Previous Part: https://ponepaste.org//452

> Forget disgusting, eating food from the trash is *embarrassing*! You know it's silly and you shouldn't care, but you're deeply ashamed when Sky Light tosses a wrapper out to you.
> You keep looking around for people to spot you and cry out in disgust. The feeling of being judged is so bad that you let the package slip from your hoof to the ground.
> Maybe you can wait until lunch.
> Except... lunch won't be any better, you fear. It's stupid to refuse good food.
> Despite knowing that, you still don't pick it back up.
> Sky Light grunts and lifts herself back out of the large garbage container. She lands on her hooves with a flap of her wings, shaking loose a few bits of paper and a crumpled can. There's half of a hot dog in her mouth and the pegasus is chewing industriously.
> She sits on her haunches and takes the food in her hooves so she can talk. "There. Dunno why these idiots don't sort their trash, but it comes in handy. Digging through the biodegradables bin is... bad."
> After a moment she spots you with the wrapper on the ground beside you. "Huh? What's wrong?"
> You really don't know how to explain it to her, especially after she takes another bite of her dog with every sign of enjoyment.
"I- uh... I'm not r-really hungry..."
> It's an obvious lie and Sky Light knows that. She frowns a little at you. "What are you talking about? It's not meat, I swear. Just a vegetable burger."
> You know. You can smell it and it's making your mouth water. Stiffening your resolve, you pick it up and peel the paper away.
> There's a few bite marks, but about two thirds of the burger is still there. It's cold, but you don't mind that part, at least.
> The pegasus gets hold of the wrong idea. "Look, just eat around it. It's not like they blow their nose in the thing or anything like that. At worst it's just a bit of spit or a fingerprint."
> You wish you could adequately explain all that's wrong with what you're doing, but you don't think Sky Light would understand. Not with the things she's had to do to survive.
"I- I... It's-"
> Giving up, you let your hoof slump, nearly dropping the burger on the asphalt. Your ears flatten and you keep your eyes firmly on the ground, unable to look your friend in the face.
> Sky Light heaves an exasperated sigh. "What the fuck is it now, Rosa?! I swear to God..."
> It's worse than getting whipped. The pegasus has offered you a life. She took you in and now she's trying to keep you fed. You're just being difficult because of your silly, nonsensical sensibilities.
> While you're staring at the ground between you and Sky Light, the other mare quickly shoves the last bit of her hot dog in her mouth and chews. It's gone in moments and then she walks closer.
> "What?" she demands angrily. "It's been in the wrapper! It's clean. Besides, a bit of dirt won't hurt you!"
> You look up at the mare, your eyes filling up with tears. A lot of it is shame, but there's also frustration, disgust and a realization of what your life is going to be like.
> You don't want any of it. All you want is to go back to the School, have your meals in the mess hall, spend evenings talking with your roommates, or reading, or doing homework.
> Teachers were once so overbearing, but now you wish they were here to tell you what to do.
> Before you realize what's happening, there's a wing around your withers and strong hooves pressing your head against pegasus chest fluff. It's quite soft.
> Sky Light plucks the burger from your feeble grasp before it can fall on the floor.
> "There, there," she says, more gently. "I know it sucks, sweetie, but you gotta eat. Here-"
> Through blurry vision you see the pegasus nibble on the vegetable burger. "Here, pretend it's mine and I'm full. Will you help me finish, please? No sense in tossing good food, right?"
> She brushes a bit of lettuce against your muzzle and you open for it. "That's it, just a small bite, okay?"
> The moment it hits your tongue your mouth fills with saliva and you swallow almost without chewing.
> Your belly gives an ominous rumble and you realize just how starved you are. The beans last night hadn't done nearly enough, not after two days of trotting with no food.
> Trying not to think too much about it, you put you hooves on Sky Light's and pull the burger close enough so you can take a proper bite.
> It's easier this time. Imagining it's Sky Light's really does help. You're still sniffling a little, but you quickly devour the whole thing while keeping your eyes firmly shut.
> Afterwards you're still hungry, but both you and the pegasus understand it would be a bad idea for her to go dig up something else.
> You're too ashamed as it is, so you just cling to your friend and wait until you feel better.
> Only this time it's shame at being so weak that Sky Light has to hoof-feed you.
"I'm s-sorry," you sniffle.
> Rather than an insult you were expecting, you get a nuzzle. "Hey, it takes us all hard. I've had all these years to get used to it and I cried sometimes when I was starting, too."
"H-How old are you?"
> "Ugh," the pegasus grunts, rubbing her muzzle thoughtfully. "Dunno, I kinda lost count. Thirty-something? Seven, maybe. Yeah, I could be thirty seven."
> Before you can ask your next question she goes on: "I've been on the streets since I was nineteen, I think."
> You can't help feeling sorry for the pony, but you're suddenly curious. It's something to distract you from the shame of having eaten food out of the trash..
"Um, did you run a-away when you got your cutie m-mark?"
> Sky Light shakes her head. "No, I got mine at fourteen or so. Back then it wasn't such a big deal."
> She gives a mirthless laugh. "They poked and studied me for a week, but then I went back home," the mare explains. "No, I ran away after the bastard I lived with started hitting me."
> You've almost stopped crying, but now you're close to starting again as you hear that.
"Why-"
> Sky Light interrupts before you can even say the whole question. "He started drinking after the divorce. I guess I know why his wife left him. I just don't know why the court gave me to him, rather than his wife. I actually liked her."
> It sounds like the pegasus had someplace to go.
"Why didn't you go to her when you r-ran away?"
> The mare laughs again. "Didn't know where. I know it sounds stupid, but I didn't have the faintest idea where to look. Besides, I ran into a group of other runaway ponies and I was just getting into my rebellious phase, so I decided to stick around. We lived in some huge pipes on an old construction site, until the humans started building there again."
> She releases you and you can look in her muzzle properly once more. You're grateful for both her smile and her story, letting you know that you're not alone in your misery.
> "After that," Sky Light goes on, "some of us started train hopping. Moving from place to place, you know? It wasn't bad, especially in the summer. A few years later, I ended up here, in this city, and I met Terry. I was about twenty three, maybe twenty four. We stuck together ever since."
"Why?"
> It's too many questions, but the pegasus doesn't seem to mind. "Dunno - we just kinda work together, you know? Sometimes we do odd jobs for a spot of money. With the mail-mare uniform I can-"
> The pony shuts up, then shrugs a little to herself before continuing. "I can fly to other places, scrounge up a bit of cash... stuff like that. Besides, it's good to have company. I wouldn't have made it alone, I think."
> You're extremely glad to have *her* company right now.
> Feeling a little better, you stand up and Sky Light releases you. You take a deep breath, but that causes your poor, undernourished belly to give a loud grumble. It just makes you blush, but the pegasus chuckles at your misfortune.
> "Fatso," she chides gently. "Look, let's go back to the van. I have a piece of cardboard that says 'starving pony, please help'. With your big, sad eyes, people should drop a bunch of money in no time!"
> It's outright begging on the streets, but you've already fallen so low. What's a bit more? You nod, if a little reluctantly.
> "And turn the waterworks back on, that always hits them in the soft bits. Oh, and if you can make your stomach grumble again, that'd be great" Sky Light says with a big, shit-eating grin. You wonder if you could get away with slapping her.
> She goes on: "Once we have enough, we'll buy a meal, okay? Would that make you feel better about it?"
> You blush some more, but nod. Anything would be better than digging through trash.
"Okay," you say quietly. "Um, should we get Terry something, too?"
> The pegasus smiles proudly. "See? You're already fitting in. We look after each other. Now come on."

> ~~~~

> You hadn't quite believed her, but Sky Light really does have a cardboard sign in the van. It says 'starving pony, need help', drawn in big, sloppy letters. The thing looks almost as if a child made it.
> That's the whole point, you realize. Humans have a hard time telling how old a pony really is. The pegasus is banking on the people not realizing her age and thinking she's some young, vulnerable filly, fresh out on the streets.
> Her lithe, almost skinny frame just further enhances the illusion.
> Your friend shrugs into her worn saddlebags and pushes them quite low on her back, so they cover up the cutie marks.
> "Your dress still okay?" she asks, walking around to check.
> You look as well and see that the night gown covers your side well enough. Despite that, you try to straighten it out a little, so it doesn't look too scruffy.
> "Good," Sky Light says. "I'll take you to the trucker's stop tomorrow. A few of us ponies meet there. I'll see if I can get you a uniform or something."
"Okay?"
> "It won't work for mooching, but it should be good for when you don't wanna be noticed."
"Okay."
> Sky Light bumps you with a wing. "Besides, you should meet the gang. It'll be fun, you'll see."
> You don't mind meeting other ponies, but in your mind the trucker's stop Sky Light mentioned is irrevocably tied with what she'd said about...
> It's a bad word, so you pause before you even think it.
> *Prostitution.*
> Hopefully you and Sky Light can come up with alternatives before that becomes necessary. Maybe all she needs is a friend to motivate her to find something better for you two to do.
> As you're leaving the van you realize you hadn't met her human friend.
"Um, where's Terry?"
> The pegasus looks around, then shrugs a little. "Dunno. He'll turn up - we usually meet back here for lunch."
> She doesn't seem worried so you aren't concerned either. You follow the mare back to the stairs, trying to imagine what it will be like to beg.
"Where are we going?"
> Sky Light pauses to look back, then points with a hoof. "There's a public park a few blocks that way. Three minutes flight or fifteen minutes trot. We'll set up on the grass next to the parking machine."
"What's that?"
> The pegasus stops again and leans her head to the side. "You never seen one? It's where people can pay for their parking."
> You haven't really traveled from the School at all, but you remember it from a movie.
"Oh. I think I know. Why, though?"
> Sky Light grins proudly. "It's an old hobo trick," she explains. "You see, people who take their own cars into the city usually have money. And paying their parking means they probably just got a bunch of change, so they can't lie and say they don't have any!"
> It's actually quite clever.
"Oooh!"
> "Just don't push it, okay? Actually, don't even say anything. We'll use the card today. Get you used to it nice and slow."
"Okay."
> Her warning sounds serious and your ears lower a little. You're about to ask, but Sky Light explains on her own.
> "People can get really pissy if you badger them for money. It's a fine line between getting a polite 'no' or getting a kick. Or worse - someone calling the police. Doing it just right is basically a form of art. Of course, it helps that we're ponies, but it still takes practice."
> The mare laughs a little. "My first month trying, I made about two bucks. Good thing Terry taught me a thing or two. And now I'm gonna teach you."
> You feel like you have to say something.
"Thanks."
> "Just stick with me, girl. You're gonna do just fine!"
> You hope so. Your entire life has turned upside down and now you no longer have a profession, or a calling. For all you know, you're a fugitive.
> Should you say anything to Sky Light? You'd already told her about Mr. Boone and how rich he is.
> What if there's posters of you? Or maybe you're all over the news. Any one of those humans could recognize you.
> Your steps falter and you stop. Sky Light continues for a few more steps before realizing you're not there anymore.
> "Huh? What's wrong?"
> You take a step back down and let your head lower a little.
"M-Maybe it's not a good idea for me t-to go..."
> Sky Light cocks an eyebrow. "Oh? Why not?"
> Swallowing, you try and steady your voice.
"They may be, uh, looking for me. I r-ran away," you say the obvious.
> The pegasus chuckles. "Think a lot of yourself, don't you? Listen, sweetie," she says, not unkindly, and comes back down the stairs to put a hoof on your shoulder.
> "They don't care. Most people won't even look at you twice. That's useful advice - people tend not to see someone who wants money from them."
> She lifts your gown a little to reveal the cutie mark. "Keep this under wraps and you'll be fine. Oh, better idea: let them see your blank side!"
> It's a reasonable thought. Maybe if people saw an empty flank they'd automatically assume they are both like that? It's actually kind of clever of Sky Light.
> The mare sees your indecision and smiles. "I'll keep an eye out for cops. Even on hoof, ponies run a lot faster than humans. They won't get you, okay?"
> Reassured, you force a smile.
"Ok-Okay. Thanks."
> You're still worried, but it's hard to be terrified in the face of Sky Light's certainty. The mare has survived on the streets for nearly two decades, she *obviously* knows what she's doing. It's going to be fine.

> ~~~~

> Most of the time during your 'mooch', as Sky Light calls it, you spend with your muzzle firmly pointed down and a blush on your cheeks. It's not as bad as eating food from the trash, but you can't meet anyone's eye.
> Mostly, you wish you weren't there at all. The two of you set up on the grass beside the parking machine, the pegasus holding the sign upright with her hoof and smiling pleasantly at the people walking past.
> She had a plastic dish in her saddlebags and placed it in front of the sign.
> Most often someone would just drop a coin or two and silently walk on, but every now and then you had the people whom Sky Light called 'bleeding hearts'.
> Older ladies, in particular. They'd 'aww' at you both and bemoan how sad it was that you had nowhere to go. A few of them even reached over to pat your mane in what they probably thought was a comforting manner.
> One of them gave you an apple.
> It just made you blush some more. You still ate it, though.
> At long last your friend lowers the sign and then folds it. "There, I think that's plenty. Don't wanna be standing here all day."
> You don't reply, but you're grateful the ordeal is over.
> "You are a natural!" Sky Light exclaims as she tips the plastic dish into her saddlebag. There's the unmistakable sound of many clinking coins.
> It takes the mare a few more moments to slide the folded sign under the strap which holds her bags in place, then she gives you a hug.
> You don't wait around for Sky Light to let you go, but simply stand up so you can get out of here as quickly as possible.
> "Oh, right. Lunch," Sky Light remembers. "This way, I know a good place near here."
> You keep your eyes on the pavement and your ears flat until you're well out of the park. There's still a lot of people around, but just like Sky Light had said no one is paying you much mind.
> Despite that, you'd feel a lot better if you left the busy streets. It was a piece of luck that you hadn't come across any cops so far. Regular people might be too busy or uncaring to question who you were and what you were doing, but the police would surely be more nosy, right?
"How come p-ponies are just allowed to walk around like this?"
> Sky Light flashes you a smile. "I told you, no one cares."
"But- but Instructor Martha said if I ever went out alone without my papers and a uniform, they'd catch me and put me in prison!" you explain.
> "Well, obviously she lied. I know plenty of ponies and no one gives them trouble. Most people don't even care if you're walking around showing a cutie mark!"
> You glance at the mare.
"You're hiding yours right now," you point out her low-riding saddlebags.
> She glances back, then shrugs her wings a little. "Better safe than sorry. Every once in a while you get some idiot who tries to make trouble."
> Good thing you're still safely hidden, then.
> It's a bit of a relief when you leave the main street and walk down mostly empty alleys. All those people rushing around were making you nervous.
> "There, it's just around the corner," Sky Light says.
> She leads you to an open door with a sign you can't quite read. Letters aren't supposed to have dots on them, are they?
"Donner Kee-, uh," you give it a try, "Kee- bab?"
> Now that the ordeal with you begging is over, you're starting to cheer up. Nothing bad had happened and by the sound of those coins you've got quite a lot. With luck you won't have to do anything else gross or embarrassing for a few days.
> "Follow me," Sky Light says and simply walks into the place. You pause at the threshold, trying to discern all the weird smells in the air.
> There's the unmistakable odor of burned flesh, but there's also spices, vegetables and an overall, stale smell you can't quite place.
> It reminds you a little of the kitchen in the Pony School, except it's much more pronounced here. Probably they don't clean it as well as Mrs. Evelyn and her staff.
> "Hey hey!" a jolly, fat man behind the counter greets, making you pause some more before entering fully. "My favorite customer!"
> Sky Light barks a short laugh. "You say that to everyone."
> Without skipping a beat the human explains: "All my customers are my favorite customers!"
> There's a slight accent there, but you can't quite place it. The man is more brown than you're used to - maybe he has some black ancestry, or maybe he spends a lot of time in the sun, you can't really be sure.
> His grin is accentuated by a very thick, black mustache, which provides an interesting counter to his vanishing hair.
> "And who is your friend?" he inquires.
> The pegasus beckons you inside with a hoof and you walk to her. "This is Rosa," Sky Light introduces you. "Rosa, meet my good friend Arda."
"H-Hi..."
> You're nervous, but the man's grin is welcoming and he comes around the counter to offer a hand. It's not what humans usually do with ponies, so you're a bit surprised at first, before remembering yourself and lifting up a leg.
> A quick shake, then the man goes back to his post.
> "So!" he exclaims and claps his hands together, "what brings you two ladies to my humble `lokanta`?"
> "Um," Sky Light says, suddenly appearing much less sure of herself than she was a minute ago. "Rosa and me-"
> The pegasus lowers her ears and looks at the floor, while you stare at her in astonishment. "We're... um, hungry..."
> The picture of a distraught, starving pony is nearly perfect, but the human, Arda, slaps his thigh and bursts out laughing.
> "Good one!" he yells and you see Sky Light's mouth curling up in a slight smile. The man wipes his face with a cloth, still chuckling. "You always try this, and it never works. I thought you would have learned by now!"
> The pegasus shrugs. "It's worth a shot..."
> She turns her smile up to maximum sweetness. "Then... maybe a- a discount?"
> Arda looks from the pegasus to you, thinking. Then he grins. "Tell you what. A dollar off-"
> Before he even finishes the sentence, Sky Light shoots out: "Each!"
> "Hey!" the man shouts. His voice sounds angry, but he's still smiling and he gives you a wink when you catch his eye. "I'm trying to run a business here! I can't go around giving away free food!"
> "Bah!" Sky Light makes a face. "You call this food?!"
> The two watch each other, but then Arda's smile widens. You relax a little. "Okay, okay, eight dollars for two kebabs. Now what'll you have?"
> You open your muzzle to ask the pegasus about Terry, but she beats you to it. "Ten and you give us another one to go!"
> Without skipping a beat, the man goes: "Twelve!"
> Sky Light jumps a little in excitement. "Deal!"
> You're not a hundred percent sure what has just happened, but you surreptitiously glance at the menu and try to figure out how much money the pegasus has just saved. It seems you're ordering the first thing on the menu - a 'kebab', which means you got nearly four dollars off the whole order.
> That's quite a bargain. The only problem now is that from what you can see, all the food items here are full of meat.
"Um..."
> Sky Light doesn't seem to hear you. She's already ordering: "So, that'll be beef kebab for me and chicken for Terry. Everything on both, except onion."
> The mare notices you looking at her and whispers: "I have to share a bed with Terry. Don't want onion breath." Then she winks.
> "And for you, miss Rosa?" Arda asks, even while he starts cutting into a big lump of flesh on a stand against the wall.
"Um..." you don't know what to say.
> "She's vegetarian," Sky Light explains. "Just fill up a bun with veggies and she'll be okay."
> You're only too happy to agree.
"Yes p-please!"
> "Hot sauce?" the human asks. You look at the pegasus to help you decide and she gives a little shrug.
> Maybe you shouldn't risk it. You're not used to spicy food.
"No thanks."
> While Arda is preparing the food, Sky Light rummages in her bag until she fishes out enough coins. She has to rear up on her hind legs to reach the counter, but she deposits the change there.
> The man must trust her, you decide, because he doesn't even check if she's given him the correct amount. Instead, he's bustling around, making whatever this 'kebap' really is.
> "Well have ours here," Sky Light proclaims. "They're best when they're warm and it's tricky walking an eating at the same time when you have four legs."
> You don't mind either way. Now that you're used to the smell, the place seems quite welcoming. Also, it's away from prying eyes.
> Strange how this Arda manages to stay in business when his eatery seems deserted. You look around curiously at all the empty chairs.
> The question gets the best of you and you sidle closer to Sky Light.
"Um, there's no one here," you whisper. "Doesn't seem very profitable..."
> Sky Light replies in a whisper as well: "It fills up in the evening. He's just opened for today and it'll stay open until midnight."
> That would make sense. If Arda has his diner open late at night, other places nearby would be closed and people would come here.
> You guess.
"Oh. Thanks."
> Very soon the food is done. Arda brings out two plates from behind the counter, along with a plastic bag with something wrapped in aluminum foil. Terry's lunch, you assume.
> After jumping up on the seat, you inspect yours and Sky Light's meal with interest. It's triangular pieces of bread, slit on one side and filled with vegetables and - in the pegasus' case - meat.
> Sky deftly picks up hers in her hooves. You're about to remind her to go wash up - you'd been walking on dirty city streets, after all - but the bread is wrapped up in paper.
> The pegasus isn't squeamish, you know that from this morning and she just bites off a chunk before you can speak. It makes her sigh and fold down her ears. Her eyes go all unfocused.
> Her reaction makes the human smile a little, but then he looks at you. Before he can comment, you gather up the elaborate sandwich, careful not to touch it directly and nibble at it.
> There's tomato, lettuce, cabbage and some kind of sauce you can't quite identify. It's definitely not bad and you're still starving. You forget about the human watching and start cramming it in your mouth as fast as you can, barely pausing to chew properly.
> Luckily, Sky Light is taking it more slowly and talks softly with her human friend while you stuff your face. You're not even paying attention, though you catch your name a couple of times.
> All too soon you're done and licking the inside of the paper clean of its delicious sauce. Then you put it down and lean back, feeling full for the first time in days.
> A small burp escapes you, making the owner chuckle. "See? And you said my food was bad!"
> Sky Light waves the comment away with a hoof and focuses again on her plate.
> You could get used to 'kebap'. You echo Arda's smile.
"It was very good!" you praise. "Thank you!"
> His huge hand ruffles your mane. "A friend of Sky is a friend of mine," he says.
> Nodding, you find yourself in agreement. You're about to ask how he and Sky Light know each other, but you hear someone entering the place so you stay quiet and turn in your seat to look.
> A couple of younger humans have entered with backpacks and you guess they are students.
> The man, Arda, gives you a final smile and stands up. "Welcome, welcome!" he bellows at the newcomers and hurries back behind the counter to take their order.
> You find the place less comfortable with more people in it and glance at Sky Light to see how close she is to finishing.
> The pegasus seems to guess your thoughts, because she nods and stuffs the final piece in her mouth, chewing quite quickly.
> "Come on, we have to take this to Terry!" she says, grabbing the plastic bag and slipping it into a saddlebag.
> It looks like the kebab will get squashed a little, but Terry probably won't mind, you guess.
> While the two newcomers are making their order, you and Sky Light slip out behind them. The pegasus pauses for long enough to wave at her friend.
> "There, that was nice," she comments when you emerge back into the alley. "Arda likes to haggle and you can usually get a lower price. It's normal where he comes from."
"Where is that?"
> "Turkey, I think."
> You try to place it on your mental atlas. It's in that 'Middle East' area, right?
> "Anyway, no one around here haggles and he says it's driving him insane. Remember that - it'll save you some money if you come here to eat."
> Nodding to the pegasus you look around, trying to commit the alley to memory.
"Thanks. Um, how much money do we have left?"
> Sky Light shrugs a little. "About twenty bucks I think. We'll split it back at the van, okay?"
> You didn't mean it that way and open your muzzle to tell the pegasus it's okay and you don't mind if she holds on to the money.
> Then you snap your muzzle shut. Maybe it isn't a bad idea for you to keep some cash on hoof. You can't expect Sky Light to keep dragging you along everywhere she goes. You have to start learning to be more self-reliant.
> It means you'll need bags or something to keep your stuff in. You wonder where you could get some, or buy them, but by now you're back in the crowd of humans so you save the question for later when you and Sky Light are alone.
> All in all, the day is turning out better than it started.

> ~~~~

> This time, when you return to the broken down van the human is there. Sky Light spots him before you do and waves a wing. "Hey!" she greets.
> The man still intimidates you a little, but you follow the pegasus to where he's sitting on a piece of wood and smoking a cigarette.
> "Got you some lunch," Sky Light says and sits on her haunches so she can pull it out of the bag.
> Terry takes it wordlessly while sucking the last bit of smoke into his lungs. You never understood the appeal of that particular habit.
> "Hoofprints all over it?" he asks on his exhalation.
> Sky Light shakes her head. "Nope. It's wrapped. We came straight here. Should be still warm."
> Terry stubs out the cigarette on the ground and unwraps the aluminum foil. Without a pause he bites into the kebab.
> You can't help feeling a tiny bit hurt. He could at least have said thanks! It was you and Sky Light who mooched up the cash for the food, after all!
> "'s good. Thanks." The man mumbles with his mouth full.
> Better than nothing, you guess.
> "Actually, it was Rosa's idea. She doesn't like dumpster food."
> You flash the human a nervous grin, but all he does is give a half-chuckle in amusement at the news. Then he seems to recall something. "Oh, Hoover dropped by. Said to come see him."
> Maybe you're imagining it, but Sky Light sags a tiny bit. "Oh. When?"
> Terry peers up at the sky. "Hour, maybe hour and a half ago." He offers nothing further as he continues eating, but now the pegasus has a very strange expression.
> "Um, Rosa?"
"Yes?"
> She heads to the van and you follow. Once there, she pulls the passenger door open, jumps up on the seat and bumps the glove compartment with a hoof to get at the contents.
> "I'll... uh, I'll have to go run a little errand, okay? You're going to wait here with Terry."
> You don't really like the idea, but at the same time you can't expect Sky Light to keep you by her side all the time. She's a pegasus, after all. You can't fly.
> The man in question is busily - and by the looks of it, messily - eating his kebab. The thought of having to sit there with him and make small talk scares you a little.
"H-How long- how long will you be gone?" you squeak with a voice rather more shaky than you intended.
> "Couple hours. Until night, at most. You'll be fine. Just stick around here. You know how to get water, you know about the toilet. If you get hungry, just tell Terry, okay?"
> You know your ears are flat, betraying your emotional state, but Sky Light doesn't seem to care. She is pulling objects from her saddlebags and stuffing them in the glove box.
> Probably so she has an easier time flying with less weight on her back, you expect.
"Can I g-go with you?"
> "Sorry," comes the answer, "I gotta move fast."
"Where? What are you doing for this- this..."
> "Hoover," Sky Light finishes. "We have a little deal, okay? I'm like- like a mail mare, okay?"
> You imagine people sending each other letters by pegasus-mail. It would be faster than the regular mail, if you had your dedicated flying pony.
> The mare seems to be done with her saddlebags so she jumps back down from the van. "He pays well. Don't worry, I've been working with him since forever. Here, take this."
> She drops a plastic bag full of coins to the ground next to you. "That's from this morning. If you really, really have to, have Terry get you something to eat, okay? Or go see Arda again."
> You watch the money and swallow. A nice dinner does sound good, but you've humiliated yourself for that change and you don't relish the idea of doing it again soon.
> The vegetable kebab was good and filling, so you think you can last until the next morning.
> Sky Light is already pacing away and you hurry after her.
"Wait!"
> She stops mid-crouch with her wings outstretched and looks at you questioningly. "Yes?" she asks, voice clipped and impatient.
> You don't know how to say it and you're a bit ashamed to be asking this at all, so you lower your voice.
"What am I supposed to do?!"
> The pony rubs her muzzle and squeezes her eyes shut for a moment, then gives you a piercing look. "You're a big mare," Sky Light says with a touch of sarcasm in her voice. "Just - hang around, okay? I have to go."
> Before you can get another word out of your muzzle the pegasus leaps up into the air and flaps away.
> That just leaves the human.
> You watch as Terry finishes his kebab and searches his pocket for another cigarette. Best to get it over with, really.
> Tossing the bag with coins back up in the van, you close the door and walk over. Then you sit on your haunches a few steps away.
> Should you say anything? The human is looking off into the distance and you realize that's the direction Sky Light flew. You follow his gaze, but the pegasus can't be seen anymore.
> The silence is really awkward. You try for a friendly smile.
"Um. Hi!"
> The man transfers his gaze to you and takes a slow, deliberate drag on his cigarette. "So, what's your story?" he asks. He doesn't sound really interested, but it's something to pass the time, or maybe he's just being polite.
"I, uh- I r-ran away," you stutter.
> There's another long, uncomfortable pause. "What from? Did they send you to bed without pudding?"
> Maybe you should feel indignant at what this human is implying, but you don't even really know what exactly he means! Is he trying to say you're soft? Or weak? Or fat?!
> You're not going to get offended, though. The truth, or a part of it, seems like a safe bet.
"No, I got my cutie mark and they were going to lock me away."
> Terry doesn't answer this. You suppose it gave him pause to hear you were in a *real* predicament. You didn't run away on a whim!
> As the silence stretches on you look for something else to say.
"Sky Light said she'll get me a uniform, s-so I can hide."
> "Where did you run away from?" he asks, completely ignoring your comment. It would be annoying, but you're just glad you have something to talk about and maybe dispel some of this tense, awkward air between you two.
"My assignment was with a family - Boone. J-John Boone. I looked after the children."
> You don't add 'for all of a week.' Terry doesn't need to know just how quickly you failed.
> He seems to be giving it some thought while he pulls on his cigarette some more. "Assignment?"
"Mhm! I was training to be an Assistant Pony. I wasn't supposed to be sent out yet, but Mr. Boone asked for me specifically."
> "Boone, Boone," Terry repeats to himself. "I've heard the name. City council?"
> You bob your head up and down.
"Um- is that a problem? He might have people looking for me."
> It's only fair you warn this man what he's dealing with. You'd warned Sky Light, who hadn't taken you seriously. Maybe Terry will.
> He shrugs. "Shouldn't be. Most people can't tell you guys apart. Just stay out of sight until it blows over."
> You already know that, but you still appreciate the advice so you smile.
"Okay. I'll do that!"
> There doesn't seem to be anything further, so you go back to studying the canal around you. It's really deserted. You haven't seen a single person nearby yet.
> A gentle clink makes you look back to where Terry has taken a small flask out of his coat pocket. The cap squeaks faintly as he unscrews it.
> You watch as the human takes a good, long swig from it. When he notices you looking he holds it out to you in silent offer.
> It's alcohol in there. You can smell it, even across the distance. You've only had alcohol once - a beer with the colts next door - but that doesn't really count. You hardly tasted that and didn't even feel anything afterwards.
> The stuff Terry is offering smells like something a lot stronger. You idly wonder where he got it, but then curiosity gets the better of you and you lick your lips in nervousness and anticipation.
"J-Just a small s-sip..."
> You stand up and approach, still a little wary of the human but lured closer by the offer of forbidden goods. Instructor Martha has warned you about Drinking and Drugs. At the time you took her words to heart, but now you want to at least try them before making up your own mind.
> Soon you're close enough that the fumes coming from the flask are making your eyes water. You take a gentle sniff and scrunch up your muzzle at the sharp smell.
"Ugh, what is this?!"
> "Vodka," Terry tells you. "Do you want some or not?!"
> He sounds impatient so you decide quickly and nod. He waves the drink a little and you gingerly grip it between your forehooves. The flask is flat which makes it easier.
> You carefully sniff it again, but it's just as strong as before.
> You glance around briefly for something to wipe the bottle - Terry had it in his mouth, after all - but then you change your mind. Any germs on it would be long dead because of the alcohol, no?
> It's time. You wrap your lips around the opening almost reverentially, then tip the flask up and back down. It's enough to give you a splash of the liquid.
> At first it feels like warm, stale water. You slosh it around your mouth experimentally.
> Then the true taste hits and you nearly gag. It *burns*!
> Your tongue is on fire. Your eyes bulge out and you almost spit, but you catch Terry's amused look and your resolve stiffens.
> With a herculean effort you swallow. It feels like drinking liquid fire!
"GAH!"
> You let your tongue hang out, trying to get some air to cool it down. It's lucky the human was ready for your reaction, otherwise you would have dropped the flask in your panic.
> He retrieves it and takes another nonchalant, calm swig.
> Meanwhile you think you'll throw up. You can feel the exact path the 'vodka' has travelled down your throat and through your insides. You feel it burning somewhere deep in your belly.
> Are you going to die?
> You pant, urgently trying to cool your throat down, while at the same time trying not to puke. It will taste worse if it comes back up, you're sure of that.
> It takes a minute, but the feeling passes. You no longer feel as if the stuff is corroding your insides.
"That..." you moan, "that's foul!"
> Terry just chuckles to himself, lifting the flask up and draining it empty.
"How can you stand that?!"
> The human shrugs, screws the cap back on and returns the thing to his coat pocket. "Practice," he says.
> Well, this was way stronger than the beer. You wonder what feeling drunk will be like. First, you just have to make sure.
"Um, how do I know when I'm drunk?"
> You've been waiting for it and felt absolutely nothing from the beer. You want to be ready for it this time.
> "Not from a single sip, unless you're even more of a lightweight than Sky," Terry tells you.
> All that and you're not even going to get drunk?! That's horrible! Well, you're not drinking any more of that stuff, ever. If that's what it takes to inebriate yourself, then you'll pass.
> "You did good, though. Sky puked her guts out the first time she tried it."
> That, at least, makes your chest inflate with pride. Thinking of the pegasus, you struggle with the question for a while before saying it out loud.
"Do you- uh, do you know where Sky Light went? Who is that guy you mentioned?"
> Terry watches you for a while, then gives a slow and exaggerated shrug. "Dunno. Some dude she hangs out with."
> He's lying, but you know he's not going to tell you anything else. You'll have to get it out of the pegasus later on.
> "Smoke?" Terry interrupts your thoughts. He's holding out a cigarette for you.
> You firmly shake your head and he puts it in his mouth instead.
> While he's lighting it you sit down on your haunches. You're much closer to the human, but you're no longer as afraid of him.
> Maybe the liquor incident helped you two bond a little bit. You start thinking about anything else you might be able to talk about while you two wait for Sky Light.
> The human beats you to it: "Tell me about Boone."
> It's not something you'd chose yourself, but it fills the silence and you have a few stories you can share.
"Well, he came to see me and Amethyst for our exam. Um, this one was for the Assistant Pony program, dealing with difficult children. Then Instructor Martha said he liked me and wanted my help with his two kids..."

> ~~~~

> You left out some pieces of the story - in particular most of your quiet, personal moments with Lillian as well as the part with Benjamin and your panties. The former was much too precious for you to share just yet and the latter much too embarrassing.
> Why exactly you wanted to keep your relationship with Lillian to yourself is a bit of a mystery. You want to think about that before saying anything else to Terry.
> The girl means a lot to you, even after what's happened. You hope you'll get to see her again someday.
> Not likely, but you still hope.
> You realize you've been quiet for a minute so you take a breath and finish your story.
"So I guess that's it. People are scared of cutie marks. Or at least of getting them. There's older ponies at the School who have theirs and no one is scared of them."
> Terry probably knows already, but you decide to explain anyway.
"Sky Light said it's because some ponies got cutie marks for terrorism, so people got scared."
> The human watches you for a short while, his mouth working as if he's trying to dislodge something from between his teeth.
> "Nah, that's not it," he says at last.
"Excuse me?"
> Terry shrugs a little to himself. "Sky Light is full of crap. People ain't scared of ponies, nor of cutie marks. What Boone did makes no sense."
> No, what Terry is saying doesn't make any sense. The man is off his rocker.
"But Mr. Boone said they'll lock me away! Maribelle just vanished! We were all terrified of getting it in the school! No pony comes back if they get a cutie mark!"
> "Well, how many did you know?"
> You don't have to think too much. You recall all of them because they were such big, scary news then it happened in the School.
"Four. Well, five including me."
> There was Maribelle, the most recent and most painful. There was also a colt about five months earlier. He was older than your group so you didn't know him well. Besides them, you remember one of the colts in Paolo's room telling you about a couple of pegasi some years prior.
> That was big news because it happened to two of them at the same time.
> You've just finished listing them in your mind in case Terry will want details, but instead the human asks: "All of them at that school of yours?"
"Um... yes?" you say uncertainly, not sure where he's going with this.
> "How many outside of your school?"
> It strikes you that you haven't even thought very much about ponies outside of the School. There were the ones who graduated and went to their respective jobs, but it feels as if you never really realized there were other ponies, not associated with the School.
"I- I don't know any."
> Your eyes slide to the pavement and your ears droop a little at the admission.
> "Trust me, it isn't a big deal." Terry explains. "There was a big outcry a few years ago, after that trouble with the unicorns. Shit got bad for a while but then it died down."
> He scratches his chin through the beard. "A few of the politicians were clever enough to use that fear and got elected. They had to keep promises to their constituents so they made some rules, but no one really gives a crap about that anymore."
> You shake your head, refusing to accept it. It can't be just that! Maribelle got dragged away! Mr. Boone nearly sent you off to get put down! There's gotta be more to it than that!
> "Believe whatever you want, kid," the homeless man keeps going. "I'm just telling you what it's like out here in the streets. People don't give a shit. Except maybe that lunatic you worked for. Oh, and the idiots who run your school."
> He gestures a little with his arm, as if to encompass the whole city. "There's always a few nut jobs who go into a panic each time they see one of you, but most people don't have time nowadays."
"But the S-School..."
> "Government institution, kid. They have to follow all sorts of crazy rules." The man barks a laugh. "Heh! Most of them *are* crazy to do a job like that."
> You have to know more. You remember what the colts have told you.
"Ponies are taken to labs and... um... experimented on?"
> This time Terry just shrugs. "Dunno about that. Maybe. Who knows what's really going on." He flashes you a slight, yellow-toothed smile. "But you're out of that now. Just keep your head down and don't do anything stupid and you'll be fine."
> Can it be true?
> The people in the School overreacting and sending ponies away because of some rule that was made in a panic? Sweet Maribelle sent off to a lab because a few ponies got the wrong sort of cutie mark back then and a few politicians used it to win elections?
> Was Mr. Boone one of them? That would explain his attitude, you think.
> That jerk and others like him ruined your life. They ruined Maribelle's too, and probably countless others.
"It's not fair!" you sniffle.
> It wasn't a question, but Terry answers anyway: "Life's not fair, kid. Be glad you're out of it. It ain't so bad on the street."
> You hardly realize it, but you're shaking your head slightly. You hate the street. You want to go back to the School and keep living like you were before.
> It wasn't a bad life. You were training for meaningful service. You had friends and teachers and you were making a good future for yourself.
> Now it's just eating out of a dumpster, begging for money and keeping your head down?
> Maybe you should turn yourself in at the police. The humans would examine your cutie mark and see it wasn't dangerous, and then you could go back to your old life.
> Except...
"Why don't ponies come back? Why keep them away if their cutie mark isn't dangerous?!"
> You hadn't intended to say it out loud, but you are just so frustrated with the whole situation.
> "Beats me," Terry admits. "That's the first I'm hearing about it."
> A desire begins burning in your heart to find out.
> Maybe someone at Sky Light's trucker stop will know? Those people travel around and talk to people. Surely they have some news?
> You retreat back into your thoughts while Terry brings out his fourth or fifth cigarette and lights it.
> It's getting late. You hope Sky Light will be back soon.
> The man pats his pockets until he finds a bottle. There's barely a sip left in it, but he drains it anyway. Then he stares at the label for a while.
> You don't pay him any mind, until he speaks: "Got any money?"
"Um, y-yes?" you blurt out before thinking.
> The human seems pleased as he climbs up to his feet. "Grab it and come on. We're gonna get us some dinner."
> Now that you've been reminded, you do feel hungry. You weren't planning on spending any more money today, but with your stomach grumbling you quickly change your mind.
> The kebab earlier was filling, but it simply wasn't enough, not after days of starvation.
> There's one other thing. When you saw Terry's smile you remembered about your own. Then, as soon as you became aware of it, you couldn't get it out of your mind.
> Your teeth are *fuzzy*. You haven't brushed in days and your mouth feels gross, especially after that vodka.
"Can we get, um, a toothbrush? And some p-paste?" you prompt.
> It makes Terry laugh heartily, but then he reaches down and ruffles your mane. "Sure thing. I'll set you up."
> That's a lot better. You wouldn't be allowed in most stores, even with the money. Maybe if you had a uniform you could lie and say your master sent you out for supplies.
> Terry can buy the stuff you need, though. You go to the van and collect your plastic bag of change. You don't know how much everything you want will cost, but surely you have enough for a few necessities.
"'ewe!" you say and drop the money in Terry's hand. "Here."
> He hefts it and his face lights up. "You two have done well!" he praises. "So, something to eat and a toothbrush. Anything else?"
"Tooth paste!" you remind him. "Oh, and a bag of gummy bears?"
> "Sure thing," the man repeats and sets off.
> You easily keep pace with him.
"Um, do you need anything? I'm sure there's enough money..."
> The hand comes down again to pet you. It stinks of cigarettes, but you don't mind. "Mighty neighborly of you to offer, Rosa," Terry says, using your name for the first time. It makes you smile.
> "This way, I know a place," he says and heads to the stairs out of the canal.
> You're very happy to be doing something other than just waiting. Your mood lightens and you decide to tackle your problems from a more optimistic angle.
"Any idea how I could find out what happens to ponies who get taken away? I wanna find my friend Maribelle."
> Terry pauses for a moment and scratches his chin. "Hmm, I'll give it some thought. Maybe I know somebody..."
> His words cheer you up significantly. You also noticed the man is a lot more pleasant after you'd shared your story with him.
> Sitting with someone and talking for a bit can do wonders for a relationship.

> ~~~~

> You should probably be cross. You want to be mad, but you don't want to sour things between you and Terry.
> He and Sky Light are friends and you'll have to live with them for a while, at least. It wouldn't do to get into a fight on your second night.
> You're still miffed, though. He spent all your money!
> Yes, the man brought you your toothbrush and paste. He even bought a couple of bags of various sweets for you. Not to mention a vegetarian sandwich.
> The problem is he then went and got himself several packs of cigarettes and a couple of bottles of wine. Just like that all the money was gone.
> That wasn't just yours, half of it belonged to Sky Light!
> You realized that too late, but didn't want to ask the man to give half of it back. You weren't expecting him to spend that much!
> Well, to be completely honest, you were *hoping* the purchases would end up less than half the amount. Even if they went a little over, you'd share your gummy bears with Sky Light and that'd make it okay.
> Except now it's all gone and you'll have to explain to the pegasus that you let Terry spend all your hard earnings.
> Hopefully she won't be too pissed.
> Even that isn't the biggest problem. What you hate the most about this situation is that you'll probably have to go out with Sky Light again tomorrow and beg for some more. Another morning of silent, red-faced embarrassment while strangers take pity on you and give you money.
> Will Sky Light be angry enough to send you out on your own? The sudden thought makes your step falter.
> Oh no! You're not sure you can go through with it alone!
> Your hooves feel like they're made of lead as you trudge after the human. You *should* have said something before he went into the store. Should have made it clear it was Sky Light's money.
> Now it's too late. If you mention it now, Terry will just ask: 'Why didn't you tell me sooner?'
> You don't have a response to that, other than embarrassed silence, so you don't even try.
> It looks like you'll just have to explain it to the pegasus and hope for the best. You'll even let her have all the bags of candy, as well as the sandwich. You've kinda lost your appetite when you realized your mistake.
> The two of you come back down into the canal and walk over to the van. The sun is setting, but there's no sign of Sky Light just yet.
> "Go grab some of that wood and let's make a fire. It ain't summer just yet," Terry tells you.
"Oh. Okay."
> You listlessly drag yourself to the pile of planks and give the problem some thought. You don't want to grab one of those with your mouth, so you put your hooves on a protruding piece of wood and pull.
> Once you've freed the plank you struggle to drag it back. It's a slow process which involves you taking a step back, sitting on your haunches and using your forelegs to pull the thing to you. Then you repeat the actions.
> In mere minutes you're at the impromptu fireplace, where you see Terry has already opened one bottle and is taking swigs while watching you work.
> You clamp your muzzle shut before you say something that would start an argument.
"There," you say sourly, dropping the thing in front of the human.
> "Break it into pieces," comes the command.
> You roll your eyes and lift a hoof to grab the plank again, but then you pause and look at the man. It was your money. At the very least you'll get some of the benefit.
"Give me a drink first."
> The human wordlessly passes over the bottle and  you deftly grip it with your forelegs. This one doesn't smell nearly as bad as the flask.
> It's just fermented grapes, you remind yourself. You used to love grape juice when the kitchen had it for meals.
> There's the alcohol smell, but it's not bad at all. You take an experimental swig.
> It's a tiny bit bitter, but at the same time sweeter than you expected. It doesn't taste very much like grapes, but it's not too bad.
> This one doesn't make you want to throw up. You lift the bottle again and take several longer gulps.
> That much at once really brings out the alcohol and you're forcibly reminded of vodka.
> "Whoa, easy there, girl!" Terry says and plucks the bottle from your hooves. You don't mind him taking it - you'd had enough anyway.
> You lick the remnant taste from your lips and lift up the plank on a hoof. Then you pointedly look at the human and bring your other hoof down on the wood. It snaps in two, almost effortlessly.
> It doesn't have the effect your were hoping for, but maybe the man looks a little bit impressed. Your mouth quirks up in a smile and you change your grip on the plank.
> The second bit snaps off just as easily. A couple more whacks and you end up with a small pile of firewood.
"There," you say with finality. You're not doing anything else, you decide. It's getting late and you'd had a busy day.
> You sit on the ground opposite Terry and watch him stack the wood in the barrel. He fishes in his pocket for a lighter and holds the tiny, flickering flame against the wood until it starts to burn.
> Pretty soon you have a fire and you start feeling a bit better.
> You shouldn't stay mad at Terry. It was your fault for not making it clear he wasn't supposed to spend all of the money. You'll apologize to Sky Light and she'll forgive you.
> Tomorrow will suck with no breakfast and the begging, but you can tough it out. Think of it as punishment for not thinking more clearly.
> You heave a sigh and blink. Your head seems a bit lighter. Are you getting drunk?
> Anxious not to lose the feeling you stand up and walk around the fire to Terry. You point at the bottle, which is almost empty.
"Gimme."
> He looks at the dark red contents with a calculating look, then shrugs to himself and hands it over. You consider dragging it back to the place where you were sitting, but that seems a bit too tricky. You don't want to break the bottle or spill it.
> Instead, you just put the neck in your muzzle and lift up.
> The alcohol taste hits a bit harder this time, but you force it all down until the bottle is empty. Then you burp.
> You wonder how long it will take. If *this* isn't enough to get you drunk, nothing will be.
> Is it just you or does the human look impressed.
"What?" you ask brusquely.
> "Nice going," he says, meaning the bottle. "Drink often?"
> Shaking your head you open you muzzle to answer, but instead you burp. It makes you blush and cover your mouth with a hoof.
> Rather than a reprimand, such as you'd get in the school or from Mrs. Boone, Terry just chuckles.
> "Well," he says, pulling out a cigarette, "you're a hobo now. Fire in a barrel and cheap wine, that's as good as it gets, kid."
> Normally it would be depressing, but the wine has spread from your stomach and is making you feel warm all over.
> On a whim you lift up the bottle, which rewards you with a few drops of wine on your tongue. You could really get used to the stuff. After a while it just tastes sweet. You can ignore the alcohol in it.
> The leg holding up the bottle wavers and you lower it before it could slip from your grasp.
> You're definitely feeling something by now. You turn to ask Terry, but just blink in surprise. It's as if the picture you're seeing from your eyes is lagging a little when you move your head.
> It's making you giggle. The empty bottle slips from your grasp and clinks as it rolls away. That's kind of funny too! You were sure you were holding it, but there it is, on the ground now. Silly bottle!
> Is this drunk? You need to ask an expert.
"How- haa, how will I know... uh, how'll I know when I- uh..."
> You lost the train of thought.
> "Holy crap," Terry says, making you giggle some more. "That was fast. When was the last time you ate?"
> It takes some concentrated thought before you can answer.
"Arda- thing. Um. Yeah, tassit! Kee-bab thing, only... only-" you try, but then lean your head to the side so you can think better. "Eggs- ecks... 'cept no meat for me."
> Terry puts a hand on his forehead. "That was lunch, you little idiot. You just downed half a bottle of wine on an empty stomach. *And* you're not used to it."
> You scrunch up your muzzle as you try to understand. Something tells you that you should be ashamed, so you fold down both ears on general principles. Then you feel silly for doing it and lift one of them up again. That's a good compromise, right?
"Whaaat?" you demand as the human keeps staring.
> "Just don't throw up in the van, okay?"
> Well, that sounds pretty easy.
"'kay."
> You remember the sandwich and stick out both forelegs towards Terry.
"Gimme sammich!" you demand.
> The human sighs, but pulls it out of his pocket. He'd been kind enough to carry it for you since you don't have saddlebags yet. "Too late for that, but knock yourself out."
> You can't help chuckling at the image. You can't knock yourself out with a sandwich! Just for the heck of it you try anyway and bonk the plastic-wrapped thing on your head a couple of time.
"See? S'not hard enough," you explain.
> Getting up with the sandwich in your hooves proves impossible. You need four legs to stand, but two of them are used to hold it. It's a conundrum and you stare at the sandwich for a while, trying to figure it out.
> Oh, that's right! You put the sandwich in your mouth and then you can lower your hooves to the ground. That's better.
> When you push yourself upright, however, the world spins around and you find yourself sitting on your ass again, facing the other way.
"Hoh?"
> It should have worked. It's worked thousands of times before!
> You try again, this time really pushing up with your hind legs.
> It's not entirely clear how you came to be lying on your belly with your muzzle pressing into the dirt. You blink your eyes and try to make sense of the situation.
> On some dim level you realize you're drunk. Is this what it feels like? Everything is strange and blurry and you can't quite control your limbs. It should be scary, but it's actually funny.
> You start chuckling, but it turns into full laughter when you hear the sound of your own voice.
> "Yeah, you're completely out of it. I'll take this before you ruin it, okay?"
> Terry gently lifts up your head and removes a soft rock which was pressing against your neck. You think about getting up to see what it was, but in your current state that doesn't seem possible.
> Instead, you roll on your back.
"Oh! Ooooooh! Th' sammich!" you exclaim, recognizing it.
> You were wondering where that went. It's okay, you're not really hungry right now. You'll have it later.
> Then your gaze wanders and you point an unsteady foreleg.
"Sky Light!"
> Terry follows your pointing hoof and lets out a small sigh. "Thank God," he mutters under his breath.
> The dot you've seen grows larger and resolves into the pegasus. She lands right beside you, staring with a faint smile on her muzzle.
> "Rosa?" she asks. "Why are you rolling around on the floor?"
> You have so much to tell her! You open your muzzle to explain about the money, but Terry beats you to it:
> "She's drunk out of her idiot skull."
> The other mare glares at her human friend. "What?! You let her get wasted?"
> Again you open your mouth to tell Sky Light that you're okay. You're enjoying this feeling!
> "I'm not her dad. She wanted a taste, I gave her a bit. Can't help if you fucking ponies go over after a single drop..."
> Sky Light heaves a sigh and puts her hooves around you. She smells strange, but you can't quite place it right now. Sweat and... something else.
"Hi Sky Light!" you greet her.
> "Yeah, hi," the pegasus replies, rolling you to your belly and then pulling you to your hooves. "Come on, let's get you to bed and then I'll bring you some water. It's gonna suck in the morning, but at least maybe you'll learn to take it easy on the booze."
> "Don't let her throw up in the van!" Terry commands, but Sky Light doesn't give any indication she's heard.
> Your legs don't quite work, but with the pegasus supporting you walking is just barely possible. You follow the mare - well, she drags you, but you choose to imagine it as 'following' - to the van.
> "Can you climb up?"
> You give the van, the open door and the seat a critical examination. Then you nod happily. It's just a matter of putting a hoof up there, and then...
> "That's it, good girl!" your friend cheers you on. She lifts up your rump and the world tilts crazily. For a moment you're not sure which way is up or down. your stomach *really* doesn't like that and lurches up into your throat.
"Urk!" you try to warn the pegasus, but it's too late.
> "ARGH! EW!" Sky Light yelps as she jumps away. The splash got her right in the muzzle. You land heavily on top of her with a small 'oomph'.
> "I told you!" Terry yells from his seat next to the fire.
> Sky Light gives a small growl. "You could help you know?!" she shouts back.
> The human barks a laugh before replying: "Nah, I'm good."
> It makes the pegasus growl a little as she shakes her head wildly to dislodge the partially digested wine.
> You blink at the firelight a few times, then spit what you had in your mouth. It was absolutely foul. Your stomach feels a bit better now that it's gone, though.
> Maybe sleep isn't the worst possible idea. You look at the van once again.
> "Come on, let's get you up. Stupid filly. Hasn't anybody taught you how to get drunk?"
> You shake your head.
"S'not allowed in, um... in School."
> "Figures. They didn't teach you any life skills," Sky Light grumbles. This time, with her lifting up your rump, you manage to slide up on the seat. It's soft and warm and you gratefully collapse into the makeshift bed.
> Your pegasus friend climbs up after you and covers you with a blanket. "If you have to puke again, try and get it outside, okay?"
> You just stare at her blankly, but manage a nod. Sky Light sighs and rummages on the floor until she finds a plastic bottle. "I'll be right back with your water," she promises.
"'kay."
> There's something more and you try to think of it before she leaves.
"Um, S-S-Sky?"
> "Yes?"
"Thanks..."
> Stupid of you that you hadn't remembered to thank the mare for taking you in, really. All you've done was be difficult and complain. Sky Light deserves more gratitude than that. You've been a very unpleasant guest.
> It's a miracle she even still likes you! The mare is the best friend you could ever want. It fills your eyes with tears and you can't stop a sniffle.
"Sorry I've... uh. Sorry. Been- been..." you try and get the word lined up. "Diff-ult."
> That's most of it anyway.
"Sorry..."
> "Hush, it's fine. We all need a friend sometimes. This time that's me. Someday you'll return the favor."
> You nod enthusiastically. Anything you can do for Sky Light!
"Anyfink."
> She leans back in to give you a pleasant nuzzle, even if it stinks of your regurgitated wine. You both realize it at the same time.
> "Ugh. We're definitely visiting the trucker stop first thing tomorrow. The place has showers and the guy at the desk lets me rent one..."
> That reminds you of another problem and you freeze. Instantly your ears flop down.
"The m-money," you say, realization pushing away the fog in your mind.
> "Yeah? What about the money?"
> You can't look at your friend right now, so you bury your muzzle in the seat.
"It's gone."
> There's silence and you're expecting the mare to shout, or at least smack you with a hoof. She heaves a sigh, but it sounds more sad than angry. "We'll talk about it tomorrow. Just go to sleep, Rosa."
> She's right. You're in no condition to explain yourself. You keep forgetting words and you need those to tell her how Terry has tricked you! There's just one thing you need to get out right now.
"S-Sorry... fer- forgive me? Din- din't mean to."
> "It's fine," the mare says testily. "We'll discuss it tomorrow. I'll get you some water."
> She's gone before you can say you're sorry again. You take a deep breath and lay your head down on the seat and try to ignore how much the world is still spinning around you.
> You hope it will stop soon, or else you'll have to puke again.

> ~~~~

"Ow!" you whimper.
> Quietly, of course, because loud noises mean pain. Actually, scratch that. Loud noises mean Pain, with a capital P.
> Waking up was a mistake. Your mouth tastes like you'd eaten a sewer rat and washed it down with some sewer water.
> Okay, so you're not great with metaphors right now. It hurts to think.
> Despite your queasy stomach, painful head, blurry vision and unsteady hooves, Sky Light is dragging you all the way across town, at least that's what it feels like. She insists it's only a couple of miles, but you must have walked to Africa by now. Well, that's your estimate based on the sheer suffering of the trip.
> You're not about to admit that walking and fresh air are helping. You want to be miserable for as long as possible.
"Can we stop. Please?"
> Before you get an answer you simply let your rump hit the pavement. There's no way the pegasus can drag you, after all.
> "Come on, Rosa, it's just around the corner!" Sky Light insists, giving you a nudge with her hoof. "It's your own damned fault."
> The mare sits down in front of you and brings her face close. Through your bleary vision you can see she's not mad. Well, not exceptionally so. She just seems annoyed.
> "You puked all over us both and now we need a shower," she explains matter-of-factly. "The only place I know we can do that is the trucker stop. You can't fly and I sure as hell ain't carrying you, so walk."
> With a small groan you struggle up to your hooves again.
"Fine, let's just get it over with."
> Wine had been a mistake. You'll never drink again. It was fun for a while and the world seemed a better, funnier place. You kinda enjoyed that part.
> Not this bit, though. This is absolutely foul.
"D-Do you have my, uh..." you begin asking, but then blush when you remember where the object came from. "Toothbrush..." you finish lamely.
> The pegasus pats her saddlebag. "Right here," she says testily.
> You feel like you have to clear the air between you two.
"I'm sorry-"
> Sky Light rounds up on you before you can finish the sentence. "Just- drop it, okay?" She whirls back and walks a few paces, before stopping. Her ears sag and she exhales.
> "I should have known. It's my own fault. You're just a kid, what do you know about money? About surviving on the street?"
> However hard you try and bite down, a sniffle escapes you. There's truth in the pegasus' words. You've never been on your own. You've never had your own money. Maybe if you had more experience you'd have known to keep hold of it.
> The sound brings Sky Light back, but she's no longer frowning when she puts her hooves around you. "I'm sorry, sweetie," she says more gently. "It's not your fault."
> You open your mouth to say that yes, it is, but a wing feather across the lips hushes you.
> "It wasn't that much money. I'm just disappointed, Rosa. It's fine. I guess I expected a little more from you."
> You nod a little against Sky Light's neck. You're also disappointed, especially with how bad you feel physically. Maybe you deserve it.
"I'll- I'll make it up to you," you promise tearfully.
> The mare doesn't answer immediately. "Look, you don't have to. We both earned that money, so it was yours too. At least now you've learned, right?"
> Extracting yourself from the embrace you bob your head again.
"Uh-huh," you sniffle.
> Sky Light looks at you for a moment before letting her hooves slip from your withers. "You mean that about making it up to me?"
> You're suddenly afraid. She's taking you to the very place where she-
> It doesn't even bear thinking about. You settle for: 'did favors for money', but even that sounds dirty. Surely she doesn't expect you to repay her in that way?
> The mare catches your expression and smiles gently. "No, nothing like that, don't worry. Sheesh, I'm not going to whore you out for cash, Rosa. I'm pissed, but I'm not a monster!"
> You relax immediately and give her a tentative smile back. That's a huge load off your mind.
"Thanks," you murmur. "Yeah, I guess I meant it. As long as it isn't... that."
> Sky Light pulls you back up to your hooves and nudges you along. "Okay, then you're gonna finish one of my deliveries. How's that sound?"
> That's a lot better than what you've been fearing, so you quickly nod, eager for the opportunity.
> The mare keeps explaining: "I'll let you have my FedEx vest. It's got holes for wings, but we can put saddlebags over them so people won't see. You'll look just like an official delivery mare."
> You remember the pegasus promising you a uniform, but you guess that this isn't it. The plan sounds like it should work, except for one problem.
"Uh, I don't know this city." You blush and correct: "Any city, really."
> Sky Light shrugs a little. "I'll show you on a map. It's not hard to find, and you can always ask for directions. You'll be on 'official duty', remember?"
> She had signed the quotes around the words with her hooves. "Come on, let's clean you up and get a cup of coffee in you first."
> You follow the mare around the corner and spot the place she means. There's a patch of overgrown, grassy surface and then a huge parking lot, right next to the highway.
> There aren't very many trucks, but you see a few people moving about. Some are inspecting their rigs, others are sitting on foldable chairs and eating, still others are lounging against the vehicles in small groups and talking.
> At one side of the parking lot there's a couple of small structures. A sign proclaims one to be a general store, bar and shower. The other you recognize the other as some kind of storage.
> Sky Light's truck stop, you guess. A patch of color catches your eye and you spot a strawberry red pegasus sprawled on one of the truck's cabins, sunning himself.
> A few moments later you notice a group of four ponies lying in the grass beside the buildings.
> "Well, that's it," Sky Light announces, pushing through the last of the bramble. "Come, I'll introduce you to the gang."
> You follow after her, only a bit apprehensive about meeting these free ponies. If the pegasus trusts them, then you suppose you can, as well.
> In any case, no one seems to be paying Sky Light any mind as she heads for the buildings with you in tow. A couple of humans glance her way, but without much interest.
> The ponies you'd seen stop talking and watch, but they don't move from their spot. You see that one of them has a plastic cup between her forelegs on the grass. She leans down to stick her tongue in while Sky Light leads you their way.
> "Hey guys," your pegasus friend greets. The gang - all earth ponies - grunt something unintelligible in reply. The mare with the coffee lifts her head and looks directly at you.
> "Who's she?" comes the question.
> You examine the group as discreetly as you can, all the while feigning nonchalance. In fact you're trying to copy Sky Light's attitude.
> The mare who had spoken up is yellow, with a green mane and tan, almost sand-colored eyes. To her right is a stallion with such a vividly-green coat that it almost blends into the grass. The brown mane completes the camouflage nicely.
> Right in front of you and Sky Light the pony was lying down but now climbs to his hooves to face you. He's dark red, almost burgundy. What can be seen of his mane under a baseball cap looks green-ish, if a little less poignant than the other stallion's coat.
> The last pony, also a stallion, is giving you a fixed smile which you find slightly uncomfortable. Maybe the reason it feels weird is that his mane almost completely coveres his eyes. It's black, just like yours and goes nicely with his indigo coat.
> You would have found him quite handsome, were it not for his fixed grin creeping you out.
> In fact, all four of them are staring at you by now. Luckily Sky Light knows what to do and puts a wing around you. "Guys," she says, "I'd like you to meet my new friend Rosa."
> Then she uses her other wing to point out individual ponies to you. "That's Velvet, Bluegrass, Pepper and Butch."
> You try and commit them to memory. Velvet is the mare, that part is easy. Strangely, the green stallion is called Bluegrass, for some reason. The red one is Pepper and the one with the creepy grin is Butch.
> Quietly repeating their names while looking at the faces helps you keep them in mind. You smile, if a little nervously.
"Uh, h-hi!" you volunteer.
> The group doesn't move, but the mare turns a very insolent grin on Sky Light. "So," Velvet asks, "is she your toy or that human's you hang out with?"
> Her words make you blush a nice, bright pink, which the other four find incredibly amusing.
> "Tell me, Sky," the creep, Butch, says quietly, staring at you without blinking from under his mane, "what's she taste like?"
> The implication makes you 'eep' slightly and shrink back, trying to hide behind your pegasus friend.
> Sky Light just chuckles a little and waves a dismissive hoof. "It's not like that, guys. We're just friends."
> "Oh yeah?" Velvet pipes up. "Which one of you got the other one drunk, then?"
"W-What?!"
> The yellow mare laughs pleasantly and comes up, leaving her cup of coffee on the grass. "You can't deny it, sweetheart. I could smell you two across the parking lot."
> That's right! You've slept in it so you barely notice it anymore, but both you and Sky Light stink of puke and stale wine.
> "Tell us everything!" Butch demands.
> Your pegasus friend shrugs. "Nothing to tell. Keep your dick inside, Butch. Rossa just got drunk as hell then threw up all over me when I was putting her to bed."
> This was exactly the wrong thing to say and two of the stallions whistle in appreciation. At least they stop with all the questions.
> Velvet gives you a wink and one of the sultriest smiles you'd ever seen. "Next time you want to get drunk, come pay us a visit. We're all very... mmm, social."
> You don't answer, but Sky Light comes to your rescue. "That's enough, guys. We both need a shower and then we have work to do. We'll stop by for a chat another time, okay?"
> The ponies settle back down, though here are still one or two suggestive glances thrown your way. Bluegrass and Pepper pick up their previous conversation and Butch stretches out his legs and rolls to his back with a luxurious sigh.
> Unfortunately that brings... 'him' into full view. You only catch a brief glimpse before hurriedly lowering your eyes.
> Fighting the blush is all but impossible.
> "I'll be looking forward to our... ahem, 'chat'," Velvet says, the quotation marks  falling clearly in place. She comes closer still, grinning at your mortified expression.
> Is every free pony a complete lunatic? Well, except for Sky Light, of course.
"Umm," you mumble.
> The mare takes pity on your embarrassment and lets her smile slip. "Don't worry, we're just joshing you. Rosa, right?"
> You manage a nod.
> "We're just a bunch of jokers, us. Don't pay us any mind, dear."
> She pats you on the back, then goes back to her cup. It's a huge relief. You don't find these jokes all that funny, but it's good to see the ponies can be reasonable if they want to. Except that Butch - he worries you a little and you decide never to be alone with him if you can help it.
> "Okay, now that's settled, come on," Sky Light says and sets off to the store. You're grateful for that and quickly follow her, doing your best to appear calm and nonchalant.
> "Don't mind the guys," the pegasus explains. "They'll give you hell until you stand up for yourself, then you'll be one of the gang. Just don't let them push you around, okay?"
> You nod, but then realize Sky Light isn't looking.
"O- Okay."
> The door slides open automatically and the two of you go inside. It's a small convenience store, but you still stop to look around in wonder. All the colors and the smells!
> You'd never been in any kind of a shop or mall before, although you know about them from the movies and from the rumors at the School. A place were you can get absolutely anything for money.
> Well, maybe not anything, but the selection of fizzy drinks, candies and potato chips looks pretty much complete. There's also a stand with sandwiches which catches your eye. You wonder if they'd be willing to make you a plain tomato and lettuce sandwich with extra salt.
> The short walk and the embarrassment outside had helped your nausea immensely, you realize. Now you're getting hungry.
> There are a few packets of sweets back at the van, but you'd promised them all to Sky Light as a small token of apology. You'd also let her have the rather stale sandwich in the morning.
> The pegasus notices your stare and grins. "Wanna get something after shower?"
> You nod most enthusiastically, making her chuckle. "Okay, but that'll put you further in my debt. You sure you want that?"
> Remembering that you owe her makes your muzzle scrunch up in worry, but you're starting to feel very hungry again.
"Yes," you say sadly, ears down.
> "Don't worry," Sky Light says kindly. "Do the delivery for me and we'll be even, okay? Then we can go mooch after, so you got a bit of your own cash. That sound okay?"
> It's not the nicest proposition, but at least it's not prostitution, you guess. You give the mare a nod.
> "Good."
> She leaves you in the middle of the store and goes to the counter, where a middle-aged man is watching you both impassively.
> The mare rummages briefly in her bags and brings out a clean, crisp ten-dollar note. She rears up so she can drop it on the counter.
> "Two for shower, please," she says politely.
> The human looks from the bank note to the pony. "It's six each," he says in a very disinterested, bored tone of voice. His eyes focus on you for a moment, then he goes back to staring idly out the window. He doesn't make a move to take the money.
> Sky Light shrugs a little to herself and goes back to the bag. In moments she adds two more notes. "There," she says.
> Finally stirring into what passes for action with him, the human nods towards a door. He doesn't say anything further, but Sky Light knows what to do.
> "Come on," the pegasus tells you and nudges lightly with a wing. She leads the way and holds the door open for you. "Showers are through here," she explains.
> The room ahead is tiled and there's a powerful smell of chlorine and mold. It's not the cleanest of showers, but right now it's all you could have hoped for.
> You run your eyes past a row of what look like small rooms. Each has a door, a small chair and a shower cabin with a curtain. You're wondering about that for a moment but then realize how it works.
> The humans probably undress in the outer area - of course they'd need privacy, hence the door. Then there's the curtain to keep their clothes from getting wet as they splash around.
> Sky Light extends a hoof. "Pick any. I'll bring you the shampoo once I'm done with it."
> You realize there isn't any soap or anything like that in sight, but it sounds like the pegasus came prepared. Doing as Sky Light said, you go into one of the rooms and gently push the door closed. It's a bit of effort to slide the small metal bar across, but then you're as locked as you're going to get.
> It's a good thing the place seems deserted at the moment. You don't think you could ever relax enough to take a shower if the shower area had humans in it.
> To a side you hear the water start as Sky Light begins washing. It reminds you and you quickly pull the night gown off yourself.
> You wonder if you could clean it here, but it's silk and that would undoubtedly ruin it. Looks like it'll just have to do, for now.
> Leaving the gown on a chair in the smaller area, you step into the shower and pull the curtain closed. Then you have to rear up to reach the tap, but you're used to that from the Boone house.
> It will be nice to get clean. You can also get your new toothbrush and paste from the pegasus' saddlebags and get your mouth a little fresher. Not a bad start to the day, despite the weird ponies outside.
> At this particular moment your money troubles don't seem as bad. You'll even get a sandwich for breakfast out of this, you remember.
> The thought cheers you up nicely.

> ~~~~

> Sky Light tightens a strap on the saddlebags. "Ugh, stop fidgeting!" she complains.
"It's too tight!"
> The loops which hold her gear in place are a bit too small for your larger frame. Add to that her delivery uniform and you're not sure the belts will fit around  your midriff.
> It's not helping that she's buckling them on higher than they're supposed to go. She wants to hide the wing holes, otherwise people might wonder what an earth pony is doing in a clearly pegasus-shaped uniform.
> "Almost got it," Sky Light grunts and pulls a bit more. It forces air out of your lungs, but then the belt clicks into place. You tentatively inhale, expecting to be blocked about halfway there, but you find you can breathe almost normally.
> You can't stay in the thing for long, not if you don't want to have permanent grooves pressed into your ribs, but it's fine for a short while.
> "There, good as new," Sky Light lies. You know it looks ridiculous. You still have your nightgown to hide your cutie mark, and then a violet and gray FedEx vest on top of that.
> The saddlebags are much too high, but you hope humans won't notice. After all, they wear backpacks. Your bags are approximately where a backpack would be on a human.
"Okay, but I can't stay like this for long!" you warn the pegasus.
> "No need. It's not far. Just go down that street I showed you, take the second alley to the left and knock on number 407, okay? Got all that?"
> You murmur the instructions to yourself once before nodding. It doesn't sound too complex. Why isn't she doing it herself? It would be a lot less hassle.
"Um, why didn't you deliver it yourself?"
> Sky Light pauses and peers at you with narrowed eyes for a moment. Then she forces a grin. "It was kinda late when I came back yesterday. And today, you owe me. Does there have to be another reason?"
"I g-guess not?" you concede.
> The pony pats you on the rump. "There you go. Now get it done and come right back, okay?"
> You've seen the package Sky Light had given you. Something hard and plastic and blocky, wrapped in brown paper and sticky tape. You wonder why the extra wrapping paper.
> Maybe it's something embarrassing? Maybe whatever Sky Light is delivering for her friends are things people don't want the post to handle or their neighbors to see?
> Sex toys come to mind and you blush a little when you imagine what might be in your pack.
> It's none of your business, though, but maybe you can sneak a peek if the person opens it in front of you. Unlikely, but you can hope, right?
> "Good. A guy will open the door - a human. His name'll be Viktor. Make sure it's him before you hand it over, okay?"
> You nod again. You got this.
> The pegasus gives you a bright smile. "Hey, Rosa? Thanks for doing this," she says. It warms your heart and you're happy to help.
"No problem!"
> Then you set off. It isn't that far, but it's still about twenty minutes trot across busy streets back the way towards the truck stop. Except alone this time.
> Time to put trust in Sky Light's uniform, you guess.
>...
> You find the right place without much incident. The alley is a bit dark and stinky, especially now that you're clean for the first time in days. You're careful not to step in puddles or other miscellaneous junk which litters the ground.
> Number 407 is a grimy, off-white door up a short flight of stairs with trash dumpsters on both sides. The smell is bad and you hope it won't stick to your coat.
> Right now you just wanna get the job done as fast as possible, get back to Sky Light and get out of the squeezy, restrictive uniform. You lift up a hoof and knock, all the while trying to slow your crazy heartbeat.
> It isn't very long before the door opens a crack and half of a frowning face peers out at you. "Yes?"
> You clear your throat, acutely aware that your tail has pressed itself between your hind legs and your ears went flat down.
"Uhm- uh, d-delivery? For a Mr. V-Viktor?" you stammer.
> The man eyes your uniform. "We didn't order any."
> Luckily you remember what Sky Light had told you to say.
"It's f-from Hoover. Um, courtesy of Sky Light? I'm filling in for her."
> "Hold on."
> The door slams shut and you hear the sound of the door chain sliding out of its groove. Then you hurriedly jump back so the man doesn't smack you in the muzzle with the door as it opens wide.
> "Give it here."
> You hurriedly rummage in your bag to bring out the package. In your haste and nervousness you nearly drop it, but manage to hold on to it just barely. You take a moment to get your balance, then proffer it up on a hoof.
> The human snatches it and passes it to someone behind him. "Anything else?" he asks.
"Um, no?"
> "Where's Sky?"
> You feel like you're being interrogated, but something tells you it would be monumentally stupid to protest. You don't like the look of this 'Victor' guy, what with his bald head and so many tattoos down his bare arms. You can't see his friend in the shadows behind, but you're sure you wouldn't like him any better.
"B-Back home. I'm doing her a f-favour," you explain with a slightly shaky voice.
> "Tell that bitch she still owes me a hundred bucks!"
> You flinch at the word and barely prevent a small gasp at the news. Instead you quickly nod.
"Y-Yes, sir! I w-will!"
> Even before he dismisses you, your hooves are already stepping back. You flash the man a weak grin.
"I'll- I'll go tell her..."
> All you get in reply is a grunt, then the door slams shut. You close your eyes for a moment and heave a relieved sigh. For a moment you weren't sure you'd be allowed to leave. You were getting ready to run away as fast as you can.
> Anyway, the package is out of your hooves, the job is done and Sky Light will have some pretty fancy explaining to do when you're back.
> If you had to guess, this whole transaction was illegal. It looked and felt really shady.
> You're starting to worry just what kinds of jobs Sky Light does for this 'Hoover', whoever he is. The images your brain conjures up aren't very comforting.
> Shaking your head a little, you walk the way you came, happy to be done with it. Hopefully Sky Light is at the van and she left you a few sweets, because you need something nice to calm your nerves.
> Right now, you really don't like to be walking around alone. Hell, even Terry would be welcome company at this moment!
> Shows how shaken you are.
> You start thinking about what you'll say to the hobo. He practically stole your and Sky Light's money, then essentially got you drunk.
> It's a small mercy he didn't take advantage while you were pissed out of your mind, but it's still inexcusable.
> Thinking about that helps take your mind off what just happened. It helps you walk more naturally, without your legs trembling and your ears folded flat down.
> Humans probably can't read pony body language, but you don't want to take chances.
> Sky Light's truck stop gang proves there are more ponies around than you expected. Another thing you have to ask her and Terry about.
> Until you met her, you had a feeling runaway, free ponies were exceedingly rare and hunted down on sight. It's quite a surprise that there's so many and that no one gives a damn.
> You'll have to get answers. Hopefully Terry will come through and get you some information, like he promised. He said he'd ask around.
> Right now, that's your biggest goal and you're not giving it up. For all you know, it's the only thing keeping you sane.
> First information, then Maribelle!
> Making these plans helps you feel better after the scary ordeal with Viktor.

> ~~~~

> When you stumble back to the van you come upon Sky Light and Terry sitting side by side. The human is holding a cigarette to the pegasus' mouth while she takes a long, luxurious pull, then he transfers it to his own mouth.
> You never knew she smoked. Maybe it's just a 'sometimes' thing when she joins Terry.
"Ahem," you clear your throat to make your presence known.
> Sky leaps upright and quickly comes over to you, trailing smoke from her nostrils. "How'd it go? Did you make the delivery?"
> The spectacle of a smoking pony is distracting enough that you forget your grievances for a minute.
"Uh. Yeah. Um, what's with-"
> You point a hoof to her then to the human. Sky Light follows your gaze, then snorts, exhaling some more smoke.
> "What?"
"You smoke?"
> For a moment the pony looks bashful. "Oh. Sometimes. What's it to you?"
> You didn't have to say anything for the pegasus to start unstrapping her bags from you. The release of the belts comes as a huge relief and you sigh, comfortable once more.
"Thanks."
> She clamps her teeth on the vest and you back up, easily getting out of it. Then Sky drapes the garment over the saddlebags on the ground. "Wanna try?" she offers, walking back to sit beside the human.
> Terry looks at you a little strangely, but holds out his hand with the cigarette.
> You're curious, you have to admit that. You'd seen humans smoke and it always smelled absolutely foul. Maybe it's better on the way in?
> Before you can make up your mind, Sky puts her lips around the white stick between Terry's fingers and draws. You watch the other end glow bright orange.
> "Nasty habit," the pegasus explains, puffs of smoke blowing out of her muzzle as she speaks. "I only do it every now and then. Calms the nerves, but leaves you stinking for days."
> You lick your lips nervously but then remember the previous night's 'fun' and change your mind.
"You're right. No thanks," you tell her.
> While the pegasus savors her smoke and Terry pulls on the cigarette again, you make your way near them and sit on the ground. The shock has worn off so now you remember what you wanted to say.
"What was the deal with that delivery?!" you hiss.
> The pegasus looks at you strangely. "You said they didn't give you any trouble?"
"They didn't, but it was creepy as- as..."
> You don't want to swear, so you don't say the last word.
> Before Sky Light can reply, Terry pipes up. "I thought you were going to tell Hoover you're out of it." He sounds reproachful and makes the pony blush and lower her ears.
> "I will, don't worry. I just owe him one or two more jobs."
> That reminds you of another thing.
"Oh, Viktor said you owe him a hundred bucks."
> This surprises Sky Light and her eyes bulge. "What?! I thought it was fifty. Damn jerk, I *said* I'll pay him back!"
> You need answers, and fast. You advance on the pegasus and stare right in her muzzle.
"Pay him back for what?" you demand.
> It doesn't seem like Sky Light is going to answer, but Terry shrugs and gestures vaguely with his hand. "She used to have a drug problem. That's why she's doing these 'deliveries'. To pay off her debt."
> The mare inhales sharply in shock, but all you can do is stare. The unwelcome news makes you shuffle backwards. You realize you're staring at the pegasus in fear, as if she's going to change into some kind of a monster.
> Instead, Sky Light just stares at the ground and sighs. "Look, it's not what you think, Rosa. I got clean. I beat it. A couple more deliveries and I'm completely out of that, okay?"
> Some things are starting to make sense.
"Is t-that why you- why you..." you gulp, unwilling to say it. "A-At the truck s-stop?"
> Now the mare is exasperated. She lifts her muzzle up to the sky and exhales again. "Yes! Happy now?!"
> Before you can answer her, she gets up and closes the distance between you two. Her hooves grip strongly around your withers and her eyes fill your whole vision.
> "I'm not proud of that, Rosa, okay? I got depressed and I started using. I saw what it was doing to me, so I stopped. That's the end of it. Got it?"
> You realize you've been judging her. You barely know this mare and what her life's been like on the streets. You have no right.
> Immediately your ears and your gaze lower.
"Sorry."
> "Good. That's the end of it, okay? I owe them a couple more flights and then we're even. Oh, you and me are even now, okay?"
> That much is a relief, but you can't stop yourself from reminding the pegasus.
"Um, what about the hundred bucks?"
> The pegasus sags a little. Her voice comes quietly, as if she doesn't really want you to hear. "I'll take care of it."
> You immediately jump to a conclusion and you find you don't much like it. Almost without conscious thought your head shakes.
"No, not that," you say, horrified.
> The pegasus doesn't look like she's about to argue. You grab her muzzle and gently tip it up so she's looking at you.
"I'll help you mooch, okay? Until we have enough. I don't mind."
> You'd rather help Sky Light beg than have her go do the alternative.
> This brings out her smile. "You're a real pal, Rosa. Thanks," she says and it sounds genuine. "Just, next time, don't give it all to *him*!"
> She glares at the human, who spreads his arms in mock innocence. "Hey," he counters, "both of you got something out of that deal."
> "Like what?"
> Terry flashes you and Sky Light a wicked grin. He points his cigarette towards you first. "You got nice and drunk off your ass. Oh, and that toothbrush. I got you exactly what you asked for."
> He switches his gaze to the pegasus. "As for you, don't think I didn't see you gobble down those gummy bears!"
> It's true! Sky Light's muzzle pinkens. "Sorry," she whispers to you, "I really meant to save you some."
> You don't really care, even though you were dying to taste something sweet a few minutes ago.
"It's fine. I was my fault, anyway."
> "Oh, and I asked around about that thing," Terry goes on.
"The cutie marks? Maribelle?!" you gasp, delighted.
> "Yeah, that."
> The human doesn't immediately spill it, so you tap your hoof impatiently.
"Well?!"
> He shrugs a little and drags on his cigarette, before stubbing it out and answering. You'd like to kick the man to make him go faster, but you really need to know what he has to say, so you somehow contain your impatience.
> "Guy told me he had a temp job in a warehouse and they were supplying a lot of sheet metal to this place. He says it's something to do with ponies."
> It's barely anything! You really shouldn't have gotten your hopes up.
> Terry sees your expression and shrugs. "Sorry, kid. Something like that would be very hush hush."
> He looks at Sky Light and frowns in deep thought for a minute. "Hey Sky?" he asks.
> "Yeah?"
> "You ought to get some of your trucker buddies to ask around on CB radio. Someone must be driving supplies up to these places and those bureaucrats sure as hell ain't doing it themselves."
> Sky Light clops her hooves together in excitement. "Ooooh, that's a good idea!" she exclaims.
> Even your heart speeds up at the prospect. It's true! How come you hadn't thought of it yourself?
"Thanks!"
> You look imploringly at the pegasus and she guesses your thoughts. She chuckles and pats your withers with a wing. "Yeah, yeah, we can go there. Tomorrow, okay? The gang meets over there for coffee, most days."
> It sounds good and you nod enthusiastically. You won't even mind meeting the weird group of ponies if it means you're getting closer to your goal.
> That leaves most of today free. You don't really want to do it, but you make the hard decision to start helping Sky Light with her debt problem.
"So... should we go and mooch for a bit?" you propose.
> The mare grins at you. "If you're feeling up to it. We'll be done in no time, with how cute you are."
> You're torn between feeling embarrassed and flattered.
> "Can you bring me back a beer?" Terry asks.
> Unwilling to promise him anything, but still thankful for the idea he's given you, you look at Sky Light, who shrugs.
> "If we do good enough," she promises. Then she picks up her saddlebags and the uniform and takes them to the van. "I'll get my sign and we'll be off. We'll try the bus station today, so we don't overdo the parking register, okay?"
> You follow her, a fresh bounce in your step.
"Uh-huh!" you nod, happily.

> ~~~~

> Well, 'The Look' works on Sky Light. She has agreed to take you back to the truck stop after a profitable session at the bus station.
> You had your first rude human, complaining how you're obstructing traffic with your sign and your plastic dish and your pitiful expression. It really drove the embarrassment home, but Sky Light said your blush helped a lot with the next few people who walked past.
> The pair of you made almost thirty bucks by the time your pegasus friend decided to call it quits. The sun had barely set and it was still light enough to move your new mission forward, so you gladly agreed.
> You even got a vending machine sandwich out of the deal. Incredibly, there was one without meat, and with cheese and stale lettuce - a little rich for your taste but infinitely better than digging in the trash.
> Sky Light accused you, in a joking kind of way, that you were making her eat better. If it were her choice, the pony pointed out, she'd just pick up what she could find in a nearby fast food joint dumpster.
> She even gave you five dollars in coins to keep for yourself, although she is holding on to the cash until you have your own bags. The rest of the money would go towards paying her debt.
> You still don't know for sure how you feel about Sky Light mingling with people who sell drugs, but you push that to the back of your mind and focus on the task at hand - at hoof, as the your pony friend says it.
>...
> There are different trucks parked this time. The group of ponies from the morning are gone and there's no pegasus lying on top of a cabin, of course. You wonder idly if he was with one of the drivers or a local pony. You forgot to ask Sky Light and right now it doesn't seem important anymore.
> As soon as the place comes in view, Sky Light grins and bumps her rump against yours. "Lucky!" she exclaims. "Come on, I know that guy! He's nice."
> She stops and gives you a serious look. "Do what I tell you, okay? I promise it's gonna be fine."
> Her words give you pause and you feel a strange sense of foreboding.
"Why? What's gonna happen?!" you demand.
> "Just go through with it, okay? No questions! You want to find out what's happened to your friend, don't you?"
> Swallowing a lump, you consider turning away. It's just a silly idea and it probably won't ever work. Maybe it's not worth the risk to go asking around for secret government facilities.
> You shake your head firmly and clench your teeth. Maribelle needs you. You need her! It's not a silly quest and you'll do whatever it takes.
> Sky Light wouldn't lead you into danger, would she?
"Yes," you answer her.
> "Good. Follow me," the pegasus instructs and sets off.
> You don't know which particular vehicle she means, but you follow her while trying to keep an eye on all the drivers. What Sky Light probably meant was that the humans might want a favor in return. You don't have much to offer, but you have five bucks and your earth pony strength and stamina.
> You could help them work on their trucks or something, or deliver messages if you have to. A bit of manual labor won't hurt, especially if you get information which will help you find Maribelle.
> Unlikely for anyone here to know anything about her specifically, but you can hope, right?
> The pair of you make your way to the parking lot. Several drivers are sitting in chairs next to their trucks, a few of them fiddling with phones, one reading a book and a couple sleeping in what looks like lawn chairs.
> Sky Light sits on her haunches and raises a hoof. One particular human waves back and splits from the group to come greet you. He's a heavier man in faded blue jeans and a black pullover.
> He also has a cap which says 'semi king'. You wonder what's up with that. Is he supposed to be like - somewhat of a king? Why not just put 'full king', if you're gonna lie on your cap?
> "Hey! I was hoping I'd run into you, but I didn't think you'd show until morning. You don't usually come around this late!" the man exclaims as he leans down to shake Sky Light's hoof.
> The pegasus doesn't answer, but rather lays a wing across your back. "It's her fault," she says jokingly. "This is Rosa. Rosa, Pavo."
> You hold up a leg for the man to shake. You like how polite he is, even to ponies, but you're still a little intimidated.
> Sky Light looks at you with a pleased grin. "Pavo will be able to help you."
> That gets your heart beating faster and you find yourself smiling back.
> "Oh?" the human asks. "Offering my services around, are we?"
> The mare shrugs. "She'll pay."
> Well, there goes your money, but you don't care all that much. You only hope it's enough.
"I only g-got five dollars..."
> This makes the human laugh in amusement. Even Sky Light chuckles at your confused expression.
> The man's hand pats your mane. "I don't want your money, sweetheart," the man says.
> That hungry look in his eyes! It could only mean one thing. The one single thing you were hoping you'll never have to do. Your ears instantly fall flat and you look at the ground, unable to meet either of their gazes.
> Maybe you can still run away. It'd mean never coming back to Sky Light.
> "C'mere, let's go to my truck," Pavo invites and Sky Light nudges you along. Your hooves don't want to move, but you make them. In truth, you're terrified of trying to tackle these streets without the pegasus.
> You don't know where to go, what to do, whom to trust...
> If she wants you to do this, maybe it's for the best. The sooner you get over your stupid sensibilities, the better you'll do in this new life.
> Besides, you really want to find Maribelle, you tell yourself. You're willing to do anything, even this. You just hope it won't taste too bad.
> It's not far and pretty soon the man opens the cabin door. "Up!" he orders.
> Looking at Sky Light you can't help but feel a little betrayed. She knew your weakness and how much you dislike... this, but she went and practically offered you anyway.
> Maybe you can still say no? There has to be another way.
"Sky, I don't think I-" you begin.
> The mare gives you a stern look. "We all have to pay somehow, Rosa. It's your thing, so you do it this time, get it?"
> Almost without realizing it, you've taken a step back, but the pegasus is suddenly behind you, blocking your escape.
> Her expression is neutral, but you see her ear flick. She's probably nervous about what you'll do. "It's the only way," Sky Light says. "Sorry."
> It's just your mouth, right? You can wash it afterwards. It isn't as if he'll...
> You can't think about that.
> "Well?" the human demands.
> Taking a deep breath and letting it out in a mournful sigh, you place a hoof on one of the steps. The cabin is a vertical wall of iron and the seat looks very high up. Can you even make it?
> "Oh, sorry. Here, let me help," Pavo offers.
> Before you can accept, his arms grip around your midriff and lift you up. It's all you can do not to buck his face.
> You need him, Rosa. You keep telling yourself that. It may be the only way to find Maribelle.
> If you say no now, Sky Light probably won't help you anymore. She might not even want you around.
> You'd be dead in a week.
> This or death, you tell yourself.
> It's low of her and your muzzle scrunches up in distaste.
> She *knew* how you felt about this! It's not fair!
> You're very near tears when you step on the passenger seat. You barely have a moment to look around before the cabin sways as Pavo puts his weight on it.
> "Move over. In the driver's seat!" he commands.
> A real weirdo. Your ears can't go flatter, your tail is completely pressed against your belly and your legs tremble in trepidation, but you scooch over.
> "Oh, wait - one more thing."
> You look around just in time for the human to drape his cap over your head. The shock of it makes you gasp a little and jerk away, but it stays on.
> Depraved, that's what it is. He's sitting sideways in the passenger seat, rummaging for something in the bag behind him.
> You see Pavo has a small bed built into the wall there and a traveling bag with presumably his clothes and other essentials.
> There's a whoosh and Sky Light appears at the edge of the seat, wings partly outstretched to keep her balance. You don't know how she's holding herself there, but the pegasus must have had practice.
> "Hold on, I gotta see this!"
> Is this mare for real?! She's grinning in anticipation.
> She's evil!
> You can't suppress a small whimper. They have you cornered now.
> "Okay, now smile!"
> The strange command makes you pause and blink in confusion. You spot a camera in Pavo's hands.
"W-What?!"
> Are they planning on taking pictures while you-
> "One hoof on the steering wheel, please."
> The 'please' and the firm tone seem to go straight into your leg and you rest it against the black material.
> "Good, now smile!"
> You're losing grasp on the situation. It's not going anywhere near the way you expected!
"W-What's happening?"
> Now it's Pavo's turn to look bewildered. He looks at Sky Light, then back to you. "I'm going to take your picture in that pose. What's it look like?"
> There's a faint glimmer of hope.
"J-Just a pic-picture?" you nearly sob with relief.
> "What were you expecting?"
> You don't know how to put it in words, but you try.
"Oral..."
> It's a good thing you're not looking. You're pink enough as it is, without their horrible laughter. The man is practically guffawing and the mare is slapping the seat with her hoof.
> "Priceless!" Sky Light gasps out, tears leaking from her eyes.
> "Jesus Christ, you're evil," Pavo tells the pegasus. "You made her think I was gonna-"
> They are both laughing as you stare in confusion.
> At long last the man brings himself under control. "Look," he says, "I'm flattered, but I got a wife and a son. I don't drive around looking for pony tail, you see?"
> You wave your hooves around in exasperation.
"But you s-said- What's with all this then?!"
> "My son is a big fan of ponies. I try to get him a picture whenever I meet one. These are his favorite-"
> Pavo gestures at your cap and at the steering wheel. "Truck driver pony. Get it?"
> You're probably still in shock, but you manage a weak chuckle.
"O-Oh. Oh."
> Sky Light slips from the chair and you hear her laughter from the ground. It sounds like she's actually rolling around, smacking the asphalt with a hoof!
> You still can't believe that mare. It was an awful, awful trick to play on you!
> Relaxing a little, you remember the reason you came.
"And then you'll help us?"
> "Sure!" Pavo exclaims. "Anything I can do. Now take the pose again."
> This time you have no compunctions about putting your hoof back on the steering wheel. The human nods. "Good, now a smile."
> It's hard, but you force one for the camera. You try to imagine a young boy, thrilled when his father brings him home pictures of ponies in his truck. It helps.
> "Nice! A couple more. Just act natural."
> He snaps a few more photos while you sit and smile. A brief flash of inspiration makes you stand up and put both hooves on the wheel, as if you're seriously driving the thing.
> It's a massive hit. "Excellent!" Pavo yells. "I love it!"
> The photo shoot is soon over and the man takes his cap back. "Nice work. Would you mind doing one outside? Better light. And then a couple together with Sky."
> You nod. By now you're certain nothing untoward is going to happen, so you've managed to relax a little.
"Okay," you say and go to step out of the driver's seat.
> The human doesn't move out of the way, though, so you stop while you're straddling both seats.
> "First, tell me what you need from me," he offers.
> You get yourself back in the seat.
"I- um, we were wondering if you know any drivers who take things to um-"
> Now that you have to come out with it, the idea seems a tiny bit preposterous. You force yourself to say it anyway.
"Drive stuff to... secret government places. Um, where they take ponies."
> The man watches you for a moment. "And you need to know because?"
> You look for Sky Light, wondering how much you can trust this man, but the mare is probably still down on the ground and you can't see her.
> It can't hurt to tell him some, right?
"They took my friend and I want to find her."
> "Whoa, are you in an action movie or something?" Pavo asks. "That's some top secret spy stuff, sounds like."
"Do you know any-anything about it?" you prompt hopefully.
> Sky Light pipes up at this moment. "We were hoping you could ask around on the CB, Pavo. Someone must drive supplies to these places."
> You're grateful to her for reminding you, even though you're still furious for the trick she's pulled.
> The human shrugs to himself. "Dunno if it'll work. There's usually NDAs for places like that, but I'll try."
> You look at him expectantly, curious to see what a 'CB radio' looks like, but the human barks a laugh.
> "Not now, sweetheart. I gotta get a shower before the stop closes. I'll ask around after that."
> Your ears fall flat.
> Pavo ruffles your mane. "Don't look so glum. Come by in the morning and I'll tell you if I find something. If not, I'll keep asking around. I usually come through here every couple of weeks, regular. Don't worry, us truckers see things and we like to talk. Someone is bound to let something slip."
> Not finding out today is a disappointment, but you hadn't really expected to get anything this fast. You make yourself smile again.
"Okay. Thank you."
> "No problem. My son is gonna love you. Not many ponies with black hair, you see?"
> That reminds you of someone.
"What about Butch? Uh, he comes around here sometimes."
> "Oh, him," Pavo says, face falling a little. "Yeah, I know him. Dunno what, but there's something off about him."
> You wholeheartedly agree. You're worried what Sky Light might say, especially if she considers the stallion a friend, but you voice it anyway.
"Yeah... me too."
> There isn't much more to be said. Pavo slides out of the seat and you follow. The jump down is a little further than you're comfortable with, but Pavo grips your midriff and lowers you once again. You're grateful about that this time.
> You're not a pegasus to leap around like a maniac, after all. Earth ponies are sturdy, but you try not to test just how much your bones can handle.
> While you're looking around for Sky Light to give her a good glare, there's a click of the camera behind you. You quickly straighten your face out.
> "Cute. Now where did Sky go?"
> The pegasus in question walks from behind the man. "Here. What do you need me to do?"
> You try and stay as still as possible while Pavo arranges you two side by side and takes more pictures.
> "Wait!" he says suddenly and comes forward. He drapes his cap on your head again. "Nice. Now put your wing around Rosa," he tells Sky Light.
> The mare obeys and the man peers through his camera once more. "Adorable! Smile!"
> It doesn't take too long. You wait patiently for Pavo to retrieve his cap once more, then look at him expectantly while he picks up his wallet and his phone from the truck.
> "I gotta get that shower now," the human says as he's closing the cabin door and locking it. "I'll see you two tomorrow. Take care! Nice meeting you, Rosa!"
> Sky Light waves to the human in goodbye, then turns her mischievous grin on you. "So, whatddya think?" she asks.
> You almost growl at her.
"That was mean!" you say in a low voice. "Let's go back."
> Before the nasty shock you'd had, you were hoping you could ask more truckers for help, but now you don't feel like it. Maybe you'll be in a better mood tomorrow.
> For the moment, you want to get Sky Light alone and give her a piece of your mind.
"Come on!" you command.
> Her expression crumbles and her hoofsteps sound almost timid as follows your determined stomps back towards the van.
> "I guess it wasn't very funny for you?" she prompts.
"No, it wasn't!"
> "Sorry about that..."

> ~~~~

"I can't believe you would *do* something like that!" you hiss.
> You've managed to hold on to your temper until you were back at the van, but now you can't stay quiet any more.
"I thought you were..." you mutter, "-that I'd have to..."
> Are there even polite words for what Sky Light had done?
> Yes, it had been a joke, but an incredibly tasteless one and the mare knows it. She's looking at the ground with her ears folded flat.
> "I'm sorry," she says for the umpteenth time. "It really seemed funnier in my head! It's not like something happened, Rosa. I trust Pavo."
> You get a feeling you'll never be able to explain your grievance to the pegasus. I might be best to just accept her apology and her assurances it will never happen again, and move on.
"Just- I just hope something comes out of it."
> Sky Light brightens up a little. "Oh, Pavo knows *everyone*. Don't worry, if any trucker this side of the Rockies drove anything to a government pony lab, he'll find out."
> It does mollify you a little bit. Your voice softens and you stop glaring quite so harshly.
"Well... okay. Just please don't joke about stuff like that, okay?"
> For some reason you're near tears. The relief finally got to you and you can't suppress a sniffle.
> To her credit, Sky Light is instantly by your side and wraps a wing around your back. "Hey, it was a tasteless joke, but you're safe with me, okay? I promise."
> Her voice is soothing and confident, so you believe her. The pegasus also has extremely soft fluff on her chest and you gratefully nuzzle it. Better than any blanket.
> The only consolation is that the human, Terry, isn't around to see you shaken like this. Actually, the fewer people who do, the better.
"Yeah," you manage. "Thanks."
> "No more silly jokes," the pegasus promises again. She lets you go now that you've stopped sniveling. "Wanna take your brush and go wash up?"
> You give the mare a nod. Doing something normal, like cleaning your teeth and your face is exactly what you need. Pretend the world isn't messed up for a few minutes.
> The pegasus goes to fetch her bags, talking all the while: "We'll ask some of the other truckers tomorrow. I think I know a few of those guys and if we bring them coffee in the morning they'll ask around for us."
> She pauses and gives you a worried look. "We won't get news until the next time they come through here. You okay with waiting a bit, right?"
> You've come to accept that fact. Life isn't *too* bad around here, with Sky Light and Terry and the summer coming in. You can hang around for a couple of weeks, just waiting.
"Y-Yeah..."
> "Any thought what you'll do if you get some news?" the mare asks. It's idle conversation, but it makes you ears fold down.
"No..."
> Sky Light gives you a bright smile as she finishes buckling on her harness. "We'll figure something out. Even if it's like really far away - I'll show you how to hitchhike, okay?"
> You'd read about that. It always sounded so much fun, but you're starting to question what you know.
"Is that s-safe?"
> The mare chuckles. "Not really, but it's super fun!" she answers. "You're an earth pony, Rosa. Act like it!"
> You're not sure how to do that, but you stand up a little taller and stick out your chest.
> "If any idiot human tries to grab you the wrong way, you just kick his face off."
> The pegasus is already walking to the water pipe and you get off your rump to follow her. She pauses by the stack of timber and looks at you appraisingly.
> "Here, let's give that a try. Buck this piece of wood."
> She's pointing to a plank quite high up - about as tall as a man's chest would be.
"How am I supposed to reach that?!"
> Sky Light rolls her eyes a little. "Jeez, haven't you ever tried it? What did they teach you in that tard wrangling class?"
"Not how to kick the children to death, that's for sure!"
> You're appalled at the very idea.
> The mare heaves a sigh. "Well- here, lemme show you."
> She faces the pile of planks and looks it up and down, calculating. Then she looks back at you. "Watching?
"Y-Yes."
> She quickly whirls around and throws her rump up. Supported precariously on her forelegs, the mare delivers a powerful kick to the lumber before dropping lightly back down with two faint clicks.
> "There. Now you try it."
> She moves away and you take her spot. You try to estimate where the wood is, then copy her movements. A whirl, a half-jump...
> Your muzzle smacks into the pavement, making the pegasus chuckle. "No, silly. Dig your hooves in. Like trying to do a hoof-stand, okay? Lock your fore-knees in place."
> Determined to get it right, you get up to your hooves and face the target again. This time you make sure to keep your legs rigid as you push your rump up.
> You kick with all the strength you have, but since you don't have eyes on the target you naturally miss.
> The momentum of your swinging hind legs makes you loose your balance again.
"Ooof!" you land painfully on your belly.
> Again the pegasus is amused. "Better, now you just gotta work on your aim. It takes practice, don't worry."
> You're determined to get it right, so you quickly jump up again. Except this time Sky Light pushes on your back to keep you still. "Wait," she says.
> "Close your eyes. Remember how high the wood is?"
> You obey and try to imagine the target behind you.
"Yes, I think so..."
> "Now kick about ten inches lower than that."
"Lower? I-" you begin, but the mare interrupts you.
> "Just try it."
> You mentally readjust where you think your kick should land, keeping your eyes closed like the pegasus had said.
> Again you kick off from the ground and balance awkwardly on your forelegs. This time when you swing a hoof, something connects. There's a powerful splinter of wood and you open your eyes in shock.
> The unexpected contact makes you lose balance again and you fall to your belly.
> "Wooo! Way to go, girl!" the pegasus praises.
> You turn around and see that the piece of wood has been shredded. There's a clearly visible hoofprint - half of one, anyway - and the edge is badly splintered. You can't see the bit that broke off.
> "Do that to a human and you'll kick his kidneys out through his nose! Damn, girl," Sky Light keeps cheering, "I knew you earth ponies were strong, but... daamn!"
> Her joy is infectious and you can't help smiling in pride.
> The pegasus smirks a bit. "Still gotta learn to stick the landing, but you've got the basic technique."
> Something doesn't make sense.
"Why did you tell me to aim lower?"
> "Everyone kicks too high until they get it right. Your head moves down when you push your rump up, remember? Everyone thinks the target is higher than it actually is."
> That probably makes sense. You resolve to practice a bit more some other time. Right now, your muzzle still stings from the landing and your belly is dirty from falling flat on the street.
"Thanks."
> The pegasus gives you a quick hug. "Don't mention it. Those are some powerful hooves you got there, Rosa."
> The praise makes you blush a little, but you really like it. It makes you feel good about yourself.
> "See? Nothing to fear from any human. Just give them one of those and they won't bother you. Like ever!"
> That wipes the smile right off your muzzle.
"I don't wanna kill anyone..."
> "You won't," Sky Light assures you, "just remember to do it a bit softer, okay?"
> It's too much to keep track of. You really need to practice until you can do it without thinking.
"I guess?" you concede, eyeing the broken plank.
> "Now let's get cleaned up. Maybe Terry'll bring us dinner."
> That reminds you and your stomach growls a little. It's getting used to less food, but it's taking time. You also think you're a bit lighter than you were, but without a scale  or a mirror it's hard to be sure.
> "Oh, I know!" your friend proclaims suddenly as you're walking again.
"What?"
> She gives you a knowing smile, before explaining: "Bluegrass can ask his human to check on the Internet for that government pony place."
> It's all news to you.
"Bluegrass? Human? Internet?!"
> The pegasus shrugged a little. "I keep forgetting because the others are- um... 'free ponies'. Bluegrass still lives with his human family most of the time and just comes to the truck stop sometimes to say hello and hang out."
> You've been meaning to ask about that, but now you know the answer anyway. You've expected all four of them to be... well, runaways, like you and Sky Light.
"They just let him go as he pleases?"
> The pegasus pauses to look back at you and shrug a little. "I guess. They got him to keep the son company, but now he's in college so Bluegrass can pretty much do what he likes."
"Like Internet?"
> "Yeah."
"He can find stuff out about top secret government stuff?" you ask, not quite believing it.
> Sky Light leans her head to the side as she considers for a moment. "Dunno. Maybe? It's worth trying, anyway. Bluegrass is nice, he'll help you if he can."
> The avenues just keep opening up. You've almost forgotten the grudge you held towards Sky Light.
"Well... thank you. I mean it."
> She just smiles, guessing what you're thinking. "So - forgive me for that little joke?"
> You can't stay mad at that face. The pegasus was just being her silly self. It *had* been a funny joke, or it would have been if it weren't for your overactive imagination.
> Exhaling in exasperation you can't help but grin back.
"Well, okay. But you owe me a bag of gummy bears!"
> The mare laughs. "Deal."
> She'll spend money on that, which makes you feel a bit guilty.
"We're mooching again tomorrow?"
> "If you're up for it. After the truck stop. We can go to the court house - lots of rich lawyers walk past. Now, most of them won't give you a dime, but if you can get just one it's worth your while. With your face we might get lucky!"
> You nod to yourself. It sounds about right. Stingy, but quite wealthy, lawyers, or at least that's what you've heard.
> Something else is bothering you.
"Why don't you pay the guys off by doing a couple more deliveries?"
> Sky Light shrugs. "Can't. Hoover is the delivery guy - I'm already doing that. Viktor loaned me cash, so I gotta pay him back in cash."
"Well, why don't you get Hoover to pay you?"
> The mare freezes for a second, then rounds up on you. "Absolutely not!" she hisses. "Doing that for money is a really, *really* bad idea, okay? If you ever meet Hoover, and by God I hope you don't, never, *ever* take a job from him!"
> You swallow and shrink back a little from her anger.
"W-Why n-n-not?" you stutter out.
> She glares at you for a little longer, but then her face softens. "It wouldn't stop at a couple deliveries for a bit of cash, Rosa. Guys like him - he'll keep pushing you until you're using, and then you're doing deliveries just for your next hit."
> The mare steps closer. "Stay. The fuck. Away from him. Understand? For your own good!"
> You're scared now and you nod nervously.
"Ok-Okay..."
> You watch each other for a while, the pegasus breathing heavily and you trying not to move. You swallow a lump, but then Sky Light seems to realize where she is once more.
> "Sorry. I'm just worried about you, Rosa. I like you- a lot."
> It's flattering the mare would go to such lengths to protect you. A bit creepy, but worrying.
> This is no the time to ask why she is so afraid, you understand that much. Some other time.
"Thanks. I appreciate it, really."
> You give the pony a bright smile and she seems satisfied with that. Without another word she turns around again and starts walking.

> ~~~~

> You step carefully on three hooves so you don't spill the plastic cup you're balancing on the fourth. It's easier for Sky Light behind you who at least has all four legs on the ground and the drink clasped between her wing feathers.
> The pair of you make your ambling, careful way to the grass where the rest of the gang is sitting around and talking with each other. Velvet and Pepper shuffle away to make room and you gratefully take your place on the grass with Velvet to your right and Sky Light to your left.
> That brings you eye to eye with the three stallions, but that's okay. Butch in particular you like to keep where you can see him.
> "So, how are you two?" the mare on your right asks, idly poking her own empty cup with a hoof.
> "We're on a Quest!" Sky Light admits immediately with a goofy grin. That earns her instant attention.
> Pepper, in particular, looks impressed. "Oh, wow! That sounds exciting. What is it?"
> The pegasus glances at you and the others follow her gaze. Their expectant stares are a bit unnerving, but you reason the more ponies who know about what you're trying to do, the better your chances.
"I'm trying to find a place where they take ponies with cutie marks."
> Bluegrass seems the most surprised at the news. "They really do that?!" he asks, amazed. "I thought that was just an urban myth!"
"They took my friend from the School. I'm going to find her," you say with more confidence than you really feel.
> "We're gonna ask the drivers to check on CB. I mean - even secret government places have to get supplied, right?"
> Velvet looks a little doubtful. "Unless it's the military doing the supplying. They have their own trucks."
> Your expression crumples and the mare scooches closer to briefly lean her head against your side. "Aw, I didn't mean to make you sad, sweetie!" she says. "Government and military aren't always the same thing, yes?"
> That makes you feel a little better and you nod happily.
> "Good thinking about the CB," Pepper commends.
> You're about to admit the truth, but the pegasus beats you to it: "Not my idea. Terry came up with that one."
> Now the stallion is doubly impressed. "The old geezer hasn't drowned himself in booze yet?"
> Sky Light doesn't answer and you can't quite meet her eyes. She's fond of the human and the rest of them know this. At what point does playful jabbing become hurtful, you wonder?
> The mare pushes past it and looks instead to Bluegrass. "By the way, we were wondering if you'd look around the Internet."
> "Who, me?" the pony in question asks.
> This makes Sky Light roll her eyes in exasperation. "No, dummy. I was asking Rosa, since, you know, she's the only one here living in an actual house with actual Internet."
> Everyone laughs and even you can't keep a small chuckle from escaping.
> "Dummy," Sky Light repeats, but she's grinning. The stallion smiles as well.
> "Sorry. Yeah, of course I'll try. Anything in particular I should look for?" Bluegrass asks.
> You decide to field that one. You want to make sure he gets it right.
"Yeah, actually. See if you can find something about an earth mare named 'Maribelle'. Or if not, anyplace they take ponies who get cutie marks. Oh, and also why. Terry says it doesn't happen usually, but it was a big deal at the School."
> "You keep talking about this school," Velvet asks thoughtfully, "what was it about? Is there really a school for ponies? Can just anyone enroll?"
> You shake your head.
"It doesn't work that way. We're there almost from birth."
> The mare frowns a little at the news. "Okay, so what do they teach?"
"Useful careers-" you begin, but Sky Light interrupts you.
> "-like tard wrangling. That was Rosa's specialty."
> It gets a round of laughter, but you don't mind. The statement is true enough.
"Well, Paolo was training for a delivery pony," you add. "There were different programs. Housekeeping, cooking, accounting."
> You remember the most exciting one and smile.
"A filly I knew had a very nice voice so they trained her for voice-over work in movies and cartoons!"
> "Wow. Busy place!" Pepper comments.
> For the first time today Butch makes a comment: "Shame this 'Paolo' didn't escape with you."
> Before you know it, you're blushing slightly and lowering your ears.
"W-Why?" you ask.
> Everyone looks at the stallion, who shrugs and points at Sky Light. "He could help you with those drug deliveries."
> This time there is no laughter. You think you've found the line that shouldn't be crossed, even in joking.
> "Well. Anyway," Sky Light says, looking down at the grass. "Let's finish coffee, Rosa. Then we can go check if Pavo is up yet."
> You glance at the man's truck, but the curtain is still pulled across the front window, so your guess would be 'no'. Despite that you don't argue, choosing rather to dunk your muzzle into the cup and slurp up some of the tasty beverage.
> "What did you get?" Velvet asks in an effort to lighten the atmosphere.
"A cappuccino," you explain. "The cook at Pony School told me she likes them so I wanted to try one."
> "Any good?"
> You nod and smile.
> The mare stares at the drink. "Can I try?"
> There's about a quarter of the cup left, so you just slide away from it and wave your hoof magnanimously.
"You can finish it, if you like. I think I've had enough."
> It has already been far more caffeine than you're really used to, so you don't mind Velvet sharing a little. You like the mare.
> "Oh, really?" she chirps happily. "Thanks!"
> You catch Pepper and Bluegrass giving you approving smiles and feel a lot happier in yourself.
"I guess I'll catch you later? Or tomorrow?"
> Sky Light is already walking away, apparently leaving you to say goodbye.
> "Probably tomorrow. Same time?" Velvet asks her friends, who nod. "Bye Rosa!"
> Bluegrass lifts a hoof in farewell. "I'll try to find something on the Internet by then!"
"Thanks! Have a nice day!"
> You hurry after the pegasus towards the trucks where some people seem to be moving around. It would be a good idea to ask as many of them for help as you can.

> ~~~~

> There hadn't been any real news from Pavo, but he had made some calls and promised he would tell you what he found out the next time he comes past. Sky Light didn't know most of the other drivers, but one or two seemed willing to help out even without any payment, for which you were very grateful.
> A few others yelled at you very rudely even before you'd made your request. They were all sorts there and Sky Light said you shouldn't take it to heart.
> Some people were just jerks.
> The things they called you still sting a little, but the feeling is slowly passing as you follow the pegasus back to the van.
"Sorry for asking, but how many deliveries do you have to do exactly? For Hoover?"
> You are watching the pegasus and her step falters, but only for a moment. She shrugs her wings. "Two."
"Two?"
> She sighs and glances back at you. "It's been 'two' for the past three times, but I put my hoof down the other day. Just two more and then I'm done."
> You probably shouldn't be prying into it anymore, but you're curious and you can't think of anything else to talk about.
"How did you end up- um..."
> This time the mare keeps herself under control and doesn't flinch. She probably isn't going to answer and you can't really blame her. It must have been a very dark chapter of her life.
"You don't have to-"
> "Train hopping," Sky Light answers quickly, interrupting you. "Well, actually, I didn't meet him on the train, but I met one of his mules."
"Mules?"
> The mare chuckles a little. "I forgot. You don't know the slang. A mule is someone who transports drugs around," she explains, then pauses mid-step. "Come to think of it, that's me. Heh. I'm a mule, but I'm also a pony!"
> It's not that funny, but you laugh dutifully. It's putting Sky Light at her ease, which is as good a reason as any.
> "Anyway, this guy - I don't remember his name - he asked if I wanted to make some money. Of course I said yes."
> Her smile is derisive, but you guess it's aimed at her younger self. You don't think there's anything to blame her for, but the mare is doing it anyway. You walk closer and brush your rump against hers as a sign of comfort.
> After a few steps Sky Light continues: "At first it was fine. I could fly, so taking packages was a snap. Hoover got me that FedEx uniform, so no one questioned what I was doing. I made a fair bit of money."
> You walk in silence for a while, giving the pony time to collect her thoughts before she can continue. At long last she does: "I don't even know why I started using. Curious, I guess. I wanted to know what it feels like."
"What does it feel like?"
> You're genuinely wondering yourself. You'd never do it, of course, but you still want to hear about it.
> "Weird. Funny, but in a good way," Sky Light says thoughtfully, with a faraway look on her muzzle. "It's a bit like flying. You feel really good for a while. Not so much when you come down, but-"
> The mare shakes her head forcefully. She's breathing more quickly and gives you a frown. "I kicked the stuff. I'm not going back on it. Can we not talk about it please?"
> You hurriedly raise your forelegs up.
"Of course! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to dredge up bad memories!"
> "Anyway," the pegasus says, wishing to bring her story to some kind of a conclusion. "Turns out drugs are very expensive and I ended up owing Hoover a ton of money. We made a deal I'd do deliveries for him until I paid it off."
> The mare barks a sharp laugh. "Should've known he'd cheat. I was so happy to be off the hook for the money that I didn't notice he never told me how many deliveries. Then, after a while I was just too scared to say anything."
"H-How many did you do?"
> The one movie you'd seen with drugs and organized crime is making you very nervous about Sky Light tangling with this Hoover guy. Your stomach feels cold and your legs are trembling.
> The pegasus gives it some thought. "Dunno. Forty. More probably. It's been going on for years, every couple of weeks, regular." The mare shakes her head sadly. "I owed him a lot of money..."
> Another thought has occurred to you and now you tentatively voice it.
"Uh, w-when you found me, were you..." you don't finish the sentence.
> The mare stops and sits down. She isn't looking at you and keeps her muzzle pointed firmly at the ground.
> "Will you hate me if I said yes?" she asks quietly.
> You hurriedly walk over and put your hooves around her and give her a nice, friendly nuzzle.
"Of course not. You probably saved my life. I'd have gone and got myself lost in some woods or something."
> By now you'd probably be some animal's dinner, but you don't say that part out loud.
> Sky Light sighs and returns your nuzzle. "Thanks, Rosa. It means a lot."
> You wait for a minute, holding on to the sad pony, until she gets to her hooves and shakes you off. "My turn," she says more cheerfully. "What will you do if you find out where cutie mark ponies are being held?"
> That's something you hadn't thought about very much yet. It seems so unlikely that you don't really have a plan.
"Go look for it, I guess? I have to find Maribelle!"
> You don't know why, but it feels really important for you to do that. Your friend needs you and you need her. Together, you can make sense of this crazy, dangerous world.
> "Not much of a plan there," Sky Light says.
"No. I guess I'll just wing it."
> You look at each other and then burst out laughing together. It relieves a lot of pent up pressure and it feels good to be optimistic about your future. Even if your plan fails, you'll have someplace to go. You'll have friends.
> When the laughing fit passes, Sky Light wipes at her muzzle with a foreleg, then grins at you. "I'm gonna come with."
> That *really* lifts your spirits. The pegasus is clever, adaptable and quick on her hooves. She'd be an invaluable friend on such a dangerous venture.
"It could get risky," you caution her.
> "So?" the mare demands. "You're gonna need me if you're winging it. See?" She spreads out a wing and flaps it a little up and down.
> You both end up laughing again.
> For the first time you feel like you might have a chance. Sky Light has met practically *everyone* and she knows her way around the streets. She's resourceful and tenacious.
> Together with your earth pony strength and stubbornness, you're bound to succeed!
> "Come on, let's go see if Terry has some lunch for us," the mare invites.
> You're happy to oblige and follow her with a fresh bounce in your trot. After a few steps you start humming your tune.
> "What's that song?" Sky Light asks quietly after a while.
"Dunno. I've always known it, but I can't remember where I heard it."
> "It's nice."
> You smile at the pegasus.
> "Really uplifting..." she mutters, probably not even intending to say it out loud.
> Encouraged, you keep humming it, even after you reach the end of what you know. Sky Light doesn't seem to mind you simply repeating the few bars you know over and over.

> ~~~~

> You find Terry sitting in the back of the van with the doors open and a cigarette between his fingers. He's holding open a newspaper with the same hand, which seems a bit dangerous.
> He might burn down the closest thing you have to a home like that!
> Glancing at Sky Light to see if she also sees the problem, you head straight for the man to give him a piece of your mind. Politely, of course.
"Um, excuse me-"
> He points a finger at the page he's reading. "That's your guy, isn't it? Boone?"
> You don't know what he's talking about, so you decide to ignore it for now.
"You shouldn't hold a cigarette in the same hand as that newspaper. It could catch fire."
> He doesn't pay you any attention, but he folds up the paper and turns it towards you. "Shut up and look at this!"
> His voice is insistent and you switch your gaze to the headline: 'Senator's daughter missing!'
> For the first few seconds you aren't quite able to process what you're seeing. Your eyes automatically slide down to the first paragraph, right next to the picture.
> 'believed to have run away'... 'family worried'...
> 'reward for any information'... 'search operation'...
> 'no amber alert'
> Only then do you really look at the picture where Lillian is smiling back at you. She looks even younger than you remember.
> Your rump hits the ground almost without your awareness as you feel a chill run through your belly as it clenches together in fear.
"Lillian is m-missing?!"
> Sky Light is by your side and takes the paper from Terry, since you aren't capable of holding it right now. You look into her concerned expression.
"I don't- I don't understand."
> "Oh boy," the pegasus says sadly, "this is gonna be tricky. What happened?"
> There's a rustle of cloth as Terry shrugs. "They're saying she ran away from her school during break."
> "Do they know why?"
> You have a frightening, terrible feeling that it's got something to do with you, but you're too scared to say it. If the girl gets hurt and it turns out to be your fault, you'll never forgive yourself.
> Sky Light puts the paper on the ground and straightens it with a hoof. "Hold on, lemme read this."
> While she's muttering to herself Terry answers her question: "It says there Boone was beating her..."
> You firmly shake your head. The man was unreasonable when it came to your cutie mark, but he cares for the girl, that much you know.
"It's b-because of m-me..." you admit.
> There's no proof, but what else could it have been? The girl had come to see you that night before she let you go. She believed her parents that you were bad, but maybe she wasn't completely convinced. Maybe, after a few days, regret had set in.
> She had considered you a close friend. You two have been pretty close, even in the short time you'd spent together. You squeeze your eyes shut, but tears still fall unimpeded.
"How l-long?" you ask, your voice cracking. "How long has  she been missing?"
> Sky Light answers this one even while she continues to read. "She didn't come back from recess yesterday morning. They found where she broke the hedge to get out of school grounds."
> That's more than a full day!
"We have to find her!"
> Nothing else is important right now. You friend needs you and you have to get her safely home, no matter what happens to you after.
> "Don't be stupid," Terry tells you, nearly making you growl at him. "What in hell can we do? It's on the other side of the city in the suburbs. It'll take us a day just to get there and that's if we even had money for the bus."
> He leans a little closer and his eyes narrow. "It's probably crawling with cops. Didn't you say they were looking for you?"
> That much is true, but you don't care.
"Sky Light can fly and l-look for her! They aren't looking for her! A-And I can hide..."
> You clutch the mare around her midriff, but she just cranes her neck to keep reading the article.
"Please?" you beg.
> The pegasus lets out a sigh and pats your head with a gentle hoof. "Sorry, sweetheart, but I think Terry is right on this one. There's not a whole lot we can do."
> She points at the newspaper. "They got helicopters and nearly the whole police department out looking for her. Every TV and newspaper has her picture. She'll be fine, you'll see."
> You can't take the risk. Right now you might still have a chance to do something. In a day or two, it may be too late.
> You'd never forgive yourself if you didn't at least try. Even if you do, you will blame whatever happens to Lillian on yourself if she doesn't come safely home.
"I'm going..."
> "What?" Terry asks incredulously.
"I'm going to look for her!"
> Sky Light is giving you an appraising look, as if trying to decide if you're mad. "Rosa, don't-"
"I'M GOING!"
> Shouting first was your mistake. The pegasus suddenly has her hooves around your chest and is holding on to you tightly.
> You'd buck her off, but she knows how to grab a pony and you can't find enough leverage on the ground.
> "Help me out here!" the mare commands her human friend.
> He stands up, but doesn't lay his hands on you yet. "Why?"
"Let me go!"
> You can't see very well through the blur of tears in your eyes. As you keep struggling you manage to land a feeble blow on Sky Light's side, but she doesn't release her iron grip.
> "Grab her legs or so help me God, Terry!" the pegasus growls.
> "Fine, jeez!" he complains and reaches for your foreleg. You try to twist away, but the human is fast and surprisingly strong. You can't wrench free when they're both holding you.
"No!" you scream, starting to panic. "No! Let go of me! Let me go!"
> It's all in vain. With Terry holding your forelegs up you can't do much more than scrabble on the sidewalk. Defeated, you burst into tears and stop struggling.
> "Now what?" the human asks pointedly.
> It takes Sky Light a minute to decide. "In the van."
> You're awkwardly moved along the ground and they roll you into the back of the van.
> "Ready?" the pegasus asks.
> There's no reply, but Terry must have nodded, because they both shove you roughly inside. You jump to your hooves and try to bolt, but it's too late and the door slams on your muzzle.
> For a moment you see flashing lights before the pain subsides. "Hold the door!" Sky Light yells.
"LET ME OUT!" you shout at her.
> You try pushing the door, but you can't budge it. Then you turn around and try bucking it open.
> The metal rings as your hooves connect, but the van holds. You desperately look around for another exit.
> There is a small window to the cabin, but it has a metal grid across it. It's also right under the roof so you'll never be able to reach it for a good buck.
> You still try hitting it with your forehooves, but you can't get enough leverage to break the bars.
"Please," you whimper.
> "Rosa, listen to me!" Sky Light commands from just outside. You try not to hear, but you can't help it. The inside of the van is dark and bare. The mattress and a couple of blankets are the only things on the floor. There are no distractions to focus on in lieu of Sky Light's voice.
> "I know how you feel, but you can't just go rushing off like an idiot, okay?" the pegasus is saying.
> You run at the back door again and throw your entire weight against it. There's a sharp pain in your shoulder which makes you yelp. You'd forgotten about the handle.
> "Chrissake!" Terry says angrily. "Just let the bitch out before she wrecks the van!"
> "No!" Sky Light insists. "Rosa, listen to me right now!"
> You give up. It seems everyone is conspiring against you, even those you thought were your friends! You curl up on the bare metal floor and let the tears come. Sky Light's voice is barely audible above your echoing sobs.
> The mare is speaking softly now, her muzzle right near the door. "Sweetheart, you can't do this girl any good if you get yourself caught or killed! Think it over!"
> You shake your head, but don't reply.
> "There's a big search party - they'll find her, you'll see. Don't throw away your future because of some stupid little-"
"SHE'S NOT STUPID!"
> You couldn't help yourself.
> "Fine! Sorry! I didn't mean it," Sky Light quickly apologizes. "But you're staying in there until you calm down and start thinking rationally."
> Sniffling, you put your head on the floor and cover your ears with your hooves. It doesn't help, but you don't want to listen to Sky Light's betrayal any more and you can't think of anything else to do.
> There's a longer silence and you start imagining horrible things that might have already happened to Lillian. The images make you wail.
> "Buck!" Sky Light swears quietly. "I'm gonna have to be stupid, aren't I?"
> She heaves a sigh and her voice softens when she speaks next: "I'll go search for her. Where I found you and the forests you were heading towards. She might have seen which way you went..."
> You lift your head up and stare at the door in bewilderment.
> The human grunts before speaking: "You're both idiots..."
> He is walking away from the van, but Sky Light is still at the door, speaking urgently. "I'll go search for her. You were right. I can fly and they aren't looking for me, okay? Just promise me you'll wait here."
> You don't say anything, but a crazy hope blossoms in your heart.
> "Rosa?"
"I want to help!"
> "No. That's the deal. You're not thinking straight. You'd just get yourself caught or killed," Sky Light tells you. "Take it or leave it."
> Before you can figure out a reply, there's a strange, metallic sound from her direction and you look up, focusing your ears.
> "There, I've bolted the door," the mare says. "You're not getting out of there, so just accept it, Rosa. I'll go look for this girl. If you've stopped being crazy by the time I'm back, we'll talk about what to do next, okay? Calmly!"
> You hear hoofsteps moving away from the van and hurriedly run back to the door. You hit it with your hoof a couple of times.
"Don't leave me here! I can help! Please!"
> It sounds as if the pegasus is no longer listening to you. "Don't let her out!" she tells Terry, who just grunts his acquiescence. It seems that's good enough for Sky Light, because she makes her way back to the van.
> "Don't hurt yourself in there, Rosa. I'll bring you some news as soon as I can. Please, for the love of God, think clearly for a minute, okay?"
> You don't say anything. It's not like you can convince her to let you out.
> "Promise me you'll think it through, or I won't tell you anything when I'm back!"
> That frightens you even more than being locked up.
"I p-p-promise!" you stammer.
> "Good. Now sit tight, you gold-hearted little idiot."
> There's a whoosh of her feathers and the mare is gone. You consider begging Terry to let you out, but you don't think it'll work. You need time to think. Sky Light is right at least with that much. Blindly running off is a bad idea. For instance, you don't even know which direction to go.
> You need a plan. Maybe if you come up with a good plan, Sky Light will let you out and you can go with her when she goes back to searching.
> 'Please,' you think to yourself, 'come back quickly!'
> Then you lie back down on the floor as tears threaten to overwhelm you once again.

> ~~~~

> Several hours had passed as you waited in the dim interior of the van. Your only source of light is the small window to the driver's cabin up near the roof, so that's where you have been staring.
> The day went from early afternoon, to evening, and now night. You've been listening intently for Sky Light's return, but all you could catch was Terry walking around and, occasionally, drinking something from his flask.
> Every now and then he muttered to himself, but you weren't really interested. What you wanted to hear was the soft whoosh of feathers which would signify the pegasus returning with news.
> You would also have settled for hoofsteps.
"Please..." you murmur to no one in particular.
> At first you'd tried calling for the human to let you out, but he just ignored you, so you gave up. It looked as if Sky Light would be your only salvation.
"Please!"
> You wanted to stay focused on poor, lost Lillian, but now there was another pressure on your mind. Well, no so much on your mind as in your bladder. Pretty soon you'll go back to begging the human to release you, or else his mattress would end up... soggy.
> Heaving a forlorn, long-suffering sigh, you try to curl up and forget your troubles for a while. It's exceptionally hard - there's absolutely nothing else to do in here!
> A stray sound catches your ear and you lift your head hopefully, searching for the source. You focus on the small window, where the faint glow of the day is fading fast.
> There it is again! This time you're sure!
> You jump to your hooves and rush to the doors. You lift your hoof to start banging on it, but then pause in mid-air.
> If you start making noise and demand to be let out, Sky Light might decide you're still stupid and refuse to open the van.
> You're no longer stupid. The pegasus had been right. Sitting in the dark has allowed you - well, forced you, really - to think about what you should do.
> Running off to try and 'save' Lillian would just end badly. It pained you to admit it, but you don't know which way to go, nor what to do when you get there. You really *do* need Sky Light's help.
> By now you're willing to promise anything - *anything* - in exchange for her help. You'll do more drug runs. You'll mooch with her every day for as long as she wants. Hell, you'll even...
> Dare you even think it?
> ... prostitute.
> Not so squeamish now, when it's Lillian's life on the line and it's all your fault. Morals be damned! You're going to do your part to get that girl safely home.
> You force yourself to sit down on your haunches while, outside, the pegasus lands and says a tired 'hello' to the human. It's perhaps the hardest thing you'd ever had to do, but you keep your trap shut and your limbs still.
> Yes! She's coming over! All your muscles tense up in expectation.
> "Rosa? You still in-"
"Yes! Did you find Lillian? What happened?"
> Only slightly jumped the gun there, but that's okay. Sky Light doesn't remark upon it. Instead, you hear two gentle taps as she leans on the door. "Sorry. I searched in a circle around her school, but no sign of her."
"H-How did you know which school?"
> The mare barks a laugh. "It was the one with all the police cars parked in front. There were people combing the alleys with flashlights - if she was around they'd have found her."
> Your heart is sinking and it takes two tries to get your voice working.
"May-Maybe someone ki-kidnapped her?!" you squeak out.
> There's no answer.
"Sky Light?"
> "Dunno. Not jumping to any conclusions. Maybe we're looking in the wrong place. Tomorrow I'll go the way I found you, okay? Maybe she went that way."
> Your ears fall flat at the news. It means Lillian will have to spend another night outside, or wherever she was. You don't like the idea, but if you demand Sky Light go search for her in the dark, she'll just leave you in the van to 'cool off'.
"I'll c-ome w-w-with..."
> "Don't be stupid," the pegasus says back. "It's gonna take me hours to fly all the way out there, you'll just slow me down."
"But-"
> A knock on the van door interrupts you. "Do you want me to look for Lillian, or do you want me to take you on a tour of the city, Rosa?! You can't have both, you idiot!"
> It didn't seem possible, but your ears fall lower. Of course she's right. Sneaking through the city with you, especially when the humans might be looking for a pony with your description, would slow you both down.
> The last time Sky had led you from that field to here it had taken you practically the whole day, and you didn't have to hide very hard.
"What if we go at night?" you suggest tentatively, even though it's a foolish idea.
> The pegasus knows it too. She sighs again. "I swear to God, Rosa..."
"Sorry."
> You're on the verge of tears once again and Sky Light seems to realize it. "Look, I'm exhausted. It's been a long day and flying across the city and back takes it out of you, okay?"
> By now you're staring, shame-faced, at your hooves, even though the mare can't see you.
"Okay."
> "Good. I suggest we get a good night's rest, and then I'll start again tomorrow. You just gotta trust me on this one, okay?"
> You nod, but then remember yourself. She can't see you.
"Okay."
> There's a metallic grinding noise and you take an involuntary step away from the door. "I'm gonna let you out, okay? Promise you won't do anything stupid?" Sky Light tells you.
"I promise."
> The bolt Sky had used to lock you in the van clangs against the ground and the door opens, making you blink, even though it's almost completely dark outside. You hadn't even realized how bad the air was in the van, not until you smelled the fresh draft from outside.
> You almost gasp when you look at the pegasus. She wasn't kidding about being tired. She looks frazzled and sweaty, with her wings almost dragging on the ground. It takes you only a second to forgive her for shutting you in. The mare has ran herself ragged looking for your friend.
> Not wanting to worry her, you step out of the van very slowly and carefully, trying to convey through your motions that you have no intention of bolting. Gradually the pegasus relaxes, before giving you a wet, stinking hug. You don't mind and hold the mare up.
"Thank you," you say with tears in your eyes.
> You're still worried sick about Lillian, but the effort Sky Light went to on your behalf is quite heartwarming.
> The mare is mollified by your gratitude and smiles back. "There, I said you needed to think it over. Let's go get a drink, then toilet, okay?"
> This reminds you of the pressure and you let her go while crossing your hind legs.
"Other way around, please?" you beg.
> The pegasus chuckles and pats your head with a wing. "Don't worry, we'll find this girl, or maybe the search parties will. It's a big operation out there. Good thing her dad is this important."
> You nod, fully in agreement. Mr. Boone's connections and power would come in useful for once.
> Sky Light lets you go ahead while she pauses beside the fire, where Terry is smoking yet another cigarette. "I'm gonna need you to take the cabin tonight, Terry," the mare says. "I think Rosa needs someone at a time like this."
> You understand what she means and your ears lower. Sky Light isn't completely convinced you'd come to your senses, or maybe she's worried you might relapse in the night.
> The problem is - you might. If you have a particularly nasty dream, you might forget reason and try to sneak off to do... whatever.
> Knowing your weakness doesn't make it any easier to hear, but you're still grateful that Sky Light has her eye on you. With your friend sleeping beside you, the bad dreams might not even come. If they do, the pegasus will undoubtedly wake up if you try and leave.
> Smart of her, but it still makes you blush in embarrassment. It's a good thing it's getting dark.
> You wait while the mare rejoins you. "Come on. Toilet, then a quick wash."
"Uh-huh," you agree.
> "Rosa, I'm gonna need you to do something for me tomorrow, okay?"
> The words send your heart racing. The way Sky Light has said it, this can't be good.
"Y-Yes?"
> "I'll be out all day, looking for Lillian, but I still have to get Viktor his money, the sooner the better, okay?"
> You're starting to understand what she needs from you. It's not pleasant and you don't know if you can do it alone, but you're determined to try. After everything Sky Light has done for you, you owe her.
> "I need you to go mooching for a bit. The parking machine, that's one of the easier spots. Can you do that?" Sky Light whirls to face you. "Can I count on you?"
> You swallow a big lump, but then nod.
"Yes..."
> The mare smiles and leans in to give you a quick nuzzle as a reward. "Good. Just a few more and I'll be done with all that, okay? After we find Lillian I'm gonna finish the two deliveries and then I'm out of it."
> You want your friend to be out of that whole, messy business. You find new determination and force yourself to smile back.
"I'll do it. I promise."
> The pegasus seems to relax a little. "Good. You're a good friend, even if you're a bit stupid sometimes, okay?"
> That's high praise, coming from the world-weary pegasus, and you grin to yourself as you once again fall in step with her.
> "Stupid, but a heart of gold," Sky Light repeats more quietly, as if to herself. "Once that's all done, we'll focus on your thing, okay? Some of those truckers should start coming back with news. Oh, and we also need to check with Bluegrass if he found anything on the Internet."
> You just nod, even though the pony isn't looking back. You're both focusing on placing your hooves so you don't cut them on a stray bit of metal which litters the ground around the abandoned factory. It's especially tricky in the dark.
> "Dunno what we'll do after we find where your friend is being kept, but we'll figure something out, even if I have to call in some favors."
"Thanks. You're a good friend too, Sky Light."
> You reach the broken door and the mare ushers you inside. "Go on, ladies first."
> The expression makes you both chuckle, but you're grateful for her courtesy. The pressure inside you is starting to get quite critical.

> ~~~~

> The mattress is a bit whiffy, but quite comfortable, especially bundled up in Sky Light's feathers. The mare is an absolute cuddler, which is very nice. The nights are still slightly chilly, so having your personal wing-blanket is a nice perk.
> You're the small spoon and the pegasus is holding you against her chest. You're not complaining, even if it is just to keep you in place if you try to sneak away during the night. Completely understandable that Sky Light doesn't quite trust you after your display earlier.
> In fact, you don't even trust yourself not to do anything stupid. You get emotional when people you care about are in trouble, and it's hard to think rationally.
"I'm sorry. Um, about earlier," you repeat yet again.
> "Yeah, you said," the mare replies, her breath warm on your neck. "It's fine. Just try to be... less stupid in the future, okay?"
> The blunt way she put it makes you giggle.
"Okay, I'll try."
> The van creaks and rocks a little as Terry climbs up into the cabin. You hear him grumbling about it, but you can't make out his actual words.
> Sky Light seems to know what the human is saying, though. She lifts her head up and yells: "You'll live, Terry. It's just one night, okay?"
> This time it's you who can't suppress a small chuckle.
> "Yeah, but back's gonna be shot," comes the annoyed-sounding reply. "These seats are crap!"
> "I'll give you a hoof-massage!" Sky Light promises.
> The man doesn't say anything to that, so you guess he has accepted the deal. The rocking stops and the van goes quiet.
> You wriggle a bit closer to the pegasus to capture more of the delicious warmth between you.
> "Oh, sorry," she apologizes and drags the blanket over you.
> The blanket really stinks, so you push it away from your face.
"We have to wash this."
> Sky Light is quiet for a moment before replying. "It's kind of a hassle."
"Don't care. We're washing it, soon."
> You didn't say 'tomorrow', because it can wait until you're sure Lillian is safe, but right after that you're putting your hoof down. Come to think of it...
"We're also getting some sheets."
> "Fuck, Rosa," the pegasus complains, "this isn't a hotel-"
> You don't wait for her to finish.
"It's not a dump, either! It won't cost much and it'll make living here a bit nicer."
> Sky Light heaves an exasperated sigh, but you can tell she's smiling. You don't say anything else for the moment, because you've just realized that this place will be your home for the foreseeable future.
> It's not too bad, though. Terry is a grump and he got you drunk, but he obviously cares for the pegasus. Maybe, in a small way, he's starting to care for you too.
> Then there's Sky Light and she makes all the difference. There's absolutely no doubt in your mind that you're good friends. Today's debacle proves it.
> Making this place a bit more livable is something you can do right away to help out, so that's what you're going to do.
"Good night, Sky."
> You get a nice nuzzle in return. "Good night."
>...
> This again.
> You don't need this, nor do you want it. Not now.
> The featureless room, the floating cyan eyes, the unnaturally soft and warm floor, the softly twinkling stars above.
"This isn't funny, you know?"
> Talking to yourself now. You almost hoof your own face. Whatever this dream is, it's all fabricated entirely in your mind. It's just you, all over. You're doing this to yourself.
"Either help me or go away!"
> You're still doing it, but it's hard to resist talking to whatever part of you that thing represents. Its gaze is unblinking and eerily silent.
> Since you seem to be stuck in this weird dream, maybe you can get something useful out of it? Maybe your subconscious mind has noticed a detail you missed and is trying to tell you in this strange way?
> "You are troubled. The humans have betrayed you."
> You lean your head to the side and stare.
"What? What are you talking about?"
> The eyes vanish and reappear a moment later as the creature blinks. "White Pigeon," it - she - says.
> Now it's your turn to blink in confusion.
"What?!"
> "Find the White Pigeon. Find me."
> You open your mouth to ask the thing again what it's talking about, but the eyes close and the room goes completely dark.
>...
> "You okay?"
> This time it is Sky Light's voice intruding in your consciousness. You're sitting bolt upright and the pegasus has her forelegs loosely around your waist.
"What happened?" you gasp.
> You can see the silhouette of the other mare in the faint light coming from the cabin window. The moon is up and the night is especially bright.
> "Dunno," she replies, "you just yelled 'what' and jumped up. Bad dream?"
> Remembering the weirdness, you nod.
"I've been having them- um recently," you admit.
> Has it only been a couple of weeks? It feels longer.
> The first time you had that particular dream was when you started working for the Boones. In fact, you hadn't had one since you ran away. Why did it return now?
> Sky Light squeezes you a little just to remind you that she's there. "You okay now?"
> Confusing, but it was just a dream. They don't have to make sense. You nod at your friend.
"I'm fine. Sorry for waking you up."
> Seeing that you don't intend to run helps the pegasus also relax. You both settle back down and her wing comes back to cover you.
"What time is it?"
> Almost before the words are out of your muzzle you realize that Sky Light has no way of knowing, just like you. There's not a clock in sight. You're about to tell her never mind, but she answers: "Hold on," and slams a hoof against the side of the van. "TERRY! What time is it?!"
> The sudden noise makes you jump a little.
"You didn't have to do that!" you hiss.
> There's a curse from the cabin as the human wakes up. "Three in the morning!" he yells back, then follows with: "Crazy horse!"
> The van rocks a little as the human turns on the seat, then all is quiet once again.
"That was just mean!" you accuse the pegasus.
> You feel her shrug with her wings. "I've been asking Terry to get me a watch for ages. Maybe he'll finally do it."
> Shaking your head a little at their relationship, you settle your head back down to sleep.
"Crazy horse," you repeat what Terry had said.
> Sky Light just chuckles a little.

> ~~~~

> At long last it's morning. You've been waiting, unable to sleep, for over an hour! After your strange dream you'd managed to nod off again, but woke up not long after. Since then it's been a losing battle to recapture unconsciousness.
> You can't help worrying about Lillian and imagining where she is. Maybe the girl is sleeping under a bush or a tree someplace, like you did that first night? Is she cold and hungry?
> All you want to do right now is find that sweet little girl, warm her up and tell her it's going to be alright, even if that meant taking her home and letting the humans do what they want with you.
> You draw a deep breath and let it out in a forlorn sigh.
> "God dammit, Rosa," Sky Light whispers, "just go back to sleep already!"
> Your ears flop down and your breath catches. You hadn't even realized the pegasus was awake.
"H-How long-"
> "About ten minutes," the mare interrupts you. "You?"
> You don't want to say, but a hoof prods you in the back. "Rosa?"
"Couple hours."
> There is silence for a while as your friend processes this. "Well, thanks for not waking me up sooner, I guess."
"Sorry."
> Sky Light yawns and lets you go so she can stretch. The lack of fur and feathers means a sudden chill all down your back and side. That's right, you remember. You felt too hot so you kicked the blanket off yourself, carefully so as not to uncover your friend, of course.
> You sit up and look imploringly at the pegasus. She has rolled to her back and the fabric covers her to about mid-belly. Her wings are partially unfurled and look quite rumpled.
> The pegasus follows your gaze and lifts up the feathers to her face to inspect them. "Ugh," she groans. "I'll need to get my wings in order before I go."
> You'd offer to help, but you have no clue what needs to be done. Luckily you get another idea.
"I'll get us breakfast!" you promise.
> Sky Light smacks her lips thoughtfully a couple of times. "Okay, sure. Where from?"
> You run through the list of options in your mind and settle on the fastest and easiest.
"I'll go to the bus station and get sandwiches from the machine! My treat!"
> That last bit was to remind Sky Light that she's holding on to your money. She needs to get it out of her saddlebags, because you don't feel right digging through them without permission. You know the mare keeps a few personal items in there.
> "Okay, let me get you your money," Sky Light guesses your thoughts. She rolls to her hooves and stretches out, nearly inadvertently kicking you in the muzzle with a hind leg.
> While she works her other limbs, you push the van door open and let in the fresh, crisp morning air. It's definitely spring, but the sudden change of temperature still makes you shiver a little as you step down to the ground.
> "Okay, so what's the plan?" Sky Light asks while she's digging through her things.
"C-Can you go the way you found me? Those fields and, um - that general area? Maybe Lillian went the way she saw me leave?"
> You didn't see the girl watch you leave at the time, but she might have done from an upstairs hall window. If she tried to follow you, she'd head for the wilderness. Maybe she guessed you'd stay away from people?
> Sky Light drops a bank note on the edge of the mattress. "Here, that should do it," she says. "Anyway, yeah, that sounds reasonable. I'll do that. What do I do if I find her?"
> Another question you're not nearly ready for. What you *want* to say is for Sky Light to bring the girl here, so you can look after her. You want to see her, and smell her and hug her, before sending the little sweetheart home. Except it would be senseless and tiring for cold, starving Lillian to walk all that way.
> That'd just be selfish. You have to be strong and decide what's best for the girl, not what you wish. It makes you sigh sadly, but there's also a feeling of pride.
"I'll give you an extra sandwich and water for her. Make sure she eats and drinks, and then take her to the nearest people and have them call the police."
> Sky Light easily reads your expression and jumps down from the van to hive you a nuzzle and a hug. "Good plan, Rosa. I'll do that. I'll take my uniform."
> Now you have tears in your eyes. You were really hoping you'd get to see Lillian again, but your decision is right. Her safety is way more important.
"Tell her I said hello and I love her, okay?"
> "Will do."
> The pegasus releases you, then turns back to the van to fetch the money. She looks at you, trying to decide how you might carry it, but then shrugs and holds it out so you can pick it up in your mouth. You really do need to get some bags, and soon.
"'aank 'oo."
> You spit the bank note into your hoof so you can talk again.
"What do you want?"
> Sky Light decides quickly: "Get me a BLT, like last time."
> The thought of meat still makes your muzzle scrunch up a little, but the sandwich will be in a plastic bag, so you won't have to smell it.
"Okay, I'll be right back."
> The pegasus waves you off as you re-grip the money in your mouth and start trotting away. You're not much of an endurance runner, but you'll do your best. You'll have the whole day to rest, after that.
> As you're climbing the stairs out of the canal you see that Terry has also jumped out of the cab and is ruffling Sky Light's mane in greeting. The mare looks up and says something, but it's too quiet for you to hear. Then she goes back to poking at her wings.
> You don't know exactly what pegasi do, it just involves their muzzle and their feathers. 'Preening', it's called.
> Hopefully Sky Light will be done by the time you're back with the sandwiches, so she can fly as soon as possible.

> ~~~~

> You're hurrying back to the van with your head held high - not because of pride or anything, but because the bag with sandwiches and water is dangling from your mouth.
> Yeah, real smart of you not to consider how you were going to bring all the stuff back. Luckily the lady in the small shop at the bus station was kind enough to give you a plastic bag for everything.
> There's a BLT sandwich for Sky Light - you still can't believe she actually eats meat - and another for Lillian. Well, you *hope* it will be for Lillian. If the pegasus can't find the girl, you'll tell her to have the other sandwich herself. It's the least you can do.
> You've also bought two bottles of water and one with some fizzy soda. Sky Light will appreciate the sugar, especially since you have no way to bring her any coffee.
> Finally, there's a cheese sandwich for yourself. You didn't bring anything for Terry because the money ran out. Sky Light had only given you ten dollars, after all.
> You'll make it up to the human later, somehow. You might get him lunch after your mooching session at the park, or maybe you'll get him a beer or something another day.
> Right now, the bag is getting heavy and your jaw is starting to get tired. You suck it up and keep going because you're an earth pony and you don't shirk from physical challenges, but you still pick up your pace to get it over as quickly as possible.
> Once you reach the canal stairs you're nearly there. You practically slide down the steps, then take a moment to breathe at the bottom before heading on.
> Pretty soon you see the side of the van, but you can't spot your friends. Surely Sky Light hadn't left already?
> Maybe she went to the toilet?
> A few more steps brings the entire vehicle into view and you relax. Terry is sitting in the back with his legs on the ground and from the looks of it Sky Light is resting beside him. All you can see is her tail dropping down under the open van door.
> It's good that she's resting as much as she can. You need the mare fresh and full of energy for her search.
> Your ears flatten as you think about Lillian again. Hopefully the child is okay. It hasn't rained in the night, so if she is dressed warmly she should have been fine sleeping under a bush or something.
> Don't think about wild animals, though!
> You hurry back to your friends, both relieved to have finished the journey and slightly proud of yourself for getting it all on your own. With a pair of saddlebags you'd be completely self-sufficient.
> Not that you want that, of course. You actually like the pegasus and derive great comfort from her knowing, experienced presence.
> The sight gives you pause, though, and makes the bag drop from your mouth so you can smile.
> Sky Light is sprawled in the van with her tail hanging out, like you have seen, but with her head on Terry's leg. He is supporting Sky's muzzle with one hand, but his other is busily scratching behind an ear.
> You become aware of a low, growling sort of sound coming from the mare's mouth. It's like the world's slowest, most relaxed groan you'd ever heard.
> The human looks up, grins at you and gives you a wink. He removes his steadying hand to put a finger on his lips, before reaching back down and switching to Sky's other ear.
> "Mmmm.. ohhh," she half-sighs, half-groans. "That's the stuff..."
> You wouldn't be surprised to find that the pegasus is drooling a little.
> That surely can't feel as nice as Sky Light is making it seem, can it? Lillian had petted you sometimes and it was never like that.
> It had been awesome, mind you, just not enough to melt your brain like it seems to have happened to the pegasus.
> Terry notices your questioning look and his grin widens. "Magic fingers!" he explains, holding out a hand to show you.
> You don't see anything special about it.
> His words and gesture alert Sky Light to your return and she struggles to open one eye. "Oh. Hi, um... Rosa."
> Jeez, even talking seems to be a bit much for the poor mare right now. You grin to yourself and pick up the bag again so you can bring it closer.
"Got you sandwiches," you explain once you'd deposited your treasure in the van, right next to Sky Light's motionless body.
> "Yeah, gimme a minute," she asks, then closes her eyes again.
> Now you're really curious. Terry has one hand free and you look at him imploringly.
> Luck! He motions for you to step closer, so you place yourself right between his legs. He brushes your mane aside and you lean your head to give him easier access.
> The fingers slip behind your ear and you wonder how he'll start. A gentle buildup of massage which will turn to scratches, or will he just go for it right off the bat?
> So far it just feels... alien.
> His hand encircles your ear and you're just about ready to pull away. Maybe it doesn't work on all ponies, or maybe it's...
> It's...
"Mmmm..."
> There it is. Now you understand.
> It feels like getting the biggest itch you'd ever had finally scratched. You never even realized, but you ears have been itching your entire life, and now here's the sweet, soothing relief.
> You don't even know when you started doing it, but now you're leaning your head into the pressure, wanting more. The human obediently applies extra force and your breath catches.
> There are no words, but you try to find some in the addled mess that is suddenly your mind.
"F-F...," you swallow and try again: "Fuuuuuuck."
> You gradually become aware of a rhythmic, snorting sound and force your eyes open to see Sky Light's wings shaking as she chortles.
> As soon as you realize what you'd said you pull away and blush a vivid red. You can see the glow at the end of your muzzle.
> Terry joins the pegasus in chuckling while you try to regain your composure. A bit of drool escaped from your lips, which doesn't help you self-image.
> At least you get some respite when Sky Light slips from the van and puts her hooves around you.
> "Don't worry, sweetie," she says, barely holding back laughter, "it takes us all that way. I guess it's your first time?"
> You just nod, shame-faced and wishing you were someplace else, especially after the mare leans in, still with that silly grin on her muzzle, and whispers: "Wait till you try human dick."
> She winks at your mortified expression, then pulls away and starts stretching.
> "Okay, let's see what we got here," she exclaims as she goes to rummage through the sandwiches. "Where did you get the bag?"
"Lady- um, shop. Lady in shop at the bus station," you explain lamely.
> "Clever," the pegasus praises. "We still need to find you some saddlebags, or a backpack or something."
"Backpack?"
> The mare nods as she's peeling open one of the BLT sandwiches. "Yeah! It's no good for me because of the wings, but it should be fine for you. Oh, and we need to get you something to wear."
> You look down and blush even more. The silk nightgown is torn and dirty. It would probably stink, if you weren't so used to it. When did you let your standards of personal hygiene fall so low?
> For that matter, you hadn't even brushed your mane in days, not since that truck stop shower!
> Is it that easy to slip? It would explain why Terry and Sky Light aren't bothered about living in filth.
> About the only consolation is that you've been brushing your teeth every evening. You'd be really worried if you stopped doing that.
"Sorry," you squeak in a small voice.
> Your friend comes over, shuffling awkwardly on two legs because she's holding the sandwich and biting into it at the same time. She drapes a wing around your withers.
> "It's okay, sweetie. You can't be expected to keep a dress like that looking neat on the street."
> She pauses for a moment, then chuckles. "Neat on the street," she repeats.
> There's a sound from the human and you glance over to see him unscrewing his booze flask. Weird how it always seems to have some drink in it, even though you never see the human fill it.
> Seeing your look, Terry holds it out to you, but you shake your head. You're not falling for that thing again. He didn't take advantage of you the last time, but you don't want to take chances. Sky Light trusts the human, but you don't - not quite yet.
> You look back at the pegasus, who is wolfing down her bacon travesty. The smell is already reaching you, but you resist the urge to move away. Just a bit of rotting meat, nothing to worry about, you tell yourself.
> Now Sky Light catches your look and holds her sandwich out.
"I've got my own," you tell her, shaking your head for emphasis.
> She just shrugs a little to herself and takes another bite. A thin strip of meat hangs from her muzzle as she chews and you can't help but make a face.
> "Whaff'?" she demands with her mouth full.
> You tap your face with a hoof to show her and her eyes nearly cross as she tries to see her own nose. Then she pats the area with a hoof and unhooks the offending strip.
> "Here, taste this," the pegasus says, holding it out to you.
> This time you do take a step back, muzzle already scrunching in distaste.
> "Come on, it won't kill you. It'll be a lot easier finding food. Most human things have meat in them, Rosa."
> Maybe the mare has a point, but you're not willing to make the effort. You shake your head.
> Although... you are a tiny bit curious. The scent is awful, but a tiny part of you is wondering if it tastes as bad as it smells.
> The indecision must have been clear on your face because Sky Light shoves the last bit of her sandwich in her muzzle, then hobbles closer to you, hoof with the strip of meat still outstretched. She has a huge smile, even while she finishes chewing and swallows.
> "Here, tell you what," the pegasus says. "I'm not going to force you, but at least lick it, how's that? Aren't you curious?"
> You glance around for help, but of course there is none. Terry is watching you both with some interest, open flask in his hand. You wonder if he was the one who introduced Sky Light to this unnatural practice of eating meat.
"I-" you don't even know what to say.
> You *have* wondered about it a few times before, what pony hasn't? Maybe you can do what Sky Light says and lick it, once. Maybe she'll stop offering then?
> The way your ears fold down give your friend all the information she needs. Her grin threatens to split her face open and she lifts up the morsel. "Just don't spit it on the ground, okay? If you don't like it, I'll eat it. Shame to waste good food."
> You're committed now. You carefully grasp the meat she is offering between your hooves and bring it closer to your muzzle. Then you sniff it, very gently.
> It's unmistakably meat. You don't know what else you've been expecting. It's not like the smell will change into something nicer, just because now you're holding it.
> You look at Sky Light again, who is nodding with an encouraging smile. She's not doing this to be mean, you realize. She genuinely wishes you to experience something new. Something which may help you survive on the street.
> The logic is obvious, even to you. The more things you're willing to eat, the easier it is to find food.
> You give in and lay your tongue against the meat.
> The salt is nice. If it were just the salt, you'd have no problem with it. There's also a faint aroma of smoke and the overwhelming taste of something fried. You'd always liked fried foods, maybe because you didn't get them all that often in the School.
> Then there's the flavor of meat itself. It's unmistakable, but... not as strong as you'd feared.
> You have been worried the explosion of the meat taste would turn your stomach the instant your tongue touched the thing, but it's not nearly as overpowering as you'd imagined.
> Encouraged, you nibble at the corner, breaking a bit of it off. There isn't much more to taste there - frying, salt and meat.
> Maybe it was the *idea* of meat that was so revolting to you, not the thing itself?
> Uh oh...
> You have a bit of a dead pig in your mouth!
> Sky Light notices your expression and quickly grabs the strip from your nerveless hooves before you can drop it. She pops it in her mouth, while you spit out the piece you'd bitten off.
"Ugh!"
> "What happened?" Sky Light asks, chewing slowly. "You looked like you were fine there for a minute."
> You fold your ears down and look at the ground between you two.
"I remembered what I was eating," you admit.
> "Oh," is all Sky Light says in reply.
> The human clears his throat. He'd been watching your antics the whole time. "Seems to me," he says carefully, "your problem is psychological."
> Sky Light is nodding. "Yeah. You really shouldn't think about it. You'll be fine."
> That last bit was said in a very knowing tone of voice, one that makes you worry.
"W-What do you mean?"
> The pony puts her wings around your head, making a small, private space just with the two of you. "Look, Rosa. I won't force you to do that again, but I'll understand if you want to experiment, okay? No one is judging you here. Don't be afraid to ask."
> You're not going to, not again. Imagine if you got the morsel down and *then* remembered what it was?! You'd throw up, for sure.
> No, you're not eating meat again. Your curiosity has been satisfied. Now you know what it tastes like, so you don't have to do it ever again.
> Although, the earnest, hopeful look on Sky Light's face is quite moving. You don't want to shoot her down right away. It's something she really likes and wishes to share with you.
"I'll ask if I wanna try it again," you promise.
> The mare smiles and comes close to give you a nuzzle. "Great! Okay, take your sandwich and I'll be off!"
> She leaves you there and goes to put on her uniform and buckle on her gear.
> You return to the van and rummage in the bag until you find the cheese sandwich. You also pull out the sugar soda and set it beside the plastic bag.
> "Anything for me in there?" Terry asks. His hopeful tone makes your ears go flat again.
"I'm so sorry, but I didn't have enough money," you explain. "I promise I'll bring you something when I come back from mooching, okay?"
> If the human is disappointed, he hides it pretty well as he takes another swig from his flask. "Sure. Thanks, kid."
> You feel extra bad now after those amazing ear scratches. You were going to ask for more, but now you feel like scum and decide not to.
> If you were a real friend, you'd give up your own sandwich to bring Terry one.
> You suddenly have to show him that you aren't selfish!
"Want me to also bring some smokes? Or a beer maybe?"
> The human brightens up immediately. "That'd be mighty nice of you, Rosa."
> You smile back at him, relieved. Getting those things will mean you bring less money back to Sky Light, but you're okay with that. It shouldn't be more than about ten dollars, you figure.
> Last time you and the pegasus made nearly thirty dollars. If you can do at least twenty, then you won't feel bad about spending half of it on food and drink for yourself and Terry.
> Sky Light returns in her full FedEx uniform and bags. "Okay, good to go!" she proclaims.
> You pick up the bottle and hold it out to her.
"Here, w-while it's cold," you explain.
> The mare lights up. "Ooh, Mountain Dew. My favorite!" Quick as you please she sticks the container between her forelegs and twists the cap off with her teeth. There's a hiss of escaping gas.
"I figured you might need the sugar, y'know. All that flying."
> The pegasus doesn't answer because she's busy lifting the drink up and chugging it down noisily. She drops her head when there's about half of the bottle left.
> "Good thinking," she says, then belches loudly. It makes you blush, but she just giggles. "Good stuff."
> Then she expertly hooks a feather around the plastic bag's handles and lifts it neatly to herself. The contents go in both her saddlebags, as evenly as she can make them to keep a better balance. The empty bag she holds out to you.
> "Here, you might need this," she says.
> That reminds you of your final instructions for the mare.
"There's two water bottles and a sandwich for Lillian. If you don't find her by tonight, you can have it, okay? So it doesn't go to waste."
> The mare nods her understanding. "Gotcha. I'll do my best, okay?"
> You believe her. Before she can leave, you step forward and bring your hooves around the mare.
"Thank you so much for doing this!" you tell her, eyes already filling with tears.
> Sky Light just embraces you back for a while, then frees herself and takes a few steps away. You remember her drink.
"You forgot-"
> "You and Terry share the rest of it, okay?" Sky Light says magnanimously. She crouches down, flashes you a smile, then kicks up. In moments she becomes just a distant speck and then that, too, is gone.
> You heave a sigh and look at the nearly half-full bottle of Mountain Dew.
"You can have it if you want," you offer the human.
> He shrugs a little to himself, then leans down to get it. Meanwhile you're steeling yourself for the job in front of you.
> You begging, only this time without the experienced pegasus beside you. The cardboard sign is leaning against the side inside the van and the plastic plate is next to it. You put the plate in the empty bag and slide the sign out.
> It's a bit of a hassle to hold it all in your mouth, but you can make it work. Dragging it to the park will be a chore, but maybe when people see the effort you're going through they'll give more readily. It'd be worth it, just for that.
> Before leaving, you look at Terry and give him a nervous, sad smile.
"I guess I'll be back after lunch."
> He nods at you, but then goes on with his task of lighting a cigarette. "Good luck."
> You're going to need it.

> ~~~~

> As you're making your way back, the plastic bag jingles as the coins inside hit each other and the bottles. The haul is good, but you have mixed feelings about the whole ordeal.
> Most of the people didn't pay you much attention, but the ones who did were either very kind or very... assholes.
> That's what Sky Light had called them and it seems appropriate. They tell you to clear off, or just start threatening with calling the police.
> Nervous as you were on your first solo mooch you apologized to those angry humans, packed up your sign and your plate and moved to a different part of the park.
> That left a hole in your earnings, but you still broke twenty dollars, even after the expenses. It seems that a lone pony is a more heart-wrenching sight.
> It still didn't feel good to be the focus of that kind of withering scorn and anger. A few of them nearly drove you to tears.
> You heave a sigh and plod back to the van. Now that you're moving, no human seems to really look at you, despite the oversized sign dragging beside you. Sky Light was right about this part - people just don't care that much.
> They may ignore you, but you still try and stay away from police officers. If you see them in the distance you take a different road. If you see a police car, you duck into the nearest alley as soon as you can. Luckily there isn't many patrols around, so it's not a big problem.
> You stop at a corner and put the bag down to rest your jaw. The money itself isn't heavy, but you stopped at Arda's because that seemed safest. The man knew you, after all.
> It was pure luck that he also sold you a couple of bottles of beer for Terry. You got the cigarettes at a kiosk. The second one you found, because the human in the first one yelled at you until you left.
> Yeah, a lot of people didn't care about ponies, but neither did they want them in their shops, nor did they want anything to do with them sometimes.
> In any case, that was everything you were going to get and you still had a lot of money left for Sky Light. The mare would undoubtedly be proud.
> The hardship is nearly over, but it's also getting quite late. The sun is sinking down from its peak and you imagine Terry is probably getting quite hungry.
> For that matter, so are you. Rather than eat in Mr. Arda's shop you asked him to wrap up both kebabs for you to take. You can eat with Terry at the van.
> You'd be more relaxed, too. The shop had several people in it, mostly younger, who were watching you with curiosity. You didn't like the scrutiny.
> As you make your way down into the concrete canal you spirits lift. You have nothing else to do for the afternoon. You're not going to the truck stop without Sky Light who knows all the people. Not to mention that you don't want to run into Butch while you're alone.
> Terry is company enough, and you feel like you know what to expect from him. The van is a safe place and you have a bed there, so you can take a nap while you wait for the pegasus to return.
> You got up pretty early, after all.
> Somehow you're even optimistic about Sky Light's chances of finding Lillian. Maybe she's back already and will tell you how she found the girl and took her home.
> A good second best would be news that someone else had found the girl. As long as she is safe, you'd be happy.
> You even hum a few bars of your tune as you come to the van.
> The first indication that something is wrong is when you don't spot Terry. That in itself is not unusual - the man spends a lot of time each day doing god knows what.
> Someone else is there, though, and your humming fades when you see the stranger.
> You you look over the man standing in front of you and subconsciously start to step back. If you'd spotted him earlier, you wouldn't have even come close.
> He's bald and big, with the kind of muscles that come from concentrated training. His face is clean shaven and he is grinning, but it doesn't look like a friendly smile. He's wearing black pants and a black tank top, which displays his arms to best effect.
> There's a word tattooed on one bicep, but you don't have time to read it.
> "Well, what do we have here?" he says, making your ears flatten and your tail press between your legs. If you could fly you would be out of there, but something tells you running would be a very stupid idea.
> The human moves his arms so one hand comes to rest on his hip, and you spot the grip of a gun.
> It's enough to make your blood freeze completely and the bag with your lunch fall from your mouth.
> You're afraid you're about to die. You try to say something, but your mouth doesn't seem to be working.
> The man's grin widens at your discomfort and he crouches down near you. "Aw, don't be scared. I'm just gonna ask you a few questions. Everything's gonna be fine."
> Lowering your gaze down to the floor, you give a slight nod. It's about all you're capable for the moment.
> "I'm looking for Sky Light. Do you know who that is?"
> Another nod.
> "Where is she?"
> This time talking is unavoidable. You swallow, then lick your lips to make them work.
"N-N-Not h-here," you stutter.
> "Nice guess, genius," the guy says a bit impatiently. You can't stop yourself from glancing at the gun.
> Unfortunately you haven't been looking at the stranger's hands, so one of them gripping your mane comes as a complete shock. All you can do is freeze in terror, but the terror is enough...
> There's a trickle as your bladder releases.
> For some reason that makes the human laugh in amusement. "Aw," he coos again, "I'm not that scary, am I sweetheart? What's your name?"
"R-Ro-Rosa..."
> "Pretty name," he comments. He releases your mane and you start breathing again, but your legs still don't work well enough to take you away. Besides, you absolutely do not want to make a sudden move with this guy.
> The man meanwhile rummages in the bag you'd dropped and brings out one of the kebabs and a bottle. "Oh, you got me lunch? That's mighty friendly of you, Rosa."
> You don't say anything as he unwraps it and bites into it. If the food will save your life, then you don't mind giving that and the beer, and all the money.
"Take it," you manage to say, needlessly.
> He rummages in the bag some more and pulls out the money you'd made. It's mostly coins, but there's a five dollar bill in there. You'd been quite proud of yourself when a nice lady had given you that one, after chatting with you for a minute.
> You still don't complain when the guy slips the bank note into a pocket. He lets the other coins spill to the ground. "I see that old bastard Terry's been teaching you his tricks."
> This time you see his movement, so it doesn't catch you by surprise. You still stiffen when his hand grips your muzzle and lifts it up. "Look at me when I'm talking to you," the human demands with his eyes narrowed and a touch of anger in his voice.
> You feel tears of pure terror slide down your cheeks, but you manage a nod.
> "You ought to come work for us, instead. I'm sure we can pay you better... Rosa."
> Not wanting to say no outright, but knowing that he wants you to say yes, you're in an impossible situation. You close your eyes for a moment and try to keep yourself from sobbing, but then you remember his warning and force yourself to look.
> He doesn't seem to be aware of your internal struggle. "Well, think about it. I'm sure we'll see each other again."
> He releases you and stands up, biting into the kebab again. You wait while he chews and the crumbs sprinkle the ground in front of you.
> You wait in silence while he swallows noisily, trying not to shiver too much. The kebab smacking on the ground makes you jump a little. He simply dropped it!
> "Tell Sky Light Hoover wants to see her," the man says coldly. "Thanks for the beer."
> You suppress a glimmer of hope and nod weakly.
"I w-w-will..."
> Then you keep staring at the ground, where the sauce is leaking from the kebab, all the while listening to the receeding footsteps. You don't dare look in case the man doesn't want you to see which way he went.
> As the danger passes your breathing quickens and you start whimpering involuntarily. What's left of your bag and the sign lie forgotten on the ground. The ruined kebab sinks of meat, but you don't care. You don't even notice the stink of your piss, staining the concrete and your hind legs alike.
> You don't want this kind of life, not anymore. To think you could be so easily killed...
> Climbing into the van, you pull the door closed, curl up on the mattress and start crying.
> Fucking Sky Light!
> She tangled with dangerous people like this - and that guy Viktor - and now she's dragged you into it! Now they know about you.
> They might just kidnap you and make you carry their drugs around for them, or worse.
> Stupid pegasus! She could have just left you alone when she found you in that field! You didn't want this!
> It was one thing when you were helping her make some money to pay her debts, but now these people are coming after you, with guns!
> You scream out in frustration and kick the side of the van. Fucking streets and fucking Sky Light and fucking criminals!
> All you want is to be back in the School with your friends, or at the Boone house with Lillian.
> You were happy back there. People didn't come around threatening to kill you!
"I fucking hate this!" you moan to no one in particular.

> ~~~~

> You don't know how much time has passed. At some point you heard Terry come, give a slight exclamation at the mess. You just yelled at him when he opened the door, and he didn't bother you since.
> A while later you heard him take the other beer bottle, open it and start drinking. You also think he picked up all the spilled change and the kebab which was still wrapped, but you didn't care a whole lot.
> Maybe if you don't see the hobo you can pretend you're just napping in your bed at the School.
> You've stopped crying, but you still keep imagining that gun. Whoever the man was, he could have taken it so easily and just... ended you. Would it have hurt to die?
> Well, the bullet would hurt, you know that much, but you can't stop yourself from thinking about what it would be like. Would it feel like falling asleep, or would you know you're dying?
> A new sound catches your attention - a swish of wings and four hooves landing on the concrete. Your ears lift up, but you don't budge. Maybe she'll have news about Lillian.
> You could do with some good news right now. Despite your curiosity, you don't want to go out.
> "What the fuck?" Sky Light says quietly to herself. Louder, she follows with: "Terry? What happened here?!"
> The human sighs and you can almost see him lower the cigarette from his mouth. "Beats me," he replies. "She's in the van. Damn near bit my head off when I went to ask."
> The hoofsteps come closer. "Rosa? Is everything okay?"
> You still don't answer. The pegasus will come in, then she'll act all worried and stuff. As if it wasn't her fault you got threatened like that!
> There's a sniffing sound and Sky Light raises her voice again: "Terry, did you piss near the van again?!"
> The man grunts in annoyance before answering: "That wasn't me. Must've been your pet pony."
> Pet?!
> You're not Sky Light's pet! The casual insult sends your blood boiling again and you embrace the anger. It's a lot better than the numb, hollow fear.
"I'm no one's pet!" you shout.
> Sky Light knocks at the van door. "Rosa? I'm gonna come in."
> You don't reply to that. It's not like you can stop her anyway.
> The door opens and you're blinded for a moment. The sun is going down, but it's still bright outside. Much brighter than the dim interior of the van. You hold up a leg to shield your eyes.
> Before you can see what Sky Light is doing, she's sitting on the mattress before you and touching your shoulder with a hoof.
"Leave me alone..."
> "What happened, Rosa? Did someone hurt you while you were out?"
> How close, yet how far the mare is.
"No! He was waiting for me here!"
> There's a moment's silence as Sky Light thinks it over. "Did you pee on the ground?" she asks finally.
> You groan in exasperation, put your head down on the makeshift bed and cover it with your hooves.
"He stuck a gun in my face!"
> It's a lie, but saying that he had a gun in his pocket and wasn't actually threatening you with it sounds a bit weak now you come to tell someone.
> "Fuck!" the mare swears. She picks you up and pulls you into a hug, which you don't resist. The tears are starting yet again. "Who was it! Tell me who threatened you, Rosa!"
> You don't know the guy's name and say as much. You give her the best description you can think of, even though you hadn't looked very closely at the man's face.
> It seems to be enough. Sky Light sighs and pats you on the back. "I think I know him. He works for Hoover."
> There's a moment of silence as the mare collects herself, then she begins, tentatively: "Listen, I'm sorry-"
"You should be!" you bark. "You dragged me into this! You got me delivering drugs and now criminals are coming after me with guns!"
> You push yourself free from Sky's grasp and glare at her.
"I didn't want this kind of help! I don't wanna get mixed up in this!"
> The pegasus presses her lips together into a thin line as she frowns. She doesn't try to hug you again, even though you wish she would. The hug was helping.
> "Well," the mare begins, slowly, looking for words as she speaks. "I'm sorry. I didn't intend for you to get mixed up. I'll go talk with-"
"Forget it! Now they know about me. He said they'll make me deliver drugs for them!"
> Another lie, but you're far too scared and angry to think straight. You just want to drive home to Sky Light how much she's screwed you over. You want the mare to be sorry!
> "As I was saying," the pegasus goes on, "I'll go talk to them and tell them you're off limits."
"As if they'll listen to you! They got *guns*, Sky! Guns!"
> She keeps glaring at you and takes a deep breath before speaking again. "Okay, then what do you suggest?"
> You have absolutely no idea. You just know you don't feel safe around the van anymore. You don't feel safe with Sky Light and Terry.
"I wish I never came here!" you spit out.
> Sky Light's ears lower and she swallows, before shuffling away from you and holding out a leg through the van's open doors. "Then go," she says simply. "I was only trying to help."
> This casually she dismisses you? You were expecting her to apologize again, after which you'd forgive her. Sky Light has done a lot for you, even as bewildered and angry you are, you can't forget it.
> Her tone just makes you dig your hooves in further.
"Fine! I'm leaving!"
> "Fine."
"Fine!"
> You jump down from the van, blinking in the setting sunlight. You see the human watching with a smirk on his face, which just makes you more furious.
"By the way, Terry has your money from my mooching today," you say, hoping to incite an argument between the two.
> The pegasus follows you down from the vehicle. "Terry," she says slowly, "give Rosa her money back."
> "But-"
> "Do it!" Sky interrupts him.
> Grumbling, the man rummages in his pockets until he has two fistfuls of coins. He brings it over and looks for a place to put it. The plastic bag is gone, but Sky Light rummages in her pack until she finds the one from this morning.
> The man wordlessly drops all the coins inside, then the pegasus lays it at your hooves. "Here. Take it."
"I don't want it!"
> "TAKE IT!" Sky yells.
> Her anger scares you a little, so you bend down and pick up the money with your mouth.
> "Now get out of here. You ungrateful little jerk!"
> You just growl around your mouthful.
> Sky Light turns pointedly away from you and her wings droop. "I didn't find Lillian, by the way. I searched all day, but there was nothing."
> You can't hold back a sniffle, but you suppress the next one. Maybe the girl has gone home, or someone else found her. You have to hope that.
> It's fine, though. You'll go look for her yourself.
> Without another word you walk away from Sky Light and the van. You can almost feel hers and Terry's eyes on you until you start climbing the stairs. Then they're lost to your sight in the canal and you're on your own.

> ~~~~

> Maybe you're still in shock over how quickly things fell apart, but you're calm and in control. You've made yourself a place to sleep on a bench at the bus station. There are toilets, which - if a little disgusting - are open all night, and there's the sandwich machine, which gave you your dinner. It took most of the coins, but you don't care.
> You can mooch up a few more bucks in the morning and then you'll grab provisions for your journey. It still isn't exactly clear to you which way to go, but you'll make do. Maybe you'll ask someone.
> For now, what's left of the silk dress is enough to keep you warm through the night. The weather was fine all week and the nights are quite warm now.
> You refuse to let yourself think about Sky Light and focus on Lillian instead. You'll go look for the girl back the way you were initially planning on going, before the pegasus found you.
> Undoubtedly you'll do a better job of it than the airborne Sky Light, who probably didn't even look all that closely. She just flew circles around the area, hoping she'd spot the girl.
> Lazy, ungrateful bitch!
> You put your hooves over your ears in a thoroughly useless attempt to shut out your own thoughts. It's not fair to think about the pegasus like that. She was your friend.
"I'm s-sorry," you blubber.
> You turn around to get more comfortable on the hard, wooden bench and forcibly close your eyes.
> Slowly, very slowly, exhaustion catches up to you and you manage to fall asleep.
>...
> Voices wake you up. For a moment you believe it's another dream, but then you realize you're staring at the peeling paint of the wooden backrest.
> Someone laughs and you freeze up. Strangers. A group of them, right on the next bench!
> You turn your head very slowly, afraid of drawing attention to yourself. Maybe they hadn't spotted you yet.
> As you get the people in sight, you hold your breath to try and keep yourself under control. They don't look the friendly sort, or at least that's the way it seems to you.
> One of them passes a lit cigarette to another. He exhales, then laughs again. "So, what did you do?" the smoker asks, obviously continuing a conversation from before.
> Another one answers: "Told her to go fuck herself. I already got her the chem answers for free. Either pay up or put out, am I right?"
> Everyone in the group laughs.
> Your lungs are burning, so you very carefully exhale. It's a struggle against your body to take the next breath calmly, without gasping, but you manage.
> There's a strange smell in the air - tobacco smoke and something you can't quite place.
> "Here, lemme have it," one of the young man says and reaches for the cigarette. It looks like they're all smoking the same one.
> You glance around for ways you might be able to sneak off. It's too bad everything is paved here, because it will be a pain in the ass to move carefully so your hooves don't make a sound. Most of the area is pretty well lit, too.
> Your bench and the one with the teenagers are the only two in partial shadow. They'd be bound to spot you if you moved.
> The situation is making you cry again. All you wanted was to be left alone for one god damned night, but these guys just *have* to settle on the bench next to you for whatever it is they're doing!
> It's just so unfair!
> A snippet of conversation catches your attention and wakes you up from self-pity: "... saw another of those ponies again the other day."
> Stupid! You should have been paying attention.
> One of the boys - an older one, you guess by his deeper voice - chuckles. "Male or female?"
> The original speaker gives this a moment's though. "Dunno. I didn't bend down to check."
> "Did it have a collar?" someone else asks. "Or a uniform?"
> "Nope. I think it was one of those feral ones."
> "Idiot," one of his friend chides. "They aren't animals. There's no such thing as 'feral' pony. They're more like... hobos."
> The entire group laughs at this, while your heart is trying to climb up your throat. You want to be anyplace else, but you're too afraid to move a muscle.
> The deep-voiced one goes on: "If you see it again, try and catch it. I heard you can fuck them."
> This time a small whimper nearly escapes you. The other group is silent and you clamp your hooves over your muzzle, afraid they might have heard you.
> "Don't be gross, Mike," someone says. "Yuck. They're like animals. The fuck is wrong with you?!"
> One of the boys turns your way and spits but doesn't see you.
> "Well, I'm just saying," the one you guess is called 'Mike' says defensively. He doesn't get much further, because one of his friends interrupts him.
> "You're fucked up. Just shut up and roll another one."
> Grumbling, the human fetches things from his pockets. You hear a rustle of paper and they all gather around to watch. It almost looks like some ritual.
> This might be your chance!
> You slip from the bench, taking extra care not to let your hooves ring on the concrete. Then you take a gentle step. The plastic bag with the remainder of your coins is sitting there, but you don't dare take it. They'd jingle and give you away.
> The humans say something, but you're not paying attention to the words. You slowly turn around so you're facing them. You're not letting them out of your sight if you can help it.
> It's working!
> They finished what they were doing and you see the flare of fire as they light another cigarette. You reach out with your hind leg, but the ground isn't where you expect it to be.
> You really should have looked the other way. You almost lose your balance as you step into the pothole and your hooves ring loudly in the night.
> "What was that?!" one of the guys yells and they all turn your way.
> You give a squeak, turn, and run away as fast as your legs will carry you. You pray the head start will be enough and that the surprise will give you a few precious seconds.
"Please don't let them have a car! Please don't let them have motorbikes!" you whimper to yourself.
> At the first opportunity you duck between two houses and keep running down the back alley. There are gardens and you trample the flowers, feeling bad but doing it anyway. Hooves on earth are quieter.
> You're several blocks away before you slow down to catch your breath. You don't hear any pursuit and there is no sight of the gang.
> It looks like you got away - just barely.
> The whole experience is making you shiver as you look around, trying to see into every shadow. You really don't want to be out at night, alone.
> Your thoughts turn back to Sky Light.
> Maybe you should go back and apologize? Are you making too big of a deal out of what's happened?
> Yes the man was scary, but he didn't actually threaten you with the gun, did he? He just wore it where you could see. Maybe it wasn't even intentional?
> In a job like his, maybe he has to keep it visible to deter people from attacking him? Have you misunderstood a simple offer to give you some jobs?
> You shake your head, trying to break out of this cycle. You go from anger, to regret, to fear, then back to anger. You can't stand this and you *know* you'll never dare go to sleep anywhere in the city again.
> You're going to do it, aren't you?
> Your plans to rescue Lillian by yourself are stupid. You'll never survive on the street. You're just a stupid filly without any world-smarts, intuition or instincts. You don't have what it takes. Maybe in a few years you could make it, but now you're like a child.
> The thoughts almost taste bitter as you admit them to yourself. Even now you know you'll go back to Sky Light and apologize. She's the closest thing you've got to a friend in this world. Yeah, Terry too.
> You might have overreacted when you yelled at her. A bit.
> There's a lighted clock above the entrance to a metro station. Past eleven. Ears lowered, tail hanging limply down and hooves dragging on the asphalt, you start making your way back.
> You absolutely hate this feeling of helplessness, but you also don't want a gang of humans to catch you and...
> The thought is scary and your mind shrivels away from it, but you think it anyway: rape you.
> Even if you avoid that, you don't want to die to a stray dog, or starvation, or some drug addict trying to rob you.
> It's a bitter pill to swallow, but there's not much choice. Anger was making you stupid.
> Well, at least you realized, if not exactly in time to prevent you storming out on Sky Light.
> Can she even forgive you?
> You have to try. It's your only chance of making it in this dangerous world.
> Maybe not the *only* chance - you could still try the pony gang at the truck stop, but you really don't want to tangle with Butch. You'll try grovelling to Sky Light, first.
> The thought makes you laugh mirthlessly. A few minutes ago you were calling her a bitch and now you're thinking about what you'll say to make her forgive you.
> Pathetic.
> Trailing tears of both fear and shame, you make your way back to the canal in the dark. Every now and then you have to stop and just concentrate on breathing, before another sobbing fit overwhelms you. This is something you aren't looking forward to. The anxiety grows as adrenaline slowly drains from your system.
>...
> At long last you make it down the canal stairs. You paused midway to look at the van, but it's dark. You guess they've already gone to sleep.
> You take a few steps, then stop and turn around. Maybe you'll let them sleep and come back tomorrow? You can hide for a few more hours in some bushes or something.
> After all, you did say those awful things to Sky Light.
> Your hoof is already on the first step, but you hear a weird noise from up above and freeze in terror. Did something move because someone is following you, or was it just the wind? Did the gang find you?
> Swallowing, you change your mind yet again and walk home. The closest thing you have to one, anyway. You keep your ears turned back so you'd hear if anyone tried to follow you.
> Maybe that's why you don't notice it at first, but there's something happening in the van, too.
> The back door is open and you hear an occasional wet, squishy, slurpy sound. You cock your head to the side as you try to understand it.
> Are...
> Are Terry and Sky Light *kissing*?!
> You think for a second that you should go away, but then you hear the human give a sound between a grunt and a moan.
> Only a few more quiet, careful hoofsteps, then you stretch your head around the side to look.
"Eep!"
> You couldn't hold the surprised squeak in.
> Sky Light lifts her head from Terry's midriff, flaring out her wings in fright. There's a bang as one of her hooves slips from the mattress and hits the metal floor.
> "Fuck!" Terry curses and hurriedly starts pulling up his pants. "Shit, shit, shit!"
> Sky Light jumps away from the human, nearly pushing herself out of the van. You step aside, just barely avoiding getting slapped in the muzzle by a flailing wing.
> In moments she spots you as you cower behind the van's door.
> "Fucking shit, Rosa!" the mare swears, hurriedly wiping her muzzle with a foreleg. "Fuck your sneaking up on people!"
> There's some jingling from inside as Terry buckles his pants, then a flop as he falls back on the mattress. "God damn it!" he says to no one in particular.
> Sky Light advances on you, making you press yourself against the ground in fear.
"I'm sorry! I didn't-"
> You are seriously scared she might hoof you right in the muzzle. You'd deserve it, too!
> Luckily, Sky Light lowers her foreleg, folds up her wings and hangs her head down. She is panting from the fright you gave her.
> "What the *fuck* are you doing back here?" she demands angrily.
> Your eyes are filling up and you can't quite master your tongue.
"S-Sorry!" you wail.
> "She's back, isn't she?" Terry asks from the van. You still can't see him and you're kinda grateful for that. Your muzzle is burning with shame and contrition.
> "Yeah," Sky Light says forlornly. Then she pierces you with another stare. "You can't even run away like a mare!" she hisses.
"I'm sorry! Please!" you repeat, seemingly all you can say.
> "Not even a single night," the pegasus goes on, as if you hadn't spoken at all. She thumps the flat tire with a hoof, making you jump and squeak in fright.
> This is it. She'll tell you to go away and then you'll die on the streets. It's your life on the line, so you swallow the last bits of your pride and crawl closer.
"Please don't make me go, Sky Light!" you bawl.
> Your hooves find her leg and clutch it. You give the fetlock a kiss.
"I'm sorry! I overreacted! I was wrong!"
> "Yeah, I know," Sky says. She isn't boiling with rage anymore, but she's still pretty mad.
"I didn't mean to sneak up like this! I got s-scared. I thought someone was following me! Please- I'm sorry!"
> This close you can smell... *Terry* on her muzzle. It's not something you'll ever admit, though. You'll do your very best to forget what you'd seen.
> Sky Light with her mouth right around-
> The pegasus reads your expression like a book. "What do you want?" she demands.
"Please let me stay! I'll do what you say, I promise!"
> She starts to sit on the ground, but then freezes and straightens back up. You become aware of the other smell.
> It's one you'd occasionally scented from your older roommates, but only in the shower and only after one of the girls was talking about a cute colt. You know what it means, but you'll never admit it.
> Terry and Sky Light were going to... She was getting...
> You swallow and forcefully drag your mind back to the present, where Sky Light is thinking about her judgement. You don't dare make a sound, lest it might displease her.
> "Fine. Fuck me, but fine. You're an idiot and an asshole, you understand that?"
> The flood of relief almost makes you cry again. You let out the breath you'd been holding and grab the mare around her withers.
"Thank you!" you whimper.
> After a moment she pats your back. "You're a piece of work, Rosa," Sky Light says, but there's not as much venom in it as before.
"I know. I'm sorry."
> "As long as you know it," the mare says, then pushes you away. "So what? Suddenly you're no longer afraid mobsters with guns are gonna get you?"
> You almost lie to her again, but then sigh and lower your head.
"I am. But I won't make it- out t-there... alone."
> If your admission shocked her, Sky Light doesn't show it. She watches you thoughtfully for a moment, then shakes her head. "No, you wouldn't. At least you know it. Maybe you *can* grow up..."
> That sounds hopeful.
"I'll make it up to you, I swear! I'll go mooching until you can pay Viktor back."
> "Good. And I'll go and talk with Hoover to leave you alone, okay? We have- an understanding."
> You heard the pause there, but you don't think about it further. You stand up and take a hoofstep to the van, wanting nothing more than to go to bed and have this horrible day end. Sky Light's hoof stops you.
> "Not so fast," she says. "First I need you to go to the toilet and wash up. Brush your teeth or whatever it is you do. Just make sure to stay away for an hour. No one will bother you in the old factory."
"B-But why-" you start, then suddenly understand.
> It colors your cheeks a nice pink.
"Oh."
> "Yeah. At least an hour, understand?!" Sky Light orders.
> Your ears are as flat as they go, but you still can't believe what she's implying.
"You're going to-"
> "YES!" the mare says, entirely out of patience. She pushes you away with a hoof and you stumble a few steps. "I'm horny as *fuck* and I'm gonna do this, understand?! I don't care what you think! Just go away and give me some privacy damn it!"
> You swallow and open your mouth to say something else, but the mare steps closer and pushes you again. This time you keep your footing, but you still take a step.
> "Not one word, do you understand?!" Sky Light says firmly. "Get lost before you see something you'll regret!"
> As a matter of fact, you already have. You don't want to see any more. Yes the mare had told you she... does it with the human sometimes, but you never imagined you'd ever see it.
> Whimpering, you hurry away. You don't have your toothbrush, but now that you're moving you're not going back to the van for at least two hours! You'll wait, far enough so you won't hear - or smell - anything, but near enough to run back if anyone tries to hurt you.
> The factory is abandoned, anyway. Sky Light said no one would bother you there and you believe her.
> You hear the pegasus climb back up in the van and say: "Now, where were we?"
> Her tone and her words make you pick up your pace.

> ~~~~

> Morning rolls over and the first rays of the rising sun poke right into your eyes. You're not ready to wake up yet, so you turn around and press your muzzle into the seat.
> You don't even want to know how late you came to bed last night. Well, maybe it was 'this morning', rather. Yeah, definitely this morning, judging by the taste in your mouth.
> You waited at the abandoned factory for as long as you dared before your nerves gave out, then you snuck back. The van was dark and quiet, so you came closer.
> Whatever Sky Light and Terry have been doing, it seemed to be over. You gratefully crawled to the empty cabin and flopped on the seat. You didn't even bother with a blanket. The night was warm enough with just fur.
> Things are back to normal, you guess. Sky Light accepted your apology - well, more or less - and now everything would go back to the usual routine.
> Was there even such a thing as a routine on the streets? No two days have been alike. A part of you misses the schedules and structure of your days back at the School.
> Anyway, sleep is impossible now that you've woken up and started thinking, so you roll to your back and stretch your hooves above your head. The motion brings out a yawn, which turns into a gasp as you inadvertently kick the van's passenger door.
> You freeze for a moment and listen for any sounds from the back. You didn't want to wake up Sky Light and Terry, but you wouldn't be awfully sad if you did. You're getting hungry and you're anxious for news about Lillian.
> There are no sounds from the pair, so you sit up and carefully open the door. Your hooves clop against the ground, but it's not overly loud. Now that you're upright, you stretch again, focusing on each leg in turn as you push them out as far as you can.
> You make your sleepy way to the back of the van, but pause when you see the door is open. Surely Terry would get back in his clothes after... well, *after*, right?
> With almost exaggerated care you peek around, biting your lip to keep yourself quiet if you happen to see something you shouldn't.
> You nearly sigh with relief when it's just Terry and Sky Light, cuddling. The human is fully dressed and the mare is almost hidden as the small spoon. As you watch her hind hoof, which is sticking out from under Terry's coat, twitches.
> The pony murmurs something and jerks her wing with a rustle of feathers, but doesn't wake up. As if responding, Terry reaches up and pats her muzzle, after which she licks his fingers.
> Then they are still again.
> It's actually kinda cute.
"Aww," you can't help saying.
> Luckily it was quiet enough not to wake the pair up.
> There's nothing else to do, so you decide to go get a drink of water and use the bathroom while you wait. You're very worried about Lillian, but neither your thirst nor the pressure in your bladder is helping the girl.
> Maybe you can get a newspaper or something at the truck stop - if Sky Light will take you, you add mentally.
> She might be cross with you for a while longer until you can properly make it up to her. Anyway, you're not going to the truck stop alone. Those teenagers last night have put a fear of getting... abused in you and you can't help being afraid of Butch.
> You wonder why the others even hang out with him. That pony is trouble if you ever saw it.
> Almost halfway up the canal stairs you hear hoofsteps behind you, so you stop and let Sky Light catch up to you.
"Morning."
> She seems in a better mood. The pegasus is yawning and you adore the way her tongue sticks out and curls at the end just when her mouth is open the widest.
> "Aahhh!" she concludes, then blinks at you. "You didn't have to wake me up, you know?"
"I didn't- I'm sorry."
> Apparently you're not as quiet as you thought you were, which makes you blush a tiny bit. You really should remember that other ponies around you can hear just as well - if not better - than you. You've gotten too used to the human level of hearing.
> The pegasus reaches your step and prods your rump with her muzzle. "Keep walking. I really have to go."
> You obey and Sky Light follows right on your heals, while you try and come up with something to say.
"Did y-you have... f-fun?" you venture.
> "Mhm!" the mare confirms. "Every now and then you just need a good rutting, y'know?"
> You don't, not really, but her comment makes you think of Paolo for some reason and you feel a light tingle down your belly.
"Okay..."
> The pegasus chuckles and nudges your rump again. "You'll understand once you've had it a couple of times. Don't worry about it."
> You wish she would stop talking about it and embarrassing you, but at the same time you're extremely curious.
"Um, did you ever- y'know... with a pony?"
> Sky Light doesn't even need to think about it. "Yeah. Sometimes you need something a bit larger. Now your average human can go for a while - which is great, don't get me wrong - but it's not as... umm," she says, pausing to think.
> "It's not as filling," the mare finishes. "Sometimes you just wanna feel it right *up* there, right?"
> It's a good thing you're walking in front, so she can't see how red your face is. You should probably stop her, but listening to what Sky Light is saying is giving you a weird kind of guilty, tingly pleasure.
"Okay?"
> "Now the important thing is," the pegasus goes on, as if teaching you vital life lessons, "stay away from stallions when you're in heat. Have you had your first heat yet?"
> Either she can't see how flat your ears are, or she's purposefully ignoring them. You consider not answering - these topics are incredibly impolite to discuss in company - but the mare has been a good friend!
"Y-Yes..."
> The memory itself makes you feel guilty when you think back on how you've acted. It was very lucky that the School staff had enough experience to know what to do about it. They had locked you in a cell and didn't let you see any of your friends for a week.
> That was good, because otherwise you might have asked your roommates to do something very inappropriate. Later on, in Mr. Greiner's class you found out the real reason.
> Pheromones. If a colt smelled it they would be very... discomforted. If one of them approached you that fateful week you would have done something incredibly stupid.
> Solitary confinement was a bit harsh, but you had all the desserts you could eat and books you could read. You were even excused from homework and the Maths test which was the following week.
> You don't tell Sky Light any of that, though. It's almost too shameful to just think about all the things that went through your mind during those few days.
> "Well, then you know what it's like."
> You swallow a lump and nod.
"Y-Yes."
> "Don't worry, I'll look after you," Sky Light promises. She falls silent for a few steps, then asks in a lower, calmer voice. "If you still want me to, of course."
> That sounded just a bit too passive-aggressive. You don't want that sort of thing to build up between you two, so you turn around to face the mare.
"I do!" you say quickly, "I'm sorry about storming away. I was stupid."
> The pegasus just watches you warily for a moment, then she nods. "Yes. You are."
> You lower your ears and your gaze, trying not to sniffle. What hurts the most is that Sky Light is right, but before you can open your mouth to say you agree, she tilts your head back up with a feather under your muzzle.
> "You're my little idiot, okay? Just- please trust me from now on. I'll go see Hoover today and that'll be the end of that, understand?"
> You give her as bright and cheerful a smile as you can. Then you remember another detail.
"Um, I lost the money... last night," you admit.
> The mare cocks her head to the side. "Oh yeah, I've been wondering about that. What made you come back so fast?"
> You gulp in fear and lower your voice.
"I was gonna sleep at the bus s-stop," you explain. "I thought could get sup-supplies from the machine. But there were these guys..."
> Sky Light nods sagely. "Oh, right. It's nearly summer. Pot heads. They come out when it gets warm enough. It's either the park or the bus stop."
"Pot heads?"
> You remember a very stern lecture from Instructor Martha.
"Oh! Weed? They smoke weed?!"
> So that was what you smelled!
> "Mhm," Sky Light confirms. "Stay away from those guys. Who knows what they might get it in their heads to do once they're stoned. Did they see you?"
> The memory is making you nervous and you shuffle your hooves.
"I tried sneaking away, but I stepped in a pothole. Then I just ran for it. I don't think they chased me."
> "Well, they don't come over to the abandoned factory, so you should be okay there if you have to pee in the middle of the night," Sky Light says, implying between her words that she doesn't want you waking her up for it. "The van is also okay because of Terry. Most people stay away from the homeless."
> That's a nice bonus. You find yourself appreciating the man a bit more.
"Oh. T-Thanks," you tell the mare.
> "Now let's hurry up. I'm growing a second tail here!"
> Again she's back to disgusting, which makes you blush, which results in Sky Light laughing at you. This time you don't mind. She's just joking in her brash, uncultured way.
> You still turn towards your destination and pick up the pace, though.
"Um, so you didn't find Lillian yesterday?" you start a more important topic.
> "Sorry," Sky Light says and sighs. "I swear I poked into every bush between the suburb and the forest, but no sign. I also didn't see any footprints or anything. I guess she didn't go that way."
> You sigh sadly, but then cheer up as you remember your other theory.
"M-Maybe someone already found her? Or she went h-home?" you ask hopefully.
> "Yeah, could be," Sky Light says, brightening up. "Tell you what, we'll go grab coffee at the truck stop and I'll buy a newspaper. Maybe there'll be something about her."
> You twirl around once again and hug the pony around her withers. She has to flap her wings to keep her balance, but you don't care.
"Thank you!"
> "After that you owe me, kid," Sky Light continues, trying to sound serious and cold, even while she's patting your back with a wing. "We'll mooch in front of the library and then the parking meter again, okay? We really have to get that money for Viktor together."
> She barks a short laugh. "I'm actually more worried about him than Hoover. The guy is a psycho."
> You pull back and give the mare a tiny, hurt glare.
"You sent me to him with a drug delivery!" you say accusingly.
> It makes Sky Light lower her gaze and rub a hoof against a foreleg nervously. "Yeah, sorry about that. I wasn't thinking."
> Well, forgiveness goes both ways, right?
"It's okay."
> You resume your much-interrupted walk. After a few paces Sky Light moves in front and increases her pace. She must really be in a hurry. You almost have to run after the lithe pegasus to keep up.
> As you canter behind the mare you catch a whiff of her scent. It makes your nose wrinkle when you recognize it.
"Might want a shower while we're at the truck stop," you murmur.
> The mare slows down for a few steps so she can wave a wing along her side and inhale the result. "Ugh, you're right. I guess I got used to the smell in the van."
> You say nothing more as you two start walking again. Sky Light breaks the silence after about a minute. "That's the downside, anyway. Sticky and leaking and anyone can smell it on you until you shower. Speaking of which, you could use one, too!"
> You happily agree.
> "Also, we have to find you something better to wear. That thing isn't doing too good," Sky Light says without even looking.
> You agree with that as well.
"I know..."
> "I'll have Hoover give me one of the uniforms. He generally has one or two lying around."
> That idea doesn't sit well with you. You really don't want to be indebted to a drug lord.
"That's okay, I don't-"
> "He owes me," Sky Light says firmly, overriding your objections. "After one of his goons threatened you with a gun it's the least he can do, and my final two deliveries are also off the table! I'll give that bastard a piece of my mind!"
> You almost whimper in fear. You'd embellished the story a lot when you wanted Sky Light to feel sorry and now it's time to pay the price. You open your mouth to tell her the truth.
> "No one treats my friends that way!" Sky Light growls and you shut your cowardly trap.
> You'll tell her later, when you've both showered and had your coffee. It's too early to go admitting to such horrible lies.
> Yeah... later.
> The building looms up above you and you're grateful you can stop talking with Sky Light for a while. She goes in to do her business and you hang around, furiously trying to come up with some other topic of conversation.

> ~~~~

> The newspaper isn't encouraging. 'Daughter of U.S. Senator Still Missing!' is the title. You quickly scan the article to see if there are any clues.
> It's more or less what you expected from the heading. The Boones are distraught, the police are baffled and the whole city, more or less, is worried.
> No ransom demand has come forth, which you can't decide if it's good news or bad. Kidnapping would be horrible, but at least you'd know Lillian was alive. Now you just don't.
> Not knowing leaves a cold, dark ball in your belly, making you feel as if you want to puke but something is blocking it. You leave most of your coffee untouched - you don't want it anymore.
"Lillian," you whisper to yourself, while Sky Light is standing beside, looking dejected.
> "She's going to be fine," the pegasus assures you, but you don't have much conviction. You hardly even notice when the other ponies join you on the grass in front of the truck stop.
> The first one to brush your side is Velvet. "Morning, Rosa!" she says happily. Shortly after, she changes her tone to one of worry and fear. "Oh dear, what's happened?!"
> You can't quite speak, but luckily Sky Light answers her instead. "That senator's daughter in the news. Rosa was her guardian. Well, until she got a cutie mark and... well, it's a long story."
> What the pegasus doesn't say, much to your relief, is that Lillian having run away is your fault. All you can see is the picture in the paper. She looks so happy there!
> "Don't worry, hot stuff," comes a deeper, unwelcome voice from your other side, "I know how to cheer you up."
> Before you can really react Butch nips your ear, drawing a sharp hiss from you and making you jump away. You open your mouth to yell at him, but Velvet beats you to it and gives the pushy stallion a firm kick in his rump.
> It's strong enough for the jerk to fall flat on his muzzle. "Idiot," mutters the mare and places herself between him and you.
> "Don't mind him," Velvet tells you while she rubs her flank against yours. "He's just an idiot."
> There's uncomfortable silence while none of the ponies looks at Butch. Finally Bluegrass clears his throat.
> "Anyway, I went on the Internet for that government thing..."
> You're still distraught by your horrible imagination of what might have happened to Lillian, but Sky Light steps closer to the stallion and picks up the conversation: "Okay, did you find anything?"
> You stop paying attention to them. If there's anything important, Sky Light will tell you. Maribelle can wait - Lillian is more important.
> Crazy schemes of getting the pegasus to lead you there are popping up in your head. Maybe she didn't look closely enough and the girl really *is* hiding somewhere in the fields.
> If not, you can search the forest. You'll eat grass if you have to!
> "You okay sweetie?" Velvet asks, nuzzling you again. You're barely aware that she's standing almost protectively beside you. A glance tells you that Butch has crawled away and is sitting there, watching you with this weird, scary little grin. It makes you shiver.
"Why do you stay around him?" you ask, absentmindedly.
> Velvet follows your gaze, then shrugs. "Eh, he's not so bad when you get to know him. Just make sure you never turn your back on him and you'll be fine."
"That's stupid."
> The mare giggles a little. "I guess it is. You have to remember, it's just us on the street. No one will help us. You make the best of it."
> You open your mouth to ask if the stallion is... having his way with her, but then shut it and shake your head. You don't really want to know.
> It was such a piece of luck that you ran into Sky Light and Terry, rather than someone like Butch, or those teenagers from last night. You start listening to what the pegasus and Bluegrass are saying.
> "... like Area 51 or something!" the stallion is explaining in a quiet, rushed voice. "The web page said they do secret experiments on ponies there! It's shady as fuck and probably illegal, but you know they don't care!"
> It really does sound like he's found something. Sky Light is nodding to herself, but when she notices you looking she gives you a wry grin and rolls her eyes.
> "Okay, can you give me an address?" she asks Bluegrass.
> The stallion looks around, as if imparting a great secret. You focus your ears in case it's something important for you to remember.
> "Somewhere out in Death Valley. No one knows for sure, but the blog said that's where it is!"
> "Death Valley. Gotcha," Sky Light says, flashing you another smile. She then wraps her wing around the stallion, who looks incredibly proud of himself and whispers something in his ear. It's making him smile widely and blush a fantastic pink.
> You're done socializing. The sun is rising and you want to be out and doing something about Lillian already, so you stand up and take a step towards the pegasus.
> A hoof taps you on your back. "Rosa? You forgot your coffee," Velvet points out.
"Huh?"
> You don't care about that thing in the slightest. You don't have any appetite left, so you shrug and force a smile for the mare.
"It's yours," you say graciously.
> "Oh wow? Really?!" Velvet gasps in delight.
"Yeah, sorry it's gotten cold..."
> You don't get much further because the mare hugs you. "Thanks! You're awesome, Rosa!"
> Luckily her embrace doesn't last too long - she's too eager to get to her beverage. You nod at her absently, already forgetting the coffee, and make your way to Bluegrass and Sky Light.
"Um, we should go?" you suggest.
> The pegasus leans her head to the side, a bit curious but mostly worried. She obviously doesn't like the expression on your muzzle, but you don't care.
> "Okay," she says slowly and pats the stallion on his shoulder. "Good job, Bluegrass. Keep looking, see if you can find anything more exact, okay?"
> The pony nearly salutes. "Will do!"
> You see he's still blushing a little, but you don't spend energy wondering about it. You just start walking away, barely glancing around to see if Sky Light is following.
> Velvet waves a hoof goodbye and so does Pepper. Butch just keeps staring and grinning, which makes you shiver a little in discomfort.
> Mental note: *never* be alone with that guy!
> Your thoughts are interrupted when Sky Light speaks up: "Okay, your tail on fire or something?"
"No, I- huh? What?"
> The pony rolls her eyes at your distracted, bemused stare. "What's the hurry?"
"Oh. I was thinking we could go- and the forest... Lillian might be hiding in the forest, we should search there."
> Before you can take one more step Sky Light hurries up and plants herself in front of you. Your noses almost touch before you can stop.
"Hey-"
> "Don't you 'hey' me!" Sky Light almost hisses. "We're done with that stuff, understand?! I don't like what it's doing to you, so just snap out of it!"
"B-But... Lillian-"
> "Enough," the mare interrupts you again. "It's not healthy. You have an obsession, Rosa and it's going to kill you."
> You somehow know what she's trying to say. She won't help you anymore and she won't let you do it on your own. After your promise to her, you can't just run away again, either. Not that you'd make it on your own, a fact that is almost physically painful.
"B-But..." you don't even try to stem the flow of tears.
> "No," Sky Light says firmly, but gently. "No butts, rumps or flanks, got it? It's done. We did what we could. Hell, we went *above and beyond*."
> She starts pacing up and down, but you don't move, keeping your eyes on the ground between you two.
> "An *army* of humans didn't find her and they have cars and phones and helicopters and shit. We can't do any better and trying will just end up in tears," the mare is telling you. She corrects after a moment: "More tears, anyway."
> You don't say anything, because in some way, deep down, you know she's right.
> "I know it sucks, Rosa, but it's time to let it go. We can still hope she'll be okay, but no more searching, okay? It's time to look after ourselves!"
> It feels like betrayal, but you nod. Then the waterworks well and truly open. You're hardly aware of wings hugging you.
> "There. Cry it out and then you'll feel better, you'll see. We'll get the paper again tomorrow - maybe they'll find her, okay?"
> You manage another nod. The grief is hitting hard, but Sky Light is helping. You climb back up to your hooves, even if you are standing a little shakily.
> "Good. Meanwhile, let's get to the library. Don't worry, I'll do all the talking - you just keep looking like that. Maybe we can pay off Viktor and be done with it, right?"
> You don't really care about that, but you nod anyway. You promised Sky Light to help her out.
> She probably knows you don't give a rat's ass about her debt at the moment, but she doesn't mind. The mare can see what this Lillian thing is doing to you and she gives you a very welcome, comforting nuzzle.
> "We'll keep trying to find your other friend, right? Another week and some of the truckers will be back, maybe they'll have news. If we find out for sure where this place is, we're sneaking in, okay?"
> She's trying to cheer you up and it's painfully transparent. It's obvious Sky Light doesn't believe you'll ever get anything concrete, so it's a safe promise for her to make. You're a bit miffed at how well it's working.
> If you've failed Lillian, you have to try and do right by Maribelle! You wipe some of your tears away with a hoof and give another nod.
"O-Okay..."
> "Good girl. Now let's keep going. Try to look sad while we mooch, it really helps. Might as well use it, right?"
> You remember something from earlier and focus on it, hoping you'll stop thinking about Lillian for a while.
"W-What did you tell Blue-Bluegrass?" you ask, then clarify a little: "When you whispered to h-him?"
> Sky Light grins a little. "I told him if he finds out more by tomorrow, I'll lift my tail for him."
> It's so shocking and unexpected that it works flawlessly. All thoughts of Lillian and the search fly right out of your mind as you gasp.
"What?! Why would you do that? You didn't have to do that!"
> The pony chuckles at your expression. "Don't worry, I was gonna do it anyway. I told you Terry isn't quite... filling enough. Now a colt like Bluegrass... Mmm, so cute when he's embarrassed. Oh, and so *eager*. I love me some young flank - don't tell him that!"
> This mare...
> You shake your head, but can't help grinning in exasperation. Will you ever get like that?
> Probably not. You can't stop thinking about Paolo for some reason. You really want to see that colt any just... talk. There's so much you want to tell him and even more you want to ask.
> Mainly - does he still like you?
> Sky Light interrupts your thoughts: "Come on, let's keep going. Library is usually best before lunch - then it's the parking meter afterwards, except on weekends. Restaurant row is best on weekends, but you gotta get there early to get a spot."
> You're not really listening, but you nod and make affirmative noises while the pegasus chatters as she leads you away.

> ~~~~

> Apparently your miserable expression is the real ticket to wealth on the street. Sky Light simply can't shut up about it, even when you'd like her to.
> "Man, that one guy actually had *tears* in his eyes! You're a natural, Rosa!" the pegasus is praising.
> You just sigh sadly. Of course you're happy for the mare - she's one good mooch away from paying off her debt - but you can't stop thinking of precious little Lillian. Giving up your search feels like betraying her all over again.
> However much you tried explaining it to Sky Light she just shot you down. She said it wasn't your fault, but even her assurance isn't enough to convince you. Lillian ran away because she missed you.
> That's the long and the short of it. You still know the pegasus is right - there's almost zero chance you could find her. She did what she could and you won't help the girl any if you go out and get yourself killed through stupidity.
> The best thing is just to move on and hope for the best. It's a hard thing to do.
> Sky Light got you a salad from the fast food joint. It isn't very good, but you chew and swallow anyway. It's been a long time since the vegetables have been fresh, but you keep eating anyway. Sad or not, tasty or not, you can't ignore your body's needs for much longer.
> There's still Maribelle. If you ever find her it will take all your wits and strength to get her out of wherever she is and you need to keep yourself healthy and fit.
> Doesn't make it easy, but you keep repeating the reasoning to yourself and force yourself to eat and drink.
> "Tell you what," Sky Light says, nudging you with a wing to get your attention, "I know a Net Cafe where they allow ponies. Well, actually I know the guy that works night shift. Let's go and see if we can get some news about your girl, okay?"
> Your ears perk up and you look at the mare incredulously.
"Really?!"
> She wraps her wing around your withers and smooshes you against her side. "Sure. I'm your bud, Rosa. We gotta stick together, right?"
> All you can do is nod.
> "Incidentally, you gonna finish that?" Sky Light asks, pointing a hoof at your fizzy soda drink.
> You grin and slide it over. Sky Light will always be Sky Light. She loves her junk food and sugar drinks. Apparently she loves other things, too, but you quickly push that thought away. The mare is uncannily good at reading your blushes.
> The pony sticks the straw in her muzzle and sucks greedily. In moments she has emptied the cup, which she follows with a huge belch.
> It just makes her giggle. "Man, I love the feel of bubbles on my tongue."
"It's a good thing you have any teeth left..." you mutter.
> Sky Light just shrugs. "My teeth are fine."
> You don't comment. As long as she isn't stopping you from brushing every night - well, *nearly* every night lately, you don't mind what she does.
"Whatever."
> She reaches over and pulls your muzzle to face hers. "You seem distracted, Rosa. What's on your mind?"
> You decide to tell her the truth.
"I was thinking about Maribelle..."
> It takes her a moment's thought to remember the name, then she brightens up. "Good point. We can look around the Internet for that, too. Maybe we'll find something other than Bluegrass."
> The pegasus rubs her muzzle a little and then rummages through her burger wrapper for any bits of cheese stuck to the paper. "That colt is a nice guy, but he's too gullible by half. Did you know he sometimes gets his humans to buy groceries for the gang?"
> You didn't.
"He does?"
> "Yep. This one time, he got Velvet a pack of aspirin for her headache when her heat was really bad."
> That raises some questions and you don't really know which to ask first. Maybe the most troubling one.
"How come Velvet doesn't have foals? You said heat and stallions... well- she's living with Pepper and Butch, no?"
> Sky Light grins knowingly and taps the side of her head. "That's because Velvet is a smart mare. She knows what to expect, so she comes to stay with me when it happens. Nothing like a wing-pony to keep those pesky colts at bay!"
> That actually sounds useful.
"Oh. Okay. Um, does heat make your head hurt?"
> You don't remembers yours doing that. Maybe it took each mare differently?
> "Not usually. That year it was bad because she had a cold at about the same time. Usually, all you get is some cramps, but they aren't too bad."
> That's also something you didn't experience. You try and think back to the time you'd spent in that comfortable, padded room.
"How often does it happen?"
> Maybe Mr. Greiner in Biology had told you, but you don't remember. That's what came from learning for a particular exam and then forgetting it all, you guess.
> "About once a year, usually," Sky Light answers. She seems to think the same thing as you and her ears stand up as she gives you a shocked look. "Are you- soon? When was your last time?"
> It takes a bit of mental calculation and the result makes you feel uneasy.
"Um... about two and a half years ago..."
> The pegasus gasps through her teeth and her ears instantly fold down. "Oh. Yikes. That's- um..."
"W-What?" your voice is trembling in fear. 
> Is there something wrong with you? You'd never really talked about these things with your roommates or Instructor Martha. You didn't know what was normal, but Sky Light had sounded so *sure* when she said 'once a year'.
> "It's... unusual," the mare says, trying to put you at your ease.
> You gulp in fear. Have the humans at the School done something to you? Almost without conscious control your forelegs wrap around your midriff.
"I'm w-worried, Sky Light. What if-" you swallow a lump and try again: "What if I won't have heat anymore? M-Maybe they did something to me..."
> It's not a welcome thought. You might not know much about feelings or urges, but you know what heat means. Childbirth. You'd never really considered it, but you always knew there was a possibility, some day.
> Had it been taken from you?
> Humans sometimes... The word now makes you shiver and whimper when you think it: spay.
> Humans sometimes spay their pets.
> "I'm sure you're fine," Sky Light says, once again reading you like an open book. "Tell you what, we'll go see a friend of mine. She's a vet and she'll take a look at you. How many times have you gone into heat?"
"On-Once."
> "Well, maybe you're just a late bloomer. It can be a bit irregular the first couple of times. Maybe you've had it, but it was so mild you didn't really notice?"
> You grasp the hope and cling to it as if to a life line.
"M-Maybe..."
> "You only got your cutie mark just now. You were supposed to get one a lot sooner. Don't worry, you're just a late bloomer," Sky Light repeats. "We should still keep an eye out for when it happens."
> The mare chuckles a bit. "Terry can help you out. I'm sure he wouldn't mind some cute, young flank."
> You're already shaking your head and she laughs heartily, mostly to dispel the tension. "Okay, in that case I'll help you out. I know my way around a mare, don't worry!"
> She gives you the kind of wink you fear might set fire to your mane. Almost without thinking you go to shake your head, but then pause.
> Between the two of your current friends, Sky Light might be the better choice. You nod, instead.
"We'll- I'll see... maybe."
> Her suggestion has worked, though. You're not paralyzed with fear anymore, but rather slightly optimistic. Sky Light's explanation with your cutie mark makes sense. You've learned about puberty in Biology, and then once again from Instructor Martha.
> If your cutie mark came in that late, maybe your heat will, too. That first one was probably just a fluke.
> You relax and nibble some more on your salad.
"Thanks, Sky Light," you murmur, leaning against the warm, fluffy pegasus.
> "Don't mention it. You're my little girl and I'll look after you, deal?"
> She's gotten over her anger, but you still feel like you should mention it.
"Sorry about- running away."
> The mare laughs a little. "Don't worry. The haul we had today more than makes up for it. Thanks."
> You can't help feeling optimistic about the future. With Sky Light anything is possible.
"If we find where they take ponies with cutie marks, we'll go look for Maribelle, right?"
> Sky Light nods, which you feel against your head rather than see. "Sure. We'll go look for her," she confirms and it makes you smile.
> "Now, how about some ice cream? My treat!"
> You smack your lips appreciatively.
"Mmmm, yes please!"
> "Okay, finish your salad while I go get it. A growing mare like you needs all the food she can get."
> She's laughing when she trots off and you stick your tongue out at her, even though she isn't looking back.
> Maybe everything is going to be alright.

> ~~~~

> "Hey Mario!" Sky Light greets the lanky, acne-ridden young man at the counter. He jerks, as if he was just dozing, then smiles at the mare.
> "Oh, it's you," he comments, feigning annoyance. "What is it this time?"
> "C'mere, you goof," the pegasus says and the human obediently steps out from behind his desk and leans down so she can give him a hug.
> "Mario, this is Rosa," she introduces. "Well, 'Mario' is just what I call him. His actual name is Taylor."
"Um, hi."
> You offer a hoof and the young man shakes it politely, before focusing his attention on Sky Light again.
> "What do you need?"
> The pegasus lifts a foreleg to her chest and folds down her ears, as if hurt. "Need? Aw, can't a mare come around to say hi to an old friend every once in a while?"
> She can't keep her face straight, though, and giggles a little. Luckily Taylor - 'Mario' - doesn't mind. "Okay, what's up?" he asks.
> "We're looking for secrets. I thought you could help us out - an Internet wiz like yourself."
> The human looks doubtful for a moment, but the flattery makes him grin proudly. "Okay, what are you looking for?"
> Sky Light turns to you and holds up a hoof, as if giving you the stage. You haven't been expecting this and swallow nervously.
"Um- I'm looking for my friend, Maribelle. She was... uh-"
> You look around the shop, but there are no other humans in there. The cashier can probably be trusted, given that Sky Light led you to him.
"She was taken because she got her cutie mark. I think the government has her in some secret lab or something."
> Now the young man can't hide his excited grin. "Ooh, a conspiracy! Love me some of that kooky stuff every once in a while."
> He goes to the nearest table with a computer on it and sits down. The pegasus starts to follow him, then looks back and gives you an encouraging smile. "Come on."
> You take a step, but use the opportunity when you're away from the man to ask the question.
"Why do you call him 'Mario'?"
> Sky Light chuckles at the question and the man looks back, making you blush in embarrassment. The pegasus just answers loudly enough for both of you to hear. "Oh, that's easy. I call him 'Mario' because it's his favourite video game. First time we met - man, that's funny story!"
> It looks like the young man is blushing! You stare at him, then back to the pegasus, who is sitting on her haunches and rubbing her hooves together in giddy anticipation.
> "Take a load of this," she tells you, "I was mooching outside the shop one day and this doofus comes out with a doughnut and coffee for me."
> That's actually kinda sweet and you smile at them both.
"How nice!"
> "Well, you'll never guess what he did next!" Sky Light says. You see that the young man is hurriedly busying himself with the computer and pretending he isn't paying you two any attention. Too bad you can see his ears turning red.
"What?" you ask in a whisper, suddenly insanely curious.
> "He asked me out on a date!" Sky Light laughs. "Can you imagine? Not just that - it was at *his place*!"
> That would sound creepy, even to your inexperienced ears. Sky Light sees your expression and waves a dismissive hoof. "Don't worry, I saw he was harmless. Just really, *really* bad with girls. That's why he thought he might have better luck with a pony."
> You shake your head. On the one hand you want Sky Light to stop - it's making Taylor obviously uncomfortable, but on the other hand you want to know more. Feeling guilty, you keep your mouth shut and let the pegasus continue.
> "Anyway, we get there and - check this - he shows me his video games. Talk about a mood killer! We ended up playing something called 'Super Mario 64' until like three in the morning. That's why I call him 'Mario'."
> You roll your eyes. She could have just told you that last bit, without embarrassing the human like she had. You wonder why he didn't say anything or get angry.
> Maybe you should say something. Tell him it's okay and Sky Light is just an asshole sometimes, but the mare beats you.
> "I promised I'd teach him how to talk to girls and in return he'll let me surf the Internet every once in a while. How's Alison doing?"
> Now the young man stirs. "She's fine. You should come over for lunch sometime."
"Alison? Who's Alison?"
> Sky Light answers so Taylor doesn't have to. "His girlfriend. What can I say? I'm *good*. I had to kick him over and then stomp on his foot to get a sound out of him, but he did great. They've been dating for what - four months now?"
> "Five," Taylor corrects.
> Sky Light nods. "Yeah, five. Sounds about right. I could see she thought he was cute the moment I saw her. All he needed was to make a move."
> The mare nudges Taylor friend with a hoof. "She's no pony tail, but that rump looked cute, even for a human."
> Just like that his blush is back. You give Sky Light an annoyed look, but she just laughs. A thought occurs, but you wisely decide not to ask. You're wondering if he and Sky Light ever did anything. Maybe it's best you don't know. The mare is too promiscuous by half as it is. You don't need to meet *all* her ex-boyfriends. Besides, you're on a mission.
> A glance at the screen shows that Taylor has been busily searching while Sky Light was talking. It's a good thing he takes your quest a little more seriously.
"Anything?" you ask to change the topic.
> The human is glad of the distraction and points out a picture on the screen. It looks flat and gray, with some tiny, white smudges in the middle. "This says it's in Death Valley," he points out.
> Sky Light nods. "Yeah, that's what we heard, too."
> Taylor is shaking his head. "It's fake. Just a kook with a conspiracy theory. He says they do experiments on ponies and crap like that."
> You swallow in fear, worried it might be true, but Taylor spots your expression and puts his hand in your mane.
> "Don't worry, I'm positive it's full of shit. Tell you what - I'll do some digging around on the message boards. Come by tomorrow and I'll tell you what I find out."
> Sky Light slides her head under his arm as well and the man smoothly brings his other hand to take care of her ears, too.
> You close your eyes and sigh in comfort.
> "Cute," Sky Light says and you blink as you look at her. She's smiling.
"What?"
> "Don't move. Mario, get your phone, take a photo of this," the pegasus urges.
> You obediently freeze, making sure you don't move a muscle on your face. You wonder what she's seeing.
> The human rummages in his pocket and hurriedly aims the camera at you. Aside from turning your eyes to look at it, you try and stay absolutely still.
> "Priceless," Taylor says at last. He shows the picture to Sky Light, who chuckles.
> "Aww, you gotta print that out for me!" she demands.
"What?! Lemme see! Lemme see!"
> He turns the phone towards you.
"Aww!"
> You couldn't help it. The picture is adorable, even if it's your mug on it. Your ears are at half-mast, your nose is scrunched up in pleasant surprise and your tongue is poking out. The weird thing is you don't even remember doing any of those things.
> The magic power of human fingers, it seems.
> "Yeah, sure. I'll make a couple of prints tomorrow," Taylor promises.
> You wouldn't mind having that. If you ever see Lillian again, you'll give her it to remember you by.
> While the human is putting his phone away, Sky Light rummages in her saddle bag and brings out a bank note. "Here, get us three coffees."
> Taylor starts shaking his head and pushes the money back towards the pegasus, but she glares a little and places her hoof over his hand.
> "God dammit, I can pay for coffee every now and then. Just take it and go do your job, you goof!"
> Taylor grins at the jab, but he still takes the money and walks over to the bar.
"Thanks. I'll get the next one," you promise Sky Light.
> "Don't worry about it," she says. "We earned this together, right?"
"How much more?"
> Her eyes go unfocused as she silently calculates. "I think we got about eighty bucks now. I'll have to count it at the van. I guess one more mooch tomorrow and we should be good."
"Do we need any money for- um... the vet?"
> Saying it makes your ears lower. You feel too much like a pet when you think about seeing a veterinarian about your problems.
> "Dunno. Maybe if she has to run some tests. Rachelle is a friend, she won't charge for her time. We'll see when we see her, okay?"
> You nod.
> This mooching stuff is getting easier, at least when Sky Light is with you. Maybe it wouldn't be an absolutely horrible way to live.
> The human is back with a tray and three coffees on it. One of them is a cup, but the other two are mugs. You're grateful for that - it's much easier to grasp with hooves. You guess Sky Light had taught him that.
> "Thanks," the pegasus says, chooses one and slurps it a little.
> Her muzzle comes away white and you do a double take.
"Huh?"
> Sky Light grins. "Cream on top. It's a special recipe I came up."
> The man sighs a little. "I told you, it's called 'mochaccino'. It's been invented before."
> The pegasus just sticks her tongue out at him, which makes you laugh. You reach for your own cup and see that it's the same as Sky Lights.
> It does look tasty, so you carefully sip a little.
> Yeah, the cream really works well with this coffee. You let out a pleasurable sigh.
> "See who about what?" Taylor asks, apparently having heard the tail end of your discussion with Sky Light.
> "Oh, Rosa thinks they might have snipped her, so we're going to see Rachelle tomorrow." The way she put it stings a little and you look down into your drink to hide your frown.
> "Snipped?" Taylor asks, confused.
> Sky Light sighs. "Spayed. Her tubes tied. Neutered."
> That makes the young man gasp and he quickly puts a hand in your mane. For a moment you want to shake him off, but his fingers around your ear are at least a small comfort.
> "Shit, I'm sorry Rosa. I hope it's not that, for what it's worth."
> You just nod sadly. Stupid insensitive pegasus has made you think about it again, and you were doing so well!
> Sky Light seems to recognize her mistake and slides closer along the floor so she can hug you with a wing. "Sorry," she says sadly. "I didn't mean to put it like that. I'm sure you're fine."
> You just nod. Sky Light is just Sky Light. She's very... direct. You guess that's what living on the streets does to you.
> The coffee is still good, so you take comfort in that. Not to mention that the young man knows his way around a mare's ears. You can't help leaning against his touch.
> Tomorrow you'll know for sure.
> "Okay, now here's another thing we need you to look up," Sky Light says. "Remember that senator's daughter who went missing?"

> ~~~~

> "Say aaah!" the graying but very friendly woman in the white lab coat commands.
"Aaah!"
> She presses your tongue down with a stick of wood and looks down your throat. "Hmm," she says. "Good."
> You're a bit nervous, but that's normal. Physical examinations always made you feel nervous, even back at the School.
> The good thing is that this Rachelle doesn't seem to care about your cutie mark, nor the fact that you're homeless. She seems friendly enough and she obviously cares about Sky Light.
> "I'd say you're in perfect health," comes the verdict. "And such a good girl!"
> You blush a little, while Rachelle points an accusing finger at the pegasus. "I wish you came in for a physical every once in a while. The clinic has a free program for ownerless ponies, you know?"
> Sky Light just shrugs. "I'm fine, doc."
> "Fine like that time you got stung by a bee?" the woman asks. She looks over to you and mimics with her hands near her face. "Her neck was out to *here* before she came to see me."
> The pegasus just groans and looks pointedly away, but you can't help chuckling. Yeah, it does sound like Sky Light, alright.
> "Okay, let's see about your problem now," Rachelle says and your laughter dies in your throat. Up until now it's just been a regular examination. Now comes the serious part.
> The reason you're there.
> To find out if the humans at the School have spayed you.
> The mere thought leaves a foul taste in your mouth. Up until now you'd thought they were mostly good people, working on educating the ponies under their care and giving them nice, productive jobs.
> If they- if they did this to you, that would make them evil. No other way to put it.
> "Lie down for me, please," Rachelle says, pushing at your flank.
> You obediently flop to your side.
> "Lift," she orders and tugs your hind leg up.
> Again you comply, but you keep looking straight ahead at a wall with a poster. Anatomy of a dog, it looks like. A bit gruesome, even if it is nice and colorful. You still focus on it so you don't have to think about your own inner parts.
> Rachelle's fingers prod along your belly, making you gasp and shiver as she hits sensitive spots. A few times you nearly close your legs, but she's keeping a firm hold on your hoof.
> "Hmm," the vet says thoughtfully.
> Your blood runs cold.
"W-What?"
> "No scarring that I can see," the woman murmurs. I'll have to do an ultrasound. Hold still."
> You keep your leg obediently in the air and catch Sky Light's sympathetic gaze. Now that you're here, she's not joking anymore. You can see how she's biting her lip in worry.
> A squeak of wheels makes you look over to where Rachelle is dragging a big, blocky machine over to you. She detaches a probe on a long cable and grabs a bottle from the side. The blocky thing starts to hum and whir.
> "This will feel a bit cold, but it'll be fine in a minute," she warns you.
> She waits for your nod before applying some clear liquid to the device and pressing it against your sensitive skin. There's no fur there and the touch of goo-soaked metal makes you gasp and squirm.
> Luckily Rachelle was ready for that and grabs your hind leg in time. "Hush, it's fine," she says gently.
> In a few moments it really is okay and you relax. You try to see on the screen. You know vaguely what ultrasound is, but you never thought it would be used for this.
> You decide to ask - it would help break the tension a little.
"Isn't ultrasound just for looking at babies before they are born?"
> Rachelle chuckles and releases your leg so she can give your belly a pat. "Normally yes, but it also allows us to see if there's any internal damage. Hold still now."
> You freeze, hardly even daring to breathe. You'd never thought about it before, but so much depends on this test. It could completely change the way your life goes.
> The probe moves against your belly as Rachelle pushes it this way and that, inspecting the screen closely all the time.
> You can't really read anything from it's There's just bright and dark shapes with absolutely no meaning to your untrained eye.
> At long last the woman takes the device away and flips the machine off. She hands you a couple of paper towels to wipe yourself dry while she sprays another bottle on the handheld thing.
> She catches your inquisitive look and explains: "Disinfectant."
> While she finishes you do your best to wipe down your goo-covered skin. It doesn't stick too much, so it's not a big problem and you don't mind if you miss a few spots.
> "Well, the good news is everything is fine down there," Rachelle says, thankfully without any ado.
> You breathe a huge sigh of relief and immediately smile.
"Thank you!"
> Before the woman can continue you sit up and throw your hooves around her. Already you have tears in your eyes.
> "However," the vet says pointedly and you let her go, worry hitting back like a truck. Your ears instantly flop.
> Rachelle repeats: "However, I don't know why you're not going into heat regularly. I'd like to do some more tests. I'll need a blood sample."
> Almost before she's finished talking you've already lifted up your head and presented your neck. It was a standard thing at School so you know what it entails.
> The woman goes to find a needle. She brings back a syringe, wipes and grabs the disinfectant bottle. Then she reaches around for an electric shaver. "I'll have to trim a bit from your neck - that okay?"
> It doesn't matter, not if you'll get some answers. You nod quickly and lift your muzzle again to give the woman easier access.
> The whirring only lasts a few seconds, then she sprays your skin with the disinfectant. It's decidedly cold, but you don't move. After she wipes it off, she grabs the needle.
> "Ready?"
"Y-Yes."
> You barely feel the prick, but still stay perfectly still while the metal is in your vein. It only takes a few seconds before she pulls it away and presses gauze against the puncture. "Hold this," she orders and you place your hoof over it. "Keep it there for at least ten minutes."
> She holds the vial up, then takes a pen and labels it. "I'll get the results in a couple of days - swing back whenever you can and we'll take a look, okay? It might just be a hormonal thing."
"Okay. Thank you, doctor."
> She smiles and ruffles your mane. "Good girl. Now off with you two and stay out of trouble."
> Sky Light is already rummaging in her bag. "How much do we owe you, doc?"
> Rachelle waves it away. "Free clinic, remember? Hmm, maybe I should take your sample, too, while you're here. It's not often that you-"
> Before you know what's going on Sky Light is already pushing you forward wither her head. "Okay, thank you, doc! We'll get out of your hair now! Bye!"
> You hear the woman chuckling as you two leave and make an educated guess based on Sky Light's expression.
"You're afraid of the doctor, aren't you?"
> "NO!" she says, much too quickly for it to be anything but a lie. "I'm not afraid of the doctor! I'm fine! I just don't want her to spend time on me when there's ponies who really need her, you know?"
"My, how altruistic!"
> She blows you a raspberry and starts walking back towards the van. You laugh as you follow.
> The news that you haven't been operated on - spayed - is very welcome indeed. It makes you very happy to know that - if you want it - you'll have a chance to have a foal someday.
> You hadn't even realized how important that was to you. How important it was for you to have a choice in the matter.
> Funny enough, you'd never really thought about it in the school. The right to breed was a coveted honor, earned only by the best and the brightest. You'd always assumed you'd have that choice someday - you had some of the best grades in your class, after all, *and* you were in the Assistant Pony program - the elite of the elite.
> This thought that you might not get to have children got you really scared.
> Now it was okay. It was a huge relief and there was fresh bounce in your step - well, in your hobble. You were still holding the gauze against your neck.
"Hey, wait up!"
> "Not my fault you let the doc butcher you!" comes the snarky reply.
> You roll your eyes but can't help chuckling.
"Ass!"
> All you get back is a raspberry. It seems your joy is infectious.
> As you're making your slow way after Sky Light you begin to hum your happy tune again.
> You're still a bit sad about Lillian - there had been no news yesterday - but you remain hopeful. The girl is smart and resourceful and tough. She'll find her way back.
> You just have to believe that.

> ~~~~

> The days have been routine - at least insofar as that is possible on the street. You went with Sky Light to the truck stop to look for anyone with news about where Maribelle is, but there were no familiar faces.
> She took you mooching twice more to get her money for Viktor finally together, and then she left you in Terry's quiet, uneasy company while she went to deliver the cash. That had been the most nerve-racking of all, not knowing if the pegasus would come back or not.
> You breathed a sigh of relief when she showed up and proudly pulled a post-mare's uniform from her pack. She said she got it from Hoover, but when you asked what she had to do the pegasus went quiet and just stared at you.
> It was probably something to do with the lies you told her about the man with the gun, but she didn't bring it up and your coward self certainly wasn't going to - not after all this time.
> A day later your blood-test results came back and you visited the doctor. This time you went alone. Sky Light didn't say why, but you had a feeling she really dislikes hospitals. The results were puzzling, but not bad.
> Rachelle didn't quite understand it herself, but apparently - from what you could gather from her explanation - your hormones were wrong. Your blood work looked like a small filly's, rather than a grown mare's.
> It would explain why you weren't going into heat, Rachelle said, but she didn't have the faintest idea what could have brought it about. She told you to come see her if anything changes or in six months, whichever came first.
> It's a little troubling and casts more doubt on the Pony School, but you won't get any answers by fretting so you put it aside. Rachelle said there should be no reason you couldn't have foals someday, even if she has to give you artificial hormones. That's good to know and you left it at that.
> Mainly you're focusing on looking for clues about Maribelle - through the truckers, Bluegrass and Taylor - but you're also hunting down every piece of news you can find about Lillian. The fact that you'd given up on her search still stings and you wake up some nights in cold sweat after dreaming of the horrible fate that might have befallen the little girl.
> It's getting easier, though. That part of your life is sliding into the past and holding on to it does you no good.
> You've said a quiet, solitary goodbye to your School roommates one night while Sky Light was fetching alcohol for herself and Terry. She didn't comment on the tears in your eyes.
> All in all, it feels like the streets are making you grow up a lot faster than you normally would. You've started tentatively joking about sex with Sky Light and you're no longer afraid of strangers. Wary yes, afraid no. You've been practicing on the wood whenever you could and you can quite reliably hit the mark with your hind hooves with enough force to smash clean through the thick plank.
> Any human - or pony - who might try something untoward with you had better watch out!
>...
> This particular morning finds you busily brushing your teeth and having a drink while Sky Light is off visiting the toilet. There's no sign of Terry and the pegasus didn't tell you where he went. You hadn't even heard him leave in the night.
> She doesn't seem worried, so you've decided not to fret about it either. The human has his mysterious ways and he's always returned until now.
> There hasn't been any more sign of Hoover's goons, so you guess Sky Light was right when she said she had some pull with him and his gang. Another piece of good news.
> You hear hooves on concrete and turn to look. You smile through the foam, then spit and pull the brush out of your mouth.
"Morning, Sky," you greet.
> "Yeah, you said that already," she replies and stretches, swishing her tail around. "We'll need to get more toilet paper soon. You up for an hour's light mooching?"
> You nod. That particular task is no longer as onerous as the first few times. You're saving the silk nightgown because it's dirty and torn and it gives you that extra bedraggled, miserable look which makes the people pay so well.
> Sky Light usually goes without clothes, but keeps the saddle bags low on her back just in case if anyone might comment upon her cutie marks.
"Taylor said to come by tonight. He said he's having a chat today with someone who knows where that government facility is," you remind her.
> "Bet you a buck it'll be a bust?" Sky Light says. "The coffee will be nice, but you're paying this time."
> You give her a nod. She had found you a small backpack - suitable for a young human child on his first day of school. It's a bit of a hassle to get it on with hooves, but once there it sits quite comfortably. One of the compartments is low enough for you to reach with your muzzle so you keep your money there.
> Thirteen dollars and eighty-four cents, that's how much you currently own. You're keeping track of it.
> Sky Light is nice enough to give you exactly half of what you mooch up. You do most of the work - what with how cute you are - but you don't bring that up. A half share is perfectly fair, for the both of you.
"Deal," you confirm Sky Light's bet, then stick the toothbrush in again.
> The human had sounded so certain. You're sure he'll give you something concrete.
> Beside you, the pegasus turns the handle and catches some water in her muzzle. She gargles it for a moment, then swallows with a very audible liquid sound. She dunks her head in the stream and shakes, almost like a dog.
> It's her version of brushing her teeth and washing and you're careful to keep your comments to yourself.
> After a few moments of that, Sky Light drinks a bit more, then turns the water off.
"Mmmphmh!" you point urgently.
> She obediently turns the water on again and you take a mouthful to rinse out the toothpaste. Then she closes the valve and shakes out her mane once again.
"Thanks."
> "Cool. We ready? Let's go to the truck stop and see if there's any news. After that we can hit the library on our way back."
"Okay."
> She stands up, stretches, and starts walking. You fall in step at her side and slightly behind. It feels like a natural place to walk.
"Sleep well?"
> "Eh, a bit chilly after Terry left. I thought about coming up to you, but I didn't wanna wake you," the pegasus explains.
"Where did he go again?" you try.
> The mare just barks a laugh. "Sorry. His business. He said specifically not to tell you."
> You shrug a little to yourself. Maybe you'll find out in time, maybe you won't. It's not as important.
> "Listen, Rosa..." Sky Light suddenly says in a much more serious tone of voice. She stops and twirls around to face you.
"Hmm?"
> It looks important, especially with the way she can't meet your gaze. She's pawing at a bit of dirt on the ground.
> "Look - you trust me, right?"
> This is starting to scare you and your tail tucks between your hind legs.
"Y-Yes?"
> "I was thinking of leaving," Sky Light says. "I was wondering if you'd come with me..."
"Leaving?!"
> You're shocked. The pony seemed perfectly happy where she is. She knows a lot of the business owners around so she can always get her hooves on a free meal. She has her favourite dumpster-diving spots picked out. She's familiar with the city and how everything works.
> Why would she ever want to leave?!
"Why?!"
> The mare shrugs. "Dunno. I suppose it's a pegasus thing. Or maybe it's a bum thing. I just get... restless. I've been her ever since- that thing with Hoover. I miss train-hopping, or just flying and seeing where I end up."
> She glances up with you and gives you a wan smile, then prods some more dirt with a hoof. "I kinda wanna see what's out there. Maybe try Europe. What'd you say?"
> It would take you further from everything you know! The School, Lillian, Terry. Even Velvet and her gang!
> Paolo.
> Sky Light can read what you're thinking all too clearly and comes over to nuzzle you. "Hey, I didn't say I'm going *now*, you dimwit!" she chides.
"W-When then?"
> She shrugs and looks up, as if the clouds might give her an answer. "Dunno. Maybe in the next month or so? Summer is the best time for train-hopping."
"B-But-"
> The pegasus embraces you. "Hush, I know sweetheart. It's hard the first time. Let's see if we can find your friend Maribelle and whatever happened to the Boone girl. Then there'll be nothing left for you here, right?"
> You bring out our earlier questions.
"What about Terry? Velvet and Bluegrass and Pepper?" you ask, leaving out Butch. "Taylor and his girlfriend - don't you wanna see how that turns out?"
> "We will, we will," Sky Light assures you. "I didn't mean leave forever. Just like- a road trip, you know?"
"To Europe?"
> She sighs. "That was just an idea. Besides, it's possible to travel *back* from Europe, you know?"
> You shake your head in disbelief.
"How? We don't have passports or anything! I'm a fugitive, for God's sake!"
> "Well, not Europe then. Maybe we could swing around to Los Angeles, see if there's a casino that allows ponies. We could be rich!"
> You just stare at the mare, wondering what's gotten into her.
> "Or we could go east, visit the Statue of Liberty. I always wanted to fly up and look that lady in the eye. You," she points a hoof, "would have to take the stairs, of course."
"Why?" you ask again.
> "Well, you don't have wings, for one," she starts and ends up doubled over with laughter. Then she catches your gaze and falls silent.
> The mare shrugs. She obviously doesn't have a non-joke answer. You guess it's just some kind of a wanderlust some people get. You'd read about them - students who dropped out of their classes, took all their money and went to travel around the world.
> It does have some kind of romantic charm to it, but given how you're an escaped pony, there's also a bunch of danger.
> "Look, I'm not saying I'm going for sure. It's just a thought. Please- just think it over, Rosa. That's all I ask."
> You sigh and poke your nose at the mare in an urgent nuzzle.
"Okay, I'll think about it."
> "Besides," Sky Light goes on, "what if we really do find out where Maribelle is being held? You won't be able to say no to a road trip then, will you?"
"No," you admit, ears folding down.
> "Well, all I'm saying is: we do it regardless. Kick back, travel a little, see the world. You only got one life, Rosa. Don't spend it worrying about Terry and Bluegrass and Velvet and who knows who. Spend some of it on yourself, 'kay?"
> You nod.
"Yeah, I g-guess..."
> "'atta girl! Come on, let's go see if Pavo is back with some news."
> Shaking your head in both bemusement and wonder, you follow the mare once again.

> ~~~~

> This again. You're trying to peer through impenetrable darkness when you realize it's the now-familiar dream once more. You immediately look around for the eyes even while groaning in exasperation.
"Dammit, enough with this crap already!"
> Maybe Sky Light's speech is rubbing off on you a little, but the swear words come in handy sometimes.
> There's no sight of your dream visitor - subconsciousness, you guess. Maybe this time it dragged you in here without even anything to say.
> Not that its messages have been any use with all the inane, cryptic secrecy.
"Well?"
> You're tapping your hoof impatiently.
> The voice seems to come from all directions at once: "White Pigeon."
> Yes, she's said that already.
"What about a stupid bird?!"
> "Find it."
> You roll your eyes. If this really *is* your subconsciousness, then it has a serious flair for the dramatic. Over-dramatic, you'd say. On the other hand, if this is some magical prophecy-type stuff, then it could at least be a little less cryptic.
> Sitting down in the middle of the soft floor - at least you guess it's the middle, there aren't any walls that you can see - you hang your head wearily.
"Look, I wanna help you, I really do. You'll just have to be a bit more specific, okay? First of all, who are you?"
> There's silence. You still can't see the signature eyes anywhere around you, but there's a sense of alertness now.
"Well?"
> "I am," the thing, whatever it is, says. "I am in need of your help."
> You open your mouth to utter a few more bad words, but the voice speaks up again, this time from your left. "I can't remember. It is hard."
> As you twirl to look in the direction the voice seems to come from behind: "Why can't I remember?"
> You are still pretty annoyed, but you sense the distress in the voice. Confusion and fear. Is it a reflection of how you've felt ever since your life was upturned?
"I'm sorry. I don't know how to help you."
> There's nothing more. You turn in a circle to peer in all directions, but there's no eyes, nor do you see any kind of shape. Finally, your eyes are drawn up, where the sky is filled with stars.
> There's a full moon. Has that always been there in the dream? Even you are losing your grip on things, it seems.
"I guess this is the part you tell me not to trust people, right?"
> There's no answer. Strange - until now you've always been thrown out of the dream when this figment of your imagination stopped talking.
> Well, if it's not going to bother you any more, you might as well get some well-earned rest. The floor is soft and warm - kind of like you imagine grass might feel in full summer. You curl up right there and lay your head down.
> Despite all the weirdness, this isn't a scary place. The voice had never threatened you, or tried to hurt you.
> You've got a full day ahead of you so you need your rest.
> Eventually you drift off.

> ~~~~

> Sky Light listens to your description of the dream, but she just shrugs it off. "It's probably just your imagination," the mare tells you. "You've been through an awful lot, you know?"
> You tend to agree with her.
"I know. It's just... weird."
> "Hell yeah it's weird," the pegasus confirms. Like always she's walking half a step ahead as you're making your way to the truck stop for coffee with the pony gang. "But the mind is an unfathomable marvel!"
> That was never Sky Light's own thought!
"Where did you pick that up?" you ask her.
> "Book," the mare admits easily. "It's good, isn't it?"
> You shrug a little, having never been a fan of repeating quotes from books. What was the point? They forced you to do that for your exams and you never liked it much.
"Whatever."
> "Come on, it was good!" the pegasus whines and bumps you with her flank. You remain stoically silent and Sky Light starts grumbling as you walk: "Dunno why I even bother talking to your uncultured rump..."
> She falls silent when you come through the final few bushes and emerge on the lawn beside the truck stop. The others are already sitting in a circle next to the shop and Velvet waves the moment she spots you in the distance.
> "Good news!" Sky Light says, pointing the other way. You follow her hoof but don't see anything special.
"Huh?"
> "Pavo is back!"
> That news makes your heart beat faster. Maybe he'll have something for you! You're about to trot over to the truck - it's not familiar to you, but you've never had a good eye for cars and such - but Sky Light puts a leg in your way.
> She shakes her head. "Let's get coffee first and have a chat with the guys. Pavo probably came in late last night, let the man sleep."
> Your ears fold down in disappointment and the pegasus laughs at your expression. "Or, you could go and wake him up with a nice pony blowjob - I'm sure he'd like that!"
> She laughs while your muzzle goes a nice shade of pink.
"Ass."
> You follow her to the ponies, trying to get the image out of your mind. The stallions all say their greetings as you approach but Velvet stands up and comes to meet you. "Nice getup," she says and one of the guys lets out a whistle.
> It had almost slipped your mind that you'd decided to wear the post-mare's uniform today, rather than the dirty nightie. You smile at the mare in gratitude, but then you catch sight of Sky Light as she pretends to be licking something in her hooves. Yep, total asshole.
> "What's wrong, sweetheart?" the mare asks, giving Sky Light a well-deserved glare. "What did she say to you?"
> Before you can reply the pegasus jumps in, barely containing her laughter: "Ah, Rosa was just asking me how she should go about 'earning some extra money'."
> She didn't have to sign the air quotes because they fell in place naturally with her inflection.
> "Oh, that!" Velvet says happily. "It's not a big deal, but you might wanna come just after dark. My advice? Keep an eye on which ones have gone to shower - trust me, you don't want a noseful of trucker-smell when you..."
> The mare falls silent with a very confused expression as Sky Light ends up flopping on the ground, laughing so hard she is liable to injure herself.
> "What did I say?" Velvet asks.
> You can barely meet her eyes, but you *have to* clear this up before she explains some more. You see Butch shuffling uncomfortably on the grass from the corner of your eye - you do not want that stallion any more excited.
"Please- Velvet, this *asshole* was just teasing me with it! I *don't* wanna do it!"
> Too late. Butch's gruff voice rises up in a verbal equivalent of a leer: "If you'd prefer pony cock I could spare a few dollars..."
> It makes you roll your eyes and sigh, but you don't look at the stallion lest you encourage him some more.
"Anyway, I was gonna buy Sky coffee today, but you can have it instead."
> This shuts the pegasus up. "Hey!" she says, standing up and fluffing her wings to dislodge the leaves and twigs she has picked up during her little laughing episode.
"Maybe next time you won't be such an asshole!" you tell her back.
> The mare turns her signature Pleading Look on you. "Come on! I was just joking!" she whines.
> You can't stay mad at her - not after all she's done for you. You keep being reminded each time you glance at your forelegs in the sleeves of the post-mare's uniform.
"Oh alright! I'll buy you both coffee!"
> It's not like you have all that many expenses. You've managed to save quite a bit of money for when you find where Maribelle is. Besides, you're in a good mood since Sky told you Pavo is back.
> You're really counting on him to have some concrete news. If not, there's still Taylor in his coffee shop later this night.
> Somehow you feel like you'll get some useful information today. Maybe it's a premonition resulting from your dream.
> The two mares fall in step behind you as you go for the truck shop, Velvet prancing a little in excitement. She really loves her coffee, that one.

> ~~~~

> The sun is starting to get pretty high up by the time you and Sky Light make your way to Pavo's truck. It's still closed and the curtain is drawn around the cabin. He must have really come in late last night to be asleep at this hour.
> The pegasus rears up and smacks her hoof on the metal a few times. After nothing happens for a minute, she does it again, this time also raising her voice: "Pavo?! Get up you lazy bastard!"
> There's a muffled swear from inside, but you see the truck rock a little as the man starts moving around in there.
> You'd tell the pegasus that she was being rude, but your mouth is full. The cashier was kind enough to let you borrow a tray so you didn't have to hobble across the whole parking lot with a plastic cup of coffee balanced on an upturned hoof.
> About a minute later the door opens, nearly smacking Sky Light in the muzzle. She'd deserve it, but the pegasus is too fast and jumps out of the way.
> Pavo looks out blearily.
"Mmmphm!" you try to say urgently, lifting the tray up as high as you can.
> "For me? Wow, thanks!" the human says, brightening up. He plucks the cup and swallows about half of it in a single gulp. Finally you can put the tray down.
"Hi! I didn't know what kind of coffee you liked so I just got you a plain one!"
> "Perfect," Pavo replies and takes another sip. "Black as the night and hot as Hell, just the way I like it!"
> You smile and swish your tail around at the praise. Then you look at him expectantly while he lifts the beverage up and drains the cup. It's the fastest you'd seen anyone drink a boiling hot coffee.
> "Boy I needed that. I came in real late last night. I wanted to bring you the news as soon as possible!"
> That gets your heart hammering again. Your smile turns nervous in expectation and you can't keep your hooves still.
"You found out about Maribelle?!" you gasp.
> Pavo shakes his head. "Not exactly," he admits, "but I have a good lead. Come on up, I'll show you!"
> Sky Light looks around, then interrupts: "You don't need me for this, right Rosa? I'll be with the others when you're done."
> You give the pegasus an impatient nod, then go stiff as the human puts his big hands around your barrel and lifts you up. He nudges you along until you slide into the driver's seat, before climbing up himself.
> "First thing," the man says, "my son absolutely loved your pictures! So thanks for that. You think I could make a few more?"
> You bob your head happily.
"Yeah, of course! Anything!"
> Your lungs are nearly bursting from the effort of not spilling all the questions. Instead, you politely wait for Pavo to get to the point.
> He can probably read your expectant look and your nervous shuffling of hooves, because he reaches back for his bags and rummages until he finds a green cardboard folder.
> "Okay, so this thing is pretty hush-hush, right? I wouldn't have found out anything, but a guy in my company sometimes delivers there."
> Your eyes are plastered on the folder, but you tear them away to look at the man and nod.
> This is it! You can feel it! You're about to find out where Maribelle is being held!
> "You need some kind of military secret clearance before you can even go near the place. Only two people at the firm have it and, as luck would have it, one of them is a buddy of mine."
"Yes!"
> The man finally opens the folder and holds up a printed photo. It looks like a map, but the thing in the middle is just a white rectangle. At first you think it's a building, but there are no shadows.
> "See? No Google photos of this thing. Street View doesn't even go there. It's how you can tell this thing is top secret."
> You nod, but now you're a bit uncertain.
"How do you know it's about ponies?"
> The man smiles brightly. "Good question! There's nothing about this place on the Internet - I asked the guys in IT to check it out and it's like the address doesn't even exist. The reason I think that's your place is because my buddy - the one with the clearance - says he saw ponies being unloaded in cages one time he went there."
> You let out a small squeak and hug Pavo. Try to, anyway. The man is too big for your hooves to reach all the way around, but you still put in the effort. You even lick his bare forearm.
"Thank you! Thank you thank you thank you! This is exactly it! Where is it?"
> "Some backwater place in Michigan no one's ever heard of," Pavo tells you.
> In your excitement you completely lose your place in the world and say the first thing that comes to mind:
"Death Valley?"
> The trucker is taken aback. "What?! No. Why would you say that? Death Valley is fucking *miles* away! The other side of the country!"
> You give it some more thought and remember the map of the United States from Mrs. Isaac's geography class.
> Pavo is right - you were completely in the wrong place and you blush a little in embarrassment.
"Sorry. I just heard rumors that's where it was. I didn't think."
> "Okay," the man concedes. "So, my company delivers maintenance supplies over there. Parts for machines, spare light bulbs, sockets, cable - stuff like that. Our trucks barely get inside the fence, so even my buddy doesn't know a whole lot."
> Pavo looks thoughtful for a moment. "In fact, I don't think he was even supposed to see ponies. I guess it was some kind of scheduling mix-up..."
> You nod in understanding. The government is always secretive so what Pavo is saying isn't anything surprising.
"Where is it?"
> The human takes another piece of paper and holds it out to you. "Best I can give you is the town. This thing is about twelve miles west of a place called 'White Pigeon'."
> It feels as if a bolt of lightning has run through you. Everything feels fuzzy for a moment and your breath catches in shock. Your legs go weak and your rump flops down to the seat. You would have toppled over completely, but Pavo catches you in a hug.
> "Shit, what did I say? You look like you've seen a ghost!"
> You might have. You open your mouth to try and calm the man, but all you can get out is a string of gargled noises.
"W-Wh... It's- How?!"
> There's absolutely no possible way for you to have known that. How did it end up in your dream?!
> You thought the voice was telling you about some stupid bird. You never even imagined it might be the name of a place!
> Was it Maribelle reaching out to you?
> You give a strangled, choking whimper. Is Maribelle dead?! Maybe her ghost is trying to visit you in your dreams?!
> For a moment your bladder weakens, but you manage to hold it in. You blink your tears away to look at Pavo's extremely concerned face.
> "What's wrong, girl?!" he asks, his voice deeply etched with worry.
> You shake your head, trying to stop him from fretting, but it isn't doing much. Not with the way your ears are stiffly held to the sides and trembling.
"N-No-Nothing," you manage to stutter. "I t-think I dreamed about-"
> Not even able to say the name of the place. You pluck the paper from Pavo's unresisting hand and look at the address he's written down.
> Plain as your hoof holding it: 'White Pigeon, MI'.
> You swallow a lump. How long had the dream been saying that? Is it really possible it has been Maribelle's ghost all this time? If not her, then who - or what?!
> "Hey, relax, relax, it's fine. Maybe it's just deja vu? Just breathe for a moment." Pavo suggests.
> You shake your head, but still take his advice. You manage several deep breaths, then - wordlessly - crawl into Pavo's lap and bury your face in his shirt.
> After a moment his hand comes up and gives your cheek a careful scratch. For a second you're afraid you might cry, but you're not sad - not exactly.
> It's just the mixture of shock, bewilderment, disbelief and sheer, gut-twisting relief.
> Now you have something to go on.
> You're *sure* it's the place where you'll find Maribelle. At least - you add to yourself - you'll find out what has happened to her.
"Please don't let me be too late!" you whimper.
> "You're not too late. Your friend will be fine, sweetie. Just relax. Breathe."
> You almost don't remember who it is that's comforting you, but you feel his fingers running through your mane. His other hand feels solid around your barrel. You're grateful for the touch.
> "Take as long as you need, okay? I'm not in a hurry," Pavo keeps talking. "I drove extra yesterday to get this news to you as soon as possible, so I got a couple of hours to spare."
> The hand pats your head a few more times then goes back to running through your mane. "We'll just take it nice and easy. Later, if you feel up to it, we'll make a few more photos. Would you like that?"
> You manage to nod against his chest.
> "Good girl. Just take it easy. I didn't mean to spook you like that."
> It's not right that this nice human is so worried about you. You pull your face away and manage a wan smile.
"You d-didn't. It's okay. I'll be fine - I just need to p-process this for a minute."
> The man smiles back, his hands never having stopped their petting. "As long as you need, sweetie."

> ~~~~

> You're still somewhat in a daze as you're making your way back to the truck shop. The ponies haven't left, even though you must have been with Pavo for at least an hour. They don't usually stay around this long.
> Halfway to them you realize they aren't all there. Velvet is lying on her side, tail swishing every now and then, Butch is sitting with his back to the group a short distance away and Pepper is on his belly, nearly touching Velvet's nose with his.
> There's no sign of Sky Light or Bluegrass and your step falters. Has something happened?
> A new wave of worry rises up in your heart as you hurry over.
"Hey. What's wrong? Where's Sky Light?"
> Velvet lifts her head to look at you. Her smile is really comforting. "She'll be back in a bit. She said for you to wait."
> Pepper looks up at you but doesn't add anything. Strangely, Butch doesn't seem to react to your presence at all. He just keeps sitting there and staring into the distance.
"What's up with him?"
> Velvet shifts a little to see where you're looking, then shrugs. She still doesn't get up. "Sky Light bloodied his muzzle for him," the mare explains.
"What?! Why?!"
> Velvet shrugs again lazily. It looks like you're not getting anything more from her, so you switch your gaze to the stallion.
"Pepper?"
> He stretches out and yawns before replying. "He was being too pushy again. Watch out, that mare knows how to use her hooves."
> You hear a weird, sniffing sound from Butch and catch him looking back at you three. Before he hastily turns away you spot a trickle of red down his nose. It really does seem like Sky Light kicked him right in the nose.
> Even though you don't know the details, he probably deserved it. Maybe he'll even act a bit nicer now, but Pepper's use of the word 'again' doesn't fill you with much hope.
> He's not leering at you at the moment, so that's a respite.
> You still don't see Sky Light or Bluegrass. You're guessing the stallion had to go home and the mare probably went to use the toilet or something.
> Hopefully she'll be back soon. Have you got news for her!
> It looks like she'll get her wish to travel. Michigan is east, from what you recall of the map. You try to remember if it's anywhere near New York, but give up.
> Maybe, if Sky Light really does keep her promise to take you there, you'll let her make a detour to see the Statue of Liberty like she said.
> Before you can make any more plans you hear hoofsteps around the building.
> Finally!
> Your mouth is open to tell Sky Light the good news, but then you get a good look at her and the words turn into a gasp.
> The pegasus is a mess! Her mane is totally frazzled and full of leaves and twigs. Her wings are in a complete disarray. She's sweaty and still breathing heavily, as if she had been running through the undergrowth behind the truck stop.
> You're about to ask if she's okay and then see Bluegrass walking behind her. The stallion is also dishevelled, but he's also very, *very* red in the muzzle.
> Velvet beats you to it: "Had fun?"
> Sky Light just snorts in amusement, but Bluegrass whinnies nervously and then clears his throat. "Um... I should- um- I have to go home."
> He doesn't wait for anyone to say goodbye and gallops off as fast as his hooves would carry him.
> You finally find your voice.
"What happened?!"
> The pegasus just gives you a smirk and a very suggestive wink, before sitting on her haunches and extending a wing for examination. She starts cleaning it without really answering.
> Realization hits.
"Oh."
> That's probably why Butch became too pushy and why she had to kick him to keep him away. She had all but told you she was going to do this, why is it such a surprise?
> You're still pink in the muzzle while Sky Light isn't. Even Velvet chuckles at your expression, but luckily doesn't comment. "Did he cry for you, too?" the mare asks Sky Light instead.
> "Mm-hmm," the pegasus nods. "Only for a few seconds. I put his mouth to good use after that."
> These ponies have no shame! You're starting to think you should go back to the van and give Sky Light some privacy until she cleans herself up.
> Speaking of which, you catch her scent. Well, her and Bluegrass'.
> "What?" Sky Light demands, catching your look.
"Nothing!" you squeak and hurriedly avert your gaze.
> "So, what'd you find out?" she asks, opening her other wing and examining it critically.
> That seems like an infinitely safer topic. You smile widely as you remember the news you have for her. Sky Light's indiscretion just vanishes from your mind.
"I found Maribelle!"

> ~~~~

> Now that things came this far, the pegasus is reluctant. She's happy enough about your suggestion to go see New York on the way. You went and looked at the large map of the United States in the bus station before the janitor chased you out.
> It's not that much of a detour and Sky Light's guarded reluctance tells you she'll need all the convincing you can lay your hooves on.
> You've foreseen this, but it's still frustrating.
"You promised," you accuse your friend.
> "Yeah, I did," Sky Light admits, not even trying to evade. "I'm just saying we should think this over. We still don't know what happened to Lillian-"
"Oh, so *now* you suddenly care about what happens to her?!"
> The hoof slap comes out of nowhere and it's not particularly gentle. You stare at the mare in shock while your muzzle smarts.
> "You *don't* say that to me, Rosa!" Sky Light hisses angrily. "I always cared! I worked myself until I damn near fainted while I was out looking for her, remember?"
> You're near tears again, partially from the slap but mostly because you're worried about Lillian.
"B-But you told me to stop looking..."
> "Because it was useless," Sky Light explains, her voice growing softer and her frown changing to concern. "It wasn't doing you any good. She had been missing for four days at the time. I didn't want you to kill yourself looking for her when it was hopeless."
> That word again.
"Hopeless."
> "Yes, Rosa! Hopeless! A fucking army of police and fire men didn't find her! Damn near everyone in the city was looking out for that little girl!"
"Yes, but they were-"
> The mare doesn't even wait for you to finish. "Looking in the wrong place?" she interrupts. "So you'd have gone into the forest. Do you even know how stupid that is?"
> You just glare at the pony balefully, refusing to answer.
> She does it for you: "No, you don't. Ten minutes and you would have been lost. There's dangerous animals, Rosa. How long before something ate you?"
> Sky Light is exaggerating, you're sure of it, but you don't know enough about the place to call her out on it. You cling to the one certain thing and point an accusing hoof.
"You could have flown above and told me which way to go..."
> "And? Getting lost in the forest and hiding from bears and crap like that would have helped Lillian how exactly?"
> You refuse to meet her glare.
"...might've found her," you mutter.
> "Do you even know what to eat in a forest? Do you know how to survive? Because I sure as hell don't!"
"...would've eaten grass."
> Hooves grab your head and force you to look up. Sky Light isn't mad. She just looks disappointed and sad. "Rosa, there's hardly any grass in the forest. Do you know which bushes are good and which are poisonous? How about mushrooms - can you tell them apart? Or would you eat bark?"
> It's not like you would have stayed in the forest long enough for that to be a problem!
"...wouldn't have starved in a couple of days," you mumble darkly.
> The pegasus leans her head to the side and heaves a very exasperated sigh. "I'm not going to argue about this with you. Why are we even arguing?!"
> You don't repeat your claim that Sky Light doesn't care about the little girl. This isn't the way to get her to come with you. You take a few breaths and let go of your sullen anger.
> It's out of your hooves. Whatever happens to Lillian is not up to you. Maybe it was never up to you.
> That's a hard pill to swallow, but you don't have much of a choice.
"I'm sorry."
> You search your heart for the right words to say to make Sky Light see how much this means to you.
"Please, Sky Light. I have to find Maribelle and I have to know what's happening to me. I need you."
> The direct approach seems to be working out a little better. Sky Light's expression softens and she steps closer so she can put her wings around you.
> "I know sweetheart. I'm just asking you to think it over, okay? You're talking about breaking into some secret government place and trying to get out a pony who may or may not even be there."
"She's there!"
> Your voice is filled with quiet certainty and Sky Light doesn't argue. "It's still a dangerous idea, Rosa."
"You promised."
> Now it's her turn to look down and blush in embarrassment. "Yeah, I did. I never thought we'd actually find anything concrete. Does that make me a liar?"
> Here's your chance! This time you put your hoof on her muzzle and tilt it up so she looks into your gentle smile.
"Not if you come with me."
> The mare grins and pokes her tongue out at you. "Ass. That's so cheesy if you put it on a bun I'd eat it."
> Both of you end up laughing and you feel like you're one step closer. Now you just have to reel her in.
> Maybe a direct assault wouldn't work, so you try to go around Sky's defenses.
"Why did you help me in the first place?"
> "Huh?"
"Back when you found me with those cows. Why did you take me with you?"
> Sky gives it some thought. "I dunno, really. I guess you reminded me of myself when I first started out. I guess I felt sorry for you."
"Do you still feel sorry for me?"
> She shakes her head. "Not... really," she answers thoughtfully. "Now you're just a friend, I guess."
> That warms your heart and your smile widens.
"Okay, so I'm asking you as a friend. Help me find Maribelle. After that I'll go with you anywhere you want and help you mooch. You said I have natural talent!"
> Sky Light chuckles at that and prods your chest with a hoof. "You drive a hard bargain, Rosa," she begins and your legs start trembling. She's going to say yes!
> "Okay," the pony says at last. "Let's do it. What the heck, right? We gotta die of something."
"We're not going to die!"
> The mare gives you a wry smile, as if to say you're too optimistic, but she doesn't correct it. "We'll need supplies. Provisions. A plan. We really have to think this through if we wanna pull it off."
> She looks thoughtful for a moment. "We'll need to get there, first."
> A brilliant idea strikes you.
"Pavo Basilius! The trucker! He said his company delivers there sometimes! I bet he'd take us with his truck!"
> Sky claps her hooves together and laughs. "That's using your brain! Good job, Rosa!" You're about to hug her, but the pegasus' expression darkens. "He'll have left by now," she says.
> Your face falls, but you power through it. Things are going your way. You can wait a little longer.
"He'll be back eventually, right? Let's just wait for him. That way you can say bye to Terry and Taylor and Arda and the gang. We can mooch some more money and make a plan!"
> "Okay, okay," Sky Light says, thoughtfully rubbing her muzzle with a hoof. "I like. Oh, Terry probably won't be back by then."
"Why not? Where did he go?!"
> The pony looks like she really wants to tell you. She even goes as far as to open her mouth, but then she closes it and shakes her head. "Sorry. I promised Terry I wouldn't tell you. Let's just say it's a personal kind of trip he makes every year and it lasts about a month."
> That just raises further questions, but you know better than to pressure the mare.
"Okay, so you can still say bye to all the others, and we can get more money together."
> "Yep," Sky Light agrees with you.
> She gives you a quick hug, then releases you and walks a few steps away. Her wings stretch out and her chest inflates as the mare takes a very deep breath. She holds it for a moment then lets it out.
> "We're going on a road trip!" she says happily.

> ~~~~

> Sky Light is staying out of your sight today, perceptive little horse that she is. You're kind of glad about that, but you also miss her. At least she's out getting together supplies and gear you'll need for your trip, while you catch up on some wallowing in the van.
> Strange how you're not bothered by the filth and the smell in the slightest. Today, you've got worse things on your mind.
> The newspaper made you sad. You've been dreading it for a while, but it still came as a shock. There was an article on Lillian which made your blood freeze and your belly twist up into a cold, painful ball.
> They were giving up the search.
> Well, not exactly, but you read it clearly between the lines. She's been missing for over three weeks and the majority of the searchers were being called off.
> There's simply no clues. No ransom has been put forward, no threats have been issued and no body has been found.
> That last bit gives you a glimmer of hope, but it still doesn't look good. Right now, the best you can wish for is that the girl has either been smuggled out of the country for some very long-term plot against Mr. Boone, or something much, much more sinister has happened.
> In the wake of her disappearance, the newspapers and magazines printed a history of similar cases.
> You really wish you hadn't read that. You've been unable to sleep for days, imagining the atrocities some people were capable of committing.
> More than once Sky Light has found you crying and begging invisible gods that Lillian is just hiding.
> Worse than that, every time you start thinking about her you end up in the exact same mental place: It's all your fault.
> She ran away from her school because of you. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but that's what it feels like. Whatever Sky Light said, however she argued, you won't budge from that.
> Your little friend is probably dead and it's all your fault. Dead, if she's lucky.
> More than once you considered simply climbing up to the old factory roof and jumping off. It'd be easier than to live with the guilt.
> The reason you haven't yet?
> Maribelle.
> Giving up on you roommate would somehow be letting Lillian down. You don't know how that logic works, but you've clung to it like a life line, which it more or less is.
> Sky Light has sensed your mood and she's been working extra hard to get you both to White Pigeon. You wish you could tell her how grateful you are, but you get choked up when you try and tell the mare what a help she's been.
> You know you'll need your wits for the journey and the rescue, but right now you want a couple of days to process you feelings for Lillian.
> The pegasus understands that and that's why she's taking care of all the preparations and supplies by herself.
> It's a good thing she holds you each night, otherwise the dreams would be much worse than they are. Even so you ended up kicking her on more than one occasion when the terrors in the dark became too much.
> The mare has a heart of gold because she never once blamed you, even that time you nearly broke her ribs. You saw the bruise easily through her gray coat and you caught her wincing when she thought you weren't looking.
> Right now you just want closure. Even if Lillian is dead, you just want to know, so you can grieve and - maybe - get over it. Probably you can't, but at least you could try.
> Not knowing anything is the worst part. You absolutely hate the way your heart is alternating between irrational, crazy optimism and bleak, crushing despair.
> The emotional roller coaster is starting to take its toll. You looked at your reflection in a puddle the other day and the pony staring back at you is a complete mess and a stranger.
> Maybe that's why Sky Light doesn't take you mooching anymore. The humans would think you have some horrible disease and put you down.
> Right now you're pushing your muzzle into the dirty mattress and pressing your hooves down over your head, trying to squeeze out the bad thoughts so hard you don't even hear the pegasus approach until she lays a hoof on your back.
> "Hey. Feeling any better?"
> You just shake your head as much as you can.
> "Here, take this," the mare offers, pushing something at your nose.
> Opening your eyes is an effort, but you see two blurry circles.
"What is it?"
> "Ambien. Open."
> You blindly obey and Sky Light pushes the pills in your mouth. You nearly spit them out, but she was obviously expecting that because she presses your muzzle shut.
> "Swallow!" she commands, then repeats in a slower and gentler voice: "Swallow..."
> It's hard without any water, but you manage to get them down.
> "Good girl."
> As a small reward, Sky Light picks you up like a foal and holds you against her chest fluff.
"T-They're giving up the search," you sob.
> "Not completely," Sky Light replies. "They'll still keep looking, just- not as many people, okay? They might still find her."
> You nod against the soft pegasus fluff, even if you don't quite believe it.
> She keeps talking in her gentle, soothing voice: "She's probably ran all the way to some backwater farm where they don't have TV and stuff, so some nice, old couple took her in. Sooner or later they'll realize she's missing and bring her back, you'll see."
> It's one of the better fantasies you'd dreamt up when you felt optimistic. You desperately want to believe it, so you nod again. Both you and Sky know it's probably a lie.
> "Just relax and let the pills work, sweetheart."
> You remember that you just swallowed something an ex drug addict has given you.
"W-What was it?"
> The mare can read you like a book, it seems, because she chuckles and pats your back. "Relax, it's just sleep medication. I gave you a bit more, so it'll probably put you under for a long time. You need it, too."
> That helps you relax. The last thing you need now is an addiction, not if you want to be any use to Maribelle when you find her. Being able to sleep through the night also sounds wonderful.
> Except...
"Will I d-dream?"
> The pegasus shrugs. "Hopefully not. I'll stay with you the whole while, okay?"
> You nod again and cling to the warm pony body with renewed strength.
"Thanks."
> "Anyway, Pavo should be back any day now. I got everything packed for us and I fly over there to check every morning. When he shows up we'll be on our way, okay?"
> You just nod.
> The mare carefully lowers you down to the mattress and then reaches for the blanket before snuggling with you. "I need you to shake this off, Rosa, understand? Yeah, I know how much it sucks, but you have to focus!"
> This kind of talk makes you want to cry again, but you manage to keep it in.
> "I mean it, you loony. Let's hope the girl is okay, but she might not be. I need you to get your waterworks on for real and put it behind you before we leave. We won't be getting far with you... like this."
> Maybe she's right. Maybe it's just time to assume the worst. Lillian is probably dead - lost in the forest somewhere - and you'll never see her again.
> You close your eyes as hot tears sear their lines down your muzzle. You're immensely grateful for the wing and hooves around you.
> "There's a good girl. Just let it all out, get a good night's sleep and then we'll move on, okay?"
> Through sheer effort of will you manage another nod.
> The pegasus keeps talking softly. "We'll find your other friend Maribelle and we'll get her out of whatever trouble she's in. Two determined mares like us? Pfft, the humans won't stand a chance!"
> The hooves stroke your back and Sky Light settles herself comfortably by your side. For some weird, confusing reason you don't want her to see you cry this time, so you shuffle until you're facing away from her. Her hooves drag you closer and her wing covers your flank under the blanket.
> "Then we'll get some answers about what's happening to you. And *then*, the three of us will meet up with Terry and we..."
> The mare sighs. "Well, you've seen what life on the street is like. It's not so bad, right?"
> You almost smile at the sight you're imagining. Sitting in the back of the van and watching the sun set over the abandoned factory. Maribelle leaning against you from one side and Sky Light from the other.
> Yes, even the human, Terry, taking swigs from his bottle a few steps away.
> You desperately try to hold on to that image and not the one with Lillian lying on some soggy forest ground.
> It's no use and it seems Sky Light knows it too, because she keeps murmuring sweet nothings as sleep drags you down.
> The last thing you remember is bawling your eyes out and the pegasus licking your cheek.

> ~~~~

> "He's here. Grab your bags and let's go. We need to be there in an hour or he leaves without us!"
> You blink your eyes at the sudden intrusion of sunlight into the van's interior. You weren't sleeping, but the door was shut and you were adapted to the gloom.
> You faintly remember Sky Light waking you up as she slipped out of the bed to go check the trucker stop. You've been staring at the blank iron inside of the van since then and trying in vain to recapture your dream. It was one of the rare nice ones, where Lillian was okay and you were still her guardian and the most difficult part of your day was dealing with a sullen Benjamin.
> Better than the other sort of dream you've been having at any rate.
"Huh? What?"
> "Pavo is here. I talked him into taking us, so move your rump!" Sky Light repeats.
> That was one problem you've been thinking about lately, but haven't yet mentioned to the pegasus. Seems like she has it solved already.
"How did you make him take us?"
> The mare shrugs a little and prods your in the ribs with a hoof. "Guy owes me a favor. This is it. Are you coming?"
> She leans closer and peers at you suspiciously. "You aren't getting cold hooves now that it's happening, are you?"
> You quickly shake your head. In a way you're relieved. Sitting around the van all day and moping about your little girl was doing you no good. You knew it, Sky Light knew it - even the homeless ponies knew it on those rare occasions your friend dragged you over.
> Going away and doing something meaningful, you feel, is just what you need to take your mind off things.
> You scurry to fetch your backpack and uniform. Sky Light watches you with a faint smile as you start struggling your forelegs into the sleeves. "That's the spirit!" she cheers. "Road trip! Two girls out seeing the country! It's gonna be great!"
> Her enthusiasm makes you smile a little, which is a rare thing these days.
> It's unbelievable how hard Lillian's disappearance has hit you. You only knew the girl for a week!
> Maybe it was love at first sight?
> You shake your head and push the thought away. Time to lay Lillian to rest and focus on Maribelle and yourself.
> The uniform is finally on and you check to make sure it's covering your flank. The homeless ponies don't seem to care if people see them - they all have cutie marks - but you're still uneasy about showing yours in public too much.
> It takes you another minute to get the backpack on your back, then you're ready to go. Except for one thing.
"I'll just drink some water and use the toilet real quick!"
> The pegasus makes room as you jump down from the van. "I'll come with. Might as well pee so Pavo doesn't have to stop for us, right?"
> You hurry to the concrete steps with Sky Light close on your heels.

> ~~~~

> The truck makes a slightly scary sound when it turns on this close. You realize you've never been near one of those huge, loud machines while it was working. The nearest you'd seen them was on this very truck stop, but they were always silent until now.
> The engine rumbles, sending vibrations up through the seat and into your hooves. You can feel each stroke of each cylinder, you imagine.
> "Relax, it's fine!" Pavo tells you, spotting your lowered ears and scrunched up muzzle. You give him a faint smile in gratitude.
> You're sitting on the passenger seat and looking out the windshield at the ground far below. You never realized just quite high up the cabin was.
> "This is gonna be so cool!" Sky Light almost shouts right into your ear. The mare is sitting on Pavo's bed behind the seats and leaning over the backrest above you. You glance and see that her wings are outstretched.
> She is a little too excited, which makes you realize this is her first trip in a truck as well. She said she'd been train-hopping and hitchhiking, but you guess never on a vehicle this big.
> "It's just gonna take a minute to fill up the air tanks for our brakes and then we'll be off," the driver explains, examining the myriad of dials and readouts in front of him. You can't even begin to guess what all those mean.
"Okay!" you answer, feeling like something is expected of you.
> The silence is a bit uncomfortable, so you ask what's been on your mind for a while.
"Um, what kind of favor did Sky Light do for you?"
> The man looks over at you, then up at Sky Light. Out of the corner of your eye you see the pegasus shrug.
> "She helped me out of a tough spot once. You tell it, Sky- I gotta get this paperwork sorted out."
> He grabs a small booklet and a pen and begins copying some numbers from the instruments. You see him tear a circle of paper from the page, but you stop paying attention when the mare above you taps your shoulder.
> "So, I was flying over the highway on one of my deliveries. This was, I dunno, a few years back," she begins, loudly enough to be heard over the engine. "I saw this guy sitting in the emergency lane and walking around the truck, so I went to check it out."
> You've been afraid Sky Light's favour was something... sexual, but this sounds a lot better and more interesting. You've lowered your ears preemptively, but now you focus them on the mare once again.
> "Turns out the company forgot to replace his flat tire kit. No compressor, no spare tire, not even the hose to hook up to the truck's compressor."
> You frown a little and interrupt her with a question.
"Doesn't the truck have two tires in each spot? Um- I'm sure I saw that..."
> Sky Light smiles proudly and nods. "Yes, that's right. Nicely spotted. The *trailers* do, but the front tires are single."
> The mare pauses and looks over to the human. "Pavo, why are there only single tires in front? That seems like a stupid idea."
> Luckily he was listening to the discussion because he's able to answer immediately: "It'd be much harder to steer that way."
> "Oh!"
"Oh!"
> You giggle at your simultaneous exclamation and then the pegasus resumes her story: "Anyway, he was stuck. Blown tire, no replacement, no kit, nothing. He called his company but it'd be hours before someone could come all the way out here from the nearest garage." The mare pauses and then tries to explain again. "Well, not *their* garage. They have contracts with some of the local truck repair shops, but the nearest one was a couple hours away."
> It sounds like quite a predicament and you wince in sympathy.
"That's awful!"
> "Anyway, I knew there was a truck stop just a couple of miles away, so I flew there and borrowed some tools from the mechanic."
> You start to open your muzzle for a question, but Sky Light guesses and shakes her head. "No, it wasn't this place. It was a larger thing that had their own garage and stuff. Anyway, I got some tools and a kit to patch the tire and I flew them back to Pavo."
"The people just let you have it?"
> "Sure. Why not? I got an honest face!"
> Sky Light gives you her best, most trustworthy smile and you're forced to agree.
"I guess."
> "Then I helped change the tire-"
> "Bah!" Pavo interjects, "you just got in the way."
> "Nuh-huh!" Sky Light denies it. "I helped plenty!"
> They both end up laughing and you join in, even though you don't quite get the joke. The pegasus ruffles your mane before going on. "Anyway, he got the tire fixed, at least enough so he could make it to that stop with the garage. They took care of it quickly and he was on his way."
> The human finishes fiddling with his gauges and turns partly in his driver's seat to look at you both. "I offered to pay her, but this loony just grinned and said it was fine. She said I can buy her coffee if I ever come over this way again."
> He grins and his eyes twinkle in amusement. "Actually, that's how the tradition started."
"What tradition?"
> Pavo finishes this story, with Sky Light just nodding along: "I took a few pictures of Sky with my phone - while we were changing that tire. Showed them to my son and turns out he's crazy about 'trucker ponies'. I've been collecting photos ever since."
> It's a sweet story and you can't help smiling like an idiot. Maybe you're really starting to get over... your loss.
> You firmly refuse to think about it and instead embrace the happy moment you're having right now.
> "Well, this is it. Time to get going!"
> Sky Light whoops as the engine roars and truck starts to move. You look out front at the asphalt sliding gently towards and under you.
> Pavo maneuvers it out of the parking spot and deftly around the other trucks, then he picks up speed.
> Your heart is beating faster in excitement. A real road trip, just like in that movie you saw! What was it called?
> You almost smack your own muzzle. 'Road Trip', duh! Except they used a car. You immediately decide that a truck is way better.
> "So, get us to White Pigeon and we're even, deal?" Sky Light says, as if confirming their destination.
> Pavo shrugs a little. "Yeah, but we gotta make a few other stops first and then return to HQ. I'll try and get an assignment close to White Pigeon, or else I'll find someone going that way who'd be willing to take you."
> You nod a little - it's just how you've agreed when you and Sky Light came to see Pavo this morning. You personally bought the man coffee and then said goodbye to your other pony friends.
> It was a bit of a bittersweet moment, actually.
> "If we can't get anyone to take you," Pavo is saying and you focus on him again, "you can take the train from HQ. It shouldn't be too expensive, it's only about a hundred miles."
> "Sweet!" Sky Light says.
> You drive in silence, except for the truck's engine rattling away. The vehicle accelerates even more, causing a rush of exhilaration and adrenaline to flood you as you watch the road and things speed past.
> Pavo merges into the highway, fiddles a little with buttons and levers around him, then visibly relaxes. "Okay, this is about it for the next two or three hours. Then we'll take a little lunch break, okay?"
"Okay!"
> Sky Light climbs over the backrest and ends up on the passenger seat next to you. "Move over," she says. "That thing isn't nearly as comfortable while we're driving."
> You look down at the seat and notice for the first time that it's moving up and down gently as the truck rolls forward. It smooths out most of the jolts and allows for a very gentle ride, actually. You happily make room for Sky Light.
> "That's better," the pegasus sighs, then looks at you with a grin on her muzzle. "Who wants to play 'I spy with my little eye'?"

> ~~~~

> It's quite dark by the time Pavo decides to stop for the night. You've been nodding off for the past few hours and Sky Light is actually snoring, curled up on the seat beside you.
> Staying at least semi-conscious and talking with Pavo seemed like the least you could do in exchange for him taking you along. It's probably a lonely and boring job, you guess.
> Despite your best efforts you probably weren't the best company lately. You spent more time yawning than you did talking and more than once you repeated a question Pavo had just answered.
> The man found that incredibly funny, so you guess you mission of keeping him amused is a success.
> It will still feel incredibly nice to sleep for a while. You're just worried about the arrangements.
> Honestly you wouldn't mind the seat. The only trouble was that it wasn't big enough for two ponies lying down. Sky Light was curled up tightly and you were sitting right on the edge to make it work.
> There was Pavo's bed, but with the size of the man it might be a tight squeeze - not to mention an uncomfortable one. Yes, you slept in a bed with Lillian most nights while you were there, but that was different.
> Wasn't it?
> You're not sure what rules apply here and you don't want to ask and make yourself look stupid. Hopefully Sky Light would know.
> Which reminds you. You kick the mare lightly.
"Wake up."
> She opens a bleary eye and fixes you with a stare. "Mmm?"
"We're here. Wake up."
> Pavo finishes turning the truck off and filing out his paperwork. There's a lot of bureaucracy involved in professional driving, you never would have guessed.
> "So - they have showers and a twenty-four hour grill if you two want some dinner," the man explains.
> Beside you the pegasus sits up and stretches out her forelegs with a big yawn. "Can you get me a grilled cheese if I give you the money?" she asks the human.
> That actually sounds delicious. Lunch had been ages ago.
"Yes, me too, please?"
> Pavo shrugs. "Fine. No shower then?"
> You shake your head.
"I'll go brush my teeth after dinner. Shower is... complicated with all this fur. I'll do it tomorrow night."
> "Ah. Gotcha."
> Meanwhile Sky Light has dug out the money and passes it to the man before he steps out of the cabin and down to the asphalt. The pegasus watches him go, then looks at you, smiling.
> "So? How are you doing?"
> You know what she's asking. Are you going to break down in a crying fit again tonight? You lower your ears in shame, but then frown a little in confusion.
> That's weird. You don't feel like crying. Maybe it's because you're doing something, or maybe it's because you're seeing new things, but you feel... okay.
> Yes, you're still sad about Lillian and you still blame yourself, but you feel like you could go on. Maybe you're just numb to it by now, but it's a lot better than it has been.
"I'm good. Um, how will we sleep?"
> The pegasus looks around, a calculating look on her muzzle. "You can have the seat if you want. I'll bunk up with Pavo. I don't mind."
> You're grateful about that and smile at the mare in gratitude.
"Thanks."
> "Yeah, no problem," she says and pokes you with a hoof. "Come on, let's jump down and stretch our legs."
> It's a good idea and you follow Sky Light out of the truck. It's quite a jump, but you dangle your hind legs from the seat and it's not so bad. You might even be able to get up by yourself. You'll have to give that a try sometime.
> The pegasus leads you to the grass by the parking lot. It's a new, unfamiliar place, but it reminds you a lot about the truck stop back... home.
> Weird how you're thinking about a broken-down van as a home...
> Sky doesn't stop at the grass but keeps going. You look at her strangely, but don't comment as you follow. You quickly understand when she turns around and gets this intense, concentrating look on her muzzle.
> There's a splashing sound and you hurriedly look away.
"Sorry," you squeak.
> "What?" the mare asks, sounding confused. She understands after a moment and chuckles. "Don't worry about it. I suggest you go as well. Most toilets at these things are pay ones. Waste of money."
> You look around and lower your voice.
"What if I have to go number two?" you whisper.
> "Well, either find a thick bush or pay the fee. Your choice. Personally, bush is fine - at least at night."
> Luckily you don't have to think about that just now. You walk a short distance away from the pegasus and turn so you're facing her.
> She's right about number one - it'd be a waste of money to pay for a toilet when it's nice and dark out, and there are no people around.
> You're thankful she doesn't come closer to watch. It's embarrassing enough as it is.
> Sky goes to sit beside the truck and watch the never-ending line of traffic on the nearby highway. When you join her she puts her wing around you and you snuggle up against her.
> The night isn't chilly, but you still appreciate the warmth and closeness.
"We're gonna find Maribelle, right?"
> "Sure, sweetie!" Sky Light replies with a happy grin on her muzzle. "We're resourceful and tough, just you wait and see."
"How do we get into the... whatever it is. The facility?"
> The pegasus gives some thought to it. "Dunno. Maybe we can sneak in on the back of a truck, if someone from Pavo's company will take us. Or maybe we can find a hole in the fence. These things sometimes get neglected."
> She thinks a bit longer, then grins nastily. "Most humans also don't think about the aerial route. You've got a pegasus with you, remember?"
"You can carry me?!" you gasp.
> Sky Light shrugs a little. "I think so. Not too far, but probably far enough to get us inside."
"Then what?"
> Again the pegasus lifts her shoulders. "We take it one hoofstep at a time. First we get in, then we'll see. No use making plans when we don't even know what the place looks like."
> That makes sense and you nod against Sky Light's neck.
"I guess."
> You see Pavo returning from the restaurant. He's just a silhouette against the garish lights of the place, but there's no mistaking his shape. He has a couple of paper bags in his hand and you start drooling when you think about the fried goodness inside.
> Five seconds later you can't wait and go meet him. He's a bit amused by your impatience but doesn't begrudge you your dinner.
> The smell from the bag is intoxicating. Melted cheese and fries. You couldn't have had it more than two or three times at the School and it was incredibly tasty. You tear the bag apart in your haste but luckily don't spill anything on the ground.
> You would have eaten it from the ground, you realize.
> Pig-pony!
> The thought almost makes you chuckle, except that you're too busy stuffing your mouth with food while it's hot.
"Mmmmphh!" you moan.
> A few paces away Sky Light makes almost exactly the same noise as she digs into her own meal. You look around if Pavo is watching, but he went and climbed up into the cabin. Probably making the bed, you guess.
> It doesn't matter. The bit of melted cheese in your hooves is your entire world for the next few minutes.
> Once it's all in your belly, you make your way back to where Sky Light is licking the last few crumbs from her hooves. At least you were able to stop yourself from doing that, you think.
"I'll go and brush. Can you get me my toothbrush?"
> It's in your bag up in the cabin. The pegasus can basically jump that high but it would be quite a climb for you.
> "Sure thing!" Sky Light says, helpfulness personified. She's up on the seat in a single bound and moments later passes down the plastic bag with your brush and toothpaste.
"Thanks!"
> You're not too thrilled about going into the place by yourself, but Pavo has explained it should be empty at this time of the night. The room with washbasins and drinking water is free of charge, which is quite nice.
> Bag gripped firmly in your mouth, you make you way there.
>...
> You come back and see that the passenger door is open, waiting for you. That's very kind of Sky Light.
> As you guessed it's a precarious climb up into the cabin, but you manage. You pause on the seat to catch your breath, then pull the door closed. Only then do you look around and gape.
> There are two beds!
> Pavo did something to the back of the cabin and there's now bunk beds where there used to be just the one mattress. Sky Light pokes her head out from the top.
> "We can share up here. There's plenty of room!"
> You gladly accept. There's no ladder, but you put your hind leg on the backrest and push yourself up. Luckily the pegasus moves out of the way in time and you find yourself on a relatively spacious bed - for a pony, at least.
> It's downright cozy! There's just one pillow, but it's enough for both of you.
> Sky is already holding a blanket open for you and you gratefully slide in.
> "Night, Pavo!" the pegasus says.
> The reply comes from below: "Good night, girls!"
"Oh. Night!"
> You'd almost forgotten.
> Now if only you could sleep through the night without a bad dream, that'd be a perfect start to your road trip!
> Hooves around your barrel help a lot, as does Sky's gentle licking of your ear. "It's fine, sweetheart. I'm here if you need anything, okay?"
> You nod, certain that the pegasus can feel your motion.
"Thank you."

> ~~~~

> You are woken up from a dreamless slumber when Sky Light nuzzles you and whispers: "Rosa? You awake?"
"I am now," you manage to get out before yawning. "What is it?"
> "Move over, I need to get out. Gotta pee," the pegasus explains.
> You obediently shuffle back while your friend kind of rolls over top of you so she's nearer the edge. From there, it's not a problem for her to climb down.
> She tries to open the door as quietly as possible, but then leaves it open. Probably so it'll be easier to come back. You don't mind - the breeze feels nice in the stuffy cabin.
> On the lower bed you hear Pavo turn, but then resume his snoring. It's not as bad as you'd feared and it only woke you up once or twice so far.
> You close your eyes and try to go back to sleep. Sky Light will be fine, she's a grown mare.
> Just on the point of drifting off again, you feel the truck move slightly as the pegasus lands in the passenger seat. You open one eye and shuffle further towards the back so she has room, but she doesn't climb up yet.
> Maybe she wants to sit and watch the road a little, you figure.
> A few moments later Sky Light gently shuts the door, which brings you out to near full wakefulness again. You're still waiting for the mare to rejoin you in the bed.
> Instead, you hear the pony shuffling around below and your eyes flare open. Did Sky Light miss her bunk? You're about to tell her, but the mare whispers and you clamp your mouth shut.
> "Pavo? You awake?"
> The human sighs and shifts with a rustle of cloth. "Am now. What's wrong?"
> There's a longer silence, then Sky Light says so quietly you really have to strain to catch the words. "Wanna quick muzzle-job?"
> Instantly your face flashes red. What in the buckitty buck is she doing?!
> You're glad to hear Pavo is just as surprised. "What the fuck?! What's the matter with you? NO!"
> The pegasus almost sounds embarrassed, but you know she's not really. "Sorry, just thought I'd offer. You know, since I'm up and Rosa is asleep."
> Presumptuous, too!
> "I have a wife. Jeez!" the driver exclaims. "What made you think I'd want- that. From you?"
> You hear the rustle of feathers as Sky Light shrugs. "Who doesn't want a nice muzzle-job?"
> The human lets out a weary sigh. "Okay- first of all: No! Second of all: Why are you offering? Why now?!"
> By this time the mare has shuffled her way back to the passenger seat so you have an easier time hearing her whispering: "Just thought you might like some... extra payment for taking us."
> "Sky..." Pavo says wearily, "I'm taking you two because I'm returning the favor, okay? And because I consider you a friend. That's all there is to it. You don't need to 'pay' me any more than that, got it? Now get back to sleep before I kick you both out!"
> Finally she's coming back up to the top bunk! The pegasus slips between the sheets and stretches her legs a little. You poke her with a hoof.
"What the buck is wrong with you?!" you whisper, hopefully so Pavo can't hear.
> "Oh," Sky Light says in a defeated tone. "You heard?"
"Are you a total whore, or just incredibly stupid?"
> Belatedly you cover your mouth with a hoof, but too late to stop the language. Luckily Sky Light doesn't take it the wrong way.
> "Just thought I'd make sure he doesn't- Forget about it, okay? It's not a big deal to me!"
> You shake your head.
> This mare...
"Good night," you say firmly.
> "Yeah. Sorry. Good night."
> Despite her idiocy, you still put your legs around the pegasus and draw her closer. She's a scamp with the morals of a cat and the sex drive of- of *a rabbit*, but she's still your friend.
> You don't think you'll ever fall back asleep after that, but in the quiet and the warmth you find yourself drifting off in a matter of minutes.

> ~~~~

> For about a minute after waking up you have real trouble remembering where you are, and why. There's some cloth above you which you can just reach with your hoof. It's soft, but firm.
> Sky Light is curled up in a ball against your belly, which makes you so comfortable you don't really want to move.
> You can see the light from your left and it looks like the sun is rising.
> It's then that you remember. The truck, the stop, even Sky Light's indecent proposal last evening. Despite the absurdity of it all you smile a little.
> Something about being on the road, going somewhere and pursuing Maribelle makes you feel truly refreshed. For the first time in weeks you feel like your old self again. Like the world is full of possibilities and you can achieve anything.
> Sky Light shifts and presses her muzzle further into your belly. A moment later you feel her warm, wet tongue lick there and it makes you giggle and scooch away.
"Hee hee!"
> That wakes her up and Sky Light lifts her head to seek out your neck for a nuzzle. She doesn't open her eyes, though. "Mornin-" she begins, but then she yawns, opening her muzzle wide and letting her tongue fall out.
> The little curl at the tip is kinda cute and you can't help yourself. You lightly kiss her nose.
"Morning, sleepy!"
> Her eyes flutter open and you almost fall into the endless blue. Felicity would have called the color 'sapphire' or something. She was always better at fashion than you.
> The sight is all the more beautiful with that merry twinkle. "Slept well?" she asks.
"Mhm!" you confirm.
> Sky Light shifts a little so she can look at the windshield. "Still early," she decides. "Ten more minutes?"
> You focus inward and the pressure in your bladder isn't too bad yet - at least until you move. You give the pegasus a slow nod.
"Ten minutes."
> It had gotten much cooler in the night and now you snuggle closer to the warm pegasus. "Aww, cold?" she asks with mock pity in her voice.
> "C'mere, you poor, freezing thing," Sky Light invites and carefully snakes a wing around your barrel. It's *so* comfy.
> You could just imagine Paolo doing that and the image gives you a nice, warm feeling in your belly.
> How long has it been since you even thought of the colt? You've been so preoccupied with Lillian.
> You miss him.
> The pegasus probably catches your expression, because she smiles widely and pokes your nose with hers. "Thinking of your little colt back at the school?" she asks.
"He isn't my- eep!" you squeak, then fix the mare with a glare. "How do you know?"
> "He he he!" Sky Light laughs. "Good guess. Your face gave it away. It's cute. What was his name again?"
"Paolo."
> You can't keep the blush off your muzzle, but you share Sky Light's soft smile.
> "What was he like?" she asks.
> This sounds like a difficult question and you think for a moment.
"Well, he's a pegasus and he's training for the Post Office. His mane is yellow and his coat is blue - kinda like your eyes!"
> You give it some more thought, then smile inwardly as you remember.
"I really like his eyes. They're violet. Lighter than me. Oh, and so shiny!"
> "Good, good," Sky Light comments, "sounds like a sweetheart. How long can he last? Good tongue?"
> That breaks the spell and you giggle even while you blush some more.
"Sky!"
> The mare slaps herself with her hoof. "Oh, that's right! You said you'd never done it. Shame, he sounds like a good lover."
> You refuse to comment, but you prod the mare with a hoof and grin while she laughs softly to herself.
> "Jesus Christ, what time do you call this, you two?" comes a gruff voice from below, making you even more red in the muzzle.
> Pavo! You'd nearly forgotten he was there! How long has he been listening? What has he heard?
"S-Sorry!" you squeak.
> The whole cabin moves as Pavo turns around. You hear him slide across his bed and then you see his head poke up as he stands up. "Morning, ladies," he greets.
> His smile lets you relax. Sky Light doesn't turn around, but her ears face back towards the man. "Mornin'!" she squeaks. This time you think there's a blush on her muzzle! She looks like she's hoping Pavo won't mention last night.
> "Who's up for coffee and breakfast?" the man asks, kindly avoiding asking the pegasus about her night-time blunder.
"Ooh, yes please! We have money!"
> Pavo waves it away with a grin. "Nah, my treat. What'll you have?"
> Your mouth waters at the memory as you imagine something delicious.
"Can I get eggs? Fried?"
> In front of you Sky Light licks her lips thoughtfully. "Mmm, with a slice of bacon," she says, almost drooling. You do your best to ignore the unpleasant image.
> "Yeah, but those paper plates suck. Tell you what, how about scrambled eggs in a sandwich? That's what I usually get at this place."
> "Mine with a slice of bacon!" Sky Light repeats.
> "Yeah, yeah, I heard it," Pavo says back with a grin. "Okay, two scrambled egg sandwiches with bacon, one without, anything else?"
> You open your muzzle to say it, but Sky Light is faster: "Coke for me, please!"
> "Okay, you Rosa?"
"Umm, orange juice, if they have it. Oh, and some extra salt!"
> Scrambled eggs are *so* delicious with extra salt! Your hooves are still around Sky and you squeeze her to yourself in excitement. The mare just laughs at your enthusiasm while the man leaves the cabin.
> You remember your immediate problem.
"I have to pee."
> Grass probably wouldn't do it now that it's light out, so you'll have to go to the truck stop's public toilets and pay.
> "Sure thing, just scooch past."
> You slide over the pegasus, then grip the edge of the bunk bed and lower yourself to the seat, ass first. Sky Light remains lying on her back and closes her eyes again. "Wake me up when food's here," she says.
> Without answering, you let go of the edge and drop your forehooves lightly on the passenger seat. Yours and Sky Light's bags are there and you rummage for a few coins. You don't want to take the whole backpack with you.
> Going out among those humans is going to feel a bit weird and scary, but you gather your courage and hook the handle with a hoof so you can open the door.
> You don't have a good place for the coins, so you grip them in your mouth and jump down from the truck. The fall is deep and the landing is a bit jarring, but you're an earth pony and you can take it.
> Time to face this bright, new world you guess, as you head for the only building in sight.

> ~~~~

> Other than one or two humans looking at you funny when you came out, nothing untoward happened in the toilets. You were a bit nervous, but there aren't a lot of ladies at the truck stop so you had the place all to yourself.
> The machine which accepted your coin and let you in was a bit awkward to operate - whoever designed it obviously had humans in mind and not ponies, but you managed to use it anyway, even if you had to balance on your hind legs and slide the money in with your mouth.
> You're hurrying back to the truck, already salivating a bit at the thought of delicious breakfast. Hopefully by the time you get there Sky Light won't have her muzzle on Pavo's...
> Good thing the man doesn't want any.
> When you get there, the passenger door is still open and you clamber up and inside. Your pegasus friend is stuffing her face with an egg sandwich. It would smell delicious, if it weren't for the bacon.
> Sky Light spots you and pulls herself away from her food for long enough to point to the dashboard. There's a flat bit in front of the passenger seat and you see a paper bag on it. "Yours," the pegasus explains.
> You grab it and revel in the delicious warmth on your hooves. The weather is getting warmer, but the ground was still a bit cold. Without further ado you bite into the hot, eggy, bread. It's a tiny bit undercooked, but that just means the eggs are slightly more runny - just the way you like them.
"Mmmmph!" you praise.
> A couple of chews reveals something missing and you poke Sky Light on her shoulder.
"Salt?"
> "Oh," she exclaims and passes over a paper plate with some of the delicious white powder on it. It takes careful hoofwork to carefully tip it onto the sandwich, but then you take another bite and it's all worth it.
> You only manage to chew twice before stopping and simply letting the salty eggs melt on your tongue. Over, beyond Sky Light, Pavo starts chuckling at your expression. You hear the snap of his phone camera, but you don't care.
> Even the pegasus is grinning at you in amusement, but you don't mind that either.
"It's sooooo goood," you whine when you can talk again.
> "Yeah," the mare agrees.
> While you're putting the last few bites in your mouth Pavo starts the truck. "Last chance, ladies," he says. "I know you've been to the toilet Rosa - you wanna go as well, Sky?"
> She leans her head to the side in thought, then shakes her head. "I'm good," she assures the man, but then thinks again. "We're stopping at noon for lunch, right?"
> "Yep," Pavo confirms.
> "I'll go then."
> He shrugs a little to himself. "Suit yourself. Tell me if you have to go. Both of you. I'll stop, it's not a problem."
"Thanks!"
> That's actually something of a relief. You've been avoiding drinking too much because you didn't want to have to control your bladder for hours and hours until Pavo stopped. You put the empty sandwich paper beside you and step over Sky Light to reach your bag.
> There's a plastic bottle of water that's still half full which you fish out. Opening it is a bit of a skill, but you stick the thing between your thighs and use both your forehooves on the cap to twist it off.
> A few gulps refresh you nicely. You offer the rest to Sky, who shakes her head.
> "So, what's the plan today?" the pegasus asks the driver, who is checking his instruments and fiddling with the paper circle.
> This time you're paying closer attention and he uses a small key on the dashboard to open a circular hole and put the paper in.
"What's that?" you ask.
> "Tachograph," the man says, but the word is meaningless to you. Luckily, he explains after closing the hatch: "It writes down how fast I'm going at all times, so the cops can check if I broke the speed limit."
> That sounds quite clever, actually. That way they don't have to sit on all the roads and measure all the time.
"Oh."
> "Yeah, the new trucks have a digital one, but I kinda like these old things. I bring them home to my son when the office is done with them - you know, something to collect."
> That sounds cute, actually, and you smile.
"How sweet!"
> The man actually blushes! You feel proud of yourself and silently decide to have Pavo make more pictures around the truck for his boy. You wish you could meet him!
> The preparations seem done and the human puts his hands on the wheel. "Time to be off. Keep your eyes on the passenger side, we'll be passing some nice lakes today."
> "Ooooh," Sky Light whimpers, "can we stop for a swim? Pleaseohpleaseohplease?!"
> You shake your head a little at her outright begging, but your ears go up in anticipation. You wouldn't mind a dip.
> Come to think of it, you've never swam in your life and you want to know what it feels like. Despite that, you're not going to pressure the man.
> "Hmm," Pavo goes all thoughtful for a moment. He glances over at two expectant pony faces and his expression crumbles. "Okay, okay, jeez. You're like two kids!"
> "Yep! That's us!" Sky Light, a thirty-something years old mare says with a grin.
> The driver is silent for a few moments while he merges on the highway, then he reaches over to pat the pegasus on her head. "Okay, how about this: instead of lunch we just take a short break at noon, and then we stop at three or four near a lake. You can swim for two hours while I take a nap and then I'll drive till midnight or so."
> You almost bounce on the seat from joy, but Sky Light beats you to it. She knows enough not to distract the man, so she grabs you instead.
> "Yes!" she exclaims in joy, "yes yes yes! We're going swimming! It's been ages since I went swimming!"
> You look at her as if she's gone insane and the mare catches your glance. "What?" she asks, suddenly self-conscious. "No lakes around the city and ponies aren't exactly welcome at public swimming pools."
"You really are like a kid sometimes..."
> The mare just sticks her tongue out at you and you both burst out laughing.

> ~~~~

> Evening finds you lying on your back in the passenger seat with all four legs up in the air. Your muscles hurt.
> There's nothing special to this swimming business, but boy is it tiring! You shouldn't have pushed it as far as you did, but Sky Light splashed around with you and she didn't seem too wrung out.
> Should have figured the pegasus was cheating with her wings and her lighter body!
"Uuuurgh!"
> "That bad?" Pavo asks.
"Yes!"
> He just chuckles in lieu of a reply. Behind you, Sky Light gives a small snore from Pavo's bed. Her excuse for not getting up to the bunk she shares with you was that she's too tired, but you very much doubt that.
> You'll get the real reason out of her later. Hopefully it isn't something... sexual.
> That mare...
> You look over to the driver, faintly illuminated by his instruments.
"I'll try and stay awake. Keep you company. That no-good lout sure as hell isn't gonna."
> "Nah, don't worry about it. I'm used to driving alone and I can always put on some radio to pass the time," the man assures you.
"So," you say, looking for conversation topics, "what sorta stuff do you drive around?"
> "Haul," Pavo corrects. "This time it's a load of sheet metal. I drove industrial piping from this company that makes it one way and I'm bringing raw materials the other way."
"Cool. I bet that saves a trip."
> "Yeah. Now that everything is on computers, my firm can find all these little shortcuts. Maximize profits, that sort of crap."
> You don't know much about economy or logistics. The School had no such programs. Ponies weren't trusted with administrative tasks.
"Mhm," you answer noncommittally.
> "What about you? How old are you?"
> Nothing wrong with him knowing that, you decide.
"Mmm, I'll be seventeen soon."
> You'd hardly thought about that, but it's no more than a couple of months ahead. November. You used to look forward to your birthday, because Instructor Martha brought cake and you had a little party with your roommates.
> It'll just be another day if things keep going like they are now.
> "That young, eh? I'm *really* glad I didn't take you up on that offer," Pavo says, laughing. He notices your confused muzzle-scrunch and explains: "That time Sky tricked you?"
"Oh!"
> The memory makes you blush, especially with what'd happened last night.
"She's... weird."
> You've been looking at Pavo, even if he is upside down from your perspective, and the man shrugs. "Nothing wrong with enjoying herself. Just so long as she can take a 'no' without fuss."
"I guess."
> Realizing you're gossiping about your friend who is lying about two feet away, you fall silent and lift your head a little to free an ear. Good, the pegasus is still snoring.
> "How'd you two meet?" Pavo asks, also reaching the same conclusion as you.
"Um," you start, then pause.
> This next bit *might* be problematic. It all depends on how law-abiding Pavo really is. Escapee ponies are technically wanted persons and he ought to turn you over to the police. Still, he hadn't done it for Sky Light, so he's probably fine.
"I ran away and Sky saw me when she was flying over."
> You don't add 'on one of her drug deliveries'. No sense in pushing it.
> "Oh. Did they beat you or what?"
"No, nothing like that," you say, shaking your head, but then remember. "Well, not until that last day, at least."
> The human keeps asking: "What happened on the last day?"
> You heave a sigh, not really wanting to remember, but doing it anyway.
"Got my cutie mark. The guy I was working for freaked out about it. I still don't know why exactly. He tied me up and wanted to send me back to the School and have me..."
> This next bit leaves a bad taste in your mouth.
"... put down."
> "Yeesh," Pavo exclaims. He reaches over to give your muzzle a gentle pat and you lick his palm in gratitude. "Good thing you got away."
> You decide to tell a bit more.
"This girl - his daughter - we were really close. She let me go."
> Before you know it there are fresh tears in your eyes. You blink and try to push that whole mess out of your mind. It's too late, though. A sniff betrays you.
> For a while Pavo says nothing, then his voice comes quietly, as if being careful not to upset you more: "You miss her, don't you?"
> All you can do for a moment is nod.
"Yes..."
> The human drives in silence for a few minutes, giving you some welcome time to collect yourself. Once you're sure you can speak again without your voice breaking, you ask your next question.
"Why are some people so afraid of cutie marks? What's wrong with a pony getting one?"
> Pavo gives this due consideration. "Dunno, really. I remember a few years back - hell, must've been more like fifteen by now - there was this huge panic about that sort of thing. Ponies with magic knocked down some buildings."
> He's thinking back and it amazes you how people can do that and still drive. You lift your head to look, but the truck stays exactly in the middle of its lane. It's uncanny the way he's hardly concentrating on the job!
> "Anyway," Pavo says, as if waking up from a dream, "there was a lot of fear and all unicorns were rounded up. There was a witch hunt for a while, but the rest of you guys were left pretty much alone after that."
> He reaches over again to pat your muzzle and you give his hand another lick. It's almost like a little ritual at this point and it calms you.
> "There was a lot of research about these cutie marks of yours, but I don't think anything much came out of it. Stuff just... died down once there were no more unicorns around."
> Pavo scratches his chin, then keeps talking and you keep listening.
> "I guess there might be some left, hiding. People don't usually bother about ponies walking around, but they would if it's a unicorn. They'd have to hide really well."
"Makes sense."
> You wonder if you'll ever meet a unicorn. All the old Equestrian ponies at the School were earth ponies and not one of them mentioned anything about a unicorn ever.
> "Sorry I can't be more use. It was a while back and it didn't really affect us where I lived. Hardly any ponies around."
"That's okay. Thanks!" you say despite that.
> "So, about another hour and we'll be at this truck stop I know. You can go and nap with Sky if you want - I'll put on some radio."
"Ummm..."
> Your hesitation is because you don't want Pavo to be bored, but he misinterprets your expression. "It's fine, you can sleep in my bed. I'll wake you up when we're there."
> Before you can say no, the human reaches over - further this time - and pats your belly. "You look like you need it. Legs sore?"
> Stretching your hooves out makes you wince, and you nod.
"Yeah."
> "Get back there and rest a bit. I'm fine over here."
> You obey and roll to your belly before crawling into Pavo's bed where Sky Light is still snoring. You snuggle up to the pegasus, not really minding that you're on top of the blanket. The cabin is warm enough.
> Sky reaches over to touch you and stops snoring, but she doesn't wake up all the way. All she says is: "Mmm? Rosa?" before turning to her side and seeking you out with her muzzle. She bumps against your leg then gives the air a nice lick.
> "Go t' sleep," the mare says and relaxes once more.
> Chuckling softly, you put a hoof around her withers and press your muzzle against that heavenly soft chest fluff.
> Pavo said he would wake you up when you arrive. Then you can pee and shower and brush your teeth before getting on the top bunk. It should be nice and private this late in the night, too.
> There's just one thing you have to do before you drift off.
"Pavo?"
> "Hmm?"
"Thanks for taking us. You're a good friend."
> The man gives a faint laugh. "That means something, coming from you. Sweet dreams!"
> You put your head back against Sky Light's barrel and then you're out like a light.

> ~~~~

> It only took a few days for you to become an honest-to-God trucker pony. Sitting next to Pavo and watching what he's doing makes you think you could drive a truck, if only you could reach the pedals.
> His explaining everything you asked also helped a lot and you've been having a load of fun.
> Sky Light didn't join in - she spent most of her time napping, or sitting on the far side of the passenger seat and staring at the distant horizon. Maybe she misses flying.
> Every day is packed full of interesting things and you usually fall asleep within minutes of lying down, so you haven't really talked to the mare lately. Maybe you should try and get some alone time with her soon.
> She seems bothered about something, or maybe sad. It's hard to tell with her. Maybe she misses Terry? The fact that she's stopped offering herself to the human is good, but it could be a sign.
"So," you're repeating what you'd just learned, "you're not allowed to go to any of the left lanes?"
> "No, I'm allowed," Pavo corrects, "but it has to be empty and I have to get back to the right as soon as I can. Those lanes are meant for overtaking slower vehicles only."
"Right, right. And we're the 'slower vehicles' here?"
> It makes sense - you see a constant stream of traffic on Pavo's side and every single car out there seems to be a lot faster than your truck. You figured it's just because of all the heavy cargo, but Pavo told you about speed limits today.
> The whole thing is incredibly complicated and it's no wonder humans have to spend months just learning the rules and then a couple of years practicing.
> "You got it, Rosa."
> You can't quite keep your chest from expanding with pride. You're good at this!
"In which situations would you even need to go left?"
> The human shrugs. "Well, if there's something even slower than us up ahead I'm allowed to overtake it. Or if there's an obstacle, like road works or something."
"Oooh. Right."
> You look over at the pegasus, but Sky Light doesn't seem to be paying attention at all. She's completely disinterested, so you try to engage her a bit.
"You could probably fly faster than this, right Sky?" you ask.
> The mare looks around, then shrugs a little. "Dunno. I guess."
> It's starting to worry you. Something is definitely wrong, but you're not sure you want to bring it up around Pavo.
> You glance at the clock and then at the sky. The human normally drives until it's dark out, then he looks for the next truck stop. Judging by the light that seems about three or four hours away. You resolve to drag the pegasus out and have a chat about what's bothering her.
> She needs to be focused for what you're planning up ahead. Pavo says you'll be in his company in about three more days and then - provided he can find someone to take you to White Pigeon - at your destination in another day.
> Maribelle is coming closer. You were wondering if those prophetic dreams would get stronger or more frequent now that the distance is getting shorter, but you haven't had a single one since you started.
> Sky Light has been having some pretty intense ones, though. Several times you woke up in the night when a hoof bumped you or a wing nudged your ribs, only to find the pegasus tossing and turning and mumbling beside you.
> The first few times you woke her up, but she said she didn't remember anything. Lately you've just hugged her and the mare quietened down soon enough.
> Is whatever she's dreaming about connected with the reason for her preoccupied gloom during the day?
> When was the last time you saw her smile, for real?
> Was it that time you both went swimming in that lake?
> Really worrying. If lack of sex is affecting her that much, maybe you'll have to go down on her to get her spirits up. Hopefully it's not that, though. It would be a last resort and you probably wouldn't be able to look her in the eyes ever again.
> Even Pavo has caught the heavy mood because he stopped talking and is now searching the radio for some music. That's okay, you're suddenly not in the mood for trucker talk anymore, either.
"I think I'll grab a nap. I didn't sleep all that much last night," you lie.
> "Sure thing," the human says.
> You pick the lower bed because it's less of a hassle than climbing up to the top bunk while the truck is moving. There's also something about it that helps you sleep better.
> Probably it's softer, you suppose as you're curling up and facing the back wall. You take a deep breath and it does wonders for calming down your worries.
> The radio starts playing something upbeat, but you don't mind. It turns out you can fall asleep with pretty much any noise. You feel around with a hoof until you find Pavo's blanket and pull it around yourself. Not that you're cold, but it feels more snug and helps you drift off.

> ~~~~

> You sleep through the rest of the drive and Sky Light wakes you up for a late dinner. It's pizza again, but you don't mind. Pizza is delicious.
> Despite that, you can't help noticing that the mare is eating a bit listlessly.
"How's your slice?" you ask, just making conversation.
> The pegasus looks at it, as if she's only seeing it for the first time, then shrugs. "Fine."
> You shuffle a little closer and lick a bit of sauce from Sky's muzzle.
"What's wrong?"
> The mare looks at you for a long time, then shrugs. "Just bored, I guess."
> You have a feeling that's a lie, but you don't push her, not on a flimsy hunch like that. Surely the mare will tell you if it's something you can help her with.
"You don't miss mooching, do you? We could try there at the truck stop tomorrow before we leave..."
> Sky Light blinks in surprise and gives you an incredulous look. "What?" she bursts out, then laughs. "Holy crap, that's a good one. No, I don't miss mooching!"
> It's somewhat of a relief to see the pegasus at least amused, if not happy. You're also glad you won't have to actually go through with it. You've gotten a lot of practice with the whole thing, but you still don't like doing it.
> Your friend is smiling, so that's good progress. You grin right back at her.
"Sorry, just a stupid idea. Wanna grab a shower?"
> This gives the pegasus a pause and she lifts up a wing to sniff it. "I could use one," she concedes.
"Damn right you could use one. I have to sleep in the same bed, you know?"
> This time Sky Light looks embarrassed. "Yeah, sorry. I guess I forget when I'm... bored."
> There was a definite pause and it makes you doubt her claim even more.
"You sure that's all it is? Just bored? You know you can tell me whatever is bothering you. Is it me? Pavo?"
> Your muzzle scrunches up in distaste.
"Is it cause you're not getting... y'know... any?"
> The mare shakes her head. "Nothing like that. Don't worry, Rosa. I'm fine! I swear!"
> You decide to lay off for the moment. If her mood keeps getting worse, then you'll press her some more. After all, you need the mare focused to get into the facility when you get there.
> According to the human, that's at most a few days away. About three or four to reach his company, then - if all goes well - another day for someone to drive you to White Pigeon.
> Now that you're getting close you're also starting to feel excited. Eager, exhilarated and - most of all - anxious. Something is giving you a bad feeling and you don't know why.
> Maybe that's what Sky Light is sensing, too?
"We're gonna be fine, right? In White Pigeon?" you prompt.
> Sky Light blinks at the sudden change of topic. "Oh, sure," she says dismissively. "Two determined mares like us? Pfft, they won't know what hit them!"
> It's bravado, but the pegasus does sound as confident as ever. She holds up a hoof and you bump it with yours.
"Yeah! We're getting Maribelle out of there and then we're getting some answers!"
> You just hope it's not a lie. It has to be like every other human business, right? People work in the day and then most of them go home at night. A few guards stay around, like at the School, but those are usually lazy and it's not difficult to sneak past them.
> It's going to be tricky, you're not fooling yourself, but you'll do it. You have your earth pony strength and Sky Light can fly. If everything goes back, she can probably get both you and Maribelle out in a couple of trips.
> Your pizza is getting cold and you quickly bite into it again. It's still good and you hadn't eaten a whole lot today.
> Then it's a quick shower, brushing your teeth and then sleep until Pavo wakes up to drive again.
> Now that you're used to it, being on the road *is* kinda boring. You feel like you understand what the pegasus is feeling.
> She's used to having the whole sky open to her. Now she's cooped up and has to watch the landscape slide slowly past.
> Probably she's also lonely. Back in the city she was a very social pony. She knew absolutely everyone and went to see them on a regular basis.
> No wonder she's going a bit crazy, locked up in the truck with just you and Pavo and with nothing to do.
> Things will get better once you reach White Pigeon.
> Yeah, you feel pretty confident in that.

> ~~~~

> It's drawing nearer. One more night in the truck and then you'll be reaching Pavo's company late the next day. You're looking forward, if only for the change of scenery, but you're also a bit anxious.
> You'd only just gotten used to life on the road and now it'll be back to the street. You wonder where you'll sleep while the tucker arranges the next leg of your journey. He said he would and you don't doubt him, but it might take a couple of days before his military-cargo-driving friend shows up from his latest haul.
> Haul - you're even starting to think like a trucker.
> In a very small way you were hoping you'd have one of the minor mishaps - like one of the back tires going flat so you can see how it's changed and maybe impress Pavo with your earth pony strength.
> It's just as well your wish didn't come true, otherwise you wouldn't have made such good time. You find yourself looking at the road ahead and lightly biting your hoof as the destination draws nearer.
> First Pavo's company, then White Pigeon, then... Maribelle.
> You wonder what she'll say when she sees you again. She probably isn't expecting that in a million years!
> "Someone's getting excited," Pavo comments, seeing your goofy grin.
> Flashing the man a happy smile, you lean your head closer so he can give you a scratch behind the ears.
"Yes!"
> Too bad Sky Light seems to have gotten worse. You're really worried about her. All the pegasus does lately is sleep and it doesn't seem healthy.
> Right at the moment she's leaning against the passenger window, looking out at the sunset and not saying anything.
> You pull away from the scritches with a sigh of regret and shuffle over to the pegasus so you can nudge her with a hoof.
"You okay, Sky?"
> She doesn't even react to your touch. One ear lifts slightly to focus on you, but then goes back down.
> "Yeah, fine," she lies.
"Really?"
> "I said I'm fine!"
> That was a bit too snappy, but you've gotten used to it lately. She seems preoccupied and her dreams have been getting worse, so you're really worried.
> Even Pavo is concerned. He told you in whispers at the last stop when Sky had gone to the toilets. You glance over and catch his frown.
"We'll be there soon, and then we'll get Maribelle out and we'll find out what's happening, okay?"
> "Sure, whatever."
> You put your hooves around the mare and lean your muzzle again her withers, but Sky Light shrugs you off.
"Please talk to me," you whisper to her.
> This time there's no reply, not even a lie that everything is okay. You try the hug again, but without nuzzles this time.
> It works and at least she doesn't shake you off. You spend a few moments just feeling the mare breathe slowly.
> Every now and then her breath catches, but she forces it out.
> Something is *definitely* wrong, but Sky Light wouldn't tell you. All she does is insist that it's none of your business and that she's fine.
> You reach over and gently turn her muzzle to face you, so you can look in her eyes.
> It's not good - there's definite streaks of tears down her muzzle and you quickly put yourself between the mare and the trucker. She probably wouldn't want him to see.
"What's wrong?"
> It's too quiet for Pavo to hear, but you still turn your ears back and listen to him intently. Above the steady hum of the engine you can hear his soft breathing and the occasional creak of his seat. He doesn't seem to be aware.
> Meanwhile Sky Light blinks and shakes her head free of your touch. She still doesn't answer. You can't do a whole lot - even with just Pavo it feels too public and open.
"I'm feeling a bit tired, wanna catch a quick nap before we stop for dinner?"
> She contemplates your offer while staring down at her hooves, then shrugs a little.
"Come on, let's get you into bed."
> At first it feels like you'll have to carry her, but the mare comes to her senses for long enough to crawl into Pavo's bunk. Over there she's behind the driver, so at least he wouldn't see.
> You poke your head out and lay your muzzle on his shoulder.
"Hey, mind if we pull the curtain a bit? It's kinda bright still."
> "Yeah, sure - go ahead," Pavo replies. It feels like he senses something's up, but he trusts you enough by now to handle it yourself.
> You gratefully pull at the little curtain until it's mostly shut, leaving you and Sky in the shadow. The mare breathes a sigh of relief.
> "Thanks," Sky Light says.
"Wanna tell me what's got you down?" you ask in a whisper.
> The mare shakes her head.
"Please?"
> Another no.
"Will you talk to me when we're alone?"
> This time she shrugs, which you feel is somewhat of an improvement. After a moment she sniffs softly and curls up. She presses Pavo's blanket against her nose, probably to muffle any further sound.
"Here, turn around. Just relax, I got you."
> Sometimes the best thing you can be is just 'there'. Another little lesson from the Assistant Pony classes. Touch them, distract them and make sure they know you're there. Never judge, never push. Your presence is enough.
> It works well on ponies, too - or at least on Sky Light. She turns until she's facing the back wall and you tuck the blanket tightly around her. The cabin isn't cold, but there's something therapeutic about being wrapped up all snug and warm.
> Then you lie down against her back and put a hoof around her barrel.
"There, I'll keep the bad dreams away, okay?"
> The pony leans her head back and you gladly accept the nuzzle. You remember another small trick Instructor Martha had told you about.
> You start slowly licking Sky's cheek. She freezes, unaccustomed to this action, but eventually she lets you push her head down on the thin pillow, all the while smoothing her fur down with your tongue.
> After a few moments she closes her eyes and lets out a long, sad sigh. Progress, maybe?
> You're aware how tightly Sky is clutching her belly - maybe eating meat is starting to catch up with her?
"Does your belly hurt?" you ask her.
> She doesn't open her eyes, but shakes her head. You slip your hoof lower and tap hers, until she relaxes her grip. Then you let her clutch your leg to her chest.
> Maybe it gives her some comfort, so you leave it there and go back to gently licking her face.
> In a flash of inspiration you start humming your song under your breath. You can't be sure, but maybe the mare starts smiling a tiny bit.
> The result is very encouraging, so you don't stop, even after she's clearly asleep.
> All the while your mind is racing.
> What in the world is on her mind? You wish she'd tell you.
> You still hope it's just being cooped up in the same place day in and day out that's getting her down. Once you're in White Pigeon and can go for a real walk she might start feeling better.
> Once Sky Light is in charge again. Maybe she needs to feel responsible to be happy? Could that be why she's helping you at all?
> You'll still get her in the showers when you stop and try to have a heart to heart. Something tells you getting to Maribelle won't leave room for error or incaution.
> In fact - it's not a pleasant thought - you'd rather go at it alone than with Sky Light the way she is now.

> ~~~~

> Sky Light didn't want to go, but you dragged her to get a shower. Part of the reason is the chat you want to have with her, but the mare also stinks. Now that you haven't been living in a dirty, run down van for a while you've become aware of cleanliness again.
> You shower nearly every day, especially if you've sweated at all and you make sure Sky Light keeps herself clean as well. You have to cuddle with her every night, after all.
> It's worth the money.
> Tonight is no different, so the mare doesn't complain. She follows you listlessly as you make your way into the truck stop.
> There's a number of humans around the bar, drinking or eating, many of which glance your way when you enter. You hope it will be the right sort of cashier - some of them have just turned you away in the past.
> You walk right up to the register and give the lad your best smile. The young ones are usually the most amenable.
"Hi! We're with one of the trucks and I was wondering if we could rent a couple of showers for bit?"
> The human stares a little - probably doesn't get to see many ponies, you guess - but then he jerks awake and hurriedly taps on his cash register. "Uh, yeah! Sure, no problem!"
> Your smile widens.
"Thank you! How much do I owe?"
> He has to read the amount four times, the poor thing. "Uh, nine sixty please," he says at last. You rummage in your backpack for a ten dollar note - you don't have all that many of those - and hold it up in your mouth.
"'ewe!"
> The young man whose name tag proclaims he's a 'Steven' and a student, takes the proferred money very gingerly, as if he is afraid of hurting you. Or maybe he expected you to bite. It's a bit funny and you have no problems keeping up your pleasant grin.
> He reaches down with the change and then looks confused about how you might take it. You lift up your upturned hoof and he very gently deposits the two coins. They go into the pocket and jingle a little as they meet their friends in there.
"Thanks! Through here?" you take the initiative.
> "Oh. Yes! There..."
> The cashier and several others watch you nudge the pegasus through the door to the shower area. You're relieved to see it's empty at this time, although you've had to shower with strange men present in the room and it turned out alright.
> Most of these facilities follow a similar basic plan to the first one you'd seen and this is no exception. The most notable difference is that the shower cabins have that foggy plastic sliding door, rather than a curtain.
> You nudge Sky Light into a cubicle and she reaches behind to close and lock the door. You step in before she can do that and the mare finally blinks. It's more of a reaction than you've seen out of her lately.
> "What the fuck?"
"Hush!"
> You lean your head against the door and make sure there's no one else in the room with you. Then you lower your voice to a whisper and face the mare.
"Sky, I've been really patient, but you're getting worse, okay? I really wanna help. What's wrong? Why were you crying today in the truck?"
> "I wasn't. Nothing's wrong. I don't know what you're talking about!" the mare lies. She can't meet your eyes, but you keep staring at her muzzle, looking for any clues.
"Something's wrong, I know it. Come on, Sky, you know you can tell me! We're in this together!"
> "It's none of your business," the pegasus mutters darkly.
"It is too! We're trying to pull off this rescue, I need you focused. Tell me what's bothering you!"
> You realize you won't get anything our of her by force. Pushing her would just make her clam up. You let your breath out and lower your head.
"Please don't just shut me out. I'm your friend, right? You can tell me anything and I won't judge, you know that!"
> In fact, she doesn't know that. You've judged a lot in the past, but not this time. This feels like something really important and whatever Sky Light is feeling, you'll support her. You try and convey that through your gentle smile.
> The mare turns away and stares at the wall tiles, but you step closer and put your hooves around her. Careful with the wings, of course. A moment later you switch your grip lower, so you're not messing up her feathers.
"I'm here for you," you say, then use her own word back, "sweetheart."
> The pegasus shifts in your grip but you don't let go. She draws a breath, then lets it slowly out. Her ears fold down and you know you've almost won.
> There's no time to celebrate because the mare takes a shuddering breath and speaks very softly: "Bad memories. I didn't know it would hit me that hard, but something about seeing the landscape slide by brings me back to..."
> She doesn't finish.
"Back to where? What bad memories?"
> Sky shakes her head. "You wouldn't understand, Rosa. Just let it go."
"Try me."
> The pegasus leans her head to the side and thinks hard about it. You barely keep from biting your lip in nervousness. She's going to crack! You're finally about to find out!
> "It's sad," Sky Light finally answers. "I don't wanna bother you with it. It'll pass."
> Big mistake. Now you *really* want to know. If something is bringing the pegasus down you wanna hear about it and help her through it. She's always been there when you were pining after Lillian.
> You keep your hug, lean your head against Sky's back and close your eyes.
"Bother me with it," you command softly. "Please- I wanna be here for you. You've always been there for me, Sky. Please?"
> The pony sniffles and moves again, but this time you release her so she can turn around to face you. There are tears in her eyes again. You quickly gather her into a hug again. Physical contact is the key, here.
> You might not be an expert hobo, but you've been training for stuff like this at the School.
> "I'm not- I don't wanna-" Sky Light sobs, but then can't speak anymore, overcome with some indescribable sadness. She goes limp in your grasp, but you easily support her if you sit on your haunches. The mare can lean on you like this all she wants - you're an earth pony.
"It's okay, there's no hurry. Whenever you're ready," you reassure her.
> It takes the pegasus almost a minute before she can talk again. "You're a good friend, Rosa. I really don't want you to hurt. I promise I'll be fine-"
> You hush her with a hoof on the muzzle, easily supporting her weight with your body. It feels nice when Sky makes herself comfortable against your chest fluff for a change.
"Shut up, you nitwit and tell me! Or else I'll go and imagine the most horrible things and then I'll have nightmares and cry all the time. You want that, huh?!"
> You kept your voice light, as if making a small joke, and it worked. That one almost brings a smile to her lips. "Yeah, you'd do that, you little idiot, wouldn't you?"
> She sobers up quickly and looks down to the floor tiles. "I had a daughter, you know?"
> It came out of nowhere and makes you gasp. The revelation is bad enough, but Sky Light said 'had'. Your eyes water instantly and your stomach clenches up in fear.
"W-What h-happened?"
> The mare gives you a pained, forlorn look and you quickly nuzzle her. Nopony should feel that way!
> "Stillborn," Sky whispers and sniffles.
> You're choked up as well. Already you're silently crying.
"I'm so, *so* sorry, Sky," you say, understanding that it's not enough, but there's no other words. "I'm so sorry..."
> "It was my own damned fault," the mare explains, suddenly angry. She stiffens in your grasp and growls. "It was booze."
> She seems determined to tell you the whole story and you won't stop her. It'll be sad and horrible, you can already feel that, but if talking about it helps Sky, then you'll bite your tongue and listen closely. It's the least you can do for her.
> "I was twenty or twenty one. Just after I ran away. I lived with this group of ponies in some huge pipes on a construction site. Mares and stallions. We were all teens so of course we bucked all the time. I was stupid and didn't know I was going into heat until it was too late."
> Her words feel like they're coming from a large distance. She pauses every now and then to take a shuddering breath, but each time she pushes forward with her story.
> "At first I didn't even realize it. Heh, I thought I was just getting fat. No morning sickness, see?" Sky gives a self-deprecating laugh. "Then, when I did find out, I got super freaked out. No chance in Hell I could raise a foal, not on the streets. I thought about going back to the human, but I was afraid he'd just beat it out of me."
> You start worrying that's what eventually happened, but you bite your lip to keep quiet. Sky Light doesn't need more questions, she just needs your ears right now, and your hooves around her, and your beating heart next to hers.
> "I decided to leave. I started train hopping because I couldn't look my gang in the eye anymore. I didn't even know which one of them was the father," the pegasus explains. "I just wanted out of there! Anywhere."
> "Anyway, I got depressed and I started drinking. Like- a lot. I don't think I was sober a single day after leaving. Don't ask me how I got money for booze. Half the time I didn't even know which direction the train was going."
"Oh no..."
> "Yeah. I was drunk off my ass when..." A shudder runs through the mare and she's weeping openly. It takes incredible effort, but she finishes the story, her voice cracking: "When I gave birth. It was on the train... That's why- the horizon..." Sky Light gasps for breath, then chokes out: "She was so little!"
> It's too much. You start crying out loud with Sky and holding on to her for all you're worth. She's gripping you almost painfully, but you don't mind in the slightest. You just hope she hears your heartbeat while she's pressing her head against your barrel.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" you keep repeating, knowing the words will never be enough.
> "I named her 'Daisy'!" Sky Light wails. You don't know what else to do, so you start alternating between licking her muzzle and nuzzling her. All just to make sure she knows you're there. "Buried her in a park near the next stop. Then I just... went back on the train. Drank some more."
> Despite how long ago it was, the pegasus still feels the loss keenly. "You rem-remind me of her," she sobs and you give her a squeeze.
> "Oh god, I'm sorry!" Sky Light says in a broken voice. "My sweet little Daisy, I'm so sorry!"
"It's okay," you lie, "it's okay. I'm here."
> Sky Light pulls away for a moment to look at you, then bursts into tears again and grips you once more. You just let her and keep hugging. It'll probably take a while, but you don't care at this point.
> You both need to cry this out now. Things will be better after a good cry.
> You hope.
>...
> You don't know how much time passes before your friend speaks again. "I thought it's been long enough!" Sky Light wails and slams the floor with a hoof. "Maybe it's because you remind me of her so much! She was an earth pony, too. God, I'm so sorry! I didn't know it would hit me like this!"
"Shut up," you tell her, not unkindly. "Of course it hit you! You'd have to be some kind of a monster for it not to! I'm glad you told me."
> "I hardly ever thought about it, and when I did I just got drunk again. Not lately anyway. You remind me of her, but you also take a lot of attention Rosa. Maybe that's a good thing."
> The pony gives you a sad smile. "Taking care of you - you're so young - maybe I thought it was some kind of payment, you know? I really thought I was finally past it!"
"You're never past... something like that."
> Sky sniffles some more, but it looks like the worst is over. "Please don't tell anyone. Please?" she begs miserably.
"I swear."
> You hold her in silence for a bit, then you start licking her muzzle once more. Her tears are hot and a bit salty, but you don't mind.
"Thank you for telling me. I'm so sorry and I guess there's nothing I can say to make it better... but please tell me if there's anything I can do, okay? Anything at all. Ever!"
> Sky Light nods in silence and you kiss the tip of her nose.
"It's going to be fine. I'll keep the nightmares away this time, okay? I owe you for... for before. With Lillian."
> "That's right, you do," Sky Light says and you can't help chuckling. That's a bit of her old spirit back and it's encouraging.
"Anytime you wanna talk about it - just tell me, okay? We'll go somewhere private. I know crying helps."
> You're guessing on the last part, but you've always felt better after a good cry. True, your misfortunes have never been that horrible, but if it helps even a little, you'll weep with Sky Light every day until the pain is at least tolerable.
> It'll probably never be gone.
> "Thanks, Rosa. You're really sweet, even if you are a little idiot."
> That one almost makes you laugh and you smile at your friend.
"Yeah, that's me. Little idiot Rosa. Come on, let's get that shower now. We can share since we're already here."
> You're incredibly grateful no one came in during your talk and subsequent crying. Small miracles, right?
> Maybe - you start thinking - it's not a good idea to rush to this White Pigeon place right away. Sky Light will need more time to get over this and you want to focus on her exclusively for a while.
> You've got enough money and the summer is nearly here. You could afford to bum around a little in the city where Pavo works. Maybe for a couple of weeks until he makes another round trip.
> The man will ask questions, but you can just tell him you need to get some stuff together to prepare. Then, next time he comes back he can help you get to White Pigeon.
> It'll give you and Sky Light some time to work through her grief. Your grief, too, now.
> You hate yourself for thinking like that, but if the mare remembers that tragedy at the wrong moment, it would ruin any chances you have for getting Maribelle out.
> Besides, you need to cry it out, too. It was the saddest, most devastating thing you'd heard in your life.
> You shudder and start licking Sky's muzzle again, more to comfort yourself than her.
"I'm so sorry, sweetheart. I'm here for you."
> Sky draws a shuddering breath and lets it out in a sad sigh.
> You can only hope this was the breakthrough she needed. How long has the mare held it all in without telling anyone?
> You almost feel honored that she told you.

> ~~~~

> It's a piece of good luck that Pavo is already in his bed by the time you bustle Sky Light into the cabin. The mare doesn't seem to care, but you know she would appreciate not being seen.
> The shower helped you both, but the pegasus still has a slightly haunted expression on her muzzle.
> No wonder. You probably look the same.
> You gently close the truck door while Sky Light climbs up to the bed. Pavo wakes up, but luckily he's facing the far wall and doesn't turn around to look.
> "Night, girls," the human says sleepily.
"Night."
> You hurry and crawl up to the bunk bed before he notices anything off. Sky Light is already wrapped up in a blanket and now she sighs deeply.
"It's going to be alright," you tell her.
> "Thanks, Rosa."
> The mare lifts up the blanket and you shuffle under it. Both your hooves are in the way of hugging, so you tap her shoulder.
"Wanna turn around?"
> Sky Light gives this some thought, then shakes her head. "You turn. I wanna hold you, Rosa."
> You obey and turn your back to the pegasus, lifting yourself up a little so she can snake a leg under you. She brings the other hoof around and pulls you closer. The blanket has slipped off, but Sky snags it with a wing and brings it around you both. The wing feels nice and soft against your side.
> You don't think you can be any more comfortable and relaxed, but then Sky Light puts her muzzle against your head and kisses your ear.
> "Sleep tight, sweetheart," she says.
> Is this what it feels like to have a mother, you wonder? Someone- some*pony* you feel absolutely safe with? A pony you can trust with anything?
> Maybe it's leftover emotions from Sky's tragic story, but you put your legs on Sky's and whisper back:
"I love you, Sky."
> She hugs you a bit tighter and you imagine she's smiling. "I love you too," she says back and it brings a nice, warm feeling to your heart.
> "Not love as in coltfriend," Sky corrects, "love as in friend, okay?"
> You can't help chuckling. Yeah, she's going to be okay.
> "I mean- I'll do you if you want, but you're not really my type."
"Ass."
> Both of you end up giggling, partly in relief that everything is going to be fine, but mostly because you're together and you trust each other and now you bond feels stronger than ever

> ~~~~

> Sky Light still seemed downcast the next day, especially once you started moving and she went back to staring out the window, but you just had to scooch over and put your hooves around the mare to get a smile out of her.
"Don't get all mopey on me again, okay?" you told her.
> "Promise."
> It's not much further in any case, so you stay beside your friend and join her in looking at the horizon.
"Ever been this way?"
> "I don't think so. Last time I hitchhiked any distance I was-" Sky begins, but then falls silent and looks over at Pavo. You guess he doesn't know about her drug problems.
"I understand."
> The mare flashes you a smile and you open your muzzle to say it's fine - you don't mind, not anymore. Before you can get the words out, however, the driver speaks up.
> "Well, here we are, ladies," Pavo informs you.
> You look curiously around, but there's just an empty stretch of road. There are some buildings up ahead with an illuminated sign showing a stylized truck. It must Pavo's company, but why did he stop here?
"Why did you-"
> He interrupts you, guessing your question: "Picking up passengers isn't exactly... encouraged. There's an all-night barbecue and grill on the other side of the road. You can wait for me there, I'll just sort out the paperwork and then come pick you up, okay?"
> It doesn't sound like a huge problem, so you smile at the man and nod.
"Sure! We'll wait."
> "Shouldn't be much more than an hour. You two have fun!"
> Sky Light has already opened the passenger door and you pass her down both your bags while Pavo takes the extra blanket and pillow and puts away the top bed.
> Good thing he remembered - that could have raised some uncomfortable questions back at his company. You wave the man goodbye, then slip down to the street.
> There's just one problem - you can't reach the door to close it. You look at Sky imploringly.
"The door, please?"
> "Oh!" the pegasus remembers. She kicks off the ground and flicks her wings just once, which lifts her high enough so she can give the passenger door a good nudge so it slams shut.
> It's actually kinda impressive how these pegasi can jump.
> "There. Let's get us a burger!"
> Things are happening again, the drive is over and Sky Light quickly slips back into her role of older and wiser street pony. It's doing her good, you can tell.
> Maybe you don't have to wait around for the mare to feel better about her tragic story. You wonder how often Pavo is sent out on hauls - maybe if you had a day or two in this place you could gauge how Sky Light is doing and then decide if you need more time?
> "Sheesh, stop looking at me like that!" the pegasus whines.
"Like what?!"
> "Dunno, like I've got mange or something! I'm fine, Rosa!" Sky Light assures you.
I still think we should talk about it," you tell her.
> The pony rolls her eyes a little and slips her saddlebags on her back. "I said I'm fine," she repeats and looks both ways down the road. The diner Pavo mentioned is just across the road with a big sign proclaiming 'BBQ&Grill' and some loud, thumpy music coming from it.
> You ignore it and shake your head sadly at the pegasus.
"Didn't look fine yesterday."
> Sky Light twirls back to face you. "You said you'll never bring that up again! You promised!"
"No," you correct her, "I said I wouldn't tell anyone. I still think we should talk."
> "Pass," the pegasus says curtly and starts walking. You look both ways as well and quickly follow, only to have to hurry back and fetch your backpack.
"Sky Light, it's not healthy bottling stuff like that up all this time!" you yell after her.
> "What the fuck would you know about any of that?"
"We had Psychology class back at the School. I know you'll never get over it if you don't talk about it."
> The mare stops right in the middle of the road, but she doesn't turn around this time. She just looks at you over her shoulder. "Fuck Psychology. That crap is worthless out here. Sooner you forget about it, better off you'll be."
> You catch up and put your muzzle against her withers. At least she doesn't fight that.
"Well, School or not, I care about you. I don't want you hurting. Promise you'll tell me if you feel sad again?"
> The mare heaves a sigh, but she still doesn't push you away. Instead she pats you with a wing and whispers back: "I promise."
> That's probably the best you're going-
"Car. CAR!"
> The horn honks and you push Sky Light away. You don't have time to look if she's fallen as you leap after her and roll when you hit the ground. Rather than wait, you scurry to your hooves and look wildly around for more traffic, even while you're retreating behind the yellow line.
> Sky Light is nimble on her hooves and she didn't even lose her balance. She comes over to stand beside you.
> "Well, that was stupid," she comments.
"Yeah."
> "Standing right there in the middle of the road."
> Your face reddens too. You've been so engrossed with Sky's tragedy that you completely forgot where you were. It could have ended worse.
> The overflowing adrenaline makes you chuckle.
"We're such a pair..."
> Soon Sky Light is also laughing. "You said it, Rosa."
> For a moment you embrace, happy to be alive, then you both turn to the brightly illuminated building with loud music coming out of it.
"Come on, my treat," you invite.
> "Look, Rosa-" Sky begins and you stop to look back at her. She hasn't started moving yet. "I know I can be... difficult sometimes, but I'm fine. Really fine. You don't get time to grieve on the streets. It was a long time ago."
> You shrug a little to yourself.
"Felt pretty raw..."
> "I don't know what happened," Sky answers firmly. It looks like your near escape loosened her tongue a little bit, but she still doesn't really like talking about it. "I guess it was all of it put together. Traveling, and T-Terry going- well, and then there was you."
> You're about to ask about Terry again, but the mare walks up and drapes a wing over you. "Sometimes you really feel like a daughter I almost had, y'know?"
> The admission makes you smile a little.
"Aww, thanks. I love you too, mom."
> "Eugh," Sky makes a face. "God, never say that again. That's just plain creepy." She gets a faraway look as she thinks it over, before her muzzle scrunches up in distaste. "Ew. Now that I hear you say it, it's weird."
> You can't help laughing a little as you bump her rump with yours.
"Okay, just a friend then, and don't you forget it."
> The pegasus squeezes you with her wing, then folds it back up and walks towards the diner. "Come on, I wanna see what their burger is like."
> You follow with a fresh bounce in your step.

> ~~~~

> Pavo joined you about an hour later and you bought him a beer for his trouble and as a small thank you. Sky hungrily watched him drink it until it was all gone, then he led you outside and in his car. It was a comically small one, especially when you remember the size of the truck the man drove not even an hour ago, but it seemed to go pretty well.
> Much faster than the semi, that's for sure.
> He said it wasn't far, so you didn't mind when Sky Light went to sit up front with the man and you stayed in the back, looking at the store lights out the window.
> After some time you spotted Pavo's cap on the back seat beside you - the one that said 'semi king'. Without really knowing why, you took it and put it on your head.
>...
> Now you're here. Sky Light said it was fine, but Pavo insisted you two sleep in his guest bedroom for the night, before he starts arranging the next leg of your journey.
> It will feel nice to sleep in a real bed for a change and get a shower you don't have to pay for. That was an easy way to convince Sky Light, too - you think the pegasus would actually rather try the streets. She's not used to being inside anymore.
> Finally, late at night, Pavo stops his car and turns it off. You fumble with the handle and let yourself out the back.
> The bag is still on your back - it didn't bother you enough for what you knew would be a short drive to take it off. Sky Light decided the same, so it's just Pavo's traveling bag in the trunk which he has to get.
> You look at the house while you wait. It's mostly dark, but there's a faint, flickering light in one of the windows. Someone watching television, you guess.
> "Here we are. Let's go say hi to the missus," the driver tells you and reaches down to give your withers a pat. If he saw the cap on your head he doesn't bring it up.
> Following the man to the front door you glance at Sky Light and give her a nervous grin. Maybe you yourself are getting used to living on the street, too?
> She flashes back a smile, but then the door is open and you step into its welcoming darkness. New, unaccustomed smells assault you. Slightly burnt milk and a strong smell of cleaning liquid are the top two, but you also detect human sweat, freshly washed bedclothes and a mixture you can't help but call 'home'.
> It would be kinda nice to come back to this every day after work, you think. It's... homely. It's obvious someone lives here and they've put a lot of work into keeping the house clean and organized.
> "Honey, we're here!" Pavo calls out and flicks the light switch. You can see a dark red - maybe terracotta - floor tiles leading further into the house. There's also a staircase going up, each step covered by a bit of carpet.
> The human starts that way and you follow, curious to meet his family. You've never met a trucker's family before. He spends a lot of time out on the road, so you guess they probably get lonely.
> You put on your best smile while somewhere upstairs a light turns on and a woman comes to look. She's more or less unremarkable, but you immediately like her smile.
> "Ann, these are Rosa and Sky Light," Pavo introduces.
> Just like you were taught in School, you walk up to the lady, sit on your haunches and lift up a leg for a shake. Her grin widens as Ann obliges. You don't exactly know why, but then she taps the rim of the cap on your head and comments: "Looks good on you."
"Thank you!"
> "Daddy?!" comes a shout from one of the rooms behind the woman. You glance around and see there's a short hallway with several doors leading out from it.
> "Daddy's home!"
> The son, Richie - you've talked about him with Pavo, so you know his name - sprints and jumps into his father's arms. They twirl a couple of times and laugh happily.
> You catch Ann's eye and you both smile at the scene.
> "Richie, I've got special guests this time," Pavo explains and for the first time the boy sees you.
> The reaction will never get old, you fee. His eyes widen, then his mouth opens in surprise and then the smile, rising like the sun.
> "Pony!!"
> You have a moment to steady yourself before the boy lunges at you and you catch him deftly in your hooves. From the corner of your eye you see the woman relax - she was ready to grab him if he toppled you over.
> Madam obviously doesn't realize you're an *Assistant Pony*.
"Hey there, sweetie! I'm Rosa, what's your name?" you coo.
> You've heard repeated a few seconds ago, but there's a proper way to greet children and you're sticking to it.
> "R-Richard," he says, suddenly a bit nervous, but you keep your smile and the boy explains: "my friends call me Richie."
"It's very nice to meet you!"
> The kid gives a slight gasp and points at your head. "You're that trucker pony!" he exclaims.
"Sure am! Me an' my friend Sky Light there have been helping your dad drive his big truck, isn't that right?"
> You look for the pegasus, but she's still on the stairs, looking at the kid with a kind of apprehension. She doesn't know how to act around children.
> Suddenly you realize that this is your world, but it's all completely foreign to Sky. If feels nice to finally be better at something than she is.
> The boy you're holding upright points at the other pony and says in a voice of absolute awe: "Flying pony! Can you fly for real?!"
> "Uhhh, I guess?" Sky answers.
> You nearly decide to let her stew for a bit, but you're not that mean so you give the kid a quick nuzzle.
"That's right. We'll show you outside tomorrow, okay?"
> "Okay, we've met each other, now it's time for bed. Go on, Richie. We'll talk with the ponies some more in the morning. I'm sure they're tired after their long drive," the mother says and peels the kid off.
> He doesn't seem too saddened to go, but she still has to hold his hand to keep him from coming right back and hugging you. Pavo steps closer and takes his son's hand from his mother.
> "I got this," he tells her. Then to his son: "How about we go put you in bed and I'll show you all the pictures of trucker ponies I took this time, yes?"
> That cheers the boy right up and he happily follows his father to his bedroom, only pausing for a moment to smile back at you and wave.
> The woman studies you and Sky Light, then slips past the pegasus down the stairs. "Guess bedroom is downstairs, but I'd like for you two to take a shower, first."
"Uh," you say, uncertain. "Okay?"
> The smile is gone and now the woman is giving you an appraising look. "Tell me the truth - you don't have homes, do you?"
> Your gaze lowers and you blush a little. Sky Light creeps beside you and tenses up, ready for flight.
"N-No, ma'am."
> "Well, stay clean and don't cause no trouble while you're here, okay? Pavo is too nice for his own good, so I gotta put my foot down here."
"Of co-course, ma'am. No trouble, I promise."
> She seems satisfied with that and continues down the stairs. You nudge Sky Light and then follow. The pegasus is worried, so you make a decision.
"It'll just be this one night, ma'am, then we're leaving."
> Ann doesn't reply, but she points a finger at Sky and the mare flinches. "After you shower come see me in the kitchen. I know it's late, but there's some dumplings left. You guys eat soup, right?"
> You feel your belly where most of a grilled cheese sandwich is weighing you down like a stone.
"Actually we already-"
> "We'll be happy to," Sky Light says right over you, warming up to the woman a tiny bit.
> "Good," Ann says and steps away form the stairs so you can get on the lower floor. "You're too skinny by half. You're not leaving tomorrow either without a good breakfast in you, either."
> She doesn't stop talking as she points down the hallway. "Third door is the downstairs bathroom. Next door is the guest room. Got all that? I'll go grab some blankets for you."
"Y-Yes. Thank you."
> The woman nods to herself, satisfied, then starts back up the stairs. "I'll put the soup on. Should be enough left for you two."
"That's fine, actually, I had dinner. You can have it all, Sky."
> You get a grateful smile for your heroic sacrifice - that's how the pegasus sees it anyway.
> Ann doesn't seem to mind, but she still pauses on the steps and looks back. "Okay, then just come up for some pudding."
> This one you're happy to accept and give the woman a happy little smile.
> You'd like it here, you feel. The woman is a tiny bit scary and she seems quite strict, but something tells you you'd be good friends in hardly any time at all.
> A completely different story than Jennifer Boone.
> Maybe, if Sky Light grows tired of you, you can come back here and ask Mrs. Basilius if she'd take you on a more permanent basis in exchange for some housework and help with watching her son.
> Of course, it all depends on how it goes with Maribelle...
> For the moment, you're just happy to be inside, have a hot shower and then sleep in a proper bed with proper sheets in a proper room.
> Even if it is just for a night.

> ~~~~

> Breakfast is a tiny bit uncomfortable with so many strangers, but you've slept well, you've showered and Ann has even loaned you a hairbrush, so you've gotten your coat and mane under control.
> It'd be even better if you still had your scent bottle, but this is still nice. You're probably the prettiest you've been in weeks and it really shows. The woman is much more warm and smiling towards you this morning.
> Sky Light looks her usual self, but you've caught her smirking when she thought you weren't looking. You don't mind. Grooming isn't quite her thing.
> "I don't think I ever heard of a pony eating bacon with eggs," the wife comments, staring at Sky Light's plate. You also glance over and can't help a slight wince.
> The woman continues: "It doesn't make your stomach hurt or something?"
> The pegasus shrugs a little and stuffs more in her mouth with the fork. At least she can use cutlery, you think.
> "Not really," Sky Light answers once she's swallowed. "Never has. I've been doing it for ages, too."
"I don't understand it either. I thought we were herbivores," you add your two cents.
> Pavo seems to have an answer: "Actually, I've seen a couple do that on the road. Not many, but it looks like you guys *can* eat meat. It's probably just an acquired taste.
> "Well worth the effort!" Sky Light adds.
> You put it out of your mind, lest you start feeling queasy about your own fried eggs. It's been ages since you had them this nicely done and you'd very much like to eat all of it, *and* keep it down.
> Instead you look to the son, who has been watching you and Sky Light with undisguised interest. You give the boy a smile and get a tentative grin back.
> "Did you two sleep well?" Ann goes on to ask.
"Oh, yes!" you gush, "it was amazing! I never realized how hard those beds in the truck are!"
> Pavo starts laughing and grabs his generous belly. "See, I guess this padding comes in handy after all!"
> Even his wife can't suppress a chuckle and Sky Light nearly spits out a piece of bacon as she chortles.
> After everyone calms down again, Mrs. Basilius has another, more difficult question: "So, mind telling me where you're going and why?"
> You look at Sky Light and she gives a barely perceptible shrug, so you transfer your gaze to Pavo. He smiles at you and nods.
> Of course you can trust his family, the man has been nothing but nice to you.
"We're actually looking for a friend - a pony," you explain.
> "Oh?" Ann prompts you to continue.
"Yeah, she was taken when she got her cutie mark and I want to know why and find her. Um, I think she's in some sort of government thing."
> Now the lady looks alarmed and glances worriedly at her husband. "Please tell me you're not getting mixed up in this?"
> Even before he can answer you try and reassure her.
"No, nothing like that! Um, d-don't worry. It's just me and Sky Light. Mr. Basilius just drove us this far."
> "I'll ask Tim to give them a lift to where they need to go. He sometimes hauls that way," Pavo explains some more.
> The woman relaxes a little, but she still isn't too happy. "I don't want government agents breaking down my door. You sound like you're playing a dangerous game!"
> Your ears fold down and you put your hooves against the table. She'll tell you to get out of her house, you can feel it.
> Pavo stands up and puts his hand on his wife's arm. "Can I talk with you in the living room for a minute?"
> The woman casts her worried gaze at you and at her son, but she stands up and follows Pavo out. She shuts the door behind her.
> "Big mistake," Sky Light whispers to you, and you nod back in agreement.
"Sorry."
> "Guess we'll catch a bus or something. It's not far now."
> You bob your head again in agreement. It won't be too bad. Pavo has already brought you most of the way.
> Sky Light slips from her chair and walks on surprisingly silent hooves to the door, then leans an ear against the wood.
> Richie watches the pegasus curiously, then looks at you. "Um, Rosa? What is Sky Light doing?"
"Oh," you don't have an answer, so you just blush.
> Your mind races as you look for a better topic for the boy.
"Do you have many pictures of ponies, Richie?"
> Good thing you remember Pavo's hobby and the countless photos he's snapped of you and Sky Light on this trip.
> The kid immediately brightens up. "Yes! I have lots! Want to see them?"
> Actually... you'd love to.
"We'll see if we're in a hurry. If not, I'd love to!"
> "I hope you're not in a hurry." Richie tells you.
> You take another bite of your eggs, since there's a real possibility you'll have to go, then you empty your juice glass.
> Meanwhile Sky Light slinks back to the chair and climbs up. She sees you and reaches the same conclusion, because she's busy eating what's left on her plate and washing it down with Coke.
> A few minutes later Pavo and Ann come back and you try to read their expressions. Ann's is guarded and you don't know her well enough, but Pavo is smiling faintly, so you dare and hope.
> "My husband tells me you need a place for another day or two," Ann says carefully.
> You give her a smile, but let the woman finish at her own pace.
> "You can stay," she finishes and you see Sky Light relax a little.
"Thank you!"
> Richie pushes his half-eaten plate away and pipes up: "Mom, can Rosa go see my pony pictures?"
> Her answer is music to your ears: "Of course, dear. Finish your breakfast and then you can show her."
> She lifts up a finger. "Have you finished your chores?"
> The boy's face crumples and he lowers his gaze. It almost breaks your heart.
"Um, I actually helped with housework for my last, uh, boss. I could help Richie and that way we'd be done faster! I can also help you clean up and do laundry, if you like."
> Now the woman's gaze is appraising. "Laundry?" she asks carefully.
"Yes! I don't mind - it's the least we can do!"
> You try and think up some way Sky Light could make herself useful and point to her with a hoof.
"Sky can fly any messages you like, or go to the store for you!"
> The woman shrugs a little at the last bit, but she keeps her eyes on you. "For now," she says slowly, "you can help Richie clean up his room and then you can look at the pictures. We'll talk more about this later."
> While you've been offering your services the kid has finished his breakfast and now he jumps down from the chair. "Come on, Rosa!"
> You glance over at Ann just in case and wait for her slight nod, before you slip from your chair and slide your mane under the boy's hand.
> Just as you're about to leave you remember yourself and turn back to the wife.
"If you could just stack the dishes in the sink I'll wash them later!"
> She doesn't answer, but doing a few chores won't cost anything and it'll help you pass the time. There's no harm if it improves Ann's disposition towards you and Sky Light.
> "So, how about you?" Pavo asks the pegasus.
> She shrugs a little with her wings. "I'm not much for these indoor things, really."
> "I'm meeting some guys down at the bar, wanna come with?" he asks.
> This makes the mare light up in joy and she immediately slips from her chair. "Duh! Yes!" she exclaims.
> The last thing you see in the kitchen before Richie drags you up the stairs is Anne starting to collect the empty dishes from the table.
> You'll wash them later.

> ~~~~

> You spent an unproductive, but fun hour with Richie as he showed you his many albums of pony pictures. So many ponies!
> Most of them were earth ponies with an occasional pegasus, always showing off their wings, of course. A lot of them were in Pavo's truck or around it, but there was a fair number in what you assume are trucker stops or bars.
> There was one in a movie theater of all places! You should ask Pavo how that happened!
> Almost all of them were smiling, some of them a little nervously and a few really enthusiastically. Pavo was apparently quite well-known in the pony community across the country.
> You saw a few landmarks - Niagara Falls, the Washington Monument and Mount Rushmore being the ones you easily identified. Pavo really did travel all over the place, it looked like.
> One particular image catches your eye.
"Oh! That's Sky Light!" you gasp, pointing.
> Richie covers his mouth with a hand. "Yes! Oh wow, I forgot!"
> The boy had been diligent and wrote dates and names beside every picture. The Sky Light in the picture is nearly four years younger. You inspect her closely, but not much seems to have changed.
> She had her always-mischievous grin even back then.
> Where have you even been four years ago?
> Well, that one is easy - the School. Learning basic Maths and starting on Geography, you remember. Or was that the year before?
> Definitely before you started training as an Assistant Pony.
"She hasn't changed a bit," you murmur.
> well, she probably has, but not on the outside. You wonder what the pegasus would say if you showed her this picture.
"Can we show Sky Light this when she's back?" you ask the boy.
> He's only too happy to nod. "Yes!"
> You keep going. It's not even the slightest bit boring, despite you fears when you saw how many albums there were. The pictures were quite similar, mostly, but the ponies were happy and it felt good seeing so many smiling muzzles.
> Even if some of them did look a bit nervous or scared of the camera.
>...
> It took you nearly two hours to skim through all the pages, but you're glad you did. Richie hadn't stopped smiling in all that time and it feels like you've made a friend for life.
> "I'm gonna be a pony doctor when I grow up!" the boy exclaims once he has put the latest album back.
"Oh really?" you say with a little smile.
> "Mhm! I know all about a pony's na-temy!" the child assures you. "Daddy got me a book on ponies!"
> You're wondering lightly what a 'natemy' is while Richie rushes over to his desk and brings a new volume. It's obvious the boy has read it many times, because the book is almost falling apart, but the title is still legible.
> "Introduction to Equestrian Anatomy"
> You chuckle a little.
"Oh, *anatomy*."
> The kid gives you a sheepish grin as he places the book down on the bed and opens it to the first page. "I dunno all the difficult words, but I'm learning it anyway!"
"Is that so?" you ask, glancing over the inner title. "Maybe I can help with a few."
> The boy takes you up on your offer and immediately puts his finger on the word. "What's this one mean?"
> You consider your answer for a moment, suddenly a bit uncomfortable, because it's a word you've been wondering about back in the School.
"Equestria. That's the place ponies originally came from. Land of Equestria."
> "What was it like?" Richie asks with a dreamy look on his face.
> You lean in closer to give him a nuzzle, making sure your smile stays fixed.
"I don't know, sweetie. I was born on Earth. I don't even know if Equestria still exists," you explain.
> The boy doesn't notice your slightly choked up tone and you finally manage to push the thoughts aside.
"So, tell me what you've been learning!"
> Richie immediately forgets about the title and turns his bright smile on you. "Okay, so um-"
> He's comfortable enough around you to touch places with a finger. "This is a barrel and um, here is the withers..." he begins listing and pointing out all the right parts. "Ankles and fetlocks and hooves... um, flank."
> The boy giggles a bit when he touches your shoulder. "Shoulder," he says, "but it doesn't stick out like mine!"
> That makes you chuckle a little, too.
"That's true. Very good!"
> He's not quite done yet. The finger moves and taps again. "Croup and thigh and then uh..." The boy rests his finger on your back leg, but then he needs a moment to think, looking at the ceiling as he tries to recall the difficult word. "Hock!" he exclaims. "I remember cause it sounds like 'hockey' and they have knee pads!"
> His smile grows secretive and he leans forward to whisper in your ear: "Did you know pony legs bend backwards? Um, the back legs."
"Oh my!" you exclaim, suppressing a giggle.
> "Why do you have knees in front and, uh, hocks in the back? Aren't they all just knees?"
> You shrug a little. It's a bit embarrassing - you'd learned all these names in Mr. Greiner's biology class, but you'd be hard pressed to remember 'hock'. You'd just called them 'knees' in your head.
"I honestly don't know, sweetie. It's just one of those things."
> If he keeps going like this, you think, he won't have any problems getting into veterinary school. You give the boy a very encouraging nuzzle.
"You're very smart! I'm sure you'll be an amazing pony doctor!"
> This makes the child blush a little, but his grin is wider than ever. Rather than saying anything, he just throws his arms around your neck and you're happy to simply have him hold you for a while.
> Soon, though, you remember you other promise.
"So, how about I help you clean up your room now?" you propose. "We can read a bit more about pony anatomy in the evening, okay?"
> Strangely, the boy isn't in the slightest downcast over this. He practically jumps from the bed and gives an enthusiastic nod. "Okay!"
> He starts picking up toys even before you slip to the floor and collect up all the albums you'd gone through. The shelf where they go is low enough for Richie, which means you can easily reach it too.

> ~~~~

> You're finishing up the dishes when Pavo comes back, both he and Sky Light laughing merrily. You catch a faint whiff of beer, coming most strongly from the pegasus.
> It's not the best of news, but it's nice to see her happy. They find you in the kitchen where the man rummages in the fridge for a bottle of water.
"Hello," you say politely, but soon return to drying the last two plates.
> Pavo echoes the greeting, but Sky doesn't seem too aware of your presence. She walks right up to the human and tries to stick her muzzle in the refrigerator. "Any snacks?" she asks hopefully.
> The guy looks around a bit, especially on the top shelves where Sky can't see from her vantage point and pulls out a porcelain cup. "Got some pudding left."
> "Sweet!" the mare exclaims. "Gimme!"
> She grips it in her teeth, but then gasps and hurriedly catches the dish on a hoof. "Cold! Cold!" she whimpers, rubbing her muzzle with her free leg. It makes Pavo chuckle, but you remember something and put the last dish down to dry by itself.
"Wait up," you tell the mare.
> She freezes in the process of carrying the treat and hobbling over to the couch. "Huh?"
"Show me your teeth," you order.
> Sky Light looks confused for a moment, then blushes and her ears go flat. "My teeth are fine."
> You roll your eyes a little.
"Like buck they are."
> Feeling her pudding dish carefully with the side of your muzzle you find it slightly chilly, but not overly so. It shouldn't have caused her as much pain as it apparently had.
"You really need to see a dentist, Sky. I know you don't brush, God only knows how bad it is in there..."
> For a moment the mare glares angrily at you, but then she lowers her eyes. "I'll be fine," she mutters.
> Pavo is looking at you both with a concerned expression from the couch, but he doesn't intervene. You're grateful for that. Sky Light is sensitive about this, it seems.
"Sky, we really should-"
> She interrupts you: "We don't have the money for a dentist, so just drop it. I'm fine."
> You shake your head. Dr. Haggar back in the city would have checked her and fixed her teeth for free, but it seemed like Sky was afraid of doctors. She's right, though. *Now* you don't have money for it.
"When we get back, I'm taking you to Rachelle at the free clinic."
> Maybe it's just your imagination, but the mare pales a little. She doesn't argue, which you take as a good sign.
"I'll hold your hoof the whole time, okay? Besides, the nitrous they use is like a drug. It's better than getting drunk."
> You're guessing at the last part - you'd tried getting drunk, but you'd never needed such extensive dental work back at the School to know what the gas is like. The few ponies who had, said it makes you light-headed and everything seems funny.
"It doesn't hurt a bit with that," you assure the mare.
> "Fine," she says, ears still flat, "mom..."
> It makes Pavo chuckle and you join in for a brief laugh. If she's joking about it, maybe she'll do it. Otherwise you'll just have to convince her. Once you're back.
> Provided the rescue goes off without a hitch.
> Which reminds you...
"Um, Pavo? Any- any news? About, y'know... White Pigeon?"
> The man stops laughing and shrugs a little. "Well, Tim is out on a run and he won't be back until Wednesday. Chances are he'll go straight on to White Pigeon, as soon as his truck is loaded."
> It's Saturday, so that means four days. Sky Light does the same math and sighs. "I guess we'll find a box or something to stay in until then. Um-"
> "Nonsense!" the man interrupts. "You'll stay here. I already talked with the missus and it's fine. She doesn't mind having a couple of helpers around the house!"
> Sky Light starts shaking her head and you butt her with your head, nearly making her drop the pudding.
"It'll be fine. We can sleep indoors for a couple of days, Sky."
> She turns to you and opens her muzzle to say no, but you give her one of your best pleading looks.
"I'll do all the housework, okay?"
> The pegasus doesn't really have a counter to that. Her ears lower and she heaves a sigh. "Okay, fine, dammit. I'm just not an- an *inside* kind of pony..."
> You know she isn't. The mare has been out on the streets for so long that she's uncomfortable sleeping under a roof. She kept tossing and turning through the night and she sat bolt upright several times, as if afraid she was trapped.
"I'm with you," you whisper to her so the human doesn't hear. "Just a few days."
> The mare relaxes a bit and leans against you for a moment. "Fine. I'll- I'll try and help with this house stuff, too," she said at last, defeated.
> After that she hobbles the rest of the way to the couch, places the cup of pudding up first, then jumps on before taking her treat and simply dunking her muzzle in it.
> You shake your head a little at the sight and Pavo outright laughs, but he reaches over to give Sky's ears a few scratches.
"Put the dish in the sink when you're done. I'll go get started on the laundry."
> Idly wondering where Mrs. Basilius has gone to, you start humming your happy little tune as you make your way through the house.
> Not even a full day and you already know where everything is.
> It'll be fun to pretend like you've finished your training and Richie is your assignment, at least for a few days.
> What's better, you have your pegasus friend right there with you.

> ~~~~

> You end Sunday by watching sunset from a lawn chair in Pavo's backyard while the man is expertly flipping some meat on a grill. He said it wasn't a big deal, but judging from how excited Richie is, you feel it's a special occasion.
> Not a birthday or a holiday, so you guess it's because of you and Sky Light. You know you're the first ponies to visit his family and it's sweet he's going all out to make your stay memorable.
> For that matter, he also put on some vegetables to grill especially for you and you're looking forward to trying them. As far as you know, you'd never had grilled food, not on a proper charcoal grill in a backyard.
> On a chair right beside you Sky Light is already drooling a little at the smell.
> That said, the scent of meat and charcoal isn't *entirely* bad. You have appearances to keep up, but if the pegasus offers, you decide, you'll maybe have a nibble.
> Just out of curiosity, of course.
> Your ears catch a sound behind and you refocus them, but you don't need to look. Just Mrs. Basilius closing the patio door. She walks over - bare feet rustling on the grass - and holds a glass of strawberry juice for you to grasp with your hooves.
"Oh! Thank you!"
> The woman also gives one to Sky Light, who murmurs her thanks, and then leaves the third one on the nearby table for Richie. The boy is 'helping' his father, which mostly involves asking a ton of questions about cooking and fire and meat.
> It's nice to see how Pavo patiently answers what he can. You know some people who'd have gotten annoyed by now.
> You swivel the straw into your mouth and give it a suck. Strawberry, as delicious as ever. It makes you exhale contentedly.
> The food isn't quite done yet, so Ann drags her chair next to yours and plops down with a sigh. She's picked up an open beer bottle from the table and now she takes a swig.
"You didn't really have to do all this, Mrs. Basilius..." you begin.
> "Oh hush. Like I said, that one is too skinny by half. I meant it, too!" the woman counters, pointing at the pegasus, who gives you both a curious glance.
> You smile at your friend and she goes back to staring at the grill with a hungry look in her eyes.
> "Besides," the lady goes on, "gotta show some thanks for all the work you did."
> The praise makes you blush a tiny bit. It wasn't anything special, just a bit of dish washing and laundry. That also reminds you.
"Oh! I was going to vacuum upstairs, but I didn't find the vacuum. Um, if you show me, I'll do it tomorrow."
> That makes Sky Light give you another strange look and you detect the tiniest hint of disapproval in her stare. Luckily, the woman doesn't notice.
> "That's very nice of you, Rosa," Ann says and lifts up a bottle of beer. You raise up your glass in response.
> "Honey, wanna bring me one of those?" Pavo asks.
> Ann chuckles to herself and goes to open another bottle. You watch her take it to her husband, but the man doesn't drink from it.
> To your surprise, he pours some of it over the meat, which starts sizzling and smoking heavily.
> "Oooh, yeah, that's the stuff!" Sky Light practically moans. "This man knows how to cook!"
> Her comment makes both adults laugh and Richie joins in, even if he doesn't quite get the joke. Well, you're also not sure there even was a joke.
"Why is he pouring beer over the meat?"
> "Flavor," Sky Light explains and licks her lips. "It's- hard to explain. It's just something you do." She shrugs a little at you, but then goes straight back to watching the grill. "Shouldn't be long now," she says, mostly to herself.
> It's true, you guess, because Ann goes to fetch an empty plate and holds it while Pavo flips the things one more time.
> You're feeling quite hungry yourself, especially with the smell of roasted veggies in the air, so you sit up straighter and start paying more attention.
> Maybe you should go and help? You almost get off the chair, but then you remember you don't know much about grilling and would probably just get in the way.
> Ann has it handled, anyway. She holds the plate steady while the man picks up patties and veggies one by one and sets them on it.
> Richie is clapping his hands in excitement and that makes you stand up with a smile. You can't help with the cooking, but you can distract the boy so he isn't in the way.
> Before you can even open your muzzle, though, Ann leans down to her son: "Go fetch the buns in the kitchen, okay?"
> The boy nods enthusiastically and rushes off, passing close enough to you that you stretch out your head and he gives you a wayward pat.
> To your side, Sky Light is also on her hooves and staring hungrily at the preparations.
> Ann takes the plate to the table while Pavo empties his beer bottle before joining her. There are plates already set out and now the woman deftly distributes the veggies.
> One serving is larger and you guess that one is yours - just veggies for you, of course. It's actually quite thoughtful.
> Moments later the son is back with a bowl of already-sliced buns, which his mother takes and adds to the arrangement on the table.
> Pavo looks towards you and Sky Light. "Dinner's ready, girls! Get it while it's hot!"
> Sky Light doesn't need to be told twice. She moves fast when she's hungry and is standing right next to the table before you can even take one step.
> "What do you want in your burger?" Ann asks her. "Ketchup? Mayo? Mustard? Onion?"
> The pegasus looks undecided for a moment, then gives the woman an embarrassed grin. "Um, all of the above?" she suggests.
> It makes both Ann and Pavo laugh heartily, but the woman obliges and starts smearing, watched very closely by the hungry pegasus.
> Meanwhile, the husband looks to you. "You, Rosa?" he asks.
"Um, just a bit of mustard, please. On the side."
> He reaches for it as soon as Ann is done and spoons some on your plate. After a moment's thought he adds an empty bun and holds the plate out.
"Thank you!" you say before grabbing it with your teeth.
> The smells are driving you crazy as you're taking it back to the chair, so you hurry. Mere seconds later you're sitting down with the plate in your lap. There's no cutlery, so you give your hooves a glance - the grass is clean and they aren't muddy - but then you just shrug to yourself, lower your muzzle and eat right off the dish.
> Maybe it's a tiny bit uncultured, but you don't think anyone will mind. You sneak a glance beside you to see Sky Light, holding her burger which is already missing a big bite. She doesn't seem overly concerned about her hooves, so you force yourself to stop overthinking it.
> The grilled vegetables are delicious, though, and it makes you moan a little.
> "Right?!" Sky Light comments.
> It brings a proud grin to Pavo's face. "You girls like it?"
> Sky Light mumbles through her full mouth, which makes you shake your head at her manners, but no one else seems to mind.
"Oh yes, it's amazing!" you clarify what the pegasus had said.
> Ann comes back to sit on the next chair, her own burger in hand, while Richie stays near his dad at the table.
> "Daddy makes the best burgers!" the kid exclaims.
"Well, yeah. I don't doubt it!"
> You sneak a glance at Sky Light, who seems to be in some kind of orgasmic bliss. The son approaches and shows you. "Wanna try some of mine?" he asks.
> Pavo makes a step closer to grab his son and you see Ann sitting up straighter to do the same, but you know how to handle it.
"Most ponies don't eat meat, Richie," you explain gently.
> The smell is really strong now, but it isn't as horrible as you'd imagined. Actually, cooking it on the grill has made the thing smell almost... nice.
> Seeing that you're not visibly disgusted, the parents relax and let you do your thing.
> The child brightens up. "Oh! The book said you're vege- um..."
"Vegetarian."
> "Yeah, that!"
"Do you know what that means?"
> The boy scrunches up his face in though. "It means you only eat veggies?"
> Both the grownups and you smile proudly.
"Very good!"
> Happy to have answered it correctly, Richie smiles at his dad, who grins back. "Okay, I understand," he tells you. "It's still good, though!"
"Yeah, I believe you! These are amazing!"
> You lift up your plate to show him and the boy stares at what you have with curiosity. "What is that?" he points.
"Squash."
> "Can I try one?"
> Smiling, you hold out the plate to the boy.
"Sure!" you offer.
> He picks one up gingerly with his fingers and sticks it in his mouth. He chews for a while thoughtfully, then swallows. He isn't too enthused, but you catch an approving glimpse from his mother.
> Like all kids his age - at least that's what you remember Instructor Martha saying once - he doesn't like to eat vegetables.
> "Um, I'll stick with the burger if it's all the same to you," Richie confides and you laugh a little.
"Sure thing."
> Then you go back to your plate. Only, once you're nearly done do you remember that you could have given Richie's burger a tiny taste. By now it's probably too late. You look at Sky Light, but she's finished hers and licked her dish clean.
> The mare is lying back, hooves on her belly and groaning softly.
> Oh well, you'll probably get more chances.
> Since the pegasus seems to be out for the count, you pick up the slack and smile at Pavo.
"This is great! Thanks for... um, everything!" you tell the man.
> He just shrugs it off. "Don't mention it. You up for round two?"
> Richie goes back to looking at the grill, where the embers are still glowing and his dad joins him to make sure the boy doesn't burn himself.
> Meanwhile Ann leans a bit closer. "There's some ice cream left in the fridge, if you wanna go get it while you wait."
> Movement catches your eye and you look over just in time to see Sky Light's ear perk up. It almost makes you giggle and you eagerly slip from your chair.
"One for you and Pavo, too?" you ask. "And Richie?"
> You'd kept your voice low to keep from overexciting the boy.
> The mother nods. "Small one for me and Richie."
"Okay! I'll be right back."
> You're able to slip away while boy isn't looking, so it should end up being a nice surprise.
> This is really turning into a wonderful evening. You could get used to this, even if Sky Light is uneasy in what she calls 'being cooped up'.

> ~~~~

> You're lying on your side on the bed, groaning softly and trying not to move. Each breath brings a fresh wave of agony.
> Sky Light is right next to you and she starts laughing for the seventh or eight time after seeing your expression.
> "You know that no one forced you to eat more fried veggies and half a tub of ice cream, right?" she muses.
"Urk-"
> You're not entirely sure how you ever made it to the bed, but you're not moving until it stops hurting.
> Sky Light reaches out to pat you, but holds short of putting pressure on your flank, for which you're immensely grateful.
> "Sheesh, Rosa..."
"It was just *so* good!" you whimper.
> It's true! You don't remember eating anything as tasty as Pavo's expertly grilled veggies and the cheese he found for the third round. Or was it fourth? Then there was that evil Ann, leaving a whole tub of chocolate ice cream in the fridge. Chocolate! Ice cream!
> It was treacherous stuff - while you were eating it, the stuff didn't seem nearly as filling. Its bloat had a tendency to come after you, once it was too late to stop.
> Sky Light nods and chuckles at your expression - her own a mix between pitying and dreamy. "Yeah, you're right there. Man grills a mean burger."
> The mare smacks her lips appreciatively. "So, I guess we're sleeping here again?"
> You barely manage a nod.
"Shower... in an hour. Teeth. Brush. Sleep."
> "Well, I guess one more night is okay. We're leaving after that, right? Pavo's going on a haul tomorrow anyway. Don't wanna overstay our welcome."
> You don't want to have this argument with Sky Light, again, not when you're trying to keep yourself from exploding.
"Ann said it's okay..."
> "Yeah, I know," the pegasus counters, but she still looks wistfully out the window. "I don't wanna impose."
> That doesn't sound quite true.
"She said s'okay."
> The mare frowns for a bit, then lies down next to you so you can see her face the right side up. "You're not understanding me, Rosa," she says quietly. "I really don't like just living with some family in some house. I'd rather be out there."
> Your eyes follow her pointing hoof to the window and you blink in surprise. What's the difference? You'll both still be homeless after you move on from the Basilius family. It just means a few days inside, with all the modern amenities, like clean toilets and showers and hot water.
"Just a few days," you plead, reaching out to put a hoof on Sky's flank.
> Her mouth presses together and you're sure she's about to say no. It's going to be a blow, but you won't let her go alone. You two need to stick together, you know that much.
> Even before she answers your ears fold down and you close your eyes.
> "Ugh, I can't believe I'm saying this..."
> You crack one eyelid open in surprise.
> Sky heaves a sigh and rolls to her back so she can inspect the ceiling. "Can't even see the stars," she mutters quietly, then rubs her nose with a hoof. "Jeez, fine. Until Wednesday, then we get that ride to White Pigeon..."
> It's really weird why the practical and logical pegasus would decline a few nights in the warm and soft bed.
"You didn't mind the truck," you point out.
> "That was different."
"How?"
> Sky Light turns her muzzle to look at you again. "A truck isn't a home. I just- it's like..."
> She groans a little and then finishes: "I just don't like houses, okay?! I said fine, so drop it, please!"
> There's probably something else there, but you don't want to antagonize her, not when you can't really move to go after her, for example if she storms out in anger.
"Fine. I just don't understand why-"
> "I said drop it!"
> Maybe it's a hobo thing? If you lived on the streets for twenty years, would you also feel uneasy indoors? You don't have any experience with that so you can't say for sure.
"Sorry."
> The pegasus sighs deeply again, but then she covers you with a wing, very gently. "You're a good girl, Rosa. Let's just go to sleep."
> You nod quietly.
> "I'm not doing any of the housework, though."
> That one makes you chuckle a little.
"I don't mind. I'll do it."
> Sky Light is smiling now and you're happy to see that. A few extra chores are a small price to pay. Besides, they'll keep you from getting bored.
> There's just one problem now.
"Uh oh."
> The pegasus lifts her head up and looks at you with concern. "What is it now?"
"Gotta pee..."
> She looks confused for a moment, then removes her wing. "Okay, go for it," she says.
"Can't move..."
> To prove your point you put a hoof very gingerly on your belly and groan.
"Too full."
> "Well, then you'll just have to hold it," Sky Light decides. She shrugs a little to herself and settles back down.
"Can't!" you whimper at her with wide, frightened eyes.
> The insensitive feather-jerk just starts laughing, like it's the funniest thing in the world. You try glaring at her, but Sky Light isn't looking at you.
> "Holy crap, Rosa," Sky squeaks when she gets her breath back, "you're just... Oh, God."
> You'd poke your tongue out at her, but you're afraid something else might come with it. There's probably no choice - you'll have to get up and go to the toilet, no matter how severe your discomfort.
> "Need me to carry you?" Sky Light asks.
> A mere thought about her gripping you around the waist is enough to get you moving. You slide carefully to the edge of the bed, then dangle your hind legs down from it.
> That puts a bit of pressure on your belly, which makes you groan, but your dinner, thankfully, stays put. After that, it's just a matter of shifting your weight to your hind legs and pushing with your forehooves until you're mostly suspended in the air.
> You rest your weight on your jaw for a moment so you can get all four hooves under you, then you stand up, breathing heavily.
> "Jesus Christ, Rosa - just how much *did* you eat?!" Sky Light asks. Her expression could most easily be described as 'awe', the way she's staring in wonder.
"A... lot."
> The pegasus nods. "Yeah, I can see that. I didn't even see you come for seconds."
> Of course she didn't - the pegasus had her own muzzle stuck in her burger. The only reason you're in pain and she isn't is because she took the time to savor her food, slowly.
"Seconds... thirds... I think also fourths. Ugh."
> "Well, try and don't die on the way to the bathroom, you little idiot."
> You can't help chuckling at yourself. The way you weren't able to swallow that grilled bell pepper should have been the sign to stop eating, but you simply couldn't resist a second helping of that amazing chocolate ice cream.
> Next time you'll know better.
> Still, Sky Light has agreed - again - to stay at the Basilius' house for a few days, so you'll have plenty of time to rest after that barbecue. That's a small victory, anyway, and it puts you in a very good mood.
"No promises," you tell the pegasus.
> She's still laughing as you make your slow and gentle way out of the room.

> ~~~~

> You're humming your little song to yourself while sweeping up the living room. The broom is made for humans, but you're used to that. It's easy once you figure out the trick of wrapping one foreleg around the handle and using the other for balance.
> It's easiest to sweep if you're standing on your hind legs and lean on the broom whenever you need to.
> An exuberant twirl brings Sky Light in your view. She's standing in the doorway, looking strangely at you.
"Oh. Hi Sky Light!"
> You're relieved to see her faint, little smile. "You really like doing this stuff, don't you?"
> Gazing down at the broom and the small pile of dust you'd gathered, you shrug.
"Not particularly, no. It's easy and it passes the time, though, so it's fine."
> "You were singing..."
> You lift your shoulders up again and give the pegasus a bright smile.
"Well, I'm happy!"
> She frowns a tiny bit and looks around to see there are no humans around. Of course - Richie is at school and Ann is at her job. Pavo has left early in the morning. You remember because the man came to the guest room to say goodbye and give you a nice, friendly pat.
> A *most* pleasant way to wake up, especially if you don't have to get up out of bed. You could seriously get used to that.
> The trucker promised he'd let you know about your ride to White Pigeon through his wife. You don't really like the fact that he'll be away for the whole week. Meeting his coworker would have been a bit less scary if Pavo was there.
> You come back to the present when Sky Light walks up closer and pats you with her wing. "It's nice to see you happy, Rosa," the pegasus murmurs. You can't help noticing how she keeps looking around, as if something was about to jump you two.
"Still don't like being inside?" you ask her.
> The mare just shakes her head sadly and looks down.
"Well, wanna help me with some chores? It'll make the time go faster."
> Sky Light gives you a deadpan look and you can practically hear her sarcastic 'Oh, really?' She doesn't say it, though, and both her wings and her ears slump.
> "Fine," she says in a defeated tone of voice, "what do you want me to do."
> That makes you smile hugely. Not because you're getting help with the chores, although that part is nice on its own.
> You're happier because you just *know* the pegasus will feel better after a bit of work. Maybe she'll appreciate being allowed to sleep indoors if she contributes.
> There's one big chore where the pegasus could help out a lot and save you considerable effort.
"Actually, I've got the perfect thing. Come..."
> You lead her downstairs to the room opposite your guest bed, where the Basilius family keeps their appliances. Even from the corridor you hear that all is silent, which means the washing machine has finished its job.
> Pavo and Ann don't have a clothes dryer, so the laundry has to be taken out to the backyard and put on lines.
> Normally, that'd involve you moving a chair around, which would bring another complication of wiping your hooves clean each time to climbed on or off.
> You push a plastic basket to the machine and open it. A gush of warm, moist air blows out and you inhale the sweet scent of the fabric softener.
> It's a bit chemical, but not unpleasant. After that you pull the laundry out of the machine and load it into the basket. Sky Light, you note with approval, has been watching this whole time.
"Okay, now we take it out back," you say, more for her benefit than yours.
> She takes a step closer to help, but you're faster and have the load on your back before the pegasus can get there. You balance it easily and walk around your friend and to the patio.
"So, the trick is to hang all this laundry on those couple of lines, okay?"
> The pegasus follows your pointing hoof and gives a single nod. "Okay, seems easy enough."
"There's clothespins in that bucket on the ground. It takes some getting used to - you have to hold the cloth in your hooves and the pin in your mouth."
> Sky Light shrugs a little and nods. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. Here, lemme take that."
> She takes the basket from you and sets it on the grass under the wires. She's about to reach in, but you put your hoof in the way.
"First, wipe your hooves, or you'll leave grass and mud stains on the laundry"
> You point to the clothespin bucket, where you'd prepared a clean rag just for this.
"Oh, and don't put your hooves on the ground after, or you'll have to wipe again."
> The pegasus rolls her eyes. It's plainly obvious she thinks this kind of cleanliness is taking it too far. It figures, especially when you remember what state the van was in before you got your hooves on it and done some basic tidying up.
> "Jeez, should we get some alcohol and disinfect while we're at it?" Sky Light asks.
"Don't be silly. Just wipe your hooves before touching the clean laundry."
> The mare looks up at the wires. "You were going to do this by yourself?" She glances over and you nod at her. "How?!" she asks.
> Secrets of the trade! You're tempted to say that, but you just chuckle and tell her the truth.
"I'd get a chair from the kitchen. Of course, that means I'd have to clean my hind hooves too, before stepping on it."
> "Holy crap that's a lot of effort," the mare mumbles a little, shaking her head.
"All in a day's work, Sky Light. Welcome to having a home!"
> Her miserable expression makes you laugh, hard.
"Look, I've got it all in hoof. There's plenty of time for me to do it the slow way. You don't have to help if you don't feel like it," you reassure the mare.
> To her credit, Sky Light shakes her head and grabs the cleaning cloth. Her expression is grim, but determined as she wipes her hooves. "No, I said I'd do it. It's no problem."
> You smile proudly at her. A few weeks living indoors under your tutelage and you'd make Sky a fantastic house-pony. Maybe, you dare to hope, after you get Maribelle out, the three of you can find a place on some rich guy's mansion staff. Especially if he has kids he's too busy to take care of.
> Dreaming about it can't hurt, right? Even if it is a long shot.
"Thanks! I'll go finish sweeping up the living room and then I'll make all the beds. I'll do another load of laundry after and you can help hang that one too, if you'd like!"
> Her ears fall ever further down and Sky Light sigh despondently. "What the buck did I agree to, Rosa?" she asks in a small voice.
> You laugh and give the mare a gentle hug.
"Aw, it's fine, it really is. You can stop anytime, okay? I can handle it on my own."
> For good measure you also nuzzle her neck a bit.
"You're a good friend, Sky."
> Your friend returns the hug with her wings for a moment, then carefully pushes you away. "Okay, okay. I got this. I can do this. Just a bit of flying and stuff, right?"
> She takes a deep breath and gives you half of a smile. "You go do your stuff, I'll be fine here."
> As you're walking away you can't help humming again. Even if Sky thoroughly messes up, the worst you might have to do is wash some of the clothes again, and the washing machine does most of the work there.
> Yeah, it's only a couple of days, but you're really liking this temporary return to normality.
> With a bit more time, you're sure, even Sky Light would learn to love it.

> ~~~~

> Your name is Rosa and you're lying on your side, sprawled across the Basilius family couch. There's something colorful happening on the TV, but you keep losing that thread as you drift in and out of consciousness.
> Maybe it would have been better if you just gave up and went to bed, but you're too comfortable right now and you don't want to dislodge the other two.
> It's such a rare moment for Sky Light to be relaxed indoors that you don't have the heart to break it off. The mare is lying on her back and using your belly as a pillow so she can see the show on the TV.
> Beside her lies Richie, flank to flank with the pegasus and with his head on your barrel. The two of them are effectively pinning you against the backrest, but you don't mind the weight. You're an earth pony, after all.
> On the other hand, they don't mind being gently lifted and lowered by your breathing, so you guess it all works out.
> The three of you are using most of the couch so Mrs. Basilius has to sit in the armchair, but she's also not complaining.
> You shift your head on the pillow and try to focus on the show again. The human - you forget his name - has said something awful to his girlfriend and now they're not seeing each other and he's been agonizing over his mistake for the past half hour.
> Yeah, no wonder you can't keep track of it. The audience keeps laughing, but you don't see anything amusing in the situations. Maybe if you were more awake.
> Ross, yeah, that's the human's name. Apparently he has a lot of friends or something.
> A small snort wakes you up and you jerk a little, realizing you'd fallen asleep again. You swivel your ear towards Sky Light and Richie, but they don't seem disturbed. This time, opening your eyes is a real struggle, one you barely manage.
> Ann is looking at you with a small smile on her face. You give her half a grin back, the pillow hiding part of your muzzle.
> "Maybe it's time we all went to bed?" the woman suggests, but there are immediately two disappointed groans from your side.
> "Mooom, it's not over yet!" Richie complains.
> You strongly suspect the boy doesn't much care for the show, but is just enjoying himself so much leaning against two ponies that he doesn't want it to end.
> The first night you were in their house you had lain awake, both hoping and fearing that Richie might come to your bed - like Lillian had done.
> He hadn't, which was at the same time a relief and a disappointment.
> You had Sky Light to cuddle, so that was okay, but skin felt way different than fur and you still miss Lillian sometimes. It was for the best that Richie stayed put, though. It wouldn't have done either of you any favors.
> The memory would have been too vivid and you'd probably end up crying again. Even thinking about the girl is bringing you near tears and you forcefully push it out of your mind.
> You suddenly realize that you don't remember what Ann had said after the two had voiced their reluctance to go to bed. She probably agreed to let them watch until the end of the episode, since all three of them had gone back to looking at the screen.
> Perhaps it wouldn't be wrong to nod off for a few minutes. They'll undoubtedly wake you up when they are done. You'd done a full day's work for Mrs. Basilius, so you've earned a bit of a rest.
> Just as you close your eyes again there is a strange, beeping sound from Ann's chair. You look in time to see the woman pick up her phone and check who is calling her at this late hour.
> She pushes the button to answer and puts the device against her ear even while she's getting up and walking out of the room. Must be private, you think.
> Unfortunately for the woman, she doesn't realize how well ponies can hear and you easily catch her side of the conversation from the hallway, even with the door closed.
> "Hi," Ann says, voice tinged with relief and happiness. "How's the haul? Don't forget you're supposed to cut down on fried foods. Doctor's orders!"
> You guess she's talking to Pavo, even though you can't hear his reply. Who else would Ann speak to like that?
> "Okay," she interjects, but there's nothing more. You're getting really curious now.
> "Good. Yes, I'll tell them."
> That can only be about you and Sky Light, no doubt about it. You can't imagine any other 'them' Pavo would call to talk about. Maybe it's news about your upcoming journey to White Pigeon?
> You feel the pressure on your belly go away and see Sky Light sitting up to listen as well. The pegasus has probably reached the same conclusion as you, judging from the way she's staring at the door and focusing her ears.
> "I don't know if I can... how about I drop them off before work and they wait around? It'll only be an hour."
> There's silence for a minute, then Ann says more firmly: "Well, that'd mean I come in to work, sit down for five minutes and then I'd have to leave. You know how the traffic is in the morning!"
> You almost wince - it sounds like the woman isn't too happy and there are some problems with the plan to take you. Hopefully she and Pavo can work it out.
> "Okay. You call him and ask. Let me know."
> That sounds a bit better and you relax again.
> "Okay. Okay. Remember, no fried foods!" the woman insists, then laughs a little at whatever Pavo just said. She finishes with: "Love you too!" and then you hear the beep as she hangs up.
> Moments later she opens the door and glances at you and Sky Light, both looking at her inquisitively. Well, you certainly are and you imagine Sky Light is also.
> "Well, good news and bad news," Ann says.
"Oh?"
> You find it best not to tell people you've effectively been eavesdropping on their private conversations and you're happy that Sky Light doesn't give it away either.
> Richie sits up and puts an arm around the pegasus, as if sensing they're about to be parted. His other hand goes back to twirl the fluff on your barrel.
> "Tim can take you to White Pigeon on Wednesday, but he won't leave until ten in the morning. I have to be at work at nine and I can't come back."
> Sky Light immediately has an idea: "We can walk!"
> The woman shakes her head and you do the same. It had felt pretty far away that night Pavo took you from the truck to his home.
> "No, it's too far," Ann confirms. "I'll drive you at eight and drop you at the firm. You'll just have to wait. There's a grill across the road, so you should be fine."
> You tend to agree and smile warmly at the woman.
"Of course. We waited there before, when, um, Pavo did his paperwork. It'll be fine."
> The woman relaxes a bit and you feel Sky Light also settle back against you. It sounds like crisis averted.
> Ann keeps talking, however: "Pavo will call Tim and tell him where to pick you up. I'll let you know what they decide."
> You nod so as not to interrupt the woman, who has more to say: "White Pigeon is north, so Tim will probably turn the other way. You'll have to go down the road - I think there's a bus stop a few blocks away where you can wait for him to pick you up."
> It's starting to sound complicated and the woman catches your worried gaze. "I'll drop you off there so you know where it is, okay? Sorry, but if Tim goes past the grill he'll have to drive right through the town with a big rig and that's not easy, especially in the morning traffic."
"It'll be fine, Mrs. Basilius! We'll wait at the bus stop!" you offer quickly.
> These people are doing you and Sky Light a huge favor, so it's the least you can do to make their lives easier.
> A buzz of excitement pushes all thoughts of sleep from your mind. One more day with Richie and Ann in their house and then you'll be on your way again. You glance at Sky Light and see that she feels the same.
> There's a faint little smile on her muzzle and she's quite tense as she stares at the wall, apparently lost in thought. You prod Richie's arm with your muzzle and jerk your head when he looks. The boy understands and leans closer to hear you.
"I think Sky Light is really nervous about going," you whisper to the boy. "Why don't you give her a hug to help her relax?"
> The kid is only too happy to obey and throws his arms around the poor pegasus who can only respond with a strangled squeak.
> "I'll miss you when you're gone, Sky!" Richie trills and presses his face against the pegasus' fluff. "Will you write to me?"
> Her nervousness only lasts a moment, then the mare gives a slight chuckle and wraps the boy up in her wing. "Of course I will, Richie," she promises, "if I can find some paper and a pen somewhere."
> "Will you visit sometime?" the boy goes on to ask.
> You look to Ann, who gives you a slight nod. She has a bittersweet smile on her lips.
"Sure we will, sweetie!" you confirm happily. "We'll come see you whenever we're traveling through here, right Sky?"
> The pegasus doesn't look too sure, but she forces a grin and bobs her head. "Yup!"
> Richie seems happy about the promise, too. It looks like there won't be too much drama with you leaving. That is good. The last thing you need is more heartbreak, especially in a young child.
> That reminds you of another thing.
"Oh, I almost forgot! Richie, we have to show Sky Light that picture of her we found!"
> The pegasus perks up her ears as she looks first to you then to the boy. "Oh really?" she asks, voice measured and careful. "What kind of picture?"
"The one Pavo took the first time he met you. You know, 'trucker pony' and so on."
> The mare brightens up a little bit. "Oh, that thing! Yeah, he didn't have a phone camera yet - you know, the kind where you can see pictures right away. I never got to see that one."
> She grins a little to herself. "You know, he promised he'd bring me a copy the next time he came around and he never did. Guess it must've slipped his mind." Sky barks a laugh. "Certainly slipped mine."
> The show on the TV is quickly forgotten as both Richie and the pegasus jump from the couch. You're a bit sad to lose their body heat against your belly, but it's time to have a shower and go to bed anyway.
> Yep, you're going to miss living in an actual house. For now you slide to the floor and stretch out your stiff legs.
> "Not too long, you three," Ann cautions, but Sky Light and Richie are already beyond hearing. It's up to you to promise.
"Of course, Mrs. Basilius. I'll shoo Sky Light out in a few minutes. Tomorrow is school day."
> The woman just gives you a grateful nod, then takes out her phone to start typing a message. You wonder if she's writing to Pavo or to Tim. It's none of your business anyway. 
> Accidentally overhearing because humans don't realize how sharp your ears are is one thing. Outright trying to sneak a glance at the screen is quite another.
> You go out to the hall and follow your excited friends to Richie's room. By the time you poke your snout in, the boy is already sitting on the bed with the photo album in his lap and Sky Light is standing next to him, watching with curiosity, her tail swishing around.
> Richie is expertly leafing through the pages until he stops and points. "Here!"
> You're not sure what exactly Sky thinks and her faint smile doesn't tell you anything. "Oh, wow. That was ages ago," she says quietly.
"Yeah, four years," you confirm, walking up to have another look yourself.
> "Take a load of how much younger I look. Wow."
> Now that you have the mare and the picture both in sight you can spot it too. The mare in the photo *does* look a little younger. Although, Sky's extra wrinkle here and there doesn't make her look bad.
"For what it's worth, you look more... distinguished now."
> "Distinguished?!" the pegasus asks, snorting a little as she tries to hold back laughter. "Holy crap, now there's a word!"
> You gasp a little at her language and look imploringly at Richie, hoping no permanent damage was done.
"You mustn't use that word, okay Richie? It's a bad word and if your mother finds out you learned it from Sky we won't be able to visit again."
> The boy grabs you around the neck as if afraid you'll disappear any second. "I won't tell, I promise!" he whispers urgently.
"Good lad."
> Sky Light gives you an apologetic grin and you nod your head to the exit. She takes one last look at the photo and turns to leave.
"Say good night now, Richie. We'll play some more tomorrow after school, okay?"
> The boy nods against your fur. "Okay. G'night Sky! G'night Rosa!"
"Sweet dreams!"
> He frees you and goes to return the album to its place on the shelf while you follow your pegasus friend out. Mrs. Basilius passes between you and idly reaches down both hands to give each of you a light pat.
> You can't help noticing that Sky Light leans into the touch a little, even if she'd never admit it.
> You *so* hope you can find a home like this after your adventure is over. It'd be your best chance at a comfortable life. More importantly, it would be your best chance to be useful and help some people.
> Despite your misgivings about the school and what had happened with Mr. Boone, you realize, you still want to do that.
> "You're really good with that sort of thing," Sky Light says and you think there's just a touch of awe in her voice.
"What thing?"
> "Kids. I almost can't believe a pony can be this patient. He kept asking question after question about ponies and you-" the mare points a hoof, "-you just kept answering like it was no big deal."
"Well, it wasn't," you explain.
> "I'd have given up and told him to stop after 'why do ponies have fur?'" Sky admits.
"I was training for this sort of thing. It's fun. Kids are adorable."
> The mare actually shivers a little, but then cracks a smile. "Better you than me. So what's the plan for tomorrow?"
> Weird, you think, how you'd been following Sky's orders out on the streets, but in a house she naturally defers to you. It's good she can admit when she's out of her depth.
"Lemme think... I'd like to dust Mrs. Basilius' shelves with fine china. Then there's the dishes - I wanted to do them today, but I was tired."
> "I guess I could do that," Sky volunteers, half hoping you'll say no. You're tempted, but to be honest you wouldn't mind some help.
"How about you make a start on them and just stack them out for me to dry and put back?"
> This brings out a smile and the pegasus nods happily.
> You've made your way to the guest room and now she jumps up on the bed. You, on the other hand, rummage in your bag for your toothbrush and head out.
> Sky Light watches you for a few seconds, then looks away, blushing a little. Aha! You knew she felt guilty for not taking proper care of herself!
> Still, you're both in a good mood and you don't want to spoil that. You'll drag her to Rachelle's clinic when you've freed Maribelle and then you'll babysit the pegasus as long as it takes for her to develop a habit.
> Someone once told you that you have to repeat an action seventy times for it to become ingrained. That means dragging Sky out and having her brush for two months straight.
> You'll do it, too. You like that pony and don't want her teeth to fall out in the next couple of years.
> The thoughts are distracting enough that you hardly pay attention to your own hygiene. That's okay, your habit is doing fine and you can brush on automatic.
> After that it'll be a nice, relaxing hot shower and then you'll join your friend in the bed.
> It feels really good to have someone warm to cuddle, even if it is summer and the nights aren't particularly cold.
> Well, it would be better if it was a cute colt, someone like Paolo, maybe.
> You can't help giggling at the way you're blushing in the mirror.
> Hopefully, when all this craziness is done you'll be able to see the colt again. You don't have the faintest idea how, but hey - you didn't have a clue about where they'd taken Maribelle and here you are, going to her.
> That reminds you. Weird how you haven't dreamed that weird dream lately. Is it because you're going there, or because something has happened to your friend?
> Or had she been nothing but a ghost even before and now she's faded completely?
> God, you just wish she's alive and well...

> ~~~~

> Ann parked her car on a bus stop in a very busy street. You know she won't be able to stay there for very long, so you're glad that you and Sky Light are already wearing all your bags.
> Despite the hurry, you take a moment to give Richie a quick hug. He isn't taking the school bus today since Ann is going near there for your sake. It's nice to be able to say goodbye properly.
"Now, you be good and listen to your mom and dad, okay?" you tell the kid.
> He nods solemnly, as if making you a promise and you smile in return.
"I'll write and visit when I can!"
> The boy clasps you around your barrel for a moment, then he does the same with Sky Light. She doesn't have other parting words than: "Good bye! Good Luck!"
> Meanwhile you poke your head between the seats to brush Ann's shoulder.
"Thank you for everything, Mrs. Basilius!"
> She gives your muzzle a quick pat. "Good luck with your thing. Don't be a stranger if you're ever in town!"
> Then you open the car door and slip out, followed closely by the pegasus. You give Richie a final wave and a smile, then push the door shut and Ann drives away.
> You heave a sad sigh.
> Beside you, Sky Light is smiling a little to herself. "So," she says, lively and excited, "where to? We got an hour, but I wanna be here a little earlier so we don't miss Tim."
> It makes sense and you look around for anywhere you could go. The plan was to go to the barbecue and grill near Pavo's company, but you've had breakfast and you're not thirsty, so it seems like a needless walk.
"How about..." you say, casting your gaze around.
> A bit of green catches your gaze and you point a hoof.
"Looks like a park. We could go sit on a bench for a while."
> Sky Light bumps her rump against yours and sets off. "Good thinking!"
> You follow beside the mare and one step behind, just like you always have back in the city. It's the streets again, but you're optimistic about your future.
> Soon you'll have a cozy truck seat and some more beautiful scenery to enjoy while Tim takes you and Sky right to your goal.
> Once there...
> It's hard to say. You'll have to see the place and find the best way inside. You and Sky Light have spent a few hours last night discussing strategy.
> Maybe, the pegasus suggested, you could hide in the back of the truck and then sneak out when the humans aren't looking. It sounds kinda risky, though.
> You remembered Pavo's description and you know the only reason Tim will drive his truck to the White Pigeon place is to have it unloaded.
> Another possibility would be to stay hidden in the back of the cabin, on the truck bed with the curtains drawn, but that would probably raise suspicion. All it would take is one curious human asking Tim to pull the curtain aside.
> In no event do you want to get the driver in trouble. He's doing you and Pavo a huge favor.
> At long last you and Sky had settled on the best course. Tim will drop you off near the place and then you'll scout it out at night. There might be a weak spot in the fence, or whatever they have. As a worst case, Sky Light had said, she could fly you both over any walls.
> Maybe there will be a different way inside once you're there, but for now that's the plan you're going with.
> You haven't been paying attention to where you and Sky were walking, so now you blink and look around in surprise.
> It's as if you've left the city and are now in a sparse, cheerful forest. The park really is lovely and you can hardly see any gray concrete around you.
> You're especially interested in the flowerbeds along the path and you leave the pegasus sitting on her bench to go inspect them close up.
> Of course it's all cultivated and maintained by gardeners, but it almost looks as if the flowers are simply growing there naturally.
> You don't know the kinds, but you can see that they'd been weeded recently.
> For a moment you think what it would be like to get a job as a gardener pony. You'd have your uniform, so no one would bother you, and your day would be spent walking from park to park with your tools and taking care of the grass and the flowers and the trees.
> Now that you're thinking about it, it wouldn't be a bad life at all.
> Maybe you can go and ask in the city hall or something, when it's all over. This future might be even better than finding a family with a needy child, because it'd mean you could still spend a lot of time with Sky Light.
> She'd keep you company while you worked and you'd pay for food.  Yeah, it could work out nicely!
> Of course, provided that was what Maribelle wanted to do. You almost start deciding her future, but then you realize you don't even know what her cutie mark is.
> She might want to go someplace completely different.
> Would you be able to let her go, even if it is far away and you hardly ever saw her?
> The thought makes you swallow a painful lump and your ears fold down.
> Would you?
> If it was the only way to make her happy?
> You probably would. First, however, you'd try anything to stay near her. Even if she had to go someplace far, surely you'd find some employment, either as a gardener or as an assistant pony.
> The thought calms you down quickly. You'll find a way.
>...
> You're so nervous about getting up into the truck's cabin quickly that you fumble your jump and nearly crash on your head. Luckily Sky Light is fast on her hooves and props you up.
> It still takes a bit of a scramble for you to finally reach the seat and then you give the driver a slight smile.
> He's watching you with amusement, which is a much better sign than annoyance or something like that.
> You barely have time to take him in: hair cropped short and as black as your mane, glasses, unshaven and a lot less heavy than Pavo. You start to give him a proper smile, but then hear a whoosh behind you and jump out of the way just before Sky Light would land on you.
> She reaches out to pull the door shut while you extend a hoof for the human.
"Um- hi..."
> The man shakes very briefly, but then he's already operating the truck, presumably to get out of the way as fast as possible. The vehicle, you saw, is longer than the bus stop so he was holding up traffic while you climbed up.
> Hopefully the humans in the cars behind Tim won't be too upset over the delay.
> "So, I'm guessing you're Rose-ah and that over there is Sky Light?" Tim asks, glancing first at you and then at the pegasus before focusing on the road again.
"Yes!" you confirm," b-but it's pronounced 'Rosa'."
> The man shrugs a little. "Oh. Only ever seen it in a text message. Pavo didn't say your names out loud on the phone. Sorry."
> You quickly shake your head and smile again. Tim is polite and cheerful, which bodes well for your journey.
"It's okay! It's an unusual name."
> Tim nods. "I'll say. What is it, European or something? Are you from Europe?"
> This time you shake your head.
"No, it was my, uh, instructor. She named me when I was born. She's from Europe!"
> "Ah. That'll be it then. What does it mean? It sounds french or something."
> You haven't thought about your name in a long while, but it's a welcome topic. Getting to know each other, always very important. Tentatively, you decide you like this man.
"Polish, actually. It means, uh- 'morning dew'."
> "Cute!"
> Even Sky Light is staring. "Hey, you never told me! Okay, I'm gonna start calling you 'Morning Dew'."
> That's right! You remember that the pegasus was named 'Aurora' by humans, but she ditched it and went for 'Sky Light', which is essentially the same thing, except that it has a more Equestrian ring to it.
> Should you do the same?
> You're not too sure. You kinda like your name.
"I dunno," you say slowly. "I don't really mind Rosa."
> "Too late!" the pegasus says and starts laughing.
> After a moment Tim joins in. "Looks like you done goofed up, pony!"
> You can't be mad at either of them. After a minute you can't help chuckling a little as well. Yeah, this drive will go perfectly smoothly.
> It's only about a hundred miles or so, anyway, and most of it on highways.

> ~~~~

> Noon finds you sitting on a different bench and leaning against Sky Light, with your eyes closed and your hooves on your belly.
> You have got to stop doing that! When Tim stopped for lunch you and Sky had bought a couple of human-sized meals. Burger for her, cheese pizza for you and a serving of fries with each.
> It had been too much, but you weren't able to stop yourself until your tray was clean.
"Urk-"
> The human keeps chuckling a little and Sky Light pats you gently on the back with a wing. "You gonna live?" the mare asks.
"Yeah... I'll be fine," you lie.
> "Gonna get fat, you know?"
"I know..."
> Who knew you were a total glutton if you were given a chance? Certainly not you. Portions in the School were pony-sized, but you never felt really hungry - not with three meals per day.
> By the time you got hungry it was usually near another visit to the mess hall.
> Then, on the streets with Sky Light - yes you were hungry a lot of the time, but you were also afraid and bewildered at all the new things, so your belly probably took second place in your mind.
> You never really starved.
> Only now, living in relative luxury and with abundant food did you notice this tendency to cram your muzzle until you are near bursting. You idly wonder why that is.
> It's just going to take some more willpower and you'll be fine. Besides, ponies are cute if they're a little bit pudgy, right? You probably don't have to worry about that, especially if you end up living on the streets with Sky Light.
> "Wanna finish my fries, too?" the pegasus asks.
> You turn your face away and try not to think about it.
"N-No thanks..."
> "You sure?"
"Yes!"
> "Here, give 'em me," Tim asks and Sky Light pushes the tray to the human. It's a relief, otherwise you'd be seriously tempted.
> Now that laughing at your misfortune is done, Sky Light turns a businesslike expression on the driver. "So, how much further?" she asks.
> The man swallows a mouthful of fried potato and frowns a little in quiet calculation. "What time is it?" he asks.
> You and Sky Light look at each other in confusion, which makes Tim laugh again.
> "Way to ruin a joke. We'll be there about five minutes after we leave. We're basically in White Pigeon, ladies. That's it down the road," he points.
> Instantly your heart speeds up as you glance in the distance and see a... settlement. It's a very small town, at least that's how it looks like from this angle.
> White Pigeon.
> Should you be feeling anything, if your mysterious night time visitor - who you believe was Maribelle - is this near by?
> "Then why did we-" Sky Light begins to ask, but the man had guessed her question and replies even before she finishes.
> "I always stop here for lunch," he explains. "Besides, the client expects the shipment at one-thirty. It doesn't do to be early for this job. Too much paperwork."
> The pegasus looks somewhat mollified.
> Tim crams the final few fries in his mouth and leans back. As soon as he's swallowed them, he explains some more: "I thought you'd like the scenery. Just take it chill for another, uh-" he looks at his wristwatch, "-let's say twenty minutes and then we'll be on our way."
"Oh. O-Okay."
> "Any thoughts on how you're gonna get in?" the man asks.
> You and Sky Light look at one another again. You're wondering if it's safe for Tim to know the details. If your break-in attempt goes badly, he might also be in trouble. You're about to tell him that, but Sky opens her muzzle first.
> "Probably wait until it's dark and then see if we can sneak through the fence. Or whatever. Do they have walls?"
> Tim nods a little. "Yeah, walls. About, uh eight or ten feet I reckon."
> "We can fly," the mare says and extends one wing to show him.
> The driver just grunts an affirmation, but then he leans forward across the table and lowers his voice. "Tell you what, you seem like nice girls. Pavo didn't tell me why you wanna get into that place, but I guess it's something to do with those ponies in cages I saw the other time."
> He sighs a little. "This client is big on NDA. I probably shouldn't even have told Pavo, but- you know. His pictures and all that. It just came up over beer one day."
> You don't know where Tim is going with it and by the looks of it neither does Sky Light, so you both just nod quietly.
> "Anyway, I don't need to know the details, but if you'll take my advice, go in from the south. There's another gate, but they hardly ever use it. Just a rusty chain fence, you can probably jump it if you can't break it down."
> This is very welcome news and you start smiling a little. You knew you liked this guy!
> He's not done yet and he lowers his voice a bit more. "There's just some storage sheds that way, shouldn't be any guards or anything. After that - well, good luck. Patrols, cameras, sensors, you name it."
> "How do you know all this?" Sky Light asks, suddenly a bit suspicious.
> Tim just shrugs a little. "Been shipping there for years. You notice stuff, especially while you wait for some stuck-up officer to go over your papers for an hour."
> It makes sense. That was probably how he ended up seeing caged ponies, too. A scheduling mistake, Pavo had said.
> "So, you guys have black suits?" Tim asks while looking at your saddlebags.
"N-No?"
> "Would come in handy, you know? To avoid being seen so easily."
> You hadn't even thought about that! You look desperately at Sky Light, who gives a little shrug.
> "We'll try anyway," the pegasus says, voice firm and full of self-assurance.
> It makes Tim grin and lift up his hands in supplication. "Hey, you ladies know what you're doing. I'm just trying to help."
> It looks like Sky and Tim might start arguing every second, so you nudge the mare with a hoof and smile politely at the human.
"We really appreciate the advice, uh, Tim. We'll... think about it."
> Finally Sky Light picks up on what you're trying to do. "Oh. Yeah. If you could just drop us somewhere near the edge of White Pigeon, closest to this, this... facility, that'd be great."
> "Sure thing!"
> You relax again. It sounds like Sky Light already has a plan, which is good. You're really curious what it is, but you suddenly don't want to discuss it in front of the human.
> Luckily, he stands up and collects all three trays. "I'll take those back," he says and sets off towards the fast food place.
> This is your chance.
"What do you think?" you ask the pegasus.
> "He's a bit weird. I'd rather he drops us off out of sight of that facility."
"What about the black clothes?"
> Sky gives you a sly smile and winks. "I have an idea. How much money do you have left?"
> It takes a few seconds for you to mentally calculate.
"Dunno, about fifty bucks. Why?"
> The mare claps her forehooves together and smiles. "Should be plenty. I'll fly into the town and see if I can find some clothes for us."
> That doesn't sound like a very practical idea. You shake your head a little.
"You think you'll find a shop for pony apparel in White Pigeon?"
> "Not necessarily," the pegasus goes on in a low tone of voice. "Human ones will do, too. Stretch pants, sweaters. Not too comfortable, but they should fit us well enough. Maybe some rope to tie them on, just in case."
> It's actually not a completely bad idea. You start smiling too.
"Good thinking!"
> "Yep," the mare says proudly. "You'll wait around somewhere, hiding or something. It should be a snap with these!" She spreads her wings and flaps them once, making a pleasant little breeze.
> It reminds you that summer is definitely on its way.
> Maybe, after freeing Maribelle, you'll ask Sky Light to take you to some sea place. You've never seen the sea. It could be fun.
> You spot the driver coming back and wipe the smile from your muzzle. You still think he's a good human, but it seems Sky Light agrees with you that you don't need to tell him absolutely everything.
> You'll only stay with him for another hour or so, anyway.