A Fallout Equestria Story

Chapter 01

The Last Dance

Surrounded by a cold, dark wasteland spread out before me; I stood there silently, my eyes red, and wondering how it all came to this. The wind blew by softly. My entire life had changed overnight. Everything I knew was over, everyone I loved had gone, and I was alone now. I wanted nothing more than to cry out. Embrace the tears I was painfully holding back. Except I knew I had to be strong now.

Reluctantly I took a step forward. My hooves stepping out onto the dirt path unsteadily. It still hurt to move. Whether I liked it or not I had to adapt. This was my home now. The great Equestrian wasteland. How could I have ever prepared myself for the hell to come?

Twelve Hours Prior

“You want me to what?!” Melody looked at me as if I were crazy.

“Go…to…the…dance…with…me,” I spoke slowly and clearly this so that everyone could hear.

“What makes you think I want to go to the dance at all in the first place? It’s just a stupid gimmick they’re using to control traffic when the stable opens,” she retorted.

“So? Just go with me, if you feel like you’re not enjoying yourself, then you can just ditch and go home.”

“You’re being rather stubborn about this, Pastel.”

“I just wanna have some fun. Only it’s no fun being alone. That’s why I want you to join me.”

“Just ask that weirdo friend of yours to with you then.”

“I would, but he’s not the dancing type, and as fine as I am with kissing him… I’m not sure he’d appreciate it as much as you would.”

“What?!”

“Too forward? Not forward enough? I’m grasping at straws here, help me out.”

“You’re bold, Pastel. Perhaps a little too bold for your own good… fine! Whatever, I’ll go to the dumb dance with you, but you better make it worth my while. If it’s not fun… I’ll be leaving early and making sure everyone knows what a lousy date you are.”

“Deal! So, let’s say I pick you up at around ten tonight?”

“Not a minute later.”

With that said and done. Melody trotted off with the rest of her posse. She was always extremely popular because she could sing. I’m not just about holding a few decent notes. This girl had the vocals of an angel. Which went perfectly with her glistening sky blue coat and auburn mane.

“Pastel, holy shit! I can’t believe you just asked Melody out to the dance,” Bucky rushed over to me with a little too much enthusiasm.

“Yeah? Next thing you’ll be saying is you can’t believe she said yes,” I chuckled as I continued down the corridor, “which jumpsuit do you think I should wear tonight anyways? I’ve got like… three kinds.”

“Does it really matter which jumpsuit you wear? Every jumpsuit looks the same and they’re all the same color,” Bucky rolled his eyes at me, “it’s not like you could go home tonight and be all: “oh I feel like mixing it up a bit tonight, so I’m going wear blue instead of red!” Your options are kind of limited.”

“A blue jumpsuit? Don’t be ridiculous Bucky. You know full well that Stable-Tec Jumpsuits only come in red.”

“Yeah, so they say! My Nan thinks differently though, she says that once upon a time they were blue, but the first Overstallion of this stable didn’t like it.”

“So, what? He dyed then all red? Come on Bucky, you and your family have always been a bunch of conspiracy theorists, and I think that’s why everyone’s always so cautious around you.”

“It ain’t our fault if they refuse to accept the truth.”

“Mhmm, sure.”

“Backtracking a bit, did you say you were fine with kissing me? That you were going to take me to the dance and do so at the end of it?

“That was the plan, yes.”

“Dude…”

“Jealous I’m taking Melody instead, or perhaps you just want that kiss?”

“I think I’m good, but thanks anyways. Didn’t know your barn door swung both ways though.”

“It doesn’t, I took the barn door off.”

“That’s a unique way of putting it.”

“It means I’m open for creative input.”

“That’s disgusting.”

“This could all be yours, Bucky. All you gotta do is ask!”

“Uh-huh? Noted… this is my stop though, I’ll catch you later.”

“See you, Bucky.”

Bucky had been one of my best friends for ages. He didn’t have many others because of his family’s history for believing in insane theories, but they weren’t bad ponies. In fact, they were farmers, and helped to provide the stable with extra food in case the supplies began to run low before the Final Day. The new Overstallion thought it best to break out the farms early though. A sort of better safe than sorry precaution.

What they taught us was that the stable had been closed somewhere around 200 years ago, when Stable-Tec sealed families up in here, they told them that the stable doors wouldn’t open again for another 200 years. We were provided with enough food to last an additional ten years just in case. Plus, the farms as added insurance. We were also provided with all the space we’d need. Perhaps a little too much space though, since some parts of the stable still haven’t been used yet.

However, today is the Final Day, and everyone is waiting anxiously for the stable door to unlock itself at midnight tonight. Curious I checked my PipBuck. Flipping over to the Map tab. It was only about 1:54 PM now. Which seemed about right for the walk home. Though about now you’re probably wondering what a PipBuck is… allow me to explain.

A PipBuck is a device worn on a foreleg just above the hoof, a clever combination of Unicorn magic and Science, designed with a variety of features to assist the wearer with their various needs.

A few of these convenient features include: a constant evaluation of your physical health, it can also assist with applying health poultices and medicines; additionally, it keeps track of your inventory, and will even help you sort it all out; it can assist with repairing of an assortment of things; and finally, it can keep all kinds of notes (written, audio, or otherwise) and it’s got a killer map system! There’s also a built-in radio. Though there’s only one broadcast station within the stable and it’s not all that great. However, the PipBuck can essentially tune into, and decrypt just about any radio frequency. Which would be awesome if living in the stable didn’t render that feature useless.

***

It didn’t take me much longer to arrive home. When I walked in, I was the only one there, which wasn’t out of the ordinary. Most days my father worked late and my mother often enjoyed spending time with her friends after work. I simply went to my room for now. Taking off my Utility Jumpsuit and dropping into my laundry hamper. Then I began going through my dresser.

I took out my spare Utility Jumpsuit, a regular numbered jumpsuit, and a jumpsuit I modified myself to accommodate my artistic side. Bucky had said that there really wasn’t a difference between all the jumpsuits. I had to disagree, there were distinct differences between the jumpsuits, but I suppose only those who paid enough attention to detail would notice. Perhaps tonight would be a good night to show off my “artists jumpsuit.” It wasn’t very often I went out in public with it. Even when I did, I never went very far, so perhaps tonight would a good night to wear it.

With a confident nod, I put the other two jumpsuits away and slipped on my artists’ jumpsuit. It was then that I heard a knock at my door.

“Come in,” I called out, and my mother entered.

“Hey, sweetheart,” she smiled at me, “how was your day today?”

“It was alright,” I shrugged, “rather average actually. Some good came of it though. I asked Melody to the dance tonight and she said yes.”

“Did she now? That’s my little stallion,” my mother hugged me and gave me a kiss on my forehead.

“It was either her or Bucky, but she took the bait first, so I’m reeling this one in. Anyways… everyone seems really excited about the stable opening tonight. It’s the only thing anyone is really talking about. Emotions are all over the place too.”

“Bucky? That’s an interesting second choice. Not that I didn’t know you would also take a stallion if you could, but I imagined it’d probably be someone like Socket,” she looked at me curiously. “As for the stable opening? Yes, well… that’s to be expected, isn’t it? Some folks are excited to see what’s beyond and how the world has changed, others are terrified of what they might see out there, and the rest are indifferent. They wouldn’t be bothered if they were told they had to continue living in the stable.”

“Socket? His butt is cute but his personality is sort of giddy, so I’d rather Bucky,” I shrugged. “There are about 3-4 generations of ponies living down here and there’s only about one or two ponies left from the first generation. Even then they weren’t even born yet when they’re families entered the stable. Not even they know what life outside was like before the war. The only life most of us have ever known is the stable, knowing that the door opens tonight, and that tomorrow we’ll be returning to Equestria. It’s got everyone riled up in one way or another. I only wonder if we’re really ready for this?”

“Sometimes it’s not about being ready, when something new comes your way when you’re not prepared for it, the only thing you can do is adapt.”

“I suppose you’re right, mom. Is father coming home tonight?”

“Yes, he’ll be home before you leave for the dance. I’m certain he’ll want to hear about how you asked Melody to go with you too.”

“That’s another thing I think too many ponies will make a big deal out of.”

“Pastel, she’s only the most popular filly of your generation. How did you do it anyways?”

“I just walked up and asked.”

“That figures… you know, we’ve always said you were quite charismatic. You’d make a good Overstallion one day.”

“If stable-life continued, possibly, but I’m not really into politics.”

“Oh, give it time. You’re only sixteen right now. As you grow up your interests change.”

“Not that it matters much anymore. Given our current situation.”

“Well, maybe you’ll just end up becoming mayor of a new town instead?”

“Ever think you might be dreaming a little more than I am when it comes to my future? Just saying, I’d be content just painting fences or houses. Maybe even a mural.”

My mother leaned against the doorway and just smiled.

“Are you displeased with my priorities?”

“My son, the artist. What’s there to be displeased with? I’m your mother, I have to love you regardless of what you choose, even if I don’t like it.”

“Ouch.”

“I’m kidding!”

“Anyways, I need to get ready, so give me some time alone.”

“Righto, kiddo.”

With that my mother exited the room and shut the door behind her. I spent the next few hours reviewing dance steps and conversation options. Nothing could go wrong tonight because Melody would make sure I’d never forget it. Of course, I had full confidence in myself, so I wasn’t too worried.

***

Bucky showed up around 6:00. The poor guy was shaking! Apparently, he finally asked a mare to the dance, but he wasn’t very subtle about it. She still said yes. That’s something at least. It was a shame that our jumpsuits only came in red. Bucky’s jumpsuit did not compliment his slightly desaturated blue coat. Nor his very pale yellow mane. Perhaps that was just me being picky though. An artist’s inclination perhaps.

Mother invited him to stay for supper and until we left for the dance. It was sort of surprising how many of us were attending this dance at all. Most seemed to prefer spending the last night with their families. Which was understandable, I could see why they’d want to be with their families at time like this, but at the same time I think it’s a waste not to enjoy your last moments in the stable with your friends. We might not get to see one another again after we’ve all left.

Some ponies talked about traveling once they were out. I suppose the entire family isn’t required to go along, but I doubt anyone will want to part ways with their family so soon.

“Pastel,” Bucky spoke up suddenly as he watched me practice my dancing a bit more, “what do you plan to do once you’re free of the stable?”

“Don’t know,” I replied simply.

“You don’t know?” He reached out and grabbed me mid-step, “so what? Everything’s about to change and you’re just going to improvise?”

“Basically, I don’t see a point in planning ahead for something with so many uncertainties, since we’re traveling into the unknown… I think it’s just better to take things one step at a time. Instead of going with a plan that might be compromised the moment you set a hoof outside. Now unless you plan on dancing with me, move your hooves, or make a move. I’ll accept either actions.”

“You’re unbelievable,” Bucky took his hooves off me.

“If I’m being honest, it really wouldn’t matter to me if the stable was staying closed for another hundred years. I like my life here and I don’t plan on giving it all up tomorrow.”

“Wait, you want to stay?”

“For a little while longer, yes. Might even try to be one of the last to leave if that’s possible.”

“What for?”

“It’s just more my speed. I don’t like being rushed. Plus, there’s no real reason to leave, everyone else is making a big deal out of the door opening. I think it’s just silly. We have fresh food, clean water, plenty of space, and things to do. What more could you want?”

“I suppose that makes sense.”

“Not sure why it wouldn’t. Anyways, what time is it? We should be leaving soon to pick up our dates.”

“Right, our dates… dude, I’m nervous as hell.”

“Don’t be so nervous, Bucky. I’m sure you’ll do fine.”

“What if she wants me to kiss her? Like how you plan on kissing Melody.”

“Kissing is easy.”

“Easy for you to say. I’ve never kissed anybody before.”

“Neither have I, doesn’t mean it isn’t easy. We could take a moment to practice if you’d like.”

“You’re not helping, and I can’t help but notice your enthusiasm.”

“You’ve got a very kissable looking mouth.”

“Is that supposed to be a compliment?”

“Sure.”

Our conversation was interrupted when my mother came into the room. “We’re passing 9:00,” she informed us, “come say goodbye to your father and be on your way. Don’t want to be late for your dance, do you?”

“I can’t even be fashionably late, or I won’t be attending at all,” I straightened my jumpsuit.

“Come on,” Bucky dragged me along.

We exited my room and re-entered the main room of the apartment. My father was sitting at the table reading a book. He looked up at Bucky and me when we approached the table.

“Ah, there’s my boy,” he smiled before looking at Bucky, “and Bucky. Both looking quite dashing tonight. Heard you were going to the dance. However, your mother wouldn’t tell me with whom, so am I to assume you’re taking Bucky?”

“What? N-no,” Bucky looked embarrassed for a second, “we’re just— “

“—I’m taking Melody to the dance,” I interrupted, “Bucky is just here to hangout before we go.”

“I see, so you’re taking Melody. Isn’t that Morning Songs’ daughter?” He asked curiously.

“Yes, I think so,” my mother answered.

“Always said you were surprisingly charismatic. This just proves it,” my father laughed a bit, “well don’t let me keep you. A girl can get quite fussy if her date is late.”

“He doesn’t take after you,” my mother rolled her eyes with a smile.

“I’ll see you after the dance,” I told them as Bucky and I walked out the door.

“Have fun,” mom told me before I closed the door behind us.

“Do you remember where your date lives? Wouldn’t want to not show up because you got lost,” I teased Bucky.

He glared at me for a moment. Clearly not as amused by my teasing as I was. “Of course I remember where she lives,” he insisted, “and she lives in the other direction. Which means I’ll see you at the dance.”

“Just try not to trip on your own hooves when you ask her to dance!”

With that I hurried off toward section C of the stable. That’s where Melody lived. It just happened to be on the furthest end too. Which is why I had to leave an hour early. Obviously, it didn’t take an hour to get there, but better safe than sorry. As I made my way through the stable I saw a few familiar faces. Mostly the younger kids on their way home from playing with friends.

As I approached section C I happened to overhear something from the security station. There seemed to be something major going on. Curious I approached the station. Making sure not to give myself away. Eavesdropping was sort of looked down upon.

“…can’t keep this quiet! We must let the residents know. They deserve to know.”

“We’re under strict orders to not say a damn word, corporal. You will obey your orders. Failing to do so is grounds for termination.”

“Like that matters now! In a matter of hours…”

“What about the children, sir? Should we cancel the festivities?”

“No, let them continue. This is their last night. We should let them make the most of it.”

I didn’t really understand what was going on, but I didn’t stick around to find out either, since I didn’t want to be late. There wasn’t anything I could think of that could be so dire that they’d consider stopping the various events happening tonight. It sure seemed serious though. Nothing I should be sticking my muzzle into, that’s for sure, so I’d trust stable security to handle it.

***

At around 9:50 I arrived at Melody’s home. Her mother answered the door and I introduced myself. I was let in for about five minutes. Then Melody came out of her room and insisted we be on our way immediately. I think she just didn’t want to be embarrassed by her mother. She didn’t seem all that excited to attend the dance with me tonight, but at least she was willing to give it a chance.

We made our way to atrium B where our dance was being held. Several others had already arrived. Including Bucky and his date. For the first little while we mingled and drank mocktails. They were kinda gross, nobody liked them, but at the same time we didn’t want to seem like wussies and order water. Curiously I checked my PipBuck. The yellow displayed glowed faintly in the darkened area we sat in. It was only about 10:45.

Finally, Melody expressed an interest in dancing. Nobody had stepped up to be the first couple to dance yet. She wasn’t keen on being the kicker, but at the same time she wasn’t willing to wait all night. Cheerfully I extended a hoof and was the first to ask “care to dance?”

“Bold as ever,” she huffed before taking my hoof, “make this night worth it.”

I led her to the dance floor and suddenly all eyes were on us. She seemed a bit anxious at first. Though all anxiety died away after only a few moments of dancing. Others followed our example and pooled to the dance floor. I happened to take notice of the fact that Bucky’s date had to be the one to drag him out of the corner. It was hard to suppress my laughter. Melody happened to notice my awkward smiling and held back a smile herself.

“Quit grinning like an idiot,” she said as she finally smiled too, “jeez you’re such a weirdo.”

“In a good way, right? A good kind of weirdo,” I asked.

“Maybe,” she replied.

We danced for a while together. Eventually the music selection was switched up and dance partners were whoever was closest after a spin. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. It was one of those nights you felt could go on forever. Once the music had changed its theme for the third time. Some of use decided to take a snack break.

There was a decent tray of muffins, cookies, a stable door themed cake, gelatin, and a chocolate fondue with a variety of fruits to dip. Beside that a sign that said “no double dipping.” Which was only polite, of course. I decided to check my PipBuck again. Midnight was only a half-hour away.

Within the last fifteen minutes. We were informed that there’d be one last slow dance before the event was officially over, however, we were welcome to stick around and continue for another couple of hours. Melody told me that I had to participate in the last slow dance. I had absolutely no objections to that.

Our last dance was graceful. It felt more real than our previous dances did. Probably because I knew that Melody was having now. More than she had been before. I felt as though we could dance the rest of the night away. Of course, as the dance finished, I realized I had to keep good with my promise. With that in mind I leaned forward and gave Melody a kiss. She seemed surprised at first, but she didn’t hit me, so that had to be a good sign.

When we broke away from one another she looked at me with peaked interest. “You’re surprisingly charismatic,” she told me, “has anyone ever told you that?”

“You’d be surprised,” I grinned.

We were interrupted by our PipBucks automatically tuning into the stable’s broadcasting station. It only usually did this when the Overstallion had an announcement to make. His voice filled the room as it poured out from everyone’s PipBucks.

“Fillies and gentlecolts, the promised time has come, and tonight the stable door opens. For the first time in two-hundred years. We’ll finally be able to set hoof outside again. To rejoin civilization within Equestria and rebuild it anew with our sister stables. With only sixty seconds remaining till midnight. I’m sure you’re all very excited. Rest assured that we’ll all get a chance to see what lies beyond. The green fields and the blue skies. All of our dreams come true.”

For some reason this all didn’t feel right to me. As the Overstallion talked about what our lives would be like outside the stable. I couldn’t help but feel overcome by uneasiness. Then the thirty-second count down began. My ears flickering slightly as the voices of my peers filled the room. Perhaps I was just as excited as they were?

I joined in on the count down.

“Fifteen, fourteen, thirteen, twelve, eleven, ten…”

Just then I happened to notice my PipBuck was doing something. There was a progress bar filling up. Taking a second to check on it, the title read “Last Night Procedure,” and it wasn’t just showing up on my PipBuck. I could see it on all of ours.

“Five…”

What’s the “Last Night Procedure?”

“Four…”

Why did it need a loading bar?

“Three…”

How come it showed up on everyone’s PipBucks?

“Two…”

I looked around the room at all the excited faces of my friends.

“One…”

All the displays on our PipBucks suddenly turned red. The voice of the Overstallion sounded different now. It sounded as though he was holding back tears. “I really hope,” he said, “that you’ve made the most of this night.” There was a horrible pain in my left hoof now, right beneath my PipBuck, and it seemed to spread up my arm quickly. Everybody around me had started collapsing. I watched as some lay there writhing in pain.

The whites of their eyes turning black. Melody wasn’t moving anymore. She lied there lifelessly on the floor. One last time I looked around. Bucky, my lifelong friend, and one of the only few left upright. Using the table to support himself. He looked as if somebody was driving a knife through his heart. I felt as if somebody was driving a knife through my heart. Every beat sent a surge of pain throughout my entire body. Finally, Bucky dropped, and I slowly began making my way over to him.

Every step was more painful than the last. My entire body felt as though it had gained an unimaginable weight to it. On top of that, it was like I’d been set on fire, and my vision was fading fast. In the end, I only made it halfway before collapsing. Though I’d been the last to fall among my peers. I didn’t understand what was happening. Like everyone else I was scared, in unbelievable pain, and… dying.

I was dying. Some of them were already dead. With everything I had I fought to resist the end. All sounds around me had become muffled. My vision was nothing but a blur. When it seemed like I was about to give in, my PipBucks display went from red to green, and suddenly the pain was fading.

In a matter of moments my vision and hearing returned to me, but I felt numb. For a while I couldn’t seem to move. Across from me was Bucky. His PipBuck still red, eyes black, and body lifeless. Immediately I was forced to accepted the reality that my friend was dead. The only sounds within the atrium were my laboured breathing and the static from everyone’s PipBucks.

“H-hello?” I managed to speak finally. “Is anyone there? Anybody?!”

Cautiously I attempted to stand. My body still felt rather numb. Making any attempts to move around difficult. Still, I couldn’t just sit here, and expose myself further to this horrible scene. All four of my legs were wobbly as Tartarus. Taking steps proved challenging. It took me whole minutes just to get to the end of the atrium. When I opened the door, and looked out into the hall. There wasn’t really anyone there.

Slowly I began making my way down the hall. It didn’t take me long to discover another body like the ones in the atrium.

“How could this have happened? I don’t understand!”

Upon further investigation of a nearby stable-tec security station and the Overstallions office. Coming across numerous bodies of the other stable-dwellers along the way. I concluded that everyone must have been killed the moment the clock struck midnight. If that were truly the case, then why did my PipBuck turn green, and enable a second procedure? Why did it seem like I was the only one who received this second step? Could others have survived? And what of my parents?

With those thoughts in mind I began hobbling my way home. What I found was less than thrilling. My mother and father on the floor. Dead.

Finally, I let out a scream of horror, and fell back onto my rear. Tears welling up inside my eyes. “Everyone is really gone,” I cried, “aren’t they? What am I supposed to do? Why did this have to happen? I thought we were supposed to be freed from the stable! Was that all a lie?! Why is this happening?! Why?!”

For a while I mourned the passing of everyone I ever knew and loved. It was hard to process it all. This went from one of the best nights I’d ever had to the worst night I’d ever had. On top of it all, I’d almost died, but I was starting to wish I would have.

Eventually I was able to calm down. I was of course, still heartbroken, and weeping. At the very least I wasn’t screaming anymore. My parents PipBucks had caught my attention. They were green too. I began investigating the room.

On the table was a note left by my father. It read: “Pastel, on the off chance that we didn’t make it, and you did. There is something you should know. For a while now. The Overstallion and science team has been aware of the “Last Night Procedure.” A protocol where the stable doors would unlock exactly two hundred years after they’ve closed. However, there was a catch, and not a good one. If by chance the land above was not deemed livable. Last Night Procedure would spare all residents the horrors of a slow death by injecting everybody with a fast-acting poison. Allowing them to die while they were still happy. Many of us rebelled against this. For years now we’ve been studying the poison. Trying to find a way to counteract it. The antidote… it may not be enough to save your mother and me, but we’ve been preparing you for this day your whole life, and if you’ve survived. If you’re reading this now. We want you to know that we love you and we’re sorry this is happening to you. However, we want you to promise us that you’ll continue, that you’ll escape the stable and build a new life! The scanners may say the world isn’t fit to support life. That no longer matters. You cannot stay here within the stable. There’s nothing left for you here. Your only chance is out there. Promise us you’ll live on, promise you’ll survive, and move on to the future. You mean the world to use, Pastel. We love you… - Dad.”

That was it then… it was time for me to leave the stable. What other choice did I have? I could stay here anymore. This stable had become a city of the dead. For the last time, I entered my room, and grabbed anything I thought I’d need. As well as a few sentimental objects. Before leaving my home for the last time. I turned to my parents. “I… I promise,” I whispered to them, “and… I love you too.”

***

The walk to the stable door felt as though it took forever. Along the way I’d gathered supplies I believed might be necessary for survival and packed them into my saddlebags. (4 apples added, 6 carrots added, 2 potatoes added, 3 purified water added, stable jumpsuit added, stable utility jumpsuit added). I could only move so quickly because of the pain. It appeared the effects of the antidote had run its course. My numbness was being replaced by lingering aches and pains. All my joints felt as though they had rusted. The hallway leading to the stable door was littered with bodies of ponies who hoped to escape tonight. There really were no other survivors.

At the entrance was a control panel. Reluctantly I pulled down the lever to open the door. From above, a mechanical arm came to open the door, and loud metallic scraping noises followed as it pulled the door back. Rolling it to the side. Slowly I approached the opening and peered out.

Interacting with my PipBuck seemed to reset it. The display was yellow once again. Showing its regular functions and tabs. I activated the light function. Illuminating the tunnel before me. Strangely enough, it resembled a maintenance tunnel, and it didn’t go on for very long. After stepping outside the stable I sealed the door behind me. I never wanted anyone else to see what I saw tonight. Surprisingly enough, I could put a password lock on the door. This ensured that nobody else would ever be able to enter the stable again.

The password I set on the door was… “Bucky.”

Now my old friend could protect the stable for the rest of eternity. “Rest in peace, everyone. I’ll miss you. All of you…”

Taking a few steps back I watched as the stable sealed itself shut for the last time and turned to follow the tunnel to its exit. My heart aching more than my body. This was all more than I could bear. I couldn’t give up now though. At the end of the tunnel was a set of stairs and a door. Hobbling my way up the stairs, I pushed open the door, and took my first look at the outside world. There appeared to be only one light far above. It illuminated a few tall structures around me. Beyond that I couldn’t really see much.

Surrounded by a cold dark wasteland spread out before me. I stood there silently, my eyes red, and wondering how it all came to this. The wind blowing softly by. My entire life had changed overnight. Everything I knew was over, everyone I loved had gone, and I was alone now. I wanted nothing more than to cry out. Embrace the tears I was still painfully holding back. Except I knew I had to be strong now.

Reluctantly I took a step forward. My hooves stepping out onto the path unsteadily. It still hurt to move. Whether I liked it or not I had to adapt. This was my home now. The great Equestrian wasteland. How could I have ever prepared myself for the shit to come?

Footnote: Level up!
New Perk: Creative Input -- +5% damage to both sexes and unique dialog options with certain characters.