Chapter 11: Innocence’s tomb
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The gravel crunched loudly beneath two combat boots of steel and a pair of delicate hoof shoes, as the unlikely trio of companions made their way into the town of Novmare. I looked around, quickly taking in the town surroundings.

Novmare was an orderly row of haphazardly constructed buildings and homes, laid out in a formal grid pattern. It has a depressing air about it, accentuated by the wasteland’s gloomy atmosphere. The first impression anyone would get from it is a town filled with ponies who never known sunlight or the warmth of love. I sadly looked around, hoping to find somepony who could help me find my friends.
There was not even a single pony up and about. I wondered why, as I trotted through the streets with my guards following closely. It was only early dusk, but not a single living soul in sight. I shivered as the wind blew through the empty streets and drew my cloak closer to myself. I turned around to Ironfist.

“Where is everypony?” I asked curiously. “This place is a ghost town!”

“It’s the curfew, mistress.” He replied, “The Master has ordered every townsfolk to be in their homes before sundown, or risk the dungeon.”
I was taken aback. “Why is there a curfew?” I pressed him. “Are we under attack?”

Ironfist replied resolutely. “No Ma’am. There has been a couple of uprisings recently. Small groups of rebels that disrupt the peace that the Master had established with his rule. The resistance have been eradicated, but measures must still be in place to prevent another from happening.”

I looked around nervously. I was in the middle of a volatile flashpoint of a rebellion against Blackheart. I peered at the golden Legion’s insignia embroidered on my cloak. This was NOT a good time to be wearing this, not to mention I was unarmed as well.

Darksky took notice of my uneasy expression and stepped forward. “Do not worry Ma’am. We are tasked by Blackheart himself for your protection. We will gladly lay down our lives for you.”

I stared at her unreadable expression. Could I trust her? I never had anyone pledge such loyalty to me like this. It made me uneasy. I was always the one wanting to help and save others. Then again, my friends would not abandon me. The only reason they were captured was because they came looking for me.

“Thank you.” I smiled at them. “Perhaps I’ll continue my tour tomorrow. Know any place to crash tonight?”

Darksky replied. “I know a place. It has comfortable bedding and is quite close to one of our outposts. We’ll be able to rest well in safety there. Plus they serve up some pretty awesome squirrel meat” She took the lead and trotted away through the streets towards the town square, with me and Ironfist in tow.
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It wasn’t long before we reached the town square. It was a courtyard of dirt and cobblestone, with a statue of Blackheart posed heroically in the middle, carven enemies strewn at his feet with broken bodies. I looked at the statue with disgust. It was one thing to fight and kill for survival, but it’s another thing to glorify it with such a monument. I thought, guilt rising within me as I remembered with clarity every single abhorrent act I had committed on the wastelands, the face of every raider and pony I killed. Then again, they deserved it. But Blackheart was different. He killed for his empire. The blood and sweat and tears of slave ponies were all on his hands, I thought angrily as I followed Darksky.

My mood had soured considerably by the time we reached our destination. I looked up to see the rusty and worn inn that Darksky had brought me too. The Radioactive Rock. It was better maintained than the other buildings in the vicinity, so that counts for something I suppose.

Darksky pushed open the door, and it swung inwards with a tinkling of a bell.

The inside of the inn was, on the contrary, quite well kept and maintained compared to its exterior. It wasn’t very big though. In the brightly lit reception area, there was a bar that served what seemed to pass for alcoholic beverages in the wastelands, which would probably be some moldy fruit juice and distilled ethanol from engine oil I presume. The bar wasn’t very packed, with only a few patrons drowning their many sorrows at this time. I noticed some of the patrons inside wore legionnaire armor. They saw me and immediately went back to their drinks, muttering in low hushed voices while stealing furtive glances at me occasionally. I grew uncomfortable under their gazes, and quickly trotted over to the innkeeper at the reception.

The innkeeper, an old gruff stallion, was buried deep in record books, scribbling something on a piece of paper. He looked up when we approached and his eyes grew big through his monocle when he saw his new guests.

“Miss Sky! Fancy seeing you here at this time! You usually come in during weekend evenings! And I see you brought guests!” He smiled at Ironfist, before turning to me. “One of which seems to be a very important one indeed.”

Before I could open my mouth to reply, Darksky interrupted. “I’m here on official business today, Cobblestone. I need rooms for 2, and the-“

“The finest suite for Blackheart’s gem. I very well know who she is, Miss Sky. News from Blackmire spread particularly fast in this part of town. Though you must forgive me, I really haven’t been expecting any VIPs today.” The bearded stallion finished. He peered at me through his rusty and chipped monocle and dipped his head. “It’s an honor to have you here in my humble inn, Miss Pip.”

“Ummm. T-t-thanks!” I muttered, abashed. I was starting to grow nervous. How many ponies here knew exactly that I was abducted instead of being here voluntarily? Who could I trust to help? Questions whirled in my mind when I recalled my purpose of being here. Maybe I can ask a trustworthy pony here to help me send a message to Homage in Tenpony tower telling her where I am, and perhaps to Gawd of the Talons. She DID owe me one anyway.

The voice of Cobblestone jerked me out of my reverie. “Here you go Madame, only the best for the jewel of Blackheart’s eye.” He gave me one gold plated and polished key, while handing two more black ones to Darksky and Ironfist. “If you need anything else Ma’am, me and my assistants will be happy to provide any service you require. Please don’t hesitate to ask.” He bowed low.

“Y-yes. Thank you very much.” I replied quickly before turning around and taking the stairs that lead to the rooms. I heard Darksky mutter, “—Bill the invoice to the Castle treasury.” before she followed.
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After a quick shower, I turned in for the night. I got into one of the night gowns prepared for me by the innkeeper’s assistants, and noticed that it was patched in several places, like it had been found somewhere lying in an old mare’s house before it blew up in balefire. Well she probably won’t be needing this now. I grimly thought. At least it was clean though, which is more than what I had expected out from inns in the wastelands. The wastelands were especially dark and dangerous at night, and the streets were only dimly lit with lanterns and lamps.
A chilly wind blew through the window. I shivered and went to close it before lying down on my bed. It was nowhere near as big as the one in Blackheart’s or my room, but it was still pretty large by the inn’s standards. As I laid on the comfortable hay mattress, my mind began to wander.

I sighed sadly as I remembered Velvet, the way she screamed in pain as the bullet tore her shoulder…. Oh Celestia please let her be okay. I could NEVER forgive myself if any of my friends died. Their blood would be on MY hooves. I wouldn’t be able to bear the agony of the loss, and will probably put a bullet through my own brain after putting one in Blackheart’s. Why on earth did I put myself in danger to save that scumbag Monterey Jack?! Why am I so weak?! If I hadn’t listened to my own stupid and unreasonably sensitive conscience, none of us would be in this situation right now. My friends would not be hurt, I would not have lost my horn, and Blackheart wouldn’t have---…..

I let out a loud sob, and felt hot tears run down my cheek wetly as I let loose of my emotions. I put a shaky hoof over my belly and gulped nervously. Oh dear Luna, if I was really pregnant with his child… I just don’t know how I can carry on. Just the thought of his evil spawn growing deep within me was enough to almost make me nauseous and faint, but the horrid fact was that it was my own flesh and blood too.

There was a sudden and loud cracking sound behind me. Startled, I turned around. The shadow of a hooded pony flashed at the window for a split second before disappearing. I ran to the window, throwing it open violently to see who it was. I looked around frantically, but could only catch a short glimpse of a cloak disappearing around an alley corner. Whatever or whoever that was, that pony was gone now. What was that all about?

My Pipbuck crackled, and Ironfist’s gruff voice sounded through the speakers. “Is everything alright Ma’am? I heard a noise.”
“No, it’s nothing. Everything’s alright Ironfist, thank you.” I replied quickly.

At least, I do hope it was nothing. I thought, as I curled up beneath the sheets and promptly fell asleep.
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Morning came too soon. I awoke with a start, vaguely aware of the time. The dusty sunlight coming in from the outside told me that it was nearly noon as I groggily sat up and poured myself a glass of water from the jug on my bedside table.

Better try to accomplish my goal today, otherwise Blackheart may get suspicious if I spent too much time in town. I quickly washed up and wore back my clothes from the Castle. As I opened the door to my room, Darksky and Ironfist were already there waiting for me. I smiled apologetically at them. “Sorry to make you wait. You should have woken me up you know.”

“It’s not our place to interfere with your rest, Ma’am.” Ironfist brusquely replied.

Darksky approached me before I could retort. “Here Ma’am, I got your breakfast ready to go if you’re in a hurry.” She took out 3 delectable looking kebabs from a paper bag. The mere aroma of the barbecued meat was enough to make my mouth water heavily in anticipation. Boy was I hungry! I took the bag gratefully and said my thanks.

After we left the inn, I took my first look at Novmare during the light of day. Ponies bustled around selling their wares in makeshift shops, while little fillies and colts played tag in the streets. It was so different compared to the dead atmosphere at night. But there was something off about the ponies, they acted almost too cheerful, almost as if they were trying to conceal a deeper emotion. Like fear, or despair. It was quite disconcerting. I trotted toward the marketplace, munching on the delicious squirrel and paying close attention to the ponies around. They seemed to be living ordinary lives considering how cruel Blackheart was to them, although I spotted a few ponies with horrible scars and disfigured faces which made my stomach churn in anger and pity.

As me and my unlikely companions plodded through town, the heads of ponies turned to notice. Many ponies quickly turned back after seeing me, muttering unintelligible things, with some even giving me dirty looks. My heart sank to the bottom. Did they think that the heroine that they heard about allied herself with Blackheart like a common whorse? I wanted to shout at them that that wasn’t the case, but figured that would do more harm than good, so I kept my mouth shut.

I didn’t think any pony out here was willing to help, assuming they all believe the horrible lies that Blackheart been feeding them. I sighed sadly and turned around to head back for the castle. But before I could even take one step, a mare suddenly rushed at me, clearly desperate.

“Y-you’re Littlepip! Please! You have to help!! Please!! Save my child!!” The mare hysterically begged. She had a crazed look about her and was wearing nothing but rags. I stepped back nervously, aghast. The mare looked like she hadn’t bathed in weeks, with a malodourous smell about her that almost made me gag.

Darksky and Ironfist stepped in front of me. “Back away now citizen. Come any closer to the Mistress and you WILL be shot.” Ironfist aggressively commanded.

The mare took no notice and knelt on four hooves, sobbing at me. “PLEASE!! He’ll be killed if you don’t do something! Please Lightbringer! If you have any shred of nobility left in you, you won’t let my poor son die!”

I put a reassuring hoof on Ironfist’s shoulder, “Wait! Let me hear her out first.” I said.

He did not budge, but also did not make any further attempts to chase the mare away. I approached the mare cautiously and asked. “What happened? Where is your child?”

The mare just continued sobbing for a while before composing herself enough to reply. “I-I d-don’t know! The last time I saw him was when he left for the Yellow Lake….”

“The Yellow Lake?!” Darksky exclaimed. “That’s hellhound territory! Why on earth did your colt go there?!”

“Because of HER!” The mare pointed an accusing hoof at me. “He would not believe the lies! He wouldn’t believe that the famed heroine of the wastelands would EVER join with slavers. My poor boy… He’s trying to get to Tenpony towers to find out the truth. That’s all he wanted, the truth.”

I couldn’t believe my ears. Another innocent soul in jeopardy because of me! I just stood there stunned.

“Citizen, if what you said is true, your colt is already dead. Even if he does return here he would be executed for treason.” Ironfist coldly replied.

I stared at him. “N-no! We have to help her!” I countered. No, I cannot let another die because of me like this. Images of my old companions surfaced to my mind’s eye and my heart plummeted from guilt.

Ironfist turned to me and replied. “Ma’am, I must insist that we do not go. It’s too dangerous without backup. Furthermore, this mare speaks of treason. To call Blackheart’s instructions as lies...”

“He’s right Ma’am,” Darksky chipped in, “Something’s not right with all this. We must report back to the Castle and inform Blackheart first before we-“

“HER COLT IS DYING IRONFIST!” I almost screamed at them. “BECAUSE OF ME! I won’t stand for this! I can’t! Tell Blackheart if he wish to see me back in one piece for him to torture, he’d better send help now!”

I brushed past him. “Quickly! Where is he? Lead the way!” I instructed.

“Follow me! Please hurry!” The mare turned around and galloped away as if the devil was upon her.

“Ma’am! WAIT!!!-“Darksky began, but before she or Ironfist could intervene, I galloped after her, hooves pounding the cobblestone.
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I followed the mare as she zipped her way through the crowd, bumping into several ponies as they scrambled out of my way, terrified of blocking my path. I panted and shouted at the mare to slow down, but if she heard she didn’t care. Which is understandable considering her child was somewhere out there probably getting ripped to pieces by hungry hellhounds.

The town zipped by in a hurry as I raced behind the mare, soon getting out of breath. Ever since I came to this Goddess forsaken part of the wasteland I had been slowly losing my stamina and finesse. Celestia damn it! I did what I could to follow the mare closely while she was still within my sights.

The town slowly got thinner and more sprawling as I followed the mare to the deserted outskirts of town. I turned back to check. Ironfist and Darksky were nowhere in sight. I must have lost them in the crowd. I paused nervously, and half elated at the same time as I looked out into the endless scorched wastelands in the distance. This was my perfect chance to escape! I could just leave now, and none would be the wiser. I may even make it back to Homage at Tenpony Tower!

But I couldn’t. Not while knowing Blackheart still had Velvet, Calamity and Steelhooves. Not with that colt still in danger. All for me. Besides, the moment I escaped or try to, my friends would all be dead anyway. And I may as well be too. I sighed in frustration and anger, and looked back at the old abandoned warehouse the mare was waiting by. She beckoned me closer urgently.

There was this nagging feeling I had at the back of my mind. I could not really figure out what it is, and it’s almost like it’s telling me that it’s a bad idea to be following this mare to some goddess forsaken warehouse. The surroundings also seem too quiet and deserted, without one hostile in sight. A pit of nervousness slowly welled up within me. Here I am, unarmed, with NO magical capabilities, and about to take on hellhounds just to save a foolish colt’s life. It’s better to take some precautions, I thought. I brought up my Pipbuck and tried to contact Ironfist or Darksky. Unfortunately the radio only gave back static.

I must be out of range. My throat became drier. No time to think now! I have to go in! I made sure my GPS system in my Pipbuck was functional before running to meet the mare who had already gone in the warehouse without me. If I got ripped to shreds, at least my arm could be found to give my friends some closure, I thought morbidly.

I opened the door to the warehouse slowly. Its internal structure was even more dilapidated than its exterior. Rusted crossbeams lay across each other in a jumble, shelves were all knocked over and lay on their sides, and the catwalks above have broken from years of rust without maintenance.

I carefully trotted in, my hooves kicking up dust on the floor.

“H-hello?! Miss?! Are you here? Where are you?” I called out, trying to suppress this rising sense of dread.

Maybe she didn’t come through here. I could have gotten the wrong location. I turned to leave.
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And came almost face to face with a horribly disfigured raider pony with a missing eye and rotting teeth.

He grinned at me.

“You’re right as always Witch, she really IS as stupid as those rumors say.” He cackled evilly.

Before I could react, or indeed even before I could even process what a monstrous mistake I had made, a cruel blow struck me on the back of my head, and I blacked out.

Author's Note

Chapt 11. Shout out to artsenravenbrave for giving me the motivation for continuing this debacle of a story.
There will be a bit of >rape/clop next chap i think.