Fallout Equestria: Petrichor

"We can't just give him to them! Jackpot saved my daughter!"
"No one's givin' that buck to anypony Dewdrop, don't ya worry none."
"I say we fight!"
"Now hold on now just a second, not all of us know how to fire a gun. Can't we just evacuate instead?"

I listened in, my ear flicking here and there as the ponies argued. I hadn't interrupted the town ponies even once, as I honestly felt like it wasn't my place. The fate of thirty or so ponies was more important than mine, when thinking rationally - and so far, allowing these ponies to choose my fate had worked in my favor. I hadn't been in wrong thinking these were good ponies. I laid my head down on the floor, my eyes fixed on the ponies.

There was Grandpa Bucket, who was being the voice of reason, telling ponies to calm down whenever someone's voice rose or said something a bit dumb. Sparkles, and whom I assumed was her mother, were there too, arguing against giving me away and trying to find a solution that wouldn't end with bloodshed. An orange stallion had suggested they'd give me away, but had been shot down instantly - the title of local hero came with some perks.

"Town’s too large to evac safely 'n' without rousin' any suspicion." Bucket’s voice cut in with a sigh. I had to agree. My hoof tapped against the flooring, and then finally something gave me an idea. I lifted my head, mulling the idea over before saying anything.

"Jackpot, what's on your mind? Figure out a way to get out of this mess?" - Sparkles had noticed my movement and expression, and was now staring at me. Actually, they all were staring at me. I gave a small nod, though I didn't stop the slight frown.

"What if... I sneak out, and lure them after me? With luck, they'll completely forget about the town." Either with luck, or if I did my job right and really got their attention. A stunned silence came over everypony, and then, all at once, they erupted into half-shouts of protest. Well, nearly everypony. I waited for the fellas to get their pieces in, before lifting my hoof to get their attention again.

"Please. It's me they want - well, more than they want you ponies. It's a gamble, but if I'm right I should get at least half of them to chase after me, maybe even more. I like those odds - your town has a bigger chance of survival if I do that."

The silence was deafening, some of the ponies looking a bit awkward about this plan. Finally, Bucket let out a deep sigh. "Aye, I think yer right. As much as I hate to admit to it. Meet me at the back of the town as soon as ye finish up stocking, there's an entrance there ye might be able to use to sneak out."

At that, I got up, stretching my legs that had gone stiff from all this staying still. Bucket waddled out of the house that had been dubbed the "town hall", and I looked after him, already starting to aim towards the door when familiar figures trotted in. Quickly, I sat down upon noticing the tiny dark purple form of the foal who was bouncing towards me. Upon reaching me, the little foal stood on their hind legs to give me a quick nuzzle against my chest, which did make me chuckle a bit before I patted their back.

"Hey kiddo. Did you behave?"

They nodded, stepping back from me and starting their horn with golden and yellow sparks, before that familiar warm golden color shone around the appendage. This warm light moved, rippled, forming finally a round shape around the foal. I couldn't help but to grin at the shield-spell - sure, it wasn't exactly stable, nor did it look strong enough to stop bullets. But it was a step up, and a good start for the spell. The foal soon dropped the spell, letting out a bit of a sigh - from what I could guess, it was straining to do. My pride for the foal just grew, and I reached my hoof to give the kiddo some well deserved mane ruffles.

Classic Song chuckled a bit too, waving his hoof in the air dismissively, but his voice betrayed bit of wonder. "Hayseed has quite bit of magical talent. Caught up on the basics pretty darn fast."

I arched my brow at the name, which Classic caught on. Clearing his throat, unicorn explained further. "Hayseed? The name Grandma Shovel gave him?"

"Who?"

My question was quickly answered by a sting against my rump. While it didn't exactly hurt, it did startle me enough to jump up, spin in air and land with a thud further away. An old mare, older than dirt from what I could tell - not that I was best at judging ages but all those wrinkles... Her eyes twinkled, however, with youthful mischievous glint, making me reassess my opinion on her. That, and the little stinging sensation at my flank.

"Don't you be ‘who'ing me boy, I am the lady of the town after all!" She laughed, in a volume I hadn't expected from an old, frail mare of her size. In my confusion, I sat down, staring at her in attempt to find something intelligent to say.

"Uh... Grandma Shovel, I presume?"

Smooth Jackpot. Really smooth. The mare nodded at me, smiling wide, before patting at my tiny companions head. "Heard you were leaving, and taking little Hayseed with you - so I came to wish good luck on your travels. And bring some grub, Hayseed is a growing foal and needs all the nutrients!"

"Speaking of grub, I got something for you too."

I turned my head towards Sparkles, who was carrying couple bottles of sparkle cola in her magic - before placing them into my saddlebags. "You'll need all the supplies you can carry if you are going to pull this off." Well I couldn't argue with that. I smiled in thanks at her, as she also started to place the lunch Grandma Shovel brought to us inside the bags. I hadn't expected the town ponies to actually give us anything for our daring attempt, these really were good ponies. Good ponies worth protecting. Which was exactly what I was going to do, I would not let their kindness and trust in someone like me go to waste.

There was still a bit time. Time that I wasn't trying to waste, but ponies kept stopping me, some giving me advice on where to head, and some dropping something into my bag to help. It was now common knowledge that the little foal "Hayseed" was with me, and some wanted to make sure I was well equipped to care for them. And, Wanderlust was coming, so I was given some ammo to forward to the ghoul who kept appearing and disappearing. Apparently he wasn't exactly easy to approach either... So that was going to be interesting.

"There ye are!"

My head snapped towards the old buck, who was waiting near a plywood piece that leaned against the steep, rocky walls. Wanderlust was waiting there for us too, giving me and the foal... Hayseed, a short nod. I grinned a bit as Hayseed ran to the ghoul, standing on their hind legs to take better look at our newest companion, before turning my attention to Grandpa Bucket.

"Sorry mate - a few ponies stopped me on the way here."

The elderly pony waved his hoof in a dismissive manner, water under the bridge I assumed, before moving the plywood off a hole in the cliff. A small hole. Pony sized, if you squeezed a bit, or a lot in my case. "Well we ain't got much time for goodbyes - this here tunnel leads to other side of these rocky cliffs. It's a bit of a squeeze, but I'm sure ya'll manage just fine. Just try not to get stuck."

"Easier said than done." I muttered, before taking off my saddlebags and barding - no way I was going to let my equipment be the reason why'd we stall. "Hayseed, can you levitate my items through some of the openings?" - and great, now the name was stuck. Oh well, might as well call them Hayseed, it wasn't a bad name. The unicorn nodded at me happily, picking the bags before trotting through the hole with little to no effort. I looked over to Wanderlust, and his battlesaddle. "Going to need help with that?"

Ghoul shook his head at me, before motioning towards the hole with bandaged hoof. "I will manage. You go ahead, in case you need someone to push from this end."

I frowned a bit at the implication that I was going to need the push due to my size, but let it slide. Taking a deep breath, and then pulling my stomach and sides in as much as I could, I started to wiggle through the hole. The rocky walls dug into my hide, scraping a bit, but with a bit of pull with my front hooves I managed to get through. First tight spot cleared, on to the next-

"It should get a bit easier from here, until the second to last opening."

I jumped, nearly hitting my head on the ceiling at the sudden appearance of Wanderlust. How he got behind me, I will never know, but by Celestia was that ghoul stealthy! Even with that mask, I could tell Wanderlust was smiling at me for my reaction. Jerk.

"Let's... let's just get a move on." I groaned, starting to move forward, with Hayseed’s magic illuminating our way. I followed Hayseed, and the draft of air, in complete silence. We were going to be in trouble soon, so I had to mentally prepare myself for that - being shot at was never fun, and my top priority was Hayseed’s safety. They were still a kid, and I had picked them up to protect them. This was not protecting them. But, it seemed like the foal had agreed that we had to help these towns folks. Still...

"Wanderlust, I have a favor to ask you."

"I'm listening."

Lowering my voice - which was probably for nothing, seeing how close Hayseed was - I looked over to the ghoul, speaking in a hushed, soft tone. I didn't want Hayseed to hear this, just in case they'd take this the wrong way.

"I need you to protect Hayseed when they come after us. Smart kid, but not the longest legs."

Wanderlust’s head was turned towards me, but I couldn't tell if he was looking at me or side-eyeing at Hayseed. Would it hurt to take those goggles off for one conversation? I knew ghouls looked hideous, but surely it couldn't be that bad? And why was I so curious suddenly? That had never been a trait of mine... stress, possibly. Didn't want to think about what was about to come. Anyways, back to the subject.

"Can do." Wanderlust’s words made me relax a bit, and a small smile appeared on my muzzle before I turned my head forward, to make sure I wouldn't trip over any rocks. My ears - no, ear - however turned towards Wanderlust, as he continued. "You really are going to put yourself at risk for a town you barely know? Most ponies would just run."

I couldn't help but laugh a bit, making a bit of a grin at the ghoul. "I am running. After getting them after me. Can't let good ponies get hurt or harassed by some jackasses."

I guess my reply was good enough for the ghoul. Maybe? He didn't exactly say anything to that - no objections, no praise. Surely he'd say something, if he had something against the plan. Speaking of the plan, after getting through the last opening, it was time to put it in motion. Hayseed helped me get back into my barding, and I gave a quick ruffle of their mane.

"Alright, y'all wait here. When the shooting starts, start running that way-" I quickly pointed to a certain rock formation in the distance, "-and don't stop until we either find a spot to hide, or they give up. I'll be right behind you, as long as nothing gets me in the leg." I pulled the straps on my saddlebags to tighten them up. Hayseed looked up at me in worry, but I only smirked back a bit. It was going to be dangerous, but I sure as hay wasn't going to let kiddo worry about me.

"Oh don't ya worry squirt. If these fellas are anything like the last batch, they wouldn't be able to hit me even if I stood still."

For a white buck of my size, I was surprisingly stealthy. Stealthy enough to circle around the camp without the two griffons noticing me right off the bat. No, three - there was one more on the ground, talking to the earlier envoy. Clearly the deadline was almost here, time to make my announcement now before they'd open fire. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared. This had so many ways of going wrong, but that was worry for if something like that happened. So, taking deep shaky breath to calm my nerves, I pulled myself into my full height. From up here, they all seemed so... small. And they hadn't even noticed me yet. Another breath, and I opened up my muzzle, shouting the first thing that came to my mind to get their attention.

"Hey! Hey you mangy tailed yellow-bellied cowards!"

Have I ever mentioned I wasn't exactly the most creative pony when it comes to insulting someone? Probably because Mama Pot always tanned my hide each time I even tried. Almost twenty years later and I was still expecting her to smack me on my hind legs for this.

"Are your heads really so deep in ye boss' rear that ya couldn't even tell I wasn't even in the town anymore!? Some quality enforcers Rawmaw chose for the job!"

And there was the gunshot. My cue to turn around and start running like the devil was on my tail - and in all fairness it probably was, considering I kept hearing a very telling purring of a Luna damned minigun. Who ever was gunning the thing wasn't exactly skilled on shooting a fleeing target, which was probably the only reason why I didn't get torn to pieces on the spot. That or the gunner was just toying with me. Whichever it was, I was grateful - I needed to run, and keep running.

In my stampede, I started to catch up to one shape that was moving way ahead of me. At first, I thought it was just one pony, but soon realized that there was a smaller shape riding on top of the bigger one. Good on Wanderlust, he had been smart enough to just put the little unicorn on his back before starting to run. Why hadn't I thought of that? Guess this was why I wasn't the brains of the operations... Wanderlust did occasional spin, shooting his rifle somewhere behind or above me in mid spin, landing then gracefully to start running again. I suspected he was the reason why I hadn't been shot down yet, since he had been taking down some of the thugs.

However, my legs were longer, thus on a straight gallop I was faster. I soon caught up to the ghoul, who turned his head only slightly towards me.

"You'll burn all my debt before the sun sets at this rate."

I couldn't help but to grin as a response, not daring to respond right away. I had to focus on running and not tripping. Hayseed occasionally leaned down, unjamming Wanderlust’s rifle here and there with their magic. Apparently running and gunning wasn't the ghoul’s strongest point. Then again I couldn't use guns at all, so who was I to judge? Taking in deep breath, I laughed a bit finally, giving my reply with a hint of sarcasm I just could not hide.

"Ya were the one who demanded to follow us!"

"Well this went great." Wanderlust commented, before laying back down next to us from his scouting, adjusting the cowboy hat on his head. "We haven't been spotted yet, but we’re completely surrounded. So all we can do now is lay down and wait."

I grunted a bit, stretching my leg, reaching with my mouth and plucking out a bullet that had thankfully only gone skin deep at best. Spitting the bullet on the floor, I shook my leg a bit to get the feeling off. "Got no problem with that. We'll just wait for an opening, and run for it - this is a good chance to catch our breath and figure out where to go next."

Hayseed was pressing a cloth against the scratches on my legs, cleaning them out. The foal was surprisingly calm considering what had just happened, but I guess Hayseed had mentally prepared themself for this. Wanderlust huffed a bit, but didn't complain further - instead just settling down a bit better.

"Any idea yet?"

I looked over at the ghoul, laying my head sideways on the cool ground, thinking a bit.

"We can't go in Barn Sour’s direction. They'll look for us from there. Bit east from that, and we'll run the risk of meeting more of Rawmaw’s troops. I sure as hell don't want to move towards Hoofington either. So... I'm open for suggestions. We can't stay put, that's for sure."

Wanderlust nodded couple times, before tapping on the side of his muzzle with a hoof, thoughtfully. My memory of the territory was fuzzy at best - all those years ago, it was straight point a to point b, without any breaks or chances to look around. "If I could just remember my way back home..."

"Home?"

Wanderlust must've heard me talk, and I lifted my head from the floor to give him flat look. "Yes. Home. Place I was born and raised in."

"I'm doing an educated guess here, but I think this 'Rawmaw' you've mentioned is why you're not there anymore?"

I huffed and laid my head back down. I could feel Hayseed nestling against my side, almost like they could sense my mood - which was not the best right now. But, snapping at my companions wasn't something I wanted to do... and it probably would help them in the long run, knowing who I was running from.

"Rawmaw... not sure who or what that pony is. Never seen them. I don't know what their plans are, what they look like, or what they sound like. Hell, don't even know what derogatory insults to use." At that I took a quick look down at the foal curled up against my side. Okay maybe it was good I didn't know what slurs to use when in the presence of this little fella. "What I do know is that Rawmaw is a massive slave-driver. Some are bought from Paradise, some are collared travelers, and when they decide to get really frisky... they'll take down small settlements, and drag out anyone they can."

Wanderlust tilted his head a bit, and I looked over. Ears... ear folding back, I gave the best annoyed look I could, before groaning a bit. I really didn't like talking about this. It had been years and years ago, and just thinking about back then made my blood boil. And right now, I was too tired to get riled up. On the other hoof, maybe telling... I sighed, and turned my head away from the two.

"They raided my farm when I was a colt. Don't like talking about it - all you need to know is that me and most of the family that survived were collared, and dragged to Rawmaw’s little slaver town. Can't remember the directions - could maybe recognize some landmarks, if I'd happen to stumble on any of them." I frowned at the end, muttering to myself. That deep, pressuring silence that followed was rather awkward, my two companions waiting for me to continue. I guess they didn't exactly know how to ask me to, however. Mindful lot so far. And hadn't I given enough information right there already?

"That settles it then," our ghoul companion finally said, tapping his hat and pulling it partially to cover the goggles. "We'll head towards your old home. I'll need you to recount any landmarks you might remember." Oh, so now he was the leader. Fine by me. I grunted, lifting my gaze towards the skies as I thought. What all I could remember?

"... A bridge. Old, unstable, hundreds of feets below before you'd meet the water, made of wood. Lost Everglade in there. Also Everfree Forest... We camped next to it for one night. Couldn't sleep a wink." Frowning so hard it almost hurt, I tried to recount anything particular - I had been so young, so terrified when moving in the group. Hadn't I gone sick at one part too? Yes, I had been carried by two of the older stallions at one point.

"... Mountain of colored lights in the distance... and a field... no. It was almost like a field with water, but there was fire bursting from the cracks, and the water was thick, almost like translucent muck that would swallow you if you put any weight on it."

Finally I just sighed, and gave apologetic look. "Sorry Wander. I was young. Pretty sure my memory is playing tricks on me here."

"That is fine. Remember anything from the farm?"

Oh bless his patience. Suddenly I was very glad Wanderlust was with us - trying to help me get back to where I first came from. I doubted anything was there anymore, but it would be nice to make sure. "It was elevated. We could see the ruins of one of the pre-war cities - I can remember the statue of Princess Celestia, her wings spread. It was in the distance, and crooked, but looked straight at where our little farm was. It reminded us that she's always watching. Never went where it was though, since walking through the city was a bad idea."

Best not to mention why that was, I really didn't want to offend our newest companion, who was now nodding to my words. "You certainly had a long trip. But the fiery field? I know a place similar to that - off to the South-West. If we circle around west, we should avoid these slavers just fine."

And just like that I could've just kissed the rotting stallion. My head perked up instantly, startling Hayseed who let out questioning yip at my sudden movements. Wanderlust caught on my movements, chuckling a bit before waving hoof at me.

"Settle down. We'll move at dawn once you've gotten some strength back." He got up, checking his weapons. "You two rest, and I'll guard. If something happens I'll wake you."
Yep. Definitely could kiss the ghoul, and I usually wasn't really into stallions. Making cheeky grin, I laid my head back down, giving gentle blow from my nostrils at Hayseeds direction - who also settled back down. Things were starting to look up, after all.