Author's Note

Finally! Let me tell you this chapter gave me hell. But it is finished and we can all move on...well I can at least. You all enjoy this chapter. Oh and no the quote is not from the show. I will start doing this often. Though be warned the next chapter's quote is a Discord quote for good reasons. Muhahahahaha! Stay tuned!

Stable Propositions

"Coincidence or destiny work in tandem more often than not."

Rain.

I like it. Dare say I even love it. It relaxes me. When we left the quarry after tending to our-well my- wounds we heard thunder above and I was thinking,’Hey a light shower to relax my fried nerves.’ But nope right off the bat it poured and I don’t mean the on and off crap. No, I mean a full on HOURS long drenching! We had been walking for three hours and the rain hadn’t fucking let up. I was cold, soaked, and furiously annoyed with only one question making a nuisance of itself in my mind.

“Out of all of us,” I grumbled as we trudged through the mud,” Why the fuck does the freak of nature get a Celestia-damned umbrella?”

The two headed cow glared at me, both of ‘em. I just glared right back.

“Because,” Pearl shouted back at us over the rain,” They have my merchandise and I’ll be damned if it all gets bloody water logged!”

Both of the heads smirked at me from under their nice umbrella. Smug dry bastards. I was about to reply with a slew of swears when Silverlux nudged me and pointed a hoof ahead of us. I followed it and spotted a wall of rusted steel in the distance. I eyed my pipbuck. ‘Stable 46.’ Hot damn bout time! Another half a mile and I’ll be out of the fucking rain.

I sighed in relief,” Oh thank Celestia.”

Silverlux chuckled,” Aww what’s wrong don’t like a little water?”

I turned a venomous glare at him,” Don’t make me hit you.”

His laugh told me how well my threat went over so I punched him in the shoulder.

Hard.

“Ow,” he hissed as he rubbed his shoulder,” The buck was that for?”

”Next time take my threats seriously,” I said as-a-matter-of-factly.

He mumbled something under his breath along the lines of ‘fucking bitch’ but I ignored it. I got my point across. When we came to the gates of Stable 46 two ponies in Stable Tech black security armor greeted us. Man they looked more water logged than us. They gave us a quick once over before the one on the right whistled and the gate slid open with a metallic whine.

Inside I was greeted with the sight of ponies moving to and from building built from metal scraps. There were a few legit buildings but they were few and clustered near the center of the settlement. Despite its wastelandish look it resembled a real community though everyone- and I do mean everyone- had a weapon on them. Silverlux just told me it was a habit and that no one had really been killed here in quite some time. Didn’t keep me from keeping the short sword at the ready.

“Well I’ve got to see the boss about the facility,” Silverlux said as we neared the central cluster of buildings,” I bid you ladies au revoir.”

He trotted off and Pearl slung a hoof over my shoulder,” Come on mate I’ve some merchandise ta sell and you’ve a bill ta collect.”

Oh yeah my bi-er caps- Damn it I need to get used to that. I followed her and the freak of nature into a large cluster of shacks. A sign outside this little district read ‘Merchant Row, Thieves shot on sight.’ Wow okay so hooves off the merchandise unless intent to buy- I gulped- got it. Above the shacks a tent of sorts had been set up. Once out f the rain I gladly shook of most of the water. We came to a particular large vender with a greasy looking earth stallion manning it, though I didn’t see any merchandise only a book in front of him.

“Oi Stick,” Pearl shouted at the buck as we approached,” I see your still kicking’.”

The buck looked up at us, one of his eyes was seriously off kilter and I swear it was staring at me. He gave us a gap toothed grin- seriously ponies need to discover the wonders of dentistry in this hell hole- and waved with a hoof.

“Weel now I hadn’t thought you’d make it gel,” he coughed into a hoof,” Got it all huh?”

“Yep,” Pearl said with a grin and patted the massive pack on the Brahmin,” It’s all there.”

Sticky pulled his book open and scanned the pages before stopping. He wrote something down and slammed it shut. “Alright transfer is done. Just need to get a gander at yer shit.” I stood up with a grunt and ambled over. He did quick search of the packs and with a satisfied nod went back to his seat. He pulled out a big suitcase that rattled. “Five thousand caps with a two hundred bonus. Don’t spend it all in one place gel.” He added with lopsided grin.

My eyes bulged at that. You mean to tell me that freak of nature was carrying five thousand worth of merchandise. Holy Fuck!

Pearl giggled at my open mouthed gape,” Most of the payment is a finder’s fee, transporting, and even a slice for the contract with the Talon’s.” She counted out my payment and handed it to me in a large bag,” Two thousand for your services.” I took the cash and placed it in my bag with all the tender loving care of a mother with her foal. “So what do you plan to do now?” She asked as she pulled a few things off the Brahmin.

I shrugged,” No clue.” Wait a second. I pulled the card I’d gotten from Planned Point and grinned,” I think I’m gonna go get a drink.”

“Don’t drown yourself,” she secured her bag gave a nod to the freak of nature as it meandered off at Sticky’s direction,” And again thanks for your help. My goose would have been cooked without you and that other bloak.”

“No prob,” I said with a grin of my own,” Thanks for the cash.”

“For services rendered, anytime,” she started off deeper into the shacks,” Good luck in your future mate.”

I waved after her before taking off to find the Clipped Cur. Hmm where oh where would it be…? I asked around and soon found myself ignored at best. One poshly dressed mare looked me up and down and just laughed before walking away. Yeah I swiped her cap purse and scored an even sixty. Serves you right bitch.

I wandered aimlessly for a bit until Silverlux tracked me down near the Merchant Row.

“Hey Masque!”

I looked up at the approaching ghoul,” What’s up? I thought you had to report to your boss.”

“I did but when I told him about you he insisted he meet you.”

Fantastic. I resisted the urge to grumble. I raised an eyebrow instead,” Why?”

“He finds it interesting that you were in that Cryo pod for over two hundred years,” he gave a sigh,’ He thinks you might have some pre-war knowledge that will give an advantage in getting supplies. I told him otherwise but…”

“What’s in it for me?” A mare’s gotta have her priorities.

Your own room complete with hot shower and a warm bed.”

My ears perked at that,” A warm bed and hot shower eh?” I tapped my chin with a hoof,” What’s the catch?”
“More than likely he’ll want you to do an odd job,” Silverlux shrugged and we began walking toward the bunker near the back of the settlement. “And don’t worry he’ll pay well. He’s one of the most generous employers I’ve had in a long time.” Won’t lie had me sold at hot shower.

The bunker that housed the Stable entrance was embedded into a rock face. The town, I realized, was in a prime position if it was ever attacked. A natural barrier of rock shielded them form attack from behind and the sturdy walls offered even better protection. Nearer the bunker though I noticed ponies walking around in Stable Tech Security armor brandishing 10MM pistols and police batons. They kept stoic aces and even seemed professional. Silverlux told me they acted as the ‘law’ around here but only for the elite that lived in the Stable and buildings nearer the Bunker.

We walked inside and a massive Stable door greeted us. Two Security ponies stood at attention on either side of the door. These guys looked plum mean too. Like you even give them a wrong look and they’ll put a hole through your head. These guys even had different equipment, both with a pair of assault rifles attached on custom battlesaddles.

Silverlux flashed a small blue keycard and they nodded him along. We walked up the ramp into the Stable. We traversed the hals and I kept close. I couldn’t even imagine having to spend day in and day out in here. So much grey. I’d blow my brains out the first week guaranteed. We passed a few ponies in the halls, some offering Silverlux a nod in greeting but otherwise we were ignored. Though more than a few stallions, even a mare or two, gave me a once over. Even when I look like shit I still turn a few heads. Tell me that isn’t a Eventually we came to a large office this one guarded by a single guard.

Inside it was comfortable. A large rug took up most of the metal floor and paintings of all kinds hung from the walls. The back of the room was occupied by a tan earth pony stallion sitting behind a big desk that looked ancient. At his back was…no it can’t be…it is! A paint8ing of none other than Pipsqueak himself. He was leaning against a bar with a smirk that melted one’s heart.

“That’s my great-great-great-great Grandfather,” I looked at the stallion that sat behind the desk. He was every bit as handsome as his ancestor! ” He was quite the pony back in the day. He’s the reason we’re as prosperous as we are today.” He stood up and walked over to us. He offered his hoof,” Façade at your service.” He took my hoof and kissed it with a small smirk.

Oh sweet Celestia if this is a dream woe to the poor bastard that wakes me up. A giggle unbidden escaped my mouth,” Masquerade.” I chose to ignore the ‘Are you kidding me!’ look from Silverlux.

“Please have a seat.” Façade gestured to one of the plush chairs before his desk.

I took a seat followed shortly by Silverlux.

“So I’m told you were in a Cryo pod,” he started as he set in his own chair,” INtersting. Tell me how did you end up in that predicament.”

Silverlux answered for me,” She was in it for experimental purposes. They were a new type of pod and weeks into development so they needed volunteers to see if there would be any adverse side effects.”

I refrained from glancing at Silverlux. What the hell is he doing?

“Really,’ Façade said his tone a bit cold,” How have you adjusted to the way things are?”

I shrugged,” I’ll adapt one way or another. Though some things will get on my bloody nerves. Like caps for instance. I mane seriously who’s idea was it you use bottlecaps as currency.”

Façade chuckled,” I’ve yet to figure that out myself. I believe its best to just roll with it.” He stood up,” Well I believe you are more than a little tired form the looks of things. Silverlux can show you to your room.”

Hold up. Just like that?

He must have caught my shocked look cause he continued,” From what I’ve been told you’ve more than earned it. If it hadn’t been for you Silverlux here wouldn’t have gotten into the Medical facility in the first place.” He yawned and stretched a little,” It has been quite the day and I am ready for a long nights sleep. Good Night Ms. Masquerade.”

Silverlux led me out of the room and down the halls. I still needed to track down this Clipped Cur but the idea of an actual bed and shower called to me in horrible ways. We stopped in front of the door and he handed me a small card key.

“Here you go,” he said with an emotionless tone,” Have a nice night.” He checked this way and that before leaning close,” Let no one know the reason you were in that pod. Trust me on this.” With that he walked away. What the hell was that? I stared after him more than a little confused. I sighed and shook my head. Senile, definitely senile.

I slid the card key in the slot beside the door and it slid open with beep. The inside was sparse with a small love seat and couple of tables. I checked out the room and it only had a bookshelf, a twin size bed and a dresser. The bathroom was small too but had a shower so that was nice. I dumped all my stuff in my room and started the shower up. It had hot water! Yes!

I walked out a blissful hour later, clean, refreshed, and positively giddy. I dried myself off and hopped into the bed, relishing the soft covers. Before long sleep ensued. Dreamless, blissful sleep.

The next morning I found the Clipped Cur…inside the Stable. That explained the looks I got when I asked about it.
A nicely dressed green unicorn buck stood beside the door. I flashed the card I’d received from Planned and he nodded to the door before looking back out into the street.

Inside it was legit bar and it was nice, very nice. Clean, carpet floors and the bar was dark wood and polished to a shine. A few tables dotted the cozy room with a few patrons here and there. A small fire crackled in the back giving the bar a homey feeling. The patrons all looked up at me before turning back to their drinks and quiet conversations. The bar was tended by a large earth pony mare with a greying black mane. Most of her yellow fur was covered by a dark green apron.

“What’ll it be?” she asked as I trotted up to the stools and gladly took a seat.

“One shot of scotch,” I said with a tried smile,” The best you got.”

She nodded and pulled a bottle off the top shelf. I almost purred as I heard the cork pop and the dark liquid flow into a glass full of ice. Actual fucking ice! She pushed the drink to me and I picked it up and downed it in one go. With a satisfied smack of my lips I set the glass down. Damn this makes me almost forget its two hundred years into a fucked up future.

“Thanks,” I said,” I’m looking for Mirror.” The mare bristled and the quiet bar went dead fucking silent. Undeterred, I continued,” PP sent me.” The patrons started their conversations back up and the mare relaxed.

She opened her mouth to respond but was interrupted form a voice in the back.

“And who might you be hmmm?”

I looked back at a lone unicorn mare enjoying a glass of wine. Even I had to admit she was hot. Her magenta fur seemed to shine and her cerulean mane was glossy and in a style not unlike the one Ministry Mare Rarity had favored. She wore a black velvet dress and had enough makeup to draw attention to her grey eyes styled again like rarity. She was focused on a small book in her grey magic.

I trotted over to the table,” Nightingale.”

“Strike one,” she said as she turned a page, not even bothering to look up at me,” Your real name if you please.”

I raised an eyebrow,” Why would I lie?”

“Strike two,” she sighed and again turned the page,” Get strike three and you’re gonna paint these walls.” I heard several clicks and turned to see everyone, even the bar-mare holding a gun aimed right at me. I glanced back at the mare with a bored expression, barely containing my look of rage. How the fuck could she tell I was lying?!

“Fine,” I sighed in defeat,” Masquerade.”

She set her book down with a smile,” See? Now was that so hard.” With a flick of her hoof everyone went back to their business. Why do I have the sinking feeling they’re all her bodyguards? “I’m Mirror. Have a seat,” Mirror said as she refilled her glass,” I believe we’ve business to discuss.”

I took the seat across from her,” Business?”

“That is why Planned sent you, is it not?” she said with raised eyebrow.

I shrugged,” I guess.” This is supposed to be a bonus not a damn conversation with a Rarity look-a-like with a stick up her plot.

She smiled,”Wunderbar. Now then do you know what the Underground is?”

“No clue.” And I’ve a feeling you’re gonna tell me, though the name sounded damn familiar.

“Well, let me tell you dear.” Called it. “We are a group of well scroungers. Ponies come to us with a destination and an item they wish to acquire and we go and get said item or items. For a fee of course. We’ve been in business since before the war but back then we did corporate espionage and the like.”

Now I know where I’d heard that name before. I’d crossed paths with one of their operatives. Skilled sonuvabitch if I had to be honest. So they survived the war huh?

She continued,” So I would like to recruit you into our services.” Okay you have my curiosity,” A certain customer wants any kind of information we can dig up in the Ministry of Morale Hub in Manehatten. There are three in that city. I want you to visit each and every one. Look for anything pertaining to A.R.C.” I resisted the urge to perk my ears at that. You now have my attention.

“A.R.C?” I asked,” What’s that?” Maybe this mare knows a thing or two about it.

“Our patron refused to divulge any information on it but has paid generously for our services,” she sipped her wine and set the glass back down.

“How much?” In truth the price didn’t matter. This A.R.C. had warranted some freak abomination to search a database for two hundred years and I wanted to know why.

“A hundred now,” she said with a wave of her hoof,” And a thousand and a full partnership into the Underground with all its perks when you return with what our patron wants.”

“Why doesn’t he go himself?” I asked.

“Because,” she said as she took another sip of her glass,” Two of these Hubs are in highly dangerous areas in the city. Reaching them alone will be no small feat.” She set her glass down,” I won’t blame you for bowing out now.”

I made it look like I was weighing my options but my mind was already made up. “I’ll do it.” I extended my hoof.

“Grand,” she said as she met my outstretch hoof with her own. She then pushed a bag of caps my way,” Good luck.”

On the way out I pay my tab and make for my room. A few ponies acknowledge me in the hall with a nod or hello while others regard me cautiously like they would a rabid dog. It’s unsettling some of the looks I got but I brushed it off. Once in my room I packed up my stuff neatly in my saddlebags and through them one as well as my light armor and longcoat. I need to get those tears mended.

As I stepped out into the hall I nearly ran right into Silverlux.

“Whoa in a hurry much,” he teased. I had a schedule to keep. What the hell did he want?

“What’s up Silver?” I asked with a hurried tone.

“Just coming to say good morning,” he looked at my bags,” Headed out so soon?”

“Yeah,” I said,” I’m gonna head to Manehatten. I’ve an apartment there and I want to see if it at least survived the last two hundred years.” Technically wasn’t a lie.

“Dangerous road between here and there,” Silverlux tapped his chin,” You know I could come along if you want. I know the road between here and there pretty well and I’ve nothing better to do so…”

I resist the urge to raise an eyebrow. What was this guy getting onto? I know he saved my life a couple of times but still I had a nagging feeling in the back of my head. Instead I smile,” Sure just don’t slow me down. I’ll meet you by the front gate. With that I trot down the hall to the Stable Entrance.

The town outside is a little busier now that it isn’t raining like crazy. Reminded me of how some of the smaller towns were with their market districts. I made for the gate entrance. To my surprise I see Pearl at the entrance as well. She was decked out in her combat armor and battlesaddle. She was looking through her bags and taking stock of her supplies. He looked up and saw me when she was done.

“Oh hey Masquerade,” she said as she pulled the saddlebags onto her back and secured them there,” Headed out as well?”

“Yeah,” I took a lookmaround,” Where’s your freak-of-nature?”

She roll her eyes at me,” He’s not mine. He works for the Chartered Company. I was transporting my good for them. Oh and he’s a brahmin.”

“Same thing,” I shrugged.

“So where you headin’?”

“To Manehatten,” I said as I sat down,” I had an apartment in the city before the bombs fell.”

“You do realize it’s either rubble or some squatter’s home now right?”

“I know if it’s the former I’ll deal with it,” I grinned wickedly,” And it’s the latter their getting evicted.”

“Well I’m headed that way myself. You certainly know what you’re doing so what say we travel together?”

This mare does know how to handle herself. Hell if it wasn’t for her we might not have gotten out of that forest. I tapped my chin in thought, considering the tempting offer. Oh what the hell, two meat shields. “Sure why not? Just waiting for Silverlux.”

“The ghoul right?” Pearl asked with a raised eyebrow. I nodded. “He’s an interesting sort.”

“Not a fan of ghouls?” I asked.

“Not that,” Pearl said,” In fact I find them increasing useful in old ruins. The older ones have a plethora of knowledge of old world culture.”

“So…”

“The only problem is you never know when they’re going to go feral on you.”

“Silverlux said something about that when we meet,” I looked at the mare with a scrutinizing eye,” Trust me Silverlux is able to keep his mind right and not go feral.” Wait...why the hell was I defending him?

“If you’re sure,” Pearl looked down the path,” Here he comes.”

Sure enough the ghoul was walking our way with his bags and armor in tow. He looked really chipper this morning but I could have sworn I saw something glint in his cloudy eyes. May I was just being paranoid.

“Good morning ladies,” he said as he trotted up,” Shall we Masque?”

“You remember Pearl,” I gestured to said mare with a hoof,” Well she’s headed to Manehatten so she’s joining us.”

“Really,” his smile faltered slightly and I barely caught it,” Well then the more the merrier. Strength in numbers.”

“Great,” I start out of the gate with a nod to the guard,” Now then I’ve a schedule to keep so let’s head out.”

As I soon found out the way to Manehatten was blocked thanks to a massive rockslide when the bombs feel that knocked the bridge that allowed travelers to cross Bluestrip Canyon out I was m ore than a little annoyed. The way down was a few hundred feet at least and a small river flowed through the narrow canyon. The canyon was well over a hundred feet across too so this was a bust. We had to circle around the canyon and make for Moonlit Highway. The only problem was, as Silverlux explained to me, was that way was thick with a raider gang known as the Rockets. They were crazier than your usual raiders he had explained because they liked blowing themselves up just as much as blowing up others.

Soon enough by nightfall we came to a small encampment of them in an old fair grounds that my pipbuck dictated as ‘Smileland’. There wasn’t any fence to speak off but posts with the heads of ponies skewered on them made the perimeter. A few campfires could be seen from our position atop a rock outcrop. Pearl had a pair of binoculars out, scanning the fair grounds.

“Not much to tell with this group,” she clicked her tongue,” The only thing is there are a few cages with ponies inside. Probably captured earlier today from what I can tell. Not much to say really. I say we sneak around and make for the highway.”

As much as I liked that plan I felt the urge to kick some raider flank. I gave my head a shake,” No I say we raid their camp. Pearl stay here and provice cover fire if a fight breaks out. Silver with me.”

“You sure,” Pearl asked as she put her binoculars back,” There’s little profit in raider supplies and weapons. They don’t exactly know how to take care of their weapons.”

“I’m sure,” I grinned,” I’ve a need to kick some raider tail.”

The pink mare shrugged and pulled a case out of her saddlebag. It looked like it took up most of the bag. I watched in shick as she started putting together a massive sniper rifle. On the side in big pink letters was ‘Burtha’. She smirked as I gaped at the weapon.

“Never seen an anti-machine rifle eh?” she asked.

Silverlux whistled,” Those are rare as hell.”

“That they are mate,” she slotted a case of bullets into the chamber slot and racked a round,” Trust me, Burtha here will rip though even the toughest armor. Even ripped through Steel Ranger power armor.”

So that was the gun that blinded the Ursa Major. Don’t mess with Pearl. Noted. I clamped my mouth shut. Let’s get to it then. I climbed down the rock shelf with Silverlux close behind. I kept crouched as we neared the fair grounds and repressed a shiver as we passed the posts with pony heads on them. Won't even start on how unsanitary that is.

“Come on bitch scream!”

We ducked behind one of the carnival game stations and peeked around. A little ways off there was a raider crouched over a prone mare. Her face was tear-stained but she clamped her mouth and eyes shut as the stallion…assaulted her. I felt a familiar chill come over me. I pulled my shortsword out slowly and crept up on the raider. In one fluid motion I slid the blade across his throat and pushed him off the mare. She looked up at me in fear and backed away.

“Shh,” I put a hoof to my lips to emphasize my command. She nodded and I motioned Silverlux over. “Keep an eye on her.” I started pulling the dead raider’s armor off.

“What are you gonna do?” he asked to which I grinned.

“Just a little infiltration,” I pulled my coat and armor off and pulled the raider armor off. I smeared his blood on my fur here and there. “Still have your radio?”

He pulled his radio up in the greenish hold of his magic,” Yeah, be careful.”

I nodded and set off deeper into the fair grounds. I passed few campfires and the raiders sat around them drinking and laughing to their hearts content. They never even gave me a second look as I passed. I made round and counted forty seven raiders around the eleven campfires. There were cages near the center with a lot of ponies inside. The raiders that stood guard poked fun at the cowering ponies inside, threating all sorts of messed up things they were going to do to them.

“Hey you!” One of the raiders shouted at me, a crusty brown mare with black teeth and a greasy red mane. Seriously am I the only one who’s heard of a bath, or toothpaste for that matter. I stopped and looked at her.

“The fuck you want?!” I shouted back. That’s it, act crude, dumb. Such an easy part to play.

“Ain’t seen you before,” she sneered at me,” An’ I know everyone.”

“I’m new bitch,” I growled at her,” Got a problem with it?”

“Hold up you from Motor’s group,” she asked suddenly stepping back. Interesting.

I grinned inwardly but scowled fiercely at her. “Yeah an’ if ya don’t back the fuck off I’m shoving a frag down your throat.”

“My bad,” she said,” My bad.”

“Yeah,” I spat and looked to the cages. I noted that they kept the foals in a different cage. The raider mare backed off and went back to jeering the captive ponies with the other raiders. So this Motor could be the gang’s boss.

Near the southern border of the Fairgrounds there was a shed with a few raiders standing guard. When I say standing guard I mean snoring with a bottle in hoof. Idiots.

I ducked inside one of the windows and was greeted with an armory of explosives. RPG’s, grenades of all kinds, missiles. You name it, it was there.I gaped at the impressive armory. Sweet Celestia these guys are fucking packing. A plan started to form in my brain and I rooted around the armory. I came up with a couple of C-4 packets, a detonator and an RPG with some rockets. I armed a C-4 packet in the center of the floor and escaped through the window I came in.

I ducked inside one of the carnival game booth and pulled my radio out. “Silverlux come in.” I turned the volume down.

“I’m here,” the radio crackled.

“There are almost fifty raiders here,” I replied,” Get that mare out of here quietly. There’s a shed near the center with tons of explosives. I’ve got some C-4 armed inside and I’m about to set it off. Once the raiders come running to see what going on I’ve got a surprise for them. Once you hear a second explosion make for the cages and free the captives.”

“Will do-“Suddenly an explosion rocked the fairgrounds. I looked at the detonator that I had yet to use. I look out from behind my cover and saw a bunch of ponies in grey combat armor rushing into the fair grounds, slaughtering raiders as they went.A shot rang out and clipped my ear. I ducked behind my cover with a grunt. One of the grey armored ponies rushed past and skidded to a stop as she saw me. She quickly pulled an assault rifle out. Oh crap she's in the red. I quickly rushed her as she trained the barrel on me. A flash of steel later and she went down with a wicked laceration running from ear to jaw.

"Filth," she hissed between clenched teeth as she looked up at me. Fire erupted in my flank as several more shots ripped through the air. I launched myself into a backflip, driven by pure instinct and landed behind my assailant, another grey armored pony. Who the hell are these guys? I slammed a hard buck into his side and ran for it.

I noted the bodies of the raiders as I went. I pulled my radio out," Silver what's your position?!"

"I'm pinned down near the food stands," came the reply. Food sands got it. Out of my peripheral I saw a pony rushing me but the deafening roar of a heavy caliber rifle rang out and his head exploded in a shower of gore. Thank you Pearl. I grinned as I ducked and weaved between stands. The high ground will be much better tactical position. I Jumped onto a raider's back and launched myself onto the roof of one of the carnival game stations and ran along the roofs. Below the raiders were thick in battle with the grey armored ponies.

I found Silverlux pinned behind a cotton candy stand and two of the grey armored ones taking shots at him. I pulled my throwing knives out, slipped into S.A.T.S. and targeted the one on the left with a shotgun strapped to his side. Both blades found their mark in the back of his skull. The other whirled just in time to see me ram my short sword into her throat with the aid of gravity. She stumbled back as I ripped the blade free of the mortal wound. She fell to the ground, her dying breath wasted on a pathetic whimper. Silverlux jumped out and sent two shots lancing past me. That fucking idiot nearly- I spotted a pile of ash behind me-oh well ok then.

"Lets get out of here," he shouted as he turned tail. Good idea. I ran after the ghoul.

I was then blindsided by a massive grey bulk as we cleared the food stands. I yelled out in surprise but quickly pushed the grey bulk off of me. I flipped to my hooves and assumed a two legged combat stance. No more fucking nice mare.

My attacker rose to her hooves and dear Celestia was she massive. easily two heads taller than me the earth pony mare was decked out in the same grey armor as the other ponies but it was hard to tell where the armor ended and fur began. Her dark blue mane was pulled back into a tight ponytail and her eyes was the same shade of light blue as mine. I got a serious feeling of déjà vu as I gazed at that bored expression she wore.

"Not bad," she drawled with a dull tone," Good response and even better reflexes. I see you favor the Rising Star style as well." This caught me off guard. She knew the Rising Star? How was that even- oh shit. I ducked to the side as she rushed me. She then whirled on me and pointed the twin barrels of her hunting shotguns at me. I had to roll out of the way to avoid becoming pumped full of hot lead. I closed the distance between us with a twirling flip and slammed a back hoof the side of her skull. A grunt of pain met my ears and I followed with a right cross.

The massive mare stumbled back and I flashed a blade out only to have her catch it with he teeth- her fucking teeth. I mean come on! Oddly enough I found myself noting the pristine condition of her teeth as she threw me to the ground like a rag doll. She began to advance toward me but a pair of pink magic beams lanced out catching her in the side. She tsked in annoyance and took cover behind one of the stands.

"Come on," Silverlux grunted as he helped me to my hooves.

"What happened? You stop for take out while I was being tackled?" I grumbled as we ran.

"One of the raiders tried to kill me and I defended myself," he yelled back," Fucking sue me!"

Oh I would if I could ghoul. A shame the legal system here is seriously simplified. All crimes pretty much result in a death penalty. We cleared the fair grounds without incident and made for the rock out cropping.

"Who the blazes are those guys?" Pearl yelled out to us, her scope focused solely on the now smoking fairgrounds. That would be the million bit question. Silverlux pushed my bags and armor to me. I gratefully accepted my belongings and slipped out of the spiked armor. When my armor was secure I turned to my companions.

"Don't know! Don't care!" I yelled back," Lets put some trail between us and that." I pointing a hoof toward the burning, blood-spattered fair grounds. Pearl looked at us and nodded. We packed up and headed east as fats as our legs could carry us.

"So no one knows who those guys are?" I asked as we weaved through air-carriages and wagons.

"I haven't seen 'em before,' Silverlux said from the back of the pack.

"Same here," Pearl clicked her tongue and a pensive look crossed her face," Though I've heard rumors of a group that's been clearing out raider dens. Heard they believed in purity." She snorted," Could be the same group we saw back there."

I was more concerned who that massive grey mare was. I mean she moved like a master despite her bulk. And that voice was so fucking familiar. Why did everything seem so damned familiar these last few days?! First A.R.C. then the pin and now this amazon that trying to kill me. I needed a drink, preferably vodka. Lots of vodka.

We traveled in silence, well ran really, till sundown. Wanted to put as much distance between us and those grey psychos as possible. We made camp in the shelter of a rest stop shop. While Silverlux and Pearl made camp I searched the sop for supplies. Inside it had been nearly picked clean save for a couple tins of mentats and Mysterious Mare-Do-Well comic. Not a bad read really. I would have raided the cash register but bits were no longer any good. Pissed me off too. There was well over five hundred of the glittering gold coins in the damn thing. Its not fair I tell you, not fair at all!

I trotted outside and was greeted with a mouth watering aroma. Pearl sat stirring a thick brown stew with a ladle while Silverlux sat back with Sparkle-Cola in hoof, utterly content as he tapped a hoof to the music playing. I took a seat beside the relaxed ghoul and pulled a bottle of water out of my bags as I set them to the side.

"Mmmm that smells good," I eyed the soup," What is it?" Smelled like portabella mushroom and onion. Trust me mouth watering goodness.

"Trail stew," the pink mare said as she pulled the ladle back and set it tot eh side," At least that's what my dad used to call it, though its had major modifications since I learned it. Don't ask what's in it trust me you don't want to know." I blanched at that and took a step back. Pearl laughed," It still tastes good don't worry." She took a whiff of the bubbling stew and hummed," Yep almost done." She sat back down," So what was Equestria like before-"

"Before it became a post-apocalyptic wasteland filled with ponies who only want to rape and kill you then possibly eat you?" I cut in, a small smirk gracing my lips.

"Well I was going to say burned by bale fire bombs," Pearl said," But that works too."

I shrugged," Not much to tell other than there was clean water and food and normally ponies didn't go days without a bath. Oh and there was a bigger variety of music. I like Sweetie Belle's stuff just fine but if I here another Sapphire Shores song I'm going to get violent."

The ghoul in our company perked up," Hey Sapphire Shores is a great singer!" Oh sweet Celestia he's a groupie.

"Please," I scoffed," Her choreography is lazy and most of her songs aren't even that good. Can't even begin to conceive an idea on how she got popular in the first place." Not entirely rue though. Had a theory a couple of years ago- my perspective; going to completely ignore the two hundred year gap- that she slept with most of the big music producers. Its a valid theory!

"Them's fightin' words filly," Silverlux said his mushy features going serious," You sure you wanna go this route?"

"Pfft," I almost laughed," Please. If you wanna hear a real singer then get an ear full of Sweetie Belle's stuff. She set a trend with old timie music. Sapphire just rode the social forum. Sapphire compromised like any coward looking to make a quick buck. Sweetie Belle on the other hoof set a whole new trend and even brought jazz back." As if it needed to be brought back but sadly the idiot masses needed a reminder of what real music was like.

"Heathen," Silverlux shouted and pointed a hoof at me," Resend those blasphemous words and maybe I shall dispense mercy. Sapphire Shores can do no wrong."

"Two words," I said with narrowed eyes at the ghoul," Step. Around."

"Four more," the ghoul growled, his snout pushing against mine," At the. Carriage. Wash."

"Geez get a room you two," Pearl scoffed from her corner. Excuse me but I believe you weren't invited to this spat.

We turned to look at the pink mare," This is a private argument!" Uncanny how we said it at the exact same time. We turned back to continue bickering on the finer levels of which singer was superior. The obviouse answer was Sweetie Belle but I had to convince the ghoul. Poor, pathetic groupie.

"Orders up love birds." I broke off crushing Silverlux's defense as a bowl of thick brown soup was pushed toward me.

"Quick break?" I asked, turning to my opponent.

He nodded," Court adjourned for lunch."

When I put the first spoon full of soup in my mouth I felt my taste buds enter Nieghvana. Seriously I nearly cried...twice, it was so good. Beside me the ghoul uttered a maon. He agreed. After collecting myself from the force of nature that was the soup I spoke up.

"How?" I asked. A simple question and at the moment I was only able to speak in one word intervals.

Pearl chuckled around a spoonful," Trade secret. Lets just say my talent is useful in most every aspect."

"And what is your talent?" Silverlux asked. Hey, how come he gets to form full sentences?

She pulled the edge of her armor up to reveal a single flawless pink pearl adorning her flank," I can look at something and tell its worth in a matter of moments. Be it monetary or otherwise. Its about one-third the reason I came to you two for help back in Colton."

Oh sweet ego boost.

"And the other two thirds?" Silverlux asked with a raised eyebrow.

She shrugged," Desperation." And then my ego crashed and burned. Really, it was spectacular.

"Gee thanks," Silverlux said with a roll of his eyes. Took the words right out of my mouth. I took another mouthful of the Soup. Oh Celestia this is straight from the Goddesses I swear it on Luna's gravestone. Well its safe to assume she's died. Just saying.

"You asked," she drained her bowl and with smack of her lips ladled another serving into her bowl.

"She has a point," I said. Holy crap four words at once!

"Oh hush," the ghoul grumbled," You do realize that was a jab at you too."

"True," I said then gave him a smug smirk," But by now I've more than proven myself. You on the other hoof..."

"Meh," Pearl shrugged," The ghoul's got more points than you honestly. I recall us having to safe your flank more than once."

Silverlux burst out laughing at that. I really wanted to fling my bowl at him. He's lucky this soup is so fucking good.

"Don't make me hit you again," I warned the rolling ghoul," And this time will be much harder."

"You now you two bicker like an old married couple," Pearl asked," Did you date before...you know?"

"Oh please," I scoffed," He couldn't handle me in any lifetime."

"Hey," the ghoul in question protested," I seem to recall a certain flirt who made the first move. Besides I was quick the looker back then. Hell still am."

"Uh huh yeah sure," I chuckled," Dude you were a charity case and I had you eating out of my hoof the first couple of minutes, motion sickness aside. Though you did go the cutest shade of pink."

That earned me a sputtering shamble of a response, or lack there of, from Silverlux. Round one goes to me I believe.

"Alright guys," I said as Silverlux again tried, and failed, to form a rebuttal," Lets get some sleep."

Pearl yawned," Not a bad idea." We all settled into our designated areas. Silverlux tried burring a hole in the back of my head as I laid down I could feel it. I'm pretty sure I was still smiling in triumph as sleep took me.
____________________________________
Level up!

New Perk added! Be the Blade: Your training in hoof-to-hoof combat has crossed over to your skill with melee weapons. You now do 10% damage when wielding melee weapons when you're in the Rising Star stance.

Companion Perk added! For What It's Worth Pearl's talent is at your disposal now. You get 15% more for sold items and pay 15% less for all bought goods.