A Pony In The Wasteland

Chapters

Finding A Companion
Rainbow's Suit And a Box of Guns
Oscar's New ''Toys''
Radiation Poisoning
Wasteland Survival Guide: Minefield Part 1 - Preparation
Wasteland Survival Guide: Minefield Part 2 - The Hike (Along With A New Companion)
Campfire Love and Minefield
Paradise Falls
Enslaved and The Gun Shop
Sold
Alone Time and Feelings
Mister Burke
Through Rainbow's Eyes
Awakening
Two-Timer
A Terrible Truth and Old Memories
The Worst Possible Thing
Broken Hearted and Demise
You're Crying In The Rain, Rainbow
I Don't See Your True Colors...
...But I Do See Some Good In You
Surprise
A Supply Run
A Supply Run - Part 2
Well, That Happened...
How Long's A Tear Take To Dry?
Bethesda
Blood
Fragment Of A Memory
Dead Man Walking
Dead Man Walking - Part 2
The Voice Of The Good Fight
One's Misfortune
Another Day Gone By - Finding Rainbow
Another Day Gone By - Fright
Another Day Gone By Part 3 - Say It Like You Mean It
Days Gone By
Can You Kill Trust Or Love Or Loyalty?
I'm Sorry
The End Or A New Beginning?
The End
The Pain Of Truth (Final)
The Finale - Remembrance
Authors Notes
Scavenging Turned Into A Rescue
Forever and Always - Extended Version
Megaton And A Rainbow-Licious Wake Up

Finding A Companion

Even though I rescued Rainbow a few days ago, we have been getting to know each other, but one thing I realized and noticed is that she isn't a mutated abomination that was created by the radiation 200 years ago. From what I gathered from listening to her story, she claims to be from a land of peace and harmony called Equestria and that she is the element of loyalty. However, I remember our encounter with a mole rat the day I rescued her, she can fight and stay on her hooves, but she did end up getting bit in a few places around her leg area, so I figured she needed a little bit of training if she was gonna be with me when I'm not around to protect her, so I gave her some lessons on combat in the Wasteland.

I may not of been the most violent type of person, but in the Wasteland, survival is the game and the only thing to do to survive is to kill for your life. Another thing I was thinking about on the walk back to Megaton just outside of Springvale so I could get back home was even if Dash could protect herself withing my lessons, wouldn't she need some armor? Even if that was the case, I don't know where I could even make such an item. The only standard type of armor around here that is common is leather armor and it is for humans, but who knows? I could practice making a suit for her from an original. I just hopes it would help her from getting too roughed up in a fight.

''Alright, Rainbow. You see that helmet over there?'' I pointed at a power suit helmet on a large wooden pole as I handed her my pistol.

''Take this and try to hit it with it.''

As I held the weapon in my hand, she stared at it in utter confusion, almost as if she had no idea what the thing was or if I was being serious. She kept her gaze on it for several minutes and looked back up to me with a raised brow.

''What is that?'' She asked innocently with those cute magenta eyes of hers aimed at mine. ''I've never seen anything like it.''

''Wait. You don't know what a gun is, Rainbow?''

''No. What's a gun?''

Is she being serious? She doesn't know what a gun is? Well, I got my work cut out for me. Since she didn't know what they do, I decided I should show her first. I looked back down at her and pointed back at the power helmet on the pole and raised my gun.

After aiming down the sight and holding my breath, I squeezed the trigger, creating a loud bang from the muzzle of the gun in a flash of light, followed by a metallic clang that confirmed I hit the helmet. I may not of had the gun long since I left the vault, but I was definitely used to using it.

After I shot the round, I saw her flinch and cover her ears to block out the sound the projectile. She looked at the helmet, which now had a hole through the top left above the visor with her mouth agape. I could quite easily tell what she was thinking.

''See, Dash? It may be dangerous, but its a reliable weapon to have. Here.'' I placed the gun in her hooves. Now to think of it, I noticed that even though she had no fingers because she is a pony, she can hold it. I myself was feeling confused, but I shook it off and continued instructing her. ''Now, aim down the sights on the top of the gun and try to get the helmet in between the first two at the rear sight.''

As I instructed her she did all I said in the exact order that I told her, and I gotta say, she already is impressing me.

''Okay. Once you got it in line of sight, breathe in and exhale slowly while you squeeze the trigger.''

Dash inhaled and exhaled slowly and steadied her aim and fired a round at the helmet. The bullet whistled as it passed the helmet and hit a rock in the distance, just missing the helmet by an inch. But hey, she did alright for her first time shooting a weapon.

After she looked to see if she hit it, she winced back at me and back at the target and let out a soft sigh as she repeated my instructions, this time I squatted behind her and tried to see where she was aiming and before she could shoot, I whispered near hear ear, trying not to startle or distract her too much and told her to wait. When she looked at me, I placed my hand under her hoof she was using to hold the gun up and the other one to support it, and she seemed to have a steady hoof for someone who didn't use weaponry too much. I helped her keep aim and once I aligned the sights on the helmet, I let go of her hoof and watched closely as she readied to shoot.

In seconds of keeping her steadiness, she gently pulled back the trigger, the projectile keeping steady and fast in the direction of the helmet and to her surprise, the bullet hit and shattered the visors left socket. They say the visor on T-45d armor was bulletproof, but I saw with my own eyes that it shattered to little black crystals of glass to the floor.

I got back up, Dash smiling at me as she took her concentration from the target and looked back me, to which I returned the smile and gave her a small congratulatory hug. The only thing I had to admit, I didn't think she could get it, but she did!

''Nicely done, Rainbow! So you can handle and shoot a gun, but you need to learn to use them in combat against enemies and Raiders if you want to survive out here.'' I informed her as I took my gun back and snapped it in my holster and took out my knife from my boot. ''Melee weapons are one of the most commonly used weapons from traders to wastelanders and merchants, along with their side arm in case it breaks or becomes blunt, depending on what it is.''

I continued telling her. I knew she maybe didn't like weapons or killing people, but I'd hate to see her getting hurt by something when I'm not around.

''For me, that weapon is this knife.'' I said as as spun and threw my knife in the air and caught it so the blade was facing downwards to the floor. ''I know that you may not like weapons yet, but you'll soon get used to it, and I'll be honest, I didn't like them much either until I grew accustomed to them.''

''Wait. Oscar, where did you get that?'' She pointed to my back holster with a hoof at the baseball bat.

''The bat? Oh, before I found you at that school, I was scavenging and found it in a footlocker along with this ball and glove.'' I reached into my leather pouch and displayed the decayed items to Rainbow.

''Mind if I use it? You know, until I can use one of them knifes?'' She asked me calmly in an innocent manner.

''Sure, Dash. Here.'' I undid the strap to the back holster holding the bat and handed it to Rainbow who took it in her hoof and gave it a few practice swings.

''Oh! Rainbow?''

''Yeah?''

''I've been thinking, even if you do know how to use a weapon, you'd still need armor to protect your body from oncoming attacks and damage if anything happens to you, so why don't I take you up to see one of the shop owners called Moira? Maybe she could help you get one? Just try to be careful around her sometimes...even though she's a friend to me, she can sometimes never shut up talking. It's almost like she takes chems by the hour and all she does is experiment with weird concoctions that are stupid.''

I laughed a little. ''But she's a nice women, non-the-less.''

''Oh, okay. Where is she?''

''Up there.'' I pointed to a shop with a full metal construction and a plane nose hanging from the top with single words that spelled ''Supply''.

''We should go now, to see if she has what we need to construct a suit for you.''

Rainbow's Suit And a Box of Guns

Upon getting to the shop known as Crater-Side Supply, I allowed Rainbow entry before I myself walked in and almost immediately got greeted by Moira Brown - Probably the most annoying person I will ever meet out here in the Wasteland.

She wore the same clothes every time I came here: A dirty gray jumpsuit with RobCo embed on the back of it along with the black work shoes to go with it and that pretty, shiny red hair that she always has tied back in a bobble and overlaps.

''Oh! Hey there, Oscar! How's the scaving been?'' She asked me with a friendly smile.

''Moira...what. Is. That. Smell?'' I asked as dully as I've ever sounded.

Moira sniffed lightly and tried to hold back a gag, hoping I wouldn't notice, but she didn't do a good job with it.

''Oh, that! It's um...just something I tried to make while you were gone from town.''

I looked at her with a dull expression and she immediately scowled at me.

''Oh, turn that frown upside down, Brady!'' She chimed in a happy but also mad tone at me. ''I've got to do something around here to keep me entertained while I have no company.''

I looked at the wall to my left. Usually there was a bouncer there to protect Moira, but today, he wasn't. Where was he?

''Moira? Where's your bouncer today? Shouldn't he be here guarding the shop?''

''Huh? Oh, him.'' Her expression turned sad. ''Yeah, he should, but he's not coming back, see, I asked him to go into Springvale for me to get a few things for me, and he didn't come back. I even requested a search party to go look for him, and when they came back, they told me he was dead. I got his rifle to prove it.''

Moira went behind her desk and I heard a sliding door open and close again. Within an instant, Moira came back in front of me and held the machine gun in her hands.

''Here. Since he's gone I probably won't be needing it now.''

I looked down at the weapon in her hands for a moment, trying to consider if it could possibly help me out when I'm scavenging. The gun's body was constructed of a faded black metal that looked nearly like carbon-fiber and the butt of the rifle had decayed maple wood, same as the front grip, along with a black strap so I could throw and carry it around my shoulder.

''Alright, Moira. I'll take the rifle. Here's 200 caps.'' Even though she didn't mention a price, I still gave her money anyway. She could maybe use it to hire a new bouncer for the shop since the other one is gone. I couldn't just let her go on her own in this shop with company to help her out.

When I held the bag of caps to Moira, she rejected it.

''Brady, what's that for? You don't need to pay me for the rifle. Just take it.'' She insisted, but I didn't accept it.

''No, Moira. I want you to take the 200 caps and get yourself a new bouncer. I can't let you go under-armed in this shop if someone tries to start a fight or rob you. C'mon, you could do with the help.'' I insisted.

Moira sighed and slowly she took the bag of caps from my hand and handed me the rifle and hugged me as I slung it around my shoulder. As she hugged me, she noticed the gash on my left cheek - The one from the day I rescued Rainbow. Even though I had it for a while, it still hadn't healed and after all, it was quite a deep cut and hurt like hell.

''Oscar? What happened to you? You've got a massive gash on you cheek.'' She asked in concern.

I touched the mark and retracted it as my touch made it sting with pain.

''Um. It's no big deal, Moira. I ended up getting into a fight with Raiders when I tried to save Rainbow Dash, there.'' I motioned a hand towards Rainbow Dash who waved a hoof at Moira's acquaintance.

For a second Moira remained silent and stared at the little pony in shock of seeing such an animal with a small wave of her own.

''Rainbow, this is Moira Brown.'' I introduced her.

''Hey, Moira. I'm Rainbow Dash.'' She announced in her sweet voice.

''You talk?!'' She exclaimed in even more shock, nearly fainting from hearing an animal talk.

''Of course.'' Dash told her. ''Didn't you know animals could talk?''

''Wait, Rainbow!'' I interrupted. ''Animals can't talk here. I know they do where you're from, but here they just don't.''

''Oh. So I'm the only one here who can?'' She asked in disappointment.

''I guess you are. You're one of a kind here.''

Before the shock went on any further, I looked back towards Moira who was back behind her counter on her chair, still staring at Rainbow in shock.

''Moira? Moira!'' I shouted, trying to get her attention. ''Moira! You okay?''

''Huh?! What?!'' She unfroze and stuttered slightly. ''Yeah...Peachy.'' She croaked.

''Moira. Just...calm it, will you?'' I know that it's a shock to see and hear an animal talk, but the way she acted towards it was starting to piss me off.

''Moira, the reason we are here is because I wanted to see if you could construct a leather suit for Rainbow to wear when she's out with me when I travel. Do you think you could put one together?'' I asked her as I saw her think as she held her chin with a hand.

''A leather suit? Armored or non-armored?''

''Armored. Oh, and if you can, try to reinforce it. ''

''Done. If you come back in a week with 1000 caps, I'll have it ready for you then.''

''1000 caps?!'' I exclaimed. ''You know very well that I roughly make 250 caps per week!''

''I know, deary. Well, that's only how much I can give them out for, especially a customized one for a horse.''

At that statement, Dash looked over at Moira, insulted by what she had just said. ''Excuse me, Moira. For your information, I'm not a horse, I'm a pony.''

''Oh, sorry...''

''Hey Moira? Even though I can't pay for it now, will you give me a week to come up with the pay?''

''Oh, sure I will, Oscar. It's the least I could do since you helped me with my book on some parts.''

''Great! So, what you got in stock this week?''

''Take a look.''

Moira grabbed a clipboard with her inventory clipped onto it on a piece of paper, along with a pencil. The stock itself was massive, even more massive than I thought it was going to be. She must of had a shipment in or something.

There were bullets of all varieties to small guns to big guns to armor and suits and junk that can be used to craft mines and concoctions.

Down the list, about halfway, I spotted a missile launcher with 120 caps scribbled down next to the box where it said ''price'' and so I ticked it off for order. Just under it was ''Missiles'' only at 15 caps each. Next to the price box, it said ''quantity'' and I needed quite a few missiles to go around, so I wrote down ''10.''

A missile launcher wasn't going to do much good with the idea I had in mind, but if it meant getting a lot of caps for it, I'm game.

I looked further down the list, and also in ''big guns'' was a mini-gun and a flamer. I knew that I would have to go with one, seeing as two would be more heavier to carry, so I ticked off the mini gun for 60 caps. - God, Moira's weapons were in shit condition. - and the price for bullets in packs that carry 240 bullets each were only 20 caps, so that was good enough for me. I ordered 2 packs for the weapon.

After ticking off what I needed, I handed the clipboard back to Moira who looked over what I wanted with a few affirmative nods.

''Okay, Oscar, that'll be 370 caps.''

I reached into my bag and took out a large bag of caps that was all my currency together. In total there was 500 caps, so I picked out the little caps as fast as I could to save time, but it took me around 10 minutes to do so. Eventually, I got the required money that left me with 130 caps to live on, and Moira disappeared into the back of her shop for a brief moment and came out with a large box that was full of the things I needed for my idea.

''Cheers, Moira. I'll be back in a few days.'' And with that, me and Dash left the shop and went home with our new weaponry.

Even though it cost me a bundle of caps, it will be worth the amount of pay I'd get for what I was going to do with them. I just hope Rainbow is ready for it when I get everything ready...

Oscar's New ''Toys''

With the new shipment of weaponry that I ordered from Moira, I had to assemble the guns together, all apart from the missile launcher since it was already put together yet in crappy condition. I was sat in my house in Megaton with Rainbow Dash in the living room with the parts in front of me along with the schematics that showed me how to put it together, and well, it was a lot easier than I expected.

I even let Rainbow help me build the parts into the main body of the weapon where I later fitted the motor. Dash didn't understand most of what the things meant, but she sure was good at it, so much she really impressed me.

''Okay.'' I said as I tried to think. ''Insert Gatling barrel 8 into slot H...And....that should do it.'' I said as I inserted the barrel into the slot with a confirming click that told me it was stuck in place.

''Well, thank god that's over with, Rainbow.''

''Yeah. How come you got this anyway? I thought you already owned a weapon?'' She pointed to my knife and pistol with a hoof.

''Erm...Yeah, I do.'' I looked at the mini-gun again with my head low. ''Look, Rainbow...there is something I should of told you. And I mean something that I really should of.'' I looked ashamedly into her eyes, weakly lifting my head.

''The reason I got this gun and the missile launcher is because...because...I hear there is some wanted people out there - Bounties, real money to be made - and...I needed the extra firepower to help get them. If I do manage to get a minimum of 4 to 5 bounties, we would have roughly about 12,000 caps depending on the profit of the target and extra things on them seeing as wanted Raiders and bounty targets and hit-men carry caps for expenses and for extra bullets when they run out.'' I sighed heavily through my nostrils.

''I'm sorry I never told you, Rainbow...''

Rainbow looked at me in complete silence, watching me as I looked down with guilt.

''You...you're doing this...as a job for money...?'' Is all she said in a quiet voice, me giving a slow affirmative nod.

''Why? Why do want the money?''

''It's not that I want it, it's more like I need it. You see, where you're from, life is easy, but in case you didn't know about it, a war that destroyed pretty much everything in the world 200 years ago didn't just ruin the way of life, but also free will and created everlasting chaos. It's hard to survive in the Wasteland, Rainbow. You gotta understand. You just have to! It's just the way it is nowadays.''

She still looked at me, this time in shock and her mouth agape. She tried to speak once or twice, but the words never came out.

Eventually, she managed to speak.

''Oscar...I do understand, but...there must be some other way to get what you need other than killing innocent people?''

''No, Rainbow, there isn't. Now people just turn on each other, don't trust one another and kill for the fun of it. They'd tear a childs head off with a combat knife if it meant their freedom or to get money for it. And also, they are not 'innocent'' people. They are a bunch of rapists and cowards, the ones I want. Thousands of the survivors left in the world know about them and want them killed for their crimes and misdeeds to mankind. If they don't own up for their crimes, they die, but almost always put up a fight if it meant their freedom from justice. With this gun here, I'm going to end them and take what I can for the society.''

''You're really serious about this aren't you..?''

''Yes. For our own good. If you don't want to, you don't have to, but its the only way to survive now. All other ways for money is bad in profit, mainly because scavenging houses only lets you find broken things for a pay of 5 caps and not to mention they are always in bad condition and never function.''

Dash's only response was a quiet ''Right.''. She looked up to me and saw my sad expression, and it kind of made her feel sad, too.

''Hey, Oscar. Um, if this is what you really want to do...I won't stop you. I'd even join you, even though I'm not the violent type or used to guns like you are, I'll be by your side.'' She said as she pulled me into a hug with one of her wings.

''Thank you, Rainbow. But we won't be going for a few days or until we are ready. So, come on.'' I gently pulled myself out of her grasp and picked up the mini-gun. ''Let's go see if this thing works.''

Dash gave me a simple nod with a smile and walked with me out of my house and just outside Megaton where I had a few targets set up to shoot at.

Just outside of Megaton, I carried the pack of bullets and spare ammunition in the massive container on my back and placed them on the ground next to Rainbow as I went towards a rock with the perfect flatness to place some tin cans on it that I had in my satchel. I picked 3 tin cans out and lined them up on the rock, along with the power helmet from earlier when I taught Rainbow how to fire the 10mm pistol.

I went beside Rainbow after setting the targets up and picked up the heavy weapon after I installed a box of bullets into the bullet feeder in the under-section of the gun and flicked it tightly shut. I honestly wished that they designed a lightweight model of this gun seeing as it is heavy enough to break my arms just when I hold it in a tight grip, but it never got produced because of the Great War, but anyway, I hoped everything would work properly and not break or blow up in my face. I wrapped my fingers around the top handle and flicked a switch and in a second, the Gatling barrels turning mechanism came to life and started spinning in a high force that I could feel vibrating through my arms.

I let it spin until it got fast enough, then I pulled up the other switch and the bullets force pushed me back a little bit from the force that they gave upon leaving the barrels of the gun and they sprayed everywhere in a shower of flashes, every bullet smacking upon the surface of the rock and some hitting the tin cans with a ''clank, clank.''.

The whole time I was firing, I noticed Rainbow had her ears covered with her hooves trying to block out the deafening noise that emitted from the mini-gun, and she wasn't the only one who was going deaf, I had both my hands on the gun to operate it the whole time and nothing to cover my ears! After I stopped firing, my ears were ringing like an alarm clock from the noise.

''Rainbow, you can uncover your ears, now.'' I said as I rubbed my own aching ears.

She removed her hooves from her ears and looked up at me as she too rubbed her ears.

''I take it your ears are hurting a lot?'' She giggled as she saw me rub my ear with my hand.

''Yeah. I gotta ask Moira for some sound-protective helmets or ear plugs...'' I laughed with her.

''So, should we try the missile launcher?'' I asked with a smile as I motioned over to it with my eyes.

Dash looked at me and rolled her eyes. ''I dunno...aren't you deaf enough?''

''Kinda, but we gotta see if these things work. I need to know how to use them, too, you know. I'm not going to run into a fight with a broken gun! I might as well just take a sword!'' I snickered.

''So, you are going to use it?''

''Hell yeah I am!''

I picked up the just as equally heavy missile launcher and pushed the front lever forward and pulled the large silver barrel down then inserted a missile into it and pulled the barrel back up and slid the lever back so it clicked back into place. Once the missile was in and the lock was back, the three red lights on the power box glowed dimly to tell me it was functioning just fine.

I aimed my eye next to the side of the gun where the target locator was positioned and saw that it locked onto the power helmet next to where the cans where boxed into a white border that appeared on the screen.

Once the launcher was steadied, I pulled back the trigger, the missile's force pushing me further back than the mini-gun did and soon an explosion sounded, shaking the Earth below us and throwing me back from the rupture it created.

I could feel the heat from the loud bang it created and once more, my ears were ringing, this time, more painfully.

''Oscar! You okay?!'' Dash exclaimed in panic as she saw me get thrown into the floor hard.

''Yeah, I'm alright. At least we know the weapons work now...and my ears are hurting again.'' I groaned as I struggled to get to my feet.

''You scared the buck out of me!'' She said as she pulled me up.

''I'm alright, Rainbow. Lets just get back inside of Megaton and take these guns back home and then maybe we could go to the Brass Lantern tonight.''

''Hey, Oscar, one more thing.''

''Yeah?''

Without warning Rainbow tackled me into a hug and gripped me tight.

''Don't ever do that to me again!''

Radiation Poisoning

''So, let me get this straight: You want me to risk my life and travel into a town full of mines and come out alive with a defused mine?''

''Yes!'' Moira exclaimed in a squeak. ''I know it sounds really risky, but if we are gonna get this chapter done, we need to know how to avoid and defuse mines!'' She gasped. ''Oh, and maybe create some of our own, too!''

''Moira, seriously.'' I narrowed my eyes at her still joyous face. ''You better make this worth it. I'm not going to be happy if I lose a limb for this chapter of your book! And don't even dare say it was a ''natural cause!'' ''

''Hey, cool it, Brady, okay? Look, Minefield is only a couple days hike from here. I'm sure you'll be fine.'' She tried to reassure me, but I could clearly sense this wasn't worth the assurance, nor the risk of getting my legs blown off by an armed landmine.

''Fine. But let me make this clear: I'm never, I repeat, never going to do something as stupid and risky as this for you again. I'll do it. And by the way, that money I needed to give you for that suit for Rainbow? Here.''

I tossed her a bag of caps.

''Cheers. Where is Rainbow anyway? Shouldn't she be by your side?''

''No, shes at my house. She seemed a little tired this morning, and I hope it wasn't the iguana last night, either. That 200 year old food has quite the ache the next day.''

''Ha, ha! Yeah. It sure does.''

We both chuckled together and then I returned to my house on the opposite side of the crater.

''Rainbow? Rainbow? Where are you?'' I called out, but got no response.

I walked up the metallic stairs and into my room and saw Rainbow lying on the bed asleep and looking quite woozy. Her mane was frazzled and messed up as if she'd been sleeping all day long and her eyes were deeply black underneath. That really concerned me.

''Rainbow?'' I whispered, but she still lay there, not showing any signs of response. I looked at her chest and saw her breathing lightly, making my concern rise. I placed my index and middle finger to her neck for a pulse and once I found it, it was very weak and beating rapidly. Then I felt her head, it was over her original temperature.

At this point I was starting to panic and started shaking Rainbow softly, in hope of awakening her.

''Rainbow! Rainbow?! Do you hear me?! RAINBOW?!''

Silence.

''Oh, fuck, no!'' I screamed in moral shock as I picked her up and carried her in my arms to the Megaton clinic.

I barged hurriedly through the door and into the clinic, where an annoyed Doc Church immediately grumbled in frustration and annoyance.

''Oscar Brady.'' He stated dully. ''This had better be good. What do you want this time?''

''I-It's her!'' I motioned my eyes to Rainbow Dash who was in my arms, still lifeless.

For a few moments, Church seamed to stare at her, probably thinking I'm crazy for thinking that I brought a mutated animal that was sick for treatment.

''You can't be serious...'' He grumbled.

''Doc! Please, just help her! I think she's got a form of radiation poisoning! Please! I don't want her to die!'' I begged, and unexpectedly, he gave in to it. Seeing her face and current condition must of moved his heart somehow.

''Alright, alright! Don't get your panties in a twist! I'll see what I can do. Bring her over here.'' He then took me into the back room, just in front of the entrance where there was three beds with one person occupying one while the other two was empty. He led me to the last bed and told me to place Rainbow down, so I did.

He pulled up a rotten, wooden chair and began looking at her for any clues of why she's like this. He too noticed her eyes were deep black underneath and that her pulse was weak and rapid. I filled him in on what I could, but I don't think he listened to me.

He placed his black hand over her forehead and felt she was over the original temperature. Far too high to call her well. Something was indeed wrong with her. could it of been the iguana?

''Brady? How long's she been like this? Was she acting strange lately?''

''No, she was fine the day before, and I think she must of been like this for an hour and a half since I was at crater side supply getting a few things.''

''Oscar, I don't know how I can help her out. What is she anyway?'' He glanced a confused look to her body.

''She's a pony. Her name's Rainbow Dash, Element of Loyalty.''

''Well, hang on, I need to write this stuff down to keep track of her.'' Doc Church walked out of the clinics bedroom and came back after a brief moment with a clipboard and pencil.

He scribbled down her name and details and ticked a few various boxes relating to her condition. He looked up after a short time had passed and looked back at Rainbow, this time he drew out her hoof with his hand and injected a clear blue liquid into her blood stream.

''What did you inject her with?'' I asked worriedly.

''A shot of Med-X.'' He spoke quietly. ''You were right, by the way. She does indeed have radiation poisoning. But don't worry, she'll be fine. We'll give her a small dosage of RadAway tomorrow morning and see if she's alright.''

I waited by Rainbow's bedside all night in the clinic, not once falling asleep as I never wanted to leave reality so I could always be there for her in case something went wrong with the Med-X. I looked at her with tears starting to form in my eyes as I stroked her silky rainbow mane gently with my hand. I caressed her back, moving my hand up and down slowly, feeling her deep, cyan fur overlap around my hand.

''Please be okay, Rainbow...I don't wanna lose you...'' I moped as I looked miserably at her slowly moving body as she breathes in and out in short breaths.

As I watched her lay there motionless, I recollected our memories together when we first met. The day I taught her how to shoot and how to carefully aim a gun, when I taught her how to fight with her hooves and melee weapons. Then the time I brought her to the Brass Lantern and introduced her to Leo Stahl and his brother and sister. I smiled weakly as I felt my tears flow down my cold cheeks.

''S-She's Lucky to h-have someone like y-you.'' a croaky, old voice spoke quietly behind me, causing me to turn my head to whomever was talking. I saw it was an old lady. She had wrinkles covering her entire face and had a bruise or two on the side of her face and neck. She wore a pair worn-out makeshift clothes with various holes in different places and her grey hair was combed into a sweet fashion. She must of been about 87.

''What makes you say that?'' I asked softly through my own cracked and sad voice.

''Well, l-look a-a-at you. You stay b-by her s-side and never l-leave her alone. I'm on my o-own. My idiot husband r-ran off to Raven Rock to find the E-Enclave and n-never came b-back. Rest his soul..'' She croaked, a single tear drop rolling down her face and onto her sheets. ''Oh, l-look at my manners! I'm M-Mother Manya. Longtime Magaton resident.''

''Hey, Manya. Sorry to hear that about your husband.''

''That's alright, d-deary.''

''Mother Manya, this is Rainbow Dash.''

''My,my! She looks in pretty bad shape. Is she a-alright?'' She asked, concerned.

''I sure hope so. I don't want to lose her. She's the only thing in my life that I've actually become attached to.'' I said as I again stroked her beautifully soft mane.

''I've never seen anything so pretty in my life. Where did she come from?''

''She's not from here, is what she says. She's from a place called Equestria. She told me Equestria is a place of harmony and friendship. We could sure do with that here than all the people turning on each other nowadays.''

''Don't we all wish we could? I know I wish it was true.'' Manya chuckled.

At the moment we stopped laughing, I heard a soft groan come from Rainbow's mouth like a sigh. When I turned, I saw her eyes flicker weakly as she tried to open them, but they soon dropped seeing she barely had any strength left in her.

''Dashie!'' I exclaimed in joy as I leaned down and hugged her, being careful not to squeeze too tight. ''You're alive!''

''O-O-Osca-r-r?'' Rainbow asked very softly in a whisper as she again tried opening her eyes.

''Hey, hey! Take it easy, now, Dashie. Don't use your energy.'' I hushed her as I snuggled my cheek into her side, gently stroking her mane.

''Wh...W-What...H-H-Happened..?''

''You had radiation poisoning, Rainbow! I thought you were going to die! You're in the clinic.''

''R-Radiation poisoning?'' She half opened her eyes, looking at me and Manya.

''Rainbow, you scared the living hell out of me! I went upstairs and you weren't responding to me when I tried to see if you were alright. Your pulse was weak and you were too hot on your head. But your alright now!'' I hugged her close and gave her a peck on the cheek, causing her to blush a pale pink.

''Oh, I missed you, Dashie. I never left your side. I was so worried you'd never wake up.'' I explained as I rubbed my cheek on hers in a friendly embrace.

''Oscar?''

''Yeah?''

''You called me ''Dashie'' .'' Dash blushed again, this time a brighter hue or red.

''That's what my friends used to call me back home.''

''Dashie, huh? Really?''

Dash looked down, slightly embarrassed from hearing her old name.

''Hey, Oscar?''

''Yeah, Rainbow?''

''I want to tell you something.'' She motioned for me to come closer and she whispered in my ear.

''I want you to know that I love you.''

I didn't know what to say or even think the moment she said those words. I myself was blushing at this point, even Dashie noticed it and giggled softly. I leaned back down and hugged her lovingly with my bedraggled goldy hair brushing against her mane and whispered back.

''I love you too, Dashie.''

Wasteland Survival Guide: Minefield Part 1 - Preparation

''Cheers, Doc. Glad you helped out!'' I called to Doc Church as I walked out the clinic alongside Rainbow Dash, grateful she was still alive and not dead from the radiation she had in her system. If she was to die, I think it would of killed me too. She is a smart, cute and beautiful mare. Even though as a rule, I wouldn't of gotten close to people and build friendships over the heartache of them either getting gutted by a Raider or killed by dumb luck. But Dashie? That's something different. I love her too much to let her go. Forever by her side I am, forever by her side I'll stay.

''Rainbow? I'm really glad you're alive. I just wouldn't believe it if you died!'' I said as I rubbed a hand on her back, earning a giggle and a smile out of her sweetness.

''I think I should be thanking you. You're the one who saved my rump back there; if it weren't for you, I'd probably of died.'' She hugged me close as she pulled me down to where I reached her level.

''That's okay, Dashie. I wouldn't ever let you die. Never.''

She giggled and a crimson blush came to her face. ''I'll never forget what you did, Brady. Never for the rest of my life.''

''Rainbow, before anything else happens and you don't know about any of it, I'm working on some Wasteland Survival Guide for Moira, and she wants me to leave town for two days to get to the town now known as Minefield. Yes, it sounds stupid and I don't want any part of it, but I'm her only assistant who has the know-how for this kind of thing. You - on the other hand...or erm...hoof could just fly overhead instead of getting yourself blown up. You're in bad enough shape as it is.''

''Yeah, I know. I still feel terrible, but as a Pegasus, at least I've got these babies!'' Rainbow flapped her pretty cyan wings, a feather or two breaking from them and fluttering to the floor.

''Yes you do.'' I smiled. ''You really are a beauty, Rainbow.''

''Oh, stop it, you!'' She chortled back with a playful hoof jabbing my shoulder.

Back at home, me and Rainbow were packing things for the hike to Minefield. I do admit, I'm not looking forward to the nightmarish adventure, but then again, Rainbow might enjoy it. If she doesn't get too near a landmine.

I don't usually carry many things with me other than my satchel when I'm out scavenging, but just for a change, I took my Pip-Boy 3000 from my room and clipped it around my arm. I never was the one for technology or anything of a kind, but they do prove useful than most things. Next, I packed some purified water that I bought from the Stahls at the Brass Lantern and to go with it a few boxes of dandy boy apples, crisps and a small box of stimpacks and super stimpacks in case we get ourselves injured. (That is more than likely in this circumstance).

My vault armor wasn't going to do me much good, either. The stitching in my suit was torn from one side to another and the leather wrists were torn and looked like rags. I took my suit off, noticing my previous wounds on my lower chest from the first time I was assaulted by a Raider. The knife mark ran from my lower chest to my intestines. Luckily they weren't able to gut me open like I was a fish. I grabbed my combat armor and strapped it around my chest after putting on the green army shirt underneath me first. The chest plate gripped tight around my upper chest and the straps ached a little, but I wasn't one for complaining about it. The shin pads and side plates didn't ache much, unlike I was thinking they would. Even though I did buy the helmet to match the uniform, I still prefer using the vault security helmets. For some reason, I found them more efficient than the combat helmets. Probably because of the strong visors they have at the front. After all, they are made for riot control.

''Hmm... Pistol or machine gun?'' I think as I choose between the two weapon types. ''Decisions, decisions...''

Eventually I stopped thinking about it and pointed to my most reliable weapon: 10mm submachine gun. I always did like them.

They seemed to have more of a stopping power than the pistol version.

Downstairs, Rainbow was trying on her new suit. I didn't think Moira's measurements were correct, but it fits perfectly on her! Even though I shouldn't mention anything of it, it did make her ass stand out nicely within the leather. She seamed to like it. Something I wasn't expecting her to like at all, but at least she is armored, that's good enough for me. Even the reinforced armor plating was giving the suit a nice touch. Slabs and strips of metal were over her entire hooves, a chest plate that was designed specifically for her strapped around her body. Damn she looked good.

She also found one of my old weapons in my locker that I completely forgot about. My Chinese officers sword. It was rusty and needed to be cleaned, but she looked so good with it when she was in that outfit! Even though she said she wasn't the violent type, she seemed to have a knack for sharp weaponry. I remember that time I gave her a switchblade I found while I was out with her one weekend. She ''accidentally'' managed to slice a Raider's throat open. Of course, it scared the hell out of her, but that was one less asshole of a Raider to deal with...

''Rainbow, you all ready?'' I called from the balcony.

''Hmm? Oh, yeah, I got everything.'' She cocked a smile at me and spun the sword around in her hooves and dug the end of it into the floor with a thud.

''I see you've found my old sword. You like it?''

''The hay I do! Where'd you get this thing from?''

''I stole it from that ex-Raider called Jericho not far from us. Dumb-ass doesn't even know it's missing yet. Why don't you keep it?''

''Really? Don't you need it? Especially if we are going later?'' She raised her brow at me.

''No, I got a machine gun. I'll be alright without it. Besides, you look good with that sword. Put it to good use, show Raiders what you can really do if they get on your nerves.'' I laughed quietly, noticing Rainbow blushing.

''Huh! You're a real charmer, aren't you?'' She grinned with a squee.

''I guess so, Dashie. We'd better get some sleep then. We've got a long hard day tomorrow. Especially if we are to use some extra time for scavenging.''

''I hear you. Goodnight.'' She yawned and looked tiredly at me.

''Rainbow?''

''Yeah?''

''You can take my room if you want to. I'm just going to go out to the bar for a while before going to bed.'' I offered as I jumped off the balcony to the floor with a metallic thud, causing Rainbow to jump a bit.

''Thanks for the offer, but no thanks. I kinda like sleeping on the couch.''

''Suit yourself, Dashie. I'll be back later.'' I hugged her goodbye along with a peck on her cheek, causing her to blush.

''Goodnight, Rainbow.''

Wasteland Survival Guide: Minefield Part 2 - The Hike (Along With A New Companion)

As the sun shone over the horizon over the ruins of D.C, me and Rainbow were walking side by side over the hills just outside of Megaton near Super Duper Mart where we encountered a couple of Raiders standing at both sides of the main entrances. One armed with a 10mm submachine gun and the other with a Chinese pistol. Why does the day always start out like this?

Out of all the things to run into in the Wasteland, we always manage to run into a pack of Raiders! I took out my machine gun and took aim at the Raider's head, trying to keep the gun steady as I did so and then I fired. The echo of the shot caught his attention and the second he moved his head to turn to where I fired, the bullet tore through his skin between his eyes and out the back of his head with a sickening splat. Of course, this didn't go unheard by the other Raider who was instantly alerted and began searching with his pistol.

''Who's there?! Come out and fight!'' He yelled maniacally as he walked towards the area where the other Raider now lays with his face in a pool of blood.

As he turned around the corner, he saw me and knocked me to the floor with the side of his pistol, causing my cheek to turn red from the hit, along with my teeth feeling a bit cracked where the I felt the impact. He aimed the pistol at my face and laughed, and just before he could pull the trigger and end my life, Rainbow unexpectedly slashed through the back of his neck with her sword, immediately causing him to drop to the floor in a splat of blood as he head came off, also spraying some of his blood on my face.

''Holy...!'' Was all I managed to say when I stared at Rainbow with my mouth slightly agape. She sure was good with the sword.

She pulled me up with her hoof, not once taking her gaze off the Raider she killed.

''I...I...I killed someone...'' She said quietly in a scared tone.

She looked at her sword, seeing the blood splattered blade with a few droplets falling from the tip of the blade and hitting the floor and she dropped it.

''What have I done..?''

''Rainbow, it's alright. He was going to kill us. You were only defending us, not murdering. Don't worry about it, Dashie.'' I placed a hand to her shoulder, caressing it with my thumb as I looked into her eyes and gave her a small hug.

''C'mon, lets just move on. We still have a long way to go.''

''Yeah...yeah. Okay..'' She shakily nodded and looked at me with a frown.

We both moved on without saying anything further, and as we got further away from the Super Duper Mart, it started getting quiet and boring, so since I had my Pip-Boy on me, I tuned it into Galaxy News Radio. Even though we could hear static in the background of the music, it was still nice to have something to listen to other than the whisps of the wind that blew sand around in any direction.

We both hummed to the music, Rainbow not knowing the words, just humming randomly to it whereas I hummed each and every word since I knew the song. It was Let's Go Sunning by Billie Holiday.

Eventually, we reached the bridge at the end of the road that had a small, irradiated river underneath it, and unsurprisingly, the bridge was collapsed and in the water, with very little parts still standing, including supports, along with various cars of different brands that were both on the remainders of the bridge and in the water. Remembering when Dashie got poisoned by radiation, I told her it would be best if she flew over. As for me, well, I guess I was just gonna have to go through the water and try to avoid radiation whenever I could if there were things to climb over.

''Rainbow?''

''Yeah?''

''Just wait here a minute, I need to check how irradiated this water is before we decide on what we're gonna do.''

''Okay.''

I went down to the edge of the water and put my arm in it, so my Pip-Boy was covered in the water to detect the radiation limit. Withing the second of placing my hand in the green water, the Geiger counter started ticking and read just above one rads per second. It should be fairly safe to go through without absorbing too much of the radiation to kill me or Rainbow.

''Rainbow!'' I shouted over to her. ''We can go through it, but you're gonna have to fly across, I don't want to risk losing you again.''

''Gotcha!'' She flapped her wings, and blasted into the air within a second and got to the other side of the bridge in an instant.

''Whoa...'' I whispered to myself. ''That was fuckin' fast...''

''Are ya comin' across or what, slowpoke?'' She called over to me with a smirk and a wave.

''Hold on there, speedy. I'm coming.''

I walked through the water, setting my Geiger counter off the second my body hits the water. For once I was lucky the radiation level wasn't high, unlike the time I had to get irradiated for Moira's ''Science'' experiment. God, that was something that I'll never forget, not to mention when I get advanced radiation poisoning, my limbs regenerate from a weird mutation side affect.

I climbed atop cars and rubble, unfortunately, mostly getting irradiated even more for a short while as I moved from rubble pile to car, but got to the end with only minor radiation poisoning. It's lucky that I had a few sachets of RadAway to get the rads out of my system. I pushed the surgical tubing into the top of the sachet and stuck the other into my arm, squeezing the orange liquid through the tubing and into my arm to flush the rads out my system. When I took the tubing out and threw the sachet aside, I could feel the RadAway burning inside my blood stream for a short period of seconds and it subsided. Dashie watched me cringing at the burn and I could see concern in her eyes, thinking something went wrong.

''What was that stuff you put through your arm?''

''Ugh...Hmm. Huh? Oh, its called RadAway. We use them to take radiation out of our systems if we absorb too much to be poisoned by it. Fuck, it burns a little, though.''

''You were irradiated? Like...Minorly?''

''Yeah.''

''I don't get that. I mean, when I was irradiated, I was unconscious and you had to bring me to the clinic. Why don't you be that way when you get irradiated?''

''Huh. Never thought about that. Well, my only conclusion is that you're not used to being poisoned with radiation sickness, whereas I am. I've been living out here for about 6 months now and have been irradiated lots of times. The first time, I was puking everywhere and constantly feeling light headed. I remembering fainting and waking up with a scavenger at my side. She told me that she saved my life. Looking on the bright side, at least I lived and met you.'' I smiled at Rainbow who blushed a deep red.

''And you saved my life. Twice. I'll never forget what you did for me. I love you, Brady.'' She smiled sweetly at me along with her beautiful magenta eyes fixed on my blue eyes. It felt like I was lost in her soul.

''I love you too, Dashie. You're the best thing that ever happened to me. If you were to of died in that clinic from the radiation, I think that it wouldn't just of killed you, but me too. I don't ever want to lose you.''

As I stared at her gorgeous eyes, lost in her soul and loving grasp, she pounced on top of me, knocking me to the floor. She stood over me and looked deeper into my eyes, and as she looked, she never took her gaze off me and moved down to my ear then whispered.

''I love you, Brady. Next time we camp someplace, why don't we have some ''fun''?''

I froze. Was she really being serious about it? D-Did she mean something else by ''fun'' or was she actually meaning sex? Before I could think, she took my mind off of my thoughts by making contact with my lips and making out with me. I soon found myself letting out muffled moans of pleasure as our tongues danced. After a while, she broke from the kiss and looked me in the eye with lust in her own eyes.

''So that's how you feel about me?'' I asked, panting softly for air as I also never took my eyes off hers.

''Oh, I've not even started yet.'' She lovingly licked my cheek and kissed me on the lips before getting off my chest, releasing her weight so I could breathe normally again.

I really wasn't expecting that to happen, or her to say she wants to have ''fun'' with me when we set up camp...

Despite my and Rainbow's ''moment'', I don't just like her...I like like her. A whole lot. I've now known her for about 6 months and we are already growing so close together. Since my time of leaving the vault, I never ever thought I'd find someone or in her terms, somepony to take a liking to and become close together. I think it finally happened. The Wasteland to me was full of crime and depression as well as murder and bloodshed of mutated and non mutated beings that only life to kill for survival, but love?

This beautiful little pony has definitely changed my heart around forever. Who knew love could still exist? Well, for me, it has.

After crossing the bridge, we continued walking for what seemed like a couple of hours. It was getting dark now, and near damn impossible to see anything in the pitch black that soon took over our vision of the road. The only thing to make it so I and Dashie could see is the light from my Pip-Boy. For a 200-year-old piece of tech, the light was brighter than expected. Even though I never used it and the material was all battered up with scratches and markings, it still functioned perfectly and shone brighter than 10 light bulbs.

When we got further on in our path, we came across a scrapyard that had mountains of thousands of cars, crushed and non crushed. There was all types of cars stacked on top one another, including buses. There was a small shack made entirely of metal and scrap with a scrap metal door for an entrance along with a dimly shining light glowing and illuminating the small porch.

We entered cautiously and had my gun at my trigger finger, Rainbow grasping her sword tightly in her cyan hooves. As we got deeper to the center of the scrapyard, we heard what sounded like screams of agony followed by gunshots and angry barks and growls. We looked around the corner of a crushed car and a Raider's body was thrown aside with a thud ending his last scream. He was covered almost entirely in his own blood and his armor had a few scratch marks and multiple bite marks all over the plating while his blast master helmet was torn at the neck with an open wound still oozing where his wind pipe once was.

I jumped back, startled and stared at the body in wonder. What could of done that? I thought. More gun shots were heard and a squeal of pain that sounded like a dog cried through the air. We both went around the corner and we saw...a dog?

I watched in awe as a Raider came at it with a combat shotgun but soon was thrown to the floor in defeat by the dog and had his arm ripped off. At my side, Rainbow's watched with her mouth agape and as she saw the dog tear the Raider's arm off, she puked on the floor in disgust. Well, it was the first time she'd seen this much blood, but to me it wasn't any different from my previous travels I had before I knew her.

Once that Raider went down with a slat of blood on the floor, the dog noticed us and walked over to us, whimpering as it did so. He seemed to be hurt, or so I assumed from the condition he was currently in. He had blood covering his fur and his coat was black and gray underneath. Unlike any other dogs I seen in the Wastes on my travels, he is probably the healthiest looking dog I've come across.

''You alright, boy?'' I asked the dog quietly. (God, why am I talking to a dog anyway? Not like he can understand me. Or could he?)

My answer was a quiet whine. He looked up at me with saddened eyes and I patted him on the head, causing him to wag his tail.

As I looked behind the stray dog, I saw a man in a trading outfit dead on the floor in a pool of blood whom also had a lot of bullet holes in his chest.

''You lost your master, boy?''

He whined, his ears flopping back over his head.

Rainbow looked at him but didn't say anything. He looked at her and gave a growl as quiet as a whisper, making Dash flinch and take a few steps backwards, the dog not taking his eyes off of her. I grabbed his neck by his thick fur and gently yanked him back before he managed to bite her.

''No! Bad! Don't bite, there's a good boy.'' I demanded, to where he stopped growling and gave yet another whine.

''Ugh. That's why I never have a dog as my pet. They always try to bite me.'' Rainbow said sourly as she looked at the dog with a hint of anger.

''Easy, Rainbow. He's never seen a pony before. A very pretty one of course. Looks like love at first bite.'' I teased, earning a knock on the arm with one of her hooves, followed by a blush.

''You know what, boy? Why don't you come with us? I can't leave you out here alone without someone to take care of you.''

He barked happily and wagged his tail as he brushed his fury cheek against me leg as I stroked his fuzzy back.

''I think I'm gonna call you...Dogmeat.''

Campfire Love and Minefield

We all sat around a fire on makeshift beds as night set upon and darkened the Wasteland. Rainbow Dash sat next to me on my far left and Dogmeat on my right.

We were all laying down on our side and watching the fire crackle, but one thing I did notice was that Rainbow seemed to be keeping her eyes not on the fire, but mostly on me. Almost like she was staring directly into my soul.

I didn't think anything of it, still keeping my eyes on the fire, Dogmeat coming over and cuddling next to me, letting me stroke his soft, grey fur.

''Brady? Are you...feeling alright?'' Dash asked me, catching me a little off guard at first.

''Huh? Yeah.'' I responded with a small, tired smile. ''Just a little tired from scavenging.''

Rainbow did nothing but smile back. God, she really was beautiful. But how she got here still remained a mystery. One thing I really wanted to know is can she actaully go back? She doesn't deserve a life like this; fighting for survival, murder, rapists and Raiders. She deserves something a lot better. But whatever happens, I hope she stays happy.

''Rainbow? Could I ask you something?'' I asked from over the cackling, orange flame.

''Sure. What?'' She smiled at me.

''Are you okay with staying here? I mean...as in...for good, if you got accustomed to life here?'' I asked as I rubbed the back of my neck awkwardly.

She kept her gaze on me, holding a blank expression, trying to think of what to say.

''I...I guess so. It isn't all bad here...Well, other than that, I do have you still with me, so I'm happy with it here. Until...''

''Until what, Dash?''

She stopped, opening and closing her mouth a few times but nothing came out. Then she said it.

''Until...I...I...I l-lose you.'' She looked away, a heavy blush burning on her cheeks.

''Rainbow...I...'' At this point, I found myself blushing at what she said, not that I didn't ever confirm I had feelings for her.

''I love you!'' She yelled nervously at me, causing her blush to deepen in colour and making Dogmeat's ears perk up, me myself surprised.

She gave me a cute look, her cheeks now burning intensely red.

''I love you too, Rainbow. I really do.'' I rubbed my cheek, her doing the same, feeling the temperature of her skin...or erm...fur.

Without hesitation, yet still showing nervousness, she picked herself off her makeshift bed and trotted over to me, all the way, keeping her pretty magenta eyes on the floor and lay beside me.

As she layed there, she looked into my eyes, slowly bringing her blush back to her cheeks. She brang up her head towards me cheek, stopping a few times out of nervousness and about the fourth time, planted a soft, quick kiss on my cheek, causing us both to blush once more.

Being just as nervous as her, I returned the kiss to her fluffy, cyan cheek.

After I returned the kiss, Rainbow unexpectedly jumped on top of me and kissed me lovingly on the lips.

''R-R-Rainbow?''

''I can't stand it anymore! I love you so, so much!'' She breathed heavily as she immediately began smothering me with kisses, partly making out with me as she did so.

Within a few minutes, I could feel her body already starting to warm up from doing it so much. I held her close as I caressed her mane, running my fingers through its silkiness. We were both sweating very little, seeing as the nights air cooled us down.

She took her leather armor off, laying it beside her bed and coming back to snuggle up with me. At this point, I was on my back, Rainbow on top of me, rubbing her soft, fluffy cheek into my own. I began gently rubbing her back, lovingly running my fingers up and down, causing her to shiver a little bit down her spine as I ran my hand over her cutie mark, causing her blush to reappear.

''So...erm...'' Rainbow blushed, looking away slightly, trying to hide her face.

''Rainbow, you don't have to if you don't want to...There's no rush...''

Her answer was made up as she planted a kiss to my lips. And before we knew it, we were holding each other in a loving embrace.

As morning set, me, Rainbow Dash and Dogmeat headed for Minefield up north of the camp site, the orange rays of the sun lighting up the whole region a pretty orange-red colour. We hadn't been walking long, but we could already see Minefield ahead of us. It was like any other average American settlement; wooden houses that are now shards and rubble from the Great War, cracked stone roads, and in this towns case, a few mines scattered pretty much everywhere!

We knew it wasn't going to be easy, but it had to be done. Who knows, we may even walk out of here with some valuable loot (possibly with a few mangled or blown off limbs), seeing as it looked more untouched than most settlements, meaning we could net ourselves some money.

We walked a ways down the cracked entry road and soon saw that frag mines were scattered in various areas, each and every one of them active. Normally it would be a problem, but I learnt enough to know how close I need to be before it detonates so I can disarm it and take it if I wanted. After all, they did fetch quite a price.

Once thing that caught my attention other than the mines were the blood trails just left of us. As I got closer to it, there was more blood on the floor and small porch, leading underneath the door, and there was also blood on the door; a hand print.

I turned the knob, and the door opened with a click and creaked open. In the rotten, old house, it was mostly broken and the walls were broken down in various places, their parts scattered on the floor. But one thing...just one thing caught my eye from all the other things in my view. A dead Raider laying with his back to the rotten staircase, blood caking his leather badlands armor. I pulled my pistol out, flicking off the safety and walking towards him, Rainbow waiting with her sword in her hooves.

I crept slowly and quietly towards the body of the Raider and when I got close enough, I gently nudged the nozzle of the barrel into his cheek. He didn't move. Him not moving was indication enough that he was dead. I lifted his head back by pushing his chin up, seeing his face. His left eye was closed and disturbingly enough, blood was splatted across his nose and right cheek, and when I looked to the right side of the face, my face went pale at the sight, same as Rainbow. His right eye was missing. The wound didn't look like it was from a bullet, but more from a large knife. My reason for the conclusion is that the skin around his socket was mangled badly and looked as though it was done fast. Most of the blood was dried, dripping down his cheek and onto his leather clothes, obviously what created the pool of blood that his corpse sat in.

''Jesus...'' I whispered. ''Rainbow..don't look...I think we should just go back outside...''

Without hesitation, we turned around and quickly exited the house. By far, it was the most horrible thing I've seen. All that blood...there was so much of it...

We walked further up the path, dodging a few frag mines so we don't end up in pieces before we get back. I stopped, noticing a tall building in the distance. It was an office building, just near being a pile of rubble with small parts of floor still standing, but on the second floor, something caught my eye. It looked like a silhouette of a person. He was standing at a collapsed window, looking right at as, and he appeared to be holding something...something in the shape of a...

''BANG!''

It was a gun, presumably a sniper rifle, judging from the loudness of the weapon and its accurate shot that would of killed me if it hit me, but luckily hit the wall of a house next to us. We quickly ran to the wall of a house to the side of us. Unfortunately, there was very little space to hide behind, and the rotten wood walls were thin enough to be shot through. He fired again.

The bullet drilled through the wall, just barely missing Rainbow's muzzle. In defense, I took out my 10mm submachine gun and peeked around the corner. I saw him. He was much clearer in vision now, enough that I could easily shoot him to the floor. He appeared to be older than most people I've met, possibly around the age of 60 or maybe 50. Surprisingly, the gunshot we heard before was from the gun he was using. What amazed me is how an old man can use such a powerful weapon that has such a powerful kick without being knocked back or knocked down by the force.

I aimed my machine gun at him, looking down the sights, targeting his brittle torso and fired. It shot rapidly, enough that he didn't have time to react, for a bullet had hit were I intended it to. He squirmed in pain, dropped his sniper and fell from the small piece of floor that he stood upon and hit the floor with a sickening crunch of snapping bone.

I ran up to him, the others following close behind me and saw that he was dead. The sickening crunch I heard was his neck. Blood ran through and out his nostrils and his body was bleeding from where I shot him in the guts. I killed an elderly man. Fool probably took us for a threat, but what he didn't realize is that if someone tries to kill somebody or something out here, you gotta be prepared to take it on. I knelt down to his body and took something I saw in his pocket. Upon grabbing it, I saw it was a keyring with various keys attached to it, all belonging to the houses in Minefield. I added them to my sachet and picked up the sniper that had too fallen with him. Checking the clip, I saw it had around three rounds still inside it. It may be useful for another time, so I strapped the heavy rifle onto my back and took it with me.

Going up to where he was standing, I was amazed at what I saw. Five boxes of ammunition were stacked next to each other and the best part about it is that on the side of one, in Stencil, it read ''Mines''.

Well, at least I don't have to bother disarming any and risk blowing myself to bits...

Paradise Falls

On the way back to Megaton with the loot, we thought it may be nice to have a look around, so me Dashie and Dogmeat traveled west of Minefield. From the looks of the area, it was just a surrounding area of small cliffs and hills and mountains filled with mutated bugs, that unfortunately for us, were cannibal, so it was best to try and avoid the area. While we were walking along, I tuned into Galaxy News Radio, just so we could listen to something soothing instead of the aimless whisps of sand dancing through the gentle breeze.

The host, Three Dog, or so he calls himself, was giving a few daily announcements and events in the now dead world we call the Wasteland. He talked about a place called ''Grayditch'', and how quiet it has recently been. After a few announcements and news, there would be some music playing over the broadcast signal and then it would go back to Three Dog in the studio.

As we walked along we found a few deserted and torn down metal shacks. We stopped to look through them, but found nothing good apart from a few spare bullets that were locked inside ammunition cases. We walked further, eventually coming near what looked like a small shopping center and gambling hall. Before we got there, two other people were walking around in the desert with a few others who appeared to be walking in a straight line between the two. The four in the middle seemed to be wearing some kind of thick, metal necklace around their neck with a small, odd looking small box on the side. I took the sniper off of my back and looked through it, and that's when I saw who they were. They were slavers. The four in the middle where their claimed slaves, and those things around their necks were explosive collars. Bullets of sweat ran down my forehead as I thought of the horrors those slavers could make a reality.

''Whats wrong?'' Rainbow asked sweetly yet concerned from behind me.

I didn't turn around. I kept my gaze upon the slavers instead, now feeling my hands shaking lightly.

''Slavers.'' Is all I said, and when I did, I could hear Dogmeat giving a small growl.

''What's a slaver?''

''They're a bunch of merciless arseholes, is what they are. Kidnapping and making people do their dirty work. And all just for making a profit. They even have sex slaves. I think we should move...as in now.''

I turned my gaze from the scope to Rainbow Dash and Dogmeat, and when I did, I could literally feel the bottom of my stomach fall.

Behind me were two slavers. One was grabbing Rainbow by the neck with a strong firm grip with a pistol pointed at her head, while the other one restrained Dogmeat by wrapping his arm around his neck.

''Oh, shit...'' I breathed softly.

I quickly raised my pistol and shot a few rounds at the one holding Rainbow, hitting him in the upper chest, knocking him to the ground instantly with a splatter of blood followed by a startled scream. The other one who held Dogmeat by the throat raised the arm his held his gun with and shot at me, grazing the top of my left arm, causing me to yelp in pain, making me drop the sniper.

'' Tsk, tsk, tsk. Dumb move, kid. You're coming with me. You and your pretty horse. The boss could have somebody like you.'' He snarled evilly at me.

''Fuck you. Don't you dare hurt her, or you'll regret it...'' I said through gritted teeth, trying to show no fear as I tried to sound as threatening as I could, but to no avail.

''Oh, yeah?'' He grinned at her, pulling a weird kind of weapon up from his holster. He fired it, but the projectile wasn't a bullet, it was more like a blast a Robobrain has. It hit Dash's head, instantly making her puke and drop to the floor without a sound.

''NO! YOU SON OF A BITCH!! I'LL FUCKING KILL Y--''

I was cut off, for the slaver had blasted me in the head with that weird gun, causing me to black out.

''Dumb bastard.''

When I woke up, I was in a large room, chained to the wall by a cold neck collar. The room itself was empty and the only thing in it at the moment was me. My hands were chained together, just like my neck and when I looked around the room to see were Rainbow was, I couldn't see her, which worried me.

''Rainbow!'' I shouted, waiting for a response. ''Rainbow?!''

My voice echoed around the room, the sound soon fading and returning the room to its quiet state.

''Rainbow...please be alright...''

Rainbow Dash was chained up in a large, quiet room, same as Brady. She woke up with a banging headache and felt slightly lightheaded as her eyes opened slowly.

''Whe-where...?'' She mumbled, sounding as if she was drunk. ''Where...where am I..?''

She tried to move, but soon found that she couldn't. The metal collar around her neck kept her from moving away from the wall. Slightly confused, she tugged at the bolted chain that started at the wall, but to no avail. She desperately tried tugging at it, pulling it with what strength she could muster into her weak hooves. Eventually, she gave in, for it was too strong for her to break free of the wall.

Her attention was caught by the sound of a key being turned, sounding a series of clicks as the locks were unlocked and the door knob of the metal plated entrance opened.

A tall figure stood in the entry of it, his form not visible to the blurry vision of the Pegasus. He stepped closer, coming towards Rainbow, causing her to back against the wall. When he got closer she could get a better look at him. He wore a silk, red jacket and trousers with a purple button shirt underneath. His skin was black and his eyes brown. He barely had any hair, and just by his looks, it didn't take long for Rainbow to figure out he had a lot of money.

''Glad to see you're finally awake, cutie pie. How'd you feel?'' He asked calmly.

Rainbow did nothing but stare, the tall black man smirking at her.

''Right. The pain in your head should subside within a couple hours.''

Rainbow stared, not knowing what to say. What did he want with her?

''Who are you? Where-where am I?'' Rainbow asked.

The man chuckled quietly.

''Ah, yes. Well, my dear, you're at Paradise Falls! The HQ of the Slavers! And I'm the owner, Eulogy Jones. And you, my little girl are now a slave. You're going to be here quite a while...oh, yes.''

Rainbow froze and her mouth fell slightly agape, making Eulogy laugh.

''Oh, don't worry, you're ''safe'' here and besides, I have quite a few uses for you...quite a few, indeed....''

Enslaved and The Gun Shop

No, no, no, no! This can't be real! It just CAN'T!

I've been enslaved by slavers at Paradise Falls, and they didn't just enslave me, but Rainbow, too. This can't be true. We've got to escape...there has to be someway to escape!

The owner of this place, Eulogy Jones told me what happened the day we were both brought in. What he said...was like a nightmare...

He told me that when he had Rainbow chained up, he already managed to sell her for a great amount of money. Fucking scumbag!

How could he? How dare he? Why Rainbow?

''Brady!'' Eulogy called as he sat down with his slave-girl, Clover.

''What?'' I said dully, annoyance shown clearly on my face.

''Don't ''what'' me, boy! I told you, and I won't tell you again, its ''Mister Eulogy'' or ''Master'' ''. He scowled at me, Clover giggling at his power over me.

I sighed out quietly, anger brewing within me, ''What, Mister Eulogy?''

''That's better. I want you to go to Lock and Load and ask the owner, Pronto what he has in stock. I'm expecting a shipment not long from now, and am gonna need some ordinance for trade.''

''Yes, Mister Eulogy.''

''Good boy.'' He grinned evilly. ''Now, get going.''

As instructed, I left the house and into the dust-filled streets of what was once a paradise of sun and friends. Now, it was full of slavers. All over the place were small groups of slavers, talking and gossiping about each other and discussing who looked prettiest out of all the slaves they had. I even heard one mention Rainbow Dash. Talking about how pretty she was, what they'd want to do to her sexually and things that I wish I never heard. She must still be here, but where?

I walked down of the filthy paths near the front gate and to my right was what I was looking for. Lock and Load. The name of the shop, and like any other shop here had its name written in white paint on a damaged sign. I already didn't like the look of it.

I entered the shop and immediately saw something that seemed to make me feel enraged yet sad. There at the counter was the one I loved, the one I adored. Rainbow Dash. She had her leather armor on, torn in various places and had an explosive collar fitted around her neck. She had a stray tear sliding down her face. The person who was talking to her is who I guessed the owner, Pronto is. He had a light blue merc charmer outfit on and carried a hunting rifle on his back. His eyes were hazel and his hair was messy and blonde. His shop was small. In the middle, there was a small counter, machine guns and assault rifles and pistols and grenades laying on the top. To the right, there were piles of old, rotting rubble, and behind all that rubble was a cage with a skeleton wearing a party hat, sat in decaying blood that was staining the hard floor.

''Excuse me?'' I asked.

''Yeah? What do ya want?'' Pronto looked up at me from Rainbow, fixing his gaze upon mine.

Upon hearing my voice, Rainbow turned her head around, smiling at me, earning a scowl out of Pronto. She looked back down, frightened, tears dripping out off of her cyan cheeks. Her magenta eyes said it all. She was miserable, her eyes were bloodshot and tired.

''Leave her alone, Pronto!'' I scowled at him, hate in my eyes.

He smirked and evil smile onto his face. ''Or what? I bought her, and I can do whatever I please!''

''You hurt her, you're going to regret it, I swear..''

''Oh, yeah?'' He grinned.

Pronto looked at Rainbow, seeing the fear in her face, making him smile as he grabbed a lead pipe from the counter and aimed at Rainbow's front left hoof. His smirk never seemed to leave his face as he brought it up and swung it around, striking her in the hoof with a loud, metallic clang, earning a blood curdling scream out of Rainbow, her tears becoming more heavier.

Pronto had broken her hoof.

''That's it!'' He yelled at her. ''Scream like the bitch you are! Hahaha!''

My own eyes began watering at this point. How could he do that?!

''DON'T YOU EVER HURT DASHIE!''

I charged at him, not giving him a chance to react as I rammed his back into the counter, causing him to scream in pain as I took the lead pipe from his hand by force and grabbed him by the throat, looking dead into his scared eyes.

I brought down the lead pipe hard, aiming for his arms, yelling at him with each forceful swing.

''DON'T. YOU. EVER. HURT. RAINBOW. DASH. YOU. FUCKING. SLAVER. SCUMBAG!!!!!!''

With each slam of the lead pipe to his arms, a small crunch was heard, then a louder crack, then a shatter. I had broken both of Pronto's arms. Well, maybe he'd learn not to hurt my Rainbow Dash anymore! Next time he tries, I won't just hurt the bastard, I'd kill him.

Pronto fell to the floor, cringing and whimpering in pain as small moans of pain escaped his mouth. I went up to Rainbow Dash, looking at her hoof. I looked from her hoof to her eyes and smiled. I've never seen her look so frightened. (Well, maybe except the time I found her chained up by the Raiders back in Springvale.).

''Rainbow, are you alright?''

''M-M-My hoo-f-f...I thin-k-k he broke i-it...'' She cried in pain.

''Lemme see...''

I looked at her hoof, and ran the palm of my hand gently down her forehoof. She cringed and let out a yelp of agony, making me instantly stop.

''Shit, sorry! Sorry!'' I apologized.

''Brady, I'm scared...I'm just so scared...'' She cried into my shoulder.

''Don't be, Dash, you're tough, you can survive this. We can survive this, I promise.'' She smiled at my reassurance.

I held her cheeks gently and drew in closer, kissing her on the lips. We made out for a short while before the door was barged open by some of Eulogies men, all armed with machine guns and extremely pissed. Me and Dash instantly broke from the kiss, startled by the sudden flood of slaver guards aiming their assault rifles at our faces.

''What's going on here?! Why the fuck hasn't Eulogy had a response on the shipment yet, slave?!''

The guard gave me a maniacal look, demanding an answer from me, but at this point I was too frightened to even say a single word, let along a sentence.

''I..erm...um...''

''Pronto! What the hell happened?!'' Another guard ran up towards Pronto, helping him off the floor, with small yelps of agony out of Pronto in the process.

''He..he..broke my arms...''

Pronto motioned over to me, all the guards getting more pissed off as they all gave me a maniacal stare, the one aiding Pronto grabbing my throat almost immediately without hesitation and pining me to the wall.

''I want an answer and it better be good, scab!''

''I...He...he threatened my mare, Rainbow and broke her hoof! So, I broke his arms!''

I gagged from the force of the guard's strength as I felt his grasp become tighter.

''I'm going to make sure you never EVER do that again, scab! If you think you could hurt my friends and get away with it, you're a dead man!'' He seethed angrily. ''Now, you and Mister Eulogy are going to have a little chat about the shit you pulled today!''

He let me go from the wall, finally giving me chance to breathe and knocked me to the floor with his stock of his assault rifle and dragged me out of the door, me getting one last glance at Rainbow before she was back out of sigh again.

''Dashie...*cough* I...I love you!''

She tearfully watched as I was dragged away, too frightened to make a movement with all the guards around her.

''I love you, too, Brady.''

Sold

I sat down in Eulogy's office on a steel chair. His office was small, with only a few decorations stuck to the wall and a small rotten, wood desk in the middle of the room where I was sat. And to say the least, the chair made my ass feel number and number by the minute as I awaited for Eulogy to arrive, most likely to just ramble on all day like an old granny scolding a young kid as she lectures him. I've not known the guy long, but I knew deep down he was just another wasteland coward; much like most of the Raiders I've encountered, and I already hated him to death.

The two guards behind me looked tougher than most guards I saw wandering around the outside area on patrol. They wore heavily rusted, bulky metal armor that covered all of their body apart from their heads, and from the looks of the suits, I don't think that any kind of pistol would even cause them to absorb damage from the projectile. Hell, I even bet a machine gun such as mine won't penetrate their armor...but one thing I noticed more than anything else is that neither carried a weapon. Instead, the older looking one with a stone-hard face and grim expression and a punk-like flat top of auburn hair seemed to have what looked to be a super sledge, and the other one that stood either side of him had shaggy, medium blonde hair that curled down behind his ears, much like Moriarty's hair in Megaton, had a low-grade sledgehammer that looked as though its user over used it more than taking care of it, judging from all the battered up metal on the hammer head and the old blood staining the wood.

After what felt like a year, Eulogy came in, his face looking more pissed off than the guy behind me with the super sledge. It made me shiver, but right now, I'm not scared, I'm very annoyed and sad that he would let that prick Pronto do such a thing to my darling Rainbow Dash.

He sat down across from me, never once taking his evil brown eyes off of my blue eyes. I could tell he could sense my emotions through them, including my sad and pissed off mind.

''First off, I've gotta say I'm a little disappointed in you, Brady.''

''Bite me, Eulogy.'' I spat at him. ''We have nothing to say to each other.''

He frowned at me. His unamused look making me feel slightly uneasy. Though I was annoyed at this point in my life, I still kind of feared the man, but what I thought more of the man than fear is how much I hated his soul. No. He didn't have a soul, nor a heart. He was just a gutless bastard.

He let out a heavy sigh and look at one of the two guards.

''Ymir. Come here.''

Great...I can see where this is going.

Ymir obeyed his boss and walked up to him with a rather large smirk on his face, Eulogy whispering something in his ear, only just audible enough for me to hear as I sat there with a hard expression on my face. When Ymir got back up, he laughed maniacally with Eulogy.

''Yeah...sure boss. I can do that.''

He said as he set his cold gaze onto mine as he walked back to the door.

''Hope your tough, kid. Because you're day is gonna get a whole lot worse...''

Worse? How could it possibly get worse? They already made my life as miserable as humanly as possible. They broke my companions hoof, the one I ever so deeply loved to death, took us and enslaved us and lastly put us through hell! The only highlight of being here was when I broke Pronto's arms. The heartless, women abuser deserved it. Hes just lucky I didn't decide to kill him with his own gun...and I would of loved to.

''Now.'' Eulogy said. ''Would you mind telling me why you thought it would be funny to brake my gun dealer's arms with a lead pipe instead of carrying out my order?''

''Why should I tell you anything? Talking to a scumbag like you is a waste of time.''

''Answer my question, Brady.'' He spat back, anger slowly brewing within him.

''No.''

''By!'' Ymir scoffed from behind me. ''He's a stubborn one, ain't he!''

''Shut it.'' Eulogy scowled Ymir, Ymir instantly falling silent, yet giving him an annoyed look.

''I'll say it one more time, and one more time only. Now, why did you break Pronto's arms? And there better be a good reason.''

''He hurt Rainbow Dash. Happy?'' I said slowly, my anger levels rising within my soul.

''He hurt Rainbow Dash, huh?'' He grimaced. ''How so?''

''Broke her hoof with the same lead pipe I broke his with because she got in trouble for just looking at me.''

Everyone laughed at me. God, I hated them so fucking much...I just wish I could grab Ymir's super sledge and hammer Eulogy's head in multiple pieces. The world we now live in will be better off without scumbags like him. After a few moments of their laughter going silent, Eulogy looked back at me.

''Oh, my god, Brady!'' He grinned. ''Who cares about that? She's a slave!''

''She is not a slave. She is the most loyal pony I've ever met, and that's more than anyone can say about you and your murderous buddies!'' I snapped back at him, my rage nearly exploding.

They all fell silent, well apart from Ymir who was snickering behind my back.

''And what are you laughing at, punk?'' I turned around to face him, my eyes full of hate.

''You think the life you have chosen is the right one? You think being around a bunch of murderers is fun and makes you feel safe? Jesus, you are just like a Raider; Heartless, possibly a junkie, you care about yourself and all you do is roam around like your the king of the wastes.''

He stared at me, and I could sense the rage about to burst from his body...

Ymir pounded me in the chest, knocked me to the floor and kicked me multiple times in the stomach, making me gag and cough at his powerful kicks. As I coughed, small pockets of blood spat from my mouth, that awful copper-like taste filling my mouth.

''Enough!'' Eulogy commanded. ''You've had your fun, Ymir. Now, get him back on the chair, would you?''

''With pleasure, boss.''

He dragged me to my feet, slamming me in the chair with a loud metallic thud.

''Now then, Brady.'' He began. ''The only reason I'm not punishing you for your actions is because earlier today, I got a contact from a man who is quite wealthy and he says he wants to buy a slave, and once I told him about you and your companion, he chose one of you to become his slave. Sound good?''

''Urgh...anything is better than being your slave, you bastard...'' I said through gritted teeth.

Immediately, Eulogy slapped me directly across my cheek, marking his hand print in bright red.

''Mind your attitude, young boy, or maybe I'll just keep you so I can kill you myself so this guy doesn't have to put up with your behavior.''

In the afternoon of that day, Eulogy sent me to the front gate with some of his guards, one being Ymir to wait for the person to arrive. I wasn't exactly looking forward to it, but there was one thing that did cross my mind: What about Rainbow?

I can't just leave here without her! I'm all she has in this world! If I left her here alone without me, who knows what these cruel, black hearted slavers would do to her? She'd be so vulnerable, so weak...Ugh...I don't even want to think about it....

After about a half hour of waiting, he finally arrived, escorted by two men in khaki security armor and armed with assault rifles.

The man was rather old to be a slaver. He wore a red silk jacket with white suit trousers and his boots were of a high quality leather, quite obviously he was the guy who asked about me.

I already didn't like the look of this guy...

''Pleased to see you, Mister Tenpenny.'' A guard called Forty greeted the man.

Tenpenny...why did that name sound familiar? I could of sworn I heard that name somewhere before....

''Hello, Forty. So, is this Brady?'' He motioned over to me. His voice sounded more cheery than most voices I heard out in the wasteland, and clear enough, he was doing alright for himself if he could afford such an attire to wear.

''Yes it is, sir.''

''Marvelous! Where's Eulogy Jones? I need to speak to him.''

''Hang on, sir, I'll contact him.''

Forty walked to a nearby intercom that was connected to Eulogy's house and rang the buzzer, waiting for a response.

''Everything going alright down there, Forty?'' Eulogy asked from the over side.

''Yes, Mister Eulogy. Mister Tenpenny's here and he was wondering if he can have a word with you.''

''Why, most certainly. Tell him I'll be there soon.''

''Will do.''

He turned to face Mister Tenpenny again.

''He said he'll be along soon.''

''What?'' I said, confused at why Mister Tenpenny was looking at me the way he was.

''Nothing, dear lad. I just think you look like someone I know...as in very familiar.''

''How am I familiar? We've never even met before.''

''Well, boyo, if I recall correctly, I heard of a boy - a teenager - whom left a vault in this area about a year ago. Now does it sound familiar?''

''Kind of.'' I lied.

That was the last thing I ever wanted...a rich guy with I don't know how many connections knowing about my past. If it happens, I'm dead...

My thoughts were ended when Eulogy came to the scene, looking surprisingly happy to see Tenpenny was here with his two guards.

''Ah, Mister Tenpenny, my favourite client!' Eulogy greeted as he shook his hand.

''Good to see you again, Eulogy. How's business?''

''Pretty good, sir. Pretty good indeed.''

''Good to hear.''

He looked at me and back a Mister Tenpenny.

''So, have you two gotten acquainted yet?''

''Oh, yes, of course! He seems to be an okay lad for his age! Something better than what I was expecting, if I may say so.''

''Mister Tenpenny, I believe you wanted to talk about something?'' Eulogy changed the subject.

''Why, yes. Come with me.''

Tenpenny and Eulogy walked together a few meters away from me and the guards, having a small conversation with each other, most likely another ''discussion'' about business. And I couldn't help but hear Rainbow's name being mentioned in the conversation. That's when a few horrible thoughts filled my head...just what would they want with her? She's done nothing to anyone!

Moments later, after a brief discussion, they both came back to us, but this time, Tenpenny wasn't going to talk to Eulogy, he was going to talk to me....

''Brady?''

''Tenpenny?''

''Did you come here with a pretty cyan pony called Rainbow Dash by any chance?''

''Yeah. Whats she to you?''

''Whoa, simmer down, boy. All I wanna do is ask you something.''

''Fine. What?''

''Mister Eulogy says that you had a strong bond with this pony. If it is true, I can't leave her behind. It would be wrong of me to have this happen to such love like yours. I also hear that you saved each others lives quite a few times?''

''Yes, we did. I found her as a hostage by Raiders in Springvale school. I rescued her and have known her for a year.''

''Righto.'' He turned to Eulogy. ''Mister Eulogy? How much for him and the pony?''

''Rainbow? Do you know that she has a broken hoof? Are you sure you wanna buy her in her current state? She may not be up to your standards...''

''Ah, nonsense, sir! Of course she'll be fine! Now, how much?''

Eulogy tapped his chin a few times, thinking of a sum for Dashie, and by that look, I'm guessing a high price...

''10,000 caps.''

''Done.''

Tenpenny handed Eulogy a bag of caps, and he ordered Forty to go fetch Rainbow from where ever she was.

''Hope she's worth your while, Tenpenny. Until next time.''

''Be seeing you, Eulogy.'' Tenpenny waved to Eulogy as he walked back to his house.

I turned, looking Tenpenny in the eye.

''How come you want Rainbow and me? Some guy like you, I thought you'd buy a Mister Handy or something.''

''Oh, heavens, no! I have a soft spot in my heart for slaves and such. Its my pleasure, Brady.''

''Thank you, Mister Tenpenny.''

Alone Time and Feelings

''Thanks again, Mister Tenpenny! I can't thank you enough for your generosity.'' I thanked Mister Tenpenny, still thankful that he released me and Rainbow from those horrible slavers back at Paradise Falls.

''It was my pleasure, dear boy. But I should tell you, I didn't buy you two to be slaves. I have no use for slaves.''

That sentence caught me off guard. What could he mean by that? Did he mean he was one of those guys who takes a slave and ends their misery by killing them? Did he mean he was gonna let us both go?

''What do you mean by that?'' I asked almost cautiously, Rainbow's face in the same expression.

''Well, Brady. What I meant was I bought you both because...well, look at you two. You love each other.'' He pointed at Rainbow then at me. Me and Rainbow confusedly looked at each other, smiling slightly at her beautiful appearance. ''I don't just buy one slave if he or she has love in their life.''

''You still didn't say why you bought us, sir...''

''Oh, right. Better get this over with....'' He cleared his throat, coughing a little and turned around towards Tenpenny Tower. From the outside, it was pretty tall and in better condition I seen most buildings are in around here. A few guards stood at their posts outside where they were, guarding the front gate. Once we got inside, lead by Mister Tenpenny, that's when me and Rainbow were amazed.

The lobby of the tower was neatly decorated, way beyond what I was expecting. A giant chandelier hung from the ceiling, its lights glowing bright, illuminating the entire midsection of the lobby. Pretty quartz-white pillars held up the large balconies on the left and right sides of the room, in the middle was a desk, a corridor behind it that lead to the suites of the tower. But above all, it was civilized. On the way, pretty much everybody in the room all seemed to be staring at Rainbow, looking as if they were dreaming. Like she was from some child's bedtime story. They exchanged shocked expressions, some whispering quietly to each other about her.

I looked at Rainbow, who's mouth was agape, taking in the beautiful scenery around her. Admittingly, I was, too.

Mister Tenpenny walked on, motioning for us to follow his foot steps. He walked by the desk and toward the elevator at the back of the small corridor, me and Rainbow following slowly behind, due to her hurting leg.

''Rainbow? Hows that leg?''

''It hurts...I want it to stop.'' She said dully, looking me in the eye, me noticing a small tear at the edge of her eye.

''What's wrong?'' I asked concernedly.

''Its just...what you did to that guy in the gun shop...I thought Eulogy was going to kill you.'' She sobbed quietly, almost at a whisper. ''I thought I'd never see you again, Brady...''

''Hey, hey. Its okay, now.'' I calmed her as best I could. ''I'm not going to die. By your side I am, by your side I'll stay. I promise.'' I assured her, hugging her close, being careful not to catch her injured hoof. She sobbed quietly into my shoulder as I lovingly caressed her rainbow mane, enjoying the soft feeling of it as I rubbed it up and down.

When we got upstairs, Tenpenny took us into his suite, where he then took us outside to the balcony. There he offered me a seat, but I let Rainbow take it. She needed to rest her hoof in the meantime. She looked at me as I placed a hand on her back, gently stroking her silky, cyan fur. Mister Tenpenny sat across from us, both of us meeting his gaze, waiting for him to speak.

''Right. Now we are alone, there are some things we need to discuss.'' Tenpenny said, in a more serious tone than he had before.

''We're listening.'' I said, waiting for what he had to say.

''Good. First thing is first, Brady. Do you recall when I said you look familiar? Back at Paradise Falls?''

''Y-Yeah?'' I asked shakily.

''I remember a while back - 4 months ago - if I remember correctly about a young boy leaving a vault. I assume that young man is you?''

I nodded at Mister Tenpenny, confirming his question.

''Okay then. All I need is one thing from you, Brady. And if you comply, you're free to go. Are we at an understanding?''

''That all depends, sir. I'm not a murderer-for-hire.''

''No. I'm not asking you to murder somebody, but more to reason with someone. Only if it becomes necessary, are you required to kill him. You'll find him in Megaton in Moriarty's Saloon. His name is Mister Burke. He used to work for me, but one day, about a couple weeks ago, he turned against my head of security and took a bundle of my money. Now, we're talking big money, here. What he took needs to be reclaimed!''

''Mister Burke? No, never met the guy. If I saw him, how exactly would I identify him? Any specific details?''

''Ah, yes. You'll know when you see him. He would definitely stick out among the people living there, so you will or hopefully will find it easy to locate him.''

I turned to Rainbow, meeting her gaze. She truly was a beautiful, young mare. She smiled weakly at me, gripping my hand with her hoof, me clenching around her hoof softly as I caressed it lovingly with my thumb.

''You're not going to do it are you? I mean...kill him?'' Her tone sounded sad. God, I hated seeing her sad like this...

''I dunno, Rainbow. I guess, if he tries to get me first, I'll get him, so there's a 50/50 chance there.''

''I wanna go with you.''

''No, Rainbow.'' I placed my free hand to her shoulder, staring directly into her magenta eyes. ''You stay here. You need to rest that hoof. I don't want you getting anymore hurt than you already are...I won't be long, don't worry about me.''

I smiled at her, but she didn't smile back, instead a tear shed from her eye and she surprisingly clung around my chest, pulling herself as close to me as she could, taking the wind out of me.

''Dashie...y-your crushing m-me...''

But she didn't let go. She just clung to me and sobbed as she buried her head into my chest.

''Dash....''

''Sorry, Brady...I just love you too much. I don't wanna lose you. Ever.'' She weeped.

''I love you too, Dash. But, you gotta listen to me. You are the most important thing in my entire life right now. If I lose you, I'd die.''

Later than night, Mister Tenpenny set us up with a suite while we stay at his tower, and honestly, I think it was just a little better than my Megaton house. The only thing it has missing is Dogmeat. The last time I saw the poor animal, we were being taken captive by slavers just outside Paradise Falls. I wonder where he got to?

Me and Rainbow Dash laid together in the same bed. I lay facing away from her and she was facing my back, clinging around my chest with her hooves. And from what I could tell, it sounded like she was asleep. Her breathing was slow and quiet, almost like a baby in a deep sleep. I don't know why, but whenever Rainbow held onto me like she was doing, I felt...warm inside. I have never felt like this before. I have never ever experienced it.

C'mon, Rainbow Dash, you gotta hold it together! He saved your life, you've known him for at least a year, and we both knew it was gonna happen. You fell in love. You don't wanna lose him. I know you got feelings for him and he has them for you, but maybe it would be best to tell him before anything happens to him...or to you. Look what its doing to you. You are starting to break because you can't bring yourself to say it. The Rainbow Dash you once were wouldn't hesitate, and I know for sure you wouldn't, you just can't find it in yourself, but you need to. Just say it.

''Brady? Are you asleep yet?'' Rainbow asked me softly as she still clung onto me.

''No. Something wrong, Rainbow? You sound a little troubled...''

I held her hoof with a caring hand, still facing away.

''I...uh...I-I dunno. I just...don't feel like me anymore. I feel like I'm slowly being eaten away by something.''

At that statement, my worry level seemed to immediately raise. I turned around, now facing Rainbow, my face just millimeters apart from her muzzle.

''Rainbow? What's wrong?''

Tell him how you feel, Rainbow. You'll feel better once you do.

She let out a heavy sigh, looking me dead in the eyes. She drew closer to me, wrapping her hooves behind my back and kissed me lovingly on the lips. When she broke away from the kiss, she hugged me close and nuzzled my cheek.

''I love you, Brady.'' Is all she said.

The way she said it made my heart feel warmer inside, but the way she said made it clear enough that she was hurting inside, but from what, I don't know. I hugged her back, kissing her on her lips and looked her in the eyes.

''Do you wanna talk about it, Rainbow?''

''About what?''

''You said you don't feel like you anymore? C'mon, Dashie, I know that look. What is it?''

''Its nothing, really.''

She tried to reassure me, but I could see that something was up. Something she didn't want to tell me.

''Well, alright, Dash. If you say so.''

''Would you snuggle with me?'' She asked shyly with a blush spread across her cheeks.

''Sure, Rainbow.''

I myself at this point was blushing and wasted no time in snuggling up to Dash, holding her close with one hand around her body and one behind her head, caressing her mane with my hand.

''Goodnight, Brady.''

''Goodnight, Dashie.''

Mister Burke

Early in the morning, I was first to get up, Rainbow sleeping silently on the bed. I couldn't help but smile at her. I knelt down to her, stroking her mane over her ear, making her smile and lightly move her head. She raised a hoof, still keeping her eyes closed as she slept, touching my cheek with it, the soft touch of it feeling nice against my skin. I gently moved her hoof away, placing it back down next to her head and kissed her cheek before I left.

I know I told her not to worry about me, but I myself am already scared about dying when I meet Mister Burke. I have no idea who he is, what he's capable of. If I died doing this, what would Rainbow do? How could she possibly go on without me? Ugh...I'm already regretting my decision for what I'm about to do. At the end of the bed, a footlocker help my equipment that Mister Tenpenny sweet-talked the slavers into giving me back. The only difference is that since my minigun was taken and never given back, Tenpenny ordered Eulogy to replace it with a better one; one in a more stable condition and less recoil, including a faster shooting rate.

I picked out my Pip-Boy and fastened it around my arm, powering it on. Next I took out my scavenging pouch and my money. From what I saved up, there was only a fraction of it left, and that is also because of the slavers. Bastards....

As I finished strapping my things around me and getting my guns and resources, I heard a small groaning noise behind me. I spun around, facing Dashie, whom seemed to be dreaming. She seemed to be writhing around under her sheets, mumbling in her sleep.

''No...No...d-don't go...no...''

I couldn't help but feel guilty for abandoning her at this point. Of course she was gonna be like this if I left her, or worse....never came back and she never saw me again...

''Dash? Dashie!'' I shook her shoulder, trying to wake her up, but she carried on mumbling. ''Dash! WAKE UP!''

This time I shook her harder, and eventually, she woke up, sweat and tears covering her face, and the second she saw me, she latched her hooves around me, burying her head into my chest, sobbing at the nightmare she had just witnessed. I cradled her head, resting my chin on her forehead, stroking her mane in an attempt to comfort her.

''Sshh, Sshhh. It's okay, Rainbow, its alright now...'' I shushed her, in an attempt to calm her down. ''I'm here, you're okay.''

''Oh, it was so awful!'' She sobbed into my chest. ''I dreampt that you never came back...t-t-t-that you were d-dead!''

''Hey, enough of that, Rainbow Dash. That's never going to happen, I swear. No one is going to kill me.'' I said, hoping it would reassure her, but her feelings were too strong for my words.

''Don't go! Please! I don't want you to die!'' She begged me, cuddling me tighter as tears soaked my chest.

''Rainbow, I'll only be gone for a short while. I know you're upset and don't want me to go off and get myself killed, but I have no choice. I promise you I'll be fine.''

Without hesitation, Rainbow broke from the embrace and looked me in the eyes, and I knew she could sense the fear in them. All the doubts and dread of doing this one assignment for Mister Tenpenny. She rubbed her head into my neck, nuzzling me close. I cuddled her back, and just before I was about to leave, she planted a kiss on my lips, me returning the kiss, telling her that I loved her.

''Its alright, Rainbow. Try to get some sleep. I'll be back soon. I love you.'' I told her with a smile as I left the suite, closing the door after me.

''I love you too...''

When I got to Megaton after a dangerous, long walk, I thought it might be a good idea to see Lucas Simms again. I just wanted to get this over with, and since he knows who is present and who isn't, he would be the first one to ask for Burke's whereabouts. The only problem was finding Lucas. Being the towns sheriff and mayor, he had to be most places, doing his part with everything and helping where needed most. My first stop was my house. My reason being I needed to check if Dogmeat had returned there and if I had any spare weapons lying around that would prove useful for my task.

I wasted no time going up the steps to the second floor of my house and rummaging around in the draws and cabinets. The first thing I found up there, forgotten in the drawer was something I completely forgot about. It was the makeshift body armor I asked Moira to make me when I first moved into Megaton. And on top of the armor was something that made me shed a tear. It was a picture of me and Rainbow hugging each other closely. We looked so happy together....I even remember the day it was taken. It was the day that I taught her to shoot just outside the gates of Megaton. And for a first time shooter, she was pretty good at it.

I ran my hand down the cheek of Rainbow on the picture, smiling, yet also feeling guilt build inside of me.

''I'll be okay, Rainbow. Not for my sake, but for your sake. I love you, Dashie.''

I folded up the picture and tucked it away in a small protective pocket on the inside of the body armor, preventing it from being damaged. I looked into the filing cabinet, pulling out a weapon I barely even used: A laser rifle.

I myself aren't a fan of energy weapons, but from what I hear, they pack a lot of power for a laser-based weapon. The bad part is that I only had a single microfusion cell, and that was the one that was already inside the rifle, and I'm pretty sure some of the power in it had already been used up, so I gotta make the ammunition last if I ever run out, which is more than likely.

Outside, I walked down to the crater, where I looked for Lucas Simms. After a short while looking around for him, I found no trace, so carried on in my search for Burke. Mister Tenpenny mentioned he drinks at Moriarty's Saloon, just to the left of the crater and up a few levels, so that's the best place to look for him. When I entered the bar, I was immediately greeted by the smell of strong alcohol and decay that seemed to be inescapable from being able to not smell it. At the counter of the bar, I went up and sat on a stool next to a pretty young lady wearing a merc charmer outfit. Her her was a pretty, shiny ginger and her eyes were blue, much like the shade mine were, and damn, where they pretty. I looked at the bartender, and he seemed to be annoyed with the radio on the counter. He was banging at it, hoping to get the signal in better, but he soon gave up as it did nothing. Galaxy News Radio's station was playing over the radio. Though it was mostly static coming from the transceiver on the radio, it was pretty easy to make out that it was still GNR playing.

When the bartender turned around, that's when I nearly shot him in the face out of fright. His skin was peeled and still was peeling off in various places, his hair was barely even there, and what creeped me out more than those single features, his eyes appeared to be irradiated and the colour of milky white, making it near impossible to not see his pupils, and his nose...it wasn't there. All that was there were the insides of the nose, now clearly visible due to his missing tissue.

''Need a drink, pally? Or are you just here to waste my time?'' He asked me. His voice was cracked a little, sounding as if he's been smoking his entire life.

''Gah! What are you?!'' Is all I managed to say, a bit too shocked to allow my brain to function properly.

''What, you never seen a ghoul before? Jesus, where have you been, kid? Under a rock?''

''What the hell is a ghoul?''

''Why are you asking me when you can just see for yourself? I'm right in front of you!''

''I've actually never even met a ghoul before, you know. I grew up in a vault, so I wouldn't know.''

''Oh, well that explains a lot. So you gonna buy something or not?''

''Nah, I'm just gonna sit here.''

''Suite yourself, smooth skin.''

I looked down at my hands, just to stop myself from looking at that...ghoul. After a few moments of silence, I took out my old switchblade, placing it on the table in front of me with a small metallic clang. I sighed, trying to think what to do when the time comes, but right now, my brain was hurting to think. The only thing I could think of other than a plan was Rainbow Dash. I wanted to know if she were safe on her own with Mister Tenpenny. Would he treat her and me fair if we play along with him? Would he take advantage of her if I die? Would they do something to her? Kill her? Rape her? Hurt her?

''What's that for?'' A sweet voice asked from my right.

When I looked up, it was that pretty women with ginger hair and blue eyes, puffing on a cigarette and letting out a cloud of smoke.

She looked at me, and I knew that look all too well.

''This?'' I motioned to the knife, she giving an affirmative nod. ''Well, I'm afraid I can't tell you.''

''Why ever not?'' She asked innocently, never once taking her sapphire eyes off me.

''Its personal. Sorry, sweetheart.''

''Is that so?'' She asked with a raised brow, taking another drag of her cigarette.

''I'm afraid so.''

''Alright then. You never know though...''

''Know about what?'' I inquired, me now being curious.

''Oh, you know.'' She let out a puff of smoke before carrying on. ''Trouble makers.''

''Trouble makers? Such as?''

''What, you haven't heard? Right now, the biggest trouble maker we have is Mister Burke over there.''

She motioned over to a man in the far corner of the bar, sat alone next to a table with a lantern illuminating the area around him in a dim yellow. He wore a grey business attire and a shapeless pre-war hat along with tortuous shell glasses with bottomless rims. On the table next to him, I saw he had a 10mm pistol with a silencer attached to the barrel.

That was him, and hell, was Mister Tenpenny right. He does stick out from the other civilians here.

Mister Burke. There he is, Brady. Now, try to relax. Just do what Mister Tenpenny wants and get it over with so you can go back to see Rainbow. Do it.

I got up, abandoning the conversation with the pretty girl and walked over to Mister Burke. Mister Burke surprisingly saw me come over and motioned for me to come closer and have a seat opposite him. Thought I was kind of expecting a different reaction from him, he seemed rather happy he had someone to talk to.

''Come here, dear boy. I want to talk to you for a moment.'' He said with a smirk spread on his face.

So I sat down. He never even broke eye contact once. It was already starting to make me feel uneasy.

''Allow me to introduce myself, first. I'm Mis-''

''Mister Burke.'' I finished for him. Him giving me a surprised look back.

''How did you know?'' He inquired.

Brady, you fucking idiot! Now he's gonna find out you work for Tenpenny!

''I...um...lucky guess?'' I said slowly.

''Look, I don't know anything about you boy, but you clearly know something about me.'' He started, looking suspiciously at me with a deadly glare. ''Where. Did. You. Here. That. Name?''

''I'm not saying anything.''

''Oh?'' He raised a brow at me. ''Is that so?''

''Yes.''

''Very well, then.'' He put his hand over the handle of his pistol on the table, gripping it softly with his fingers. ''No one just comes to a place and hears a mans name out of a ''lucky guess'', kid. If you heard my name someplace, I want to know where. Was it Mister Tenpenny?''

Oh, shit! He's onto you! Forget the job, Brady, just run!

''I-I...uh...um..erm..N-N-No?'' I stuttered uncontrollably, making him chuckle softly.

''So, Mister Tenpenny sent you to get me, hmm?'' He said with a coy smile.

''Y-Y-Y-Yes...''

''Well, what did the old coot want?''

''He says you stole a great sum of money from him and he wants me to collect. By force or peacefully.''

''We'll just see about that, boy. Starting a fight is the dumbest idea right now. Do you know how many people will come after you? Of course you don't. Every citizen here would be jumping down your throat and you'd be dead in minutes.''

''No. No they won't.''

I placed my knife on the table in front of Mister Burke. At first he stared at me, like I was having a joke with him, then he started laughing.

'Ahahahaha! Oh, god! That's your ace in the hole, kid? A switchblade? Really creative, kid. You're sure to be killed in a second if you try anything with that.''

''That's what I'm willing to risk, Burke.'' I gave him a cold stare. ''Pay up.'' I demanded.

''Who's gonna make me?''

''Me.''

I picked the knife up, deploying the blade in a flash and pointed the tip of the shiny blade at his throat. But before I could react, he pulled up his pistol in a tight grip and aimed it at my body.

''Don't do anything stupid, boy. I'll kill you, right here, right now.''

''No you won't.''

I hurdled forward, getting him in his upper chest, making him groan in pain as blood slowly oozed out his wound and staining his suit a dull red. He fired a few times at me, some hitting my body armor and failing to penetrate its toughness, making Burke panic a little. His gun was useless against my torso. I slashed at him again, grazing his cheek.

''You're a feisty one, kid, I'll give you that.'' He panted.

''You're an ass to try and kill!'' I said as I slashed at him a few times, failing to make contact.

Come on, Brady! He's just one man! If you can take out a Raider, you can take out this punk! Put your body into it!

Without hesitation, I launched myself at Burke's feet, tackling him to the floor. I started throwing punches, whacking him rapidly in the mouth, causing him to spit blood. He was defenseless, vulnerable to my attacks. I grabbed his throat, banging his head into the steel floor below us, making him grunt in agony with each slam. After a few hits, he managed to muster the strength to grab my arm, pushing me to the floor, so he was on top of me. He forcefully swung his fist into my eye, making it go black and bruised underneath. Next he did what I did to him, he started punching me in the mouth, making it bleed just like his, only more from his forceful swings.

Within moments, I was in too much pain around my head, and possibly concussed, judging from my pain that never seemed to leave my head. Mister Burke stood over me, holding my switchblade in his blood-smeared hand. He looked down at me, seeing my pain as he gave me an evil smirk.

''Very dumb move, kid. Very dumb move, indeed.''

He knelt down until he was centimeters away from my torso and without hesitating, he plunged the knife into my chest, penetrating my body armor and digging deep into my flesh. I cried out in pain, blood oozing from my wound rapidly and then squirting out as he retracted the knife, making the wound burn fiercely with pain. As Mister Burke got back up to leave, I heard gunshots fire, followed by screaming and a small amount of blood splattered onto my face, and then Mister Burke's body fell down next to me, blood seeping out of his mouth and a few bullet holes in his chest. Moments later, somebody came to my side and slowly lifted me up.

I didn't see his face, but all he said was, ''C'mon. Lets get you back to Tenpenny so you can be patched up.''

And then we walked out of the bar and back to the tower.

Through Rainbow's Eyes

Never in my life did I think I could fall in love, but it has happened. I love Brady. But he's gone now. Gone back to Megaton to deal with someone called Mister Burke, leaving me alone in this bedroom. During the morning before he left, I had a nightmare about something terrible. Terrible enough that I didn't want to let go of him. Ever. I dreampt that when he went to Megaton after Burke and finally finding him afterwards, my worst fears happened. Burke killed Brady. Never before have I awoken after a dream to see the one I love in front of me, him sensing the love in my eyes as I detect it in his.

I have been crying all morning and pretty much the whole afternoon. The only thing that I found comforting about this morning is when I held tight to Brady's chest, sobbing uncontrollably, not wanting to let him go. But now, it has happened. Hes gone and I don't know if I will see him again.

Oh, listen to yourself, Rainbow! Of course he'll come back! He always comes back! You've gotta hold it together, Dash!

I fluttered over to the balcony, trying to find something else to focus my mind on, but look what it is: its a wasteland! Just about any and everything full of life and beauty are gone! The only thing lingering around in my mind was Brady! Every hour he didn't return seemed to eat away at my heart, incinerating it ever so slowly as I could feel myself starting to break.

As I stared over the balcony, watching the floor far below me, I saw something. Something that looked like two human figures coming slowly over the horizon. I squinted my eyes to get a better look, but still couldn't make it out to confirm who I thought it was. After moments of waiting, I squinted again, this time seeing who it was, but what he looked like made my heart sink.

It was Brady. He was being carried by what looked like one of Mister Tenpenny's guards. Underneath him, I could clearly see a trail of red dripping onto the sandy floor and it looked to be coming from Brady's chest. I gasped. No...he...I-I-It can't be! He can't be...dead! HE JUST CAN'T BE!

Without a second thought, I went into the air, swooping down from the balcony and charging down the tower, landing at the front gate, careful not to hurt my broken hoof again as I did so. The guard looked at me, surprised, but I didn't care. I was far too concerned about my love than what was happening around me at this point.

Eventually, the gate to the tower slid open, letting them in, sending some guards to gasp at what they saw the other guard carried in his arms, and he wasted no time at all in getting Brady back inside the tower, me following closely behind him.

When he got inside, he ran through the lobby and down the left side of the bottom floor, towards the doctor's clinic.

He immediately placed Brady down on the operating table in the middle of the clinic, trying to make sure he was comfortable enough before he inspected the wound closer. His blood was already oozing down his side and onto the floor, forming a small pool of red. I couldn't help but try to fight back tears at the sight. The guard left the room for a moment, running for the doctor, trying to get him to help him patch Brady up. I trotted up to him, his arm hanging off of the edge of the operating table. I placed my hoof in his hand, feeling that it was cold and looked slightly pale.

NO! NO,NO,NO! Rainbow! Don't just stand there! Help him! You can't let him bleed to death!

''But what can I do?!'' I thought aloud, my thoughts irritating me.

I don't even know the slightest thing about medicine! I don't know how to fix a wound, nor to stop bleeding! Gah! If only Twilight or Nurse Redheart where here to help me...but they weren't. They were back in Ponyville, doing Celestia knows what. Probably searching for me or have already been doing so for days.

My thoughts were cut short when the guard came running back in with the doctor right behind him, and he too wasted no time in running to Brady's aid. The doctor unzipped the vault suit Brady was wearing and pulled the material apart, giving enough space to treat and inspect the wound. He looked at it, amazed that he had survived the heavy blood loss from the deep wound. Without wasting any more time, he checked his pulse, alarmed that it was beating slower and slower as minutes went on. He attached wires to the upper chest of his patient that were connected to a heart monitor. Its beeping now filling the silent room every few seconds as it measured his BPS. I still clenched onto his hand, my body heat warming him up a little, enough I could feel it, too.

The thing that concerned me the most is that he didn't seem to be moving. His head kept still, not moving in all the time he had been here. I looked up at his face, seeing a small trails and a patch of blood dried among his lips. His left eye was bruised and his eyes were closed, which worried me more.

''Brady? Can you hear me?'' I asked him, to which he didn't respond. (obviously but worryingly).

I stroked his cheek, feeling that his face was colder than his arm. I rubbed my cheek against his, holding him gently around the neck with my hooves. I never took my eyes off his sleeping eyes once, wanting nothing more for him to just wake up, but I think we both knew that wasn't going to happen anytime soon.

The guard held the sides of his deep and heavily bleeding wound together, letting the doctor clean and sterilize the wound before he operated on him. He started by rubbing around the wound with a surgical cloth, not taking long in coating the once light blue cloth a dark red. Next he took out some surgical stitching equipment and readied himself to do the job before Brady died of too much heavy bleeding.

The part when he was about to stitch up the large wound, I looked away, not wanting to see the operation take place. I may be tough, but I don't like seeing something or someone bleed, especially when it is a friend or a person I loved.

''I'm not gonna let you die. I'm not ever gonna let you die, Brady. I love you.'' I told him, repeating it silently in my head.

''Gustavo, get the IV stand and half fill it with adrenaline.'' The doctor commanded the guard, him nodding and wheeling a small IV stand next to the operating table, hooking a surgical tube into Brady's arm, just above his hand. He walked up to the clinics small fridge, searching among the many blood type and painkiller IV bags that filled it. A short moment later, Gustavo pulled out a half filled adrenaline bag and hooked it to the stand, connecting the tubing to the bottom of it, letting the clear liquid flow through the tubing and into Brady's body where it slowly worked throughout his system.

''How long will it take you, Doc?'' He asked the doctor, not once stopping his stitching.

''About a couple hours. Maybe not even that.'' He replied, concentrating hard on his patients condition, knowing one mistake could mess up and worsen Brady's condition, resulting in killing him.

''Will he be okay?'' I asked the doctor, who seemed not to recognize my voice, giving his expression. He looked up at me, shock clearly visible on his old and crumpled face.

''Whoa! Did you just talk?!''

''Um...yeah. I thought most people knew that?''

''Uh....erm...no?''

''Erm, Doc, aren't you gonna finish that wound before he bleeds out?''

''Oh! Yeah, sorry about that.''

The doctor immediately got back with his work, feeling stupid for not remembering, yet still looking shocked in now knowing that I could talk. After the wound was stitched up, the doctor's hands were coated in Brady's blood, small splotches covering his white doctor coat.

I waited a while, still holding onto Brady's lifeless and cold arm, and eventually, the doctor had finished his work, telling me that I could stay behind with Brady and Gustavo, seeing him recover. (I hope).

''So, Gustavo, is it? What happened to Brady? He looks terrible.'' I asked the guard, shedding a single tear down my cheek.

''I found him a Moriarty's in Megaton, and it seems he got in a bit of a fight with Mister Burke.'' Gustavo explained. ''He was lucky I arrived when I did. Burke was about to leave, and so I killed him, just before he saw me, and that's when I found Brady on the floor, a knife wound in his chest and bleeding heavily from the wound, including just a little in his mouth. Just take it easy when he wakes up. He'll still be in a lot of pain.''

Before anything further was said between us, I pulled Gustavo into a hug, taking him by surprise as I clenched around his torso tightly.

''Thank you! If it weren't for you, I think I would of lost him!''

''H-Hey, now. It was nothing, really. I couldn't just let him die, now, could I? That would just be irresponsible of me if I left him there to die from blood loss on his own.''

I broke away from the hug, looking back at Brady's lightly sleeping body.

''Oh, and by the way, I had to take this off of him when I was carrying him back here.''

Gustavo pulled out a battered up piece of body armor with a knife slash in the lower part of it and handed it to me. It was kind of weighty, so I couldn't blame him for taking it off, but it looked as though it did stop the bleeding from being uncontrollable, judging from the enormous blood patch surrounding the entry slit from the knifes blade. As I looked inside, I noticed a small pocket that looked to be something of a protective pouch. I gently lifted up the leather flap and pulled out a folded piece of...paper?

I carefully unfolded it, noticing what it was. It was a photograph. It displayed me and Brady holding and hugging each other with smiles on our faces. It made me smile, too. I was now crying at the lovely photo. I remembered that day. It was the day Brady shown me how to use a weapon and how do defend myself in this cruel and unforgiving world.

That night, I didn't even go back to the suite, nor did I take my gaze from Brady's sleeping body. I actually thought he was kind of handsome, even in his current condition. I just hope- no. I prey that he just lives through it. If he were to die, I don't know what I'd do. I mean, I'm in an alternate world from mine, and I have no idea if I'd ever get back there. Back to Equestria where things would be safe and beautiful and not dull and war-torn to shreds of chaos and brutality. I just wish that if it was possible, I can take Brady with me. I don't wanna live my life without him, just like he doesn't without me in it. But for now, I guess things are gonna remain how they are, but the thing that will never be destroyed is our love.

Awakening

In the clinic of Tenpenny Tower, I still sit here with Brady, peacefully sleeping with my cheek against his as I hold to his warm body.

I've stayed with him all night, and over that period of not moving away from him, I found that the treatment is working greatly on him. He should be fine now! But the part I wanna know is when will he wake up? He's been like this for two days and barely shown signs of life other than a warmer temperature than when he was brought back here by Gustavo.

I nuzzled him close, slowly starting to wake myself up and kissed him lovingly on the cheek. I looked over to the heart monitor and saw that it was reading his BPS normally, showing that he was in a normal condition. When I looked down at his eyes, I could swear I saw them weakly open very little and close, his fingers twitching as he did so. At first, I didn't know what to think, but it was more what I was feeling, and that feeling was joy! He was finally waking up! I couldn't believe it!

I soon found myself cuddling back up to him, wrapping my hooves around the back of his head and rubbing my cheek against his.

In a brief moment, I felt a very weak feeling of Brady's fingers rubbing the back of my head, gently going up and down my mane in a somewhat comforting motion. Tears of joy escaped my eyes as his body ever so slowly began to awake after his long time of sleeping silently and lifelessly. Slowly and carefully, he raised his other arm shakily, and wrapped it around my waist, causing me to blush at his touch. His eyes slowly opened, fluttering at first and displayed his temporarily pale blue eyes that seemed just as lifeless as he was at this point. A small, weak smile formed onto his lips as he looked up into my eyes.

''H-H-H-Hey, Da-a-a-shie...'' He croaked weakly, his voice sounding like he had a desert down there because he had barely had a thing to drink for a couple days.

''Welcome back to the world of the living, Brady.'' I greeted him back into reality, him seeming quite happy to hear my voice. ''We thought we'd lost you.''

''D-Don't wor-ry about m-me, Dash. I-I'm alright.'' He smiled wider, pulling me closer.

''Come here, you.'' I leaned right down, locking lips with him. It was a long, passionate kiss. The kind that expressed how I truly felt about him, and Celestia, where they all true, positive feelings! After our close moment together, I broke from the loving and inviting kiss, looking him directly in the eyes with a blush and my regular, sweet smile.

''How long was I out? Or...dead?''

''About a couple days. When I heard, I never left your side. I just didn't ever want to leave you, no matter what. I've been here the whole time you were gone.'' I told him, lifting up his weak arm, letting his hand brush my soft, cyan cheek.

''You stayed here...with me?'' He asked, in awe.

My response was a nod. I let his arm go, gently putting it back down and wrapping my hooves around his head as I cuddled him close like a teddy bear. I rubbed my cheek into his curly, golden hair, enjoying the silky, pillow-soft feeling that it had against me. It kind of reminded me of being back in my mansion, snoozing on a cloud like I usually did. But out of all his features, I think his hair is the one I loved the most, probably because of what it felt like.

''I'm just glad to have you back...you scared me to death, Brady.'' I silently cried as I still cuddled against him.

''I told you I was never gonna leave you.'' He chuckled softly, coughing afterwards.

''Brady. You were bleeding pretty heavily. Look on the floor and down your side and you'll see what I mean.''

He looked down, seeing the dried, dark red blood staining the bandages around his chest and the table he was on, including the floor that had more blood than the others spread across it.

''Whoa...how am I even still alive? What happened? I thought Burke actually killed me!''

''A guard called Gustavo brought you back. And well...he gave me your body armor. I saw the blood, Brady. It was horrible! Just from seeing it, I thought you'd be dead minutes from then! I also found this.''

I pulled a picture out from under my wing, unfolding it so Brady could see it and like I thought, he smiled as a tear rolled down his cheek. He pulled his arm out, touching my cheek. I held his arm with my hoof, supporting it due to his still, weakened state. He just lay there and smiled at me, me returning the smile as I snuggled his arm.

''Love you, Brady. Forever will and never won't.''

''I love you too, Rainbow. Forever will and never will not love you.''

Two-Timer

Me and Brady still cuddled together in the clinic, holding each other close and tightly. After about a half our, Gustavo walked in and looked at me and Brady as we cuddled with a smile spread on his face as he stood in the doorway of the clinic. At first, he looked at Brady, happy and a little surprised to see that he was okay and much more back to his original colour, but still very bloody around his chest area and bruised face, along with the small trickle of blood down his lip and face.

''So, I see you're alive, then, eh?'' He said, still smiling.

Brady got up, as did I and looked at him, a blush appearing on both our faces.

''I guess I am.'' Brady said, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly with one hand. ''Have you been there long?''

''No, just got here actually. I just needed to talk to you about something.'' Gustavo said, the smile fading from his face as he stepped towards us, his eyes showing an emotionless status.

''What were you doing in Megaton?''

''Huh? What? How do you know I was in Megaton?''

''I found you there. Don't you remember anything? Well, it is understandable seeing as you passed out when I was carrying you here, but are you serious? You don't remember anything?''

Brady didn't respond. Instead, he looked at his now stitched up wound and back at Gustavo a few times.

''No...I don't...'' He eventually said, lifelessly.

''What the hell were you thinking about attacking Mister Burke, kid? That man is nothing but a snake and a trouble maker! I'm just glad I killed him. The rat was asking for it.''

''You were the one who saved me and killed Burke?''

''Yes. You were lucky I found you when I did, too. You were bleeding pretty heavily.''

''I owe you one, Gustavo. Thanks for saving me.'' Brady thanked with a smile.

''Don't mention it, kid.'' Gustavo smiled back. ''By the way, Mister Tenpenny wanted to have a word with you. He's meant to be here in a few minutes, actually.''

Without another moment to talk, Mister Tenpenny came into the clinic, both his guards standing behind his back. He looked at all three of them, mostly at Brady and me. He dismissed the two guards, including Gustavo, leaving them alone to talk together.

He walked towards the operating table where Brady was resting with me snuggled down into his side. He smiled at seeing me hang onto him like I was, but I didn't smile, I just gave a mad glare at him for nearly sending him to his close-to-death-experience.

''Looks like you got into a bit of a scrape with Burke, lad.'' He stated bluntly. ''So, did you accomplish what was asked of you?''

Brady glared at him, and it didn't take me long to realize how much anger was slowly working its way into his voice.

''No. No I didn't. In case you didn't notice, I'm too busy being in medical care because I nearly died, thank you very much.'' Brady deadpanned, making a frown come to Tenpenny's face.

''Oh, don't be like that, now, boyo. Just answer the question.''

''Fine. No, I didn't. Gustavo killed Burke and he carried me back over here. Isn't all my blood on the floor a good enough answer?''

''Mind your attitude, Brady. All I wanted to know was weather you did the task or not. No need to get in a flurry.''

I felt his grip tighten around my hoof protectively as he pulled me closer, rubbing his cheek into mine.

''Ha. Just look at you two together. You make such a lovely couple!''

I ignored that statement. And from the looks (and feels) of it, I think Brady was, too.

''Tenpenny. Why did you want me to go there anyway? Mister Burke had nothing on him. Is there something you aren't telling me?''

''Well, as a matter of fact, there is. You see, I've not been entirely truthful with you, Brady. The task involving Mister Burke was...a set up.''

Me and Brady froze, giving Tenpenny a confused stare at what we had just heard him say.

''A...A set up? Why?'' I asked Tenpenny.

''Well, you see, about Mister Burke, when I told you he had some money of mine that he stole, I lied. The whole aim of the task was to see how far you were willing to go, a test, if you will.'' He explained, still holding his emotionless expression.

''You mean to tell us that you set this up as a ''test'' and nearly sent Brady to his death?! You're a monster! A heartless, cold-blooded monster!'' I shouted at him, making him flinch at the outburst.

''Calm yourself down, Rainbow. Even I couldn't predict that this would of happened to him. Its not like it wasn't dangerous or anythi-''

Before Tenpenny could finish his sentence, I slammed my hoof into his jaw, knocking him out cold onto the ground. I panted heavily, looking at his body on the floor. I could slowly feel anger brewing deeply inside me as I stared over him, wanting to kick him as he lay there, but the punch was enough.

''Rainbow! Rainbow...just...stop.'' Brady tried to calm me, attempting to climb to his feet, but his still weak state made it difficult for him to do so. He gripped the sides of the table tight as he could and forcefully swung his legs to the side, landing them on the blood-stained stone floor, losing his grip and slipping to the floor flat on his chest with a loud thud. He groaned as he tried to pick himself up, falling back down to the floor in failure. I ran towards him and placed my hoof around his body, feeling his heartbeat vibrate through my hoof at a fast pace. With all my strength, I pulled him to his feet, still being careful not to trigger any pain from his stitched wound. He stumbled a little at first, but then he regained his balance and shakily walked his way out of the clinic, with me helping him walk as an aid.

Back in our suite, I helped Brady down on the bed, not letting go of him until he was laying on the sheets. I looked down at him, and he looked back at me with a smile. I held his hand with my hoof, rubbing it up and down gently with my other hoof. He placed a hand to my cheek, rubbing it with the back of his hand gingerly, causing me to blush.

''How's your hoof doing, Dashie?'' He asked, motioning to my bandaged hoof with his eyes.

''Still hurts a bit, but it should be fine. How's your wound?'' I asked with a weak smile.

''Hurts like hell. Rainbow? I know you hate not being able to have full control of that hoof seeing as Pronto broke it, so I wanna show you something. You see that footlocker at the end of the bed? Open it.''

I released my grip on his hand and placed it gently down beside him. I trotted towards the footlocker he appointed me to and opened the aluminium lid. Inside were packs of bandages, some strange-looking needles, medical bags and some guns and bullets of all different calibers and types.

''Alright. You see some needles in there with a pressure gauge on them? Take two out and bring them over here.''

I took two of the strange-looking needles from the footlocker and trotted back to the bed, Placing them beside Brady. He picked one up and looked at the gauge, giving an affirmative nod after looking at it. He placed it back down and looked back at me.

''Now, Rainbow, these are called stimpacks. What they do is, like an original needle, you inject it into your arm, but these are slightly different. You place it into your wounded limb or original wound like mine and it should fix it for you. Ever had an injection before?''

''Y-Yes...I hate needles...''

''Right. I'll be honest, though. These live up to their name. They stimulate the wound and automatically fix the wound. They even fix bones like its nothing. Do you want me to fix your leg?''

''I...I um....no...I mean...yes...I..'' I stuttered uncontrollably, trying to not show the fear of the needle being injected to my hoof, but to no avail.

''Its okay, Rainbow. They don't even hurt. I promise you won't feel it.''

''Okay.'' I put my injured hoof out and rested it on the side of the bed. ''I trust you.''

''Don't look if you don't wanna, Rainbow.''

''O-Okay...'' I turned my head away, squeezing my eyes shut. ''Just make it fast...please...''

''Ready?''

''No...''

''Three...Two...One...''

A small prick was felt in my hoof, causing me to squeeze my eyes tighter. A small sound of what sounded like magical whirring was heard and a second or so later, I felt the long needle being retracted from my hoof. Thank Celestia that was over...

''You okay there?''

''Yeah...'' I said as I slowly turned my head around to face Brady's smile.

''Alright, try moving your hoof.''

I moved my injured limb, and to my amazement, I could move it normally and pain-free. It worked! My hoof was fixed!

''Oh, my...I-Its fixed...'' I stated breathlessly. ''T-Thank you.''

I hugged Brady, kissing him on the cheek.

''No problem, Rainbow.'' He smiled at me as he hugged me.

''So, you're going to fix yourself with the other one?'' I asked, looking at the other stimpack, him giving me a confirming nod.

''Yes, I am. I'm not staying in bed for a long time because I hurt. Staying in bed is for losers.'' He grinned as he took the last stimpack and injected the outer area of his stab wound with a small gasp and then slowly retracting it.

He then climbed himself to his feet, seemingly stronger than he used to be and cracked his neck as he stretched his aching muscles.

''I feel a lot better, already.'' He smirked at me. ''I guess I should get this blood cleaned off of me then. Can't walk around like I've just survived a fight with a psychopathic person such as Burke, can I?''

A Terrible Truth and Old Memories

I dunno what is wrong with me. I've been back about two weeks now, and in that time, I had been scavenging in semi-dangerous areas with Rainbow, teaching her a thing or two as I went along the way with her by my side. We hadn't gone out in a short while, and just after I managed to get myself back to good health after being half dead and laid up in Tenpenny Tower, I suddenly feel like shit all over again. I've been vomiting quite a lot recently just as well as coughing up blood. From the looks - and pain - that I feel, I think I might have something severely wrong with my insides.

Even Rainbow has been concerned about this. The first time it happened, I woke up and the next thing I know my head just randomly starts thumping with intense pain like I've been guzzling down tequila twenty-four seven and then when Rainbow woke up, she just froze. She said I look paler than she's ever seen anything be, and even said that blood was dripping down my lip. I didn't even think she was serious until I rubbed my bottom lip and saw that blood was smudged over the top of my hand.

''God damn, I feel like hell...'' I moped as I lay flat on one of the patients beds in Doc Church's clinic with Rainbow at my side. Oddly enough, we were the only ones in the room. Normally, there would be quite a few patients in here to fill the beds that remained unoccupied.

''I'm sure you'll be fine, Brady. You survived last time, didn't you?''

''Yeah, but that wasn't internal pains, that was external damage that could of killed me. I'm just thankful Gustavo killed Burke before he killed me.''

''I am, too. I just hope you'll be okay.''

''I hope so, too.''

Some time later, our conversation was cut short by Doc Church coming in with a medical clipboard and a medical kit. He pulled up a chair and placed himself on it, setting down the medical kit on his lap. He looked at the clipboard, going through my medical status and health report. He looked up shortly after reading it and stared into my pale, blue eyes.

''Brady...I dunno how to tell you this, so I'll just say it.''

''What? Is it bad?'' Rainbow asked, gripping my hand tightly with her hooves.

''I'm afraid its worse than that, Rainbow. He has been exposed to a dangerous amount of radiation. I'm actually surprised you're still breathing.''

I froze as I felt Rainbow's grip become intensely tight around my hand. My mouth hung agape, as did Rainbow's at the news.

How was this possible? I haven't even been near anything radioactive enough to make me this messed up. Could it of been something else like the night at the bar when we had those strange beers?

''You can't be serious...how high is my radiation level?''

''Nearly at five-thousand. Normally, a person would die at just one-thousands rads. Even I don't know why you're still alive.''

''Hmm. Wait. This still makes no sense to me. I've been near nothing irradiated enough to poison me that much! The only thing I had that was a week ago was when I was out at Moriarty's with Rainbow. Gob gave us a crate of some strange beers called Fire and Blood. Could that explain something?''

Doc Church froze up. His glare turned ice cold as he looked back between me and Rainbow a few times.

''D-Did you just say Fire and Blood? How much did you have? Didn't you know that Fire and Blood is the most toxic beer type around?! It can kill you if you have a lot!''

''WHAT?!'' Rainbow Dash screamed out loud, nearly falling off the side of the bed. ''I had like ten bottles of the stuff!''

''You had ten?! Are you fuckin' nuts, Rainbow?! That's enough to kill like four or five people! Don't either of you two know its venomous? Its the most toxic drink brand ever created! The time when it was first made was catastrophic!''

''What the hell do you mean? You're barely making sense to us! How the hell am I poisoned and she barely has any of it? I just don't get it!''

''Well, obviously, someone like you is more resistant to radiation than you think you are. As for her, I have no idea. But its still surprising. How many bottles did you have?''

''Like two or three..''

''Just ONE bottle is equivalent to the venom of a Radscorpion! Two is like saying you took a bath in nuclear waste!''

''Oh, fuck...'' I weeped as I planted my free hand into my face, covering my watering eyes. ''Isn't there anything you can do..?''

''Unfortunately, no. The medication to rid radiation from a human system while they are irradiated as you are could kill you. I'm sorry.''

None of us said anything. I cried silently as Rainbow held me tight, weeping into my side. It looks like our time together was limited after all...

''No...'' Rainbow muttered, not looking up at me once. ''No, you can't die! You just can't!''

''Doc...how long do I have?''

''I don't really know, to be honest. But I'd say around a week or two.''

''B-But...there must be something you could do!'' Rainbow said, looking up at the doctor with pleading eyes. ''Please...''

''I'm sorry, but there just isn't any known type of radiation killing medication that could cure you without killing you. I can only suggest you make the most of the time you have left.''

When we got home, I took in what the doctor said. ''Make the most of the time you have left.''. His voice echoed through my head, tempting me. Rainbow hugged next to me as I knelt down next to her, me hugging back. I don't know how long the hug lasted, but being with Rainbow was all I wanted to do. I loved her. I cared about her, and especially if I'm not gonna be around long, I wanted to spend every moment with her. Before she came into my life, I didn't have anything. I was more of a nobody than a somebody. I left my vault to venture the wastes, and look how I ended up: Caring and looking after a pretty, cyan Pegasus as much as she looks after me when I need her by my side.

Here I sat on my bed, looking at some old things of mine that I kept in the filing cabinet from my vault. I found it as good a time as any to go through my past of when I was growing up. The only thing that worries me about the past I have is what happened to everything I loved and cared for. The first thing I pulled out of the filing cabinet was an aluminium Vault 26 themed canteen. It was a little scratched and battered up, but it was one of the many things I had left from my time in the vault as a child, so I kept it with me.

The second thing I pulled out the draw was something that caught my full attention.

It was a picture of me and my friends with their friends and my mother and father at my twentieth birthday.

I kept my focus on some of my friends, but mostly on my mum and dad. I ran my fingers across the glasses picture, trying to get a glimpse of them as I felt tears of sorrow well up in my eyes. The only thing that hurt me more is that even though we were young and very close to each other, I knew in my heart it wasn't that way anymore. If only I didn't leave the vault, I would probably still be friends with them. I've actually been thinking about it a lot, and taken it into consideration. Even though it was dangerous and probably still very irradiated, it would be nice to go back and see the old vault. The only thing that gets me down about the idea is that the fires killed most of the people living there and that now no one lives there because of it all.

I was so focused on thinking about them I didn't even notice that Rainbow was standing in the doorway with a face full of sadness, tear stains on her cheeks as fresh tears drops were pouring from her eyes. She quietly walked over, me barely noticing that she even came next to me. She sat next to me on the bed, looking at my teary eyes and then focusing on the picture in my hands. She eyed at it with curiosity, but she didn't say anything about it. For a long moment, none of us said a thing. The only thing in the room that could be heard were the tormented sobs that came from me.

Eventually, Rainbow gently placed a hoof to my back, making me snap back into reality.

''GAH!! Huh?! What?!'' I exclaimed, startled by her touch, making her flinch a bit. I immediately returned into my calm state as I realized Rainbow was sat beside me, staring up at me with concern clearly plastered onto her face. ''Oh. Its just you.'' I said, sighing out through my nostrils lightly. ''Sorry about that, Rainbow.''

''Hey.'' She said, not once looking away from my eyes. ''You okay? I could hear you crying.''

It was then I placed the framed picture on the bed and rubbed my face with the palms of my hands. When I put it down, Rainbow looked at it for a few moments, and I could tell that she was trying to think about who those other people were in the photo. She didn't say anything for a while but just sit there and look at it. She took it into her hooves to get a closer look. First she looked at me in my younger years then at my mother and father. Next she shared the same confused expression once she looked at my former friends.

''W-What's this?'' She said quietly in her usual sweet voice.

I looked at the framed photo she held in her hooves, the memories still burning through my mind. I looked at her a few times, motioning between the picture and her a few times with my eyes before I finally spoke.

''That was taken on my twentieth birthday, Rainbow. Its the only picture I've got to remember my family and friends.''

She stared blankly, and it really didn't take long to sense that she could sense my emotions through my teary and hurt eyes. I could easily tell she could feel my pain.

''Whats wrong? You seem very upset...''

''Yeah. I am.'' I stated bluntly. ''Just today I learned that I'd be dead in like a week or so. Doesn't that answer enough?''

Rainbow placed the picture down, looking me back in the eyes with a hurt expression of her own as dash's ears flopped back over her head. My response didn't exactly come out the way I wanted it to. It instead came out with a hint of annoyance and hurt feelings.

''S-S-Sorry, Rainbow...I...Its just...I'm so, so depressed about my past. I never have and never will have the chance to try make things right again. Its too late for me.''

''What? What is it that's making you so depressed? You just always seem really happy, despite all this world has done to us both.''

I hummed a gentle ''Hmm'' as a response and looked down at the floor. ''I know it may stupid, but its more of what I did to everyone I loved in the vault. That's what I'm depressed about. Just the hurtful pain of knowing I will never see my parents or friends again because I left them behind after the events that happened that night...because of me...''

''What are you talking about? What events?''

''Dashie, I really don't know if I should talk about this. It was like a few years ago, and it even haunts me still.''

''Please, Brady? Wouldn't it help if you got it out of your system?''

''I-I-I dunno, Dash. I really don't like to talk about it.'' I said as I shifted uncomfortably on the bed, picking up the photo and carefully placing it back into the filing cabinet and shakily shutting the drawer. I stopped for a short while, an aching feeling tugging in my chest, making me cough heavily. As I coughed, small spurts of warm blood sputtered out of my mouth and onto the floor. Rainbow etched back, freight clearly displayed on her face as she watched me writhe and cringe with intense pain. For what seemed like minutes, I coughed until I eventually stopped. My head left me feeling dizzy and the last thing I see is blackness taking my vision as I collapsed to the floor.

The Worst Possible Thing

''Will he be okay? Please just tell me!'' Rainbow said, anger and impatience growing withing her as she nagged the doctor for a response.

''For the last time, Rainbow, I don't know. Would you just let me do my job so I can find you the answer?'' Doc Church said, annoyance shown clearly on his face at the ponies attitude.

After a brief scan and inspection of Brady's unconscious form, the doctor got back up and looked Dash dead in the eyes. Something about his gaze made Dash worry.

''Rainbow...could you just maybe step outside for a moment?''

His voice was quiet, almost like Fluttershy's, but just the way he said it made Rainbow nearly go into a frenzy.

''Go? Why? Whats wrong!?''

''I don't know for sure, but I have a feeling something bad is gonna happen. I'm gonna have to make sure before I can let him go. That is if he ever wakes up.''

''How could you say that?! He's been irradiated worse than anything I've seen so far! Before I hauled him here, he started coughing blood from his mouth and he just collapsed! People nor ponies do that and just ''never get up!''. ''

''Coughing blood? How much?'' Church asked with a raised brow.

''A lot. The floor is stained with it at his house.''

''Great...I suddenly feel a lot worse about this situation...''

''Huh? Why?''

''Rainbow, seriously. Just listen to me, for Brady's sake. If you want me to do something about it, you'll have to leave for a few hours or so. I need to know for sure what I'm dealing with.''

''Ugh! Fine!''

And with that, Rainbow flew out the room and slammed the metal-sheet door behind her, leaving a rather pissed Doc Church behind.

''Well, maybe now I can get on with my job...''

Doc Church looked at Brady, seeing he still hadn't moved a bit. He sat on an old chair and knelt down beside his figure, looking up and down at his body. His whole skin texture had turned pale white, giving him an eery appearance. On his mouth, he had blood smothering his lips that was slowly oozing down the side of his face and down his neck as it made for the bedding he was laying on.

Doc Church felt for his pulse, but didn't find one. He moved his fingers around his neck area until he could find it, and soon, he found a faint, slow thumping sensation, giving him the confirmation he was still alive, or slowly dieing, giving his condition.

He gently lifted up Brady's eyelid, opening it enough to see his pupil, and what he saw immediately caused him to back away instantly. His eye had turned that of a pure milk-white colour and shown no emotions. It was almost as if he had no pupils at all.

''Jesus, its just what I thought it was...'' The Doctor said as he tried to calm down. ''...ghoulification.''

''Stupid doctor! Can't even help Brady stay alive!'' Rainbow Dash ranted on in anger as she trotted around town and kicked madly at the dirt, knocking dust into the soft breeze and pushing it around. Passerbys looked at her, wondering what she was so angry about, but most knew to not even dare approach her when she was like this. The only thing that was running through their minds as they looked at her was ''What is she doing here? How did she get here?''. Dash even snarled at some of the few people who watched her, staring down on her, and made them back off in fear.

The only thing Rainbow could do at this moment was wait, and man, did she hate waiting...

She thought she'd go and see Moira, seeing as there was only her and Gob whom she knew in town. But she didn't really know much about Gob, so what is the point in going there? Moira could get a little annoying, but Dash knew how to keep her cool and not get annoyed by it, mostly because she was used to it back in Equestria when she was around Pinkie Pie. Thinking of Pinkie Pie, Rainbow just wished she could see her again; just once. She missed her and her friends. The only friends she had in the cruel, new world was Brady, Moira and Gustavo. As for Dogmeat, she hadn't seen him for a while, but didn't pay much notice to it. She was never really the dog kind of person, anyway.

Almost the exact instant Rainbow opened the door, she was greeted by the every so joyful Moira Brown. She still wore that grey, RobCo jumpsuit and her hair was the same, pretty red it was before, still tied in a neat bun at the back. She came over towards Rainbow and greeted her.

''Oh, hey! Whats up, Rainbow? Everything been alright lately? I've heard some things happened after I last saw you and Brady. Where is he anyway?''

Rainbow looked sadly at the ground, feeling the tears coming, but she didn't want to cry. She was angry. Brady meant the world to her, and she'll be damned if she loses him.

''He's at the clinic, Moira. Somethings up with him.'' Is all Rainbow said, looking up at Moira's hazel eyes, and quite clearly judging from the look Moira returned to Dash, she could tell she wanted to cry.

''In the clinic? What happened? Is he alright?'' Moira nearly exclaimed, a little surprised but concerned.

''I don't think so. Just the other day, I woke up next to him and he was just so...pale. Blood was running down his lip, but he wasn't even hurt! I don't know if he'll make it! He started coughing up blood, so we went to go and see Doc Church, and he said it was radiation poisoning. Apparently, higher than any case hes seen in that area of medicinal science!''

''Aw...don't be sad, Dashie. I'm sure he'll be alright. He's had worse, and I know that for a fact.''

''How so?''

''Well, before you tagged along with him, I asked him to help with a book I wrote called The Wasteland Survival Guide, and one was to go and get medical supplies from a pharmacy or super-market and the next thing I know, he comes back with a knife wound up his lower intestine, and the worst part is that he had quite a few bullet wounds in him, too! Ugh!''

''You mean...he nearly...died?'' Rainbow asked quietly, almost a whisper.

''Yeah. I was able to patch him up, though. He did take about a week or so before he could get back on his feet, though.''

''Yeah? We ended up working for Mister Tenpenny, and he wanted Brady to go after some guy called Burke. Brady got beat up pretty bad. He also got stabbed, but before Burke killed him, a guy called Gustavo killed him and he was in medical care for a short while. I was just...so scared that I'd lose him...''

''Wait...WHAT?!'' Moira exclaimed, making Rainbow inch back a bit. ''He worked for Mister Tenpenny?! That fancy-pants who lives in that classy building?! My god, hes a monster! He may seem nice, but I've seen what hes really like. Hes just pure evil on the inside.''

''Yeah, we figured that one out, right before I knocked him out and came back here.''

''Wow, really? Well, I don't think I wanna know what happens next if he comes looking for you. Those guards in armor of his can be very brutal, you know.''

''I'd like to see them try come for me. Chances are they won't find me, anyway.''

''Hey, Rainbow? I've been meaning to ask you something.''

''Hmm?''

''How come you like Brady so much?''

Rainbow went silent, a hot shade of crimson appearing on her cyan cheeks, earning a small giggle from Moira.

''Well...its just...he saved my life. I thought it was only right that I owe him back for it with mine. I think I actually love him. When I'm around him, I just feel...warmer inside. Like I'm a whole different pony.''

''That's sweet, Rainbow. I think he used to have a crush on me, too.''

''Really?''

''Yeah. Back when we first met, I could tell by that look in his eyes that he had something for me. Even now I don't know what made him act the way he did back then. He always used to seem so nervous and kinda quiet around me.''

''He probably didn't have it in him to admit to his true feelings. Ha, I know I didn't at first either. Eventually I said it though. Then before we knew it, we were-'' She fell silent, realizing what she was just about to say but stopped herself before she said it.

''You and Brady....? You both...'' Moira stuttered, knowing exactly what Rainbow was going to say.

Rainbow's blush deepened at knowing that Moira knew what she was going to say.

''Yeah...'' Dash said slowly and awkwardly. ''I guess one thing lead to another...''

''I'll say..''

Broken Hearted and Demise

''Lucas!'' Doc Church called after the sheriff. ''Simms! I need to talk to you!''

''What is it, Doc?'' Lucas asked him tiredly.

''I think we may have a problem with Brady.''

''Why? Whats wrong with him?'' Lucas asked with a raised brow.

''Rainbow brought Brady into the clinic not long ago, and he was barely even showing any signs of life. He is still alive, but he's going through ghoulification.''

Lucas froze, trying to take in what the doctor had just said. ''Ghoulification?'' He said quietly. ''How?''

''Him and Rainbow drank some Fire and Blood beer, and they didn't know that it was highly radioactive. What I don't understand is why it affected Brady, but Rainbow is completely fine. I just don't know how its possible.''

''How radioactive? How irradiated is he?''

''Fire and Blood has around...I dunno, 2500 rads per bottle? As for Brady, he has 5000 rads in his system. I can't believe that he isn't dead yet, either. Although he has been diagnosed with being extremely rad resistant.''

''Doc, I want you to take me to him.''

Back at the clinic, Doc Church escorted Lucas Simms into the room where Brady was staying in. He approached his body slowly, pulling up a chair next to the bed and sitting beside the doctor. He looked at Brady's unconscious form and worry immediately overcame him. Him looked hard at him, seeing his body color had turned into that of a pale white, giving him the appearance of actually being dead, and when he gave his body a quick inspection, he gently placed the palm of his hand onto his forehead, feeling how cold he was to the touch. He turned to face Doc Church, locking eye contact with his.

''How long does he have left?''

''Hard to tell. About a day or a few until he turns?''

''I'm gonna have to deal with this before things get too out of hand. I can't risk the safety of the town if he turns into one of those feral ghouls.'' Lucas said quietly as he lifted up his assault rifle and aimed it at Brady's head, only to be pushed back down by the hand of the doctor.

''No. Not yet.'' He said as he exhaled softly through his nose. ''I think we should wait until Rainbow has a few last moments with him. I'm gonna go find her.''

Rainbow Dash and Moira sat inside the brass lantern. They both decided to try and get their minds off things that had happened in the past few hours and days, but for some reason it kept lingering in their minds. All the bad things that had happened to Brady and Rainbow seemed to stick in her mind. The time at the campsite when they were around the fire, Minefield, when they first met, their first kiss together. On the other hand, Moira seemed to still be trying to take things in over what Rainbow had told her. Could this really be it for Brady? Will he die? Will he live?

''Hey, Moira?''

Moira didn't turn to face her, she just took a swig of beer and gave a quiet ''Hmm?''

''Do you think things will ever go back the way they were?''

At that, Moira put down her beer bottle and turned to face her, Rainbow now having her attention.

''How do you mean?''

''I mean as in if Brady gets better, he goes back to his normal life, I go back to Equestria and you just go back to your book writing or whatever it was you said.''

''Um...I dunno, Rainbow. Nowadays its hard to tell what could happen.''

''Ugh. I miss my friends. I've never actually been apart from them for as long as this. By now they would probably of assumed I'm missing and Pinkie Pie is still looking for me even after the search stopped. She's stubborn like that.''

''What? Pinkie Pie? Who or what is a Pinkie Pie?''

''Pinkies my friend. To be honest, you actually remind me a lot about her. You act the same, you always seem happy and nothing can get you down and for one, nothing seems to bother you as much.''

''Well, that's nice of you to say. But nothing bothers me because there is nothing to bother me. Well uh...maybe except that Brady is in some kind of medical state and we don't know if he'll be alright yet.''

''Huh. I sure hope he will. I really wanna go back and see him again, but I can't because Doc Church is such a jerk.''

Before any of the two could say anything, a worried but serious-looking Doc Church came through the door of the bar and as soon as he saw Moira and Rainbow sat at the other end of the bar, he came up to them. However, he didn't take a seat, he just stood there and looked at Rainbow for a moment with dim eyes, making her feel very uncomfortable under his gaze.

''What?'' Rainbow said in a bored tone.

''Rainbow, you and I need to talk.''

''About what?'' Dash pouted. ''Did something happen to Brady?''

''Look, I'm in no mood to fuck around like this. Either come with me or don't. That's your choice, but its about Brady.''

''Ugh. Fine. Seeya, Moira.''

Rainbow got out of her seat and Moira waved her a goodbye as she watched her and Doc Church exit the bar.

At the clinic, Doc Church had informed Rainbow on what is wrong with Brady, and unsurprisingly, she was crying. She sat next to Brady's body on a chair and cuddled his lifeless form tightly as her tears soaked his golden hair. Behind her, Lucas patted her shoulder softly.

''I'm sorry about this, Rainbow. I guess I'll leave you two alone.''

And with that, Lucas silently left the room, quietly shutting the door behind him, leaving just Rainbow and Brady in the room.

Rainbow gripped Brady's body tightly, rubbing her cheek into his as she snuggled into his soft, golden hair. He may of been cold to the touch, but she didn't care. What matters is that she could be there with him before he dies. She looked at his face, seeing how peaceful he looked. She gently wiped away a smudge of blood on his cold lips and gently pressed hers against his, kissing him goodbye.

''Goodbye, Brady.'' She sniffled loudly. ''I'll miss you.''

Without saying another word, Rainbow reached under her wing and pulled out the picture of him and her together and carefully placed it in his cold hands. The room was filled with silence as she sat there, looking at his body as he silently lay there. Her tears soaked her cheeks and matted her fur and the only audible noise was that of a quiet series of sobs coming from Rainbow's misery.

Then, she heard something. Something like a faint groan. She lifted her head up, focusing her attention on Brady, seeing that his mouth was trembling a little bit and his eyelids were lightly fluttering as he tried to open them.

''Brady...?''

The noise grew partially louder, his eyes now fully open and Rainbow froze in horror. Those eyes were not the ones she loved. That groan wasn't human. His eyes were a milky-white and barely showed his pupils. Whatever she was looking at wasn't Brady. Not anymore. Slowly, Brady began to get out of bed, clumsily throwing his feet over the side to stand up and face Rainbow who's face was now frozen with horror and fright.

Brady stared at her for a moment, looking deep into her scared, magenta eyes as if it was looking directly into her soul. Not moving, Brady let out a blood-chilling growl and took a step towards Rainbow, taking small steps each time as he made her etch closer to the wall with nowhere to run.

''B-B-Brady. Brady!? No! Please! Stay back! Just stay back!''

He didn't listen. Instead, he kept moving closer and closer towards her, now pinning her between him and the wall. Panicking, she screamed for help, hoping one of either Lucas or Doc Church would hear her cries.

''Doc Church!? Lucas!? Help!''

Brady was now face to face with her, looking down on her figure as she curled up into a ball, not daring to move over fear that he'd attack her.

''Brady...please don't hurt me...'' She whimpered as she peeked through her hooves to look into his lifeless, white eyes.

He lifted a hand, ready to swipe at her, when all of a sudden the door to the room was kicked open and the next thing that happened was bullets started to be fired, and penetrate Brady's torso, making him scream in pain and drop to the floor, his blood already spilling onto and staining the floor a deep red.

Rainbow didn't move. She just looked at the now dead form of Brady lying on the floor next to her in a pool of blood. Her eyes watered and her lips trembled. Lucas came towards her and offered her a hand to help her back to her hooves, to which she accepted. She looked at Lucas and them unexpectedly cuddled onto him, crying into his chest as he gently patted her back in an attempt to comfort her.

''Rainbow, are you hurt?'' Lucas asked her in concern.

''H-H-He was gonna try and kill me!''

''He can't hurt you now, Rainbow. Its alright.''

Rainbow broke away from the hug, looking at the corpse of Brady on the floor.

''He's gone. Brady's gone...''

''There was nothing we could do, Rainbow. He was turning into a ghoul. If I hadn't of shot him, he'd of killed you by now.''

''But...but...I loved him!''

''I know you did, Rainbow. He loved you, too. Now, c'mon. We should go bury him somewhere.''

You're Crying In The Rain, Rainbow

Over the next few days, Rainbow barely spoke a word to anyone, not even to Moira or Lucas nor Doc Church. All she did is cry as she curled up in a tight ball on the bed in Brady's house drowning in more and more tears by the hour. Her eyes hurt, but that compared nothing to how much her heart was aching. Her mane was messy and sticking up in various places, her eyes were bloodshot and of course, her cheeks were matted down from all the crying. All she wanted was to go home, to escape the cruelty of this world she was now possibly stuck in for eternity. She missed her friends, she missed her family, and most of all, she missed Brady. She just didn't understand why he went like that. What did Doc Church call it? Ghoulification? What the hell was ''ghoulification''?

Even though she really didn't want to go and ask the doctor about it, her curious mind made her get out of bed, but as she put her hoof down, it hit something hard and smooth. She looked down to see what it was, but when she laid eyes upon it, she didn't have a clue as to what it was. It was square, made out of metal and had some kind of tape inside of it suspended by two small reels. Rainbow hadn't even seen one of these things before in all her life. They certainly didn't have them back in Equestria. She bent down, picking it up with her hoof. She closely inspected it, and along the top of the square, she could make out the faint black words, ''Holotape''.

Again, she didn't recognize it at all. What was it? Some kind of recording? Rainbow gave it one last look before throwing it away, assuming it was just some salvage that Brady found at some point, but when it hit the floor, it started to make some kind of static-like noise. It seemed to go on forever, but eventually a voice started talking. It was Brady's voice.

''Its been almost two whole years since I left vault 26, and I couldn't bring myself to forgive the crimes I've committed to my family and friends. I couldn't trust anyone. I saw myself as one of a kind, and that was a monster. That is, of course until I went out into the wastes and saw the evil within it. Raiders, Talon Company, slavers. All that changed the day I met a beautiful, cyan pony with a rainbow mane and tail. Not surprisingly, her name was Rainbow. Rainbow Dash. Of all the things I've seen so far in this horrific world, she seems...out of place. It really didn't take me long to figure that one out, either. My only question is ''How did she get here, and can she get back to her world?''

And then the tape ended. Rainbow stood there, staring blankly at the holotape with fresh tears beginning to leak from her eyes. That tape must of been from the first day Brady and Rainbow had met each other. Those words he said about her warmed her heart a little. Quite obviously, just from hearing that one tape, Rainbow got the feeling that that one tape wasn't the only tape there was. Just how many entries did Brady record during their time together is one thing Rainbow was interested in finding out.

Rainbow quickly opened the filing cabinet and rummaged through it, almost instantly finding what she was looking for. To her surprise, there were more tapes than she expected all together, neatly stacked in order inside a small metal box. Rainbow even found Brady's Pip-Boy 3000 sitting behind the crate. Sure it wasn't the kind of thing she was interested in, but she took it out anyway and placed it beside her. Rainbow then took a holotape from the top of the box and searched it for some kind of play button, but had no luck. Grunting in frustration, she placed the tape down and looked at the Pip-Boy, seeing if it had a port to insert the tape into. Luckily, it did have a port big enough for a holotape to slide into it. When she picked up the tape and inserted it into the port, the voice of Brady soon started to play.

''Today was the worst day of my life. Not only did I just leave town for a while, but thanks to Moira and her crazy experimental concoctions she makes for no apparent reason, I ended up getting modified DNA! ''Just drink this milk and your rads will go'' she says. Well, they did go, no argument there, but because of it, whenever I get advanced radiation poisoning, my limbs regenerate from it! Christ, as if my life isn't bad enough! Sometimes I really don't know why I bother with her...''

The rest of the evening, Rainbow spent her time listening to the recordings that Brady had made, and a few of them even brought tears to her eyes. In some he mentioned about vault 26 and some of his old friends. Some even told of a few happenings at the vault, and a thing or two that Rainbow couldn't fully understand. To her they were what sounded like constant groaning and quiet screaming when she listened to the one about life in vault 26, but what she found odd about it was that it sounded just like Brady when he woke up in the clinic, just before he tried to attack Rainbow.

Rainbow had just finished listening to a holotape called ''V26-Part 5'', and was about to place all the tapes back into the crate as she found them, but out of the corner of her eye, she saw something under the bed. She reached under to get it, and when she pulled it out, seeing what was on it, made her eyes shrink in horror. Unlike the other holotapes, this one was cyan, matching the colour of Rainbow's coat and the top of the holotape had words on it, printed in rainbow letters that read, ''For Rainbow Dash''. The thing that shocked Rainbow the most about the tape was that there was blood staining the front of it. Saying nothing, she placed it into the holotape port in the Pip-Boy and let it play.

''Rainbow, if you're listening to this, I'm probably dead. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about anything before, but *cough* I think now would be best a time as any to tell you this. Before I first met you, I used to live in Vault 26. I know you've hear me mention it before, but most of that wasn't all accurate. For what I'm about to tell you, you will possibly hate me for it, and honestly, I can respect that. You see, when I was in that vault, I did a lot of bad things, and one of those things is what resulted in me being made to leave. What happened is, right after that birthday I had about three or so years ago, me and two of my friends thought it would be funny to go and prank one of the engineers on the reactor level. We took some oil and when he came into the room, I pulled apart the reactors access panel door and poured it into its circuits. Little did we know, it was highly radioactive, and if one reactor failed, radiation would spill out across the room and eventually flood the vault, making it impossible to live there. And it happened. I promise I didn't know it would happen! Because of my idea, everyone I knew is dead. The radiation spread to the upper levels and in the panic, fires were started, blocking off exits and corridors, so they had to be locked down before it got too out of control. I watched my friends and family die down there. My best friends, my cousins, my brother, all died in the blaze. The only option was to escape the vault, and so I did. I opened the vault door, but after I got out, it automatically closed, sealing everyone inside to die. So out of all the thousands that lived down there, I'm the last one alive. I'm sorry I never told you this, Rainbow, but I didn't know how you'd react.

*cough* I don't know how long I'm gonna last like this...I think I'm gonna have to end this tape here for now. *cough* Oh, and Rainbow. I just want you to know one thing: I love you.''

I Don't See Your True Colors...

A week had passed and Rainbow still hadn't come out of her house. Of course, hearing no response from her for a while did concern some of the townsfolk, but mostly the ones she was close to, such as Moira. In the early afternoon, Moira came to her house to check if she was alright or needed anything. She knocked on the door but got no response from her. She tried again. No answer. She tried turning the door handle, and to her surprise it opened with a small click. Quietly, Moira entered the house, immediately greeted by a waft of cold air. She walked quietly, looking around for any signs of Rainbow being there.

''Rainbow? Are you there? Its Moira.'' She called, but got no response. ''Rainbow?''

No response. Just silence.

She walked up the stairs, heading for the bedroom. When she got to the top of the stairs, she saw a dim light emitting from the room, presumably from a small lamp. When Moira was in the doorway of the bedroom, she found Rainbow, only something seemed different about her. Her usual, beautiful cyan coat and rainbow mane were now a shade of grey, giving her a lifeless appearance. She was curled up on the bed, sleeping softly and had tears matting her cheeks.

''What the...'' Moira quietly mumbled, trying not to wake the sleeping Pegasus.

She gently sat down on the mattress of the bed and placed a hand to the back of Rainbow's head, beginning to gingerly stroke her mane up and down, trying to warm her cold figure. As she did so, Rainbow gently shifted around in her sleep, mumbling lightly as she gently pulled up and touched hoof to Moira's hand. She weakly cracked open an eye, seeing Moira's hazel eyes looking down on her, seeing her once beautiful magenta eyes that were now grey and seemed almost lifeless.

''...Moira?'' Rainbow said slowly and weakly.

''Hey, Rainbow. Sorry to wake you.''

Rainbow didn't respond, instead she closed her eyes and tried shifting herself into a more comfortable position.

''Leave me alone, Moira. I don't wanna be around anybody for a while.''

''Rainbow. You're hurt. You aren't yourself. You're freezing...''

''I'm fine, Moira.'' Rainbow said sharply.

''But you're not. You're grey! What happened to you?''

''I gave up, that's what happened. Brady's dead and I'm all alone in this world! I just want to go back home, but I can't! I'm trapped here forever!''

Moira froze, taking her hand away from her mane and looked deep into her eyes, sensing the coldness within them. Neither of them said anything for a while, letting a deep and awkwardly uncomfortable silence enter the room. Still being quiet, Rainbow looked up at Moira, and slowly got herself out of bed and stood there, her cold breath being felt by Moira.

''Rainbow is gone. I'm not Rainbow anymore. I'm a nobody. I'm not loyal anymore.'' Rainbow said coldly as she stared into Moira's hurt eyes.

''Rainbow, that isn't true. You are still you, you're just saying that because you don't believe in yourself.'' Moira stated, placing a hand to Rainbow's shoulder.

''You're right, Moira. I did stop believing in myself. There's nothing to live for anymore. The one who I loved is dead and now I'm all alone. I'm not me. The Rainbow Dash I knew before is dead. If I were still her, I wouldn't be moping around and stay being mad at myself for not being there for him when he needed me the most.'' She said, knocking Moira's hand away, taking her back a bit.

''Listen to me, Dash. There is still something to live for. You have friends here, and we'll always be with you in your time of need.'' Moira told Rainbow as she pulled her into a hug, holding her closely and tightly. Despite the fidgeting from Rainbow, she didn't let her go, but surprisingly, Moira was stronger than Rainbow thought she was. Just being in that hug made Rainbow feel more secure, just like the times when her and Brady would cuddle together on nights. It made her feel warmer inside, and suddenly, she didn't feel too alone anymore.

''Let go of me, Moira.'' Rainbow managed to utter out as she was crushed in the hug.

''No, Rainbow. I won't. I don't want to leave you like this. I can't leave you like this. I want you to come back with me to my shop. Please? Its cold in here, you're bound to catch something if I let you stay here like this on your own.''

Even though Moira's words moved her heart a little, still knowing that someone cared about her, her stubbornness could easily be felt as it tugged at her mind, telling her to resist the offer.

''Moira, I can't. I'm not going with you. I think I'm just gonna stay here for a while.''

''Please, Rainbow? Is this what Brady would want for you? To mope and drown in your misery?''

''Well...no.''

''Well then, what do you think he'd want?''

''For me to be safe...''

''Exactly. I know you're upset, Rainbow, but I will always be there for you whenever you need me.''

''But you won't be around forever, Moira. I've already lost Brady to something, and I don't know if I could bare to lose another one of my friends...'' Rainbow trailed off. ''I...I-I-I can't stay here...I need to go...''

Saying nothing, Rainbow forced herself out of the hug and flew out of the room at such a high speed that Moira didn't have time to react, and by time she had ran after her, she had already left, leaving a greyscale rainbow trail behind her that went high into the sky.

...But I Do See Some Good In You

Rainbow Dash flew high and fast, getting as far away from Megaton as she possibly could. She didn't care where she was going, but she sure as hell didn't want to stick around any longer around those people in Megaton that won't leave her alone. She knows they are just concerned and want to help her, but to her, its like none of them have heard of giving her some personal space to be alone in. But right now, as much as she wanted to hold back her tears, she was crying heavily as she flew through the musty sky.

As she flew through the sky, she passed a small town, houses and buildings all reduced to rubble piles and debris. When she flew overhead, she noticed a few fires in various places, and when she did, she went back around to hover just above the town, close enough that she could see what was going on. She heard the fires crackle and snap, but when she looked for the source of the fire, she saw what looked like a giant ant, and it seemed to be looking directly at her with those big, black eyes. And then it blew a huge blast of fire at her, Rainbow getting back quickly before it scorched her, still feeling the heat from the flames.

Even though she was Rainbow Dash, she wouldn't dare go near something that could scorch her. But back in Equestria, she did learn that lesson when she kicked a dragon in the jaw, right before he threw her into a rock. Now that was one thing she'd never forget.

Without another chance at being barbequed, Rainbow blasted off, flying deeper into the wasteland.

A while after flying for what seemed like forever, she landed next to a giant mountainside cliff and sat on the side, watching over the war-torn land as the moon started to come out. She held her head in her hooves and felt tears invade her eyes. She had no idea how long she was sat there, but by the time she was gonna go to sleep, she could feel something. The wind suddenly got more breezier and colder, and when she turned around, what she saw made her freeze completely. Standing there, right behind her was Brady. His armor had bullet-holes in the front and blood stained his armor. His eyes weren't white anymore, but back to his usual blue sapphire color, and his hair was back to its golden state, bedraggled. He just stood there smiling as he looked at her. It sent shivers down her spine. It was so surreal! He was dead! But still, he was there, plain as day. Eventually the awkward silence between them was broken by Brady as he gently walked towards Rainbow and sat beside her, Rainbow etching slowly away out of fright.

''Don't be afraid, Rainbow. I'm not going to hurt you.'' He said innocently.

''S-S-Stay away from me! You're not real! You're dead! Lucas shot you!'' Rainbow stuttered, making Brady frown.

''Rainbow, why are you grey? You don't look too good. Are you alright?''

''Y-Y-Yes, I mean no...GAH! Why can't anybody leave me alone! I just want to be on my own!''

''Rainbow, I promise I'm not gonna hurt yo-''

''Yeah, you keep saying that!'' Rainbow interjected, anger growing in her voice as she shot Brady a deathly glare. ''You keep making promises, but that was a lie! Don't say ''you won't hurt me'', because you already have! You tried to kill me!''

''Kill you?'' Brady asked cautiously with a raised brow. ''How? I wouldn't ever hurt you...''

''Oh, wouldn't you?! You tried to fucking slash me in the clinic! What was that all about!? Why did you try to kill me?!''

Brady was taken aback by her attitude, and he could see her anger glow in her greyscale eyes. He wanted to say something, but he couldn't. The words just wouldn't come out.

''You're a monster, Brady! You tried to attack me, and Lucas killed you!''

''Rainbow...please just listen to me. I would never try to hurt you. I loved you, Rainbow. You are everything to me, and this whole ''I tried to kill you'' thing? I don't remember it...I really don't. What did I do?''

''You were unconscious and laid up in the clinic back in Megaton. You were barely moving and the only indication of you still living was your pulse. It was weak and rapid. I stayed with you all the time, but when you started to wake up...you wasn't you. You were something else. You growled and snarled at me, your eyes were fully white! You pinned me between you and the wall and was about to slash at me right before Lucas came in and shot you dead! REMEMBER NOW?!''

Brady didn't say anything. He was just far too shocked to even think he could ever do that. But...white eyes? Growling and snarling?

What was that all about? Why would He ever lash at her?

''I...I turned into a ghoul...?'' He said quietly. ''Oh, Rainbow, I'm sorry...''

''No. No, you aren't! Because you're gone, I'm all alone! I hate being alone!''

''Hey, its not my fault I died in that clinic. Neither of us knew that drinking those beers would highly irradiate someone that badly. I know you're hurt, but I'm truly sorry if I nearly did something like that. You know I'd never do anything like that intentionally..''

''But you're dead, Brady. I loved things the way they were. You saved my life and I saved yours. I loved you like you were family. Maybe more than that, even. Because you're not around anymore, all I've done is cry and abandon my friends. I'm not the Rainbow Dash I once was. I'm not loyal anymore. I'm just a regular pony with her pride and broken love.''

''Dashie, you're not just any regular pony. You're the pony I love dearly and never will stop loving, and you're also the one who changed me. You, my little Dashie are not nopony, you are something. You are still Rainbow Dash, the one I fell in love with, and I know there's still some good in you.'' He told her in a serious tone as he etched closer to Rainbow, holding her hooves. ''I love you, Rainbow.''

''I...I love you, too.''

As those words left Rainbow's mouth, the tip of her tail began to go back to its original colors and run down the rest of her body, absorbing all the greyness away and replacing it with her usual, beautiful cyan coat.

Brady looked at her, stunned by what he had just witnessed.

''W-What was that?''

''Thank you. I'm back to my normal self. Thank you for telling me that.''

She leaned in, cuddling Brady tightly around his blood-stained torso. They both had no idea how long the hug lasted, but by the time Rainbow had let go, she realized that he had disappeared. Now she was all on her own. At first she was puzzled as to where he had gone, but then she remembered he was dead. What she saw was some kind of ghost. Or maybe it was her going crazy. The only thing she knows for true is that she can't stay in the wasteland. She needs to find a way back, but the only question is ''how?''.

Surprise

When Rainbow came flying back into Megaton, she was almost immediately stopped by some of the townsfolk who knew her, clearly concerned about her. Some others were even stunned at her random appearance. She quickly waved them off, saying she was fine. Before any of them could delay her further, she hurriedly spread her wings and launched herself towards Craterside Supply. She stood there for a moment, allowing herself to catch her breath before bringing herself to open the door.

When she opened it, the first thing she saw was Moira, sweeping the floor with an old brush. When she looked up, she saw Rainbow Dash looking right back at her, with a sad but happy looking expression on her face. Without hesitation, Moira dropped the broom and flung her arms around Rainbow, pulling her into a warm embrace, taking her back a bit.

''Rainbow! You're alright! I was so worried about you when you left!''

''Moira, I'm alright. Really. You didn't need to worry about me.'' Dash reassured, but Moira didn't let go.

''Where did you go? And why in the world were you all grey, and now you're back to your normal colors?'' She asked, letting go of her and looking into her eyes.

''I guess I just stopped believing in myself, is all. But, hey, I need to tell you something. When I was out there, moping on my own on a cliff for a while...I saw Brady.''

''Wait. What? Brady? But he's dead. Are you saying you saw a ghost?''

''I dunno. Maybe its just me going insane from losing him. I just feel bad for yelling at him...''

''Hey, you'll be alright, Rainbow. You don't need to worry that much. I know what its like to lose someone like Brady. He always seemed kinda special to me, you know. I loved seeing him everyday when he was working with me on that book of ours. I know he may not of been happy with some of the experimental research, but he always managed to keep his spirits up. He was just so hard to get mad with! That's what I like about him the most. It just shows that his is like you. Fearless and knows how to keep his cool.''

''Thanks.'' Rainbow said, hugging Moira back.

''So, since you're here, do you wanna talk about anything?''

''Hmm...there's not really that much to tell, actually.'' Rainbow said, scratching her mane. ''Do you?''

''Well, just after you left town in a mood, a guy in khaki armor came through her and asked around town what had happened. From my guess, he probably saw you fly away. He was nice, but I didn't tell him anything.''

''Guy in khaki armor?''

''Yeah. He had one of those Chinese assault rifles and he looked kinda tough, too.''

''Did he mention his name?''

''No. No, I don't think so.''

''So, where is this guy now?''

''I think he's at Moriarty's or something. Why? Do you know him?''

''Uh...maybe?''

Later on that evening, Rainbow couldn't help but find herself to be curious enough to see who Moira was talking about, and so she went over to Moriarty's and looked around. When she entered the bar, she was greeted by Gob at the bar, motioning for her to sit on the bar stool in front of him.

''Hey, Rainbow. Doin' okay?''

''Yeah, I guess so. Just been lonely for a while, now.''

''Why's that? Hey, where's Brady?''

Rainbow hung her head down in response, her ears flopping back on her head in sadness. She sniffled quietly as she drew in a short breath and exhaled through her nostrils.

''He died...''

''What?! Brady died?!'' At Gobs outburst of shock, some of the people in the bar looked his direction. ''I'm sorry to hear that, Rainbow. So, what now? You just live and care for yourself?'' Rainbow nodded. ''That's gotta be tough for a mare like you. No offense.''

''None taken. Its just so hard to believe its true.''

''I hear ya. So, anyway, you here for a drink?''

''Maybe one.''

''Alright then.'' Gob said as he took a bottle of beer from the fridge and passed it to Rainbow. ''On the house.''

''Cheers.''

Before Rainbow took a sip of the beer, a familiar voice said her name. One she hadn't heard for a long time.

''Rainbow?''

When Rainbow turned to see who it was, her body froze and her eyes shrunk.

''G-G-Gustavo?!'' She almost shrieked. ''What are you doing here?''

''I just stopped by to get a few drinks. How about you?''

''Just here for a pint, so same as you, I guess.''

''Right. So, how have you been? Haven't seen you in a long time. Well, not since Tenpenny Tower.''

''Well, Gustavo, things have been better. Didn't you hear that Brady died?''

He froze, his mouth left hanging as he stared at Rainbow's magenta eyes.

''Dead? Brady? Really?''

''Mmm-hmm.''

''Wow...so when'd this happen?''

''Bout a month ago. He turned into a ghoul from radiation poisoning.''

Once again, there was an awkward silence filling the room. Most people stopped their conversations and looked at the two, mostly at Rainbow in disbelief of what they were hearing.

''Well, sorry to hear that.''

''Its okay. I loved that guy like he was the world to me.''

''I guess I can tell that from how close you two seemed when I first met you both. Must of been hard on you when you lost the guy.''

''Yeah. It was.'' Rainbow coughed softly, brushing her muzzle with a hoof. ''So...um..''

''Hmm?''

''Do you still work for Mister Tenpenny? I thought they had a bar back at the tower?''

''Oh. That. Well...after you - or at least I think it was you - punched Tenpenny in the face, he was kinda pissed about it, so he ordered me to find and kill you both, so I told him to go eat shit. And so, he booted me from his tower. Says I'm a 'disappointment'.''

''That's rough. But why did you say no?''

''Truthfully? Well, you and Brady...you seemed so close to each other, and it honestly didn't take me long to realize how strong of a connection you two had, and I didn't want to ruin it by killing one or both of you. I don't know if Brady ever told you, but I used to know him before I became a body guard. I grew up in Vault 26, same as him.''

''Wait, what?''

''Yeah, I take it he doesn't recognize me? Well, it really doesn't surprise me, seeing as we were both like ten or eleven-years-old.''

''Really?''

''Yeah, we caused quite a lot of trouble in that vault when we were young, too. Didn't Brady tell you about some of those stories? Hell, they were good times.''

''No. Besides, I didn't need him to tell me. I found a lot of holotapes in his old house and I've listened to quite a lot of them.''

''So, he recorded everything, did he? Never expected him to care about that kind of stuff...''

Rainbow replied with a ''Hmm-mmm.'' and took a swig of her beer. She didn't say anything for a while, and barely looked back at Gustavo, not knowing what to say next. Perhaps she had already said too much?

''Well, guess I better be going, Rainbow. Gotta get back to work.''

''Wait, what? You work here?''

''Yeah. I'm on patrol on nights. See you around.'' He waved goodbye and left without another word, leaving Rainbow alone at the bar.

God came back toward her and planted his palms on the counter, looking at Rainbow with a sturdy look.

''What?'' Rainbow asked innocently.

''You know that guy?''

''Yeah. He's the one who saved Brady's life and killed Burke a while ago. He really not that bad.''

''HE killed Burke?! Christ, never expected someone like that to come after Brady when him and Burke started fighting. So, he used to work for Tenpenny? God, that guy is a complete asshole of a rich guy. So much money he thinks the sun shines outta his ass.''

Rainbow chuckled. ''Haha. I hear ya. I even stayed in that tower once, and let me tell you: he was a bloody creep. I don't even know how people like him can live with themselves.''

''Well, Rainbow, they just can. He's doing better than we are down in this pit, that's for sure.''

''That may be true, but I think he is just a selfless, gutless old coot who thinks its funny to send someone to their death. I'm glad I knocked him out. Maybe knocked some sense into him.''

''Wow, you punched Tenpenny? Just...wow. You got my thanks for that.''

A Supply Run

After the peaceful town of Megaton witnessed the event of the early morning, there had been quite a lot of talk about the whole thing and the damage it had caused to many of the buildings in town. Out of all, The Brass Lantern seemed to have it the worst. Parts of the walls were torn from their bolted points, the door had been blown clean from its hinges, and worst of all, the whole inside, including the food stocks had been demolished to shreds. Even Rainbow noticed Leo, Jenny and Andy having a go at Lucas about the damage and what they were gonna do in the meantime while it got repaired. Rainbow couldn't help but feel most of the guilt for the sonic rainboom, but to do it again felt great, nonetheless. She seemed to be watching around town at all the disruptions it had made, but of course, being the fastest flier around in Equestria, she had gotten used to doing such stunts and acts like the sonic rainboom in much less time that it would take a beginner to perform it in. It also meant that she knew the damage it would cause once she broke the sound barrier.

Many of the residents eyed her, watching her as she looked at what she caused, and quite obvious to her sharp eyes, she could see that some of them had that hint of anger and sadness in their eyes. Quite frankly, that gaze of very slowly decaying anger in their eyes made her heart ache a little bit, yet she didn't show it through her own. It was then that Gustavo and Moira came up towards her, taking her attention.

''Rainbow, we need to talk about something.'' Gustavo said in a serious tone.

''What?''

''Seeing as that atomic blast thingy of yours demolished the whole town, you, me and Moira are being made to go on a supply run to repair the town while others go and get a few other things we need.''

''A supply run? Do they take long?'' Dash asked with a raised brow.

''Well, judging from the damage around town, which is everywhere, yes, it will. We will most likely be gone for like a week or a month getting supplies back to the town. I'm not happy about this one, and I'm pretty sure everyone else around town isn't either, but I gotta say. I ain't ever seen anything like that before, Rainbow! What the hell was it?''

''Its called a sonic rainboom. I'm the only one who's ever done such a thing.'' Rainbow stated proudly, flapping her wings.

''Yeah, well in future, do that away from town! Do you have any idea what kind of trouble you've stirred up around here? Lucas would sure as hell kick you from town if you do that again! He says if you wanna stay around town any longer, you gotta help me, Moira and some of the other locals get supplies to fix all the damages caused.''

Rainbow stared at the ground, a little hurt from the anger people now show towards her. ''There's no other way, is there?'' She said quietly, barely being audible. ''I've got no choice but to go with you?''

''That's right. The least you could do is help with the repairs and such.''

''So when were we meant to leave, then? Tomorrow? Today?''

''Right now.'' Gustavo said, a little annoyance and anger in his voice.

''Oh. Well, I'm gonna just go and get a few things before we go. I'm not too happy about this, though.''

''Neither of us are. Now, get packing. We've got a long trip ahead of us, and an even longer one if we don't get a move on.''

As soon as Rainbow was ready to go after packing her bags, she left with the others to go and search for supplies in buildings that surrounded the area, as well as salvage traders and merchants. The group included Rainbow, Moira, Gustavo, Billy Creel, Andy Stahl and Stockholm. Billy was someone that Rainbow knew around town for a short while before she lost the one she loved, and he did remind her a bit of Applejack. The reason being that he was always so honest with people and was willing to help someone, even if it was dangerous or very risky. He wore a woven jacket and had a black eye patch over his left eye. On his head, he wore a pale-colored knit-cap and next to his waist, he had a 44.Magnum revolver. Andy, on the other hand was more of the aggressive type, and Rainbow could tell just by one look at him. She had her fair share of knowing people with a bad attitude, one of them being her friend called Gilda. He had a leather jacket with a purple-red woven shirt underneath and his hair was that of a similar, purple color while his eyes were green. However, his weapon seemed to be a lot less more fitting to his style. He carried a large assault rifle, fitted with a silencer and a long range scope that looked like it was once a sniper rifles scope. The paint job on the gun was a jet black, slightly faded with few scratches covering the metal body of the weapon. Along the grip underneath the gun, a name that read Spirit of Vengeance was carved into it, colored in a chalky, white texture.

Stockholm, however didn't seem to blend in with the rest of the group. Nearly the whole time he was walking, he barely said a thing. Rainbow was sure she hadn't seen him before. He wore a worn-looking suit of green combat armor and around his head sat a bandana, torn in a few places, presumably from how old it was, and covering his eyes were an old pair of biking goggles, used to block out the harsh dust-storms and conditions of the wasteland. As for Moira and Gustavo, Moira wore her same clothing, but with small parts of armor attached to it around her elbows, knees, torso and back, as for a weapon, she used an assault rifle, same as Gustavo who wore his regular khaki security armor.

As for Rainbow, she had a suit of leather armor plated with metal for extra protection, nearly covering her full body. On her back she held a pair of saddlebags, one holding a few things of hers while the other contained nothing. On her back in a holster, the sword she was given to by Brady was being held in place, just next to a small pistol Rainbow knew was called a 10mm.

They had been walking for about a half hour, and at the rate they were going, they hadn't even gotten as far as super-duper mart yet. For some reason, when you were working in scavenging teams, you had to take your time to get your bearings in case threats would be able to get you without you seeing it first. Of course, this annoyed Rainbow, but there was nothing she could do about it. From what she could tell, they were only about two minutes away, and being her, she could just get there in 10 seconds flat.

Not too far from them, still visible was one of the other patrols heading towards the town that Rainbow knew as being called Grayditch. Their patrol looked just slightly bigger than theirs, consisting of at least seven or eight people, all looking tough and well equipped for their task. It looked as tho one had a minigun while another held some kind of hose-looking thingy Rainbow had never seen before.

Before Rainbow knew it, they had arrived at the Super-Duper Mart and were already heading inside, guns at the ready. When they all walked in, the first thing that hit them was the stench. It smelled of rotting flesh and decay, making all of them, but mostly Rainbow and Moira gag. Gustavo didn't really seem to react to it. In fact, he brushed it off like it was nothing new to him, which for all she knows could be just that. As they got further in, they saw that small cages hung from the roof of the building, skeletons of once living human remains left inside, their old blood covering and staining the cage where they were sat and the floor below them. All around, a few corpses of what the team could identify as Raiders were scatter across the room, bullet holes nearly covering each ones torso as they lay in their own blood, and by the look of the blood, it was partly coagulated and staining the floor like a coffee stain in a t-shirt, indicating that they have been there for at least a few years at most. Most of the shop now just served as a graveyard of the cruel and innocent, and above the shelves lay small board-walks and planks that Rainbow presumed were for Raiders to walk across and patrol the shop, looking for any intruders. The rest of the group walked cautiously around the shop in pairs, but Rainbow went alone. She didn't really need anyone to back her up, seeing as she could handle herself from what she learned throughout the years, and she knew this wasn't going to be much of a problem for her, anyway.

Rainbow went around the back of the shop, nearing a few counters that were matted with dry, stinking blood. That iron-like taste never seemed to leave her nostrils as she got closer to it. She walked through the door, taking a left to get behind the cashier desk, and on the way there, she found that there were quite a few burned bodies of what looked to be Raiders scattering the floor, and around them were empty bullet shells, small in caliber and probably belonged to a 10mm, by Rainbows guess. When she got behind the cashiers table, she saw that some small cupboards were open, curious, she went to have a look. Getting close enough, she reached a hoof in, feeling something hard and made out of metal. Pulling it out, she found that it was an ammunition crate. Opening it, she took out a few rounds for a 10mm pistol and about half a magazine of shotgun shells. Taking them out, she placed them in her empty saddlebag, closing the top of it with a quiet but audible snap. On top of the counter, she found a Raiders corpse leaning over the side, half her body hanging loosely over her side of the counter. Going near her, she saw something small and metal just below her opened hand. When she picked it up, she saw that it was shaped like a pineapple, a small pin going through the top of it, and on the side it read, ''Frag Grenade, Highly Explosive''. Carefully, she tucked it into her saddlebag, trying not to let the loose pin fall out, fearing she would detonate it.

Behind her, she noticed that a door was locked, and had some kind of weird-looking piece of machinery next to it, something she hadn't seen before. Going closer to the small thing, she could see that it read ''Home Terminal'' on the top of it. Looking at this so called Terminal, she couldn't figure out how to use it. Checking if the door was locked - find out that it was after turning the handle - she grunted quietly in frustration. She looked at the terminal again and clicked a button on the front of it, activating the screen commands. Most of it she couldn't understand. The majority of words laid across the screen seemed close to that of what sounded Gibberish. Not bothering with it, Rainbow aligned herself with the door and squatted down, flaring her back legs into the door, sending an echo around the shop, surely audible to the rest of the teammates. The door didn't budge. She kicked again, harder this time. Nothing. The door wouldn't budge. Annoyed by this, letting out a loud sigh through her nostrils, she took out the 10mm pistol and aimed at the lock on the door, firing it so the lock shattered, allowing her to push open the door with ease.

Inside the room were shelves that bared several different items and at the far right end of the room, several wooden boxes containing nuka cola could be seen, along with an unusual looking cola that glowed a bright bluey-white colour in the darkness that surrounded it. Just in front of the entry to the room sat another terminal, and next to that was some kind of weird-looking chamber that had an odd-looking humanoid inside of it. Rainbow went up to look through the glass, seeing that there was a small robot-like figure inside of it, not much bigger than her if she stood on her hind legs. She stared at it for a while, not even noticing that one of her teammates, Billy had come into the room and was standing next to her. Turning her head and seeing him, she jumped, her wings flaring out from the shock and her eyes shrinking.

''Whoa! Where did you come from?!'' Rainbow almost yelled, her heart still racing.

''Calm it down, Rainbow. What was the shooting I heard? Find anyone?''

''Um...no. I just needed to shoot the lock off on the door.''

''Oh. So I take it you dunno how to hack a terminal?'' Billy asked with a raised brow.

''What now? Hack?''

''Yeah. Comes in pretty handy if you know how to hack terminals. You never know, if one unlocks a safe, you might find something really good or valuable.''

''Right. I don't really think I'd want to know how to do it. I mean, I didn't even know what a terminal was until a minute or so ago. Where I'm from, we don't have any of this. Just magic.''

''Wait, what? No terminals? No things technical wise?'' Billy said, nearly sounding completely shocked.

''No, we don't. Magic is Equestria's main source of power.'' Rainbow explained.

''Hey, what you two up to?'' Moira asked from behind them, taking both of them by shock.

''Gah! Oh. Hey, Moira.'' Rainbow said, jumping on the spot to turn and meet Moira's gaze. ''Gosh, I really wish people would stop scaring me like that...'' She puffed, flicking her tail.

''Sorry about that, Rainbow. Did you two find anything yet?''

''No. Well...I did see nuka cola in the back, there.'' Rainbow pointed a hoof to the crates containing the nuka cola, Moira's eyes widening in enlightenment when she fixed her gaze upon the glowing nuka cola.

''Is that...'' She said quietly before going up to the crates and pulling out a bottle of the glowing cola. ''...nuka cola quantum?!'' Moira exclaimed, squeeing a little bit.

''Quantum? What's quantum?'' Rainbow asked, clearly confused as to what it was.

''Its one of the rarest drinks around nowadays! 200 years old, but tastes quite good! Ooh! Did I mention that they are also valuable and in limited edition?! I'm so taking them with me!'' Moira explained, picking up all the bottles one by one and putting them in her bags, leaving the originals. Billy watched as she left, planting a hand over his face and sighing deeply through his nostrils.

''Oh, great, I can tell that she's gonna do something stupid with those when she gets back to Megaton...''

A Supply Run - Part 2

With the supplies taken from Super-Duper-Mart and taken back to Megaton, the group had set off once again to find more salvage, Moira staying behind to supposedly do something with the quantum she had taken, the whole lot of the group knowing what she makes when they get back would be disastrous. It was late-morning and before Lucas let the group go out, he told them to go and check for the other group sent near their way. He said they were headed for Grayditch, and Rainbow knew exactly where that was. She remembers seeing them on the way there. And so, they set off for Grayditch. The trip was only a short while longer than the one to Super-Duper-Mart, so they knew what to expect around that area of the land.

About a half mile before reaching their destination, a small figure came running towards them. When he came close enough that they could identify him, they saw it was a young boy. He was quite skinny, his ribcage visible. He wore a white tank top with worn out denim overalls, and strapped to his feet were some makeshift sandals, once being a car tire. He face was pale and white with shock, cold bullets of sweat running down his forehead.

''H-H-Help! T-Those things! They're g-g-gonna get m-me!'' He shrieked, his voice dry and shaky.

''Slow down there, kid. Now, whats wrong? Whats trying to get you?'' Billy said in a calm voice.

''Them...things...''

''What things?'' Gustavo inquired, raising a brow.

''A-Ants!''

''Ants?'' Rainbow said, brow raised. ''An ant wants to kill you?''

''Yeah! They're so massive and scary...I don't wanna go near them!''

''Look, just calm down. Are you from Grayditch?''

''Y-Yeah...''

''It'll be alright. We'll go and see what we can do. We need to head there, anyway.'' Rainbow said, seeing the boys fright. ''So, do you have someplace you can go?''

''Um...no, I don't. Even if I did, it would be pointless. They'd find me one way or another.''

''They won't. Why don't you just head towards Megaton? Its like a mile and a half that way.'' Rainbow pointed a hoof behind her. ''We'll come back for you when we are done with what we need to do.''

Nodding, the kid ran off towards where Rainbow had pointed. Billy and Andy exchanged glances at each other, looking between where Rainbow was and where the young boy had ran off.

''Rainbow? Are you sure that was a good idea?'' Andy asked, a serious glare in his eyes.

''I couldn't just let him stay there all alone...what was I supposed to do? Let him die?''

''You could of just let us deal with it.'' Andy replied, annoyance in his voice.

''I know that.'' Rainbow said as she rolled her eyes at him. ''Also, why don't you take it down a notch? We've got plenty of work to do.''

''Yeah, because that atomic blast thingy you did destroyed the town and The Brass Lantern. Because of that, we are out here collecting supplies and salvage to rebuild everything.''

''You know what? If you're gonna be like that, why don't you just not talk to me?'' Rainbow shot him a daring glare, him returning his own.

''Guys!'' Gustavo yelled at the two. ''Would you stop? Christ, we need to get on with our job, and the more we stand here yapping about who-shoulda-done-what, the more time we are gonna have to spend doing our job! Now would you both shut it and get a move on?!''

In Grayditch, the group was greeted by destroyed and knocked down buildings, an acrid and thick scent of smoke and gasoline filled the air as they cautiously crept deeper into the broken town. Fires were crackling and snapping all around, even the houses were charred black and burning. Blood painted the streets, patches of it on the road, walls and glass of some structures.

Already, Rainbow could feel the true horror she saw in the boy's face. She readied her sword, now being fully alert of her surroundings. Stockholm went ahead of the others, scouting for any near threats, and just as he pulled out his hunting rifle, a huge ant blew fire at his face just before he got around the corner, scorching his face. He screamed in agony as the ant blew another breath of flame, this time, fully igniting his figure. He ran around screaming as his flesh crisped and burned until it was black, him falling to the ground and writhing around, trying to put out the flames but died in a matter of seconds from the intense pain.

''Fire ant!'' Gustavo yelled, aiming his assault rifle at it, firing away.

Being an ant, its skin was quite soft and very easily damaged, so Gustavo fired until he had shot it in the head, knocking it down to the floor in a splatter of thick, pale green blood.

Staring at the fire ant, Rainbow Dash cringed. She may of been known for being tough and a daredevil, but she sure as hell hated those kind of creatures. Especially if they were an even bigger, mutated, fire-breathing ant. At the moment of seeing it attack Stockholm, fear got the better of her, and she knew that getting close to one of those things with the sword she held in her hooves was like walking to your own funeral. That in mind, she put her sword back in its sheathe and pulled out her 10mm pistol.

They just kept coming and coming. Ant after ant, death after death. It was a living nightmare to say the least. Stockholm had died, and the last few members of the group were starting to get cornered heavily, making a possible way out inevitable. Rainbow wasn't much use with a pistol, but to her surprise, she did manage to kill a couple ants. Gustavo and Andy both had a few bruises and cuts covering their arms and torso, but mostly Andy was the one who was more hurt than Gustavo. Obvious enough, Gustavo was a much better fighter than Andy, and visible enough, he was scared of the situation.

Just at that moment, an ant blew flames at Andy, scorching his arm, causing him to scream in intense pain. He dropped his rifle and immediately clung onto his burnt arm, his skin blackened and charred. The next thing he did was grab his rifle and run off from the town, leaving Billy, Gustavo and Rainbow to fend for themselves.

''Andy! Get back here, now! We need to stick together!'' Billy yelled after him, but he did not hear him. He had already ran off into the distance and disappeared from their view. ''Coward!''

''Billy! Move!'' Rainbow yelled to Billy, making him turn immediately, only to see a giant fire ant jump at him, but seconds before it managed to pin him to the floor, Rainbow had shot it through the head with her 10mm pistol. Billy turned to face Rainbow, giving her a quick nod of thanks before he carried on fighting.

Even though Rainbow Dash was a tough pony, even she was finding it hard to keep herself from being killed by a giant ant, and mere seconds before she could shoot at it to protect herself from the stream of flames coming from its mouth, it swiped at her with one of its massive legs, knocking her into the wall of a collapsed building, and the last thing she saw was before blackness took her vision over was a small trickle of blood pouring onto the floor and creating a small puddle beneath her.

Well, That Happened...

''Hey, Gustavo, is she gonna be alright?'' Billy said as he watched Gustavo treat the wounded Pegasus before him.

Gustavo didn't respond for a moment while he cleaned the wound on Rainbow's head with some cotton and alcohol to sterilize it. In fact, he was more surprised at how bad the wound was. Even he didn't think that an ant could have that much of a forceful hit enough to crack her bones or split her skin. The only thing he did know for sure is that she was lucky to not have a fractured skull, otherwise it would of been serious.

''I sure hope so.'' Gustavo replied shortly after sterilizing the wound on Rainbow's head and turned to face Billy. ''She should be okay, but she will have one hell of a headache when she wakes up.''

''Yeah, I know that, but that was pretty bad. I mean, when we saw her on the floor, she already had a small puddle of blood around her front, and that means she will probably feel light headed once she wakes up. But at least it ain't as bad as a hangover.'' Billy chuckled along with Gustavo, but soon stopped when they heard a slight moan come from Rainbow's mouth.

She moved her head slowly, placing a hoof to the cut on her head, retracting it quickly from sending her abuzz with pain. She slowly cracked her eye open, seeing two slightly blurry figures in front of her as her eyes tried to adjust themselves from the light emitting from the campfire. When her eyes focused, she saw it was Billy and Gustavo, both looking at her in worry.

''W-W-W-What happened..?'' She croaked, closing her eyes again, finding herself too weak to keep them open.

''You had your head split open when you got hit into a wall by one of the ants. Glad to see your alright.'' Gustavo said, putting a hand to her shoulder, causing her to weakly crack an eye open to look at his hand, noticing small cuts and bruises covering it.

''Urgh...I don't feel too good...''

''Oh, that. You lost quite a bit of blood from that wound, Rainbow. You'll feel a bit light headed for a short while, but you should be alright tomorrow.''

''Brady! No, don't do it!'' Yelled as she watched Brady with tearful eyes, not once breaking eye contact with him.

''Rainbow, I'm sorry. I truly am, but as long as I stay here, there is more of a chance that I endanger you. I can't risk it anymore!''

In his hand, he held an incendiary grenade. He too had tearful eyes as he stared at Rainbow. What really hurt her was the fact that he was slowly getting turned into a ghoul through ghoulification, but even if he were to die, she'd still love him, but this was insane! He was going to kill himself in one of the most horrible ways imaginable just so Rainbow could be safe.

''Rainbow...listen to me.'' Brady said as he gently put a hand to her cheek, making her look up. ''I love you and always will. Remember that.''

Gently, he pressed his lips to hers, just before he got back to his feet and turned away. The last thing that Rainbow saw was the pin drop from the grenade to the floor with a small clang on the metal floor before Brady disappeared into a dark room. Then, the last thing she heard was an explosion and a bright, yellowy-orange light, followed by screaming.

Rainbow jolted awake, screaming as sweat ran down her face, her breathing becoming heavy as she panted for air. She tried to move her hooves, but she soon found that she couldn't. When she looked down, a heavy blush spread across her face. Gustavo was clinging on to her, gently snoring as he nuzzled her mane.

''Gustavo! Hey! You're crushing me! Can you please let go?'' Rainbow said, trying to awake the heavily sleeping merc, but all he did was move gently and mumble something inaudible under his breath. Trying again, Rainbow wriggled her body as hard as she could, desperately trying to wake him up.

''WAKE UP!'' Rainbow yelled, causing Gustavo to shoot awake, quickly realizing that he was holding onto Rainbow and released her, blushing a heavy crimson.

''Thank you. Now, you mind telling me why you were clinging onto me like I was a teddy bear?'' Rainbow demanded, a soft tone of anger in her voice.

''I...um...erm...'' Gustavo uttered, finding himself unable to form words through his shock.

''I'm waiting.'' Rainbow said, giving Gustavo a nerve-chilling stare.

''Rainbow, y-y-you don't remember?''

''Remember what?''

''You were shivering like mad in the cold, so when you were trying to get to sleep, I came next to you and cuddled onto you, to try and keep you warm. At first, you resisted it, but soon enough, you let me. Its nothing, really. There isn't anything about this as in terms of...you know...''

Taking the hint, Rainbow paused, trying to think, but her head was aching too much to even think o what to say. Exhaling through gritted teeth, she placed a hoof to her head, beginning to feel that light-headed feeling, making her become slightly dizzy. Sighing, she lazily flopped to the floor, laying on her side, trying to get warm, but the night air felt too cold against her body, and she soon found herself shivering. Gustavo looked at her, feeling a little bad about her. It seems that now Brady is dead, she finds it hard to stay alive, let alone survive. As quiet as he could he lay down beside Rainbow, offering to help her stay warm.

''Rainbow? You cold?''

''N-N-No. *shudder* I-I'm fine.'' Rainbow said quietly, feeling her spine get a shiver down its length.

''Rainbow, if you want, you can cuddle with me. It doesn't have to create any weirdness between us, just think of it as friendlyness or something along those lines.''

''I-I dunno...'' Rainbow replied nervously, drooping her eyes a bit.

''Please? You're gonna freeze or catch something if you don't. Come on, I can't let you stay like that.'' Gustavo pleaded., offering a hand to her.

Slowly, Rainbow placed her soft but cold cyan hoof into his hand and pulled herself along the floor closer to him. To her, it was awkward to say the least. However, she did find comfort in it as Gustavo wrapped an arm around her back, gently hugging her in an attempt to keep her warm.

''You comfortable?'' Gustavo asked her, feeling her trying to get into a comfortable position.

Rainbow gently put her own hooves around Gustavo, resting her head on his chest, feeling it rise and fall slowly as he breathed and exhaled.

''I am now.'' Rainbow said as she sighed sleepily and happily.

''Well...goodnight I guess.'' He said back with a yawn.

''Yeah, I hear you. 'Night.''

She closed her eyes, falling sound asleep, but as she did, under her breath, she quietly said one thing.

''Thanks, Gustavo. This reminds me of being with Brady...''

How Long's A Tear Take To Dry?

Earlier That Night...

Billy, Gustavo and Rainbow sat around a campfire, watching it crack and pop as the night grew darker. Usually, they wouldn't have a fire, due to the many threats lurking in the area being attracted by it, and it being as dark as it was, there is no telling what may come. Weather that be a mole-rat, a mirelurk or a wild, hungry dog. But tonight they were risking it, because the nights air was colder than usual and they were already beginning to feel the nipping of the cold air against their skin.

''So...Gustavo, is it? What did you do before you were assigned to do this job? You sure look like you know your way around the dangers of the wastes.'' Billy asked, curious of Gustavo's past.

''I used to be a guard for Tenpenny. Can we not talk about it please?'' Gustavo replied back almost immediately, a stern look on his face.

''Why?''

''J-Just...don't, Billy. Trust me.'' Rainbow told him, stopping him from taking the conversation further. ''Well...since he doesn't wanna discuss it, how about you, Billy? What did you do?''

''Me? Well...I was a mercenary. I did a few jobs in that business and I didn't fancy killing innocent people, so now, I'm a scavenger. I gotta say, it was better than it sounded. I just hate leaving Maggie alone in Megaton whenever I'm out doing it.'' His expression turned sad, Billy looking at the ground, planting a hand across his face.

''You okay?'' Rainbow asked, noticing a small spec in his eye.

''Y-Yeah...I just worry about Maggie when I'm not around.''

''Hey. Isn't Maggie that girl I heard about that got rescued from a raid on a house? I think it was on GNR or something?'' Gustavo said, trying to think clearly.

''Yeah, it was on GNR, about a couple years ago. I got her myself. Raiders were inside the house when I got there, and they didn't hesitate to try and kill me. One of them came at me so fast that before I could react, he ended up stabbing me in the eye.''

Rainbow gasped softly, noticing Billy's eyes becoming glazed over with tears.

''I didn't even kill the guy. I just remember being unconscious from the pain, and I guess they thought they had killed me. When I got up, the first thing I noticed was blood staining my clothes and face. When I got upstairs, that's when I found Maggie. It was the worst thing I ever saw in that room. On the bed were her parents, butchered and blood everywhere. She was hiding under that bed, herself covered in blood, but luckily, she wasn't hurt. I've taken her in and raised her since then.''

Billy had been lost in his words that much that he hadn't realized that he was crying. He rubbed his eye and let out a long sigh as he slouched on top of his sleeping bag. Seeing his misery, Rainbow came up next to him and wrapped a wing around him, pulling him into a hug, to which Billy accepted, holding her tightly as if she were Maggie.

''S-S-Sorry, I just can't help but cry every time I think about it...''

''Hey, its alright to cry about. You clearly care greatly for Maggie and want nothing more than her to be safe.''

Across the fire, Gustavo sat there watching the warming moment pass. He smiled a bit, but his insides felt like they twisted a bit. It made him feel...like something was missing from his life. Even he doesn't know how to explain the strange, new feeling. Was it because all his life he had been on his own and left to fend for himself? Because both Billy and Rainbow had something they care about, such as Maggie and Brady? Was it jealousy? He really didn't know.

He turned away from them, staring out over the wastes that was now lit by the dim, white light from the moon. He sighed, pulling out a pair of binoculars he had in his bag and looked deeper into the desolate area. All he saw was dust and grime being turned up by the winds of the night, making them dance randomly and aimlessly through the air. Rubble, dead trees and blood and grit is what only seemed to be left on this land nowadays, setting a depressing scene for people who roam the land in search of things to sell or to find someplace to settle down. Gustavo sighed again, dropping his binoculars beside his feet and slouched down on his sleeping bag, wiping a hand across his face and eyes. He was so caught up in the midst of the night that he didn't even realize that Rainbow had came beside him.

She looked at him with a hint of worry clearly shown on her face as sat beside him. Gently she put a hoof to his shoulder, causing him to jump at her touch, snapping him from his thoughts.

''Gah! Oh. Hey, Rainbow.'' He said quietly in a sad tone.

''Hey. You okay? You seem distracted.''

''I-I...'' He mumbled, but then just sighed softly through his nostrils and looked back at the desolate and dead scene before him. ''I dunno. I just feel a bit odd, is all.''

She looked at him, inspecting his mood deeper, easily noticing a small glittery spec in his his eyes. Slowly, she sat next to him closely, looking at the land before them, watching its deadness. It kinda looked like the night in Equestria, no movement, no activity, just stillness and silence, with only the light from the moon illuminating its scenery.

''Its so quiet.'' Rainbow said quietly and slowly.

''Yeah, I miss being out on nights like this. As much as I wanted to, I couldn't because I was stuck guarding Tenpenny Tower full time.''

''How come?''

''Because apparently, I was the best shot out of all the guards, but for some reason, he put me on daytime duty instead of night duty, so I never got to see the night sky for a long time. This is the first time in a few days that I've seen it.''

''Wow. So, you were just stuck outdoors guarding for the whole of daytime? Must've sucked.''

''Ha. It did. At least not I'm free to roam the wastes as I see fit, and can do whatever I want without bitchy Mister Tenpenny giving me orders twenty-four-seven.''

''Yeah, I hear you.'' Rainbow chuckled with him, keeping her gaze fixed upon the night scene before her. ''And um...thanks for helping me back in Greyditch. I owe you one.''

''Eh, its no problem, Rainbow. You're just lucky that you didn't brake your neck when you got flung into that wall.''

Rainbow blushed a dim crimson, now looking into Gustavo's brown eyes. Saying nothing more, she hugged him, and he gladly returned the embrace.

Bethesda

The now small remainders of the scavenge team have been walking for what seemed like hours, but even if it was less or more, they wouldn't be able to tell. Their legs were hurting and their ankles even worse. What made this whole thing even more worse than it already was was the fact that they had a lot to carry with them, and those things in particular were from the other scavenging team they were sent to Greyditch to find, but in the end, it turned out they had been killed by the fire-ants.

The only things salvageable from their burnt bodies and dead brahmin were their weapons, that consisted of a flamer, laser rifle, and a combat shotgun. On the brahmin, the only things that they could take that weren't too battered up or in a useless condition were their spare clothing and ammunition, along with a few bits and bobs that they found while they were scavenging around the area - and luckily, the clothing was all armored and proved to be useful and ideal to the ones the team currently wore.

They had been headed blindly in a direction from their previous position at camp, and knew nothing of what lies ahead of them.

The sun had just arose over the horizon, and night hadn't been that far behind (a couple hours at most) and from the events of that night, it was really evadable that they were all depressed, mostly Billy. Even Rainbow and Gustavo noticed it. That day he barely said a thing or even tried to interact with them. He just walked on, staring at the ground as he walked, limping a little bit.

Watching his every move, both Rainbow and Gustavo became more concerned about him with every passing moment. They couldn't tell what it was. The fact that he was depressed about last night when he told them his story? Maggie?

Well, whatever it was, they were hoping it wasn't anything too bad. His expression was what worried them most. He was pale in color, his eyes were dimmer than usual, and his facial expression was that of a sad, lonesome-looking one.

Walking on further, still keeping their eyes on Billy for most of the way, they found themselves in a medium sized settlement. The buildings - supposedly ruins of business buildings and homes - were all mostly reduced to heaps of rubble, with only few left standing in the midst of the ghost-town. Cautiously going deeper into the town, their pacing got slower, in an attempt to stay quiet if there are any threats lurking around the area, possibly watching them.

Moving along, nearly back to back, along a destroyed business building that was still standing, a sign in rusted, black letters read, ''Bethesda Softworks''. That wasn't all that was noticed on the building, though. Through the corner of his eye, Gustavo could see something peeking around the corner of the third-level window, watching them. To say the least, he was creeped out by it, but wanted to know what or who it was. Motioning quietly with his hand instead of speaking out loud, he pointed at the window and then to the door of the remains of the tall, rickety building. Going through the door of the building (that was of course shattered and all over the floor), Gustavo almost immediately found the flight of stairs and quietly and cautiously began to step up them, not wanting to give away his position.

All the way, Rainbow and Billy stayed close behind him, watching his back. Getting up the last flight of stairs to where he wanted to go, Gustavo slowly pulled back the cocking mechanism on his assault rifle, ready to shoot. Quickly going around the corner after signaling to Rainbow and Billy, he snapped his rifle so the sights met his eye, scanning the room for any signs of movement, but all that he saw was overturned desks and chairs, bookshelves and various piles of rubble that fell through the ceiling, that no longer held were it once was.

Confused but still aware of a presence in the room that he knew he saw, he lowered his gun. Looking all around, he saw nothing. Not satisfied, he continued his way through the room to were he saw the figure standing. Upon getting there, he saw nothing but a small pile of blood splattered on the tiles. Sighing through his nostrils, he turned around to look at his two companions, but his mouth fell slightly agape as he saw the figure once again, standing directly behind them.

''Look out!'' He yelled at them, snapping their heads around to see where Gustavo was looking, they saw nothing. Looking confused as they stared at him, they came away from the door entry, coming to join Gustavo.

''There's....nobody there, Gustavo...'' Rainbow said quietly.

''What did you see?'' Billy asked, curious what his companion saw, yet confused when he saw it but they didn't notice it.

''I swear I saw something!'' Gustavo uttered out, still not taking his eyes off where he saw the figure standing. ''It was right there, behind you both! How didn't you see that?!''

''See what?'' Billy waved a hand in his face, trying to get his attention broken from the door.

''I dunno! Looked a bit like a women.''

''Look, I'll go over and see about that, alright? I didn't see anyone there.'' Billy said as he pulled out his 44.Magnum and walked over to where Gustavo was looking.

Going over to the staircase, the first thing that got his eye was small, thin trials of blood going up the stairs. Wanting to know the source of it, Billy went up the flight, and upon getting to the top, saw more blood than before. Coming closer to it, the smell of iron immediately invaded his nostrils, but Billy being Billy, didn't be affected by it. Smells like that seemed like nothing to him, as in his travels, he had smelled things of a more higher and foul stench. Calling down the stairs to tell his companions that nothing was there, something grabbed him from behind as he turned around, clamping a strong hand across his mouth, him letting out muffled yelling noises. Accidentally, he fired a round from his gun, the powerful blast making the gun be jerked from his grasp, dropping it on the floor.

Hearing the loud bullet being shot, Gustavo and Rainbow wasted no time in charging up the stairs to see what had happened, but as they got there, all they saw was Billy's gun laying in a patch of blood, and seeing that, horror came seeping into their minds, thinking it may be blood from Billy. Gustavo knelt down, picking the gun by the handle, looking at it. The scope had shattered in a diagonal line across the lens at the rear sight of the revolver. Sighing through his nostrils, he placed the gun into his holster by his side.

''We need to find him.'' He said in a low voice as he looked at Rainbow whom just nodded her head. Without hesitation, they made pace with their task of finding their now missing friend. They had been searching for a while now, outside now getting darker by the minute. They found a few more small trails of blood on the floor of the corridor, wondering if it was Billy's.

''Gustavo? You said you saw someone earlier?''

''Mmm.'' He grunted back in a short breath.

''What did they look like?''

Walking without looking down at her, he said, ''I dunno, it was too dark. I couldn't see. About my height maybe? I didn't see them holding a weapon. Why?''

''I'm just wondering if it might of helped.'' Rainbow replied as she puffed a piece of her hair from her face. ''We may not be alone here, you know? Suppose they're Raiders here? Maybe mercenaries? I doubt a passer-by would of taken him.''

''I suppose you're right there, Rainbow. I just hope he ain't dead.''

Blood

''Rainbow? Are you alright?'' Gustavo asked as he saw Rainbow slouch against the wall, rubbing her head. Only recently has she started to look pale, and that was enough to start a small piece of worry. He walked up to her, holding her shoulder as he looked into her eyes, seeing that they were not a colourful as they usually were.

''Y-Yeah. I'm fine, just feel a little woozy.'' Rainbow replied, trying to regain her composure. It was getting darker and they were still searching the buildings for Billy, but found no traces of his whereabouts, except a few occasional trails of blood. ''Where do you suppose he is?''

''I dunno. Hope he's alright. And I really hope that all this blood isn't his. I just don't understand what or who could of taken him like that without a trace.''

''Do you think it was Raiders?'' Offered Rainbow.

''Nah, they barely come around Bethesda. This place has been a ghost town even before the war happened. People feared it because of the ghost stories that are told around here. I personally don't believe in them stories, they are merely just rumours told to scare kids.''

''Yeah, I've had my fair share of ghost stories, too, when I was a kid.'' Laughed Rainbow, ''Ever heard of the Missing Horseshoe? Or the Headless Horse?''

''No...?'' Said Gustavo slowly as he raised a brow at her. ''Why? Any good?''

''You bet! I'll tell you them later at some point, preferably when we find Billy or if we...AHHH!'' Rainbow screamed as she fell on her side, clenching her stomach.

''Rainbow! What's wrong?!'' Gustavo asked concernedly as he leaned down and held his hand to her chest, using the other to keep her head up.

''Hurts...so...bad!'' Rainbow cried, her groans echoing through the death-silent building. ''Oh my...! Make it stop!'' She begged as she rolled around in pain, still clenching her stomach. Gustavo supported her as best he could, injecting a syringe of Med-X into her system when he got her stable enough to administer it. Eventually, she stopped fidgeting and didn't move. He checked her breathing, sighing in relief as he found it was normal. He cradled her in his arms gently, supporting her.

While they have been going through the building and a couple buildings lately, Gustavo noticed she seemed a bit different. She acted a little more jumpy, quiet and even a little paler. He just passed it off, but now all of that was truly confirmed, indicating that something was indeed wrong with her, but he couldn't tell what it was. He even noticed a small tear go down the side of her face as he held her there, being motionless.

In the distance, gunshots could be heard, drowned out a little by the rain. Whatever it was, is sounded like an assault rifle or ordinance of a higher calibre. Gustavo picked Rainbow up in his arms, holding her close as he carried on through the building. The sooner they got back to Megaton, the better. Outside, the rain had picked up and started a slightly heavy drizzle, dark, green-grey clouds hanging in the sky above, and that usually meant they were in for a bit of a storm. Looks like they were gonna have to stay in Bethesda for a while...

The gunshots grew louder and louder, meaning that whoever was shooting was getting closer to them. Wondering if it could be a Raider, Gustavo set Rainbow down in the corner, kneeling beside her, gun at firing-point. The gunfire died down for a while, but then came back, followed with a few screams of agony that were what sounded like both men and women being killed by someone. Then footsteps were heard nearby, inside the building. Judging from how heavy the steps were, it was possibly the person or creature was carrying heavy equipment or armour, which would be a problem seeing as Gustavo barely had that much ammo left on him - only about two and a half clips for the assault rifle he was carrying. The footsteps stopped just outside of the room where him and Rainbow hid, and now Gustavo was becoming nervous.

Squeezing himself towards the wall next to the door, Gustavo waited. Soon enough, a figure entered the doorway - a man in green combat armour, battered and scratched, wearing no helmet, revealing light brown, flat-top hair. Weather this guy was a mercenary or a Wastelander, Gustavo couldn't tell. Now sneaking behind the unsuspecting person, Gustavo grabbed his shoulder, pulling him back, tripping him with his leg and throwing him into the floor with a dull thud, pointing his assault rifle towards his head.

''Try anything and I'll blow your head off.'' Gustavo told him, seriousness in his voice.

''If you think I came to attack you, think again. I'm not here to hurt any civilians.'' The man tried to reassure him, clearly not trying to put up a fight, but Gustavo wasn't taking any risks.

''Who are you? You sure as hell don't look like a Wastelander, and I don't think you're any kind of Regulator, so who are you?''

''I'm a Ranger. I'm with Reilly's Rangers. I'm a mercenary.''

''Alright, fine, but if you try anything, I'm going to shoot you. Got it?''

The mercenary grunted as a response, and then the barrel of the gun was aimed away from his head. Getting up, he turned to face Gustavo, whom now saw that this mercenary was just about in his thirties, much like he was. On the scratched, deep green breastplate he wore, it indeed read 'Reilly's Rangers' in a worn white colour, two swords crossed behind the words.

''So you really are one of Reilly's Rangers. You wasn't lying.'' Gustavo said, lowering his rifle but still being cautious, ''Who are you then?''

''Butcher. I'm the team Medic. And who might you be, because you seem out of place in that armour.'' Butch said, motioning to Gustavo's khaki Tenpenny Security barding.

''Yeah, about that, I used to be one of Tenpenny's guards. I'd rather not go into detail on that one. I'm Gustavo by the way. Why are you here, anyway? Thought Rangers stay in groups, near D.C.?''

''What? You've not heard about it? Damn Enclave put up a bounty on someone's head not too long ago. People are out for her, and the Reilly's Rangers are gonna try and stop that. Enclave isn't really our problem, but whatever the boss says goes.'' He reached into his pocket, taking out a piece of paper, unfolding it as he passed it to Gustavo, whose face went a little pale at what it said -

For whoever is reading to this, you are only reading it because you are interested in the job being offered to you. Not long ago, we got reports and sightings from some of our guys on patrol about seeing some kind of rainbow-maned horse with a rainbow lightning bolt on its flank whom is traveling with some guys in a merchant group. If you want this job, find her and take her. Alive.

Don't kill it under any circumstances. For whomever gets it to us soon at Raven Rock, we would gladly pay you a sum of 5000 caps.

This message is for anyone who is willing to get their hands dirty.

Enclave Lieutenant Matt Ainsley.

''There's a bounty on Rainbow?''

''Rainbow?'' Butch asked, giving Gustavo a look of confusion.

''Its about Rainbow - Wait! You said you were a medic? I need you to help me.'' Gustavo turned to Rainbow going over to her still motionless form. At first, Butch was a little shocked. He hadn't expected anything like this to be what the Enclave were after. He approached her, kneeling to her level, inspecting her. She was pale, she felt warm on the forehead and her breathing was normal. She looked bad, but with Butch's medical knowledge, he knew that it wasn't as bad as it looked - or at least, he hoped it wasn't. He would need his tools to run a full diagnostic, but without them, he can only diagnose with symptoms of illnesses or viruses present in the patient.

It wasn't an illness, though. Anyone with enough medical sense would know that she wasn't just ill, but from Butch's diagnostic, he was guessing she was -

More steps were heard outside the room, and moments later, the rest of Reilly's Rangers came through, along with Billy. He had a few scrapes and cuts on him, but it was a relief to Gustavo to know he wasn't dead. The Rangers in Reilly's Rangers only consisted of four people, all wearing the trademark, green painted combat armour. One of them, carrying a minigun, was called Brick. She appeared to be muscular, and from what Gustavo could guess, a bit of a tomboy. Like Butcher, Brick had the same kind of hair, flat top and of a dark brown colour. Donovan, however, carried a Chinese assault rifle and wore a combat helmet, only small pockets of his black hair visible. He also appeared to be the youngest of the group. Reilly, though, was something different. She had ginger hair that sparkled and seemed to shine, her skin appeared to look quite smooth and well cared for, but her eyes were deceiving. Something in her eyes would tell anyone that she was just another female bystander, but wronging her would more than likely release the beast.

The group of mercenaries talked to each other about various things, and after a short while, the topic of what to do about the Enclave came up. If others found the contract, they would surely go after Rainbow, possibly at gun-point. During the conversation, Dash groaned softly as she lay there, head on some old rags to keep her comfortable. Butch had a rough idea what may be wrong with Rainbow, but he had to be sure before a fuss could be started. One thing was for sure, though - they couldn't stay in Bethesda for long. They had to get Rainbow to a doctor.

Outside, it was raining heavily, heavy gusts of wind seeping throughout the streets. One thing was for sure - they would have to spend the night in town. The only thing at that point in time that made Gustavo feel a whole lot better was that Billy was back and unharmed, and that Reilly's Rangers were with them. At the moment, Gustavo and Billy were sat with their backs to the wall, keeping an eye on Rainbow. The Rangers, on the other hand, looked at and repaired their weapons. Well, mostly Donovan, whom's speciality was repairing things. He even fixed up Billy's revolver by replacing the lens with a camera lens that seemed to make the weapon more accurate than it used to be.

''So, what happened to you, Billy? All me and Rainbow knew is that one second your behind us, and the next you're gone.'' Gustavo asked Billy, cradling his assault rifle.

Billy just sighed quietly through his nostrils as he slouched slightly against the wall. ''Did you even know that there are Raiders in Bethesda? A couple followed us into the building, and one of them managed to take me down. I was just lucky enough to of been found by them Rangers before the bastards could of done whatever they planned to do to me.''

''Well, I'm glad you're alright, Billy. Me and Rainbow thought you were dead.'' Gustavo said as he looked towards Rainbow who was still sleeping soundly. She had been out for hours and barely shown any signs of waking up.

''Is she alright? She don't look too good.'' Billy said worryingly.

''I sure hope so. She wasn't feeling too good when we were searching for you. One minute we were talking, and then she just...fell down and started screaming in pain...then she stopped moving after I injected her with Med-X.''

Moving towards Rainbow, Billy sat next to her. He looked at her for the longest time, as if trying to read her. He rested an ear to her chest, hearing her heart beat softly from within. quietly, he moved away, keeping his eyes on her as he sat back down with Gustavo, worry clearly visible on his face.

''Her heart sounds like its slowing. She needs a doctor.'' Is all Billy said before he began to look at his Magnum, checking the scope. It wasn't hard to tell that seeing her like that was making him uneasy. Hell, it was even making Gustavo uneasy. Right now, though, he was just going to sleep on it. Tomorrow they should head back to Megaton, before Rainbow's condition worsens. Hopefully all will be okay...

*** *** ***

''I really don't know any other way I can describe it to you.'' Doc Church said grumpily as he held a clipboard containing details and medical history of Rainbow. ''I ran a diagnostic on her with all my knowledge in medicine, and I'm telling you that Rainbow Dash is pregnant.''

Billy and Gustavo's mouths hung open slightly, shocked at what they were hearing.

''How though? Why didn't we see this earlier? She was only acting weird when we were in Bethesda! Are you certain, Doc? For real?'' Gustavo said, hoping those previous words were false. His only response was the clipboard being shoved into his face, smacking him in the nose, making him cringe in slight pain.

''For christ's sake, Gustavo, here! Read the damn paper, and tell me different, because what I'm reading says Rainbow is one hundred percent positive for pregnancy tests!''

Gustavo and Billy looked at the data, and the latest tests on Rainbow indeed read positive, indicating she was pregnant. As a reaction, Gustavo fainted, Billy only just catching him before he was about to hit the floor.

''B-But how? She wasn't in any kind of relationship, was she? If so, who?''

''I dunno, perhaps Brady? Wasn't it obvious those two loved each other dearly? The only bad thing is that Brady is dead. Poor guy died of ghoulification.''

''Brady is dead, and you're saying that's the only bad thing?! Brady was a friend of mine, and you're saying Rainbow Dash is pregnant with his kid! She is fucking pregnant! Have you any idea how bad this is?!''

Doc Church pushed a hand on Billy's chest, pushing him away from his face, ''Just calm down, will you? You might as well be an alarm clock.''

''Calm down?! Rainbow is pregnant, Doc! Brady is gone! How do you think she'll take the news?! Do you have any idea how much shit she's been through since Brady died?''

''No I do not. We'll find a way, Billy. We just gotta wait. Maybe things'll turn out better than you think, but then again maybe not. Only time will answer your questions.''

''But that doesn't explain why she was screaming in pain. According to Gustavo, she fell over screaming and passed out after he injected her with Med-X.''

''He what?!'' Doc Church exclaimed, eyes wide.

''...Is that bad?''

Both turned their heads, meeting Rainbow's frightened, magenta eyes. She had heard them talking, and that look on her face was more than worrying. How long had she been awake? How much did she hear? Neither have seen her look so scared before. Slowly, Billy sat beside her, placing a hand to her shoulder as he looked her in the eye empathetically.

''Rainbow...did you...did you hear all of that?'' To his question, Rainbow nodded slowly, like she was dreading of ever hearing that conversation, to which Billy only sighed. Gently, he leaned down and hugged Rainbow, and it wasn't long before she started crying. The doctor had left them alone, thinking it was best, and all through that time, Billy had been trying to comfort Rainbow, even though he knew it wouldn't do much good.

''I...I...I dunno what to do! I can't be a mother! I just can't!'' Rainbow sobbed, hugging Billy's shoulder tightly as he nestled his chin atop her head.

''I'm sorry about this, Rainbow. I truly am. I know you loved Brady...''

''No!'' Rainbow interrupted, ''I need him! I don't just love him, Billy! I need him!''

''He's gone, Rainbow...nothing can bring him back. I wish there was a way, but there just isn't!''

Rainbow hung her head at that, thinking about how stupid she must of sounded. When Billy got up from her side and about to walk off, Rainbow grabbed his arm with a hoof.

''No! Stay with me...please?'' She pleaded, eyes locked in their adorable look, Billy sighing at her cuteness before he cuddled up with Rainbow. The days ahead were not going to be easy, if not for Billy, for Rainbow. Right now she needs him more than ever, including Gustavo.

Fragment Of A Memory

Run, run, just run! I thought to myself, If I stop now, I'll get caught!

The halls of the Vault seemed tighter and narrower around me, making me feel so claustrophobic I could have a heart attack. Screams billowed out around me, echoing in my mind as the chaos went underway, fires licking the walls, some inhabitants being engulfed in the white-hot blaze, screaming louder and louder as it blistered and blackened their skin. People howled like animals as they tried to get away from the growing flames, the heat being felt amongst their backs.

My god, what have I done...?

*** *** ***

I screamed as electricity shot through me, the pain throbbing in my head unbearably intense. My limbs refused to move an inch, no matter how hard I tried to move them. It felt as though I didn't have any limbs at all. What replaced them was a numbness that I don't know if I should freak out about or not. Suddenly, I felt myself being tilted upright, soon knowing why I couldn't move - I had been strapped tightly onto a metal table, the only thing covering my body were my blue undershirt and darker blue underwear.

I couldn't focus on anything for what seemed to be the longest time. My brain seemed to refuse to allow me to think or recall what had happened to make me be here. I could only tell that I was inside a circular room, the walls and floors made out of blackish metal. The lights were dim and the perimeter of the room was stocked with computers of all sizes and types. People were sat at terminals, their face and identities hidden beneath white suits with deep-red visors, various scientific equipment hooked to their barding.

Directly in front of me, the door opened, the top turning as the locking mechanism released from the latches and the doors retracting into the ceiling and floor, a figure coming into the room, followed by two others, holding plasma rifles. He looked at me for a brief moment and turned to one of the scientists in suits, from why I could tell, a female whom seemed to be in charge. (or at least, I guessed so...)

The figure approached me, soon coming into full focus. He seemed to be in his late forties or maybe fifties. His hair was grey and combed, an old, pale yellow Colonel's uniform and trench-coat, his hands behind his back as if he were an important figure.

''Welcome back to the world of the living, Brady.'' He said, his voice a tad posh but sounding as if he was from the South, ''I'm Colonel Autumn. I would like to discuss some things with you.''

''W-What do you want with me? Where am I?''

''You're at Raven Rock. Home of the Enclave's last remnants in the D.C. area.''

''Why can't I move? What have you done to me? I can't even remember anything...''

He smirked a little for some reason, ''Ah, then its working. Its nothing to worry about, I assure you. The reason you can't think is because we hooked your brain into a specialized computer, making it possible for us to read your mind and memories, as well as see them take place.''

''You what?! You hooked my brain up to a computer?!'' I would of nearly shouted that, but my throat was dry, making talking hurt after so long.

''Before you go on with accusations on it, there is quite simply a good reason why we did so. Tell me, can you remember anything at all? Lets say...Megaton? How about that?''

''M-Megaton? Yes...I think so. But that doesn't explain why I'm here! I can't remember anything!''

''But you can. You remembered Megaton. As for why you can't recall certain things, allow me to explain.'' He took a clipboard with several documents attached to it and skimmed through it.

''From what our scientists here know and could find out, you were found buried outside of Megaton. After being taken out, you appeared to have gone under the transformation known as 'ghoulification'. When you were brought out here, to Raven Rock to be experimented on as well as researched, it appeared as though the radiation within your system wasn't as bad as a feral ghoul, thus we were able to reverse the transformation process using advanced medical technology and stem cells.''

I was silent, hoping I hadn't heard all that correctly. Ghoulification? I couldn't recall going under that transformation, either...my brain and mind was pretty much wiped clean of everything. Hearing my silence, he went on.

''As we were looking over you, we found this picture.''

He detached a picture from the clipboard and presented it to me. It was of me and a pony with beautiful rainbow hair and magenta eyes, snuggling up with me, smiling with me. It looked to be taken in what I recognise as Megaton. Then I looked down to the bottom right corner of the photo, seeing my name and a name that was like a purge of memory coming back to me. Rainbow Dash

I squeezed my eyes shut, seeing moments with me and her together, watching them replay clear as day. When I reopened them, I saw Colonel Autumn smiling up at me like a mini devil. By this point I was sweating, my brain thumping against my skull.

''Rainbow Dash trusts you, correct? If you show up, she won't attack you, though she will freak out. Now then, Oscar Brady, you have a task to carry out, and I don't want you back here until you get it done. You are to seek out and capture Rainbow Dash, and once you do, bring her back here.'' He walked off back towards door, talking to the female scientist again. ''Activate Program OB-1.''

And then my brain felt as though it was on fire, and darkness filled my vision.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Dead Man Walking

Restocked and out of the clinic, Rainbow, Gustavo and Billy were back out in the Wasteland. Though Rainbow was clearly frightened of what would become of her in future, she tried to hold it together, for her friends sake. They had a few places in particular that were open for the picking, but one of them held more of an interest than the others - Fort Bannister. After brief discussion and little argument, the group decided to go to Fort Bannister. The main reason as to why it was chosen was simply because it housed many spare parts and pieces that would be invaluable in the recreation of Megaton. There may also be some left over from the scavenging.

What the location held in store for them, no one knew. But they did know to be prepared. Gustavo, having nothing to do, fitted his Chinese assault rifle with and extended magazine, summing his bullets per magazine to forty-eight. And for better accuracy and recon purposes, he had fitted a mid-range scope on top of it. Billy, still with his standard side arm, the 44. Magnum, refused to change his weapon. All he needed was his pistol and nothing more, apparently. As for Rainbow Dash, she stuck with her Chinese sword. She had grown more attached to it since she first used it, and not not mention more skilled. Rainbow even took Brady's old Pip-Boy, fitting it around her left hoof.

It may be a long and dangerous trip, but all of them were prepared, or at least, they hoped they were. If they had to chose a reason to feel nervous, it would have to be the radiation still within the facility, in the missile silo, as well as the massive amounts of nuclear bomb damage the facility sustained in the early years of the Great War. Whatever happens, they were going to get through it...

*** *** ***

''What do ya see, Gustavo?'' Billy asked from next to him.

''Looks like an army down there. Talon Company, judging their armour colour. Possibly heavily armed.'' Gustavo replied glumly, even a little annoyed. He pulled his rifle from his back, about to take aim just before Billy pushed the barrel down with his hand.

''Whoa, whoa, whadda ya doing? You trying to attract them to us? They'll know where we're shooting from, even at this distance. Be discrete about this.''

Gustavo sighed at that. He was right. He knew he was right. To their surprise, Rainbow had taken a sniper while they were at Megaton. It was the same one Brady used the day they were enslaved not far from Paradise Falls. She handed it to Billy, who passed it along to Gustavo. He looked over the weapon, amazed at the quality of it. It even had a silencer on it, making their job easier than they hoped. Soon, he started picking off targets, one by one, each kill done by a headshot.

Even from the distance they were at, seeing their head explode in a red, gooey paste was like watching a firecracker go off.

Soon, the area was more secure, few soldiers remaining, some possibly aware of the few that were killed by the sniper. Whatever the situation at the bottom, the group pressed on. Before they planned a move, they thought it would be best to remember the layout of the facility. At the south end of the base was the gate, in the far back, a water tower, to the left of that were tents, and to the right was the building that was now in pieces, only a few parts of it standing. Other than that, they noticed that the only way into the underground part, which was the place they needed to be, was the door down a few steps just past the south gate.

*** *** ***

Now inside the facility, they regretted the decision to not look for alternative ways into the complex. Right now, they were in a fight with a bunch of Talon mercenaries, and they had much more heavier ordinance than them. They even had flame-throwers and missile launchers, whilst others held combat shotguns and machine guns, all of a higher quality and standard!

Gustavo managed to take down the fire-unit and a couple other mercenaries, and Billy, by far, had killed the most out of all of them. Rainbow didn't really try to get close to them, over dear of being killed by them. After seeing how skilled they were with weapons of such a kind, her usually confident side was diminished, telling her to stay back. Its times like these that she wished she had a gun and not a sword to fight with...

Over a period of around an hour and a half, they had killed every mercenary within killing-distance. Seeing her chance, Rainbow took a combat shotgun, along with a nice take of shells to go with it. She had used one gun like this previously, and knew the basics of using one. It wasn't going to be a pretty night in the fort, but whatever happens will be done in reason. Gustavo even took a second weapon - one of the flame-throwers. It was just lucky he didn't manage to hit the petrol tanks or any of the pipes on the back, rendering it useless. He fitted it onto his back, smirking at the thoughts such a weapon was capable of.

Moving up towards one of the many rooms within the underground of the base, they took caution, trying to keep as quiet as possible. Peaking around the corner, Billy spotted a turret, right after it targeted him, immediately taking fire, the bullets that rained from it barely missing his nose.

''Bad news. Turret dead ahead. Think you can burn it with your flame-thrower?''

Gustavo only nodded before he grinned devilishly, bringing the flame-thrower to life in a blaze of white-hot heat that engulfed the turret, frying its components and causing parts of it to melt and malfunction. Soon enough, the turret was reduced to a burning piece of slag that hung on the ceiling, smoke coming from the now hot metal.

''Hehe, that was fun...'' Gustavo chuckled as he powered down the weapon, taking the lead down the corridor. Most things they found down there turned out to be junk, but some proved useful, and they also found some ammunition for their weapons, or more specifically, Billy's revolver. The next room they moved to was locked, but with a quick lock-picking, Rainbow managed to get it open, and she gagged at the smell of decay that released once the door opened. Sat in the corner on a chair was a skeleton with a hole through the top of his head, old blood splattered on the wall above him, a 10mm pistol on the floor. Something caught her eye, though. Something big...

Turning to face a shelf, she saw a few different sized ammunition boxes and some kind of large weapon made out of metal, a compressed gas cannister fastened to the back of it. Taking a closer look, she could see the words Fat Man carved into the gun in a Stencil font. Beside it stood some kind of bomb. It was green with a yellow ring near the tip of it, a red mark in the middle. The bottom was rounded, designed with four points beneath it that looked like it would go into the slots of the Fat Man. She put a hoof around it, trying to lift it, and it was surprisingly heavier than she though it to be, but she managed to take it and strap it to her back. Next, she took the bomb-looking thingy and placed it into her saddle-bag.

*** *** ***

MEANWHILE....

*** *** ***

''Brady, hurry up, vertibird's not gonna wait forever. Move it.'' One of Colonel Autumn's guards said, sounding not all too polite but serious. His armour was that of a Tesla Type of the Power Armour Mark 2, the electricity occasionally crackling in small sparks to small Tesla coils within the suit.

I, myself was wearing a suit of the same mark, but not a Tesla Model. It was a standard issue, black-grey in colour and heavy as well as very or over protective of its user. I didn't wear a helmet though. I didn't even know why I was there, waiting to board the vertibird. My mind was blank as a slate and I felt almost like a zombie. Something in my mind kept whispering to me.

Get the pony...get the pony...bring her back to the Colonel....

I didn't like it, but for some reason unknown to me, I obeyed it. In my hands, I held a plasma rifle. Funny...I don't ever recall using a weapon like this in my entire life. In fact, I haven't ever used an energy weapon before. They weren't my thing, but again, for reasons unknown, I was holding one.

I had one objective, and one mission. And those are to capture and bring Rainbow Dash back here, with or without lethal force. This was gonna be ugly.

*** *** ***

Reinforcements flooded the fort, all heavily armed to the teeth and extremely pissed off. The fight against them and the three has been going on for hours on end, and they have sustained several wounds, mostly Gustavo and Rainbow. Billy barely had a scratch on him. Blood trickled down Rainbow's forehead from a graze by a bullet shot at her not too long ago, and Gustavo had slashes from knifes around his torso, his combat armour's breast plate shattered from the harsh damage done by the Talon's weaponry, and due to that fault of armour, he ended up with quite a few bullet wounds into his chest, none too severe to stop him, though he did bleed a lot.

Billy's rounds were running low, and he was starting to get tired, still firing round after round continuously, the powerful kick from the weapon weakening his arms, but that was the least of his worry's - his weapon condition was worsening, and beginning to fall apart. Pretty soon he feared it would break completely, most likely being the cause of death.

Using the flame-thrower, Gustavo used the ammo wisely on the targets, due to it being in a short supply after he had taken it from the previous user. The fires scorched the Talon's armour and charred their skin, while it engulfed others whom were unlucky enough to be taken down in the fiery blaze. The last of the fuel rounded the numbers of Talon's down to five, and hopefully, the reserve ammunition used by the three defenders would last them for the remaining enemy's.

Minutes later after shooting, they were luckily dead, Billy, Rainbow and Gustavo being even more lucky to be alive.

''Everyone alright?'' Billy asked, looking back to Rainbow and Gustavo, seeing their wounds. ''Jeez, you two okay? You both look as though you were used for target practice.''

''That's because we pretty much were target practice, Sherlock.'' Gustavo grunted, feeling weaker from blood loss, and even more unlucky so that they didn't have any stimpacks with them. ''Well, was that all of them?''

''I sure hope so.'' Rainbow said, touching a hoof to the deep graze upon her forehead, seething in pain as she retracted it, seeing the blood cover the underside of her hoof. ''Can we please get outta here? Preferably before more come?''

''Yeah, I hear you. Lets go.'' Billy said as he went to help Gustavo walk by supporting his weight with his arm.

*** *** ***

Outside, the air seemed to be more silent than death, and it pretty much was. Talon Company mercs lay dead all around the area, and Gustavo, Billy nor Rainbow recall killing either of them. The wounds in their bodies were more in the way of burns from energy weapons, and in various parts on the ground and walls, as much as dead mercs, burn marks from fire could be noticed.

''Jesus, what happened out here?'' Billy though aloud. ''Did they get attacked while we were underground or something?''

Gustavo looked down, seeing a dead Talon member on the floor, half his face melted by plasma damage.

''That's energy weapon damage. Do you suppose the Enclave had anything to do with -''

BANG!

Gustavo fell down into the dirt, blood spraying before him, staining his armour and face. He had been shot in the back with an energy weapon, a massive hole visible in his back. Rainbow and Billy screamed in horror. Looking behind them, to see who the attacker was, they froze, mouths hanging agape at who was standing there, looking at them.

It was Brady.

He was armoured with Enclave Power Armour of a much higher grade, holding a plasma rifle in his hands, two other Enclave soldiers on either side of him, fully suited in Tesla Armour, both holding the same kind of plasma weaponry.

''B-B-B-BRADY?!'' Both Billy and Rainbow exclaimed at the same time, stunned.

''Miss me?''

''B-B-B-But...But y-you're dead! I saw you die!'' Rainbow exclaimed.

Brady chuckled devilishly, ''Well, I'm back. And guess what, sweetheart, you're coming with us.'' He aimed the plasma rifle at Rainbow, taking her aback, her nearly crying at both his betrayal and the fact he was alive and breathing. ''Either come peacefully, or I'll be forced to shoot you. Choose.''

Billy stepped in front of Rainbow protectively, pulling his gun on Brady.

''No, she ain't going nowhere. She stays with me. You try and take her, I'll kill you, Brady.''

''As you wish. Get 'em.''

Brady fired his rifle at Rainbow, the green, hot projectile missing her hoof by a centimetre. As for Billy, both body guards aimed for him, Billy being unfortunate enough to get shot in the upper left arm, the plasma burning hiss skin and shirt to the point where it blackened, causing him to drop his pistol from the pain that shot down his arm.

Rainbow cried as Brady stepped closer, looking completely menacing in that bulky, black armour. He kept his rifle pointed at her, ready to shoot, should she move.

No matter how much she backed up, she knew she would always be trapped between him and his rifle.

''B-Brady! S-Stop, please! Its me, Rainbow! I'm Rainbow Dash! What's gotten into you?! Why do you want to kill me?!''

''Its not the want that I'm after.'' He chuckled, ''Its more of what I need.'' and then he fired, catching Rainbow in the chest, knocking her down to the floor with a dull thud, the projectile scalding her body and burning her coat. Brady approached her body, gun still aimed at her head and just before he could do anything, Billy, from seemingly out of nowhere, tackled him to the ground, knocking the plasma rifle free of his grasp.

He punched him in the face as hard as he could, Brady barely seeming fazed by the assault. He just grinned devilishly as he grabbed Billy's throat and threw him off of him, Billy landing hard on the floor. Luckily, Billy landed next to his revolver, and upon getting it and getting back to his feet, he took aim at Brady and fired. The rounds just ricochetted off of his armour and didn't hurt him in the slightest bit. He kept firing, only very few of his rounds successfully penetrating his armour.

''Why don't you die?!'' Billy screamed, annoyed at the harmlessness done to Brady from his gun.

''You can't kill the already dead.'' Brady laughed as he threw a punch at him, knocking the wind out of him, followed by a kick to the gut, causing Billy to spit and cough up blood, only pleasing Brady further. ''But I can kill you.'' He took out a large combat knife, bringing it down on Billy whom caught it just in time before it pierced his torso, going straight into his heart. With knife in hands, he pushed as hard as he could to get the blade as far from him as possible, and luckily, he managed to knock it free of Brady's grasp, surprising him.

He barely had time to react as Billy took a quick slash of the knife to Brady's torso, the blade cutting straight through the thick metal plating and slashing his chest, causing him to grunt as blood began to ooze from the wound it created.

''Unfortunately for you, if you bleed, you can die. Now do me a favour and do just that!''

He slashed again, the blade just missing Brady's neck before he grabbed it again, easily freeing it from his hands. He twisted it around, and with it, Billy went over head of Brady, being slammed into the floor at high force, knocking him out. He smirked as he look over his shoulder and saw the two bodyguards corner Rainbow Dash whom was helplessly trying to escape.

''No! She's mine!'' Brady yelled, catching the two's attention, who then both backed off, Brady soon being face to face with Rainbow. ''Any last words?''

''Brady, please! Why are you doing this?! Don't you love me anymore?! Do you?! Why do you want to kill me!?''

Brady stopped for a moment, staring into her terrified eyes, looking into her soul. Those eyes... He thought to himself, I know that look...

''Dashie?''

''Brady!''

What am I doing...? I'm trying to kill the pony I love...I...NO! Stick to the mission! Capture the pony, bring her back to the Colonel!

''AHHHH!!!'' Brady screamed loud, his scream echoing like thunder as he used his knife to stab himself in the bag of the head, screaming louder as he cut a circle of his flesh out, clawing at his skull with his fingers, pulling something out of his head, fresh blood running down the length of his arm and dripping from his fingertips. He dropped the item to the floor from his hand and turned around to face the other two Enclave soldiers, who were now watching him with caution. Out of burning anger and hate, he grabbed his plasma rifle from his feet and fired the rounds into both their heads in a split second, their heads melting into green goo.

Giving one final scream of anger and hate, Brady collapsed onto the floor, dropping his rifle as blood poured from the wound in the back of his head.

Dead Man Walking - Part 2

Rainbow still couldn't believe it. Brady has come back from the dead! How, she doesn't know, but intends to find out. Who would of thought it possible? A once dead man a living, walking man once again, reborn? It was phenomenal! After Fort Bannister, Rainbow had returned with Billy, sadly without Gustavo in their group. How and why Brady killed him, she had yet to find out, but right now, they were in the clinic, Brady getting the gash in his head stitched and looked at, and whatever that thing he pulled from it, Rainbow gave it to the doctor to see if he can figure it out.

Rainbow watched him as he slept on the bed, out of that black-grey Enclave armour and in his blue undershirt and darker blue underwear. She was happy that her love was back in the world of living, but now also scared of him. He had attempted assault on her twice, and that was more than a good reason to be weary. Once when he was a ghoul, he lashed at her, intent on killing her, and earlier tried killing her with a plasma rifle. According to Doc Church, the damage he did to his head in removing that 'module' will take quite a while to heal properly.

Billy sat next to Rainbow, watching Brady with uneasy eyes, still trying to figure out how he could be living and walking when he died not too long ago. He saw Rainbow smile a little bit, yet he could tell she was hurt emotionally.

''Rainbow? You okay?'' Billy asked her quietly and concernedly, Rainbow only looking at him with sad eyes for a brief moment before turning back to Brady.

''I...I dunno...'' She muttered, sounding like she was going to cry, ''Just...how could this happen?''

Billy sighed, ''I dunno, Rainbow. I don't even know what to think of it. Its just so sudden! One minute he's dead, the next he's back on his feet!''

She wiped her eye with a hoof. ''I know I should be happy that he's back and alive, its just that...how will he react? You know, that I'm pregnant? With his kid?''

Billy placed his hand to her shoulder, looking deep into her eyes, that frightened look within them. ''Rainbow, listen. None of us knew this would happen. No one knew ponies and humans would be compatible. I didn't even think it to be true, but I know that you're hurting. Brady loves you, and you know that, just like you do in turn. Of course he'll be happy, Rainbow, but probably shocked.''

''That's what I'm worried about. What if he attacks me again? I'm scared!''

''Shh.'' Billy shushed her, hugging her. ''Don't be. He won't hurt you. Brady would never try hurt you, he loves you too much.''

A groan. Brady's groan, weak and soft. Both looked at him in an instant, relief washing over them as they saw he was alright. He didn't move, just continued breathing slowly. Still watching him, they saw his eye crack open weakly, then flicker, then open fully, revealing his usual, soft blue sapphires, as full of life as they always have been. He mumbled something inaudibly and turned his head towards Rainbow and Billy, regretting the choice as pain shot through his head.

''Wha...What happened?'' He grumbled softly, voice dry.

''Brady! You're alright!'' Rainbow said, happy he was awake, as was Billy. Brady just smiled as he heard Rainbow's sweet voice, that same voice he loved ever so much. Rainbow cuddled him, rubbing her cheek into his as she hugged him amorously.

''R-Rainbow...''

She didn't respond, she was just too happy to have him back in her life, squeezing him like a teddy bear. After what seemed like an eternity of hugging, Rainbow broke away, blushing and grinning.

''Sorry, Brady, its just...I missed doing that.'' She said, still blushing.

''Missed you too, Dashie. But seriously...what happened?''

Rainbow went silent and looked over to Billy, who looked back at her gaze, seeing that she was now starting to grow more nervous. He sighed softly before silently telling Rainbow to leave for a second, to which she obeyed and left, puzzling Brady.

''Billy?'' Brady asked wearily.

''Brady, we need to talk, and I really need you to listen.''

''About what? Anything happen while I was out?''

Billy sighed heavily to that. He had a fair bit of explaining to do...

''Do you even remember anything from around a day or so ago? Fort Bannister? Gustavo? The Enclave?''

''Enclave and Fort Bannister? What does that have to do with anything, let alone me? Or Gustavo?''

''Right, so you don't remember anything, we've got that one established...And about Gustavo, he's dead.''

Brady went visibly pale upon hearing that, but even more so at what Billy said next.

''You killed him.''

Brady closed his eyes, hoping he hadn't heard that correctly.How did he even kill Gustavo? Why?

''B-But...how?''

''You shot him, you knocked me out and tried to take Rainbow. By trying to shoot her. You really scared her, you know. She's absolutely terrified of you, Brady. You assaulted her twice, and now she is just scared to be around you, thinking you'll do it again.''

''Me? Attack Rainbow? At Fort Bannister?''

Billy nodded slowly, Brady trying to recall the moment, but couldn't think.

''Look, I know you love Rainbow, as much as she loves you, but just take it easy around her, alright? She's been through some nasty stuff since you died, you know. She left town and didn't come back for a whole day! I guess she still is pretty much heartbroken after what happened to you after that night at the bar. You died, you know.''

''I WHAT?! Died?!'' Brady shrieked, loss for words. ''How?!''

''Radiation poisoning. You went through ghoulification and tried to slash Rainbow, right before Lucas gunned you down.''

''I need to see her.'' Brady was about to get up, but Billy stopped him, placing his palm gently upon his chest.

''No. That's not a good idea. You need to know something first. About Rainbow.'' He took a deep breath, ''Brady...Rainbow...she's pregnant.''

''...What...?'' He replied, his voice a whisper. ''Pregnant? Rainbow?''

''Yes. Just don't be mad, alright? She's gotten fragile while you were gone. She needs help, Brady, you're the only one who can get through to her. Just stay calm. Now come on, you two should talk.''

*** *** ***

Back at Brady's old house in Megaton, Rainbow sat on the sofa, staring at her sword, mindlessly looking over it. Her mind was stuck and thick with worry for what may happen once Brady gets back with Billy. It was still surreal as to how he is alive, but as long as she had him back, she was happy. In the background, the jukebox was letting out soft notes of music that filled the house, Three Dog coming on and off occasionally.

When the music returned, she felt at ease. The song, Let's Go Sunning, sang by Billie Holiday, reminded her of her friends, how they'd sometimes sing together. Billie, as she sang the song sounded near as cheerful as Pinkie Pie would. She hummed along to it, feeling a tear stroke her left cheek. Inside, her heart ached and pumped slowly, she felt slightly hot and troubled. How would life be if she ended up living full-time with Brady and never returned to Equestria? Will she ever return to Equestria? See her friends again? Only time will tell.

The door opened, and in walked Billy and Brady, a rather unsettling expression on Brady's face. He sat down with Billy on the sofa next to Rainbow, looking her in her worried, magenta eyes.

''Why didn't you tell me?'' Is all he said, looking slightly hurt. Rainbow didn't respond for a moment. She looked at the sword, to the floor and then into Brady's eyes, sighing silently.

''I thought...I thought that you'd be mad. T-That you'd t-try to kill me.'' Her voice shook as she explained. Brady's expression softened.

''Oh, Rainbow...I wouldn't and couldn't be mad at you. But why on earth would you say that? Why would I try and kill you?''

''You nearly killed me and Billy after you shot Gustavo in the back. You were like a whole different person, and you just scared me. I was terrified of you...'' Her eyes started tearing up as she broke eye contact, looking back to the sword. ''I...I...I thought you didn't love me anymore.''

At this point, Rainbow was crying softly, her insides aching with heartbreak. Brady looked at her with mixed feelings, Billy calmly observing the scene before him. Quietly, Brady scooted closer to Rainbow, slowly stroking her mane, feeling that same, soft, silkiness as before.Rainbow seemed to etch away though, feeling uncomfortable. Even Billy noticed it. Slowly, Rainbow picked herself from the sofa, sword tucked under-wing in her makeshift holster.

''I-I gotta go!'' and then she left, flying through the door and into the sky, not giving either of them a chance to respond.

The Voice Of The Good Fight

Day had turned to night, and Rainbow had been flying for a while, her body feeling cold and numb from the biting cold. Her eyes were bloodshot and she was tired from flying for so long. She looked below, able to see most of D.C. from the altitude at which she was flying. She saw a few fires, probably from weary travellers roaming the Wasteland, and even saw a few scavenge-patrol teams. Her eyes stung from crying and she was becoming more increasingly tired, needing a place to set herself down to sleep.

She checked her Pip-Boy that was still strapped to her leg, seeing that her nearest location was GNR Radio Plaza. Not wanting to fly any longer, she directed herself in the direction of that specific location. As she drew nearer to it, she soon made out that it was a building of a big scale, A radio tower on top and a sign outside, reading 'Galaxy News Radio' . Outside was quiet, no sign of people or life. Though thankful for no hostility, she was still cautious. Carefully, she climbed the steps outside the complex, watching ever inch of vision she had. Still seeing nothing, she continued to the door.

Rainbow tried the door, and finding that it was unlocked, she gently pushed it open, the creak sounding louder than she wanted it as she closed it behind her. Inside, there were some stairs, one either side of the room, both leading to a few doors, but only one remained unblocked by debris. A burning barrel was in the middle of the room, indicating someone may of been here recently. Slowly, Rainbow drew out her sword from beneath her wing.

Looking around and finding nothing or no one, she gently made her way upstairs and through the remaining doorway. Placing an ear on the door at the end of the corridor it lead to, she could hear a voice, and what sounded like the soft hum of machinery. It was a man's voice, but none she recognised. As quietly as she could, she pushed open the door, sword in mouth. The room she found herself in was just a little bit bigger than the entrance, and it was full of various types of equipment, their uses unknown to Rainbow.

Following the voice, she came soon found the source inside a room with the door open. A man with brown skin was sat at a ham-radio, speaking into the microphone. His voice was deep, but hat a hint of being jolly. He wore a black leather jacket with a white shirt underneath, and on his head he wore a pair of sunglasses and a head rap, concealing most of his black hair. He even had a short goatie.

''...Great news from Fort Bannister, children, those Talon Company mercs have finally been dealt with! 'Bout time some one put them in their place! But that's not all, kids, I've been getting reports of some Enclave soldiers in the area after the show went on with the Talons! The people involved in this act have not been identified, but if anyone out there knows the identity of the ones in the fight that transpired, I would appreciate it! Thanks for listening, chiiiildren! And now I leave you with some music, it seems as though I've got a visitor...''

Rainbow's eyes shrunk at that, and she nearly dropped the sword from her mouth as the man got from his chair and looked in her direction, smiling softly at her.

''I hope you're not intending to use that on me, be a real dumb move if you tried.'' He said, still smiling, but not being convinced he wasn't going to try anything, she kept the sword firm in her jaws.

''Who are you?'' She finally asked.

''Wait, you don't know me? Hell, and I thought everyone around here knew me. I'm Three Dog, the voice of the Wasteland! You're turn.''

''I...I'm Rainbow Dash.''

He raised a brow. ''Rainbow Dash, huh? Think I heard that name some place before, but I don't recall...Anyway, where'd you come from? You sure as hell don't look like anything I ever seen.''

''I'm a pony. I'm from a place called Equestria. I've been in the Wasteland for a couple years now.'' Rainbow said, taking the none-hostility from Three-Dog as a sign he wasn't going to attack her. ''So...you all alone here?''

''Afraid so, Rainbow.I can't leave anyway. I have a tight schedule to keep on singin' into the radio, needing to bring the Voice to the people.''

Rainbow's ear perked. ''Wait, what? The Voice? What's that?''

Three Dog sighed, ''Me. I'm the Voice of Hope. The voice of the people. I keep the hopes of people up using the GNR broadcasting system. I bring news to them, keep them happy. Really, though? Do you ever even use the radio? You have a Pip-Boy, so I assume you do.''

''This thing has a radio?'' Rainbow lifted her Pip-Boy, looking at the screen confusedly. ''I actually don't use it. I dunno how. See, this Pip-Boy isn't mine.It belongs to Brady. Took it after he died.''

This time, Three Dog seemed interested in something, judging from that twitch to his ear. ''What did you say? Brady? Oscar Brady, by chance? He died?''

Rainbow looked down, her eyes tearing up a little. ''Yes. But...now he's back alive. I don't even know how its possible!''

''Brought back from the dead, eh? Neat. Wish we all could. Would make this Good Fight easier, knowing our numbers wouldn't go down.''

''Good Fight? What's that? Some kind of war?''

''I guess you could say that. Its the fight for reclaiming our freedom, Rainbow. The Enclave and Raiders and all the bad things as much as people with sadistic intentions have been pushing us around for too long, and using GNR's broadcasters, I keep morale up through the radio, guiding everybody to do better, though it would be better and easier if Super Mutants didn't exist. I swear, those things are a walking nightmare.'' Three Dog said as he shivered a bit.

Rainbow tapped her chin, ''You keep morale up through radio? All the time, you're in here doing just that? Isn't that tiring?''

''No, not really. I don't got nothing better to do, and I record most radio sessions so they air if I don't get any new news, or stuff that matters. Say, did you hear about Fort Bannister? Complete miracle! Talon Company finally got put in their place.''

This time, Rainbow looked down, a slight blush on her face as she pawed at the ground awkwardly.

''Well...about that...Fort Bannister happened because I went there with two friends of mine and we ended up in a bit of a fight on a scavenge run.'' She sighed again, looking anywhere but at Three Dog. ''Brady was one of those Enclave soldiers...he tried to kill me!''

''Whoa, whoa! Simmer down, Rainbow. Just so ya know, you look terrified about it.'' He knelt down to her level, placing a hand to her shoulder, ''Now, come on, what's got you so scared? It seems more than it really is, and I'm guessing that its bad.'' She looked up to him, Three Dog noticing the tear in her eye. ''Come on, follow me to my room, you can tell me.''

Silently nodding, Three Dog led her to his room, sitting on his bed and motioning for her to take a place next to him, to which she agreed. Leaving out too horrific detail, Rainbow told Three Dog everything. About when and how Brady died and attacked her twice, excluding the fact she was pregnant with his child. She felt that she needed to trust him more before mentioning it.

''Jeez, that's some fucked up stuff right there, Rainbow. I guess that's understanding enough. But still, that is a pretty bizarre story. Coming back to the world of the living when he died of ghoulification? Must of been tough...''

''Three Dog? I-Is it okay if I hang around for a while? Until morning, perhaps? Please? I don't wanna go back to Megaton...''

''Sure thing, Rainbow. Whenever you want a place to crash, just duck on in here. I'll be glad for the company. Gets kinda lonely up here sometimes.''

''Thanks, Three Dog. I owe you one for this.''

''Heh, don't mention it. Just watch yourself around the radio equipment. Damn stuff is fragile. But hey, you should probably see this...'' Three Dog got up and walked to his desk, opening a drawer and taking some paper out before closing it and returning to Rainbow. ''Seen this? Guess it was damn lucky you and your friends took out the Talons at Fort Bannister earlier, otherwise they'd of been all over you by now.''

Confused at what he was talking about, she took the papers, eyes widening at what it was. It was a contract, giving specific orders to any type of mercenaries on Rainbow Dash's capture. It shocked her when she saw the signature at the bottom - Matt Ainsley, Enclave.Brady was dressed as Enclave when he came after me...could they of somehow done something to him?

''B-But how does that make sense? Brady was dressed up as an Enclave soldier when he tried to kill me! He was even acting different! Do you think they did something to him?''

Three Dog scratched his chin. ''I wouldn't really know. Enclave do all kinds of messed up scientific shit up at Raven Rock, but bringing the dead to life and modifying their minds? No idea, although, knowing the Enclave, it could be a possibility.''

''I've gotta talk to him when I see him again. But right now, I wanna go to sleep. Flying for hours drains your body of its energy.''

''Sure. Take my bed if you want, I've got some broadcasting to do. Oh, and don't worry, I won't mention any of this over the radio. Secrets stay locked with me. See you in the morning, Rainbow.''

''Yeah. And Three Dog? Thanks again.''

One's Misfortune

Clenching her stomach tight, she screamed loudly, blood pouring from her marehood and coating her hooves a deep, slick red. The pain she was going through was becoming more unbearable by the minute. Whatever could of caused it, she has no idea, but the pain was indescribable. She rolled on the floor as fresh blood poured out of her, pooling around her body, most getting on her coat. She had never felt such intense pain before, and the blood just kept flowing, seeming to get faster. She had lost too much she thought that she would die any time soon, and she did just that. Her life blood had run short, and she had died from the heavy losses of it.

*** *** ***

''AHH!'' Rainbow screamed, shooting awake in a cold sweat, eyes small and terrified. She looked around, quickly noticing she was still in Three Dog's room. Trying to relax, she calmed her still heavy breathing. With her hooves, she held onto her chest, rubbing it slowly. A tear made it out of her eye, landing on one of her hooves.

''Don't worry, it'll be alright...'' Rainbow whispered to her womb softly. ''Everything is going to be just fine.''

*** *** ***

''I need to find her!'' I said, gathering some supplies of mine - mostly ammo and resources. Billy and Moira watching me with uncertainty, or rather shock, seeing as I just came into Craterside Supply about a minute or so ago. I had only gone to Moira's to get some things I left, and take something I made earlier - a shishkebab. It was basically a sword made from a lawn-mower blade and scavenged parts, apart from it set alight when activated.

''Brady, you can't be serious. You saw how she was!'' Billy said from next to me, becoming worried. True, I did see how she was, but I wasn't just going to leave her on her own! I loved her, and I'll be damned if something happened to her! I simply just ignored him as I packed more things in my bag, I checked through them as quick as I could, not wanting to miss anything. The only thing I needed but didn't have was my Pip-Boy, that Rainbow had attached to one of her legs. ''Brady!''

''What?!'' I yelled at him, now annoyed. ''I'm not going to stay back while my Dashie is out there on her own! How irresponsible do you think I truly am?! Nothing you can say to me will make me stay, I'm going after her!'' I said, my anger glowing in my eyes. I strapped my combat armour tighter as I threw my duffel bag around my shoulder, the shishkebab on my back and I walked to the door, placing my combat helmet on my head.

''Whoa, slow down, will you? You're not off on you're own!''

''Watch me.'' I said in a huff, slamming the door behind me.

*** *** ***

I have no idea how to explain the anger I was feeling right now. I had just left Megaton, heading towards Wilhelm's Warf. Without my Pip-Boy, this whole trip was going to be long and hard. I was going to have to use the metro stations to get to places, seeing as most roads on ground were piled up with debris from buildings as well as rubble. To say the least, I had no idea if I'd find her. I sure hope I did. That last conversation we had had gotten me thinking.

Was I really like that? Monstrous? After waking up in the clinic, I had no recollection on the hours from earlier on that day. But I did know one thing, and it ate away at my heart, making it hurt - Rainbow Dash was terrified of me. Even though I love her, things seem different. I was told by Billy himself that I attacked her AND killed Gustavo. Even though I didn't remember, I felt remorse for him and what I did.

Carrying on, I arrived at Wilhelm's Warf. The person who lives here, whom I knew, was sat there at a table, watching the river. I sat down across from her, watching the river with her. I smiled for the first time in a long time, turning my head towards her.

''Hey, Grandma Sparkle.'' I greeted her friendlily, Sparkle jumping a bit, before smiling at me.

''Oh, my goodness, ya'll scared me. Brady, right?'' She said in her usual, semi-southern accent.

Her bleach-coloured hair sparkled, a very small hint of pink inside it. For her age, she didn't have too many wrinkles, giving her an appearance of a mid-fifties women. The outfit she wore was made from the skin of a brahmin, the top white and trousers a minorly tanned-looking colour.

''Yeah, that's right. Its been a while, Grandma.''

''I'll say. So what brings 'cha to Wilhelm's Warf? Trading?''

''No, actually. I need your help. It may sound strange, but did you see anything in the skies not too long ago that had a rainbow contrail? Please, just tell me the truth.''

Grandma Sparkle looked at me like I was kinda crazy, but nowadays, anyone would. I mean, come on, who's heard of anything flying in the Wasteland apart from the occasional blown-off limb?

''Well...I can't say I have, but would it of been fast?'' I nodded my head, glad to finally get somewhere. ''Well, then. I guess I can help you, there. I ain't sure what I saw, but it seemed to be going kinda fast, flying in that direction.'' She raised a hand, pointing a finger to the east side of the area - Washington D.C.

''Thanks, Grandma. I've gotta go now, though. I got a little hunting to do. Catch you later.'' I waved goodbye as I went towards the east. Why Rainbow ight of flown east, I would never know, but even for her, that was a dangerous place to go. If she was flying up, anything holding a long-range weapon could of taken her down. D.C. is filled with Super Mutants and Raiders. I sure hope she is alright. I couldn't help but feel guilty about the whole thing. It was my fault she is as scared of me as she is. She is also pregnant, and if she gets hurt in her condition, she probably wouldn't be able to take it.

I already missed her. Wherever she may be, I hope she's alright.

*** *** ***

Day turned to night in what seemed minutes, and I realized at the last minute that I didn't plan the trip ahead. The lucky thing is that I found a hospital - Our Lady of Hope Hospital. I'm just hoping that nothing is in there that his an intention of killing me. Well, at least I can stock up on stimpacks and medical supplies while I'm in there. When I got inside, I found that the reception area was pretty much rotten and suffered over the years of decay. The walls were pealing with white plaster and had holes through to the other side in various spaces, and the smell of human decay hung strong in the air, due to the many skeletons littering the floor.

It was rather depressing, actually. Seeing all those people there, knowing that it was too late for them. Mothers, fathers, children and friends burned by the atomic fire from the bombs that fell two hundred years ago, not being able to run anywhere. They just burned. Sat at the worn out desk of the entrance was a still-working terminal, the skeleton of the receptionist face down on the keyboard, the green glow of the screen illuminating the remains in the darkness. Curious, I moved towards the terminal, carefully moving back the skeleton laying on the computer so it was sitting upright in the chair, those deep, black sockets were eyes used to be penetrating me, sending shivers down my spine.

I activated the log-in on the computer and began to hack. Knowing my way around a terminal, I got it hacked in around a minute or two. The password was 'forsaken'. All that was on it was an action that said 'unlock safe', and when I clicked on it, I heard a small click sound near my feet followed by a near-quiet echo that sounded through the waiting room behind me. I knelt down, seeing a small safe built into the desk. I opened it and took what contents were of use to me - a few bobby-pins, bullets for my assault rifle, some bottle caps and a 32. calibre pistol that had only five rounds inside of it. I wouldn't use it at the moment, seeing as I have my shishkebab handy, but it may come into use later, so I strapped it to my belt, should I need to get it quick.

Entering the waiting room, I could only see rows of metal benches, mangled and thrown around the room, some in bits and horribly rusted. At the back were some that were intact, a child's small teddy bear sat on one, and even though I knew it was inanimate, those eyes seemed to penetrate me, much like the skeleton at the front desk. Those small, black beads sent chills down my spine, but none more so than the skeleton of a child on the floor in front of the bench. The whole room was littered with skeletons on the floor, the limbs of some scattered around while others were intact.

On the top of the check-in desks at the left side of the room were a few skeletons, their bodies leaning over the counter, like they were thrown into that position when they died. One of them even had a knife that went just between his fire-blackened ribs, pinning him into the counter. What I saw at the other side made my eyes widen in shock and disgust. There were a couple wire-net bags with mutilated body parts and guts inside them, blood and fluids I didn't recognize spilling from underneath them and running down the counter, oozing onto the floor in a slick, stinking red. There were more of the gore-filled bags hanging from the supports above the desks and on the ceiling, blood dripping occasionally to the floor with soft splats.

I was already regretting entering the building, as I could tell something was in here, and it was nearby. I knew it probably wouldn't be human, because no human nor Raider would of done something as brutal as what is inside those bags. I could hear heavy foot steps, far too heavy to be described as being ones that belong to a mercenary or scavenger. I could see the silhouette behind a set of double doors, and quite plainly, it looked like a monster. I quickly ran behind the desks, pushing myself underneath one, hiding myself in the darkness it provided, assault rifle at the ready. The assault rifle was Gustavo's, and according to Billy, his modifications to the rifle had made it far more effective than it used to be. I was far more interested in the extended magazine, the advantage being that I could shoot and kill more before needing to replace it.

I felt my body shiver as I heard what sounded like more than one of those things enter the room, a slight dragging sound being heard behind their cackles of laughter, an evil sound. I heard a meaty thud, and then more laughter, followed by the sound of gooey-squashes, making me want to puke at the horrible sound.

I peeked around the corner, careful enough that they wouldn't notice they weren't alone. That sound I could hear, sickening, gooey chomping was something big and bulky and green eating the flesh of a person, more specifically that loud meaty-sounding thud I heard earlier that was a dead captive.

The figure of the monsters were bulky and veiny, almost all of their veins pushing against their tight epidermis. With what weapons I had on me, including the shishkebab, I didn't think they'd be much use against them. They even wore armour, or more or less scraps of armour, and that would deflate my chances of injuring one of them. Hell, just from looking at them, I'm guessing they could rip all my limbs off with little effort.

Panic went through me as one sniffed the air like a blood hound, his metal helmet pushing off his head, revealing a hairless top that was smooth and shiny (and green).

''I smell fresh blood.'' His voice was deep and rumbling, like he had been gargling rusty nails. He got up and walked in my direction, myself pulling back into the darkness before he saw me. I saw his eyes, too, and they were definitely not human. They were green and the pupils were like a cat's eyes, very much like a black diamond that only read death. Those large, heavy footsteps were heard again, and I could tell from the vibration that he was coming my way. Readying myself, I pulled back the cocking mechanism on the assault rifle, my arms shaking a bit. I literally froze when I saw his large, makeshift boots come into view. They looked like very badly sewn together rags, and even from my distance, I could smell the old blood on them.

I heard him inhale powerfully, snorting out a breath and continuing on his way. He thankfully moved past me and out of site, me breathing a sigh of relief. I quickly poked my head out and upon seeing the way was clear, made for a door to my left, not knowing where it would take me. When I got inside, I saw it was just a load of desks and computers, very few functioning while the majority were either destroyed, burned or that rusty they wouldn't work. I couldn't hear anything nearby, so I took that as a sign that I had time to do some scavenging.

*** *** ***

When I said it was a good time to scavenge, I was wrong. Dead wrong. By time I was just near through scavenging a section of the room, those green, walking apocalypses came in, holding assault rifles! Oh, and did I mention one had A FUCKING MINIGUN AND A FUCK-LOAD OF BULLETS?!

On my own, it was harder than I thought when it came to defending myself against something as hulking as the freaks in the room with me, but with Billy by my side, it wouldn't be a problem. I was firing rounds rapidly, draining myself of ammunition quicker than I'd of liked. I had barely brought enough bullets, due to not seeing this very situation, and I regretted not doing so.

I hid behind a desk, hearing bullets dent and smack themselves against its metal body. The thing holding the minigun had thick, black armour around his figure, and by the look of it, it was reinforced. Now that was going to be a problem...The couple of monsters next to me fired just as wildly at me as the mini-gunner, but at least they weren't armoured. I aimed as quickly as I could through the scope, but being as bulky as they were, their hides were more resistant to damage, including bullets, and I learned that when I fired at one of them - the projectile went into him, leaving a bloody wound, but it didn't even faze him! It was like shooting at a steel monster!

I fired at his head, hitting him in the eye, and with such a great shot, he screamed in agony, holding a hand to his now missing eye, blood flowing from his socket down his face and in his mouth, and when he dropped his assault rifle, being completely vulnerable, I fired once more, aiming my shots perfectly - one to the head, a few to the torso. Luckily, that knocked him down, dead in a pool of his own blood.

The next one was an even easier target - as close as he was, I could take him down with a headshot, and that is exactly what I did. Aimed, squeezed the trigger and POP! His head exploded like a firework, red, brain-mix paste splattering on the wall! I never thought I'd say something like this at something so gruesome, but that was awesome! Now all that was left to take care of was Mr. Minigun. One way or another, I was gonna kill him. I had to get by him!

An idea! I put down my duffel bag, rummaging around until I fished out a couple grenades I brought from my house. Getting a hold of them, I pulled the pin, throwing one at the ugly-green thing, and three seconds later, I heard an explosion from behind the desk - but no scream. But I did see some guts and limbs fly in front of me - EW! Getting back up, I saw that the explosion knocked most of the door frame out of place, only a black, blood marked spot where the explosion had transpired, within the same place the ugly was standing. His guts were all over the place! It was like someone shot a sack of meat with a cannon, splattering it around a room as if preparing a Raider's birthday!

I moved on upstairs after taking hold of the minigun that - thankfully - wasn't blown to shreds in the grenade explosion. On the way up, I didn't encounter any more monsters, but some part of me was telling me that was going to change any time soon. I walked along the corridors with the bullet-pack on my back. The whole box was giving me a backache, nevermind the bullets that were weighing it down more! And when I got inside one of the rooms that was a patients, I found a few medical boxes. Opening them, I found a supply of stimpacks that was more than I could need! By the end of raiding the boxes, I had roughly around thirty or so stimpacks.

Allowing myself a moment to look around the room, I noticed two chairs and a bed with only the metal frame, a skeleton laying atop it. One of the chairs was occupied, too, but not by a skeleton, but by a ghoul - wait, WHAT?!

Was he alive? I looked back at him, but his head wasn't turned to me. He had a combat helmet on his head, followed by green armour that looked older than the one I was wearing, judging from the larger amount of marks and scratches. Beside him on the other chair sat a still full bottle of whiskey and a few clips for an assault rifle. I cautiously pulled my minigun to face him, and with the barrels of the weapon, gently tapped his armoured back. He didn't respond to it. I tapped a second time, and with high speed, the ghoul grabbed a combat knife and grasped my throat, pinning me to the wall, causing me to drop the minigun out of shock.

His irradiated, blue eyes stared into my frightful ones, and for a ghoul, he looked pretty pissed.

''What do you think you're doin' kid?'' He asked, his voice a rumble, like he had been gargling nails, ''I suggest you back on out of here before you get killed, either by me or a mutant.''

''Whoa, calm down! P-Please, I didn't think you were a-alive!'' As I talked, the blade of the knife hit my voice-box, hurting a bit, but more and more as he pushed the knife a little harder into my throat.

''Why? Because I look like a corpse?! Think I'm a zombie, smoothskin!?'' He yelled in my face, anger flashing in his cloudy blue eyes, anger visible within them.

''What?! No! I'm calling nobody a zombie! What the hells wrong with you?!'' I struggled to breath, the knife now pushed that much into my throat it was cutting off my windpipe. ''Get your knife off my throat, please! You're starting to cut into me!''

''Why should I? So you can gun me down? Fat chance! If I let you go, you'd probably kill me, and I ain't taking that risk. I served the States during the war, and I'm a lot tougher than you are, human!''

''Look, I'm not going to kill you! I'm only looking for supplies so I can get moving to where I need to go!''

The ghoul snarled at me, slowly drawing back the knife, still being as cautious as I was. Christ, what do ghouls have against non-ghouls?! Just an act of scavenging or trying to find a place to take shelter, and they'd rather slash my throat than oblige! What is wrong with people, anyway? I have nothing against ghouls - well, maybe apart from the smell of two-hundred year old, rotten flesh.

''Fine.'' He growled, moving backwards, still facing me and looking me dead in the eye. ''But if you try anything, I will sooner slash your throat than let you walk out of here in one piece.'' He took the whiskey from the seat on which he was sat next to and took a swig, belching afterwards. From my distance I could smell the strong stench of the alcohol.

''What are you doing here anyway? I thought ghouls who wonder usually go to Underworld?''

''What? So what if I'm a ghoul in a hospital in a room on my own. Does it really matter? Why do humans always ask stupid questions when they have obvious answers?'' He said, the growl still in his voice, but his tone was softer.

''No need to be so hostile. I only asked a question. I got nothing against ghouls.''

''Is that so? Even if I call you something like a tit-sucking, whore-licking turd?''

I snickered a bit, trying to silence my upcoming laughter. ''Nah. Still not offended.''

''Right. Well, I guess you're alright. For now. Nice to see a smoothskin still has a sense of humour.''

Another Day Gone By - Finding Rainbow

''Rainbow? Rainbow! Where are you? Can you hear me?'' I shouted as I walked along the dirty road, aimlessly wandering to my next location. I couldn't really tell you how long I've been calling for her, but now I was getting even more worried than before as my only response was silence or the occasional whisps of wind passing by me.

''Give it a rest will you? She would of answered you by now.'' The ghoul soldier said from beside me. I had talked him into tagging along with me on my travels, and so far the only things I knew of him is that he was a marine in the U.S military at one of the bases in the area and that his name was Curtis. Private Curtis Roland. He may be a bit of an arse in terms of attitude, but he was resourceful. I tried asking him why he was in the hospital in that room, but he seemed to just glare at me when I did so, that murderous glare within his cloudy eyes.

I had no idea where we were, but from my guess I would of said Chevy Chase. Curtis seemed to know the streets well, seeing as he is over two-hundred years old. I sighed as I looked down, recalling everything that happened while I was out of Rainbow's life. I was starting to think Billy was right - Rainbow has gotten fragile and she was avoiding me because I nearly killed her. Twice. Just knowing I nearly did so broke my heart. I could feel it thump against my ribcage as it filled with guilt. I loved her and she loved me, but after all that happened, I doubt she'd still feel the same as she used to about me. If she was there, scared out of her mind and she heard me calling, surely she'd acknowledge it.

''I guess you're right...'' I sank to the floor, my eyes glazing over a little. ''She probably isn't around.'' I felt his hand on my shoulder as he slowly raised me to my feet. He had a serious glare in his eyes.

''Look, Brady, I don't know how much she means to you, but you sure ain't gonna find her sobbing in your misery. Either man up and find her or just sit in the dirt and feel sorry for yourself! Now, hurry your arse up and get a move on! More you wait, the more chance she'd be getting herself in the way of danger.''

He walked off down the street, that classic marching-style in his walk, me just watching him silently as I stared at him. I sighed, feeling a slight smirk come to my lips before I walked after him, pacing myself as I caught up.

He's right. It's time to ante up!

*** *** ***

We walked for ages, those things he said to me still lingering in my mind. Maybe I was all mopey-dopey and drowning myself in my misery. Right now, I wanted to find my Rainbow Dash and help her, maybe even show her how much she means to me. I was looking through my duffel bag when we finally managed to set ourselves down in the street around a corner, and when I did, I found something I forgot about.

A tracker.

I'm such an idiot! All Pip-Boys come with trackers, and I was too bone-idol to realize I had mine on me all the time in case I lost it! If Rainbow still has it on, I could find her easily! Hurriedly, I activated the tracker, waiting for it to pick up my Pip-Boys signal, and BEEP, BEEP!

YES! The tracker picked up the signal at Galaxy News Radio!

*** *** ***

Rainbow Dash lay awake in bed, and even though it was morning, she didn't bother going anywhere. Instead, she laid there, looking at Brady's Pip-Boy, scanning through files of data and recordings, some from the holotapes she transferred to the device when she was in Megaton after Brady's death. Some files she didn't recognize were separated into a different folder, but she paid them no mind.

A red light flickered on and off rapidly on the top right side of the screen, a small icon next to it saying 'Tracker Device Activated' For a moment she lay there puzzled, and after a short matter of seconds, she knew what it meant. Brady had once told her that Pip-Boys come with trackers, and once activated, it will notify the user if they have it.

Rainbow's eyes went small as fear took over her being. She undid the lock on the Pip-Boy and took it off her arm, hiding it beneath the bed.

''Oh, no...he knows where I am! I-I-I gotta get outta here!''

*** *** ***

''I found her!'' I cheered in victory as excitement took over my mind, Curtis just staring at me like I was a looney, but I really didn't care! I found Rainbow! I have found my Dashie! Hopefully she was alright. GNR was meant to be a secure building, ran by a guy called Three Dog, the 'Voice of The People'.

''Jesus, shout a little louder, why don't ya?'' Curtis said, grunting a little. ''If you found her, go get her.''

Huh?

''What do you mean? Me? As in me on my own?'' He nodded slowly in response. ''You're not going with me? Why not?''

''Well, for starters, you don't exactly need me. I'm a soldier and I'm also a ghoul. Most people don't tolerate ghouls. Second, I'm not that kind of guy who sticks with someone for a long time, even if it is just a matter of hours or minutes. Rainbow is your girl, so it should be you who goes after her.''

''Wait, wait, wait! What will you do then? Just roam the Wastes? Where will you go?''

''I dunno. Maybe scavenge around her for a while? It doesn't really matter. You should just get going. Maybe we will see each other again, but for now, I'm parting ways. Don't follow me, alright, kid? We have our own things to do.''

And then Curtis walked off, not once looking back to me. Even though I barely knew him, it hurt a bit to know I lost a companion. I turned after he had disappeared from my vision and took my assault rifle from my duffel bag and continued towards where the tracker pointed me to.

Another Day Gone By - Fright

I had restlessly found my way through a couple metro stations and various streets to get to my location and finally there, I eyed the sight. A massive, stone building with a very badly corroded and aged sign reading 'Galaxy News Radio' out front. Piles of debris lay around the structure, and to the left of the complex was the war-torn remains of a school, barely anything remaining but the ground floor and a very small section of the second floor. A fountain sat at the front of the building, a rusted brass globe in the centre, also reading 'Galaxy News Radio'. Next to it was a dead person in power armour, an assault rifle by the corpse's side.

I could see something around the neck of the dead figure, and gently taking it in my hands, I saw it was a holotag. The name programmed into it read 'Initiate Redding'. I put the tag into my pouch and continued with my task. But something about that corpse lingered in my mind - A marking of a sword in front of a few gears in a circle on the left shoulder on the power amour. It looked like the symbol of the Brotherhood, but why there could of been here is beyond me.

When I was inside the building, I found it was pretty much dead. Only the sound of a fire crackling softly in a metal barrel filling the air. Upstairs were doorways blocked with debris, only one remaining clear. When I walked, I noticed something on the floor - a cyan-blue feather. When I picked it up and inspected it, I immediately knew that it could only belong to Rainbow Dash. She must be around here somewhere! Perhaps hiding? From me...

No!

I wasn't going to break down there! Enough breaking down and being sorry for myself! I gotta carry on, and carry on I did. I continued up the steps to a door at the end of a small corridor past the remaining doorway, and on the other side I could hear a man's voice. Assault rifle in hand, I pushed the door open slowly, the hinges making a loud creaking noise, deflating my attempt at entering unnoticed. Inside though, computers were everywhere, all of different types, various parts of the room illuminated a sickly green colour from computer screens.

When I got further into the technology-flooded room, I could see a man sat at a ham-radio, speaking into the microphone. I hid, watching him cautiously, and after a few minutes, he had stopped his broadcast and moved from his seat. I watched his every move, seeing him go over to a cooker at the back, facing away.

Perfect.

I moved slowly to suppress the sound my armour made with each step, assault rifle fully loaded. Coming behind him, nearly being head as I just missed a cooking pot on a shelf before I knocked it to the ground, I pointed the gun at his head, flipping the safety off, alerting him as he put his hands up.

''Don't do anything stupid, and I won't hurt you, okay? I just want answers. Where is Rainbow? Be truthful and I might just let you live.''

He put his hands up, turning around to me, revealing a black face with a headwrap and sunglasses and short, black goatie.

''Whoa, whoa, now. You're the one who doesn't want to do anything stupid, kid. Pull that trigger, and you'll have more hell on your tail than ever. I don't suppose you're Oscar Brady by chance? Nice to meet you, I'm Three Dog.''

He lowered his hands slowly, my mind shocked. How the hell did he know who I was? Did Rainbow say anything? Or did word of my death spread further than I thought possible?

''How the hell do you know who I am? We haven't even met!''

''And from what I heard, you were supposed to be bright. Shame, I actually thought you knew the obvious...'' He wore a smug smile, ''You say you wanna know where Rainbow is? Well, with no rain, she isn't in the sky, so I don't suppose you mean a being?''

''Don't do that, Three Dog! I travelled around and got my ass kicked looking for her! I just wanna know if she is safe or not, maybe talk to her for a short while.'' Jesus, he was really starting to annoy me...making jokes while Rainbow is hiding somewhere on her own. Haven't I worried enough?

''Look, all I wanna know is is she here? Would you please just tell me?''

''I would if I could, slik, but what kinda person would I be if I didn't keep a promise?''

Wait, what? She made Three Dog promise not to tell me her whereabouts?!

That is IT! Anger seeming to melt through me, I thrust myself forward, surprising Three Dog as I grabbed him by the neck and pinned him to the wall. He tried to wriggle his way from my grasp, but failed miserably, I was stronger than he was and I wasn't going to let go without getting the answer I wanted!

''I'm through playing games, Three Dog! I wanna know where Rainbow is and you're going to tell me! I aren't going nowhere until I know where she is and if you don't tell me, you best be prepared to die!'' I growled at him through gritted teeth, anger boiling my blood. If he didn't tell me, I swear I'm going to pulverise him!

''I...I can't tell you! You'll kill her!'' He choked, trying to speak.

''Wait, WHAT?! Me?! Hurt Rainbow Dash?! No, I don't think so! It'll be you getting killed if you don't speak up, so speak while you still have a voice box!''

I pressed down on his throat harder, making him thrash around more as pain ravaged through his neck. How the hell can he say that?! Why would I ever want to kill her?!

''Christ! A-Alright, alright! Jesus! Just let go already!''

I released my grip around his neck, letting him fall as he tried to regain his breath. I kept my eyes locked on him, assault rifle at the ready.

''Rainbow Dash was here, alright! She was pretty scared, too. She said she didn't want to go back to Megaton so I let her stay here with me for the night. She left early this morning in a hurry, she left her Pip-Boy here, too. Found it laying beside the bed.'' He presented the Pip-Boy in his hands, showing me its battered and scratched body. I took it and put it back on my arm. When I looked at the screen, I saw it was on the 'Data' section, the tracker tag flashing red in the top right. I turned it off with my personal code and looked back to Three Dog.

''Did she say where she was going? Did you see her fly any particular direction?''

''Before she left, she was saying she was going to find Reilly of Reilly's Rangers. Dunno where they are, though.''

Reilly? Why would she go there? Yes, they are well-equipped and deadly, but why them out of any place she could go? Good thing I know where they are: Just to the east of D.C. in their hideout - Ranger Compound. It is marked on my Pip-Boys map. I haven't been, but Reilly apparently tagged it while Gustavo was with Rainbow in Bethesda. I actually feel bad about it. Billy is pissed at me for going alone, Moira is shocked I'm back on my feet after being dead for a while and Gustavo is dead by my hand. I may not of known the guy long, but he saved my life and in turn I killed him.

I just don't feel like me any more. I don't feel the way I used to feel things before. It was like I'm a different being. I turned on friends, assaulted Rainbow Dash - the one I loved ever so dearly. Whatever could make me do such horrid things is beyond me. I even attacked Three Dog! I pinned him to the wall just to find out where Dash was and that was the kind of thing a Raider does! There is just no way I'm me any more! My mind feels more fragile than it used to be and my heart feels as though it has turned black, pumping evil throughout my body.

Maybe Rainbow was right. I am a monster.

I just hope she can forgive me.

Another Day Gone By Part 3 - Say It Like You Mean It

With the location the Pip-Boy provided me, I made my way towards the Ranger Compound. Knowing my luck, It'd probably be well-prepared for any intruders, but no matter what, I'm going to get what I came for, whatever the price. I just want to know she's safe. Seeing as none of these Rangers knew me, I would probably get killed as being called an intruder. It took me around a day and a half to get there, and when I did I found it was less than I expected.

The Ranger Compound was inside the blasted remains of a once tall building. There was a blue, metal door with a terminal and the crossed-sword symbol next to it. Upon turning the terminal on, I saw that it said 'unlock door' as a command, but above that, intended as a threat, it read 'If you're not a Ranger, you best get outta here!'. I ignored it and clicked the unlock command, the response being an access denied. I clicked it repeatedly, growing more and more annoyed as it kept displaying that same message over and over again.

I looked to the back of the terminal, seeing that where it was mounted into the wall, there was a port with wires inside of it. The screws were loose, so it didn't take much work to get them off. A few snaps of wires and bypassing later, the door clicked open. When I got inside, I immediately knew that it was once the basement of the old building. It was dark and smelled awful, like decay and rust. Some lights were on, but the dimness of them barely illuminated any part of the corridor at all. I could barely hear anything other than the clank of old water in the rusted pipes and my own breath.

I had my assault rifle at firing-point, ready to shoot any threats if they come my way. I walked down the left side of the corridor as quietly as I could, the metal flooring clanking softly beneath me. It lead me to a small room with various computer and broadcasting equipment that clearly didn't function any more, their wires and electrical insides partly on the floor. There was also a working terminal and a ham-radio on a table just in the opening of the room. Clearly somebody was here. Seeing she wasn't there, I turned around, my hope fading. I continued to the opposite side of the corridor, coming to yet another room that was filled with rusty bunk-beds and a few footlockers and tables. I saw a couple people sat at one of the tables, thankfully facing away from me, but I still couldn't see Rainbow Dash anywhere. I was starting to think that she had left and hidden some place else.

''Hey! Who the hell are you? How'd you get in?!'' I jumped at the voice of a clearly mad female, turning on the spot, facing her pissed-gaze. She had sparkling orange hair, perfect-looking skin and an extremely pissed off glare within her sapphire eyes. She had combat armour the same as my own put painted a hue of green, a symbol of crossed swords with 'Reilly's Rangers' written on the top left of her breastplate.

''I walked through the door. How do you think I got in?'' I dead panned, only seeming to infuriate her further. How did I know I made her angrier? She slapped me in the face. Ouch, hurtful.

''Smart-ass, huh? I know you got through the door! I'm asking how! That thing was sealed shut!'' She stomped her leather booted foot hard on the floor. I could feel the other two Rangers behind me, blocking me in with her. I just stared right back into her eyes, feeling a little threatened but somehow not as fearful as I used to be in these situations.

I just smirked softly.

''I bypassed your door. Don't worry, it isn't broken, just a few wired cut and twisted in various places. Should be easy to put back right.'' She actually seemed impressed by how I got in but she was clearly still pissed. ''Look, I don't know who you are, but I need your help. I didn't come here to infiltrate your compound and kill you, I came here to find someone, or rather somepony.''

The woman raised a brow at that, giving me a quizzical look. I heard the two from behind me back off a few steps, seconds later being told to move into the room. We sat at a table, me still being cautious yet curious. I certainly wasn't expecting something like this. I thought it would be more on the lines of 'You're dead' or just point-blank firefight. However, the three of them just sat together, looking at me with uneasy expressions. There was an uncomfortable silence between us, but then the orange-haired girl spoke.

''You're Oscar Brady, aren't you?'' Her voice was quiet. Now it was obvious that I was in the right place.

''So you have met her, then. Rainbow, I mean.'' I said, my own voice tuned down to a whisper.

''Yes, we have met her. We met her, Billy and Gustavo in the Bethesda Ruins not far from here. From what we know, Gustavo was killed by your hands.''

Okay, now I was feeling guilty and embarrassed. True, I know I killed Gustavo, but what feels horrible about that is the fact that I didn't know what I was doing. I did it in cold blood, all just so I could capture Rainbow Dash, the one who meant more to me than life itself. I really just wanted to talk to her.

''I'm Reilly, and these two are brick and Donovan. The fourth member is Butcher, our team medic. He's some place else, though. But now that part is out the way, I should probably ask you what you want with Rainbow. She seems scared of you, even more scared than Donovan is of fire ants.''

''Hey!'' Donovan punched Reilly's shoulder in retaliation to the statement, making Brick chuckle. ''Don't you start, Brick. I swear, next time you need your mini-gun fixing, I'll rig it with explosives!''

''Like to see ya try, nerd.'' Brick smirked at him, earning an annoyed scowl from Donovan.

''Enough you two.'' Reilly shushed her companions before continuing. ''So,'' She began, looking at me. ''What is the deal between you two?''

''Why do you care? I barely even know you and you're asking me questions like this. It is all complicated, alright? All I want to do is speak with her. I just wanted to tell her something, make sure she's safe.''

''Rainbow's safe, alright. When I said Butch is somewhere else, I meant with her. She is being checked over to make sure she'll be fine.''

''Whaddaya mean? I thought you said Rainbow was fine?''

''She is fine physically, but not one-hundred percent mentally. All that fright seemed to of rattled her cage a bit. I'll let you talk with her, but I can't promise she won't freak out. I swear, when she came over here she was so panicked that she could barely even speak. Poor thing just passed out of fright.'' Reilly said, the remorse for Rainbow evident in her voice.

''So, where is she exactly, if not here?'' I asked, now curious for her whereabouts. So close...

''In the back room. The one to the right from this one. Just take it easy on her, alright?'' I nodded, ''Alrighty then, I'll walk you down to her. Just...don't do anything stupid.''

''Reilly, seriously, how many times are you going to keep saying that? I know my Dashie.'' I could feel myself smiling. It felt nice to say that name again.

A moment later, I stood at the door to the back room of the basement. I'll be truthful and say I was nervous yet happy. I was actually glad to see her again, but she probably wouldn't feel the same about me. Reilly knocked three times on the door, soon being greeted by Butcher whom after a simple talk allowed me a couple minutes inside the room. My heart beat slowed as I saw her, the Rainbow Dash I knew and cherished was on a bed, laying on her chest, looking right back at me with a semi-fearful expression.

Her mane was a little messy and her eyes had pale black bags beneath them. I didn't bother approaching her, I just stood still, watching her as I could feel tears start to invade my eyes. I didn't want to startle or scare her. Just seeing her there, so weak-looking and frightened tugged at my heart.

''Rainbow...'' I muttered softly, still watching her. I saw a tear stroke her cheek, one going down my own face. I didn't know if I could go through with this. I didn't want to do anything wrong like hurt her. Not like I intend on it but because I didn't want her to be even more scared than before. She has lost her trust for me and I really want her to regain that.

''Stay back.'' Rainbow said, the caution and weariness evident in her weak voice. ''Just...s-stay where you are!''

''Rainbow, please, you have to listen to me...'' I tried to get through to her, but her fright seemed to take her mind over.

''No! I don't wanna die!'' She half-shouted.

''Wait, what? Dashie-Rainbow, I don't want to kill you! Why would you even think that! I only want to know if you're alright.'' Clearly she wasn't. She doesn't sound alright. She doesn't sound fine and dandy. She sounds scared shitless. Of me.

''Oh, I'm fine, alright! Just dandy, Brady! As you can tell, I'm constantly running from a black-blooded assassin who I thought loved me! I was so wrong about you, Brady. If nothing ever happened between us, maybe this wouldn't of happened!'' Her words were doused with venom, and each of them stung my already love-decaying heart. Those words actually hurt me. Did she really think that of me? Heartless and a betrayer of her trust and love? Ouch, Dashie. Just, ouch, too far.

''But I do love you! I'm not trying to kill you, Rainbow, I'm trying to help you! Look, I know that sorry will never mean anything to you after all the things I have apparently done, but it is all I can say to you! I don't know what else I can say besides 'I'm sorry' or 'I love you', because they are true! I love you, Rainbow! You know I do!'' I took a couple steps forward, Rainbow's gaze still fixated upon me as she slowly crept back on the mattress. ''Rainbow, I'm dead serious when I say that I love you. You gave me another chance at life when you came into my life. You changed me, made me a better person than who I used to be.'' I was now beside her. She had barely moved that much from her position as she listened to every word that left my mouth. Her tears had started to fall freely down her cheeks and I gently and slowly wiped them away with my thumb, looking back into her eyes.

''I love you, Dashie. Never forget that I do. You are my everything. You mean more to me than life itself.'' I proved that point as I leaned down and locked lips with her. She was very hesitant at first but soon she started to sink into the tender moment. That sweet, smooth taste of her lips was still there and I was enjoying every second of it. We made out for the shortest amount of time before our lips separated. We looked deep in each other's eyes, and I noticed her blush softly as a smirk came to her face, yet I could still tell she had mixed feelings.

''Brady, you are such a sissy sometimes.'' She giggled cutely and I did too. I hugged her tightly, holding her close and not wanting to let go. I rubbed my cheek into her mane as I felt her relax in my embrace. I kissed her on the cheek before I settled down with her, snuggling into her side as I draped a hand over her back, stroking it gently.

I may have a long road of regaining her trust, but in the end, it is all worth it. She was probably going to still be frightened of me, but I really hoped she could find it in herself to move past that and look at me the same way she used to.

I'd give anything to see her look at me like that again. Even my own life. She was just so important to me.

Days Gone By

It felt truly wonderful to be with Rainbow again. I know she may not fully trust me and put the past behind her for good, especially after all the things that have happened between us, intended or not. At least the love stayed, more or less. Right now, she lays in my arms, sleeping at my side, an adorable smile upon her lips. At least she was comfortable. That's more than I can say about myself.

I may be glad to know she's safe and unharmed, if only a little mentally unstable, but for some reason I can't help but feel uneasy around her. It's the first time I've ever felt this way around her. Was it because of what she thought of me? How much I've damaged her mental stability? What Billy said to me, about Rainbow getting fragile and more jumpy after my death, I fear it may be true. I don't know what has happened to her in the time I wasn't around for, but it sure as hell doesn't seem to be just me that has affected her.

Those questions could wait, though. Right now, I just wanted to be with her. I didn't want to let her go, and I'd do anything for her to make up for anything I may of done. I just want her to be happy and to forgive me. I wanted her to know just how much I really did love her.

*** *** ***

''Ainsley!'' Colonel Autumn yelled rather angrily at the lieutenant whom just stared back at him with eyes full of fear. ''Just look at this!'' The Colonel shoved a clipboard into his face, hitting him in the nose in the process. Ainsley cringed at the pain but then skimmed through the writing on the clipboard. ''Well?!''

The data on the clipboard was all negative for the capture of the Rainbow pony, with high casualties. Ainsley cringed a little at the stare of the Colonel. He looked anywhere but at his eyes, trying to avoid their sword-like emotion. Before Ainsley even ordered the operation, he didn't think it would succeed. What they did to Brady has never been done before in all the world's history and there was barely much chance of it working at one hundred percent efficiency. He knew the consequences.

''I-I'm sorry Colonel, but we couldn't determine the outcome of the mind-control chip we installed to Brady's brain. I-''

''Don't give me 'sorry', Ainsley!'' Colonel Autumn yelled into his face, making him cower back in fright. ''Either you have your men capture this creature or I'll have you executed for incompetence to reach expectations! Two of my personal guards have died trying to acquire the specimen and Brady managed to break free of the mind control device we had inserted into his brain! Put things right or so help me, you'll be buried six feet under!''

Saying nothing more, Colonel Autumn stormed out of the office, the door clicking loudly as the door sealed itself in place, leaving the lieutenant alone in the dimness of the room. He could only stand there, feeling disappointed and threatened. He knew the Enclave wouldn't tolerate failure, and this was the first time that such an operation has gone underway. Even though risks were high that it wouldn't be completely successful, he had it done anyway. It boggled his mind as to how Brady could of gotten out of the control of the chip, but Ainsley was determined to find out, even if it cost him his job as a scientist.

Can You Kill Trust Or Love Or Loyalty?

Me and Rainbow were walking back to Megaton after exiting the Ranger Compound, thankfully not running into any dangers. We barely talked as we headed for our destination. To be honest, I haven't really planned what I was going to do when we get back. Rainbow has been put through a whole bunch of stuff because of me and what they did to us at Paradise Falls, but she seemed so weak, so frightened.

It only took us a short while to find a place to rest for a little bit. A run-down shack. It wasn't much and didn't offer much overhead protection, but it'll do. There wasn't much inside, either, except for a fridge that was on it's back and a couple footlockers with no locks on them and a box of spare rifle ammunition. We both looked inside the footlockers and took what was useful, if not, tradeable. I only found a few bottle caps, a metal helmet and a 44. Magnum along with around twenty-four rounds for it, including some already inside the cylinder. Rainbow didn't find much, but did find a couple grenades. When she rolled them over, I just looked back at her, able to see that upset expression she has had on her face since a couple or so days ago.

I sat on my footlocker, Rainbow doing the same with hers. She didn't look back to me, she just kept her eyes on the floor. I don't really know why she was acting this way, but after everything, I guess it is understandable. I picked up one of the grenades that was near my boot and mindlessly looked over it.

''Hey, Rainbow?'' I said, trying to not raise my voice to a loud enough volume that would startle her. She didn't look up, but I did see her ear twitch, showing me that she was indeed listening to me. ''You okay?'' You look pale... Rainbow looked up this time, staring back into my eyes. Her eyes were slightly bloodshot and they were glazed with tears. Clearly all this emotional stuff has taken its toll on her. I slowly moved beside her, just able to feel how cold she was. I stroked her mane softly in an attempt to calm her down. Within moments, she settled down and looked back into my eyes. I could see her shaking softly.

''...Why?'' She whimpered. ''Just...Why? Why me?'' Her shaking grew more violent as she looked down to the floor, a few tears impacting with the metal flooring. ''I didn't ask for any of this! I-I just wanna go home! I want my friends back! I want my old life back!''

''Dashie I-''

''No! Don't 'Dashie' me!'' She glared at me, her breathing becoming heavier. ''I'm sorry, Brady, but I don't know if I can bring myself to trust you again! You nearly killed me! You shot me! And I'm pregnant! I don't know what to do about any of this at all! All I want is to go home!''

I didn't know what to think. It got me thinking about everything. I didn't actually blame her for thinking any of this, even if it did make my heart ache. Everything that Rainbow said just now...it basically meant she doesn't love me anymore. Not in the same way that she did, anyway. She sees me as something different. A monster, a cold-blooded assassin. If the Enclave didn't do whatever they did to me and left me dead, then maybe none of this would of happened. I got up off of the footlocker and picked up the Magnum from the one I was previously sat on. Without thinking, I placed the barrel towards my head and pulled back the hammer with my thumb, sounding a click that caught Rainbow's attention, alarming her as she looked at me.

''Brady! What're you doing?! Put it down!'' She pleaded, reaching her hooves out as if to touch me as tears welled in her eyes. Tears invaded my own eyes as I looked at her. I seriously didn't know what I was even doing, pointing this gun at my head. Truth be told, I think things were better if I just didn't come back to the world of the living. I was better off dead. If I still was, none of the pain my Rainbow is feeling right now would be felt. She could of been happy and moved on. But the Enclave changed that.

''Rainbow, I'm sorry. Maybe things were better the way they were. If I stayed dead, you wouldn't be living like this. This is all my fault.''

''No! Don't! None of this was your fault, Brady! I lost you once, I don't want to lose you again!''

I noticed her flinch as I gently squeezed the trigger, snapping my eyes shut as the hammer was released. But the bullet never came. I pulled the trigger again, hearing nothing but clicking.

Click, Click, Click

I retracted the pistol from my head, focusing on a somewhat relieved Rainbow Dash. I dropped the Magnum, Rainbow watching me with sad, angry and relief-filled eyes.

''Are you...CRAZY?!'' She shrieked. ''You were going to kill yourself?! What were you even hoping you would gain from that?!''

I looked down this time, feeling partly guilty yet annoyed. Things were clearly not how they were meant to be.

''I shouldn't be alive, Rainbow. You're like this because of me, aren't you? You don't trust or love me like you did before and probably will never do so again. Things can only be right again if I die.'' I turned away from her, sitting back on the footlocker as I hung my head. I could of sworn I heard Rainbow sniffling behind me. I felt her hoof on my shoulder as she sat next to me. She placed her hoof to my chin and turned my head to face her, smiling the softest smile I have ever seen her use.

''Brady, I'm nothing without you. I couldn't get over it when you died and I pretty much lost my mind. Moira and Billy and everyone else wanted to help me, but the only one who truly understood me was you. You're right about me not containing the feelings I had for you before you died, but I still have a fraction of those left.'' She gently kissed me on the lips, the moment lasting for only a brief second. ''I don't know where this puts us now that things are different, but if there was one thing to ask...I...'' She paused, looking unsure of what to say next.

''Yes? Come on, Rainbow you can ask me anything.'' I ushered her. She fidgeted with her hooves before she could bring herself to look up to me.

''I want to go home. Not to Megaton...but home-home. Back to Equestria. My world, the one where I belong.''

Well, she's got me there. As much as I want to help her, she has to ask the one thing I aren't even sure is possible. What could I possibly say to her? Tell her very simply and plainly that there is a way to get back home even though there obviously isn't a way. Rainbow's pony friends may be able to find her and take her back home, but with god-knows how many universes there are, there will be no telling if they will ever find the right world.

''Rainbow Dash...I...'' I couldn't say anything. All I could do was hug her. She squirmed and fidgeted around a little as I held onto her. She eventually settled down into the embrace and began to cry on my shoulder, softly at first then getting heavier. All I could do was hold her close and stroke her mane, wanting nothing more than for her to settle down and know that someone still cared about her. ''I'm Sorry, Dash. I'm just...not sure if there is a way. If there was, I'd gladly see you through it. All I want is for you to be safe. I know you may not trust me, but at least know that I care for you greatly. After all we've been through together, I intend on staying by your side.''

She looked up, smiling warmly as she wiped her eyes with a hoof, sniffling. ''T-T-Thank you...not just for this, but for everything.''

''I won't ever leave you hanging, Rainbow. I mean that.''

*** *** ***

We sat there for a while in each other's arms as the day turned into night. It was the closest we've been with each other in a long time. When I looked down at her, seeing her still sleeping with her cheek pressed into my shoulder, I could see her smiling. I missed seeing that adorable look on her face, she looked so peaceful. How she got here still remained one of the biggest mysteries, but I'm determined to know how she can get back to her home. She deserves more than a life of hardship and cruelty. Even more so than me.

I rubbed the top of her mane with my hand in a soft and loving motion and when I was about to wake her up, I heard what sounded like a bird. But oddly enough, there was no birds in the Wasteland, apart from the hawks above Megaton. It grew louder and louder and when I dared to look for the source of the noise, I peeked at the sky, seeing something flying towards us, being just near invisible in the field of vision the night provided.

It was a vertibird.

I quickly pulled Dash off my shoulder and pushed myself furthest into the wall as I could to prevent them seeing us. Rainbow tumbled around in my arms as I held her close, clearly being quite shocked by the sudden movements.

''Brady! What're you-'' She started but I stopped her by placing my hand gently over her mouth.

''Shh. Keep it down, we're in trouble. Vertibird in the sky.'' I pointed to the flying gunship in the night sky and immediately felt Rainbow tense up. I released my hand from her mouth and I heard her gasp softly. ''Don't make any noises or sudden movements. They'll gun us both down if we're not careful.''

We watched on in silence as the vertibird flew overhead for a few moments before it moved on, the sound of the engines slowly fading into the distance. Breathing a sigh of relief, we both got back to our feet and decided it would be best to head to Megaton now before it comes back to find us.

*** *** ***

Thankfully, we made it to Megaton with no problems getting in our way. Again, though, like all the other times we came into town after supposedly going missing or being on a mission that most people thought us to be dead for, some (or most) townsfolk began to crowd around us in seconds. Lucas was of course at the front.

''Brady?!'' He would of exclaimed, if not for the amount of shock his brain was rolling in. ''How's this even possible? I shot you! You're dead!''

I frowned a little at that. ''I was. The Enclave did something to me, made me forget who I was after bringing me back. Trust me, don't ask.''

''But...where have you been? First you die, we don't see you for a long time and then Billy comes back with some guy in black armour and Gustavo isn't with him, only Rainbow.''

I saw Rainbow cringe a little. I touch her shoulder with my hand, calming her before looking up to Lucas. ''Yeah, about that. That was me in the armour. It was Mark 2 Power Armour. From the Enclave. Look, just don't worry about anything, Lucas. I'm just here to get a few things and then I'm leaving. But first, where's Moira? Still in her shop?''

''Yeah, she's still up at Craterside Supply.''

''Right, thanks.'' I nodded as I smiled softly, shortly making my way to the walkway going just above the clinic and onto the level with Moira's shop on it. When I got inside, I saw Moira doing what she usually does - sweeping the floor with a worn, old broom. She took one glance at me, and it didn't take long for me to notice just how miserable she looked. She unexpectedly dropped the broom and pounced on me, hugging me as she took me down to the floor. She hugged me tightly, cutting off air to my lungs.

''M-Moira! Hey! L-Let go! C-Can't breathe!'' I squirmed as I was crushed under the odd strength off the joyful shopkeeper. Despite my protests, Moira didn't want to let go. In fact, she just hugged me tighter. Christ, I felt like I was some kid's rabbit that died because their owner hugged it too tight. Moments of torturous-hugging later, Moira released me, pulling me back to my feet once she got back onto her own. She just looked at me with hopeful yet sad eyes. Pretty obvious that she wanted an explanation.

''Brady, I...you...you're alive!'' She exclaimed before hugging me again. I've never known a women to be so cuddly... ''How is it even possible?! When Rainbow told me, she was just all mopey-dopey and was I after I heard and...just...I can't even explain how phenomenal this is!''

I held a hand up. ''Hey, it's a long story, Moira. Believe me, I'd really rather not go through it again. The more I talk about it the more I hate myself.'' I thought I should just leave it there. I didn't need to mention the part where I nearly killed Rainbow twice. It may not bother me more than the fact that we weren't actually together anymore. It just scared me. Just thinking and knowing I nearly killed somepony very close to me whom I used to be in a relationship with was nearly killed twice by my hand.

''You okay?'' Rainbow looked to my eyes, worry evident in her own. ''You're crying.''

''Huh?'' I rubbed a hand across my eyes, feeling it wet to the touch of my upper cheek. ''Oh. S-Sorry about that.''

''So,'' Moira coughed into her hand nervously. ''You've been through a lot then?''

''Yeah, I guess you could say that...'' Me and Rainbow exchanged sad expressions before looking back over to Moira. ''...Listen, while it may be nice to see each other again, I needed someone to help me with something. Normally I'd ask Gustavo, but the guy's dead and as for Billy, I think he's still pretty mad at me. That just leaves you, Moira.''

She gasped softly after hearing about Gustavo and she raised a brow as she spoke, almost quizzy-looking. ''But what can I do? It really depends on what you need doing. You best tell me before I tell you if I'm any use or not.''

''Right. Well, you see, it more or less relates to Rainbow. Since she got here, she just wanted to get back home, but instead she stayed with me and we became close. As a friend of hers, I wanted to help her get back home, to Equestria, where she belongs. I promised I'd help her. I just don't know how.''

For a moment, Moira looked frozen, most likely trying to comprehend what I just said. ''I see...'' She said slowly. ''But how could I help you? She's from an alternate universe that we have no idea how far it is from this one. I don't really see a way of getting past this one, Brady, to be honest with you. I couldn't possibly know where to begin helping. And from the sounds of it, neither do you.''

Okay, she's got me there. I don't really know where to go from here. It isn't like a trans-dimentional portal will just fall from the sky or magically appear in front of you that could send you to wherever you wish to go. It just isn't that simple, but I promised Dash I'd help her get home, no matter what the cost is.

''Brady?'' Moira said, snapping me from my thoughts.

''Huh? What?''

''You zoned out there for a while. Lost in thought?''

''I...um...yeah. I guess so.'' I sighed audibly through my nostrils. ''I don't know if I can actually keep the promise, but I'll do my best. It's all I can do. Especially for Rainbow.''

I'm Sorry

Recording begin

I don't really know how to start this recording, so I'll just get to the reason why I'm making it. First off, to Rainbow Dash, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for all I've put you through and the life that you now live, one that shouldn't be lived by somepony as unique as you. When I met you, I hoped for the best, but just when things were going great, partly between our friendship, it all seemed to go south. Because of both my and others actions. As much as I know you cared for me as I did for you, I know that you are still hurt by some things I've done that weren't actually intended. I just hope you can forgive me someday. I'll fully and completely understand and respect your decision whatever it may be.

Things aren't the same between us anymore and to be honest with you, I don't blame you for that. I hurt you and I'm sorry for doing that. The worst pain I've felt since loneliness is the pain I felt when you told me you didn't want to be that way with me anymore. While it may hurt, I understand. I guess I should really tell you that you were the best thing that ever happened to me. While we may never hug or see each other again, that compares to nothing how it feels without you as a part of my life. I know you may still have feelings for me, but even though you pretty much hate me, I've just gotta get it out of my system, to say this one more time.

I love you.

Before I end this message, I should probably mention this to Moira and my friends back at Megaton. And a message for Three Dog. To Moira, I really have to say this - thanks to you, I knew how to survive and look out for myself when I was in the Wasteland scavenging for odds and ends. You pretty much set me up on how to learn to live and survive. Or as you put it, strive, thrive and revive. For that, I thank you. I consider you and the others my best friends. As for Billy, I believe I have to thank you the most, but I really do hope you aren't going to be mad at me anymore, or even more madder at me for what I'm about to say after I say this to you. You always had my and Rainbow's backs when we were in trouble, even Gustavo, and what makes me feel bad about how close you two were together was the fact that I killed him.

I swear I didn't do it on intentional circumstances, but I guess that sounds pretty stupid seeing as I did it like he was just any other wrong-doer or Raider in the Wasteland. I'm truly sorry for that. Now, to Three Dog, I'm sorrier than sorry for what I did. I was just so mad at myself and my actions that I didn't even think first before assaulting you. I just hope you can forgive me for it. I guess I got a little over-protective at the time.

But now onto the last part.

I'm leaving Megaton.

Not because of all I've done but more of because it's the way things are meant to be. You're all just gonna have to trust me on this. I aren't coming back. I'm doing this so you'll all be safe, particularly Rainbow Dash. I'm sorry if you feel sad or maybe even angry at me, but I can't be around you anymore. Being with Rainbow before I saw you all again the other day made me realize that. She is scared of me, and I have no doubt that most of you are, too. I think things would just be better off if I was still dead. I would rather be dead than drag all my friends into the abyss of hell as I go along my way.

For the very last time, I'm sorry. And goodbye. Don't come after me.

Oscar Brady.

Recording end

I ended the recording on my Pip-Boy and took it off of my arm. I had tears running down my face as I was talking through the audio recording and I could barely even keep a clear voice. I just hope it is worth it. I wouldn't really need much at this point in time. Just myself and a gun. I wiped the tears from my eyes as I placed the Pip-Boy on the table in the living room of my house. I looked at the picture of me and Rainbow together, the exact same one I had on me when I went after Mister Burke right before I nearly died. The blood was still on it, but that didn't change much of the memory.

I kissed the cheek of Rainbow Dash before I placed it underneath the Pip-Boy on the table and turned towards the door, hoping no one would catch me. It was the latest hour of the night and I decided it would be the best time to make my way out of town. I didn't need them to find me. It would destroy their hearts, but I already knew they were pretty much already torn and shredded.

The amazing thing about the heart is that it makes no noise when it breaks. I just hope they don't take it too hard or try to track me down.

The End Or A New Beginning?

''Brady? You here?'' Billy called out as he stepped into Brady's house, coming in fully when he got no response, Rainbow following close behind him. The house was dark, the only light source being from the open door. ''Brady?'' No response,

''Where do you suppose he is?'' Rainbow asked, worry growing withing her. She could sense something was wrong. She could feel it. ''I've not seen him for a while.''

''I dunno, Rainbow, but - hey, isn't that Brady's Pip-Boy?'' Billy said as he looked towards the table holding Brady's Pip-Boy and the photograph. When he saw the screen of the small device, he saw that a newly added file had a title. It read ''To My Friends''. Clicking a button to open the file, the recording began to play and Brady's voice filled the silence of the house.

By the end of the recording, Rainbow was in tears and Billy looked as if he was going to cry. They simply couldn't believe what they had just heard.

''B-Brady is gonna kill himself...?'' Rainbow whimpered, ''Oh, no...t-this is all my fault...''

''Rainbow? Just try to stay calm. Maybe we could still find him?'' He tried to calm her down, failing miserably.

''Billy, he's going to kill himself because of me! He tried to do it before when we were coming back to Megaton! He tried to shoot himself! I-I-I don't want him to die! He's all I've got in this world!'' She cried, tears trickling down her face. Billy said nothing as he hugged her softly.

''Hey, hey, we'll find him. It'll all be okay, Rainbow, you've gotta trust me on this one.'' Billy turned to pick up the Pip-Boy, placing over her hoof before attaching it with a small 'click'. ''There, if you have that, maybe we would have an easier time finding him. Now come on, we've gotta find him.''

*** *** ***

I have been walking for a long time, and being that I left Megaton at around five or six in the morning, it had only turned to the afternoon. I didn't have any specific place to go, so I just wandered in any general direction, for someplace quiet. The last thing I want is for Rainbow to find me. I ended up at some old rundown, metal shack. The area was quiet, too, only the sound of the wind blowing in the background, turning up dust and grime.

I sat on a small footlocker just outside of the shack and stared into the sky for a few moments, pondering about the past and all that has happened in that time up until now. Meeting Rainbow, saving her, loving her, finding adventure and ourselves...the list could go on forever. I pulled my ten-millimeter pistol from my pocket and placed it on my lap. I stared at it for a short while. When I pulled the hammer back and was about to place it to my head, a bright, purple flash stopped me in my tracks, making me shield my eyes with my arm.

When the light subsided, I removed my arm and froze as my eyes refocused on five figures in front of me, who stared back at me with a shocked expression. From what I knew from Rainbow, two were unicorns, one a pegasus and the two were earth ponyies. They would of screamed, but judging from that amount of shock that was visible in their eyes, it stopped them. I was actually surprised that Dash didn't react this way when I met her.

''Don't scream. Please...just don't.'' I said, holding a hand up. They seemed to just ignore me and they screamed. It was loud and probably attracted some unwanted wild animals. They all stared at me with small eyes, clearly showing their fright.

''You talk?!'' The purple unicorn shouted in shock. Jesus, why didn't Rainbow act like this? Was she just shaken up and scared that she couldn't care about who or what saved her? Probably.

''Of course I do. H-How did you even get here? Was that magic?'' I asked, motioning to her horn.

''Wha...h-h-how did you know? You know what, it doesn't matter. As crazy is it may sound to you, have you seen another pony like us? Rainbow mane, cyan coat-''

''Rainbow Dash?'' I asked softly with a raised brow, causing them to etch back a little. They had a look of uncertainty in their eyes, but if anything, all I could see was concern for their friend, especially in the yellow pegasus's soft green-blue eyes whom I knew was Fluttershy from what I was told by Dash.

''Y-You know Rainbow Dash?'' Fluttershy asked, her voice soft and heavenly. ''W-Where is she? Do you know?''

I sighed. ''Yes, I do know. How long has she been gone, anyway?''

''About...a few days. Why?''

Oh, christ. A few days? That means that a year in this world is equivalent to a day in their world...wow.

''Well...you're gonna be shocked by this...you see, um...it's been more than that, here. Three years.'' As I expected, they all gasped. The orange Earth pony, Applejack, if I remember correctly seemed to only be infuriated.

''Where's Rainbow, then?! We've been all over the place lookin' for her, and Ah jus' wanna find her! So where is she?!''

''Applejack!'' The purple unicorn scowled, frowning at the orange pony. ''Just let him explain, I-'' She stopped, looking behind Applejack. I did too, and what I saw made me freeze. In moments, all the other ponies turned and stared as well, gasping. It was Rainbow Dash, standing in the distance with Billy at her side. Her face held an expression of shock and happiness and within moments, she came running, smiling as she got closer. In seconds, Rainbow found herself tackling Applejack into a tight embrace.

All of her friends joined in the hug, holding her close and tightly. They all bombarded her with questions such as 'where have you been?' and 'how did you get here?' and stuff like that. I noticed her tears, along with everyone else's. I smiled softly as I watched them. All these years, she just wanted to go home, and it looks like it can finally happen. Her friends have found her. It just hurt to know I won't see her again once she's gone. When she does eventually go, I might just carry on with what I was doing.

Billy came next to me, seeing my expression. I knew that he could tell what I was thinking and feeling. He sat next to me on the footlocker, just watching me, his gaze piercing me.

''Just what the hell is wrong with you?'' He started, his voice holding a hint of anger and sadness. ''First you nearly die and break her heart, and then you say you're gonna leave us and Megaton to kill yourself, breaking the hearts of everybody who love and care about you, including me and Moira. Why?'' He said, a hand on my shoulder. I sighed through my nose before I could bring myself to look him in the eye.

''Because I don't see any point anymore, Billy.''

''A point in what, Brady?''

''No point in carrying on. I mean, look what's happened. I've been shot at, pretty much walked into my own funeral and nearly died from it, killing the one I loved the most, and on top of that, she now hates me and I know we won't be back to the way things were because she simply doesn't trust me anymore. That's why.''

''W-What? Brady, you can't be serious. Because of all of what's happened, you want to choose suicide as a way out? What the hell's gotten into you? The Brady I used to know wouldn't do this, the Brady I knew-''

''Yeah, well, I ain't that Brady anymore. He's gone. I'm different, Billy, we all change at some point in our lives.'' I deadpanned. Billy didn't respond. I noticed he was looking at the six ponies, or more specifically, Rainbow Dash. I did too. She looked so happy with her friends. They were still hugging, seeming to want it to go on forever. For a moment, Rainbow seemed to meet my eyes. Her look was unreadable, but I guess mine was, too.

I felt Billy tap my shoulder, and meeting his gaze, he pointed to the sky, making my heart freeze. It was small and a fair while away, but I could see a vertibird, or at least a fleet of them. About three in total. Heading this way. If they catch us, this is sure to not end well.

''Shit. We gotta get out of here. If they see us, we're dead.'' Billy said, getting up, as did I. I went over to Rainbow, catching her attention.

''We gotta go. Now. Enclave are on the move and headed straight for us.'' I pointed to the sky, and Dash visibly went slightly pale at the sight. Seeing as her friends didn't have a clue about the situation, they just shared confused glances. Before we could even find a place to stay hidden, the sound of the engines caught our ears and in moments, the vertibirds were right on top of us. They landed a few yards away from us, a few dozen soldiers in heavy and bulky Power Armour getting out, energy weapons in hand.

Two in Tesla Armour stood behind the man I remembered as Colonel Autumn - the one responsible for causing the heartache between me and Rainbow. His smirk was so ugly upon his even uglier face that I felt like blasting it off with a missile launcher. His personal bodyguards were more heavily equipped than the other soldiers, one carrying a Gatling laser and the other a minigun. All I could feel at this particular moment was hate.

Colonel Autumn approached me, and even if he was surprised or even shocked at seeing five more ponies of the same kind to Rainbow, he was very good at hiding it. He just smirked at me, the reason being unknown to me. Maybe it was the fact that he was once again face to face with me, or that I was the actual me. Not that murdering, brain-fucked hitman they created to hurt those I cared about.

''Oscar Brady, we meet again.'' He smiled just like the devil himself.

''What do you want, Autumn? Don't you have some innocent people to slaughter or something?'' I said, not too much enthusiasm or interest in my voice. He just laughed, also like the devil that he was.

''Haha, oh, Brady, you do amuse me.'' He smiled an evil smile again, ''I'm not a butcher or a killer of the innocent. We're trying to rebuild this country, not destroy it. All my men and I are doing is removing those who threaten to change it, and you're doing just that. You know the consequences of betraying this nation, and it's about time you made up for it. You know what I want, Brady, and there is only one way out of this, and that is if you give me what I want.''

''No. Screw you and screw the Enclave. You're seriously more stupid than you look. Me and my friends have done nothing wrong to affect this destroyed country, and you and your goons aren't really making anything easier, even for yourselves. You people are a disgrace. All you've done since you showed up is cause people to be killed, including innocent families. You're not going to take Rainbow or her friends, and if you try, regardless of how many guards you may have, I will rip your head off with my bare hands.'' I said in a low growl, the hate glowing in my eyes.

For some reason, it seemed to amuse him. He may of been a hypocrite on many levels, and truly, it only made me want to rip his throat out. He has fucked my life up, including Rainbow's by making her feel and experience pure fear of someone she was very very close to and had even managed to make me kill Gustavo in the process, against my will. Killing him right here and right now would be doing every living thing in the Wasteland a favor.

''I admire your determination and loyalty, Brady,'' Colonel Autumn said slowly before turning to his bodyguards. ''and you had your chance. You leave me with no choice.'' He turned to his bodyguards. ''Shoot him.''

On command, the two bodyguards took aim at me, about to fire just before Billy raised his gun, firing a couple rounds at the guards, one hitting the guard with the minigun in the head, knocking him down with a splat of blood and the second bullet impacted with the battery-pack on the Gatling's back, causing him to explode in a fireball of red energy, burning any nearby soldiers in the intense heat, Colonel Autumn managing to get out of the way just in time.

As fast as me and Billy could, we ran to the side of the old shack, staying hidden from the crossfire of energy projectiles and bullets as they came at us from all directions. The ponies hid with us, now in panic mode. Rainbow was shivering with fright, as were all of them, especially Fluttershy who was curled in a ball next to the white unicorn, hiding behind her mane. I knelt next to Rainbow, holding her shoulders.

''Dash! Hey, calm down, I need you to listen to me!'' Her frightened eyes made contact with mine, making it evident enough that she was thinking about the last time we encountered the Enclave (or more specifically, me as an Enclave soldier under their control). ''I need you to stay out of sight, got that? If they come, you've got to deal with them! You still got your sword?'' I asked, to which she nodded, motioning to the handle of the sword that was sticking out of the makeshift holster. ''Alright, good. Just stay safe, Rainbow, I'm gonna get them back for what they did.''

With pistol in hand, I took aim at the soldiers around the corner, firing bullet after bullet, making them all count due to lack of clips. (my only clip was the one in the gun). A ten millimeter wasn't all that strong, especially not against Power Armour Mark Two, but the less protected soldiers were easy enough to take down. With Billy's marksman skills, he managed to hit a couple in the head, killing them in an instant. Those smart enough to manage to dodge his shots fired back, the green plasma projectiles hitting the side of the shack, blackening the metal walls, luckily missing Billy.

A beam of red energy passed my face and blackened the wall next to me, missing me by mere inches. Looking over, I saw Colonel Autumn with his laser pistol pointed right at me. I aimed back, pulling the trigger rapidly in hopes of hitting him. only one bullet appeared to graze his arm, causing him to drop the pistol. Taking the chance, I charged towards him, knife in hand and slashed but before it could hit him, he jumped out of the way, taking out his own knife, one more menacing than mine. An automatic chainsaw-like knife called a Ripper.

He slashed and took a swing at me, only just missing me. Those teeth on the chain looked scary enough, if not painful to be cut with. While we were fighting face to face, I could hear a scream, sounding like Billy. Despite having an Ripper in my face, I looked over, seeing that he was holding his arm tightly. He had gotten hit with plasma, his arm clearly blackened. Even though it hurt, Billy still fought, using his other arm to shoot his gun.

Our knifes collided, both of us pushing against the force to get at each other's throats. The Ripper was far more effective and sharper than my simple knife and it cut away at the metal work that was the blade.

''Just give up, Brady, you're not getting out of this alive!'' Colonel Autumn said through gritted teeth, pushing harder as the blade of his knife hummed softly yet menacingly.

''No! I will finish what you started! If you want my friends, you're gonna have to go through me!'' I shouted back, nose to nose with him.

''As you wish.'' He then pushed with all of his strength, throwing my knife back (to my surprise) and thrust himself onto me, knocking me to the floor with him on top of me. He held the knife with both hands with a murderous gleam in his eyes, stabbing downwards and into my chest, the small teeth of the chain digging into me at a fast pace as the Ripper roared. I screamed at the pain over the roar of the Ripper, feeling it dig deep down into my chest. Pain burned around every inch of my upper body as he kept on pushing. All I could see was red, both splattering the knife and Autumn's face as well as oozing from my body and onto the floor at a rapid pace.

Over the roar of the mini-chainsaw knife, I heard a gunshot, then the weight on me being lifted. A bullet had pierce straight through Autumn's skull, blood splattering his face and trench coat. I could feel my life slipping as I lost more and more blood by the gallon, blackness threatening to take over my vision. I could taste blood in my mouth, mixing in with the burning pain in my chest, making every second unbearable. Out of all the ways it could of ended, it seems this one was the one to happen to me.

I felt arms being wrapped around me as I was dragged backwards, placing me so my back was facing the wall of the metal shack. I held my hands to the large open and bleeding wound in my chest as the ponies all looked down at me, worry and concern in their eyes. Billy held onto my shoulders, looking me in my just-about-dead eyes.

''Brady! Brady! Hey, come on, focus!'' He ordered, keeping his gaze locked on mine. I wasn't sure if it was the amount of blood that I had lost and still was losing at a fast pace, but his voice was sounding muffled to my ears and my vision was beginning to blur, my focus being drained away along with my life. I wasn't going to last long. He and I both knew I wasn't going to be walking away from this one. It looked like it was the end for me...

Even tough my vision was blurry, I could see and feel Rainbow Dash wrap her hooves around me, resting her forehead into the side of my neck, hugging me softly as tears burned her eyes and ran down her cheeks. I couldn't even hear anything now, it was as if the world had a mute button that had just been activated, and then my vision turned into nothingness.

The End

Today

Drip. Drip. Drip.

I couldn't feel anything. I couldn't move nor speak. Everything felt so numb and as for why, I don't really know. Was I actually dead? For real this time? Is this the afterlife? I don't even remember what happened, I don't know where I am because it looked like nowhere.

Just what happened, anyway?

Yesterday

''BRADY!'' I heard someone or rather somepony shout but it sounded muffled to my ears. I couldn't see who it was because my vision kept flashing into complete blackness, darker than the night. My chest heaved softly as my breathing got shorter and shorter. Pain ravaged through my entire body, more specifically in my lower body where I had been gutted, more internal organs clearly visible to anyone who dared looked.

Explosions rang everywhere around us, the floor vibrating along with clouds of sand and dust. I felt myself being pulled by someone, taking me further away from the metal shack I had been leaning against. Even though my vision was blurred, I could tell that the figure dragging me by my legs was Billy.

Overhead I could hear engines, soon seeing that they were vertibirds, hovering not far from directly above us. They weren't going fast, but they surely weren't all that keen on letting us go. I felt my legs drop before I heard the familiar blasts of Billy's revolver. I could see him firing at the virtibirds, having little or no effect on them no matter how many shots he fired.

The last thing I heard and saw before blacking out was Billy letting out a bloodcurdling scream as a giant-sized round was blaster through him, completely demolishing half of his body and sending blood everywhere in a thick, gooey mist.

Today

''Quick, we're losing him, get the nurse in here, now! We need more blood!'' I heard an unfamiliar voice yell as I lay on a cold surface, presumably a table. I still couldn't feel much besides pain, and I also could move my hand a little, barely being noticeable. The loss of blood from my body had left me feeling weak.

My not-so-conscious state had already began to slip and after I felt something enter my body, I felt myself calm down before I felt nothing.

Yesterday

''Help me! Applejack! Twilight!'' Rainbow screamed as she held onto me, trying to lift me up but failing miserably. Her friends stopped in their tracks and turned to face her, soon realizing that she was in direct line of fire with the vertibirds. I could only feel like a weight on their backs for being this way. Even though I said I wanted to die and pretty much am doing, Rainbow never left me. She could of left me ages ago, but she chose to stay by my side.

Even now, she stayed with me. Some part of her did still care, after all. I coughed more blood up as I let a weak and small smile appear on my lips. I felt pain run up and down the length of my arm as I weakly reached up and placed my blood-covered hand on her cheek, causing her to look down in slight surprise and sadness as I saw a tear run down her cheek and impact with my chin.

''G-G-G-Go, D-D-Da-s-s-hie...go. L-L-L-Leave me...'' I managed to say through the blood flooding my mouth and throat. She held onto me, holding me close and tight as she rubbed her cheek into my own. In moments, I felt Twilight and Applejack help her raise me so they could place me on their backs. ''You need t-t-to go...p-p-please, Rainbow...'' I said as I looked down at her tearful eyes.

''No! We're not leaving without you! You're gonna be alright, Brady, just hang on!''

More explosions sounded as explosive shells dropped from the vertibirds, creating blasts that nearly knocked the ponies off of their hooves.

''Hang on girls!'' Applejack shouted as they all began to gallop as fast as they could, nearly taking me off of their backs. I saw Twilight's horn light up with a purple glow, causing my body to tingle softly as it engulfed me and the others. I didn't see much else apart from blackness for a while before everything went white and we landed on a surface that felt like something I've never felt before. Instead of feeling like dust and grime, this surface felt plush and soft, being somewhat pleasurable, despite my condition.

Rainbow Dash laid next to me as she placed my hand in her hooves. I had fallen cold long ago, so I doubt my touch to her was all that comfortable. She was still crying and the leather armor that Moira had made for her was torn in several places and coated in blood, making it stick to her body.

I could see her tears, streaming down her cheeks as they burned her eyes, showing no signs of stopping. All I could do is look into her eyes. It was the only thing keeping me awake, just wanting her to know that I still cared, as much as she did. I just laid there, holding on, despite knowing it wasn't going to make a difference. I knew I was going to die and there was nothing that could be done to prevent that. Even if I did make it out of this somehow, I doubt we would be back the way that we were. I knew she was heartbroken and rattled, but she was probably going to want an explanation for what I did.

All I wanted was to love her again. The only thing that was meant to end love was death, and given the circumstances, it way be true. The only error with that is that me and Rainbow broke up a short while ago, so our love had already stopped. Now my death was like any other.

No matter what, I hope she'll understand everything.

Today

Beep. Beep. Beep.

The sound of a heart monitor met my ears as it echoed softly around the room I was currently occupying. I felt warm, my body feeling just about as comfortable as it's ever been. A breathing pipe had been inserted into one of my nostrils and an oxygen mask over my mouth, my lungs getting a nice supply with every breath.

Despite the pain I could still feel, though thankfully not intense, I felt at ease. I couldn't taste blood anymore, but I did notice that I had a tube connected to my arm that was pumping blood into my body. I still looked pale, yet the atmosphere around me seemed to make me relax. It was clear that I was in a hospital. I had no top or gown on, but I could feel that the trousers I had been wearing were still present. On my chest I could see fresh scars and stitches.

I turned to the side to view what else was in the room besides me, and all that I saw was a window when I looked to my left. Something was off, though. Instead of a war-torn, crime filled land, I saw grass and trees with leaves and light blue skies with birds singing as they flew around. Did I die and end up in heaven? If not, how - My thoughts were paused when I looked in the opposite direction.

I saw Rainbow Dash, laid up in another bed with a tube connected to her hoof. I could see that she wasn't wearing her leather armor anymore, letting me see the rest of her exposed body. I almost forgot how beautiful she looked without it on. In her sleep, I noticed her ear twitch, the same way it did when we slept together in my house in Megaton. I smiled at the sight.

My smile faded, however when I saw the door to the room open and five figures walked in. Rainbow's friends. I didn't move nor speak as they approached Rainbow's bedside. Fluttershy looked as though she had been crying and was currently still doing so as she leaned softly into Twilight's mane. Applejack took off her hat and placed it on the beside table, looking at her friend's sleeping form the entire time.

I had no idea what she was feeling, but her expression was hint enough. Out of all of Rainbow's friends, I took a wild guess at the fact they were pretty close. I wondered about it for a while that I barely noticed Applejack was standing next to me, watching me with glazed over green eyes.

The silence between us was only met with more silence as neither of us spoke. I started to feel uncomfortable but was thankful that a stallion in a white doctor's coat walked in. His mane was brown and his coat was yellow whilst his eyes were a shade of green-blue. His cutie mark was a heart monitor, a line with a pulse displayed on the screen. All of their attention was focused on him as they watched him look back with a clipboard floating in his magic, also the same colour as his eyes.

''Alright, everypony, I've got some bad and some good news. I'll spare the time and just tell you that the good news is that Rainbow Dash is physically okay and completely unharmed.'' He said before flicking briefly through the notes that were attached to the clipboard. He appeared to look a little anxious and the ponies caught on.

''Well?'' Twilight began with a slightly raised brow. ''What about the bad news? How bad is it?'' She asked rather cautiously.

''Rainbow Dash...she's um...she...'' The doctor mumbled, unable to get the words out. Applejack glared at him momentarily.

''Land sake's, Doc, what's wrong?'' She continued to glare.

''She's...p-p-pregnant.''

They all gasped and the pink pony and white unicorn and Fluttershy fainted. Applejack glared at me for a moment while Twilight just stood there with her mouth agape. I couldn't imagine what it felt like to be told something like that after not seeing someone for ages. I couldn't look at them, I just looked anywhere but at them.

''Rainbow's pregnant? Are ya'll sure?'' Applejack asked in hopes that she heard it wrong.

''I'm afraid so, Miss Applejack.'' He said before turning a couple pages back on his clipboard. ''We ran a diagnostic on her and found out that she was pregnant. It doesn't look like she has been for long, but we haven't really got an estimate.'' He looked over at her with a sympathetic look in his eyes. ''I'll just leave you alone to talk this one through. If I could advise you, just be careful when she wakes up, no sudden movements or anything.'' And then he left, leaving the three of us alone. Twilight weakly looked over to me, staring into my eyes. Coming over, I could practically feel her breath on my cheek.

''Do you care to explain?'' Is all she said. I turned away from her for a moment, not being able to bring myself to look her in the eye. I felt so uncomfortable at this point. I removed the oxygen mask from my face and placed it aside before I turned my neck so I was facing her again, letting out a sigh through my nostrils.

''Twilight, I need you to understand if I'm going to tell you this. Can you do that?'' To her nod, I continued. ''Me and Dash used to be together. In fact, not that long before you ended up in my world to find her, we were already broken apart. Things happened between us and never got fixed. I never meant for any of this, all I wanted was for her to be safe...'' I said as I felt tears sting my eyes. I felt as though I should leave out the more disturbing and horrid parts. Most things that have happened to Rainbow had been because of me. The only things I was unaware of was the things that happened to her in the time I had been dead for.

Twilight just stood there, watching me still, her eyes frozen in place. I felt pretty awkward at that stare she was giving me. I hardly even noticed that Applejack was watching me too, tears dripping slowly from her eyes. She had placed her Stetson hat back on and to my surprise, the others were back on their feet again, all watching me.

''B-But...what actually happened? To Rainbow, Ah mean?'' Applejack asked me cautiously. I could already tell that this wasn't going to be easy.

''She...um...she was scared...of me. She was just so traumatized when I saw her again after that time I wasn't around that...I...I...couldn't cope. I was meant to protect her and instead, all I did was betray her trust.'' Great, now I was crying. I knew that because my cheeks were becoming increasingly wet. Who knew talking could be so hard?

''Wait, hang on, you said you weren't around? What do you-''

''I was dead.'' I said pretty bluntly, answering Twilight's question for her even before she asked it. ''I died and was brought back by the Enclave - Those same people who nearly killed me and you.'' Come to think of it, I do kinda wish that I had died. ''They did something to me, tried to get me to kill Rainbow, and I nearly did.'' I wiped my eyes with my arm, removing the tears that were streaming down my face.

They didn't say anything after that. They were at a loss for words upon hearing about what happened in the time Rainbow was missing. To be perfectly and truthfully honest, I wish I wasn't here. I'd rather be back in my grave. Even if they were going to ask anything else, I doubted I'd have time to answer it because a good couple minutes or so after the empty silence began, the nurse came in, telling them that visiting hours were over. They left, leaving me and Rainbow alone once more.

I had no idea what time it was, but it was definitely getting late, my only sense of time being the view of the sun through the window. I couldn't stop looking at Rainbow. I wasn't really that used to seeing her being laid up in a hospital bed, especially after the first night it happened after the night we went to The Brass Lantern. I didn't even know how her body would react to whatever it took in and digested and when I saw her, I knew how easy it could of been for her to die.

She truly was beautiful. I feel like a really lucky guy to of been able to meet her and have her as a part of my life. I think I can fairly saw that since I've met her, many things have changed, and one of those is my heart. I know some bad parts will stay but what will never vanish is how I feel towards her. Without her armor on, I thought she looked gorgeous. How can anyone who has met her not think she was pretty? By my standards, I would call those people crazy.

I still watched her sleeping, her body still pale but moving. Her ear twitched again, earning a soft giggle from me. She rolled over in her sleep so she was facing me, her mane bedraggled and her eyes with light black bags underneath. She coughed softly before she slowly opened her eyes. They flickered a few times before she could muster up the strength to keep them from closing. I couldn't help but smile at her. She smiled back, looking partially glad.

''H-Hey.'' She whispered softly in a weak voice.

''Hey, Dashie. Glad to see you're alright.''

''Me too. You had me worried, I actually thought it was gonna be the end of you.'' She now looked worried, even as she looked at my treated wounds, the scars and stitches. The bad part about it was that I did wish it was the end of me. At least I'd be out of her life so she can get hers back on track.

''How'd you feel?''

''Like Applejack kicked me.'' Rainbow chuckled softly before going into a soft coughing fit. Something surely didn't feel right. Not all that long ago - or at least I think not that long - she was fine, running and acting like herself, but now? Something didn't seem right with her. I didn't know what, but I definitely knew something was up. I felt as though I should of said something, but I decided against it. I should just let her rest.

It put me at ease to know she was alright (well, at least I thought) and she was still in one piece. Maybe if we can get out tomorrow, I can have a chance to talk to her and work something out between us. I did still love her but I knew she didn't have the same feelings towards me anymore due to lack of trust and the fact that I was about a knife's edge in her throat when the Enclave made me hunt her down and try to capture her, dead or alive against my will.

I just hope I can get her to regain that trust for me.

The Pain Of Truth (Final)

Rainbow was staring at me, her gaze making me feel rather uncomfortable as I found no escape from it. She had been looking at me like that for the past hour or so and barely said any words. Her chest moved up and down under the covers slowly as she breathed through her nostrils almost as silent as death itself.

She had barely said anything, not even when her friends came in to see her again. She never even broke contact nor responded to anything, and truthfully, it worried me. I had no clue what was going through her mind, but I had a feeling it was bad. Her expression was blank, her eyes glistening yet so dull and she was - wait...what the hell was that?

I had my attention suddenly drawn to her lower body, seeing something on the covers. It seemed to be spreading, running from her private quarters and down the length of the bed covers. It suddenly dawned to me what it was. She was bleeding! Heavily! My mind instantly set on panic mode as I saw her breathing intensify, soon drawing to rapid breathing.

Despite my condition, I got out of my bed, hurrying to her side and held her shoulders gently as I looked her in her eyes, tears being noticeable as they began to leak out of her ducts, running down her cheeks in streams. I screamed for help as I tried to comfort her, but the pain she was currently in seemed to put a bit of a spin on that, causing her to lose concentration and scream loudly as she began to cry with hot tears as pain ravaged through her body.

Before I could scream for help again, I heard the door push open and a nurse came running in, one with a pink mane and white coat with glistening ice-blue eyes that were set into action as she saw the heavily bleeding Rainbow Dash. She ran back out, presumably trying to get help, leaving me alone with Rainbow.

I held onto her, trying to calm her, but it didn't do much good. She was losing too much blood and fast! I felt like what she probably felt like when I was brought into Tenpenny Tower with my life hanging on by a thread of hope. If there was one thing I hated seeing, it was Rainbow in agony.

Only around a minute had passed and in moments, the nurse came running back in with a few other nurses, immediately set on helping Rainbow. All I could hear in my ears was screams, ones that made my blood run cold. My fears were beginning to come true. I couldn't even believe what I was seeing, and it hurt. I myself began to cry as I held onto her hoof, keeping my eyes locked with hers, refusing to break contact.

To my surprise, one of the nurses had to make me leave the room by forcing my hand off of Dash's hoof and out of the room, closing the door behind me. Shock was painting my mind along with slight anger that caused me to bang on the door, the screams still present from within the room. I turned slowly, not wanting to leave Rainbow but in the shock and pain I was feeling of knowing anything could happen to her at this point, I knew I had to. I needed to get away from the screams wheather I liked it or not.

I soon found myself walking through the corridor with a haunted mind, hearing nothing but screams replay in my mind, the sound still present in my ears like a symphony, unleaving. Passerby's just left me be, wheather it was from seeing something like me or my physical state and scars, I couldn't really be bothered to find out. Probably the first one.

I just walked around aimlessly, finally finding myself in what appeared to be the waiting room of the hospital. Barely anyone was present apart from two ponies - a mare and stallion who took one glance at me before running through the doors in fear, almost as if they saw the ghost of the man I once was. Without a second thought, I walked out of the entrance of the hospital, despite a nurse who tried to stop me, but she decided to move away a moment after she got a look at my expression.

Outside, I felt the sun heat up my unusually cold figure. I didn't walk that far from the hospital, finding a nearby tree just out of sight of the hospital and collapsed against it, my emotions being released. The tears I've been forcing myself to hold back began to leak down my face like a broken water works and I cried out loud - something I haven't done since I was young, unable to stop.

With my heavy breaths, my freshly stitched wounds began to throb and hurt with growing pain. I sat upright against the tree and looked up to the sky. My tears still burned and even the beautiful scenery wasn't enough to lift my emotions to a more positive level. It was so different and more colourful than the many sand storms and dust-filled winds of the Wasteland, and instead of being as dead as dust, this place was thriving with life. It may of been nothing, but I don't think I deserve to be here, let alone be alive.

I said before that I had no reason to be alive, and I won't especially if I lost Rainbow Dash. I just couldn't wrap my head around why she was bleeding. Was there something wrong with her? An illness? Something I didn't know of or she didn't tell me about? Or...miscarriage? I didn't know what it was and I didn't think it'd be good, either. Was it...I...no, that couldn't be right, either. Christ, if I was alive at the time, then maybe I would of know more about this one.

Billy had told me that Gustavo said he had injected her with Med-X the time they were in Bethesda after she started scrambling on the floor in pain, clenching her chest. I didn't really know much about anything, but if there was one thing I had a fair amount of knowledge of, it was medicine. Or at least enough to know that Med-X was known to have effects on unborn baby's, should their mother use it whilst pregnant. If I remember correctly, I substance within the things that make Med-X has an effect on the child, so obviously it has happened to Rainbow's unborn foal.

Oh, shit.

Now I was even more worried. I knew that the chances of surviving a pregnancy were low if the mother had either been injected with or taken Med-X, and if Dashie dies, I'll be lost! I don't think I could find the will to carry on without her. Since Rainbow came into my life, she has grown to be something I was completely attached to, an inseparable part of my life.

My thoughts were halted when I saw one of Rainbow's friends - Applejack - come down the path heading towards the hospital. She noticed me under the tree and stopped in her tracks, instantly sensing my emotions. She came close to me, eyes never leaving me. This was the first time she had gotten chance to get a proper look at me. Her eyes made contact with mine, and I saw she wore a frown upon seeing them. The tears were still flowing but at a slower pace.

''Are...you okay?'' She eventually asked, although I could tell she already knew my answer. ''W-what happened? You look terrible.'' For once, I found a hint of concern in her usually hard and keen eyes.

''Rainbow...'' Is all I could manage, my voice broken and my sorrow clear in my voice. I assumed she took the hint, judging from her expression. She looked down for a second before looking back up, her sounding more cautious and worried than anything else.

''What happened?''

I sighed, hearing the screams in my mind again. It made me cringe. ''Rainbow Dash...I...I just don't know, Applejack! I mean, I have an idea, but it was just so sudden a-a-and horrible, I...I don't know if she'll pull through!'' I said as I felt my tears come harder from my tear ducts.

''Whoa, slow down, now.'' She held up her hoof. ''You're still not sayin' why. What happened to Rainbow?''

''She was bleeding! One moment she is just looking at me like she was dead and then she started screaming and bleeding so heavily, I...I...'' I didn't finish. I couldn't finish. It was painful to even speak of it! Applejack etched back a pace or two, now looking shocked and scared. I really, really hoped she was alright, the last thing I wanted was to hear some bad news. I shouldn't even be outside, I should of been in there with her, standing by her side! For christ's sake, I love her! I loved Rainbow and I should be there with her, but I'm outside crying as if all didn't go well, and pretty plainly, it didn't! She could be and probably was dying from all of that blood loss and I can't do anything to help her! I just couldn't lose her!

I heard those screams, again and again they bellowed in my ears, haunting and torturing me. She sounded so horrible, in so much pain...I need to be there with her. No matter what. I stood up, Applejack watching me the entire time, those emerald eyes of hers piercing me like daggers. I walked down the path, heading to the hospital.

Upon getting there, I went through the doors as fast as I could and made my way back towards the room Rainbow was in. Oddly enough, I heard no screaming. I hesitantly pulled my hand away from the door a few times, eventually placing it on it and turning the knob, opening the door with a small creak.

When I entered, I immediately saw Rainbow Dash in bed with a heart monitor hooked up to her barrel and an IV connected with her hoof. She wasn't even asleep. She was just staring at the ceiling, her eyes appearing just as lifeless as her body. She also looked paler than she did the night before. Approaching her, I sat on a chair beside the bed. Her sheets had been replaced with new ones and she had an extra pillow to lay her head on, doubling her comfort.

I felt my eyes tear up again at the sight of her. She looked so miserable yet so beautiful. I placed my hand on her hoof, gently laying it out so I was holding it, stroking it with my thumb. Her eyes slowly panned so they looked at me as her miserable expression stayed. I didn't know what to think. Why was she so pale? Was it the blood loss?

''Dashie...I just...I just want to say I'm sorry. For everything. You're like this because of me and what I did. I love you and always will love you, you know that, but after everything that has happened between us, I can't help but have thoughts that it won't be the same forever. I mean, look at you, you're in a hospital with machines hooked up to you. You're hurt and are still hurting, I know you are, but I just wanted to ask you something.'' I leaned a little closer, nearly leaning on the bed. ''C-can you forgive me? I just feel s-s-so bad for everything, Dashie. Please...all I want is your forgiveness. I just can't and won't be able to live with myself if I don't know you do or you don't!''

She smiled softly. The first thing I've seen in her since we got back.

''B-B-Brady...y-yes. I-I forgive you. Y-you saved me, more t-than a few t-times. I still l-l-love you.'' She said as she weakly and slowly reached her hoof to my face, stroking me softly. I moved closer and hugged her, rubbing my cheek into her own.

''Dashie, you have no idea how much it means to me to hear you say that.'' I smiled as fresh tears streamed out of my eyes and dripped off of my cheeks. She chuckled weakly and slowly. ''I just want you to be alright, Rainbow. I love you so much, more than you'd know.'' I kissed her briefly on the lips, her hoof still in my hand.

She only looked on at me, eyes looking into mine. I couldn't look away even if I wanted to. Suddenly, I felt her hoof feel weaker before Rainbow sighed softly, closing her eyes slowly as the heart monitor started to beep faster, the wavelengths becoming shorter and rapid. I took one look at it before I turned back to Dashie, seeing that she wasn't moving.

Oh, no,no,no,no,no,no,no,no,no,no,no,no,no!

''R-Rainbow?! Rainbow?! RAINBOW!?!?'' I panicked as I began to pump her chest after the heart monitor went into a constant bleep, indicating she was dead.

''No! Rainbow, hold on, you're gonna be okay!'' I reassured her, wheather she could hear me or not, I didn't care, I just wanted to get her heart pumping again. I kept on pumping her chest, not getting a single peep out of her. Moving to her mouth, I pinched her muzzle shut and began doing CPR to the best of my ability.

I continued doing both CPR and pumping her chest for a good few minutes and I barely got a single reaction from her, let alone a breath. Was this it? Was this the end? My punishment for not being there for her?!

All I could do was cry as I sat there, holding onto her limp form. Because of her previous low temperature, her body was already cold, but I didn't care. I just held onto her crying my heart out as I held her close to me.

This was definitely my punishment for not being here for her. I had just lost my closest friend. My love. My Dashie. Rainbow Dash.

There was nothing I could do, now. I wasn't able to help her, and she was into all of this because of me.

The one I loved and cared the most about was gone.

The only sound filling the room was my tears as I weeped openly and heavily, choking on my sobs as I kept on whimpering,

''I'm sorry, Dashie. I'm so, so sorry...''

The Finale - Remembrance

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Authors Notes

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Scavenging Turned Into A Rescue

My name is Oscar Brady and this is the story of how my life in the harsh wasteland ended up changing forever. I used to live in a massive underground fallout shelter, also known as vaults. Mine was numbered 26, but now that I left, there is no going back, not like I want to...but anyhow, this is how it all started.

It was about 3 in the afternoon and I was out scavenging for supplies that I could sell and earn a profit from and even though I left the vault 2 months ago, I was already finding it hard to survive out here. After all, the water was nearly always irradiated and scarce in supply, same with the food. Out here, you had to be careful about what you eat, otherwise you would get yourself sick with radiation poisoning, and from pictures and books from the library and the overseer's office, none of it sounded too pretty or nice to go through.

Where I was now was in a town called Springvale going through some of the old houses. Pretty much all of them were charred and burned to the ground, so the only things valuable that were left was either a few things in safes that were locked or rarely open, or a footlocker full with a few old books and kids toys - sometimes baseball bats, and I'd be lucky to get one if I ever run out of bullets, so I always keep a spare. - I had my gun out in case anything comes at me - such as a raider or a dog - squatting down next to a footlocker. It was made fully of aluminium and there was no lock on it, so I knew I wouldn't take long looking through it.

I lifted up the lid with a creak, and as I did, rubble fell off the back and dropped to the floor with a quiet series of taps and I looked inside. There was only a few things inside, and from their looks, they could fetch quite a price. The box's contents were a few scorched and scratched books along with a baseball bat and a glove and ball. I took out the baseball bat and examined it closer. It's body was a bit rough around various parts, but it still looked as though it could to some serious damage, so I placed it on my back holster for when I may need it. I took the rest of the contents and placed them in a large leather scavenging pouch I kept strapped on my side. After I was done, I got up and moved along.

As I moved along the rubble-infested road, I saw a massive building that looked as though it might have some valuables inside it, and next to the big, wooden doors of the building, there was a massive white and lime green sign. Though the sign and its letters were faded with age, I could still make out the words. ''Springvale Elementary School''

With caution, I flipped out my 10mm pistol and flicked off the safety then slowly creaked open the door with caution. As I entered the old building, the rotten stench of corpses and blood invaded my nostrils. I gagged and covered my nose with my arm, just realizing what the source of it was. I looked up and there, atop a rusted cage lay several skeletons belonging to kids with freshly dismembered limbs and blood scattered along the floor. Who could do such a thing like that? Especially to children and wastelanders?

I tried to ignore the putrid stench as I carried on, and as I did, I heard evil laughter and talking in the next room. That was warning enough that there was some people here, and knowing my luck it was probably a group of bandits with heavy weaponry. Being cautious, I stepped lightly to the next door on my right and looked past the broken doors cracks only to see it was a bunch of Raiders tormenting and torturing innocent wastelanders as they were tied up against the wall with rope holding them down and barbed wire tying their hands together that was digging into their wrists, making each of their moves just as painful as the last.

I gasped as I saw one of the Raiders laugh loudly as she dug an automatic Ripper knife into a black-haired man's mouth and tear out his tongue, causing him to scream that came out as a muffled cry of pain through all the blood in his mouth preventing him from speaking. I've never once seen a man get tortured in front of my eyes before, and I didn't really want to. It was the most horrible thing I seen so far out of all the possible things I've seen a human do to another human. As I watched her brutally finish cutting the poor mans tongue out, I heard a sweet female voice shriek in horror at the act. I turned my head to only see a beautiful cyan pony with a rainbow mane and pretty magenta eyes who was chained at the far end of the room covered in cuts and bruises around her face and body. At first I didn't know what to think. Was I seeing this for real? Or was it just me picturing it in my mind? *Sigh* You know what? It doesn't matter. If I'm really seeing her like this, I had to save her, and fast! Before any of them Raiders butchered her alive.

''Stop! Stop, please stop hurting him!'' She yelled at the Raider who instantly eyed her in her own magenta eyes with a murderous look.

''Hey, Shut up! Or you'll be next if you're not quiet!'' The Raider snapped back at her, causing her to flinch in fright.

''You leave her alone, bitch!'' Another brown-haired male victim yelled viciously at her. The Raider stepped forward towards the man with the Ripper that now had blood dripping from the blade and held it to his throat as she knelt beside him with a mild grin on her face.

''Listen, shit-head, if you tell me what to do once more, I will take this knife here and jam it down your throat-hole until you die by choking on your own blood as it tears your throat to shreds. You got that?''

He spat on her cheek, causing the pony to gasp at what he did.

Without hesitation, the Raider wiped off the spit with her hand and activated the Ripper blade and shoved it inside the mans throat, making him cough and gag as the blades pierced and sliced it to bits, making more blood flow and spit out of his mouth and onto the Raiders body as she retracted the Rippers blade from his mouth and let the remaining blood drip from the corner of his mouth.

The cyan pony was now crying in terror as she watched the poor man get brutally killed in front of her very own eyes. The Raider walked up to her upon noticing her sorrow and went next to her. She tutted at her and stroked her cheek gently with the back of her hand.

''Oh, don't worry, little whore, it will be all over quickly.'' She evilly laughed with the other Raiders.

I couldn't take it any more! I don't want anything to happen to the pony! I just can't let it happen! Without thinking, I came around the corner and aimed my pistol at one of the two other Raider's heads and shot a few rounds off into the back of his skull. The echoes from the gun billowed all around and immediately alerted the other two Raiders. The one next to the one I killed aimed a combat shotgun at my and fired away, and being a shotgun, it did have a slow fire rate, so I took a few shots at him in between blasts and eventually got him in the eye, knocking him dead to the floor in a splatter of blood.

The last Raider ran at me with the Ripper, and for a women, she was quite fast, fast enough I didn't have time to react before she pounced on top of me, dragging me down to the floor with a painful thud. I struggled to keep the knife from my face with my arm as I forced all of my strength to try and knock her back off of me, but to no avail. The blade of the Ripper cut me slightly on the cheek as my strength was too greatly matched and my arm tired from the strength of the women's force upon it.

I struggled to reach into my vault suit pocket for my knife, but once I got the sharp combat knife, I jammed it into her side, making her squirm in pain and drop to the floor as blood gushed from her open wound. Once she fell, I hurriedly got myself up and stopped my black leather-booted foot onto her back to keep her down, forcing another scream of pain out of her. I lowered my level and began ramming my knife repeatedly into her back, and in a matter of seconds it was all over. Blood dripped from my knife's blade and her blood now soaked the floor in a goopy red. I looked at the defenseless pony at the end of the corridor and she was looking right back at me with those large, beautiful eyes.

I immediately ran over to her to see if she was okay and when I got near she looked me dead in the eye with a plea for freedom.

''Help me, help me! Please, sir!'' She begged me in a pained and cracked voice.

I couldn't just leave the mare there. I knelt down to her side and began to use the blade of my knife to cut through the thick lengths of rope that kept her from escaping captivity, eventually cutting all of them and releasing her from their grip. After I cut through the rope, I looked at her hooves. They were wrapped tightly in barbed wire and some blood, hers probably and there was no way I could cut through that with my knife, so I ran quickly back over to the dead Raider and took her Ripper and began to cut through the thin wire.

As soon as she was free, her face streamed with hot tears and she jumped onto me and hugged me, thanking me for letting her go.

''Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you! I thought they were gonna kill me!''

''Don't mention it. I couldn't just leave you there like that. Are you hurt?''

''No, I'm fine, I think.''

''Well, I'll be honest, I've never seen anything like you before. How'd you end up here?''

She scratched her head for a moment with her hoof, trying to think but remained puzzled.

''Hmm. I don't really know.'' She began. ''All I remember is waking up and there I was, tied to the wall by a bunch of crazy things!''

''You don't know what a Raider is?''

''A what now?'' She questioned with a raised brow. ''A Raider?''

''Yeah. The most messed up kind of people in the Wasteland. If I were you I'd stay away from them in the future. They'd slit a guys throat if they had some money on them, and if it was a women, they would presumably try to rape them. The only way to protect yourself out here is to have a gun or something to protect you if you don't want a gun.''

''Are you sure your okay? You look kind of worried. You sure they didn't hurt you?'' I asked worryingly.

She was looking down at the floor now, not looking up and she eventually spoke.

''They were gonna kill me...weren't they? They were gonna kill you. Like they did to them guys there.''

She motioned her hoof to the other captives with tears in her eyes.

''Hey, don't worry. As long as I'm here, no one will hurt you. I promise.'' I reassured her as I stroked her soft, rainbow mane with my hand.

It seemed to lighten her mood a little bit upon hearing my promise to her. Even if she was a stranger, there are very little people you can trust, and she clearly doesn't know what is going on in the Wasteland or how to protect herself out here.

''You know what? Why don't you tag along with me? I can't leave you here alone. Who knows what will happen to you if I left you here?'' I smiled at her, to which she smiled back in knowing that she was going to be okay.

''Thank you. I owe you for saving me back there. I would of been killed if it wasn't for you. And by the way, the names Rainbow Dash.''

''Nice to meet you, Rainbow. I'm Oscar Brady.''

Forever and Always - Extended Version

Through the events of what had happened at Tenpenny Tower, me and Rainbow Dash decided to go back to Megaton to get away from Tenpenny. There is two reasons for it, actually. One being that Dash knocked him out by clocking him in the jaw and the second being he nearly sent me to my death, scheming it off as a ''test of my strengths and weaknesses''. On the walk back, I did notice that some of my blood was still visible on the dusted ground. I cringed at the sight. It even got me thinking to myself, ''How am I even alive if I bled that much? Surely I didn't get a blood pack? They or me don't even know my blood type...''

''Why are we back here?'' Rainbow asked, almost cautiously.

''Because its safer than being in a tower filled with security guards who would shoot us because you punched Mister Tenpenny to the floor. By the way, thanks for that.'' I chuckled lightly.

''Hehe. My pleasure. The punk deserved that for nearly sending you to your death.''

As we talked upon entry, we were stopped almost immediately by Lucas Simms. He came up to us, looking like he was in disbelief at my appearance. He looked between me and Rainbow a few times, trying to speak but nothing came out but a few inaudible whispers.

''B-Brady! You're okay! I-I thought you were killed in that fight at Moriarty's Saloon? What the hell happened?''

''Well...to make it short and simple, Burke stabbed me and I nearly bled to death, but clear enough, I didn't because I'm still here. A guard called Gustavo saved me.'' I explained to Lucas, still holding his dumbfound expression.

''So where have you been then? Most or pretty much all citizens here thought that you died! Everyone was upset about it, especially Moira. And hell, did she take some time to calm down.'' He said, rolling his eyes at the memory.

''I'll go talk to her soon. And to answer your question, I've been at Tenpenny Tower just after me and Rainbow both got enslaved at Paradise Falls, and unsurprisingly enough, Tenpenny bought us both, just so he could send me to my own near-death experience. I'm just glad to be back, and this time for good.''

Without saying anything more, I continued walking to my house, only to be grabbed by the arm by Lucas, making me turn around and look him dead into his serious eyes.

''Before you go, I don't want you starting any more fuss or bar-fights. That clear?''

''Yeah, I hear you. Not my thing, anyway.''

Upon entering my house, I went straight up the metal staircase and down to the far end of the balcony where my My First Infirmary

was set up. I sat down on a chair next to it and searched the medical supply box for a spare syringe of Med-X to calm down my still very pained body. Looking at myself in a small piece of broken mirror, I saw my eyes still had pale black bags underneath them. and my lip split at the side, being the cause of the blood in and around my mouth. I found a spare syringe, seeing that it was full and inserted the tip of the needle into my arm, injecting the blue liquid into my blood flow. The pain seemed to subside within moments of it being injected.

As I sat there in the chair, Rainbow came fluttering up beside me and set herself down gently next to me, looking at my glum facial expression with some concern. She looked into my pale eyes and gently stroked my cheek with her soft, cyan hoof.

''You feeling any better? You still look a little pale...''

''Y-Yeah, I'm alright, Rainbow. I've had worse than this. I'll be fine.'' I said, hoping to assure her, but I could tell she wasn't buying it.

''You sure? I'm not convinced that you are.''

''Rainbow...seriously, you worry too much about me. I won't die from it, it just takes a while to get back to normal if you don't use a stimpack or Med-X. Don't worry about me.''

She stopped stroking my cheek as I pulled her into a hug, rubbing my cheek into her own, feeling its softness was enough to make me feel relaxed. Its times like these that make me wonder. Will she always be here? Will she go back to Equestria? Can she cope without me? God, I hope she'll be fine, no matter what. The only thing I wanted more is for her to be happy, but it does kind of get to me that she worry's too much about me whenever I'm hurt or bleeding. I mean, those injuries are easy enough to cure, but the heartache of losing Dash to something or if she goes back would just be so unbearable it would possibly kill me if it happened.

I just hope nothing bad happens to her...or me. Without me, she'd be so vulnerable. So helpless and defenseless.

''I'm sorry, Rainbow.''

She didn't break from the hug, but instead just looked up as she held me tight.

''Sorry? For what?''

''For everything. I've put you through so many things and danger that I'm afraid I'll lose you one day because of my doings. I just want you to stay with me. If I didn't have you, I'd be nothing. A nobody. All I'd have is my guilt. I want you to understand.''

''Understand what?''

''That I love you.''

She didn't need to respond. Instead she broke from the hug and gently planted a kiss to my lips.

''I love you, too. And, I don't think that I could bare it if I lost you, either.''

''Hey, Rainbow?''

''Yeah?''

As my response, I pulled Dashie closer and kissed her passionately on her lips, not braking from it for a couple minutes as we enjoyed each others embrace. I looked in her pretty magenta eyes, seeing a small twinkle within them, unmistakably tears glistening in her eyes.

''Why are you crying?''

''Its just...your so sweet...a-and I've never actually b-been in love before. Where I'm from, I used to be s-single all my life. Here, I'm different. I'm actually happy when I'm with you.''

My heart literally melted at her words. She was happy to be with me. I was happy to be with her. I wouldn't have life any other way right now. All things are great the way they are, as long as I got a pretty mare such as Dashie by my side. And honestly, I felt all the same about her.

''Rainbow...I...I don't know what to say...'' I said in awe as a tear of happiness slid down my cheek.

''Don't say anything, Brady. I love you, and I want to keep things the way they are.'' Dash said as she kissed me before looking back into my eyes. ''Do you?''

''Yes, Dashie. Yes I do. No matter what happens between us, just remember I'll always love you and that I'll never stop loving you.''

Morning spread across the Wasteland in a beautiful orange glow, rays of light coming in from small openings and cracks in the metal wall of the house and shining on both mine and Rainbow's faces. When I awoke from the pretty light heating up my cheek in a soothing heat, I found that me and Rainbow were cuddling each other in each others arms close. She remained asleep when I awoke. I smiled at her sleeping form, seeing how beautiful she looked as she slept, her pretty rainbow mane bedraggled and messy, as was mine. In her sleep, she mumbled something as a small smile made its way across her face and she pulled me closer.

''Mmm...I love you..'' She said in a quiet voice, causing me to smile weakly.

I moved in closer, nuzzling her cheek as I caressed her mane with my hand softly as I felt her body's warmth against mine.

''I love you, too, Dashie.'' I whispered as I kissed her forehead.

At my voice, Rainbow's eye cracked open, looking at me before quickly snapping it shut and cringing a little bit pain.

''Ugh...w-what happened last night?''

THE NIGHT BEFORE

Me and Rainbow went to Moriarty's Saloon at around 5:00 at night for a few drinks, and the night turned out far better than I could of hoped. When we were inside, some of the people at the bar, including Gob and Nova shared a look of disbelief and wonder at my presence, and no doubt it was because they thought Burke had killed me. Well, even though I was back among them, all I wanted was a few drinks with Rainbow for a night out. We approached the bar, sitting next to each other. Close.

Gob came up to us and looked at us, but mostly Rainbow, who gave him the same expression I did when I first met him. It made me chuckle at the memory.

''B-Brady? I thought...''

''That I died?'' I finished for him with a raised brow.

''Yeah. From the looks of you, I thought you'd of died in minutes. Glad your alright, though.''

''Oh, and Gob, this is Rainbow.'' I motioned over to Rainbow who was still looking at Gob in disbelief at what she was seeing.

''H-Hi..'' She said in a slow tone as she waved a hoof.

''What? Never seen a ghoul before?''

''N-No..?'' Dash said awkwardly.

''Ah, well. This is what would happen to you if you get yourself as irradiated as I did when the war happened. Just consider yourself lucky you don't drop any body parts and have to get them sewn back on you. Nice to meet you, anyway, Rainbow. So, what'll it be, Brady?''

Gob said as he looked back to me.

''What do ya have?''

''Wait here.''

Gob went into the back of the saloon, closing the door behind him. Rainbow turned to me when he left and that look in her eyes said it all.

''What's a ghoul? Do you know him?''

''I thought you were gonna say that. Don't you remember that night when I went to this bar a while back? That's when I met him, and believe me, I was just as shocked as you to see someone such as him survived like that without going feral. That war 200 years ago is what made him like that. That's also one reason why I was scared when I got back that day and found you had radiation poisoning. It could spread easily.''

''So what was the second reason?''

''The second reason for it is because I loved you so much. I didn't want anything bad to happen to you.''

Her cheeks blushed at my statement. Without hesitation, she placed her hoof on top of my hand as she leaned next to me. In moments, Gob came back through the door carrying a topless wooden crate. He placed it on the bar counter and looked at me.

''Pick your poison, and for gods sake, go easy on them. These are quite strong, and believe me when I say too much would burn you liver like you never felt before.''

Slowly, I reached into the crate and pulled out two bottles and placed one in front of Rainbow as I inspected the label on the one I was holding while Rainbow did the same with hers.

Fire and Blood flavored whiskey

''Fire and Blood?'' I asked Gob in wonder with a raised eyebrow. ''What the hell is Fire and Blood? Is it some kind of special type of beer or something?''

''Ah, this crate of beer was found by Moriarty himself when he was out one time to buy a few things from a merchant or something. Like I said, be careful with them. They are quite rare and are around 50% alcohol. The last geezer who drunk this one burned his livers out.''

''So, how many are there? And above all, whats the cost?''

''The cost of one for you would only be like 20 caps. And I think there are like three types altogether.''

''Rainbow, what type do you have?''

''Uh...cherry and venom. Sounds pretty deadly though...''

''No, they aren't deadly. I wouldn't sell these if they were. I even tried them all, and the only thing I felt was a bad hangover.''

''Well, alright, maybe one round...''

''Rainbow, I think we'd had enough...''

''Oh? Whaddaya mean? We've only had l-like 20 rounds...I feel fine!'' Rainbow said, taking another swig of her beer and slamming it down on the bar table.

''Celestia, you're no fun...Applejack's cider gets me drunker quicker...''

''Dash. I think you should seriously stop drinking. ''

''Not until I'm satisfied!'' She shouted back, gulping down the whole bottle of Fire and Blood.

''Rainbow...'' I said sternly, grabbing her by the shoulders and meeting my gaze with her drunken magenta eyes. ''Stop. Now.''

''Jeez, okay, Brady...just having fun...''

And with that, Rainbow fainted into my arms with a loud sigh. I rolled my eyes. She is really going to regret this tomorrow when she wakes up...''

''Rainbow, you were drunk. When I brought you back here, I put you to bed just after you fainted. But I gotta say, I've never seen anyone - erm...anypony drink as much as you did.'' I said as I moved parts of her mane out of her eyes.

''Really? H-How much did I drink?''

''About twenty or thirty bottles.''

''Ah. Well that would explain the throbbing pain from my head. But how come you don't have a hangover? Didn't you drink?''

''Well...yeah, I did, but I only had two bottles. I didn't fancy getting drunk. Besides, if we were both incredibly drunk out our minds, I wouldn't be able to make sure I got you back safely.''

Rainbow smiled as she weakly opened her eyes and etched closer to my chest before cuddling me.

''You're just so sweet, Brady. Thank you.''

''That's alright, Rainbow. So, listen, I wanted to ask you something.''

''Hmm?''

''Well...do you ever think about going back? You know, to Equestria?''

''Yeah. Yeah, I do. I really do miss my friends. They're probably searching for me now. It really isn't the same without them here, Brady. They are the bestest friends a mare could ask for. I miss them so much...''

''Don't worry about it, Dash. I'm pretty sure you'll find a way to get back there, unless they find a way to get you back. Just remember I'll always be there for you if you need me, no matter what happens.''

Megaton And A Rainbow-Licious Wake Up

Early morning came over the town of Megaton, and already awake, Rainbow was flying above the town, doing her daily exercises without a care in the world. She was practicing flips, spins and even her own speed record. She flew fast through the air, gaining altitude to try and fly fast as she could towards the ground before she pulled herself up again. She hadn't flown for quite a while, so her wings did feel quite more stiff than usual, so she saw this as a good a time as any if she were to get back used to flying in the skies again. She flew up, gaining an altitude to where she could just barely see Megaton below her, and with a forceful flap of her wings, she blasted downwards, going faster and faster to the point where her wings burned, but quite simply, she ignored the burn that told her to stop and pressed on. Now her wings were burning fiercely with adrenaline, the wind pushing on her wings making it harder for her to flap them. However this wasn't really a problem for Rainbow Dash, seeing as she was a very experienced flyer. As she neared to the ground, the winds force made her skin around her face push upwards, making it painful as she gained greater speed. Soon enough, a faint, glowing cone formed around Rainbow, and she knew exactly what it was. Her eyes stung against the wind as she pushed herself harder and harder against the power of the wind, but the adrenaline withing her veins made her continue to where the cone around her started sparking and crackling, showing signs of rainbows in her wake. Eventually, after gaining speed, she had broken the sound barrier.

Rainbow Dash had created a sonic rainboom. From the blast, a thick, beautiful circle of rainbow color spread throughout the sky, the noise loud enough it could be heard more than 30 or so miles away. From the force it created, she had gained an insane speed and was nearing the ground. She was just mere inches away from the ground when she pulled herself up, and she even noticed that most -or all - residents of Megaton had woken up from the noise and were watching her, astonished at what they were seeing. And Moira could even be seen, just as well as Moriarty, Gob and Gustavo who all stood together on the balcony just outside the bar.

Coming back around, Rainbow landed just outside of Craterside Supply, skidding forcefully against the metal floor beneath her, scratching her hooves quite a bit as she halted to a stop, folding her wings back by her sides. In front of her, Moira stood, her mouth agape.

''What?'' Rainbow asked with a cocky smirk.

''Rainbow...t-t-that was a-amazing!''

''Of course it was!'' Rainbow chuckled. ''I'm awesome!''

''That was more than awesome, Rainbow! That was...''

''20% cooler than anything you've ever seen?'' Rainbow interjected, smiling widely.

''No, it was bedazzling!''