Fallout Equestria: Outcasts

"Shut up and give me another drink" -Some alcoholic

Mornings suck. Even after 200 some years, they never get easier. The death and destruction outside will just have to wait, right now I just want to lay in bed and stay warm under blankets with a cuddly giant by my side.

Being immortal isn't exactly what people stack it up to be. It's really fuckin' lonely. Every pony I meet just ends up dying in the end, so… that's a thing.

180 years of loneliness can make you do crazy stuff. Like this one time I tried to befriend a mailbox. Named it Wilson and drew a face on it and everything, it even had its own voice! But it ended up getting blown up in a firefight. Have I made my point yet? Do you need it in italics or something?

Eventually though, life decided to throw me a bone.

My BFFE (Best Friend For Eternity) was a cuddly soft alicorn named Fashion Frenzy. As she and I spooned in the warm bed, gunshots and rings of explosions dug into our ears from outside. But that wasn't our problem. Actually doing things took effort. And I was running out of that lately. And when you actually stop whoever it is from shooting at each other, you’re bound to be called a “hero”.

A long while back, before Fashion, I had tried to make a difference. My world was falling apart and for some reason I took it upon myself to be the glue that would put it back together. It didn’t work, if you got that idea. Ponies started taking a liking to me, I was a pretty good kid. I stopped firefights, I ended clan battles, you know the whole 3 acres.

Eventually though, I got bored. It was bound to happen right? I was this big hero and everyone liked me. But when I decided, “Hey everyone likes me right? What if I do something not so good? I’ll know what it feels like to be bad and my reputation won’t fall, what could go wrong?” things… escalated.

Obviously, once you get a taste you can’t resist having another. And another. You get the idea. But eventually the bartender has to cut you off and my Bartender was a guy named Wide Brim. Don’t worry we’ll get to him later.

"Dearest? It's time you wake up. There's plenty of groaning and complaining to do~" Her soft soprano voice whispered into my ear as she nudged my head gently with her chin.

"Mmf, Five more years? Getting up is so last decade."

After many attempts to persuade my way into staying in bed, alicorn cheating magic prevailed as Fashion pulled the covers from atop my back. The instant chill of cold air rolled across me and I hopped out of bed and onto the sturdy-ish wood(again, ish) floor.

After a few stretches I made my way to the bathroom to take a warm shower and clean up, since I can’t even remember the last time Fashion forced me to take a shower. Looks do matter, even to raiders. If you don't look good, they'll just shoot you, but if you look like you belong in pre war Canterlot, they'll try to have their way with you, giving you more time to shoot them in their rabies infested faces.

As my hooves hit the freezing tile of the bathroom a small shudder rolled across all of my small frame. Why was it that the morning has to be so cold?

After a second look The room was fairly clean for the wasteland. The floor and walls were of once white tile that was now a sickly dark yellow, due to the fact they were covered in grime and several other substances that I don’t have the time to list right now. The tub-shower combo was shoved against the far wall with a sink placed closer to the door against the left wall.

I took a look into the mirror above the sink. What looked back at me was a mess. My white mane that usually hung over my shoulder was sticking up and out, although the mane in front of my left eye stayed reliably in place. My white coat was riddled with blood (mostly not my own) and a few burns and cuts. Nothing major because I have a better idea than most how not to get shot, thanks to 200 years of experience. My white eye (my hair covered my left eye) stared right back at me, like it was sad to see what I'd become.

200 years ago I sat in a school room with other kids my age, I wouldn't even think to hurt a fly because "all life is valuable" but now... If I were to count how many ponies I've killed within my wasteland experience, it would be somewhere beyond “good karma”, I stopped counting after 40. I'd become a pony with very few morals, as long as the pony got what they deserved, I don’t care how justice is dished out.

Being a blank I'm wasteland proof, taint doesn't hurt me, or radiation, stingwing venom doesn't poison me, the only things that actually are harmful are weapons and whatever gruesome melee choice the wastes throw at me. (And emotional if you count it)

I'm just so tired of the wasteland. It hasn't changed since it began. Every pony wants more power than the one above them and they'll do anything to get it. That's how it's always been, because rivalry will always be there no matter how civilized we are.

Tools of the trade may change, the reasons we fight may differ, the ones dishing it out and those receiving may alter from one to the other.

But war, war never changes.

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After a warm shower (it's the small things that make all the difference) I came out of the bathroom to my alicorn looking out the window at the small town we resided in. The ponies of it spread around like ants searching for food, except for the one general goods vendor that was already awash with the clamor of hooves and ponies that stood by it grouped up in a mess of stench and filth.

I almost felt bad for her, all she wanted was to make me feel like I wasn't alone but that stopped her from having fun with booze and hookers. I had a massive stockpile of alcohol to drown my downfalls in. I've seen it all, sure. I'm ancient, I know how to handle things, most ponies in the wasteland are lucky to hit age 40, mainly due to lack of experience.

"Ready to go hon?" I asked from behind her. My young voice bouncing off the walls and bombarding me with the annoying reminder of how young I sounded.

“This place has a girly bar! And it actually has a bar! And ponies that are actually willing to do you! This place is amazing, how have I never been here before? Can we go, can we go, can we go? I really want to have a good time, it’s been way too long. Come onn!” Ah the legendary, ‘come onn’. She always resorted to it when she wanted something.

“Okay, jeez. You don’t have to whip out the ‘come on’. It’s not like I had anything else planned for today. I’m an old lady with too much time and weaponry at her disposal.”

"You're not old... Just aged. And like fine wine you are better with age."

I turned my head down in faux disappointment. "I'm a little mad that you called me old, but since you related me to alcohol, I'll let it slide. So are you ready?" The question went unanswered because of thinking, that thing had history of getting in the way.

"YESYESYES! Oh thank thank you thank you!” She lunged at me and wrapped me up in a lung crushing hug.

“URK, I need those..” I managed to mumble. She let go right away and smiled nervously.

She turned her wide blue body toward the rack we tossed our clothes the night before, her tall glistening body moving like it just belonged in whatever environment. Her absolutely gorgeous mane whipping and waving due to its excessive brushing. She took very delicate care of her looks.

She threw on her cloak and magicked mine over to me, the wasteland doesn't really take kindly to an alicorn and a blank just walking around all dangerous like. But you know, a tiny figure that never grew out of her child body and a really tall and shady looking shadow was so much better. She could always just turn invisible ‘cause of her cheating alicorn Magic, but apparently that was 'exhausting'.

The one story building was small but homely, and leaving it was harder than I had anticipated. Usually I had no problem leaving someplace, but for some reason this place was different. One night compared to however old I was was nothing, but this place...

As my hooves hit the soft dirt outside, I looked around at what could be roughly called buildings. After a few seconds, I realized something. I had no clue where I was. That was a strange experience. I've traveled all the corners of the equestrian wasteland, not knowing where I was hadn't happened since the bombs first fell. I guess my memory's not what it used to be...

"Something bothering you?"

"No, just thinking."

"You know that's a dangerous pastime, right? I don't believe that's ever worked out for either of us. Anywho, you know I'm here if you need to talk."

And she always was.

As we walked through the broken town to get to wherever Fashion was leading me, a large sign popped into view. The giant sign that had once read Flankfurt, had 'furt' scribbled out in red (probably blood).

"Th- This is Flank?! Wha-" several mumbles later I decided that mindlessly mumbling was getting me nowhere, so I just sat in silence.

"This town had once been a nice trading route, there was plenty of plants... or was that... I don't- Maybe I'm thinking of Appleloosa I believe they call it New Appleloosa now. I don't know what's what anymore..."

Fashion gave me an odd look, pursing her lips and looking around for a way of helping me. "You know what always cheers you up after a mental breakdown?"

"A hug?" I asked meekly.

"Booze!"

She had a point, booze did cheer me up. And she really wanted to go to that club so I figured it would be good for the both of us. Fashion was smiling hopefully, in the stupid way that only she could.
She dragged me along over to a stable in the wall, marked 69 with the 8 in the ones place scratched out to become a 9. She knew this place surprisingly well considering that I was a few decades behind on my current events (not so current huh?).

Upon entering we made our way down the pinkish hallway, and made a left to a large opening that must have once been a cafeteria (now a strip bar).

Several provocatively dressed ponies passed us, giving sideways glances as they did so. Not like they were in a place to look down on us. A couple attempted to flirt with us, but only Fashion seemed interested in their sultry looks.

The only thing that my eye landed on was the bar. There was so much liquor! Rum, gin, whiskey, Wild Pegasus, you name it! I nearly hopped to the bar, and sat on the nearest stool.

“Sup, fine lady? You’re an awfully pretty barmaid, don't you think? I mean, you got the whole look, the curves, the colors, the eyes, you busy later? Whatever, just get me a whiskey and I’ll be out of your mane.” Most of what I was saying was just to get a discount. She was really pretty though, surprisingly so for someone working the bar at a strip club.

With a blush the mare turned and grabbed a bottle of whiskey and a glass, filling one with the other and waving her hips and swaying as she did each action.

"You're new around here? I haven't seen you and I've worked here all my life. Not much else to do in this town. What's a kid doing in a club like this anyway?" She had a pretty voice, beyond her act, it was smooth and low, like fine molasses.

With a roll of my eyes I answered her, trying not to let her get on my nerves. "Lady, I guarantee you I'm 4 times your age at least. Last time I was here it was a trade route, or I think, it's been so long-" I could tell she wasn't buying it, "-Just give me my drink, I don't have the energy today. Oh and leave the bottle."

She obliged and went to the other end of the bar without a word.

My alicorn companion, took the bottle and threw down a heavy swig and turned to the dance floor, then to the "private" rooms.

"Well, if you need me you'll just have to find me, I'm gonna have some fun!"

I wasn't going to stop her, it's not like I cared what she did as long as she came back eventually. I would just stick to my alcohol.

I blinked and there was a strange gap in my thoughts, like something was missing, a chunk of life just gone. But a mare sat by my side and drank alone. It's the saddest thing to see in a bar, to see someone drinking alone.

"Hey," I said, with not even the slightest hint of slur. "Why're you alone? If you don't wanna talk about it, at least share a shot with me."

"Just life bitin' me in the ass, what about you?" She had a peculiar voice that didn't match her appearance, while her coat was bright blue and her mane a neon red, one of her eyes was a strange sort of electric green while the other was red. Her voice was fairly deep for a mare. And one thing stuck out, quite literally, as she had a pair of wings that sat on her slim body.

"Ah, that's just the memories trying to dig the way out of their hole. Alcohol is my way of filling the hole with cement for a while. What's your name?" I don't usually like knowing names because she's just gonna die before I can say picklebarrelcumquat, But I'm a little tipsy so, meh.

"Name's Raspberry Slush. You?"

"Honestly, I don't even know! I was never actually given a name at birth. Just kinda shoved into the world and abandoned."

"Bummer, well how old are you? Whatcha look like? Come on let's get acquainted!"

I contemplated letting her know me, my story maybe. But she didn't deserve that burden, of worrying about a kid trapped in an adults world.

"Nah, sorry I don't really like to get to know ponies. It doesn't end well for me..."

"What? You a ghoul? That's why you got the cloak and stuff right? All cryptic and shit? Kinda sucks cause you're a kid but if you are, you're old enough to know stuff. But if you were a ghoul... your voice is smooth... What's up with you?" So many questions, so little will to answer.

"Let me get a few more bottles in me, then maybe we'll talk."

She smiled and called over the bartender, I ordered a few bottles of rum and started drinking.

"You wanna know about me?" She said after a short wait, most of the silence was me chugging down what I could of the beautifully warm liquid.

"Not really, just makes it hurt more when you die." I said dryly, taking a long pull off of the bottle.

"I was born in a slave camp, the after effects of rape, and my mother died in birth. I spent about 10 years there before it was liberated by Steel Rangers, they left us to die and took all our food and medicine. But still the slavers were dead! I lived off of whatever wasn’t looted from… anywhere, and dit that as long as I could, somewhere around 8 years. Until I found this place, got a job at the inn and lived decent for once in my life."

That's the summary version, I was too busy chugging three bottles of rum to really pay attention. So she was about 20 and had a "hard life" depends on who you ask.

"Yeah I've spent about 40 odd years in and out of slave camps, I'm reliable since I'm wasteland proof. Don't have a mom or dad. Just me and the world!" As I spoke I waved a hoof in her direction in an intoxicated gesture.

"Oh… well that fucking sucks! That must've been boring as shit."

"Yep! Everyone I met died in all of those camps! I've let over 600 friends die because I was tired of helping them!" Another gesture in her direction and a sip on the bottle in my hoof. Only it was empty. "Aww, why is the rum always gone?"

"Oh Celestia, I can't imagine... That's so awful,"

"Hun Celestia is looong dead. I knew her actually, was brought to her as a "successful experiment". Saw her and Luna die in the pink cloud attack of Canterlot. Fucked up day for Equestria. Being old sucks..."

"I-"

"Don't bother, I've gotten plenty of pity already, I even have an alicorn that helps me out sometimes, been with me for about 15 years, she's helpful to say the least."

"Where is she? I didn't see her come in."

"That's kinda the idea Hun, we go about in cloaks for a reason. To hide from those who don't like us. She's probably off in bed with someone, she needs relief every now and then and I'm not gonna do it, she's my friend."

"You're an alicorn?!?!"

"Pshh oh hecks no! I'm really simple, like way more simple than you could imagine. If you don't count ugly as complex."

"Well will you just tell me? I'm probably just gonna end up in a noose by the end of the week anyway, not too much to live for these days..."

Immediately the mood changed. I forgot about my drunkenness for a bit and looked at her with utmost concern.

"Please, please don't say that. If you promise me that you'll live for yourself I'll drop everything on you, but please don't say that. I've my fair share of attempts, but every time I was glad I had a friend to stop me. All of them are dead now-" a wry chuckle escaped my lips "-but there was at least an effort. I've been alive for nearly 200 years and still I find reason to live. In hopes that someday the world will be slightly less bucked up.”

She was silent. She just stared at me and looked sad. She looked like she was about to cry.

"Okay," it was so small and so meek that I almost missed it through the loud music blasting through the vault.

"Not here. Too many onlookers. I'll see if I can get us a room here. Wait here for a minute."

I tossed a bag of 300 some caps on the table, not knowing how much drinks cost and not caring how much I spent. I signaled over the bartender and asked how much for a room. (15 caps a night apparently). I nudged the bag over to her and grabbed Raspberry to take her to the room.

Rancid smells and several moans filled the hall, one of the moans were definitely from Fashion (Good for her). While we walked down the hall the purple light was starting to give me a headache, not really sure why.

The room slowly approached it was nothing extravagant but nice enough all the same. She went in first and I followed like a dog behind her. She plopped down on the bed and groaned as it made a moist squish.

"Gross," I said with a chuckle and she got off, standing in the carpet that was only slightly more clean. "Guess it's time for my end of the bargain." It'd been nearly 60 years since I showed someone my real... Everything. Other than Fashion which was somewhere around 10 years ago, keeping track of time is overrated.

I motioned for her to turn around so I could prepare before letting her see me without my getup. She turned and I slipped out of my cloak, feeling the throwing knives in my pocket tap against my coat.

After a few deep breaths I told her it was okay to turn and she turned.

"You're... White? All white. Even your eyes," she reached to push the bangs out of my face.

I pushed her hoof away with more strength than intended and she recoiled. I spotted my mistake and quickly apologized. "I'm so sorry! I just... Don't touch my bangs, okay? I like them how they are and you wouldn’t believe the effort to get them this way.”

"Okay, I didn't know, sorry." She continued to poke and prod me as she inspected every friendly inch. "You really are all white huh? 200 years old and you don't have a wrinkle or a cutiemark. People don't like you? Why not?"

"Something about it being unnatural and evil. Dunno really. They just don't. If you don't mind I'm going to go to bed, unless you have a better place to stay? This place is kinda..."

"Gross," we said in unison.

A chuckle was shared and she nodded.

"Yeah I have a place a little less... Wet."

We made our way out of the vault, getting looks as she pulled along the cloaked pony toward the inn. We found our way to her room and it was, to say the least, less wet. The layout was relatively the same as the one me and Fashion had stayed in, other than a few trinkets on her dresser.

"It's not much, but it's home," she hopped onto the bed and looked at me. She waved her hooves toward some blankets and such near her bed that I could lay on.

I chucked off my cloak, still a little uneasy about being naked around her, and lay on the provided "bed". I've slept on worse. Much worse.

"Gosh this is embarrassing... Would you mind if I... Ugh, never mind. Goodnight."

It was then that I realized something. When I blanked (haha) out in the bar, that was for a whole day. An entire day gone in the blink of an eye.

"Goodnight!"

And so another sleepless night went by. I haven't slept in months and I still function the same as if I had slept a full night every night. I haven't decided if that's good or bad. Immortality is weird that way.

Now don't take this like it's weird but I kinda watched her sleep. You can never know who you can trust. Also she was kinda cute, but that's not the point. I'm not getting attached or anything.

Shit...

[br]

Skill note: MAX LEVEL (30)
Quest Perk: You're an enchantress! Persuasion attempts are now 20% more likely to succeed

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