Fallout Equestria: Tales of the Wastesby G-man64ChaptersChapter 3: The Stables ShadowsChapter 4: Twinkle Pie the Partier, and the Green ScourgeChapter 1: The Wastes DefenderChapter 2: Origins of the Hoofregon 5Chapter 3: The Stables ShadowsTales of the Wastes Chapter 3: The Stables Shadows “There was stable 41 whose inhabitants were 20 mares, 10 stallions, and a manticore.” The Defender and Rose have been traveling companions for a few days now. Both heading west towards destinations that only they knew. However, unbeknownst to them, their journey was about to take an unexpected turn and parts of The Defender’s past would come to light. *************************************************************************************************************** Above them there were some pegisi with much less noble intentions than our scarlet coated hero. “Hey Bill,” one of them said to the other, “y’all see that ground-bound feller?” “Sure do Phil,” the other retorted, “and that purty unicorn with’im.” “You can keep the unicorn. I’m wantin’ those revolvers.” “Right. Well then let’s get the distraction on.” *************************************************************************************************************** “O.K. O.K. What about this? What pre-war fruit would you want if you could revive one?” Rose asked The Defender trying to keep their game going. “Easy,” he replied grinning from ear to ear, “pineapple!” “Wait, what, why?” “Have you ever tasted pineapple?” “No why?” “They’re good eating.” “You also said that about bacon,” she responded with a frustrated look on her face. “I enjoy it. I still don’t see how something is too salty. I mean how much salt and preservatives are in about nightey-eight percent of pre-war food you eat all the time?” “Yes, but the fact of the matter is that when you made that radhog bacon it wasn’t two hundred years old and, in turn, had no need of salty preservatives, so it shouldn’t have been so salty.” “Look, maybe it’d be better if we had some Sparkle~Cola or Sunrise Sarsaparilla.” “I agree we need to find something to drink other than water.” Just then BLAM a bolt of lightning struck. “AHH!” Rose yelled. “Dante I think that lightning was aimed at us.” “I think you’re being paranoid.” The Defender replied with a cross tone. But then another bolt struck next to him. “Or maybe you’re right. Only pegisi can control the weather so I’ll fly up and take a look.” With that he spread his wings and flew up. *************************************************************************************************************** “Hey, Phil.” “Yeh, Bill?” “I think that Pegasus who has those revolvers you like is coming after us.” “So we’ll hide in the clouds.” And that’s just what they did. The Defender reached the height the two were at, but couldn’t see them in the black storm clouds. “Damn,” he thought, “Well, guess I’ll just return to Rose.” *************************************************************************************************************** Upon his return he talked to Rose. “I couldn’t see them in the clouds,” he said, “they’re probably still up there. Let’s find some cover.” “Well, there’s a cave. Let’s wait it out there.” “Alright.” With that, the two companions headed towards the cave. *************************************************************************************************************** Upon entry in the cave, Rose noticed something odd. “I don’t think this cave is natural,” she said. “These walls are far too clean. I think this was pony made.” She then noticed a giant gear shaped door with the numbers zero-four-one painted hugely in yellow. “Yep, definitely not natural. But safer than I thought it would be.” “Well I think we’re perfectly safe where we are. So let’s just stay here,” The Defender replied with some hesitation in his voice. “Come on, it seems like we’ll be cozier in there.” “Well, too bad, because I’m not goi…”Thwap! With that The Defender fell unconscious where he stood. *************************************************************************************************************** When he awoke he was in a bunk surrounded by grey and Rose was above him. “Sorry,” she said, her bright red cheeks, “I guess this dart gun is more potent than I thought.” “Wh-where are we?” The Defender asked, still dazed. “I opened the door.” “WHAT,” he said with anger burning in his eyes, “HOW COULD YOU!!!!!” “Well it was easy. There was a terminal and I hacked it,” she said with a cheerful grin. “I MEANT ON A MORAL LEVEL! DO YOU KNOW WHERE WE ARE!?!?!” “N-no,” she said, now cowering. “We are in A STABLE!!!” “That’s it,” she said, now standing. “A stable. You’re mad because we’re in one of the safest places in Equestria, trying to hide from pegasus bandits, might I add.” “You didn’t grow up in a stable did you?” The Defender asked with an annoyed tone. “No, why?” “Look, I’ll tell you about when I lived in a Stable, and my escape.” “I’d still rather hear about your battle saddle.” “Coincidentally, that story intertwines with this one.” “Ah, convenient.” “Anyway, the story begins many years ago at the Hoofregon Coast…” *************************************************************************************************************** I grew up in Stable 12. We were safe, happy, and well fed. Though there was a catch: population control there was only allowed to be fifty-five point five ponies in the stable. If parents had more than one child, the elder sibling had to kill the new-born foal. It was a hell I wouldn’t have wished on my worst enemy. Though I didn’t realize that until it happened. I was about ten, the eldest pony in the Stable without my cutie mark. My mom was the librarian and a pegasus and my father was a unicorn and a medical officer. Then one day we were called into the medical room. My mother had gone into labor. Then she gave birth to a little unicorn foal - my own sister. The Overmare handed me the Ceremonial Sledge and told me to. Do what was right for the stable! So I did. I turned the sledge on that coldhearted bitch. In the end she was only a bloody pulp. I took her Pip-Buck, her Overmare Jumpsuit, the Ceremonial Sledge, and, most importantly, the stable override code. Security was all over me I ran with my new-born sister on my back. I entered the code and made it out of the Stable. I’d always known that the stories of there being nothing outside of the Stable were full of shit. I began walking the rails. After a day or so, a kindly pegasus with a cutie mark of dynamite on a railway track offered me aid. “There’s a town not too far from here,” he told me, “It’s called Railton. It was Equestria’s main rail hub. Some settlers rebuilt it from railway parts. You’ll probably find some better defense than a jumpsuit and a magical sledgehammer. I’ll take you there.” I replied his kindness with a smile and a heartfelt, “Thanks.” *************************************************************************************************************** We reached Railton a few days later I immediately knew that the wastes were no place for a small foal, so I asked the merc, “Do you know anywhere I can leave my sis?” “Well,” he said, “there’s a group trying to rebuild the M.o.P. They’ll take good care of her. Probably teach her some spells also. They’re in that hospital car right over there,” he claimed, pointing a wing towards a rail car painted bright yellow with pink butterflies on the side.” “Thanks. Also, how about getting better outfitted?” “That would be Halfway Pawn,” he said pointing his wing in the other direction. *************************************************************************************************************** I dropped my sister off at the N.M.o.P. with a kindly looking red unicorn with a white mane and a cutie mark of a caduceus wearing a pink and yellow nurse’s outfit. “Don’t worry,” she said in a motherly voice, “we’ll take good care of her. She’ll grow up to be a great healer I, can tell.” “Thanks,” I told her, “but could you also give her this?” As I asked I pulled out the keycard that contained the override code and tore it in two. “I don’t want to leave her. When she’s old enough, give her this and tell her to find the other half. Tell her that he’s your brother and he loves you.” “Of course,” she said wrapping the half in a red magic field, “we’ll give this to her when she’s ready.” “Thank you.” With that, I left the N.M.o.P. base and headed towards Halfway Pawn. *************************************************************************************************************** I reached the old caboose that housed Halfway Pawn and entered. “Welcome,” the grey earth pony with a cutie mark of a magnifying glass being held up to a bottle cap said, “names Quality Search. I run this establishment. What may I help you find?” “I need armor and…” I drifted off when I saw them two revolvers on the wall: one gold with the scales of justice on the handle: the other silver with the symbol for peace. I immediately asked, “What’s their story?” “The gold one is known as Justice, the silver one is Peace. They’re sister guns though they’ve never seen battle with the same owner.” “How much?” “What do you have?” I took out everything I had left from the stable (other than the keycard of course) and threw them on the counter. “I grew up in a stable out west this is all I’ve ever owned: a specially made magical sledgehammer, two jumpsuits, one of which is from the Overmare, and the Overmare’s Pip-Buck. I’ve heard these are useful tools, and, if not there’s probably useful data on it. So, what do you say? All this stable swag for those revolvers.” He looked back at me with a stern look and said right to my face, “No.” “What?” I asked looking noticeably deflated, “why?” “Because you’re a Pegasus. You can’t use two guns at once.” I thought I was going to cry right there. “Without,” he said putting his head behind the counter, “one of these.” He pulled out a device like I’d never seen. It looked like it’d go on your back and hold your guns. “This my friend,” he replied without me even needing to ask, “is a battle saddle. It’ll let you use both guns at once. I’ll throw it in at no extra cost.” I made a sound that could only be described as a squee and told him, “think you Mr. Search.” “Not a prob, you kinda need them.” As he said this he pointed to my previously blank flank which now bore the sight of the two revolvers crossed. As though to say “I’ll bring the ideals of peace and justice back to the wastes.” He took me out back and taught me to use the battle saddle. When I was done I continued east and eventually began my life helping the HRA as a soldier, but that’s another story for another day. *************************************************************************************************************** “So now you understand why. WE NEED TO GET OUT OF THIS STABLE!!!” The Defender yelled to Rose. “Well, I see your point,” She replied, “but the fact is, even if we wanted to, we’re trapped until morning. I set the doors to stay locked in case the bandits were still out there.” “Well then, if we’re here anyway, we may as well do some scavenging,” he replied cheerfully. “Come on,” he continued, standing up. *************************************************************************************************************** The two began scavenging. They began in the kitchen searching the fridge (the two of them still wanting some Sparkle~Cola or Sunrise Sarsaparilla). It seemed their search was useless until The Defender came out with a bottle of luminescent purplish-red liquid in his teeth and claimed, “Jackpot. Not just Sparkle~Cola but Sparkle~Cola RAD. It says ‘Sparkle~Cola RAD! With an invigorating touch of radiation and a blast of radish flavoring! (It’s like a buck to the face! With radishes!)’ We’ve finally got a flavored beverage. Well, down the hatch.” “Are you really going to drink that?” Rose asked concerned looking at the glowing bottle. “Why not? It’s radish!” “It’s also radioactive!” “So is everything, I again bring up the prospect of the pre-war food we eat nearly every day.” “This was radioactive, BEFORE THE WAR!!! Also I’ve heard they can make lovely explosives.” “Well I’m thirsty and have been drinking nothing but water since the last settlement. I need something with flavor.” “So you’re willing to drink something that was purposefully irradiated?” “Yep,” he said with a grin from ear to ear. “How are you a hero of the wastes?” “How should I know? I didn’t ask for the job.” “Please, I don’t want you to die,” she said fluttering her eyelashes. “Fine,” he replied with a humph putting it in his battle saddle. *************************************************************************************************************** The two continued exploring the corridors until Rose broke the silence. “So you know where the Overmare’s office is?” she asked in a kindly tone. “No,” The Defender replied with a distasteful tone, “All stables were designed differently. Although,” he then said in a cheery tone, “I know where the armory is.” “Really, how?” “We’re standing in front of it,” he said grinning. Sure enough, in front of them was a giant steel door with ARMORY painted on it in a bright florescent yellow. In addition to that, there were also the bones of a unicorn stallion in front of the door. He looked as though he died trying to claw his way into the reinforced room. Rose pointed at his wrist and asked, “Isn’t that a Pip-Buck?” The Defender looked and said, “Well they’re standard issue in a stable. You get it on the day of your cute-ceañera so I never got one.” Rose levitated the PipBuck off the skeleton’s wrist and onto hers. “I hear they’re useful tools.” “I’d rather not have a reminder of living in a stable, thank you very much.” “Let’s see E.F.S. and S.A.T.S.,” Rose said searching the uses of the PipBuck. “Eyes Forward Sparkle and Stable-Tec Arcane Targeting Spell,” The Defender replied explaining the acronyms. “Eyes Forward Sparkle is a compass that will also locate life forms and determine their hostility. Remember, if it’s yellow be mellow, if it’s red it’s dead. It’ll also tell you where your set waypoint is and where to go for your quests. Stable-Tec Arcane Targeting Spell will help you aim. Also on some newer models it slows down time to near a crawl to let you decide what to do. But this one’s too old for that, though it will still improve the accuracy of your hits. So that’s still good. It looks like it’s one of the original models. He must have worked for Stable-Tec.” Rose continued, “Inventory management systems, maps, medical status, quests, hey there’s a note on this.” “So read it,” said The Defender. Personal Files from Dr. Anesthetic (head medical researcher for Stable 041): Entry 1: By Luna’s mane why did I enter this Celestia damned stable program! Wait, that’s right, I DIDN’T!!! I WAS DRAFTED FOR IT!!! That’s what I get for working for that damn corporation. I still remember what they said about the stable program, “It’ll save you. You’ll have a better life,” what a load of shit. I regret helping work on Stable 111. Every damned pony at fucking Stable-Tec can BURN IN FUCKING HELL!!!!!. Screw you, Applebloom, up yours Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle I’m not even going into what I’d do to that fucking little cunt of a unicorn bitch (even if she was just head of public relations it’s namely due to our “personal history”). Those three had better hope I die in here otherwise they’re all doomed!!!!! I probably will die anyway with who they assigned as an Overmare. It’s not a mare. Hell, it isn’t even a pony. IT’S A FUCKING MANTICORE! Entry 2: I’m beginning to question not only Stable-Tec but all of the Equestrien government. The Ministry Mares, the army, even Luna and Celestia. Why the hell are we even at war? I’ll tell you. IT’S ALL OVER SOME FUCKING DAMN ROCKS!!!!! Ponies want fucking coal from the zebra homeland. Zebras want fucking gems from Equestria. Why? Because fucking earth ponies can’t use magic and need coal for their machines. Zebras can’t use fucking magic and need gems for their fucking magic fetishes. It’s not the zebra’s fault we’re at war. We both have what the other wants. It’s greed. I don’t care what MI says zebras aren’t the only greedy ones. We’re pretty damned greedy too. Entry 3: I got a call from the outside my old friend Rottinghan. Well he claimed to be Rottinghan his voice was different all gravelly. But still, the aspect of a friend even possibly being alive outside this hellhole… It’s the only hope I have left in this world. Though he said he was at Fillydelphia? They got hit hard. He must have gotten enough radiation to kill ten ponies. Though he always was lucky. Also to make this day even better, my wife has given birth. I’m a father though we don’t have a name yet. I hope he lives long enough to have a full life outside of this hellhole. Entry 4: That’s fucking it. The fucking Overmare (Overcore?) has crossed the fucking line. It broke out of its fucking office and attacked Clubshot (the Security Head). I declared her dead (though it wasn’t hard to figure that out, since she was fucking eaten). We’re taking that monster out. But Clubshot was the only one with the code to the armory. Also nopony else has a weapon. However there is a pony who claims he can hack. Let’s hope he’s not crazy. Entry 5: THAT FUCKER!!!!! He couldn’t hack worth shit! He locked us out now hacking’s impossible, even if any of us could hack something like that. So he said, “Oh don’t worry, I can pick locks,” and guess what? HE BROKE THE FUCKING BOBBY PIN INTO THE LOCK!!!!! Now the only way to get into the Armory would be to get it from the Overmare’s office. Well, never trust somepony whose cutie mark is a caved in skull, I guess. Entry 6: I don’t believe it. My lovely wife Amnesia is dead. She decided to go it alone and attack the Overcore in its office to unlock the armory. She’s gone now. That’s it-I’m taking that bastard out! I’ll claw my way through! I’m getting into the armory, even if I die trying! Rose looked up from the PipBuck crying, “I wish I could have had the chance to meet Dr. Anesthetic. I feel sorry for him.” “I told you stables are hellholes. They’ve killed many great ponies,” The Defender replied in a somber tone. “I’m sure your friend was one of them.” “Hey?” Rose asked, “Can manticores live approximately two centuries without food?” “I don’t think anything can. Why?” “Thanks to the PipBucks map I’ve located the Overcore’s office, and that means we can probably get into the armory.” “Sounds fine to me.” *************************************************************************************************************** The two made their way to the Overcore’s office. Inside, there were the usual things: a terminal, some boxes, a locker or two. Though there was one thing that was amiss. There was the skeleton of a manticore with a specially built PipBuck on its tail. “Yippie,” Rose squealed in delight seeing the still powered terminal. “Terminal hacking time.” The terminal was easy enough to hack (the code was mantikiller), and, inside, she found something of interest-an audio-file from Stable-Tec. “I’ll just record this onto my new old PipBuck for later,” she said. “For now, let’s just open the armory.” *************************************************************************************************************** The two returned to the armory and entered. “Hey Dante,” Rose yelled, “there’re some revolvers over here. You may be able to use them to repair Peace and Justice. There’s also ammo.” “Great,” he replied grinning from ear to ear. “I found some useful things too.” “Like what?” Rose asked beginning to walk to The Defender. As she did it appeared as though he proceeded to hide something. “Hey what’s that?” “Er… nothing,” he said with a distressed look on his face. “Er… just a copy of Wingboner Magazine,” he said with a sheepish look on his face. “Well, we’re both adults, no need to hide something that inconsequential.” “Right, I’ll remember that next time,” he said as fast as he could. “I also found you this,” he said continuing to talk fast while tossing her a hand cannon (which her PipBuck quickly identified as the Mantikiller). “Well it’s been a long day. I’m gunna hit the hay. Good night,” again talking fast. With that, he proceeded back to the sleeping quarters (still hiding whatever it was) leaving Rose alone. “Is he on Dash or something?” Rose wondered to herself. “Nah no way he’s on drugs. Well, long as I’m on my own, I guess I’ll do some scavenging. Let’s see, the medical clinic is this way.” So she exited the armory going down the grey halls towards the medical clinic. *************************************************************************************************************** The Defender was lying awake on his bunk looking over the paper he’d found. “This is definitely a map,” he said, “definitely a map of Canterlot the pre-war capitol city-the one bombed with the zebra’s pink cloud megaspell. And if this map’s right then the house here is where I’ll find the second one,” he grinned widely and said, “two down, four to go. I don’t think anypony would ever say this, but, thank you, Celestia, for necromadic mist and two century old dead brothers of famous ponies.” *************************************************************************************************************** Rose entered the medical clinic and saw the usual: a medical table, some medical boxes, supplies, a terminal. Though there was also something unusual in the room a box filled with small crystal orbs each one with a number on it. “I’ll examine those later. For now, its hacking ti- aww,” She was disappointed to see that the terminal didn’t need hacking, “Oh well, I can still see what’s in it.” So she uploaded the terminal’s entries into her PipBuck and began by reading the first few. Message from M.o.M./Stable-Tec to Stable 041 doctors: We are providing you with memory orbs to be used as anesthetic. Normally this would be useless with non-unicorn ponies, but we’re also including instructions to do a newly made spell. With it, a unicorn can transfer the memory orb effect to anypony (it should also work on zebras but nothing else). Only those whose special talents involve medical or memory orbs should attempt this. And please remember to play them orb #1 first. Dr. Anesthetic Medical journal: We’ve tested the transfer spell. It works! Clubshot’s operation went off without a hitch. This stable is almost perfect. But I still ask one thing, WHY THE HELL IS THERE A MANTICORE IN THIS STABLE?!?!? And more importantly, WHY IS IT OUR LEADER?!?!? It can’t even think yet alone talk. We’re all gunna die in here. I really am starting to hate Stable-Tec. Message to Stable 041 medical staff from M.o.M.: We regret to inform you that orb #3 is the incorrect orb. We’ve accidentally sent you one of our orbs from a court trial of a zebra sympathizer. Please refrain from using this orb. The correct orb will be sent ASAP. We apologize to you for any inconvenience. -From the personal terminal of PP Mare of M.o.M. “So these are memory orbs,” she said picking up one of the orbs with her magic. “All I need to do is focus and…” oooOOOooo Before she knew it she was in a wholly new body. She felt strange. She could see from the mirror that she had an orange coat and wings, a purple mane, and was wearing a business suit (which was obscuring her cutie mark). Then she began to talk. “Hello there I’m Scootaloo,” said the Pegasus who Rose was. “If you’re seeing this then you’re me. Well not me, me, but you me.” She began to speak in a hushed tone, “Damn these things are confusing when you try to explain them. I shoulda taken Pinkie’s offer to do this, but it’s partially my company. I’m VP and in turn it’s my responsibility.” She began talking in a regular tone again, “For those of you who aren’t unicorn or haven’t used a recollector this will be an all new experience. You are experiencing this exact moment in my mind. So you are me. As for you, don’t worry. Your body is currently out of tune with everything. So you feel nothing and know nothing. This is why we’re using this as an experimental anesthetic. We have many orbs of ponies watching movies so you’ll be out of touch for a few hours letting the doctors do their thing. Now that you’ve been introduced to the orbs, please select which movie you want to watch. Tell the doctor, and your procedure will begin.” oooOOOooo Rose awoke back in her own body. “Celestia, so that’s how it feels to be a Pegasus. I’ve gotta say, I don’t envy Dante. When I’m in one of those orbs I’m defenseless, according to Scootaloo. So I guess I’ll watch one now when I know I’m safe. They said #3 was the trial so let’s see that.” With that she reached out with her magic and focused on orb #3. ooOOOoo She again awoke in a strange body. This one again lacked a horn. It also lacked wings. She also felt something strange down low. It wasn’t long before she realized she was in the body of an earth pony stallion. He (she?) began to speak, “Ms. Filework secretary of Stable-Tec headquarters in Fillydelphia. You stand accused of being a zebra sympathizer. How do you plead?” “Not guilty your honor,” the grey unicorn mare with a filing cabinet cutie mark replied, “I work for one of the biggest companies in Equestria. I love this country. I’d never betray it.” “I wish it wouldn’t come to this, Ms. Filework. Do you remember a call from the mares of M.W.T. and MI a few weeks ago?” “Yes why do you ask?” she said in the most innocent voice she could. “The call came from a Stable-Tec/M.o.M. hub in Trotdale and the M.o.M. records all calls coming from or going to their hubs.” “Wait? A joint hub between Stable-Tec and M.o.M.? Why?” “The mare of M.o.M. convinced the Stable-Tec president to let her build an experimental stable. In turn in her craziness, she decided to rebuild that hub into the Party Time Stable-Tec HQ. But that’s neither here nor there. The fact is that we have this call.” They brought in an audio tape and from it came a pony’s voice with a noticeable western drawl. “Listen here, missy, I demand to talk with my sister RIGHT NOW!!!” Then came a voice of pure sophistication that was a stark contrast to the first. “As do I.” Then came a third voice from the opposite end of the line, a voice that clearly belonged to Filework. “Come now. I’m sure that with your ministry’s connections you can find a simpler way of doing this. The M.W.T. and MI right? Speaking of which, how’s your joint work with M.A.S. going, Ms. AJ?” “What in the hey?!” came the first voice. “How’d you know about that?” “Know thy enemies-know thy self,” came the voice of Filework followed by the phone hanging up. “This proves that you’re in league with zebras. Admit it and tell us everything you know. We’ll go easy on you,” the stallion Rose was riding said in a stern voice. “Yes I admit it,” Filework said crying “I’m working with the zebras. I’ll tell you what I know. But only if you promise that this trial won’t be public that the zebras won’t know about any of this.” “Might I ask why?” “As I stated I love Equestria. I don’t want to work for the zebras, but they’re making me. They have my family.” “Very well. This won’t be known to the public and we’ll send Wonderbolts to save your family. Now please tell us what you know.” “All I know is that there’s an armory just outside of the Everfree Forest, to the east of Hoofregon near some railroad tracks. But I don’t know what’s in it.” “Thank you for the information. Fifty years at Foalsom Re-educational Facility!” he said banging his gavel. “What? I thought you said you’d be easy on me?!” “And we will be as soon as we confirm that everything you’ve said is true. We don’t know if there’s really an armory or if your family is truly in danger.” “YOU SOULLESS BASTARD!!! WHY WOULD I LIE ABOUT MY FAMILY’S LIVES?!?!?” “A sob story to try to make the court go easy on you. Do you really think that’s never happened before? Bailiff please remove the traitor from the courtroom.” The bailiff did as he was told. His horn glowed, and before she knew it, Filework had on a pair of hoofcuffs and was being escorted from the room. “Next case,” the judge said, “Equestria vs. Dr. Anesthetic.” oooOOOooo Rose again woke in her own body. “Well now we know where there are some new weapons. Zebra-made but still weapons. But now we need to know where that other orb is. I need to know what happened to Dr. Anesthetic before his life in the stable. Well, I guess I’ll just get some supplies and go to bed.” And that’s exactly what she did. She loaded up her saddle bags with some healing supplies (and a few more memory orbs) then headed to the quarters where she saw Dante sleeping. She went to the bed next to his and read the nameplate on his bed: ‘Dr. Anesthetic’ then hers: ‘Amnesia’. “Well,” she thought as she tucked herself in to the bed, “makes sense to me.” With that, she fell asleep. *************************************************************************************************************** The Defender woke up the next day and woke up Rose. “Come on let’s get out of this Celestia forsaken hellhole,” he said to her. “Alright,” she replied still rubbing her eyes. And with that they left. Though once outside, The Defender stopped Rose. “Alright to the north,” he said pointing north. “But my E.F.S. says to continue west. It says that’s where my daughter is,” Rose said firmly. “Yes but thanks to you we spent the night in a deadly hellhole. My turn to repay the favor.” “What do you mean?” “I mean we’re visiting the capitol. We’re going to Canterlot.” “We, we won’t be long will we?” “Not at all. I just want to find something.” With that, the two headed north towards one of the deadliest places in the wastes-The Canterlot ruins, and towards a goal only The Defender knew. Footnote: Level Up (Dante) New Perk: Pathfinder – Travel time to remote locations in the Equestrian Wasteland is reduced by 25%. Companion Perk level up: Trusting Friend (level two) – You’ve shared stories from your past. She knows of things you thought nopony other than you ever would. As long as Rose is your companion you gain additional dialog options in addition to the original benefits of Trusting Friend. Footnote: Level Up (Rose) New Perk: The Magic of Friendship – When your HP or the HP of any member of your party drops below 30%, all members of your party (including yourself) gain much greater resistance to damage. New Quest: The Good Doctors Past Objective: Learn about Dr. Anesthetic and in turn the pre-war world. Chapter 4: Twinkle Pie the Partier, and the Green ScourgeTales of the Wastes Chapter 4: Twinkle Pie the Partier, and the Green Scourge “Come on everypony smile, smile, smile.” As we all know the stables were never meant to save anypony. But there was one that time forgot. In a mountain far north of Canterlot there is a stable whose construction was aided by a ministry mare. It wasn’t Twilight from M.A.S. it wasn’t Applejack from M.W.T. heck, even Rarity from MI would make more sense. It was Pinkie Pie from M.o.M. this stable wasn’t numbered and was known only as ‘The Party-Time Stable’. Through genetic manipulation everypony not only acts but looks like the mare who aided in the stable’s construction. Everypony has a pink coat, curly pink mane, and is an absolute party animal (the chems don’t heart that last part either). However genetic alterations have that unfortunate side effect of altering some ponies negatively. There are those in a perpetual state of cheer or sorrow. There are those with sickly fur. There are even those who have lost their manes. Though for those not born is the stable it’s even worse. But this tale isn’t about them. This tale is of one who held onto sanity, beat the manipulations with minimal effect and one who escaped. This is Twinkle Pie’s and her friend’s tale. We’ll meet him soon enough. *************************************************************************************************************** It was a normal day in the Party-Time Stable. There was a huge party going on around every corner. Twinkle Pie was in her room trying to read. She thought to herself, “I wish the stable’s library had more than books on partying, books on chems, and books on partying on chems.” Just then, her best friend Surprise came into the room. Surprise wasn’t a normal citizen of the Party-Time Stable. First off, she was a pegasus. Secondly, the pinkification process had a strange effect: on her instead of being pink she had a blond mane and a pure white coat. “Come on Twinkle,” she said to her friend in the overly cheery tone that many in the stable used, “There’s a party in the atrium it seems like fun.” “Surprise,” Twinkle began, “there’s always a party going on everywhere in this stable. It’s called the Party Time Stable for a reason. “Yes and you know that means you need to attend a party. You remember what happened to your dad.” “Right, just head to the atrium. I’ll be there in a few minutes.” “Alright, see you there.” With that Surprise, dashed out of the room. Once her friend was gone, Twinkle walked over to a poster of a pure pink earth pony with a curly mane and the words ‘Pinkie Pie is watching you FOREVER’ on it. She took it down behind it there was a pin sized hole. She looked through it and longed for the world free from the stable’s walls. “Someday, Twinkle, someday.” *************************************************************************************************************** The music from the party was so loud it could even be heard outside of the stable at times. Usually the noise was not loud enough to be a problem, but today there was something outside the stable with some anger problems and very sensitive hearing. “GAHH,” the hulking behemoth yelled covering his ears, “MAKE STOP!” Eventually he found the gear shaped door with three balloons on it which had the source of the sound behind it, he began clawing at the door. *************************************************************************************************************** Twinkle finally left her room and was making her way to the atrium. On her way she met two of her friends, Key Lime and Key Lime’s brother Boston Cream. “Hey there, Twinkie,” said the mare with wisps of lime green in her pink coat and mane. “Please,” Twinkle replied, “don’t call me that.” “Why not?” asked the colt with wisps of brown in his pink coat and mane. “That’s what you told us to call you a few weeks ago at your cute-ceañera.” “That wasn’t me. That was a monster.” “I wouldn’t say that.” Key Lime began talking again. “You partied harder than ever, harder than most of the stables resident’s.” “And do you remember what happened?” “So what,” Boston Cream said, “a few couldn’t handle that epicness. It happens.” Just then, Surprise entered and began to talk, “Look, she doesn’t want to remember, so DROP IT!” “Thank you.” Twinkle said, “At least I have one friend who respects my views.” They were approached by a stallion with a cutie mark of a Dash inhaler inflating a balloon. “Hey how are some of my favorite customers?” “Fine Dashie Pie,” the group (other than Twinkle) said. Dashie Pie was the stable’s dealer. Chems were legal but there was a limited supply, so the Overmare had to appoint someone to keep it in check. “What’ll it be today?” Dash Pie asked. “Mintals,” Key Lime said, “but not the Party Time ones, I just want minty flavors today, not fruit.” “I’ll take Buck,” Boston Cream said. “And I’ll take the pegasus classic Dash. That’ll make this a great party,” Surprise said. “Alright,” Dashie Pie replied, “what about you, Miss Twinkie?” “None, please.” Twinkle replied, “And it’s TwinkLE not TwinkIE.” “Alright, here you all go,” Dashie said handing them their chems. Just then a Mare that looked almost exactly like Pinkie, with the exception of the cutie mark (a balloon tied to a radio tower) and a metal plate on her throat, stepped up to a microphone. “Ahem,” she began to speak in a slightly mechanical though distinctly Pinkie-like voice, “Attention, everypony, this is your Overmare DJ P squared speaking. Reminding you to party the day away.” There was a roaring cheer through the crowd. “Now then to a serious note. We need more participants for this party, so we’re sending out a scouting party to find them. Barring any emergency like a wasteland creature breaking through the stable doors. But my Over-Sense would have warned me about something like that so the party will consist of:” Twinkle sat there just thinking, “Please be me, please be me, oh dear Celestia PLEASE LET IT BE ME.” “Key Lime, Boston Cream, Surprise, and…” Twinkle’s eyes were larger than dinner plates. But then, BAM! There was a breach at the door, and a large, bipedal, black-furred, creature with green eyes burst into the stable. “Huh,” P squared said, “How wasn’t I warned of that? Guess I’ll tell Dashie to double my Party Time Mintals allowance.” “TURN DOWN NOISE!!!” the monster yelled, clawing his way through some stable citizens. “NEVER,” DJ P Squared yelled, “NOTHING CAN STOP PARTY-TIME PARTY, SECURITY!!!” With that, ponies in security barding carrying miniature pink cannons burst into the atrium. They fired the pink cannons, and streamers burst out entangling the monster. “LET GO!” The monster yelled. “No.” DJ P Squared said, “And don’t even try to get out of those. They may not seem like it, but those are strong enough to hold a Manticore. Take him to heavy level security. We’ll use him to show the wastes AND the stable what happens when you try to stop the party.” “Yes, mam,” the security ponies said, proceeding to pull the monster towards the heavy, level security. “Everypony else, unfortunately, due to this, we’ll need to cancel the scouting party. So just go back to the partying.” Twinkle could do nothing but look on with anger and plot an escape plan. *************************************************************************************************************** Later that night Twinkle entered the heavy level security and saw the monster behind a magical energy field. She approached it without apprehension. “Who you?” it asked. “My name’s Twinkle Pie,” she responded in her bubbliest voice. “What are you?” “Me, Hellhound.” it said, “Why you talk to me not run away?” “Hey, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from living here it’s don’t judge a book by its cover. Namely because even when it seems like a cookbook it’ll end up being about chems. Or on occasion explosives.” “I hurt ponies.” “True. But they hardly ever did anything, although those creatures on the other side may think differently.” “What you talk about?” “Wait, you can’t see them? Funny, everyone in the stable can.” “Why you here?” “I’m gunna bust you out, and you’ll help me do the same.” “But why you help me? You gunna kill me.” “No, that’s just the Overmare who wants to do that. I just want to be free.” As she said this, she pointed to her flank and her cutie mark of a balloon amongst the stars, “I’m meant to be free amongst the outside, not cooped up in this colorful prison.” With that, she attached her Pip-Buck into a terminal. “Luckily, my dad taught me how to do this before he changed.” “What happened?” the Hellhound asked. “I’ll tell you when we’re free,” she said, concerned. Just then a much taller pink pony with a cannon adorning her flank, walked in and looked right at Twinkle. “Twinkle, what are you doing?” she asked with concern in her voice. “I’m following my destiny, mom,” she replied. “I know. I always knew this day would come. That’s why I told you to save these,” she said pulling out a baggie full of bottle caps, “Not just because you like shiny, I also got you this,” she said pulling out a grey book. “Wasteland Survival Guide by Ditzy Doo?” “It was taken off of one of the ponies we took in. I was supposed to burn it but I knew, someday, somepony would need it.” “Thanks mom.” “One last thing. You can’t leave home without Your Party Cannon,” she said pulling out one of the pink cannons. “And I’ve prepared you plenty of Party Cartages. Careful though, who knows when you’ll find more out there.” “Thank you.” “Also, here are some Audio-Tapes of songs and such. They may be useful out there.” With these last items handed to her Twinkle finished hacking into the security and unlocked her new friend. “Goodbye.” she said to her mom as she hopped onto the Hellhound’s back and prepared to exit the stable. *************************************************************************************************************** She made it to the gear-shaped door, but as she tried to leave security entered. The Hellhound simply lifted its paw and Twinkle just asked, “You really want to try it?” With that, the security stepped down and Twinkle left out towards the Wastes. “Onward friend.” she said to her Hellhound companion as they left the mountain behind. *************************************************************************************************************** A few hours later the two stopped to set up camp. “So,” Twinkle asked, “What’s your name?” “I called Green Scourge. Why, I don’t know.” “That’s kinda long. I’ll just call you Sarge. Well, night,” she said lying down ready to sleep as Sarge buried himself into the ground to do the same. *************************************************************************************************************** A few hours later Twinkle was woken by rustling. She turned to see two ponies (one earth pony stallion, the other, a unicorn mare) both in slave collers searching her saddlebags. “This oughta be worth something,” the earth pony said pulling out the Party Cannon. “Question is, how’s it fire?” “Lookie here,” the unicorn said pulling out Twinkle’s sack of caps, “Jackpot!” “Hey,” Twinkle said, “What are you two doing with my stuff?” “Get her,” the earth pony said. With that the unicorn dropped the caps and focused all her magic on Twinkle. “Lookie here, we got us a stable pony,” the stallion said. “She’ll make a fine slave,” the mare replied. “Let’s get her to our boss.” With that they began dragging her to places unknown. *************************************************************************************************************** A few hours into the trip Twinkle began yelling, “LET ME GO!!” while kicking and screaming. “Sheesh,” the stallion said, “this’ll calm her down.” He said this pulling out a syringe of Med-X “No, no, no. Please, no. Don’t give me chems,” Twinkle was pleading. “You shoulda thought of that before you began giving us trouble,” the unicorn replied. “I’m telling you this to help you,” Twinkle said with tears in her eyes. But it was too late. The stallion had already put the needle in, and was pushing the plunger. Then without warning, Twinkle’s eyes grew - one big, one small - and she began talking incredibly fast. “Hey there, everypony name’s Twinkie Pie. Who’s ready to party!?!?!” “What the?” the mare asked. “I’ll just take my Party Cannon,” Twinkie Pie said. And just like that she rushed up to the stallion and took back her saddlebags. “What just happened?” he asked. “Who cares?” Twinkie Pie explained, “IT’S TIME TO PARTY!” With that she put the cannon to his chest and it exploded with confetti. “Screw this,” the mare said, “I’m outa here.” But by the time she left Twinkle was already there. “What the… how?” “Don’t ask, just party.” *************************************************************************************************************** Back at the camp Sarge awoke to see that Twinkle was missing. “Where she go?” he asked, “TWINKLE!” he yelled. “If something happen to her I DESTORY.” With that he began sniffing trying to find her trail. *************************************************************************************************************** Sarge walked until he finally was reunited with his friend though she wasn’t herself. Her normally curly mane was flat and lifeless. She was notably grayish and crying with the corpses of the stallion and mare around her. “TWINKLE!” he yelled. “Stay away!” she said between tears, “I’m a monster.” “What happen?” “They gave me chems. It was my cute-ceañera all over again.” “What mean.” “Well it was a few weeks ago…” *************************************************************************************************************** I had just broken through my wall and saw a break in the cloud cover. I saw the beautiful stars and knew that my destiny was to be amongst the free. That’s when I got my cutie mark. Getting my mark meant it was time for my cute-ceañera. Parties weren’t uncommon in my stable. Heck, we were called The Party-Time Stable for a reason. But your cute-ceañera is special Dashie. Pie would give you your first taste of chems. “I’ll take Party-Time Mintals, please,” I had told him. “Absolutely miss mark,” he replied. He handed me the Mintals and I took them. I tasted their fruityness and felt myself change. Then before I knew it I wasn’t me, I was partying too hard. I’d lost control of my body, but I still had my mind. I saw everything that was happening and I didn’t like it. “Hey, hey, everypony this party’s good but Twinkie Pie is here to kick it up to twelve,” I heard myself say. “Twinkle,” Surprise said, “what’s wrong with you?” “First off, please call me Twinkie. Secondly, the only thing wrong here is that this party’s not hard enough. Let’s kick it up.” I grabbed the decorator’s Party Cannon and went crazy. I hit at least four others directly with it, and they went to bits. Three others had too many chems that I shoved down their throats. *************************************************************************************************************** “I can’t do chems. I become a monster. I KILL AND HAVE NO EXCUSE!!!!!” “It not you. You not killer.” “YES I AM!” “No you not. It chems. I keep them from you. You no kill.” “Thank you,” Twinkle said whipping the tears away and hopping on Sarges back. “Mind If I listen to the radio?” “Just keep quiet.” “Thanks.” With that she tuned her Pip-Buck’s radio to the stables emergency broadcast frequency (on which P Squared used to do a radio show). “Hey there everypony,” P Squared’s voice sounded, “this is your local party pony, DJ P Squared, sayin, keep an eye out for a stable escapee. Her name’s Twinkle Pie, and was last seen with a Hellhound. In other news, a pegasus known as The Defender is far south of here in the dead city of Canterlot. And remember everypony if the dull grey brown wastes get ya down, come on over and become a Party-Time citizen. Party long, party hard. Now here’s the stable’s Co-Founder the Mare of the Ministry of Moral Pinkie Pie, with one of her songs.” First you jiggle your tail! Oink oink oink! Then you wriggle your snout! Oink oink oink! Then you wiggle your rump! Oink oink oink! Then shout it out! Oink oink oink! “Oh no,” Twinkle said. “It annoying, but it done soon.” Sarge replied. “Not the song. We’re wanted fugitives of the stable. If we’re found, they’ll do to me what they did to my father.” “What happen to him?” “I’ll tell you later. For now, we need to run.” Footnote: Level up (Twinkie Pie) New Perk: Explorer: Higher chance of finding special places and ponies in random encounters. Companion Perk: Feared Friend: You’ll be friends with anyone and your newest one is a terrifying thing in the wastes. As long as Green Scourge is your companion, you have a lower chance of hostile encounters, cause nopony wants to fight a Hellhound. Quest Perk: Killer Party: Due to the genetic alterations don’t to you in your stable you have another personality. Twinkie Pie will show up whenever you do chems and throw a party where all the attendees will leave in stitches. If at all. Footnote: Level up (Green Scourge) New Perk: Faster Healing: +1 bonus to your healing rate. Companion Perk: Life of the Party: As long as Twinkle Pie is your companion, no matter how huge the party is, you won’t be harmed. Twinkle Pie’s S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Strength: 4 Perception: 7 Endurance: 4 Intelligence: 6 Charisma: 7 Agility: 5 Luck: 7 Green Scourges S.P.E.C.I.A.L Strength: 10 Perception: 7 Endurance: 7 Intelligence: 6 Charisma: 1 Agility: 6 Luck: 3 *************************************************************************************************************** A/N: I would like to thank Super-Zombie/MyLittleBurger for letting me write the story of his OC’s Twinkle Pie and Green Scourge. They are going to be fun. Chapter 1: The Wastes DefenderTales of the Wastes Chapter 1: The Wastes Defender "If we must die, we die defending our rights.” There are many stories that the wastes of Equestria have some we all know like LittlePip a.k.a. The Stable Dweller, Puppy Smiles a.k.a. The Yellow Ghost, BlackJack a.k.a. Security, and Silver Storm a.k.a. Hired Gun. Maybe you even know of Buckshot a.k.a. the Scourge of Aliens. I’m known as The Storyteller and I’m stuck in an old print factory, so I decided to kill some time by writing some of the not so well known stories I’ve picked up on my travels. In hopes that someday, ponies will know of these stories because they were recounted in these pages. This is but the first tale that I shall share. He sought not glory or even the caps that came with it. He fought only for the defense of the defenseless. Raiders or Slavers, mess with those who are defenseless he’ll find you. There’s one thing the scarlet red pegasus stallion with cutie mark of his twin revolvers (Peace and Justice) crossed and hooves stained brown with the mud of the wastes couldn’t outrun. His own past. He came into a small settlement and headed straight to the bar. “What’ll you have?” the orange earth pony with a shot glass cutiemark behind the bar asked while lazily wiping out a glass. “I’ll take the strongest apple cider you got, and mix it with some Wild Pegasus,” replied The Defender. He took out his twenty caps and placed them on the table. He then reached into his battle saddle to see what he had left “Damn,” he thought, “only about thirty caps left.” “Hey,” he yelled to the bartender, “you got any bounties round here?” “Well there’s a bounty board over there on the wall,” said the bartender, pointing a hoof to the far end of the bar. The Defender gave the board a close look. “You got anything else?” he asked. “None of these scum are appealing for Peace or Justice to take out,” he said, pointing to the right then the left revolver in his battle saddle. “Well,” said the Bartender “there’s one more, but I took him off cause nopony was crazy enough to want to take him on.” “May I see the poster?” “Alright” The bartender reached under the bar and took out a rolled up scroll and handed it to the Scarlet Pegasus who unrolled it and saw the Raider on it. The pegasus had but one thing to say. “I’ll take him.” Everypony gasped “Are you sure?” the bartender asked, “he’s killed more than his fair share of us and, no offense, they were a heck of a lot stronger then you.” “But I have the power of Justice on my side,” the Pegasus said, pointing to the revolver in the left of his battle saddle “And I’m doing this to strive for peace,” he said pointing to the other revolver. He then started to leave. “Well,” the bartender said, “Nopony will try to stop you but I doubt anypony will help you either, so good luck.” “Luck,” the Defender said, looking back as he walked out “Is a loser’s excuse” As he was leaving a light pink unicorn with a bright red main and a green headband and cutie mark of a rose with many thorns started to follow him. *************************************************************************************************************** The Defender was heading east towards the raiders base when the unicorn from the bar stopped him. “Excuse me,” said the Mare. “Yes,” the scarlet pegasus replied, “can I help you?” “Well,” the Mare replied in a meek voice “you’re going after the raider who’s been attacking our town, and I was wondering if you’d mind me tagging along.” “Why, I’ve taken down bigger bounties then this guy single hoofed” “Yes, but,” She said sadly looking up with tears in her eyes. “He took my little filly and I want to help save her.” “Well, sorry, Red, but I’ll handle this myself.” “Maybe I didn’t make myself clear,” she said telepathically, removing a magical energy weapon and pointing it at the pegasus, “I’m coming with you.” “Fine,” he said. “I see you can defend yourself and you’re crazy enough to point a weapon at me, so let’s go, Red, but don’t expect me to use medical supplies on some mare I barely know when I don’t even have enough for myself.” “I have a name, you know.” “Well then, what is it, Red? I can’t call you it without knowing it.” “It’s Rose, and as for the supplies, I’ve got plenty for myself.” “Well then, Rose, let’s get a move on, I’d like to get this bounty done and have the caps in my battle saddle by sundown.” “O.K.” *************************************************************************************************************** It was another good hour until the two reached the raider’s base. Which was little more than an old ranch house and a barn. "O.K.," said The Defender, "the barn is probably where the raiders are keeping the prisoners" “Wait,” replied Rose “what do you mean probably you have a battle saddle. Doesn’t it have a HUD?” “Well,” he replied, “thanks for the concern, but this things barely a battle saddle. It holds guns, has pockets and that’s pretty much it its old as can be” “Where’d you get it anyway?” asked Rose “Maybe I’ll tell you another time, but for now, let’s get back on subject. The prisoners are probably in the barn” he replied. "So?" asked Rose. "So I have a plan we'll let loose all their prisoners. That'll cause a distraction and make most raiders leave the house. Probably the only ones left will be the boss and a few high ranks a.k.a. easy pickings." "Alright" With that they made their way into the barn. The sight inside was gruesome; there were ponies in cages all over the place, some stuck with their dead cell mates; others starving or dehydrated. There were cells with young fillies and colts, but there was one cage with a sight that made Rose cringe. "No," she said. "What?" "That's my daughter," she said pointing to the lifeless corpse of a unicorn filly not even old enough to have a cutie mark yet. "Why Celestia, Why her, Why my daughter" she asked bawling her eyes out. "Well," said The Defender, "most slavers and raiders will kill one or two young ones to show the other young ones they mean business and it was just bad luck that it was your daughter. But that doesn't change the plan. How are you at picking locks?" "Not the best I’m better at hacking and look there’s a terminal," she said, pointing to an old computer. “Sometimes the locks are electronic and can be…” "Look, we don’t have time for something that may not work. I got some bobby pins and a screwdriver. Let’s see how you are at these locks,” he said, tossing her a screwdriver and box of bobby pins from out of his battle saddle. With a slight sigh she took the pins and screwdriver with her magic and replied “alright.” Rose set to work and to everypony she freed, The Defender gave the same orders. "Wait till my cue then make a bee-line for the door. Understood?" They all just nodded. Then the last cage was unlocked. "NOW!!!!!” All the former prisoners, young and old alike, ran out of the door. *************************************************************************************************************** Meanwhile, in the ranch house, the raiders were playing some poker when the commotion began. One pony in metal armor looked up from his hoof. "Ya guys hear that?" he asked. "Only thing I hear is you losing," replied another. "Shut it," said a large pony at the front of the table "I heard something too. Let's put my winning on hold while you all see what this commotion's about." With that, everypony other than himself, the stallion on his right, and mare on his left, went to see what the commotion outside was. *************************************************************************************************************** "Man," said the raider in metal armor as he and the rest of the gang entered the barn, "I don't like the looks of this." "And you shouldn't," said the defender as he down floated behind him. Then he used Justice to put a bullet right between the eyes. "What the," replied a Mare in leather armor, as Rose disintegrated her with a single blast. What followed was an all out gunfight bullets and magic blasts flying everywhere. There were ponies with their weapons in their mouths and some with them in hooves. There was even a battle saddle or two. There were guns and lasers even a fire ax. But, in the end The Defender and Rose beat the odds. “I thought this would be hard,” said The Defender “right, Rose?” Though when he looked over he saw that she wasn’t in such a great condition. “ROSE!” he yelled. “H-Hey Defender,” she said in a weak voice. “Yah,” he replied. “R-Remember how I said I had medical supplies for myself?” “Yah.” “I might have lied a little.” “Don’t worry,” he said reaching into his battle saddle. “I’ll save you.” He pulled out some magic bandages and a couple of healing potions. “Whatever happened, ‘to you’re on your own’?” asked Rose confusedly. “What, I can’t change my mind?” asked The Defender with a slight smile and a little laugh. “I guess you can,” Rose replied weakly. “There we go,” he said putting the last bandage on her wounds. “Stay here and take these in case you feel weak,” he said putting down a few potions. “Thank you,” Rose said in a slightly stronger voice. “I will,” With that, The Defender walked out of the barn towards the old ranch house. *************************************************************************************************************** He stopped briefly outside of the house to check on supplies. He had plenty of ammo for Peace and Justice and, they were in excellent condition (thanks to a few revolvers he took off of the raiders). But he was low on potions and bandages, thanks to helping Rose. “Well, now or never,” he said slowly opening the door. “Hey,” said the large pony in metal armor at the end of the table. “So, did you take care of the problem at the barn?” he asked not looking up from the table. “Actually,” The Defender replied, “the problem’s right here.” “Well, well, well,” the big pony replied, finally looking up from the table. “This proves one thing I’ve always believed: good help isn’t around anymore. But you seem able to handle yourself. The name’s Axle Rex. I’m the leader of these raiders, and I’ll cut you a deal. You join me and you can live we got a deal”? “I’d sooner roll in killing joke and be infected with taint than JOIN A LAWLESS BUNCH OF BASTARDS LIKE YOU!!!!!” yelled The Defender with noticeable anger in his voice. “Come on, you can be my right hoof man” “Hey,” replied the Stallion next to Rex. “I thought I was your number two.” “Just be happy I let you live, Gun Grease,” Rex replied calmly. “I still wonder why you do keep him around, Honey” said the mare next to him. “Because, babe, he makes a great fall pony for when it hits the fan.” “Hey, you forget?” asked The Defender quizzically “I’m still here!” “Right, Grease, Babs, take care of him.” “RIGHT!” they both said. Then Babs charged at The Defender with spiked horseshoes while Gun Grease gave support fire from an assault rifle. When this began, The Defender leapt into the air and began flying in the limited space he had. Limited though it was, it was enough to evade the shots from Gun Grease, and get out of Babs’s way. Then from his higher vantage point he unleashed a volley of bullets from the right of his battle saddle. Gun Grease and Babs fell like two sacks of bricks with shots right between the eyes of both. “Well, well, well,” Axle replied, “looks like you’re better than I originally believed. My offer still stands. You can join me, and be my second in command. I’ll even throw in 5,000 caps. What do you say now?” “My original statement stands,” The Defender replied. “I’LL NEVER JOIN A RAIDER GROUP, EVEN IF THAT MEANS THE DEATH OF ME!!!!!!!!!!” “Well then,” Axle said “I accept that challenge,” He pulled off his armor sides, revealing a pair of wings. He then took out a knife from his left side and a small ax from his right “Let’s do this” Axle flew up to The Defender’s height and began slashing at him with both of his weapons. “Why do you reject this?” Axle asked, still trying to strike down The Defender. “The old world is gone all that is left is the lawless wastelands and those are nothing more than a blank canvas ready to be painted with the blood of the weak. The strong shall rise, and the weak will be lucky to be our slaves.” “You’re close” The Defender replied, “but the blank canvas isn’t to be painted with the blood of the innocent. It’s with the blood of lowlifes such as yourself. Equestria was a beautiful place at one place in time and, it will be once more, but there’s no room for a rotten limb such as you on the beautiful tree that Equestria will be.” Then The Defender shot with both of his battle saddle’s revolvers at the same time missing with both. “Too bad you believe that, because it’ll kill you one day,” Axle said with a wicked grin. “And that day’s today.” As soon as he said this, he had a burst of speed and raced towards The Defender and slashed his wing with the ax sending him plummeting to the ground. With that, Axle headed down to The Defender. His knife rose, “You see what being a hero gets you. You could have lived and been rich, but your morals have gotten you killed.” The Defender lay helpless as Axle came down ready to finish the fight, when all of a sudden, a bolt of magical energy came flying through the doorway hitting Axle’s knife turning it into a pile of pink ash. “WHAT THE!?” he yelled. When he turned his head, he saw Rose with her weapon pointed at Axle. “Lay off my friend or else the next bolt is going straight to your head, and you saw what it did to your knife,” she said. “Fine. You win this round, but you ain’t seen the last of Rex,” he said flying out the door and off towards the north. “R-Rose?” The Defender said weakly. “Yes. Just sleep for now. When you’re done, I’ve got some things to show you.” *************************************************************************************************************** A few hours later The Defender awoke and saw Rose standing over him. “Where am I? Where’s Rex? Please tell me he’s dead after what he’s done.” He said “Relax, I carried you upstairs. You’ve been sleeping in his bed. As for him he’s gone. How’s your wing?” she asked worriedly. “Fine. Just wish I had a few…” he was interrupted by Rose handing him some magic bandages “Wh-where did you get these?” “Come on, I’ll show you.” she said as she dressed The Defenders wounds. *************************************************************************************************************** She led him back to the barn and pointed to the terminal she’d pointed out earlier, “There were a few interesting things on here,” she said “Like?” asked The Defender. “Like, first off, I was right,” she said tapping a hoof on the screen. “The locks were electronic, so it was a waste of our time picking the locks on the cages.” The Defender facehoofed. “Secondly it opened that safe over there,” she said pointing towards an old wall safe. “And, inside, there were enough medical supplies to replace what you used on me as well as.” she said taking out a small box, “these.” The box had pre-war armor piercing rounds for revolvers “You could probably use them,” she said handing them to The Defender. “Lastly, there were records of trades, and this one in particular caught my interest,” she said opening a trade ledger. Entry Eighteen: Sold: A young Unicorn Filly to a group of Slavers. I don’t know why they wanted her she didn’t even have a cutie mark yet. All I know is that I got a cool 500 caps and their heading west easiest caps ever. We weren’t gunna use her for anything anyway. “What’s that mean?” The Defender asked quizzically. “It means my daughter might still be alive.” “That’s good but Axle is also still alive. You should have finished him when we had the chance. I guess there’s nothing we can do now, so let’s just head back to town and collect our rewards” “Kay” Rose said nodding in agreement. *************************************************************************************************************** They headed back to the bar. Once inside, the bartender looked surprised to see them and said, “Well, after the first few hours I thought you two were done for, but I guess you’re back. That in itself deserves a reward.” “Well,” replied The Defender, “we also took care of your little raider problem, so can we get a reward that too?” “Right, well, here you go,” he said dropping a bag with 500 caps onto the table. “Thank you,” said The Defender picking up the sack. “Hey, Rose, here’s your half,” he said dumping 250 caps out. “Thanks,” she said. “Hey barkeep, give me another half n’ half of apple cider and Wild Pegasus.” “Alright but one condition,” “What?” “This one’s on the house, and I’m paying for your and Rose’s stay at the inn tonight,” *************************************************************************************************************** The Defender woke up the next day and saw 250 caps on the pillow next to him along with a note which said: Dear Defender, I won’t need these caps, so please take them. Signed, Rose “Well, guess I’m back on the road alone,” he thought as he was walking out of town, only to be interrupted by Rose. “I don’t need the caps cause I’m coming with you,” “What?” “I have no more purpose to stay here without my daughter, so I’ve got to find her, and you’re going west” “Fine. Come on Red.” “Alright, Defender.” “I have a name, you know.” “Well, then, what is it, Defender? I can’t call you it without knowing it.” “It’s Dante, Dante Gunner.” “Alright, Dante, just one more question.” “What?” “Where’d you get the battle saddle?” He looked back at her with a sly smile and responded by saying, “Well, there’s a story for another day.” Footnote: Level Up (Dante) New Perk: Counter Canter – Your fancy hoofwork (or agile flying if you are a pegasus pony) keeps you out of harm’s way. Opponents suffer a -5 to combat skills when attacking you. Companion Perk: Trusting Friend (level one) – You’ve wandered the wastes so long you thought you would forever be friendless, but you’ve proved yourself wrong as long as Rose is your companion you get a +2 to your CH. Footnote: Level Up (Rose) New Perk: Silent Gallop – You have mastered silent movement, allowing you to move quickly and still remain quiet. You can Sneak at full speed with no penalties. Companion Perk: Forever Defended – As long as Dante is your companion you get a +5 to Damage Threshold. Quest Perk: Reason to roam – Your daughter is out in the wastes somewhere being used by slavers. Until she’s safe by your side you get a +1 to ST, PE, EN, and AG Dante’s S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Strength: 6 Perception: 5 Endurance: 7 Charisma: 3 Intelligence: 6 Agility: 6 Luck: 7 Rose’s S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Strength: 3 Perception: 7 Endurance: 9 Charisma: 5 Intelligence: 9 Agility: 4 Luck: 3 Chapter 2: Origins of the Hoofregon 5Tales of the Wastes Chapter 2: Origins of the Hoofregon 5 "I forgot how fucked up everything was out here." O.K. so a ghoul, a zebra, a buffalo, a teen-age dragon, a griffin, and their pet parador walk into a bar. It may seem like a set up to a bad joke but in the city of Hoofregon it’s a way of life. Every Tuesday this random team of adventurist mercenaries meets up at Hoofregon’s main watering hole. First off is the ghoul Dr. Rottinghan. He always wears a lab coat and glasses. He is also smarter then he appears which is pretty dang smart. He even used to work for a post-war lab (due to similar work in a pre-war one), and is basically their leader. The red scaled dragon is known as Dracu and believes himself to be the leader (although they all know the leader is Dr. Rottinghan). Then there’s the buffalo, one look and you’ll notice something odd about him. One of his horns is artificial. He lost his real horn years before they all met in a completely different mission, hence, his nickname that he goes by IronHorn. Next is the griffin Gordon. He’s big, he’s strong, and he’s boastful. He thinks he can do everything himself. He grew up with two other griffins you’ll learn about later. There’s also Zevron. She’s the zebra. She carries a special zebra shotgun which is enhanced so that it can fire armor piercing rounds or hollow point so she’s prepared for any situation. She just needs to pick a trigger and pull it (right for hollow point left for armor piercing). She has a glyph tattoo that looks like the gems that power her shotgun’s abilities. Lastly, there’s Fluff’n’Stuff the parador. He’s kinda like a mascot. They classify him as a pet so they can say there’s five of them. But he’s a capable fighter. He was Dr. Rottinghan’s final experiment before leaving the lab. You’re probably thinking the same thing I was when I first heard about this group HOW IN CELESTIA’S SWEET NAME ARE THEY STILL ALIVE!!!!! Well you know what they say, Luck favors the stupid (hence, the term dumb luck). But enough. Let’s get to the tale of how they began. *************************************************************************************************************** It was some time ago ago in that bar when a large griffin with blue streaked feathers and bulky blue armor walked in and asked a simple question. “Where’s my contact? I was hired, and told to meet him here,” he said with a frustrated tone. “I swear to the Great Egg this had better not be a joke… again,” he thought. “I hear that,” said a red dragon sitting at a table, “name’s Dracu and I have the same problem.” “Same with me,” said a buffalo with an artificial horn. “Me as well,” replied a zebra with a shotgun that had a gem in each barrel slung across her back. “Don’t tell me I’m workin with a zebra,” said the griffin. “Well,” said the zebra “Don’t tell me I’m working with a dragon.” “Yeh, I don’t care too much for buffalos,” said Dracu. “As do I feel against griffins,” replied the buffalo. Then a raspy voice from the other side of the bar said “Well too bad for all of you cause I’m the one who hired all of you to work together.” From out of the shadows stepped a ghoul in a lab coat and thick glasses, “The names Dr. Rottinghan and, last I checked, you’re all mercs. So learn to get along or no one’s getting paid.” “You gotta be kidding me,” all the mercenaries said, “I was hired by a ghoul.” “HEY!” Rottinghan spat back, “I may be a ghoul but my mind’s sharp as ever and my caps are good as the next guy’s. So liven up and introduce yourselves to each other.” “Fine,” replied the griffin, “names Gordon.” “I’m Zevron,” said the Zebra. “I am known as IronHorn,” said the buffalo. “And as was already stated, I’m Dracu,” said the dragon. “Right. I’m sure you four are wondering why you’re here,” Rottinghan said. “I can’t speak for any of the others you hired, but I know I am,” Zevron replied. “Simply put, I needed multiple mercenaries, and you four were the only ones that together fit in my price range,” Rottinghan said gladly. “We’re breaking into the lab I used to work in to take back an experiment.” “YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME,” Dracu yelled “WE’RE BREAKING INTO AN EGGHEAD’S PLAYGROUND!?!?!” “HEY,” yelled Rottinghan back, “I WORKED AT THAT LAB FOR APROXIMATELY ONE HUNDRED YEARS. NOW WE’RE GETTING BACK MY LIFES WORK EVEN IF IT KILLS US ALL!!!!!” “Wait,” replied IronHorn, “what?” “Nothing,” Rottinghan replied darting his eyes back and forth. “Look, are you in or out? I got the caps, but you gotta do the job.” Gordon was the first to reply with a somber “Yes.” Next was Zevron replying with “Alright,” but in her mind thinking, “I’m going to take these suckers for every cap they got.” After that was Dracu and he said, “Fine, but I’m charging double.” IronHorn was last to agree and he simply said “I’ll help.” “Alright then,” Rottinghan replied, “Here’s the plan: we’re entering on hoof or foot in Dracu and Gordon’s cases, then splitting into teams of two. The lab is set up in a way that the three sections of research are down three halls ending at the entrance to the boss’s room. Gordon and Zevron will take the west wing devoted to technology. IronHoof and Dracu will take the east wing devoted to flora.” “Two things,” Dracu interrupted, “what’s flora and where are you?” “Flora are plants, and I’ll be tackling the center hall devoted to beasts on my own,” Rottinghan answered. “Now that you all know the plan let’s do this.” *************************************************************************************************************** They began their trek towards the lab with Rottinghan insisting Gordon turn his radio to DJ EyP. “Come on,” Rottinghan whined, “I love that guy.” “First off,” Gordon replied, “stop complaining.” “HEY!!!!! I AIN’T COMPLAINING! I’M WHINING! YOU WANNA HEAR COMPLAINING!?!?!” “Not particularly, but back on subject. Second off, this radio is for emergencies only, so that means receiving or sending emergency broadcasts. THAT IS IT!!!!!” “Ya know,” Zevron chimed in, “I hear his great, great, et cetera grandfather was a war hero.” “Wow,” IronHorn replied, “What about his great, great, et cetera grandmother?” “She was a teacher.” “That’s it?” asked Dracu. “Well if you ask me, being the teacher of the three founders of Stable-Tec is a big deal.” ”Wait,” Rottinghan stopped her, “are you implying EyP’s the great, great, et cetera grandson of Big Macintosh and Cheerilee?” “Yes, why?” “I thought Big Mac had a child with Maripony?” “This was before that. It was before the war. When the war began and he joined the Equestrian Army, Cheerilee left him. At least that’s what they say. They also say Applejack, the Mare of the Ministry of Wartime Technology, gave her a special gift shortly before the spells began, to remind her that she still thought of her as family.” “Back on subject,” Rottinghan said turning back to Gordon, “come on I wanna hear DJ EyP,” he continued. “FINE!!!” Gordon yelled, “What station is it?” “133.7,” Rottinghan said gladly as Gordon reluctantly tuned the radio. A voice then came out of the formerly silent radio; “Hey there, everypony in the wastes, this is your ol’ earth pony pal DJ EyP preachin the earth pony way from Hoofregon, to our coast, and everywhere in between including Railton. Though, in a much different way than another certain pony from the same stable as my parents. Hey everypony hear the news? An old friend of the Hoofregon Republican Army, a scarlet pegasus who through legend is known as The Defender is headed west. That’s gunna put him through Ponyville and the Everfree forest. But I’m sure he and the unicorn he’s with can make it through. Especially if the rumors about her are true. I’d be more worried about the path towards there. There have been rumors of a group of pegasi bandits who use their weather manipulation to distract their victims. But if I know The Defender, he’ll be alright. Let’s leave this discussion with a song from the Mare of the Ministry of Moral Pinkie Pie with ‘You Got to Share, You Got to Care’. We may be divided But of you all, I beg… As soon as this song began, IronHorn asked, “Could we PLEASE TURN THAT RACKET OFF?!?!” “Sheesh,” Dracu said as Gordon turned off the radio, “what’s your problem with Pinkie?” “Nothing,” IronHorn replied, “I just don’t like that song.” *************************************************************************************************************** The five unlikely allies eventually got to the lab Rottinghan used to work at. Luckily, someopony never changed the card readers and his old ID card worked to get them in. “You all remember the plan right?” Asked Rottinghan. “I think so,” replied Zevron. “Probably,” replied Gordon. “Yes,” replied Dracu. “Of course,” replied IronHorn. “Alright let’s go,” Rottinghan said. Once inside they split up. Dracu and IronHoof headed into the east wing. “Man,” Dracu said, “I don’t like the looks of these plants.” “Come now,” IronHorn responded, “you are a dragon. How can you be afraid of plants?” “Clearly you’ve never been to the Everfree Forest. Otherwise you’d know of the dangers some plants can hold...” As soon as he said that a black mushroom on a random log started moving. “LIKE THAT!” He yelled breathing fire onto the offending shroom. “W-W-W-What was that!?” “A black fungus,” Dracu replied in an irritated voice, “they’ve clearly been experimenting on weaponizing the already deadly plants of the forest.” “Who knew plants could kill?” IronHorn asked confused. “I did and I learned it the hard way. Now come on. Let’s go before we find some killer joke.” “Yes, let us go. Wait some, WHAT? That’s kind of a dumb name for a deadly plant.” *************************************************************************************************************** The same time this was going on Gordon and Zevron were going down the opposite side and meeting multiple technological advancements that chose to be trouble. “By the Great Egg,” Gordon explained firing his magical energy weapon battle saddle (which he nicknamed “The Express” due to its incredibly fast firing rate, the fact that it fires yellow-orange plasma, and him believing he is the only one strong enough to lift it). “What weren’t they making here?” “How should I know?” Zevron replied, a noticeable tinge of anger in her voice. “If you wanted to know that you should’ve asked Rottinghan before we began,” she said pulling the left trigger on her zebra shotgun letting the armor piercing shot fly through a Sentinel Bot. “Yeh, I probably should have, but too late now.” he said turning another turret into a pile of goop. While he was doing this, a Sentry Bot rolled up behind him ready to fire. But Zevron was faster and took it out before it had a chance. “Be careful you boastful blue nincompoop.” She told him. “Meh, no promises.” *************************************************************************************************************** Rottinghan was heading down the center passage surrounded by cages. “Specimen 2217, specimen 2218, here we go specimen 2219,” he said opining the cage, letting out a purple ball of fluff with wings and a stinger, “FLUFF’N’STUFF!!!” He yelled gleefully. “Now to meet those mercs. By the goddesses manes. I hope they’re still alive. There’s no way I can kill my former boss on my own.” *************************************************************************************************************** Eventually, the five finished their respective wings and met in the administrative area. “Alright, now to finish this,” Rottinghan said. “Finally this will be…” Zevron stopped herself having noticed the purple fuzz ball flying behind the ghoul doctor. “BY THE STARS, WHAT IS THAT DEMONIC MONSTER!?” She exclaimed confusedly. “This, my striped friend is Fluff’n’Stuff. He’s my last creation. The one I told you about. You know, the one we’re here to free. He’s a parador.” “Parador?” asked IronHorn in a confused tone, “Aren’t they the deadly mutated parasprite’s found on The Big 52?” “Well yes,” Rottinghan replied, “but I’ve trained this little guy since he was a cub, and I did some alterations to his DNA so he’s not quite as…” he paused, looking for the right word, “killie.” Rottinghan continued with a smile. “Wait. First a buffalo, then a ghoul, and now a deadly feral beast. THIS IS NOT WHAT I SIGNED UP FOR!!!” Dracu yelled. “WELL IT DON’T MATTER WHAT YOU SIGNED UP FOR. THE FACT IS THAT THIS IS WHAT YOU GOT!” Rottinghan continued, “Just one more part to this mission. Then you can all leave. We just gotta kill my old boss and be on with our lives.” “Well then, let us be done,” IronHorn said, lowering his head to knock the door down. After three attempts he finally got it done and the five were in a room with nothing but a desk with a broken terminal on it and an office chair. “You kidding me?”Gordon proclaimed, “The dude high tailed it out of here, didn’t he?” “Actually,” a small voice came from the other side of the chair, “I’m right here.” “Professor Blattaria,” Rottinghan said, “today is the day you die.” “Oh,” the voice said swinging around the chair, “IS IT!?” When the chair was finished swinging, it was revealed that the voice was coming from a radroach. “This is a joke right?” Zevron asked confused, “there’s a speaker on this radroach, isn’t there?” “This is no joke,” Rottinghan claimed with spite in his voice. “He was my greatest creation: the perfect radroach smarter, stronger, faster. But he became too powerful and overtook the previous boss. After a few months I quit.” “HE’S A RADROACH,” Gordon yelled, LET’S JUST SQUASH HIM.” With this he lifted a claw and attempted to squish it like a normal bug. However, this failed. “Did I forget to mention his exoskeleton is as hard as Power Armor?” “Steel Ranger or Enclave?” Zevron asked. “Somewhere between,” Rottinghan replied. “Well this pierces armor, so I’ll just take him out.” Zevron then tried to fire on the roach, only for it to jump out of the way. “What the?” “I said he was faster. I have a plan which is hey?” He stopped himself mid thought sniffing at the air, “You smell smoke?” “Yeh, Dracu set the whole east wing on fire. I guess it spread.” IronHorn claimed. “Don’t pin this all on me. It was you who kept getting attacked by plants,” Dracu replied angrily. “Let’s get out before we all die.” Zevron said. “Not until…wait,” Rottinghan said. “Where’s Blattaria?” “Probably high tailed it out of here LIKE WE SHOULD IF WE WANT TO LIVE!” Zevron responded. “Fine. He wins this round, but at least we saved Fluff’n’Stuff.” With that, the four mercenaries, the ghoul, and the Parador left the burning lab and headed back to the bar. *************************************************************************************************************** “Well, gotta say that wasn’t too bad,” Rottinghan said. “We were nearly burned to a crisp, killed by plants or technology, and lost to a radroach, and you say that wasn’t too bad?” Zevron replied confusedly. “Well we’re all still alive and we found Fluff’n’Stuff, so that’s good in my books. But the fact that Blattaria is still alive means this isn’t over, and as long as we’re still a team let’s think of a name.” “The Wanderer’s of the Wastes?” IronHorn asked. “Mismatched Misfit’s?” Zevron recommended. “Firebolts?” Dracu asked. “Gordon’s Gang?” Gordon said with a grin across his beak. “Celestia, no. We’re going with The Hoofregon 5.” Rottinghan said gladly. “But there are six of us counting Fluff’n’Stuff.” Zevron said. “We’ll classify him as a mascot. Everyone with me?” “Yep,” IronHorn said. “I still prefer my idea but I guess yours is fine too,” Gordon said. “Meh, better than mine,” Dracu said. “Alright,” Zevron said, though she was thinking, “I’ll let them keep their caps they seem like a fine team.” “Then it’s settled. Until Professor Blattaria is eliminated we’re the mercenary team-The Hoofregon Five-to us.” Rottinghan said lifting a drink for a toast. Footnote: Level up (Rottinghan) New Perk: Whining Presence - You can whine your way out of almost every situation. During certain encounters you gain special dialogue options that let you avoid combat, but you’ll lose reputation. Team Perk: Hoofregon Luck – You five should be dead yet you’re not so long as you five are this team of mercs you get +2 to Luck. Footnote: Level up (Gordon) New Perk: Extra Special – You can put a single extra point into any of your S.P.E.C.I.A.L. attributes. You now 20% quicker (Agility). Team Perk: Hoofregon Luck – You five should be dead. Yet, you’re not. So long as you five are this team of mercs you get +2 to Luck. Footnote: Level up (Dracu) New Perk: A Little Dash – While wearing light armor or no armor, you run 20% faster. Team Perk: Hoofregon Luck – You five should be dead. Yet, you’re not. So long as you five are this team of mercs you get +2 to Luck. Footnote: Level up (IronHorn) New perk: stonewall - You are much less likely to be knocked down in combat. Team Perk: Hoofregon Luck – You five should be dead. Yet, you’re not. So long as you five are this team of mercs you get +2 to Luck. Footnote: Level up (Zevron) New Perk: Rapid Reload - All your weapon reloads are 25% faster than normal. Team Perk: Hoofregon Luck – You five should be dead. Yet, you’re not. So long as you five are this team of mercs you get +2 to Luck. Rottinghan’s S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Strength: 2 Perception: 5 Endurance: 7 Charisma: 3 Intelligence: 9 Agility: 5 Luck: 9 Gordon’s S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Strength: 9 Perception: 7 Endurance: 7 Charisma: 3 Intelligence: 3 Agility: 6 Luck: 5 Dracu’s S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Strength: 7 Perception: 5 Endurance: 7 Charisma: 4 Intelligence: 4 Agility: 8 Luck: 5 IronHorn’s S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Strength: 8 Perception: 5 Endurance: 8 Charisma: 3 Intelligence: 5 Agility: 7 Luck: 4 Zevron’s S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Strength: 5 Perception: 7 Endurance: 6 Charisma: 4 Intelligence: 6 Agility: 7 Luck: 5
Chapter 3: The Stables ShadowsTales of the Wastes Chapter 3: The Stables Shadows “There was stable 41 whose inhabitants were 20 mares, 10 stallions, and a manticore.” The Defender and Rose have been traveling companions for a few days now. Both heading west towards destinations that only they knew. However, unbeknownst to them, their journey was about to take an unexpected turn and parts of The Defender’s past would come to light. *************************************************************************************************************** Above them there were some pegisi with much less noble intentions than our scarlet coated hero. “Hey Bill,” one of them said to the other, “y’all see that ground-bound feller?” “Sure do Phil,” the other retorted, “and that purty unicorn with’im.” “You can keep the unicorn. I’m wantin’ those revolvers.” “Right. Well then let’s get the distraction on.” *************************************************************************************************************** “O.K. O.K. What about this? What pre-war fruit would you want if you could revive one?” Rose asked The Defender trying to keep their game going. “Easy,” he replied grinning from ear to ear, “pineapple!” “Wait, what, why?” “Have you ever tasted pineapple?” “No why?” “They’re good eating.” “You also said that about bacon,” she responded with a frustrated look on her face. “I enjoy it. I still don’t see how something is too salty. I mean how much salt and preservatives are in about nightey-eight percent of pre-war food you eat all the time?” “Yes, but the fact of the matter is that when you made that radhog bacon it wasn’t two hundred years old and, in turn, had no need of salty preservatives, so it shouldn’t have been so salty.” “Look, maybe it’d be better if we had some Sparkle~Cola or Sunrise Sarsaparilla.” “I agree we need to find something to drink other than water.” Just then BLAM a bolt of lightning struck. “AHH!” Rose yelled. “Dante I think that lightning was aimed at us.” “I think you’re being paranoid.” The Defender replied with a cross tone. But then another bolt struck next to him. “Or maybe you’re right. Only pegisi can control the weather so I’ll fly up and take a look.” With that he spread his wings and flew up. *************************************************************************************************************** “Hey, Phil.” “Yeh, Bill?” “I think that Pegasus who has those revolvers you like is coming after us.” “So we’ll hide in the clouds.” And that’s just what they did. The Defender reached the height the two were at, but couldn’t see them in the black storm clouds. “Damn,” he thought, “Well, guess I’ll just return to Rose.” *************************************************************************************************************** Upon his return he talked to Rose. “I couldn’t see them in the clouds,” he said, “they’re probably still up there. Let’s find some cover.” “Well, there’s a cave. Let’s wait it out there.” “Alright.” With that, the two companions headed towards the cave. *************************************************************************************************************** Upon entry in the cave, Rose noticed something odd. “I don’t think this cave is natural,” she said. “These walls are far too clean. I think this was pony made.” She then noticed a giant gear shaped door with the numbers zero-four-one painted hugely in yellow. “Yep, definitely not natural. But safer than I thought it would be.” “Well I think we’re perfectly safe where we are. So let’s just stay here,” The Defender replied with some hesitation in his voice. “Come on, it seems like we’ll be cozier in there.” “Well, too bad, because I’m not goi…”Thwap! With that The Defender fell unconscious where he stood. *************************************************************************************************************** When he awoke he was in a bunk surrounded by grey and Rose was above him. “Sorry,” she said, her bright red cheeks, “I guess this dart gun is more potent than I thought.” “Wh-where are we?” The Defender asked, still dazed. “I opened the door.” “WHAT,” he said with anger burning in his eyes, “HOW COULD YOU!!!!!” “Well it was easy. There was a terminal and I hacked it,” she said with a cheerful grin. “I MEANT ON A MORAL LEVEL! DO YOU KNOW WHERE WE ARE!?!?!” “N-no,” she said, now cowering. “We are in A STABLE!!!” “That’s it,” she said, now standing. “A stable. You’re mad because we’re in one of the safest places in Equestria, trying to hide from pegasus bandits, might I add.” “You didn’t grow up in a stable did you?” The Defender asked with an annoyed tone. “No, why?” “Look, I’ll tell you about when I lived in a Stable, and my escape.” “I’d still rather hear about your battle saddle.” “Coincidentally, that story intertwines with this one.” “Ah, convenient.” “Anyway, the story begins many years ago at the Hoofregon Coast…” *************************************************************************************************************** I grew up in Stable 12. We were safe, happy, and well fed. Though there was a catch: population control there was only allowed to be fifty-five point five ponies in the stable. If parents had more than one child, the elder sibling had to kill the new-born foal. It was a hell I wouldn’t have wished on my worst enemy. Though I didn’t realize that until it happened. I was about ten, the eldest pony in the Stable without my cutie mark. My mom was the librarian and a pegasus and my father was a unicorn and a medical officer. Then one day we were called into the medical room. My mother had gone into labor. Then she gave birth to a little unicorn foal - my own sister. The Overmare handed me the Ceremonial Sledge and told me to. Do what was right for the stable! So I did. I turned the sledge on that coldhearted bitch. In the end she was only a bloody pulp. I took her Pip-Buck, her Overmare Jumpsuit, the Ceremonial Sledge, and, most importantly, the stable override code. Security was all over me I ran with my new-born sister on my back. I entered the code and made it out of the Stable. I’d always known that the stories of there being nothing outside of the Stable were full of shit. I began walking the rails. After a day or so, a kindly pegasus with a cutie mark of dynamite on a railway track offered me aid. “There’s a town not too far from here,” he told me, “It’s called Railton. It was Equestria’s main rail hub. Some settlers rebuilt it from railway parts. You’ll probably find some better defense than a jumpsuit and a magical sledgehammer. I’ll take you there.” I replied his kindness with a smile and a heartfelt, “Thanks.” *************************************************************************************************************** We reached Railton a few days later I immediately knew that the wastes were no place for a small foal, so I asked the merc, “Do you know anywhere I can leave my sis?” “Well,” he said, “there’s a group trying to rebuild the M.o.P. They’ll take good care of her. Probably teach her some spells also. They’re in that hospital car right over there,” he claimed, pointing a wing towards a rail car painted bright yellow with pink butterflies on the side.” “Thanks. Also, how about getting better outfitted?” “That would be Halfway Pawn,” he said pointing his wing in the other direction. *************************************************************************************************************** I dropped my sister off at the N.M.o.P. with a kindly looking red unicorn with a white mane and a cutie mark of a caduceus wearing a pink and yellow nurse’s outfit. “Don’t worry,” she said in a motherly voice, “we’ll take good care of her. She’ll grow up to be a great healer I, can tell.” “Thanks,” I told her, “but could you also give her this?” As I asked I pulled out the keycard that contained the override code and tore it in two. “I don’t want to leave her. When she’s old enough, give her this and tell her to find the other half. Tell her that he’s your brother and he loves you.” “Of course,” she said wrapping the half in a red magic field, “we’ll give this to her when she’s ready.” “Thank you.” With that, I left the N.M.o.P. base and headed towards Halfway Pawn. *************************************************************************************************************** I reached the old caboose that housed Halfway Pawn and entered. “Welcome,” the grey earth pony with a cutie mark of a magnifying glass being held up to a bottle cap said, “names Quality Search. I run this establishment. What may I help you find?” “I need armor and…” I drifted off when I saw them two revolvers on the wall: one gold with the scales of justice on the handle: the other silver with the symbol for peace. I immediately asked, “What’s their story?” “The gold one is known as Justice, the silver one is Peace. They’re sister guns though they’ve never seen battle with the same owner.” “How much?” “What do you have?” I took out everything I had left from the stable (other than the keycard of course) and threw them on the counter. “I grew up in a stable out west this is all I’ve ever owned: a specially made magical sledgehammer, two jumpsuits, one of which is from the Overmare, and the Overmare’s Pip-Buck. I’ve heard these are useful tools, and, if not there’s probably useful data on it. So, what do you say? All this stable swag for those revolvers.” He looked back at me with a stern look and said right to my face, “No.” “What?” I asked looking noticeably deflated, “why?” “Because you’re a Pegasus. You can’t use two guns at once.” I thought I was going to cry right there. “Without,” he said putting his head behind the counter, “one of these.” He pulled out a device like I’d never seen. It looked like it’d go on your back and hold your guns. “This my friend,” he replied without me even needing to ask, “is a battle saddle. It’ll let you use both guns at once. I’ll throw it in at no extra cost.” I made a sound that could only be described as a squee and told him, “think you Mr. Search.” “Not a prob, you kinda need them.” As he said this he pointed to my previously blank flank which now bore the sight of the two revolvers crossed. As though to say “I’ll bring the ideals of peace and justice back to the wastes.” He took me out back and taught me to use the battle saddle. When I was done I continued east and eventually began my life helping the HRA as a soldier, but that’s another story for another day. *************************************************************************************************************** “So now you understand why. WE NEED TO GET OUT OF THIS STABLE!!!” The Defender yelled to Rose. “Well, I see your point,” She replied, “but the fact is, even if we wanted to, we’re trapped until morning. I set the doors to stay locked in case the bandits were still out there.” “Well then, if we’re here anyway, we may as well do some scavenging,” he replied cheerfully. “Come on,” he continued, standing up. *************************************************************************************************************** The two began scavenging. They began in the kitchen searching the fridge (the two of them still wanting some Sparkle~Cola or Sunrise Sarsaparilla). It seemed their search was useless until The Defender came out with a bottle of luminescent purplish-red liquid in his teeth and claimed, “Jackpot. Not just Sparkle~Cola but Sparkle~Cola RAD. It says ‘Sparkle~Cola RAD! With an invigorating touch of radiation and a blast of radish flavoring! (It’s like a buck to the face! With radishes!)’ We’ve finally got a flavored beverage. Well, down the hatch.” “Are you really going to drink that?” Rose asked concerned looking at the glowing bottle. “Why not? It’s radish!” “It’s also radioactive!” “So is everything, I again bring up the prospect of the pre-war food we eat nearly every day.” “This was radioactive, BEFORE THE WAR!!! Also I’ve heard they can make lovely explosives.” “Well I’m thirsty and have been drinking nothing but water since the last settlement. I need something with flavor.” “So you’re willing to drink something that was purposefully irradiated?” “Yep,” he said with a grin from ear to ear. “How are you a hero of the wastes?” “How should I know? I didn’t ask for the job.” “Please, I don’t want you to die,” she said fluttering her eyelashes. “Fine,” he replied with a humph putting it in his battle saddle. *************************************************************************************************************** The two continued exploring the corridors until Rose broke the silence. “So you know where the Overmare’s office is?” she asked in a kindly tone. “No,” The Defender replied with a distasteful tone, “All stables were designed differently. Although,” he then said in a cheery tone, “I know where the armory is.” “Really, how?” “We’re standing in front of it,” he said grinning. Sure enough, in front of them was a giant steel door with ARMORY painted on it in a bright florescent yellow. In addition to that, there were also the bones of a unicorn stallion in front of the door. He looked as though he died trying to claw his way into the reinforced room. Rose pointed at his wrist and asked, “Isn’t that a Pip-Buck?” The Defender looked and said, “Well they’re standard issue in a stable. You get it on the day of your cute-ceañera so I never got one.” Rose levitated the PipBuck off the skeleton’s wrist and onto hers. “I hear they’re useful tools.” “I’d rather not have a reminder of living in a stable, thank you very much.” “Let’s see E.F.S. and S.A.T.S.,” Rose said searching the uses of the PipBuck. “Eyes Forward Sparkle and Stable-Tec Arcane Targeting Spell,” The Defender replied explaining the acronyms. “Eyes Forward Sparkle is a compass that will also locate life forms and determine their hostility. Remember, if it’s yellow be mellow, if it’s red it’s dead. It’ll also tell you where your set waypoint is and where to go for your quests. Stable-Tec Arcane Targeting Spell will help you aim. Also on some newer models it slows down time to near a crawl to let you decide what to do. But this one’s too old for that, though it will still improve the accuracy of your hits. So that’s still good. It looks like it’s one of the original models. He must have worked for Stable-Tec.” Rose continued, “Inventory management systems, maps, medical status, quests, hey there’s a note on this.” “So read it,” said The Defender. Personal Files from Dr. Anesthetic (head medical researcher for Stable 041): Entry 1: By Luna’s mane why did I enter this Celestia damned stable program! Wait, that’s right, I DIDN’T!!! I WAS DRAFTED FOR IT!!! That’s what I get for working for that damn corporation. I still remember what they said about the stable program, “It’ll save you. You’ll have a better life,” what a load of shit. I regret helping work on Stable 111. Every damned pony at fucking Stable-Tec can BURN IN FUCKING HELL!!!!!. Screw you, Applebloom, up yours Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle I’m not even going into what I’d do to that fucking little cunt of a unicorn bitch (even if she was just head of public relations it’s namely due to our “personal history”). Those three had better hope I die in here otherwise they’re all doomed!!!!! I probably will die anyway with who they assigned as an Overmare. It’s not a mare. Hell, it isn’t even a pony. IT’S A FUCKING MANTICORE! Entry 2: I’m beginning to question not only Stable-Tec but all of the Equestrien government. The Ministry Mares, the army, even Luna and Celestia. Why the hell are we even at war? I’ll tell you. IT’S ALL OVER SOME FUCKING DAMN ROCKS!!!!! Ponies want fucking coal from the zebra homeland. Zebras want fucking gems from Equestria. Why? Because fucking earth ponies can’t use magic and need coal for their machines. Zebras can’t use fucking magic and need gems for their fucking magic fetishes. It’s not the zebra’s fault we’re at war. We both have what the other wants. It’s greed. I don’t care what MI says zebras aren’t the only greedy ones. We’re pretty damned greedy too. Entry 3: I got a call from the outside my old friend Rottinghan. Well he claimed to be Rottinghan his voice was different all gravelly. But still, the aspect of a friend even possibly being alive outside this hellhole… It’s the only hope I have left in this world. Though he said he was at Fillydelphia? They got hit hard. He must have gotten enough radiation to kill ten ponies. Though he always was lucky. Also to make this day even better, my wife has given birth. I’m a father though we don’t have a name yet. I hope he lives long enough to have a full life outside of this hellhole. Entry 4: That’s fucking it. The fucking Overmare (Overcore?) has crossed the fucking line. It broke out of its fucking office and attacked Clubshot (the Security Head). I declared her dead (though it wasn’t hard to figure that out, since she was fucking eaten). We’re taking that monster out. But Clubshot was the only one with the code to the armory. Also nopony else has a weapon. However there is a pony who claims he can hack. Let’s hope he’s not crazy. Entry 5: THAT FUCKER!!!!! He couldn’t hack worth shit! He locked us out now hacking’s impossible, even if any of us could hack something like that. So he said, “Oh don’t worry, I can pick locks,” and guess what? HE BROKE THE FUCKING BOBBY PIN INTO THE LOCK!!!!! Now the only way to get into the Armory would be to get it from the Overmare’s office. Well, never trust somepony whose cutie mark is a caved in skull, I guess. Entry 6: I don’t believe it. My lovely wife Amnesia is dead. She decided to go it alone and attack the Overcore in its office to unlock the armory. She’s gone now. That’s it-I’m taking that bastard out! I’ll claw my way through! I’m getting into the armory, even if I die trying! Rose looked up from the PipBuck crying, “I wish I could have had the chance to meet Dr. Anesthetic. I feel sorry for him.” “I told you stables are hellholes. They’ve killed many great ponies,” The Defender replied in a somber tone. “I’m sure your friend was one of them.” “Hey?” Rose asked, “Can manticores live approximately two centuries without food?” “I don’t think anything can. Why?” “Thanks to the PipBucks map I’ve located the Overcore’s office, and that means we can probably get into the armory.” “Sounds fine to me.” *************************************************************************************************************** The two made their way to the Overcore’s office. Inside, there were the usual things: a terminal, some boxes, a locker or two. Though there was one thing that was amiss. There was the skeleton of a manticore with a specially built PipBuck on its tail. “Yippie,” Rose squealed in delight seeing the still powered terminal. “Terminal hacking time.” The terminal was easy enough to hack (the code was mantikiller), and, inside, she found something of interest-an audio-file from Stable-Tec. “I’ll just record this onto my new old PipBuck for later,” she said. “For now, let’s just open the armory.” *************************************************************************************************************** The two returned to the armory and entered. “Hey Dante,” Rose yelled, “there’re some revolvers over here. You may be able to use them to repair Peace and Justice. There’s also ammo.” “Great,” he replied grinning from ear to ear. “I found some useful things too.” “Like what?” Rose asked beginning to walk to The Defender. As she did it appeared as though he proceeded to hide something. “Hey what’s that?” “Er… nothing,” he said with a distressed look on his face. “Er… just a copy of Wingboner Magazine,” he said with a sheepish look on his face. “Well, we’re both adults, no need to hide something that inconsequential.” “Right, I’ll remember that next time,” he said as fast as he could. “I also found you this,” he said continuing to talk fast while tossing her a hand cannon (which her PipBuck quickly identified as the Mantikiller). “Well it’s been a long day. I’m gunna hit the hay. Good night,” again talking fast. With that, he proceeded back to the sleeping quarters (still hiding whatever it was) leaving Rose alone. “Is he on Dash or something?” Rose wondered to herself. “Nah no way he’s on drugs. Well, long as I’m on my own, I guess I’ll do some scavenging. Let’s see, the medical clinic is this way.” So she exited the armory going down the grey halls towards the medical clinic. *************************************************************************************************************** The Defender was lying awake on his bunk looking over the paper he’d found. “This is definitely a map,” he said, “definitely a map of Canterlot the pre-war capitol city-the one bombed with the zebra’s pink cloud megaspell. And if this map’s right then the house here is where I’ll find the second one,” he grinned widely and said, “two down, four to go. I don’t think anypony would ever say this, but, thank you, Celestia, for necromadic mist and two century old dead brothers of famous ponies.” *************************************************************************************************************** Rose entered the medical clinic and saw the usual: a medical table, some medical boxes, supplies, a terminal. Though there was also something unusual in the room a box filled with small crystal orbs each one with a number on it. “I’ll examine those later. For now, its hacking ti- aww,” She was disappointed to see that the terminal didn’t need hacking, “Oh well, I can still see what’s in it.” So she uploaded the terminal’s entries into her PipBuck and began by reading the first few. Message from M.o.M./Stable-Tec to Stable 041 doctors: We are providing you with memory orbs to be used as anesthetic. Normally this would be useless with non-unicorn ponies, but we’re also including instructions to do a newly made spell. With it, a unicorn can transfer the memory orb effect to anypony (it should also work on zebras but nothing else). Only those whose special talents involve medical or memory orbs should attempt this. And please remember to play them orb #1 first. Dr. Anesthetic Medical journal: We’ve tested the transfer spell. It works! Clubshot’s operation went off without a hitch. This stable is almost perfect. But I still ask one thing, WHY THE HELL IS THERE A MANTICORE IN THIS STABLE?!?!? And more importantly, WHY IS IT OUR LEADER?!?!? It can’t even think yet alone talk. We’re all gunna die in here. I really am starting to hate Stable-Tec. Message to Stable 041 medical staff from M.o.M.: We regret to inform you that orb #3 is the incorrect orb. We’ve accidentally sent you one of our orbs from a court trial of a zebra sympathizer. Please refrain from using this orb. The correct orb will be sent ASAP. We apologize to you for any inconvenience. -From the personal terminal of PP Mare of M.o.M. “So these are memory orbs,” she said picking up one of the orbs with her magic. “All I need to do is focus and…” oooOOOooo Before she knew it she was in a wholly new body. She felt strange. She could see from the mirror that she had an orange coat and wings, a purple mane, and was wearing a business suit (which was obscuring her cutie mark). Then she began to talk. “Hello there I’m Scootaloo,” said the Pegasus who Rose was. “If you’re seeing this then you’re me. Well not me, me, but you me.” She began to speak in a hushed tone, “Damn these things are confusing when you try to explain them. I shoulda taken Pinkie’s offer to do this, but it’s partially my company. I’m VP and in turn it’s my responsibility.” She began talking in a regular tone again, “For those of you who aren’t unicorn or haven’t used a recollector this will be an all new experience. You are experiencing this exact moment in my mind. So you are me. As for you, don’t worry. Your body is currently out of tune with everything. So you feel nothing and know nothing. This is why we’re using this as an experimental anesthetic. We have many orbs of ponies watching movies so you’ll be out of touch for a few hours letting the doctors do their thing. Now that you’ve been introduced to the orbs, please select which movie you want to watch. Tell the doctor, and your procedure will begin.” oooOOOooo Rose awoke back in her own body. “Celestia, so that’s how it feels to be a Pegasus. I’ve gotta say, I don’t envy Dante. When I’m in one of those orbs I’m defenseless, according to Scootaloo. So I guess I’ll watch one now when I know I’m safe. They said #3 was the trial so let’s see that.” With that she reached out with her magic and focused on orb #3. ooOOOoo She again awoke in a strange body. This one again lacked a horn. It also lacked wings. She also felt something strange down low. It wasn’t long before she realized she was in the body of an earth pony stallion. He (she?) began to speak, “Ms. Filework secretary of Stable-Tec headquarters in Fillydelphia. You stand accused of being a zebra sympathizer. How do you plead?” “Not guilty your honor,” the grey unicorn mare with a filing cabinet cutie mark replied, “I work for one of the biggest companies in Equestria. I love this country. I’d never betray it.” “I wish it wouldn’t come to this, Ms. Filework. Do you remember a call from the mares of M.W.T. and MI a few weeks ago?” “Yes why do you ask?” she said in the most innocent voice she could. “The call came from a Stable-Tec/M.o.M. hub in Trotdale and the M.o.M. records all calls coming from or going to their hubs.” “Wait? A joint hub between Stable-Tec and M.o.M.? Why?” “The mare of M.o.M. convinced the Stable-Tec president to let her build an experimental stable. In turn in her craziness, she decided to rebuild that hub into the Party Time Stable-Tec HQ. But that’s neither here nor there. The fact is that we have this call.” They brought in an audio tape and from it came a pony’s voice with a noticeable western drawl. “Listen here, missy, I demand to talk with my sister RIGHT NOW!!!” Then came a voice of pure sophistication that was a stark contrast to the first. “As do I.” Then came a third voice from the opposite end of the line, a voice that clearly belonged to Filework. “Come now. I’m sure that with your ministry’s connections you can find a simpler way of doing this. The M.W.T. and MI right? Speaking of which, how’s your joint work with M.A.S. going, Ms. AJ?” “What in the hey?!” came the first voice. “How’d you know about that?” “Know thy enemies-know thy self,” came the voice of Filework followed by the phone hanging up. “This proves that you’re in league with zebras. Admit it and tell us everything you know. We’ll go easy on you,” the stallion Rose was riding said in a stern voice. “Yes I admit it,” Filework said crying “I’m working with the zebras. I’ll tell you what I know. But only if you promise that this trial won’t be public that the zebras won’t know about any of this.” “Might I ask why?” “As I stated I love Equestria. I don’t want to work for the zebras, but they’re making me. They have my family.” “Very well. This won’t be known to the public and we’ll send Wonderbolts to save your family. Now please tell us what you know.” “All I know is that there’s an armory just outside of the Everfree Forest, to the east of Hoofregon near some railroad tracks. But I don’t know what’s in it.” “Thank you for the information. Fifty years at Foalsom Re-educational Facility!” he said banging his gavel. “What? I thought you said you’d be easy on me?!” “And we will be as soon as we confirm that everything you’ve said is true. We don’t know if there’s really an armory or if your family is truly in danger.” “YOU SOULLESS BASTARD!!! WHY WOULD I LIE ABOUT MY FAMILY’S LIVES?!?!?” “A sob story to try to make the court go easy on you. Do you really think that’s never happened before? Bailiff please remove the traitor from the courtroom.” The bailiff did as he was told. His horn glowed, and before she knew it, Filework had on a pair of hoofcuffs and was being escorted from the room. “Next case,” the judge said, “Equestria vs. Dr. Anesthetic.” oooOOOooo Rose again woke in her own body. “Well now we know where there are some new weapons. Zebra-made but still weapons. But now we need to know where that other orb is. I need to know what happened to Dr. Anesthetic before his life in the stable. Well, I guess I’ll just get some supplies and go to bed.” And that’s exactly what she did. She loaded up her saddle bags with some healing supplies (and a few more memory orbs) then headed to the quarters where she saw Dante sleeping. She went to the bed next to his and read the nameplate on his bed: ‘Dr. Anesthetic’ then hers: ‘Amnesia’. “Well,” she thought as she tucked herself in to the bed, “makes sense to me.” With that, she fell asleep. *************************************************************************************************************** The Defender woke up the next day and woke up Rose. “Come on let’s get out of this Celestia forsaken hellhole,” he said to her. “Alright,” she replied still rubbing her eyes. And with that they left. Though once outside, The Defender stopped Rose. “Alright to the north,” he said pointing north. “But my E.F.S. says to continue west. It says that’s where my daughter is,” Rose said firmly. “Yes but thanks to you we spent the night in a deadly hellhole. My turn to repay the favor.” “What do you mean?” “I mean we’re visiting the capitol. We’re going to Canterlot.” “We, we won’t be long will we?” “Not at all. I just want to find something.” With that, the two headed north towards one of the deadliest places in the wastes-The Canterlot ruins, and towards a goal only The Defender knew. Footnote: Level Up (Dante) New Perk: Pathfinder – Travel time to remote locations in the Equestrian Wasteland is reduced by 25%. Companion Perk level up: Trusting Friend (level two) – You’ve shared stories from your past. She knows of things you thought nopony other than you ever would. As long as Rose is your companion you gain additional dialog options in addition to the original benefits of Trusting Friend. Footnote: Level Up (Rose) New Perk: The Magic of Friendship – When your HP or the HP of any member of your party drops below 30%, all members of your party (including yourself) gain much greater resistance to damage. New Quest: The Good Doctors Past Objective: Learn about Dr. Anesthetic and in turn the pre-war world.
Chapter 4: Twinkle Pie the Partier, and the Green ScourgeTales of the Wastes Chapter 4: Twinkle Pie the Partier, and the Green Scourge “Come on everypony smile, smile, smile.” As we all know the stables were never meant to save anypony. But there was one that time forgot. In a mountain far north of Canterlot there is a stable whose construction was aided by a ministry mare. It wasn’t Twilight from M.A.S. it wasn’t Applejack from M.W.T. heck, even Rarity from MI would make more sense. It was Pinkie Pie from M.o.M. this stable wasn’t numbered and was known only as ‘The Party-Time Stable’. Through genetic manipulation everypony not only acts but looks like the mare who aided in the stable’s construction. Everypony has a pink coat, curly pink mane, and is an absolute party animal (the chems don’t heart that last part either). However genetic alterations have that unfortunate side effect of altering some ponies negatively. There are those in a perpetual state of cheer or sorrow. There are those with sickly fur. There are even those who have lost their manes. Though for those not born is the stable it’s even worse. But this tale isn’t about them. This tale is of one who held onto sanity, beat the manipulations with minimal effect and one who escaped. This is Twinkle Pie’s and her friend’s tale. We’ll meet him soon enough. *************************************************************************************************************** It was a normal day in the Party-Time Stable. There was a huge party going on around every corner. Twinkle Pie was in her room trying to read. She thought to herself, “I wish the stable’s library had more than books on partying, books on chems, and books on partying on chems.” Just then, her best friend Surprise came into the room. Surprise wasn’t a normal citizen of the Party-Time Stable. First off, she was a pegasus. Secondly, the pinkification process had a strange effect: on her instead of being pink she had a blond mane and a pure white coat. “Come on Twinkle,” she said to her friend in the overly cheery tone that many in the stable used, “There’s a party in the atrium it seems like fun.” “Surprise,” Twinkle began, “there’s always a party going on everywhere in this stable. It’s called the Party Time Stable for a reason. “Yes and you know that means you need to attend a party. You remember what happened to your dad.” “Right, just head to the atrium. I’ll be there in a few minutes.” “Alright, see you there.” With that Surprise, dashed out of the room. Once her friend was gone, Twinkle walked over to a poster of a pure pink earth pony with a curly mane and the words ‘Pinkie Pie is watching you FOREVER’ on it. She took it down behind it there was a pin sized hole. She looked through it and longed for the world free from the stable’s walls. “Someday, Twinkle, someday.” *************************************************************************************************************** The music from the party was so loud it could even be heard outside of the stable at times. Usually the noise was not loud enough to be a problem, but today there was something outside the stable with some anger problems and very sensitive hearing. “GAHH,” the hulking behemoth yelled covering his ears, “MAKE STOP!” Eventually he found the gear shaped door with three balloons on it which had the source of the sound behind it, he began clawing at the door. *************************************************************************************************************** Twinkle finally left her room and was making her way to the atrium. On her way she met two of her friends, Key Lime and Key Lime’s brother Boston Cream. “Hey there, Twinkie,” said the mare with wisps of lime green in her pink coat and mane. “Please,” Twinkle replied, “don’t call me that.” “Why not?” asked the colt with wisps of brown in his pink coat and mane. “That’s what you told us to call you a few weeks ago at your cute-ceañera.” “That wasn’t me. That was a monster.” “I wouldn’t say that.” Key Lime began talking again. “You partied harder than ever, harder than most of the stables resident’s.” “And do you remember what happened?” “So what,” Boston Cream said, “a few couldn’t handle that epicness. It happens.” Just then, Surprise entered and began to talk, “Look, she doesn’t want to remember, so DROP IT!” “Thank you.” Twinkle said, “At least I have one friend who respects my views.” They were approached by a stallion with a cutie mark of a Dash inhaler inflating a balloon. “Hey how are some of my favorite customers?” “Fine Dashie Pie,” the group (other than Twinkle) said. Dashie Pie was the stable’s dealer. Chems were legal but there was a limited supply, so the Overmare had to appoint someone to keep it in check. “What’ll it be today?” Dash Pie asked. “Mintals,” Key Lime said, “but not the Party Time ones, I just want minty flavors today, not fruit.” “I’ll take Buck,” Boston Cream said. “And I’ll take the pegasus classic Dash. That’ll make this a great party,” Surprise said. “Alright,” Dashie Pie replied, “what about you, Miss Twinkie?” “None, please.” Twinkle replied, “And it’s TwinkLE not TwinkIE.” “Alright, here you all go,” Dashie said handing them their chems. Just then a Mare that looked almost exactly like Pinkie, with the exception of the cutie mark (a balloon tied to a radio tower) and a metal plate on her throat, stepped up to a microphone. “Ahem,” she began to speak in a slightly mechanical though distinctly Pinkie-like voice, “Attention, everypony, this is your Overmare DJ P squared speaking. Reminding you to party the day away.” There was a roaring cheer through the crowd. “Now then to a serious note. We need more participants for this party, so we’re sending out a scouting party to find them. Barring any emergency like a wasteland creature breaking through the stable doors. But my Over-Sense would have warned me about something like that so the party will consist of:” Twinkle sat there just thinking, “Please be me, please be me, oh dear Celestia PLEASE LET IT BE ME.” “Key Lime, Boston Cream, Surprise, and…” Twinkle’s eyes were larger than dinner plates. But then, BAM! There was a breach at the door, and a large, bipedal, black-furred, creature with green eyes burst into the stable. “Huh,” P squared said, “How wasn’t I warned of that? Guess I’ll tell Dashie to double my Party Time Mintals allowance.” “TURN DOWN NOISE!!!” the monster yelled, clawing his way through some stable citizens. “NEVER,” DJ P Squared yelled, “NOTHING CAN STOP PARTY-TIME PARTY, SECURITY!!!” With that, ponies in security barding carrying miniature pink cannons burst into the atrium. They fired the pink cannons, and streamers burst out entangling the monster. “LET GO!” The monster yelled. “No.” DJ P Squared said, “And don’t even try to get out of those. They may not seem like it, but those are strong enough to hold a Manticore. Take him to heavy level security. We’ll use him to show the wastes AND the stable what happens when you try to stop the party.” “Yes, mam,” the security ponies said, proceeding to pull the monster towards the heavy, level security. “Everypony else, unfortunately, due to this, we’ll need to cancel the scouting party. So just go back to the partying.” Twinkle could do nothing but look on with anger and plot an escape plan. *************************************************************************************************************** Later that night Twinkle entered the heavy level security and saw the monster behind a magical energy field. She approached it without apprehension. “Who you?” it asked. “My name’s Twinkle Pie,” she responded in her bubbliest voice. “What are you?” “Me, Hellhound.” it said, “Why you talk to me not run away?” “Hey, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from living here it’s don’t judge a book by its cover. Namely because even when it seems like a cookbook it’ll end up being about chems. Or on occasion explosives.” “I hurt ponies.” “True. But they hardly ever did anything, although those creatures on the other side may think differently.” “What you talk about?” “Wait, you can’t see them? Funny, everyone in the stable can.” “Why you here?” “I’m gunna bust you out, and you’ll help me do the same.” “But why you help me? You gunna kill me.” “No, that’s just the Overmare who wants to do that. I just want to be free.” As she said this, she pointed to her flank and her cutie mark of a balloon amongst the stars, “I’m meant to be free amongst the outside, not cooped up in this colorful prison.” With that, she attached her Pip-Buck into a terminal. “Luckily, my dad taught me how to do this before he changed.” “What happened?” the Hellhound asked. “I’ll tell you when we’re free,” she said, concerned. Just then a much taller pink pony with a cannon adorning her flank, walked in and looked right at Twinkle. “Twinkle, what are you doing?” she asked with concern in her voice. “I’m following my destiny, mom,” she replied. “I know. I always knew this day would come. That’s why I told you to save these,” she said pulling out a baggie full of bottle caps, “Not just because you like shiny, I also got you this,” she said pulling out a grey book. “Wasteland Survival Guide by Ditzy Doo?” “It was taken off of one of the ponies we took in. I was supposed to burn it but I knew, someday, somepony would need it.” “Thanks mom.” “One last thing. You can’t leave home without Your Party Cannon,” she said pulling out one of the pink cannons. “And I’ve prepared you plenty of Party Cartages. Careful though, who knows when you’ll find more out there.” “Thank you.” “Also, here are some Audio-Tapes of songs and such. They may be useful out there.” With these last items handed to her Twinkle finished hacking into the security and unlocked her new friend. “Goodbye.” she said to her mom as she hopped onto the Hellhound’s back and prepared to exit the stable. *************************************************************************************************************** She made it to the gear-shaped door, but as she tried to leave security entered. The Hellhound simply lifted its paw and Twinkle just asked, “You really want to try it?” With that, the security stepped down and Twinkle left out towards the Wastes. “Onward friend.” she said to her Hellhound companion as they left the mountain behind. *************************************************************************************************************** A few hours later the two stopped to set up camp. “So,” Twinkle asked, “What’s your name?” “I called Green Scourge. Why, I don’t know.” “That’s kinda long. I’ll just call you Sarge. Well, night,” she said lying down ready to sleep as Sarge buried himself into the ground to do the same. *************************************************************************************************************** A few hours later Twinkle was woken by rustling. She turned to see two ponies (one earth pony stallion, the other, a unicorn mare) both in slave collers searching her saddlebags. “This oughta be worth something,” the earth pony said pulling out the Party Cannon. “Question is, how’s it fire?” “Lookie here,” the unicorn said pulling out Twinkle’s sack of caps, “Jackpot!” “Hey,” Twinkle said, “What are you two doing with my stuff?” “Get her,” the earth pony said. With that the unicorn dropped the caps and focused all her magic on Twinkle. “Lookie here, we got us a stable pony,” the stallion said. “She’ll make a fine slave,” the mare replied. “Let’s get her to our boss.” With that they began dragging her to places unknown. *************************************************************************************************************** A few hours into the trip Twinkle began yelling, “LET ME GO!!” while kicking and screaming. “Sheesh,” the stallion said, “this’ll calm her down.” He said this pulling out a syringe of Med-X “No, no, no. Please, no. Don’t give me chems,” Twinkle was pleading. “You shoulda thought of that before you began giving us trouble,” the unicorn replied. “I’m telling you this to help you,” Twinkle said with tears in her eyes. But it was too late. The stallion had already put the needle in, and was pushing the plunger. Then without warning, Twinkle’s eyes grew - one big, one small - and she began talking incredibly fast. “Hey there, everypony name’s Twinkie Pie. Who’s ready to party!?!?!” “What the?” the mare asked. “I’ll just take my Party Cannon,” Twinkie Pie said. And just like that she rushed up to the stallion and took back her saddlebags. “What just happened?” he asked. “Who cares?” Twinkie Pie explained, “IT’S TIME TO PARTY!” With that she put the cannon to his chest and it exploded with confetti. “Screw this,” the mare said, “I’m outa here.” But by the time she left Twinkle was already there. “What the… how?” “Don’t ask, just party.” *************************************************************************************************************** Back at the camp Sarge awoke to see that Twinkle was missing. “Where she go?” he asked, “TWINKLE!” he yelled. “If something happen to her I DESTORY.” With that he began sniffing trying to find her trail. *************************************************************************************************************** Sarge walked until he finally was reunited with his friend though she wasn’t herself. Her normally curly mane was flat and lifeless. She was notably grayish and crying with the corpses of the stallion and mare around her. “TWINKLE!” he yelled. “Stay away!” she said between tears, “I’m a monster.” “What happen?” “They gave me chems. It was my cute-ceañera all over again.” “What mean.” “Well it was a few weeks ago…” *************************************************************************************************************** I had just broken through my wall and saw a break in the cloud cover. I saw the beautiful stars and knew that my destiny was to be amongst the free. That’s when I got my cutie mark. Getting my mark meant it was time for my cute-ceañera. Parties weren’t uncommon in my stable. Heck, we were called The Party-Time Stable for a reason. But your cute-ceañera is special Dashie. Pie would give you your first taste of chems. “I’ll take Party-Time Mintals, please,” I had told him. “Absolutely miss mark,” he replied. He handed me the Mintals and I took them. I tasted their fruityness and felt myself change. Then before I knew it I wasn’t me, I was partying too hard. I’d lost control of my body, but I still had my mind. I saw everything that was happening and I didn’t like it. “Hey, hey, everypony this party’s good but Twinkie Pie is here to kick it up to twelve,” I heard myself say. “Twinkle,” Surprise said, “what’s wrong with you?” “First off, please call me Twinkie. Secondly, the only thing wrong here is that this party’s not hard enough. Let’s kick it up.” I grabbed the decorator’s Party Cannon and went crazy. I hit at least four others directly with it, and they went to bits. Three others had too many chems that I shoved down their throats. *************************************************************************************************************** “I can’t do chems. I become a monster. I KILL AND HAVE NO EXCUSE!!!!!” “It not you. You not killer.” “YES I AM!” “No you not. It chems. I keep them from you. You no kill.” “Thank you,” Twinkle said whipping the tears away and hopping on Sarges back. “Mind If I listen to the radio?” “Just keep quiet.” “Thanks.” With that she tuned her Pip-Buck’s radio to the stables emergency broadcast frequency (on which P Squared used to do a radio show). “Hey there everypony,” P Squared’s voice sounded, “this is your local party pony, DJ P Squared, sayin, keep an eye out for a stable escapee. Her name’s Twinkle Pie, and was last seen with a Hellhound. In other news, a pegasus known as The Defender is far south of here in the dead city of Canterlot. And remember everypony if the dull grey brown wastes get ya down, come on over and become a Party-Time citizen. Party long, party hard. Now here’s the stable’s Co-Founder the Mare of the Ministry of Moral Pinkie Pie, with one of her songs.” First you jiggle your tail! Oink oink oink! Then you wriggle your snout! Oink oink oink! Then you wiggle your rump! Oink oink oink! Then shout it out! Oink oink oink! “Oh no,” Twinkle said. “It annoying, but it done soon.” Sarge replied. “Not the song. We’re wanted fugitives of the stable. If we’re found, they’ll do to me what they did to my father.” “What happen to him?” “I’ll tell you later. For now, we need to run.” Footnote: Level up (Twinkie Pie) New Perk: Explorer: Higher chance of finding special places and ponies in random encounters. Companion Perk: Feared Friend: You’ll be friends with anyone and your newest one is a terrifying thing in the wastes. As long as Green Scourge is your companion, you have a lower chance of hostile encounters, cause nopony wants to fight a Hellhound. Quest Perk: Killer Party: Due to the genetic alterations don’t to you in your stable you have another personality. Twinkie Pie will show up whenever you do chems and throw a party where all the attendees will leave in stitches. If at all. Footnote: Level up (Green Scourge) New Perk: Faster Healing: +1 bonus to your healing rate. Companion Perk: Life of the Party: As long as Twinkle Pie is your companion, no matter how huge the party is, you won’t be harmed. Twinkle Pie’s S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Strength: 4 Perception: 7 Endurance: 4 Intelligence: 6 Charisma: 7 Agility: 5 Luck: 7 Green Scourges S.P.E.C.I.A.L Strength: 10 Perception: 7 Endurance: 7 Intelligence: 6 Charisma: 1 Agility: 6 Luck: 3 *************************************************************************************************************** A/N: I would like to thank Super-Zombie/MyLittleBurger for letting me write the story of his OC’s Twinkle Pie and Green Scourge. They are going to be fun.
Chapter 1: The Wastes DefenderTales of the Wastes Chapter 1: The Wastes Defender "If we must die, we die defending our rights.” There are many stories that the wastes of Equestria have some we all know like LittlePip a.k.a. The Stable Dweller, Puppy Smiles a.k.a. The Yellow Ghost, BlackJack a.k.a. Security, and Silver Storm a.k.a. Hired Gun. Maybe you even know of Buckshot a.k.a. the Scourge of Aliens. I’m known as The Storyteller and I’m stuck in an old print factory, so I decided to kill some time by writing some of the not so well known stories I’ve picked up on my travels. In hopes that someday, ponies will know of these stories because they were recounted in these pages. This is but the first tale that I shall share. He sought not glory or even the caps that came with it. He fought only for the defense of the defenseless. Raiders or Slavers, mess with those who are defenseless he’ll find you. There’s one thing the scarlet red pegasus stallion with cutie mark of his twin revolvers (Peace and Justice) crossed and hooves stained brown with the mud of the wastes couldn’t outrun. His own past. He came into a small settlement and headed straight to the bar. “What’ll you have?” the orange earth pony with a shot glass cutiemark behind the bar asked while lazily wiping out a glass. “I’ll take the strongest apple cider you got, and mix it with some Wild Pegasus,” replied The Defender. He took out his twenty caps and placed them on the table. He then reached into his battle saddle to see what he had left “Damn,” he thought, “only about thirty caps left.” “Hey,” he yelled to the bartender, “you got any bounties round here?” “Well there’s a bounty board over there on the wall,” said the bartender, pointing a hoof to the far end of the bar. The Defender gave the board a close look. “You got anything else?” he asked. “None of these scum are appealing for Peace or Justice to take out,” he said, pointing to the right then the left revolver in his battle saddle. “Well,” said the Bartender “there’s one more, but I took him off cause nopony was crazy enough to want to take him on.” “May I see the poster?” “Alright” The bartender reached under the bar and took out a rolled up scroll and handed it to the Scarlet Pegasus who unrolled it and saw the Raider on it. The pegasus had but one thing to say. “I’ll take him.” Everypony gasped “Are you sure?” the bartender asked, “he’s killed more than his fair share of us and, no offense, they were a heck of a lot stronger then you.” “But I have the power of Justice on my side,” the Pegasus said, pointing to the revolver in the left of his battle saddle “And I’m doing this to strive for peace,” he said pointing to the other revolver. He then started to leave. “Well,” the bartender said, “Nopony will try to stop you but I doubt anypony will help you either, so good luck.” “Luck,” the Defender said, looking back as he walked out “Is a loser’s excuse” As he was leaving a light pink unicorn with a bright red main and a green headband and cutie mark of a rose with many thorns started to follow him. *************************************************************************************************************** The Defender was heading east towards the raiders base when the unicorn from the bar stopped him. “Excuse me,” said the Mare. “Yes,” the scarlet pegasus replied, “can I help you?” “Well,” the Mare replied in a meek voice “you’re going after the raider who’s been attacking our town, and I was wondering if you’d mind me tagging along.” “Why, I’ve taken down bigger bounties then this guy single hoofed” “Yes, but,” She said sadly looking up with tears in her eyes. “He took my little filly and I want to help save her.” “Well, sorry, Red, but I’ll handle this myself.” “Maybe I didn’t make myself clear,” she said telepathically, removing a magical energy weapon and pointing it at the pegasus, “I’m coming with you.” “Fine,” he said. “I see you can defend yourself and you’re crazy enough to point a weapon at me, so let’s go, Red, but don’t expect me to use medical supplies on some mare I barely know when I don’t even have enough for myself.” “I have a name, you know.” “Well then, what is it, Red? I can’t call you it without knowing it.” “It’s Rose, and as for the supplies, I’ve got plenty for myself.” “Well then, Rose, let’s get a move on, I’d like to get this bounty done and have the caps in my battle saddle by sundown.” “O.K.” *************************************************************************************************************** It was another good hour until the two reached the raider’s base. Which was little more than an old ranch house and a barn. "O.K.," said The Defender, "the barn is probably where the raiders are keeping the prisoners" “Wait,” replied Rose “what do you mean probably you have a battle saddle. Doesn’t it have a HUD?” “Well,” he replied, “thanks for the concern, but this things barely a battle saddle. It holds guns, has pockets and that’s pretty much it its old as can be” “Where’d you get it anyway?” asked Rose “Maybe I’ll tell you another time, but for now, let’s get back on subject. The prisoners are probably in the barn” he replied. "So?" asked Rose. "So I have a plan we'll let loose all their prisoners. That'll cause a distraction and make most raiders leave the house. Probably the only ones left will be the boss and a few high ranks a.k.a. easy pickings." "Alright" With that they made their way into the barn. The sight inside was gruesome; there were ponies in cages all over the place, some stuck with their dead cell mates; others starving or dehydrated. There were cells with young fillies and colts, but there was one cage with a sight that made Rose cringe. "No," she said. "What?" "That's my daughter," she said pointing to the lifeless corpse of a unicorn filly not even old enough to have a cutie mark yet. "Why Celestia, Why her, Why my daughter" she asked bawling her eyes out. "Well," said The Defender, "most slavers and raiders will kill one or two young ones to show the other young ones they mean business and it was just bad luck that it was your daughter. But that doesn't change the plan. How are you at picking locks?" "Not the best I’m better at hacking and look there’s a terminal," she said, pointing to an old computer. “Sometimes the locks are electronic and can be…” "Look, we don’t have time for something that may not work. I got some bobby pins and a screwdriver. Let’s see how you are at these locks,” he said, tossing her a screwdriver and box of bobby pins from out of his battle saddle. With a slight sigh she took the pins and screwdriver with her magic and replied “alright.” Rose set to work and to everypony she freed, The Defender gave the same orders. "Wait till my cue then make a bee-line for the door. Understood?" They all just nodded. Then the last cage was unlocked. "NOW!!!!!” All the former prisoners, young and old alike, ran out of the door. *************************************************************************************************************** Meanwhile, in the ranch house, the raiders were playing some poker when the commotion began. One pony in metal armor looked up from his hoof. "Ya guys hear that?" he asked. "Only thing I hear is you losing," replied another. "Shut it," said a large pony at the front of the table "I heard something too. Let's put my winning on hold while you all see what this commotion's about." With that, everypony other than himself, the stallion on his right, and mare on his left, went to see what the commotion outside was. *************************************************************************************************************** "Man," said the raider in metal armor as he and the rest of the gang entered the barn, "I don't like the looks of this." "And you shouldn't," said the defender as he down floated behind him. Then he used Justice to put a bullet right between the eyes. "What the," replied a Mare in leather armor, as Rose disintegrated her with a single blast. What followed was an all out gunfight bullets and magic blasts flying everywhere. There were ponies with their weapons in their mouths and some with them in hooves. There was even a battle saddle or two. There were guns and lasers even a fire ax. But, in the end The Defender and Rose beat the odds. “I thought this would be hard,” said The Defender “right, Rose?” Though when he looked over he saw that she wasn’t in such a great condition. “ROSE!” he yelled. “H-Hey Defender,” she said in a weak voice. “Yah,” he replied. “R-Remember how I said I had medical supplies for myself?” “Yah.” “I might have lied a little.” “Don’t worry,” he said reaching into his battle saddle. “I’ll save you.” He pulled out some magic bandages and a couple of healing potions. “Whatever happened, ‘to you’re on your own’?” asked Rose confusedly. “What, I can’t change my mind?” asked The Defender with a slight smile and a little laugh. “I guess you can,” Rose replied weakly. “There we go,” he said putting the last bandage on her wounds. “Stay here and take these in case you feel weak,” he said putting down a few potions. “Thank you,” Rose said in a slightly stronger voice. “I will,” With that, The Defender walked out of the barn towards the old ranch house. *************************************************************************************************************** He stopped briefly outside of the house to check on supplies. He had plenty of ammo for Peace and Justice and, they were in excellent condition (thanks to a few revolvers he took off of the raiders). But he was low on potions and bandages, thanks to helping Rose. “Well, now or never,” he said slowly opening the door. “Hey,” said the large pony in metal armor at the end of the table. “So, did you take care of the problem at the barn?” he asked not looking up from the table. “Actually,” The Defender replied, “the problem’s right here.” “Well, well, well,” the big pony replied, finally looking up from the table. “This proves one thing I’ve always believed: good help isn’t around anymore. But you seem able to handle yourself. The name’s Axle Rex. I’m the leader of these raiders, and I’ll cut you a deal. You join me and you can live we got a deal”? “I’d sooner roll in killing joke and be infected with taint than JOIN A LAWLESS BUNCH OF BASTARDS LIKE YOU!!!!!” yelled The Defender with noticeable anger in his voice. “Come on, you can be my right hoof man” “Hey,” replied the Stallion next to Rex. “I thought I was your number two.” “Just be happy I let you live, Gun Grease,” Rex replied calmly. “I still wonder why you do keep him around, Honey” said the mare next to him. “Because, babe, he makes a great fall pony for when it hits the fan.” “Hey, you forget?” asked The Defender quizzically “I’m still here!” “Right, Grease, Babs, take care of him.” “RIGHT!” they both said. Then Babs charged at The Defender with spiked horseshoes while Gun Grease gave support fire from an assault rifle. When this began, The Defender leapt into the air and began flying in the limited space he had. Limited though it was, it was enough to evade the shots from Gun Grease, and get out of Babs’s way. Then from his higher vantage point he unleashed a volley of bullets from the right of his battle saddle. Gun Grease and Babs fell like two sacks of bricks with shots right between the eyes of both. “Well, well, well,” Axle replied, “looks like you’re better than I originally believed. My offer still stands. You can join me, and be my second in command. I’ll even throw in 5,000 caps. What do you say now?” “My original statement stands,” The Defender replied. “I’LL NEVER JOIN A RAIDER GROUP, EVEN IF THAT MEANS THE DEATH OF ME!!!!!!!!!!” “Well then,” Axle said “I accept that challenge,” He pulled off his armor sides, revealing a pair of wings. He then took out a knife from his left side and a small ax from his right “Let’s do this” Axle flew up to The Defender’s height and began slashing at him with both of his weapons. “Why do you reject this?” Axle asked, still trying to strike down The Defender. “The old world is gone all that is left is the lawless wastelands and those are nothing more than a blank canvas ready to be painted with the blood of the weak. The strong shall rise, and the weak will be lucky to be our slaves.” “You’re close” The Defender replied, “but the blank canvas isn’t to be painted with the blood of the innocent. It’s with the blood of lowlifes such as yourself. Equestria was a beautiful place at one place in time and, it will be once more, but there’s no room for a rotten limb such as you on the beautiful tree that Equestria will be.” Then The Defender shot with both of his battle saddle’s revolvers at the same time missing with both. “Too bad you believe that, because it’ll kill you one day,” Axle said with a wicked grin. “And that day’s today.” As soon as he said this, he had a burst of speed and raced towards The Defender and slashed his wing with the ax sending him plummeting to the ground. With that, Axle headed down to The Defender. His knife rose, “You see what being a hero gets you. You could have lived and been rich, but your morals have gotten you killed.” The Defender lay helpless as Axle came down ready to finish the fight, when all of a sudden, a bolt of magical energy came flying through the doorway hitting Axle’s knife turning it into a pile of pink ash. “WHAT THE!?” he yelled. When he turned his head, he saw Rose with her weapon pointed at Axle. “Lay off my friend or else the next bolt is going straight to your head, and you saw what it did to your knife,” she said. “Fine. You win this round, but you ain’t seen the last of Rex,” he said flying out the door and off towards the north. “R-Rose?” The Defender said weakly. “Yes. Just sleep for now. When you’re done, I’ve got some things to show you.” *************************************************************************************************************** A few hours later The Defender awoke and saw Rose standing over him. “Where am I? Where’s Rex? Please tell me he’s dead after what he’s done.” He said “Relax, I carried you upstairs. You’ve been sleeping in his bed. As for him he’s gone. How’s your wing?” she asked worriedly. “Fine. Just wish I had a few…” he was interrupted by Rose handing him some magic bandages “Wh-where did you get these?” “Come on, I’ll show you.” she said as she dressed The Defenders wounds. *************************************************************************************************************** She led him back to the barn and pointed to the terminal she’d pointed out earlier, “There were a few interesting things on here,” she said “Like?” asked The Defender. “Like, first off, I was right,” she said tapping a hoof on the screen. “The locks were electronic, so it was a waste of our time picking the locks on the cages.” The Defender facehoofed. “Secondly it opened that safe over there,” she said pointing towards an old wall safe. “And, inside, there were enough medical supplies to replace what you used on me as well as.” she said taking out a small box, “these.” The box had pre-war armor piercing rounds for revolvers “You could probably use them,” she said handing them to The Defender. “Lastly, there were records of trades, and this one in particular caught my interest,” she said opening a trade ledger. Entry Eighteen: Sold: A young Unicorn Filly to a group of Slavers. I don’t know why they wanted her she didn’t even have a cutie mark yet. All I know is that I got a cool 500 caps and their heading west easiest caps ever. We weren’t gunna use her for anything anyway. “What’s that mean?” The Defender asked quizzically. “It means my daughter might still be alive.” “That’s good but Axle is also still alive. You should have finished him when we had the chance. I guess there’s nothing we can do now, so let’s just head back to town and collect our rewards” “Kay” Rose said nodding in agreement. *************************************************************************************************************** They headed back to the bar. Once inside, the bartender looked surprised to see them and said, “Well, after the first few hours I thought you two were done for, but I guess you’re back. That in itself deserves a reward.” “Well,” replied The Defender, “we also took care of your little raider problem, so can we get a reward that too?” “Right, well, here you go,” he said dropping a bag with 500 caps onto the table. “Thank you,” said The Defender picking up the sack. “Hey, Rose, here’s your half,” he said dumping 250 caps out. “Thanks,” she said. “Hey barkeep, give me another half n’ half of apple cider and Wild Pegasus.” “Alright but one condition,” “What?” “This one’s on the house, and I’m paying for your and Rose’s stay at the inn tonight,” *************************************************************************************************************** The Defender woke up the next day and saw 250 caps on the pillow next to him along with a note which said: Dear Defender, I won’t need these caps, so please take them. Signed, Rose “Well, guess I’m back on the road alone,” he thought as he was walking out of town, only to be interrupted by Rose. “I don’t need the caps cause I’m coming with you,” “What?” “I have no more purpose to stay here without my daughter, so I’ve got to find her, and you’re going west” “Fine. Come on Red.” “Alright, Defender.” “I have a name, you know.” “Well, then, what is it, Defender? I can’t call you it without knowing it.” “It’s Dante, Dante Gunner.” “Alright, Dante, just one more question.” “What?” “Where’d you get the battle saddle?” He looked back at her with a sly smile and responded by saying, “Well, there’s a story for another day.” Footnote: Level Up (Dante) New Perk: Counter Canter – Your fancy hoofwork (or agile flying if you are a pegasus pony) keeps you out of harm’s way. Opponents suffer a -5 to combat skills when attacking you. Companion Perk: Trusting Friend (level one) – You’ve wandered the wastes so long you thought you would forever be friendless, but you’ve proved yourself wrong as long as Rose is your companion you get a +2 to your CH. Footnote: Level Up (Rose) New Perk: Silent Gallop – You have mastered silent movement, allowing you to move quickly and still remain quiet. You can Sneak at full speed with no penalties. Companion Perk: Forever Defended – As long as Dante is your companion you get a +5 to Damage Threshold. Quest Perk: Reason to roam – Your daughter is out in the wastes somewhere being used by slavers. Until she’s safe by your side you get a +1 to ST, PE, EN, and AG Dante’s S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Strength: 6 Perception: 5 Endurance: 7 Charisma: 3 Intelligence: 6 Agility: 6 Luck: 7 Rose’s S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Strength: 3 Perception: 7 Endurance: 9 Charisma: 5 Intelligence: 9 Agility: 4 Luck: 3
Chapter 2: Origins of the Hoofregon 5Tales of the Wastes Chapter 2: Origins of the Hoofregon 5 "I forgot how fucked up everything was out here." O.K. so a ghoul, a zebra, a buffalo, a teen-age dragon, a griffin, and their pet parador walk into a bar. It may seem like a set up to a bad joke but in the city of Hoofregon it’s a way of life. Every Tuesday this random team of adventurist mercenaries meets up at Hoofregon’s main watering hole. First off is the ghoul Dr. Rottinghan. He always wears a lab coat and glasses. He is also smarter then he appears which is pretty dang smart. He even used to work for a post-war lab (due to similar work in a pre-war one), and is basically their leader. The red scaled dragon is known as Dracu and believes himself to be the leader (although they all know the leader is Dr. Rottinghan). Then there’s the buffalo, one look and you’ll notice something odd about him. One of his horns is artificial. He lost his real horn years before they all met in a completely different mission, hence, his nickname that he goes by IronHorn. Next is the griffin Gordon. He’s big, he’s strong, and he’s boastful. He thinks he can do everything himself. He grew up with two other griffins you’ll learn about later. There’s also Zevron. She’s the zebra. She carries a special zebra shotgun which is enhanced so that it can fire armor piercing rounds or hollow point so she’s prepared for any situation. She just needs to pick a trigger and pull it (right for hollow point left for armor piercing). She has a glyph tattoo that looks like the gems that power her shotgun’s abilities. Lastly, there’s Fluff’n’Stuff the parador. He’s kinda like a mascot. They classify him as a pet so they can say there’s five of them. But he’s a capable fighter. He was Dr. Rottinghan’s final experiment before leaving the lab. You’re probably thinking the same thing I was when I first heard about this group HOW IN CELESTIA’S SWEET NAME ARE THEY STILL ALIVE!!!!! Well you know what they say, Luck favors the stupid (hence, the term dumb luck). But enough. Let’s get to the tale of how they began. *************************************************************************************************************** It was some time ago ago in that bar when a large griffin with blue streaked feathers and bulky blue armor walked in and asked a simple question. “Where’s my contact? I was hired, and told to meet him here,” he said with a frustrated tone. “I swear to the Great Egg this had better not be a joke… again,” he thought. “I hear that,” said a red dragon sitting at a table, “name’s Dracu and I have the same problem.” “Same with me,” said a buffalo with an artificial horn. “Me as well,” replied a zebra with a shotgun that had a gem in each barrel slung across her back. “Don’t tell me I’m workin with a zebra,” said the griffin. “Well,” said the zebra “Don’t tell me I’m working with a dragon.” “Yeh, I don’t care too much for buffalos,” said Dracu. “As do I feel against griffins,” replied the buffalo. Then a raspy voice from the other side of the bar said “Well too bad for all of you cause I’m the one who hired all of you to work together.” From out of the shadows stepped a ghoul in a lab coat and thick glasses, “The names Dr. Rottinghan and, last I checked, you’re all mercs. So learn to get along or no one’s getting paid.” “You gotta be kidding me,” all the mercenaries said, “I was hired by a ghoul.” “HEY!” Rottinghan spat back, “I may be a ghoul but my mind’s sharp as ever and my caps are good as the next guy’s. So liven up and introduce yourselves to each other.” “Fine,” replied the griffin, “names Gordon.” “I’m Zevron,” said the Zebra. “I am known as IronHorn,” said the buffalo. “And as was already stated, I’m Dracu,” said the dragon. “Right. I’m sure you four are wondering why you’re here,” Rottinghan said. “I can’t speak for any of the others you hired, but I know I am,” Zevron replied. “Simply put, I needed multiple mercenaries, and you four were the only ones that together fit in my price range,” Rottinghan said gladly. “We’re breaking into the lab I used to work in to take back an experiment.” “YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME,” Dracu yelled “WE’RE BREAKING INTO AN EGGHEAD’S PLAYGROUND!?!?!” “HEY,” yelled Rottinghan back, “I WORKED AT THAT LAB FOR APROXIMATELY ONE HUNDRED YEARS. NOW WE’RE GETTING BACK MY LIFES WORK EVEN IF IT KILLS US ALL!!!!!” “Wait,” replied IronHorn, “what?” “Nothing,” Rottinghan replied darting his eyes back and forth. “Look, are you in or out? I got the caps, but you gotta do the job.” Gordon was the first to reply with a somber “Yes.” Next was Zevron replying with “Alright,” but in her mind thinking, “I’m going to take these suckers for every cap they got.” After that was Dracu and he said, “Fine, but I’m charging double.” IronHorn was last to agree and he simply said “I’ll help.” “Alright then,” Rottinghan replied, “Here’s the plan: we’re entering on hoof or foot in Dracu and Gordon’s cases, then splitting into teams of two. The lab is set up in a way that the three sections of research are down three halls ending at the entrance to the boss’s room. Gordon and Zevron will take the west wing devoted to technology. IronHoof and Dracu will take the east wing devoted to flora.” “Two things,” Dracu interrupted, “what’s flora and where are you?” “Flora are plants, and I’ll be tackling the center hall devoted to beasts on my own,” Rottinghan answered. “Now that you all know the plan let’s do this.” *************************************************************************************************************** They began their trek towards the lab with Rottinghan insisting Gordon turn his radio to DJ EyP. “Come on,” Rottinghan whined, “I love that guy.” “First off,” Gordon replied, “stop complaining.” “HEY!!!!! I AIN’T COMPLAINING! I’M WHINING! YOU WANNA HEAR COMPLAINING!?!?!” “Not particularly, but back on subject. Second off, this radio is for emergencies only, so that means receiving or sending emergency broadcasts. THAT IS IT!!!!!” “Ya know,” Zevron chimed in, “I hear his great, great, et cetera grandfather was a war hero.” “Wow,” IronHorn replied, “What about his great, great, et cetera grandmother?” “She was a teacher.” “That’s it?” asked Dracu. “Well if you ask me, being the teacher of the three founders of Stable-Tec is a big deal.” ”Wait,” Rottinghan stopped her, “are you implying EyP’s the great, great, et cetera grandson of Big Macintosh and Cheerilee?” “Yes, why?” “I thought Big Mac had a child with Maripony?” “This was before that. It was before the war. When the war began and he joined the Equestrian Army, Cheerilee left him. At least that’s what they say. They also say Applejack, the Mare of the Ministry of Wartime Technology, gave her a special gift shortly before the spells began, to remind her that she still thought of her as family.” “Back on subject,” Rottinghan said turning back to Gordon, “come on I wanna hear DJ EyP,” he continued. “FINE!!!” Gordon yelled, “What station is it?” “133.7,” Rottinghan said gladly as Gordon reluctantly tuned the radio. A voice then came out of the formerly silent radio; “Hey there, everypony in the wastes, this is your ol’ earth pony pal DJ EyP preachin the earth pony way from Hoofregon, to our coast, and everywhere in between including Railton. Though, in a much different way than another certain pony from the same stable as my parents. Hey everypony hear the news? An old friend of the Hoofregon Republican Army, a scarlet pegasus who through legend is known as The Defender is headed west. That’s gunna put him through Ponyville and the Everfree forest. But I’m sure he and the unicorn he’s with can make it through. Especially if the rumors about her are true. I’d be more worried about the path towards there. There have been rumors of a group of pegasi bandits who use their weather manipulation to distract their victims. But if I know The Defender, he’ll be alright. Let’s leave this discussion with a song from the Mare of the Ministry of Moral Pinkie Pie with ‘You Got to Share, You Got to Care’. We may be divided But of you all, I beg… As soon as this song began, IronHorn asked, “Could we PLEASE TURN THAT RACKET OFF?!?!” “Sheesh,” Dracu said as Gordon turned off the radio, “what’s your problem with Pinkie?” “Nothing,” IronHorn replied, “I just don’t like that song.” *************************************************************************************************************** The five unlikely allies eventually got to the lab Rottinghan used to work at. Luckily, someopony never changed the card readers and his old ID card worked to get them in. “You all remember the plan right?” Asked Rottinghan. “I think so,” replied Zevron. “Probably,” replied Gordon. “Yes,” replied Dracu. “Of course,” replied IronHorn. “Alright let’s go,” Rottinghan said. Once inside they split up. Dracu and IronHoof headed into the east wing. “Man,” Dracu said, “I don’t like the looks of these plants.” “Come now,” IronHorn responded, “you are a dragon. How can you be afraid of plants?” “Clearly you’ve never been to the Everfree Forest. Otherwise you’d know of the dangers some plants can hold...” As soon as he said that a black mushroom on a random log started moving. “LIKE THAT!” He yelled breathing fire onto the offending shroom. “W-W-W-What was that!?” “A black fungus,” Dracu replied in an irritated voice, “they’ve clearly been experimenting on weaponizing the already deadly plants of the forest.” “Who knew plants could kill?” IronHorn asked confused. “I did and I learned it the hard way. Now come on. Let’s go before we find some killer joke.” “Yes, let us go. Wait some, WHAT? That’s kind of a dumb name for a deadly plant.” *************************************************************************************************************** The same time this was going on Gordon and Zevron were going down the opposite side and meeting multiple technological advancements that chose to be trouble. “By the Great Egg,” Gordon explained firing his magical energy weapon battle saddle (which he nicknamed “The Express” due to its incredibly fast firing rate, the fact that it fires yellow-orange plasma, and him believing he is the only one strong enough to lift it). “What weren’t they making here?” “How should I know?” Zevron replied, a noticeable tinge of anger in her voice. “If you wanted to know that you should’ve asked Rottinghan before we began,” she said pulling the left trigger on her zebra shotgun letting the armor piercing shot fly through a Sentinel Bot. “Yeh, I probably should have, but too late now.” he said turning another turret into a pile of goop. While he was doing this, a Sentry Bot rolled up behind him ready to fire. But Zevron was faster and took it out before it had a chance. “Be careful you boastful blue nincompoop.” She told him. “Meh, no promises.” *************************************************************************************************************** Rottinghan was heading down the center passage surrounded by cages. “Specimen 2217, specimen 2218, here we go specimen 2219,” he said opining the cage, letting out a purple ball of fluff with wings and a stinger, “FLUFF’N’STUFF!!!” He yelled gleefully. “Now to meet those mercs. By the goddesses manes. I hope they’re still alive. There’s no way I can kill my former boss on my own.” *************************************************************************************************************** Eventually, the five finished their respective wings and met in the administrative area. “Alright, now to finish this,” Rottinghan said. “Finally this will be…” Zevron stopped herself having noticed the purple fuzz ball flying behind the ghoul doctor. “BY THE STARS, WHAT IS THAT DEMONIC MONSTER!?” She exclaimed confusedly. “This, my striped friend is Fluff’n’Stuff. He’s my last creation. The one I told you about. You know, the one we’re here to free. He’s a parador.” “Parador?” asked IronHorn in a confused tone, “Aren’t they the deadly mutated parasprite’s found on The Big 52?” “Well yes,” Rottinghan replied, “but I’ve trained this little guy since he was a cub, and I did some alterations to his DNA so he’s not quite as…” he paused, looking for the right word, “killie.” Rottinghan continued with a smile. “Wait. First a buffalo, then a ghoul, and now a deadly feral beast. THIS IS NOT WHAT I SIGNED UP FOR!!!” Dracu yelled. “WELL IT DON’T MATTER WHAT YOU SIGNED UP FOR. THE FACT IS THAT THIS IS WHAT YOU GOT!” Rottinghan continued, “Just one more part to this mission. Then you can all leave. We just gotta kill my old boss and be on with our lives.” “Well then, let us be done,” IronHorn said, lowering his head to knock the door down. After three attempts he finally got it done and the five were in a room with nothing but a desk with a broken terminal on it and an office chair. “You kidding me?”Gordon proclaimed, “The dude high tailed it out of here, didn’t he?” “Actually,” a small voice came from the other side of the chair, “I’m right here.” “Professor Blattaria,” Rottinghan said, “today is the day you die.” “Oh,” the voice said swinging around the chair, “IS IT!?” When the chair was finished swinging, it was revealed that the voice was coming from a radroach. “This is a joke right?” Zevron asked confused, “there’s a speaker on this radroach, isn’t there?” “This is no joke,” Rottinghan claimed with spite in his voice. “He was my greatest creation: the perfect radroach smarter, stronger, faster. But he became too powerful and overtook the previous boss. After a few months I quit.” “HE’S A RADROACH,” Gordon yelled, LET’S JUST SQUASH HIM.” With this he lifted a claw and attempted to squish it like a normal bug. However, this failed. “Did I forget to mention his exoskeleton is as hard as Power Armor?” “Steel Ranger or Enclave?” Zevron asked. “Somewhere between,” Rottinghan replied. “Well this pierces armor, so I’ll just take him out.” Zevron then tried to fire on the roach, only for it to jump out of the way. “What the?” “I said he was faster. I have a plan which is hey?” He stopped himself mid thought sniffing at the air, “You smell smoke?” “Yeh, Dracu set the whole east wing on fire. I guess it spread.” IronHorn claimed. “Don’t pin this all on me. It was you who kept getting attacked by plants,” Dracu replied angrily. “Let’s get out before we all die.” Zevron said. “Not until…wait,” Rottinghan said. “Where’s Blattaria?” “Probably high tailed it out of here LIKE WE SHOULD IF WE WANT TO LIVE!” Zevron responded. “Fine. He wins this round, but at least we saved Fluff’n’Stuff.” With that, the four mercenaries, the ghoul, and the Parador left the burning lab and headed back to the bar. *************************************************************************************************************** “Well, gotta say that wasn’t too bad,” Rottinghan said. “We were nearly burned to a crisp, killed by plants or technology, and lost to a radroach, and you say that wasn’t too bad?” Zevron replied confusedly. “Well we’re all still alive and we found Fluff’n’Stuff, so that’s good in my books. But the fact that Blattaria is still alive means this isn’t over, and as long as we’re still a team let’s think of a name.” “The Wanderer’s of the Wastes?” IronHorn asked. “Mismatched Misfit’s?” Zevron recommended. “Firebolts?” Dracu asked. “Gordon’s Gang?” Gordon said with a grin across his beak. “Celestia, no. We’re going with The Hoofregon 5.” Rottinghan said gladly. “But there are six of us counting Fluff’n’Stuff.” Zevron said. “We’ll classify him as a mascot. Everyone with me?” “Yep,” IronHorn said. “I still prefer my idea but I guess yours is fine too,” Gordon said. “Meh, better than mine,” Dracu said. “Alright,” Zevron said, though she was thinking, “I’ll let them keep their caps they seem like a fine team.” “Then it’s settled. Until Professor Blattaria is eliminated we’re the mercenary team-The Hoofregon Five-to us.” Rottinghan said lifting a drink for a toast. Footnote: Level up (Rottinghan) New Perk: Whining Presence - You can whine your way out of almost every situation. During certain encounters you gain special dialogue options that let you avoid combat, but you’ll lose reputation. Team Perk: Hoofregon Luck – You five should be dead yet you’re not so long as you five are this team of mercs you get +2 to Luck. Footnote: Level up (Gordon) New Perk: Extra Special – You can put a single extra point into any of your S.P.E.C.I.A.L. attributes. You now 20% quicker (Agility). Team Perk: Hoofregon Luck – You five should be dead. Yet, you’re not. So long as you five are this team of mercs you get +2 to Luck. Footnote: Level up (Dracu) New Perk: A Little Dash – While wearing light armor or no armor, you run 20% faster. Team Perk: Hoofregon Luck – You five should be dead. Yet, you’re not. So long as you five are this team of mercs you get +2 to Luck. Footnote: Level up (IronHorn) New perk: stonewall - You are much less likely to be knocked down in combat. Team Perk: Hoofregon Luck – You five should be dead. Yet, you’re not. So long as you five are this team of mercs you get +2 to Luck. Footnote: Level up (Zevron) New Perk: Rapid Reload - All your weapon reloads are 25% faster than normal. Team Perk: Hoofregon Luck – You five should be dead. Yet, you’re not. So long as you five are this team of mercs you get +2 to Luck. Rottinghan’s S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Strength: 2 Perception: 5 Endurance: 7 Charisma: 3 Intelligence: 9 Agility: 5 Luck: 9 Gordon’s S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Strength: 9 Perception: 7 Endurance: 7 Charisma: 3 Intelligence: 3 Agility: 6 Luck: 5 Dracu’s S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Strength: 7 Perception: 5 Endurance: 7 Charisma: 4 Intelligence: 4 Agility: 8 Luck: 5 IronHorn’s S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Strength: 8 Perception: 5 Endurance: 8 Charisma: 3 Intelligence: 5 Agility: 7 Luck: 4 Zevron’s S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Strength: 5 Perception: 7 Endurance: 6 Charisma: 4 Intelligence: 6 Agility: 7 Luck: 5
