Prologue

The bar was surprisingly empty for this time of day. It has been a few hours since I came here, but the usually crowded with ponies place was rather quiet tonight. Which was fine with me, since I never liked large crowds. The few ponies, that were here looked, like they were doing it mostly out of habit, rather than actually wanting to be here. Did something happen to this place, while I was away? Well, if it did, it certainly wasn’t noticeable from the first look. Did they do something with the drinks? I looked at the almost empty glass in front of me. Well, if they did, then their whiskey, fortunately, manage to avoid such fate. It was the best way to relax and ease your mind after a long and grueling trip with a caravan. You just need to find a line where to stop. For me, it was the moment I was able to stop noticing the terrible drawings, the owner of this place hung up a couple of years back. I never… understood how he bought that “Pre-war work of art” nonsense, even raiders could probably come up with something that has more artistic value. Still, that was the only place to listen to DJ PON-3, and drink, so I’m not complaining. And neither did the others, this place could definitely use some competition, there was a reason why it was called "Junkyard". Maybe when I have enough money I can try to do something about it. But first I need to get myself prepared for the next trip. If Roache’s information is to be believed our route was taking us close to an old military base. While most stories I’ve heard about it were most likely just silly fairy tales townsfolk made up to scare foals I’d rather not risk it if I was going to go near it. My thoughts were interrupted by an entering pegasus. I would recognize that mix of a grey coat and a deep blue mane anywhere. He looked around also surprised by the unusual emptiness of this place. His eyes widened as they meet mine. I smiled at him, while he approached and offered him a seat with a small nod.

“Midnight? I didn’t know you’re in town! How did you get here?”

Well, if I were to see a familiar face today, I’m glad it was him, and not somepony from the local merchants guild. Not, that they often visited this place, still I’d rather eat a bloatsprite than listen to another lecture about trading routes becoming more dangerous. Like I didn’t know that, I’m a fucking caravan guard, dammit!

“We came through the northern guard post due to some changes in our route. Slavers have become more active lately. But I’m glad to see this place is still intact, mind absence of customers.” I said while pouring him some whiskey. “What you’ve been up to lately?”

“Well, mostly… ” he was interrupted by a loud screeching noise somewhere in the back. “Wait, did you hear it?”

I Swiftly turned my head, trying to locate the source.

“Yeah, maybe some radroaches? Would explain why nopony seems interested in this place tonight.”

He took a slow sip of whiskey. “Yeah, seems like it, I guess we just missed the memo, that they trying to deal with them today.”

I brushed a lock of black mane away from my eyes, as I turned back to him.

“Anyway would you care for a walk? I feel like I could use some fresh air.”

“Yeah, nothing refreshes your mind, like a good old radioactive dust” He chuckled “But I’d love to give you some company”

It was already dark when we walked out of bar. A passing pony jumped back after I looked at him. I guess my green eyes can be a bit… spooky in the bio-luminescent light of the signboard. Especially when the “J” and “Y” in Junkyard were constantly flashing and “R” faded out entirely. I shook my head and started moving towards my house. The streets were mostly empty, and dim light of the sparsely placed lanterns gave the town somewhat of an ethereal look. Honestly? I like it more this way. No ponies shouting on the streets, trying to sell you something or screaming at each other, because of some petty bullshit I never bother to get into. At night this place almost looked calm, and peaceful. Which was totally fine by me.

“So what are your plans for tomorrow?” He asked a bit shyly.

“Visit some friends, buy gear for the next trip, buck Grifter in the face for his «easy side job», then lie in my bed and stare at the ceiling for the rest of the day.”

“I thought, we can visit the «Grace and Glory», I saw a dress, that…”

“Yeah, sure just leave it at my door with a price tag, and I pay you back then I get my share.”

“That’s a gift…”

“Thanks, Crone! But you don’t have to…”

“But I think that it fits your coat…”

“Well it’s almost the same colour as your mane and I don’t remember you having poor taste in hats, so I trust you on that” I hastily replied.

“I don’t understand how this is supp…”

“Look it was a long day and I’m a bit tired, let’s discuss this tomorrow, ok?” I said with a yawn. Yeah, I’m not visiting this place even if I get paid for it! Maybe for that rifle Striker got his hooves on recently. Speaking of, I probably should visit his shop first thing tomorrow, if there is a pony who misses me except that wannabe fashionista it’s him.

“I… uhm… well… ok, have a nice sleep.” Said Crone, his eyes looking at the ground, as I was opening the door.

“Uhum” I nodded, mostly to my own thoughts, then to him, closing the door behind me. I took my leather armor off and lay on the bed it the right corner. For some reason, I saw the image of myself in a silver and gold dress, as I closed my eyes. «Huh, that’s odd,» I thought to myself, as I drifted off to sleep.

Author's Note

Well, here we go. I had this idea for a while and finally bring myself to sit down and put my thoughts onto the keyboard. While prologue a bit more brief, than I originally intended, I hope it get's its job done and still an enjoyable read.
Huge thanks to Kkat for creating this amazing world. And special thanks to Heartshine Who help a lot during the "planning stage" and just overall an amazing person!
I welcome any feedback and criticism you can provide, and I hope to see you in the next chapter!
UPD: Thanks a lot to Kitana762 for editing this chapter and making it a lot more readable please check out their amazing art on the their DeviantArt and give them a follow.