"Unbelievable..."

Colton was not what I expected. To be honest I expected a decent sized town with minimal damage. Nope the supposed settlement, as Silverlux so eloquently put it, composed of a stripmall across from a police station, the town hall building, a row of, what used to be small shops and (get this) part of a middle school. This wasn’t a town. No this was a collection of hovels. The roads were worse, few as they were, pot marked with craters and sickly weeds. And don’t even get me started on the ponies. Most of the ones we saw coming in were slumped against walls of businesses and even a few in the middle of the road. Looked like a fucking dash alley I mean seriously no attempt at all to hide the addicts. What happened to the time when addicts would go above and beyond to hide the fact they were a druggy but nope that era got shot in the face.

Cascade was still out when we walked into the pathetic excuse of a town. Silverlux was quiet from our little escapade on the way here but didn’t blame him on that. I had the feeling I opened up a whole flank load of regret in the stallion. He’d been down the retribution kick before I could just feel it. He wanted to kill those raiders in the same way I had and did. I could see it in his eyes but the best course of action was letting him come to terms with it.

Silverlux took the lead and we started heading to the strip mall. I looked up at the sky. Celestia I’m never gonna get used to…

I was broken from my thought by a wall. I landed on my flank with a grunt and Cascade slid off my back. Thankfully Silverlux caught her. I looked up to see I had run into a really big griffin with brown and tan feathers. Well it felt like a wall. He was wearing black combat armor and had a really well cared for rifle slung over his shoulder. His piercing grey eyes stared at me like I was his next meal.

“Watch it!” He grunted.

“Oh sorry,” I murmured my ears splayed back. I’d heard of griffins but this was the first time I’d seen one. My stars the size of those wings. Mmmmm I think I’m in love.

“You’re drooling,” Silverlux deadpanned then turned to the griffin as he placed the filly on his back,” Sorry about that she wasn’t paying attention.”

“Never would have guessed,” the griffin grunted his eyes flicking between the ghoul and me. I won’t lie I was still ogling this massive wings. Celestia he can take me right now because of those things. Thank Celestia my longcoat hid my wings form view. They were well on their way from being primary out.

The griffin relaxed,” Don’t cause any trouble. Oh and tell your friend to quit oglin’ my wings. I ain’t inta frail crows.”

Frail crow!? I got right in his face,” Hey! Watch who your callin’ a crow you pigeon!”

He took a step forward,” Keep steppin’ limp feathers.” He pulled his rifle down.

Oh hell no! I pressed my nose to his beak,” You’re gonna be picking up pieces of that beak if you don’t watch it.”

Silverlux pulled me back with his magic,” Masque quit.”

“This guy started it,” I growled my ice blue eyes still locked on his grey. I could make out the small smirk on his blasted beak too.

“And I’m finishing it,” the ghoul said with a firm tone,” Come on we need to get to the shops. I need more ammo and you need a decent weapon.” He nodded to the griffin,” Sorry we bothered you.”

He pushed me away from the griffin and the flashed me his middle talon before walking off to the police station. My mare’s intuition told me it wasn’t a polite gesture in the least.

“What the fuck was his problem?” I grumbled as Silverlux led me into through the strip mall’s doors.

“Hell if I know,” the ghoul admitted with a shrug,” But I don’t really want to tangle with a Talon right now so...”

“Talon?” I quirked a eyebrow.

“Mercenaries,” he snorted,” Supposedly they’re the best in the Wasteland and they’re all griffins. They have a few offices here and there. Colton just happens to be one of their bases of operations but they allow ponies to set up shop here to bring in supplies and caps.”

“Caps?” Again queue raised eyebrow.

He chuckled for the first time in I think a whole twenty four hours,” You’ll see what I mean.”

I frowned. That was needlessly cryptic. I followed the buck to a one of the gutted out shops. Above the door was a flickering sign that read ‘Weevil’s Weapons ’. Inside the walls were lined with all manner rifles, pistols, and shotguns. Ammo boxes lined the shelves and it looked like a legit business. Even had a dull yellow unicorn mare with a peppermint striped mane.

“Hello and welcome to Weevil’s Weapons where you get quality merchandise,” she beamed,” How can I help you?”

I wandered off as Silverlux started pawning off the crap from the raiders. I went over to the sparse knives section. There were a set of throwing knives, a few old police batons, and a Royal Guard officer's short sword. Its blade was four hooves long and looked wcked shard. The hilt fit the mouth and was black. It was so light too. Oh hell yeah score! I glanced at the mare tending the counter. She was focused on Silverlux but still kept an eye on me. I eyed the gunrack behind her. With a tiny push I sent one clattering to the ground. She bent to pick it up and I quickly slid the blade, scabbard and all under a wing. I’ve never used a sword before but if it was anything like a Tsire then I should have it covered.

I picked the throwing daggers up and went to the counter. "What happened?" I asked with all the innocence in the world when I set the knives down on the counter.

"Gun fell off the rack,' the mare said as she put it back," So strange I replaced the pegs not two days ago."

Silverlux gave me a scrutinizing look which I promptly ignor4ed. "Okay," I swept a hoof over the throwing knives," How much?"

Silverlux stood back and his suspicious look became almost amused one.

"Hmmm," she tapped her chin,” I'd say about thirty."

"Deal.” We bumped hooves and I pulled a bag of bits out of my bag and started counting.

“Whoa what are you doing?” the yellow mare asked. She looked at me like I was insane, a look which I gladly shot back.

“Umm I’m paying for my purchase,” I said stating the completely fucking obvious. This mare strung out on something?

“I only take purchases in bottle caps,” she stated. Are you fucking serious?

“Are you high on your own supply?” I asked. Out of the corner of my eye Silverlux was barely holding a laugh in. I gave the ghoul a look,” Okay smart ass what’s the joke?”

He snickered,” Well let’s just say that bits are sorta worthless. Most transactions are done with bottle caps these days.”

I gaped at the ghoul. Was he serious? I glanced at the mare behind the counter. She looked dead serious. “Is he serious?”

“Umm yeah,” she frowned,” Sure you’re not high on your supply?”

I slowly turned to the buck as he collapsed on the floor in a fit of laughter. Are you kidding me!? At the tip top of my ‘What the Fuck?!’ in big bold red letters was bits are fucking useless. All my savings are now useless. The cases of bits in my apartment that I painstakingly saved up are useless. And the bastard rolling on the floor like a bucking idiot finds it hilarious. You know what fuck you universe! Fuck you!

I gave him a swift kick in the side, “You couldn’t have told me sooner you jackass like when I started picking up those bits in the hospital!”

“Not really,” He continued laughing despite his wince,” Wouldn’t have been as funny.”

Silverlux continued to chuckle as he pulled a bag of caps out," Here this will suffice."

"Thanks,” the vender said," She been living under a rock?" The mare pinted a hoof at me.

"NO,' I snorted,' I've been in a cryopod for the last two hundred bucking years and while I was apparently Equestria has become one conundrum after another." I turned on my heel and stomped out of the shop.

"Sad thing is she's serious," Silverlux said to the vender and trotted after me. When he caught up with me he started chuckling again.

"I'm not talking to you," I huffed.

"Aw c-mon," he teased," You gotta admit it was funny."

"Well congrats," I gave my eyes the roll of the century," Your skin issues pale in comparison to your bad humor."

"Oh lighten up," he laughed," Oh yeah got you something."

He handed me a 10mm SMG. It even had a silencer talisman on the barrel. I quirked an eyebrow at him and tried to hand it back,” Nah I’m good I don’t really trust guns.” Especially after one fell apart on me and the other recoiled right out my telekinesis.

He pushed it back and shook his head,” Nope you’re gonna need it trust me. Sometimes you’re gonna need something a little stronger than a few daggers. Even silenced for your stealth preference. Oh and here's your half of the caps.”

I accepted the bag of caps but pushed the gun back at him. There were about a hundred in the bag. Not bad. When he was about to protest I grinned and pulled the short sword out,” Don’t worry I got the defense thing covered.”

“Where did you-“ he started before realization sparked in his eyes,” You stole it!?”

“Lower your fucking voice moron,” I scolded,” Yes I stole it, and no I’m not giving it back. Just chill out.”

“What do you mean you won’t honor the bloody contract?!”

Silverlux and I looked over at the police station at the source of the screech. A ruby red mare with a beautifully coiffed light pink mane was staring down one of the griffins. She was in a black dress that looked brand new. And I think…it is! It was Coco Pommel Original. Now where the hell did she get one of those? They were near impossible to get ahold of two hundred years ago. The griffin she was staring down, and doing a damn good job at it despite her short stature, was apparently a high ranking Talon. He wore a uniform with captain’s bars. Possibly swiped form the police station. We both stopped and watched the scene, our previous line of conversation ceased. Thank Celestia for that too.

“I didn’t say that,” he huffed,” As I ‘m sure you’re aware that way is highly dangerous and I don’t have the griffin power to escort you there. At least not right away.”

“I have until the day after tomorrow before my visa expires you bloody twit,” she growled. Her accent was heavy on the Trottingham persuasion. “And I paid good caps for a contract with you and I expect my caps worth!”

The griffin shook his head,” I will not send my crew out on a suicide mission.” He turned to walk away,” I’m sorry.”

He went back into the station and the red earth pony tried to follow after him. A pair of griffins blocked her path,” Out of my bloody way you wankers I’m not done yet!”

“Yes you are,” one grunted and lowered his rifle,” Now leave.”

“This isn’t the end of it you twits,” she looked to the doors,” You hear me you git I’ll have your bloody primaries for this!” She turned with a huff. She looked right at us and trotted forward,” You there do you want to make a lot of caps?”

“We’re not mercenaries,” Silverlux said a little too quickly. As far as I’m concerned I’m all ears.

“But you both look like you can handle a beating deal out just as god,” she offered me a hoof,” I’m Pearl. I’m a merchant on my way to Stable 46 and I won’t lie when I say I need a bit of assistance.”

“We’re heading there too,” I said. Silverlux glared at me from his peripheral but I ignored it.

“Bully!” she exclaimed,” Then luck is on my side.” She nodded to the police station,” Those gits have seen fit to deny my contract. I need to get to Stable 46 by Tuesday or I stand to lose quite the profit. So that means-“

“You need someone to escort you through the Graveyard,” Silverlux finished,” Are you crazy?” I quirked an eyebrow at the ghoul for possibly the umpteenth time. The hell’s the Graveyard?

“As a fox,” she grinned,” There aren’t any raiders out that way.”

“Yeah there’s something much worse out there that’s why.” The ghoul frowned.

I raised a hoof,” Okay so question what the hell’s the Graveyard?”

“It’s a strip of forest that runs between here and Stable 46,” Silverlux shivered,” It’s rarely traveled because something keeps travelers away. Whole caravans go in and end up disappearing. If you want to get to the Stable you need to go out through Highway 49 around the Graveyard. It takes about three more days but its loads safer.”

“Well three days isn’t something I have,” she looked back at me,” I’ll pay you generously. Three hundred caps right now and a share of my supplies along the way. When we get there I’ll sell off the rest of my goods and pay you two thousand.” Okay I am seriously thinking about taking this mare up on her offer. Wait no. I got frozen the last time the job sounded easy and the pay was really good. But the amount I’d be receiving I whined at the rational part of my brain. Curse our like of monetary gain.

I raised a hoof,” I’ll escort you.”

“Fantastic,” she exclaimed as she bumped my hoof, her violet eyes sparkling,” I’ll meet you lot outside the town in two hours.” She trotted off with a grin on her face.

Silverlux jabbed me with a hoof,” Are you touched in the head? She’s gonna get you fucking killed!”

“What’s the big deal?” I huffed," We just need to be careful is all.”

“Whole caravans with armed guards just up and disappeared in there!” He shouted at which I flinched. Okay loud much.

“We survived a hospital with horror story quality atmosphere and a flock of bloodwings,” I scoffed," I think I can handle a strip of forest.”

Silverlux growled,” I-you-urhg! You’re impossible!” He started off toward the town hall," You go ahead and get yourself killed."

"Where are you going?" I called after him.

"To give this filly to someone I know will take care of her," he yelled back," Then I'm getting a stiff drink!"

Wow he is pissy sometimes. I shrugged it off and started toward the gates. Oh well time to start out toward...carp medical supplies. I would definitely need more than a few potions if I'm going back out there. Sides a quick visit to the doctor wasn't a bad idea.

I was able to track down a medical ward easily enough. It was situated in a small office that had been law firm at one time. Now it looked like a legit doctor's office...well as legit as you can get in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. It was run by a grizzled earth pony buck that went by the name Dr. Hemorrhage. Yeah not very comforting if you ask me. He gave me a quick check up.

"Well over all you're quite healthy," he said with a dull tone, as he eyed his clipboard" Healthier than anyone I've seen any one in a long time. You didn't suffer any negative damage from the radiation poison you earlier sustained. So that's good." He glanced up at me than back at his clipboard," I'd say you're damn lucky if anything."

"Well thank you doc," I started pulling my armor and coat back on.

"You're welcome filly," he grunted," Just try to stay away from magical radiation to keep that lucky streak up." He went into the next room and I took that chance to raid the medical box I'd been eyeing for the last thirty minutes. Scored some radaway and health potions. Only took three of each to avoid suspicion. He came back into the room just as I sat back on the examining table.

"Alright that's twenty caps for the checkup," he said. None the wiser.

"Thank you," I pulled the caps out and laid them on the counter. With a nod of thanks I trotted out of the office and ducked into an alley. Man that was almost too easy. I grinned and continued down until I came across a couple of dirty unicorn stallions, barely colts really, leaning against a dumpster.

"Hey good lookin'," the dark blue one smirked," Wanna make a few caps?"

I rolled my eyes and sneered," Not on your life." They were very dirty and if those track marks on their legs were any indication they were druggies too. They blocked my path as I tried to pass them.

"Aw c'mon," the piss yellow one smirked," You look like you need it anyway."

Excuse me!? I glared at the brat," Get out of my way before I show you what you need."

Blue boy put a hoof on my flank," Don't be like that. Just bend over and we'll-"

I clubbed him right in the muzzle. He stumbled back into a set of garbage cans. His friend whipped out a switchblade but froze when he felt cold steel against his throat. I smiled sweetly," Go ahead and move I just got this wonderful blade and I just want to test it out." I pressed it a little harder and grinned as a trickle of blood slid down the blade's edge. Well that's good the blade is indeed wicked sharp.

Blue boy stood up, blood running from his nose like a river," You fucking bitch." He pulled a revolver out of his dirty rags and aimed it at me. I slipped into S.A.T.S., pulled my dagger out and sent it flying at the insolent colt. I deactivated the targeting spell and watched with intense satisfaction as the blade sunk hilt deep into his foreleg. Did I ever mention I absolutely love zebra talismans? The gun fell away with a clatter and quick as a flash I pulled another knife out and held it a centimeter from Blue Boy's throat silencing his screams.

"Oi Stagger, Glint. Knock it off!" I looked up to see an impeccably dressed grey earth stallion at the end of the alley. His bright green eyes betrayed disappointment at the two stallions who for the time being were both too afraid to move. "Can't you see the filly is out of your league? Hell she's not even in your universe." Finally someone with class. He walked up and bowed slightly,” Please forgive my subordinates' rude behavior they tend to be rather touched In the heads from time to time."

"I noticed," I said with a small smile as I pulled the blades away. I ripped the knife out of Blue Boy's foreleg and sheathed them save for the shortsword. Blue Boy yelled out in pain and a slew of curses broke from his cracked lips. Aww poor foal. "So who are you?"

"I am Planned Point and these two clods are Stagger and Blink," he tipped his fedora to me," And what might your name be my lady?"

A gentlecolt in this day and age hmmm? I bet he's still a sleaze though. "Nightingale," I gave a nod.

“Well now that we’re introduced I would like to make a proposal,” he said with a suave smile,” I saw how you were able to ‘acquire that blade there and I was wondering if you could do a job for. I can assure you it would be well worth your time.”

I see what’s going on here. Theses too loons were waiting for me. Possibly to see if I can handle myself. Clever, annoyingly a=manipulative but clever. I tapped my chin with a hoof,” Hmmm depends on the job and the amount of bits, I mean caps you’re willing to spend.” Damn it another fact I’m gonna need to get used to. Again fuck you universe!

“I need someone to sneak into the Talon Headquarters and get their hooves on the movement manifest for their mercenaries. It should be in the Captain’s office. I won’t lie this will be a difficult task but I believe a mare of your talents will easily get inside,” he gave me serious look,” I’ll pay you five hundred caps for the job.”

Five hundred huh. Hmmm I don’t know. I clicked my tongue,” How about six hundred and we call it a deal?”

Planned chuckled,” Very well six hundred but not a cap more. I’ll be inside the middle school just outside the principal’s office. Come my boys lets go.” He turned to leave and his lackeys followed suit both with a glare fixed on me. I winked at them and sheathed my sword as they rounded the corner. I trotted out of the alley as well and went to the police station. Now this had been the first time I’ve broken into a police station so this would prove to be an unusual experience considering I’ve broken out of plenty. The windows were all boarded up so there went that idea. I looked up and saw a few fly onto the roof so that means there are a few guards up there too. The front entrance was a no go either.

Wait a second. I looked at the road and saw buckhole covers. Every police station I’ve been in had a sewer entrance just in case of evacuation so it stands to reason...

I went a ways down the road and into one of the alleys. After a good deal of searching I found one of the sewer entrances. I pulled it open and my nose was assaulted by an unearthly stench. Oh sweet Celestia. I almost lost my lunch. “Tally ho,” I muttered as I steeled myself and jumped in. My pipbuck started a monotonous clicking and I clicked its light on. Green flooded the circular tunnel and I traced my steps to where I assumed the police station was. Sure enough a ladder came into view. I claimed it and lo-and-behold a metal door with ‘Authorized Personnel Only’ stamped in chipped red paint stared at me. Bingo!

I pulled myself up. A small Securum box was beside the door. I popped it open and found a numbered keypad. Hmmmm…I got it! I pulled out my makeup kit and pulled out my concealer. With a flick of a brush I coated the keypad then pulled out a thin strip of masking paper. With a careful hoof I peeled the paper back and squeeed as hoof prints appeared on the paper. I punched in the code and moment later the door clicked open. I slid inside and silently shut the door.

I found myself in a small hallway with a large sliding door. Okay then we’re inside now where is that Captain’s office. I pulled up my pipbuck’s automap. Okay need to go up five floors through a lot of armed griffins. Goody. I trotted over to the door and it slid open. I ducked to a wall and peered around the corner. A pair of doors was on the right side of the hall. One marked morgue while the other was marked janitor’s closet. At the end of the hall I saw an elevator shaft.

Hmmm…I rubbed my chin in contemplation and looked up. An air duct stared right back. Well, well time for the old fashioned way. I flew up and pulled the vent cover off. My wings almost gave way as I pulled myself inside. The metal never so much as groaned as I continued on. Thank the Sisters pegasi are so freaking light. The vents connected to the elevator and the elevator itself was a pile of scrap at the bottom of the shaft.

Lucky me.

I started to climb. Within a span of ten minutes I found the right floor and used the manual override beside the door to open it. I hovered beside the door and peered out. I sighed in relief when I saw not a soul and ducked into the hall. I eyed my E.F.S. for any blips as I tracked the captain’s office down. I found said office with ease. After a bit of lock picking I ducked inside just as a pair of green blips appeared. The office was small with a desk, a few bookcases and even a small gun rack with three very nice rifles on the pegs. I searched the desk and found the manifest. With a grin I bagged the folder and rifles. Might sell for a pretty bit-er-cap.

“Why did you decide to decline that contract sir?” Shit! The green blips were coming right at me. I jumped behind one of the bookcases just as two griffins came inside the office. One was the griffin form before who had declined Pearl’s contract and the other was a female with ruby feathers and golden fur.

“You’re new here aren’t you?” the captain said as he sat behind his desk. The female nodded. I preyed to any kind god that existed that she wouldn’t look a few degrees to the right. I wouldn’t get out of this without a fight. I quickly started loading the gas launcher as they continued their conversation.

“The way she wanted to go was directly south through the Graveyard. I’ve lost quite a few griffins that way and I won’t lose anymore.” he clicked his beak,” I’m all for honoring the contract but I won’t risk my boys fer some crazy fools caps.”

“I see.” She looked unsure.

“You’re from Gawd’s company ain’t ya.” She nodded.” Good girl but right stubborn especial
1a4da
ly when it comes to honoring the contract. I’m-“He didn’t’ finish his sentence due to the room filling up with gas. Both birds started squawking and sputtering as they took a beak full of gas. I zoomed out of the office like a dragon was on my tail and bolted for the elevator.

“Get her!” I looked behind me at the particularly pissed griffin flying after me. Oh buck me! I galloped down the halls with the griffin vowing to eat me. Not a nice thought in truth. I ducked into the elevator shaft as it came into view. I grabbed the cables and used the manual override to close the door. I sighed in relief as I heard some very pissed squawks.

I wiped the sweat from my brow sand started down. Well that was easy. I heard a screech and looked up to spot a pair of talons pulling the door open. Spoke way too soon. I opened my wings and preyed they wouldn’t fail me. Just as a very big and very pissed griffin ripped the door open I flew down the shaft. A shot rang out and clipped one of my wings. I struggle to stay airborne but found myself tumbling. Shit, shit, shit! I reached a hoof out and barely stopped myself from being skewered on the wreckage below. I pulled myself into the air duct as the griffin slammed his talons where I had just been now two seconds before.

It squawked and fired more shots into the duct after me. I felt rounds bury themselves into my flesh right through my barding. I grimaced from the pain and kept going. I fell through the duck as it gave way and tumbled with several pained grunts to the hard tiled floor. The elevator door opened with a screech and the griffin sailed through. I swore as his red eyes promised a death most painful. I whipped out the shortsword and swiped at his outstretched talons. The griffin tore the blade out of my grip and I rolled out the way as it tried to plunge it into my chest. I sparked my tasers on full and slammed one into his side.

He let out a roar of pain as electricity lit his senses on fire. A well placed hind hoof to his head ended his cries. I looked up to see more griffins flooding into the hall. Bloody wonderful. Once my shortsword was secure in its sheath under my wing I keyed in the code to the sewer door. I tore out of the door, bucked it closed and fried the Securem box. A blaring alarm sounded and a pair of steel bars locked into place, barring any entrance or escape. I sighed in relief, pulled my gas mask off and sat down.

The adrenaline faded and I winced as my injuries made themselves known. A health potion later and I was making my way through the sewers to my point of entry. I pulled my coat off and stuffed it into my bag. Above ground There was chaos. The police station was on lockdown and the griffins were searching every buckhole cover. I ducked into a trash bin as a pair of griffins flew into the alley I was in. When one squawked “clear” I pulled myself out and trotted into the street without a care in the world. Without my coat and without having seen my face they wouldn’t be able to recognize me. I still steered clear of anything with talons as I went straight to the middle school. Just like he said, Planned Point was outside the principal’s office, his tow goons weren’t in sight though. I pulled the folder out and threw it at his hooves.

“Punctual and skilled,” he chuckled as he picked the file up. He gave it a once over and set it in his saddle bags,” I was right to give you this job. Even if there is chaos in the streets now but that will all settle down before long.” He pulled out a sizeable bag of caps and tossed them at me. I caught them and peered inside. Satisfied I had the right amount I stuffed them in my bag. I looked up at the buck as he started speaking again,” As well I believe you’ve earned a bonus,” He handed me a small card with a stylized UG on it and nothing else,” This will get inside a small bar known as the Clipped Cur inside ask for mare that goes by the name Mirror. Tell her PP sent you.” With that he trotted off. I didn’t know what he planned to do with the manifest but I really didn’t care.

I looked at the pipbuck clock. I had about twenty minutes before the meet up time. I trotted out of the building and made my way to the front gate…in a roundabout way.

As I waited for my charge I decided to do some maintenance on my coat, sewing up any tears with some skill, even arranged my weapons comfortably on my person. I looked up and spotted Pearl heading my way. She had shed her dress for security riot armor. Pink stripes were painted down the sides and two hot pink rifles sat on a custom battle saddle. Wow this mare likes pink. I did a double take at the…thing behind her with its back loaded down with packs. It was cow with two freaking heads! I gaped at the beast as they came up to me.

“What never seen a Brahmin before?” Pearl asked.

“No,” I said with a teensy bit of sarcasm,” I was just surprised at the amount of pink you…of course I’ve never seen one! It’s got two heads for pony’s sake.”

“We’re a he,” the freak of nature grumbled.

“I-it spoke!” I pointed a hoof at it. Quick kill it. Kill it before it multiplies and eats us!

“Bloody crazy cad,” Pearl under her breath before speaking up,” Will ya calm down!?”

Calm?! I ‘m looking at the epitome of mutation and she wants me to be calm!? I started hyperventilating and continue to point a hoof at it.

“Forgive her she’s a spaz at the best of times,” I heard Silverlux say over to my right. Pearl turned a curious glance at the approaching ghoul while I kept my eye on the freak of nature not three feet away.

Wait a second he’s not freaking out. I turned a particularly chilling glare at the chuckling bastard,” You knew about…” I gestured to the two headed cow,” this?!”

“We’re a he for the last time,” the freak frowned, both did,” And we have a name. I’m Jack and the quiet one’s Moorice.” The quiet head nodded.

Silverlux chuckled and shook his head,” Another oddity to the world of the wasteland.” He gave the Brahmin a sheepish smile,” No offence and sorry if she insulted you.”

The two headed cow just shrugged which looked really weird,” Meh at least she’s not trying to kill us. Oh and none taken my dear boy.”

Okay so two headed cows are a thing too…that's it my 'What the Fuck?!' list is broken and I'm going home. Sayanora suckers Masquerade is done. D-O-N-E. Done. Good night and good bloody riddance folks. I slumped down, my brain officially too fried to process information. I looked up at the ghoul,” So what are you doing here? I thought I was impossible.”

“You are,” he sagely nodded,” But I can’t just let you get yourself killed. So I’m coming too. Anyway I’m Silverlux by the way and the mentally impaired pegasus is Masquerade.” He ignored my glare.

“Aww ain’t that sweet Jack,” Pearl cooed before walking away,” Now let’s move ya cads, daylight’s awastin’”

I glanced at the Brahmin,” Stay no more than five feet away got it?”

I didn’t wait for an answer as I trotted away after the merchant mare.

When sundown came the forest came into view. We decided to make camp under the cover of a massive outcrop of rock. We got a fire going and Pearl started cooking up some sort of meat with what looked like a can of grey slush. Looked horrible but smelled delicious. When dinner was ready the red mare served it. The Brahmin was a ways away grazing on some weeds. I kept my eyes on it just in case.

“So tell me,” Pearl said as she set down a plate beside me,” What’s wrong with your noggin’?”

I blinked,” Excuse me?”

“Well you were right shocked by a Brahmin and not only that but more often than not you had to catch yourself in calling caps bits.” She sat down and spooned some of the eal inot her muzzle.

I looked down at the meal. Damn it I hate explaining the past. I sighed,” Well I guess you could say I’m not form this time. I was well…”

“She was frozen in a cryopod for the better part of two hundred years,” Silverlux shrugged and began his dinner,” Mmmm this is quite good.”

“You’re pulling my leg,” she chuckled. When she saw nary a smile on mine or Silverlux’s faces her eyes widened,” Wait you lot are serious.” She gave me skeptical look.

“He’s correct,’ I sighed and angrily spooned some mush into my muzzle. Mmm this is good. I swallowed and continued,” And it’s been a pain in the flank. Raiders, slavers, bits being useless, and two headed cows, you can keep it all!” I spooned up more delicious mush,” What next giant mutant alicorns?!”

Cloudy silver met violet as Pearl and Silverlux glanced at each other. I spooned another dollop of the delicious mush into my muzzle before I noticed their hesitation. I pulled my spoon out of my mouth savagely,” You’re fucking kidding me!”

“Fraid not,” Pearl shrugged,” But the big bloaks tend to stay away from here.”

I sat up and politely excused myself. My bewildered companions watched as I trotted right over to the rock outcrop that served as our shelter. They both gave me confused looks as I started knocking n the rock.

“What are you doing?“Silverlux asked as I stepped back with a satisfied nod. His answer was given in the form of me slamming my forehead against the stone. Repeatedly.

“Wake up, wake up, wake up,” I chanted as my skull met stone. I sat back after my head started to throb. I looked back at the shocked pair,” I’m still awake aren’t I?” They nodded blankly. I was afraid of that. I made to start up my attempt to wake myself up but was stopped by a green glow.

“Alright,” Silverlux grumbled,” Stop before you give yourself brain damage.”

“I do believe that is quite impossible as it seems I have descended into a dreamlike state of insane proportions,” I drawled back,” I am simply trying to wake myself up or knock myself out cold if by some chance this is reality.”

“Bloody drama queen,” Pearl said from her spot.

I glared daggers at the earth pony,” Excuse me am I disturbing your meal? I am so sorry let me have my mental breakdown quietly.” I sighed,” I’m going to bed.” I walked away from the pair and secured a spot to rest. I pulled my coat off and folded it up into a makeshift pillow before settling down. A few minutes later I was out cold.

My pipbuck alarm woke me up the next morning. I sat up with a groan and turned it off. I made my way to where Silverlux and Pearl had their backs to me as they packed up the last of the supplies. I was about to greet them when I caught their conversation.

“So tell me mate,” Pearl said,” Is she right in the head?”

“Well sometimes I wonder,” Silverux sighed,” But I will admit she’s crafty. Even saved my flank but she doesn’t trust others not even me.”

“Who does in this day and age?” Pearl quipped.

“No,” the ghoul shook his head,” She doesn’t even trust others with her real name. I had to drag it out of her and if I hadn’t told you her real name she would have given you an alias.”

“There a reason for that?” Pearl asked.

“None that I know of,” he shrugged,” I figured she'll tell me when she’s ready.”

“Which is never I’m afraid,” I snarked startling both ponies,” Now let’s move.” I walked away from the pair as they glanced at each other before following suit. I will admit that the strip of forest looked much thicker up close despite the dead trees. It was deadly quiet too. I pulled my shortsword out and started inside.

“Stay close and don’t wander off,” I said, my voice low,” We’re gonna go straight all the way through.”

No arguments save for a glance form the ghoul that screamed ‘You’re insane’. Pearl took on a grim look as she walked up beside me I nodded and we started into the forest. I kept my ears perked for the smallest noise as we entered the maze of black trees. The ground was an unhealthy yellow. I hoped to catch any normal sound but none came to my ears. Suddenly I spotted something in the distance. A scaled head with cold yellow eyes stared right at me. It was partially covered by the bunched together tree trunks. It was unmoving and it sent a chill down my spine.

I wonder if it knows it’s been seen. Suddenly two more of the beasts burst out at use with a roar ripping out of their fanged maws. I had barely enough time to slip into S.A.T.S. as they tore at us. I gauged my position and got a good look at our assailants. Both were grey scaled and very large standing a foot higher than me. They each had large wings attached and folded against their powerful clawed forelimbs. They stood on equally powerful legs with wickedly curved claws. Pound for pound they looked like the most vicious killers I’d ever seen.

I targeted both lizards’ legs and let fly two throwing daggers each. Both blades met their mark. Pearl gave each a taste of her bullets when they stumbled. The lizards looked like bloody scale mats when she was through. A third lizard burst out of the dead brush and was coming right out at me. My eyes widened. Damn it S.A.T.S. isn’t ready!

A pair of pink beams slammed into the beast and knocked it back. A serpentine hiss escaped its maw as it stared at the ghoul, unharmed. I didn’t waste a moment. I ripped my shortsword out and plunged it straight into the ugly beast’s eye. It screeched and threw me off blade and all as it fell on its side. I sat up, my heart threatening to burst out of my chest. I barely made out more roars and screeches.

“Run,” I yelled at my companions,” Run!” I took off and they followed close behind, catching my obvious hint. I could hear the lizards coming after us and when I eyed the E.F.S. they were catching up, fast. I looked to my right and spotted an old cabin in the distance. I veered off toward it. “This way,” I shouted back. We galloped into the grove the cabin sat in the center of. When we burst inside I slammed the door shut and felt something very mean hit the door. Pearl helped me keep it closed while Silverlux grabbed a large bookcase. When the door was blocked we caught our breath.

“Okay what the hell were those things?” I asked from my spot of dusty wooden floor.

“Wyverns,” the ghoul in our company rasped,” They were docile before the bombs fell but well I guess not so much anymore. Fucking pack hunters and damn clever too.”

“I don’t bloody care what they are,” Pearl grunted as she sat up and started rummaging through the pack on the Brahmin’s back. She pulled out a bag of metal apples and started handing them out,” They’re in between me and my payday. So that makes em slag.”

I am beginning to like this mare. I took the three grenades offered;” Okay then I’ll lead the charge as it were.” I pulled myself up and slid the metal orbs into my longcoat’s pockets,” Once the path is clear run like hell south got it?” Overhead we could hear the tell-tell signs of wyverns on the roof. The cabin began to shake.

We all looked at each other and nodded as we pulled the desk back. I pulled a grenade out and ripped the door open. A pair of fanged jaws entered my vision. I smirked. So the bustard’s hungry. I popped the grenade pin and shoved it clear down its throat. It gagged as I pushed it back, sending it sprawling on the ground. A moment later its torso exploded in a shower of blood and gore. Its ‘friends’ started ripping at the still twitching corpse. Wow that’s fucked up.

I pulled another out and threw it at the feasting wyverns. Blood dripped from their jaws as they looked at it curiously before all they knew was fiery ear shattering death. I galloped through the grove another grenade in telekinesis. Pearl and Silverlux were close behind both firing off shots at the wyverns that tried to impede our progress. We burst through the trees. We came to a river and bounded across it. We looked behind us and the wyverns stopped at the water’s edge. I skidded to a halt and surveyed the scene before me. Not one of the wyverns would come across.

“Are you insane? Run!” Silverlux yelled as he passed me.

“No look,” I said pointing a hoof at the retreating lizards,” They won’t pass the river.”

Pearl, the two headed freak and Silverlux all glanced back the curious scene. The wyverns, one by one, started to go back into the forest. The last one hissed before going back in as well. I couldn’t believe it they stopped because of a little water. Pearl sat back and started fanning herself.

I followed suit,” If that isn’t irony then I don’t know what is.” I laughed,” Afraid of water but not of a grenade huh? That’s got to be the irony of the century.” I looked up to see Pearl and Silverlux staring at me with open mouths. “Hey you guys alright? I know it’s a little weird but geez-“Something wet splashed on my head. I looked at the slippery liquid that dripped from my mane and nose with curiosity. What the fuck? When I looked up my vision was monopolized by a big purple luminously furred bear. It was staring right down at me. I blinked. A fucking Ursa Major and it drooled on me. Just perfect.

I then looked at my companions,” I’m gonna be the first to say we should run. Who's with me?” It roared. They agreed. We ran.

“Throw me a grenade,” I yelled over the bone chilling roars. Pearl obliged and threw one of the apple shaped orbs at me. I flew up grabbed it, pulled the pin and faced the charging bear. I waited a few moments and then chucked it. I pumped a hoof as the frag exploded in its eyes. it gave a pained and enraged roar as it plowed into the ground. I turned tail and started running cause that thing is gonna be pissed when it gets back up. The universe proved me right as I heard another roar behind me. It somehow sounded more pissed than before.

I smirked as the wondrous sight that was open wasteland. We bowled through the trees and kept running. I looked back and the Ursa came barreling out after us. Fuck me! As I galloped faster my legs started bitching at me but I ignored them. We were running right into to a large quarry. I glanced at the cranes and an idea formed in my fear tapped skull.

“Pearl,” I shouted after the red mare,” Think you got anything with enough power to shoot its eyes out!?”

“Maybe,” she shouted back,” But I’ll need a clear shot and a few minutes to set Burtha set up.”

“You get two,” I shouted back,” Set up shop on the one of the cranes overlooking the pit in the middle. Silverlux, you’re with me, throw her your radio and let’s give him a chase.”

Silverlux and I veered off and the ghoul started cracking shots at the massive bear. Like the stupid beast it was it took the bait. I jumped off the edge and slid down the slope. Silverlux tripped and rolled down right into me. We hit the bottom in a tangle. I pulled myself out,” Perfect time to get clumsily you think.”

“Excuse me for feeling panic,” he grunted,” It tends to make one a bit clumsy.” The bear jumped off the edge and landed with an earth shaking thud. It turned to us and roared. Right running for lives now, banter later.

We took off and rounded the dirt slope. I looked up to the cranes as we came into the center of the quarry. Just as I suspected it opened up to a pit and a big one at that. Cranes and other heavy equipment were around the massive pit. I skidded to a stop and whirled around. Silverlux followed suit.

“If we die I’m killing you,” he grumbled.

“Well hopefully my plan works so you won’t have to,” I pointed to one of the cranes,” Think you can work one of them.”

“It’s earth pony built so it more than likely still works,” he said with a thoughtful look,” Yeah I think I can work it. Why?”

“Cause when I give you the signal you push the big bastard into the pit,” I smirked,” Then I’ll go I for the kill.”

Silverlux nodded and took off toward one of the cranes just as the Ursa round the corner. I took a battle stance and it charged at me. It skidded to a stop and swiped a massive paw at me. Its claws gouged out a foot of stone. I gulped and pawed my radio,” Hey Pearl you ready?”

My radio crackled, “Not yet keep it busy.”

Keep it busy she says. I dodged another swipe, the claws barely grazed me but it still opened three long gashes along my side. “Fuck!” I yelled out in pain as I stumbled. My blood splashed on the ground as I dodged another swipe of life ending claws. I ripped a health potion form my bag and downed it. I ducked under its paw again and pulled the receiver up.

“Now would be nice,” I said into the radio. I ducked under another swipe of deadly claws. My flesh started to slowly knit back together as the potion took effect.

“Just a second,” came the annoyed reply. It slammed the back of it paw and sent me careening into the dirt. I sat up more than a little dazed and spat out a glob of blood. I swear if I lose a fucking tooth...its jaws clamp down on my longcoat as it hoisted me in the air. I grabbed my radio with all the gentleness of a pissed off dragon and yelled into the mike,” Pearl!”

Not a second later an ear shattering shot ripped through the air. The Ursa let me loose in favor of squalling over its now ruined eye. Another shot rang out and its other eye exploded in a spray of blood. Silverlux caught the sign as one of the cranes started up a moment later and swung its crane at the luminous bear. It was pushed off the edge and landed at the bottom with a crash. I looked down at the beast. It rose up its maw just barely over the pit’s edge.

Time to finish this.

I galloped over to one of the massive bulldozers. I ignored the pain in my side as I climbed the metal behemoth. I laughed manically as I spotted the key still in the ignition. He’ll never know what hit him. I pulled the levers down and took the steering wheel. It powered up, smoke billowing from its smokestack. I drove it the pit edge just as the Ursa’s nose came into view. I jumped off the bulldozer just as it toppled over the edge and onto the bear. After a deafening crash and a roar the quarry went quiet.

I chanced a look and saw that the bear’s skull had been crushed by the bulldover. It laid on its side twitching as dark red blood pooled around it, staining the pit floor. I slumped onto my flank and cast a weary glance at my ruined coat and barding. The wounds were closed up but it still hurt like hell. Silverlux came running up and looked over the edge.

“In all my years I’ve never seen anyone kill one of those behemoths,” he said in stark amazement.

“I give it an eight,” my radio crackled.

I picked the receiver up,” I come up with a plan to kill one of the most dangerous beasts in Equestria and you give me an eight?”

Another crackle,” Yes. Comin’ down.” The radio went silent and I glared at the offending black bundle of wires. Everyone’s a critic.

I put the radio down with a frustrated sigh and looked over at the ghoul,” Please tell me there aren’t any more horrible surprises between here and Stable 46.”

He chuckled and shrugged,” Who knows? But I gotta say good job with the plan and all.” I have them quite often and yet ponies are so surprised. Well hopefully the worst is behind us.

Footnote: Melee: 50

Level Up!

New Perk added! Hunter's Instincts: You are one with the forest. You now do 15% more damage to animals of all shapes and sizes.

Author's Note

Ah yes a new chapter so much this is. Oh and soon we will also have a new cover art. Brings me much joy it does.