Fallout Equestria: Operation 6011

by Captain Literal

Rating: teen
Tags: Adventure, Crossover, Dark
Length: 51092

follow Lightning as she escpaes the enclave an sets out to stop its evil plot.i had help from somber

STOP!! THIS STORY IS A GONER, SO I'M REWRITING IT!

all these hero have been coming from stables across the equestrian wasteland. however, has anypony ever wondered if any heros came from above, and not below? Lightning is just an orphan mare in the city of Lightning Hoof, erm, the ENCLAVE city of Lightning Hoof, when she discovers a secret plot that could possibly mean the true end of the world. does she have what it takes to stand against the darkness? or will she fall and never get up again. Every hero falls. but will this one be able to survive it? Lets hope so, because if not, there wont be a world to save. i have somber to thank for this, without his help it couldn't have been nowheres near as good as it is now.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2012-08-27 23:00:02 UTC

Intro

Operation 6011 intro

War. War never changes. But ponies do. Especially pegisai. Once the bombs started to fall, and the great pegasus city of Cloudsdale was obliterated, the pegisai closed the sky. A great cloud curtain covered the land, blocking out the sun, and covering the surface with darkness, rain, and death.

Years passed, and soon the Grand Pegasus Enclave, was born. It hid under the mask of democracy and safety, when it was really a military dictatorship under that mask. Those who spoke out against the Enclave were silenced  immediately. Those who tried to leave, where branded as Dashites, traitors, and were never allowed back.

                    *** *** ***

Rain fell from the clouds, thunder shook the sky, as lightning streaks danced through the air.

The icy rain soaked my white bloodstained coat, and stung at my wounds, as I lay in the collapsed building. I could hear bullets pinging off the wall I lay behind, as well as magical bolts sizzling the wall opposite to me.

The cold rainwater dripped into the bullet holes that riddled what was left of my barding, agitating my wounds. My sides ached, and my legs burned from the water flowing over the cuts and burns that covered them.

I got up and looked out the window, then spied two snipers on the roof of the opposite building. I entered S.A.T.S. and targeted their heads with my magnum, two each, and fired.

Bang, one shot slammed into the first one's shoulder making him twist sideways. Bang, the second shot blew half his head clean off. Bang, the third shot hit the second one in the chest throwing him off his hooves.

Click.

I withdrew from the window as more bullets and bolts flew through it. Fuck. That was the last of my ammo. I checked my guns and inventory, which confirmed my knowledge.

I slumped down against the wall.

Well now what?

I then got up and walked over to a nearby puddle and looked at my reflection.

Wary, bright red eyes stared back at me. My red and gold mane was soaked. The tip of the golden colored lightning bolt, that started at the back of my mane and continued all the way to the front, drooped in front of my face. My wings had bullet holes in them that burned as the rain washed over them.  Half my barding was missing ,and what was left was covered in holes, revealing my cutie mark of a golden lightning bolt piercing a dark grey cloud on my right flank, and a brown spot in the shape of a thunder cloud on my left.

How the hell did you get yourself in this mess, lightning?

I chuckled to myself, as I closed my eyes and shook my head. Not very long ago I was just an orphan mare living on the streets of the city of Lightning Hoof, where I had to steal to be able have at least one meal each day. Funny what could change in such a short time.....

(author's note. This is a teaser intro)

1. Polaris

Operation 6011 chapter 1

Polaris

"I stood there, staring at the huge steel door that sealed Stable Two away from the horrors (or nothingness!) outside."

Welcome to Lightning Hoof.

The most messed up city in all the Enclave.

Gangs rule the slums, the rich corrupt the government, and everything in between gets to get caught in the cross fire.

There are three districts. The Tornado district, which is the slums, the hurricane district, which holds all the middle class folk, and the raincloud district, which holds all the rich, upper-class citizens.

Each district has its own market, bank, law enforcement, and leader, tailored to the district. For example, you would find far better items in the shops of the raincloud district, than in the tornado district. However, the prices are much higher, a loaf of bread in the tornado district would be much cheaper than the same loaf in the raincloud district.

The leaders of each district create their own laws, however, all the leaders answer to the major of the city, his laws always override the districts laws.

I live in the Tornado district (what a surprise).

Okay now that we got that over with, we can finally get on with life. Literally.

                    *** *** ***

Cool air rushed through my mane, and pressed on my wings, as I raced through the street, dodging vendors, carts, and shoppers. The shouts of the guards could be heard as they gave chase.

I looked back at my pursuers. The two guards at the front fired a couple stun bolts, which I promptly dodged.

I looked back ahead and banked left to avoid a blue stallion, shopping for paintings, narrowly missing him.

However, that didn't stop my tail from accidentally smacking him in the face. I looked back and saw him fuming.

I nickered, I know it's rude but it didn't change the fact that I found it kinda funny.

Focusing back on escaping the guards, I sharply turned left into an alleyway. As I emerged from the alleyway, bolts streaked through the air narrowly hitting me.

Whoa that was close. I looked to my right to see some guards speeding towards me.

They are getting closer to catching me, I need to end this soon.

I sped down the street, eyes peeled for opportunity. I turned a corner and was looking for a way to lose them, when it hit me.

Not an idea, a dumpster.

I slammed into the dumpster, and the lid slammed shut over me. The sounds of the guards passed by, as I sat up.

It smelled like it was full of two hundred year-old food, I nearly lost whatever was left of yesterday's lunch right there. I climbed out the dumpster, my head aching, and shook the trash off me. Not exactly the best way to escape, but it worked.

                *** *** ***

The cold night air made me shiver as I trotted into the bar.

The bar had a relaxed feel to it. There was soft music playing in the background, and tables with chairs around them occupied most of the room. Even the folks that got drunk here added to the feeling.

I ignored the drunks in the corner and the musty air, as I trotted up to the bar, and sat on one of the stools. I pulled out my loaf of bread, and started munching on it.

"don't eat that all at once lightning" a familiar voice said.

My ears perked up, and I looked up at the bartender, who had a brown coat, with a grey mane, her cutie mark was of a shot glass, she was also smiling gently.

I smiled and replied, "well I'm hungry so I have an excuse" I took another bite of the bread. "did you get it?" I asked with a mouthful of bread.

She smiled then handed me a cup of water, " impatient are we?"

She has been like a mother to me for the last ten years. She took me off the streets and taught me how to fight, along with virtually everything I know. Her name was Hope.

I swallowed and nodded gingerly.

She took out a small black box "I do. But you owe me for this one."

I gave a confused look, then she nodded at the messes on the tables.

I looked at the tables, then at her, and thought for a second. Then grinned "worth it. Now gimme!"

She smiled then handed me the box. I opened it, and inside was a sparkling sapphire. I gave out a cry of joy then tackled her, hugging her with my fore hooves. "thank you so much!!! This means a lot me." my voice was full of joy.

She nickered," I'm glad you like it." she hugged me back then I got up and noticed that everypony was staring at me.

I blushed a little, picked up the box with my teeth, and hurried off to the hall leading to the back room.

The hall was lined with pictures of previous owners, each one inherited the bar from the last. I trotted up to the door at the end of the hall and opened it.

This was my room, my "hideout". The air was musty, and there was one lamp giving light to the rest of the room. I walked up to the table against the wall that had pictures of my mom and dad before I lost them. You see, my mom left and became a dashite, and soon after that, my dad committed suicide.

When I reached the table, I stared at the pictures of my mom and dad. They looked so happy.

"hey mom and dad. Happy birthday" I said softly. I placed the box on the table" I got you guys a little something for your birthday..." I stared at them for a moment then continued, " too bad you guys aren't here to be able to get it, so I'll just leave it here." I gave a small smile then, trotted towards the wall to my left, which held my most prized possession.

My father's gun.

It was a high caliber magnum revolver, that had a red hilt that works as a mouth grip or can be attached to a battle saddle. On the hilt there was a glowing lightning bolt shape, it supposed to mean there is an enchantment on the gun, but I don't know what it is. It was supposedly given to my great, great, great, grandfather by Rainbow Dash for some reason, and it has been handed down ever since.

There is a reason I never fire it, and I could say many different excuses why not, but the simple fact is; I don't want to talk about it. That is what I tell Hope each time she asks.

I stared at the gun for awhile, then turned away. I  went back into the bar, and started cleaning the messes on the tables, I wasn't feeling very happy and the Hope sensed it. She tried to make me feel better, by telling me stories while we worked, but it didn't work.

" I need to take a walk.." I said solemnly.

She nodded " don't get into trouble, okay?"

                    *** *** ****

The cold numbed my skin, as I walked. Clouds started forming above. I kept moving my wings to keep the blood flow in them so they didn't get numb. My breath was visible in the night air.

The city is peaceful at night. The only sound you can hear is the guards patrolling, making sure that no one breaks the night time "No fly" rule (stupid rule if you ask me). The peace combined with the cool air, supposedly helps calm the soul. It's hasn't any negative effect and has had a bit of positive effect, so what the hell, im not complaining.

It's been ten years since I lost my parents. I was eight then, I'm eighteen now. The first two years, I spent trying to survive on the streets of the city. Then about eight years ago Hope, the bartender, and owner, of the "silver lining" bar, took me in.

Like I said before, she taught me everything I know, how to fight, how to steal, even a basic education (best damn teacher in the world).

And she is all I have.

                        *** *** ***

Solemn thoughts clouded my head, so much that I couldn't think.

Or see what was coming.

As walked down the street, I heard a flapping sound. I ignored it, thinking it was just one of the guards.

The sound grew louder, and louder. I looked up just in time to have something slam into me. I went sliding across the floor, into a nearby alley, and smashed into a dumpster.

I slowly rose to my hooves, my side burned with pain. I looked at my attacker. It started to rain. The cold rainwater was pattering against my coat and mane.

Not an it, a he. It was a grey Pegasus stallion, that had a dark green mane, and a bandit mask for a cutie mark.

"well lookie what we here..." he said tauntingly, as his two lackies came from either side.

I ducked my chest low and narrowed my eyes at them.

" ello poppet, long time no see" the first one said grinning.

"yeah the ol' gang just ain't the same without you." the second one said evilly.

I know these guys. They were the gang that I used to be apart of, before Hope took me in.

"I told you guys i'm not coming back, so buzz off." I stated hatefuly.

The grey stallion stepped forward. "oh don't cha worry bout that, we ain't here to get ya ta come back. We're just here for some good ol' revenge." he grinned.

I gave him a confused look, which dissapeared when I remembered what I did.

When I left, they didn't take it to well. So the boss, aka they guy in front of me, decided to teach me a lesson... Well let's just say that ended up with his junk wonderglued to the floor, and me running, laughing my head off.

The rain grew heavier, my mane now was dripping water on the ground, as my coat slowly got soaked.

I slowly backed up, as they advanced.  They outnumbered me three-to-one, not good. I wouldn't be winning this fight unless I did something very stupid. I knew it, and they knew it.

Unfortunately, I was feeling pretty stupid at the moment.

As they jumped at me, I shot up into the air. The rain hammered my coat as I flew up, they saw me and gave chase.

I sped away as fast as I could, the night guard would be here any second.

Soon enough I was right. Stun bolts filled the air, two of my pursuers were hit and fell to the slums below. I dodged left, then right, avoiding two bolts. The grey stallion wasn't so lucky.

I need to get away fast. Grey clouds covered the air above the city, pouring water on the city below, as well as on me. The rain was icy and the air was wet and cold.

I spied a promising looking door and dove for it, leaving a trail of mist in my wake. I prepared for impact, this was going to hurt.

I smashed through the door, and into one of the desk. I got up and shut the door quickly, then looked around.

Unlike all the other buildings in the city, the air in here was clean. There were desk that sat in rows, that had terminals on them whose screens gave a soft glow. Enclave propaganda posters lined the walls, they had pictures of pegisai, doing heroic things, and said things like, "The Enclave Keeps Us Safe" or "Join The Enclave Military Now!". There was a hall that led farther into the building, curiosity (and fear that leaving would result in me getting caught) pulled me into the hallway.

The hallway was just like the last room. The air was clean and walls grey. There were four doors, two on each side, and one was open.

I trotted up to the open door. It was a janitorial closet. But something was off. The supplies looked too, clean, they had no dirt on them, let alone any wear and tear. I reached out with a hoof and touched the handle of a broomstick. I was greeted by a whirring sound and the wall sliding into the ceiling revealing a passage.

Well I already got this far, why not?

I trotted into the passage. The air inside was cool, clean, like in a hospital. The walls were a dull grey, and at the end of the hall there were three doors. One was labeled "records", another "observation", and the last "lab".

I chose the one labeled "records" and entered. Inside, the air faintly smelled of smoke. The source was the ashtray that sat on the desk in the center of the room, right next to a glowing terminal that was already logged in.

I walked up to the warm glow of the terminal, and clicked on" files". There was just one choice, a file labeled "Operation 6011", so I selected it. Another file appeared labeled "Project Shining Star". I selected it, and text rolled across the screen.

< To: high command

The progress on project shining star, has been slow at best. The energies extracted from the subject, are unpredictable and highly destructive.

Not to mention, we keep accidentally extracting too much at one time, and almost killing the subject. The overload also causes an explosion. I have lost four men, this past month due to overload explosions.

However I am happy to report, that we are now able to safely extract the energies and transfer it into power cells, eight times out of ten. This is a huge improvement from last months status.

I'll keep you updated.

professor lightning rod

< transmission end.

I backed away from the terminal.

I looked at the terminal with a confused look on my face. What the hell is operation 6011? And what is this project shining star? I have a feeling I'm about to find out about the latter.

I exited the records room, and entered the room labeled "observation". Inside the air was clean and cool like the hall, and there was a big glass window that peered into the lab. Chairs lined the room in rows, and there was a terminal on the far wall. It's warm glow brought me to it. It wasn't even locked, when I hit a key, a list of media files appeared on the screen. I selected the earliest one then watched.

The camera sat above the pegisai that sat in the chairs near the window. A stallion, with a white coat and a black and white mane, entered the lab.

"welcome fillies and gentlecolts. Today, you are going to see the fruits of the our labor here at project shining star" he told the group, which was followed with light applause.

The stallion pulled a lever, pulling up the curtain behind him, revealing a power cell that was connected to a cylindrical tube that held a beautiful earth pony mare.

My gut twitched. I didn't like where this is going.

"by using this, specially designed, energy transferrer, we are able to extract the energies from the subject into this power cell." he said with a smile. The audience watched intently. I couldn't take my eyes off the screen, even though I didn't want to know what he was going to do.

He pulled a second lever, and the machine warmed up then started shocking the mare inside the tube, causing her to scream out in anguish. What's worse, is that you could see the energies being ripped from her.

I stared at the screen, horrified. I could almost feel her pain from the looks of torture on her face, and her pained screams.

I turned it off. I didn't know if it worked, and I didn't care. I couldn't watch another second.

I looked into the lab through the window. I could see her in the tube. I just had to see if she was okay. So I hurried out of the observation room, and into the lab.

The cold air in the lab made me shiver. How could anyone live in this room? Let alone work in it. I walked over to the tube, allowing me to be able to see her clearly.

She had black coat, with a white mane so bright it was like it was sparkling. Actually, it WAS sparkling. She had a cutie mark of a lighthouse with its light piercing the darkness. She groaned and rolled over, and looked at me. Her eyes were a beautiful grey, that grew darker when she looked at me.

We stared at each other for a long moment.

I then summoned up my courage and asked gently "who are you?"

She stared at me, for a bit longer then replied "why should you care? Are you not one of them?"

Her voice was gentle, and soft, even through the anger.

I smiled, then told her" you mean apart of the enclave? I might as well not be, I'm not exactly friends with the local law enforcement."

She stared at me for a moment, but this time almost as if she were peering into my soul. It made shudder. Then she gave a weak smile.

"you are telling the truth I can see it in your eyes"

I let out my breath that I was holding, then asked her " can I get your name now?"

She nickered "so impatient, my name is Polaris"

I gave her a small smile, "you sound like somepony I know," I looked at her wounds " what did they do to you?"

I had seen it on the footage, but I just couldn't  believe what I saw.

She gave me a pained look "they have been ripping my life's energies out of me."

I cringed, the sounds of her screams reverberated throughout my mind.

I looked at her with a saddened expression, "how long?"

Her eyes changed from a light grey to a bluish grey, as her head drooped, "I have been here for months, I do not know. The is no way to tell the time from my prison."

I was filled with sadness as the images of her anguished expressions, appeared in my mind. That feeling turned to righteousness, as a firm look spread across my face.

"I'm getting you out of here. I can't just leave you here to your horrible fate, when there is something I can do about it." I stated firmly.

She looked at me in astonishment. "I believe there is a button on that wall that will free me." the shock was still in her voice.

I nodded and trotted over to the wall, and saw a big red shiny button, that had the words "release subject" stenciled in white on it. I raised a hoof.

"this. Ends. Now." I stated indignantly.

The bolt slammed into me throwing me off my hooves, and into the adjacent wall.

I looked up to see an enclave officer that had a blue coat, a crimson red mane, his cutie mark was the enclave insignia, and he was flanked by two guards.

"hello lightning, how are you today?" He said calmly.

I looked at him with shock, and demanded "who the hell are you!?!? And how the fuck do you know my name?!?!?"

"well to answer your first question, I am major thunder cloud, head of the 51st division of the enclave military. To answer your second one, well it's simple, we have been watching you for sometime." he replied evenly.

That sent a chill down my spine. If they have been watching me, is hope in danger? I know these aren't good ponies.

I tried my best to collect my bearings "why?!?, and what the hell is all this?!? How could you ponies allow this!?!?"

He looked at me calmly. "well I'm afraid that's all highly classified, including this lab. Which means..." he leaned over and whispered into my ear "you've seen too much."

He backed away as the guards pointed their energy rifles at me, and prepared to fire.

My eyes went wide, as fear spread throughout my body, "you can't just kill me! I haven't committed any crime punishable by death!"

He turned to me then gave it some thought. "fine if you want to play it that way...." he turned to the guards "put her on the table and hold her down."

The effects of the stun bolt still affected me, cutting my strength in half. As much as I tried to fight the guards I was simply too weakened to be able to get free.

Polaris just watched solemnly from her prison.

"what are you do-" I stopped short as he waved a branding iron, that was in the shape of a thunder cloud at me.

I fought harder to get free, fear now being mixed with anger. "you can't do that! You have no proof!"

He looked at me at smiled. "that is were you are wrong." he hit a key on a nearby terminal and my voice filled the air.

"I'm not apart of the enclave."

My face went pale. That sounded exactly like me. Not only that, no one would question it. It's not like I am a senator's daughter.

I thrashed and bucked harder, against the guards and table, as fear started to over power anger.

My muscles tightened and I let out a scream as the brand contacted with the cutie mark on my left flank, as the lightning bolt piercing a cloud, was replaced by a brown spot in the shape of a thunder cloud.

Then I bucked HARD.

The guard was sent flying across the room, right into, the Big. Red. Shiny. Button.

As soon as the she was released Polaris sprang into action, bucking the still-standing guard against the wall, knocking him unconscious, and slamming her hooves down on the second guard, knocking him from consciousness as well. Major thundercloud just ran up the stairs.

She then walked over to me, as I breathed heavily on the table, and frowned. "at the very least.... We were able to save one side."

I looked at her and gave a weak smile. "thanks, Polaris. Hope would-" I stopped myself.

Hope. Hope is in danger.

The sudden realization spread across my face, and made me jump to my hooves.

"we need to go now!"

Polaris understood and followed me as we hurried down the hall, and to the front door.

It was raining heavily outside, you could hear thunder rumbling, and see lightning arc arose the sky.

"do you have a plan?" she asked with concern in her voice.

I looked at her.

"hop on. We are flying there."

She gave me a surprised look, then nodded.

I come from a family of strong fliers. But even so, I expected her to be heavy. However she was light as a feather.

I was filled with fear and rage as I burst out into the freezing cold rain.

The water peppered me stinging my hide, as I sped like a bullet through the air. Polaris clung desperately to my neck, barely able to hold on.

               *** *** ****

As we approached the silver lining bar, I knew something was wrong. The ceiling was caved in.

I landed on the street, my mane, coat, everything completely soaked in icy water. I dropped Polaris and rushed inside.

Bits of ceiling were all over the floor, everything was soaked. Tables were destroyed and the bar had a huge hole in it.

And in the middle of the floor, Hope lay covered in cuts and burns.

"Hope!!!" I yelled out to her, sadness and fear evident in my voice

I rushed to her side and held her soaked wounded body in my hooves, sadnesses filling my body and soul. She slowly opened her eyes, as tears began to well in my bright red eyes.

"oh... Hello... Lightning...." she said softly.

She took a weak ragged breath.

"no! Don't talk! I'll get you fixed up."

She slowly smiled " I have.. something.. to tell you.."

"no! You can tell me when I patch you up! I'm not losing you!"

She coughed up blood, then gave a weak smile.

"always.... Trying... Even in... The end.."

I looked at her, my tears dropping to the floor next to her.

"there has to be a way to save you!"

She nickered, which resulted in her coughing up more blood.

"that's.... Right.... Try....never.....give up.... And.....just to ... Let you... know..."

She took in her last breath, as I stared at her tears flowing, unable to do anything.

"I... Love.... You....."

The color faded from her eyes, as she fell limp in my arms.

Sobs wracked my body, as I buried my head in her chest.

"no, no, no!! Not again!" I looked up into the clouds above.

I cried out to the heavens in pain, and they seemed to weep with me. Thunder rumbled and cried out,as the clouds poured forth their tears.

Saddness reverberated throughout my body, and tears blurred my eyes.

Then I felt a hoof on my shoulder.

I looked behind me with tear filled eyes, to see Polaris with a gentle, caring look on her face, that said that it will be okay.

More tears flowed from my eyes. As threw myself into her embrace, sobbing into her chest.

"I jjust want to knnow why. Why the ffucking universe saw fit to ttake her from me."

"I do not know..." she just whispered into my ear solemnly.

                         *** *** ***

We packed silently.

My "hideout" was left untouched, probably as a taunt, so we gathered what supplies we could from there. Tonight, we leave the clouds. There is nothing left for me here, or Polaris. I'm done with gangs, with corrupted officials, with messed up secret projects, just done.

I had given Polaris Hope's saddle bags, which she was filling with food and water for our trip. So all I had was my worn saddle bags, that contained pictures of my mom and dad, some makeshift bandages, and hope's revolver. She never really did like using magical energy weapons.

Just one thing remained.

I slowly walked up to the wall holding, my father's gun.I stared at it for a moment, to allow the moment to sink in. I picked up the gun in my mouth, and as I did, the glowing lightning bolt on it glowed brighter. I felt a tingle travel throughout my body.

For some reason, I don't know why, I decided to look at the bottom of the hilt. On the bottom, a picture of a cloud emitting a rainbow lightning bolt, glowed.

Weird.

I put the gun into its holster, and tightened it across my chest, the gun positioned under my right shoulder.

I deposited the box of magnum ammo in my saddlebags. Then, I looked over at Polaris.

"are you sure you can do this?" she asked with concern.

I looked at here firmly. "there has to be no trace of this life." I started dumping a flammable liquid on the walls, floor, everything.

Thirty minutes later, we watched the building burn. The cold rain pattered against my coat, as I started to turn away towards the sky wagon, that Hope used use to carry groceries. Polaris stared at me solemnly and followed, as we left the burning building behind.

                 *** *** ***

Bolts sizzled past us and rain hammered us, as we sped across the sky. I flew as fast as I could. However the onslaught of rain reduced my perception, and I had to fight it to flap my wings. Not only that, our pursuers shots were getting luckier.

Polaris ducked and covered to avoid getting hit by the deadly bolts of energy.

"you must fly faster!!" she yelled out to me through the rain.

"I'm trying!!"

I saw the fearful expression on her face. Then I looked ahead and saw the edge of the city.

"Don't worry I can see the edge of-" I was cut off by a small explosion rocking the sky wagon. I looked back and saw smoke rising from under the wagon. They had gotten lucky and hit something important, because we started to lose altitude.

No we are so close.

I flew faster than I ever did before, the rain attacking me trying to keep me from my goal. I wasn't going to give up now. Not while we still have a chance.

We got closer and closer, but lower and lower. A building rose between us and escape.

The prison.

I desperately looked for a way through. Then I spotted it.

The big window that was in the warden's office.

I aimed for the window and braced for the impact. I smashed into the window. Time seemed to slow as I caught the warden's look of shock and disbelief, as we flew across the room and smashed through the opposite window.

As we emerged out from the office, and the storm cloud, I let out a cry of joy. I looked back and saw Polaris staring at the big blue sky, full of happiness, and behind her, the city of lighting hoof and all it represents under the big black storm cloud.

We looked at each other. Then at the sea of clouds below.  I grinned.

"ready?"

"when you are."

With that we dove into the clouds below.

Foot note: level up.

New perk: inherited strength: your strong will, and athletic prowess, allows you to be more resilient to most attacks. Speed +10%, you can still fly while over encumbered, +5 to dt, and cut backs caused by limb damage is cut by half.

(authors note: thanks to all my friends support, and special thanks to somber for helping in the creation of this fic, be sure to read her fic "Project Horizons". And thanks to Kkat for creating the universe of FOE for me to use. And thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed it, constructive criticism is welcome in the comments.)

2. Inescapable Truth

Operation 6011 Chapter 2

Inescapable truth

"He who travels for amusement, or something of which he does not carry, grows as old as the places he visits"

We were losing altitude fast, the rain hammered us, and I had to fight for control of the wagon. Miles of ruin lay before us and in the distance a ruined city with a white tower almost as high as the clouds. The wind and rain hammered at me as I tried to stay "on course."

Whatever direction that was.

I looked back to see Polaris clinging on for dear life, look of fear in her face.

I fought as hard as I could, but the wind was too strong, and I swear I almost got hit by lightning twice.

"hold on tight, this is going to be a rough landing!" I yelled back at Polaris.

She nodded furiously and held on tighter. I tried my best to avoid the buildings. However my best wasn't enough. I heard Polaris scream as we (I mostly) smashed head first in the side of a building. The everything went black.

                    ~<~<~<~<~

My home looked beautiful in the light of the sun. I felt the warmth of the sun on my coat and the cool breeze gently move through my mane. My mom and dad were on the front porch talking to each other, smiles on their faces. I ran up to them happily, as fast as my little legs could carry.

But the closer I got, the longer the walk way would become. I ran as fast as I could but all I could to was watch my mom fade away. I finally reached my dad just in time to hear a gunshot and see his head explode. His blood splattered all over my now older face.

A deep laughter filled the air as my home crumbled away and a cold rain came. I saw a giant form of major Thunder cloud laughing with an army of gangers and enclave soilders by his side.

I ran towards the safety of the bar, as rainbow colored lightning bolts flashed across the sky, and icy rain poured down on me. I tried to fly, but to my surprise, I couldn't. I reached the bar to see everything was okay.

I saw hope.

I cried out in joy as I ran up to her and hugged her with my fore hooves. The joy turned to fear and sadness as she then turned to dust and blew away, then the sound of laughter filled the air as the floor crumbled away, dropping me into an endless black pit. I let out a fear filled  scream as I fell.

                ~<~<~<~<~<~

I woke up with a scream. Sweat covered my body, as I sat up. My head ached, and my sides stung, I could feel bandages wrapped around them. I looked around.

I was in a tent of some kind. And was sitting up on a sleeping bag, with a blanket covering my lower body. The air was cold, and I could hear the sound of rain and distant thunder. I could see the glow of a campfire through the walls of the tent.

Polaris entered with a worried look on her face, which turned to joy when she saw me.

She raced up and hugged me "you are well! I am so glad!"

My wounds stung, as she hugged me. Causing me to wince in pain.

"uhh.. Polaris? Your kinda....."

She let go immediately with a slight blush in her face.

"sorry, I had forgotten about your injuries. Are you okay? I heard a scream."

I looked at her with a small smile. My wounds starting to burn less.

"I'm okay. Just a nightmare. Nice to see you too."

She smiled at that.

"then come, there is someone I wish you to meet."

I slowly rose to my hooves. My sides burned in protest, but I ignored the pain. I checked my wings to make sure they were okay. They were a little dirty, but besides that, they were just fine.

The first thing I noticed, when I got up, was the ground. Unlike the cloud cement that the streets of lightning hoof were made of, the ground here was uneven and dirty. Rocks littered the place, and the dirt felt soft under my hooves.

It all just felt..... Weird.

Polaris exited the tent and I awkwardly walked out after her.

I emerged from the tent, and took in the scene.

We were in a half destroyed abandoned building. It was raining, and the cold air stung my nose. The warmth of the campfire drew me near.

Polaris and a zombie pony, sat arou- wait what!?! A zombie pony?!?

"holy shit! A zombie pony!!!" I tried to flee, but Polaris bit my tail and pulled me back, making me fall on my rump on the ground.

She nickered. "worry not, lightning, she means no harm."

I looked back at the zombie pony. Her eyes seemed to look to different directions. She had wings that had almost no feathers on them, and her skin was all dead looking and yellow. She also smelled a little, but the moist air covered it up. She wore a sign around her neck that said "hi my name is Ditzy Doo, sorry  I scared you."

My fear slowly dissipated, as curiosity took its place. "oh, it's okay, I'm just not used to zombie ponies. Is everyone down here like you?"

She smiled (or what would at least count for one) and shook her head. She erased the board and wrote something new on it, then showed it to me.

"no, most people aren't like me. They are mostly normal ponies, but that doesn't change the fact that there are some abnormal ones too"

I looked at her for a moment. "like you?"

She nodded. Then she wrote something new on the board. Then showed it to us.

"also. Not every pony is nice, there are a lot of meanies out there, along with monsters too."

She went over to her wagon, that had  the words "Absolutely Everything" on the side, with under it in smaller print it said (yes we do deliveries too), it also had a roof and walls set up on it.  She emerged a second later, with a big book in her teeth. She came over a dropped it at my feet.

On the cover, it said "wasteland survival guide, grand equestrian plains edition. By: ditzy doo"

I looked at her with a confused look.

She smiled, then erased the writing on the board, and wrote something, then showed it to us.

"you are going to need that, along with some other things."

We looked at her in surprise.

"you don't have to help us, you barely even know us. I would feel bad just taking something from a nice 'pony' like you."

She smiled at that, then wrote something new on her board and showed it to us. Then started getting things from her wagon.

"all the more reason to help you, and since you are so nice, I'll even let you have some muffins"

Polaris looked at me questioningly.

"lightning what are muffins?"

I shrugged.

"beats me."

She emerged from her wagon. She had some sort of computer looking thing, a bag of bottle caps, and other supplies, and a plate of some sort of pastry treat that sure looked yummy.

She put the plate down on the ground between me and Polaris (who immediately took interest in the treats), and motioned me to put out my left leg. I hesitantly put out my left leg.

She picked up the computer looking thing. It was rainbow colored and had a big screen that dominated most of it. It had various nobs buttons and dials, and had engraved in it under the screen "pipbuck 4000". It was already opened.

She placed it around my leg, and closed it with a click. The inside of it felt soft. The click was followed by a whirring sound as it secured itself on my leg, as it did, the color of it changed from rainbow to red and gold. The screen came to life and golden colored words saying "scanning for information" appeared on the screen.

I looked at the little computer thing with a surprised and curious look. Ditzy erased her board and wrote something on it, then showed it to me.

"that is a pipbuck, it is very useful to survive in the wasteland. Also a thing you should know is that bottle caps is money, so keep any you find."

I spit out a some of the muffin, that I had picked up and started munching on.

Whoa. I knew the surface was messed up, but bottle caps? As money? That's ridiculous!

Polaris was reading the book, when she looked over.

I picked up another muffin, then took a bite out of it, it was soft and moist (hey what can I say, they were good).

"I don't get it. Why bottle caps? It not like there is a factory pumping them out."

Polaris smiled, ditzy just shrugged. She then erased the board, and wrote something new on it, then showed it to us.

"well time to pack up, we are heading out. Destination: the grand equestrian plains, town of Horseshoe."

I groaned. Then got up and stretched my wings.

"time to go already?"

Polaris laughed, and ditzy joined her, her eyes rolling to the side (seriously weird how they do that).

"lightning, you are one interesting pony."

I gave her a smile. Then we loaded up  the wagon, and left.

                       *** *** ***

I fooled around with my new toy, as we flew through the air. Polaris kept reading the survival guide. The air was cool, and somewhat clean (except for the faint smell of Ditzy). I looked ahead at ditzy.

How the hell does she fly with those wings? I had offered her to let me pull, but she wouldn't let me. Apparently ghoul ponies don't get tired.

The pipbuck seemed to know who I was, I barely had to do any administrative settings. I hit a button and a stallions voice filled the air.

"-ey there wastelanders, this is your good ol' friend dj-pon3. Now a sky wagon has crashed in the ruins near manehattan, but don't worry. The riders are okay. It turns out that the owner of "Absolutley everything" ditzy doo happened to be going by when she saw the wreck. Now don't be hating on these newcomers, one is a pegasus mare and the other is a earth pony mare. Good luck out there you two! Now for sapphire shores with a song about just letting go of you're problems!"

A mares voice replaced the DJ's as beautiful music played. Me and Polaris exchanged confused looks.

"who was that?"

"and how does he have knowledge of our accident?"

Ditzy looked back at us, one eye rolling back and forth, and smiled. She wrote something on her board (I have no idea how she does it while flying), then showed it to us.

"he is the voice of hope and truth in the wasteland, he has sources everywhere and uses the ministry of awesome towers to watch what goes on in the wasteland, and to broadcast."

"ministry of awesome towers?" I thought back to Hope's history lesson, "you mean those big white towers they made before the war?"

She nodded her head.

All right! All those months of listening to Hope talk about history, ACTUALLY paid off.

Polaris chuckled when she caught my look of triumph. I looked at her then smiled.

"Polaris, what's your story? You had to have come from somewhere"

Polaris gave me a pained look, then sighed.

"I guess since you have freed me from my prison, I will tell you my story."

I moved closer (closer than I was already) and listened intently.

"I shall start by telling you about the stars. Not all stars are evil. There are a few families who are truly benign. One such example was mine, we are known to your people as "the north star". We have guided your people for thousands of years."

I looked at her with disbelief.

"wait, you're a star?!?"

She gave me a pained look.

"yes"

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a second, then continued.

"so when the other stars caused a great war between ponies and zebras, my family watched sadly as the war progressed. However when bombs of highly destructive energy fell, that is when we decided to intervene. My Parents combined their power and gave the world a spark. What form the spark took, is unknown to me. That action infuriated the others..."

She looked down with a sad expression on her face. She obviously didn't want to continue. I felt her pain. She may try to not show it, but I could sense it. I gave her a big hug.

"my turn okay?"

She composed herself and prepared to listen. I took a deep breath and began.

"well, when I was about eight years old I lost both my parents. After about two years of living on the streets, Hope took me in. She taught me everything I know, literally. The best part of my years with her, was when I got my cutie mark."

I thought back to that day.

"I was just a filly, eleven years old, when I found out that the rich stallion on the hill,( no idea why he was living in the tornado district), had a private garden. Well the neighborhood I lived in desperately needed food. So I snuck into his yard, and took all the food from his garden. I even took the generator powering the electric fence surrounding the garden!"

I laughed, Ditzy nickered, and Polaris smiled a little.

"so anyways I brought the food back to the ponies who needed it, and after that, my cutie mark appeared."

I frowned.

"still don't know what it means though."

I gave her a smile, which she returned.

"now back to figuring this stupid thing out."

She nickered and returned to her book.

I pushed a button and suddenly an array of ,blue colored, bars and numbers appeared around the edges of my vision. I jumped, and started trying to grab what ever it was I was seeing.

"what the hell!?! What am I looking at here?"

Ditzy doo looked back at my confused expression, with her eyes looking in different directions, as I looked at the corners of my vision. She wrote something on her board then showed it to us.

"that is your E.F.S., Eyes Forward Sparkle. It will tell you how hurt you are, the condition of the weapon you have equipped, how much ammo you have, and the compass tells you what direction your going and if the people ahead mean to hurt you, or are friendly."

I gave a confused look.

"this is going to be hard to get used too."

I once again tried to touch the bars in my vision, and once again failed. Ugh.

I returned to my pipbuck. So far I found an inventory section, a map, radio, E.F.S., and notes section.

"I officially hate tech, it's way too confusing."

I sat with a huffed look. Polaris and Ditzy looked at each other, then started laughing.

I gave them a confused look.

"oh, lightning...you can be so random."

                      *** *** ***

Polaris was curled in a ball sleeping quietly. The sun was going down, and the air cooled my coat. I stared out over the wasteland. I saw skeletons, burnt buildings, ruins, giant billboards of this pink pony that were starting to creep me out, even gun fights in the distance.

How could this all possibly go unnoticed?

A sad look spread across my face.

Of course, the so-called "Grand Pegasus Enclave" was full of lies, and this was their biggest one of all.

I had read through the survival guide while Polaris slept. It seemed that the wasteland was no better, if not worse, than lightning hoof. It seems that I just hopped right out of the frying pan, and into the fire.

I kicked a box.

Why can't I just get a break? Why does everyplace in the universe have to suck?

Then I heard this humming sound. Then a second later some sort of flying robot appeared from below right in front of me. It made me jump.

"what the hell!?"

Then the robot spoke. Wait, it spoke?!?!

"calm down, im just here to talk to Ditzy Doo."

It started to fly by when I stopped it with my hooves.

"wait, who or what are you?"

The robot gave a sigh.

"I'm watcher, and I'm using this sprite-bot to talk to you. However I have an urgent message for Ditzy..."

It started to fly towards Ditzy when I grabbed it again.

"well before you go talk to Ditzy over there first you should allow me to introduce myself."

I smiled.

"I'm Lightning, and sleepy head over there, is Polaris."

I turned the sprite-bot to face Polaris, who had woken up because of the commotion.

Her reaction was much like mine, except it was more calm (it helped to have me holding it while grinning).

"who is this lighting?"

The bot turned to Ditzy, who was laughing, her eyes rolling.

"I'm watcher, pleased to meet you, and I have an important message for Ditzy."

Polaris smiled

"I'm Polaris, it is a pleasure to meet you. Now go on, do not let lightning keep you."

Then bot started to go to Ditzy, then it stopped.

"are you two new to the wasteland?"

Polaris nodded.

"sure am, the town I came from sucked. Gangs, evil secret projects, lies, and corrupt government. I couldn't change it, trust me I tried, so I just left."

I  gestured to the clouds above.

I could feel his surprise.

"you-you're a dashite?"

A sad look spread spread across my face.

"not out of choice.... I was kicked out after disrupting one of the enclaves secret projects that was completely immoral."

Polaris looked at me with a saddened expression.

The bot was silent for a moment.

I looked out over the wasteland.

"I was hoping it would be better down here not worse..."

"well you can try to make it better."

My ears perked up.

"is it even possible?"

"I know a little unicorn mare. Her name is Littlepip. She's fresh out of a stable, except she has already cleared out a raiders nest, saved Ditzy, and freed dozens of slaves from a slaver town, which she promptly put out of business. Imagine what you could do."

My eyes widened, Polaris did the same. Ditzy just smiled, one eye rolling to the side.

"maybe.... I could...." suddenly a firm, righteous, look spread across my face " not, maybe I could, yes I can! If one little unicorn mare can stand against the darkness, then so can I!"

Everypony stood there in surprise. Polaris nudged my shoulder. I looked back at her smiling face.

"you need not stand alone. I'm with you."

At that moment, the universe decided to test that theory.

I heard gunfire, and looked down to see a caravan getting attacked, by ,what I assumed by their armor, four raiders.

Bad timing. For them. Filled with righteous might, I sprang into action.

I sped down, the wind blowing in my mane, and targeted the raider that was holding a baseball bat with nails driven in it.

I used my ever-so-useful head smash.

I slammed into his side, causing him to fly off his hooves, and slide across the ground.

Then his friends turned and laughed. A look of confusion spread across my face.

Shouldn't they be angry I attacked them?

Then I heard a creepy giggling, and I turned to see the earth pony raider I just hit get up slowly and look at me with crazed yellowed eyes and a wide grin across his face.

"Fun Time!!" he yelled crazily as he charged me.

He was unbelievable quick, in seconds he tackled me to the ground.

My fathers magnum was hit out of its holster and landed on the ground next to me.

"what the fuck...." I struggled against the crazed raider who was trying to bite me. Bite me! ".... Is wrong with you!"

I could feel the dirt grinding against my coat as we struggled, and I could hear the sounds of enjoyment from the other raiders.

My fore legs started to tire. I noticed the magnum on the ground next to me, the glowing insignia of the rainbow lightning bolt coming from a cloud beckoned to me.

Instinct took over, as I reached out towards the gun with a hoof holding the raider back with the other.

I could smell the raider's rank breath as my hoof hooked around the gun and I pulled it towards me. Once it was close enough I bit down on the hilt and swung it around right between his crazed yellowed eyes.

"bite this, you son of a-"

I fired, the resounding bang filled the air and the gun kicked in my mouth, blowing his head into pieces.

The sounds of enjoyment from the raiders stopped as they saw their comrade's head explode. A second later Polaris landed on one and started fighting as the caravaneers joined in the fight and together they quickly ended it.

The sounds of the fight blurred away as the realization hit me.

I had just killed a pony.

A crazed one, yes, but a pony nonetheless.

I sat there frozen in horror. Staring at the headless pony, his blood and brains covering the ground.

Polaris came up behind me, barely scathed at all. She touched my shoulder, but I didn't move. I just stared.

"it's not your fault...he was a threat, and was crazy, you had to do it."

I remained silent.

"you saw the look in his eyes. He was no pony anymore."

I took that. It at least made it ......bearable.

I got up, and attempted a smiled.

"Some hero I am.. Can't even get over killing a canibalistic psychopath murder."

Maybe talking to the cavaneers will help me.

The caravan consisted of two unicorn stallions, and one earth pony mare.

I approached them with a amiable look on my face.

But as I approached, the two unicorns grew hostile.

"are you all okay?"

The first of the two stepped forward.

"stay back, we don't need the help of a Pegasus."

A confused look spread across my face.

"I don't understand, what's wrong with being a pegasus? Seeing as I just saved you ponies."

He just scowled.

"don't try to trick us with your deceit.  All you bastards take the sky from us, then expect us to be all chummy?"

The mare spoke up.

"I don't think she's one of those pegisai. Besides-"

The stallion cut her off with a glare.

"now we will be on our way, and don't follow us. Come on, were leaving"

The two stallions went around the wagon, they used to transport their goods, to prepare to leave. The mare approached me sheepishly.

A sad look was displayed on my face as my head dropped. I looked up at her approach.

"umm... Miss Pegusas.."

I sighed.

"it's lightning"

She nodded her head shyly. She must have been at least twelve years old, now that I acually thought about it.

"sorry bout' my pa'. Im sure that if you hadn't come along, we would have been killed for sure."

I remained silent.

"well what you did was pretty awesome, and I'm thankful for what you did. So here's a little somethin' that I thought you would like to have."

She went into her saddlebags and pulled out something wrapped in cloth, then set it at my hooves.

I looked at it curiously, then unwrapped it.

It was a statuette of a pegasus mare with a light-blue coat and a somewhat messy rainbow mane and tail, with rose colored eyes, and she had a white cloud emitting a single rainbow colored lightning bolt for her cutie mark. Inscribed on the base was the words "Be Awesome!".

A tear dropped from my eye, and I looked at the little mare.

"thank you, ill never lose it."

She smiled then returned to the caravan as they left.

I picked up the statuette with my hooves (as to not get any scratches on it), and as soon as I did, a familiar tingle traveled throughout my body. Strangely enough the little glowing logo on the bottom of the hilt on my fathers magnum, glowed brighter. I deposited the statuette in my saddlebags and in the corner of my vision, the words "Rainbow Dash statuette gained" appeared then faded.

Ditzy landed and Polaris and I got on and we left for Horseshoe.

                     *** *** ***

Watcher had left, and night had fallen. Ditzy said something about hurrying because littlepip had asked for her assistance and some pony named "Railright" asked her to pick him up to go with her to see littlepip.

The cool air, tugged and pulled at the warmth of my coat.

I was tired the rest of the night, but I couldn't sleep. I spent the night thinking about what the stallion had said. I asked Ditzy about it, and she told me Pegisai were not liked in the wasteland.

I stomped with a hoof.

I understand their anger, but it still sucks to be seen only for my race's mistakes and not for my own self.

Once again, I get the short end of the stick. I was lucky the first pony I met was Ditzy, or I might not be alive right now.

I pulled out the statuette, and stared at it. I wonder, what would Rainbow Dash had done?

Sleepiness soon over came me, as I curled around the statuette and faded to sleep.

Goodnight Rainbow Dash.

Footnote: level up.

Quest perk added: heroic resolve- You spit in the face of evil, + 5% dt, as well at +5% dmg against foes that are karmically evil.

Agility now 8

(authors note: thanks for reading!! And thanks to kkat for creating the universe of F.O.E. and thanks to all my friends for their support, and special thanks to somber for helping me improve upon my work. Be sure to read her fic, project horizons. Constructive criticism is welcome in the comments. I hope you enjoyed reading it!!)

3. Into The Darkness

Operation 6011 chapter 3

Into the darkness

"no can-do sugar cube. We sure ain't lettin any friend of ours go into that creepy place alone"

The air rushed through my mane, my wings felt strong. The sky was clear, I could see two familiar ponies, joined by a third, below.

However this didn't feel like my body. My mane was a little messy, and my wings and muscles way too strong. Not only that, I was in a place I've never seen before. The sky was clear, and there was a town below that somehow I reconized to be ponyville. I also somehow knew who the ponies below were.

The first was a gorgeous unicorn mare, with a beautiful white coat, a purple mane that was expertly styled. She had a cutie mark of three diamonds. Also I knew her name was Rarity.

The second was a earth pony mare, with a puffy pink mane, a pink coat, and a cutie mark of three balloons. Also she had a odd way about her, and I knew her name was Pinkie Pie.

The third was also a unicorn mare, with a light purple coat. Her mane was a dark purple, with a magneta streak in it and had the "smart person" combed look. Her cutie mark was a big magenta star with small white ones around it. Also her name was Twilight Sparkle.

Not only that, I knew that Twilight loves books, and is exceptional at magic, Rarity is a fashionista and is very generous, and Pinkie loves sweets, and is great at throwing parties.

How the hell do I know these things?

Obviously I was highly skilled, because I kept doing all these daring stunts and amazing tricks.

Then suddenly I started to lose control and I went spiraling to the ground. The ground grew closer, and closer, then black.

                       ~<~<~<~<~

I woke up in a bed, with a blanket pulled over me.

The air was clean with a small amount of mustiness to it. I guess even down here you can't escape musty air in buildings.

The room was dark, and a light shone  from under the door. I could hear voices, one of which I could tell was Polaris'. The other was male, young, and had a cowboy accent.

"damn' that mare is one heavy sleeper."

"well has she not had a long day?"

"that don' matter, she had a light day, compared t' a normal day in th' waste."

"well it IS her first"

"still, she not only slept through, th' storm, but we were able t' carry her all th' way upstairs without her wakin'"

There was a storm? How did I sleep through that?

I tried to get up, but one of my hooves got caught in the blanket, and I instead rolled off the bed, the blanket wrapping me up. I landed on the hard wooden floor with a thud.

"you hear that?"

"yes, I believe she is awake."

The door opened and the light turned on, revealing me trying to get out of the blanket on the floor.

I looked up at the Polaris and a Earth pony stallion, that had a dark red coat, a black mane, black eyes, whose cutie mark was black crosshairs.

"umm... Little help?"

They looked at each other, then started laughing.

My face burned with embarrassment.

"sorry lightning. This is Red"

The stallion stepped forward and pulled the blanket off me, then said with a smile.

"it's 'dead eye' Red"

I got up slowly.

"thanks, I'm lightning."

I looked at him questioningly.

"so where are we?"

He smiled.

"well we are in th' friendly ol' town of Horseshoe, In th' weary trails bar an' inn."

Okay so we made it.

We left the room, and entered the hall.

The hall looked worn, but you could tell it was being maintained.

"now there are a few rules, in Horseshoe. One: don' cause trouble. Two: don' kill, in th' town anyways. An' three: don' steal."

He looked straight at me when he said that. I'm pretty sure Polaris filled him in on a few things.

We continued down some wooden stairs.

"now my mom said I should introduce y'all t' my brother, but first, we gonna say a hi t' th' owner. She did let y'all stay for free after all."

"Red who is your mom?"

He looked at me with a confused look on his face.

"don' y'all know her already? She did bring y'all here."

My jaw dropped.

"how come you aren't all....ghoulish?"

He looked at me and laughed.

I gave him a confused look.

"ghoulification ain't genetic, you can't inherit it."

I thought for a moment.

"that makes sense, I guess."

I also guess Polaris already had her turn asking him stupid questions, because she just watched with an amused look on her face.

We entered the bar part, and I froze.

The image of Hope and the silver lining bar, flashed in my head. Polaris gave me a concerned look. I shook my head and shoved it into a bottle and shoved that in a closet in the back of my mind.

Red gave me a weird look, then continued.

"this here is miss Trudy. She's th' one who owns this here establishment."

The room was set up just like the silver lining bar was, and at the bar a earth pony mare, who had a grey coat, and brown mane. She had brown eyes, and had a cutie mark of a bottle of whiskey. She was cleaning some mugs with a rag.

She looked up, then smilied.

"well if it isn't miss sleepy head. I have no idea how you slept through last night."

Wow. My reputation is already growing.

I nickered, and scratched the back of my head with a hoof.

"I don't know either."

We shared a laugh.

"welcome to Horseshoe, I understand you mares are new to the wasteland."

Polaris and I nodded our heads.

"well pleased to meet cha, I'm Trudy, and you already met Red. Now Red shouldn't you take them to see your brother?"

He sighed then nodded.

"my mom told you didn't she?"

Trudy smiled and nodded.

"fine I'll take y'all t' see my brother."

I waved at Trudy.

"see you later, nice meeting you."

Polaris did the same.

Trudy just smiled.

"see you all around."

             *** *** ****

We exited weary trails, and stepped outside.

I stretched my wings, and looked up at the clouds.

"I could really use some fly time right now."

I smiled and looked at Polaris and Red, who just returned the look.

The air was a bit tainted by the smell of dust, whose source was well, everywhere. The town looked like something straight out of one of those old western films, Hope showed me when I was a filly. You could hear the sounds of the town going about its day.

Red had on a faded light brown duster, accompanied by a faded light brown cowboy hat.

He pointed a hoof down the street at a house (more of a shack really).

"that there is where my brother lives."

We stepped off the wooden porch and out on the street. The dirt felt softish under my hooves. It was more  of just a layer over the hard ground.

A soft breeze moved through my mane.

As we drew closer, the sound of music grew louder.

The music was like a dubstep (how do I know? Thats the music that my old gang listened to).

When we reached the house, the music was ridiculously loud. Polaris winced.

"is your brother deaf? I do not understand how one could listen to music this loud."

Red sighed then banged the door with a hoof.

"hey SW! I got two mares for you t' meet!!!"

The music grew slightly quieter and I could hear hoofsteps approaching the door.

The door opened, revealing a Unicorn stallion with a messy light blue mane, and a white coat. He had his dark sunglasses up on his horn revealing his light blue eyes. He had a cutie mark of a boom box, and wore a set of high tech looking headphones around his neck ( i didn't know those still existed).

"this is my brother Soundwave, not by blood though. My mom found him when I was just colt,  we grew up toge'er."

Soundwave gave us an, I'm-awesome, smile.

"cool meeting ya, as Red said, I'm the one and only Soundwave, the cooler  bro. Now who are you two?"

His voice sounded like one of those kick-ass radio DJs.

We nickered. Red gave him a "wanna bet?" look.

I spoke first.

"well I'm lightning, nice ta meet cha."

I smiled. Then Polaris joined me.

"I am Polaris. It is a pleasure to meet such an interesting pony."

Soundwave grinned.

Red spoke up.

"well actually, I'm in th' lead by at least five more points."

We gave him a confused look. Soundwave gave him a competitors look.

"that is only because, you got welcome the newbies to the town," he grinned" I'm about to go clear out the geckos from the wells in sparkling valley." he looked at us, proudly.

"all. By. Myself."

We gave him an impressed look.

"oh no you ain't, I ain't lettin' you get ahead." Red interjected.

My hoof shot into the air.

"hey! Can we go too?"

Everyone looked at me. I wore this excited look on my face.

Soundwave smiled confidently.

"okay, you can come. Just so you all can see me kill all geckos, and make a fool out of Red."

Red grinned, challengingly.

"hell nah, you ain't nowheres near as good as me."

Polaris stepped forward.

"excuse me, but what are you two talking about?"

The two, looked at her excitedly.

"well me an' SW here are haven' a friendly ol' competion"

"yea we score based off, kills and good deeds. Whoever has the most points each week, is the awesomest."

Polaris and I looked at each other, then laughed. They gave us a confused look, then in unison said.

"what?"

I shook my head, and smiled.

"nothing, when are we leaving?"

They shrugged.

"when y'all are ready, I'm guessin."

Soundwave nodded in agreement.

We went off and prepared to go.

                           *** *** ****

The gecko's head exploded.

"that's five!"

There were still a lot of geckos left.

Red was posted up on the hill, with me spotting him. Soundwave was down fighting, with Polaris at his side. We had a bet, that me and Red could kill more geckos, than Polaris and Soundwave. The loser had to drink till they dropped, and I didn't plan on losing.

The annoying thing is, though, is Soundwave's weapon. He found a way to concentrate sound so much that it created a destructive beam. He used this in his energy pistol looking weapon, that he dubbed, "The Wubbinator". It just wasn't fair, those geckos didn't stand a chance.

Two geckos charging Soundwave, were blown in half, sending gecko everywhere.

"whoooo! That's seven!"

The wind blew in my mane as I soared above, searching for targets. I spotted three more geckos charging Polaris.

"hey Red! Three more to your right!"

When they reached Polaris, all three of their heads exploded. They may have "The Wubbinator", but we had the second best markspony, in the equestrian wasteland.

"that's eight!!" I called down.

There were two geckos left, and they were fleeing over the hill.

I spotted them and yelled down at Red their position. Polaris also noticed them and she and Soundwave, went into pursuit.

That's when things went straight down hill.

As they reached the crest of the hill, a gigantic dark blue scorpion emerged from the other side, a dead gecko hanging from it's huge stinger.

Soundwave, pulled Polaris back, as it struck barely missing her. They started running, however as big as it was, the giant scorpion, was ridiculously fast. I could hear Red's shots going off, and see his rounds bouncing off it's exoskeleton.

He brought hollow points, expecting to only be fighting geckos.

I knew I had to do something. Every strike it made, came closer to impaling one of the two. I drew the only available weapon I had.

My father's gun.

I drew it from it's holster and aimed. I dove towards it, to try and better my aim, but it was so hard to line up the shot. I  concentrated hard on aiming the gun. Then time actually slowed.

It actually slowed!

A message appeared on my vision.

Welcome to S.A.T.S. Stable-tec Arcane Targeting Spell. This spell allows you to make more precise attacks with your weapons. Just select a target, then select a part of their body to target, then queue up some attacks. The bar in the bottom right is your, Action Points bar (AP for short). Different weapons require a different amount of AP. AP is what is used to make attacks while S.A.T.S is active.

The message closed itself.

Well that's new.

Okay....so choose a target, I selected the giant scorpion. Then a series of percentages and bars showed up across its body. I guess those are my chances of hitting each part, and how hurt each part is (yay for logic!). The head showed, eighty-five percent, and the body showed ninety-five percent, I guess I'll choose the head. I selected the head, and queued up two shots (mostly because I didn't have enough AP for more).

The first shot slammed into it's head, making its flinch, the second made it crack.

I just need on more blow, to kill it. I don't have anymore AP, so what? Think, think, use your head damn it!

Wait, my head... use my head! With enough speed...

I sped towards it. I need more speed.

Be awesome.

I felt new strength in me as I flew faster than I ever did before. The wind roared through my mane. I dove right for it's ugly head.

A loud crack rang out, as I head butted it hard, smashing it's head open.

I could feel its bodily fluids all over me, as I got up slowly. I looked over at the surprised looks I was getting from Polaris, Red, and Soundwave. I had a splitting head ache, my vision was blurring, but I still managed a smile.

"we win."

Darkness covered my vision and everything faded to black.

                  ~>~>~>~>~

There was an endless whiteness.

The floor felt cool. Fresh, cold, clean air filled my lungs. I also had the feeling I wasn't alone.

"umm... Hello? Is anypony here?"

The was no answer at first, then I heard somepony approaching.

I looked to my right, to see a pegasus mare, with a light blue coat, and a rainbow colored mane that was fairly messy. She had rose colored eyes, and a cutie mark of a white cloud emitting a single rainbow lightning bolt. She quickly made it to me.

"umm.. Well hi. Nice to finally be able to talk to you."

Her voice was kind of scratchy.

I gave her a confused look.

"are you.... Rainbow Dash?"

She nodded her head, then smiled.

"you don't seem all that excited to meet me."

I shrugged.

"well to me, you were somepony, who lived 200 years ago. Sorry if I'm not all FanMare like. What are you doing in my dreams anyways?"

She took a deep breath, then began.

"well you see you are my direct descendant, in other words, I'm your great, great, great, grandmother."

My jaw dropped.

"how? And how do I know this isn't just a dream?"

She gave me a confident look.

"let's answer question number two first. When you picked up your fathers gun, by the way, why don't you give that thing a actual name? Something cool like..."

She caught my look, of "can we get back to the story now?".

"well when you did pick it up, the enchantment on it was activated. The enchantment was my soul, and when you picked it up, my soul entered yours."

I gave her a look of disbelief.

"how?"

She smiled.

"well the enchantment is made to activate when I died, capturing my soul, no matter how far away, and storing it in the gun."

"wait, if that's true, then why didn't you reveal yourself sooner?"

She sighed then continued.

"well over time my soul lost strength, it needed a direct descendant, to keep going. If you hadn't come along, I might not have made it to the end of the week. So when I entered you, I was too weak to make an appearance. However, when you picked up my statuette, it gave me strength."

"and about this being real?"

She looked at me firmly.

"it's real, the fact that you relived one of my memories already, is proof enough."

I thought about it, then gave her a concerned look.

"so if what all you said is true, then you won't be taking over my body or anything, will you?"

She just laughed.

"no, I won't be taking over you're body, I'm too awesome to have to do that. I'll just be contributing to you some of my awesomeness, and hanging out in your head."

However my curiosity wasn't satisfied.

"if you needed a direct descendent, then why me?"

She grinned.

"isn't it obvious? Because your the most awesome of them all."

We shared a laugh.

"now wake up, Polaris is starting to get worried about you."

                  ~>~>~>~>~>~

My vision slowly came into focus, as I slowly opened my eyes.

The bed I was in was very comfy. The sight of Polaris, Red, and Soundwave came into focus. So did the room. It had worn walls, and the air felt cool, on my coat. The air smelled a but musty ( what is with buildings and mustiness?!?), and light was provided by a lamp on the wooden end table next to me. My head ached.

"wow, yur' one crazy mare, chargin' a giant radscorpion, like that."

"yea, that was really awesome, that way you took down that thing and saved our lives."

"it is good to see you are okay. I was worried about you."

I looked at them with a weak smile, then rubbed my aching head.

"how long was I out?"

Polaris spoke up.

"you have been unconscious for two days."

My eyes eyes widened.

Two days!?!?

They caught on to my thought.

"well that ain't so bad, considerin' what you did."

I thought back to the giant radscorpion. Then I rubbed my aching head again.

"People always told me I had a thick skull, I never thought they were right.."

We all shared a laugh.

"so any places that are interesting around here?"

Red thought for a minute, with a hoof to his chin.

"well there is that used-to-be enclave base, north of here..."

Everyone looked at Soundwave. He then frowned and continued.

".... Except it's overrun with Raiders."

I gave everyone a daring look, Polaris gave me a worried look.

"why don't we clear them out?"

They gave me a look of disbelief. I frowned.

"what?"

"we almost died in th' last simple adventure, now you wanna go on another one?"

I rolled my eyes.

"a giant radscorpion just happened to show up, these are just raiders right? Don't tell me you can't handle a few crazed maniacs."

They blinked. Then Red sighed.

"aw, horse apples. I'll go with ya, clearin' out that place, will safen' up th' road, for th' caravans."

"I'm going if you are bro!! Not after the last adventure."

Polaris sighed.

"I am as well."

Suddenly two days of no bathroom hit me.

"first, where is the bathroom?"

They all laughed.

"down th' hall to yur' right."

I sat up and stretched wings. I then carefully rose from the bed, not wanting to have another tangled-in-the-blanket incident, and landed on the wooden floor in front of the bed with a soft 'thud'.

I trotted out into the hall. It was in the same condition as the room, except there was four lamps evenly spaced on the walls, two on each side. There were three doors spaced between the lamps. On the left side, there was a door, then the entrance to the stairs. On the right side, there were two doors, first marked "stallions", the second marked, "mares".

I choose the second to do my business.

              **** *** ****

I washed my face in the sink.

The bathroom was really clean, compared to the rest of the town. Even the mirror was clean. However, that still didn't stop the air from being a bit musty.

The cool water dripped from my face. I looked in the mirror.

Was it just a dream?

"nope"

I jumped. Then spun around to face the source.

Rainbow Dash was standing smiling on the other side of the bathroom.

I wore of look of disbelief, then I closed my eyes and shook my head. When I opened them, she was still there.

She nickered.

" I thought you were supposed to stay in my head."

She smiled.

" just because I stay in your head, doesn't mean I can't pop up in your vision. Basically only you can see me."

I opened my mouth to say something, but she anticipated it.

"and no, your not crazy. I just messed with your senses so I can pop up like this. Cool huh?"

I thought about it. It was cool, if you think about it.

I had other questions, but they could wait for another time.

I wiped my face off with a towel, then trotted out the door to go get ready.

Red was waiting for me outside.

"girl, we need t' get you some protection."

                      *** *** ***

We entered "guns and bullets". Guns of every kind lined the left wall, and armors lined the right wall. There was a earth pony stallion, with a tan coat, a tan mane, and a cutie mark of a revolver. He also wore a revolver on his side.

He waved a hoof at Red.

"well if ain't 'Dead Eye' Red, and you have a friend too. What can I do for you?"

Red nickered.

"nah, she's too crazy. Did ya' hear bout th' giant radscorp?"

The stallion, nodded.

"sure did."

Red smiled.

"she head butted it right th' head. Smashed it's head, like a pumpkin'."

The stallions jaw dropped.

"you better not be pullin' my tail."

Red shook his head.

"ey-nope, I was there, saw it happen. She saved my brother, an' another mare. Now she's wantin' t' go an' clear out dem, raiders at th' old enclave base. I told her she needs proper protection first."

The stallion gave us a look of disbelief.

I spoke up.

"umm, how do you know about the fight with the giant radscorpion?"

He smiled.

"why, DJ-Pon3 o' course. She mentioned it, when she talked bout that stable mare, takin out the slavers in appleloosa."

I noticed Rainbow in the corner, she nickered. I smiled.

Red turned to me.

"now go an' pick out an armor. This is on me."

I walked over to the displays. Rainbow, was also browsing through them.

The stallion called out to me.

"the Pegusas bardin' is at the end"

Rainbow was already looking those over.

Red and the stallion talked about various things while me and  Rainbow browsed the pegasus bardings.

There was a small selection, and they were okay, but they were all missing something.

We came across this dark blue, security barding.

"what do you think?"

We looked at it for a minute. Then shook our heads.

"nah, needs to be at least twenty percent cooler."

"I agree."

There were other armors, but none of them were any good.

Then we found it.

It was on a mannequin, it had light grey plates with a black material connecting them underneath. Somepony had painted a lightning bolt crossing a scoped hunting revolver on the back, and under it, the phrase, "the last thing you never see".

We couldn't take our eyes off it, I almost started drooling. Rainbow was entranced by it.

"so.. Awesome."

"and cool.."

"and radical."

We looked at eachother. We both knew we had to have it, but we needed to convince somepony else.

Red was talking with the stallion, when I sped over, grabbed him by the tail, and brought him to the armor.

The stallion chuckled.

Red had a "this is going to be expensive isn't it?" look on his face.

"I see your friend has good taste."

He walked over to the armor.

"that there, is the T-51 light-weight combat armor. The plates are made up of a light-weight, strong, metal, and are connected to each other, by a carbon fiber nanoweave. It combines mobility, with protection. It will protect ya from small arms. I put the price at round 2,000 caps."

Red gave me a "are you serious?" look.

"Whoa girl, when I said I'll get you armor, I didn't mean th' most expensive one in th' whole apple pickin store."

I gave him a really cute, "pretty please" look.

He stared at me then looked away in conflict.

"No"

I just continued the look.

He looked at me with one eye, then closed them tightly as to try to shut out the image.

"come on. Isn't there any other armor?"

I gave him a sad look.

"but this one will keep me safe.."

I even added a tear at the end.

He tried his best to not look, but the tear broke him. He sighed heavily.

"fine, I'll get you th' armor."

My face brightened up, and I gave him a big hug.

"thankyou!thankyou!thankyou So much!"

I released him, as he, with a pained look on his face, dug out the caps for it, and gave it to the stallion.

We exited the store, and met up with Polaris and Soundwave. Soundwave had his headphones on. When he saw us coming, he took one look at me in my new armor and laughed.

I gave him a confused look, and Red gave him a pained look. He took off his headphones.

"wow, Red! You got cleaned out by a newbie to the wasteland!!"

He turned to me.

"how much was it? I gotta know."

I looked at him with a big grin.

"2,000 caps."

With that he burst out laughing, falling on the ground, Polaris nickered. Red still wore the pained look.

I gave Red another hug.

Then looked at the others.

"well Red did something really nice for me, which means he is now farther ahead of you," I checked my Pipbuck'"and the weeks almost over."

Soundwave's eyes went wide, as Red's face brightened up. He got up quickly.

"whoa! That's not fair. Polaris insisted she didn't need armor. Something about it just slowing her down making it harder to fight 'her way'."

Polaris stepped forward.

"I will be fine, armor will reduce my ability to fight silently. But Soundwave is right, he did try constantly to persuade me to get armor."

Soundwave, had a "come on" look on his face.

I nickered.

"fine, half points for trying. Agreed?"

He smiled.

"agreed."

My adventurous look spread across my face once again.

"now let's go kick some raider tail."

With that we were off.

                    *** *** ***

The cold rain pattered my armor as we walked. Well THEY walked, I flew above making sure the way is clear.

Don't want to have another giant radscorpion incident.

I volunteered for look out, mostly because I can fly, and my pipbuck's E.F.S allowed me to see what the darkness of the night would hide from me.

The used-to-be enclave base rose up over a hill as I my vision reached over it. My E.F.S filled with red bars.

I returned to them and landed next to Polaris. Soundwave removed his headphones at my presence. Apparently they were water proof too.

"the raider base is right over the next hill."

We reached the top of the hill.

Red pulled out his custom sniper rifle which he named "Death's Justice". He even had the name engraved on the butt of the gun. He looked through the scope and surveyed the building.

Then his whole composure changed. The second he put the scope to his eye, he was whole different pony. His  black eyes, turned to a cold cobalt. His breathing was controlled, and calm.

At that moment, I knew I never wanted to be on the other end of that scope.

"there is at least four of them. Two on th' roof, an' two out front."

Four quick shots rang out. The four raiders dropped. He was in his own world now.

"make that no raiders now, an' a way in."

Our jaws dropped.

Except Soundwave's.

He just nickered.

I turned to others.

"okay, let's try and be quiet as possible. Let's see how many we can take out before they notice."

Polaris stepped forward.

"Lightning, may I please speak to you in private?"

I looked at Soundwave, who just nodded and slipped on his head phones. That's when I turned to Polaris.

She wore her concerned look.

" Lightning are you sure you can do this? I still have memories of last time."

I sighed.

" no. I'm not sure. But, I need to get stronger, I need to do this."

I gave her a reassuring smile.

"besides, this isn't just about clearing out the raiders. It's about getting answers. This was an ENCLAVE base, and I want to know what they were doing here, even if I don't like what I find, and I probably won't."

She still wore the look.

I gave her a hug then walked towards Soundwave , who was waiting, and held out a hoof to her.

"come on, don't cha trust me?"

She gave me a weak smile, then shook my hoof.

"as I have said before, I am with you."

I smiled, then Soundwave patted on me the back. I looked at him in surprise, he was grinning.

"I'm with ya too. So is Red, the only reason he doesn't show it, is because he is too much of a lone wolf. But I know my brother, he trusts you. The armor your wearing is proof of it."

"but why?"

He just smiled and Polaris joined him.

"you not only saved our (he was talking about his and Polaris') lives, but you've shown you got heart. Polaris here told me all about your plan."

I had almost forgotten about the rain, at least I did until the sound of thunder rumbled across the sky.

Rainbow gave a smile.

"see, I told you, you are awesome."

I grinned confidently.

"okay team. Let's do this."

           *** *** ***

The air inside was, like every stupid building on the face of the planet, musty and cool. The metal floor, and walls, were very dirty.

As we silently continued down the hallway, red bars started appearing on my E.F.S.

However, there was a problem.

There were yellow bars too, and a strange creepy giggling coming from the second door down, on my left.

There also was a strange smell coming from it too.

We reached the open door, then I almost lost my lunch.

There was body parts strewn all over the lab, intestines were hung on the walls like streamers.

The smell of dedicated body parts attacked my nostrils.

I'm pretty sure he didn't hear me lose any food I may eaten today, seeing as he was busy ripping to pieces an unrecognizable dead pony and giggling uncontrollably.

There was a unicorn mare, with a yellow coat, and a pink mane, holding a little filly. They both were crying and shaking in their cage. Her cutie mark was a gum ball machine.

Rainbow came up beside me, with a sad look on her face.

" this could've been prevented..."

I looked at her. Then an indignant look spread across my face.

"it's too late to prevent it. So I'm ending this. Now."

Polaris gave me a concerned look, which faded when she saw my look.

I pulled out my Fathers gun.

It seemed like an appropriate choice.

I aimed it at his back. He didn't deserve a quick death.

"hey asshole!"

He turned, and faced me with his crazed look, giggling.

"playtimes over."

He charged, and I emptied the gun.

The first shot hit him square in the chest, but he kept charging. What the fuck?

The second shot slammed into his side, be he still kept coming. Why don't you die?!?

The forth shot blew off one of his forehooves, but he just kept coming. Die already!

The fifth, sixth, and seventh shot, all went into his head, effectively blowing it apart.

I holstered the gun.

Why didn't he go down with the first shot? Does insanity offer protection against bullets?

At any rate, my little battle alerted everypony to our presence. I could see the red bars moving in on us. I turned to the mare and the filly, who were still shaking.

"stay here okay?"

They nodded shakily.

I turned to the others.

"hey! We got company!"

Soundwave readied, but Polaris put an arm in front of him.

"it is time for my turn to contribute."

She smiled.

I opened my mouth to say something, but it just hung open.

The reason being, what Polaris was doing.

She started to glow with a white sparkling energy, which began to concentrate around her hooves and started forming something around her two fore hooves. The energy formed a blade on each one.

The raiders turned the corner, and she sprang into action.

Her movements were quick and fluid, the first raider charged her as the others opened fire. She jumped over the raider, and disappeared into the shadows.

The raider fell into three pieces, as she appeared effortlessly dodging the raiders frantic shots.

She moved past the second raider smoothly, and moved to the next one.

The raider watched his gun fall to pieces, then his surprised look froze as half his head slid off.

The last three started backing away and firing panicked shots, only to see her disappear into the shadows again.

The last one backed up against the window as he watched the other two just fall to pieces.

Literally.

Polaris appeared right in front of him, just in time for his head to explode.

The sound of the shot reached us, as the dead raider fell over.

We just stared at her in disbelief, as the sparkling energy faded away.

I was the first to snap out of it, Rainbow just stood there in awe.

"that was awesome!! I didn't know you could actually use your energy to fight!"

She smiled.

"I can. However it is very draining."

Soundwave shook his head, and snapped out of it.

"wait, what energies?!?"

I looked at Polaris and she looked at me, then we smiled.

"well you see, she's a star."

His jaw dropped.

"like 'twinkling light in the sky' type star?"

We nodded out heads.

My E.F.S was clear of reds and I left Soundwave to question Polaris, while I made sure that the mare and her filly were okay.

I entered the room, the mare was still a bit shakey and she held the trembling little filly in her hooves.

"let's get you two out of there."

I went to work on the lock. It was a simple lock, so it wasn't that hard. I held the screwdriver with my teeth, while I operated the bobby pin with my tongue.

The lock opened with a click, and the door swung open.

I helped them out of the cage (mostly because they too scared to move).

I picked them up and put them on my back. They weren't too heavy, I guess what they went through may have had something to do with it.

When I exited the room, with them on my back, Soundwave was still contemplating the concept of her being a star.

Red entered the hall, and surveyed the scene.

I was trying to console the mare and her filly, Soundwave was sitting with a screwed up look on his face, while Polaris explained something to him.

"what in tarnation happened here?"

I looked up at Red, with a pained look.

"If you really want to know.. Look in there."

He walked over to the doorway, and a grim look spread across his face. He looked at the mare, then at the dead bodies littering the hall, and connected the dots.

I looked back at the mare, who had managed to calm down enough to tell me her name.

Her name was bubblegum, and her filly's name was gumdrop. I had my right wing wrapped around her in a comforting way.

"so what happened to you?"

My voice was calm, and gentle. Rainbow looked on, with a hopeful look on her face.

Her breathing slowed as she tried to summon the strength to answer.

"mmy caravan, was ppassing through when..."

She hung her head low, still shaking. Gumdrop was no better.

I was able to piece together what happened next, and seeing how old she was, I could tell that they didn't just slaughter her friends in front of her...

I hugged her tightly, and she cried into my shoulder. I could feel her wet tears fall in my shoulder and feel her shaking. The others looked on with a sad look on their faces, so did Rainbow.

               *** *** ***

Polaris had taken my place in keeping her company, and trying consoling her.

I was up the records room, looking for answers, while Red and Soundwave scavenged below.

I solemnly searched, Rainbow did what she could to help.

"I could have prevented all this.."

I looked over at Rainbow who wore a solemn look.

"It not your fault, The zebras fired first."

She just shook her head.

"no, we started the stupid war."

A sad look spread across my face.

"you didn't create the megaspells-"

She suddenly stomped her hoof and turned to me.

"your right I didn't create them, but I knew fluttershy would give the zebras some megaspells. She just had to help EVERYPONY."

I reeled at that, she just continued.

"but no, instead of stopping her, I just let it happen. Not only that, I called her a traitor!!"

My eyes widened.

"I knew she was just trying to be kind, but I was just frustrated. You know what the worst part is?"

Her rose colored eyes were dripping with tears.

"I never spoke her to afterwards. The last thing she knew when she died, was that her best friend hated her."

With that she broke down. She dropped to the floor and buried her head in her hooves crying.

I picked her up and hugged her, wrapping my wings around her as well.

I guess I'm "Lighting the therapist" today.

Five minutes later she composed herself. Her tears may not of actually touched me, but it sure felt like they did.

She pointed a hoof at the far wall.

"I saw a terminal, that looked pretty important, over by the wall."

I Walked up to the terminal and tried to access it. However it was too hard for me.

I had no idea were to start.

Soundwave trotted in.

"hey Lightning you alright?"

I looked over at him.

"oh, trying hacking for the first time?"

He must have seen my confused look.

He trotted over and directed my attention towards the screen.

"okay what you should do first is connect your pipbuck to the terminal. I can't do it for you, because I can't touch the terminal. Seeing as it is made from clouds."

I looked at my pipbuck, there was an option on it that said, "connect to terminal", so I selected it.

The terminal lined with random words and characters.

I looked up at Soundwave.

"what now?"

"well you see, you need to find the right word, and you get four tries. Go ahead pick one."

I selected the word "secrets". One of the bars disappeared, and the word appeared on the side saying 2/7 correct.

"okay so two letters out of the seven are right, so try that one."

He pointed a hoof at the screen.

I selected the word "cleanse". It worked. The screen changed, then a list of projects, and what not, scrolled across the screen. None of them held any interest. Project lightning strike... Experiment 501..... Operation 6011.

Operation 6011.

I knew were I heard that name.

I selected it. This time three options appeared. Project Wavelength, Project Shining Star, and Project Ground Breaker.

I selected the first.

A list of items scrolled across the screen.

"huh."

I looked up at Soundwave.

"what is it?"

He shrugged.

"I don't know... Those parts seem familiar."

Well I didn't know what it all was about, but I didn't feel like we had the time to read all of it.

"hey Soundwave, is there anyway I could save this for later?"

He nickered.

"just download it on to your pipbuck."

I rolled my eyes.

Of course. There was an download option.

I downloaded the rest of the data from Operation 6011 onto my pipbuck.

We went downstairs and joined the others. Bubblegum had finally calmed down, and was able to compose herself. However, gumdrop was still a bit shaken.

Everyone turned to me.

"okay gang! We have two choices: spend the night in "nightmareville", or walk back to Horseshoe in this bad weather."

                 *** *** ***

The rain pattered against my armor and wings, as I soared above. My mane was already soaked, and Rainbow was giving me the "you just had to give them a choice" look. Her rainbow colored mane was soaked, apparently she could be affected by the environment.

I just gave her an apologetic smile.

I could see the others below, so could Gumdrop.

She peeked out of my saddlebags.

She originally didn't want to go, so I offered to let her ride in my saddlebags while I kept watch above. That brightened her up. She begged Bubblegum to let her do it, for ten minutes straight, until she finally said yes. When she hopped in, my pipbuck let me know that "Gumdrop" had been added to my inventory.

I swear that little pink filly was so cute. She had a pink coat, with a short messy pink mane, even her eyes were pink. Her flank was blank.

I shivered a little. Not only was the rain cold, the night air was too.

I looked over at Rainbow. She must be freezing.

I looked back down at the others.

Soundwave had his headphones on, and was nodding his head to whatever music he was listening to. His light blue and white barding was perfect for him, he even had a built-in sound system. He seemed to be able to ignore the rain as long as he had his music.

Red just wore his duster and cowboy hat, both were dripping wet. But he also ignored the rain, guess it comes with the job of being a mercenary. In case you were wondering, he only took jobs to help good ponies.

Polaris was also soaking wet, and seemed to be the only one who actually reacted to the rain. She was shivering from the cold, but she refused to let anyone know. However, I could tell.

Bubblegum was also soaked. However she was far better at hiding how cold she was.

I turned my gaze to scenery.

I can see why it's called the "Great Equestrian Plains". Everything was so plain. The only differences were the hills, and a group of large rocks every now-and-then.

Gumdrop's cute little filly voice rang out.

"Look Miss Lightning! It's a flying scorpion!"

A confused look spread across my face.

What the heck did she mean by flying scor-.

I stopped myself, as a look of realization appeared on my face.

That sounds like...

I dove down.

"we got baddies!! Left side!!!"

They heard me, and they all took cover in a grouping of large rocks.

A deadly bolt of magical energy flew past me, causing Gumdrop to duck down and curl into ball inside my saddlebags.

A wing of three Pegisai in enclave power armor sped towards us.

The armor was dark blue, and was designed to look kind of like a bug. The tail had a ball of spikes at the end, and the armor was equipped with four magical energy weapons that were mounted on the helmet. The whole look was designed to be intimidating as hell.

However that wasn't the half of it .

Up ahead, the town of Horseshoe burned.

That made me snap.

First the enclave took my trust. Then they took Hope. They even took my home. But now, they have taken, not just from me, but from all my friends. They even took from the Horseshoe's residents their lives.

With a roar, I charged the three soilders.

Footnote: level up

New perk: hard head- you know how to use your head, your repeated use of it had made it stronger. You bring literal meaning to having a thick skull.  You have a +5% damg increase when using your head butt, and use have +15% dt against headshots.

New quest perk: extra pair of eyes- nothing escapes your notice, with Rainbow Dash's help, what you miss she won't. Most of the time. Your perception is raised to 8 out of combat, and raised to 10 in combat.

(author's note:(PLEASE READ) thanks for your patience!!! Sorry about the wait, it was big and important chapter. Thanks to Kkat for creating the universe of F.O.E. also thanks to somber without his help I wouldn't be writing as good as I could be. Be sure to read his fic "Project Horizons". Thanks to support of my friends, The writers Group, and of course...You!! My readers! thanks for reading, as long as there as at least somebrony out there who enjoys this, I'll keep writing. Also I could use a new cover image, I know some of you out there are artist, it would be greatly appreciated, even those who aren't artist are welcome to submit stuff. Please send all art to my email, jamestron10@gmail.com! Remember constructive criticism is welcome in the comments. Now have an awesome day!

Sent from my iPhone

4. On the Road

Operation 6011  Chapter 4

On the road

"Hey, what could go wrong?"

The cool night air filled my lungs. The heat from the campfire warmed my backside, as I kept watch for any invaders of our little camp. The stone I sat on was cold, but it didn't distract me from my thoughts.

Has the past truly caught up with me? Have I still not gotten over my loss?

I looked down at the sleeping form next to me that was of Rainbow Dash. She took strong breaths and muttered things in her sleep periodically. I guess even spirits need to sleep.

I checked the time on my pipbuck, which was a hassle because of how damn confusing the little machine was. A button pushed here, and knob twisted there, and the pipbuck finally relented the time to me.

12:30am. I still have about an hour and a half left of my watch.

I thought back to about a day and a half ago, when it became apparent that I hadn't actually gotten over the loss......

             **** **** ****

Two days earlier:

The sizzling bolts flew past me as I charged. Gumdrop was a shivering little ball in my saddlebags.

I slammed into the first soilder in enclave power armor. He struggled but, unlike him, my strength was fueled by rage. I headbutted him, then drew my gun and shoved it into his visor.

His brown eyes grew wide, as I pulled the trigger. The resounding bang and the kick of the gun announced his demise, as his brains blew out the back of his helmet.

The other two started cursing, and fired. I swung their dead comrade around and used him as a shield. I could feel the heat of the deadly magical bolts as they connected with the dead soilder.

I threw the dead body at the third, as I slammed into second. He attempted to whip his tail into me, as the third threw the body off himself. His tail slammed into my back, a sharp pain shot through my body but I ignored it. In fact, I grabbed his tail and held it into place. His comrade fired, but at the same time, I pulled on the tail swinging the second in the path.

The soilder screamed as the bolts slammed into him. I ended his pain, by putting a bullet into the back of his neck.

The third froze in fear, as her cyan eyes met with my fiery red ones.

She started to flee, but she wasn't gonna get away so easily. As she started running, thunder roared through the sky announcing the coming of heavier rain....

..and my vengeance.

I smashed into her back, and she started slamming me with her spiked tail. Pain coursed through me, but that didn't stop me from shoving the gun in her weak spot at the back of her neck.

Freezing cold rain water dripped from the muzzle of the gun, as well from the tip of my soaked mane.

" Sorry. I guess you just chose the wrong side. I'm lightning. I'm sorry I have to kill you."

Her shuddering faded.

"I'm sorry you have to too. My name is sky blue. I hope you find peace."

Her voice was solemn, sweet, and understanding.

I clenched my eyes shut, my tears mixing with the cold rainwater that washed over my face.

Bang.

Sky blue's body fell to the earth.

I just stood there, tears flowing down my face, and freezing rain washing over my wounds stinging them.

Damn you Raincloud.

"Lightning look out! To your left!!"

I snapped out of it, and turned left, as per Rainbow's warning. There was a vertibuck accompanied by five soilders in power armor. The vertibuck fired its main weapon.

I dodged out of the way, and charged. However as I got closer, one on the soilders was blasted by a light blue beam, and another's head exploded. I turned to the source of the attacks, and saw my companions waving at me.

The vertibuck fired another round,  I dove down towards the others to avoid it. I holstered my weapon as I landed.

" You didn't think you could take all the fun, did ya?"

Soundwave smiled. Polaris spoke up.

" Lightning, if you are able to get me close, I can defeat the vehicle."

I looked at Polaris, then nodded.

The bolder gave us cover, but not for forever. I walked over to Bubblegum, and produced a shaking Gumdrop from my saddlebags.

" You need to watch her, it's not safe for her to be with me right now."

She nodded her head and accepted the filly. I turned the others.

" Okay team, here's the plan. I'll get Polaris on that vertibuck, then cause a distraction. Soundwave, keep hammering them with fire to keep them moving. Red-" He was lost in the world of his scope" ...you keep doing whatever your doing."

They all nodded.

"Okay team, let's do this." I announced with a grin.

Polaris, hopped on my back(light as usual), and we took to the sky. At that moment, Soundwave began his bombardment, and Red did his usual thing.

Unfortunately, another wing of three pegisai in power armor showed up. The sky was in chaos, the vertibuck couldn't decide who to shoot at: the pegasus mare speeding into battle, carrying an earth pony mare, or the two ponies below firing on their comrades.

It decided on the first choice. It's shots flew past me as I charged it, swiftly strafing it. I reached the vertibuck and Polaris hopped on it, glowing with star energies. A minute later the vehicle exploded, and Polaris hopped on me as I made a second pass.

I returned her to the ground, then rejoined the battle.

There were four left, I drew my gun, and fired off a couple of rounds at the first one.

One shot impacted on his side, and the other slammed into his tail.

Ugh. I wish I remembered how I did that S.A.T.S. thing.

He turned and fired, I dodged right to avoid the shots. I then smashed into him and shoved the gun into his visor and fired, blowing his brains out. The second one had his head blown away by a light blue beam, and the third's head exploded. The forth one fled.

I shivered a little. The cold was getting to me. Not only that, I saw to whom he fled to.

A raptor, surrounded by four vertibucks and at least fifty soldiers in power armor. At the center of it all, was Major Raincloud. There was nothing I wanted more than to put a bullet in his brain.

Rainbow put a hoof on my shoulder.

"Not yet." She stated. " You aren't strong enough and neither are your friends."

I sighed, the cold rainwater washing over me.

"I guess you are right..."

I rounded up my companions and we fled, leaving the burning town of Horseshoe to its demise.

           **** **** ****

Present:

I checked my pipbuck. 1:00am

I stared out over the plains. We were on a high hill, so I could see over miles of hills, and flatland. My head was filled with the events of the past five days.

I was lost in thought. When reality came back into focus, I felt a soft nudging on my flank. I turned to see Gumdrop looking up at me.

"Shouldn't you be in bed?" I asked.

She sat down next to me."I can't sleep."

I swear to Celestia, she is the cutest little filly known to ponykind.

I sighed.

"You and me both..."

I looked down at her with weary bright red eyes.

"Rough week huh?"

She frowned, and lowered her head. I looked back out over the landscape.

"Yeah, me too."

She looked back up at me.

"You looked so lonely sitting by yourself."

I gave her a weak smile.

"Oh, I'm the one in need of comfort? As I recall, you're the one who was captured by raiders."

She frowned, then gave me a small smile.

"But you had to kill them..."

My eyes widened.

How could she know how it feels? Is it possible that she may have already...?

She caught my look, then gave me a pained one.

" The day we got caught... When they attacked, I had to fight back..."

A solemn look spread across my face, as I wrapped a wing around her. She yawned then snuggled in close to me. We stared out over the landscape for a while.

Is the wasteland that bad? That even fillies and colts can't keep their innocence?

I felt her breathing had slowed. I looked down to discover that she had faded into a peaceful slumber.

I gave the cute little sleeping filly and small smile. At least I saved this one.

Somepony tapped my shoulder from behind. I turned my head and Red was standing there.

"My turn t' keep watch."

I gave him a tired smiled.

"Okay, I think ill just go to sleep now."

I closed my eyes and faded to away to merciful sleep.

                 ~>~>~>~>~>~

I was in a house of mirrors. I didn't know how I got there, but there I was.

However, something was off. Each mirror showed a different version of me. One showed me in a military uniform standing firmly, and wearing a straight face, another showed me with a rainbow mane, and a courageous look on my face, the third I saw showed me with a deadly look in my face, and covered in blood. I could see all around me that the list just went on and on.

When I reached the exit, it started raining kittens.

Kittens.

I could see these cute little fury creatures falling from the clouds. Yet somehow they landed unharmed. The raining kittens were accompanied by rainbow lightning bolts arcing across the sky.

My jaw dropped.

What.

The.

Fuck?

I didn't know what to make of it.

I flew up dodging the falling kittens. When I made it through the clouds I was met with a strange creature.

I don't even know were to begin. His weird head that sat on a long neck, that looked like a donkey's? Or maybe the fact one hand was a bird's, and the other was a lion's paw? He looked like he was made of all of nature's leftover parts.

" Who the hell are you?"

He looked at me with a smile, revealing his mismatched teeth.

"I am Discord, the spirit of chaos. You must be Lightning, direct descendant of Rainbow Dash."

His voice was calm, yet somehow also playfully taunting.

I gave him a look of confusion.

"How do you know that about me? And what are you doing in my dreams?"

He laughed.

"Having fun, of course!! Just because you ponies blew up the world, doesn't mean I can't have fun anymore."

At that moment Rainbow appeared from under the clouds.

"Hey Lightning, are your dreams always this-"

Her look changed when she caught sight of Discord.

"You!!! What are you doing here!?!?"

He just laughed.

"Saying hello to an old friend is all, I heard that you were hanging out in this little mares head, and I just had to stop by."

She growled, and went into a combative stance. At that moment, I stepped between them.

"Hey I don't want to have a fight in my head." I looked at Rainbow," Now is there some history here I'm missing?"

She snorted, angrily. He just kept his playful smile.

"A very long time ago, he threw ponyville into total chaos, and threatened all of Equestria too."

He rolled his eyes and chuckled.

"It wasn't that bad. Just some slippery roads here, and chocolate milk rain there. At least I didn't blow up the world, were is the fun in that?"

Rainbow reeled at that, and he continued.

"There was never any harm in my chaos. I don't start wars, nor cause apocalypses, and neither do I turn ponies to stone."

He crossed his arms and smiled. Rainbow continued to give him that threatening look. I sighed. Here we go, Lightning the diplomat.

"So you both hate each other, just because of something he did over 200 years ago? Sounds kinda silly to me."

Rainbow gave me a childish look.

"He caused total chaos all over equestria!!-"

"AND YOU BLEW IT UP!!" I retorted.

She was sent back reeling. I continued, with an angry look on my face.

"Both of those events happened centuries ago!! Do you really think he could REALLY make things worse than the way they already are, with HIS sort of antics?!?"

Rainbow opened her mouth to say something, but she had no counter to that.

"There is no point in fighting now!!"

I turned to Discord. He was almost as shocked by this outburst as Rainbow. He never expected me to react the way I did.

"Now don't antagonize her anymore, you aren't in the right any more than she is."

He looked surprised.

"Now for the love of Celestia you two better get along, or you both will be sent the deepest darkest corners of my mind," A deadly look appeared across my face "and believe me, you don't want to go there."

Discord wore a scowl, and Rainbow Dash still wore her look of shock. Discord sighed.

"Okay mom, I can tell staying with you is going to be no fun." He turned and looked at Rainbow "Goodbye Rainbow Dash, been nice to see such a good friend."

With that he, along with all the weirdness, disappeared.

Rainbow sat on the grey cloud, with a sad look on her face. I walked over to her, and patted her shoulder.

"Why did you defend him?"

She looked up at me with sad, rose colored eyes.

"Simple. If the wasteland is going to have any chance of getting happier, believe it or not, it's him." A surprised look appeared on her face." Not only that, I was tired of shooting first, and asking questions later. If I could solve a problem peacefully, I will."

She turned her gaze to the cloud. I sat down next to her.

"I'm sensing this wasn't just about what Discord did."

She gave me a pained look.

"Is it that obvious?" I nodded. She sighed.

"I guess Discord was just an easy guy to blame for how messed up the world is," She gave me a hopeful look," How do you know he will help the wasteland?" I smiled at her.

"I could see it in his eyes. He may like some chaos, but this isn't fun chaos. This is horrifying chaos. I don't think he ever means to harm anypony, just have a laugh." I gave her a reassuring smile.

She gave me a weak smile. A huffed look spread across my face.

"Now when am I going to be allowed to have at least one normal dream?"

Rainbow laughed.

"probably never."

We both laughed at that.

             ~>~>~>~>~>~

The aroma of scrambled eggs entered my nose. My head rested against something soft and comfy. The cool morning air poked at my coat, as I nuzzled my pillow. I heard a groan, and my pillow moved. Confused, I slowly opened my eyes, and examined my pillow. At that moment, me and Soundwave's eyes met. My eyes widened as his did. I spoke first.

"Why am I sleeping next to you!?!"

He put his hooves up defensively.

"Hey I was just keeping watch, you were already asleep. I didn't even touch you."

I gave him a "yeah right" look. He was crimson red.

"When I fell asleep, you were sleeping sitting up. So if anything YOU, came on to ME." The others burst out laughing. We looked at them with embarrassed looks.

"Y'all both just like a couple!!"

We both looked at each other, with crimson faces. Then said in unison.

"Are not!!"

That just made them laugh harder. I closed my eyes tightly. This is going to be a loooonnng morning.

              *** *** ***

I swear I'll never get used to a cloudy sky twenty-four seven. It makes life so depressing. I soared above the others, the wind blowing through my mane. It was a little windy today. Another thing I've noticed was the air. It was always cold. It's like the entire wasteland was a giant freezer.

I wish I had Gumdrop with me, the cute little filly's comments and sounds of awe were comforting. However, Bubblegum wouldn't allow it. I can understand why, after the events at Horseshoe. But Rainbow Dash will do.

I turned my gaze down to the group. I wonder what they talked about. Soundwave had his headphones on, which he took off for a second for Red to say something. He turned crimson red, then muttered something putting his headphones back on. The others laughed.

"You wish you could join them don't you?"

I looked over at Rainbow. Then nodded my head.

"Yea... I'm missing out on good times."

Rainbow frowned.

"You're also the only one who could fly though..."

A longing look appeared on my face. As I watched from above. She nudged my side.

"Hey, who said being awesome was easy?"

"I think it was you."

We shared a laugh. However my smile didn't last long. Soon my longing look returned, as my gaze once again towards my companions.

Polaris must have noticed because she beckoned me to come down. I dove down and landed next to her. The rest of the group looked at me with confusion.

"I believe Lightning could use a break from scouting."

They all thought about it.

"I agree, Lighting has been working hard. She deserves a break."

We all looked at Soundwave, and then they all nodded.

"Wait, who will keep watch?"

Red pointed at my pipbuck.

"Don' that pipbuck tell us what's ahead?"

I looked at the E.F.S. in my vision.

"Yea it does.."

"I'll keep watch above, don't worry." Rainbow spoke up. I gave everyone a smile.

"Okay I'll take a break."

Rainbow took to the skies, as we continued.

Gumdrop happily hopped up on my back. Bubblegum nickered.

"She likes you."

She then popped up with her forehooves on my head, and a big smile on her face. I smiled back at her.

"I can see that."

She was very light, so I didn't mind. Also, she was so freakin cute!!

One thing I loved about her, is that she found EVERYTHING interesting. It was like every single thing was a wondrous new discovery for her. Even the simplest things. Also I noticed I wasn't the only pony who enjoyed her company.

The others thoroughly enjoyed her company, she livened up our spirits.

Suddenly I remembered something I wanted to ask Red. You see, when we left Horseshoe, we stopped by a hollowed-out tree to gather supplies from Red's "secret stash". One of the things we picked up was this black case. He wore it on his back.

"Hey Red, what's in the case?"

He gave me a look of confusion, which dissipated when he realized what I was talking about. He looked at the case on his back, with a smile on his face.

"This was my pa's guitar. He taught me how t' play it when I was just a colt."

Gumdrop's face brightened at the possibility of hearing a new sound.

"Can you play it Red? Pleeeeaaaasseee"

I thought Red would say yes. But from the look on his face, not even this cute little filly can make him say yes. He just shook his head.

"Nah, now ain't th' time."

Gumball got this really disappointed look on her face. I nudged her.

"Come on, cheer up. How about I show you guys some tricks."

Everyone looked at me in confusion. That just made a daring grin spread across my face. I set down Gumball next to me, then put a hoof on my chest.

"Everyone just sit and watch while Lightning, the awesome, shows you something really awesome."

With that, I shot into the air. When I reached the clouds, I threw myself backwards into a loop, then sped straight across the sky. Adrenaline coursed through my body, and the air blasted through my mane. I then sped straight forward at a extremely high speeds then suddenly bucked back and changed directions so fast and strong, that it caused a bright flash of light. I then did some more twist and loops. Then I did a series of daring tricks, boosting my confidence.

Okay, time for the final phase.

The sonic rainboom.

I have never actually pulled it off, but that never stops me from trying. Also I was feeling very confident after how well all the other tricks went.

I went as high a I could, rising above the clouds. Thank Celestia, there were no patrols in the area. I then started speeding straight down as fast as I could. The wind stung my eyes causing tears to form as I punched through the clouds. A golden lightning bolt shaped streak trailed behind me. I clenched my teeth, as a Mach cone started to form around me.

Come on, I can do this..... I can...

I could feel the resistance of the Mach barrier, growing stronger and stronger.

I.... Can't?

My descent slowed to a halt. My eyes widened.

"Oh...." I noticed the others looks of awe had turned to worry, as I was flung back into the air by the barrier."Cccccccccrrrrrrraaaaaaapppppp!!!!!!!!!"

I tumbled through the air, fighting the G-forces for control. As I reached the top of the arc, I felt myself going from up, to down. The wind hammered my wings as I desperately fought for control. I saw the ground fast approaching.

Fuck.

I smashed into the ground digging my way to the edge of the hill, which resulted in me tumbling down it. My sides burned with pain, and my head ached like never before. The ground beat at my body, and the dirt grinded against my coat.

I landed in a heap, my vision blurred. My vision came into focus for a second, allowing me to notice the trio of guns pointed right at me. My muscles burned with pain as I tried to get up. But I was unsuccessful, my muscles gave out and blackness swarmed my vision.

                  *** *** ***

I slowly opened my eyes, as my consciousness returned. I coughed. The room stinked, and the air was freezing. Something metallic was enclosed around my neck.  My armor was missing, along with all my weapons.

Including my father's gun.

My head ached, so did my sides. I looked around my cell. It was dirty alright. Light was provided by an opening in the door, that had bars in place in it. The walls were made of a metal so was the floor. At least I still had my pipbuck.

I put a hoof to my face, and shook my head.

Celestia must hate me, or is my luck really this bad?

"I think your luck is just that bad."

I looked over at Rainbow. She wore a small smile. I shook my head.

"Yea it must be. It would explain a lot."

We nickered.

"Do you have any idea where we are?"

She shook her head.

"Since you're stuck in here, so am I. So my guess is yours."

I rubbed the back of my head with a hoof.

"Ugh.... What a drag."

The door swung open, the light burning my eyes. My eyes adjusted, and a gruff earth pony stallion came into view. He carried a baton that crackled with energy.

"Come on slave, time to go meet your master."

Slave? Slave?!? He DID NOT just call me a slave!!!

I smiled tauntingly, to hide my intent.

"Come get me asshole."

An angry look appeared across his face.

"Why you worthless little shit."

The baton crackled to life, as he approached. Once he got close enough he raised his baton to strike, only to receive a headbutt to the face. He staggered back, which allowed me to buck him hard in the chest. He dropped his baton, which I picked up and slammed into his head. He fell unconscious on the floor.

I trotted past his unconscious body.

"I think I'll go see him by myself."

I shut the door and locked him in.

Wow, they need to be taught about sanitation. The halls were just as dirty as the cell. Two more stallions rounded the corner, they had the same look as the first one.

"Hey Hammer, you got her yet?"

Their eyes widened when they caught the sight of me with their comrades baton. Before they could act, I charged them. I head butted the first one, then brought the baton down on the second. They both fell unconscious, then an alarm sounded. I looked at the first one, and he was slouched on a big red button.

The sounds of guards shouts filled the air.

Fuck. Here we go.

                  *** *** ***

Bullets riddled the hallway I was just in, as I sped around the corner.

Two more guards wielding stun guns entered the hallway and caught sight of me.

"There she is, get her!!"

They fired, I ducked under the crackling stun bolts and tackled one. I jumped off the guard and bolted through the door to my left. I entered the room, and about fifty guards looked at me in surprise.

I rolled my eyes, and sighed.

"Here we go again..."

I charged a guard and threw him against a few others. A second guard swung at me with his baton, which I promptly blocked with a third guard I had grabbed. I head butted him and took his baton, which I used to smash another guard from consciousness. I jumped on top of the guard and launched myself across the room, using my wings for assistance.

I burst out into the hall, with shouts and curses following me. I saw a set of double doors at the end of the hall and raced towards them.

I burst right out of them into a blinding light.

As my vision cleared, rows and and rows of guards had guns trained on me, not only that but two guards on turrets were aimed at me as well.

Celestia fuck me to the moon, was my luck REALLY this bad?

A big burly earth pony stallion, who wore a battle saddle that had dual heavy machine guns and had a whip hanging from his barding, walked forward. He had a confident smile.

"I knew you'd be trouble, the second they brought you in."

His voice was deep and loud. Perfect for addressing some ponies, or intimidation.

I gave him a "go fuck yourself" look.

"Tot talkin'?, good thing I don't want to talk to ya."

He turned to a couple of guards who wielded shotguns.

"Take her ta go see the boss, I'm sure she's already late."

The two guards walked over to me. One produced a set of shackles.

I gave him a deadly look.

"Tell me, how much do you value you right hoof?"

A fearful look spread across his face, and he put it away. The burly stallion laughed.

"You're a feisty one, I'll give ya that," he turned his gaze to my new escorts "get going."

They nodded and one prodded me with his shotgun.

"come on sla-"

He was cut off by a buck to the gut. I turned to him.

"Do that again, and I'll aim for something more sensitive."

He gulped and nodded. I then continued following the first one, with the second limping behind. I could hear the big stallion's laugh.

                   *** *** ***

The "boss's" office was well kept. It had luxurious furniture, and was even carpeted. At least somepony around here knew a thing or two about sanitation.

The stallion himself was neat, well-kept, and business-like. Also, he was calm.

Why the fuck is every major bad pony I meet calm?!?

He had a pre-war business suit and had the look that he knew what he was doing. He had a blue coat, with a slicked-back grey mane. His eyes were a dark blue. I couldn't see his cutie mark from where I was, so imagined it was something having to do with business.

"We haven't been able to talk, and you already have made a mess."

His voice was calm, controlled, business-like. I hated it. The nervous guards looked at their boss with a pleading "can we please go now?" look. He sighed and shook his head, then beckoned them to leave.

"Also I see you've already made an impression on my slavers."

I remained silent and stared at him with deadly eyes. However, my attention was drawn to a shiny red button in his desk. He noticed the small curiosity in my look. He placed a hoof next to the button.

"That button is to make sure slaves, like you," my eyes narrowed at him from the comment", don't escape. One push of the button, or if you get out of range of this establishment, that collar you are wearing will explode."

He was in control, and we both knew it. However, I'm not one to give up. He crossed his forehooves on his desk.

"Now, let's start with your name. Mine is Dow Jones, director of the slave industry in this part the Great Equestrian Plains."

I just gave him my "go fuck yourself" look. Give my name to this scumbag? Ugh, I guess he will want to know the name of the pony who is going to put a bullet through his brain. But first some questions.

"Why the hell are you interested in me?"

I tried my best to control my anger, but it was still evident in my voice. He smiled.

"I personally talk to every slave that comes through my gates."

"Bullshit, no way the top guy of a major business would have the time to personally welcome EVERY newcomer."

His smile didn't change.

"Well you ARE a smart one. Fine you caught me, I am interested in you. You are the first pegasus we've had in ages, and pegisai don't last long in here. The other slaves aren't that fond of them"

Is there no end to my bad luck? Not only have I been captured by slavers, but everypony will be out to get me.

"Now where us my stuff?"

He nickered.

"I'm afraid it's not your stuff anymore."

He nodded towards the wall behind him. There, my Father's gun was mounted. Right next to it, my combat armor. My blood boiled. He sensed it.

"Now, how about that name."

Ugh, I really didn't want to give this asswipe my name. However, he has to know.

"My name is Lightning, and if I EVER get called 'slave' you'll have a huge mess to clean up. Got it?"

I gave him my dead serious look. He nickered.

"You ARE a feisty one. Fine, I will inform my staff that it will be in their best interest to not call you that."

He pressed a button on his desk and two slavers, wielding stun guns, entered the room.

"Will you two please escort Lightning here to her cell?"

The first one shoved me with a hoof.

"Come on slave, t-"

He was bucked into the wall. Will these guys never learn? Dow just smiled and shook his head.

"I believe it would be in your best interest not to call her that."

The slaver nodded with a surprised look on his face. We then exited the room.

                      *** *** ***

I sat in my cold cell with a scowl on my face. I'm apparently going to meet my group, and overseer, tomorrow. I sighed and shook my head.

Slave.

I hated the word. It's a word that shouldn't even exist. The thought of a pony owning another disgusted me.

No pony owns me.

I hated Dow Jones, I hated this collar, I hated this place.

I felt a hoof on my shoulder. I turned to face Rainbow. She had a concerned look in her eyes.

"Are you okay?"

We both knew I was far from it, but I'm pretty sure the definition of "okay" has changed.

"Yea, sure."

Footnote: level up.

New perk added: righteous fury- the sight of injustice infuriates you, enhancing your strength, and making you more resilient. +50% damg, +50% dt, and + 5 points to agility, while enraged.

Guns:50

Unarmed:50

(author's note: thanks for reading!!! Thanks to my new editor! He has been an awesome help. Thanks to kkat for creating the universe of F.O.E. thanks to somber for what he taught me. Please check out his story on EQD "Project Horizons". Thanks to all my friends for their support. Also thanks to "The Writer's Group", and "F.O.E. side fics" group, for their support. Remember, constructive critisim is welcome in the comments. I hope you enjoyed it. Have an awesome day!!)

5. Rage

Operation 6011 chapter 5

Rage

"My secret? I'm always angry."

I could practically FEEL the hateful stares of the other slaves. I could feel them more than the uncomfortably tight harness around my torso.

Was my kind hated this much? I know what my kin had done was horrible; but to hate EVERY Pegasus? Isn't that a bit much?

The slavers kept a watchful eye on me. With good reason. In the past three days alone, I have attempted three escapes. An slaver with an eye patch, and bandages covering his.... speacial parts, gave me a hateful look.

He wasn't the only one, there was a number of slavers similar to his case. I gave him a taunting smilie, he glared at me. The slavers had asked Dow Jones to just have me killed, but he refused. I may be the most resistant of the bunch, but I was also the most productive. I complete more work on my own, than the equivalent of five slaves combined.

There was also the alpha group. A group of tough slaves that were "above" the others, or so they claimed. They tried to "assert themselves" over me the first day I met them, it didn't end well. Let's just say there used to be SIX of them, not FOUR.

In short, everypony hated me.

The dusty air made me release a cough. The heavy rocks tugged and pulled at my harness, as I lugged them towards the exit of the mine. Rainbow watched the others like a guard dog. It was as if she thought she would make a difference in a fight. She probably would, if she wasn't just a spirit.

I reached the exit of the mine. Outside the mine, there were even more slavers. They all twitched wielding their weapon, as if waiting for me to do something stupid.

It was raining. The rain washed the sweat away from my coat; soaking into my mane.

I pulled the heavy wagon over to a pile of large rocks and dumped my load onto the pile. After off loading the rocks, I reentered the mines.

A nearby slave buckled under the weight of his load, making gemstones tumble all over the floor. The slavers hounded down onto him in a flash.

"Back up on your feet slave!!" One of the slavers shouted as he cracked his whip across the poor slave's back, causing him to cry out in pain.

Without thinking, I sped to his side and put a hoof out in front of the slaver.

"Wait! I'll take his load. Let him take a break, he obviously needs it."

They both gave me a surprised look. That's when the slave spoke up.

" I don't need the help of a PEGASUS." The hate was evident in his voice.

A surprised look appeared on my face. The slaver just smiled. The crowd that gathered was silent. A voice rose from the crowd.

"Yeah! We don't need you!"

That sparked the crowd. A rising tide of insults came crashing down on

me. The crowd surrounded me, I had nowhere to go. Each insult was like an attack on my soul.

Then someone started throwing rocks.

Next thing I knew rocks started raining down on me. The slavers did nothing. They just watched in enjoyment.

The rocks kept hammering me, bruising and cutting my hide. I raised my wings to protect myself from the onslaught, but it helped little. A rock smashed into my head, causing my vision to blur. That was followed by a larger rock, which made me lose my consciousness. I could hear the cheers of the crowd, as blackness swarmed my vision.

              *** *** ***

My vision slowly returned with my consciousness. My head ached, and my sides burned with pain. Especially my wings.  I was in my cell. My coat was caked with dirt, and who-knows-what else. I could hear the pitter-patter of the heavy rain, and the rumble of thunder, outside.

Rainbow lay next to me, hugging me tightly. She was asleep. I stroked her beautiful rainbow mane with a hoof. She had a disturbed look on her face. I didn't blame her. Celestia knows what happened to me while I was out.

The door opened, and three slavers entered. They all had evil grins on their face. I didn't like it. Worse, I was in not condition to fight.

The slaver in the middle had his comrades hold me down. I struggled and fought, but it was no use. I glared at him with deadly ferocity. He just smiled.

"I love th' feisty ones." He said with a seductive smile.

For the love of Celestia, Rainbow stay asleep.

It looked hopeless. Then again, I'm not one to just roll over and die.

My face burned with pure hate, as he positioned himself over me.

"Get... Off... ME!!!!!!!!"

My hate grew to new heights, giving me new strength. I smashed his neithers with a powerful buck and broke free from my captors.

Anger consumed me as I brought my hooves down on the dazed slaver, smashing his skull in. I then turned to the others, my eyes glowing red with anger. All they were allowed was a scream, before they were torn apart by my hooves.

I burst out into the hall, covered in the blood of the guards. Two guards turned the corner, just to be pounced upon and torn apart. I had complete disregard of my safety. For all I cared, it was me or them.

I rampaged through the halls, leaving a trail of death and destruction in my path. I eventually found Dow Jones' office . I burst in, to find it empty. However, my father's gun and my armor was there.

I donned the armor, and holstered the gun.

It only had one shot in it, and I knew just who to use it on.

With that I resumed my rampage.

I raced down the hall, and found just the room I was looking for.

The mess hall.

Busted open the door, revealing at least fifty surprised slavers. I cleared my throat, and shouted.

"ATTENTION YOU WORTHLESS PIECES OFSHITS!!! DON'T BOTHER SAYING YOUR PRAYERS BECAUSE I' M PRETTY SURE YOU ARE ALL GOING STRAIGHT TO HELL!!!!"

With that I charged them. My rage fueled strength allowed me to smash faces, tear limbs, and break bone.

Five minutes later the last two slowly backed into a corner as I approached them, covered in their comrades blood. My eyes were two raging balls of flame, causing them to cower in fear.

"Ppplease, ddon't kill us." One of them pleaded.

However, their pleas fell on deaf ears.

"Maybe you should have thought twice before becoming slavers." I retorted hatefully.

I raised my hooves and smashed my the first one's face. I then turned to the second, who was shaking uncontrollably. I leaned over to his ear.

"I'm letting you live for one purpose. To spread fear. I want you to tell every slaver you see, that I'm coming for them.." He just sat frozen. " If I make it to the next slaver camp, and they aren't warned.." I took a deep breath. "I will EAT YOUR LIMBS!!!!! Got that?"

He jumped, then curled into a whimpering ball, nodding furiously.

Coward.

I burst out into the same hall I did my first attempt.

There were two slavers, who were torn to pieces instantly.

I then burst out into the rainstorm. Alarms sounded, and the lights flashed. I heard the sounds of a hundred guns reading up.

Dow Jones strode forward, with the red button encased in his magic. He was accompanied by the stallion I had seen my first day, who had a battle saddle. I stared at him with killer eyes.

"You got so far, and by the looks of things..." He eyed the blood blanketing my armor "You've cost me quite the fortune."

I spied a glint in the surrounding hills. I then smiled evilly.

He gave me a confused look.

"What are you planning?"

I just grinned wider. Then I pointed a hoof at his second-in-command.

"Bang."

The stallion's head exploded along with the button. Suddenly more of the slavers heads exploded. I tackled Dow Jones, and with all my strength, smashed my hooves down on his horn. The horn snapped off causing him to cry out in pain. The slavers were two busy being blasted by blue beams, and having their heads explode to pay any attention to me.

Then Polaris showed up, brimming with star energies. The slavers never stood a chance.

I gripped the horn and stabbed it through one of his hooves, securing it to the ground. He screamed out in pain, as I drew my gun. His eyes widened.

"I am Lightning. You are a filthy scumbag, who deserves nothing short of a bullet to the brain." The sounds of the slaves being freed, could be heard. They surrounded us with angry looks on their faces.

Soundwave came up behind me and unlocked my collar. It fell to the ground.

"However, I have something in mind that would be perfect for your case."

He gave me a confused, fearful look. I grinned then aimed.

Suddenly I knew what to name my father's gun.

Justice.

A shot rang out, and he screamed in pain, as the bullet tore thought his other hind leg. I then rose up from the ground, and looked down on the crowd of used-to-be slaves.

I grinned.

"He is all yours."

A grin spread across their faces as they closed in on Dow Jones. I landed on the other side of them. With that he began to scream.

Soundwave rushed me and gave me a great big hug.

"I missed you, so much."

Polaris joined in.

"I missed you as well."

Red finally joined in.

"I missed ya, too."

My rage faded. I realized that I had missed them too. Since I was no longer blinded by rage, the events of the past few days were able to sink in. As well as my actions. Tears welled in my eyes.

"Thanks everypony, I missed all of you so much...."

I buried my head in Soundwave's shoulder and cried.  The rain just poured down upon us in sympathy.

                       *** *** ***

The downpour started to subside, as we walked toward the camp. As we climbed the hill, I spied a little pink ball speeding down the hill towards me.

"Lightning!!" it cried.

Gumdrop slammed into me, knocking me off my hooves. She hugged me tightly burying her face into my chest.

"I missed you soo much. I'm so glad to see you!!"

I chuckled, then wrapped my forehooves around her and stroked her pink mane

"I missed you too Gumdrop."

I rose to my hooves and tossed Gumdrop onto my back. She once again popped up on my head, a big smile on her face. I looked up the hill, to see Bubblegum watching with a smile on her face.

I climbed up the hill, with my new accessory, and Bubblegum greeted me with a hug.

"I have to admit; I missed you too, Lightning"

"Yea. I missed you too, Bubblegum."

Soundwave then wrapped his forehooves around both of us, with a huge grin.

"We are one, big, happy family again!"

We all looked at him for a second, then burst out laughing. Soundwave whipped out some turntables, with a huge grin on his face. He put one speaker to his right ear.

"Welcome back party!!!" He shouted, then started playing.

I looked at my friends expressions of joy.

Friends.

No.

Family.

                *** *** ***

I sat looking over the landscape. The night was beautiful (at least compared to the normal weather).  The night air was cool and clean (for the most part). The others slept, they all were tired from dancing. I have to admit, Soundwave is one hell of a DJ.

I stared at a nearby puddle.

My bright red warily stared back. I could see the little fire of rage flicker behind them.

Rainbow Dash wasn't alone inside me.

Even now, I could feel my rage itching to be free once again. I shivered. Not out of cold, but fear. Fear of what should happen if it was released again. I looked over at a sleeping Polaris, and shuddered.

Out of rage, I mercilessly slaughtered about a hundred stallions and mares. I didn't even feel like myself.

I told you before there was a reason I never fired Justice. This was it. All my life I have been holding rage. When I hear the sound of that gun, the memories of my father stuffing it into his muzzle with a wing, appears. We all know what comes next. The gun shot, the explosion, red.

The crimson red.

The rage has been building ever since.

The enclave made my mother leave, which in turn made me lose my father as well. All my life, I have been having to deal with injustice at every turn.

Injustice has taken my Hope, my home, my innocence, and possibly my virginity. I hope to Celestia that I didn't lose the last part.

But now.... now the rage has grown so great, I can barely keep it in check.

"Ya okay there?"

I looked up at Soundwave, who wore a small understanding look. I turned my gaze back toward the puddle. He sat next to me.

"I don't even know.."

He sighed at my response and rubbed my back caringly.

"What happened in there?"

I looked up at his light blue eyes. I sighed.

"Lots of things."

His face turned to sadness.

"Did they..."

I gave him a weak smile.

"I didn't let them.."

He returned the look.

"You were covered in blood when we found you. What happened? Polaris wouldn't tell me what she saw."

I stared back at the puddle, as a shudder reverberated through my body.

"I killed them...."

He wore solemn look as he listened.

"I killed them all. Mares, stallions, all without mercy. I just let my rage consume me, until I wasn't me anymore."

He gave me a pained look. I continued.

"I tore them all apart with my bare hooves..."

I shuddered again.

"You can still feel it inside, can't you?"

I nodded solemnly. A tear rolled down my face.

He gave me a big hug. A surprised look spread across my face. The look faded, as I returned the gesture.

There was no words said, as there was none needed. He felt warm, and comforting. The hug ended and we just silently watched the landscape.

"Wow you two are just like a couple."

The source of the voice turned out to be a certain pink filly I know. Gumdrop popped up between us.

Me and Soundwave laughed, blushing slightly. I grinned at Soundwave.

"Looks like we have a spy amongst us."

Soundwave nodded then grinned. Gumdrop, gave us a worried look.

"Interrogation!!!!" I cried as we pounced on the little filly.

She struggled to get out of Soundwave's grip. I started tickling her belly, which caused her to squirm and snicker.

"Who sent you?" I inquired in a fake evil way.

"I'll never tell!" she cried, trying to hold back some giggles.

"Wrong answer!" I resumed tickling her, which made her start giggling.

"Tell me!"

She burst out laughing, uncontrollably.

"Okay! Okay! It was Polaris!" she cried giggling and laughing.

That wasn't enough for me, I knew she wasn't the only one.

"Who else?"

She tried to stifle her giggles as she spoke.

"Red! Red! Now please stop!!" It was followed by more laughs and giggles.

I relented and Soundwave let go.

"I'm the best interrogator in the wasteland." I announced with pride.

Soundwave made a shh motion, and pointed a hoof towards Red's tent. Snickers were being emitted from it.

We all grinned at each other.

"Anyone have a bucket?"

Soundwave looked at me devilishly.

"I have better."

                *** *** ***

I dove to avoid the explosion. I rolled to my hooves and returned fire. My shots hit my target dead on, but did little harm. A ball flew right by my head and exploded to the left of me. I turned towards the source and lobbed one of my own. He dodged the ball and it harmlessly exploded behind him.

I retreated to my cover, firing shots as I ran. I dodged right to avoid another explosion, and dove behind the cover. Soundwave was already there.

"How many do we have left?" I inquired.

He frowned.

"We're down to four. They have at least five, by my guess."

I turned to Gumdrop. She was firing her gun at the enemy. She ducked and turned to me.

"Do you think you could provide cover fire for our final assault?" I asked her.

She grinned and saluted me.

"Good," I turned to Soundwave, "Okay here is the plan. Gumdrop will distract them, while you flank their left, and I flank their right."

They all nodded in understanding.

"We can't lose this battle."

They nickered then nodded.

"Okay team let's do this!!"

With that, we sprang into action.

Gumdrop started her suppressing fire, as me and Soundwave started our approach.

We kept stealthy as possible, Gumdrop was doing her job well. We reached the enemy base. The problem was, though, it was empty. I crept around the corner, and came face-to-face with Soundwave.

"Were is everyone?"

Soundwave shrugged.

"I don't like this..." He wasn't alone, I had a bad feeling too.

Suddenly Gumdrop went silent. We gave each other worried looks.A small "click", came from inside the tent. Soundwave gestured towards the tent flap.

We undid the straps holding it, and slowly opened the flap, our weapons at the ready...

CLANK! WHOOSH!!

We were greeted by a tidal wave ice cold of water. The wave smashed into us, throwing us off our feet. The wave carried us all the way to the center on the battlefield; and to the feet of a Polaris, Red, and Bubblegum.

Red leaned over and dropped a water balloon on my head, further soaking my mane.

"We win."

I sighed, as my mane dropped in front of my face.

"Damn it."

A scowl spread across my face.

"I hate losing."

They all laughed.

Red nudged me.

"Ya can't win ev'ything Lightnin'."

Soundwave helped me up. I shook off any water I could.

"Now I believe we had a bet." Polaris said smiling. I sighed heavily.

"Ugh. Let's get it over with."

                  *** *** ***

My world was spinning as I finished the beer. I turned to my left and lost my dinner. I had never drank alcohol before. Especially at midnight. There was a fire in my belly, and a bad taste in my mouth as I was passed another beer.

The others (except Soundwave, who shared my fate) cheered me on.

I put the bottle to my muzzle and let the warm liquid pass through my lips and down my throat. As I finished the beer, I found I had trouble focusing.

Two down.

I already hate this.

I downed another beer, resulting in my vision blurring and my world spinning. It also produced another cheer from my friends.

How could anypony LIKE this stuff?

Three beers later, and I could barely keep my balance. I could barely make out my friends, and their words of encouragement were distorted and hard to make out.

I was passed another. I put it to my lips and downed the liquid.

That did it.

My vision blurred to black and I lost consciousness.

I hate losing.

             ~>~>~>~>~>~>~

I was back at the slaver camp.

However something was wrong. I had no control of my actions. I felt like I was just along for the ride. What controlled me, was a different Lightning. One with bright, flaming eyes. The thunder cloud on my left flank, glowed bright red. I had a enraged look on my face, that made my enemies cower in terror.

It made me scared. No. Terrified.

I watched as my double tore slavers to pieces. I struggled for control, but it was no use.

This Lightning was in control right now.

Also this time; I heard their cries for mercy, their begging, their crying, all their screams. They echoed through my mind. It just wouldn't stop.

A slaver on his knees, begging me to spare him. A woman crying as her boyfriend it beaten to pulp. Literally. The scenes kept coming.

I was a monster. Am a monster.

The worst part of it all, was that Rainbow was with me the entire time.

She saw it all.

Her weeping was the strongest of them all.

That's why I haven't seen her. That's why I haven't felt her presence.

She is afraid of me.

The world started shaking then it fell apart, dropping me into a bottomless pit of screams and crying.

              ~>~>~>~>~>~>~

"STOP!!!!"

I was sitting up. Sweat covered my body. My breathing was heavy and ragged. My head ached. It was evident that I had been crying.

Polaris and Soundwave stared at me with scared, worried, looks on their faces.

Polaris put a hoof on my shoulder.

"Relax. You were having a nightmare." She told me in a calm, soothing voice.

"Yea. We woke you up, because it looked really bad. You were crying and saying things like 'stop" or 'oh Celestia'." Soundwave sounded concerned. "Red started shaking you and telling you to snap out of it, but you bucked him clear across the room." I looked over to my left, at an unconscious Red.

"You also said something about Rainbow Dash."

I went pale. That's right. She might be gone forever.

My friends caught my look. Polaris stepped up.

"Is there something you have not told us?" I opened my mouth to say something, but instead, I sighed. I hope they don't think I'm crazy.

"Yes." I rubbed the back of my head with a hoof, "You see, I'm a direct descendant of Rainbow Dash." Their jaws dropped.

I proceeded to tell them about the enchantment on the gun, the statuette, the dream, and how I can see and interact with her. Sometime during that time Red regained consciousness and listened. They listened intently, their comprehension evident on their faces.

I finished and there was silence. Soundwave's hoof shot up. I nodded at him.

"Let me get this straight. So you are Rainbow Dashes descendant, and her spirit lives inside you because of a gun and a statue?" I nodded. Red spoke up.

"That would explain, th' talkin' t' yourself, and how you notice things when you're completely distracted and unaware." My eyes widened.

"You guys noticed those things?" They all nodded. "And you all don't think I'm crazy?" They all laughed, a confused look appeared on my face.

The laughter died down. Red spoke first.

"Ya crazy alr'ght, just not in that way. A good way." Polaris was next.

" How you always want to do what is right. No matter the danger." Soundwave spoke up.

" Not to mention, your eagerness for adventure. You must have been born without a set of survival instincts." He paused.

" In a word, daring."

"Caring" Polaris said with a gentle smile.

"Clever." Red said with a clever smile.

"Awesome!" Gumdrop announced grinning widely. The little pink filly seemed to pop up out of nowhere.

I gave a weak smile. After that, I frowned.

There was a voice missing.

I wish Rainbow was here. I just wasn't complete without her.

They caught on to my look and their faces grew solemn.

I mentally kicked myself.

Damn it!! This is supposed to be an inspirational moment! Instead, I'm wishing Rainbow was here.....

Somepony nudged my leg. I looked down to see Gumdrop with a warm smile on her face, and cute little eyes.

"Don't be sad miss Lightning, I'm sure she will come back soon." Her voice sounded so innocent, yet comforting.

I stared down at this cute, little, pink filly. She was so innocent looking. It is so hard to imagine that innocence being taken away from her. She continued, her voice still so cute and innocent. "I'm sure right now, the best thing to do is sleep. That's what my momma tells me everytime I miss daddy." I could see the sadness and loss in her eyes.

We all have personal demons.

Even this cute little filly.

My eyes glistened, as a tear flowed down the side of my face. Soundwave put a hoof on my shoulder.

"If it helps... I'll sleep in this tent with you tonight, so will Gumdrop." He looked at Polaris for approval, she responded with a warm smile. She knew she could trust him. Polaris nudged my shoulder.

"Rest. It is what is best." Her caring, kind voice was comforting. Red found it best that he didn't say anything.

I sighed and nodded my head.

"I guess I'll try to go back to sleep. No way I'll have the same nightmare twice, in one night, right?" Red nickered, so did everypony else.

"Just go t' sleep. We're all here for ya, so don' worry." Red nudged me towards my bed.

I laid down on the soft material that made up the thin mattress. I laid down on my right side. Gumdrop climbed aboard the bed and curled up into a little ball against my chest. Soundwave pulled the blanket over us, and took the bed next to us.

Gumdrop fell away to sleep quickly. I just lay there, staring off into space.

It is amazing how quickly you can become attached to somepony in the wasteland. To find some good in all this evil. I treasure the good. I do, because the world can take it away in a matter of seconds.

All I can do is hope.

A wave of exhaustion washed over me. Serious thinking is tiring.

I closed my eyes.

Here we go... Sleep, sleep... Sleep.......sleeeee....

I faded off to sleep.

              ~>~>~>~>~>~>~

Lightning flashed across the sky, as ice cold rain poured from the clouds in droves.

Regular old lightning, not rainbow colored. Good.

I'm in Ponyville. Bad.

I wasn't me. Bad.

Two bads cancel out one good.

I was in a hurry, so much that I didn't even have on any protective clothing. The rain hammered my coat, as I raced across the sky. I spied the tree/house that was Twilight's. I reached the door, and banged on it with a hoof. I knew she was home, this was where we were supposed to meet. I was out of breath.

Twilight opened the door. She looked different from last time I saw her. She looked much older. There were a few light grey streaks in her mane. Her eyes were no longer young and vibrant. They were aged and weary. The stress and fatigue from her recent life were highly evident in her general look. There were rings under her eyes from countless lost nights of sleep. Her muscles were tense as if she were carrying something heavy, and had been for years.

"Hey Twilight, sorry I'm late." I said, out of breath.

She gave me a weak smile. "Don't worry Rainbow, we can begin now that you are here. Come on inside." She motioned me to enter, and I stepped inside.

Inside, four more mares were waiting. I knew them all. The first was strong muscular, and had a tan-orange coat. She had a blonde mane, with a few light grey streaks in it, and that was tied at the end. Her eyes were a tan as well. She had a cutie mark was of three apples. This was Applejack.

The second was shy Pegasus. She had a long pink mane with a few grey streaks in it, and it draped over one side of her face all the way to the floor. She had a yellow coat, and a cutie mark if three pink butterfiles. Her eyes were pink. This was Fluttershy.

The third was Pinkie Pie. However something was wrong. This time her bubblyness seemed....

Fake.

It looked more to serve to hide a great pain than anything else. Her mane had a few grey streaks in it, and she rings under eyes from lack of sleep. Other than that, she was the same old Pinkie Pie.

The last was Rarity. She looked as beautiful as ever, except for the few grey streaks in her hair and the fatigue in her eyes.

They all looked like they needed some R & R.

I could tell the way they greeted her, that this wasn't a casual visit.

Twilight turned to us, with a serious look on her face. "Okay, so everypony is here, but before we can begin, a little insurance we won't be spied upon." Her horn glowed, and a magenta aura lined the walls of the house.

After she finished she continued.

"That should make it impossible to hear what is said in here. Now we can begin. It's safe."

At that moment, a midnight blue alicorn descended the stairs. Her mane was also midnight blue and it seemed to be more of an aura than an actual mane. Her cutie mark was a black spot, with a crescent moon in it. She so beautiful, young, and benign.

This, was Princesse Luna.

"Let's begin" She spoke with confidence, but there was still a bit of sadness in her voice.

Twilight spoke, her voice sad, as if she wished they weren't in this situation.

"I know that no one wants to have to ever have to enact this Operation, but we need a ace-in-the-hole" she sighed."When the preparation for this operation began, we each paired up into teams." She paused then continued." Once we all have completed our projects, Operation 6011 will be ready."

My jaw mentally dropped. It can't be....

Operation 6011

She motioned me to begin.

I cleared my throat. "Well Me and Twilight here, have been making some progress with Project Shining Star." I sighed, then continued. "As in almost none. We are barely figuring out how MUCH energy is in the star metal and meteorites Princess Luna provided." I turned to Luna. "Sorry Luna."

She smiled amiably.

"You need not be sorry Rainbow Dash. It is a start."

Twilight cleared her throat, and turned to AJ.

Why did I just call her that? I mentally shrugged. It doesn't matter.

AJ gave a sigh."Me an' Pinkie here, have done made a couple o' prototypes fer Project Ground Breaker." She sighed Pinkie began.

"Yea we made a ton of cool machines. But they keep going KABOOM!" she jumped for emphasis when she said the last part. "I keep telling AJ that we need more confetti, but she won't let me. She says that confetti and streamers won't work, but they always work, I mean who doesn't like streamers, ooh and confet-" AJ stuffed a hoof in her mouth.

"What we're sayin' is that we ai'nt doin' any bet'r than you."

Twilight sighed, then turned to Rarity.

Rarity smiled.

" Unlike the rest of you, we had help. I believe you all know who Vinyl Scratch is?"

They all nodded.

"Well it turns out she knows quite a bit about sound technology, she has been a big help with Project Wavelength." She turned to Fluttershy. "Fluttershy please be a dear and hand me the sonic booster device."

The shy Pegasus nodded then reached into her bag and produced a small box with a dial on it. "Here you go Rarity, are you sure it's ready?" Her voice was soft and cautious. Rarity gave her a confident look.

"Fluttershy dear, I told you not to worry. Just because the last prototype made the lamp explode doesn't mean this one will too." She took the device with her magic and set up a lamp, that was powered by a gemstone.

Fluttershy turned her gaze at the floor. "Oh, sorry." Rarity smiled at her.

"Don't be sorry deary, you were just voicing your concern. You have nothing to be sorry about."

Fluttershy nodded her head slowly. Rarity turned her gaze to the others.

"Okay everypony, please direct your attention to the lamp."  She pointed the device at the lamp and turned the dial. The lamp glowed brighter, she turned the knob farther and it glowed even brighter. Then suddenly the lamp glowed brighter and brighter, then just burnt out.

Rarity gave a heavy sigh.

"At the very least, it didn't explode."

Twilight sighed as well, and put a hoof to her face. Her voice sounded irritated.

"So basically we are nowhere."Princess Luna cleared her throat.

"No Twilight, we have something. It is a start, even though it isn't much."

Twilight looked up at her on protest.

"But, we are WAY behind schedule. We should have been much farther along by now."

Fluttershy spoke up.

"If we do complete it... I hope we never will have to use it."

Everyone nodded in agreement. I spoke up.

"This would be way worse than blocking out the sky."

The dream faded away.

          ~>~>~>~>~>~>~

"Lightning."

I couldn't tell who was saying it, but I didn't care. I was tired.

Lightning!

I rolled over and groaned.

LIGHTNING!!!!!!!

I jumped. I was back in the real world. Also there were gunshots going off in the real world. Not to mention the real world had cold air.

Gumdrop was shaking me and yelling at me to please get up. I shook off my grogginess and cried out, "I'm awake! I'm awake! What's going on?"

Soundwave entered. There were multiple wounds on him.

"Hey Gumdrop, is she awake? We need her."

I waved a hoof at him.

"I'm awake. Now what's going on?"

He sighed.

"Wow, you are a heavy sleeper. What's going on is that WE ARE UNDER ATTACK!!"

My eyes widened and I rushed to get my equipment. I slipped into my combat armor, and tightened Justice under my right shoulder. My armor had been cleaned. No doubt a favor done by a certain somepony.

After I got on my equipment, I rushed out the tent.

Outside was chaos, there was cover set up where everyone hid behind and tried to return fire. Explosions erupted in random places. Luckily none had hit their mark.

I coughed. The air was filled with dust kicked up by the chaos.

I could see who our attackers were, from where I was standing. They all looked like mercenaries. There was a lot of them too, I counted about fifty.

But only one of them stood out, and whoever this pony was he looked tough. He wore fortified metal armor, and a battle saddle that had two big scary looking guns on either side. The worst part was, there was good reason to fear them.

He fired four missiles simultaneously from the saddle, they smashed into our cover. Thank Celestia it was just our defenses.

Fear crept into me.

This is bad.

Very bad.

I sighed heavily and drew Justice.

Here goes nothing.

Footnote: Level up

New perk added: Fires of rage- Yout anger is so strong, that it strikes fear into the hearts of those around you. When enraged, enemies will either run in fear, or have a -5 to Dt and -10% to dmg. Also your strength is increased to 10 and damage increased dramatically. This replaces Righteous fury perk.

Extra pair of eyes perk temporarily disabled.

(Author's note: Thanks for Reading!!  I'm still trying to get a new cover art. So if you decide to make me something out of the kindness of your heart (which I know you have) send it to my email: jamestron10@gmail.com. Thanks to my Editor for being an awesome editor. Also thanks to somber for helping my grow this much. Thanks to Kkat for creating the world of F.O.E. Once again thanks for reading!!  see ya!!)

7. Dusty Saddle

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!)

8. The Storm

Operation 6011 chapter 8

The Storm

"They say rain is the heavens weeping for the troubles of those that reside below."

"I HATE THIS WEATHER!!!!" I cried under my dripping wet mane. The rain was romantic at first. But now, I wasn't kissing the love of my life, and I was freezing. Not only that, I was SOAKED. Apparently this armor was bullet proof, but not waterproof. It made the journey back horrifyingly miserable.

"It's not so bad." I gave the cute filly in my waterproof saddlebags, a cold and "do want to see how bad?" look. She just giggled, and resumed hiding in my bags.

Soundwave looked downcast, partly due to the fact that he had to stow away his non-water resistant headphones. He minus his music equals one unhappy camper.

Red seemed just fine, even if he had given his duster to Polaris to keep her warm. I'm pretty sure he was freezing his tail off, just too cool to show it.

Thunder got look out duty. Poor guy, I'm sure he was just as miserable as the rest of us.

By the rest of us, I mean everypony but Gumdrop. Lucky bastard.

I signed heavily. At least we haven't been shot at ye- a bullet whizzing by my head interrupted my thought, as the universe yet again decided to throw shit at my face. As if on cue a battle cry could be heard.

"FOR THE BROTHERHOOD!!!"

What the hell? Brotherhood? Great probably another group of ponies who want me dead.

Everypony had gone into combat mode, fighting off the ambush. The problem was, there was A LOT of them and A LITTLE of us. Also I'm pretty sure having machine guns, and rocket launchers qualified as "well armed."

Me, recognizing that we might be outmatched, decided to yell, "RUN!!!!"

I know. Not exactly the bravest and best thing to yell, but at that moment it seemed like the best damned idea in the world. Hey, you try fighting tons of ponies armed to the teeth in the middle of a big storm. It ain't easy.

So that's what we did. We ran. They followed. So scratch that, we fought while we ran.

Bullets flew by my head as we fled. Why is there suddenly so many ponies after my head? I have no idea, but we need to do something soon or we won't make it.

Thunder rumbled overhead, and lightning danced across the sky. The rain felt heavy on my wings as I dodged around in the air. My mind was blanking. What do we do? Something!! Come on!! I can't fail now!!

A rocket rushed past me and exploded in midair. Fortunately it was too far away to have any effect. I could see my friends struggling to not get blown apart as well.  I drew Justice and fired a few shots at our pursuers. I was rewarded with two kills, but that didn't do anything to deter our foes. Another rocket exploded nearby, causing me to nearly lose control. My friends looked weary. Wait, is Red limping? Also I don't think a red spot on Soundwave is a good thing. This was starting to look grim.

No!!! I can't die! I need to find out about Operation 6011!! I have to be able to stand against it all. I have to... to... to....

Be awesome.

"Hey Lightning!! What do we do?" I heard Rainbow Dash yell with a hint of worry in her voice.

I looked at her. She looked worried, SCARED. I saw past her. A city ruin.

"THERE!!" I pointed a hoof after dodging another explosive.

They all looked and understood right away. Out here we were vulnerable. But in the ruin, we can form a plan, and possibly get out of the weather. But most importantly, we have a chance.

We sped towards the beacon of hope as fast as our limbs could take us.

            *** *** ***

"Grenade!!!" Soundwave cried, as he tackled me to the ground. A second later an explosion erupted five feet away from were I used to be.

"You okay?"

"Yea." We got up, and I fired a couple rounds from Justice. I didn't hit anything, but I did succeed in making them take cover.

Ugh, I wish I could get into the air, but they immediately start raining fire down on me the second I do and I kinda value my life.

This is ridiculous. Does the universe really hate me this much?

I got my response in the form of a missile blowing up near me, throwing me off my hooves. I landed on the hard ground with a thud.

The ruins were just that. Ruins. We had set up shop in a destroyed, get this, shop. But we aren't trying to survive a megaspell so I'm sure we can fare better than the poor bastards that we found here. I glanced down at the bite mark on my left foreleg in memory of them. Dead ponies are tough. They were set up around the shop, behind various ruined carriages and wagons.

I heard a crack, and one of the missile launcher pony's head exploded. Looks like Red's set up. Either that or thunder makes pony's heads explode.  Another loud bang and a rifle pony flew backwards with a hole in her chest.

Soundwave's Wubbinator, sounded over and over again. Signaling each time, that somepony was being blasted.

Bubblegum fired off her SMG. She wasn't hitting much, seeing it was a close range one. But at the very least, she was making them take cover.

Gumdrop, much to my protest, was passing out ammo. Rainbow was playing, "shoot the inetheral pegasus mare" with our combatants.

Thunder fired a volley of missiles. All them hit their target, except one. Judging from the shrill screams that erupted from the building it connected with, this was going to get a bit chaotic. Undead ponies poured out of the building, attacking everypony in sight. Including us.

I hate you universe.

          *** *** ***

We all sat around the campfire. Music quietly played from Soundwave's portable stereo. We weren't out of the clear yet, I still don't know how we managed to lose them. The fight in the ruins was tough, but nothing I couldn't handle.

What? Okay fine you got me. I may have been severely injured a couple times and my friends had to save me. Okay three times!! Satisfied? Yes?Moving on now.

The radio interrupted the song that was playing, but no pony really cared seeing as one, we were tired and worn out. Two, it was DJ-Pon3.

"Hi there wastelanders!! It's the voice of truth here, DJ-Pon3!! Now y'all know that Pegasus mare that took out that slaver camp?"

We all listened intently after that point. It was about us after all. Well me, but hay, I can't have ALL the credit.

"Well she's at it again!! I just got reports, that the Raider stronghold over by Dusty Saddle, has been taken down!! Y'all wanna know the best part? She blew it up!! She didn't just kill the raiders, she completely wiped it off the map! It's like nothin' can stop this mare! Good job gal, keep up the good work."

We all hoof bumped, and gave eachother joyful looks. What else would we do for a job well done? We are a team, and we have been doing one hell of a job cleaning up this shithole called the wasteland. At least by my reckoning.

"Now time for the wasteland tip of the day! Y'all know how everypony likes to find loot, but sometimes ya gotta be careful when ya pickin a lock. Some boxes are booby trapped! It only takes one bad box to take ya to the afterlife. So be careful, and check the lid before ya pick the tin! It could just save your life. Now on to our next song by sweetie bell!"

However the music instead faded to whatever Soundwave was playing.  The news of our victory did lighten the mood, but it was somewhat noticeable. We barely made it. Not only that, it was only a matter of time  until they found us again.

I stared out over the ruins. We had chosen a strangely intact tower as our encampment area. I could spy the "Brotherhood" forces searching the ruins below. Luckily they were about a mile or two away so we were safe here. For now.

             *** *** ***

I shivered a little. It was freezing. Curse you weather and nighttime. The combination of the two resulted in it being ice cold. Sure we pegesai are resistant to low temperatures (it gets colder the higher altitude you go), but the wasteland doesn't to seem to care one bit about that and makes it deathly cold anyways. Everypony had turned in and it was my turn for look out duty.

I hate how I'm always first. We need to think of a different way to choose than drawing straws. I have terrible luck.

I turned my gaze to my annoyingly complex pipbuck. I fiddled with it for a bit, until I finally got the time. Eleven pm. Great. My shift isn't over for another hour.

Ugh! This wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't so boring!! Okay maybe it is a good thing that it is very boring, but that doesn't dampen my hatred for the job. I am the type of pony who doesn't like being in the same place for too long. I have to always be on the move.

I shivered again. Why the cold?

"Cold?"

I glanced up at Soundwave. He wore a small smile.

"Cold? Nah, we pegisai are resistant to cold." He sat down next to me with a look that said, "Surrre you are."

"Okay fine," I relented, "I may be a little cold." I gave him little grin.

"Besides," I curled one of my wings around him. "Your turn isn't for another hour." He was shivering. I could tell now that I had my wing around him.

Wanna hear a secret? Okay, don't tell anypony. Well, the wings on a pegasus are the most sensitive parts of our body. This is because we  need to be able to detect minor changes in wind speed and direction. That goes double for the athletic types, like me. Us athletic types have honed in on the senses in our wings and can feel the slightest changes in windspeed/direction, more so than most pegisai. So when I had my wing around Soundwave, I could feel his lungs inhale and exhale, his every heartbeat, his temperature, each individual shiver, all the way down to the slightest changes in his body. Cool huh?

"Also you are freezing." I poked him for effect causing him to squirm a bit. "So why did you drag yourself out of your warm bed (well actually they were sleeping bags) to come out and see me?" I was feeling pretty playful mostly because of my immense boredom.

He caught on to that, and nickered.

"I just thought you would get all bored and lonely without me." he gave me a smirk, " So I decided to keep you company." I squeezed him tighter, and smiled.

"Thanks so much!" A devilish look appeared on my face as an idea struck me. "Wanna go prank my brother?"

He stared at me for a second, then a smile appeared on his face.

"You know I do."

             *** *** ***

I shook the darkness from my vision as I slowly opened my eyes.

What happened?

I was laying in a pile of rock and cement, the cold rain washing over me.

I remember me and Soundwave were pranking Thunder, then there was this explosion and a fight. Then everything went black after that. Wait. If I am alone now....

I felt a surge of adrenaline course through me. They took them!! Soundwave, Polaris, Red, all of them!!!

I shot into the air and started frantically looking for signs of where they went.

"Lightning!"

I spun around to spy Rainbow Dash heading towards me.

"RAINBOW!!!"

I charged her and swept her up in a big hug. I had never been so happy to see that Colorful mare in all my life. I released her before she could respond and gave her a serious look.

"PLEASE tell me you saw where they went with our friends!!"

I felt a mix of emotions. Sadness, fear, panic, but most of all.

Rage.

Rage burned within me hotter than the fires of hell. My eyes glowed a fiery red.

"Lightning.... You have that look again." Rainbow wore a concerned look. A look of realization crossed my face.

"Oh no..."

The red glow faded from my eyes, as a horrified look took place on my face.

Rainbow touched my shoulder comfortingly and gave me a confident smile.

"Lightning. It will be okay. We will get them back." She didn't even bother to ask if I was okay, because we both knew the answer to that question. I was far from it. But then again. I'm pretty sure, being "okay" has taken on a new meaning in the wasteland.

I let out a sigh, and closed my eyes.

"Okay. Well let's find our friends."

              *** *** ***

Sometimes, I think I'm cursed. Really, I do. I'm cursed to have a crappy life. I make theses wonderful friendships just for them to get killed. Now, I have this terrible feeling in my gut that my companions are going to die.

Me and Rainbow had been looking for days. Each hour just made me feel more depressed. The storm still raged, it seemed to get worse with each passing day.

We trudged on, as the storm whipped and bashed at us. We had to walk, mostly due to the fact that these were no conditions for flying.

Why? Why did the universe hate my guts?

Look it's Lightning! We've taken half of her cutie marks, her parents, and the most loving pony she had ever known. You know what would be fun? Let's take away her friends and her coltfriend and her brother, then shove her in a ridiculously huge storm.

Okay so I may be a bit angry at how the world has been treating me lately, who wouldn't be?

I heard a shout, then a crudely made hatchet flew by my head. I looked to my left, to spy three ponies that wore leathery, black, spikey armor.

Raiders. They did NOT just attack me while I'm on a quest for my friends.

I sprung into action charging the one with a rusty pistol trying to shoot Rainbow, not fully grasping the idea that she is intangible to all but me.

The other two swung at me with terribly made sledgehammers, I jumped over them and headbutted rusty pistol in the face.

Sledge hammer one swung at me, as I brought rusty pistol in between me and the hammer. A crunching sound was followed by rusty's scream of pain. The rain mixed well with the blood he coughed up.

Normally I would have winced, but I was in no mood for morals. All I knew was these ponies were bad, and were between me and those I cared for. That was enough for me. The tiny little flames were now little sparks of electricity, as I let out may anger with every buck, counter, and head butt.

I turned to finish rusty off when sledge hammer two's hammer connected with my left side. My armor was designed for bullet damage, not melee damage. So when I heard crack, my vision blurred, and I coughed up some blood; I knew that something was broken.

I quickly got up and dodged sledge hammer one's swing. My ribs protested, and I spit out another wad of blood. Enough of this. I drew Justice and fired directly into the head of sledge hammer one, effectively blowing half his head off. Enraged, sledgehammer two swung at me, I moved to fire at him next. However my side once again slowed me, causing me to fire as his hammer connected with my left side. My bullet broke a big hole in the center of his face, my side erupted in fiery pain shooting across my body.

I screamed out on pain, as my vision fuzzed. I coughed up another batch of blood, the residue mixing with the rain washing down my face. This time my vision preferred to continue fuzzing and clearing, over and over again. Not only that, my mouth tasted like copper.

I slowly got up, causing more pain to erupt from my shattered ribs. I coughed more blood, and picked up my blood covered Justice. I limped over to the last raider, who struggled for breath.

He looked up at me and said.

"Fuck you."

The shot rang out across the waste, the gun kicked from my mouth, because I was too weak to hold it. His head exploded, some of the blood splattering against my combat armor.

My breaths felt ragged and painful. The rain felt colder than before. My mouth had a metallic taste in it. I heard a voice. It sounded like Rainbow's. I took a step forward and collapsed on the ground. The cyan pegasus's fuzzy worried face filled my vision.

Why so worried Rainbow? Another shot of pain caused me to cough up more of the crimson, copper flavored, fluid. I feel fine. My vision darkened as Rainbow shook me yelling something I couldn't understand.

In fact, I don't feel anything at all.

The darkness overtook me, as I faded to unconsciousness.

             *** *** ***

"Heeyyy meat bag....."

Meat bag isn't here right now try again later.

"Wake up meat bag..."

"Will you stop calling her meat bag, ya jar head?"

Rainbow? Who are you talking to? He sounds kinda..... metallic.

"I agree with my pal RD here, stop calling her that."

Okay, I might want to get up. This is getting confusing.

I slowly opened my eyes, and groaned. My side burned, but not as bad as before.

"Hey look she is awake!"

My vision began to clear, revealing Rainbow and some weird robot that had a glass with something inside it atop it's head. Wait, is that a brain?

"What the fuck?"

They looked at me and Rainbow laughed.

"Looks like she's okay."

"Yea the mea-"Rainbow glared at him."looks like she is."

The robot then changed into a white, unicorn mare, with a medium length mane that was blue with light blue streaks in it. The mane was pretty messy, so was her short tail. She wore a pair of dark blue sunglasses that seemed to be in the shape of her eyes.

"Hi I'm Vinyl."

She sounded like a pony too, except for the fact her voice sounded slightly metallic.

I just stared at her in amazement. What the hell just happened? How did that robot just turn into a pony? Also, how the hell did I get here? Last I checked, I was dying in the middle of nowhere.

"Umm.... hi. How...." I was lucky I was even able to talk at that moment, because for the most part, I was at a loss for words.

Vinyl gave me confused look, then laughed.

"Oh, I share this body with this stupid program." Well that's one question down, even if it just gave me more questions.

She flickered then reverted back to a machine.

"I am not stupid, meat bag!"

This is just too weird, time for intervention.

I looked at Rainbow, who just shrugged. I face-hoofed, as the two argued. Well more like, she just antagonized him and he reacted.

"Hey! You guys never told me how you switched like that." I arched an eyebrow. Vinyl gave me a look that I could only describe as "derp."

"Oh. I forgot about that." She rubbed the back of her head with a hoof, and laughed awkwardly.

"Well...." I gave her an expectant look.

Why do I feel like a mother?

"Well none of us remember."

She changed into the robot again.

"Yea one day I activate with this meat bag in my systems. Now I'm stuck with her. You know what the worst part is?"

This has left weird town and joined my wtf list. I shook my head in response.

"She is always being annoying, and doing stupid stuff." He abruptly transformed back into Vinyl.

"It isn't stupid, it is fun. Something that you aren't. Did you know that he takes everything way too seriously?"

Wow. A living embodiment of a juxtaposition. At any rate,

"STOP!"

She looked at me in surprise. Rainbow just watched on in amusement. Wow. She's enjoying this. Doesn't matter I feel a rant coming on.

" I have just woken up after nearly dying of broken ribs and Celestia knows what else. I have before me, my best friend, and a robot who is also a pony. I am confused, my side burns, and I have a million questions! So stop fighting and answer them!!"

I wore a serious look. A small smile appeared on her face.

"Damn girl, you got spunk."

               *** *** ***

A long story later, and I learned that I was at Vinyl's home. The robot form's name was Doctor. So Vinyl/Doctor's home. Let's just stick to Vinyl right now. I like her better than Doctor. So, get this, Rainbow let them know of my condition and brought them to me. Apparently Doctor knew quite a lot about medicine. I had a few broken ribs, and  a couple of injured organs. I now have a few cracked ribs. I am supposedly going to make a full recovery in a few days.

"....so now I have to find, and save, them."

Rainbow remained silent, and Vinyl wore a surprised look on her face, as I finished my story.

"Wow. That is amazing." She looked very impressed, and amazed.

I gave her a confused look.

"What is?"

She gave me a smile.

"What you've done!!! A whole slaver camp, and a major raider base!! Not to mention the giant radscorpion. You are amazing!"

That side blinded me. I've never actually thought about my accomplishments. But that will have to wait, I need to find my friends and save them.

"Well thanks. But I gotta go. Now that I can go, I need to go. I can't stay, while my friends are in danger."

I turned to leave, when Vinyl blocked my path.

"Oh no, you are in no condition to go out in that storm again."

I shook off my surprise and gave her a serious look.

"I don't have time to stay, my friends are in trouble, and I have to save them."

Vinyl gave me a serious look. But there was something different about her look. It gave an impression of experience, like she knew how I felt. She sighed.

"Fine."

Rainbow looked at her in shock.

"WHAT!?!?"

"She is going to go no matter what. I guess I just hoped I could change your mind. You can go, but I have one condition." she gave me a small smile.

"What is it?" I arched an eyebrow.

"I go with you."

The Doctor took over.

"You are kidding me! I am not going with this meat bag!"

Vinyl regained control.

"We are going with her. I have to do this. Do you have anything better to do?"

Doctor didn't resurface, so I think we got our answer. I just stood there with a look of surprise. Now I know that usually the hero is supposed to be humble, and refuse, but to be frank I really could use the help. Not only that, I wanted to get out as fast as possible. Also Rainbow really wanted them to join us. I could tell by the "please..." look she was giving me.

"Okay," I said, "can we go now."

"Not yet. You need at least to rest up till tomorrow." Vinyl's look changed to serious.

"But-"

"Lightning...." I turned to Rainbow, who wore a completely new look. This one was sad.

"I almost lost you. I'm not going to risk losing you again."

"Besides," Vinyl interjected," what good will it be to find them and not be able to save them?"

Fuck.

They both had valid points.

I sighed, defeated.

"Fine. But tomorrow, we leave."

Vinyl smiled.

"Okay."

                  *** *** ***

I laid on my back, staring at the ceiling. I had tried many times to sleep, but I just couldn't sleep. In fact I hadn't slept since they took my companions. The only "sleep" I've gotten was when I blacked out from internal injuries.

I just couldn't stop thinking about them. I turned my gaze to the sleeping form of the rainbow maned pegasus next to me.

You know, despite all her athletic ability, and fierce determination, she looks adorable when she sleeps. It makes me wonder, who did she love? I didn't come from nowhere.

Who ever it was, they were really lucky.

"Can't sleep?"

I looked over at Vinyl, then returned to my staring at the ceiling.

"I'll take that as a yes."

I sighed.

"I can't stop thinking about them."

A frown found its way on to her face.

"I know how it feels. When Octy..." I glanced over at her. She looked so sad. Then she gave me a weak smile. "Here is an idea. Try thinking that your friends would want you to get some rest. It helped me a lot."

It actually sounded like a good idea.

I stared at the wall, and thought that with all my strength (mentally). But try as I might, I couldn't go to sleep.

"It's not working." she chuckled. I looked over at her with a puzzled expression.

"What's so funny?"

"Well I just thought that isn't ironic that after all you've done, you get taken down by three inexperienced raiders?" She stifled another laugh.

"Actually," I replied, "that is pretty funny. Now that I think about it." We both began to laugh, at the irony of me almost dying to three raiders.

I know right? I almost die, and we laugh about it. I need to go see a psychologist, because I don't think that's normal. At least for somepony who doesn't live in a irradiated wasteland.

I turned my gaze back to the sleeping pegasus mare.

"She was worried you know."

I gave her a small smile.

"I know, she tries to hide it and act tough, but I can tell."

Her face returned to it's former seriousness.

"You don't get it, when she came to us, she was frantic. She refused to leave you for even a second, and kept her eyes glued on to you. It was like she was trying to speed up your recovery through pure willpower."

A surprised expression appeared on my face. I returned my gaze to Rainbow.

"I had no idea.."

I truly didn't. I should have known though. I should have seen the signs. She has always been fiercely loyal, and tenacious (except for that one time, and I don't want to go back there). But there have been times, where she is worried or scared, but I never noticed.

A tear ran down my face. As I stared at the sleeping form of my ancestor, which now that I actually paid attention, shivered. She wore a pained expression, which twitched. She was having nightmares. Scratch that, she has always had nightmares, I just didn't pay attention.

"Vinyl...."

"Yes?"

"I found a way to fall asleep."

          ~>~>~>~>~>~>~

I found myself in a huge storm. But something was off. It was all wrong, for one, I was in the clouds, but thunder and lightning came from nowhere. So did the rain. Why didn't she tell me about dreams like this?

Heavy winds pushed and pulled at me. Ugh this no weather for flying. But it looks like I don't have a choice, if I'm going to find Rainbow in this mess then I'm going to have to fly through this mess.

I spread my wings, and I could already feel how chaotic the wind conditions were. I concentrated, and I could feel a slight anomaly in the wind streams. It had to be Rainbow. I shot off in the direction of the difference in air streams.

I fought the winds with all my strength, it was near impossible, no to mention the low visibility.

Come on Rainbow I know you are here somewhere.

I burst through another cloud, to spy several tornadoes. I looked more closely to spy a cyan and rainbow figure, struggling to not be blown away.

"RAINBOW!!!!"

I redoubled my efforts to reach her. Is it just me, or does it get harder to keep control the closer I get to her?

After What seemed like forever, I finally got close enough to hear what she was saying.

"I can't fail her" She muttered to herself.

I struggled as much as I could until I was able to put hoof on her right shoulder.

"Funny, I was thinking the same thing."

I gave her a reassuring smile, as she looked at me. There was a mixture of surprise and fear on her face.

"Hey I know that you don't want to admit that you are scared, but you can't do this alone."

She turned her gaze down.

"I guess I can't hide it now."

The tornadoes were threatening to rip us apart, but I had her now, and I wasn't going to lose her.

"I just wanted to be as strong as you."

I gave her a confused look.

"You can do a sonic rainboom, I can't do that."

She look back at me with tears in her eyes.

"THAT MEANS NOTHING!!! I am dead! Nothing more than a transparent fucking spirit that can't do anything that matters!! You do all these amazing things, and I get to watch!! Just like I got to watch the world fucking tear itself apart! What good is creating a weather control project, when all the Pegasai are just going to abuse it anyways! Now I'm fucking useless!!!! USELESS!!!" She was in full cry mode. There was one thing I knew to do.

I pulled her in for the most caring hug I could muster. As she cried into my shoulder, I rubbed her back.

"You aren't useless, Dash. You keep me going, I need you."

She didn't respond, she just cried and cried. As she cried the storm began to clear, revealing a beautiful sky. We landed on a cloud with a wonderful breeze. Rainbow pulled from me and gave me a tear filled smile.

"Thanks Lightning."

I hugged her again, as tears flowed down my face.

"Your welcome Rainbow."

             ~>~>~>~>~>~>~

I yawned slowly, then opened my eyes allowing light to shine into my eyes. I looked down at the cyan pegasus mare. Her shiver was gone, and she wore a a smile, with a tear rolling down the right side of her face. That drew a tear and a smile from me as well.

"Sweet dreams?"

I turned to a smiling Vinyl.

"You could say that."

       *** *** ***

The rest of the morning was uneventful. Well besides Vinyl's "Dubstep Cleaner." According to her, if you crank the base up to 11 on the machine, it cleans things on a microscopic level. It works, so says my super clean armor and Justice. Doctor hated the machination. I swear she reminds me of Soundwave in a way. I thought back to his "Wubbinator"

Now we stood in the doorway of Vinyl/Doctor's house staring out over the landscape.

Hang on guys, I'm coming.

"Okay team, let's go save our friends!" I cried as we began our quest.

Footnote: Level up!

Quest perk added: Fierce loyalty: you are loyal to your friends to the end. You get a boost to all combative stats, when one of your companions health drops below forty percent.

Perk added: Quick shot: hip fire shots are more accurate, and you aim down the sights faster

(Authors note: SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG!!! I also apologize for how short it is, this is a chapter designed to set up the story for an extra good chapter. So worry not, it will be made up for in the next chapter. I had a lot to do, and I got writers block a couple times. Do you forgive me? I hope so. I have to give thanks to my editor and to Somber. He helped me out a lot, so be sure to read his fic: Project Horizons on EQD!! Also be sure to donate money to him, he could really use it. Also thanks to the writers group for all their support. But most of all thanks to you!! The readers!!! You guys are one the reasons I write, so thanks a lot! Now you all have a really awesome day!

P.S:Be sure to check out my friend's blog, "The end of all worlds". It is very interesting and he needs more OCs.)

6. Thunder

Operation 6011 chapter 6

Thunder

"...formally invites you to the marriage of Princess Mia'more Cadenza and .... MY BROTHER?!?"

Explosions filled the air as I expertly dodged around in the sky. I needed to keep their attention on me. Especially the big boss.

Bullets whizzed by me, as a missile flew past me and detonated. The air was hot with the heat from the bullets and explosions. The wind pulled at my mane, adrenaline pumped through my veins.

An explosion erupted next to me, almost knocking me from the sky.

That was close.

I wish Rainbow was with me. This would be a lot easier.

I mentally kicked myself again.

I need to stop thinking about that, IM BEING SHOT AT.

To prove my point, a bullet tore into my left hind leg.

I bit my lip, and tried to ignore the burning sensation in my leg.

I dove under an explosion, and checked how my friends are doing. They were almost done.

I hope this works.

It better, it was MY idea.

A ball of erupted in front of me. It singed my coat and mane as I flew into it. I emerged toaster than usual.

Celestia fuck me sideways with a missile launcher. Mr. Boomer is using incinderary missiles. I dodged right to avoid another midair BBQ.

Come on! What is taking them so long?!? The baddies are starting to become better shots, I can't do this forever.

I saw a glint on a nearby hill, that had a ton of big boulders at the top of it.

I flew over the hill, and they followed. I put my pipbuck up and tilted it, so it glinted light towards my friends when the mercenaries were almost at the top of the hill.

I saw another glint on the opposite hill. I smiled.

Finally, let's hope this works.

I flew low over the hill and of course bullets and explosions followed. The terrain rocked as the shockwaves from the explosions weakened it's resolve. My leg burned with pain.

So this is what it feels to be shot. I hate it.

I landed on the boulder that sat in front of all the others, and cleared my throat.

"YOU GUYS ARE THE WORST SHOTS I'VE EVER SEEN!!!" I pointed a hoof at the big boss. "ESPECIALLY YOU!! WHO TAUGHT YOU HOW TO FIRE THAT THING?!?"

That did it. I know because eight missiles were headed my way. I waited ..... The missiles were halfway to their target..... I waited..... They were almost there.... I shot into the sky, just as explosions rocked the hillside, creating a huge avalanche that proceeded to obliterate the mercs.

The big baddie was taken off guard, and had to....Take flight? What! He's a pegasus?!?

"Oh no you don't" I muttered to myself as I shot after him.

I wanted answers. I slammed into his back, bringing us both down to the earth below.

He was strong. He kicked and fought, but I managed to pin him down, despite the burning pain in my leg. I bit down on his metal helmet pulled it off him. My eyes widened. The helmet dropped from my mouth.

His cyan eyes grew wide with mine.

"Thunder?!?"

"Lightning?!?"

Now I had even more questions.

Like why is my brother heading up a bunch of baddies and trying to kill me? Before he could talk, I began my Interrorgation.

"Why the hell are you trying to kill me?!?" My face was red hot with anger.

"I didn't know it WAS you, I was just doing a bounty."

My face must have been steaming.

"YOU KILL PONIES FOR MONEY!?!?"

My friends came up from behind, with concerned looks on their faces.

"Well it IS a honest work-"

"KILLING PONIES IS NOT A HONEST LIVING!!!" I retorted.

"What would mom say?!? Is she even still alive!?!"

"LIGHTNING!"

I stopped and looked at him.

"Mom is alive, but how is dad?" I saw the concern in his eyes.

A wave of sadness washed over me.

He doesn't know.

I whispered, "He's dead."

He didn't hear. "What?"

"HE'S DEAD!!!! HE KILLED HIMSELF BECAUSE YOU AND MOM LEFT!!!" I screamed it at the top of my lungs.

I began to cry, a shocked look appeared on his face.

"So you've been alone all these years......" His guilt was evident in his voice.

Polaris put a hoof on my shoulder.

"I believe you know something we do not."

I wiped a tear from my eye.

"This is my brother... Thunder."

Their jaws dropped.

"So your broth'r is th' one who, blew up our camp, and chased us five miles tryin' t' blow us up?" I turned to Red and sighed.

"I guess...."

I turned back to Thunder. Confrontation time. This couldn't wait, I have to ask him something that's been itching me for years.

"Thunder... Why did you and mom leave? I thought you were my B.B.B.F.F?"

He sighed.

"It wasn't because of you..-"

"It was because of the enclave right? Well unlike you, when I left," I pointed a hoof at Polaris." I brought my friends with me, instead of leaving them behind."

He stood up, with a downcast look on his face. He dug into his saddlebags and produced a box. He set it down infront of me.

"Open it Lightning, you need to see what's inside."

I opened the box, and what was inside nearly made me cry.

Inside was a picture of me as a filly with him, and our parents. Next to it was a picture of us big smiles on our face, and in my hoof writing "I love you B.B.B.F.F!!".

He missed me this whole time.

I tackled him, tears rolling down my face.

"I missed you so much!!!!!" I cried.

He wrapped his fore hooves around me, with tears rolling down his face.

"I missed you too little sis."

I could hear somepony crying. The pony wasn't in sight, but I still knew who it was. I'd recognize that scratchyish  voice from anywhere.

I pushed him back and looked him on the eyes.

"You have to promise me something, or I won't forgive you for almost blowing me up."

He smiled.

"What ever you want."

I returned his smile.

"No more working for bad ponies, and you only take jobs to kill bad ponies." I stated.

He laughed and rubbed the back of his head with a hoof.

"Fine. Do you forgive me?"

I grinned.

"I do. Now you just have to convince my friends."

He turned to my friends.

"I'm sorry I blew up your camp... And chased you for five miles.... And tried to blow you up, or shoot you...or...-" Polaris interrupted him with a hug.

His eyes widened. When she finished, she explained.

"I can see it in your soul. You truly love Lightning. I forgive you. Thank you for showing Lightning that she is not the last of her family."

A look of realization spread across my face. So THAT'S why she stared into my eyes so intently, the first time we met.

Red patted Thunder on the back.

"Hell, I forgive ya too."

Soundwave joined in.

"I forgive ya too."

Gumdrop popped up on his head.

"I forgive you too Mr. Thunder."

I'll never know how she manages to do that type of stuff.

Bubblegum gave him a smile.

"I forgive you too."

               **** *** ****

We all sat around the campfire, exchanging stories. Polaris had given me a healing potion earlier. The potion, well, healed me. What else would it do?

"...you should'ev seen the looks on their faces, it was hilarious!" I finished my story, and everyone laughed.

However, Thunder's laugh was a bit weak. Soundwave nudged him.

"Cheer up Thunder, you don't have to be serious 100% of the time. In fact, you gotta have some good stories to tell." Thunder laughed nervously, I nickered.

I patted him on the back.

"Come on Thunder, you aren't still afraid of telling stories right?" I gave him a taunting grin.

He blushed, then pulled me back and whispered in my ear, "I thought I told you never to mention that if front of hotties!!" I gave him a questioning look, and he nodded towards Polaris.

I chuckled, he gave me a inquisitive look.

"You DO know she is a star right? As in twinkling light above type star." I whispered in his ear. His eyes went wide, and his face turned pale.

"You're kidding, right?" I smiled and shook my head. He kicked a rock and frowned. I patted him on the black.

"Hey don't be sad B.B.B.F.F, now why don't you tell us a story?"

He sighed, then nodded his head. "Okay."

He cleared his throat, then began.

"This story is about how I got my guns......"

            00000000000

A Lightblue Pegasus, with a dark grey mane, entered the room. His cutie mark of twin thunderclouds ,who's thunder bolts were light blue, went well with his black and blue combat armor. His grenade launcher battle saddle gleamed in the light of the lamp.

The room was small, with a table in the middle, which had a huge map on it

"Hey Thunder, you made it!" an all to familiar voice called from the table.

The voice belonged to Crimson Beam, a crimson unicorn mare, with a jet black mane that had a red-orange streak in it. She also wore combat armor that was a firery red. She also had a large tri-beam magical laser rifle.

She was also his partner.

He smiled.

"Glad I could make it, did you get the things I asked for?"

She returned the gesture.

"I got more, since I know how much you like to go overkill on these things."

Thunder grinned.

"You know me so well."

He walked up to the table, which had a map of the area around stable 64. Stable 64 is a known raider base.

A big, well armed, one. Also the location of their next target.

"This is costing us one pretty cap, but if we succeed we will gain two pretty caps." She held the list of "necessities" in her magic. "200 mercs, one, erm, two vertibucks, and one mortar launcher."

He gave her a huge kiss. He has no idea were she finds this stuff, sometimes he imagines Celestia herself supplies her. Another reason she is his marefriend as well.

"You are amazing. Where did you find the mortar launcher? Or TWO vertibucks?" She gave him a sly grin.

"My secret." She turned and stroked his face with her tail, "Now shouldn't we go address the troops?"

"Yea, but first I need to go see my sis...."  He replied slowly.

She nodded her head understandingly. He walked over to the door on the other side of the room, and opened it. He shut the door behind him, and flicked on the light. On the wall in front of him, was a picture of him and his little sister, Lightning, when she was just a filly. They were both laughing. On the corner of picture, in messy hoofwriting, it said "I love you my B.B.B.F.F!!!". Next to that photo, a picture of the whole family sat. They looked so happy.

"Hey sis... I hope you are okay. Me and Crimson are going to take out a big raider base today. I think you would be happy if you were here with me. Raiders are very bad ponies, and I know how much you hate bad ponies." He sighed heavily." Hey, how's dad? I hope he is okay. I think about you all the time. " He took a deep breath then finished. "Well I gotta go address the troops, see ya"

With that he turned and exited the room to a waiting Crimson.

"Ready?" Her voice was gentle, but brimming with excitement.

Thunder nodded his head."Let's go rally the troops."

They shared a kiss, then stepped out onto the high hill, overlooking hundreds of ponies. The cool breeze played with his mane.

Crimson's horn lit up, and Thunder's voice was amplified. He cleared his throat an began.

"ATTENTION PROUD MERCENARIES OF THE EQUESTRIAN WASTE!!!! TODAY, WE BECOME RICH MARES AND STALLIONS!!!!"

A roar of approval rose from the crowd. He grinned and glanced at Crimson.

"STABLE 64 IS ONE OF THE MOST WELL ARMED RAIDER BASE IN THE GREAT EQUESTRIAN PLAINS... BUT WE ARE BIGGER,BETTER ARMED,AND MOST OF ALL.... WE'RE THE TOUGHEST MERCENARIES AROUND!!!!"

The crowd roared once again.

"NOW LET'S GO KILL SOME DIRT BAGS!!!!!!!!" With that, a vertibuck landed next to him, and the two boarded it. The vertibuck left for stable 64 as the army of mercs roared and cheered behind them.

              *** *** ****

Explosions filled the air, as Thunder jumped from the vertibuck carrying Crimson on his back.  The air blasted through his mane, as he sped across the sky, dodging missiles, bullets, and explosions.

Anti- air cannons. As expected.

The stable door was implanted in the hillside, and there was a nest of turrets on the hill. In the area in front of the door, fortifications littered the area.

The fortifications included two anti-air cannons.

Thunder brought his radio to his face, and sent the order to begin the bombardment.

On that order, the mortars began firing and vertibucks began strafing the fortifications.

"Vertibuck 2 come in!" Thunder shouted into his radio, as another explosion attempted to drop him.

The radio crackled to life and a voice said, "This is vertibuck 2, what is it?"

"I need you to take out those anti-air cannons!! We need the skies clear!"

"Got that boss."

With that, a vertibuck turned its attention to the anti-air cannons. A door slid open, and a Earth pony stallion, hefted a HUGE missile launcher on his battle saddle. He fired the missile, and the missile impacted with an anti-air cannon, resulting in a huge explosion.

Thick, black smoke rose into the sky, as the cannon fell over nearly hitting the second one. The vertibuck began firing on the second cannon. The cannon fired and a round impacted on one of the vertibuck's wings. The vertibuck began to fall from the sky.

To the flier's credit, he managed to fly the vertibuck straight into the cannon, causing a big explosion.

Free from the cannon's danger, the remaining vertibuck was able to do a much better job, despite the missiles being fired at it.

He flew low, and readied his grenade launcher, Crimson readied her gun as well. He targeted the turrets at the top of the hill, and began strafing it.

The ground was pure chaos. He could now see his mercs slowly advancing through the enemy defenses. Missiles exploded, bullets whizzed through the air, and magical bolts sizzled. Ponies were dying left and right. Luckly most of them were raiders.

Those turrets had to go. They were decimating his forces.

After about 3 minutes of strafing the turrets were smoldering heap. So were their operators.

Within minutes, his forces made it to the door. The door was shut. Crimson immediately hacked the door. She was an masterful hacker.

"Okay, guns at the ready! We don't know what's behind that door!" She called out.

They all readied our guns. She hit a button, and the door rolled open.

"AMBUSH!!!!!" somepony called out.

"FIRE!!!" Thunder and Crimson cried.

They all filled the entrance room of the stable with bullets explosions.

When they finished, there was nothing really left in the entrance.

Thunder turned to his troops, Crimson amplified his voice.

"THE TIME HAS COME!! WHAT YOU FIND FIRST, IT'S YOURS!!" The crowd roared.

"THE TARGET IS MINE, NOW ATTACK!!!!!!!!!" The crowd roared in approval once again, and Thunder and Crimson headed the charge inside the stable.

            **** **** ***

The sounds of gunfire and explosions echoed through the halls. The smell of death hung heavy in the air.

A giggling crazed raider was blown to pieces as his comrade was disintegrated by a trio of beams.

Almost there, Thunder thought. According to recent information, "willingly" given by a raider, the target was in the Overmare's Office.

The duo approached a door with a sign over it, saying "Overmare's Office".

"Bingo." Crimson said aloud. She turned to Thunder."Ready?"

He grinned at her."I wouldn't have anypony else at my side."

They opened the door, and the duo immediately opened fire, careful to not damage the computers.

When the dust settled from the shots, the computers only suffered minimal damage because of the poor bastard who was in the room. Now, he was all over the room. To anypony who didn't know about this raid, it would look like the office was painted a new color.

So much for the big boss.

But they weren't there for him, they were there for what was in the armory under the office.

Crimson moved to the overseer's terminal, which wasn't even locked. She tapped a few keys and the floor in front of the overseer's desk opened revealing a hidden hallway.

Thunder stepped in and motioned for Crimson to go first.

"Ladies first."

She snickered, then started down the hallway. "Thank-you, aren't you being the gentlestallion."

They both laughed, and they continued down the hallway.

They sooner or later reached a door labeled "Armory". They looked at eachother and grinned. They opened the door, which revealed a treasure trove of caps and weapons.

While Crimson collected all the caps, Thunder started to look through the weapons.

One weapon caught his eye. It was a battle saddle with dual quad missile launchers on it. His mouth watered, as he approached the weapon. When he reached it, he suddenly thought about Lightning and the good ol' days.

He put it on. It was pretty heavy, but strength ran in the family. He deposited the missiles in his saddlebags. The battle saddle came with a laser sight for targeting purposes.

Sold.

Also, he knew just what to name the weapon.

Thunder & Lightning.

Crimson trotted over with a smile on her face.

"New Toy?" She inquired.

"Oh yeah..." His grin was replaced by an inquizzitive look." Did you get the target?"

Crimson grinned, then turned, revealing a cute yellow filly on her back. "Yup."

He grinned and gave her a kiss.

"I knew I could depend on you." He turned on the radio "Attention all units, the vault is ours!!!" that was followed by sounds of cheers."We got what we wanted, so the rest is yours!!!!" That was followed by even more cheers.

He turned to Crimson. "Let's go"

               000000000

Thunder finished his story. Everypony just sat there. Then a applause rose from the others. I turned to Thunder and smiled.

"Great story B.B.B.F.F."

He gave me a grin.

"Thanks."

Gumdrop's hoof shot into the air. She didn't even wait for Thunder to respond.

"Mr. Thunder, if you like Crimson so much, then where is she now?"

A wave of sadness seemed to wash over Thunder, I knew that look before. I've made it before. I put a hoof on his shoulder and turned to Gumdrop.

"Gumdrop, some questions are better left unanswered."

Thunder gave me a sad, "Thank You" look.

Bubblegum emerged from the supply tent.

"Dinner is served everypony." Her voice calm, and controlled as usual.

My face brightened up. I nudged Thunder.

"Thunder, Bubblegum is the best cook I've ever seen, you should come get some dinner. I know you're hungry, you're allways hungry." I was telling the truth. I have no idea how she is so good though.

He sighed heavily, then got up. I followed him.

                     *** *** ***

We all sat around the table. Bubblegum insisted we do. Well more like she said that if we didn't eat at the table, she wasn't going to cook. I have to admit, none of us really knew how to cook. Pretty pathetic right?

I looked down at my Brahmin steak, cooked to perfection. I don't know how she does it. When I tried to cook one, I screwed it up bad. Even my pipbuck didn't know what to call it when I was done.

I just kept staring at it. Mostly because I've never eaten meat before. I mean we didn't exactly have cloud-walking Brahmin in Lightning Hoof. I didn't know what to expect. So how do I-

"Miss Lightning where are you from?" Thanks for interrupting my thought Gumdrop. I sighed. I guess she was just curious.

"The clouds." I simply replied. A confused look appeared on her face.

"What's it like?" She just had to ask. I guess there would be no harm in telling them about my used-to-be home.

"Well, first there's the sky. An beautiful endless blue, that stretches out as far as the eye can see. But that hardly compares to the sun. It is warm and beautiful, a giant yellow ball in the sky." Gumdrop clearly was dizzied by the thought of and endless blue. What's the name of that effect? Vertigo I think. See I'm may not be smart, but I'm not stupid either. Yay for neutrality! Then she smiled when she thought of the sun. I noticed everypony had started listening, as I continued.

"Then there are the clouds. They are soft and fluffy, in some places, and hard as a rock in other places." I took a deep breath, then continued. "I come from one of the cities. This one was called Lightning Hoof." The images from my life in the city flashed before my eyes.

"What was it like in Lightning Hoof." I looked over at Soundwave who know wore a curious look on his face.

I took a deep breath. They need to know what it is really like up there.

"Not really much better than down here. I was poor and a orphan most my life. Only the rich got a perfect life." Their jaws dropped. I continued.

"The government is pretty corrupt. The reason I'm down here, is because they were conducting immoral, secret projects and I found out. So I was framed and sentenced to death." They all started to grow solemn, they knew it could get worse.

"Not only that, they have been lying to us saying 'that it was unlivable on the surface'. They send patrols under and they would come back comfirming the government's claim." I kicked the chair that I was sitting on. It broke. "The high officials are heartless bastards. I mean, how could they just  slaughter Hope! She helped ponies! Just because she was affiliated with me doesn't mean she had to die!!!" I slammed a hoof on the table, cracking the wood.

"Lightning...." Polaris said softly.

I turned to look at Polaris, my bright red eyes glowed with anger. The glow died down, when I saw the her worried look. Turned to observe everypony's worried looks. My rage died down and I left the tent, head hung low.

               *** *** ***

There is something strangely therapeutic about overlooking the wasteland. I don't know why though. It gives you something to look at while alone with your thoughts maybe? Well that's my guess. Either way, I'm sure I'm hated in some way by "The powers that be." It's the only explanation for how many times life has fucked me over.

"Y'all okay?"

I looked back at Red. Then looked back over the wasteland, and sighed.

"Define 'okay'."

He frowned and sat next to me.

"I'll take that as a no."

I turned to notice Polaris coming from behind. Yay. Group therapy session. What fun.

She sat down on the other side of me.

"I've had a messed up life, so I have an excuse to not be okay." I nickered. "Some leader I am." I looked down at my pipbuck. "I don't even know how to work this thing." I smacked the little computer on a rock, and the radio came to life.

"Hey there wastelanders!!! This is your voice of truth DJ-PON3. This bit of news goes out to you folk in the Great Equestrian Plains. Y'all know that Pegasus I told you about who killed the giant Radscorpion with a head butt? Well she's at it again! I have here one scared as hell ex-slaver who is the sole survivor of the big bad Slaver camp near Horseshoe. Speaking of which, has been destroyed. I don't know by who, by my heart goes out to the residents of the town. Now back to the subject, what is your name sir?

C-Cracker Jack.

You okay?

U-umm yea s-sure. I-is s-she listening?

Most likely."

I could hear his sigh of relief. Wow. I guess I am that scary, when I want to be. He finally calmed down.

"Now can you tell us what happened?

Okay.I hope your listening to this, you crazy bitch, I'm doing what you demanded."

If I was there, I would have bucked him clear across the room.

"Is she really THAT scary?

You have no idea.

Wow

Now it all started when she fell out of the sky. So we took her. Free slave right? Well we should have known after she injured half of the slavers in her first day. But the horror came on the third night. After some of the slaves knocked her unconscious with rocks, we just left them to their fun. I don't even want to know what they did to her."

That's a pleasant thought.

"

After we brought her to her cell, the horror began. Some of the boys wanted to have some fun with her in a 'special' way. They never came back. After that, we were in the mess hall. Thats when we heard gunshots and screams right outside the door. Then suddenly she burst in covered in blood, and screamed something about how we are all going to hell. That's when she attacked. It was terrifying. She literally tore ponies apart with her own hooves. She also expertly dodged any attacks thrown at her. She was a monster. I watched as she tore my best friend's leg off and smashed his skull in with it. It was like something straight out of a nightmare. I thought for sure I was going to die. I have a recording of what she told me.

'I'm letting you live for one purpose. To spread fear. I want you to tell every slaver you see, that I'm coming for them.. If I make it to the next slaver camp, and they aren't warned.. I will EAT YOUR LIMBS!!!!! Got that?'

Wow. Well there you have it folks. This mare does not tolerate slavery, and is out to get every pony who calls themselves a slaver. I wish you luck out there gal, and try to tone down on the brutality okay? I'm pretty sure you traumatized this poor stallion. Now here is "We can be kind" by Sweetie Bell."

The sad sweet music began. Red sat there wide eyed, and mouth hung open. Polaris just got her sad look.

"You two have to promise to not to tell Thunder, or Gumdrop. I don't want them to worry about me." My voice was sad and quiet. A solemn look appeared across my face.

"damn" Was all Red had to say.

"Worry not, Lightning, you secret is safe with us." Polaris saw the aftermath. She already knew what happened.

"Thanks, I think I'll go for a flight. Celestia knows I need one." As I said that, I got up and spread my pure white wings.

Now I was considered a hottie by most back in, Lightning Hoof. So I wasn't surprised when I caught Soundwave staring as I rose up into the air.

The cool night air, felt good flowing through my mane. I loved flying. It helps clear my mind as I do the twist and turns through the air. I felt calm in this element, I was in control. Flying felt as natural as walking. My strong wings allowed me to command the sky.

I closed my eyes and just let my movements flow. A loop here, followed by a spin, then a dive. I pulled up from the dive and just flew straight.

However there was one nagging thought that just wouldn't go away.

Operation 6011.

The way the ministry mares and Luna (once again how do I know that) talked about it. It was like it was a crime against nature to even consider it. It was supposedly a terrible thing.

And the Enclave wanted it. Celestia knows it is something terrible. But what is it? Part of me really didn't want to know and part of me really did want to know.

I did a loop to start heading the opposite direction. Then I heard a filly scream, as my left saddle bag became undone and a pink filly dropped out.

"Gumdrop!?!? Damn it!"

I dove after the screaming filly.

Fuck! I need to go faster. I slowly gained on Gumdrop. Come on......

The ground was fast approaching.

I won't make it in time, at this rate.

Then I heard a familiar voice yell out "You can do it Lightning!!!"

Rainbow Dash came up beside me. Confidence filled me, I raced even faster. Sweat poured from my brow. The air hammered my mane, and my tail flapped hard in the wind.

Come on....

The ground grew closer.

Almost....

Time slowed as I put my forehooves around Gumdrop and pulled up, barely missing the ground.

I flew back to our camp. Somepony needed to be scolded. Even if she is a cute little filly, with evil puppy dog eyes that are damn near impossible to say no to.

That's why I'm getting the help of Bubblegum.

                 **** *** ***

"WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!!!" Bubblegum roared. We both cringed.

Damn. Hell hath no fury like that of a mother whose filly almost got herself killed.

I wasn't even the one she was yelling at, and I still was intimidated.

Ive fought a hoard of slavers with my bare hooves, killed a Giant Radscorpion using a headbutt, defeated an army of mercs, and destroyed a raider base. Yet I'm scared of this one mare.

Yup, don't ya just love how logic works.

While Bubblegum went on about how she could've died and how she was lucky I could save her, my mind trailed off to other thoughts. Like Rainbow standing in the doorway of the tent, with a sheepish smile on her face.

I snuck away from Bubblegum and her monologue, and pushed Rainbow outside. After I was sure I had my privacy I did what I had been wanting to do ever since the Gumdrop incident.

She started to say something, but I swept her up in a gigantic hug.

"You don't need to say you're sorry. I forgive you." I told her happily.

"B-but I abandoned you, I-" She began to say.

"-was scared of me." I sighed" I was, am, scared of me too."

I pulled her off and looked her in the eye.

"Just.. Never do that again." I told her in my most serious, loving voice I could muster.

Her face was displayed in a combination of hurt, sadness, and confusion. Tears rolled down her face.

"How could you forgive me?!? I abandoned you, when you needed me the most!!! I-I.." She was at a loss for words. Her scratchy voice I swear cracked.

I did the one thing I could think of.

I gave her a great big loving hug.

"You're back. That's all that matters to me."

We began to cry. Cliche', I know, but that's what happened. If you're complaining right now, stuff it. I don't care.

After the sobs subsided, the smile returned to her face.

"Check this out." It was then, I realized she had a pipbuck on her leg. It looked just like mine, except it was rainbow colored.

She hit a button on it, and then smiled.

"I can talk to your friends now." My pipbuck said.

I stared at it in disbelief.

Celestia fuck me upside down with her horn. Rainbow can talk through my pipbuck. Who knew. What is it with me and not understanding tech. She nickered.

"Did you ever bother to learn anything about tech?" She asked. I shrugged.

"That's what I got smart ponies like Soundwave for."

We both shared a laugh.

"Of course we don't know tech. We aren't eggheads."

                 *** *** ***

I snuck back into the tent as Bubblegum was finishing her lecture.

"Now you will apologize to Lightning for making her worry." With that, a very sorry looking Gumdrop turned to me.

"I'm sorry Miss Lightning." She gave me her puppy dog look. I swear, I want to know how Bubblegum deals with it.

I gave her a reassuring smile. "I forgive you Gumdrop." Her face brightened and she tackled me.

I rubbed her head with a hoof, and laughed. I would be a terrible mother. My kids would be spoiled. Safe, but spoiled. I just can't resist those puppy dog eyes.

Well I guess it is time to introduce Rainbow to my friends.

                   *** *** ***

Everypony just stood there wide eyed and jaws on the floor.

Thunder gathered the courage to speak up.

"lemme get this straight. You are THE Rainbow Dash, and you are LIVING in MY sister's body as a spirit. And this is all because she is a direct decendant, and our family gun, and a statue."

"Pretty much." Rainbow replied.

"Why not me?" He asked, with a hint of envy in his voice.

Rainbow nickered. "Lightning is about twenty percent cooler than you."

A huffed look appeared on his face. I nudged him.

"I guess my Rainbow Dash beats your big guns." I told him jokingly.

Everypony's faces had returned to normal. I half expected Gumdrop to burst out laughing, from the look on her face. She didn't burst out laughing, but she did have an outburst.

"Wow! So are you faster than Lightning, Rainbow?" She just HAD to ask that.

"Of course I am." Was that a CHALLENGE?

"Not." I gave Rainbow an competitor's look. What can I say, I can't turn down a challenge.

"I am SO faster than you." Was her reply.

"In your DREAMS you are."

"How about a race then?"

It. Is. On

No going back now. She has now directly challenged me.

"You are SO on. Winner is the fastest." Was my reply. We were face to face, with competitive smiles.

"Fine by me."

"Deal."

I stuck my tongue out, causing her to giggle a bit. Then our competitive looks returned.

               *** *** ***

"So what does this do again?"

Soundwave sighed.

"Lightning. How did YOU end up with the pipbuck?" I shrugged.

"This little addition to your pipbuck, will capture what you perceive and display it for us." I gave him my "English please" look. He face-hoofed.

"Basically, allows us to see Rainbow Dash." That makes sense.

"Oohh. Why didn't you say that the first time?" He took a deep breath then muttered, "I didn't think I had to."

He pressed a button, and nothing happened. Well nothing I could see. Apparently something changed, because just as Rainbow trotted into the tent, his jaw dropped. I nickered.

"Ready?" She asked with a smile.

I grinned. "You bet."

                  *** *** ***

The "course" was a race to the opposite hill, and back. About three miles.

"Wow. I didn' know there was two Lighnin' s."

Red was right. Our stretches were the same, our stances were the same, even how our bodies were built were very similar. Her's was built a bit more on the muscular side.

We took our positions next to eachother. We leaned forward and spread out wings.

"Ready?" she asked confidently.

"I so am." was my reply.

Then in almost perfect unison, we both said, "Readysetgo!!"

We were off like a couple of bullets.

I flapped my wings as hard as I could. The air rocketed through my mane, and hammered my tail. Adrenaline pumped through my veins, We had twin streaks. Her's was a rainbow, mine a red and gold lightning bolt.

She was fast. I was keeping up though. But keeping up isn't enough, I have to win. I flapped my wings harder, and I pulled ahead Rainbow by a nose. She noticed and went faster. Now SHE was ahead by a nose.

I am not losing.

As we reached the hill, we both did a backwards loop and raced back. I flew as fast as I could which pulled me ahead by ten noses.

Then I heard a loud BOOM!!

Rainbow zoomed by me, with a rainbow trailing behind her. I looked back, and saw the shockwave of the boom spread across the sky. She was now ahead by 164,321 noses.

Figuratively speaking.

Damn it. She can do a Sonic Rainboom. I never stood a chance. One day, I'll be able to do one too. You'll see I just need some time and hard work.

When I reached the finish, Rainbow was waiting for me. She was doing a celebratory dance, as the others cheered.

I. Hate. Losing.

Rainbow nudged me.

"Don't worry, being number two isn't all bad. Just not as good as being number one." She said tauntingly.

I gave her a scowl. "You're dead, so technically I'm number one." She patted me on the head.

"Yea you keep telling yourself that."

I sighed and gave her a "one of these days" look.

We must have the worst biological clocks in the world. Either that or we are really nocturnal creatures. I say this because we do most of out activities at night. It's like we are allergic to day time. Well that's my grand theory.

That's when I decided it was bed time. Too much has happened in one day, psychologically anyways. I needed to rest. All this talk of lack of sleep, doesn't help either.

"Okay team! I'm going to bed! Mentally exhausted and all that nonsense." I looked at Gumdrop. "I also suggest that it's past bedtime for anypony who isn't an adult." Bubblegum nodded her head in approval.

Gumdrop looked at me pleadingly. "But Miss. Lightning I'm not tired!!"

Why does she call me "Miss Lightning"?

I smiled and scooped her up and placed her on my back. Mostly because I wouldn't have to look at her cute puppy dog eyes that way. Hah. Counter measure against those damn eyes.

" How about I sing you a lullaby, Hope used to sing to me." I said slyly. Her face brightened up. She loved my lullabys, so why not Hope's?

She sat excitedly on my head, as we entered the mares tent. Bubblegum's and Polaris' idea. So I rolled with it. I really didn't care who slept near who, as long as they kept their hooves to themselves while I slept.

I placed her on her bed. She slid under the covers, then her cute little head popped out.

"You comfy?"

She nodded.

"Okay.." I took a deep breath then began.

                      /-/-/-/

Hey there little filly, why so worried?

Don't be scared. I'm here to make everything alright.

Rest up, you have big day tomorrow.

Just close those little eyes and forget about the sorrow.

The princess of the night watches over all the little ones.

She keeps your dreams nice and bright.

An' when she's gone, it left to the Princess of the morning, daytime.

She makes sure you wake up, when the night all gone.

So sleeeep now. Little filly.

So tomorrow can come in a jiffy.

So sleeeep now. Little filly.

Slip into those sweet dreams, filled with lillys.

Sleep, little filly, sleep

Sleep, little filly, sleep.

Sleep, little filly, sleep.

Sleeeeeep.... little filly...

              /-/-/-/-/

When I finished, Gumdrop was sound asleep.

A tear rolled down the side of my face.

I miss Hope. I miss her laugh, her smile, her kindness, and most all her love. She was like mother to me.

I laid down on my bed next to Gumdrop. She got up sleepily, as if she sensed me going to bed, and curled up against my chest. I wrapped my hooves around her, and faded to sleep.

What a day.

Footnote: Nothing has really changed. Except for Extra Pair of Eyes perk has been reactivated.

Good for you.

(authors note: For those who don't know, I've started an "Ask Lightning" blog!!! All those questions you've been dying to ask Lightning and her friends, can now be asked. They can also, check this, be answered!!! Amazing right? Well thanks for reading!! Also thanks to my editor, for making this stuff legible. Thanks to somber for teaching me alot about writing, and setting me on the right path. Also thanks to Kkat for creating the universe of F.O.E. Also thanks to the Writers group for their support. Once again thanks to you. My readers!!! Those likes and faves don't create themselves!! Thanks for all your support! Now have an awesome day!!)

That's all, well for THIS story..

Yea this story is going to be redone. I like the characters, but the story has simply started going by too fast. So don't worry, Lightning will be back. Just an alternate reality Lightning. Also it is going to be infinitely better than this one. So look forward to:

Fallout Equestria: Miracles

I hope to see you all there.

Sorry again.