(Story extract)
 
Inside the lined case lay the intricately made rifle from the note, the untouched metal shining in the light and displaying the production number stamp on the casing. I lifted it out carefully, coils around the barrel reflecting my hooves just barely as I turned it over in my aura. I could feel the large grin creeping across my face as I inspected the cool blue-glowing rifle, fitting theb shoulder pad up to the top of my foreleg and looking through the scope. The red-tinted glass distorted the light slightly, the crosshairs just happening then to line up with Nikolais head. Letting off a slight snicker, I lowered the rifle back down, the yellow mare in my head in a full panic. Yeesh, I was only joking, calm down. I opened a rounded hatch in the side, revealing three large ports for Microfusion cells. Ooh, I so wanted to try this out now…
 
Whats that, eh? Fringe trotted over, the only one of us not gawking at the wide array of weapons - lighten up, old-timer. I chuckled, rolling it over still to get a look at it from every possible angle. The back had the model number carved into it as well, the symbol for high magical energy warning on the side only exciting me more. As I peered down the sights again, I found myself able to spot Twintails rummaging around in the back still, through the rows of shelves. Ooh, a luminosity spell to boot? I could feel myself grow a little excited by it. The yellow mare gave a slightly disgusted look - please, at least I’m not going to sleep with it. Maybe.
 
Some kind of experimental rifle. I grinned widely, turning to look at him through the scope. He pushed the long barrel away from my face, giving me an ‘I can see that’ look mixed with quite an unamused glare - okay, yeah, maybe seeing through his armor was taking it a little far. I chuckled a little weakly, moving the rifle to hold it lengthwise between us both. Okay, okay, so maybe its not the best of ideas to mess with an untested bit of military hardware, but, come on, Fringe! Look at this thing! I practically shoved it into his chest, allowing him to look it over. He inspected the reloading mechanism before shutting it with a light grunt, holding it up to his head. He was forced onto his haunches to look down the scope, rolling his shoulder as the butt was pressed into it. After a moment of looking it over, he returned it to me, letting me holster it on my back.
 
Well, youre lucky you have that magic, thats a pretty poorly designed rifle, practicality-wise. The butt isn’t padded at all, and reloading three cells after each shot would be a nightmare with hooves, especially in close quarters like this. Not to mention any sort of sniper rifles going to have a hell of a kickback. Well, note to self: keep magic well fueled. He paused for a moment. If youd like, I could show you how to use that thing more efficiently, when we get out of here. Used to help train some of the snipers in EQUAD. I perked up a bit at this, grinning wider. Before I could thank him for the offer, however, Twintails came barreling from the back of the room, carrying a ridiculous-looking piece of… half-cut clear pipe on his back? Has he lost it?