War

by NJslaya

Rating: teen
Tags: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Original Character, Adventure
Length: 8353

It's a year into one of the biggest wars in Equestrian history and now our main character Medley currently lives in a base called The Bunker to take shelter from the bombs that fell. Now she works and lives her everyday life in The Bunker.

Published 2015-12-20 20:30:01 UTC
Last updated 2018-07-31 23:00:04 UTC

The Escape

Hello my name is Medley I am a peach colored mare unicorn with a long dirty-blonde mane. This is the story of how I survived the almost aftermath of The War. But let's start at the beginning, with another day in The Bunker.

I sit up and open my eyes, but all I see is darkness. I reach around in the dark and feel a familiar metallic switch, and press down on it. The room fills with a warm white-amber glow. I look around and observe my environment. It's a small room with one medium sized bed, with a nightstand, and a lamp on top of a dresser next to a mirror. The door is made of thick steel and has a small reinforced glass peephole. I get up and look at myself in the mirror and see my unkempt mane, and a drool stain under my muzzle. I sigh and mumble, “Well, I look like trash today... Mh, who cares? In not trying to impress anyone anyways.”

I then proceed to brush my mane, pulling out the abundance of knots in my hair. ‘I guess it's time to go on with my day.’ I thought ‘But, sleeping in would also be nice.’ But I had to resist the desire to sleep my days away, because: one, I smell like a mule, two, I have a job to do, and third who's gonna make sure the bar gets money. Then I equipped my saddle bags and brought a change of clothes for when I get out of the showers. Time to head out, clean up, get paid, and (most importantly) get drunk as hell. ‘Well, let's get this party started.’ I thought, and then head out to the shower room.

I opened up the room’s door and stepped a few feet out to the railing showing the lower level, all there is, is a few tables, chairs, small decorative plants, and a large clock hanging on the wall in the front of the room. As I look at the clock I notice that at this pace I'm going at I’ll be late for work. So, I secure my saddlebags and started to gallop toward the shower room and as the door comes closer I slow my pace and trot through the doorway thus entering the showers, all it is, is benches, shower curtains, shower heads and drains. I go to the first unoccupied shower and wash my coat and mane. The feeling of the water running from my head to hoof was relaxing and prepared me for the stressful day ahead. After a few minutes of washing I turned the water off and went to the towel rack.

While drying my self off, I can't help but to over hear a conversation held by two mares in opposite showers. “Did you hear that The Bunker’s outer security have been showing up missing and that the general does nothing about it?” Said the first one “ I've heard rumors but never thought it was true, well, until Bayonet went missing during his nightly shift.” Said the second. This information is a bit shocking to me. Missing guards? That won't be good for the raider attacks. It could just be they lost their way through the city. But for how many raiders attack, it's kinda called for when we have an overflow of food, water and alcohol. After this guessing session I remembered that I'm almost late for work. I get suited up and I trot carefully on the wet floor and exit the showers. Then I break out into a full gallop through the facility to the kitchen.

Once I lingered around the kitchen to socialize. I went up to a familiar group of ponies in the break room. These are basically my only friends in the entire Bunker. My friends consists of three mares and two stallions. The mares are: Coffee Dawn, Wheat Remedy, and Sugar. (Her last name is a bit too complicated for my tongue.) The stallions are: Muffin Rise, and Chimi Fill (short for chimichanga.) “Hey guys, sorry if I'm late.” I said. “ You're ‘bout ten minutes late” replied Coffee, “And there's already a mess out there. I didn't expect such a rush of people for the morning menu. They usually go over to the Bookcase Café. So, basically get cracking before the boss shows up.” Great, the thing I hate the most, work. Worst thing I'm a janitor, ugh. I go to the janitor’s closet equip my self with a mop, broom, rag, and disinfectant spray. Time to start off the day.

About a few hours of cleaning up other ponies’ crap that their too lazy to put in the trash can theirselves that is literally two feet away from the exit, I finally got on my break. I headed back to the break room and went to the fully stocked staff fridge and made myself a dandelion sandwich with lettuce and tomatoes, just to mask the blandness of the dandelions. I sat down with my friend and tried to start a conversation. “So… did you hear about the missing po-.“ I stopped when I got cut off by Wheat, “We don't talk about that. We've lost too many to start theories and rumor.” Well okay then, cut me off. Wait, “Why are you so concerned about it?”

“Why? Aren't you worried? We're losing defenses. I wouldn't be surprised if we got successfully raided today. And now The General is using younger and younger troops out of desperation. What's next? Sending out mere foals armed with anything ranging from a spear to a damn shotgun?”she imagined. “Wheat you know for a fact that's not going to happen. They probably got lost and are making their way back now.” I reassured, “Their going to be alright and so are you. So let's stop worrying and let's get working.” “Okay.” she replied and we headed out back to out jobs and finished up the day.

Hours later work is finally over, now time for the night life. But before I went out I approached Wheat and asked her if she wanted to have a drink together and talk about the situation. “Sure, I guess.” She answered and we headed out to the other side of The Bunker to the bar. When we arrived, we were greeted by my good friend Whisky the bartender. He was just straight up brown, mane, eyes, and all. “Hey Whisk, I brought a friend over from the restaurant.” “Great, it's always good to see a new face around here.” He said gleefully “Anyways little fillies, today's special is Whisky and I'm not talking about the drink.” Followed by a wink. “Alright, Casanova.” I joked. “We’ll have two hard apple ciders.” He nodded and started getting the cider out of the tap.”I usually never go over to this side of the facility, too many drunks and mares looking for a quick buck.” Said Wheat and he handed us the freshly brewed ciders. I instantly and instinctively took a large chug till it was a little under halfway, took a breath and finished it off with a pleased sigh afterwards. Wheat was a bit shocked at how much I can drink in a short period of time, “Well, um, you remember our conversation earlier? Well I kinda apologize for freaking out so much.” She said. “Don't worry about it, but there was a real reason for me bringing you here.” I look around to see if anypony is listening in “I feel like doing something risky. I want to go out of The Bunker, maybe to get the lost guards, maybe it’s because I'm bored of doing the same routine.” Wheat looked utterly shocked “Wh-Why would you even think of that?!”

“Woah, woah, calm down. It's a desire not a plan.” I lied “ Plus, how would I even get out of here? This place is locked tight.” “True, and you’d have to get past guards inner and outer.” She takes a swig of her cider and continues “And how would you even survive out there? Most ponies out there, raiders mostly, have either raided every resource and crop, or have resorted to cannibalism.” She shivered at the word ‘cannibalism’. “Don't worry, even if I go I won't even eat anything close to meat.” I reassured. “Okay, just making sure. Anyways it's getting late. I’ll catch you later.” “See ya, Wheat.”

Later that night I was in my room three hours past curfew. I decided that now was the time. I opened the steel door making sure nopony was in sight. I slipped out of my room and headed to the staircase. I went down to the final floor, piping and maintenance. I was met with three different hallways, I went down the left hall and continued for a few minuets until I was met with a wall that was all sorts of cracked. I backed up and tried ramming the wall. The only thing that got damaged was her shoulder and left front leg. The wall stood steady and still, having no damage done. I looked around for any object I could use, I headed back up the hall, but I heard something. Hoofsteps. I creeped up around the corner and saw two guards in light barding and one equipped with a 9mm, chatting, and a wrench. The wrench could come handy, but the guards will get me sent back to my room and be watched for a week or two.

Then, I had an idea. It was bad but it's worth a shot. I waited till both of the guards turned their back and I bolted for the wrench, then I scooped it up into my mouth and aimed my direction toward the first guard. They saw me, time to see if this works. I reeled my head to the left and swung the wrench into the temple of the guards head knocking him clean out. The other was reaching for his 9mm and grabbed it. I dashed toward him and I smacked the 9mm out of his hoof it flying off. The guard was thankfully an earth pony, because magic would screw me up in an instant, and more thankfully I'm a unicorn so this will be easy. He shoved me to the side thus me falling and dropping the wrench. He pulled out his nightstick and swung at me. I rolled out of the way, got up, and ran until the wrench was behind him. And levitated it and made it speed toward the back of his skull and make contact. He floped forward and the nightstick fell out of his mouth. His body was completely limp.

Then I realized something. I just knocked out and hurt two ponies. “Oh no, oh no, oh no, did I really just do that?! I'm going to be in so much trouble!” I worried, then I took a deep breath and cleared my thoughts. I searched the bodies for equipment. I took the 9mm, ten excess rounds, a nightstick and I also took his barding. I think I’ll need it more than him. I checked the clip to see how many rounds I had left. Eleven including the one in the chamber, so a total of 21. I start to head back to the wall.

I prepare the wrench with my magic and I start to hammer it into the center of the wall. The wall slowly chips away, but I hear chatter behind me “What the hell happened here?” Said one. “Maybe we should search the area. Wait… do you hear that?” Oh no, I better hurry. I start pounding on the wall with the wrench until I see a small hole. They rush around the corner “There she it!” I glance back and forth from the wall and the guards and I think of two words ‘Buck it.’ I bolt toward the wall and I manage to actually break through, I fell through, but still made it. I look back at the guards and take a quick look around the uncharted territory.

It was a cave that had a light at the end of the main tunnel. I rush out toward the bright light, hearing “I’m not going out there! Let's just report this to The General.” I reach the end of the tunnel and I am blinded by the light.

Inventory & equipment: Saddlebags, barding, 9mm pistol, 21 9mm rounds, and a nightstick
Health: Healthy and in perfect shape. No current addictions.

Author's Note

This is the first chapter of my new and first series “War” which the name is still under development. I'm actually really exited to see what this’ll turn into, so many choices. But anyways, this was all actually based on a dream I had, it was a war between humans and ponies, but I altered it to pony vs pony, because I can't do human. I try and then fail. So for now I’ll stay in my comfort zone. Well, happy reading!
-NJslaya

The First Day

My eyes adjust to the light and then I'm able to see the outside world. I see the vast city from the hilltop. Well, what's left of the city that is. Hey at least there's green grass still. I equip ‘my’ new barding and put the nightstick and my 9mm in their respective slots and then I head out towards the city. Hoping that there will be an opportunity and excitement in my new life.

When I got a better view of the city I saw the abundance of skyscrapers with smaller 1-3 floor buildings on the outskirts then the residential districts and then I set out to the city’s closest residential district. While walking, I follow the lengthy street and head into a two story house and start searching for anything useful. Luckily this house was only semi-raided. I checked the garage and found some nails, screws, and duct tape. I place all these items in my saddle bags hoping that they will come in handy. I check the dining areas (dining room and kitchen) and find two cans of veggies. I search the rest of the house and find some medical tape, a screwdriver, and a few wires.

When I looked outside I saw it was getting late. So I went up to the bedroom and curled up on the sheet-less bed and slowly drifted to sleep.

I woke up cold and peckish. I rolled out of bed and and stretched. ‘Better get prepared for today's adventure!’ I thought. I headed out of the house and headed toward the inner part of the city. Unknowing of the incoming danger that lies ahead. While I was walking I hummed a happy tune in my head and saw something in the distance, smoke. Implying that there's people and people mean food, water, and security. I trotted happily toward the smoke.

When I got there I saw a makeshift border wall around a small grocery mart with a front gate that was as tall as the wall. I knocked on the door and said “Hello? Is anyone in here? All I want is water and I’ll be on my way.” I heard another voice on the other side replying with a rough voice. “Alright, I'll open the doors.” The doors slowly swung open and I entered the fort. The place looked barren with nopony in sight. I tried walking forward but I felt something metal press up on the back of my head. “Well, well, well, look at what we have here. A foolish mare with food and weapons. That's some useful things that you have there.” “Thank you, I guess.” I replied. “Do you know what's going to happen next, little filly.” He said and afterwards I heard a click. Wait, fort, sketchy pony, intimidating click.. Do I have a gun up to my head? “I guessing I won't get that water then.” “Yea.” “And that I'm probably going to die.” “Bingo.” Well, I'm dead, I'm so dead. Well I guess it's time to think of a plan. Should I run and hope that he misses or I could start a fight. Well, seeing that I can't outrun a bullet, I guess I have to fight, well let's do this.

“Do you really think I’ll submit to you so easily?” I reeled by back legs up and shot them out right into his torso knocking him back and I used my magic to fling the gun elsewhere and I bolted a safe distance facing him. “You little runt!” He spat and he unsheathed his knife and ran towards me trying to strike at me. I equipped my nightstick and tried blocking his attacks. I failed to block one of his jabs and he stabbed me right in the shoulder, jolting my body with pain and adrenaline. “Damn it!” I grunted, and I swung my nightstick hitting him clean in his front legs , sweeping his legs out from under him, knocking him down. But right before I could make another blow, he leaps up and swings. I foolishly try blocking with my foreleg and the knife cuts deep into my foreleg. I pant heavily in tremendous pain, but nows not the time to get distracted by pain.

‘At this rate, I’ll be turned into horse chops in no time. I guess I’ll have to end this early, but how… oh wait, I have a 9mm.’ I use my magic to whip out the pistol and fire wildly (since this is the first time for me using a gun.) I fire a total of five shots. One nicking his leg and the other hitting him straight in the torso. Blood slowly oozes down his coat. He grasps where the bullet hit and yells out in pain. All I do is stand there watching him bleed out, filling me with guilt and regret for leaving The Bunker. The outside had really lost its charm, and I wish I could come back. I see the stallion fall to his side and the life drain from his eyes. “I'm, a murderer. I don't care if it was in self defense. I'm a damn murderer!” I shouted “Medley get yourself together, you're stronger than this.” I looked around and saw nopony else. ‘Where is everypony?’ I thought ‘well where ever they are they’ll come back soon. But I need water first.’

I search the compound for any supplies, I first check near the campfire and tents. I found rotten carrots, but that's it. Well time to check inside the grocery mart. I enter and look around, everything looks torn to pieces, shelves flipped over and cash registers thrown about. I can see that there's no point in searching the main area so I head to the employees only room and look around. I find a hunting rifle with a strap on it on a table next to a safe that is slightly ajar. I open the safe and find a total of 27 bits, 7 rounds for the rifle, and a pocket radio.’ Well, it's mine now’, I thought and I take everything. Then I notice that I'm still bleeding, wow adrenaline really numbs pain. I get the medical tape out of my bags and wrap it around my foreleg and shoulder. Then I strap the rifle on my back and head out. I follow the road toward the middle of the city hoping to find friendly survivors.

It's been an hour, an hour of looking for other survivors. Nopony. Just absolutely nopony. I've already reached the inner city area, and I see an abundance of commercial buildings. Most completely trashed, and theirs barely anything left in the others. This was boring. I thought being a janitor was boring, but this, this is truly boring. Why can't this be more exciting like explosions, grouping up with others, anything but walking. My hooves are hurting like there's no tomorrow. Screw it, I'm just going to go scavenging and sit for a while. I head into the closest building and it a clothing shop. ‘Who wears clothes on a daily basis? I get dressing up for occasions but, regular clothes. This isn't Canterlot, this is just an unclassy city before and after the war.’ Anyways, I searched the clothing shop for supplies or at least a chair.

I found a chair, thank Celestia. It was actually in good condition. It had padding and doesn't wobble. I observed the shop from the chair. I saw clothing a-plenty, half of a cash register on the floor next to the register station, thing. But there was something that interested me, a staircase leading upstairs. I got up and started investigating upstairs. Upstairs was a disaster. Boarded up windows, trash everywhere and fabric thrown about. But there was one good thing, there's a ladder leading to the roof. But, for now, I'll stay here for a while. I gather and lie down all the thick fabric I can find in one rectangular pile and presto, a makeshift bed. It's shoddy work, but it’ll fix it later. I set down my bags on a sturdy cardboard box and climb the ladder to the roof.

The view from the roof gives me a better view of my surroundings. I scan the road and search for anypony. The streets still lay barren. I know somepony had to survive the bombs. I equip my hunting rifle and use its scope as a binocular, I see the distant glow of lights. Tomorrow I’ll head out and search that area, but for now I need to lie down and let my wounds heal. I returned to my makeshift bed, lied down, and closed my eyes.

After what feels like a minute of rest, I open my eyes. And it's dark. Why is it dark, it's only been a minute? I get back on my hooves and look out of the cracks of the sloppily boarded windows. It's night, and most importantly I'm thirsty as all hell. So I guess it's time to finally search where the lights are. I put back on my saddlebags and head downstairs and out to the street. I look back at the building and try to remember what it looks like, and I head out. But, I'm wondering something. What will I do while I'm out here. There's definitely no friendly ponies, only raiders from what I can see. But lights, lights mean it has to be an organized (or at least fortunate/lucky) settlement. So most likely not a raider camp, and if there's no raiders, then there are other ponies. Well, now that I think of it, it might be a trap. But now is not the time to speculate.

I’m about ¾ of the way there and I see two ponies with a wagon of goods heading the same way as I in what looks like metal barding, but there's no way to tell if they're friendly. So, I hesitantly approach them and say “Hello, I’m new to this area and I was wondering what is that place with lights?” The one not hauling the wagon turns her head and replies “Junk Town, and I first guessed you were from down town, but now lookin’ at you, you look new to the city, hay, even new to the war.” I was surprised that I wasn't greeted with a scowl or rude words. “Well, I'm from The Bunker. The-“ I got cut off “I know what The Bunker is, but, how did you get out? Even better, why did you get out?” She asked. “Well I got out through a broken wall in a maintenance tunnel, and I came out here out of curiosity and desire to have a new life. Everything was the same thing every day. Work, drink, sleep, repeat. But now that I'm out here, I regret my decision and wish I could go back.”

“Hm, I see why you regret your decision. I'd sell everything and myself to get in there. But for now, stick with me. I’ll help you get started out here.” She inspects my weapons and says “You're look prepared weapon wise, but don't look ready mentally. I can help with that.” Well that's concerning, but I guess I need it. Wait I forgot to introduce myself. “Oh, and I'm Medley by the way.” “The names Bit, as in the currency.” “Nice to meet you.” She nods and continues along the road with me toward ‘Junk Town’.

Inventory & equipment: Saddlebags, 9mm, 16 9mm rounds, nightstick, duct tape, wires, nails, screws, screwdriver, two cans of vegetables, and medical tape.

Health: Injured: Stab wounds in shoulder and right foreleg.

Into Junk Town

Author's Note

This is a resurrection of my old war series. About 2-3 years old to be exact. Some things have changed in how I'm going to write this. There's no more "Anypony", "Everypony", etc. Also, about what I said in my first author's note. This entire thing is heavily influenced by Fallout: Equestria.

Hope you enjoy
-NJ

Into Junk Town

On the road to Junk Town I tried up to spark up a conversation. “So, what exactly is Junk Town?” I asked.

Bit glanced at me, looked at the lights the shine ahead, and explained, “Junk Town’s just a small trading town. Nothing too special. Just a few shacks and exchange depots.”

“Silly question, but is there any free water there? I’m really thirsty and I- “

She gave me a small grin “I got ya covered.”

She rummaged around in the wagon and pulled out a rather small bottle of water. The bottle didn’t look sanitary nor did the water inside. The bottle was made of beaten plastic with dirt practically engrained into the crevasses of it. The water inside looked vile and contaminated. ‘Well,’ I thought, ‘that looks literally like dirt in a bottle. Ew.’ She raised the bottle to me and I contemplated if I should drink it. ‘Buck it, I’m too thirsty.’ I grabbed it and I chugged it. I was instantly filled with regret and the horrid taste of dirt.

My body shivered with disgust. “I think I’m going to throw up…”

“It’s not that bad once ya get used to it.” Reassured Bit.

I then proceeded to vomit on the side of the road. I haven’t thrown up since I was a filly and I fear that this will be a common thing.

“Ha, you’ll get used to it.” She giggled.

‘I regret leaving the Bunker so much.’ This is going to be a long day.

We approached the entrance of Junk Town. Junk Town looks like what I expected: Junk. The town was honestly trashy. The roads were littered with metal debris and the wooden and metal shacks were in awful shape. But the town seemed to be alive with ponies doing their daily business. Most were moving various goods from wagon, to trading station, and to storage. Others were just passing through and going along their daily lives. But the town had some sort of charm to it. It seemed friendly. We kept walking through and I got a closer look at this small trade town. The trade posts were manned by small vendors who have various items for sale: food, weapons, clothing, general goods. Scattered about the area are a few guards. Well, if you can even call them guards. They all just look like regular ponies with guns. No special equipment and no armor, just a gun by each of their sides.

Bit went up to one of the stallion vendors who greeted her with a friendly smile. “Ah, Bit. Good to see you again”, the vendor then looked at me, “Who do you got here?”

“Just someone I picked up along the way here.” Bit said and then looked at me, “Care to introduce yourself Melody?”

“It’s Medley” I corrected, “I’m from the Bunker, and-”

“Wait, what?” The stallion looked at me with disbelief, “So, you’re telling me that you’re from that fancy concrete fortress over yonder?”

“I guess you can call it a fortress, but yes, it’s my home. Well, was my home…”

“What made you leave that concrete paradise anyways?”

“I wanted to see the world. I was getting tired of doing the same cycle every day. Wake up, work, talk, sleep, repeat. I was a janitor for 8 years for Celestia’s sake. Cleaning up after everyone was such a chore, I knew I wasn’t ever going to get promoted since the General is such a stingy jerk. All he does is sit in his office all day overseeing us while drinking coffee. But, even though I got sick of the place. I had some really good friends there. Friends from my childhood. Friends I’ll never forget…”

“Ya know, I was just asking for a simple answer. Not your life story.”

“Oh, sorry.”

The stallion reassured me with a smile, “It’s fine, little filly. The name’s Van. Welcome to the outside world.”

Bit butted into the conversation, “Anyways, I have a shipment from the Berg. Mostly just scrap metal and a few rations.”

“500 bits?” Van offered.

“Deal.”

Van reaches under his counter and pulls out a bag of bits. He sets it in front of Bit and she starts counting them one by one at a surprisingly fast rate. When finished she pockets it and gives a nod to the stallion pulling the cart. He pulls up to the counter and starts unloading the goods. The first items being unloaded looked like just heaps of metal. The others were just bags of unclean foods: tomatoes, gourds, etc. I have the feeling that all food from out here will look like garbage.

“Pleasure doing business with ya” said Van.

“Anytime.” Replied Bit and then looked at me, “Well, let’s head back to my place. Ya look like you need some rest.” She then looks at my wounded shoulder and foreleg, “And I’ll patch ya up.”

We arrived at her 2-story shack. The metallic outside looked unkempt and rusted, which was made up of various sheets of metal nailed, riveted, and bolted to a wooden base. It had 2 front windows on either side of the door, which I don’t think I can even call windows due to lack of glass. The windows were mostly made of rusted steel bars. The door looked decent, compared to the rest of the house. It was wooden and a bit chipped. In the front there were a few clay pots with flowers clearly struggling to stay alive and there was a plain doormat which didn’t look too shabby.

We entered the house and it looked pretty nice and homely. In the front room there was a rugged couch with a couple quilts draped over it. A radio on top of a coffee table in front of the couch which was in good shape. All the knobs were still intact, and it was emitting a soft jazzy tune from its speakers. I believe I recognize the tune ‘Snowdrop’ by The Caps. I hum along while further inspecting the house. The front room also had a tall standing lamp lighting up the room with an amber glow. The windows were covered by sheets of plaid cloth.

Beyond the front room is a small kitchen with a stove, sink, and various pots and pans decorated along the wall. Some pots and pans were chipped and looked slightly battered. But, at least the kitchen was practically clean. The stovetop was a bit blackened with char around the burners, which the char was engrained into the stove itself. But it was clean nonetheless.

Next to the kitchen was a diagonal ladder leading to the upstairs.

“You’re home looks better than I expected. No offense.” I commented.

“None taken” She replied.

I sat down on the fairly comfortable couch and let out a relaxed sigh. ‘Finally, a decent place to relax’ I thought. I looked over at my wounds on shoulder and foreleg. They didn’t look too healthy. I could already see them scabbing over, but it looked slightly green with infection. I poked the wounds with my opposite hoof and I felt a strong dull pain, mostly on the deeper cuts. I looked over to Bit and I noticed how she looked in this setting. She’s a light brown earth pony with a cinnamon mane. Her complexion included freckles and a few small nicks on her face, which looked like they were created a long time ago. Her eyes were a deep shade of blue. Her eyes honestly were fascinating to look at. At this point I noticed that I was staring at her for a good while and she was looking right back at me.

“Ya enjoying yourself over there? You’ve been staring at me for a solid 3 minutes.” She joked.

“Oh! Sorry, I kinda spaced out.” I sheepishly replied.

“Admiring the view?” She smirked and the chuckled.

“N-No! I was just lost in thought, not staring at you.”

My face turned a vibrant shade of red. She just chuckled and grabbed a flask and a gauze.

“Now time to fix you up. Just stay still and don’t jerk around too much. I’ll try to patch you up.” She said.

“Oh okay.”

I lifted my wounded foreleg for her to operate on. ‘Wait. Did she just say that she’ll “try” to-‘ My thought was interrupted by an overwhelming burning sensation. I jerked my head over and saw that she was pouring a brown liquid into my wounds. I yanked my foreleg away in pain and I shouted, “What the hell are you doing!?”

“Just cleaning the wound.”

“With what?!”

“Scotch.”

“With scotch?”

“Yeah.”

“Aren’t you supposed to use rubbing alcohol?”

“This is alcohol.”

“Just get this over with.”

I winced as she continued to pour more scotch into my wounds and covered them with shoddy gauze.

“See, not so bad.” She reassured.
I just gave her a menacing glare and she just giggled at it. I lounged on the couch and rested my back hooves on the coffee table. I’m regretting leaving the bunker more and more as time goes on. I closed my eyes and thought of back home.

~~~~~~~~~~

It was just another Friday night at the in the Bunker. I was at the bar with my friends Sugar and Chimi. As usual, we were getting wasted. Well, I was. Sugar and Chimi only had 1 or 2 drinks of beer. While me on the other hand, I was on my 6th shot of whiskey and a beer. Most of the bar was looking at me in pure shock and/or annoyance. I didn’t know why they were staring at me. I was just dancing on top of the bar singing a jazz song by Ray and The Outcasts. Nothing’s wrong with a mare trying to have some fun at a bar. Some say “Hey, can you calm down” or “Can you not?” But, I just ignored them. To my extensive knowledge I acquire when I’m drunk, they’re just jealous. I reached a hoof out to my friends for them to come up and dance with me on the bar top. They just looked at me like I’m crazy. Whatever, I’m drunk, I’m crunk, and I’m ready to party.

“Hey Medley,” Said Whiskey with a chuckle, “Can you get down for a minute? I have some thirsty customers and I- “

I looked at him cockily and said, “How ‘bout n- “

I fell off the bar top. My friends just laughed at me and helped me up. I looked around and about half of the bar was laughing as well. Embarrassment overwhelmed me, so just sat on the barstool next to Sugar and looked down into one of my empty shot glasses.

“Smooth move.” Commented Chimi with a laugh.

“It’s not funny.” I said in a down tone.

“That’s true, It’s not funny. It’s hilarious”

“Ugh.”

“Maybe you should ease off of the drinking, it’ll help you socially and will definitely help your liver.” Sugar added.

“But, alcohol…” I said in a sad tone.

“I know, I know. Just ease off of it a little, please?” She asked.

“Ugh. Fine.”

“So, you’ll drink less from now on?”

“Nope! Only for tonight.” I said cheerfully.

“But, you’re already drunk.”

“Yup!”

“Med,” she giggled and rolled her eyes playfully “You’re so goofy.”

“I know” I said with a gleaming smile.
I looked at the clock on the wall to the best of my ability with my blurry eyesight. It’s almost midnight and I have to work tomorrow. Ugh. I said goodbye to my friends and I headed to my room. I instantly crashed on my bed and drifted into sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Hey, Melody,” I heard a voice call to me, “Don’t want to bother, but you’re kinda in my relaxing spot.”

I opened my eyes to see Bit looking at me. I realized that I just fell asleep on her couch and it’s pitch black outside. I must’ve been out for a while.

“So, ya going to get up, or are ya just going to stare at me?”

Inventory & equipment: Saddlebags, 9mm, 16 9mm rounds, nightstick, duct tape, wires, nails, screws, screwdriver, two cans of vegetables, and medical tape.

Health:

Injured: Stab wounds in shoulder and right foreleg. {Healing}

Departure

“Oh! Sorry, I just dozed off for a bit.” I said startled by this sudden awakening.

“It’s fine” Bit said with a friendly smile.

I slid over to the far side of the couch to give her enough room to sit down. Bit sat down and settled onto the couch. She looked over towards the radio and asked “So, ya got family?”

“Not anymore. My parents are now” I paused, “one with the dust...”

She just gave me a puzzled look. “What?”

“They’re long gone.” I restated.

“I’m lost”

“They’re dead.” I said bluntly.

“Ah, okay. Gotcha.” She said as she caught onto what I was saying. “Were y’all close?”

“Very. They were always there for me and they helped me through life. My dad Fret was an amazing pony. He could play guitar like no one else in the entire Bunker. He was the main entertainer at pretty much all of the social events held there. After his performance for the General’s election anniversary, he ran into Lavender, my mom. Then they raised me to be the best that I can be. But… my father died when I was 19. Everyone mourned him. My mom… she didn’t take his passing lightly. She cried for weeks and stayed up all night praying for him to somehow come back and for the event to never have happened. She finally accepted that he was gone months later. While forgetting, she became an alcoholic. I would always see her at the bar for at least an hour a day drinking a lot of martinis. At least the bar was getting plenty of money. But, drinking her life away came with a price. Her liver failed. But she kept drinking. I tried my hardest to convince her to stop, but she was too stubborn. She died a couple of weeks after her liver failure. My memories with them will stick with me forever. They will never be forgotten.”

“You’re crying.”

I wiped my eyes and saw my hoof saturated with moisture. “Oh. I didn’t really notice.” I said with a depressed tone that I just now realized I had. “I won’t ever forget them. No matter how much I drink, I will always remember them...”

I broke down crying. I buried my face onto Bit’s shoulder. I was wailing in between every shaky breath I took. Bit patted my back to comfort me. I’m extremely grateful to have a shoulder to cry on. After a few minutes my breaths began to steady, and my wailing downgraded to a whimper. I sat back up on my side of the couch.

“Thank you,” I said with my crackling voice, “that really helped. I appreciate it.”

“No problem.” She said with compassion and a smile.

“What about you? Do you have any family?”

“I have a sister who is somewhere in this wasteland.”

“Do you not know where she is?”

“Kinda. We parted long ago. She became security for some fancy casino in the upper district in Center City. I became a travelling merchant.”

“They have casinos out here?” The crackling voice I had dissipated and turned into interest.

“Yep. But, that’s all the way in Center City. Miles away.”

“I’ve never been to a casino. The closest I’ve been to one was me and my friends playing blackjack over a round of drinks”

“I have a shipment over there in a couple a’ days. Care to tag along?” She said with a smile.

“Is there a bar over there?”

“That and a whole lot more”

“Deal.”

‘Casinos, bars, and more? Maybe this place isn’t that bad.’

During the days until our departure, Bit showed me around Junk Town. It’s a pretty quaint town with a big trading post, a residential area, a couple of food stands, and a small fenced in area for the power generators.

We stopped by a food stand that sold sandwiches, we ordered some tomato sandwiches, and Bit fired up a conversation with the merchant.

“Hey Glee” Bit said, “How’s your dog? Is he gettin’ better?”

“Oh… He’s in a better place now…” Glee said in a sorrowful tone

“He’s better now? That’s great” Bit said with a smile.

With that said, Bit grabs the finished bagged sandwiches and brings them over to the nearest picnic table. The table is pretty shabby with plenty of splinters, which I think I’ve sat on a couple. She hands me my food and we start to unbag it. At first glance my sandwich looks bad, but I take a bite anyway. On first taste the sandwich is horrid. The bread is stale, and the tomatoes taste like dirt. I take a sigh and finish eating.

“So, Bit” I said, “What exactly is Center City?”

“That place is the biggest city in this county,” Bit explained “it’s split into three districts: Lower, Middle, and Upper. Lower purpose is to house the poor. Middle’s purpose is to house the more wealthy and has a few mom and pa businesses. Upper’s purpose is to draw in the dumb to take their money by casinos, bars, and con artists. It’s full of crooks and businessmen in my opinion. I don’t understand why my sister works in a place so corrupt, but that’s none of my business.”

“How many more days until we head off?”

“After today, we should be heading there.”

“How long is the walk?”

“It’ll take about 5 hours if no incidents happen.”

“Incidents?”

“Raiders, wagon troubles, and a bunch of other stuff.”

“Oh, alright.” I said in a nervous tone as I remember my first encounter with a raider.

‘Well this’ll be fun.’ I thought sarcastically.

THUD! I get a wake-up call in the form of a pillow to the face. I fall off the couch and quickly get back on my hooves while in a panic. Bit is just standing there laughing with pillow in hoof.

“What was that for?!”

“To wake ya up,” She said with a giggle “we have to be on the road in an hour.”

“You know, you didn’t have to hit me with a pillow” I said with a tone of annoyance.

“It was more fun that way”

She smiled and then started to gather her supplies for the road. I decided to gather my few items and then I started help her out. But, got lost while looking at her work.

“Ya really like staring at me, don’t ya?” She said teasingly.

“I was just zoning out, that’s all.” I lied.

“Mmhm.”

“Quick question, what do you prefer?” I questioned.

“What do ya mean? Are ya talkin’ about-.”

I cut her off.

“Favorite food! Mine is ice cream.” I attempted to recover my previous statement.

“Ah, okay. Sweetrolls are pretty good.”

“Good to know.” I replied with a pretty rough attempt of being casual.

“Alright, I’ve got everything from here at least. Now time for the caravan and then we can head off.”

I nod my head and we make our way outside and to the trading post where there are a couple of caravans with little name plates mounted on the front. We walk over to the one with the name plate ‘Bit’ and Bit converses with one of traders about a new shipment. The trader nods and Bit calls me over to help pack the shipment. All the shipment was, was crates of full of various canned foods, water, and other non-perishables. Bit goes off deeper into the trading post and comes back with a stallion with a metal collar around his neck.

“What’s up with the collar around his neck?” I ask.

“It’s just a little something that keeps it in line.” Bit explained, “It’s a shock collar. Makes sure it doesn’t run away, hurt us, or stop doing its job. The shock collar has a few different ways to shock. For example, the 1st setting is just a standard shock which is 10k volts. Like this.”

She pulls out a small remote and presses one of the buttons. The stallion grits his teeth in pain and cowards away a little bit. My eyes widen from seeing such a horrible act and a wave of shock flows through me.

“Next setting,” she casually explains, “is a high voltage taser which has 50k volts.”

She presses another button. The stallion knees buckle and his whole body starts twitching. I can see him trying to reach for the collar to try to move it away, but the volts were too much for him and he collapses. I am horrified at this display of inhumanity. I look around and no one seems to care or even glimpse over.

“The last setting, which I won’t show unless this slave crosses us.” She says as she looks over to the stallion getting back up on his hooves. “Are you going to cross us?” She happily asks with intimidation.

His eyes are wide open with tears running down his face. He fearfully shakes his head no.

“Good slave.” She says in a happy tone.

“Bit, what the actual hell did you just do?” I said in shock.

“Just demonstrating.”

I try to clear what I’ve just saw out of my head, but to no avail. Bit just walks the ‘slave’ over to the caravan and harnesses him in. Bit waves me over and I hesitantly come over. She pulls out a map out of the caravan and shows me the routes that we can take. There is the long path, which takes 6-8 hours to travel through. It’s the safest but is definitely quite the trek. There’s the 5-hour path, which makes us travel on the main roads, and that’s just asking for trouble. I picked the long path just for general safety. With that said, we head out of Junk Town and into the urban wasteland.

The path is pretty uneventful just ruined buildings and pavement. Just walking for a couple hours makes my hooves hurt. I ask Bit if we can take a short break. She agrees that we can, but only for 10 minutes. We stop at an abandoned café and we sit down at a booth for a break. The ‘slave’ was tied to a street lamp by a chain linked to his harness.

“How much longer do we have to go?” I asked.

“2-3 hours.” She answered, “And stop your whinin’.”

We now just sit at the booth and fill the soundless space of the café with small talk. After a little while Bit goes to check on the slave. I look out one of the windows and appreciate the partly cloudy clouds and the sky that’s beyond them. Then I suddenly hear a faint “Oh shit” come from Bit outside. I walk out the café and I saw something that I wasn’t expecting.

There lied the slave with his throat cut and many deformities from a blunt force, lying in a pool of blood. I stood in horror with my eyes glued to the sight of his limp body for a good while.

“We’re not alone here.” Bit said as she reached I the caravan and pulled out a shotgun. “I suggest ya ready yourself.”

I pull out my 9mm and we both observe our surroundings for anyone else. We slowly head back to the café for a safer place to stay. We look out the windows, but still no one. Then, I hear the sound of Bit yell something which was cut short by a loud clang. I turn around and see 3 armed raiders. 1 with a m16, and 2 with metal bats.

“Hey there little lady,” one with a metal bat said maniacally while approaching me, “we won’t hurt ya. Just wanna have some fun.”

I aim my 9mm at the one approaching.

“Step back, or else I’ll shoot!” I say with an attempt of intimidation.

The one with the m16 aims at me.

“Put your gun down.” He said with an even more intimidating tone.

I drop my gun, but I still have my nightstick on me. I have an on the spot plan in my head. My plan is to take out the closest one and use him as a meat shield. Then, I’ll pick up my 9mm and take the other 2 out. I mentally count down from 5 as the one approaching get even closer.

‘Now!’

I pull out my night stick and swing at the bat wielding raider. He grabs my nightstick and bashes my face with it. Then everything fades to black.

Author's Note

No more inventory and no more health updates.
May add gore tag if necessary.
-NJ