Fallout Metro at Dark

The next dream I had was not of peace but of my time in the metro back home. When I was surrounded by people. Doing my best to protect the people who could not protect themselves.

Taking the responsibility upon myself when I joined the order of rangers called “SPARTA”. Seen as a veritable knightly order, a state within a state, a brotherhood where we had sworn oaths that we had value higher than our lives. Sworn to protecting the Metro from all dangers threatening the people, no matter what station they live at or what they believe in.

I guess that's why I agreed to helping the Nazi Bombshell. Even if I could have just left on my own accord I’m sure. But that may have left a bad distaste and distrust in her mind. So maybe assisting was for the best even if she carelessly devalued my life.

And I may have not made it out alive if not for the fact that I had made several comrades along the way. A nurse and a soldier. Using my imagination I could only think of what they would both look like if they were both human. The nurse would be an easy fix as in the Metro there were still many worn and torn pin-up posters of half naked women. A blond nurse was easy to put into perspective but for the griffon who wore Nazi armor and was not a pony was quite puzzling trying to put a face to his… well face.

A tough looking man with a scarred face perhaps? Able to laugh off having half of his face torn off with one of his eyes dangling out. That took a lot of guts not to panic. I admire that. He is a worthy comrade to have. He can take a beating and certainly dish out some damage.

For most of my life underground I had only ever been killing anything that breathed and wasn’t human. The Ranger Motto: “If it’s hostile, you kill it.” That saying had been so ingrained to me that I took it to heart. Killing everything and anything that resembled a feral monster. As it was better to initiate combat with a monster than to let it get the advantageous first move in.

To kill it before it has the chance of becoming a threat.

“My head…”

“I can’t-can’t I can’t.”

Moans and groans of lost souls who had been attacked by the Dark Ones. Left in a vegetative state clutching to what sanity they had left. Left bedridden and broken from the mind. Their very existence is shattered by coming within contact of the mutated humans that looked alien in origin, as they had lost their features that prove them to be anything related to a human.

I remember seeing wounded as I returned to the Metro from one of my surface exhibitions. Searching for supplies to bring back to the people. Being greeted by an old friend as we held out from a sudden attack from Nosalis. The mutant moles that broke there the ventilation system. Similar to what happened when I arrived with a group of ponies to their station and we were attacked the very same way. Only I was not greeted with the sight of bedridden ponies. It was as if the Dark Ones did not exist in this plane of existence. If this were another world it would not make sense how I had gotten here.

Or perhaps when I may have fallen down the rabbit hole metaphorically speaking. When I went through the shortened door and entered the world of magical mini horses. I had a busy couple days being thrust into more trouble than it was worth. All the good will I had accomplished over the years helping the people of the metro had all gone away.

As I had to start all over again from square one. An alien among ponies. To them I must have been the “Dark One, Strange One, Human One?” Honestly it was easier to think of it all as either a lucid dream or that this was some bad acid trip. Not wanting to believe this furry madness.

Which caused me to theorize, this whole visual mess could be the Dark Ones doing. Making me see mankind differently. Through a different lens or filter, only I was not weak minded enough to go mad like the others. Soldiering on with mind manipulation. Taking on any challenge in stride.

Even staring death in the eye when I had to go toe to toe with unicorns, flying griffons and even ancient dragons that I had thought were all only myth. How did I survive? Unbridled luck that's what.

My rifle tore through their armor like tissue paper but now with it ruined how would I be able to survive? It was just me against the world. There was no telling if Bonesaw wanted to stick by me or Blaze to come with me. Then Bombshell she was not my friend. I had retained my honor by apologizing. It took a real man to come face to face with his mistakes and admit their wrongs.

Even if I had too to protect myself. That was different. She threatened to attack me which gave me probable cause to grab her by the horn in self defense. That was different.

The couch she had in her room was comfortable. The most comfortable thing I had slept on in a while. I didn’t remember the last time I had slept peacefully as the train gliding across the tracks lulled me to sleep like a mother’s gentle rocking. Setting me to ease. The noisy tracks were deafened out in dream land.

*****

Walking in a thick layer of snow walking on the surface of Moscow in the ruined streets with my rifle at hand. The temperature was chilly and cold, threatening to make me tremble and shiver under the cold of night. It was a weakness as it disrupted my aim. Fighting with myself to keep my weapon steady I looked through my night vision goggles to see the area around me. Surveying the area from left to right while also taking a look in the air for any possible “Demons”. Large flying creatures that had a mighty wing span on either side. They were known for playing with their prey. Scooping them up and flying up in the air where they threw you down to tenderize you and batter your bones to make you an easier kill.

Now that was a real animal. Killing for sport and as well as food. The top of the food chain I’d say. A real nasty monster.

The wind howled and bellowed, picking up speed as metal signs bent and waved by the incoming wind. Threatening to be torn from its base and fly off into the night.

My boots crunched beneath me as I marched through the snow freezing in my jacket. Needing to find shelter soon or else I would turn into an icicle if I were not careful.

Determined I continued needing to find supplies for a station I had promised. Needing to find them something to eat as well as some fuel to help them keep warm in the tunnels. If they were freezing I would do the same. I could not rest while others needed me. The citizens depend on me to keep them alive through the harsh cold climate that made itself known.

Finally finding an old grocery building that me and other stalkers came to stockpile supplies on the surface a safe house was near. Almost there I picked up my pace and refueled with purpose.

Climbing in through the window pushing past the curtain as I entered to see light just beyond the open door. Alive and well burning just beyond the hall. Lifting my goggles up on my helmet as I no longer needed them.

Carefully I quietly snuck inside. Preparing myself for combat. Not knowing who else was here I had to make sure it was a friend and not foe. Crouching low I held my gun out in front of me.

Getting close to the edge of the open door frame I peaked at one end of the hall and then the other. Finding the lit lamp sitting on a table idle as the snow storm raged out outside.

Standing up to my full height I headed away from the light. Preferring to stay in the darkness as I went about clearing the rooms before I headed to the stored stockpile of supplies.

Carefully I tried the knob slowly and pushed the door in with my shoulder. Aiming my rifle ready to fire when The room was empty. Just a ruined home with the furniture rotting away and bookshelves layered in dust with books who were untouched for years.

Closing the door with a soft click. I headed towards the lit lamp twisting and turning the switch until the metal clicked off. Leaving me in the cold hall I went to the store room. Opening the door I raised my feet over the tripwire entering as I saw the supplies lying about neatly on metal shelves.

Dropping on one knee I started to fill my rucksack with items. Food supplies mainly as well as grabbing a nearby bag we used to carry supplies in and out of stations sort of like a mailman but with their lives only depending on you.

Filling my rucksack as well as delivery I stood back up as its weight reminded me how heavy all this was hoisting it up with one arm while I held my rifle in the other. I made my way out the door minding the tripwire once more.

Entering the hall where the lamp was lit once more.

I stopped to look down the hall. Carefully I set the bag down. Gripping my rifle as I got low to keep my steps silent as I made my way past the lamp. Questioning myself whether to turn the lamp off or not. Not wanting to cast a shadow I fiddled with the lamp turning it off. Shrouded in complete darkness I stiffly walked down the hall checking the room where I had entered through the window seeing the curtain open just how I had left it. Bellowing in the wind.

Turning my attention back to the room at the end of the hall where I had checked and found nothing I creeped towards it again. My finger itching to pull the trigger and to be down with it. My heart began to race as I held out a hand for the knob preparing myself as I furrowed my brow. Hand inching closer and closer until finally I grasped the knob turning it true and pushed my shoulder against the door swinging it open quickly slamming the door against he wall as I whipped my rifle from left to right.

Ready for anything to jump out at me.

My heart slowly paced itself back to normal as adrenaline started to reside. I held a hand over my heart relieved I was just dreaming of things. Imagining that I had turned off the lamp before.

Shaking my head when suddenly the light from behind me clicked on and a large towering black shadowy silhouette dwarfed me as it grew on the wall in front of me.

I whipped around with my rifle as I saw a large black figure unable to make out its appearance. I began firing. Out of pure fear. “You won’t take me!” I cried out as I was thrown off my feet by some unseen force. Crashing into furniture as the thing was now gone from the hall. My gun was steaming as smoke exited the barrel.

Getting up the hallway was dark. Carefully I dusted myself off groaning from having been thrown I checked myself over to find myself okay. Wondering what I had just seen.

“I must be going crazy.” I spoke to myself poking the lamp with the barrel of my rifle to see if I had shot it off or if it had always been off. Testing it I twisted the switch as it turned on lighting up the hall with a warm yellow light. “Just seeing things.” I noted rubbing a hand over my helmet.

Picking up the supplies I left back through the window back into the harsh winds. Listening to the sounds of my breathing through the gas mask. Hearing my respiratory system at work. Taking shortcuts through various buildings I retraced my steps from where I had come. To return to my hole just like the rest of the animals.

Finding a hole in the ground where a tunnel had collapsed I tossed the bag down before climbing down. Where I picked the bag back up and continued on my way. Walking in deep enough where I could finally lift up my gas mask shining a light down the tunnel.

A metal sluice gate was locked closed in front of me as I dropped the bag of supplies once more to bang my fist against the gate demanding entry. It had just been a short 12 hours. I was to be expected.

Yet as I waited I began to become worried banging my fist against the gate once more. Yet I was not given a response. Getting anxious I shined my light around looking for an alternate look in when suddenly the metal gate began sliding open to a pitch dark abyss.

The metal grinded with an ear splitting noise and then there was just a deadly silence.

I shined my light inside, “Hello? Anybody home?” I asked, picking up the bag as I carried it inside. Finding the station empty of any signs of life. The guards were gone with nothing left but their weapons as if they had simply abandoned their only form of protection and just left.

I dropped the bag as I grabbed my weapon with a two handed grip as I stepped forward looking around when suddenly the gate closed behind me leaving me in the dark.

My light attached to my rifle began to flicker.

“No-no-no.” I grumbled until finally the battery died. The darkness consumed me.

Flipping down my night vision goggles I looked around seeing nothing but green. Without any trace of light they were practically useless. I flicked my head from left to right searching for something when I spotted a large black torso. Looking up I saw it’s face.

I screamed firing my rifle as a hand grabbed ahold of my head as I listened to the sound of countless people screaming in agony.

*****

I sat up punching air reaching my hands to grab it by the throat holding an imaginary knife as I threatened to thrust it into my invisible opponent.

“What are you doing?” I heard the sound of the Nazi mare.

Turning to look at her I saw her staring at me laying down on my stomach on her bed with a blank expression.

Looking back at my hands I released my invisible assailant as I laid back down on the couch realizing I was covered in sweat. I dried myself with a sleeve. “Just… thinking.”

“Or Nightmare?” Bombshell inquired.

“Well aren’t you in a charming mood?” I suddenly asked.

The mare rolled over onto her side, still watching me. “You touched my horn…”

“It was the only way to make you stop attacking me. That was self defense.” I hastily explained. “It was the only way to stop you from blowing my brains out.”

“You… had me here all to yourself. Why didn’t you?”

“Didn’t I what?” I growled upset to hear what she was alluding to. I wasn’t just some loser. I had honor or I would like to believe so. I still had a shred of integrity left in my torn soul.

“Take advantage of me-”

“No! That's not me! Your little nurse may be eager to use others whenever she pleases but I would never do that! I have honor. It’s the only thing that separates me from monsters! It’s the morality of our choices that make a difference. Our actions speak for themselves of one’s character. To protect and serve the metro’s inhabitants. Even if that means you. Disgusting Nazi.” I wanted to spit at her for being a monster. She may look cute and cuddly but she wore the symbol of pure evil. I hated its look. I despised them but I would not kill unless fired upon.

As head strong as I was about this issue it was pretty hypocritical since I’m the one who attacked the Nazis first… so much for honor. Integrity… if I wanted to be petty I may say that they did steal my weapons. Unknowingly but still my property. And asking would not have worked.

“Oh?” Bombshell sat up leaning closer now curious. “Really? Honor hmm? And how am I disgusting?” She giggled wanting to hear what I thought of her.

“I can’t stand death camps. You creatures are ruthless and disgusting. To talk about genetic purity! And measure craniums and what not. Like if that makes a difference! Nothing is perfect and nothing could ever be perfect. It’s just not possible!”

“Nay-nay Hunter.” Bombshell waved a hoof acting coy. “You got it all wrong. It’s not about that. Sure we may have death camps…” She smirked. “But you’re missing the point.”

“Which is?”

“If we ponies have children with other ponies who have been exposed to large doses of radiation. Then our children will have strong defects and deformities. Slowly diluting our race until we are nothing more but weak, sickly creatures on the brink of death. Children would never have the chance of being born whole and healthy with a long prosperous life ahead of them. They’d have an extra leg, eyes, ears and look like the monsters around them.”

I didn’t want to agree with her remembering the times I had gone through tunnels of beggars who were horribly mutated. Having extra toes on their feet and extra fingers too. It was a sorry sight to behold seeing children who were not so lucky to be born like a normal human being.

“Now look at me. Healthy as can be.” Bombshell proclaimed. “Ready to produce healthy foals for the fatherland.” She sounded proud. “So yes it’s true we execute mutants. So what? They are a disease that must be purged or else it will be too late to stop their diseased genetics from spreading.” She rolled her eyes. “It makes perfect sense if you think about it.”

“I think I do understand what you’re saying but… they’re innocent. Why not give them a chance to let them live how they want too? Let them go out on their own terms?”

“Because diversity is what causes wars! It’s the whole reason we are in this mess!” Bombshell dropped a literal bombshell. “Those ponies of Equestria! Always meddling with Zebras and bringing us into this mess!” She stomped a hoof on the cushioned bed. “If it weren’t for those no good princesses I wouldn’t be in this mess!”

“Princesses?” I was puzzled.

She waved, “Not important.” She cooled off resting her chin on the bed still looking at me.

Then another struck me as odd. I had asked her before and had brushed off my question but now seemed like a good time to get a more convincing answer this time. “So whatever happened to your adorable little accent?” I flirted trying to get her to open up about that.

To which seemed to anger her. Glaring at me. “That accent is all class.” She stated. “Its how an ‘aryan’ should sound when talking.”

“Really, I thought you just had trouble speaking normal english.”

“English? Don’t you mean Equish?” She inquired.

I laughed. “Equish?! Is that what you call it?!”

“It is!” She continued to glare at me.

“Sounds like someone stuck broken glass in your mouth and you are having trouble speaking normally. Half the time I don’t understand what you ponies are saying.”

“Well, I’m an important pony which I have to talk as my social standing needs me too. The upper class among you peasants!”

“Oh I’m sorry your majesty.” I bowed mockingly.

The mare’s horn lit up as she tossed a book to my head. “Cool it.” She commanded with ire.

“Buzzkill.” I tossed the book back at her.

“Don’t throw that at me!” She used her magic and launched it back at me.

“Fire only when fired upon!” I caught it and threw it back.

“When I tell you to get hit, you get it!”

“I reject tyranny!”

“Shut up and take it!” She cried back as we continued to throw the book back at each other.

“No you take it!” I shot back.

“Fuck you!”

“Fuck me?! Fuck you!”

“Take it or I’m gonna come over there!”

I continued to taunt her as we continued to play catch with the book, “Come over here I dare you!”

Outside the door Blaze held his ear to the door smiling from ear to ear at the sounds he was hearing. “They’re getting wild in there.”

“Who is?!” Bonesaw exclaimed.

“That Hunter guy and Bombshell.” Blaze nodded with a haunting look. “Guess he’s a unicorn kind of guy. He and Bombshell seemed to be getting it on in there.”

“WHAT?!” Bonesaw shoved the griffon away with her earth pony strength as she desperately tried the handle trying to break it down. “HUNTERRR!”