G.A.L.L.O.P.E.R.S: Dead Zoneby Diokno44Chapters1. Awakening2. Welcome to The Zone, enjoy your stay!3. Interrogation1. Awakening"So, any new scrap today?" Steel Hooves asked, warming his hooves over the fire pit. Steel was dressed in a dark green overcoat, a Zebra manufactured Kevo Assault Rifle rifle, modified with a 2x scope, extra mags, and oak stock, was strapped to his back. Steel, a Pegasus, was a former Ranger, a task force formed to keep peace in the Metro by Captain Macintosh. "Not much. Just a few ammo cases, some food, and shirt or two." Wind Shear, a middle aged half Griffon, half Zebra, replied, carefully cleaning his long sword of guts and flecks of blood, his beak in a scowl. "You Artyom?" "No, I-Wait, did you hear that? Artyom said, his ears perked. Screams, definitely screams, but who's? This was the thought that raced through his mind. Suddenly, a loud growling sound was heard from above, the trio had barely enough time to look up as 3 dark masses descended upon them. The first knocked Steel to the dusty ground, bashing his head into the rails. He was only able to fire a shot before the beast knocked the rifle from his hooves, tearing a large gnash in his chest. Its companion was wresting with Shear, several claw marks on his face and right arm. Wind's long sword was embedded in the thigh of the Watcher. The Watchers were a mutated form of Timberwolves. They were larger, had dark brown-black fur in places, and had a taste for flesh, Artyom slammed into the concrete as a large claw threw him. His Colt Magnum was knocked away as the beast towered over him, saliva dropping from its ferocious jaws, its eyes blood red. It raised its claw to strike. Artyom's blood ran cold. "Artyom! Artyom! Wake up!" A voice cut through, caused him to awaken in a cold sweat, breathing heavily. He looked into the bearded face of Hawk Eye, one of his best friends, even before Zero Hour, the name given to the balefire meltdown. Hawk Eye was an expert marksman, hence his name. He was a few months older than Artyom, which is why he had looked up to Hawke as sort of an older brother at times. Hawk was a rust red Unicorn with a sapphire mane with forest green highlights. Hawke Eye's treasured bolt action rifle, Griever, was slung across his back. It was heavily modified, a long barrel, Nigh Vision scope, industrial flashlight, bayonet, with a maple wood stock, excluding the other bells and whistles he had added, and the tally marks. His beige longcoat always smelled of peppers, for he loved spicy foods. "Another nightmare Artyom? What was it this time?" "Steel, Wind, and I were standing around a fire pit, when all of a sudden, a bunch of cursed Walkers jumped up. Steel was torn in to. You woke me up just as I was about to be mauled." Artyom said, his voice quavering. He felt Hawk put his hoof on his shoulder, a calm smile on his face. "Its alright man, just a friggin dream. Come on, Captain Armor wants to see us. Get your stuff, grab a glass of water, then meet me in the command center, right?" Hawk said, turning away, and walking out the wood and steel door. Artyom groaned, the half Earth Pony, half Threstral (bat pony) slowly pulled himself out of his bed, leaning on his desk. His room wasn't small, but it wasn't exactly huge either. The walls were concrete with iron supports, posters or photos hung on the walls. His desk was a sturdy,sweet smelling, mahogny and rosewood contruct. His journal, lighter, and compact shortwave radio lay on the desk. Smiling slightly, he pocketed the items, turning off his regular radio. He then saw his maple guitar sitting on his worn recliner. His smile grew a bit as he strummed the cords. Flicking off the desk light, he stepped out of his room into the hallway. He looked over himself. He was dressed in well worn blue jeans, which had a few holes in them, a greyish-black faux leather overcoat, a dirty white shirt, duty black work boots on his stern hooves, and his forehooves had dark brown gloves on them. A slightly weathered backpack was strapped to his back. "Well, time to see what Armor wants." Artyom said, smirking slightly as he trotted through the noisy halls. He passed by the rowdy mess hall where he quickly drank down a glass of slightly murky water. Sure, it might not be the cleanest water around, but in the Metro or the Zone, you have to make due with what you got. Munching on a rose, egg, with a small amount of beef, bagel, he continued on. Contrary to what most species believed, ponies and species like them, such as Zebras, eat meat once in awhile, either because of the taste or nutrients. They mostly ate a lot of meat if they were in a mainly carnivorous species country, like Grussia, or Mhina. As he rounded the corner, he noticed a group of armed guards standing near the lifts. 2nd Lieutenant Bon Bon was nuzzling her wife, 1st Lieutenant Lyra. Hawk was tapping a hoof on the metal gate. "Ah, Artyom, there you are! For a second there, I thought you had gotten laugh. Hah hah hah!" A short burst of guffawing came from his mouth, as he carefully opened the lifts' iron gate, stepping inside. "Come along then." Artyom stepped in just as Eye closed the gate, yanking the wire handle down to start their ascension. "Ah, ventilated air, its the best." He said sarcastically, his Grussian accent breaking through. His family had moved there when he was young, before moving back to Equestria. His mother was raised in Grussia, and had them move there to help his Aunt Sheath Stalker on her farm. He had gained fluency in Grussian and an accent, then they had moved back a few months after they had helped the farm flourish. He remembered how his mom had bought him a vanilla and caramel ice cream cone from Pony Joe's, owned and named after Donut Joe's twin brother. He had just turned three. That was when the meltdown occurred, and the planet was plunged into magical fire and anarchy. He remembered looking for his mother, finding only her shadow burned into the wall, alongside both her and his deceased father's wedding rings, which he wore around his neck. His father had been a Solar Knight, a group dedicated to protecting Celestia, upper echelon to the Royal Guard. His mother, a witty and intelligent Threstral, had been a member of the Night Guard, and part time inventor. Their names, engraved on their rings, were Iron Cross, his dad, and Night Light, his mom. "So, how are you, Butterscotch, and Troika doing?" Hawk asked. Butterscotch was Artyom's wife, married almost a year ago. She was a spunky Pegasus, with an amber mane and tail, orange eyes, and a butterscotch colored coat. She worked as a medic at the clinic near the market, well paid. Troika was his younger sister, 10 years old, with a ash grey mane with a leaf green coat and icy blue eyes. She worked as an engineer, working maintenance for the railway cars or for the water pipes. While bits were still the major currency used, supplies or ammo also worked as money from time to time. "Итак, что дерьмо работу вы думаете Броня хочет, чтобы мы делаем сегодня?" (So, what crap job do you think Armor wants us to do today?) Artyom asked in Grussian, groaning as he heard the whirring of the gears. Checking his watch, he noticed they reach the Command Center in seven minutes, give or take. "Ха, может быть, очистка туалетов! Или борьба с вредителями!" (Hah, maybe scrubbing the toilets! Or pest control!) Hawk replied. This brought an uproar of laughter from the two. Soon, they heard the DING, which meant they had reached their floor. Hawk smiled as he opened the gate, "Looks like this is our stop." Hawk's attempt at humor made Artyom roll his eyes. "So, how's Copper Tone? I bet you can't wait to have him all for yourself." He teased his friend, who had been saying he would be driven mad if he see and bed Copper soon. "Hah hah hah, very funny Mr. Wiseguy. Coppy's been on a scavenging mission/vacation in Ponyat (Pripyat), turns out a similair incident happened a few months before Zero Hour. The Cheernobyl plant had a critical meltdown, most of Grussia's as much of a hellhole as Equestria." Hawk said, a faint blush on his cheeks. True, he had been thinking of his handsome Zebra colt friend now and again but he wasn't THAT desperate. "You would go crazy too if you didn't get laid very night." "Hmmph. Well then, lets go see what Armor wants this time." Artyom said, as the metallic doors slid open with a HISS. 2. Welcome to The Zone, enjoy your stay!As Artyom and Hawke entered the large meeting room of the Command Center, they noticed a group of ponies assembled around a large metal table, where a blue colored holographic image was being shown. At the head, was Captain Armor, his long brown coat mostly covering his worn purple and gold armor. Ever since Zero Hour, he had grown a thin beard and his azure mane was a tiny bit over shoulder length. A thin scar ran from the bottom right of his eye to the beginning of his snout. Next to him was his sister, Princess Twilight Sparkle, her crown/Element of Harmony lay slightly askew on her forehead, stray hairs were sticking out of her normally well-brushed mane. She was dressed in a navy blue turtleneck, which was more practical then her dresses, and a thin belt with four pouches. Across from her was Knight Commander Rainbow Dash, her slightly torn, grey faux leather jacket had iron shoulder pads to protect from Watcher bites or melee blows, coal black reinforced jeans and a utility belt completed her ensemble. The other ponies present a the table were a group of anonymous Rangers, scavengers, or scouts. With a nudge in the side from Twilight, Shining looked up to see them, a small grin on his face, "Well, well, well, look who finally woke up. Artyom, maybe we should change your code name from "Lone Wolf" to "Sleeping Beauty" this brought out a small round of laughter from the group. Coughing slightly, Shining composed himself. "Ah, now then. Window Washer and Pick Axe spotted ex-Colonel Knight Blade and two Crimson Order soldiers hauling caged Shadows around. Now, I'm sure all of you know what they are?" A hand was raised in the air by a young Minotaur Ranger, barely in her twenties. "Ah, Corporal Razor, I forgot, you've never been to the surface. A Shadow is a mutate pony or Changeling that has been exposed to high doses of balefire. They can read your thoughts with a touch, and retain a high level of intelligence. While its true a few of them have attacked the surface world colonies, the majority of them wish to make peace with us. Ranger Artyom, you, Knight Commander Rainbow Dash, and Private Shimmer" He pointed a hoof to a female Changeling wearing a kevlar vest, a charcoal grey miner's hat, a Hi-Power semi-automatic Marreta pistol and binoculars were strapped around her waist, before continuing. "You three are two venture topside, see if you can find any clues of Blade's whereabouts." The three saluted. Shining turned to Artyom, "Now then, since Retribution is still in the workshop, you'll have to see Jacques to get some weaponry and supplies. Good luck." Retribution was an F2000 Griffon made assault rifle, modified with a long barrel, extra mags, adjustable ash wood stock, NV (Night Vision) scope, and motion tracker. It was originally an average rifle used by his mother before Zero Hour, back when she had joined the Royal Army to fend off The Flames of Sombra, a fanatical cult that wished to resurrect King Sombra, and purge the world of his foes through fire. She had kept the rifle hidden away, where she would give it to him when he was old enough, that day had never come. When Artyom had come of age, he got permission to search his home for it. He located and kept it, alongside any mementos from his home. He had just put his Dad's old TV in his room, recorded shows were the only things he could watch, alongside his mom's old video game consoles and games. They helped to fight the crushing boredom and sense of dread in the Metro. Dash and Shimmer waited for him by the old train as he went to see Jacques. The middle-aged Griffon looked up from his magazine, smirking. "Ah Artyom, going to the surface I see, well, let's see what old Jacques has for you. You'll need this to survive up here." He reached down to his counter, coming back up a few seconds later. "Ah, the most important piece of gear you'll every need. A gas mask, rebreather, in case you have to go underwater for whatever reason, and a few extra air filters." He said, placing them on the counter, which Artyom picking up and placed into his bag, the rebreather he strapped on. "Next, a simple lighter, you know, if there are some pesky spider-beast webs you need to burn or just for some light. Also, a rechargeable flashlight." Two more items Artyom pocketed. "Night Vision goggles, self explanatory." Artyom pulled these on, pushing them to his forehead, "And finally, lets see, you have your watch, great for seeing how much oxygen your filter has, geiger counter, good, universeal charger, what else do you need, aside from guns? Ah! Medkits." He pulled out two small cases, clawing them to Artyom, who grinning, placed them in his pocket. "Basic medical supplies and rations, and it all comes in a stylish red and orange case. Heh heh heh." He chuckled slightly. "Thanks Jacques." Artyom said, shaking the talon of the quartermaster, a small smile on his face. With his other arm, the Griffon motioned him to a gun rack. "Now then, you can only carry three guns. I suggest a long range rifle, medium or short range gun, and a decent sidearm." Jacques smirked, before Zero Hour, he had been a reformed arms dealer on the black market in Prance. He knew weaponry like the back of his talon. Artyom nodded, looking over the well stocked assortment. "Hmm, oh, this will do nicely." He picked out a Grussian made HK-47 assault rifle, which thankfully had a red dot sight and silencer attached, a polished Remming Ton tactical shotgun customized with a longer barrel, chambered with buckshot rounds, and for a sidearm he chose a simple .32 hoofgun, maybe not the most powerful, but it was compact and its ammo was common. The three boarded the train, which sped through the darkened tunnel to their destination. After ten minutes of near silence, the train came to a halt, screeching on the tracks. "Well then, as soon as we get to the exit, gas masks on." Dash said, before turning to Artyom, "So, newbie, you ever been to the surface before?" Artyom nodded, frowning at the slight. "Well then, that helps. So, Retribution? Really, yeah the name is cool and all, but not awesome, like Gut Buster here." She rubbed the body of her rifle, smirking. After a quick walk through a rusted door and a darkened hallway, the only light coming from some barely functioning lights, they had arrived at a long ladder, and began climbing. "Yeah yeah, you two just stare at my sweet flank. There's only one pony that can tap it, that is Fluttershy." Dash smiled at her marefriend's name. The three puled their gas masks on.With a groan, she pulled the lead stallionhole covering the tunnel entrance. The three emerged into a light rain. Shaking her mane, Dash turned to the two, "Well everypo-er everyone, welcome to the Zone, enjoy your stay and don't feed the Watchers." She had switched when she remembered Shimmer, laughing for a few seconds at her small joke. With a single motion, she silently ordered the two to move forward while she took to the cloudy skies for reconnaissance. Shrugging, Artyom and Shimmer trotted through the ashen ground and unkempt weeds, weapons at the ready. "So, what do you think of Rainbow?" Shimmer asked, who followed him through a murky puddle. "Hmm, she's alright, a bit egotistical, but she did help save the world a few times." He said, as he picked up some MGRs (Military Grade Rounds), a double barreled Ravager shotgun, frag ammo, a small sack of bits, and a packaged ham and carnation sandwich off a body. He tossed the gun to Shimmer. As the two entered a large clearing, several automobiles and carriages lay piled in a corner, broken beyond repair, Dash's voiced crackled through their earpieces. "Wait, movement on your right." The two aimed their weapon at a large amount of grass on an incline as loud growling and shrill cries could be heard. Artyom only said one thing, a touch of fear in his voice. "Walkers." 3. InterrogationThe roar was all the two heard, before they saw them. A large number of Watchers was peaking out of the bush, maybe thirty at the least. "Sweet Celestia's marehood." Artyom said, fear in his tone as he stared at the large number of hungry Watchers. One he could take out easily, two with some difficulty, but this.... ROOAARRRR! The Alpha, or what the two assumed was the Alpha, reared up and let out a ferocious roar to the skies, as he and his hunting pack descended upon the two, fangs and claws beared, ready to feat on the two Rangers. Letting out a cry, Artyom and Shimmer started unloading into the beasts. Shells and casings littered the barren ground. The motionless corpse of a Watcher knocked Shimmer into a rock. Groaning, she screamed as a muscled Watcher leaped into the air. Breathing hard, she pushed the cadaver off her left front hoof, whipping out her Maretta, and emptied her clip into its skull, yelling "Eat lead mutie!" With a sickening THUD, the beast fell two the ground, twitched slightly, then fell silent. Artyom pulled out a throwing knife, and hurled one at an advancing Watcher, which had yellow, glowing fungi growing on its back. The mutant stumbled back a bit, howling in pain, before rushing off, its remaining brethren following suit. Breathing heavily, the two themselves over. Minor cuts and bruises covered their torsos and hind legs. Grimacing, Artyom looked over his fore and hind legs. Grimacing, her noticed his right fore leg had a decent sized gnash running through it. "I don't think our med kits can heal that in time, and we can't waste them on cuts. Let me help." Shimmer said, her black horn glowing green. A cool wave of energy surrounded them, patching up any injuries the two had. "There." Rainbow grinned, waving at the two from above, "Nice job you two, awesome team work!" she hoof pumped, before gasping and looking through her scope, "Guys, Knight's a few klicks north of you!" Artyom and Shimmer nodded, before galloping northward. Galloping through puddles, snags, and weeds, the two finally found him. Knight was sitting on a metallic crate, possible containing a Shadow or some supplies. His right hind leg was crossed over his left, he was resting his right fore leg on the barrel of his rifle. Knight, in some sort of cruel irony, wore his dented and bloodied Ranger armor under a long dark grey-black cloak, the hood pulled up. His tan coat was freshly combed. His obsidian black mane and tail swung in the light breeze. His eyes, the red irises and gold pupils shined in the mild sunlight. Even though it was covered by both the cloak, and the black and gold armor, they both knew what his Cutie Mark was, two blades crossed in an "X". He was grinning. "Ah, Private Shimmer, Ranger Artyom," He looked skyward, "And Knight Commander Rainbow Dash, what a surprise. Did Armor send you to stop me. Artyom and Dash I understand, send the best to fight the best, but Shimmer, that is unusual." He held out forelegs, a smirk on his face, "Well then, come and get me!" With a growl, the two Rangers charged at the traitor.... ......only to let out a surprised "Huh" when they proceeded pass right through him and slam into the ground, groaning as they connected with the rocky surface. The spectral ex-Ranger turned his head, "Sorry I couldn't meet you in person. I would have loved to see you and little Dashie again with my own eyes." He taunted, causing Rainbow to fume, she allowed only very few individuals to call her that, and that slimbe ball had lost that right when he turned tailcoat and joined The Order. "What the Tartarus?! A hologram! What's wrong Blade, ain't got the balls to face us? трусливый пес! (Cowardly dog)" He yelled, dusting himself off, before helping Shimmer to her hooves, moaning in pain. "Действительно Ranger? Это лучшее, что вы могли бы оскорблением придумать?Жеребенок может составить лучшую оскорблений! (Really Ranger? Is that the best insult you could come up with? A foal could make up better insults!) Knight replied in fluent Grussian, shaking his head slightly, sighing. "I'm afraid I have more pressing matters to deal with, Crimson Order business and all, just following orders. Surely you understand." His double reached into the case he sat on, pulling out a flare gun, raised it into the sky, and fired. The blood red flame flew into the sky, bursting into sparks. He tossed the empty tool aside. "It is of no consequence, we will meet soon enough old friend. My men will make sure of that." Before anypony could respond, heavily armored soldiers burst out of the brush, weapons at the ready. "Shimmer, Dash, get help, I'll-" But Artyom was cut off, a one of the troops, a muscled turkey, bashed him over the head with the butt of his rifle, yelling "Kapa çeneni! (Shut up, in Turkish, which in this 'verse, is yes, a country ruled by Turkeys), his native language. The last thing Artyom saw as he he hit the cold earth and before darkness fell upon him, was the sight of Shimmer and Dash retreating back to New Ponyville, their hidden base. Unknown Location-2:55 PM Artyom awoke, groaning, his vision blurred. Shaking his head, he saw a bruised Earth Pony tied in a corner. Another Ranger, this one a llama, was bound, Knight stood in the center, next to what appeared to be a doctor or surgeon. They were currently examining a quivering Threstral. The surgeon was holding a stylus, measuring the size of the Threstral's head. "Hmm, 302 by...oh, 306. Interesting." The surgeon withdrew the stylus. He spoke in a thick Cockney accent. He was an icy blue unicorn with a light grey mane, bushy beard, and tail, and grey within grey eyes, his Cutie Mark was a stethoscope. Knight hummed, skimming the chart in his hooves, "Alright, that's a bit bigger than normal, but he is a Threstral, they have slightly bigger heads than other Equine species. Alright, Cutter, check the hooves." Knight had removed his armor, possibly located in his quarters. He still wore his black long coat, but now wore what appeared to be a dress uniform. Charcoal grey jacket, pants, and black shoes and gloves. His belt was made of leather, dark brown, with a polished silver skull buckle, a dark grey officer's hat with a black brim. The cuffs of his jacket and pants were gold. A red and gold blade over a conjoined sun and moon pin adorned the center of his hat and the the upper right of his jacket. A cruel smile adorned his face, a fire in his eyes. Cutter picked pressed a button on the rim of his glasses, causing several magnifying glasses to appear over the main one. He slowly lifted up the pony's fore hooves, examining them, humming a tune. "Oh, it seems his left one is a few centimeters bigger than his right. Very unusual." Once more Knight looked over the chart in his hooves, tapping it once he had found what he was looking for. "Oh dear, it seems, my Threstral friend, you have been found to be a mutant! And you know we can't have mutants polluting the genetic pool with imperfection." He reached into his coat and pulled out one of his gilded pistols, Maria, and loaded new clip into it. "I have two solutions to this problem. The first, and most painless, though slightly messy approach, is for me to simply blow your brains over the wall. The second, though it might hurt, is to sterilize you. Unfortunately for you, we are running low on chemicals to do so, we'll have to do it the old fashion way." "Please, I'm not a mutant! The hoof size I got from my parents. I'm a Mareza (Hanza) citizen! I don't want to die!" The Threstal, Lock Wood said, tears streaming down his face. Knight scowled kicking the stallion away. "Pathetic whelp, you don't deserve the honor of a swift demise. You'll have to live suffering. Herr Cutter, you, Mengele, and RIchtofen have a new patient to sterlize. I recommend the buzz saw, oil it will you." He grabbed Lock by his neckfur, tossing him to the grinning Ponton (Poxton, an area in the East End) surgeon, who dragged the screaming Threstral away. Knight turned to the llama, a cold fire in his eyes. "Ranger Brelock, tell me, what was your mission? Does it have to do with bunker K7?" He shoves the male against the cold, steel wall. Brelock grimaced as he slowly got to his hooves, a small cut in his cheek. "I won't tell you anything you racist bardstard!" He spat in Knight's face, but the stallion effortlessly wiped it away. "You foal. If you won't tell me," He quickly grabbed the male, throwing him to the floor, before stomping on his right fore leg thrice, and hard. Artyom winced as he heard a resounding CRACK of bone and heard Brelock scream out in pain. Knight withdrew from his attack, grinning. Brelock lay on the floor, cradiling his limp, bloody, and broken foreleg, curled up in the fetal position. "Now then, if you won't tell me, then I guess torture will." He motioned to the door, which opened, and two lightly armored guards, a Zebra and a Pegasus came in, wielding stun batons. "Ah, gentlestallions, it seems our friend Brelock here is being uncooperative. Take him to the Level 2, I'm sure Shock Therapy will love to meet him." The guards lifted the llama, carrying him out of the room, just as an officer dressed similarly to Knight came in, minus the longcoat, and another guard. The officer panted, before thrusting a hoof in the air, "Heil Celesties und Lunara." Knight repeated the motion, before the officer hoofed him a note. "Lieutenant Baking Soda reporting in, Herr Blade. The Prince wishes for you to join him at the rally." Knight nodded, before looking at the Earth Pony and Artyom. "Soda, you watch these two until I get back." He said, before turning away and leaving. Baking Soda and the guard had their backs to the prisoners, chatting. The Earth Pony nodded at Artyom, before rushing at Baking Soda, bucking him into the wall, while Artyom pressure pointed the guard, watching as he fell over, paralyzed. "Good job, Artyom, right?" At his nod, the stallion cut his binds with the officer's knife, pocketing it after cutting Artyom loose. "I'm Digger, and...I'm a member of the Emerald Line." Artyom galked, the Emerald Line were a a society that did not believe in rich or poor, which, while a good thing, there was no economy, as the government said everything is everyone's property. The reason they were despised was because of their brutal government that eliminated any citizen who spoke out against the government, even if in passing. He shook these thoughts away, "The enemy of my enemy, is my friend." He said, caustiously shaking the stallion's hoof. Digger grinned, picking up the guard's rifle, tossing Baking Soda's Minotaur made SMG and the guard's serrated knife, slowly opening the heavy iron door. "Come on, lets get out of here." He waved a hoof at Artyom. Holstering his weapons, he followed Digger out the door, into the sparely lit hallway, illuminated only by a few lamps. He trotted beside Digger, as they entered a dark room.
1. Awakening"So, any new scrap today?" Steel Hooves asked, warming his hooves over the fire pit. Steel was dressed in a dark green overcoat, a Zebra manufactured Kevo Assault Rifle rifle, modified with a 2x scope, extra mags, and oak stock, was strapped to his back. Steel, a Pegasus, was a former Ranger, a task force formed to keep peace in the Metro by Captain Macintosh. "Not much. Just a few ammo cases, some food, and shirt or two." Wind Shear, a middle aged half Griffon, half Zebra, replied, carefully cleaning his long sword of guts and flecks of blood, his beak in a scowl. "You Artyom?" "No, I-Wait, did you hear that? Artyom said, his ears perked. Screams, definitely screams, but who's? This was the thought that raced through his mind. Suddenly, a loud growling sound was heard from above, the trio had barely enough time to look up as 3 dark masses descended upon them. The first knocked Steel to the dusty ground, bashing his head into the rails. He was only able to fire a shot before the beast knocked the rifle from his hooves, tearing a large gnash in his chest. Its companion was wresting with Shear, several claw marks on his face and right arm. Wind's long sword was embedded in the thigh of the Watcher. The Watchers were a mutated form of Timberwolves. They were larger, had dark brown-black fur in places, and had a taste for flesh, Artyom slammed into the concrete as a large claw threw him. His Colt Magnum was knocked away as the beast towered over him, saliva dropping from its ferocious jaws, its eyes blood red. It raised its claw to strike. Artyom's blood ran cold. "Artyom! Artyom! Wake up!" A voice cut through, caused him to awaken in a cold sweat, breathing heavily. He looked into the bearded face of Hawk Eye, one of his best friends, even before Zero Hour, the name given to the balefire meltdown. Hawk Eye was an expert marksman, hence his name. He was a few months older than Artyom, which is why he had looked up to Hawke as sort of an older brother at times. Hawk was a rust red Unicorn with a sapphire mane with forest green highlights. Hawke Eye's treasured bolt action rifle, Griever, was slung across his back. It was heavily modified, a long barrel, Nigh Vision scope, industrial flashlight, bayonet, with a maple wood stock, excluding the other bells and whistles he had added, and the tally marks. His beige longcoat always smelled of peppers, for he loved spicy foods. "Another nightmare Artyom? What was it this time?" "Steel, Wind, and I were standing around a fire pit, when all of a sudden, a bunch of cursed Walkers jumped up. Steel was torn in to. You woke me up just as I was about to be mauled." Artyom said, his voice quavering. He felt Hawk put his hoof on his shoulder, a calm smile on his face. "Its alright man, just a friggin dream. Come on, Captain Armor wants to see us. Get your stuff, grab a glass of water, then meet me in the command center, right?" Hawk said, turning away, and walking out the wood and steel door. Artyom groaned, the half Earth Pony, half Threstral (bat pony) slowly pulled himself out of his bed, leaning on his desk. His room wasn't small, but it wasn't exactly huge either. The walls were concrete with iron supports, posters or photos hung on the walls. His desk was a sturdy,sweet smelling, mahogny and rosewood contruct. His journal, lighter, and compact shortwave radio lay on the desk. Smiling slightly, he pocketed the items, turning off his regular radio. He then saw his maple guitar sitting on his worn recliner. His smile grew a bit as he strummed the cords. Flicking off the desk light, he stepped out of his room into the hallway. He looked over himself. He was dressed in well worn blue jeans, which had a few holes in them, a greyish-black faux leather overcoat, a dirty white shirt, duty black work boots on his stern hooves, and his forehooves had dark brown gloves on them. A slightly weathered backpack was strapped to his back. "Well, time to see what Armor wants." Artyom said, smirking slightly as he trotted through the noisy halls. He passed by the rowdy mess hall where he quickly drank down a glass of slightly murky water. Sure, it might not be the cleanest water around, but in the Metro or the Zone, you have to make due with what you got. Munching on a rose, egg, with a small amount of beef, bagel, he continued on. Contrary to what most species believed, ponies and species like them, such as Zebras, eat meat once in awhile, either because of the taste or nutrients. They mostly ate a lot of meat if they were in a mainly carnivorous species country, like Grussia, or Mhina. As he rounded the corner, he noticed a group of armed guards standing near the lifts. 2nd Lieutenant Bon Bon was nuzzling her wife, 1st Lieutenant Lyra. Hawk was tapping a hoof on the metal gate. "Ah, Artyom, there you are! For a second there, I thought you had gotten laugh. Hah hah hah!" A short burst of guffawing came from his mouth, as he carefully opened the lifts' iron gate, stepping inside. "Come along then." Artyom stepped in just as Eye closed the gate, yanking the wire handle down to start their ascension. "Ah, ventilated air, its the best." He said sarcastically, his Grussian accent breaking through. His family had moved there when he was young, before moving back to Equestria. His mother was raised in Grussia, and had them move there to help his Aunt Sheath Stalker on her farm. He had gained fluency in Grussian and an accent, then they had moved back a few months after they had helped the farm flourish. He remembered how his mom had bought him a vanilla and caramel ice cream cone from Pony Joe's, owned and named after Donut Joe's twin brother. He had just turned three. That was when the meltdown occurred, and the planet was plunged into magical fire and anarchy. He remembered looking for his mother, finding only her shadow burned into the wall, alongside both her and his deceased father's wedding rings, which he wore around his neck. His father had been a Solar Knight, a group dedicated to protecting Celestia, upper echelon to the Royal Guard. His mother, a witty and intelligent Threstral, had been a member of the Night Guard, and part time inventor. Their names, engraved on their rings, were Iron Cross, his dad, and Night Light, his mom. "So, how are you, Butterscotch, and Troika doing?" Hawk asked. Butterscotch was Artyom's wife, married almost a year ago. She was a spunky Pegasus, with an amber mane and tail, orange eyes, and a butterscotch colored coat. She worked as a medic at the clinic near the market, well paid. Troika was his younger sister, 10 years old, with a ash grey mane with a leaf green coat and icy blue eyes. She worked as an engineer, working maintenance for the railway cars or for the water pipes. While bits were still the major currency used, supplies or ammo also worked as money from time to time. "Итак, что дерьмо работу вы думаете Броня хочет, чтобы мы делаем сегодня?" (So, what crap job do you think Armor wants us to do today?) Artyom asked in Grussian, groaning as he heard the whirring of the gears. Checking his watch, he noticed they reach the Command Center in seven minutes, give or take. "Ха, может быть, очистка туалетов! Или борьба с вредителями!" (Hah, maybe scrubbing the toilets! Or pest control!) Hawk replied. This brought an uproar of laughter from the two. Soon, they heard the DING, which meant they had reached their floor. Hawk smiled as he opened the gate, "Looks like this is our stop." Hawk's attempt at humor made Artyom roll his eyes. "So, how's Copper Tone? I bet you can't wait to have him all for yourself." He teased his friend, who had been saying he would be driven mad if he see and bed Copper soon. "Hah hah hah, very funny Mr. Wiseguy. Coppy's been on a scavenging mission/vacation in Ponyat (Pripyat), turns out a similair incident happened a few months before Zero Hour. The Cheernobyl plant had a critical meltdown, most of Grussia's as much of a hellhole as Equestria." Hawk said, a faint blush on his cheeks. True, he had been thinking of his handsome Zebra colt friend now and again but he wasn't THAT desperate. "You would go crazy too if you didn't get laid very night." "Hmmph. Well then, lets go see what Armor wants this time." Artyom said, as the metallic doors slid open with a HISS.
2. Welcome to The Zone, enjoy your stay!As Artyom and Hawke entered the large meeting room of the Command Center, they noticed a group of ponies assembled around a large metal table, where a blue colored holographic image was being shown. At the head, was Captain Armor, his long brown coat mostly covering his worn purple and gold armor. Ever since Zero Hour, he had grown a thin beard and his azure mane was a tiny bit over shoulder length. A thin scar ran from the bottom right of his eye to the beginning of his snout. Next to him was his sister, Princess Twilight Sparkle, her crown/Element of Harmony lay slightly askew on her forehead, stray hairs were sticking out of her normally well-brushed mane. She was dressed in a navy blue turtleneck, which was more practical then her dresses, and a thin belt with four pouches. Across from her was Knight Commander Rainbow Dash, her slightly torn, grey faux leather jacket had iron shoulder pads to protect from Watcher bites or melee blows, coal black reinforced jeans and a utility belt completed her ensemble. The other ponies present a the table were a group of anonymous Rangers, scavengers, or scouts. With a nudge in the side from Twilight, Shining looked up to see them, a small grin on his face, "Well, well, well, look who finally woke up. Artyom, maybe we should change your code name from "Lone Wolf" to "Sleeping Beauty" this brought out a small round of laughter from the group. Coughing slightly, Shining composed himself. "Ah, now then. Window Washer and Pick Axe spotted ex-Colonel Knight Blade and two Crimson Order soldiers hauling caged Shadows around. Now, I'm sure all of you know what they are?" A hand was raised in the air by a young Minotaur Ranger, barely in her twenties. "Ah, Corporal Razor, I forgot, you've never been to the surface. A Shadow is a mutate pony or Changeling that has been exposed to high doses of balefire. They can read your thoughts with a touch, and retain a high level of intelligence. While its true a few of them have attacked the surface world colonies, the majority of them wish to make peace with us. Ranger Artyom, you, Knight Commander Rainbow Dash, and Private Shimmer" He pointed a hoof to a female Changeling wearing a kevlar vest, a charcoal grey miner's hat, a Hi-Power semi-automatic Marreta pistol and binoculars were strapped around her waist, before continuing. "You three are two venture topside, see if you can find any clues of Blade's whereabouts." The three saluted. Shining turned to Artyom, "Now then, since Retribution is still in the workshop, you'll have to see Jacques to get some weaponry and supplies. Good luck." Retribution was an F2000 Griffon made assault rifle, modified with a long barrel, extra mags, adjustable ash wood stock, NV (Night Vision) scope, and motion tracker. It was originally an average rifle used by his mother before Zero Hour, back when she had joined the Royal Army to fend off The Flames of Sombra, a fanatical cult that wished to resurrect King Sombra, and purge the world of his foes through fire. She had kept the rifle hidden away, where she would give it to him when he was old enough, that day had never come. When Artyom had come of age, he got permission to search his home for it. He located and kept it, alongside any mementos from his home. He had just put his Dad's old TV in his room, recorded shows were the only things he could watch, alongside his mom's old video game consoles and games. They helped to fight the crushing boredom and sense of dread in the Metro. Dash and Shimmer waited for him by the old train as he went to see Jacques. The middle-aged Griffon looked up from his magazine, smirking. "Ah Artyom, going to the surface I see, well, let's see what old Jacques has for you. You'll need this to survive up here." He reached down to his counter, coming back up a few seconds later. "Ah, the most important piece of gear you'll every need. A gas mask, rebreather, in case you have to go underwater for whatever reason, and a few extra air filters." He said, placing them on the counter, which Artyom picking up and placed into his bag, the rebreather he strapped on. "Next, a simple lighter, you know, if there are some pesky spider-beast webs you need to burn or just for some light. Also, a rechargeable flashlight." Two more items Artyom pocketed. "Night Vision goggles, self explanatory." Artyom pulled these on, pushing them to his forehead, "And finally, lets see, you have your watch, great for seeing how much oxygen your filter has, geiger counter, good, universeal charger, what else do you need, aside from guns? Ah! Medkits." He pulled out two small cases, clawing them to Artyom, who grinning, placed them in his pocket. "Basic medical supplies and rations, and it all comes in a stylish red and orange case. Heh heh heh." He chuckled slightly. "Thanks Jacques." Artyom said, shaking the talon of the quartermaster, a small smile on his face. With his other arm, the Griffon motioned him to a gun rack. "Now then, you can only carry three guns. I suggest a long range rifle, medium or short range gun, and a decent sidearm." Jacques smirked, before Zero Hour, he had been a reformed arms dealer on the black market in Prance. He knew weaponry like the back of his talon. Artyom nodded, looking over the well stocked assortment. "Hmm, oh, this will do nicely." He picked out a Grussian made HK-47 assault rifle, which thankfully had a red dot sight and silencer attached, a polished Remming Ton tactical shotgun customized with a longer barrel, chambered with buckshot rounds, and for a sidearm he chose a simple .32 hoofgun, maybe not the most powerful, but it was compact and its ammo was common. The three boarded the train, which sped through the darkened tunnel to their destination. After ten minutes of near silence, the train came to a halt, screeching on the tracks. "Well then, as soon as we get to the exit, gas masks on." Dash said, before turning to Artyom, "So, newbie, you ever been to the surface before?" Artyom nodded, frowning at the slight. "Well then, that helps. So, Retribution? Really, yeah the name is cool and all, but not awesome, like Gut Buster here." She rubbed the body of her rifle, smirking. After a quick walk through a rusted door and a darkened hallway, the only light coming from some barely functioning lights, they had arrived at a long ladder, and began climbing. "Yeah yeah, you two just stare at my sweet flank. There's only one pony that can tap it, that is Fluttershy." Dash smiled at her marefriend's name. The three puled their gas masks on.With a groan, she pulled the lead stallionhole covering the tunnel entrance. The three emerged into a light rain. Shaking her mane, Dash turned to the two, "Well everypo-er everyone, welcome to the Zone, enjoy your stay and don't feed the Watchers." She had switched when she remembered Shimmer, laughing for a few seconds at her small joke. With a single motion, she silently ordered the two to move forward while she took to the cloudy skies for reconnaissance. Shrugging, Artyom and Shimmer trotted through the ashen ground and unkempt weeds, weapons at the ready. "So, what do you think of Rainbow?" Shimmer asked, who followed him through a murky puddle. "Hmm, she's alright, a bit egotistical, but she did help save the world a few times." He said, as he picked up some MGRs (Military Grade Rounds), a double barreled Ravager shotgun, frag ammo, a small sack of bits, and a packaged ham and carnation sandwich off a body. He tossed the gun to Shimmer. As the two entered a large clearing, several automobiles and carriages lay piled in a corner, broken beyond repair, Dash's voiced crackled through their earpieces. "Wait, movement on your right." The two aimed their weapon at a large amount of grass on an incline as loud growling and shrill cries could be heard. Artyom only said one thing, a touch of fear in his voice. "Walkers."
3. InterrogationThe roar was all the two heard, before they saw them. A large number of Watchers was peaking out of the bush, maybe thirty at the least. "Sweet Celestia's marehood." Artyom said, fear in his tone as he stared at the large number of hungry Watchers. One he could take out easily, two with some difficulty, but this.... ROOAARRRR! The Alpha, or what the two assumed was the Alpha, reared up and let out a ferocious roar to the skies, as he and his hunting pack descended upon the two, fangs and claws beared, ready to feat on the two Rangers. Letting out a cry, Artyom and Shimmer started unloading into the beasts. Shells and casings littered the barren ground. The motionless corpse of a Watcher knocked Shimmer into a rock. Groaning, she screamed as a muscled Watcher leaped into the air. Breathing hard, she pushed the cadaver off her left front hoof, whipping out her Maretta, and emptied her clip into its skull, yelling "Eat lead mutie!" With a sickening THUD, the beast fell two the ground, twitched slightly, then fell silent. Artyom pulled out a throwing knife, and hurled one at an advancing Watcher, which had yellow, glowing fungi growing on its back. The mutant stumbled back a bit, howling in pain, before rushing off, its remaining brethren following suit. Breathing heavily, the two themselves over. Minor cuts and bruises covered their torsos and hind legs. Grimacing, Artyom looked over his fore and hind legs. Grimacing, her noticed his right fore leg had a decent sized gnash running through it. "I don't think our med kits can heal that in time, and we can't waste them on cuts. Let me help." Shimmer said, her black horn glowing green. A cool wave of energy surrounded them, patching up any injuries the two had. "There." Rainbow grinned, waving at the two from above, "Nice job you two, awesome team work!" she hoof pumped, before gasping and looking through her scope, "Guys, Knight's a few klicks north of you!" Artyom and Shimmer nodded, before galloping northward. Galloping through puddles, snags, and weeds, the two finally found him. Knight was sitting on a metallic crate, possible containing a Shadow or some supplies. His right hind leg was crossed over his left, he was resting his right fore leg on the barrel of his rifle. Knight, in some sort of cruel irony, wore his dented and bloodied Ranger armor under a long dark grey-black cloak, the hood pulled up. His tan coat was freshly combed. His obsidian black mane and tail swung in the light breeze. His eyes, the red irises and gold pupils shined in the mild sunlight. Even though it was covered by both the cloak, and the black and gold armor, they both knew what his Cutie Mark was, two blades crossed in an "X". He was grinning. "Ah, Private Shimmer, Ranger Artyom," He looked skyward, "And Knight Commander Rainbow Dash, what a surprise. Did Armor send you to stop me. Artyom and Dash I understand, send the best to fight the best, but Shimmer, that is unusual." He held out forelegs, a smirk on his face, "Well then, come and get me!" With a growl, the two Rangers charged at the traitor.... ......only to let out a surprised "Huh" when they proceeded pass right through him and slam into the ground, groaning as they connected with the rocky surface. The spectral ex-Ranger turned his head, "Sorry I couldn't meet you in person. I would have loved to see you and little Dashie again with my own eyes." He taunted, causing Rainbow to fume, she allowed only very few individuals to call her that, and that slimbe ball had lost that right when he turned tailcoat and joined The Order. "What the Tartarus?! A hologram! What's wrong Blade, ain't got the balls to face us? трусливый пес! (Cowardly dog)" He yelled, dusting himself off, before helping Shimmer to her hooves, moaning in pain. "Действительно Ranger? Это лучшее, что вы могли бы оскорблением придумать?Жеребенок может составить лучшую оскорблений! (Really Ranger? Is that the best insult you could come up with? A foal could make up better insults!) Knight replied in fluent Grussian, shaking his head slightly, sighing. "I'm afraid I have more pressing matters to deal with, Crimson Order business and all, just following orders. Surely you understand." His double reached into the case he sat on, pulling out a flare gun, raised it into the sky, and fired. The blood red flame flew into the sky, bursting into sparks. He tossed the empty tool aside. "It is of no consequence, we will meet soon enough old friend. My men will make sure of that." Before anypony could respond, heavily armored soldiers burst out of the brush, weapons at the ready. "Shimmer, Dash, get help, I'll-" But Artyom was cut off, a one of the troops, a muscled turkey, bashed him over the head with the butt of his rifle, yelling "Kapa çeneni! (Shut up, in Turkish, which in this 'verse, is yes, a country ruled by Turkeys), his native language. The last thing Artyom saw as he he hit the cold earth and before darkness fell upon him, was the sight of Shimmer and Dash retreating back to New Ponyville, their hidden base. Unknown Location-2:55 PM Artyom awoke, groaning, his vision blurred. Shaking his head, he saw a bruised Earth Pony tied in a corner. Another Ranger, this one a llama, was bound, Knight stood in the center, next to what appeared to be a doctor or surgeon. They were currently examining a quivering Threstral. The surgeon was holding a stylus, measuring the size of the Threstral's head. "Hmm, 302 by...oh, 306. Interesting." The surgeon withdrew the stylus. He spoke in a thick Cockney accent. He was an icy blue unicorn with a light grey mane, bushy beard, and tail, and grey within grey eyes, his Cutie Mark was a stethoscope. Knight hummed, skimming the chart in his hooves, "Alright, that's a bit bigger than normal, but he is a Threstral, they have slightly bigger heads than other Equine species. Alright, Cutter, check the hooves." Knight had removed his armor, possibly located in his quarters. He still wore his black long coat, but now wore what appeared to be a dress uniform. Charcoal grey jacket, pants, and black shoes and gloves. His belt was made of leather, dark brown, with a polished silver skull buckle, a dark grey officer's hat with a black brim. The cuffs of his jacket and pants were gold. A red and gold blade over a conjoined sun and moon pin adorned the center of his hat and the the upper right of his jacket. A cruel smile adorned his face, a fire in his eyes. Cutter picked pressed a button on the rim of his glasses, causing several magnifying glasses to appear over the main one. He slowly lifted up the pony's fore hooves, examining them, humming a tune. "Oh, it seems his left one is a few centimeters bigger than his right. Very unusual." Once more Knight looked over the chart in his hooves, tapping it once he had found what he was looking for. "Oh dear, it seems, my Threstral friend, you have been found to be a mutant! And you know we can't have mutants polluting the genetic pool with imperfection." He reached into his coat and pulled out one of his gilded pistols, Maria, and loaded new clip into it. "I have two solutions to this problem. The first, and most painless, though slightly messy approach, is for me to simply blow your brains over the wall. The second, though it might hurt, is to sterilize you. Unfortunately for you, we are running low on chemicals to do so, we'll have to do it the old fashion way." "Please, I'm not a mutant! The hoof size I got from my parents. I'm a Mareza (Hanza) citizen! I don't want to die!" The Threstal, Lock Wood said, tears streaming down his face. Knight scowled kicking the stallion away. "Pathetic whelp, you don't deserve the honor of a swift demise. You'll have to live suffering. Herr Cutter, you, Mengele, and RIchtofen have a new patient to sterlize. I recommend the buzz saw, oil it will you." He grabbed Lock by his neckfur, tossing him to the grinning Ponton (Poxton, an area in the East End) surgeon, who dragged the screaming Threstral away. Knight turned to the llama, a cold fire in his eyes. "Ranger Brelock, tell me, what was your mission? Does it have to do with bunker K7?" He shoves the male against the cold, steel wall. Brelock grimaced as he slowly got to his hooves, a small cut in his cheek. "I won't tell you anything you racist bardstard!" He spat in Knight's face, but the stallion effortlessly wiped it away. "You foal. If you won't tell me," He quickly grabbed the male, throwing him to the floor, before stomping on his right fore leg thrice, and hard. Artyom winced as he heard a resounding CRACK of bone and heard Brelock scream out in pain. Knight withdrew from his attack, grinning. Brelock lay on the floor, cradiling his limp, bloody, and broken foreleg, curled up in the fetal position. "Now then, if you won't tell me, then I guess torture will." He motioned to the door, which opened, and two lightly armored guards, a Zebra and a Pegasus came in, wielding stun batons. "Ah, gentlestallions, it seems our friend Brelock here is being uncooperative. Take him to the Level 2, I'm sure Shock Therapy will love to meet him." The guards lifted the llama, carrying him out of the room, just as an officer dressed similarly to Knight came in, minus the longcoat, and another guard. The officer panted, before thrusting a hoof in the air, "Heil Celesties und Lunara." Knight repeated the motion, before the officer hoofed him a note. "Lieutenant Baking Soda reporting in, Herr Blade. The Prince wishes for you to join him at the rally." Knight nodded, before looking at the Earth Pony and Artyom. "Soda, you watch these two until I get back." He said, before turning away and leaving. Baking Soda and the guard had their backs to the prisoners, chatting. The Earth Pony nodded at Artyom, before rushing at Baking Soda, bucking him into the wall, while Artyom pressure pointed the guard, watching as he fell over, paralyzed. "Good job, Artyom, right?" At his nod, the stallion cut his binds with the officer's knife, pocketing it after cutting Artyom loose. "I'm Digger, and...I'm a member of the Emerald Line." Artyom galked, the Emerald Line were a a society that did not believe in rich or poor, which, while a good thing, there was no economy, as the government said everything is everyone's property. The reason they were despised was because of their brutal government that eliminated any citizen who spoke out against the government, even if in passing. He shook these thoughts away, "The enemy of my enemy, is my friend." He said, caustiously shaking the stallion's hoof. Digger grinned, picking up the guard's rifle, tossing Baking Soda's Minotaur made SMG and the guard's serrated knife, slowly opening the heavy iron door. "Come on, lets get out of here." He waved a hoof at Artyom. Holstering his weapons, he followed Digger out the door, into the sparely lit hallway, illuminated only by a few lamps. He trotted beside Digger, as they entered a dark room.
