Tales by Balefirelight (a Fallout: Equestria Group Collab)

Family

by TundraStanza

“You look like you’ve been down some bad roads,” commented the filly in rags. “What’s your story?”

“Bad roads?” echoed the sleep-deprived mare before scoffing. “That would fight for the understatement of the century if sentences could fight.” She shook her head. “Which story of mine do you want to hear? There was that time I sabotaged a launch mission of a ghoulish cult. I convinced an innkeeper to take the hit for a kidnapping/smuggling operation and was proven right by sheer luck. No, wait! How about I start with the time I was buried alive? Would you like to hear about that?”

By this point, the filly was slowly stepping away from the half-shouting mare in front of her. But unlike the average pony that felt uncomfortable, she maintained her stance.

“O…kay,” the little girl slowly responded, “In that case, I take it back. You look fairly well, all things considered.”

“I resent that!” snapped the mare.

“Well, I’m Harmonica,” declared the filly, “I live in a hole in the ground.” She then looked up thoughtfully. “Well, when I say ‘hole in the ground’, it’s more of a bunker.”

The mare’s temper was momentarily replaced by confusion. “A bunker? You’re not from a vault are you?” She waved dismissively. “Never mind. What brings you to the surface?”

The filly smiled. “I’m one of the few ponies that picks up the groceries for the family. Actually, I think they prefer me to be up here anyway.”

“I’m not a therapist,” pointed out the mare. “If you want philosophical solutions, you’ll have to look elsewhere.”

Harmonica chuckled. “At least you’re an honest whack job.”

The mare spat to her left before staring back at the filly.

“Hey, you’re travelling long distances, right?” asked Harmonica. “Can I tag along? Maybe we can help each other.”

“Filly, you don’t know half of what I’ve had to put up with over the past few days,” commented the mare solemnly, “Besides, you don’t really look like somepony ready for a fight.”

“Hm, good!” piped in the filly, “That’s the look I was going for.”

“It is?” The mare stared at her incredulously.

“Besides, if you feel that I’m a bother more than an asset, we can part ways at any time,” added Harmonica with a smile. “No hard feelings.”

The mare sighed. “All right, fine. But I have one ground rule. Stay out of my line of fire. If you’re going to die, it’d better be because of a clever enemy, not from your own stupidity.”

“Works for me,” said the chipper filly.

The mare started to head out.

“By the way…”

When she heard the interjection, she turned back to look.

“I’ve only heard a few rumors about them, but what do you know about a group called the Steel Rangers?”

The mare scrunched her face in thought, trying to remember. “Bits and pieces more than anything solid. I know that they’re one of the groups out here with really loud guns. They typically stay with themselves. You should be fine as long as you don’t draw their attention by carrying any big energy weapons.”

“That shouldn’t be a problem for me.” Harmonica shrugged. “I can’t afford any of those shiny toys.”

“Why do you ask?” inquired the mare.

“I’m asking because… I’m a Steel Ranger.”

A pin dropped out of the mare’s duffle bag and tinged against the cracked pavement.

“You… what?!”

“I know. I know.” Harmonica held up her hoof defensively. “I just wanted to gauge how you reacted to them. Still up for letting me travel with you?”

‘Crap,’ thought the mare, ‘If the New Canterlot ponies that were keeping tabs on me found out I was allying with one of those ponies, I’d be forcefully introduced to the life sentence. I need to dismember this partnership.’

She exited her inner thoughts and prepared to give Harmonica the bad news.

‘Artemis darn it! She’s mastered the kitty cat pout.’

The mare let out a low sigh. “You know what? It’s fine. Just… keep your past under a low profile. You’re on a short leash, little filly.”

“Hmph,” snorted Harmonica. “I can live with that. Maybe after a while, I can get the luxury of a longer leash.”

“Whatever.” The mare shook her head. “Let’s just get going.”

She envied Harmonica’s family that they wouldn’t have to deal with her for a long time.