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Bros in Equestria Bonus Story: A Night at the Opera
By MandroidCreated: 2020-12-19 13:16:41
Expiry: Never
- 1.
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>Year 1820 in Equestria.
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>The night of the big opera.
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>You and Anon had gotten into the habit of performing this opera once every twenty years or so.
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>You both knew it like the back of your hands before you came here, and what with the names of the characters well...
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>You really couldn't say no.
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>Anon was peeking out of the curtains as the music played and signaled the start of the show.
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>"Big crowd."
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"It's always a big crowd."
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>"Bigger crowd then. I swear, half these ponies are just here because Celestia and Luna are."
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>You rose from your seat and cricked your neck before you threw on your costume, a simple lab coat.
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"Well then, let's give them a story to remember, yeah?"
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>Anon smiled as you head to the curtain. "Knock em dead "Tom"."
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"Remember to be evil this time, "Al"."
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>You walked out into the spotlight as twang of a guitar string started your first part.
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>You fiddled with a screw in your hands as you spoke your lines.
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"My father worked the mines until the day it took his life."
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"It stole him from his only son and it stole him from his wife."
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>You walked to one side of the stage and looked out of the audience.
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"And I swore upon his grave, someday I would make things right."
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>You turned and walked back to the other half of the stage as stage crew wheeled out diagrams of machines.
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"So I learned how to bend steel. I learned how to make it move,"
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"and I watched as it withstood all the hell we put men through."
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>You picked up a metal glove.
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"With hands of iron, there's not a task we couldn't do."
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>You drew some equations Anon and you talked over on the board.
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"They've waited so long for this day,"
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"Someone to take the death away,"
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"No son would ever have to say,"
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"My father worked into his grave."
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>As you drew, magically manipulated props of mechanical men came marching out from backstage, with Anon at the rear.
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>Anon stopped on the opposite side of the stage from you and put one hand in his jacket pocket while the other rested on a cane.
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"Tom, listen to yourself, then listen carefully to me."
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"If you replace the working parts, you get a different machine."
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>A smile parted his lips.
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"The man who turns the wheels, they will follow"
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"Anywhere he leads."
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>Anon walked to the backdrop of the city behind the two of you.
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"We've spent our whole lives searching for a way to make a better world."
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"Giving everything to them, asking nothing in return." he said as he shook his head.
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>He turned to you with a sinister grin. "Well here it is: our chance to take back everything we've earned." he said as he clenched his fist.
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>You continued to draw.
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"They've waited so long for this day"
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>"They've waited so long for this day"
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"Someone to take the death away."
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>"There is no price they wouldn't pay."
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"No son would ever have to say,"
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>"For someone else to lead them"
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"My father worked into his grave."
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>"Don't turn your back on me!"
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>You walked slowly to the window overlooking the city. This was wear your character realized that he had to activate the machines to keep his promise of a better city. A promise you yourself could relate to...
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>You stared at your hands.
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"What will I become with the things I will create?"
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"I never said that men should bow. I never said that men should break."
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"I only want what's best."
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>You lower your head.
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>A blue mare came out from stage right and had the spotlight shown on her.
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"The one I love, she works so hard, she works her hooves until they bleed."
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"Some of the pain that she endures would bring a strong man to his knees."
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>Your face hitches.
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"I only want to help."
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>Anon shook his head on the other end of the stage. "You are a fool."
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"You underestimate the character of man." you say looking back.
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>"They are weaker than you think"
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"You think that they'll surrender if you bind their working hands. But they are strong"
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>"Just wait and see." Anon seethes.
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>You clench your gauntleted hand and walk to the front of the stage
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"We will build cities in a day!"
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>Anon put his hand on his forehead and shook. "Men would cower at the sight."
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"We will build towers to the heavens
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>"Man was not built for such a height"
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"We will be heroes!"
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>"We will BUILD heroes!"
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>Your face fell and you reluctantly reached out a hand to a large metal leaver.
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>Across the bottom of the stage, the lights flickered as machine props behind you sparked to life.
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>You watched the machines "below" you.
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"They've waited so long for this day,"
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"Someone to take the death away,"
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"No son would ever have to say,"
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"My father worked into his grave."
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>You slipped on another gauntlet.
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"Men sleep tonight with hands of bone. They will awake with hands of steel."
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"And with these hands we will destroy. And with these hands we will rebuild."
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>You let the fire in your eyes grow as you shout.
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"And we will stand above our city, rising high above the streets."
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"From tops of buildings we will look at all that lies beneath our feet."
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>You stab both your hands into the sky.
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"We will raise our hands above us, cold steel shining in the sun,"
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"And with these hands that will not bleed, my father's battle will be won!"
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>You exited stage right as Anon surveyed the machine army, stopping right in front of a single one with an angry red eye who's glow seemed to grow by the second.
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>He shuddered briefly before he exited stage left, the machine man following him a few paces behind.
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>You re-entered stage right as the backdrop changed to a city street.
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>You mumbled under your breath about the consequences of your actions, letting the audience only hear a word every so often.
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>As you were lost in thought, a carriage passed you and reached stage left just before you did.
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>The lights darkened as the scene changed.
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- 101.
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>You walk back out onto the stage after a quick outfit change, looking over the audience as the scene shifts.
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103.
"What have I done?"
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104.
"Though I did not pull the trigger, I built the gun that he holds in his hand."
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>You look up to the sky.
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"Last night I dreamed I climbed to the top of a mountain of metal and for miles I could see the destruction of man."
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>Your face grows grim as you walk back and forth over the stage.
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"I will not be the father of death."
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>You pull a small photo out of your pocket, caressing it slightly.
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"Darling Emily, everything that I have done, I have done for you, but it's turned out all wrong."
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>The stage lights up as the music swells/
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"Can I take it back? Can I turn off this machine before it destroys everything that I've loved?"
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>You looked over the crowd in horror and rage.
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"I will find a way to make this right!"
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"I will find a way, Emily."
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"I will not be the father of death!"
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>The light on you dimed and instead revealed a cobalt blue mare walking into another set, a letter in her grip.
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>Your darling Emily...
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>"Tom?" she called as she walked inside.
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>The lights grew to reveal a figure rummaging through a desk, it was Anon.
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>Startled by the sound, he turned to look at Emily. A sinister smile crossing his face.
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>He motioned behind Emily, causing a machine to slam the door shut.
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>Emily turned to Anon frightened as he got out from behind the desk.
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>"What are you doing here?"
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>"Let me take you away."
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>"I'm not going anywhere."
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>"He will be nothing when this runs its course."
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>"He will be everything that a man is supposed to be."
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>She moves to the window and looks out over the city, this girl had a nice voice...
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>"If the shadow blocks out the sun..."
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>"There will be Light!" the choir to the side sang.
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>"If it stays 'till the sun is set...
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>"There will be Light!"
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>"If the sun never shows its face again..."
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>"There will be Light!"
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>"No matter how dark the city gets... there will be..."
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>Anon gave a DAMN good evil glare as Emily sang.
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>He turned to the machine and slid his finger across his throat, spurning the robot into action.
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>It clambered towards Emily as Anon glided out the window.
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>Emily tried to follow Anon out the window, but the machine caught her hair.
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>Even as she tried to scream, the machine moved. Ripping a steel blade across her neck and sending a splash of blood across the wall.
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>You walked into the set moments after, crossing over into the room where the grisly murder had taken place.
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>A bright red light pulsing outside the window drew your eyes towards it.
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>Emotions played across your face, drawing a few gasps from the crowd.
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>The machine tossed the still dripping knife into the room before it leapt off the stage.
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>Sirens came from offstage.
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>You knelt down next to Emily, pulling her as close to you as you could, your body silently hitching.
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>Real guards, actual ones from the city, started kicking at the door.
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>You brushed the hair from Emily's face and kissed her forehead as a single tear rolled down your cheek.
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>The door bucked and splintered, rousing you from your mourning.
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>You pocketed the note and slipped to the window.
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>The buzzing sound of spells charging filled the silent concert hall.
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"The robot, didn't you see!? It had a red light behind a blast shield and it killed her!"
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>The guards, to their part, looked to you confused and charged their spells more.
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>Your head sunk as you turned and throw yourself from the window.
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>Gasps of shock came from the crowd as the well practiced guards fired their spells.
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>You grunted as you hit the ground below.
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>Dammit...it was only a few feet but it still hurt...next time Anon plays Tom.
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>At least your magic immunity helped sell the scene.
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>You rolled over and pushed yourself shakily to your feet as the sirens grew louder and ran off stage.
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- 164.
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-Anon PoV-
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>You were born for this moment.
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>Finally getting to put to use all those "dance lessons" Michael Jackson videos had taught you.
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>As Mous ran offstage, a gaggle of reporters came in to take his place behind you.
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>Above all your heads was a screen, one that was due to go live any moment.
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>You held your cane behind your head with your back to the audience, popping your shoulders and sliding it across in tune with the music.
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>As the drums joined, you began twirling the cane on circles on either side of you, prancing around as the reporters assembled.
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>You glanced up at Luna and Celestia's box seats, they both seemed to be enjoying it. Luna was enraptured by the story despite seeing it over a dozen times and Celestia seemed to be following your cane twirls.
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>It was good to put on a performance for good friends.
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>You strutted in front of the reporters and slammed your can onto the ground.
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"Tonight the streets are red, the lights are blue and blinding."
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"No sign of the "Good Doctor," but the siren's wail and whining Tell us he'll be found."
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>You walk in rhythm to the window behind you and overlook the city.
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" I can almost hear the hounds..."
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>You grinned a bit as the lights of the city flashed.
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>You turned back to reporters, dancing as you walked.
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"What kind of man builds a machine to kill a girl?"
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"No he did not use his hands. "
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"Like a smart man he used a tool."
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"But just the same!..."
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"How can you question who's to blame?"
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>The reporters all took a step forward. "What was her name?" they shouted.
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>You waved a dismissive hand.
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"It doesn't matter. Now listen..."
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>You toss your cane up into the air and spin around on your heels before catching it and hoping in the air.
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"The Good Doctor" has to pay!"
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>A red countdown appeared on the screen over your heads, drawing the reports attention.
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>You bent your head down to whisper to only you and the crowd.
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"When I say he was a monster, when I set fire to his name."
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"It does not matter where you hear it from, whether truth or lies, it gets said all the same!"
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>You glance up at the coundown, stabbing your cane towards the reporters.
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"Whatever's on the table plays!"
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>You glance up back as the countdown as it ticks down to 1 minutes, 46 seconds.
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>The reporters keep blaring questions at you as you slip into the studio.
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>A pane of glass sparates you from the reporters as they flap their gums.
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>The mics weren't on...the cameras weren't rolling...so you spoke to yourself.
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"There is a flame I have been fanning."
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"There is a fire waiting to catch."
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There is a hell that has been building from the moment we first met."
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>58 seconds to air.
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"If there ever was a time, If there ever was a chance, to undo the things I've done and wash these bloodstains from my hands."
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>49 seconds to air
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>Your eyes grew more deranged and excited as seconds ticked away.
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"It has passed and been forgotten."
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"These are the paths that we must take."
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"Cause you and I, Tom, we are men And we can bend and we can break."
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>40 seconds.
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"If you think that you can run."
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"If you think that you can stand."
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"Well you forget who turned this city on. "
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>The automated lights in the studio switch on as you throw you cane up and catch it again.
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"You forget who plugged this city in!"
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>30 seconds to air.
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"They'll not switch it off again."
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You straightened your tie, knocked the wrinkles out of your suit jacket and faced the camera lens.
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"One by one they're tuning in."
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>15 seconds.
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>You looked over the audience as they watched hypnotized by the events unfolding.
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>Just as planned.
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>3 seconds...
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>You clear your throat as the blinking red light goes solid.
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>Your face appears on the screen above the audience, their eyes snapping up to it.
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"Hello, people of the greatest city on the planet."
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"It is my great honor to announce the new telescreen's that will be sending a constant stream of information to you all."
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>Your face grew serious.
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"As you all no doubt know, a murder was commited by my once associate Dr. Thomas Light."
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"I want to assure you all that he will be caught and brought to justice, I will not allow such blatant disregard for the law go unpunished."
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>You grow a small smile.
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"I promise you all, I will make this city safe again."
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>The guards, the reporters, all the city folk looked up at the screen.
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>And they trusted it's words completely.
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- 239.
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-Mous PoV-
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>You sat in a defendants chair as the scene changed.
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>You kept your head low and arms close as the music lightly filled the hall.
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>Extras walked around in a mock trial with and spoke without sound.
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>You were to be depressed over loss here, you had lots of practice doing that.
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>Your voice was kept soft as it was amplified over the audience.
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"Emily, The crowd has gathered here but it is not because of you."
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>You shake your head.
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"Emily, the taste of blood in their mouths, I can't imagine what they'll do."
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"But it doesn't matter what they'll do to me."
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>You shift in your seat a bit
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"Emily, have they forgotten you when they set their sights on me?"
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>You look up at the shadow cast by a noose hanging from the ceiling.
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"They will hang me from the rope tonight."
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"Will you be waiting there for me?"
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"Will our souls remember where we said we'd meet on the way out of this town?"
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>Tears began to well up in the eyes of both you and the audience as the scene hit them.
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"I'm leaving one way or the other, Emily. There's nothing left here for me now."
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>You pulled your head closer.
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"Emily, it's so quiet now. It's like the calm before a storm."
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>You look up at a screen with Anon's face on you.
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"They will punish me for what he did to you. But either way it's all my fault,"
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"'Cause I made the man who laid his hands on you."
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>You shoot your head as you shouted.
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"And I would tear him down, but I feel like a dead man and what can a dead man do?"
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>Smoke came from backstage with the silhouette of Emily shining out.
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>"This is not your fault!" she yelled.
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"I'm leaving one way or the other, Emily."
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>"This is not your fault!"
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"There's nothing left here for me now."
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>The lights intensify on the court as they reach the end.
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"Here comes the blow..."
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"We find the only man who loved her..."
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"We find the only man who'd give his life to see her once again..."
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>"We find this man..."
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>"Not Guilty!"
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"Guilty... I am Guilty!"
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>The sentence had been dealt; not guilty.
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>The judge, jurors and lawyers all left the courtroom, leaving you alone in the defendants stand.
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>As the lights on the set died, lights outside the court windows intensified.
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>Along with shouts of anger and rage.
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- 283.
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>You sat in the stand, simply waiting.
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>A group of guards came and escorted you from the stand out of the courthouse.
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>They paused at the doors and prepared for what was outside.
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>As they swung the doors open, the angry mob outside's screams intensified.
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>It was utter chaos in the city.
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>"Give us the doctor!" they shouted.
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>The guards hurried you along through the crowd.
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>"Give us the rope!"
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>The guards kept the mob away from you as you were pushed into a carriage
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>The mob pounded on the windows of the carriage as it left.
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>"Give us his hands!"
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>"Give us his feet!"
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>You could see the rage in their eyes.
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>"Give us the doctor!"
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>"Give us the rope!"
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>You kept maneuvering through the sea of protesters.
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>"Give us a grave!"
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>"Give us a shovel!"
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>"Give us a marker!"
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>"Give us the doctor!"
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>"Give us the rope!"
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>The carriage slowly made its way to the train station, every stallion, mare and foal in the city slowly marching after you.
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>In the vacant silence of the station, you could hear the dull roar of the crowd as they came closer and closer to the station.
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>In utter apathy, you stepped onto the train right as the doors shut.
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>As the train pulled away, your looked up to the angry face of Anon at the top of the tower you helped build.
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>He screamed and hollered and drove the crowd to new levels of frenzy as he drove you out of this city and took complete control.
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>Thomas Light was gone.
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>Your name tarnished, your work stolen., your love murdered.
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>But the city...
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>The city was still alive.
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- 315.
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>The train picked up and shot you out of the city as fast as it could.
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>Behind you, things changed.
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>A relentless army of robot workers marched out and began to tear down the old city, replacing it with a sleek new modern one.
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>Ponies followed the metal monsters out as they rebuilt the city, standing in awe of what laid before them.
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>No longer would they toil in factories or risk life and limb in mines, the city would now take care of that for them.
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>The single screen that transmitted Anon's face now sent the same picture to hundreds of others, filling the city with his word.
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>His words, his workers, his conviction, turned the city into a steel plated heaven.
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>Years passed.
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> A new generation grew up in the steel city, one that had never been told about the old by the previous generations.
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>Why would they? What point was there in telling everyone about the craphole the city used to be?
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>The people of the old city had been given a gift in the form of a new one, given by a kind man with an endless supply of steel hands.
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>And gifts could be taken back.
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>Fear settled in over the city, keeping them silent and safe.
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>Despite all that, rumors started.
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>Rumors that a demon with a single red I would take you away at night if you had even a dissenting word on your lips.
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>Some children grew up hating the city and the machines that had their hands around the necks of the people.
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>There was one boy in particular.
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>His name was Joe.
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- 335.
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-Anon PoV-
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>You stepped out on stage in your Joe outfit.
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>Playing two characters was practically a necessity, Wiley barely got any time.
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>You step out into the light and overlook the city.
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"The city doesn't know what's coming,"
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"She doesn't feel the heat."
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"The city won't know what hit her,"
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"What knocked her out into the streets."
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"The city is thinking that it's over,"
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"and she's already fast asleep."
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"So I'm breaking out of here tonight."
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"I am ready."
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>You walked along the shining city in disgust of what it had become.
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"We're given only what we need,"
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"Only the chance to survive."
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>You glance up at the broadcast tower.
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"And even then, it's a coin toss,"
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"A roll of the dice."
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>You look at the complacent masses of the city.
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"There's gotta be something better,"
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"Something that feels more alive."
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"So I'm breaking out of here tonight."
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"I'm breaking out of here."
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>You chase after a mare a ways ahead of you, trying to convince her of the state the city is in.
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"You've got to feel it girl, Feel the wind pick up."
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>The choir to the side of the stage sung with you.
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"It feels like something's gonna change,"
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>"Something's gonna change."
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"But there's no use putting it in drive if all the wheels are stuck."
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>You grab her shoulder.
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"There's somethin' wrong here."
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>"Something's wrong here."
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"Like this whole city wants to scream, but no one makes a sound."
-
369.
>She keeps on ignoring you as she walks into a restaurant.
-
370.
"But, you've got to feel it, baby."
-
371.
>"Something's wrong here."
-
372.
"So I'm going to find out what it is and I'm going to tear it down."
-
373.
-
374.
>You slide up next to the mare and grab her ear to whisper.
-
375.
>She may have been ignoring you all night, but you had her attention now.
-
376.
"The engine's running, baby."
-
377.
"We don't have time for goodbyes."
-
378.
"I know you can't come with me."
-
379.
"I see that look in your eyes."
-
380.
"So kiss me fast cause there's no time to lose."
-
381.
"Leave the light on I'll come back for you."
-
382.
"When everything is said and done, I swear I'm gonna make it right."
-
383.
>You steal a quick kiss, swearing you can hear Luna stiffen a bit.
-
384.
"I'm breaking out of here tonight!
-
385.
>The girl smiled and rose a hoof to slap you, but you were already gone.
-
386.
>You kicked open the door and jumped on your bike to tear into the streets with fire in your blood.
-
387.
>As you rode, you screamed out against the silent city.
-
388.
>High above, citizens yelled at you to keep your voice down for all of your safety.
-
389.
"I'm so tired of giving up."
-
390.
"I am so tired of giving in."
-
391.
"You wake up knowing things should change, not knowing where to begin."
-
392.
"This city won't say where she's going, and she won't speak of where she's been."
-
393.
"So I'm breaking out of here tonight..."
-
394.
>As you race, the denizens of the city open their windows and lean out, gasping and speaking in timid voices in a chorus of fear.
-
395.
>"Don't turn your back on the city." they said.
-
396.
>You ignored the voices, you were the only one who hadn't turned his back.
-
397.
>You kick the shifter.
-
398.
-
399.
"Say a prayer for all the children still sleeping.
-
400.
>You shift to 3rd gear.
-
401.
>"Don't turn your back on the city."
-
402.
"Say a prayer for all the fathers who still remember."
-
403.
>You shift to 4th.
-
404.
>"Don't turn your back on the city."
-
405.
"Say a prayer for all the girls who've learned to stand up."
-
406.
>"Don't turn your back on the city."
-
407.
>5th.
-
408.
>"Don't turn your back on the city."
-
409.
"Say a prayer for all the boys who won't surrender."
-
410.
>The lights on the stage and indeed in the entire theatre go out save for the one directly above you.
-
411.
"Sometimes I just want to drive until the streets run out."
-
412.
"I want to burn until there's nothing left to burn about."
-
413.
>Who do you know like that?
-
414.
"This city's waiting for a better day."
-
415.
"When I get back there will be hell to pay."
-
416.
>The lights pulse brighter and brighter.
-
417.
"But, if I'm the only one left standing, I will not be afraid to fight."
-
418.
"I'm breaking out of here tonight!"
-
419.
>You keep racing.
-
420.
-
421.
"I feel a fever coming on me, burning out of control."
-
422.
"And I hear nothing but the static."
-
423.
"For years now there's been nothing but the static on the radio."
-
424.
"If you can hear my voice outside these walls, if you can hear me sending out this message tonight, then break the silence, send a signal back."
-
425.
"I'm coming, all I need is a little guiding light."
-
426.
>The music keeps pounding as you keep riding.
-
427.
"...If you can hear me." you add as an afterthought.
-
428.
>"Don't turn your back on the city..."
-
429.
"If you can hear me...Don't turn your back on the city."
-
430.
>You keep riding next to the rails for a while, eventually leading to the slums of the city.
-
431.
>Even here, the telescreens were buzzing.
-
432.
>You heard footsteps behind you as you stepped off your bike and reached for the knife in your boots.
-
433.
>You whirled around to face your potential attacker.
-
434.
>It was a grey haired Mous.
-
435.
>You were about to speak when he raised a finger and pointed behind you.
-
436.
>You turned around to see a single pulsating red light from the alleyway behind you.
-
437.
- 438.
-
439.
>Mous took a few steps towards you and you him.
-
440.
>You recognized this face, the face of the Demon of the City.
-
441.
>You felt yourself grow more excited.
-
442.
>You stay where you are as you talk to him.
-
443.
"I've seen your face in the shadows."
-
444.
"I've seen your face in the places I wasn't meant to be."
-
445.
"I've heard them whisper about you."
-
446.
"I've heard the men in the bars and I've seen the women lock their doors at night."
-
447.
"Lock your doors tonight."
-
448.
>You take a few steps towards him as he continues you glare past you.
-
449.
"They say your eyes are on fire."
-
450.
"They say you'd kill a man for walking the wrong side of the line."
-
451.
"The wrong side of the line."
-
452.
"But men, they say a lot of foolish things and in the end the only words I can find to believe in are mine."
-
453.
>You walk towards him as the choir prepares to join you.
-
454.
"They say:"
-
455.
"This city."
-
456.
>"This city."
-
457.
"She's been dead."
-
458.
>"She's been dead."
-
459.
"For years now..."
-
460.
>"For years now,"
-
461.
"For years now..."
-
462.
>"For years now,"
-
463.
"So death is,"
-
464.
>"So death is,"
-
465.
"Not something"
-
466.
>"Not something"
-
467.
"Not something that scares me."
-
468.
>"That scares me... "
-
469.
"That scares me ..."
-
470.
>You take a step closer.
-
471.
"There's worse things."
-
472.
>"There's worse things."
-
473.
"Than death here.
-
474.
>"Than death here."
-
475.
"They told me..."
-
476.
>"Keep quiet."
-
477.
>You thrust your arms into the air.
-
478.
"I will not be told where to stand!"
-
479.
"I will not be told what to say."
-
480.
"Not by man or machine, Not by you, not by anyone tonight!"
-
481.
"You're gonna have to do better than fear."
-
482.
"You're gonna have to step out of the shadows and fight!"
-
483.
-
484.
>You point a finger at him.
-
485.
"And when they see your face again, They will know what it means to have fear dragged out into the light."
-
486.
"Drag it out!"
-
487.
"They say:"
-
488.
"This city."
-
489.
>"This city."
-
490.
"She's been dead."
-
491.
>"She's been dead."
-
492.
"For years now..."
-
493.
>"For years now,"
-
494.
"For years now..."
-
495.
>"For years now,"
-
496.
"So death is,"
-
497.
>"So death is,"
-
498.
"Not something"
-
499.
>"Not something"
-
500.
"Not something that scares me."
-
501.
>"That scares me... "
-
502.
"That scares me ..."
-
503.
"So come on!"
-
504.
>"Come on."
-
505.
"Come on!"
-
506.
"Step into the light!"
-
507.
>The machine behind you lurches to life and steps from the shadows.
-
508.
>Mous visible tensed as the machine walked forward.
-
509.
>You slowly backed away from the bike, getting close to Mous in the alley.
-
510.
>The machine never charged up its magical canon in its hand, instead leaning forward with a large blade in it's fist.
-
511.
"This city."
-
512.
>"This city."
-
513.
"She's been dead."
-
514.
>"She's been dead."
-
515.
"For years now..."
-
516.
>"For years now,"
-
517.
"For years now..."
-
518.
>"For years now,"
-
519.
"So death is."
-
520.
>"So death is.
-
521.
>"Not something.
-
522.
"Not something that scares me!"
-
523.
>"That scares me."
-
524.
"That scares me.
-
525.
>"That scares me."
-
526.
"There's worse things."
-
527.
>"This city."
-
528.
"Than death here
-
529.
>"She's been dead."
-
530.
>"For years now."
-
531.
"There's loss and there's silence and sadness!
-
532.
>"For years now."
-
533.
>Your hands were shaking.
-
534.
-
535.
>"So death is."
-
536.
"So come on!"
-
537.
>"Not something."
-
538.
"Come on!"
-
539.
>"That scares me"
-
540.
"Just open your mouths and receive it!"
-
541.
"That scares me."
-
542.
>The machine continues to march forward, making sounds over and over.
-
543.
>In time, those sounds resembled speech.
-
544.
>"This city."
-
545.
>"She's been dead."
-
546.
>"For years now."
-
547.
>"For years now."
-
548.
>"So death is."
-
549.
>"Not something."
-
550.
>"That scares me"
-
551.
>It repeated those words over and over like a mantra.
-
552.
>You leaned forward and charged the machine, intent on going down fighting.
-
553.
>You slammed into it and rolled along the ground with it.
-
554.
>The machine got on top and put its hands around your throat.
-
555.
>You clawed at the metal covering it, looking for a chink in the armor.
-
556.
>Your hand found the magic canon in its hand instead.
-
557.
>You were able to twist the hand and blast the machine.
-
558.
>When you got your eyes open, the machine was several feet away with a smoldering hole in its chest.
-
559.
>You grabbed a pipe and prepared to bash its skull in, but Mous stopped you.
-
560.
>"I built this. It's mine to destroy." he said.
-
561.
>With surprising speed, his right hand shot to Joe's boot and withdrew the knife. With his left hand he grabbed the machine by the jugular-shaped electrical conduit at its throat and sliced. A single swift blow. The eye went dark. The machine was dead.
-
562.
>He turned to face you, your labored breaths drowning out the telescreen.
-
563.
>"My name is Thomas Light..." he said.
-
564.
>He walked over to the lifeless machine and motioned for you to assist him.
-
565.
>You both dragged the remains into the alley.
-
566.
>Mous sheathed the knife in your boot and examined the machine.
-
567.
>With a few deft movements, he pulled the dark green helmet off its head.
-
568.
>"Here... try this on."
-
569.
- 570.
-
571.
>You and Mous needed a plan.
-
572.
"This city's sleeping like a soldier trapped inside of an iron lung."
-
573.
"Machines can keep you breathing but what happens when you find a new war's begun?"
-
574.
"Flip a switch and turn it off, you won't be able to breathe."
-
575.
"So either way you're a casualty."
-
576.
>You walked around as your mind processed what was happening and your pulse quickened.
-
577.
>You clench your fist.
-
578.
"I've got this burning like my veins are filled with nothing but gasoline."
-
579.
"And with a spark it's gonna be the biggest fire they've ever seen."
-
580.
"Cut me down or let me run, Either way it's all gonna burn..."
-
581.
"The only way that they'll ever learn."
-
582.
>You point to the telescreens.
-
583.
"We've got to turn it off, Flip a switch."
-
584.
"Light up the night!"
-
585.
"There is a city that this darkness can't hide."
-
586.
"There are the embers of a fire that's gone out, But I can still feel the heat on my skin."
-
587.
"This mess we're in, well you and I, Maybe you and I, We can still make it right."
-
588.
"Maybe we can bring back the light."
-
589.
>Mous paces around with his hand on his chin.
-
590.
>He turns back to you.
-
591.
>"At the heart of the city there is a building that looks down over all there is."
-
592.
>"And the man in the tower controls it all without raising a single fist."
-
593.
>"It's like they gathered up the city, they sold it to the devil and now, It's gone to hell and they wonder how."
-
594.
-
595.
>He walks closer to you.
-
596.
>"Well, a friend once told me: Men, they would follow any man who would turn the wheels."
-
597.
>"Now the wheels are spinning out of control; what would they do if we held them still?"
-
598.
>"If you destroy the working parts, what you'll get is a broken machine."
-
599.
>"A beacon of light from a burning screen."
-
600.
>"Light it up."
-
601.
>"Light up the night."
-
602.
>You both clasped your fists and sang together.
-
603.
>"There is a city that this darkness can't hide."
-
604.
>"There are the embers of a fire that's gone out, But I can still feel the heat on my skin. This mess we're in, well you and I, maybe you and I, We can light up the night."
-
605.
>You both made a plan, a simple yet effective plan.
-
606.
>You would make your way to the central transmitter and stop the broadcasts, taking out Wiley's eyes.
-
607.
>With those out, Mous could re0enter the city and kill wiley.
-
608.
>Mous walked into home and handed a bag of explosives to you.
-
609.
>"There is a city that this darkness can't hide."
-
610.
>"There are the embers of a fire that's gone out, "But I can still feel the heat on my skin. "This mess we're in, well you and I, maybe you and I, We can light up the night."
-
611.
>"There is a city that this darkness can't hide."
-
612.
>"There is a fire that will burn through the streets of the city, and we will stand in the light."
-
613.
>"We will stand in the light, you and I."
-
614.
>"You and I."
-
615.
>"We can bring back the light."
-
616.
>The assassin dead, there was no better time.
-
617.
>Mous locked the helmet under your chin and handed you the bag.
-
618.
>"Go!" he shouted.
-
619.
- 620.
-
621.
>You hopped on the bike and sped back to the city.
-
622.
>You head the news reports as you passed each telescreen.
-
623.
>"Incident as cities edge."
-
624.
>"Armed assailant."
-
625.
>"Threat to public safety."
-
626.
>Ignore it all, just climb.
-
627.
>You raced through the streets faster than ever before.
-
628.
>The world seemed to ebb around you as you came closer and closer to the imposing spire and the giant telescreen on top of it.
-
629.
>You were gonna climb to the top of the world.
-
630.
>The street ended and you jumped the curb, launching you into the front steps of the tower.
-
631.
>The bike lost traction on the smooth marble and slid across the floor.
-
632.
>You were thrown off it just as the bike launched into the air and crashed into the steel doors, erupting into flame.
-
633.
>You rolled on your stomach as you slowed yourself, sirens bursting to life around you.
-
634.
-
635.
>You push yourself up and run to the stairs, jump the flames left by the bike.
-
636.
>After what seemed like an endless number of stairs, you reached the top of the tower.
-
637.
>You kicked the door in and stepped into the night air.
-
638.
>Have to act fast.
-
639.
>You threw the bag down next to the transmitter, reached inside and grabbed the detonator.
-
640.
>You held as tight as you could and ran for the stairs.
-
641.
>It took three steps for the bomb to go off and throw you into the air.
-
642.
>Mous had almost reached the plaza.
-
643.
>He watched the flames erupt from the top of the building and set the sky on fire.
-
644.
>As he watched the debris fall to the earth, he saw one piece that could only be a human body.
-
645.
>His fears were confirmed as the body landed with a dull thump and he pushed his way through the crowd.
-
646.
>As he stood in the center, another explosion shook the ground. Then another and another and another still.
-
647.
>In the distance, he saw as the telescreens burst into flame and splintered.
-
648.
- 649.
-
650.
-Mous PoV-
-
651.
>You understood at once.
-
652.
>There had been no mistake, this was all part of his plan.
-
653.
>A man who had spent his entire life fearing for his control wouldn't be done in by a pack of explosives.
-
654.
>You turned your head and caught glimps of a red pulsating light at the edge of the city.
-
655.
>Another transmitter.
-
656.
>You had stopped nothing.
-
657.
>You fell to your knees at the knowledge that you had sent a young boy to die.
-
658.
>A voice came over loudspeakers shouting about insurgent forces and commanding the frightened men and women to return home.
-
659.
>Red lights sprung up all around you as thousands of mechanical soldiers poured in.
-
660.
>At the same time, the stage lights died down and left a single spotlight on you as time seemed to slow.
-
661.
"Emily, a crowd has gathered here and once again they fail to see."
-
662.
"You can't just set the world at someone else's feet and not get trampled underneath."
-
663.
"And I think somehow Joe knew it, he paid the price he thought he had to pay, but Emily, that debt was meant for me..."
-
664.
>You tap your fingers on your chest twice.
-
665.
"That debt was meant for me."
-
666.
>You look up to the sky.
-
667.
"This is not the world my father knew."
-
668.
"This is not the world, I know, he would have wanted me to build, But I can't undo it now."
-
669.
"It's like a train, and all its cars are filled with steel, that I would stop if I knew how."
-
670.
"And it is bearing down on me..."
-
671.
"So I will stand here with my shoulders square and tall, and when the whistle blows, not falter, but when the crash comes I will fall."
-
672.
"With so much steam and steel behind it, I won't slow it down at all."
-
673.
>Your head sinks.
-
674.
"Oh God..."
-
675.
"Oh God..."
-
676.
>You look up at the encroaching red lights.
-
677.
"Here comes the arm."
-
678.
-
679.
>And now...this part...
-
680.
>You hated this part...
-
681.
>It always hit close to home...
-
682.
>Emily trotted out onto the stage. Christ, she was even blue too.
-
683.
>She orbited around you on your knees with a benevolent look about her.
-
684.
>"Thomas, Please don't cry for me."
-
685.
>"I know you never meant for this."
-
686.
>"I love you completely, just remember that. If I should leave you now,"
-
687.
>"Then in my final hour, I pray this letter finds you well before it all goes to hell."
-
688.
>"He could never cage the world. It's too big for anyone, and soon the dark will pass.
-
689.
>" I want so much to be with you but in my heart I know, Tom, the city needs you now. This city needs you now."
-
690.
>"This city needs you now!"
-
691.
>Your eyes snap open as the choir sings. "THIS CITY!"
-
692.
>You look around at the turmoil and destruction.
-
693.
>Screams came in every direction as desperate and terrified people ran past.
-
694.
>This city needed you now.
-
695.
>And not just this one.
-
696.
>You looked down at Anon's face and snapped the helmet off him as you stood.
-
697.
"Joe, when you see Emily, tell her to wait for me."
-
698.
>Your eyes snap forward.
-
699.
"'Cause I still have work to do..."
-
700.
>With that you turned and walked away.
-
701.
>You walked around machines and around terrified citizens.
-
702.
>You were going to save this city and all its people one day.
-
703.
>Count on it.
-
704.
-
705.
>The lights came back on and illuminated the audience as they practically brought the roof down with their applause.
-
706.
>You and Anon joined the other members of the production on the stage and waved at everyp0ny.
-
707.
"Next time, you play Light."
-
708.
>"Hating our destined role, are we?"
-
709.
"Maybe I just don't like being tossed from windows? Not to mention I could work that cane better than you did."
-
710.
>Anon laughs "You wish."
-
711.
>The applause lasted forever as ponies, nobles, and princesses alike shared their thoughts on the play.
-
712.
>You all take each other's hands and hooves and bow, bringing the performance and night to a close.
-
713.
-
714.
-
715.
-
716.
-
717.
(Authors note 8 years late: CUH-RINGE)
by Mandroid
by Mandroid
by Mandroid
by Mandroid
by Mandroid