Prologue : Better times and good beer
Prologue : Better times and good beer
Darkfire woke up, the taste of the morning air stale and dry and dirty. He looked around, yawning as he got out of bed. After going through his morning routine in a near autonomous manner. He walked out the door and went about his day. He did so much as he always had. Go to work, pick the crops, water the crops, feed the brahmin, if it was an especially exciting day something would break and he would have to fix it. Then he would go home, or to the bar. His life had been Fairly safe, he grew up alone in a small town just up the base of a mountain. The area was for the most part raider free, and the town was small enough that the few that were there didn't really care to bother them, most of the time.
There weren't any Hellhounds, the river that ran across the path that led to the town meant they were, for the most part, cut off. Life was dull, everypony fell into their routine of work, go home, sleep and repeat. The most exciting thing that ever happened was one of the brahmin getting louse, or a filly breaking up with her colt friend. The only big building in the town was the bar, and only trade post in the town was very small and barely used. Their isolated location meant they rarely saw outsiders, to the point that some new pony walking through town was gossiped and talked about for a week, imaginations about the strangers intent running wild, and fantasy turning what was just a random pony looking for water or food into a great adventure on a quest to save the world.
Less often than a pony wandering into this isolated little slice of the wasteland was somepony staying. Once or twice every couple of years a new shack would pop up, and a new pony move in. All that was starting to change. Recently a new family had come to stay. They were a small family that used to run a caravan, and after some time had started it up again.
Some in the town didn't like the idea of ponies going and going all the time, but a few thought that the business that they brought was the best possible thing ever. It had seemed that something exciting was finally happening in this tiny forgotten town. Darkfire had gotten home from work and lied down to go to bed like he always had when a thought struck him. Ever since he got here as a colt he had never left. From the day he could work he did the same thing day in and day out, that was how it had been going his whole life. Thoughts like this came and went every now and then the past few years but all he ever did about it was walkabout the town until his body was tired enough to drag his mind into a restless sleep.
So, almost as if he were a robot, turning onto clank over to maintenance for its monthly repair he went on his walk. Past the home of the old couple, around the farm where he spent his days working, over by his best friends home, to the general store then by the trading post. Snapping out of the stupor caused by a mix of knowing that he had seen all that he would in his town and the lack of sleep caused by his recently uneasy mind by the new neon sign that adorned the trading post. He stared at it for a minute or two before realizing that his friend was standing right beside him doing the same thing.
Darkfire looked at him and said “It's….new” His friend Winter-wheat, a mid-sized light brown earth pony slightly taller than he was with wheat for a cutie mark and buzzed mane just a bit darker than his body continued to stare blankly at the sign. “Yea, new” Said Winter-wheat. They both stood there for a moment staring on in confusion before the sound of giggling broke their trance. They both looked over to their right trying to find the source. The source it appeared was a Dark blue mare with a Sparkle cola for a cutie mark.
She smiled at them when their attention shifted from the sign and continued to giggle as they just stood there confused. She was one of the ponies, part of the new family that had moved in, and they had not yet met her. She smiled widely before saying “Yall never seen a neon sign before?” Darkfire and Winter-wheat looked at each other then back at her.
“No” Said Darkfire
“Can't say that we have” Added Winter-wheat.
The mare smiled even wider and fell to the ground laughing, Darkfire and Winter wheat once again looked at each other, both with their eyebrows raised. They had known each other long enough that they didn't even need to say it out loud, this mare is crazy and they both knew it. Still, the question had to be asked Darkfire looked at the mare
“What's so funny?” He asked
The mare smiled yet again and looked at him “Yall are looking at that sign like its gonna make the sun shine.” She said, still laughing “Yall are funny” She continued “Names Sparkle, like the drink yea find in the machines ” She said, still smiling “ What's yours?”
Darkfire pointed to his friend who had now gone back to staring at the sign “That's Winter-wheat” Darkfire paused for a moment to allow his friend to introduce himself, but he just kept staring at the sign. Darkfire let out a chuckle then pointed to himself “And I'm Darkfire” She looked at him for a moment and then walked around him and looked at his flank. “What are you doing” Asked Darkfire
“Lookin at your cutie mark,” Said sparkle
“Why” Asked Darkfire “Cause” Replied Sparkle. Darkfire's cutie mark was what-what appeared to be a campfire in a forest.
“What's it mean” asked Sparkle.
Darkfire paused for a moment, he had never really thought about it. “Don't know, I guess I just got it one day”
Sparkle giggled some more and walked back in front of Darkfire and smiled at him and Winter-wheat, who was still staring at the sign. “Yall wanna stop by the bar, get a few drinks?” Asked Sparkle looking at Winter-wheat.
His eyes went wide as he went from light brown to blush pink and Darkfire started to laugh “Uhhhhh” was all Winter-wheat could manage to say.
Sparkle fell to the ground laughing once more. This went on until a few ponies started walking out of the homes to see what all the laughing was about Winter-wheat finally managed to stammer “I..I like beer”
Darkfire smiled and looked at Sparkle “I think he means yes”
Sparkle got up and smiled “Let's go then”
They all started to walk over to the bar. It was a Much larger shack than the others and functioned as the town hall. It was a lot nicer on the inside than it looked like it would be from the outside. The walls had all been painted black, and the dirt floor had been replaced with bricks from a building somewhere. All the bar furniture was actual bar furniture. All though old the booths bar stools and counter were still in fair condition. The counter had been refinished and the cash registers repaired. Any holes in the booth seats were seamlessly repaired, and barely noticeable. Prewar posters adorned the walls as well as an assortment of banners.
“Wow, this place is a heck of a lot nicer than ah thought it would be” Said Sparkle
Dark fire and Winter-wheat laughed. “Drinking and gossip are about all there is to do around here, so I guess it makes sense that we take care of the place.“ said before Darkfire walked up to the Bartender, she was an older mare with a spool and a sewing needle for a cutie mark.
“The usual?” She asked
Darkfire nodded and tossed a bag of caps labeled the usual on the counter and walked to a booth. After he sat down Winter-wheat sat the side opposite of him, from the looks of it this is how they had been doing it for a long time. Sparkle decided to sit right next to Winter wheat, which made him blush just as bright as before. The bartender started to pass drinks to every pony in the place. When they got theirs Sparkle looked at Darkfire
“Did you buy everypony a drink?” She asked Darkfire just nodded. “Aint that expensive?”Asked Sparkle.
Darkfire laughed “There isn't much else to spend caps on out here.” he said with a smile. After a few drinks, Darkfire started to stare off into space as he normally did. Yet again giggling broke Darkfire from his trance, only this time he was a little more familiar with who was making it, he looked over at Sparkle who was smiling Before he could speak she laughed and said
“That explains why you weren't all blushy earlier”
Darkfire turned his head to look at Sparkle .
“Huh?”
Sparkle smiled “when I asked yall two if yall wanted to go get drinks your friend went pinker than that mare on them ministry billboards, but you just laughed”
“So” Replied Darkfire before taking a drink
“Ah seen you looking at that stallion over yonder” Said Sparkle.
This made Darkfire turn that oh so familiar shade of pink and the drink he had just taken was immediately sprayed all over Winter-wheat who was now much like everypony else in the bar laughing to hard to care.
“I wasn't looking at him!” Said Darkfire
Sparkle smiled Deviously “There ain't nothin wrong with not liking mares” Darkfire looked nervous now “I don't not like mares”
Sparkle smiled even wider than the had before “Doesn't mean you don't like Stallions”
Darkfire buried his face in his hooves “N...no, it doesn't” he said stammering as he did. Winter-wheat stopped laughing
“Wait...that explains why my flank hurts the next day whenever I spend the night at your place.Well, at least when you get blackout drunk ” he said with a wink
Darkfire now covering his head with his hooves just mumbled something and shook his head
Sparkle stopped laughing and looked at him “What was that”
Darkfire mumbled just a bit louder
“We can’t hear you” said Winter-wheat. Darkfire mumbled just a bit louder
“Ah still can't hear you” Said Sparkle
Darkfire leaned over the table and grabbed Winter-wheat and kissed him, then buried his face in his hooves again. Winter-wheat seemed to be frozen for a moment, and every pony in the bar was now looking at him. “Uhhh, I don't swing that way,” He said after a few moments pause.
Darkfire sighed “I know”
Sparkle smiled ‘Soooooo, what do yall do when yall are outa town”
Winter-wheat looked at her “What do you mean outa town”
Sparkle stared at him with a confused look on her face “You know….when you're wanderin the wastes”
Winter-wheat laughed “We haven't been outta town”
Sparkle paused “Ever?” She said, the same confused look on her face
“Never” replied Winter-wheat. Sparkles now familiar laugh filled the bar once more she looked at the both of them
“Yall two wanna come on one of the trade routes?” She asked,
“What?” They both asked in unison staring at her like she had just told them that she had found a stone ring that let her travel through time.
“We've been looking round for a few ponies to guard the wagons and move crates, Ma paw just put me in charge of a run and Ah figured that means i get to choose who i take Don't yall wanna see the world, gon an adventure or sometin? Or ar least make a few extra caps ”
Winter-wheat laughed “Can't see why not” He looked at Darkfire “What do you think?” he asked?
“I think I need more beer” Said Darkfire. They all laughed and continued on like that far into the night before they stumbled home.
Darkfire woke up far later than normal that day and far more hung over. Rubbing his head in a vain attempt to make it stop hurting he walked to the door. Expecting the day to be like every other, he began to make his way to work. He fell into the usual blank minded stupor that his mind whenever he went walking, only to be snapped out of it by more giggling. Half expecting to see sparkle he looked behind him to see some of the towns mares all smiling at him and giggling. He looked forward and kept walking, in a moment the details of last night came back to him. “Buck me!” He said to himself before realizing that there was some pony in front of him.
“I told you I don't like Stallions” Said Winter-wheat laughing warmly.
“Uhh, yea...about that. I was a little drunk” Sed Darkfire blushing brightly
Winter-wheat smiled “So, we gonna take her up on her offer?” He asked
“Whose offer” Darkfire responded
“Sparkles”
Said Winter-wheat Smiling as he did
“One day of knowing her and you want to leave town with her?” Said Darkfire laughing as he did “You are a lot lonelier that I thought”
Winter-wheat now blushing as brightly as he had last night looked at shadow, frowning “It's not like that, besides its better than staying here our whole lives” He said
“How do you figure “ Asked Darkfire
Winter-wheat smiled widely “Well, for one thing, everypony thinks you an me are messing around behind the barn...and you're the bottom”
"Thats no reason to leave everything behind" Said Darkfire blushing furiously.
"Yea, and what reason do we have to stay here, so we can get old and die here, I wanna do something for once, live a little." Winter wheat chuckled dryly before continuing "I mean what do we really have here, our parents are gone, and there ain't nothing to do here but work on the farm and drink ourselves to death."
"We have a safe place to live, maybe we'll have families one day " Darkfire replied
Winter wheat shook his head "Yea, families, whole town thinks were gay thanks to last night, and the only mare here I liked enough to stay with is already taken. I have nothing to lose by leaving, and I'me going anyway. Granted we are not a thing and never will be I still wanted to see if my best friend just might want to come with me." Said winter wheat, his voice slightly raised
Darkfire stared at Winter wheat "I get it, you're bored here, I am two, I am just a little hesitant to leave it all behind." He sighed and clenched his jaw "And you don't need to point out that you are straight, I am painfully aware, despite the fact that you keep teasing me!" " He added screaming at this point "I know you don't like me like that, trust me I Bucking know! You don't need to remind me "
Winter wheat winced, backed up a bit and looked at the ground "I, I am sorry. I just thought you would want to come with, and well I didn't know ok. I just thought you were being flirty or joking around" Winter wheat began digging at the ground."I would have never teased you like that, you're my best friend" Winter wheat sighed and paused "Look, maybe it's best if I just go. I promise I'll visit when I can" He said as he turned around to leave.
Darkfire put his hoof on his shoulder "I didn't say I wasn't going with you"
Winter wheat paused and turned around "I sounded like it, and after all I said. Why would you want to come with me?"
Darkfire gave a sad smile "You're my friend, my best friend.I know you'll never be more than that but. " Darkfire sighed "You're right, I do have nothing going for me here, and if you leave I have no one to drink with so I might as well go with you, besides someone has to watch your back. Let's just forget this happened and move on ok."
Winter Wheat smiled "We should get going before all the rumors start popping up, " he said with a chuckle
Darkfire smiled "So we got five minutes then"
Winter wheat grinned "four if we are lucky, lets get goin"
Moments later they were in front of the trading post, staring at the sign as they had the night before. “Well, we're here” Said Darkfire
“So, what now” Asked Winter wheat
“Maybe we open the door, go inside, sign up, talk to sparkle. You know, what we came here to do.” Darkfire replied
Winter-wheat laughed “Makes sense. “ He said with a smile as he walked to the door. Winter wheat knocked on the door, both of them waited. Sparkle answered the door, she was wearing leather barding and had her usual smile on her face.
“I thought yall want gonna come!”
Winter-wheat grinned and shrugged “We had to think about it,” He said,
“When do we leave?” Asked Darkfire
Sparkle smiled and laughed “We got to get yall kitted up first” Darkfire and Winter-wheat looked at each other then back at Sparkle
“Kitted up?” They asked in unison
Sparkle paused “Yall do that often?”
Darkfire smiled “You mean talking at the same time” Asked shadow
“Eyup” replied sparkle
“Every once in awhile, happens when you know some pony for as long as we have” said Winter-wheat
“Well, lets get yall your gear, yall are gonna have to learn as we go” Said sparkle Darkfire smiled
“Sounds good to me” He said "what all are we gonna have to learn?" he asked
She giggled "How good are yall with a gun"
Darkfire and winter wheat both looked at each other and paused "Why do you ask" they asked in unison.
Sparkle paused "Ok yall that's just getting downright creepy, anyhow I was just wondering if yall are gonna be any help if the raiders show." She replied
. They shrugged, winter wheat rubbed the back of his head
"I have shot a rad roach or two, other than that....." he said, looking more than a little embarrassed
Darkfire shrugged "I've gotten in a bar fight or two" Said shadow
"More like a fight or fifty" Said winter wheat with a laugh.
Sparkle Smiled "Now I didn't take yall for the fighting type." She said with that now familiar giggle.
Darkfire smiled, about to speak before Winter wheat cut him off. "He has traded blows with every patron at the bar at one time or another even me. He always ends up on top" He said with a grin
"Unless it's behind the barn" added Shadow with a slight smile
Sparkle began to laugh, snort and giggle "That ain't what ah heard" She said when she finally calmed down.
Darkfire stared forward his eyes going wide. "What," He asked flatly
She grinned "Ah heard you and you're Sign loving friend do a lot more than drinking, I was talking to some of the folk round here and one of the mares said she saw you and wheaty like to go off behind the barn and do the pony pokie." She looked at the now neon pink-faced winter wheat and grinned "And ah also heard that you are the one wearing the horseshoes Darkfire"
Winter wheat still bright pink continued to stare forward, as didDarkfire. After a few moments Darkfire broke the silence
"You said they were saying I was the bottom" Still staring forward Winter wheat replied.
"I lied" pausing for a moment and sighing "Darkfire, you are a real pain in the flank sometimes you know that"
Sparkle looked at the both of them, shaking her head.
Darkfire looked at the floor "I wish" he said blushing.”And you know that, we are gonna have to talk about this at some point.” He added
Winter wheat, now having gone past pink into pal began to stammer, not knowing how to respond.
Sparkle sighing and rummaging around a small trunk began to pull out a small stockpile of weapons and ammo "Now as much as I enjoy watching you and yer friend blush and stare at each other while yall try and figure out if yall are gonna go off and fool around we should get down to brass tax here."
she set a double barrel shotgun, a hunting rifle, a forty-four caliber snub nose revolver, a nine millimeter handgun and accompanying ammo for all weapons. "I can lend yall a gun till yall get yer own, were gonna have ta figure out bardin as well."
Winter wheat picked up the rifle and smiled Darkfire shrugged. "Got anything....for close range?"
Sparkle shook her head "Ah prefer to keep the types ah would need a gun fer at a distance"
Darkfire shrugged and trotted off a moment later he came back with a sizeable chunk of lead pipe and a smile on his face.
Sparkle chuckled "That works a guess, saves on ammo too, but for safety's sake at least have a gun on yea."
Darkfire nodded and mumbled something around the pipe before setting it down "I'll have the shotgun then" he said
Sparkle smiled and shook her head "Yall like your business up close then don't yea" Darkfire nodded.
Shaking his head winter wheat chuckled "So, what now" He asked
"Now, we load up the wagons and get a move on. Well, get the rest of what yall need along the way." replied Sparkle
Iith that they set out on their tasks,Darkfire and Winter wheat going into that all familiar trance-like state. Loading crates of food and craft goods into the makeshift wagons, composed of gutted out vehicles and ramshackle wooden creations. Sparkle smiling all the while. Their cargo wasn't all that valuable, nor did they have any truly significant amounts of it, but it was a start, just enough to trade for something else of hopefully slightly higher value. It was the best this little town could do and so far it had been just enough to establish a little route, just enough to put the little town on the map, For better or worse.
When the work was done it was mid-day, and time to roll out. They boarded the wagon and got the bramin moving, moments later they were going past the main gate and across the little bridge that connected the town to the rest of the wasteland. Darkfire and Winter wheat looked at each other and then at their homes as the down began to shrink off into the distance. Sparkle being her ever happy self-broke the awkward silence.
"Don't yall go worrying now, it will be there when you get back, and you'll have a nice bag o caps and a fair little bit o goods to barter with "
Darkfire chuckled and nodded "And I'll spend it at the bar and Wheaty will do the same."
She shook her head and smiled "Ah would suggest savin a bit but yall are gonna do what yall are gonna do"
Darkfire just smiled and nodded. The rest of the trip went by in silence. Darkfire and Winter wheat staring off into the horizon, occasionally looking at each other, exchanging a glance or a facial expression. The meaning is only discernable to ponies who have known each other their whole lives. When they arrived at their first stop it was almost nightfall. This was a small town, much like the one, they came from. The main building was an old motel with a broken neon sign that used to say "oasis in" The letters O, A and S being the only two that still light up. The rest of the town was composed of small shanty shacks. This similarity put them at ease.
Sparkle smiled as they all got off the wagon. "yall watch the goods, I'll go do some good old fashion barterin."
Darkfire nodded glad to be able to stretch his legs. Winter wheat just shrugged and walked over to Darkfire
"Think we made the right choice"
Darkfire smiled and shrugged "We joined up with a caravan with no experience because we got drunk and still thought it was a good idea the next day. We barely know our new boss and we have no idea how to get back home, what could possibly go wrong" he replied with a dry chuckle.
Winter wheat shook his head and smiled. "You sure have a way with words" he sighed "I need a drink" he added chuckling.
As he looked around he noticed a short twitchy unicorn approach. He was scared up and his eyes had a pale glassed over quality too them. Giving his best rotten-toothed grin and looking them over the stranger trotted into a distance just a little too close for normal conversation.
"S..ssoooo, you guys the muscle on t..this little trade route?" he asked scratching his front right forehoof in a way that made it look like he was trying to get something out from under his skin.
His ego getting the better of him Winter wheat replied sticking his chest out "That we are, no safer caravan in all the wasteland." He paused and smiled "Know where the bar around these parts is?"
The stranger grinned "You ain't been at this long have you?" he asked
" Darkfire shrugged "were new" The stranger nodded
"its the little shack down on the left, neon sign that l..llooks like a bottle. Can't miss it. Anyway, g.ggood luck with your trade route. You'll get the hang of it" he said before walking off to a group of rough looking ponies mumbling “Green as they come” .after a short exchange of words with their friend the ponies began grinning at Darkfire and Winter wheat before walking off and out of town.
"Those guys are weird, I have a bad feeling about this" Winter wheat said looking at Darkfire who nodded
"Way too friendly for strangers, no one back home acted like that." Said Darkfire
“I know, not there were many strangers but still. Something seemed off about that guy”
Darkfire laughed and poked winter wheat in the side “Why did you feel the need to ham it up though?” He asked
Winter wheat smiled "Well if we are gonna be guarding things we can't look weak, and besides what wrong with a little fun?"
Darkfire laughed. "Nothing at all, just wondering why you wanted to look tough all the sudden." Shadow put his hoof on his chin "Hmmm, couldn't have anything to do with our new attractive boss could it.?" he asked
Winter wheat blushed "Not at all, I just...uhh well i...ok so she is hot I mean did you see her flank, and don't even get me started on that little giggle of hers, or that smile either." He said with a grin "Dam what I would do if I could get her in bed"
Darkfire grinned "One thing you forgot, though," he said
"Yea, what's that" Asked winter wheat
"Well, she's right behind you for one thing," Said Darkfire
Winter wheat's eyes shot wide and he froze going pale and sweating a little He looked shadow in the eyes staring at him "You're lying right, please tell me you're lying." He said
"No, Ah am afraid your friend is tellin the truth "Said sparkle looking him over and chuckling and tossing them both a bag of caps "this is your cut. "She smiles " Come to think of it yall ain't too bad yourself."
She added pausing "Eh horse apples, don't see why I shouldn't."
Winter wheat slowly turned around "Wh...what do you mean." he asked
Sparkle grinned deviously and giggled "Means I get to save a few caps on boardin. Only have to get two rooms now. " She laughed "Nless your buddy want's to make it a real party"
Winter wheat's jaw dropped and as he attempted to squeeze out a reply before he could speak Darkfire cut him off.
"As good as that sounds I am gonna have to say no, you look good don't get me wrong. I'de just get in the way" Darkfire said with a sigh
"I am gonna go find a bar and clear my head." Said shadow as he began walking off.
Sparkle frowned and looked at winter wheat, who was watching his friend walk off. "He ok, he seemed like there was something wrong " She scratched her head" Was it something ah said." She asked
Winter wheat frowned "He used to, well he has a crush on me. He has for a while and I didn't know until yesterday. He told me when we got in a fight. "
Sparkle frowned "Us messing round won't be causein any problems will it?" She asked
Winter wheat shook his head "Me sleeping around hasn't before, he'll be fine"
Sparkle smiled "Well, let's lock up here and get to our room then. Looks like I get to see if half that gossip bout you is true"
Winter wheat blushed and nodded. The walked off towards the motel.
Darkfire kept walking till he saw the neon sign that looked like a bottle he walked to the door and mumbled to himself "He is straight, not like you had a chance anyway" He pushed it open and went to the bar. Like clockwork, he walked up to the counter and sat on the nearest bar stool, about to toss the usual amount of caps on the counter he paused and remembered he wasn't at home he looked over the bottles and decided on the vodka he looked at the bartender
"two of those please," he said
The bartender smiled "Just two shots to start you off?" he asked
Darkfire shook his head "Two bottles"
The bartender just nodded and gave him the bottles "That will be 30 caps"
Darkfire nodded and counted out the caps and tossing them on the counter. He proceeded to grab a bottle and imeaditly downed the top quarter of it, the bartender just stared a moment, caught by both his lack of attempt to talk the price down and the speed at which he drank. Darkfire continued at a slightly slower pace until he was interrupted by someone who was obviously doing a fair bit of drinking himself
"You one of the guards from the new caravan" he asked speaking in a dull and slow place.
Darkfire nodded and finished off the bottle, while it wasn't the biggest bottle it was still a considerable amount of alcohol
"You're quiet as you are dumb aint you," The drunk pony said
Darkfire sighed "You know, a very good friend of mine said I should never drink vodka"
the drunk pony laughed "I don't care what your friend said, my point is this town only trades with our caravan, so you're friend and that whore boss of yours can fuck right off somewhere you belong. Or I'll be paying you a visit yea hear"
Darkfire grinned and tossed the bartender a bag of caps as he got up from his seat. This bag of caps was bigger than the one he normally gave the bartender back home, this one was for special occasions. It differed in that instead of saying "the usual" it had three hundred and "for the damages" written on it. He looked at the drunk pony and grinned.
The bartender shook his head "Now hold on a sec..." was all he could get out before Darkfire interrupted.
"There is a very, very good reason I should not drink vodka," he said
The drunk pony shot him a confused and angry look I don't give a dam what your friend says you are are gonna leave rig...."
Once again Darkfire interrupted, this time, it was with a hoof to the face. Dark fire started to laugh
"I fight when I drink vodka, and I have been in more than my share," he said, continuing to laugh
Nose bleeding the drunk pony charged him screaming Shadow dodged and slammed him into the counter The drunk kicked him in the side. With a grunt, Darkfire began to pummel The drunks face. Another few kicks to his got pushed him off and the drunk gave him an uppercut. Darkfire stumbled back hit the wall then went for a chair. The drunk's eyes shot wide as it broke over his head. Darkfire went for a roundhouse kick and it connected with the drunks right cheek. Face full of splinters, nose bleeding and broken and missing a tooth or two the drunk hit the floor unconscious.
That would have been the end of it, but the drunk had friends. Darkfire figures this out when a bottle smashed him in the back of the head. he reflexively kicked with both his hind legs, this was followed by a large crash and the sound of breaking bottles and spilling drinks. He turned around and saw three ponies standing there, behind them was a pony on top of a collapsed table in a pool of spilled booze and his own piss. and a laughing and cheering crowd.
Darkfire smiled "I have no idea if there is three or six of you, cause the room won't stop spinning long enough for me to count" he paused a moment and actually tried to count then shook his head "Anyhow, I am drunk and you should just walk away"
The smallest of the two spit in his face and screamed: "Fuck you ass hole" As loud as he could. and ran at him
Darkfire grinned "I was hoping you'd say that" He proceeded to head but the charging pony and grab him, and lift him in the air. Standing on two legs he went to slam him on the counter.
He was interrupted by one of the three kicking his legs out from under him. He fell forward dropping the pony face first into the bar breaking it. he went to get up and his effort was rewarded by him being tackled back down, He chuckled and started to role over twice and jumped to his feet, the one who tackled him still hanging on. He ran as fast as he could at two vending machines in the corner, knocking over chairs and tables and chairs as he went. the crowd ran to get out of his way.
Darkfire jumped and twisted so when he slammed into the vending machines the pony on his back hit em first. The glass shattered, the drinks inside broke and the front of the machine caved in with a crump, and Tackle pony's ribs made a crack. The pony slumped off his back. Darkfire got to his feet in time to see one of the remaining two making a pass with a switchblade. He pulled back in time to receive only a nasty facial scar instead of losing an eye.
He pushed Knife pony's head aside and dropped to grab one of his legs by the bottom of the hoof pulling it out and dropping his body weight on the joint. A resounding crack and pop accompanied the fall. With knife ponies leg bending the wrong way Darkfire pulled, dislocating knife ponies hip. Darkfire rose to his feet looking for the last pony.
The pony in question was running at him with a led pipe.
Darkfire dropped on his back and put both hind hooves into the bottom of his jaw. Pipe ponies teeth shattered, his jaw broke and split open, a steady crimson stream pouring from the wound. The pipe tearing back through the ponies cheeks. Darkfire rolled right as pipe pony fell forward hitting the floor face first causing the pipe to tear the rest of the way through his cheeks, blood pooling by the now unconscious ponies face. Before Darkfire could look back to see what his kick had done the barkeep got his attention.
"Fight's over, there ain't no need for any more fighting or more damaging of my bar. Now get your flank out of here, the only reason I am not shooting you right now is cause the dip shit you smashed with she chair started it" He yelled
The crowds cheering had stopped at this point and Darkfire simply nodded , walked to the counter grabbed his other bottle and left. Heading to make his way to the motel.
(Meanwhile)
Sparkle looked at Winter wheat, Darkfire now out of sight.
"Yall sure he's gonna be ok," she asked, her expression showing her concern.
Winter wheat smiled "Yea, he'll be fine. He just needs some time to think things over a bit, this is the first time either of us has been far from home. " he chuckled "He is probably just gonna go down a few beers, go to the motel and give me all kinds of shit."
Sparkle smiled and bumped him with her flank. "Well, we should get going, unless yall wanna go and sight see first. "
Winter wheat blushed and grinned "I got all the sights I wanna see right here"
Sparkle giggle "That is the cheesiest thing Ah have heard in all my life." She grinned "Good thing ah like that"
Winter wheat nodded and began to walk towards the motel "So, can I ask why you want to.....you know?"
Sparkle smiled "Am young, dumb and need a way to relax. Can't drink cause I got work to do so I figured the best way to go about it was to" She paused and giggled "Ask my new co-workers for a little assistance."
Winter wheat blushed "Well, if it weren't for the awkward situation Dardfire and I find ourselves in I am sure he would have been glad to help. "
Sparkle tilted her head sideways a bit, raising one eyebrow. "What situation, there something yall ain't tellin me about"
Winter Wheat shrugged "No, I just found out he had a crush on me. Well, I always kind of knew I just thought it was because he was drunk or it had been a while. I never knew he felt the way he did" Winter wheat shook his head "Well, feels the way he dose. I feel kind of bad for teasing him when we drink now, but I'm sure well been fine"
Sparkle shrugged "So, you sure he'll be ok with this," She asked
Winter wheat smiled "He'll be fine"
Sparkle giggled "You should give it a shot"
Winter wheat blushed a little "What do you mean"
Sparkle nudged him a little " You know what I mean, him like you know. Sleep with him" She giggled "I like to see that"
Winter wheat started to stammer a bit "But, I, I'm straight"
Sparkle put on a mock pouty face "Daww, that's two bad. It's a good thing you're cute when you blush."
Winter wheat shakes his head "I'm just glad you are not being serious"
Sparkle grinned "Ow, I was bein serious as ah ever was"
The rest of the trip went on in silence Winter wheat blushing all the way. The went past the series of shacks and buildings that made up the little town. The streets mostly empty, the stalls and stores abandoned while their owners sleep. Only a few ponies walked around, guarding the belongings. For its small size, it was doing well. They had more cattle than they needed, an excess of water and were starting to farm more.Much like the town Darkfire and Winter wheat came from it wouldn't stay small for long.
Ever since the stories of little pip and that Security mare had gone over the radio more and more ponies had been moving their way. Trade had been booming and towns that were previously remote and out of the way were connected with one another for the first time, goods were flowing fast. There were growing pains but things were looking up, for now. They arrived at the motel, sparkle walked over to the front desk and got them a room"
Sparkle looked at winter wheat "They only had one room to spare"
Winter wheat chuckled "Rely, or are you just trying to make this awkward"
Sparkle grinned deviously "Trust me sugar if I wanted it ta be awkward wall would know."
With that they proceeded to their room, engaging in one of the few activities there was in a small farming town. Enjoying haveing some pony to be close to in this careless wasteland. They were enjoying the afterglow when there was a thump on the door, and the sound of puking over the rails. Winter wheat kissed sparkle and climbed off the bed. When he opened the door he saw Darkfire laying there, blood dripping from the wound on his face and the places where the glass from the bottle had cut the back of his head. An empty vodka bottles in his mouth.
Winter wheat's eyes went wide "What happened to you?" he asked his voice shaking a little. Sparkle reacting in a similar way when she say the condition Darkfire was in"
Darkfires turned and puked over the edge once more before finally composing himself enough to speak. "H..hi Winter. I think I had too much." Darkfire shook his head "I got in a fight again, I had vodka" He put his hoof on winter wheat's shoulder "I know you said not to, and I know you said to put the thing we talked about but I couldn't."
Darkfrie smiled "But I had a good reason, they were saying bad things about Sparkle and threatening us. Sayin they were gonna pay is a visit if we didn't go. So I beat em up really good." he puked over the rails again let his head hit the floor and his hoof slide of Winter wheat's shoulder "I need a nap"
"Fuck shadow, why did you have to go and do this to yourself," Winter wheat asked before he. picked up Darkfire and set him on the bed.
Sparkle grabbed a cloth, some water a little whiskey and started seeing to Darkfires wounds "He'll be ok sugar cube.
Winter wheat nodded. Darkfire had fallen asleep at this point. He And Sparkle both shared a spot on the floor. When Darkfire woke up Sparkle was sitting on the edge of the bed Darkfire when to get up but was stopped by sparkle
"Before you go moving round and we start to get to work, you and I need to have a talk. So do you and winter wheat, but that can be done later" She said
Darkfire rubbed his head wincing when he touched the wound on his face. It ran from the top of his right eye to the bottom of his face. "What did I do last night," He asked
Sparkle sighed "You got drunk, and got attacked in the bar. Least that's what ya said. That ain't important right now. You can't keep doin this to yer self. it's gonna kill ya. And ya need to get this problem you got with winter wheat sorted out."
Darkfire nodded "I know, and I think I am over it now
I just had to let it all out you know"
Sparkle chuckled "You got a funny way of doing that you know."
Darkfrie smiled "Yea, I always have." He looked around "Where is winter wheat?"
"He's loading up the caravan. Speakin of which, we should be doin so too. Yall can rest if ye wana though"
Shadow got up and shook his head "No, I need to do something. Get my brain moving"
Sparkle smiled "Well, let's go then" She said. Happy to see her new friend was ok.
When Darkfrie and sparkle got to their wagons the loading was already half done. Darkfire found winter wheat leading one of the middle wagons. He snuck up behind him till he was as close as he could get without touching.
"didn't Embarrass myself too bad, did I? Asked Darkfire
Winter wheat jumped back shouting, bumping into shadow and causing both of them to fall over. He looked around a bit and when he realized it was Darkfire laughed "No, just said you werent over your feelings for me, then that you were ok. And you kicked a few guys asses"
Darkfire chuckled "Well, I guess we outta finish our work here and get going before i end up fighting the whole town."
Winter wheat smiled and got up, they carried on loading. As they worked the Strange pony, his friends and a group of busted up caravaners walked by. The wagons loaded, damages to property and persons paid and a small profit made they were ready to be on their way. Sparkle got the bramin moving and Darkfire and Winter wheat took their places.
After a few hours travel, they reached a point on the train where the road went in between two hills. When they reached the middle of the hills a busted up pony with bandages on his face and jumped into the middle of the road. The one in the bandages mumbled something around the gun in his mouth. Every thing slowed down, the off crack made by the ramshackle weapon ringing out into the wasteland, contributing to the post apocalyptic din. Darkfire looked at the pony with the bandages. He looked familiar. Sparkle was yelling something.
Winter wheat pointed his rifle at the pony who shot at them, but that pony was just signaling the ambush. For all the good it did Winter wheat hit his mark. The 308 round tearing into pistol pony's head, splitting the skull wide open tearing through his head and coming out the other side. Spraying the pony next to him with pink blobs of brain, hot sticky blood and fragments of skull. Before his body toppled to the ground a dozen more popped over the hills.
Most were armed with the rusty low caliber hand made weapons the pony up front had used. A few had wrenches lead pipes and sledgehammers. The ones with melee weapons closed in, their gun-wielding counterparts peppering the caravan. The other pony in front had a bigger gun than the rest.
Still made of pipe and wood but in place of the small caliber pistol rounds, it fired rifle rounds Laughing like a madman he started dumping his magazine into the front of the caravan. The two Bramin that pulled it were shredded, heads tore open, hooves blown off and rib cages full of ragged bloody holes. The body cavities of the pack animals spilling their guts out onto the dirt.
Sparkle ducked behind the crates her wagon was loaded with, the contents stopping the hail of bullets. A lucky round from one of the raiders on the hill clipped her front right calf. She cried out and hugged the cover. Darkfire brought his shotgun to bear on the nearist raider. A mid-sized mare holding a pipe wrench. He charged her, pulling the trigger all the way back emptying both barrels. The blast hit her square in the chest. Her ribcage blew out in a flood of blood and viscera. Her eyes going wide as she fell.
Before he could reload another was on him. This one an older stallion. He kicked and smashed dropping his twelve gauge and pulling out his lead pipe. He smacked the Stallion in the jay with the heavy part of the pipe. He was rewarded with a sickening crack. But more were on the way. He fell back.
Winter wheat sighted in on to another his aim waiver ing missing three shots to everyone he hit. He was doing all he could to get to sparkle. When he got to where she was she was trying to her wounds Darkfire was with them shortly. They were down a weapon, one of them wounded and the raiders were closing in. They exchanged desperate looks, no plans, no hope. They knew was about to happen.
Winter wheat dropped down next to sparkle and Darkfire next to him. They were barely holding back the raiders. Ammo began to run low. Over the hill behind the raiders, something was closing. Darkfire took a grazing shot on his chest. Winter wheat was hit in the leg. The dirt beneath them soaking in the blood and carnage. It was almost as if the wasteland fed on it.
One of the raiders heard something coming behind him, by the time he turned around it was already too late. A hoof, clad in a metal gauntlet with sharpened spikes of rebar welded into it tore into his through. Jets of crimson squirted in the air and he fell over. The steel coated thing moved with astonishing speed. Crushing, slicing, and evisceration the raiders as it went. Chunks of meat cleaved off with every swipe. It paused only to inhale what looked to be a triple sized thing of dash. Darkfire could see it now, it was a Pony, a very large.
It had a strange tank affixed to its armor. It appeared to be an iv of some kind. The pony carried out its rampage. The raiders on the other hill fleeing screaming. His eyes a glowing red. He sprinted across the divide. Trampling the pony with the large pipe weapon. Cracking ribs leaving behind a torn and beaten course. he continued.
Sparkle had passed out from blood loss, winter wheat sat still, staring off in shock. Darkfire closed his eyes and waited. When the screams stopped he continued to wait. He felt breath on his face. it reeked of blood and cems. He opened his eyes to see that the he in metal armor was a she. Her muzzle was almost touching his.
Her skin looked as if it had been pulled tight all over. The midnight black fur darker than his own was thinner than it should be. Her eyes were blood red and glowing. There was no pupil, no iris just red. her teeth were like wolves and she was grinning. Winter wheat looked at her and looked at Darkfire and fainted. The red eyed mare shrugged and jabbed Darkfire in the neck with a syringe. Darkfire's eyes went wide, and everything went black.
