Chapters Fallout: Equestria- Chronicles Of Seaddle
Prologue: Rethinking my life.
Before I tell you the story of how I got to this point in my life; how I was betrayed, had everything taken away from me in a matter of days, and possibly made the worst decision a griffin or pony could ever make (not exactly in that order), I think that it's best that I tell you who I am, and what I am; I also think that I should rethink my life a bit. Most of the events that lead to this moment, are of my own fault; I’ve learned to accept that now.
For starters, I am a thief, and a good one too. Others, however, view me as a raider. Though, I find such accusations to be quite silly. I’d never actually kill anypony, and I abhor violence. However, I do know better to protect myself. Nonetheless, I find the belief that I’m a raider to be just as silly as my name. What's my name? My name is Dark Heart; silly, isn't it? What’s even more silly is that I’ve seem to have told you things out of order, telling you what I am, before telling you who I am.
Anyway, I don’t know why my parents gave me such a preposterous name as Dark Heart; an odd name to give to a griffin, and, I may never know; Mom and Dad disappeared when I was quite young; I was just a fledgeling. They died as mercenaries, trying to make money to provide food for me; At least, that’s what Applejack’s Rangers told me. In fact... I hardly even remember Mom and Dad’s faces. A shame isn’t it, never even knowing your parents’ faces? Yet, again, it’s actually quite common in the wasteland. So, I don’t really let it bother me… much. The best thing I could do, to show respect and love to my mother and father, is to just accept the name they have given me out of the goodness of their hearts. The rangers like to make fun of my name, though, by giving me the equally preposterous pet name, "Darky". However, I learned to accept both names, seeing that it's better to have a silly name, or even two silly names, than to have no name at all.
Growing up orphaned and penniless in the ruins of Seaddle isn't a simple task, it never is for anypony. If I was born a hundred years ago, in the the era of the New Canterlot Republic, maybe things would be a lot more easy for me; I would have grew up in an orphanage. Nonetheless, because I was born after the NCR’s fall, I am among of the many who have to try hard in order to survive the harshness of the wasteland.
How did the NCR fell, you may ask? Well, according to history: eighty years ago, a pair of boxes were found; one in the Canterlot Rubble Pile, one in New Roam. Two boxes, one white and blue, one black and white. The ESR and ZSR respectively. For those who don't know, that's the Equestrian Strategic Reserve and Zebra Strategic Reserve respectively. Third strike weapons, designed to be used by the survivors of the first and second strikes to level the other once and for all.
Normally that wouldn't have happened. But the Ceasar's Legion, remains of the Pre-War Zebra government had enough of the NCR and used the box. Needless to say, the NCR responded in kind.
After that, Equestria was brought back to being the radioactive hellhole that we live in today, and the NCR's been shattered
As, I have mentioned before, I am a thief. Without any relatives, that I know of, to provide me with the necessities I need to survive, I had to take survival into my own talons. Stealing isn’t an easy task. In fact I failed on my first try; got caught digging out of somepony’s saddelbag, looking for some fresh apples to eat.. However, being quite young at the time, the punishment wasn’t quite as severe as I expected it to be, only a warning; Which I ignored of course. In fact, I immediately worked hard to improve my thieving skills. As I got older, I got better, cleverer, stealthy, and above all, more casual; I was never caught again. That’s what it takes to become a good thief; one have to be cunning, and quick on their hooves (or in my case, talons).
Eventually, I no longer stole just for survival; once I have stolen enough essentials, like food to last me for a few months, and weapons to protect myself with, storing them in my little den, I got bored and found entertainment in stealing for sport. In fact, whenever I see that I have quite enough to live on for the time being, I would give what I steal to those who have less.
Soon, to my surprise, word of my deeds began to spread throughout the northern wasteland, other ponies and griffins began to follow my example. The first among them, a blue alicorn, named Razor Feather, who became my first and most dearest friend.
Razor Feather is quite an unusual creature, even for an alicorn. He was born naturally, and shares a similar backstory to my own. He was a more experienced thief than I was; Together, we would ambush passerbyers; Stealing from the “rich” and giving to the poor; sort of like another griffin I’ve read stories about, from long ago.
As time went on, others have joined our little operation, and eventually we formed a little clan, stationed at my home on the eastern side of Green Lake. Before we knew it, our numbers reached around a hundred.
One odd thing though, the clan is entirely made up of flyers; Griffins, Pegasi and Alicorns. Even the alicorns were a bit.. odd. All of them, like Razor Feather, were naturally born. Sort of odd, since that most Alicorns were made from taint.
Anyway, most of my clan members, share just about the same past; Ranging from the usual orphan story, to running away, and some of them, just wanted to find some action in their lives.
For five years we have operated in Seaddle; doing what we do best, stealing. Sometime we do it for survival, often for sport, and mostly to help the those less fortunate than us.
I did in fact had some inspiration for forming the Clan. I was inspired by Utopia, my idle. A griffin, like me. A very old griffin, though. A ghoul from the pre-war times. He fought in the First Great War, and have been protecting the southern part of Seaddle with his gang in his grand fortress, the Octogon. I would join his gang if I could, but, with the situation I’m in I just couldn’t. Besides, they are kind of too bloodthirsty for my taste.
Anyway, I’m going to far here. I think that it’s time for me to tell my story, starting from where things began to go wrong for me.
This is my story; This is my tragedy… may Celestia have mercy on my soul…
Fallout: Equestria- Chronicles Of Seaddle
Chapter One: A Trilogy of Raids
Darkness; my eyes were closed as I sat on my chair, meditating; preparing myself to give the awaiting clan today's announcements. I could hear their thunderous chatter from inside my "office"; along with the crackling from my nicely warm fireplace, inside. No doubt they were wondering about what I got planned for them; it was really quite special; a trilogy of raids.
My house is quite small; much smaller than the other resting places around the lake where my followers reside. It’s a small shack; perhaps used for the same purpose in the olden days. It has just two rooms, with a small cooler, a bed, a desk, a burrow, a bookshelf for the books I’ve stolen. If there’s one thing I love doing other than stealing, it’s reading. My favorite books are the Daring Doo series. There’s also, of course, a fireplace, and an even smaller room being the bathroom; no hot water (I have to boil my water in a pot over the fireplace); no electricity, and only one window; home sweet home.
A knock on the door startled me; something that's not easy to do. I cocked my head behind me. A friendly voice spoke through the door outside.
"The crowds are getting restless, Dark Heart." said the voice; It was Razor Feather, "Are ready yet, boss?"
Boss; It's not easy being leader; especially if you got nearly a hundred griffins and ponies under your command. Luckily, I have my trusted friend and second in command, Razor Feather, to help me keep things in order. Though, the clan do seem to do a better job at listening to me, rather than my companion; even the kleptos seem to do better; I don't know why; perhaps it has something to do with charisma.
For those who don't know; Kleptos are, as their name suggest, a special group of clan members who are extreme kleptomaniacs. They are among the most crafty of us, as well as the most infamous, for they have to be kept under supervision when we go out on raids; less we want them to be leaving with more than we could handle, or have them stealing from the poor, and destitute; an act that I have forbidden quite sternly. Not to mention that they have a nasty habit raiding our own storage. However, aside from that, Kleptos are quite useful with their cunning skills and crafty ways.
Now where was I? Ah yes; Despite the lack of popularity from most of the clan, Razor Feather is a great second in command, and perhaps could be a much wiser leader than I am, and I respect him greatly.
I turned back to my table, staring at my bowl, that once contained warm rat stew that I ate for breakfast. Then I looked up to the clock against the wall in front of me; Six O'clock in the morning. We have to wake up early, when other factions are still asleep; don't want anypony eavesdropping on our plans. Even if they did try to eavesdrop, our guards will give them a "word" or two about it..
I took a deep breath, and got up onto all fours. I trotted to my door, turned the knob, and opened it. The first thing that welcomed me was a chilly and icy wind. Winter comes quite early here in Seaddle; first snowfall came down early October this year; our lake froze instantly and hasn't thawed one degree since. I've gotten quite use to the subzero temperatures growing up in the northern wasteland, but, still...
" Nice weather we're having." I said, sarcastically, looking up to the alicorn stallion, hovering above me, no doubt avoiding the cold, cold ground.
"Indeed." responded Razor Feather, understanding my sarcasm.
"Anyway; good morning. Let's get started, shall we?" I asked, as I exited my warm establishment, putting on my scarf hanging on my door, before stepping out into the cold snow.
Being winter in the north, it was still quite dark outside. However, the beach plaza lit up by the countless bonfires that litter the place.
"Let's, and a good morning to you too, dear friend." replied Razor Feather.
I spread out my wings, and swooped towards a stage, albeit once used for concerts in the past; Razor followed landing onto the stage floor before I do (Razor Feather is a much faster flyer than I am; In fact he's the fastest flyer I know.). Upon landing myself, I gazed upon the crowds of griffins, pegasi and alicorns; all of them dressed in winter clothes, hovering in the air, huddled together in groups, and warming themselves by their bonfires; They were all still chattering excessively.
To get their attention, Razor Feather lit up his horn, and shot a beam of blue light into the cloudy morning sky. The beam disappeared in the gray clouds, making a loud and thunderous BANG! Getting their attention, the chattering stopped instantly; every head in the plaza looked up from their warm fires, and turned towards me. A sudden and awkward silence loomed over the entire area, as they awaited the morning news.
I coughed a bit, clearing my throat before speaking.
"Good morning my friends." I began, speaking through a microphone, wirelessly connected to several small radios, stationed throughout the plaza; everpony could hear my calm and cool, and yet bold and powerful voice, "Griffons, Pegasi, and Alicorn; Mares and Stallions; How are you all this morning? I hope you rested good last night because we got a busy schedule today; A trilogy of raids."
The Clan glanced at each other; I could see the excitement and curiosity in their faces. I grinned; I was just as excited and anxious as they were.
"For starters;" I continued, "We shall be pickpocketing our 'lovely' neighbors, the Tolltakers. Then, we're going to perform a heist at Moon Tower. After that, we're going to do something really special..."
I paused for suspense, noticing the drooling, excited, and anxious faces closest to the stage. The two jobs I've mentioned must have made their hearts throb and beat like a drum. I grinned before continuing.
"Well; go on then." piped up a griffin's voice from the crowd; it was Butch's voice, "Spit it out! The suspense is killing us."
I chuckled a bit, thinking that the suspense has gone long enough.
"Alright, alright..." I said finally, "This is what we're going to do; after our heist at Moon Tower, we're going to raid; wait for it; wait for it... we're going to raid... Stable 134!"
I expected applause, oohs, and awes, but received only an awkward silence. Not even Razor Feather gave any sound of approval, or disapproval; only a chilly wind could be heard.
After what seemed like forever, only being no more than ten minutes, the silence was finally broken by a slight muttering among the crowds; particularly the alicorns. I couldn't make out exactly what they were saying. Obviously, they didn't quite approve my plan; I thought I should inspire them a bit. Though, I'd never actually received such reactions from the clan. Mostly they would cheer over every idea I come up with, but not this time... this time was different.
"Wow. Thanks guys; you are too kind. You can stop clapping now; I mean it." I said with an obviously sarcastic demeanor, "No. Seriously, what's the matter? Cat got your tongue? I've been planning this for quite a while you know. So what's eating ya?"
The silence returned. This time though, it didn't take long enough for the Pegasus, Dustbowl, to speak up.
"Well boss; it's about the stable; nopony has ever been near it since... I don't know... since... ever!" said Dustbowl, nervously making his protest of opposition, and yet, obviously trying not to provoke any anger out of me; which is actually quite hard to do, "Not in nearly one hundred years. Nor do anypony even want to go near it."
"Besides;" abruptly said a purple Alicorn mare named, Red Dawn, who was hovering right beside Dustbowl, "You heard of the creatures that are said to reside in there, right? What were they called again?"
Now, I did indeed heard of the legends behind the stable, who doesn't? It's only the most famous stable in the northern wasteland. However I didn't believe in most of the stories; calling the ghost stories simply that. I didn't know exactly what was the big deal about them were. I did however, saw the stories of treasures and technology that are said to be contained within the stable, and even if they're just stories, they're reason enough to go out and check it out myself. It's been my dream for a very, very long time.
"Wow." I said, not amused by such an excuse, "So, that's what holding you back? An old ghost story? Ha! I for one find such tales to be as silly as my name. Why should any of you allow such worry? Besides, if there were creatures inside the stable, they would no doubt be all dead. Especially if it hasn't been opened in a century."
"But why do you want to take such a risk?" asked Red Dawn persistently, "If there are creatures inside, and you must certainly know how dangerous they are, why should we risk unleashing them?"
The muttering among the other alicorns escalated; even the klepto Alicorns were muttering, obviously they were agreeing with Red Dawn's protest. I decided to offer some encouragement to them.
"My friends;" I began my speech; I made sure that I was speaking loud and clear, "We are a clan of thieves and cutthroats; we've been taking risks for the past five years, with every raid! Don't you know how many times our raids nearly ended with failure? So, what makes raiding the stable anymore different? I have been preparing you for this, for a long time, don't let me down now! Besides, imagine the reward of success! If we actually pull this off, we could become famous; even more famous than Utopia himself; ...even Red Eye! Oh, and the treasures and technology that are said to reside in there; imagine if it were all ours! That stable is just standing there; ours for the taken, and it's treasures to be given out to the ponies of Seaddel! They'll be thanking us! Not to mention the tech we could use for ourselves..."
"So that's what this is all about?" protested Red Dawn, fluttering violently towards the stage, she pointed her hoof to my beak, "Fame? Glory? Do I see a bit of greed in your words?"
"Perhaps, Red Dawn... perhaps." I said, "But I assure you, it's still all for a good cause."
"Are you sure?" asked Red Dawn, "Of all the plans you came up with, raiding the stable is perhaps the most preposterous, and I often agree with your plans, including the two you have mentioned."
"Then why not give those two a chance first?" I compromised with her, "If we pull off stealing from the Tolltakers, and our Moon Tower heist, then we would go and try opening the stable. If not... well; you get the picture."
Seeing that Red's expression didn't change one bit; being somewhat new here (she's only been among us for six months), I wasn't actually surprised by her protesting. Still, I turned to Razor Feather for help. I thought maybe if I could get his approval, maybe the clan would be more trusting; even with the fact that in previous cases, it's often me aiding Razor Feather.
"Well;" sputtered Razor Feather, unsure of himself; he was lightly tapping his hoof against the stage; something he normally does while thinking, "If our leader Dark Heart is sure of this plan, then, I guess I should support him. Besides Dawn, since when has his ideas ever backfired?!"
After Razor's small speech, I saw Red's facial expression change. Her eyes darted a bit, and she took a deep breath.
"True." agreed Red Dawn, backing down a bit; her eyes met my own, "Indeed you are perhaps the most successful thief among us, and we are perhaps the most successful band of thieves in history."
Red Dawn sighed, I'm sure that she still had issues about my grand scheme.
"Alright, Dark Heart, you win." said the alicorn, "I actually see a possibility coming out of your plan. Besides, I guess I'm wrong to protest against the boss's judgment. Sorry about that."
"Don't be." I said gently and yet sternly, "I don't blame you for your doubts, but, I do pray that you try to trust me more. For I tell you, that if we succeed, we will have our mark engraved in the face of history. "
"Agreed," concluded Red Dawn.
The hovering alicorn mare then did a 180 and returned beside Dustbowl, who padded her on the back. I then stepped forward, clutching onto the microphone stand with a firm grip of my talons; bringing the microphone towards my beak.
"Now. With that out of the way. How about it? Are you interested now?" I asked intriguingly.
This time, the crowds made a slight round of applause; I was still not convinced of their enthusiasm. So I asked them again; telling them that I couldn't hear them. The crowds responded with a thunderous applause; One of my own liking.
"Now. Go get ready. We shall be preparing for take off around noon. I expect you all back here by then. Understand?" I asked.
The sea of heads nodded; I was well pleased with my resolve.
"Then in that case," I began to conclude, "You are dismissed. Thank you for your most ensure attention. I am most grateful for it."
At that, I watched as my clan departed from each other; leaving their bonfires as they headed to their living quarters to gear up for the big trip. After nodding to Razor Feather, thanking him for the help, I spread out my wings, and swooped back to the door to my warm house. I was so full of pride, as I entered under my roof; so sure that my clan's latest raids will be our greatest success, yet.
How wrong I was then? I cannot describe even if I tried to...
Fallout: Equestria- Chronicles Of Seaddle
The clock ticked away in my ears as the hour hand passed Ten. We have at least two hours to get ready for the raids I have set up for the day. I expected to leave at One O'clock in the afternoon, and if things go smoothly, to be back by seven at night. Giving us six hours of good clean thieving; I hoped.
In the meantime, as the clan prepared themselves for the raids ahead, Razor Feather and I spent the past hours, taking the time to discuss certain aspects about them; what to do, how to do them, and what to consider when performing our acts of theft, including the risks, stakes, and price of failure. We've also discussed who should carry out the various tasks, necessary for the raids to succeed. Our decisions were made, based on the cutiemarks and talents of the ponies and griffins under our command. Every member in the clan, each share an important role in each and every activity the clan performs.
As my friend and I discussed further, Razor Feather suddenly went silent. He had a concerned look on his face. No doubt he had some doubts about what we talked about, or something.
"Dark Heart," said Razor Feather nervously.
He sounded unsure of himself; as if he was having second thoughts about what he was going to say. An awkward silence filled the room, with only the ticking of the clock and the crackling of the fireplace to be heard.
"Yes, Razor Feather?" I replied, wondering what was on my lieutenant's mind.
"About... Stable 134... I've been thinking about what Red Dawn said earlier. I know she's young; the youngest alicorn I've ever met, but..."
"Go on..." I said in an uneasy voice, not sure exactly what the alicorn stallion was going to say.
Razor Feather remained silent for a moment. He took a sip of his tea I made for him, before gently placing it down on the table with his magic. He cleared his throat before he continued speaking.
'What do you think, lie within the stable?" he asked me.
The question was quite sudden to me. In fact, up till that point, I'd never exactly thought about what the stable might contain. The rangers and most alicorns believe that there are... or were horrific monsters inside the stable that resulted from some kind of experiment along time ago. Others have different theories, however, the core belief is all the same; whatever Stable 134 contains, it cannot be good.
I, of course had different theories that were quite different than most. In fact, it was the very mystery behind the stable that drove me into wanting to open it in the first place. I have always had the taste for the unknown, and the mystery of the stable made my hunger for knowledge frightfully starving; especially due to the treasures that are also said to be contained inside Stable 134.
"I really don't know." I stated, "Besides, isn't that the whole point? We'll be solving a mystery that nopony has even attempted in solving for nearly on hundred years! Think of the fame; of the glory!"
Razor Feather shook his head and sighed.
"Dark Heart, I'm speaking to you as a friend. None of the alicorns really like the idea of opening that stable. Besides, don't you think that there are some mysteries that are best to be left unsolved?"
"No, I don't." I simply answered, "Besides, I'm talking about treasures, while you're talking about the boogiepony. Give it a shot."
Though, I do admit that I did indeed saw some wisdom in Razor Feather's words. Razor and I have been friends for a very long time. When we first met, he told me that he saw great talent in my ways of theft, and great generosity in my motives. I told him the same, when I observed his own acts of theft. So, we teamed up. At the time, I could not have dreamed that so many would follow us in our ways, and ideals.
'Well; be careful." Razor Feather said carefully, "I just hope that you have good intentions for opening Stable 134; I really do."
"I understand." I replied calmly.
"I hope so." repeated Razor, "For that is the reason why I supported you earlier. For I have good faith in you."
I nodded my head in agreement. Even though, Razor Feather didn't change my mind, it still felt good hearing my friend's opinion. Our clan is a society of free thinking; not, everypony have to agree with me, but, I do however expect everypony to respect my goals and ideals.
"Well; look at the time!" I said abruptly, looking at the clock; it was 11:30, "I'd say that's time we gear up and wait for the clan, don't you agree?"
"Indeed." answered Razor Feather, getting out of his chair to put his scarf on, "Thanks for the tea; it was really good."
"No problem." I said coolly, "See you later; good luck to us all."
"And good luck to you, too." returned Razor Feather as he exited my shack, closing the door behind him.
No sooner than after Razor Feather leave, I began to gather up my gear. I strapped on my grenade belt around my torso, loaded my Zebra rifle and revolver, strapped my knife to my left forearm, and putted on my father's griffin armor, giving to me by AJ's rangers; it's the only thing that's actually mine by birthright. I especially love my zebra rifle, being the first weapon I ever stole. I was only ten when I snatched it from some unsuspecting unicorn. Of course it didn't go down without a chase, but, with my fast flying, in the end, I made that stallion eat my dust. Though, as with all my weapons, I only use my rifle in self defense, and I try my best to incapacitate my foes instead of killing them; which I have done very well doing so; haven't took a single life... yet.
Along side my weapons for defense, I also gathered my tools of theft, such as some sacks, a fully charged stealthbuck, and a parasprite in a jar. Why a parasprite in a jar? That'll be explained later; all I could say is that chaos is an excellent allies for thieves like me.
I rechecked my gear, just to make sure that I was ready for action; I was. I gazed in front of the mirror in my small bathroom, just to check out my image. I can suppose doing something like that could be considered vain, but, image does count as a part of leadership, as well as teamwork; we got to make sure that we look intimidating to our enemies, and trust me, we have a lot of those; not everypony really agree with our methods; not that we could blame them.
I extinguished my fireplace, put on my scarf, and exited my warm establishment, gazing upon my clan of cutthroats and thieves hovering outside throughout the plaza, all geared up and ready for the day's raids. I took a deep breath and headed out, ready to lead them.
Fallout: Equestria- Chronicles Of Seaddle
I gazed over my legion of followers, all geared up and ready for take off. The time had come for us to rise up, take to the sky, and begin our quest of pillaging, thieving, stealing, and what was most important for me at the moment, opening Stable 134. However, stealing from the Tolltakers, and raiding Moon Tower, were both crucial to my main goal. Opening the stable will be dependent on the success of both raids. For both raids held the key in opening it.
Razor Feather swooped down from a perch, and landed before me. He was just as armed to the teeth as I was. The alicorn gave me a salute.
"Ready when you are, Boss!" Razor said.
I nodded in return. I then turned to my right to see Red Dawn trotting towards me. She looked at me, as if she still had something on her mind about the stable. I don't blame her for questioning me; I don't expect anypony not to question me. However, this is mostly because I have a talent of bringing reassurance to those who do question me; that reassurance helps calms their troubles and tells them to just trust me and go. However, Red Dawn is a loose cannon, so earning her trust takes effort...
"You better know what you're doing, Dark Heart." said Red Dawn, looking at me in the eye, "If there's really something alive in that stable, something that shouldn't be set loose, it's your mess!"
I nodded with a slight bit of sarcasm, still not believing that there's really anything alive in the stable. However, if anything was alive in the stable, I would be sure to try to reason with it, before eliminating it, as a last resort. like I've said, I'm not a very big fan of unnecessary violence.
I gazed upon my clan once more, and began to hover in the air. "Alright," I barked, "It seems like we're ready for take off. I'm sure you all know your proper tasks at hand. Let's be sure that our raids go nice and clean. Hopefully, our targets will be cooperative with us, and we won't have to resort to incapacitating them, or anything."
There was an awkward silence. Truly, not every member in the clan, agree with my peaceful ideology. Many of them are rather brutal characters. However, I do have penalties for crimes such as murder, that do keep even the most bloodthirsty members in check. Really, I try not to associate with such vermin very much, aside from giving them orders, and tend to keep them out of my inner circle.
"Ahem," I cleared my throat, and turned to my top lieutenant, "Are we ready, Razor Feather? Are we ready for take off?"
Razor Feather turned to me, and gave me a salute. He began to hover in the air, beside me. "You heard the boss!" he barked, "Let's keep this nice and clean; no casualties. Prepare for take off!"
At his command, all the members who were not in the air already, began to hover with the rest. The time to take flight as come. I told myself, that today, we shall make history. For that today will be the day that, after nearly a century of being sealed, Stable 134, will be opened, by none other than me, and my clan.
"Excellent!" I commended, "Now, let's rise up, and make history! My clan, take flight!"
At my command, my clan ascended into the air, and took to the sky, leaving our lake, protected, by our most trusted guards. With me in the lead, griffins, alicorns, and pegasi soared through the clouds, ready to raid, steal, and plunder. Our first stop, the last intact bridge in all of Seaddle.
