private Road to Retribution (with Raven Rawne)

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@,

 

 

 

"Let us get my bike out of the shop first, I've missed her"

 

"Alright the, lead the way" - Garreth nodded. He sure hoped for a small detour, but it

s not like he was going to keel over from hunger, so he didn't complain. After all, sometimes he had to stand on post without a meal for a whole day, so it wasn't exactly new for him.

 

They soon reached the local bike shop. Spotting it was a no brainer with all the bikes around, some apparently cannibalised for parts, other complete and ready for sale. It seemed Harley haven't seen hers in the yard, since she went inside the shed to look for whoever kept this junkyard rolling. Speaking of which, both shop and shed were, as usual, made of the same reddish wood as all other buildings in town, but looked somewhat... distresed. Like the owner had no time or will to keep them in good shape.

 

Harley went in through the gap in the door, but Garreth needed to widen it, so he grabbed one of the slider doors and pushed it aside some more. A loud cacophony of rusted metal was enough of an announcement, as he heard a holler from deep inside.

 

"In here! Just don't trip on anything! Kinda dark in here... I really should fix those lights someday."

 

Once inside, Garreth keenly noticed that the junkyard outside was just a prelude to what awaited inside. More bikes, in all states of disrepair, were stacked against the walls, parts laid chaotically on the shelves and yes, there were even some antiques hanging from the roof like motorbike angels, mourning their butchered bretheren. Good thing there were windows in here, or else it would be completely dark. It seemed that Harley knew her way around, since she crossed this maze in no time and was approaching a young stallion, in his early twenties tops, kneeling by some hopeless victim of a bike, tools and parts laying everywhere around him.

Edited October 13, 2016 by Raven Rawne

[Sphinx-Ara 3,553]

@@Raven Rawne, 

 

Harley chuckles "Still haven't gotten round to it yet Elbow?" she asks as she steps into the shop and looks around "Messy as always hun, so how's my baby doing? Did you buff out those marks, scratches and dents?" she asks as she looks around to see her bike "I've already been to see Ambrosia...' she says and chuckles more whens she sees a light blush happen across his muzzle and shakes her head.

 

"Oh and before I forget, this here is Garreth, my boyfriend and possible business partner" she says, pulling the griffon in close to her

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@,

 

 

 

Harley chuckles "Still haven't gotten round to it yet Elbow?" she asks as she steps into the shop and looks around "Messy as always hun, so how's my baby doing? Did you buff out those marks, scratches and dents?"

 

"Don't worry, I'm almost finished. I just got the idea that I could replace the exhaust pipes in these narrow points for a tad bigger you know, it should give you like... half a horsepower more. And don't give me that look, there's not much left to improve here, unless you want a completely new ride. She'll be ready in ten."

 

 

 

"I've already been to see Ambrosia...' she says and chuckles more whens she sees a light blush happen across his muzzle and shakes her head.

 

Elbow Grease sighed a bit at the mention of that particular mare. "O-oh, did you? So... how's she doing? Anything new?"

 

 

 

"Oh and before I forget, this here is Garreth, my boyfriend and possible business partner" she says, pulling the griffon in close to her

 

The mechanic seemed unamused by the lack of reply, and decided to take this opportunity to get back on his friend and longtime customer. - "Harls, are there really no good stallions in Equestria? Half of the town will be heartbroken! Some of these stallions are even single... So, where did you get him, Madam Peppermint's Emporium of Curios and Oddities?" - then he saw the griffon's cold stare, the kind that birds of prey give to rodents. "N-no offence, sir, I was just poking fun at my friend here."

 

The griffon rolled his eyes, and offered a reassuring smile. - "None taken. I was just curious of your reaction." Then he kneeled next to the stallion and looked at the bike. "Seems like you really put your heart in this bike. I'm no expert, far from it, but I see a lot of custom parts and improvements..."

 

"Well, yes, it's one of the fastest I made. I told Harls I could make miracles with the newest model but she's too fond of this one. If only she took better care of it... I can't tell you how many times I had to fix the fork or replace the front wheel because she took the scenic route, or hammer out dents and stuff."

[Sphinx-Ara 3,553]

@@Raven Rawne, 

 

Harley rolls her eyes "I do, and if I took any better care of it, you'd lose your best customer" she says and smiles at after that "Actually, I caught him being under fire from the raiders...they've gotten better gear you know" she says and shakes her head, running a hand along the bike "If something or someone saved your life multiple times, would you so readily give it or the pony..or griffon up for a newer model?" she says then smiles at Garreth then a look of seriousness crosses her face when she looks back at Elbow "She's fine, though you screwed up again didn't you?" she sighs and kneels in front of him "Elbow Grease, I know you get lost in your work, but is that really an excuse for standing up a beautiful mare?" she then hugs him "I'll try to smooth it over, also.. thanks for looking after my baby"

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@,

 

 

 

"Actually, I caught him being under fire from the raiders...they've gotten better gear you know" she says and shakes her head, running a hand along the bike "If something or someone saved your life multiple times, would you so readily give it or the pony..or griffon up for a newer model?" she says then smiles at Garreth

 

"It's safe to say that I would have been done for if not her." - he then returned the smile Harley gave him.

 

 

 

"Elbow Grease, I know you get lost in your work, but is that really an excuse for standing up a beautiful mare?" she then hugs him "I'll try to smooth it over, also.. thanks for looking after my baby"

 

"Well I... Alright, so I missed a date, big deal. But love is not something you anounce once a year on Hearts and Hooves Day, Harls. She's just... I dunno. Expecting punctuality from me is like expecting pigs to fly, but it doesn't change the fact that I do in fact love her. I don't know why she makes it so hard with formal dates and such. If she feels the same, then why not just accept the reality and get together? Mares are way more complicated than bikes, you keep that in mind" - the stallion pointed towards Garreth.

 

"Try Manehattan. You'll get the entirely new definition of "complicated". - the griffon replied. Truth be told, he was starting to get irritated by the everpresent clutter and mess Elbow Grease made his natural environment. He never understood these kind of ponies, since for him, punctuality and order were second nature.

[Sphinx-Ara 3,553]

@@Raven Rawne,

 

Harley sighs "Elbow, two things. First of all, you know how she feels, she does genuinely love you too, but she is a mare and mares like to be treated like a princess once in a while, we like to feel that we are loved and wanted" she says and looks him dead right in the eyes "I'll go have a talk with her  and secondly, you really need to clean up this place, it was difficult enough to walk inside" she says then looks to Garreth "Come on, we should go get something to eat before we return to the shops" she says softly.

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@,

 

The mechanic listened intently to Harley. - "Alright, I get it. VIP treatment for Ambrosia. Thanks for the advice Harls, you know we would have like, zero chances if not for you." He winced at the mention of cleaning "I know it doesn't look like it, but it's perfectly organi... okay, okay, I'll get right to it as soon as I finish with your bike. Just keep in mind, if I die of boredom it's your fault." Seeing the pair was about to leave, he got back to work.

 

 

 

"Come on, we should go get something to eat before we return to the shops" she says softly.

 

Garreth was relieved to hear that. "Alright, let's. You know the way out of this maze... right?" He looked at her, then at the door and the dimly lit sea of motorcycle parts between them. Once they went outside a monite later, he took the last glance inside, doubting that he'll see any improvement once they get back.

 

"What a sad case, this one... With his talent he could run the best shop in Manehattan."

[Sphinx-Ara 3,553]

@@Raven Rawne, 

 

She nods "Yeah, follow me" she says as she then makes her way though the bikes and sighs "As for Elbow, he can't exactly help it, he has a disability, something called Asperger Syndrome" she says with a soft smile "And though he may screw up with 'Brosia, she knows he can't really help it, So she does cut him some slack" she says then looks around the town to figure out where would be a good place to go for lunch, "ah over the, the Hot Java Cafe, it's a quaint little place with good prices" she says as she leads the way.

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@,

 

Garreth thought for a moment while following Harley towards the Cafe, then said: "You know, clutter aside, he does sound like a good kid. Maybe we could help him get this place in shape? Unless we'll have to head out bandit chasing right after we get back to the Sheriff that is."

 

The Cafe was still some 150 metres away when he asked.

[Sphinx-Ara 3,553]

@@Raven Rawne, 

 

She nods "He's actually like a younger brother to me, all three of us have something in common in that we all lost one or both of our parents" she says with a soft sigh and then smiles at him "you'll warm up to him in no time, he just has trouble trusting strangers at first" she says and nods "Well we do need to go check out what 'Brosia's verdict on your carbine is as well and I do not think the sheriff will mind if we spend a little extra time snooping around"

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@,

 

"Hmm, I guess you're right, I'm not really curious how his jail looks from the inside. Maybe some other time." Then Garreth tried to recall their to-do list. "Okay, so once we eat something, it seems we should go to the tailor first, then the gunsmith, and thus fully equipped, we could go to the Sheriff. If we walk out alive then we could finally go for that breakfast turned dinner date."

 

Since they arrived at the Cafe door, Garreth opened them for Harley and motioned her inside: "Ladies first".

[Sphinx-Ara 3,553]

@@Raven Rawne, 

 

She smiles "thank you dear" she says as she steps into the small cafe and finds a table to sit at. it was a window table, where she could keep an eye on things. She smiles at Garreth "Miss Shrug should be done  with our outfits for our date soon anyway" she says as she looks to her menu and wonders what she should have "hmm, some meat may be nice"

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@,

 

They got a table by the window, apparently because Harley wanted to have a lookout on the outside. She didn't say it, but she didn't have to. The habitual galnces were proof enough, even if an untrained observer wouldn't notice a thing.

 

Garreth looked at the menu - mostly apple themed dishes, since the town was famous for it's orchards. There were some meats and other, non-apple options, no doubt from local farms. Unfortunately they didn't serve any salmon, but honestly, this far inland it was to be expected.

 

"It seems there's some beef and chicken on the menu, so I guess they got you covered." - he said to Harley once she announced her interest in meat.

 

A waiter approached the pair to take their order. He was a young, cream colored earth pony stallion, dressed in impeccably clean set of matching, brown trousers and waistcoat, paired with a white shirt and a red tie. His charcoal mane was neatly combed back.

 

"Good morning and welcome to Hot Java Cafe, may I take your orders?" - he looked at Harley while he readied his notebook to write down what they wanted to eat.

[Sphinx-Ara 3,553]

@@Raven Rawne,

 

Harley smiles at him "Hello, I'd like the chicken Caesar salad,  some chicken satay skewers with peanut butter sauce please" she says and smiles at Garreth "what about you sweetheart?" she says, folding her menu on the table then thinks of something "Oh and some grape soda please and dr pepper" she finishes as she then resumes looking out of the window with a somewhat worried look on her face.

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@,

 

 

 

"what about you sweetheart?"

 

Garreth took the last look at the menu and then announced: "I'll take the plate of ham tortilla slices, chicken gyro salad and some tea please. Two lumps of sugar."

 

The waiter took their orders and disappeared, announcing that their meals will take around 5-7 minutes to get ready.

 

Garreth refocused his attention on the mare before him, and noticed the sligltly worried look as she peered outside.

 

"Is there something wrong? You look worried." - it seemed rather unusual, cinsidering the circumstances. The griffon couldn't see anything alarming outside.

[Sphinx-Ara 3,553]

@@Raven Rawne, 

 

She looks up at him from her watching out the window "I don't know, something just seems...off" she says "that raid seemed almost too well organized, like it was a planned ambush" she muses "So they must have found out about the shipment somehow" she says with a sigh "So either there's a mole in your company, a spy hanging around here or even the deputy just got drunk during a card game and bragged about it to the wrong pony" she says with a shake of the head. "Regardless, lets make the most of the rest of the day"

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@,

 

Garreth thought for a moment, considering Harley's words.

 

"Well, it did look like a planned ambush alright. I mean, they got us exactly where we had to stop and examine the crossing. Normal truck would just keep going... I don't want to cover for my company, but it sounds rather far fetched for a band of looters to have contacts in Manehattan. A local leak sounds more... feasible. But then, how would they know about the crossing examination procedure... it just refuses to make sense, however I put it." Then he added - "You're right, let's just enjoy our brief break from action while we can."

 

Since their meals were still MIA, Garreth decided to pass the time with some conversation.

 

"So I've been wondering... you seem well acquainted in this town and the surrounding areas. Do you know any places worth visiting? Tourist atttractions, interesting landmarks, cool waterfalls, that kind of thing."

[Sphinx-Ara 3,553]

@@Raven Rawne,

 

"I know of a few spots" she says with a nod "I've already taken you to the main stores that are good to go to, but I do know some great spots for stargazing and even as lookouts, we could even see if we can spot any raiders or bandits from there" she says and looks at him, "I think the most plausible thing would be that the deputy got drunk and bragged about it, that or he's been a spy this whole time" she says and then holds his hand in hers "Garreth, no matter what, knowthat you'll have a friend..and perhaps more in me"

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@,

 

And despite her own, words, she got back to business... The last part was a surprise, but Garreth was starting to get used to Harley's openness.

 

"Thanks Harley, I appreciate that. I may not be the most affectionate person in Equestria, but, well, I guess it's safe to say that you're a good freind to me, in the very least. I mean, not only you saved my life but basically took me in and even offered business partnership. Not many ponies would do that for sure." - He wasn't really ready to continue the topic, at least for now, so he switched back to the matters at hand.

 

"As for the matters at hand, I guess we could be good citizens and look for our Sheriff's lost deputy, huh? We don't have to tell him we're about to have a little talk once we find him." - he smiled somewhat deviously at the concept of hitting two birds with one stone: obtaining trust and information.

[Sphinx-Ara 3,553]

@@Raven Rawne,

 

Harley chuckles "I'm sure Peacemaker will be very pleased to hear that his deputy is a suspect" she says with a wry grin, "Mind you, he's been having problems with him from the offset, " she explains and then smiles at him "I took you in, because I know what it is like to be shunned for something you couldn't help. For me it was being a slave and an orphan, for you it's simply being of a species that sadly has a rather bad rep."

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@,

 

"Well, being suspected for being a total jerk doesn't really compare to losing one's parents and slavery, but I see your point. Again, thanks for seeing past the appearances." - then he considered Harley's workds on the deputy - "So you say that being honest with the Sheriff won't get us into trouble? It sure would be easier than spinning a web of deceit and stuff..."

 

The waiter appeared and brought their order on a big plate, then laid out everything on the table, then said: "I'll bring your drinks in a moment."

 

Garreth looked at his food. "Looks inviting, I just need to pace myself after that unscheduled pause in eating..." He took the fork and stabbed the first tortilla slice. "How's yours?"

[Sphinx-Ara 3,553]

@@Raven Rawne, 

 

Harley smiles as she could smell the satay and thanks the waiter before she begins to nibble on the skewer "mm this is good" she says then nods to what he said "It's all in principal darling, no matter the circumstances, being shunned is being shunned, there's nothing more to it." she explains then smiles wider "well it is kind of hard to see past the handsome griffon in front of me" she pokes her tongue out and laughs "In all seriousness, this could be the last straw for the deputy, but Appleloosa is also known for having shady characters hang around, which is why I'm keeping an eye out"

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@,

 

 

 

"It's all in principal darling, no matter the circumstances, being shunned is being shunned, there's nothing more to it." she explains then smiles wider "well it is kind of hard to see past the handsome griffon in front of me

 

Garreth nodded at the first sentence, and barely witheld the urge to eyeroll at the second, choosing to take another tortilla slice instead. He had to admit, this stuff was good indeed, and actually sliced into small bites so he could swallow them whole. One of the few downsides of having a beak is that you can't chew, after all.

 

 

 

"In all seriousness, this could be the last straw for the deputy, but Appleloosa is also known for having shady characters hang around, which is why I'm keeping an eye out"

 

"It's easy to notice why by just looking at the map - badlands everywhere you look. And with the gold rush already over, there's no telling how many abandoned mines and such are out there... Perfect environment for organised crime. We were told to keep a low profile once in town, avoid bar brawls an the like. They said that the locals play in a whole different league than us cityboys... I guess that's right after all."

 

Meanwhile the waiter brought their drinks, completing their respective orders.

[Sphinx-Ara 3,553]

@@Raven Rawne, 

 

She nods "Keeping a low profile, especially since you're from the city is a good thing actually, I hate to speak ill of the ponies here, but.." she looks around here "They're rather wily with their ways, they'll find a way to separate a city pony or griffon or zebra or anyone who isn't from here from their money" she says and continues to eat "that and they're also very distrustful of strangers, It took me months, no years to fully build up their trust, the only ones who accepted me were Madame Shrug, Elbow Grease and 'Brosia".

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@,

 

Garreth shrugged as he finished his first dish and moved on to the salad.

 

"Nothing new really, I mean, tourists are being pickpocketed or scammed every day in Manehattan. It's part of life there. Besides, can you really blame them? You know best how dangerous it may be around here. Bandis, wildlife, a monster once in a while... it's fairly natural that they would make a tight knit and closed community.... things would probably change if they would have some serious traffic, but it seems nopony comes here unless it's necesary. So, yeah, there you have it. I wouldn't be surprised if they were gossiping about my appearance beside you, for example. That waiter was a bit too polite for example, like he didn't want to give the nasty bird any excuse for trouble." - he laughed a bit at the last remark. "Having undeserved bad rep can be a good thing sometimes, it seems."