Chapter 26

– New Horizons –

I felt… calm. Something I hadn’t felt since I left the stable. I slowly began to open my eyes and saw the swamp surrounding me. What happened to me? Where was I, and how did I escape the stable? So many questions ran through my head, eventually giving me a slight headache. I tried to lift my hoof up to my head, but I found that I couldn’t move my leg.

I slowly looked down at my leg and nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

Except the purplish blue leg that laid next to mine. A much larger leg at that.

I slowly turned my head to see who the leg belonged to, and what I saw made me pause for several moments.

I was currently laying against what I could only describe as an alicorn. She had a purplish blue coat, with a white and purple striped mane. Her horn was much longer than mine, and her eyes were lavender purple. She wore a crescent moon necklace with the crescent pointing downward. She also wore a pipbuck. Her wings were tucked against her side. She truly was an alicorn. How was this possible?

“Who are you?” I asked, my voice raspy and dry.

“In due time Shadow. I’m glad you are awake. You never change.” The alicorn said softly.

I looked at her in confusion, “Never change? Do I know you?”

“Yes, and no. As I said, in due time. Do you feel any pain?” She asked.

“Not really. Why won’t you answer my questions? Was it you who started the countdown? Were you the one who got me out of the stable?” I asked.

She looked up from me and to the sky, her ears straight up as she listened.

“Your friends will be here soon. I must leave you now Shadow.” She said, looking down at me once more.

She then teleported, making me fall to my side with her support suddenly gone. I steadied myself, looking around for her.

“Wait! Who are you?” I asked.

“Find her Shadow, you must find her.” Her voice spoke in my head as my vision started to blur.

I felt like I was exhausted all of a sudden, and soon, sleep took hold of me.

The smell of potions and alchemy stirred me from my sleep, reminding me of the times I fell asleep as Mom was preparing potions for her class. I was now on a bed, how did I get here?

I looked around the room I was in, and saw several different types of laboratory equipment sitting on shelves and desks. Potion bottles lined all the shelves on the walls, some of which were concoctions that I didn’t recognize.

The door on the far side of the room opened, revealing Lady Artemis. She walked over to one of the desks and examined the brews and equipment, making me think she hadn’t noticed I was awake.

“Do you plan to lay in my daughter’s bed all morning Guardian?” Artemis said without looking my way.

I quickly got out of the bed and regained my composure, “My apologies Lady Artemis. I thank you for allowing me to recover.”

“Thanks are not necessary. Your friends were insistent that you were given the time to rest, Meadow offered her bed and I allowed it.” She said plainly.

My friends… MY FRIENDS!

“What happened with Moonlight!? Please tell me the others made it back here in time! Please, is she ok!?” I cried out to her.

“Calm yourself. Your thestral friend is quite well. The antidote worked, she is a strong one. She only required a day of rest before she was back on her hooves. Quite the mind for medicine that one.” Artemis said, still not fully acknowledging me.

“Thank Luna. Wait, a day? How long have I been asleep?” I asked.

“Your pegasus friend brought you in two days ago. I was surprised when you weren’t with them when they returned. The moment I gave Moonlight the medicine, Stormy flew off into the swamp to find you. Came back with you on her back, without a scratch on you. I was impressed.” Artemis said, finally looking at me.

“Not a scratch on me? What about the-?” I said, pausing when I looked at the shoulder wound I got from the Hunter.

Or should I say, where I supposed to have a shoulder wound.

The wound was gone, not even a scar remained. And all the other wounds I have sustained in the stable were gone as well. How was this possible?

Then memories of the Alicorn came back, did she heal me?

“What about Desert Rose and Tumbleweed? How are they?” I asked.

“They are fine. Now if you want to keep asking questions, go ask your friends. I am busy.” She said, lighting up her horn and throwing me out of the room.

I landed with a grunt as I slid on the floor, scuffing my chin. She really didn’t like ponies.

Before I could stand up, I looked forward and found a gray mare standing in front of me. Moonlight looked down at me with an expression I couldn’t read. It was like a mix of relief and something I couldn’t place.

She then struck me across my face, making me roll onto my back.

“OW! Moonlight, what was that for?” I yelled as I rubbed my sore cheek.

“How many times are you going to come back unconscious before you get it through your thick skull!?” Moonlight shouted at me.

I rolled over and got back on my hooves, looking at her to reply, my words got caught in my throat. She was crying, tears flowing down her cheeks as she stood there, still looking pissed.

“You’re not invincible Shadow. Why do you keep doing this to us?” Moonlight asked gently as her expression softened.

“Moonlight… I…” I started to say.

“You better think your words through, partner.” Ratchet said, coming up next to Moonlight.

“You done gave all of us heartattacks when that pegasus brought you back. She and Meadow told us what you did in the stable. FIghting some invisible hunter thing to give them time to get out? What in tarnation were you thinking?” Ratchet asked.

“I had to give them time to get everypony out. The reactor was draining our life force, Rose’s baby was in danger.” I said.

“And you could have all fought the creature together! Why do you think you need to do everything on your own!? Don’t you trust us?” Moonlight shouted.

“I do trust you. Every single one of you, but I’m the one trained to fight. You all shouldn’t have to risk your lives when I can handle it!” I shouted back.

“THAT’S OUR DECISION!” Moonlight shouted louder as she came closer to glare at me straight in the eyes.

“But look what’s happened since you guys followed me! Ratchet caught a deadly disease, and you almost died from basilisk venom! And it’s all my fault!” I shouted back.

She slapped me again, “No. It’s their fault. Achlys and Algea. Stop blaming yourself for all the bad things in the world, Shadow.”

Those words finally made me stop, blaming myself, it broke the dam. I started crying now, sobs shook my body as I laid there on the floor. But I wasn’t alone as I laid there, a warm body pressed against my side and a leathery wing pulled me closer. Moonlight’s embrace made me feel safe, warm and comfortable. I cried into her neck as she laid there with me.

“I’m sorry…” I said as the sobs started to slow.

“You have nothing to apologize for. None of this is your fault Shadow. You’ve saved us so many times now. So let us take some of your burden. That’s what friends are for.” She said softly.

“But what if you get hurt again?” I asked.

“The Wasteland is an unforgiving place. We all need to be stronger if we’re going to survive out here.” Moonlight said.

“She’s right, partner. You can’t protect us from everything the Wasteland can throw at us. We need to adapt and survive.” Ratchet said.

I smiled at both of them, resting my head against Moonlight, just enjoying the feeling. I truly had wonderful friends.

“Aww.” Another feminine voice said, getting my attention.

I looked up and saw that it was Stormy, laying in the rafters of the hut.

“You two are so adorable. Have to be the cutest couple I’ve ever met.” Stormy said, grinning at us.

I blushed, and judging by the fact Moonlight felt even warmer, I’m guessing she was too. We quickly separated and stood up, regaining our composure. Stormy was laughing now, rolling on her side in the rafters.

“We’re not a couple.” Moonlight and I said in unison.

We both blushed again as we looked at each other.

“Oh, in that case.” Stormy said, flying down to hover right in front of Moonlight.

“Might I say you are a cutie. That little fanged smile of yours must have made you really popular around the Wastes.” Stormy said, looking directly into Moonlight’s eyes.

“I… what?” Moonlight said, very flustered from being this close to Stormy.

Stormy laughed, “You are too cute. Wanna go for a flight?”

Moonlight was saved from the question by the door opening, revealing Saskia and Meadow. Both were carrying saddlebags filled with herbs and fruits.

Stormy then flew over to them, “Hey ladies, knew you couldn’t stay away for long.”

Saskia gave her a coy smile while Meadow blushed furiously.

“Do you flirt with every mare you come across, or did the Enclave not have a good crop this year?” Ratchet said.

Stormy flipped upside down to glare at him, “None of your business. Obviously nopony taught you how to properly address a lady.”

“Sure they did. Saskia, MIss Meadow, good to see y’all back safe and sound.” Ratchet said, giving the two mares a respectful bow.

Saskia giggled at this, “Such a gentlestallion. You could actually learn some manners from him, Stormy.”

Saskia brushed past Stormy and came over to us, “Glad to see back with us Shadow. You brought some interesting company back with you this time.”

Stormy flew over us, “Hey, interesting is better than boring. And yeah, nice to see back in the land of the living, hero. Get enough beauty sleep?”

I flinched a little at the word hero, but I held it back as best I could, “Yeah, sorry about worrying you guys. So where’s Tumbleweed and Rose?”

“Right over here sir.” Tumbleweed said, coming out of another room with Rose following suit.

Stormy quickly flew across the room and laid a large pillow down in front of Rose.

“Oh, thank you Stormy.” Rose said, laying down against the soft pillow.

“Hey, can’t let ya lay on the cold floor. What kind of mare would I be?” Stormy said.

“One that likes kissing up to every mare she sees and flying around like a bee looking for a flower field.” Ratchet said, smirking.

“Watch it.” Stormy said, pointing her hoof at Ratchet.

We all started laughing, and Meadow came up to my side.

“Are you sure you’re ok Shadow? What happened to you after we left?” Meadow asked.

“I fought the Hunter and trapped him in the reactor room. He got me pretty good and I didn’t think I’d make it. But thanks to this-” I said, before my words stopped coming out.

This weird feeling came over my mouth, like something was gripping the words in my throat and refusing to let them out. The thoughts of the Alicorn and how she saved me came into my head but were quickly removed. It was like my body wouldn’t allow me to talk about her or think about her for very long.

“Thanks to what?” Moonlight asked me, looking confused.

“Thanks to… this spell that I knew from my stable, I got the code working and made it out of the stable before it blew. But the spell drained me so much I must have passed out in the swamp.” I said.

Moonlight looked at me curiously, like she didn’t quite believe me. But after a while, she relented.

“Well, just try to go easy on the magic next time. You’re lucky Stormy could move through the swamp so quickly, or one of the swamp ferals could have found you.” Moonlight said.

“Yeah, I am pretty awesome. Just wish this place wasn’t so humid.” Stormy said, fanning herself with her wing.

“So the reactor blew? We all felt an earthquake when we got back here.” Tumbleweed asked.

“Yes. The stable is destroyed. The Hunter along with it.” I said.

“Thank the Goddesses. I never want to see that horrible creature again.” Rose said, resting against her son.

“So now that Moonlight is well again. What do we do now, partner?” Ratchet asked.

I took a moment to think about that question. I had been so worried about Moonlight that I didn’t really think about our next action. Algea and Achlys were in the wind, and with the raider base gone, I had no leads on Saber. I needed more information.

“Shadow, I’m so sorry for being so selfish, but may I ask you a favor?” Rose asked, breaking me out of my thoughts.

“Yes?” I asked in return.

“Ratchet told us you have an airship. Could you and your friends take us home? We can pay you once we get back to Fort Trough, and the General will reward you for Sage’s last request. I don’t think I can make it all the way home by foot.” Rose said, hanging her head at the end.

I looked at her round belly, and thought about Sergeant Sage Brush. He would want them home safe and sound when the baby came. I couldn’t leave them out here.

I smiled at her, “Of course. We’ll take you to Fort Trough. I would actually love to see the Desert Rangers.”

“I would too! They sound like a noble group of ponies.” Moonlight said cheerfully.

“A finer group you’ll never find in the Wasteland. It’d be nice to see the old Fort again. I’ve got some friends there too.” Ratchet said.

“I have no objection. A nice bath in pure water sounds divine.” Saskia said, brushing her mane.

“Hey, sounds like fun. Can’t wait to see this airship of yours.” Stormy said.

That made us all look at her, confusion on our faces.

Stormy looked at all of us nervously, “What?”

“Who said you're coming?” Ratchet said.

“Hey come on, I saved Shadow. And I’d be a great addition to your team. I can fly, punch ponies, and do all sorts of things. Plus, I’ve got charm for days. Come on, can I join you guys?” Stormy said, doing flips in the air.

“Why come with us? Don’t you have a family to go home to? What about this Enclave I keep hearing about?” I asked.

“I’m not Enclave. Not anymore. And I don’t have any family.” Stormy said, looking away with disgust on her face.

“Yeah, I ain’t buying it. No one just leaves the Enclave. Especially with their cutiemark intact.” Ratchet said, pointing a hoof at Stormy.

“What’s her cutiemark have to do with anything?” Moonlight asked.

“Cause that means she ain’t no dashite. Any pegasus that leaves or is banished gets their cutiemark burned off and replaced with another. Since she still has hers, I don’t trust her. She could be a spy.” Ratchet said, glaring at Stormy.

“A spy? Really? If I was a spy, why would I save Shadow?” Stormy said, rolling her eyes.

“To try and earn our trust maybe? What’s your game?” Ratchet said.

“I don’t have a game. I left the Enclave and killed the team that was following me. Shadow must have seen the battle when he found me. If it wasn’t for him and the rest of you guys healing me afterwards, I’d be dead right now.” Stormy pressed.

“That is true. There were more pegasi in the sky with her. One fell with her, but they were dead on impact. I don’t think she’s a spy, Ratchet. And why would the Enclave want to spy on me?” I said.

Ratchet put a hoof on his chin, “Yeah I guess that’s true. The Enclave shouldn't even know about you. Unless they listen to Athena’s broadcast.”

“Nah, it’s against regulation to listen to dirtpony propaganda. Their words, not mine.” Stormy said, putting her hooves out in defense when we all glared at her.

“So she’s not a spy. Still don’t make sense why you want to travel with us.” Ratchet said.

“Cause I don’t wanna be alone out here. Cause I don’t have anywhere to go. Cause you lot are pretty cool ponies. Plus there’s a lot of really cute mares in this group.” Stormy said, the last bit she whispered softly.

“What was that last part?” Ratchet asked.

“Nothing!” Stormy said quickly.

“Ratchet, it’s ok. She can come with us.” I said, smiling at them both.

“You sure, partner?” Ratchet asked, raising an eyebrow.

“She showed that she’s a capable fighter, and that she cares for others. She protected Rose and Tumbleweed while they were in the stable. And she saved my hide, twice. I say she earned my trust and respect.” I said.

Stormy smiled and pumped her hoof in the air with a “Yes!”

“It’ll be nice having another flier. I’m not that great at flying.” Moonlight said, blushing a little in embarrassment.

“I can always give you pointers.” Stormy said, moving to Moonlight's side.

Moonlight moved away, “No no. I’m ok. Just not the athletic type.”

“I guess you’re right, Shadow. But I’m gonna be keeping an eye on you.” Ratchet said, pointing a hoof at Stormy again.

“Just keep your eyes off my flank and we’ll be peachy.” Stormy spat at him.

Ratchet and Stormy had a short glaring contest before Saskia stepped in between them.

“Honestly you two, this is not a great start. You will be teammates from this day forward. You must put your differences aside if you are to work together.” Saskia said, looking at both of them.

Both huffed and looked away from each other, making Saskia sigh.

I also let out a sigh, I don’t know why Ratchet was so suspicious of Stormy, but I didn’t know much about the pegasi or the Enclave.

“Um, Shadow?” Meadow said, getting my attention.

“What’s up Meadow?” I asked.

“I… I wanted to… to ask…” Meadow said, stumbling on her words.

I gave her a minute, and when she took a deep breath, she finally got her words out.

“I wanna come with you guys too!” She said, a little louder than I expected.

I was stunned by her request, “Wait what?”

Before anything else could be said, the door to the bedroom burst open and Artemis came out, looking furious.

“Out of the question! What has gotten into your head young lady?” Artemis said, fuming.

“I want to see the world outside this swamp, Mother! I want to help ponies, like Shadow!” Meadow shouted back at her mother.

“You belong here, with me! We are safe here, as long as no more ponies find their way here again!” Artemis shouted, glaring over at Saskia, whose ears flattened.

“Not all ponies are our enemies Mother! You can’t keep hating all of them because a few ponies in the past did something horrible to us!” Meadow screamed.

“THEY TOOK MY HUSBAND FROM ME!” Artemis shouted, her eyes glowing white and her horn glowing bright.

I swear I thought I saw flames in her mane, but they vanished as soon as they appeared. Artemis was taking deep breaths despite her expression not changing much.

“I loved Dad too, but he wouldn’t have wanted us to hide here for the rest of our lives! You were the best healer Olympia had. Everyone in the city loved you, and Dad. I can’t stay here all my life Mom. I need to see the world. I need to help people, like you did.” Meadow said, her voice starting to waver as tears began to form.

Artemis’ anger started to waver as well, her eyes widening at her daughter’s words. The anger drained from her expression and her eyes returned to normal after a while. She moved closer to her daughter, standing in front of her and rubbing her hoof along her face.

“I can’t lose you too. My heart couldn’t bear it.” Artemis said softly.

Meadow grabbed her Mom’s foreleg, “Mom. I know you’re scared to let me go. But I’m not a filly anymore. I have my own life that I need to make for myself. You and Dad made a life in Olympia, even when no pony had ever seen a kirin before. I want to see where my life takes me, and going with Shadow seems to be the safest way.”

Artemis didn’t say anything for a minute, tears flowed down her cheeks and she nuzzled Meadow. When it seemed that she had calmed down enough, she released Meadow and walked over to me.

The look she gave me made my hair stand on end.

“Keep her alive, and bring her back to me one day. If she is lost, I will hunt you down and nothing will remain of your existence when I’m through. Do I make myself clear?” Artemis said, her words as cold as ice.

I tried to regain my composure as I stood up, “If she travels with us, I will do everything in my power to keep her well.”

Artemis stared at me for several moments before she relented and sat down in a chair that was near the fireplace.

“Then you may go, my daughter. You are right, you must find your own path. But please, take care of yourself, as well as your new friends.” Artemis said, smiling for the first time since I’ve met her.

Meadow ran over to hug her mother and then as Artemis held her close, she looked like she was whispering something into Meadow’s ear. Meadow’s expression paled for a moment but she quickly recovered as her Mother released her.

Meadow moved over to me, looking desperate, “So, can I come with you?”

“You’re a skilled fighter. We could use a long range specialist. That vine trick you did in the stable will also be pretty handy. Plus, you helped us cure Moonlight. Welcome to the team Meadow Glade.” I said, smiling at her while presenting my hoof for a shake.

She grinned and shook my hoof.

“Alright team. Let’s get our guests back to the ship and make for Fort Trough.” I said, pointing to the door.

Stormy whooped in the air as everyone started for the door, and as I was the last one out, I looked back at Artemis one last time, giving her a silent nod. I would bring her daughter home someday.

She nodded back and turned back towards the fireplace as I closed the door.

“Wow. This ship is so cool!” Stormy said, hovering around our ship with excitement.

“Yeah, it’s been good to us. Maybe the Rangers will have the means to fix the damage those two bounty hunters did.” I said, looking at the rough patches Ratchet made.

“They sure will. I got a friend who would jump at the chance to work on a ship like this. She’ll be so jealous.” Ratchet said, grinning maniacally.

Moonlight was helping Rose up the plank and towards the hatch that led into the ship.

“We can set you up in one of the beds, Miss Rose. I want to give up a check up as well. Any idea when the baby is due?” Moonlight asked.

“I honestly had lost track when Sage disappeared. I hope we can make it back to the fort before that happens.” Rose said with concern in her voice.

Moonlight smiled, “Don’t worry. We’ll make it. This ship is pretty fast. And with it we can avoid most of the dangers of the Wasteland.”

“So how fast can this ship go?” Tumbleweed said, moving to the wheelhouse.

“80 on a good windy day. 100 if I use the engines, but that takes spark batteries. Speaking of which, we're probably gonna need more soon.” Ratchet said, moving up the plank.

“I know the perfect place to resupply.” Saskia said, teleporting onboard.

“Oh, where’s that?” I asked.

“Orphanage. It’s a settlement to the southwest of here.” She said, pointing southwest.

“Orphanage? Like a place where children with no parents live?” I asked.

“Yes, the town was established by the Responders. They take children who have nowhere to go and teach them the skills they need to survive. Then they can either leave on their own, or join the Responders.” Saskia explained.

“Responders? I’ve never heard of them before.” Moonlight said curiously.

“They are like the Desert Rangers, only they specialize in healing and teaching. They go from town to town helping ponies heal from raider attacks, Steel ranger raids, etc. They are based in the Southern Badlands not far from Olympia. Orphanage is their first attempt to have a presence this far north.” Saskia explained.

“They sound wonderful.” Moonlight said cheerfully.

“Sounds like a good group. Can’t wait to see this orphanage.” I said.

“Then let’s get going!” Stormy said, doing flips in the air.

I chuckled, “Alright alright. Ratchet, let’s get moving. Time to hit the sands.”

Ratchet saluted and as everyone was settling into the ship, the engines roared to life and lifted the vessel into the air. Turning towards the southwest, Ratchet hit the accelerator and we were off across the sands.

Orphanage, here we come.

Footnote: Level Up

New Perk added: Team Player, when you have four or more companions with you, you gain +15 DR and do 5% more Damage.

New Companions:

Stormy Night, Pegasus
Meadow Glade, Kirin

Author's Note

Hey guys, Hades here.

So it's been forever since I've updated this story. Writers block is a bitch.

Here's a little taste of what's to come. The next chapter is gonna be a dosey XD