Fallout: Equestria - Wildfire

“How long has he been planning this?” Overmare Steam Engine questioned tonelessly. An awkward silence fell over the room as my mind tried to process the question. “I asked you, how long has he been planning this?” She repeated in the same manner.

“What’s going on? How long has who been planning what?” My own questions only seemed to irritate the Overmare.

A glow of magic emanated from her horn as she levitated a folded piece of parchment over to me before turning her attention to the wall of monitors. Following her gaze, my eyes landed on a recording from a security camera. My eyes widened as a familiar colt snuck around between security ponies, and into an open crate. None of the ponies around even noticed as the small hoof pulled the lid closed.

I tore my eyes away from the screen and frantically unfolded the parchment. My heart pounded in my chest as I read what was carefully scrawled down the page. I’d recognize Charcoal’s hoofwriting anywhere...

Ember,

By the time you read this, I’ll have made my way out of the Stable and into the great wasteland outside. I’m going to go on a ton of adventures and meet all kinds of exciting new friends. Don’t worry about me though, because I have Stalker to look after me.

~Charcoal

I read over the note three more times. I felt my heart stop and my blood freeze. Looking up from the note, I stared at Overmare Steam in disbelief. The scowl she wore on her face just moments ago was gone, instead replaced with one of horror.

“You… You really didn’t know.” The Overmare muttered. I could feel my body trembling. Of course I didn’t know! How could I have? “Officer Valentine,” Overmare Steam spoke quickly. “Escort Ember Blaze back to his apartment safely-”

“Ma’am,” I choked out, interrupting her. “Let me go after him.” I couldn’t just idly sit by as he was out there, somewhere in the wastes!

“A-Absolutely not.” she clopped her hooves down on her desk. “It’s too dangerous out there.” I watched her sink down into her chair. While I could understand her apprehension, she had to know what this meant to me.

“Please...he’s the only family I have left.” I pleaded with her, ready to grovel on the floor if that’s what it would take.

The Overmare sighed. “I understand, truly, I do. If I were in your place, I’d be saying the same thing. But I’m not in your place, and I simply can’t just let anypony leave the Stable.”

“I’m not just anypony, I’m his brother.” My gaze drifted down to my hooves for a moment before shooting back up. “Besides, I’m more than capable with a gun. You have to know that from my records.”

“It’s not a matter of whether or not you can use a gun.” The Overmare shook her head with a remorse filled frown. “Aside from what Stalker and the traders have told us, we have no idea what the world outside is like now.”

Just as she said that, a light bulb went on inside my head. “What if I was to leave with Stalker?”

“No, that’s not an option.” She shook her head. “While Stalker was a capable stallion back in the day, he’s far too old for a mission like this.”

“And if I were to bring others-” I started to say, but was quickly cut off.

“Damnit, Ember! I said no.” She snapped. “I understand what you are going through right now, but you must let me handle things. Now please, leave me to sort this matter out.” Overmare Steam said angrily as she slammed her hoof down on her desk to mark her point. Not wanting to piss her off further, I turned to leave myself. Valentine wore a dejected frown as she turned around as well, following me out the door. As soon as the door had shut behind us, she came up to my side.

“Let...me talk to her, Ember. I might be able to convince her to let you go…” She spoke in a sad tone that did nothing but make this all hit me even harder.

“You can try, but it seems that she’s dead set on not letting me go.” My reply had a very noticeable hint of anger in it, something I’m sure she picked up on. How could the overmare not let me go? I made a promise to mom and dad that I would keep Charcoal safe…

Stopping dead in my tracks, I looked over at Valentine, noticing her ears folded back and her eyes looking at the ground. “I’m sorry...thanks for the offer. I’ll...be back at my place if you need me.” Without waiting for her reply, I pressed on and headed right for my apartment.

_ _ _ _ _

As soon as I got home, I laid down on Charcoal’s bed and stared up at the ceiling. Why would he do something this stupid? I mean, I know he’s always wanted to go on an adventure of his own but…

“Damnit!” My outburst echoed around the room as I shot up on the bed. I blinked a few times and looked at the open doorway. Both Backdraft and Carbon stood in the entrance, slightly startled by my anger. Since when did they get here?

“Is... everything alright, buddy?” Backdraft moved over to a chair and sat down. “Valentine told us to come stay with you, but she wouldn’t tell us why.”

“No, everything’s gone to shit.” I sighed and flopped back down in the bed. “Charcoal snuck out of the Stable.” The shocked expressions on both of their faces wasn’t surprising. “Though I doubt I’ll get permission, I’m hoping Valentine can convince the Overmare to let me go out after him.”

Carbon walked up to me. “I know he’s your brother, but you can’t go out there! It’s too dangerous and the worry would kill me!” The look in her eyes resembled both fear and anger at the thought of me even considering going after Charcoal.

“Yeah, but Charcoal’s the only family he has.” As expected, my best friend came to my defense. “If I was in his horseshoes, I’d probably have ripped that large slab of metal open myself and already gone off after him.” Also as expected, Carbon didn’t look at all thrilled about Backdraft’s response.

““If he goes out there, he’ll be killed!” Carbon turned to face Backdraft and stared him right in the eyes “Think about it, there’s a high chance Charcoal is already dead!”

“Hey, I-” I started to say but got cut off by Backdraft.

“Even if that’s the case, there is still the chance Charcoal is still alive! I for one think he should go. Ember has proven his skill with a gun over and over again at the shooting range.”

Carbon stamped her hoof. “A shooting range isn’t like an actual gunfight! You’ve heard all of those stories Stalker tells. It’s hell-”

It was my turn to cut somepony off. “Enough! None of this arguing even matters if the Overmare still says no!” I took a deep breath and let it out in a sigh. “Now, if you two would just go, I think I need some time alone.”

Both Carbon and Backdraft shared a shocked look from my outburst. Honestly, I didn’t care that I yelled, this was my problem to deal with. I didn’t need them yelling at each other when all it was doing was making my already bad mood worse.

Carbon turned around to face the door with a sigh “Please...just stay here, okay?” Without another word, she sighed and walked out of my apartment.

Backdraft only gave me an apologetic look before exiting after my marefriend. I wanted to listen to them, but they had no idea how this felt. Using my magic, I floated an old picture of Charcoal, Mom, Dad and I from the bedside table. Bringing it close, I clutched it tightly between my forelegs as I rolled over onto my side. Why, Charcoal? Why did you have to leave?

_ _ _ _ _

By the time I heard the door of my apartment slide open again, an hour had passed with nothing but my thoughts keeping me company.

“Hey Ember… how’re you holding up?” Valentine gently asked. Her soft steps were just as careful as the words she chose to use.

“How do you think?” I grumbled.

“Well,” Valentine sighed. “I was able to get the Overmare to reconsider letting you go after Charcoal.” I felt the corner of the bed get pushed down as she sat on it. “Though if it’s too much for you to handle, I can see if I can get her to send me or one of my officers instead.” Wait, I could go?

Quickly I rolled over and met her eyes. “No, I’ll go. I’m the one who promised to protect him, so I should be the one to go after him.”

“Are you sure, Ember? I know you’re a good shot, but you’ve got no experience in a real gunfight.” Valentine said with a worried expression on her face. “Even if it’s just one pony shooting back, it’s hard to focus. When the adrenalin starts pumping, it’s easy to make a mistake, or even freeze up altogether.”

“That just means it’s worse for my brother out there.” I muttered, shaking my head. “He has no experience with a weapon of any kind. Besides, I don’t give a damn about what happens to me. I just need to make sure he’s safe and bring him back home.” I snapped back at her, watching as she moved to retort. “There’s no debating this. Either you can help me get ready for what’s out there, or you can leave me alone.” With that, I put the picture back and rolled off of the bed. “There’s no talking me out of this.”

“Fine.” Valentine sighed “I’ll have one of my guys give you access to the armory. Take what you need, just don’t take too much. There’s no need to exhaust our supplies and overburden yourself.”

“Thanks… for convincing the overmare to let me go.” I nodded and gave out a sigh of relief. “I’ll be off to the armory once I get my stuff together.”

Hesitantly, she nodded back and left me alone. While I had no idea what I was to expect outside the walls, I knew that finding my brother wasn’t going to be easy. I was both terrified and hopeful that I’d find him again.

Wasting no more time, I gathered up my saddlebags and began filling it with whatever I had lying around that would be useful. Bottlecaps, bandages, the two healing potions that were in the first aid box, and what little ammo I had left for my dad’s old revolver. Finally, I strapped the old leather holster to my back leg and slid the gun into place. After making sure everything was packed, I began to head for the door, only to stop and look back at the picture I was hugging earlier. My magical aura wrapped around the old frame and slid the back part out, releasing the faded photograph of my family when it was whole. I folded up the picture and tucked it away safely in one of the side pouches of my bags before finally leaving the room.

As I passed everypony in the hallways, they just stopped and stared at me. Some with remorseful looks in their eyes, and others looking at me as if I was stupid. If they were in my position, though, they’d probably be doing the same thing. As I entered the atrium, a welcoming sight met my eyes. Backdraft was waiting right next to the door leading to the armory, doing his best to hide how he felt through a forced smile.

“Hey buddy...you really going through with this?” He asked, his smile fading away as I walked closer.

“I have no choice. You know that.” I simply replied, watching as his mood soured even further from that.

“I know, just… be safe alright?” Backdraft chuckled with another forced smirk. “I mean, who else is going to do my work for me while you’re gone?”

“Yeah, right.” I did my best to smile back, but only managed a half-assed one. “Carbon not seeing me off then?”

“No.” Backdraft shook his head. “She’s pretty torn up over you leaving. I get what she’s upset about, but still.” I expected as much, but I hoped she’d come around by the time I returned.

“I know. Take care of her while I’m gone, alright?” I sighed and gave him a pat on the shoulder.

“I’ll make sure she’s waiting for you when you get back.” With a nod, Backdraft gave me a hug.

“Thanks. You’re the best friend a stallion could ask for.” With a slow spin, I turned around and headed off towards the armory. “I’ll see you when I get back. IF I get back, that is.”

My time looking for supplies was short thanks to the access Valentine had given me. The guard at the door let me in with no problem, even if he kept his eyes pinned on me the whole time. Though, as word travels fast in the stable, at least the look he wore was one of silent understanding.

As it was the only gun I was good with, I just stocked up on ammo for my revolver. With everything available for me to use, it was hard to both hold back from overstocking, and fight the fear that I wasn’t bringing enough. Without knowing what was out there, I decided to take Valentine’s words to heart and stick with just a few boxes of revolver ammo for if I found trouble. Rummaging around the explosives drawer, I figured I’d take along a few grenades in case things got really bad. Past that, I had all I needed, and it was time to leave the Stable.

I left the armory and headed right for the Stable entrance. As I left the atrium and walked into the Stable’s entrance hall, the door was sealed shut behind me. A pony in a radiation suit stood by the control terminal nearby to open up the large gear-shaped door. Upon seeing me, the pony pressed the button and the blaring klaxons in the room began to hurt my ears. The groaning of metal as the door remarkably beat out the noisy alarms. Slowly however, it was pushed out and dragged off into a recess in the stable entrance. As the klaxons cut out, and silence fell over the room again, it only cemented the fact that I was venturing out into a hostile land. Alone.

After taking a deep breath, I stepped through the door and out into the rocky cave just outside the Stable. The cave dirt felt dry under my hooves, and the sheer grit of it felt alien to me. I jumped as the klaxons started up again from behind me. Ensuring that this choice was final, the large door slid back into place, making changing my mind impossible. Not that I’d want to.

I moved onward, out towards the large opening of the cave and the blinding light that was beyond. The feel of a breeze of fresh air felt both foreign and welcomed.

My brother was out here, somewhere.

--Chapter End--

“Oh misty eye of the mountain below, keep careful watch of my brother’s soul.”

Quests Finished: Ignition

Quests Started: Junction Blues

Levels Earned: none

Perks Earned: none