Fallout Equestria Firestorm

Wakey, wakey... Wakey, wakey...
I awoke to a pleasant breeze rustling my mane, it was early morning, not quite dawn, Summer was standing over me, fanning me with his wings.
Mornin' you two, sleep well?
You two? I asked groggily, I looked around, only to realize Gumdrop was pressed against me, smiling lazily in her Med-X assisted sleep. I blushed. It seemed like I've been doing that a lot lately.
Ya seem to have slept well, don't think either of you budged all night, but it's time to get moving. He said shifting his fanning to Gumdrop.
Nah, this is how you gotta wake her up. said Buckshot trotting over.
She leaned over me and bit Gumdrop's ear.
Some ponies might expect her to start awake at such a shock, instead Gumdrop rolls over, giggles "stop it!" and licks my cheek!
I'm not entirely certain how it happened, but suddenly I found myself standing on Summer's head, blushing from nose to tail, Summer and Buckshot were polite enough to contain their laughter to a dull roar. Gumdrop rolled over and stretched before rolling onto her hooves smiling and blinking sleepy-eyed at us, this of course caused the two of them to laugh even harder. I wanted to kill both of them. Gumdrop asked what the joke was.
Nothin, nothin at all, It's time for breakfast.
Why so early? It's not even dawn yet. I asked.
Cuz' Zebras attack at dawn missy, said Summer, still smiling.
Right... I said skeptically, sure it was another joke.
Nah, I mean it, you should always be up and ready before dawn when you're on the trail, so if trouble comes your way with the sunrise, you'll be ready.
Buckshot nodded in agreement.
Hmm... I guess that makes sense.
So what's for breakfast? Gumdrop asked.
Cram and carrots! Buckshot stated with way too much enthusiasm.
I scrunched my nose at that, but ate my share anyway.
The caravan prepared to move just as the sun began to rise in the east, flashing between the horizon and the cloud layer, the bright light hurt my eyes, I felt something flop onto my head, I opened my eyes to find a wide-brimmed hat on my head in the same camouflage pattern as Summer's helmet, Summer landed next to me and adjusted the hat with his wing.
There you go Missy, that should help.
Hmm... I looked him up and down quizzically; he took a step back, looking confused.
What's that look for? He asked nervously.
Your wings... I said.
What about my wings? he asked pressing them close against his body, as though he was afraid I was going to steal them.
I read in my anatomy books that some of those feathers are actually digits, like a Minotaur's fingers... I said, circling around him.
Y... yeah, that's right. he said nervously.
I moved in closer, and sitting on my hind legs I grasped his wing and stretched it out, he watched nervously, but allowed the inspection, looking closely, I could see that the larger "feathers" near the wingtip did in fact contain bones and joints, I moved and bent them gently, testing their range of motion, brushing my hoof against the pinions and contemplating how they could have evolved that way, I was just about to ask a question when I felt myself being watched, I looked up at Summer only to find he was staring quite pointedly in the opposite direction, then I realized that the entire caravan had stopped and was watching us quite intently.
W... What? I asked, trying to fight off the blush forming on my cheeks. Summer pulled his wing from my grasp. Buckshot trotted over.
Uh, Snowbell, I don't think you know but umm, Pegasi are pretty particular about other ponies touching their wings.
I was just examining them; I wasn't going to hurt them.
I doubt you could hurt him hun, but that isn't what I mean, see... She leaned in close, their wings are an erogenous zone, and preening is considered foreplay, so you were just getting REALLY familiar with the poor buck.
Oh, oh gosh... I, I'm sorry, I stuttered.
It's alright missy, you just surprised me is all, Summer said, his back still turned to us.
Umm, Thanks for the hat... I said lamely.
Hehe, you’re welcome. He said. I thought I saw a blush on his cheek.
HEE! Snowbell really likes hats! Gumdrop blurted, grinning ear to ear in her wagon harness.
I pulled my new hat down over my face to hide the blush.
Alright everypony, time to roll out! Buckshot called.
The rest of the day was uneventful, the caravan rolled along the wasteland road, Summer once again disappearing into the sky for long periods of time, dropping in only momentarily to report conditions to Buckshot, but thankfully, There were no more attacks, it was mid-afternoon when we crested a hill and the settlement of Broken Teeth came into view, it was a singularly unimpressive place. Pre-war it had been a highway rest stop, consisting primarily of a fuel station, convenience store and a saloon. Post-war it had grown into a village, primarily because it had a well with a purifier talisman, but it was still nothing more than tin shacks clustered around the pre-war buildings with barricades erected at either end for defense. I'm not certain how it came to be known as Broken Teeth, but I suspect the saloon had something to do with it.
When we arrived at the barricade a green unicorn with a two-tone orange mane was waiting for us.
You must be the stable caravan, she said, my name is...
HI HOLOCAUST!
Summer appeared, hovering upside-down next to the unicorn.
...Firecracker Burst. She finished. Did you have to bring this featherbrain with you? Couldn't you have left him were you found him?
Aww, you missed me! Why wub woo howocawst! he said pressing his forehooves to his face.
Don't. Call. Me. Holocaust. the unicorn growled pressing her forehead against Summer's, I noticed that though she was pushing against him aggressively, she still was careful not to press her horn into him, I wondered if that was a voluntary or involuntary action.
Summer just beamed at her, still upside down.
She snorted, and turned to face us again.
As I was saying, my name is Firecracker Burst; I'm the closest thing this town has to a sheriff. I'm sorry about what happened to your friends, we did at least give them a proper burial, and we collected the caravan's goods they're in the store waiting for you.
Thank you miss Burst, that means a lot to us. Said Buckshot.
Not at all, you stable ponies are the best thing that has happened to this town, and it's the least we could do. So anyway, welcome to Broken Teeth, please enjoy your stay, she finished, smiling.
Glad to be here, I'll be happy to get out of this harness, Gumdrop said as she trotted into town, the security ponies holstered their weapons as they trotted after her and the other wagon towards the store.
We had some trouble with a couple snipers on the way here, have you seen anything suspicious since the first attack? Buckshot asked.
No, nothing here since Green Gardens left, heading south.
What's south? I asked.
Well the closest thing is a Ministry of Peace hospital in the town of Hopewell, two days journey from here, some group of eggheads took over that place a few years ago and got it mostly up and running again, beyond that is the city of Windy Hills, pre-war it was a city of 10,000 or so souls, then the bombs fell and everypony died, now it's over-run with gangs and tribal. Beyond that you get into the mountains, there's supposed to be a military facility there, but I don't know for sure if it actually exists of not.
It exists, said Summer, Fort Buffalo-town Gap, it was hit pretty hard during the war, but it's believed that most of the facility survived intact. The Enclave sent a recon unit there a few years back, they reported that there wasn't much to be seen above-ground except craters and ghouls, so far as I know they never tried going underground.
Well, I guess the featherbrain is good for something, Firecracker snarked.
I'm good at making you smile, he smirked back at her.
The thought of setting your tail on fire makes me smile.
I'd love to brush your mane, he said, his smirk reaching maximum.
I'm pretty sure Firecracker was about to set his tail on fire, but Buckshot intervened.
So, you think Green Gardens was heading for the hospital?
I only know she was headed south, she said she was going to fix things, kept repeating it like a mantra. I don't know what she was going to fix or how, but she was definitely headed south.
Thank you for that information. I said.
Not at all, you're Snowbell right? Your mother told me about you, she always said she thought we'd make good friends; it's a pleasure to finally meet you. She offered her hoof.
It's a pleasure to meet you too, I said, shaking her hoof.
Summer stood off to the side, smirking.
What's your problem featherbrain?
Nothin'...
That reminds me, a courier delivered a package for you yesterday, it's at the PBE office.
Oh, goody. I'm gonna go check that out; see you gals at the saloon!
And with that he leapt over the barricade into town.
What's gotten into him anyway? Is he always that giddy around here? Asked Buckshot.
Usually, he can only be counted on to be serious when he's working, but he likes to spend his down-time pestering me. Firecracker glared in his direction.
Sounds like you two get along well then, Buckshot grinned.
He gets on my nerves... A lot, but he's not the worst thing to blow in out of the wasteland.
I was about to say something but Buckshot cut me off.
Yeah, he ain't so bad, but enough gossiping, let's head inside, my hooves are killing me!
We made our way inside the barricade and headed to the store, inside Gumdrop was haggling with an old stallion behind the counter while a young filly stacked boxes of ammo on the counter for the security ponies.
Well everything looks in order here. said Buckshot. Why don't you go see what Summer is up to Snowbell?
Alright, where did he go?
The PBE office, it's the second building down from the saloon, you can't miss it. Said Firecracker.
Alright, I made my way across town to the building indicated, it was a large-ish tin shack like the other post-war buildings, the door had "Payback Enterprises" written on it in bright red. The interior was unimpressive, there was a large L-shaped desk in the middle of the room, one wall had some filing cabinets, a work bench and reloading bench the opposite wall had a table and refrigerator, and there was a bunk bed on the back wall. Summer was at the desk going over a battle saddle.
Hey missy! Check this out!
What is it?
This, is an Enclave recon designated markspony battle saddle, based off a closed-bolt light machine gun, it's chambered in 5.56mm, has a heavy, air-cooled barrel with an integral suppressor, fires either semi-automatic or 3 round burst and feeds from 50 round box magazines of which it carries six for a total combat load of 300 rounds of ammo, and it can be mounted to either side of the saddle for maximum flexibility. I paid an arms dealer a BIG pile O' caps for it, no idea where he got it, not sure ah wanna know, but now it's mine.
Interesting...
Ahyep, course, fancy as the weapon itself is, what really makes it special is the site visor...
He pulled out a black, lightweight helmet with a boxy pair of goggles on the front and two small black boxes mounted on either side below the ear holes, a wire extended out the back of one box and a "gunbit" came off the front of the other.
The goggles contain a HUD system similar to, and compatible with Stable-Tec's Eyes Forward Sparkle they also have passive night vision and thermal vision modes for all weather use, selectable 5X and 10X zoom in normal mode and 1X and 3X zoom in night vision and thermal modes. The Helmet contains a microburst infrared laser range finder, atmospheric sensors and a ballistic calculator which automatically adjust the weapons point-of-aim for pinpoint precision out to 500 meters and suppressive fire out to 800. It's only downside is it limits peripheral vision in night vision and thermal modes.
Wow, that's impressive, I said, I wasn't aware guns could be so... Scientific. Summer beamed at that.
If ya think that's impressive you should see the sniper 7.62mm, and anti-machine12.7mm models! With the "big .50" a decent shot can get multiple rapid body shots at 2000 meters! To say nothing of what can be done at closer ranges.
Wow, that is impressive.
Even more so when the shooter can fly huh? Oh, and I got something for ya!
He trotted over to the footlocker at the foot of the bed and came back with a grey/green armored vest.
Here, this'll help keep ya safe while we wander the wasteland, it's only Kevlar so it's really only good against pistol rounds and shrapnel but it's better than just that Stable suit you got.
Oh, Thank you.
Dun' mention it, truth is, your dad paid me extra to kit you out as best I could. He said with a smirk. Not that I blame him, you are his little filly.
Yeah... Thanks anyway. Slipping the barding on, it felt heavy at first, but once it was buttoned up it didn't feel too bad.
Whelp; let's head to the saloon shall we?
Um... Summer?
Hmm?
About earlier, I'm sorry I grabbed your wing like that.
Dun mention it Missy, I knew what you were doing, it's just... it's been ah while since anypony but me's touched my wings and having everypony staring at us didn't help.
Why is that?
Well, like Buckshot said, usually that's something that's done behind closed doors, and I don't think my wife would appreciate it if I let just anypony play with my wings, medics and doctors excluded of course.
You're married?
Ahyep, near ten years now.
Where is she?
Up there. he said, nodding upwards.
Oh, I'm sorry...
Hmm? Oh no, that ain't what I meant, I mean she's up there in the Enclave, along with our little one.
Oh... alright. I said sheepishly. What are their names?
My wife's name is Shadow Swift. the little one is either Summer Jr. or Laurel.
You don't know?
Nope, I was exiled before Shadow gave birth, that was seven years ago now.
I'm sorry.
Ain't nothing for you to be sorry about. You didn't have nothing to do with it.
I'm still sorry...
Heh, that's cuz you're kind soul Snowbell, but come on, enough jawin' about me, let's go have a drink.
We left the PBE office and made our way to the saloon, just inside there was a counter behind heavy iron bars, an older unicorn mare sat at it.
Well, come in! Don't stand there! And be sure to check your weapons if you're going to be drinking. That means you Summer Winds.
Afternoon Maybell, you'll take good care of my babies won't you?
Oh honestly, I've never seen a buck that frets over his guns like you. She said, her horn lighting up to unstrap Summer's battle-saddle and carry it through the opening between the bars.
Well they're my babies, I love 'em.
Yes, yes, I'll take good care of them, as always. And how about you red-eyes? You drinkin?
Oh, um... I don't think so.
Say that again?
I... Don't think I'm going to drink?
Oh sweetie, I'd kiss you if'n these bars weren't in the way, it's so rare to see a young pony with some sense of self-respect.
Oh, umm. Thank you?
No, thank you sweetie. You gonna help me keep an eye on these ruffians tonight?
I suppose.
Wonderful! And don't let any of these fools talk you into drinking either, alcohol ain't nothing but trouble believe you me.
Alright, I won't.
Funny how much Maybell hates booze when she works in a saloon.
You'd hate it too if'n you were sober to see what it does to ponies ya over-sized featherbrain, and someponies gotta keep y'all from killin' yerselves.
Eh, we kill ourselves just fine sober too.
Yes, yes, quit botherin' me and go drink yerself into a coma. But you'd better not go and infect Ms. Red-eyes with your disease; there'll be hell to pay if I catch you trying to get her to drink.
Alrighty Maybell, I'll talk to ya later.
With that we went inside, Summer headed to the bar, I found Buckshot and Gumdrop at a table.
Hey Snowbell! Nice jacket!
It's not a jacket Gumdrop, it's a Kevlar vest. Snarked Buckshot over her drink.
Well... Whatever it is, it looks snazzy!
Don't mind her Snowbell; she's been hitting the sauce.
I'd hit it! Gumdrop declared pointing at me.
Why would you wanna hit me? I asked.
Gumdrop gawked at me for a second then smacked her head on the table and started laughing hysterically.
I looked at Buckshot.
Don't worry about it Snowbell, just Gumdrop being Gumdrop.
Ok...
What's so funny y'all? Summer trotted over, a bottle of whiskey tucked under his wing.
Hey Summer! Come to join the fun?
Yeah, I figure so.
With that we all sat down to relax, we ate and drank and were merry, of course I had a Sparkle Cola rather than beer or liquor, Gumdrop eventually had to be cut off, Summer and Buckshot made her start drinking water while they themselves continued to drink. The afternoon wore on into the evening. The first sign of trouble was multiple, near-simultaneous gunshots in the twilight hour.
Summer and Buckshot leapt to their hooves as soon as they heard the shots and ran over to where their guns were held...
But they didn't make it.
Three raiders came through the door, guns at the ready and blocked their path, one pointed his weapon at Maybell, the other two at Summer and Buckshot, they skidded to a halt and I just watched, expecting them to get shot any moment.
Hello! Every Pony!
A sly looking stallion in a suit trotted in behind the raiders.
My name is Just Business and I am looking for somepony... Oh, perhaps you two could help me? he asked looking at Summer and Buckshot. I'm looking for Green Gardens, have you seen her?
Summer stuck his nose in the air and didn't say anything, Buckshot glared at the suited stallion for a moment before saying:
No, we haven't we don't know where she went.
Well, that's too bad, I know Mr. Winds here was the last pony to talk to her before she left town, but that's alright, I don't really need her, I'm really looking for some information she has, an alpha-numeric password specifically. Perhaps she mentioned it to you?
Summer continued to staring at the ceiling, not saying anything.
Not feeling chatty are we? What about you Ms. Security?
I don't know anything about any password.
No? Well, perhaps YOU do. He asked, looking at me.
Me?
Yes, you. You are Ms. Garden's daughter are you not? I doubt there are too many albinos in your little stable, barring some genetic defect from inbreeding or something of course...
I... I am, but I don't know about any password, I'm just trying to find my mom.
How sweet... So am I, perhaps you'd like to travel with me? We could look for her together.
Fuck off you rat bastard! Buckshot growled.
Now, now. No need for profanity, it's a fair proposal, we both want to find Green Gardens, albeit for different reasons, and besides, you're not exactly in a position to dictate terms now are you?
This password you keep going on about, it's for Fort Buffalo-town Gap?
Well well, the Pegasus can speak. Yes, my feathered friend I do believe it is.
There ain't nothin' there but craters and ghouls; you're wasting your time.
That may be, but I was paid a lot of caps to re-acquire that password, and so that is what I shall do. It's... Just Business. he said with a smile.
Take these three outside! he ordered. the two raiders covering Summer and Buckshot waved them past, keeping their distance while the one covering Maybell backed out the door, the mare covering Summer called for me to move, I did, fortunately my 10mm SMG was concealed on the other side of my body from her and she didn't think to search me.
We were moved outside, the raider covering Maybell stayed at the door to watch the ponies inside, out in the street Firecracker Burst and two other ponies were being covered by the rest of the raiders. Firecracker's head was bowed and her eyes closed.
So what's the plan boss? asked one of the raiders.
Well my buck, we have our prisoners, it's still possible one of them knows the password; we need only get it out of them.
We gonna torture them boss?
No, I don't think so. Torture is terribly unreliable, they'll say anything to make the pain stop after all, and I think perhaps we'll get better results if we make an ultimatum.
Now hear this, if you do not give me the password, I will burn this town to the ground along with everypony in it. And it had better be the right password, I will know if it isn't.
We don't know no damn password! Shouted Buckshot.
Oh? I wonder... What does our intrepid town sheriff think of this? Tell me Ms. Burst, would you let your town burn because these ponies refuse to tell the truth?
No...
No?
No. I'd burn it down myself before I let you have it!
Firecracker's head snapped up, her eye's glowed orange along with her horn, bright yellow sparks appeared in the air all around us; the raiders looked on in fear at the display their weapons drooping downward.
Just Business however seemed nonchalant. You would would you? I doubt your friends here want you to burn them to death. He said, looking at Summer.
That's where you'd be wrong. I'd rather die by her fire than let you have your way! Summer shouted.
Enough! Shoot her!
The Raider took aim at Firecracker with a large rifle, he fired, the bullet struck Summer in the chest as he dove in front of Firecracker, I drew my SMG and fired a burst into the raider just like Buckshot had taught me, he collapsed, just as Summer had. For a long moment nothing happened...
Then there was a flash of light and screaming, as a raider burst into flames.
How dare you?! How dare you?! You think you can come into my town, threaten and harm my friends? I'LL SEE YOU ALL BURN FOR THIS! Firecracker was standing over Summer, her coat had turned white, her mane and tail were ablaze in orange flames, her cutie mark, eyes and horn were glowing brightly even as tears rolled down her face. A pair of hooves reached up and grasped her cheeks.
Calm down you, I ain't hurt, just winded me a bit. Summer released her, rolled to his hooves and stood.
But yer' right, they ain't getting away with this, now my little ponies; IT'S TIME TO REAP THE WHIRLWIND!
He leapt into the air, but this time instead of disappearing like usual he turned and began spinning around the burning raider, a whirlwind appeared over the corpse and the fire began to spin into it. Firecracker activated her magic again and the firestorm increased in intensity.
Foals! Are you really willing to destroy your own town to kill us?
YOU'RE THE FOAL "JUST BUSINESS" BY CELESTIA'S GRACE I AM THE MISTRESS OF FLAME, MY FIRE BURNS ONLY THAT WHICH I COMMAND IT TO!
From the air above us came Summer's voice: AND BY LUNA'S WILL I AM THE MASTER OF THE WIND! THE BLACK WINGS OF DEATH CAST THEIR SHADOW UPON YOU TONIGHT, PREPARE TO DIE!
Enough! Kill them! Just Business shouted, his voice tainted with fear, I opened fire on one, hitting his foreleg with a burst of 10mm, though I needn't have bothered, tendrils of flame shot out from the fiery tornado striking several of the raiders and igniting their coats, manes and barding, their screams lasted until the fire, guided by Firecracker's will shot down their throats and silenced them. Just Business ran, he kicked an awe-struck raider as he went, she face-planted into the ground her weapon clattering away uselessly. I ran after him. by the time I got around the carnage he was making his way out through the barricade, I fired a burst, one round grazed his flank but he escaped. I turned around to see Summer shoot up and out of the center of the tornado, a trail of flame following after him, he landed hard next to me, his body steaming in the night air, the tornado slowed and diminished and then suddenly poofed out of existence as Firecracker cut off her spell. Summer turned to me, smiled and collapsed.
Summer! I shouted, I went to him, He looked up at me, his breathing was fast and shallow, I unsnapped the vest that contained the armor plates that'd saved his life earlier and unzipped his grey barding, there was an angry bruise on his chest where the rifle bullet had hit and his heart beat was erratic, he said something to me.
What?
Pills, in this pouch. he groaned, lifting his leg. I pulled open the pouch and grabbed the bottle.
I need two.
I opened the bottle and knocked two into my hoof, he took them, chewing them up quickly and swallowing.
Healing potion.
I pulled a healing potion out of his kit and gave it to him; he drank it down and started taking deep breaths, after what felt like an eternity he rolled to his hooves.
Hoo... That was close.
What happened?
That bullet nearly stopped my heart is what happened. He said as he started back toward the saloon.
It seemed unnaturally dark now the firestorm was gone, the smell of burnt flesh lingered and only the lamps from the saloon and store cut through the haze, several of the townsponies were gathered out front of the saloon.
It's all over now, return to your homes! called Firecracker.
Not 'til we have some justice! shouted a stallion.
You will not be killing her, she surrendered!
What's going on here? called Summer, in that peculiar military tone lacking his usual accent.
We want justice is what going on! There's still a raider left in town and we mean to kill it!
You mean her. She surrendered; she's unarmed, only raiders murder unarmed victims, and I. Kill. Raiders. Summer growled menacingly.
There won't be any more killing tonight. Go home! Firecracker called, THAT'S AN ORDER!
The crowd dispersed grumbling, Firecracker and Buckshot were standing over the bound raider mare, she looked small and pathetic now that she had been stripped of her guns and barding.
Is everypony alright? I asked.
Yes, Snowbell, everypony who isn't dead has been treated, thank you.
I'm sorry Firecracker. This is my fault.
No it isn't. I don't know how this all started, but it definitely is not your fault. said Buckshot.
I'm still sorry. I hung my head, a black wing draped over me.
Don't be sorry missy. This sorta thing happens, better it happened to us who can weather it than them who can't, and them raiders won't be harming anypony ever again.
Summer is right Snowbell; this is not your fault, why don't you and I have a chat hmm?
Buckshot, could I trouble you and your security ponies to post guard for the night? You will be paid for it of course.
Certainly, Firecracker. What do you want done with the bodies?
I'll take care of them. said Maybell coming out from the saloon, it's the least I could do since I was no use in the fighting. I saw now one of her hind legs had been lost and replaced by a peg.
Thank you Maybell. Come on Snowbell, let’s have a talk.
Well, y'all know where I'll be. Called Summer.
Yeah, killing yourself with the drink again.
I love you too Maybell!
What should we do with the prisoner?
Tie her to the bed in the PBE office and post a guard; this town don't have a jail.
Alright, will do!
With that I followed Firecracker across the street to one of the larger shacks by the store, we went inside, it was dark for a moment then with an orange flash a dozen lamps flared to life around the room, it was simply, but nicely furnished. Firecracker turned to me, stared at me for a moment, then flung her forelegs around me and began crying into my neck!
For several long minutes I held her while she sobbed, after a while she finally calmed down.
Please don't be afraid of me. She said.
Why would I be afraid of you?
You saw what I did out there.
Yes, you and Summer were amazing! You saved us all.
Heh, thank you Snowbell, but you saved us too; if you hadn't fired when you did I wouldn't have had time to focus my magic.
I'm just lucky they didn't search me.
I'm just glad you're not afraid of me.
I couldn't be afraid of you.
You're one of the few who aren't, that's why I have this job. I'm the most magical unicorn around, the raiders and slavers leave us alone because they know I'd burn them to ashes if they came here. These ones tonight just had better leadership, took us by surprise, but they won't try it again. But, even here in town they're afraid of me, they call me "Holocaust" when they think I can't hear them.
Summer called you that.
Yeah, he's the only one who'll say it to my face. The difference is though, he's not afraid of me. He's just likes to tease me, the jerk. She smiled at that.
You like him?
Hmm... Yeah, I think he's the closest thing I have to a friend.
I'm your friend.
Thank you. Here, I have something to show you.
Her horn lit up and a Pipbuck levitated over to us, it was a more streamlined model than my own.
This was my mother’s; she came from a stable too, look at this. She activated the Pipbuck and a video started playing in a greenish monotone.
Welcome to Cloudsdale! It is a beautiful day in June and we are live at the Airshow! And here come the Wonderbolts!
Three Pegasi came streaking in, black smoke and lightning trailing in their wake, they were amazingly fast, they performed dozens of amazing stunts, I found myself wondering if Summer could do anything like that. After several minutes they streaked away and the announcer came back on:
Let’s hear it for the Wonderbolts Fillies and Gentlecolts! But don't get up just yet! Now comes the fireworks extravaganza!
As amazing as the Wonderbolts had been the fireworks were just breathtaking, even from the tiny monochrome screen they were something to behold, I wished I could have seen them myself.
And that was Cloudsdale's fireworks extravaganza! And let’s hear it for Firecracker Burst the world famous pyrotechnician who made this wonderful show for us tonight!
Wasn't it beautiful Snowbell?
Yeah.
That's my dream you know, to build a world where everypony could take the time to enjoy something like that. My mother named me Firecracker Burst in the hope that it could be done. She said we were descended from her, I'd like to think I am, every day I practiced my magic to make fireworks... But then I grew up and realized that this world doesn't need fireworks anymore, just fire. Hah... But that's alright too, if I need to burn the evil from this world so good ponies can live in peace then that's what I'll do!
I'll help! If I can...
Thank you Snowbell.
What happened to your mom?
She died, a few years ago; she had been exposed to radiation and got cancer.
I'm sorry.
That's alright. But anyway, I didn't just bring you in here so I could sob and tell you my life story, how about a nice, hot bath?
A bath?
Yes! This way!
We went out through the back door and there was a large metal tub.
Water is a precious commodity here, but you'd be surprised how much ponies will pay for a hot bath... Her horn lit up and with a flash of magic the water began to steam.
There we go, get out of that barding and lets have a soak. I'll scrub your back if you scrub mine.
Hehe, alright.
We had a good long soak, made jokes and enjoyed ourselves. we got out when our hooves began to prune.
Thanks again Snowbell, it's good to have friend.
It is good to have friend. I said smiling.
But, I need to sleep now, I'd invite you to stay here, but I don't think we'd both fit on my little bed.
That's alright; I need to talk to Summer anyway.
Alright, good night.
Good night.
I left her shack and headed to the saloon. As I approached I heard singing.
AA guns are blazing as the sky is turning red! Better run for cover you'll be quick or be dead! Burn! Burn! Rage of the heavens! Burn! Burn! Death from above! Die! Die! Merciless killing! Burn! Burn! DEATH FROM ABOVE!
With the final line Summer swooped down from the roof of the saloon.
Hi missy!
You've been drinking.
Course I have, I'm done now though, drinking water.
With that he chugged down a bottle of purified water.
Good stuff. Shouldn't you be in bed though?
I wanted to ask you about those pills?
Oh, those.
what are they?
They're for my heart.
You have a heart condition?
Yeah, had it my whole life.
Isn't it dangerous to be doing what you do then?
Yeah, it's already killed me once, but I ain't worried.
WHAT? How? When?
Hehe, welp, it was about 12 years ago, I was in basic training to join the Enclave Military, the end of basic consists of a 100 kilometer endurance flight, I was our squadron's Flight Lead so I was at the front of the flight the whole time, we got to the end, landed and I promptly fell over and died. Fortunately our Drill Sergeant was able to resuscitate me.
Why do you keep going then?
Cuz, when I was dead, I met Princess Luna, she told me my heart wouldn't kill me and no matter what, I had to keep going, keep fighting, see everything I set my mind to to the end, and then she smiled at me and said: Do this for me and I promise everything will end in sunshine and rainbows.
Summer... I...
I know what yer thinkin' missy; it was just the hallucination of a dying mind. I thought the same thing at first, but the more I've thought about it, the more I'm convinced it was real. If you'd have seen her face like I did, you'd believe it to.
I believe you Summer.
You do? Really?
I do, really.
Why?
Because you do, and you're my friend.
Aww, Thanks missy.
But, as a medic I still say you should take it easy for a while.
Yes ma'am! he said, saluting. But anyway, how you feeling?
Me?
Yeah, haven't had time to think about what happened earlier huh?
I... No.
That's alright then, I'm here for ya when it catches up to you, alright?
Alright...
Good, now, head inside and get some sleep.
I went inside the saloon and up to the second floor, found the room we were staying in, Gumdrop was there.
Hey Snowbell.
Hi Gumdrop.
You ready for bed?
Yes.
Could I sleep with you?
Of course.
We climbed into bed and she pulled me close and kissed me.
____
Level up!
Song is "Firestorm" by Sabaton.