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;How could... Scorpan!&quot; He snarles, throwing the protractor at the big man</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You imbecile, can you do nothing right!?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Scorpan sighs and picks up the protractor, handing it to the little man</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Sorry. I don't know this game that well.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The little man starts batting his big guy with his cane</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He's crippled himself</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Black Ravens need that opening move or else they lose 90% of their fire power until turn 2 or turn 3 if the initial Ravencaster is slain</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Which she will be</span><br />&quot;Your Ravencaster casts Black Warp twice. My turn.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He grumbles at Scorpan and turns back to you. &quot;Yes, yes, take your turn.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Indy points at your Terror Formians, Hive Bosses and Titanic Queens</span><br />&quot;My Terror Formians call out <span class="nu0">5</span> pods of <span class="nu0">3</span> Wrigglers each. My Hive Beasts call for <span class="nu0">3</span> pods of <span class="nu0">5</span> Huskers, while my Titanic Queens each call a pod of <span class="nu0">5</span> Decapedes and <span class="nu0">5</span> Webbers.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You unclasp your box and pull out 10 Slugganoid pods</span><br />&quot;They can be placed anywhere within <span class="nu0">50</span> centimeters of the units that called them.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You set all the Huskers within movement range of his Ravencaster, while the rest are fanned out from your base</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You flick your eyes up to stare at him</span><br />&quot;...These <span class="nu0">6</span> Pod Mate Huskers accelerate using Haste, moving as one unit, and approach your Ravencaster and her Black Apprentices.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You measure out double their range, 60 centimeters, and move</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He chortles. &quot;Next, they have Ambition, right?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Wrong. They have Scattershot, giving their ranged weapons double range and -<span class="nu0">1</span> damage after the normal range.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He pauses, glaring down at your Huskers. &quot;...Why? That's such a foolish trait to give, why would you!?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Because it's free as of the May errata and no one ever sees it coming. All <span class="nu0">6</span> Huskers open fire on your Ravencaster, dealing a minimum of <span class="nu0">6</span> damage, killing her.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grab dice</span><br />&quot;Rolling for structural damage and Apprentices.&quot;<br /><br />&quot;Time in round.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Old man grumbles and looks at his watch. &quot;Sixteen out of sixty minutes past.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He leans closer to the remains of Mars</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Indy has had the Decapedes annihilate the landscape. Every building has been turned into rubble</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Webbers have created a maze for foot soldiers to traverse</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Grub Tossers are poised at each cardinal point, and with two at the center of the field</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The Terror Formians are currently dismantling his vehicles, and Indy's Hive Bosses prevent any of their private entourage from dying</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;While the Titanic Queens spew out one or two Wrigglers for every Wriggler that dies</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;[spoiler]'Got this shid locked down.'[spoiler]</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yup</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;If Indy says so</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;[spoiler]'She fuggin says so!'[spoiler]</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The old man grumbles and motions to his Blackriders</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Ignoring all obstacles below 1 centimeter, my Blackriders accelerate with Haste toward your Titanic Queen, attacking with Black Warp rounds.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Success on 6s, Armor <span class="nu0">5</span>.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He pauses, gritting his teeth, almost foaming at the mouth</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Success on 5s, rerolling 1s.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Your Blackriders are far from your Blacklight Beacons, losing the reroll, and Blackriders lose their Success on 5s if they move more than their initial <span class="nu0">40</span> centimeters.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The old man's face is boiling red, more than it already was and caked in sweat. &quot;Fine. Fine! Scorpan, roll!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Scorpan rolls</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You lock eyes with the old man</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;At this point, he's leaning on the table with both hands, jacket unbuttoned and tie loosened, letting Scorpan move all the units and roll all the dice and hold his cane</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The dice bounce</span><br />&quot;You're going to lose.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He grinds his teeth</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The dice settle</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;1, 3, 5, 6, 1, 3, 2, 2, 4, 5</span><br />&quot;Your Blackriders fail to deal any damage to my Titanic Queen.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;His fingers curl against the textured map</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He snorts and stands upright, smirking</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He snaps his fingers and Scorpan hands him his cane</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I concede.&quot;</span><br />&quot;...&quot; Your lip almost curls<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I believe Canterlot is in good hands with such a sharp mind eliminating so many threats. I can see why you're worth as much as you are.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He sneers as he buttons up his jacket</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;His army begins to fade, along with yours, leaving the table bare</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You ignore that, while Indy loses her shit. &quot;Tell me.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Ah...&quot; He sets his cane against the floor with a tap. The hall comes alive with noise</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Many parties have taken notice, Amber Horizon. These parties have requested I analyze you, for a pretty penny. To see if they should fear you.&quot;</span><br />&quot;And?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He sneers</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Keep cleaning the gutters for me, will you?&quot;</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Its raining...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Its only a light drizzle, but you're still in it, and Ma's gonna be worried</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;That's unfortunate, but necessary due to your activities</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Starting tonight, you're gonna be cleaning the city at random times</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Indy doesn't have a calendar</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She'll have to log these dates into her planner</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The neon sign in front of you flickers</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Open Till Mid</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This is the only barber shop open this late</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;In you go, jingling the bell along the way</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The only worker looks up from her magazine and points at an empty chair</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Foreigner</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She won't remember you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Without much else to say, you have a seat, and she stands behind your chair with a pair of scissors</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Very pretty hair! You cut?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Nodding, you grab up your hair near the scalp and mimic scissors cutting close</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh so short! But you hair so pretty...&quot; Despite her feigned concern, she starts combing and brushing your hair back, and you make sure to hold the end of your ponytail</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;With a snip snip, your hair comes loose, falling into your grip</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Short blue lines trail up and down your forehead and around your crown, barely touching your ears as it all drops down</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Good? You like? Want something else?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Spike or slick?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;[spoiler]'Why don't we have both!?'[spoiler]</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Damn</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You may be smarter, but Indy's the idea girl here</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Spotting a can of hairspray, you point</span><br />&quot;Spike tips, and pull back.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oki.&quot; The foreign hair dresser gets to work while you leer at your reflection</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She takes the loose strands and pulls them back</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They're cut up into jagged spikes and sprayed into place</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You appreciate that she takes extra care of the back of your head, pulling the hair far back and flicking it outward</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sort of like what you imagine a girl's mullet would look like</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You like?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The left and right look good, and you can see in the mirror that the back is good too. &quot;I do.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Good good, I give you lollipop.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She shuffles away, and you grasp at your empty pockets</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;[spoiler]'Dude, not cool.'[spoiler]</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;No, you have a 20 in your backpack</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Click</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You duck and the mirror explodes</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Without much thought, your toss the apron off at the scissor girl</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Blueberry Pop's already out of your bag and in your hands by the time she tosses it off and aims</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;P O P, undercut to the chin</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Girl flies off her feet and into the air, just a few inches</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your bat arcs down onto her face. breaking her nose into a bloody spurt</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Knocked out, she drops her pistol</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fuck. Cameras?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yes, anyone watching will see you acted in defense</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After bagging and double bagging your ponytail, you pick up the phone</span><br />&quot;Hey. It's me. Amber Horizon. Got another one. This one knew my face and tried to gun me down. Video evidence proves it. Beauty Salon, 4th and 3rd, Central.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hang up</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Grabbing the gun, you easily unload all the bullets onto the ground and set it onto the counter</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Time to go</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You put a 20 down on the counter with a note</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;'For services rendered.'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;'-AH'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Running out of the salon, you take some alleys home</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This seems faster</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're face to face with four goons</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;All foreigners, like the scissor girl</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Chain boy, crowbar, bat, steel knuckles</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Pretty girl. Worth pretty money. Come easy, kay, lil girl?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Blueberry's already in your hand</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Time to take out the trash</span><br />&quot;Come get me.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;[spoiler]BANG![spoiler]</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Steel knuckles flies forward, landing on his face</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The back of his jacket is totally torn up</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ka-chick!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;At the back of the alley, there's... An old man in a beat up old winter jacket</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You sum-bitch! Get outta mah city!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Another load blows chainboy to the side, but doesn't drop him, and they all start sprinting</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I seen what's been happenin here, with the holligans runnin around, making trouble and causing fights, all the drugs, all the mayhem and violence! And I gotta say!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The boys are gone</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're hiding behind a dumpster, luckily there was a nice cardboard box there</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But he steps next to you, and tears away the box, pointing a shotgun barrel down at your scarfed face</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I AIN'T NONE TOO HAPPY WITH IT.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;[spoiler]'Fuck.'[spoiler]</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stare up along the barrel</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Blueberry Pop is in your hand again</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Slowly, your eyes inch up the metal, and to this guy's dark hand</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Indy's losing her shit in the background</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Then up his arm; he's wearing a beat up old fleece jacket</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're cool, though</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And his face is unshaven and torn into a snarl</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your digits curl into the tape on your bat's handle</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your amber eyes meet his black eyes</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You've got one shot to knock this barrel out of your face</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He's got a crazy look</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Quiet, Indy, stop yelling</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He's gonna shoot you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Be cool, like me...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;[spoiler]This isn't a warning, Amber, it's... It's taking out the trash![/spoiler]</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;His fingers tighten</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And BB flies up!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He shoots uselessly into the air, giving you a chance to jump to your feet</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ca-chck, he cocks</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You side step around him, and your bat presses against his barrel</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He can't shoot you if he can't aim</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The shotgun pulls back, you move in</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's butt flies at you, and you duck</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Letting him point straight down at you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But this old man isn't as limber as you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Maybe it's a ruined back, but he can't point straight down</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So you get to roll to his side and jab at his ribs, getting a loud grunt out of him</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Lil Rat!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Before he can say anything else, you're on his back, bat around his neck</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There's a whole lot of groaning from the old dude, but he can't aim right behind him, get get a real shot at you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Pretty sure he's got bad joints or something, with the way he's staggering</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But you got a good grip on him, with your heels up against his ribs, and BB pulling on his neck</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He can stagger around all he wants, you'll see any moves he has coming</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Like this-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He's going to slam you into the wall, but his old legs can't move tha-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oof</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What the fuck</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ca-chck</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;With stars in your eyes, you blink and look up</span><br />&quot;What...?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He's got you at the end of the barrel again</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Got you right where I want you.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sure he does</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Old fart's got a few tricks, you guess</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Got your batting arm under a boot</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You're smarter than these other thugs... What gang are you a part of?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You slowly blink away from your bat and up at the barrel</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You get a chance to blink once more before you notice his finger curling around the trigger</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your foot flies up</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Right in the baby makers, old man's already doubled over and you got your wrist out</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hand finds bat</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Bat finds old man, right in the knee</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Old man shouts down at you, but you're on your feet again for the second time now</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He's breathing heavy</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So are you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He pressed you into that wall, and hard</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;[spoiler]Like a trash compactor[/spoiler]</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The way he fights, the way he talks</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're not stupid</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You know your kind</span><br />&quot;I'm not in a gang. I hate gangs.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He takes a breath and grabs his arm. &quot;What about your friends?&quot;</span><br />&quot;About to mug me.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He eyes you up and down, grimacing</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;The bat? Those moves? What's a girl doing with that kinda lethality outside a gang?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You draw your feet closer and slide Blueberry behind you. &quot;I clean up my city the best I can.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Your city?&quot; He spits to the side and marches toward you, shotgun at his side now</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He's just angry, so you let him grab your collar and shout, &quot;This ain't your city, kid! It's mine! I love this city, she's my missus, I take care of-&quot;</span><br />&quot;-of her and she takes care of me.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stare at each other for a moment</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The old man gapes down at you, and lets go of your collar</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I defended this city in the war. I went overseas, and when I got back, she was pretty enough, I wanted to see others like her.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He raises the shotgun up so its in front of him, then slides his hand across the length</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Thought she'd be alright. Thought others'd take care of my missus while I was out.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Canterlot's like a second ma to me.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;That right...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The old man sniffs and extends a dirty hand</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Fraid I might've been letting my anger get the better of me.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You spin BB up into the air, and she lands in your other hand, letting you shake his hand</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;They call me Cranky.&quot;</span><br />&quot;I call myself Amber.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cranky nods, tapping a finger against his shotgun</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yeah, that's a good name, Amber. You're not in a gang? Where did you learn to fight?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You shake your head</span><br />&quot;Didn't. It comes naturally.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He nods again, looking away, working his jaw a bit</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cranky adjusts his wool cap and pulls his shot gun up to hold it in one hand by his side</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I heard once or twice that...&quot; He rubs at his chin and looks back at you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I heard that, once when I was overseas, that only two types of people can fight 'naturally.'&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Old man grunts a little as he pulls out and fidgets with some shells</span><br />&quot;Only two?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;That's what they said.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stare at the old man, who stares at his ammo</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Finally, he chuckles. Dude sounds like he hasn't had a drink in a year. &quot;Fiends... Like demons or devils...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He points at you with a dirty narrow finger. &quot;And those who hunt them.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh</span><br />&quot;Well... Yeah, I guess that's me, huh?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He nods, loading a few more shells into his shotgun</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I think so. And bout time too. This city needs someone like you. She needs someone to take care of her now that she's gettin on in the years, and God knows I'm too old...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Okay... That's sad</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But Cranky just shrugs and hides his shotgun under his coat</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It's good, though...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He turns and squats down next to the guy he wasted</span><br />&quot;Hey.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cranky looks over his shoulder at you. &quot;Hey yourself.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You move closer, switching BB to your good hand. Your other good hand</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Both are good</span><br />&quot;I don't kill.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;That's good.&quot; He rolls the guy over-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;His shirt is all torn up and there's a bunch of torn up little holes in his chest</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You squat next to him and feel his neck</span><br />&quot;Neither do you...&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He grunts. &quot;I kill, lil kid. Just not these kids. They've still got a chance to run away into something better.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cranky paws around the kid's jacket and pulls out a cell phone</span><br />&quot;Let me.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He gives you a funny look. &quot;I usually call up the police-&quot;</span><br />&quot;To pick up the trash. Yeah. Can I?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cranky and you stare at each other for a few seconds</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You tighten up your scarf a bit</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sheathe Blueberry while you're at it, so you can hold your hands on your hips</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cranky gives you that same funny look. &quot;Who are you, Amber? Really?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You extend your hand. &quot;Like you said, I'm a fiend hunter.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He scowls</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;And I'm a good kid.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He looks down at the phone and makes the screen light up. &quot;Damn kids...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You move closer to him and snap your fingers to thumb toward yourself</span><br />&quot;I'm the Champion of Canterlot, Amber Horizon. I'm gonna call in this punk kid.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Indy smirks under the scarf</span><br />&quot;So hand it over, gramps!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Gramps!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Shit, he's standing up</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cranky jabs a finger at Indy- at you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're Indy. And you're awesome</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Who do you think you're calling gramps all of a sudden, lil kid?&quot;</span><br />&quot;You, old man!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Despite Amber shouting at you, you give him a playful punch</span><br />&quot;Come on, lighten up, dude! You and me are practically besties! See, I fight crime? You fight crime? You're like my totally rad grampa and I'm your kickass grand daughter, see?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You smirk and show off your finger guns</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;[spoiler]&quot;He's gonna kill us.&quot;[/spoiler]</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Shut up, your sour apple routine didn't do it, it was worth a-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Heh.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;[spoiler]...That didn't fucking work. That didn't fucking work![/spoiler]</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh, but it did</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cranky's chuckling as best he can, and even puts a hand on your head</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Like a grampa, huh!&quot; He hands over the phone. &quot;Do your grampa favor then, like a good kid, call the trash pick up?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;With a wink and a salute, you grab it up and start dialing away. &quot;Sure thing, grampa!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;[spoiler]May I?[/spoiler]</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sure!</span><br />&quot;Hey. It's me. Amber Horizon. Got another one, corner of 5th and 17th, Central Canterlot.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Stay right there! We're coming!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You hang up and grab- uh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cranky's pulling the punk already, got him at the curb</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What a good guy</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;With that done, Cranky dusts of his hands and looks back at you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stare at him and nod, letting Indy talk to her grampa, who approaches</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Seeing as how we're partners now, I think I better tell you a bit.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cranky lets out a soft breath as he looks down at you, his stubble covered cheeks moving about with an unsteady jaw</span><br />&quot;What'd that be, gramps?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;His lips smack and he looks around, then back at you. &quot;Let's walk and talk.&quot; He's already half turned by the time you reply</span><br />&quot;Sure thing.&quot; And a hustle you both do<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cranky's not fast at all, as you'd expect from an old man, he's pretty slow</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But he's at least got the stamina to move across the city in the night, which it seems like you end up doing before he says anything</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As soon as you figure you're in South Canterlot, he sits down at a bus bench and pulls out a big case from under it</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He stuffs his shotgun in it and locks it, dangling the keys in front of you, then hooks them into a necklace under his shirt</span><br />&quot;What did you want to tell me?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The streets are somewhat chilly at this hour</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can take it, but it explains a bit of the chatter to Cranky's teeth</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You in summer break?&quot;</span><br />&quot;I am.&quot; You nod<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You get a nod back, and a drawn out hum</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Grampa isn't talking much, but he looks like he's trying to put the words together</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A long sigh escapes you and you lean back</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;South Canterlot looks like shit, as usual</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;City council can't afford to let the money trickle through West, Central and East, so they don't bother anymore</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Instead they let North Canterlot have as many breaks as they need to make sure the prime real estate stays where it is</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Doesn't make any sense whatsoever, given that North Canterlot has similar real estate to the rest of the city</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But all that adds up to a shitty landscaping job and poorly maintained streets for the poor folks in SC</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Another curious glance at grampa, and he nods to himself</span><br />&quot;Ready?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I believe so, but I don't think you are, kiddo.&quot;</span><br />&quot;I have a name.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Grampas give their gran'kids silly names.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Fair enough. So what's up, grampa?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Grampa Cranky scratches at his cheek. &quot;This city is divided against itself.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You reply with a slow nod</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A sigh comes out of grampa. &quot;It used to be...&quot; He put his hand up, flat against the air, and slides it across. &quot;Canterlot! City of Comraderie and Companions!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;His hand comes down and points at you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;But that... That was over forty years ago.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;His hand drops into his lap. &quot;Now you're lucky to get directions in this hell hole...&quot; He rubs his face</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Where did it go wrong?&quot; Cranky looks at a street light that flickers</span><br />&quot;The division?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;The division.&quot; He snarls</span><br />&quot;Tell me about the division.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You blink away the sleep</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;A massive rennovation project to make Canterlot look good by shoving all the shit and refuse into one part of the city while polishing up another part.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He scratches at his chin and takes a deep breath</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Didn't go over to well, looks like. Now we got a city divided against itself, for no good damn reason... It wasn't good, no sir.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Leaning back against the chilly wood sends a soft shiver through your body as you listen</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cranky gets a darker look in his eye</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;The division was the worst thing to ever happen to my dear Canterlot. Things ain't the same anymore, and no one seems to want them to be right again. People shouldn't treat each other the way they treat each other in Canterlot, Amber... They should be happy, and friendly... And not what this city's become.&quot;</span><br />&quot;...You're rambling.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's a bit rude of you, but it's true</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Bah, let an old man ramble.&quot;</span><br />&quot;I'm going to fix Canterlot.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh?&quot; Cranky turns to you and smirks. &quot;How's that?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your neck snaps back and forth, popping joints</span><br />&quot;One punk kid at a time, clean up the crime. Then work on uniting everyone.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Tough business, cleaning up this city. How long you been at it?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You glare ahead at the street signs and look back at the past days</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Every alley you've slid into</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Every time you chased someone across a vacant lot and into a chain link fence trap</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Every goon with a bat to the face</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Tossing empty trash cans from rooftops</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Entangling idiots in discarded blankets</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Batting that one boot across a park to nail a mugger in the head</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Adding a roll of wrapping paper from the gift shop to your routine of BB to fend off two knifey kids</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Diving behind dozens of different cardboard boxes for a feint or cover</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Tripping punks using lead pipes at the hardware store</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Tossing dirt in the face of a gunner</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Clearing fire escape after fire escape after fire escape to fast travel across the rooftops</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ducking into backdoors when you get the sense a shake down is going on</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Dumping water down a drain pipe to slip up some would be gang bangers</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Swiping a bottle and tossing it down so the cap comes up like a bullet into the nose of some dude</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;All to bring down the trash that clogs the drains and clutters the streets</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Easily one a day</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And stretching it would say five a day</span><br />&quot;A month. I've put away at least <span class="nu0">80</span> thugs punks and ne'er do wells.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Only eighty. Only eighty, only eighty, only eighty...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Glaring at him doesn't bother him</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You know... There's a lot of troubles in this city. And it ain't coming from the one off thugs and tough guys pushing people around for scratch and change.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your arms fold across your chest</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You and I, we're not going to get anywhere beating up two bit goons in alleys.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cranky turns to you, shakes his head, and continues. &quot;We've got to get rid of the ones who send those goons out in the first place. The people in charge, who have power over those punks and over these streets.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What!?</span><br />&quot;What?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You think these kids were running around for no damn good reason?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Well...</span><br />&quot;Yes.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cranky shakes his head and pats himself down a bit, then pulls out a notepad</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It waves through the air as he leers at you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;There's four gangs...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The book comes open and you get to see scribblings and pictures all in different colors and inks</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A few pages are written in marker...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cranky holds up one page</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There's an apple drawn on it</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Bad Apples, that's what I call em. They're all coutry boys and girls, part of the Apple family...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cranky looks on at you, trying to catch your eyes, which is when you both have a stare</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;They're all over East Canterlot. They dress like cowboys and fight like bulls. Can't put em down, least not easy.&quot;</span><br />&quot;How many have you met?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Bad Apples?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Yes, Bad Apples.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;His brow knots together as he thinks</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Hrm... I'd say sixty or so.&quot; He nods toward you. &quot;That's a safe guess.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sixty...</span><br />&quot;And you have put away all <span class="nu0">60</span>?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cranky gives you a funny look and flips a few pages more. &quot;Look here.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The notepad is placed into your hand</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's a list of names</span><br />&quot;Who are they?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;One of Cranky's dirty fingers taps the page, &quot;That there's, the entire list of Bad Apples who got locked up after I put em away. And for everyone? A new one comes up.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Wait...&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You slowly look up at Cranky</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He nods before you can speak</span><br />&quot;But.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He shakes his head now</span><br />&quot;No.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yeah. This is how Canterlot works, kiddo. You put away a punk, two more join the gang.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your shoulders slump</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;That's really bad</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You put down 80</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;80 more come in...</span><br />&quot;How do they get so many?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your response is a shaking head. &quot;I don't know.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your head shakes down into your hand</span><br />&quot;How can we beat their leaders then? With that kind of recruitment power, they can have a hundred men waiting for us by the time the justice system moves their bosses through.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;That's not what we'll do.&quot; Cranky doesn't look at you as he speaks. He's watching a squirrel try to pry open a wrapped candy bar</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You whip your head to him. &quot;I don't kill.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cranky doesn't say anything, so you slide off the bench and glare at him</span><br />&quot;And if we work together, neither do you.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cranky rubs his chin and cheeks again. The squirrel opens the wrapper and starts on the candy</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You step in front of him and squat, glaring into his eyes</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cranky puts his notepad away. &quot;Iron Will, Flim and Flam, Cherry Jubilee and Rover.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Yeah?&quot; You refuse to stand, but he doesn't seem to care<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He's staring past you, at the street still</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I've got their names. Took me a couple of years, some bullets, lost a bit of my left foot, but I got their names and faces.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Shrug</span><br />&quot;What do you do with names and faces? Did you go to the police?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cranky is quiet</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look over at the squirrel he's watching</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's gone</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Most of the candy bar is there</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It doesn't matter what I tell the police. These people are important to Canterlot society.&quot;</span><br />&quot;What do you mean...?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;A clear of the throat, and Cranky rambles a bit more.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;What time you gotta be home?&quot;</span><br />&quot;I d-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Your momma must be worried.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A groan escapes your lips before you can stop it</span><br />&quot;Yeah. Yeah, I hope she's okay.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cranky groans himself, and gets up. &quot;Come on, I'll tell you a little bit you need to know along the way.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Okay...&quot; You follow after him and start heading toward your house<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Old dude can keep pace with your walking, which is good</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You two begin the walk back to your house, mostly leering around for any strange activity along the way</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;North, East, West and Central Canterlot are dangerous places for folk like you an me, kid.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your eyes drag up and stare through him. &quot;Like us?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He almost snarls. &quot;Good folk, who want change.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stare for a second then nod, looking forward again</span><br />&quot;The South?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Safe. It's where I lived till a couple of punks chased me out. Real nice place, near the ocean... Very nice.&quot;</span><br />&quot;You lived on the docks.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I did.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grunt. &quot;That means you're homeless.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;So what if I am?&quot;</span><br />&quot;I'm surprised.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cranky gives you a weird look again. &quot;How's that?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You blankly stare back. &quot;I figured a good guy like you'd have friends or family.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cranky looks forward again as you both stop at a corner; this is the farthest you can go together</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Had.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;[spoiler]Oh fuck no[/spoiler]</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You toss Amber away and hug gramps</span><br />&quot;Dude, ya got me.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He takes a second to reply, but Cranky hugs you back</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You really are a good kid, huh?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Dude smells like sweat and smoke, but you didn't expect anything much better, to be honest</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Aight.&quot; Cranky pats your shoulders and pulls you away. &quot;Nuff'a that, go home, go on home to your momma.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You let go of him and nod. &quot;Kay, grampa, Imma go home. Don't go get yourself killed, kay?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Gramps snorts and starts laughing</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So you laugh with him</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Grampa's cool</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Kid, you meet me at the docks tomorrow night, aight? We've got good work to do.&quot;</span><br />&quot;What's at the docks, grampa? Sides your home, I guess.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;My home.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Oh.&quot; You stare at him, to try and see if he's gonna go further. He doesn't. &quot;Kay.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;We get that, we got a good start to cleaning this city up. For starters, I'll get a chance to sleep somewhere that ain't a bench.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You snort at that, but shrug</span><br />&quot;I getcha. We're gonna get you your home back, gramps, then get to work on this city. Gonna make her beautiful.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Gramps grins</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;1 2 3</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Indy you got this!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Six hours of sleep is doing you pretty okay</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;1 2 3</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;In the zone</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;One minute left!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You nod and Blueblood yells more</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Only one minute left?&quot; Big Lem comes up from behind and you nod for him too</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;1 2 3</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I got you n Lil Lem a spar in half a hour. She'll be back soon, lemme know if ya nee'a breather.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;1 2 3</span><br />&quot;Gonna beat her.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Big Lem smirks as he reads from his clipboard</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Sure ya are.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;1 2 3</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Lil- Uh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Lem's not gonna catch you off guard</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You've got the speed to get a good shot off on her</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;1 2 3</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You grinning for the win, indy!?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You bob your head and keep on running</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're gonna win!</span><br />&quot;Gonna win!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your hand slams down on the treadmill controls right as it beeps</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stop and take a few deep breaths, slowing your breathing</span><br />&quot;Gonna beat Lem today. Gonna get that hit in.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Gonna beat me today!?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;By the time you turn, Lem's music is already blaring at you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grin at her and she grins at you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Big girl's got her hands on her hips and her workout gear</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Lem gets closer and turns down her music. &quot;Sup dude!?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You rub all the sweat off yourself. &quot;Sup, Lem. Ready to get knocked out?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Lem snorts and waves out her hands a bit. &quot;I been ready fer a while, but don't seem no one can give me tha big ol KO.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She rolls her shoulders and throws her arms around you, giggling</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You giggle too and hug this big pink lug of a bestie you got</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Man, she might be the toughest girl you know, with the heaviest punches you've ever seen in person</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But damn if she ain't the softest, best... Hugger</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Big Lem puts his hands on both of your shoulders. &quot;Aight, aight, save tha lovin for the ring, you two.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grin and rub at your cheek a little</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Lem winks at you as her dad goes on some more, and when he's not looking, she blows you a kiss</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Gosh, this fuggin girl don ease up</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ya love it</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;That right?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You blink up at Big Lem and Lil Lem nods</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yessir, yessir. We're gonna have a fair fight, dad! Righ' Inny?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You bob your head, wiping some more at your sweaty face and chest</span><br />&quot;Fair fight! Right! How else can you fight!?&quot;<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look at the pic of you and Lem, holding each other as she takes the pic</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's earlier today</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your both got those helmets on, gloves too</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And smiles</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's poor and all, you get that</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But a god dang polaroid selfie?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Of you and your best friend, too</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It gives you a... A warm feeling</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh gosh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're hugging the stupid picture</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And wearing a stupid big grin</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And curling up on your bed with it too</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ma giggles. &quot;Inny, you're gonna end up folding that dang thing in half and crumpling it up like that.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You giggle and unwind. &quot;Oops?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ma shakes up your hair</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You're growing up so fast! It's so cute!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You and Ma and your pic hug</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look down at Ma sleeping as you strap your belt</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You take a deep breath and prepare to switch</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But before you do, or as you do, or whatever however this psychology thing works</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You notice that box on your dresser</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The fug is that?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's not heavy at all, but picking it up, you realize you don't remember where you got it</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;'To Indy.'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ugh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Where did you get this!?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;[spoiler]It appeared out of nowhere, when dad came to pick you up for the tourney[/spoiler]</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Right</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Thanks, Amber</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's wrapped up in white, so</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What's in the box?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wiggle it open, tear up the paper...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wot</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The fug is... This?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Goggles?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You pick them up and stare at them</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wot???</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The box has a letter inside</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wot is this?????????</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This thing looks like it's written by a bunch of different people, what is this shid?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ugh, whatever, you're busy, so you stuff the box in your pocket</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;South Canterlot</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You don't know where Cranky is, but you know where your bat is</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Blueberry Pop is light in your hand and your feet are light on the concrete</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;No one's around</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;At least</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;No one thinks that you know anyone's around</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But you can sniff out the shit stinking up the docks and that isn't the bird streaks across the piers</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Easily twenty people the past half hour</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And not a peep out of any of them</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Fine by you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But it's getting you a bit nervous, nah</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Anxious</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Itching... The word is itching</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're itchy all over to scrub these kids across the concrete and wood</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But you're here for a reason</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Gramps' house</span><br />&quot;Cranky.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Cranky who?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Cranky goddamn doodle dandy.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your bat points back at this kid with nice accuracy</span><br />&quot;Now fug off unless you're gonna grow fifty years in an instant.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You keep walking, and he follows</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;That ain't too nice.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Neither is littering.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Littering?&quot;</span><br />&quot;What else do you call a bunch of trash laying around? Litter.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;That's not very nice.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This kid rounds you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Goth kid</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Skinny</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Greasy hair</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Leather jacket</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;No, fake leather</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grimace</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Knife hidden in one pocket</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;BB flies at that pocket, jamming his fingers, and he squeals</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He holds his bloody hand and whimpers</span><br />&quot;You'll find I'm not too keen on looking at shit. Much like anyone, I figure, I prefer not to handle garbage unless I have to.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You bitch.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He narrows his eyes and pulls his knife out in his bloodied hand</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You smack his hand again and the knife goes flying</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Just in time for his big bros to come running in and give you a punch to dodge</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Not so tough now, huh!?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You two hand BB</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Turn her around, put your palm on the bottom</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Stab at the big bro's gut</span><br />&quot;Yeah.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Big bro crumples over like a top heavy trash bag</span><br />&quot;I actually feel nice and small, thanks.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You slide back and spin around big bro as he falls and use the momentum to get another big bro in the side of the head</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Two more big bros here, two more big bros hiding</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;First off</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You kick the little shit in the face</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He drops, and that flushes out the other three big bros</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Whatever</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You duck under a few ham fisted punches from a couple of fat kids</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;One of them you grab</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Half hand BB, grabbing in the middle</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She comes down on his elbow and you let him walk it off</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Four left, your first count was wrong</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They circle you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;That never helps these kids</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They all come at the same time, so you get a good slide out and let them barrel each other</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;When the dust settles, you headshot one more</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Three</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;BANG</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Everyone stops</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ch-chck!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Everyone looks across the pier</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There's that old man, with that shot gun</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He rolls his jaw back and forth</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Please, let me welcome you to my home.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He blasts a big bro in the chest, dropping him</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Everyone scatters, who has the sense to scatter</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You swing BB around and sheathe her</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Hey grampa.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cranky grins and pulls you in for a hug</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Good to see ya, kid. Glad you could make it.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Of course. I have to give you a good house warming, right?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cranky grins at that, and looks around</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Friends of yours?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You shake your head. &quot;I thought they were visitors. I tried to give them a warm Cranky welcome.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A dozen kids are piling in</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Grampa has a chuckle and rests his shotgun against his shoulder. &quot;Well, I always say the more the merrier, what about you, kiddo?&quot;</span><br />&quot;I do love making new friends.&quot; You pull Blueberry Pop out and two hand her as you watch the crowd form<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Thirty now</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Lets have a great house warming party, shall we?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A smug looking prick steps out from the crowd, cigar in hand. &quot;So I see old m-&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your bat is on his nose</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He's down</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Kiddo!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look back at him</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He nods, smiling. &quot;I always hated that little snot.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You smile back as the crowd comes crashing at you both</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You jump over one punk, swinging BB around to break another's nose</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Before your mount can toss you off, you've already kicked another in the side of the head and when you finally get off, you vault kick him into the ground</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cranky's not packing lead, but his shots do disperse the crowd around him nicely</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;With two shots and a bashing, old dude's got five kids down</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hm</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You duck and trip another goon and spear the one who tries to grab up on you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Two more come, so you jump up and kick/bat them off</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Taking out the trash is good</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's healthy, and good for your community</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;1 2 3</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Everyone should do it!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This one swings a knife at you, but you fall into his arms, against his soft belly</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;1 2 3</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He doesn't have the sense to shank you, so you shank him and jump forward, clobbering another kid over the head</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;1 2 3</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cranky puts a hand on your shoulder and blasts the last punk there in the gut, blowing him off his feet</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You take a deep breath</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You both look on at the valley of destruction and over at a small makeshift porch with a simple light hanging over it, all in front of a storage unit</span><br />&quot;Welcome home, grampa.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Thanks, kiddo. Good to be home.&quot;</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cranky's got a nice place</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;All things considered</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Table, bed, fridge, chairs, radio</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Can't ask for much more, 2bh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You relax in one of his chairs and he roots around the place, moving stuff around and tossing other things out</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'll just be a minute...&quot; He grabs up a bunch of kids' stuff and tosses it out the door</span><br />&quot;Take your time.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He puts a cherry cream cola down in front of you and you give him that weird look he gives you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He shrugs and shakes his head. &quot;All I got. Little weirdos and their fancy pants sodas and imported beers.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He throws up a hand as he walks off to throw more stuff out</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Drink it, or it's going in the trash.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;With a shrug, you crack the first soda you've had in... Weeks</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yeah, since May</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As soon as you pop the tab, the room smells like cherries</span><br />&quot;Oh, nice.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He sniffs, and rubs his nose. &quot;It is, yeah.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cranky goes back to throwing out the trash and you sip at your soda</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's nice</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This is nice</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You... Er</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Amber never gets to relax</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She- you don't know how you feel about it, it's weird</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You feel like you should be investigating something at least</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You'll do that</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There's that box</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You pop it open and grab the goggles and letter</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Five different writing styles</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;'Hey, Indy. This might not make a whole lot of sense, but I know you'll need these. I mean like, not these goggles, but all these letters from everyone. You got friends, okay? We're your friends and we care about you.'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;What?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;'Anyway, with that outta the way... Here's a pair of goggles. I know they look pretty boring, but hey, they're also really you. Not that you're pretty boring! Haha, naw, I mean they suit you, the cool car girl look you took so long to make.'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Cool car girl?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Nice goggles, kiddo.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look up as Cranky sits down</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He's looking over the goggles, sort of turning them back and forth in his finger and thumb</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You bob your head and pick them up</span><br />&quot;Thanks, they're a gift from a friend.&quot; As you say that, you wrap them on your forehead<br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;22nd and 14th</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Central Canterlot</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's an older building, but it looks better than the rest of the area by a lot</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Like everything about the building looks better</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There's no grafitti</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There's no holes from bullets</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;No litter</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The little tree at the sidewalk looks better even</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You guess this is where Dr. Scorpan is, right?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Probably</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;This the place, Inny?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You nod and hug ma</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She giggles and hugs you back, but pauses</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Why do you have your work out bag?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Uh.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Don't lie</span><br />&quot;In case the doc needs me to do some kind of tests. Don't wanna get my clothes sweaty.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Oh okay.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ma smiles again. &quot;Have fun, Inny, and call me when you're done.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You wave with her cell phone in hand</span><br />&quot;Sure Ma.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ma gives you one last kiss on the forehead and gets back to her car</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Okay so</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;There's no doorbell</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So you just like</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Open the front door...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh shid, someone else grabs the door and opens it for you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Some stoner chick in a poncho smiles at you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's tying back her dreadlocks</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Sup, dude.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Sup... Dude. Uh, is Dr. Scorpan in?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She gives the sky a distant smile</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Then looks to the side</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Then back at you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yeah dude, come on in. He's been waiting for you.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Nice...&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She shuffles back in, leading you through the old house</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's like a really old boarding house</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The place isn't perfect, but it's way better than the other houses around here</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Plus it smells nice, like fruit or something</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'm making a bunch of juice and stuff for a bake sale, you want some, Blue?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Looks like she's leading you to the kitchen, apparently</span><br />&quot;Oh, uh, sure.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She goes to get one of the ton of pitchers she has set up, and you sit down</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And you set down your duffle bag</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Kitchen's full of fruits, and like all kinds</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And some you've never seen before</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Ah, young Indigo Zap!&quot; An old, friendly voice announces you and you whip around</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Scorpan</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Big dude's wearing an old man suit, one of those jackets and pants combos that's no good for working business but awesome for saying 'hey I'm a grampa'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He comes right at you just as the other girl is pouring out two glasses</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He grabs one and gives you a small smile. &quot;Welcome, Indigo. I'm glad you could make it.&quot; He sips and nods toward the girl.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Great punch.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She dazedly nods with a smile. &quot;Thanks, dude.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grab your glass and sip some too</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Yeah, it's pretty good...</span><br />&quot;I uh. Sorry I couldn't make it for like a month.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;But Scorpan just shakes his head and bats away your apology. &quot;That's quite alright. I understand that you're busy.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As he speaks, he unbuttons his jacket and pulls out a small hankie to wipe his mouth. &quot;That said, I'd love to begin as soon as you are ready!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You chug down the rest of your punch and jump out of your seat, bag already in hand</span><br />&quot;Kay! What kind of tests are we doing, doc?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Big guy chuckles into his fist. &quot;Very simple ones. I appreciate your enthusiasm, but don't expect anything nearly as strenuous as you've been doing these past few weeks.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Nod</span><br />&quot;Right, right.&quot; You follow as he starts walking<br /><span class="co4">&gt;With a grunt, he starts up the stairs</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;My brother and I, our apartment contains the proper equipment. I'm going to be testing for the origin and circumstances of the affliction, it's... Well...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He clears his throat at the middle of the stairs</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He's so slow</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Poor guy</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I won't bore you with the fine details, my dear Indy. I'm just going to check up on how you're doing to make sure that you're growing right and that that pain in your side isn't anything serious.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Hey...&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He pauses and looks back at you</span><br />&quot;How'd you know about that anyway?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Scorpan pauses</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He smiles</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Mr. Preserves, your fitness trainer, told me. I've been the Lemon family physician for generations, you see.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Oh... Okay, that makes sense.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He winces, grunts and begins climbing again. &quot;Sorry for the air of mystery!&quot; Old dude chuckles and sets a leather toed foot on the second floor</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Stairs get harder to climb every day...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After a short breath, Scorpan smiles at you and wipes at his forehead</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Now...&quot; He replaces his hankie with a key and continues down the hall</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Do you still feel the pain in your side?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Nodding, you tighten your grip on your duffle bag</span><br />&quot;Sometimes, yeah.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Scorpan's brow raises as he stops at the end of the hall. &quot;Only sometimes?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grab your side and hold the spot of pain</span><br />&quot;Well... I guess I just don't notice. Anymore.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're both quiet as you stare at the spot of pain</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;With a hum, Scorpan unlocks his door and opens up</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He opens up to his living room</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Couch, desk, book case- wait this isn't a living room</span><br />&quot;Oh, yeah, you're a doctor.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He chuckles. &quot;Why yes, yes I am.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You awkwardly smile and walk in, dropping yourself on the couch</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;As you relax, big guy walks to his desk and grabs a big leather bag, like old doctors use. &quot;Comfortable?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Oh, uh, yeah.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Good!&quot; He smiles as he nears you. &quot;I'm glad you're not nervous, the testing will go better that way.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;With a grunt, Scorpan pulls over a stool and sits in front of you and digs through his bag</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You sit upright so you're not all sprawled out for this</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He shows you a little hammer thingy while smiling</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Let's start simple, shall we?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You roll your eyes and grin</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Scorpan tests your reactions, blood pressure, breathing, sight, hearing, weighs you, measures you like eight different ways, has you sing the abc's, measures your heart rate, compares your skin color to a couple of charts, checks your nails, carefully looks at a hair, and finally, finally</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Gives you a lollipop</span><br />&quot;So what's the good word, doc?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He clears his throat and writes some things down on a form he has</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You're...&quot; He taps his pencil to his bearded chin</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After a deep breath, he winces. &quot;Alive.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Wew.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yes... But more in depth, I could tell you that...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He checks his forms. &quot;You are right handed, favoring your left for handling devices and buttons, or that you...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Another form. &quot;Prefer to chew soft foods on your right side and brittle foods on the left...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stare</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;But that won't tell you anything important, now will it?&quot;</span><br />&quot;You know all that?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I do! But none of that is... Important to what we're doing today.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He sets his clipboard down and weaves his fingers</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I will now test the pain in your side.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You nod and watch him extend a finger</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;His nails are kinda long and pointed, but not sharp</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He moves toward your side and you watch as he slides your shirt up just enough to see part of your flat belly and your waist</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Gulp</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Poke</span><br />&quot;Ah! Fuck,&quot; you slap his hand away<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Scorpan takes a deep breath and pats your shirt back down</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I recommend continue doing your extra work outs. This pain will likely never go away unless you finish up your work here.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Rubbing at your side, you cock a brow at him</span><br />&quot;Wut?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;The old man takes a deep breath and stands, grabbing his stool. &quot;I... Find it difficult to explain, exactly.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He drums his fingers across the stool as he looks up and thinks.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I suppose the best way to describe it would be...&quot; He looks back down at you</span><br />&quot;That you've developed a physical need to fight wrong doers.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stare</span><br />&quot;Pffft.&quot; You start laughing<br /><span class="co4">&gt;And he joins you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I know it sounds silly...&quot; He chuckles some more, &quot;But it's true, Indy.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You shake your head and stand up, setting your hands on your hips. &quot;Dude, are you seriously telling me that I can sense people doing bad stuff?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He raises one hand and shakes his head.</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;No, no, not quite.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He taps his chin and looks around, before pointing at one of the doors</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Brother? I was going to the market, do you want anything?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The door opens and out comes the other old dude. &quot;No.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Scorpan looks at you as the pain flares, right when you see that old man's face</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Okay, you get it</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Okay, gotta play this game</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So, that pain</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Whatever, this pain in your side</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Like whatever, head in the game</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You know when people are bad guys</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;No big deal!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You toss your dice down</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;1, 3, 6, 6, 5, 2, 6, 5</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;+2 each</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;That's fucking cheating, give me your dice!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Ugh, you slide all of your dice to Sour Sweet</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's the only one you can practice game against this week</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stare at her, wishing she'd stop holding the game to test everything you have for faulty (aka cheating) changes</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's not a bad guy</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You just don't like her cause she's a bitch</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her and her fat girl tits and short shorts</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;What the fucks this!?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She slides right next to you, pressing your shoulder between her fat udders</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;ffs</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;...sniff?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Making sure she doesn't notice, you sniff her</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She smells like cherries and lime</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And like actual soap</span><br />&quot;Oh hey, you don't smell like day old burgers.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She shuts up at that and you smirk</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;...yeah.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Wut</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I uh, didn't like how I smelled, so I bought, uh, some new stuff.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Uh, it smells nice?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She shrugs. &quot;Thanks.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Yeah-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;This isn't for you, it's for Twilight.&quot; She frowns &quot;at you, squeezing you closer against her padded body</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Her belly is fucking warm. Your hand is getting burnt (not really)</span><br />&quot;Hey, that's cool, let me go now.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;No, not after I show you how you're cheating!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;H-hey g-girls. A-are we late?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hey</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You both look back and you grin at Twi</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You smirk</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Ya just in time, bae. C'mon over, give ya girl Indy a hug, I missed ya!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sour Patch stiffens and lowly growls</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Twi giggles and bounds over to hug you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Bit harder than you expected from a twiggy girl, but whatevs</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You hug her back and sneer at Sour</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;[spoiler]Get cucked[/spoiler]</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;???</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;[spoiler]Don't worry about it[/spoiler]</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;After a second or two longer than you expected, Twi peels away from you and pulls some hair behind her ear</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;S-so, h-h-how are y-you? B-both of y-you, I-I mean.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She makes an effort of looking between both you and Sour</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;In the background, her friend is unpacking their HSHW stuff</span><br />&quot;I-&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I'm great! I'm happy to see you, Twilight, honey! I wanted to play with you, so I got here nice and early, and now that you're here, I'm so glad!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sour Patch makes a show of tossing you aside (and failing) to jump and hug her</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Instead she sort of hop skips closer and throws her arms around Twi</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Twi wasn't expecting it of course, given the girl has like no response time aside from a yelp</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So Sour Patch ends up snatching her up and tripping</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Falling onto her</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And onto the concrete floor</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You almost jump to stop them</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But you notice in the split second before they land that they turned in mid air so they'd land on their sides</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You sigh and scoop up Twi, leaving Sour to groan and get help from Twi's friend</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;(You keep forgetting her name)</span><br />&quot;You aight?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She half shrugs, adjusting her glasses. &quot;Y-yeah...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Aaaaaaaaaaaand she's palming your flat belly, so you set her on her feet and take a step back</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;By now, Sour's up, but Twi ignores her for the most part</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;S-so, I-Indy?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Yeah?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Twi looks at her hands as she wrings them. &quot;C-can we t-talk in p-private?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A gasp comes from Sour</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Despite what Amber's chuckling about, you have no idea what's going on</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So you shrug</span><br />&quot;Yeah, sure...&quot; You lead her away from Sour and to another part of the game hall, to get a water while you're at it<br /><span class="co4">&gt;When you're both far enough, Twi whisper stammers out something</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;S-so I h-heard, u-um, th-that you h-h-have a r-r-really cool f-friend?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;[spoiler]What the fuck!?[/spoiler]</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Amber's outburst aside, you don't respond beyond, &quot;Yeah?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She looks away, adjusts her glasses, and leans closer to whisper directly into your ear</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;C-can she h-help? M-my s-s-s-s-s-s-&quot; She starts trembling and shaking like a broken down washer machine</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grab her, and she stops with a huge purple blush and an embaressed frown</span><br />&quot;Go ahead.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She takes a shakey breath and pulls out a notepad and a pen</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She scribbles it out instead and hands it to you, with her head held down so her bangs hide her burning face</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stare at her and grab the notepad</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's for Amber</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So, you turn to the wall</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And you let Indy sit in the back for a second as you scan the sheet</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;'Dear AH'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;'Over the past year or so, some people have been harassing my sister and her fiance.'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;'It's been the usual... You know, annoying kids who make cat calls and stuff.'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;'But ever since my sister started trying out to be a cop, the kids have been getting worse.'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;'Last month she came home with her taser out.'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;'Last week, her fiance had her car stolen.'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;'...Last night... My sister's fiance...'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;'...She...'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;'She...'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You set the notepad down and quietly glare at the wall</span><br />&quot;She what.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Twiley hiccups</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Sh-she had a-a broken n-n-nose and her c-clothes were a-a-all ripped u-up-&quot;</span><br />&quot;Okay.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;You put a hand on her shoulder, glaring at the wall</span><br />&quot;Where?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I-Indy?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look to where she is without turning your head</span><br />&quot;My friend will need to know where this happened.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;She gasps</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;C-central Canterlot!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Twi jumps on you and squeezes, rubbing her face into your back</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;She's mumbling into your shirt</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;[spoiler]Who's in Central Canterlot?[/spoiler]</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;If you recall correctly, Central Canterlot is controlled by Iron Will, a giant of a man</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;[spoiler]He sounds like a big guy[/spoiler]</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can only assume</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And for Twilight's sake</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Hope you can put him down</span><br /><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It was a dry day today, but the streets are cool tonight, making your evening patrol comfortable</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grip the railing of a fire escape and pull up to perch at the edge</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And you toss yourself up to the ledge of the roof</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Once on top of the roof, you wander on over toward a nearby steel boxes and drop your duffle bag</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You pull out a cell phone and dial away</span><br />&quot;Cranky.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Hey kiddo. How's tonight treating ya?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You sit down on the box, &quot;Alright. Tossed out six kids so far...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Atta girl.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Sounds like Cranky's eating</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;No punks to steal and cash his food stamps, he can eat something</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;[spoiler]Keep this quick so grampa can have dinner[/spoiler]</span><br />&quot;I want to bring Iron Will down.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;You gotta find him, first.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Where is he?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Dunno kiddo. Ask around a bit. Make some friends in low places. But don't go yet, okay? Grampa wants to come with, make sure you don't get hurt...!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Despite him being unable to see you, you nod</span><br />&quot;I understand. Thank you, grampa.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Yup. Seeya Thursday.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The line clicks</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You lower Ma's phone and stare out at the city</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Central Canterlot</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Iron Will controls this part, apparently</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grab your bag and sling it on as you move across the gravel</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your city</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You love her like you love your Ma</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Four scumbags are filling your Ma full of cancer and filth</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grab a fire escape ladder and slide down</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Your sneakers tap against the concrete below without a sound as you walk</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Iron Will is first</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Then you can move on to the others</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Maybe clean up before the end of summer</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;No one out tonight</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Good</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;...What is that?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look up and down the building</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Central Canterlot Historical Antiquities Museum</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;This is where a thrift shop and a gym was, just yesterday</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Right?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;'OPEN 24/7, SECURITY ON WATCH'</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;That's... Weird</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You tighten up the straps on your bag and hustle in</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;The museum is poorly lit, but you're positive it's on purpose</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;So you don't notice the security guard at the entrance waves a scanner over you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He nods and lets you go</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's just a small museum</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;All the pieces are from Old Canterlot era</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Paintings and statues fill the halls, all leading to the main display room</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Holy shit</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;They got an entire catapault in here</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You get closer to this one display</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Its not in a display case or anything, it's on a manequin</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A suit of armor and a big, big sword</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;All gold</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;And its the only thing with a bright light over it, so its like it glows in the dark room</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;[spoiler]Touch it[/spoiler]</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can't, it's against the rules</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;[spoiler]I didn't see any signs saying not to[/spoiler]</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's a museum, it's assum-</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;[spoiler]ASSUMING DIRECT CONTROL[/spoiler]</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;INDY NO</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;INDY YES</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You grab your wrist in one hand before you can touch the armor</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Damn it</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You're a tough girl, but Indy's had this body longer than you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Actual sweat starts beading on your forehead from the strain of keeping her at bay</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;But</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You can't-!</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A finger touches it</span><br />&quot;Fuck!&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;Is this fucking thing live wired?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;That's what you get for not listening to yourself, you guess...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Er</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You stare at your finger</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's unharmed</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;That's pretty weird, it hurt like hell</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Uh</span><br />&quot;What...?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;...</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;[spoiler]Amber?[/spoiler]</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;A-are you there?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Footsteps</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Behind you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look, and there's an annoyed looking man in a thick sweater standing at the entrance to the room</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He adjusts his glasses and sneers</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Please don't touch the displays.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Sorry dude.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He grunts and walks past you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Before you- Well, nah</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He whips out a tissue and rubs at the spot you poked</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Not before you can react, but you guess since he works here, he won't get hurt, so you don't do anything</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It only hurt you</span><br />&quot;Uh, can you tell me something about this?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He sighs. &quot;Sure.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;This would be King Arthour's regalia and sword, Sunriser.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Uh.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He stutters to a stop and snorts. &quot;What?&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look at the sword</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;It's a huge tower of steel with golden words all across it. &quot;I thought...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You look back at him</span><br />&quot;I thought it was called Dawnbringer?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He scoffs</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I guess, if you use the old Gaellop translations. But real historians agree that the Old Equestrian manuscripts can be trusted, thus, King Arthour's sword is named Sunriser.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He smirks from under his thick rimmed glasses</span><br />&quot;...You're pretty cute dude. Are you single?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He grunts and glares at you</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;I-I am 37 years old with a wife and daughter, you little punk!&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;While waving your hand a bit, you giggle at him</span><br />&quot;Just a prank, bro, just a prank!&quot; You smile. &quot;You just remind me of this one girl I know. She's got big glasses too.&quot;<br />&quot;You look like you're twenty though, good job.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He grits his teeth... Then sighs. &quot;Do you want to hear about Arthour or not?&quot;</span><br />&quot;Yeah yeah, go ahead dude. Can you do it with a stutter though?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He furrows his brow and stares at you, mouth agape</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He gulps and looks around</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;U-uh. Th-the anc-cient texts s, no, sorry. I don't like my stutter. You weird, weird little girl.&quot;</span><br />&quot;That's fine, go ahead, dude.&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He glares at you again, but it's softer</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Shier?</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;You smirk</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He raises a hand and points at the breast plate, where a sun is stamped into it</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;That's where you poked it</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;Historians all agree that he wore this armor in every battle he took part in. When he was crowned king, he had the crown combined with the armor...&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It was said the forging gave the armor divine power, as back then, the crown of king was symbol of divine right.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;He gives you a smirk</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;They thought his god given right to rule was permanently affixed to the armor. Hence his inability to be defeated in combat or via magic.&quot;</span><br />&quot;Magic?&quot;<br /><span class="co4">&gt;He shrugs</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;&quot;It was believed that the armor dispels mind controlling spells and counters insanity.&quot;</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;Oh</span><br /><span class="co4">&gt;...A-amber?</span></div></div>




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