Fallout Equestria: Mountain Mystery.

The memory was very hard on my mind. I woke up inside the cart that I brought with us. I lifted my head and looked around notching that we are in sourdough. Slowly standing up on my hooves seeing that the tents have been put up. The mares had a tent to themselves and I had my tent.

"Root? Blossom?" I didn't hear anything I looked at the tents and found they have been ripped open and that hoof prints with something being dragged into the forest.

"So the failure of a Detective has returned." I turned seeing one of the Moose. In fact its the guard I met so long ago. They live longer than ponies.

"I came with two mares. Do you know what happens to them?" The Moose sighed looking at the dark forest. The trees look very different then they did in the past.

"Ever since that mare brought that sickness my kind have been slowly dying. But Antler has become more and more Xenophobic I am part of a group that left. They consider us unclean since we don't allow them to just leave this land and take out the ponies. Maybe we could find a way inside and you can help."

I sighed shaking my head.

" I am searching for the base of the Blue hats. There is a war outside of our lands. The enclave and others are coming they want the secrets of the Blue hats. We need your help."

The moose sighed looking away towards another town that is deep into the forest.

"We have too much to deal with right now detective. The city of Antler is full of the sick but also xenophobic. The one's that were kicked out were the leaders and his army. If you wish to have help to get into the main town then you need to come with me."

"Before I go with you what happen after I was knocked out and the memory taken from me?"

The guard looked towards me again he sighed he knew this was coming.

"Dr. Slice wanted all the memories taken from you about what happened there. The fact about what he and Wheel tread did to us. The fact that they both used us as their test subjects. If we all knew that the mare wasn't pregnant well she was but the foal she gave birth to became the problem. Who is now alive and the leader of Antler."

I blinked how did a little one become the leader of Antler. It makes no sense to me at all but I'm starting to wonder if this experiment had something to do with taint.

"I wonder does this child look like I do?"

The moose gave me a once over.

"Like a decaying zombie,” He nodded. "He wasn't born that way at first. But after a while, he started releasing strange magic from him that caused the area around him to become mutated. Why do you ask?"

The fear hit me they were using what is known as a taint on the poor mare and her baby. I felt it was my fault but more at fault to me was Dr. Slice. I'm starting to see why he left to go to his prison so to speak. I don't understand all this anymore. I need to get this Mystery solved before the battle ahead. I doubt if I do get it solved what doe they mean by this fifty years from now I wonder what will happen if this happens without this thing we must find. But first I must find the two mares. I wonder where Rolex is.

"Come with me Detective I need you to meet with the leaders and we will think of a plan to get your friends back. I know this is not something you wish to do. But they need to know what is going on. If you can help us get our land back then we will be able to help you fight them off and find this base for you. I know it's not much but it's all we can do for the moment."

I sighed taking a deep breath.

"Deal just I heard that more of your cities have been dead for so long. Are there ones that we’re immune to this sickness or taint I call it?"

The Moose sighed nodding.

"Most died and when they died they became the minions of the creature that the child became. Some are mindless some aren't. He glows this sickness around him this sickness did so much to them that some have kept their minds and they follow him like a puppet. For the leaders, they made it out with a lot of us. But my family wasn't so lucky. Wheel Tread promised then he went to some desert called Widow Maker and I learned he made a pact with the devil. Some Projects called Storm watch."

I heard of this project in passing It was an interesting Project that the old foes of the past and some never heard of before. Would be found captured and put under a spell to force them to work with us. I never understood what it meant until now. But all I heard was from the passing the Blue hats. They knew something they always do. I am sure they have ways to get out of this land and into Equestria proper. That is not what I like to think of though.

"I lost many of my memories during my younger years before the war got to bad. The war turned into something awful. I'm sure you had a war yourself that got even worse before it got better for you. But now we got another war that we need to take care of before our land is harmed any longer. The rain still won't come and it will never come if we don't find a way to make it rain and we need it to rain."

The moose lead me away from the camp we made into another forest farther away from the one Antler is inside of.

0000
New Antler

We made it into the lighter forest. On the way, we ran into some nasty creatures but they left us alone since a Moose was with me. These creatures looked to be mutated did the Blue hats do experiments on some of these creatures or did they just turn in this way?

"Why are these creatures mutated?"

The Moose sighed.

"It was our fault we experimented to find defenders for our home. Instead, we created nasty creatures thankfully they stay in the forest and don't try to go down the mountains. At least we keep them fed. We feed them our terminally sick. I know that seems barbaric we have a lot of terminally sick at times. But one of these creatures can eat their full for months."

I did agree thankfully they never would come for me or my friends. I just wonder why the creatures of Antler took my friends.

"Do you know why they took my friends?"

The Moose sighed and smiled weakly. "He is searching for a mate. So those two mares will be treated like breeding stock. So we will help you get there sooner. But sadly it may be a while before we can just rush in there. We need to gather our army and then we can help you. if we can clean out that creature we can save our kind. Most have gone underground since it happened. Thankfully we last a long time. But we need to get you there"

I sighed at the fact that I am now very worried about my friends. It's not something I was expecting. Finally, though after the trek, the gates of New Antler opened up since were Moose creatures some ponies that have been on the run from the outside. They somehow found their way here and a few dragons. These dragons looked at me and didn't even give me the time of day. But I noticed some of them looked beat up. Something is happening and I am very sure of that.

I was lead to the main building asking to ignore the rest. While ponies that were refugees of whatever is going on. One mare walked over to me looking weak and hurt.

"Can you help me please?" I stared at her looking worried about her.

"I'm sorry I can't but maybe you can be lead to Buffalo Hoof. But how did you get past the gangs since outsiders aren't welcomed here."

The mare looked away she looked mutated on some spots of her body. It made me wonder what happens to her. I sighed softly patting her shoulder looking at the guard that is leading me.

"Can you help them?"

The moose looked back to the mare and the ponies. They were segregated by the other guards kept them far away from the other creatures that had no love for the ponies. I didn't enjoy seeing this but I am starting to understand how zebras felt in the past. I never understood this either now I do..

"I wish I could but we need to save your friends first but we need to talk to the leaders about it first." I nodded and we walked into the main building

00000
Leadership building

I was asked to wait for a while before I was allowed to go speak to them. I sat in a cushy wooden chair and looked at out pre-war books. These books had lasted for years some of them even seemed to be rewritten and these books never got touched by Rarity. Lifting one of the books up in my magic. It was an old history on the zebra. Opening it up and I found it interesting. It wasn't hateful to the zebras it oddly explained how they looked at the stars.

This book though was not written by a zebra if it was it would make more sense. Some things didn't seem normal to me. My grandaughter Diamond didn't act like this of course she was raised by ponies. I set down the book lifting another one that was an old journal written by a pony that found their way here after the war. I spoke out loud as I read it.

"I know no pony might be alive to read this. I will explain myself. I'm a mare that was attracted to other mares. During this time it was looked down upon. I don't mind that my way of life was thought to be evil. But something has been bothering me for along time. Ever since my brother went to war. During this war I have seen many families broken apart thanks to it. I have learned through during my job is one of the first female guards of Cantorlot. Yes, a mare in the royal guards I know that is very hard to understand for some."

I blinked I remember mares in the Royal guard I don't remember them being so odd. I turned the page reading on.

"I have been watching these stables being built. Thankfully I will be having a vacation soon to get away from all this war. I am tired of this war and tired of seeing how toxic the ponies of the land have gotten. When I go I think I will go visit my sister in Ponyville if she is still there of course. I am worried that she won't be I do wish to know what will happen. I wish this war would end it's getting to me. It's getting to so many of my friends to the point that MOM is coming to meet others. I don't know why but it's starting to upset me more. I have seen them watch me even because I have been very open about disliking this war and thinking that we should make peace."

I sighed I didn't know what to think I never had to deal with the MOM here. But I did have to deal with the fact that the Blue hats did a lot of crazy things. I lifted the book back up it went on.

"The world ended.. I got lucky and I was on my vacation from Cantorlot and I never thought it would end like this. I don't know if I am lucky though I do feel sick. But I have to find a way to get out of the area. When I found my way into the mountains of Equestria. I found myself in a place called Wymarnic. I was upset and angry at what happened to the world. But I never thought I would find what I did. I found a creature called a Moose when I made it to a strange place called New antler. I learned more about this land and they told me how xenophobic this land can be with outsiders." Then something hit me hard when I saw the next part.

"I met a Detective named Smoke Pipe. He was a ghoul that was helping a young mare to find her foul who later died of the bomb that was released by a group called The Blue Hats. I didn't know much about the Detective but I had been here for almost three years and had a family myself. I hope my family will last and become part of this lovely land."

The Moose Guard came out of the room noticed I was reading the book and he smirked. "You're reading the founder of the pony citizens that live in new Antler."

"I take it they don't have the same rights as your kind do?" I set down the book.

"No they do but they're deeper in the forest and a different part of the city. It's more to protect them from the newer ponies coming in and the dragons that normally come here to relax. The dragons haven't forgiven the ponies after Ember’s death. They still blame them for what happen to her."

I sighed I didn't know what to think.

"So why did you come out to talk to me?" I didn't know how to be kind to this Moose I didn't know his name but he lay on the ground his weapons falling to the ground since what I noticed he seemed relaxed around me.

"The leaders are taking their time to accept who you are. I'm known as well Big hoof. Yes, not much of a name but I have one big hoof." He lifts up his left hoof that it's a large hoof. "But yes I am sure you can understand that it's hard for a lot of my kind to trust ponies from the outside. The fact we welcome ones that came from a mare that risked everything to come here. Now I am sure the leaders have something to do for you to well to prove your worth to them. That's the issue with them though. Some of them have been around at the start of the year."

I sighed shaking my head.

"I can't wait I need to go find my friends. I tried to stand off the chair but I was forced back into it by Big hoof.

"Look I understand as well but you can't just rush in there You have no idea what will happen. The fact that we know there is a time of year that he mates with those that he kidnaps. So don't worry your friends will be fine. Unless he feels he needs to start breeding right away but of course he could find a way to start it up."

I got off the chair and started pacing. These two mares I have grown very close to. If I was still alive and not decaying like I was I would herd with them since I am extremely Lonely at times. But I can't hear anymore. I have once but nothing came from it. It's gotten to the point I am not sure what is going to happen to them. I am very worried about them Root being so sex hungry and Blossom being so shy. He might try to hurt them.

" I am sorry for being so worried just these two mares are good friends of mine. Root I have known for years. Blossom is an Enclave mare and I am sure if this stallion learns this. I am sure he will try to hurt her for being part of the Enclave. Have you ever delt with the enclave?"

Big hoof nodded. " They tend to find their way here now and then. But they have been told they don't get much respect here. They came a few times trying to find that Blue hat base. I am sure someone will find it but I am sure that's why you are out here?"

I nodded.

"I need to find it we have an army of outsiders coming to attack us in a month and we don't feel ready. If they win they outsiders will find their way to your home and they might try to destroy you."

Big Hoof frowned sighing shaking his head. "I knew sooner or later the outsiders would find their way past the gangs. I know it's not always wise to expect much from the gangs. But at least they tried to keep these ponies from entering the area. I do hope that someday we will know. Hell, we might even help you if you ponies trust us to."

I nodded. "That would be wonderful we could use the help since most of us have been looking for help. I don't think everything will be easy since the Enclave will be coming not far behind them. We don't know who will be attacking. But maybe if they do attack then maybe we will know what will happen along the way."

Big hoof was about to speak then a mare walked out.

"They will see you now mister Smoke pipe." The mare wore large glasses and a suit.

"Thank you, miss."

0000
The leadership

I went into the large room seeing a large group of Moose leaders. They didn't have their names on their counterparts. I just found them to be full of themselves but I didn't say it to them. I wanted to know what they wanted from me. The older one in the middle of them looked through their notes.

"You wish for us to help you go into our old home to find your friends? How do we know we can trust you? I know you want to find your friends but you have to do something for us first."

I sighed deeply looking away from them. "I am going I am not going to be your toy or anything."

The leaders looked at each other they felt insulted but I was a pony and to them, ponies didn't respect them. The only ones that did were the ponies that were born in the very town. The older leaders stood up and walked to me staring down at me.

"Listen Smoke Pipe-we need your skills."

I had no idea that they needed my skills as a detective.

"Go on."

They sighed the main leader speaking to me didn't want to tell me about it.

"I am sure you read that journal that we have outside. Well, the remains of that mare have been stolen from her grave. She is one of the few ponies that helped keep the ponies peaceful here. Her family is very upset that her remains were taken. I hope you can help us."

I sighed.

"I will do what I can but what was her name?"

The leaders looked at each other.

"Her name...her name one of the first mares of the guard her name was Firefly."

I blinked I knew that name a powerful mare that somehow from what I learned about her didn't age but that wasn't true she really did age. But most of the stories about her told that she never did age. Maybe it's time for me to learn what really has happened.

"If I do this will you help me get my friends back?"

The leader nodded.

"You will be asked to wait a day or so though before going in. The ponies here don't trust a lot of the outside because of what happened in the war. Also, it's to make sure the new ponies that came in don't get in the way." I gave a nod. "Big Hoof show him to a room to rest for a bit. We will call you in the morning."

Big Hoof nodded and lead me through the large building into a room.

000

Guest room.

I was lead into the guest room that looked like it was made for creatures of the state. It looked very well kept and made. I didn't know what to think at all but Big Hoof stayed in the room for a while.

"This is the room that she stayed in while she was here. She did so much for our kind even helped us found this place. They have three elders unicorn earth pony and Pegasi all three will be wondering why an outsider of Wymarnic wants their help."

I sighed more xenophobic ponies.

" They better help before the Enclave learns there is a group or more ponies in this wooded town. They would know the Enclave or stories I have heard will do what they can to subjugate the ponies and try to lead them. it's how some of them have always been."

"Who knows they might help you. So It might take them to trust you but they could help you protect that town of yours. Maybe they will but I don't really know myself as it is."

I nodded looking around the guest room seeing more and more of the firefly mare. Seeing her armor on a stand looking it over.

"Odd to see this armor here. I am surprised she took it with her. I doubt it would have been easy to carry it or wear it all the way here."

Big hoof nodded.

"Yes it wasn't a pleasant trek for her during that time everything was confusing and it didn't help that the flyers closed up the sky and of course they did because they felt they were better than the rest of us. I remember screaming up at them saying. If you can't handle being down here never return you damn birds."

I laughed.

" Yeah, I know how that is. I used to see them every time in the past now it's harder to see them and when you do you don't know if they will do something that will cause issues or drama. The fact that they wish to destroy so much now and try to control. The blue hats did the same for a while."

I sighed looking to all the photos that she brought with her.

"How did she get all this here did she move out of Cantorlot?"

Big hoof laughed sighing softly.

"No she didn't live in Cantorlot she lived in a town not that far from she just flew into work when they needed her. But she was one of the lucky ones. She was on vacation away from everything that went on she was near the mountains to lead into the way of this land."

I nodded and lay in the old bed.

"I am going to rest Big hoof thank you for the help."

He nodded.

"I will be on the outside I will let you know when the ponies wish you to come in. it’s going to take a long time these ponies are crazy when it comes to trying to get others to go into their home. It’s like they need to write so on I don't understand it."

I sighed nodding watching him leave and I closed my eyes falling asleep to have a dreamless sleep to finally relax.