Fallout Equestria: Black Dawn

Chapter 2: Desert Skies

        “Come on, now,”  a gruff voice said as I laid face down on the bed, “Sun’s almost up!  We’d better git a move on if we wanna get to the Hub by tonight.”

        I rolled off the edge of the bed onto my hooves.  From what I could tell, the healing potion did a damn good job and I woke feeling almost normal!  Not bad after being mistaken for a sun-baked corpse just a few hours earlier.

        “Ya might wanna take a look around the town before we go.”  Easy suggested, “Ah only hit a few buildings and ya never know what kinda treasure ya c’n find prospectin’!  Ah need to pack up a few things first so Ah‘ll give ya a holler when Ah‘m all set.”

        I nodded and decided to take the buck’s advice.  Trotting over to the door, I swung it open and let in the cool, dry air of the morning desert as Celestia’s glorious sun began to crest on the horizon, painting the sky beautiful hues of orange and yellow.  I’d heard rumors that some places in the Equestrian wasteland were bathed in darkness under the heavy cover of thick clouds.  My whole life I’d cursed the sun for the blistering heat, but now, after my experience, I stood in awe of the breathtaking sunrise.  I couldn’t imagine a life in such darkness.

        Stepping outside, I immediately noticed the smoldering pile across the street that I once called home.  I knew that anything I had ever owned was gone.  I would have to start anew.  All I had left was the knife and canteen in my saddlebags and the pistol Styx had given me.  Styx…

        I walked slowly down the main street of Jackpot, silently taking in the destruction.  The raiders had either stolen or razed almost everything in the town.  There was nothing of value left.  Making my way to the south gate, I saw the bodies of ponies I once knew lying there…dead…rotting.  I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel sorry for them, but I knew that this was just life in the wastes.  Everypony dies eventually and it was rarely a peaceful death.

        I did notice that Styx was not amongst the dead here.  Did he escape?  It wasn’t like him to run from a fight, but he was a raider.  Maybe he figured that Jackpot wasn’t worth dying for.  For his sake, he’d better hope that isn’t the case.

        I decided that there was nothing left out here and headed back to the common house.  Easy Pickin’s was waiting for me with a gift when I returned.

        “Here ya go,”  he said, floating a wide-brimmed cowpony hat over to me, “Ya’ll are gonna be needin’ that once the sun starts baking ya.“  He gingerly placed the hat on my head.  “Ah had something else ‘round here somewhere…ah here we go.”  The buck floated a set of light barding over to me.  “Ah know it’s hot, but Ah figured you c’n use a little something in the way of armor.”

        I was speechless.  This stallion who had just met me hours ago, not only saved my life, but now was giving me gear free of charge.  I was humbled by his generosity knowing that I probably wouldn’t have done the same…

        “Easy…I…thank you.”  I said humbly, “You have no idea how grateful I am for this.  I owe you so much already…”

        “Aw, shucks,” he said waving his hoof at me, “It’s the least Ah c’n do for a soul in need.  Now Ah hope ya didn’t plan on skipping out on me…”

        “Never!  Where did you say we’re headed again?”

        “The Hub.  It’s the meeting place for all the caravans nowadays.  Centrally located.  Not too far from anywhere in particular.  Nice little town what sprung up ’round it.  We should make it there by tonight iffin’ we leave now.  Are ya sure there ain‘t nothing left ya need to do here?”

        “I’m sure.  Everything in Jackpot is dead or burned to cinders.  Let‘s just go...”

*** *** ***

BLAM! BLAM!

        A little wisp of smoke rose from the end of the pistol as the Bloatsprite burst into a red mist in front of me.  After all the trauma and excitement I went through a few days ago, I was a little surprised when I found my adrenaline pumping.  Popping these vermin was a totally different game when I was in range too!

        “Damn, son!”  Easy Pickin’s began from over my shoulder, “I ain’t never seen anypony shoot like that!  Are ya sure those ain‘t some kinda magical bullets?”  I looked at the oozing, crimson mess that was soaking into the sand mere yards away.  As if by some sick twist of fate, my shots had totally eviscerated the creature.  I was a little shocked myself at the raw power the hollow point rounds that had been loaded into Styx’s pistol.

        “Not magic.  Just Earth Pony ingenuity.”  I explained.  “Still, I’ve never seen factory rounds do that to anything!  Styx must’ve hoof-loaded these himself.  He was a mean old bastard when it came to fighting.”

        I holstered my weapon and floated my canteen out.  Looking away from the gruesome paste, I took a long, cool sip under the heat of the noonday sun and walked back into the shade of a billboard on the side of the road.  We had been walking for a few hours now and the sun was beginning to take its toll.  Having been raised in a caravan, I knew that it’d be smarter to make camp now in the shade and start up again at sunset.  It took a little persuasion to convince Easy that doing so would be in out best interest.  We wouldn’t make it to The Hub until late in the night, but we wouldn’t be quite as exhausted.

        Now I’ll admit, I felt a bit exposed just sitting on the side of the road and having a Bloatsprite sneak up on us like that caught me off guard.  I fired without thinking.  Now anypony, or anything, in the area knew where we were.  That being said, until a few days ago I’d never seen more than one or two raiders stumbling around out here so I figured we were probably safe for now.  I would still make sure to keep my eyes open.

        As the sun burned hot above us, Easy told me about his experiences in the Equestrian wasteland and what had changed during the years I had spent in Jackpot.  As it turns out, those rumors I’d heard about grey skies and darkness…they were true.  I vaguely remember my childhood and traveling with my Ma through the northern wastes and it was very dark if my memory is correct.  I’d never thought about why it was so overcast…it never really mattered to me.  Ma…

        Um, anyway, he said that when the balefire bombs went off, the Pegasi sealed off the sky to protect what cities they had left.  Ever since, they’ve stayed above the clouds, living in secrecy.  I had my doubts as to just how they would manage to do so.  How could they grow food if there was no soil?

        “So you’re telling me that an entire race of ponies has managed to live above the clouds for over 200 years?  Where did you hear that?”  I shot him an odd look, showing the doubt in my mind.

        “Ah heard it from a Pegasus, o’ course!”  Now a claim like that was about as unbelievable as they come.

        “Where…”  I began.

        “Ah met ‘im in a bar up north o’ here, in a little town outside Ponyville.  Wouldn‘t have believed it if Ah didn’t see it for muhself.”  I was shocked at first, but then my mind started putting pieces together.

        “But I thought you said they all lived in secrecy up above the clouds.  What would a Pegasus be doing down here?”

        “Strangest thing, that.  When Ah asked ‘im, he told me that the Pegasi who didn’t follow ‘chain o’ command’ or don’t stay above the clouds are branded as outcasts.  Literally!  Boy showed me the mark they done burned in his hide where ‘is cutie mark shoulda been.  Said that ponies with that mark are the only kinda Pegasi a wastelander c‘n trust.”

        This was amazing!  I had no idea that there were still honest-to-Goddesses Pegasi left.  I couldn’t help but wonder why they didn’t just come back to the ground.  I had so many questions!  After all, this still didn’t explain just how they’d managed it, but Easy Pickin’s had told me all he knew.

        I pondered the Pegasus race for the rest of the day as we sat under the shade of the billboard and wondered if I’d ever get to see one myself.  It wasn’t long before the shadow of the sigh grew long and the sky was painted deep shades of blue and purple as the sun hung low in the sky.  The desert was starting to cool off, making this the perfect time to start moving again.  It wasn’t long before we were walking again, this time under Luna’s beautiful star-painted night sky.

*** *** ***

        Finally, lights!  After making most of the trek under the moonlit sky, we had finally reached our destination: The Hub.  I had heard stories about this place from caravanners and traveling merchants who passed through Jackpot.  According to them, The Hub sprung up at the crossroads of several intersecting caravan routes, several of which reached north past the Everfree forest.  This town was essentially the gateway between two very different worlds: the Southern region of Equestria and the much darker Northern region.  The only thing I could remember of that region is what happened to us in Ponyville.  Ma…

        We finally reached the edge of town just after midnight and made our way to “Downtown,” where Easy stopped outside a saloon and offered to buy me a drink to celebrate the end of our little journey.  Even having kept my promise, I still felt indebted to Easy Pickin’s.  He saved my life.

        “So what now?  Where do we go from here?” I asked my newfound friend.

        “Now?  Well, now Ah plan on pickin’ up a few supplies.  After that Ah’ll be on my way to a mercenary camp up north o’ here where Ah‘m overdue for a visit.”  He replied, “Ya’ll held up your end of the bargain.  Whatcha do now ain’t up to me.”

        “So that’s it, huh?  Well, I haven’t been to another town in a few years.  I guess I could see if anyone here knows about what happened to Jackpot.”  I thought aloud, “And by the way, Mercs?  Seriously?”

        “Gotta make my caps somehow, and they’re nice enough folks.”  Easy stood his ground.  “Ain’t like these mercs to go around razin’ towns for caps alone.  Anyway, you take care, son.  Ah’m heading out tomorrow, but Ah think Ah’ll be seein’ ya again someday.  Wasteland ain‘t as big as it seems.”  The buck gave me a warm smile, then turned and trotted out of the saloon into the darkness, leaving me to finish my apple whiskey alone at the bar.

        I pushed the last of my caps across the bar as the bartender gave me my room key.  I didn’t know how long I would be staying here, but I needed someplace to sleep for now and I couldn’t beat the price.  Unfortunately, my temporary home had relieved me of 250 caps, all the money that I had managed to dig out of the ashes of my shack.  Now I was alone in an unfamiliar place with no money.  Wonderful.

        I floated the key into the old lock on my door, turned it and swung the door open.  I was surprised by the overall cleanliness or a back room bunk in a downtown saloon.  A worn, but comfortable bed was pushed against the wall opposite the door.  The entire room was lit by a small lantern placed on a folding table in the middle, accompanied by two metal chairs.  I closed the door, floated my saddlebags onto the back of a chair and flopped down on the bed, letting out a weary sigh as I slipped into a blissful and much needed sleep.

When I awoke, it was to the sound of somepony rustling through my saddlebags as Celestia’s light just began to shine through the bars on my window.  Quietly, I grabbed Styx’s pistol in my mouth and quickly sat up to aim at the intruder.  As I did, however, all I saw was the flash a little blood red tail as the perpetrator bolted out the door (which was supposed to be locked).  Jumping up, I chased after the thief into the nigh empty bar.

        Immediately, I shot the bartender a quizzical look.  He rolled his eyes and motioned to a table on the other end of the bar.  Sure enough, there was the same red tail hanging out.  What kind of foalish pony tries to rob you and then hides under a table to avoid getting caught?  I grabbed the tail with my magic and pulled the pony out from under the table with surprisingly little effort.  Oh!  That’s what kind of pony does something that foolish.  I dropped the pistol back into the holster attached to my barding so I could talk to the little, sandy-coated filly that was floating in front of me.

        “You want to explain to me what you were trying to do?”  I asked in a gentle, but firm tone.

        “Um…I don’t know what you’re talkin’ bout?”  she said, pulling back a little and offering up a nervous grin.

        “Come on kid, at least put a little effort into it.”  I set the blank-flanked foal down on the table so that she and I could see eye-to-eye.  “What were you doing in my room?”

        “Take that little rat outside!” the bartender called out, “Damn kids are always sneaking in and harassing the patrons!”

        “I’m sorry Mister.  I was just looking to get some food.”  The little filly looked at me and sighed.

        “What about your mother?  How do you think she’d feel if she knew you were stealing from other ponies like this?”

        She looked down and closed her eyes.  As a single tear ran off her muzzle, I knew that I had just made an awful mistake.  What was I thinking?  Why else would a little foal in a town like this resort to burglary just to get a meal?  I knew all to well how she felt.

        “Oh.  Um…I’m Crackshot.  What’s your name?”  I asked as kindly as I could.  She didn’t answer.  The filly was shaking and seemed like she was about to break down into sobs any second.

        “Hey, I’m not mad. I promise!  Look, I could use a little help while I’m here in town.  Maybe we could help each other out?”

        “Wha…what?,” she sniffed. Her soft, green eyes welled with tears as she looked up at me.  Either she was truly all alone in this hellish wasteland, or she was an incredibly good actress playing me for a rube.  Regardless, I still wanted to help her.  Its been a while since I’d done a good deed.

        “I’m new here and don’t have anypony to help me anymore either. I’d be happy to get you some food if you can show me around a bit.”  I made sure to sound as sympathetic as I possibly could.   In reality, I didn’t even have the caps to buy food, but I would be willing to part with some of my belongings to feed this poor foal. “Do you think you can do that?”

        “Um…Ok,” she said, wiping her tears.  “What do I have to do?”

        “Well I was hoping to trade for some supplies and maybe talk to a few ponies here in town.  Do you know anywhere I can do that?”

        “Uh…well we could try Mr. Darkwater’s store.  He has all sorts of stuff.”

        “That sounds perfect.  And you can take me there?”  I asked.

        “Sure, I know everywhere in the Hub!” She beamed proudly.  Thank the Goddesses I was able to turn this around.  “Oh, and since you asked, my name’s Dawn.”  She jumped down off of the table, and started over to the door.

        “Nice to meet you Dawn.” I said smiling.  “Just let me grab my bags and we can get going.”

Sometimes its strange how your day unfolds.  Less than an hour ago I was being robbed and now I’ve turned around and made friends with the thief.  I really wasn’t mad at poor Dawn, knowing what she must have gone through.  I know it doesn’t make what she was doing alright, but I understand why she was doing it.  Come to think of it…

        “Hey Dawn?”  I asked as the little filly as she trotted along in front of me, “How did you manage to get into my room?  The door was locked.

        “Well it wasn’t a very good lock then, was it?” the filly retorted, smiling playfully.  “Same way I got into the saloon in the first place.”  She pulled a bobby pin out of her mane with her teeth.  “Its just something you learn out here.”

        Smart kid.  However handy, I never really learned how to do that.  I was learning a lot from Dawn already, both about the Hub and the life of a foal in the Equestria wasteland.  She was talented, smart, and mature for her age.  No doubt her skills stemmed from necessity after the loss of her mother.  It hurt me to think about what she must be going through.  Even today, I still miss my Ma deeply.

        “This is it!” she exclaimed “’Darkwater’s General Store’”  As I started for the door, I noticed that she didn’t follow me.

        “Aren’t you coming in?”

        “Well…Mr. Darkwater doesn’t like foals in his store.  Especially when they’re not with their parents…”

        “I’m sure he’d allow you in if you’re with me.  Besides, I promised you I’d help you out.  I’m not just going to leave you outside.”

        Dawn was hesitant, sticking very close to me as we walked into the building that was Darkwater’s.  Even under the dimly lit strings of lights I could see the entire store quite well.  There were shelves and tables piled with books, cooking utensils, canned food, and various scrap.  Several rifles and shotguns were hanging on the back wall along with various styles of barding.  Behind the counter stood a dark gray earth pony.

        “Hey!  What did I tell you about coming in here, kid?  I’ve got half a mind to report you after your last visit!” he spat angrily at Dawn, who only pushed closer into me.  “And who the hell are you?”

        “You treat all of your customers this way?” I shot back.  Obviously Dawn wasn’t telling me the whole story about Darkwater’s “issue” with foals, but I doubt that this sweet little filly could have done anything that was beyond forgiveness.  “I need information and supplies.  Con you offer me either one?”

        “Not so long as you’re with that little thief!”

        “I was gonna pay!  Honest!” Dawn exclaimed.

        “Alright, everypony just calm down!” I really hope this foal doesn’t get me into serious trouble here.  “Dawn, what did you do?”

        “Well…you see…”

        “She stole two cans of peaches right off the table last time she was in here!” Darkwater answered for her.  I gave the filly stern look, which made her squirm.

        “Look, I’d be happy to pay you for whatever she stole.  Regardless I still need information and some gear.”

        I didn’t have much to trade with the way it was, but if I wanted to get anything out of Darkwater I would need to pay off Dawn’s debt.  Again, it doesn’t justify it, but I know that she only stole out of necessity.  We agreed that my knife, one of the few possessions I had left, was payment enough to cover the cans that she owed him for with enough left over for another.  I was about to float the can down to Dawn, but thought better of it and put it into my bags instead.  I didn’t want her to just run off before we had the chance to talk some more.

        “Tell me, what do you know about Jackpot?  Heard any rumors about what happened there?”  I asked the much more cooperative shopkeeper.

        “That’s that town off to the south, right?  All I heard is that something sent everypony running outta there real quick.  As far as what it was?  Well, you’re guess is as good as mine.” I simply nodded.  Realizing that I was now out of money and bargaining chips, a thought came to me.

        “I don’t suppose you have any work that needs to be done, do you?”