Fallout Equestria: A Pinch of Raider Influence

Me and Savage laid down prone, behind a rusted sky carriage on the side of; the almost empty road. The human laid behind us dirtied, having been dragged by the legs. Which Savage held in his mouth. I looked down to my pip-fuck seeing; three green rectangular bars coming within range of my E.I. (enemy indicator) Again I had to physically look down to see it. Didn’t have the magical one, only having the technologically based one. ‘Who are they?’ I asked myself mentally, just then I heard the sound of a bell ringing loudly. My ears perked up with interest.

Poking my head slightly out of cover to get a better look. What I saw was a traveling merchant, a brahmin, and a mercenary in porcupine metal armor. Smiling I got up making my way towards the merchant, only to have dirt spray in my face when something small struck the ground directly in front of my hooves. Prompting me to stop immediately in my tracks.

“You, stay exactly where you are!” The pony in heavy metal armor shouted aggressively towards me. I like to call that armor “porcupine armor” because of the metal spikes and how it covers the whole body making it hard to move, for me anyway. Okay, now I felt like a complete idiot, 'getting stopped by a bucking mercenary! Seriously!?’ I mentally screamed embarrassed.

Slowly clearing my throat I began to speak: “Now is that how you really treat your customers?” I asked innocently, putting on a helpless facade. But the mercenary didn’t back down narrowing his eyes at me, while his horn glowed levitating a caravan shotgun leveled in front of himself; pointing it in my direction.

I gave the mercenary a smoldering look, “Well hello there.” I said turning my eyes over to the stallion beside him, which was the merchant. Who wore a straw hat with a piece of tobacco sticking out of his mouth. Wearing a roving trader outfit, with small bits of supplies attached to his clothes that hung loosely.

Smiling sheepishly the merchant spoke embarrassed: " Good afternoon to you, I'm sorry for the inconvenience. . ." Turning his head to face his mercenary bodyguard glaring heatedly towards him. "Can you please stop scaring away my customers?" The merchant growled under his breath while the metal porcupine just shrugged his shoulder in response. Turning back to face me the merchant let out a nervous laugh, "Sorry about my friend here. . . he can't tell the difference between a pretty mare such as yourself." He flirted dumbly blushing his cheeks turning to a light shade of pink, his gaze lowered to meet the cracked concrete road. "And a raider. . ." He finished off lamely.

I giggled at his "blindness" I was still very much a raider. "Now that's quite alright, it happens quite. . ." I paused thoughtfully remembering all the times I had been attacked, always being called out for being a raider. They weren't wrong of course, but it was always rather unpleasant. So, I continued my nonchalant tone: "often." In truth trouble always came to greet me, that just so happens when you make a deal with the devil. . . once you sell your soul, there is no going back. I was as empty as a metal tin can on the side of the road. I've had already disrespected God for selling my soul, I was too far off for salvation; I couldn't be saved. . . What I've done is unforgivable. It was like getting an unreplaceable gift, only to spit on the givers face. But in this case, I spit on *GODS* face. If I was thinking about God, did that make me religious? No. . . no. . . I just liked to see things from all angles. This way of thinking kept life interesting that way.

"Ahem," the merchant cleared his throat politely effectively snapping me out of my thoughts. Extending his hoof out of me as he continued: "I'm Peddler and this is-" He pointed towards the pony that looked like he was cosplaying for a metal porcupine of sorts, but before he could finish speaking; said porcupine cut in.

"Ironshod." The mercenary said simply shutting up right after introducing himself as such. Nodding his head the merchant continued. Instead of shaking his hoof formerly, I hoof bumped his instead.

With an exasperated expression, the merchant nodded his head with a confused crooked smile. "Uh. . . yeah. . . anyways. . . you wanted to trade right?" Peddler asked cheekily quickly accepting my greeting. Silently I blinked dumbfounded at his reaction. Turning my head back to look over my shoulder to see the bags on my back. They weighted absolutely nothing! I couldn't even feel them on my back, kinda forgot about my luggage to be honest. Nodding I gave Peddler the go-ahead, trading my leather barding and my now dead captors belongings, and some scrap electronics from the alien spacecraft, also I didn't have the heart to sell the alien weapons. I did all that while Peddler traded me medical supplies; mainly for wounded Apollo. Which were mainly blue colored potions. When asked Peddler assured me that they would work to help heal wounds, but does not move tissue or broken bones into proper place and sadly doesn't restore lost limbs. This was the first time I'd ever seen a real potion before. Which intrigued me.

When we were done concluding business, but Peddler didn't want to depart just yet. "So where are you headed. . . ?" He asked bursting out with a cringy nervous laugh. "SORRY FOR ASKING! B-but WHY did you sell you armor?" He asked being a nosy pony. To tell you the truth, I only sold my quote on quote "armor" was to not look like a raider. Besides. . . it was a piece of shit anyway. . .

Shyly looking down changing my approach to one of innocents. "I was actually hoping you would let me, and my friends tag along with you," I began drawing imaginary circles on the cracked road. He was about to answer blushing darkly, but he was to cut off by Ironshod, but. . . *mental laugh* I beat him to the punch. "If. . ." bowing my head down low I continued slowly turning away. "If you don't want to. . . I understand." I finished in a hushed whisper, being dramatic as I possibly could.

Lifting a hoof about to begin walking away. Then the cliche happened. . . "Wait!" Peddler called out to me, and so I responded as such. Having my hoof still raised, looking over my shoulder towards him with a surprised look. In heart, I was just baiting the naive stallion. "Y-you can come!" He blurted out with his cheeks burning crimson red later amending: "And your friends can come as well!"

Shyly nodding my head innocently as a small smile slowly formed on my muzzle. "Thank you, Peddler! I'll go get my friends!" I chimed enthusiastically instantly losing my shy innocent tone running off back towards my two companions.

[Apollo POV]

Breathing. . . all I could hear and feel, was myself breathing. Opening my eyes all I could see was. . . well, the only description I could come up with was a light blue sky above me. There was a very bright light up in the sky that was, so bright in fact that it was blinding me. Now looking down to avert my eyes from the painful lights. Only to see my feet seeing how I was standing on a murky purple plane like water, standing directly above a pitch black circle. The light above kinda reminded me of the sun, but the darkness below just raised a whole 'nother question. Especially the emptiness of the ambient noise, it was calming yet unnerving at the same time. I didn't know how to describe it.

This was a lot to take in, especially after crash landing on planet "home". Also wasn't I supposed to be bleeding?" Looking down to examen my fresh wound, but was instead surprised to find my casual jumpsuit unscathed in all its white glory. Even touching my stomach pushing it in with the soft palm of my hand. Making sure that all of my guts stayed inside. Looking around again I wonder: 'Shouldn't there have been two furry life forms?'

While I was deep in thought, I got the feeling of something or someone watching me. Slowly creeping into the back of my mind making the hairs on the back of my neck stand. Mindfully observing my surroundings trying to look interested to not draw any unwanted attention. I didn't want my "observer" to know that I was being watched I had to play dumb. If I was being watched anyway. . . there was a small chance that I was just being paranoid, but I wasn't going to take that chance. The human primal mind was probably acting up again, 'stupid primal mind, there aren't any predators here to eat me. I'm on top of the food chain now.'

During my mental musing, all the ambient sound had stopped abruptly, like if a knife had cut through it. The background noise was all but replaced with the sound pitch ringing sound. The sound was so annoying and unsettling at the same time that I had to cover my ears with the palms of my hands. Trying to block out the noise or at least muffle the god awful thing. Though my attempts were all in vain. In my failure, I started to take notice that the light above was substantially dimming drastically.

Looking up to confirm that the sun was indeed dimming in brightness, it looked to be moving farther away now that I think about it. Gasping in wonder "What the. . ." I stated in shock still playing dumb but was actually genuinely curious about my current situation. Until I felt a cold hand grab a hold onto my shoulder. Eyes widening in shock jolting awake. Now that I had awoken, I could now see the white-coated blonde pony from before. Strangely enough, her hoof was cool to the touch. She wore a calm relived expression that looked pretty genuine to me.

[Radiant Shine's POV]

'Yes, he's alive!' In my head I was jumping up and down skipping around in joy. 'Now to steal all his secrets! This is just going to be so fun! Then I can waste this loser!'

[Apollo POV]

"Radiant Shine, was it?" I asked the winged pony for clarification. Checking my facts so, that said facts could stay true; keeping their credibility. My facts were going to be my biggest asset here because I'm pretty sure I'm not welcome back up. The blonde pony known as Radiant Shine nodded her head meekly. Accompanied by a small cute smile that set me at ease. Then again she could be a monster trying to eat me. 'What was she again? A pega. . . peazeus? No, that can't be right. . . a pegasus. . . yeah, that's it! A pegasus!' "You're a pegasus right?" Asking is what I do knowledge is power after all.

Radiant nodded her head giggling lightly confirming my question. "Why do you ask?" She questioned me back, acting all coy playing with her mane. Okay, right now red lights were flashing everywhere in my mind right now. 'Did this pony think I was hitting on her? Oh, boy.' My brain started to go into panic mode hurridly checking out my new surroundings. Discovering that I was in a tightly compact room, that currently consisted of me, Radiant Shine, and Savage. Yeah, Savage just sat at the corner of the room glaring at me sternly. There wasn't a single way out of this room beside the wooden door that he was currently guarding. The wood weirdly enough excited me to see. Never did I ever see wood in person before, it was always usually only seen in holographic projection. Actually, now that I notice it. . . the floorboards are wood as well!

[Radiant Shine POV]

'Huh. . . my seduction isn't working. . . probably came on too weak.' So I just nuzzled the silent human, 'I need to up my game if I want more information on Apollo here!' After I was done mentally battle crying, I climbed up onto the bed plopping my rump right on his lap. Sending a jolt of pleasure up my spine 'Yup that's the stuff.' I sighed feeling a slight bulge beneath me in just the right spot.

Seeing Apollo's face change into a panicking red tomato was hilarious, and well worth it. So, I continued to go further placing both forehooves ontop his flat chest, Giving him a sultry look as I gazed down into his hazel colored eyes. Swishing my tail side to side behind me, leaning in so close to his face, that our faces were practically an inch apart. "R-R-Radiant! What d-do you think you're doing!?" Apollo sputtered out in shock. "God help me!" screaming defensively flicking me off him like if I was an annoying radroach. Crashing through the wall that had me tear through like paper. But, that's how it looked. In my point of view, it hurt like hell.

After breaking through the wall. I had left an outline that was my character, I came crashing down onto a table with a crunch. Spilling liquor and cards all over myself. Now only hoping that I wasn't the one that had made the crunching sound. Opening my eyes I saw a large gruff looking stallion standing above me, glaring down towards me. Shaking with rage, steam was practically shooting out of his ears.

Laying on my back I smiled sheepishly up at the stallion above me. "You're dead, little shit!" The stallion growled with a deep scratchy voice. My face turned into one of confusion. 'Wait did the human just say God?' The word "God" echoing through my head.

My mind went into an intense firey fury. Prompting me to jump up onto my hooves at such unrealistic speeds. Scaring the gruff stallion, by grabbing him by the throat; with my soft hooves roughly. The irony. Effectively taking him by surprise I sneered in his face, "Stay out of this bub." Suddenly, a cold wind blew through the bar like death himself, had come to visit. The twin double tavern doors blew open banging against the interior walls. My cold tone froze the stallion in place, stopping his hot temper in its tracks.

Letting him go my head snapped over were I had made my unexpected dramatic entrance. Seeing Apollo standing looking through the destroyed wall. That currently had my character imprint, something you normally saw in cartoons. He looked spooked even Savage was looking towards me oddly sporting a raised brow. "Did you say, God!?" I screamed silencing the whole bar.

[Apollo POV]

I had officially fucked up, and now my anxiety was rising at an alarming rate. I just had to throw that damn mare through a wall! Now she was calling me out, for saying "God" especially in front of all the other alien life forms. The scariest part was her eyes. . . those eyes. . . looking straight into her eyes just felt so wrong. I really don't know how to explain it. It just felt so. . . unnatural. . . that's the only way I could possibly explain it. Meaning that it was the only thing that came to mind right now. That's all I'm going to say, especially by the way she got up grabbing that stallion by the throat was freaky. Now that it was my time to respond I opened my mouth saying in a low shaky voice: "Uh. . . maybe. . ." 'Oh fuck you mouth.'

Instead of getting upset over my answer, like how I had expected. She had a sinister smile grow onto her features instead. "Oh is that right?" Radiant slowly turned away from me completely, making her way through the entire bar. Heading for the small wooden stage, at the opposite wall of the newly acquired hole in the wall. All the occupants of the bar watched her go, eyeing the pegasus mare intently. Even the band on the stage watched her stroll towards them.

[3rd Person POV]

With a light flap of her wings, Radiant got up onto the stage beside the awestruck band. While that was all happening Apollo the human, and Savage the pony exited their room. Making their way into the bar area both curiously wondering what Radiant would do next. That mare was a wild card, they both didn't know much about her to go off by. The band of three on the stage watched her intently. One was holding a guitar, another was standing behind a microphone, and the last one was a unicorn holding her trumpet in her magic.

Radiant smiled at the pony with the guitar kissing him forcibly on the lips. Standing up onto her hind legs leaning into a stool the pony was sitting on for support. The bright yellow earth pony stallion fell out his stool with a stupid smile on his face. Quickly snatching up the falling guitar with lightning-fast reflexes, grabbing it before it could even touch the ground. Now sitting on the stool with her newly acquired guitar, she began to start tuning the guitar. Which had its strings disheveled jutting out messily at the end of the headstock. While she did so she asked a question pointing a hoof directly towards Apollo. "Who's your god, human?" She asked him strumming random notes on the guitar still tuning the guitar.

Everyone turned their head to now face Apollo, most stared in shock and most were in awe. All hostility seemed to just seep out of every individual making every neural and non-hostile towards anyone present. Which was an oddity here in the Wasteland. The thought of having a bar full of wastelanders that weren't offended at every little thing was driving Savage mad. In his own right, he was still very sane. His instincts were going all over the place, trying his hardest to shut out the voices in his head. So, he just fell on his face laying down on the floor not paying anyone mind anymore.

Apollo looked around the room embarrassed to see everyone watching him intently. "Well. . . my god's name is. . . well. . . God. . ." The human stated sheepishly rubbing the back of his head. Everyone in the bar burst out into a choir of laughter. The noise that they were creating was so high in fact, that he had to cover his ears from bursting.

To silence them all Radiant Shine held up a dirtied white hoof, shutting everyone in the bar up. Why did they listen to her? And if so where was this power coming from? Curiously Radiant then asked: "What does your 'God' do?" She asked mockingly with a sicking smile that just felt wrong looking at it. Her pure white teeth beamed adding a pure color to the entire dirty bar. "And who is he? Hmm. . . ?" She was mocking Apollo for bringing up his 'God', but why?

Looking down the human whose name was Apollo opened and closed his mouth. Unsure how to proceed he decided to say what he knew off the top of his head. "God. . . let's see. . . he's a being that loves all living beings. . ." In truth Apollo didn't know much himself, he was never one for ancient religion. It was all outdated and who knows who could have changed its words, and meanings, altering and corrupting the 'Bible' over time. He certainly didn't want to read a book full of lies, and even now the book was now considered to be a work of nonsense fiction. Continuing to watch him like hungry hawks, making the human feel more, and more out of place. The uncomfortable feeling that crept up in the back of his mind was unbearable now. "And. . . he never sins. . . ever-"

Growling angrily Radiant started stomping her legs on stage. Her posture was now seething in anger, "Don't tell me none of that, BULL. SHIT!" She snapped loudly now getting the attention of all the patrons, something that she wanted or had to do. . . forced to do. . . "GOD!? HA!!! THAT 'GOD' IS NOTHING BUT A LIAR AND A DECEIVER! HE'S A TRYANT YOU HEAR!" She screamed loudly that even the whole town could hear her. Apollo was taken aback not expecting an outburst like this. The patrons watched like mindless drones with blank emotionless expressions. "SUPPOSEDLY THE ONLY WAY TO GO THAT ACURSED HEAVEN! IS TO WORSHIP HIM!!! AND IF YOU don't. . ." She muttered quietly more to herself than anyone else. "HE WON'T GIVE A DAMN ONCE HE SENDS YOU TO HELL!" Radiant ranted huffing and puffing looking like she was hyperventilating, but she still pressed on. Sounding to be out of breath: "If. . . *wheeze* that's. . . *wheeze* not a tyrant. . . *wheeze* then I don't know what is. . ."

Finally finishing Apollo was astonished if not a bit tad confused. 'Where they talking about the same "God"? Many things seemed to connect the same. . . how did she know about heaven and hell? Were they talking about the same God?' If so. . . that was a scary thought. One thing was for sure. . . this mare was insane. "Th-hat. . . just can't possibly be true. He doesn't want anyone of us to go to hell, he loves us al-" Holding up a dirty hoof the dirty wasteland pony shut Apollo up, without saying a word. Apollo tried to rebel in God's name because he knew God would not defend himself against this mare's verbal abuse. Desperately trying to open his mouth, but remained closed. Like if his lips were glued together.

Scoffing to the side Radiant held the guitar close to her dirty grime decorated barrel, about to perform. Now taking on a rather odd calm demeanor she addressed the whole crowd, which was everyone who was currently inside the bar: "Welcome friends, are you ready to bask in the glory that is the all mighty God? Because I know I am, so let's hear a little song shall we?" She first started with a catchy tune.

The whole bar was practically rocking with the beat. Apollo found the alien culture odd. Heel even he was moving with the beat, but he felt two icy cold hands taking hold of him by his shoulders. Looking back over his shoulder surprised to find no one taking hold of him. But, the presence of something having a firm hold of him was still very present. Moving him like a puppet in beat with the tune Radiant was playing.

Everyone light bulb in the whole bar shut off, shrouding everpony and one human in complete darkness. Until a spotlight switched on showering Radiant with light. Her dirty white coat was now cleaned? And was reflecting the lights, light back at the patrons. Her blonde mane and coat were spotless of any dirt whatsoever. How did she get clean so fast? She was "radiating" with light. Continuing to strum the guitar she opened her mouth beginning to sing: "Some songs are happy~ And some songs are sad~ Some songs are really well rehearsed. And other songs are bad~" She then got up off the stool standing on her both hind legs, which was an odd sight to see a pony do. Pacing in front of the stage singing to the crowd. "And some songs are angry~ And some songs are sweet~ Some songs are made to help you wake up in the morning~ Well here's a little song to help you go back to sleep. . ." She then began to strum her guitar that was quietly getting louder and deeper in sound.

"There isn't any God and when you die you're just dead~ And heaven's just a fairy tale to put yeah to bed~ Sometimes I think about the chance that I'm wrong." The ponies got out of their seats now al turning on him shoving him over to the stage area. Stumbling, tripping over his feet he made it to the stage seeing Radiant play up close. "And then I close my eyes and just remember this song." Standing at the center of the stage she looked down towards Apollo, springing out her wings wide open making him feel small.

"I said there isn't any God and when you die you're just dead~ And heaven is just a fairy tale to put yeah to bed~ There ain't nobody watching us because nobody cares. And in the end, we're living all alone. . ." Apollo felt a wave of sadness and grief wash over him, as well as the rest of the patrons. The music Radiant was creating was fueling negative emotions.

Her strumming slowed in tempo continuing her song: "If I could live forever~ I'd do it if I could. . ." Walking backward similar to how a human would do it. The way she did it just looked so. . . unnatural. . . "Leave it all behind everything that I've done. It's just as bad as if it's never begun. And if I was a believer~ And lord knows that I've tried." Hanging her head solemnly staring down. . . down. . . down. . . "I could go to heaven on the day that I die. And I can be at peace when I close my eyes~"

She slowed down her strumming but then for her chorus she started to pick the beat back up. "But-" She jumped onto a table that was closest to the stage landing on the table with her two hind legs. While she held the guitar in both forehooves using magic to manipulate the object making it easier to manage. But this magic wasn't her's. . . She danced on the table top still performing: "-there isn't any God and when you die you're just dead. And heavens just uh fairy tale to put yeah to bed~ Sometimes I think about the chance that I'm wrong." But then I close my eyes and just remember this song~"

Radiant hopped around each table top spilling alcohol, cards, caps, and even ammunition. The crowd crazily enough started to sing along with her driving Apollo mad. Hell even he began to sing along, but he felt like someone was forcing him too. He tried to lift his hand to cover his mouth he didn't want to disrespect God, but the cold presence was still using him for whatever reason that was unknown to him. Wishing that he would have stayed up aboard the ship tinkering around instead of this torture. "I said there isn't any God and when you die you're just dead~ And heavens just a fairy tale to put yeah to bed~ There ain't nobody watching us because nobody cares~"

The shining Pegasus stood ontop a table on her hind legs with her wings outstretched. "And in the end, we're living all alone." Retracting her wings back to her sides, she turned away from the whole crowd. Then all the lights shut off shrowding them all again in complete utter darkness.

The spotlights snapped on illuminating Radiant on the stage again, taking everyone by surprise. "Love. Don't. Matter. Cause you die in the end." In between every pause, a light above a table would turn on and off. As Radiant would appear on a new table whenever the light was on, being right under its shining light. It was all in sync with her and the music. "And, money don't matter because you die in the end. And life doesn't matter because you die in the end."

She flapped her wings taking flight in the bar, just as all the lights snapped back on. "It's really never over, no it's really never over~" The whole crowd sang along with her. How couldn't they when it was so catchy? "There isn't any God, and when you die you're just dead~ And heavens just a fairy tale to put yeah to bed. Sometimes I think about the chance that I'm wrong. And then I close my eyes and just remember this song. I said there isn't any God and when yeah die you're just dead ~ And heavens just a fairy tale to put yeah to bed~ There ain't nobody watching us because nobody cares~"

Now landing on the bar top she laid on her side still playing the guitar. "And in the end, we're living all alone. . ." Finishing her song she let the last note drift off into the air. "Sweet dreams everpony." Just as she said that everypony collapsed unconscious even the bartender did slamming down a glass of wine right before falling on her face as well. The only ones that were unaffected were the trio. Radiant, Apollo, and Savage. Though Savage was banging his head against the wooden floorboards repeatedly.

[Radiant Shine POV]

Taking a slow dramatic sip from my wine glass, Apollo asks shakily: "What. . . what t-that all about?" In truth who knew? An odd sight indeed even for the Wasteland. What was all that singing and dancing anyway? "I-I-I haven't s-seen anything like that in my life!"

Rolling my eyes clearly presenting my annoyance, stretching my neck from right to left. Having my joints create a popping sound releasing the liquid bubbles into gas. . . okay, okay I won't get all sciencey. . . It was very~ satisfying, and some ponys say it can be bad for your health! The nerve some ponys!

"Hmm. . . oh me neither." Yawning uncaringly I took another sip from my glass, tossing my mane dramatically fixing it. Now my mane looked clean, and perfect after my performance. The magic of music, or whatever the hell it was called.

[Third Person POV]

It just clawed at the back of Apollo's mind to no end. How could she look so clean when she was covered with filth earlier? Even when he woke up and she was on top of him, she looked dirty, even after Apollo threw her through a wall! This mare just didn't seem to make any sense. Or maybe these "aliens" were beyond his human comprehension.

[Radiant Shine POV]

'I can't believe that happened again. . . need to keep my composure in check. Stupid, stupid, stupid.' Starting to mentally beat myself up for losing control of myself to the music. It wasn't uncommon for me to blame myself, it was quite common. Always blaming yours truly for the dumb, of the dumb, mistakes. 'The ambient magic in the air was enough to control everypony else in "this" bar. Stupid Equestrian ambient song magic; in truth, even I didn't know what it was called exactly, or what it did completely. But what I did know was that before the war; it was a common occurrence.

When all peop-creatures. . . would come together and sing as the magic in the air got ahold of them. In the end as far as I know; when the song they all sang and danced to end. They would soon forget that the event even took place. Except for me. . . I. . . I remembered what happened as clear as day. Though every time I would absorb ambient magic int the air, like most natural magical creatures. My brain would go batshit crazy! Like if I was a druggie high on magic. Which actually made sense thinking about it. My mind, body, and magic are only fit for a pegasus. Not a unicorn, or even an earth pony.

The different natures in magic were overworking my body. I was using magic like a stimulating drug. Now that I think about it. . . if I were to stop using unicorn magic. My flow of magic might cease altogether. Then I wouldn't be able to use magic to fly. Worse case scenario, I die. And. . . if I were to stop drinking earth pony blood, I would suffer the withdrawal symptoms of fatigue. Possibly even cramps if I wasn't careful. *Shiver*

Even though I could still live without the delicious earth pony blood. . . it would be tough to resist the urge to drink the earth ponys nutritious blood! In fact, THE BLOOD WAS EVEN MORE NUTRITIOUS THAN A STALLION'S NUT! You know, I'm something of a scientist myself. Besides the blood of one of those worthless dirt ponys makes you youthful, and stronger too! You hardly register the negative side effects! Life is so. . . much better with magic. I could say that for a fact. Besides, *phft* who needs a family?

One of the major flaws when using the ambient magic in the air was, that every time I used it. My oldest of memories would begin to fade out of existence. I'm not quite sure on what would happen if someone activated the music like I had done; and if I were to get caught in the magic? Soon I would have to test that theory out when I got the chance. Besides who knew if someone else sang, then by the end of the song, would I have my memory wiped out by ponys in black suits?

This phenomenon has driven me nearly mad in the past, but I soon came to accept my fate. Maybe this phenomenon was caused by the magical nature being confused? The ambient magic in the air was song magic? Or maybe the music was confusing me for an alicorn? That was very possible. . . possibility. But, in the end, would it even matter? That was a question I had asked myself a lot, so much in fact; that it got old quick.

And don't get me started on my memories. Now that was a travesty! In more ways than one, I'm actually kind of grateful for my smudged memories. I never liked to reflect on my past actions, I would just jump from place to place, adventure to adventure. Because whenever I would sit down and lay back; to reflect on my childhood and past actions. Everything would come back as a blur. . . but the suffering. . . the suffering lingered. . . it felt like if you were stabbed but you weren't at the same time. I could feel the phantom pains that weren't real. . . or were once real. Not being able to pinpoint the pain at all. It wasn't fun to deal with something you couldn't see.

My memories would all come back with missing chunks of conversations, details, shapes, faces. . . even my childhood was black and white. I couldn't remember a damn thing from way back then. But, what I did remember was how I got my name. Even my learning my skills was quite the blurry ride. Keywords would bring clouded memories flooding back in. The only thing I remembered was that dragon, or thee dragons. I wasn't very fond of that species of creatures. One dragon taught me how to shoot a gun with my hooves, but that was without magic. I hate dragons.

Was that seventeen years ago? I'm not quite sure, to be honest. . . if I am honest anyway. Though I highly doubt that I am. Who. . . who am I? Who was I? To you?

[Apollo POV]

That crazy mare was staring straight down at the floor, whatever she was thinking about; was probably too far away for me to grasp. One thing was certain. I'm definitely not going to be bringing up "God" anytime soon. . . it hurts because I want to see if we are talking about the same one! She seemed so confident that we were! Though. . . it could have been a HUGE misunderstanding. This mare was so scary when she was fired up! Especially because of what I did. . .throwing her through a wall. That probably wasn't one of the best decisions I've made before. Hell, I would be mad too if someone threw me through a wall as well.

Taking a seat on a stool right beside the mare Radiant, that was currently resting on the counter. She made music like us humans. Then she shouldn't be that bad, right? Okay, her lyrics and her tone did beat on the religion I know, but who am I to step on, her opinion? I'm a pretty fair guy. Everyone is equal in my book.

"Who. . . who am I? Who was I. . . ? To you?" Radiant spoke in a soft quiet voice that was barely above a whisper. She whispered so low in fact that I had thought my mind was playing tricks on me. Looking at her, I could only see her stone cold emotionless expression.

The questions were so sudden and out of the blue, that I hardly had enough time to prepare myself. Sputtering out nonsense. A few seconds later abruptly stopping, then clearing my throat, succeeding in scaring the life out of Radiant. Savage rushed over to Radiant's aid hopping onto the counter standing above her protectively. Barking towards me with a piercing gaze! His eyes full of malice and unforgiveness. I just couldn't do anything right. Savage was like her personal guard dog of sorts. He was always watching out for her. Even chewing my face earlier. . . 'I still don't forgive you for that!'

[Radiant Shine POV]

Breathing heavily I instinctively dove behind the bar countertop, to use as cover. The only noise to be heard was a feral dog barking. My head began the swim from the loud sounds. My good pony hearing would heal with the use of magic. Making my ears healthy able to pick up the smallest of sounds. The only downside was that my ears were always. . . to good! Making my twin ears very sensitive to noises. "Shut up, you stupid mutt!" I screamed out at the top of my lungs with my hooves pressed down tightly against my ears. Desperately trying to block the sound out. Just so suddenly the loud obnoxious barking ceased.

Regaining my composure I removed my hooves from my head and looked up. Standing up on the countertop was Savage and Apollo the human was sitting stunned on a stool. Seeing that I was okay, Savage gave me his signature glare that must have been copyrighted. I had never seen a glare exactly like his before. Then again. . . my memory wasn't something that was reliable anyways.

Instinctively backing down from the menacing Savage, I pinned my ears back against my head. I didn't want my face to be torn off, that wouldn't be any fun at all! And don't get me started on how painful it would be. So I did the next best thing; giving him a barrage of apologies. Hoping that he wasn't insane enough to not understand.

After the one-hundredth one, I got a hard smack to the face and a grunt from Savage in response. 'He. . . h-he. . . he smacked me. . ." I really couldn't have believed it. Shouldn't I have seen it coming? Did I actually trust this degenerate? We bearly even knew each other for more than a day or two at most. Why am I so stupid?

My face hurt a lot. The force was enough to knock me off my hooves! Laying on my side on the rotten wooden floor. Several tears leaked from my eyes. Not wanting to show my fresh tears to my newly acquired aquatints, I hid my face with my hooves. I didn't like how I acted so weak and pathetic. . . but what could I do? I'm completely drained. I'm nothing special without magic. With it. . . I'm ruler. . . without it, I'm. . . nothing. . . I was never anything special. No one ever cared for me. Everyone I had ever loved, has since turned there back on me. Love. . . love is a lie.

So why should I care about anypony else? It's not like it would matter in the end. In this world cursed with conflict. There will never get happiness. Not like I cared. . . Bringing pain on others gives me a current satisfaction that only lasts for merely a moment at most. A moment of solitude for me. A moment of confusion. A moment of peace. . .

Moving is always better than staying in one place. Getting comfortable with a place is bad. Growing that attached would only hurt you when you'd soon have to leave it. So, move from place to place as fast as you can. No time to think, to time for rest, no time for friends, no time for breath.

Sticking to my ideology stuttering out: "C-come on! W-w-we got t-t-to get out of here," I hopped up onto the counter that while Apollo stood up to get going towering over me and the bar. While I continued to hide my face in the crook of my foreleg. Rubbing my tears into the crook as I did so. I didn't like to be weak, I'd be calling myself a god. . . but that couldn't be farther from the truth. I know better now. . . even though I continued to spew this nonsense upon others. A foal's fantasies, nothing more.

Soon my band of misfit raiders (a human and crazy pony) maid it outside, exiting the bar behind us. What Apollo and Savage puzzled them both greatly. But then again Savage is an idiot, and most likely didn't understand jack shit anyway. It probably shouldn't have come out as a shock to see the whole town doing its daily business as per usual. Apollo presumably expected the town to be unconscious as well, just like the rest of the occupants of the bar.

We were in the town named. . . drum roll, please. . . ! Hoofenburg! Like boi! What kind of name was that!? One of the cringest names I've ever heard before. Though alarm bells in my head were ringing telling me that this place's name was familiar in my data banks/brain. Well, that's what I thought this town was called anyway. And supposedly this place used to be a city before the annihilation, though what the hell do I know? That merchant told me some history that I mostly tuned out, however, I was smart enough to retain some precious information.

Supposedly the "Steel Ranger" roamed around these parts. They were the ponies who hoarded technology for themselves. Wearing the pre-war power armor. These "Steel Rangers" actually reminded me of the "Brotherhood of Steel", yet sometimes I would insult them calling them the "Brotherhooves of Steal"! GET IT!? BECAUSE WE'RE PONIES!? AND THEY STEAL TECHNOLOGY FROM OTHERS! Anyways~ They bullied the populace threatening to destroy Hoofenburg; if the citizens did not comply to hand over the two Gatling Lasers the town militia held in the armory. Dick move the "Steel Rangers" part, I know.

Then there was a radical group called the "Aura Gangers" who were also bullies but used spells to fight. Where were all these silly names coming from? Who bucking knows. . . these ponies or so I heard. Used magic spells if they were unicorns, however, if they were of a different race of the pony tribes. They would use potions that they would either drink or throw at their enemies. These ponies kinda sounded like me. . . maybe I could rule after all. . . ? The broke out of a bunker under one of some "Ministry of Arcane Magic" building. The first time I heard "Ministry" I swear I thought of "Mistress" I was horny at the time. Yeah so that arcane magic ministry building or whatever, was some sort of building loaded with raw elements. Especially magical ones. That was a place I definitely wanted to go! I must know all the magics!

Then there was the "Grand Pegasus Enclave" that I heard about over the radio. That me and that merchant guy who's name I've already forgotten listened too. Spewing out propaganda that just made my chest swell with pride. President Snow Mare's words gave me an unnatural moral boost. The only quote that made me feel light hearted was when she would end her speech saying. "Reflect on all that I've had said Equestria~ And Equestria shall live again." Her voice was just laced with charisma. My charisma compared to hers, I was a complete joke. But the thought of having a whole group of pegasus just like me. . . it just. . . I don't know. . . it just made me feel special. That I wasn't alone. . . So far in the Wasteland, the most common wastelanders were dirt ponys, unicorns, griffons, and dragons. Every other specious seen was a rare sight. I felt extremely lonely when I don't see at least another pegasus around. My moral falls and loneliness just consumes my thoughts.

My group got a lot of attention, from curious stares and glances to ponys pointing in our general direction. Most of the attention was directed to Apollo. Then it went to Savage who growled at the foals who got to close scaring the children away back to their parents. . . if they still had any, anyway. Then lastly their attention was directed towards me. My pegasus nature and my dashing good looks. Subconsciously playing with my well-kept mane. It could also be said because I looked practically 100% clean.

These ponies were very interested in my alien-human companion. 'But I found him first so buck off!' Apollo was amazed by the attention even starting to sweat bullets. The precipitation growing ever so clearer on his forehead. He was scared shitless! I'm pretty sure we all have that one moment in our life, were we just freeze up and become motionless.

But to help uh "brother out", I grabbed Apollo by the hand leading him through the busy streets of Hoofenburg. His hand was in my mouth mind you. After gaining a fair bit of distance from the bar I lead Apollo into a random brick building. Hopping through the door with great force with Savage diving in from behind, crashing into a shelf of foal squeaky toys. Then the metallic door slammed closed, making my ears ringing with such intensity I just buried my face into the floor. Why did my magic always fix my stupid hearing? Oh, right. . . so no pony could ever sneak up on me. . . what a load of horse apples!

Apollo leaned back into an empty wall that wasn't occupied by any merchandise. He then slid down the wall getting into a sitting position. Covering his red face with his hands muttering to himself: "Why didn't I have just stayed put?" Savage and I watched him with varying expressions. I wore a curious expression wondering what he would say next, inching ever so closer. While Savage in the other han-er. . . hoof, was surrounded by squeaky toys he even had one stuffed in his mouth. Crashing it with his jaws eliciting a squeaking sound every time he bit down. Maybe he was just retarded? And if I heard your feelings. You can just pretend I called Savage "Special, or not mentally there, or a disabled zombie, the lost chromosome DNA bender. Then that moment when you realize your jokes aren't even funny at all. But sadly Apollo did not continue losing interest, I got up now exploring my new surroundings. Giving Apollo and Savage their "needed" alone time.

While I examined my surroundings I began to take notice that I was in fact; inside a store and not someponys house. There were times where I would randomly walk into other ponys homes by accident. . . but that didn't stop me from looting the damn place. This store was surprisingly empty, there was no sign of anyone besdies my two acquaintances. Being the mare I "was" I browsed through the section of the store that had all the clothes and armor, the thing that smart people would call "apparel".

All of the armors were folded up into squares neatly, all stored in a wardrobe. While all the regular clothes like business suits, dresses, kinky lingerie, most were hanging onto hangers. Only some and very few were also folded into squares. Sliding the hangers to the side curious on what the next unique fashion design I would find, even if it was total Savage shit. Except for this time I got the luxury of getting spooked by a mare, "Hallo Dame."

I screamed in fright jumping back like a frightened kitten. My coat and tail were sticking straight up into the air. "WHAT THE FUCK!?" My skin was littered with goosebumps.

Confused the mare that scared me tried again, "Hello lady?" The mare tilted her head confused by my outburst. "Dit I say it wrong? I'm sorry if I be mean. . . not my intention! Honesht!" Her ears pinned back with regret, her face now showing shame.

Heavily breathing with eyes wide open, "D-d-don't do t-that-t!" I sputtered out still pretty shaken up by her sudden jump scare. As if on cue Savage came rushing to my aid. Yeah, I didn't like him very much that he smacked me earlier. I was going to get that fucker back for THAT!!! Savage was growling aggressively at the unicorn mare that stood before us. Though he did look less aggressive with a bright colored squeaky toy in his mouth.

She had a white coat just like me, and a blond mane and tail, also very much like me! The only difference being that I was a pegasus and she was a unicorn. This bitch was stealing my flair! And she also looked about to burst out crying? "I'm so sorry! Forgifeness!-" The blond unicorn bowed her head regretfully. "-Forgifeness!" Squeaking out the last part, now falling to her knees she wailed loudly. Her tears were rolling down both her cheeks like mini rivers.

So loud and annoying, she forced me to pin my own ears back and cover them with both of my forehooves. Savage's eyes went wild whilst he too howled in pain grabbing the sides of his head rolling around on the floor. Apollo just stayed put in his position on the floor, watching the random scene unfold before his very eyes. "Okay-okay! We get it! It's alright whatever crybab-!" The unicorn then threw herself at me clinging onto me tighter than a Boa constrictor.

"Zank you, for forgifeness!" The mare squealed hugging me tightly squeezing all the air out my lungs. "Von't let zat happen again, honesht!" She spoke with an accent. Unable to respond verbally, Having my lungs recently deprived of air, I just nodded my head quite urgently. "Goot!" She squealed enthusiastically letting me go smiling with a not so wasteland look too her teeth. Noticing that this in my desperate attempts to breathe. Keeping the information to myself.

Breathing heavily I let out a weak: "Uh-huh." Didn't like to be strangled very much, wasn't into none of that kinky shit. "Again. . . d-don't mention it. . ." I spoke softly in a submissive tone. 'That should keep her away for awhile.' If I were to fight in this situation, the odds would not be in my favor. In a sense, I needed to "feed" you know like "fuel". Not like that monkey and that stupid mutt would care anyway. Here in the Wasteland, we are all here for ourselves, that is just the cold all knowing truth. Love is just an illusion, everyone tends to backstab you in the end. And one last thing I should add. . . there is no such thing as forgiveness.

Smiling innocently the unicorn waved a hoof around nonchalantly in my face, "Gotcha no hugs again! Anyways back to zee main topik. . . voult you like to buy somesink?" She asked now wearing a serious expression on her face. "I might hafe somesink you are looking for." A strong confident smile then graced her muzzle.

Grateful for the sudden change of topic I played along, "I highly doubt you have something I personally want." Scoffing flicking my mane dramatically. Now trying to establish my dominance over the other mare. Though sometimes it made me come off as a drama queen. The unicorn didn't waver in the slightest, still holding up strong.

"Are you sure about zat? Hov coult you knov, ven you nefer exploret zis schop before?" The unicorn countered my argument. At the moment I didn't care in losing this irrelevant argument.

Sighing in defeat, "Alright. . . I'll give you the benefit of the doubt." Agreeing was always better than arguing. Because when you have to argue, you'd have to bring up a valid point while backing up said point at the same time. Her color scheme bothered me. . . I couldn't get it out of my head. . . was I jealous? Most likely.

"Zat is excellent nevs! So! Vat voult you like to get firsht?" She asked me excitedly, filling my head with disdain. "Anythink you lookink for in partikular?" She asked hopping up and down.

I shooed Savage away with a scowl of my own. I whispered for this store mare to follow me to the back of the store. Once we got a fair bit of distance from my two other companions. I whispered. "D-do you got any. . . you know. . . mags around?" We were so close that only she could have heard my question.

"Oh, you mean zese?!" She declared rather loudly pulling out a variety of magazines that held bullets made for guns. "I got a variety-!" I shook my head wanting not fall over and die.

"No, you idiot!" I shouted down at the unicorn mare, her ears pinned back wearing a sheepish smile.

Teleporting the weapon magazines back she asked confused: "Zen vat do you mean?" Unsure and now scared of me. I was dominating this little shit!

I leaned closer whispering into her ear. "A PORN magazine~" I whispered in a sing-song voice. The unicorn's cheeks burned bright red nodding her head rather quickly. Running off instead of teleporting the "magazines" in question. Smirking in triumph. I looked over the main counter to see the more expensive merchandise. Seeing multiple small generators varying in sizes. Even 5 rounds of .308 sniper rounds standing straight up were on display. It made my mouth water. Everyone likes sniper rifles, and marksman or marksponys were well respected for their accuracy. But what really made me wet was the one lonely round that was even bigger than the .308 round. It was the .50 MG round. . . that single bullet could tear through power armor like cheese paper.

The unicorn mare came back over to me blushing brightly, when she placed a bag down in front of me. Taking a few embarrassed steps back right after. Opening the bag suspiciously eyeing the bag and the unicorn at the same time. However, my thoughts were put to ease once I could see the contents of the bag. A large smile spread across my lips.

*Later*

A bag of bottle caps spilled onto the counter that had a blushing unicorn taking the bottle caps.