Fallout Equestria: Lineage

Din’s Awakening

Al Capony happily hummed in front of us as we left the clinic. Me and Iris’s moment together made her feel giddy. I’m pretty sure she couldn’t wait to get married to Bucky. I admit, it was unexpected for me. But the moment I saw Iris, I was in love. Not from her looks. But something about her made my heart want to reach out to her. I thought that my heart knew her pain and would tell her that everything will be okay. Of course, it was a silly thought. But walking behind Al Capony with Silver Iris (flushing ever so brightly when I smiled at her), I felt like I can began anew. I had found friends. Friends that I could trust. And now, I have found some pony that I know won’t hurt me and the same for her.

I am in love with a pretty cool mare named Silver Iris. And I am proud of it.

“Oh, I can’t wait for my wedding!” Al Capony giggled. “It’ll be the wedding of my dreams.” Silver Iris nickered.

“I never thought gang heads could get married.” I said. Al Capony smiled at me.

“Oh no. We can. It’s just that most gangers just want to rule and be the most badass they can be. But what they don’t know is love. All they have is vice.” I smiled. Viva Las Pegasus as they say. “Of course, you and your friends are more than welcome to be there.” She looked at me and sighed. “Unfortunately, I don’t see you becoming a maiden anytime soon. But you are still welcome.” I shook my head, chuckling. We reached the Roulette Hotel and spotted Bucky and his boys on our way in. Al Capony gave him the sweetest smile and Bucky tipped his hat to her with a wink and his charming smile. Their love must be true then. I never thought gangers to actually consider love. But what I had just witnessed without a single pass of words, was love being exchanged. I felt giddy now.

“Oh boy. I didn’t even get to hone my skills at all.” Silver Iris said stretching her wings. I blinked and rubbed the back of my head.

“Oh yeah. We did decide to go to a bar after all.” I said. Iris sighed.

“And I definitely wanted to punch that stallion in the face. Did you see the way he looked at you? Like you were actually a boy.” She snorted. “And I would have too if he pulled anything. But then you started doing your magic tricks, which I admit I was very impressed, and sacred them off.” I flushed with a sheepish smile. Then, she looked at me sternly and gave a good Cheerilee bop on my head. I hissed a little. Ouch that stung. I rubbed the spot she had hit me and looked confusedly at her. “And look where you ended up because you wanted to impress me.  You didn’t have to do that.” I blinked at her.

“But those stallions looked like they were going to try something.” I said. She nodded.

“And they would have. And we would have taken care of it. But you instead wanted to impress me.” She smirked. “I’m not that much of a girlie girl unlike Goldenlee.” I sighed.

“I know. I just… don’t know what came over me. You liked it.” I bowed my head bashfully. “And I guess I wanted you to like it more.” Silver Iris nuzzled my cheek with hers.

“You don’t have to impress me. As long as you can take care of yourself, then I’m impressed already.” She said.

“Oh you two get a room already.” Al Capony teased. We both flushed and quietly followed her to the elevator. We reached the suites, saying good-bye to Al Capony, before heading back. When we entered, we were instantly greeted with the smiling face of Goldenlee. I noticed right away she was wearing a type of long sleeve bomber jacket. I arched a brow.

“What’s with the jacket?” I asked.

“Well, while you two were off on your little barbaric fun time, I took the liberty of getting us new barding.” She trotted over to the bed where Comp rubbed his head at a piece of clothing in front of him. I then noticed that the jacket she had on was also lightly armored. Silver Iris arched her brow and lifted up a barding that looked like a mercenary would wear.

“Really? Doesn’t look at all like armor for that matter.” She said.

“Not quite.” We looked to see Shining Star in his cruiser armor. “We managed to make caps with the salvage we had taken from Alicron and an armor dealer was able to modify our armor that would fit us. I, being the relic hunter, have something light so I can sneak around in and have at least some decent protection if I do get spotted.” Silver Iris looked back at the barding.

“So let me guess. I’m supposed to ditch my armor for something lighter? Not really armor at all if you ask me.” She said. Goldenlee chuckled.

“Oh don’t be silly. That’s not for you. It’s for Brick.” I hadn’t noticed Brick sitting on the sofa with a book in his hooves. He blinked and looked at us.

“For me?” he asked. Goldenlee nodded.

“I asked the dealer to modify it by the way you handle your launcher. Light so you have room to quickly move, but all the same durable to withstand at least normal ballistics.” She said.

“What about me?” Comp asked. Goldenlee looked at him before speaking.

“Err… dear. Have you even thought about the danger a colt can be in out there?” she asked.

“What are you talking about? We survived Windigos. We made it out from being attacked by Slavers. I think I can handle myself.” He looked at me with a smile. “Plus, Courier is supposed to take me to uncharted territory for whatever reason.” I rubbed my chin and nodded.

“He does have a point, Golden. Give him some barding.” I said. Comp beamed at me and looked over to Goldenlee, who bit her lip before sighing in defeat.

“Alright then. I’ll see what I can do. Speaking of which, Courier. Your barding has been tidied and tweaked to your standards.” She smiled. “I think you will be happy with the results.” I looked skeptically at her before nodding. Why are ponies even improving my barding in the first place? I trotted up to my room, leaving my companions to look over their barding. Folded neatly with my shotgun and Lyra Heartstring’s lyre on the top was my duster and stable barding. I took off the suit and tie before examining my barding. My stable barding looked bland and plain as usual. I threw it on over me before moving to my duster.

I gapped as the first thing I saw was the painted letters and number on the back: SOR16. The SOR was painted around the number sixteen. I frowned. Goldenlee had put the acronym for Savior of the Roads on the back. But then I thought about what I had been through. I was in a hell of a lot more trouble with gangers than slavers. And they would only remember the bland numbers of sixteen on my duster. If anything, it looked like it would disguise me as a fan of the Savior of the Roads. I nickered. I’m a fan of myself.

I looked over my duster. The magnetized plate that was once a separate accessory was now stitched in above SOR16. I found small straps stitched at the tips. A place where I can keep Compassion’s sheath without fear of it falling from my back or it sliding out. I also noticed that my duster was no longer brown, but a faded form of black. I squeed as I still found the hood to be a homey addition to my new barding. However, it seemed that the hood was also partially armored as well. I could tell that the material was heavy, but not too heavy. I put it on around my barding and saw that a dagger sheath was now stitched to my left side of the duster. I don’t know why I have it. I hadn’t really needed a dagger in the first place. I strapped on the buckles and slid Compassion’s straps into the slips. I found it to be comfortably snug. I put my shotgun to the plate and felt it stick to the magnet. I looked myself in the mirror.

I looked more like an assassin than a courier. But beggars can’t be choosers. I’ve seen plenty of other couriers with customized dusters and armor. Though none quite like mine. I threw my hood over and adjusted it. Now that looked more like me as a courier. I smiled and trotted on out of the room with my saddle bag and the lyre in tow. I came downstairs to see my companions in their new barding (except for Silver Iris and Rex) and when they saw me, I was instantly blasted with looks.

“Geez, you look more intimidating than usual.” Comp said with a smirk.

“So stylish. I knew you would like it!” Goldenlee beamed. The rest nodded. I sighed and rolled my eyes with a small smile.

“So, what now?” Silver Iris asked. I strapped my bags in and fit the lyre inside before speaking.

“Well, we follow the plan we played out. But other than that, I kind of want to head back home and see if that faker that is disguised as my brother was taken care of.” I looked at them and gave a sheepish smile. “O-of course, we can do what you all need.” They looked at each other.

“Well, I did say Mr. House can wait.” Goldenlee said. She sighed. “But I may just have to let it go eventually. I still won’t give up until Dusty is back in business. But at this moment, I know Dusty doesn’t want me to do anything rash.”

“I don’t want to go to the destination yet.” Comp spoke up and looked at me. “Please?” I smiled and nodded. I looked at Brick who nodded.

“I might find her if I stick with you. I haven’t given up hope yet.” He said. I turned my look to Shining Star. He cleared his throat.

“Well, me being a relic hunter, I say I know a few places we’ve passed that I’m sure you will want to look into. I know some of them have the reports and recordings your father has been leaving behind.” I finally then looked at Silver Iris. She flushed and smiled.

“Well… I guess after what had happened, I can stick with you. As long as you promise to take me with you on your explorations.” She then blinked and looked at Goldenlee with a frown. “And I still want my fifty thousand caps.” Goldenlee snorted with annoyance.

“I have told you, if we have time we will get it to you. But right now, we have to take actions.” I looked at Rex.

“How about you boy?” I asked. Rex cocked a head and panted. I smiled.

“Couldn’t have it any other way.” I said. “Alright, we handle Pleasant Town. If we see any places that you know are places we need to look for recordings and reports from my father, we will take our time and get them. After that, we can see about getting Mr. House handled as well as finding Brick’s friend.” I looked at Comp. “Hopefully, we will know more about you during those times before I have to deliver you to the place.” Comp smiled.

“You’re the boss, boss.” Star said with a smirk. I blinked. Boss? Since when was I a boss? I cocked my head. He sighed but still smirked. “It’s just something we thought of about you. You don’t really have to go with it.” I still didn’t get it, but I smiled anyway. I turned, leading my companions out of the room, down the elevator and out of the casino. Bucky and his boys stopped us on the way out.

“Hey baby, heading out?” he asked with a smile. I nodded.

“I need to head back to Pleasant Town to handle a matter. Don’t worry, I put your message in the hooves of a friend that will deliver it.” I said. He tipped his fedora.

“Well, ring-a-ding, baby. Take care now. And remember, if you need a place to duck into, the Omaretas will gladly cater to your needs.” He said. I smiled and nodded.

“Thanks, Bucky. Good luck with the wedding.” I said. He smiled before trotting into the hotel. Goldenlee seemed to look shocked as we made our way to the gates of Las Pegasus.

“A wedding? Bucky is helping with a wedding?” she asked. I shook my head, but it was Silver Iris that spoke for me.

“He finally got blessed by Kingpin to marry Al Capony.” She said with a giggle. Goldenlee smiled.

“What a lucky mare. Al Capony sure knows her taste in stallions.” She said. I arched a brow as the gates opened and the Protect-a-pony guards waved us through.

“Oh? You had your eyes on the gang head?” I teased. Goldenlee pondered this before shrugging.

“Well, wouldn’t you? I mean Bucky does have the handsome stallion going for him. And he definitely knows how to treat a mare.” She said. I noticed Shining Star looking a bit flustered at this but seemed to shake it off. Interesting.

“So, do you have a special somepony?” Iris asked. Goldenlee shook her head.

“I don’t sadly. Can’t say I have tried though. But they just want to get under my tail.” She said.

“What about Dusty?” Comp asked. She smiled.

“Dusty is into stallions, dear.” She said. I balked a little. Oh crap, was not expecting that! Comp blinked.

“A stallion can date a stallion?” he asked. He made a disgusted face. “Yeck!” We chuckled as we trotted back along Route 2. I had to admit, I was enjoying this small banter we were having. We talked about things we have done in our lives, turning some into inside jokes with each other. When they asked me, they were polite enough to not push it far. They pretty much just asked me what I did in my free time and the situations I have been in. When I told them about the incident with the Bull Horn building, Shining Star looked shocked.

“And you think somepony tricked them into that little war?” he asked. I nodded.

“I met Brick along the way and we both barely got out of there with our heads still intact.” I said. I looked at Brick. “So, why were there a bunch of mines along the road anyway?” Brick scrunched his face as he thought. The red stallion finally spoke.

“I believe Razor set them up.” He said. “When I left Little Tail Heights before you, I did see a griffin fly away after dropping something on the road. Taking a closer look, I found them to be mines.” He shrugged. “I stayed there for a bit questioning why. Then I remembered New Pegas talking about a war and I tried to find a way through so I didn’t have to end up fighting my way through.” He nodded to me. “That’s when you came along and we both got caught in the crossfire. I honestly thought we were gonners. And then you went and made clones of yourself and shielded us from stray shots.” I flushed and gave a sheepish smile. We honestly would have been killed if it wasn’t for me, huh?

“I’m still wondering how you can create solid copies of yourself though.” Star said. I pulled my hood down before speaking.

“During my days of being taught how to be a courier, I took up an interest in illusions.” I smiled. “The thought of deceiving your foes for quick escape and confusion sounded promising. So I thought I would tie that in with my lessons on being a courier.” I grinned. “And I was right. My illusion magic has gotten me out of the worst case scenarios.”

“So, did you start learning the clone trick first?” Comp asked. Gee, I didn’t think any pony would be this interested in illusion magic. I felt kind of embarrassed to say. But I continued anyway.

“No. I didn’t learn that until getting a break from my deliveries. I took the entire week to brush up my illusion magic and found out about the cloning trick.” Silver Iris gapped and I flushed. Was I impressing her more? I hope it wouldn’t hurt anything between us. Then she spoke.

“But you make it look so easy!” she said. I nickered.

“It wasn’t. Like I said before, doing one can be killer on the head. Making solid copies is worse.” I winced as I remembered the pain of having to go through tons of back fire. “Of course I knew the spell wouldn’t be all that easy. So my first attempt was instant burnout. After taking a while to recharge my magic, I went again and had it back fire.” Goldenlee winced.

“Oh dear.” She said. I nodded.

“I still had my head thankfully. Over the week, I began making little progress. I found small tricks I can do to keep the magic going and prevent burnout right away. After figuring out to not burnout right away, it was just constant back fires from then on. After a while, I began making more progress as I could conjure a stuffed look alike for a bit before it faded. That was a big mistake though.” I smiled. “I had a fever for two days after that. Once I got better, I found it easier to get it down pat without back fire or burnout. My first successful copy took a year to make.” Silver Iris smiled at me, making me flush and my heart beat. “Err… am I bragging?”

“Yes. Yes you are.” She said with a smirk. As we talked, the day began turning into twilight. When we reached the smoky ruins of Tipson, we grew quiet. I bowed my head and sighed. A skeletal reminder of me being possessed by Din. After that day, I swore to never have another Tipson. No matter what Sombra says, Sombra is a bad pony. LittlePip says so too. I can’t let myself be tricked by a corrupted monster. I won’t play the tool. And I know I have friends now that would back me up. A lesson to me. When we passed Tipson, the moon was now high overhead. Comp was asleep on the back of Rex. I was getting tired too, but I didn’t let that stop me. I watched as Silver Iris took to the sky, saying she needed to stretch her wings. I smiled as she flipped, spun and twirled in her aerial maneuvers. The moonlight shone on her through a hole in the clouds. I felt even more in love with the pretty cool mare.

No matter being pretty or cool, she was my special somepony. Goldenlee trotted next to me, making me jump when I looked back ahead.

“So, I couldn’t help but notice you and Silver Iris. Are you two a thing now?” she asked with a smirk. I blinked. A thing? I thought we were ponies.

“Aren’t we ponies?” I asked. That made her laugh. I arched a brow. “Are you okay?” She smiled at me.

“Of course I am dear. I’m just curious about her. She is always so rough and tough. Just like you. And she told me about your little ‘fun time’ as she says it that you two had in the bar.” I flushed. There were definitely two meanings to that.

“I-I… all I did was defend myself. Iris helped me.” I said. She looked at me slyly.

“Oh, I’m sure she did dear. But I wouldn’t have guessed it. You and her only met three days ago and already she’s taking a liking to you.” I continued to flush, but smiled.

“Well, me and her had something in common.” I looked back up to watch Silver Iris do another aerial maneuver as I continued to speak. “We both lived tough lives. She was Enclave. Always having to do drills and what not. I am a courier. I do deliveries. But to her, she saw her life being too plain and bland. Me, I lived a life of danger and travel.” I smiled as she gracefully completed the aerial maneuver. “And then we both had our hearts broken by somepony we thought we trusted. She didn’t have the torment I went through, but she was hurt all the same. She left the Enclave and came down here as a mercenary. What she really wanted to do was to see the world. To be a free mare.” I looked back at Goldenlee who was giving me a kind smile. “And I guess I did something that just made it happen. I’ve never went out of my way to impress somepony. And she made me feel funny.” I smiled. “I can trust her to not hurt me. And I promised her I won’t hurt her either.” Goldenlee pet my hooded head.

“Young love. I didn’t think you and her would actually be one. But I’m happy for you both as long as you are happy with each other.” She said. I arched a brow.

“I thought she annoyed you.” I said with a smirk. She blinked.

“Well, she does have that barbaric tendency. You should have seen the way she talked to me when we went to find help for you.” She groaned. “I have never seen such a stubborn mare in my entire life.” I chuckled. We continued our way down Route 2. I yawned as we reached the border between the Strip and the Empire. I stopped and blinked. Something felt off. Silver Iris landed down to me and retracted her helmet to expose her grim look to me.

“Raiders. I don’t know how they did it, but they took some of the RCE ponies and are being held hostage inside the building.” She said. I narrowed my eyes at the big gate. My eyes landed on the turrets. How did raiders managed to get through to take over? Something definitely was off. I looked at Goldenlee, who nodded and unslung her rifle to look into the scope. She waved the rifle back and forth before speaking.

“Three are inside the station. Five have taken camp nearby with three RCE ponies. Two are patrolling the top of the gate.” She looked grim. “And unfortunately, they are accompanied by a Reaper.” I winced and crouched low. A Reaper is definitely bad news. No wonder the RCE got taken out without incident. I looked back at Brick and Shining Star.

“Brick, keep low, but make sure you position yourself. Star, you help Brick save the RCE.” I looked to Goldenlee. “Golden. See if you can catch their attention away from the turrets. I’ll go in and try to rearrange their targeting parameters.”

“What about the Reaper?” Star asked in a crouch. I smiled.

“Silver Iris, would you like to do the honors of fighting a Reaper?” I asked. She smirked and smacked her hooves together.

“Aww yeah. A challenge at last!” she said. I gave her a concerned look.

“But please becareful. A Reaper isn’t just a raider. They have that title for a reason. If things get too hairy, I want you to break away from the fight.” I smiled. “We can do this together. I know we can. When I get the turrets online, I’ll make sure they will aim for the raiders.” I looked at Rex who whined. I smiled and petted his head.

“Sorry, boy. You’re going have to sit this one out. Make sure Comp is safe, okay?” Rex panted at me and nudged my hoof with his head. With that, we sprang into action. I quietly made my way down to the gate, staying in the shadows. I was glad that my duster somewhat blended in with my hide. I chuckled to myself quietly as I thought of myself as a ninja. A courier ninja. I crept, stopping only when the raiders at the top looked my way. I must have blended in well with the shadows. When I reached the wall of the station, I peeked in.

“No sweat, the RCE are a bunch of wimps anyway.” The Reaper said. The brown buff looking stallion wore spikes all over his body. I saw a power hoof on his left and a… I gapped. A PipBuck on the other. A PipBuck! Oh shit, that wasn’t good. That meant he had the EFS going. He had his eyes close and was smiling to himself. He was speaking into the PipBuck. “Yup. Everything is under control.” Then he opened his eyes and blinked. I stiffened. I quickly sidled back and forth against the wall, hoping that the movement would mistake me for a Radroach or a Radscorpion. I stopped and peeked in. He was looking out the window, but he didn’t show that he saw me. I felt relieved when he went back to talking into the PipBuck.

“Yeah yeah, I’m fine. Freaking bugs are out tonight. I gotta hoof it to ya’, these Pip-thingies are awesome! And you say you are going to give them to all of us?” My eyes widened. Give PipBucks to them? Somepony was supplying raiders with PipBucks? I stiffened. Oh no, that can’t be good. I quickly glanced and noticed the same looking PipBuck on one of the raiders above the gate. He was looking my way.

“Fuck!” I said a little louder than I should have. The raider quickly drew up a carbine, only to have his head suddenly blown to bits. All hell broke loose. I backed away, drawing out my shotgun and entered S.A.T.S. I took aim at a raider on the ground level and blew her head away with two slug rounds. I heard shouting from afar as the sound of a grenade went off. Brick and Star had begun firing back. Two more raiders emerged from the top of the gate. One reeled back in pain as one of Goldenlee’s pinpointed shot to the head trailed slightly and punctured the mare’s leg. I then saw gun fire being aimed in the air. I looked up to see Silver Iris with her energy weapon drawn and firing down on the raiders below. I saw two disintegrate into glowing dust. I looked back to see the Reaper crackled his power hoof and reared back with the power hoof drawn back. The station wall exploded. I galloped away in time as the buff and spiked armored Reaper emerged from the dust.

“Well, what do we have here? More ponies that want to pass by.” He snorted and grinned. “You want through, you better pay up.” I smirked.

“No can do. I’d rather we just skip the formalities.” I said. He grinned and I gulped a little as he reared up and brought his power hoof down. I quickly hopped to the side and entered S.A.T.S. Taking aim at his head, I fired three rounds. The slugs only seemed to dent the helmet.

“Gotta do better than that, wimp!” he leered. I felt my body jerk as I flew back from the force of the power hoof. My body tingled as I stood up. That hurt. A lot. My side stung like mad. I fired the last of the rounds at the Reaper before I had to retreat back a bit and reload my drum. The Reaper reared back, power hoof crackling. I was ready to move.

“Attack from above!” I heard a shout. A silver blur flew into the Reaper’s chest and he slid back a few feet from the impact. Silver Iris did three backflips in place before landing and smirking at the Reaper. I smiled as my heart cheered for the pretty cool mare. “You better get those turrets up and running, babe.” She said. I blinked. Babe? The crackle of the Reaper’s power hooves snapped me out of my stupor.

“Becareful. He has a PipBuck. I don’t know if he can enter S.A.T.S. or not, but I won’t rule it out.” I said as I galloped over to the station. I left Silver Iris, praying she would be okay against the Reaper and went to the terminals. I could hear the sound of the power hooves crackling and Silver Iris laughing at the excitement of the battle. I looked to see the terminals were password protected. Scrolling through the symbols, I found a pair of them and tapped a key. A dud password vanished. Finding only three of these keys, that left me with four choices of the password. I wasn’t surprised when I found it on the first try.

PRESIDENT

I found little files of orders and a file counting the amount of ponies that went through and back. I scrolled and found the turret system. It read as being deactivated. Even though these raiders had PipBucks, they certainly don’t know how to handle technology. I retargeted their aim onto raiders and frowned at the other option that read ‘If hostile’. The RCE was making me not like them more and more. I activated the turrets and smiled as the hum of the engine and the sound of energy beams and screams of raiders being vaporized reached my ears. I was disappointed when they didn’t go for the Reaper. I hopped back out to see Silver Iris bob in place and then skillfully dodge the Reaper’s swing and quickly delivered a strong fore hoof to the Reaper’s face. I heard the hit sound with a crack and the Reaper stumbled to the side. Silver Iris looked like she had minor bruises on her from being hit a few times by the power hoof, but she grinned as she delivered two more hoof swings to the Reaper’s face. She followed it up by flapping her wings to lift her slightly off of the ground, spun with her hind leg outstretched and planted it to the Reaper’s cheek. I gapped as the blow sent the Reaper spiraling to the sandy ground.

“This is fun!” Silver Iris smiled as I galloped up to her. My heart beat excitedly when I watched her and felt a small tingly feeling in the nether region. Goddesses, she definitely is pretty cool! We looked to see the Reaper stand up and spit out blood. He obviously wasn’t too happy about being constantly being hit in the face.

“Bitch!” he snorted. Iris just smirked and motioned with a hoof to bring it on. She took off slightly from the ground, hooves outstretched and aimed at the Reaper. What happened next was what I feared about a Reaper having a PipBuck. I saw the area around them slow and the Reaper planted the power hoof right into the gut of Silver Iris. The area sped up and I gapped as Silver Iris flipped through the air and roll to me, coughing for air. I quickly pulled out a health potion and had her drink it. She winced. That blow must have broken a rib or two. But she stood up anyway, chugging the last of the potion and gasped, smirking more now.

“Now this is the action I was waiting for in the Enclave.” She chuckled. I stood next to her, gun drawn.

“I have an idea.” I said with a smile. She looked at me, beaming. “I’ll get in close and enter S.A.T.S. The area around us will temporarily slow for a second. When I do, I’ll aim into the chest and you come in and deliver the blow.” I was surprised when she pecked my lip and winked.

“I have a smart mare-friend.” She said. I flushed but kept my stern look at the Reaper who seemed to be smiling in triumph.

“So that’s how that Stable… whatchamacallit thingy spell works.” He leered. “Alright, bitches. Bring it on!” Silver Iris crouched low, her wings outstretched as I rushed in. We both had entered S.A.T.S. at the same time. I took aim at his chest. I had no idea what he was going to aim for at me, but I can take it. If it’ll give Iris the opportunity to get in. I aimed and fired two slugs into his chest plate and I watched as his power hoof slowly went to my face. Oh, this was going to hurt. But I had done what I needed. The force of the slugs made the Reaper rear up. The area sped up and I felt the force of the power hoof against my cheek. I spiraled, my body feeling the electricity go through me and slid into the sand. I saw little tiny Silver Irises. Shaking away the daze, I looked back just in time to see Iris fly forward with a hind leg out stretched, yelling a battle cry as she planted it into the armor of the Reaper. I gapped, my face stinging more in the process making me wince as I saw the armor cave in at the point of impact.

Silver Iris must have gone through some gruesome body conditioning to do something like that. Iris curled into a ball and back flipped three times in the air, gaining distance from the Reaper and land with a triumphant smirk. We watched as the Reaper crumpled to the floor, gasping for breath. He quickly ripped off the chest plate, exposing his battle scarred chest and sighed before looking up and grinning wickedly at Iris.

“You have a hell of a kick.” He said. Iris crouched low, scraping a hoof in challenge as she replied.

“I didn’t go through years of battle training for nothing.” She said smugly. I smiled and cheered quietly at my Silver Iris. I stood up, wobbling a little and limped over to the two. Then, Silver Iris frowned. “Now, I’m going to show you what it means to mess with the pretty face of my mare-friend.” She said with a snort. I flushed. She couldn’t be even cooler than she is now. The Reaper laughed.

“You got guts, kid. If you pull this off, I might put in a little word with the boss. You would make a great Reaper.” He said. Iris frowned.

“Pass. I don’t want to live a free life in plunder. I’d rather just be free to do what I want and not have to worry about being told what to do by other big shots.” She looked at me with a wink as I limped over to stand by her side. The Reaper looked at me and narrowed his eyes.

“You look familiar. Aren’t you the one who got Bull Horn and Razor to come to a truce on Route 15?” he asked. I gave him my cold stare as I spoke.

“And what if I am?” I replied. He smirked.

“No doubt about it. You are the one we’ve been looking for.” He said. That couldn’t be good. I crouched slightly, my hooves spread out, ready to move if needed. Silver Iris snorted and scrapped the sand as she crouched low, ready to attack. “I have a message for you, Sixteen.” The Reaper said with a grin. I said nothing and waited for the Reaper to continue. “You better hope you make it back home in time. Otherwise, Pleasant Town will burn to the ground.” I felt my heart skip a beat. My eyes widened. My home? He was talking about my home? He did this for me to get a message and is threatening my home? I felt myself bristle. My eye throbbed. I heard Silver Iris gasp slightly and the Reaper looked at me with an intrigued look.

“You… you have something to do… with my home?” I shuddered. The Reaper made my eye throb more as he smirked.

“Maybe I do. The boss wants your cooperation. She thinks you will be a fine addition to her ranks.” He said. I didn’t have to think my next words.

“Tell your fuck of a boss that if she ever wants my cooperation, then she had better leave my home town alone.” I growled. My eye was twitching. I then felt something creep up to the side of my face. I saw Silver Iris gape and back away slightly in surprise. I couldn’t blame her. What was about to be unleashed was my full rage. I wanted to burn this fucker’s boss. Whoever the hell she is, she had crossed the line. I bristled more as I took an intimidating step forward. I heard the evil chuckle of Din.

“Yes, dear Courier. Let your fire fuel your hatred. I will help you guide that fire to all who threaten you and your loved ones. It is time. Time for me to be released.” I looked straight at the fiery spirit in pitch blackness. I glared at the alicorn spirit. I saw the key appear in front of me.

“I’m not doing this to free you, Din. I just want your power. I want to burn the fuckers who are threatening my home.” I said coldly. The alicorn grinned wickedly, showing me her fangs as I slid the key into the hole and turned it. The fire around her burned brighter than Celestia’s sun and quickly engulfed me. When I opened my eyes, I found the fire surrounding me in a spiral. I saw the Reaper back away, smiling.

“You seeing this boss? You were right.” He said.

“Courier?” I heard Silver Iris say worriedly. I said nothing as I took a step forward. Before I took another one, I blinked as a projected hologram shot out of the Reaper’s PipBuck and stood in front of me. A grinning mare’s head. Her mane styled into horns as she looked at me.

“Ahh, yes. The power of the maiden finally stirs. The rumors were true about you, dear. Now that I have your full attention, I want to discuss something with you.” The mare’s head said. I said nothing. So this is the Reaper’s boss. The one who told this Reaper the message. She grinned more as she spoke. “I want you to be a very special part of my ranks. You will be able to do the things you want. Whatever you desire. Money, fame, stallions or mares of your choice. Just as long as you be a good little child and join me.” I stomped a hoof, the fire around me rising as I did before I spoke.

“You honestly expect me to just say yes?” I said. I couldn’t tell if my voice was my own or Din’s. But I was thankful that Din hadn’t taken over me yet. I wanted answers. Not to burn them right away. The mare made a little hum in thought as she spoke.

“No. I was not expecting you to come quietly.” Then she grinned. “Which is why your little home of Pleasant Town is being held captive as we speak.” That did it. I don’t know what I did, but the fire around me sent out a small stream at the hologram. It went past, singeing the Reaper. He hissed and put out the flames. The mare’s head laughed. “Please, keep trying dear. This is just a hologram. Now then. Will you accept my offer, or do you want to see your precious little town perish before your very eyes?” she waited as I glared coldly and hatefully at her.

“You are making a big mistake to even think about threatening me with my home.” I said. The mare sighed and a glimpse of a hoof wave appeared.

“Yes. Quite. But I am willing to risk it.” She smiled. “I will expect your answer when you get home, dear. Ta-ta~!” the hologram vanished and the Reaper smirked as I caught his look through the fire.

“See you wimps later.” He said. I watched him as he trotted off with a few raiders I hadn’t seen there before vanishing into the night snow of the Empire. I saw the fire die down and I felt a presence in my head withdrew. I groaned and wobbled, almost hitting the dried dirt ground until Iris caught me and held me in her hooves. She looked at me with worry.

“Courier, what happened? Are you alright?” She looked up and I followed her gaze to see my startled companions. Where they there too when I was being offered? I won’t deny it, I’m pissed. This mare had ordered these raiders to take the border in case I just happen to trot by. They want an answer? I’ll give them one. And if it meant borrowing the power of Din to make sure the mare screamed for all to hear, then so be it. I wanted her dead. I said nothing as Silver Iris helped me up.

“So, that was Din?” Shining Star said, making it not sound like a question and looking grim. I kept quiet as I rubbed my head and nodded.

“But wasn’t the last time she was possessed, she burned down an entire town?” Comp said. He must have woken up during the sound of gun fire. I nodded before speaking.

“Only this time, she didn’t take control.” I said. They looked at me with concern. But I had to say it. They were my friends. I couldn’t lie to them. “I asked her if I can borrow some of her power. Just in case things went horrible.” Goldenlee gasped.

“Why would you do such a thing!?” she said.

“You heard the hologram.” Star said as he trotted over to us. “Pleasant Town is Courier’s home town.” He looked at me. “How much do you want to bet that whoever took your brother’s identity and planted him inside was by the order of that mare?” I said nothing. He was right. She ordered a pony to go into my home as my brother. “And by the way she said it, she sounded like she had recently taken over the town.” I looked at him with wide eyes.

“Then there is still time!” I said as I pulled away from Silver Iris and galloped to the gate. Silver Iris flew over me and landed, blocking my path. I tried going around her, but she shot out a wing that wrapped around me and into her.

“Courier, listen. I know how much you want save your town. But you can’t do that going in guns blazing.” She said. I looked at her, tears started to fall. She looked at me with a stern face. “But we need to play this smart. You are a smart pony, Courier. And we are your friends. We can help you.” Then she smiled softly at me and kissed my head. “You don’t have to do it alone.” I sniffled and wiped my eyes. She was right. If I just went in and started killing everything on sight, it would be catastrophic not just for me, but the entire town. Ponies would get hurt and it would be all my fault because I thought it would be a good idea to kill the bad ponies on sight. I might die even before reaching the mare. I smiled at her.

“You’re right.” I said. I pulled away from her and turned to my companions. They smiled at me. These are ponies I could trust. And if I was to be a better pony, I needed to start now. “Alright, it is a three day travel by wagon. If we can find one, we might have plenty of time to reach Pleasant Town and have a plan in motion.”

“Now that’s the Courier we know.” Goldenlee beamed as the others nodded. I looked over to see the RCE ponies trot over to us. One was about to congratulate us when I shot up a hoof and looked her squarely in the eye.

“You can return the favor by giving us a wagon you aren’t using.” I said. The mare blinked before looking back at a wagon.

“Well, there is the one the raiders left. But I wa-.” I didn’t let her finish when I cut her off with a smile and trotting past her.

“Great, thanks.” I stopped and felt eyes on me. I looked back to see the mare look a little sadly. I rolled my eyes, reached with my magic for the note paper and pencil on her, scribbled my signature on it and gave it back to her. She squeed as she happily took it. I looked to my companions who were getting into the wagon. Silver Iris petted Rex as she tied the reigns to the timberwolf’s muzzle.

“Don’t worry, Rex. This is only temporary. I swear I’ll give you the biggest tree branch when we are done.” She said. Rex whined and growled a little, nudging his head at her. She smiled and looked to me. “All set, Cap’n.” I smiled at her and gave her a big kiss on the lips. She stiffened and I saw her wings pomf. My pretty cool mare! She flushed as I trotted past her, brushing my tail under her chin at the same time, before hopping up onto the driver’s side.

“Alright then. To Pleasant Town.” I said as Rex howled and took off, Silver Iris flying right beside the wagon. I smiled. I won’t be doing this alone. These are my friends. And they will be there for me as I would for them.

As we passed the small town of Wheatfield Acres, (with ponies diving out of our way as Rex barreled down the street with our wagon in tow) I couldn’t help but feel proud of Rex. I don’t know if timberwolves had anything that could slow them down, other than fire I guess. Rex had just ran a full day without missing a beat. Silver Iris, bless her athletic heart, almost tired out when Goldenlee quickly brought her in with simple telekinesis. She snoozed soundly, resting up for the moment as we set the plan in motion. We had discussed the plan when we had left the border.

There is a hill that overlooks the town. Goldnelee was to position herself with her rifle and take out any of the raiders that could snipe at us from above. Then, Silver Iris with Comp and Rex pretended to be caravan traders with the wagon. We had found some pile of junk that Brick and Star were going to hide in. I was to go in with a Stealthbuck that Comp had bought in Las Pegasus and find Post Box and see if he could get some of our best couriers to position themselves from the top floor of the Express. I prayed to the Goddesses that they hadn’t found Stable 50. It wasn’t empty. It’s where resident couriers went to for lessons. It was also a place for the young to learn history and knowledge of the Wasteland so they knew what to expect when being a courier. If raiders had found it deep within the basement of a ruined building, I would find a creative way to repay their deeds. I narrowed my eyes as the feeling of a presence made me shudder.

I looked up to see the white grinning mask of Cheesy Chester, sitting on top of our wagon and looking down at me.

“So, I take it things went well? Oh, what am I saying? Of course not.” Chester had his hindlegs crossed and propped a hoof on a knee and plopped his head on the hoof.

“You were right, Five.” I said looking ahead as the gates of Wheatfield Acres came into view. I slowed Rex down and told the guards we were couriers tasked with delivering goods to Pleasant Town. The guard nodded and the gates open. When he looked back, he stiffened as he saw Chester at the top of the wagon, waving a handkerchief in his hoof as Rex pulled the wagon.

“Good day, brave hero~!” he sang as we left the baffled guard behind. As we traveled up Route 2, Stableton coming into view, I addressed Chester.

“So how did you know it wasn’t Stall?” I asked. Chester, who was laying on his side now with his cheek propped onto a hoof and tossed a piece of cheese wedge into the hole into the mouth of the mask. I heard chewing and he swallowed before he spoke.

“Oh, a little birdy told me.” He said with a gaily pitch. I arched a brow. “Well, not really a birdy. More of a bale fire phoenix. But they are birds all the same.” A bale fire phoenix? I shook away the question.

“And that’s why you went to me. You knew Post Box would listen to me.” I said. He switched his position to being on his belly, crossing the top of his hooves under his chin and kicked up his hind legs before he spoke.

“Well, I did try to tell dear Stall. But well, you know how PipBuck’s worked. Then, I tired your sister. Such a dear. Honestly thought I was pulling her leg.” I arched a brow at him. He cocked his head. “Well okay, maybe I was a little. I didn’t think a hand would be all that bad, but you never know.”

“A hand?” I asked. The hell was that? Chester waved a hoof at me.

“Just a little anthropology into the mix. And then I went to you. You are such a clever little filly.” Chester now had his head upside down, but his body remained upright in the position. I shuddered a bit. “I’m so glad that you can understand my sense of humor.” I shook my head and smirked at the masked stallion.

“I didn’t think it. But you are one hell of a clever bastard, my friend.” I said. He suddenly perked up, his head spinning up right. He lunged at me and pulled me into a hug and nuzzled my cheek, much to my chagrin.

“Oh, you have no idea how much this means to me. We could be best of friends!” he said. I gave him a smile and pushed him away.

“Don’t push it. We have other things to handle. Our home is in trouble and we have to stop them.” I said. Suddenly, Chester jumped down with a red cape flapping behind him and a red S inside a diamond painted onto his chest and pointed forward in a poise.

“You are right, dear Sixteen! We must make haste! Our family awaits!” he said. I could have sworn I heard small trumpets play a little tune as we began to pass Stableton. Passing by the town, I gapped at the amount of tents were outside of the town. What creeped me out more was the line of zebra on both sides of the roads. I heard my companions gasp at the zebra as they bowed, one by one, as we passed them.

“What’s going on here?” Comp asked. I looked to Chester who rubbed his chin in thought.

“I wouldn’t rightly know for sure. But I believe they think their Maiden of Fire has finally awoke. And now they are waiting as she burns her dancing flames across the land.” We looked at him. He rubbed the back of his head as he spoke. “But that’s just a clown’s perspective. Wouldn’t you agree, Sixteen?” I looked grim, but I nodded to him. I knew better now not to take what he says lightly. He knew about the fake in Pleasant Town. He knew about my father putting our family’s lineage around the Empire. This pony had a sixth sense. And being an illusionist myself, I can finally say that we are truly best of friends. It was still going to be at least another day, having saved more time by leaving right away, before we reached Pleasant Town. We already have a plan. And we will carry it out together. I looked at the courier clown, who seemed to be preoccupying himself with a weird looking block game. He carefully pulled out a block slowly, but when the wagon hit a bump, the tower fell. He cheered as he got one of the blocks out.

I smiled. He may be the freakiest courier pony around. But don’t let his looks and humor deceive you. He’s an illusionist. And magicians always have tricks up their sleeves. He knew what was going on.

Footnote Level Up!