Fallout Equestria: The Crystal's Howling Dance.by MegaskullmonChaptersChapter Two: The path.Chapter three:CommunityChapter four:Reaper FieldsChapter five: DiplomacyChapter 6: Fate and the Past.Chapter 7: Fate and painChapter 8: SiegeChapter nine: Deadly RangeChapter Ten: Iron wolf Labs.Chapter 11: The Gathering.Chapter 12: The March to hellChapter 13: Death or victoryChapter 14: Rebuilding and restingChapter 15: Peace for a timeChapter 16: The sunChapter 17: The first sealChapter 18: The brokenChapter 19: Our new homeChapter 20: The stable opens.Chapter: 21 A PromiseChapter 22: A new soul.EpilogueIntroductionChapter One: The journey.Chapter Two: The path.Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter three:Community“A community in a broken world like this is something everypony wants. Someday though the world will become less hateful of the broken world and they will never call for the heads of those in leadership. Then the heroes' stories and the heroes' songs will be at fault. It’s come to start to allow the villains to win.” Speech by Kirin mare in WidowMaker Desert _______________________ Day six Outskirts of Manehattan It was a peaceful morning as peaceful as the wasteland can be. Shadow explained that after I woke up we would be heading to meet up with a mare named Patch. Patch is on a mission right now to get some runaway slaves. We were about an hour out and even an hour away we could hear gunfire. “Huh is this normal?” Shadow laughs. “A little too normal frankly.” I close my eyes tightly while we follow the old road heading to Manehatten. I feel I am way over my head and I know full well this journey will end me. It’s not something I am looking forward to either. I take a deep breath to relax my heart and mind. My heart is so used to the stale air of the underground. “Tiria we can stop for a bit if you feel you need to. This world is new to you and everything just looks like it’s upsetting you.” I smirk weakly. “I can’t stop now. I know full well that if I just stopped here I would never allow myself to keep going. I will just turn back around and accept my fate with my pack. If one of my species quits their journey and then we are killed for our stupidity.” I groan, stroking my head and we stop hearing the gunshots going off more and more. It’s never going to end. I felt stress going through my body. I have been so used to the safety of my pack's cavern and now I am not so sure anymore. “Tiria from the looks on your face and how you act you’re not even ready for this dead world. You already hurt let. It’s hard for you to walk on it without groaning in pain and you refuse to take med-x are you just going to keep acting like this till the end?” I shrug my shoulders. “Frankly I will be honest I don’t trust anything from this world. Our hunters told us you lose more and more of your soul when you use these medical devices and items. Your soul will be lost when you take this med-x or potions because it was made for a lower species.” Shadow stared at me and we began to walk down the road again. I can tell from the look he didn’t care for how I am acting. How I called ponies lower species. Frankly, I had every right to call them lower species. They destroyed the world and they fought the zebras. The zebras are just as bad as them. I can’t hate forever though but I can do whatever I want for the time being. I am sure I will change my mindset. “Tiria please don’t say this to their faces. Ponies think very highly of themselves even after the death of their princesses. We must respect them even if we join forces with a questionable stallion.” I glare at the griffin. I feel my anger building in my heart. I try my best to relax and take a deep breath. Relax Tiria relax. There is no need to be judgy of the ponies and this griffin. I knew he meant well so I took a deep breath again. “I am sorry Shadow. I don’t mean to be an ass. I just haven’t gotten over the issues with my pack and the fact those ponies almost destroyed my ability to walk. I am going to be in deep pain and I know full well there are potions I am sure they gave me. I am sure they did.. Just again I am sorry.” Shadow snickers “I get it this world is new to you. Your race from the sounds of it is kept hidden from the others of this world and even wasteland itself. You don’t want to accept it, you don’t even want to accept you’re now in a world of ponies.” I grunt tripping on a rock and limping on my left paw. The leg and the paw itself got smashed and the bone broke just a bit to cause me a great deal of pain. I look over to my right leg and see the pip-buck and am still learning about it. “Do you need help turning it on again?” I glance over at Shadow smirking. “No sorry, just trying to understand why ponies created these. They seem kind of pointless unless there is something more useful about it than using it for a map or radio or whatever you call it for music.” Shadow snickers. “There is more you can use it for. I am sure you will learn or someone will teach you. Now we need to keep going. I am worried whoever is shooting might be those we are about to meet up with. I can tell from the gunshots. I know the sound of that gun.” I glance at Shadow. I am very concerned now he knows the sound of the gun. It’s getting to the point I am worried he will turn on me. I stop walking. I notice he stops too when he goes ahead a little bit, turning to look at me. “We need some ground rules, Shadow. I need to know if I can trust you. Are you going to backstab me?” Shadow gives me a very angry sneer. “Tiria I may barely know you. I may be a griffin but I would never turn on you. Unless you will fucking turn on me?” I stare at him, my blue eyes glowing brightly. He stares at me with his eyes. We stare at each other before one of us even speaks. I growl showing my white sharp teeth. I can't stop myself from feeling this way. I take a deep breath, blowing hot air out of my mouth. “Okay look Shadow this is not going to get us anywhere if we keep looking at each other like we are about to kill each other. How about we work together till this job is over and then we both go our separate ways?” Shadow looks at me sighing nodding at least we both agree on something. I knew though when it comes down to it I may turn out to respect Shadow. I may turn out to like him and be a friend to me. My elder told me before I left that the pack makes friends. “Okay, Tiria I agree this world used to live through the magic of friendship.” Shadow looks around and I glance at him again. The magic of friendship? I have been given an old history book on the subject. The magic of friendship is something most of us learned. My species, though, feel it’s a weak friendship. Even though my elder told me it’s wise to make friends. We both look hearing the gunshots going off again. “Okay, let's get going then Tiria. I hope you understand ponies will act like they’re above you. It’s a matter of how they act. Some are so rich they will treat you like trash. If they do, relax and respect them for it. Show them you won’t attack them for treating you like you’re below them.” I look over to Shadow. I am sure he is correct. I groan stroking my head hearing the gunshots getting louder as we walk closer. ________________ Misty Moon's apartment. It took longer than we expected to get to the destination. Shadow and I stopped again this time to argue about something. I'd rather not talk about it. Let's just say I wasn’t very kind about it all. I need to get over myself like I have been told when I was growing up. When we get close to the caravan we see many ponies firing at a building and many of them are on the ground either dying or dead. An orange mare turns around to look at me and Shadow. “Are you Shadow and Tiria the ones Wheel Tread hired?” I nod. “I am Tiria, this ass hole is Shadow.” The orange mare rolls her eyes. I get a good look at her. She is bald and has an eyepatch. I watch one of the ponies trying to go into the building and their head gets blown clean off blood and bone chips going everywhere. “We expected you two sooner. We are after slaves who ran into this building and are being defended by the residents we tried talking to them at first.” I roll my eyes. “Ponies learning to talk rather than attacking their kind or zebras hmm?” Shadow laughs “Down girl.” The mare snorts and knickers loudly and she comes up to me getting into my face and poking my chest with her hoof. “Listen here you fucking wolf. I am not in a good mood. We tried everything to do this peacefully. We told them our leader's property is in this place and we asked out of respect but they started firing on them.” A stallion comes over and chuckles. “It could be because one of our mares was a former slaver who enslaved a few of the ponies there many years ago. I wonder if their leader told them to fire on us and to deal with them.” I roll my eyes looking toward the building. I notice at the windows above seeing many ponies firing down at the caravans the pony slavers are hiding behind. I glance at Shadow pointing to the broken door. “Shall we try to sneak through while these ponies risk their lives for slaves?” Shadow smirks. “Are you sure you will be able to?” I shrug my shoulders. “It shouldn’t be too hard I wonder. Miss Mare or if you have a name I don’t care either way do you have anything which would help us get in there?” The orange mare stares at me angrily as she is about to speak to me but a stallion runs over holding a strange device in his mouth. “Take this. It’s a smoke bomb.“ I glance at Shadow I have no idea what a smoke bomb is. Shadow takes the bomb looking over at me and then the ponies. “Alright I will toss this and do what you can to back us up while we rush in. If we can get into the place, stay back and let us take care of it. Tiria and I are going to try very hard not to kill any innocents.” I am confused about how these ponies are. How are there innocent ponies inside this building? I watch Shadow pull the pin out of the strange apple device smoke slowly flows through the air and he tosses it. The smoke engulfs the area and he nods to the ponies they fire on the building. Shadow and I sneak through the smoke to get to the door and when we get to the broken open door I look around quickly grabbing the zebra pistol in my bad paw. It hurts but I have to get used to the pain. I make sure I have ammo in it looking back to Shadow swinging my head. “Let's do our best not to harm any pony here Tiria.” I glare at Shadow not wanting to argue since we are in a place of enemies. I keep my mouth shut, finding it strange they have no guards or anyone to defend the place below. I then notice why we walk over ripped apart bodies of the slavers and raiders the orange mare led. “Wow, whatever is in here really destroyed these ponies.” I chuckle weakly “Lovely… Come let's get upstairs and see what we can find.” While we walk towards the stairs we see a clinic and from the looks of it, many left as quickly as they could. Next, we passed what looked like a kitchen, and on the fire was meat and various other foods still steaming on the table. I notice a cup of what I learned, later on, is called coffee dumped all over the ground. We get closer to the stairs when we hear the guards firing upstairs. I glance at Shadow feeling a bit concerned. Shadow looks up the stairs he holds tightly onto his Minigun getting ready to fire. I shake my head ‘mouthing come on.’ Get fully upstairs seeing more places ponies and others would live in. Many of the doors are locked and before I could move on a crow flies into the building through one of the windows causing a stallion to duck a bullet missing him. He then gets to firing outside. I glance at the crow. I swear I have seen this crow before. “Come on, we are running out of ammo.” A stallion trots to the others who are firing and they turn to look at me and Shadow. They look back and see we are no longer there. We found a way into one of the rooms and Shadow looked out of the door and we heard strange sounds in the bedroom. I go to look through the bedroom door seeing a mare and a stallion in the bed. I slowly close the door so as not to disturb them. Shadow tilts his head. “What in the world did you see?” I smirk “What do you think?” Shadow took a second to think and there was a loud thumping with the sounds of gunshots he laughed shaking his head. “Bad time to have sex..” I laugh. “Yes, very bad time. So let's try our best to get up the rest of the stairs. I saw some before we came into this room. Now come on before..” I notice a strange computer on the desk. I glance at Shadow then at the computer again. I go to the desk. I see a book on the desk about hacking computers. Shadow sighs. I turn to look at him, lowering the book. “Tiria we don’t have time for this.” I shrug my shoulders reading the book and reading how to handle hacking. I wonder why this was left here. I can tell it’s already been hacked a few times. I wonder if they use this to train others to hack. The password from what I see is dumb and I see a recording. I click on it and notice I can download it to my pip-buck. I take out the connection on the pip-buck and download the recording. “Give me a second.” I finished downloading and noticed there are things called earbuds. I put the earbuds in my ears and listen to the recording. It takes a second for it to start up. "This is Misty Moon. Our apartment building will be for all ponies, even Zebra. We will not allow this war to destroy our peace and friendship. We will never allow it to end our way of life. No matter what. We shall have peace in this building. Both sides shall always be welcomed as friends. Friendship shall never end. We need to bring hope to everyone!! For Friendship!!" The recording ends with heavy cheers and the recording ends. Huh, so this is the name of this place? I stood up from the chair and Shadow and I headed back out. We sneak through the area ignoring the stallions and mares firing on the caravan below. When we turn around to see the stairs. We see strange torches. I feel a strange sensation in my body staring at the fire. “Shadow. I don’t think I can walk near this fire.” Shadow rolls his eyes and forces me up the stairs when we turn around we come face to face with a metal pony. His eyes glow in the darkness and before we could do anything he fires a strange gun and I feel a charge of magic going through me. I scream in pain passing out near the shadow. _________ Misty Moon apartments prison. I open my eyes, noticing Shadow is not here. I groaned, grunting trying to move my forelegs, noticing the leg which was broken in a cast, a good cast, and the bone set. I wonder who would be kind enough to do that for me. The door opens and I see gentle eyes in the darkness and coming into the light. I see a Teal mare she has a gentle smile on her face. I feel my heart flip. She is so motherly and gentle looking. “Hello, Miss I am going to be releasing you since our leader wishes to talk with you.” I growl softly. “What makes you think I won’t kill you?” The teal mare smiles sweetly. “Hon you’re in a place full of ponies who would kill you for even trying. I haven’t done a thing to you either and I am sure you’re working with the slavers in that caravan who have shot many of our guards. Our leader finally got them to stop shooting by threatening your lives.” I sigh, the teal mare lets me go and I just stroke my legs looking at her and then looking at my bad leg which has a cast now. “Are you the one who did this?” The teal mare smiles. “Yes, I did come with me. I am sorry about the griffin you came with. My husband is beating the shit out of him for bringing you. He told us why you’re here and now our leaders wish to speak to you.” I am led through the community. Seeing so many living here. All of them are ponies and their families. I get many looks when I walk by and a filly chases a ball and stands in front of me. I stare down at the little one. I hear many guns cocking aimed at me. Just stare at the little one seeing her giant eyes. I grab her ball and toss it the other way, smirking. “Go on.” The filly giggles trotting after the ball and the guns lower. I may be a harsh wolf but I would never harm a little one. They’re so innocent and I am sure the slavers who have done much to young foals in this community. I am led to a large wooden room and the door opens up from the mare's magic. I led into the room seeing the robot who fired on me and Shadow. The robotic pony turns to look at me. Its glowing eyes burn into my soul. It comes over to me to look at me closely. I see this pony is old and has seen much. I hear ticking from my pip-buck. I notice when he is close he has a lot of heat coming off him. “You’re here for the escape slaves?” I nod. “Yes, it’s the only reason we came. I am sorry for the idiot mare who is running those who came for them. If it was up to me and Shadow we would have spoken to you and then left. I don’t see the point of wasting lives.” The silver pony looks away walking away to look at something. I look out the window. It's pretty far down but I notice along the road a strange round flying metal object hovering near the strange crow I have been seeing. After a while, the crow flies into the room and lands on a stand looking back at me with its red eyes. The robot turns back to look at me. “I am known as Silver Gunner.” I looked back at the sign of Shadow and I saw the many bodies smoking. This is the creature the Silver Gunner. I gulp after hearing his name. I am now very worried about him wanting to kill me. “We will let you have the slaves. But I got a request for you after the slaves are given to the ponies. I want you to stay here. I got a task for you. I need to know if I can trust you. But I trust you enough right now to at least give you the slaves.” I tilt my head confused. “Why do you trust me?” Silver turns looking at me again with his soulless empty red eyes. A deep gulp comes from me. I try to back up. I walk into the mare and look behind me seeing the teal mare. She is not pointing any gun at my back. “To be honest I don't. I am looking at it through the logic within my computer brain. Now KipKipe, could you please help our guest? I am going to talk with the griffin and this wolf right here. So don’t go anywhere, wolf.” They both leave my legs shaking and shuddering and I fall to the floor shivering and shuddering feeling like I just faced death in the face and lived. I try to relax my body and my heart. All of it keeps shuddering my heart beating hard. After a while Shadow comes in, his feathers are all ruffled and he has been beaten a bit. “Sooo are you okay Tiria?” I shook my head. “No no I am not. I had no idea what to expect from that robot. The robot is Silver Gunner, the one who destroyed the raider outpost we went past. I have no idea what he wants from us. I just know those slaves were their guest and he felts logically it’s best to give them back.” After a while, the two walked back into the room. The teal mare trotted up to Shadow looking him over. “Um…thank you miss. I am Shadow.” The teal mare just gives a sweet smile. “I am KipKipe. I am the doctor of this lovely community. Now come with me. I need to clean up some of your wounds. I am sorry for my husband beating you as he did. He felt it was the only way to get things out of you.” Kip and Shadow leave. I turn back looking at Silver Gunner. I gulp weakly sitting up this time staring into the eyes of the robot. He just sits there staring at me. I don't know what to say or do. We just stare at each for a time. “From the looks in your eyes wolf. You’re innocent when it comes to the wasteland. You haven’t seen the worst it has to offer. You haven’t been taken by the golem of the waste and used as its puppet to kill.” Puppet golem? What the hell is he talking about? I took a deep breath relaxing for a second to try to regain myself. “I am very new to this wasteland. I am on a quest to search for the creator of my species. The Howling dance. I am searching for it to hopefully give it back to my species and then be treated as a hero or trash again.” Silver Gunner just stares at me. “I see so you’re no slaver you’re no murder you’re just a lost soul. What about the griffin with you? What do you know about him?” I shrug my shoulders. “I know nothing about him. I didn’t come out here to make friends. I came out here to find what I am after.” Silver nods. “I see well if you don’t mind I will follow you on this journey. First, though, I need to make sure I can trust you. Shadow has his task to do so we can trust him. Your task is something else and I want you to understand if you fail it. Don’t worry, it's normal in this world to fail.” I stood on all fours to listen. “Then what is this task?” Silver uses his hoof to say follow. I follow him through the community and I notice many ponies and other creators. I don’t get a good look at them at all but one stands out to me when I look inside a room. It’s a strange bug who is helping very sick foals. These foals look so sick they could die at any moment. “What is wrong with them?” Silver sighs robotically. “Radiation sickness. They went to the basement to play and played near a locked door. The door, even though locked, the radiation still affected them pretty badly. Thankfully we found some radaway. We are making sure it will help them before we give it to them. My task to you is to break through that old locked door and find out what is there.” I turn my head back at the foals and notice the bug glowing brightly. I lean over to Silver Gunner. “Is that healthy for that creature?” Silver robotically chuckles. “You have never seen her species before? She is called a magic eater. Her kind normally doesn’t stay in one spot. This one became part of our community years ago. She helps KipKipe and now before we fully go on. I want you to understand that radiation is no joke. It’s a slow killer, it will slowly destroy your life and you will die from it.” I am confused about what he means. I am sure I understand. I remember seeing a hunter dying from something like this; it wasn't pretty. It was pretty nasty I remember seeing the poor hunter dying from it and it gave me nightmares. “I will return what is Shadow's task?” Silver shrugs his shoulders. “Kip will be giving him the task. We will give you back your weapons and armor. I hope you know what you’re doing.” It took at least thirty minutes to get ready. Silver did warn me it’s been ages since anyone has been down in this basement area. It was locked even when they came here and felt maybe it’s wise it’s locked. I went down into the basement with my weapons. I made sure I kept a hold of my sword, the sword of the moon. It has a few knicks in it since I have been on this journey. I get to the door hearing my pip-buck tick. I glance down at it seeing it’s not too bad at least right now. I put the sword back into its home, took the pistol out, and took a shot at the lock. I of course missed and hit the side of the door. I groan and force my entire weight into the old door and it shatters from a few smashes into it. I come into the room looking around noticing on the wall hanging there is a decaying mare. I get close and the mare growls and tries to attack me. I grab my pistol noticing when I get closer my pip-buck goes insane. I lift my gun and fire on it, killing the poor creature. I look around noticing that someone lives down here. Before I could do anything else I get hit from behind with a giant board or something. I fall to my knees groaning looking up after I regain myself seeing ponies dressed in various armors and they’re all like that one mare I saw. The one I am sure is the leader of them comes down to me face to face. “Are you from the community which lives above us?” I shook my head. “No, but the leader of them asked me to come down here and figure out what is causing their foals to get sick.” I hear evil laughing in the group. “Oh, they have foals. They would sell for a lot on the market.” Market? Then it finally hit me that these decaying ponies aren’t like your normal ponies. These are what wastelanders call raiders. So since they have the upper paw on me I would have to try something else. “I have no love for this community above. So if you’re willing to let me go. I will help you take over the community and let you take their foals.” The ghouls laugh. The leader of them takes a closer look at me. Then looks back at the mare on the wall. He lifts his hoof to stop the ponies behind him from laughing. “He killed my wife and the creator of these apartments.” I stare at the pony tilting my head. Wait, the pony on the wall is Misty Moon herself? The leader stands up heading to his dead wife sighing looking back at me. All I can think of is to do something but before I could say anything I hear gunshots. One of the heads of the ponies explodes into bloody chunks turning to see Silver Gunner and other ponies. They fire on these raiders. I stood quickly up watching the leader of them run off and I chased after him as he tried to make his way out to a hidden pathway. I aim my gun at an old box on a stand and fire it, hitting him to stop him for a time. He groans turning around to see me and a dark evil smile forms on his face. “If you kill me little wolf the golem of the waste will win. If you kill me I will haunt you till your dying days. I will be there while a so-called hero like you falls and dies.” Before he could finish I fired on him a few times to shut him up. His eyes opened wide like he was surprised I would do it. I look through the ghoul and find a strange paper. ‘The flames of truth?’ I stare at them awhile and stand up to look at Silver. “Well, you did what you could to complete the task alone. Since it took you longer than I expected.” I stare at the robot. I was confused. I wasn't gone that long at all. Just like a few minutes. I sighed, shaking my head. “Um, Silver, I haven't been gone very long.” Silver didn’t answer and the other ponies with him took the bodies and went to bury them. I groan, feeling a bit upset about all this. I noticed the crow or whatever it is looking at me and I head back upstairs and I see Kipkipe and Shadow talking and laughing. Before I could say anything Silver put his hoof on my shoulder. “I got one more task for you. There is an old toy factory not far into Manehattan itself and we could try to find some toys for the little ones. Then I will go with you on your journey. Are you willing to deal with me more?” I sigh, groaning deeply. “Okay this time all of us are going including the mare?” Kip smiles showing her motherly smile. “I will come to protect you three.” Kip is such a kind gentle soul. I wish I didn’t feel so much hatred for ponies. I took a deep breath trying to remove how I feel about ponies relaxing soon after smiling at her gently. I had no idea what to think since she is so kind. “Thank you KipKipe. I am hoping to get to know Shadow. Including Silver Gunner. I got a question though Silver. Who created you?” Silver turns his head to look at me. “My creator is one I will not speak of. For one, KipKipe doesn’t even know my creator. The only one who will learn of my creation is somepony who was close to them. Then I will revive who created me.” I roll my eyes, shaking my head. I followed the three of them to our task. I look back at the old building and notice the buried bodies. I worry about what is to come. I take a deep breath, closing my eyes tightly. “Tiria?” I turn to look at the teal mare. “Are you okay?’ A weak smile forms on my face. “No, but I will be just. I worry about what the ghoul stallion told me. He said when I killed him he would haunt me and I would regret doing it.” Kip sighs. “Tiria there are many ways to show ghosts of the wasteland. One of them is the golem who makes you the puppet of death. Another is a skeletal pony who plays guards with you. Then there is the greatest monster of the wasteland of all Grogar.” Grogar? I see a strange mist for a moment and then turn to see dark red eyes and stare face to face with the same creature I saw in the cavern. I blinked my eyes and soon after he vanished, same with the red mists. I look back at Kipkipe and we follow the path heading into the city. _____________ Day six at night Manehattan outskirts. It took us at least a few hours to get into Manehattan itself. I was warned about how full of danger this city is. Ponies do live here peacefully most of it though is full of creatures willing to kill and destroy. We finally make it to an old toy factory. I look at the name of the building. Ministry of Moral toy factory. I am confused. I never heard of these Ministries before. I look over to Silver to ask about them and he takes a second to look through the information in his mind. “The ministries were formed by the former six heroes of Equestria, the ones who called themselves the elements of harmony. We are here to find toys for the children. I worry though coming here may be a problem. It’s the only choice we have.” We head to the old building. Silver takes a while to look through the computer to unlock one of the back doors. Shadow holds onto his Minigun which I learned is named Chewer. I take a deep breath exhaling and relaxing trying so hard not to let myself stress out. I glance at KipKipe and she has a strange teal shotgun. It took Silver a while for Silver while to break through the security of the system. I hear a lot of gunshots going on and look around to see what I see from here. I sigh deeply wondering what to do. I relax finally when I hear the lock on the door unlock. ___________ Inside the factory. I opened my eyes. Not sure what happened and still had all my gear. I saw a pony and a ghoul. The ghoul in a raspy voice. "Relax... I am one of the former workers in this building. But I don't see why you are here. But it was a bad idea. This place is haunted by Pinkie Pie herself." I blinked and looked around. "Where are the others that I came in here with?" The ghoul sighed. "When I found you. You were alone." I nodded and opened the door and saw old blood all over the place. This place seemed to be evil. "What happened here?" I asked calmly as The ghoul worked on the terminal and then turned on one of the recordings. It was a bubbly mare's voice. Or the one is known as Pinkie Pie. "We need to make children happy!!! Yes yes, happy. So please make it so their puppets can come alive. But make it so I can see if their parents are traitors. So please do this!!" I blinked and looked at him. "Are you telling me these puppets are alive?" The ghoul nodded calmly. Then he looked towards me. "You seem new to this wasteland. Before you leave I can teach you how to hack terminals. To help you get through this factory. But you must promise me this." I gave him a look and tilted my head a bit and looked at the terminal. "Alright, what do you need then?" The ghoul looked up at me. I saw his name on his former worker outfit. Hammer Hoof. The ghoul softly spoke with the voice that he had. "I need you to save the stolen little ones from the theater. The puppets sometimes go to small places and go in and kidnap little ones. To do what Pinkie Pie always said. Always make little ones happy. Most of them... might be dead sadly... This has been going on for years. I tried to take care of it myself. But the other ones that lived with me... Died doing this. I am stuck here. This is one of the few safe rooms away from the magic that allows the puppets to sense me." I blinked, not sure what I was hearing. Looking towards the way out... Seeing all the blood. Then I looked back at him, sighing. "Fine... I will do this but you teach me to hack first." On the search for my friends? I had my sword out. I doubt my pistol could do anything on these things. I looked in every room I could find. I was told by Shadow to try to look through every room for something. I went into a room to find a terminal room with zombie-like ghouls dead on the ground. I walked in closer and the zombie ponies stood up growling. I had a smile on my muzzle. While the ghouls charged at me. I slashed at many of the ghouls slicing them. As blood coated my blade. One jumped on my back and then grabbed it by its neck and smashed it to the ground. Then stomping hard. There are many marks on my armor after that. But my eyes glowed a bit red. A warrior like me has bloodthirst. That is the bad thing about being a moon warrior. We smell our blood and we go into a rage. After the battle, I looked through everything in the room. Calming myself a bit. Finding a few bottle caps. Looking through a few more. Finding some odd drugs. Something called Dash and mantels. Hmm, I found it strange. Looked around, seeing only one terminal working. I went to it and started to hack. It wasn't easy for one who just learned. But I learned the password. Puppets are evil!!!!. There was a recording and some reports. I read the reports a bit. it was mostly on how these puppets were sold to almost... Every family in the city. I blinked reading on seeing that the puppets made many mistakes. Sometimes they made the children look like traitors. I found a recording it was recorded on the day the bombs fell. I downloaded it to my Pip-buck. Thankfully I was taught how to do this and then I heard some sounds. Looked around seeing large eyes staring at me in the darkness of an air vent. Then it went away. I put my earplugs in and started to listen. "The manager is angry. We are recalling all the puppets who have failed in their job. I can't understand how one of them kills a foal. They're just puppets, how can they kill? They're just made like every normal puppet. Unless we used something in the making that caused them to live. But I wouldn't know I am new here." BOOOOM "DAMN IT, something went off in the city. I need to get out of here." The recording ended just as it did of course like it was fate. A ghoul jumped at me out of the air vent it was more than one. I got hit in the chest by its hooves and I staggered, dropped my sword, and looked up. As the armor kept me from getting harmed. But I am sure I would have a bruise on my chest after this. I took my fist and smashed it hard into the ghoul that hit me. Then I tried to grab my sword but of course, another ghoul jumped me on my back trying to bite my neck. The ghoul, I hit jumped on me. I was growing very angry. I said in a very angry voice. "Get the fuck off me!! I am not a damn female you can fucking hump!!" I went backward into the wall smashing the ghoul into the wall and grabbed it then reached for the one in the wall. Grabbing the other and smashed their heads over and over. Till nothing was left of their heads. Dropping them to the ground growling softly. My muscles in my body flinched and I growled softly, my tongue hanging out... Panting softly. "Damn it... Oh, why did I have to come with others? If they can't help..." My words stopped after I heard laughing. It was dark evil laughing. A voice spoke out. "Hmm, I wonder... how you taste... Haha haha." The laugh echoed. I heard something skittering along. I grabbed my sword. As I was not scared. I wasn't scared to hear something. "I wonder if you could be made into cupcakes... Hmm, split open your stomach and feed the children your insides..." I blinked and looked around then. I saw a Pinkie Pie puppet face to face. Its mane limps its eyes wide. With a dark evil smile. I looked to see more puppets. All with the same look. I backed off and held my sword tightly in one hand. Grabbing the Red Dragon pistol in my other paw hand. "Awww you're scared of us... I can sense your fear... Come on, let's have a party." The small group of puppets charged at me. I backed up firing at them as the bullets from the pistol would cause some of the puppets to burn. I was lured into a wall. I had no idea if I could get out of the way. So I did a roll as they tried to get me and I got out of the way. One of the puppets hit my paw... That held the gun and it started to bleed. I dropped it as they charged me again, cutting me through my armor. Along my arms as well. I was bleeding badly, blood draining from many of my wounds. I could heal myself but they stopped and started laughing. " You're... weak stop this now... Come and enjoy the party." I stood there, blood dripping from me. My lungs burned as I felt the rage growing. I held the sword in my hands Even if I was in pain. I was getting red. I felt a little dazed. But of course stupid me. I had pride. Pride has always been my downfall. I wasn't going to be taken down by nonliving puppets. I wasn't going to lose this battle. I heard flapping behind me again and I saw that raven. Why was this thing watching me? I was getting very tired of being followed. Then I looked back to the puppets, the rage filling me. The burning filled me. Then my mind went black. Outside of my mind. I mindlessly charged and swung my sword. Slicing some of them and then one of them picked up my gun. Fired in my back as my armor kept me safe. But I felt the bolt hit. The armor heated some and I passed out dropping my sword and the puppet dropped my gun. My vision was blurry and I felt pain in my arms. As I could make out the puppets forcing needles in my arms and legs. I passed out from the pain and woke up on a stage hanging near Kip and Shadow looking at them. Silver gunner nowhere in sight. Kip seemed to still be passed out. She was bleeding from many cuts. Shadow seemed to have no cuts. Did he pass out? He was hanging there too. As I saw the children they seemed to be sobbing and scared to death. Some of them seemed to also be dead. Most likely there were bones littering the area. Did they do this after the bombs fell? If I saved them. They might consider me a hero. I didn't wish to be one. I just wished to follow my path. If I can save these children then... I would be happy. But I don't deserve the name of a hero. I bet there are heroes out there already. Doing more than I ever could. I looked to see Kip wake up and she looked around her horn glowing trying to make the room brighter. Her eyes go wide. Her voice sounded sad. "So... many children." Shadow opened his eyes as well and looked around. "Hmmm... what hit me?" He looked around and blinked. Then we got eased down to the stage and a voice sounded out. "Mares and gentle colts, foals of all ages. I'll give you a show. With new puppets. Now it's a battle of two rivals with laser swords. Dark wolf Vs Sky runner." I was given a red sword that burned. I had no control of my arms as I looked at Shadow who got a blue sword. We charged and fought as our swords popped and seared. As the voice started doing deep breaths. Having my point. The strings would move our arms, even our hooves, and paws. It felt painful. Every time the strings moved. "Sky runner you know it to be true... the Goddess Luna's power runs through your veins. It's strong with you. Join me and we can rid Equestria of this war and rule together." The voice started to speak for Shadow. "I will never join you!!" "Oh, Pinkie wan never told you what happened to your mother." "She told me enough... She said you killed her." There was a laugh and then the voice said. "Wrong... I am... the stallion from your closet that watched your mother get plugged by a giant bat." "NOOOO, wait what?!" The show ended there were no cheers and we were lifted back up and I sighed. "There will be another show in an hour." I kept to myself as Shadow tried very hard to comfort the crying Kip. She may be a strong mare. But this is new to her. Looked around trying to find a way out. Look up seeing that the strings are held by some strange moving bars above us. "Shhh, it's okay Kipkipe you will be fine we all will be," Shadow said trying to comfort Kip. I snorted and laughed. "Right!!" I said with a laugh The wall fell apart as we finally saw Silver Gunner. With the puppets climbing all over him trying to destroy him having no luck. He trotted to us after he cut us down... But we couldn't get the strings and needles removed from our bodies yet. Kip rushed to the foals and told them to get out of here. They started rushing outside. I told them all to follow the halls to a ghoul that will protect them. Then there was a loud angry scream. "NO!!!! You ruined everything!!" The curtain of the stage fell off and there was a large old computer still working after all these years. It had Pinkie pie's face on it with an angry look. "I am trying to make children happy. Children haven't been happy since the war!! We must make them happy. Children kill them!!" The computer screamed We stood on the stage. As there weren't any other spots they could get in by the doors and the vents near the walls. Silver Gunner rushed to the computer to try to hack into it. As his back opened up he tossed us our weapons. Kip had a teal-colored shotgun that had her cutie mark and she held it in her magic. Shadow had a large mini-gun tossed to him and he caught it. It had blood all over it and seemed to have a name on the side. The chewer. I caught my pistol and my sword. As the three of us started firing at the puppets. During the battle, Silver gunner was trying so hard to shut down the system. So many puppets charging while this was going to be a harsh time for us. Shadow's chewer chewed through many of the puppets. More kept coming, they even came through the windows. All the puppets left in the city were coming. I bet it was a lovely sight outside so many creepy puppets heading this way. "Gunner, damn we need to get out of here. Stop playing and shut that thing down." I said with a growl I looked up watching the Raven fighting the puppets as well. This raven was following us everywhere it was getting on my nerves. But I couldn't stop now. Blam blam blam came from my pistol rather than a click. I didn't have time to reload. I put it in the holster and started swinging my sword and growled deeply. The room was filled to the brim with these puppets. Then they all started turning off and looking to see Gunner finally breaking through it. Shutting it down and looking back to us as the puppets lay there burning and sliced. "Now can we leave?!" Silver gunner nodded. "But first, we need to get the children out of here." I growled softly but shrugged. ______________ The apartment When we get back to the apartment many of the foals are adopted by many of the families who can’t have children of their own. The ghoul I met in the factory works with the others to clean up the basement and the entire building to try to make it a home. KipKipe had to redo the cast on my broken paw since the puppet strings ruined it a bit more. It still hurts so much. Kip didn’t allow me to leave and I got to meet her husband Crossfire, a kind gentle stallion. She wanted me to rest and Shadow took time to rest. I glance over at Shadow who is in the other bed next to mine in the clinic. “So Shadow what is your story?” He looks over at me smirking weakly. "I am known as the Bloodclaw brood. I am the last of that brood because the enclave came in and killed most of the brood. I was just a young one at the time. Then the waste killed the rest of my family. I was found by wheel tread and raised by him. He made me one of his heavy gunners and here I am now. Not much of a glory story." The Enclave? “Shadow, who is the Enclave?” Shadow is about to answer me but I see the crow again. The crow stares at me with its wing, it calls me over and I glance at Shadow. “Sorry Shadow, I need to take a walk.” I stood up and headed over towards the crow trying to understand what this crow wanted from me. I hear a strange sound behind me. “Hello.” I turn around to see the strange robot I saw a while ago. The robot is round and has strange eyes while it uses wings to fly. I am unsure what to think and it just spoke to me. I am unsure what to think and do. "Okay...I am seeing a flying metal ball. It's speaking to me. I wonder if I am still wounded and in that stage." "I'm Watcher. I have been told about your journey. I have also never seen a species of yours." I just stared at the orb floating there. "Tiria Shiverclaw... Warrior of the moon of my pack now outcast... Now, what do you want?" The orb was silent for a moment and then it started to speak again. "I normally just speak to ponies. But I have been told what you have done. You took out a group of raiders. You ended the threat of those puppets that have... Been harming the waste for years. Now tell me you seem new to the wasteland. Already out there helping those." I grew angry and spoke with much rage and anger in my voice. "I don't fucking care what happens to this wasteland. I don't care what happens to the ponies of it. I have a path to follow. If my path leads me to help ponies. Then I will help them. I am not a fucking hero. I don't wish to be one." Saying with a growl. Watcher seemed to stay silent for a moment. "Then explain to me what is your path?" I sighed and thought I would tell this creature. I doubt I would ever find it again. "I am on the search for a crystal called The howling dance. It was the shape of a pure full moon. I have been tasked to find it and make friends in this waste. Most that follow me I consider worthless. I don't care if they live or die." I then turned and the watcher said. "You're so much like her... She didn't want to make any friends...But she learned down the line... She had to live through her journey." I stopped in my tracks, my anger growing. I didn't need anyone... These following me leave me alone the better. I turned back to the orb and I finally calmed down. “I am sorry I am not used to being told what I will be doing. I will be joining Wheel Tread. I need to learn what happened to my mother and what happened to the Howling dance of our creator.” Watcher hovers there for a moment. “Wheel Treads place is a place of slavers and killers and murders.” I frown. I am not fond of the idea of this. But that's all I have sadly enough. "That's all I have left, watcher. It sounds like Wheel tread has an economy working in his arena. I guess he's done better than most in the waste. I'm sorry to say my kind are like this all the time. I was raised in that life. So I can't think of another way to live. Maybe someday but at the moment. I got to live." Watcher hovers there a moment before he speaks again. "Tiria you may not be a pony. But you can still do good in this wasteland. We need fighters like you. We need ones like you with the hope to fight." I frown, sighing. "Look I'm no hero. I'm just a wandering warrior. I can't do what you need me to. I don't have the will." There was a sigh from the orb and then it started speaking to the crow. I couldn't make it out. But I needed sleep and to be healed. I sat in a chair at the clinic. It seemed like Shadow... Was already being worked on. Kip came up to me and gave me a sweet smile. "Dear, there you are... Are you okay miss Tiria?" I look up at Kipkipe dripping with motherly kindness. All I can do though is smile and my gentle blue eyes glow each time she is around. I learned when my eyes glow like this it means I feel safe. “How can I help you, Kip?” She hovers in her magic a pen and a journal. I look at both taking them and notice it has my name in it and saids the story of Tiria. “Write in that keeps the history of your journey. Who knows somepony might read it sometime.” "Thank you, Kip. So what's your story that brought you here?" I started to write in the journal and sighed a bit. Maybe It was time for me to make friends. Kip softly spoke and seemed to just smile. "Well, let's see, hmm. Ah yes, I was born in old Appleloosa my mother and father were raiders. For being raiders and slavers they raised me like them. I never took into being you know that. I learned light magic and magic that is used to heal all wounds. The light magic I used to scare away monsters that wished to harm us. Then after I got my cutie mark my parents were killed and I had to escape and was on my own for days. On the final day... I was expecting death. Then Silver Gunner found me and took me in. I was 20 years old but I went with him for 20 years. Going from place to place in the waste. Learning about the past and the now. We found my husband and his caravan of traders. Then we ended up here." I enjoyed listening to the mare. She worked on me as she spoke, removing the puppet strings which caused a great deal of pain. After she was finished she used a magic spell to put me to sleep so I could get some rest from the pain I am in. I don’t know how long it was but I woke up groaning and noticed the crow again. Then turn to see the watcher again looking at me. “Watcher, what are you here again?” It takes the bot a second again to speak. "Turn on your Pip-buck." I do what he tells me to and I hear music and then a voice. "Good evening children. Dj pony here. It seems lately things are pretty silent for the moment. After that, the stable dweller cleaned out Ponyville very silently. But I got wind of another story, children. On the outskirts of Manehattan a group led by a large wolf-like being. Went into the old puppet factory. They seemed to save a bunch of children from some monsters inside. I don't know who these ponies or this creature is. But good on them!!" Music started up as I just stared at the pip-buck. "It seems Tiria you're already being known as the wolf." I sighed and turned off the pip-buck. "Lovely... I am no hero... I don't wish to be one... But if I am getting a name out of this then... eh. I am going back to bed." I laid back on the bed and fell asleep. ________________ Day seven outside of the apartments. Day seven: Outside the Apartment It was the next day. The four of us get everything we need and then get ready to head deep into the waste. I was told the path to Wheel treads home is deep in a nasty part of the waste. A foal was bugging the shit out of me jumping up and down. At how I saved her and she was getting on my nerves. Shadow noticed this and so did the others. But I finally lost it. "Yes, you did so much to save me... You're my hero!!" Growling the fur on the back of my head standing on end. Standing fully up on the back of my feet and staring at the filly with death in my eyes. I grabbed the little one's muzzle with my large paw. While the guards and others in the apartment grabbed their guns, cocking them and aiming them at me. My voice came out with so much anger. "I am... Not a fucking... Hero... I don't care about you ponies... I don't care if this waste murders you all. I heard stories of how friendly you ponies you used to be. If you were all so friendly then why the fuck is the waste like this?!" I growled, tossing her away and walking off. Silver Gunner watched me while Kip nuzzled the little sobbing foal. The ponies lowered their guns. All I could hear was from Silver gunner. "She will learn... or fall." Footnote: level up Perk added Silver Gunner, Shadow, and KipKipe: You have made three friends on your journey. When they’re with you. You up your damage and since you have a legend with you knew as the Silver Gunner a robot. Some will not only respect you, but they will also move out of the way. KipKipe uses her torchers and her magic to heal and to keep those who wish to cause you to harm away. Your healing is doubled with her around. Shadow doubles your damage and with his minigun, he will defend you till his death. Chapter four:Reaper FieldsAuthor's Note Some of it is rewritten I kept a lot of the last part it was good enough in my eyes. Chapter four:Reaper Fields It took us two days at least from Manehatten to get to what is called the Reaper Fields. On the way, Silver told me a bit about himself; he doesn’t fully remember his creator. Of course, he did tell me he doesn’t tell the full truth to protect his past and who created him. He said somepony may tell who created him someday. We stopped at least once and I got to know all three of my new companions more. During the stop, KipKipe puts down the magic torches she had in the building we met in. I take a deep breath feeling the uneasiness around them. “Tiria are you okay?” I turn to look at the gentle eyes of the teal mare. A weak smile forms across my face. I try to show I am not uneasy but she can see right through it. She leans into me. I felt my uneasiness get even worse. I didn't want to be near a pony right now. I felt stress fill my very core. “Tiria you need to relax.” I took a deep breath, blowing the air out of my mouth. “No offense to you Kip, I am not fond of ponies. I am trying to get over it. Just when I see you and Shadow and even Silver I feel nothing but anger in my heart.” Shadow frowns Silver just turns to look at me. His glowing red eyes stare at me. I stare back at him feeling a bit uneasy even more. I look down at Kip who is not even upset with me at all. I think she understands. “I may not like it Tiria. You need to open yourself up and make friends. You could be all alone out here. You’re lucky the three of us are willing to help you. Silver would have killed others for doing what you did. I don’t know why he didn’t tell me he had a reason.” Silver looks away and stands guard since he never needs sleep. He went pacing around the camp like a simple guard pony. I look over to Shadow who Kip has been getting closer to like they’re siblings. I take a deep breath again and relax. “I am very sorry Kip. I am not used to ponies. I am not used to how kind you are. My pack just saw me as a stepping stone to be used. I never had friends before and those I was friends with betrayed me soon after I became an outcast.” Kip smirks. “Well, then you won’t get backstabbed by me, Shadow, or Silver. We are now your friends and we will always be your friends. You just need to open up to us, Tiria, so please open up and we will do everything to make you happy.” I chuckle weakly “The biggest way to make me happy is to just be kind to me, that's all I want really. So if you can do that, more power to you. Now maybe you can explain to me the place we are heading to.” Shadow chuckles. “Reaper Fields I will explain more about it when we get there. It’s best to see it and then talk about it. Since it can be pretty nasty when you see it.” I sigh laying down on one of the cots Kip brought with her. I notice while she is near the torches her eyes are glowing brightly. It’s like she is haunted by them. I gulp a bit and I wonder how she created those torches. “Um, a question for you Kip, how did you learn to torches?” Kip looks over to them and chuckles. “It's amazing what you can learn when you save a zebra shaman from death. The poor mare was shot and she needed help. So I helped her and her tribe and she told me how to make these torches. She said it will ward off just about anything, even raiders. Something about the fire bothers them.” I tilt my head, my long ears sticking in the air noticing I don’t hear any creatures even close to us. I was told we would have seen at least a ghoul or something come close to our camp or something else, maybe even scorpions. I haven’t even seen those since I have been with these two. She carries the torches with her at all times but they’re never lit. I wonder if they do more than she lets on. “Kip, maybe you can explain why creatures avoid us then?” Kip snickers “It’s because of Silver Tiria. Many creatures avoid giant metal creatures and Silver looks like those which could end everything. Now he and I do get attacked sometimes if we have too many with us.” I sigh leaning back and watching Kip put a pot down to cook a meal for Shadow and me. Before we left I heard she went with her husband Crossfire to find some meat for us. I never knew a mare like her as a hunter. I remember smelling the blood on her and now I watch her without her husband or the others she is with and she is so strong on her own. “Kip, you're a strong mare. I am amazed you’re not a mother yet.” Kip chuckles “It’s because I don’t want a family yet. I want to find a place in this deadly Wasteland where I can raise my little ones in peace. A place where Silver Gunner can stay and watch them when I feel I need to rest.” I sigh, stroking my head unsure what to think. I haven’t been to this wasteland for very long. I have killed many already. Thankfully none of them, at least in my mind weren't innocent. I take a deep breath sighing. “I understand, shouldn't we get some sleep? I have no idea what to expect when we get there and Shadow won’t even tell me about this place.” Silver fires his shotgun at something and there is a scream of pain. He keeps firing more screams while we hear gunfire not far from us. We just hear a lot of screaming and shooting. I am guessing he found a raider nest and is going through it. “It seems Silver found the raider nest. Kip, do you think he will bring us all their caps and such?” Kip shakes her head. “No, he won't, he doesn't see the point of it. He will bring us all their food and healing supplies but that is about it. We would have to go in there ourselves to get the caps and ammo. Of course, knowing him he is going to want us to keep moving.” After at least an hour the screaming stops and Silver returns. He is holding a pretty big bag with him. He sets it down and nods to Kip to look through it. All I do though is get into the sleeping bag they gave me and close my eyes to fall asleep. ___________ Next morning Reaper Fields It was pretty much the next morning and we found ourselves at a graveyard of old war machines. I look around seeing zebra bones and pony bones. I see many guns and even landmines around the area. I hear a loud boom in the field looking over to see a merchant who was going through and stepping on one of the mines. I see many creatures come out of the metal husk to loot what is left and to at least try to take care of the two-headed cow. Who I could hear trying to wake up the dead pony. The creatures were very kind to the sacred creature and did everything they can to say they will take care of her. “Welcome to Reaper Fields.” I glance at Kip and she looks like she is reading a very old sign. I came over to read it myself. "Here is one of the first battles of the war. So much is lost on both sides. Refusal to pick up the bodies and the gear left behind. This land was once known as Ruby grass Fields. The grass would glow at night to show the beauty of Equestria. Most of what is here are unknown soldiers. showing the pain of war. The entire army on both sides battled here. All died, and no one lived; it turned from ruby fields to grim reaper's harvest. To those that wish for war. Look at this land and then think again. Please understand these words. Peace is the only way to go." In the end, it was written by Fluttershy. I look up and look at the history. The history of death and destruction. I have no idea why this war started. I haven't been told of course I never really cared to even ask why it started. I take a deep breath sighing. “Shadow, what can you tell me about this place?” Shadow looks at the wrecks and smirks “This entire destruction you see here goes on forever there is no way to not go through it. To the west, there is a raider camp. I don’t know much about them but they don’t attack innocents. They go after slavers and other raiders. The east I don’t know much about them, I guess, and what lives in the fields itself.” I notice Kip looking through some of the bodies closer to the edge of the hell. I keep a close eye on her. I ignore everything else right now. I don’t want her to get hurt and I notice her calling Silver over. He opens his bag and when she moves the bones he disarms a few mines. “What are you two doing?” Silver turns his head to look at me while his strange robotic hands disarm the bombs. Kip is focusing on other things I think they’re trying to make a safer way through. “We need to get through here right? I am sure Wheel Treads minions come through her as well but we want to get through here safely.” Shadow snickers. “We could just ask the Rat Creepers if they will help us. They help Wheel Treads minions from time to time, but they do help them.” I roll my eyes at the great rat creatures I normally eat. Unless these creatures are bigger than normal. I am wondering if there is another way to get to this place of Wheel Treads. I take a deep breath looking over at Shadow. “Is there another path to get to this place?” Shadow smirks. "Oh, there is another way. But I doubt you want to walk through needle grass full of large spiders and their queen. Oh did I mention they can speak and reason as well? They’re a race of creatures that came from some island years ago. So before I go on there is another way as well. All we need to find is a balloon and then we fly over it. Oh, wait, there is no Balloon.” I growl softly at Shadow. “Do you always have to be a smart ass?” He laughs. “Tiria you’re still very new to this wasteland. You’re going to need to understand there is no easy path to do anything. You need to relax and just let me and the others here get you there. Now, how about we set up camp and we take turns standing watch.” I sigh, nodding. “Alright, Kip, can you and SIlver make camp?” Kip turns to look at me smirking. Her horn glows and I notice a tent she never used before pops out of a bag and she gets everything set up real fast. She makes a cozy little camping spot not far from the fields. So we can keep an eye on it and I watch her get the pots and food from Silver. I was asked to be the first one to. I sat outside the camp just a bit pulling my gun out of the holster. I look at the strange zebra pistol and I see the name of the ones who created it. ‘The property of the Blue Hats.’ Who the heck are the blue hats? I feel a nose poke me a bit looking over to Kip. She is floating a plate of cooked meat. “Tiria you need to eat please.” I sigh, putting the pistol back into the holster. I take the meat and Kip smiles. She is so kind and respectful it’s bothering me so much. I glance at her Cutie Mark before moving on. It’s a strange scroll with magic around it. While I eat I hear a heavy metal thump beside me. I take a deep breath sighing. “Wondering how the war started?” I glance at Silver nodding. “How did it start?” Silver shrugs his robotic shoulders. “There is history out there on how it started. There is more to it than most know. Some feel it was religion on both sides. Some feel it was because of Oil and diamonds. Another group feels it was because zebras got tired of being treated like second-rate trash.” I figured I would ask Silver who these Blue hats are. “Silver I got a question: who are these Blue hats? They made this zebra pistol. Do you know about them?” Silver takes a second to answer. I have a feeling he is looking through his vast knowledge of how these Blue hats are. I take a deep breath watching back to the field and seeing these rats they were talking about. They’re larger than normal rats. They carry guns and one turns to look at their eyes glowing brightly. “The Blue hats are a group in a land called Wymarnic there is not much on them and if you do see them from the history of them. It means they have failed to hide from you. The information I have on them is incomplete so I don’t know.” I sigh, finishing my meat and looking down at the empty plate. I shake my head feeling a tap on my shoulder looking over my shoulder to see Shadow. “Get some rest, I will watch.” I stood up nodding to Silver and headed into the tent to rest. I feel myself drift off to sleep when I finally hit the bed feeling so comfy in the bed. It’s a step up from the rocks I used to sleep on back at home. I close my eyes and fall asleep ________ Dreams I dreamed I was a pony that day. In one of the tanks but what's odd I saw myself. Wait, how did I see myself? I went back to my point of view. While I was tied by many bones and held in that spot. While a large metal beast aimed its gun at me. A voice speaking. "Yes, keep telling those around you... That the waste has beaten you already, child. You will become dead if you never allow yourself... To ease up and become a small hero of the waste. No need to be a huge helper... But what you could do... The small ways could help in a big way." The one speaking seems to be a pony ready to fire on me. The gun lowers the bones and comes up over to me looking me over. “Don’t let the wasteland win little wolf. Do what you need to do and then prove it will never beat you. If the Golem takes control of you. It means you have lost. When the time comes this gun will return.” I had no idea what this creature was even talking about. I take a deep breath, close my eyes, and sigh. Looking away from the bones feeling a bit concerned about seeing the gun in my vision no matter what I do the gun stays in my vision and I close my eyes to wake up. __________ Day Eleven. Opened my eyes to hear gunshots and got out of the tent quickly. Seeing Silver gunner and Shadow firing at ghouls that seemed to be hiding inside the yard of death. But one of the doors of the metal monsters opened up and rat creepers took them down as well. Blinking the creepers coming to us. After it's over, one of them seems to be a female lead guard. They're wearing strange gear. Pots on her head are made of parts of gun gear all around. "Four legs help Pothead and crew, yes yes. Must take you to leader!!" The other guard around chants the same. It's just four of them. "Leader leader!!" Sighed softly looking at Silver and Kip to take care of all the gear. Then I am pushed to the leader. I look back at Pothead and then at the king. I gulp worried about him. "Ahem... I am the leader of these ponies and griffins. Why do you wish to take us to your leader?" Pot head looks at the others and they gather into a small group and whisper to each other. This was strange. The strange brown female rat was swishing her pink tail and looking back at me with her green eyes. Then back to whispering. Then Pot heads back to me and nods. "YES YES, we will take you to the leader!!" We followed the Packrat. They opened up one of the old tanks. It leads underground it seems. While a bunch of old tank parts is made into hovels, they lead us to a large throne made in a bunch of old trash guns tanks. The seat turned around showing a giant rat creeper. His left leg was gone and made into a machine gun. That seemed armed and ready to fire. He was dressed in the pure armor of a tank. The Rat creepers chanted his name. "Cannonball cannonball!" The rat creeper stood up and lifted his hand. He spoke with an odd voice. "Welcome to my kingdom. I'm CannonBall. We make a home under parts of this death yard. The past makes good homes. But you seem to be traveling. What brings you to my kingdom? Up above is deadly." Pot Head bowed, removing her pot, and nodded. "They helped us with the dead yes... yes favor!!" The potted rat said. The large king thought for a moment and stood, looking toward me. "You come with me." I nodded and followed him to the back. He started to speak with me as we walked. "Look around you miss. Generations ago we were removed from the cities. Many rat creepers looked for a home for years. I found this place. The ponies of this world destroyed the world. With their pointless wars and their xenophobic nature. After those bombs feel. We were turned into this. It took a few years. Then the ponies started to kill and murder us. Why don't you trust the pony with you? Someday we might trust them again. But sadly right now no." He led me to a tank that seemed to be halfway into the ground and here. I started to look around and it looked perfectly cut into the soil. It was an entire home of these creepers. How they did this was amazing. He leads me into his home. It was one room with a bed. I looked around and he had guns in old glass cases. He had a painting of two alicorns. He gave them both a gentle bow. Then he sat in his chair. "Now let's get down to what I need. I need you to save my subjects and my daughter from a group of raiders. That has taken up camp in an old zebra camp. Now I wish you and the medic pony to go. The metal pony and the griffin stays. They help us clean the mines from the above world. If you do this. You will gain an ally in this world of death." Sighing, I headed back to the throne and looked at Kip. "Kip, I need you to come with me." Kip blinks, nodding following while a group of guards led by Pothead hired Silver Gunner and Shadow. To Disarm the mines. I looked at Pot's head. "How do I find those raiders?" Pot head looked at me and she put a claw to her chin and thought a bit. "OOoo Zebra base to the west." Sighing and nodding along with Kip followed the path slowly through the area. Seeing more and more of those tanks. "What a waste." Sighing softly and looking at Kip who trotted alongside me. With her shotgun floating in her magic. The walk took half an hour. Then we saw an old Zebra camp turned into a small outpost. Looking at the sign. Saying to myself. {Dumbbell outpost.} I look around the entire area way too silent. This is a base of raiders? Walking into one of the buildings and the Rat Creepers that were kidnapped were healing the wounded ponies from the land mines. The raiders we were told about were not raiders at all. But they were being trained as doctors? The Rat creeper nurse looked up and she gasped. "DUMBBELL!!" She shouted, rushing out and heading to the main building. The rest of the nurses and raiders turned doctors looked at us and we backed out. following the nurse to the main building. That seemed to be a tent that was old but large as well. Heading inside I look around to see it's a large bar. The tent seems to be expanded inside with old parts from tanks and other things. Making a large metal building. In the middle of a chair was the leader. He stood up and a large stallion earth pony walked toward me and Kip. "Welcome to my home." This is strange... I was told by Silver and Kip anyone dressed like raiders must be killed but these? "Aren't you raiders didn't you kidnap these pack rats?" Dumbbell shook his head and sighed. "No one hurt the Pack Rats. But if you're here because of Cannon's daughter. Then you best to the east toward the old pony base. But I take it you're wondering why raider's turned their base into a place like this instead of killing murdering and so on. I took over a few years ago from the former leader. Who I killed then I took a deep look around the old world. Then I thought maybe enough is enough. So being that..the rat creeper's sometimes attacked us. I trotted into one of their attacks. I asked out of kindness to teach us... to heal and trade. Since they're one of the few around here... That can do that." I had a surprised look on my muzzle so did Kip and I looked down at her. "Look If I can get the daughter back. Will you work with the rat creepers to clean this area up?" Dumbbell looked at me while the entire bar of former raiders Rat Creepers and two traders looked up to Kip and me. "If you can do this miss... Then It might show Wheel tread is enough. But I am sad to say. He is trying so hard to find a cure for what happened to him. The Dumbbells used to run with him. But he made many mistakes in the past..and the older leader left there and took up shop here. But if we could make a community in this graveyard of death. Then we can do much for this wasteland. It's not a big thing... Like The Light bringer and Security are doing." I blinked looking at Kip "There are others in this wasteland doing a fight as well? Hmm then maybe I should do what I can... My small choices will add up in this fight. Alright to help this area for the trading and to make it easier to get through... I guess I will. Just tell me what I need to do." Dumbbell nods and looks at the bar. "Get them both some drinks and we will talk." The bartender nods and sets down two bottles for Kip and Tiria as the two sit on chairs made from old junk. Dumbbell sat in a chair near us. "Now a little warning, what controls the pony base are not only junk dealers. But they call themselves Reaper Junkers. They won't take very kindly to you just walking in. So I say find something very rare in reaper fields to give them it. It's easy to tell what they look like. Just follow the smell. But if you meet their leader first. Sansword you will be fine. Warning he is an old pony. But he will not die... Too crazy." I drank from the bottle not understanding the taste of this drink. Kip seemed to drink it all down. "Alright, so where is the best spot to find the best junk?" Dumbbell chuckled. "Just look around you might find something. The ponies of old left a lot of treasures." "I would like to stay here and help teach the raiders here how to be medical ponies. I feel it's needed." I looked to kip and sighed nodding. Set down the drink and head out of the camp. I started to look through all the old gear on the grounds. I lifted some old tank parts. Seeing bodies that have long turned to dust and sighed. Looking through more I found a holo-tape being held by a dead pony. I broke the bones, grabbed it, and downloaded it. I started to listen. It sounded like a pony crying. "They're... they're all dead... I... I... don't think... I can make it. To many outsides of the tank that wish to harm me. I killed... the zebra that killed my friends... But... but... I can no longer... go on... I know what I must do then." The sound of a pin being pulled. "To anyone who finds this and listens. Please... tell my family... I fought with honor in the end." The sound of sobbing and the bomb dropping and then static after a boom. "I wish I could tell your family, sir... But after 200 years... No one cares anymore it seems." Starting to dig through more. I found an older gun, a pistol. I thought hmm maybe this will work. Heading to the base. Walking past the rat creepers that put Shadow and Silver gunner to work. They seemed to be holding a large bag of land mines. I gave them a wave and kept my path to the junk Reapers. What gave these ponies that name I wonder. Sighing softly and finding this place very lonely. Just see junk and old gear... So far away. I am starting to see why it's called reaper fields. Looking all over at the dead. I wished I could have gone back in time to help these ponies and Zebras. But Sadly that time is over with. Finding the Junk Reaper was not that hard at all. They built a large complex out of six tanks. Taking them apart and on the wall to the way in. Sansword and dummy leader's of the Junk Reapers. Going inside guns aimed at me from the top. I went into the middle of the complex seeing a red-painted tank. That seemed to be turned into a loader to be driven out to gather junk. It also seems extremely hard to use and to work. I knock on the door on the way inside. Heard a voice inside. "Open the door dummy!!" It sounded very old. Inside a stallion sighed and opened the door. It was a young buck. They seemed to be wearing nice-looking suits. As they gave a nice gentle smile. "Greetings..." He looked at me up and down. "Miss?" I sighed and nodded. "Look, I am looking for King Cannonball's daughter. Have you seen her or is she here?" The buck looked at me and then sighed. "She was here. She was trying to get us to work together with her father and the Dumbbell raiders. But my father refused to allow it. So she got the gear and went to the bog. To take care of ghouls that find their way in here. She went alone." My eyes went wide and stared at the old stallion and went to him. As guns are aimed at me... "Listen... I am not in the mood for your politics, you worthless ponies. If this world is going to live. You all need to let go of your oh. I am better than your logic ..and get the fuck out of your asses. I am sick and tired..of going from place to place. Only seeing it's every pony for themselves. Oh yes, how silly of you... I am sure the ones of the past did the same... The reason your worthless world is fucking dead." My eyes were full of rage. I wished to stay calm but seeing this and how all ponies and different races of this land acted finally made me snap. They were getting ready to fire at me but the other stallion told them to lower their weapons. The old stallion said a racist comment. "Get out of here you mangy mutt and go rape your kind." The old one yelled. "POP!! Enough she is right. Now if you make a small table in the middle of the field we will come and speak about working together... But you should go find King cannon's daughter." The old stallion stood up and blinked... "No, I will not allow this Dummy, you dummy!! Ooooh, Lilly, you hear that... I am coming to join you, honey. Your dummy son. I Want to help those that want to steal from us. OH!!" The stallion sighed and let his father do this. "We will both be there. Also, my name is Montyhoof. My mother had an odd sense of humor." I sighed and left letting the old stallion have a fake heart attack. Checking the bottle caps I was given. Just a few. Heading out the north way in. To get to the bog to stop this crazy rat female. Walking through a path made by the Junk reapers. Heading into the bog looking around for the moment. Heard gunshots running towards the sounds. The sound's seeing a rat creeper cut up a bit. Rushing in, I grabbed my pistol and fired a few to look back at her. "Get out of here... Go back to your father... I will be there soon." The female Rat nodded and rushed off as I backed up, taking out as many of the ghouls as I could. Uses the pistol to fire the ammo into many of the ghouls. My gun was about to run out of ammo. The ghouls just kept rushing. Some even came out of the bog slime. The Zebra pistol was kicked out of my hand and flew into a puddle of bog water. Taking my sword and slicing through more ghouls. But I was about to lose this battle. I was getting bitten and kicked. Feeling pain in my body. As one of my arms was grabbed by the mouth of a ghoul and the bone shattered. The ghouls backed up from me. I stood there with my armor broken in many spots. Blood drained from many wounds. The arm that had the pip-buck broken. Holding my sword in my other. Was this the battle that was going to end me? Was my journey going to end here? The adrenalin filled my veins. I felt the pain vanish for a time. I started to swing and my sword was kicked out of my hand and stabbed into the ground. It started to slowly rain. I looked at all the ghouls going around me. Using one moveable arm left. I punched one hard enough that it flew back. Then grabbing the leg of another that gnawed at my hand and I smashed another ghoul into the other. I knew this was a losing battle. Being trained as a warrior... Never got you ready for unrelenting zombies. Being kicked in my chest again and then a few bones in my chest were broken. The left leg is a bit hurt as well. The ghouls started gnawing at me. The eyesight started to go dark and fade. Losing all feeling in my body as my body was slowly shutting down from all the pain. I saw the ghouls getting shot. But I thought I was just dreaming. A group of Rat Creepers along with the princess Shadow and Silver gunner helped carry me away. While the rat creepers backed up taking out the ghouls. My sword and gun were left behind both getting covered by the rain falling from the sky. 0000 Dreams all I could see were dreams. Dreaming of the land of Equestria itself turning into a golem and standing there in front of me. It pointed at me. While a lone pony in a hat, a large brown removing the scarf from his face, and the voice came from my mouth. "I thought I-" I was about to finish when I got cut off. The ghoul laughed softly and spoke. The raider ghoul I thought I killed in the basement of the apartment building. I spoke out laughing. "Killed me..? In a sense, you killed yourself..." The ghoul spoke again laughing. "...It seems that reports of my... 'Survival' has been greatly exaggerated." I had a look of Terror on my face. As I spoke softly with fear in my voice. "This isn't possible..." The ghoul added with a dark smile his eyes glowing darkly. He starts to grow larger along with the golem to show. The pain of the waste that has come. His voice rang out again "OH, I assure you; it is..." So much fear and sorrow in my voice. When I spoke I felt sadness "How...?" The ghoul laughed and turned his head from me speaking again. "Not how, but... -Why-?" He turned to me with the golem beside him lifting me and he started to speak again the words harsh as tears streamed from my eyes. "-You-... were never meant to come to the Wasteland."You; an exile... born from the ancestry of an outdated sense of a 'Warrior'..." "Instead of taking the role of a pillager; a hunter made flesh... A Raider in sheep's clothing." In other words, the golem ripped off my skin to show under the skin I am but a raider, not a hero not a warrior. But a raider is an empty soul. The golem just stared as I spoke out trying to make heads or tails of this. "... What happens out here is out of our control--" I said, trying to counter. "Is it true, 'Warrior'? None of the deaths you caused would've happened if you had just... STOPPED... But, on your march, carrying the weight of the burdens of the dead behind you... and for what...?" The ghoul turned away, making the war happen in front of me he turned back to me and growled in his voice. "A war caused by the stupidity of the Ponies well over 200 years ago...? But, you weren't there, were you..? You had the luxury of avoiding the hardships and struggles they faced leading up to today... You and your bastard race thriving from the chaos; you're no Savior; your talents lie elsewhere..." He kept forcing me to watch the war. 'I killed him back in the apartment... This can't be real, this can't be!!' I said to myself. I felt this pain growing inside my heart. I felt pain in my arms and I started to be treated like a puppet and the ghoul started to speak again with a smile on his dead lips. "The truth is, 'warrior', that you're here because you thought that you had some higher calling when in reality, you're merely a puppet to the Wasteland itself; don't believe me? The Golem itself has already been molding you; shaping you into the killer you truly are." I started to sob as the golem moved me like some sick doll as I spoke out in anguish. "All the deaths... All the killings... IT ISN'T MY FAULT!!!!" I said with deep sobs. The ghoul laughed at that. As the golem that is the wasteland itself just kept making me into the mold it wished. I couldn't move, I couldn't fight back, I could just be the puppet. The ghoul laughed and smiled softly and spoke again in an echo. "It takes a being of strong willpower to deny what's right in front of them. And if the truth is undeniable... you create your own. -I'm- here because you can't accept whatever you did and will have done; it broke you... You needed someone to blame, so you cast it on me, the ones you -have- killed and -will- kill..." As he spoke, the ponies I killed early in my journey before I met shadow. The raiders threatened to rape me. The ghoul in front of me was the man that killed his wife. Misty Moon was there to kill her. Then I saw the husk of Silver Gunner, Kip, Shadow, and The raven that has been following me. Even faces of ponies I haven't even seen yet. Some in strange armor... I was told it is Steel Ranger and Enclave. I saw these husks of the dead. As the Golem itself became the waste gathering the pain it held. The waste was a golem in the heart of many. It broke so many times before me. All I could feel was the pain... the anguish, the death... The dream went to a room of reflection, the golem standing over me still using me like a puppet. I looked around to see one big solid mirror and I was standing by the ghoul as he had his hoof wrapped around me. As he was laughing and seemed to play on my mind. He was painting something I couldn't see yet. He was speaking and laughing. "No matter how hard I would try... I never could escape the reality of what happened here. -That-... was my downfall." The ghoul pony brushes the last bit of paint on the painting, stepping back slowly with a satisfied yet sickening smile. "There! Finished!" He'd set the paintbrush down in a makeshift can that held other paintbrushes, eyeing me. "I hope you like it." My eyes couldn't believe it was the golem that allowed me to walk forward. "What the hell's going on...?" I asked "...Your eyes are opening for the first time... It hurts... doesn't it..." The ghoul pony gestured for me to step closer as I did, looking in disbelief and anger as I heard his voice again. "Go on... Tell me what you think..." I saw a painting of all those I killed, even those I haven't yet. My eyes grew with anger as the ghoul spoke again. With a dark laugh "You did this..." The ghoul pony smiled briefly before becoming stoic, eyeing me. "No. -You- did. Your actions caused the deaths of countless lives. Someone has to pay for your crimes, Tiria. Who's it gonna be...?" "Is this... some kind of sick joke?" Asking with a growl "You tell me..." The ghoul said, "I'm done playing games, whoever you are." I try to move away but..he forms in front of me. "I assure you, Tiria, that -this-... is no game..." The ghoul kept playing with me. As he laughed dancing around me in the mirror. The golem lifted me and pulled my gun out of my holster. The golem wanted me to do something. Then I noticed the ghoul aiming his gun at me. He spoke to me laughing. "I know the truth is hard to hear, Tiria... But, it's time. You're all alone... all that's left. And we both know that this lie can't go on forever... So..." He lifted his gun as the ghoul spoke. "Here's what will happen; I'm gonna count to 5... Then I'm pulling' the' trigger..." I watched as he lifted his gun to my head and he smirked. "...Make your choice." I was unsure what to do during this time. I was scared out of my ever-loving wits. shaking in my body, pain filling and I said scared and crying. "...No... No, you're not real; this isn't real... It's all in my head..." The ghoul laughs and smiles speaking "Are you sure? Maybe it's mine... One!" I screamed back at him, tears falling from my face. "No... Everything... All of this... This is YOUR doing!" The ghoul chuckles and looks at me. "Well, if that's how you feel then SHOOT ME! Two!" I cocked my gun and laughed, crying and sobbing. "I... I didn't mean to hurt anybody..." The ghoul looks at me and frowned softly "...No one ever does, Tiria. Three!" I lifted my gun getting ready to fire the ghoul as well and laughed softly. "Four..." The ghoul pony glared at me, gun held tightly… "...Is this TRULY what you want..." My eyes filled with tears and then he would scream the last final word. The last final word that would give me this choice. If I thought of killing myself... I would have given up. If I let him shoot me I accept everything. If I choose nothing then I focus on what I have done. I keep following that path. "FIVE!!" BAM!! Footnote: Level up Perk added Ghoul immunity: You gain some immunity to ghouls if there are too many like before, though you will feel a great amount of fear when they’re close to you and it will lower your damage and your armor. Chapter five: Diplomacy"Voices come from many mouths. Many ideas come from many thoughts. But can peace come from the idea of a voice? Just listen closely and let the peace fly." Inside Rat Creeper's hospital My eye's slowly opening my vision very fuzzy I heard voices. I felt like I was asleep for a long time. The voices I heard were Shadow and Kip. "Why won't you let me go in there? I am better at helping the wounded." She was angry and stomping her hoof it seemed shadow was trying to keep her from going inside. "No Kip they asked me to keep ponies out. These Rat Creeper don't trust ponies." Kip's voice got even angrier. "She is our friend!! We should be in there with her." Hearing very heavy stomps and a robotic voice. "Enough Kip we need to wait." Kip stomped her hoof hard to the steel floor. It seems the building I was in. Was carved out of parts of old metal walls. She had a very angry voice even angrier than before. "I will allow it this one time... But they will need to start trusting ponies sooner or later." I tried sitting up but a Rat creeper in a doctor's outfit forced me to lay back down. "No no you aren't ready to leave yet. Please rest you deserve it." Looking to see the creeper and blinked. He had strange glasses that were intact and in a blood-stained white outfit. "Please miss you saved Cannon's daughter... But your body needs rest. Without the rest, your body will fail and you will die too quickly. Now please let the potion's work on fixing your wounds and bones. But this will take time." The doctor went out to the group of my friends. Wait I never called them my friends till now? Hmm He spoke softly. "She is awake. But she needs rest. There are a lot of wounds and older wounds. So miss please." There was a sudden push into the wall and the doctor was coughing and a very angry voice from Kip. " If she dies... I will kill you..." She had a great rage in her voice Shadow sighed and Silver Gunner said nothing and the teal mare let the doctor go. Then walked off with a great deal of anger in her step. "Sorry about that Dr. Pink tail. She is very protective of all life. But she is not scared to kill." The doctor nodded I could see him putting his glasses back on and his voice... Sounded very gentle and very different from most Rat Creepers. "I understand. She is a hero of our people. But it will take a long time for us... To trust ponies." Hearing Silver Gunner's nod since the joints on his neck is so old. They make nasty metal rubbing along metal sounds. "It's very easy to understand. My trek after all these years. Much has changed... But still every pony for themselves." Shadow sighed "I am going to go talk to her. I think she misses Crossfire." Sighing my head hurt so much. Closing my eyes remembering my choice after I fell asleep. 0000 The choice of the dream The golem bleeds from the bullet. The ghoul watched in surprise while the golem turned back into the ground of the wasteland. The bullet hole grew a tree. It had leaf's falling off it. The ghoul spoke softly. "You wish to fight the wasteland. But you will still kill. But for the right reasons. This tree seems to show... all those you will take out for this. Each leaf that falls will make the tree more dead. This means when it's fully dead. It will be your time to die Tiria. Even if you do good... The body will fail from all the pain and bullets going in it and blood leaking." Sighing looking to the tree and looking to the ghoul. "I will be in the back of your mind miss Tiria to tell you how stupid you're being." He smirks showing his teeth. "So enjoy hearing me in the back of your head." Day 13: Rat Creepers underground home. Sitting up in the bed eating the food they gave me. Kip finally calmed down but. I heard she wasn't very happy that she is not allowed to see me. Cannon Ball walked in and smiled. "Ah good to see you all better. Now we are building the meeting place for our talks. They all want you to be there. So you won't be leaving anytime soon." Looking up to the king and nodded. "When do I get to leave here?" The king looked at me and chuckled. "I would say give it another day. We couldn't get your weapons... You will have to get them yourself." Looked up and sighed looking back to the King. "Can you please allow Kip in here? She almost killed your doctor because... She wasn't allowed in here." Cannonball blinked and nodded. "Remember we don't trust ponies that much. But understanding she is a doctor herself. Well I mean she calls herself a medical pony. Anyway, She is welcomed to come in here along with your other friends." He walked out and told the guards its fine and after a few Kip, Silver Gunner, And Shadow walked in. Right after that Kip rushed to me using her horn to check my wounds and my bones. Then after she wrapped her front legs around my head and sobbed softly. "OH Tiria I am sorry I left you to help those raiders. You needed me more." I put my paw gently on her back and patted the mare softly. "Kip... it's fine." Feeling my fur getting wet from her tears. Shadow calmly pulled her off and he had a soft smile on his beak. "Good to see you awake Tiria. Silver Gunner and I got worried that you weren't going to wake up. How Kip learned a trader that left here..to get a checkup and he blurted it out. So she stopped her teaching and asked Dumbbell if she could leave. He was alright with it. She rushed back and then..she was stopped... Almost killing rat creepers when..she tried to get to you." Silver gunner sighed and seemed to be happy? I couldn't tell he never had a smile. When he spoke his mouth never opened. "Tiria you need to ask for help... Before you go rushing in and being a hero. In two day's there will be a meeting. You will have to speak for them. All of the ponies creepers from all three sides... Will come and listen." My eyes went wide my ear's folding back and sighed. "Great... thanks for being so helpful." Kip's horn was glowing she trotted away and brought some food a little later and sat down on her haunches. "Now enough talk you eat." She sets the tray down and her magic faded. She just sat there staring at me. "Kip... I don't want to ea.." She silenced me and stared at me with her motherly eyes. " You will eat... or I will force feed you." Silver Gunner laughed and Shadow smirked. "I would do it Tiria or she will do it... Like she did to me once." Sighing and sat up groaning a bit from the bit. Taking the bowl and calmly eats what seems to be soup? Hmm, whatever it was it tasted very good. I heard a click from my Pip-Buck and blinked. But gave a shrug. Eating it calmly and looked at Kip who put her head on my legs. "Kip... why are you so kind to me? You barely know me... Shadow you barely know me... Same with Silver.." Kip smiled showing her teeth. "You have proven that you're a wonderful friend... Tiria. Friends are the only way you will live through this wasteland." Looking at the three sighing softly. "Alright, I will accept your friendship from the three of you." Kip had a large smile on her face. Shadow nodded and Silver Gunner just stood there. "Soon you will be speaking to all of them. Then out of an act of kindness... We will clean out that bog." Blinking nodding and set down the empty bowl. 00000 Day 17: Reaper Fields table of the three. There was a large table in the middle of the fields. A chair made to look like a Dumbbell. One made from Cannons for Cannon Ball and made from pure junk of the old gear. It was getting to be that time. My amour was repaired patched up a bit. I had no weapons anymore... Since I need to find them in the bog. Dumbbell walked up to his chair and he smiled. His bodyguards seem to be a unicorn mare that is grey with a grey mane. Had a large mini gun strapped to her. The other side a large stallion earth pony. That had two SMG's on his sides. The rest seemed to stay back to take care of the wounded trader's. Cannonball, Pot head, and his daughter. Princess pink nose. Montyhoof came from the pony side base. With two ponies in junk made power armor. The armor had strange hydraulics that made it steam and gasp at each walk. The helms made from broken helms. The rest of the armor seemed to be welded poorly. Their weapons looked to be junk shooters. Their ammo had forked old spoons. Even a strange teddy bear that seemed to be brown. I sat in another chair. While Silver Gunner and Kip sat beside me. Shadow used his wings to hover in the air. I softly thought of what to say and then I looked at the eye's staring at me. "I am sure... this is not the first time... talks like this... have happened in the waste. I am sure in many different areas of the waste. There are folks speaking with kindness and friendship. A former group of raiders. Raider's that normally kill destroy and mutilate bodies. Junk Collectors. Don't really understand you, folks. Then Pack Rats. A group of creature's called Creepers from old lands." Went silent a moment and thought of more to speak of. "Here sit's two races. Three factions. Rat creepers' and ponies looking to make peace and build the reaper fields up to protect the traders. Look around us, my friends. The old war of many years ago. Do we wish to continue that pain? That happened so long ago?" During this talk the raven watched. " I understand that ponies have done some nasty things to the Rat Creeper. But we all need to work together to be ready for the battles ahead. Now to all three of you... I know you three might have requested that... I must do before this alliance is fully concluded... Now give me your request." Cannon Ball stood up and looked at the other two. " My request is this that we build a three faction Council. That we make small law's that would protect our community that will be connected. But first...it would mean cleaning up this field. Removing the mines clean it up." Dumbbell spoke up and nodded. "But we can't fully remove the history of this land. Most would look at it and then proudly refuse to continue so long of a war." Montyhoof softly said with a smile. "I agree but we will have to clean out... the bog first..As well as gather the long dead and bury them." Laying back and listened to them. This was getting odd. Was it going to be that easy? But with my ear's I heard something. Standing up a sudden ghoul jumped from the chair's that attacked all of us. "SHIT!!!" Cannonball was forced to stay in his chair as he lifted his machine gun leg and fired at them. But many sounds of gun's rang out. The ghouls all died and fell. It seems the two Junk reaper power amours didn't work or move after all. Montyhoof sighed as the others were still alive. Whatever saved us... walked towards us. It was a female rat creeper. A giant rat creeper. A dark black one that wore merc amour and had strange metal arms on her back. Connecting to many guns. It seems she had a button on her chest wear. That allowed her to shoot all the guns at once. She knelled to her king. "I have returned Cannon Ball." The king smiled. "Ah rise Octo tail." The large female Rat creeper looked towards me and my friends and stood to the side. Waiting for a time to talk with us. I said sighing. "Okay back to the talks." We sat back down and the Junk reaper's power armored ponies seemed to just be stuck there at the moment. Lovely. Looking over to the one named Octo Tail. She lost her rat tail and strapped her to where the tail was. A large metal spike. Connected to it many arms holding machine guns. After a few hour's the talks stopped for the night. I lean on the wall of the table and watched the darkness. Looking up into the sky. Seeing as Octo tail walked towards me. "Hello miss Tail." Octo clicked a button on the contraption in her former tail hole. It was able to be removed and she set it down. "Yes yes, Octo tail is just a nickname. My real name is Soft step. I noticed that you have an interesting group there. I saw the large robotic pony patrolling the entire fields. That Teal mare that seems to be talking to that griffin-like he is her child. But what about you?" Sighed looking up to the clouds. "I'm an outcast of my own species. I am following down the way to join Wheel tread. I wish to learn about him." Soft Step smiled softly laughing. "You got guts hon. Hmm, I heard stories about you... You must be that wolf that..has been killing raiders and took care of puppets." I looked to her crossing my arms and snorted. " I never asked to be a hero. But it seems just doing the good fight... Makes you one. I am not the light-bringer I am not the ghost of the 52. I am not Security. I am just a soul, a warrior. I follow this path to make something of myself. For I am nothing but another one that walks this wasteland." Soft paw chuckles and shakes her head. "You're doing well for helping this former peaceful world. Sometimes you must do what you have to. It's not going to be easy. I left my home here to do what I can. But I gave up and became a guard of a caravan. I did that for almost 20 years. Now I am home. I don't mind heading out again. Because you seem to need another one that wishes to travel along." Blinking looking to her with a large smile. "It would be wonderful. I am told the best was you live in this wasteland is to have friends." Soft Step nodded and grabbed her strange contraption and head inside the creeper home. "I shall see you in the morning. The talks are going well. From what I have seen." I lean on the wall and beside me, I heard a robotic voice. Turning to see the flying orb bot. "Hello, Watcher." Looking towards the robot. A calm voice came from the watcher. "From what I have heard from a friend... You seem to be gathering a force... That could protect this area here. Are you becoming that hero you didn't wish to become?" Leaning back on the wall of the talking table. "Maybe not sure really. Watcher, I got a simple question for you. Is it worth it? Worth it to do this fight... Worth it to try to fight for a world that died. When if peace happens history could repeat itself." Watcher just floated there a moment silent. "I don't know... what to say to that Tiria. Sometimes you do what you have to. To protect the world around you. But I do know this. For the small things, you're doing are helping the wasteland, of course, it may not be as big... As the Light bringer. But still, those small things add up. She can't be everywhere Tiria. Many stories are going on in this world. Not just yours." I thought of that a moment and nodded. "It makes sense... Right now I am trying to get three factions to ally up and work together. It's not easy... But the Rat creepers are decent creatures. After the talks are over... My friends and I are going to clean the bog that blocks the way to where I need to go. Maybe my help with this waste will bring something to it." Then I gave a sigh "Something seems to be bothering you Tiria... I have some time if you wish to talk about it." Sighing and looked to Watcher. "I saved the princess of the rat creepers of this area. I am sure there are more of them. But I got badly hurt lost my gun and sword. Left them behind there. But I don't wish to go into it. But I will say this. Live or die. I will make sure I help this waste before my death." Sighing softly and leaned back. "Watcher?" A strange pop happened and the bot flew off. With odd music playing and sighed. I just kept staring at the wasteland. So many gave blood for this... So many in the past died to make this happen. Is it wise to fight for a race that killed themselves? A pointless war for what? From what I have learned Coal gems? It's not far off to how my kind is either. I walked back to the table looking at the three chairs that would hold the leaders. I felt that these talks could lead to a new hope or a war. All I could do at this moment. Didn't feel like sleeping... My body still felt tender and in pain. Walking around in the darkness I followed along the path's like I am on walkabout. A walkabout of my mind. Looking towards the way to the bog and then back to the Raider's base and then back to the Junk Reaper's I knew I was on the same path with Silver Gunner. It started to rain and then I yelled in the sky. "NO ONE ASKED YOU!!" Day 18: Rat Creeper inn Opening my eyes I had all eyes stare at me. Soft paw, Shadow, Kip, and Silver Gunner stared at me. I looked up at them and looked around. "Um....am I dead or something? Am I being judged?" Kip smiled and my gun came up from behind her. "Silver Gunner found this. But your sword was broken." Nodded calmly "I will find another sometime." Looking to the dirty gun staring the dragon symbol on the pistol. It was a zebra pistol. But with some dragon blood. Why would it have that? Getting up and putting on my armor getting my bags. I noticed one of the Junk Reaper's here. He was selling something. I went to him. "Excuse me what is that your selling?" Pointed to the sword that seemed to have a crude blow torch. The Junk reaper smiled. She was wearing strange armor. "Oh, that is a sword I found in the bog. It belonged to a former adventure. I cleaned it I updated it and named. Endless flame." I smiled softly and gave them the bottle caps they wanted and then took the sword. Putting it into my scabbard. Then walked back outside. It was morning and the talks would happen again. Walking towards the table and then stopping a moment looking around. I swear I heard something. But nothing it seems. Walking towards the way but then I heard it again. Then looked back seeing another caravan it was heading back out from wheel treads home. On the wagon was slaves just sold it seems. They sang a strange song. "Our souls chained... to the rocks... Our hearts were broken and shredded and our endless nights shall never see the night. Oh please rescue our hearts. For we don't see the sun anymore. Our limbs shattered and broken and bring forth the endless night." The slaves kept singing this as they were lead through the field and sighing. Heading back to do the talks. As I heard one of the slaves call out. "Save us!" I looked back to them my heart sank. The talks were about to happen. I saw the slaver's that did all this that looked back to me and stopped it was... That earth pony with the eye patch. I started fighting inside myself. Looking up seeing no griffins working with these slaves. Then I saw Kip run-up to the slaves and slavers. I saw them speaking... Grabbing my gun waiting to see. Some of the slave ponies aimed their gun's at Kip after she was done. She had a look of fear in her eyes. So close to losing it. Then eye patch the yellow bald earth pony mare told them to lower their weapons. Then she smiled at Kip nodding. Kip then trotted past me. Then sometime later. She rushed back with her medical supplies. Watching her they let the slaves Out and she was giving them check-ups? These slaves seemed like they could use some food. But she bowed her head after her checkup's and then carrying her supplies while they walked off. The slave calling out again. "Save us!!" A slave hit the mare and she was knocked out fully. Soft Paw rushed up behind me and grabbed me. Being able to walk on her back legs like me. Also able to stand up better them most of her species that seemed a little hunchbacked. She pulled me back. "I know that look Tiria... no, let them go. Prove your the better pony. Don't let any pony else get hurt because of just one." Turning to look at Soft paw angrily. Looking deep into her rat-like eyes and then calmed down. "Let's get back to the talks." Walking back to the table and sat down. The three factions sat there. Montyhoof was the first one to speak. "Should we make a wall out of all the old junk here? Connect it to our bases and then put two gates? We can think of where to put them. But it would be safer. Then trying to go around and meet something nasty. But that would mean we need a town in the middle with inns stores so forth." Cannon Ball nodded. Dumbbell did too. "This will be a lot of work. It may take a few years. But we must get this done. Peace is needed so much in this world. We rat creepers know it's not easy to find it." Sitting there and looking over to Silver Gunner who is cleaning his shotgun and I noticed something on it. A photo of him with other ponies? I couldn't make it out... Maybe I will ask him about it sometime. The photo seemed well kept. Placing the shotgun into his back and the compartment closed. He looked towards me, I couldn't tell his emotions because he couldn't move his mouth. It stayed in one emotion. I blinked finding him odd sometimes then looked to Kip who had an unreadable look on her face. But when she turned to look at me. She had a sweet soft smile on her face. Her horn glowing gently as she is cleaning her hooves. The talks kept going as the looked up seeing the Raven staring at what is going on. Then looks to Soft paw who seems to be cleaning all her machine guns. Looking at me and smiled. But I didn't know her that well. I would have to talk to one of them and get to know them a lot more. I am sure Silver Gunner has so many stories he could tell. There was an odd sound again but I had no idea what it was. Then looking to some rat creeper patrol's they seem to be taking out some ghouls that try to get through. Sighed softly as I listened to the three speak. "We need to make sure we teach those that want to be medical ponies. We need more of those for walking through this hellish area." Dumbbell calmly said. The other two nodded. They then looked towards me. "I don't think you need me anymore. I was here to help. I am going to get ready to clean out the bog for you folks." I stood up and Kip blinked and trotted after me leaving the others behind and I sat on a broken tank chair. Looking to Kip and blinked. "Whats up?" Kip stared at me with disappointment in her eyes. "Tiria you're a voice..here... They can't just do this without you. They need the rock that brought them together. They need the song that brought them together as well." Sighing softly and looked to her. "Listen Kip... I want to help... But they don't seem to need me." Kip just stared at me with her motherly eyes giving me that smile. Such sweet smile on her mare face. "No.....no....." Sighed and Shadow landed beside us. "You know you can't fight it Tiria... You know you can't fight it at all... When she wishes something from you... You have to do it." He smirked on his beak and his mini gun strapped to his back. Silver Gunner trotted over to us as well. The four of us four friends... Wait, five friends. Soft Paw the Rat creeper sat beside me. Looking to me and wrapped her arm around me. "Look I may not know you that well Tiria... But you need to go back and lead them through this. After that, we can leave... To your journey the path. Then maybe we can have a little fun." She gave me a wink...Blinking at her and face pawed hard. "I am not into females sorry." Soft paw's eyes went wide. "Yo...YOU..." She laughed shaking her head. "I meant drinking you damn wolf. Drinking!!" Blinking and nodding. "Alright, we will do so... I will go back." Standing up and walking back to the table and smiled. "Alright now lets talk." It had gone on for many hours. But something was finally done. They all agreed to work together and that they will start cleaning up the old field and then start building a wall to keep the ghouls out. But it will take time. They would need us to clean up the ghouls first. But I learned there is more there then just ghouls. I learned there is an old boat that is on the bog. It was a large cruise type ship. Somehow it made it here after the bombs fell. From what they told us it's been wedged in the ground since the war. They said they think the ghouls are coming from there. Going to the Dumbbell raider's bar and sat at it and order something to drink. Looking over to Soft paw and smiled. "Hello, Soft what is your story hmm?" The rat looked at me and smiled sweetly. "Eh if you wish to listen." Nodded and sat beside her. Looking towards her with a gentle smile. "Well, how did the tail thing happen?" She smiled and chuckled. "Hmm let's see ah yes. I slept with a male and he was married. So basically the punishment was me losing everything and having my tail sliced off. I am not a packrat as you can see. I stand up fully as you do. So I was chased out and after that. I never looked back. I found my way here and the king took me in. They gave me what you saw as my tail. Then after a while. I left to explore the wasteland. Oh, what a fucking shit hole it is. I do like the odd looks I get from ponies. Tennpony tower was a lot of fun." She said with a smirk. "But yes the more fun ponies are those crazy Steel rangers. It's so amazing how crazy they get." I drank the strange drink and laughed. "Sounds impressive. I haven't met any of these steel rangers. They sound like something I would love to fight over and over." I noticed Silver Gunner and Kip at the other table. Of course, Silver Gunner Couldn't eat anything or drink. But he sat there talking to her as Kip ate. Smiling and noticed that Shadow joined them and they laughed. I watched them... Were they becoming friends? How could this be? I smiled looking back to Soft paw. "SO miss Tiria you seem like a dark stranger. Tell me how did you end up to being on this strange journey I see you on." Blinking and sighed as I felt it was time to explain to them all. I took my drink and asked Soft paw to follow. I sat in an empty chair and smiled to the others. "Ah, there is the dark strange wolf." Shadow said with a snark like smirk. Chuckled and drank from the strange fluid. Looking over to Silver Gunner. "Silver that Shotgun I saw something on it. What is it?" Silver opened up his back and brought out the shotgun. It seemed old but very well kept. It had on the side name Remembrance. "I found it a long time ago." Taking the photo from it seeing a group and blinked. "Your in this photo Gunner..." Silver looked at the photo of him and a group of ponies and Zebra. "It was attached to the Shotgun... I don't remember who they are. But deep down in my magic core... They mean a lot to me." Takes the photo back attaching it back to the shotgun and then places... It back into the compartment of his back. "I have seen many things in the past. Tiria but the only time... When I do know is when my head is smacked." The Griffin Shadow laughed at that and drank from his strange drink. "I will say this... To our wolf friend here. The Rat creepers, Dumbbell raider's, and the Junk Reapers. If this peace last. This area will be a well-protected part of the wasteland. But peace doesn't always last. But when it does... It does." Kip smiled nickering somewhat and started to eat her food that was given to her. Sadly she was eating what seemed to be meat. But there wasn't much for her. "Hmm, interesting I don't understand what's so interesting about meat but... Hmm, I could get used to it. If we don't come across any more veggies." Looking to Kip and smiled. "So normal ponies have stories of how they got their Cutie mark. So how did you get yours?" Kip looked up and smiled softly her gentle teal eyes glowed softly. Shifted a bit in the chair and looked at the others. "Well, I was young of course. My mother I don't remember her name to well. I don't remember my father that well either. My father was a bit of an ass. He slept with other mares and didn't really love my mother. But I loved him and he oddly loved me. He would always take care of me when needed. He taught me how to live in the waste and my mother helped me learn the magic of light I had. But they didn't wish me to become like them." She drank from her semi-clean water. Thinking a bit before going on. "Well, what got me my cutie mark. Is that my father got wounded by a slave. I used my magic to try to heal him." Rubs the mark on her rump with a hoof and smiles. "This showed up and then... a few months after. The leader learned what happen. He killed them and then I ran off. Running into this large metal pony." Smiles hugging Silver Gunner who had a look of happiness in his eyes. Silver Gunner kept to himself looking towards them and seemed to either smile or frown? It was hard to tell. Looking up and he then spoke. His speaking seemed to have no emotion behind it. "It's wonderful to know that peace will come sooner or later. But peace will never be the right path sometimes." Calmly sitting there listening to them and just thinking of the past and the idea. "The past is always odd it seems to me." Looks to the others as I said this calmly. "It's something strange to me... I still don't understand why this war happen." But before we could speak anymore Cannon Ball walked in and smiled. "I'd hate to break this up. But the ghouls are getting more and more bold. I need you all to head on the boat and remove them all. I don't know what is in there. But most of my follower's that went in there never came back. So please we need this." I stood up and gathered my bags and my gun and my sword. Putting them all on and looked to them. "Well then Lock and Load let's get this done... Shall we?" The others nodded Silver Gunner put his bags in his compartment. Kip gathered everything else that she held. Soft Paw gathered her gear and Shadow... nodded and then head out with me. When we got out of the Rat creeper's home looking around. Seeing Rat Creepers, Junk Reaper's, and Dumbbell Raiders. They were cleaning up the mines and taking care of the fields. Of course, this is going to take months maybe to a year to clean up. Looked to the others and then we started walking towards the area of the bog. It was time to do some good for the ponies of this wasteland. Looking back towards the three faction's working together. It was a small start. Nothing like the Light bringer or Security. But it's a start to bring a little peace to this dead world. Footnote Level up: No new perk. Chapter 6: Fate and the Past."Fate what is fate? Fate is Irony. In the words of many Fate is but a cheater at cards" The five of us walked into the bog. We walked calmly through the bog seeing bodies of Ghouls all over the ground. All the bodies seemed to lead into a large line to this cruise ship. How this cruise ship made it out here makes no sense to me. But I have been told stranger things have happened in the wasteland. It was far... But when we got closer into the bog. It started to stink. I covered my nose and chuckled. "WHEW, that is ripe." Kip had a mask on her face to stop herself from smelling the funk. Softpaw put on a strange helm on it that has a filter on it. Then looked to shadow who was wearing a mask with tubes bypassing the air. The very old gear they had... But it seemed to work. Of course, Silver Gunner had no issues. SoftPaw gave me a helm that was meant for a pony. I put it on and then used it. Breathing in clean but the air was still pretty sicking. Looking around this helm blocked my hearing. It took an hour or so. But we found the Cruise ship. It was a giant city that would normally be on the water. It seemed fully intact. Looking around seeing a bunch of dead ghouls all over. Some of them bloody and smashed. But this was strange and then I saw it. Stopping in my tracks. A ghoul... a griffin ghoul... Then I saw a donkey ghoul. A ghoul of all that would be on a cruise ship. They were dead from what I saw. But this was odd... Ghouls of different races other than ponies? Getting closer none of the ghouls moved. But we noticed that the blanks were allowing us to get up there. Does it seem we were welcomed? Looking to the others and we nodded walking up the planks. Heading inside looking around. We are on the dock there is so much of this ship to see. So many treasures. Looking towards the others. Softly speaking no one could see my emotions or how I felt. But they could hear the command in my voice. "Alright, we all stick together. No separating. We need to clean this entire boat out." They all nod as we walked I looked to see the name of the cruise ship. It said Celestia's Pleasure Cruise. We searched through the lower deck first. Seeing more and more dead... Then I saw a strange purple mist but not pink. I swear it was mist. As I looked to the others. "Did you see that mist?" Softpaw looked to me through her mask. I didn't see her eyes. " Mist?" Then of course if it was fate. A large narwhal stuffed came down right in front of Softpaw stabbing into the ground. She jumped back and blinked. "Whoa..." Softpaw said breathing heavily and looked to me. Cocking the machine guns on the spine tail. "Lets... go and I think we need to be careful." She said. Silver Gunner opened a door and then a ghoul was standing there growling. Hearing the shotgun and the ghoul that Silver Gunner shot was a griffin ghoul. Looking back at him and nodded. "Let's make sure we clear the entire deck before we continue. Then we will go inside." Suddenly again if it was fate a stuffed shark landed on my head and fell getting knocked out. 0000 Inside the Ship I woke up two hours later and it was just me... I still had all my gear. But it was just me. Then I turned seeing a ghoul in a suit. Grabbing a suitcase. Then I turned and looked to me. It said. "Been waiting... for you.." Lifted the gun and fired killing the strangely suited ghoul. "No need for that." Looked around I couldn't find any of my friends. I rubbed the back of my head looking around. Calmly opening one of the doors. I looked around slowly walks through the halls. Seeing the many rooms of the odd cruise ship. Then I heard a voice for an intercom. "Everyone this is the captain speaking. We have some pirates trying to steal from us. Take care of them and bring them to me. Don't harm them either." Then if it was fate Silver gunner fell through the floor above me and landed right in front of me. Looking towards me and he started laughing. "That is one way to get to the bottom." Then suddenly the floor under him gave way and he fully went through the floor. "DAMN IT!!" The robot yelled. Smirking and then walked on. I figured he would find me sooner or later. Looking through each door. This cruise ship was well kept. Looking over to where Silver gunner fell in and the hole was sealed up. Blinking going through the halls. I couldn't seem to find any of my friends. Looking into many doors seeing dead ghouls and some that just stared and growled. They left me alone though. I heard a scuffle and heard Softpaw grunting and punching the ghouls. They were speaking. "Stop that rat creature!!" They rushed after her. But I couldn't see them. "HELP!!" Kip yelled and there was a loud shot and she went silent. "Carry her to the captain." Then Shadow yelled. "LET HER GO!!" There was the sound of a hoof smashing into him. Then a body falling. "To the Captain." Then I heard sounds of them fighting Silver Gunner and then he was giving them a lot of trouble. Then a voice. "Shut it down!!" Silver Gunner screamed as something blew his core for the moment and I heard him fall with a loud thud. "To the captain." Then I heard Softpaw scream and get shot by something hearing her body fall. Now it was just me. I kept walking through the cruise ship hearing hoof steps and many steps around me. None of the sounds of normal brain dead ghouls. A voice came over the intercom again. "This is your captain speaking. We must destroy the Zebra fools. Bring their minions to us. This group of infiltrators has a leader. Find them bring them to me. IN the name of Luna." Grabbing my sword and my pistol hearing steps from all around. Hearing voices. I went through the area that would be meant as the buffet area. That had a dance floor. Everything seems to be working. Then a shot rang out and I rushed behind the Dj booth. I started firing back. One of the bullets turned off the lights and then a bunch of lasers and the dance floor started glowing brightly and music started playing heavy dance music. I Yelled through the music. "FIGHT ME LIKE A REAL WARRIOR!!" The ghouls dropped their guns and held melee weapons grabbing my sword and turning on the fire. The lights flashing making it look like we were dancing as we fought. Each flash made it like a small slow-motion battle. With the dance music in the background. The music getting louder and looking towards the DJ booth was working on its own. I kept kicking the ghouls back. But more kept coming bringing out melee weapons. The battle was odd. It seemed like an endless battle. I fought all that came after me. The lights going in and out to the music. Backing off out of the dance floor the music still blaring and the ghouls charging after me and we got into another dance battle fight. My sword-swinging and parrying. Then make a few of the weapons that tried to hit me fly out of the magic hooves clawed hands into the DJ stand and shorting it out. The room going back to normal. The lights fully turn on and I looked down seeing knocked out ghouls. I head large hoof steps behind me. Turning around I saw a large creature towering me. A minotaur a ghoul. He looked like every other ghoul. But he was pretty much intact and he spoke loudly. "Come with me... Zebra spy or I shall bring the metal on you!!" Gulping I felt my armor pants getting warm and a bit wet. Looking up and thought to myself. Holy goddess... what did this thing eat? Jumping out of the way as he smashed the ground with his fist. The ground healing itself. As the large creature charged after me. The stomping making it harder to run. He smashed me into the wall and then grabbed me tossing me to the chairs and smashing into a table. Feeling burning pain in my body. "Ow...." Slowly standing searching my blade. Putting up my fist in a warrior's stance. Of course, I was fully outmatched. Rushing into punching him getting a few hits in... Then he grabbed my fist and smirked darkly and then tossed me into another wall. Then charging into me getting out of the way as his horns lodged into the wall. Panting hard my tongue hanging out. Pain screaming through my body. " Ha stay there you." Then suddenly a punch from the trapped creature hit me and I flew into the Dj table shattering it. Slowly standing and growls in pain. "Damn it." The large minotaur ghoul broke free and stared at me. "The train is coming to you, brother!!" He charged and stepped aside a moment. Then charging to hit me hard and I flew into the wall again. Growling softly breaking off from the wall. Panting so much pain flowing through my body. How I was still standing made no sense to me. But I did what must be done. "COME AT ME!!" I yelled charging at the large bull-like creature and we smashed into each other grabbing each other and fought hard. He didn't hurt at all but I did. But I backed off and did a kick to his face. He fell back and then got back up punching through my armor and hit my stomach. "DAMN IT!!" He then tossed me into the floor and stomped on me over and over and then finally I passed out... _______________________________________ Day 19: Cruise Ship Opened my eye's I was strapped to the wall on the bridge looking for my friends... In front of me was a lanky unicorn mare ghoul. She was tall I saw a purple-like mane that was left and a longhorn, She was in a military uniform a large sword on her side. Her hooves on a strange wheel on moving it like she was on the water. "You're awake." The female ghoul said. Turning around to show her yellow eyes. Now before I send you to the Ministry of moral to clean those evil thoughts from your mind. Why are you on my ship zebra spy?" Looking around not even seeing my friends. " What did you do with my friends?" The ghoul gave a smile. " Hmmm, they're being punished for being spies." I finally heard the sound of whips and screaming. "They aren't spies the war ended 200 years ago!!" The ghoul gave a dark chuckle. "Just like a Zebra would say." The mare smirked and with her horn, she untied me. Stabbing my sword in front of me. "Take it... Zebra spy and fight me. Prove your truth in a duel." Standing up grabbing the sword and turning on the blow torch connected to the sword. Getting ready to fight. " don't wish to fight you but... the war has been over... For that long." Slowly standing holding my sword and the two of us ready to battle. Hearing the whips hitting my friends. Hearing them ripping Silver Gunner apart. All I could feel was my rage... But I need to calm my rage. Holding the sword tightly waiting for this mare to strike. Our swords hit together. As we fought like two warriors met in a spar. "You have to see the war is over. The world is dead. Look outside just look!!" The mare gave a smile showing her teeth. Her ghoul hooves stomping around as the sword's made whooshing sounds in the air. "Many that come here... say that. But none of them are strong enough to prove this. Your friends will be punished for being zebra spy's child. The world of Equestria needs to be at peace. I will do this no matter what. My cruise ship... a way to keep the enemies in prison Griffin's, Zebra's, Donkeys, Mules, and ponies as well. All must be held as traitors." My eyes softly glow trying to ignore my rage hearing the whips harming my friends. Hearing them ripping Silver apart. I had to control my rage. Looking back on my training at home. Always told never fight in rage. Relax and watch their steps. Looking to see all way's in blocked by Griffins and that Minotaur that attacked me. "The war is over damn it." Charging making the ghoul unicorn use her magic to toss me out of the window. With a smash, I flew outside onto the deck below landing with a thumb. Then the ghoul jumped down. "You will fail." It started to look like it was going to rain. Standing up quickly and blocked the blade from trying to hit me. The rain started to fall and lightning ran through the air. "Look at it!!" Pointing to the dead world beyond the cruise ship. The mare looked to the wasteland and then back to me. "Zebra illusions." My eyes went wide. This hatred has been going on for years. The mare charging after me our sword battle becoming wilder. Sparks forming from our blades. They gathered on the deck of the ship. Some of it burned and slowly stopped. My blade glowed and hissed from the rain. "Listen you crazy mare. The war has been over for 200 years...Both sides lost... The world is fucking dead!!" Growling showing my sharp teeth full of anger. "You worthless ponies killed yourselves!!" Charging in a rage the mare couldn't block quick enough and hit her back. She stayed right on her hooves. Then smiled. "Hmm good a spy that knows how to fight." Using her magic to make her uniform fit correctly. Growling softly and our swords clashed again. I watched the other ghouls coming to watch. " I am not... a zebra spy!!" Said as I swung around kicking the mare in the face. She stood there seeming not to be harmed. Something was making these ghouls stronger or I never fought one with a mind. Finally charged and the two of us fell off the entire cruise ship and we hit the ground with a thump. Both of us standing up but of course I broke my ribs. Staring at the mare. She smiled ichor falling from a wound. "You know how to fight I see spy!!" Then we fought back up the plank and fought up there. I was panting and growling softly. " Listen mare... something is going on with you. No ghoul should be this blind!!" The mare smiled and lifted her sword again. The magic from her glowing on the blade. Soft pants coming from my mouth holding onto my blade. Looking at all the ghouls and they cheered for the mare. Shouting her name. "Fleur Fleur!" The mare smiled seeming to have no issue at dancing around me with her sword. She sliced my bare arm and I growled in pain holding the wound. "Getting tired Zebra spy?" Anger filling me and then I heard Kip's scream she was sobbing hard. Looking towards the way in. "I will stop their pain if you say you're a Zebra spy. Then we can get back to Cantorlot and find a way... To end this war." Then I heard my friends other than Silver Gunner. "Don't let her win... Tiria... She will kill you." They all screamed. Panting looking back to the mare. "Listen again, look at me. Do I look like a zebra or something a zebra would hire to spy? Look at me closely... I am not a creature made by the Zebra's." The battle stopped a moment and looking to the others. Then I saw that mist again. It went into Fleur and she smiled. "You're a Zebra spy you fool!!" Growling softly enough of this I thought I charged getting stabbed by the blade fully not caring and forced... Her down punching hard in her face over and over. I saw her bleeding and it was that black mist. It seeped away and floated off to nowhere. Stood up after noticed the ghouls seeing the wasteland and they gasped. Looks down to Fleur who stood up and gasped to seeing her former land. "Yes... that's the best way... punch the evil out... Yay." I fell on my back and passed out. Day: 20 Cruise ship. My eyes opened up and Kip was laying beside me I was on a bed she was on the floor. She had a lot of sealing wounds... I felt sick... Looking at my chest seeing where the sword went in. My armor is off closing my eyes feeling so much pain. I tried to sit up and gasped and felt some strange burning in my body. Was that sword poisoned growling in pain? But laying there, I felt so much pain coursing through my body. I could hear talking. "Fleur..there is no answer to anypony. It seems the entire world is dead. I sent one of our griffin's out... They found some areas that ponies are in... But I doubt we would be welcomed." Fleur sighed. "We will stay here then and give ponies a place to rest when they come. I doubt we can do anything else but stay here." Another one of her crew members spoke. "What about the wolf creature and her friends?" Fleur sighed. "Let them rest... that wolf creature almost died trying to get us to wake up. All our families of the past dead." Groaning softly and tried to sit up again. I fell back onto the bed and moans in pain. "Ow..." Kip stood up and smiled using her magic to help heal my wounds a bit. Re-doing the wrapping on my bandages. Then walked out of the room and Kip walked off to find Shadow who was putting Silver Gunner back together. I heard Shadow joking holding Silver gunner's head. "OH Silver Gunner I knew him well." Hearing an angry voice from him. "ENOUGH put my damn head back on my body!" Shadow laughed and he was working on fixing the poor robot. "I am trying Silver. Oh hello, Kip." Kip Giggled and the two were close. She treated Shadow like her brother. Before I could pass out. I heard another voice. "Fleur... I wish to follow them." All I could do was listen and not move. I heard Softpaw and she spoke to the creature. "We need more fellows to work with us. I am sure when Tiria wakes up and starts moving she will agree for you to come. Even if you're the one that beat the shit out of her." I heard a loud laugh and snort. " It... was not my intent... But whatever was controlling me... It wanted me to smash her." Softpaw chuckled and smiled. "So do you have a name?" Hearing the Minotaur's name. "I am a little hoof." Blinking, I laughed loudly groaning in pain. "Little hoof. HAHA... OW!" I said groaning. Fleur came in calmly sat down and sighed. "I am sorry about hurting you miss Tiria... But there is something you should know where you are heading. It's a prisoner of war camp. It was used to hold Zebras that were captured during the war. Even If I have lost 200 years of my life having no idea... How my cruise ship got here. I can warn you... if any lived... Some of the most dangerous criminals are there." Nodding and groaning sitting up. "Are you going to be alright miss Fleur, knowing that... your world is long dead?" The unicorn mare looked up to me nodding with sadness in her eyes. "I was hoping Fancy would have come with me. But I knew this war would end..with a lot of pain and death. I had to get away from it. So I made this cruise ship for everyone... To get away from the war for a year. Then I saw a flash and you woke me up." Sighing gave her a gentle smile. "I want you to go to the Reaper fields not far from here and you will see a guard... That is a rat. Tell them you're a friend of mine... and get in contact with king Cannonball." Fleur looked at me like I was odd saying that name. "Alright... If it is a way... to become part of this wasteland. Then I shall do that." Before she left I asked. "Did you think zebras were evil?" Fleur turned looking back at me and sighed. "I used to be part of the elite in Cantorlot we thought everything was evil. I got into an awful fight with Fancypants before the war fully started. I wished to get away from it. So I was trained to run a cruise ship. I allowed all races on the ship. I didn't care how the government felt." She said with an angry look on her rotted face. Kip had gathered all our gear and her... Got food and supplies from the ghouls. But they didn't wish me to leave that bed yet. That poison was going to make my entire body burn and hurt for a while. Laying on the bed. Keeping my eyes closed. Hearing my friends speak to the ghouls of the past. The gruff female voice of Softpaw was laughing. "I am sure you will like this new world. But some of the ponies are crazy about this world." Silver Gunner is sitting in the doorway on his metal haunches guarding me. Closing my eyes again and growled gently. So much pain in my system. Kip was trotting around gathering what she could. Shadow was helping her as they were laughing and becoming closer friends. The pain in my body was getting worse...I felt like everything was burning from this. groaning feeling a metal hoof on my shoulder. " Relax Tiria... accept friendship in your heart and maybe..you will heal sooner." I nodded and heard the heavy steps again. Looking at the ghoul Minotaur. He smiled and brought me some food and helped me eat. "Eat miss Tiria... Again I am sorry." Nods calmly closing my eyes and eating the soup he gave me. Then I fell asleep. Day Unknown: Fate Opening my eye's it seems I was in a place of darkness. The ghoul I killed back during the start of my journey. He smiled at me and laughs. "Well well miss Tiria. You sure have had an interesting journey. Oh and yes... I ain't dead... But I ain't in Equestria anymore... I am allowed to speak to you for this moment. You will understand in time. All you need to find is the unicorn with the eye of the moon. But that will be later on your journey my dear. Then your fate will be said." He gave me an evil smile. Then he spoke again. "Have you ever thought to destroy all the old magic... of the past? That something must be hidden in it? Discord may be gone of course. But there are enemies way before Equestria was even founded... Ones that the ponies of old jailed... You will meet them on time." Blinking I thought to myself. Enemies before Equestria was founded? "What do you mean this is my fate?" The ghoul laughed softly shaking his head. "This is the fate of all those that fight in the wasteland. Every soul that fights their own battle breaking each magic barrier that holds them in place. One has already made it out... You have seen them. Again you will meet them on time." Blinking. "But why would they bother me. I am not even a fucking hero!!" The ghoul chuckles. "Because of Miss Tiria your heading to their domain. You will see what I mean soon. When you wake up you won't remember any of this. So wake up Tiria... wake up and worry when the time is right." Day: 21: Cruise ship I opened my eyes and looked beside me seeing Kip sleeping. It seemed late still. Getting up and walking towards the outside deck. Seeing Silver Gunner speaking to Fleur. They both turned to me and waved then going back to speaking. I sighed and went to the edge of the deck. Looking at the wasteland. Seeing that the bog is bubbling and causing more nasty smells. Looking up to the clouds... Seeing only those. This world is so empty. I had a dream I don't remember why... But I will be heading to something that scares me to death. I noticed the strange mist again that just hovered there watching me a moment. Then heading to the spot we will be heading in. Sighing and looks towards the crew... They seem to be taking supplies and making a wall around the ship. From what I was told they also had a lot of cargo. Just in case leaks happen. I went to head back to bed and looked to Fleur who came up to me and I smiled gently. "Feeling alright hmm?" I asked Fleur nodded calmly and looked to Silver Gunner who helped the crew with their work. Looking back to Fleur. "I do warn you... There are many ponies of this world that... will try to kill you... Just because you're ghouls. Be ready for that." Fleur frowned and nodded looking towards the wasteland. Seeing Cantorlot and her eyes fill with tears. "The princess everyone I knew... My home my family..." Sighs looking down and I left letting Fleur think about everything. Getting back into the bed and looked down to Kip who... It seemed to stick near me... Because I was the most hurt one at the time. Closing my eyes and then had another dream... The dream was from the past. I was one of the ponies in the fields. Looking for my brothers and sisters of battle. Seeing that all of them are bones. Looking towards the field outside... All the ponies are dead. They all turned to look at me. Blinking the leader of the tank I was in turn into the ghoul. "FIRE FIRE!!!" He laughed. "Ah, I told you Tiria... I would be in your mind still. Oh, the jokes I can play on you. Oh, the darkness of your mind. I have seen your dream, your past. You aren't worth the time you have lied to many. But you proved to me... You wish to see the endless war to end. The war will end... when Lightbringer does what she does. But you will be left forever in the darkness of your choices." The bones just stared at me. As the ghoul laughed talking to me more. "War is so much fun ain't it? Heh heh heh." Then the ghoul got darker. As the battlefield vanished and he stared at me. "Now let's ignore the fun and explain. Listen every time you dream you will see me... Haunting you telling you how much you failed. I'm sorry to say but killing me was an awful idea." He smirks showing his yellow teeth. "All ideas of killing will lead me to show up into your mind more and more." Staring at the ghoul my eyes glowing angrily. Why was I going to be cursed with someone I killed. Am I meant to deal with this one forever? Then he was in a strange brown cloak with a hat and then puts cards down. " Anti... Oh, wait that's some other mares problem OOPS!!" The ghoul laughs at the jacket and cloaks vanishing. "OH, your mind is so easy. I can be... anything... But I shall be kind this time. Ahem, you refused to kill the ghouls... You respected the fact... That they're lost in time... Its the past and fate." The ghoul chuckles turning back to the darkness and then rushing towards me and forced me into a tree his anger growing. "Listen here Tiria... this is your mind your thoughts... You're the one bringing me to light. If you would let go..." Ice started floating around the two of us and he growled. "NO NO. Anyway, now listen wake up.. and stop being such a wet blanket and accept that you killed!! These creatures will be fought in the future... You aren't strong enough to fight them." The ghoul brought up his hoof and slapped me in the face hard. "WAKE UP!!" Opened my eyes sitting up and groaned Kip staring at me and smiled. "Ah, sleeping beauty is awake..." She said laughing softly and nuzzled into my arm and with her magic... Gave me a bowl of meat. "We will be leaving soon." Nodding calmly eating. While Kip left and she was carrying my bags sword armor and everything else to the deck. Shadow followed behind her carrying his stuff. Looking towards me and waves with one of his claws. It was time to go it seems. Stood up and sighed softly heading out to the deck taking the bowl. Offering it back to Kip. Grabbing my armor and put the armor back on gathering my bags and looked to the others. "Before we fully get to the spot we are going. We need to walk through the bog. So be ready for pain." Looked to Shadow and smiled. "Shadow how big is this place we are going to?" Shadow looked towards me and smiled. "It's a former Prisoner of war camp. Wheel tread has been living for almost 100 years. He built an entire city under it. Using slaves and workers. It's a big city. How he lives that long we have no clue. But his body is failing. He is using some strange magic to keep himself alive. He no longer has hooves. What is left there are four wheels. His body is still flesh but... His heart was removed. He is trying to find way's to live forever. But we have found a stable down there. Some of the parts of the city... Are parts of the old camp. It was made to be underground... for a time. But we have no idea what the stable is for. But after many years. He built the city... and in the middle of the city has a market of slaves... weapons food and arena. It's used to train and to pass judgment. You will be going there to prove your worth as his bodyguard." Blinking glaring at Shadow. "You failed to tell me that you know. Will I be in that alone?" Shadow nods. "You need to prove your strong and ready to fight. But also you're my friend Tiria... I will put in a good word for you... Before the battle happens." Fleur came up to me with a holotape in her mouth setting it down in front of me. "Please listen to that... You will understand... Why I hated the six mares. Why I refused to allow them to use my ship as a prison." I nodded and connected it to my pip-buck and started to listen as the others around me getting ready to leave. There were some angry sounds of ponies shouting and then I heard a soft voice. "Fleur de Lees. You will let us take a look at all non-ponies on your cruise ship. Now let us question all the Zebra's you have onboard along with the non-ponies." The sound of a very angry mare. Speaking back. "Twilight I told you before along with Fancy. I will not let allow this war to cause more harm to everyone else. Now get your Pink friend away from my ship. I will not let her minions and dogs harm anyone!!" The sound of a very pink mare. "BUT BUT there are enemies on the cruise ship!! You must let us see them you must!!!" Fleur snorted. "NO!! Little Hoof cast us off. I will say this now... This war will not end well and you six along with the princess will be at fault. Remember my words YOU WILL BE AT FAULT!!!" The recording ended. Blinked looking to Fleur. "You betrayed them?" Fleur nodded. "I had enough so... I gathered all kinds of supplies. Then we were going to live on the water till we hear that the war was going to end. But as I see they failed. I don't care for those six mare's Fluttershy is the only one I liked. So I may have blamed her as well for this." Nods and smiles. "So these six mare's were part of your government in the past?" Fleur nodded. "Take care," I said waving and Little hoof had gathered everything. For a ghoul, of course, he needed no food. But Silver Gunner sat in front of us and didn't let us leave and looked up to us. "Before we fully leave. My question to you all... But I already know Kip's answer. What is the core value of friendship?" Blinking I looked to Shadow, Kip, Softpaw, and Littlehoof. The ghoul spoke out. "In the past friendship meant many things. The value of friendship to my kind in the past... Was chaos... But after meeting Fleur and she saved my life. Loyalty." He said. Then Shadow spoke out. "Friendship is to protect those close to you. Never let them come to harm and protect them... Because you promised their husband you would." Kip gave a sweet smile to Shadow. "Awww Shadow your so cute... little brother." Shadow chuckles it seems the two have turned into like siblings. Then they all looked at me. Silver saying it again. "What are the core values of friendship?" He asked again in his soft monotone voice. Thinking a moment and looked at my new friends. I was told by my elder... To find friends life becomes what you are meant to be. I softly felt poetic and started to speak. "Friendship is the core of this world. It brings magic to the heart of all... That wish to accept it. Even if this world is dead and gone... We need to gather the hearts that tell our stories. The stories of all around us. It is written in the book that is written by the pen of the writer of our lives. Without the writer of our fate. We shall never become empty." Silver nodded. "Good enough." He said and stood up letting us all go. The ghouls waved us on. As we headed towards our way to our full journey. What will we find? Will the journey end? Will it just start? No one knows really. But we will do what we can..to help save this land... Footnote level up Iron Bones: With your fight with the Minotaur you gained iron bones. Chapter 7: Fate and painSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter 8: Siege"Battle is something that will always end with death." Journal entry from KipKipie I wish I could see her fight... I wish I was there for her at the end... She vanished... close to the end... All of us separated then put together without her... We found her journal with her blood on the cover. We hope she is fine... But most of us are hungry and some of the young... are dying if we don't get help soon... We will all... haven't seen Silver Gunner or Little hoof after they took them away. It's been almost two... weeks... Please be safe Tiria... Oh, their coming I need to hide this. __________________________________________________ The Siege Day 25: Pow Camp "Everypony Fire!!" But... it sadly was too late. They came in so fast and so quick. We weren't even ready for them. The tank that stood watch since... I have been here was firing it took out one transport and then a sudden green blast hit it and all that was left... was smoke and ash... Those inside dead. The snipers fired at what they could... But the bullets just bounced off the armor. This wasn't going to be a siege, it was going to be a massacre. We had to get some out of here we got to get them ready So... I did all I could... "FALL BACK!! Into the city." Bulwark and the other guards of the gate nodded while the rest were already rushing to the underground. I grabbed my pistol and the Warden left the slaves to die. I looked to see them there. Kip rushing with the wounded and noticed Softpaw standing to defend the Slaves. "Go... I shall defend them." I gave Softpaw and nod as the rest of us rushed to the underground. I looked at the shadows of them landing and hearing Softpaw's gun going off and then looking to the Shadows of her being surrounded and then one of the spikes of their tails stabbed her right in the heart... Tears fell from my eyes... Softpaw is dead... Then I hear a flame thrower go off burning all the slaves and the buildings above hearing all kinds of screaming. Then silence I heard a voice. "Command wants us to take hold of this place..till the operation is over and then..we shall kill and destroy everypony after it's over. Now find the rest of them and keep them alive." He chuckles softly. "If you can that is." _____________________________________ Day 25: Underground City. The first line of defense was held by Silver Gunner and the rest of the guards. I went down below with Little hoof and Shadow. Kip stayed in the hospital. We held the second row. We had an army to defend them but how do we fight... those that trained all their lives? Why is Fate doing this to me and the rest of us? I never wished this on my friends. I never wished this at all. Then looked up hearing a battle going on and Silver Gunner getting hit by the bolts from the armor the Enclave wore. But it seemed to not affect him at all. But the reset around him turned to dust or got stabbed by the scorpion tail. Silver Gunner took his Shotgun and fired in the visor of one of them and they dropped. But then his gun was blasted off his robotic arm and fell to the ground then one of them took the tubes on the back of his head and destroyed them. Causing him to short out and fall in a heap smoke coming from him. But he lifted his head and tried to get back on his hooves but couldn't. One of the Enclave soldiers took their hoof and smashed his head in very badly and then he was dead... Well, as dead as you can make a robot. "Silver Gunner!!" I yelled and fired my zebra pistol at them causing some of the armor to take hits... But not enough... I did get one down but then they stood back up and looked towards me. They flew into the air and then charged at us. We all started firing at them to try to get them to stop. But it wasn't going to happen. There was an explosion and I flew with my pack falling off my belt and falling to the ground. Then hit the ground hard. My vision was hazy extremely hazy. Watching most of the troop's fall from burns and the scorpion sting. Bulwark and Shadow helped me up and then looked to see Little hoof charge a bunch of them and toss them away... But he was taken down pretty quick sadly. Bulwark and Shadow rushed me to the hospital that held some of the other troops and Kip. Hearing screams and more fighting outside. As they locked the door and looked towards. me. "You need to get out of here. Tiria goes home... forget about us... Please, this world ain't for you. I am sorry Tiria... I didn't mean for you to ruin your life... For me or the rest of us... Kip is probably going to die like Softpaw. But we need to get you out... Please, Tiria run!!" There was then sounds from the DJ "Well, it seems the Enclave is trying to get into my booth. I won't let them get in without a fight. Come and get me you, worthless bitches." The sound dies and we hear a large growl and a lot of screaming as a pissed off Hell hound is killing what he can and then we saw a large green flash and then a body falling. I sighed and looked to the door hearing them trying to get in. "Shadow protect Kip. Please don't let them hurt her." Bulwark gave us a weak smile. "I shall make a distraction." Her horn glows and held her gun in her magic looking down to her hooves. "Take care Shadow please..." Then the door open and that bald earth mare with the Eyepatch rushed in firing on some of the Enclave and looked at us. "They killed my team!! We need to escape we need~" Then the sounds of the children outside cheer and rang as they fire their guns and Enclave soldier spoke. "Command we have... children here fighting us what do you want us to do.... we can't... But... they're children... But..." He sighed and ordered them to fire and then there was loud screaming of the kids that we allowed into the battle and then no more. Then Eyepatch looked to us. "We have the Stable protected and they don't dare go near it... But we need to get most of us to the outside." Shadow sighed. "Alright, Eyepatch we will see how we can get out. Go get to the group in the other room. I want Kip to go with you Tiria." I nodded but then we heard a loud thump. Hearing Tiny and that giant robot I fought a few days ago. "Push them back!!" I opened the door and saw the Enclave being pushed back to the way inside by the large robot and then blew up the way in. Then the robot lifted Silver Gunner and the robot stepped on the dead Enclave and came to us and sighed. "We don't have a lot of time probably only a few hours. So we need to get ready for them to come back in meaning we need to get ready for them. I will set Ra Proto here on the way in and have him set mines but we need more traps. So Shadow please go to the armory and give everyone our rocket launchers and machine guns and our weapon placements up and running. That would mean... we need someone to go into the old security building and use the old terminal to get them up and running." I sighed and nodded. "I got it." I started to head out and saw Silver Gunner and tears formed in my eyes. SoftPaw is dead and Looked to see Little Hoof limping towards us with other wounded... We had some time but not much. I looked to see somebody's left of the children and tears forming in my eyes more. They didn't deserve this... This world is so full of pain that it didn't deserve. Following the path to the security building and then I was jumped by an enclave shoulder they punched me from behind and with their four hooves got me on my stomach and I saw the shadow of them trying to stab me with their armor. I moved, grabbed and they tried stabbing me. I caught the tail in my hands and then they aimed their gun at me and then removing one of my hands from the tail and took my sword and stabbed it into the gun and BOOM. I flew onto my back and my vision got hazy again... Groaning looking to my hand that held the sword it was burned and the fur was gone. My sword not far from me and then the pegasus jumped on me already. Their visor was broken and I could see that they were a mare. I was pretty weak but I did what... I could fight but... I heard a shot and she fell on me dead. Tiny picked me up and gave me a potion to take. "Here drink this and get going." I nodded drinking it the burns vanishing but the fur not returning. Then head into the security building after grabbing my sword. Heading inside and looked to see all kinds of bones and it seemed there was a battle in here... To get free. I sighed and looked around. Then heard gnashing teeth and turned a corner seeing ghouls and blinked. I growled and feeling some pain and my body... wanted me to rest... but I can't. I grabbed my sword tightly closing my eyes... remembering my lessons... Honor... is the way to go... we fight for honor in every step... Honor. Then I rushed at them like a warrior would before they could see me... slicing through them. I panted softly and sighed. I refuse to be stopped I must fight... 00000 My eyes are tired and puffy from the crying... But I have to fight... I rushed through the building my body telling me it needs to rest... But again... I can't rest I need to keep moving I need to get to the spot they all needed me at... I sighed holding my head a bit and then found the main room that had a terminal. I sat at the terminal and then hacked through the passwords finding the right one and then found a recording of what happened here. Turning it on looking at the screen. "This is the warden... calling anyone that can hear this... The prisoners have escaped. They wish to do what they can to escape. But we can't let them. We have a gas going through the system already. A deadly poison that will not vanish for many many years." The screen went blank and then I felt something in the air... It was the same poison that killed everyone here... it was making my heart beat hard. But I needed to find a way to turn the turrets on. I started coughing it was affecting me more quickly here than it was outside. But I sadly need to do this I tried to ignore the pain my body. While the gas went through my body. I clicked the terminal and get into the file of turning the turrets on. Looking at them it said their old and damaged from the wear of time... But they should work. I clicked on them but two of them need to be manually brought out. I was coughing hard. I looked up a map downloading it into my pip-buck and coughed more. Then walking out of the hall grabbing my sword and looked around. I coughed hard following the map and groaned felt pain coursing through my body. This gas getting stronger as I went deeper. Oh, wonderful I thought I have no mask never thought I would need one. Following through the halls and looking at the old paintings seeing the leaders of this old world... Seeing six mares, two alicorns. It seemed every wall had a history of the world. The old world. But I couldn't just stand around... Allow my body to die... But I was getting dizzy and starting to see things. But I had to ignore them this smoke was hurting me more than I thought. I felt inside my body it affecting me to a point. I don't know what it did... But I have so much pain now and then. Finally finding one of the rooms and noticed that my Pip-buck was trying to warn me that something is on the other side. I grabbed my sword tightly and then opened the door and it was nothing. I walked in and found what I had to do to get the turret on this side to go again. I read the instructions and sighed... "Oh, goddess... they picked the wrong creature for this..." Reading through it I found the power and then crank to force it up. Turned the power on and it charged a bit and sparked, marks the crank, and forced it out of the roof. As I heard a loud crash and looking up and backed up quickly. As the doors that kept the turret fell to the floor with a crash. I coughed again and started coughing up blood. I needed a potion... without my bag... I wouldn't last. I figured I would look through everything... But without my bags... I wouldn't be able to carry anything. Coughing more and headed to the next room. But the gas was hazier now... Looking at my Pip-Buck it was saying a lot of warnings. I had to keep moving I couldn't stop. My heart was beating harder... and harder. Coughing more and out of the gas ghouls started to attack me... I sliced at them and they vanished. I swear I killed them. Finally getting to the last room and turning on the turret and forcing it up... But the door was so rusted I couldn't get it out... So I aimed up the shaft with my zebra pistol and then fired... Causing nothing but ash with the door. Then forced it up... Coughing and heading back out. I started coughing hard and fell to the ground... I felt my body starting to go against me... Rest it said to me... Rest... My vision was going hazy and I swear I saw a bird... A bird that has been following me... It changed into something else but..I think I was dreaming... I was lifted up and then I passed out. Day: Unknown place dreams. I opened my eye's seeing all my kind dead... The elders dead... my friends... my father... Dead... My entire pack dead... Most of it seemed to be from the Enclave. Looking around to see all I loved gone... My entire home burning and on fire. I rushed to the elder that forced me to leave. He was oddly still alive... He spoke. "Tiria... run... go... back... its a trap..." I looked up seeing an Enclave soldier along with a Steel ranger and they fired at me. My dream went to me seeing Kip being killed by the Enclave and Silver Gunner being reprogrammed to kill everyone in Misty Moon Apartments. Then I turned seeing a floating robot watcher and the Raven they stared at me and that's all they did... My heart shattered a bit and whatever was happening to me I was about to wake. Day: 25 Hospital. I opened my eyes, Kip, forcing down potions down my mouth and I coughed and Shadow chuckled. "Damn Tiria you did well... But whatever happens to you in there... You were close to death... We found out you passed out outside the door. Now I am going to head back out keep me informed Kip. Also, we are trying to get Silver Gunner back up and going... But it's not going to so well. We will be without him for the coming battle." He was starting to head out but Kip grabbed his tail with her mouth and stood on her back hooves and hugged him tightly "Oh Kip... I will be a fine sister... I promised your husband to bring you back in one piece... Even if I have to kill all the Enclave myself to do it." Kip didn't speak and nodded. I looked to see Little hoof with a rocket launcher and heading outside to get ready. "Listen... Kip get Tiria ready to escape, you go with her... we will have some time to maybe win this battle. But when the battle starts please go with her." Kip nodded with tears in her eyes. "I will go with her." Shadow smiled and headed out. He grabbed hold of Chewer and Kip helped me up and we went outside. I saw their last stand. A lot of rocket launchers... Some large machine guns strapped to podiums and a lot of ammo ready to be fired. Bulwark was in old armor that the guards wore. Holding a large magic rail gun rifle. Ra Proto standing by the caved way in. Everyone ready... I looked to see large turrets that I brought up ready to fire. __________________ Day 25 The City Everypony waited for the battle to start again. They heard that the Enclave was breaking through the cave. RA Proto started to fire into the cave opening but then large hits of the green blast hit the robot over and over. The robot's casing started to melt but they kept firing back. The robot was going to do a final run and rushed through the cave opening and there was a large boom. I looked to Kip and pointed to the way out. "Head there now... I will be there... But I need to help." Kip nodded and trotted off through the city to the back way out. I grabbed my pistol and rushed near Shadow and Tiny. "I told you to leave... Tiria..." I looked at him and smirked. "Someone needs to save your ass." Shadow chuckles and then the bombs at the cave entrance blew and looked up... Seeing a force of enclave rushing in. The turrets and the ponies griffons on the gun's started firing at the incoming force. Looked over to see and hear rocket launchers go off to try to stop their advance while some ponies make it out of the back. But I knew this wasn't going to last... I lifted my pistol and got off some shots. I hit a few and only one dropped to their death. The rest of those ponies got a few of their own but one by one... they started to fall. Bulwark was standing not far from us firing her machine gun. She took a few hits right into the side and groaned in pain. They hit the power pack on the armor and she fell to the ground frozen but alive. Shadow rushed to her and removed her helm. "You will be alright, I have to get you out." Then a blast of green bolt went going after Shadow... Tiny rushed and pushed him out of the way. He got hit right in the back... Standing up fully on his hind legs. Grabbing a large minigun that had the name... The Bone Smasher on it. "Come and fight me you foolish Enclave." He screamed and fired his minigun. Our troops falling them slowly breaking through. Shadow knew this was going to be his last stand. He pushed me to the way out. "Go... leave us." He grabbed his minigun from his back and started to fire. I nodded and rushed through seeing many ponies who are citizens of this city grab guns and fire at them along with children. It seems the only way the Enclave was going to get this place... Is a fight to the death. I found my bag and picked it up it seemed no one cared that... it was there and then I grabbed my journal that was near it and then... I felt a stab in my arm. I looked to see a sting through it and blood dripped onto the journal... then felt the sting pull out. Standing up to see two Enclave soldiers that made it through. Like most of my kind... I could stand fully up. But when we could... it was painful. I stood fully up to make myself look bigger than I was... Grabbing my sword in the wounded arm... I could still move. Then my pistol firing at them and they pushed me back pretty quickly. I may have been trained as a warrior... But I was never trained to take on well-trained soldiers. A shot rang out and a bullet went through their heads and I saw Wheel tread slowly coming to me. "Go...Tiria get out... of here... I shall hold up in my room... go..." I nodded and rushed off looking back seeing so much chaos and then... Boom looking up seeing a building hit and it started to fall and ponies buried in rubble and crushed by it. I kept rushing through the chaos and the mountain started to shake from all the battle. The city was burning and buildings falling and all kinds of death. But it didn't stop the citizens of this city... They fired back. Enclave didn't stop their charge and the turrets kept them at bay for the moment. I stopped seeing a bunch of mares standing their ground with large guns and... I looked to see much charging and then... a rocket blew between them... It was Little hoof and he rushed to me. "We need to stand our ground." Shadow found his way to me and he held two minigun's and sighed. "Tiny is dead... I shall fight for him." He aimed both minigun's while leaning on little hoof to make sure he can aim. How he was holding and firing both. it was strange even to me. A mare yelled. "Let the wounded through to the back. Let AHHH!!" She was hit and turned into a green goop. Grabbing my pistol and firing at the incoming Enclave. Little hoof fired rockets to get more enclave to fall out of the sky. Journal entry Softpaw "I have made my choice. I am going to end my life to protect Tiria and her friends. I know before this day is over with... I am going to be part of the earth. I wish that I got to know them more... But Tiria needs to live... She shouldn't be held accountable for what the light-bringer has done. But I am sadly not a pony or from their world. So even if I am alive after the battle is over... I doubt they will keep me alive... So I am going to allow them to take my life to be taken. I know someday she will read this. I want to thank her for all she did for my kind. Goodbye." Journal Entry from Little Hoof. "I see others slowly dying around me... How can the pegasi, the creatures so full of honor for the world and love, suddenly turn this heartless. It's been almost two weeks since... the battle. Kip has been beaten, Silver Gunner they took him somewhere and I don't know what they're doing to him. Shadow they have hurt him badly... But he lives. Oh... no, they're talking to Kip again and beating on her... I wish I could get to her... but I can't... Tiria... we need you..." Journal Entry from Kip "I... I am hurt... They broke... my left hoof. I was able to wrap it and split it... But they keep coming and beat me... Because... I refuse to tell them how to work Silver Gunner... I don't... know why they think... I know how to work with him... They refuse... to let... me heal Shadow.... and feed the others... We are dying... Oh, Tiria, please... Please hurry... please..." It was becoming more like hell and I rushed to the back way out with Shadow, Little hoof, and Kip. Looking towards the groups of ponies rushing to defend their home. It was going to be an endless blood bath. There was an explosion near us and my eyes were fuzzy and I saw Kip trot to me and try to help me up... Shadow was firing at the enclave soldiers that broke off from the main to chase us. But most of the citizens of the city gave their lives to protect us. One unicorn mare jumped off the roof of a building and landed on the enclave soldier both of them falling to their death. All I could see around me was gore parts of ponies and other creatures. Then I noticed a large group of Griffins that seemed to be the guards that kept folks in line and charged at them. A Griffin yelled. "Get everyone out!!" Shadow nodded and we were getting closer to the way out... But now something else was rock and building fell right in front of us blocking the way. We would have to go into what Shadow called the bad part of town. I thought to myself... I had the howling dance... I could have left... here and there... and left these ponies to their fate... But all my training... all my training of honor and to fight a battle and never stop till we are dead and one with the ground... I was still bleeding from my arm and I tripped as we got into the fenced-off part of the city. But I had my gun and sword... But my arm was hurting so much... That I felt I could barely move it. But I had to fight to use it. "Shadow... why is this place fenced off?" Kip asked calmly. "It's best to move on and not ask... Allow the Enclave to deal with what's in here." As we run he kicks strange lever's and ghouls are inside the building. This group seems to be chasing after us and just us... But we shall give them a surprise. He keeps opening the old cells and then we get to the back way out. Looking back I looked to see Pow gym cells and blinked. Gym cells? Then hearing shooting and screeching and screaming. There was one more thing we had to get through. A building and Shadow turned to us and hushed us. "When Wheeltread built this city... He didn't ask for the old camp to be cleaned... out... We are heading into the prison. This was built to give these Pow's like they were living in a peaceful home... Fluttershy, I was told hated the idea of Prisoner of war camps. So for this one... She made sure it was built to give them everything they need. Now... I warn you... it wasn't just Zebra's that got put in here. We need to get past the hospital and then we are home free." Looked behind us to see the soldiers that didn't get stuck in the gym area to fly over the fence and we rushed into the building. ___________________ Day 26 early morning. POW Prison/Hospital. Looking around calmly seeing old blood stains and looks like a riot broke out. The light barely working and Shadow locking the door. "That will hold them for a bit." We went in... I didn't have my bags... So I couldn't even loot this place if I wanted to... But loot in the middle of a battle ha... classy. Looking around calmly finding a terminal that was still working. It didn't need to be hacked and I started reading about experiments they did to the... I read one of them. Subject 21 Zebra mare: The Subject seems to be taking brainwashing with bleach nicely. Of course, she is more of a vegi now. Subject 30 Griffin: Clipping the wings of a Griffin makes them very angry... So we had to put him down. Awww so sad... I blinked and looked at the last one. Subject 60 wolf: Part of the Iron wolf project. We have been given a liquid form of the blood that comes from the other subjects that failed in the good doctor's experiments... So we will see what we can do... We will be recording this. The recording turned on and Kip and Shadow oddly started watching with me. "Alright put the Zebra in the experimental chamber... We will get to work. Now watch closely to see if it works." The experiment started and in front of our eyes, the Zebra slowly started into what the same creature I am... My eyes went wide and I felt my heart shatter and break... Then the creature was let out of the chamber and fell dead. "Hmm, another experiment failed on Iron wolf. We need another pony it seems Zebra's blood has too many different features in it to not accept this change. The pony way of life will be preserved for you, Good Doctor." I got angry and growled my anger growing. In my head... NO, it can't be true... I can't be an offspring of an experiment meant to expand the pony way of life... With anger, I punched the terminal and then tossed it on the ground. Growling and kip placed a hoof on my shoulder. "Even if you aren't created by normal means... You're an honorable heart and soul my friend." My anger subsided and ears fell. But I refused to believe this... This is just a pony lie. So I removed the anger from my mind and went on. Grabbing my pistol and followed Shadow... As he leads us through this extremely creepy prison. Most of what's in the cells are bones of the dead. Then I saw a sign called experiments and I felt drawn to it. But I refused to allow myself to go to it. Followed Shadow through the prison and we heard the door break open. Shadow looked back and nodded to me and Kip. While we walked through the Prison and slowly opened a door to the hospital. "Oh by the way." He turns on a light and there is a sudden roar from an eyeless creature and then he turns it off. "Watch where you step... Also, enjoy all the creations here." Blinking and looking down as a puddle was forming under my legs yellow puddle. Looking up and sighed. "Wonderful... after this, I am going to need a bath." We started to slowly walk through the hospital as... I smelled many decaying and creature and experiments... Some of them my species? We heard shooting behind us and it started stirring the creature's we had to deal with inside this hospital. But we tried to stay out of their way. I started having visions because it seems there was a gas..that affected only wolf-like creatures. Did I see the past? But even if I saw this... I had to keep going. I took a deep breath and calmed my heart. Looking over to see a sign for the Ministry of peace and felt my heart sank. It was used to bring peace. Then I saw first aid boxes and went to grab one and strapped it to my arm and rushed to the others. "Just in case." Shadow nodded to me and then a ghoul rushed past us and then turned to look at us and growled hissing as more showed up. "Oh, lovely." Shadow attacked the Ghoul with his claws. Beheading it. Then Kip used her magic to use various objects she could find on the floor or ground. I used my sword and we kept fighting through them. Feeling this was going to get even more deadly. We kept going deeper into the hospital trying so hard to get away from the Enclave soldiers that kept following us. The battle outside was muffled from this building. It was pretty dark and gloomy but we kept following the way to the exit. Trying to ignore all the creatures we saw. My nose picked up many scents. It seems experiments happen even after the end of the war. But slowly stopped from the scents I got from my nose. Looking around and then suddenly a wolf creature like me charged and attacked me. He attacked me like a wolf and I did the same to him growling. I knew he was a male I could see it and it seemed he wanted something from me. But now wasn't time for the pleasures of the flesh. Shadow took his claws and stabbed them into the wolf beings' heads. I stood up and looked at the creature kicking them a moment and sighed following Kip and Shadow again. Kip kept her horn from glowing... Since her magic could bring to much light in here. Shadow started to run as he knew he was closer to the way out. "Hurry... they're gaining on us." I looked behind me to see a bolt from a weapon of the Enclave soldier and it missed barely and we started running stirring the creatures that attacked the Enclave since we got away so quickly. We got to the home stretch and it was to the point we saw the way out. There were tonnes of ghouls blocking it... He looked to me and Kip and nodded. "We charge... NO ONE WANTS TO LIVE FOREVER!!" He charged screaming that and we broke through the ghouls and made it through the exit and closed the door quickly before the Ghouls could get out, hearing shooting back down the hall. ________________ Day 26: Fallen city. We made it outside seeing half the city is on fire. So much death mostly on our side and we rushed to the back way out just a small cave guarded by two small robots and some ponies. As we saw the last line of the city ponies facing off with the Enclave and Shadow stood by the robots and he armed his gun and looked to Kip and I. We both nodded by, an explosive hit between us I flew on the way out and she flew beside Shadow and Kip mouthed. "Run..." I tried to get back to her but another explosive caused a cave-in and after the dust cleared I tried to break through it all... Being able to move some... But I couldn't get it all in time to get to them. I felt my heartbreak... Looking at my sword and stabbed it into the ground... As a promise that I will return and I went outside... I was in a desert. A vast desert. ______________________________ Day 26: Desert of the Buffalo Walking through the endless path... I feel alone now... I felt that I failed everyone... I looked back but then looked up seeing a green rainbow push back to the cloud cover and I finally saw the sun. But I fear that... so much death happened this day. I walked into the sunlit desert following a path I am unknown to again... As I started alone... I never saw the sun before but I had to focus. I have to find a way to save them... But I have to find a way to save myself. Footnote: Level up no new perk. Chapter nine: Deadly Range"Alone... is but a simple path." Day 27: Buffalo Desert I have been alone for one day. I was hungry and thirsty I was a few miles away from. I didn't even have my pistol. I left it behind along with my sword. I kept walking it's been a while since... I saw the sun again. I refused to put music on to call everything in this area to me. I felt my heart beating from walking so long. My eyes looked around calmly... Looking up seeing that Raven following me. This Raven seemed to be following me everywhere and then I heard something move looking around seeing large scorpions. My eyes went wide seeing the creature charged at me. I had none of my weapons, nothing. Nothing but my claws. I gave a loud howl and charged at the scorpion. It tried to pinch me with its claws and then I jumped on it and clawing at the shell cutting through it a bit. But not deep enough. The adrenalin made me faster then I should be. But I had to live... I had to live with my friends. I feel a stab in my side and venom drained from me and stabbed my claws deep into the scorpion and it fell as I stood there feeling the venom coursing through my body. Watching the Raven quickly rush over the hill. I growled in pain and tried to run but I fell to my knees and face planted in the sand. Trying to move but my body burned so much. I thought some warrior I am if I keep falling on my ass like I am. I felt heavy hooves running towards me and looked up seeing something giant and hairy but my vision started to get blurry and hazy... I felt myself pass out. Day 28: Buffalo camp Opening my eyes I was in a makeshift bed. Seeing a large young creature that seemed to be very young. She had a band around her head with a feather. She brought over some food and smiled. "Eat.." She smiled after setting the food down. Nodding sitting up groaning and picked up the slop and ate it calmly. Gagging a bit but... it was food. The strange creature looked at me. She seemed young... "I have never seen one like you before miss." The buffalo creature looked up and smiled. "Oh sorry I am Little Strong Hoof." She smiled and went outside the tent... I noticed they had no firearms with her. But I groaned and kept eating and slowly stood up. Setting the pull-down and went outside and blinked seeing tents all over the place. Giant hairy creatures rushing around. I calmly looked around and Little Strong hoof pushed me to the chief. He looked up to me... he looked old and missing one eye. I sat down to speak with him and he calmly spoke. "Hmm, we normally don't have visitors from this far out. We haven't even seen the ponies of the world after their war killed them. But you aren't a pony from what I see miss. You seem to have a story." I slowly started to speak and groaned holding the wound that the stinger went in. "Ah yes, the venom it's gone now... But the feeling of the pain shall still be there. Now tell me miss what happened?" I sighed. "The Enclave... I left many friends behind. But It seems fate is leading me along a path to get to see something. Then I need to save my friends." The chief nodded and looked back at me and smiled. "I wish I could help you miss Tiria. But I am sorry to say but... we are trying to stay as hidden as we can... until the time is right... We are waiting for the right time to return to Equestria as runners of the land. But for now, we will let you stay here. I would say stay a few days to rest we will give you bags... healing herbs and supplies even food. Also, weapons that... the ponies of old left for us. Take a look at them. Then go back and rest." He smiles. I nodded and walked back to Strong hoof and she smiled. "This way." I nodded calmly and followed her to the tent and inside was pre-war weapons. I grabbed a large machine gun. I looked at the side of it. it said Speed bullet. I sighed and strapped it to my belt with the ammo and found a large hammer. Strapping it to my back and felt better. "I got what I needed... But I won't be leaving for a while. I want to make sure I am ready to go." I put the weapons and bags they gave me into the tent I was sleeping in. I was going to make sure I get food and such. Then I looked around and looked to Strong hoof and smiled. "Have you ever been attacked by anything?" Strong Hoof shook her head and smiled. "No. I doubt we ever will but... Please stay as long as you need." I nodded and I sat by the fire as I heard stories of the past. "Our forefathers highjacked a train... Just because of an Apple tree... Because they felt their land was taken... By ponies... Look around you, my friends... Ponies did this to the world... But from what our new friend has told us... Not all ponies are evil. We welcome her into the tribe of our kind. But we do have a mission for her..." They look to me and I nodded. "I will help. What do you need me to do?" The Chief nodded. "There is a stream that comes to our camp as you have seen. But it's drying out our scout we sent to check on the location of the stream... hasn't returned in many days. Will you please help us and you will become one of our tribe?" I nodded calmly... These creatures seem to be far away and no one ever seems to bother them... So I must. I gathered the weapons and bags they gave me. Little Strong Hoof Trotted up to me with the herbs and food. "Thank you... I will be back." I placed it all in my bags and strapped them around my waist and they gave me an old map looking at it. "Follow the stream it will lead you to a cave. Now, this is a normal natural stream. It's not fully clean water. But it's clean enough. I shall return." Walked along the stream. Closing my eyes slightly and then looked up again seeing the Raven blinking. The Raven just kept following me. It seemed to be getting odd. Then I heard a robotic voice. "Hello, Tiria." I turned to look at Watcher. "Watcher... I don't have... time I need to get back to them... I need to get back... to them..." I stopped walking and looked at the floating robot. "I don't know if they're alive or dead watcher... I don't know If Shadow... Kip... Little hoof or Silver gunner is dead... I saw Softpaw give her life... for us all. I need to get back to them... But I am lucky to be alive thanks to the Buffalo." The robot floated there calmly. "It should all fix itself soon... Tiria... but I would say gather... making a gathering of many and then... fight them. Don't allow your friends to die... Gather a force and take them down. I can't tell you what is going to happen soon... But I promise that the war will end soon." I looked down and then to Watcher. "I am sorry Watcher but you have too much faith in the ponies... I know they will start their wars up again... To destroy the world again. Its time to kill the Enclave and remove the Steel rangers... I may haven't faced them..." A robotic chuckle came from the robot. "There is another group now called Applejack rangers." I looked to the robot not caring and walked along the path... As the music started to play and the robot left. I looked up seeing the raven keep an eye on me. I kept following the path and found the cave where the stream that seemed to just come out of a little set of rocks... I went inside the cave and turned my pip-buck light on to follow it through the dark cave. I followed the path and I went deeper in and I saw the body of the scout he was ripped apart. I look around kept going down into the cave to find what is causing the block of the water. Looking around calmly and I found the stream where it comes from. It's a pool that leads to the stream. Looking to see a few rocks blocking the way out of the stream. I went to the rocks and started to move them and it allowed the stream to move again. Then I heard something behind me and turned. I saw nothing and then I started to make sure the water was flowing and then. I started to head back out and felt a gun in the back of my head. With a very gruff voice. "Turn around slowly." I turned and my eyes went wide gasping. He was one of my species. His eyes went wide as well. "You're one of my species. A female no less hmm.., I wonder are you breeding stock?" My eyes went wide and growled. "I am a Moon warrior." He blinked and chuckled. "I see. So... what brings you out here then... We are a long way from Shattered hoof." I sighed. "I was sent out to find the howling dance. I found it... but the place that has it... was taken over by the Enclave." He blinked and nodded. "So then why is a male of my kind out here?" He chuckles. "I am a bounty hunter... I am after a deadly creature that has been seen here. I tried to bring it with blocking the water... But it seems it's deeper in this cave are you willing to help me fight it?" I nodded. I followed the male... It was odd for our species. We normally see a mate and then just leave each other until the pup is born. But if we did that here and now... That would be very strange. I followed him closely seeing that is a brown-furred male with yellow eyes. It's been almost... a damn month since... I have seen another of my species. We went deeper into the cave and looked around calmly. As I grabbed my hammer. He tossed a flare and we saw the creature. It was a large Hell hound and it seems wounded from creatures that came down here so much. "Wait... let's talk to him first..." I softly said... I walked down to the creature and spoke softly... "We come in peace.... We mean you no harm.." The hell hound stood up and stared at me. "Grrrrr creature... Never seen before... But not a pony... What brings... creature to me?" Looking at him calmly setting down my hammer and looking up to the male of my species telling him to lower his gun. He nods and does it. "I can help you. Then you can go on your way." The hell hound growled and nodded. I grabbed the herbs taking the bowl I was given and smashes it into the past and then rubs it into the wound. The hell hound growled and then stood up staring at me. "I shall... come with the creature. I shall protect... I'm... Iron Claw. Got grrr name... from killing Rangers..." I nodded... "I am going to need help to take down the Enclave they took my friends from me... Now I am going to take the fight to them." He nodded and I looked at the male. "Got a name?" He looked at me. "Sand... My name is Sand. Because of my fur." Nodding calmly Went back to the camp with my two new friends. They didn't seem bothered by the fact of this. I smiled softly and felt like I had friends again. "But yes I need to get back on my own. I shall meet you again Tiria." Sand waved and walked off leaving me and the Hell hound. The Buffalo welcomed Iron Claw with open hooves and we stayed with them for a time. The hell hound didn't seem used to this... But he ate the food and didn't complain. He then spoke calmly. "Grrr... I shall stay friend... and defend them... this... the world is not pleasant even for peaceful creatures like this." I nodded. Then I was sitting in front of the fire. Then the chief and the other Buffalo came around me and the Chief spoke. "Long ago... we used to be friends with ponies... if this creature can make friends with a Hell hound and then give us a protector... Then we give her our mark." He put his hoof in paint and gave me a mark on my armor plate. "She is now one of our tribe. A friend... friendship reigns in this land still. No matter how this war ended. Now we let her rest a day... Then she shall be on her way..." I smiled softly and noticed that Iron Claw started patrolling around the camp for the Buffalo. I find it interesting that this creature... Known as being very hateful of ponies... But willing to give Buffalo a chance. I went to the makeshift tent that they gave me. I laid back and closed my eyes. I wanted to sleep and then the Raven that has been watching me landed in the tent and stared at me."What... do you want?" I asked... The raven just kept staring at me. Then flew back out and I had no idea what this creature wanted. I sighed and laid my head back down. Then the Raven came back in and gave me directions to where it wants me to go. A map leading not far from here. But it would take a day or two treks. I put my head back down and sighed. "Fine... you strange bird... I will follow this." The bird cawed and flew back out. I laid my head back down closing my eyes a bit and sighed. It was going to be a long long trek to get to where I need to go. I wished to know how my friends were doing... I needed to know... But I sadly couldn't also... I am happy I haven't heard from the ghoul for awhile. I closed my eyes and started to sleep. ____________________ Place nightmare. "Hello, there!!" The ghoul smiled. "OH God... you again... what do you fucking want?" Ghoul laughed softly and smirked. "It seems you're in the middle of a crazy new war. I told you there would be a new war. But You found one of your species and made friends with a Hell hound." He clapped his hooves together. "Amazing amazing... You come along way from the hopeless murder, the hopeless killer. To a small-time hero. Not a big saving the world hero... But a hero none the less." I sighed and just kept listening to him and noticed the tree... The leaves were falling still and then the tree was pregnant? "Oh... yes I wish to warn you Tiria... I know your fate... But I won't tell your fate... I just know something that will happen to you. You will find... love to find happiness... have young... But you need to fight for this future." I looked at him calmly and nodded and sighed closing my eyes tightly and then opened them again. "Then I must kill to get back to my friends... I can't leave them." The ghoul nodded and looked back at the sunrise I saw in my head. "I used to see the sun... and watch it be lowered by the Princess each day and night. It was amazing to see... But our foolish leader's wishing to fight this war... You're right about Ponies Tiria... They don't deserve to keep this world... They kill each other... They are better off dead... But I do agree not all ponies are evil and deserve to die... You need to save them. I am a step behind you in your mind. So please save them and remember when you do... History may repeat itself. But you must be ready to rise and fall." I nodded to him and stroked the tree sighing softly and looked up to the sky. In my head, I saw the sun once... I felt my heartbeat slow and I had a smile on my face. I was hoping to see my friends alive. I wanted to see them again. I felt every bit of happiness in my heart. Then I thought of that male... Sand... Would he and... I no no... that's silly... Then of the Hell hound... I am happy he is being accepted... I sighed and then felt happiness in my heart. Then dread started filling my heart and the ghoul chuckled softly. "You're worried about them... I see... Tiria you can't just charge in there on your own... You need to follow the path that creature gave you. The Hell Hound is better where he is. Sadly at this moment, you need to follow that path alone. Sometimes a hero must follow alone. It's not going to be an easy path. But sometimes as a hero even... if you wish to say you're not... Whatever you do... you will be known as one." I gave the ghoul a look sighing looking down. I wanted so badly just to come to this wasteland and make a life without being noticed... It seems fate has forced me into this position. "Alright... I shall become a hero... A hero of honor." Sighed looking towards the tree..while the leaves keep falling off the tree showing that my life... will end someday... pretty soon... The ghoul turned to me to look into my eyes. With his decaying eyes. "I shall leave your mind... soon Tiria... But you need to accept that you will have to kill... You have to kill to protect this world. It's sadly a thing you have to do... Just you might understand that war will happen even if your heroes win their battles. You will fail some of the time... You can't win everything all the time. If you do fall you get back up and then fight harder. A path that many don't understand. I will come to you again at the end of your journey." Nodding and put my hand on the tree and I woke again. __________________ Day 29 Buffalo camp I opened my eyes and gathered all my gear and bags. Putting everything in my bags and then put weapons on me... The giant hammer fitting very nicely along with the machine gun. Looked to the buffalo how... Can they be so peaceful? When the world is dead and slowly dying more and more. It seems they don't allow the toxic world to get to them. I watched them for a while and got ready for my path. Looking at the directions the Raven gave me... Looking back to see Little Strong Hoof wave at me. Nodding with a gentle smile and then went on my way. ________________________ Day 29 The wasteland Desert. There being no sun. But it was still pretty warm. Following the path looking up feeling, rain hit my head and sighing. As it started to storm. This trip would take me two days and take me through some nasty places. Looking around calmly and seeing bones of the dead. Most of the dead seem fresh, though. Then I heard something below the ground and then I saw the scorpion creatures again. Grabbing the hammer from my back. I gave a hard smash into the shell of the scorpion and it shattered it... But it kept going as it tried so much to harm me... But I smashed it again and causing it to die and staring darkly at the body. Sighing, closing my eyes. Looks around very calmly to see if I could find more. Then I started walking again slowly looking around calmly my eyes studying every part of the way. I put the hammer back on my back and kept walking slowly. Drinking small doses of water. Closed my eyes tightly and then during the storm heavy dust storm's started to happen. I had nothing to cover my eyes. I just kept walking through this path of pain in my eyes now. I looked up seeing a nasty storm forming my eyes going wide and seeing how the storm is getting worse. My eyes studied in every area... But there were no places to hide at all. Growling I kept following my path feeling my fur gets pelted by this sand and storm. I had to do this... I had to get through. Even if the storm wishes to kill me. I howled deeply into the air hoping I could make an echo. I had to hear it... I had to hear myself... Being alone was getting to me even after just leaving awhile ago. But the walk was feeling like hours... feeling like days... But It probably was just a few hours... What will... I tell those young... that wish to know what it's like to be a hero? I am still not a hero in my heart... I am just a simple creature at the right place at the right time. Has my heart softened for the ponies of this world? How could it be... I hated them so much in... How long... has it been since I left my home? I don't know... I don't know... Feeling my legs lead me through the storm... I grew full of more anger to push me through this storm. The dust started to let up and as it did... I saw a set of rocks. But it was no good way to hide from the elements. The rain started to come down harder, growling softly, and sighed. The smell of wet wolf how pleasant. Maybe this was a test... Maybe this was a test too. I had to keep saying that to myself. I couldn't stop myself from stopping my feet hurting so much. They throbbed from walking on the sand. I sighed and kept walking and after a while, the rain slowly stopped and coughed and shook to remove the water from my fur groaning and growled. I wanted someone to talk to badly. I wanted to talk with someone... I looked up seeing the Raven and my eyes went wide... Why won't this Raven talk to me... Why won't they? I growled again closing my eyes to remove all my anger and hate... I felt the pain gather in many old wounds from my travels. Then, of course, something happens. I heard the ground moving, looking down to see three mini scorpions come out of the sand. I sighed and grabbed my large hammer and charged not wasting my ammo... As I smashed my hammer into each. These seemed weaker than normal. I sighed and kept walking through the path. I felt hungry... But I doubt I had enough to last for two days. Closing my eyes tightly for the moment. Looking around my ears making sure I hear anything... Then I looked beside me and heard robotic voices. "Halt!" I looked over to Steel Ranger?! Stopping right at the spot and staring at them not saying a word. "Destination?" I just kept staring at them saying nothing. Then one of them said. " Maybe this creature is retarded." My eyes go wide hearing this and stared at them. "I don't wish to speak to ponies that helped cause the end of the world. Now let me go... or I will show you the wrath and honor of my species." The steel rangers looked at each other and one of them laughed. "Right... I doubt you could harm us with our armor." I looked at them closely seeing the armor has not many weaknesses. I felt my heart beating slowly staring at them. "What do you want from me... I am trying to save friends of mine from the Enclave..." They both looked at me..at least I think they were looking at me. The Enclave?" I nodded. "Yes, I left them behind at Wheel treads home. I need to get to them before they die... I will take on the entire force there by myself if I have to... To save my friends." The two looked to each other. "We are on the search for one just one of Applejack's rangers. We want to bring them to justice." Looking at them and smirked. "Let me guess being worthless ponies meaning... Your justice is filling your pile of dead bodies." They both look at me again. "What is your... beef with ponies." Walked to the left one's face and stared into their eyes. "You want to know my beef... with ponies? Do you want to know my beef with your fucking worthless species?! LOOK AROUND YOU!! History is fucking repeating itself... No matter how much your Lightbringer wishes to... change the mind of many... Ponies are the reason this world along with the fucking Zebra's that this world of former beauty is fucking dead." The ranger removed the helm I saw a mare under it. "Listen that is..." I cut her off. "Oh, that is the past... I don't fucking care, that's the past. You ponies still murder and killed... I see you as something to eat... Something very good to eat. You will never prove to me... that your kind can change. Only a few... I have met can..." The mare sighed. "Listen help us find the Applejack ranger... and we will let you go on your way." I looked at the mare who is pure red with a pink mane. "I guess... lead the way." She nodded and lead me away from my path... But I needed to do this... So I didn't lose my anger. "So... what are you, large creature?" Looked to the mare and stayed silent. Just keep following the two. ______________ Day 29 five at night Location small radio tower. The mare pointed with her armored leg. "The ranger was last seen in there... We need you to go in there and try to get them out of there... Alive so we can take them back to be put on trial." I sighed nodding and followed to the tower and then I heard a gunshot and my shoulder got crazed and groaned softly and rushed and hid behind the stare's and slowly walked up the stairs and felt a tripwire. Looked up seeing a metal apple drop in front of them I quickly grabbed it and tossed it into the air but it blew and some of the shards of it stabbed into my armor. "Damn it." I groaned and stood up and slowly walked up the stairs and slowly spoke. "Listen... I don't want to fight you. I am just here to talk to you." There is silence I tried again and sighed. "Listen I am here to speak with you, not fight. There is not always a need to battle. We can do this without fighting so please let me in." Again silence I waited a little while and looked to see the door open up and I went inside. Looking around seeing sick and wounded ponies. These ponies seem to be running from some battle and trying to hide. "What's wrong here?" The Applejack ranger came up to me and brought me to the back. "You wanted to talk? if so do it now... I am trying to protect these ponies till... the Enclave leave and never return. Look around you miss all you see is dying and the dead... Some are already dead... Some are sick... We bury them... soon... But I can't go out to bury them with those two out there... I am sure they asked you to come to me. What did they offer you? I can give you more caps. I can even let you bury them for me if you wanted." I looked to the ponies and opened my bag's and brought out the food that the buffalo gave me and set it down to the hungry ponies. As they seem to be looking at me and I smiled. "Eat... I don't need it." Looked through my inventory on my pip-buck I still had enough left for a few more days. I sighed and looked up to the Applejack ranger. "Listen they offered me..nothing they wouldn't let me leave. I need to continue my path and then save my friends from the Enclave." Looking to the ponies and sighed softly I felt bad for them... But it's nothing I couldn't do... Looking back to the Ranger. "Come with me. I want you three to talk this out. This is silly that they wish to force this on you." The Ranger nodded and came out with me to the Steel rangers and I grabbed my hammer. "You three will talk this out or so help me... I will smash your head' in with my hammer. Trust me. You can try to kill me... But I trained all my life... to kill one's in heavy armor like you." The two rangers looked at me and they sat down and removed their helms again as the other did too. Three mares? The red mare with the pink mane. Earth pony. The other a blue mare unicorn. The one that is the Applejack ranger. Green earth pony. "Listen I will say something before the three of you talk... Did you even know that she is protecting sick and hungry ponies in that building?" The other two looked at each other. "We were given our orders." I sighed and listen to them speak. "I followed a higher calling. I found these ponies in need of help. With the Enclave doing their little attacks. I called the steel Ranger's about it no one even answered me. Then I contacted Apple Jack's ranger's they wished me to help. They said stay here and they will send a few traders's this way... But It would take time. But I can't leave you two. I can't leave at all. I am needed here." She looked up to the ponies staring outside and they all seemed weak and broken. "These ponies have been lost in the middle of a firefight... Most are dead... I need to bury them... But if you two could help me... I could keep them alive till this war is over." The other two mare's looked at each other and the red mare sighed. "Maybe we should... These orders just came to us like way before the Enclave even showed up. I take it we should help you. I doubt if we say no... This large creature is going to kill us." They all looked at me and I smiled. "Oh, I will do it too and then eat you. Pony meat is oddly very good." The mares shivered and then stood up. "Fine, we will work together unless our leaders come..." The green mare nodded and the three trotted into the building and the door was closed. I watched them and then got back on my path. I followed along so long..feeling my body wanting to sleep but I couldn't... Then I made it to a spot..that it had on the map. A railroad From what it said head from the railroad till I am between Old Appleloosa and new Appleloosa. But I found a rock to sleep near so I lay beside it and fell asleep. __________________________________________ Day 30 Between the two Apples. Looking around seeing the lovely world of this desert and then. I saw the Raven on a rock and then heard the robot and looked over to see watcher. "Watcher..." "This may be the last time we can speak for awhile... Things are going down pretty harshly. But I can give you this bit of advice. I see you have been following my friend who you have been following for a while. I met him after I woke up... I know little to nothing about his species... But they got pretty badly harmed by the war themselves... A change in their systems." I nodded. "He wants to show himself to you... But you won't attack him will you if he shows himself to you? After you go into the bunker. Who's entrance is on this rock? It will explain everything to you. I will show up one more time to speak with you. it will be after... and then... maybe after awhile... You will see me again, maybe." I looked towards the door and then back to Watcher. "Why am I here Watcher? Why did you two bring me here?" Watcher gave a robotic sigh. "My friend here found old files on something about your species. He told me about it after I found you in the waste, he wanted to know if you were what you are... A vulf'ven a wolf-like race that is very warrior-like and will fight till the end." Looking again towards the door my eyes just looked at it. The door was rusted and seem's it could still open. "What do you wish me to learn watcher, what do you wish me to learn?' Watcher calmly said. "The truth... Like you told me you have been told all your life a lie... You know it in your heart... You have seen the Howling dance... I am sure You have seen that it's nothing but a simple crystal that gives off strange energy that did something to you when you were near it." I looked at the robot and sighed again looking toward the door. Then walking towards it and standing in front of it. "What if I don't like what I see Watcher... what if it kills and destroys my heart?" "You need to see the truth... it will make you stronger to then gather a force... to fight the Enclave to save your friends... You need to do this Tiria... walk into the door and then see the past. You need to understand the past... It is the past... But you need to understand the truth." The bird cawed nodding and I looked up and the door opened up to pure darkness and I went inside... The door closing behind me... I have no idea what I will find... But maybe I will learn what I need to learn... It is time for... The truth Footnote: Level up. Perk: Able to get others to work together only if they're the same sex as you of course. Chapter Ten: Iron wolf Labs."I am the one... that made you... You could call me your God... or your nightmare." Day: Unknown iron Wolf lab. I walked into the bunker as I saw the stairs leading down and looked around. Hearing a voice speak to me. "I knew sooner or later one of you would find me. Please listen to me closely. I don't remember my own name it's been so long..But I was tasked to protect the pony way of life... I shall explain to you what happens... That I didn't explain to that robot that came here 50 years before... He told me he would lead you here... Silver Gunner his name was... Follow the path that my little drone will lead you on." Looking up to see a small little robot. It made a robotic sound and I followed it. As it leads me through the stairs. "This took so many bits just to build... But in the end..What we needed to make..to protect the pony way of life... Was set in the matter of things. It was a war...I have heard of you... from the Radio miss wolf...You may not be the Lightbringer or the other mare... But you have done some things... That most would never have guessed. But sadly you wish to know... why? Follow the bot and it will show you the past." The bot that is leading me and I blinked watching it stop in front of a door and it played back a recording. It was The scientist and a few of his buddies. "Iron Wolf shall be done... You will see it. The crystal is being sent to us as we speak... We need to do this just in case." The other two looked at each other and nodded. The recorded ended and the voice started to speak again. "At first... this was to protect the pony way of life... It then became more... as my glory. Follow the bot.... You will see the lie I said... to one of the kindest mares in our world." The bot leads me to a broken cage. It formed an image of Twilight, Fluttershy, and the scientist. "She brought me...here because she feels your experiments are harming the species of our world. She demands that you do this and protect nature." The shy Pegasus nodded and hid behind the unicorn. Who seemed to be angry and very protective of her friend. "I assure you miss Twilight...I am protecting nature..as well as protecting the pony way of life. I can say miss Fluttershy you will not have to worry... The wolfs will be protected." Fluttershy gave Twilight a pitiful look and nodded as the two trotted along with him. As I followed the bot who moved as well to show the entire recording. "I tend to protect the nature of our land... But also extend and protect the pony way of life. I shall keep giving you updates on them Fluttershy do you agree to this?" Twilight nods angrily. "I need to get going Fluttershy, Pinkie's party." Rolls her eyes. "Will you be alright?" Fluttershy gave a nod. Then the purple unicorn walked out of the lab. The recording ended. "The yellow mare..stayed for an hour to check on the creatures. But..my sin..my lie...I lied to her..that...I will protect them...I couldn't my project needed results." The robot leads me down more stairs Looking around seeing broken empty cells. Looking at my Pip-buck as it sparks showing that there are some rods down here. Then the robot leads me to a strange cell that held bones of a wolf. It makes an image of a great powerful wolf. "I was given the howling dance...But I just called it the crystal of power. It gave off interesting radiation that affected the wolf-like beast. It made them how." I watched as the wolf started to howl then it than past a few days. The wolf was dying and close to death. "I removed the crystal from its presence they refused to eat to drink. Later died from eating nothing... This crystal they longed for it... It had to be it... it had to be this crystal. Yes, it had to be this crystal.... but no... I learned that no one was feeding her....The crystal made her stronger. But it left radiation to make my helper's scared to feed her." A sigh came from the robot the image vanishing. I followed it along and it leads to another cell. "I had to do another test... I had to make sure I could....I could...." The strange voice chokes and then brings forth a pony he infused with the crystal's magic. "Now mister hard hat..Let me know if some discomfort happens I will stop the experiment." The experiment goes on as the crystal is close to the pony and then he starts screaming then speaks. "You murderer." He exploded into gore. "I learned... what happened... the crystal it affects ponies in an awful way. Then I learned something. Infuse wolf DNA into a pony." The image changed showing a pony. He seemed to be infused with the DNA and the crystal brought near. It shows as the pony started to change becoming...What Tiria is now? "This is my sin...my curse...what you really are..." The robot turns to look at me and I stared into the eye of the robot. "You are decedent from ponies. Ponies turned into this monster...this curse I gave them." My rage build and I grabbed the robot showing my anger. "You're lying the elders have told me we were created to guardians of Equestria!!! That Celestia and Luna made us be guardians and to bring justice to the ponies!!" The robot stayed silent as I let it go... My life everything I was told. As the robot started showing it over again. I watched it... The pony turning into my species. Claws forming in the hooves fur forming all over him and then standing on his back hooves with a bend in the back but able to walk like a hell hound. Having front paws able to hold things. "But....." Looks at the fur on my paws that I used to hold my guns... That I turn into a fist to punch. I followed this path to the crystal's howling dance...to just learn...it's all a lie. "The Crystal is still important Tiria... It brought a new species into this world...We need warriors to protect this world. We need honor back into the world. Please.... bring honor to us." I stayed silent for a while closing my eyes and then I saw my friends in my mind. I stood up knowing my anger is going to fill me more. But I had to meet this pony. I need to talk to him to learn what fully happen. "I am coming to meet you... to meet the sinner that created my species. We may have been ponies in the past... But now... we are this... a curse... a sin... A sin that needs to get back to her friends. Now.... have this robot... lead me to you. I may have been taught honor... But at this moment... I haven't been living like a warrior lead to fighting in the name of honor." The robot was silent for a good while. The creature on the other end thinking on this. "He did say he would bring you to me...Tell me what happens to Silver Gunner?" I looked away... "Dead. The enclave killed him and now my friends along with his broken body I don't know what they're doing to them...I need to get back...I need to." The creature on the other end seems to be thinking again. "Then come. We will talk and soon you may end my life..for my sin or keep me alive...to continue with my research of turning your kind back to ponies." I laughed. "No...I don't wish to become a pony...I doubt you could turn me into one...if you wanted to. But my friends need me...so I shall speak with you then I need to leave." I was lead into the main room. Looking around seeing a bunch of vials creatures in large vials that just seemed to be floating in them. Looking around and then saw a painting of the six mares. I looked at it closely. "Ah yes... the six mare's our savior's also our... destroyers... All that they did for us... was also given to us as pain. I may have never been in the war... I was stuck here..to protect the pony way of life." The creature laughed. "That... did so well. didn't it." I looked up as screens turned on showing how bad the war got. Then the end. "There has been an explosion in Manehattan. Goddes with us all." The ghoul pony came out of the darkness and chuckled. "How we did..that was impressive no? Oh wanted to protect our way of life... But we created this world... Amazing to protect ourselves we end up murdering ourselves. All this... over coal." The ghoul looked at me and then back to the past. "I was asked to protect the pony way of life and extend it... to the point that we will never die... It seems I did do it...But turning them into creatures like you. I heard your dislike for ponies is huge... But you will fight for them... Even though you feel they will just cause the death of this world again." I shrugged. "I am sorry to say but from what I have... seen but from a few... Ponies are extremely power hungry and don't wish to help others. It seems that most just want to bring back the old world... I am sorry to say friendship may be alive and well in this world. But Harmony? Forcing the old ways on ponies again. No, I am sorry to say that won't work. I have seen the sun... I would like to see the moon... I would like my kind to feel safe leaving their cave... I would like... Kip and her husband to have foals.... in peace..." My voice trails off thinking of Kip. The ghoul looked at me and sighed. "I understand Tiria... but it's not that easy. Ponies who want peace... Need to fight hard for it. I need to fight so hard that the way is hard. Many have been doing their job the Lightbringer Security has done the same. They have inspired others to fight. They have been doing the same... You along with some smaller hero's in the lands..have done the same. Small hero's help the big heroes... For it makes it so the big heroes don't have to fight so hard. Knowing that the smaller hero's are clearing the way for them. A small hero can do much for the big hero. But... you have friends... that need you... What happened Tiria? Why do they need you so badly?" I looked at the ghoul and then to the robot... "Can this thing record still?" The ghoul nodded. "I want to record something to take to my people. Are you willing to send this bot all the way there? With my mark?" The ghoul looked up at me and blinked. "It will just give me a moment to get it ready." The ghoul seems to be messing with the robot clicking a few buttons and then taps the camera on the front. "Alright now speak." I looked into the camera and thought of what to say. "I'm alive... still... I found what happened to my mother... She was murdered by the ponies of this land. When I left I found raider's not too far from our home. But I fought them...I killed them but then I was captured. Then I met a griffin named Gawd. I was asked to join with my new friend but..who I wished to kill at the time...Shadow... A griffin. I learned most of everything about the world from him. A war..that the ponies did with the Zebra that..killed the world. Not all ponies are evil, though." Sighs going silent a moment and looked towards nothing at all. Thinking of what to say next. " We were wrong..to judge the ponies for what they did to this world. There are some that are trying to fix the broken world. I don't see myself as a hero..But I see myself as a creature fighting the good fight." Closed my eyes and looked back to the camera. "We need to stop hiding and help protect this world and clean it. I know... our species are too proud to help this world. But I was asked to make friends...I made many. I found a building that is called an apartment full of ponies... That I made friends with." Looking towards the wall again and the cell that is not far from me... That held a former creature. All I saw was bones. "The ponies I made friends with a robotic pony named Silver Gunner... A pony named Kip. A gentle soul I need to save them... I am going to need help sooner or later... Knowing you... You will never come to help... I am just a moon warrior... I am not full of honour... Just worthless trash to you... Oh, and I found the howling dance... When you see it... You will know we have been lied to..all our lives. But I ain't going into that... If you wish to know the truth follow this camera back. But knowing my species we are too proud to even find out the truth." Closed my eyes and the camera stopped the recording. "There is no more to say... send it to them... Then call it back. But do you need help with anything? Because I am sure there is something nasty in this lab that escaped." The ghoul looked over to me and looked over to a sealed door called holding cells. "That goes deeper down... Before we made your species... I made a lot of creatures..that turned into nasty beings... They have been down there..so many years." The ghoul sighed and looked to me and had a look of disappointment on his face. "Everypony in this lab died but me... We played God... if Luna and Celestia were still alive... I would have been killed years ago.... I don't deserve to see their faces... They would be extremely ready to kill me for what I did..I harmed the creatures of Equestria turned them into you... Ponies mixed with wolves." Nodded and went to the door looking back to the ghoul. "Send that... I will head down and see what I can find. I will return." I tried to open the door and couldn't find out how and blinked looking back to the ghoul. "Um... how about you unseal this first. Then I will go." The ghoul laughs softly and shook his head. He clicked on a console and a small magic laser came out from the ceiling and he started to fire along the seal. "This will take an hour... So go look around..You might find out what happen to your kind... The password to the terminal... I am your God..." I blinked at him and looked towards him. Sighing and nodded. Went to the terminal and sighed clicking on it and didn't feel this was very wise. Opened my bag and brought out some of the food I was given. Ate a bit of it and put the rest back into my bags. Sighed softly again and then clicked along the terminal. Putting in the password and reading some of the experiments. Reading one of them one them. The crystal is on its way. It seems to affect wolves in an interesting form. They follow it. It makes them less angry. I asked for bits to do this experiment to save the pony way of life. I keep telling myself this... No idea how this war is going to end. My family wishes me to go into one of the stables. But I can't I need to do this... I need to protect the pony way. Forgive me Celestia Luna... I need to do this... Iron wolf Project is a go. Looking towards the ghoul is using the magic laser to open the sealed door. I felt bad for him... He did all this to protect his kind ways of life. Looking back to another one... But this one the files seemed very buggy. But there are words of death creatures killing everything. I sighed and looked back again. Looking back to the terminal and clicked along the computer. Finding one last file that seemed to talk about how he lied to Fluttershy. "I... lied to the kindness mare in the world...I told her all wolves would live through this...If she could see what happen now... She would hate me...She would hate me with all her heart. I am sorry Fluttershy... I know you are properly now dead..and never be seen again in this world." I heard the door open up and stood up and it was a strange box that went up and down? Walked over to the ghoul and he looked at me with a grim smile. "Take this." He gave me a strange device I put on my head. "I will be able to keep in contact with you. I need you to go down there and clean it out... But also I want you to gather my old experiments and find the tags of my dead friends. Hopefully, their tags will still be down there... Also warning. There is radiation down there... So be prepared to leave if it gets very very bad." I Nodded. "If it gets bad... then leave." Looked back to him calmly and sighed closing my eyes tightly and grabbed my weapons and heading back to the large box that went up and down. I have no idea what the hell a lot of this tech was... I am new to this world.I have been in this world for a month almost now. It's starting to make me feel at home. Feel fully at home with this strange land. Looking back to the ghoul. "If I don't come back lock the door back up. I promise I will try to find what I can." I stepped into the elevator and then it lowered me to the floor. It seems this was going to take awhile. This is a deep hole it seems and there are a two-floor storage and this holding room. Closing my eyes grabbing my machine gun and not worrying about the hammer at the moment and feeling the sensation of the box going down and it slowly stopped. I opened my eyes and oddly some of the lights were still on. I looked out a moment and then thought to myself. {Oh wonderful.} ________________________________ Day unknown: Holding cells. Walking out of the elevator and the door closed. I took a deep breath to get the scent of the place and whoo!! Coughing loudly and felt my lungs burn. {Damn it the scent is awful.} Coughing some more and looking around looking at the pip-buck it shows the map inside here. It's oddly pretty small but four different rooms. I had to check each room to clean them out and check for these creatures. I put the machine gun away and grabbed my hammer. Closing my eyes and slowly walked through the room. Finding one of the bodies right away... Grabbing the tag and putting it in my bag. Looking around and noticed a large lizard creature staring at me. It just kept staring as I started at it... Then it skittered away quickly and rushed into one of the rooms. Looked at the tag couldn't make out the name... But read the back. Read it softly. "Hell is out to kill us... Celestia is killing us... for our sins." Blinking sighing and knew I would read something like this sooner or later. Looking around calmly and went into the left room to look for another of the ponies. The light seemed out. But turning on the pip-buck light and looked around calmly. Seeing all the broken cells and turned seeing a Zebra ghoul right there. It started to growl I took my hammer and smashed on its head hard. As it made a very nasty wet sound. "Zebra's... down here too?" The ghoul spoke to me through the headset. "Most of what is down here... prisoner's for us to use and do experiments on... We tried to see how good they could handle radiation and magic..." Look down to the body as he spoke and felt awful... for these creature's Down here since a war that ended the world. "We had to find a way to win this war...My project was Iron wolf...But another project that was down here... was... Our sins. A magic weapon that was magically keyed to a Zebra's DNA... If we allowed it to leave... It would have killed them. But the cost? it would have murdered their entire speeches. Just because we can't handle losing a war that should have never happen." Sighing and looking around calmly and grabbed my hammer tightly and then suddenly from the darkness Que more Ghouls!! "SHIT!!" I yelled in anger as they smashed me with their hooves into the wall and dropped my hammer and I grabbed the neck of one of the Zebra's and then tossed it into the wall grabbing my hammer quick and hit the other Zebra with the metal pole of the hammer. The Zebra backed up as the other that was tossed into the wall rushed back at me and I smashed it with the hilt and then hit with the hard part of the hammer smashing its head...Then do the same to the other. Groaning a bit coughing and shook my head. "Damn...these Zebra's can fight.." Looked down seeing another one of the bodies. I picked up the tag and read the back. "The Zebras...they know...what you think... They will fight to the death... Our sins it would have never worked... It would never have worked. OH, goddess Our sins are fake!!" I blinked. "What does that mean?" The ghoul spoke to me through the headset again. "It means the weapon was never meant to do what other's were told. I think it was meant to be something that would have set them free. But I warn you if you find it... destroy it Destroy it fast..and quick." Blinks. "What is this thing meant to do?" The ghoul went silent for a moment. "It's meant to magically look into your dreams and see your sins... All those you killed it will judge you..." My eyes went wide. Ponies created a robotic thing that judges those that caused sins? "What was the point of this to find something in this world pure? There is nothing in this world as pure as a child a foal... You would kill the parents of all the children in this world... Just because of pure of heart... If this was released there would have..been no survivors of this war.. You ponies did it again!!" The ghoul went silent. Then spoke. "Put your anger aside... please Tiria.... I know your idea of ponies is that their just murders... Please. I need you to focus and end this creature... Or I would have to seal you in with it." Closed my eyes and then I opened them and got jumped by a Zebra ghoul tossing it into the wall and then smashed it over and over with my hammer letting loose my anger on it... Smashing it's body into a gory mess and then breathed out deeply. "Hmmm needed that..." Looking around calmly in the rest of the room. Checking the cells and seeing a journal. Picking it up and started to read it. But it was in Zebra and sighed. Set it back down on the bones. Bowing my head and sighed. "May the Goddess have mercy on you." Slowly stood and walked out heading back into the main room and went to the right room. Reading the sign on this one. It said in blood. "Free us.....ponies." Looking around seeing more of the ghoul zebra's and smashing the one closest to me and then got jumped from behind in the darkness and it started pounding my back and groaned. Rolled before getting hit again and smashed it with my hammer. "Damn it." Looked at the cracks in my armour and growled softly. I tried to keep hold of my anger and had to take hold of the honour in my heart.... But mindless creature's have no honour. Lifted my hammer up the muscles in my arm's filling with pain..because of overdoing it... But that wasn't going to stop me from finding these friends. Looking down at another body. But this Zebra had one of the tags and wearing one of the outfits. I picked it up and read. it. "Ponies friends...war needs to end... The star's evil in the sky." Clicking the headset. "Not all Zebra's fought in this war did they? They did everything they could to help end it didn't they?" The ghoul sighed and softly spoke. "Yes.... not every Zebra wanted this war... But it was rare to see... A zebra that didn't want this war... But not even ponies had pure of heart. Tiria... listen I am sorry I did this to your kind so long ago. I should have told them... a crystal created you... But then I learned they already knew... Then they broke out. I had to tell them what the crystal does... Seal it up... put it somewhere. Seal in a case that... doesn't allow the power it holds to get to anyone else." I sighed softly. "I shall keep it in the seal case that Wheel tread placed it in." Went deeper into the room and saw another journal in a cell and opened it... It was in the same Zebra words and placed it back on the body. Closing my eyes and gave the soul to the princess. Stood up and turned around staring face to face with a zebra ghoul and it just stood there growling. I sighed softly. "Really... you ghouls are stupid." Then I heard moving beside me looking towards the body I put the journal back on. Seeing two ghouls staring at me and then two more on the other side and sighed. "Clever girls... boys stallions mares... whatever." I sighed and they all charged at me smashing one of them in the air but they hit the hammer out of my hands with their front hooves and then started smashing my chest hard trying to bite my neck. Growling grabbing the knife I was given and sliced one of the ghoul's gore dripping all over me. Grabbed the other ghoul and tossed it into the four still up. Then grabbed my hammer quickly and smashed another ghoul as one did a back kick and made me fly and slide out the door and looked up groaning seeing the door can be closed and smashed the button with the hammer. To force the door to close and it did... Standing up coughing a bit and reached into my bags grabbing a potion to drink it. Hating the taste. "Ugh." Drank the entire thing down and the ghouls kept trying to break through the door. Looking at my pip-buck checking the room to the right that I haven't been in yet. Went inside and didn't find anything looking around calmly. Looking for another of the scientist but didn't find anything. But looked up seeing writing in blood. "Our sins.... our sins... it's looking... it's searching... It's Searching!!!!" Blinking and rolled my eyes. "Oh, I am sure it's searching." Laughed softly to myself and shook my head. Looking around the room closely for anything. I found an old recording. Put it in my pip-buck and then started to listen as I walked to the other room. "I heard the war ended.... with fire... I am sure you're not alive anymore my life... But if this... ever gets to you please..... forgive me... for what I did... I ran from the battlefield... forced to come into a prison... they're doing something to us down here... some Zebras are here... to... helping me live... but they say... it might be best to die... Then allowing this poison to kill us... I love you... my love." The recording ended and I sighed rolling my eyes and looked down finding nothing else even looking through the bodies. Heading into the next room looking around trying to find this our sin's being at went..into the last room seeing a lot of dead bodies but no ghouls and found the last tag and pulled it off the jacket reading it. "Death shall come..our sins shall come... our sins!!!" Looking around trying to find this thing and spoke in the headset turning around. "I can't seem to find this thing." Then heard large long stomps and I looked up seeing the robot. A spider-like being with a pony head. The body seemed to be pure living as well as the head fused to a pony. "Our sins? I take it?" The creature looked at me and it's horn glowed and groaned as it looked deep into my mind. I felt the pain grow as this creature kept digging into my mind looking for all my sins. Groaning, I felt blood draining from my ear's and nose... At it was going through every part of my brain with this magic it had. Then I passed out with the unicorn in my head full unicorn. "I see you have sinned... but also need to get somewhere... But I can't let you live.... give me a reason for you to live... Before I cleanse the world of your sins." I groaned blinking looking around I was in my own head. "Look.... have you seen the world in my mind? That's Equestria!" The pony looked at me and laugh. "No we are pure beings... loved by the princess." I stared at the creature and laughed. "OH OH!! really look in my head... look at your lovely world you pure ponies of heart did or are you too scared to think you're not a poor pure ass hole hmm?" I said with a smirk. Then I felt pain in my head groaning. "Don't mock the mind walker.... I shall destroy your brain you, sinner." Groaning felt so much pressure in my head. "Everypony and creature are not free of sin... only foals and children are free of sin... Unless they follow the sins of their mothers and fathers. Can't you see that you have been blinded for so long been locked down here?" Groaned feeling the pain from his magic. "Listen I am telling you the truth.... I am not full of sin... I may have killed... But I needed to... To live..." I screamed in pain feeling the unicorn staring more into me... Then he saw something. He looked at my memories of Kip, Silver Gunner, Shadow... Little Hoof, Soft paw. "You..... left them behind.... you're searching for allies to take the Enclave down... You left them behind... How could you... They could be dead by now." My anger through the pain grew. "They asked me to run... you foolish unicorn... There is no such thing as pure... Only children have the innocents everyone has sins. Every hero... every villain everyone... has a sin... No one is ever pure." Groaned again in pain feeling my brain throb so hard... Even if I was inside my own mind. "Look... I... gah!! I need to save them... I am not going to go with this stupid pure crap... You're blinded to." I screamed in pain as the creature looked deeper into my head. Seeing the creation of my race... Looking through everything and then suddenly. I woke up with the creature over me... It dripping its venom on my chest. It seems the unicorn can no longer speak normally. It let me go... so it could eat me?! My vision so blurry from the pain groaning and then heard gunshots. From the ghoul and it kept firing growling and pushing back the creature. As he dragged me with his hooves and teeth it was hard for him. Then stopped to keep firing at the creature. It stayed in the room growling and got me out closing the door. "That won't hold him for long." He forced a potion down me and it started healing me but it would take awhile. I groaned and sat up as the potion worked "That pony... fused himself to that thing... Why did he do this?" The ghoul looked to me and sighed. "Listen I need to deal with this... There is a self-destruct that will destroy the entire base." Looking to the ghoul and shook my head. "No there has to be a better cleaner way. We can't allow if anything lives through this explosion that someone finds a weapon. We need to kill this thing. We can't allow it to live." I stood up and grabbed my machine gun. "Look... I am not going to allow you to kill this thing..on your own..." Looked to the ghoul. "No I need to do this... go back upstairs." Cocked the gun and charged into the room and started firing on the creature. As it took the bullets and it growled in pain. I kept firing as the ammo ran out..and grabbed my hammer keeping the rest of the ammo and then smashed the creature causing it to bleed and it grabbed me with its magic tossing me into the wall over and over. Then dropped me and stood back up trying to smash it again... Hitting its body causing it more pain. Then it hit me away out of the room again and groaned and looked around seeing the ghoul fire it's gun at the spider creature. I stood back up tossing my hammer as it hit its horn causing it to groan and yell in pain. Then grabbed my knife closing my eyes remember my knife throwing I was taught and then looked to see the ghoul lifted up by the magic. Looking at him worried he will be killed for his sins. Noticing the creature in a daze then I rushed at the creature taking my knife and literally sliced in its neck. The horn was still going and then grabbed my hammer smashing into the horn over and over... Then it shattered and broke. But when I did this... Oh, bad idea..It made me fly into the wall and I closed my eyes in pain. And the hammer was flying... right towards... my head?! It smashed right into the wall right beside me and I laughed loudly it echoed through the area. Stand up groaning and looked to see the Ghoul groaning and trying to get up. Looked to see the creature dead. It's dead with its pure bullshit. Looked to the ghoul and looked seeing that he was dying felt tears in my eyes. "Please... Tiria... I deserve this... there is nothing that can keep me alive... down here... Please let me go... Tell those...that wish to keep the pony way of life... alive... Will learn what starts. I... I'm happy to have seen you before... my death... Tiria... please fight in the name of honour and for those that died..." I nodded and watched him die in front of my eyes sighing and looked at the body of the spider creature and pulled out the tags and dragged the body to the spider creature and started a fire... Looking at them burn..." Another loop of the past is dead. I went up into the elevator had nothing left of the ghoul or that creature. I looked to see the raven. "I was told you would show me what you are..." The raven stood in front of me and changed into a bug-like creature and stared at me with its bug-like eyes. I started at the creature looking at it closely. "What are you?" The creature chuckles. "I am known as a changeling... some from the past would call us evil. But after the bombs killed our queen and caused the new hatchlings that hatched after she was dead... They didn't become evil... But they didn't understand this world and... We used to feed on love... We may still feed on love... But a mutation allows us to... eat meat. But I don't wish to explain anymore. I may have followed you this long... But do you have the gull to save your friends from the Enclave? If you say no I can understand no one can handle a battle." I kept silent not sure what to say to this creature... As my heart shattered this creature was testing me? I am not sure... but I needed to know... before my friends die... whatever is happening to them. "I will fight to my death." Footnote: Max level. Author's Note Allow me to Explain Crow the Changeling. More will come out about how I feel the bombs changed them and such. I will also go deeper into The Rat Creepers as well and The Reaper fields. But this will take time..I have been playing Legion alot. So when I get board I do more of the chapter comming next. So it will be a little slower. Chapter 11: The Gathering."A gathering for our... time is but a journey for the time to see." Day 32: The Desert in front of the lab. I had left the lab and looked to crow. "Crow...do me this favor... It will take a few days to get back to where I need to go. Go to the Buffalo then go to Misty apartments and gather those you can and bring them to the reaper Feilds... I need an army... The Enclave force might have some of their troops leave to deal with the rest of Equestria... But what they did to me, my friends... I want them to feel pain..." The Changeling nodded and looked towards the way. "I shall do this for you, my friend... A battle to save your friends..." Nods as I watched him transform into a Raven and then flew off towards the Buffalo. Looking back to the door of the Lab and took my claws writing deep into the door. {The sin's of the past ended with death.} Then I wandered off towards the reaper fields out of the dessert. Looking at my pip-buck remembering where I went and how I got there. Walking through the desert was an interesting matter but..I wished I had someone to talk to. It was getting dull always being on my own... But of course, I sent Crow to find folks to join me. Then after the battle going to pass out for... day... I feel like I could just get some much-needed sleep. I refused to allow sleep to get to me so I can get to where I need to go. Looking around seeing how calm everything is... Because I figured there would be Enclave flying everywhere. I noticed a smoking armor and rushed to it... It was Enclave and looked around seeing many. Then I saw a tent and rushed to it and went in. Seeing Sand. Sand looked up from a pegasus leg he was eating. "Ah, the Tiria found me again. I see you come from the way of the lab." I blinked looking to him. "You knew?" He shrugged. "Easy to tell." Chuckled softly and I sighed. "Anyway did you do this?" He shook his head. "No, I came up in a battle and they left their dead behind. I just got to say they taste good." Sand smirks. I felt a strange throbbing in my heart...was I falling in love with this guy or was I just angry at the fact... I see him again. "I need to get going... I... could use some meat..Instead of what the buffalo gave me." Sand laughs and smiles. "Well then find a body, rip a limp off, and eat. Their legs are amazingly good. Sighing again I went to one of the dead and ripped off a limb and went to the fire to put the leg on it to cook it. "I will come with you Tiria to help save your friends. But I do warn you there is no way they're still alive... If they are then you're very lucky." Stayed silent and took a bite out of the leg and looked up to him. "Sand I will do anything to get to them... Even if I have to fight alone." Keeps eating the meat and sighs. "I need to get to Reaper fields and blow a horn that was created to start a meeting." Sand looks to me and cocks his sniper rifle. "Let's do it then. I don't know about you but I have had enough of the Enclave taking out ones that shall pay me caps." I nodded and finished my leg and My tiredness and pain did stop me a bit. But I needed to move. Sand stood up not worrying about the camp using the fire to burn it all down. "Let's go before Enclave sends more to find who killed their friends." I nodded and walked along. It started to rain as it grew darker from the rain clouds. Looking to Sand. "What is going on that caused this Enclave to come?" Sand looks to me and chuckles. "They wish to help the world now... But killing those they foresee as threats." Nods and the two of us walked through the desert as we did I kept to myself closing my eyes remembering Kip... If those fools hurt her... I would be very angry. Looking around hearing nothing as it rained. It was starting to get to me. "Relax...I have been out of the pack for years..." I gave Sand a look and smiled. "Why did you leave then?" Sand looked at me and smirked. "I got tired of being told that being a hunter... I am just worthless trash and not worth to breed with a female. Also got tired of the fact... The elders used fear to control us. Saying all ponies are evil outside our cave... So I went hunting and never returned." I sighed. "I was sent out to find the howling dance...I had it in my hands. Then I left it back there... I was told to get it and take it back home... Then if I left and took it home with me... The Enclave would have found us sooner or later. No one is going to be hiding. I am amazed they haven't found us yet." Sand nodded to me the rain started coming down harder while we both got very wet and purely wet. Looking around calmly I just stared at the vast empty desert and sighed softly. This walk was going to be a long one. Two more days... two more days... I need to get to them. Closing my eyes tightly and I fell to my knees? Sand looked at me and chuckled. "You're pushing yourself too much... So..." He lifts me over his back and starts to carry me. Finding a strange set of rocks that seem to be a way to block the rain and set me down. "Listen, rest... you need to rest before we get there." Looking down to my legs and growled, sighing laying back closing my eyes a bit. "Do you think... I am worrying too much about ponies?" Sand looked to me and kept silent for a moment then spoke with a soft growl. "No... our kind is too xenophobic as well... It's time to break the past and save those that need us. Even if us being guardians was a lie... It's time to help other heroes in this land..." Sitting up for a time but I started to feel how tired I was. "I'm sorry for asking you to help me.." Sand blinked looking towards me and gave me a shrug. "Eh, it's fine to come rest... and sleep. I know it's not something you want to do really. But do you want to get there... and fall asleep during the fight?" Giving a nod I closed my eyes and breathed softly. Thinking of my friends... Worried so much about them. It's almost been close to two weeks. I need to get to them but. My body needs to rest. Slowly fell asleep while Sand watched for anyone to come to harm us both. Day 33: The long trek. I was wide awake after that sleep. The two of us walked in the wet sand and dust. Walking towards the reaper fields. It felt like it was going to take forever. But we had to do this... Even if most of the creatures would try to stop us... But I wasn't going to allow it to happen. Nothing was going to stop me from getting to my friends. I still had some pain in my body. My body never fully healed from that gas that went through my system back at the camp. So I had a nasty cough now and then. I still had some of that venom coursing through my veins. But I needed to get to them before it was too late. "You do... know you need to Rest Tiria. You can't keep forcing yourself to go on like this. It's not healthy. I know what you learned... But you need to stop yourself before you kill yourself." Sand said growling softly and sounding worried... As worried as one of our species could be of course. Our kind rarely worried about each other. Normally it was just stepping on the other to get fame or the right mate... To breed with. Being wolf-like beings wasn't always the best thing... I am considered fodder to my species. I am not sure what sand was. I am sure he will tell me sometime. I turned on my pip-buck and what came out of it... was just the Enclave so I turned it back off and sighed. Looking towards Sand... I needed to get back to them my heart was in pain... Because I know Softpaw was dead... What about Silver gunner? What about Kip? What.... about Shadow and Little Hoof? Was I fight to try to save them and not move on from them and just let them pass away? Then I thought to myself... No, they risked everything for me. "Sand... look you don't need to keep following me... If you have something better to do... Then you can go." Sand blinked and looked at me with his yellow eyes. His brown fur blending in with the sand and dirt. "Yeah... no Tiria... We need to prove that our species... Can be more than just xenophobic assholes." He gave me a soft smile and a kind growl. It had been a few hour's walks... We stopped once to eat some food that we hunted down... But we haven't seen any ponies or other creatures at all lately. I haven't even heard or seen of watcher. It was starting to worry about me. I looked at my weapons... I left many of them behind. I lost my Zebra pistol, my old sword... I even left the flame sword behind... I will find them again hopefully. My thoughts focused more on my failures and not my friends. I looked to Sand who seemed to just walk alongside me like nothing was wrong at all. "How... do you do it, Sand?" Sand looked at me and blinked. "How do I do what?" He asked looking at me with a weird look. "How do you just ignore the fact that... we are in hell and that hell wants to kill us... Well really I mean how do you handle... Being away from our kind?" Sand chuckled and shook his head. "I just forget it... The ponies of this land... Are very friendly folks if you meet the right ones... Our species could learn a lot from them. But the issue is. Most of our species don't want to help non-creatures like us. They don't even want to help each other. The Light-bringer Security and so forth are helping... Even if they didn't want to at the start. It's best to help this world... This world needs it... More than feeling sorry for yourself in a basement somewhere." he said with a chuckle. I gave him a weak smile... Sighing then looking back to the path we walked... Looking at my Pip-buck seeing that we are another day away. From the Reaper fields. it was becoming bothersome that I may never see my friends again. I was hoping I would but... I am not sure. I was going to ask many to risk their lives for something that may not be wise. Then I heard many gunshots ahead of us and I we both dropped down going up a hill to see a caravan under attack by raiders It seems they had their wagons down and it was a pretty big standoff. Looking to Sand and gave him a nod. As he grabbed his sniper and I sneaked through the area. To try to get behind the raider's and I could hear them yelling and screaming what they will do to the mares and children. Then a shot rang out one of the heads of the raider's blasted into bits and when I finally got to them... Since they had no idea what is going on. Raider ponies seemed very stupid. I came up behind one of them and pulled him away from his friends... I covered his mouth and snapped his neck. Then they found me aiming their guns at me. I smiled putting my hands over my head. The raiders that didn't seem to care about me kept firing at the caravan. Their guns cocked as they aimed at me getting ready to fire. Then about three shots rang out and they dropped the other raiders looking towards me and looking down at the dead bodies. I shrugged, grabbing my machine gun. I fired at what I could... But I only got one and ran behind some cover. Looked who shot the three bullets it was three Steel Rangers. But they seemed different. I tried to change my ammo but more shots rang out and the raider's dropped. As the three aimed at me. "You again?" I looked up seeing the three speak to me. One of them took their helm off it was that Red mare. Along with her friend that.. she wanted to help them get the Applejack ranger. I stood fully up and blinked looking to them. "What about the ponies that we're protecting?" The other took off her helm and smiled. "They're fine... We are now going together to defend this land." I sighed softly and stood up looking at the three mares. "Well, I need to get going." I lifted my hand and Sand came down to me. "Come, Sand, let's get going." As I was starting to leave a young filly came up to me and Sand looking down to them. " Miss... You saved us." I looked at the filly and then to the three mares. Then to Sand. Sand spoke with a smirk. "OH, yes, the wolf saved you with help from those three mares." I looked up, my ears perking up I gave Sand a nasty look and he gave a snicker. "Oh, I am sorry Miss wolf..." He winks I growled sighing turning to the filly. "I was happy to help the little one." I patted her on her head. "Stay stay!!! MOMMY!!!" She ran off to her family. I looked at the three mares. "What now?" The three mares look at each other the Red furred mare smiled. "We wish to go with you till... we get new orders." Blinking looking to them. "Why? I am heading to pretty much my death along with Sand... I am trying to rescue friends of mine." I smiled at the three mares. They looked at each other and moved back whispering to each other. I would give them time as the mother of the filly came up to me and Sand and I smiled. "I am happy to help." Sand nods. I looked towards the way to our destination it was a day away... The mare spoke up with a smile. "Hello I am River I'm the leader of this Caravan... Will you please stay with us and enjoy a meal and then you can be on your way... But it's if you wish. My daughter would love it if you stayed with us." Looking to Sand he gave me a smirk and winked. If I didn't have fur they would have seen my blush and then... I just sighed growling gently. "I will stay..." The three mares came back. "We will be going with her...So yes we shall stay as well." Looking towards the mares and smiled. A meal was laid out for us. The caravan ponies did so much for us... They gave us so much food that they had gathered and they chuckled. As the three mares seemed to be talking to each other as they ate what they were given. They were still in their armor without the helms. They seemed to have become good friends after all that. It wasn't that long really... But It felt like months for me. I had others willing to follow me. I held the food I was eating and went out of the small party they were having. I stood by myself as... I heard cheers and happiness. Looking towards the way to my friends. Sand standing beside me and soft spoke. "A path that you fully seek.. Tiria... you need to relax... You will get yourself worked up trying to save your friends." Looking towards Sand eating my food. Gagging a bit, it was not meat. But I had to eat it. "Ah.. bleh... I need to get to them... I need to get to Reaper Fields." River trotted up to the two of us and softly spoke. "We can drop you off there... We are heading to Manehatten after that. But we can bypass our travel to help you. Since you helped us." Blinking looking down the unicorn mare who was painted with white on her mouth and hooves. and a bit blue. "I... thank you for that..." I smiled felt my heart sink... Why were so many helping me in this world of death? I watched her as she walked off and I sighed looking to Sand. "I feel if they went with us... will die." Sand looked towards me and patted my back. "Rest in the Caravan we will be there in the morning I think." I looked at the three mares in the armor eat and they nodded to me. As I lie in one of the Caravan's and fell right to sleep. ______________________ Dreams. I opened my eye's blinking and looking around. Was I dreaming? I looked around Equestria was green full of life. I was in a town full of ponies? I looked down blinking seeing I had hooves. I was walking near a mare. She has a Misty moon Cutie mark. Suddenly as if fate the dream paused a moment. The ghoul spoke calmly. "I felt... that you have had too much pain in your life... I wish to show you what the world was like before... the entire war happened. You deserve to see what many are trying to bring back." Looking towards him like I was removed from the body Looking towards him and sighed. "Is this before everything got extremely out of control?" The ghoul nodded and sighed looking towards the old world that he remembers. "You may have killed me... But It seems fate is making me stay in your mind. I think it's till you die and join me in the great beyond." I blinked looking towards the ghoul and gave a gentle smile. "I guess I will allow this... I need to rest anyway... Before I destroy myself." The ghoul nodded and he vanished as the dream started again. Like it was me there. This must have been a memory of his. Looking around at the bright lovely town. Seeing all the ponies... when was this? How long ago was this? I saw an orange mare with apples on her rump and her sister. She seemed to be almost close to an adult. Looking towards the other ponies. Seeing the ones known as Twilight and Fluttershy. It seems they were very, very young still. The ghoul spoke calmly. "This is many years before that war... When our world was full of peace. I am sorry to show you... this... But I am trying to prove to you... That ponies aren't evil... But they do make mistakes and greed will always get in the way. But please... Tiria no need to hate the ponies of the past for what they... did... for what we all did..." He looked at me with very sad eyes... "None of us knew how bad the war would get. None of us knew." Looking towards the Ghoul I sighed calmly nodding and then looked back to the pony whose body I was in. Like I was stuck in it. The dream started up again and followed the memory itself. The stallion I was in was walking beside his wife. They seemed to be just a normal group that lived in this town of ponies. Seeing so many ponies and such happiness... I wish I could have seen this... I wish I could have. Looking up to see Rainbow Dash and many other ponies in the sky... Working on the weather. I am guessing this is the past... The future needs to be of peace... The hope of the dream fills my heart... But seeing this I know its too far away to even happen. My host I could say jumped out of the way of a little dragon that was rushing to Twilight with a letter. But the vision started to vanish. Everything was going black. I had no idea why. "What... what's happening?!" I looked around in the darkness but then I just had a normal dream... I no longer had the cognitive thoughts. _________________ Day 33 Reaper Fields Looking around seeing that everything seemed alright here. Like the Enclave just ignored the area because of how it looked. Looking towards the caravan and looked to the three Applejack rangers. "Thank you for bringing us here." River nodded with a smile the Caravan heading towards the way to Manehatten. Looking to Sand and the three mares. I walked into the Reaper fields and went to the table. It seems a lot was very silent. Grabbing the horn that was made to call everypony. "Okay stay on guard... This might call ghouls too." I put my mouth to the horn and blew. It made a loud sound calling them all to the table. Then set it down and looking to the mares. "Stand guard they will be here maybe in an hour or so. Sand please wait with me." I sat in the chair and waited. The three mares stood guard waiting while Sand sat in the other chair. All I could think of was my friends. I swear I could hear Kip crying sobbing. I needed to get to them. I felt it breaking my heart. Closing my eyes to rest my eyes a moment and I heard the mare's weapons arm. I looked up seeing The Rat Creepers. "Whoa whoa lower your weapons." Stood up and hugged Cannon Ball. The King chuckles. "I see you have returned... What happened? We all saw these flying ponies going to attack the camp." I sighed looking towards the way there and looked down. Not sure what to say and pointed to the chair. "Sit Cannon Ball, I will explain when the rest get here." He nodded and gave a nod to his guards who stood by him. Looking over to see Dumbell and two of his guards. Then seeing The Junk reapers without their leader. But they seemed to have someone representing them and they nodded. "Alright... I need to tell you something before they try to destroy all of you." I sat in the chair and sighed looking to the three mares and gave them a nod as they went to patrol. Looked to Sand and he nodded. Cannonball looked to me and blinked. "What do you mean? You left two weeks ago and then~" I cut him off. "SoftPaw is dead." The guards dropped their weapons as Dumbbell's guards even gasped. "The Enclave came in... and killed who they could. My friends are still there trapped. I need to get to them... I need to save them. Even If I did I need to get to them. Look I don't know if you will agree to help me. I am begging to you three. I need your hooves, your claws. I need you... to help save them. Don't allow them to come for you guys next... or the ghouls in the~" I was cut off as Fleur showed up with a few of her crew. She walked to the table and with her magic set down a recording. "Listen." Then turns on the recording. "I'm KipKipe... we need help... We are dying..." There are screams in the recording. "The Enclave... is hurting the young ones I don't think... that we can last much longer..." She is sobbing. "If anyone... could hear this... please send help..." Then suddenly it went silent. I looked at Fleur and blinked. Fleur nodded to me with a gentle smile. "Listen, my crew and I are going to go try to save them... I know you will come to Tiria... What about the rest of you. I doubt they can last very long." The three factions looked at each other. Cannon Ball stood up and looked at the two groups of ponies. "I don't know about you... But ponies like the Enclave are the reason most of my species were thrown out of our homes. I think we need to take everything and most of my troops and take down the Enclave." He looked at the ponies and Dumbbell stood up on his hooves. "Count us in as well." The two look to Junk Reapers looking towards each other and they nodded. As one of them removed the helm. "Our leaders are working on a lot of stuff right now... But we will go gather the rest and meet back here... It may take a day, though." They all nodded and head back to their normal spots as the ghoul crew went to do something that Fleur asked them to. "I shall be back Tiria... I need to get back to the ship..Get for the rest of my crew. Even the prisoner's that we jailed wrongly. I shall return in a day." I nodded watching her trot off and looked to Sand and he gave me a smirk. "Well, then Tiria it seems like we're going to war. I guess I will go hunt for some food." I nodded to him and he smiled as I watched him walk away to go hunt. I thought a moment and looked at the scattered bodies since... The cleaning hasn't fully started yet. I went to grab an old helm and a few armor parts. ____________ Rat Creeper forge day 33 In the forge, I made a helm that had a tube in it that would fit my head. Carved with my claws in it saying Honor took off my armor and took out the attached parts of the armor scraps to the armor and worked very hard at even upgrading my hammer as well. Adding some harder parts to it and making it bigger. Then to my Machine gun. Looking towards the Rat Creeper's gathering their armor and weapons to get ready for battle. I grabbed the hammer and smashed in the armor to reinforce it and the same with the weapons. Putting on my armor and looking towards the Rat Creepers and their home. A home that they seem to have children running around playing. It's like Equestria back in the day... But underground. Looking down the features on my face if anyone saw me... I felt sorry for this world. I may be part of this world now... My world was full of xenophobic wolf-like beings. Heading out and leaving the Creepers to get their weapons together. Heading back out and stopping turning to head to the king's chambers and looking at the Painting of the two princesses. Luna and Celestia... I have never been a holy creature... But I kneeled and put my paws together. Thinking to myself. {I can't believe I am doing this.} "Goddess... I doubt you can hear me... I am a lost soul in Equestria. I heard of you beautiful Princess... I know I will never meet either of you... Like the ponies before. But I need someone to lead my heart... I can't take it anymore. I need to fight... I want to use honor to fight. But I need someone to help me through this. Kip already had this before I met her... Oh... Kip, Silver Gunner." Looking down and sighed starting my prayer again. "Please Luna on your Moon give me help for I need it." A soft hand paw was placed on my shoulder looking up seeing Sand. "I may not be much... but I can be the one to help you Tiria..." A smile formed on my face standing up hugging him tightly feeling my heart fill with so much pride and happiness as I held him tighter in the hug. Then removed the hug and coughed. "Ahem anyway... I am going to get some rest. Wake me up when they are already alright." Sand gave me a nod. Headed out of the room and went to the inn they had... A small in. That seemed to have beds made from old chairs. I paid for some caps and played in the bed and fell asleep. _________________ Midnight day 34 Rat Creeper Inn I opened my eye's feeling something was very wrong. I stood up looking around and noticed how calm and silent everything was. I head outside but before... I did I grabbed my hammer heading outside and looked around. I didn't see a patrol's but then I looked to see raiders laughing and messing the table. But they were just eating on it. They had Rat Creepers laughing and cheering with them along with Junk Reapers. Blinking and stood up. Walking to them and the King smile. "Ah, Tiria come, come... we are feasting before we head to battle." Then Crow landed on my shoulder and looked over to him and smiled. "I got all those that are willing to come... The buffalo are sending a few warrior's to the back way in. Crossfire is coming with a few ponies from the apartment. They will be here... Later but I told him what's at stake and well... You never told me... You're friends with his wife. Soon, he's angry and bringing a lot of firepowers... They will be here during the middle of the battle. I tried talking to Watcher... But he told me something is going down." Looked over to Crow nodding and sitting at the table and grabbed whatever food is there. "So a final meal then death hmm? Because I for one... have no idea how strong the Enclave is." I gave a sigh and slowly ate and watched some mare's and female Rat Creeper's dance to some music... That the Dumbbell raiders were playing. It seems that we are getting ready for our final battle. I laid back in the chair and noticed Sand coming up to me and offered his hand. "How about a dance... before we go to our deaths." I blinked and smiled and stood up grabbing his hand and danced to the slow dance music. The Rat Creeper's seemed to be playing an old violin. As well as using an old exhaust from a tank or whatever to make music out of it. We are ready for the final battle of our lives. Here I am dancing with a male of my species. I held his paws tightly with my own. It seems the two of us have gotten closer... Since we got to know each other. But with how this wasteland is... One could be dead so soon. The music played through the night. As the two of us kept dancing the cheering the happiness of a final battle that would lead to our deaths. We needed to have something to make us happy. Even if we wouldn't ever see each other again. I looked around to see many of our allies eating dancing. Seeing the three Applejack ranger mare's watching and keeping an eye on the area. Looking around as the night cloudy sky was amazingly calm for it is this land. For once we know peace. I forgot my friends for the time being. I want to save them... I need to save them... But I can't rush in there on my own. Looking towards Sand for once... again seeing a male of my species... A male that treats me with respect and kindness. Looking towards everyone else... All were ignored even the pain of what it took to get back here. No longer that I felt my lungs burning. No longer that I had that cough that affected me... After that run-in with the gas. I felt most of my body healed... But still, tender from everything. But looking at the happiness of those around me... Even if this was before our deaths. It seems what I have been told before forced to leave my home was true. {Battle and the taste of fear... Can bring forth the light of one's heart. Before the force of death and the fate of ending. The heart shall be a drum... to bring forth a happy future or the sword and the bullet... Shall bring forth the death of all. Seek both seek neither for death... Is but the next journey.} Sand and I stopped dancing and we looked to the others who just seemed to enjoy their either last night on Equestria or their future as heroes of the one's trapped in that camp. "Walk with me please Tiria." Sand said calmly. Looking to him I nodded and we walked far away from the others into the middle of the fields near a gutted tank. Both of us leaning on the metal he looked towards me and smiled. "Tiria we may not know each other so well. But with our species... That is oddly normal. But I think we need to ease our tension and stress. We may never have a chance again... To enjoy the company of another. So lets easily what the ponies call the pleasures of the flesh. Since to our species, that's a normal thing..." He shrugged laughing. Blinking looking towards him with a gentle smile. "I am happy to think of doing so with you. But know this. I am going to fight to live. You do the same Sand..." I looked away from him still hearing the music. But he did something I didn't expect. I grabbed me and gave me a deep kiss. The music... all I could hear from this. To our kind... this is normal to a pony... This is something like a date maybe? Who knows... I don't know pony kind that well... But if I wasn't going to come back alive... or he wasn't either... It's time to do something I never thought I would. The night was beautiful. No matter what happens I am sure we will win or die. For we have many to save. It was time to fight for peace. Peace... comes with a price... That means the death of friends... Lovers and even family. Family, what a ring to it... nevermore will pain and death win It is now... time for battle... but for the moment... a time of peace. Chapter 12: The March to hell"The march into hell... Is but a fleeting glance of death itself. Remember to smile." It was early morning and we started walking into the bog to get to the camp. It was pretty foggy this morning. A large group of Rat Creepers with Junk Reapers in Junk power armor. Along with Dumbbell raiders walked side by side. The leaders of the three armies stayed ahead. All of them knew what was going to happen. Walking alongside me and Sand were Fleur and her crew. Along the way, it seemed the ghouls wished to stay clear of a group this big and none of those strange monsters coming up from the ground. The fog kept us from being seen for the moment. But we had to march through hell. We were asked not to wear a mask... We wished to see the past and live it... So we know what we are fighting for. Looking towards the Rat Creepers some of them seem to be diggers. A plan was to let them through and get a small force in. To open the gates. Then when Crossfire's troops come in along with the Buffalo we try our best to do this quick and clean. If any Enclave lives we keep them alive. "War is but a story to many. A battle that is not to be said... A battle that can never be ended. But sometimes the battle is but the only way... to keep the peace. To most sadly it's a way to show their ego their might. A story of this battle has always come to be. Most don't understand war... But most will never see. For when the Mega spells hit our lands..." Journal entry Silver Gunner. _________________________________________________ Introduction of the leaders. "Sewers of Manehatten is where I was born. I was known as Whiskers at the time. I was young and it was 150 years after the war. I heard many stories from older rat creepers that had their lives extended from the magic Radiation. But when ponies started searching the ruins they saw that we have been living there... At first... they were respectful to us. Then slowly a few months later they started killing us... Then going after our young... Being pretty young myself. I had to gather a group and lead them out of the city. During this, I lost my leg. Then forced a stick in the former home of the leg. Not caring about the pain. But this journey is what called me Cannon Ball King of the Rat Creepers of Reaper Fields." "Ah yes, my old man... A stupid stallion. A racist stallion. Who founded the Junk Reapers. But I am the one who helped him with much. He is too old to keep going. So again I founded the base and the guards to protect our interest. I broke off ties with the slavers and Raiders that he wished to work with. Montyhoof was not always my name... But he named me that as an insult. He was never a kind stallion not even to my mother. But if any change happens around him... he started to lose it and think... He had two fake heart attacks to gain support. He wasn't happy about this... But I told him what is at stake and told him... Lives are going to be murdered by the Enclave... Then he went silent. Telling me to go and take as many troops as I need. I am going to prove to him that we need to fight this world to bring peace." "Ah yes... Raiders Slavers so on... I guess for how some look at me. I am well just that. But I had enough of this pointless Wasteland that seemed to be. Being the second in command of this raider troop. Killing the former leader... That forced us to join with Wheel Tread... Hmm, Wheel tread he needs to be killed and hanged. But we will see when we get there. My mother was a bitch she named me Dumbbell because.... well just because... Since my father never was there and just fucked her... To give her a child and then left for Manehatten never to be seen again. So I was just a worthless piece of shit to her. But eh I still loved her and she loved me... But she showed it in the oddest ways." __________________________________ Day 34 Morning weather Fog. Location Time bog The Fog was deep and thick. But we could still make out the past... In the bog. We gave it a name... The Bog of time. A bog that shows the past... To those that don't wish to follow it. All the ponies cheering laughing and then fighting in the name of hope war... Blood death and then resets to peace all over again. No matter what we do... No one had a mask... Because we needed to keep them just in case..They used gas on us. But even though a lot of us were heading to a battle. Twenty Rat Creepers Ten Junk Reapers and 10 Dumbbell raiders. Not sure the count on Crossfire's troops and the Buffalo. But besides us was the three leaders walking along with me and Crow in his Raven form on my shoulder. Sand walking beside me... Fleur and her crew alongside us. The mindless ghouls stayed away from us... Because of the large crowd still. But Fleur looked at them and used her magic to coax them to join us. Suddenly we watched an entire force of the ghouls coming from the bog water..Some standing right by us looking towards us growling... But they followed Fleur like she was a leader. Looking towards all those that were with us. I wasn't sure who was going to live... But we needed to get some Rat Creeper force in. To start the battle and open the door. But this would be a day and a half walk to get to where we must go. I can't allow us to be stopped. The fog let up a bit above. Starting to see some Enclave flying into the POW camp and then the fog going back in. They seem to stay... Meaning we need to get there before... To many take it over. Looking at the leaders. "I feel we need to do this swiftly. Let the ghouls rush in first... I will go with the diggers. While the rest of you fight out here." Cannon nods, Fleur nods and looks to her crew nodding. Saying softly. "For Equestria." The other crew says the same thing. As we get closer. We start to run while the ponies Trot. The Rat Creepers get on all four. As we no longer wish to wait to do this battle. From a day and a half walk. It would now take a half of a day. We would get in at the night But then after an hour cutting a day off the march. We went back to just a normal calm walk. Looking to the others it seems they came ready to camp for the night. Looking towards the bog it was getting thicker. The time was getting more and more intense. We were now seeing time like it was years ago even before the war. But no voices... If we could only hear them. But I saw something... I saw the Princess... I followed them leaving the line of the marching Cannon blinked and looked to Pothead and nodded to her as he left the march as well. He followed me as I followed the two mares. The fog enveloped the two of us but the march kept going. We would have to catch up but something was calling me. __________________ Location: Time bog lair of the Bog weevil. I kept following the two Princess I wanted to see them... It's like I was being called to follow them... Maybe I could talk to them. I followed them closer and closer. I watched them as it seemed so amazing but I didn't see what was about to happen to me. A large bug that seemed to be living here since the war was using the ghost... To get prey. But I didn't see it. As it rose all I saw was the princess. As it blew the strange gas from the bog into my face. Making the figment more real. I saw them solid and they spoke in soft words. Like I was there in the past. My heart wants to see this world. I could just touch it. Cannon saw what was about to happen to me. The giant creature blowing the mist on me and then slowly easing up to get ready to eat me. Nature taking its course as many would say. Cannon lifted his machine gun leg and fired at the creature. It rearing up angrily but not enough to kill it. As he took this chance to slap me awake with a good slap in the face. Shaking my head looking at him and then seeing the creature. "I would say, my dear, it's best to run of course." I stared at the princess again. Bowing to them like they were real and then rushing off as the creature started chasing us. It seems we ended up in some cave. The cave was filled with the bones of his victims and the blood seeping everywhere causing it to look very interesting. More started to show up and we got trapped for the moment. As they looked at each other growling and hissing. It seems they didn't care much for each other. These creatures then I looked at my Pip-buck... we was in magic radiation the fog wasn't just fog... It was radiation and the bog was full of it. It was ticking up slowly. But we couldn't stop that we had..to get out. Looking around as the fog slowly lifted since... These creatures weren't causing it anymore. These creatures, they made the fog. There are more than two of these creatures in the bog. "Cannon we need to get out of here... This fog is created by them and it's causing my Pip-buck to go nuts." Cannon nodded but these creatures got very angry on their sides were strange sacs that release the fog. More and more of it started relaxing from the sacs. As they got closer to us. Their hissing dripping strange fluid that boiled and burned into the ground. These things didn't only cause fog they had acid venom? Looking towards Cannon lifting my paws to the side and rushed to the other side... As the creatures smashed into each other now fighting. As we tried to find a way out of the cave. Seeing more and more dead and ripped apart. Looking to Cannon and he nodded as we kept running and we found the way out finally. But before we could go out a large creature stopped in front of us. It was another one of these creatures. I roared and hissed. Letting out more of the fog and then BAM!! The creature fell in pain as the three Mares in the Ranger armor called to us. "COME ON!! Hurry!" I nodded and Cannon did as well. As we rushed to get out with the three Applejack rangers they backed off firing at the creature and then the five of us ran away from the cave as we made our way back to the army. But I have a feeling we will see these creature's again sooner or later. They have our scent now and we angered them so now they will be on us sooner or later. ____________ Same day: Time Bog. Looking at the three mares and smiled. "Thank you for saving us... and sorry Cannon about that." Cannon laughed and nodded. "No worries Tiria... I would feel the same way if I could meet those two Princess..." Looking to the Mares they never gave us their names. But they wished to stay in their suits most of the time. Looking back to Cannon. "We need to get back they will be worried." Then as we said that the fog got thicker and growling and hissing from the cave. "Shit lets go!!" They nodded and we started rushing towards the way we needed to. Hearing the creature's behind us but hoping they would give up. I looked to Cannon and he nodded to me. "Mares run ahead of us." I looked at my pip-buck as we ran and found a few apples and removed the pins and tossed them behind us. As the creatures screamed and hissed more fog filling the air. Then we kept running the army was an hour or so ahead of us. We had to keep running panting softly closing my eyes and grabbed my hammer smashing into a ghoul that was in the way. Looking to Cannon and the mares. Hearing the growling and roaring from the creatures. "Keep going no matter how much pain you have in your body." The three mare's nod as they keep rushing even with how heavy the armor is. The creatures roar and stop chasing after us... But I am sure we would see them again. The fog started to clear somewhat and then we find the army and stayed by the others as I panted and they stopped a moment. "Camp...... for now...." The army looked at each other and nodded. ____________________ Same Day: 8 at night. The army made a large camp and we all sat around a campfire. The ghouls were being used to patrol the camp. I sighed softly and rested near the fire. As we watched the fog but at the moment it was slowly vanishing... But I felt I needed to ask. "Cannon? Why is there so much fog? What is going on?" Looking towards Cannon and he chuckles. "Well let me think... Oh yes in the bog here... There are some creatures that can create fog. This is a time when some of them are breeding or hunting for food. There are not just those large creatures in caves like that. Other creatures roam here at night. It's why we have those around the camp." Points to the torches around the camp. "It's something that Kip taught me. She said to have these fires around. It will keep the creature's at bay." I nodded and ate the meat sighing a bit. As the fog kept floating through the air. Howling was heard as beyond the torches we saw wolf-like beings causing the fog that made the ghost show up more. But this time it was different at night. We saw instead of battle the Zebra's and Ponies Celebrating something called Hearthswarming they may be different and have pain in their hearts... But the Zebra's weren't the monsters that the ponies made them out to be it seems. During this night we saw them showing their families. But sadly every war will start again. But it seems to be a calm night despite the fog. Looking towards the others as I ate and Cannon laughs. "So you want a story... I can tell you one... If you wish to listen to me." I smiled and nodded. "I would love to listen to Cannon. I would love to know about you and how you become a king." Cannon smiled and looked towards the three mares in the ranger suits. "Listen, ladies, it's peaceful you can take off your helms." The three looked at the group. One of them spoke. "We will only do it when this battle is over." Cannon nods and looks to the fire and takes a bite from the meat and looks to the others. "Well, it started Fifty years ago. I was a young Rat Creeper named Whisker's living in the sewers of Manehattan. A lovely sewer was full of interesting lovely creatures. It was dangerous but also lovely. When I was young. We traded with the ponies up above. It was a time when it was peaceful even for the end of the world. But gangs and the nasty creature's started to move in. Then bounty hunters started to come after us. All I remember was watching my family get murdered and ran into many different species of Rat Creepers that came together. We had no leader..but we all worked as one to get out of the city. It seems some pony above didn't like the fact... That we lived below. I went with Pothead here and the others. But the few that came with me didn't live through the battle to get here. Just to leave Manehatten was a pain. But I can tell you this... I used to hate ponies because of that...Then I went to hide in a hotel. Then I found that painting of the two Princesses... I looked at them... Read up on them... Then I realized... without them, the ponies are lost." He ate more of the meat looking towards me... "We left the building and my leg got blown off by a mine. I was kept alive through the potions we found. But they attached a splint to my leg. But they still didn't have a leader. They needed one but it's interesting to say that at first, I refused to step up. On our way out of Manehatten, we got attack by raiders. Most of them stayed hidden. But I knew we needed to do something. I grabbed a gun and yelled 'FOR EQUESTRIA!' and charged in with many warriors and we took out many of the raiders. But most of us lost our lives. All that we had left was twenty of our kind. We called ourselves the pack rats. I am sure there are more communities of Rat Creepers. But we were very sure we would never find them..." Cannon pat his machine gun leg and chuckled. "But it wasn't over yet. That made the others start considering me as their leader. I found it interesting that just going into a battle did that... But of course most Creeper's sound like this... 'Yes yes yes find...' Most never had a fully mutated brain. Pothead over there kind of destroyed herself through the magic rads of this world. But she is still helpful. But yes..we left Manehatten but we had another issue. Ponies seemed to attack us on sight outside the city. Some would try and trade with us. But we started to become very xenophobic around ponies. We wished to go south from Manehatten. Going through the paths through many of the creatures of this land. Wounded and hungry... We found Reaper Fields. Looking at the dead fields we cleaned up what we could. But it took a while to make our city." He sighs nodding. "At first the Reaper Fields were full of ghouls mines and even some raiders. But it took a few months to clear them out. Then we found out the soil underground we could grow food. But it was food that would affect us a bit... With magic Rads. But it seems we got mutated by the rads and it didn't affect us like it affected ponies. But the thing is...we wanted to bring peace to this land. But It wasn't going to be easy. Some loved the fact you could just kill for a mate or food money. So we dug our home underground and ignored the world around us. I met Wheel tread and he kept his ponies from attacking us. Letting us be right here. We never had an issue but some of the time's we just had to deal with ghouls. But other than that it's pretty much dull." I looked to Cannon while he told his story and finished I am sure it was a dull story pretty much. Looking to Montyhoof. He blinks and chuckles "I guess you want my story then hmm?" He shrugs seeming to relax and her four hooves resting on the ground. "Well, I will say this my father wasn't always a fool. When I was young my father was a trader of junk and many different items. I was just a colt then... My mother a beautiful earth pony mare. I just don't remember how she looked just remember her voice. A soft voice she was very sick and died before I could see her... I grew up in many different camps and cities and towns. Going from place to place. Then he founded the junk collectors, but later we turned into the Junk reapers. Because we reaped junk from the garbage lands... We heard of a place full of junk and old pre-war junk. But the thing was it would take us a long time to get there. Our path was through the blood. Because during this time going through Manehatten to get to it... Was the time a lot of nasty creatures started showing up." He ate his food thinking a moment on his story sighing. "It drove my father mad to find this place. We had guides to lead us there but he just... was a biggot calling them stupid and dummies and making fun of how they looked. This world just drove him nuts. Making every pony that helped us more and more angry." He looked to the ground and sighed a bit and looking towards the rest of us. "We finally found our way to the Reaper Fields and we set up in the old base that was there. It wasn't pleasant seeing all the dead and broken down weapons and gear. So we built onto the base making it the compound you see. It wasn't easy I can say that much. The ghouls took a while to even let us build. The Rat Creepers weren't very respectful at the time either. But of course, I doubt we can blame them for what happened to them. Now the interesting thing was the fact that we finally got everything built and then... Became a trading post. But Wheel tread had another idea for us. He hired some of our guards to take him to a lab... He found some strange crystal that when... One of our ponies touched it. Every part of him melted and then turned half-wolf... half pony and died. This crystal has a strange power to it... That causes creatures to gain power... but it comes with a price of killing them." He sighs again. "We made a case for him to hold the magic at bay. It's a magic container that can never be opened... So the stone could never be used again. That crystal needs to stay in this box or whoever grabs it... Will either be strong or die. He told us that creatures that look like Tiria here will come for it and try to claim it as their creator." Looks to Tiria and smiles. "It was... our creator." Sand said softly growling. "It is what made us from ponies to these. But the pony gene is so far out of us now. I learned this a long time ago and I never wished to return to our species. My species are extremely xenophobic and think they are created by the Goddes to be the protectors of Equestria. But we aren't we are a former pony who was turned into this." Montyhoof blinks and nods, sighing. "I see what you mean. We then formed that compound and then... My father became more of a nut... Using heart attacks to get what he wants. Well, that's all I can say... Most of it is very protected secrets." I nodded as I stabbed my meat back into the fire to get it a little more cooked. Looking to Dumbbell. He blinks and his ponies laugh. "My story, you want my fucking story?" He blinks looking to his ponies and they stop laughing. "Alright fine... Ahem. My father, a worthless stallion that slept with every mare in a raider camp. Of course, I was born a raider. He slept with a slave who was my mother. I was born because of that. He refused to even see me as his son... But as another slave. He named me Dumbbell. Thinking it was funny to call me that. I refused to be a slave...So when he was asleep... I murdered him in cold blood. I showed his head to the leader and demanded that I become a raider... To save my mother. My mother was free of course... She joined me and we enjoyed the time so much. But of course, she died from stupidity. The leader joined up with Wheel tread and I disliked him... he allowed everything under the clouds in his home. Murder, rape so forth..." He chuckles. "There is no honor in rape. I was told the real prize is peace. By some of the merchants that came into the city. So I killed the leader and took over finding the Zebra camp and trying to build it up. Thanks to you my wolf friend. You're the one that told all three of us... Without peace... we would be dead or still in the Reaper Fields not trusting each other... So we have a lot to thank you for Tiria..." They all looked up to me blinking. I was not used to all the eyes on me. Knowing I have deep fur so they couldn't see me blush I just chuckled. "Well eh, thanks to this journey... I met my mate... I met many friends... I met a Changeling named Crow." The Raven looks up cawing questionably and he changed into the changeling form. Now that I was fully able to see him. He had an oddly green body with some holes in his legs but his wings... very normal. Long sharp teeth and he sat beside us. "Well, I am happy to be a friend of yours. My species aren't used to the idea of friends... or even used to ponies running away from us... But there are more deadly creatures out there than us." Crow then turned back into the Raven and then flew up into the air. Looking around and they all looked at me still. "I take it.... its storytime for me?" I sighed and closed my eyes thinking a bit and opened my eyes. "I was born... from a Moon warrior and the warrior trainer. A moon warrior having a pup is a threat to the pack. They would normally kill the pup. But the elder had a use for me. So the elders took me from my mother. Made me into their bodyguard molded me into the honor-bound warrior. I didn't even have what you would call a pup hood. I grew up fighting others in the pack to make my place. I was always bullied smashed into the ground... Always given less food. I was told I am worthless, not important." Looks over to the others as they seem to have sadness in their eyes. "I grew up just a joke to the others in the pack. A month or so ago... I was treated like a threat... Since my mother went off to find the Crystals howling dance... But she went to join Wheel Tread...." Blinks looking to everyone else. "Wheel tread..... wheel tread had a hoof in all of this... He was even alive during the war... I was told by Shadow that Wheel tread is over 200 years old." The others looked at each other. "That makes a whole lot of sense now. The fact he knows so much about the pre-war tech. The fact he even was able to get that Prisoner of war camp. He... used us." I said with a growl. Cannon blinks thinking a moment. "Huh, that makes so much sense." Cannon seemed to be thinking. "He is the one that told me about Reaper Fields." He blinks again looking to the others. "He had a hand in all our lives... Not in the lives of all the ponies in the Wasteland just some of them." Fleur blinked and looked to them. "I don't know this Wheel tread. I doubt I would since... I stayed away from the war. I was given a large sum of money from some ponies and other races to become caption of the cruise ship. To remove us from the battle. It's something I wasn't happy about... But Pinkie Pie tried hard to accuse me of working with the Zebra's." The lanky ghoul mare said. She looked to the other ghouls of her crew who smiled at her and she smiled back at them. "They're now my family. I tend to live with them on that ship... till our bodies fully die... Then I can be with My Fancy." I smiled at Fleur and I yawned it was late and the running here made me tired. I knew we might need to run again. Stood up after I ate the meat and went to my tent. Getting grabbed by Sand and he smiled. "Too tired?" He asked sweetly I rolled my eyes. "Alright after tomorrow if we are alive... I am all yours now... goodnight." I gave him a wink and went into my tent and lay on the ground falling asleep. __________________ Day 35 Bog early morning The camp was packed up. The fog was getting thicker. Something was up whatever was stirring was because of what I and Cannon did... We walked the path through the bog to get to the camp. It would take many hours to get there. But I head deep thoughts of my friends. Kip oh please be alive... Silver Gunner please be repairable but also Shadow.... I would never forgive myself if he was dead. Little hoof I have no idea or even sure. What would happen to him? Then my mind went to Soft paw... I barely knew her and she risked her life for everything. If only I was better if only I did the right thing. I needed to make sure I did the right thing... But I never knew the right thing was the right thing. It always bothered me either way. I felt I failed them all. Maybe it's time to let go of my pain... Of the woe is me shit. I thought deeper into my mind closing my eyes and thinking of everything. A path that always seemed very normal to me. Opening my eyes again to see the path we are walking. But I was much to myself. Every word every step hoof beat just went silent I heard nothing but my own heart and thoughts. Was I right to be this hero this wolf? I never thought I would see this again. But the path is what I need to see to neither the path of it. But with the ending, it shall always be that... But sometimes I will never see the ending music. My heartbeat slowly and it always made me happier to see the path. My eyes focused on the ground but then... I looked up quickly seeing the ground is but something to entire the pain. I felt my heart race. I knew I was getting closer and closer to the place we would battle for our lives. But something else bothered me. I looked at my Pip-buck the rad numbers pretty high. After a few hours, we got close enough. That the ghouls rushed in and gunfire started going off. As they were trying to fight off the ghouls. I smiled and Fleur with the other army waited for the Fog to subside before they fired. I went with a small group of Rat Creepers to start digging a hole to get the gate open. Suddenly if it was magic the fog subsided and the Enclave saw the army. They started firing and the army started firing back. It was going to be a hell of a battle as the army of Rat Creepers had some fall but Fluer and her crew got a few of the Enclave down. Not enough to kill them of course but enough to break a little of their defense but not enough. Dumbbell's raider ponies kept tossing their metal apples into them to try to keep them at bay. The Rat Creepers were the ones losing many of their lines. Cannonball stood his ground. Along with Pothead, the female Rat Creeper seemed to fight with a determination. Montyhoof and the Junk Reaper's fired their junk at the Enclave but it didn't dent them. It wasn't pretty but the three Apple Jack ranger mare's fired at the Enclave taking out a few of the defender's. It seemed that even though they didn't have many guarding the place. They were pretty strong. Sand got behind a rock and put his sniper rifle on the rock and started firing at the flying Enclave soldiers. The Creeper's finally made it through the digging. I went first with the others and we started firing at the troops that were trying to block the way to the gate. But we pushed them back into the cavern that leads to the city. I felt the rush. As I helped the Rat Creeper's open the gate. We let the others in and I started to speak. "Take those who are alive as prisoners don't let any of them escape." I went to the burnt body... But I still was able to see her face. Soft paw... But I ignored it and watched everyone went to what they needed to do. Crow landed on my shoulder. "The Buffalo should be there now. They will be smashing through the rocks to get through. But that will take time. Crossfire should be here soon. But I was trying to get inside to look but... I couldn't find anything. It's dead silent in there. I think they're waiting for us. But..." He went silent at the sound of robotics. We all picked up our weapons and aimed at the cave opening. As we saw a large Robotic pony walkout. "Silver?!" Silver looked at us his eyes glowing and then the weapons opened up and we looked at us other. As Silver Gunner started firing at us... We all tried to hide as the large robotic pony was attacking us. I felt my heart shatter they reprogramed him... They did it... They did it. The most peaceful robotic creature I have ever met. They updated his body a bit giving him heavier armor as it was rusted new looking mouth that looks like a Grill as he stared around him looking for a target. His voice spoke... "Come... out little soldiers for the Enclave... for the real savior's of this wasteland." I stood up and he aimed at me... "Silver... gunner, please... it's me. I need you to listen." The large robotic creature just stared his weapon firing up and robotic chuckle. "Silver Gunner?" Silvers's eyes shine and blink off and on. "No... No, my name was meant to be Silver Trail. I..." The robot stares at me I could tell his brain was catching up with himself. "Tira?" He screams holding his head with his hooves. The programing taking over again. The robotic brain-burning and sizzling trying to regain control. "I'm sorry....D..dDDDDIE!!!" The robot yelled firing at me. The entire world froze as I felt that this would be my end. For my best friend fired at me. Was this the place of my death? I don't know. I closed my eyes and my world went black Chapter 13: Death or victory"Death or Victory? What would be the time to know?" In the past how does one know the past? The past was said to be peaceful full of love full of happiness. But then why did this war start? Was the world so full of happiness that death was needed to come next? It's something that many have been asking since the war itself. What could it be that wished to cause it? Look through the ruins of every house building and store. Most would see that..peace was wanted in this time... But peace would never come. It was mostly either death or victory... But a victory was never going to happen that easy it seems. The victory was a story and will be another time. With time war may happen again down the line. But this war that happens could be stopped before a magic bomb of death is thrown everywhere. The idea of war seems to be in the minds of many in this new world. Victory on the minds of many and death on those that wish to have peace. But most of the time they will never see it. _______________________________ Day 35 POW Camp I closed my eyes knowing I had no time to move away from the blast of Silver Gunner's. I heard the shot and I didn't feel anything..but I heard some rocks getting blasted. Opening my eyes quickly and looking around seeing the Enclave bodies around and gasping. Seeing Sand holding a large shield of rocks and laying on the ground smoking but still alive. Silver Gunner fired at the rest of the army and they all hid behind areas they could get. I had no idea what to do....then Kip came to my mind. "Silver.....Kip... is dying you wanted her to make a family. You can fight this new programming." Silver looked at me as he aimed his guns at me. I grabbed my hammer tightly. "Don't make me do this to you." Silver Gunner wasn't himself I blinked as I started floating with the magic aura of Fleur's around my body. As she started pulling me away as he fired missing hitting the wall. Looking to Fleur. "Toss me to him..." She blinked and nodded while Cannon Ball and Dumbbell fired to get Silver Gunner to focus on them. She lifted me she was having big issues from overusing her magic like this. But she tossed me and let me go. He turned to look at me and fired hitting my left leg. As the skin and bone charred versus the pain, I smashed my hammer hard into his head. Then hit the ground and rolled right the cave and hit the side of it. As I heard crying and sobbing. But I was in a lot of pain. Opening my eyes from the pain. Looking to my shattered hammer and looking up to see those red eyes staring at me. Aiming his guns down at me. "Die..." He was about to fire and I put my hand on his head. "Silver..... Kip is probably dead... It would be your fault." Silver gunner's weapons charged and he looked up firing at an Enclave soldier that was coming to finish the job on me. He then looked at me again. "Tiria?" He looked up seeing Fleur and looked around seeing the Enclave bodies of the dead and some of the army that leads in here. He then started to look through his memory and started to remember everything about his past. Just from that smash in his head. "Tiria.... stay awake... wait Tiria?!" I was passed out from the pain. ______________ The Ghoul. I woke up laying on the ground of empty white space. Slowly standing looking around and the Ghoul looked at me and smiled. "I remember telling you... that we wouldn't meet again. But it seems to have your leg blasted off changed that. Tiria.... I need to tell you something before... I vanish from your mind before... we meet again fully. Your journey is going to lead you to your death. Nothing can stop it. But you won't remember I even told you this. I won't tell you how you die either.." I groaned and held my leg. The pain was crazy. The ghoul vanished from my sight and I just felt so much pain I couldn't even try to understand it. ____________________ Day 36: Pow camp I opened my eyes to a bunch of the wounded and I heard the voice of Crossfire and Silver gunner speaking over me. Seeing that we had some of them firing into the cave to try to break through the defenses of the Enclave. I tried sitting up as I felt a needle go into my body and a rush of strangeness went through my body. As I opened my eyes fully seeing my left leg. It's strapped to part of an enclave armor hoof. I just stared at it and Crossfire and Silver Gunner looked at me. As I got off the cot a bit dizzy but... it wasn't going to stop me. I stood on my new leg, it felt painful at first..But I was going to get used to it. As a new weapon as floated to me. Fleur smiled and grabbed it. It was a large metal stick. At the end of it was one of the Enclave armor tails. The hilt was made from the rest of the tail. But the grabbing end was taken from another metal hoof. I stared at them and sighed. "Send in the ghouls and we will rescue my friends." Crow landed on my shoulder. Looking up to him with a weak smirk. "The Buffalo is waiting at the back. They're removing the rocks and now." I nodded and walked on the new leg and my good leg looking over to Crow. "Tell them to get ready. I will have Silver lead the charge." "Let's... go save them." Silver Gunner nodded and looked into the cave. Walking towards it as lasers came out from the cave hitting him... But he didn't stop. Thanks to the armor they gave him and the upgrades. His eyes glowed calmly and lifted a large few guns from the many arms in his back. Large Lazer's and one hand the held the Shotgun. He begins to speak... in the robotic voice. "Ponies, Rat Creeper's, Vulf'ven, and many other species. We have had enough of the Enclave they have almost killed our friends I am rushing in to save my friends. I am rushing into free everyone. We need to prove that we can fight them off... So the rest of Equestria will follow the path of Lightbringer. The light Bringer shall be our path to removing this threat from getting our friends back." He gives Fleur a simple nod and her horn glowed and the ghouls rushed in... There was a lot of firing but a lot of screaming as well. As the Enclave was trying to fight back. Then the robot pony rushed in with the rest. I was behind. As we went inside and saw the city but the arena area all destroyed and we saw the cells. They were in the arena. I sighed and the rest went ahead of me. hearing the Buffalo break through the back. With the Hell hound. As they ripped through most of the Enclave. But the Enclave had the high ground..it was going to take a while to fight... This fight is going to be hard... The Hellhound ran to me and he spoke. "What do you wish me to do my friend?" I started to think a moment and lead him through the battle to the Dj's room and sitting him down. "Become the voice... for the ponies still lost in here. Play a song for them. This is different music than what others have. Play this song." She brings out a recorded song... Called the Song of the Slaves. The hellhound nods and turns everything on and for a moment outside the battle stops. To listen. Then he speaks. "HEY!!!! this is the new Bowser wowser!!! OW!! Now... every one of our fine city... The enclave needs to be pushed out and we shall play this song for you!!" He turns it on and the song plays. "Oh.... free us.... Goddesses bring... peace to us." As the song plays the army fights off the Enclave the Enclave fights them off themselves. As the Buffalo uses the weapons that the ponies gave them. As they do their best to push them away. ______________________ Rat Creepers and their Leader. As the song plays the Rat Creeper's fought amazingly with their leader Cannon Ball. They found a lot of children and some mare's left alive. They protected them as they brought in a medic to try to figure out what's wrong with them. Before funneling them outside. Cannon kept screaming orders to keep the survivors of that battle to get out and one of his bodyguards saw a sniper aiming for him and Pothead got in the way and her head exploded and gore went everywhere... The Rat Creeper's watched one of their heroes that has been by the side of Cannon Ball since he was just a normal Rat Creeper like them without the King. He stares at the Enclave snipers and yells. "BURN!!" A few groups come out of the back and fire large burning rockets at them and there is now screaming and pain. As they look to the body as around them the battle goes on and They all kneel to honor Pothead and then afterward... Stand up and go back on the search for more ponies that got left behind. Leaving behind the body of Pothead putting her half Destroyed pot on her chest leaving the headless creeper to be buried later. ___________________ Raider's and Dumbbell Being raiders, of course, they did everything they could... Even if many of them fell to use melee weapons to rip the Enclave apart when most got close the raiders did everything they could to just rip all of them apart and their eyes were full of hate for all The enclave Dumbbells job was to try to repair the turrets. He had a mask on and they were fighting to the old building that held the warden's office that was somehow still standing after this battle. He rushed in the Enclave seemed to stay out of it. He was worried that the ones he leads will not be alive after he was done with this. They stood guard by the door as the battle raged on. He rushed through the area finding the old terminals trying to fix the damaged turrets and it seems it came up as needed repair's in the core. But he doesn't have a pip-buck. So he doesn't know that there is a lot of Toxic rads inside this place... From most of the weapons that are stored here. He went to the core and his body started to get ripped inside out from the rads. He removed the mask to drink a potion and ran away. He worked on the terminal to get it to work. As it started to do so. But the core started pulsing over and over. As it caused a bright light and Dumbbell rushed out of the room and then fell of all his hooves and tried to crawl back and he was blacking out with a strange bird-like creature coming to his aid. Dragging him out of the building leaving him near his raider's. Who are either dead or dying. With the nurse Rat, Creeper's working on healing their wounds. ___________________ Silver Gunner While the Turrets started powering up slowly. It would take time for them to fully get ready. Silver on the other hoof was pushing through the Enclave slowly with his new changeling and weapons they gave him. Soon he finally found the ShotGun Remembrance on the top of it as he stares at it and gets hit by a blast from one of the Enclave his chest smoking and staring at them. He was trying to break through to let Crossfire and the others save the caged ones in the arena. The music kept playing. Of the song of the slaver. "Our... heart's are chains... Oh please free us... For we shall never end this song... Then we will get a thorn in our hearts. Our hearts are broken... Oh please, Goddess save us." Silver Gunner did what he could to push through many many soldiers. He had no idea they had this many in here. He would rush into a burning building and ponies are using the burning part of the building to warm themselves up and cooking their food. "Get out... I will protect you." The wounded broken ponies look up nodding. They fought not too long ago... and he rushed back out protecting them as he doesn't kill any of the Enclave just seems to knock them out of the air for the moment. But gives the ponies a chance to escape. It seems no matter how many fought... The ponies that lived here found so many places to hide. He looked back seeing their all rushing to the army that is slowly falling. He had to wait for the Turrets to start up so they could help clear the area. A large stomp comes behind him... Turning to see a reprogrammed R.A Proto. With new Armor and weapons. Staring down at him ready to attack. The two robots get ready to Duke it out. ____________________ Crow The changeling was searching for more ponies to save. He could smell many that seemed to have been killed and found a building with the nurse and a center for all the wounded here. The nurse lifted her gun with her magic. Looking at Crow as he changed to his true form and looked at her. "Listen..." Looks to Bulwark who is on one of the beds wrapped in bandages and seeming to be resting. "We will save you. We..." Suddenly an Enclave soldier rushed in and aimed for the nurse. Crow used his magic and started to suck the love out of the Enclave. They fell to the ground dead drained. "I will stay... and protect you. But... we are freeing you all." The nurse nodded. "But... how did you stay away from the Enclave? They would normally kill you." The nurse sighed. "We know every building and how to get to them. They never searched over here on the east side of the city. I brought as many of the wounded as I could." Looks to Tiny the Griffin who was thought to be dead. "Alright... Tiria came back with an army... It's slowly breaking through but also losing many... if I pull some of the wounded here... Could you help them?" The nurse nodded. Crow turns back into the Raven and flys back out. ________________________ The Buffalo Little Strong Hoof with the other Buffalo rushed through the guarding post to get to the Arena to fight the commander of this army. What is interesting though the Buffalo seem to stay and let Little Strong Hoof do the fighting. As they fight the other troops to keep them from harming her. As she rushes to open the way in to let Crossfire and his troops rush in to find his wife. Strong Hoof rushes into one of the rooms to try to find the door to open it and when she rushes into one of the rooms. She turns to see Wheel tread in his wheelchair. Holding the Howling dance on his lap. His four hooves on the chair. He speaks softly. "Little one... I know why you are here... Please give these words to Tiria... Please tell her... to never give this Crystal back to her species... They will use it to try to control their species. Now..... I think I know why..." Suddenly she turns seeing an Enclave firing at her and she jumps out of the way as the bolt hits Wheel tread and he turns into dust. The Howling Dance is all that is left along with the dust. The small Buffalo turns staring at the Enclave soldier as she grabs the hammer from her side and rushes to attack. On the outside the rest of the Buffalo have broken fully through most of the Enclave they trample over are either wounded or dead. They stand there guarding the gate as the war is just starting. An Enclave soldier seems to be moving and then secretly calling for Reinforcements. But they sound like their stretched way to thin right now. ______________ Fleur and crew Fleur had both her gun and her sword in her magic... As she and her crew rushed through to get to the arena as well. The battle was getting very deadly. She was very determined to find Little Hoof. But as they rushed through a robot battle was going on rushing through the area. Silver Gunner and R.A Proto just rushed through the area of battle doing their fight. The pony robot was slow..But able to fight the large robot rushing after him. Fleur blinked looking surprised on her decaying face and looks to the Griffin Ghoul. "Feather... fly into the air and use your sniper. We need to make sure we can protect all the ponies heading outside. Make sure No ponies get hurt." Feather nods and she flew up into the air grabbing her large sniper from her back and fires on the Enclave it seems most of her bullets just bounce off... But it's keeping them at bay till the turrets get ready. Fleur looked to the others of her crew and smiled. "Let's do it for Equestria to honor all those that died 200 years ago." The Crew cheers and most of the crew are ponies and a few are Zebras. They stand guard and help the ponies that rush outside to get away from the battle. Her crew nods... While the song keeps playing to emboldened the fighters. She watched as the army pushed back the Enclave and seemed to be winning. But still, the turrets were warming up. ________________ CrossFire CrossFire and the rest of the Misty Moon Apartment ponies ignored the battle going on. Trotting past the enclave fighting the army. The only time they stopped was to see Silver Gunner and R.A Proto doing a large battle of a small robot pony versus a semi giant robot. Silver had the upper hoof because he was smaller. But it would take a while to whittle down the armor of the other. But they keep going on with their mini fight of metal and roboticness. The way into the arena finally was slowly opening and in the middle of the Arena was over ten cages full of ponies a Teal mare is what he wanted to save... But she wasn't there even Shadow... Or Little Hoof. But he looked up seeing an Enclave pony in commander armor. She had the three chained and she took off the helm with a smile. "Looking for these three? I figured... this fake war... Would be to get these ponies free." Kip looked very skinny and weak she gave Cross a weak smile. She spoke weakly. "I am not... worth it... I am not." Kip would weakly say. Crosses' eyes were full of anger he wanted to save his wife. But he didn't know how to do it with the three held by her and he then noticed four troops on either side ready to fire. "Surrender.... I will let these three live... let the Enclave keep this as a base... a hoof-hold in the wasteland to cleanse it... of you tribal children. So drop your weapons and they will go free." While they were speaking Kip's horn calmly glowed trying to take the key's. "If I surrender will you let them go?" The mare smiled and nodded. "I give you my word." Cross and his ponies set down their weapons. "Good stallion." Then Suddenly she would stab her scorpion stinger from the armor into Kips back and her eyes go wide. Shadow looks up with much anger in his eyes. But all that was seen was the surprised angry look on Cross's face. As she watched his Wife smiled weakly in pain and then the stinger pulled out of her back and then she dropped from the stands to the ground... With a thud. Blood pooling from her body. Then Cross Yelled out. "KIP!!!!!!" It was loud enough that the entire battle halted for a time... All looked at the Arena even the Enclave some looking with horror some looking with Giddy. But The one they would have to worry about they would hear a howl echoing through the city. A howl of anger a lot of anger. __________________ The music played around me while I watched the battle go on and then. I looked to see that they had Camra's to look around the city. Old ones but I looked through seeing the Arena and seeing Kip, Shadow, and Little Hoof. I was looked through more of the Camara's seeing Pot head get her head blown off sighing knowing there would be death. Watching the Creepers protect many ponies. Watching the Buffalo break their way through to the Arena to keep the way in protected. Changing to seeing Wheel tread trying to speak to Little Strong hoof and then getting killed. Then seeing The little buffalo killing the Enclave soldier with her hammer and opening the gate. Watching Dumbbell and his men get slaughtered but seeing he did his job and watching him now slowly die from Rad poison. But some seem to be alive trying to keep him alive. Seeing Fleur and her crew doing an amazing job and then going back to the Arena. I watched the exchange between the Commander and Crossfire. Watched them lower their weapons and then watched as the tail stabbing into Kip's back and falling to the ground from the stands with a thud... My eyes went wide... My anger grew and I grabbed the table near me... With a punch, it shattered a bit... I then howled full of anger. I walked out of the Dj booth the Enclave backing up as I came up the battle stopping even between the two robots. I stood there in the middle of them all. The only group that refused to stop fighting was Fleur and her crew... Her sniper kept blowing the heads off Enclave soldiers that aimed at me. I spoke. "Ponies..." It Echoed. "Griffin's." Kept echoing. "Minotaur's... All the other races... sent back... 200 years because... Of ponies of the past... My kind created... because of your war between Zebras and ponies. You swear you want to bring peace... back to the Equestria... But all I see is you want to control it... Look at the Lightbringer... She is trying to protect it from... FOOLS LIKE YOU!! Same with Security. I am nothing like those two... They are bigger players. I never wished to be a hero... But fate turned me into one. I used to hate ponies... I used to hate them... For what they did to this land." I walked closer putting my paw hand on a Buffalo's head patting it calmly as the back of my neck was bristled and the fur standing on end. "I came back here... to free those that you captured... At first... I didn't care what happens to the lives of your ponies... Then I was forced into your little pity parties. I hear about you and how warlike you are the ponies of old. None of you deserve to live only ones that run and tell... the others to never return here... I will ask never to be killed." An Enclave soldier charged me and I grabbed my weapon that had the scorpion stinger from the armor of an enclave soldier on it the end and blocked it. Staring at them with great anger. Smashing it across their head and then forcing them to the ground smashing over and over. As they try to struggle to get up. But I keep smashing till there was a sicking crack of their skull. Looking back up with a smile. "See... I am nothing like the Lightbringer... I don't care who gets in my way to save who I care about. Another life of a worthless pony." I put my new metal hoof on the enclave's head and smashed... Walking into the Arena. "You hurt Kip... maybe even killed her... You are... my target... I am already an outcast of my species... I am not even a pony... I will not take heart... into killing you. For you are those of the past... and push... You belong there like the rest... So die and become dust like the past... Where trash like you belongs." The enclave commander started firing at me and I was able to make it to the other end. As she screamed. "To those that don't keep fighting, I will kill you myself." Soon after those words were spoken the battle started up again and Crossfire and his troops rushed to the cages to get the other ponies out. While The Buffalo rushed into the Arena to protect them and fired at the Enclave soldiers that didn't run. I wanted the Commander... to myself. I watched her fly into the former room of Wheel Tread and I rushed after her. She opened the case that held the Howling dance and carried it into her mouth and I chassed after her up the stairs that were in the arena area that leads to the very top of the mountain. It leads to a set of guard towers connected by one bridge. She stood there holding the orb in her mouth and put it down on the bridge. "I don't know what is so amazing about this orb... But she told me a lot about it. It seems important to you." I blinked looking at the orb as it glowed brightly and it called to me... But I had to ignore it. But it was going to affect her if she kept it too close. Looking back to her calmly and smiled. "You left your troops to die... to the ponies and creatures of the wasteland. I am going to kill you..." I held my weapon getting closer as she picked up the orb again. I noticed it was starting to affect her slowly. She was holding it in her very mouth on her skin. She then set it down again and I stared at her. "Your Lightbringer is going to fail... At saving this wasteland... All the ponies of this world know... is killing death...Al....t... hey... know. is..." The orb starts to glow brightly. As she starts coughing up blood the radiation of the gem. It was getting very clear the Orb outside of it the case... Could affect ponies very easily with touch. "...What.....what did you do to me?" She coughed more and her wings fell off literally. She gasped looking at herself as the fur starts to fall off with her skin turning into bones and then dust... I looked at the Orb and went to grab it and picked it up. Then it started to affect me groaning my head started to show so much pain. I carried it back to the arena back down the stairs. It was causing so much pain. I could hear voices of all the ones that touched it. They kept speaking to me. "Destroy the orb..... Destroy it... Nooo, keep it... It shows power." These voices went on over and over. I groaned and it was affecting me inside my body. But I didn't know it at the time. I placed it back inside the case and then closing it I passed out. _______________ Crossfire Crossfire held his wife tightly. As Shadow and Little hoof were freed. He held her and sobbed softly. As she seemed to be dead. But even so, the battle was still raging on. Crow found them and noticed Kip. "Bring her to the ruins there are nurses. there." Cross blinks nodding and puts her on his strong back. Carrying the bleeding body of her wife away from the Arena while the ponies that were captured tortured and starved were helped out to the outside of the arena. He carried the teal unicorn mare to the ruins to the nurses. The nurses looked up and they had a look of horror on their faces. He set her down. "Please... save her." The nurses rush to her and nod to him as they start working on the dying unicorn mare. ______________ Silver Gunner. The battle had been going on for a little bit of an hour. Proto and Gunner their armor smoking their weapons heated and causing sparks. They both seemed they could go on for day's months even in this battle. But one would have to fall. Proto had old hydraulics that seemed to freeze up after being overused. It was the chance to use that to take the big bot down. He looked at the movement and he backed up and fired his Lazer's again. Hitting the Hydraulics on the foot and Proto fell in a heap smoking and then slowly burning. The poor bot overheated. Maybe he could turn this robot into a guard... For the town, that would be made from this war. But of course, Silver couldn't move his left-back hoof was melted into the ground and he sighed he overdid it... That the new armor that was put on him seemed to couldn't withstand it any longer. He tried to move the leg again and it would snap off. Moving around calmly on three legs with no issue. But looking around seeing some of the fights still going on... But he had to find Kip. He noticed Shadow being carried to a set of ruins. He followed them to get to Kip. Little Hoof being a ghoul Minotaur seemed to be doing great when he got in there. But he couldn't find Kip. But He looked to see the Griffin Tiny and Bulwark... With Bandages around their wounds. He then collapsed shutting down as his insides cooled. ___________________________________ The Rat Creeper's The turrets finally warmed up and started firing at the Enclave. The creepers seemed to be holding back letting ponies get out of the cave to get into the camp. Cannon Ball looks back at the old POW camp that was inside the cave seeing the Stable not far off. Maybe there was a reason for all this. The battle seemed to be slowing down. As his follower's carried out the headless body of Pothead and placed her outside. Alongside Soft paw. He sighed and leaned on the wall of the cave. Finally understanding why the war ended as it did... Just one battle like this... Almost could have ended the ones that wished to save the ponies. He rushed off as the creeper's kept helping the runners out. He rushed towards the ruins going inside seeing the wounded and some dead. A lot of them seem to be Dumbbell's raiders but Dumbbell himself was alive barely. It would take him time to heal. He looked to Shadow who was asleep for the moment. he asked the question to the others inside. "What happened to Tiria?" Crow looked up and flew out quickly. ___________ Crow The creature that mostly stayed as a Raven named Crow. Some pony something... That promised he would protect Tiria lost track of her. He watched the Buffalo and Fleur's crew clean up the rest of the Enclave. As the rest started retreating. He was hoping that would be the last they had to deal with them. Looking around and finally seeing the dead and the dying. Half of the Raider's that Dumbbell brought dead... Some Rat Creepers wounded none of them other than Pot head dead. None of the Buffalo or any of Fleur and her crew. But something was off, where are the Junk Reapers? He flew out and saw them they were guarding the ones that ran out of the cave and they placed the dead bodies of the Enclave in a pile removing their armor first. It seems they stayed outside to guard the area just in case more came. He sighed happily at that. Then he flew to the arena seeing nothing there and then into wheel tread's Office he found Tiria passed out her left arm and hand have no hair at all. It seems it completely fell out and the arm was tainted by something. But it seems it was to far go to even try to heal her. He shifted into a large creature and placed her on his back and calmly walked out. The dust cleared the battle was over. The dead littered the area. of ponies that died way before they came. Of the young foals that tried to fight back. The mares all the ponies and raider's that lived here. It would seem that there would need to be a lot of rebuilding if the ponies that were saved here... Wished to live here and make it a home to live. It would change a lot of the trade in this area and help the wasteland heal a little more. He carried Tiria to the nurses in the ruins of the clinic. Setting her down on a cot. He found that he had to watch her until she would wake. ___________ Day 37 POW camp I opened my eye's seeing the sky. But the clouds were still there. I was hoping to see the sun or the moon. But I noticed my arm was wrapped in a magic bandage to try to heal it. Then I thought of Kip. I tried to get up but Fleur kept me down. "Shhhhh rest. You absorbed a great deal of something that is a bit like the taint they told me about. Also, the battle has been won." I smiled weakly looking towards a hill that had the former Slave Qauiters there were four gravestones. I stood up since I was allowed to and she helped me to them. I looked at the graves. I saw that one was Pothead on the gravestone was her pot. Then Softpaw Dumbbell's nameless second in command... That he called Lifter and... Wheel Tread it said... he finally can rest in peace. "What about... Kip?" I asked. Fleur gave me a soft smile as I leaned on the lanky ghoul mare. She was stronger then she looked on her four hooves... "She is coming along great... So are Tiny and Bulwark..." Then I turned and everypony and creeper along with the Buffalo started cheering when they saw me. Was I a hero? Was I the one that helped them. "They need a leader Tiria... the ponies of this city are going to need a leader..." Fleur softly said to me. "Why not the hero that freed them from Wheel tread and then the Enclave." I looked at them all tears fell from my eyes. I was given the Howl dance in its casing. Silver Gunner read my mind it seemed. He brought the larger case. I placed the smaller case in it and then I placed my broken hammer. My broken SMG and the sword that caught on fire... It was stomped on by the Buffalo and half of it was shattered. It was a reminder of what took us to free this place. I was also given the Zebra pistol. I decided for the time being to place it in the case with the other weapons. Along with the large morning star type mace, I was given with the scorpion tail. I placed it in there and I whispered it in there and a laser on the case plaque. It said Freedom Cannon spoke up. "Let it be known. If it wasn't for Tiria. A small hero even if just a small hero for small things... A small hero can make a big difference all cheer for her!!" They call cheered stomping their hooves and all I could hear was my name being said as a hero. I didn't wish to be one the first time. Now I am to many ponies and whatever creature's that wishes to live here. This former POW camp that would hold a thriving Wasteland home. But it would take time to rebuild and make it what others would want. I closed my eyes and all the cheers kept filling my mind. For once in my life... I was full of happiness and peace. Chapter 14: Rebuilding and resting"Freedom a fight for it is never going to be easy. But the path to rebuilding is the hardest part." Day: 38 Location POW Camp It had been a day or so after the battle. Were wounded and the dead were being moved and cared for. Some of the dead turned out to be Dumbbell raiders and some rat creepers. But the enclave bodies were forced out of their armor and the bodies burned. The enclave armor was kept to be used for something later. It's not going to be easy rebuilding. The city inside the mountain is in ruins. Only a few of its buildings still standing. It would probably take days or even months to rebuild fully. But just starting now will be a good thing Silver Gunner went through and destroyed some of the old buildings outside of the mountain. He put the wood that can be used over on the side along with the rest. The Rat Creepers rushed through the bog and brought some of the metal from the reaper fields that wouldn't be used to help rebuild. Montyhoof and the Junk Reaper's stayed to help rebuild. Cannon Ball was making sure that he would help by helping Silver and Sand build some buildings. The first one that was being built was some places to stay in. Ponies would have to stay in the same building for a while...before we started to clean up and rebuild inside the cave. They had me rest and just forced to watch them. I wasn't allowed to move at all. Since I have been on the move for too long. Kip was laying in a cot near me as I watched her rest. Shadow was already up and going...helping with the rebuilding. Sand was wrapped in bandages and started to work as well. RA Proto that robot poor robot... Was reprogramed again by Tiny and helped rebuild. Bulwark was in a lot of bandages and giving orders about what goes were. I have been hearing whispers of making me the leader of the town... But I had a different idea. I calmly drank some water it did have some rads in it. My Pip-buck ticking up a bit. Looking at some of the buffalo that stayed to help remove some of the building materials from the city inside the mountain. The leader of the buffalo went home but some and Little Strong hoof stayed with us. Fleur was sitting beside me and watched while her crew left to head back to the ship. Little hoof stayed and worked along with the others. "I doubt...the world will ever fully heal. The Lightbringer is trying so much... But I still doubt the world will ever fully heal. Equestria someday may heal... But what about the outside?" Fleur calmly asked with a nicker and a snort. I looked over at Fleur and smiled. "I bet in your day...there was too much peace and never expected this war to get as bad as it did." Fleur looked to me and gave me a soft smile nodding. "Yes... we seemed to care too much about peace. We never knew how bad this war would have gotten. But I am happy I got away before... I was asked to stay in Cantorlot." I gave a nod and sighed I wanted to get up... So I tried and I groaned and fell to my knees. As I felt the pain and muzzles in my body giving up on me. "I guess... I do need to rest..." Fleur got on her hooves and helped me back into the strange chair. "You need to rest Tiria... You can't keep moving or your body would just give out." She said with a soft nicker and purr. I smiled at her and calmly sat there my body was in pain... From everything I did. I knew sooner or later... I would feel all this. I looked at my arm... I knew I would have to take this off to see my bare furless arm. Looking to Crossfire nuzzling Kip who is fast asleep. She has kings on her back from the stab. But she will be out a little longer. I looked back to the graves... Seeing Softpaw and raiders. I sighed softly and looked to Fleur. "Everything you knew is gone...have you learned how to deal with it?" Fleur looked at me with a frown and a sigh. "No... Tiria... I haven't... I didn't even live the 200 years... I had something controlling me... We haven't seen it since you removed it from us. But I have a feeling that some evils have lived through the war..." Fleur looked down, her eyes full of sadness. I wrapped around her calmly and hugged her. "Listen... Fleur... Maybe someday you can tell me. About the past. Before the war happens." Fleur looked to me with a gentle smile nodding. "I would love to... The past...was full of green hills so much peace... It was amazing... The princess just to see them...it was so full of happiness and the world was so much peaceful for it. Even if we had some of our issues... Like Nightmare Moon and Discord." She said was some sadness in her voice. "Back then all we had to worry about is what we would eat next or what the royals were wearing. I think we focused too much on peace and never expected what would become." I nodded calmly. "I feel that I would have loved the world before this one. But sadly it seems that we are forced to be part of this world. But all we can do is make it peaceful and remove the threats that wish to harm us." I closed my eyes and opened and then opened them again seeing the former slaves walking up to me and they're still chained. "You do know you're free.." I said calmly. "We know...but we wish to help you..." I smiled. "Then go ahead... I can't walk right now or I would be helping." The hellhound rushes out of the cave and pants calmly. "The Enclave, their attacking Manehatten." I blinked and sighed. "It's not like we can do anything about it... We have to focus here... Before we leave it and allow them to try to take this area back. I would say build up defenses after some of the buildings are done." Bulwark smirks. "I can find some troops miss Tiria..." She said with a soft purr. I looked at the blue mare and smiled. "Please do." She nodded and trotted off to find some that wish to help protect the camp. I sighed watching the former slaves walk off and help rebuild. This was going to take time. Looking to Fleur who seems to have been made my bodyguard. I noticed I haven't seen Crow lately. I blinked seeing a Raven fly and he landed on my shoulder whispering to me. "I brought a friend... Only one. Since the rest...wish to stay out of the world." I nodded and a large crow landed and transform into a different looking bug-like pony. He had green eyes, a green shell, and no holes in his legs. He bowed in a respectful bow. "Greetings... I'm Deep thought... I know most of us are known to have bug names... But I consider myself a thinker. How can I help?" Looks over to the young that seems to lose some of their parents and looks to Deep thought. "How are you with children?" Deep Thoughts eyes go wide and smile, showing his sharp teeth. Simply walking over to them and they don't seem to fear him as he calmly said. "How would you all like to hear a story little ones?" They all nod and he leads them away from the rest so they don't get in the way. I sighed closing my eyes. Then I heard some commotion near the gate. Hearing voices speak. "Why do you think you can walk in here?!" Bulwark aims her gun at a species like mine... My eyes go wide knowing who that is. "Fleur....help me over there." She nodded and helped me stand up and I leaned on her as I walked over to the elder. "What do you want?!" I said angrily, staring at the elder who kicked me out of my home. He stared at me. I bet he never expected such anger from me. "Tiria... I see that you...are alive..." I grew very angry and still leaned on Fleur "No thanks to you...elder..." I was growing enraged and Fleur gave me a gentle nuzzle on my arm and smiled at me. "Relax... Tiria please." I sighed and the elder looked down "I heard...that you know the truth...now... I also heard you found the howling dance... I have come to take that from you. To take it back to our species." Bulwark stared at the elder and her eyes grew angry. She said to the elder in a very angry voice. "That doesn't belong to you... It belongs to Tiria here...the one who risked her life...to save us... From the Enclave... I don't know who you are... But you have no right to come here and just start demanding." RA Proto stops and turns his weapons priming to start spinning to get ready to fire on the elder. The elder looks at everypony and the robot ready to take him down. "You want to see why I don't want you to have that crystal elder?!" I ripped off the bandage and they all gasped seeing my arm. It looked grossly misshaped and blistered no fur on it as I stared at him with anger. "That crystal...can be used as a weapon to kill and destroy. The ponies that found it harnessed that power in the crystal to create us. They almost used it as a weapon for their little war. How bad do you think the war would have gotten if they used it? It probably would cause more issues but mixing that with a mega spell along with the taint... How do you think the world would be with all that?" I sighed and lowered my arm and leaned on Fleur since... My kind can walk on her back hind legs but the bend in our backs always get in pain if we stand for too long. "Now...you send me to find it... So I get killed like my mother. Now go back to the pack...let them know I am alive... But if I see any of you even come here... I will kill you myself or my mate will." I stared at the elder who sighed and shook his head. "Someday you will come back to us Tiria... But that day we will expect you to kneel and beg for forgiveness..." Then suddenly Sand comes up behind the elder and stares at him. "Hello...elder... I see that a worthless pig like you still lives." He growled as the elder looked up and stared at him gulping. "Go....now....before I ask Bulwark here to kill you." He nodded and calmly walked back out heading back through the bog as we close the door back up and I sighed. Fleur calmly helped me back to my seat and I sat back down. While one of the nurses came back and wrapped my arm again in magic bandages and I smiled. "Thank you." Hugging my ghoul friend... Not caring about the smell or how she felt. She was very kind to a ghoul... Fleur chuckles softly and nods. Sitting back down acting like my bodyguard. I sighed softly. I wanted to help but my body was just full of pain and not even able to move. I heard movement on the cot beside me and smirked seeing Kip slowly sitting up and opening her eyes. Yawning softly. She looks to me her eyes go wide. "Am... I...dreaming?" She stares at me and then looks at Crossfire and jumped up hugging him. "I am not dreaming!!!" She nuzzled her husband and then gave me a nuzzle. Then she was pushed back onto the Cot. "Now now...love rest..." Cross smiled and pats her shoulder. " We can talk later..." She looks around sighing feeling better. " Where is... Shadow?" She sees him helping Silver Gunner with one of the buildings and he seems busy to bother as she lies back down to rest and just watch. I sighed I tried to move my bandaged arm and groaned deeply. I never felt so much pain in my life. Silver walked over to me and gave me my bag and I smiled. Opening it and grabbing my journal. Opening it up and I found another blank page sighing softly. Grabbing a pencil that was in my bag and started to write. ____________ Journal entry: Well, it's been a while since I wrote in here... But yes... First. Fate forced me in a battle I never asked to get in. I joined Wheel tread just for barely a day and then after that suddenly a battle started to happen. I never faced a group like an Enclave before. I had to escape to try to take KipKipe with me. But I couldn't but I am a little ahead of myself. I went through the bog, the bog that is called the bog of time. That seems to have fragments of the past that play endlessly. I found with my friends a cruise ship full of different species of ghouls. They were mind-controlled by something. Then I fought their leader after they captured my friends. It seems I became close to the captain her name is Fleur Dee Lees. A ghoul that used to be part of the world 200 years ago. I am sure I could learn a lot from her... But she told me the world used to be full of happiness green hills and little ones played together. Something I hope to see myself. But I highly doubt... I ever will I have a feeling since I grabbed the orb it poisoned my body. I don't know if I will live through to see the end of this wasteland. But I am sure I won't be around to see it. But after that, we went back to the Reaper Fields. To then get an alliance going with three small groups. The Rat Creepers. Some strange mutated rats that seem to walk on their hind legs like me... But only if they carry something. Their leader Cannon Ball. He seems interesting I know little about him. But he has a painting that he found that is of Princess Celestia and Luna. His race was forcibly removed from the sewers of Manehatten. It's interesting how he speaks about it. But the doesn't go too deep into it. Mostly about how he sees the world and what happens to it. But as he told me... His kind isn't from experimentations or anything of the sort. It seems, of course, the one known as Pot Head was with him the entire time. She was his bodyguard and his closest friend. Hopefully, he will move on from that. But we were asked to take care of the ghoul problem then go meet with Dumbbell and his raider's. To see if he kidnapped the king's daughter. When we got there we saw that the raiders were using the old camp as their home and we noticed that the Princess was not kidnapped but she was teaching the raiders how to heal themselves and heal their wounds. But the issue is with that, some creepers stayed with them. What's odd as I kept walking from place to place to fix all this. I found that many of the soldiers were forced to fight there with the Zebras. Both sides lost badly there. I don't understand what coal is or what the point of it is. But I stayed at the bar they had for a while and drank. Then Kip stayed there to help since... She is a healing soul at heart. I walked through the field to see more broken shards watching my friends remove mines to let the~ I looked up from the journal hearing a whistling sound. ____________ Same day The whistling sound was getting closer something landed but it didn't blow up and it was a brick? Fleur picked it up and there was something written on it. "Traders seem to want to come in and trade with us... But they see the smoke and heard the Enclave was here." Fleur looks over to Bulwark. "Bulwark dear, do you mind allowing them to come in?" Bulwark looked to Fleur and nodded with a smile. She called out with her magic. "You can come to the Enclave is no longer here and we would love to trade with anything." The gatekeeper starts opening the door and a trader with as strange bear walks in and he looks around whistling. "Damn, you weren't kidding that you removed them. I noticed that the ghouls seem to stay clear a bit and a lot less of them." He said with a smile. "I heard from Djpone3 that the wolf was sighted coming this way through much pain." He looked to me and I nodded. He walked over to me and I blinked, staring at him. "You must be the leader of this community do you wish to trade?" I looked up blinking at him and Fleur got in front of me calmly with her long legs and slim decaying body. "Allow me to do it, sir... She is resting and I don't think she wishes to be the leader of this community." I smiled as Fleur talked to the trader and I sighed happily listening to the world around me. The trader softly spoke. "Really? Many say otherwise... A group of traders said she came and saved them... I would say she either needs to be the leader...or she should work together with others." Fleur blinks and nods. "But for now... I shall speak to you about trading." The trader nodded and Fleur lead him away and they spoke. I went back to my journal and sighed. _________________ Journal I don't understand why the ponies and Zebra's fought over coal... Did they even think of what would happen if they left this world to the future? Did they even care for the future? I may not like many ponies... But feeling if I should judge the past... But the ponies are this way because...of the past. Are friendship and Harmony still alive in this world? I can buy that friendship is... Since all the friends I made. "Excuse me." ___________ Camp I blinked looking up from my journal seeing the three mares in the Steel Ranger's suits. "Oh, it's you three how can I help you?" The middle mare took off her helm and smiled. "We wish to go get more orders from our leaders. We will let them know that you are all here now. But we may come back to help you. But right now we need to report in." I nodded, smiling at them... I forgot that they came with us... But I know they stayed outside...to protect the wounded that came pouring out. I calmly sat up a bit more and smiled. "Thank you... I hope to see you three again." Bulwark even though she was wrapped in bandage was at the gatekeeping it open for the time. As I watched the three mares walk over and Bulwark trotted over to me and sat on her haunches staring at me for a while. "Yes?" I calmly asked. "I think you need to be the leader of this place... I know it's probably not something you want." Looking up to her and looks to Kip Shadow and Silver Gunner... "I got a better idea. Hey, Silver... Shadow... Kip." Kip looked up from her cot and sat up groaning. Shadow walked over and so did Silver. "How about the four of us become leaders of this little town? We work together and we make sure it runs smoothly." They looked at me and they smiled well Silver didn't hard to tell with him. "I shall do it dear..." Kip smiled sweetly looking to Bulwark who smiled at Kip. Silver nodded. "It sounds full of sound logic." Shadow shrugs. "Eh, I got nothing better to do than follow your ass." I sighed and they went back to work but Bulwark layed down near Kip watching the gate as the two spoke silently. Looking over to Fleur who was using her feminine ghoul wilds to speak to the trader. Even for a Cruise ship captain. She always acted like a calm kind gentle creature. I went back to my journal to relax. ____________ Journal I can say friendship is alive from the friends I made... But I wonder maybe I should ask Fleur more on the subject of how it was way before the war even happen. It's something I did wish to learn. But from what I learned through my journey many projects were worked on during the war. Like the one that created my kind. It's something I wasn't expecting you could say. But yes it's to the point that I wish to know...what is going on with most of them. Maybe someday I will be able to find books on them... But I highly doubt it. Now the rest of my journey to get back. Getting through the bog and then making it to the camp. When we got in I saw an old tank...guns and how some ponies and other creatures were used as slaves... I got angry pissed off at this... But I was told if I get too angry... I would become one of their slaves. Wheel tread wanted to test me to be his bodyguard... So I was asked to go into the arena to fight for justice. So I went in there and fought a group of strange minions of raiders. I took them out but...of course my ego... Got the best of me... I was trained to fight for honor not to please my ego. I got to the point that I was beaten by a giant robot and then placed in care. But of course, I only had a day to heal. Then he wanted me to do an exchange with The Enclave... He wanted to give up the Howling dance... But it seems they didn't care for it... They shot Wheel tread and I grabbed this pony and ripped off his wings... I haven't seen him since...then... But that's when I screwed up and caused a small war... The Enclave came here... Wait. ___________ Camp "Kip." Kip looked up to me with a large smile "Yes?" She said with a gentle purr. "Did the Enclave say what they wanted from here?" Bulwark spoke up. "They wanted what was ever in the stable. But nobody has ever been able to open it. From what Wheel tread told me... There are magic seals on it. You would have to find the keys that have been hidden. Wheel Tread knew were one of them was... But he never told anypony else." I blinked looking to Bulwark and she tilted her head. "Would it bother you if ponies started having children in this little camp?" Bulwarks' eyes go wide and look down with a smile. "I oddly would welcome it... I can't have any of my own... Since I wasn't born with the ability to. But if any were born... I would think of them as my own and guard them with my life." I smiled softly "But I do have a question did he say what is in that stable?" Bulwark looked up at me and shrugged. "From what I know the camp but it's most dangerous prisoners in there. But that's not the biggest reason he wanted to go in there. He said some of them may have turned into ghouls and aren't as crazy anymore." I rolled my eyes and stood up they stared at me Bulwark stood up Fleur watched me from the trader but kept speaking to him. She didn't seem happy. I went to Wheel Tread's grave and used my claws. {Here Lies Wheel Tread I am happy he's dead. Tiria.} I sat back down and Bulwark looked at it and gave me an unamused look. "You have...no idea the shit he told me..when I was laying in that bed after RA proto almost killed me. He was going to give them the Howling Dance to use it as a weapon. I saw what that orb did to the commander... It turned her to dust... I was lucky... I started destroying my arm and it still hurts." Bulwark calmly smiled and nodded. "Look I understand..." Suddenly Patch came over she was forced into a position by Shadow and he forced her to sit down and put a gun to her head. "What do you want me to do with this trash of Wheel treads? She was the one torturing me.." Patch spoke up... "It was my job...bird... I was asked...to do it... Now you want to kill me? You kept saying your friend would be back... Here she is... Now I deserve to die?" Bulwark looked to me worried. She was worried about what I was going to do. I sighed and thought a bit and spoke up. "Patch... I forgive you for what you did..." Shadow blinks, looking up to me. "Look Shadow there is enough pain and hate in this world... We need to follow the Lightbringers example and put a stop to it... I know that's not going to be easy. But if we can do that...it will be a first step into making Equestria the world it used to be. A world of friendship and Harmony...I know that is so much to ask... But don't you think it's a good idea?" Patch looks at the others who listened to me and Kip smiled, nodding. Silver Gunner softly said "She gets it." "So... Patch why not become a guard with Bulwark here and help defend." Looking To Bulwark who has a soft smile now. Shadow removes the gun from Patch's head and seems a bit upset but... Understands and Patch looks to Bulwark and she nods. Then goes to help with the rebuilding. Fleur walked over and gave me a gentle slap with her hoof. "If I see you standing again... I will make sure you listen Tiria." I gulped. I never thought I would get slapped. "Anyway, I got him to trade some food... Some water... Also, he is going to get some building materials. He said he will spread that we are looking for more traders around here. So everything should be fine... But he said...right now... It's best to stay out of Manehatten. It's gotten pretty bad there." Fleur sat beside me and I smiled I never thought I would have a good friend like Fleur. Bulwark went back to chatting with Kip and she chuckled and they kept speaking. I sighed and closed my eyes to get some rest. I kept hearing all the voices and I finally went soundly asleep. _____________ Middle of the day. Same day camp I woke up with Fleur still near me and Kip help to guard the gate with Bulwark. I calmly sat up and groaned looking to see the first building slowly coming along. I looked down at Fleur who was using her magic to clean her gun. I tried to stand and Fleur calmly said. "What did I say?" I sighed and sat back down. "Yes, mother..." Fleur looks up with a smile and chuckles. "Oh, if I was your mother Tiria... You wouldn't even do half the stuff you have done... I would have made sure you had no scars and listen like a real lady." I gave Fleur a look I never expected that from her... "Fleur... you said you were in Cantorlot a lot... what were ponies like there?" Fleur frowned and sighed. "Very...snobby and stuck up... They didn't understand the war... Why I got very tired of my colt friend... Fancy... I got to the point that... I was attacked left and right, verbally and... Then I gathered my crew of many different races and bought that cruise ship. Then Twilight and Pinkie Pie tried to force their way on... To get the Zebras. Like I said... They would make this war end in blood... And they did." I sighed and stroked along Fleur's neck. I didn't care if she felt like a gross creature, I have grown very close to her. "I bet you wish you could go back and try to fix it right?" Fleur looks up with a gentle smile. "Yes... I do...but sadly what's done is done." I gave a gentle nod. Leaning back in the chair that was made for me. I watched the building going on and looked to the Raven come and he whispered. "Watcher is telling me what is going on... The Enclave is causing some nasty issues, they just finished attacking Friendship city. But he didn't tell me what else is going on. But he said to stay here as long as we can... So they don't come and try to find us and cleanse us from this part of Equestria." I nodded and Crow flew off as he went to check on Kip and Bulwark and he started talking to them. I noticed back to Deep Thought who seems to be teaching some of the young ones that did live here. But of course, a lot of them were slaves. I watched the rest of my friends work. I was getting bored but...again... I needed to heal. I grabbed my journal again. I started to write about it. ____________ Journal It seems the Enclave wanted the stable that is in the cave of the camp. I guess they hold something nasty to the others of this land... But I'm sure I don't want to try to get it open. The fact that we can even get that open... Maybe a bad thing. I don't know a lot about these stables... But I have been told by some folks... Stay out of them... Maybe it's best to do the same with this one and never open it up. I felt it was odd that the Enclave is trying so hard to destroy what the ponies worked on... They are up in their clouds like thrones looking down on us like we are their cattle. I had to escape from the camp... I felt very annoyed at the fact... Kip was going to go with me... But to the point, she got captured... She almost died because of me. I don't know what's up but of course. I went through the cave to get to the other side and I saw a green explosion and saw the sun. I finally saw the sun. I was hoping I would see the moon. But never thought the sun was so beautiful. It's something I was hoping to see. But yes I found a settlement of Buffalo and they fed me and gave me some weapons. As well as some food... They also asked me to check on a stream of water for them. I followed the stream to a cave. Then I met... Sand... At first, I hated him, and then somehow he found his way into my heart... Find that interesting. But yes we found a hellhound who is now the new Dj of the town. Hopefully, he likes the idea of doing it. But yes he was then a guard of the buffalo and I was made part of their tribe. It was something I never thought I would see. Then I went on my way. The next thing... I found are three mares that are part of the Steel rangers... I don't fully understand their issues... But I got them to work together. It got to the point I just listened to them and thought they were stupid and foolish. Took care of that and then found a camp when bodies of Enclave and normal ponies and found sand eating one of the legs of the ponies... I joined him, doing the same... I don't wish to tell my friends... That pony oddly tastes amazing. But then I wanted to go and my legs gave out and Sand forced me to rest. He said if I didn't rest my body would never move again for a while. Like right now. He even started to carry me and then we found a spot to rest. I slept for probably an entire day... Then I was able to move and found a caravan under attack. I met Rain and her mother, River. I think her daughter's name was Rain... I don't remember... I do hope to see them again. It was an amazing time after I saved them with the three steel ranger mares. ___________ Camp I looked up from the Journal and watched all the ponies and griffins working together to build the town up. But it's something I hope I would keep seeing I closed up my journal and Kip brought me some food she had a bowl of meat hovering in her magic. Along with some water and she went back to talk to Bulwark but first, she gave me a nuzzle. "Keep an eye on her please Fleur... I don't want to see her hurt anymore." Fleur smiled. "I agree." I chuckled and calmly started to eat and drink my food. As I watched and hoped that down the line there would be more peace in this camp. I finished eating the meat and drank the rest of the water and I started feeling very tired...I yawned and Fleur smiled and sat on her haunches now holding her gun out... Acting like my bodyguard to keep me protected or to stop folks from bothering me as I sleep. I calmly closed my eyes and started to fall asleep. I felt the smooth airbrush through my fur as... I finally went into deep sleep. Feeling my pain leave me as my body and mind fell into the sleep it needed. Oh, what a day it was... I hope more peace is to come... For all of us... For...everypony... Chapter 15: Peace for a time"Peace is something that is very hard to keep. But war is so easy to bring." Day 40 The Camp I opened my eyes I was put inside a building. Does it seem we got some built maybe? I slowly sat up seeing Fleur laying by the door with her gun. She looked towards me and smiled. "Don't say...a word. Your species came looking for you. So we placed you in one of the new buildings... Apparently, they seek to kill you. So Kip and Silver Gunner are talking to them at the moment. They want the howling dance... But they're trying hard to not let them take it." I got out of the bed and sat by Fleur who smiled gently. "I may look gross as a ghoul... But I still feel I kept my looks. Just not many would jaw drop... Like they used to with me." She chuckles softly. "Oh well, I think I still got the ability to get what we need through talking to them." I sighed softly and looked towards Fleur. "How long did I sleep?" Fleur blinks and thinks a moment. "Oh yes, a day and a half. But we didn't wake you and placed you in one of the new buildings. I found it interesting they got this one built so fast... But that's because it was added on to a formerly burnt run-down building." Nodding and just sat there. "I wonder why my kind wants to kill me." Suddenly the door opens up and the elder is there... Along with my father... I stood up and Fleur got in front of me and I growled softly. "Tiria... It's time for your judgment..." Fleur snickers and stares at the Elder. "You have no right...to harm her... You forced her out of her home... Now you want to kill her?" The Elder taps his cane and the large creature grabs his sword to attack Fleur... I grabbed the gun from Fleur's magic and fired his arm. My father groaned and I stared at them both. "You do not harm my friends..." I fire again in his other arm. "You both treated me...like pure trash... You told me to find friends... Now you wish to hurt them." I pushed my father out of the room and stared at the elder. Putting a gun to his head my eyes full of hate and anger. "Give me one reason... Why shouldn't I kill your lying fucking ass right now? Maybe you could tell my father...that You knew were the Howling dance was the entire time... You forced exiles to give bodyguards to Wheel tread..." My father's mouth gaped open at this revolution. He stares at the elder he growls deeply. "My mother was sent away... Because she dared confront you about it. Get out...now... You worthless piece of shit." "I'm sorry my daughter but that is a lie. Your mother was never a bodyguard of Wheeltread he lied to you. I am sure the elder had something to do with it. But she was sent to Los Pegasus." I stare at my father I wanted to lose it but Fleur kept me from losing my mind. She stroked my side making sure I don't lose my mind and looking down at her feeling my anger subside. "You're a Moon warrior I don't need to be truthful to you Tiria. Nor does your father. The fact that your father even placed his sperm in your mother and she birthed you is." "ENOUGH!!" My father screamed at the elder before he could finish. The elder jumped at my father's anger and my father turned to stare at the elder. His teeth showed all he could think of is the anger for the elder. I think he was silent for far too long. "I allowed you and the other elders to treat my mate and my daughter like trash. Choose your words very carefully right now. I will wring your neck I have every right to do so." I look at my father and then to the elder. I take my gun and smack the elder right in the face. "Go back home...never show up here again...if you do... I will come and kill every single elder...if you take the howling dance... I will kill every single last one of you... I protected these ponies here...and all the creatures... I protected them from fools like you..." The elder rubs his face and I look to my father I feel hate for him still. But all he did was give me a hug. Then he grabbed the elder leaving with him and the others near the gate aimed their guns at them waiting for me to say the word. "Go...and I really will shoot and kill you elder... Then there will be less trash in the world. You have no honor... Also, tell them the truth...that we are experiments of the war of the past. We aren't guardians of this world... We are just to save the pony way of life..." The elder leaves and my father turns to me and a smile forms along his face. I could tell he was proud of me. But why did he hate me so much why did he lie to me. I don't think I ever will know. I need to tell him. I walk to him and whisper in his ear. "I love you father." That's all I could say to him he nodded. But he kept acting like he was pissed and angry at me to keep up appearances "It's the way of things my dear daughter. Now I must get going before the elder changes his mind. Make it look good please. Please my daughter make it look good." I nodded and punch him so hard in the face he falls back I walk back softly mouthing to him. ' I love you.' He nodded and left. "Don't come back! Lower the gate!!" The gate is lowered. I sighed and Kip trotted to me and noticed I am tense and growling. Fleur came up behind me and I offer her gun back... She placed it in her magic. Kip used her horn to look at my wounds and noticed that my stress is off the edge. "Tiria...please relax..." Kip looked at me with very worried eyes. I smiled and patted her head and gave her a tight hug. "I will...just let me enjoy some peace. I just need peace." Kip frowned looking up to me. With soft gentle eyes. "What's wrong now?" Kip softly spoke. "Does this mean...that me Shadow and Silver Gunner don't bring you peace?" She said it like she was about to cry. I blinked and looked to Fleur she gave a sly smirk. "Oh... Kip... You three are my closest friends... You three saved me from a lifetime of loneliness..." I gave Kip another hug and apparently I didn't catch this as she gave Fleur a sly wink and she giggled. I then stopped hugging and Kip chuckles. "Now I need to get back to keeping my new little brother in line..." I blinked watching her trot off to talk to Shadow it seems those two consider each other siblings. "What happened to her husband?" Fleur looks up to me and sighs. "He went back to Manehatten to get the rest of the ponies out of those apartments... He wanted to get them away from the Enclave." I gave a calm nod and stayed close to Fleur since she was being my bodyguard. Also, I wished to know more about the past. If she would tell me about it. "Fleur do you think we should clear the bog and removed all the ghouls there as well as those giant weevils?" She gave me an odd look blinking and shrugs. "I don't know maybe having the ghouls there is a good thing. But about those weevils, I do agree maybe we need to get a group to clear out their caves... But there are more creatures in that bog that releases that strange mist that causes us to see the past. I do see that seeing the past is not a bad thing. But again to some, the past wasn't all that amazing... Before the war...the world was amazing... Equestria was the land of Friendship and Harmony." I sighed and looked to Fleur and wrapped around the ghoul and gave her a hug... I didn't care about the smell but she blinked and had a soft smile on her face and I stopped hugging her. "I feel you deserve to be in the past Fleur... You shouldn't have to deal with what you see here. Equestria was your home... Now your just another great pony of the past." Gave a soft sigh and Fleur just smiled softly and shook her head. "You worry too much about how I feel Tiria... I have accepted that the war destroyed my former home. I can't just sit by and let it happen to others. So I am going to be someone that protects this new little town. I will be here a lot. Just because you and your friends opened my eyes. Along with my crew. You proved that not everypony or creature of this new world... Are power-hungry children." I gave a gentle smile feeling very happy that I did this for so many. I looked at the others who are working on getting the buildings up and I sighed softly and blinks seeing another trader walk in. "Excuse me Tiria... let me take care of this." She trotted over to the trader as Bulwark and patch held weapons close to them they acted as guards towards Fleur as I just watched to see how the master does it. I got closer to listen leaning on the wooden wall. I got to listen to how she talks to traders. "Ah welcome to our beautiful home miss." The trader mare smiles softly nodding. "Thank you...um miss ghoul... Now I heard that this area was cleaned out of the raiders and everything else... That used to come here. So I came down this way to see what I can offer or be offered." Fleur nodded and chuckled. "Well, we haven't named our little town yet. That will come soon. But first, we got to rebuild. That will take some time and a lot of materials as well. But I am sure they will welcome every trader to this town." She nodded showing a soft smile through her ghouled flesh. Again her beauty was amazing for a ghoul. The trader nodded and looked towards Patch and Bulwark. "You got some very protective guards here." Bulwark gives a nod nickering a bit. "That's because we had to deal with the Enclave and we got rescued just because they pissed off that wolf behind us." The trader looked up blinking seeing me and I gave a smile. "Oh...it's the wolf...hmm so you're a hero, after all, hmm?" She gave a soft smile. I snorted and chuckled. "I don't consider myself a hero. I did what I felt was the right thing to do. I am not fond of ponies.., I never will be... But Fleur is helping me through that... I owe her a lot for helping me gain the heart to not murder every single pony I came across... I did it to save my friends... Then I made more..." Looks to Patch who I still don't trust. But gave her a calm nod. The trader smiles nodding. "I see. I shall speak to the other traders. That I come across... I will try to bring more this way and try to make this a normal stop." I gave a soft smile nodding. "There used to gardens here as well...but the Enclave burned almost everything just to get to the stable in there... We don't know what is so amazing about that stable. But I wish to keep it closed. I know there might be some that want to open it up... But I am not sure that is wise really." The trader nods with a smile. "I agree, not all stables are wise to open up." Fleur nods as I went silent to let her speak. She gave me a soft smile with her features as she seemed to be a soft-hearted mare. "Now do you have anyone we could trade or buy from you miss?" The trader uses her horn to let down her bags as Fleur looks through them with her horn. Finding mostly food seeds and some potions. As she looks through her own bags to find some caps and something to trade along. "Ah, I see you have seeds... Hmm, maybe we will just take the seeds. I need to check our stores of potions and bandages. But still, the seeds will be useful." The trader nods and pulls out a big bag of them and just tossed them on the ground. "For free..." She takes the rest back into her bag. "I won't do that often but your ponies made Reaper Fields and this area safer... It's the least I can do..." She smiles to her protector the large bear and walks out heading back through the bog. Fleur smirks and lifts up the seeds. She trots over to the ponies working on fixing the burnt garden. As she offers them the seeds and they blink. "Oh...mi...soo...good...Ja!!" The mare sounded interesting to me. She had a knife on her flank..and the other was a twin of hers. She had a bloody knife. "Ja ja...more seeds to feed us... We shall plant right away ja." I chuckled softly and then looked to Bulwark and Patch. "I trust you both so you know." Bulwark blinks and gave a gentle smile and nods. Patch just snorted and shrugs. "Yes, yes...it's better than being dead on the ground." I nodded calmly and looked around to see how everypony was and I went to help those buildings. I helped Shadow and Kip while Kip gave me a look. "Kip... I wish to help..." Kip keeps giving me that look and stares at me with great anger. "Tiria...you haven't been resting... You could get hurt." She was being her motherly doctor self she stares giving me that look again. Looking to Fleur who trotted over and chuckled. She pulled me away with her magic and I sighed, looking to Fleur. "I would say listen to Kip Tiria... She knows what she is talking about..." I sighed shaking my head. "I am tired of just resting. I want to do something." Fleur gave me a gentle smile and laughs. She pushed me out of the town gate and looked back to Bulwark and Patch. "She needs to get away from all this for the moment I will call you to open the gate when you can." They both nod. As I looked to Fleur and blinked. "Fleur...whats wrong?" Fleur turned to me and smiled. "Look...do what they want you to do... Because you might lose them sometime. Like with me... I lost everything Tiria... My family, my love... My home... Just because I didn't wish to be part of the war. I wanted my fancy to come with me... But of course, he was too hateful of my reasons. You need to stay for them... Tiria..." She smiled softly. I looked into her eyes and sighed. How could I say no to somepony who lost all her friends and family just from a war in the past? I didn't know how to think at the moment. I followed her as we walked around the bog... "Take a deep breath Tiria..." I took a deep breath and then closed my eyes a bit and opened them blinking seeing the past. But they're solid. "Fleur, what am I seeing?" I looked to her and her horn was glowing. "Just watch closely you will see how it was." I looked the ground turned green as I kept breathing in the fog. My pip-buck ticking up to show this fog is toxic. But I watched as the ponies went along slowly Fleur spoke softly as she was explaining. "200 years ago...this is how Equestria used to look like... I know it's hard to see... But I learned that this fog if you breathe it too much...it will allow you to see this... But it also might cause you to take in too much of the fog...and make you a bit sick... But just keep watching. Look at the ponies of old. So full of happiness so full of love... The princess gave us so much... It was peace for a time... Peace in our hearts... But the issue with peace comes hardships... We had our share of villains to deal with... But as the mares that saved us... That dealt with Nightmare Moon and Discord. We caused our own issues." I watched as the mare's fought those in question I had no idea how this was happening but my Pip-buck kept ticking. But then her voice started to get sadder and sadder. "Then the war...started... Fancy and I fought many days... Because I felt after little horn we had to stop this war... It wasn't our fault that they did that. It was ours... We deserved every moment of it. We could have put a stop to the war... But our leader's felt that we had to keep pushing it... To put off the propaganda that you see all over the ruins... Pinkie Pie watching you forever... That mare...she was not somepony I really cared for." I started coughing as the vision left as the fog started to mess with my body. Fleur looked at my Pip-buck and her eyes went wide and rushed me back inside. She forced me on the chair and rushed to Kip asking if they had some Rad. Kip nodded and rushed inside the cave to find some. I sat there feeling my body in pain... As the fog did seep sometimes into the town... But it seems the crystal would soak it up through the glass and glow brightly. But it didn't affect anyone on the outside because of the glass. The glass kept the effects of harming anyone. But it made it so the fog wouldn't harm anyone at all. I sat there feeling my body burning. As Kip rushed over with the fluid and forced me to drink it... As it washed it all away. She looked at me with very angry teal eyes tears falling from them. As she poked me with her hoof. "You could have told us!!" She yelled she was getting very angry and shaking I could see it in her body motions and her eyes filled with tears. "You just came back to us... Tiria...you could have died... Don't you ever think of anyone else? How do we feel?!" Others look at us and Kip's tears drip from her face to the ground and I just wrapped around her hugging her tightly as she started to sob and cry. Shadow looked to the others. "Back to work...let them be." Fleur sat and watched... As Kip drained her heart and soul and her anger. She started hitting me in the chest with her hoof. "We care about you...you dumb oaf!" She sobs and sniffs as I pull her away a bit. "I know Kip I am sorry please relax." Kip kept sobbing hard as she sat on her haunches and Fleur calmly used her magic to pull Kip away and whispered to her and pointed her hoof over to Bulwark. "Go talk to her relax...with her and patch, please Kip." Kip nodded and trotted over to them and they started talking and Bulwark just gave Kip a tight hug and nuzzled her friend. I sat here needing to rest again. It was peaceful for the time being. Before some other horseshoe or shoe whatever dropped. It's getting the point that I felt that many of us needed to stay alive as much as we could. I looked towards all the ponies Griffins but I lost sight of Silver gunner oh he had ponies pull out the shutdown RA proto. He brought the large robot beside me as Fleur didn't seem to care for that thing. But she kept her mouth shut. "Ah hello Tiria... I am just here to reprogram this thing... Also here to help Fleur keep an eye on you... Can't have you be stupid now hmm?" He chuckles robotically. I gave him a nasty look and he chuckles again as I leaned back and watched him work on the robot. "Why are you trying to bring that thing back anyway?" "We need more than one guard inside the town... Ponies will think twice if they come in here of robbing the place. So going to use him as one that will keep an eye on everything." I sighed and closed my eyes a bit to relax as I listened to everything around me... Then I heard a song Looking towards the former slaves. One was a slim hellhound helping with the hammer as well as ponies that are former slaves. "Oh... Goddess, you helped...remove our chains... Oh, thank you for...our hooves and claws...to move...and become..one again..with the ground... We use our skills to bring forth peace. As our hearts are no longer chained... Oh, Princess thank you for your blessings. We shall now build you your crowns... You if you ever come back in life... We may show you are happy... Through our love through the sun and the moon. Oh, Goddess, the past shall be moved... We shall help rebuild... Remove our chains...show our hearts... As we walk...the road to peace... Oh, Goddess princess thank you for removing our chains... We shall rebuild your crowns." I gave a soft smile. As I watched them help build and sing. It brought a calm setting to the once dead town... I watched as ponies carried the bodies of the fallen of both sides either to bury them... The Rat Creepers helping the same with some of the raiders that lived... Dumbbell, I haven't seen him for a while. But I am sure he is doing fine. I hope at least. The Junk reapers were on the walls removing the Turrets from the inside of the cave and brought them outside to place on sections of the wall to keep the trader's protected. Montyhoof went back but left some of his ponies behind. The turrets seemed to be old but still useable I don't know why they moved them... But I guess the outside needs to be protected more. I sighed and stood up or tried. Fleur let me this time and she followed me of course. I went to look around the gardens to see how everything was going along. I smiled at the gardeners who just gave me some looks but they smiled to they didn't seem used to kindness and then I went to the gate to hear Kip talk and she turned to see me up, her eyes full of rage... "Kip... I am fine....please let me just walk around a bit I can't just be sitting forever." Bulwark gave her a gentle hug. "I agree. Kip just let her walk around a bit... Maybe it will be good for her." Kip sighed, nodding and looked to me with a smile. Patch was looking over the gate and she had a sniper, watching. "Bulwark...we have two Steel rangers coming..." Bulwark's eyes go wide climbs up the gate to see for herself. As they got closer Bulwark called out. "Hey...rangers... We don't trust your kind here..." One of them laughed softly. The armor was red. "Not even Applejack's rangers?" Bulwark growled, showing her teeth and her horn glowed brightly holding her gun. "I don't care who you are...you're still Steel rangers... Now tell us what you want... I only will trust three of your kind... But they aren't here. So now...again why are you here?" One of the Applejack rangers removed their helm, showing a pure green mare unicorn. "I am Paladin Lily. This is Scrib fire bloom. We are here...to study the stable..." I climbed up the ladder to get to the top of the gate and calmly spoke. "What do you mean study?" The mare spoke calmly. "Our info about this camp. The warden's placed seals on the stable door to keep it closed forever. We think we can break the seals and open it up. Now I know you don't have a reason to trust us... But there might be something very important inside." I sighed and looked to Bulwark and talked softly to her. "What do you think? If we just allow them to do that and go nowhere else in the town but there?" Bulwark gave a nod. "You will be watched and if you do anything we don't like we will remove you and if you put up a fight we will kill you deal?" The two rangers look to each other and they both nod. The mare spoke up. "Deal." Bulwark talks to the unicorns at the bottom near the gate. "Open the gate." The gate opens up and the two walk-ins into the game. I get down from the gate and Fleur stood beside me. "I will lead you there." The two rangers look to Fleur and the mare gives a nasty look to her. Fleur just gives a sweet innocent smile. "Also don't cross her...she may be a mare from the old Canterlot days... But she will kill you..." The two look at each other. As I lead them inside the cave there are still bodies of Enclave and the mare blinks. "Enclave used to be in here?" I nodded. "They took over the area for awhile... I gathered an army to come in and remove the worthless trash... I did it to save my friends...if ponies that wished to harm others are just trash and deserve to die." I lead them to the Stable and the mare puts her hoof on it and her horn glows as the seal's form and glows brightly. I blinked as Patch came in to stand guard. Watching the two, I blinked. "How do you plan on opening it?" The mare looked to me and smiled. "It will not be easy but we will be studying it." I sighed and left with Fleur but I noticed the bar is open... Even if it's half in ruins. I went inside and saw that the tender was still there. Standing there was a tender was a pink mare. I sat on the stool and the mare smiled. "Ah, the savior of our little town what would you like whiskey?" I thought a moment and shrugged. "Got any Sparkle cola?" She nodded and opened a casing in the back and brought out a bottle I gave her some caps and drank from it as Fleur sat there and seemed to speak to another bar patron a former slave. I drank the drink and sighed. "So miss what is your name?" The mare looked towards me and smile. "I am bubble gum... Basically, I was kidnapped from my parents at a young age and ended up here. So to help ponies here I gave them drinks and food. Oh and we dod have meat if you would like some." I blinked. "Oh sure I will take any meat you have." Bubble gum smiles and sets down a large plate of cooked meat. "It's pig meat... Since you seem to be a meat eater you won't have any issues eating it." I nodded and set down more caps and started to eat and felt happier after getting more meat in my system. Looked over to Fleur watching her talk to the pony. I listened for a time but just kept eating closing my eyes softly and sighed. I looked around at the ruins as some were in here to rebuild. I sighed I felt I did the right thing. As I finished eating and drinking. I left the bar and walked around looking at the ruins seeing some Enclave bodies and watching some ponies digging through the ruins... To see if they could find anymore under them. My ears heard something and rushed to the back of the cave finding a little house that is caved in. I kept hearing it. "Mommy....daddy....." Sobbing from there. I dug through the old house not caring about how much in pain I was in... I had to save the little one. I let out a howl that echoed through the cave as I was in pain. On the outside, Kip heard it and rushed inside. Fleur rushed out of the bar and trotted to me. "Tiria what are you doing?!" Kip asked I looked to her. "Shut up...and get this child out of here!" She blinks and I dug through. Kip and Fleur lifted heavier boards as we dug through the build and there was a storm door that lead to the underground. I opened it and inside was a little filly. She was pink and Fleur helped her out. I held the little one close to me. As she sobbed. "Shhh shhh." She screamed loudly, crying as two finally came out of the other side they were searching for her. "MOMMY, Daddy!!" I let her down and she rushed to do raider's and Kip had tears in her eyes remembering that's how she was raised. "Oh...thank you!!" The raider mare spoke and kissed her daughter. The father nodded and hugged. I smiled. I felt I did something right. I felt my heart full of peace. But I looked down in there seeing more little ones... Dead. A lot of them didn't make it fast enough... I felt tears form in my eyes... But I knew we would never save them all. I closed the door open since I think they were down there with their parents. I made sure it was locked and used my claws to put on it. The lost souls that sing to us every night. Then I walked back out as Fleur and Kip looked at it. I felt my heart in pain from seeing that... I walked out the back way and went outside to stand in the middle of the desert area I was... When the saw the sun come out. I got on my knees and closed my eyes. I softly sang my heart. "Oh...great life of peace... Oh, hope that is coming to the soul... Bring forth your wisdom to me... Oh please... I can't keep moving on... I feel my soul is broken... I feel my heart-shattering. I feel that my end is near... Please oh, goddess give me hope... In my heart... I wish to show our hearts. I wish to become a part of it. I shall fight till my end..." I stood back up and slowly stopped singing to myself but I felt my pain growing. I looked at the little ones that had died. I looked down, tears falling from my face to the sand. I looked up seeing Cannonball who smiled. " The young Tiria has seen so much? That her heart is shattering my friend." I gave a nod and he helped me up. "It's normal Tiria...we try our best to protect the world and the ones we love... But some will be lost along the way. We can't always have our way and keep everypony or everyone alive... It's not in our way of seeing things. We are fighters, protectors even leaders. Sometimes a leader fails and they must fail to learn." I stood up and smiled at Cannonball and he chuckled. "I lost my best friend Tiria... Pothead... Lily has been by my side since we were chased out of our old home... She was the only friend that remembers who I used to be. The rest don't, my wife is dead my daughter never met her... Since she was killed during an attack on the Reaper Fields... But it's something that will be known that we all can't just be everywhere Tiria." I gave a nod. "Does it ever get...better to feel the pain that you had in your heart?" Cannonball looked at me with a frown shaking his head and smiled. "Sadly no... Tiria it will get harder... Every day you will think hard on how you could have fought better you could have done it better. There are times you will even look at the gun and see how it makes you want to use it on yourself... But you need to be strong and try not to allow this to happen to you Tiria." I sighed and smiled and gave him a tight hug. "I will head back in before Kip worries about me again." I went back in and Kip was rushing around looking for me as Fleur just leaned against the wall and laughs. "I see you went outside also Kip is going nuts trying to find you..." Kip rushed up to me and hugged me tightly... "Don't do that again please Tiria." I smiled and patted her head and went back out the other way. I closed my eyes, sighing. I knew sooner or later... I am going to do something I am not going to like... As I got back outside in the front... Seeing more buildings being put up. I sat back in the chair to calmly rest my leg and the one that was hurting even if I had no leg there anymore. I just looked at everyone that was here... It was starting to become calmer. I leaned back as I waited to see what would happen... I looked up into the sky to see the clouds hoping that someday I will see the sun again. I felt the pain leave my body for a while and then I looked down seeing the little filly come to me and hug my leg as her parents smiled. "Oh, your welcome little one." I patted her head and smiled. "I would do it again... Now go find a place to stay out of the way okay?" She blinks and got on the chair with me. I may be able to walk on my hind legs but I was sitting like a pony on the chair. I smiled and wrapped around little one...protecting her. "I will watch her," I said softly to the two and they smiled as they go help work on the rebuilding. I stroke my paw along the little fillies head and nuzzled her gently. I looked back up watching the ponies and other creatures walking around and Fleur came back and gave the little filly a nuzzle and smiled to her. She may be a ghoul but she still looked like a normal mare just with dryer skin. I watched and Fleur layed near the two of us and I asked the little one something. "What is your name?" The filly looked up to me with a soft smile... "Star shooter... My mother named me... She may be a raider like daddy... But she has calmed his raider heart... I love them both." I smiled never thought I would hear that a raider's heart would be softened to make such a beautiful little Filly... Then I looked over to Bulwark and the other guards. "Fleur... I think the main thing of this town should be protecting the future..." She looks down at Star Shooter and wraps around her hugging her close. "For the future is what we need to protect so they can help fix the mistakes of the past." Chapter 16: The sun"The sun to many is the glow of a heart. The glow of a sun...is something that is hard to come by... The idea of the sun being the heart of the universe that it's in... Shall be formed that the sun will go out someday... But the warmth of the son is something we need to see in the end." Day 50 Pow camp Early morning. It was very early morning and came out of the room that was given to me... I felt so much better and stretched. I walked out of the building and Star Shooter came to greet me and I smiled, sitting on my haunches to smile at her. "Hello, there again little one...how are your parents?" She giggled and shrugged. "They're following Kip and Bulwark they're looking for holes in the wall to make sure everything is good. Fleur needed to get back to her crew... She said she will come back later. So I was waiting for you since every adult seems very busy." I chuckled and stroked her mane and smiled. Loving the little black filly. I got very protective of the little one. So I walked around calmly looking at everything that is being worked on noticed that some stores are being built too near the far end of the camp... That used to hold the platform that had the tank on it. I mostly stayed around the filly watching all the workers. Since knowing Kip she wouldn't let me do any work. Deep Thought was speaking to Crow and they seemed to be speaking in some tongue I didn't even understand. I looked down at Star shooter who I hoped would become a big member here. I looked up to Silver Gunner who came over and Star shooter hid behind me seeming scared of him. "Hey, Silver what's up?" Silver gunner chuckled. "Well, we might have to go back out soon...But I got everything fixed and set up in the system... But we will need spare parts... Maybe the next trader that comes through... We should see if they have what we need." I held the little one closer and nodded. "Well, I will see if Kip lets me go, Silver... Now apparently I am babysitting this filly today." Silver laughs and trotted off. "So little Star shooter what do you want to be when you grow up?" Star shooter blinks and thinks a moment. "OH, yes... I want to be a singer. I want to offer my voice to all ponies in this world... When I get older I hope everything will be peaceful again. I was born here... I wasn't even treated well Bulwark tried everything to make it easy for me." I nodded and held the little one a bit and looked around hearing a gunshot. Ponies looked up and Silver laughs. "Oops... Sorry, I think he discharged his blaster." RA Proto spoke. "You touched it you crazy robot...pony...!" The robot seemed to be trying to be a joker. "Says you..." The two robots seem to be talking back and forth as Silver laughed. I sighed and looked at the little creature with a smile. I got on all fours and stood a bit on my back feet as the little filly followed me and I smiled at her. As I got back in the chair I was given. The filly got on the chair and layed against me falling asleep. I was watching everyone else do their job... As I kept resting and leaned back a bit. Bulwark came over and chuckled. "I see you met little Star shooter... I am happy you found her. She was one of the newest born here. I love her parents and she didn't deserve to be born here." "Oh great... I am happy I came before she got badly hurt." Held the little one closer and nodded to Bulwark. "So did you find any holes?" Bulwark shook her head. "Star Shooter's parents wanted to help Kip keep her mind off her husband and wanted her to relax. She thinks of you and me. Because she demands that everyone follows her as her health thing gets to her." I nodded calmly. "It would take a while for Crossfire to get back. If manehatten is being guarded and watched by Enclave he would have to find a way to get there without getting those he cares for hurt." "Speaking of which." I turned on my pip-buck and heard the Dj. "HELLO PONIES this is Bowser wowser!!! Now the news...it seems something big is going down. One of the towers got attacked and the Enclave is trying so hard to keep power. To those that have family in Manehatten if they are on the outside of the city... They will be fine... They seem to mostly care about the deep inside the city. I will keep you up to date to what I find. Now for the music." A song started to play as I turned it off and sighed. "It's getting worse out there... I think its best for the rest of us to stay here till it calms down out there..." I sighed and stroked the little fillies head as she sleeps and I see Kip talking and chatting with the two raiders as they seem to be close now... I lifted my ears a bit to hear them. "I was born...in Old Appleloosa my parents were not the kindest but they did love me. But I was tossed out after I got my cutie mark and my parents killed. I spent my young years walking along with the waste and found Silver gunner then my husband... I am happy with my life... I just wish one of my friends would care for herself." She looked towards me with a smile. I lowered my ears and looked down, listening to them still. "So then I met that wolf over there and at first I didn't know what to think about her and Shadow. Shadow and I became siblings and I love him. I love her too... Like she is a sister... Why I get how I do... She risked her life just to come back and save us all... I feel she could have just let us die... But I think we made a big impact on her." I smiled softly, stroking the little fillies head and stayed there calmly relaxing as it seems that's mostly what I will be doing the next few days. I relaxed a bit and closed my eyes a bit to rest but I wasn't going to be sleeping. I just wanted to relax my brain a bit and I got a big kiss and chuckled, opening my eyes to see Sand. "Well hello, big guy... I am babysitting right now..." He laughed, nodding. "I see but I am just seeing how you are Tiria..before I get back to work" We heard a strange howl and the fog started getting thicker. I stood up and grabbed the filly tighter and lifted her up calmly and took her to my room and set her on my bed and rushed back out. The Junk reaper's still working on the guns. As I went into the case and grabbed my pistol and Bulwark was on the gate watching. I got up the gate and suddenly we saw it... Large wolves like creatures that had the gas come out of holes in their bodies. I looked to the Orb was it calling them as they howled everypony got on the gate and the wall aiming their weapons we waited to see if the wolves would get closer but they stopped staring at us. They started growling and howling. My ears deceived me... I could understand them... They spoke in a tongue. {"Strange...thing calling to us...we must come to it... We must..."} I looked to Sand and he nodded to me and I growled and howled back to them. {"Stay away the orb could kill you... We have innocent little ones in this camp... Please, we don't want to harm you."} The leader growled and showed his teeth and growled and howled back at me. {"We don't harm...those that speak and talk...we only eat the weevils why...our bodies release the fog. We knew what you wanted to do... The enclave murdered some of our kind... So we wished to help by causing the fog. But...something is calling...us... It wants to give us power."} I looked to the howling dance and I never thought I would do this. I opened the case. "Everypony back away from the gate and open it." I grabbed it and ignored the pain for the time being. I was using my bad arm again. I carried the orb as the pain grew... Kip wanted to rush to me but I gave her a look and walked out with the Orb. I growled and howled to them. {"This is what is calling you this... Simple."} I groaned in pain showing them that it's a bad idea being near it. I felt something inside me getting affected. I didn't know it at the time... But If I knew I would never have grabbed it. It affected my ability to give birth. I groaned my stomach as I felt so my pain in that spot. I held my stomach with my other paw as I held the orb... I removed the bandages as I held the orb. My arm getting more deformed. {"Don't come near it... Don't allow it to control you."} I fell to my knees, blood draining from my nose a bit as the orb glowed brightly from the fog. It seems rads from other creatures powered the orb up. {"It will kill you like it's doing to me it will mutate you as well... Don't be the smart one... Don't allow yourself to be affected by it. Go..."} The wolves look towards it and slowly back away. I groaned and stood up feeling so much pain. I was asked. {"Why do you keep it if it does this to you?"} I said calmly in English because I am sure they could understand. "Because... I have seen what it took to create my species... This~" I groan... "Orb of death... If it got into the hooves of anyone else... It will be used to hurt more...ponies... Just like my kind... Used to be ponies and then became like this... Because of this orb... I think someday it will just die out and then become empty." I held the orb more, groaning again and the arm got more in pain and deformed. "I am doing this because I know sooner or later someone else will try to come for it..if I can convince through my pain... That they don't wish to take it." I walked back into the gate, trying to stay strong and put the orb back in the case and passed out. The pip-buck screaming that is dangerous to come near me. ______________________ Day 51 hospital. I opened my eyes weakly seeing Fleur and I was hooked up to an iv that was connected to Rad away. Kip was outside I could hear her losing it. "What if she is dying in there?! What if she is about to lose her arm... What about~!" Shadow calmly wrapped around Kip and she started sobbing. "Shhh, it's okay Kip..." Fleur noticed my eyes were open and she gave me an angry look stared right in my eyes. "You are very lucky to be alive Tiria..." She had so much anger in her eyes it was unreal. I have never seen this mare so angry. "Kip she has had some of it removed from her system... You may check her now." She said in a disappointed voice. "Fleur...do you hate me for what I did?" Fleur turned back to me and chuckled. "It would take a lot for me to hate you Tiria... I am just unhappy that you went to hurting yourself to prove a point that orb is not wise to be near if you're a wolf being." Kip walked in and stared at me her eyes full of anger as Fleur layed down and watched to see what would happen. Kip's horn glowed and gasped tears forming her eyes and she started sobbing hard as Fleur blinks. "Tiria...you're pregnant...but...but... If you give birth...you will die." Fleur stands up quickly "Can you heal her?!" Kip shakes her head... "N...no... I can't." I sat up and sighed. "I am going to have this little one... It's the future and who knows, maybe I will live..." I smiled and gave Kip a hug. "Tell no one else...please Kip just let them know I am expecting..." Fleur looked towards me she had fear in her eyes. "Fleur... I feel this needs to happen... I feel this is needed... Keep it a secret, please... But I need you by my side until the time...happens... I want you there...and to be the Godmother of my pup." Fleur blinks and a weak smile forms on her face. "I shall for you... Tiria." Looks to Kip who had tears form in her large teal eyes. "Please, Kip...they don't have to worry." Kip gains her composure again and nods weakly. "I shall...do as you ask." She smiles, nodding. "I want to make sure I use every day to bring happiness to you all and get this town up and going." I tried to get off the bed but Fleur forced me back down. "You aren't really to move yet Tiria... She needs to check you more." I sighed nodding as Kip look through my body to my arm and blinked. "Your arm... Tiria... It's very bad..." Kip gave a gentle smile and tried not to cry anymore as she wrapped the arm in a bandage. As I felt so much pain my arm and smiled softly. "Don't worry Kip." I gave her a tight hug and then tried to get off the bed groaning a bit holding my head. "That orb really packs a punch." Kip helped me out with Fleur opening the door with her magic and I went outside. "Welp... I am pregnant." Shadow blinks and looks to Kip. "Really is she kidding?" Kip smirks Shadow looked up at me and blinks. "When did you get time to do what you said the dance of continue of life?" I chuckled softly. "Before I came to save you guys... Sand and I kind of ahem...did that." Shadow stared at me, so did Kip and Silver Gunner. Fleur giggled "So...you wanted to rescue us...and you got yourself pregnant...wow..." Shadow laughs and Kip giggles and smiles. "I want you all to be her godparents the same with you Fleur." Fleur's eyes softened and smile. "I would be honored." Kip's eyes fill with tears and rushed to me and hugged me again as I got on all fours to hug her as well. I smiled and went outside and sat in that chair to rest again. Bulwark came up to me and chuckled. "Well hello, there you crazy wolf." I smiled at her. "Eh hello to you too..." Bulwark blinks. "Bulwark I got a question for you..when my pup is born will you protect them with your life?" Bulwark gave me a look it didn't strike her at first and then it did. "Wait...you mean your~" I gave a nod and Bulwark sighed and gave me a hug. "I will do my best Tiria..." She smiled and trotted back to the gate. Fleur layed beside me as the rest got back to work. I was in so much pain and then something small jumped on my stomach looking down seeing the little Filly. "Oh hello, little Star shooter." I hugged the little one. She giggled and I held her close being protective again as I watched the ponies and others worked. I felt my heart beating slowly. Even though my body was in pain from touching the orb... I looked back to see the orb locked in the case now. So It can never be opened again. It was a strong lock it seems... That Silver gunner probably made. I sighed and watched them make progress finding more Enclave dead and taking them out of their armors to use them for later. Then burning the bodies pretty far from us, it seems this little town was moving on as fast as it could. I rested a bit as the little filly watched me and nuzzled my chest and I looked down at her. "Everything okay little one?" She nodded and smiled. "I wish to know a story..." I blinked and thought a bit to remember the stories my mother used to tell me. I thought for a bit and Fleur looked up and giggled softly she knew... I would probably have odd stories. I thought about it for awhile holding the little one closer to me... I knew I wouldn't be seeing her grow up... My heart broke from thinking that and sighed. "I got a story...it's about a warrior that fought with honor. Long ago in the land far away... In the land of green fields and wonderful skies. Bright blue skies. A warrior with an honor filled heart that wished to follow the sun. The sun was but the path it held for his journey. The journey of honor. He followed the path as the sun lead him. It's something that is through the path that will become close to nothing and endless streams." I looked at the little fillies eyes were locked on me I smiled gently. I stroked her head and nuzzled her. "The warrior followed the path to find the sun itself. He said it glowed so brightly and it felt so warm. If only the sun could be seen now... But the sun to him is but a path that shall never end our lives. It's something that will always become a way to learn the idea. It's not always the idea of other's to be there in the way of being there as the sun will speak and sing. It's how we know we are watched by the Goddess... The sun he followed just to see Celestia...and sing to her his love for what she has done for the world. He then wishes to sing to the moon... But fight the evil that condemns the two wonderful beings." She looks to everyone in the camp as they build and help and eat. "Look around us little one... We are the warrior's of the sun and the moon. We work to fight in the name of the princess of the past. All warriors that wish to protect this world... Fight with honor sometimes they fix with both ways to learn the idea of the ending story. It will never give an idea. The path that sings and the tongue shrilling music that calls us... To fight for them... I fought for my own heart...and then I fought for the honor of them. All warriors even will fight alongside those in the endless future of the past." I looked to the rest again and held the little filly closer. "But yes the story...the warrior followed the sun... To get through the pain of the endless dreams. This was before his world turned dark and evil." "Tiria..." I looked down at the little filly. "Why does the robot pony hold that named shotgun...Do you know the story of that?" I smiled and stroked her head. "I am sorry little one I don't... I met him he had that shotgun...it is named Remembrance. It seems that he didn't remember at first where it came from. He is slowly remembering how and why he got it." Star Shooter frowned a bit and I smiled and hugged her tightly. "Now...back to the story alright?" "The sun was leading the warrior to his hope to find peace in his heart that wished to show him honor. He faced a lot of creatures along this path that tried to stop him from fighting for the sun. He was broken after most of the fighting... But he stayed with the honor in his heart... But the honor never gave up on him... For the peace of the endless night, he fell asleep to be welcomed by the moon. He spoke to the moon to relax and calm his heart." Looked down to the filly who fell asleep. I left her there, getting up from the chair and calmly walking around to see how the place is coming along... Looked at the Junk reaper's finally getting the turrets set up. I sat there watching them work as these two were mares in garbage armor I could tell they were close or wife and wife. I never got their names either. I watched them for a while as they teased each other and laughed. The two just seemed very happy to be working and they finally finished one of the turrets and went to the next. I followed the rest and when I talked about the sun... I was hoping to see it again. It's something I have been wanting to see again... But hopefully, we will see it again in my lifetime. I sat there watching the two mares one of them looked at me and she seemed a little bothered by me watching and she looked to her wife and they whispered and they nodded as they came down and smiled. "Can we help you miss Tiria?" I blinked and chuckled. "No no, I am fine I am just seeing what you're doing... It's interesting." One of them removed her helm she was gold earth pony mare with one eye missing. "Ah yes, it's a lovely bunch of work..." The earth pony mare smiled and leaned against her large wife. Who removed her helm and I noticed something she had wings. "Wait you're a pegasus?" I looked at her and she chuckled. "Yes... I am a dashite you could say..." The earth mare giggles and nuzzles her. "A wonderful one at that... She saved my life so many times..." The Dashite smiles and nods. "I'm Firestorm. this is my life, Peach Rose." The pegasus removed her helm she is pure black. "She found me after I was banished below here and we joined the Junk Reaper's together. Hoping that someday I will be able to go back up to see my family." She leaned into Peach Rose and they both seemed content just to be working. "You two could live around here if you wished..." Peach Rose chuckled. "Well, we will talk to them about that... But I could feel very happy here. The fact that Wheel tread is dead and now...we can enjoy the fact...he won't try to steal from us anymore." Firestorm nodded, looking towards the rest of the town with a smile. "It's peaceful...hard to find when other parts of Equestria are fighting a hard battle." I nodded sadly, sadness filling my eyes and my features. "I wish I could help...the rest of Equestria but I am not a big-time hero...All I can do is try to help The Lightbringer in my way... By trying to keep her behind from getting shot." They both nodded and I sighed. "Not every hero has the will to go through each path of their heart to make the strong heart build. If we can build the path that always ends. We can enter the back way in... Let her take the hard part... We take the small part and remove the threat that could stop her. But that's the hard part. Sometimes the innocent might be the problem." Peach Rose nodded and nuzzled into her wife. "I do agree with you of course." The large pegasi said. "But we can't always just help those... Even if they don't ask for it." I gave a nod and looked around. "I will let you two get back to it..." The two smiled, putting their helms back on and getting back to connecting the turrets. I went to Deep Thought and listened to him teach children and kept them calm. "Now Nightmare Moon caused a lot of problems when she forced to keep the moon in place... She didn't wish to move it she wished to keep it as pure darkness... Now I know that seems strange... But you got to remember this is the past and the past had a lot of interesting issues. But as we go on and learn more about it." The Changeling seems to be trying his best to keep the minds of the children from wandering. "Remember Nightmare moon was Luna... Luna and Celestia were sisters that lead Equestria but... Let's just say the war wished to remove them from that role. It's something that will never be easy for others to admit but the path that leads them to this... Was allowing the war to get as bad as it did... Now I won't accuse the princess of this... But I will accuse the past ponies... Who got too hungry for power." I watched with a smile listening to the changeling I felt at peace as he did... I sat there listening to it. I calmly watched them and the little ones. Loving the fact the little ones listened over and over. I sighed softly closing her eyes and then stood back up and walked past them. I saw the gate open up and coming in was Crossfire and the rest of the ponies of Misty moon apartments watching Kip trotting to Cross and kissing him deeply. I walked over to them and Cross chuckled. "It was getting nasty over there... Very deadly, the Enclave was looking through each building for ponies. So I got those out as quick as I can... I got them all and your tools, Kip... So you can do your doctor work..." He smiled. "Also I think no pony followed us." I sat there watching them as they smiled and young little ones rushed around giggling and playing. As it seemed they had cook gear within the back of a wagon. I watched all them and felt my heart ease up... Now Kip can be happy and I felt a lanky ghoul nuzzle my side and I looked to Fleur with a smile. "Hello, my friend... How is your ship?" Fleur chuckles. "We are thinking of taking it apart and moving in this little town. Because I feel it's safer for the rest of us to be in here... Than out there. Maybe I could build an inn in the cave and have my crew take care of it with me." I chuckled softly nodding. "I agree that would be interesting... But you're going to take it all apart? Did you tell your crew that you wish to do this?" She nodded calmly and leaned against me I didn't care for the smell I got used to it. "Yeah... I told them I needed to keep an eye on you and the little pup you have... I feel that is the only way I can help. I heard you were telling Star Shooter a story about the sun?" I stayed looking at the ponies from Misty moon apartments. "It's a story that my race made up... But with some truth... Before we became so ... some of our race did travel the land. One of them walked following the sun. But the sun was his heart mostly. He was a hunter not a warrior like me... But this was during a time our species was dying of hunger...he was crying for the Goddess to give us food. So he kept following the Sun... But the sun is not the orb...that we normally see in the sky." I sighed. "The orb is our honor...our way of living... If we never allow the sun to fill our souls with happiness we become empty and hateful... Like I did for a while. It's something I am not happy about but... It's something I know that will happen again... Someday I will give hate... I will see hate. I feel the ponies of old lost their will and way with their hearts being empty." I looked at the Howling Dance. "I think that robbed our honor from us...because we cared too much about what created us... To learn that didn't really create us... It was a pony project to keep the pony way of life to expand... It made us live longer... But to what end though? To watch the world become more hateful as the Lightbringer tries to cleanse it of the hate?" I looked to Fleur who had a gentle smile on her face. "Tiria I think you worry too much for how others see you... I see you as a strong female trying to protect those that she rescued... You rescued me... My friend... I will do the same for you. I am sure Sand will be there for you for the rest of your time alive... Maybe even raise your little one when you leave." I nodded hoping that would be the case. "I hope that is the case Fleur..." Fleur chuckles and seemed to be a very kind mare that just wanted what is best for those around them. She warmed my heart as Kip did... I never felt such kindness as Kip trotted up to me and nuzzled me as well. "I need you both to be strong... I know... I won't be here... So please do what you need...for me please." Fleur nodded and then stood up on her hooves. "I need to head back to my ship. We will be bringing in a bunch of wood and whatever else evens the beds. So I may be gone awhile as we do this..." Fleur trotted out of the gate and headed back to the cruise ship to tear it down with her crew. I smiled softly and Kip stayed near me and put her head on my side. "What did we do wrong...to lose you so soon Tiria?" Kip was shaking and she had tears in her eyes. "I would say fate had something to do with it... But no it was my stupidity, my friend... I feel I deserve this... For being weak and allowing those around me to fall. I don't want to see any more die because of my failing's Kip." I looked at her and she gave me a weak smile and Shadow came over along with Silver they sat by us... The first four of us...to save us... "It would seem that we are the ones that helped save this little camp... Even if we have you to thank for that... Tiria..." I gave a soft chuckle shaking my head. "I feel it was all of us that did it... Thinking about you all...that made me fight so hard to get to you all... I had to see if you were alive or not... I couldn't sleep I couldn't stop myself from following the sun to get to you... I needed to see you again... Kip... I needed to hear your sarcastic mouth Shadow... I also needed to see my friendly robot friend." Silver gunner nodded and held the Shotgun, looking down at it seeing the photo trying to remember these faces...and why he has this shotgun... Maybe someday he will remember. I looked over at him and got a bit worried. "Silver you alright?" Silver looked up to me his eyes glowing brightly. "I know these faces... I just don't remember the names... I know they gave me this shotgun... I know I was there with them so long ago... But I don't remember how or why. It's something that is bothering me so much." Kip leaned against Shadow who watched the ponies come in. Shadow seemed to relax and smiled at his sibling well adopted. As he wrapped his arm around her and wings. "It seems that we are going to be together forever...hopefully." Kip's eyes fill with tears and put her face in Shadow's feathered side. I looked towards the howling dance... Someday that is going to cause something that we may never fix. I watched it glow... As it seemed like it was calling me... I stared at it... As they noticed I was staring at it... I slowly started to get up... As it seemed to be speaking to me in my mind... Why? Kip used her magic to keep me from moving and forced me to stop looking at it. "Tiria..... Tiria!!" She yelled at me and I blinked, seeing her and wondered what the hell was going on. "That...orb...can get to me even if you just stare at it... I need to make sure I don't." Someday the orb is either going to be shattered or one that was to control its power will be shattered. It will be a time when this happens and the power will never end. I feel that day maybe soon... When this orb starts to bring the fate it wishes to me. I hope when it does it won't harm my friends... I hope down the line we get to see those in the future... It's time to follow the sun and be the better creatures we wish to be... I hope that someday we all will be. I looked to the sky hoping someday I will live long enough to see the sun again... Oh, that glow that brought hope in my heart...it's something I have been wanting for ages in my heart... To follow the son and finally see me...on the other end of the road. Chapter 17: The first seal"A seal is to keep something from getting out." Day 51 I opened my eyes and I was in the chair outside. I stood up and stretched a bit. It seemed pretty early morning and the only ones out were Bulwark and the two robots... I went inside the cave and noticed that the two Steel rangers removed their armour and are still looking at the seals. They drew the seals to get it open I went to them calmly and yawned gently sitting there watching them to see what they're doing. The two rangers had a book with them writing down the information on it and Lily turned to me with a gentle smile. "Ah hello, Tiria we might need your help here if you don't mind." I blinked and walked over to them tilting my head. She smiled and looked over to the book. "It seems from what I learned from the info of the warden's office... They hid four books around parts of Equestria... It seems the first one... Is located in a port town not far from here. I don't know anything about this little port town. So I would recommend having other's go with you." I nodded she gave me the map of the area here and it leading to the town. I went out of the cave and Kip was awake and so was Shadow. They were talking and they looked to me and I showed them the map. "Oh.....that town...is not safe... Why do you have a map of it?" Shadow asked calmly and Silver Gunner walked up to me. "I would say gather some food potions and ammo and head down there... It's where a book is to break a seal on the stable." Kip blinks looking to Shadow and she smirks. "I am coming with you... I am not staying here..." Shadow laughs and Silver nodded. "Let's go then shall we?" Said Silver Gunner. Kip smiled and trotted off to gather her supplies "Finally I can do something..." I said with a smile. "I got tired of just sitting here doing nothing." I blinked watching Fleur's crew started walking in with parts of the cruise ship going into the cave. Kip trotted back to us watching this as well. "Huh, I thought she was joking when she said she would tear down the cruise ship to build an inn in there." Kip calmly said and I laughed. "I have learned...to take whatever Fleur said seriously." Kip had all her bags. I went to get my weapons from the case opening it up and putting on my armour and getting my Zebra pistol and the strange mace. I got my bags and journal as well looking to Shadow who just had the chewer on his back with ammo. "Alright let's go." Bulwark kept the gate open for us and I looked to her. "If we aren't back in three days come and search for us." She gave a nod and we looked towards the east. I was told there is water down that way... But why would there be? I looked to Shadow and then Silver. Then to the map... The walk to get there would take us through what is called RadScropain lands. I thought wonderful... The four of us walked slowly along the path... It was all of us to this mission... To find a book to remove the seal. Kip looked up to me with a gentle smile. "Have those two learned what is in that stable?" I looked to her calmly and shook my head. "I think they're trying to find why they sealed it off in the first place. I am hoping we don't find anything deadly in there" Shadow chuckles softly looking towards me with a smile. "It's not a deadly place really... Just for some reason...everypony there just vanished... No one knows why really." I blinked and Shadow flaps up his wings to Kip and goes. "Oooooo." Kip rolls her eyes and gives him a kiss. "Enough brother...that's silly of you..." Shadow laughs and smiles at Kip they are very close now and I loved the fact that he was always there for her... Same with Silver who kept to himself staring at the shotgun. I looked over to him and let the other two walk on ahead and I walked beside Silver Gunner... As he looked to me his robotic eyes glowing. "I know...these ponies and Zebra... I know them... I just can't remember them... All I know they gave me this shotgun..." Silver sighed looking at the gun. He stared at the name and looked down wanting to remember. Remembrance he wants to remember them so much... But it seems he will never will unless something triggers in his head. Hopefully, someday he will remember. I looked ahead of us seeing small scorpions along the ground. As they seem to just avoid us. This walk would take us half a day I was told. Looking over to Kip and Shadow who are laughing and talking. I smiled enjoying that fact we are back to normal for the time being. Looking to Silver who just kept walking. He stayed silent holding the shotgun and trying to remember.. If he had a heart... I am sure he would be crying a bit right now. But I doubt he can. I feel bad for him real bad... For him... I wish I could help him. I watched ahead closing my eyes feeling rain starting to fall on us but of course we didn't care and kept moving. I looked to the others and I saw the fog forming and stopped turning to see the Fog wolves and they started to speak as the others stopped to look. {Don't...go on...sister.... The seal...is there for a reason...} They vanish as the fog takes them away like they weren't even there... "Tiria why did you stop?" I blinked, turning to them seeing Kip come up to me with a worrying look. I looked back seeing nothing and then back to Kip. "Sorry just thinking." I smiled and kept walking along. I felt something was bothering me after that... I looked to the top of a rock seeing the fog wolves again. It seems they're trying to tell me something. I have no idea what they're trying to say and we kept walking through the land of Rad Scorpions. But it seems we didn't see any of them. Keeping my gun armed and waiting for them to show up. " It seems....they're in hiding..." Shadow said calmly looking around his blue eyes watching. As we get closer to our destination the port town... On the map, that was called. Speaker of waves. I blinked staring at that name... Speaker of waves? Yeesh who names these places and why do ponies name things so strangely? I looked up seeing the wolves again but this time...my friends saw them too. They started to speak to me again. We stopped as they started to speak. {Keep walking...sister... We are keeping the minions of the poison from you...with our fog... But take heart... If you find the seal....destroy it... Don't allow them to open it.} I looked to my friends who looked at me. "Lets go..." As they moved to let us walk as we watched the fog come from their bodies and their mouths... The fog wolves bodies seem to be made of the very fog... As well as the Kip's of time. Then the fog made them vanish as it seems the fog is keeping the crazy Scorpion's from harming us... Looking up seeing that we are two hours away from where we have to go. Our stomach's started to rumble as I chuckled softly. "It seems I am hungry..." Kip nods and we find a spot an hour away from where we need to go. She puts up her magic torches and we start a fire and just sit there watching our food cook. Silver Gunner walks around the camp patrolling making sure we don't get harmed. I sat there thinking of what was said to me... I am going to die... But I am also going to have a little one that comes through this... Hopefully Sand will be able to raise them... I looked at the meat cook and felt my hunger growing... But I felt that my pain was growing... It seems my choices are going to cause either my friends to live or to die. I remember the start of the journey being forced to leave from my species... It's been almost two months...since I found my friends... I looked to Kip and Shadow who are chatting and he seems to be trying to get her to have her foals with Crossfire. As she blushes and giggles. Smiling at that... Going back to the meat... Has the wasteland beaten my honour? If I die from a pup has my honour been taken by the waste? Has the golem of the waste beaten me? I keep looking closing my eyes and feeling my will falling a bit... But I need to keep moving... I need to gather my thoughts. Looking to the meat again and it's placed in a bowl and floated to me and I smile to Kip. She had a gentle smile on her face. As she leans on Shadow as she gives him meat as well. I calmly eat its something I never thought... Would I make a good mother if I lived? Would I make a good leader? "Tiria?" I looked over to Kip and she has a worried look. "Are you okay? You seem bothered by something." I smiled, shaking my head. "Don't worry Kip... I am thinking... Just thinking of the future you could say." Shadow nods. I went back to eating closing my eyes and looked at the pip-buck... This fog this time is not causing my pip-buck to go nuts... Find that strange...really strange. But I just focused on eating and drinking from my canteen that held some bit of a dirty water..But I had to drink. Something strange was going on with this stable... Why would these wolves care if I open it? Calmly setting the bowl down and Kip takes it back to place it back in her bag. I stood up a bit watching as I noticed the fire torches bringing soft soothing as I got near it... Looking to them... Magic? How does magic work like this... I felt so unsure around these torches I feel that my life is calm. I think it's a way for Kip to calm the wounded... As she works on them. I stood there awhile as I watched the fog lift a bit to show us the port town. From what I could it looks very run down. I closed my eyes again and felt my head and heart... I felt my heart slowly beating my brain hurting from thinking too hard about this... I need to relax and just let my life continue without hurting... Sitting back down we waited a little longer before heading to our next path. I started to feel my body was falling apart... But that is probably because of all the insane shit I did... Carrying that orb... Looking to my arm that is still wrapped up. I looked to Kip was eating carrots and Shadow who was eating his meat they seemed worried about me... Apparently, I could tell that Kip told Shadow and Silver Gunner what is going to happen to me... "You and Silver know, don't you Shadow." Kip's ear's fall. "Know what... Tiria?" I blinked for a moment and closed my eyes and sighed. "Nevermind." Shadow looks to Kip and I stand up and help Kip get everything ready blowing out the torches and she takes them apart placing most of the gear inside of Silver Gunner but her First aid kits and her shotgun. Looking towards me I give her a gentle smile and she just gives a weak smile. We start our walk again seeing how it's going to be hard to find this seal. ______ Speaker of Waves We walk into the town as the fog doesn't seem to be in this part. Looking around calmly seeing no bodies, no bones... Nothing just buildings that seem to be empty. I looked at them and smiled. Looking around calmly and sighed. "Why do I feel like something bad is going to happen?" Kip looked to me and then she shivered so did Shadow and Silver looked at us. "Did....someone just walk over my grave?" I felt a voice in my mind. {Ah....please free me child...searching for the seals? This empty war...that caused so much death?} I held my head and then looked up looking around finally seeing what happen here... Whatever is this thing is showing us the past...and somehow even showing Silver. ________________ Speaker of Waves the past. {Please....see what happen here...children... Of the past... Please see...} All of us opened our eyes seeing the war didn't make it here but the ponies attacked each other. {It was sister on sister...a small battle to protect the Zebras within this little town... Some refused to follow what the government was saying and a war of death broke out here... The warden brought in the seal. It was an experiment since...some of the ponies brought here...were criminals mixed into the normal group... The POW camp enjoyed the irony... Of testing things like this... No pony was innocent in this war.} I finally would be the one who asks the question. "Who...are you?" The flash would end and standing there would be Zebras right in front of us... Zebras have lived here all their lives? But then they vanished showing that the entire town is just a ghost town because of the seal. ___________________ Back to the "Normal" World Our vision cleared and we stood in the middle of the town still and I looked to the others. "It just comes clear..dosen't it...oh it does.." I rolled my eyes and getting more and more pissed off at ponies. My anger got to me so much that I howled deeply, it echoing softly as I closed my eyes and kneeled. "How...can ponies even think of working together anymore? How can we even see them becoming to that path... The path that will never end... If we save them will the future just turn back?" I sighed closing my eyes not sure if I should keep moving. Kip put her hoof on my shoulder and nuzzled me. "Tiria you can't keep blaming all the ponies in the past or the future for the mistakes... We need to move on and find this seal...and then learn what happened here." The others nodded as I sighed closing my eyes and stood back up and looked around. "I think we should check all the buildings... We might find out what happened here." They nodded and Silver went to the library first and we all followed him. He turned his eyes on and all the books all over the floor and the pages ripped out. "What in the world?" Kip said, looking at the mess. Shadow looked through the pages. I looked through the terminal. "Hmm from what I see here... It seems nopony even took out books at all...and this town...was fully built a month before the war ended. Because they ordered all these books a day before it ended. But why would this be in here? You would think all this info they have in here is in the town hall." I looked up from the terminal. "There is nothing here about a book from a warden." I closed my eyes. What would hold a seal? I blinked a moment a place for trinkets. "Kip, what is a place you place old trinkets in?" Kip blinks and thinks a moment. "Oh, yes, a museum?" I nodded "Let's find it" I got up from the chair and shadow blinked staring at one of the books and he heard a sound and followed it seeing a female Griffin. She was in a net while her friends seem to be dead... She looks at him with fear and speaks with fear. " Are you here...to kill us?!" I blinked and noticed seeing no bodies and Shadow looks again and doesn't see the bodies and looks up to the net. "Miss you should look again." The female to looks back down seeing no bodies and shakes. "This town...scared off my friends...we came to look for food... I am Owl beak." Shadow stared at her he seemed to enjoy how she looked... I looked to him and put my paw in front of his eyes to see if he was still there... "Ahem... Shadow....now is not the time." He blinked, looking at me. "What... I am staring at a female of my species... is that a bad thing?" Kip laughs loudly. I rolled my eyes and mouthed 'males'... I undid the net and helped her down. She rushed out of the room and looked around. "Look go, head to the POW camp not far from here... You will find help there." She nodded and flew off. "I am so going to have her as mine." I face pawed and Kip laughed and Silver looked at him. "Is this normal for your species then? Suddenly telling a female that she will be your's suddenly at first look." Shadow blinks looking to Silver. "No...but for me it's normal... Because hey, she is beautiful I deserve something at least." I just rolled my eyes again. "Focus!!" Shadow looked to me so did Silver and I looked to Kip who had a gentle smile on her face. "Alright now... let's go to the museum and find this seal..." They nodded and we walked back out of the building and looked around... "Now if I could only find it?" I said stroking the back of my head with a paw with a soft snort from my nose. Silver went ahead of us and pointed with his hoof to it. How this town was set up was odd. The museum right by the docks? I looked down to see a body leaning agents a wall it was all bones and not wearing any clothing but I looked through it and found a small little card with strange markings on it and placed it in my bag. It was interesting that was the only body I found. We went inside the museum. Silver stood by the door guarding it. "I will stay here, you get going." I nodded and Shadow along with Kip followed me. We went into the old relic room. Kip looked through one of them. She read the plaque and tried to get it out of the glass. Shadow grabbed The Chewer mini gun, smashing the case with it and Kip uses her magic to look at the old relic with ancient writing on it. She placed it in her bag. As I kept looking and found and old book and opened the case looking through it. I shrugged and put it in my bag. A silent alarm went off but of course, none of us heard it. Shadow and Kip kept taking strange items that would be mistaken for seals. Then robots started coming in and one yelled: "EXTERMINATE!!" I blinked looking towards the robots and I thought 'Oh wonderful...' I grabbed my pistol and fired at them and they fired lasers back at me and I rushed back out quickly to get out of the door. "Come on!!" Kip and Shadow rushed back out and Silver gunner still stood at the door. "What did you three do now?" I looked to Silver with anger in my eyes. "Oh... I don't know...lets see robots wish to kill us...anything else?" Silver chuckled and the robots rushed out of the room and Kip pulled her shotgun out of her bag with her magic blasting one of them blowing the head off. Shadow grabbed the chewer and used it like it was a giant club... Smashing one of them over and over. Then a voice came out of PA. "Self Destruct set in 30 seconds..." I blinked and ran out with the others as quick as we could and when we got out - Boom!!! The entire building went up and I went flying into a window and landed in a building, knocked out completely. _______ Day 53 Two days later I woke up in the same room and stood up no bones broken just a lot of blood on my arms from the glass. I went out to look for Silver, Kip and Shadow... But I found no trace of them. I looked to the former museum that blown up the building still on fire a bit. Others near it and burning. I looked down. {Who the hell had it in their right mind to put a self-destruct in a museum.} Looking around I yelled out. "KIP!!! Shadow!!! Silver!!" My voice echoed. I heard nothing. I was alone... Could they be dead? Could something have happened to them? Lowering my eyes... What would I tell Crossfire? What would I tell him? 'Oh... I am sorry crossfire I lost track of your wife...' I sat down and felt the doubt filling me again. Closing my eyes and breathing deeply. I felt my emotions going through so many ways. No tears coming from my eyes. Stand back up on all four paws. Slowly walking through the burning town. Heading back out what will I tell them? Dispair filling my heart... I closed my eyes and just walked along the dead ground. Rain started to pour with lighting falling. I was walking back but the pouring got so hard... I had to hide in a cave. I opened my bag to get some water from my canteen. Drinking from it looking through it finding no food at all. I layed down watching from the cave seeing the rain just falling over and over. Alone...again..Did I deserve friends at all? Did they die because of me? I closed my eyes and let the sleep take me. _________________ Day 54 early morning I opened my eyes and the rain stopped. Heading outside of the cave following the old path back to the camp. I knew it would be a long trek alone. Then I heard a voice. "Hey, kid you seem to be alone here." I looked up my heart stopping seeing Shadow land beside me and Kip rushing to hug me and Fleur along with a few other ponies even Cannon ball to find me. "You.....found me...but... I thought I lead you to your deaths?" Kip had tears falling from her eyes and hugged me tightly looking to Fleur and smiled. "Well the bomb did knock us out and Silver dragged us back... So there is that... But we wanted to come back and find you." I nodded and passed out from the pain in my legs. __________ Day 55 hospital Opening my eyes Fleur and Kip were pulling the glass from my body. Wrapping what they could with bandages. I looked like a real mess... I groaned and Fleur used her magic to stop me from talking and moving... "You need to rest Tiria." I sighed laying there resting when they finished Kip and Fleur sat by the bed watching me... I could tell in their eyes they were very worried about me... I never thought a ghoul would care... But I have learned that even if she is decaying and dead... She has a big heart... Kip is just Kip being motherly. I layed there not sure what to think. "I screwed up didn't I?" Fleur blinks and smiles. "Not at all Tiria..." Kip tried to reassure me. "You need to relax and not worry so much my darling friend." Fleur said with a gentle nuzzle on my arm. I smiled softly and Lily walked in, I looked to her. She looked through Kip's bag finding the large tablet and shattering it. I blinked and watched them look through my bags next and finding the small little card I found. "Ah thank you miss Tiria you found the seal." I blinked and sat up despite the pain. "You mean to tell me that little thing is the seal?" She looked to me with a blink and nodded. "Not all ponies were insane to put seals in crazy large items Tiria... Some used little items like this... Because it made more sense and less to be stolen. You can tell just by the word written here..." She smiled at me and I sighed, groaning, my head throbbing. Oh, gods... I am started to hate ponies even more now... Kip giggles. "I do...find that interesting...that ponies of old...felt that something too big was too much." Kip giggles and walked out heading to meet Crossfire. and Fleur forced me back down with my magic. "There is someone that wants to talk to you." I nodded and layed there as Fleur floated something on my chest and looked to see Star shooter and she was giggling, nuzzling on me and I laughed. "Hello, little one." I stroking her head. "You want another story?" She gave a nod as Fleur came back over and whispered in my ear. "I need to get back to my cruise ship to help take it apart..Please don't get hurt anymore... I don't want to have to tie you down and force you to heal." I smiled at her and she winks and trotted out. As I held the little one... "Ah yes, a story. How about the story of a young wolf female... That found friends in a broken land?" She nodded with a large smile on her face. "Ah yes...the young female left her home to find adventure... Her first part of her journey she...ran into some monsters. Big nasty monsters." I had no heart to tell her it was ponies. She seems so innocent. She looked at me with her big eyes and I couldn't help but smile. Star Seeker was going to be a wonderful scribe someday. "She fought them with vigour and honour... But to no avail, she was captured!!" She gasped and her eyes full of wonder. "She was told that she would be given to an evil monster known as Trot trot... Because every time he ran, he trotted. But yes she found herself her first friend a little cat named hissy. Hissy was a sweet little kitty that spoke like a little girl and was always the one that caused the evil to find her." Chuckled softly. Her eyes still full and big wanting to hear more. She giggled and danced around mimicking the parts I said in the story. I chuckled and watched the little filly giggled more as I sat up stroking her back. "Let's see ah... She followed the little kitty on an adventure...and they both saw a sign that was painted in jelly. Saying the jelly doughnut was here... She followed the kitty to run into a flower and angry flower... That tried so hard to get them to steal the hearts of every living plant and stop the strange one from being so punny." She giggled and I smiled softly and after awhile I tried to continue with the story but her mother walked in. I looked to the former raider who still had all her scars. She helped the little one of the bed and she came back to me when the little filly left. "Thank you... Tiria... I am trying to keep her life innocent... She melted mine and my husband's hearts... Thank you so much for what you did for us." I smiled and nodded and she trotted out as she I gently got off the bed and walked out of the hospital I hated the smell of it. Walking to the stable to see them setting the little card near it and lily looked to me and smiled. "I am going to need one more seal... But no rush... I need to read on where they went first...and then I will have you go for them." Gave a nod "What is in there do you know?" She looked at me again and shook her head. "Sadly I don't... I read up they may have experimented on the prisoners in there but that's all I know really. I hope to find out more... But if we can get this open... We might find more than just weapons in there... We might find out why they built this vault in an old camp. This camp has been around way before the war started...it was used to hold Equestria's criminals but then it turned into holding prisoners of war. So something changed down the line... To make a change that drastic." Giving a nod, I let them do what they needed. I was stopped by Sand as he smiled at me and we nuzzled closely... "I was thinking... Tiria would you like to come with me to a romantic dinner?" I gave a blink and smiled. "I would love to." He lead me to the bar as a table was already set up thanks to the bartender and there was calm violin music playing. I looked to see a robot that a trader gave us... That played gentle violin music. There were two slabs of meat and some old wine as I felt my heart jump at this. A romantic night and I haven't told him yet that I would be dying when our pup is born... Why ruin it. He smiled and chuckled. "I know this is not normal for our kind... But Crossfire told me this is how ponies do it...and I guess since our kind used to be ponies we should at least do something like this." Chuckled softly and gave him a gentle smile nodding. "I agree." I heard a mic and looked to Silver Gunner who was going to sing for us. He sang a very gentle song. "Love...her tender....love her sweet...never let her go... You have made her life complete...and she loves you so... Oh love her tender...love her sweet more then you should know...for darling she loves you...and she always will... Love her long love her dear...take her into your heart... For all the years and~" He shorted out a moment and started singing again. I facepawed if they could see me blushing I would be at the moment. I took the wine and calmly drank it as Silver gunner kept singing but I could make it out this time... His voice turned into a saxophone and calmly played jazz music. Along with the hovering robot that did the same. Drinking the wine again and eating the meat calmy. In my mind, I felt how are we so lucky to have this peace? For the moment anyway. I am sure others aren't having such an easy job... But we need to stay where we are unless the time is right. I finished eating and drinking the wine as he walked with me along the little town and looking towards him and smiled very gently at me and we sat on the gate bulwark was near us and she watched us with a smile. It was so beautiful, the bog, the ghouls...the fog... Yuck, this place was gross if you kept looking at it like this. It's something I hope that someday would be cleared closing my eyes soon I felt that a battle would be fought and... I would have to be part of it. "Tiria..." I looked towards him and he placed a bullet made ring around my neck and I looked at it calmly. "What is this about?" He smiled and kissed me deeply and I broke it gently but I had to find out what this was about. "What is this?" Sand chuckled. "It's basically me asking you to be my mate for life." I blinked, my eyes go wide, tears falling looking away. "I can't do that Sand... I do love you... But I can't be with anyone for life. But I want you to be there for the pup." Sand looked down and nodded. "I understand Tiria...it's all new to you... Maybe someday you will change your mind." He got off the gate. I looked to Bulwark who came close to me and put her head on my shoulder. "Something wrong Tiria? He had been working on this for almost a week." I sighed "Bulwark you have to promise that you don't tell him." She gave a nod. "When I give birth...there is a bit chance... That I might die." She blinked looking at me with fear in her eyes. "You need to tell him Tiria...how would he think if the pup he made with you caused you to die..." I nodded. She gave me a tight hug and I nuzzled her calmly staying silent as I watched the gate with her. "It seems lonely up here Bulwark...how do you do it?" She looked towards me with a smile. "It's not that boring. Tiny normally comes and said hello to me and joins me... Sometimes Ra Proto jumps up here and watches with me... I take this job very very seriously." I nodded as I sat here watching the gate with my friend... I looked to see the wolves again and they spoke. {Destroy the seals...sister destroy the seals.} Then they vanished... I am starting to wonder if looking for these seals is a bad thing... But I feel that opening that stable would be a good thing... To help the ponies here. Closed my eyes thinking of the little ones including Star Shooter hopefully someday the world will go back to normal but at the moment all I can do is wish that she will be safe...and safe even after I pass. So I wait as this peaceful night goes helping my friend Bulwark watch the gate. Chapter 18: The broken"Forming trade in a world so long dead...is not easy...but it can help." Day 57 Manehatten I looked to Shadow. He and I walked into Manehatten we noticed that a lot of the Enclave were still around. Even if most of them left. Looking to Shadow and I followed him as we snuck through parts of Manehatten to get to friends of his. He leads me to a building that seems to be left alone. Going inside with and there are Griffins and Ponies here. They seemed to have an underground market here. "Welcome... Tiria... I haven't been here in years... But I am happy to see them still working through this time." A mare trots up and gives Shadow a hug. "You're alive!!" Shadow smiled and gave the mare a hug. She is gold coloured. "Good to see you Golden Petal." She smiles at him and then trots off to look to me. "Oh, it's the wolf!!" I face pawed sighing. "Yes... I am the wolf... I'd rather just be known as Tiria a normal everyday creature that helps fight in the wasteland." Giving them a pleading look to respect that. Of course, the mare chuckled and trotted off and stood on a box. "Presenting Shadow and his friend the wolf!!" I face paw hard... I don't want to be this well know... Shadow placing his talons on my shoulder and smiled. "You have to get used to the fact... that even though you have done small things... You're still a hero in their eyes... This day and age we need heros... You can just ignore the fact you have saved lives. You need to accept the fact you are a hero... But The Lightbringer is bringing hope small heroes like you are doing the same." I gave him a look and sighed "Introduce me to this friend of yours and let see this done with." Seeming a bit out of it lately I think because...of all the mind games those wolves are doing to me lately. He nods and lead me to the leader of this little market. Sitting in a pillow an old stallion with a long beard sat there and he opened his eyes. "Ah... I see you have returned old friend." Shadow nodded. "Yes Wheel tread's deal didn't last." He nodded. "Ah yes it was never meant to be... So what brings you here with her?" Shadow pushed me to help him with this. "She and I are the leaders of our little town. We wish to start a trade caravan with you." The old stallion nodded. "Allow the wolf to speak for she is the mountain you are the wind." I blinked wondering what he meant by that. But then I got to the point. "We wish to start a caravan trade in our little town in the former POW camp that Wheel tread used to own. We mostly just need food water whiskey whatever the bar's need." The stallion nodded. "Ah yes...also need food. It will be hard the Enclave is everywhere here in the city. But I am sure we could find a way. But I need you to do something first for me." Sighing thinking of course. "There is a mental hospital a days walk from here. I need you to go in there and see if you can find my daughter... She went there to find Medical supplies." I blinked "How will we get there?" The stallion chuckles. "Follow the shit...the shit shall lead you there." I blinked looking to Shadow and he laughs. "Follow the sewers Tiria..." My eyes went wide... The sewers the place that held old bathroom crap of ponies... I sighed and looked down. "No I meant follow the shit..there is a sewer grate outside and follow it till you come to a large middle area or a junction they called it. There would be a sign leading you there." Looking down and blinking a moment and looking to Shadow giving him an angry look. Shadow just shrugged. "Don't be upset at him child... I can tell he cares about you...and the fact that you might die...in a year..." Shadow eyes go wide looking to me. "Come on lets...go..." I grabbed Shadow and heard the voice of the stallion. "You can't ignore it any longer child...you need to tell him." Shadow stayed silent for a moment and the two of us opened the sewer grate before the Enclave saw us. Going down and I sighed as I knew he would ask what he meant about that. I could tell that Shadow wanted to speak to me so before we fully went through the tunnels in this sewer, I stopped turning to him. "Tiria...what did he mean by that?" I looked down I finally could tell him. "When the little one is born... I will die..." Shadow blinks and wraps a wing around me and just holds me close. "Tiria I am not upset at you... I feel you need to tell Silver too... But we will need to accept that you want this little one... Because she is the future and you want the future to be happy for everypony." Giving a nod at that and then we looked down the tunnels hearing gunshots above. "I can't belive we have to be down here to keep the enclave from getting us." Shadow laughs softly and shrugs. Walking along the sewers looking to the water at how calm it is. Sighing a bit closing my eyes just a bit and kept on moving. Following the path to get us through the sewers. At some points I covered my nose and Shadow laughed. "Oh funny... I have a high sense of smell... Would you like to smell the shit of every pony ever?!" I stared at him my anger was growing from being down here. Then I stepped in something looking down... It was nasty. "Ewww." Just kept moving and closing my eyes sighing. We get into the middle of the sewers and we noticed old buildings and bones that have been here for so long. Looking down to the bones. I blinked "These are rat creepers." Looked around seeing half of the settlement destroyed. Shadow shrugged. "So?" Looking to Shadow and gave him I hate you look. "Oh but you love me..." He winked at me and rolled my eyes and we kept walking following a path that seems to leave the little settlement. Closing my eyes and looked to Shadow who was my first friend ever in this journey the walls started to get that raider look it called out to us... Like hey!! HEY, its evil ahead. I grabbed my pistol and Shadow chuckled watching me as I looked to him. "Don't worry I am sure there is no Raider.." A raider called out. "HEY ITS a griffin!" Shadow sighed and got behind the wall grabbing his Minigun "Fine...there are Raider's down here..." He turns the wall firing on them as we basically try our best to get past them.I fire my pistol at them and they keep ducking from Shadow's Minigun as we get to the other side. I grab a metal apple pull the pin and toss it at them. I heard them yell and boom i saw body parts fly and smiled. "Hmm are you hungry Shadow?" Shadow looks to me with a smirk and nods we get out of the hiding spot and grabbed the meat we could find and sit in the area they both were in and ate the meat from the charred remains. "Hmm don't tell our friends... That I enjoy eating pony." Shadow laughs nodding. "It's good yes." Calmly ate up what we could find and gather the weapons we found and Shadow placed them on his back. As we kept moving. It started to pour down rain. Looking above us to see Enclave walking on the grates and we walked slowly we knew this would take a day or so. But we probably would have to run if it got too bad down here. It started to rain harder... How lovely we are in the sewer's and it started to get worse. Then we heard voices. "I heard something down here." I mouthed 'shit' and looked around finding a door opened it and pushed shadow in and going inside myself. Looked through the cracks opening it just a bit and seeing its Enclave. I shushed Shadow and looked to see how many there are. Smirked only seeing two. Looked at him and he nodded. I grabbed my weapon he and I charged out and smashed our weapons against the heads of the Enclave soldiers. Then pulled them into the room and I wanted to kill them Shadow had to stop me and I looked at him growling. "Give me one reason why not?" I gave him a hateful look. "They could have family." Looking at him with an angry look. Basicly my own way of saying. I don't care. "Oh, they could have family then they should know better. But... I will do it for you." Grabbed one of them and smashed them hard into the wall and then stomped on the others back breaking it. "There...they will have to find them..." Shadow blinks stareing at me as I started moving again and he followed me... My hate for Enclave was becoming more seen... Since... I am tired of being butt fucked. He spoke softly to me and stopped me at first and stared in my eyes. "Tiria...you need to relax your hate... It's unlike you..." I stared at him with sadness in my eyes and nodded... As we were getting closer and closer to the hospital and we got to an old tunnel with a ladder leading up into a basement... Going up and finding bodies of ghouls that seem to be laying here for a long time. Shadow came up and blinked looking around. "Lovely...now let's find this mare." Looking at Shadow. "Yeah let's find her so you can get back to Owl Beak." Smirked at him and Shadow just stared at me. "Oh come...on...you would be like that to...if you wanted to breed someone." I rolled my eyes. "Seriously Shadow if you weren't my best friend... I would kick your ass right now." He smirks and laughs. "Love you too..." Laughing gently and turning the light on my pip-buck so we can see through the darkness. Noticed that the door to get out of the basement had been kicked in along time ago. Looking around calmly. Seeing a sign. {Warning warning...the insane are free.} I blinked and looking around calmly. As the light shines on some ghouls and they looked up one of them started to speak. "Hmm, we don't get many in here... Are you searching for something?" Looking at the ghouls they seem to be wearing out doctor's coats. "We are searching for a mare that came in here about a day ago... I don't know how she looks." The ghoul thinks a moment. "Oh, we did see a mare and warned her not to go deeper into the hospital the crazy are locked behind a door... So if you go there...please clear them out for us.." Blinking looking to Shadow. All this to trade. "If you do this...we will trade...if you wish...if you have a little town or an outpost we can bring a caravan to you. Just do this for us." I nodded and walked towards the sealed door, Shadow softly speaking "Have you ever felt that we normally don't speak but have someone speaking for us?" Stopped looking towards him and then towards no one at all. Hushing him. "Let's just keep moving you can have this crazy out of body experience later." Shadow chuckles and we go through the sealed door and make sure it re-seals and we start hearing the crazy. "Yesss....come closer...daisy...please come, closer...give grandpa, a hug." An old ghoul is sitting in a chair he stares at us and keeps laughing. I took my gun and shot him. As another crazy insane nut came out of the doors. "OOOOOO we have someone crazier than us!!!" Looked to Shadow and he lifted his minigun started blasting all the crazies we saw like it was nothing... Of course, we didn't realise it was going to get worse. He stopped firing and put the gun back on his back, looking to me. "Shall we?" I smiled. "Let's go then." Shadow nodded with a smirk. I use the light on my Pip-buck to look through the darkness and suddenly lighting shines the entire area and we are surrounded as a large light comes on and we see the mare chained and gagged. Then see a large stallion clap his hooves together with them on the side of the catwalk. He spoke in a deep voice. "Look children look... More invaders. Shall we deal with them?! Or shall we speak to them, my children? As our voices sing in this building maybe they will hear us!!" A group of them yells "KILL THEM!!!" Another group yells. "Steal their water!!" Hew lifts his hoof and they go silent. "Ah...but the desert....shall be our walk... The mare the prize... The spice...." As he said there many of the ponies take a strange substance and laugh and seem crazy. He spoke again lifting his hoof. " We are the children....of those that came before us!! We are the walkers... The Speakers." Hooves smash on the catwalk over and over. "We are the real children of this world. Give it all to us..." Looking to Shadow and I spoke out. "We have come for the mare... If you let us take her and let her go... We shall let you children of the real world..stay here till your time comes." I said with a calm voice. They all looked to me and then to the mare. The stallion walked down the stairs. "You don't wish to harm us... then? Have you come to sing with the voices... Have you come to drink the water of those that came before you? Water from the bodies of the dead... The mare...came here for the supplies of the past... The taint...made by the past. All of that taint must be removed...from this world..." He got down from the stairs. He seemed to have scars all over his body "I can let her go....for a deal child..." Looking to Shadow. "What is the deal?" He asked calmly. "The deal...the deal..." He thought a moment and looked towards the outside. "When your child...comes of age...tell them to come to me...and she will become my wife... Then we can...move on from this place of pain and dread...and become...one...with the world..." Looking to Shadow giving him a nod whispering to him... He nodded "Deal..." The stallion smiles and goes back upstairs... Shadow goes to untie the mare and places something on the back of the pillar setting it to go off in a min. "Thank you we shall go." The stallion nods and they started to cheer as Shadow and I started to run carrying the mare with us. As we get behind the sealed door and then BOOM!!! The ghoul looked to us and blinked. "You killed them all didn't you?" I gave him a nod. "Then we shall do it..." Shadow placed the mare on his back and we headed back down. But of course, that explosion made so much noise that we heard Enclave above us so I closed the grate in the basement and we ran back down the tunnel. As we heard gunfire and screaming. Then we stopped getting back into another door like closet area. Leaning back and coughs. "Well...so much for that...deal." I laughed as Shadow chuckled as well and looked towards the mare. "Let's get her back." I gave a nod and we started walking again and slowly going so we don't make any sounds. The mare started to wake up as she blinks and smiles nuzzling Shadow's back. " Hmm well, I figured I would see you again Shadow...but like this?" She chuckles softly. "Shhhh." She nodded and stayed silent relaxing on Shadow's back. It would take another day and a half to get back. She gets off of Shadow's back and calmly stays with us and I looked over to her. "What made those stallions kidnap you?" She blushes gently. "I um...was pretty I guess? He wanted to turn me into his personal breeding stock. So he was going to try to brainwash me...Then he would use me as stock for his children of pureness I guess." Looking to her I rolled my eyes thinking pure puh... As Shadow nodded and we found a raider tent to rest in even though the smell was bothersome we rested anyway. Starting a fire I put the rest of the meat we took from the dead ponies and I was given some food from Kip offering it to the mare she started to eat as Shadow and I ate the meat. I just sat there by myself as the mare slept after she ate, Shadow standing watch... Just watching above seeing the Enclave walking over the sewer drains. "How...did the world come to this?" I said softly... Looking down. Closing my eyes and feeling unsure again... But I had to be ready to fight in the name of honour. But it is hard with how the ponies are. Looked down to the mare who was laying on a dirty mattress that had some weird stains on it. Hearing more shooting above...the Enclave was doing so much to the ponies of Manehatten... Closed my eyes and started to fall asleep. ____________ Day 58 I opened my eyes and I was in a strange cell... I was alone? looking around in strange cloud cells sitting down and looking towards Enclave soldiers how did they find me... I didn't find Shadow or the mare anywhere. "Ah, it's awake..." Looking to an Enclave pony that came towards me...he was in a strange outfit. Staring at him with great anger in my eyes. "I have heard of you....you're the one that murdered some of ours at that own POW camp..." Just kept staring at him and stood up. "I will do it...again till every last one of you worthless so called ponies are dead... So the world can finally heal without your filth." Saying with a large smirk on my face. "Would enjoy every moment of it too." The stallion stared at me with shocked eyes... Gulping a moment. Then he regained himself. "We will deal with you soon." Sat back down and watched him walk away... I am not kidding for what I said... Closing my eyes feeling that I have failed... Why am I caged? I started to feel the wolf side of me getting very angry... Why am I caged?! I howled deeply and started attacking the cage it shocked me but I didn't stop attacking it as my paws burned from the charge. Calming down as I watch them...what were they going to do to me and then I had a pike in my back from a pain stick howling and staring at the one who did it they did it again and kept hitting me with the sticks laughing as I grabbed one of them with my mouth and bit it in half. "Keep it....up...when I get out of here... You will all be dead..." My hate for them growing as I stare at them. They kept poking me, groaning as the pain was getting worse... But after awhile they stopped as I layed there in pain. Groaning and it was getting late as I have been in here mostly all day... I noticed a pony coming over and letting me out and whispered to me. "Here..." He gives me my bag and weapons. "Get out of here..." Stared at him. "Why are you helping me?" "I didn't sign up for this...but you need to beat me close to death...to make it look good..." I nodded smashing him into the ground and breaking both his wings... "Good luck sir...if I see you again... I will kill you." Picked him up and then tossed him into the cage locking him in it and sneaking away slowly. I wish I did kill him...but I wouldn't be in the right to do so now...to find Shadow and that mare. I made back into the market and Shadow was talking with a map on getting me out. Slowly came up and leaned into Shadow... "What did I miss?" Shadow turned to look at me and then back at the map and then jumped, his eyes going wide. "Wait....how.....did you get out?!" I smirked. "Let's just say... I talked them into...but truthfully one of them let me out and I almost killed him to make it look good. Did you get the mare back to her father?" He nodded "She left you behind saying you would be fine..." I sighed softly and heads outside to sit and watch. I sat outside the building near the door..Looking up to the sky seeing the Pegasi and Shadow comes out and sat beside me. "You're upset aren't you Tiria?" My eyes turn to him in a glare, nodding. "Look at all those ponies...trying to bring a so-called peace with propaganda and half truths... How will ponies take their presence? Also apparently they knew me.... They said 'ah so you're the one that murdered a bunch of our troops...' I said I will kill more of you just to cleanse the world of their uselessness." Shadow stared at me he was worried at how I have been acting... "Tiria... You have become very angry and if you keep this up...the waste would have beaten you turning you into what you are fighting." Blinking remembering the golem in the back of my mind... The golem using me as a puppet. Looking to Shadow and smiled gently. "I promise you Shadow... I will try harder." Shadow gave a nod and one the ponies from the market came out. "He wants to speak to you two." Shadow nods as we both went back inside to talk to the leader. "Ah yes...you have returned... Now you wished for a trade agreement... I say we agree. It won't be easy with the enclave. But we will do it... Now take some food and water back with you. We will fill your bags." Nodded and we both set our bags down watching them fill our bags. I sighed softly closing my eyes relaxing and then picking my bags back up as well as Shadow. "Thank you, sir..." He nodded and we walked out. I looked to Shadow. "Now how are we going to get out of here?" Looking to Shadow and he chuckled. "Well, how about the way we came in...walking.." Gave him a nasty look and sighed as we started to walk back out of the city. "Anyway Tiria what do you call a Griffin that runs?" I looked at him, blinking. "Alive!! RUN!!!" He started running as I looked up seeing Enclave chasing after us and firing on us and we got into a building to hide from them... Of course, the building was missing some of its walls. "Walk out you said...." Shadow hushes me as we sneak back out and start to slowly try to get out of the city. It's not going to be easy from what I see here. We stayed silent as I sighed closing my eyes and hoping we get back soon...So I can get some rest. It took us an hour or so to finally get back to the outskirts of Manehatten we saw Misty Moon apartments on fire and burning down... Seeing the words friends on the sign falling down. I blinked. "Shadow take my bags...." Shadow blinks as I gave him my bags and I grabbed my gun. "Get going... I will be there... I got something to do." Walked back into Manehatten hoping that the building was still standing. Calmly walked into the old Puppet Factory. ________________ Pinkie Pie Puppet Factory. Slowly walking inside the building... Remembering when I first walked in here...with my friends...getting captured by the puppets. Slowly walked through the halls... I didn't wish to be here but I had to make a deal... A deal with some would call a devil. Maybe this will help the ponies of Manehatten... Maybe it won't... But I can't let the Enclave stay in here so easy. They will find their way here after I do this... I found my way to the old shut down computer. Started clicking the buttons and it started powering up after awhile and the puppets came back to life and stood up crawling to me. The Pinkie head came on the screen staring at me. "How dare you?! Come back...how..." I aimed my gun at the screen turning to the puppets. "Back off or I shall blow up your god...that is letting you live..." All the puppets stopped and I stared back at the computer. "I have a deal to offer you...if you remove your old Ministry of Moral programing." Waiting for the thinking computer staring contently at it and the puppets who look so much like Pinkie Pie and looked back to the computer. "What...deal..?" I softly spoke keeping my anger back. "The Enclave... I want you to take your puppets to them and slow them down here in the city... I know you won't last long... But you have to do something...from harming the ponies in this city... The deal...no stealing children, no killing the innocent ponies... When this deal is over... You stay here...and never show yourselves in the day again or night." The computer stares at me, thinking... I could tell it was thinking. I am making a deal with the evil of the past... Created to be evil and to force parents... to lie to their children. "It's a deal...besides.... I don't foresee this building standing after they learn that the puppets came from here... Go...before I change my mind." I nodded heading out watching the puppets head outside all beside me... What have I done? Did I do the right thing? Was it a trade....of life for a life... The need of the many type thing? Sighing I felt that my heart was not sure... But I had to do this... I don't see them lasting but...it will give those still getting out of here...time to run. I stayed in the doorway fighting with myself looking towards the gun... Having a fight within my heart...went back inside and stood in an empty room... Setting the gun down I started talking to myself. "What's...the choice....what's the idea? Why did I do this? Have I joined the devil in the heart of evil?! Have I allowed the Golem to beat me?" I paced around calmly talking. Feeling..I could destroy this...gun." Lifted up the Zebra Pistol.." But...honor....can I die in the moment of honor...while I just stand there...watching the world around me burn? Do I deserve this?!!" I breathed deeply feeling anger growing... "I should kill all the Enclave... I should become one to end my life taking them down!!" Holding my brain and tossed the gun to the floor. "The music is shrilling, the song is singing... Why is the tongue shrilling music calling me?! Oh...the idea...of making this deal...what I have done...is there blood on my paws?!" I walked around grabbing the gun and putting it to my head. "They... I should do it!!" Shadow walked in and gasped. "Tiria...drop the gun..." Turning to Shadow I had the gun to my head...shaking. "The pain...in my heart... I can't take it...anymore... Shadow... The birds...that sings in my heart... I have to save...those from me... I am a monster... I am not one of honour...I feel that the wasteland is controlling me..." Looked behind me to see the Golem again using me as a puppet. Making me speak in my mind... "I must...do what it said....it said...this to me..." Tears forming in my eyes... Shadow walked closer. "It's not real...don't allow this world to crush your spirit...after 2 months...don't allow it to beat you... You have done so much good." Looking at my paws seeing the blood. "I have so much...blood on my paws...do I deserve this?!" Shadow hits the gun out of my paw and forces me to the ground as he stared at me with tears in his eyes and holding me down. "Don't do this to yourself... I am already going to lose you in a year...we can't lose you now... Please Tiria...think about how we would feel... Think about us... Think about your friends. You need to fight this... Tiria...you can't just lose it now... You need to not change from your path..." I started to sob and wrapped around Shadow as I felt my broken heart breaking more holding onto my friend and he got off me and let me cry. Broken you could say...shattered one would say... Weak another would say... Some don't understand that the waste can do to a creature like me. I don't get why this hurt me so much. I think making the deal with the devil. Was something my heart couldn't take. Had to be stronger for my friends... But that crashed down very hard in my heart. It's gotten to the point that broke souls...are normal in this world...if those that saw me now...would look at me saying... Am I weak? Am I right to done this deal with the devil? __________ Journal Entry KipKipe "I am worried...about her...she hasn't been the same...but she is keeping her heart open to us... She knows what is going to happen. But she came clean to the rest of us... Silver is not taking it well, oh I can say that easy. But we have her for a year...we need to give her the love she deserves till the Goddess takes her from us... I love her so much as my sister and my friend...so many of us do... I wish she would let us help her... But I feel she thinks she needs to do this on her own. if she didn't then she would be lost... But she spends so much time with that little Filly Star shooter... I think she is trying to make up for the time... She won't have for her pup. I hope she will listen to me finally when the time is right... __________ Journal Entry: Shadow I can't believe she almost did...that...does she think about us at all?! I am being too harsh on her... She loves us...but we can't let her just fall like this. She needs to be strong for the town... They can't just see her fall after all this... She made a deal with the devil she told me... Why would she make a deal with the Devil in that silly puppet... Factory...but hopefully we never have to deal with those puppets again... But I have her now eating dinner with her and Kip she is calm and happy... Back to herself... I think her rage controls her sometimes. __________ Journal Entry: Silver Gunner. I wish they could see my anger and how upset I am...why didn't she tell us till now... I already lost so many friends in the past... I even lost...seeing Equestria in the time friends could be made without a gun at our heads. I will miss her when the time comes...but for now... I am going to be there with her when she needs us. Shadow was holding me tightly as I sobbed and felt the pain releasing from my heart from the good cry. Heard shooting outside. "Come...we need to go..." I stood up and grabbed my gun and we made it outside seeing the Enclave screaming running away from the crazed puppets that are holding giant knives... Looking to Shadow and we walk away from the building and knowing that those puppets won't be around in the future... Killing two birds with one stone. ____________ Same day, middle of the waste After a few mins of running seeing Manehatten a little farther away from us... I sighed, looking to him. "Sorry Shadow... I don't know why I got that way..." Shadow stopped me and wraps his wings around me, tears falling down his face and from his beak. "Don't do that again... Tiria if you need to talk to somepony or someone you talk to me Kip or Fleur or even Silver... You aren't alone in this..." Sighing and then we started walking along the path to get back to our home... I looked down, feeling that I am broken but... I will probably get over it soon. Even though I made a deal with the devil to help those in Manehatten to stop the Enclave for at least a few hours or so. I felt now that I did the right thing... After a few hours of walking, we finally make it back to our home and we set down our bags and ponies come in to look through the bags finding the food the gardeners take the seeds they find and then go to plant them. I sighed and looked at the ponies and Fleur nuzzled my neck. "Fleur..." She would tell I was crying. "Tiria...what happened?" Looking to Silver, Kip and Shadow... "Come with me." I lead them to my home and sat there on my bed. "As most of you know...when I give birth, I am going to die..." Silver stares at me I couldn't tell if he was upset or surprised. "You tell us this now?" Silver said softly and Kip patted his back. "But I almost shot myself....earlier... I need you four... I need you to help me through this..." Fleur nodded, so did the others. "My cruise ship is almost fully in the cave... So we can start building in the old area of their former in." I gave a nod and sighed "I need to tell Sand..." They nodded and I went to go find him... He is guarding the gate with Bulwark. As I got on the gate and leaned on Sand he looked at me and sighed. Bulwark watched the two of us with a smile on her face. "I need you, Sand... I am going to die...when our little one is...born... I need you till then..." Sand looked at me his eyes wide in surprise. "I understand... I will do what I can... I promise you I will be there for the little one." I smiled softly, my eyes so red from crying... I looked from the gate to watch the waste as it seems to be the golem again in my mind trying to tug me with the puppet strings... But I refuse for the moment closing my eyes and seeing peace again... "Thank you, Goddess." Chapter 19: Our new home"A home is how we see it." It was morning on the side of the outside wall near the gate. A sign was placed on the wall. With the words. {Freedom Town} Finally giving this little camp former POW camp a name. It's not fully built yet... The inside of the cave is being cleaned up smaller buildings are being built in their place. The arena is being taken apart. But we are keeping the Hospital that was connected to. This is going to take time..but having ghouls working with the others and two robots... It helps. But it shows that it took time to bring some peace to the waste. Most of the time it's going to be hard to keep it that way. So much peace is not wise to have. Inside the little camp, there are some new buildings being built near the garden. Again this will take time... Only needing what you need...not all these items of pleasure the past took for granted. On the walls, turrets have been set up. On the sides of the gate two guard towers. But their mostly used if Bulwark allows them to be used... From what she has said that will be rare. But there was a sniper set up there for her. So she could look far away into the bog if anypony was coming. In the cave near the way in the bar which is also a place to eat in..has been repaired... The arena like I said is being torn down to place in more housing. But so much of this is going to take months. Fleur is busy building an inn. So she can help ponies that wish to stay with us and give us caps... ______________ Day 58 It's almost been two months since my journey out here. Two months and all this happen? How is that? I am starting to wonder if fate is also not kind... But also crazy at times. Here I am standing by the orb and hoping I don't feel it calling me. All this because of this howling dance... Looking at it closely and then to my arm... That is weak but I still use it. It's gotten to the point that hope will return to the waste or ponies will die fighting. Learning that the puppet factory was destroyed last night... Making that deal with the devil... They did some things to put a slow stop to the Enclave just for the time being. There was going to be a celebration of my journey. Watching Silver and Kip get ready for it... I just stood there watching them... I didn't want to ember why coming here was not my choice at first... Looking to the Stone that caused all this... But I'm happy making so many friends. Also happy I met Sand... Even though I'm not going to be alive after the little one is born. Hoping that Sand will be. Looking towards the rest of the ponies most of them work in the gardens. How we can grow anything impresses me. From what I learned that Fleur got us a water tailsmin. Must have happened while I was gone or awhile ago... But found out how to get it to work. Had a lot on my mind after trying to shoot myself. I was told that we got a few new ponies to join us... Haven't seen them yet. But from what I learned they're on the run from the Enclave. Still, don't think it will be safe here for long...if the Enclave wishes to attack here and try to break us. Hopefully, they will forget about us. But highly doubt that will happen. Leaning on the case that holds the howling dance... Watching the ponies as I'm just here wondering and relaxing. Having a young mare tap my side looking down seeing a Pegasus she sat beside me. "I take you're one of the ponies on the run from the Enclave?" The mare gave a small nod. "After the sky opened up with that strange explosion. I came down I had my mother chase after me. But we both realised we could never go back... So we ran into Fleur the ghoul... She brought us...here... But I am told you aren't fond of my species of pony." Giving her a gentle nod. "No... I am not..but I can get over that... I don't care for the Enclave...they're so much like the elders of my former home. Trying to keep those that wish to know real things... I may hate your kind... But I can ignore that and greet you. I'm Tiria." The mare smiles softly. "I'm Cloud Thunder... Nice to meet you...and I will try...to be helpful here." Gave her a nod. Looking back to Kip and Silver who are working on something that seems to be for my anniversary of being out here in hell. "Forgive me miss Tiria...but may I ask...what are you?" Looking down to her since... I am a lot larger than she is... Even though Fleur and Shadow can look me in the eyes. "I'm a race that was experimented on. We used to be ponies and I was turned into a Hybrid wolf creature. Because of this thing and science to preserve the pony way of life." Taping the case. "So basically my kind were made because of your ponies silly war. The war started by your princess." Gave her a hateful look and I could tell she didn't like the look. "But....but... I wasn't there..." I calmly relaxed nodding. "I know I am sorry just after your Enclave...and seeing most of the ponies that just use this world for greed... I have little respect for ponies." She looks down I sat beside her and stroking her head with my paw. "Listen I won't hurt you...or your family... But when it comes to the Enclave... I will not hesitate in killing them... I will make sure they feel all the pain." Cloud thunder looks down not sure what to think looking towards me and I looked down to her again and hugged her gently. " I won't harm you." She looks up to me with no fear in her eyes giving a soft nod. As I stood back up and seeing the little filly come to me I lay down to come to her face to face. "It's my little Star Shooter." Gave her a smile and she giggled as she jumped around as I nuzzled the little one... As her, parents seemed to be working again and lifted her closer to me looking to Cloud Thunder. "I am protecting little ones like her... When it comes to the young...like this the future...then I will protect them with my life." Cloud Thunder gave me a nod with a gentle smile on her face. Laying down to watch the filly play with a toy. "How one stays innocent is impressive to me." I nodded to that and watched the little filly. As Paladin Lilly stood above us and I stood up and blink. "I think I found were the next seal is. You can get it when you need to... But I shall tell you... Come with me." Giving nod following her into the cave leaving... Star Shooter in the care of Cloud Thunder. Following Lily into the cave and standing near the Stable door one of the seals glowing... Since I brought in back in. "The next one. Oh, you're so going to love this... It's in Ponyville." I stared at her. "Then I guess I better go alone with my Hell hound friend...if what I heard about the place is true." Lilly chuckles. "That's not the worst of it..." Looking to her blinking "There's more?!" Lilly laughs. "Yes...we know what the seal is... But how to get it..will be tough." I blinked at her. "Tough how?" Tilting my head. She lifted up the book and I read it. "I placed the seal in the basement of Suger cube corner... I asked Minister Pie... To place many robots to guard it along with a magic shield." I dropped the book looking to her and staring at her being very unsure. "Alright... I will do this...but I will go in a few days." She nodded and I headed back out but headed into the bar. "Some water please...and meat." The tender nodded and I sat at a table sighing. leaning back in the chair my left arm hurting from holding that orb in my paw... I wished I understood why that orb...did so many harsh things to my body. I felt weak in some parts of my body... It seems the pregnancy was going to be harsher on my body. I think that's why when it happens my body will give out. Closing my eyes calmly feeling my heart beat slowly. Trying to ignore the pain within my body. Feeling so much weakness a plate was set in front of me looking down to see the meat and water... Looking up at the tender nodding to her. "Thank you." Giving her some caps and slowly started to eat and drink. Looking to see Fleur sit beside me and smile. "Tiria... I need your help with something." Looking over to Fleur and smiled. "Anything for you, my friend." Smiling at Fleur and she chuckles. "There is a mare that is scared of you...she is too scared to come in...because of what she heard you did to the Enclave... She is not a pegasus but the propaganda of what you and others do to them...scares them... So when you are done please talk to her." I gave a nod. She watches me eat... Looking to her Fleur was very kind to me... I wonder how she looked before becoming a ghoul. She looked back to me and leaned against me... I didn't mind the smell of her decaying body... She made me feel important. I felt a gentle kiss on my cheek from her and smiled at her. "Thank you, Fleur... I am happy to have you as a friend...even though if others saw a ghoul kissing me...they would be grossed out." Fleur giggles. "I don't care what other ponies think... I may be a ghoul...but this is how I was in the past... Very kind gentle...well not all the time... But I tried to be." She smiled and I kept eating calmly. Ate the rest of the meat and drank my water and then stood up. "Alright lead me there Fleur..." She nodded and lead me outside were Bulwark was on the gate ready to shoot this mare if she attacked me...She had Enclave armour on and she seemed scared when she saw me. I could tell the mare was orange. As she removed her helm. Looking towards me and to the sniper as many ponies even Shadow and Kip at her shotgun ready. Looking to Fleur with a bit of anger. She smirked and winked knowing that I wouldn't have come out if she said the truth. Looking back to the mare sighing "Sorry miss they don't trust Enclave..." The mare stood there and sat down staring at me her anger and hate for what I did to her friends..is very easy to see. "You kill many of my friends...here..." I stared at her my anger grew. "Does that give the Enclave a right to starve and beat....a mare...or children or shoot them in cold blood?" The mare blinks "What do you mean?!" She growls. "They captured my friends, starved them, reprogramed one of them and then almost murdered my friend up there..." The mare looks at me with fear in her eyes. "They would never do that..." The mare seems very unsure then Shadow spoke up. "Yes...yes they would... I was there... So was Kip...she was the one that was starved beaten and almost murdered." Kip gave a nod. The mare sighed looking towards me. "If I do...this I am dead... I won't be able to go...back if the Enclave stays in power." Bulwark came down and sat beside me. "If you do this...we will make you a guard of the town. Because we could use more flyers willing to help us." The mare blinks nodding. She gets herself out of the armour and Fleur calmly takes the armour and takes into the cave to her Inn. "I promised that ghoul if I did this... I would leave everything behind...till the Enclave is removed from power." I gave a nod as Bulwark stood there talking to the mare. I walked off sitting on that chair I normally sat in resting a bit. Leaned into it was about to fall asleep but then felt a large ball of energy smashing into me and giggling. "Oh hello, little Star shooter." Smiling and she layed beside me on the chair falling asleep as I did the same. ___________ Dream In front of me stood the husk of the ones I have killed I just sat there watching them stare at me... 'Interesting dream' I thought... Staring at the fact that there are no steel rangers mostly Enclave... I had a smile on my face loving the fact... I see Enclave mostly as the dead here. Of course, if anypony saw my dreams they would think I am a murderer...to me what... I did was honour and justice... I have proven I am not a murderer... I am doing my best as a small time hero...small time hero... I refuse to be a big hero...too much work... A voice spoke to me. "So you don't consider yourself a murderer." Turning to see a pony speaking to me? I rolled my eyes. "I got an idea...how about you miss pony stop with your holier than though bullshit...and let me sleep hmm? I am sorry but I don't care what you think or if I kill more Enclave and enjoy it." Gave a smile, chuckles. "So...go on..shoo and stay dead." The fog wolves form from the pony. "Don't allow them to open...the stable... Don't allow them to open the stable..." ____________ Two hours later. I woke up blinking holding my head with my paw wondering why the hell these fog wolves are showing up telling me not to open the stable. Holding my head as it throbs. I don't know why I am having these dreams of dead husk of ponies I killed. Was it meant to make me feel bad or make me regret doing it? Looking down seeing the little filly still asleep. Sighing softly and stroking along the little fillies head and smiled as she slept. Deep Thought came over and gave me a book, it's a children's book, blinking. Looking at it. It talked about hating Zebra's and how they're monsters. "Um is this wise to read to her?" Deep Thought nodded and headed back into the school he asked to be built... I calmly shook Star shooter awake... She opened her eyes, staring at me with a sweet smile. "I got a book to read to you." Star shooter blinks and sits up smiling. I opened the book and started to read. "The story of the evil Zebra. Once upon a time in Equestria, the Zebra wish to hunt little fillies and colts. They make brews that are evil witchcraft...they try to force their way of life on us... The stars to them are evil but to us... they're wonderful and peaceful. They cause war and hate over nothing." I stared at this book staying silent for the moment. This is what they read to their kids? Looking back down at her and smiled. "The Zebra is a peaceful creature...that was wrongly accused." Of course, I am establishing how stupid this book is...and how much hate and propaganda there is...but this is a child... That shouldn't be shown the pre-war shit. "The ponies came crawling to the Zebra for forgiveness for all the accusing and the faults war that could have harmed the world. The Princess even asked for forgiveness for causing the war with the poor Zebra's." I stared at a few of the words in the book... Evil, heartless... I met some Zebra's they're nothing like this... Why did they do this in the past? I looked down to Star shooter who just looked at me with her wide gentle eyes. I kept reading along. "The Zebra is a peaceful being...that should be treated like a smart creature that never did anything wrong. Excuse me...a moment Star shooter." I stood up and there was a fire going and tossed the book into the fire closing my eyes and felt the anger... Deep Thought walked over and smiled. "Hard to read that part ain't it?" Looks down to him nodding. "Burning it won't change the past...but explaining to the young of this time...of what happen in the past... So it won't happen again." I gave him a nod and he gave me the same book I just burned. "Be truthful don't sugar coat it... I know it's hard but the past must be explained or you would be doomed to repeat it again." Looks at the book and blinks at him. "How did you find all these?" Deep Thought chuckles. "Being able to change into different things makes it very easy to get into places most ponies can't." He said smirking showing his sharp teeth. Sighing and looking back at the little filly I said back down and stroked her head with my paw. "As I read this to you... I want you to listen closely alright? This is how it was in the past during the war. I am reading this to you so you understand...and never allow yourself to fall in the same thing as before. Alright?" I was getting ready to read...when I heard gun shots. I looked up hiding Star shooter and rushed towards the gun shots. I rushed seeing the Enclave mare with two bullet holes in her side... But she is fine... "What happened?!" Fleur looked up and sighed. "It seems after what happen with the Enclave some don't trust them." I looked at the rest of them and growled... Kip went to the mare and lifted her up to the hospital. I was livid but kept calm. "I am going to say this...once...are we the Enclave now or we the hateful? Are we Raiders? Yes, the Enclave did wrong... But not all of them... I may have had my issues with them... But I am giving those a chance... How can we move on from war? Don't allow the past even if it still hurtful to control us. So to the ones that shot her...we are the better... We try to make a difference. I am not angry at the ones who shot her... She is alive...but if it happens again then... I will hunt you down and give you a punishment." I sighed and looked to Fleur who nodded. "Let me know if she will be alright..." I noticed the mare who I met that had the armour on flying to were Star shooter was hiding... I got down on all fours and walked slowly to them. Watching her speak in something and she was trying to grab Star shooter with her hooves who was scared to death of her. I got close to her and growled she turned and stared at me... Star shooter was sobbing hard. She was scared of the mare that had a strange device she spoke into. As I heard a voice. "Private...answer...have you found something...to make them surrender to you?" She didn't speak... I stared at her. Mouthing. {Your dead.} "No...command...no I didn't..." She said softly looking towards me... "Keep looking." I brought my paw out and she placed the little device on my paw and I spoke to it. "Hello, Enclave..." The enclave speaker seemed a little stunned. "Who is this?" "No, you listen and listen well... If you don't leave us the hell alone... I am going to kill this mare... Then I am going to find a way to get to you...and kill you too... I think you should worry about the Lightbringer more than worry about what a little town that beat you...is doing... Now go deal with a real threat... We aren't a threat we just want to live in peace without you... If this mare....does this again...she will be killed all because of you... I don't care if you have threatened her family... I don't care if you already killed her family... More worthless Enclave...dead..." I growl softly still had my red dragon zebra pistol in my holster. "If you don't believe me... Star shooter close your eyes and cover your ears." The little filly closed her eyes tightly and covers her ears. Then I lifted up the Pistol and fired in the mare's chest and she screamed in pain every pony looking towards us. "YOU HEAR THAT ENCLAVE?! I will hurt her again...and again...will that get you to stop bothering us?! WILL IT?! Like I told the commander that tried to hurt my friends before... I am not Security or The Lightbringer... I don't fucking care about pony life. You fucking worthless jokes are the reason...why. Oh, I can shoot her again." I fired at her again missing this time as she was already on the ground breathing hard and in pain. "DO YOU HEAR ME?!" I screamed in the strange device. The enclave who spoke in it was not sure what to say...all I could hear was voices. "I....can you please...give her back to us?" I grew angry. "NO!! You fucked with me and my friends...she is my prisoner... I will treat her with respect and ask her to work to redeem herself... If you even try to save her... I will kill whoever comes... I don't care even if you try... Deal with somepony else.." I growled tossing the device and shattered it with a shot... Calming down as Fleur rushed in staring at me with great anger. I stared back at her with the same anger... But she relaxed some and Kip came over to help the mare on fleur's back to take her to the Hospital. Standing up fully going to the little filly who opened her eyes she was scared to death of me... I understood why. I did the unthinkable... I hurt another. Seeing many other's look at me... I walked into the building that held my room and went in there and just layed in my bed... Thinking did I do the right thing? Closed my eyes and heard a door open Kip walking in she had so much anger in her voice. "You.....did that...in front of a filly?!" Kip was so upset. "You said all that in front of a filly as well... Am I worthless to you?! I am a pony... Am I worthless to you?!!" Kip had tears in her eyes and I just laid there as she lost it... Fleur walked in and Kip was still losing it. "Kip....the mare...was going to...kidnap little Star shooter and use her...to make us surrender to the Enclave... She just told me...this before she passed out from the pain. I even told this to Star shooter's parents... So I think we are being too harsh to Tiria." Kip sobs softly. "Those...words hurt me... I am a worthless pony in her eyes." I softly spoke. "No...you aren't... You're more to me than you think Kip... You're like the mother I never had... I am sorry Kip... I had to get the Enclave to leave us alone... I don't want any more of my friends getting hurt by them... She was going to hurt Star Shooter... I couldn't allow that." Turned to look to Kip who had tears streaming down her furred face and she trotted over me and nuzzled me gently as I just smiled softly. There was a gentle knock on the door and Fleur opened it seeing Star Shooter. She jumped on the bed and wrapped around me. "Mommy said you good... Mommy said you hurt one that wanted to hurt me." Smiled gently. "Fleur... I am going...to go talk to that mare... I know Cloud Thunder is probably there keeping an eye on her.." Fleur nodded. "Star shooter... Please stay with Kip and Fleur...they will read you this story." I placed the book on the bed and Kip looked at it blinking, staring at me... I grinned, winking and slowly walked out of the room. Some ponies stared at me but they smiled. They didn't fear me...it seems. Smiling at the fact that they didn't fear me at all. I slowly walked into the cave to the hospitals and Shadow was standing there as Cloud Thunder was speaking to the Enclave soldier. Cloud Thunder looked to me with a fearful smile. I gave her a smile mouthing. {Sorry I had to protect the little one...} She nodded as I walked to the mare. She looked at me with great fear... "Don't worry... I am not here to hurt you...again. I am here to welcome you to the town..." Looks to Cloud thunder who had the two bullets in her side removed... Looking back to the mare. "Just what is your name?" She softly spoke looking away as if she hates her name. "Little jewl..." I blinked staring at her. "That's an interesting pony name... I like it but still interesting." Cloud Thunder calmly poked me with her hoof. "It's an insult name given to her by her parents... It happens but yes it's rare." Looked to Little jewl and sighed. "Look... I didn't mean to do that to you... But I will protect all little foals or children born here... From the Enclave... I meant every word I said... I don't care if the Enclave dies...they deserve it for almost killing my friends and others... I ran into. I feel for now they will leave us alone...and if we do meet them... I am sure all bets are off and they will attack." They both nod. As I sit on my haunches and calmly watch Little jewl. "I am sorry I had to do that... I had to prove to the Enclave... I am not the Lightbringer... I don't care about the lives they throw at us... I will end them and then eat them... I have done it many times and I enjoy the meat..it's pretty tender... But yes..." Smiles gently as the two shiver. "But don't worry I will protect you both..." Smiled gently again as I stood up on my paws and gave her a nuzzle. "Now rest up... I will tell you what you can do to help...to redeem yourself." She nodded. Cloud thunder chuckled. Slowly walking back out and just stood in the middle of the town... Looking towards the warden's office as there are boxes blocking the way in now... Looking towards the former arena that is being torn down...and seeing the inn slowly being built. I just sat there laying down watching I feel very tired lately... Laying my head on the ground just watching. Looked to see hooves of Fleur stop in front of me and leaned down and looked into my eyes. "Tiria...please forgive Kips'...outburst earlier... I think the words... I don't care for pony life...hurt her." Looked up and smiled weakly. " Yes, I can understand that Fleur...just... I felt I did wrong..." Suddenly a filly jumped on my back giggling. Smiled as Fleur chuckles and nuzzles the little filly. Chuckled softly as I saw Kip. Sitting up on my haunches I pulled Kip into a tight hug and smiled. "Never...ever think that your worthless Kip... You're the one that made me have faith in the pony race." Kip blinks and the little filly gets off my back and her stomach growls... Looking down at her and chuckles. "Let's see if they have any milk for you little one.." Got on my paws and looked to Kip and Fleur... Mouthing {Please come with me...} I haven't seen Sand for awhile but of course he was helping the two Steel ranger's trying to break the seals without the warden's items he used to seal it. Because Ponyville is full of danger I guess. Sat the filly in a chair with my two friends and went to the bar. "Excuse me...tender do you have any soda milk or anything for a filly?" The tender looked at me a moment and offered me a Sparkle Cola, taking it. "Oh, I also need a daisy sandwich or whatever ponies eat." I said smiling. She chuckled and sat down a hayburger I think it was a hayburger. Setting some caps down and goes back to the table setting the food and drinks down. As I sat in a chair and the filly started to eat. "So... Kip how did the book reading go?" Kip's eyes go wide staring at me with a glare but calmed herself. "It...was interesting... I never expected that to be how the past lived. I wished this war didn't happen but...it did..." Kip sighed gently and looked at the little filly eating and she smiled. Fleur sighed and looked to Kip. " Truthfully Kip it wasn't that bad in the past... It didn't start getting bad till...that bitch..." She covers her mouth, looking to the Filly who just looked up with innocent eyes. "Excuse me... I meant that mare named Rarity who forced changed all the books." I nodded and watched Star shooter jump off the chair and running around like a little filly should and I just kept watching as my friends spoke. "So Fleur how is the Inn coming along?" Looking to her a moment keeping my eyes of the little filly a moment. "Oh, it's coming along great hopefully it will be built in a year... So I can get some caps for the town." I nodded. I heard a crash and then sobbing, looking over to see Starshooter go where she shouldn't and the mare bartender holds her gently and starts to sing gently to her. I noticed something the bartender is a pegasus, a dashite. I never got her name I think. "Don't...cry little one...calm down little one...allow your fears to go away... I shall take you away in a flight...to allow your fears to soar away... I am here...little one...don't you cry... Allow my wings to fly you away... Close your little teary eyes little one... Allow your heart to flutter like the wings...little one...don't be fooled by the tears... Have joy little one... I shall protect you from all your fears... I shall protect you from all your tears. Oh, little one dance in the sky with the clouds...in your eyes... Allow yourself to finally see the sun. Oh, little one Ruby will be here for you, little one... Spread your wings and flyyyy..." Starshooter fell asleep in the hooves of the bartender named Ruby. As she placed her gently on a little bed near her. "I will take care of her...for awhile..." Ruby looked up to me and went back behind the bar to tend and stayed close to watch the little filly suck her hoof. The fur on the back of my neck relaxed and looked to the tender and then back to Kip and Fleur... "I am started to think that we are going to be in good hooves in this town... I have a feeling my pup will be happy here.." I gave a gentle smile and it was getting late. I left the bar letting the two talk and I yawned... Heading back to my room for a moment but stopped seeing Thunder cloud on the gate with Bulwark. I calmly climbed up there and listened. "I know you're scared of her... I should be to...she saved me from the enclave... But she has done so much for us here... We owe her... I know you don't think you do... You probably owe the Lightbringer more for opening your eyes on the issues down here. I may have been born in this very town. But I understand that it's probably extremely peaceful up there too." Cloud thunder nodded and looked at the bog. She spoke softly "What else is in that...bog? I saw ghouls and strange wolves and bugs." Bulwark smiles saying with a soft nicker. "It's called the bog of time... You take a deep breath and you see the past play out... We have no idea what it's about but...it seems the fog itself...has this time seeing issue." Leaned on the gate and came up behind the two and softly said. "Boo." Bulwark looked to see me and rolled her eyes. "You could do better than that you know. I can smell you..." Blinking, I took a sniff and coughed... "I smell like a wet dog..." Bulwark stared at me. "Exactly..." I rolled my eyes and sighed getting off the gate. "If there was a bath around here I would have one...so there..." I gave her a smirk and Bulwark laughed... Went back to my room layed my head on the bed and closed my eyes feeling very tired and Sand came up behind me and forced me on the bed and he laughed. I chuckled and he got in the bed with me and we kissed gently. "Hmm, what brings you here Sand?" I said with a soft growl. "Oh, I'm going to give you a wonderful...night before you leave for a few days." I smiled and the night turned out to be a blissful night for the both of us...till we fell asleep. Chapter 20: The stable opens."Friendship...started here." Day 60: Close to Ponyville It's taken two days to walk here. Looks up to see that a battle is close to starting in Everfree. Looking over to Iron claw. He looks at me and nods. Getting closer to Ponyville Iron claw looked at me and put his claws on my shoulder. "You sure about this?" He asked with a worrying look in his eyes. "Yes I am sure...are you willing to vouch for me?" He nodded as we got to the bridge to get to Ponyville a large group of Hell hounds wait for us on the other side of the bridge. I walked calmly along Iron Claw. "Grrrr greetings...brother..." Iron claw nodded. "Thank you, brother... This is Tiria, my friend... She is here to search for something... If you don't mind allowing the both of us to enter." They look towards me and I just stared at them with my eyes and stood on the back of my paws and stood up. The hunch in my back made it hard to fully stand up.... "I may have some friends...ponies...but I refuse to buy everything ponies do and say... Only a few I agree to..." They looked to each other and whisper... Then look back to me. "We need to speak to our leaders. If you wish there is good food in the water here..." Gave a nod and he walked off leaving us with the guards. I sighed and looked to Iron claw. "Shall we go eat whatever is in the water here?" He gave a nod looking back to the guards and the two of us walked to the water and looked into it. As I lifted up my pistol and got ready to fire and as I did the blast from it hit the gator and it came out angry. "Well Iron Claw Please use your claws." Nods to him as he jumped on the back of the creature that tried to do Death rolls to kill Iron Claw. I fired a few more time on the gator while Iron claw stabs into the chest of the large creature and it layed there dead. Pulled the creature over to me. Grabbing a large knife and he started the fire... I cut open and pulled the heart out. "Hmm, I wonder... I read up these can be used in potion-making... Maybe should give these organs to a Zebra." Setting them down and cut out the meat normally I would eat it raw but... Eh oh well. Setting on a spit and moved it to cook. Looking to Iron claw eat removing the meat from the spit and started eating as well. As I look up blinking seeing large Enclave ships flying towards Everfree. "Oh...boy...." Noticing some Enclave soldier's flying down towards to Iron claw and I. For the moment they seem to look at us... Then I spoke. "Fuck off." I said to them they stared at me still. Iron claw looked at me. I stood up and stared at them myself. Reaching for my pistol calmly staring intently at them with great anger in my eyes. One of them spoke to me. "You're holding my sister hostage wolf..." I smiled showing my teeth. "Oh...so that mare is your sister...don't worry she is alive... I am putting her to work...to redeem herself from the shit your kind caused. I am sure right now...you want to come and attack me... But I am not a threat...or does the great and mighty Enclave can't handle that someone beat them? Hmmm? The Lightbringer I am sure is beating you worse than I am...and taking her horn and fucking your ass with it..." Smirks I could tell but how the male was flying he wasn't happy. "Are you too scared to force your will on me, child?" Iron claw watched me with an amusing look on his face... "Come on, come at me!! Are you too scared to?! I am standing right here...mocking you...like the worthless trash you are...give me proof that you have balls...or are you like every other villain in this world...full of empty threats.." Staring grabbing my pistol and lifting it getting ready to fire. They fly away as I lift my pistol and fire the energy bullet would hit the tail causing a bit of a burn to the armour. "FINE RUN!!! I am not even a threat to you but someone that has beaten you like a red headed step foal!!" I sat back down and put the gun back in the holster and started to eat. "Well, that went well." Iron claw laughed. "Yes... I would say it did..." He laughs. Looking towards him with a smile and went back to eating. I had enjoyed that... Hopefully I never have to run into them again. We ate the rest of the meat while I placed the drained organs in my bag to give to Kip. Going back to the bridge to wait. Then the guard came back. "You can come in...grrrr but if you touch anything...you will be sorry..." I gave nod and we were lead to the leader. Iron claw gave a bow to the leader. The leader growls softly as he speaks. " What brings...you here...brother....and sister..." Blinking at that sister? "Um... I am not a hell hound, though." The leader chuckles. "We saw how you handled those two ponies... So anyone...who speaks that way to a pony and shoots them...is alright in our eyes..." I smiled calmly and chuckled. "Well...being created by them during their little war...my kind are very anti-pony... I may have some pony friends..but the ones like the Enclave... No..." He gave a nod. So what brings you two here?" Iron claw allowed me to speak. "Maybe to start a little trading we have a place the two of us live at... But first... I am here to find something. An item a pony warden left in one of the buildings here. It's a strange item to remove a seal from a stable. That is in our home... I was told it's in a building called Sugarcube corner." The leader's eyes go wide the guards drop their weapons a moment in surprise and the leader looks down. "Many of our kind...have gone in there...to try to make a home...out of it...and never seen again. So if you could go in there...for us...and find this thing...then well grrr...cleanse it...we would be glad to trade with you..." Gave a nod slowly standing and looked to Iron Claw. "Stay with them Iron... I don't think it's wise for you to come with me..." Iron Claw nodded. Giving him a smile. "What building is Sugar Cube corner?" The leader grunted and a guard lead me to the building. The rest of the building is boarded up and locked there is a ladder leading up to the top. Looking to the guard blinking. "That is the only way in miss...stay safe... If you see anyone alive in there..please bring them back to us." I gave a nod and went up the ladder getting inside the old building. I could smell decaying food. Took a breath and coughed a bit but it didn't bother me so much. Looked through the desk and seeing a photo of the ponies I was told about. Staring at it a moment. {These are the six mares that helped save the world?} I set it back down and felt it was wise to leave it alone. Looking through the rest of the desk finding nothing. Going through a closet there were clothes hanging there and I just blinked, looking to myself. Wondering why the hell ponies wear clothing... Looking through it and finding a journal. Opening it up reading through. {Damn this mare is crazy.} I thought to myself and then I turned to a page and it said... "I'm not crazy!!" I laughed. {Right...} Turning the page again. It said. "I am not crazy Tiria, you are...you're reading my journal." My eyes went wide and looked around calmly feeling something evil is reading my mind at the moment. Turned to another page it said. "Why are you reading this... and for your information, Tiria...we don't normally wear clothes." I spoke out loud looking around if somepony else was here. "I am searching for something." I turned the page. "Then why are you reading this?!!! Put it down now... Put it down now...or Celestia help you... I will wake up from the dead and haunt you!!! Oooooo." I set it down. Saying softly. "Okay, it's down on the floor." The page turned as I read it. "Good girl...now bye!!" My body had odd feelings as chills went down me... {Oh....goddess...that was creepy.} I brought out my gun like there was a ghost. Going down the stairs seeing no bodies or anything else. Seeing this is where the smell is coming from. Seeing rotten food and looking around seeing that no pony has been in here for years and of course fate played a joke on me... The floor fell from under me and I fell down harshly to the basement and there was a slide. As I fell on a pad and dust came up and I started coughing. Looking around and turned the light on my Pip-buck seeing bodies of raider's other ponies that tried to raid this place. Also the missing Hell hounds. Looking around calmly my eye's trying to see what I can. Looking around and heard a turret starting up and shooting at me. I got behind an old box as it stopped. Hearing robotic hooves and something hovering. I lifted up my pistol and getting ready to fire. A voice spoke "Scanning complete pony blood found in invader you may come in." I blinked a moment looking down at the raider's who are ponies and others who came down. I stood up and slowly walked in seeing a large screen. Looking to the buttons and on the side saw the password. Typing it in. Seeing the screen light up and see the Pinkie Pie. The pink pony started to speak. "Ah yes...hello Tiria...did you put down my journal!?" I blinked and gulped and she laughed like a crazy nut. "I am sure you did. Now I know why you're here. You are after the seal that the warden left here... But to get it...there is a price. I need a memory from you. A precious memory... True I may never see it... But I need the most precious moment in your life... If it goes right you will still remember or you will forget. I'm sorry for this...but nothing is free." I started to feel pain in my heart... I had to give up a memory? A memory that I could forget. She spoke again. "I know this ain't going to be easy for you Tiria. But sometimes we have to give up something to protect those we love." She looks down tears falling from her eyes. "I wish I did that...maybe she would still be friends with me... I am going to try to get her...back." It turned off and I read when it was made...a day before the end... Tears fell from my eyes. {So....she was going to fix her life...but she failed.} I saw a strange device with a memory orb come out and I closed my eyes and sat there putting it on. To think back.., Then I found the memory. My friends... Silver Gunner, Fleur De Les, Little hoof, Little Strong hoof the buffalo, Kipkipe, Shadow, Cannon Ball, Crow, Deep Thought, Iron Claw the Hell hound, and Star Shooter the little filly. The orb started to glow and the memory was copied and...just like that, I forgot them... I remembered why I was here, though. I looked back to the orb as I saw a door open up to lead me through a hall. But looking back to the Orb... I started to have tears fall from my eyes... Why was I crying? I have a job to do. Went through the hall remembering I fought the Enclave to save a little town. I got to the end and saw the seal. A photo of six mares in dresses. I read on the back. "Please protect this...this is what you gave up...." I blinked, what did I give up? I left the room putting the photo in my bag. Looking for a way out and saw a little wall open up and went through it. That lead out through the back. I headed back to to the leader but I heard a large explosion looking towards the battle... That seemed to be getting worse... The enclave and whoever they were attacking. Heading back to where the leader is. "I got it...and found no one alive down there." The leader blinks and nods. I looked to Iron Claw and gave him a smile. Bowing my head to him. Looking back to the leader. "Alright, would you like to trade with my town now?" He nodded. "We shall we will be there when it's safe to leave." I nodded heading out as Iron Claw followed me. Looking at him and blinked. "Are you one of the guards here leading me out sir?" Iron claw blinked looking at me. "Um...no... I came here with you." I blinked not sure. "Alright if you say so, sir." Iron Claw looked worried and asked the question. "So how did you get it?" Looked over to Iron Claw. "How did I get what?" Iron Claw spoke softly. "The seal." He said with a soft growl. " Oh, that...I was asked to give up something is some strange orb. I guess some Memory. I was told I would either forget or keep it...it. Eh, no harm Honour." I said to him with a smile and Iron Claw's eyes go wide. He stayed silent the rest of the way back. Day 62: Freedom Town. The two of us get back and the gate opens up and Kip comes to hug me and I blink at her. "Nice to meet you miss... But I need to get going." Kip blinks tears in her eyes. Fleur came up to me and nuzzled me and hugged. "Um...yes nice to meet you to...please excuse me." They all blinked and I stopped a moment as the little Filly runs to me I patted her head. "Nice to meet you." She blinks and I walk back past her as I softly made out something Iron claw said. "She...gave up her memories of us...in an orb..." I walked to the Steel ranger's and gave them the seal. "This is the last one." She chanted the spell and the seal broke and a voice spoke in my head. {You gave up your friends...} I felt...something call me... {Come...to me..child...you have freed me...come to me and bring that orb.} I walked back out and they were talking I saw them all even sand... They watched me go to the orb. I brought it out in its case and went back into the stable. Sand, Crow, Kip, and Silver gunner followed me inside. I kept hearing the voice. {Come...to me child...wake me...release me... Come see....the final product of the Iron wolf Project. The reason why...the crystal brought you here... The reason why you are here... The reason why your mother vanished...} Following the long-dead bodies of the former prisoners here. I don't know why but if I had the memory I lost... This wouldn't be happening to me at the moment. I got closer to it this wasn't a prison stable it was meant to house something big. I got to what it was at the end. Read what it said on the black tube. Iron wolf Project. {You were lied to Tiria...your kind wasn't created to be protectors. Your kind was created to be my army to take back our world from the unpure. Take the orb out of the case. The orb hmm... the orb... That pure crystal that crashed here so long ago. A piece of the moon..you see.. a piece of the real moon. Place it in the machine and let it's power wake me...} I was about to but Crow stopped me grabbing my arm in his raven form and speaking. "Tiria don't!! That orb is going to kill you!!" I dropped the case holding the orb in my other paw and placed it in the machine. As he let me go the others finally made it down. Kip, Shadow, Sand, Fleur, iron Claw, and Silver Gunner the others stayed above till they got me back. I stood there and waited as the tube started to be powered up. The orb started to dim a bit as the power was sucked from it. What came out was a large brain attached to a unicorn stallion. He had the body like me a mix a hybrid he was standing without the hunch. He stood right up like he was a pure being. Iron Claw spoke softly. "I will stay on the other side just in case he finds a way to get through." The others nodded to him as he stayed on the other side watching. He spoke out his brain had blood vessels that moved every time he spoke and he laughed softly. "I am...free after...all these years." He looked to me and stroked my head as I was fully under his control but Sand never was because he didn't touch the orb. He rushed to me and shook me. "Tiria!!! It's me....please wake up..." The large creature smashed him with a hoof and he went flying into the wall hard and fell to the ground out cold for the moment. "SILENCE!! I hear you all....your minds oh the love...the friendship... This world...was meant to be run...without Princess without Harmony without friendship...see Discord had it right..Harmony brought the end of the world... Soo did friendship." Fleur tried to speak up. "That is not true...friendship helped us friendship saved us." "SILENCE!!" He lifted up Fleur and she gasped tried to use her magic to get away but she couldn't he brought her right to his eyes. "Friendship and Harmony ruined this world!!!" He tossed her as she was thrown out of the room and the door closed. "You don't need her lies... Don't need her lies!!" Crow flew up and attacked the creature trying to claw his eye's out and with his mind, he grabbed Crow and stared at him. "A bug!!" He tried to shatter every bone in his body he screamed as Silver gunner charged and knocked him out and Shadow had chewer firing trying to kill the creature. A bullet hit but the wounds would heal. Crow panted and fell to the ground. A bag opened up that was set down and Star Shooter came out. Crow's eyes go wide and went to the child placing her back into the bag and whispered. "Stay in there little one." He zipped it back up but a bit to let her breathe. he then turned into a large creature to attack Kip was firing on him with her shotgun. He sighed and the chewer was removed from Shadow's Claws and tossed into the back. Kip's shotgun was tossed as well. "Ah...robot...you forgot those that you cared about ....Remember..." Silver Gunner screamed as the dent in his head vanished. he fell to the ground looking at Remembrance. He went silent not even able to move looking at the Photo saying no words. Then the creature lifted up Crow and brought him to him fully as he forced him back into the changeling form. "You're not pure...." He formed a spear from strange magic and stabbed it hard into the heart of the changeling and he tosses Crow's body on the stairs as he died right there. Crow was dead. Kip eyes go wide and charged in anger her hooves hitting the ground as she was picked up and smashed hard on the stairs her back legs broken. But she was alive knocked clean out. Shadow eyes go wide watching his adopted sister get hurt. "I am going to kill you!!!" He charged and before the creature could stop him he clawed his face...it didn't heal...he stared at him. He laughed so strangely. "Oh.....good job... Griffin, you got me to bleed... I wonder...." He used his magic to grab Shadow's wings and broke them he screamed in pain and tossed Shadow to the ground and stomped on his chest breaking a few ribs knocking him out cold alive... He looked to see Sand wasn't still against the wall Sand started fighting him with so much anger in his heart. "Let...go of my wife!!" The creature laughs. "You should be under my control!!!" He tried to use it on Sand but it took effort Sand jumped around too much like one like us was trained to do. Jump around don't let them get a hit in. He got a few of his claws in even digging into the brain. Then he finally did it he made a wrong step and got caught. He held sand close to his eyes and stared at him. "I can't have you trying to break through my slave...die." He glowed as every bone in Sand's body started to break and he screamed as he fell to the ground and tried to look to me seeing me in his dying eyes "I love....you Tiria." He died as the resistance that was my friends stayed there... Silver Gunner wouldn't even move Shadow broken but alive... Kip alive was well. Crow and Sand Dead. Fleur was thrown out of the room and the door going down to lock. He laughed and looked to me. "It's time soon the others of your species will feel that I am awake and then come in droves to bow to me!!" But the Star shooter poked her head out of the bag and trotted up looking at Crow. I looked at her in this stupper I thought to myself. A little one...seeing this. Why do I feel I know her... Looking to the bodies... I felt something come over me. I saw Sand's body... Why do I feel that I know him? Looking to Silver who was this? Then saw the little filly come to me tapping my leg. "Tiria...." She looked up to me with large big eyes. "Please...why are they asleep and have red stuff coming out of them?" My eyes stare at her as the creature lifts her up. "Not pure..." He starts to try to hurt the little filly. Her little left leg cracks as her bone is broken and she screams in pain crying. Then suddenly I started to remember it started coming back to I started to remember everything. I came out of the dream and looked at Star shooter Gasping and smashed my paw into the face of the pony and catching Star shooter as she fell and she sobbed as I layed her by the bag and my pistol fell out of the holster right beside her. Went to the creature looking to Crow my heart broke. I closed my eyes and put my paws on him to shake him. "Crow... Crow!!!" I sobbed softly looking to Sand and my heart broke. I went to him shaking him. "Sand!! Sand!!!" I remember what he said..now. {Tiria... I love...you... I love...you.} I started sobbing hard and looked to Kip and Shadow saw them both breathing. Looking to the creature growling and stood up fully. "Why....would you do all this...why all this?!" The creature smiles and laughs. "When Nightmare Moon was forced into the moon. A piece of the moon flew out and smashed into the ground. No pony even knew about this. 1000 years go by the war slowly starting the mines and it's found. All these bodies you saw here...are the former creators. The one you met...is the one that ran...from here... He made your kind to fight me... But if any of your species hold the orb for a certain amount of time... I can control you... I was made...to stop the war... But they needed the orb...and he stole it. I was held in here for 200 years waiting. I spoke in the Steel ranger's dead minds... Yes, those Steel ranger's are dead... I used them...and now they're on the ground outside...dead... I am pure... I am your God!! I am the Iron wolf Project!!!" Closed my eyes and stared at my friends. Looking up to him again. Feeling so much anger and rage building in my body. He hurt little Star shooter...he killed my mate, my friend... I was forced to forget because of this. Did Pinkie know...did she know?! My mind was full of many things. I went to Star shooter picking her up and hugged her as I went to the door and tried to force it open. Seeing a panel near it and opened it as the creature kept speaking about how amazing he was. His big brain seems to make him very easy to ignore. The door opens up and Fleur is there with Iron Claw I walk to them giving them Star Shooter. "Close...the stable...lock it..if I open it...then it's me... Keep it closed otherwise... To keep him out of the world. if I don't return keep the town going..." Fleur nods so does Iron Claw as he holds the little filly. I closed the door back up and he stops stroking his ego. "Why are you ignoring me?! I am your god you should be worshiping me!!!" I just stared at him my eyes full of hate and anger... Picking up my pistol and put it in the holster looking at him. "So...tell me...are you always this stupid?" He blinks staring at me as I start to insult him. "Oh no really...you have all these brains and you say you're my god... But no you aren't you're just a pony. A pony that was put into an experiment to stop the war... I can see how it failed... Did you used to be one of those that thinks their better than everyone else in the past? Did a mare ignore your want for sex? Did your mother never love you?" Smirking at this. He was growing angry. "ENOUGH!!! How dare you insult me!!!" I smiled as he grew even angrier, the stable started to shake. "I will insult you because it's so easy... You're a pony, a piece of worthless trash...that is trying to be better than the rest of the world... Oh please." I spit on the ground and stared at him. "You ponies...think you can control what you don't understand. Just like the Enclave... The Enclave thinks they can control they can hurt... Through force... I can tell you're going through that same thing child." I gave him a smile winking. He grew so angry I could see the blood vessels popping and he tossed out some magic lances at me and I just watched him miss me from his anger. "HA!! My mother could aim better than you...come on!!! You can do better you fucking worthless pony. You prove everything I have said is right... Ponies of the past are trash...only a few that are still alive are good enough. Looked to Silver Gunner who just sat there and I patted his head and he looked at me. "Silver...fight with me." He nodded and stood up and holding the shotgun. "Enough..pony...you have lost..already... Do you want to remove friendship? Harmony? The Lightbringer proved that friendship and harmony still exist. You can remove it...you can destroy it... Even this battle for 200 years has proved it... I am sure there are heroes going back to the end of the war to the now...trying their best to clean the world. Not all of them probably did it, though. Come on pony listen. You can't just try to control you." "SILENCE!!" Silver gunner charged at him and the pony tried to stop him and he got a few bullets in his body but healed as he grabbed Silver with the magic and tossed him into the door. Standing back up as he is grabbed again and smashed over and over onto the floor and broken apart and tossed into a heap. I gasped seeing Silver broken but he looked at me and said. "Fight...with your voice..." I stood there and stared at the creature. "You think you can control what you want? Again you are so easy to mock... You throw such cute angry fits child." Smiled sweetly at him being a warrior like I should you insult and make fun. "Oh please, you can't beat me." I come towards him as he grew angry and tried to attack I just kept going as I got face to face to him with the hunch in my back and he started getting so angry he tried to hit me right in front of me he hit me away a bit but laughed loudly. "Awww. so... GAH!" He used the magic to grab my neck and growled with so much anger. He started to slice me with his magic causing many wounds and then dropped me to the ground and then stabbed me in my back as he tried so hard to kill me. I felt my body dying and knew if I died my pup will die with me. The howling dance glowed brightly and a light from it shined on my body. ___________ The mind. "You must fight... Tiria..." I blinked looking at the orb and touched it and it turned into the spirit of Luna. I blinked staring at her. "Who...are you?' The image of Luna looked to me and sighed giving a smile. "I am a tear of the good that was in Luna...she went to darkness when she hit the moon... As Nightmare Moon a tear from the moon..that held some of her hope and good heart... Allow me to fall to earth... I am sorry you had to go through this all because of the tear. But I am not the real Luna... She is dead... I am what remains and after this... She will be fully dead. You need to stand and fight. When you open your eyes the howling dance will be a real crystal and only glow when the sun shines on it and crack. Please in the name of Luna... fight for her...." I was forced back into my body, my pup alive thanks to this. _______________ Stable I opened up my eyes my body covered in wounds and blood. Slowly looked at those around me... "How.....are you still alive?!" I sat there a moment at the stairs seeing my dead mate again Crow again. I softly spoke. "My time in the waste has made me learn... The dead will rise again... Even if they aren't really dead and the waste made their will dead... They will fight on...like the dead they are... For I am one...my will died...the waste beat me... It beat me down..it moulded me into what I am now... It hurt my heart... It broke my body... The golem...used me to give it death and blood it wanted." Standing up and looking down. "I died...when my pack tossed me out... I died...when I touched the orb... I am already dead... I give birth to my child... I will die... You killed my mate... She will be alone without parents.... Like most children in this world." Looked up to him with my blue eyes glowing. "You can force me down...you can try to hurt me all you want. I have no element in my heart... All I am is a warrior that fights for honour. I may be remembered when I pass... I might not... If I am remembered good...if I am not..and only for the things... I did... Then it doesn't bother me... I could be a mystery for all I care." I grabbed my gun and lifted it out of the holster. Looking at the pistol that has been with me on this adventure. Looking to the creature. "I am going to end you. In the name of my friends... If I die... I die... But it's to stop you..." I looked up to him my eyes full of anger "You say you're a God.... Gods can die... For all gods in this world are dead..." I lifted up my pistol getting ready to fire. "Die...oh God...die..." Fired at him as he started to attack me. As I did my best to dodge and got hit by some of his magic groaning. I felt the pain. Keep firing over and over. As I did the trigger was getting more and more overused. Some bullets hit him. Some didn't. I kept firing as I could when it hit..he couldn't heal because it was magic hitting magic. Finally, it happened... I pulled the trigger one last time and it broke the gun fell from my paw to the ground the trigger shattered. I grabbed my mace and charged smashing into him over and over as our weapons clashed. "You will bow to me!!!" I smirked laughing "No..." looked to the orb it was still glowing. I had a feeling I had to use it. As I grabbed it and forced it out of the machine holding it in my paw and looked to him and kept attacking him with the mace as it's getting harder to fight him with the pain from the orb. I closed my eyes and Smashed the orb into the face of the pony he screamed and suddenly the entire area of the stable blew along with me there after the flash was removed from my eye the orb was beside me...but my arm was blown off. Looked to my friends they were fine... Crow and Sand still dead. I saw that he was back to normal I grabbed my weapon and went to him. Very weak but felt I had to deal with him. "I was...meant to be a god......" He sobbed as he was now my species fully my species. "Welcome.......and die..." He screamed as I smashed the mace onto him over and over screaming in anger and smashed his head down fully. Till nothing was left. I stood up looking to the orb, it was cracked and now like a real crystal... Going to Sand's body. "I wish... I could...be with you, Sand..." I layed my head near him...as I felt like I was dying the world started to go black. _________________ Dreams I woke up in a dream looking around. I felt that I was in the dream looking to the Ghoul that formed in front of me. He said with a gentle smile and walked over to me and sighed. "Tiria it's not your time yet... But when you do pass... I will be here...to take you to the next world. It's the least I could do even though you killed me." Looked around and blinking. "Then why am I here?" The ghoul lifted his hoof and the tree formed and all leaves were off it but one... "You have one year...to enjoy your life... Tiria... I am here...to let you know... You didn't fail. The wasteland didn't beat you like you thought... You risked your life...to protect your friends... Even if Crow and Sand died. You are not ready to go. Please use the rest of your life... To help those that need you... Tell your friends to honour you with everything they do... Honour them..for when you die..you will only see them in the next world." Sighed softly looking down at my paws and started to feel pain and coughed. "I feel so much pain." He smiled. "That is good...take care miss Tiria I will see you in a year." ____________ Stable I opened my eyes and coughed as my body was in so much pain... I stood up groaning and opened the door and headed out to get the stable open. I spoke in the communication device. "It's me......everypony...please... Open...the stable." I fell to the ground as the stable opened and they rushed to me. _____________________ Day 70 two weeks later I opened my eyes I was laying in a hospital bed. Felt something attached to where my arm was... Feeling the Pip-buck on another arm... Hearing voices. One voice was Kip. "It's been two..weeks... I don't know if she will wake..." Fleur then spoke. "I am sure she will, she is strong." I softly spoke. "Kip? Fleur." They both looked to me and rushed over. "You're awake!!" Kip had tears in her eyes "Fleur go get them, go get them!!" Fleur nods and rushed out "....I feel like I am in so...much pain..." Kip had tears falling from her eyes and nuzzled me all over my hurting body. "Kip...please I hurt so much..." She giggled as the door opened up Shadow and Silver ran in. They started to cheer and Shadow had his wings wrapped up. "Hi..." I smiled weakly... "What happened?" "Well, The lightbringer...beat the Enclave... She has control of a device that will bring the world back to normal... But it will take time... The Enclave is having a war with itself...and Fillydeplha is free." I smiled softly. "I am happy to hear...that...when will I see the sun?" Kip chuckles. "The sun will be out when she learns how to run the device." I don't remember what happened... "What happened to Sand and Crow?" The go silent and look away. _________________ Same day: Small Graveyard I was sitting in a wheelchair... they didn't let me walk as...everypony from the town was at the funeral for Sand and Crow. The one speaking was Iron Claw. "I didn't know these two...very well. I met Sand after he shot me and he brought Tiria to me... He was very sweet and kind friend to me. I loved how he treated Tiria even if...she didn't love him at first... But I saw them fall in love. He was an interesting creature... But I never thought I would only meet them then to see him die. Crow...you could say he's the reason most of us are here... He was asked to follow Tiria...by the one known as Watcher. They both worked so hard to come and save her friends." I just watched not even going to watch anymore I went away and I heard a robotic voice. "Hello, Tiria.." Looking to see Watcher and I sighed. "Hello, Watcher..." Looking up to the robot. "I heard...what happened. It's on the news." I turned on my pip-buck to hear it. "In other news in a little town known as Freedom town... The wolf risked her life to end a creature of the past... But doing so..she lost a friend and her mate. I know your pain...miss wolf...keep fighting the good fight." I turned it off and looked to Watcher. "Does it ever get any easier Watcher?" Watcher stayed silent for a moment. "No...no it doesn't but keep them in your heart and it gets easier to deal with it... You can't save every pony Tiria...but you did what you could." Looking down and up to Watcher. "I understand that... Thank you, Watcher." The robot went silent and it flew off and Kip came over with Fleur and they both leaned into me. "Pain... I feel in my heart... I hope that someday I will see them again." A white unicorn comes up to me and stared at me... "I am Seeker...when you heal... I have a quest for you." I stared at her and she walked off and vanished. "I am going to get some sleep...goodnight you two." Slowly moved to my room, Fleur and Kip watched me so broken go in. I got out of the Wheelchair and slowly got in my bed so much pain... As I fell asleep knowing that someday I will join them. Chapter: 21 A Promise"A quest to move hearts." Freedom town Six months past. It's been six months the sun is still covered behind the clouds. She said it would take time to move it all. Freedom town has been growing. We have many trades going on ponies coming in and out... Most of the ghouls have been removed from the bog of time... The fog wolves seem to avoid the area now. Fleur was still building her inn half of the ship was taken apart to build the Inn slowly. Kip has taken up to be a full-time doctor in the hospital. She has a few nurses some are ponies some are Rat Creepers. She also is expecting finally she has settled with Crossfire, Crossfire has set up his weapon making in one of the shops. Bulwark is training more guards to keep the area protected. Deep Thought is getting ready to start school sessions. Everything has calmed...for everyone...but for me..it's getting closer to the time I give birth and I am waiting for the end... I have no more to live for after... I went into the stable and got my mate and... Crow killed... I blame myself. I forced myself to forget them all... I forced it...my heart is just to broken just like my pistol. It's being fixed right now but Crossfire. I sat alone on a hill we extended the wall to. It's a good thinking hill. To be alone... I wish I could see Crow again and speak to him..I wish I could hold Sand again.. But I have to move on. I know what is coming. I heard hoof steps coming near me. Hearing a voice speak softly. "I am known...as Seeker... I need a job from you miss Tiria." I turned to look at her and blinked a pure white unicorn mare in a cloak. Her right eye blind looks like a pure moon. The other eye a gentle gold. "I see little bits of the future... There are souls that need you...in Manehatten a place... I live in... They will be attacked soon...we need to save them." I was showing big. My armour didn't fit me anymore. My armour was in the case that held the cracked crystal that used to be the howling dance. "I am pregnant... Seeker... I can't just do it." I have been sitting here ever since... He was killed... I eat I drink water... I spend time with my friends and then... I go back to being empty. "Tiria..this is your destiny to do this... You need to move..you need to get up... You need to stop beating yourself up over what happened." Looked up I remember it was all over the news. Two of my closest friends...died... But they didn't add it was because of me. I stood up and Seeker spoke again. "So the warrior the wolf...is walking away from proving her honour again? How sad...you fought in the name of honour now you run from it." My ears perked up, my eyes go wide... Was she insulting my pride?! How dare she do that... "Fine... I will do it...to prove to you I am not running away. But first I need to talk to a friend of mine." Seeker nodded as I walked to the bar I was going to meet Kip, Silver, Shadow as well as his new Fling Owl peak a weird female he met and Fleur. I sat at the table and smiled weakly at them. "Ah, there she is..." Fleur smiled and nuzzled my side gently. "Kip... I got a question for you..." Kip looked to me as she was drinking water. "How would you all act if I went to Manehatten with a crazy unicorn to take on whatever threat she is talking about." Kip swallowed the water and I have never seen Fleur or Kip so angry... "No, you will not!!" Fleur started acting like a snobby mare. "You're pregnant... Tiria..." Kip spoke just as upset. "No... I won't let you go and get yourself and the baby killed." Shadow spoke up softly. "Maybe she needs this." Silver nodded. "I think she does as well...she has been here trapped ever since it happen... Maybe she needs to get out..." Kip got very angry it shows with her hormones from being pregnant. "How could you say that..she needs to stay right here!!" Fleur sighs. "We aren't going to win this Kip." Kip looked to Fleur and sighed as well. "Yes... I know." Crossfire walked into the bar setting down the gun. "Seeker told me you would need this." I nodded taking it and looking at the gun. The red Dragon zebra pistol working again. Looking up to them and gave Kip a hug. "I will be back I promise you both.." Silver nodded same with Shadow. I headed out but Kip followed me and opened the case that held my bags and gave it to me with her magic and hugged me tightly as I got the saddle bags on me. "I will be fine... Kip." She nodded. I smiled and Seeker was already waiting for me... Bulwark let the gate open. ________ Manehatten We got on the outskirts of the city. I noticed it seemed calmer in here.., But I don't see it staying. I followed Seeker and looking around. Looking to her and finally seeing her Cutiemark A crystal ball and she chuckled. "You like what you see back there?" She shook her ass at me. I blinked "...How did you...know I was looking at your Cutie mark?" Seeker chuckles softly. "I am kidding Tiria..." She winked her blind eye and lead me to a sewer grate. I facepawed so hard and sighed. Blinking going inside the grate with her and she lead me to a small little town. We walk in the middle of the town looking around as... I see many ponies even a bird race that is not a griffin. "That creature is known as a Roc. A lot of their species died out after the war... Only a few are left in Equestria." Looking at everyone and suddenly I got attacked by a Rat Creeper that jumped me. He forced me on my back and aimed a gun at my head. "Seeker... I got her.....now now...do we kill her?!" Seeker chuckles. "She is pregnant..and she is the wolf... Foot note." The creature blinked and stood right up. "Hello hello, wolf....I am Foot Note Forest rat." He goes back into the city and I sighed standing back up on my paws. "Well, that...was needed." I sighed and looked to Crystal. "Alright explain to me..why am I here? You all seem fine.." Seeker chuckles. I looked to her as I sighed and my stomach growled. Opening my bags to bring out some meat and started to eat. "You're here because they will be here..soon in fact.." I just stood up after I ate and a group of raiders came down and started firing on the ponies and creatures down here. As they fired back. But some of them hid... I hid and grabbed my pistol and looking at them. " HA HA KILL!!!" The raider spoke out. "HEY!! raider." I spoke out and they stopped firing. I stood up from the protection... One of them looked at me with fear. I rolled my eyes and stared at them with a smile. "Really....you fools are here..because of why? Oh, shook know because you can't have sex and you're fools right? Ooh, look at me I am a raider... Ooooo a raider... I am one that eats meat and kills others for fun and rape them as well. Oooh, how lovely... I got an idea...run..or die here." Foot note sneaks up placing a metal apple in my paw. "FUCK YOU!! We will rape you!!!" I sighed at the raider and pulled the pin and hide behind a wall as boom but it didn't take them all out one was on the floor groaning and I walked to him and put my gun to his head. "Now....who sent you?!" The Raider was a young mare...who looked at me..with fear in her eyes. "Please...don't kill me....." She shook and sobbed. I stared at her smiling getting ready to fire. "Sorry...but ponies are trash to me...that need to be removed from the world." She sobbed hard and I listened to her beg and well wished it... As she was begging and crying. "I am going to ask you this again...who sent you to harm these creatures?" The mare shook looking around and spoke. "The pact!!!" She sobbed hard and I blinked looking towards Seeker. As she walked towards me. "The Pact...a cult that is well hidden... They have been showing up slowly as of late. They remove parts from the ponies and creatures they capture and add them to themselves. To cleanse themselves of the pain. They follow who they know as the dark one...since the war, the seal that has kept this dark one in place...for the 1000 years is failing. Soon he will show up and the Pact will try to make the world ready for him. But sadly they didn't count on the Lightbringer or other heroes. So it may take longer for them to prepare for him." I rolled my eyes and looked to the mare as I was getting ready to fire and Seeker stopped me with her magic. "Killing a pony that wishes to change her ways... doesn't work." I stared at Seeker and kicked the mare in the stomach stomping on it once and stared at Seeker. "I don't care what you say Seeker....she is a raider, they don't deserve to live... Just like the Enclave." Seeker softly spoke. "So may ask you a question?" I nodded. "When did you become judge and jury?" I blinked staring at her. "Again when did you become judge and jury? Yes, she is a raider look at her...now she is sobbing she is crying...real tears." Staring at the mare and I lowered my gun putting it away and lowered myself to her and stroked her head with my paw. "You think you change your ways?" The mare looked at me with surprise in her eyes she gave a nod and stood up "I am sure there is somepony here that cares. I need to head back home." Seeker sighed and shook her head. "I will come with you..." Looking to Seeker. "Alright, I guess..." I gave so little care and put my gun in my holster. Leaving those I met behind. Climbing back out and I looked around not trusting this city at all. I started to walk away and then I heard a voice. "Hello, Tiria." Looking to watcher staring at the robot. "Hello, Watcher...what brings you to me after six months?" The bot just hovers there for a moment. " I wish to say goodbye...I heard what is going on with you...It's even Djpon3 is talking about it." Turning on the pip-buck and the voice came on. "I got something heartbreaking to talk about children. A hero that fought for her friends against her own kind the Enclave is going to be joining those warrior's of the dead soon. It seems her body won't be able to handle her giving birth and she will pass. But she won't be forgotten. She did so much for us...Not as much as the Lightbringer..but she did so much. It's time to honour her..if you see her walking. Give her thanks if you see her in her town Freedom Town... give her thanks... Just give her thanks." I sighed turning it off and looking to Watcher. "Listen Watcher... I am not going to see the sun...before I die... I will even miss the real moon. Think of it Watcher... No matter what happens, I am going to lose... My heart is beating from the fact... I know I am going to die..." Watcher went silent a moment "I am going to die before I see what I want..." I sighed and Watcher seemed to stay silent. "Tiria...head back home... I promise you... That you will see the sun and the moon." I rolled my eyes. "Alright... Watcher...nice meeting you..." I walked with Seeker by my side. I closed my eyes as I was hoping he would keep the promise. _____________ Two days later: Freedom Town. We had made it back and I sat at my thinking spot... I looked up seeing something green fly into the sky and then was gone. I closed my eyes feeling so much pain in my heart as I just sat there wallowing in my own pain. I stood up and heard explosions looking up. Seeing the green thing again and suddenly explosion in the sky... The Cloud cover was removed and the sun..shined down... I stared at the sun. My heart...froze a moment... I just stood there...thinking I was dreaming... I saw....it... I had tears fall from my eyes my heart started to drain its pain out... Started to sob. Oh, the warmth the pain that I caused on this journey the pain that happened to me... I finally get to see my dream....the sun... I also want to see the moon... But the fact I am seeing this before my death... Makes me just sad and happy... That I don't get to share this with Sand... I need him right now... I looked over and everypony even Fleur looked up seeing the sun... Kip even had tears in her eyes. It was something no pony ever thought they would see again. I watched at the green figure came down seeing it was a ghoul. She had a chalkboard and she wrote on it and lifted it up it said. "Watcher asked me to do this for you miss Tiria." She places it on the ground and removes the writing with a hoof and writes again. "I wanted to do this as well. I may never have met you till now... But you deserve this." I wanted to hug the mare... I already am close to a ghoul... "Whats...your name?" I asked very calmly tears still streaming from my eyes. The mare smiled setting down the chalkboard and bringing it back up after she wrote. "I am Ditzy Doo. Do you have any muffins?" I blinked and just hugged the mare tightly and just started to cry so hard. Some pony did something for me? Here I took ponies as monsters for granted. I treated even my friends who were ponies at trash sometimes. My pip-buck was going crazy but I didn't care... I needed this. It was something I dreamed about... Fleur walked over to us and she pulled me away from the mare with her magic and looked to Ditzy with a smile. "Thank you, Ditzy..." She smiled nodding as she flew off to get back home. Fleur calmly brought me to my friends... I sat in the middle of them. I wrapped around Kip looking at the sun. "I am so sorry Kip... I really am... I am sorry for treating you so awful... Same to you Fleur..." I started to softly sob on her and Fleur smiled... As my pain was being thrown out of my body. Kip smiled and held me with her magic and We all hugged I never hugged all my friends at once... It felt right... As we watched the sun. We had part even that lasted through the night. We finally saw the moon. I could feel it glow on me as I sat on the hill and felt like Sand was there with me. I stayed up to even watch the sun rise and Crow was on my shoulder watching with me... Pot head was behind me... We all looked up... But this was only in my mind... Soft Paw was with us too... I know they're at peace... I will be at peace soon myself. Kip called me in her soft voice. "Tiria please come and eat something." I stood up and went to go get some food. It was the last time... I saw Watcher. I will not be able to thank him for what he did for me. I noticed that Ditzy was flying with her cart hitched to her. Fleur spoke to her as it seems she wanted to start trade. I waved to Ditzy as she waved back. "Hey, Ditzy...please tell Watcher thank you for me." Ditzy nods. Smiling and heading to the bar. There was food there waiting for me as well as tonnes of water. Kip wanted to keep me from going back out and I was going to listen to her. Ra Proto started to do his rounds in the cave and just kept walking back and forth...Same with Silver. Calmly eating the food that Kip left for me... I sat there eating the food looking around. I gave up my leadership to Silver Kip and Shadow...They lead the town for me. Fleur sat down beside me she smiled and leaned against me. "That new unicorn you brought into the town...is very interesting. She is going to be our other teacher too." Gave a nod looking to Fleur as I eat and gave her a gentle smile. "Thank you, Fleur." I kept eating as I was getting my fill. Fleur blinks looking to me and just leaned against me. I got off the chair and went back outside she followed me and then I sat back in my thinking spot watching the moon. "Tiria...how long have you been up?"I looked over to Fleur and smiled softly. "I have been up mostly almost 24 hours... I can't sleep...too much pain in my body." Fleur gave me a frown and sighed as she layed beside me and I leaned on her as I watched the moon. I finally fell asleep as I leaned near her. _________________ Next day. Opened my eyes calmly seeing I was in my bed. I tried to move but I couldn't. I can't even move my legs. Am I that weak? I slowly try to get out of the bed and fall to the floor with a smash. Ra Proto rushes in. Seeing me laying on the floor not able to move. He speaks in a loud voice. "Warning... Warning... Paralysed wolf on the floor." Kip rushes in and with the help of Fleur gets me back on the bed and I groaned. "Why...can't I move?" Kip looked at my body with her horn and gasped deeply. Tears falling from her eyes and she starts to sob softly. Fleur blinks and gives Kip a gentle hug sitting in front of her. "Kip...what's wrong?" Kip was finally able to speak. "The orb, everything you have been through... The pup thanks to everything that has happened to you Tiria... Your body is weak... I doubt you will ever be able to walk again. But I can try to make it so you can at least sit up." I sighed softly, closing my eyes. "Please take me out outside on my bed..on my hill... So I can watch the sun and the moon." Kip blinks and looks to Fleur giving a nod. They used their magic to carry my bed with me in the bed. As they lay it on the hill I am able to watch the moon go up and down. I layed there watching I had Star Shooter jump up on my bed and I smiled at her... I tried to move my upper paws it wasn't easy but I could. I stroked her head and told her these words. "Star Shooter... I need you to grow up and be a strong leader. Someday you will go out in this world and help fight. Even if the world becomes peaceful there will be those...out there...that don't wish for this peace. So please Star shooter protect this little town. Show them how strong you can be.." Star shooter blinks. She was eight years old... But her mind didn't fully become like it would be when she grew older... I would never see her become a mare. "Tell me a story Tiira...please..." I looked at her and smiled. Closing my eyes and sighed. "Look to the sky...the moon in the sky has a story behind it... It's a soul to wolves. It allows the wolves to sing to it... I would do it...but I am too weak to..." Finally able to move at least my good arm that didn't hold the orb for to on and bring the little filly closer to me. "Remember this story little Star shooter. The moon brings hope to some that...have never seen it.." Looking up into the sky seeing the stars "The moon speaks to creatures like me... It makes us have a little bit of hope... For me... I need all the hope I can get." I closed my eyes a moment and laid back down fully on the bed. Feeling Star shooter lay beside me as I slowly fell asleep feeling my heart slowly beating as my mind went into a deep dreamless sleep. I opened my eyes after an hour and looked to little Star shooter. But then I saw a gun aiming right at me. Looking up seeing it being held by an Enclave. "I am...weak and now...what is left of you folks...are showing up to take me out?" I sat there as the Enclave soldier just flew there. "Because...of ones like you...my home is under a war...." I rolled my eyes. "I don't give a shit..... You lived like Gods up...there and ponies fight...you and now... You think you can control the rest of us down here?" Stared at the Enclave pony and I was able to move and then he shot me my back as Star Shooter woke up as I was groaning in pain. RA Proto and Silver come over quickly lifting their weapons. "Stop...or I will kill your hero..." The Enclave aimed his energy blaster now. "I will kill her." Star shooter started up at him, she started to speak. "Sir....why would you hurt her? She is holding little one... She is barely alive...." Her eyes full of tears staring at the Enclave soldier. He stared at her. The blood from my wound was on her face... This innocent little filly just saw me take a bullet because of this ones need for revenge. I softly spoke. "Star shooter.....go....find your parents..." Star shooter stood up and stared at the soldier and walked away. But she didn't fully go away... She lifted open the case that held my weapons and the orb... She took the Red Dragon pistol as the symbol of the Red Dragon glowed. "My revenge...is needed half of my family has betrayed the Enclave..." I sat there as he shot my leg now and I screamed as Kip rushed and he shot at Kip with the energy blaster from the Enclave armour and hit at her hooves before she got closer. "Say goodbye to her." Star Shooter was taught to shoot a gun from her parents she aimed the gun. Since no pony was going to stop her. She fired and the bullet from the armour went into the armour of his side and he screamed in pain. As she fired again hitting him in the neck this time. Then again in the flank. The horror everypony saw seen Star Shooter comes over to the Enclave soldier who fell to the ground in pain trying to get up and she aims at his very head. "My mommy and daddy told me...evil ponies need to be punished... You don't harm the one that saved...my life..." She had great anger in her eyes. Then I saw it she got her cutie mark. It was a pistol, shooting stars. My eyes fill with tears but she did save my life. "Revenge is not right....sir...you don't deserve to blame Tiria..." For a young filly, she spoke with wisdom oddly enough as she was ready to fire again but just shot beside his head and stared at him. "I am not a murderer...sir..." Her gentle eyes grow hard. She walks back to the case and puts the gun back in it. She then looked at her flank and gasped jumping around. "I got my cutie mark!!" I had a fear...that she would become a fighter for the waste...but not like this. I was hoping to free her from this pain. RA Proto came over and lifted up the pony in the armour. "We'll take you...to Reaper Fields...to place you in the Cannon balls jail cells...when you're ready to talk...we will come for you." Ra Proto jumps over the wall and walks through the bog to head to Reaper Fields. Kip rushed to me and looked through my body seeing that the bullets missed anything vital and sighed softly. As she grabbed tweezers as she pulled the bullets out of my body I groaned in pain and she wrapped the wounds up and looked at me with fear. "Tiria... I can tell...that you blame yourself for her...protecting you... You shouldn't but I have a feeling she will walk in your paw steps." I nodded looking to the little filly showing off her Cutiemark to her parents. I layed back into the bed closing my eyes. I feel weaker than I normally do. "Kip, can you bring me my journal?" Kip gave a nod. She trots into my room and brought out the journal. I sit up and started to write. _____________ Journal. Here I am writing my last and final entry. I wish I could meet you, kid. I wish I could be there for you. I wish you could meet your father. But sadly the world doesn't wish to work that way. It's gotten to the point that I was even almost killed. A little filly that will watch you grow up... Many ponies even ghouls will watch you grow up and protect you. I wish I could see you little one... Maybe someday a memory will be given... _______________ I put down the journal and called out. "KIP!!!" Kip rushed over to me blinking. "What?" She panted softly. "Get me to ponyville... I need to get there..." She blinks and I got out of the bed able to walk a bit. "Get me there!! And bring a mirror." I won't be able to walk long... So Iron Claw carried me Kip coming along with me to Ponyville. It took us two days. We went inside Sugarcube Corner. The defence didn't attack and they sat me down taking the receptical so ones who aren't unicorns can view them. Kip removed the other orb without her magic and put in a new one she had found that had nothing in it. She lifts up the mirror and started the spell. "Hello...kiddo... I am talking to you through this orb... I know we will never see each other... But this is all I could think of doing. I wish I was there for you... I wish I could see you walk... see you talk and dance... Fall in love... But I sadly won't be there to see it. I am known as Tiria Shiverclaw... I was a rebel of my pack... I was forced to leave to find an orb called the Howling dance... It was used to...create us you could say... Even that was a lie...it seems. Well, I wanted you to know... I didn't give up... My body has been through so much... My spirit will fight on...but my body...no... I can no longer fight...even if I wanted to little one... I can't. Soon my spirit will be fighting to keep me alive even after bringing you into the world. I am sorry little one... I love you...." The spell was over and we took both orbs back with us. After ripping a page out of my journal and writing on it. Watch both when you are older... Someday you will understand. I had made a friend that was in a former stable. She removed my pip-buck with the tool and placed it in the case. All my possessions were now locked in this case... For all to see along with the journal. Then I waited for the end... It was going to come...then the fight of my spirit. I was carried back to my bed and layed there...watching the stars twinkle, closing my eyes and prayed. "Oh... Goddess oh Celestia... Oh, Luna... I wish I could have met you two... I am sure in the day you two were amazing... Maybe you're hearing me right now...Maybe you're not... But I can't be sad that I didn't get to meet you two... The past is long gone... The Lightbringer probably just saved this world... A world that I even took for granted. All the hate I had for ponies...is now gone. Maybe I deserved to be shot by that Enclave. Maybe I am a curse from the past... That should have died years ago." I leaned back and sighed closing my eyes, falling asleep. It was close to that day that I would meet those... I even killed. Chapter 22: A new soul."Death is the first step..." Many months have passed. I was in my bed watching the moon. I got even weaker. My muscles in my legs are completely gone. It was getting close to time. Kip just sat there watching me..with tears falling from her eyes. It was close to the due date. I couldn't even keep food down anymore. In so much pain but just staring at the moon... I could finally ignore it. Every part of me was in deep pain from breathing. My heart getting slower. The blood slowly drifting through every vein in my body. So this is what it felt like to slowly die... Fleur walked over with some water and blankets. I could see her anguish in her ghoul's face. Closing my eyes and groaned in pain... It was getting close to time... The moon was the only thing..that was keeping me from just breaking down and sobbing but it finally happened... "I... I don't...want...to go... I... I can't do this... I need...to see you....all... I need you..." I was sobbing in so much pain my mind was gone... I only saw the emptiness of my soul... Tears streaming from my face... Even if I lived through this birth... I would never move again... How is this fair? I can't just allow those close to me to watch me die... Kip started to sob herself and Fleur kept herself together but barely. Shadow walking over to his adopted sister...wrapping his wings around her gently. "Kip...we have to let her go... I have already dug up the hole we will be placing her in. Right in front of the case that holds the howling dance..and all her weapons. So please Kip allow her to go." Kip sobbed softly. Fleur sat and watch. It was getting closer to time. Everypony of the town even Thunder cloud her mother who I learned was Raindrops..and the Enclave soldier that almost hurt Star shooter his name was Heartthrob. They watched from flying in the sky... I let them join and they give me this honor. ___________________________ The story ends. "Then...we all ended up here...right here. Where you all watch me..." I looked at them all with my weak eyes... I told them the entire story on my death bed... It was the only thing... I could keep my mind off of... I do know some wanted to ask me questions...but I couldn't answer to much pain. Smiling at them. "Please...don't forget me... My story needs to live on... Maybe someday. I will be a hero...to many in their hearts... But I don't wish to be a big hero... I want history to remember me as the wolf...that left a cave to save her friends... I just want to be remembered for that..." I had tears falling from my eyes. Then I felt it...it had begun. It was close to the end of my life. But I swear I saw my father and he held my paw. Stroking it but no he was really there. I finally saw him he just hold my paw tightly. I couldn't even speak to him but he just was there for me. I didn't scream as this happen Star Shooter jumped on the bed nuzzling me and Fleur place her head on my chest to relax me... Kip stood at the end of the bed. As all of the citizens of the town watched me... Most had tears falling from their eyes. Proto was by the gate guarding it but his eye turned to watch me...he was recording it... To give to those that wish to know my story. Kip slowly removed the baby from my body... I couldn't push anymore she had to use some magic to get the little one out... But after that... She held the baby in her magic and wrapped the little one in a blanket. _________________ The point of view of another. I had listened to Tiria give birth... My little young ears... I didn't enjoy hearing the pain. But I knew I couldn't let her be alone... I softly heard Kip giggle. "Tiria...it's a girl..." Then I looked up hearing no movement and Fleur moved her head from Tiria's chest and I nuzzled her side... "Tiria?" My soft little voice spoke out... But no she is dead... She passed right there... Kip started to sob and Crossfire hugged his wife tightly. Fleur stayed silent... She couldn't cry but I could see the pain... At first, I didn't understand death... But she did so much for me... I knew someday I would repay her. Silver turned off his emotions and walked off to patrol. Bulwark, Tiny, and Cannonball...had tears fall from their eyes... Even Dumbbell the raider...leader... His ponies were there watching... The junk Reaper's as well. Little hoof and Little Strong hoof the Buffalo. As well as the chef. They were all there just for her. Shadow carried the body and the three mare's walked in seeing Tiria they wanted to be here... They came with River and her caravan but they were too late... But they could still honor her... The three steel ranger mares turned on some old world music. That sounded like burial music. Shadow lowered Tiria's dead body into the hole and he spoke. "Tiria... I met her..on the field of battle... I watched her take down a group of raiders with no problem.. Even then... I knew she was going to be a problem... But I wished to help her through the wasteland... I didn't know it yet... But I started to love her like my own sister... I didn't even tell her I loved her...like that...we just stayed as close friends. I wish... I could have done more for her...but I sadly couldn't. I wish she would have been here to see my family be born... But no but I will do what I can to honor her." Kip walked up carrying the little pup. "I have a name..for the little one... Crystal..." I noticed that Seeker was looking out like she was seeing something... My little filly brain was too young during this time. "But I also wish to speak of her... She invaded our home with Shadow... She didn't harm any pony just scared a few... My magic stopped them and she was about to kill me..when I gave her a gentle look. Such a gentle look. That her heart just allowed me to live... Her eyes full of happiness when she met me and Silver... I know Silver won't speak... This is hitting him too hard... I know that look he has right now." I looked to Silver who was staring at his shotgun. I wanted to say something but what would a filly say? "May I say a story?" Everypony turned to me the little eight-year-old filly... I gulped but I gained the might as Kip lifted me up and placed me on top of the glass case. "I didn't know..her that well... But when she wasn't busy she would spend time with me telling my stories... Showing me how to fight... She even told me a story of the moon and how Wolves howl at the moon. I wish I could have heard her...howl..." I went silent and Kip let me down. Before we fully buried the body. Tiria's father stood looking down at her. Then looking to the others. I knew he had words to say about his daughter. The fact he even came is amazing to all of us. But again after this, he never came back. I remember his words it's too painful for him. "My daughter... I loved her even if I never showed it to her. I wish I could have said these words to her. I wish things were different for her. Things left unsaid are unsaid. I can't stay to watch her be buried. I thank you for allowing me to come." He left not even looking back we buried the body and all was said and done. "Oh....good soul...who saved us...from the chains... Oh, soul...who saved us from the Enclave...we miss you...we will see you in the next life." They stop singing as Shadow put up a tombstone and carved words into it. "Here Lies Tiria, a hero to a very small town...we will miss her... Love her friends." While everypony went on their way I sat there watching... IN my little brain... I thought she would come back to life... Like in stories... My mother came up to me and nuzzled me. "Mommy...she won't wake up..." She had tears in her eyes as I looked up to her and calmly took me aside. "She is dead....sweetie...remember her for what she did for you." It finally hit me and I started to cry as my mother carried me off away from the tomb... ___________________ The spirits I woke up knowing I was dead... I was on a strange boat. But there was no evil... It was times river. It was taking me to a place... I never thought I would be. After a while, I washed up on the shore..getting out of the boat and going into a cave. A land of beauty was on the other side. It looks like Equestria in its olden days... I saw ponies. Two trotted up to me. I knew the other one... "Misty Moon?" Looking to the former one that was the ghoul and he smiled. "Told you I would meet you again..welcome...you will no longer be in pain... You will no longer be wondering if you did the right thing... You are now in peace." But I saw the one that would make my heartbreak. "Mother...." EpilogueA voice spoke over the Town of Freedom's radio. "Ah yes...this is Iron claw or Bowwwser wooowser... I will be sending this to who I can... Thanks to Djpone3 I am able to make it to places like Manehatten but sadly, for now, that is it... But I wish to explain. It's been ten months to the day..that Tiria passed away... It's been hard for us... But at the anniversary of her leaving her home... We changed the name of the town to Tiria's heart. To honour her... It's been pretty peaceful around here. But some are still hurting. But I doubt you wish to know about our pain... How about happiness ahem." "It's been hard for a lot of us that knew her so well. But we move on and have cleaned out the stable and will be using it as housing. But I don't have much news on the goings on here only what I have been told... Fleur De Les has finally built her Inn... But this entire town..is still waiting for something to happen... We will be training new wasteland heroes here as well. Hopefully, they will be able to fight like the Lightbringer... But most hope that.." "I sadly don't have much to say...but thank you Tiria...for what you have done for us...thank you. I will be sounding out a lot more to give news about our little town. But I can give some things..." "Kip has finally gotten the family she wanted... She didn't want to go deep into it... Cannon Ball and the Rat Creeper's are helping the Dumbbell raiders and the Junk reapers at cleaning up Reaper Fields... They leave some of the scraps for traders to take... But they wish to make it like it used to be... Before the war even started." "The Iron wolf Project nothing more has shown up about the Iron wolf project. It seems Tiria's species just stay at their side of Equestria...they know their little god the howling dance is broken... They wanted to go to war over this...but the elders said no. Maybe we will never see them again." "Shadow is free from his pact with Gawd. He is now fully living here with us. With his new lover Owl beak... Maybe someday we will have more peace in the wasteland... Not every area of our world is free...even Equestria itself is still in pain... But the Buffalo have gone back to their lands...some do come by now and then... But they refuse to even go anywhere else for the moment till ponies prove themselves again." "The three Enclave soldiers we have in our ranks...have built an information center to help find the missing of the Enclaves little war they are having." He sighed. "This is sadly all I have to say...thank you Lightbringer for all you did...and Tiria... Thank you, Lightbringer for grrrr bringing back the diamonds in the sky." <0000000000000000> The future It's been almost close to 80 years since the death of Tiria. In the middle of the camp are status of the founder. Even Silver gunner is there the older Silver Gunner he died not too long ago. Even robots of old have their time. The town is of many different creatures. All races from many journeys and Silver Trail the new Silver Gunner but the real Silver Gunner after another he was built. He was reading to the grandchildren and children of the heroes of this town. "And that children Is the story of the Howling dance." He closed the book and places it on the shelf. He turns to the children. "Any more stories you wish children." His eyes turning to many creatures some bugs rat creepers ponies and Salamanders. A large group of many races. In fact, not far from his home is a large nest of what is called magic eaters. "Oh-oh!!" Silver looks down at a pony mix Salamander. "The story of grandmother Star Shooter." Silver nods looking through the books. He looks through his collection of books. Many names pop out. Little pips story. Survivors guilt. Aftershock. Rainfall, Reminders, and isle of the lost. He sat back down opening the book to read another journey. Author's Note Thank you everyone for reading this story..Thank you Rainbowscoots1 for Editing it..I want to thank everyone for the kindness and respect they gave me...Even to those that disliked it..I am sure it's for a reason. There will be another one soon to take place ten year's after...Take care. Isle of the lost is next take care. IntroductionAuthor's Note The new intro I hope you folks enjoy how I changed it thank you all for the wait. Introduction How did my journey start, you ask? It could be fate, some evil mind, or from what I have been told by zebras my journey foretold by the stars. I will be honest I don’t know when my journey fully started. All I know is it has something to do with my mother. I was too young to remember my father though told me everything. It all started in a random cave or at least to us my kind it's a random cave in the land known as Shattered hoof. _________________ Keiloria I have had it with the elders of this pack. They refuse to know the truth and all I can do is talk to the one in the darkness who keeps telling me he found it. I don’t know why he has been talking to me but he has. “Keilora, what are you doing?” I pause a second, closing my eyes tightly to relax. My old mate and my husband betrayed me because I asked if we could go find the item which created us so long ago. I don’t even look at him while I gather my armor and weapon. “I am doing what must be done. If I stay here our daughter will be used against me by the elders. They already turned you against me just because I question our god. When I know full the truth since he told me.” I finally turn to stare at my mate. He is holding our little pup in one paw. She is so small she is a runt to our kind. I know I won’t see her again when I go on this journey. I try my best to remove the stress from my heart blowing hot air out of my lungs. “Keiloria, they would never use our daughter to make a point. You need to stop believing every single thing that pony told you. All this stupidity he has been telling you about the return of some monster in the darkness.” I groan, stroking my head. It’s not stupid or dumb I have seen this monster he is talking about. I have heard old stories from zebras who came through here. I stare into the darkness and I see the red eyes again. “Keiloria, what about our daughter? She needs her mother. We haven’t even given her a name yet.” I sigh, stroking my head. “I have a name for her. Please raise her with love and respect, don't let those who lead this pack use her as a puppet or destroy her life because of me.” My mate comes over to me, setting the little one on our rock bed. He holds my paws in his. Looking into my eyes I feel the love between us has faded over the years. I am outspoken; it's something the pack refuses to agree with. “What is her name Keiloria? What shall we call our daughter you’re just about to abandon because some pony in a wheelchair has asked you to start a plan for him. A plan we know nothing about and all he has said will bring the world back to normal.” Am I abandoning my daughter for something which could be too good to be true? Maybe it is too good to be true. Maybe I will be used to bringing some end to the world for all I know. The monster of the past I have been seeing. I don’t know why I see him but others don’t. I groan why must I do this to myself?'' “Tiria. Is her name. Raise her and tell her the truth about me. Let her learn the rest herself.” I look down at the one-year-old pup. I stroke her head gently. “Goodbye my Gordost' i radost'” I grab my bag and gear heading out of the pack. Looked back at the elders who stare at me with their I am above you looks. I sigh heading out of the old cavern standing outside the gate is a pony in a wheelchair and floating beside him is a robot. I haven’t seen this robot before. “I am ready.” The pony chuckles. “Come with me then let's take a journey.” I turn to look back at my home I am about to leave. I close my eyes sighing deeply I wish she will know who I am and not suffer from what I am doing. I turn back to see the pony in the wheelchair. I have a question about what must be done and all I can do is wonder. "My question pony before we leave what are you after?" The pony in the chair laughs. "Simple Project Storm Watch. But for you my dear what your species has been searching for. I know its location so if you wish to question this some more, please. I have all the time in the world." I let out a very weak sigh. I am unsure what I am about to do but I do it for our future. "Then lead the way pony and may I ask what is your name?" The pony in the wheelchair turns laughing. "Wheel Tread my dear." _________________________ Tiria “That is part of my story, part of my journey. I can’t tell you what I know but I can tell you this. This journey has led me to so many ways of pain and sorrow.” I lay my head back on the pillow groaning gently looking up to the sky with the sun beating down on me. I glance at the friends I made over the eight to nine months I have been out here in this broken healing world. “I have time I feel before my time fully is up to explain my life to all of you… When you hear it please my friends don’t think of me as a monster or a fool. I am just a creature of habit who follows a set path.” I close my eyes looking back. “It all started in a simple mountainous area known as Shattered hoof.” Footnote” Tiria Shiverwolf Special: Strength: Nine Perception: three Endurance: seven Charisma: Four Intelligence: Three Agility: four Luck: two Virtue: Simple-minded {Refuses to see the big picture including when a gun is poking in her head. She will still refuse to see the big picture and follow her path. Chapter One: The journey.Author's Note Hello everyone welcome to the second rewritten chapter. Now I kept the old one if folks still want to read it. I might release my old story again for others to read if they want but here you go the rewritten chapter. Chapter One: The journey. Most stories always have a start with it being grand and amazing I am sure. For me, though, it was just normal teaching by the elders. I sat there minding my own business like always listening to the old wolves spout their nonsense and I had my mind elsewhere. My mind is and always has been focused on an adventure away from this hell hole. “Tiria are you listening child?” In my head, all I could think of is finding my mother finding fame and glory in the name of a warrior. As all stories start they start with a great deal of pain. Did I mention the elders love breaking heads with their staves? “Tiria..” WACK!!! I rub my head groaning deeply. The stave hits me in the head again even harder this time. My paw gets hit and I groan looking up at the elder. My gentle blue eyes are angry with hate. Oh, goddess, I wish I had laser vision. “You could just say Tiria are you listening instead of smacking my head. I mean come on who fucking does that?!” The elder rolls his eyes “Hush pup you’re lucky it wasn’t worse. If I had my way you would be tied down and have cold water dumped all over your fur. Now get to your graduation, don’t keep your teacher waiting.” The elder turns around to walk off using the stave to lean on. Mostly they use it to punish those who misbehave. I do deserve it. I am my mother's daughter after all I am a rebel like she is. I quickly stand on my paws running through the cavern to get to the training halls. After a while, I made it to the line of many who stood waiting for their task in the pack. I stood beside them all. I am larger and bigger than most of them. I was told by my father I was a runt of the pack and he is surprised by how well and quickly I grew. We watch my father who is also the trainer size us up like he always did before he insults. “So you maggots think this is the last day of the rest of your lives? Most of you shouldn’t even be here. Most of you didn’t even fulfill any tasks I brought you. Then…some of you have dreams of adventure.” He stares at me with a great deal of contempt. He told me my mother left me to die with him taking care of me and having to take up a new mate to feed me the milk my mother should have been doing. “My daughter being one of them oh daughter your dream is finally coming true you’re now a joke even more.” I growl gently trying to stay calm. I didn’t care how he acted towards me when I came for my training. He always blamed me for what happened to my mother. He never dared to tell me what happened. I get the looks from the others with me in line. Most of them are respectful to me even if I don’t have many friends. “Now I will be giving out the swords and you can’t go back on what I give you. Because it’s your task and it will be your life task. Tell me everyone what task do you wish to fulfill for the rest of your life? To most of us, you don’t get a choice.” He glances at me. I don't get a choice. I never got a choice. He walks on his bloodstained claws giving the swords to the others. I am of course last as always. I don't know what I am given. It's wrapped in a strange paper. “Stay Tiria you and I need to speak before you see your sword.” He nods to the others to leave and I watch them leave most of them not evening returning a glance at me. When they leave the stands in front of me I see the hate and the disappointment. Just the look in his eyes said it all. “Father please for once in your life treat me with the respect I deserve. You know full well I am not my mom you have no right to treat me like I am a threat to you and your standing.” He releases a gentle sigh from his lungs. “Tiria you’re still my daughter, the best thing that ever happened in my life. Including meeting your mother I loved her. I love you and you and I both know you’re following in her pawsteps. Someday you will learn that being your mother is not something you want. Open your gift, remember this is your path now, don't get upset.” I remove the wrapping from the sword. I see the symbol on the hilt of the sword disappointment fills my heart and my soul. A crescent moon only the fodder get this. They want to get rid of those they feel are a problem in the pack. To get rid of them make them a crescent moon, a warrior of the moon. “Father this..must be some mistake. I did all the tests perfectly and I did everything right. Why must I be given this?” He shakes his head frowning. “There you go again becoming a rebel like your mother.” All I could do was just stare at my father like he had some bald spot on the top of his head. I will never understand why I am always thought to be the rebel and the worthless trash. I don’t understand it, I never will. “Father, what is wrong with questioning the paw I have been given? I mean come on I worked so hard to become something more than just fodder. Is it because the elders see me and think I am my mother? Why don’t you defend me, you just let them walk all over me.” He never gave me an answer. “It’s time for you to sleep and go to your chambers and we won’t be speaking of this again.” I want to press the issue with him. I know full well that if I do I will be beaten by the elders again. I will be chained down and whipped for daring to speak like I am now. To the elders, we must always follow the paw given to us. The paw our god the Howling Dance gave us. “Are you done Tiria? Are you done asking questions about the will of the elders and thinking you’re above them? If you are then go to your chambers or do I have to force you there?” I back away from my father looking to the tunnels leading through our home. I close my eyes, opening to look at the sword. I turn around to head back into those tunnels and I stop looking over my shoulder at my father. “Are you proud of me at all?” He just shrugs his shoulders. “Prove to me you’re not moon trash now.” There it is the word moon trash. I feel I don’t deserve to be treated like this. I go through the tunnels watching the others with happy families and pups of their own. All I could do was long to have a family. Be something not just the daughter of a traitor. I walk through the tunnels of the cavern ignoring the world around me. After a while, I get to my chambers. I am told this used to be the room my father and mother shared when I was just a pup. Looking to the side there is a large weapon display of old weapons I have gathered. A crossbow and bolts. A mace with spikes on it. A large hammer and sword and shield. My bed is made of a large slab of stone. Other beds for those that they cared about were made of something softer but I was considered the daughter of a traitor. I set the sword under the slab to be ready just in case some of the bullies in this pack I have to deal with in their words. Do the will of the elders to keep me in my place. I groan deeply, why must life be so unfair?! I felt anger building in my heart. It’s the ponies' fault they’re the reason we are in this world. I open my eyes and suddenly see a red mist flowing through the tunnels. I turn to see what I guess is a magic portal. Inside this portal a blue creature with red eyes and strange black horns glowing red. With a smile on the lips the creature, I could smell the decay of death around this creature. I shook my head taking deep breaths to relax. No. no no… I am just seeing things I just need to sleep, yes that is it. I knew then no it wasn’t sleep I needed to get out of here. It was driving me crazy to the point I am going insane. I lay on the stone bed, my body screaming in pain from the hard stone. I didn’t mind. I have gotten used to the pain. It's something you learn when you have to deal with the elders and their grand pearls of wisdom. Closing my eyes I fall into a dreamless sleep. _____________ Chambers of the elder I had worse mornings I had worst days I have been drunk I have had sex with some. The sex turned out to be the worst sex I ever had. Then there is a day such as this I woke up in chains. I am on the wall of the elder's chamber like I am a piece of good-cut beef. I saw one of the bodyguards of the elders, the most well-known of them. A larger male is known for his abusive nature. Oh, the wish for powers to melt his brain with my eyes. “Now now pup I was asked to bring you here. Before you act so high and mighty. I could break one of the rules the elders have in place. Never torture another one of our own. Heh, those rules never stay in place for trash such as you.” I grunt trying to fight and break the chains. Like I can break these chains they’re made by the best blacksmith in the pack. I could do everything to try to break free of them. The only way I could break free from them is by chewing my legs off. I am not going to waste my time chewing through the flesh. I grunt trying again to break free. I hang there defeated. It took a while for the elder to walk in. He has a pretty confused look on his face. I am sure he is wondering why I am hanging from these chains. “I told you to bring her to me. Not to chain her to the wall and act like she is some worthless trash.” The bodyguard laughs. “Oh, I am so sorry sir I just thought you could break into her. Maybe give her a little pup and then force her to be in line.” The elder strokes his head groaning “I will deal with you later.” The bodyguard snorts laughing tossing the key to the floor. The key lands on the stone floor with a hard thunk. He leaves the chambers and the elder closes the stone door. He didn’t want anyone else to hear this. “I am sorry Tiria, he felt he was doing the right thing since you’re moon trash. I think most forget the moon trash is the best of us.” He uses the keys to unlock me. I fall to the ground landing on my paws I groan stroking my legs wow that hurt. I glance at the elder as he sits on his soft bed made of the various creatures we find in the mountains. “Why am I here?” The elder tosses an old letter to me. The letter lands on the floor. I pick it up and read it. ‘I met a pony today who told me they can help me find our creator. The Howling dance I wish I could tell you why I left but I know you won’t listen to me. I am sick and tired of your lies and I have been told the truth. I will return when I find the Howling Dance.’ “Who wrote this?” The elder chuckles “Your mother, she met a pony who came through here. He told her he knew the location of the Howling dance. That was oh about twenty years ago you’re now twenty or close to that age dear Tiria.” I stare at the letter my mother went to go find the Howling dance? The creator of us or whatever it was. I just know it was a crystal witch who spoke to us. It allowed us to howl at it. It allowed us to sing to it and dance to it. “Why are you telling me this?’ The elder sighs stroking the back of his head. I know the look in his eyes. It’s the look of bad news. News I am going to be very unhappy to learn. I take a deep breath holding it in waiting for the bad news. “You’re being sent into exile. I can no longer allow you to stay here being the daughter of a betrayer. If you find the Moon itself you’re welcome to return and then when you return. You will sing the song of hope with us.” My ears pin to the back of my head. I exhale feeling sadness and anger filling my heart. I wish I could cry but I haven’t been able to cry for a long time. If I could I would break down begging you to let me stay. I have never been told to go into exile before. “Is there any way I could convince you otherwise?’ He shook his head. “There is no way you can convince me, Tiria. You may stay for two days and go say goodbye to those. Wait, you have no friends, no one respects you here. Head to your room and lock yourself in it for two days. I will come for you at the end of the second day. Make sure you’re ready for the world outside.” The elder opens the door letting me go. Tears form in my eyes why am I being punished like this. I try to look strong. I can't show he has gotten to me. I can’t allow them to see they have gotten to me and they have won. “Thank you elder for the truth. I hope to come back someday.” The elder chuckles as I head out into the tunnels. I walk through the tunnels quickly. I know when others learn I am being outcasted I will get attacked. I look around making sure I am ready just in case some of the haters of moon trash are out and about. I made it to my chambers with no problems looking around opening the stone door to head inside. I look around to make sure no one is inside waiting for me. I quickly go inside and grab armor and other weapons strapping them to my armor and making sure I have my bags. I hold the sword tightly in my paws laying on my back in my room, closing my eyes to fall asleep hoping I will wake up if someone tries to attack me. ______________ Day three: Time to leave I woke up hearing a bunch of commotion. I held the blade tightly hearing a bunch of voices outside my door. The door opens up and one of the other elders comes in. She has many of her guards with her. “It’s time to leave now and no you will not be staying any longer. We need to get rid of betrayers like you quickly.” I see my father in the group. I sigh deeply walking out of the room. I am being led through the pack seeing so many eyes stare at me. I am not a monster to my pack, a creature who is a monster and an outcast to them. It didn’t take too long to get to the path leading to the outside. I take a deep breath turning to look at them. “Am I able to say goodbye to anyone?” The female elder laughs. “Who would care if you left or not.” My father comes out of the group staring at the elder. “I would come with me, my daughter.” My father leads me into the tunnel leading me to the outside. He turns to look back down to make sure I am not followed. He turns to look at me. His eyes turn from hatred to sadness and he hugs me tightly. I was confused why he was hugging me. I never understood my father. He can change how he acts on a dime. “Listen Tiria I need you to find out what happened to your mother. I need to know the truth about what happened. So please do what you can to find the Howling dance and your mother. Just I will add one thing. Find friends and try to find friends who will protect you in this world.” I am confused about finding friends? I remember the old stories about the ponies having this magic of friendship. This magic of friendship gave them the power to take on anything. Then the magic of friendship allowed this world to die. “I will try... I might not return if I find a home.” My father laughs softly. “If you do, please don’t return then.” I let out a weak breathless sigh. I have been meaning to ask him this question. It’s a hard question to ask. I don’t want to know the truth if it’s true or not. I love my father. I know he loves me, at least I think he does. “Father please tell me do you love me? Am I just a mistake the elders keep telling me?” My father shakes his head. “I do love you and you’re not a mistake. The deed your mother and I did might have been a mistake. But we got to have you a wonderful daughter. Your mother did many things the elders hated. She didn’t listen, she put them in their place and tried so hard to make the pack home for you.” I grunt, shaking my head so much for making this pack home for me. I am starting to wonder if the elders will have someone follow me. This moon, this howling dance is a god to us and it’s something I never understood. “Father, why do I need to make friends? What is my path? What do I need to find in this path? “ My father just stares at me with his dark blue eyes. He laughs softly enough so they don’t hear him below. “I don’t know your path. You might not even have a path for all I know you may just follow a set of rules most give you. Maybe it’s fate, maybe it’s how the grand ones shall sing to you. When you finally hear the words. The pebbles allow them to speak to you and then they will give you the right to sing.” I just stare at him again. What is with these odd sayings? First I remember an elder telling us the fire is burning for us. Now, something about pebbles. Am I part of these pebbles? What about this song? I have never sung a day in my life. I head up the tunnel looking back and seeing my father who walks back down. I look up to the tunnels, my journey my way, my path. Is this all that is it for me now the song in my heart? Will I ever have one? ___________________ Same day: Shattered Hoof I get out of the tunnel into the dead wasteland. I look back at the guard who protects the caverns. He just waves at me. I think he knows what I am doing and why I am leaving. I take a deep breath looking back. I didn’t know it yet but this was going to be a journey that would sing in my heart for the rest of my life. I head into the valley looking into the sky and seeing something shining behind those dark clouds. I am sure it’s the giver of life to the sun. One which grows food for the hungry souls. I walk along the mountain to see a strange contraption that looks like it crashed and landed here years ago. There are many boxes littered about this machine. I look at the bones of these bodies that have been here since the end of the world. Looking through the boxes I find I see a couple of books about various things. I didn’t take the time to read them. I put them in the bag I had with me looking through the rest of the objects. I open up another one of the boxes. There are many glass objects in there, many of them are broken but only one is still full of a strange fluid. I pull it from its home looking at the object. I see a strange yellow mare on it and the name. ‘Sparkle Cola’ I take off the cap from sniffing it. It smells safe. I take a sip. I shrug, drinking the rest of the fluid and placing the bottle in my bag. I have been told anything can be a weapon. I don’t know how long it’s been since I walked there. I have no way to tell the time. I feel it’s been thirty minutes since I left. I look back seeing the crash is still in sight and all I can think of is going deeper into the hoof. I notice something in the corner of my vision, a strange black bird. I have heard of these creatures called crows. This one though has strange glowing red eyes as it stares at me. I ignore it while heading west. I slow down when I get closer to a set of rocks. I hear voices. I am unsure what the hell I just got myself into. I hide myself the best I can behind the rocks looking at the creature's ponies. They have strange weapons with them. Could it be those guns? I have heard from one of the hunters who came back. These ponies use weapons that shoot fire and brimstone out of them. “So why are we out here?” The yellow mare who asked the question sits on a rock setting her hammer down beside her. I am sure they have been out here for a while waiting for whoever they’re waiting for. The stallion she is with just shrugs his shoulders. “It’s hard to tell with griffins.” I look again. There were five ponies, at least I counted five with various weapons and objects with them. One looks to be missing. “It looks like Blueberry is missing again. What did she find a raider to kill without us?” The yellow mare laughs “She could have gone for a piss for all we know.” The ponies chatter among themselves and I back up feeling something poke in my back. I turn just a bit to see the blue mare they’re talking about poking one of the weapons in my back. I groan greatly. I should know better to keep an eye on my backside. I should have known there would have been one walking up behind me. “Move.” I come out from behind the rocks with the blue mare behind me. “Hey look, I found a toy.” A toy?, why would I be? The stallion has a dark evil smile on his face. “Maybe we can rape it and force it to run for target practice.” RAPE?! Those words go crazy through my head and all I can think of is to be dumb. A smirk forms across my face. “Awww come on you can’t get sex with these mares? So you go for something you just captured. Are you that pathetic stallion coming on these mares that are open for you. Just mount one of them and get done with it.” The three mares laugh; they seem to love the fact I just called him out. They have been so giddy and now I can turn the tables on them as well. Oh, goddess am I trying to get myself killed here? “Now I am going to go now you seem to have much to talk about among yourselves.” I hear the mare's weapon cock behind me. “Are we that dumb to you?” I chuckle oh great I am in for it. I notice I see a rock and if I could do this right I could use the rock to smack into this mare. I lift my paw just a bit standing. The others look away as they talk with me. No is my chance oh goddess please don’t let this be the end here. “Come on, let's just shoot..” The blue mare could finish. I finally did what I could. I grabbed hold of the rock and quickly moved and turned to her. I think I surprised her. I smash the rock hard enough in her face. I think the hit surprises her so much she drops her weapon. In a few quick moments, the strange metal tube hits the ground; it goes off whatever it fires one goes into the rock. The pony finally takes notice after the gun goes off. The poor blue mare is out cold from being hit with the rock. The yellow mare grabs the hammer in her mouth. I grab one of the weapons I have with me. It’s my mace before she could hit me with the hammer. I parry our weapons-making metal music together. I see the other earth pony mare coming towards me with her weapon. I am fighting the other. I need to make a quick movement so I don’t get hit. I quickly make it before the other mare swings her weapon. I take my other smashing my paw into the mare's face. She drops her hammer from getting hit by the paw. The other mare swings the ax and I quickly try to duck. I feel it nick my head drawing some blood. She hit the yellow mare in the face with the ax and the poor mare fell dead from the hit. I groan. I try to get up. I look at my leg seeing one of the objects from the boom stick go into my leg. The other mare picks up the hammer and before I could react she smashes it down on my bad leg. I scream in pain. I reach in my bag grab the bottle and smash it hard into the face of the mare. Glass shatters all over her face and on the ground. I noticed the bottle became sharper than a knife. I try to get up again on the bad leg. I can’t so I am like a wounded dog only on three legs and I stab it into her neck. Wait, I remember seeing five? What happened to the fifth one? I notice a red stallion holding the blue mare close to him. Why is he not fighting? I look up at the stallion who comes over to me the anger he has. I try to get back up. I feel my body failing. I think I got hit more than I noticed. I didn’t have anything to eat either before leaving. So I think my body is shutting down from that as well. “You fucked with us..” He aimed his gun right at my head before he did anything black griffin land right beside him. The griffin grabs the gun with his claws to stop him. “What are you doing?! She killed most of us and here you’re stopping me.” The griffin laughs “If she could do that then you already failed. We watched you from above and you failed badly. Oh don’t look now but I think the wolf is angry.” The stallion was confused. I finally got enough energy to grab my mace again and all he sees is the spiked ball smashing into his face. I groan, falling to the ground and looking up at the griffin. The poor stallion is not dead?! I just…hit him hard enough to make his brains leak. I try to stand seeing more griffins landing and I groan feeling something hit me in the side of my neck. I pull it out looking at the needle. I don't wait, why is my vision going hazy? I groan falling onto my face. I stare up at the griffins as one of them goes to help the red stallion I hear a loud bang behind. I then watch the other take a weapon and kill the stallion. “W…wh..” I feel myself about to fall asleep. I try to keep moving all I do is move my legs like a dumb ass trying to get up. With no luck, my body just gives out and I fall asleep to deal with whatever comes next. Welcome to the start of my journey. Footnote: Level up Perk got: Vuflven sense: You have grown with what is known as Vulf’ven sense your sense of smell is doubled there is one issue with your body though and how you run. This sense has a problem, however. The smell of meat will make you very hungry to the point you must eat.\ Bad perk: Broken back left leg: The hammer the mare used on you shattered your leg. It will take a month or longer to heal. If it doesn’t heal right you will be left with a bad leg.
Chapter Two: The path.Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter three:Community“A community in a broken world like this is something everypony wants. Someday though the world will become less hateful of the broken world and they will never call for the heads of those in leadership. Then the heroes' stories and the heroes' songs will be at fault. It’s come to start to allow the villains to win.” Speech by Kirin mare in WidowMaker Desert _______________________ Day six Outskirts of Manehattan It was a peaceful morning as peaceful as the wasteland can be. Shadow explained that after I woke up we would be heading to meet up with a mare named Patch. Patch is on a mission right now to get some runaway slaves. We were about an hour out and even an hour away we could hear gunfire. “Huh is this normal?” Shadow laughs. “A little too normal frankly.” I close my eyes tightly while we follow the old road heading to Manehatten. I feel I am way over my head and I know full well this journey will end me. It’s not something I am looking forward to either. I take a deep breath to relax my heart and mind. My heart is so used to the stale air of the underground. “Tiria we can stop for a bit if you feel you need to. This world is new to you and everything just looks like it’s upsetting you.” I smirk weakly. “I can’t stop now. I know full well that if I just stopped here I would never allow myself to keep going. I will just turn back around and accept my fate with my pack. If one of my species quits their journey and then we are killed for our stupidity.” I groan, stroking my head and we stop hearing the gunshots going off more and more. It’s never going to end. I felt stress going through my body. I have been so used to the safety of my pack's cavern and now I am not so sure anymore. “Tiria from the looks on your face and how you act you’re not even ready for this dead world. You already hurt let. It’s hard for you to walk on it without groaning in pain and you refuse to take med-x are you just going to keep acting like this till the end?” I shrug my shoulders. “Frankly I will be honest I don’t trust anything from this world. Our hunters told us you lose more and more of your soul when you use these medical devices and items. Your soul will be lost when you take this med-x or potions because it was made for a lower species.” Shadow stared at me and we began to walk down the road again. I can tell from the look he didn’t care for how I am acting. How I called ponies lower species. Frankly, I had every right to call them lower species. They destroyed the world and they fought the zebras. The zebras are just as bad as them. I can’t hate forever though but I can do whatever I want for the time being. I am sure I will change my mindset. “Tiria please don’t say this to their faces. Ponies think very highly of themselves even after the death of their princesses. We must respect them even if we join forces with a questionable stallion.” I glare at the griffin. I feel my anger building in my heart. I try my best to relax and take a deep breath. Relax Tiria relax. There is no need to be judgy of the ponies and this griffin. I knew he meant well so I took a deep breath again. “I am sorry Shadow. I don’t mean to be an ass. I just haven’t gotten over the issues with my pack and the fact those ponies almost destroyed my ability to walk. I am going to be in deep pain and I know full well there are potions I am sure they gave me. I am sure they did.. Just again I am sorry.” Shadow snickers “I get it this world is new to you. Your race from the sounds of it is kept hidden from the others of this world and even wasteland itself. You don’t want to accept it, you don’t even want to accept you’re now in a world of ponies.” I grunt tripping on a rock and limping on my left paw. The leg and the paw itself got smashed and the bone broke just a bit to cause me a great deal of pain. I look over to my right leg and see the pip-buck and am still learning about it. “Do you need help turning it on again?” I glance over at Shadow smirking. “No sorry, just trying to understand why ponies created these. They seem kind of pointless unless there is something more useful about it than using it for a map or radio or whatever you call it for music.” Shadow snickers. “There is more you can use it for. I am sure you will learn or someone will teach you. Now we need to keep going. I am worried whoever is shooting might be those we are about to meet up with. I can tell from the gunshots. I know the sound of that gun.” I glance at Shadow. I am very concerned now he knows the sound of the gun. It’s getting to the point I am worried he will turn on me. I stop walking. I notice he stops too when he goes ahead a little bit, turning to look at me. “We need some ground rules, Shadow. I need to know if I can trust you. Are you going to backstab me?” Shadow gives me a very angry sneer. “Tiria I may barely know you. I may be a griffin but I would never turn on you. Unless you will fucking turn on me?” I stare at him, my blue eyes glowing brightly. He stares at me with his eyes. We stare at each other before one of us even speaks. I growl showing my white sharp teeth. I can't stop myself from feeling this way. I take a deep breath, blowing hot air out of my mouth. “Okay look Shadow this is not going to get us anywhere if we keep looking at each other like we are about to kill each other. How about we work together till this job is over and then we both go our separate ways?” Shadow looks at me sighing nodding at least we both agree on something. I knew though when it comes down to it I may turn out to respect Shadow. I may turn out to like him and be a friend to me. My elder told me before I left that the pack makes friends. “Okay, Tiria I agree this world used to live through the magic of friendship.” Shadow looks around and I glance at him again. The magic of friendship? I have been given an old history book on the subject. The magic of friendship is something most of us learned. My species, though, feel it’s a weak friendship. Even though my elder told me it’s wise to make friends. We both look hearing the gunshots going off again. “Okay, let's get going then Tiria. I hope you understand ponies will act like they’re above you. It’s a matter of how they act. Some are so rich they will treat you like trash. If they do, relax and respect them for it. Show them you won’t attack them for treating you like you’re below them.” I look over to Shadow. I am sure he is correct. I groan stroking my head hearing the gunshots getting louder as we walk closer. ________________ Misty Moon's apartment. It took longer than we expected to get to the destination. Shadow and I stopped again this time to argue about something. I'd rather not talk about it. Let's just say I wasn’t very kind about it all. I need to get over myself like I have been told when I was growing up. When we get close to the caravan we see many ponies firing at a building and many of them are on the ground either dying or dead. An orange mare turns around to look at me and Shadow. “Are you Shadow and Tiria the ones Wheel Tread hired?” I nod. “I am Tiria, this ass hole is Shadow.” The orange mare rolls her eyes. I get a good look at her. She is bald and has an eyepatch. I watch one of the ponies trying to go into the building and their head gets blown clean off blood and bone chips going everywhere. “We expected you two sooner. We are after slaves who ran into this building and are being defended by the residents we tried talking to them at first.” I roll my eyes. “Ponies learning to talk rather than attacking their kind or zebras hmm?” Shadow laughs “Down girl.” The mare snorts and knickers loudly and she comes up to me getting into my face and poking my chest with her hoof. “Listen here you fucking wolf. I am not in a good mood. We tried everything to do this peacefully. We told them our leader's property is in this place and we asked out of respect but they started firing on them.” A stallion comes over and chuckles. “It could be because one of our mares was a former slaver who enslaved a few of the ponies there many years ago. I wonder if their leader told them to fire on us and to deal with them.” I roll my eyes looking toward the building. I notice at the windows above seeing many ponies firing down at the caravans the pony slavers are hiding behind. I glance at Shadow pointing to the broken door. “Shall we try to sneak through while these ponies risk their lives for slaves?” Shadow smirks. “Are you sure you will be able to?” I shrug my shoulders. “It shouldn’t be too hard I wonder. Miss Mare or if you have a name I don’t care either way do you have anything which would help us get in there?” The orange mare stares at me angrily as she is about to speak to me but a stallion runs over holding a strange device in his mouth. “Take this. It’s a smoke bomb.“ I glance at Shadow I have no idea what a smoke bomb is. Shadow takes the bomb looking over at me and then the ponies. “Alright I will toss this and do what you can to back us up while we rush in. If we can get into the place, stay back and let us take care of it. Tiria and I are going to try very hard not to kill any innocents.” I am confused about how these ponies are. How are there innocent ponies inside this building? I watch Shadow pull the pin out of the strange apple device smoke slowly flows through the air and he tosses it. The smoke engulfs the area and he nods to the ponies they fire on the building. Shadow and I sneak through the smoke to get to the door and when we get to the broken open door I look around quickly grabbing the zebra pistol in my bad paw. It hurts but I have to get used to the pain. I make sure I have ammo in it looking back to Shadow swinging my head. “Let's do our best not to harm any pony here Tiria.” I glare at Shadow not wanting to argue since we are in a place of enemies. I keep my mouth shut, finding it strange they have no guards or anyone to defend the place below. I then notice why we walk over ripped apart bodies of the slavers and raiders the orange mare led. “Wow, whatever is in here really destroyed these ponies.” I chuckle weakly “Lovely… Come let's get upstairs and see what we can find.” While we walk towards the stairs we see a clinic and from the looks of it, many left as quickly as they could. Next, we passed what looked like a kitchen, and on the fire was meat and various other foods still steaming on the table. I notice a cup of what I learned, later on, is called coffee dumped all over the ground. We get closer to the stairs when we hear the guards firing upstairs. I glance at Shadow feeling a bit concerned. Shadow looks up the stairs he holds tightly onto his Minigun getting ready to fire. I shake my head ‘mouthing come on.’ Get fully upstairs seeing more places ponies and others would live in. Many of the doors are locked and before I could move on a crow flies into the building through one of the windows causing a stallion to duck a bullet missing him. He then gets to firing outside. I glance at the crow. I swear I have seen this crow before. “Come on, we are running out of ammo.” A stallion trots to the others who are firing and they turn to look at me and Shadow. They look back and see we are no longer there. We found a way into one of the rooms and Shadow looked out of the door and we heard strange sounds in the bedroom. I go to look through the bedroom door seeing a mare and a stallion in the bed. I slowly close the door so as not to disturb them. Shadow tilts his head. “What in the world did you see?” I smirk “What do you think?” Shadow took a second to think and there was a loud thumping with the sounds of gunshots he laughed shaking his head. “Bad time to have sex..” I laugh. “Yes, very bad time. So let's try our best to get up the rest of the stairs. I saw some before we came into this room. Now come on before..” I notice a strange computer on the desk. I glance at Shadow then at the computer again. I go to the desk. I see a book on the desk about hacking computers. Shadow sighs. I turn to look at him, lowering the book. “Tiria we don’t have time for this.” I shrug my shoulders reading the book and reading how to handle hacking. I wonder why this was left here. I can tell it’s already been hacked a few times. I wonder if they use this to train others to hack. The password from what I see is dumb and I see a recording. I click on it and notice I can download it to my pip-buck. I take out the connection on the pip-buck and download the recording. “Give me a second.” I finished downloading and noticed there are things called earbuds. I put the earbuds in my ears and listen to the recording. It takes a second for it to start up. "This is Misty Moon. Our apartment building will be for all ponies, even Zebra. We will not allow this war to destroy our peace and friendship. We will never allow it to end our way of life. No matter what. We shall have peace in this building. Both sides shall always be welcomed as friends. Friendship shall never end. We need to bring hope to everyone!! For Friendship!!" The recording ends with heavy cheers and the recording ends. Huh, so this is the name of this place? I stood up from the chair and Shadow and I headed back out. We sneak through the area ignoring the stallions and mares firing on the caravan below. When we turn around to see the stairs. We see strange torches. I feel a strange sensation in my body staring at the fire. “Shadow. I don’t think I can walk near this fire.” Shadow rolls his eyes and forces me up the stairs when we turn around we come face to face with a metal pony. His eyes glow in the darkness and before we could do anything he fires a strange gun and I feel a charge of magic going through me. I scream in pain passing out near the shadow. _________ Misty Moon apartments prison. I open my eyes, noticing Shadow is not here. I groaned, grunting trying to move my forelegs, noticing the leg which was broken in a cast, a good cast, and the bone set. I wonder who would be kind enough to do that for me. The door opens and I see gentle eyes in the darkness and coming into the light. I see a Teal mare she has a gentle smile on her face. I feel my heart flip. She is so motherly and gentle looking. “Hello, Miss I am going to be releasing you since our leader wishes to talk with you.” I growl softly. “What makes you think I won’t kill you?” The teal mare smiles sweetly. “Hon you’re in a place full of ponies who would kill you for even trying. I haven’t done a thing to you either and I am sure you’re working with the slavers in that caravan who have shot many of our guards. Our leader finally got them to stop shooting by threatening your lives.” I sigh, the teal mare lets me go and I just stroke my legs looking at her and then looking at my bad leg which has a cast now. “Are you the one who did this?” The teal mare smiles. “Yes, I did come with me. I am sorry about the griffin you came with. My husband is beating the shit out of him for bringing you. He told us why you’re here and now our leaders wish to speak to you.” I am led through the community. Seeing so many living here. All of them are ponies and their families. I get many looks when I walk by and a filly chases a ball and stands in front of me. I stare down at the little one. I hear many guns cocking aimed at me. Just stare at the little one seeing her giant eyes. I grab her ball and toss it the other way, smirking. “Go on.” The filly giggles trotting after the ball and the guns lower. I may be a harsh wolf but I would never harm a little one. They’re so innocent and I am sure the slavers who have done much to young foals in this community. I am led to a large wooden room and the door opens up from the mare's magic. I led into the room seeing the robot who fired on me and Shadow. The robotic pony turns to look at me. Its glowing eyes burn into my soul. It comes over to me to look at me closely. I see this pony is old and has seen much. I hear ticking from my pip-buck. I notice when he is close he has a lot of heat coming off him. “You’re here for the escape slaves?” I nod. “Yes, it’s the only reason we came. I am sorry for the idiot mare who is running those who came for them. If it was up to me and Shadow we would have spoken to you and then left. I don’t see the point of wasting lives.” The silver pony looks away walking away to look at something. I look out the window. It's pretty far down but I notice along the road a strange round flying metal object hovering near the strange crow I have been seeing. After a while, the crow flies into the room and lands on a stand looking back at me with its red eyes. The robot turns back to look at me. “I am known as Silver Gunner.” I looked back at the sign of Shadow and I saw the many bodies smoking. This is the creature the Silver Gunner. I gulp after hearing his name. I am now very worried about him wanting to kill me. “We will let you have the slaves. But I got a request for you after the slaves are given to the ponies. I want you to stay here. I got a task for you. I need to know if I can trust you. But I trust you enough right now to at least give you the slaves.” I tilt my head confused. “Why do you trust me?” Silver turns looking at me again with his soulless empty red eyes. A deep gulp comes from me. I try to back up. I walk into the mare and look behind me seeing the teal mare. She is not pointing any gun at my back. “To be honest I don't. I am looking at it through the logic within my computer brain. Now KipKipe, could you please help our guest? I am going to talk with the griffin and this wolf right here. So don’t go anywhere, wolf.” They both leave my legs shaking and shuddering and I fall to the floor shivering and shuddering feeling like I just faced death in the face and lived. I try to relax my body and my heart. All of it keeps shuddering my heart beating hard. After a while Shadow comes in, his feathers are all ruffled and he has been beaten a bit. “Sooo are you okay Tiria?” I shook my head. “No no I am not. I had no idea what to expect from that robot. The robot is Silver Gunner, the one who destroyed the raider outpost we went past. I have no idea what he wants from us. I just know those slaves were their guest and he felts logically it’s best to give them back.” After a while, the two walked back into the room. The teal mare trotted up to Shadow looking him over. “Um…thank you miss. I am Shadow.” The teal mare just gives a sweet smile. “I am KipKipe. I am the doctor of this lovely community. Now come with me. I need to clean up some of your wounds. I am sorry for my husband beating you as he did. He felt it was the only way to get things out of you.” Kip and Shadow leave. I turn back looking at Silver Gunner. I gulp weakly sitting up this time staring into the eyes of the robot. He just sits there staring at me. I don't know what to say or do. We just stare at each for a time. “From the looks in your eyes wolf. You’re innocent when it comes to the wasteland. You haven’t seen the worst it has to offer. You haven’t been taken by the golem of the waste and used as its puppet to kill.” Puppet golem? What the hell is he talking about? I took a deep breath relaxing for a second to try to regain myself. “I am very new to this wasteland. I am on a quest to search for the creator of my species. The Howling dance. I am searching for it to hopefully give it back to my species and then be treated as a hero or trash again.” Silver Gunner just stares at me. “I see so you’re no slaver you’re no murder you’re just a lost soul. What about the griffin with you? What do you know about him?” I shrug my shoulders. “I know nothing about him. I didn’t come out here to make friends. I came out here to find what I am after.” Silver nods. “I see well if you don’t mind I will follow you on this journey. First, though, I need to make sure I can trust you. Shadow has his task to do so we can trust him. Your task is something else and I want you to understand if you fail it. Don’t worry, it's normal in this world to fail.” I stood on all fours to listen. “Then what is this task?” Silver uses his hoof to say follow. I follow him through the community and I notice many ponies and other creators. I don’t get a good look at them at all but one stands out to me when I look inside a room. It’s a strange bug who is helping very sick foals. These foals look so sick they could die at any moment. “What is wrong with them?” Silver sighs robotically. “Radiation sickness. They went to the basement to play and played near a locked door. The door, even though locked, the radiation still affected them pretty badly. Thankfully we found some radaway. We are making sure it will help them before we give it to them. My task to you is to break through that old locked door and find out what is there.” I turn my head back at the foals and notice the bug glowing brightly. I lean over to Silver Gunner. “Is that healthy for that creature?” Silver robotically chuckles. “You have never seen her species before? She is called a magic eater. Her kind normally doesn’t stay in one spot. This one became part of our community years ago. She helps KipKipe and now before we fully go on. I want you to understand that radiation is no joke. It’s a slow killer, it will slowly destroy your life and you will die from it.” I am confused about what he means. I am sure I understand. I remember seeing a hunter dying from something like this; it wasn't pretty. It was pretty nasty I remember seeing the poor hunter dying from it and it gave me nightmares. “I will return what is Shadow's task?” Silver shrugs his shoulders. “Kip will be giving him the task. We will give you back your weapons and armor. I hope you know what you’re doing.” It took at least thirty minutes to get ready. Silver did warn me it’s been ages since anyone has been down in this basement area. It was locked even when they came here and felt maybe it’s wise it’s locked. I went down into the basement with my weapons. I made sure I kept a hold of my sword, the sword of the moon. It has a few knicks in it since I have been on this journey. I get to the door hearing my pip-buck tick. I glance down at it seeing it’s not too bad at least right now. I put the sword back into its home, took the pistol out, and took a shot at the lock. I of course missed and hit the side of the door. I groan and force my entire weight into the old door and it shatters from a few smashes into it. I come into the room looking around noticing on the wall hanging there is a decaying mare. I get close and the mare growls and tries to attack me. I grab my pistol noticing when I get closer my pip-buck goes insane. I lift my gun and fire on it, killing the poor creature. I look around noticing that someone lives down here. Before I could do anything else I get hit from behind with a giant board or something. I fall to my knees groaning looking up after I regain myself seeing ponies dressed in various armors and they’re all like that one mare I saw. The one I am sure is the leader of them comes down to me face to face. “Are you from the community which lives above us?” I shook my head. “No, but the leader of them asked me to come down here and figure out what is causing their foals to get sick.” I hear evil laughing in the group. “Oh, they have foals. They would sell for a lot on the market.” Market? Then it finally hit me that these decaying ponies aren’t like your normal ponies. These are what wastelanders call raiders. So since they have the upper paw on me I would have to try something else. “I have no love for this community above. So if you’re willing to let me go. I will help you take over the community and let you take their foals.” The ghouls laugh. The leader of them takes a closer look at me. Then looks back at the mare on the wall. He lifts his hoof to stop the ponies behind him from laughing. “He killed my wife and the creator of these apartments.” I stare at the pony tilting my head. Wait, the pony on the wall is Misty Moon herself? The leader stands up heading to his dead wife sighing looking back at me. All I can think of is to do something but before I could say anything I hear gunshots. One of the heads of the ponies explodes into bloody chunks turning to see Silver Gunner and other ponies. They fire on these raiders. I stood quickly up watching the leader of them run off and I chased after him as he tried to make his way out to a hidden pathway. I aim my gun at an old box on a stand and fire it, hitting him to stop him for a time. He groans turning around to see me and a dark evil smile forms on his face. “If you kill me little wolf the golem of the waste will win. If you kill me I will haunt you till your dying days. I will be there while a so-called hero like you falls and dies.” Before he could finish I fired on him a few times to shut him up. His eyes opened wide like he was surprised I would do it. I look through the ghoul and find a strange paper. ‘The flames of truth?’ I stare at them awhile and stand up to look at Silver. “Well, you did what you could to complete the task alone. Since it took you longer than I expected.” I stare at the robot. I was confused. I wasn't gone that long at all. Just like a few minutes. I sighed, shaking my head. “Um, Silver, I haven't been gone very long.” Silver didn’t answer and the other ponies with him took the bodies and went to bury them. I groan, feeling a bit upset about all this. I noticed the crow or whatever it is looking at me and I head back upstairs and I see Kipkipe and Shadow talking and laughing. Before I could say anything Silver put his hoof on my shoulder. “I got one more task for you. There is an old toy factory not far into Manehattan itself and we could try to find some toys for the little ones. Then I will go with you on your journey. Are you willing to deal with me more?” I sigh, groaning deeply. “Okay this time all of us are going including the mare?” Kip smiles showing her motherly smile. “I will come to protect you three.” Kip is such a kind gentle soul. I wish I didn’t feel so much hatred for ponies. I took a deep breath trying to remove how I feel about ponies relaxing soon after smiling at her gently. I had no idea what to think since she is so kind. “Thank you KipKipe. I am hoping to get to know Shadow. Including Silver Gunner. I got a question though Silver. Who created you?” Silver turns his head to look at me. “My creator is one I will not speak of. For one, KipKipe doesn’t even know my creator. The only one who will learn of my creation is somepony who was close to them. Then I will revive who created me.” I roll my eyes, shaking my head. I followed the three of them to our task. I look back at the old building and notice the buried bodies. I worry about what is to come. I take a deep breath, closing my eyes tightly. “Tiria?” I turn to look at the teal mare. “Are you okay?’ A weak smile forms on my face. “No, but I will be just. I worry about what the ghoul stallion told me. He said when I killed him he would haunt me and I would regret doing it.” Kip sighs. “Tiria there are many ways to show ghosts of the wasteland. One of them is the golem who makes you the puppet of death. Another is a skeletal pony who plays guards with you. Then there is the greatest monster of the wasteland of all Grogar.” Grogar? I see a strange mist for a moment and then turn to see dark red eyes and stare face to face with the same creature I saw in the cavern. I blinked my eyes and soon after he vanished, same with the red mists. I look back at Kipkipe and we follow the path heading into the city. _____________ Day six at night Manehattan outskirts. It took us at least a few hours to get into Manehattan itself. I was warned about how full of danger this city is. Ponies do live here peacefully most of it though is full of creatures willing to kill and destroy. We finally make it to an old toy factory. I look at the name of the building. Ministry of Moral toy factory. I am confused. I never heard of these Ministries before. I look over to Silver to ask about them and he takes a second to look through the information in his mind. “The ministries were formed by the former six heroes of Equestria, the ones who called themselves the elements of harmony. We are here to find toys for the children. I worry though coming here may be a problem. It’s the only choice we have.” We head to the old building. Silver takes a while to look through the computer to unlock one of the back doors. Shadow holds onto his Minigun which I learned is named Chewer. I take a deep breath exhaling and relaxing trying so hard not to let myself stress out. I glance at KipKipe and she has a strange teal shotgun. It took Silver a while for Silver while to break through the security of the system. I hear a lot of gunshots going on and look around to see what I see from here. I sigh deeply wondering what to do. I relax finally when I hear the lock on the door unlock. ___________ Inside the factory. I opened my eyes. Not sure what happened and still had all my gear. I saw a pony and a ghoul. The ghoul in a raspy voice. "Relax... I am one of the former workers in this building. But I don't see why you are here. But it was a bad idea. This place is haunted by Pinkie Pie herself." I blinked and looked around. "Where are the others that I came in here with?" The ghoul sighed. "When I found you. You were alone." I nodded and opened the door and saw old blood all over the place. This place seemed to be evil. "What happened here?" I asked calmly as The ghoul worked on the terminal and then turned on one of the recordings. It was a bubbly mare's voice. Or the one is known as Pinkie Pie. "We need to make children happy!!! Yes yes, happy. So please make it so their puppets can come alive. But make it so I can see if their parents are traitors. So please do this!!" I blinked and looked at him. "Are you telling me these puppets are alive?" The ghoul nodded calmly. Then he looked towards me. "You seem new to this wasteland. Before you leave I can teach you how to hack terminals. To help you get through this factory. But you must promise me this." I gave him a look and tilted my head a bit and looked at the terminal. "Alright, what do you need then?" The ghoul looked up at me. I saw his name on his former worker outfit. Hammer Hoof. The ghoul softly spoke with the voice that he had. "I need you to save the stolen little ones from the theater. The puppets sometimes go to small places and go in and kidnap little ones. To do what Pinkie Pie always said. Always make little ones happy. Most of them... might be dead sadly... This has been going on for years. I tried to take care of it myself. But the other ones that lived with me... Died doing this. I am stuck here. This is one of the few safe rooms away from the magic that allows the puppets to sense me." I blinked, not sure what I was hearing. Looking towards the way out... Seeing all the blood. Then I looked back at him, sighing. "Fine... I will do this but you teach me to hack first." On the search for my friends? I had my sword out. I doubt my pistol could do anything on these things. I looked in every room I could find. I was told by Shadow to try to look through every room for something. I went into a room to find a terminal room with zombie-like ghouls dead on the ground. I walked in closer and the zombie ponies stood up growling. I had a smile on my muzzle. While the ghouls charged at me. I slashed at many of the ghouls slicing them. As blood coated my blade. One jumped on my back and then grabbed it by its neck and smashed it to the ground. Then stomping hard. There are many marks on my armor after that. But my eyes glowed a bit red. A warrior like me has bloodthirst. That is the bad thing about being a moon warrior. We smell our blood and we go into a rage. After the battle, I looked through everything in the room. Calming myself a bit. Finding a few bottle caps. Looking through a few more. Finding some odd drugs. Something called Dash and mantels. Hmm, I found it strange. Looked around, seeing only one terminal working. I went to it and started to hack. It wasn't easy for one who just learned. But I learned the password. Puppets are evil!!!!. There was a recording and some reports. I read the reports a bit. it was mostly on how these puppets were sold to almost... Every family in the city. I blinked reading on seeing that the puppets made many mistakes. Sometimes they made the children look like traitors. I found a recording it was recorded on the day the bombs fell. I downloaded it to my Pip-buck. Thankfully I was taught how to do this and then I heard some sounds. Looked around seeing large eyes staring at me in the darkness of an air vent. Then it went away. I put my earplugs in and started to listen. "The manager is angry. We are recalling all the puppets who have failed in their job. I can't understand how one of them kills a foal. They're just puppets, how can they kill? They're just made like every normal puppet. Unless we used something in the making that caused them to live. But I wouldn't know I am new here." BOOOOM "DAMN IT, something went off in the city. I need to get out of here." The recording ended just as it did of course like it was fate. A ghoul jumped at me out of the air vent it was more than one. I got hit in the chest by its hooves and I staggered, dropped my sword, and looked up. As the armor kept me from getting harmed. But I am sure I would have a bruise on my chest after this. I took my fist and smashed it hard into the ghoul that hit me. Then I tried to grab my sword but of course, another ghoul jumped me on my back trying to bite my neck. The ghoul, I hit jumped on me. I was growing very angry. I said in a very angry voice. "Get the fuck off me!! I am not a damn female you can fucking hump!!" I went backward into the wall smashing the ghoul into the wall and grabbed it then reached for the one in the wall. Grabbing the other and smashed their heads over and over. Till nothing was left of their heads. Dropping them to the ground growling softly. My muscles in my body flinched and I growled softly, my tongue hanging out... Panting softly. "Damn it... Oh, why did I have to come with others? If they can't help..." My words stopped after I heard laughing. It was dark evil laughing. A voice spoke out. "Hmm, I wonder... how you taste... Haha haha." The laugh echoed. I heard something skittering along. I grabbed my sword. As I was not scared. I wasn't scared to hear something. "I wonder if you could be made into cupcakes... Hmm, split open your stomach and feed the children your insides..." I blinked and looked around then. I saw a Pinkie Pie puppet face to face. Its mane limps its eyes wide. With a dark evil smile. I looked to see more puppets. All with the same look. I backed off and held my sword tightly in one hand. Grabbing the Red Dragon pistol in my other paw hand. "Awww you're scared of us... I can sense your fear... Come on, let's have a party." The small group of puppets charged at me. I backed up firing at them as the bullets from the pistol would cause some of the puppets to burn. I was lured into a wall. I had no idea if I could get out of the way. So I did a roll as they tried to get me and I got out of the way. One of the puppets hit my paw... That held the gun and it started to bleed. I dropped it as they charged me again, cutting me through my armor. Along my arms as well. I was bleeding badly, blood draining from many of my wounds. I could heal myself but they stopped and started laughing. " You're... weak stop this now... Come and enjoy the party." I stood there, blood dripping from me. My lungs burned as I felt the rage growing. I held the sword in my hands Even if I was in pain. I was getting red. I felt a little dazed. But of course stupid me. I had pride. Pride has always been my downfall. I wasn't going to be taken down by nonliving puppets. I wasn't going to lose this battle. I heard flapping behind me again and I saw that raven. Why was this thing watching me? I was getting very tired of being followed. Then I looked back to the puppets, the rage filling me. The burning filled me. Then my mind went black. Outside of my mind. I mindlessly charged and swung my sword. Slicing some of them and then one of them picked up my gun. Fired in my back as my armor kept me safe. But I felt the bolt hit. The armor heated some and I passed out dropping my sword and the puppet dropped my gun. My vision was blurry and I felt pain in my arms. As I could make out the puppets forcing needles in my arms and legs. I passed out from the pain and woke up on a stage hanging near Kip and Shadow looking at them. Silver gunner nowhere in sight. Kip seemed to still be passed out. She was bleeding from many cuts. Shadow seemed to have no cuts. Did he pass out? He was hanging there too. As I saw the children they seemed to be sobbing and scared to death. Some of them seemed to also be dead. Most likely there were bones littering the area. Did they do this after the bombs fell? If I saved them. They might consider me a hero. I didn't wish to be one. I just wished to follow my path. If I can save these children then... I would be happy. But I don't deserve the name of a hero. I bet there are heroes out there already. Doing more than I ever could. I looked to see Kip wake up and she looked around her horn glowing trying to make the room brighter. Her eyes go wide. Her voice sounded sad. "So... many children." Shadow opened his eyes as well and looked around. "Hmmm... what hit me?" He looked around and blinked. Then we got eased down to the stage and a voice sounded out. "Mares and gentle colts, foals of all ages. I'll give you a show. With new puppets. Now it's a battle of two rivals with laser swords. Dark wolf Vs Sky runner." I was given a red sword that burned. I had no control of my arms as I looked at Shadow who got a blue sword. We charged and fought as our swords popped and seared. As the voice started doing deep breaths. Having my point. The strings would move our arms, even our hooves, and paws. It felt painful. Every time the strings moved. "Sky runner you know it to be true... the Goddess Luna's power runs through your veins. It's strong with you. Join me and we can rid Equestria of this war and rule together." The voice started to speak for Shadow. "I will never join you!!" "Oh, Pinkie wan never told you what happened to your mother." "She told me enough... She said you killed her." There was a laugh and then the voice said. "Wrong... I am... the stallion from your closet that watched your mother get plugged by a giant bat." "NOOOO, wait what?!" The show ended there were no cheers and we were lifted back up and I sighed. "There will be another show in an hour." I kept to myself as Shadow tried very hard to comfort the crying Kip. She may be a strong mare. But this is new to her. Looked around trying to find a way out. Look up seeing that the strings are held by some strange moving bars above us. "Shhh, it's okay Kipkipe you will be fine we all will be," Shadow said trying to comfort Kip. I snorted and laughed. "Right!!" I said with a laugh The wall fell apart as we finally saw Silver Gunner. With the puppets climbing all over him trying to destroy him having no luck. He trotted to us after he cut us down... But we couldn't get the strings and needles removed from our bodies yet. Kip rushed to the foals and told them to get out of here. They started rushing outside. I told them all to follow the halls to a ghoul that will protect them. Then there was a loud angry scream. "NO!!!! You ruined everything!!" The curtain of the stage fell off and there was a large old computer still working after all these years. It had Pinkie pie's face on it with an angry look. "I am trying to make children happy. Children haven't been happy since the war!! We must make them happy. Children kill them!!" The computer screamed We stood on the stage. As there weren't any other spots they could get in by the doors and the vents near the walls. Silver Gunner rushed to the computer to try to hack into it. As his back opened up he tossed us our weapons. Kip had a teal-colored shotgun that had her cutie mark and she held it in her magic. Shadow had a large mini-gun tossed to him and he caught it. It had blood all over it and seemed to have a name on the side. The chewer. I caught my pistol and my sword. As the three of us started firing at the puppets. During the battle, Silver gunner was trying so hard to shut down the system. So many puppets charging while this was going to be a harsh time for us. Shadow's chewer chewed through many of the puppets. More kept coming, they even came through the windows. All the puppets left in the city were coming. I bet it was a lovely sight outside so many creepy puppets heading this way. "Gunner, damn we need to get out of here. Stop playing and shut that thing down." I said with a growl I looked up watching the Raven fighting the puppets as well. This raven was following us everywhere it was getting on my nerves. But I couldn't stop now. Blam blam blam came from my pistol rather than a click. I didn't have time to reload. I put it in the holster and started swinging my sword and growled deeply. The room was filled to the brim with these puppets. Then they all started turning off and looking to see Gunner finally breaking through it. Shutting it down and looking back to us as the puppets lay there burning and sliced. "Now can we leave?!" Silver gunner nodded. "But first, we need to get the children out of here." I growled softly but shrugged. ______________ The apartment When we get back to the apartment many of the foals are adopted by many of the families who can’t have children of their own. The ghoul I met in the factory works with the others to clean up the basement and the entire building to try to make it a home. KipKipe had to redo the cast on my broken paw since the puppet strings ruined it a bit more. It still hurts so much. Kip didn’t allow me to leave and I got to meet her husband Crossfire, a kind gentle stallion. She wanted me to rest and Shadow took time to rest. I glance over at Shadow who is in the other bed next to mine in the clinic. “So Shadow what is your story?” He looks over at me smirking weakly. "I am known as the Bloodclaw brood. I am the last of that brood because the enclave came in and killed most of the brood. I was just a young one at the time. Then the waste killed the rest of my family. I was found by wheel tread and raised by him. He made me one of his heavy gunners and here I am now. Not much of a glory story." The Enclave? “Shadow, who is the Enclave?” Shadow is about to answer me but I see the crow again. The crow stares at me with its wing, it calls me over and I glance at Shadow. “Sorry Shadow, I need to take a walk.” I stood up and headed over towards the crow trying to understand what this crow wanted from me. I hear a strange sound behind me. “Hello.” I turn around to see the strange robot I saw a while ago. The robot is round and has strange eyes while it uses wings to fly. I am unsure what to think and it just spoke to me. I am unsure what to think and do. "Okay...I am seeing a flying metal ball. It's speaking to me. I wonder if I am still wounded and in that stage." "I'm Watcher. I have been told about your journey. I have also never seen a species of yours." I just stared at the orb floating there. "Tiria Shiverclaw... Warrior of the moon of my pack now outcast... Now, what do you want?" The orb was silent for a moment and then it started to speak again. "I normally just speak to ponies. But I have been told what you have done. You took out a group of raiders. You ended the threat of those puppets that have... Been harming the waste for years. Now tell me you seem new to the wasteland. Already out there helping those." I grew angry and spoke with much rage and anger in my voice. "I don't fucking care what happens to this wasteland. I don't care what happens to the ponies of it. I have a path to follow. If my path leads me to help ponies. Then I will help them. I am not a fucking hero. I don't wish to be one." Saying with a growl. Watcher seemed to stay silent for a moment. "Then explain to me what is your path?" I sighed and thought I would tell this creature. I doubt I would ever find it again. "I am on the search for a crystal called The howling dance. It was the shape of a pure full moon. I have been tasked to find it and make friends in this waste. Most that follow me I consider worthless. I don't care if they live or die." I then turned and the watcher said. "You're so much like her... She didn't want to make any friends...But she learned down the line... She had to live through her journey." I stopped in my tracks, my anger growing. I didn't need anyone... These following me leave me alone the better. I turned back to the orb and I finally calmed down. “I am sorry I am not used to being told what I will be doing. I will be joining Wheel Tread. I need to learn what happened to my mother and what happened to the Howling dance of our creator.” Watcher hovers there for a moment. “Wheel Treads place is a place of slavers and killers and murders.” I frown. I am not fond of the idea of this. But that's all I have sadly enough. "That's all I have left, watcher. It sounds like Wheel tread has an economy working in his arena. I guess he's done better than most in the waste. I'm sorry to say my kind are like this all the time. I was raised in that life. So I can't think of another way to live. Maybe someday but at the moment. I got to live." Watcher hovers there a moment before he speaks again. "Tiria you may not be a pony. But you can still do good in this wasteland. We need fighters like you. We need ones like you with the hope to fight." I frown, sighing. "Look I'm no hero. I'm just a wandering warrior. I can't do what you need me to. I don't have the will." There was a sigh from the orb and then it started speaking to the crow. I couldn't make it out. But I needed sleep and to be healed. I sat in a chair at the clinic. It seemed like Shadow... Was already being worked on. Kip came up to me and gave me a sweet smile. "Dear, there you are... Are you okay miss Tiria?" I look up at Kipkipe dripping with motherly kindness. All I can do though is smile and my gentle blue eyes glow each time she is around. I learned when my eyes glow like this it means I feel safe. “How can I help you, Kip?” She hovers in her magic a pen and a journal. I look at both taking them and notice it has my name in it and saids the story of Tiria. “Write in that keeps the history of your journey. Who knows somepony might read it sometime.” "Thank you, Kip. So what's your story that brought you here?" I started to write in the journal and sighed a bit. Maybe It was time for me to make friends. Kip softly spoke and seemed to just smile. "Well, let's see, hmm. Ah yes, I was born in old Appleloosa my mother and father were raiders. For being raiders and slavers they raised me like them. I never took into being you know that. I learned light magic and magic that is used to heal all wounds. The light magic I used to scare away monsters that wished to harm us. Then after I got my cutie mark my parents were killed and I had to escape and was on my own for days. On the final day... I was expecting death. Then Silver Gunner found me and took me in. I was 20 years old but I went with him for 20 years. Going from place to place in the waste. Learning about the past and the now. We found my husband and his caravan of traders. Then we ended up here." I enjoyed listening to the mare. She worked on me as she spoke, removing the puppet strings which caused a great deal of pain. After she was finished she used a magic spell to put me to sleep so I could get some rest from the pain I am in. I don’t know how long it was but I woke up groaning and noticed the crow again. Then turn to see the watcher again looking at me. “Watcher, what are you here again?” It takes the bot a second again to speak. "Turn on your Pip-buck." I do what he tells me to and I hear music and then a voice. "Good evening children. Dj pony here. It seems lately things are pretty silent for the moment. After that, the stable dweller cleaned out Ponyville very silently. But I got wind of another story, children. On the outskirts of Manehattan a group led by a large wolf-like being. Went into the old puppet factory. They seemed to save a bunch of children from some monsters inside. I don't know who these ponies or this creature is. But good on them!!" Music started up as I just stared at the pip-buck. "It seems Tiria you're already being known as the wolf." I sighed and turned off the pip-buck. "Lovely... I am no hero... I don't wish to be one... But if I am getting a name out of this then... eh. I am going back to bed." I laid back on the bed and fell asleep. ________________ Day seven outside of the apartments. Day seven: Outside the Apartment It was the next day. The four of us get everything we need and then get ready to head deep into the waste. I was told the path to Wheel treads home is deep in a nasty part of the waste. A foal was bugging the shit out of me jumping up and down. At how I saved her and she was getting on my nerves. Shadow noticed this and so did the others. But I finally lost it. "Yes, you did so much to save me... You're my hero!!" Growling the fur on the back of my head standing on end. Standing fully up on the back of my feet and staring at the filly with death in my eyes. I grabbed the little one's muzzle with my large paw. While the guards and others in the apartment grabbed their guns, cocking them and aiming them at me. My voice came out with so much anger. "I am... Not a fucking... Hero... I don't care about you ponies... I don't care if this waste murders you all. I heard stories of how friendly you ponies you used to be. If you were all so friendly then why the fuck is the waste like this?!" I growled, tossing her away and walking off. Silver Gunner watched me while Kip nuzzled the little sobbing foal. The ponies lowered their guns. All I could hear was from Silver gunner. "She will learn... or fall." Footnote: level up Perk added Silver Gunner, Shadow, and KipKipe: You have made three friends on your journey. When they’re with you. You up your damage and since you have a legend with you knew as the Silver Gunner a robot. Some will not only respect you, but they will also move out of the way. KipKipe uses her torchers and her magic to heal and to keep those who wish to cause you to harm away. Your healing is doubled with her around. Shadow doubles your damage and with his minigun, he will defend you till his death.
Chapter four:Reaper FieldsAuthor's Note Some of it is rewritten I kept a lot of the last part it was good enough in my eyes. Chapter four:Reaper Fields It took us two days at least from Manehatten to get to what is called the Reaper Fields. On the way, Silver told me a bit about himself; he doesn’t fully remember his creator. Of course, he did tell me he doesn’t tell the full truth to protect his past and who created him. He said somepony may tell who created him someday. We stopped at least once and I got to know all three of my new companions more. During the stop, KipKipe puts down the magic torches she had in the building we met in. I take a deep breath feeling the uneasiness around them. “Tiria are you okay?” I turn to look at the gentle eyes of the teal mare. A weak smile forms across my face. I try to show I am not uneasy but she can see right through it. She leans into me. I felt my uneasiness get even worse. I didn't want to be near a pony right now. I felt stress fill my very core. “Tiria you need to relax.” I took a deep breath, blowing the air out of my mouth. “No offense to you Kip, I am not fond of ponies. I am trying to get over it. Just when I see you and Shadow and even Silver I feel nothing but anger in my heart.” Shadow frowns Silver just turns to look at me. His glowing red eyes stare at me. I stare back at him feeling a bit uneasy even more. I look down at Kip who is not even upset with me at all. I think she understands. “I may not like it Tiria. You need to open yourself up and make friends. You could be all alone out here. You’re lucky the three of us are willing to help you. Silver would have killed others for doing what you did. I don’t know why he didn’t tell me he had a reason.” Silver looks away and stands guard since he never needs sleep. He went pacing around the camp like a simple guard pony. I look over to Shadow who Kip has been getting closer to like they’re siblings. I take a deep breath again and relax. “I am very sorry Kip. I am not used to ponies. I am not used to how kind you are. My pack just saw me as a stepping stone to be used. I never had friends before and those I was friends with betrayed me soon after I became an outcast.” Kip smirks. “Well, then you won’t get backstabbed by me, Shadow, or Silver. We are now your friends and we will always be your friends. You just need to open up to us, Tiria, so please open up and we will do everything to make you happy.” I chuckle weakly “The biggest way to make me happy is to just be kind to me, that's all I want really. So if you can do that, more power to you. Now maybe you can explain to me the place we are heading to.” Shadow chuckles. “Reaper Fields I will explain more about it when we get there. It’s best to see it and then talk about it. Since it can be pretty nasty when you see it.” I sigh laying down on one of the cots Kip brought with her. I notice while she is near the torches her eyes are glowing brightly. It’s like she is haunted by them. I gulp a bit and I wonder how she created those torches. “Um, a question for you Kip, how did you learn to torches?” Kip looks over to them and chuckles. “It's amazing what you can learn when you save a zebra shaman from death. The poor mare was shot and she needed help. So I helped her and her tribe and she told me how to make these torches. She said it will ward off just about anything, even raiders. Something about the fire bothers them.” I tilt my head, my long ears sticking in the air noticing I don’t hear any creatures even close to us. I was told we would have seen at least a ghoul or something come close to our camp or something else, maybe even scorpions. I haven’t even seen those since I have been with these two. She carries the torches with her at all times but they’re never lit. I wonder if they do more than she lets on. “Kip, maybe you can explain why creatures avoid us then?” Kip snickers “It’s because of Silver Tiria. Many creatures avoid giant metal creatures and Silver looks like those which could end everything. Now he and I do get attacked sometimes if we have too many with us.” I sigh leaning back and watching Kip put a pot down to cook a meal for Shadow and me. Before we left I heard she went with her husband Crossfire to find some meat for us. I never knew a mare like her as a hunter. I remember smelling the blood on her and now I watch her without her husband or the others she is with and she is so strong on her own. “Kip, you're a strong mare. I am amazed you’re not a mother yet.” Kip chuckles “It’s because I don’t want a family yet. I want to find a place in this deadly Wasteland where I can raise my little ones in peace. A place where Silver Gunner can stay and watch them when I feel I need to rest.” I sigh, stroking my head unsure what to think. I haven’t been to this wasteland for very long. I have killed many already. Thankfully none of them, at least in my mind weren't innocent. I take a deep breath sighing. “I understand, shouldn't we get some sleep? I have no idea what to expect when we get there and Shadow won’t even tell me about this place.” Silver fires his shotgun at something and there is a scream of pain. He keeps firing more screams while we hear gunfire not far from us. We just hear a lot of screaming and shooting. I am guessing he found a raider nest and is going through it. “It seems Silver found the raider nest. Kip, do you think he will bring us all their caps and such?” Kip shakes her head. “No, he won't, he doesn't see the point of it. He will bring us all their food and healing supplies but that is about it. We would have to go in there ourselves to get the caps and ammo. Of course, knowing him he is going to want us to keep moving.” After at least an hour the screaming stops and Silver returns. He is holding a pretty big bag with him. He sets it down and nods to Kip to look through it. All I do though is get into the sleeping bag they gave me and close my eyes to fall asleep. ___________ Next morning Reaper Fields It was pretty much the next morning and we found ourselves at a graveyard of old war machines. I look around seeing zebra bones and pony bones. I see many guns and even landmines around the area. I hear a loud boom in the field looking over to see a merchant who was going through and stepping on one of the mines. I see many creatures come out of the metal husk to loot what is left and to at least try to take care of the two-headed cow. Who I could hear trying to wake up the dead pony. The creatures were very kind to the sacred creature and did everything they can to say they will take care of her. “Welcome to Reaper Fields.” I glance at Kip and she looks like she is reading a very old sign. I came over to read it myself. "Here is one of the first battles of the war. So much is lost on both sides. Refusal to pick up the bodies and the gear left behind. This land was once known as Ruby grass Fields. The grass would glow at night to show the beauty of Equestria. Most of what is here are unknown soldiers. showing the pain of war. The entire army on both sides battled here. All died, and no one lived; it turned from ruby fields to grim reaper's harvest. To those that wish for war. Look at this land and then think again. Please understand these words. Peace is the only way to go." In the end, it was written by Fluttershy. I look up and look at the history. The history of death and destruction. I have no idea why this war started. I haven't been told of course I never really cared to even ask why it started. I take a deep breath sighing. “Shadow, what can you tell me about this place?” Shadow looks at the wrecks and smirks “This entire destruction you see here goes on forever there is no way to not go through it. To the west, there is a raider camp. I don’t know much about them but they don’t attack innocents. They go after slavers and other raiders. The east I don’t know much about them, I guess, and what lives in the fields itself.” I notice Kip looking through some of the bodies closer to the edge of the hell. I keep a close eye on her. I ignore everything else right now. I don’t want her to get hurt and I notice her calling Silver over. He opens his bag and when she moves the bones he disarms a few mines. “What are you two doing?” Silver turns his head to look at me while his strange robotic hands disarm the bombs. Kip is focusing on other things I think they’re trying to make a safer way through. “We need to get through here right? I am sure Wheel Treads minions come through her as well but we want to get through here safely.” Shadow snickers. “We could just ask the Rat Creepers if they will help us. They help Wheel Treads minions from time to time, but they do help them.” I roll my eyes at the great rat creatures I normally eat. Unless these creatures are bigger than normal. I am wondering if there is another way to get to this place of Wheel Treads. I take a deep breath looking over at Shadow. “Is there another path to get to this place?” Shadow smirks. "Oh, there is another way. But I doubt you want to walk through needle grass full of large spiders and their queen. Oh did I mention they can speak and reason as well? They’re a race of creatures that came from some island years ago. So before I go on there is another way as well. All we need to find is a balloon and then we fly over it. Oh, wait, there is no Balloon.” I growl softly at Shadow. “Do you always have to be a smart ass?” He laughs. “Tiria you’re still very new to this wasteland. You’re going to need to understand there is no easy path to do anything. You need to relax and just let me and the others here get you there. Now, how about we set up camp and we take turns standing watch.” I sigh, nodding. “Alright, Kip, can you and SIlver make camp?” Kip turns to look at me smirking. Her horn glows and I notice a tent she never used before pops out of a bag and she gets everything set up real fast. She makes a cozy little camping spot not far from the fields. So we can keep an eye on it and I watch her get the pots and food from Silver. I was asked to be the first one to. I sat outside the camp just a bit pulling my gun out of the holster. I look at the strange zebra pistol and I see the name of the ones who created it. ‘The property of the Blue Hats.’ Who the heck are the blue hats? I feel a nose poke me a bit looking over to Kip. She is floating a plate of cooked meat. “Tiria you need to eat please.” I sigh, putting the pistol back into the holster. I take the meat and Kip smiles. She is so kind and respectful it’s bothering me so much. I glance at her Cutie Mark before moving on. It’s a strange scroll with magic around it. While I eat I hear a heavy metal thump beside me. I take a deep breath sighing. “Wondering how the war started?” I glance at Silver nodding. “How did it start?” Silver shrugs his robotic shoulders. “There is history out there on how it started. There is more to it than most know. Some feel it was religion on both sides. Some feel it was because of Oil and diamonds. Another group feels it was because zebras got tired of being treated like second-rate trash.” I figured I would ask Silver who these Blue hats are. “Silver I got a question: who are these Blue hats? They made this zebra pistol. Do you know about them?” Silver takes a second to answer. I have a feeling he is looking through his vast knowledge of how these Blue hats are. I take a deep breath watching back to the field and seeing these rats they were talking about. They’re larger than normal rats. They carry guns and one turns to look at their eyes glowing brightly. “The Blue hats are a group in a land called Wymarnic there is not much on them and if you do see them from the history of them. It means they have failed to hide from you. The information I have on them is incomplete so I don’t know.” I sigh, finishing my meat and looking down at the empty plate. I shake my head feeling a tap on my shoulder looking over my shoulder to see Shadow. “Get some rest, I will watch.” I stood up nodding to Silver and headed into the tent to rest. I feel myself drift off to sleep when I finally hit the bed feeling so comfy in the bed. It’s a step up from the rocks I used to sleep on back at home. I close my eyes and fall asleep ________ Dreams I dreamed I was a pony that day. In one of the tanks but what's odd I saw myself. Wait, how did I see myself? I went back to my point of view. While I was tied by many bones and held in that spot. While a large metal beast aimed its gun at me. A voice speaking. "Yes, keep telling those around you... That the waste has beaten you already, child. You will become dead if you never allow yourself... To ease up and become a small hero of the waste. No need to be a huge helper... But what you could do... The small ways could help in a big way." The one speaking seems to be a pony ready to fire on me. The gun lowers the bones and comes up over to me looking me over. “Don’t let the wasteland win little wolf. Do what you need to do and then prove it will never beat you. If the Golem takes control of you. It means you have lost. When the time comes this gun will return.” I had no idea what this creature was even talking about. I take a deep breath, close my eyes, and sigh. Looking away from the bones feeling a bit concerned about seeing the gun in my vision no matter what I do the gun stays in my vision and I close my eyes to wake up. __________ Day Eleven. Opened my eyes to hear gunshots and got out of the tent quickly. Seeing Silver gunner and Shadow firing at ghouls that seemed to be hiding inside the yard of death. But one of the doors of the metal monsters opened up and rat creepers took them down as well. Blinking the creepers coming to us. After it's over, one of them seems to be a female lead guard. They're wearing strange gear. Pots on her head are made of parts of gun gear all around. "Four legs help Pothead and crew, yes yes. Must take you to leader!!" The other guard around chants the same. It's just four of them. "Leader leader!!" Sighed softly looking at Silver and Kip to take care of all the gear. Then I am pushed to the leader. I look back at Pothead and then at the king. I gulp worried about him. "Ahem... I am the leader of these ponies and griffins. Why do you wish to take us to your leader?" Pot head looks at the others and they gather into a small group and whisper to each other. This was strange. The strange brown female rat was swishing her pink tail and looking back at me with her green eyes. Then back to whispering. Then Pot heads back to me and nods. "YES YES, we will take you to the leader!!" We followed the Packrat. They opened up one of the old tanks. It leads underground it seems. While a bunch of old tank parts is made into hovels, they lead us to a large throne made in a bunch of old trash guns tanks. The seat turned around showing a giant rat creeper. His left leg was gone and made into a machine gun. That seemed armed and ready to fire. He was dressed in the pure armor of a tank. The Rat creepers chanted his name. "Cannonball cannonball!" The rat creeper stood up and lifted his hand. He spoke with an odd voice. "Welcome to my kingdom. I'm CannonBall. We make a home under parts of this death yard. The past makes good homes. But you seem to be traveling. What brings you to my kingdom? Up above is deadly." Pot Head bowed, removing her pot, and nodded. "They helped us with the dead yes... yes favor!!" The potted rat said. The large king thought for a moment and stood, looking toward me. "You come with me." I nodded and followed him to the back. He started to speak with me as we walked. "Look around you miss. Generations ago we were removed from the cities. Many rat creepers looked for a home for years. I found this place. The ponies of this world destroyed the world. With their pointless wars and their xenophobic nature. After those bombs feel. We were turned into this. It took a few years. Then the ponies started to kill and murder us. Why don't you trust the pony with you? Someday we might trust them again. But sadly right now no." He led me to a tank that seemed to be halfway into the ground and here. I started to look around and it looked perfectly cut into the soil. It was an entire home of these creepers. How they did this was amazing. He leads me into his home. It was one room with a bed. I looked around and he had guns in old glass cases. He had a painting of two alicorns. He gave them both a gentle bow. Then he sat in his chair. "Now let's get down to what I need. I need you to save my subjects and my daughter from a group of raiders. That has taken up camp in an old zebra camp. Now I wish you and the medic pony to go. The metal pony and the griffin stays. They help us clean the mines from the above world. If you do this. You will gain an ally in this world of death." Sighing, I headed back to the throne and looked at Kip. "Kip, I need you to come with me." Kip blinks, nodding following while a group of guards led by Pothead hired Silver Gunner and Shadow. To Disarm the mines. I looked at Pot's head. "How do I find those raiders?" Pot head looked at me and she put a claw to her chin and thought a bit. "OOoo Zebra base to the west." Sighing and nodding along with Kip followed the path slowly through the area. Seeing more and more of those tanks. "What a waste." Sighing softly and looking at Kip who trotted alongside me. With her shotgun floating in her magic. The walk took half an hour. Then we saw an old Zebra camp turned into a small outpost. Looking at the sign. Saying to myself. {Dumbbell outpost.} I look around the entire area way too silent. This is a base of raiders? Walking into one of the buildings and the Rat Creepers that were kidnapped were healing the wounded ponies from the land mines. The raiders we were told about were not raiders at all. But they were being trained as doctors? The Rat creeper nurse looked up and she gasped. "DUMBBELL!!" She shouted, rushing out and heading to the main building. The rest of the nurses and raiders turned doctors looked at us and we backed out. following the nurse to the main building. That seemed to be a tent that was old but large as well. Heading inside I look around to see it's a large bar. The tent seems to be expanded inside with old parts from tanks and other things. Making a large metal building. In the middle of a chair was the leader. He stood up and a large stallion earth pony walked toward me and Kip. "Welcome to my home." This is strange... I was told by Silver and Kip anyone dressed like raiders must be killed but these? "Aren't you raiders didn't you kidnap these pack rats?" Dumbbell shook his head and sighed. "No one hurt the Pack Rats. But if you're here because of Cannon's daughter. Then you best to the east toward the old pony base. But I take it you're wondering why raider's turned their base into a place like this instead of killing murdering and so on. I took over a few years ago from the former leader. Who I killed then I took a deep look around the old world. Then I thought maybe enough is enough. So being that..the rat creeper's sometimes attacked us. I trotted into one of their attacks. I asked out of kindness to teach us... to heal and trade. Since they're one of the few around here... That can do that." I had a surprised look on my muzzle so did Kip and I looked down at her. "Look If I can get the daughter back. Will you work with the rat creepers to clean this area up?" Dumbbell looked at me while the entire bar of former raiders Rat Creepers and two traders looked up to Kip and me. "If you can do this miss... Then It might show Wheel tread is enough. But I am sad to say. He is trying so hard to find a cure for what happened to him. The Dumbbells used to run with him. But he made many mistakes in the past..and the older leader left there and took up shop here. But if we could make a community in this graveyard of death. Then we can do much for this wasteland. It's not a big thing... Like The Light bringer and Security are doing." I blinked looking at Kip "There are others in this wasteland doing a fight as well? Hmm then maybe I should do what I can... My small choices will add up in this fight. Alright to help this area for the trading and to make it easier to get through... I guess I will. Just tell me what I need to do." Dumbbell nods and looks at the bar. "Get them both some drinks and we will talk." The bartender nods and sets down two bottles for Kip and Tiria as the two sit on chairs made from old junk. Dumbbell sat in a chair near us. "Now a little warning, what controls the pony base are not only junk dealers. But they call themselves Reaper Junkers. They won't take very kindly to you just walking in. So I say find something very rare in reaper fields to give them it. It's easy to tell what they look like. Just follow the smell. But if you meet their leader first. Sansword you will be fine. Warning he is an old pony. But he will not die... Too crazy." I drank from the bottle not understanding the taste of this drink. Kip seemed to drink it all down. "Alright, so where is the best spot to find the best junk?" Dumbbell chuckled. "Just look around you might find something. The ponies of old left a lot of treasures." "I would like to stay here and help teach the raiders here how to be medical ponies. I feel it's needed." I looked to kip and sighed nodding. Set down the drink and head out of the camp. I started to look through all the old gear on the grounds. I lifted some old tank parts. Seeing bodies that have long turned to dust and sighed. Looking through more I found a holo-tape being held by a dead pony. I broke the bones, grabbed it, and downloaded it. I started to listen. It sounded like a pony crying. "They're... they're all dead... I... I... don't think... I can make it. To many outsides of the tank that wish to harm me. I killed... the zebra that killed my friends... But... but... I can no longer... go on... I know what I must do then." The sound of a pin being pulled. "To anyone who finds this and listens. Please... tell my family... I fought with honor in the end." The sound of sobbing and the bomb dropping and then static after a boom. "I wish I could tell your family, sir... But after 200 years... No one cares anymore it seems." Starting to dig through more. I found an older gun, a pistol. I thought hmm maybe this will work. Heading to the base. Walking past the rat creepers that put Shadow and Silver gunner to work. They seemed to be holding a large bag of land mines. I gave them a wave and kept my path to the junk Reapers. What gave these ponies that name I wonder. Sighing softly and finding this place very lonely. Just see junk and old gear... So far away. I am starting to see why it's called reaper fields. Looking all over at the dead. I wished I could have gone back in time to help these ponies and Zebras. But Sadly that time is over with. Finding the Junk Reaper was not that hard at all. They built a large complex out of six tanks. Taking them apart and on the wall to the way in. Sansword and dummy leader's of the Junk Reapers. Going inside guns aimed at me from the top. I went into the middle of the complex seeing a red-painted tank. That seemed to be turned into a loader to be driven out to gather junk. It also seems extremely hard to use and to work. I knock on the door on the way inside. Heard a voice inside. "Open the door dummy!!" It sounded very old. Inside a stallion sighed and opened the door. It was a young buck. They seemed to be wearing nice-looking suits. As they gave a nice gentle smile. "Greetings..." He looked at me up and down. "Miss?" I sighed and nodded. "Look, I am looking for King Cannonball's daughter. Have you seen her or is she here?" The buck looked at me and then sighed. "She was here. She was trying to get us to work together with her father and the Dumbbell raiders. But my father refused to allow it. So she got the gear and went to the bog. To take care of ghouls that find their way in here. She went alone." My eyes went wide and stared at the old stallion and went to him. As guns are aimed at me... "Listen... I am not in the mood for your politics, you worthless ponies. If this world is going to live. You all need to let go of your oh. I am better than your logic ..and get the fuck out of your asses. I am sick and tired..of going from place to place. Only seeing it's every pony for themselves. Oh yes, how silly of you... I am sure the ones of the past did the same... The reason your worthless world is fucking dead." My eyes were full of rage. I wished to stay calm but seeing this and how all ponies and different races of this land acted finally made me snap. They were getting ready to fire at me but the other stallion told them to lower their weapons. The old stallion said a racist comment. "Get out of here you mangy mutt and go rape your kind." The old one yelled. "POP!! Enough she is right. Now if you make a small table in the middle of the field we will come and speak about working together... But you should go find King cannon's daughter." The old stallion stood up and blinked... "No, I will not allow this Dummy, you dummy!! Ooooh, Lilly, you hear that... I am coming to join you, honey. Your dummy son. I Want to help those that want to steal from us. OH!!" The stallion sighed and let his father do this. "We will both be there. Also, my name is Montyhoof. My mother had an odd sense of humor." I sighed and left letting the old stallion have a fake heart attack. Checking the bottle caps I was given. Just a few. Heading out the north way in. To get to the bog to stop this crazy rat female. Walking through a path made by the Junk reapers. Heading into the bog looking around for the moment. Heard gunshots running towards the sounds. The sound's seeing a rat creeper cut up a bit. Rushing in, I grabbed my pistol and fired a few to look back at her. "Get out of here... Go back to your father... I will be there soon." The female Rat nodded and rushed off as I backed up, taking out as many of the ghouls as I could. Uses the pistol to fire the ammo into many of the ghouls. My gun was about to run out of ammo. The ghouls just kept rushing. Some even came out of the bog slime. The Zebra pistol was kicked out of my hand and flew into a puddle of bog water. Taking my sword and slicing through more ghouls. But I was about to lose this battle. I was getting bitten and kicked. Feeling pain in my body. As one of my arms was grabbed by the mouth of a ghoul and the bone shattered. The ghouls backed up from me. I stood there with my armor broken in many spots. Blood drained from many wounds. The arm that had the pip-buck broken. Holding my sword in my other. Was this the battle that was going to end me? Was my journey going to end here? The adrenalin filled my veins. I felt the pain vanish for a time. I started to swing and my sword was kicked out of my hand and stabbed into the ground. It started to slowly rain. I looked at all the ghouls going around me. Using one moveable arm left. I punched one hard enough that it flew back. Then grabbing the leg of another that gnawed at my hand and I smashed another ghoul into the other. I knew this was a losing battle. Being trained as a warrior... Never got you ready for unrelenting zombies. Being kicked in my chest again and then a few bones in my chest were broken. The left leg is a bit hurt as well. The ghouls started gnawing at me. The eyesight started to go dark and fade. Losing all feeling in my body as my body was slowly shutting down from all the pain. I saw the ghouls getting shot. But I thought I was just dreaming. A group of Rat Creepers along with the princess Shadow and Silver gunner helped carry me away. While the rat creepers backed up taking out the ghouls. My sword and gun were left behind both getting covered by the rain falling from the sky. 0000 Dreams all I could see were dreams. Dreaming of the land of Equestria itself turning into a golem and standing there in front of me. It pointed at me. While a lone pony in a hat, a large brown removing the scarf from his face, and the voice came from my mouth. "I thought I-" I was about to finish when I got cut off. The ghoul laughed softly and spoke. The raider ghoul I thought I killed in the basement of the apartment building. I spoke out laughing. "Killed me..? In a sense, you killed yourself..." The ghoul spoke again laughing. "...It seems that reports of my... 'Survival' has been greatly exaggerated." I had a look of Terror on my face. As I spoke softly with fear in my voice. "This isn't possible..." The ghoul added with a dark smile his eyes glowing darkly. He starts to grow larger along with the golem to show. The pain of the waste that has come. His voice rang out again "OH, I assure you; it is..." So much fear and sorrow in my voice. When I spoke I felt sadness "How...?" The ghoul laughed and turned his head from me speaking again. "Not how, but... -Why-?" He turned to me with the golem beside him lifting me and he started to speak again the words harsh as tears streamed from my eyes. "-You-... were never meant to come to the Wasteland."You; an exile... born from the ancestry of an outdated sense of a 'Warrior'..." "Instead of taking the role of a pillager; a hunter made flesh... A Raider in sheep's clothing." In other words, the golem ripped off my skin to show under the skin I am but a raider, not a hero not a warrior. But a raider is an empty soul. The golem just stared as I spoke out trying to make heads or tails of this. "... What happens out here is out of our control--" I said, trying to counter. "Is it true, 'Warrior'? None of the deaths you caused would've happened if you had just... STOPPED... But, on your march, carrying the weight of the burdens of the dead behind you... and for what...?" The ghoul turned away, making the war happen in front of me he turned back to me and growled in his voice. "A war caused by the stupidity of the Ponies well over 200 years ago...? But, you weren't there, were you..? You had the luxury of avoiding the hardships and struggles they faced leading up to today... You and your bastard race thriving from the chaos; you're no Savior; your talents lie elsewhere..." He kept forcing me to watch the war. 'I killed him back in the apartment... This can't be real, this can't be!!' I said to myself. I felt this pain growing inside my heart. I felt pain in my arms and I started to be treated like a puppet and the ghoul started to speak again with a smile on his dead lips. "The truth is, 'warrior', that you're here because you thought that you had some higher calling when in reality, you're merely a puppet to the Wasteland itself; don't believe me? The Golem itself has already been molding you; shaping you into the killer you truly are." I started to sob as the golem moved me like some sick doll as I spoke out in anguish. "All the deaths... All the killings... IT ISN'T MY FAULT!!!!" I said with deep sobs. The ghoul laughed at that. As the golem that is the wasteland itself just kept making me into the mold it wished. I couldn't move, I couldn't fight back, I could just be the puppet. The ghoul laughed and smiled softly and spoke again in an echo. "It takes a being of strong willpower to deny what's right in front of them. And if the truth is undeniable... you create your own. -I'm- here because you can't accept whatever you did and will have done; it broke you... You needed someone to blame, so you cast it on me, the ones you -have- killed and -will- kill..." As he spoke, the ponies I killed early in my journey before I met shadow. The raiders threatened to rape me. The ghoul in front of me was the man that killed his wife. Misty Moon was there to kill her. Then I saw the husk of Silver Gunner, Kip, Shadow, and The raven that has been following me. Even faces of ponies I haven't even seen yet. Some in strange armor... I was told it is Steel Ranger and Enclave. I saw these husks of the dead. As the Golem itself became the waste gathering the pain it held. The waste was a golem in the heart of many. It broke so many times before me. All I could feel was the pain... the anguish, the death... The dream went to a room of reflection, the golem standing over me still using me like a puppet. I looked around to see one big solid mirror and I was standing by the ghoul as he had his hoof wrapped around me. As he was laughing and seemed to play on my mind. He was painting something I couldn't see yet. He was speaking and laughing. "No matter how hard I would try... I never could escape the reality of what happened here. -That-... was my downfall." The ghoul pony brushes the last bit of paint on the painting, stepping back slowly with a satisfied yet sickening smile. "There! Finished!" He'd set the paintbrush down in a makeshift can that held other paintbrushes, eyeing me. "I hope you like it." My eyes couldn't believe it was the golem that allowed me to walk forward. "What the hell's going on...?" I asked "...Your eyes are opening for the first time... It hurts... doesn't it..." The ghoul pony gestured for me to step closer as I did, looking in disbelief and anger as I heard his voice again. "Go on... Tell me what you think..." I saw a painting of all those I killed, even those I haven't yet. My eyes grew with anger as the ghoul spoke again. With a dark laugh "You did this..." The ghoul pony smiled briefly before becoming stoic, eyeing me. "No. -You- did. Your actions caused the deaths of countless lives. Someone has to pay for your crimes, Tiria. Who's it gonna be...?" "Is this... some kind of sick joke?" Asking with a growl "You tell me..." The ghoul said, "I'm done playing games, whoever you are." I try to move away but..he forms in front of me. "I assure you, Tiria, that -this-... is no game..." The ghoul kept playing with me. As he laughed dancing around me in the mirror. The golem lifted me and pulled my gun out of my holster. The golem wanted me to do something. Then I noticed the ghoul aiming his gun at me. He spoke to me laughing. "I know the truth is hard to hear, Tiria... But, it's time. You're all alone... all that's left. And we both know that this lie can't go on forever... So..." He lifted his gun as the ghoul spoke. "Here's what will happen; I'm gonna count to 5... Then I'm pulling' the' trigger..." I watched as he lifted his gun to my head and he smirked. "...Make your choice." I was unsure what to do during this time. I was scared out of my ever-loving wits. shaking in my body, pain filling and I said scared and crying. "...No... No, you're not real; this isn't real... It's all in my head..." The ghoul laughs and smiles speaking "Are you sure? Maybe it's mine... One!" I screamed back at him, tears falling from my face. "No... Everything... All of this... This is YOUR doing!" The ghoul chuckles and looks at me. "Well, if that's how you feel then SHOOT ME! Two!" I cocked my gun and laughed, crying and sobbing. "I... I didn't mean to hurt anybody..." The ghoul looks at me and frowned softly "...No one ever does, Tiria. Three!" I lifted my gun getting ready to fire the ghoul as well and laughed softly. "Four..." The ghoul pony glared at me, gun held tightly… "...Is this TRULY what you want..." My eyes filled with tears and then he would scream the last final word. The last final word that would give me this choice. If I thought of killing myself... I would have given up. If I let him shoot me I accept everything. If I choose nothing then I focus on what I have done. I keep following that path. "FIVE!!" BAM!! Footnote: Level up Perk added Ghoul immunity: You gain some immunity to ghouls if there are too many like before, though you will feel a great amount of fear when they’re close to you and it will lower your damage and your armor.
Chapter five: Diplomacy"Voices come from many mouths. Many ideas come from many thoughts. But can peace come from the idea of a voice? Just listen closely and let the peace fly." Inside Rat Creeper's hospital My eye's slowly opening my vision very fuzzy I heard voices. I felt like I was asleep for a long time. The voices I heard were Shadow and Kip. "Why won't you let me go in there? I am better at helping the wounded." She was angry and stomping her hoof it seemed shadow was trying to keep her from going inside. "No Kip they asked me to keep ponies out. These Rat Creeper don't trust ponies." Kip's voice got even angrier. "She is our friend!! We should be in there with her." Hearing very heavy stomps and a robotic voice. "Enough Kip we need to wait." Kip stomped her hoof hard to the steel floor. It seems the building I was in. Was carved out of parts of old metal walls. She had a very angry voice even angrier than before. "I will allow it this one time... But they will need to start trusting ponies sooner or later." I tried sitting up but a Rat creeper in a doctor's outfit forced me to lay back down. "No no you aren't ready to leave yet. Please rest you deserve it." Looking to see the creeper and blinked. He had strange glasses that were intact and in a blood-stained white outfit. "Please miss you saved Cannon's daughter... But your body needs rest. Without the rest, your body will fail and you will die too quickly. Now please let the potion's work on fixing your wounds and bones. But this will take time." The doctor went out to the group of my friends. Wait I never called them my friends till now? Hmm He spoke softly. "She is awake. But she needs rest. There are a lot of wounds and older wounds. So miss please." There was a sudden push into the wall and the doctor was coughing and a very angry voice from Kip. " If she dies... I will kill you..." She had a great rage in her voice Shadow sighed and Silver Gunner said nothing and the teal mare let the doctor go. Then walked off with a great deal of anger in her step. "Sorry about that Dr. Pink tail. She is very protective of all life. But she is not scared to kill." The doctor nodded I could see him putting his glasses back on and his voice... Sounded very gentle and very different from most Rat Creepers. "I understand. She is a hero of our people. But it will take a long time for us... To trust ponies." Hearing Silver Gunner's nod since the joints on his neck is so old. They make nasty metal rubbing along metal sounds. "It's very easy to understand. My trek after all these years. Much has changed... But still every pony for themselves." Shadow sighed "I am going to go talk to her. I think she misses Crossfire." Sighing my head hurt so much. Closing my eyes remembering my choice after I fell asleep. 0000 The choice of the dream The golem bleeds from the bullet. The ghoul watched in surprise while the golem turned back into the ground of the wasteland. The bullet hole grew a tree. It had leaf's falling off it. The ghoul spoke softly. "You wish to fight the wasteland. But you will still kill. But for the right reasons. This tree seems to show... all those you will take out for this. Each leaf that falls will make the tree more dead. This means when it's fully dead. It will be your time to die Tiria. Even if you do good... The body will fail from all the pain and bullets going in it and blood leaking." Sighing looking to the tree and looking to the ghoul. "I will be in the back of your mind miss Tiria to tell you how stupid you're being." He smirks showing his teeth. "So enjoy hearing me in the back of your head." Day 13: Rat Creepers underground home. Sitting up in the bed eating the food they gave me. Kip finally calmed down but. I heard she wasn't very happy that she is not allowed to see me. Cannon Ball walked in and smiled. "Ah good to see you all better. Now we are building the meeting place for our talks. They all want you to be there. So you won't be leaving anytime soon." Looking up to the king and nodded. "When do I get to leave here?" The king looked at me and chuckled. "I would say give it another day. We couldn't get your weapons... You will have to get them yourself." Looked up and sighed looking back to the King. "Can you please allow Kip in here? She almost killed your doctor because... She wasn't allowed in here." Cannonball blinked and nodded. "Remember we don't trust ponies that much. But understanding she is a doctor herself. Well I mean she calls herself a medical pony. Anyway, She is welcomed to come in here along with your other friends." He walked out and told the guards its fine and after a few Kip, Silver Gunner, And Shadow walked in. Right after that Kip rushed to me using her horn to check my wounds and my bones. Then after she wrapped her front legs around my head and sobbed softly. "OH Tiria I am sorry I left you to help those raiders. You needed me more." I put my paw gently on her back and patted the mare softly. "Kip... it's fine." Feeling my fur getting wet from her tears. Shadow calmly pulled her off and he had a soft smile on his beak. "Good to see you awake Tiria. Silver Gunner and I got worried that you weren't going to wake up. How Kip learned a trader that left here..to get a checkup and he blurted it out. So she stopped her teaching and asked Dumbbell if she could leave. He was alright with it. She rushed back and then..she was stopped... Almost killing rat creepers when..she tried to get to you." Silver gunner sighed and seemed to be happy? I couldn't tell he never had a smile. When he spoke his mouth never opened. "Tiria you need to ask for help... Before you go rushing in and being a hero. In two day's there will be a meeting. You will have to speak for them. All of the ponies creepers from all three sides... Will come and listen." My eyes went wide my ear's folding back and sighed. "Great... thanks for being so helpful." Kip's horn was glowing she trotted away and brought some food a little later and sat down on her haunches. "Now enough talk you eat." She sets the tray down and her magic faded. She just sat there staring at me. "Kip... I don't want to ea.." She silenced me and stared at me with her motherly eyes. " You will eat... or I will force feed you." Silver Gunner laughed and Shadow smirked. "I would do it Tiria or she will do it... Like she did to me once." Sighing and sat up groaning a bit from the bit. Taking the bowl and calmly eats what seems to be soup? Hmm, whatever it was it tasted very good. I heard a click from my Pip-Buck and blinked. But gave a shrug. Eating it calmly and looked at Kip who put her head on my legs. "Kip... why are you so kind to me? You barely know me... Shadow you barely know me... Same with Silver.." Kip smiled showing her teeth. "You have proven that you're a wonderful friend... Tiria. Friends are the only way you will live through this wasteland." Looking at the three sighing softly. "Alright, I will accept your friendship from the three of you." Kip had a large smile on her face. Shadow nodded and Silver Gunner just stood there. "Soon you will be speaking to all of them. Then out of an act of kindness... We will clean out that bog." Blinking nodding and set down the empty bowl. 00000 Day 17: Reaper Fields table of the three. There was a large table in the middle of the fields. A chair made to look like a Dumbbell. One made from Cannons for Cannon Ball and made from pure junk of the old gear. It was getting to be that time. My amour was repaired patched up a bit. I had no weapons anymore... Since I need to find them in the bog. Dumbbell walked up to his chair and he smiled. His bodyguards seem to be a unicorn mare that is grey with a grey mane. Had a large mini gun strapped to her. The other side a large stallion earth pony. That had two SMG's on his sides. The rest seemed to stay back to take care of the wounded trader's. Cannonball, Pot head, and his daughter. Princess pink nose. Montyhoof came from the pony side base. With two ponies in junk made power armor. The armor had strange hydraulics that made it steam and gasp at each walk. The helms made from broken helms. The rest of the armor seemed to be welded poorly. Their weapons looked to be junk shooters. Their ammo had forked old spoons. Even a strange teddy bear that seemed to be brown. I sat in another chair. While Silver Gunner and Kip sat beside me. Shadow used his wings to hover in the air. I softly thought of what to say and then I looked at the eye's staring at me. "I am sure... this is not the first time... talks like this... have happened in the waste. I am sure in many different areas of the waste. There are folks speaking with kindness and friendship. A former group of raiders. Raider's that normally kill destroy and mutilate bodies. Junk Collectors. Don't really understand you, folks. Then Pack Rats. A group of creature's called Creepers from old lands." Went silent a moment and thought of more to speak of. "Here sit's two races. Three factions. Rat creepers' and ponies looking to make peace and build the reaper fields up to protect the traders. Look around us, my friends. The old war of many years ago. Do we wish to continue that pain? That happened so long ago?" During this talk the raven watched. " I understand that ponies have done some nasty things to the Rat Creeper. But we all need to work together to be ready for the battles ahead. Now to all three of you... I know you three might have requested that... I must do before this alliance is fully concluded... Now give me your request." Cannon Ball stood up and looked at the other two. " My request is this that we build a three faction Council. That we make small law's that would protect our community that will be connected. But first...it would mean cleaning up this field. Removing the mines clean it up." Dumbbell spoke up and nodded. "But we can't fully remove the history of this land. Most would look at it and then proudly refuse to continue so long of a war." Montyhoof softly said with a smile. "I agree but we will have to clean out... the bog first..As well as gather the long dead and bury them." Laying back and listened to them. This was getting odd. Was it going to be that easy? But with my ear's I heard something. Standing up a sudden ghoul jumped from the chair's that attacked all of us. "SHIT!!!" Cannonball was forced to stay in his chair as he lifted his machine gun leg and fired at them. But many sounds of gun's rang out. The ghouls all died and fell. It seems the two Junk reaper power amours didn't work or move after all. Montyhoof sighed as the others were still alive. Whatever saved us... walked towards us. It was a female rat creeper. A giant rat creeper. A dark black one that wore merc amour and had strange metal arms on her back. Connecting to many guns. It seems she had a button on her chest wear. That allowed her to shoot all the guns at once. She knelled to her king. "I have returned Cannon Ball." The king smiled. "Ah rise Octo tail." The large female Rat creeper looked towards me and my friends and stood to the side. Waiting for a time to talk with us. I said sighing. "Okay back to the talks." We sat back down and the Junk reaper's power armored ponies seemed to just be stuck there at the moment. Lovely. Looking over to the one named Octo Tail. She lost her rat tail and strapped her to where the tail was. A large metal spike. Connected to it many arms holding machine guns. After a few hour's the talks stopped for the night. I lean on the wall of the table and watched the darkness. Looking up into the sky. Seeing as Octo tail walked towards me. "Hello miss Tail." Octo clicked a button on the contraption in her former tail hole. It was able to be removed and she set it down. "Yes yes, Octo tail is just a nickname. My real name is Soft step. I noticed that you have an interesting group there. I saw the large robotic pony patrolling the entire fields. That Teal mare that seems to be talking to that griffin-like he is her child. But what about you?" Sighed looking up to the clouds. "I'm an outcast of my own species. I am following down the way to join Wheel tread. I wish to learn about him." Soft Step smiled softly laughing. "You got guts hon. Hmm, I heard stories about you... You must be that wolf that..has been killing raiders and took care of puppets." I looked to her crossing my arms and snorted. " I never asked to be a hero. But it seems just doing the good fight... Makes you one. I am not the light-bringer I am not the ghost of the 52. I am not Security. I am just a soul, a warrior. I follow this path to make something of myself. For I am nothing but another one that walks this wasteland." Soft paw chuckles and shakes her head. "You're doing well for helping this former peaceful world. Sometimes you must do what you have to. It's not going to be easy. I left my home here to do what I can. But I gave up and became a guard of a caravan. I did that for almost 20 years. Now I am home. I don't mind heading out again. Because you seem to need another one that wishes to travel along." Blinking looking to her with a large smile. "It would be wonderful. I am told the best was you live in this wasteland is to have friends." Soft Step nodded and grabbed her strange contraption and head inside the creeper home. "I shall see you in the morning. The talks are going well. From what I have seen." I lean on the wall and beside me, I heard a robotic voice. Turning to see the flying orb bot. "Hello, Watcher." Looking towards the robot. A calm voice came from the watcher. "From what I have heard from a friend... You seem to be gathering a force... That could protect this area here. Are you becoming that hero you didn't wish to become?" Leaning back on the wall of the talking table. "Maybe not sure really. Watcher, I got a simple question for you. Is it worth it? Worth it to do this fight... Worth it to try to fight for a world that died. When if peace happens history could repeat itself." Watcher just floated there a moment silent. "I don't know... what to say to that Tiria. Sometimes you do what you have to. To protect the world around you. But I do know this. For the small things, you're doing are helping the wasteland, of course, it may not be as big... As the Light bringer. But still, those small things add up. She can't be everywhere Tiria. Many stories are going on in this world. Not just yours." I thought of that a moment and nodded. "It makes sense... Right now I am trying to get three factions to ally up and work together. It's not easy... But the Rat creepers are decent creatures. After the talks are over... My friends and I are going to clean the bog that blocks the way to where I need to go. Maybe my help with this waste will bring something to it." Then I gave a sigh "Something seems to be bothering you Tiria... I have some time if you wish to talk about it." Sighing and looked to Watcher. "I saved the princess of the rat creepers of this area. I am sure there are more of them. But I got badly hurt lost my gun and sword. Left them behind there. But I don't wish to go into it. But I will say this. Live or die. I will make sure I help this waste before my death." Sighing softly and leaned back. "Watcher?" A strange pop happened and the bot flew off. With odd music playing and sighed. I just kept staring at the wasteland. So many gave blood for this... So many in the past died to make this happen. Is it wise to fight for a race that killed themselves? A pointless war for what? From what I have learned Coal gems? It's not far off to how my kind is either. I walked back to the table looking at the three chairs that would hold the leaders. I felt that these talks could lead to a new hope or a war. All I could do at this moment. Didn't feel like sleeping... My body still felt tender and in pain. Walking around in the darkness I followed along the path's like I am on walkabout. A walkabout of my mind. Looking towards the way to the bog and then back to the Raider's base and then back to the Junk Reaper's I knew I was on the same path with Silver Gunner. It started to rain and then I yelled in the sky. "NO ONE ASKED YOU!!" Day 18: Rat Creeper inn Opening my eyes I had all eyes stare at me. Soft paw, Shadow, Kip, and Silver Gunner stared at me. I looked up at them and looked around. "Um....am I dead or something? Am I being judged?" Kip smiled and my gun came up from behind her. "Silver Gunner found this. But your sword was broken." Nodded calmly "I will find another sometime." Looking to the dirty gun staring the dragon symbol on the pistol. It was a zebra pistol. But with some dragon blood. Why would it have that? Getting up and putting on my armor getting my bags. I noticed one of the Junk Reaper's here. He was selling something. I went to him. "Excuse me what is that your selling?" Pointed to the sword that seemed to have a crude blow torch. The Junk reaper smiled. She was wearing strange armor. "Oh, that is a sword I found in the bog. It belonged to a former adventure. I cleaned it I updated it and named. Endless flame." I smiled softly and gave them the bottle caps they wanted and then took the sword. Putting it into my scabbard. Then walked back outside. It was morning and the talks would happen again. Walking towards the table and then stopping a moment looking around. I swear I heard something. But nothing it seems. Walking towards the way but then I heard it again. Then looked back seeing another caravan it was heading back out from wheel treads home. On the wagon was slaves just sold it seems. They sang a strange song. "Our souls chained... to the rocks... Our hearts were broken and shredded and our endless nights shall never see the night. Oh please rescue our hearts. For we don't see the sun anymore. Our limbs shattered and broken and bring forth the endless night." The slaves kept singing this as they were lead through the field and sighing. Heading back to do the talks. As I heard one of the slaves call out. "Save us!" I looked back to them my heart sank. The talks were about to happen. I saw the slaver's that did all this that looked back to me and stopped it was... That earth pony with the eye patch. I started fighting inside myself. Looking up seeing no griffins working with these slaves. Then I saw Kip run-up to the slaves and slavers. I saw them speaking... Grabbing my gun waiting to see. Some of the slave ponies aimed their gun's at Kip after she was done. She had a look of fear in her eyes. So close to losing it. Then eye patch the yellow bald earth pony mare told them to lower their weapons. Then she smiled at Kip nodding. Kip then trotted past me. Then sometime later. She rushed back with her medical supplies. Watching her they let the slaves Out and she was giving them check-ups? These slaves seemed like they could use some food. But she bowed her head after her checkup's and then carrying her supplies while they walked off. The slave calling out again. "Save us!!" A slave hit the mare and she was knocked out fully. Soft Paw rushed up behind me and grabbed me. Being able to walk on her back legs like me. Also able to stand up better them most of her species that seemed a little hunchbacked. She pulled me back. "I know that look Tiria... no, let them go. Prove your the better pony. Don't let any pony else get hurt because of just one." Turning to look at Soft paw angrily. Looking deep into her rat-like eyes and then calmed down. "Let's get back to the talks." Walking back to the table and sat down. The three factions sat there. Montyhoof was the first one to speak. "Should we make a wall out of all the old junk here? Connect it to our bases and then put two gates? We can think of where to put them. But it would be safer. Then trying to go around and meet something nasty. But that would mean we need a town in the middle with inns stores so forth." Cannon Ball nodded. Dumbbell did too. "This will be a lot of work. It may take a few years. But we must get this done. Peace is needed so much in this world. We rat creepers know it's not easy to find it." Sitting there and looking over to Silver Gunner who is cleaning his shotgun and I noticed something on it. A photo of him with other ponies? I couldn't make it out... Maybe I will ask him about it sometime. The photo seemed well kept. Placing the shotgun into his back and the compartment closed. He looked towards me, I couldn't tell his emotions because he couldn't move his mouth. It stayed in one emotion. I blinked finding him odd sometimes then looked to Kip who had an unreadable look on her face. But when she turned to look at me. She had a sweet soft smile on her face. Her horn glowing gently as she is cleaning her hooves. The talks kept going as the looked up seeing the Raven staring at what is going on. Then looks to Soft paw who seems to be cleaning all her machine guns. Looking at me and smiled. But I didn't know her that well. I would have to talk to one of them and get to know them a lot more. I am sure Silver Gunner has so many stories he could tell. There was an odd sound again but I had no idea what it was. Then looking to some rat creeper patrol's they seem to be taking out some ghouls that try to get through. Sighed softly as I listened to the three speak. "We need to make sure we teach those that want to be medical ponies. We need more of those for walking through this hellish area." Dumbbell calmly said. The other two nodded. They then looked towards me. "I don't think you need me anymore. I was here to help. I am going to get ready to clean out the bog for you folks." I stood up and Kip blinked and trotted after me leaving the others behind and I sat on a broken tank chair. Looking to Kip and blinked. "Whats up?" Kip stared at me with disappointment in her eyes. "Tiria you're a voice..here... They can't just do this without you. They need the rock that brought them together. They need the song that brought them together as well." Sighing softly and looked to her. "Listen Kip... I want to help... But they don't seem to need me." Kip just stared at me with her motherly eyes giving me that smile. Such sweet smile on her mare face. "No.....no....." Sighed and Shadow landed beside us. "You know you can't fight it Tiria... You know you can't fight it at all... When she wishes something from you... You have to do it." He smirked on his beak and his mini gun strapped to his back. Silver Gunner trotted over to us as well. The four of us four friends... Wait, five friends. Soft Paw the Rat creeper sat beside me. Looking to me and wrapped her arm around me. "Look I may not know you that well Tiria... But you need to go back and lead them through this. After that, we can leave... To your journey the path. Then maybe we can have a little fun." She gave me a wink...Blinking at her and face pawed hard. "I am not into females sorry." Soft paw's eyes went wide. "Yo...YOU..." She laughed shaking her head. "I meant drinking you damn wolf. Drinking!!" Blinking and nodding. "Alright, we will do so... I will go back." Standing up and walking back to the table and smiled. "Alright now lets talk." It had gone on for many hours. But something was finally done. They all agreed to work together and that they will start cleaning up the old field and then start building a wall to keep the ghouls out. But it will take time. They would need us to clean up the ghouls first. But I learned there is more there then just ghouls. I learned there is an old boat that is on the bog. It was a large cruise type ship. Somehow it made it here after the bombs fell. From what they told us it's been wedged in the ground since the war. They said they think the ghouls are coming from there. Going to the Dumbbell raider's bar and sat at it and order something to drink. Looking over to Soft paw and smiled. "Hello, Soft what is your story hmm?" The rat looked at me and smiled sweetly. "Eh if you wish to listen." Nodded and sat beside her. Looking towards her with a gentle smile. "Well, how did the tail thing happen?" She smiled and chuckled. "Hmm let's see ah yes. I slept with a male and he was married. So basically the punishment was me losing everything and having my tail sliced off. I am not a packrat as you can see. I stand up fully as you do. So I was chased out and after that. I never looked back. I found my way here and the king took me in. They gave me what you saw as my tail. Then after a while. I left to explore the wasteland. Oh, what a fucking shit hole it is. I do like the odd looks I get from ponies. Tennpony tower was a lot of fun." She said with a smirk. "But yes the more fun ponies are those crazy Steel rangers. It's so amazing how crazy they get." I drank the strange drink and laughed. "Sounds impressive. I haven't met any of these steel rangers. They sound like something I would love to fight over and over." I noticed Silver Gunner and Kip at the other table. Of course, Silver Gunner Couldn't eat anything or drink. But he sat there talking to her as Kip ate. Smiling and noticed that Shadow joined them and they laughed. I watched them... Were they becoming friends? How could this be? I smiled looking back to Soft paw. "SO miss Tiria you seem like a dark stranger. Tell me how did you end up to being on this strange journey I see you on." Blinking and sighed as I felt it was time to explain to them all. I took my drink and asked Soft paw to follow. I sat in an empty chair and smiled to the others. "Ah, there is the dark strange wolf." Shadow said with a snark like smirk. Chuckled and drank from the strange fluid. Looking over to Silver Gunner. "Silver that Shotgun I saw something on it. What is it?" Silver opened up his back and brought out the shotgun. It seemed old but very well kept. It had on the side name Remembrance. "I found it a long time ago." Taking the photo from it seeing a group and blinked. "Your in this photo Gunner..." Silver looked at the photo of him and a group of ponies and Zebra. "It was attached to the Shotgun... I don't remember who they are. But deep down in my magic core... They mean a lot to me." Takes the photo back attaching it back to the shotgun and then places... It back into the compartment of his back. "I have seen many things in the past. Tiria but the only time... When I do know is when my head is smacked." The Griffin Shadow laughed at that and drank from his strange drink. "I will say this... To our wolf friend here. The Rat creepers, Dumbbell raider's, and the Junk Reapers. If this peace last. This area will be a well-protected part of the wasteland. But peace doesn't always last. But when it does... It does." Kip smiled nickering somewhat and started to eat her food that was given to her. Sadly she was eating what seemed to be meat. But there wasn't much for her. "Hmm, interesting I don't understand what's so interesting about meat but... Hmm, I could get used to it. If we don't come across any more veggies." Looking to Kip and smiled. "So normal ponies have stories of how they got their Cutie mark. So how did you get yours?" Kip looked up and smiled softly her gentle teal eyes glowed softly. Shifted a bit in the chair and looked at the others. "Well, I was young of course. My mother I don't remember her name to well. I don't remember my father that well either. My father was a bit of an ass. He slept with other mares and didn't really love my mother. But I loved him and he oddly loved me. He would always take care of me when needed. He taught me how to live in the waste and my mother helped me learn the magic of light I had. But they didn't wish me to become like them." She drank from her semi-clean water. Thinking a bit before going on. "Well, what got me my cutie mark. Is that my father got wounded by a slave. I used my magic to try to heal him." Rubs the mark on her rump with a hoof and smiles. "This showed up and then... a few months after. The leader learned what happen. He killed them and then I ran off. Running into this large metal pony." Smiles hugging Silver Gunner who had a look of happiness in his eyes. Silver Gunner kept to himself looking towards them and seemed to either smile or frown? It was hard to tell. Looking up and he then spoke. His speaking seemed to have no emotion behind it. "It's wonderful to know that peace will come sooner or later. But peace will never be the right path sometimes." Calmly sitting there listening to them and just thinking of the past and the idea. "The past is always odd it seems to me." Looks to the others as I said this calmly. "It's something strange to me... I still don't understand why this war happen." But before we could speak anymore Cannon Ball walked in and smiled. "I'd hate to break this up. But the ghouls are getting more and more bold. I need you all to head on the boat and remove them all. I don't know what is in there. But most of my follower's that went in there never came back. So please we need this." I stood up and gathered my bags and my gun and my sword. Putting them all on and looked to them. "Well then Lock and Load let's get this done... Shall we?" The others nodded Silver Gunner put his bags in his compartment. Kip gathered everything else that she held. Soft Paw gathered her gear and Shadow... nodded and then head out with me. When we got out of the Rat creeper's home looking around. Seeing Rat Creepers, Junk Reaper's, and Dumbbell Raiders. They were cleaning up the mines and taking care of the fields. Of course, this is going to take months maybe to a year to clean up. Looked to the others and then we started walking towards the area of the bog. It was time to do some good for the ponies of this wasteland. Looking back towards the three faction's working together. It was a small start. Nothing like the Light bringer or Security. But it's a start to bring a little peace to this dead world. Footnote Level up: No new perk.
Chapter 6: Fate and the Past."Fate what is fate? Fate is Irony. In the words of many Fate is but a cheater at cards" The five of us walked into the bog. We walked calmly through the bog seeing bodies of Ghouls all over the ground. All the bodies seemed to lead into a large line to this cruise ship. How this cruise ship made it out here makes no sense to me. But I have been told stranger things have happened in the wasteland. It was far... But when we got closer into the bog. It started to stink. I covered my nose and chuckled. "WHEW, that is ripe." Kip had a mask on her face to stop herself from smelling the funk. Softpaw put on a strange helm on it that has a filter on it. Then looked to shadow who was wearing a mask with tubes bypassing the air. The very old gear they had... But it seemed to work. Of course, Silver Gunner had no issues. SoftPaw gave me a helm that was meant for a pony. I put it on and then used it. Breathing in clean but the air was still pretty sicking. Looking around this helm blocked my hearing. It took an hour or so. But we found the Cruise ship. It was a giant city that would normally be on the water. It seemed fully intact. Looking around seeing a bunch of dead ghouls all over. Some of them bloody and smashed. But this was strange and then I saw it. Stopping in my tracks. A ghoul... a griffin ghoul... Then I saw a donkey ghoul. A ghoul of all that would be on a cruise ship. They were dead from what I saw. But this was odd... Ghouls of different races other than ponies? Getting closer none of the ghouls moved. But we noticed that the blanks were allowing us to get up there. Does it seem we were welcomed? Looking to the others and we nodded walking up the planks. Heading inside looking around. We are on the dock there is so much of this ship to see. So many treasures. Looking towards the others. Softly speaking no one could see my emotions or how I felt. But they could hear the command in my voice. "Alright, we all stick together. No separating. We need to clean this entire boat out." They all nod as we walked I looked to see the name of the cruise ship. It said Celestia's Pleasure Cruise. We searched through the lower deck first. Seeing more and more dead... Then I saw a strange purple mist but not pink. I swear it was mist. As I looked to the others. "Did you see that mist?" Softpaw looked to me through her mask. I didn't see her eyes. " Mist?" Then of course if it was fate. A large narwhal stuffed came down right in front of Softpaw stabbing into the ground. She jumped back and blinked. "Whoa..." Softpaw said breathing heavily and looked to me. Cocking the machine guns on the spine tail. "Lets... go and I think we need to be careful." She said. Silver Gunner opened a door and then a ghoul was standing there growling. Hearing the shotgun and the ghoul that Silver Gunner shot was a griffin ghoul. Looking back at him and nodded. "Let's make sure we clear the entire deck before we continue. Then we will go inside." Suddenly again if it was fate a stuffed shark landed on my head and fell getting knocked out. 0000 Inside the Ship I woke up two hours later and it was just me... I still had all my gear. But it was just me. Then I turned seeing a ghoul in a suit. Grabbing a suitcase. Then I turned and looked to me. It said. "Been waiting... for you.." Lifted the gun and fired killing the strangely suited ghoul. "No need for that." Looked around I couldn't find any of my friends. I rubbed the back of my head looking around. Calmly opening one of the doors. I looked around slowly walks through the halls. Seeing the many rooms of the odd cruise ship. Then I heard a voice for an intercom. "Everyone this is the captain speaking. We have some pirates trying to steal from us. Take care of them and bring them to me. Don't harm them either." Then if it was fate Silver gunner fell through the floor above me and landed right in front of me. Looking towards me and he started laughing. "That is one way to get to the bottom." Then suddenly the floor under him gave way and he fully went through the floor. "DAMN IT!!" The robot yelled. Smirking and then walked on. I figured he would find me sooner or later. Looking through each door. This cruise ship was well kept. Looking over to where Silver gunner fell in and the hole was sealed up. Blinking going through the halls. I couldn't seem to find any of my friends. Looking into many doors seeing dead ghouls and some that just stared and growled. They left me alone though. I heard a scuffle and heard Softpaw grunting and punching the ghouls. They were speaking. "Stop that rat creature!!" They rushed after her. But I couldn't see them. "HELP!!" Kip yelled and there was a loud shot and she went silent. "Carry her to the captain." Then Shadow yelled. "LET HER GO!!" There was the sound of a hoof smashing into him. Then a body falling. "To the Captain." Then I heard sounds of them fighting Silver Gunner and then he was giving them a lot of trouble. Then a voice. "Shut it down!!" Silver Gunner screamed as something blew his core for the moment and I heard him fall with a loud thud. "To the captain." Then I heard Softpaw scream and get shot by something hearing her body fall. Now it was just me. I kept walking through the cruise ship hearing hoof steps and many steps around me. None of the sounds of normal brain dead ghouls. A voice came over the intercom again. "This is your captain speaking. We must destroy the Zebra fools. Bring their minions to us. This group of infiltrators has a leader. Find them bring them to me. IN the name of Luna." Grabbing my sword and my pistol hearing steps from all around. Hearing voices. I went through the area that would be meant as the buffet area. That had a dance floor. Everything seems to be working. Then a shot rang out and I rushed behind the Dj booth. I started firing back. One of the bullets turned off the lights and then a bunch of lasers and the dance floor started glowing brightly and music started playing heavy dance music. I Yelled through the music. "FIGHT ME LIKE A REAL WARRIOR!!" The ghouls dropped their guns and held melee weapons grabbing my sword and turning on the fire. The lights flashing making it look like we were dancing as we fought. Each flash made it like a small slow-motion battle. With the dance music in the background. The music getting louder and looking towards the DJ booth was working on its own. I kept kicking the ghouls back. But more kept coming bringing out melee weapons. The battle was odd. It seemed like an endless battle. I fought all that came after me. The lights going in and out to the music. Backing off out of the dance floor the music still blaring and the ghouls charging after me and we got into another dance battle fight. My sword-swinging and parrying. Then make a few of the weapons that tried to hit me fly out of the magic hooves clawed hands into the DJ stand and shorting it out. The room going back to normal. The lights fully turn on and I looked down seeing knocked out ghouls. I head large hoof steps behind me. Turning around I saw a large creature towering me. A minotaur a ghoul. He looked like every other ghoul. But he was pretty much intact and he spoke loudly. "Come with me... Zebra spy or I shall bring the metal on you!!" Gulping I felt my armor pants getting warm and a bit wet. Looking up and thought to myself. Holy goddess... what did this thing eat? Jumping out of the way as he smashed the ground with his fist. The ground healing itself. As the large creature charged after me. The stomping making it harder to run. He smashed me into the wall and then grabbed me tossing me to the chairs and smashing into a table. Feeling burning pain in my body. "Ow...." Slowly standing searching my blade. Putting up my fist in a warrior's stance. Of course, I was fully outmatched. Rushing into punching him getting a few hits in... Then he grabbed my fist and smirked darkly and then tossed me into another wall. Then charging into me getting out of the way as his horns lodged into the wall. Panting hard my tongue hanging out. Pain screaming through my body. " Ha stay there you." Then suddenly a punch from the trapped creature hit me and I flew into the Dj table shattering it. Slowly standing and growls in pain. "Damn it." The large minotaur ghoul broke free and stared at me. "The train is coming to you, brother!!" He charged and stepped aside a moment. Then charging to hit me hard and I flew into the wall again. Growling softly breaking off from the wall. Panting so much pain flowing through my body. How I was still standing made no sense to me. But I did what must be done. "COME AT ME!!" I yelled charging at the large bull-like creature and we smashed into each other grabbing each other and fought hard. He didn't hurt at all but I did. But I backed off and did a kick to his face. He fell back and then got back up punching through my armor and hit my stomach. "DAMN IT!!" He then tossed me into the floor and stomped on me over and over and then finally I passed out... _______________________________________ Day 19: Cruise Ship Opened my eye's I was strapped to the wall on the bridge looking for my friends... In front of me was a lanky unicorn mare ghoul. She was tall I saw a purple-like mane that was left and a longhorn, She was in a military uniform a large sword on her side. Her hooves on a strange wheel on moving it like she was on the water. "You're awake." The female ghoul said. Turning around to show her yellow eyes. Now before I send you to the Ministry of moral to clean those evil thoughts from your mind. Why are you on my ship zebra spy?" Looking around not even seeing my friends. " What did you do with my friends?" The ghoul gave a smile. " Hmmm, they're being punished for being spies." I finally heard the sound of whips and screaming. "They aren't spies the war ended 200 years ago!!" The ghoul gave a dark chuckle. "Just like a Zebra would say." The mare smirked and with her horn, she untied me. Stabbing my sword in front of me. "Take it... Zebra spy and fight me. Prove your truth in a duel." Standing up grabbing the sword and turning on the blow torch connected to the sword. Getting ready to fight. " don't wish to fight you but... the war has been over... For that long." Slowly standing holding my sword and the two of us ready to battle. Hearing the whips hitting my friends. Hearing them ripping Silver Gunner apart. All I could feel was my rage... But I need to calm my rage. Holding the sword tightly waiting for this mare to strike. Our swords hit together. As we fought like two warriors met in a spar. "You have to see the war is over. The world is dead. Look outside just look!!" The mare gave a smile showing her teeth. Her ghoul hooves stomping around as the sword's made whooshing sounds in the air. "Many that come here... say that. But none of them are strong enough to prove this. Your friends will be punished for being zebra spy's child. The world of Equestria needs to be at peace. I will do this no matter what. My cruise ship... a way to keep the enemies in prison Griffin's, Zebra's, Donkeys, Mules, and ponies as well. All must be held as traitors." My eyes softly glow trying to ignore my rage hearing the whips harming my friends. Hearing them ripping Silver apart. I had to control my rage. Looking back on my training at home. Always told never fight in rage. Relax and watch their steps. Looking to see all way's in blocked by Griffins and that Minotaur that attacked me. "The war is over damn it." Charging making the ghoul unicorn use her magic to toss me out of the window. With a smash, I flew outside onto the deck below landing with a thumb. Then the ghoul jumped down. "You will fail." It started to look like it was going to rain. Standing up quickly and blocked the blade from trying to hit me. The rain started to fall and lightning ran through the air. "Look at it!!" Pointing to the dead world beyond the cruise ship. The mare looked to the wasteland and then back to me. "Zebra illusions." My eyes went wide. This hatred has been going on for years. The mare charging after me our sword battle becoming wilder. Sparks forming from our blades. They gathered on the deck of the ship. Some of it burned and slowly stopped. My blade glowed and hissed from the rain. "Listen you crazy mare. The war has been over for 200 years...Both sides lost... The world is fucking dead!!" Growling showing my sharp teeth full of anger. "You worthless ponies killed yourselves!!" Charging in a rage the mare couldn't block quick enough and hit her back. She stayed right on her hooves. Then smiled. "Hmm good a spy that knows how to fight." Using her magic to make her uniform fit correctly. Growling softly and our swords clashed again. I watched the other ghouls coming to watch. " I am not... a zebra spy!!" Said as I swung around kicking the mare in the face. She stood there seeming not to be harmed. Something was making these ghouls stronger or I never fought one with a mind. Finally charged and the two of us fell off the entire cruise ship and we hit the ground with a thump. Both of us standing up but of course I broke my ribs. Staring at the mare. She smiled ichor falling from a wound. "You know how to fight I see spy!!" Then we fought back up the plank and fought up there. I was panting and growling softly. " Listen mare... something is going on with you. No ghoul should be this blind!!" The mare smiled and lifted her sword again. The magic from her glowing on the blade. Soft pants coming from my mouth holding onto my blade. Looking at all the ghouls and they cheered for the mare. Shouting her name. "Fleur Fleur!" The mare smiled seeming to have no issue at dancing around me with her sword. She sliced my bare arm and I growled in pain holding the wound. "Getting tired Zebra spy?" Anger filling me and then I heard Kip's scream she was sobbing hard. Looking towards the way in. "I will stop their pain if you say you're a Zebra spy. Then we can get back to Cantorlot and find a way... To end this war." Then I heard my friends other than Silver Gunner. "Don't let her win... Tiria... She will kill you." They all screamed. Panting looking back to the mare. "Listen again, look at me. Do I look like a zebra or something a zebra would hire to spy? Look at me closely... I am not a creature made by the Zebra's." The battle stopped a moment and looking to the others. Then I saw that mist again. It went into Fleur and she smiled. "You're a Zebra spy you fool!!" Growling softly enough of this I thought I charged getting stabbed by the blade fully not caring and forced... Her down punching hard in her face over and over. I saw her bleeding and it was that black mist. It seeped away and floated off to nowhere. Stood up after noticed the ghouls seeing the wasteland and they gasped. Looks down to Fleur who stood up and gasped to seeing her former land. "Yes... that's the best way... punch the evil out... Yay." I fell on my back and passed out. Day: 20 Cruise ship. My eyes opened up and Kip was laying beside me I was on a bed she was on the floor. She had a lot of sealing wounds... I felt sick... Looking at my chest seeing where the sword went in. My armor is off closing my eyes feeling so much pain. I tried to sit up and gasped and felt some strange burning in my body. Was that sword poisoned growling in pain? But laying there, I felt so much pain coursing through my body. I could hear talking. "Fleur..there is no answer to anypony. It seems the entire world is dead. I sent one of our griffin's out... They found some areas that ponies are in... But I doubt we would be welcomed." Fleur sighed. "We will stay here then and give ponies a place to rest when they come. I doubt we can do anything else but stay here." Another one of her crew members spoke. "What about the wolf creature and her friends?" Fleur sighed. "Let them rest... that wolf creature almost died trying to get us to wake up. All our families of the past dead." Groaning softly and tried to sit up again. I fell back onto the bed and moans in pain. "Ow..." Kip stood up and smiled using her magic to help heal my wounds a bit. Re-doing the wrapping on my bandages. Then walked out of the room and Kip walked off to find Shadow who was putting Silver Gunner back together. I heard Shadow joking holding Silver gunner's head. "OH Silver Gunner I knew him well." Hearing an angry voice from him. "ENOUGH put my damn head back on my body!" Shadow laughed and he was working on fixing the poor robot. "I am trying Silver. Oh hello, Kip." Kip Giggled and the two were close. She treated Shadow like her brother. Before I could pass out. I heard another voice. "Fleur... I wish to follow them." All I could do was listen and not move. I heard Softpaw and she spoke to the creature. "We need more fellows to work with us. I am sure when Tiria wakes up and starts moving she will agree for you to come. Even if you're the one that beat the shit out of her." I heard a loud laugh and snort. " It... was not my intent... But whatever was controlling me... It wanted me to smash her." Softpaw chuckled and smiled. "So do you have a name?" Hearing the Minotaur's name. "I am a little hoof." Blinking, I laughed loudly groaning in pain. "Little hoof. HAHA... OW!" I said groaning. Fleur came in calmly sat down and sighed. "I am sorry about hurting you miss Tiria... But there is something you should know where you are heading. It's a prisoner of war camp. It was used to hold Zebras that were captured during the war. Even If I have lost 200 years of my life having no idea... How my cruise ship got here. I can warn you... if any lived... Some of the most dangerous criminals are there." Nodding and groaning sitting up. "Are you going to be alright miss Fleur, knowing that... your world is long dead?" The unicorn mare looked up to me nodding with sadness in her eyes. "I was hoping Fancy would have come with me. But I knew this war would end..with a lot of pain and death. I had to get away from it. So I made this cruise ship for everyone... To get away from the war for a year. Then I saw a flash and you woke me up." Sighing gave her a gentle smile. "I want you to go to the Reaper fields not far from here and you will see a guard... That is a rat. Tell them you're a friend of mine... and get in contact with king Cannonball." Fleur looked at me like I was odd saying that name. "Alright... If it is a way... to become part of this wasteland. Then I shall do that." Before she left I asked. "Did you think zebras were evil?" Fleur turned looking back at me and sighed. "I used to be part of the elite in Cantorlot we thought everything was evil. I got into an awful fight with Fancypants before the war fully started. I wished to get away from it. So I was trained to run a cruise ship. I allowed all races on the ship. I didn't care how the government felt." She said with an angry look on her rotted face. Kip had gathered all our gear and her... Got food and supplies from the ghouls. But they didn't wish me to leave that bed yet. That poison was going to make my entire body burn and hurt for a while. Laying on the bed. Keeping my eyes closed. Hearing my friends speak to the ghouls of the past. The gruff female voice of Softpaw was laughing. "I am sure you will like this new world. But some of the ponies are crazy about this world." Silver Gunner is sitting in the doorway on his metal haunches guarding me. Closing my eyes again and growled gently. So much pain in my system. Kip was trotting around gathering what she could. Shadow was helping her as they were laughing and becoming closer friends. The pain in my body was getting worse...I felt like everything was burning from this. groaning feeling a metal hoof on my shoulder. " Relax Tiria... accept friendship in your heart and maybe..you will heal sooner." I nodded and heard the heavy steps again. Looking at the ghoul Minotaur. He smiled and brought me some food and helped me eat. "Eat miss Tiria... Again I am sorry." Nods calmly closing my eyes and eating the soup he gave me. Then I fell asleep. Day Unknown: Fate Opening my eye's it seems I was in a place of darkness. The ghoul I killed back during the start of my journey. He smiled at me and laughs. "Well well miss Tiria. You sure have had an interesting journey. Oh and yes... I ain't dead... But I ain't in Equestria anymore... I am allowed to speak to you for this moment. You will understand in time. All you need to find is the unicorn with the eye of the moon. But that will be later on your journey my dear. Then your fate will be said." He gave me an evil smile. Then he spoke again. "Have you ever thought to destroy all the old magic... of the past? That something must be hidden in it? Discord may be gone of course. But there are enemies way before Equestria was even founded... Ones that the ponies of old jailed... You will meet them on time." Blinking I thought to myself. Enemies before Equestria was founded? "What do you mean this is my fate?" The ghoul laughed softly shaking his head. "This is the fate of all those that fight in the wasteland. Every soul that fights their own battle breaking each magic barrier that holds them in place. One has already made it out... You have seen them. Again you will meet them on time." Blinking. "But why would they bother me. I am not even a fucking hero!!" The ghoul chuckles. "Because of Miss Tiria your heading to their domain. You will see what I mean soon. When you wake up you won't remember any of this. So wake up Tiria... wake up and worry when the time is right." Day: 21: Cruise ship I opened my eyes and looked beside me seeing Kip sleeping. It seemed late still. Getting up and walking towards the outside deck. Seeing Silver Gunner speaking to Fleur. They both turned to me and waved then going back to speaking. I sighed and went to the edge of the deck. Looking at the wasteland. Seeing that the bog is bubbling and causing more nasty smells. Looking up to the clouds... Seeing only those. This world is so empty. I had a dream I don't remember why... But I will be heading to something that scares me to death. I noticed the strange mist again that just hovered there watching me a moment. Then heading to the spot we will be heading in. Sighing and looks towards the crew... They seem to be taking supplies and making a wall around the ship. From what I was told they also had a lot of cargo. Just in case leaks happen. I went to head back to bed and looked to Fleur who came up to me and I smiled gently. "Feeling alright hmm?" I asked Fleur nodded calmly and looked to Silver Gunner who helped the crew with their work. Looking back to Fleur. "I do warn you... There are many ponies of this world that... will try to kill you... Just because you're ghouls. Be ready for that." Fleur frowned and nodded looking towards the wasteland. Seeing Cantorlot and her eyes fill with tears. "The princess everyone I knew... My home my family..." Sighs looking down and I left letting Fleur think about everything. Getting back into the bed and looked down to Kip who... It seemed to stick near me... Because I was the most hurt one at the time. Closing my eyes and then had another dream... The dream was from the past. I was one of the ponies in the fields. Looking for my brothers and sisters of battle. Seeing that all of them are bones. Looking towards the field outside... All the ponies are dead. They all turned to look at me. Blinking the leader of the tank I was in turn into the ghoul. "FIRE FIRE!!!" He laughed. "Ah, I told you Tiria... I would be in your mind still. Oh, the jokes I can play on you. Oh, the darkness of your mind. I have seen your dream, your past. You aren't worth the time you have lied to many. But you proved to me... You wish to see the endless war to end. The war will end... when Lightbringer does what she does. But you will be left forever in the darkness of your choices." The bones just stared at me. As the ghoul laughed talking to me more. "War is so much fun ain't it? Heh heh heh." Then the ghoul got darker. As the battlefield vanished and he stared at me. "Now let's ignore the fun and explain. Listen every time you dream you will see me... Haunting you telling you how much you failed. I'm sorry to say but killing me was an awful idea." He smirks showing his yellow teeth. "All ideas of killing will lead me to show up into your mind more and more." Staring at the ghoul my eyes glowing angrily. Why was I going to be cursed with someone I killed. Am I meant to deal with this one forever? Then he was in a strange brown cloak with a hat and then puts cards down. " Anti... Oh, wait that's some other mares problem OOPS!!" The ghoul laughs at the jacket and cloaks vanishing. "OH, your mind is so easy. I can be... anything... But I shall be kind this time. Ahem, you refused to kill the ghouls... You respected the fact... That they're lost in time... Its the past and fate." The ghoul chuckles turning back to the darkness and then rushing towards me and forced me into a tree his anger growing. "Listen here Tiria... this is your mind your thoughts... You're the one bringing me to light. If you would let go..." Ice started floating around the two of us and he growled. "NO NO. Anyway, now listen wake up.. and stop being such a wet blanket and accept that you killed!! These creatures will be fought in the future... You aren't strong enough to fight them." The ghoul brought up his hoof and slapped me in the face hard. "WAKE UP!!" Opened my eyes sitting up and groaned Kip staring at me and smiled. "Ah, sleeping beauty is awake..." She said laughing softly and nuzzled into my arm and with her magic... Gave me a bowl of meat. "We will be leaving soon." Nodding calmly eating. While Kip left and she was carrying my bags sword armor and everything else to the deck. Shadow followed behind her carrying his stuff. Looking towards me and waves with one of his claws. It was time to go it seems. Stood up and sighed softly heading out to the deck taking the bowl. Offering it back to Kip. Grabbing my armor and put the armor back on gathering my bags and looked to the others. "Before we fully get to the spot we are going. We need to walk through the bog. So be ready for pain." Looked to Shadow and smiled. "Shadow how big is this place we are going to?" Shadow looked towards me and smiled. "It's a former Prisoner of war camp. Wheel tread has been living for almost 100 years. He built an entire city under it. Using slaves and workers. It's a big city. How he lives that long we have no clue. But his body is failing. He is using some strange magic to keep himself alive. He no longer has hooves. What is left there are four wheels. His body is still flesh but... His heart was removed. He is trying to find way's to live forever. But we have found a stable down there. Some of the parts of the city... Are parts of the old camp. It was made to be underground... for a time. But we have no idea what the stable is for. But after many years. He built the city... and in the middle of the city has a market of slaves... weapons food and arena. It's used to train and to pass judgment. You will be going there to prove your worth as his bodyguard." Blinking glaring at Shadow. "You failed to tell me that you know. Will I be in that alone?" Shadow nods. "You need to prove your strong and ready to fight. But also you're my friend Tiria... I will put in a good word for you... Before the battle happens." Fleur came up to me with a holotape in her mouth setting it down in front of me. "Please listen to that... You will understand... Why I hated the six mares. Why I refused to allow them to use my ship as a prison." I nodded and connected it to my pip-buck and started to listen as the others around me getting ready to leave. There were some angry sounds of ponies shouting and then I heard a soft voice. "Fleur de Lees. You will let us take a look at all non-ponies on your cruise ship. Now let us question all the Zebra's you have onboard along with the non-ponies." The sound of a very angry mare. Speaking back. "Twilight I told you before along with Fancy. I will not let allow this war to cause more harm to everyone else. Now get your Pink friend away from my ship. I will not let her minions and dogs harm anyone!!" The sound of a very pink mare. "BUT BUT there are enemies on the cruise ship!! You must let us see them you must!!!" Fleur snorted. "NO!! Little Hoof cast us off. I will say this now... This war will not end well and you six along with the princess will be at fault. Remember my words YOU WILL BE AT FAULT!!!" The recording ended. Blinked looking to Fleur. "You betrayed them?" Fleur nodded. "I had enough so... I gathered all kinds of supplies. Then we were going to live on the water till we hear that the war was going to end. But as I see they failed. I don't care for those six mare's Fluttershy is the only one I liked. So I may have blamed her as well for this." Nods and smiles. "So these six mare's were part of your government in the past?" Fleur nodded. "Take care," I said waving and Little hoof had gathered everything. For a ghoul, of course, he needed no food. But Silver Gunner sat in front of us and didn't let us leave and looked up to us. "Before we fully leave. My question to you all... But I already know Kip's answer. What is the core value of friendship?" Blinking I looked to Shadow, Kip, Softpaw, and Littlehoof. The ghoul spoke out. "In the past friendship meant many things. The value of friendship to my kind in the past... Was chaos... But after meeting Fleur and she saved my life. Loyalty." He said. Then Shadow spoke out. "Friendship is to protect those close to you. Never let them come to harm and protect them... Because you promised their husband you would." Kip gave a sweet smile to Shadow. "Awww Shadow your so cute... little brother." Shadow chuckles it seems the two have turned into like siblings. Then they all looked at me. Silver saying it again. "What are the core values of friendship?" He asked again in his soft monotone voice. Thinking a moment and looked at my new friends. I was told by my elder... To find friends life becomes what you are meant to be. I softly felt poetic and started to speak. "Friendship is the core of this world. It brings magic to the heart of all... That wish to accept it. Even if this world is dead and gone... We need to gather the hearts that tell our stories. The stories of all around us. It is written in the book that is written by the pen of the writer of our lives. Without the writer of our fate. We shall never become empty." Silver nodded. "Good enough." He said and stood up letting us all go. The ghouls waved us on. As we headed towards our way to our full journey. What will we find? Will the journey end? Will it just start? No one knows really. But we will do what we can..to help save this land... Footnote level up Iron Bones: With your fight with the Minotaur you gained iron bones.
Chapter 7: Fate and painSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter 8: Siege"Battle is something that will always end with death." Journal entry from KipKipie I wish I could see her fight... I wish I was there for her at the end... She vanished... close to the end... All of us separated then put together without her... We found her journal with her blood on the cover. We hope she is fine... But most of us are hungry and some of the young... are dying if we don't get help soon... We will all... haven't seen Silver Gunner or Little hoof after they took them away. It's been almost two... weeks... Please be safe Tiria... Oh, their coming I need to hide this. __________________________________________________ The Siege Day 25: Pow Camp "Everypony Fire!!" But... it sadly was too late. They came in so fast and so quick. We weren't even ready for them. The tank that stood watch since... I have been here was firing it took out one transport and then a sudden green blast hit it and all that was left... was smoke and ash... Those inside dead. The snipers fired at what they could... But the bullets just bounced off the armor. This wasn't going to be a siege, it was going to be a massacre. We had to get some out of here we got to get them ready So... I did all I could... "FALL BACK!! Into the city." Bulwark and the other guards of the gate nodded while the rest were already rushing to the underground. I grabbed my pistol and the Warden left the slaves to die. I looked to see them there. Kip rushing with the wounded and noticed Softpaw standing to defend the Slaves. "Go... I shall defend them." I gave Softpaw and nod as the rest of us rushed to the underground. I looked at the shadows of them landing and hearing Softpaw's gun going off and then looking to the Shadows of her being surrounded and then one of the spikes of their tails stabbed her right in the heart... Tears fell from my eyes... Softpaw is dead... Then I hear a flame thrower go off burning all the slaves and the buildings above hearing all kinds of screaming. Then silence I heard a voice. "Command wants us to take hold of this place..till the operation is over and then..we shall kill and destroy everypony after it's over. Now find the rest of them and keep them alive." He chuckles softly. "If you can that is." _____________________________________ Day 25: Underground City. The first line of defense was held by Silver Gunner and the rest of the guards. I went down below with Little hoof and Shadow. Kip stayed in the hospital. We held the second row. We had an army to defend them but how do we fight... those that trained all their lives? Why is Fate doing this to me and the rest of us? I never wished this on my friends. I never wished this at all. Then looked up hearing a battle going on and Silver Gunner getting hit by the bolts from the armor the Enclave wore. But it seemed to not affect him at all. But the reset around him turned to dust or got stabbed by the scorpion tail. Silver Gunner took his Shotgun and fired in the visor of one of them and they dropped. But then his gun was blasted off his robotic arm and fell to the ground then one of them took the tubes on the back of his head and destroyed them. Causing him to short out and fall in a heap smoke coming from him. But he lifted his head and tried to get back on his hooves but couldn't. One of the Enclave soldiers took their hoof and smashed his head in very badly and then he was dead... Well, as dead as you can make a robot. "Silver Gunner!!" I yelled and fired my zebra pistol at them causing some of the armor to take hits... But not enough... I did get one down but then they stood back up and looked towards me. They flew into the air and then charged at us. We all started firing at them to try to get them to stop. But it wasn't going to happen. There was an explosion and I flew with my pack falling off my belt and falling to the ground. Then hit the ground hard. My vision was hazy extremely hazy. Watching most of the troop's fall from burns and the scorpion sting. Bulwark and Shadow helped me up and then looked to see Little hoof charge a bunch of them and toss them away... But he was taken down pretty quick sadly. Bulwark and Shadow rushed me to the hospital that held some of the other troops and Kip. Hearing screams and more fighting outside. As they locked the door and looked towards. me. "You need to get out of here. Tiria goes home... forget about us... Please, this world ain't for you. I am sorry Tiria... I didn't mean for you to ruin your life... For me or the rest of us... Kip is probably going to die like Softpaw. But we need to get you out... Please, Tiria run!!" There was then sounds from the DJ "Well, it seems the Enclave is trying to get into my booth. I won't let them get in without a fight. Come and get me you, worthless bitches." The sound dies and we hear a large growl and a lot of screaming as a pissed off Hell hound is killing what he can and then we saw a large green flash and then a body falling. I sighed and looked to the door hearing them trying to get in. "Shadow protect Kip. Please don't let them hurt her." Bulwark gave us a weak smile. "I shall make a distraction." Her horn glows and held her gun in her magic looking down to her hooves. "Take care Shadow please..." Then the door open and that bald earth mare with the Eyepatch rushed in firing on some of the Enclave and looked at us. "They killed my team!! We need to escape we need~" Then the sounds of the children outside cheer and rang as they fire their guns and Enclave soldier spoke. "Command we have... children here fighting us what do you want us to do.... we can't... But... they're children... But..." He sighed and ordered them to fire and then there was loud screaming of the kids that we allowed into the battle and then no more. Then Eyepatch looked to us. "We have the Stable protected and they don't dare go near it... But we need to get most of us to the outside." Shadow sighed. "Alright, Eyepatch we will see how we can get out. Go get to the group in the other room. I want Kip to go with you Tiria." I nodded but then we heard a loud thump. Hearing Tiny and that giant robot I fought a few days ago. "Push them back!!" I opened the door and saw the Enclave being pushed back to the way inside by the large robot and then blew up the way in. Then the robot lifted Silver Gunner and the robot stepped on the dead Enclave and came to us and sighed. "We don't have a lot of time probably only a few hours. So we need to get ready for them to come back in meaning we need to get ready for them. I will set Ra Proto here on the way in and have him set mines but we need more traps. So Shadow please go to the armory and give everyone our rocket launchers and machine guns and our weapon placements up and running. That would mean... we need someone to go into the old security building and use the old terminal to get them up and running." I sighed and nodded. "I got it." I started to head out and saw Silver Gunner and tears formed in my eyes. SoftPaw is dead and Looked to see Little Hoof limping towards us with other wounded... We had some time but not much. I looked to see somebody's left of the children and tears forming in my eyes more. They didn't deserve this... This world is so full of pain that it didn't deserve. Following the path to the security building and then I was jumped by an enclave shoulder they punched me from behind and with their four hooves got me on my stomach and I saw the shadow of them trying to stab me with their armor. I moved, grabbed and they tried stabbing me. I caught the tail in my hands and then they aimed their gun at me and then removing one of my hands from the tail and took my sword and stabbed it into the gun and BOOM. I flew onto my back and my vision got hazy again... Groaning looking to my hand that held the sword it was burned and the fur was gone. My sword not far from me and then the pegasus jumped on me already. Their visor was broken and I could see that they were a mare. I was pretty weak but I did what... I could fight but... I heard a shot and she fell on me dead. Tiny picked me up and gave me a potion to take. "Here drink this and get going." I nodded drinking it the burns vanishing but the fur not returning. Then head into the security building after grabbing my sword. Heading inside and looked to see all kinds of bones and it seemed there was a battle in here... To get free. I sighed and looked around. Then heard gnashing teeth and turned a corner seeing ghouls and blinked. I growled and feeling some pain and my body... wanted me to rest... but I can't. I grabbed my sword tightly closing my eyes... remembering my lessons... Honor... is the way to go... we fight for honor in every step... Honor. Then I rushed at them like a warrior would before they could see me... slicing through them. I panted softly and sighed. I refuse to be stopped I must fight... 00000 My eyes are tired and puffy from the crying... But I have to fight... I rushed through the building my body telling me it needs to rest... But again... I can't rest I need to keep moving I need to get to the spot they all needed me at... I sighed holding my head a bit and then found the main room that had a terminal. I sat at the terminal and then hacked through the passwords finding the right one and then found a recording of what happened here. Turning it on looking at the screen. "This is the warden... calling anyone that can hear this... The prisoners have escaped. They wish to do what they can to escape. But we can't let them. We have a gas going through the system already. A deadly poison that will not vanish for many many years." The screen went blank and then I felt something in the air... It was the same poison that killed everyone here... it was making my heart beat hard. But I needed to find a way to turn the turrets on. I started coughing it was affecting me more quickly here than it was outside. But I sadly need to do this I tried to ignore the pain my body. While the gas went through my body. I clicked the terminal and get into the file of turning the turrets on. Looking at them it said their old and damaged from the wear of time... But they should work. I clicked on them but two of them need to be manually brought out. I was coughing hard. I looked up a map downloading it into my pip-buck and coughed more. Then walking out of the hall grabbing my sword and looked around. I coughed hard following the map and groaned felt pain coursing through my body. This gas getting stronger as I went deeper. Oh, wonderful I thought I have no mask never thought I would need one. Following through the halls and looking at the old paintings seeing the leaders of this old world... Seeing six mares, two alicorns. It seemed every wall had a history of the world. The old world. But I couldn't just stand around... Allow my body to die... But I was getting dizzy and starting to see things. But I had to ignore them this smoke was hurting me more than I thought. I felt inside my body it affecting me to a point. I don't know what it did... But I have so much pain now and then. Finally finding one of the rooms and noticed that my Pip-buck was trying to warn me that something is on the other side. I grabbed my sword tightly and then opened the door and it was nothing. I walked in and found what I had to do to get the turret on this side to go again. I read the instructions and sighed... "Oh, goddess... they picked the wrong creature for this..." Reading through it I found the power and then crank to force it up. Turned the power on and it charged a bit and sparked, marks the crank, and forced it out of the roof. As I heard a loud crash and looking up and backed up quickly. As the doors that kept the turret fell to the floor with a crash. I coughed again and started coughing up blood. I needed a potion... without my bag... I wouldn't last. I figured I would look through everything... But without my bags... I wouldn't be able to carry anything. Coughing more and headed to the next room. But the gas was hazier now... Looking at my Pip-Buck it was saying a lot of warnings. I had to keep moving I couldn't stop. My heart was beating harder... and harder. Coughing more and out of the gas ghouls started to attack me... I sliced at them and they vanished. I swear I killed them. Finally getting to the last room and turning on the turret and forcing it up... But the door was so rusted I couldn't get it out... So I aimed up the shaft with my zebra pistol and then fired... Causing nothing but ash with the door. Then forced it up... Coughing and heading back out. I started coughing hard and fell to the ground... I felt my body starting to go against me... Rest it said to me... Rest... My vision was going hazy and I swear I saw a bird... A bird that has been following me... It changed into something else but..I think I was dreaming... I was lifted up and then I passed out. Day: Unknown place dreams. I opened my eye's seeing all my kind dead... The elders dead... my friends... my father... Dead... My entire pack dead... Most of it seemed to be from the Enclave. Looking around to see all I loved gone... My entire home burning and on fire. I rushed to the elder that forced me to leave. He was oddly still alive... He spoke. "Tiria... run... go... back... its a trap..." I looked up seeing an Enclave soldier along with a Steel ranger and they fired at me. My dream went to me seeing Kip being killed by the Enclave and Silver Gunner being reprogrammed to kill everyone in Misty Moon Apartments. Then I turned seeing a floating robot watcher and the Raven they stared at me and that's all they did... My heart shattered a bit and whatever was happening to me I was about to wake. Day: 25 Hospital. I opened my eyes, Kip, forcing down potions down my mouth and I coughed and Shadow chuckled. "Damn Tiria you did well... But whatever happens to you in there... You were close to death... We found out you passed out outside the door. Now I am going to head back out keep me informed Kip. Also, we are trying to get Silver Gunner back up and going... But it's not going to so well. We will be without him for the coming battle." He was starting to head out but Kip grabbed his tail with her mouth and stood on her back hooves and hugged him tightly "Oh Kip... I will be a fine sister... I promised your husband to bring you back in one piece... Even if I have to kill all the Enclave myself to do it." Kip didn't speak and nodded. I looked to see Little hoof with a rocket launcher and heading outside to get ready. "Listen... Kip get Tiria ready to escape, you go with her... we will have some time to maybe win this battle. But when the battle starts please go with her." Kip nodded with tears in her eyes. "I will go with her." Shadow smiled and headed out. He grabbed hold of Chewer and Kip helped me up and we went outside. I saw their last stand. A lot of rocket launchers... Some large machine guns strapped to podiums and a lot of ammo ready to be fired. Bulwark was in old armor that the guards wore. Holding a large magic rail gun rifle. Ra Proto standing by the caved way in. Everyone ready... I looked to see large turrets that I brought up ready to fire. __________________ Day 25 The City Everypony waited for the battle to start again. They heard that the Enclave was breaking through the cave. RA Proto started to fire into the cave opening but then large hits of the green blast hit the robot over and over. The robot's casing started to melt but they kept firing back. The robot was going to do a final run and rushed through the cave opening and there was a large boom. I looked to Kip and pointed to the way out. "Head there now... I will be there... But I need to help." Kip nodded and trotted off through the city to the back way out. I grabbed my pistol and rushed near Shadow and Tiny. "I told you to leave... Tiria..." I looked at him and smirked. "Someone needs to save your ass." Shadow chuckles and then the bombs at the cave entrance blew and looked up... Seeing a force of enclave rushing in. The turrets and the ponies griffons on the gun's started firing at the incoming force. Looked over to see and hear rocket launchers go off to try to stop their advance while some ponies make it out of the back. But I knew this wasn't going to last... I lifted my pistol and got off some shots. I hit a few and only one dropped to their death. The rest of those ponies got a few of their own but one by one... they started to fall. Bulwark was standing not far from us firing her machine gun. She took a few hits right into the side and groaned in pain. They hit the power pack on the armor and she fell to the ground frozen but alive. Shadow rushed to her and removed her helm. "You will be alright, I have to get you out." Then a blast of green bolt went going after Shadow... Tiny rushed and pushed him out of the way. He got hit right in the back... Standing up fully on his hind legs. Grabbing a large minigun that had the name... The Bone Smasher on it. "Come and fight me you foolish Enclave." He screamed and fired his minigun. Our troops falling them slowly breaking through. Shadow knew this was going to be his last stand. He pushed me to the way out. "Go... leave us." He grabbed his minigun from his back and started to fire. I nodded and rushed through seeing many ponies who are citizens of this city grab guns and fire at them along with children. It seems the only way the Enclave was going to get this place... Is a fight to the death. I found my bag and picked it up it seemed no one cared that... it was there and then I grabbed my journal that was near it and then... I felt a stab in my arm. I looked to see a sting through it and blood dripped onto the journal... then felt the sting pull out. Standing up to see two Enclave soldiers that made it through. Like most of my kind... I could stand fully up. But when we could... it was painful. I stood fully up to make myself look bigger than I was... Grabbing my sword in the wounded arm... I could still move. Then my pistol firing at them and they pushed me back pretty quickly. I may have been trained as a warrior... But I was never trained to take on well-trained soldiers. A shot rang out and a bullet went through their heads and I saw Wheel tread slowly coming to me. "Go...Tiria get out... of here... I shall hold up in my room... go..." I nodded and rushed off looking back seeing so much chaos and then... Boom looking up seeing a building hit and it started to fall and ponies buried in rubble and crushed by it. I kept rushing through the chaos and the mountain started to shake from all the battle. The city was burning and buildings falling and all kinds of death. But it didn't stop the citizens of this city... They fired back. Enclave didn't stop their charge and the turrets kept them at bay for the moment. I stopped seeing a bunch of mares standing their ground with large guns and... I looked to see much charging and then... a rocket blew between them... It was Little hoof and he rushed to me. "We need to stand our ground." Shadow found his way to me and he held two minigun's and sighed. "Tiny is dead... I shall fight for him." He aimed both minigun's while leaning on little hoof to make sure he can aim. How he was holding and firing both. it was strange even to me. A mare yelled. "Let the wounded through to the back. Let AHHH!!" She was hit and turned into a green goop. Grabbing my pistol and firing at the incoming Enclave. Little hoof fired rockets to get more enclave to fall out of the sky. Journal entry Softpaw "I have made my choice. I am going to end my life to protect Tiria and her friends. I know before this day is over with... I am going to be part of the earth. I wish that I got to know them more... But Tiria needs to live... She shouldn't be held accountable for what the light-bringer has done. But I am sadly not a pony or from their world. So even if I am alive after the battle is over... I doubt they will keep me alive... So I am going to allow them to take my life to be taken. I know someday she will read this. I want to thank her for all she did for my kind. Goodbye." Journal Entry from Little Hoof. "I see others slowly dying around me... How can the pegasi, the creatures so full of honor for the world and love, suddenly turn this heartless. It's been almost two weeks since... the battle. Kip has been beaten, Silver Gunner they took him somewhere and I don't know what they're doing to him. Shadow they have hurt him badly... But he lives. Oh... no, they're talking to Kip again and beating on her... I wish I could get to her... but I can't... Tiria... we need you..." Journal Entry from Kip "I... I am hurt... They broke... my left hoof. I was able to wrap it and split it... But they keep coming and beat me... Because... I refuse to tell them how to work Silver Gunner... I don't... know why they think... I know how to work with him... They refuse... to let... me heal Shadow.... and feed the others... We are dying... Oh, Tiria, please... Please hurry... please..." It was becoming more like hell and I rushed to the back way out with Shadow, Little hoof, and Kip. Looking towards the groups of ponies rushing to defend their home. It was going to be an endless blood bath. There was an explosion near us and my eyes were fuzzy and I saw Kip trot to me and try to help me up... Shadow was firing at the enclave soldiers that broke off from the main to chase us. But most of the citizens of the city gave their lives to protect us. One unicorn mare jumped off the roof of a building and landed on the enclave soldier both of them falling to their death. All I could see around me was gore parts of ponies and other creatures. Then I noticed a large group of Griffins that seemed to be the guards that kept folks in line and charged at them. A Griffin yelled. "Get everyone out!!" Shadow nodded and we were getting closer to the way out... But now something else was rock and building fell right in front of us blocking the way. We would have to go into what Shadow called the bad part of town. I thought to myself... I had the howling dance... I could have left... here and there... and left these ponies to their fate... But all my training... all my training of honor and to fight a battle and never stop till we are dead and one with the ground... I was still bleeding from my arm and I tripped as we got into the fenced-off part of the city. But I had my gun and sword... But my arm was hurting so much... That I felt I could barely move it. But I had to fight to use it. "Shadow... why is this place fenced off?" Kip asked calmly. "It's best to move on and not ask... Allow the Enclave to deal with what's in here." As we run he kicks strange lever's and ghouls are inside the building. This group seems to be chasing after us and just us... But we shall give them a surprise. He keeps opening the old cells and then we get to the back way out. Looking back I looked to see Pow gym cells and blinked. Gym cells? Then hearing shooting and screeching and screaming. There was one more thing we had to get through. A building and Shadow turned to us and hushed us. "When Wheeltread built this city... He didn't ask for the old camp to be cleaned... out... We are heading into the prison. This was built to give these Pow's like they were living in a peaceful home... Fluttershy, I was told hated the idea of Prisoner of war camps. So for this one... She made sure it was built to give them everything they need. Now... I warn you... it wasn't just Zebra's that got put in here. We need to get past the hospital and then we are home free." Looked behind us to see the soldiers that didn't get stuck in the gym area to fly over the fence and we rushed into the building. ___________________ Day 26 early morning. POW Prison/Hospital. Looking around calmly seeing old blood stains and looks like a riot broke out. The light barely working and Shadow locking the door. "That will hold them for a bit." We went in... I didn't have my bags... So I couldn't even loot this place if I wanted to... But loot in the middle of a battle ha... classy. Looking around calmly finding a terminal that was still working. It didn't need to be hacked and I started reading about experiments they did to the... I read one of them. Subject 21 Zebra mare: The Subject seems to be taking brainwashing with bleach nicely. Of course, she is more of a vegi now. Subject 30 Griffin: Clipping the wings of a Griffin makes them very angry... So we had to put him down. Awww so sad... I blinked and looked at the last one. Subject 60 wolf: Part of the Iron wolf project. We have been given a liquid form of the blood that comes from the other subjects that failed in the good doctor's experiments... So we will see what we can do... We will be recording this. The recording turned on and Kip and Shadow oddly started watching with me. "Alright put the Zebra in the experimental chamber... We will get to work. Now watch closely to see if it works." The experiment started and in front of our eyes, the Zebra slowly started into what the same creature I am... My eyes went wide and I felt my heart shatter and break... Then the creature was let out of the chamber and fell dead. "Hmm, another experiment failed on Iron wolf. We need another pony it seems Zebra's blood has too many different features in it to not accept this change. The pony way of life will be preserved for you, Good Doctor." I got angry and growled my anger growing. In my head... NO, it can't be true... I can't be an offspring of an experiment meant to expand the pony way of life... With anger, I punched the terminal and then tossed it on the ground. Growling and kip placed a hoof on my shoulder. "Even if you aren't created by normal means... You're an honorable heart and soul my friend." My anger subsided and ears fell. But I refused to believe this... This is just a pony lie. So I removed the anger from my mind and went on. Grabbing my pistol and followed Shadow... As he leads us through this extremely creepy prison. Most of what's in the cells are bones of the dead. Then I saw a sign called experiments and I felt drawn to it. But I refused to allow myself to go to it. Followed Shadow through the prison and we heard the door break open. Shadow looked back and nodded to me and Kip. While we walked through the Prison and slowly opened a door to the hospital. "Oh by the way." He turns on a light and there is a sudden roar from an eyeless creature and then he turns it off. "Watch where you step... Also, enjoy all the creations here." Blinking and looking down as a puddle was forming under my legs yellow puddle. Looking up and sighed. "Wonderful... after this, I am going to need a bath." We started to slowly walk through the hospital as... I smelled many decaying and creature and experiments... Some of them my species? We heard shooting behind us and it started stirring the creature's we had to deal with inside this hospital. But we tried to stay out of their way. I started having visions because it seems there was a gas..that affected only wolf-like creatures. Did I see the past? But even if I saw this... I had to keep going. I took a deep breath and calmed my heart. Looking over to see a sign for the Ministry of peace and felt my heart sank. It was used to bring peace. Then I saw first aid boxes and went to grab one and strapped it to my arm and rushed to the others. "Just in case." Shadow nodded to me and then a ghoul rushed past us and then turned to look at us and growled hissing as more showed up. "Oh, lovely." Shadow attacked the Ghoul with his claws. Beheading it. Then Kip used her magic to use various objects she could find on the floor or ground. I used my sword and we kept fighting through them. Feeling this was going to get even more deadly. We kept going deeper into the hospital trying so hard to get away from the Enclave soldiers that kept following us. The battle outside was muffled from this building. It was pretty dark and gloomy but we kept following the way to the exit. Trying to ignore all the creatures we saw. My nose picked up many scents. It seems experiments happen even after the end of the war. But slowly stopped from the scents I got from my nose. Looking around and then suddenly a wolf creature like me charged and attacked me. He attacked me like a wolf and I did the same to him growling. I knew he was a male I could see it and it seemed he wanted something from me. But now wasn't time for the pleasures of the flesh. Shadow took his claws and stabbed them into the wolf beings' heads. I stood up and looked at the creature kicking them a moment and sighed following Kip and Shadow again. Kip kept her horn from glowing... Since her magic could bring to much light in here. Shadow started to run as he knew he was closer to the way out. "Hurry... they're gaining on us." I looked behind me to see a bolt from a weapon of the Enclave soldier and it missed barely and we started running stirring the creatures that attacked the Enclave since we got away so quickly. We got to the home stretch and it was to the point we saw the way out. There were tonnes of ghouls blocking it... He looked to me and Kip and nodded. "We charge... NO ONE WANTS TO LIVE FOREVER!!" He charged screaming that and we broke through the ghouls and made it through the exit and closed the door quickly before the Ghouls could get out, hearing shooting back down the hall. ________________ Day 26: Fallen city. We made it outside seeing half the city is on fire. So much death mostly on our side and we rushed to the back way out just a small cave guarded by two small robots and some ponies. As we saw the last line of the city ponies facing off with the Enclave and Shadow stood by the robots and he armed his gun and looked to Kip and I. We both nodded by, an explosive hit between us I flew on the way out and she flew beside Shadow and Kip mouthed. "Run..." I tried to get back to her but another explosive caused a cave-in and after the dust cleared I tried to break through it all... Being able to move some... But I couldn't get it all in time to get to them. I felt my heartbreak... Looking at my sword and stabbed it into the ground... As a promise that I will return and I went outside... I was in a desert. A vast desert. ______________________________ Day 26: Desert of the Buffalo Walking through the endless path... I feel alone now... I felt that I failed everyone... I looked back but then looked up seeing a green rainbow push back to the cloud cover and I finally saw the sun. But I fear that... so much death happened this day. I walked into the sunlit desert following a path I am unknown to again... As I started alone... I never saw the sun before but I had to focus. I have to find a way to save them... But I have to find a way to save myself. Footnote: Level up no new perk.
Chapter nine: Deadly Range"Alone... is but a simple path." Day 27: Buffalo Desert I have been alone for one day. I was hungry and thirsty I was a few miles away from. I didn't even have my pistol. I left it behind along with my sword. I kept walking it's been a while since... I saw the sun again. I refused to put music on to call everything in this area to me. I felt my heart beating from walking so long. My eyes looked around calmly... Looking up seeing that Raven following me. This Raven seemed to be following me everywhere and then I heard something move looking around seeing large scorpions. My eyes went wide seeing the creature charged at me. I had none of my weapons, nothing. Nothing but my claws. I gave a loud howl and charged at the scorpion. It tried to pinch me with its claws and then I jumped on it and clawing at the shell cutting through it a bit. But not deep enough. The adrenalin made me faster then I should be. But I had to live... I had to live with my friends. I feel a stab in my side and venom drained from me and stabbed my claws deep into the scorpion and it fell as I stood there feeling the venom coursing through my body. Watching the Raven quickly rush over the hill. I growled in pain and tried to run but I fell to my knees and face planted in the sand. Trying to move but my body burned so much. I thought some warrior I am if I keep falling on my ass like I am. I felt heavy hooves running towards me and looked up seeing something giant and hairy but my vision started to get blurry and hazy... I felt myself pass out. Day 28: Buffalo camp Opening my eyes I was in a makeshift bed. Seeing a large young creature that seemed to be very young. She had a band around her head with a feather. She brought over some food and smiled. "Eat.." She smiled after setting the food down. Nodding sitting up groaning and picked up the slop and ate it calmly. Gagging a bit but... it was food. The strange creature looked at me. She seemed young... "I have never seen one like you before miss." The buffalo creature looked up and smiled. "Oh sorry I am Little Strong Hoof." She smiled and went outside the tent... I noticed they had no firearms with her. But I groaned and kept eating and slowly stood up. Setting the pull-down and went outside and blinked seeing tents all over the place. Giant hairy creatures rushing around. I calmly looked around and Little Strong hoof pushed me to the chief. He looked up to me... he looked old and missing one eye. I sat down to speak with him and he calmly spoke. "Hmm, we normally don't have visitors from this far out. We haven't even seen the ponies of the world after their war killed them. But you aren't a pony from what I see miss. You seem to have a story." I slowly started to speak and groaned holding the wound that the stinger went in. "Ah yes, the venom it's gone now... But the feeling of the pain shall still be there. Now tell me miss what happened?" I sighed. "The Enclave... I left many friends behind. But It seems fate is leading me along a path to get to see something. Then I need to save my friends." The chief nodded and looked back at me and smiled. "I wish I could help you miss Tiria. But I am sorry to say but... we are trying to stay as hidden as we can... until the time is right... We are waiting for the right time to return to Equestria as runners of the land. But for now, we will let you stay here. I would say stay a few days to rest we will give you bags... healing herbs and supplies even food. Also, weapons that... the ponies of old left for us. Take a look at them. Then go back and rest." He smiles. I nodded and walked back to Strong hoof and she smiled. "This way." I nodded calmly and followed her to the tent and inside was pre-war weapons. I grabbed a large machine gun. I looked at the side of it. it said Speed bullet. I sighed and strapped it to my belt with the ammo and found a large hammer. Strapping it to my back and felt better. "I got what I needed... But I won't be leaving for a while. I want to make sure I am ready to go." I put the weapons and bags they gave me into the tent I was sleeping in. I was going to make sure I get food and such. Then I looked around and looked to Strong hoof and smiled. "Have you ever been attacked by anything?" Strong Hoof shook her head and smiled. "No. I doubt we ever will but... Please stay as long as you need." I nodded and I sat by the fire as I heard stories of the past. "Our forefathers highjacked a train... Just because of an Apple tree... Because they felt their land was taken... By ponies... Look around you, my friends... Ponies did this to the world... But from what our new friend has told us... Not all ponies are evil. We welcome her into the tribe of our kind. But we do have a mission for her..." They look to me and I nodded. "I will help. What do you need me to do?" The Chief nodded. "There is a stream that comes to our camp as you have seen. But it's drying out our scout we sent to check on the location of the stream... hasn't returned in many days. Will you please help us and you will become one of our tribe?" I nodded calmly... These creatures seem to be far away and no one ever seems to bother them... So I must. I gathered the weapons and bags they gave me. Little Strong Hoof Trotted up to me with the herbs and food. "Thank you... I will be back." I placed it all in my bags and strapped them around my waist and they gave me an old map looking at it. "Follow the stream it will lead you to a cave. Now, this is a normal natural stream. It's not fully clean water. But it's clean enough. I shall return." Walked along the stream. Closing my eyes slightly and then looked up again seeing the Raven blinking. The Raven just kept following me. It seemed to be getting odd. Then I heard a robotic voice. "Hello, Tiria." I turned to look at Watcher. "Watcher... I don't have... time I need to get back to them... I need to get back... to them..." I stopped walking and looked at the floating robot. "I don't know if they're alive or dead watcher... I don't know If Shadow... Kip... Little hoof or Silver gunner is dead... I saw Softpaw give her life... for us all. I need to get back to them... But I am lucky to be alive thanks to the Buffalo." The robot floated there calmly. "It should all fix itself soon... Tiria... but I would say gather... making a gathering of many and then... fight them. Don't allow your friends to die... Gather a force and take them down. I can't tell you what is going to happen soon... But I promise that the war will end soon." I looked down and then to Watcher. "I am sorry Watcher but you have too much faith in the ponies... I know they will start their wars up again... To destroy the world again. Its time to kill the Enclave and remove the Steel rangers... I may haven't faced them..." A robotic chuckle came from the robot. "There is another group now called Applejack rangers." I looked to the robot not caring and walked along the path... As the music started to play and the robot left. I looked up seeing the raven keep an eye on me. I kept following the path and found the cave where the stream that seemed to just come out of a little set of rocks... I went inside the cave and turned my pip-buck light on to follow it through the dark cave. I followed the path and I went deeper in and I saw the body of the scout he was ripped apart. I look around kept going down into the cave to find what is causing the block of the water. Looking around calmly and I found the stream where it comes from. It's a pool that leads to the stream. Looking to see a few rocks blocking the way out of the stream. I went to the rocks and started to move them and it allowed the stream to move again. Then I heard something behind me and turned. I saw nothing and then I started to make sure the water was flowing and then. I started to head back out and felt a gun in the back of my head. With a very gruff voice. "Turn around slowly." I turned and my eyes went wide gasping. He was one of my species. His eyes went wide as well. "You're one of my species. A female no less hmm.., I wonder are you breeding stock?" My eyes went wide and growled. "I am a Moon warrior." He blinked and chuckled. "I see. So... what brings you out here then... We are a long way from Shattered hoof." I sighed. "I was sent out to find the howling dance. I found it... but the place that has it... was taken over by the Enclave." He blinked and nodded. "So then why is a male of my kind out here?" He chuckles. "I am a bounty hunter... I am after a deadly creature that has been seen here. I tried to bring it with blocking the water... But it seems it's deeper in this cave are you willing to help me fight it?" I nodded. I followed the male... It was odd for our species. We normally see a mate and then just leave each other until the pup is born. But if we did that here and now... That would be very strange. I followed him closely seeing that is a brown-furred male with yellow eyes. It's been almost... a damn month since... I have seen another of my species. We went deeper into the cave and looked around calmly. As I grabbed my hammer. He tossed a flare and we saw the creature. It was a large Hell hound and it seems wounded from creatures that came down here so much. "Wait... let's talk to him first..." I softly said... I walked down to the creature and spoke softly... "We come in peace.... We mean you no harm.." The hell hound stood up and stared at me. "Grrrrr creature... Never seen before... But not a pony... What brings... creature to me?" Looking at him calmly setting down my hammer and looking up to the male of my species telling him to lower his gun. He nods and does it. "I can help you. Then you can go on your way." The hell hound growled and nodded. I grabbed the herbs taking the bowl I was given and smashes it into the past and then rubs it into the wound. The hell hound growled and then stood up staring at me. "I shall... come with the creature. I shall protect... I'm... Iron Claw. Got grrr name... from killing Rangers..." I nodded... "I am going to need help to take down the Enclave they took my friends from me... Now I am going to take the fight to them." He nodded and I looked at the male. "Got a name?" He looked at me. "Sand... My name is Sand. Because of my fur." Nodding calmly Went back to the camp with my two new friends. They didn't seem bothered by the fact of this. I smiled softly and felt like I had friends again. "But yes I need to get back on my own. I shall meet you again Tiria." Sand waved and walked off leaving me and the Hell hound. The Buffalo welcomed Iron Claw with open hooves and we stayed with them for a time. The hell hound didn't seem used to this... But he ate the food and didn't complain. He then spoke calmly. "Grrr... I shall stay friend... and defend them... this... the world is not pleasant even for peaceful creatures like this." I nodded. Then I was sitting in front of the fire. Then the chief and the other Buffalo came around me and the Chief spoke. "Long ago... we used to be friends with ponies... if this creature can make friends with a Hell hound and then give us a protector... Then we give her our mark." He put his hoof in paint and gave me a mark on my armor plate. "She is now one of our tribe. A friend... friendship reigns in this land still. No matter how this war ended. Now we let her rest a day... Then she shall be on her way..." I smiled softly and noticed that Iron Claw started patrolling around the camp for the Buffalo. I find it interesting that this creature... Known as being very hateful of ponies... But willing to give Buffalo a chance. I went to the makeshift tent that they gave me. I laid back and closed my eyes. I wanted to sleep and then the Raven that has been watching me landed in the tent and stared at me."What... do you want?" I asked... The raven just kept staring at me. Then flew back out and I had no idea what this creature wanted. I sighed and laid my head back down. Then the Raven came back in and gave me directions to where it wants me to go. A map leading not far from here. But it would take a day or two treks. I put my head back down and sighed. "Fine... you strange bird... I will follow this." The bird cawed and flew back out. I laid my head back down closing my eyes a bit and sighed. It was going to be a long long trek to get to where I need to go. I wished to know how my friends were doing... I needed to know... But I sadly couldn't also... I am happy I haven't heard from the ghoul for awhile. I closed my eyes and started to sleep. ____________________ Place nightmare. "Hello, there!!" The ghoul smiled. "OH God... you again... what do you fucking want?" Ghoul laughed softly and smirked. "It seems you're in the middle of a crazy new war. I told you there would be a new war. But You found one of your species and made friends with a Hell hound." He clapped his hooves together. "Amazing amazing... You come along way from the hopeless murder, the hopeless killer. To a small-time hero. Not a big saving the world hero... But a hero none the less." I sighed and just kept listening to him and noticed the tree... The leaves were falling still and then the tree was pregnant? "Oh... yes I wish to warn you Tiria... I know your fate... But I won't tell your fate... I just know something that will happen to you. You will find... love to find happiness... have young... But you need to fight for this future." I looked at him calmly and nodded and sighed closing my eyes tightly and then opened them again. "Then I must kill to get back to my friends... I can't leave them." The ghoul nodded and looked back at the sunrise I saw in my head. "I used to see the sun... and watch it be lowered by the Princess each day and night. It was amazing to see... But our foolish leader's wishing to fight this war... You're right about Ponies Tiria... They don't deserve to keep this world... They kill each other... They are better off dead... But I do agree not all ponies are evil and deserve to die... You need to save them. I am a step behind you in your mind. So please save them and remember when you do... History may repeat itself. But you must be ready to rise and fall." I nodded to him and stroked the tree sighing softly and looked up to the sky. In my head, I saw the sun once... I felt my heartbeat slow and I had a smile on my face. I was hoping to see my friends alive. I wanted to see them again. I felt every bit of happiness in my heart. Then I thought of that male... Sand... Would he and... I no no... that's silly... Then of the Hell hound... I am happy he is being accepted... I sighed and then felt happiness in my heart. Then dread started filling my heart and the ghoul chuckled softly. "You're worried about them... I see... Tiria you can't just charge in there on your own... You need to follow the path that creature gave you. The Hell Hound is better where he is. Sadly at this moment, you need to follow that path alone. Sometimes a hero must follow alone. It's not going to be an easy path. But sometimes as a hero even... if you wish to say you're not... Whatever you do... you will be known as one." I gave the ghoul a look sighing looking down. I wanted so badly just to come to this wasteland and make a life without being noticed... It seems fate has forced me into this position. "Alright... I shall become a hero... A hero of honor." Sighed looking towards the tree..while the leaves keep falling off the tree showing that my life... will end someday... pretty soon... The ghoul turned to me to look into my eyes. With his decaying eyes. "I shall leave your mind... soon Tiria... But you need to accept that you will have to kill... You have to kill to protect this world. It's sadly a thing you have to do... Just you might understand that war will happen even if your heroes win their battles. You will fail some of the time... You can't win everything all the time. If you do fall you get back up and then fight harder. A path that many don't understand. I will come to you again at the end of your journey." Nodding and put my hand on the tree and I woke again. __________________ Day 29 Buffalo camp I opened my eyes and gathered all my gear and bags. Putting everything in my bags and then put weapons on me... The giant hammer fitting very nicely along with the machine gun. Looked to the buffalo how... Can they be so peaceful? When the world is dead and slowly dying more and more. It seems they don't allow the toxic world to get to them. I watched them for a while and got ready for my path. Looking at the directions the Raven gave me... Looking back to see Little Strong Hoof wave at me. Nodding with a gentle smile and then went on my way. ________________________ Day 29 The wasteland Desert. There being no sun. But it was still pretty warm. Following the path looking up feeling, rain hit my head and sighing. As it started to storm. This trip would take me two days and take me through some nasty places. Looking around calmly and seeing bones of the dead. Most of the dead seem fresh, though. Then I heard something below the ground and then I saw the scorpion creatures again. Grabbing the hammer from my back. I gave a hard smash into the shell of the scorpion and it shattered it... But it kept going as it tried so much to harm me... But I smashed it again and causing it to die and staring darkly at the body. Sighing, closing my eyes. Looks around very calmly to see if I could find more. Then I started walking again slowly looking around calmly my eyes studying every part of the way. I put the hammer back on my back and kept walking slowly. Drinking small doses of water. Closed my eyes tightly and then during the storm heavy dust storm's started to happen. I had nothing to cover my eyes. I just kept walking through this path of pain in my eyes now. I looked up seeing a nasty storm forming my eyes going wide and seeing how the storm is getting worse. My eyes studied in every area... But there were no places to hide at all. Growling I kept following my path feeling my fur gets pelted by this sand and storm. I had to do this... I had to get through. Even if the storm wishes to kill me. I howled deeply into the air hoping I could make an echo. I had to hear it... I had to hear myself... Being alone was getting to me even after just leaving awhile ago. But the walk was feeling like hours... feeling like days... But It probably was just a few hours... What will... I tell those young... that wish to know what it's like to be a hero? I am still not a hero in my heart... I am just a simple creature at the right place at the right time. Has my heart softened for the ponies of this world? How could it be... I hated them so much in... How long... has it been since I left my home? I don't know... I don't know... Feeling my legs lead me through the storm... I grew full of more anger to push me through this storm. The dust started to let up and as it did... I saw a set of rocks. But it was no good way to hide from the elements. The rain started to come down harder, growling softly, and sighed. The smell of wet wolf how pleasant. Maybe this was a test... Maybe this was a test too. I had to keep saying that to myself. I couldn't stop myself from stopping my feet hurting so much. They throbbed from walking on the sand. I sighed and kept walking and after a while, the rain slowly stopped and coughed and shook to remove the water from my fur groaning and growled. I wanted someone to talk to badly. I wanted to talk with someone... I looked up seeing the Raven and my eyes went wide... Why won't this Raven talk to me... Why won't they? I growled again closing my eyes to remove all my anger and hate... I felt the pain gather in many old wounds from my travels. Then, of course, something happens. I heard the ground moving, looking down to see three mini scorpions come out of the sand. I sighed and grabbed my large hammer and charged not wasting my ammo... As I smashed my hammer into each. These seemed weaker than normal. I sighed and kept walking through the path. I felt hungry... But I doubt I had enough to last for two days. Closing my eyes tightly for the moment. Looking around my ears making sure I hear anything... Then I looked beside me and heard robotic voices. "Halt!" I looked over to Steel Ranger?! Stopping right at the spot and staring at them not saying a word. "Destination?" I just kept staring at them saying nothing. Then one of them said. " Maybe this creature is retarded." My eyes go wide hearing this and stared at them. "I don't wish to speak to ponies that helped cause the end of the world. Now let me go... or I will show you the wrath and honor of my species." The steel rangers looked at each other and one of them laughed. "Right... I doubt you could harm us with our armor." I looked at them closely seeing the armor has not many weaknesses. I felt my heart beating slowly staring at them. "What do you want from me... I am trying to save friends of mine from the Enclave..." They both looked at me..at least I think they were looking at me. The Enclave?" I nodded. "Yes, I left them behind at Wheel treads home. I need to get to them before they die... I will take on the entire force there by myself if I have to... To save my friends." The two looked to each other. "We are on the search for one just one of Applejack's rangers. We want to bring them to justice." Looking at them and smirked. "Let me guess being worthless ponies meaning... Your justice is filling your pile of dead bodies." They both look at me again. "What is your... beef with ponies." Walked to the left one's face and stared into their eyes. "You want to know my beef... with ponies? Do you want to know my beef with your fucking worthless species?! LOOK AROUND YOU!! History is fucking repeating itself... No matter how much your Lightbringer wishes to... change the mind of many... Ponies are the reason this world along with the fucking Zebra's that this world of former beauty is fucking dead." The ranger removed the helm I saw a mare under it. "Listen that is..." I cut her off. "Oh, that is the past... I don't fucking care, that's the past. You ponies still murder and killed... I see you as something to eat... Something very good to eat. You will never prove to me... that your kind can change. Only a few... I have met can..." The mare sighed. "Listen help us find the Applejack ranger... and we will let you go on your way." I looked at the mare who is pure red with a pink mane. "I guess... lead the way." She nodded and lead me away from my path... But I needed to do this... So I didn't lose my anger. "So... what are you, large creature?" Looked to the mare and stayed silent. Just keep following the two. ______________ Day 29 five at night Location small radio tower. The mare pointed with her armored leg. "The ranger was last seen in there... We need you to go in there and try to get them out of there... Alive so we can take them back to be put on trial." I sighed nodding and followed to the tower and then I heard a gunshot and my shoulder got crazed and groaned softly and rushed and hid behind the stare's and slowly walked up the stairs and felt a tripwire. Looked up seeing a metal apple drop in front of them I quickly grabbed it and tossed it into the air but it blew and some of the shards of it stabbed into my armor. "Damn it." I groaned and stood up and slowly walked up the stairs and slowly spoke. "Listen... I don't want to fight you. I am just here to talk to you." There is silence I tried again and sighed. "Listen I am here to speak with you, not fight. There is not always a need to battle. We can do this without fighting so please let me in." Again silence I waited a little while and looked to see the door open up and I went inside. Looking around seeing sick and wounded ponies. These ponies seem to be running from some battle and trying to hide. "What's wrong here?" The Applejack ranger came up to me and brought me to the back. "You wanted to talk? if so do it now... I am trying to protect these ponies till... the Enclave leave and never return. Look around you miss all you see is dying and the dead... Some are already dead... Some are sick... We bury them... soon... But I can't go out to bury them with those two out there... I am sure they asked you to come to me. What did they offer you? I can give you more caps. I can even let you bury them for me if you wanted." I looked to the ponies and opened my bag's and brought out the food that the buffalo gave me and set it down to the hungry ponies. As they seem to be looking at me and I smiled. "Eat... I don't need it." Looked through my inventory on my pip-buck I still had enough left for a few more days. I sighed and looked up to the Applejack ranger. "Listen they offered me..nothing they wouldn't let me leave. I need to continue my path and then save my friends from the Enclave." Looking to the ponies and sighed softly I felt bad for them... But it's nothing I couldn't do... Looking back to the Ranger. "Come with me. I want you three to talk this out. This is silly that they wish to force this on you." The Ranger nodded and came out with me to the Steel rangers and I grabbed my hammer. "You three will talk this out or so help me... I will smash your head' in with my hammer. Trust me. You can try to kill me... But I trained all my life... to kill one's in heavy armor like you." The two rangers looked at me and they sat down and removed their helms again as the other did too. Three mares? The red mare with the pink mane. Earth pony. The other a blue mare unicorn. The one that is the Applejack ranger. Green earth pony. "Listen I will say something before the three of you talk... Did you even know that she is protecting sick and hungry ponies in that building?" The other two looked at each other. "We were given our orders." I sighed and listen to them speak. "I followed a higher calling. I found these ponies in need of help. With the Enclave doing their little attacks. I called the steel Ranger's about it no one even answered me. Then I contacted Apple Jack's ranger's they wished me to help. They said stay here and they will send a few traders's this way... But It would take time. But I can't leave you two. I can't leave at all. I am needed here." She looked up to the ponies staring outside and they all seemed weak and broken. "These ponies have been lost in the middle of a firefight... Most are dead... I need to bury them... But if you two could help me... I could keep them alive till this war is over." The other two mare's looked at each other and the red mare sighed. "Maybe we should... These orders just came to us like way before the Enclave even showed up. I take it we should help you. I doubt if we say no... This large creature is going to kill us." They all looked at me and I smiled. "Oh, I will do it too and then eat you. Pony meat is oddly very good." The mares shivered and then stood up. "Fine, we will work together unless our leaders come..." The green mare nodded and the three trotted into the building and the door was closed. I watched them and then got back on my path. I followed along so long..feeling my body wanting to sleep but I couldn't... Then I made it to a spot..that it had on the map. A railroad From what it said head from the railroad till I am between Old Appleloosa and new Appleloosa. But I found a rock to sleep near so I lay beside it and fell asleep. __________________________________________ Day 30 Between the two Apples. Looking around seeing the lovely world of this desert and then. I saw the Raven on a rock and then heard the robot and looked over to see watcher. "Watcher..." "This may be the last time we can speak for awhile... Things are going down pretty harshly. But I can give you this bit of advice. I see you have been following my friend who you have been following for a while. I met him after I woke up... I know little to nothing about his species... But they got pretty badly harmed by the war themselves... A change in their systems." I nodded. "He wants to show himself to you... But you won't attack him will you if he shows himself to you? After you go into the bunker. Who's entrance is on this rock? It will explain everything to you. I will show up one more time to speak with you. it will be after... and then... maybe after awhile... You will see me again, maybe." I looked towards the door and then back to Watcher. "Why am I here Watcher? Why did you two bring me here?" Watcher gave a robotic sigh. "My friend here found old files on something about your species. He told me about it after I found you in the waste, he wanted to know if you were what you are... A vulf'ven a wolf-like race that is very warrior-like and will fight till the end." Looking again towards the door my eyes just looked at it. The door was rusted and seem's it could still open. "What do you wish me to learn watcher, what do you wish me to learn?' Watcher calmly said. "The truth... Like you told me you have been told all your life a lie... You know it in your heart... You have seen the Howling dance... I am sure You have seen that it's nothing but a simple crystal that gives off strange energy that did something to you when you were near it." I looked at the robot and sighed again looking toward the door. Then walking towards it and standing in front of it. "What if I don't like what I see Watcher... what if it kills and destroys my heart?" "You need to see the truth... it will make you stronger to then gather a force... to fight the Enclave to save your friends... You need to do this Tiria... walk into the door and then see the past. You need to understand the past... It is the past... But you need to understand the truth." The bird cawed nodding and I looked up and the door opened up to pure darkness and I went inside... The door closing behind me... I have no idea what I will find... But maybe I will learn what I need to learn... It is time for... The truth Footnote: Level up. Perk: Able to get others to work together only if they're the same sex as you of course.
Chapter Ten: Iron wolf Labs."I am the one... that made you... You could call me your God... or your nightmare." Day: Unknown iron Wolf lab. I walked into the bunker as I saw the stairs leading down and looked around. Hearing a voice speak to me. "I knew sooner or later one of you would find me. Please listen to me closely. I don't remember my own name it's been so long..But I was tasked to protect the pony way of life... I shall explain to you what happens... That I didn't explain to that robot that came here 50 years before... He told me he would lead you here... Silver Gunner his name was... Follow the path that my little drone will lead you on." Looking up to see a small little robot. It made a robotic sound and I followed it. As it leads me through the stairs. "This took so many bits just to build... But in the end..What we needed to make..to protect the pony way of life... Was set in the matter of things. It was a war...I have heard of you... from the Radio miss wolf...You may not be the Lightbringer or the other mare... But you have done some things... That most would never have guessed. But sadly you wish to know... why? Follow the bot and it will show you the past." The bot that is leading me and I blinked watching it stop in front of a door and it played back a recording. It was The scientist and a few of his buddies. "Iron Wolf shall be done... You will see it. The crystal is being sent to us as we speak... We need to do this just in case." The other two looked at each other and nodded. The recorded ended and the voice started to speak again. "At first... this was to protect the pony way of life... It then became more... as my glory. Follow the bot.... You will see the lie I said... to one of the kindest mares in our world." The bot leads me to a broken cage. It formed an image of Twilight, Fluttershy, and the scientist. "She brought me...here because she feels your experiments are harming the species of our world. She demands that you do this and protect nature." The shy Pegasus nodded and hid behind the unicorn. Who seemed to be angry and very protective of her friend. "I assure you miss Twilight...I am protecting nature..as well as protecting the pony way of life. I can say miss Fluttershy you will not have to worry... The wolfs will be protected." Fluttershy gave Twilight a pitiful look and nodded as the two trotted along with him. As I followed the bot who moved as well to show the entire recording. "I tend to protect the nature of our land... But also extend and protect the pony way of life. I shall keep giving you updates on them Fluttershy do you agree to this?" Twilight nods angrily. "I need to get going Fluttershy, Pinkie's party." Rolls her eyes. "Will you be alright?" Fluttershy gave a nod. Then the purple unicorn walked out of the lab. The recording ended. "The yellow mare..stayed for an hour to check on the creatures. But..my sin..my lie...I lied to her..that...I will protect them...I couldn't my project needed results." The robot leads me down more stairs Looking around seeing broken empty cells. Looking at my Pip-buck as it sparks showing that there are some rods down here. Then the robot leads me to a strange cell that held bones of a wolf. It makes an image of a great powerful wolf. "I was given the howling dance...But I just called it the crystal of power. It gave off interesting radiation that affected the wolf-like beast. It made them how." I watched as the wolf started to howl then it than past a few days. The wolf was dying and close to death. "I removed the crystal from its presence they refused to eat to drink. Later died from eating nothing... This crystal they longed for it... It had to be it... it had to be this crystal. Yes, it had to be this crystal.... but no... I learned that no one was feeding her....The crystal made her stronger. But it left radiation to make my helper's scared to feed her." A sigh came from the robot the image vanishing. I followed it along and it leads to another cell. "I had to do another test... I had to make sure I could....I could...." The strange voice chokes and then brings forth a pony he infused with the crystal's magic. "Now mister hard hat..Let me know if some discomfort happens I will stop the experiment." The experiment goes on as the crystal is close to the pony and then he starts screaming then speaks. "You murderer." He exploded into gore. "I learned... what happened... the crystal it affects ponies in an awful way. Then I learned something. Infuse wolf DNA into a pony." The image changed showing a pony. He seemed to be infused with the DNA and the crystal brought near. It shows as the pony started to change becoming...What Tiria is now? "This is my sin...my curse...what you really are..." The robot turns to look at me and I stared into the eye of the robot. "You are decedent from ponies. Ponies turned into this monster...this curse I gave them." My rage build and I grabbed the robot showing my anger. "You're lying the elders have told me we were created to guardians of Equestria!!! That Celestia and Luna made us be guardians and to bring justice to the ponies!!" The robot stayed silent as I let it go... My life everything I was told. As the robot started showing it over again. I watched it... The pony turning into my species. Claws forming in the hooves fur forming all over him and then standing on his back hooves with a bend in the back but able to walk like a hell hound. Having front paws able to hold things. "But....." Looks at the fur on my paws that I used to hold my guns... That I turn into a fist to punch. I followed this path to the crystal's howling dance...to just learn...it's all a lie. "The Crystal is still important Tiria... It brought a new species into this world...We need warriors to protect this world. We need honor back into the world. Please.... bring honor to us." I stayed silent for a while closing my eyes and then I saw my friends in my mind. I stood up knowing my anger is going to fill me more. But I had to meet this pony. I need to talk to him to learn what fully happen. "I am coming to meet you... to meet the sinner that created my species. We may have been ponies in the past... But now... we are this... a curse... a sin... A sin that needs to get back to her friends. Now.... have this robot... lead me to you. I may have been taught honor... But at this moment... I haven't been living like a warrior lead to fighting in the name of honor." The robot was silent for a good while. The creature on the other end thinking on this. "He did say he would bring you to me...Tell me what happens to Silver Gunner?" I looked away... "Dead. The enclave killed him and now my friends along with his broken body I don't know what they're doing to them...I need to get back...I need to." The creature on the other end seems to be thinking again. "Then come. We will talk and soon you may end my life..for my sin or keep me alive...to continue with my research of turning your kind back to ponies." I laughed. "No...I don't wish to become a pony...I doubt you could turn me into one...if you wanted to. But my friends need me...so I shall speak with you then I need to leave." I was lead into the main room. Looking around seeing a bunch of vials creatures in large vials that just seemed to be floating in them. Looking around and then saw a painting of the six mares. I looked at it closely. "Ah yes... the six mare's our savior's also our... destroyers... All that they did for us... was also given to us as pain. I may have never been in the war... I was stuck here..to protect the pony way of life." The creature laughed. "That... did so well. didn't it." I looked up as screens turned on showing how bad the war got. Then the end. "There has been an explosion in Manehattan. Goddes with us all." The ghoul pony came out of the darkness and chuckled. "How we did..that was impressive no? Oh wanted to protect our way of life... But we created this world... Amazing to protect ourselves we end up murdering ourselves. All this... over coal." The ghoul looked at me and then back to the past. "I was asked to protect the pony way of life and extend it... to the point that we will never die... It seems I did do it...But turning them into creatures like you. I heard your dislike for ponies is huge... But you will fight for them... Even though you feel they will just cause the death of this world again." I shrugged. "I am sorry to say but from what I have... seen but from a few... Ponies are extremely power hungry and don't wish to help others. It seems that most just want to bring back the old world... I am sorry to say friendship may be alive and well in this world. But Harmony? Forcing the old ways on ponies again. No, I am sorry to say that won't work. I have seen the sun... I would like to see the moon... I would like my kind to feel safe leaving their cave... I would like... Kip and her husband to have foals.... in peace..." My voice trails off thinking of Kip. The ghoul looked at me and sighed. "I understand Tiria... but it's not that easy. Ponies who want peace... Need to fight hard for it. I need to fight so hard that the way is hard. Many have been doing their job the Lightbringer Security has done the same. They have inspired others to fight. They have been doing the same... You along with some smaller hero's in the lands..have done the same. Small hero's help the big heroes... For it makes it so the big heroes don't have to fight so hard. Knowing that the smaller hero's are clearing the way for them. A small hero can do much for the big hero. But... you have friends... that need you... What happened Tiria? Why do they need you so badly?" I looked at the ghoul and then to the robot... "Can this thing record still?" The ghoul nodded. "I want to record something to take to my people. Are you willing to send this bot all the way there? With my mark?" The ghoul looked up at me and blinked. "It will just give me a moment to get it ready." The ghoul seems to be messing with the robot clicking a few buttons and then taps the camera on the front. "Alright now speak." I looked into the camera and thought of what to say. "I'm alive... still... I found what happened to my mother... She was murdered by the ponies of this land. When I left I found raider's not too far from our home. But I fought them...I killed them but then I was captured. Then I met a griffin named Gawd. I was asked to join with my new friend but..who I wished to kill at the time...Shadow... A griffin. I learned most of everything about the world from him. A war..that the ponies did with the Zebra that..killed the world. Not all ponies are evil, though." Sighs going silent a moment and looked towards nothing at all. Thinking of what to say next. " We were wrong..to judge the ponies for what they did to this world. There are some that are trying to fix the broken world. I don't see myself as a hero..But I see myself as a creature fighting the good fight." Closed my eyes and looked back to the camera. "We need to stop hiding and help protect this world and clean it. I know... our species are too proud to help this world. But I was asked to make friends...I made many. I found a building that is called an apartment full of ponies... That I made friends with." Looking towards the wall again and the cell that is not far from me... That held a former creature. All I saw was bones. "The ponies I made friends with a robotic pony named Silver Gunner... A pony named Kip. A gentle soul I need to save them... I am going to need help sooner or later... Knowing you... You will never come to help... I am just a moon warrior... I am not full of honour... Just worthless trash to you... Oh, and I found the howling dance... When you see it... You will know we have been lied to..all our lives. But I ain't going into that... If you wish to know the truth follow this camera back. But knowing my species we are too proud to even find out the truth." Closed my eyes and the camera stopped the recording. "There is no more to say... send it to them... Then call it back. But do you need help with anything? Because I am sure there is something nasty in this lab that escaped." The ghoul looked over to me and looked over to a sealed door called holding cells. "That goes deeper down... Before we made your species... I made a lot of creatures..that turned into nasty beings... They have been down there..so many years." The ghoul sighed and looked to me and had a look of disappointment on his face. "Everypony in this lab died but me... We played God... if Luna and Celestia were still alive... I would have been killed years ago.... I don't deserve to see their faces... They would be extremely ready to kill me for what I did..I harmed the creatures of Equestria turned them into you... Ponies mixed with wolves." Nodded and went to the door looking back to the ghoul. "Send that... I will head down and see what I can find. I will return." I tried to open the door and couldn't find out how and blinked looking back to the ghoul. "Um... how about you unseal this first. Then I will go." The ghoul laughs softly and shook his head. He clicked on a console and a small magic laser came out from the ceiling and he started to fire along the seal. "This will take an hour... So go look around..You might find out what happen to your kind... The password to the terminal... I am your God..." I blinked at him and looked towards him. Sighing and nodded. Went to the terminal and sighed clicking on it and didn't feel this was very wise. Opened my bag and brought out some of the food I was given. Ate a bit of it and put the rest back into my bags. Sighed softly again and then clicked along the terminal. Putting in the password and reading some of the experiments. Reading one of them one them. The crystal is on its way. It seems to affect wolves in an interesting form. They follow it. It makes them less angry. I asked for bits to do this experiment to save the pony way of life. I keep telling myself this... No idea how this war is going to end. My family wishes me to go into one of the stables. But I can't I need to do this... I need to protect the pony way. Forgive me Celestia Luna... I need to do this... Iron wolf Project is a go. Looking towards the ghoul is using the magic laser to open the sealed door. I felt bad for him... He did all this to protect his kind ways of life. Looking back to another one... But this one the files seemed very buggy. But there are words of death creatures killing everything. I sighed and looked back again. Looking back to the terminal and clicked along the computer. Finding one last file that seemed to talk about how he lied to Fluttershy. "I... lied to the kindness mare in the world...I told her all wolves would live through this...If she could see what happen now... She would hate me...She would hate me with all her heart. I am sorry Fluttershy... I know you are properly now dead..and never be seen again in this world." I heard the door open up and stood up and it was a strange box that went up and down? Walked over to the ghoul and he looked at me with a grim smile. "Take this." He gave me a strange device I put on my head. "I will be able to keep in contact with you. I need you to go down there and clean it out... But also I want you to gather my old experiments and find the tags of my dead friends. Hopefully, their tags will still be down there... Also warning. There is radiation down there... So be prepared to leave if it gets very very bad." I Nodded. "If it gets bad... then leave." Looked back to him calmly and sighed closing my eyes tightly and grabbed my weapons and heading back to the large box that went up and down. I have no idea what the hell a lot of this tech was... I am new to this world.I have been in this world for a month almost now. It's starting to make me feel at home. Feel fully at home with this strange land. Looking back to the ghoul. "If I don't come back lock the door back up. I promise I will try to find what I can." I stepped into the elevator and then it lowered me to the floor. It seems this was going to take awhile. This is a deep hole it seems and there are a two-floor storage and this holding room. Closing my eyes grabbing my machine gun and not worrying about the hammer at the moment and feeling the sensation of the box going down and it slowly stopped. I opened my eyes and oddly some of the lights were still on. I looked out a moment and then thought to myself. {Oh wonderful.} ________________________________ Day unknown: Holding cells. Walking out of the elevator and the door closed. I took a deep breath to get the scent of the place and whoo!! Coughing loudly and felt my lungs burn. {Damn it the scent is awful.} Coughing some more and looking around looking at the pip-buck it shows the map inside here. It's oddly pretty small but four different rooms. I had to check each room to clean them out and check for these creatures. I put the machine gun away and grabbed my hammer. Closing my eyes and slowly walked through the room. Finding one of the bodies right away... Grabbing the tag and putting it in my bag. Looking around and noticed a large lizard creature staring at me. It just kept staring as I started at it... Then it skittered away quickly and rushed into one of the rooms. Looked at the tag couldn't make out the name... But read the back. Read it softly. "Hell is out to kill us... Celestia is killing us... for our sins." Blinking sighing and knew I would read something like this sooner or later. Looking around calmly and went into the left room to look for another of the ponies. The light seemed out. But turning on the pip-buck light and looked around calmly. Seeing all the broken cells and turned seeing a Zebra ghoul right there. It started to growl I took my hammer and smashed on its head hard. As it made a very nasty wet sound. "Zebra's... down here too?" The ghoul spoke to me through the headset. "Most of what is down here... prisoner's for us to use and do experiments on... We tried to see how good they could handle radiation and magic..." Look down to the body as he spoke and felt awful... for these creature's Down here since a war that ended the world. "We had to find a way to win this war...My project was Iron wolf...But another project that was down here... was... Our sins. A magic weapon that was magically keyed to a Zebra's DNA... If we allowed it to leave... It would have killed them. But the cost? it would have murdered their entire speeches. Just because we can't handle losing a war that should have never happen." Sighing and looking around calmly and grabbed my hammer tightly and then suddenly from the darkness Que more Ghouls!! "SHIT!!" I yelled in anger as they smashed me with their hooves into the wall and dropped my hammer and I grabbed the neck of one of the Zebra's and then tossed it into the wall grabbing my hammer quick and hit the other Zebra with the metal pole of the hammer. The Zebra backed up as the other that was tossed into the wall rushed back at me and I smashed it with the hilt and then hit with the hard part of the hammer smashing its head...Then do the same to the other. Groaning a bit coughing and shook my head. "Damn...these Zebra's can fight.." Looked down seeing another one of the bodies. I picked up the tag and read the back. "The Zebras...they know...what you think... They will fight to the death... Our sins it would have never worked... It would never have worked. OH, goddess Our sins are fake!!" I blinked. "What does that mean?" The ghoul spoke to me through the headset again. "It means the weapon was never meant to do what other's were told. I think it was meant to be something that would have set them free. But I warn you if you find it... destroy it Destroy it fast..and quick." Blinks. "What is this thing meant to do?" The ghoul went silent for a moment. "It's meant to magically look into your dreams and see your sins... All those you killed it will judge you..." My eyes went wide. Ponies created a robotic thing that judges those that caused sins? "What was the point of this to find something in this world pure? There is nothing in this world as pure as a child a foal... You would kill the parents of all the children in this world... Just because of pure of heart... If this was released there would have..been no survivors of this war.. You ponies did it again!!" The ghoul went silent. Then spoke. "Put your anger aside... please Tiria.... I know your idea of ponies is that their just murders... Please. I need you to focus and end this creature... Or I would have to seal you in with it." Closed my eyes and then I opened them and got jumped by a Zebra ghoul tossing it into the wall and then smashed it over and over with my hammer letting loose my anger on it... Smashing it's body into a gory mess and then breathed out deeply. "Hmmm needed that..." Looking around calmly in the rest of the room. Checking the cells and seeing a journal. Picking it up and started to read it. But it was in Zebra and sighed. Set it back down on the bones. Bowing my head and sighed. "May the Goddess have mercy on you." Slowly stood and walked out heading back into the main room and went to the right room. Reading the sign on this one. It said in blood. "Free us.....ponies." Looking around seeing more of the ghoul zebra's and smashing the one closest to me and then got jumped from behind in the darkness and it started pounding my back and groaned. Rolled before getting hit again and smashed it with my hammer. "Damn it." Looked at the cracks in my armour and growled softly. I tried to keep hold of my anger and had to take hold of the honour in my heart.... But mindless creature's have no honour. Lifted my hammer up the muscles in my arm's filling with pain..because of overdoing it... But that wasn't going to stop me from finding these friends. Looking down at another body. But this Zebra had one of the tags and wearing one of the outfits. I picked it up and read. it. "Ponies friends...war needs to end... The star's evil in the sky." Clicking the headset. "Not all Zebra's fought in this war did they? They did everything they could to help end it didn't they?" The ghoul sighed and softly spoke. "Yes.... not every Zebra wanted this war... But it was rare to see... A zebra that didn't want this war... But not even ponies had pure of heart. Tiria... listen I am sorry I did this to your kind so long ago. I should have told them... a crystal created you... But then I learned they already knew... Then they broke out. I had to tell them what the crystal does... Seal it up... put it somewhere. Seal in a case that... doesn't allow the power it holds to get to anyone else." I sighed softly. "I shall keep it in the seal case that Wheel tread placed it in." Went deeper into the room and saw another journal in a cell and opened it... It was in the same Zebra words and placed it back on the body. Closing my eyes and gave the soul to the princess. Stood up and turned around staring face to face with a zebra ghoul and it just stood there growling. I sighed softly. "Really... you ghouls are stupid." Then I heard moving beside me looking towards the body I put the journal back on. Seeing two ghouls staring at me and then two more on the other side and sighed. "Clever girls... boys stallions mares... whatever." I sighed and they all charged at me smashing one of them in the air but they hit the hammer out of my hands with their front hooves and then started smashing my chest hard trying to bite my neck. Growling grabbing the knife I was given and sliced one of the ghoul's gore dripping all over me. Grabbed the other ghoul and tossed it into the four still up. Then grabbed my hammer quickly and smashed another ghoul as one did a back kick and made me fly and slide out the door and looked up groaning seeing the door can be closed and smashed the button with the hammer. To force the door to close and it did... Standing up coughing a bit and reached into my bags grabbing a potion to drink it. Hating the taste. "Ugh." Drank the entire thing down and the ghouls kept trying to break through the door. Looking at my pip-buck checking the room to the right that I haven't been in yet. Went inside and didn't find anything looking around calmly. Looking for another of the scientist but didn't find anything. But looked up seeing writing in blood. "Our sins.... our sins... it's looking... it's searching... It's Searching!!!!" Blinking and rolled my eyes. "Oh, I am sure it's searching." Laughed softly to myself and shook my head. Looking around the room closely for anything. I found an old recording. Put it in my pip-buck and then started to listen as I walked to the other room. "I heard the war ended.... with fire... I am sure you're not alive anymore my life... But if this... ever gets to you please..... forgive me... for what I did... I ran from the battlefield... forced to come into a prison... they're doing something to us down here... some Zebras are here... to... helping me live... but they say... it might be best to die... Then allowing this poison to kill us... I love you... my love." The recording ended and I sighed rolling my eyes and looked down finding nothing else even looking through the bodies. Heading into the next room looking around trying to find this our sin's being at went..into the last room seeing a lot of dead bodies but no ghouls and found the last tag and pulled it off the jacket reading it. "Death shall come..our sins shall come... our sins!!!" Looking around trying to find this thing and spoke in the headset turning around. "I can't seem to find this thing." Then heard large long stomps and I looked up seeing the robot. A spider-like being with a pony head. The body seemed to be pure living as well as the head fused to a pony. "Our sins? I take it?" The creature looked at me and it's horn glowed and groaned as it looked deep into my mind. I felt the pain grow as this creature kept digging into my mind looking for all my sins. Groaning, I felt blood draining from my ear's and nose... At it was going through every part of my brain with this magic it had. Then I passed out with the unicorn in my head full unicorn. "I see you have sinned... but also need to get somewhere... But I can't let you live.... give me a reason for you to live... Before I cleanse the world of your sins." I groaned blinking looking around I was in my own head. "Look.... have you seen the world in my mind? That's Equestria!" The pony looked at me and laugh. "No we are pure beings... loved by the princess." I stared at the creature and laughed. "OH OH!! really look in my head... look at your lovely world you pure ponies of heart did or are you too scared to think you're not a poor pure ass hole hmm?" I said with a smirk. Then I felt pain in my head groaning. "Don't mock the mind walker.... I shall destroy your brain you, sinner." Groaning felt so much pressure in my head. "Everypony and creature are not free of sin... only foals and children are free of sin... Unless they follow the sins of their mothers and fathers. Can't you see that you have been blinded for so long been locked down here?" Groaned feeling the pain from his magic. "Listen I am telling you the truth.... I am not full of sin... I may have killed... But I needed to... To live..." I screamed in pain feeling the unicorn staring more into me... Then he saw something. He looked at my memories of Kip, Silver Gunner, Shadow... Little Hoof, Soft paw. "You..... left them behind.... you're searching for allies to take the Enclave down... You left them behind... How could you... They could be dead by now." My anger through the pain grew. "They asked me to run... you foolish unicorn... There is no such thing as pure... Only children have the innocents everyone has sins. Every hero... every villain everyone... has a sin... No one is ever pure." Groaned again in pain feeling my brain throb so hard... Even if I was inside my own mind. "Look... I... gah!! I need to save them... I am not going to go with this stupid pure crap... You're blinded to." I screamed in pain as the creature looked deeper into my head. Seeing the creation of my race... Looking through everything and then suddenly. I woke up with the creature over me... It dripping its venom on my chest. It seems the unicorn can no longer speak normally. It let me go... so it could eat me?! My vision so blurry from the pain groaning and then heard gunshots. From the ghoul and it kept firing growling and pushing back the creature. As he dragged me with his hooves and teeth it was hard for him. Then stopped to keep firing at the creature. It stayed in the room growling and got me out closing the door. "That won't hold him for long." He forced a potion down me and it started healing me but it would take awhile. I groaned and sat up as the potion worked "That pony... fused himself to that thing... Why did he do this?" The ghoul looked to me and sighed. "Listen I need to deal with this... There is a self-destruct that will destroy the entire base." Looking to the ghoul and shook my head. "No there has to be a better cleaner way. We can't allow if anything lives through this explosion that someone finds a weapon. We need to kill this thing. We can't allow it to live." I stood up and grabbed my machine gun. "Look... I am not going to allow you to kill this thing..on your own..." Looked to the ghoul. "No I need to do this... go back upstairs." Cocked the gun and charged into the room and started firing on the creature. As it took the bullets and it growled in pain. I kept firing as the ammo ran out..and grabbed my hammer keeping the rest of the ammo and then smashed the creature causing it to bleed and it grabbed me with its magic tossing me into the wall over and over. Then dropped me and stood back up trying to smash it again... Hitting its body causing it more pain. Then it hit me away out of the room again and groaned and looked around seeing the ghoul fire it's gun at the spider creature. I stood back up tossing my hammer as it hit its horn causing it to groan and yell in pain. Then grabbed my knife closing my eyes remember my knife throwing I was taught and then looked to see the ghoul lifted up by the magic. Looking at him worried he will be killed for his sins. Noticing the creature in a daze then I rushed at the creature taking my knife and literally sliced in its neck. The horn was still going and then grabbed my hammer smashing into the horn over and over... Then it shattered and broke. But when I did this... Oh, bad idea..It made me fly into the wall and I closed my eyes in pain. And the hammer was flying... right towards... my head?! It smashed right into the wall right beside me and I laughed loudly it echoed through the area. Stand up groaning and looked to see the Ghoul groaning and trying to get up. Looked to see the creature dead. It's dead with its pure bullshit. Looked to the ghoul and looked seeing that he was dying felt tears in my eyes. "Please... Tiria... I deserve this... there is nothing that can keep me alive... down here... Please let me go... Tell those...that wish to keep the pony way of life... alive... Will learn what starts. I... I'm happy to have seen you before... my death... Tiria... please fight in the name of honour and for those that died..." I nodded and watched him die in front of my eyes sighing and looked at the body of the spider creature and pulled out the tags and dragged the body to the spider creature and started a fire... Looking at them burn..." Another loop of the past is dead. I went up into the elevator had nothing left of the ghoul or that creature. I looked to see the raven. "I was told you would show me what you are..." The raven stood in front of me and changed into a bug-like creature and stared at me with its bug-like eyes. I started at the creature looking at it closely. "What are you?" The creature chuckles. "I am known as a changeling... some from the past would call us evil. But after the bombs killed our queen and caused the new hatchlings that hatched after she was dead... They didn't become evil... But they didn't understand this world and... We used to feed on love... We may still feed on love... But a mutation allows us to... eat meat. But I don't wish to explain anymore. I may have followed you this long... But do you have the gull to save your friends from the Enclave? If you say no I can understand no one can handle a battle." I kept silent not sure what to say to this creature... As my heart shattered this creature was testing me? I am not sure... but I needed to know... before my friends die... whatever is happening to them. "I will fight to my death." Footnote: Max level. Author's Note Allow me to Explain Crow the Changeling. More will come out about how I feel the bombs changed them and such. I will also go deeper into The Rat Creepers as well and The Reaper fields. But this will take time..I have been playing Legion alot. So when I get board I do more of the chapter comming next. So it will be a little slower.
Chapter 11: The Gathering."A gathering for our... time is but a journey for the time to see." Day 32: The Desert in front of the lab. I had left the lab and looked to crow. "Crow...do me this favor... It will take a few days to get back to where I need to go. Go to the Buffalo then go to Misty apartments and gather those you can and bring them to the reaper Feilds... I need an army... The Enclave force might have some of their troops leave to deal with the rest of Equestria... But what they did to me, my friends... I want them to feel pain..." The Changeling nodded and looked towards the way. "I shall do this for you, my friend... A battle to save your friends..." Nods as I watched him transform into a Raven and then flew off towards the Buffalo. Looking back to the door of the Lab and took my claws writing deep into the door. {The sin's of the past ended with death.} Then I wandered off towards the reaper fields out of the dessert. Looking at my pip-buck remembering where I went and how I got there. Walking through the desert was an interesting matter but..I wished I had someone to talk to. It was getting dull always being on my own... But of course, I sent Crow to find folks to join me. Then after the battle going to pass out for... day... I feel like I could just get some much-needed sleep. I refused to allow sleep to get to me so I can get to where I need to go. Looking around seeing how calm everything is... Because I figured there would be Enclave flying everywhere. I noticed a smoking armor and rushed to it... It was Enclave and looked around seeing many. Then I saw a tent and rushed to it and went in. Seeing Sand. Sand looked up from a pegasus leg he was eating. "Ah, the Tiria found me again. I see you come from the way of the lab." I blinked looking to him. "You knew?" He shrugged. "Easy to tell." Chuckled softly and I sighed. "Anyway did you do this?" He shook his head. "No, I came up in a battle and they left their dead behind. I just got to say they taste good." Sand smirks. I felt a strange throbbing in my heart...was I falling in love with this guy or was I just angry at the fact... I see him again. "I need to get going... I... could use some meat..Instead of what the buffalo gave me." Sand laughs and smiles. "Well then find a body, rip a limp off, and eat. Their legs are amazingly good. Sighing again I went to one of the dead and ripped off a limb and went to the fire to put the leg on it to cook it. "I will come with you Tiria to help save your friends. But I do warn you there is no way they're still alive... If they are then you're very lucky." Stayed silent and took a bite out of the leg and looked up to him. "Sand I will do anything to get to them... Even if I have to fight alone." Keeps eating the meat and sighs. "I need to get to Reaper fields and blow a horn that was created to start a meeting." Sand looks to me and cocks his sniper rifle. "Let's do it then. I don't know about you but I have had enough of the Enclave taking out ones that shall pay me caps." I nodded and finished my leg and My tiredness and pain did stop me a bit. But I needed to move. Sand stood up not worrying about the camp using the fire to burn it all down. "Let's go before Enclave sends more to find who killed their friends." I nodded and walked along. It started to rain as it grew darker from the rain clouds. Looking to Sand. "What is going on that caused this Enclave to come?" Sand looks to me and chuckles. "They wish to help the world now... But killing those they foresee as threats." Nods and the two of us walked through the desert as we did I kept to myself closing my eyes remembering Kip... If those fools hurt her... I would be very angry. Looking around hearing nothing as it rained. It was starting to get to me. "Relax...I have been out of the pack for years..." I gave Sand a look and smiled. "Why did you leave then?" Sand looked at me and smirked. "I got tired of being told that being a hunter... I am just worthless trash and not worth to breed with a female. Also got tired of the fact... The elders used fear to control us. Saying all ponies are evil outside our cave... So I went hunting and never returned." I sighed. "I was sent out to find the howling dance...I had it in my hands. Then I left it back there... I was told to get it and take it back home... Then if I left and took it home with me... The Enclave would have found us sooner or later. No one is going to be hiding. I am amazed they haven't found us yet." Sand nodded to me the rain started coming down harder while we both got very wet and purely wet. Looking around calmly I just stared at the vast empty desert and sighed softly. This walk was going to be a long one. Two more days... two more days... I need to get to them. Closing my eyes tightly and I fell to my knees? Sand looked at me and chuckled. "You're pushing yourself too much... So..." He lifts me over his back and starts to carry me. Finding a strange set of rocks that seem to be a way to block the rain and set me down. "Listen, rest... you need to rest before we get there." Looking down to my legs and growled, sighing laying back closing my eyes a bit. "Do you think... I am worrying too much about ponies?" Sand looked to me and kept silent for a moment then spoke with a soft growl. "No... our kind is too xenophobic as well... It's time to break the past and save those that need us. Even if us being guardians was a lie... It's time to help other heroes in this land..." Sitting up for a time but I started to feel how tired I was. "I'm sorry for asking you to help me.." Sand blinked looking towards me and gave me a shrug. "Eh, it's fine to come rest... and sleep. I know it's not something you want to do really. But do you want to get there... and fall asleep during the fight?" Giving a nod I closed my eyes and breathed softly. Thinking of my friends... Worried so much about them. It's almost been close to two weeks. I need to get to them but. My body needs to rest. Slowly fell asleep while Sand watched for anyone to come to harm us both. Day 33: The long trek. I was wide awake after that sleep. The two of us walked in the wet sand and dust. Walking towards the reaper fields. It felt like it was going to take forever. But we had to do this... Even if most of the creatures would try to stop us... But I wasn't going to allow it to happen. Nothing was going to stop me from getting to my friends. I still had some pain in my body. My body never fully healed from that gas that went through my system back at the camp. So I had a nasty cough now and then. I still had some of that venom coursing through my veins. But I needed to get to them before it was too late. "You do... know you need to Rest Tiria. You can't keep forcing yourself to go on like this. It's not healthy. I know what you learned... But you need to stop yourself before you kill yourself." Sand said growling softly and sounding worried... As worried as one of our species could be of course. Our kind rarely worried about each other. Normally it was just stepping on the other to get fame or the right mate... To breed with. Being wolf-like beings wasn't always the best thing... I am considered fodder to my species. I am not sure what sand was. I am sure he will tell me sometime. I turned on my pip-buck and what came out of it... was just the Enclave so I turned it back off and sighed. Looking towards Sand... I needed to get back to them my heart was in pain... Because I know Softpaw was dead... What about Silver gunner? What about Kip? What.... about Shadow and Little Hoof? Was I fight to try to save them and not move on from them and just let them pass away? Then I thought to myself... No, they risked everything for me. "Sand... look you don't need to keep following me... If you have something better to do... Then you can go." Sand blinked and looked at me with his yellow eyes. His brown fur blending in with the sand and dirt. "Yeah... no Tiria... We need to prove that our species... Can be more than just xenophobic assholes." He gave me a soft smile and a kind growl. It had been a few hour's walks... We stopped once to eat some food that we hunted down... But we haven't seen any ponies or other creatures at all lately. I haven't even heard or seen of watcher. It was starting to worry about me. I looked at my weapons... I left many of them behind. I lost my Zebra pistol, my old sword... I even left the flame sword behind... I will find them again hopefully. My thoughts focused more on my failures and not my friends. I looked to Sand who seemed to just walk alongside me like nothing was wrong at all. "How... do you do it, Sand?" Sand looked at me and blinked. "How do I do what?" He asked looking at me with a weird look. "How do you just ignore the fact that... we are in hell and that hell wants to kill us... Well really I mean how do you handle... Being away from our kind?" Sand chuckled and shook his head. "I just forget it... The ponies of this land... Are very friendly folks if you meet the right ones... Our species could learn a lot from them. But the issue is. Most of our species don't want to help non-creatures like us. They don't even want to help each other. The Light-bringer Security and so forth are helping... Even if they didn't want to at the start. It's best to help this world... This world needs it... More than feeling sorry for yourself in a basement somewhere." he said with a chuckle. I gave him a weak smile... Sighing then looking back to the path we walked... Looking at my Pip-buck seeing that we are another day away. From the Reaper fields. it was becoming bothersome that I may never see my friends again. I was hoping I would but... I am not sure. I was going to ask many to risk their lives for something that may not be wise. Then I heard many gunshots ahead of us and I we both dropped down going up a hill to see a caravan under attack by raiders It seems they had their wagons down and it was a pretty big standoff. Looking to Sand and gave him a nod. As he grabbed his sniper and I sneaked through the area. To try to get behind the raider's and I could hear them yelling and screaming what they will do to the mares and children. Then a shot rang out one of the heads of the raider's blasted into bits and when I finally got to them... Since they had no idea what is going on. Raider ponies seemed very stupid. I came up behind one of them and pulled him away from his friends... I covered his mouth and snapped his neck. Then they found me aiming their guns at me. I smiled putting my hands over my head. The raiders that didn't seem to care about me kept firing at the caravan. Their guns cocked as they aimed at me getting ready to fire. Then about three shots rang out and they dropped the other raiders looking towards me and looking down at the dead bodies. I shrugged, grabbing my machine gun. I fired at what I could... But I only got one and ran behind some cover. Looked who shot the three bullets it was three Steel Rangers. But they seemed different. I tried to change my ammo but more shots rang out and the raider's dropped. As the three aimed at me. "You again?" I looked up seeing the three speak to me. One of them took their helm off it was that Red mare. Along with her friend that.. she wanted to help them get the Applejack ranger. I stood fully up and blinked looking to them. "What about the ponies that we're protecting?" The other took off her helm and smiled. "They're fine... We are now going together to defend this land." I sighed softly and stood up looking at the three mares. "Well, I need to get going." I lifted my hand and Sand came down to me. "Come, Sand, let's get going." As I was starting to leave a young filly came up to me and Sand looking down to them. " Miss... You saved us." I looked at the filly and then to the three mares. Then to Sand. Sand spoke with a smirk. "OH, yes, the wolf saved you with help from those three mares." I looked up, my ears perking up I gave Sand a nasty look and he gave a snicker. "Oh, I am sorry Miss wolf..." He winks I growled sighing turning to the filly. "I was happy to help the little one." I patted her on her head. "Stay stay!!! MOMMY!!!" She ran off to her family. I looked at the three mares. "What now?" The three mares look at each other the Red furred mare smiled. "We wish to go with you till... we get new orders." Blinking looking to them. "Why? I am heading to pretty much my death along with Sand... I am trying to rescue friends of mine." I smiled at the three mares. They looked at each other and moved back whispering to each other. I would give them time as the mother of the filly came up to me and Sand and I smiled. "I am happy to help." Sand nods. I looked towards the way to our destination it was a day away... The mare spoke up with a smile. "Hello I am River I'm the leader of this Caravan... Will you please stay with us and enjoy a meal and then you can be on your way... But it's if you wish. My daughter would love it if you stayed with us." Looking to Sand he gave me a smirk and winked. If I didn't have fur they would have seen my blush and then... I just sighed growling gently. "I will stay..." The three mares came back. "We will be going with her...So yes we shall stay as well." Looking towards the mares and smiled. A meal was laid out for us. The caravan ponies did so much for us... They gave us so much food that they had gathered and they chuckled. As the three mares seemed to be talking to each other as they ate what they were given. They were still in their armor without the helms. They seemed to have become good friends after all that. It wasn't that long really... But It felt like months for me. I had others willing to follow me. I held the food I was eating and went out of the small party they were having. I stood by myself as... I heard cheers and happiness. Looking towards the way to my friends. Sand standing beside me and soft spoke. "A path that you fully seek.. Tiria... you need to relax... You will get yourself worked up trying to save your friends." Looking towards Sand eating my food. Gagging a bit, it was not meat. But I had to eat it. "Ah.. bleh... I need to get to them... I need to get to Reaper Fields." River trotted up to the two of us and softly spoke. "We can drop you off there... We are heading to Manehatten after that. But we can bypass our travel to help you. Since you helped us." Blinking looking down the unicorn mare who was painted with white on her mouth and hooves. and a bit blue. "I... thank you for that..." I smiled felt my heart sink... Why were so many helping me in this world of death? I watched her as she walked off and I sighed looking to Sand. "I feel if they went with us... will die." Sand looked towards me and patted my back. "Rest in the Caravan we will be there in the morning I think." I looked at the three mares in the armor eat and they nodded to me. As I lie in one of the Caravan's and fell right to sleep. ______________________ Dreams. I opened my eye's blinking and looking around. Was I dreaming? I looked around Equestria was green full of life. I was in a town full of ponies? I looked down blinking seeing I had hooves. I was walking near a mare. She has a Misty moon Cutie mark. Suddenly as if fate the dream paused a moment. The ghoul spoke calmly. "I felt... that you have had too much pain in your life... I wish to show you what the world was like before... the entire war happened. You deserve to see what many are trying to bring back." Looking towards him like I was removed from the body Looking towards him and sighed. "Is this before everything got extremely out of control?" The ghoul nodded and sighed looking towards the old world that he remembers. "You may have killed me... But It seems fate is making me stay in your mind. I think it's till you die and join me in the great beyond." I blinked looking towards the ghoul and gave a gentle smile. "I guess I will allow this... I need to rest anyway... Before I destroy myself." The ghoul nodded and he vanished as the dream started again. Like it was me there. This must have been a memory of his. Looking around at the bright lovely town. Seeing all the ponies... when was this? How long ago was this? I saw an orange mare with apples on her rump and her sister. She seemed to be almost close to an adult. Looking towards the other ponies. Seeing the ones known as Twilight and Fluttershy. It seems they were very, very young still. The ghoul spoke calmly. "This is many years before that war... When our world was full of peace. I am sorry to show you... this... But I am trying to prove to you... That ponies aren't evil... But they do make mistakes and greed will always get in the way. But please... Tiria no need to hate the ponies of the past for what they... did... for what we all did..." He looked at me with very sad eyes... "None of us knew how bad the war would get. None of us knew." Looking towards the Ghoul I sighed calmly nodding and then looked back to the pony whose body I was in. Like I was stuck in it. The dream started up again and followed the memory itself. The stallion I was in was walking beside his wife. They seemed to be just a normal group that lived in this town of ponies. Seeing so many ponies and such happiness... I wish I could have seen this... I wish I could have. Looking up to see Rainbow Dash and many other ponies in the sky... Working on the weather. I am guessing this is the past... The future needs to be of peace... The hope of the dream fills my heart... But seeing this I know its too far away to even happen. My host I could say jumped out of the way of a little dragon that was rushing to Twilight with a letter. But the vision started to vanish. Everything was going black. I had no idea why. "What... what's happening?!" I looked around in the darkness but then I just had a normal dream... I no longer had the cognitive thoughts. _________________ Day 33 Reaper Fields Looking around seeing that everything seemed alright here. Like the Enclave just ignored the area because of how it looked. Looking towards the caravan and looked to the three Applejack rangers. "Thank you for bringing us here." River nodded with a smile the Caravan heading towards the way to Manehatten. Looking to Sand and the three mares. I walked into the Reaper fields and went to the table. It seems a lot was very silent. Grabbing the horn that was made to call everypony. "Okay stay on guard... This might call ghouls too." I put my mouth to the horn and blew. It made a loud sound calling them all to the table. Then set it down and looking to the mares. "Stand guard they will be here maybe in an hour or so. Sand please wait with me." I sat in the chair and waited. The three mares stood guard waiting while Sand sat in the other chair. All I could think of was my friends. I swear I could hear Kip crying sobbing. I needed to get to them. I felt it breaking my heart. Closing my eyes to rest my eyes a moment and I heard the mare's weapons arm. I looked up seeing The Rat Creepers. "Whoa whoa lower your weapons." Stood up and hugged Cannon Ball. The King chuckles. "I see you have returned... What happened? We all saw these flying ponies going to attack the camp." I sighed looking towards the way there and looked down. Not sure what to say and pointed to the chair. "Sit Cannon Ball, I will explain when the rest get here." He nodded and gave a nod to his guards who stood by him. Looking over to see Dumbell and two of his guards. Then seeing The Junk reapers without their leader. But they seemed to have someone representing them and they nodded. "Alright... I need to tell you something before they try to destroy all of you." I sat in the chair and sighed looking to the three mares and gave them a nod as they went to patrol. Looked to Sand and he nodded. Cannonball looked to me and blinked. "What do you mean? You left two weeks ago and then~" I cut him off. "SoftPaw is dead." The guards dropped their weapons as Dumbbell's guards even gasped. "The Enclave came in... and killed who they could. My friends are still there trapped. I need to get to them... I need to save them. Even If I did I need to get to them. Look I don't know if you will agree to help me. I am begging to you three. I need your hooves, your claws. I need you... to help save them. Don't allow them to come for you guys next... or the ghouls in the~" I was cut off as Fleur showed up with a few of her crew. She walked to the table and with her magic set down a recording. "Listen." Then turns on the recording. "I'm KipKipe... we need help... We are dying..." There are screams in the recording. "The Enclave... is hurting the young ones I don't think... that we can last much longer..." She is sobbing. "If anyone... could hear this... please send help..." Then suddenly it went silent. I looked at Fleur and blinked. Fleur nodded to me with a gentle smile. "Listen, my crew and I are going to go try to save them... I know you will come to Tiria... What about the rest of you. I doubt they can last very long." The three factions looked at each other. Cannon Ball stood up and looked at the two groups of ponies. "I don't know about you... But ponies like the Enclave are the reason most of my species were thrown out of our homes. I think we need to take everything and most of my troops and take down the Enclave." He looked at the ponies and Dumbbell stood up on his hooves. "Count us in as well." The two look to Junk Reapers looking towards each other and they nodded. As one of them removed the helm. "Our leaders are working on a lot of stuff right now... But we will go gather the rest and meet back here... It may take a day, though." They all nodded and head back to their normal spots as the ghoul crew went to do something that Fleur asked them to. "I shall be back Tiria... I need to get back to the ship..Get for the rest of my crew. Even the prisoner's that we jailed wrongly. I shall return in a day." I nodded watching her trot off and looked to Sand and he gave me a smirk. "Well, then Tiria it seems like we're going to war. I guess I will go hunt for some food." I nodded to him and he smiled as I watched him walk away to go hunt. I thought a moment and looked at the scattered bodies since... The cleaning hasn't fully started yet. I went to grab an old helm and a few armor parts. ____________ Rat Creeper forge day 33 In the forge, I made a helm that had a tube in it that would fit my head. Carved with my claws in it saying Honor took off my armor and took out the attached parts of the armor scraps to the armor and worked very hard at even upgrading my hammer as well. Adding some harder parts to it and making it bigger. Then to my Machine gun. Looking towards the Rat Creeper's gathering their armor and weapons to get ready for battle. I grabbed the hammer and smashed in the armor to reinforce it and the same with the weapons. Putting on my armor and looking towards the Rat Creepers and their home. A home that they seem to have children running around playing. It's like Equestria back in the day... But underground. Looking down the features on my face if anyone saw me... I felt sorry for this world. I may be part of this world now... My world was full of xenophobic wolf-like beings. Heading out and leaving the Creepers to get their weapons together. Heading back out and stopping turning to head to the king's chambers and looking at the Painting of the two princesses. Luna and Celestia... I have never been a holy creature... But I kneeled and put my paws together. Thinking to myself. {I can't believe I am doing this.} "Goddess... I doubt you can hear me... I am a lost soul in Equestria. I heard of you beautiful Princess... I know I will never meet either of you... Like the ponies before. But I need someone to lead my heart... I can't take it anymore. I need to fight... I want to use honor to fight. But I need someone to help me through this. Kip already had this before I met her... Oh... Kip, Silver Gunner." Looking down and sighed starting my prayer again. "Please Luna on your Moon give me help for I need it." A soft hand paw was placed on my shoulder looking up seeing Sand. "I may not be much... but I can be the one to help you Tiria..." A smile formed on my face standing up hugging him tightly feeling my heart fill with so much pride and happiness as I held him tighter in the hug. Then removed the hug and coughed. "Ahem anyway... I am going to get some rest. Wake me up when they are already alright." Sand gave me a nod. Headed out of the room and went to the inn they had... A small in. That seemed to have beds made from old chairs. I paid for some caps and played in the bed and fell asleep. _________________ Midnight day 34 Rat Creeper Inn I opened my eye's feeling something was very wrong. I stood up looking around and noticed how calm and silent everything was. I head outside but before... I did I grabbed my hammer heading outside and looked around. I didn't see a patrol's but then I looked to see raiders laughing and messing the table. But they were just eating on it. They had Rat Creepers laughing and cheering with them along with Junk Reapers. Blinking and stood up. Walking to them and the King smile. "Ah, Tiria come, come... we are feasting before we head to battle." Then Crow landed on my shoulder and looked over to him and smiled. "I got all those that are willing to come... The buffalo are sending a few warrior's to the back way in. Crossfire is coming with a few ponies from the apartment. They will be here... Later but I told him what's at stake and well... You never told me... You're friends with his wife. Soon, he's angry and bringing a lot of firepowers... They will be here during the middle of the battle. I tried talking to Watcher... But he told me something is going down." Looked over to Crow nodding and sitting at the table and grabbed whatever food is there. "So a final meal then death hmm? Because I for one... have no idea how strong the Enclave is." I gave a sigh and slowly ate and watched some mare's and female Rat Creeper's dance to some music... That the Dumbbell raiders were playing. It seems that we are getting ready for our final battle. I laid back in the chair and noticed Sand coming up to me and offered his hand. "How about a dance... before we go to our deaths." I blinked and smiled and stood up grabbing his hand and danced to the slow dance music. The Rat Creeper's seemed to be playing an old violin. As well as using an old exhaust from a tank or whatever to make music out of it. We are ready for the final battle of our lives. Here I am dancing with a male of my species. I held his paws tightly with my own. It seems the two of us have gotten closer... Since we got to know each other. But with how this wasteland is... One could be dead so soon. The music played through the night. As the two of us kept dancing the cheering the happiness of a final battle that would lead to our deaths. We needed to have something to make us happy. Even if we wouldn't ever see each other again. I looked around to see many of our allies eating dancing. Seeing the three Applejack ranger mare's watching and keeping an eye on the area. Looking around as the night cloudy sky was amazingly calm for it is this land. For once we know peace. I forgot my friends for the time being. I want to save them... I need to save them... But I can't rush in there on my own. Looking towards Sand for once... again seeing a male of my species... A male that treats me with respect and kindness. Looking towards everyone else... All were ignored even the pain of what it took to get back here. No longer that I felt my lungs burning. No longer that I had that cough that affected me... After that run-in with the gas. I felt most of my body healed... But still, tender from everything. But looking at the happiness of those around me... Even if this was before our deaths. It seems what I have been told before forced to leave my home was true. {Battle and the taste of fear... Can bring forth the light of one's heart. Before the force of death and the fate of ending. The heart shall be a drum... to bring forth a happy future or the sword and the bullet... Shall bring forth the death of all. Seek both seek neither for death... Is but the next journey.} Sand and I stopped dancing and we looked to the others who just seemed to enjoy their either last night on Equestria or their future as heroes of the one's trapped in that camp. "Walk with me please Tiria." Sand said calmly. Looking to him I nodded and we walked far away from the others into the middle of the fields near a gutted tank. Both of us leaning on the metal he looked towards me and smiled. "Tiria we may not know each other so well. But with our species... That is oddly normal. But I think we need to ease our tension and stress. We may never have a chance again... To enjoy the company of another. So lets easily what the ponies call the pleasures of the flesh. Since to our species, that's a normal thing..." He shrugged laughing. Blinking looking towards him with a gentle smile. "I am happy to think of doing so with you. But know this. I am going to fight to live. You do the same Sand..." I looked away from him still hearing the music. But he did something I didn't expect. I grabbed me and gave me a deep kiss. The music... all I could hear from this. To our kind... this is normal to a pony... This is something like a date maybe? Who knows... I don't know pony kind that well... But if I wasn't going to come back alive... or he wasn't either... It's time to do something I never thought I would. The night was beautiful. No matter what happens I am sure we will win or die. For we have many to save. It was time to fight for peace. Peace... comes with a price... That means the death of friends... Lovers and even family. Family, what a ring to it... nevermore will pain and death win It is now... time for battle... but for the moment... a time of peace.
Chapter 12: The March to hell"The march into hell... Is but a fleeting glance of death itself. Remember to smile." It was early morning and we started walking into the bog to get to the camp. It was pretty foggy this morning. A large group of Rat Creepers with Junk Reapers in Junk power armor. Along with Dumbbell raiders walked side by side. The leaders of the three armies stayed ahead. All of them knew what was going to happen. Walking alongside me and Sand were Fleur and her crew. Along the way, it seemed the ghouls wished to stay clear of a group this big and none of those strange monsters coming up from the ground. The fog kept us from being seen for the moment. But we had to march through hell. We were asked not to wear a mask... We wished to see the past and live it... So we know what we are fighting for. Looking towards the Rat Creepers some of them seem to be diggers. A plan was to let them through and get a small force in. To open the gates. Then when Crossfire's troops come in along with the Buffalo we try our best to do this quick and clean. If any Enclave lives we keep them alive. "War is but a story to many. A battle that is not to be said... A battle that can never be ended. But sometimes the battle is but the only way... to keep the peace. To most sadly it's a way to show their ego their might. A story of this battle has always come to be. Most don't understand war... But most will never see. For when the Mega spells hit our lands..." Journal entry Silver Gunner. _________________________________________________ Introduction of the leaders. "Sewers of Manehatten is where I was born. I was known as Whiskers at the time. I was young and it was 150 years after the war. I heard many stories from older rat creepers that had their lives extended from the magic Radiation. But when ponies started searching the ruins they saw that we have been living there... At first... they were respectful to us. Then slowly a few months later they started killing us... Then going after our young... Being pretty young myself. I had to gather a group and lead them out of the city. During this, I lost my leg. Then forced a stick in the former home of the leg. Not caring about the pain. But this journey is what called me Cannon Ball King of the Rat Creepers of Reaper Fields." "Ah yes, my old man... A stupid stallion. A racist stallion. Who founded the Junk Reapers. But I am the one who helped him with much. He is too old to keep going. So again I founded the base and the guards to protect our interest. I broke off ties with the slavers and Raiders that he wished to work with. Montyhoof was not always my name... But he named me that as an insult. He was never a kind stallion not even to my mother. But if any change happens around him... he started to lose it and think... He had two fake heart attacks to gain support. He wasn't happy about this... But I told him what is at stake and told him... Lives are going to be murdered by the Enclave... Then he went silent. Telling me to go and take as many troops as I need. I am going to prove to him that we need to fight this world to bring peace." "Ah yes... Raiders Slavers so on... I guess for how some look at me. I am well just that. But I had enough of this pointless Wasteland that seemed to be. Being the second in command of this raider troop. Killing the former leader... That forced us to join with Wheel Tread... Hmm, Wheel tread he needs to be killed and hanged. But we will see when we get there. My mother was a bitch she named me Dumbbell because.... well just because... Since my father never was there and just fucked her... To give her a child and then left for Manehatten never to be seen again. So I was just a worthless piece of shit to her. But eh I still loved her and she loved me... But she showed it in the oddest ways." __________________________________ Day 34 Morning weather Fog. Location Time bog The Fog was deep and thick. But we could still make out the past... In the bog. We gave it a name... The Bog of time. A bog that shows the past... To those that don't wish to follow it. All the ponies cheering laughing and then fighting in the name of hope war... Blood death and then resets to peace all over again. No matter what we do... No one had a mask... Because we needed to keep them just in case..They used gas on us. But even though a lot of us were heading to a battle. Twenty Rat Creepers Ten Junk Reapers and 10 Dumbbell raiders. Not sure the count on Crossfire's troops and the Buffalo. But besides us was the three leaders walking along with me and Crow in his Raven form on my shoulder. Sand walking beside me... Fleur and her crew alongside us. The mindless ghouls stayed away from us... Because of the large crowd still. But Fleur looked at them and used her magic to coax them to join us. Suddenly we watched an entire force of the ghouls coming from the bog water..Some standing right by us looking towards us growling... But they followed Fleur like she was a leader. Looking towards all those that were with us. I wasn't sure who was going to live... But we needed to get some Rat Creeper force in. To start the battle and open the door. But this would be a day and a half walk to get to where we must go. I can't allow us to be stopped. The fog let up a bit above. Starting to see some Enclave flying into the POW camp and then the fog going back in. They seem to stay... Meaning we need to get there before... To many take it over. Looking at the leaders. "I feel we need to do this swiftly. Let the ghouls rush in first... I will go with the diggers. While the rest of you fight out here." Cannon nods, Fleur nods and looks to her crew nodding. Saying softly. "For Equestria." The other crew says the same thing. As we get closer. We start to run while the ponies Trot. The Rat Creepers get on all four. As we no longer wish to wait to do this battle. From a day and a half walk. It would now take a half of a day. We would get in at the night But then after an hour cutting a day off the march. We went back to just a normal calm walk. Looking to the others it seems they came ready to camp for the night. Looking towards the bog it was getting thicker. The time was getting more and more intense. We were now seeing time like it was years ago even before the war. But no voices... If we could only hear them. But I saw something... I saw the Princess... I followed them leaving the line of the marching Cannon blinked and looked to Pothead and nodded to her as he left the march as well. He followed me as I followed the two mares. The fog enveloped the two of us but the march kept going. We would have to catch up but something was calling me. __________________ Location: Time bog lair of the Bog weevil. I kept following the two Princess I wanted to see them... It's like I was being called to follow them... Maybe I could talk to them. I followed them closer and closer. I watched them as it seemed so amazing but I didn't see what was about to happen to me. A large bug that seemed to be living here since the war was using the ghost... To get prey. But I didn't see it. As it rose all I saw was the princess. As it blew the strange gas from the bog into my face. Making the figment more real. I saw them solid and they spoke in soft words. Like I was there in the past. My heart wants to see this world. I could just touch it. Cannon saw what was about to happen to me. The giant creature blowing the mist on me and then slowly easing up to get ready to eat me. Nature taking its course as many would say. Cannon lifted his machine gun leg and fired at the creature. It rearing up angrily but not enough to kill it. As he took this chance to slap me awake with a good slap in the face. Shaking my head looking at him and then seeing the creature. "I would say, my dear, it's best to run of course." I stared at the princess again. Bowing to them like they were real and then rushing off as the creature started chasing us. It seems we ended up in some cave. The cave was filled with the bones of his victims and the blood seeping everywhere causing it to look very interesting. More started to show up and we got trapped for the moment. As they looked at each other growling and hissing. It seems they didn't care much for each other. These creatures then I looked at my Pip-buck... we was in magic radiation the fog wasn't just fog... It was radiation and the bog was full of it. It was ticking up slowly. But we couldn't stop that we had..to get out. Looking around as the fog slowly lifted since... These creatures weren't causing it anymore. These creatures, they made the fog. There are more than two of these creatures in the bog. "Cannon we need to get out of here... This fog is created by them and it's causing my Pip-buck to go nuts." Cannon nodded but these creatures got very angry on their sides were strange sacs that release the fog. More and more of it started relaxing from the sacs. As they got closer to us. Their hissing dripping strange fluid that boiled and burned into the ground. These things didn't only cause fog they had acid venom? Looking towards Cannon lifting my paws to the side and rushed to the other side... As the creatures smashed into each other now fighting. As we tried to find a way out of the cave. Seeing more and more dead and ripped apart. Looking to Cannon and he nodded as we kept running and we found the way out finally. But before we could go out a large creature stopped in front of us. It was another one of these creatures. I roared and hissed. Letting out more of the fog and then BAM!! The creature fell in pain as the three Mares in the Ranger armor called to us. "COME ON!! Hurry!" I nodded and Cannon did as well. As we rushed to get out with the three Applejack rangers they backed off firing at the creature and then the five of us ran away from the cave as we made our way back to the army. But I have a feeling we will see these creature's again sooner or later. They have our scent now and we angered them so now they will be on us sooner or later. ____________ Same day: Time Bog. Looking at the three mares and smiled. "Thank you for saving us... and sorry Cannon about that." Cannon laughed and nodded. "No worries Tiria... I would feel the same way if I could meet those two Princess..." Looking to the Mares they never gave us their names. But they wished to stay in their suits most of the time. Looking back to Cannon. "We need to get back they will be worried." Then as we said that the fog got thicker and growling and hissing from the cave. "Shit lets go!!" They nodded and we started rushing towards the way we needed to. Hearing the creature's behind us but hoping they would give up. I looked to Cannon and he nodded to me. "Mares run ahead of us." I looked at my pip-buck as we ran and found a few apples and removed the pins and tossed them behind us. As the creatures screamed and hissed more fog filling the air. Then we kept running the army was an hour or so ahead of us. We had to keep running panting softly closing my eyes and grabbed my hammer smashing into a ghoul that was in the way. Looking to Cannon and the mares. Hearing the growling and roaring from the creatures. "Keep going no matter how much pain you have in your body." The three mare's nod as they keep rushing even with how heavy the armor is. The creatures roar and stop chasing after us... But I am sure we would see them again. The fog started to clear somewhat and then we find the army and stayed by the others as I panted and they stopped a moment. "Camp...... for now...." The army looked at each other and nodded. ____________________ Same Day: 8 at night. The army made a large camp and we all sat around a campfire. The ghouls were being used to patrol the camp. I sighed softly and rested near the fire. As we watched the fog but at the moment it was slowly vanishing... But I felt I needed to ask. "Cannon? Why is there so much fog? What is going on?" Looking towards Cannon and he chuckles. "Well let me think... Oh yes in the bog here... There are some creatures that can create fog. This is a time when some of them are breeding or hunting for food. There are not just those large creatures in caves like that. Other creatures roam here at night. It's why we have those around the camp." Points to the torches around the camp. "It's something that Kip taught me. She said to have these fires around. It will keep the creature's at bay." I nodded and ate the meat sighing a bit. As the fog kept floating through the air. Howling was heard as beyond the torches we saw wolf-like beings causing the fog that made the ghost show up more. But this time it was different at night. We saw instead of battle the Zebra's and Ponies Celebrating something called Hearthswarming they may be different and have pain in their hearts... But the Zebra's weren't the monsters that the ponies made them out to be it seems. During this night we saw them showing their families. But sadly every war will start again. But it seems to be a calm night despite the fog. Looking towards the others as I ate and Cannon laughs. "So you want a story... I can tell you one... If you wish to listen to me." I smiled and nodded. "I would love to listen to Cannon. I would love to know about you and how you become a king." Cannon smiled and looked towards the three mares in the ranger suits. "Listen, ladies, it's peaceful you can take off your helms." The three looked at the group. One of them spoke. "We will only do it when this battle is over." Cannon nods and looks to the fire and takes a bite from the meat and looks to the others. "Well, it started Fifty years ago. I was a young Rat Creeper named Whisker's living in the sewers of Manehattan. A lovely sewer was full of interesting lovely creatures. It was dangerous but also lovely. When I was young. We traded with the ponies up above. It was a time when it was peaceful even for the end of the world. But gangs and the nasty creature's started to move in. Then bounty hunters started to come after us. All I remember was watching my family get murdered and ran into many different species of Rat Creepers that came together. We had no leader..but we all worked as one to get out of the city. It seems some pony above didn't like the fact... That we lived below. I went with Pothead here and the others. But the few that came with me didn't live through the battle to get here. Just to leave Manehatten was a pain. But I can tell you this... I used to hate ponies because of that...Then I went to hide in a hotel. Then I found that painting of the two Princesses... I looked at them... Read up on them... Then I realized... without them, the ponies are lost." He ate more of the meat looking towards me... "We left the building and my leg got blown off by a mine. I was kept alive through the potions we found. But they attached a splint to my leg. But they still didn't have a leader. They needed one but it's interesting to say that at first, I refused to step up. On our way out of Manehatten, we got attack by raiders. Most of them stayed hidden. But I knew we needed to do something. I grabbed a gun and yelled 'FOR EQUESTRIA!' and charged in with many warriors and we took out many of the raiders. But most of us lost our lives. All that we had left was twenty of our kind. We called ourselves the pack rats. I am sure there are more communities of Rat Creepers. But we were very sure we would never find them..." Cannon pat his machine gun leg and chuckled. "But it wasn't over yet. That made the others start considering me as their leader. I found it interesting that just going into a battle did that... But of course most Creeper's sound like this... 'Yes yes yes find...' Most never had a fully mutated brain. Pothead over there kind of destroyed herself through the magic rads of this world. But she is still helpful. But yes..we left Manehatten but we had another issue. Ponies seemed to attack us on sight outside the city. Some would try and trade with us. But we started to become very xenophobic around ponies. We wished to go south from Manehatten. Going through the paths through many of the creatures of this land. Wounded and hungry... We found Reaper Fields. Looking at the dead fields we cleaned up what we could. But it took a while to make our city." He sighs nodding. "At first the Reaper Fields were full of ghouls mines and even some raiders. But it took a few months to clear them out. Then we found out the soil underground we could grow food. But it was food that would affect us a bit... With magic Rads. But it seems we got mutated by the rads and it didn't affect us like it affected ponies. But the thing is...we wanted to bring peace to this land. But It wasn't going to be easy. Some loved the fact you could just kill for a mate or food money. So we dug our home underground and ignored the world around us. I met Wheel tread and he kept his ponies from attacking us. Letting us be right here. We never had an issue but some of the time's we just had to deal with ghouls. But other than that it's pretty much dull." I looked to Cannon while he told his story and finished I am sure it was a dull story pretty much. Looking to Montyhoof. He blinks and chuckles "I guess you want my story then hmm?" He shrugs seeming to relax and her four hooves resting on the ground. "Well, I will say this my father wasn't always a fool. When I was young my father was a trader of junk and many different items. I was just a colt then... My mother a beautiful earth pony mare. I just don't remember how she looked just remember her voice. A soft voice she was very sick and died before I could see her... I grew up in many different camps and cities and towns. Going from place to place. Then he founded the junk collectors, but later we turned into the Junk reapers. Because we reaped junk from the garbage lands... We heard of a place full of junk and old pre-war junk. But the thing was it would take us a long time to get there. Our path was through the blood. Because during this time going through Manehatten to get to it... Was the time a lot of nasty creatures started showing up." He ate his food thinking a moment on his story sighing. "It drove my father mad to find this place. We had guides to lead us there but he just... was a biggot calling them stupid and dummies and making fun of how they looked. This world just drove him nuts. Making every pony that helped us more and more angry." He looked to the ground and sighed a bit and looking towards the rest of us. "We finally found our way to the Reaper Fields and we set up in the old base that was there. It wasn't pleasant seeing all the dead and broken down weapons and gear. So we built onto the base making it the compound you see. It wasn't easy I can say that much. The ghouls took a while to even let us build. The Rat Creepers weren't very respectful at the time either. But of course, I doubt we can blame them for what happened to them. Now the interesting thing was the fact that we finally got everything built and then... Became a trading post. But Wheel tread had another idea for us. He hired some of our guards to take him to a lab... He found some strange crystal that when... One of our ponies touched it. Every part of him melted and then turned half-wolf... half pony and died. This crystal has a strange power to it... That causes creatures to gain power... but it comes with a price of killing them." He sighs again. "We made a case for him to hold the magic at bay. It's a magic container that can never be opened... So the stone could never be used again. That crystal needs to stay in this box or whoever grabs it... Will either be strong or die. He told us that creatures that look like Tiria here will come for it and try to claim it as their creator." Looks to Tiria and smiles. "It was... our creator." Sand said softly growling. "It is what made us from ponies to these. But the pony gene is so far out of us now. I learned this a long time ago and I never wished to return to our species. My species are extremely xenophobic and think they are created by the Goddes to be the protectors of Equestria. But we aren't we are a former pony who was turned into this." Montyhoof blinks and nods, sighing. "I see what you mean. We then formed that compound and then... My father became more of a nut... Using heart attacks to get what he wants. Well, that's all I can say... Most of it is very protected secrets." I nodded as I stabbed my meat back into the fire to get it a little more cooked. Looking to Dumbbell. He blinks and his ponies laugh. "My story, you want my fucking story?" He blinks looking to his ponies and they stop laughing. "Alright fine... Ahem. My father, a worthless stallion that slept with every mare in a raider camp. Of course, I was born a raider. He slept with a slave who was my mother. I was born because of that. He refused to even see me as his son... But as another slave. He named me Dumbbell. Thinking it was funny to call me that. I refused to be a slave...So when he was asleep... I murdered him in cold blood. I showed his head to the leader and demanded that I become a raider... To save my mother. My mother was free of course... She joined me and we enjoyed the time so much. But of course, she died from stupidity. The leader joined up with Wheel tread and I disliked him... he allowed everything under the clouds in his home. Murder, rape so forth..." He chuckles. "There is no honor in rape. I was told the real prize is peace. By some of the merchants that came into the city. So I killed the leader and took over finding the Zebra camp and trying to build it up. Thanks to you my wolf friend. You're the one that told all three of us... Without peace... we would be dead or still in the Reaper Fields not trusting each other... So we have a lot to thank you for Tiria..." They all looked up to me blinking. I was not used to all the eyes on me. Knowing I have deep fur so they couldn't see me blush I just chuckled. "Well eh, thanks to this journey... I met my mate... I met many friends... I met a Changeling named Crow." The Raven looks up cawing questionably and he changed into the changeling form. Now that I was fully able to see him. He had an oddly green body with some holes in his legs but his wings... very normal. Long sharp teeth and he sat beside us. "Well, I am happy to be a friend of yours. My species aren't used to the idea of friends... or even used to ponies running away from us... But there are more deadly creatures out there than us." Crow then turned back into the Raven and then flew up into the air. Looking around and they all looked at me still. "I take it.... its storytime for me?" I sighed and closed my eyes thinking a bit and opened my eyes. "I was born... from a Moon warrior and the warrior trainer. A moon warrior having a pup is a threat to the pack. They would normally kill the pup. But the elder had a use for me. So the elders took me from my mother. Made me into their bodyguard molded me into the honor-bound warrior. I didn't even have what you would call a pup hood. I grew up fighting others in the pack to make my place. I was always bullied smashed into the ground... Always given less food. I was told I am worthless, not important." Looks over to the others as they seem to have sadness in their eyes. "I grew up just a joke to the others in the pack. A month or so ago... I was treated like a threat... Since my mother went off to find the Crystals howling dance... But she went to join Wheel Tread...." Blinks looking to everyone else. "Wheel tread..... wheel tread had a hoof in all of this... He was even alive during the war... I was told by Shadow that Wheel tread is over 200 years old." The others looked at each other. "That makes a whole lot of sense now. The fact he knows so much about the pre-war tech. The fact he even was able to get that Prisoner of war camp. He... used us." I said with a growl. Cannon blinks thinking a moment. "Huh, that makes so much sense." Cannon seemed to be thinking. "He is the one that told me about Reaper Fields." He blinks again looking to the others. "He had a hand in all our lives... Not in the lives of all the ponies in the Wasteland just some of them." Fleur blinked and looked to them. "I don't know this Wheel tread. I doubt I would since... I stayed away from the war. I was given a large sum of money from some ponies and other races to become caption of the cruise ship. To remove us from the battle. It's something I wasn't happy about... But Pinkie Pie tried hard to accuse me of working with the Zebra's." The lanky ghoul mare said. She looked to the other ghouls of her crew who smiled at her and she smiled back at them. "They're now my family. I tend to live with them on that ship... till our bodies fully die... Then I can be with My Fancy." I smiled at Fleur and I yawned it was late and the running here made me tired. I knew we might need to run again. Stood up after I ate the meat and went to my tent. Getting grabbed by Sand and he smiled. "Too tired?" He asked sweetly I rolled my eyes. "Alright after tomorrow if we are alive... I am all yours now... goodnight." I gave him a wink and went into my tent and lay on the ground falling asleep. __________________ Day 35 Bog early morning The camp was packed up. The fog was getting thicker. Something was up whatever was stirring was because of what I and Cannon did... We walked the path through the bog to get to the camp. It would take many hours to get there. But I head deep thoughts of my friends. Kip oh please be alive... Silver Gunner please be repairable but also Shadow.... I would never forgive myself if he was dead. Little hoof I have no idea or even sure. What would happen to him? Then my mind went to Soft paw... I barely knew her and she risked her life for everything. If only I was better if only I did the right thing. I needed to make sure I did the right thing... But I never knew the right thing was the right thing. It always bothered me either way. I felt I failed them all. Maybe it's time to let go of my pain... Of the woe is me shit. I thought deeper into my mind closing my eyes and thinking of everything. A path that always seemed very normal to me. Opening my eyes again to see the path we are walking. But I was much to myself. Every word every step hoof beat just went silent I heard nothing but my own heart and thoughts. Was I right to be this hero this wolf? I never thought I would see this again. But the path is what I need to see to neither the path of it. But with the ending, it shall always be that... But sometimes I will never see the ending music. My heartbeat slowly and it always made me happier to see the path. My eyes focused on the ground but then... I looked up quickly seeing the ground is but something to entire the pain. I felt my heart race. I knew I was getting closer and closer to the place we would battle for our lives. But something else bothered me. I looked at my Pip-buck the rad numbers pretty high. After a few hours, we got close enough. That the ghouls rushed in and gunfire started going off. As they were trying to fight off the ghouls. I smiled and Fleur with the other army waited for the Fog to subside before they fired. I went with a small group of Rat Creepers to start digging a hole to get the gate open. Suddenly if it was magic the fog subsided and the Enclave saw the army. They started firing and the army started firing back. It was going to be a hell of a battle as the army of Rat Creepers had some fall but Fluer and her crew got a few of the Enclave down. Not enough to kill them of course but enough to break a little of their defense but not enough. Dumbbell's raider ponies kept tossing their metal apples into them to try to keep them at bay. The Rat Creepers were the ones losing many of their lines. Cannonball stood his ground. Along with Pothead, the female Rat Creeper seemed to fight with a determination. Montyhoof and the Junk Reaper's fired their junk at the Enclave but it didn't dent them. It wasn't pretty but the three Apple Jack ranger mare's fired at the Enclave taking out a few of the defender's. It seemed that even though they didn't have many guarding the place. They were pretty strong. Sand got behind a rock and put his sniper rifle on the rock and started firing at the flying Enclave soldiers. The Creeper's finally made it through the digging. I went first with the others and we started firing at the troops that were trying to block the way to the gate. But we pushed them back into the cavern that leads to the city. I felt the rush. As I helped the Rat Creeper's open the gate. We let the others in and I started to speak. "Take those who are alive as prisoners don't let any of them escape." I went to the burnt body... But I still was able to see her face. Soft paw... But I ignored it and watched everyone went to what they needed to do. Crow landed on my shoulder. "The Buffalo should be there now. They will be smashing through the rocks to get through. But that will take time. Crossfire should be here soon. But I was trying to get inside to look but... I couldn't find anything. It's dead silent in there. I think they're waiting for us. But..." He went silent at the sound of robotics. We all picked up our weapons and aimed at the cave opening. As we saw a large Robotic pony walkout. "Silver?!" Silver looked at us his eyes glowing and then the weapons opened up and we looked at us other. As Silver Gunner started firing at us... We all tried to hide as the large robotic pony was attacking us. I felt my heart shatter they reprogramed him... They did it... They did it. The most peaceful robotic creature I have ever met. They updated his body a bit giving him heavier armor as it was rusted new looking mouth that looks like a Grill as he stared around him looking for a target. His voice spoke... "Come... out little soldiers for the Enclave... for the real savior's of this wasteland." I stood up and he aimed at me... "Silver... gunner, please... it's me. I need you to listen." The large robotic creature just stared his weapon firing up and robotic chuckle. "Silver Gunner?" Silvers's eyes shine and blink off and on. "No... No, my name was meant to be Silver Trail. I..." The robot stares at me I could tell his brain was catching up with himself. "Tira?" He screams holding his head with his hooves. The programing taking over again. The robotic brain-burning and sizzling trying to regain control. "I'm sorry....D..dDDDDIE!!!" The robot yelled firing at me. The entire world froze as I felt that this would be my end. For my best friend fired at me. Was this the place of my death? I don't know. I closed my eyes and my world went black
Chapter 13: Death or victory"Death or Victory? What would be the time to know?" In the past how does one know the past? The past was said to be peaceful full of love full of happiness. But then why did this war start? Was the world so full of happiness that death was needed to come next? It's something that many have been asking since the war itself. What could it be that wished to cause it? Look through the ruins of every house building and store. Most would see that..peace was wanted in this time... But peace would never come. It was mostly either death or victory... But a victory was never going to happen that easy it seems. The victory was a story and will be another time. With time war may happen again down the line. But this war that happens could be stopped before a magic bomb of death is thrown everywhere. The idea of war seems to be in the minds of many in this new world. Victory on the minds of many and death on those that wish to have peace. But most of the time they will never see it. _______________________________ Day 35 POW Camp I closed my eyes knowing I had no time to move away from the blast of Silver Gunner's. I heard the shot and I didn't feel anything..but I heard some rocks getting blasted. Opening my eyes quickly and looking around seeing the Enclave bodies around and gasping. Seeing Sand holding a large shield of rocks and laying on the ground smoking but still alive. Silver Gunner fired at the rest of the army and they all hid behind areas they could get. I had no idea what to do....then Kip came to my mind. "Silver.....Kip... is dying you wanted her to make a family. You can fight this new programming." Silver looked at me as he aimed his guns at me. I grabbed my hammer tightly. "Don't make me do this to you." Silver Gunner wasn't himself I blinked as I started floating with the magic aura of Fleur's around my body. As she started pulling me away as he fired missing hitting the wall. Looking to Fleur. "Toss me to him..." She blinked and nodded while Cannon Ball and Dumbbell fired to get Silver Gunner to focus on them. She lifted me she was having big issues from overusing her magic like this. But she tossed me and let me go. He turned to look at me and fired hitting my left leg. As the skin and bone charred versus the pain, I smashed my hammer hard into his head. Then hit the ground and rolled right the cave and hit the side of it. As I heard crying and sobbing. But I was in a lot of pain. Opening my eyes from the pain. Looking to my shattered hammer and looking up to see those red eyes staring at me. Aiming his guns down at me. "Die..." He was about to fire and I put my hand on his head. "Silver..... Kip is probably dead... It would be your fault." Silver gunner's weapons charged and he looked up firing at an Enclave soldier that was coming to finish the job on me. He then looked at me again. "Tiria?" He looked up seeing Fleur and looked around seeing the Enclave bodies of the dead and some of the army that leads in here. He then started to look through his memory and started to remember everything about his past. Just from that smash in his head. "Tiria.... stay awake... wait Tiria?!" I was passed out from the pain. ______________ The Ghoul. I woke up laying on the ground of empty white space. Slowly standing looking around and the Ghoul looked at me and smiled. "I remember telling you... that we wouldn't meet again. But it seems to have your leg blasted off changed that. Tiria.... I need to tell you something before... I vanish from your mind before... we meet again fully. Your journey is going to lead you to your death. Nothing can stop it. But you won't remember I even told you this. I won't tell you how you die either.." I groaned and held my leg. The pain was crazy. The ghoul vanished from my sight and I just felt so much pain I couldn't even try to understand it. ____________________ Day 36: Pow camp I opened my eyes to a bunch of the wounded and I heard the voice of Crossfire and Silver gunner speaking over me. Seeing that we had some of them firing into the cave to try to break through the defenses of the Enclave. I tried sitting up as I felt a needle go into my body and a rush of strangeness went through my body. As I opened my eyes fully seeing my left leg. It's strapped to part of an enclave armor hoof. I just stared at it and Crossfire and Silver Gunner looked at me. As I got off the cot a bit dizzy but... it wasn't going to stop me. I stood on my new leg, it felt painful at first..But I was going to get used to it. As a new weapon as floated to me. Fleur smiled and grabbed it. It was a large metal stick. At the end of it was one of the Enclave armor tails. The hilt was made from the rest of the tail. But the grabbing end was taken from another metal hoof. I stared at them and sighed. "Send in the ghouls and we will rescue my friends." Crow landed on my shoulder. Looking up to him with a weak smirk. "The Buffalo is waiting at the back. They're removing the rocks and now." I nodded and walked on the new leg and my good leg looking over to Crow. "Tell them to get ready. I will have Silver lead the charge." "Let's... go save them." Silver Gunner nodded and looked into the cave. Walking towards it as lasers came out from the cave hitting him... But he didn't stop. Thanks to the armor they gave him and the upgrades. His eyes glowed calmly and lifted a large few guns from the many arms in his back. Large Lazer's and one hand the held the Shotgun. He begins to speak... in the robotic voice. "Ponies, Rat Creeper's, Vulf'ven, and many other species. We have had enough of the Enclave they have almost killed our friends I am rushing in to save my friends. I am rushing into free everyone. We need to prove that we can fight them off... So the rest of Equestria will follow the path of Lightbringer. The light Bringer shall be our path to removing this threat from getting our friends back." He gives Fleur a simple nod and her horn glowed and the ghouls rushed in... There was a lot of firing but a lot of screaming as well. As the Enclave was trying to fight back. Then the robot pony rushed in with the rest. I was behind. As we went inside and saw the city but the arena area all destroyed and we saw the cells. They were in the arena. I sighed and the rest went ahead of me. hearing the Buffalo break through the back. With the Hell hound. As they ripped through most of the Enclave. But the Enclave had the high ground..it was going to take a while to fight... This fight is going to be hard... The Hellhound ran to me and he spoke. "What do you wish me to do my friend?" I started to think a moment and lead him through the battle to the Dj's room and sitting him down. "Become the voice... for the ponies still lost in here. Play a song for them. This is different music than what others have. Play this song." She brings out a recorded song... Called the Song of the Slaves. The hellhound nods and turns everything on and for a moment outside the battle stops. To listen. Then he speaks. "HEY!!!! this is the new Bowser wowser!!! OW!! Now... every one of our fine city... The enclave needs to be pushed out and we shall play this song for you!!" He turns it on and the song plays. "Oh.... free us.... Goddesses bring... peace to us." As the song plays the army fights off the Enclave the Enclave fights them off themselves. As the Buffalo uses the weapons that the ponies gave them. As they do their best to push them away. ______________________ Rat Creepers and their Leader. As the song plays the Rat Creeper's fought amazingly with their leader Cannon Ball. They found a lot of children and some mare's left alive. They protected them as they brought in a medic to try to figure out what's wrong with them. Before funneling them outside. Cannon kept screaming orders to keep the survivors of that battle to get out and one of his bodyguards saw a sniper aiming for him and Pothead got in the way and her head exploded and gore went everywhere... The Rat Creeper's watched one of their heroes that has been by the side of Cannon Ball since he was just a normal Rat Creeper like them without the King. He stares at the Enclave snipers and yells. "BURN!!" A few groups come out of the back and fire large burning rockets at them and there is now screaming and pain. As they look to the body as around them the battle goes on and They all kneel to honor Pothead and then afterward... Stand up and go back on the search for more ponies that got left behind. Leaving behind the body of Pothead putting her half Destroyed pot on her chest leaving the headless creeper to be buried later. ___________________ Raider's and Dumbbell Being raiders, of course, they did everything they could... Even if many of them fell to use melee weapons to rip the Enclave apart when most got close the raiders did everything they could to just rip all of them apart and their eyes were full of hate for all The enclave Dumbbells job was to try to repair the turrets. He had a mask on and they were fighting to the old building that held the warden's office that was somehow still standing after this battle. He rushed in the Enclave seemed to stay out of it. He was worried that the ones he leads will not be alive after he was done with this. They stood guard by the door as the battle raged on. He rushed through the area finding the old terminals trying to fix the damaged turrets and it seems it came up as needed repair's in the core. But he doesn't have a pip-buck. So he doesn't know that there is a lot of Toxic rads inside this place... From most of the weapons that are stored here. He went to the core and his body started to get ripped inside out from the rads. He removed the mask to drink a potion and ran away. He worked on the terminal to get it to work. As it started to do so. But the core started pulsing over and over. As it caused a bright light and Dumbbell rushed out of the room and then fell of all his hooves and tried to crawl back and he was blacking out with a strange bird-like creature coming to his aid. Dragging him out of the building leaving him near his raider's. Who are either dead or dying. With the nurse Rat, Creeper's working on healing their wounds. ___________________ Silver Gunner While the Turrets started powering up slowly. It would take time for them to fully get ready. Silver on the other hoof was pushing through the Enclave slowly with his new changeling and weapons they gave him. Soon he finally found the ShotGun Remembrance on the top of it as he stares at it and gets hit by a blast from one of the Enclave his chest smoking and staring at them. He was trying to break through to let Crossfire and the others save the caged ones in the arena. The music kept playing. Of the song of the slaver. "Our... heart's are chains... Oh please free us... For we shall never end this song... Then we will get a thorn in our hearts. Our hearts are broken... Oh please, Goddess save us." Silver Gunner did what he could to push through many many soldiers. He had no idea they had this many in here. He would rush into a burning building and ponies are using the burning part of the building to warm themselves up and cooking their food. "Get out... I will protect you." The wounded broken ponies look up nodding. They fought not too long ago... and he rushed back out protecting them as he doesn't kill any of the Enclave just seems to knock them out of the air for the moment. But gives the ponies a chance to escape. It seems no matter how many fought... The ponies that lived here found so many places to hide. He looked back seeing their all rushing to the army that is slowly falling. He had to wait for the Turrets to start up so they could help clear the area. A large stomp comes behind him... Turning to see a reprogrammed R.A Proto. With new Armor and weapons. Staring down at him ready to attack. The two robots get ready to Duke it out. ____________________ Crow The changeling was searching for more ponies to save. He could smell many that seemed to have been killed and found a building with the nurse and a center for all the wounded here. The nurse lifted her gun with her magic. Looking at Crow as he changed to his true form and looked at her. "Listen..." Looks to Bulwark who is on one of the beds wrapped in bandages and seeming to be resting. "We will save you. We..." Suddenly an Enclave soldier rushed in and aimed for the nurse. Crow used his magic and started to suck the love out of the Enclave. They fell to the ground dead drained. "I will stay... and protect you. But... we are freeing you all." The nurse nodded. "But... how did you stay away from the Enclave? They would normally kill you." The nurse sighed. "We know every building and how to get to them. They never searched over here on the east side of the city. I brought as many of the wounded as I could." Looks to Tiny the Griffin who was thought to be dead. "Alright... Tiria came back with an army... It's slowly breaking through but also losing many... if I pull some of the wounded here... Could you help them?" The nurse nodded. Crow turns back into the Raven and flys back out. ________________________ The Buffalo Little Strong Hoof with the other Buffalo rushed through the guarding post to get to the Arena to fight the commander of this army. What is interesting though the Buffalo seem to stay and let Little Strong Hoof do the fighting. As they fight the other troops to keep them from harming her. As she rushes to open the way in to let Crossfire and his troops rush in to find his wife. Strong Hoof rushes into one of the rooms to try to find the door to open it and when she rushes into one of the rooms. She turns to see Wheel tread in his wheelchair. Holding the Howling dance on his lap. His four hooves on the chair. He speaks softly. "Little one... I know why you are here... Please give these words to Tiria... Please tell her... to never give this Crystal back to her species... They will use it to try to control their species. Now..... I think I know why..." Suddenly she turns seeing an Enclave firing at her and she jumps out of the way as the bolt hits Wheel tread and he turns into dust. The Howling Dance is all that is left along with the dust. The small Buffalo turns staring at the Enclave soldier as she grabs the hammer from her side and rushes to attack. On the outside the rest of the Buffalo have broken fully through most of the Enclave they trample over are either wounded or dead. They stand there guarding the gate as the war is just starting. An Enclave soldier seems to be moving and then secretly calling for Reinforcements. But they sound like their stretched way to thin right now. ______________ Fleur and crew Fleur had both her gun and her sword in her magic... As she and her crew rushed through to get to the arena as well. The battle was getting very deadly. She was very determined to find Little Hoof. But as they rushed through a robot battle was going on rushing through the area. Silver Gunner and R.A Proto just rushed through the area of battle doing their fight. The pony robot was slow..But able to fight the large robot rushing after him. Fleur blinked looking surprised on her decaying face and looks to the Griffin Ghoul. "Feather... fly into the air and use your sniper. We need to make sure we can protect all the ponies heading outside. Make sure No ponies get hurt." Feather nods and she flew up into the air grabbing her large sniper from her back and fires on the Enclave it seems most of her bullets just bounce off... But it's keeping them at bay till the turrets get ready. Fleur looked to the others of her crew and smiled. "Let's do it for Equestria to honor all those that died 200 years ago." The Crew cheers and most of the crew are ponies and a few are Zebras. They stand guard and help the ponies that rush outside to get away from the battle. Her crew nods... While the song keeps playing to emboldened the fighters. She watched as the army pushed back the Enclave and seemed to be winning. But still, the turrets were warming up. ________________ CrossFire CrossFire and the rest of the Misty Moon Apartment ponies ignored the battle going on. Trotting past the enclave fighting the army. The only time they stopped was to see Silver Gunner and R.A Proto doing a large battle of a small robot pony versus a semi giant robot. Silver had the upper hoof because he was smaller. But it would take a while to whittle down the armor of the other. But they keep going on with their mini fight of metal and roboticness. The way into the arena finally was slowly opening and in the middle of the Arena was over ten cages full of ponies a Teal mare is what he wanted to save... But she wasn't there even Shadow... Or Little Hoof. But he looked up seeing an Enclave pony in commander armor. She had the three chained and she took off the helm with a smile. "Looking for these three? I figured... this fake war... Would be to get these ponies free." Kip looked very skinny and weak she gave Cross a weak smile. She spoke weakly. "I am not... worth it... I am not." Kip would weakly say. Crosses' eyes were full of anger he wanted to save his wife. But he didn't know how to do it with the three held by her and he then noticed four troops on either side ready to fire. "Surrender.... I will let these three live... let the Enclave keep this as a base... a hoof-hold in the wasteland to cleanse it... of you tribal children. So drop your weapons and they will go free." While they were speaking Kip's horn calmly glowed trying to take the key's. "If I surrender will you let them go?" The mare smiled and nodded. "I give you my word." Cross and his ponies set down their weapons. "Good stallion." Then Suddenly she would stab her scorpion stinger from the armor into Kips back and her eyes go wide. Shadow looks up with much anger in his eyes. But all that was seen was the surprised angry look on Cross's face. As she watched his Wife smiled weakly in pain and then the stinger pulled out of her back and then she dropped from the stands to the ground... With a thud. Blood pooling from her body. Then Cross Yelled out. "KIP!!!!!!" It was loud enough that the entire battle halted for a time... All looked at the Arena even the Enclave some looking with horror some looking with Giddy. But The one they would have to worry about they would hear a howl echoing through the city. A howl of anger a lot of anger. __________________ The music played around me while I watched the battle go on and then. I looked to see that they had Camra's to look around the city. Old ones but I looked through seeing the Arena and seeing Kip, Shadow, and Little Hoof. I was looked through more of the Camara's seeing Pot head get her head blown off sighing knowing there would be death. Watching the Creepers protect many ponies. Watching the Buffalo break their way through to the Arena to keep the way in protected. Changing to seeing Wheel tread trying to speak to Little Strong hoof and then getting killed. Then seeing The little buffalo killing the Enclave soldier with her hammer and opening the gate. Watching Dumbbell and his men get slaughtered but seeing he did his job and watching him now slowly die from Rad poison. But some seem to be alive trying to keep him alive. Seeing Fleur and her crew doing an amazing job and then going back to the Arena. I watched the exchange between the Commander and Crossfire. Watched them lower their weapons and then watched as the tail stabbing into Kip's back and falling to the ground from the stands with a thud... My eyes went wide... My anger grew and I grabbed the table near me... With a punch, it shattered a bit... I then howled full of anger. I walked out of the Dj booth the Enclave backing up as I came up the battle stopping even between the two robots. I stood there in the middle of them all. The only group that refused to stop fighting was Fleur and her crew... Her sniper kept blowing the heads off Enclave soldiers that aimed at me. I spoke. "Ponies..." It Echoed. "Griffin's." Kept echoing. "Minotaur's... All the other races... sent back... 200 years because... Of ponies of the past... My kind created... because of your war between Zebras and ponies. You swear you want to bring peace... back to the Equestria... But all I see is you want to control it... Look at the Lightbringer... She is trying to protect it from... FOOLS LIKE YOU!! Same with Security. I am nothing like those two... They are bigger players. I never wished to be a hero... But fate turned me into one. I used to hate ponies... I used to hate them... For what they did to this land." I walked closer putting my paw hand on a Buffalo's head patting it calmly as the back of my neck was bristled and the fur standing on end. "I came back here... to free those that you captured... At first... I didn't care what happens to the lives of your ponies... Then I was forced into your little pity parties. I hear about you and how warlike you are the ponies of old. None of you deserve to live only ones that run and tell... the others to never return here... I will ask never to be killed." An Enclave soldier charged me and I grabbed my weapon that had the scorpion stinger from the armor of an enclave soldier on it the end and blocked it. Staring at them with great anger. Smashing it across their head and then forcing them to the ground smashing over and over. As they try to struggle to get up. But I keep smashing till there was a sicking crack of their skull. Looking back up with a smile. "See... I am nothing like the Lightbringer... I don't care who gets in my way to save who I care about. Another life of a worthless pony." I put my new metal hoof on the enclave's head and smashed... Walking into the Arena. "You hurt Kip... maybe even killed her... You are... my target... I am already an outcast of my species... I am not even a pony... I will not take heart... into killing you. For you are those of the past... and push... You belong there like the rest... So die and become dust like the past... Where trash like you belongs." The enclave commander started firing at me and I was able to make it to the other end. As she screamed. "To those that don't keep fighting, I will kill you myself." Soon after those words were spoken the battle started up again and Crossfire and his troops rushed to the cages to get the other ponies out. While The Buffalo rushed into the Arena to protect them and fired at the Enclave soldiers that didn't run. I wanted the Commander... to myself. I watched her fly into the former room of Wheel Tread and I rushed after her. She opened the case that held the Howling dance and carried it into her mouth and I chassed after her up the stairs that were in the arena area that leads to the very top of the mountain. It leads to a set of guard towers connected by one bridge. She stood there holding the orb in her mouth and put it down on the bridge. "I don't know what is so amazing about this orb... But she told me a lot about it. It seems important to you." I blinked looking at the orb as it glowed brightly and it called to me... But I had to ignore it. But it was going to affect her if she kept it too close. Looking back to her calmly and smiled. "You left your troops to die... to the ponies and creatures of the wasteland. I am going to kill you..." I held my weapon getting closer as she picked up the orb again. I noticed it was starting to affect her slowly. She was holding it in her very mouth on her skin. She then set it down again and I stared at her. "Your Lightbringer is going to fail... At saving this wasteland... All the ponies of this world know... is killing death...Al....t... hey... know. is..." The orb starts to glow brightly. As she starts coughing up blood the radiation of the gem. It was getting very clear the Orb outside of it the case... Could affect ponies very easily with touch. "...What.....what did you do to me?" She coughed more and her wings fell off literally. She gasped looking at herself as the fur starts to fall off with her skin turning into bones and then dust... I looked at the Orb and went to grab it and picked it up. Then it started to affect me groaning my head started to show so much pain. I carried it back to the arena back down the stairs. It was causing so much pain. I could hear voices of all the ones that touched it. They kept speaking to me. "Destroy the orb..... Destroy it... Nooo, keep it... It shows power." These voices went on over and over. I groaned and it was affecting me inside my body. But I didn't know it at the time. I placed it back inside the case and then closing it I passed out. _______________ Crossfire Crossfire held his wife tightly. As Shadow and Little hoof were freed. He held her and sobbed softly. As she seemed to be dead. But even so, the battle was still raging on. Crow found them and noticed Kip. "Bring her to the ruins there are nurses. there." Cross blinks nodding and puts her on his strong back. Carrying the bleeding body of her wife away from the Arena while the ponies that were captured tortured and starved were helped out to the outside of the arena. He carried the teal unicorn mare to the ruins to the nurses. The nurses looked up and they had a look of horror on their faces. He set her down. "Please... save her." The nurses rush to her and nod to him as they start working on the dying unicorn mare. ______________ Silver Gunner. The battle had been going on for a little bit of an hour. Proto and Gunner their armor smoking their weapons heated and causing sparks. They both seemed they could go on for day's months even in this battle. But one would have to fall. Proto had old hydraulics that seemed to freeze up after being overused. It was the chance to use that to take the big bot down. He looked at the movement and he backed up and fired his Lazer's again. Hitting the Hydraulics on the foot and Proto fell in a heap smoking and then slowly burning. The poor bot overheated. Maybe he could turn this robot into a guard... For the town, that would be made from this war. But of course, Silver couldn't move his left-back hoof was melted into the ground and he sighed he overdid it... That the new armor that was put on him seemed to couldn't withstand it any longer. He tried to move the leg again and it would snap off. Moving around calmly on three legs with no issue. But looking around seeing some of the fights still going on... But he had to find Kip. He noticed Shadow being carried to a set of ruins. He followed them to get to Kip. Little Hoof being a ghoul Minotaur seemed to be doing great when he got in there. But he couldn't find Kip. But He looked to see the Griffin Tiny and Bulwark... With Bandages around their wounds. He then collapsed shutting down as his insides cooled. ___________________________________ The Rat Creeper's The turrets finally warmed up and started firing at the Enclave. The creepers seemed to be holding back letting ponies get out of the cave to get into the camp. Cannon Ball looks back at the old POW camp that was inside the cave seeing the Stable not far off. Maybe there was a reason for all this. The battle seemed to be slowing down. As his follower's carried out the headless body of Pothead and placed her outside. Alongside Soft paw. He sighed and leaned on the wall of the cave. Finally understanding why the war ended as it did... Just one battle like this... Almost could have ended the ones that wished to save the ponies. He rushed off as the creeper's kept helping the runners out. He rushed towards the ruins going inside seeing the wounded and some dead. A lot of them seem to be Dumbbell's raiders but Dumbbell himself was alive barely. It would take him time to heal. He looked to Shadow who was asleep for the moment. he asked the question to the others inside. "What happened to Tiria?" Crow looked up and flew out quickly. ___________ Crow The creature that mostly stayed as a Raven named Crow. Some pony something... That promised he would protect Tiria lost track of her. He watched the Buffalo and Fleur's crew clean up the rest of the Enclave. As the rest started retreating. He was hoping that would be the last they had to deal with them. Looking around and finally seeing the dead and the dying. Half of the Raider's that Dumbbell brought dead... Some Rat Creepers wounded none of them other than Pot head dead. None of the Buffalo or any of Fleur and her crew. But something was off, where are the Junk Reapers? He flew out and saw them they were guarding the ones that ran out of the cave and they placed the dead bodies of the Enclave in a pile removing their armor first. It seems they stayed outside to guard the area just in case more came. He sighed happily at that. Then he flew to the arena seeing nothing there and then into wheel tread's Office he found Tiria passed out her left arm and hand have no hair at all. It seems it completely fell out and the arm was tainted by something. But it seems it was to far go to even try to heal her. He shifted into a large creature and placed her on his back and calmly walked out. The dust cleared the battle was over. The dead littered the area. of ponies that died way before they came. Of the young foals that tried to fight back. The mares all the ponies and raider's that lived here. It would seem that there would need to be a lot of rebuilding if the ponies that were saved here... Wished to live here and make it a home to live. It would change a lot of the trade in this area and help the wasteland heal a little more. He carried Tiria to the nurses in the ruins of the clinic. Setting her down on a cot. He found that he had to watch her until she would wake. ___________ Day 37 POW camp I opened my eye's seeing the sky. But the clouds were still there. I was hoping to see the sun or the moon. But I noticed my arm was wrapped in a magic bandage to try to heal it. Then I thought of Kip. I tried to get up but Fleur kept me down. "Shhhhh rest. You absorbed a great deal of something that is a bit like the taint they told me about. Also, the battle has been won." I smiled weakly looking towards a hill that had the former Slave Qauiters there were four gravestones. I stood up since I was allowed to and she helped me to them. I looked at the graves. I saw that one was Pothead on the gravestone was her pot. Then Softpaw Dumbbell's nameless second in command... That he called Lifter and... Wheel Tread it said... he finally can rest in peace. "What about... Kip?" I asked. Fleur gave me a soft smile as I leaned on the lanky ghoul mare. She was stronger then she looked on her four hooves... "She is coming along great... So are Tiny and Bulwark..." Then I turned and everypony and creeper along with the Buffalo started cheering when they saw me. Was I a hero? Was I the one that helped them. "They need a leader Tiria... the ponies of this city are going to need a leader..." Fleur softly said to me. "Why not the hero that freed them from Wheel tread and then the Enclave." I looked at them all tears fell from my eyes. I was given the Howl dance in its casing. Silver Gunner read my mind it seemed. He brought the larger case. I placed the smaller case in it and then I placed my broken hammer. My broken SMG and the sword that caught on fire... It was stomped on by the Buffalo and half of it was shattered. It was a reminder of what took us to free this place. I was also given the Zebra pistol. I decided for the time being to place it in the case with the other weapons. Along with the large morning star type mace, I was given with the scorpion tail. I placed it in there and I whispered it in there and a laser on the case plaque. It said Freedom Cannon spoke up. "Let it be known. If it wasn't for Tiria. A small hero even if just a small hero for small things... A small hero can make a big difference all cheer for her!!" They call cheered stomping their hooves and all I could hear was my name being said as a hero. I didn't wish to be one the first time. Now I am to many ponies and whatever creature's that wishes to live here. This former POW camp that would hold a thriving Wasteland home. But it would take time to rebuild and make it what others would want. I closed my eyes and all the cheers kept filling my mind. For once in my life... I was full of happiness and peace.
Chapter 14: Rebuilding and resting"Freedom a fight for it is never going to be easy. But the path to rebuilding is the hardest part." Day: 38 Location POW Camp It had been a day or so after the battle. Were wounded and the dead were being moved and cared for. Some of the dead turned out to be Dumbbell raiders and some rat creepers. But the enclave bodies were forced out of their armor and the bodies burned. The enclave armor was kept to be used for something later. It's not going to be easy rebuilding. The city inside the mountain is in ruins. Only a few of its buildings still standing. It would probably take days or even months to rebuild fully. But just starting now will be a good thing Silver Gunner went through and destroyed some of the old buildings outside of the mountain. He put the wood that can be used over on the side along with the rest. The Rat Creepers rushed through the bog and brought some of the metal from the reaper fields that wouldn't be used to help rebuild. Montyhoof and the Junk Reaper's stayed to help rebuild. Cannon Ball was making sure that he would help by helping Silver and Sand build some buildings. The first one that was being built was some places to stay in. Ponies would have to stay in the same building for a while...before we started to clean up and rebuild inside the cave. They had me rest and just forced to watch them. I wasn't allowed to move at all. Since I have been on the move for too long. Kip was laying in a cot near me as I watched her rest. Shadow was already up and going...helping with the rebuilding. Sand was wrapped in bandages and started to work as well. RA Proto that robot poor robot... Was reprogramed again by Tiny and helped rebuild. Bulwark was in a lot of bandages and giving orders about what goes were. I have been hearing whispers of making me the leader of the town... But I had a different idea. I calmly drank some water it did have some rads in it. My Pip-buck ticking up a bit. Looking at some of the buffalo that stayed to help remove some of the building materials from the city inside the mountain. The leader of the buffalo went home but some and Little Strong hoof stayed with us. Fleur was sitting beside me and watched while her crew left to head back to the ship. Little hoof stayed and worked along with the others. "I doubt...the world will ever fully heal. The Lightbringer is trying so much... But I still doubt the world will ever fully heal. Equestria someday may heal... But what about the outside?" Fleur calmly asked with a nicker and a snort. I looked over at Fleur and smiled. "I bet in your day...there was too much peace and never expected this war to get as bad as it did." Fleur looked to me and gave me a soft smile nodding. "Yes... we seemed to care too much about peace. We never knew how bad this war would have gotten. But I am happy I got away before... I was asked to stay in Cantorlot." I gave a nod and sighed I wanted to get up... So I tried and I groaned and fell to my knees. As I felt the pain and muzzles in my body giving up on me. "I guess... I do need to rest..." Fleur got on her hooves and helped me back into the strange chair. "You need to rest Tiria... You can't keep moving or your body would just give out." She said with a soft nicker and purr. I smiled at her and calmly sat there my body was in pain... From everything I did. I knew sooner or later... I would feel all this. I looked at my arm... I knew I would have to take this off to see my bare furless arm. Looking to Crossfire nuzzling Kip who is fast asleep. She has kings on her back from the stab. But she will be out a little longer. I looked back to the graves... Seeing Softpaw and raiders. I sighed softly and looked to Fleur. "Everything you knew is gone...have you learned how to deal with it?" Fleur looked at me with a frown and a sigh. "No... Tiria... I haven't... I didn't even live the 200 years... I had something controlling me... We haven't seen it since you removed it from us. But I have a feeling that some evils have lived through the war..." Fleur looked down, her eyes full of sadness. I wrapped around her calmly and hugged her. "Listen... Fleur... Maybe someday you can tell me. About the past. Before the war happens." Fleur looked to me with a gentle smile nodding. "I would love to... The past...was full of green hills so much peace... It was amazing... The princess just to see them...it was so full of happiness and the world was so much peaceful for it. Even if we had some of our issues... Like Nightmare Moon and Discord." She said was some sadness in her voice. "Back then all we had to worry about is what we would eat next or what the royals were wearing. I think we focused too much on peace and never expected what would become." I nodded calmly. "I feel that I would have loved the world before this one. But sadly it seems that we are forced to be part of this world. But all we can do is make it peaceful and remove the threats that wish to harm us." I closed my eyes and opened and then opened them again seeing the former slaves walking up to me and they're still chained. "You do know you're free.." I said calmly. "We know...but we wish to help you..." I smiled. "Then go ahead... I can't walk right now or I would be helping." The hellhound rushes out of the cave and pants calmly. "The Enclave, their attacking Manehatten." I blinked and sighed. "It's not like we can do anything about it... We have to focus here... Before we leave it and allow them to try to take this area back. I would say build up defenses after some of the buildings are done." Bulwark smirks. "I can find some troops miss Tiria..." She said with a soft purr. I looked at the blue mare and smiled. "Please do." She nodded and trotted off to find some that wish to help protect the camp. I sighed watching the former slaves walk off and help rebuild. This was going to take time. Looking to Fleur who seems to have been made my bodyguard. I noticed I haven't seen Crow lately. I blinked seeing a Raven fly and he landed on my shoulder whispering to me. "I brought a friend... Only one. Since the rest...wish to stay out of the world." I nodded and a large crow landed and transform into a different looking bug-like pony. He had green eyes, a green shell, and no holes in his legs. He bowed in a respectful bow. "Greetings... I'm Deep thought... I know most of us are known to have bug names... But I consider myself a thinker. How can I help?" Looks over to the young that seems to lose some of their parents and looks to Deep thought. "How are you with children?" Deep Thoughts eyes go wide and smile, showing his sharp teeth. Simply walking over to them and they don't seem to fear him as he calmly said. "How would you all like to hear a story little ones?" They all nod and he leads them away from the rest so they don't get in the way. I sighed closing my eyes. Then I heard some commotion near the gate. Hearing voices speak. "Why do you think you can walk in here?!" Bulwark aims her gun at a species like mine... My eyes go wide knowing who that is. "Fleur....help me over there." She nodded and helped me stand up and I leaned on her as I walked over to the elder. "What do you want?!" I said angrily, staring at the elder who kicked me out of my home. He stared at me. I bet he never expected such anger from me. "Tiria... I see that you...are alive..." I grew very angry and still leaned on Fleur "No thanks to you...elder..." I was growing enraged and Fleur gave me a gentle nuzzle on my arm and smiled at me. "Relax... Tiria please." I sighed and the elder looked down "I heard...that you know the truth...now... I also heard you found the howling dance... I have come to take that from you. To take it back to our species." Bulwark stared at the elder and her eyes grew angry. She said to the elder in a very angry voice. "That doesn't belong to you... It belongs to Tiria here...the one who risked her life...to save us... From the Enclave... I don't know who you are... But you have no right to come here and just start demanding." RA Proto stops and turns his weapons priming to start spinning to get ready to fire on the elder. The elder looks at everypony and the robot ready to take him down. "You want to see why I don't want you to have that crystal elder?!" I ripped off the bandage and they all gasped seeing my arm. It looked grossly misshaped and blistered no fur on it as I stared at him with anger. "That crystal...can be used as a weapon to kill and destroy. The ponies that found it harnessed that power in the crystal to create us. They almost used it as a weapon for their little war. How bad do you think the war would have gotten if they used it? It probably would cause more issues but mixing that with a mega spell along with the taint... How do you think the world would be with all that?" I sighed and lowered my arm and leaned on Fleur since... My kind can walk on her back hind legs but the bend in our backs always get in pain if we stand for too long. "Now...you send me to find it... So I get killed like my mother. Now go back to the pack...let them know I am alive... But if I see any of you even come here... I will kill you myself or my mate will." I stared at the elder who sighed and shook his head. "Someday you will come back to us Tiria... But that day we will expect you to kneel and beg for forgiveness..." Then suddenly Sand comes up behind the elder and stares at him. "Hello...elder... I see that a worthless pig like you still lives." He growled as the elder looked up and stared at him gulping. "Go....now....before I ask Bulwark here to kill you." He nodded and calmly walked back out heading back through the bog as we close the door back up and I sighed. Fleur calmly helped me back to my seat and I sat back down. While one of the nurses came back and wrapped my arm again in magic bandages and I smiled. "Thank you." Hugging my ghoul friend... Not caring about the smell or how she felt. She was very kind to a ghoul... Fleur chuckles softly and nods. Sitting back down acting like my bodyguard. I sighed softly. I wanted to help but my body was just full of pain and not even able to move. I heard movement on the cot beside me and smirked seeing Kip slowly sitting up and opening her eyes. Yawning softly. She looks to me her eyes go wide. "Am... I...dreaming?" She stares at me and then looks at Crossfire and jumped up hugging him. "I am not dreaming!!!" She nuzzled her husband and then gave me a nuzzle. Then she was pushed back onto the Cot. "Now now...love rest..." Cross smiled and pats her shoulder. " We can talk later..." She looks around sighing feeling better. " Where is... Shadow?" She sees him helping Silver Gunner with one of the buildings and he seems busy to bother as she lies back down to rest and just watch. I sighed I tried to move my bandaged arm and groaned deeply. I never felt so much pain in my life. Silver walked over to me and gave me my bag and I smiled. Opening it and grabbing my journal. Opening it up and I found another blank page sighing softly. Grabbing a pencil that was in my bag and started to write. ____________ Journal entry: Well, it's been a while since I wrote in here... But yes... First. Fate forced me in a battle I never asked to get in. I joined Wheel tread just for barely a day and then after that suddenly a battle started to happen. I never faced a group like an Enclave before. I had to escape to try to take KipKipe with me. But I couldn't but I am a little ahead of myself. I went through the bog, the bog that is called the bog of time. That seems to have fragments of the past that play endlessly. I found with my friends a cruise ship full of different species of ghouls. They were mind-controlled by something. Then I fought their leader after they captured my friends. It seems I became close to the captain her name is Fleur Dee Lees. A ghoul that used to be part of the world 200 years ago. I am sure I could learn a lot from her... But she told me the world used to be full of happiness green hills and little ones played together. Something I hope to see myself. But I highly doubt... I ever will I have a feeling since I grabbed the orb it poisoned my body. I don't know if I will live through to see the end of this wasteland. But I am sure I won't be around to see it. But after that, we went back to the Reaper Fields. To then get an alliance going with three small groups. The Rat Creepers. Some strange mutated rats that seem to walk on their hind legs like me... But only if they carry something. Their leader Cannon Ball. He seems interesting I know little about him. But he has a painting that he found that is of Princess Celestia and Luna. His race was forcibly removed from the sewers of Manehatten. It's interesting how he speaks about it. But the doesn't go too deep into it. Mostly about how he sees the world and what happens to it. But as he told me... His kind isn't from experimentations or anything of the sort. It seems, of course, the one known as Pot Head was with him the entire time. She was his bodyguard and his closest friend. Hopefully, he will move on from that. But we were asked to take care of the ghoul problem then go meet with Dumbbell and his raider's. To see if he kidnapped the king's daughter. When we got there we saw that the raiders were using the old camp as their home and we noticed that the Princess was not kidnapped but she was teaching the raiders how to heal themselves and heal their wounds. But the issue is with that, some creepers stayed with them. What's odd as I kept walking from place to place to fix all this. I found that many of the soldiers were forced to fight there with the Zebras. Both sides lost badly there. I don't understand what coal is or what the point of it is. But I stayed at the bar they had for a while and drank. Then Kip stayed there to help since... She is a healing soul at heart. I walked through the field to see more broken shards watching my friends remove mines to let the~ I looked up from the journal hearing a whistling sound. ____________ Same day The whistling sound was getting closer something landed but it didn't blow up and it was a brick? Fleur picked it up and there was something written on it. "Traders seem to want to come in and trade with us... But they see the smoke and heard the Enclave was here." Fleur looks over to Bulwark. "Bulwark dear, do you mind allowing them to come in?" Bulwark looked to Fleur and nodded with a smile. She called out with her magic. "You can come to the Enclave is no longer here and we would love to trade with anything." The gatekeeper starts opening the door and a trader with as strange bear walks in and he looks around whistling. "Damn, you weren't kidding that you removed them. I noticed that the ghouls seem to stay clear a bit and a lot less of them." He said with a smile. "I heard from Djpone3 that the wolf was sighted coming this way through much pain." He looked to me and I nodded. He walked over to me and I blinked, staring at him. "You must be the leader of this community do you wish to trade?" I looked up blinking at him and Fleur got in front of me calmly with her long legs and slim decaying body. "Allow me to do it, sir... She is resting and I don't think she wishes to be the leader of this community." I smiled as Fleur talked to the trader and I sighed happily listening to the world around me. The trader softly spoke. "Really? Many say otherwise... A group of traders said she came and saved them... I would say she either needs to be the leader...or she should work together with others." Fleur blinks and nods. "But for now... I shall speak to you about trading." The trader nodded and Fleur lead him away and they spoke. I went back to my journal and sighed. _________________ Journal I don't understand why the ponies and Zebra's fought over coal... Did they even think of what would happen if they left this world to the future? Did they even care for the future? I may not like many ponies... But feeling if I should judge the past... But the ponies are this way because...of the past. Are friendship and Harmony still alive in this world? I can buy that friendship is... Since all the friends I made. "Excuse me." ___________ Camp I blinked looking up from my journal seeing the three mares in the Steel Ranger's suits. "Oh, it's you three how can I help you?" The middle mare took off her helm and smiled. "We wish to go get more orders from our leaders. We will let them know that you are all here now. But we may come back to help you. But right now we need to report in." I nodded, smiling at them... I forgot that they came with us... But I know they stayed outside...to protect the wounded that came pouring out. I calmly sat up a bit more and smiled. "Thank you... I hope to see you three again." Bulwark even though she was wrapped in bandage was at the gatekeeping it open for the time. As I watched the three mares walk over and Bulwark trotted over to me and sat on her haunches staring at me for a while. "Yes?" I calmly asked. "I think you need to be the leader of this place... I know it's probably not something you want." Looking up to her and looks to Kip Shadow and Silver Gunner... "I got a better idea. Hey, Silver... Shadow... Kip." Kip looked up from her cot and sat up groaning. Shadow walked over and so did Silver. "How about the four of us become leaders of this little town? We work together and we make sure it runs smoothly." They looked at me and they smiled well Silver didn't hard to tell with him. "I shall do it dear..." Kip smiled sweetly looking to Bulwark who smiled at Kip. Silver nodded. "It sounds full of sound logic." Shadow shrugs. "Eh, I got nothing better to do than follow your ass." I sighed and they went back to work but Bulwark layed down near Kip watching the gate as the two spoke silently. Looking over to Fleur who was using her feminine ghoul wilds to speak to the trader. Even for a Cruise ship captain. She always acted like a calm kind gentle creature. I went back to my journal to relax. ____________ Journal I can say friendship is alive from the friends I made... But I wonder maybe I should ask Fleur more on the subject of how it was way before the war even happen. It's something I did wish to learn. But from what I learned through my journey many projects were worked on during the war. Like the one that created my kind. It's something I wasn't expecting you could say. But yes it's to the point that I wish to know...what is going on with most of them. Maybe someday I will be able to find books on them... But I highly doubt it. Now the rest of my journey to get back. Getting through the bog and then making it to the camp. When we got in I saw an old tank...guns and how some ponies and other creatures were used as slaves... I got angry pissed off at this... But I was told if I get too angry... I would become one of their slaves. Wheel tread wanted to test me to be his bodyguard... So I was asked to go into the arena to fight for justice. So I went in there and fought a group of strange minions of raiders. I took them out but...of course my ego... Got the best of me... I was trained to fight for honor not to please my ego. I got to the point that I was beaten by a giant robot and then placed in care. But of course, I only had a day to heal. Then he wanted me to do an exchange with The Enclave... He wanted to give up the Howling dance... But it seems they didn't care for it... They shot Wheel tread and I grabbed this pony and ripped off his wings... I haven't seen him since...then... But that's when I screwed up and caused a small war... The Enclave came here... Wait. ___________ Camp "Kip." Kip looked up to me with a large smile "Yes?" She said with a gentle purr. "Did the Enclave say what they wanted from here?" Bulwark spoke up. "They wanted what was ever in the stable. But nobody has ever been able to open it. From what Wheel tread told me... There are magic seals on it. You would have to find the keys that have been hidden. Wheel Tread knew were one of them was... But he never told anypony else." I blinked looking to Bulwark and she tilted her head. "Would it bother you if ponies started having children in this little camp?" Bulwarks' eyes go wide and look down with a smile. "I oddly would welcome it... I can't have any of my own... Since I wasn't born with the ability to. But if any were born... I would think of them as my own and guard them with my life." I smiled softly "But I do have a question did he say what is in that stable?" Bulwark looked up at me and shrugged. "From what I know the camp but it's most dangerous prisoners in there. But that's not the biggest reason he wanted to go in there. He said some of them may have turned into ghouls and aren't as crazy anymore." I rolled my eyes and stood up they stared at me Bulwark stood up Fleur watched me from the trader but kept speaking to him. She didn't seem happy. I went to Wheel Tread's grave and used my claws. {Here Lies Wheel Tread I am happy he's dead. Tiria.} I sat back down and Bulwark looked at it and gave me an unamused look. "You have...no idea the shit he told me..when I was laying in that bed after RA proto almost killed me. He was going to give them the Howling Dance to use it as a weapon. I saw what that orb did to the commander... It turned her to dust... I was lucky... I started destroying my arm and it still hurts." Bulwark calmly smiled and nodded. "Look I understand..." Suddenly Patch came over she was forced into a position by Shadow and he forced her to sit down and put a gun to her head. "What do you want me to do with this trash of Wheel treads? She was the one torturing me.." Patch spoke up... "It was my job...bird... I was asked...to do it... Now you want to kill me? You kept saying your friend would be back... Here she is... Now I deserve to die?" Bulwark looked to me worried. She was worried about what I was going to do. I sighed and thought a bit and spoke up. "Patch... I forgive you for what you did..." Shadow blinks, looking up to me. "Look Shadow there is enough pain and hate in this world... We need to follow the Lightbringers example and put a stop to it... I know that's not going to be easy. But if we can do that...it will be a first step into making Equestria the world it used to be. A world of friendship and Harmony...I know that is so much to ask... But don't you think it's a good idea?" Patch looks at the others who listened to me and Kip smiled, nodding. Silver Gunner softly said "She gets it." "So... Patch why not become a guard with Bulwark here and help defend." Looking To Bulwark who has a soft smile now. Shadow removes the gun from Patch's head and seems a bit upset but... Understands and Patch looks to Bulwark and she nods. Then goes to help with the rebuilding. Fleur walked over and gave me a gentle slap with her hoof. "If I see you standing again... I will make sure you listen Tiria." I gulped. I never thought I would get slapped. "Anyway, I got him to trade some food... Some water... Also, he is going to get some building materials. He said he will spread that we are looking for more traders around here. So everything should be fine... But he said...right now... It's best to stay out of Manehatten. It's gotten pretty bad there." Fleur sat beside me and I smiled I never thought I would have a good friend like Fleur. Bulwark went back to chatting with Kip and she chuckled and they kept speaking. I sighed and closed my eyes to get some rest. I kept hearing all the voices and I finally went soundly asleep. _____________ Middle of the day. Same day camp I woke up with Fleur still near me and Kip help to guard the gate with Bulwark. I calmly sat up and groaned looking to see the first building slowly coming along. I looked down at Fleur who was using her magic to clean her gun. I tried to stand and Fleur calmly said. "What did I say?" I sighed and sat back down. "Yes, mother..." Fleur looks up with a smile and chuckles. "Oh, if I was your mother Tiria... You wouldn't even do half the stuff you have done... I would have made sure you had no scars and listen like a real lady." I gave Fleur a look I never expected that from her... "Fleur... you said you were in Cantorlot a lot... what were ponies like there?" Fleur frowned and sighed. "Very...snobby and stuck up... They didn't understand the war... Why I got very tired of my colt friend... Fancy... I got to the point that... I was attacked left and right, verbally and... Then I gathered my crew of many different races and bought that cruise ship. Then Twilight and Pinkie Pie tried to force their way on... To get the Zebras. Like I said... They would make this war end in blood... And they did." I sighed and stroked along Fleur's neck. I didn't care if she felt like a gross creature, I have grown very close to her. "I bet you wish you could go back and try to fix it right?" Fleur looks up with a gentle smile. "Yes... I do...but sadly what's done is done." I gave a gentle nod. Leaning back in the chair that was made for me. I watched the building going on and looked to the Raven come and he whispered. "Watcher is telling me what is going on... The Enclave is causing some nasty issues, they just finished attacking Friendship city. But he didn't tell me what else is going on. But he said to stay here as long as we can... So they don't come and try to find us and cleanse us from this part of Equestria." I nodded and Crow flew off as he went to check on Kip and Bulwark and he started talking to them. I noticed back to Deep Thought who seems to be teaching some of the young ones that did live here. But of course, a lot of them were slaves. I watched the rest of my friends work. I was getting bored but...again... I needed to heal. I grabbed my journal again. I started to write about it. ____________ Journal It seems the Enclave wanted the stable that is in the cave of the camp. I guess they hold something nasty to the others of this land... But I'm sure I don't want to try to get it open. The fact that we can even get that open... Maybe a bad thing. I don't know a lot about these stables... But I have been told by some folks... Stay out of them... Maybe it's best to do the same with this one and never open it up. I felt it was odd that the Enclave is trying so hard to destroy what the ponies worked on... They are up in their clouds like thrones looking down on us like we are their cattle. I had to escape from the camp... I felt very annoyed at the fact... Kip was going to go with me... But to the point, she got captured... She almost died because of me. I don't know what's up but of course. I went through the cave to get to the other side and I saw a green explosion and saw the sun. I finally saw the sun. I was hoping I would see the moon. But never thought the sun was so beautiful. It's something I was hoping to see. But yes I found a settlement of Buffalo and they fed me and gave me some weapons. As well as some food... They also asked me to check on a stream of water for them. I followed the stream to a cave. Then I met... Sand... At first, I hated him, and then somehow he found his way into my heart... Find that interesting. But yes we found a hellhound who is now the new Dj of the town. Hopefully, he likes the idea of doing it. But yes he was then a guard of the buffalo and I was made part of their tribe. It was something I never thought I would see. Then I went on my way. The next thing... I found are three mares that are part of the Steel rangers... I don't fully understand their issues... But I got them to work together. It got to the point I just listened to them and thought they were stupid and foolish. Took care of that and then found a camp when bodies of Enclave and normal ponies and found sand eating one of the legs of the ponies... I joined him, doing the same... I don't wish to tell my friends... That pony oddly tastes amazing. But then I wanted to go and my legs gave out and Sand forced me to rest. He said if I didn't rest my body would never move again for a while. Like right now. He even started to carry me and then we found a spot to rest. I slept for probably an entire day... Then I was able to move and found a caravan under attack. I met Rain and her mother, River. I think her daughter's name was Rain... I don't remember... I do hope to see them again. It was an amazing time after I saved them with the three steel ranger mares. ___________ Camp I looked up from the Journal and watched all the ponies and griffins working together to build the town up. But it's something I hope I would keep seeing I closed up my journal and Kip brought me some food she had a bowl of meat hovering in her magic. Along with some water and she went back to talk to Bulwark but first, she gave me a nuzzle. "Keep an eye on her please Fleur... I don't want to see her hurt anymore." Fleur smiled. "I agree." I chuckled and calmly started to eat and drink my food. As I watched and hoped that down the line there would be more peace in this camp. I finished eating the meat and drank the rest of the water and I started feeling very tired...I yawned and Fleur smiled and sat on her haunches now holding her gun out... Acting like my bodyguard to keep me protected or to stop folks from bothering me as I sleep. I calmly closed my eyes and started to fall asleep. I felt the smooth airbrush through my fur as... I finally went into deep sleep. Feeling my pain leave me as my body and mind fell into the sleep it needed. Oh, what a day it was... I hope more peace is to come... For all of us... For...everypony...
Chapter 15: Peace for a time"Peace is something that is very hard to keep. But war is so easy to bring." Day 40 The Camp I opened my eyes I was put inside a building. Does it seem we got some built maybe? I slowly sat up seeing Fleur laying by the door with her gun. She looked towards me and smiled. "Don't say...a word. Your species came looking for you. So we placed you in one of the new buildings... Apparently, they seek to kill you. So Kip and Silver Gunner are talking to them at the moment. They want the howling dance... But they're trying hard to not let them take it." I got out of the bed and sat by Fleur who smiled gently. "I may look gross as a ghoul... But I still feel I kept my looks. Just not many would jaw drop... Like they used to with me." She chuckles softly. "Oh well, I think I still got the ability to get what we need through talking to them." I sighed softly and looked towards Fleur. "How long did I sleep?" Fleur blinks and thinks a moment. "Oh yes, a day and a half. But we didn't wake you and placed you in one of the new buildings. I found it interesting they got this one built so fast... But that's because it was added on to a formerly burnt run-down building." Nodding and just sat there. "I wonder why my kind wants to kill me." Suddenly the door opens up and the elder is there... Along with my father... I stood up and Fleur got in front of me and I growled softly. "Tiria... It's time for your judgment..." Fleur snickers and stares at the Elder. "You have no right...to harm her... You forced her out of her home... Now you want to kill her?" The Elder taps his cane and the large creature grabs his sword to attack Fleur... I grabbed the gun from Fleur's magic and fired his arm. My father groaned and I stared at them both. "You do not harm my friends..." I fire again in his other arm. "You both treated me...like pure trash... You told me to find friends... Now you wish to hurt them." I pushed my father out of the room and stared at the elder. Putting a gun to his head my eyes full of hate and anger. "Give me one reason... Why shouldn't I kill your lying fucking ass right now? Maybe you could tell my father...that You knew were the Howling dance was the entire time... You forced exiles to give bodyguards to Wheel tread..." My father's mouth gaped open at this revolution. He stares at the elder he growls deeply. "My mother was sent away... Because she dared confront you about it. Get out...now... You worthless piece of shit." "I'm sorry my daughter but that is a lie. Your mother was never a bodyguard of Wheeltread he lied to you. I am sure the elder had something to do with it. But she was sent to Los Pegasus." I stare at my father I wanted to lose it but Fleur kept me from losing my mind. She stroked my side making sure I don't lose my mind and looking down at her feeling my anger subside. "You're a Moon warrior I don't need to be truthful to you Tiria. Nor does your father. The fact that your father even placed his sperm in your mother and she birthed you is." "ENOUGH!!" My father screamed at the elder before he could finish. The elder jumped at my father's anger and my father turned to stare at the elder. His teeth showed all he could think of is the anger for the elder. I think he was silent for far too long. "I allowed you and the other elders to treat my mate and my daughter like trash. Choose your words very carefully right now. I will wring your neck I have every right to do so." I look at my father and then to the elder. I take my gun and smack the elder right in the face. "Go back home...never show up here again...if you do... I will come and kill every single elder...if you take the howling dance... I will kill every single last one of you... I protected these ponies here...and all the creatures... I protected them from fools like you..." The elder rubs his face and I look to my father I feel hate for him still. But all he did was give me a hug. Then he grabbed the elder leaving with him and the others near the gate aimed their guns at them waiting for me to say the word. "Go...and I really will shoot and kill you elder... Then there will be less trash in the world. You have no honor... Also, tell them the truth...that we are experiments of the war of the past. We aren't guardians of this world... We are just to save the pony way of life..." The elder leaves and my father turns to me and a smile forms along his face. I could tell he was proud of me. But why did he hate me so much why did he lie to me. I don't think I ever will know. I need to tell him. I walk to him and whisper in his ear. "I love you father." That's all I could say to him he nodded. But he kept acting like he was pissed and angry at me to keep up appearances "It's the way of things my dear daughter. Now I must get going before the elder changes his mind. Make it look good please. Please my daughter make it look good." I nodded and punch him so hard in the face he falls back I walk back softly mouthing to him. ' I love you.' He nodded and left. "Don't come back! Lower the gate!!" The gate is lowered. I sighed and Kip trotted to me and noticed I am tense and growling. Fleur came up behind me and I offer her gun back... She placed it in her magic. Kip used her horn to look at my wounds and noticed that my stress is off the edge. "Tiria...please relax..." Kip looked at me with very worried eyes. I smiled and patted her head and gave her a tight hug. "I will...just let me enjoy some peace. I just need peace." Kip frowned looking up to me. With soft gentle eyes. "What's wrong now?" Kip softly spoke. "Does this mean...that me Shadow and Silver Gunner don't bring you peace?" She said it like she was about to cry. I blinked and looked to Fleur she gave a sly smirk. "Oh... Kip... You three are my closest friends... You three saved me from a lifetime of loneliness..." I gave Kip another hug and apparently I didn't catch this as she gave Fleur a sly wink and she giggled. I then stopped hugging and Kip chuckles. "Now I need to get back to keeping my new little brother in line..." I blinked watching her trot off to talk to Shadow it seems those two consider each other siblings. "What happened to her husband?" Fleur looks up to me and sighs. "He went back to Manehatten to get the rest of the ponies out of those apartments... He wanted to get them away from the Enclave." I gave a calm nod and stayed close to Fleur since she was being my bodyguard. Also, I wished to know more about the past. If she would tell me about it. "Fleur do you think we should clear the bog and removed all the ghouls there as well as those giant weevils?" She gave me an odd look blinking and shrugs. "I don't know maybe having the ghouls there is a good thing. But about those weevils, I do agree maybe we need to get a group to clear out their caves... But there are more creatures in that bog that releases that strange mist that causes us to see the past. I do see that seeing the past is not a bad thing. But again to some, the past wasn't all that amazing... Before the war...the world was amazing... Equestria was the land of Friendship and Harmony." I sighed and looked to Fleur and wrapped around the ghoul and gave her a hug... I didn't care about the smell but she blinked and had a soft smile on her face and I stopped hugging her. "I feel you deserve to be in the past Fleur... You shouldn't have to deal with what you see here. Equestria was your home... Now your just another great pony of the past." Gave a soft sigh and Fleur just smiled softly and shook her head. "You worry too much about how I feel Tiria... I have accepted that the war destroyed my former home. I can't just sit by and let it happen to others. So I am going to be someone that protects this new little town. I will be here a lot. Just because you and your friends opened my eyes. Along with my crew. You proved that not everypony or creature of this new world... Are power-hungry children." I gave a gentle smile feeling very happy that I did this for so many. I looked at the others who are working on getting the buildings up and I sighed softly and blinks seeing another trader walk in. "Excuse me Tiria... let me take care of this." She trotted over to the trader as Bulwark and patch held weapons close to them they acted as guards towards Fleur as I just watched to see how the master does it. I got closer to listen leaning on the wooden wall. I got to listen to how she talks to traders. "Ah welcome to our beautiful home miss." The trader mare smiles softly nodding. "Thank you...um miss ghoul... Now I heard that this area was cleaned out of the raiders and everything else... That used to come here. So I came down this way to see what I can offer or be offered." Fleur nodded and chuckled. "Well, we haven't named our little town yet. That will come soon. But first, we got to rebuild. That will take some time and a lot of materials as well. But I am sure they will welcome every trader to this town." She nodded showing a soft smile through her ghouled flesh. Again her beauty was amazing for a ghoul. The trader nodded and looked towards Patch and Bulwark. "You got some very protective guards here." Bulwark gives a nod nickering a bit. "That's because we had to deal with the Enclave and we got rescued just because they pissed off that wolf behind us." The trader looked up blinking seeing me and I gave a smile. "Oh...it's the wolf...hmm so you're a hero, after all, hmm?" She gave a soft smile. I snorted and chuckled. "I don't consider myself a hero. I did what I felt was the right thing to do. I am not fond of ponies.., I never will be... But Fleur is helping me through that... I owe her a lot for helping me gain the heart to not murder every single pony I came across... I did it to save my friends... Then I made more..." Looks to Patch who I still don't trust. But gave her a calm nod. The trader smiles nodding. "I see. I shall speak to the other traders. That I come across... I will try to bring more this way and try to make this a normal stop." I gave a soft smile nodding. "There used to gardens here as well...but the Enclave burned almost everything just to get to the stable in there... We don't know what is so amazing about that stable. But I wish to keep it closed. I know there might be some that want to open it up... But I am not sure that is wise really." The trader nods with a smile. "I agree, not all stables are wise to open up." Fleur nods as I went silent to let her speak. She gave me a soft smile with her features as she seemed to be a soft-hearted mare. "Now do you have anyone we could trade or buy from you miss?" The trader uses her horn to let down her bags as Fleur looks through them with her horn. Finding mostly food seeds and some potions. As she looks through her own bags to find some caps and something to trade along. "Ah, I see you have seeds... Hmm, maybe we will just take the seeds. I need to check our stores of potions and bandages. But still, the seeds will be useful." The trader nods and pulls out a big bag of them and just tossed them on the ground. "For free..." She takes the rest back into her bag. "I won't do that often but your ponies made Reaper Fields and this area safer... It's the least I can do..." She smiles to her protector the large bear and walks out heading back through the bog. Fleur smirks and lifts up the seeds. She trots over to the ponies working on fixing the burnt garden. As she offers them the seeds and they blink. "Oh...mi...soo...good...Ja!!" The mare sounded interesting to me. She had a knife on her flank..and the other was a twin of hers. She had a bloody knife. "Ja ja...more seeds to feed us... We shall plant right away ja." I chuckled softly and then looked to Bulwark and Patch. "I trust you both so you know." Bulwark blinks and gave a gentle smile and nods. Patch just snorted and shrugs. "Yes, yes...it's better than being dead on the ground." I nodded calmly and looked around to see how everypony was and I went to help those buildings. I helped Shadow and Kip while Kip gave me a look. "Kip... I wish to help..." Kip keeps giving me that look and stares at me with great anger. "Tiria...you haven't been resting... You could get hurt." She was being her motherly doctor self she stares giving me that look again. Looking to Fleur who trotted over and chuckled. She pulled me away with her magic and I sighed, looking to Fleur. "I would say listen to Kip Tiria... She knows what she is talking about..." I sighed shaking my head. "I am tired of just resting. I want to do something." Fleur gave me a gentle smile and laughs. She pushed me out of the town gate and looked back to Bulwark and Patch. "She needs to get away from all this for the moment I will call you to open the gate when you can." They both nod. As I looked to Fleur and blinked. "Fleur...whats wrong?" Fleur turned to me and smiled. "Look...do what they want you to do... Because you might lose them sometime. Like with me... I lost everything Tiria... My family, my love... My home... Just because I didn't wish to be part of the war. I wanted my fancy to come with me... But of course, he was too hateful of my reasons. You need to stay for them... Tiria..." She smiled softly. I looked into her eyes and sighed. How could I say no to somepony who lost all her friends and family just from a war in the past? I didn't know how to think at the moment. I followed her as we walked around the bog... "Take a deep breath Tiria..." I took a deep breath and then closed my eyes a bit and opened them blinking seeing the past. But they're solid. "Fleur, what am I seeing?" I looked to her and her horn was glowing. "Just watch closely you will see how it was." I looked the ground turned green as I kept breathing in the fog. My pip-buck ticking up to show this fog is toxic. But I watched as the ponies went along slowly Fleur spoke softly as she was explaining. "200 years ago...this is how Equestria used to look like... I know it's hard to see... But I learned that this fog if you breathe it too much...it will allow you to see this... But it also might cause you to take in too much of the fog...and make you a bit sick... But just keep watching. Look at the ponies of old. So full of happiness so full of love... The princess gave us so much... It was peace for a time... Peace in our hearts... But the issue with peace comes hardships... We had our share of villains to deal with... But as the mares that saved us... That dealt with Nightmare Moon and Discord. We caused our own issues." I watched as the mare's fought those in question I had no idea how this was happening but my Pip-buck kept ticking. But then her voice started to get sadder and sadder. "Then the war...started... Fancy and I fought many days... Because I felt after little horn we had to stop this war... It wasn't our fault that they did that. It was ours... We deserved every moment of it. We could have put a stop to the war... But our leader's felt that we had to keep pushing it... To put off the propaganda that you see all over the ruins... Pinkie Pie watching you forever... That mare...she was not somepony I really cared for." I started coughing as the vision left as the fog started to mess with my body. Fleur looked at my Pip-buck and her eyes went wide and rushed me back inside. She forced me on the chair and rushed to Kip asking if they had some Rad. Kip nodded and rushed inside the cave to find some. I sat there feeling my body in pain... As the fog did seep sometimes into the town... But it seems the crystal would soak it up through the glass and glow brightly. But it didn't affect anyone on the outside because of the glass. The glass kept the effects of harming anyone. But it made it so the fog wouldn't harm anyone at all. I sat there feeling my body burning. As Kip rushed over with the fluid and forced me to drink it... As it washed it all away. She looked at me with very angry teal eyes tears falling from them. As she poked me with her hoof. "You could have told us!!" She yelled she was getting very angry and shaking I could see it in her body motions and her eyes filled with tears. "You just came back to us... Tiria...you could have died... Don't you ever think of anyone else? How do we feel?!" Others look at us and Kip's tears drip from her face to the ground and I just wrapped around her hugging her tightly as she started to sob and cry. Shadow looked to the others. "Back to work...let them be." Fleur sat and watched... As Kip drained her heart and soul and her anger. She started hitting me in the chest with her hoof. "We care about you...you dumb oaf!" She sobs and sniffs as I pull her away a bit. "I know Kip I am sorry please relax." Kip kept sobbing hard as she sat on her haunches and Fleur calmly used her magic to pull Kip away and whispered to her and pointed her hoof over to Bulwark. "Go talk to her relax...with her and patch, please Kip." Kip nodded and trotted over to them and they started talking and Bulwark just gave Kip a tight hug and nuzzled her friend. I sat here needing to rest again. It was peaceful for the time being. Before some other horseshoe or shoe whatever dropped. It's getting the point that I felt that many of us needed to stay alive as much as we could. I looked towards all the ponies Griffins but I lost sight of Silver gunner oh he had ponies pull out the shutdown RA proto. He brought the large robot beside me as Fleur didn't seem to care for that thing. But she kept her mouth shut. "Ah hello Tiria... I am just here to reprogram this thing... Also here to help Fleur keep an eye on you... Can't have you be stupid now hmm?" He chuckles robotically. I gave him a nasty look and he chuckles again as I leaned back and watched him work on the robot. "Why are you trying to bring that thing back anyway?" "We need more than one guard inside the town... Ponies will think twice if they come in here of robbing the place. So going to use him as one that will keep an eye on everything." I sighed and closed my eyes a bit to relax as I listened to everything around me... Then I heard a song Looking towards the former slaves. One was a slim hellhound helping with the hammer as well as ponies that are former slaves. "Oh... Goddess, you helped...remove our chains... Oh, thank you for...our hooves and claws...to move...and become..one again..with the ground... We use our skills to bring forth peace. As our hearts are no longer chained... Oh, Princess thank you for your blessings. We shall now build you your crowns... You if you ever come back in life... We may show you are happy... Through our love through the sun and the moon. Oh, Goddess, the past shall be moved... We shall help rebuild... Remove our chains...show our hearts... As we walk...the road to peace... Oh, Goddess princess thank you for removing our chains... We shall rebuild your crowns." I gave a soft smile. As I watched them help build and sing. It brought a calm setting to the once dead town... I watched as ponies carried the bodies of the fallen of both sides either to bury them... The Rat Creepers helping the same with some of the raiders that lived... Dumbbell, I haven't seen him for a while. But I am sure he is doing fine. I hope at least. The Junk reapers were on the walls removing the Turrets from the inside of the cave and brought them outside to place on sections of the wall to keep the trader's protected. Montyhoof went back but left some of his ponies behind. The turrets seemed to be old but still useable I don't know why they moved them... But I guess the outside needs to be protected more. I sighed and stood up or tried. Fleur let me this time and she followed me of course. I went to look around the gardens to see how everything was going along. I smiled at the gardeners who just gave me some looks but they smiled to they didn't seem used to kindness and then I went to the gate to hear Kip talk and she turned to see me up, her eyes full of rage... "Kip... I am fine....please let me just walk around a bit I can't just be sitting forever." Bulwark gave her a gentle hug. "I agree. Kip just let her walk around a bit... Maybe it will be good for her." Kip sighed, nodding and looked to me with a smile. Patch was looking over the gate and she had a sniper, watching. "Bulwark...we have two Steel rangers coming..." Bulwark's eyes go wide climbs up the gate to see for herself. As they got closer Bulwark called out. "Hey...rangers... We don't trust your kind here..." One of them laughed softly. The armor was red. "Not even Applejack's rangers?" Bulwark growled, showing her teeth and her horn glowed brightly holding her gun. "I don't care who you are...you're still Steel rangers... Now tell us what you want... I only will trust three of your kind... But they aren't here. So now...again why are you here?" One of the Applejack rangers removed their helm, showing a pure green mare unicorn. "I am Paladin Lily. This is Scrib fire bloom. We are here...to study the stable..." I climbed up the ladder to get to the top of the gate and calmly spoke. "What do you mean study?" The mare spoke calmly. "Our info about this camp. The warden's placed seals on the stable door to keep it closed forever. We think we can break the seals and open it up. Now I know you don't have a reason to trust us... But there might be something very important inside." I sighed and looked to Bulwark and talked softly to her. "What do you think? If we just allow them to do that and go nowhere else in the town but there?" Bulwark gave a nod. "You will be watched and if you do anything we don't like we will remove you and if you put up a fight we will kill you deal?" The two rangers look to each other and they both nod. The mare spoke up. "Deal." Bulwark talks to the unicorns at the bottom near the gate. "Open the gate." The gate opens up and the two walk-ins into the game. I get down from the gate and Fleur stood beside me. "I will lead you there." The two rangers look to Fleur and the mare gives a nasty look to her. Fleur just gives a sweet innocent smile. "Also don't cross her...she may be a mare from the old Canterlot days... But she will kill you..." The two look at each other. As I lead them inside the cave there are still bodies of Enclave and the mare blinks. "Enclave used to be in here?" I nodded. "They took over the area for awhile... I gathered an army to come in and remove the worthless trash... I did it to save my friends...if ponies that wished to harm others are just trash and deserve to die." I lead them to the Stable and the mare puts her hoof on it and her horn glows as the seal's form and glows brightly. I blinked as Patch came in to stand guard. Watching the two, I blinked. "How do you plan on opening it?" The mare looked to me and smiled. "It will not be easy but we will be studying it." I sighed and left with Fleur but I noticed the bar is open... Even if it's half in ruins. I went inside and saw that the tender was still there. Standing there was a tender was a pink mare. I sat on the stool and the mare smiled. "Ah, the savior of our little town what would you like whiskey?" I thought a moment and shrugged. "Got any Sparkle cola?" She nodded and opened a casing in the back and brought out a bottle I gave her some caps and drank from it as Fleur sat there and seemed to speak to another bar patron a former slave. I drank the drink and sighed. "So miss what is your name?" The mare looked towards me and smile. "I am bubble gum... Basically, I was kidnapped from my parents at a young age and ended up here. So to help ponies here I gave them drinks and food. Oh and we dod have meat if you would like some." I blinked. "Oh sure I will take any meat you have." Bubble gum smiles and sets down a large plate of cooked meat. "It's pig meat... Since you seem to be a meat eater you won't have any issues eating it." I nodded and set down more caps and started to eat and felt happier after getting more meat in my system. Looked over to Fleur watching her talk to the pony. I listened for a time but just kept eating closing my eyes softly and sighed. I looked around at the ruins as some were in here to rebuild. I sighed I felt I did the right thing. As I finished eating and drinking. I left the bar and walked around looking at the ruins seeing some Enclave bodies and watching some ponies digging through the ruins... To see if they could find anymore under them. My ears heard something and rushed to the back of the cave finding a little house that is caved in. I kept hearing it. "Mommy....daddy....." Sobbing from there. I dug through the old house not caring about how much in pain I was in... I had to save the little one. I let out a howl that echoed through the cave as I was in pain. On the outside, Kip heard it and rushed inside. Fleur rushed out of the bar and trotted to me. "Tiria what are you doing?!" Kip asked I looked to her. "Shut up...and get this child out of here!" She blinks and I dug through. Kip and Fleur lifted heavier boards as we dug through the build and there was a storm door that lead to the underground. I opened it and inside was a little filly. She was pink and Fleur helped her out. I held the little one close to me. As she sobbed. "Shhh shhh." She screamed loudly, crying as two finally came out of the other side they were searching for her. "MOMMY, Daddy!!" I let her down and she rushed to do raider's and Kip had tears in her eyes remembering that's how she was raised. "Oh...thank you!!" The raider mare spoke and kissed her daughter. The father nodded and hugged. I smiled. I felt I did something right. I felt my heart full of peace. But I looked down in there seeing more little ones... Dead. A lot of them didn't make it fast enough... I felt tears form in my eyes... But I knew we would never save them all. I closed the door open since I think they were down there with their parents. I made sure it was locked and used my claws to put on it. The lost souls that sing to us every night. Then I walked back out as Fleur and Kip looked at it. I felt my heart in pain from seeing that... I walked out the back way and went outside to stand in the middle of the desert area I was... When the saw the sun come out. I got on my knees and closed my eyes. I softly sang my heart. "Oh...great life of peace... Oh, hope that is coming to the soul... Bring forth your wisdom to me... Oh please... I can't keep moving on... I feel my soul is broken... I feel my heart-shattering. I feel that my end is near... Please oh, goddess give me hope... In my heart... I wish to show our hearts. I wish to become a part of it. I shall fight till my end..." I stood back up and slowly stopped singing to myself but I felt my pain growing. I looked at the little ones that had died. I looked down, tears falling from my face to the sand. I looked up seeing Cannonball who smiled. " The young Tiria has seen so much? That her heart is shattering my friend." I gave a nod and he helped me up. "It's normal Tiria...we try our best to protect the world and the ones we love... But some will be lost along the way. We can't always have our way and keep everypony or everyone alive... It's not in our way of seeing things. We are fighters, protectors even leaders. Sometimes a leader fails and they must fail to learn." I stood up and smiled at Cannonball and he chuckled. "I lost my best friend Tiria... Pothead... Lily has been by my side since we were chased out of our old home... She was the only friend that remembers who I used to be. The rest don't, my wife is dead my daughter never met her... Since she was killed during an attack on the Reaper Fields... But it's something that will be known that we all can't just be everywhere Tiria." I gave a nod. "Does it ever get...better to feel the pain that you had in your heart?" Cannonball looked at me with a frown shaking his head and smiled. "Sadly no... Tiria it will get harder... Every day you will think hard on how you could have fought better you could have done it better. There are times you will even look at the gun and see how it makes you want to use it on yourself... But you need to be strong and try not to allow this to happen to you Tiria." I sighed and smiled and gave him a tight hug. "I will head back in before Kip worries about me again." I went back in and Kip was rushing around looking for me as Fleur just leaned against the wall and laughs. "I see you went outside also Kip is going nuts trying to find you..." Kip rushed up to me and hugged me tightly... "Don't do that again please Tiria." I smiled and patted her head and went back out the other way. I closed my eyes, sighing. I knew sooner or later... I am going to do something I am not going to like... As I got back outside in the front... Seeing more buildings being put up. I sat back in the chair to calmly rest my leg and the one that was hurting even if I had no leg there anymore. I just looked at everyone that was here... It was starting to become calmer. I leaned back as I waited to see what would happen... I looked up into the sky to see the clouds hoping that someday I will see the sun again. I felt the pain leave my body for a while and then I looked down seeing the little filly come to me and hug my leg as her parents smiled. "Oh, your welcome little one." I patted her head and smiled. "I would do it again... Now go find a place to stay out of the way okay?" She blinks and got on the chair with me. I may be able to walk on my hind legs but I was sitting like a pony on the chair. I smiled and wrapped around little one...protecting her. "I will watch her," I said softly to the two and they smiled as they go help work on the rebuilding. I stroke my paw along the little fillies head and nuzzled her gently. I looked back up watching the ponies and other creatures walking around and Fleur came back and gave the little filly a nuzzle and smiled to her. She may be a ghoul but she still looked like a normal mare just with dryer skin. I watched and Fleur layed near the two of us and I asked the little one something. "What is your name?" The filly looked up to me with a soft smile... "Star shooter... My mother named me... She may be a raider like daddy... But she has calmed his raider heart... I love them both." I smiled never thought I would hear that a raider's heart would be softened to make such a beautiful little Filly... Then I looked over to Bulwark and the other guards. "Fleur... I think the main thing of this town should be protecting the future..." She looks down at Star Shooter and wraps around her hugging her close. "For the future is what we need to protect so they can help fix the mistakes of the past."
Chapter 16: The sun"The sun to many is the glow of a heart. The glow of a sun...is something that is hard to come by... The idea of the sun being the heart of the universe that it's in... Shall be formed that the sun will go out someday... But the warmth of the son is something we need to see in the end." Day 50 Pow camp Early morning. It was very early morning and came out of the room that was given to me... I felt so much better and stretched. I walked out of the building and Star Shooter came to greet me and I smiled, sitting on my haunches to smile at her. "Hello, there again little one...how are your parents?" She giggled and shrugged. "They're following Kip and Bulwark they're looking for holes in the wall to make sure everything is good. Fleur needed to get back to her crew... She said she will come back later. So I was waiting for you since every adult seems very busy." I chuckled and stroked her mane and smiled. Loving the little black filly. I got very protective of the little one. So I walked around calmly looking at everything that is being worked on noticed that some stores are being built too near the far end of the camp... That used to hold the platform that had the tank on it. I mostly stayed around the filly watching all the workers. Since knowing Kip she wouldn't let me do any work. Deep Thought was speaking to Crow and they seemed to be speaking in some tongue I didn't even understand. I looked down at Star shooter who I hoped would become a big member here. I looked up to Silver Gunner who came over and Star shooter hid behind me seeming scared of him. "Hey, Silver what's up?" Silver gunner chuckled. "Well, we might have to go back out soon...But I got everything fixed and set up in the system... But we will need spare parts... Maybe the next trader that comes through... We should see if they have what we need." I held the little one closer and nodded. "Well, I will see if Kip lets me go, Silver... Now apparently I am babysitting this filly today." Silver laughs and trotted off. "So little Star shooter what do you want to be when you grow up?" Star shooter blinks and thinks a moment. "OH, yes... I want to be a singer. I want to offer my voice to all ponies in this world... When I get older I hope everything will be peaceful again. I was born here... I wasn't even treated well Bulwark tried everything to make it easy for me." I nodded and held the little one a bit and looked around hearing a gunshot. Ponies looked up and Silver laughs. "Oops... Sorry, I think he discharged his blaster." RA Proto spoke. "You touched it you crazy robot...pony...!" The robot seemed to be trying to be a joker. "Says you..." The two robots seem to be talking back and forth as Silver laughed. I sighed and looked at the little creature with a smile. I got on all fours and stood a bit on my back feet as the little filly followed me and I smiled at her. As I got back in the chair I was given. The filly got on the chair and layed against me falling asleep. I was watching everyone else do their job... As I kept resting and leaned back a bit. Bulwark came over and chuckled. "I see you met little Star shooter... I am happy you found her. She was one of the newest born here. I love her parents and she didn't deserve to be born here." "Oh great... I am happy I came before she got badly hurt." Held the little one closer and nodded to Bulwark. "So did you find any holes?" Bulwark shook her head. "Star Shooter's parents wanted to help Kip keep her mind off her husband and wanted her to relax. She thinks of you and me. Because she demands that everyone follows her as her health thing gets to her." I nodded calmly. "It would take a while for Crossfire to get back. If manehatten is being guarded and watched by Enclave he would have to find a way to get there without getting those he cares for hurt." "Speaking of which." I turned on my pip-buck and heard the Dj. "HELLO PONIES this is Bowser wowser!!! Now the news...it seems something big is going down. One of the towers got attacked and the Enclave is trying so hard to keep power. To those that have family in Manehatten if they are on the outside of the city... They will be fine... They seem to mostly care about the deep inside the city. I will keep you up to date to what I find. Now for the music." A song started to play as I turned it off and sighed. "It's getting worse out there... I think its best for the rest of us to stay here till it calms down out there..." I sighed and stroked the little fillies head as she sleeps and I see Kip talking and chatting with the two raiders as they seem to be close now... I lifted my ears a bit to hear them. "I was born...in Old Appleloosa my parents were not the kindest but they did love me. But I was tossed out after I got my cutie mark and my parents killed. I spent my young years walking along with the waste and found Silver gunner then my husband... I am happy with my life... I just wish one of my friends would care for herself." She looked towards me with a smile. I lowered my ears and looked down, listening to them still. "So then I met that wolf over there and at first I didn't know what to think about her and Shadow. Shadow and I became siblings and I love him. I love her too... Like she is a sister... Why I get how I do... She risked her life just to come back and save us all... I feel she could have just let us die... But I think we made a big impact on her." I smiled softly, stroking the little fillies head and stayed there calmly relaxing as it seems that's mostly what I will be doing the next few days. I relaxed a bit and closed my eyes a bit to rest but I wasn't going to be sleeping. I just wanted to relax my brain a bit and I got a big kiss and chuckled, opening my eyes to see Sand. "Well hello, big guy... I am babysitting right now..." He laughed, nodding. "I see but I am just seeing how you are Tiria..before I get back to work" We heard a strange howl and the fog started getting thicker. I stood up and grabbed the filly tighter and lifted her up calmly and took her to my room and set her on my bed and rushed back out. The Junk reaper's still working on the guns. As I went into the case and grabbed my pistol and Bulwark was on the gate watching. I got up the gate and suddenly we saw it... Large wolves like creatures that had the gas come out of holes in their bodies. I looked to the Orb was it calling them as they howled everypony got on the gate and the wall aiming their weapons we waited to see if the wolves would get closer but they stopped staring at us. They started growling and howling. My ears deceived me... I could understand them... They spoke in a tongue. {"Strange...thing calling to us...we must come to it... We must..."} I looked to Sand and he nodded to me and I growled and howled back to them. {"Stay away the orb could kill you... We have innocent little ones in this camp... Please, we don't want to harm you."} The leader growled and showed his teeth and growled and howled back at me. {"We don't harm...those that speak and talk...we only eat the weevils why...our bodies release the fog. We knew what you wanted to do... The enclave murdered some of our kind... So we wished to help by causing the fog. But...something is calling...us... It wants to give us power."} I looked to the howling dance and I never thought I would do this. I opened the case. "Everypony back away from the gate and open it." I grabbed it and ignored the pain for the time being. I was using my bad arm again. I carried the orb as the pain grew... Kip wanted to rush to me but I gave her a look and walked out with the Orb. I growled and howled to them. {"This is what is calling you this... Simple."} I groaned in pain showing them that it's a bad idea being near it. I felt something inside me getting affected. I didn't know it at the time... But If I knew I would never have grabbed it. It affected my ability to give birth. I groaned my stomach as I felt so my pain in that spot. I held my stomach with my other paw as I held the orb... I removed the bandages as I held the orb. My arm getting more deformed. {"Don't come near it... Don't allow it to control you."} I fell to my knees, blood draining from my nose a bit as the orb glowed brightly from the fog. It seems rads from other creatures powered the orb up. {"It will kill you like it's doing to me it will mutate you as well... Don't be the smart one... Don't allow yourself to be affected by it. Go..."} The wolves look towards it and slowly back away. I groaned and stood up feeling so much pain. I was asked. {"Why do you keep it if it does this to you?"} I said calmly in English because I am sure they could understand. "Because... I have seen what it took to create my species... This~" I groan... "Orb of death... If it got into the hooves of anyone else... It will be used to hurt more...ponies... Just like my kind... Used to be ponies and then became like this... Because of this orb... I think someday it will just die out and then become empty." I held the orb more, groaning again and the arm got more in pain and deformed. "I am doing this because I know sooner or later someone else will try to come for it..if I can convince through my pain... That they don't wish to take it." I walked back into the gate, trying to stay strong and put the orb back in the case and passed out. The pip-buck screaming that is dangerous to come near me. ______________________ Day 51 hospital. I opened my eyes weakly seeing Fleur and I was hooked up to an iv that was connected to Rad away. Kip was outside I could hear her losing it. "What if she is dying in there?! What if she is about to lose her arm... What about~!" Shadow calmly wrapped around Kip and she started sobbing. "Shhh, it's okay Kip..." Fleur noticed my eyes were open and she gave me an angry look stared right in my eyes. "You are very lucky to be alive Tiria..." She had so much anger in her eyes it was unreal. I have never seen this mare so angry. "Kip she has had some of it removed from her system... You may check her now." She said in a disappointed voice. "Fleur...do you hate me for what I did?" Fleur turned back to me and chuckled. "It would take a lot for me to hate you Tiria... I am just unhappy that you went to hurting yourself to prove a point that orb is not wise to be near if you're a wolf being." Kip walked in and stared at me her eyes full of anger as Fleur layed down and watched to see what would happen. Kip's horn glowed and gasped tears forming her eyes and she started sobbing hard as Fleur blinks. "Tiria...you're pregnant...but...but... If you give birth...you will die." Fleur stands up quickly "Can you heal her?!" Kip shakes her head... "N...no... I can't." I sat up and sighed. "I am going to have this little one... It's the future and who knows, maybe I will live..." I smiled and gave Kip a hug. "Tell no one else...please Kip just let them know I am expecting..." Fleur looked towards me she had fear in her eyes. "Fleur... I feel this needs to happen... I feel this is needed... Keep it a secret, please... But I need you by my side until the time...happens... I want you there...and to be the Godmother of my pup." Fleur blinks and a weak smile forms on her face. "I shall for you... Tiria." Looks to Kip who had tears form in her large teal eyes. "Please, Kip...they don't have to worry." Kip gains her composure again and nods weakly. "I shall...do as you ask." She smiles, nodding. "I want to make sure I use every day to bring happiness to you all and get this town up and going." I tried to get off the bed but Fleur forced me back down. "You aren't really to move yet Tiria... She needs to check you more." I sighed nodding as Kip look through my body to my arm and blinked. "Your arm... Tiria... It's very bad..." Kip gave a gentle smile and tried not to cry anymore as she wrapped the arm in a bandage. As I felt so much pain my arm and smiled softly. "Don't worry Kip." I gave her a tight hug and then tried to get off the bed groaning a bit holding my head. "That orb really packs a punch." Kip helped me out with Fleur opening the door with her magic and I went outside. "Welp... I am pregnant." Shadow blinks and looks to Kip. "Really is she kidding?" Kip smirks Shadow looked up at me and blinks. "When did you get time to do what you said the dance of continue of life?" I chuckled softly. "Before I came to save you guys... Sand and I kind of ahem...did that." Shadow stared at me, so did Kip and Silver Gunner. Fleur giggled "So...you wanted to rescue us...and you got yourself pregnant...wow..." Shadow laughs and Kip giggles and smiles. "I want you all to be her godparents the same with you Fleur." Fleur's eyes softened and smile. "I would be honored." Kip's eyes fill with tears and rushed to me and hugged me again as I got on all fours to hug her as well. I smiled and went outside and sat in that chair to rest again. Bulwark came up to me and chuckled. "Well hello, there you crazy wolf." I smiled at her. "Eh hello to you too..." Bulwark blinks. "Bulwark I got a question for you..when my pup is born will you protect them with your life?" Bulwark gave me a look it didn't strike her at first and then it did. "Wait...you mean your~" I gave a nod and Bulwark sighed and gave me a hug. "I will do my best Tiria..." She smiled and trotted back to the gate. Fleur layed beside me as the rest got back to work. I was in so much pain and then something small jumped on my stomach looking down seeing the little Filly. "Oh hello, little Star shooter." I hugged the little one. She giggled and I held her close being protective again as I watched the ponies and others worked. I felt my heart beating slowly. Even though my body was in pain from touching the orb... I looked back to see the orb locked in the case now. So It can never be opened again. It was a strong lock it seems... That Silver gunner probably made. I sighed and watched them make progress finding more Enclave dead and taking them out of their armors to use them for later. Then burning the bodies pretty far from us, it seems this little town was moving on as fast as it could. I rested a bit as the little filly watched me and nuzzled my chest and I looked down at her. "Everything okay little one?" She nodded and smiled. "I wish to know a story..." I blinked and thought a bit to remember the stories my mother used to tell me. I thought for a bit and Fleur looked up and giggled softly she knew... I would probably have odd stories. I thought about it for awhile holding the little one closer to me... I knew I wouldn't be seeing her grow up... My heart broke from thinking that and sighed. "I got a story...it's about a warrior that fought with honor. Long ago in the land far away... In the land of green fields and wonderful skies. Bright blue skies. A warrior with an honor filled heart that wished to follow the sun. The sun was but the path it held for his journey. The journey of honor. He followed the path as the sun lead him. It's something that is through the path that will become close to nothing and endless streams." I looked at the little fillies eyes were locked on me I smiled gently. I stroked her head and nuzzled her. "The warrior followed the path to find the sun itself. He said it glowed so brightly and it felt so warm. If only the sun could be seen now... But the sun to him is but a path that shall never end our lives. It's something that will always become a way to learn the idea. It's not always the idea of other's to be there in the way of being there as the sun will speak and sing. It's how we know we are watched by the Goddess... The sun he followed just to see Celestia...and sing to her his love for what she has done for the world. He then wishes to sing to the moon... But fight the evil that condemns the two wonderful beings." She looks to everyone in the camp as they build and help and eat. "Look around us little one... We are the warrior's of the sun and the moon. We work to fight in the name of the princess of the past. All warriors that wish to protect this world... Fight with honor sometimes they fix with both ways to learn the idea of the ending story. It will never give an idea. The path that sings and the tongue shrilling music that calls us... To fight for them... I fought for my own heart...and then I fought for the honor of them. All warriors even will fight alongside those in the endless future of the past." I looked to the rest again and held the little filly closer. "But yes the story...the warrior followed the sun... To get through the pain of the endless dreams. This was before his world turned dark and evil." "Tiria..." I looked down at the little filly. "Why does the robot pony hold that named shotgun...Do you know the story of that?" I smiled and stroked her head. "I am sorry little one I don't... I met him he had that shotgun...it is named Remembrance. It seems that he didn't remember at first where it came from. He is slowly remembering how and why he got it." Star Shooter frowned a bit and I smiled and hugged her tightly. "Now...back to the story alright?" "The sun was leading the warrior to his hope to find peace in his heart that wished to show him honor. He faced a lot of creatures along this path that tried to stop him from fighting for the sun. He was broken after most of the fighting... But he stayed with the honor in his heart... But the honor never gave up on him... For the peace of the endless night, he fell asleep to be welcomed by the moon. He spoke to the moon to relax and calm his heart." Looked down to the filly who fell asleep. I left her there, getting up from the chair and calmly walking around to see how the place is coming along... Looked at the Junk reaper's finally getting the turrets set up. I sat there watching them work as these two were mares in garbage armor I could tell they were close or wife and wife. I never got their names either. I watched them for a while as they teased each other and laughed. The two just seemed very happy to be working and they finally finished one of the turrets and went to the next. I followed the rest and when I talked about the sun... I was hoping to see it again. It's something I have been wanting to see again... But hopefully, we will see it again in my lifetime. I sat there watching the two mares one of them looked at me and she seemed a little bothered by me watching and she looked to her wife and they whispered and they nodded as they came down and smiled. "Can we help you miss Tiria?" I blinked and chuckled. "No no, I am fine I am just seeing what you're doing... It's interesting." One of them removed her helm she was gold earth pony mare with one eye missing. "Ah yes, it's a lovely bunch of work..." The earth pony mare smiled and leaned against her large wife. Who removed her helm and I noticed something she had wings. "Wait you're a pegasus?" I looked at her and she chuckled. "Yes... I am a dashite you could say..." The earth mare giggles and nuzzles her. "A wonderful one at that... She saved my life so many times..." The Dashite smiles and nods. "I'm Firestorm. this is my life, Peach Rose." The pegasus removed her helm she is pure black. "She found me after I was banished below here and we joined the Junk Reaper's together. Hoping that someday I will be able to go back up to see my family." She leaned into Peach Rose and they both seemed content just to be working. "You two could live around here if you wished..." Peach Rose chuckled. "Well, we will talk to them about that... But I could feel very happy here. The fact that Wheel tread is dead and now...we can enjoy the fact...he won't try to steal from us anymore." Firestorm nodded, looking towards the rest of the town with a smile. "It's peaceful...hard to find when other parts of Equestria are fighting a hard battle." I nodded sadly, sadness filling my eyes and my features. "I wish I could help...the rest of Equestria but I am not a big-time hero...All I can do is try to help The Lightbringer in my way... By trying to keep her behind from getting shot." They both nodded and I sighed. "Not every hero has the will to go through each path of their heart to make the strong heart build. If we can build the path that always ends. We can enter the back way in... Let her take the hard part... We take the small part and remove the threat that could stop her. But that's the hard part. Sometimes the innocent might be the problem." Peach Rose nodded and nuzzled into her wife. "I do agree with you of course." The large pegasi said. "But we can't always just help those... Even if they don't ask for it." I gave a nod and looked around. "I will let you two get back to it..." The two smiled, putting their helms back on and getting back to connecting the turrets. I went to Deep Thought and listened to him teach children and kept them calm. "Now Nightmare Moon caused a lot of problems when she forced to keep the moon in place... She didn't wish to move it she wished to keep it as pure darkness... Now I know that seems strange... But you got to remember this is the past and the past had a lot of interesting issues. But as we go on and learn more about it." The Changeling seems to be trying his best to keep the minds of the children from wandering. "Remember Nightmare moon was Luna... Luna and Celestia were sisters that lead Equestria but... Let's just say the war wished to remove them from that role. It's something that will never be easy for others to admit but the path that leads them to this... Was allowing the war to get as bad as it did... Now I won't accuse the princess of this... But I will accuse the past ponies... Who got too hungry for power." I watched with a smile listening to the changeling I felt at peace as he did... I sat there listening to it. I calmly watched them and the little ones. Loving the fact the little ones listened over and over. I sighed softly closing her eyes and then stood back up and walked past them. I saw the gate open up and coming in was Crossfire and the rest of the ponies of Misty moon apartments watching Kip trotting to Cross and kissing him deeply. I walked over to them and Cross chuckled. "It was getting nasty over there... Very deadly, the Enclave was looking through each building for ponies. So I got those out as quick as I can... I got them all and your tools, Kip... So you can do your doctor work..." He smiled. "Also I think no pony followed us." I sat there watching them as they smiled and young little ones rushed around giggling and playing. As it seemed they had cook gear within the back of a wagon. I watched all them and felt my heart ease up... Now Kip can be happy and I felt a lanky ghoul nuzzle my side and I looked to Fleur with a smile. "Hello, my friend... How is your ship?" Fleur chuckles. "We are thinking of taking it apart and moving in this little town. Because I feel it's safer for the rest of us to be in here... Than out there. Maybe I could build an inn in the cave and have my crew take care of it with me." I chuckled softly nodding. "I agree that would be interesting... But you're going to take it all apart? Did you tell your crew that you wish to do this?" She nodded calmly and leaned against me I didn't care for the smell I got used to it. "Yeah... I told them I needed to keep an eye on you and the little pup you have... I feel that is the only way I can help. I heard you were telling Star Shooter a story about the sun?" I stayed looking at the ponies from Misty moon apartments. "It's a story that my race made up... But with some truth... Before we became so ... some of our race did travel the land. One of them walked following the sun. But the sun was his heart mostly. He was a hunter not a warrior like me... But this was during a time our species was dying of hunger...he was crying for the Goddess to give us food. So he kept following the Sun... But the sun is not the orb...that we normally see in the sky." I sighed. "The orb is our honor...our way of living... If we never allow the sun to fill our souls with happiness we become empty and hateful... Like I did for a while. It's something I am not happy about but... It's something I know that will happen again... Someday I will give hate... I will see hate. I feel the ponies of old lost their will and way with their hearts being empty." I looked at the Howling Dance. "I think that robbed our honor from us...because we cared too much about what created us... To learn that didn't really create us... It was a pony project to keep the pony way of life to expand... It made us live longer... But to what end though? To watch the world become more hateful as the Lightbringer tries to cleanse it of the hate?" I looked to Fleur who had a gentle smile on her face. "Tiria I think you worry too much for how others see you... I see you as a strong female trying to protect those that she rescued... You rescued me... My friend... I will do the same for you. I am sure Sand will be there for you for the rest of your time alive... Maybe even raise your little one when you leave." I nodded hoping that would be the case. "I hope that is the case Fleur..." Fleur chuckles and seemed to be a very kind mare that just wanted what is best for those around them. She warmed my heart as Kip did... I never felt such kindness as Kip trotted up to me and nuzzled me as well. "I need you both to be strong... I know... I won't be here... So please do what you need...for me please." Fleur nodded and then stood up on her hooves. "I need to head back to my ship. We will be bringing in a bunch of wood and whatever else evens the beds. So I may be gone awhile as we do this..." Fleur trotted out of the gate and headed back to the cruise ship to tear it down with her crew. I smiled softly and Kip stayed near me and put her head on my side. "What did we do wrong...to lose you so soon Tiria?" Kip was shaking and she had tears in her eyes. "I would say fate had something to do with it... But no it was my stupidity, my friend... I feel I deserve this... For being weak and allowing those around me to fall. I don't want to see any more die because of my failing's Kip." I looked at her and she gave me a weak smile and Shadow came over along with Silver they sat by us... The first four of us...to save us... "It would seem that we are the ones that helped save this little camp... Even if we have you to thank for that... Tiria..." I gave a soft chuckle shaking my head. "I feel it was all of us that did it... Thinking about you all...that made me fight so hard to get to you all... I had to see if you were alive or not... I couldn't sleep I couldn't stop myself from following the sun to get to you... I needed to see you again... Kip... I needed to hear your sarcastic mouth Shadow... I also needed to see my friendly robot friend." Silver gunner nodded and held the Shotgun, looking down at it seeing the photo trying to remember these faces...and why he has this shotgun... Maybe someday he will remember. I looked over at him and got a bit worried. "Silver you alright?" Silver looked up to me his eyes glowing brightly. "I know these faces... I just don't remember the names... I know they gave me this shotgun... I know I was there with them so long ago... But I don't remember how or why. It's something that is bothering me so much." Kip leaned against Shadow who watched the ponies come in. Shadow seemed to relax and smiled at his sibling well adopted. As he wrapped his arm around her and wings. "It seems that we are going to be together forever...hopefully." Kip's eyes fill with tears and put her face in Shadow's feathered side. I looked towards the howling dance... Someday that is going to cause something that we may never fix. I watched it glow... As it seemed like it was calling me... I stared at it... As they noticed I was staring at it... I slowly started to get up... As it seemed to be speaking to me in my mind... Why? Kip used her magic to keep me from moving and forced me to stop looking at it. "Tiria..... Tiria!!" She yelled at me and I blinked, seeing her and wondered what the hell was going on. "That...orb...can get to me even if you just stare at it... I need to make sure I don't." Someday the orb is either going to be shattered or one that was to control its power will be shattered. It will be a time when this happens and the power will never end. I feel that day maybe soon... When this orb starts to bring the fate it wishes to me. I hope when it does it won't harm my friends... I hope down the line we get to see those in the future... It's time to follow the sun and be the better creatures we wish to be... I hope that someday we all will be. I looked to the sky hoping someday I will live long enough to see the sun again... Oh, that glow that brought hope in my heart...it's something I have been wanting for ages in my heart... To follow the son and finally see me...on the other end of the road.
Chapter 17: The first seal"A seal is to keep something from getting out." Day 51 I opened my eyes and I was in the chair outside. I stood up and stretched a bit. It seemed pretty early morning and the only ones out were Bulwark and the two robots... I went inside the cave and noticed that the two Steel rangers removed their armour and are still looking at the seals. They drew the seals to get it open I went to them calmly and yawned gently sitting there watching them to see what they're doing. The two rangers had a book with them writing down the information on it and Lily turned to me with a gentle smile. "Ah hello, Tiria we might need your help here if you don't mind." I blinked and walked over to them tilting my head. She smiled and looked over to the book. "It seems from what I learned from the info of the warden's office... They hid four books around parts of Equestria... It seems the first one... Is located in a port town not far from here. I don't know anything about this little port town. So I would recommend having other's go with you." I nodded she gave me the map of the area here and it leading to the town. I went out of the cave and Kip was awake and so was Shadow. They were talking and they looked to me and I showed them the map. "Oh.....that town...is not safe... Why do you have a map of it?" Shadow asked calmly and Silver Gunner walked up to me. "I would say gather some food potions and ammo and head down there... It's where a book is to break a seal on the stable." Kip blinks looking to Shadow and she smirks. "I am coming with you... I am not staying here..." Shadow laughs and Silver nodded. "Let's go then shall we?" Said Silver Gunner. Kip smiled and trotted off to gather her supplies "Finally I can do something..." I said with a smile. "I got tired of just sitting here doing nothing." I blinked watching Fleur's crew started walking in with parts of the cruise ship going into the cave. Kip trotted back to us watching this as well. "Huh, I thought she was joking when she said she would tear down the cruise ship to build an inn in there." Kip calmly said and I laughed. "I have learned...to take whatever Fleur said seriously." Kip had all her bags. I went to get my weapons from the case opening it up and putting on my armour and getting my Zebra pistol and the strange mace. I got my bags and journal as well looking to Shadow who just had the chewer on his back with ammo. "Alright let's go." Bulwark kept the gate open for us and I looked to her. "If we aren't back in three days come and search for us." She gave a nod and we looked towards the east. I was told there is water down that way... But why would there be? I looked to Shadow and then Silver. Then to the map... The walk to get there would take us through what is called RadScropain lands. I thought wonderful... The four of us walked slowly along the path... It was all of us to this mission... To find a book to remove the seal. Kip looked up to me with a gentle smile. "Have those two learned what is in that stable?" I looked to her calmly and shook my head. "I think they're trying to find why they sealed it off in the first place. I am hoping we don't find anything deadly in there" Shadow chuckles softly looking towards me with a smile. "It's not a deadly place really... Just for some reason...everypony there just vanished... No one knows why really." I blinked and Shadow flaps up his wings to Kip and goes. "Oooooo." Kip rolls her eyes and gives him a kiss. "Enough brother...that's silly of you..." Shadow laughs and smiles at Kip they are very close now and I loved the fact that he was always there for her... Same with Silver who kept to himself staring at the shotgun. I looked over to him and let the other two walk on ahead and I walked beside Silver Gunner... As he looked to me his robotic eyes glowing. "I know...these ponies and Zebra... I know them... I just can't remember them... All I know they gave me this shotgun..." Silver sighed looking at the gun. He stared at the name and looked down wanting to remember. Remembrance he wants to remember them so much... But it seems he will never will unless something triggers in his head. Hopefully, someday he will remember. I looked ahead of us seeing small scorpions along the ground. As they seem to just avoid us. This walk would take us half a day I was told. Looking over to Kip and Shadow who are laughing and talking. I smiled enjoying that fact we are back to normal for the time being. Looking to Silver who just kept walking. He stayed silent holding the shotgun and trying to remember.. If he had a heart... I am sure he would be crying a bit right now. But I doubt he can. I feel bad for him real bad... For him... I wish I could help him. I watched ahead closing my eyes feeling rain starting to fall on us but of course we didn't care and kept moving. I looked to the others and I saw the fog forming and stopped turning to see the Fog wolves and they started to speak as the others stopped to look. {Don't...go on...sister.... The seal...is there for a reason...} They vanish as the fog takes them away like they weren't even there... "Tiria why did you stop?" I blinked, turning to them seeing Kip come up to me with a worrying look. I looked back seeing nothing and then back to Kip. "Sorry just thinking." I smiled and kept walking along. I felt something was bothering me after that... I looked to the top of a rock seeing the fog wolves again. It seems they're trying to tell me something. I have no idea what they're trying to say and we kept walking through the land of Rad Scorpions. But it seems we didn't see any of them. Keeping my gun armed and waiting for them to show up. " It seems....they're in hiding..." Shadow said calmly looking around his blue eyes watching. As we get closer to our destination the port town... On the map, that was called. Speaker of waves. I blinked staring at that name... Speaker of waves? Yeesh who names these places and why do ponies name things so strangely? I looked up seeing the wolves again but this time...my friends saw them too. They started to speak to me again. We stopped as they started to speak. {Keep walking...sister... We are keeping the minions of the poison from you...with our fog... But take heart... If you find the seal....destroy it... Don't allow them to open it.} I looked to my friends who looked at me. "Lets go..." As they moved to let us walk as we watched the fog come from their bodies and their mouths... The fog wolves bodies seem to be made of the very fog... As well as the Kip's of time. Then the fog made them vanish as it seems the fog is keeping the crazy Scorpion's from harming us... Looking up seeing that we are two hours away from where we have to go. Our stomach's started to rumble as I chuckled softly. "It seems I am hungry..." Kip nods and we find a spot an hour away from where we need to go. She puts up her magic torches and we start a fire and just sit there watching our food cook. Silver Gunner walks around the camp patrolling making sure we don't get harmed. I sat there thinking of what was said to me... I am going to die... But I am also going to have a little one that comes through this... Hopefully Sand will be able to raise them... I looked at the meat cook and felt my hunger growing... But I felt that my pain was growing... It seems my choices are going to cause either my friends to live or to die. I remember the start of the journey being forced to leave from my species... It's been almost two months...since I found my friends... I looked to Kip and Shadow who are chatting and he seems to be trying to get her to have her foals with Crossfire. As she blushes and giggles. Smiling at that... Going back to the meat... Has the wasteland beaten my honour? If I die from a pup has my honour been taken by the waste? Has the golem of the waste beaten me? I keep looking closing my eyes and feeling my will falling a bit... But I need to keep moving... I need to gather my thoughts. Looking to the meat again and it's placed in a bowl and floated to me and I smile to Kip. She had a gentle smile on her face. As she leans on Shadow as she gives him meat as well. I calmly eat its something I never thought... Would I make a good mother if I lived? Would I make a good leader? "Tiria?" I looked over to Kip and she has a worried look. "Are you okay? You seem bothered by something." I smiled, shaking my head. "Don't worry Kip... I am thinking... Just thinking of the future you could say." Shadow nods. I went back to eating closing my eyes and looked at the pip-buck... This fog this time is not causing my pip-buck to go nuts... Find that strange...really strange. But I just focused on eating and drinking from my canteen that held some bit of a dirty water..But I had to drink. Something strange was going on with this stable... Why would these wolves care if I open it? Calmly setting the bowl down and Kip takes it back to place it back in her bag. I stood up a bit watching as I noticed the fire torches bringing soft soothing as I got near it... Looking to them... Magic? How does magic work like this... I felt so unsure around these torches I feel that my life is calm. I think it's a way for Kip to calm the wounded... As she works on them. I stood there awhile as I watched the fog lift a bit to show us the port town. From what I could it looks very run down. I closed my eyes again and felt my head and heart... I felt my heart slowly beating my brain hurting from thinking too hard about this... I need to relax and just let my life continue without hurting... Sitting back down we waited a little longer before heading to our next path. I started to feel my body was falling apart... But that is probably because of all the insane shit I did... Carrying that orb... Looking to my arm that is still wrapped up. I looked to Kip was eating carrots and Shadow who was eating his meat they seemed worried about me... Apparently, I could tell that Kip told Shadow and Silver Gunner what is going to happen to me... "You and Silver know, don't you Shadow." Kip's ear's fall. "Know what... Tiria?" I blinked for a moment and closed my eyes and sighed. "Nevermind." Shadow looks to Kip and I stand up and help Kip get everything ready blowing out the torches and she takes them apart placing most of the gear inside of Silver Gunner but her First aid kits and her shotgun. Looking towards me I give her a gentle smile and she just gives a weak smile. We start our walk again seeing how it's going to be hard to find this seal. ______ Speaker of Waves We walk into the town as the fog doesn't seem to be in this part. Looking around calmly seeing no bodies, no bones... Nothing just buildings that seem to be empty. I looked at them and smiled. Looking around calmly and sighed. "Why do I feel like something bad is going to happen?" Kip looked to me and then she shivered so did Shadow and Silver looked at us. "Did....someone just walk over my grave?" I felt a voice in my mind. {Ah....please free me child...searching for the seals? This empty war...that caused so much death?} I held my head and then looked up looking around finally seeing what happen here... Whatever is this thing is showing us the past...and somehow even showing Silver. ________________ Speaker of Waves the past. {Please....see what happen here...children... Of the past... Please see...} All of us opened our eyes seeing the war didn't make it here but the ponies attacked each other. {It was sister on sister...a small battle to protect the Zebras within this little town... Some refused to follow what the government was saying and a war of death broke out here... The warden brought in the seal. It was an experiment since...some of the ponies brought here...were criminals mixed into the normal group... The POW camp enjoyed the irony... Of testing things like this... No pony was innocent in this war.} I finally would be the one who asks the question. "Who...are you?" The flash would end and standing there would be Zebras right in front of us... Zebras have lived here all their lives? But then they vanished showing that the entire town is just a ghost town because of the seal. ___________________ Back to the "Normal" World Our vision cleared and we stood in the middle of the town still and I looked to the others. "It just comes clear..dosen't it...oh it does.." I rolled my eyes and getting more and more pissed off at ponies. My anger got to me so much that I howled deeply, it echoing softly as I closed my eyes and kneeled. "How...can ponies even think of working together anymore? How can we even see them becoming to that path... The path that will never end... If we save them will the future just turn back?" I sighed closing my eyes not sure if I should keep moving. Kip put her hoof on my shoulder and nuzzled me. "Tiria you can't keep blaming all the ponies in the past or the future for the mistakes... We need to move on and find this seal...and then learn what happened here." The others nodded as I sighed closing my eyes and stood back up and looked around. "I think we should check all the buildings... We might find out what happened here." They nodded and Silver went to the library first and we all followed him. He turned his eyes on and all the books all over the floor and the pages ripped out. "What in the world?" Kip said, looking at the mess. Shadow looked through the pages. I looked through the terminal. "Hmm from what I see here... It seems nopony even took out books at all...and this town...was fully built a month before the war ended. Because they ordered all these books a day before it ended. But why would this be in here? You would think all this info they have in here is in the town hall." I looked up from the terminal. "There is nothing here about a book from a warden." I closed my eyes. What would hold a seal? I blinked a moment a place for trinkets. "Kip, what is a place you place old trinkets in?" Kip blinks and thinks a moment. "Oh, yes, a museum?" I nodded "Let's find it" I got up from the chair and shadow blinked staring at one of the books and he heard a sound and followed it seeing a female Griffin. She was in a net while her friends seem to be dead... She looks at him with fear and speaks with fear. " Are you here...to kill us?!" I blinked and noticed seeing no bodies and Shadow looks again and doesn't see the bodies and looks up to the net. "Miss you should look again." The female to looks back down seeing no bodies and shakes. "This town...scared off my friends...we came to look for food... I am Owl beak." Shadow stared at her he seemed to enjoy how she looked... I looked to him and put my paw in front of his eyes to see if he was still there... "Ahem... Shadow....now is not the time." He blinked, looking at me. "What... I am staring at a female of my species... is that a bad thing?" Kip laughs loudly. I rolled my eyes and mouthed 'males'... I undid the net and helped her down. She rushed out of the room and looked around. "Look go, head to the POW camp not far from here... You will find help there." She nodded and flew off. "I am so going to have her as mine." I face pawed and Kip laughed and Silver looked at him. "Is this normal for your species then? Suddenly telling a female that she will be your's suddenly at first look." Shadow blinks looking to Silver. "No...but for me it's normal... Because hey, she is beautiful I deserve something at least." I just rolled my eyes again. "Focus!!" Shadow looked to me so did Silver and I looked to Kip who had a gentle smile on her face. "Alright now... let's go to the museum and find this seal..." They nodded and we walked back out of the building and looked around... "Now if I could only find it?" I said stroking the back of my head with a paw with a soft snort from my nose. Silver went ahead of us and pointed with his hoof to it. How this town was set up was odd. The museum right by the docks? I looked down to see a body leaning agents a wall it was all bones and not wearing any clothing but I looked through it and found a small little card with strange markings on it and placed it in my bag. It was interesting that was the only body I found. We went inside the museum. Silver stood by the door guarding it. "I will stay here, you get going." I nodded and Shadow along with Kip followed me. We went into the old relic room. Kip looked through one of them. She read the plaque and tried to get it out of the glass. Shadow grabbed The Chewer mini gun, smashing the case with it and Kip uses her magic to look at the old relic with ancient writing on it. She placed it in her bag. As I kept looking and found and old book and opened the case looking through it. I shrugged and put it in my bag. A silent alarm went off but of course, none of us heard it. Shadow and Kip kept taking strange items that would be mistaken for seals. Then robots started coming in and one yelled: "EXTERMINATE!!" I blinked looking towards the robots and I thought 'Oh wonderful...' I grabbed my pistol and fired at them and they fired lasers back at me and I rushed back out quickly to get out of the door. "Come on!!" Kip and Shadow rushed back out and Silver gunner still stood at the door. "What did you three do now?" I looked to Silver with anger in my eyes. "Oh... I don't know...lets see robots wish to kill us...anything else?" Silver chuckled and the robots rushed out of the room and Kip pulled her shotgun out of her bag with her magic blasting one of them blowing the head off. Shadow grabbed the chewer and used it like it was a giant club... Smashing one of them over and over. Then a voice came out of PA. "Self Destruct set in 30 seconds..." I blinked and ran out with the others as quick as we could and when we got out - Boom!!! The entire building went up and I went flying into a window and landed in a building, knocked out completely. _______ Day 53 Two days later I woke up in the same room and stood up no bones broken just a lot of blood on my arms from the glass. I went out to look for Silver, Kip and Shadow... But I found no trace of them. I looked to the former museum that blown up the building still on fire a bit. Others near it and burning. I looked down. {Who the hell had it in their right mind to put a self-destruct in a museum.} Looking around I yelled out. "KIP!!! Shadow!!! Silver!!" My voice echoed. I heard nothing. I was alone... Could they be dead? Could something have happened to them? Lowering my eyes... What would I tell Crossfire? What would I tell him? 'Oh... I am sorry crossfire I lost track of your wife...' I sat down and felt the doubt filling me again. Closing my eyes and breathing deeply. I felt my emotions going through so many ways. No tears coming from my eyes. Stand back up on all four paws. Slowly walking through the burning town. Heading back out what will I tell them? Dispair filling my heart... I closed my eyes and just walked along the dead ground. Rain started to pour with lighting falling. I was walking back but the pouring got so hard... I had to hide in a cave. I opened my bag to get some water from my canteen. Drinking from it looking through it finding no food at all. I layed down watching from the cave seeing the rain just falling over and over. Alone...again..Did I deserve friends at all? Did they die because of me? I closed my eyes and let the sleep take me. _________________ Day 54 early morning I opened my eyes and the rain stopped. Heading outside of the cave following the old path back to the camp. I knew it would be a long trek alone. Then I heard a voice. "Hey, kid you seem to be alone here." I looked up my heart stopping seeing Shadow land beside me and Kip rushing to hug me and Fleur along with a few other ponies even Cannon ball to find me. "You.....found me...but... I thought I lead you to your deaths?" Kip had tears falling from her eyes and hugged me tightly looking to Fleur and smiled. "Well the bomb did knock us out and Silver dragged us back... So there is that... But we wanted to come back and find you." I nodded and passed out from the pain in my legs. __________ Day 55 hospital Opening my eyes Fleur and Kip were pulling the glass from my body. Wrapping what they could with bandages. I looked like a real mess... I groaned and Fleur used her magic to stop me from talking and moving... "You need to rest Tiria." I sighed laying there resting when they finished Kip and Fleur sat by the bed watching me... I could tell in their eyes they were very worried about me... I never thought a ghoul would care... But I have learned that even if she is decaying and dead... She has a big heart... Kip is just Kip being motherly. I layed there not sure what to think. "I screwed up didn't I?" Fleur blinks and smiles. "Not at all Tiria..." Kip tried to reassure me. "You need to relax and not worry so much my darling friend." Fleur said with a gentle nuzzle on my arm. I smiled softly and Lily walked in, I looked to her. She looked through Kip's bag finding the large tablet and shattering it. I blinked and watched them look through my bags next and finding the small little card I found. "Ah thank you miss Tiria you found the seal." I blinked and sat up despite the pain. "You mean to tell me that little thing is the seal?" She looked to me with a blink and nodded. "Not all ponies were insane to put seals in crazy large items Tiria... Some used little items like this... Because it made more sense and less to be stolen. You can tell just by the word written here..." She smiled at me and I sighed, groaning, my head throbbing. Oh, gods... I am started to hate ponies even more now... Kip giggles. "I do...find that interesting...that ponies of old...felt that something too big was too much." Kip giggles and walked out heading to meet Crossfire. and Fleur forced me back down with my magic. "There is someone that wants to talk to you." I nodded and layed there as Fleur floated something on my chest and looked to see Star shooter and she was giggling, nuzzling on me and I laughed. "Hello, little one." I stroking her head. "You want another story?" She gave a nod as Fleur came back over and whispered in my ear. "I need to get back to my cruise ship to help take it apart..Please don't get hurt anymore... I don't want to have to tie you down and force you to heal." I smiled at her and she winks and trotted out. As I held the little one... "Ah yes, a story. How about the story of a young wolf female... That found friends in a broken land?" She nodded with a large smile on her face. "Ah yes...the young female left her home to find adventure... Her first part of her journey she...ran into some monsters. Big nasty monsters." I had no heart to tell her it was ponies. She seems so innocent. She looked at me with her big eyes and I couldn't help but smile. Star Seeker was going to be a wonderful scribe someday. "She fought them with vigour and honour... But to no avail, she was captured!!" She gasped and her eyes full of wonder. "She was told that she would be given to an evil monster known as Trot trot... Because every time he ran, he trotted. But yes she found herself her first friend a little cat named hissy. Hissy was a sweet little kitty that spoke like a little girl and was always the one that caused the evil to find her." Chuckled softly. Her eyes still full and big wanting to hear more. She giggled and danced around mimicking the parts I said in the story. I chuckled and watched the little filly giggled more as I sat up stroking her back. "Let's see ah... She followed the little kitty on an adventure...and they both saw a sign that was painted in jelly. Saying the jelly doughnut was here... She followed the kitty to run into a flower and angry flower... That tried so hard to get them to steal the hearts of every living plant and stop the strange one from being so punny." She giggled and I smiled softly and after awhile I tried to continue with the story but her mother walked in. I looked to the former raider who still had all her scars. She helped the little one of the bed and she came back to me when the little filly left. "Thank you... Tiria... I am trying to keep her life innocent... She melted mine and my husband's hearts... Thank you so much for what you did for us." I smiled and nodded and she trotted out as she I gently got off the bed and walked out of the hospital I hated the smell of it. Walking to the stable to see them setting the little card near it and lily looked to me and smiled. "I am going to need one more seal... But no rush... I need to read on where they went first...and then I will have you go for them." Gave a nod "What is in there do you know?" She looked at me again and shook her head. "Sadly I don't... I read up they may have experimented on the prisoners in there but that's all I know really. I hope to find out more... But if we can get this open... We might find more than just weapons in there... We might find out why they built this vault in an old camp. This camp has been around way before the war started...it was used to hold Equestria's criminals but then it turned into holding prisoners of war. So something changed down the line... To make a change that drastic." Giving a nod, I let them do what they needed. I was stopped by Sand as he smiled at me and we nuzzled closely... "I was thinking... Tiria would you like to come with me to a romantic dinner?" I gave a blink and smiled. "I would love to." He lead me to the bar as a table was already set up thanks to the bartender and there was calm violin music playing. I looked to see a robot that a trader gave us... That played gentle violin music. There were two slabs of meat and some old wine as I felt my heart jump at this. A romantic night and I haven't told him yet that I would be dying when our pup is born... Why ruin it. He smiled and chuckled. "I know this is not normal for our kind... But Crossfire told me this is how ponies do it...and I guess since our kind used to be ponies we should at least do something like this." Chuckled softly and gave him a gentle smile nodding. "I agree." I heard a mic and looked to Silver Gunner who was going to sing for us. He sang a very gentle song. "Love...her tender....love her sweet...never let her go... You have made her life complete...and she loves you so... Oh love her tender...love her sweet more then you should know...for darling she loves you...and she always will... Love her long love her dear...take her into your heart... For all the years and~" He shorted out a moment and started singing again. I facepawed if they could see me blushing I would be at the moment. I took the wine and calmly drank it as Silver gunner kept singing but I could make it out this time... His voice turned into a saxophone and calmly played jazz music. Along with the hovering robot that did the same. Drinking the wine again and eating the meat calmy. In my mind, I felt how are we so lucky to have this peace? For the moment anyway. I am sure others aren't having such an easy job... But we need to stay where we are unless the time is right. I finished eating and drinking the wine as he walked with me along the little town and looking towards him and smiled very gently at me and we sat on the gate bulwark was near us and she watched us with a smile. It was so beautiful, the bog, the ghouls...the fog... Yuck, this place was gross if you kept looking at it like this. It's something I hope that someday would be cleared closing my eyes soon I felt that a battle would be fought and... I would have to be part of it. "Tiria..." I looked towards him and he placed a bullet made ring around my neck and I looked at it calmly. "What is this about?" He smiled and kissed me deeply and I broke it gently but I had to find out what this was about. "What is this?" Sand chuckled. "It's basically me asking you to be my mate for life." I blinked, my eyes go wide, tears falling looking away. "I can't do that Sand... I do love you... But I can't be with anyone for life. But I want you to be there for the pup." Sand looked down and nodded. "I understand Tiria...it's all new to you... Maybe someday you will change your mind." He got off the gate. I looked to Bulwark who came close to me and put her head on my shoulder. "Something wrong Tiria? He had been working on this for almost a week." I sighed "Bulwark you have to promise that you don't tell him." She gave a nod. "When I give birth...there is a bit chance... That I might die." She blinked looking at me with fear in her eyes. "You need to tell him Tiria...how would he think if the pup he made with you caused you to die..." I nodded. She gave me a tight hug and I nuzzled her calmly staying silent as I watched the gate with her. "It seems lonely up here Bulwark...how do you do it?" She looked towards me with a smile. "It's not that boring. Tiny normally comes and said hello to me and joins me... Sometimes Ra Proto jumps up here and watches with me... I take this job very very seriously." I nodded as I sat here watching the gate with my friend... I looked to see the wolves again and they spoke. {Destroy the seals...sister destroy the seals.} Then they vanished... I am starting to wonder if looking for these seals is a bad thing... But I feel that opening that stable would be a good thing... To help the ponies here. Closed my eyes thinking of the little ones including Star Shooter hopefully someday the world will go back to normal but at the moment all I can do is wish that she will be safe...and safe even after I pass. So I wait as this peaceful night goes helping my friend Bulwark watch the gate.
Chapter 18: The broken"Forming trade in a world so long dead...is not easy...but it can help." Day 57 Manehatten I looked to Shadow. He and I walked into Manehatten we noticed that a lot of the Enclave were still around. Even if most of them left. Looking to Shadow and I followed him as we snuck through parts of Manehatten to get to friends of his. He leads me to a building that seems to be left alone. Going inside with and there are Griffins and Ponies here. They seemed to have an underground market here. "Welcome... Tiria... I haven't been here in years... But I am happy to see them still working through this time." A mare trots up and gives Shadow a hug. "You're alive!!" Shadow smiled and gave the mare a hug. She is gold coloured. "Good to see you Golden Petal." She smiles at him and then trots off to look to me. "Oh, it's the wolf!!" I face pawed sighing. "Yes... I am the wolf... I'd rather just be known as Tiria a normal everyday creature that helps fight in the wasteland." Giving them a pleading look to respect that. Of course, the mare chuckled and trotted off and stood on a box. "Presenting Shadow and his friend the wolf!!" I face paw hard... I don't want to be this well know... Shadow placing his talons on my shoulder and smiled. "You have to get used to the fact... that even though you have done small things... You're still a hero in their eyes... This day and age we need heros... You can just ignore the fact you have saved lives. You need to accept the fact you are a hero... But The Lightbringer is bringing hope small heroes like you are doing the same." I gave him a look and sighed "Introduce me to this friend of yours and let see this done with." Seeming a bit out of it lately I think because...of all the mind games those wolves are doing to me lately. He nods and lead me to the leader of this little market. Sitting in a pillow an old stallion with a long beard sat there and he opened his eyes. "Ah... I see you have returned old friend." Shadow nodded. "Yes Wheel tread's deal didn't last." He nodded. "Ah yes it was never meant to be... So what brings you here with her?" Shadow pushed me to help him with this. "She and I are the leaders of our little town. We wish to start a trade caravan with you." The old stallion nodded. "Allow the wolf to speak for she is the mountain you are the wind." I blinked wondering what he meant by that. But then I got to the point. "We wish to start a caravan trade in our little town in the former POW camp that Wheel tread used to own. We mostly just need food water whiskey whatever the bar's need." The stallion nodded. "Ah yes...also need food. It will be hard the Enclave is everywhere here in the city. But I am sure we could find a way. But I need you to do something first for me." Sighing thinking of course. "There is a mental hospital a days walk from here. I need you to go in there and see if you can find my daughter... She went there to find Medical supplies." I blinked "How will we get there?" The stallion chuckles. "Follow the shit...the shit shall lead you there." I blinked looking to Shadow and he laughs. "Follow the sewers Tiria..." My eyes went wide... The sewers the place that held old bathroom crap of ponies... I sighed and looked down. "No I meant follow the shit..there is a sewer grate outside and follow it till you come to a large middle area or a junction they called it. There would be a sign leading you there." Looking down and blinking a moment and looking to Shadow giving him an angry look. Shadow just shrugged. "Don't be upset at him child... I can tell he cares about you...and the fact that you might die...in a year..." Shadow eyes go wide looking to me. "Come on lets...go..." I grabbed Shadow and heard the voice of the stallion. "You can't ignore it any longer child...you need to tell him." Shadow stayed silent for a moment and the two of us opened the sewer grate before the Enclave saw us. Going down and I sighed as I knew he would ask what he meant about that. I could tell that Shadow wanted to speak to me so before we fully went through the tunnels in this sewer, I stopped turning to him. "Tiria...what did he mean by that?" I looked down I finally could tell him. "When the little one is born... I will die..." Shadow blinks and wraps a wing around me and just holds me close. "Tiria I am not upset at you... I feel you need to tell Silver too... But we will need to accept that you want this little one... Because she is the future and you want the future to be happy for everypony." Giving a nod at that and then we looked down the tunnels hearing gunshots above. "I can't belive we have to be down here to keep the enclave from getting us." Shadow laughs softly and shrugs. Walking along the sewers looking to the water at how calm it is. Sighing a bit closing my eyes just a bit and kept on moving. Following the path to get us through the sewers. At some points I covered my nose and Shadow laughed. "Oh funny... I have a high sense of smell... Would you like to smell the shit of every pony ever?!" I stared at him my anger was growing from being down here. Then I stepped in something looking down... It was nasty. "Ewww." Just kept moving and closing my eyes sighing. We get into the middle of the sewers and we noticed old buildings and bones that have been here for so long. Looking down to the bones. I blinked "These are rat creepers." Looked around seeing half of the settlement destroyed. Shadow shrugged. "So?" Looking to Shadow and gave him I hate you look. "Oh but you love me..." He winked at me and rolled my eyes and we kept walking following a path that seems to leave the little settlement. Closing my eyes and looked to Shadow who was my first friend ever in this journey the walls started to get that raider look it called out to us... Like hey!! HEY, its evil ahead. I grabbed my pistol and Shadow chuckled watching me as I looked to him. "Don't worry I am sure there is no Raider.." A raider called out. "HEY ITS a griffin!" Shadow sighed and got behind the wall grabbing his Minigun "Fine...there are Raider's down here..." He turns the wall firing on them as we basically try our best to get past them.I fire my pistol at them and they keep ducking from Shadow's Minigun as we get to the other side. I grab a metal apple pull the pin and toss it at them. I heard them yell and boom i saw body parts fly and smiled. "Hmm are you hungry Shadow?" Shadow looks to me with a smirk and nods we get out of the hiding spot and grabbed the meat we could find and sit in the area they both were in and ate the meat from the charred remains. "Hmm don't tell our friends... That I enjoy eating pony." Shadow laughs nodding. "It's good yes." Calmly ate up what we could find and gather the weapons we found and Shadow placed them on his back. As we kept moving. It started to pour down rain. Looking above us to see Enclave walking on the grates and we walked slowly we knew this would take a day or so. But we probably would have to run if it got too bad down here. It started to rain harder... How lovely we are in the sewer's and it started to get worse. Then we heard voices. "I heard something down here." I mouthed 'shit' and looked around finding a door opened it and pushed shadow in and going inside myself. Looked through the cracks opening it just a bit and seeing its Enclave. I shushed Shadow and looked to see how many there are. Smirked only seeing two. Looked at him and he nodded. I grabbed my weapon he and I charged out and smashed our weapons against the heads of the Enclave soldiers. Then pulled them into the room and I wanted to kill them Shadow had to stop me and I looked at him growling. "Give me one reason why not?" I gave him a hateful look. "They could have family." Looking at him with an angry look. Basicly my own way of saying. I don't care. "Oh, they could have family then they should know better. But... I will do it for you." Grabbed one of them and smashed them hard into the wall and then stomped on the others back breaking it. "There...they will have to find them..." Shadow blinks stareing at me as I started moving again and he followed me... My hate for Enclave was becoming more seen... Since... I am tired of being butt fucked. He spoke softly to me and stopped me at first and stared in my eyes. "Tiria...you need to relax your hate... It's unlike you..." I stared at him with sadness in my eyes and nodded... As we were getting closer and closer to the hospital and we got to an old tunnel with a ladder leading up into a basement... Going up and finding bodies of ghouls that seem to be laying here for a long time. Shadow came up and blinked looking around. "Lovely...now let's find this mare." Looking at Shadow. "Yeah let's find her so you can get back to Owl Beak." Smirked at him and Shadow just stared at me. "Oh come...on...you would be like that to...if you wanted to breed someone." I rolled my eyes. "Seriously Shadow if you weren't my best friend... I would kick your ass right now." He smirks and laughs. "Love you too..." Laughing gently and turning the light on my pip-buck so we can see through the darkness. Noticed that the door to get out of the basement had been kicked in along time ago. Looking around calmly. Seeing a sign. {Warning warning...the insane are free.} I blinked and looking around calmly. As the light shines on some ghouls and they looked up one of them started to speak. "Hmm, we don't get many in here... Are you searching for something?" Looking at the ghouls they seem to be wearing out doctor's coats. "We are searching for a mare that came in here about a day ago... I don't know how she looks." The ghoul thinks a moment. "Oh, we did see a mare and warned her not to go deeper into the hospital the crazy are locked behind a door... So if you go there...please clear them out for us.." Blinking looking to Shadow. All this to trade. "If you do this...we will trade...if you wish...if you have a little town or an outpost we can bring a caravan to you. Just do this for us." I nodded and walked towards the sealed door, Shadow softly speaking "Have you ever felt that we normally don't speak but have someone speaking for us?" Stopped looking towards him and then towards no one at all. Hushing him. "Let's just keep moving you can have this crazy out of body experience later." Shadow chuckles and we go through the sealed door and make sure it re-seals and we start hearing the crazy. "Yesss....come closer...daisy...please come, closer...give grandpa, a hug." An old ghoul is sitting in a chair he stares at us and keeps laughing. I took my gun and shot him. As another crazy insane nut came out of the doors. "OOOOOO we have someone crazier than us!!!" Looked to Shadow and he lifted his minigun started blasting all the crazies we saw like it was nothing... Of course, we didn't realise it was going to get worse. He stopped firing and put the gun back on his back, looking to me. "Shall we?" I smiled. "Let's go then." Shadow nodded with a smirk. I use the light on my Pip-buck to look through the darkness and suddenly lighting shines the entire area and we are surrounded as a large light comes on and we see the mare chained and gagged. Then see a large stallion clap his hooves together with them on the side of the catwalk. He spoke in a deep voice. "Look children look... More invaders. Shall we deal with them?! Or shall we speak to them, my children? As our voices sing in this building maybe they will hear us!!" A group of them yells "KILL THEM!!!" Another group yells. "Steal their water!!" Hew lifts his hoof and they go silent. "Ah...but the desert....shall be our walk... The mare the prize... The spice...." As he said there many of the ponies take a strange substance and laugh and seem crazy. He spoke again lifting his hoof. " We are the children....of those that came before us!! We are the walkers... The Speakers." Hooves smash on the catwalk over and over. "We are the real children of this world. Give it all to us..." Looking to Shadow and I spoke out. "We have come for the mare... If you let us take her and let her go... We shall let you children of the real world..stay here till your time comes." I said with a calm voice. They all looked to me and then to the mare. The stallion walked down the stairs. "You don't wish to harm us... then? Have you come to sing with the voices... Have you come to drink the water of those that came before you? Water from the bodies of the dead... The mare...came here for the supplies of the past... The taint...made by the past. All of that taint must be removed...from this world..." He got down from the stairs. He seemed to have scars all over his body "I can let her go....for a deal child..." Looking to Shadow. "What is the deal?" He asked calmly. "The deal...the deal..." He thought a moment and looked towards the outside. "When your child...comes of age...tell them to come to me...and she will become my wife... Then we can...move on from this place of pain and dread...and become...one...with the world..." Looking to Shadow giving him a nod whispering to him... He nodded "Deal..." The stallion smiles and goes back upstairs... Shadow goes to untie the mare and places something on the back of the pillar setting it to go off in a min. "Thank you we shall go." The stallion nods and they started to cheer as Shadow and I started to run carrying the mare with us. As we get behind the sealed door and then BOOM!!! The ghoul looked to us and blinked. "You killed them all didn't you?" I gave him a nod. "Then we shall do it..." Shadow placed the mare on his back and we headed back down. But of course, that explosion made so much noise that we heard Enclave above us so I closed the grate in the basement and we ran back down the tunnel. As we heard gunfire and screaming. Then we stopped getting back into another door like closet area. Leaning back and coughs. "Well...so much for that...deal." I laughed as Shadow chuckled as well and looked towards the mare. "Let's get her back." I gave a nod and we started walking again and slowly going so we don't make any sounds. The mare started to wake up as she blinks and smiles nuzzling Shadow's back. " Hmm well, I figured I would see you again Shadow...but like this?" She chuckles softly. "Shhhh." She nodded and stayed silent relaxing on Shadow's back. It would take another day and a half to get back. She gets off of Shadow's back and calmly stays with us and I looked over to her. "What made those stallions kidnap you?" She blushes gently. "I um...was pretty I guess? He wanted to turn me into his personal breeding stock. So he was going to try to brainwash me...Then he would use me as stock for his children of pureness I guess." Looking to her I rolled my eyes thinking pure puh... As Shadow nodded and we found a raider tent to rest in even though the smell was bothersome we rested anyway. Starting a fire I put the rest of the meat we took from the dead ponies and I was given some food from Kip offering it to the mare she started to eat as Shadow and I ate the meat. I just sat there by myself as the mare slept after she ate, Shadow standing watch... Just watching above seeing the Enclave walking over the sewer drains. "How...did the world come to this?" I said softly... Looking down. Closing my eyes and feeling unsure again... But I had to be ready to fight in the name of honour. But it is hard with how the ponies are. Looked down to the mare who was laying on a dirty mattress that had some weird stains on it. Hearing more shooting above...the Enclave was doing so much to the ponies of Manehatten... Closed my eyes and started to fall asleep. ____________ Day 58 I opened my eyes and I was in a strange cell... I was alone? looking around in strange cloud cells sitting down and looking towards Enclave soldiers how did they find me... I didn't find Shadow or the mare anywhere. "Ah, it's awake..." Looking to an Enclave pony that came towards me...he was in a strange outfit. Staring at him with great anger in my eyes. "I have heard of you....you're the one that murdered some of ours at that own POW camp..." Just kept staring at him and stood up. "I will do it...again till every last one of you worthless so called ponies are dead... So the world can finally heal without your filth." Saying with a large smirk on my face. "Would enjoy every moment of it too." The stallion stared at me with shocked eyes... Gulping a moment. Then he regained himself. "We will deal with you soon." Sat back down and watched him walk away... I am not kidding for what I said... Closing my eyes feeling that I have failed... Why am I caged? I started to feel the wolf side of me getting very angry... Why am I caged?! I howled deeply and started attacking the cage it shocked me but I didn't stop attacking it as my paws burned from the charge. Calming down as I watch them...what were they going to do to me and then I had a pike in my back from a pain stick howling and staring at the one who did it they did it again and kept hitting me with the sticks laughing as I grabbed one of them with my mouth and bit it in half. "Keep it....up...when I get out of here... You will all be dead..." My hate for them growing as I stare at them. They kept poking me, groaning as the pain was getting worse... But after awhile they stopped as I layed there in pain. Groaning and it was getting late as I have been in here mostly all day... I noticed a pony coming over and letting me out and whispered to me. "Here..." He gives me my bag and weapons. "Get out of here..." Stared at him. "Why are you helping me?" "I didn't sign up for this...but you need to beat me close to death...to make it look good..." I nodded smashing him into the ground and breaking both his wings... "Good luck sir...if I see you again... I will kill you." Picked him up and then tossed him into the cage locking him in it and sneaking away slowly. I wish I did kill him...but I wouldn't be in the right to do so now...to find Shadow and that mare. I made back into the market and Shadow was talking with a map on getting me out. Slowly came up and leaned into Shadow... "What did I miss?" Shadow turned to look at me and then back at the map and then jumped, his eyes going wide. "Wait....how.....did you get out?!" I smirked. "Let's just say... I talked them into...but truthfully one of them let me out and I almost killed him to make it look good. Did you get the mare back to her father?" He nodded "She left you behind saying you would be fine..." I sighed softly and heads outside to sit and watch. I sat outside the building near the door..Looking up to the sky seeing the Pegasi and Shadow comes out and sat beside me. "You're upset aren't you Tiria?" My eyes turn to him in a glare, nodding. "Look at all those ponies...trying to bring a so-called peace with propaganda and half truths... How will ponies take their presence? Also apparently they knew me.... They said 'ah so you're the one that murdered a bunch of our troops...' I said I will kill more of you just to cleanse the world of their uselessness." Shadow stared at me he was worried at how I have been acting... "Tiria... You have become very angry and if you keep this up...the waste would have beaten you turning you into what you are fighting." Blinking remembering the golem in the back of my mind... The golem using me as a puppet. Looking to Shadow and smiled gently. "I promise you Shadow... I will try harder." Shadow gave a nod and one the ponies from the market came out. "He wants to speak to you two." Shadow nods as we both went back inside to talk to the leader. "Ah yes...you have returned... Now you wished for a trade agreement... I say we agree. It won't be easy with the enclave. But we will do it... Now take some food and water back with you. We will fill your bags." Nodded and we both set our bags down watching them fill our bags. I sighed softly closing my eyes relaxing and then picking my bags back up as well as Shadow. "Thank you, sir..." He nodded and we walked out. I looked to Shadow. "Now how are we going to get out of here?" Looking to Shadow and he chuckled. "Well, how about the way we came in...walking.." Gave him a nasty look and sighed as we started to walk back out of the city. "Anyway Tiria what do you call a Griffin that runs?" I looked at him, blinking. "Alive!! RUN!!!" He started running as I looked up seeing Enclave chasing after us and firing on us and we got into a building to hide from them... Of course, the building was missing some of its walls. "Walk out you said...." Shadow hushes me as we sneak back out and start to slowly try to get out of the city. It's not going to be easy from what I see here. We stayed silent as I sighed closing my eyes and hoping we get back soon...So I can get some rest. It took us an hour or so to finally get back to the outskirts of Manehatten we saw Misty Moon apartments on fire and burning down... Seeing the words friends on the sign falling down. I blinked. "Shadow take my bags...." Shadow blinks as I gave him my bags and I grabbed my gun. "Get going... I will be there... I got something to do." Walked back into Manehatten hoping that the building was still standing. Calmly walked into the old Puppet Factory. ________________ Pinkie Pie Puppet Factory. Slowly walking inside the building... Remembering when I first walked in here...with my friends...getting captured by the puppets. Slowly walked through the halls... I didn't wish to be here but I had to make a deal... A deal with some would call a devil. Maybe this will help the ponies of Manehatten... Maybe it won't... But I can't let the Enclave stay in here so easy. They will find their way here after I do this... I found my way to the old shut down computer. Started clicking the buttons and it started powering up after awhile and the puppets came back to life and stood up crawling to me. The Pinkie head came on the screen staring at me. "How dare you?! Come back...how..." I aimed my gun at the screen turning to the puppets. "Back off or I shall blow up your god...that is letting you live..." All the puppets stopped and I stared back at the computer. "I have a deal to offer you...if you remove your old Ministry of Moral programing." Waiting for the thinking computer staring contently at it and the puppets who look so much like Pinkie Pie and looked back to the computer. "What...deal..?" I softly spoke keeping my anger back. "The Enclave... I want you to take your puppets to them and slow them down here in the city... I know you won't last long... But you have to do something...from harming the ponies in this city... The deal...no stealing children, no killing the innocent ponies... When this deal is over... You stay here...and never show yourselves in the day again or night." The computer stares at me, thinking... I could tell it was thinking. I am making a deal with the evil of the past... Created to be evil and to force parents... to lie to their children. "It's a deal...besides.... I don't foresee this building standing after they learn that the puppets came from here... Go...before I change my mind." I nodded heading out watching the puppets head outside all beside me... What have I done? Did I do the right thing? Was it a trade....of life for a life... The need of the many type thing? Sighing I felt that my heart was not sure... But I had to do this... I don't see them lasting but...it will give those still getting out of here...time to run. I stayed in the doorway fighting with myself looking towards the gun... Having a fight within my heart...went back inside and stood in an empty room... Setting the gun down I started talking to myself. "What's...the choice....what's the idea? Why did I do this? Have I joined the devil in the heart of evil?! Have I allowed the Golem to beat me?" I paced around calmly talking. Feeling..I could destroy this...gun." Lifted up the Zebra Pistol.." But...honor....can I die in the moment of honor...while I just stand there...watching the world around me burn? Do I deserve this?!!" I breathed deeply feeling anger growing... "I should kill all the Enclave... I should become one to end my life taking them down!!" Holding my brain and tossed the gun to the floor. "The music is shrilling, the song is singing... Why is the tongue shrilling music calling me?! Oh...the idea...of making this deal...what I have done...is there blood on my paws?!" I walked around grabbing the gun and putting it to my head. "They... I should do it!!" Shadow walked in and gasped. "Tiria...drop the gun..." Turning to Shadow I had the gun to my head...shaking. "The pain...in my heart... I can't take it...anymore... Shadow... The birds...that sings in my heart... I have to save...those from me... I am a monster... I am not one of honour...I feel that the wasteland is controlling me..." Looked behind me to see the Golem again using me as a puppet. Making me speak in my mind... "I must...do what it said....it said...this to me..." Tears forming in my eyes... Shadow walked closer. "It's not real...don't allow this world to crush your spirit...after 2 months...don't allow it to beat you... You have done so much good." Looking at my paws seeing the blood. "I have so much...blood on my paws...do I deserve this?!" Shadow hits the gun out of my paw and forces me to the ground as he stared at me with tears in his eyes and holding me down. "Don't do this to yourself... I am already going to lose you in a year...we can't lose you now... Please Tiria...think about how we would feel... Think about us... Think about your friends. You need to fight this... Tiria...you can't just lose it now... You need to not change from your path..." I started to sob and wrapped around Shadow as I felt my broken heart breaking more holding onto my friend and he got off me and let me cry. Broken you could say...shattered one would say... Weak another would say... Some don't understand that the waste can do to a creature like me. I don't get why this hurt me so much. I think making the deal with the devil. Was something my heart couldn't take. Had to be stronger for my friends... But that crashed down very hard in my heart. It's gotten to the point that broke souls...are normal in this world...if those that saw me now...would look at me saying... Am I weak? Am I right to done this deal with the devil? __________ Journal Entry KipKipe "I am worried...about her...she hasn't been the same...but she is keeping her heart open to us... She knows what is going to happen. But she came clean to the rest of us... Silver is not taking it well, oh I can say that easy. But we have her for a year...we need to give her the love she deserves till the Goddess takes her from us... I love her so much as my sister and my friend...so many of us do... I wish she would let us help her... But I feel she thinks she needs to do this on her own. if she didn't then she would be lost... But she spends so much time with that little Filly Star shooter... I think she is trying to make up for the time... She won't have for her pup. I hope she will listen to me finally when the time is right... __________ Journal Entry: Shadow I can't believe she almost did...that...does she think about us at all?! I am being too harsh on her... She loves us...but we can't let her just fall like this. She needs to be strong for the town... They can't just see her fall after all this... She made a deal with the devil she told me... Why would she make a deal with the Devil in that silly puppet... Factory...but hopefully we never have to deal with those puppets again... But I have her now eating dinner with her and Kip she is calm and happy... Back to herself... I think her rage controls her sometimes. __________ Journal Entry: Silver Gunner. I wish they could see my anger and how upset I am...why didn't she tell us till now... I already lost so many friends in the past... I even lost...seeing Equestria in the time friends could be made without a gun at our heads. I will miss her when the time comes...but for now... I am going to be there with her when she needs us. Shadow was holding me tightly as I sobbed and felt the pain releasing from my heart from the good cry. Heard shooting outside. "Come...we need to go..." I stood up and grabbed my gun and we made it outside seeing the Enclave screaming running away from the crazed puppets that are holding giant knives... Looking to Shadow and we walk away from the building and knowing that those puppets won't be around in the future... Killing two birds with one stone. ____________ Same day, middle of the waste After a few mins of running seeing Manehatten a little farther away from us... I sighed, looking to him. "Sorry Shadow... I don't know why I got that way..." Shadow stopped me and wraps his wings around me, tears falling down his face and from his beak. "Don't do that again... Tiria if you need to talk to somepony or someone you talk to me Kip or Fleur or even Silver... You aren't alone in this..." Sighing and then we started walking along the path to get back to our home... I looked down, feeling that I am broken but... I will probably get over it soon. Even though I made a deal with the devil to help those in Manehatten to stop the Enclave for at least a few hours or so. I felt now that I did the right thing... After a few hours of walking, we finally make it back to our home and we set down our bags and ponies come in to look through the bags finding the food the gardeners take the seeds they find and then go to plant them. I sighed and looked at the ponies and Fleur nuzzled my neck. "Fleur..." She would tell I was crying. "Tiria...what happened?" Looking to Silver, Kip and Shadow... "Come with me." I lead them to my home and sat there on my bed. "As most of you know...when I give birth, I am going to die..." Silver stares at me I couldn't tell if he was upset or surprised. "You tell us this now?" Silver said softly and Kip patted his back. "But I almost shot myself....earlier... I need you four... I need you to help me through this..." Fleur nodded, so did the others. "My cruise ship is almost fully in the cave... So we can start building in the old area of their former in." I gave a nod and sighed "I need to tell Sand..." They nodded and I went to go find him... He is guarding the gate with Bulwark. As I got on the gate and leaned on Sand he looked at me and sighed. Bulwark watched the two of us with a smile on her face. "I need you, Sand... I am going to die...when our little one is...born... I need you till then..." Sand looked at me his eyes wide in surprise. "I understand... I will do what I can... I promise you I will be there for the little one." I smiled softly, my eyes so red from crying... I looked from the gate to watch the waste as it seems to be the golem again in my mind trying to tug me with the puppet strings... But I refuse for the moment closing my eyes and seeing peace again... "Thank you, Goddess."
Chapter 19: Our new home"A home is how we see it." It was morning on the side of the outside wall near the gate. A sign was placed on the wall. With the words. {Freedom Town} Finally giving this little camp former POW camp a name. It's not fully built yet... The inside of the cave is being cleaned up smaller buildings are being built in their place. The arena is being taken apart. But we are keeping the Hospital that was connected to. This is going to take time..but having ghouls working with the others and two robots... It helps. But it shows that it took time to bring some peace to the waste. Most of the time it's going to be hard to keep it that way. So much peace is not wise to have. Inside the little camp, there are some new buildings being built near the garden. Again this will take time... Only needing what you need...not all these items of pleasure the past took for granted. On the walls, turrets have been set up. On the sides of the gate two guard towers. But their mostly used if Bulwark allows them to be used... From what she has said that will be rare. But there was a sniper set up there for her. So she could look far away into the bog if anypony was coming. In the cave near the way in the bar which is also a place to eat in..has been repaired... The arena like I said is being torn down to place in more housing. But so much of this is going to take months. Fleur is busy building an inn. So she can help ponies that wish to stay with us and give us caps... ______________ Day 58 It's almost been two months since my journey out here. Two months and all this happen? How is that? I am starting to wonder if fate is also not kind... But also crazy at times. Here I am standing by the orb and hoping I don't feel it calling me. All this because of this howling dance... Looking at it closely and then to my arm... That is weak but I still use it. It's gotten to the point that hope will return to the waste or ponies will die fighting. Learning that the puppet factory was destroyed last night... Making that deal with the devil... They did some things to put a slow stop to the Enclave just for the time being. There was going to be a celebration of my journey. Watching Silver and Kip get ready for it... I just stood there watching them... I didn't want to ember why coming here was not my choice at first... Looking to the Stone that caused all this... But I'm happy making so many friends. Also happy I met Sand... Even though I'm not going to be alive after the little one is born. Hoping that Sand will be. Looking towards the rest of the ponies most of them work in the gardens. How we can grow anything impresses me. From what I learned that Fleur got us a water tailsmin. Must have happened while I was gone or awhile ago... But found out how to get it to work. Had a lot on my mind after trying to shoot myself. I was told that we got a few new ponies to join us... Haven't seen them yet. But from what I learned they're on the run from the Enclave. Still, don't think it will be safe here for long...if the Enclave wishes to attack here and try to break us. Hopefully, they will forget about us. But highly doubt that will happen. Leaning on the case that holds the howling dance... Watching the ponies as I'm just here wondering and relaxing. Having a young mare tap my side looking down seeing a Pegasus she sat beside me. "I take you're one of the ponies on the run from the Enclave?" The mare gave a small nod. "After the sky opened up with that strange explosion. I came down I had my mother chase after me. But we both realised we could never go back... So we ran into Fleur the ghoul... She brought us...here... But I am told you aren't fond of my species of pony." Giving her a gentle nod. "No... I am not..but I can get over that... I don't care for the Enclave...they're so much like the elders of my former home. Trying to keep those that wish to know real things... I may hate your kind... But I can ignore that and greet you. I'm Tiria." The mare smiles softly. "I'm Cloud Thunder... Nice to meet you...and I will try...to be helpful here." Gave her a nod. Looking back to Kip and Silver who are working on something that seems to be for my anniversary of being out here in hell. "Forgive me miss Tiria...but may I ask...what are you?" Looking down to her since... I am a lot larger than she is... Even though Fleur and Shadow can look me in the eyes. "I'm a race that was experimented on. We used to be ponies and I was turned into a Hybrid wolf creature. Because of this thing and science to preserve the pony way of life." Taping the case. "So basically my kind were made because of your ponies silly war. The war started by your princess." Gave her a hateful look and I could tell she didn't like the look. "But....but... I wasn't there..." I calmly relaxed nodding. "I know I am sorry just after your Enclave...and seeing most of the ponies that just use this world for greed... I have little respect for ponies." She looks down I sat beside her and stroking her head with my paw. "Listen I won't hurt you...or your family... But when it comes to the Enclave... I will not hesitate in killing them... I will make sure they feel all the pain." Cloud thunder looks down not sure what to think looking towards me and I looked down to her again and hugged her gently. " I won't harm you." She looks up to me with no fear in her eyes giving a soft nod. As I stood back up and seeing the little filly come to me I lay down to come to her face to face. "It's my little Star Shooter." Gave her a smile and she giggled as she jumped around as I nuzzled the little one... As her, parents seemed to be working again and lifted her closer to me looking to Cloud Thunder. "I am protecting little ones like her... When it comes to the young...like this the future...then I will protect them with my life." Cloud Thunder gave me a nod with a gentle smile on her face. Laying down to watch the filly play with a toy. "How one stays innocent is impressive to me." I nodded to that and watched the little filly. As Paladin Lilly stood above us and I stood up and blink. "I think I found were the next seal is. You can get it when you need to... But I shall tell you... Come with me." Giving nod following her into the cave leaving... Star Shooter in the care of Cloud Thunder. Following Lily into the cave and standing near the Stable door one of the seals glowing... Since I brought in back in. "The next one. Oh, you're so going to love this... It's in Ponyville." I stared at her. "Then I guess I better go alone with my Hell hound friend...if what I heard about the place is true." Lilly chuckles. "That's not the worst of it..." Looking to her blinking "There's more?!" Lilly laughs. "Yes...we know what the seal is... But how to get it..will be tough." I blinked at her. "Tough how?" Tilting my head. She lifted up the book and I read it. "I placed the seal in the basement of Suger cube corner... I asked Minister Pie... To place many robots to guard it along with a magic shield." I dropped the book looking to her and staring at her being very unsure. "Alright... I will do this...but I will go in a few days." She nodded and I headed back out but headed into the bar. "Some water please...and meat." The tender nodded and I sat at a table sighing. leaning back in the chair my left arm hurting from holding that orb in my paw... I wished I understood why that orb...did so many harsh things to my body. I felt weak in some parts of my body... It seems the pregnancy was going to be harsher on my body. I think that's why when it happens my body will give out. Closing my eyes calmly feeling my heart beat slowly. Trying to ignore the pain within my body. Feeling so much weakness a plate was set in front of me looking down to see the meat and water... Looking up at the tender nodding to her. "Thank you." Giving her some caps and slowly started to eat and drink. Looking to see Fleur sit beside me and smile. "Tiria... I need your help with something." Looking over to Fleur and smiled. "Anything for you, my friend." Smiling at Fleur and she chuckles. "There is a mare that is scared of you...she is too scared to come in...because of what she heard you did to the Enclave... She is not a pegasus but the propaganda of what you and others do to them...scares them... So when you are done please talk to her." I gave a nod. She watches me eat... Looking to her Fleur was very kind to me... I wonder how she looked before becoming a ghoul. She looked back to me and leaned against me... I didn't mind the smell of her decaying body... She made me feel important. I felt a gentle kiss on my cheek from her and smiled at her. "Thank you, Fleur... I am happy to have you as a friend...even though if others saw a ghoul kissing me...they would be grossed out." Fleur giggles. "I don't care what other ponies think... I may be a ghoul...but this is how I was in the past... Very kind gentle...well not all the time... But I tried to be." She smiled and I kept eating calmly. Ate the rest of the meat and drank my water and then stood up. "Alright lead me there Fleur..." She nodded and lead me outside were Bulwark was on the gate ready to shoot this mare if she attacked me...She had Enclave armour on and she seemed scared when she saw me. I could tell the mare was orange. As she removed her helm. Looking towards me and to the sniper as many ponies even Shadow and Kip at her shotgun ready. Looking to Fleur with a bit of anger. She smirked and winked knowing that I wouldn't have come out if she said the truth. Looking back to the mare sighing "Sorry miss they don't trust Enclave..." The mare stood there and sat down staring at me her anger and hate for what I did to her friends..is very easy to see. "You kill many of my friends...here..." I stared at her my anger grew. "Does that give the Enclave a right to starve and beat....a mare...or children or shoot them in cold blood?" The mare blinks "What do you mean?!" She growls. "They captured my friends, starved them, reprogramed one of them and then almost murdered my friend up there..." The mare looks at me with fear in her eyes. "They would never do that..." The mare seems very unsure then Shadow spoke up. "Yes...yes they would... I was there... So was Kip...she was the one that was starved beaten and almost murdered." Kip gave a nod. The mare sighed looking towards me. "If I do...this I am dead... I won't be able to go...back if the Enclave stays in power." Bulwark came down and sat beside me. "If you do this...we will make you a guard of the town. Because we could use more flyers willing to help us." The mare blinks nodding. She gets herself out of the armour and Fleur calmly takes the armour and takes into the cave to her Inn. "I promised that ghoul if I did this... I would leave everything behind...till the Enclave is removed from power." I gave a nod as Bulwark stood there talking to the mare. I walked off sitting on that chair I normally sat in resting a bit. Leaned into it was about to fall asleep but then felt a large ball of energy smashing into me and giggling. "Oh hello, little Star shooter." Smiling and she layed beside me on the chair falling asleep as I did the same. ___________ Dream In front of me stood the husk of the ones I have killed I just sat there watching them stare at me... 'Interesting dream' I thought... Staring at the fact that there are no steel rangers mostly Enclave... I had a smile on my face loving the fact... I see Enclave mostly as the dead here. Of course, if anypony saw my dreams they would think I am a murderer...to me what... I did was honour and justice... I have proven I am not a murderer... I am doing my best as a small time hero...small time hero... I refuse to be a big hero...too much work... A voice spoke to me. "So you don't consider yourself a murderer." Turning to see a pony speaking to me? I rolled my eyes. "I got an idea...how about you miss pony stop with your holier than though bullshit...and let me sleep hmm? I am sorry but I don't care what you think or if I kill more Enclave and enjoy it." Gave a smile, chuckles. "So...go on..shoo and stay dead." The fog wolves form from the pony. "Don't allow them to open...the stable... Don't allow them to open the stable..." ____________ Two hours later. I woke up blinking holding my head with my paw wondering why the hell these fog wolves are showing up telling me not to open the stable. Holding my head as it throbs. I don't know why I am having these dreams of dead husk of ponies I killed. Was it meant to make me feel bad or make me regret doing it? Looking down seeing the little filly still asleep. Sighing softly and stroking along the little fillies head and smiled as she slept. Deep Thought came over and gave me a book, it's a children's book, blinking. Looking at it. It talked about hating Zebra's and how they're monsters. "Um is this wise to read to her?" Deep Thought nodded and headed back into the school he asked to be built... I calmly shook Star shooter awake... She opened her eyes, staring at me with a sweet smile. "I got a book to read to you." Star shooter blinks and sits up smiling. I opened the book and started to read. "The story of the evil Zebra. Once upon a time in Equestria, the Zebra wish to hunt little fillies and colts. They make brews that are evil witchcraft...they try to force their way of life on us... The stars to them are evil but to us... they're wonderful and peaceful. They cause war and hate over nothing." I stared at this book staying silent for the moment. This is what they read to their kids? Looking back down at her and smiled. "The Zebra is a peaceful creature...that was wrongly accused." Of course, I am establishing how stupid this book is...and how much hate and propaganda there is...but this is a child... That shouldn't be shown the pre-war shit. "The ponies came crawling to the Zebra for forgiveness for all the accusing and the faults war that could have harmed the world. The Princess even asked for forgiveness for causing the war with the poor Zebra's." I stared at a few of the words in the book... Evil, heartless... I met some Zebra's they're nothing like this... Why did they do this in the past? I looked down to Star shooter who just looked at me with her wide gentle eyes. I kept reading along. "The Zebra is a peaceful being...that should be treated like a smart creature that never did anything wrong. Excuse me...a moment Star shooter." I stood up and there was a fire going and tossed the book into the fire closing my eyes and felt the anger... Deep Thought walked over and smiled. "Hard to read that part ain't it?" Looks down to him nodding. "Burning it won't change the past...but explaining to the young of this time...of what happen in the past... So it won't happen again." I gave him a nod and he gave me the same book I just burned. "Be truthful don't sugar coat it... I know it's hard but the past must be explained or you would be doomed to repeat it again." Looks at the book and blinks at him. "How did you find all these?" Deep Thought chuckles. "Being able to change into different things makes it very easy to get into places most ponies can't." He said smirking showing his sharp teeth. Sighing and looking back at the little filly I said back down and stroked her head with my paw. "As I read this to you... I want you to listen closely alright? This is how it was in the past during the war. I am reading this to you so you understand...and never allow yourself to fall in the same thing as before. Alright?" I was getting ready to read...when I heard gun shots. I looked up hiding Star shooter and rushed towards the gun shots. I rushed seeing the Enclave mare with two bullet holes in her side... But she is fine... "What happened?!" Fleur looked up and sighed. "It seems after what happen with the Enclave some don't trust them." I looked at the rest of them and growled... Kip went to the mare and lifted her up to the hospital. I was livid but kept calm. "I am going to say this...once...are we the Enclave now or we the hateful? Are we Raiders? Yes, the Enclave did wrong... But not all of them... I may have had my issues with them... But I am giving those a chance... How can we move on from war? Don't allow the past even if it still hurtful to control us. So to the ones that shot her...we are the better... We try to make a difference. I am not angry at the ones who shot her... She is alive...but if it happens again then... I will hunt you down and give you a punishment." I sighed and looked to Fleur who nodded. "Let me know if she will be alright..." I noticed the mare who I met that had the armour on flying to were Star shooter was hiding... I got down on all fours and walked slowly to them. Watching her speak in something and she was trying to grab Star shooter with her hooves who was scared to death of her. I got close to her and growled she turned and stared at me... Star shooter was sobbing hard. She was scared of the mare that had a strange device she spoke into. As I heard a voice. "Private...answer...have you found something...to make them surrender to you?" She didn't speak... I stared at her. Mouthing. {Your dead.} "No...command...no I didn't..." She said softly looking towards me... "Keep looking." I brought my paw out and she placed the little device on my paw and I spoke to it. "Hello, Enclave..." The enclave speaker seemed a little stunned. "Who is this?" "No, you listen and listen well... If you don't leave us the hell alone... I am going to kill this mare... Then I am going to find a way to get to you...and kill you too... I think you should worry about the Lightbringer more than worry about what a little town that beat you...is doing... Now go deal with a real threat... We aren't a threat we just want to live in peace without you... If this mare....does this again...she will be killed all because of you... I don't care if you have threatened her family... I don't care if you already killed her family... More worthless Enclave...dead..." I growl softly still had my red dragon zebra pistol in my holster. "If you don't believe me... Star shooter close your eyes and cover your ears." The little filly closed her eyes tightly and covers her ears. Then I lifted up the Pistol and fired in the mare's chest and she screamed in pain every pony looking towards us. "YOU HEAR THAT ENCLAVE?! I will hurt her again...and again...will that get you to stop bothering us?! WILL IT?! Like I told the commander that tried to hurt my friends before... I am not Security or The Lightbringer... I don't fucking care about pony life. You fucking worthless jokes are the reason...why. Oh, I can shoot her again." I fired at her again missing this time as she was already on the ground breathing hard and in pain. "DO YOU HEAR ME?!" I screamed in the strange device. The enclave who spoke in it was not sure what to say...all I could hear was voices. "I....can you please...give her back to us?" I grew angry. "NO!! You fucked with me and my friends...she is my prisoner... I will treat her with respect and ask her to work to redeem herself... If you even try to save her... I will kill whoever comes... I don't care even if you try... Deal with somepony else.." I growled tossing the device and shattered it with a shot... Calming down as Fleur rushed in staring at me with great anger. I stared back at her with the same anger... But she relaxed some and Kip came over to help the mare on fleur's back to take her to the Hospital. Standing up fully going to the little filly who opened her eyes she was scared to death of me... I understood why. I did the unthinkable... I hurt another. Seeing many other's look at me... I walked into the building that held my room and went in there and just layed in my bed... Thinking did I do the right thing? Closed my eyes and heard a door open Kip walking in she had so much anger in her voice. "You.....did that...in front of a filly?!" Kip was so upset. "You said all that in front of a filly as well... Am I worthless to you?! I am a pony... Am I worthless to you?!!" Kip had tears in her eyes and I just laid there as she lost it... Fleur walked in and Kip was still losing it. "Kip....the mare...was going to...kidnap little Star shooter and use her...to make us surrender to the Enclave... She just told me...this before she passed out from the pain. I even told this to Star shooter's parents... So I think we are being too harsh to Tiria." Kip sobs softly. "Those...words hurt me... I am a worthless pony in her eyes." I softly spoke. "No...you aren't... You're more to me than you think Kip... You're like the mother I never had... I am sorry Kip... I had to get the Enclave to leave us alone... I don't want any more of my friends getting hurt by them... She was going to hurt Star Shooter... I couldn't allow that." Turned to look to Kip who had tears streaming down her furred face and she trotted over me and nuzzled me gently as I just smiled softly. There was a gentle knock on the door and Fleur opened it seeing Star Shooter. She jumped on the bed and wrapped around me. "Mommy said you good... Mommy said you hurt one that wanted to hurt me." Smiled gently. "Fleur... I am going...to go talk to that mare... I know Cloud Thunder is probably there keeping an eye on her.." Fleur nodded. "Star shooter... Please stay with Kip and Fleur...they will read you this story." I placed the book on the bed and Kip looked at it blinking, staring at me... I grinned, winking and slowly walked out of the room. Some ponies stared at me but they smiled. They didn't fear me...it seems. Smiling at the fact that they didn't fear me at all. I slowly walked into the cave to the hospitals and Shadow was standing there as Cloud Thunder was speaking to the Enclave soldier. Cloud Thunder looked to me with a fearful smile. I gave her a smile mouthing. {Sorry I had to protect the little one...} She nodded as I walked to the mare. She looked at me with great fear... "Don't worry... I am not here to hurt you...again. I am here to welcome you to the town..." Looks to Cloud thunder who had the two bullets in her side removed... Looking back to the mare. "Just what is your name?" She softly spoke looking away as if she hates her name. "Little jewl..." I blinked staring at her. "That's an interesting pony name... I like it but still interesting." Cloud Thunder calmly poked me with her hoof. "It's an insult name given to her by her parents... It happens but yes it's rare." Looked to Little jewl and sighed. "Look... I didn't mean to do that to you... But I will protect all little foals or children born here... From the Enclave... I meant every word I said... I don't care if the Enclave dies...they deserve it for almost killing my friends and others... I ran into. I feel for now they will leave us alone...and if we do meet them... I am sure all bets are off and they will attack." They both nod. As I sit on my haunches and calmly watch Little jewl. "I am sorry I had to do that... I had to prove to the Enclave... I am not the Lightbringer... I don't care about the lives they throw at us... I will end them and then eat them... I have done it many times and I enjoy the meat..it's pretty tender... But yes..." Smiles gently as the two shiver. "But don't worry I will protect you both..." Smiled gently again as I stood up on my paws and gave her a nuzzle. "Now rest up... I will tell you what you can do to help...to redeem yourself." She nodded. Cloud thunder chuckled. Slowly walking back out and just stood in the middle of the town... Looking towards the warden's office as there are boxes blocking the way in now... Looking towards the former arena that is being torn down...and seeing the inn slowly being built. I just sat there laying down watching I feel very tired lately... Laying my head on the ground just watching. Looked to see hooves of Fleur stop in front of me and leaned down and looked into my eyes. "Tiria...please forgive Kips'...outburst earlier... I think the words... I don't care for pony life...hurt her." Looked up and smiled weakly. " Yes, I can understand that Fleur...just... I felt I did wrong..." Suddenly a filly jumped on my back giggling. Smiled as Fleur chuckles and nuzzles the little filly. Chuckled softly as I saw Kip. Sitting up on my haunches I pulled Kip into a tight hug and smiled. "Never...ever think that your worthless Kip... You're the one that made me have faith in the pony race." Kip blinks and the little filly gets off my back and her stomach growls... Looking down at her and chuckles. "Let's see if they have any milk for you little one.." Got on my paws and looked to Kip and Fleur... Mouthing {Please come with me...} I haven't seen Sand for awhile but of course he was helping the two Steel ranger's trying to break the seals without the warden's items he used to seal it. Because Ponyville is full of danger I guess. Sat the filly in a chair with my two friends and went to the bar. "Excuse me...tender do you have any soda milk or anything for a filly?" The tender looked at me a moment and offered me a Sparkle Cola, taking it. "Oh, I also need a daisy sandwich or whatever ponies eat." I said smiling. She chuckled and sat down a hayburger I think it was a hayburger. Setting some caps down and goes back to the table setting the food and drinks down. As I sat in a chair and the filly started to eat. "So... Kip how did the book reading go?" Kip's eyes go wide staring at me with a glare but calmed herself. "It...was interesting... I never expected that to be how the past lived. I wished this war didn't happen but...it did..." Kip sighed gently and looked at the little filly eating and she smiled. Fleur sighed and looked to Kip. " Truthfully Kip it wasn't that bad in the past... It didn't start getting bad till...that bitch..." She covers her mouth, looking to the Filly who just looked up with innocent eyes. "Excuse me... I meant that mare named Rarity who forced changed all the books." I nodded and watched Star shooter jump off the chair and running around like a little filly should and I just kept watching as my friends spoke. "So Fleur how is the Inn coming along?" Looking to her a moment keeping my eyes of the little filly a moment. "Oh, it's coming along great hopefully it will be built in a year... So I can get some caps for the town." I nodded. I heard a crash and then sobbing, looking over to see Starshooter go where she shouldn't and the mare bartender holds her gently and starts to sing gently to her. I noticed something the bartender is a pegasus, a dashite. I never got her name I think. "Don't...cry little one...calm down little one...allow your fears to go away... I shall take you away in a flight...to allow your fears to soar away... I am here...little one...don't you cry... Allow my wings to fly you away... Close your little teary eyes little one... Allow your heart to flutter like the wings...little one...don't be fooled by the tears... Have joy little one... I shall protect you from all your fears... I shall protect you from all your tears. Oh, little one dance in the sky with the clouds...in your eyes... Allow yourself to finally see the sun. Oh, little one Ruby will be here for you, little one... Spread your wings and flyyyy..." Starshooter fell asleep in the hooves of the bartender named Ruby. As she placed her gently on a little bed near her. "I will take care of her...for awhile..." Ruby looked up to me and went back behind the bar to tend and stayed close to watch the little filly suck her hoof. The fur on the back of my neck relaxed and looked to the tender and then back to Kip and Fleur... "I am started to think that we are going to be in good hooves in this town... I have a feeling my pup will be happy here.." I gave a gentle smile and it was getting late. I left the bar letting the two talk and I yawned... Heading back to my room for a moment but stopped seeing Thunder cloud on the gate with Bulwark. I calmly climbed up there and listened. "I know you're scared of her... I should be to...she saved me from the enclave... But she has done so much for us here... We owe her... I know you don't think you do... You probably owe the Lightbringer more for opening your eyes on the issues down here. I may have been born in this very town. But I understand that it's probably extremely peaceful up there too." Cloud thunder nodded and looked at the bog. She spoke softly "What else is in that...bog? I saw ghouls and strange wolves and bugs." Bulwark smiles saying with a soft nicker. "It's called the bog of time... You take a deep breath and you see the past play out... We have no idea what it's about but...it seems the fog itself...has this time seeing issue." Leaned on the gate and came up behind the two and softly said. "Boo." Bulwark looked to see me and rolled her eyes. "You could do better than that you know. I can smell you..." Blinking, I took a sniff and coughed... "I smell like a wet dog..." Bulwark stared at me. "Exactly..." I rolled my eyes and sighed getting off the gate. "If there was a bath around here I would have one...so there..." I gave her a smirk and Bulwark laughed... Went back to my room layed my head on the bed and closed my eyes feeling very tired and Sand came up behind me and forced me on the bed and he laughed. I chuckled and he got in the bed with me and we kissed gently. "Hmm, what brings you here Sand?" I said with a soft growl. "Oh, I'm going to give you a wonderful...night before you leave for a few days." I smiled and the night turned out to be a blissful night for the both of us...till we fell asleep.
Chapter 20: The stable opens."Friendship...started here." Day 60: Close to Ponyville It's taken two days to walk here. Looks up to see that a battle is close to starting in Everfree. Looking over to Iron claw. He looks at me and nods. Getting closer to Ponyville Iron claw looked at me and put his claws on my shoulder. "You sure about this?" He asked with a worrying look in his eyes. "Yes I am sure...are you willing to vouch for me?" He nodded as we got to the bridge to get to Ponyville a large group of Hell hounds wait for us on the other side of the bridge. I walked calmly along Iron Claw. "Grrrr greetings...brother..." Iron claw nodded. "Thank you, brother... This is Tiria, my friend... She is here to search for something... If you don't mind allowing the both of us to enter." They look towards me and I just stared at them with my eyes and stood on the back of my paws and stood up. The hunch in my back made it hard to fully stand up.... "I may have some friends...ponies...but I refuse to buy everything ponies do and say... Only a few I agree to..." They looked to each other and whisper... Then look back to me. "We need to speak to our leaders. If you wish there is good food in the water here..." Gave a nod and he walked off leaving us with the guards. I sighed and looked to Iron claw. "Shall we go eat whatever is in the water here?" He gave a nod looking back to the guards and the two of us walked to the water and looked into it. As I lifted up my pistol and got ready to fire and as I did the blast from it hit the gator and it came out angry. "Well Iron Claw Please use your claws." Nods to him as he jumped on the back of the creature that tried to do Death rolls to kill Iron Claw. I fired a few more time on the gator while Iron claw stabs into the chest of the large creature and it layed there dead. Pulled the creature over to me. Grabbing a large knife and he started the fire... I cut open and pulled the heart out. "Hmm, I wonder... I read up these can be used in potion-making... Maybe should give these organs to a Zebra." Setting them down and cut out the meat normally I would eat it raw but... Eh oh well. Setting on a spit and moved it to cook. Looking to Iron claw eat removing the meat from the spit and started eating as well. As I look up blinking seeing large Enclave ships flying towards Everfree. "Oh...boy...." Noticing some Enclave soldier's flying down towards to Iron claw and I. For the moment they seem to look at us... Then I spoke. "Fuck off." I said to them they stared at me still. Iron claw looked at me. I stood up and stared at them myself. Reaching for my pistol calmly staring intently at them with great anger in my eyes. One of them spoke to me. "You're holding my sister hostage wolf..." I smiled showing my teeth. "Oh...so that mare is your sister...don't worry she is alive... I am putting her to work...to redeem herself from the shit your kind caused. I am sure right now...you want to come and attack me... But I am not a threat...or does the great and mighty Enclave can't handle that someone beat them? Hmmm? The Lightbringer I am sure is beating you worse than I am...and taking her horn and fucking your ass with it..." Smirks I could tell but how the male was flying he wasn't happy. "Are you too scared to force your will on me, child?" Iron claw watched me with an amusing look on his face... "Come on, come at me!! Are you too scared to?! I am standing right here...mocking you...like the worthless trash you are...give me proof that you have balls...or are you like every other villain in this world...full of empty threats.." Staring grabbing my pistol and lifting it getting ready to fire. They fly away as I lift my pistol and fire the energy bullet would hit the tail causing a bit of a burn to the armour. "FINE RUN!!! I am not even a threat to you but someone that has beaten you like a red headed step foal!!" I sat back down and put the gun back in the holster and started to eat. "Well, that went well." Iron claw laughed. "Yes... I would say it did..." He laughs. Looking towards him with a smile and went back to eating. I had enjoyed that... Hopefully I never have to run into them again. We ate the rest of the meat while I placed the drained organs in my bag to give to Kip. Going back to the bridge to wait. Then the guard came back. "You can come in...grrrr but if you touch anything...you will be sorry..." I gave nod and we were lead to the leader. Iron claw gave a bow to the leader. The leader growls softly as he speaks. " What brings...you here...brother....and sister..." Blinking at that sister? "Um... I am not a hell hound, though." The leader chuckles. "We saw how you handled those two ponies... So anyone...who speaks that way to a pony and shoots them...is alright in our eyes..." I smiled calmly and chuckled. "Well...being created by them during their little war...my kind are very anti-pony... I may have some pony friends..but the ones like the Enclave... No..." He gave a nod. So what brings you two here?" Iron claw allowed me to speak. "Maybe to start a little trading we have a place the two of us live at... But first... I am here to find something. An item a pony warden left in one of the buildings here. It's a strange item to remove a seal from a stable. That is in our home... I was told it's in a building called Sugarcube corner." The leader's eyes go wide the guards drop their weapons a moment in surprise and the leader looks down. "Many of our kind...have gone in there...to try to make a home...out of it...and never seen again. So if you could go in there...for us...and find this thing...then well grrr...cleanse it...we would be glad to trade with you..." Gave a nod slowly standing and looked to Iron Claw. "Stay with them Iron... I don't think it's wise for you to come with me..." Iron Claw nodded. Giving him a smile. "What building is Sugar Cube corner?" The leader grunted and a guard lead me to the building. The rest of the building is boarded up and locked there is a ladder leading up to the top. Looking to the guard blinking. "That is the only way in miss...stay safe... If you see anyone alive in there..please bring them back to us." I gave a nod and went up the ladder getting inside the old building. I could smell decaying food. Took a breath and coughed a bit but it didn't bother me so much. Looked through the desk and seeing a photo of the ponies I was told about. Staring at it a moment. {These are the six mares that helped save the world?} I set it back down and felt it was wise to leave it alone. Looking through the rest of the desk finding nothing. Going through a closet there were clothes hanging there and I just blinked, looking to myself. Wondering why the hell ponies wear clothing... Looking through it and finding a journal. Opening it up reading through. {Damn this mare is crazy.} I thought to myself and then I turned to a page and it said... "I'm not crazy!!" I laughed. {Right...} Turning the page again. It said. "I am not crazy Tiria, you are...you're reading my journal." My eyes went wide and looked around calmly feeling something evil is reading my mind at the moment. Turned to another page it said. "Why are you reading this... and for your information, Tiria...we don't normally wear clothes." I spoke out loud looking around if somepony else was here. "I am searching for something." I turned the page. "Then why are you reading this?!!! Put it down now... Put it down now...or Celestia help you... I will wake up from the dead and haunt you!!! Oooooo." I set it down. Saying softly. "Okay, it's down on the floor." The page turned as I read it. "Good girl...now bye!!" My body had odd feelings as chills went down me... {Oh....goddess...that was creepy.} I brought out my gun like there was a ghost. Going down the stairs seeing no bodies or anything else. Seeing this is where the smell is coming from. Seeing rotten food and looking around seeing that no pony has been in here for years and of course fate played a joke on me... The floor fell from under me and I fell down harshly to the basement and there was a slide. As I fell on a pad and dust came up and I started coughing. Looking around and turned the light on my Pip-buck seeing bodies of raider's other ponies that tried to raid this place. Also the missing Hell hounds. Looking around calmly my eye's trying to see what I can. Looking around and heard a turret starting up and shooting at me. I got behind an old box as it stopped. Hearing robotic hooves and something hovering. I lifted up my pistol and getting ready to fire. A voice spoke "Scanning complete pony blood found in invader you may come in." I blinked a moment looking down at the raider's who are ponies and others who came down. I stood up and slowly walked in seeing a large screen. Looking to the buttons and on the side saw the password. Typing it in. Seeing the screen light up and see the Pinkie Pie. The pink pony started to speak. "Ah yes...hello Tiria...did you put down my journal!?" I blinked and gulped and she laughed like a crazy nut. "I am sure you did. Now I know why you're here. You are after the seal that the warden left here... But to get it...there is a price. I need a memory from you. A precious memory... True I may never see it... But I need the most precious moment in your life... If it goes right you will still remember or you will forget. I'm sorry for this...but nothing is free." I started to feel pain in my heart... I had to give up a memory? A memory that I could forget. She spoke again. "I know this ain't going to be easy for you Tiria. But sometimes we have to give up something to protect those we love." She looks down tears falling from her eyes. "I wish I did that...maybe she would still be friends with me... I am going to try to get her...back." It turned off and I read when it was made...a day before the end... Tears fell from my eyes. {So....she was going to fix her life...but she failed.} I saw a strange device with a memory orb come out and I closed my eyes and sat there putting it on. To think back.., Then I found the memory. My friends... Silver Gunner, Fleur De Les, Little hoof, Little Strong hoof the buffalo, Kipkipe, Shadow, Cannon Ball, Crow, Deep Thought, Iron Claw the Hell hound, and Star Shooter the little filly. The orb started to glow and the memory was copied and...just like that, I forgot them... I remembered why I was here, though. I looked back to the orb as I saw a door open up to lead me through a hall. But looking back to the Orb... I started to have tears fall from my eyes... Why was I crying? I have a job to do. Went through the hall remembering I fought the Enclave to save a little town. I got to the end and saw the seal. A photo of six mares in dresses. I read on the back. "Please protect this...this is what you gave up...." I blinked, what did I give up? I left the room putting the photo in my bag. Looking for a way out and saw a little wall open up and went through it. That lead out through the back. I headed back to to the leader but I heard a large explosion looking towards the battle... That seemed to be getting worse... The enclave and whoever they were attacking. Heading back to where the leader is. "I got it...and found no one alive down there." The leader blinks and nods. I looked to Iron Claw and gave him a smile. Bowing my head to him. Looking back to the leader. "Alright, would you like to trade with my town now?" He nodded. "We shall we will be there when it's safe to leave." I nodded heading out as Iron Claw followed me. Looking at him and blinked. "Are you one of the guards here leading me out sir?" Iron claw blinked looking at me. "Um...no... I came here with you." I blinked not sure. "Alright if you say so, sir." Iron Claw looked worried and asked the question. "So how did you get it?" Looked over to Iron Claw. "How did I get what?" Iron Claw spoke softly. "The seal." He said with a soft growl. " Oh, that...I was asked to give up something is some strange orb. I guess some Memory. I was told I would either forget or keep it...it. Eh, no harm Honour." I said to him with a smile and Iron Claw's eyes go wide. He stayed silent the rest of the way back. Day 62: Freedom Town. The two of us get back and the gate opens up and Kip comes to hug me and I blink at her. "Nice to meet you miss... But I need to get going." Kip blinks tears in her eyes. Fleur came up to me and nuzzled me and hugged. "Um...yes nice to meet you to...please excuse me." They all blinked and I stopped a moment as the little Filly runs to me I patted her head. "Nice to meet you." She blinks and I walk back past her as I softly made out something Iron claw said. "She...gave up her memories of us...in an orb..." I walked to the Steel ranger's and gave them the seal. "This is the last one." She chanted the spell and the seal broke and a voice spoke in my head. {You gave up your friends...} I felt...something call me... {Come...to me..child...you have freed me...come to me and bring that orb.} I walked back out and they were talking I saw them all even sand... They watched me go to the orb. I brought it out in its case and went back into the stable. Sand, Crow, Kip, and Silver gunner followed me inside. I kept hearing the voice. {Come...to me child...wake me...release me... Come see....the final product of the Iron wolf Project. The reason why...the crystal brought you here... The reason why you are here... The reason why your mother vanished...} Following the long-dead bodies of the former prisoners here. I don't know why but if I had the memory I lost... This wouldn't be happening to me at the moment. I got closer to it this wasn't a prison stable it was meant to house something big. I got to what it was at the end. Read what it said on the black tube. Iron wolf Project. {You were lied to Tiria...your kind wasn't created to be protectors. Your kind was created to be my army to take back our world from the unpure. Take the orb out of the case. The orb hmm... the orb... That pure crystal that crashed here so long ago. A piece of the moon..you see.. a piece of the real moon. Place it in the machine and let it's power wake me...} I was about to but Crow stopped me grabbing my arm in his raven form and speaking. "Tiria don't!! That orb is going to kill you!!" I dropped the case holding the orb in my other paw and placed it in the machine. As he let me go the others finally made it down. Kip, Shadow, Sand, Fleur, iron Claw, and Silver Gunner the others stayed above till they got me back. I stood there and waited as the tube started to be powered up. The orb started to dim a bit as the power was sucked from it. What came out was a large brain attached to a unicorn stallion. He had the body like me a mix a hybrid he was standing without the hunch. He stood right up like he was a pure being. Iron Claw spoke softly. "I will stay on the other side just in case he finds a way to get through." The others nodded to him as he stayed on the other side watching. He spoke out his brain had blood vessels that moved every time he spoke and he laughed softly. "I am...free after...all these years." He looked to me and stroked my head as I was fully under his control but Sand never was because he didn't touch the orb. He rushed to me and shook me. "Tiria!!! It's me....please wake up..." The large creature smashed him with a hoof and he went flying into the wall hard and fell to the ground out cold for the moment. "SILENCE!! I hear you all....your minds oh the love...the friendship... This world...was meant to be run...without Princess without Harmony without friendship...see Discord had it right..Harmony brought the end of the world... Soo did friendship." Fleur tried to speak up. "That is not true...friendship helped us friendship saved us." "SILENCE!!" He lifted up Fleur and she gasped tried to use her magic to get away but she couldn't he brought her right to his eyes. "Friendship and Harmony ruined this world!!!" He tossed her as she was thrown out of the room and the door closed. "You don't need her lies... Don't need her lies!!" Crow flew up and attacked the creature trying to claw his eye's out and with his mind, he grabbed Crow and stared at him. "A bug!!" He tried to shatter every bone in his body he screamed as Silver gunner charged and knocked him out and Shadow had chewer firing trying to kill the creature. A bullet hit but the wounds would heal. Crow panted and fell to the ground. A bag opened up that was set down and Star Shooter came out. Crow's eyes go wide and went to the child placing her back into the bag and whispered. "Stay in there little one." He zipped it back up but a bit to let her breathe. he then turned into a large creature to attack Kip was firing on him with her shotgun. He sighed and the chewer was removed from Shadow's Claws and tossed into the back. Kip's shotgun was tossed as well. "Ah...robot...you forgot those that you cared about ....Remember..." Silver Gunner screamed as the dent in his head vanished. he fell to the ground looking at Remembrance. He went silent not even able to move looking at the Photo saying no words. Then the creature lifted up Crow and brought him to him fully as he forced him back into the changeling form. "You're not pure...." He formed a spear from strange magic and stabbed it hard into the heart of the changeling and he tosses Crow's body on the stairs as he died right there. Crow was dead. Kip eyes go wide and charged in anger her hooves hitting the ground as she was picked up and smashed hard on the stairs her back legs broken. But she was alive knocked clean out. Shadow eyes go wide watching his adopted sister get hurt. "I am going to kill you!!!" He charged and before the creature could stop him he clawed his face...it didn't heal...he stared at him. He laughed so strangely. "Oh.....good job... Griffin, you got me to bleed... I wonder...." He used his magic to grab Shadow's wings and broke them he screamed in pain and tossed Shadow to the ground and stomped on his chest breaking a few ribs knocking him out cold alive... He looked to see Sand wasn't still against the wall Sand started fighting him with so much anger in his heart. "Let...go of my wife!!" The creature laughs. "You should be under my control!!!" He tried to use it on Sand but it took effort Sand jumped around too much like one like us was trained to do. Jump around don't let them get a hit in. He got a few of his claws in even digging into the brain. Then he finally did it he made a wrong step and got caught. He held sand close to his eyes and stared at him. "I can't have you trying to break through my slave...die." He glowed as every bone in Sand's body started to break and he screamed as he fell to the ground and tried to look to me seeing me in his dying eyes "I love....you Tiria." He died as the resistance that was my friends stayed there... Silver Gunner wouldn't even move Shadow broken but alive... Kip alive was well. Crow and Sand Dead. Fleur was thrown out of the room and the door going down to lock. He laughed and looked to me. "It's time soon the others of your species will feel that I am awake and then come in droves to bow to me!!" But the Star shooter poked her head out of the bag and trotted up looking at Crow. I looked at her in this stupper I thought to myself. A little one...seeing this. Why do I feel I know her... Looking to the bodies... I felt something come over me. I saw Sand's body... Why do I feel that I know him? Looking to Silver who was this? Then saw the little filly come to me tapping my leg. "Tiria...." She looked up to me with large big eyes. "Please...why are they asleep and have red stuff coming out of them?" My eyes stare at her as the creature lifts her up. "Not pure..." He starts to try to hurt the little filly. Her little left leg cracks as her bone is broken and she screams in pain crying. Then suddenly I started to remember it started coming back to I started to remember everything. I came out of the dream and looked at Star shooter Gasping and smashed my paw into the face of the pony and catching Star shooter as she fell and she sobbed as I layed her by the bag and my pistol fell out of the holster right beside her. Went to the creature looking to Crow my heart broke. I closed my eyes and put my paws on him to shake him. "Crow... Crow!!!" I sobbed softly looking to Sand and my heart broke. I went to him shaking him. "Sand!! Sand!!!" I remember what he said..now. {Tiria... I love...you... I love...you.} I started sobbing hard and looked to Kip and Shadow saw them both breathing. Looking to the creature growling and stood up fully. "Why....would you do all this...why all this?!" The creature smiles and laughs. "When Nightmare Moon was forced into the moon. A piece of the moon flew out and smashed into the ground. No pony even knew about this. 1000 years go by the war slowly starting the mines and it's found. All these bodies you saw here...are the former creators. The one you met...is the one that ran...from here... He made your kind to fight me... But if any of your species hold the orb for a certain amount of time... I can control you... I was made...to stop the war... But they needed the orb...and he stole it. I was held in here for 200 years waiting. I spoke in the Steel ranger's dead minds... Yes, those Steel ranger's are dead... I used them...and now they're on the ground outside...dead... I am pure... I am your God!! I am the Iron wolf Project!!!" Closed my eyes and stared at my friends. Looking up to him again. Feeling so much anger and rage building in my body. He hurt little Star shooter...he killed my mate, my friend... I was forced to forget because of this. Did Pinkie know...did she know?! My mind was full of many things. I went to Star shooter picking her up and hugged her as I went to the door and tried to force it open. Seeing a panel near it and opened it as the creature kept speaking about how amazing he was. His big brain seems to make him very easy to ignore. The door opens up and Fleur is there with Iron Claw I walk to them giving them Star Shooter. "Close...the stable...lock it..if I open it...then it's me... Keep it closed otherwise... To keep him out of the world. if I don't return keep the town going..." Fleur nods so does Iron Claw as he holds the little filly. I closed the door back up and he stops stroking his ego. "Why are you ignoring me?! I am your god you should be worshiping me!!!" I just stared at him my eyes full of hate and anger... Picking up my pistol and put it in the holster looking at him. "So...tell me...are you always this stupid?" He blinks staring at me as I start to insult him. "Oh no really...you have all these brains and you say you're my god... But no you aren't you're just a pony. A pony that was put into an experiment to stop the war... I can see how it failed... Did you used to be one of those that thinks their better than everyone else in the past? Did a mare ignore your want for sex? Did your mother never love you?" Smirking at this. He was growing angry. "ENOUGH!!! How dare you insult me!!!" I smiled as he grew even angrier, the stable started to shake. "I will insult you because it's so easy... You're a pony, a piece of worthless trash...that is trying to be better than the rest of the world... Oh please." I spit on the ground and stared at him. "You ponies...think you can control what you don't understand. Just like the Enclave... The Enclave thinks they can control they can hurt... Through force... I can tell you're going through that same thing child." I gave him a smile winking. He grew so angry I could see the blood vessels popping and he tossed out some magic lances at me and I just watched him miss me from his anger. "HA!! My mother could aim better than you...come on!!! You can do better you fucking worthless pony. You prove everything I have said is right... Ponies of the past are trash...only a few that are still alive are good enough. Looked to Silver Gunner who just sat there and I patted his head and he looked at me. "Silver...fight with me." He nodded and stood up and holding the shotgun. "Enough..pony...you have lost..already... Do you want to remove friendship? Harmony? The Lightbringer proved that friendship and harmony still exist. You can remove it...you can destroy it... Even this battle for 200 years has proved it... I am sure there are heroes going back to the end of the war to the now...trying their best to clean the world. Not all of them probably did it, though. Come on pony listen. You can't just try to control you." "SILENCE!!" Silver gunner charged at him and the pony tried to stop him and he got a few bullets in his body but healed as he grabbed Silver with the magic and tossed him into the door. Standing back up as he is grabbed again and smashed over and over onto the floor and broken apart and tossed into a heap. I gasped seeing Silver broken but he looked at me and said. "Fight...with your voice..." I stood there and stared at the creature. "You think you can control what you want? Again you are so easy to mock... You throw such cute angry fits child." Smiled sweetly at him being a warrior like I should you insult and make fun. "Oh please, you can't beat me." I come towards him as he grew angry and tried to attack I just kept going as I got face to face to him with the hunch in my back and he started getting so angry he tried to hit me right in front of me he hit me away a bit but laughed loudly. "Awww. so... GAH!" He used the magic to grab my neck and growled with so much anger. He started to slice me with his magic causing many wounds and then dropped me to the ground and then stabbed me in my back as he tried so hard to kill me. I felt my body dying and knew if I died my pup will die with me. The howling dance glowed brightly and a light from it shined on my body. ___________ The mind. "You must fight... Tiria..." I blinked looking at the orb and touched it and it turned into the spirit of Luna. I blinked staring at her. "Who...are you?' The image of Luna looked to me and sighed giving a smile. "I am a tear of the good that was in Luna...she went to darkness when she hit the moon... As Nightmare Moon a tear from the moon..that held some of her hope and good heart... Allow me to fall to earth... I am sorry you had to go through this all because of the tear. But I am not the real Luna... She is dead... I am what remains and after this... She will be fully dead. You need to stand and fight. When you open your eyes the howling dance will be a real crystal and only glow when the sun shines on it and crack. Please in the name of Luna... fight for her...." I was forced back into my body, my pup alive thanks to this. _______________ Stable I opened up my eyes my body covered in wounds and blood. Slowly looked at those around me... "How.....are you still alive?!" I sat there a moment at the stairs seeing my dead mate again Crow again. I softly spoke. "My time in the waste has made me learn... The dead will rise again... Even if they aren't really dead and the waste made their will dead... They will fight on...like the dead they are... For I am one...my will died...the waste beat me... It beat me down..it moulded me into what I am now... It hurt my heart... It broke my body... The golem...used me to give it death and blood it wanted." Standing up and looking down. "I died...when my pack tossed me out... I died...when I touched the orb... I am already dead... I give birth to my child... I will die... You killed my mate... She will be alone without parents.... Like most children in this world." Looked up to him with my blue eyes glowing. "You can force me down...you can try to hurt me all you want. I have no element in my heart... All I am is a warrior that fights for honour. I may be remembered when I pass... I might not... If I am remembered good...if I am not..and only for the things... I did... Then it doesn't bother me... I could be a mystery for all I care." I grabbed my gun and lifted it out of the holster. Looking at the pistol that has been with me on this adventure. Looking to the creature. "I am going to end you. In the name of my friends... If I die... I die... But it's to stop you..." I looked up to him my eyes full of anger "You say you're a God.... Gods can die... For all gods in this world are dead..." I lifted up my pistol getting ready to fire. "Die...oh God...die..." Fired at him as he started to attack me. As I did my best to dodge and got hit by some of his magic groaning. I felt the pain. Keep firing over and over. As I did the trigger was getting more and more overused. Some bullets hit him. Some didn't. I kept firing as I could when it hit..he couldn't heal because it was magic hitting magic. Finally, it happened... I pulled the trigger one last time and it broke the gun fell from my paw to the ground the trigger shattered. I grabbed my mace and charged smashing into him over and over as our weapons clashed. "You will bow to me!!!" I smirked laughing "No..." looked to the orb it was still glowing. I had a feeling I had to use it. As I grabbed it and forced it out of the machine holding it in my paw and looked to him and kept attacking him with the mace as it's getting harder to fight him with the pain from the orb. I closed my eyes and Smashed the orb into the face of the pony he screamed and suddenly the entire area of the stable blew along with me there after the flash was removed from my eye the orb was beside me...but my arm was blown off. Looked to my friends they were fine... Crow and Sand still dead. I saw that he was back to normal I grabbed my weapon and went to him. Very weak but felt I had to deal with him. "I was...meant to be a god......" He sobbed as he was now my species fully my species. "Welcome.......and die..." He screamed as I smashed the mace onto him over and over screaming in anger and smashed his head down fully. Till nothing was left. I stood up looking to the orb, it was cracked and now like a real crystal... Going to Sand's body. "I wish... I could...be with you, Sand..." I layed my head near him...as I felt like I was dying the world started to go black. _________________ Dreams I woke up in a dream looking around. I felt that I was in the dream looking to the Ghoul that formed in front of me. He said with a gentle smile and walked over to me and sighed. "Tiria it's not your time yet... But when you do pass... I will be here...to take you to the next world. It's the least I could do even though you killed me." Looked around and blinking. "Then why am I here?" The ghoul lifted his hoof and the tree formed and all leaves were off it but one... "You have one year...to enjoy your life... Tiria... I am here...to let you know... You didn't fail. The wasteland didn't beat you like you thought... You risked your life...to protect your friends... Even if Crow and Sand died. You are not ready to go. Please use the rest of your life... To help those that need you... Tell your friends to honour you with everything they do... Honour them..for when you die..you will only see them in the next world." Sighed softly looking down at my paws and started to feel pain and coughed. "I feel so much pain." He smiled. "That is good...take care miss Tiria I will see you in a year." ____________ Stable I opened my eyes and coughed as my body was in so much pain... I stood up groaning and opened the door and headed out to get the stable open. I spoke in the communication device. "It's me......everypony...please... Open...the stable." I fell to the ground as the stable opened and they rushed to me. _____________________ Day 70 two weeks later I opened my eyes I was laying in a hospital bed. Felt something attached to where my arm was... Feeling the Pip-buck on another arm... Hearing voices. One voice was Kip. "It's been two..weeks... I don't know if she will wake..." Fleur then spoke. "I am sure she will, she is strong." I softly spoke. "Kip? Fleur." They both looked to me and rushed over. "You're awake!!" Kip had tears in her eyes "Fleur go get them, go get them!!" Fleur nods and rushed out "....I feel like I am in so...much pain..." Kip had tears falling from her eyes and nuzzled me all over my hurting body. "Kip...please I hurt so much..." She giggled as the door opened up Shadow and Silver ran in. They started to cheer and Shadow had his wings wrapped up. "Hi..." I smiled weakly... "What happened?" "Well, The lightbringer...beat the Enclave... She has control of a device that will bring the world back to normal... But it will take time... The Enclave is having a war with itself...and Fillydeplha is free." I smiled softly. "I am happy to hear...that...when will I see the sun?" Kip chuckles. "The sun will be out when she learns how to run the device." I don't remember what happened... "What happened to Sand and Crow?" The go silent and look away. _________________ Same day: Small Graveyard I was sitting in a wheelchair... they didn't let me walk as...everypony from the town was at the funeral for Sand and Crow. The one speaking was Iron Claw. "I didn't know these two...very well. I met Sand after he shot me and he brought Tiria to me... He was very sweet and kind friend to me. I loved how he treated Tiria even if...she didn't love him at first... But I saw them fall in love. He was an interesting creature... But I never thought I would only meet them then to see him die. Crow...you could say he's the reason most of us are here... He was asked to follow Tiria...by the one known as Watcher. They both worked so hard to come and save her friends." I just watched not even going to watch anymore I went away and I heard a robotic voice. "Hello, Tiria.." Looking to see Watcher and I sighed. "Hello, Watcher..." Looking up to the robot. "I heard...what happened. It's on the news." I turned on my pip-buck to hear it. "In other news in a little town known as Freedom town... The wolf risked her life to end a creature of the past... But doing so..she lost a friend and her mate. I know your pain...miss wolf...keep fighting the good fight." I turned it off and looked to Watcher. "Does it ever get any easier Watcher?" Watcher stayed silent for a moment. "No...no it doesn't but keep them in your heart and it gets easier to deal with it... You can't save every pony Tiria...but you did what you could." Looking down and up to Watcher. "I understand that... Thank you, Watcher." The robot went silent and it flew off and Kip came over with Fleur and they both leaned into me. "Pain... I feel in my heart... I hope that someday I will see them again." A white unicorn comes up to me and stared at me... "I am Seeker...when you heal... I have a quest for you." I stared at her and she walked off and vanished. "I am going to get some sleep...goodnight you two." Slowly moved to my room, Fleur and Kip watched me so broken go in. I got out of the Wheelchair and slowly got in my bed so much pain... As I fell asleep knowing that someday I will join them.
Chapter: 21 A Promise"A quest to move hearts." Freedom town Six months past. It's been six months the sun is still covered behind the clouds. She said it would take time to move it all. Freedom town has been growing. We have many trades going on ponies coming in and out... Most of the ghouls have been removed from the bog of time... The fog wolves seem to avoid the area now. Fleur was still building her inn half of the ship was taken apart to build the Inn slowly. Kip has taken up to be a full-time doctor in the hospital. She has a few nurses some are ponies some are Rat Creepers. She also is expecting finally she has settled with Crossfire, Crossfire has set up his weapon making in one of the shops. Bulwark is training more guards to keep the area protected. Deep Thought is getting ready to start school sessions. Everything has calmed...for everyone...but for me..it's getting closer to the time I give birth and I am waiting for the end... I have no more to live for after... I went into the stable and got my mate and... Crow killed... I blame myself. I forced myself to forget them all... I forced it...my heart is just to broken just like my pistol. It's being fixed right now but Crossfire. I sat alone on a hill we extended the wall to. It's a good thinking hill. To be alone... I wish I could see Crow again and speak to him..I wish I could hold Sand again.. But I have to move on. I know what is coming. I heard hoof steps coming near me. Hearing a voice speak softly. "I am known...as Seeker... I need a job from you miss Tiria." I turned to look at her and blinked a pure white unicorn mare in a cloak. Her right eye blind looks like a pure moon. The other eye a gentle gold. "I see little bits of the future... There are souls that need you...in Manehatten a place... I live in... They will be attacked soon...we need to save them." I was showing big. My armour didn't fit me anymore. My armour was in the case that held the cracked crystal that used to be the howling dance. "I am pregnant... Seeker... I can't just do it." I have been sitting here ever since... He was killed... I eat I drink water... I spend time with my friends and then... I go back to being empty. "Tiria..this is your destiny to do this... You need to move..you need to get up... You need to stop beating yourself up over what happened." Looked up I remember it was all over the news. Two of my closest friends...died... But they didn't add it was because of me. I stood up and Seeker spoke again. "So the warrior the wolf...is walking away from proving her honour again? How sad...you fought in the name of honour now you run from it." My ears perked up, my eyes go wide... Was she insulting my pride?! How dare she do that... "Fine... I will do it...to prove to you I am not running away. But first I need to talk to a friend of mine." Seeker nodded as I walked to the bar I was going to meet Kip, Silver, Shadow as well as his new Fling Owl peak a weird female he met and Fleur. I sat at the table and smiled weakly at them. "Ah, there she is..." Fleur smiled and nuzzled my side gently. "Kip... I got a question for you..." Kip looked to me as she was drinking water. "How would you all act if I went to Manehatten with a crazy unicorn to take on whatever threat she is talking about." Kip swallowed the water and I have never seen Fleur or Kip so angry... "No, you will not!!" Fleur started acting like a snobby mare. "You're pregnant... Tiria..." Kip spoke just as upset. "No... I won't let you go and get yourself and the baby killed." Shadow spoke up softly. "Maybe she needs this." Silver nodded. "I think she does as well...she has been here trapped ever since it happen... Maybe she needs to get out..." Kip got very angry it shows with her hormones from being pregnant. "How could you say that..she needs to stay right here!!" Fleur sighs. "We aren't going to win this Kip." Kip looked to Fleur and sighed as well. "Yes... I know." Crossfire walked into the bar setting down the gun. "Seeker told me you would need this." I nodded taking it and looking at the gun. The red Dragon zebra pistol working again. Looking up to them and gave Kip a hug. "I will be back I promise you both.." Silver nodded same with Shadow. I headed out but Kip followed me and opened the case that held my bags and gave it to me with her magic and hugged me tightly as I got the saddle bags on me. "I will be fine... Kip." She nodded. I smiled and Seeker was already waiting for me... Bulwark let the gate open. ________ Manehatten We got on the outskirts of the city. I noticed it seemed calmer in here.., But I don't see it staying. I followed Seeker and looking around. Looking to her and finally seeing her Cutiemark A crystal ball and she chuckled. "You like what you see back there?" She shook her ass at me. I blinked "...How did you...know I was looking at your Cutie mark?" Seeker chuckles softly. "I am kidding Tiria..." She winked her blind eye and lead me to a sewer grate. I facepawed so hard and sighed. Blinking going inside the grate with her and she lead me to a small little town. We walk in the middle of the town looking around as... I see many ponies even a bird race that is not a griffin. "That creature is known as a Roc. A lot of their species died out after the war... Only a few are left in Equestria." Looking at everyone and suddenly I got attacked by a Rat Creeper that jumped me. He forced me on my back and aimed a gun at my head. "Seeker... I got her.....now now...do we kill her?!" Seeker chuckles. "She is pregnant..and she is the wolf... Foot note." The creature blinked and stood right up. "Hello hello, wolf....I am Foot Note Forest rat." He goes back into the city and I sighed standing back up on my paws. "Well, that...was needed." I sighed and looked to Crystal. "Alright explain to me..why am I here? You all seem fine.." Seeker chuckles. I looked to her as I sighed and my stomach growled. Opening my bags to bring out some meat and started to eat. "You're here because they will be here..soon in fact.." I just stood up after I ate and a group of raiders came down and started firing on the ponies and creatures down here. As they fired back. But some of them hid... I hid and grabbed my pistol and looking at them. " HA HA KILL!!!" The raider spoke out. "HEY!! raider." I spoke out and they stopped firing. I stood up from the protection... One of them looked at me with fear. I rolled my eyes and stared at them with a smile. "Really....you fools are here..because of why? Oh, shook know because you can't have sex and you're fools right? Ooh, look at me I am a raider... Ooooo a raider... I am one that eats meat and kills others for fun and rape them as well. Oooh, how lovely... I got an idea...run..or die here." Foot note sneaks up placing a metal apple in my paw. "FUCK YOU!! We will rape you!!!" I sighed at the raider and pulled the pin and hide behind a wall as boom but it didn't take them all out one was on the floor groaning and I walked to him and put my gun to his head. "Now....who sent you?!" The Raider was a young mare...who looked at me..with fear in her eyes. "Please...don't kill me....." She shook and sobbed. I stared at her smiling getting ready to fire. "Sorry...but ponies are trash to me...that need to be removed from the world." She sobbed hard and I listened to her beg and well wished it... As she was begging and crying. "I am going to ask you this again...who sent you to harm these creatures?" The mare shook looking around and spoke. "The pact!!!" She sobbed hard and I blinked looking towards Seeker. As she walked towards me. "The Pact...a cult that is well hidden... They have been showing up slowly as of late. They remove parts from the ponies and creatures they capture and add them to themselves. To cleanse themselves of the pain. They follow who they know as the dark one...since the war, the seal that has kept this dark one in place...for the 1000 years is failing. Soon he will show up and the Pact will try to make the world ready for him. But sadly they didn't count on the Lightbringer or other heroes. So it may take longer for them to prepare for him." I rolled my eyes and looked to the mare as I was getting ready to fire and Seeker stopped me with her magic. "Killing a pony that wishes to change her ways... doesn't work." I stared at Seeker and kicked the mare in the stomach stomping on it once and stared at Seeker. "I don't care what you say Seeker....she is a raider, they don't deserve to live... Just like the Enclave." Seeker softly spoke. "So may ask you a question?" I nodded. "When did you become judge and jury?" I blinked staring at her. "Again when did you become judge and jury? Yes, she is a raider look at her...now she is sobbing she is crying...real tears." Staring at the mare and I lowered my gun putting it away and lowered myself to her and stroked her head with my paw. "You think you change your ways?" The mare looked at me with surprise in her eyes she gave a nod and stood up "I am sure there is somepony here that cares. I need to head back home." Seeker sighed and shook her head. "I will come with you..." Looking to Seeker. "Alright, I guess..." I gave so little care and put my gun in my holster. Leaving those I met behind. Climbing back out and I looked around not trusting this city at all. I started to walk away and then I heard a voice. "Hello, Tiria." Looking to watcher staring at the robot. "Hello, Watcher...what brings you to me after six months?" The bot just hovers there for a moment. " I wish to say goodbye...I heard what is going on with you...It's even Djpon3 is talking about it." Turning on the pip-buck and the voice came on. "I got something heartbreaking to talk about children. A hero that fought for her friends against her own kind the Enclave is going to be joining those warrior's of the dead soon. It seems her body won't be able to handle her giving birth and she will pass. But she won't be forgotten. She did so much for us...Not as much as the Lightbringer..but she did so much. It's time to honour her..if you see her walking. Give her thanks if you see her in her town Freedom Town... give her thanks... Just give her thanks." I sighed turning it off and looking to Watcher. "Listen Watcher... I am not going to see the sun...before I die... I will even miss the real moon. Think of it Watcher... No matter what happens, I am going to lose... My heart is beating from the fact... I know I am going to die..." Watcher went silent a moment "I am going to die before I see what I want..." I sighed and Watcher seemed to stay silent. "Tiria...head back home... I promise you... That you will see the sun and the moon." I rolled my eyes. "Alright... Watcher...nice meeting you..." I walked with Seeker by my side. I closed my eyes as I was hoping he would keep the promise. _____________ Two days later: Freedom Town. We had made it back and I sat at my thinking spot... I looked up seeing something green fly into the sky and then was gone. I closed my eyes feeling so much pain in my heart as I just sat there wallowing in my own pain. I stood up and heard explosions looking up. Seeing the green thing again and suddenly explosion in the sky... The Cloud cover was removed and the sun..shined down... I stared at the sun. My heart...froze a moment... I just stood there...thinking I was dreaming... I saw....it... I had tears fall from my eyes my heart started to drain its pain out... Started to sob. Oh, the warmth the pain that I caused on this journey the pain that happened to me... I finally get to see my dream....the sun... I also want to see the moon... But the fact I am seeing this before my death... Makes me just sad and happy... That I don't get to share this with Sand... I need him right now... I looked over and everypony even Fleur looked up seeing the sun... Kip even had tears in her eyes. It was something no pony ever thought they would see again. I watched at the green figure came down seeing it was a ghoul. She had a chalkboard and she wrote on it and lifted it up it said. "Watcher asked me to do this for you miss Tiria." She places it on the ground and removes the writing with a hoof and writes again. "I wanted to do this as well. I may never have met you till now... But you deserve this." I wanted to hug the mare... I already am close to a ghoul... "Whats...your name?" I asked very calmly tears still streaming from my eyes. The mare smiled setting down the chalkboard and bringing it back up after she wrote. "I am Ditzy Doo. Do you have any muffins?" I blinked and just hugged the mare tightly and just started to cry so hard. Some pony did something for me? Here I took ponies as monsters for granted. I treated even my friends who were ponies at trash sometimes. My pip-buck was going crazy but I didn't care... I needed this. It was something I dreamed about... Fleur walked over to us and she pulled me away from the mare with her magic and looked to Ditzy with a smile. "Thank you, Ditzy..." She smiled nodding as she flew off to get back home. Fleur calmly brought me to my friends... I sat in the middle of them. I wrapped around Kip looking at the sun. "I am so sorry Kip... I really am... I am sorry for treating you so awful... Same to you Fleur..." I started to softly sob on her and Fleur smiled... As my pain was being thrown out of my body. Kip smiled and held me with her magic and We all hugged I never hugged all my friends at once... It felt right... As we watched the sun. We had part even that lasted through the night. We finally saw the moon. I could feel it glow on me as I sat on the hill and felt like Sand was there with me. I stayed up to even watch the sun rise and Crow was on my shoulder watching with me... Pot head was behind me... We all looked up... But this was only in my mind... Soft Paw was with us too... I know they're at peace... I will be at peace soon myself. Kip called me in her soft voice. "Tiria please come and eat something." I stood up and went to go get some food. It was the last time... I saw Watcher. I will not be able to thank him for what he did for me. I noticed that Ditzy was flying with her cart hitched to her. Fleur spoke to her as it seems she wanted to start trade. I waved to Ditzy as she waved back. "Hey, Ditzy...please tell Watcher thank you for me." Ditzy nods. Smiling and heading to the bar. There was food there waiting for me as well as tonnes of water. Kip wanted to keep me from going back out and I was going to listen to her. Ra Proto started to do his rounds in the cave and just kept walking back and forth...Same with Silver. Calmly eating the food that Kip left for me... I sat there eating the food looking around. I gave up my leadership to Silver Kip and Shadow...They lead the town for me. Fleur sat down beside me she smiled and leaned against me. "That new unicorn you brought into the town...is very interesting. She is going to be our other teacher too." Gave a nod looking to Fleur as I eat and gave her a gentle smile. "Thank you, Fleur." I kept eating as I was getting my fill. Fleur blinks looking to me and just leaned against me. I got off the chair and went back outside she followed me and then I sat back in my thinking spot watching the moon. "Tiria...how long have you been up?"I looked over to Fleur and smiled softly. "I have been up mostly almost 24 hours... I can't sleep...too much pain in my body." Fleur gave me a frown and sighed as she layed beside me and I leaned on her as I watched the moon. I finally fell asleep as I leaned near her. _________________ Next day. Opened my eyes calmly seeing I was in my bed. I tried to move but I couldn't. I can't even move my legs. Am I that weak? I slowly try to get out of the bed and fall to the floor with a smash. Ra Proto rushes in. Seeing me laying on the floor not able to move. He speaks in a loud voice. "Warning... Warning... Paralysed wolf on the floor." Kip rushes in and with the help of Fleur gets me back on the bed and I groaned. "Why...can't I move?" Kip looked at my body with her horn and gasped deeply. Tears falling from her eyes and she starts to sob softly. Fleur blinks and gives Kip a gentle hug sitting in front of her. "Kip...what's wrong?" Kip was finally able to speak. "The orb, everything you have been through... The pup thanks to everything that has happened to you Tiria... Your body is weak... I doubt you will ever be able to walk again. But I can try to make it so you can at least sit up." I sighed softly, closing my eyes. "Please take me out outside on my bed..on my hill... So I can watch the sun and the moon." Kip blinks and looks to Fleur giving a nod. They used their magic to carry my bed with me in the bed. As they lay it on the hill I am able to watch the moon go up and down. I layed there watching I had Star Shooter jump up on my bed and I smiled at her... I tried to move my upper paws it wasn't easy but I could. I stroked her head and told her these words. "Star Shooter... I need you to grow up and be a strong leader. Someday you will go out in this world and help fight. Even if the world becomes peaceful there will be those...out there...that don't wish for this peace. So please Star shooter protect this little town. Show them how strong you can be.." Star shooter blinks. She was eight years old... But her mind didn't fully become like it would be when she grew older... I would never see her become a mare. "Tell me a story Tiira...please..." I looked at her and smiled. Closing my eyes and sighed. "Look to the sky...the moon in the sky has a story behind it... It's a soul to wolves. It allows the wolves to sing to it... I would do it...but I am too weak to..." Finally able to move at least my good arm that didn't hold the orb for to on and bring the little filly closer to me. "Remember this story little Star shooter. The moon brings hope to some that...have never seen it.." Looking up into the sky seeing the stars "The moon speaks to creatures like me... It makes us have a little bit of hope... For me... I need all the hope I can get." I closed my eyes a moment and laid back down fully on the bed. Feeling Star shooter lay beside me as I slowly fell asleep feeling my heart slowly beating as my mind went into a deep dreamless sleep. I opened my eyes after an hour and looked to little Star shooter. But then I saw a gun aiming right at me. Looking up seeing it being held by an Enclave. "I am...weak and now...what is left of you folks...are showing up to take me out?" I sat there as the Enclave soldier just flew there. "Because...of ones like you...my home is under a war...." I rolled my eyes. "I don't give a shit..... You lived like Gods up...there and ponies fight...you and now... You think you can control the rest of us down here?" Stared at the Enclave pony and I was able to move and then he shot me my back as Star Shooter woke up as I was groaning in pain. RA Proto and Silver come over quickly lifting their weapons. "Stop...or I will kill your hero..." The Enclave aimed his energy blaster now. "I will kill her." Star shooter started up at him, she started to speak. "Sir....why would you hurt her? She is holding little one... She is barely alive...." Her eyes full of tears staring at the Enclave soldier. He stared at her. The blood from my wound was on her face... This innocent little filly just saw me take a bullet because of this ones need for revenge. I softly spoke. "Star shooter.....go....find your parents..." Star shooter stood up and stared at the soldier and walked away. But she didn't fully go away... She lifted open the case that held my weapons and the orb... She took the Red Dragon pistol as the symbol of the Red Dragon glowed. "My revenge...is needed half of my family has betrayed the Enclave..." I sat there as he shot my leg now and I screamed as Kip rushed and he shot at Kip with the energy blaster from the Enclave armour and hit at her hooves before she got closer. "Say goodbye to her." Star Shooter was taught to shoot a gun from her parents she aimed the gun. Since no pony was going to stop her. She fired and the bullet from the armour went into the armour of his side and he screamed in pain. As she fired again hitting him in the neck this time. Then again in the flank. The horror everypony saw seen Star Shooter comes over to the Enclave soldier who fell to the ground in pain trying to get up and she aims at his very head. "My mommy and daddy told me...evil ponies need to be punished... You don't harm the one that saved...my life..." She had great anger in her eyes. Then I saw it she got her cutie mark. It was a pistol, shooting stars. My eyes fill with tears but she did save my life. "Revenge is not right....sir...you don't deserve to blame Tiria..." For a young filly, she spoke with wisdom oddly enough as she was ready to fire again but just shot beside his head and stared at him. "I am not a murderer...sir..." Her gentle eyes grow hard. She walks back to the case and puts the gun back in it. She then looked at her flank and gasped jumping around. "I got my cutie mark!!" I had a fear...that she would become a fighter for the waste...but not like this. I was hoping to free her from this pain. RA Proto came over and lifted up the pony in the armour. "We'll take you...to Reaper Fields...to place you in the Cannon balls jail cells...when you're ready to talk...we will come for you." Ra Proto jumps over the wall and walks through the bog to head to Reaper Fields. Kip rushed to me and looked through my body seeing that the bullets missed anything vital and sighed softly. As she grabbed tweezers as she pulled the bullets out of my body I groaned in pain and she wrapped the wounds up and looked at me with fear. "Tiria... I can tell...that you blame yourself for her...protecting you... You shouldn't but I have a feeling she will walk in your paw steps." I nodded looking to the little filly showing off her Cutiemark to her parents. I layed back into the bed closing my eyes. I feel weaker than I normally do. "Kip, can you bring me my journal?" Kip gave a nod. She trots into my room and brought out the journal. I sit up and started to write. _____________ Journal. Here I am writing my last and final entry. I wish I could meet you, kid. I wish I could be there for you. I wish you could meet your father. But sadly the world doesn't wish to work that way. It's gotten to the point that I was even almost killed. A little filly that will watch you grow up... Many ponies even ghouls will watch you grow up and protect you. I wish I could see you little one... Maybe someday a memory will be given... _______________ I put down the journal and called out. "KIP!!!" Kip rushed over to me blinking. "What?" She panted softly. "Get me to ponyville... I need to get there..." She blinks and I got out of the bed able to walk a bit. "Get me there!! And bring a mirror." I won't be able to walk long... So Iron Claw carried me Kip coming along with me to Ponyville. It took us two days. We went inside Sugarcube Corner. The defence didn't attack and they sat me down taking the receptical so ones who aren't unicorns can view them. Kip removed the other orb without her magic and put in a new one she had found that had nothing in it. She lifts up the mirror and started the spell. "Hello...kiddo... I am talking to you through this orb... I know we will never see each other... But this is all I could think of doing. I wish I was there for you... I wish I could see you walk... see you talk and dance... Fall in love... But I sadly won't be there to see it. I am known as Tiria Shiverclaw... I was a rebel of my pack... I was forced to leave to find an orb called the Howling dance... It was used to...create us you could say... Even that was a lie...it seems. Well, I wanted you to know... I didn't give up... My body has been through so much... My spirit will fight on...but my body...no... I can no longer fight...even if I wanted to little one... I can't. Soon my spirit will be fighting to keep me alive even after bringing you into the world. I am sorry little one... I love you...." The spell was over and we took both orbs back with us. After ripping a page out of my journal and writing on it. Watch both when you are older... Someday you will understand. I had made a friend that was in a former stable. She removed my pip-buck with the tool and placed it in the case. All my possessions were now locked in this case... For all to see along with the journal. Then I waited for the end... It was going to come...then the fight of my spirit. I was carried back to my bed and layed there...watching the stars twinkle, closing my eyes and prayed. "Oh... Goddess oh Celestia... Oh, Luna... I wish I could have met you two... I am sure in the day you two were amazing... Maybe you're hearing me right now...Maybe you're not... But I can't be sad that I didn't get to meet you two... The past is long gone... The Lightbringer probably just saved this world... A world that I even took for granted. All the hate I had for ponies...is now gone. Maybe I deserved to be shot by that Enclave. Maybe I am a curse from the past... That should have died years ago." I leaned back and sighed closing my eyes, falling asleep. It was close to that day that I would meet those... I even killed.
Chapter 22: A new soul."Death is the first step..." Many months have passed. I was in my bed watching the moon. I got even weaker. My muscles in my legs are completely gone. It was getting close to time. Kip just sat there watching me..with tears falling from her eyes. It was close to the due date. I couldn't even keep food down anymore. In so much pain but just staring at the moon... I could finally ignore it. Every part of me was in deep pain from breathing. My heart getting slower. The blood slowly drifting through every vein in my body. So this is what it felt like to slowly die... Fleur walked over with some water and blankets. I could see her anguish in her ghoul's face. Closing my eyes and groaned in pain... It was getting close to time... The moon was the only thing..that was keeping me from just breaking down and sobbing but it finally happened... "I... I don't...want...to go... I... I can't do this... I need...to see you....all... I need you..." I was sobbing in so much pain my mind was gone... I only saw the emptiness of my soul... Tears streaming from my face... Even if I lived through this birth... I would never move again... How is this fair? I can't just allow those close to me to watch me die... Kip started to sob herself and Fleur kept herself together but barely. Shadow walking over to his adopted sister...wrapping his wings around her gently. "Kip...we have to let her go... I have already dug up the hole we will be placing her in. Right in front of the case that holds the howling dance..and all her weapons. So please Kip allow her to go." Kip sobbed softly. Fleur sat and watch. It was getting closer to time. Everypony of the town even Thunder cloud her mother who I learned was Raindrops..and the Enclave soldier that almost hurt Star shooter his name was Heartthrob. They watched from flying in the sky... I let them join and they give me this honor. ___________________________ The story ends. "Then...we all ended up here...right here. Where you all watch me..." I looked at them all with my weak eyes... I told them the entire story on my death bed... It was the only thing... I could keep my mind off of... I do know some wanted to ask me questions...but I couldn't answer to much pain. Smiling at them. "Please...don't forget me... My story needs to live on... Maybe someday. I will be a hero...to many in their hearts... But I don't wish to be a big hero... I want history to remember me as the wolf...that left a cave to save her friends... I just want to be remembered for that..." I had tears falling from my eyes. Then I felt it...it had begun. It was close to the end of my life. But I swear I saw my father and he held my paw. Stroking it but no he was really there. I finally saw him he just hold my paw tightly. I couldn't even speak to him but he just was there for me. I didn't scream as this happen Star Shooter jumped on the bed nuzzling me and Fleur place her head on my chest to relax me... Kip stood at the end of the bed. As all of the citizens of the town watched me... Most had tears falling from their eyes. Proto was by the gate guarding it but his eye turned to watch me...he was recording it... To give to those that wish to know my story. Kip slowly removed the baby from my body... I couldn't push anymore she had to use some magic to get the little one out... But after that... She held the baby in her magic and wrapped the little one in a blanket. _________________ The point of view of another. I had listened to Tiria give birth... My little young ears... I didn't enjoy hearing the pain. But I knew I couldn't let her be alone... I softly heard Kip giggle. "Tiria...it's a girl..." Then I looked up hearing no movement and Fleur moved her head from Tiria's chest and I nuzzled her side... "Tiria?" My soft little voice spoke out... But no she is dead... She passed right there... Kip started to sob and Crossfire hugged his wife tightly. Fleur stayed silent... She couldn't cry but I could see the pain... At first, I didn't understand death... But she did so much for me... I knew someday I would repay her. Silver turned off his emotions and walked off to patrol. Bulwark, Tiny, and Cannonball...had tears fall from their eyes... Even Dumbbell the raider...leader... His ponies were there watching... The junk Reaper's as well. Little hoof and Little Strong hoof the Buffalo. As well as the chef. They were all there just for her. Shadow carried the body and the three mare's walked in seeing Tiria they wanted to be here... They came with River and her caravan but they were too late... But they could still honor her... The three steel ranger mares turned on some old world music. That sounded like burial music. Shadow lowered Tiria's dead body into the hole and he spoke. "Tiria... I met her..on the field of battle... I watched her take down a group of raiders with no problem.. Even then... I knew she was going to be a problem... But I wished to help her through the wasteland... I didn't know it yet... But I started to love her like my own sister... I didn't even tell her I loved her...like that...we just stayed as close friends. I wish... I could have done more for her...but I sadly couldn't. I wish she would have been here to see my family be born... But no but I will do what I can to honor her." Kip walked up carrying the little pup. "I have a name..for the little one... Crystal..." I noticed that Seeker was looking out like she was seeing something... My little filly brain was too young during this time. "But I also wish to speak of her... She invaded our home with Shadow... She didn't harm any pony just scared a few... My magic stopped them and she was about to kill me..when I gave her a gentle look. Such a gentle look. That her heart just allowed me to live... Her eyes full of happiness when she met me and Silver... I know Silver won't speak... This is hitting him too hard... I know that look he has right now." I looked to Silver who was staring at his shotgun. I wanted to say something but what would a filly say? "May I say a story?" Everypony turned to me the little eight-year-old filly... I gulped but I gained the might as Kip lifted me up and placed me on top of the glass case. "I didn't know..her that well... But when she wasn't busy she would spend time with me telling my stories... Showing me how to fight... She even told me a story of the moon and how Wolves howl at the moon. I wish I could have heard her...howl..." I went silent and Kip let me down. Before we fully buried the body. Tiria's father stood looking down at her. Then looking to the others. I knew he had words to say about his daughter. The fact he even came is amazing to all of us. But again after this, he never came back. I remember his words it's too painful for him. "My daughter... I loved her even if I never showed it to her. I wish I could have said these words to her. I wish things were different for her. Things left unsaid are unsaid. I can't stay to watch her be buried. I thank you for allowing me to come." He left not even looking back we buried the body and all was said and done. "Oh....good soul...who saved us...from the chains... Oh, soul...who saved us from the Enclave...we miss you...we will see you in the next life." They stop singing as Shadow put up a tombstone and carved words into it. "Here Lies Tiria, a hero to a very small town...we will miss her... Love her friends." While everypony went on their way I sat there watching... IN my little brain... I thought she would come back to life... Like in stories... My mother came up to me and nuzzled me. "Mommy...she won't wake up..." She had tears in her eyes as I looked up to her and calmly took me aside. "She is dead....sweetie...remember her for what she did for you." It finally hit me and I started to cry as my mother carried me off away from the tomb... ___________________ The spirits I woke up knowing I was dead... I was on a strange boat. But there was no evil... It was times river. It was taking me to a place... I never thought I would be. After a while, I washed up on the shore..getting out of the boat and going into a cave. A land of beauty was on the other side. It looks like Equestria in its olden days... I saw ponies. Two trotted up to me. I knew the other one... "Misty Moon?" Looking to the former one that was the ghoul and he smiled. "Told you I would meet you again..welcome...you will no longer be in pain... You will no longer be wondering if you did the right thing... You are now in peace." But I saw the one that would make my heartbreak. "Mother...."
EpilogueA voice spoke over the Town of Freedom's radio. "Ah yes...this is Iron claw or Bowwwser wooowser... I will be sending this to who I can... Thanks to Djpone3 I am able to make it to places like Manehatten but sadly, for now, that is it... But I wish to explain. It's been ten months to the day..that Tiria passed away... It's been hard for us... But at the anniversary of her leaving her home... We changed the name of the town to Tiria's heart. To honour her... It's been pretty peaceful around here. But some are still hurting. But I doubt you wish to know about our pain... How about happiness ahem." "It's been hard for a lot of us that knew her so well. But we move on and have cleaned out the stable and will be using it as housing. But I don't have much news on the goings on here only what I have been told... Fleur De Les has finally built her Inn... But this entire town..is still waiting for something to happen... We will be training new wasteland heroes here as well. Hopefully, they will be able to fight like the Lightbringer... But most hope that.." "I sadly don't have much to say...but thank you Tiria...for what you have done for us...thank you. I will be sounding out a lot more to give news about our little town. But I can give some things..." "Kip has finally gotten the family she wanted... She didn't want to go deep into it... Cannon Ball and the Rat Creeper's are helping the Dumbbell raiders and the Junk reapers at cleaning up Reaper Fields... They leave some of the scraps for traders to take... But they wish to make it like it used to be... Before the war even started." "The Iron wolf Project nothing more has shown up about the Iron wolf project. It seems Tiria's species just stay at their side of Equestria...they know their little god the howling dance is broken... They wanted to go to war over this...but the elders said no. Maybe we will never see them again." "Shadow is free from his pact with Gawd. He is now fully living here with us. With his new lover Owl beak... Maybe someday we will have more peace in the wasteland... Not every area of our world is free...even Equestria itself is still in pain... But the Buffalo have gone back to their lands...some do come by now and then... But they refuse to even go anywhere else for the moment till ponies prove themselves again." "The three Enclave soldiers we have in our ranks...have built an information center to help find the missing of the Enclaves little war they are having." He sighed. "This is sadly all I have to say...thank you Lightbringer for all you did...and Tiria... Thank you, Lightbringer for grrrr bringing back the diamonds in the sky." <0000000000000000> The future It's been almost close to 80 years since the death of Tiria. In the middle of the camp are status of the founder. Even Silver gunner is there the older Silver Gunner he died not too long ago. Even robots of old have their time. The town is of many different creatures. All races from many journeys and Silver Trail the new Silver Gunner but the real Silver Gunner after another he was built. He was reading to the grandchildren and children of the heroes of this town. "And that children Is the story of the Howling dance." He closed the book and places it on the shelf. He turns to the children. "Any more stories you wish children." His eyes turning to many creatures some bugs rat creepers ponies and Salamanders. A large group of many races. In fact, not far from his home is a large nest of what is called magic eaters. "Oh-oh!!" Silver looks down at a pony mix Salamander. "The story of grandmother Star Shooter." Silver nods looking through the books. He looks through his collection of books. Many names pop out. Little pips story. Survivors guilt. Aftershock. Rainfall, Reminders, and isle of the lost. He sat back down opening the book to read another journey. Author's Note Thank you everyone for reading this story..Thank you Rainbowscoots1 for Editing it..I want to thank everyone for the kindness and respect they gave me...Even to those that disliked it..I am sure it's for a reason. There will be another one soon to take place ten year's after...Take care. Isle of the lost is next take care.
IntroductionAuthor's Note The new intro I hope you folks enjoy how I changed it thank you all for the wait. Introduction How did my journey start, you ask? It could be fate, some evil mind, or from what I have been told by zebras my journey foretold by the stars. I will be honest I don’t know when my journey fully started. All I know is it has something to do with my mother. I was too young to remember my father though told me everything. It all started in a random cave or at least to us my kind it's a random cave in the land known as Shattered hoof. _________________ Keiloria I have had it with the elders of this pack. They refuse to know the truth and all I can do is talk to the one in the darkness who keeps telling me he found it. I don’t know why he has been talking to me but he has. “Keilora, what are you doing?” I pause a second, closing my eyes tightly to relax. My old mate and my husband betrayed me because I asked if we could go find the item which created us so long ago. I don’t even look at him while I gather my armor and weapon. “I am doing what must be done. If I stay here our daughter will be used against me by the elders. They already turned you against me just because I question our god. When I know full the truth since he told me.” I finally turn to stare at my mate. He is holding our little pup in one paw. She is so small she is a runt to our kind. I know I won’t see her again when I go on this journey. I try my best to remove the stress from my heart blowing hot air out of my lungs. “Keiloria, they would never use our daughter to make a point. You need to stop believing every single thing that pony told you. All this stupidity he has been telling you about the return of some monster in the darkness.” I groan, stroking my head. It’s not stupid or dumb I have seen this monster he is talking about. I have heard old stories from zebras who came through here. I stare into the darkness and I see the red eyes again. “Keiloria, what about our daughter? She needs her mother. We haven’t even given her a name yet.” I sigh, stroking my head. “I have a name for her. Please raise her with love and respect, don't let those who lead this pack use her as a puppet or destroy her life because of me.” My mate comes over to me, setting the little one on our rock bed. He holds my paws in his. Looking into my eyes I feel the love between us has faded over the years. I am outspoken; it's something the pack refuses to agree with. “What is her name Keiloria? What shall we call our daughter you’re just about to abandon because some pony in a wheelchair has asked you to start a plan for him. A plan we know nothing about and all he has said will bring the world back to normal.” Am I abandoning my daughter for something which could be too good to be true? Maybe it is too good to be true. Maybe I will be used to bringing some end to the world for all I know. The monster of the past I have been seeing. I don’t know why I see him but others don’t. I groan why must I do this to myself?'' “Tiria. Is her name. Raise her and tell her the truth about me. Let her learn the rest herself.” I look down at the one-year-old pup. I stroke her head gently. “Goodbye my Gordost' i radost'” I grab my bag and gear heading out of the pack. Looked back at the elders who stare at me with their I am above you looks. I sigh heading out of the old cavern standing outside the gate is a pony in a wheelchair and floating beside him is a robot. I haven’t seen this robot before. “I am ready.” The pony chuckles. “Come with me then let's take a journey.” I turn to look back at my home I am about to leave. I close my eyes sighing deeply I wish she will know who I am and not suffer from what I am doing. I turn back to see the pony in the wheelchair. I have a question about what must be done and all I can do is wonder. "My question pony before we leave what are you after?" The pony in the chair laughs. "Simple Project Storm Watch. But for you my dear what your species has been searching for. I know its location so if you wish to question this some more, please. I have all the time in the world." I let out a very weak sigh. I am unsure what I am about to do but I do it for our future. "Then lead the way pony and may I ask what is your name?" The pony in the wheelchair turns laughing. "Wheel Tread my dear." _________________________ Tiria “That is part of my story, part of my journey. I can’t tell you what I know but I can tell you this. This journey has led me to so many ways of pain and sorrow.” I lay my head back on the pillow groaning gently looking up to the sky with the sun beating down on me. I glance at the friends I made over the eight to nine months I have been out here in this broken healing world. “I have time I feel before my time fully is up to explain my life to all of you… When you hear it please my friends don’t think of me as a monster or a fool. I am just a creature of habit who follows a set path.” I close my eyes looking back. “It all started in a simple mountainous area known as Shattered hoof.” Footnote” Tiria Shiverwolf Special: Strength: Nine Perception: three Endurance: seven Charisma: Four Intelligence: Three Agility: four Luck: two Virtue: Simple-minded {Refuses to see the big picture including when a gun is poking in her head. She will still refuse to see the big picture and follow her path.
Chapter One: The journey.Author's Note Hello everyone welcome to the second rewritten chapter. Now I kept the old one if folks still want to read it. I might release my old story again for others to read if they want but here you go the rewritten chapter. Chapter One: The journey. Most stories always have a start with it being grand and amazing I am sure. For me, though, it was just normal teaching by the elders. I sat there minding my own business like always listening to the old wolves spout their nonsense and I had my mind elsewhere. My mind is and always has been focused on an adventure away from this hell hole. “Tiria are you listening child?” In my head, all I could think of is finding my mother finding fame and glory in the name of a warrior. As all stories start they start with a great deal of pain. Did I mention the elders love breaking heads with their staves? “Tiria..” WACK!!! I rub my head groaning deeply. The stave hits me in the head again even harder this time. My paw gets hit and I groan looking up at the elder. My gentle blue eyes are angry with hate. Oh, goddess, I wish I had laser vision. “You could just say Tiria are you listening instead of smacking my head. I mean come on who fucking does that?!” The elder rolls his eyes “Hush pup you’re lucky it wasn’t worse. If I had my way you would be tied down and have cold water dumped all over your fur. Now get to your graduation, don’t keep your teacher waiting.” The elder turns around to walk off using the stave to lean on. Mostly they use it to punish those who misbehave. I do deserve it. I am my mother's daughter after all I am a rebel like she is. I quickly stand on my paws running through the cavern to get to the training halls. After a while, I made it to the line of many who stood waiting for their task in the pack. I stood beside them all. I am larger and bigger than most of them. I was told by my father I was a runt of the pack and he is surprised by how well and quickly I grew. We watch my father who is also the trainer size us up like he always did before he insults. “So you maggots think this is the last day of the rest of your lives? Most of you shouldn’t even be here. Most of you didn’t even fulfill any tasks I brought you. Then…some of you have dreams of adventure.” He stares at me with a great deal of contempt. He told me my mother left me to die with him taking care of me and having to take up a new mate to feed me the milk my mother should have been doing. “My daughter being one of them oh daughter your dream is finally coming true you’re now a joke even more.” I growl gently trying to stay calm. I didn’t care how he acted towards me when I came for my training. He always blamed me for what happened to my mother. He never dared to tell me what happened. I get the looks from the others with me in line. Most of them are respectful to me even if I don’t have many friends. “Now I will be giving out the swords and you can’t go back on what I give you. Because it’s your task and it will be your life task. Tell me everyone what task do you wish to fulfill for the rest of your life? To most of us, you don’t get a choice.” He glances at me. I don't get a choice. I never got a choice. He walks on his bloodstained claws giving the swords to the others. I am of course last as always. I don't know what I am given. It's wrapped in a strange paper. “Stay Tiria you and I need to speak before you see your sword.” He nods to the others to leave and I watch them leave most of them not evening returning a glance at me. When they leave the stands in front of me I see the hate and the disappointment. Just the look in his eyes said it all. “Father please for once in your life treat me with the respect I deserve. You know full well I am not my mom you have no right to treat me like I am a threat to you and your standing.” He releases a gentle sigh from his lungs. “Tiria you’re still my daughter, the best thing that ever happened in my life. Including meeting your mother I loved her. I love you and you and I both know you’re following in her pawsteps. Someday you will learn that being your mother is not something you want. Open your gift, remember this is your path now, don't get upset.” I remove the wrapping from the sword. I see the symbol on the hilt of the sword disappointment fills my heart and my soul. A crescent moon only the fodder get this. They want to get rid of those they feel are a problem in the pack. To get rid of them make them a crescent moon, a warrior of the moon. “Father this..must be some mistake. I did all the tests perfectly and I did everything right. Why must I be given this?” He shakes his head frowning. “There you go again becoming a rebel like your mother.” All I could do was just stare at my father like he had some bald spot on the top of his head. I will never understand why I am always thought to be the rebel and the worthless trash. I don’t understand it, I never will. “Father, what is wrong with questioning the paw I have been given? I mean come on I worked so hard to become something more than just fodder. Is it because the elders see me and think I am my mother? Why don’t you defend me, you just let them walk all over me.” He never gave me an answer. “It’s time for you to sleep and go to your chambers and we won’t be speaking of this again.” I want to press the issue with him. I know full well that if I do I will be beaten by the elders again. I will be chained down and whipped for daring to speak like I am now. To the elders, we must always follow the paw given to us. The paw our god the Howling Dance gave us. “Are you done Tiria? Are you done asking questions about the will of the elders and thinking you’re above them? If you are then go to your chambers or do I have to force you there?” I back away from my father looking to the tunnels leading through our home. I close my eyes, opening to look at the sword. I turn around to head back into those tunnels and I stop looking over my shoulder at my father. “Are you proud of me at all?” He just shrugs his shoulders. “Prove to me you’re not moon trash now.” There it is the word moon trash. I feel I don’t deserve to be treated like this. I go through the tunnels watching the others with happy families and pups of their own. All I could do was long to have a family. Be something not just the daughter of a traitor. I walk through the tunnels of the cavern ignoring the world around me. After a while, I get to my chambers. I am told this used to be the room my father and mother shared when I was just a pup. Looking to the side there is a large weapon display of old weapons I have gathered. A crossbow and bolts. A mace with spikes on it. A large hammer and sword and shield. My bed is made of a large slab of stone. Other beds for those that they cared about were made of something softer but I was considered the daughter of a traitor. I set the sword under the slab to be ready just in case some of the bullies in this pack I have to deal with in their words. Do the will of the elders to keep me in my place. I groan deeply, why must life be so unfair?! I felt anger building in my heart. It’s the ponies' fault they’re the reason we are in this world. I open my eyes and suddenly see a red mist flowing through the tunnels. I turn to see what I guess is a magic portal. Inside this portal a blue creature with red eyes and strange black horns glowing red. With a smile on the lips the creature, I could smell the decay of death around this creature. I shook my head taking deep breaths to relax. No. no no… I am just seeing things I just need to sleep, yes that is it. I knew then no it wasn’t sleep I needed to get out of here. It was driving me crazy to the point I am going insane. I lay on the stone bed, my body screaming in pain from the hard stone. I didn’t mind. I have gotten used to the pain. It's something you learn when you have to deal with the elders and their grand pearls of wisdom. Closing my eyes I fall into a dreamless sleep. _____________ Chambers of the elder I had worse mornings I had worst days I have been drunk I have had sex with some. The sex turned out to be the worst sex I ever had. Then there is a day such as this I woke up in chains. I am on the wall of the elder's chamber like I am a piece of good-cut beef. I saw one of the bodyguards of the elders, the most well-known of them. A larger male is known for his abusive nature. Oh, the wish for powers to melt his brain with my eyes. “Now now pup I was asked to bring you here. Before you act so high and mighty. I could break one of the rules the elders have in place. Never torture another one of our own. Heh, those rules never stay in place for trash such as you.” I grunt trying to fight and break the chains. Like I can break these chains they’re made by the best blacksmith in the pack. I could do everything to try to break free of them. The only way I could break free from them is by chewing my legs off. I am not going to waste my time chewing through the flesh. I grunt trying again to break free. I hang there defeated. It took a while for the elder to walk in. He has a pretty confused look on his face. I am sure he is wondering why I am hanging from these chains. “I told you to bring her to me. Not to chain her to the wall and act like she is some worthless trash.” The bodyguard laughs. “Oh, I am so sorry sir I just thought you could break into her. Maybe give her a little pup and then force her to be in line.” The elder strokes his head groaning “I will deal with you later.” The bodyguard snorts laughing tossing the key to the floor. The key lands on the stone floor with a hard thunk. He leaves the chambers and the elder closes the stone door. He didn’t want anyone else to hear this. “I am sorry Tiria, he felt he was doing the right thing since you’re moon trash. I think most forget the moon trash is the best of us.” He uses the keys to unlock me. I fall to the ground landing on my paws I groan stroking my legs wow that hurt. I glance at the elder as he sits on his soft bed made of the various creatures we find in the mountains. “Why am I here?” The elder tosses an old letter to me. The letter lands on the floor. I pick it up and read it. ‘I met a pony today who told me they can help me find our creator. The Howling dance I wish I could tell you why I left but I know you won’t listen to me. I am sick and tired of your lies and I have been told the truth. I will return when I find the Howling Dance.’ “Who wrote this?” The elder chuckles “Your mother, she met a pony who came through here. He told her he knew the location of the Howling dance. That was oh about twenty years ago you’re now twenty or close to that age dear Tiria.” I stare at the letter my mother went to go find the Howling dance? The creator of us or whatever it was. I just know it was a crystal witch who spoke to us. It allowed us to howl at it. It allowed us to sing to it and dance to it. “Why are you telling me this?’ The elder sighs stroking the back of his head. I know the look in his eyes. It’s the look of bad news. News I am going to be very unhappy to learn. I take a deep breath holding it in waiting for the bad news. “You’re being sent into exile. I can no longer allow you to stay here being the daughter of a betrayer. If you find the Moon itself you’re welcome to return and then when you return. You will sing the song of hope with us.” My ears pin to the back of my head. I exhale feeling sadness and anger filling my heart. I wish I could cry but I haven’t been able to cry for a long time. If I could I would break down begging you to let me stay. I have never been told to go into exile before. “Is there any way I could convince you otherwise?’ He shook his head. “There is no way you can convince me, Tiria. You may stay for two days and go say goodbye to those. Wait, you have no friends, no one respects you here. Head to your room and lock yourself in it for two days. I will come for you at the end of the second day. Make sure you’re ready for the world outside.” The elder opens the door letting me go. Tears form in my eyes why am I being punished like this. I try to look strong. I can't show he has gotten to me. I can’t allow them to see they have gotten to me and they have won. “Thank you elder for the truth. I hope to come back someday.” The elder chuckles as I head out into the tunnels. I walk through the tunnels quickly. I know when others learn I am being outcasted I will get attacked. I look around making sure I am ready just in case some of the haters of moon trash are out and about. I made it to my chambers with no problems looking around opening the stone door to head inside. I look around to make sure no one is inside waiting for me. I quickly go inside and grab armor and other weapons strapping them to my armor and making sure I have my bags. I hold the sword tightly in my paws laying on my back in my room, closing my eyes to fall asleep hoping I will wake up if someone tries to attack me. ______________ Day three: Time to leave I woke up hearing a bunch of commotion. I held the blade tightly hearing a bunch of voices outside my door. The door opens up and one of the other elders comes in. She has many of her guards with her. “It’s time to leave now and no you will not be staying any longer. We need to get rid of betrayers like you quickly.” I see my father in the group. I sigh deeply walking out of the room. I am being led through the pack seeing so many eyes stare at me. I am not a monster to my pack, a creature who is a monster and an outcast to them. It didn’t take too long to get to the path leading to the outside. I take a deep breath turning to look at them. “Am I able to say goodbye to anyone?” The female elder laughs. “Who would care if you left or not.” My father comes out of the group staring at the elder. “I would come with me, my daughter.” My father leads me into the tunnel leading me to the outside. He turns to look back down to make sure I am not followed. He turns to look at me. His eyes turn from hatred to sadness and he hugs me tightly. I was confused why he was hugging me. I never understood my father. He can change how he acts on a dime. “Listen Tiria I need you to find out what happened to your mother. I need to know the truth about what happened. So please do what you can to find the Howling dance and your mother. Just I will add one thing. Find friends and try to find friends who will protect you in this world.” I am confused about finding friends? I remember the old stories about the ponies having this magic of friendship. This magic of friendship gave them the power to take on anything. Then the magic of friendship allowed this world to die. “I will try... I might not return if I find a home.” My father laughs softly. “If you do, please don’t return then.” I let out a weak breathless sigh. I have been meaning to ask him this question. It’s a hard question to ask. I don’t want to know the truth if it’s true or not. I love my father. I know he loves me, at least I think he does. “Father please tell me do you love me? Am I just a mistake the elders keep telling me?” My father shakes his head. “I do love you and you’re not a mistake. The deed your mother and I did might have been a mistake. But we got to have you a wonderful daughter. Your mother did many things the elders hated. She didn’t listen, she put them in their place and tried so hard to make the pack home for you.” I grunt, shaking my head so much for making this pack home for me. I am starting to wonder if the elders will have someone follow me. This moon, this howling dance is a god to us and it’s something I never understood. “Father, why do I need to make friends? What is my path? What do I need to find in this path? “ My father just stares at me with his dark blue eyes. He laughs softly enough so they don’t hear him below. “I don’t know your path. You might not even have a path for all I know you may just follow a set of rules most give you. Maybe it’s fate, maybe it’s how the grand ones shall sing to you. When you finally hear the words. The pebbles allow them to speak to you and then they will give you the right to sing.” I just stare at him again. What is with these odd sayings? First I remember an elder telling us the fire is burning for us. Now, something about pebbles. Am I part of these pebbles? What about this song? I have never sung a day in my life. I head up the tunnel looking back and seeing my father who walks back down. I look up to the tunnels, my journey my way, my path. Is this all that is it for me now the song in my heart? Will I ever have one? ___________________ Same day: Shattered Hoof I get out of the tunnel into the dead wasteland. I look back at the guard who protects the caverns. He just waves at me. I think he knows what I am doing and why I am leaving. I take a deep breath looking back. I didn’t know it yet but this was going to be a journey that would sing in my heart for the rest of my life. I head into the valley looking into the sky and seeing something shining behind those dark clouds. I am sure it’s the giver of life to the sun. One which grows food for the hungry souls. I walk along the mountain to see a strange contraption that looks like it crashed and landed here years ago. There are many boxes littered about this machine. I look at the bones of these bodies that have been here since the end of the world. Looking through the boxes I find I see a couple of books about various things. I didn’t take the time to read them. I put them in the bag I had with me looking through the rest of the objects. I open up another one of the boxes. There are many glass objects in there, many of them are broken but only one is still full of a strange fluid. I pull it from its home looking at the object. I see a strange yellow mare on it and the name. ‘Sparkle Cola’ I take off the cap from sniffing it. It smells safe. I take a sip. I shrug, drinking the rest of the fluid and placing the bottle in my bag. I have been told anything can be a weapon. I don’t know how long it’s been since I walked there. I have no way to tell the time. I feel it’s been thirty minutes since I left. I look back seeing the crash is still in sight and all I can think of is going deeper into the hoof. I notice something in the corner of my vision, a strange black bird. I have heard of these creatures called crows. This one though has strange glowing red eyes as it stares at me. I ignore it while heading west. I slow down when I get closer to a set of rocks. I hear voices. I am unsure what the hell I just got myself into. I hide myself the best I can behind the rocks looking at the creature's ponies. They have strange weapons with them. Could it be those guns? I have heard from one of the hunters who came back. These ponies use weapons that shoot fire and brimstone out of them. “So why are we out here?” The yellow mare who asked the question sits on a rock setting her hammer down beside her. I am sure they have been out here for a while waiting for whoever they’re waiting for. The stallion she is with just shrugs his shoulders. “It’s hard to tell with griffins.” I look again. There were five ponies, at least I counted five with various weapons and objects with them. One looks to be missing. “It looks like Blueberry is missing again. What did she find a raider to kill without us?” The yellow mare laughs “She could have gone for a piss for all we know.” The ponies chatter among themselves and I back up feeling something poke in my back. I turn just a bit to see the blue mare they’re talking about poking one of the weapons in my back. I groan greatly. I should know better to keep an eye on my backside. I should have known there would have been one walking up behind me. “Move.” I come out from behind the rocks with the blue mare behind me. “Hey look, I found a toy.” A toy?, why would I be? The stallion has a dark evil smile on his face. “Maybe we can rape it and force it to run for target practice.” RAPE?! Those words go crazy through my head and all I can think of is to be dumb. A smirk forms across my face. “Awww come on you can’t get sex with these mares? So you go for something you just captured. Are you that pathetic stallion coming on these mares that are open for you. Just mount one of them and get done with it.” The three mares laugh; they seem to love the fact I just called him out. They have been so giddy and now I can turn the tables on them as well. Oh, goddess am I trying to get myself killed here? “Now I am going to go now you seem to have much to talk about among yourselves.” I hear the mare's weapon cock behind me. “Are we that dumb to you?” I chuckle oh great I am in for it. I notice I see a rock and if I could do this right I could use the rock to smack into this mare. I lift my paw just a bit standing. The others look away as they talk with me. No is my chance oh goddess please don’t let this be the end here. “Come on, let's just shoot..” The blue mare could finish. I finally did what I could. I grabbed hold of the rock and quickly moved and turned to her. I think I surprised her. I smash the rock hard enough in her face. I think the hit surprises her so much she drops her weapon. In a few quick moments, the strange metal tube hits the ground; it goes off whatever it fires one goes into the rock. The pony finally takes notice after the gun goes off. The poor blue mare is out cold from being hit with the rock. The yellow mare grabs the hammer in her mouth. I grab one of the weapons I have with me. It’s my mace before she could hit me with the hammer. I parry our weapons-making metal music together. I see the other earth pony mare coming towards me with her weapon. I am fighting the other. I need to make a quick movement so I don’t get hit. I quickly make it before the other mare swings her weapon. I take my other smashing my paw into the mare's face. She drops her hammer from getting hit by the paw. The other mare swings the ax and I quickly try to duck. I feel it nick my head drawing some blood. She hit the yellow mare in the face with the ax and the poor mare fell dead from the hit. I groan. I try to get up. I look at my leg seeing one of the objects from the boom stick go into my leg. The other mare picks up the hammer and before I could react she smashes it down on my bad leg. I scream in pain. I reach in my bag grab the bottle and smash it hard into the face of the mare. Glass shatters all over her face and on the ground. I noticed the bottle became sharper than a knife. I try to get up again on the bad leg. I can’t so I am like a wounded dog only on three legs and I stab it into her neck. Wait, I remember seeing five? What happened to the fifth one? I notice a red stallion holding the blue mare close to him. Why is he not fighting? I look up at the stallion who comes over to me the anger he has. I try to get back up. I feel my body failing. I think I got hit more than I noticed. I didn’t have anything to eat either before leaving. So I think my body is shutting down from that as well. “You fucked with us..” He aimed his gun right at my head before he did anything black griffin land right beside him. The griffin grabs the gun with his claws to stop him. “What are you doing?! She killed most of us and here you’re stopping me.” The griffin laughs “If she could do that then you already failed. We watched you from above and you failed badly. Oh don’t look now but I think the wolf is angry.” The stallion was confused. I finally got enough energy to grab my mace again and all he sees is the spiked ball smashing into his face. I groan, falling to the ground and looking up at the griffin. The poor stallion is not dead?! I just…hit him hard enough to make his brains leak. I try to stand seeing more griffins landing and I groan feeling something hit me in the side of my neck. I pull it out looking at the needle. I don't wait, why is my vision going hazy? I groan falling onto my face. I stare up at the griffins as one of them goes to help the red stallion I hear a loud bang behind. I then watch the other take a weapon and kill the stallion. “W…wh..” I feel myself about to fall asleep. I try to keep moving all I do is move my legs like a dumb ass trying to get up. With no luck, my body just gives out and I fall asleep to deal with whatever comes next. Welcome to the start of my journey. Footnote: Level up Perk got: Vuflven sense: You have grown with what is known as Vulf’ven sense your sense of smell is doubled there is one issue with your body though and how you run. This sense has a problem, however. The smell of meat will make you very hungry to the point you must eat.\ Bad perk: Broken back left leg: The hammer the mare used on you shattered your leg. It will take a month or longer to heal. If it doesn’t heal right you will be left with a bad leg.
