Linkin Pony - Recharge: Revamped

Chapter 41

When SpinningNote's team returned to the camp, they reported back everything they had found in the wasteland. CharmingRhythm agreed to assess the issues at a later date, for the team had returned to the damage from the earthquake. Just as Spinning thought, it was a minor quake. Objects outside and inside apartments had fallen over, and a section of the gardening tent had caved in on itself. Besides that, the damage was minor, and no pony had gotten hurt.

The rest of the afternoon and the day after were focused on repairing the camp. Everyone played their own part in cleaning up and was able to fix everything in no time at all. While it had been a minor issue to correct, Rhythm took this as a lesson for the future of his camp. They would need to secure the camp for future earthquakes; ensuring objects be tied down, and especially reinforcing the supports of the gardening tent.

When all had been done, Rhythm finally gave time to consider the threats his friends had found. His mind whirled at the idea of another source of Hybrids, as well as a creature as dangerous as a dragon. Recalling the picture Spinning painted in his mind, energy crystals collected around the dragon, something sparked. Rhythm remembered a basic fact: dragons were known for eating crystals. Could it be possible this dragon was feeding off energy crystals? Was that even possible? Was the energy dangerous to the dragon, or did it empower it? Rhythm shuttered at the thought of the dragon breathing pure energy instead of fire. Still he tried to tell himself that it was an outlandish idea, and that the dragon could just be collecting the crystals because it was drawn to shiny objects.

Pushing the thought of the dragon into the back of his mind, Rhythm considered the Hybrids in the mine. For once he thought he'd rather take on those Hybrids instead of the other option. If the mine held many Hybrids, perhaps a camp of them, the solution was quite simple. They would have to collapse the mine entrance so no Hybrid escaped. Sure it would be disappointing to lose another source of energy crystals, but Rhythm decided it wasn't worth the risk of Hybrid activity.

After a few days, Rhythm felt physically and emotionally exhausted from trying to figure out how to deal with these threats, alongside his usual work from the camp. He had only rested one day after his draining journey to and from Haythorn. He longed for a break, but most of all, he found he was missing his wife. Rhythm had seen Heartfelt before and after the mission to Haythorn, but it wasn't quality time together. Finally he decided that he'd go back to the city to spend time with her, and while there he could check in on HyperBlitz and SweetHooves.

Rhythm addressed that he was leaving to BlazingFlair and SpinningNote who sat in the main room of the base. Both of them ensured that they would tell the other two members of their team as well as the camp.

"Oh, oh! Can I be in charge this time!" Blazing begged with a hoof up in the air.

"I mean, I'm not going to be gone for long, but if you want to, sure," Rhythm replied, amused.

"Yes!" Blazing grinned in triumph. Spinning lightly punched him on the shoulder.

Rhythm chuckled at his friends and made his way out.

The way to Los Pegasus was filled with the sound of music buzzing from the radio. Classics from centuries ago, with a few newer songs produced by groups of friends just like Rhythm's team. He was glad he still got the chances, while rare, to express his true passion by making songs. Even if he couldn't do it all the time, he understood why. The world needed fighters, not artists. But art and music would always be important to ponykind.

As he neared the outer suburbs of the city, Rhythm saw more Hybrid activity, just like the last time he had passed through here. He wondered if he should be worried, and if the sentries had all of this under control. Surely city officials would be addressing this. Trying not to pay mind to it too much, Rhythm passed through and made his way to Hyper's apartment.