Linkin Pony - Recharge: Revamped

Chapter 3

That night CharmingRhythm could not sleep from anxiety about Heartfelt and from excitement of his mission. He awoke feeling groggy but determined. It was still very early, and soft yellow light from street lamps outside fell into Rhythm's apartment. His mind raced, wondering what he'd bring with him. He knew that they had until the end of the week, and still needed to inform the rest of his team.

Heartfelt awoke and passed by her husband, but did not speak. There was still a thorn in Rhythm's heart when he thought of her, but he knew that he would have to push past it. He entered the kitchen and announced to Heartfelt he was leaving to notify his teammates. The Unicorn mare did not answer, but Rhythm could tell there was something she wanted to say.

"What's wrong?" He asked. Obviously he knew that she was still upset, but he pressed her to explain.

"It's just... if you're going to be gone on your mission, how am I supposed to keep up with rent? We've always had to depend on my income plus yours from your bounty missions to keep up with payment."

"I-I don't know. I'm sorry. Maybe... you could move in with SweetHooves? I know she'd appreciate help with JumpingJolt," suggested Rhythm. "And then you wouldn't have to live alone. We'll all come together once the camp is done, I promise."

Heartfelt glared at him, as if that answer did not satisfy her. "Guess I'll have to see."

Rhythm sighed and leaned in to give Heartfelt a kiss on the cheek. "I'm sure you'll figure it out," he said. "I've got to go. See you later."

Through the streets of Los Pegasus, Rhythm observed the citizens in their everyday life. Foals were playing, young recruits were readying for their missions, and merchants traded with customers. It was safe here in the city that was guarded by the Resistance. Setting up a camp would be much more prone to danger. But making a new camp would insure that area was safe in the future. It would be a place for travelers to stay without worrying about Hybrids, and it would be another victory for the Resistance.

Rhythm passed through the Resistance buildings into a large courtyard, home to a greenhouse. Entering the greenhouse, hot, humid air blew onto Rhythm's fur. Strange scents of plants danced around him, and he had to readjust his senses before pushing further through the greenhouse. He overlooked the ponies standing in the rows tending to plants. A few of them waved to Rhythm, and he waved his blue hoof back. The pony he was looking for was not here, but he was certain where else he'd find them.

The next building Rhythm went to was an alchemy lab. Here ponies created potions as medicine and other uses. A few ponies here also recognized Rhythm, although he did not feel and close friendships to them. Rhythm's eyes locked onto a tall, red stallion. He was overlooking his own potion station, patiently waiting for water to boil. Rhythm stepped up behind him, but the Earth Pony seemed too invested in his craft to notice him.

"EchoBeat," Rhythm said.

The stallion jumped slightly and spun around to the Unicorn. EchoBeat's bronze eyes softened and he spoke with a small smile. "Oh, Rhythm, it's just you."

"Yep, and I've got a mission call for you!" Rhythm reported with a grin. Just as Echo gave an unsure look, he said "Don't worry; you'll like this one. I've been assigned to set up a brand new camp. If you come with, you can be in charge of planting and keeping up food in the camp. As well as creating potions as you like, we'll need medicine."

EchoBeat's expression barely changed, but his eyes sparkled with interest. "I would like that. And in a camp away from the city? Sounds perfect to me."

"Awesome. We'll set out at the end of the week," Rhythm affirmed.

After exiting the alchemy building, Rhythm headed west in search of the tech lab. He had to climb a few flights of stairs to reach it. He passed through a large doorway into the lab. There were several other doorways aligned through it for seperate stations and areas to work. Rhythm strolled to the third section on the left, and peered inside. A purple Unicorn was working on something Rhythm could not make out, it seemed like a motherboard. He wore a pin on a scar that read "SpinningNote." The purple stallion's steel blue eyes flickered to the pony entering.

"Oh, hey Rhythm, what's up?" SpinningNote greeted.

"We got a new mission."

"Tell me about it." Spinning stood up straight and faced the greyish blue Unicorn.

Rhythm went over the mission's details with him. "We could really use a pony who knows how to rewire an entire village."

"Fending off Hybrids, building new tech? Sounds good to me. Count me in." Spinning nodded curtly.

The next stop on Rhythm's list was the activity center. It was inside a large roofed stadium. There were different sections for strength training, sports and a lap around the outside for running. A lime green stallion from the strength training section across the field noticed Rhythm and shouted a greeting with a raised hoof. Rhythm gave notice to him, and then continued on his quest. He sought out a light orange Earth Pony who was kicking a ball with his golden hooves.

"Hey, BlazingFlair!" Rhythm called.

The Earth Pony turned to peer at Rhythm with a beaming face. He galloped over and gave Rhythm a quick, tight hug.

"Hyper already told me about the mission," Blazing said before Rhythm could even let anything out.

"Wait, really?"

"Uh huh! And I'm all in for it," Blazing replied.

"And Ray is okay with you going?" Rhythm checked.

"Yep, told her everything and she's fine with it. I'm always ready for a mission, and this one is no different," Blazing finished, still grinning.

"Perfect. Now, I have to find FeatherTune. Have you seen him?" Rhythm questioned.

Blazing placed his hoof under his ginger beard. "Hmm, no. I don't think recently."

"That's alright, I'll find him. See you later!" Rhythm said calmly and left the stadium.

Returning outside, CharmingRhythm trotted his way back towards the residential area of the city. He kept a brisk pace, as he did not want to lose any more time. Convincing his teammates to come with him had been easy so far. Would FeatherTune agree to go? He had always been a stubborn stallion. Rhythm pushed through the door of an apartment building and headed to the staircase. At the top level, Rhythm knocked on one of the doors with his right hoof.

"Who's there?" A voice sounded from inside.

"Feather, it's me, Rhythm."

The door opened and behind it was a cream colored Pegasus with a curly brown mane. His red eyes focused on the visitor. "Oh, hey!"

Rhythm began to describe the assignment to FeatherTune. The Pegasus had a doubtful look.

"But why me?" Feather asked.

"Because you're part of our team," Rhythm reminded him.

"Yeah, but like... this seems like a pretty important mission. It's not like the ones we usually do. How am I supposed to help with building a camp?" Feather slanted his mouth to the side.

"Your scouting skills would be appreciated. I'd say we'd need another Pegasus anyway. And how could I not bring you? You were my first partner," Rhythm insisted.

"Well, if you all are going away, I guess I should. I'd be too bored with no mission at all. I'll try my best," FeatherTune said.

"Thanks Feather, I knew I could count on you." Rhythm hugged the Pegasus before heading off.

With all of his teammates successfully confirmed for his mission, CharmingRhythm felt a new energy inside of him. He felt ready as ever to tackle this mission.