Fallout Equestria: Operation 6011

Operation 6011 chapter 7

Dusty Saddle

"[Celestia] is great, beer is good, [ponies] are crazy."

Worst. Idea. Ever!

The raiders kept their guns trained on me, as they escorted their new prisoner into their base. Of course the only reason they didn't kill me was because of the 10,000 cap bounty on my head (information courtesy of Thunder).

I know right? I've only been in the wasteland for about eight days, and I've already pissed off one of the major factions.

I felt cramped in the metal band that was placed around my waist that restricted my wings. More so than the chains that were clamped around my hooves.

So I couldn't run, and I couldn't fly. Who's idea was this? Oh, that's right. Mine. That explains why Gumdrop hated the idea.

We passed by a door that you could hear giggling inside along with the sounds of scared ponies. A horrid smell wafted from under the door. My muscles tensed. It took all my willpower to not try to break free and save the poor souls inside.

Did I mention this was a bad idea? Sending a mare with anger management issues against injustice,  undercover in a raider base.

I could still smell the horrid stench of death as we got further away from the room. We passed by some more doors. I'll spare you the details, seeing as it wasn't really much. Just some generic rooms.

We came to my cell. A bunch of metal bars built into the walls, with a couple of beat up mares inside. Who knows what they've been through.

Yup.

Definitely worst idea ever.

                 *** *** ***

Day before:

"Lightning time to get up." A voice said.

I groaned and pulled the blanket over my head.

"Come on Lightning, you can't sleep all day."

"I can try." I mumbled.

Did I mention I'm not a morning person?

"I didn't want to do this, go ahead Gumdrop."

Gumdrop? My mind processed what the possibilities were.

A force slammed into me and jumped on me repeatedly.

"Wakeupwakeupwakeup!" the filly's voice told me.

I then started slowly opening my eyes despite her laughing and giggling.

I groaned then, slowly rose.

"It's... Alive!!"

I looked to my right to spy a white stallion that I knew very well.

"Funny Soundwave." I grumbled.

Again. NOT a morning person. I don't know how the others do it. Mornings suck, when you've had a long night.

"Bad mood today?" Polaris asked.

When did she wake up? I guess stars don't follow normal schedules.

I rubbed the back of my head with a hoof.

"Long day." My voice was tired.

The two chuckled.

"You are worse than Red, after a long night...."

What? Does that mean...

I smacked myself with a hoof and blushed a little.

Get your mind out of the gutter Lightning.

Apparently Polaris caught on as she smiled and blushed.

"So where's Red?" I asked groggily.

Gumdrop's upside-down head appeared in my vision.

"He's been getting ready to go with momma!"

That makes sense.

Wait.

What about breakfast?

Soundwave seemed to read my mind, and tossed me a bag of chips.

"Thanks." I mumbled. I guess I missed full breakfast.

Red walked in the tent.

"Ya'll wake 'er up yet?" He asked Soundwave.

"Yup. I had to use Gumdrop though."

I cleared my throat loudly.

"Hellloooo! I'm right here." It's kinda annoying when ponies talk like you aren't around; right in front of you no less.

They gave me a sheepish look.

"Oh, sorry Lightning."

I rolled my eyes and got up, with my pink accessory.

That's when Bubblegum entered.

Am I really the center of attention around here?

"Lightning we have a problem."

Ugh. Too early to deal with a problem. Why do a lot of my problems occur in the morning?

"So what is it? Raiders? Dow Jones has been brought back to life, and has a Giant Radscorpion army?"

Gumdrop giggled at the prospect of the idea. Bubblegum sighed.

"No, we're low on supplies."

Oh, didn't really think about supplies. Usually the others handled that.

"Soo... What do we have?"

Thunder walked in.

Okay! It is now officially getting crowded in here!

"Sis! We have visitors. Looks like a caravan."

Alright!! Yay for convenience!

I gave the others a grin.

"They better be." I started putting on my equipment.

After I finished tightening Justice under my shoulder, I started out the door.

"Come on bro. Let's go check 'em out." I gave Thunder a smile.

He returned the smile, and followed.

I squinted my eyes in expectation of the blinding sunlight, only to find it wasn't there.

Old habits die hard.

I miss the sun.

The morning air was cool, brisk. I stretched my wings and other limbs. I could feel my bones and muscles stretch and crack back into place.

What good sleep.

I yawned. I talk straight one day. Or think straight. Whatever.

I floated up to the sky and spied the caravan.

Sure looked like one.

It had a big wagon with two Brahmin pulling it. Even had some guards.

I did a loop (for no reason) and headed for the caravan.

When I neared, with Thunder in tow, the guards readied their weapons.

"Hey! How are ya doing?" I said, as amiably as I could. We landed in front of the caravan.

"Who are you?" the blue stallion asked with a battle saddle pointed at me.

Wow. Suspicious much?

"I'm Lightning," I pointed a hoof a Thunder "that's my brother Thunder. I just finished killing a shit ton of slavers, and fighting a ton of mercs. So you wouldn't have any supplies for sale would you?"

His jaw dropped to the floor.

"Y-you're the pegasus that took out that slaver camp!?"

I nodded my head. He lowered his weapon,  and did the last thing I would have expected.

He hugged me.

"T-thank you! The slavers took my son. When some scared as hell stallion called Cracker Jack returned him to me, I was so happy. He said that a Pegasus mare made him do it and so did DJ-PON3. I'm so glad I could thank you!"

He was crying tears of joy. I didn't know what to think. Between the father crying into my shoulder, and the surprised look on Thunder's face, I couldn't react.

I didn't stop the slavers.

I massacred them. I didn't kill them for justice, but revenge.

He finished, then composed himself.

Then my saddlebags sneezed.

We all looked at them.

I sighed and put a hoof to my face.

"Gumdrop. I thought I told you to stop being a stowaway in my saddlebags. The H.M.S Lightning doesn't allow stowaways." I said.

Gumdrop popped out of my saddlebags with a smile.

"Sorry Miss Lightning. I just like being with you so much."

I took a deep breath.

"What would Bubblegum say, if she caught you?"

After a brief moment, she popped up upside down in my vision. Past her, I could see Thunder and the stallion nickering.

"Momma wouldn't be happy. But you won't tell, will you." she gave me this super cute puppy dog look.

I swear. The day somepony weaponizes cuteness, is the day the world is doomed. I believe cuteness is a weapon of mass destruction.

"I.." She's so damn cute!!! How can I compete with that?

I sighed heavily, and resigned my fate.

"I won't."

She gave me this huge grin.

"Yay!" she yelled triumphantly.

I looked back at the stallion.

"Name?" I asked.

He laughed.

"Sorry. My name is Brittle Bullet. And this," a small brown colt happily came up beside him " is Barding." Gumdrop jumped off my head and greeted the colt.

"Wanna come to our camp? We are about to leave." I asked amiably.

He shrugged. "Okay."

We headed up the hill, to our camp.

Gumdrop played with Barding the entire time up.

When we reached the top we were greeted by a friendly Bubblegum. Then a gentle Polaris. After that, a cool Soundwave. Then, a gentlestallionly Red. Sorry. "Dead Eye" Red. Finally, much to Bullet's surprise, an awesome Rainbow Dash.

"I'm not dreaming am I?"

I laughed.

"I thought that too, at first. But no, you're not."

His shocked expression stayed.

"Wow. I thought you were dead."

Me and Rainbow shared a laugh.

"I am still dead. I'm just too awesome to stay quiet." She said with a prideful look on her face. She continued.

"I live on in my Great, great, great, great, granddaughter here." she pointed a hoof at me.

He didn't look surprised at that.

"You both ARE strikingly similar to eachother." He commented.

Wow. That obvious.

      **** *** ****

About 10 minutes later, the trading began. I let Red handle the bartering. I was good at it, HE was better. I had put my armor and weapons away, seeing as I didn't need them at the moment.

So I watched Gumdrop and Barding play.

"That filly used to never be this happy." I knew that voice.

Bubblegum came up on my right side.

"Really?"

She nodded slowly.

"Ever since her father died, she was depressed. Sad."

I thought about it a moment.

"So why so happy now?"

She gave me a warm smile.

"You."

I gave her a "please elaborate look".

"You give her hope. Hope of a better life. That is why she is so attached to you."

That confused me. Why me? Its not like I'm some sort of bringer of light, I'm not even some badass security guard.

I'm just an orphan.

Nothing more. Nothing less.

But I DO enjoy being the hero.

I looked back at Bubblegum, with a gentle smile.

"How have you been holding up?"

She returned the smile.

"Better. Thanks to you."

Wow. I guess I have that effect on ponies.

I wonder if it is my looks. Probably.

Gumdrop tackled me.

"Tag! You're it!" with that she ran off.

A playful, competitive smile spread across my face.

"Not for long!" I shouted, then ran after them.

She turned the corner, and I raced after her. As I turned the corner, I was met with a barrage of water shot from water guns.

"Ambush sucka!!!" Soundwave yelled.

I started laughing, then tackled Soundwave.

"Who wants to help tickle Soundwave!?!?" I shouted, as I started tickling him. The two fillies gave a shout of joy as they, joined in.

He began laughing uncontrollably, as he was tickled.

"bwahahaha stop! Stop!" he cried.

"Never! You can't stop us!" I yelled, with a huge grin on my face.

He then shifted his weight, causing me to fall over.

"Tickle her my minions!!!" They all laughed joyfully, then began their assault.

Who's side are they on?

I tried my best to stifle my giggles, but it was so hard. The laughter just burst out.

I giggled so hard, I started kicking and rolling on the ground. Then I got an idea.

I focused as hard as I could, and used my wings to start tickling Soundwave and Gumdrop.

Slowly the tickling resided to resistible levels.

I quickly turned the tide, and pinned him down. After struggling for a bit, he resigned.

"I win." I declared triumphantly.

That's when I heard the laughter coming from my friends.

"Ya'll are definitely just like a couple!" Red told us between laughs.

Our cheeks burned as bright red as my eyes. We looked at eachother.

Well he DOES have a nice... NO!! I shook my head. Get your mind out of the gutter, Lightning! No way Soundwave ....

We both backed away from each other, our faces redder then Red's coat.

Gumdrop and Barding were rolling on the floor laughing.

I swear. The way kids cheer up around me, is like magic.

Take that unicorns. Lightning is magic.

"Wow sis, I had my suspicions-" I stuffed a hoof in his muzzle.

"That.."Come on Lightning think!!"Polaris and Red like each other!" Yes! Fool proof!

They looked at each other. Then blushed slightly. Wait. Could it be possible?

I burst out laughing with Thunder.

"Wow! I knew it!!" Bluffing of course." So THAT'S why you two have been sticking together a lot!" Now that I think about it. That last part is actually true. They HAVE been spending time with each other a lot lately.

"I have to know when! This is too much!" Rainbow interjected while laughing.

Now before time may continue, one thing. We only laugh because it is fun to. We never mean to piss off anypony. It is all in good fun.

Now back to life.

"Well it was the night Lightning was saved from slavers." Polaris replied, blushing slightly.

Soundwave trotted over, and nudged his brother.

"Ya, dog Red." That made Red turn a bit red and smile. Fortunately for him, he normally is red, so it is harder to notice.

Wow. Who woulda thought?

                  *** *** ***

Brittle Bullet had enough supplies to last us to the next town.

Basically what happened was we bought supplies (caps left: 800). He was nice and gave us a discount. Also luckily he had some 44. Magnum ammo, and some energy cells. No missiles for Thunder though. He didn't have that much food and water, but it will do.

After that, he left. Then we finished packing, (didn't take too long. Red makes us travel light. He also hates that we have two tents, says that we don't REALLY need two tents) and moved out.

I turned to Polaris.

"So where is the nearest town?" I have very bad navigational skills, so I have Polaris as our navigator. Also I have no idea how to get to the map on this thing, let alone activate the E.F.S again.

"It appears that the closest town is Dusty Saddle." She pointed a hoof to my right. "This direction."

"Thanks Polaris" I replied.

What? I had nothing more to say. Is there something wrong with that? I don't have to say something meaningful every time I talk to my friends.

Me and Thunder drew straws, to see who will have first look out. Of course with my terrible luck, I lost. On the bright side, I got to bring Gumdrop with me.

I took to the sky, the cool air flowed through my mane.

Look out duty is pretty boring. But important. Even if it is like you're just guarding rocks.

So it helps to have a hyperactive filly in your saddlebags.

Besides I have a terrible habit of getting shot at, out of nowhere.

I wonder whats gonna attack me next? Slavers? Raiders? Bounty hunters? Maybe a giant hulking mare with an equally giant gun. Who knows? With my luck it'll probably be some kickass cyborg dragon.

Then I spotted a trio of what looked like giant winged unicorns heading towards us. One of them reminded me a little of Princess Luna.

Then one of them fired a lightning bolt at me.

I banked right to avoid the Lightning bolt.

Okay. Not friendly.

I dove down and shouted to my friends.

"Hey!! We are being attacked by giant winged, unicorn things!!!"

I landed on the ground, as another magical lightning bolt nearly hit me.

"What the hell are those things?!? Also, we need cover fast!" I dove and rolled to avoid another blast.

"Those are alicorns!!" Soundwave shouted, ducking to avoid another bolt of energy.

I dropped Gumdrop off.

"I'll draw their fire!! Just do something!!!"

I shot into the air and drew Justice. I banked left, then right, to avoid more bolts of energy. I fired Justice only to have the rounds bounce harmlessly off a bubble surrounding them.

"HAHAHA! YOUR PUNY WEAPON CANNOT DEFEAT US FOOL!!" the one in the middle yelled.

Wow. This not a fair fight. Damn bastards.

Then four simultaneous explosions made it dissapear.

That was anti-climatic.

"LIGHTNING LOOK OUT, TO YOUR LEFT!!" I looked to my left just in time for a blinding burning pain to erupt from my left side.

I lost control and began spiraling down. My left wing burned in pain, making it almost impossible to use. The air rushed through my mane, as the world spun around me.

The ground came up to meet me, as I smashed into it. My gun flew out of my mouth and landed on the ground beside me.

I rose to my hooves and a mind bending pain greeted me.

FUCK!!! It hurts!!

I moved my wing experimentally, and in response it pain shot through my wing.

I looked up to see Thunder strafing the alicorns with his missiles.

Soundwave backed him up, and Red was on a nearby hill.

"Lightning!! Are you okay?"

I winced in pain as she came up beside me.

"Define, okay." was my only response.

She noticed my injury causing a worried look to appear on her face.

"Stay still." she had a healing potion in her mouth.

I stood as still as I could. My side burned as she poured the liquid onto my left side. I could feel my wounds stitch together. Apparently my wing took the brunt of the blow, but my armor was still damaged.

She gave me a satisfied look.

"Good as new. Try moving your wing." she told me gently.

I stretched my wing to find it perfectly fine. Go magic.

"Thanks for the save Polaris." I motioned for her to hop on. "Let's see these stupid shields hold up against the power of the stars."

She jumped on silently, and we took off.

Thunder and Soundwave were doing a great job distracting them. I charged the blue one, and deposited Polaris which she then dug into shield.

Once she tore a hole into the alicorn's shield it fired a bolt of lightning at her, blasting her off the shield and to the ground below. A millisecond later, a shot rang out and the alicorn's head exploded.

"POLARIS!!!" I dove after her.

I raced after her, completely forgetting about the two alicorns we were fighting.

No.

She was limp, it didn't look good.

I'm not losing you too.

The ground rose faster to meet us.

You can't die.

She hit the ground. I landed next to her, tears in my eyes.

I need you.

She didn't look good. Her coat was burnt, and she was barely breathing.

"BUBBLEGUM!!!! MEDICAL ATTENTION NOW!!!!!" I screamed at the top of my lungs.

Worry and fear pulsed through my mind. Bubblegum and Gumdrop showed up, holding a medkit in her teeth.

They moved to her side.

"Gumdrop! I need some healing potions and bandages!" Gumdrop gave a quick salute then fetched the supplies out of the kit.

She poured the potions over her wound, then wrapped it in healing bandages.

Her breathing slowed, then stabilized.

That was close.

More explosions rocked the sky and one of the alicorn's shields broke down, following with it's (a she maybe?) head exploding.

The third one became enraged at the death of her comrades. She started furiously firing lightning bolts at Thunder. This one was harder to kill than the others. She dodged around to avoid the missiles from Thunder rather than relying on her shield to protect her.

However her shield was getting weaker with each successful blow.

Screw it.

I did the best thing I could think of.

I charged her.

I held Justice in my mouth, as I raced towards the alicorn. The air rushed through my mane as I dodged her lightning blast.

"YOU FOOL! YOUR ASSAULT WILL END IN VAIN! I AM ONE WITH THE GODDESS!!" The alicorn cried.

"Fuck..."

I impacted into her shield, causing it to crack. I reared my head.

"You!" I screamed.

I head butted the shield causing it to shatter. Surprise spread across her face, as I shoved Justice into her neck.

"You are nothing like a goddess!" I shouted through Justice.

"YOU INSOLENT F-" Her insult was cut off by seven bullets tearing up her neck.

My head throbbed, my left wing burned slightly, and I felt like a badass.

That was one hell of a morning.

                      *** *** ***

Thunder soared overhead. Polaris got better after 30 minutes. I pondered  what Soundwave told me about Alicorns.

Apparently some bitch was shoving unicorns into vats of this stuff called "taint" and making them into Alicorns. They also vary in abilities based off their color. Blue ones apparently could teleport. But that's all I know about them right now.

The only thing I care about is that I don't like it. You just can't force ponies to be something their not. Literally. The "Goddess" probably takes control of their minds too. That's how it usually goes.

Gumdrop sat on my head, messing with my mane.

"I'm boorrrreed!! Lightning can we play a game?" she whined.

Where does that filly get so much energy?

"I don't know. Depends on what game it is I guess." I replied.

She stopped messing with my mane and put a hoof to her chin.

"How about I-spy?" I suggested. I was bored too, so might as well kill two birds with one stone. Besides she always loved my ideas, so why not this one?

"Okay! I wanna go first though." I just shrugged, she took it as "fine".

"I spy with my little eye, something colorful." I knew the answer right when she said "colorful".

"Rainbow Dash?" I glanced up at the sky, to spy the rainbow maned pony practicing her tricks.

"No silly, that!" she pointed a small hoof at a pool of glowing multi-colored liquid at the bottom of a crater.

How in the wide, wide, world of Equestria did I miss that?

"What is that?" I didn't approach it as my gut told me it wouldn't be a good idea.

"Magical toxic waste." I looked at Soundwave.

"What's it do?" I gave him my genuine inquisitive look.

He sighed at my lack of knowledge about the wasteland.

"It makes radiation. You never want to touch it."

I nodded my head. Don't touch colorful glowy stuff. Got it.

"Lightning! It your turn!" once again. Where does she get the energy?

"I know, just give me a second." Okay let's see.... Clouds maybe? Nah too obvious. Hmm....... How about that big rock over there? No too vague. How about Gumdrop herself? Sure why not? I don't really care if it's cheesy.

"I spy with my little eye something that is small and full of energy." She thought for a moment.

"Is it.... An energy cell?" I nickered and shook my head.

"A micro-fusion cell?" I smiled and shook my head. She has one hell of a vocabulary.

"Then what is it?!?" she asked impatiently.

I paused a moment for dramatic effect.

"It's you!!!" That drew a squeal of delight as she gave me a huge hug.

Bubblegum chuckled. I gave her a confused look.

"What?"

"Oh, nothing. Just wondering how you got so good with kids."

I shrugged.

"I just love kids. I guess I have a soft spot for them. Don't tell Gumdrop though, I don't want her getting any ideas." we both shared a laugh. Gumdrop resumed watching the scenery ( or what could remotely count as scenery) from atop my head,

Then straight out of nowhere Rainbow landed right in front of us with a thud.

"Trick gone bad?" I asked.

"how'd ya know?" she got up and started stretching eliciting a groan.

"Well its how I'd accidentally crash."

I gave her a smile.

"Like mother, like daughter, huh?" She smiled at me when she said that.

"Attention everypony! We have arrived at Dusty Saddle!!" Thunder yelled down.

We reached the top of the hill and the town came into view.

It had a wall circling the town with intervals of sniper towers. The entrance of the town had two turrets and guards on each side of it.

Wow. Is this a town, or a fortress?

Soundwave caught my baffled look and laughed.

"Lightning, never seen a fortified town before?" That caused more laughs as a huffed look appeared across my face.

"Not my fault I'm new to the wasteland." I stated.

"Yea, inste'ad y'all spent th' time gettin' captured an' almost killed." Red said while chuckling.

My face burned. Okay, so I'm not the smartest pony in the wasteland. But I am the most resilient. You gotta give me some credit here.

I wanted to say that. Instead all that came out was.

"I hate you guys."

They all laughed again, Soundwave patted my back.

"Don't be so down Lightning. At least Gumdrop idolized you." That caused Gumdrop to giggle and hug me.

"I have the power of cuteness on my side." I said that with an devious smile on my face. The others got fearful looks as they realized the power I had.

I heard Soundwave mutter to Red.

"Oh Celestia. She's weaponizing cuteness."

               *** *** ***

As we approached the entrance of Dusty Saddle, the turrets turned towards us and the guards trained their guns on us.

"State your business!!" A stallion said from in a suit of metal armor that covered his whole body.

"We need to buy some supplies." I wasn't going to piss off the steel pony with dual grenade launchers.

"You may pass! But be warned! Cause any trouble and you will answer to Paladin Creamy Cupcakes!" He motioned to the another pony in full steel armor with two giant cannons.

Paladin Creamy Cupcakes? It took all my willpower not to burst out laughing. What type of name is that? Gumdrop was laughing hysterically, the steel pony ignored her.

They opened the gates and we passed through.

The town was rustic like Horseshoe. I guess it's a theme out here.

"So who are those guys?" I asked Soundwave. He usually knew the answer to my questions, so he was my "go to guy" for answers.

"Steel Rangers. They basically hoard all the tech they could find. Don't know why they are protecting this town though. It's out of character for them to do this sort of thing."

My tail twitched. That usually wasn't a good sign. I shrugged. I'm not in the mood to care about my suspicions.

Even if they are usually right.

A brown unicorn mare, with a blue suit and and a grey mane, approached us.

"Hello! You folks must be new in town." Enter stage right Captain Obvious.

I hid my sarcasm, and acted as nice as I could.

"Yup and we need supplies and a place to sleep." I responded with a nice smile.

"Well hon, y'all came to the right place. I'm mayor Honey Bun, and this is the town of Dusty Saddle."

Okay yet another name added to the growing "Strange Names" section of my, already extensive, "WTF" list.

At least she wasn't a pony trying to kill me. I've been meeting a lot of those lately.

"I'm Lightning, these are my friends."I pointed a hoof at and named Red, Soundwave, Polaris, Bubblegum, Thunder, and at the incredibly cute filly on my head (Who giggled when I named her).

"Well nice ta meet y'all. You could find all sorts of things at The Grand Market, also Daisy's Inn is always welcome to guest, also be sure to visit Amnesia, I hear The King is performing tonight."

"Thanks. I appreciate the help. I gotta go get my barding fixed." I'm pretty sure a giant scorched hole on the left side isn't a good thing.

"Then I'll leave y'all to it! If y'all ever need anything don't hesitate to come to me hon." With that she trotted off to do what ever she usually does.

I turned to my friends.

"Okay team. I'm going to the Market thingy, you guys can do whatever."

They all nodded. However we all still wanted to go to the market.

I started trotting  in the direction that the Mayor pointed. Soundwave and Red came up beside me.

"So why are you two coming?" I asked.

"Well I knew y'all would need my barterin' skills." Wow. Was it that obvious?

I turned to Soundwave.

"And you?"

He gave me a smile.

"I just wanted to hang out with you."

Makes sense. I was the center of attention this morning.

I returned his smile.

"Okay. First stop, somewhere to repair armor."

                *** *** ****

"300 CAPS!?!" I yelled.

"Well considering there is a giant hole in it, and it is high class armor. 300 caps is cheap."  The tan unicorn stallion said.

"What do ya think Red?" I asked.

"Well ah' think that it's a big discount. Not only that," He leaned over and whispered in my ear." I'm pretty sure he thinks you're hot."

Say what? I was so concerned with my armor to notice his staring.

I blushed a little, then turned to the stallion.

"Okay here is the caps." I handed over the caps,"and thanks for the discount." He took the caps and I swear when I said the last part, I almost thought he would faint.

Stallions. I swear the day I understand them is the day Equestria is no longer an irradiated wasteland.

I turned to Soundwave and Red, Gumdrop was giggling a little.

I'm sure the amount of energy that filly has could power all of the Grand Equestrian Plains.

"Next stop:Weapons." I said smiling.

The Grand Market was a collection of vendors of all kinds. Ponies browsed the wares of the stores while steel rangers made sure no trouble arose. In fact the Grand market was self governed.

However there was one law I loved.

No slaves.

We shifted through the crowds as Gumdrop took in the sights.

I wonder where Rainbow went. Probably somewhere for a nap, or out doing tricks.

"Lightning! Lightning! I found it!" Gumdrop cried excitedly.

"Where?" I asked.

She pointed at the sign labeled, "Steel's Tools of destruction".

Yup. Definitely weapons.

We approached the vendor, that had guns on one side of the vendor and melee weapons on the other.

Behind the counter was a big burly goatish looking thing. If I remember Hope's lesson correctly, it was a Minotaur.

"Hi there customers!!! Welcome to Steel's TOOLS OF DESTRUCTION!!!" he flexed his impressive muscles as he said that last part.

Gumdrop started giggling, as he began this speech on how unbelievably good his weapons are. I had to admit it was pretty funny how he posed with every other word.

"...Now I guarantee you if our weapons fail to kill your enemy in a fight, YOU...PAY....NOTHING!!! We will completely refund you." he gave us a sparklely smile when he finished.

"Umm thanks. We'll let you know if we see something we like." I said trying to surpress the laughs building inside me.

"YOU...ARE...WELCOME! STEEL ALWAYS AIMS TO PLEASE!" he flexed when he said that.

Gumdrop was laughing her head off, I nickered, so did Soundwave, Red was the only one able to hold in his laughs.

I walked over to the wall with guns. I didn't really need one, seeing Justice was usually enough, but I was curious. There was this impressive looking shotgun on display, labeled "The Ironpony". But I'm not really one for shotguns. I prefer melee in close quarters.

I moved toward the melee wall, leaving Red to browse the guns. Me, Soundwave, and Gumdrop looked through the melee weapons (Gumdrop actually looked from atop my head).

I saw this weird pair contraptions that each had a blade in this mechanism.

"Hey Soundwave, any ideas what this is?" I asked nudging him.

He looked at it for a minute then replied.

"It's a set of hidden blades. They are pretty rare, but efficient. They have a magic enchantment on them that activates the blades when you want to. Wanna try it on?" he gave me a smile.

"Sure. How do you put them on?"

"Here I'll help you. It is easier to show than explain. Just watch and learn."

I just watched as his horn lit up, and his magic enveloped the set. He motioned me to put my hoof out and he placed the blade around my foreleg. After that, he did the same for my other leg.

However before I could actually check them out, three mercs burst in wielding guns.

Why can't I catch a break!?!?!?

"There she is! The boss wants her head, kill her!" the lead one shouted.

We all sprang into action. I tackled the lead merc while Soundwave fired upon the other to with his blaster. Gumdrop clung onto me for dear life.

The blades slide out, as I brought my hooves down his head. They pierced his skull, and he fired his gun and died. At the time the second one was hit by a blue beam.

I heard a gunshot, and Gumdrop screamed and fell off my head. She landed on the ground with a thud. Blood pooled around her.

No! Gumdrop!

I turned to the stallion who fired the gun, with my eyes blazing red. He made eye contact with me, and fear filled his eyes.

I tackled the stallion and dug the blades into his shoulders. He screamed out in pain.

"RED, SOUNDWAVE, ATTEND TO GUMDROP!!" They complied, I turned my attention to the squirming stallion under me. "Who do you work for shitbag." my voice was dead serious.

"I-I can't tell you. If I do they'll kill me!" he stammered back.

I twisted my left hoof, drawing another scream of pain from the merc.

"If don't tell me, death will be the least of your worries. I have zero patience, for THOSE WHO HURT FILLIES!!" I shouted at him.

"No I can't tell you I swear!" his voice was full of fear, and shaking.

I twisted it further, he screamed again.

"Lightning...." Soundwave said.

"WHAT!" I turned to Soundwave and saw the fear in his eyes.

"You're scaring us." he said.

I looked at Red, who had bandaged Gumdrop. He had a wide eyed expression.

I looked at Soundwave, and he had a concerned and scared look.

My expression softened.

"Fuck....." I looked back at the full grown stallion, with a scare shitless look going on.

I backed off the stallion and pulled the blades out of his body.

At that moment, two steel rangers entered flanking an orange mare in a tan jacket with a brown cowpony hat.

"What in tarnation is goin' on here!?!" She was furious.

I didn't know what to say. Between just calming down from scaring every pony shitless and her entrance, I was stressed for words. Luckily, Red came to the rescue.

"We were shoppin' at this here shop, when these varmints just came an' attacked us."

She sighed.

"Great. Y'all okay? Mah name's Caravan. Ah'm th' manager of Th' Grand Market." Her voice was slightly annoyed at the disturbance.

My shock finally wore off, and I stuffed the sad feelings into the good ol' closet on the back of my mind.

"I'm Lightning, these are my friends; Red, Soundwave, and Gumdrop." Realization hit me like a freight train.

"GUMDROP!!" I cried. I rushed to the injured filly. She was wrapped in bloody bandages. And wasn't moving.

Red thought quick, while Soundwave did his best to keep her alive with his limited medical knowledge.

"Where is th' closest doc?" Red asked Caravan.

Caravan thought quickly.

"Quickly come with me!" she replied.

I acted quickly, cradling Gumdrop in my forehooves and flying after Caravan.

The crowd parted as if hell itself was  on a rampage. Like I said before.

I have a soft spot for fillies.

After a short time of running, that must've felt like forever, we reached a doctor. I was too blinded by a huge mix of emotions, to really pay attention to my surroundings. All that mattered was saving Gumdrop.

Five minutes later I paced impatiently  in the waiting room, while all my friends watched a worn path start to form.  Thoughts raced through my head.

"Hey Lightning...." Soundwave said softly.

I didn't hear him, I just paced back and forth.

"Lightning."

I still didn't hear him.

"LIGHTNING!"

I jumped.

Soundwave stood over me. While I lay on my back.

"Gumdrop is gonna be fine. You heard the doc, it is just a minor bullet wound. Nothing serious. Besides," he motioned to the floor,"I'm pretty sure that's not a good thing."

I looked down to notice the crevice starting to form on the floor.

"Oh..." that was the only word that came to mind.

"Also, she is just resting now. Now take a deep breath." I sighed and released the breath I just realize I was holding. That felt good.

"Now how do you feel? Better?"

I nodded, then rose to my hooves.

"Good."

At that present moment the door opened, revealing the cute little filly bursting out of the doors right into Bubblegum.

"Momma!!" Gumdrop cried.

Tears ran down their faces, as they embraced eachother.

                *** *** ***

Sooner or later everypony calmed down.

Gumdrop returned to my head.

Caravan paid for the care and the blades, as a thanks for cleaning up the baddies.

Okay I lied. We may have agreed to take out some Raiders that have been attacking caravans on route to Dusty Saddle. But wouldn't it be nice if she really did do it as a thanks?

"Umm, Lightning do ya wanna go with me to Amnesia tonight? I hear The King is really good." Soundwave asked me in a slightly shyish voice.

I turned a little red. Did Soundwave just ask me out? No that's impossible, we are just friends. Right? Well whatever it was, I knew I couldn't turn him down; he's just too fun to hang out with.

I turned to Soundwave.

"Sure." I mean it's Soundwave, who wouldn't want him, I-I-I mean want to hang out with him. Yea that.

He turned a little red, then smiled.

                 *** *** ***

"It's not a date!!!" I cried frustratingly, as I paced back and forth in the hotel room.

That just elicited more laughs from Gumdrop, Bubblegum, Polaris, and Rainbow.

"Then what is it?" Polaris asked.

I was already crimson red, didn't help that I shifted my eyes left and right when she asked the question.

"It's....it's.....a...-" I tried to reply.

"Date!" Gumdrop chimed.

"IT'S NOT A DATE!!" I screamed, my face as red as my mane.

"Of course it isn't, what else could it be?" Rainbow said smugly. Somehow I knew they were enjoying themselves.

"It's......just a casual thing." I desperately said. It didn't work.

"He invites you, and only you, to the premier nightclub in town, on the night of a premier performance. That definitely doesn't sound like a date." Bubblegum. Stop being smart.

"Whatever!! It's not a date!!" my pacing transversed to flying back and forth. As they laughed again.

Damn it, where are you Soundwave!?!

A knocking at the door, made me jump.

"Nervous are we?" Polaris asked with smile.

"I hate you all...... And it's not a date." was my only reply.

I opened the door to Red, Thunder, and Soundwave.

"-ot a date, bro!" Soundwave cried at Red, he was almost as red as me. He noticed me and we both let out a sigh of relief.

"Ya ready, Lightning to go on our not-date?" he glanced at Red and Thunder.

I smilied. "Sure am." I glanced at Polaris, Bubblegum, Rainbow, and Gumdrop (the last was giggling).

With that we left to go to Amnesia. As we walked away, I could hear Thunder say.

"They are definitely a couple."

              *** *** ***

The nightclub was filled with the screams of fans as a white stallion, with a black stylish mane, wearing a light pink suit, and his band began another song.

The song(link to song) was bright and happy. It made you want to move your hips and dance. Fortunately I loved to dance.

I grabbed Soundwave and began pulling him towards the dance floor that had tons of ponies dancing to the music.

"Come on! Let's dance!" My voice was full of joy. Soundwave was caught off guard, but he knew there was no saying no. He came along willingly.

I let the music guide my movements, and Soundwave began to flow with me.

I am an excellent dancer. Hope taught me when I was small how to dance and how to understand the rhythm and flow of the music.

Soundwave also was a good dancer, he met my rhythm with a rhythm of his own. We took turns stealing the rhythm from the other, then relenting it.

Soon a circle of ponies formed around us as they watched us dance with the rhythm and flow of the music with skill.

When the song ended, the crowd cheered and even The King took notice of us.

Sweat poured down my body, as I gave Soundwave a smile which he returned.

Then The King began another song(link here), that made my body sway back and forth. Slowly at first, then speeding up.

I loved this. Soundwave was an excellent dancer, and the general feel of the place allowed you to just forget about how messed up the world is.

The night club was dark, but at the same time carefree and high spirited. The bar was located on the right side of the dance floor. Tables surrounded the floor, except for one side. There sat the stage.

Yet again I could not believe how Soundwave could read my rhythm so smoothly, not only that, match it and challenge it in perfect harmony. The best part was, I could do the same.

When the song ended, we decided to take a break, and The King began a slower song (link here).

My limbs were tired. We were awarded with a applause and cheers as we exited the floor and headed for the bar.

We sat at the stools at the bar.

The bartender came over and asked us what we wanted. Remembering my last experience with alcohol, I asked for water. Soundwave did the same.

"Wow, Lightning. I've never seen anypony that could dance like you." he wore a smile. I blushed a little.

"Thanks, Hope taught me when I was a filly. But the same could be said about you." he rubbed the back of his head with a hoof.

"Thanks. I actually don't know how I got so good. It just feels natural." he gave me a weak smile.

The bartender arrived with our drinks. We thanked him, and he gave us a cheery complement about how we are a good couple. We blushed a little and fidgeted at the comment.

The King finished his song, and exited the stage. He was cheered and applauded the whole way. His final comment was a thank you to "the beautiful couple's" amazing dancing. That resulted in more cheers for us and more blushing by us.

Another band came on and I pulled Soundwave into more dancing. We spent the rest of the night dancing and drinking. I still don't remember how Soundwave convinced me to drink. All I remember is that whatever drink it was, it was good.

The last thing I remember was falling asleep at a table next to Soundwave.

               *** *** ***

My head pounded and my limbs ached, as I slowly opened my eyes.

I was in a hotel room. My hotel room. My eyesight burned at the light shining through the window.

I groaned in discomfort.

Never. Again.

The room was musty like every room I've ever encountered. I've become so accustomed to it, that I've stopped noticing it as much. In fact, I'm not going to bother to tell you from here on out.

I looked over the edge of the bed to see a sleeping Soundwave curled into a ball. He looked tired, he must've carried me all the way back.

That's so sweet.

Damn it! Now I'm talking sweetly about him!

I blushed furiously.

"I know that look." I jumped. Or at least would have if I didn't feel like crap. Instead I just looked over at Rainbow.

"What look?" I asked. She gave me a smile.

"The in love look." I blushed even more. I'm pretty sure if this keeps up, I'm going to be permanently red.

"....." I just sat there silently disagreeing with her. She nickered.

"You can't hide it you know. He carried you all the way here and wouldn't leave your side saying 'you are his responsibility'. You know best part is?" I remained silent.

"He still won't admit he loves you. Yet another thing you two share."

I nickered.

"I feel like shit right now." was all I said.

                   *** *** ***

According to Red what I have is called a hangover. Too much alcohol and all that. Gumdrop took the opportunity to poke fun at me.

I swear if that filly wasn't so damn cute, I would have tied her up and put her in the closet. So I spent the morning feeling like a boat was dropped on me.

When Soundwave finally woke up, he informed the others of how to not mix alcohol and partying with me involved.

Was it really that bad?

Most likely.

                *** *** ***

So after a terrible morning(that I am never going to repeat), we discussed our plan of attack on the raider base.

"So then we'll have a two pronged attack from inside and out." I finished my explanation of the battle plan.

Everypony nodded in agreement.

Except Gumdrop.

"Why can't I help!?" she cried. I sighed.

"A: you are a filly, B: Your mom said no." she almost cried. No! Hold steady Lightning!

"But I wanna be brave and strong like you! And what if you get hurt?!?" she protested.

I ruffled her mane with a confident smile on my face.

"I can handle it, and being big and strong doesn't entail being dead. Besides, what's the worst that could happen?" my voice was comforting, yet confident.

"You could ge't shot by a sniper." Red said.

"We'll yes, but..-" I began

"Get blown to bits." Thunder chimed in.

"That too-"

"Disintegrated." Soundwave stated.

"That's a possibility-"

"Beaten to death." Rainbow called.

"That's pretty bad I gue-"

"Tortured to death." Polaris said.

"Okay,that's pretty likely bu-"

"Raped" Bubblegum said softly.

"NOT HELPING!!" I yelled.

Gumdrop was wide eyed, and obviously worried.

"Well my point is, I'll be fine. But I'll be better if I don't have to worry about you."

She nodded her head slowly.

"Now Caravan is going to look after you while we are gone. Just do what she says okay?"

She nodded her head.

"Okay team! Let's do this!!"

Best plan ever.

               *** *** ***

Worst plan ever.

The cage I sat in stank. Of what, I don't even want to know. Based off the other two mares expressions my suspicions on the what, were most likely correct. At least they took off the shackles and what not. I wonder why...

The guard was playing poker with his partner, which left nopony watching me.

Whelp. Time to go to work.

I spat out the bobbly pin that had been in my mouth, and pulled out a screwdriver from my mane.

What? I AM a thief after all.

It took me a total of 10 seconds to pick the lock. Could have been better by my standards.

Once again I knew I could count on their stupidity. They didn't take my armor, which means I have my well hidden blades.

I looked back at the mares, and mouthed the words, "Stay here, I'll be back for you." They nodded silently, as I shut the cage with a soft click.

I moved across the floor as stealthily as I could. Fortunately it is was enough to not be noticed.

I came up behind the first raider, and my thrust my hidden blade into the back of his neck. He made a small gurgle noise then slumped. The second guard.. laughed?

"Haha! What's wrong bloody? Finally realized you are gonna lose?" the second said in a gruff voice.

Okay.

This takes stupid to a whole new level. I have now confirmed that a pony can live while missing their brain.

I pulled the blade out and tackled the second guard, shoving both blades into his throat. He coughed some blood, before his eyes rolled to the back of his head.

Okay. I'm out. So far so good. Now for part two.

Gumdrop?

The pink little filly peeked around the corner, then her face brightned up when she noticed me.

"Gumdrop?!?"

"Lightning!" she tackled me. I put my hoof on her.

No,no,no! She wasn't supposed to be here! She might get hurt! Damn it! I should have told Caravan to keep a closer eye on her.

"What are you doing in here? You could have died, or could die." I attempted a stern look, but I was still in shock. She gave me a smile.

"I couldn't let you go in here alone! Hey I even brought you this detonator thingy!" she shook her mane and a small box with a red button on it fell on the floor.

This is baffling. That pink little filly just saved me a dangerous trip. I'll let her mom reprimand her later. This isn't a safe place to do it.

I sighed heavily.

"How did you even.... Oh nevermind. Do me another favor and push that button." I said with a slightly annoyed voice. She did this cute little salute the pushed it with a hoof.

An explosion rocked the building, and an alarm sounded shortly after.

"Okay stay close Gumdrop. Your mom will kill me if you die." I turned to the mares."I'll be right back after I kill all these raiders." I gave them a smile, they just had shocked expressions.

I then turned and started though the halls as my friends attack comenced.

         **** *** ***

We ducked behind the counter as more raiders ran past yelling battle cries.

Okay. Phase three:meet with friends

We jumped from behind the counter and followed the sounds of battle.

We turned a corner to a couple of raiders wielding spiky bats. I bucked one, then stabbed him through the throat. His comrade screamed in pain as Gumdrop ran out from under him. I finished him with a blade to his eye.

I gave Gumdrop, my good job smile. She beamed. We continued, then turned right to meet about five raiders watching a door closely that I could hear explosions sounding behind it.

"Hey losers!" I called out tauntingly.

They all turned to us. And we waved goodbye to all if them. The lead one just said.

"What the-"

An explosion erupted from the door, and Gumdrop hid behind me.

Thunder stepped through the charred framed with a victorious smile, Thunder and Lightning still smoked.

"Now THAT is blowin' them away." he said.

Gumdrop giggled. Thunder laughed. I even chuckled.

"And I knew Gumdrop would show. She had that look." he continued. I knew the look he was talking about.

I gave him a smile.

"So where's Soundwave, Polaris, and Bubblegum?" I asked.

"For Polaris, just follow the sounds fear. Damn that mare is scary in a battle. Poor fools keep firing at every shadow."

We both laughed.

"Okay, let's find them and begin phase four: Fireworks." I gave him a grin, which he returned. Thunder loves explosions.

We ran off in the direction of sounds of what could only be Soundwave's "Wubbinator".

Raiders where being obliterated as the brother, sister, and filly team stormed the corridors. The amount of raiders was starting to become annoying. There was just no end to them in sight.

We came across a hallway where Soundwave and Bubblegum were in an intense firefight with a group of Raiders.

I nodded to Thunder, who grinned and fired four simultaneous missiles at the group of Raiders. They never knew what hit them. Okay maybe they did, but that's not my point.

"Hi Lightning, and Thunder!" Soundwave called out.

"Glad you could join us!- GUMDROP!?!?" Bubblegum's eyes went wide as she realized what stunt her daughter had just pulled.

Gumdrop knew the lecture coming on. Luckily for her, I intervened.

"Wait! We have a raider base to blow up and two mares to save, now is not the time for lectur-" I started, when a nearby set of double doors burst open as Polaris and the two mares burst in, while being chased by a lot of raiders.

Okay, this is getting ridiculous. Is there some factory pumping out raiders or something? I can see now, Shithead Incorperated. Creating asshole raiders since the world went to shit. Enjoy.

"Lightning! We need to leave! The timer has started!" Polaris shouted.

Wow. I just had to ask what could go wrong.

"OKAY EVERYPONY TIME TO-" an explosion rocked the building.

Things have just gone from bad to worse.

They all got the idea, and we began running for the exit. Gumdrop clung desperately onto my mane as explosions erupted around us.

I could feel the fire licking at my legs. Come on faster, or I'm not going to make it! I saw the exit and raced towards it, fire burned my wings, and my coat was starting to singe.

I burst out of the building and into the rain, as fire erupted out of the exit. Then my friends emerged as the building exploded. Adrenaline pumped through my veins, as I breathed heavily. I set Gumdrop down, then scanned the area.

Okay. Thunder. Check. Polaris. Check. Bubblegum. Check. Red. He approached from my right. Check. Gumdrop. Check. Soundwave. Soundwave?

I frantically search the area.

"SOUNDWAVE!!!" I screamed. The others looked worried. Then I heard a faint screaming. I looked up to see a small white dot falling.

"Soundwave!!" I was soaked by then, as I raced after him, dodging falling debries. The rain pattered against my armor and mane.

As I drew closer his screaming grew louder, and he became clearer. I slammed into him, which resulted in us smashing into a big piece of debri. My wing got caught in a crack in the debri.

I looked at Soundwave. He looked back at me with fear filled eyes.

It was at that moment, on that falling piece of debri, that it hit me.

I love Soundwave.

Out of all the moments to have an epithany, it just had to be now.

I struggled to get free. I'm not dying here, he isn't either, not as long as I can fight!!

I pulled and the wing loosened and loosened. The ground grew closer and closer. I felt my wing spring free, and jumped off the piece of debri with Soundwave and he made us do a roll.

The debri smashed into the ground as we rolled to a stop.

My mane was soaked, my left wing burned, and I was laying on top of Soundwave.

He looked me in the eye. There was only one thing I could think to do.

"Light-" I interrupted him with a passionate kiss. His eyes grew wide, then calmed as realization hit him.

"I know you love me. I love you too." I said softly when I finished the kiss.

He smiled, then returned the kiss.

"Well it's abou't time." Red said with a smile.

"I thought they'd never do it." Thunder chimed in.

"Eww." Gumdrop cringed.

"Finally!" Rainbow cheered.

"I knew they were perfect for each other." Bubblegum commented.

"Love is amazing is it not?" Polaris said gently

We finished our kiss, the rain let up. We looked at each other, then at them and smilied.

"Shut up."

Footnote: level up

Quest perk added- Very special somepony: congrats! You finally have a special somepony. So you can do..ahem.. You know... Whatever you get the idea.

Perk added: intense training- endurance increased by 1

Endurance is now 8

(Authors note: sorry for the wait. This was the longest chapter yet. Special thanks to my editor, for he is of great help. Seriously, he spent a lot of his time on this and a lot of work too. Where would I be without him? Thanks to somber, for setting me on the right path. Also thanks to the writers group for all their support. Also thanks to kkat for creating F.O.E. also thanks to you my wonderful, wonderful, readers and fans. I love you guys (not in that way, so don't get any ideas). Thanks for your patience. Also, I'm getting a new cover in about a month and a half!! Yay! You all have an awesome day!)