Chapter Five: The long road ahead Part 1

Failure.

Failure, it is something that we all dread. Failure in school, work, friends, family and life. We try to avoid it as much as possible. We strive not to fail with all of our hearts. But, we all aren’t perfect, we fail at the worst times. I have failed in keeping the promise I made to Wooden Rabbit. I promised him that I would protect his family and I let him down getting his family killed. I just hope that I can do something, anything just so I can forgive myself but, I know that nothing I do will make up for my failure.
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My eyes fluttered open only to be blinded by the rising sun on the horizion then, thrusting my hand in front my eyes to block it. Sighing, I sat to see the remains of the still smoldering fire that I had kindled up the night before. I smacked my lips, scratching my head making my hat fall off and onto the dirt. I picked up my hat dusting it off then, perched it on my head. I got on my feet picking up my trail carbine and slinging it across my back. I picked up my assault rifle and slung it over my shoulder. After all of that was done I dusted off myself off taking off a giant poof of dirt and sand; nearly making me cough. I looked around to see that I was still near the road and that was the only determinable object around me. Sighing again I looked at my Pip-boy it was around 9:43 AM. I switched the map to see that I was about a days walk from New Appleloosa. I raised an eyebrow. “How long did I walk?” I said to myself confused at the fact that it would have taken at least three days to walk back to the town. Scrolling down on the map function of the pipboy to little Strongheat’s farm. I felt a ping of guilt hit me when I saw the location but, I quickly shook it off, looking back at where I was to see that I was about. “forty-eight miles? I must have been walking for a long ass time.” I said shocked at the amount of distance I traveled last night. I looked up at the road ahead seeing nothing but, the mirage coming off of the road.

I dusted my pants off then, beginning to walk down the road. The moment that I touched the road I fiddled on the radio until I got to DJ-PON3. “Lets see what news there is in the wasteland.” I said letting the voice of the DJ fill my ears.

“Hello, everypony this is your favorite Disk Jockey of the wasteland speaking once again from Tenpony Tower; what’s a disk? Hell if I know.” I chuckled a little as he continued. “Latest news on our friend the Lone Rifleman. From the scattered reports from the infamous mercs known as Feather Company say that they have placed a five thousand cap bounty on our hero.” When those words hit my ears my entire body tensed up freezing me in place. ‘I’m no hero…I let that family die. I could’ve stopped it but, I didn’t.’ The thought flooded my mind when heard the words uttered. “So, that means that he did survive the thousand foot drop from that cliff. Now, that is what I call Endurance.” he said snapping me out of my trance. “For the reason behind the bounty are still rumors but, the most popular belief is that he killed the Boss’s son; for reasons unknown called himself Mr. Fig. It is believe after a short battle at a farm house near where he supposedly fell off the cliff; he was captured. But, the facts are still fuzzy. All that we know is that the reporters say that they found a griffin’s body near a large ash pile that loosely matches the description of the infamous griffin but, his head was blown off and pulverized with a high powered round so it is going to be while before the body is identified. The Lone Rifleman’s body wasn’t found so we must think that he must be alive. So, if you are hearing again Lone Rifleman my offer to an interview is still open as long as you’re alive. So, don’t get shot now and that one was for everypony.” I chuckled at that. It was an obvious reaction not get shot but, still at least he gets an A for effort.

“Also, from reports on the group known as Unity have been making more appearances lately. A word of warning they are not the goddesses’ return I repeat they are not the Goddesses‘ return; they are dangerous and if you see one that are bound to be more near by. Along with the fact that if you see them…they see you; So…run as fast and as your legs will let you.” There was a brief moment of pause as that advice sunk in. “Now, that is out of the way. I hope that you all have a less depressing day and don’t get impaled. Now, for some of the most famous classical music star since before the Great war, Octavia!!” He said followed my smooth flow of classic music lead by a cello that flooded into my ears.

“That’s nice but, a five thousand Cap bounty? I’m here what? Three days?” I said chuckling adjusting my assault rifle. “I guess I can expect to see a little more action.” I said chuckling at myself again before walking down the road with a smile on my face. Why I was wearing a smile? I don’t know. I looked at the cloud covered sky as I walked getting an eyebrow feeling a raindrop on my nose. “Well, I wonder what asshole predicted this weather?” I said putting my hands in my duster pockets. It was starting to sprinkle little by little soaking the road then, after about fifteen minutes the rain started to come down harder and harder until it was pouring like a fucking hurricane. “Well, at least I’m getting a makeshift shower.” I said pushing on through the storm as the storm hammered me with no end in sight Looking at the sky getting my face I was starting to come into a steep gorge with the road going right down the middle, it reminded me of Death Valley in California but, as the road narrowed I stopped right before I went in and started to study

The road turning from a two lane to a one lane as I approached closer to the gorge. “That looked like it was a pain in the ass for the ponies that had to drive through this.” I chuckled to myself looking at the tops of the ledges where easily anything with a gun from the size of a pony to a griffin could fit. I looked back down in front of me and saw that I was going into a funnel making me feel uneasy. I looking at my Pip-boy to see if I can go around the gorge. “Fuck.” I muttered realizing that it would take around a week to get around it. I sighed adjusting my rain soaked hat. “This… is goin’ to be interestin’.” I said taking my assault rifle off my shoulder and putting it into my two hands. I began to walk into the tight gorge with my rifle at the low ready with my finger just on the trigger guard. I walked into the gorge; the water from the rain was falling on me like a waterfall; soaking me even more then, the rain. I switched off my radio making the sounds of water hitting rock and pavement flood my ears. This place was making me nervous with each step going in. It went on like this for about fifteen minutes nearly pulling the trigger a couple times when I heard a noises that just turned out to be small rodents. Then, that is when the first hostile indicator on my HUD popped up. I immediately pressed my back against the uneven rock wall looking up; the water from the rain was streaming off my face cooling my skin and soaking into my T-shirt. I saw some small rocks fall from the ledge and fall onto the road with a dull echo that was drowned out by the pounding rain.. I was pressing my back against. I stood there for a moment looking back at where I came in at; realizing that it was too far to make a run for it. “Shit.” I muttered to myself looking at my HUD again seeing four more hostiles.

I looked back to see that they were getting closer and almost above me. I then, began to hear their voices they all sounded like ponies. “Alright! The human from the radio is said to extremely tough to kill! But, not to worry if you see him; shoot on sight! We will come help you the moment that we hear gunfire!” he exclaimed getting a large roar in response. “But, we don’t need a repeat of last time. I’m talking to you Razor. Thanks to you we don’t have any mines left at the bottom of the gorge. But, at least we got the arms shipment to make up for it.” Once he said that my blood ran cold.

“Goddamn it.” I muttered again before slowly making my way deeper into the gorge. The more and more I closer into the gorge the more hostiles that my HUD was picking up making my neck sweat despite the rain. I kept my head on swivel looking back and forth on the road and up on the ledges where a fucking army of raiders was looking for me. My heart was pounding so hard the closer I got in the gorge is that the thump is almost the only thing I could hear. But, I kept going until I fell backwards into a small cave about three times the size of one of those shitty metal deathtrap shelter that were everywhere. It had a ceiling blocking parts of the rain for which I was grateful. I got up and shook myself off. I holstered my .45 auto pistol back into my combat armor and grabbing my assault rifle. I took the sling off of my shoulder putting the rifle into my hands ready for action. I pressed my back against the wall of the small cave peering around the corner to see that the ledges were sloping down sharply to a camp made of wagons and scarp metal. I knelt down doing a complete half-turn facing the direction of the camp and took out the pair of binoculars from my satchel. I raised them up to my eyes making my vision jump to the wall of wagons. “Fuck me in the ass with a unicorn’s horn on a Thursday.” I muttered looking over the amount of raiders that are patrolling the walls. ‘One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine.’ I removed the binos from my eye with an worried expression. “There are nine sentries guarding the walls not to mention the other thirty or so around and about on the ledges then, there are the ones inside the camp that I haven‘t seen yet. I could really use Cloud’s silenced carbine right now.” I said retreating behind the little cave’s mouth. I slumped down on my wet duster with my assault rifle leaning against the rock wall next to me and sighed. “How am I going to do this?” I said rubbing my chin. “There are around forty of those bastards and only one of me. Not the kind of odds I like.” I said to myself as it was starting to thunder and lighting. I looked up at the storming clouds. “I can’t stay here; that’s for sure.” I said scratching my head. “hm.” I hummed peering around the corner seeing and putting my binos to my eyes once again.

My vision jumped again. I scanned around to see if I could do anything. I got a big grin on my face when I saw a saddle bag full of those apple grenades that I come to love; from my uncle I learned that If you shot them then, a big boom is result followed by a big mess. They were in the middle of a little camp underneath a makeshift metal shack where six of the sentries were sitting around But, then it hit me; I don’t have a scoped weapon so I can’t take a precise shot. The closest thing a precise gun is my trail carbine. But, I could sure as hell try. I scanned again to see if I can find anything else for a better target. I tensed when I saw the weaponry. Most of them are carrying hunting rifles, cowboy repeaters, SMGs, and assault rifles but, what scared me the most was they had two missile launchers. “I really hate those things.” I said getting off the binos; remembering my past experiences with them. Both times it ended really badly for me or someone else. I got back on them studying the Launchers.

After about five minutes of observation I noticed the they keep the ammo for the missile launchers in the saddle bags opposite of the actual launcher for quick reloads. The only problem is that I only have two or three shots at the most before they find me. With buckhorn sights it is going to be a tough shot especially at a hundred fifty yard shot at a target about the size of princules can just a bit bigger plus the timing of the shot, the bullet drop and not to mention that this is pistol round. If had my M77 that would be a far easier shot but, I will have to make do. But, that raises one question. “Do I hit the grenades or the missile launchers?” I asked myself taking my eyes off the binos. I looked at my Pip-boy getting a grin when I did. “Why not all three?” I said getting back on the binos looking at my targets. “VATS don’t let me down.” I said taking my trail carbine from my back and into my hands. I knelt down at the lip of the cave with the barrel right next to it. Rain was beating on my duster and hat soaking it almost all the way through the water resistant leather. I put my right hand fingers through the loop of the lever bringing the stock to my cheek.

The sky roared and cracked from the storm. I checked my HUD ammo counter 8/120 then, looked back at my targets. I took a deep breath three times without exhaling then, let it all go. When I was out of breath I went into VATS. Once, again time slowed and my targets jumped closer. I looked at each one of them until I got to my initial target the grenades. I looked at my chances of hitting it and mentally sighed. I had a 45% percent chance of hitting them but, I placed two shots on it then, I went to the missile launchers just as they turned with their ammo facing me broad side. I looked at my chances again; I had a better chance of hitting them at 55% on both of them. Mentally smiling I cued two shots on each ammo pouch full of missiles just finishing off my AP meter. I took a look around again while I was still in VATS; good thing about this I may have limited shots but, I still have unlimited time in here.

I looked to see that the nearest raider on the ledge was about a fifty yards away so I can dispatch him after the other have a little boom party. I switched back to the sentries but, before I released VATS a ice cold voice whispered ‘Something feels off. ’ Something was nagging at me not to shoot. I thought about it for moment and realized that something was giving me an awful feeling of dread in here . I got off the rifle and retreated back into the cave; pressing my back against the wall again. “God fucking damn it.” I hissed almost banging my head against the wall. I sat there for what seemed like hours but, according to my Pip-boy it was just three minutes. I sighed and looked out past the ledge into the sky. I looked at the thundering cloud cover with fingers of lighting flashing across the sky. Then, in the flash of lighting I saw five or six black dots come streaking across the sky toward somewhere at high speeds. I raising an eyebrow I placed my binos to my eyes to see what they where.

My vision magnified just enough to see the outlines of the figures that were flying at high speeds. After about a second or two I finally found them again. I focused on them I could see wing beats, hoof shaped feet, a…horn? Then, in a flash they did a sharp turn towards my direction. I lowered the binos and stared at the spot where they were. “Well, fuck me.” I muttered before frantically strapping my trail carbine across my back and picking up my assault rifle; getting ready for whatever is coming.

Then, with a flash of lighting the figures turned once more towards the raider camp. A second later a large force rocked the camp sending metal shrapnel and wagon parts flying down the street. I pressed my back against cave wall bracing myself as the powerful wind gust went by carrying the debris. As fast as it happened it stopped. I peered out again to see that the camp was…wiped out. Blood and body parts were everywhere blowing outward from a crater; in the middle of it was standing four figures. ‘Four? I thought I saw six.’ I thought looking back at the crater. I tightened my grip on the rifle grip even with the pounding rain I could feel sweat forming again and my chest was feeling heavy. “I don’t like this…” I muttered as the smoke cleared with a powerful gust revealing the four figures into clear view. They were massive compared to the ponies of the wasteland. They were taller by about a good three feet maybe my height. They had horns and wings but, kind of freaked me out about them is that they don’t have are their emotionless expressions. They were different colors, green and dark purple almost black as night. There were two of each color but, I was still confused on where the other two went. But, they still counted as hostile on my HUD

I took a deep breath and continued to look at them as they began to move. They faced my direction and one of the purple ones stepped forward. “COME OUT NOW AND JOIN UNITY! IF YOU HIDE OR FIGHT YOU WILL DIE! YOU HAVE ONE MINUTES!” The purple pony thing’s voice boom picking up some dust.

A moment later gunfire erupted from the ledges above me. The bullets fired from the raider’s guns were picking up so much dirt that it masked the freaks of nature. A couple of missiles were firing hitting them then, after the explosions silence. The dust cleared revealing two of the freaks standing there; their horns flared holding up green shields with utter concentration but that was all that was there. “Where in the hell did the others go?” I muttered to myself just before screams of agony were heard above me. The red dots on my HUD where disappearing one by one at a rapid rate as was the screaming and gunfire.

I just stood there in horror as I realized what was happening then, my fears were confirmed when a upper torso of a raider was thrown down in front of the small cave that I was hiding in with a splat. The raider was still breathing heavily with bone and intestines were oozing out along with a wave of blood. The raider looked at me with surprise and I thought he was going to scream but, he muttered. “Kill me, please…” he said looking me in the eyes with blood coming out of his mouth. “Please…” Sighing I took out the .45 Auto.

I aimed down the sights at his head as the screams continued. “You deserve pain and misery for the things you’ve caused but, I’m giving you mercy unlike you gave to those you tortured and I hope you burn in hell.” I said firing a single shot into his head sending his brains across the pavement of the road. I holstered the pistol back into my combat armor looking into his glassy eyes. A small shadow moved in his eyes making me jump back into the cave grabbing the stealth buck from my satchel and jamming it into the slot on my Pip-boy. A message appeared on my HUD. I looked back outside the cave to hear the sounds of flapping and it was getting closer. I looked at the Y and blinked activating the Stealthbuck. Then, with a faash sound my body and equipment became transparent and wavy like water. I crouched down and looked at my HUD again seeing a small timer. 14:55 secs left. I looked at my transparent arm where my Pip-Boy was to see that I think it was meaning the Stealthbucks. Then, the sounds of hoofs hitting pavement drew my attention to one of the entrance of the cave to see one of the freaks of nature looking at the body of the raider I mercy killed. I shouldered my rifle as quietly as possible aiming at its head. The screams have stopped and only six hostile indicators were visible on my HUD.

The freak of nature then, flared its horn levitating the spent .45 auto casing from my pistol and began to study it. After a few moments the other three floated down next to the one studying the case. “What are you looking at?” one of the green ones said in a creepy mono tone voice.

“The human was here. The goddess shall be pleased that we are close.” the purple one said throwing the case towards me hitting my right boot delaying the ping of the empty case. It may have been muffled but, it was like an explosion and I wasn’t the only one to notice it. All of the freaks looked directly at me like I was in plain view. ‘Fuck.’ I thought as one of them a green in fact walked up to me looking me straight in the eyes but, then a mouse went by snapping the freak out its stare. With a stomp it killed the mouse splattering the guts everywhere. The freak then, like it forgot me went back to the group.

“The human was here but, it seems that we missed him by an hour. The goddess says that we must find him.” was all the green freak said before every single one of them began to fly upwards through the pounding storm. I waited until that the hostile indicators on my HUD disappeared before I collapsed gasping for breath as if I was about to

“Holy fuck.” I said pressing my hand to my chest; letting my rifle fall onto the wet ground next to me. “What the fuck were those things?” I said leaning against rock wall. I sat there for a good five minutes until I realized my stealthbuck was still on. I flipped the switch and I materialized into view again. I grabbed my rifle again laying it across my lap. A message came across my HUD again. “That’s good to know.” I breathed getting up to my feet using my rifle as a crutch. I shook the water off from my duster bringing my rifle to my grasp. I sighed walking back into the road to see the large crater the freaks of nature made. I walked up to it my rifle ready for any stragglers that survived the attack but, from the screams and blood that was spilling over the ledges. “I didn’t want to see those things did to those raiders.” I said crossing the crater that had blood and bone pooling in the center. It turns out that the gorge ended right where the barricade was. I walked past the wreckage of the two buses. As I exited the gorge I heard something step through something thick like blood. I turned around to get a combat knife pressed against my throat behind held my an aura of blue magic. I tried to jump back but, I couldn’t move my body from the waist down as the muscles unnaturally tensed. I looked around for the source of the magic finding nothing. “Show yourself! You already have me by the balls so why not show up to the party?” I yelled the blade pressing harder against my neck. Then, with a flash of blue light blinded me making me shut my eyes. My assault rifle was then, knocked out of my hands with a wet clatter.

I opened them to see a light blue freak of nature and I sighed. “Son of a bitch.” I muttered in irritation. “What the fuck do you want? I places to be and things to do.” I said giving it a glare. I don’t know where this attitude was coming from because I was quiet frankly scared as hell right now from the screams from the raiders these things are dangerous. Its dark blue mane and coat where somehow fully dry like it has never been wet.

“YOU ARE THE HUMAN THE GODDESS DESIRES! COME WITH ME AND YOU WILL BE WITH UNITY!” the freak said nearly making me deaf. My mind began to panic when I heard Unity. ‘Shit.’ I thought as the freak stepped forward

“Can you at least turn off the caps lock?!” I said rubbing my ears. I then, looked back at her as she pressed the knife to my throat. “Also, fuck you and your goddess or what ever you call the bitch!” I yelled.

That seemed to get to the blue freak as its eyes turned green. “HOW DARE YOU INSULT THE GODDESS! YOU SHALL PAY FOR YOU INSOLENCE!” The freak roared bringing up the combat knife into the air about to make a swing at me when a bolt of lighting actually struck the knife when it was at the apex of the backswing. The bolt of electricity traveled through the knife into the ground blinding both me and the freak. For a brief second my muscles relaxed and was able to jump back doing a roll. When I stopped on my back I drew my .45 auto still half blind but, before I could fire a single shot in the direction of freak; my finger was frozen in place right in front of the trigger. “Cock sucking son of a bitch!” I yelled in rage trying to fire but, to no avail. After a moment when my vision returned I could hear and see the freak having a dark laugh. “YOU ARE STUBBORN! THE GODDESS WILL BE PLEASED TO HAVE YOU! BUT, SHE COMMANDS THAT YOU MUST BE BROKEN BEFORE YOU CAN SEE THE TRUE VALUE OF UNITY!” It yelled again before twisting my entire wrist with a sharp snap sending the shock of pain through my entire arm; it was enough for me to drop my pistol onto the ground. But, it didn’t stop twisting my entire arm sending me onto the ground with my face kissing pavement. I felt my shoulder pop out of place and my arm on the verge of breaking, I could feel the bruises I couldn’t see much from there but, I could hear the sound of hoofs hitting the pavement as it got closer. “ARE YOU READY TO STOP STRUGGLING!? IF NOT I SHALL CONTINUE!”

I turned my head just slightly to see the emotionless freak. “Go fuck yourself with your own horn, you stupid bitch!” I yelled glaring at her.

That seemed to piss her off as she raised her hoof and stomped on my left leg with a snap. Pain shot through me again adding onto the pain from my wrist. “YOU SHALL BEHAVE! I WILL BEAT YOU TO AN INCH OF YOUR LIFE BUT, DON’T WORRY THE GODDESS WISHES THAT YOU ARE ALIVE!!” She roared again stomping on my leg again shattering it in multiple places; making me scream in agony. My HUD flooded me with messages.

“AHHHHHHHHHHH! God damn it!!!” I screamed through the pain. “You are so fucking dead!!” I yelled before it stepped away with the same emotionless face.

“YOU CAN NOT KILL ME! I AM A CHILD OF UNITY AND THE GODDESS!!” I think that she was going to say more when blood began to roll down from the center of her chest. She looked down and touched it with her hoof recoiling from what looked like pain and shock. She glared at me. “HOW DARE YOU HARM A CHILD OF UNITY!! YOU SHALL PAY FOR YOUR CRIMES!!” She raised up a hoof again placing it over my head but, instead of it slamming down and crushing my skull; three more large streams of blood came from its chest making stumble backwards with a pained and confused looking at me before it collapse right next to me mostly. Its head fell onto my back slamming my chest against the ground harder; knocking the wind out of me. The magic from the freak disappeared along with the pressure on my arm evaporated with a sighing relief. I tried to get on my feet but, my leg and wrist weren’t going to allow me to do that without a long and painful fight. I laid there for a moment as the pain began to numb my entire leg. With my uninjured hand I moved the corpse from my back making it give a wet splat onto the pavement.

I took a deep breath before putting both my hands on the pavement pain roaring through my right wrist. Ignoring it I pushed up using my knees as pivots I land on my back the pain came back with a vengeance from the use. I looked at my HUD to see my HP bar was occasionally losing a bar. More and likely from internal bleeding and bruising. I looked down on my chest to see the strap for my satchel and my mind went into light speed. “I’m a fucking idiot…” I breathed putting my uninjured hand into the satchel; grabbing a healing potion. I looked at the spherical bottle before biting on the cork then, chugging it down. I nearly gagged at the taste of the potion. “I hate strawberries.” I muttered under my breath feeling the rush of relief flowing through my leg and wrist. I looked my Pip-boy and flipped to the medical screen. My left leg was just barely healed. Sighing, I grabbed another of the disgusting healing potions and chugged it down. The bruises on my arm and the dull pain in my leg were starting to disappear. “Fuck…” I said getting up on my wobbly feet. I looked over at my pistol laying on the ground where the freak made me drop it. I stumbled over to it bending over to pick it. When my hand was around the grip I saw the freak’s eyes look at me. I then aimed my pistol at its fucking head. “Fuck you bitch.” was all I said before I fired twice splattering its brains and skull across the wet pavement.

I took out the old magazine and slamming in a new one. I holstered the pistol looking over where the bitch threw my assault rifle to. Conveniently, it was right next to the body. I picked it up checking the magazine and racking the action. I slung it over my shoulder looking down at the freak’s chest. “Who saved my ass?” I asked myself not expecting an answer.

“That would be me jackass.” A familiar voice said from behind me making me from reflex I turned around kneeling aiming my rifle at a familiar cloaked figure. He was about fifty yards away so, I couldn’t see the face but, I could see the weapons on each side. A suppressed Marksmen carbine was hanging off his side but, my attention was drawn to a very familiar rifle on his other side that I was happy to see.

I grinned lowering my rifle. “Hey Cloud, how are yeah?” I asked getting a sigh as an answer.

“Is me saving your ass going to be a common occurrence?” he asked shaking his head facing hoofing.

I walked up to him and smiled. “Maybe…Maybe not. Depends on what mood I’m in.” I said before the freak popped into my mind. “Also, in the fucking hell is that thing?!” I yelled over a clap of thunder pointing at the dead freak.

Cloud looked over my shoulder freezing a little before speaking. “That’s an alicorn and that is the freak of nature I told you about on the train before you got tackled by a griffin. Also why in the hell are you in raider gorge?!” he yelled gesturing towards the gorge behind me.

I raised an eyebrow at him then, a chuckle. “You know me, trouble just seems to follow me like stink on an ass. Speaking of which why are you here?” I asked looking up at the storm which was starting to get worse.

Just before he could answer another large clap of thunder along with several fingers of lighting. “I’ll tell you when we find a place away from this storm. I think I might of have seen a small rock over hang about a quarter mile away. If we run we will just get away with soaked cloths.”

Then, a bolt of lighting struck down hitting the Alicorn burning it to ash. We just both stared at the chard ash in confusion. “I think we should.” I said running out of the gorge to open wet desert leaving Cloud in my dust.

“You asshole!” He yelled galloping just to catch up to me.

We ran for about seven or eight minutes until we came to a small outcropping that was right next to the road. There was a small cave about three times bigger then, the one that I hid in at the gorge. I took a sharp left turn right into the cave when I was in I nearly collapsed bracing myself on my knees. “Damn…nature you scary…” I said plopping onto the surprisingly dry dirt floor.

Cloud shortly came in with his hood off. Water was streaming off of him. He looked at me with a chuckle. “You can run when you want to.” he said dropping down on his ass looking slightly winded.

I chuckled in return taking a breath. “Yeah, I’ve been told that.” I looked around the cave seeing some pieces of wood laying here and there. “I’m going to get some the wood over there and make a fire.” I said gesturing to the pieces of wood boards. “This storm seems that it will rage for the next couple hours at least. Take some food my satchel here if you are hungry.” I said slowly getting up taking off my satchel and placing it on the ground along with my rifles and duster revealing my .44 magnum and .45 auto. Cloud gave me a odd look as I began to walk over to the wood. “Where did you get the weapons?” He asked just before I grabbed the first piece of wood making me freeze at the question.

“Why?” I asked grabbing a several pieces of wood into my arms before making my back to the small space that Cloud had cleared for the fire.

Cloud looked at me with a annoyed and confused look as I threw down the boards into the space and began to make it into a small little tepee. “Why? Because look at all of the shit you have now. A trail carbine, a .45 auto, a new assault rifle, .44 magnum and a suit of combat armor that actually fits you. What did you do? Fight off an entire army?” He asked flaring his horn making a small spark in the wood until it was set ablaze.

When he said that the weight of Wood, Suckle, Spring, and Apple’s death hit me like a sledgehammer right into the chest. I sat there watching the burning fire before I spoke. “Yeah, I did. Didn’t you listen to the radio? I’m some kind of hero for defeating an entire army of mercs who have apparently placed a huge bounty on my head.” I said forcing a smile onto my face even though I felt like breaking down and crying.

Cloud chuckled. “Yeah, I heard about that. You know I really hated those ass wipes. They take any job as long as it pays. No morals, nothing.”

I chuckled at Cloud. “Well, you are right about that.” I said digging into my satchel taking out two cans and a can opener. “I hope you like corn.” I said tossing him a can which he caught with his magic.

“Thanks.” He said taking out his own can opener. He opened it quickly his can as did I with mine. We sat there eating in silence listen to the fire crackle along with the pounding rain. After a bit of eating I took out a bottle of water before taking a drink. Cloud looked up as I did. I noticed this after taking a good drink I gestured it to him to see if you wanted a one. He nodded munching on his two hundred year old corn. I twisted the cap on before tossing it to him which once again he caught with his magic.

He took his drink before tossing it to me which I let it fall onto my duster that was drying out. We then, sat there again munching on the food before I spoke up breaking the silence. “So, why are you here?” I asked scooping up the remains of the corn in the can.

When he swallowed with a satisfying sigh he looked back up at me. “Well, I was going to see if you were still alive. You actually have a several ponies worried when they heard that you got into a wrestling match with a griffin while free falling a couple thousand feet. Thorn was begging everypony that was going out to go out and search for you. When she learned that I was going out to look for you. I tell you not I couldn’t see a filly more excited.” He said we both chuckled. “I’ve spent the last two days looking for you until I came upon a sigh that said ‘Danger! Raider gorge up ahead.’ From knowing for about an hour I already knew that you had no idea what that meant and were going to go there. It then, began to pour for a bits. I stayed in a small shack for about an hour listening to a radio. That’s how I learned of that attack and mercs. After that time I knew that you probably got yourself into trouble and went out to find you. That’s when I heard a large explosion. I ran as much as possible until saw the smoke stack and heard the gunshots. Got up on a hill setting up a position close enough were it would be a short walk with my Marksmen carbine. That’s when I saw everything. The Alicorns tearing the raiders in half with ease one by one. I looked around for you until I saw a small pistol coming out a cave and killing a raider that was torn in half. After a bit, I saw the Alicorns look at each other after hearing the odd shot before one of them flew down followed by the others. I couldn’t see much else until they left going north.

“Which was a huge relief when they did.”

Cloud raised an eyebrow. “By the way? How did you escape the group as they looked straight at you?”

I chuckled. “I had a stealth buck on me and I used it to escape them. Some what.” I added in.

“That’s awesome but, back to the story. After they left I saw you emerge out of the small cave you were hiding then, well you know the rest. The invisible Alicorn appeared with a knife in her magic. When I saw that I decided to book it and hoof it. I ran towards you until I saw the lighting hit the knife in backswing. I sat up a position aiming my rifle at the Alicorn’s chest just as it broke your wrist. I shot once hitting it square in the chest. Before I could fire again it broke your leg. I fired three more times and the rest you know.” He said throwing the tin can behind him.

I smiled a little. “Nice story and thanks for saving my ass but, that doesn’t answer my question.”

Cloud got a grin on his face. “You catch on fast don’t ya?”

“Only when I want to be.” I replied. “But, continue on.”

Cloud sighed. “Alright. Ditzy told me to go and find you for two reasons. One, is to make sure that you were alright and two she is calling on your favor that you owe her.”

I chuckled at that. “Yeah, I guess that would happen. What else?” I asked.

“For personal reason?” I nodded. “Well, three reasons. One, I owe you caps. Two, I have your rifle. Three, hell I like ya. Plus, I don’t have anything else better to do. So do you mind if I tag along with you on your favor?”

“Sure, but on two conditions.” I said holding up two fingers. “One…”I said taking down one figure. “I want my damn rifle back. I can trade the trail carbine some where or keep it; I don’t know but, I want my M77 back. Two…” holding up two fingers. “If you try to betray and kill me for selfish reasons…” I leaned in closer to the fire so he can get a better look on my face. “You better do it on the first shot or you better fucking run. Other then, that we’re cool.” I said leaning back on a rock with a grin.

Cloud looked at me with a confused look before busting out laughing. “Alright, I can agree to that.” He said flaring his horn lifting the rifle into the air and to my side. I reached out with one hand grabbing it out of the air. When I had it with its full weight I smiled. I shouldered it looking through the scope seeing the mil-dot reticle and got a big grin on my face.

“That’s nice. It feels good to have this thing back.” I said with a sigh.

Cloud got a big grin on his face. “If you like that check the magazine.” he said gesturing towards it.

I raised an eyebrow before slowly looking down at the rifle in my lap. I flipped it to see that magazine was different from the ones before. I looked back at Cloud. “What did you do to my rifle?” I asked with a bit of anger and curiosity.

Cloud chuckled at me for bit. “I had it modified so that it took extended hunting rifle magazines. Think of that as your share of the bounty especially since you didn’t get to take that many weapons from slavers.”

I nodded at it taking out the magazine like a regular hunting rifle. The mag well was taken off from a hunting rifle then, modified the receiver to take the well and magazine. The magazine was fully loaded with ball .308. “Thanks, I was actually kind of afraid to lose the magazines since they were only two in the entire wasteland. Plus, it was getting kind of annoying how I had to reload the magazines every time I wanted to fire more then twenty rounds.” I said reinserting the mag into the rifle. “Thanks again. Also, you know what Ditzy wants?” I asked.

Cloud shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know really. All I really know is that a town called Fort Key has gone quiet for the last couple weeks. I guess we will find out when we get back to New Appleloosa.” I smiled at that and nodded.

“Good.” I said before a question popped into my mind. “Hey, how were the ex-slaves when you left to find me?” I asked throwing in another piece of wood.

Cloud sighed looking out into the rainstorm. “From what I hear pretty good. The caps I gave them was enough for each one to rent a place in town for about two weeks before they have to leave. Can you believe that some of the foals were actually parts of some family around the area? Thorn is happy that you saved Rose’s sister. Cross is stressed but, happy for the business mainly because of Thorn. She has Cross wrapped around her little horn.” he said chuckling before a loud clap of thunder rocked the cave causing us both to look up at the ceiling of the small cave.

“It looks like this storm isn’t going to let up for a while. So what do you feel like doing for the time being?” I asked.

Cloud looked at me shaking his head. “Well, we just ate. My gear has been repaired and cleaned. I don’t have a book to read. So, we are stuck talking to each other for the time being. Unless you got a brighter idea?” he said all of that in a sarcastic tone.

“Well, sorrrrry. You don’t have to be an ass about it. Do you have any spent casings?” I asked hoping he said yes.

Cloud raised his eyebrow in confusion. “Yeah, why?”

I smiled. “Do you know how to play chess?” I asked.

He looked at me with utter shock. “You what now? You know how to play chess?” he asked shock filled his voice.

I just shrugged my shoulders. “It was one of my uncle’s favorite games. He kicked my ass a lot but, it kept him happy especially after he came back from the Yangtze campaign in China. Speaking of that hellhole. He still had his old Marine Combat armor with the duster and matching helmet. That’s how I got my duster right there.” I said gesturing toward it. “He said it kept him warm, safe and brought him good luck in his time in that hellhole and for my fourteen birthday he gave me the duster from his armor hoping it would do the same during my life in a hellhole of my own.” I looked back at Cloud was rolling his hoof gesturing get it over with. “Alright, yes I know how to play chess and I was wondering if you knew how to play and had any spent bullet casings. I have some but, just enough for one side of the chess board.”

Cloud smiled. “Yeah, I think I got enough for my side. So, lets do this.”

********

“Checkmate motherfucker.” I said tipping over his king while he just stared at the board in utter shock and confusion.

“That’s ten fucking games in a row.” He looked up at me with his jaw hanging open. “And you said that your uncle kicked your ass all the time?” I nodded in response as he just continued to stare. “Ok, I think that’s enough humiliation for one day.” he said collecting the spent casings into a small pouch. “Later I want a rematch.”

I leaned in with a big grin on my face. “Bring it on motherfucker.” I looked outside to see that the storm was starting to wind down some that it wouldn‘t just pound the hell out of us. “I think we should go in the next hour or so.” I said with a good sigh before a question popped into my mind. “Where those Alicorns from Unity?” I asked making Cloud stop in mid pick up of a .308 case.

“Yes, those are what most of Unity is. But…” He voice changed from joy to dreaded fear the moment I asked. “But, that was just a scouting party. I have seen a group as large as thirty at one time taking over a desolate city called Fillydephia. From you have seen what they can do in a small group of five or six. I saw what happened to that Celestia forsaken city, those alicorns killed every single raider, pony, mutant, or anything that provided any resistance. I witnessed all of this when I was just a colt. Me and my pare…” He paused in mid sentence at the mention of his parents. He looked down at the dying fire, staring down at the crackling flames. He stayed like that for a good minute or two. He looked back at me with his blue eyes; his eyes…they were filled with sorrow and dread. “I’m sorry…But, yeah they are from Unity.” He finished putting up the pieces into a small leather pouch before stuffing it into his saddle bags with a sigh.

I looked at him before reaching into my bag taking out a pack of cigarettes. “You want one?” I asked hoping to cheer him up.

He looked at me with a raised eyebrow before shaking his head. “Nah, I quit that shit a long time ago but…thanks. I’m glad that you care.” he said getting up and putting on his cloak. “And that’s pretty much a rare thing in the wasteland.” he said chuckling. Even through that I knew that he had his own demons, I was going to try and help him.

I looked back outside to see that the rain was now just a steady rain other then, a down pour. “Well, I think it is safe to go.” I said getting up kicking dirt onto the fire smothering it out. I knelt down grabbing my duster throwing on right before the satchel. I strapped my M77 across my back before slinging the assault rifle over my shoulder. I had my trail carbine in my hands looking at it thinking of what to do with it. “Hey cloud can you hold my trail carbine for me? I already look like I’m going to war.” I said with a chuckle.

Cloud looked at me and chuckled. “Sure, but it will cost you some ammo incase I need to use it.”

I nodded with a grin on my face. “Alrighty.” I grabbed a fifty round box of .44 magnum out of my satchel. Flaring his horn Cloud took both of the box and the rifle. “Are ready to go?” I asked just as he put the rifle on his side.

“Ready as I will ever be.” When he said that I walked out side dawning my hat; ready for the rain to beat down on it again.

I stepped outside to be greeted by a light rain; one that was cool to the touch and energizing. I always loved this kind of rain. I adjusted my assault rifle on my shoulder as Cloud came to my side. “It will take about half a day to get there and since the storm delayed us for two hours it will be just before dusk when we get back.”

I just shrugged at this. “Alrighty, that sounds good. I just hope that we don’t hit any snags along the way.” I said as we made our way down the soaked road. My HUD is picking up a bunch of indicators where the Alicorns killed all of the raiders. Most of them were hostile but, a few were friendly. I smiled and began to whistle a random tune.

********

We have been walking for about three hours, mostly in silence looking out for anything that would be dangerous. We talked some but, mostly small talk nothing major. Plus, I told him the entire story until I met him at Old Appleloosa. I decided to skip the farm and the fight with Mr. Fig. Cloud knew a little bit about the fight and I wanted to keep it that way. All I did was just fill him in about stash of weapons that I found in a abandoned house.

Every word that I said made me feel more and more guilty about Wood and his family’s deaths. But, that’s a weight that I’m going to have to shoulder alone. After that we have been walking in silence for a while until he broke the silence. “What was that?” he asked stopping in the middle of the road looking out to a some outcrops of rock about fifty yards away.

I stopped looking back at him. “What?”

“I thought I heard something. Probably nothing.” He said shrugging.

I stood there until he caught up to me. “What did you think you heard?” I asked starting to met his pace.

“I don’t know but, I feel like it we are going to find out soon.” He paused before speaking again. “By the way how far is it until we reach New Appleloosa?” I looked down at my Pip-boy and switching to the map section of the info; seeing that we aren’t that far away. “Not that far maybe about fifteen minutes. If it wasn’t for the rain we could probably see it by now.” I said adjusting my assault rifle on my wet duster. I looked at my HUD for a moment just out of habit now and for a brief second I saw a hostile indicator appear then, disappear. “Well, damn it.” I said taking off my assault rifle getting a good grip on the weapon. “You were right Cloud we were going to meet it real soon.” I said looking down to see Cloud staring right into the rain covered mist. “What are you staring at?”

He began to bolt. “Run bitch run!” He yelled out making me confused before I looked at the direction where he was staring at. I saw something move for a second then, nothing. I tightened my grip on my rifle. Then, I saw it. My HUD picked up a single hostile indicator right in front of me. I stared at it for a moment before I could determine what the fuck it was.

“Oh fuck me.” was all I said before a giant scorpion came rushing me out of the mist. I pivoted on my heels and hauled ass. “Fuck that shit!” I exclaimed even with the weak leg I still caught up to Cloud who was in full gallop. “You left me back there to die! You asshole!” I yelled looking back. The giant scorpion was huge which was making me run fucking faster. It was at least a good fifteen feet tall on the peak of its tail. I turned around back peddling and began to fire at its legs trying to cripple it. My bullets didn’t do shit as the scorpion’s hard outer shell was deflecting them mostly. “Can you fucking help me!?” I exclaimed lunging to the side dodging the stinger.

“Aim for the fucking eyes!” I Cloud screamed firing his Marksmen carbine taking out one of the six eyes. The scorpion roared in anger and charged faster. I did what Cloud said and fired the rest of the magazine into its eyes taking out two of them. It roared again in agony before I made one last charge. I reloaded my rifle ditching the empty into the wet desert and slamming in a new one. I snapped back the action before firing again in controlled bursts while back peddling; aiming wasn’t easy especially when I’m fucking dodging a giant fucking scorpion stinger. Cloud step sided the stinger nearly getting grazed by the poison spewing appendage.

“You alright!?” I yelled firing again hitting another one of its eyes.

“Yeah, I’m fine! Just keep shooting!” he yelled firing his marksmen carbine until it went click. Celestia fucking damn it!” He exclaimed reloading. I fired again hitting the second to last eye. Just before I got to Cloud it roared before skittered away into the rain.

When it disappeared from my HUD I collapsed breathing heavily on the ground followed by Cloud doing the same. “God fucking damn it.”

We laid there for a few moments catching our breath. “How…far…are…we…now.” Cloud breathed out.

I looked at my Pip-boy which was still on the map function. “Well, I’ll be a son of a bitch. We made it.” I said looking to my left to see the wall with two or three armed guards. “You know some help would of have been appreciated!” I yelled getting up from the ground. Cloud looked up at me before getting up. I braced myself on my knees taking a few breaths before picking up my assault rifle. I faced the gate with a smile. “Can you please open the gate? We got some business with Ditzy Doo!”

After few mumbles coming from the guards the same yellow aura of magic engulfed the steel gate and began to rise slowly. When it was fully raised Cloud and me looked at each other. We walked inside to see that pretty much half of the town was crowding around the entrance all were shoving each other as we entered. A message came on my HUD again. Then, a couple ponies were almost sent flying before a really excited filly that has earned her name numerous times came and tackled me to the ground. “Parker your back! I’m so glad that you did, oh my gosh if you died I don’t know what I would do. You are one of my best friends parker, I’m so glad that you came back!” She said really fast all on one breath.

I just chuckled while the rain poured on us more and more. “Slow down. I’m glad that you care that I’m back. But, this can wait until we are back inside.” I said picking up the filly before getting back onto my feet. I placed her under my armpit so she would just hang there. I smiled as she just hanged there with a goofy frown on her face trying to figure a way out of her little trap.

“You stink you know that?” she said looking up at me as I walked towards the hospital.

“I agree with that.” Cloud said joining in.

“Yeah, walking through a desert, fighting off raiders, slavers, and wild animals with taking a shower in four days does that. Now, lets get inside before Rose yells at me for getting Thorn wet.” I said squeezing my arm with Thorn We walked through the door to find that Rose was sitting next to her sister while she slept. The door’s bell announced out presence and when she looked at me, Cloud, and Thorn soaking wet from the rain; I could have died laughing at her expression. But, all I did was just laughed. “Rose you should see you face right now.” I said adjusting the little filly under my arm.

Thorn looked up at me with small smile. “Can you let me down now? I’m sure that my coat is going to turn into a giant puff ball if I’m hang dried.” I chuckled at that and I answered by letting her fall onto her four hoofs. “Thanks!” she squeaked hugging my leg.

Rose was sitting there the entire time her mouth just hanging open in shock. “Y-you really are alive…” was all she said before the second time in the span of ten minutes I was tackled with a rip crushing hug. “I’m so glad that you made it.” she said hugging harder crushing all of the air out of me.

“Need…air…” I barely able to breath out.

She separated from me letting my lungs suck in air. Rose chuckled. “Sorry, I…just…I’m just so happy that you got my sister out of there along with a bunch of others. A lot of ponies are really grateful for what you did.” She said letting me get up.

“It’s alright.” I said getting up and dusting off my soaked duster. I looked at Cloud who was holding back a laugh. “Have you met my friend Silver Cloud. He saved my ass from being ripped in two by an Alicorn.” I said patting Cloud on his back. Then, a second later I felt my shine getting kick with a hard hoof. I then, hopping around like an idiot holding my shine yelling “God damn it. What was that for?!” I finally stopped seeing right in front of me.

“Well, I was just checking to see how your reflexes were in your left leg since you got your femur smashed by the Alicorn.” Cross said with a small grin on his face.

Thorn and Rose looked at me when he said Alicorn. “You what!?” Rose yelled starting to look over me to see something. After a few moments of this she finally stopped. “You seem alright but, why in the hell did you fight an Alicorn!?”

I just raised my hand that said ‘My bad.’ “Sorry but, it really wasn’t my choice at the moment. I actually escaped five others five minutes before hand. It had a knife to my throat. But, I need to talk to Ditzy about a favor. Cloud can you tell them the story?” I asked.

“Yeah, I can but before we go. Where are we going to stay?” He asked. “I like being soaked and carrying shit all the time but, we need a break every now and then.” he said in a sarcastic tone.

My pondered on this for a moment before I could speak Thorn popped in again. “Why don’t you stay with us?! We got plenty of beds in the cot room!”

Cross sighed leaning towards Thorn. “Sweetie, we have a bunch of injured ponies in there right now. We don‘t have the room.” He looked up at us and sighs. “I’m sorry guys, I would love to help but we barely have room for us to sleep.”

Thorn looked back up at her father. “Come on dad! They helped aunty Plum! You’ve got to help them so how!” She said almost on the verge of crying. “Come on daddy. They need our help.” She said hugging his leg.

Cross sighed again. “Alright, I will try to help them.” He looked up at us from his daughter. “I think there is some room in the commons house. If not talk to the sheriff but, I would be cautious when talking to him; he is a little pissed off that you went to Old Appleloosa but, not to mention the fact that your friend brought 47 new ponies into the town. It is thanks to the caps your friend gave to him so the town can take care of the injured ponies; that you can even come here. So…don’t think you can get much from him.” Cross looked down at Thorn and Cloud. “Hey, Thorn why don’t you go and talk with Cloud? I’m sure that Parker and I need to talk about some arrangements about the housing.”

Thorn squeaked “Alright!” before running along with Cloud to the other side of the lobby. I turned my head to see that Rose was walking back to her sister Plum.

I knelt down to his eye level; placing my hand on his shoulder. “Thanks, I know that you have done a lot for me in the last four days. For my appreciation I want to give you this.” I said taking out Suckle’s 5.56 revolver and reaching it out for him to grab.

He looked at it before he looked at me. “Why are you giving me this? I’m not a gun toting pony anymore. My wasteland adventure days are over. It wasn‘t until I had Thorn th-” He couldn’t finish when I embraced him in a hug.

I could feel the stares and raised eyebrow going in my direction from all across the room. “I’m giving you this because, I found it with a note.” I let go of the embrace with a smile. “It said that the previous owner of the weapon was a mother. She used it time and time again to protect the ones she loved before she died of natural causes and who ever found it I’m giving you this so that it can give you luck when you need to protect the ones you love and cherish.” I looked at Thorn was now sitting across the room talking to Cloud telling her how she found me or at least I think so; with Cross following my gaze. “I’m giving it to you for your help and so you can protect her. She is still young yet has experienced so much misery; she is tough but, I can tell you that she is going to repress all of the misery when she is older. I want you to be there when she begins to remember.” I looked back at Cross before a loud clap of thunder rocked the railcar. He met my gaze; his eyes were filled with confusion and other emotions. “In order for you to help her you both need to be together and alive but, most of all strong. Strong for her and you. She is your daughter and you need to be strong. That’s why I’m giving you the pistol to help you get strong when the going gets tough. Like my uncle says. It’s better to have it and not need it then, need it and not have it.” I said patting his back.

He looked at me for a moment before looking at the pistol. He was silent for a moment. “Alright…” he looked up at me with some determination and hope. “I will take it…” He looked over to Thorn who was laughing along with Cloud. “For her and for your gratitude.” he then, bit into it before beginning to walking off.

“Hey, Cross.” I touched his shoulder getting his attention. “If you tell anyone pony or human alike that I got emotional with you I’m going to kill you.” I said with a chuckle. He nodded with a chuckle. I got on my feet turning my attention to Cloud. “Hey, Cloud we need to talk to Ditzy so come on.” I hollered across the room interrupting his and Thorn staring contest.

He looked at me nodding. “Alright! Just give me a sec so I can win the five caps that this filly will soon owe me.” The moment he turned back to face her Thorn blow into his face making him blink.

“You were saying about the five caps?” She said in a mocking voice. I heard Cloud curse under his breath before handing her five bottle caps. When I got over there Cloud was on his hoofs and ready.

“Come on before Thorn steals all of your caps.” I said getting a chuckle from Thorn and Cross.

“Alright, and Thorn I want a rematch when I get back.” He said sticking out his tongue getting one in return from Thorn. I sighed and walked out the door; followed by Cloud. For the third time today my hat and duster were again getting assaulted by the rain making a nice pitter patter sound. I looked around seeing that most of the ponies were either inside or running through the rain to get inside. I heard Cloud step next to me in the wet mud.

I didn’t say anything while we made out our way to Absolutely Everything. I just looked around seeing some ponies looking our way through windows which was kind of freaking me out. We walked in ringing the small bell what was on the top of the door frame. I looked around for Ditzy seeing no sigh of her. But, I saw an oddly placed muffin on top of a plate right next to the cash register. I looked at Cloud and he just shrugged. I turned back to the muffin walking towards it when we got to it I could see the steam coming off of it. I leaned onto the counter looking for the cute little ghoul. “Hello? Are you here? Ditzy? It’s me Parker and Cloud.” I looked down at Cloud who was looking up past me. “What are you looking at?” I asked looking up getting a metal pot hitting me in the face as an answer. I fell on the ground holding my face. “God fucking damn it! Oh my fucking god that hurts!” I yelled out rolling on the ground as Cloud is just dying from laughter. “That really fucking hurts! What the fuck is this?! A bad cartoon!”

I heard a set of hoofs hit the wood floor next to me then, the sounds of frantic writing met my ears. I looked up to see the sweet little ghoul frantically writing on her little chalk board. She saw me looking at her then, she shoved the black board to me. It read ‘oh my gosh oh my gosh I’m so sorry. Please, don’t be mad. It was an accident you just surprised me when you said your name! please, forgive me.’

I chuckled before getting up on my feet dusting off my duster…again. “It’s alright.” I rubbed my face. “But, damn that hurt. I’m going to feel that tomorrow.” I looked down at Cloud who was still laughing. I raised an eyebrow before kicking him making jump in surprised making me chuckle. “Get off your ass we need to get serious.” He quickly scrabbled getting himself up. I turned back to Ditzy quickly erasing her board her eyes look like she was on the verge of crying. “It’s alright Ditzy. We all make mistakes we aren’t perfect other wise we wouldn’t be living in this hell hole.” I said getting a little chuckle from her. I smiled getting a nudge from Cloud. “Alright, Ditzy you said that you wanted to use your favor?”

She looked up surprised for a moment then, she nodded before flying behind the counter. She laid her little black board on the counter before taking a bite of her warm muffin. She made a satisfying hum before writing again. We waited for about a minute before she was done. She turned it around shoving it towards me. It read ‘Yes, I am calling in your and Cloud’s favor for getting you both on the train. This is what I want…’ I quickly looked up at her making a shit eating grin. “You better not make this a sexual favor.” I said chuckling making the ghoul plant her face on the ground in embarrassment. “I’m just kidding with you.” I said looking back down. ‘…I want you to help guard a caravan going to Fort Key. They haven’t been heard from in weeks; so I and some others are sending a supply caravan towards the Fort and I want you and Cloud to help guard it with four others. It is near the city of Baltimare so except some little to moderate fighting. It is going to be a eight day trip after that you are free to do what ever you want to do. You and Cloud are going to be paid four hundred caps up front. This is just to re-supply the fort and to see if anything is wrong. If there is; get the hell out of there then, come back and if possible with the supplies. You leave in the morning at dawn so make sure you have everything that you need and want. If you want my advice get a book or something because this is going to be a long trip.’

I looked up at her with a smile. “Alrighty.” I said scooting the board over to Cloud so he read it. “What are your rates on ammo now?” I asked. She nodded before biting into the ammo rate board. .308 was pretty much the same along with 5.56. “You got any .45 ACP?” I asked looking over the board. I looked up to see that her placing two fifty round boxes on the counter. She took the ammo board; writing with her little chalk. She twisted it around again showing me the price for the boxes. 200 caps for two boxes. I sighed before taking out my caps bag out of my duster. “Alrighty, two hundred for the .45s and I think a hundred and fifty .308 rounds with fifty armor piercing rounds. To top it all off I would like two hundred rounds of 5.56.” I said looking around the shelves to see if anything is worth while. Then, something caught my attention. It was bowie knife; once I realized that a smile grew on my face “How much is the bowie knife?” I asked pointing at the blade by then, Cloud had finished reading Ditzy’s board; which allowed Ditzy to grab and erase her board.

She quickly wrote on her board before showing me the writing. It read ‘250 caps. They’re rare so you are going to have to pay the rare price, sorry. But, if you include that your total of caps are…1750 caps.’ She looked at me with a questioning look before quickly erasing her board and writing again. When she was done she shoved it to me again. It read ‘how are you going to pay for this?’

I looked up with a shit eating grin. “Also, I need ten extended hunting rifle magazines and three assault rifle magazines.” I said making Ditzy sigh a little but, laugh.

She took her board again with a soft smile before writing again. ‘It must get kind of annoying of having to write everything you have to say.’ I though as she finished chalking down her words. She turned it around showing me and Cloud the words. They read ‘Alright, the magazines with the knife and ammo will cast you a total of 1900 caps. Anything else before you buy me out? Hahaha.’ I chuckled at the last bit.

“Yeah, one more thing. Do you have any books or comics?”

Cloud looked up at me and shook his head. “You are a shopoholic.”

I looked down at him. “Dick. I’m just getting the shit we need. We got over 2500 caps on us. So don’t worry.” He huffed for a moment before I turned back to Ditzy who was munching on her warm muffin. “Sorry, he is just being a dick from losing ten games of chess in a row.” I looked down to see a lock picking magazine and a medical book. “You think an even 2000 caps would be good for all of this?”

She shook her head. She took her board and wrote on it again. ‘No, 2150 caps for everything unless you have anything else to trade.’

I smiled at that before reaching into my satchel and taking out the seventy-two rounds of 12.7mm. “How about these? Will you make it to 2000 caps even if throw them in for you Ditzy?”

She looked at the box of rounds before looked up with a smile and nodding before taking the rounds and 2000 caps. Cloud looked up at me with a smile. “Alright, we got everything we need. Lets go before the common house closes and we are stuck in the rain.”

I looked down at Cloud. “Alright, Ditzy I think that is all we need for the moment.” I said grabbing the supplies that Ditzy has placed on the counter and stuffing them into my satchel for later. I looked back at Ditzy with her board in her mouth that said one big bold word that took up the entire board. I made a small laugh with a smile. “Of course Ditzy while I’m out there I will get some muffins. Also, thank you for the supplies. I’m sure to come back here. Lets go Cloud.” I said turning around getting a wave good bye from Ditzy.

We walked outside of the store to see that the storm was starting to get worse then, it was already. “Again? This is worse then, what made us go in that cave.” Cloud commented just before fingers of lighting streaked across the sky. “Lets go to the common house and rest up. We got a big day tomorrow.” He said starting to walk off to a large wooden shack next to the bar and grill I ate a couple of days ago.

“Alrighty, lets go and we can have some dinner. I’m fucking starving and the sooner we got to bed the more well rested we become.” I said passing the Sheriff who was sitting in a rocking chair sleeping with his hat over his eye, he cleared his throat getting my attention.

“Hey, son can I talk to you for moment?” He asked tipping up his hat to look me in the eyes his voice still a little raspy like before.

I looked at Cloud who was looking at the Sheriff then, at me. “Cloud, go on ahead to the common house. I’ll catch up with you later.” I said getting a nod from before he continued on. I turned around to see the Sheriff gesturing towards a chair next to his rocking chair.

I walked up on the awning covered porch; sitting down on small chair. From this view I could see everything in town and everypony walking through the drenching rain. It was a some what peaceful scene except for the fact that you never see the sun and the chance that you could get ripped in two and being rapped to death. ‘That was nice thought.’ I thought just before the Sheriff cleared his throat again making me turn my head to him. He placed a cigarette in his mouth and just lit it with a match. “You smoke?” He asked.

“Not really.” I responded just before clap of thunder rocked the town.

He chuckled before letting out his smoke. “That’s good. Smoking will do nothing but, just kill you faster. I do it because I have nothing else to do.” he said with a light chuckle. I chuckled along before he spoke again. “You are going to Fort Key on the supply caravan?”

“Yes, I am with my friend Cloud.” I responded.

The Sheriff look at his town again sighing. “I’ve protected this town for about seven years now. Not much happens except for a few things here and there. I would do anything to keep the hard working ponies here safe and sound. Cause’ I know that a lot of them need the rest; don’t you agree?” He asked facing me.

I made a small smile and nod. “Yeah, I do. But, what is this about?” I asked raising an eyebrow.

I got a loud chuckle as an answer. “Straight to the point, I like that. But, you get want I mean. That I would do anything to keep my friends safe.”

“Yes, I got that. I would do the same thing for any of my friends.”

The Sheriff took inhale of the cig then letting out the smoke. “My nephew is going on the Supply Caravan. He is young and inexperienced just like you but, you can actually fight.” He said pointing at my M77 that I leaned against the ground. “From what I hear you have a leveled head when you are fighting…well most of the time. When you go out there I want you to make sure that my nephew is alright when the bullets start flying.”

I just stared at him in confusion. “I’m sorry sir but, I can’t promi-” I was interrupted by him raising his hoof.

“I know what you are going to say. It’s the wasteland you can’t promise anything. All I’m saying is just try and make sure that he gets back. But, if he di-” He couldn’t finish when it was my turn to raise up my hand.

I sighed and looked him in the eye. “I will try my hardest to make sure that he gets back alright.”

The Sheriff nodded and cleared his throat. “I know you will but, just in case. I want you to give him this if he is on his last breath.” He said reaching into his pocket and taking out a small silver locket. He stared at it in his hoof for a few seconds handing it to me. “It was his mother’s. That is the only picture that we have of her and him together. She died when he was four so he barely remembers anything of her. If he dies I want you to give that to him so that his mother can help find peace. But, if everything is ok at the end and he survives. I still want you to give it to him.” He said as I opened the locket. It was a picture of a light pink coated mare unicorn with a darker pink mane and brown eyes holding a bright green unicorn wrapped in a small blanket. “Because, I know that after this; he wants to explore the wasteland and what not.” I looked up to see that he was looking at me. “Can you promise me that you will try your hardest to make sure he gets out of this alive.”

I smiled closing the locket and carefully putting it into my before looking at The Sheriff. “I’ll try I promise. What’s his name Sheriff?”

He sighed scratching his head. “Mugs is his name. He can be a hoof full. But, that’s all I want you to do.” Nodding, I got up on my two feet grabbing my M77 into my hands. I took a deep breath through my nose as the water began to drip down my duster. I looked behind me looking at the Sheriff as he cleared his throat again. “By the way my name is Railright and if you pull that shit you did in Old Appleloosa again; I’m personally going to kick your ass. You are just lucky that you kill most of the Slavers in the explosion or they would‘ve killed all of us.”

I tipped my hat with a grin “I’ll keep that in mind Railright. You have a nice evening now.” After that I heard him mumble something about never letting anypony off like that again. I walked off; my boots squishing in the mud of the town. I walked with my hands in my duster side pockets towards the common house. I stopped right next to the bar and grill I ate at a couple days ago. I looked past the little stand to see a stack of rail cars about four high with a glowing sign that said Turnpike Tavern. “Huh, didn’t notice that before.” I just shrugged before walking into the common house. When I came in I saw a bunch of heads pop up some of them had giant smiles on there faces.

Then, a moment later I was flooded by ponies I think that were the slaves that me and Cloud rescued that were saying ‘Thank you so much.’ ‘I can’t repay you.’ and all of the like but, then a single red mare around the size of Rose except more well built and broad shoulders. She didn’t have a horn so I except her to be an Earth Pony. She turned around before yelling “Be quiet!” It was loud enough to make my ears ring. “Everypony go back to there bunks and get some sleep!” When she said that the ponies began to disperse a little by little.

“Ow!”

The mare turned around to see me cupping my ears. “Sorry, but I need to do that to quiet them down.” She apologized with a sheepish grin.

I blink a couple time before looking down at her. “It’s alright. Just give me warning next time cause’ that hurt.” A moment later some ponies were shoved to the side to reveal Cloud making his way to the head of the mob.

“What’s going on!?” he yelled out as soon as he made it to the mare’s side.

“Well, I nearly went deaf from this young mare right here.” I said gesturing to the mare who was now blushing.

“I’m not that young…” She said beginning to trail off with a soft blush.

I chuckled looking at Cloud. “So, where are we sleeping?”

“We have a little corner to sleep in so we don’t have to worry about being stabbed in the middle of the night.” He said with a laugh.

The mare snapped out of her little trance and looked up at me. “If you are looking for a place to sleep then, I can arrange you to sleep closer to the door. If you want.”

I looked at her in the eye with a smile. She had pretty brown eyes with a pink mane. “No but, thank you for your offer. What is you name so anyways?” I asked with a yawn.

I was slugged in the leg by Cloud who was yawning. “Quit that shit. I’m going back to bed.”

The mare giggled. “He doesn’t like yawning.”

I knelt down rubbing my leg. “Apparently, damn that hurts.” I looked up to her with a grin. “Don’t worry; I’m going to get him back for that. Name’s Parker.” I reached out my hand.

She smiled before shaking my hand with her hoof. “Name’s Steam Mirror. It’s nice to meet the…” She hesitated on what to call me.

I chuckled. “Human, I’m a human.”

She smiled. “It’s nice to meet the human that saved my and everypony else’s life from Old Appleloosa. We can’t thank you enough. If you need any don’t be afraid to ask.” She said giving me a wink. Before I could say no she turned around flicking her tail in my face and walked away. I quickly got up before I saw something I didn’t want too.

I walked in the direction that Cloud went off to; to find him sleeping in a cot with his gear in the corner including his cloak. I walked to my cot taking off my satchel and combat armor and throwing it in Cloud little pile. I leaned my rifles against the corner with his Marksmen carbine but, when I was placing my gun belt on my combat armor Cloud turned over to reveal his scars that his cloak always hid. A trio of scars went down from the base of his neck to his mid-stomach. I stared at them for a moment before he turned over again with a deep breath. I was tempted to wake him up and talk about it but, it felt wrong to do so. With a sigh I began to prep for the long road ahead.

Chapter end.
Parker Williams: Level Up!
Silver Cloud: Level Up!
Companion Perk!- While Silver Cloud is your companion when ever you are looking down a scoped weapon he is going to act as a spotter pointing out enemies.
New Perk! Playing dead- For escaping the Unity alicorns your sneak skill has been raised by 10. When around enemies all except for alicorns and griffins in sneak mode they lose 1 perception.
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Author's Note

Hey yall sorry for not posting internet has been turned off cus of financial stuff so im at my grandparents so here is the next chapter. also, sorry i have been busy so the next chapter may come out later tonight or tomarrow.