Fallout Equestria: Ponies Fall Apart

by Cloppersdelight

Chapters

Chapter 1: In which a character nobody remembers becomes a Magoffin
Chapter 2: Call Back
Chapter 3: System Shock

Chapter 1: In which a character nobody remembers becomes a Magoffin

Fallout Equestria Ponies Fall Apart

Author: Cloppers Delight

Chapter 1: In which a character nobody remembers becomes a Magoffin

13 years before the events Fallout Equestria. In mid June

Once upon a time in th-yeaaaaah that’s been done to much already.

Yeah so the world ended and everypony became an asshole to survive.

So what! I can do whatever I want no matter how sadistic, selfish, sexual, destructive, or just plan wrong it maybe. And guess what? That in its self is true freedom. Freedom that liberates all the wasteland…CHOCIE! For without it there is no evidence of control, order, happiness, good, evil, or perspective to judge existed or reality. So if the system itself has allowed ponymanity’s harmony to disintegrate to ruin. Then the nature of Equestria its self declares us to no longer require all-inclusive friendship for everypony. No now we all must only take assiduousness of those few friends and family we currently call our own herd and dissolve all others who intrude against our tribal collectives …THUS LIFE HAS BECOME WAR.....AND WAR…WAR NEVER CHANGES!!!!

The platform I stood on gives way like its suppose to. The noose retches at my neck according to plan. All in all it’s a painful 8 minutes of gagging. Then the last lights go out and I rise above the darkness.

*** *** ***

Two weeks from present

I retained my last orders for waiting outside Tenpony Tower this whole week for War Cloud’s return. My name is Juggernaut and I’ve been around these waste for a good amount of time now. But never have even I seen the elusive extraordinary ghoul Pegasus. Who was delivering one square black box. This box connected strange tubing with four patches. The box was join to a round black ring underneath. It was indented on top holding a small orange speckled glowing ball. Looking to my messenger slowly I formed two ideas. One kill feather brain make great hat with her wings (I think it’s female?). The other being what peace of horseapples machine could do. The mail mare had written answers for my second question on chalk board hanging around her neck simply stating.

Recollector

Memory orb on top

Pony’s last will

Goodbye

When my eyes met the Pegasus body again she’d already flown off on bone wings. Scratching my short mane I was reminded quickly how that I was never a respectable reader seeing as The Immortal’s zoo possessed one bookshelf holding the same zebra martial arts, zebra infiltrate tactics manuals, or the rare Sward Mare comic book. Everypony had already read these installments hundreds of times over already.

Nor do I know what the tartarus a recollector is other than something fancy. Turning to the five ponies in my raid band I first see the Wildtwins poking at one another in back (like always). Conniver forcefully instructing our rookie Summer Glee in how one’s tongue could be used to clean weapons if without rags in the field (Thou Conniver’s poke dote handkerchief could have added in that) hehe noob, and my last member (If you could call him that) Collect Call was… perked up. Standing right in front of me.

Wearing that damn gimme face of his. Collect Call was younger than I joining The Immortals only two years back after pleading the only mercy case I’ve ever seen sway War Cloud’s judgment. War Cloud only accepted him in to replace our last storage pony. Who’d over dose on dash that same week. Somepony had to sort out the spoils and Collect Call just happen to converse smooth enough into that spot. I knew this smile. It was as always about caps. He made this face every time anything of REAL VALUE came into Immortal passion.

Collect Call grinned ear to ear producing name for this mystery box with jaded downy tone. “Is that a mark 3 memory viewer? SAY the wasteland does indeed provide wonders of abundance towards Tenpony.”

My reply was deadpan as ever “This Black Box explain what it does NOW? And nun of that around way radhog wash.”

Collect responded arching brow with pained shrug “You hurt me Juggey you know I wouldn’t come forward to you without the upmost respect .” Collect frowned looking for pitiful. I gave him my stompey face not answering him till he quivered in submission.

“OK OK I get it shesh. Never in the mood for personality this on.” Collect rubbed his small pink chin thinking back. “Gees. It’s a memory viewer for us none horny types. Or at least that’s what that ghoul merchant from Nighville told me?” He point towards the patches and black ring. “You just strap on these to your skull. Then slot that black opal in and zap away into the past easy, safe, simple. ” And worth a filled Nuke Cola machine in caps if Collects Call sticking his hooves out for it. Which begs the question of why send it to me? I’m But a decent raid leader waiting for my warlord’s triumphant return…”Wait? Did that-that ghoul say this was a last-will?”

Everything stopped in that moment. My vision was filled with only the black box. My breath was taken. I screamed jabbing every word hard into Collect call “Put-this-thing-on.NOW“Collect attached the patches balancing the small ring threw out my buzz saw mane with clumsy gusto. All the while trying to force out what ever plethora of other information he understood about it. I can tell Collect is moving fast as I continue to scream whatever it is I’m saying right now. It doesn’t matter since I can only hear a slight hum coming from atop my cranium and a painful thought within it. I Open my muzzle to ask what so important they couldn’t just write it down when collects familiar pink and ivory freckled snout pokes the only button on the box. And the world shattered slipped away from me.

Darkness.

*** *** ***

I Chucked to myself as senses regained in twisted form. Well this has GOT to be the most inventive way something’s tried to kill me yet. I can’t move any part of my body. Blinks are just strangely happing at random. I felt different…then I noticed the carpet below me. Fluffy with the first designs I’ve ever seen not burnt and tattered. My-no this body was smaller and older than mine (then again I got mom’s size advantages). That much I was ensured thanks to locking joints and a sore back. Overall nothing too uncomfortably different I guess… besides this bucking horn sticking out of my head.

My thoughts were shattered when my eyes focus on a mirror conformed what little clues I was picked up on. I stared out into the eyes of War Cloud. Not my own eyes or some strangers but those of my father. Seeing him for the first time in a week after he’d left us on a dangerous mission. My first response of course…was laugher (or at least best I could without a mouth and all). Imagine one the biggest toughest warriors to ever set hooves in Equestria…getting his hooves filed with a facile mask.

If this was fathers secret mission then I’m going to spread some funny roomers back at the zoo about him being as tender as his coat. My father much like Collect Call was born… well Pink coat. Yeah I know the one color pallet no stallion Straight or perverse would never want. And as The Immortal’s warlord automatic snack downs were Judged to anypony brave moronic enough to mention his “Color Ailment” as he would call it. So after in getting the only free laugh ever on my old stallion. I felt a chill run down mind/soul/whatever this thing I am presently since this would be the only time I didn’t’ end up limping back to moms healing room for three days.

I/we then noticed a light gray coated blue mane filly trot into the room bawling her heart out (What a racket). Dear old dad and I quickly relocated for an assault. We informed the mare filing our hind hooves we had to run. But the way it came out was (hehe) tender. My father’s voice obviously was magically amplified. War Cloud snatched a pearl necklace from display and went into the changing room. The door read Tenpony Tower spa engraved into a fine oak. Finally this memory told me where I was imprisoned.

I- I mean War Cloud opened up a closet unveiling a dead stallion. We dressed in the bucks pampered clothes and wiped off his reaming face cream, then levitated a silver tray and walked back into the spa’s main room with those pearls tucked away. Asking where the crying filly went before finishing her farcical in that silky tone (haha) War Cloud tracked down our prey.

That Grey mare was alone as it turned out. Using the Hot Tub Summit from what the door indication stated (I think). Trotting slowly thru the parlor father took a time out to raise radio volume, then testing if those pearls would hold for his deed. A smirk consumed my/his face as we creaked the door open sliding in and being greeted with sobs in biggest tub I’ve ever seen. AAAnd WOW the view (Okay I take it back. That Grey doll wasn’t no filly). The water runoffs silenced footsteps as we/he crepe closer towards the grey mare. The mare was crying unaided and had nothing but lumpy washcloths as company. War Cloud took no instance debating murder, delicately he strained the pearl links tight before leaping onto the mare’s neck strangle her small frame with such force her body turned around greeting us.

The grey mare’s eyes were reddening with her voice already deteriorate to a gasp when a soft pain collided… into our groan (OW. Wait How can feel that?). The pony seemed defenseless at first, but now brawled with great vaguer. We soon found a sharp horn slash across our forehead just skin deep as testicular anguish submerged our body. War Cloud loosened affixation letting life breath unto the minute mare. With that pearl hold broken hoof strikes pressed back and forth with the mare’s fast kicks almost bounced off father’s frame.

The mare had (somehow) fought her way onto the edge of the tub gaining a busted lip, blacken left eye, and gasping still trying to gain back composure. Still only rage and determination show thru with deep hatred as she charged off the tub wall forward dodging our incoming right hook and surprising War Cloud as she ramming her horn deep into our right shoulder (ouch). Herself made stiletto ripped into flesh as the blooded bath reddened. This mare had clearly seen some combat in the past with no real training, but she still knew how to make openings as this gash in our shoulder more than proved. The mare stumbled out the tub with her wet mane dropping over her face.

Her…Eye-Eyes glared thru that mane addressing us. Venom in her voice she bellowed “That was for Jokeblue you BUSTARD. “ (Wait Who?).

Father’s grin disappeared behind an unsettling frown. All our muscles tensed at just the name. I’ve never heard of a Jokeblue before, nor did I have any Idea how or why dad penetrated Tenpony just to kill this one HALF GROWN CUNT. But I’ve seen War Cloud show off his title and name sake on many opponents. So of course till now father was trivial. I could also tell the mare understood this about the same time I did when she mad dashed towards the pill of clothes. Father rushed out the tub attempting to close the gap before whatever weapon she had hidden could be unveiled.

Unfortunately the next five seconds excelled into hours and back to moments when a strange chrome cobalt toy gun emerged from that bath cloth clump. At first glance laughing was in order. I mean come on seeing a micro mare welding this-this foals tool in defense was ridiculous to say the least. It had bat wings on the top with a bubble gun machine barrel, each section of the toy had glowing blue rings, with the brightest sticking out the back showcasing a gleeful aura of indigo. I laughed hard until I felt War Cloud’s stomach churn along with his eyes bulging as sweat riverbed down our whole body.

(I…I-I’ve known this felling…from somewhere? Sometime?)

Father no War Cloud never demonstrate emotions like this retched one never ever. This-this was fear and not that jump from hidden enemies fear. Nooo this was the kind I’d seen countless times on my victims. The kind that let assailant do anything since victim is frozen in the thought of death (Ok So that’s not a toy?). It could be one of those rare ray things with the flashy ammo. What were they call again? Oh Magical energy weapons (I like to call them Mews since only fat cats with caps have them.).

War Cloud halted advance entirely. That of course was when the mare opens fire. Three blast sizzled past me/dad as we rolled back ducking behind the tub corner. Those three blast had been wild with two missing us entirely over head. But the third scored a hit right behind our previous placement striking a booth two pony lengths long. That’s when I was educated first hand on fear. I’ve seen all types of bullets and a few lasers out raiding. What I’ve never seen is blue globs of fast pace goo sling onto something and burn it out wholesale. Fathers eyes fallowed all three blast. Each had either left pony sized holes in wall structures or dusted a whole Bench just War Cloud’s size (Tartarus That’s over kill).

Zap Sizzle. The next blast came with warnings screeched “If YOU come out murderer I’ll let .security handle your execution. It’s better than you deserve, BUT You and I both know your never coming out of this alive.” The mare fired again dusting the marble siding of the tub and flooding the room. All tension had left our body for the first time since we entered this room. Father walked out head held high as he surrendered for the first and last time in his life.

Our lips spoke for the first time with a real voice. “Ok let’s get this over with already I never did anything pusillanimous before so let’s end this on a high note HUMmm?” Father’s voice was grouchy as ever with that hint of menthols rocks scrubbing over his gullet.

The mare didn’t react in the slightest responding simply.”Why? Why did you take my Jokeblue?” She whispered the name keeping back the few tears she could not shed. “You who used foal carriages and tape recordings. Why?”

I felt the smug smirk birth on father’s face. He responded in kind ”Yeah That was the best traveler trap I ever used…Caught all kinds of bleed hearts and weekend hero’s off guard. Hehe The weak hear a defenseless cry and come trying to help everypony. BUT you would know that best DJ Pon3”

<-=======ooO Ooo=======->

The darkness fell apart around me and my mind jerked hard back into mine own valise. “What the Tartoras was that?”

BANG.

A hunting rifle firing for me pinged off Wildheart’s metal armor. Wildedge snorted then answered first “We got some weekend Tinpony soldiers after us Juggernaut and also you’ve been snoozing for about thirty minutes now.” Wildedge passed rebar into my mouth then brought me up to speed. “Those weaklings knew you would be out and attacked about ten minutes ago when Conniver sent Summer Glee to get more supplies. These punks were so panicked about us they wait till their numbers were two to one before attacking."

I looked over the apple cart we’d been using as cover for the past week sighting eight Golden Shield Security forces lined up behind the only over cover on this street a dilapidated news stand. We had chosen the cart since it came with free 200 year old apples. But that stand was holding better than we predicted for ambush points.

Boom click Boom <FUCK>

Collect Call’s riot wrap-up shotgun had cleared one hoof sized hole clean thru the letter M on the Manehatten Express logo. A mare dropped behind cover delivering more swears as their medic stop shooting and began pulling her further away to patch her up. I had planned for three types of assaults this whole week and this slack job of engagement was just right for preparation two.

I screeched orders over the two submachine guns, three hunting rifles and five pistols blaring at us at the moment. “Wildheart got any explosive cover prepped yet?” Wildheart responded with only a nod in her busted enclave helmet (that thing still freaks me out and I work with the cunt). Wildheart pulled out a stick of dynamite glue to a glass jar filled with nails and smoke inside. “Ok first have you tested that thing yet? Cause I don’t want to be knocked on my ass to a short fuse mischarge like last time.”

Wildheart finale responded with glazed calm “Nope just added a little extra fuse and whole lot of sulfur to this one. Expect a ghastly smell and be wary for screws from my nail bomb” she then talked to herself “Those screws they tend to um well you know haha ricochet. You see I’m still trying to calculate the explosives trajector-“

Wildedge cut her off “It goes boom already point is this time we get a smoke cloud to ambush in on afterwards Juggernaut.”

“Got it. OK Collect save your precious ammo for now let the mad science mare show off. Then me, Wildedge, and Conniver rush in from the sides and take them on club to head style. GET-GOT-GOOD.”

Everypony ducks as Wildheart’s experiment went into critical testing. Being fighter with the most armor in this fight Wildheart clanked with every movement like a rusted steel ranger(which is what half her armor is made out of). She lit the fuse with Collect Call’s heated shotgun barrel. She held the weapon in her undersized right foreleg and counted out loud with that eerie echo her helmet makes cementing every number. “10,9,8” Wildheart moved her leg back behind her using the same throwing style those old hoffball magazines depicted. “6,5,4” She lobed the nail bomb over the cart into the air as two full clips of hunting rifle ammo pinged off her flint lock as she tossed the bomb. “3 ping,2 ow ow Ow,1”

Boom.

The test was successful this time with a few miscalculations. Wildheart hobbled a little on her right foreleg as those two rifle bullets had dented her armor. She was bleeding a little from her own armor piercing her flesh. But she still had well done the job. Me and her brother crossed over on the left a few seconds after the blast. We had to wait till the screw pings stopped like Wildheart informed us but the wait was well worth it. The bomb from what I saw (before ducking hot steal) erupted right over the wooden counter and under the worn out roof of the news stand. By the time me and Wildedge crossed the street the damage had become apparent.

Of the eight ponies assaulting us two were now dead with one being the medic pony who’d barricaded the already injured mare from before saving her life (fool now she’s goanna get really bucked hard. Then die harder). I must admit it’s hard being an earth pony. You can’t just lift things with your wings or horn like the rest. Oh no you have to get dirty. I’m reminded of that fact as the stone on my rebar slams into first pony I sight still standing threw this sour fog. The violet smoke surrounding us smells of rotten eggs mixed in a blender with trash and force feed to a ghoul to fart out latter. I swing back hard taking advantage of my size and bash the red nail sticking out of the buck’s combat helmet all the way home.

Trust me when I say you can tell if you’ve made good brain matter get scrambled. The victim looks at you with that fear face first, then you hit them and they stop having any kind of emotions at all for a few seconds as their brain tries hard to figure out what’s now busted. After that they get that weird twitch as rage or something accustom to it takes over and they try to press on. So like in any battle you don’t let them have time for that. I slam my rebar hard right then left over and over across this poor bustard face. I’m sure if I hadn’t just nailed his helmet on it would have somersaulted off(haha).

Now the bucks screaming as pain starts to break threw his concussion. I bring judgment swiftly utilizing my mouth and forelegs. My body weighs at least twice this punk’s so I’m not impressed when I crush in his snout. With three down for the count I look over to see what the other two have carved up already. I can only eye Wildedge’s lawnmower blade clash a limping stallion’s hunting rifle. The blade hacks threw the rifle’s butt and splinters into its welders elbow. Wildedge Pulls the blade out its fresh wound and ducks low to dish out anther shallow cut to the left foreleg. All the while Wildedge holds that same smiling face. The golden Shield security ponies may have crap weapons but their barding is top cap stuff. So unlike common raider trash you have to hit three or four times to take off their limes.

The Golden guard unicorn enveloped his hunting rifle with a second layer of orange aura before striking Wildedge’s muzzle drawing blood. Wildedge backs from the added force before strafing right a few hoofs into smoke. Subsequently the unicorn brought his knowledge of firearms training to bare taking pot shots in the confusion and even aim at me. Nevertheless Wildedge was teaching this buck dreaded lessons of uncivilized melee. I ducked under the last spray and pray backing into our rotten shroud. From the sound of his guns the guard wavered reloading in hopes that a submachine gun side arm might finish us.

At that moment Wildedge bellowed with his silky voice what the Guard was already thinking “Your already dead. Your body just hasn’t caught on to that yet.”.

smothered in smoke I could still fell the guard’s dismay. Screaming was all that followed. What the buck said I couldn’t care or hear. All that mattered was blood gooing up his windpipe as Wildedge baited his finish. I stood up when the cries of a buck last words were felt…War Cloud was your end as noble as these bucks? Or did they just wither you into soulless existence forcing you onto a coward’s path.

Wildheart’s smoke at last was clearing. The unicorn Wildedge killed off now resembled a zebra on one side thanks to all the hacks/slash left by my comrade. “Half the assault party should be down now.” I cried. Meaning that the rest had ether retreated or fell to Conniver and the rest of my party. I looked back over to the buck who’d become intimate with my rebar. The brain damaged stallion was attempting to drown himself in magic potion. That is if his hooves would work long enough to uncork the bottle. I strolled over to the half mess I’d left simmering for the spirits to take.

Looking upon one of the ponies who taken War Cloud from our tribe this whole week and only sent word of demise back I feel remorse build up in my jaws clench. I sense anger spread down my hooves. I hear Collect Call diving in for a magic potion. I experience Wildheart slowing my rebar saving Collect Call from his own greed. I smell Conniver’s three week old barding attempting to stop my penitence. I SEE ONLY RED MIST. I feel void emerge inside me. Then I listen to Collect Call scream to the Phoenix spirit of mercy. My head touches four patches of a black box. I undergo the Wildtwins pining me down. I taste Conniver’s blood dripping from my jaws as he places a the black box upon my head.

I hear them all say “THAT’S NOT HOW OUR WARLORD ACTS!”

I feel myself yell “WHAT?” As Manehatten slips away. I fall into darkness outside and In.

<-=======ooO Ooo=======->

Footnote Level up! Juggernaut lv8

Trait: Bruiser: With you, less is more. You may be a bit slower, but your sheer strength more than makes up for it. +2 Strength but -4 AP

Trait: Berserker: When Dragon’s rage finished out of him he aided his friends in finding their organs, the same can’t be said to his enemies. Your temper is legendary for helping win battles and terrify your friends. When you see Red Mist your base Damage Threshold (DT) doubles and your special reset to 10 Strength, Agility, and Endurance. But your Perception, Intelligence, Charisma, and Luck reset to 1 till you’re fully healed. You also loss fame within The Immortal Tribe and all healing is cut in half for the next 3 days.

Quest Perk gained: Road to ruin lv 1- My only regret is if I could do it all over again… I WOULD! Congrats are in order you’re the new Warlord of The Immortals tribe yaaaaaay! You gain +10 to speech, barter, science, and gain special dialog options with everyone of the 200+ members. Your position starts at Favored. in addition you loss-10 sneak and are now wanted by Tenpony Tower security. Also a negative position is held with all groups, towns, and merchants that don’t condone raider activities. But hey everypony loves you in Ponyville.

New Perk Gained: Absolute Power- You ever dance with Discord in the pale Luna light? Your now the symbol of power and respect so use it anyway you enjoy. Your comrades gain 3 DT, 25 health, and +1 agility when in combat around you.

==SPECIAL==

Strength: 8

Perception:5

Endurance: 8

Charisma: 4

Intelligence: 3

Agility: 5

Luck: 7

Maximum party limit reached no more members can be added unless they are quest required.

Current party members

Collect Call lv 7

Wildedge lv 5

Wildheart lv 5

Quest members

Conniver

Summer Glee

Chapter 2: Call Back

Fallout Equestria Ponies Fall Apart

Author: Cloppersdelight

Chapter 2: In which a storm calls back

Storms come and go, the big fish eats the little fish, and I keep on paddling

Author's Note: Hoofs is a measurement of distance= to half a foot or 6 inches

“OK so why the fuck did everything turn Tartarus out of nowhere?” I asked nopony general gazing over our freshly war torn streets. That damn Nail bomb’s stench lingered training my gag reflex as somehow bail of two hundred year old apples stayed in place while examine the carnage. “First Ditzey Doo swoops in dropping off the most luxurious message system of the wasteland to Juggernaut of allponies. Then Golden Shield Security swarm us as our extra Brain dead leader goes full-on-noob exploring some memory dive.” Who leaves themselves immobile in the wasteland watching one these brain movies anyway? Nopony responded as the norm to Collect Call’s rants.

Whatever forget these raiderbaiters for now these Tenpony guards should be abundantly teeming with business. Starting with the medic first and finished with what now resembled grey pony jam, Call collected every capicious morsel not busted in Juggernaut’s damn rampage. That damn idiot would’ve taken my head off if Wildheart hadn’t jump in. OH FUCK. Guess I owe her now, and Owning anypony in the wasteland leads to favors. I finished up my search with the unpleasant notion of how and when Wildheart would cap in on that factoid. The distraction of loot only helped ease thoughts quickly tallying up six super magic potions, seven fair golden security combat armors, three pistols, two hunting rifles, ONE SUPER RESTORATION POTION(I nearly died over), and one sub-machine gun. Oh and however could I forget these three and half captives. The captives were split even on sex with one mare dragging her crippled left hind leg (Conniver's work.)

These under trained watchponies assumed us common raider stock. Most worthless raider don’t even comprehend little things such as tactics, weapon range, or even squad work. No common raider stock just rush in with tainted glory expecting the best case scenario of their victims cuddling up in a ball. These Golden Shield ponies expect this of Immortals…BIG MISTAKE. Juggernaut maybe a dingus in my book but the buck knows battle tactics (when he’s not ballistic at least). It was spectacle seeingTenpony training rush out the window after witnessing every bone of their comrades body busted. Heck their still sitting there now with Conniver guarding them all a gasped at the special theater of violence Juggey displayed (cowards).

Returning to the apple cart found my squad licking their wounds literally till I handed out magic potions. Summer Glee's supply run wouldn’t be back around for at lest anther two hours, and with our fearless leader indisposed decisions must be made.Wildedge spoke out first grinning that perfect pearly smile(I swear this pony runs thru more fluoride than the rest of the Immortals combined) . “Well now looks like the waits over.” He arched up his left eyebrow gazing over Juggernaut’s motionless bulk.”War Cloud is gone…either dead to us…or decided to the world. So do we inform the herd of this tragedy?” Wildedge trotting toward the captives as Wildheart responded. “Nothing proves he’s decided or alive yet. If that memory orb was used on him then he must’ve been alive for the process of extraction…” Wildheart’s voice shrilled a little under her helmet’s echo as her right hoof greeted her chin in deep thought. “at least that’s what Twilight Century Magazine #145 told on the subject of memory alteration.”Conniver and Wildedge stared dumfounded. Wildheart was always too smart to be a raider.If she ever left The Immortal Heard she would easy become some towns repair pony or help a science team of eggheads. But she always answers (“that would leave Wildedge's Family alone.”).

Now’s the time for direct things towards business arrangements waiting. “Look Till that big lug informs us of our old Warlord’s demise I say we get going.” I paced over to the captives alongside Wildedge “we just took out one squad of guards which means there’s no telling how many more want Immortal blood bonuses this month. I say we cut ties here leave these pones a knife or two and get to the zoo so I can catch the next caravan before they decide to look for me and find decapitation. Then we-”

“None of us ask for input pretender.” The harsh raspy tone could only belong the only buck dimmer than ghouls (Conniver).

“What makes a false skin like yourself think you’d have any say in things besides your bitch merchant duties?” Conniver finally sermons that bigotry I loath so much.

Collect Call responded practically snarling while cocked the battle saddle. CLICK. “Look Spirit Walker you take your supremacy brahmin shit somewhere else before I turn around and educate everypony on what correct weapon maintenance does to three month old rotten barding.” To my surprise Conniver didn’t back down. The bones hanging from Conniver’s leather barding jangled towards me. I was still staring at the Captives but could feel Conniver’s rising discontent with every step.

“You-you dare take the spirits names in vain? After uttering their praise for sparing your bustard corpse…Why I would send you to those spirits you believe not right this instance.” Conniver Closed in to about ten hoofs away judging the sound of his horseshoes. “I would cleanse you now None Believer. But I would rather witness your pathetic cowering more before your eternal judgment.” Conniver is a believer of Spirit Zoology. I swear any dope with half quarter of their brains would understand the whole religion’s a power scam. It’s madding how telling these fools in direct terms how to do anything better never works. But if you print a book using a few fancy pictures along with dramatic words every sucker suddenly gain faith.

(Hum I could just rustle his jimmies before a lesson on shotgun diplomacy. BUT I’m not the monolog type.) Collect began strafing around for a shot, when the Wildtwins imposed unanimous speech to Conniver. “We agree with Collect. So the votes are decided were leaving. NOW.” That unanimous speech always creeps me out. Either way now Call stared at a very unhappy Conniver who by his own twisted Zoopedia code was forced to oblige. Conniver spit at Collect's hooves while sheeting his survival knives.

“Well I would sit here and gloat but we still have ponies to take care of.” I pointed to the 3.5 captives standing in various shades of damage goods. Collect began surveying the battles victims staring with the deceased marveling Wildheart’s lucky toss. These golden combat armors were in excellent condition from the start. So if Wildheart’s experiment had gone saaaay 20 hoofs right or left its nails probably deflected off the reinforced segments. Leaving their medic pony undied nobly defending his latest patient (Who I’d shot). But it did land leaving his neck snapped on landing after the blast wave washed him twenty-two hoofs away from the rest. The medic’s chest just sagged into the pavement riddled with broken ribs along with his 180° head staring back at Call with worried expression. Collect mourned the selfless ponies that die worrying for others, that’s a rare site in the wasteland and he always believed they need at least one pony to think about them before becoming nameless bones.

The other explosive fatality was the most rugged mare of the bunch. She was also the only Golden Security pony not wearing her helmet and was also ill fated facing the blast. This mare must’ve been num to battle to insist on leaving the most important defense at home for that 20% cooler death option. This poor mare got a face full of hot slag dying instantly to seven failed lobotomizes. Her orange grizzled coat was transformed into a magnetic cactus. Her muzzle was welded shut on the right side where a six inch nail compromised the mouth. This mare died just turning around at the wrong instance relaying…something to either medic or patient. She could have been signaling retreat. She could have been asking if her lover was OK or telling that moral joke everypony needs from time to time when in the shit.

Regardless she died feeling nothing. The mare’s armor was rendered patching substitute for other bardings. Her ultimate worth in death was only 3 digits thanks to that perfect condition hunting rifle. In Collect Call's book she was OK, since she landed him a rifle dozen bonus with Smiling ammo supply. The earning smile was cut off when Call eyed the other captives. Seeing ponies captured never set well with Collect he heard Conniver began to oppose the groups decision.

“I’m telling you twin twits to just gut’em. We got enough lute to go back and not have to drain our ourselves keeping them in line. Besides the spirits are always hungry.” Conniver always desires sacrifices for that jaded religion he preaches.

“No. We could use more than a few dodos for training. If they survive the first night that is.” Wildedge always a bleed heart for slaves.

“Look they had potions, guns, armor with no food or water. That means we got to share a little to keep them from slowing us down. I say save what little trade we gained and let the spirits test their worth.” Oh yes let the Manticores and wild dogs decided if the half dead ponies should make it back to Tenpony that’s smart and fair.

“Look either way this comes down to a vote and I say these ponies could at least pull this apple cart we’ve been squatting on for a week now.” Yep that’s Wildheart speaking cold hard logic with monotone echo. Wildedge's grin returned at that idea. “Brain engineering brilliance as always my statue sister. We get to save our hooves for now and feed the arena later.”

“I’ll side with you twins just to see our ugly shaman pony over there disappointed” I stomp my hoof at Conniver’s directing a final fuck you while waited for his infant same response of trainee votes don’t count. But to my dismay Wildedge was tired of our squabbling already.

“Look everypony its been decided so who’s our whipping colt? “ We all followed Wildedge’s eyes to captives. They all shook in fear as Conniver trotted over unsheathing his blades.

“You worthless lesser critters better thank The Phoenix for a new chance.” Conniver walked forward poking the most maimed mare in her already pledged backleg. “Butttt if I can’t release offerings now to starving bloodwings you little ponies better move us out before I carve off appetizers. hahahaahahhaAHAAHAHHAAH.”

*** *** ***

Our detainees quickly complied with Conniver's barked directions hooking themselves onto the ancient apple cart. They couldn’t look at him or they'd get slashed. They couldn’t tardy pace or they’d be flayed. Wildedge or any of our squad could stop his sadistic torture but a brawl was sure to break out in front of freshly nabbed ponies who'd leap/lash out for freedom. Like I've always stated I don’t condone slavery…but when bartering with common raider stock it’s inedible that completed dealings may have flesh on the line. If you a trader doesn't comply with those dealings they better be prepared for terrible customer complaints in the form of bullets, blades, and bombs.

We were half way home when Connivers thoughtless actions settled us to dead halt. “Getty Up Poines.”

“Excuse me?” retorted everypony besides Conniver. Ok let’s review there’s buck your mother offensive then there’s legit Lune Lascivious. Everypony has some deep almost genetic seeded abherrence for the word (no) mere G U term. Conniver had crossed that lascivious line leaving a single slave stallion finished fuming his shit.

“Fucken Bastard. You Immortal's have abducted everything from me now.” The stallion staggered unhooking himself before addressing our village imbecile. “OK dingus my coats been stabbed, shot, burn, beaten, and enslaved today. Which hurts more than taking all of Celestia’s stellar horn, but I’ll take my death with a little dignity over this Luna Pie.”

Instantly he leaped biting Conniver’s neck snagging rotten leather Conniver never cleans. So the slave’s next action of gagging left me none surprised. What did startled me was the swiftness of Conniver being tussled onto pavement before anypony could respond. The hopeful expressions of the other slaves told Collect a revolt was raising since its what he'd do . One bark of wrap-up riot displaced all those aloof escapee plans. Meanwhile Conniver was finishing his fifteenth knife puncher finding out his opponent was made of tougher stuff landing hoof strikes and still gnawing deeper into Conniver’s collar. Conniver proclaim blade skills failed to connect a killing blow leaving him in a growing bloody pool of fiasco.Conniver's preferred zebra martial arts utilize his Knives in flintlocks rather than mouth griping. This prove a disadvantage here with the slaves hooves grappling above Conniver’s shoulders preventing critical head hacks, and leaving little space any moves aside from blind rib jabs only. They wrestled on the pavement sluggish and clumsy till finally Conniver rolled on top with his muzzle busted and face bruising never looked better. All eyes were on Conniver as he rammed his survival knifes deep into that slaves chest and began bench pressing space between them. Slowly savagely with the slaves quick jabs still pummeling him, Conniver exhort inch after inch of space till full extension.

“ARRRRRHAAAAA. Fucking get off.” A chunky rip soon fallowed with raider vocabulary in spades as blood flowed from Conniver’s neck.

The slave jerked in for another bit connecting with Conniver’s head butts. Bam. The first one made the slave flinch as his front teeth detonate from his month. Bam. The second forced his eyes closed. Bam Bam Bam. Blow after blow rang off the asphalt leaving the slaves eyes spinning. Bam. Pulling back for the seventh Conniver was finally reached free. Conniver stood stock for a second at slave that wouldn’t bleed out. “You son of a bitch. H-How dare you tarnish my sacred flesh.” Conniver carved in with room for his favorite affair. The half conscious slave onset screaming as stroke after stroke left him split open to world. Rip. The Slaves last meal began to overflow out his intestines. Slash. I could hear his punctured lung gape for life obtaining blood in a new goreifice. The assault was wild slits of raider art for all the Manehatten creatures to witness and laugh that madding laugh. The slave tried to join in symphony with his last breaths but found only a gargled wheezing as he died on his terms. This Pony Died a true Stallion’s death. He may have a cap value of 0. But his death carried with it things that can’t be bargained for Honor, Pride, Content. Witnessing this slave no this security guard’s death reminded me to never bet with a pony who has nothing to lose.

The other slaves just cried and shuttered close to one another. Like all ponies these golden security ponies had been a herd. Now they witness another of their pride become a theater of violence today. These slaves were a perfect batch now physically defenseless and mentally broken. Conniver sliced and gashed countless times before preaching a Zoopedia chant for sacrifice speaking on hopes that this flesh would satisfy manticores or bloodwings this night before the cursed rot would taint it. The wild twins were speechless. Somehow I could tell Both were disappointed in this outcome.

*** *** ***

Conniver propped back on the cart and gave the order to move out double hast. With the slaves newly reinvigorated we made great time on the way back to the zoo in total silence.Collect was surprised when those front bronze gates came into view in less than hour. A trader caravan was halted at the gates waiting for me or War Cloud to commence trade. Looks like this trader was smarter than the last bunch who found out what boarder lance are. As we drew closer it became clear which Caravan was waiting. As the hue of a faded yellow taxi carriage could only belong to Smilen Ammo Supplies. We entered now in the Zoo’s empty parking lot. Collect noticed a little foal jolting about the trade taxi. The foal was gleefully bounding around talking to the hauler with a smile that seemed...a little off. That beam could only belong to Summer Glee. Who should have met us half way coming back. Summer Glee’s emerald green coat and sun yellow mane and tail danced about between the wheels of the caravan carriage. The little colts smile end with an uh-oh as rusted axles skidded concluding the trip. The gate guard patrol gave the same greeting as norm “The Coyote spirits protect your return with blessings” We filled out of the apple cart with the wild twins tossing out Juggernaut. The cart its self could still move and could be the biggest loot this trip if polished up and greased. Collect Call sized up the cart for full pricing when an all too familiar greeting of Smiling Jack forced business mode.

“psst hey asshole I heard you got some worthwhile shit this time.” Yep same Smiling Jack same fuck every wastelander attitude.

Collect perked up with a sales pony pitch.“Hey yourself sir. Now do I have what you want… MMM-Yes. Do you have anything note worthy? Mmmaby you will after trading it off of me.” After emptying everything collected over the past week out Smilen Jack eyed the new guns picked up today first.

“Alright their isn’t no way youss can scrounge up another dozen decent rifles this week asshole. So where’de you Immortals do find some secret steel ranger armory?” Oh jack you still keep prying for all my secrets with all the bartering tack of a Super Sledge .

“Oh you know it’s a simple matter of requesting politely to every Tenpony security guard to give us their junk. And from there my earth pony magic repairs everything better than your horn ever could.” Bowing at the end sent this unicorn the rare better than magic card every earth pony tries to showoff, when possible.

“Whatever asshole. You know the deal a dozen good rifles gets you one hundred fifty extra caps. By the ways I’ll take all those other bear armaments off your hooves too less some of these civil Immortals want to start gun practice?”

Humm 5mm nope, 10mm, nope, guess the automatic rifles are the only ones we use around here. “I guess we could work out exchange of some ammo for wrenches, hammers, fission batteries, etc etc you know that stuff we trade out every time. But you know there still the matter of that one special order is sent in a month ago .” The dealing was getting juicy now and every other pony including the slaves were walking inside as real willing and dealing began.

“Hey where’s that BloodCloud asshole? He’s the only other Immortal that trades with me since I was banished.” Jack must have found something on that order since he always changes subject when he needs time to think out a pric, and Yep he had to ask the one thing under wraps till Juggernaut came out that coma. I already knew the answer but best not to have these guards behind blast us for speaking slander to their Raider Warlord.

“Hum Last I heard War Cloud was still on vacation wrestling manticories or yao guai looking for proof of his of so called Wendigo spirits to make another chapter in that damn Zoopedia book.” If there’s one thing every merchant has to know it’s the art of bluffing. And my complete book of lying society style aided in mastering falsehoods daily.

“Well when you do see that Asshole tell him I finally found a magic glyph. And the price stands at one thousand caps.” Tartarus this pony may know mechanical guns inside and out but he doesn’t’ know the first thing about magical energy anything with that pricing, strange that for a unicorn.

“Come on Jack you’ve only been gone a year and doing well. Why hold a grudge against the raider who showed your mercy? “ I knew Jack was stalling still think up a price for our other arrangement so I decided to stroll along talking to the foul mouth Ex-Immortal for now)

Smilen Jack was appalled. “Mercy? The Fuck are yousss talken about? That prick cheated me out of my birthright, poison me before our so called fair fight, and kicked me out for surviving his plot against me. Tartarus The only reason I’m not a copse now is cause of yousss.” Jack was angry rightfully so, but smart enough to whisper this out with War Cloud loyalist standing just thirty hoofs away.

“Well Jack you still owe me your life till you save mine right? So if things ever hit the fan around here you know well be in touch.” Jack who was trained by the same scavengers as me now cringed at that munching of his favor before glaring over to the gate that just one year ago was his home too.

“Look Asshole if yousss ponies wasn’t one of few communities in Manehatten that’ll still trade with me cause I’m a ex-raider I would have strolled my hide to anywhere but here.” Smilen Jack Snorted before a softer expression showed out his beard silver beard that matched the rest of his body. “Look before we trade them all important chips and wires things you been rawhide me on getting for a month now...tell me are the rest of the Jackalopes OK?”

Huh guess Jack Still misses his gang. Got to give it War Cloud turning animal exhibits into family housing somehow brought these psychopaths close enough to care for one another. Sigh. “Poison Jester has become a full spiritualist now.” Sigh as much as I rag on Conniver the pony special talent is converting others. Smilen Jack just looked down in disappointment. Poison Jester was a young Jackalope that had trailed around Jack all the time like a little brother really. Thinking back Jack was the one to bring Jester into becoming an Immortal. So there’s no telling how much Discord was in there relationship. Jack Seemed to deflate after hearing that. He wouldn’t tell me what he wanted out the Young buck but he moved over to the back of his taxi. He looking right to left before pulling a locked tool box from under his carriage.

Jack glared stern into my face. ”Here take your ranger junk asshole. I-I can’t seems to think up a price for it so I’ll cap in some-then free next time.” Jack never really was a unicorn. He could barely pick up anything over five pounds with his aura and held knowledge of a few spells that worked only on small scale with his forgery talent. So I was quit surprised when the tool box was shoved lankly into my grasp nearly tripping my small frame over while utilizing only his black aura. I open my mouth in protest of those terms, but was meet with Smilen Jack hocking himself up and pulling his taxi away swiftly. Great another favor.

“Well I’m a week behind on everything now so I’ll see you next week for our never ending caps war Jack didn’t respond "Asshole" like norm. I turned to being greeted with Wildheart’s scowl…at least I think she’s scowling at me. That damn enclave helmet makes all her expressions intimidating and Wildedge is the only pony who can read her. So walking beyond the gate I trotted up to her receiving a nudge to walk with. Our Squad split up at this point as Wildedge began instructing Summer Glee in the proper educate of ration runs in the field meaning that foal goanna get it. Conniver assisted two of the gate guards in moving Juggernaut’s still motionless bulk into the rhino jail crate since everypony agreed he need some firm walls to vent on if he still was seeing red whenever that memory ended, lastly Wildheart and I took a stroll. I knew whatever she had to say would be in private That’s Wildheart for you. At first I thought we would chonverse in my lost and found warehouse but discovering the front door blockaded wit Junk not yet organized away for sale from this past week, Wildheart let out a sigh shrugging her head a little before moving on still voiceless with me ensue.

We were now entering the Bazaar area of the Manehatten Zoo. What once functioned as shop center for food and other miscellaneous items now served as one huge tavern with raider common stock from all over Manehatten invited to party raider style every night. Bar fights were as common place. Deals went sideways over one cap. Drugs of choice were crudely drawn over the few old survivor posters left in this area to direct sober addicts. The Bazaar was filled to the brew tonight as the weekly Jackal Battle Cage fights started later, as our patrons forced whatever poor saps they’d capture recently into a death battles.

Those two and half ponies we picked up were being paraded around the bazaar currently. The ponies were displayed for anypony a little lustful Luna for action before the brawls tonight but personally none of those golden security ponies really stood out. They all seem…average. No real defining marks on any of them besides there medic and that one scared mare we left as dog meat in the streets two hours ago. It was at this point that Collect bumped into Wildheart’s heavy metal rear with a responding Clang. Collect had been watching those ponies much like her. Wildheart didn’t even notice the bump as she watched the most injured pony break down crying a mist the raider hoard.

Her Cries only drew interest of the unpleasant kind. The Immortals in the crowd saw only weak Manehatten creatures to weak for this world or undeserving of joining their gang even if these guard ponies somehow survived the arena. The other invited raider parties present witnessed a screamer just ripe for sadistic pleasure. One could see twisted jollies spread among these outsider grins. This mare just became prim raider art in all there minds. Some would rape her, some would just slaughter her out right, but the really imaginative raiders would take time to really give this mare more than one ghastly night. Collect was wondering if that second chance Wildedge spoke about was just to entertain these guest when Wildheart surprising dashed straight thru the swarming psychotic hoard towards the Immortal leading this meat display.

Conniver’s older brother Cadaver dragged the pitiful mare in chains around the drunkard crowd stopping to ogle entertainment in front of all the different gangs in attendee tonight. Collect had bartered with only the Cosmic Panda, Red Skins, and No Face mobs leaving a few unfamiliar gangs present. Cadaver’s sloppy shitface grin was soon tarnished when he was shoved aside by Wildheart who propped the mare on her back before addressing eveypony with her helmet’s most resent repaired megaphone application.

“YOU PUNKS KNOW THE RULES. YOU WANT TO A SLAVE TO STOMP AND PUMP YOU PAY CAPS TO MADAM ZARR TO BUNK.“ With that every eye followed the pair leaving the bazaar alongside me heading straight for Madam Zarr’s Pleasure Platypus.

Collect Call could hear a riot break out as they rushed off towards the once platypus marmoreal expo. He's ears folded in blush as they flocked every curses mention about there act. After a few moments he gathered so many categories formed from cunt being the most used expletive and by Celestia’s quirky queefing queerhole the most unique. They passed a few Immortals on the way looking to bashfully put down the squabble as The Pleasure Platypus came into view. Collect stared at Wildheart wondering why she’d stick her neck out for nopony important. This shit could have any member of those gangs coming back to slit there throats or worse, and yet here she was knight in shinning dinged up armor and all to rescue a slave that stood no chance. Collect Call could never understand mares outside of business already, which is why he regularized the Pleasure Platypus but Wildheart always baffled in her actions.

Ether way it didn't matter collect owed the mare and if she was gonna cap-in on that factoid at all the faster the better. Collect Smiled to himself. Maybe what's driven her now is a favor. If that's so a little time spent with the mare could end his debt and he would get back to talking to her infrequently. Wildheart reached for the door to The Pleasure Platypus, Collect Call dashed forward opening both doors with a big grin. "Let me get that for you frien- I mean" Collect Stopped almost saying the f word. Thinking with his cutie mark he retorted " [Fellow/u]. I mean your carrying a hefty load their." Collect Call motioned to the weeping mare still on Wildheart's back. Wildheart tilted her head as if giving a raised eyebrow before entering.

<-=======ooO Ooo=======->

Footnote Level up! Collect Call Lv 8

Traits: Small Frame: Your slim short build gives you all the right moves to avoid dangers, But the damage you receive to magnified. +1 Agility +20 to limb damage.

Traits: Skilled: Your awesome at all things but a task master to none. +5 to all skills -10 experience from all sources.

Quest Perk: King Maker: You have the connections to make great things happen for everypony but yourself. +20 to Barter +10 to speech when speaking on others behave.

New Perk gained: Centaur Ears: You bid your time listening to the endless opportunities spoken freely from everypony around you. What you do with it is your gain. +1 reattempt on all speech checks.

==SPECIAL==

Strength:4

Perception:7

Endurance: 5

Charisma: 6

Intelligence: 5

Agility: 7

Luck:5

Maximum party limit reached no more members can be added unless they are quest required.

Current party members

Juggernaut Lv 8

Wildedge Lv 5

Wildheart Lv 5

Quest members

Conniver

Smilen Jack

Chapter 3: System Shock

Fallout Equestria Ponies Fall Apart

Author: Cloppersdelight

Chapter 3: System Shock

Are you Afraid? What is it you fear? The end of your trivial existence.

We walked in with the weeping mare cringing at everything around her. Madam Zarr’s special talent of taxidermy provided endless horrors for the faint of heart. We passed fully in tacked sex posed copses admitting an atmosphere akin to no other. We walked towards the main hall with Collect Call all admiring all the sex statues, lights, and S&M teddy bears positions everywhere a somewhat overly perverse. Platypus portraits where still hang intact almost two hundred years after the balefire bomb purged the zoo. The Pleasure Platypus’ beauty shines tenfold with an squeaky cleanliness unseen elsewhere.

The platypus unlike any other mashed multiple animal kingdoms without magic giving researchers headaches as they attempted to redefine it endlessly. Information tablets sit perfectly intact granting insight into these constant concept debates. The platypuses were non-sentient and still being defined akin to every other zoo animal, but won the donations needed in creating a full extra wing building. This information was available from multiple surviving hollow taps, computers, and notes jotted down everywhere, but Wildheart seemed the only pony interested in finding this buildings history. Few others ever bothered learning anything on the zoo’s past. Wildheart remembered Collect Call asking her on information found here when he first joined two years ago. She was delighted having another scientific mind around. Until Collect Call mentioned Madam Zarr’s 10,000 cap bounty for finding any platypus dead or alive. Wildheart while agitated by his greed pestering contented herself with his childish frown when she informed him the platypus died out in Hoofington’s No Mare’s Land during the war. Wildheart gained an interesting acquaintance that night. Wildheart snapped out of her internal monolog realizing she spent too much time thinking in her helmet’s solitude. She took off her power armored headdress breaking Collect Call from perversely marveling historical sexual scenery. She knew ogling was coming in response to the infrequent sight.

”Wow. You know if you wanted this mare this bad you had chances before we returned to have free pickens.” Wildheart deadpanned dread his way.

Sure she was considered beautify. But her Tombuckish face attracted unwanted affections from mares her barn doors didn’t swing for or the douche playcolt that resembled her brothers unfulling love life. Her onyx short puffy mane stood at attention with her scowl

“Oh come on metal head you barely ever take off your armor. Heck this is the first time I’ve seen your mug in a month.” Wildheart raised an eyebrow in protest.

“Surely you HAVE seen my face. The WILDTWINS are identical dole the same face, same puffy onyx mane and tail with my coat a soft gold freckled emerald anywhere but my face. And my brothers a deep murky red. ”

“ You can’t forget that one freckle on the back of your neck.” Wildheart was bewildered a moment before Collect explained “Umm I mean it’s the one freckle that shows out of your armor so its uh hard to miss yeah.” Wildheart thought it over a moment miss concluding she need to patch the neck line incase of stray bullets and ruled out Collect Call’s blush as embarrassment on the subject.

They exited the long main hallway entering the brothel area. Ponies here were raving up for guest who’d spend the night if caps jingled enough for Madam Zarr’s approval. The most lusted after Immortal Mares and stallions all worked here making some of the few caps that didn’t involve getting their hooves soiled. Madam Zarr demands pertains pay extra for using blood ridden caps and they must shower off any gore before receiving services. We entered the Showcase room with every eye darting to me. And my uninterested fame clamors the room.

“Hey look everypony Wildheart’s back.” One stallion shouted.

“And brought a stout friend too.” Said Naughty Nature Who I’ve seen service Collect Call’s ego in more than one way.

Few Immortals talk to me let alone see outside that cracked blistering enclave helmet. Most of the ponies that do are friends I’ve guarded here. It’s was strange seeing everypony stop there idle chats to welcome me personally. Wildheart always felt anxious-but welcome and joyful at the same time here and for the first time Wildheart shared her fame with Collect Call. Who eyed her with another ogling question in wait. Wildheart was sure she’d been noticed more than once occasionally posted up against a wall in armor like a steel gargoyle. But Collect Call akin to most other ponies she knew never asked on her frequent sightings here.

Wildheart to eveypony's dismay keep on track ignoring any number of the small talk fruits baring before her. “Sorry my little ponies but I have up-most important business with Zarr tonight. Anypony see her?” A unanimous disappointed AWWW sang out as a stallion known as Cloverland Steamer trotted up. “Well well helmet head’s got another captive for us? We’d best send her on back else Madam Zarr punishes us with mommy duty if we keep new meat from being on display ASAP.” Cloverland Steamer eyes pleaded at Wildheart to stay. He gave directions. “Look hone she’s in her art office getting the next display ready for tonight but please stay around once your done. We’ve all missed you this past week.” The stallions’ voice was too smooth and high pitch seeming to match his petite small frame alluring to be mare…OK almost a mare if one ignored certain packages. Wildheart nodded off turning rapidly down the old maintenance in attempt to hide her slight blush.

“So come here often?” Collect smugly asked as the hallway lights went dark in this section of the building.

Wildheart sighed before answering. “Look. A few years before you arrived Wildedge and I both were in training here on account of our pulchritude. We were both to become pleasure ponies till the day I killed a not so square guest stallion that wanted my brother after he said no.” by this time we’d reached the taxidermy arts room which had “De Magics” labled on the door. Wildheart put here hoof on the door and stopped. “Collect once I killed that stallion from the Red Skins the Immortals almost started a gang war with an organization we wanted to incorporate. It turned out he was the Red Sking leader at the time and every other member was getting up in arms till War Cloud stepped manage to convince the Red Skins to end the squabble in a single death battle. It was 1v1 me at 10 just out of raider school without my cutie mark V.S. Horse Cock a statuettes sized raider.” Wildheart cringed at the mere mention of his name.

She took her hoof off the door decided now was the best time get Collects help. She speculated her cutie mark story should easy him into asking a favor. “I was given one last hour to prepare for my slaughter. War Cloud personally gave me his last words for my Right of Ascension making me a full Immortal member. He talked of how my death would benefit both Wildedge and many Immortals, and then he gave me advice (use every advantage to survive). I tell you Collect I did with all my heart. I made this metal armor back then. Sure I’ve grown and so has my armor for me to survive. I completed this armor in mind that it would protect my face enough to be recognizable at my funeral.” Collects look at that moment cut Wildheart off. It was if he he’d seen her for the first time. It was if he now regarded in a new light wondering how she-no how this creature before Collect Call could go on.

Wildheart was a bit unnerved by that before raising her pitch picked up the story with a little hidden joy. “I left that same warehouse you live out of attired in the toughest, chunkiest, and heaviest armor any Immortal had seen not worn on steel rangers. I entered the arena a laughing stock. Pieces of scrap trailing off me. The only weapon I had to my name in that cage was the same spear I’d made out of a kitchen knife, lamp post, fission cell battery. I understood how lucky my first kill was as my brother’s assailant fell to the first strike landing in the neck with a fission battery shocking submission unto the Red Skin leader till he bleed out.” Wildheart just looked downwards shaking a little at the memory. “My opponent oddly named Horse cock was allowed to bring one weapon and any armor just like me into the cage. Unlike most of the other Red Skins who just drench themselves in red paint hoping nopony would noticed. Horse Cock opted to the Red Skin true attar of no armor showcasing his coat drenched in blood. I’m not even sure what or who he even killed before our fight. But I could smell the gore flowing off him from cross the cage as battle began.”

Wildheart wiped a little sweat from her brow realizing how nervous she was. Then she thought of how her power helmet both stop sweat from doing that and how she wasn’t really as comfortable tell this story without it. She took a deep breath starting again. “Horse Cock was more than three times my size and brought a griffin revolver to my knife fight, Like he even need the extra force. That stallion wasted no time slamming into like freight train, and I was sent head over hooves flying into a cement wall. I-I remember rolling next before I could get up. I somehow dodged his second charge without sight as my over sized enclave helmet had been knocked skewed. I reset my helmet just in time to see Horse Cock had shaken off his cobwebs and sent his over sized bucking hoof to great my sides. The next thing I remember was being in flight till a responding crunch and pinging noise of my armor crushing in on me before I bounce off anther of the circlet cage walls. I tried getting to my hooves founding my first flaw in armor design. Don’t over defend joints. That last kick collapsed my oversize hollowed out power armor leggings in on my hind right leg.”

Wildheart gulped rubbing her right flank as pride soothed into her voice.” I could see the metal jam in and force the army canteen I’d split in half to protect my plots had popped off. In all the sudden confusion leading up to this point I never really had a chance to observe my now present cutie mark. Now I stared straight at it knowing it would be the last pleasant sight of my life. I gazed over the metal triangle shield now attached to my flank. The shield had a light gray color outlined. With a darker gray power armor pony embedded on it. The outline of the shield was covered in saw blade teeth. Then I noticed the bottom half of my shield had duo points not single. Making it a steep weird shape I had only learned a week prier in my final day at raider school called a trapezoid. To this day I still wonder if it would have been a different shape if I hadn’t gone to class that day.” Wildheart’s pondering face didn’t force Collect to flinch a little. Which left her puzzled till she remembered it no longer resembled a giant bug wondering how to cock its latest meal.

“Anyways back to the fight I couldn’t win. My head was ringing with my eyes glazed over my cutie mark when the next hit sent me rolling onto my spear’s tip. The responding electric shock jolted me awake. I stood up with my hind leg still lock in position finding my helmet dented from the last blow and turned skew again. This time I’d had it. If I was going to die I wanted to see death coming for me. I mange to pop my head out after three tugs and bring my spear to bear only to be meet my Horse Cock’s revolver. This was big and attached to an ever bigger bloody grin. Horse Cock would have made a great Immortal. He didn’t need words only actions and now he felt I was of no longer entertainment. I looked my slayer in the eye with no hope as his tongue slowly pressed the trigger.”

Wildheart pause for moment. Remembering why she hoped War Cloud was alive as she finshed up. “At this moment I swear I could see every aspect of Horse Cock’s gun. The hammer sliding back, the rotation of the chamber, but most importantly a wad of cigarettes stuffed down the barrel. Horse Cock’s gun back fired and exploded. The amount of adrenalin pumping in to me slow motioned his pain. The barrel burst into wicked shrapnel tearing at his eyes and snout. The bullet rebound into his mouth until it hit hard spinal cord and deflected back out taking part of his lower left jaw. That second had last hours in my mind as everypony fell silent as Horse Cock began to scream. Horse cock fell to his hunches frantically knock at his face with his hooves hoping to swat out whatever blocked out his vision. He didn’t even feel his mouth missing or his tongue falling out a new orifice. He-he screamed all kinds of curses at me calling me some kind of freak unicorn and anything between asshole and daughter of Discord he could think of. I on the other hoof didn’t know what to do I just stood there baffled till I heard my brother scream out (Finish him you dunce) I threw full force spear chucking unexpectedly scoring a critical blow to Horse Cocks throat barely missing his forelegs that were still trying to access what damage had already been done. Horse Cock was as sturdy as he looked taking the spear that missed his vocal cords and was still standing with half his face and neck open to the world. The stallion began berserking around not find me as I’d back up to the opposite wall praying to Luna, the Spirits, and heck even Discord to take him to the afterlife already as the fortress stallion smashed my spear to pieces even with his muscles in electric shock. I sit on my hunches on the opposite side of the cage for what seemed like hours till the buck finely gave out from blood loss. The crowd was on edge till the very last moment when Horse Cock finely stopped moving erratically giving an astonished cheer. The Keepers door was opened with my brother charged to hug me as Immortal members flooded the arena and crowed surfed me and edge out. We were taken back to The Pleasure Platypus where Madam Zarr happily greeted us along with War Cloud and Tough Love. They were the only ponies to bet on my victory and had raked in a few hundred caps to split with us. With that kind of money me and Edge bought our own living space in the zoo and I’ve been a highly respected member of this tribe ever since.”

That was more than Collect ask for but it does explain my friendliness here. Madam Zarr treats all her workers like family. All her Pleasure Ponies know she’s got there back when the guest get rough. Likewise all guest are well informed by billboard graffiti at the door what happens to those who hurt her darlings without her say so. They’ll end up as her next taxidermy project reminding every raider to play nice. Wildheart pushed the door open to witness Madam Zarr’s doll shop. The place still had organs of all kinds separated and tallied up as Madam Zarr worked on her latest piece which appeared to be some type of multiple limb frankenpony. Which currently possessed three horns, six legs, and two heads all donated from the different vandals. Wildheart remember last week before the squad left some nobody raider gang rape one of Madam Zarr’s stallions. Now Zarr had almost finished her greatest deterrent for such actions yet.

Wildheart perked up. She was unaffected by this conventional tapestry of gore before her. She sang out her greeting. “Yooooou WHHHOO Mistress. I have another fresh one for you.” Wildheart dropped the mare she’d almost forgot about since she finally stopped crying at entering this room and just passed out. Madam Zarr stopped focusing on her medical bed/worktable turning on her stool to greet us with that sharpen toothy grin.

”DARLING so good to have you back. OH. It’s always dreadful around here without you.”

Zarr rubbed her elegant hooves together thinking back. “Hmmhmm you know Cloverland Steamer and Naughty Nature BOTH have been looking forward to seeing you. They just can’t thank you enough for how you helped put down those dreadful eastern raider’s. I tell it seems like every year some half wits get kicked out of Friendship City and want to blaze a trial on everything they meet. UHF. Oh well after your display their whole gang joined up. Hmm. I guess somepony well teach them proper ways to effective raiding, so it might as well be Immortals. Best of all you killed most of their members that didn’t want to join us so I’ve been playing around with their different coat colors. BUT alas I can seem to find enough pink to balance out the main hall.”

Madam Zarr danced her way across the room partially floating on those l graceful hooves of hers, leaving Collect Call speechless and drooling a little. The mare always fashions some custom type raider armor she builds from the almost hundred bardings she orders every week. Today Madam Zarr donned a more plain gray combat armor with a feather fedora to match.

Wildheart was little embarrassed retorting. “Zarr you took out half of them. I still don’t see why you credit me to others as some total metal monster?”

“Yes but if I didn’t you would never make any friends darling. Now must tell me is that mare a darling or meat?”

“I brought this one for training.” She pointed to the passed out broken mare on the ground that Madam Zarr walked around slowly spotting out the mare’s every flaw before reaching down with her right foreleg and opening her mouth for internal inspection then taking a long scan over her other lips and orifices. She ended the examination smacking the mare awake on her smaller than average horn that Nopony seem to notice till now. The mare cowered before standing. Madam Zarr by all standers was standard. Her height, weight, and portions made her nothing to gawk at, but the fact that she is the only Zebra Immortal made her the most sought after mare in the zoo This more than anything made her extra intimidating. Zarr step-in nose to nose with the shrill mare. Zarr Spoke deeper in voice seeming almost hypnotizing in tone. “Speak mortal. Tell Madam ZARR your name.” The Mare was terrified beyond words fighting the urge to pass out again from the room around her. But after a few moments she swallowed whatever short comings she had and spoke up.

“I-IIII I’M Short Stack. Golden security reference number 347195b. YYYYou . You’re a Zebra?”

Madam Zarr Smiled taking just enough space back for the mare to witness her grin before responding. “Yes Madam ZARR is a zebra. But that matters not. What does is who you are mortal?”

Short Stack had no recollection of what to do so she just repeated “Golden Security reference number 347195b.” The response got a hard slap from Madam Zarr.

“I Ask who you are and you give me numbers? ARE YOU A SLAVE? Did you master break you in so well you could not think of anything but what they taught you?“ Madam Zarr slapped Short Stack with every question sending her back into a table marked for the temple full of fresh pulled pony flesh. Short Stacks eyes bulge at the sight. She started weeping again falling to the floor. Madam Zarr Spit a thick wad straight on Short Stack’s face at this.

“Sadly this one CAN NOT be trained. She is to weak with no resistance to speak of. She would be crushed by the first guest we send her with. This one cannot partake my life waters if her cup infinity spills.” Zarr shook her head distasteful of the mare before addressing Wildheart again. “Wild I know you and your brother both wish me to train up every captive we bring in here but if they are truly broken like this. The only fate I can arrange for them is how much there kill tag will account.” Zarr’s look was frigid containing none of that passion she’s celebrated in up to now.

“I know Zarr But if I didn’t bring her here then…she’d at least get a chance. You know how brutal those bastards can be.” Madam Zarr softly touched her hidden right eye tense. “I-I guess I just wanted to try playing the hero.” The room chilled with Madam Zarr’s expression. It was frigid somber and lacking the glow of seduction.

“Child you say you wanted to help the helpless. But Madam Zarr knows you better than this.” Zarr hovered over meeting Wildheart’s face. “Child you can play hero all you want, but while you’re in this herd I can vouch you’ll not succeed in such actions. Instead of lies laid sweet for your friend why don’t you tell me your motive?” Zarr had seen right thru Wildheart’s Smokescreen. Wildheart looked to Collect Call seeing his guard was up now. Collect looked as scholar wait for their teacher next lesions. She wondered at that point if they were fiends or if Collect was just pitying her to this point for some cap schema. Wither or not there uneasy compainship was real or pipedream would matter in the next few moments.

Wildheart face turned stern with determination. She spoke bold with prideful undertone. “Look I’m tired of being here. I’m tired of all of this. Zarr your one of few Original Immortals alive today. You’ve seen, fought, and lived thru all three purges. I know you will survive till your time comes. Its- Its what you always told me and my brother…Well you may not want anything else but what’s here I on the other hoof have a dream to make. I want what’s possible out there, In the waste. I don’t care if I die scavenging some radioactive building or-or fall to other raiders. I want a life that I built. Not some twisted social ladder I have to clam with nothing but blood. Tell me. Am I the only one who thinks Smilen Jack got the sweet deal of getting kicked out?”

…Silence. I well see true friends for the first time regardless of what happens next. Zarr shuffled on expression roulette ranging thru pride, happiness, and distaste surprised for the first time Wildheart had ever seen her. Madam Zarr gained her composer hugging Wildheart.

“So Child you take leave then?”

Wildheart couldn’t hold back the tears her helmet hides. “YES. I-I’m taking my brother along with Summer Glee and Autumn Serenity. An-and were getting out of here. I don’t Care how much it cost. I’m doing it.”

Madam Zarr Smiled proud.“I see child. And do you know what you will do to hide from the head hunters?” Wildheart swiped tears away struggling to gain her common somber tone.“I’m fallowing my dreams. I don’t care for the impossible. IN MY HEART BEATS STEEL.” Wildheart saluted with that same stare every Equestrian volunteer poster her room’s walls showcased.

Wildheart questioned Zarr the real question she’d been holding back. “How much does it cost to by out?”

“Child its one thousand caps as it has always been. Cheap in some regards but more than a difficult task for many to acquire before their time comes.” Madam Zarr’s voice became like wisp light and volatile in tone. “You will need four thousand caps to leave this place proper. So I must ask Child how much can you atone?”

Willdheart’s ears shrank back. “One thousand four hundred and fifty seven caps are my safe. I’ve been saving up ever since you paid me for killing Horse Cock.” Zarr looked pitifully at the ground.”Look Child even if you get the rest of the money from favors it won’t matter till War Cloud returns to mandate your release. Otherwise you’ll have head hunters after you with an insane thousand cap bounty for becoming one of the forsaken members.” Zarr let every word sink in before Wildheart. Wildheart and Collect Call both looked bleak at one another with Madam Zarr’s perceptive eye Picking out their uneasy state. “Wait weren’t your squad suppose to bring War Cloud back?” Zarr eye ping ponged between us as we both looked to each other for the correct deterrent to her conclusion. Be we both admit silently that Madam Zarr would’ve detected Discord fibs.

A grim expiration entered her face. She understood everything without a word. “OK Were keeping this between us and only us. We don’t want any fanatic head hunting at home.” Madam Zarr sits on her haunches crossing her hooves.

“WOW. War Cloud survived all three purges. He fought many a greater foe. He survived dozens of assignations attempts. And he just…dies? Tell me of his fate?”

Collect Call speaks addressing with my cutie mark. “Nopony knows for now but Juggernaut’s in a memory orb that’s War Cloud’s last will. So time is on the magic ball’s side.”Zarr nodded in agreement chuckling Collects nick name. “Working out your mark Flame Brains? Very well caps don’t matter anymore what does is your destination.” Zarr jabs her foreleg into me. Madam Zarr rationalizing out loud. “Let’s see… Wildedge and his two are problematic. Unlike you they have no place to take them all. Wildheart would be denied access to friendship city for being a identified Immortal. He could survive in the mines at Shattered hoof but his children may be denied access for lack of work poetical. Hummmmm There would be no point in joining any other gang or Tenpony Tower. I am stumbled out ideas. If Wildedge was willing to be separate from his children then He could just find a job at any dirty operation that needs extra muscle. But I’m sure even Collect Call know he loves those kids… Damn. It’s that love that may stick them here when the new order arrives.”

Wow. Zarr crossed out every recommendation itching to leave mine or Collect Call’s lips. Celestia’s celestial conundrums is there anywhere that will take a raider and kid? Wildheart let down her head hoping her two wisest friend could come forth with an idea she hadn’t. Wildheart looked to Collect Call remembering under his trader barding was cutie mark of a brain perfectly balance on a flaming tight rope. She had never heard how he got his mark but understood only that Collects special talent was quick thinking. She witness this many time as Collect could always compromise a solution when raiders wanted blood over a deal or when ever Juggernaut want to flex his position she hoped a plan could form to find a settlement ignorant of The Immortals and abundant with opportunity and progress. There’s a chance any place won’t have work or the need for free mouths to feed. Which could lead to Wildedge repeating his old job title.

one Place was all Wildheart need and she could get her brother to leave with her just a name that had land attached to it. “The Republic” Collect Call shouted out with his head almost fuming to pull the knowledge forward. Madam Zarr looked skeptic. “I’ve gotten little business coming every caravan out of The Republic. I remember hearing tell of a small settlement with strict rules needing some more bodies to keep their committee growing. From what I hear they don’t have raiders anymore every since they built this big metal wall to keep them out. If Wildedge could find work and not get hanged it would be there or-eck Hoofington.” The city of Hoofington was known to everypony as the worst city in all of Equestria. And Madam Zarr’s reaction to it’s mere mention was evidence of that.

Madam Zarr lowered her head. Sighing. “Very well Wildedge’s best chance is in a town that doesn’t even get DJ Pon-3 news reports. I guess with them being blind to his past and he being clean in their eyes he this could work. For now. Wildheart get your things ready to leave. The quicker you depart the better chance head hunters will never add your skull to wall of shame.

<-=======ooO Ooo=======->

Madam Zarr saw’s us out after that telling Wildheart she’ll split the meat cost over the mare later saying this is the best thing for saving up, But I knows it’s wrong to trade caps for flesh even Collect Call doesn’t do that. Wildheart informs Zarr to keep the caps as we leave the Da Magics room. Wildheart dons her helmet happy to avoid conversation on the way out as the first customers bored of the cage Battles slide in. Cloverland Steamer winks at her exit. Wildheart’s was glade her blush is hidden behind the mask once more. We walk out of The Pleasure Platypus with Wildheart telling Collect Call thank you being giving sweet goodbyes from all the little ponies she guards on her free time. Wildheart began to split up when the rattle of a tool box caught her attention. “Hey helmet head. Remember those parts you need. Well here you go.”

Wildheart perked up instantly rushing over and displaying her impressive strength hauled Collect towards the Lost and found warehouse. They made the trip back in half the time it took going to The Pleasure Platypus. Wildheart could hear the crowd marveling at the death of gladiator ponies all the way at warehouse door as she skirmished threw the pills of junk fortifying the entrance. Wildheart snag the key out and tossed the last junk pill over head. The doorway burst open as Wildheart almost threw Collect Call inside as she began pulling out many pieces of electronics from both the tool box and her saddle bag.

“Ok you’re excited I get that, BUT DOESN’T this act of forced compliance count as rape?” Wildheart was too busy connecting spark batteries to her enclave helmet. She then pullout three scrap electronic chips from the tool box that she swapped out of the helmet and began using her pliers to snip multiple colored wires and replace them anew. The process was swift but delicate as her earth pony hooves showed off her special talent in every precision repair. Wildheart knew how to repair this hardware for some time now. It was the defense enclave bios lock that kept her from ever booting the damn thing up.

I knew Wildheart better than I ever had after today. But seeing her like this always reminded me of our first encounter… my instincts kicked in at that moment remembering when she first developed homemade napalm. Getting behind the hard desk table and hopping for the best. Wildheart like whenever she was tickering was a machine. She didn’t bring Collect Call here to socialize during the testing. NO NO NO. He was here in case this blows in her face to take her to the healers or be the first to congratulate her on success. For Now she replaced the parts burned out whenever she hot wires her helmet. The most time consuming of these parts was a combat inhibitor chip. Those things take forever to find for any scavenger not willing to fight off robot guards.

The chip was imbedded into the same slot that always burned out when she used six spark batteries to overcharge the processing core. This time which Wildheart had stopped counting after attempt sixteen, Wildheart pulled out one more item the likes of which she only witnessed in an almost completely ruined stable-tec manual she ever found as a filly. It look like a spiral wand with the words st-ble tec- Vau-108 half legible on the side. The wand powered up as Wildheart connected the jumper cables to the enclave helmet like all those times before. Like before sparks flew from circlets over charged and the insect eyes displayed the same massage legibly scrolling on the outside insect eyes stating.

The enclave as far as any Immortal knew were air power armor Pegasus that only come down once a year to tango with the steel rangers over technology no other pony could use. The only good thing that comes from these battles are power armors collected from the fallen before either side can pick them up. Legends say this mysterious Enclave will leave the scavenger along if they leave any hollow tags found behind. Wildheart’s monolog stopped short as the helmet asked the same question as before but this time with just one click of that wand some kind of hallow graphic scene pulled up giving multiple options. The wand became hallow graphic pen allowing interaction between the two devices. Wildheart read all the options slowly before click the Salt random access code. Then a four digit number display ran every number between 0001-9999 till 1330 was showed. Wildheart then pressed the insert command. The room fell silent of only the hum of the helmet as the bios message changed.

……..

Wildheart was practically glowing at this point. The eyes had a steady glow that displayed information on the opposite side now. Wildheart greedily placed her helmet on full of joy. Wildheart was taking in her greatest successes she held hoofs high delivering joyous shout. She began to jig around in her metal armor. Wildheart felt nothing could bring her down when her metal armored hoof stomp upon the electricity line as a painful buzz sound emitted.

The last thing she saw was Collect Calls month griped the pliers jitterbugging as they snapped the jumper cables…

“Wildheart? You still under there? W-I-L-D-H-E-A-R-T. Sigh. How do you keep doing this?”…

<-=======ooO Ooo=======->

Footnote Level up! Wildheart Lv 6

Traits: Surgeon’s Hoof: Your hip bone is connected to your back bone which connects to your face bone. Your ability to strike weak points is astounding but requires pin point accuracy. +15 critical chance -7 damage to non-critical attacks.

Traits: Built to tinker: Did I do that? Your imagination is your greatest skills but you spent too much time in the lab and never enough time on the range. +5 damage to all created weapons +10 to science and repair -20 to Guns and Magical Energy Weapons.

Quest Perk: Nerves of Steel Level 1- YOU BROKE PROTOCOL SOLDIER. You…somehow are now self-educated in power armor training. You can now where power armor.

New Perk gained: Intense training – Charisma (4-5) I guess I should look ponies in the eye when talking to them.

==SPECIAL==

Strength: 6

Perception: 5

Endurance: 8

Charisma: 5

Intelligence: 6

Agility: 6

Luck: 4

Maximum party limit reached no more members can be added unless they are quest required.

Current party members

Juggernaut Lv 8

Collect Call Lv 8

Wildedge Lv 5

Quest members

Madam Zarr