Dark. Everything was dark when I first woke up. I quickly re-established where I was and what was happening. ‘Oh yeah the whole getting captured thing, forgot about that.’

“G’morning sunshine. Sleep well?” The gruff sounding leader nearly screamed, right next to my ear. “Y’see, the boss here wants to talk to you, and you being asleep isn’t helping. So GET UP, and get moving!”

Fumbling over my hooves in an attempt to stand, I notice the freezing cold metal floor. A gasp of shock and several embarrassing attempts at standing later, I am finally situated on my hooves and signal him to lead me where I need to go. He smiles a wide evil smile and turns to walk. I use this silence to take in my surroundings.

The metal floor quickly shifted to carpet on our way into what I assumed was a lobby of sorts. Lines and lines of slot machines and gambling tables fill the large room. The lights are dim, but not very needed, due to the large glowing slot machines. Ponies of all sorts, wearing suits and dresses play their games with either a smile of victory, or a look of hate for losing. Large, red velvet walls with wood panelling at the bottom show a very strange contrast to the dirty orange and yellow carpet, filled with spots of blue or pink. A mare sitting at a blackjack table looks at me with a sultry, enticing smile. One of which I return promptly.

The leader buck takes me up some stairs that are way too shallow for my liking. “Now you act nice like around The Boss, iffin you cause trouble we’ll have to ‘take care of ya’.” I didn’t plan on causing trouble, I always want to be debt free. You never know when someone can turn a favor or debt against you at the worst of times. I made that mistake more than enough times to figure out that I should stop taking loans or bets.

We approach a large set of doors that are a deep red velvet and adorned with gold trim. The Boss’s office I assumed. “Walk on in, I’ll be waitin’ here when you’re done.”

I cautiously walk in the large doors. This room is incredibly well kept unlike the rest of the casino. The wall are a dark shade of blue, eerily similar to the color of my mane, with regal gold trim in designs of pointed shields. I felt bad tracking dirt onto the lush red carpet, that was so soft i could’ve slept on it with ease. In front of me was a large black leather coated chair facing a window big enough to see outside. ‘What a cliché’ was all that i could think of the chair that would surely turn around soon to face me, with a creep of a stallion smiling evilly. Although that isn’t what happened.

I sat waiting for the chair to spin, only to be tapped on the shoulder by a gentle hoof. I turned faster than necessary, to see a gentle looking smile. “Hello.” Said the rather large mare. “Nice to meet you. I’m The Boss around here, but you can call me sherry in private. You are?” I was absolutely dumbfounded, my mouth slightly agape I pulled out my board and wrote.

‘Call me Miss Fortune’

“Why that is a lovely name! Do you mind if I call you Missy?” I shook my head. “Well then, Missy, It seems that you are indebted to me, so I will assign you a job. Quite simple really I need you to take care of one of my competitors.” I responded with an easy grin, she obviously wasn’t expecting. “That simple huh? Well, there is a stallion just outside of town, who has a casino that is exceedingly better than mine.” After saying that she let out a slight scoff. “Chop off the head and watch the body wither, so they say. Take care of him at the ‘Sunrise Casino’ and let me take care of the rest. Think you can pull it off?” I nod at this basic task, infiltrate and assassinate. Piece of cake.

She gave me a location and sent me on my way. Right as I stepped out of the door the stallion was, unsurprisingly, missing. I trot back down to the casino floor to see if I could find him, not that I was overjoyed to be in his presence, I just needed to know the way out.

***

While walking around and watching ponies gamble, I noticed the mare that smiled at me on the way in walking over to me. I stopped and let her approach.

“Well my, my, aren’t you just a piece of eye candy.” A very proper accent rolled off of her tongue, like she was from Tenpony. I don’t know what a pony like that was doing here but I gave a smile through my blush. “I would love to be acquainted with a mare so fine as yourself, have the time, dear?” I shrugged and nodded, leader pony was nowhere to be found so I thought I would kill some time. “Wonderful! Come along now, don’t be shy.” That was a little difficult, seeing as I was extremely shy.

While on our way to a set of large metal doors I took in her appearance. She had a wonderfully light green mane with brown highlights done up in a cute bun. Her coat was a dark purple and was also quite clean and well kept. She had a look that couldn’t be from your average wasteland pony. She was absolutely gorgeous to a point I felt a blush run across my cheeks. Her cutie mark was a small ceramic target shattering into pieces, well I guess the wasteland gets to the pretty ones too. “Staring at my flank, are you? I don’t mind but please, do ask first.” My face was as red as the walls in embarrassment.

“I say, you aren’t so bad looking yourself if not a little too dirty.” My usually orange coat was now a bright red, so bright I think i could’ve used it as a flashlight.

She nudged open the door and held it for me. I thanked her with a nod and she quickly pushed the door closed and followed me into the courtyard. It was later than I thought, The sky was already darker than usual, and my chronometer read 19:00. The dark red and gray mix of the clouds were nothing unusual but felt sad for some reason.

“Don’t talk much do you?” I simply shook my head. “What a shame, I bet you have a wonderful voice.” More blushing. “Ah well I suppose I should let you start the questions then, Miss?”. I took out my board and wrote.

‘Fortune, Miss Fortune. Name?’ She let out a gasp of surprise and smiled.

“Loo k at that! You have a little board, how nice! My name is Vendetta, how unruly I know, but please call me Vetta. My turn I suppose, what do you usually do in your pass time? I am usually either gambling, doing target practice or drinking.” I sigh because this will take a while to write.

‘Usually just help ponies’ I let her read it then erase. ‘Whenever they seem to need’ Again. ‘To turn the tables’ I finish. She gives a quizzical look although she doesn’t speak. ‘Special talent?’ I write and give her a turn to talk.

“Ah, I’m glad you asked. As my cutie mark entails I am very good at hittin my mark, with any weapon, you name it I can shoot it.” She said proudly, puffing out her chest. “I do dislike killing however, It is too red. What could a cloak mean?” She says pointing a hoof to my cutie mark. I had hoped it wouldn’t come to explaining this to her, because even I wasn’t sure. I’ve had this mark on my flank for nearly 10 years, and still had no clue what a cloak meant. My best guess was that I was really good at sneaking if I put my mind to it, so that was the answer I went with. I’ve always used my skill to hide in the shadows to protect those who need it. However, I am NOT a hero. That always just comes back to bite you in the ass. I consider myself a pony with nothing better to use her skills for.

‘Sneaky’ Was the vague answer I gave her. She looked completely unimpressed. I gave her a stern look, and she responded.

“Nothing against you darling, but is that all? That seems rather vague.” I gave a shrug, and pointed a hoof at her, signaling it her turn to ask a question. “Right.” She adorned a sly grin. “Preference?” I hoped she wasn’t talking about what I thought she was talking about. I looked at her with a questioning look, in hopes she would say weapons or something. “Sexually of course” She finished with her grin spreading across her entire face. I blushed madly and fumbled over my hooves to think of a way to respond. She finally said, “If it will make you feel better I could go first.” I quickly nod vigorously. “I lean more to the mares, but any fun is good fun, no?” I carefully nod, and write on my board, shakily mind you.

‘Mares’ I don’t think I had seen anyone smile that much, and I know a lot of drug addicts.

“Maybe, someday you and I?” This was going way too fast for me. I would excuse myself to get some air but we were already outside. I had never been in a relationship, I’ve never even had friends, and she was asking me this? I didn’t know what to do so I forced as much of a smile possible, and wrote…

‘Maybe, but don’t rush me’ She reads, starting with a smile that fades into an understanding look. My crooked smile must have been funny, because when she looked at me she giggled and smiled broadly. A thought crossed my mind about then, I just made a pony smile. They could even be considered a friend, and possibly soon to be marefriend. I couldn’t contain myself and let out a squeak of my own mirth, which quickly turned into me covering my muzzle and popping my eyes as wide as dinner plates.

“Did you just make a sound?! I can't believe this, you have been completely silent and you just squeaked! A very odd squeak, very deep and foreboding, but a squeak nonetheless.” This was really bad. In the 15 odd years in the wasteland, I don’t make a sound, yet I squeak in front of a mare I just met today. I quickly pull out my board and write…

‘Please keep this secret’ I try my most puppydog look, (whatever that is I heard it once from somepony) but she just makes a ‘tsk’ sound repeatedly.

“I don’t know. This is some good blackmail I stumbled across, I’ll hold onto this for a long while.” She must have seen the broken look on my face, one of defeat, because she smiled softly. “Unless.” Why does there always have to be an unless? “You come to dinner sometime.” Did I mention I hated being in debt? Because I really hate being in debt. I nod with a still defeated look, which seems to make her sad for some reason. “It’s not required though, I don’t want to rush you.” She says with a sad look. What? I thought I was in debt why would she change her mind? ‘I don’t want to rush you’ Oh. that’s why. Another thought popped into my head ‘She’s looking forward to going out with me?!’

‘When & where?’ Her spritely mood returns, and she smiles broadly again. ‘What a beautiful smile’ Did I think that? Oh man this gushy stuff is getting to me. I return my focus to her, and she looks like she’s in deep thought.

She hoofs me over a slip of paper that she just wrote. ‘How do earth ponies even do that?’ “Here, meet me at ‘A taste of Dise’ it’s a small restaurant with decent food, and great alcohol, tomorrow at 18:00.” I take the paper and shove it into my bag. I give her a smile and pull out my board again.

‘Gotta go work, bleh’ She smiles and nods gracefully. I think I’m starting to really like her. What didn’t spark in the thick cantaloupe I call my head was that I had just gotten a date, with a pretty mare. Other than being foalnapped and beaten meticulously, today was a good day. She followed me through the heavy metal doors, ‘how did she push this so easily?’ and went left while I went right. I went back to the room where The Boss was, and waited for the leader pony to show up.

***

After about 20 minutes he appeared with a frazzled mane. “Errr, uhh, don’ tell The Boss I was slackin’, kay?” He said rather nervously. It was a strange look for a merc. I nodded, not wanting to ruin his fun. He visibly relaxed and let out a sigh. “Boss has got a room for ya, if you’re ready to hit the hay.” I give a nod and he starts walking toward an elevator. I really hope he doesn’t insist on following me to my room, I don’t want to be confined to a small space with his reek of grime, blood, and other bodily fluids. On my way to the elevator I notice Vendetta trotting my way as well.

“What a happy little accident, what floor are you on?” I shrug and look to the leader pony. I really need a name for him. He displays a paper with a floor and a room number to Vetta. She smiles like a filly and begins to talk again. “We are neighbors! Can you believe that! This day could not get better. Allow me to walk you to your room.” Leader pony shrugs and walks away, it clearly isn’t his problem if I disappear.

The elevator is oddly cramped. It is the same color as the rest of the casino but with buttons and a speaker that just sound awful. I catch a scent of lavender, and wonder if that is Vetta, or the elevator. Most likely the former. Also there is a faint humming noise coming from the area near my left. Vetta is humming, and goddesses is it beautiful. The sound although faint drowns out anything else in the area, the pitch wavering between high and low, the notes long and short. I must’ve had a reaction because she looked toward me and gasped. She quickly stopped and a blush spread across her face.

“Oh. Heh, sorry about that, I didn’t mean for you to hear me.” She said with her muzzle pointed to the floor. I couldn’t imagine why she was sorry, I could’ve listened to her for the rest of my life. After a few moments I pulled her chin up with a hoof and looked into her eyes with a smile. She looked weary, but smiled back in return. “Sorry, I’m usually alone, so it’s a habit. I doubt I’m very good, sorry.

‘Stop apologizing :)’ I put the smile there to make it look like it was friendly, although I was smiling anyway. She looked away, almost seeming to hide another blush. *Ding*

“Oh, well we’re here. Come along now.” I followed behind her, totally not looking at her flank or anything. We walked in silence and came to a set of rooms. “Well this is us. Good night.” I don’t know what it was about it but something about her saying ‘Good night’ confused me slightly. Who in the wasteland has ever had a good night? I smiled anyway, and pulled out my board again.

‘Thank You, night’ I left out the ‘Good’ part because it just felt unnatural. Then she did something completely unexpected. She hugged me. It was the strangest thing I had ever felt. She decided that I was a good enough pony to deserve a hug, which was strange because I had never had any real physical contact with other, aside from my mom. But the weirdest part was, I enjoyed every part of it. Her mane smelled of lavender. I hugged back and just hoped the moment would last. But alas nothing lasts forever and I needed rest for tomorrow's mission.

She was the first to let go, and I quickly followed suit. She smiled and finished with, “If you need anything at all, knock.” and turns to go to her room. I turned to my room as well not really expecting much from the run down looking casino. Upon swinging the door open, I notice the smell. It was strange, like it was clean. I walk over to the bed and take in the rest of the room.

The first thing in my line of sight was the bed, large enough for two ponies, and I have it all to myself. Turning to the left there is a large window that takes up almost the whole side of the room. Curious, I push the rat chewed blinds more out of the way and look at the expanding ruin of the town called Dise. There is an easy view of the sign that once had the words ‘Celestia’s Paradise’ emblazoned on it, the now covered in graffiti billboard had only Dise on it, giving the town it’s name. Almost all of the view is covered in run-down looking buildings that are surprisingly inhabited. Lights and neon lamps cover the city in all the colors of the spectrum. Turning away from the window, I never liked heights very much anyway, I spot the dirty desk with a simple lamp on it. Nothing special really. What I saw next thrilled me to the core. A shower. Immediately walking briskly toward it, I turn the ‘H’ knob. It worked! Water spewed from the showerhead falling down, to the grimy cracks between the white ceramic tiles. I didn’t think it got better than running water, but then steam formed.

I bit my lip to ensure I wasn’t dreaming. I stepped into the hot water, and sighed with relief. The last I took a proper shower was probably five or so years ago, so I relished every drop of water on my body. Eventually I scrubbed off what I could and ran a broken comb I had found through my mane.

When I looked in the mirror, I saw a pony I hadn’t seen in years. I saw Eclipse, I saw me. It was really a strange feeling, seeing my usually unruly and rampant mane laying in a flat line, it really wasn’t my style, I liked it poofy. The true orange of my coat showed, bright and vibrant, It would be wonderful without the scars. I dried off what I could with the towel, that was stained plenty, and shook the rest of the water off. After parting with my pretty reflection I returned to the bed. I shook out the pillows and blankets (only a few insects, fancy!) and lay on the proper bed. I felt like a queen, even if it was only for a day or so, I was going to enjoy tonight’s sleep.

Proper sleep was nice. I hadn’t a proper sleep since I was in the womb, the wasteland doesn’t let anyone rest for long. The nightmares were scary and all, but I was so comfy I just didn’t care all that much. Yeah, yeah I get it brain, terrifying, watching mom die, oooh. It’s getting a little old about now. The only thing that could’ve ruined this was waking u- “RISE AND SHIIINE!, You’ve got to get your job done so we can get to our date!” Of course, I just had to think it huh?

I slowly sit up and rub the sleep out of my eyes, my chronometer reads 06:30, way too early to be awake. I’ll just fake it. A hoof continued its barrage on the door, while Vetta yelled words to wake me up. Slowly trotting over to the door, so I don’t trip over myself, I unlock the door to see it swung open. A smiling Vetta awaited in the hall, beautiful as ever. She let out a gasp of astonishment upon seeing me clean.

“Oh, my stars! You are just absolutely gorgeous darling. You really should wash more.” I decided against revealing the fact that I hadn't washed in years, and just smiled. “Well come along then, you’ve much to do, no?” I fell in line behind her and followed her to the elevator. *Ding*Kszzt, flo-o-or*Ding* “Do you need anything for your mission?” Vetta asked. I realized that I was missing all of my gear to make this mission easy. But how did she know I had a mission? I guessed any work from The Boss was a mission. I shook my head anyway, I didn’t want to burden her with my problems. “Well, now I just know you are lying. Everyone always needs something. How about this, I’ll give you 200 caps to get something you need, and by the way i’m not taking no for an answer.” I simply scowled, I didn’t want to have her giving me things, but I couldn’t say no, so I simply nodded as angrily as one can nod. “Good, I will assist you in your purchase, so you don’t have to ‘converse’ with the goons around here they call merchants.”

I was quite unhappy that she felt I was useless, I held my own all this time. I didn’t even think of buying something in the first place. I was going to steal what I needed, as I always did. But I assumed the stakes of getting caught here were higher than those of traveling merchant stands. Not that I have been caught stealing in the past 20 odd years. I’m very skilled in stealth.

We eventually make it to the bottom floor, we didn’t talk, which helped me think of something that would help my mission for under 200 caps. “I’m just going to wait over at the bar, go and do whatever mercs do before a mission.” Vetta said. Again, I scowled at her.

‘Not a merc’ My board read. She looked at it and looked almost confused. I couldn’t quite understand why she thought I was a mercenary, they are all pigs that will break morals to do a job. That just isn’t who I am.

“Of course, sorry. I just assumed. So why are you doing this job then? If you don’t need the caps.” I turned away in embarrassment, why did she have to ask that? I didn’t know what she would think if I told her I was in debt to the casino, probably that I’m a loser and a drunk. Which I am, but I didn’t want her knowing that, but she would eventually figure that out. To hell with it.

‘Debt’ She didn’t change her demeanor at all, which surprised me. I was sure she would be ashamed of me. When did I start caring what others thought? I was getting soft.

“Well, be on your way then. Again I apologize for calling you a mercenary, that was rather brash of me.” She nudged me toward the steps, and I just went with it. I climbed the steps and went over to The Boss’ room. Knocking was always weird for me, why would I make sound on purpose? I tapped the door gently, rather than a full force knock. It almost immediately swung open.

“Hello! Nice to see you Missy, but why are you here? I gave you a job didn’t I? So do your job.” I then noticed what I was doing. Why was I here? I really didn’t have a reason at all. I was going to go get gear and do my job. Naturally, I just stood dumbfounded at my own idiocy.

‘Sorry, be on my way’ I squeezed onto my board. She gave a brisk nod and closed the door. I turned and was still thinking why I was even here. I had a job to do. Shaking my head as if to rid myself of the thoughts, I make my way down to the bar. Only to see a rather drunk already Vetta. I was gone for what, five minutes? Why does she get to have all the fun.

“Oh, hello. Ready t’ go?” She stated with a slur. I nod and she finishes her drink. I look to the bartender who mouths the word ‘five’. I nod to him and turn to Vetta, raising an eyebrow. “Ahm fine, le’s jus’ go.” I couldn't help the smile on my face while I rolled my eyes. “To tha market we go. It’s outside of the strip so follow me.” She turns to a large set of metal doors, and begins to walk. Well, wobble is a better term. I follow behind her and we leave the building.

The most notable thing was the smell. A mix of fresh(ish) air and booze was the easiest way to describe it. Each building towering hundreds of feet above us. The neon signs were mostly all turned off, I assumed to save energy. I’m not sure how energy works really, I assume they have generators to power buildings.The buildings were all made of thick metal, I wondered how pre-war ponies were able to make these monoliths. I made a note to ask some ghouls when I had the chance. The sky was a dark red and grey as usual, no changes there. Something that caught my eye, was the large security bot standing near a huge door made of what looked like roof paneling and random scrap metal. The bot towered about the size of two ponies taller than me, but I’m rather small so about a pony size taller than an average mare. It had large beam emitters in it’s claw like hands, and what looked like rocket holsters in it’s ‘shoulders’. It looked like a trapezoidal vending machine attached to a wheel, with a large screen on the front with a picture of a soldier on it.

We walked toward the large door near the robot, with the word ‘FREESIDE’ in all different fonts and sizes above it. The large metal door squealed and grinded while it was pulled open by the bot. I followed Vetta, who was wobbling less now, through the door and the scenery immediately changed.

The buildings were mostly made of crumbling cobblestone, each was crudely painted in an attempt to make them seem more appealing. The signs were all very bland and homemade, lacking the pizzazz the ones that the casinos had. The streets were dirty, covered in blood stains and other substances the wasteland brings everywhere it touches. The ponies here were all dirty, most malnourished to the point you could see their ribs. Three children were chasing a rat of unusual size, almost big enough to meet my chest. I wondered how this place could work as a market, if everything was in such disrepair.

“Come along, the best place for what you will need is right this way.” Vetta says. As I look at the ponies here they look at us with absolute disgust. Probably because we were clean and our bones weren't visible. I put on my best poker face to hopefully discern them from staring. “Here we are.” I look up at the large sign in gold and black letters with shattered bulbs on the trim. ‘The Big Iron’ read the sign, a strange name for a store, but I assumed they found the sign in the best condition they could and put it up. There is a goon standing at the door, looking rather well fed, and well rested. He had a thick black under armor that was covered in metal plates and ballistic fibre. He had a heavy battle saddle with two carbine rifles on either side of him, they looked powerful.

“Mornin’ ladies, hoping to come in?” He says. His voice is rather young and soft, which was strange to me, most guards were tough sounding and firm. I nodded and he spoke up again. “Well, I’m going to have to take any weapons currently on you. If you will allow me, we can make this quick and easy.” He looks through each of our saddle bags and then opens the heavy door.

Walking in, I notice the satisfying smell of gun metal and lubricant. There is a large chain link fence separating us from the main weapon stand. We walk around and into the open area to the awaiting vendor.

“Well, boy howdy isn’t it just my lucky day when two lovely mares walk into my shop! What can I do ya’ for?” He had a strange accent it was posh, but very country at the same time.

“Thank you. Fortune?” I give a nod and pull out my board.

‘Silent but deadly’ Is written on my board. He looks it over, and the corners of his mouth lift. He goes under his desk and begins to dig. I am sneaky, but I need tools to kill. I can’t really do much with my sad excuse for strength, and I only know levitation and sneak spells.

“Aha!” He yells still under the table. When his head lifts up he has a worn 10 mil in his mouth. Upon the end is a small suppressor, but big enough to make the weapon quiet. It is in rather poor condition, but I will only need it for today, longevity isn’t a concern. “Ehh, 250 for it” He finally says breaking my thought.

“Seeing as it’s rather worn, I don’t Imagine 250 being a fair price. 100.” Vetta says, completely losing her slur from earlier. I had never had to barter so this back and forth meant very little to me. All I know is they eventually settled on 190 for the weapon and about 30 bullets. This seemed to please Vetta and she showed her gratitude with a nod. “Goodday to you sir.” He waves from behind the desk and shouts a goodbye.

After exiting, I pull out my board and write on it. ‘I’m gonna go’ I wait for her to read it, and erase. ‘Wish me luck’ She gives a curt nod and smiles, almost like she is trying to hide sadness.

“Of course. You’d better come back unhurt, we still have a date you know. I’d hate to have to miss it if you are bleeding all over the place.” I give her a small smile and turn away to walk. I heard soft words along the lines of ‘goddesses protect her’ but acted like I didn’t hear anything. She was putting out a prayer, for me. These two days with this mare had already been more exciting than my entire life. I wanted more days like this.

To the matter of work, I thought on how I was going to go about this. The only thing I knew was that I was taking out a leader. I had no clue what he looked like, his name, the layout of the building, I had nothing. But that’s never stopped me before. This would be difficult, because I had never killed for the sake of killing. I always did it to protect someone or stop them from doing bad things. This was just murder, unjustified absolute murder. All I had to do was put a bullet in his head, that’s always been easy for me, so why was it so hard to justify.

***

After about an hour of trotting and planning, I decided I was finally ready to do this. I got a vague idea of the layout due to large windows. The boss seemed to be a stallion with a large purple coat, that would make it easier to spot him in a crowd if need-be. He liked his mares an awful lot. I could use that to my advantage. Get him to bed pop him and rid of the body. Easy.

So I walked in. I was noticed by an awful lot of stallions, I guessed a clean good-looking mare was fairly uncommon in these parts. I tried my best to put on a sultry smile and sway my hips. The boss seemed to notice me and looked me down. I met his eyes and walked over to him. He waved a hoof and his guards move out of my way.

“Damn, girl you is fine. What brings you here?” I pulled out my board with my mouth so he would be able to see me flip my mane away from my cloud grey eyes. He seemed to watch carefully with a smile.

‘Looking for fun’ I wrote with a wink. He read it and raised an eyebrow. This was working better than I thought I might not even need to sneak.

“Well, I could show you a good time up in my room, if you’re interested?” I give a slow nod with an enticing smile. “Well, I’ll meet you there, here's the key. Go and ‘get ready’.” He finishes with a wink. I turn, to give him a look at my flank, and sway my hips as I walk to the elevators. There was no problems with security, I assumed he did this a lot.

At the room, the door clicked unlocked with the key. I had to use momentum to push the door open, why are all of the doors so heavy? The room, like the rest of the casino, was very nice. There was a small bar on the right, which was quickly relieved of a lot of it’s better alcohol. There were nice green leather couches, as most leather items, that were placed around a fireplace. A few pictures were hung on the walls, mostly just landscape photos. I open the door just across the room into the bedroom.

The large king size bed, was covered in white sheets. The nightstand had a lamp and a photo on it, nothing unusual. There were a couple dressers filled with clothes and 9mm bullets. Great. More ways to die.

After my inspection I decide to wait outside. When he and his goons arrive the lead goon, wearing a rather dashing fedora, turn to me and says “We will wait here until you come out with the boss.” Shit. Well that makes this only slightly more difficult, it’s a good thing this hallway is lit by connected lights, all I have to do is cut the wire in the service room behind the presidential suite, and they all go out. The backup lights will allow for enough of a shadow to hide in and get out. If that doesn’t work i’ll use my cheating unicorn powers. I nod to the fedora wearing pony.

Boss pony opens the door and waves me in. “Grab a drink.” He says, and I hold back a snicker. I grab a glass and fill it with scotch, or bourbon, I don’t remember. He waves me toward the bedroom and turns down the lights for ambience. Terrible mistake. The windowless room is perfectly dark enough to hide in plain sight, I finish my drink and walk closer to him. My horn glows a grey that is just the right shade to hide in any light, similar to my eye color, while I pull out the pistol. He leans his head toward me puckering his lips. I hold the barrel to his mouth instead and pull the trigger. *pfft* *thud*. Well that was easy. Almost boring really.

I shove his body in the bed and cover him with the sheets. I walk into the service room, and pull out a green wire. The lights shut off, but dim red ones come on, just as anticipated. My horn glows and I am wrapped in a shadow, it wavers just so you would imagine you saw something but just shrug it off as your imagination. I slip silently to the front door while the guard ponies rush in to see what happened. In the deep black of the shadows I slip the fedora off of the lead goon, and slide into the hall. After each of them is inside I take the elevator downstairs, and turn off the spell. I ruffle up my mane to make it seem like something happened between the two of us.

I feign a worried look as alarms go off, and slip with the crowd as they force us outside do to an infiltrator, upstairs. Where everything is locked down. This mission was pretty boring, no real security, and an easy escape? Lame. If I came back, I would be recognized so I figured getting away as soon as possible was the best action.

The chronometer on my Pip-Buck read 15:46, so I had time to do other stuff before my date. The first thing on my agenda was letting Sherry know, her job was done. I walk back over to the huge metal doors to the main strip, and see something gruesome. A young looking buck runs at the gate in an attempt to get to the decent part of town. When the 4 robot guards turn, and open fire on him. “Unauthorized Entry, Fire” Each bullet tears into him with gruesome detail. I saw every single high calibre round pierce through his slacks and come out the other side. Blood sprayed everywhere, his form fell limp and he collapsed to the ground bleeding all over the dirt. I had a hunch that his name was Mischief.

I slowly walked past the bleeding corpse and was stunned to see that there wasn’t an attempt to clean it up. “Move Along” Bellowed the robot. I’d seen death, but this made me sick. I couldn’t change anything so I walked through the gate with a tear in my eye. I cantered to the tall casino run by The Boss, and walked in. I couldn't get the gate killing out of my head, so I put on a poker face and wiped the tear out of my eye.

At The Boss’ room, I wrote ‘Got the job done’ Wait. Erase. ‘Debt free?’ I waited for her to nod her head, but she spoke up instead.

“Of course, you are no longer indebted to me, but you may keep the room free of charge. I don’t use that floor very often, unless someone has helped me, or I’m especially packed. Although if you ever need a job, I always need a worker.” I nod, and turn around to walk out. I shut the door behind me, and walk to my room. I have nothing else to do for the next 2 hours, so I figure a nap is in order. I do enjoy naps.

Standing in front of my door, my eyes drift to the left where Vetta’s room is. I finally decide against sleep and instead, to see if Vetta wanted to hang out before we go out to eat. *Tap tap* “Just a minute!” I hear Vetta call from deep in the room. I hear the slide of a lock, and the door opens. “I knew it could only be you that would knock so softly. Glad you are back and not covered in blo- wounds.” I didn't notice until she pointed it out but I had quite a bit of blood soaking into my coat. “You really must wash before we go out. If not willingly, forcefully.” She said the last part with a grin. “Why, are you here though? We still have almost an hour and a half until our outing.” I had a proper answer to a question for the first time in a few days.

‘Hang out?’ She looked at the board with a raise of her eyebrows. Then proceeded to shrug.

“Why not? Let me grab some things, and i’ll be right out.” I smile, and back away from the door. Soon enough, she comes out wearing saddlebags and a smile. “What did you have in mind?” She asked. To be honest, I didn’t think I would get this far so I didn’t have much of a plan. Like I said earlier, I never even had friends so I was clueless when it came to picking activities.

‘Go for a walk?’ I scribble. She nods. The ride down on the elevator, was boring and silent. As was the walk through the lobby. When we finally came outside was when she finally spoke up.

“So…” She starts. “How was your mission?” I nod and she seems to understand. “That’s good I guess. Want to know how my day was?” Intrigued I nod again and let her continue. “Well while you were off doing whatever you did, I spent my day in my hotel reading.” This surprised me. Ponies still had proper untoasted books? I loved reading, but have only been able to read two or three books(thanks apocalypse). She noticed my wide eyed look of surprise and continued. “Yes, I know weird right?” I shook my head vigorously. “Really? Well that’s a first. Do you read?”

‘Whenever possible’ She seemed surprised. I hoped someday she would lend me her books.

“How odd. That wasn’t an insult mind you, ponies these days just don’t enjoy a good book. Well maybe one day I will lend you some of my personal collection.” I must have looked as giddy as I felt because she giggled at me. “You should smile more, It looks good on you.” I blushed deeply. Whenever someone complimented me I couldn’t help it, in my lonely travels I always stuck to the shadows. And the shadows stuck to me, we were like best buds. I hated being alone.

“Are you okay? You look like you are trying to forget something.” I shook out of my stupor and tried to smile, but I could tell it looked cracked because of how she reacted. “If you ever need to talk… err… write? Feel free to ask me, I may not look it, but I’ve had hard times too.” For some reason, her saying that made me feel calm, and closer to her. I moved closer to her, this time with an honest smile. We were in front of a large fountain, the water wasn’t running however because it’s such a scarce material to come by.

“Why must the wasteland destroy all that once was beautiful? Imagine, this beautiful fountain spraying water while ponies made wishes under the sun lit sky. It must have been so wonderful.” I hated thinking of the past, all it brought was sadness. So many lost their lives to a fight that wasn’t their fault. A solution to just end it all to end a pitiful rivalry. One could imagine ponies going about their day, and all of a sudden sirens go off and fires spread across the land like a grease fire. Their world ended so quickly, and that was mercy. There are those who had to live through the pain, ghouls they still suffer today because of what should have been an end two hundred years ago. “Fortune?” Vetta spoke up. “Did I say something wrong?”

I shook my head and responded. ‘Thinking, sorry’ It was the easiest answer to not raise suspicion. I don’t think it worked.

“Okay.” Vetta said wearily, almost sadly. “Have any family?” She asked trying to change the subject to something less touchy. It didn’t work. I shook my head and she frowned. “Oh, i’m sorry to hear that. Want to hear of my family?” I shrug and nod. “Well, it’s my brother his name is Valiant Heart, my father who I don’t know, but I know he is alive. Mother, her name is Indigo Seas, and myself. It’s a small family, but we love each other, I left when I was 23 and have been wandering ever since. Do you mind telling me your family, or is that a touchy subject?” She didn’t see me wipe away the tear from my eye.

‘Only knew mom’ Wait. Erase. ‘Name was Fanfare’ She read it and giggled a little before covering her mouth.

“She was loud?” I nod my head. “Sorry to intrude, but what happened?” I couldn’t possibly tell her. I thought I had gotten over it, but I just couldn’t bear to say anything. I could feel the tears running down my cheeks and turned away, hoping she didn’t see. “Sorry.” I couldn’t help but smile, she needed to stop being sorry.

‘It’s okay.’ I write and levitate the board her way without turning to look at her.

“Hmmph. You act so thick, but I’m going to crack your shell someday.” That wasn’t the response I anticipated. “I’ve rarely seen emotion out of you, anything but a neutral, or a lost smile.” So she didn’t see me cry. “Doesn’t the wasteland hurt? Everything hurts and you keep it pent up?” I decided it was time to turn to her, so I did. “Oh. I’m sorry, I didn’t me-” She was cut off by me pushing her gently with a hoof.

‘Stop apologizing’ Wait. Erase. ‘It’s annoying’ I hoped she didn’t take this too bad.

“I’m so-. Okay.” She wipes away my tears. “It’s okay to cry, you know.” I shake my head. I didn’t think so. I thought it showed one was weak, that they couldn’t hold back their emotions to stop from burdening others. I was weak. Me being weak caused others so much pain. So much death. “Would you look at the time, it’s almost 17:30, shall we be on our way then?” I nod simply.

The walk there was quiet. We both had things to think on, and I spent my time thinking about what I was going to do tomorrow. I was probably going to leave urban Dise and hang around the outskirts like usual. I was going to find my gear, I couldn't wait to be reunited with my clothes, I rather disliked being naked, I hated having to see my scars. I could finally return to my life of being a somepony. The bringer of justice, the masked protector. A thought crossed my mind. ‘I’ll be alone again’ With nothing but my bullets and shadows to accompany me, the mare behind the curtains.

“This is it.” Vetta finally said, I didn’t even notice how far we had walked. “It doesn’t look like much, but I think it’ll do.” It was a small ‘restaurant’ if it could be called that. It looked like it was once a small two story bar of sorts. The outer walls were covered in graffiti but looked like they were nice once. The windows had neon ‘open’ signs in them. ‘Where do they find all of these signs?’ I thought to myself. You could only see faint lights in the windows, and the occasional shadow of movement from inside.

“After you.” Vetta opened the door and waved me in. I gave a courteous nod and walked in. There were small lights hanging from the ceiling from rubber coated wires. Tables spread about 3 deep and 4 wide to the left, and a well dressed pony sat at a desk in front of us. You could see a far off kitchen through an opening in the wall with a metal trim.

“Good evening madams, my name is Switchblade, how may I help you?” The pony at the desk spoke up.

“Table for two please.” Vetta said primly. This was strange. Everything in this city was all proper and it was getting on my nerves.

“Of course, this way if you will.” Switchblade spoke grabbing a couple papers and leading us to a table with two seats across from each other separated by a wooden table. I pulled out the chair for Vetta, let her sit and pushed it in. I took the seat across from her. Two ‘menus’ were placed in front of us. “I’ll be back in a bit” Switchblade said and walked away.

I looked through the ‘menu’ that was just a piece of paper with food Items scribbled on both sides with a brief description underneath. Most of the items were just fancied up wasteland food, although that wasn’t surprising. I didn’t have any caps so I looked for the cheapest item and decided on ordering that. I left my menu open so I could just point at what I was getting.

“Well, I know what I want, are you ready as well?” I nod at Vetta’s question, and pretend to look around. I already took in the layout of this place so I was really just avoiding awkwardness. “So, do you like music?” Vetta asked pulling my attention to look at her. I nod with a smile. I loved music. “It’s so difficult to figure you out. You are mute, you have a quiet style to you and yet you enjoy music which is noise. You truly are strange.” I nod with a smile, and cock my head questioningly. “Oh, I like music from time to time. I enjoy faster paced loud music.” I give a playful sour look and pull out my board.

‘Classical’ I write. She reads it and gives a ‘hmph’ of understanding. (if that makes sense) ‘Weapon preference?’ I scribble. Leave it to me to bring the wasteland to our (romantic?) night out. At this she smiles.

“I prefer ranged weapons. If I have to kill, I don’t want to have to see their blood. There is just something about their power that lures me to them. I know you prefer quiet small arms. How about your past? Have any old friends or marefriends?” She asked slyly. I tried to keep smiling, but I hated remembering the dark loneliness of my past. I still had a smile but I could tell it was sad by how heavy it felt.

‘None of either’ She read it over and looked at my face. Her smile turned into a frown again.

“That is so sad. You’ve never had a friend?” I shook my head. “That means I’m your first friend!” She said her smile returning.

Switchblade was back at the table with a couple glasses of water, which he set in front of each of us. “Ready to order madams?” He says and we both nod. She says her order and I point at mine. He writes them down nods and walks back toward the kitchen.

“I’ve had friends, but all of them are either dead, or stoned in an alley. They never last long in the wasteland. Please don’t end up like them.” She said the last quietly, and sadly. I nodded. She smiled again but it was slightly weaker. “Well, what do you plan on doing tomorrow? I don’t imagine you have plans to stay on the main strip for long.” Oh. I wasn’t expecting this one.

‘Leave town get gear’ Wait. Erase. ‘Continue helping ponies’ Wait. Erase. ‘You?’ She smiled hopefully.

“I had hoped to follow you, if that's alright. I’m not helping anypony here, and I figured maybe I could make a difference with you.” Huh? That escalated quickly. I didn’t know if I was comfortable taking her with me into danger. She was offering, but was I strong enough to refuse? She could handle herself, I knew that much, and two was better than one. We could really change things together. I hoped I was doing the right thing.

‘If you are willing’ Wait. Erase. ‘To take the risk’ Wait. Erase. ‘Be my guest’ She immediately smiled brightly.

“Of course! Ahem. I would be happy to accompany you.” She recomposed herself at the end of her statement. I had one very strong rule she had to know.

‘IF’ I wrote with as much firmness as possible. ‘You don’t die’ I wrote. She seemed confused but smiled nonetheless. I hoped she could make that promise.

“I will try my hardest.” She said with a much more serious tone. “Thank you. For allowing me to travel with you. I don’t like being alone.” Me and you both.

Soon our food arrived, and it was nothing extraordinary. It was the canned food of the outside, but on a plate with ‘garnish’. It tasted fine, well fine as it got. I gave Vetta a questioning nod toward her food, hoping she would take the hint. “My food is quite alright, if that is what you are asking.” She answers, and I nod. “It’s nice that we have a bit more understanding between us. It makes it easier to not have to switch back and forth between [*cough paragraphs cough*] board and gestures.”

***

Soon enough we were done dining, and we paid Switchblade the proper amount and left. “So, umm have you given us a thought yet? Please know that i’m not trying to rush you I am just curious.” I had given it thought, but I didn’t want to reveal the answer here. It felt too impersonal. I give a nod. “So?” Vetta asks, a little impatiently.

‘Have to wait’ Wait. Erase. ‘ ’Till we’re ‘home’ ‘. She seems annoyed by this, which is really quite funny, so I smile at her. Then I do something dumb. I booped her nose. Not knowing why I did it, I turned away to hide my blush.

“Hmph, not fair.” She says almost to herself. We walked in silence until we made it to the casino. “Does this count as ‘home’ yet?” I shook my head cockily. “How dare you make a lady wait.” She said playfully. When we finally made it to our rooms, she turned to me. “There, we are here, now please tell me.” She said exasperated. Then I did the stupidest thing I could do in this moment.

I kissed her. It was just a peck on the lips, but enough to give her an answer. At this she blushed madly and fumbled backwards. “Oh my. That was not where I thought this was going.” She was smiling now. “Well I’m glad it worked this way.” She leaned toward me and pulled me into a warm hug. “Thank you. Now we don’t have to be alone.” She whispered softly into my ear. “Now I just can’t wait for tomorrow. I have something to look forward to in the morning. Ooh and I have time to think of a cute nickname for you! You’d better think of one for me.”

And with that we both went off to bed.

***

The night was as it always was, Nightmare filled and traumatizing. I was pretty numb to it by now. Not fifteen minutes after waking up, a knock sounds from the door.

“Morning! The sun is up, so you should be as well.” Vetta yelled into the door. I roll my eyes and walk to the door to unlock it. A split second later she opens it with a smile. ‘How is she already this awake?’ “Wow, you look terrible.” I frown at her and she continues smiling.

‘Nice 2 C U 2’ I write to save space. She didn’t mean it as a true insult so I took it lightly. ‘Gonna shower’ Hopefully so I don’t ‘look terrible’.

“Of course, I did that already. Do you mind If I wait here?” It was a strange question. What did I care what she did? I shook my head anyway and turned to the bathroom. I was actually pretty excited to take another shower, believe it or not, I enjoyed being clean. It wouldn’t last long, but it was still nice.

The shower wasn’t as amazing as the previous time, but it was still wonderful. I finished as soon as I was clean enough, and stepped out to dry off. I didn’t have a towel so I just shook myself off and turned to the mirror. My usually poofy mane was still damp and sagging, so I shook it out a little more and went through it with the comb from yesterday. It still felt weird looking at me clean, and smiling. I didn’t notice it until I looked in the mirror but I was smiling broadly. I soon stepped out of the bathroom and felt the freezing air soak into my coat. I shivered and turned to see Vetta muzzle deep in a book.

“Ah you’re finished. Ready to go then?” She spoke setting the book down. I Give an affirmative nod and grab the 10mm she gifted me earlier. She dons her saddlebags and I, mine. Together we walk out the door and make our way out of the casino. Nothing important was exchanged, just her making small talk and me listening. Eventually we make it out of the town(?) called Freeside. We stand in the wasteland. And damn, it felt good to be back.

“Where to, Squishy? That’s what I am calling you from now on.” I closed my eyes and shook my head at her. ‘I’m never going to live this down’ I point west-ish with a hoof. My PipBuck says Pony Joe’s is that way so that was where we were headed. It was then that I noticed Vetta didn't have a weapon with her.

‘Weapon?’ I inquire. She shakes her head, and her demeanor changes.

“I hoped I wouldn’t need one, so I just left them at home. We will have to head to Tenpony Tower after you get your things, if that is okay with you.” I nod. It’s not like I have anything better to do. “Then it’s settled. I know it is pretty far, but that shouldn’t be much of an issue.”

***

There is a shout in the distance, and my ears immediately perk up to find a direction. It isn’t too far off our current path, so of course I plan on finding out what was happening. Just over an hour in the wasteland and we already have something to do.

I point toward where the shout came from, and Vetta nods. Upon approach, we find a group of five or so raiders, standing in front of a group of three hog-tied caravaneers. The caravaneers were beaten and bleeding from several spots. There was the corpse of another pony laying splayed and stripped of most of his insides. Said insides were being roasted on a spit over a small fire not far away from the caravan. When a raider smacked one of the younger mares she cried out in pain, that was when I decided to move.

The first to drop was the raider by the fire. He was the easiest because he was alone. I dragged his body off into a bush, so he wouldn’t be found. Two raiders were behind the caravan wagon talking. I couldn’t pull this off without raising alarm, so I tossed a rock to my right. The raider on the right perked up his ears and turned to the sound. The left raided followed him, that made this easier now they weren’t looking at each other. I crept slowly behind them and shot the one in front of me. His body fell and I caught it in my hooves and set him down gently. The other raider turned and started talking.

“Hey, Malick, what do you think about that small ma-” He stopped when he saw me instead of his buddy. I reacted too slowly and he got a shot off before he fell. Shit.
“Yo! What's goin’ on over there?” Another raider said, and I could hear hoofsteps approaching. I moved as quickly as I dared to get around the side of the wagon. “Shit! We got bodies. Malick and Lemon Squeeze are dead.” Shouted the raider from a few seconds ago. Both raiders pulled out their guns. The earth pony had a revolver, a small 32. but enough to punch through my armorless hide. While the unicorn had a larger assault carbine held in his magic. Being a unicorn had it’s perks, like being able to use a mag eject and pull a chamber slide, or set a safety. I pressed the safety on the unicorn’s weapon and dropped the mag while pulling back the slide. Now that he was unarmed I put a bullet in his head.

The bullet wound from the third kill stung like a bitch, but I didn’t need my leg all that much anyway.

When I turned to the other side of the wagon the last raider was looking my direction, he saw me and shot a bullet in my general direction. It hit the wagon and sent splinters into my shoulder. He had me pinned but I had magic. I held the hammer on his revolver so I would have time to aim, and peeked out. My first shot missed and I lost control on his weapon, holding two things at once was hard. Two more rounds whizzed by me, only one grazed my cheek. It hurt immensely but I couldn’t lose my focus, this would have gone smoother at night.

I popped out from behind the wagon and hit him in the chest with a bullet. He stumbled which gave me enough time to put another in his head. Just like that I took out five raiders with only a scratch and a hole in my leg. Not my worst rescue mission. I unbound each pony and they thanked me, not knowing who I was without my mask or recon suit on. After watching them head off, I looted the bodies of their ammo. I wouldn’t take their armor because it was blood soaked.

Vetta showed up, which surprised me, I had forgotten she was with me. I was so used to doing this without others it was engraved in my brain. “Wow. I mean, you got shot, but still. You took out five raiders with nothing but a breaking 10 millimeter pistol, and saved three helpless ponies.” I didn’t think anything of it. This actually went worse than most rescues, but I let her have her moment.

“Now, let's see what we can do about those wounds.”

____________________________________________________________________________
Footnote: Level up! (2)

Special Somepony: Congrats, you have a Companion now! You gain +15 to DT when travelling with companions (does not stack) And -100 loneliness

Author's Note

A/N: Huzzah, another chapter. This probably would have taken less time if I didn’t get sick, but eh whatever. This chapter was pretty gushy, but It should be more fighting and stuff soon. Sorry, it's a little weird with the Gdoc importer broken. I am forever grateful for feedback, so If you care to please leave a comment. As always, thanks to Kkat for making ‘Fallout Equestria’ a thing.