Fallout: Equestria - Life is Miserable

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJMhgyV1Mjk

The Neighvada Desert was... almost barren. Flat dirt everywhere covered in a thick layer of dust. It was less akin to sand dunes and more like a thin layer of powder that covered the cracked ground. Craggy rock formations rose and spired here and there, with mini plateaus randomly placed. Everything was some mute shade of gray, with gentle oranges, peaches, and browns. Things were dry as chapped lips, and relatively cool despite the location. However, the most interesting part of the whole area were the creosote bushes and other vegetation; the scattered patches of bristly, shrubby, clumpy stalks; gatherings of various cacti and yucca dotting the horizon, pushing up from the earth in a smattering. This interspersed flora demonstrated that it was different from the rest of the wasteland, barely touched by the fallout, though still tainted.

Fear, Sim, and Faith had recently made a pit stop at an oasis that was on the singular road leading through the desolate environ, rimmed by stone ridges. They'd spent a little time playing a dice game that involved the art of lying in order to win. Faith had been incredibly bad at it, hilariously so. But despite that Fear had been unable to refrain from taking pity on her and believing her nearly every time she'd told a fib. Sim was skilled, and Fear was getting better. It made for a well-rounded game overall.

It was currently early in the night as they traveled, though it could hardly be discerned aside from the altered climate. Fear and Faith were reading while walking, with Faith holding the stapled pages in one hoof and occasionally turning the page with her talented teeth and walking on three hooves, while Fear held his novel in his telekinesis. Both of them trot at a leisurely pace behind Sim, who seemed to be waiting for something while on the edge of his hooves.

Eventually they took a break from reading when Sim started speaking, both of them looking up from their material, Fear's ears flicking and Faith's eyes lighting up. Fear was more intrigued than Faith, and it seemed to be more geared toward him anyway. It was just an explanation on how and why the desert had grown unusually tamer since the bombs had gone off, as if the climate change in other areas of the wasteland had spread to here, albeit indirectly.

When Sim was done talking Fear finally glanced toward Faith, thinking long and hard about what she'd been reading. He'd been curious for awhile. “Hey Faith, what's that... manuscript? About, anyway?

Faith hummed, measuring her words carefully as she cautiously slipped the folded pages into her saddlebags so she could walk unencumbered. “Well... it's about how friendship, while harmonious, is not inherently without Discord.”

“What do you mean? Sounds different from what you're usually preaching.”

Faith gave a small nod and continued. “As in: there is order, sure, but there is also chaos in how it makes us feel. It can make us feel all sorts of emotions, from sad for someone else, angry at something someone has done, happy spending time together and being merry, and even mourning with one another. It's never really the same or monotonous, it's an orchestra of emotions that rises and falls based on the conductor that is life.”

Fear was impressed, as evidenced by the way his eyebrows rose on his face, jaw hanging open in an 'oh.' “That's oddly poetic.”

“Mhm,” Faith continued. “It also brings to light the fact that... well. We make friends with both those who are similar to us and those who are different. It takes all kinds to make a group of friends. Opinions are constantly differing. This text makes the argument that if friendship were truly order, we'd be talking to ourselves and no one else. We would just be speaking to mirrors. Friendship requires chaos in order to thrive, in order for us to realize what matters in life and who's important to us. It explains that there is harmony in disorder. It goes into far more detail than that, even using survey data, but that's what I'm taking from it so far.”

Fear was in awe at the concept, considering it heavily, glancing forward once more.

“What's your book about Fear?” The colt could tell Faith wasn't actually that keen on learning, able to tell by her emotions radiating from her, but knew it was only polite to show mutual interest.

“Well, it's about this guy named Rebel Ram, who's honestly kind of a timid unicorn archaeologist. He starts on an empty alien planet researching something, I don't remember what, when he gets a letter from this big rich guy named Valentine – he's the son of an emperor – to go study an artifact on another planet. It's an enormous temple, far bigger than most things, that belonged to some fourth alien race – there are three alien races by the way – who was some kind of a hybrid of two of the three. It's all gold and blue and shit. He goes there with his team in order to check it out, but it turns out there's an immovable gate leading further in that they can't get past. So one night while he's thinking on how to access this inner sanctum, he gets inspiration from this hermit crab thingy, whatever that is, and realizes that the combination for the door must be something that's relevant to every living creature, no matter how big, small, advanced, or basic. He realizes that the combination must be this thing called the Golden Ratio, so he returns to the gate in order to touch the rectangles next to the door in that pattern with his hoof, causing it to open up. He celebrates for a bit, before hurrying in where he finds a psionic alien with no mouth who belongs to the more reptilian of the three races, who's laying dying in a spaceship, frozen in time. Ram touches her without thinking and time just sort of... starts back up again, and with it the alien's spirit surges into his brain, taking up space in it. It gives him these telepathic and psychokinetic abilities that are beyond a normal unicorn, and he's now trying to live with a new presence in his mindspace; turns out she's some kind of keeper of knowledge.”

Faith's interest was genuinely piqued now. “So Rebel Ram essentially becomes an empath like you?”

“S-sort of. It's far more than I am, but it's really close! I kind of love it to be honest. It's nice to be able to relate to him, even if he is a total pansy sometimes.”

The journey continued on in relative reticence for a long while, with just the padding of the trio's hooves on the dirt and the light breeze passing between them. Fear eventually turned on his mother's radio to break apart the quiet, leaving him to enjoy some jazz tunes all over again. He'd missed this.

Sim finally spoke up, as if he'd found what he was looking for. “We're in range, you two. I'm going to send word to my mother.” He then went silent as the others looked on inquisitively.

Mom, you there?

Oh, honey! It's been so long! I'm so glad to hear from you! Especially because... mmh. How do I put this? There was a weariness and hesitance to Emulae's mental voice. Your father's been kidnapped, Simmy.

WHAT? Sim was rendered speechless and looking like an idiot, his maw gaping and eyes disbelieving. He slumped forward, getting into a readied stance as if looking to take somepony on even as they continued walking, like he was going to fight a phantom enemy.

Yes. The kids and I-

KIDS?

Yes, Simmy, calm down. It's okay. The Steel Rangers have said they're going to help Jack in exchange for some free radaway. It's fine.

“THE STEEL RANGERS?” Sim was finally shouting out loud as well as in his head, both vocalizing and sending it on the wavelength. Fear and Faith looked at him with concern.

Fear questioned his father. “What's going on?”

I said calm down. Again, it's fine. Some mob boss or some such sent a couple of ponies to us saying they're taking Jack with them to see their leader, and I haven't seen him since. I'm sure they're just talking with him and he'll be back soon enough. And if not, the Steel Rangers will be able to rescue him. Now quiet down, everything's okay. Your siblings are eager to meet you.

Sim stopped in his tracks, trying to keep up, holding his head in a hoof. Mom. We're coming now. And we're going to save Pop.

Honey, come on. Emulae was pleading. They have control of the entire town, you're just going to stir up unnecessary trouble.

Bullshit, Mom. Pop needs us. We're not letting some upstart have his way with us. End of discussion.

“Dad?” Fear repeated.

Language, sweetie! But fine, I can see I'm not going to be able to change your mind.

By the way, Mom? Sim was tentative.

What is it honey?

Amelio's dead.

The line went cold.

“Dad, what's going on?”

Sim grunted. “Change of plans, Fear. Faith, you can stay at my parents' place if you want. Fear, you too. Once we're there I need to go into town and find out information about this mob boss or whatever who's running things around Dryfield. He took your grandpa.”

“WHAT?” Fear exclaimed. Faith looked even more worried. “No way! I'm going with you too.”

Faith replied, “I as well Sim, you've earned my loyalty. And who knows? Maybe we can talk some sense into them.”

Sim's expression was grateful and tense, a gentle frown and teary eyes. “Thank you, you two. Supposedly the Steel Rangers in the area are looking into it but who knows how long that'll take?” Sim's inflection was sardonic.

“The Steel Rangers,” Fear questioned, “why are they here?”

“They occasionally receive discount supplies from my parents in exchange for normally keeping them safe.”

“WHAT!?” This was becoming a familiar word for Fear. “Why didn't you tell me!?”

Sim's explanation was logical and succinct. “Because Fear, I didn't want you getting any big ideas about befriending or, sisters forbid it, joining them like I did when I was young.”

Fear thought about it, looking up at the cloud cover and pursing his lips. He nodded his head from side to side and responded. “Alright, that's fair,” he relented. “Let's get going.”

After a moment Fear spoke again. “Oh by the way, Princess Luna actually told me something about this!”

Sim glanced back to Fear with a lifted eyebrow. “Oh? What's that?” Faith glanced to Fear too, clearly intrigued.

“Yeah, apparently he's trying to make the wasteland a better place or something, and a bunch of ponies depend on him for their livelihood? I'm unsure. She's still looking into it.”

Emulae's voice came back a moment later. Simmy? You there?

Yeah Mom, what's up? We're on our way.

I'm sorry about little Ame. She was such a sweetiepie. I'm sure you miss her tons.

Sim was quiet for a moment. I really do Mom. She was my world for so many years. But I'll get over it, I'm sure. She visits me in my dreams now and then. Anyways, I don't want to talk about it right now, I'll be there soon with a couple guests. They already know so don't worry. One of them's my son.

Oh? You found Fearei? I look forward to seeing him! Take care of yourself.

Bye Mom.

==========================================================================================

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oe3jJ0qIoQQ

Sim was the first to approach the door of the quaint farmhouse abode after the trio had traveled through some rather large fields of pumpkins and sunflowers among other, albeit tinier sections of crops. It was amazing the family was able to get it all watered and harvested. Fear asked as much as they neared.

“It helps that it rains hard, though rarely, in the desert, and that the climate's changed over the years. The old windpump also aids the efforts.” Sim responded with the knowhow of somepony who had spent his early years farming.

Fear wasn't sure that was acceptable enough, but he ended up just looking behind them, staring at the plants that would one day be reaped. The way they swayed in the gentle breeze. Fear looked further and saw a strange structure rising up out of the earth in the fields – it was the windpump – he didn't know that though. He watched it spin lethargically, holding the colt's attention for much longer than it should have, slowly entrancing him with its revolutions. Suddenly, before he knew what was going on, he was being swept up in a giant hug by a... someone with carapace?

“Ohhh my little Fearei!” Whoever this was, her voice was brimming with uncontained energy, even if they sounded aged. “I never thought I'd meet you!” Her exclamation was drawn out like she was trying to squeeze the life out of Fear with both her forelegs and her words. “Ohhhh! Such happy days! My little grandson! The smallest thing there ever was!” Her voice was sweet on the ears, like succulent molasses added to an already delicious dinner.

Fear's wind was completely squeezed out of him for awhile, his cheeks puffing out and eyes bugging out from their sockets. He struggled to breathe, before eventually being set down, allowing him to get a good look at Emulae.

She was a beautiful changeling, with polished inky black carapace covering her entire body. Numerous holes covering her four legs in an artsy pattern and one punched through her curved horn. Her ears looked like a crown of seashells, much like Viola had when he'd seen an image of her. He was kind of in awe with how vibrant she was, with her compound fuschia eyes, wings, and gossamer tail and mane, the latter which was done up in a ponytail. The shell covering her barrel like a ribbed saddle made out of incredibly tough membrane was a vivid amethyst, leaving her to be possibly the most gorgeous thing Fear had ever seen. The way the light refracted through the chitinous wings, a pale shade of pink, a little see through, left an impact on the colt, nearly enchanting him.

Immediately, before Fear could finish taking her in or finish reveling in her appearance, Fear was beset by a trio of hybrids, tackled to the ground and getting nuzzled from head to hoof, all over as if they were searching for love. Fear couldn't understand what was going on, his head swimming and reeling. He tried to take in the visage of all three as he attempted to recover the ability to speak that had been knocked out of him.

Emulae spoke carefully, making sure Fear was paying attention. “Fearei, this is Chirpy Chatter.” Emulae gestured to the most hyperactive of the bunch, an earth pony colt with pumpkin orange coat of fur, some unshorn fetlocks, and wavy asphalt gray mane and tail. It looked dusty and dirty. He had a cutiemark of a cicada with music notes flowing from it.

“Rose Touch.” Emulae then motioned to the unicorn filly who Fear could've sworn was kneading out his stress, concern, and surprise just by touching him with hooves. Rose was covered in various violets and rose colors, from red to pink. She was oddly gentle with him, yet had a piercing gaze that prodded his soul and made him feel as if every facet of himself, including his sins, was being laid out for everypony to see. Her cutiemark was an equine body surrounded by rose thorns. They, oddly enough, didn't look painful.

“And Aromirage.” Fear looked to the last in the bunch, an earth pony filly who had been the first to move away from him. She looked as shy as a deer with the way she was positioned, about ready to bolt for some kind of cover. She had a long, curtaining mane that was a brilliant sunny orange and fell over one of her eyes, her tail curling upwards at the tip. Her coat was a soft periwinkle that was perfectly groomed. Mirage seemed to have a very sweet scent about her that made Fear's body feel like jelly, turning him into mush, everything becoming all wobbly and difficult. Her cutiemark was... hard to explain. It was a pile of powder with aroma lines wafting off of it. Fear was still trying to get his bearings, standing up and putting all his gear back on.

“Hey hey hey Fear, good to finally meetcha! We heard about you before! Hardly know ya though!” Chirpy was enthusiastic and right in Fear's face, nearly shouting at him.

“It is... a pleasure to meet you Mister Fearei,” Rose simply said.

“H-hi F-Fearei,” Mirage stuttered out before hiding behind her mane, clearly the youngest of the three.

Fear tried to get back on track, squeezing his eyes shut and opening them, seeing Faith and Sim talking in the distance. “I uhh... good to meet you three too? Or... something. Sorry, I'm kinda at a loss.” He shrugged a shoulder. “I didn't know I had more siblings?”

Chirpy's smile was energetic and beaming. “Silly!”

Rose grinned as well. “We're actually your uncles and aunts, Mister Fearei.”

Fear rubbed his noggin, able to feel a headache coming on. They didn't look much taller than him, except for maybe Mirage who was shorter, and they didn't sound much older than him, yet he knew they were younger than him by at least four years, maybe more? It was irritating, burrowing into his mind and leaving him feeling frustrated. “Well, uh, why don't you show me around I guess?”

Chirpy was quick to volunteer responsibility. “I'll show him around! I can do it! Pick me pick me!” He started racing around in circles, much to Fear's chagrin.

Emulae smiled. “Go for it Chirp, he's all yours.” Emulae ushered the others back inside, leaving Fear to be escorted around the farm.

Chirpy showed the older colt the barn, the pumpkin patch, the sunflower fields, some other crops, and the windpump, explaining all of it to him and how it worked; the schedules in which everything was harvested and how they took care of it all.

Fear was flabbergasted by the end of the about half hour tour, trying to keep up with the hyper colt. “Why...” He tried to put the question he had into proper words. “Why do you all seem so... mature?” Fear wasn't sure that was the right question. Chirpy wasn't immature per se, from what he'd seen of him. Just young. He seemed like he did and knew a lot, and might've even been better educated than Fear.

“Well, maybe it's 'cause most changeling hybrids age quickly in order to fulfill their role in a hive? I bet that's it. It's why we found our cutiemarks so fast. But I mean we've also been raised in an effort to take over Mom's and Dad's place on the farm one day. Learning how to sow, harvest, barter, et cetera. We're familiar with all the equipment and everything.”

The colt was stuck up on the 'changelings grow faster to contribute to the hive' part of that explanation. It didn't really make total sense, mostly because it hadn't been the case for him. Had it? He'd mostly started really growing after his mother died. Another silver lining he supposed. At least it was when he got his cutie mark. “It wasn't the case for me. I didn't grow fast. It took awhile after a traumatic event to realize my role, and even now I'm not so sure.”

“Well maybe you're just a special case Fear? Or maybe it's because you don't have as much changeling in you as us!?” Chirpy was full of suggestions.

Fear wasn't certain why but that felt really insensitive. He couldn't place it. His impression of the colt soured a little. “Well what's your role?”

Chirpy was quick to explain. “Well, I inherited my father's skills with speech! Sort of. I can chat with monsters and plants and tame them all with enough time and effort. Though if I'm not careful I can be a little annoying.”

Fear rose an eyebrow. “You don't say?”

“Hey! What's that supposed to mean?” Chirpy was indignant.

“Nothing. What about the others?”

Chirpy was easily distracted, starting to elaborate on his siblings. “Well, Rose is an up and coming masseuse, that's what our parents say, and Mirage is this thing called an aromatherapist. We all use our talents on the farm and in town, as well as provide physical labor. It keeps us busy and fulfilled and we enjoy ourselves, so what's not to love? We're eking out a life for ourselves just like our parents!”

Fear got a far-flung look to his eyes, a little glassy. “Neat. You three really have it all here don't you?”

“Well, I mean, until Dad was kidnapped. But I mean.. Mom's doing a really good job of keeping us in high spirits, it's contagious.”

Fear stared at Chirpy with a soft frown on his face. “Don't worry, I'm going to get him back for you if it's the last thing I do.”

Chirpy swung his head from side to side emphatically. “No. Make it one of the things you do, not the last. I don't want to lose my nephew.” He slung a foreleg over Fear's shoulders and held him close, causing the colt to feel mildly uncomfortable.

Fear glared at Chirpy, but huffed and acceded. “Fine. It'll be one of the things I do.” Dear Celestia, Chirpy was a hoofful.

==========================================================================================

The guest room Fear had been given to stay in was simple and sweet, made from boards of wood, wooden pillars, etc. With a somewhat gaudy throw rug that was a mishmash of colors and designs, chaos in its purest form. Some basic necessities like end tables, dressers, and beds with accompanying sheets. It was all rather... plain. But something about it was comforting to the colt. It felt like another home. Like a cozy grandparents' house. Fear had never experienced before, so he wasn't sure why he could compare it to that, but that's how it felt. He was still trying to come to terms with the nymphs and Emulae as he balled up on the bed, cuddling his Breinstorm plush. All of this was so hard to get used to. It was strange – he felt so... ostracized, but he knew they were more welcoming than anypony he'd ever met, aside from maybe Crate and Angel. Fear was contemplative over it, not depressed nor offended anymore. Just... dazed.

Rose tapped on the door a few times. He knew it was her from the whispers of her soul. “Mister Fearei, may I please come in?”

Fear looked up from the wall and glanced toward the door with a loose jaw. “Sure. And please, call me Fear.”

Rose cracked open the door, slipping in gracefully as if she were made of fluid. “I heard you had a... 'good' time with Chirp.”

Fear rolled his eyes and twisted away. “Define 'good time.'” Fear felt oddly open with her despite only knowing her for a little while.

A sagely smile crept across Rose's face. “You sure you're not feeling that way just because of things he said? He can be a little bullheaded and inconsiderate sometimes. He's made Mirage cry once or twice because of his words. He's still working on fusing to his role. Aside from that, he told me what happened. You've probably been fulfilling your role for longer than you thought.”

The colt considered it carefully, before returning to face her. “Hmm... Sure. Yeah. The tour was fun and I learned a lot. He's just a hoofful.”

“He really is. I hope you forgive him though, he's just a little too hyper.”

“Yeah... yeah, I getcha. I won't hold it against him.”

“Good, thank you Mister Fear.”

Fear raised an eyebrow. “Just Fear is good. I don't like being called 'mister' right now. I'm not that old.”

Rose lidded her eyes and giggled. “Okay, Fear, as you wish. Anyways, I was told you wanted to see niece Ame's heirloom.”

Both of Fear's eyebrows lifted up in surprise at that, something that was happening a lot lately. “You mean...?”

“Yes.” Rose turned to the door. “Mirage, if you could, please.”

Mirage slowly came in carrying the sword on her back, nudging the door open all the way with her muzzle and making her way over toward Fear. She was trembling, her chest heaving, yet her breaths came out in quiet pants that could barely be heard. She was obviously scared.

The scabbard was nothing interesting, just a little thing made of old cloth, stained here and there. The real show was in the sword itself. It had a long, indigo, rod-like handle made for swinging it with telekinesis, with an ornate, cratered pommel shaped like a crescent moon. The entirety shimmered and reflected light like a mirror, yet it was sturdy enough to take some hits. It looked awe-inspiring, like the actual moon. The crossguard, which Fear assumed was for catching things, was also rather full of detail. It looked like constellations. And the silver blade that reached for what almost seemed like forever to a colt as small as him was magnificent and sharp, precise and lethal. Its edges accurate. When he looked closely he could see the quartz lining it, and he could feel. Fear's eyes dilated as if he was lost in a trance. It felt like Luna, it felt like Saway, and it felt like Amelio. It had Luna's grace, Saway's viciousness, and Amelio's obsession for him. It wasn't their soul, just residue of their personality.

Then came the memories, rushing back into him like a flood. A tsunami that broke apart his mind, causing him to shake and shiver, nearly dropping the blade. They were vivid memories of his nightmare where he and his sister fought to the death in a cavern of crystals. She had been using this sword, and he had been using a solar themed one. Fear immediately resheathed it and put it next to his saddlebags.

“I-is it t-to your liking, Fearei?” Mirage could see the colt trembling.

Fear nodded once, a harsh gaze permeating his features. He was inheriting something special. Now he knew for sure that he wanted to wield it. Sure it would have been nice to have that sun one – he felt like a sun – but this would be good enough. It had his sister in it. Fear's voice was tentative and bewildered. “Yes, Mirage, thank you. It's... incredible. More than I expected. I can feel the potential radiating from it.” He definitely could feel the power.

“I... I'm glad, Fearei. I'll be going now.” And just like that she hurried out of the way before he could respond.

Rose watched her go. “That's our usual Mirage. If you get her talking about music or smells though you'll have her yapping your ear off. Just have to know how to keep her with you then she's all yours.” Rose turned back and smiled to Fear. “Anyways, I'll leave you alone now. I'm sure you have a lot to think about.” It was almost like she could read his mind. She was likely just reading his expressions.

Fear nodded dumbly and made his way over to the bed again, still contemplative. He wondered if he ought to go to sleep and tell the others the good news? It was getting early in the morning after all, and they'd want to travel when it was night-ish. Better temperatures then.

Time seemed to pass by in a blur as Fear laid there not knowing what to expect, isolated from the world. Unexpectedly, Fear felt Faith's presence coming to the door. And then she stopped, and started knocking. He glanced to the door again. Faith had a really unique knock. Just the power behind it, the rhythm and pacing, everything. It felt like the mare, light-hearted and groovy. It's special, bringing a smile to Fear's face despite all his overwhelming feelings. “Come in.”

Faith entered, pushing the door open all the way. “Hello Fear, it's good to see you. How are you holding up? You okay?”

“Ye'h.” Fear thought about it, resting his head on the pillow again. “Just don't know what I'm supposed to do, and being around so many energetic ponies is draining. I don't know why.”

“Who knows, Fear? Maybe you're actually an introvert or some combination of it and extrovert?” Faith knew so much.

Fear repeated the word. “Introvert...? I mean, maybe.” Is that what I am? “I didn't grow up with many ponies around me always giving me attention, and the world was pressure enough. I already told you all about my growing up and such. I just don't know what to say to them.”

Faith nodded. “True, but you never gave me any examples of what it was like growing up with your mother. You should do that sometime.”

Fear considered it. “Hmm... maybe. You really that curious?”

A patronizing smile crossed Faith's face, though Fear didn't catch it because it felt less like an insult and more like a tease. “Fearei, I didn't grow up with parents remember? I'd love to hear what it's like to have one. Seeing you snuggling with your father now and then has been fruitful for me.”

Fear grinned again from ear to ear. He couldn't help but smile around Faith. The unknown pony who'd spoken to him was right, she really was the most pleasant pony he'd ever been around, aside from Crate and Angel at least. Fear sighed slightly and bobbed his head once. “In that case I'll tell you about the time she took care of me while I was suffering from radiation poisoning.”