Waiving Wanderer, Wonderous World

Chapters

Sacrifice
Savior
Sojourn

Sacrifice

It has been eight decades since the great cataclysm swept over Equestria, when the Vermillion Hourglass returned and with it other monstrosities from the shadows, wrecking havoc upon the world.

In order to survive, Ponykind created underground shelters called PACS or Pony Accommodation Containment Shelters to keep ponies safe as the military forces above fought for Equestria’s survival. Here the smartest and the brightest Equestria had to offer were taken and preserved for Equestria’s survival.

After all the PACS were sealed, the ponies within listened to the radio broadcasts of the world outside. Bombs were dropped at strategic points to hold off the monsters and yet they only seemed to continue to spread. Then the vibration sensors went off, indicating that a massive explosion had gone off. Three days later the radio went silent.

“And that is all we know about the outside world,” Blue Cheese said, as she taught her students.

You watched from the doorway as you waited for your friend to finish teaching. The class consisted of young foals of various shapes and sizes. The room's blue walls were decorated with white clouds and flowers in order to liven up the atmosphere.

"While we know little about the surface," Blue continued, "it is speculated to be a deadly wasteland filled with monsters that move through the ash seeking out anything they can eat."

Hearing this the foals shivered nervously, eliciting a slight chuckle from Blue Cheese.

"But don't worry, so long as our home, PACS-039, continues to function and certain ponies, like our friend over there, continue performing maintenance, we have nothing to fear."

With a bit of a mischievous smile, Blue Cheese pointed to you and the foal's heads followed. Instantly you could feel your cheeks warm up and you turned away, eliciting another giggle from Blue. Your feathers itched a little in response to your nervousness.

The fact was you had trained from a young age to be part of PACS-039's maintenance crew. Something that was kind of surprising for a pegasus stallion like you.

"Well, that will be all for now class," Blue Cheese said, "have a great day children."

Happily the foals began to pick up their small saddlebags with school supplies and rushed out the door past you. You stood completely still, not wanting to accidentally cause any of the children to fall over. Once they were all gone, you turned and smiled at Blue.

Blue Cheese was an earth pony mare with a white coat with a few patches of pale blue dots around her legs and flank. Her mane and tail were a deep sea blue and her eyes were a bright yellow. The mare stood next to her desk, giving you a lovely smile.

"Hello, Blue Cheese," you greeted.

"Hello," Blue replied, "are you keeping my brother on track?"

Blue Cheese's brother was a young stallion by the name of White Cheddar, who was also a part of the maintenance crew and had been assigned to train under your wing, figuratively of course. Recently his wife, Ginger, had given birth to twins.

You nodded. "He's been doing a very good job."

"I'm glad to hear it."

Ever since you were a foal, you had been friends of Blue Cheese and White Cheddar. When your family had grown ill and your parents had died, it was their family that had nursed you back to health.

"So is there anything I can do for you?" you asked, recalling that it had been the message Blue Cheese had sent you on the Hoof-pilot that had summoned you here.

Hoof-pilots were devices that had been created before the cataclysm had occurred. Mechanical tablets that once carried digital information over the Internab, however, now they just connected to the PACS 039’s systems and archives.

"Oh, yes." With a slight blush, Blue reached behind her desk and pulled out an old machinery manual. "I saw that my brother had forgotten to grab the book he borrowed from you, so I brought it so you could have it back."

Of course, you didn’t mind that White had forgotten. In fact, you knew that book so well, that it was probably of better use in his hooves than in your’s.

"Oh, it’s fine, but thank you."

Graciously you took the book from Blue. If you didn’t know any better, you would've thought that Blue Cheese had invited you here for ulterior motives.

“Well, do you want to grab a bite to eat?” Blue asked.

“Uh, sure.”

With a smile, Blue Cheese left her classroom and you followed.

Outside of the personal quarters and a few select rooms, most of the walls in PACS-039 were made of gray metal. The slight echo of hoofsteps could be heard as both of you walked down the hall.

The food in the shelter was created from a garden section where some ponies cultivated fruits and vegetables. As the one and only means of acquiring food in PACS-039, the gardening floor was necessary for the shelter’s survival. If something went wrong with the food ponies could become sick and possibly die.

Just like you and your parents.

Entering the cafeteria, you looked around to see a few of the other ponies sitting around the tables eating their food. In the center of the room was a massive clock and on the far side of the room was a line with a few ponies serving food from behind a metal table.

As Blue Cheese and you stepped in line and grabbed your trays, you looked around the room as you waited your turn. In front of the two of you was a lanky pegasus with a teal coat and a brown mane that almost looked like chocolate. He shuffled nervously in his green suit.

Peacock Melody was well… an odd pony. He was very self conscious about his name and because of this many of the children and even some of the more childish adults made fun of him for it. It was quite a shame too as you were certain that if Peacock hadn’t given credence to their words, they would probably just leave him be.

Blue pointed toward the clock in the center of the room. “Do you know the story behind that clock?”

You had some knowledge about it. Everypony in PACS-039 knew what it was originally intended for.

“Wasn’t it supposed to function kind of like a timer?”

Unlike most clocks, which counted in hours, minutes and seconds, this clock counted in years, months and days. With twelve o'clock serving as the two hundred year mark. The estimated time that it would be safe for the inhabitants to leave PACS-039, assuming that the Equestrian government didn’t arrive here first. You also knew that out of all the maintenance crew staff, Flint was currently the only pony allowed to work on the clock.

Blue Cheese nodded. “Yes, however there is more than that. Apparently it was designed by a pony named Time Turner. While it is believed that he was taken by the Vermillion Hourglass, one of his associates retrieved the blueprints for its design to be used in the PACSs.”

After fetching your food, a bowl of broccoli soup, the two of you walked over to a table and sat down. For a brief moment the lights flickered, making you feel uneasy, before they returned to normal. For the past few weeks the lights had been acting up and it had been occurring more and more recently.

“What is up with these lights?” Blue asked.

“I’m not sure,” you answered, “however I know that the Watchmare has assigned Flint to look into it.”

Blue Cheese nodded. “That’s good.”

While you might have known a toolbox from front to back, Flint literally lived and breathed everything having to do with the shelter. Which was one of the many reasons why he had been put in charge of the central clock.

“So how does it feel like being an aunt?” you asked, as you took a spoonful of your soup.

Blue shrugged. “It’s kind of nice. The twins are pretty cute, though until they’re older, there isn’t much I can do with them.”

“Yeah, I’m sure you’ll have fun spoiling them.”

“Oh, maybe a little.” Blue giggled.

Once more the lights began to flicker. Blue Cheese’s eyes furrowed in response.

“What do you suppose is going on?” Blue asked.

“I don’t kno-” You were cut off mid sentence as suddenly the lights went completely off.

For what might have been a few minutes, Blue Cheese and you sitting in complete darkness, until the emergency backup power came on, filling the cafeteria with red lights. The silence was broken as your Hoof-pilot started beeping, signaling that you had received a message. Holding up the device, you saw that it was an emergency message from the PACS's Watchmare.

"What is it?" Blue asked.

Quickly you read over the message.

Emergency! All maintenance staff come to Watchmare Bubblegum's office, immediately!

"It seems that the Watchmare wants to speak with the maintenance crew," you answered. Standing up from your seat, you prepared to meet your superior.

"Oh, okay," Blue said in a slightly sullen manner. "Take care."

You chuckled. "I will. Take care."

After wishing Blue Cheese farewell, you proceeded to the Watchmare's office.

There were six ponies in the Watchmare's office. There was the Watchmare herself, Bubblegum, two security officers, and then three members of the security crew, Flint, White Cheddar and yourself.

It was a circular room with white walls and a round table, all of which were a deep shade of red due to the red, emergency lights being on.

Bubblegum was a unicorn mare with a blue coat and pink mane. Her pale green eyes resting behind her glasses. The blue jacket she wore possessed markings, indicating her rank as the Watchmare of this shelter.

All the other ponies were waiting when you arrived, a downcast look on Bubblegum and Flint's face. You tried to smile as you took your seat, but this didn't seem to improve their mood.

"My friends," Bubblegum spoke, "I'm afraid, I have grave news. As many of you know we have been having a series of outages recently."

Both White Cheddar and you nodded.

White Cheddar was a white earth pony with a yellow mane and tail along with blue eyes.

"Well, with Flint's help we believe we now know the reason for these outages."

Flint was an earth pony stallion with a charcoal gray coat and brown mane. His chin was covered in scruff. After his wife died, the older stallion had to not only help maintain the PACS, but he also had to take care of his two daughters by himself.

Reaching into his saddlebags, Flint pulled forth a map of the whole facility, including the upper sections, hidden on the surface.

"As I'm sure you all know, there are a set of power stations located on the surface that are used to create power that can fuel the rest of the facility," Flint said. "We have reason to believe that one of the fuses up there has been damaged and has now completely gone out."

"Unless somepony goes up there to fix it, we will be relying on the backup power until it runs out in five days," Bubblegum continued.

"So why don't we just go repair it?" White Cheddar asked.

Both Flint and Bubblegum looked at each other. Seeing them do this made your feathers itch.

"The fuse is located outside the gate," Flint explained, "which means that whoever goes up there to fix it won't be coming back."

The room was silent as the older maintenance crew officer let that sink in. Due to what little knowledge there was pertaining to the surface, it had been a long standing rule that anypony who left its safety couldn't return in case of disease or potential monstrous threats. If somepony went up to fix this fuse they would be stuck outside, at the mercy of whatever was beyond the gate.

As grim as it was, it was necessary to ensure the survival of everypony in PACS-039.

"So how will we be determining who goes up?" you asked.

"I'm not fond of commanding others to go to their death," Bubblegum said, "so thankfully one of our technicians was able to come up with this."

The Watchmare lifted up her Hoof-pilot and set it on the table.

"I have a digital randomizer that will decide among the three of you, who will be going on this mission."

After tapping the screen, Bubblegum placed the Hoof-pilot in the center of the table, the device making a beeping sound as it flashed through the names. You could feel you heart racing as the device went through the names, until it finally stopped.

It was White Cheddar.

Seeing this, the young stallion’s face and ears drooped. Flint subconsciously let out a breath of relief, however you were certain that he wasn't pleased to see this sentence on White Cheddar's shoulders.

A deep, sad sigh escaped Bubblegum's lips. "I'm sorry, White Cheddar, but it would seem that you have been chosen for this assignment."

White nodded, gulping down what saliva remained in his mouth.

“But that’s not fair!” you protested. “He has a wife and two foals.”

“I know this is hard,” Bubblegum reasoned, “but we have no other choice. Somepony needs to go up there and we’re running out of options.”

She was right, but still…

“Then send me,” you said.

The rest of the ponies looked at you with shock with the exception of the Watchmare's guards who remained at attention.

"Wait, you're willing to go to the surface?" Bubblegum asked, as if trying to make sure you knew what you had just offered.

You nodded. "Both Flint and White have families they need to take care of. I, on the other hoof, don't. If the way I give back to this shelter is by making sure those families stay intact, I will do it."

"I see," Bubblegum said, "if this is what you wish, then you will be the pony assigned to this mission. Meeting adjourned."

Flint and White Cheddar rose from their seats and began walking to the door.

"Before you go, may I have a word with you?" Bubblegum asked.

You stopped and turned to the Watchmare who stood there with a soft smile on her face.

"Thank you," Bubblegum said. “This decision… wasn't something I had ever hoped to do when I gained this position. The fact that White Cheddar's family won't go without a father is reassuring."

When you were younger you remembered how Bubblegum's mother Mintberry, had been the Watchmare of PACS-039. Back then Bubblegum was just a few years older than you, however, despite that she would still play hide and seek with you and your other friends. Even after she took her mother's place, Bubblegum knew how to remain personable while also being professional.

"His family has done a lot for me," you answered, "it is only fair that I pay them back somehow."

The Watchmare let out a deep sigh. "Still I am sure that there will be more than a few that will mourn your loss. I will do whatever I can to ensure that your sacrifice isn't in vain."

"Thank you."

"Are you mad?" White Cheddar exclaimed, as you surveyed your room for anything you would want to bring with you on this mission.

Your room's walls were covered with blue wallpaper, a design your parents had chosen when they were still alive. Of course, you took your tools and placed them in your bag.

“Maybe.” You shrugged.

"You could have stayed here," White protested, "why did you take my place?"

You looked at White Cheddar, a little puzzled. “I took it because you have a family now. Don’t you want to spend time with Ginger and watch your children grow up?”

Hearing this, White’s face became sullen, his lips quivering. “Yes, but… you’re a part of the shelter too. We’re all family.”

Smiling you placed a comforting hoof on White’s shoulder. “I know, but you and Blue Cheese have done so much for me. Please, let me return the favor.”

White Cheddar let out a deep sigh. You could tell that it was taking him all his willpower not to start crying. “Thank you.”

It was clear that he didn’t like this. Even if White was being given the chance to stay with his family, he didn’t like the idea of losing his friend either.

“Blue Cheese is going to miss you,” White said.

“I know.”

Indeed, you had more than a few friends here in PACS-039, who would miss you when you were gone. Still if nopony fixed the power all of them would die of suffocation. In the end, somepony had to die to save them all.

Reaching into your saddlebags you pulled out the manual that Blue Cheese had returned to you.

"Here, have this."

White Cheddar looked with disbelief at the book.

“But… but this is your’s.”

You gave your friend a smile. “It’s okay, you’ll be able to make more use of it than I will.”

After looking at the manual, White reluctantly took it. “Thank you.”

You stood in the middle of the entrance room, a section of the shelter that connected to the elevator that led to the surface. On one side of the room stood Watchmare Bubblegum, two of her guards, Blue Cheese, Flint’s two daughters, Axel and Defrost, and a few other ponies. Bubblegum stood behind a pedestal, with a single red button. On your side, near the door you stood along with Flint and White Cheddar.

Both Flint and White were next to you, as they adjusted the environmental suit you had donned. Carefully they examined the tubing and wires to make sure that your harness was secure. There was also a magical compartment that held the items in your saddlebag, which could materialize them in your hooves if needed.

The environmental suit was made with orange fabric and some steel protective plating. Your helmet, while resembling a metal box with a few blue lights, wires and vents, actually possesses a magic display system that allowed you to see and hear everything around you, as well as magically disassemble itself in case you needed to take it off. There was also a magical hud display that was synced up with your Hoof-pilot, which showed your heart rate and oxygen levels.

There were also special coverings for your wings that could be magically removed if necessary.

“Alright, all systems appear to be fully operational,” Flint said, “everything is set.”

As White Cheddar began to walk away, Flint reached into his saddlebags.

“Here, take this.”

The item in Flint’s hooves was a wrench with the symbol of an hourglass surrounded by some bubbles carved into the handle. You remembered seeing Flint working with this instrument in your youth and not once has you ever seen him without it.

“This is my lucky wrench,” Flint explained, “I was going to give it to one of my children when they were older, but I feel that if you’re going to survive up there, that you’ll need it more.”

“Thank you,” you said, as you took the wrench and placed it into your saddlebags.

Having given you his gift, Flint stepped away from the platform. It was time to leave.

The rest of the ponies stood across from you. You could see both White Cheddar and Blue Cheese standing next to each other, tears streaming down Blue's cheeks.

Bubblegum stood, patiently waiting for your word.

“Alright, I’m ready.”

Hearing this the Watchmare pushed the button on the pedestal. As she did you could hear gears moving as the metal door behind you began to open.

Turning around, you found yourself facing the interior of the elevator. You walked into the elevator and turned around to face those who were wishing you off. As you looked on, you saw your friends, Blue Cheese, White Cheddar, Flint’s family and the others waved farewell.

After giving a quick wave, you gave Bubblegum a nod, and the mare pushed the button once more. The gears started to move once more and the doors slowly began to close. Once the doors were completely sealed, there was a lurching motion as the elevator began to ascend. Patiently you stood there, waiting as you moved upward.

Finally the metal doors slid open and you found yourself looking into another room. While this room was almost a mirror image of the one that you had seen below, this one lacked the pedestal and was much dustier. Layers of dirt from years of neglect lay on the surfaces of everything in the room.

Once you stepped outside the elevator, you could hear the machines rumble as the doors closed, locking you outside. There was no turning back now, you were stuck out here from now on.

Examining your hud display, you could confirm that oxygen was present in the facility. There was also a small minimap that showed digital schematics of the surrounding area.

Following the path on your map, you walked into the room where the fuse box was located. Walking up to the box, you activated your suit, spawning a screwdriver in your hoof. After removing the anchoring screws, the panel came free revealing the box's interior with the fuses within. Each fuse was the size of a foal, with one being white and the other black, clearly burnt out and defective.

"Now there's the culprit," you said, "now I just need to find a replacement."

Looking at the map again, it showed a room off to your left that should have the supplies you needed. Walking over to the room, you pulled the metal door aside to find a room filled with various mechanisms for the shelter. Walking down one of the rows you spotted a fuse that could serve as a replacement.

"Here we go."

Pulling the fuse onto your back, you returned to the main room. With some difficulty you were able to pull out the bad fuse out of its slot. The stench of burnt plastic and metal was smellable even through your helmet. Setting the damaged fuse to the side, you took the new… ish fuse you had in your possession and pushed it into place. The sound of electricity flowing through the system could be heard.

After putting the panel back in place, you were faced with a conundrum. What were you supposed to do now?

“Well, I guess I could just go outside,” you said, “see what the world is like now.”

You had heard stories of what the world had been like before the cataclysm as well as theories as to what it looked like now. Plus you were stuck up here, so you might as well make the most out of this situation.

Now that the power problem had been resolved you followed the path on your minimap to the entrance to PACS-039. Leaving the mechanical room, you went into the main elevator room before walking through a doorway to another room with a large metal gate. In front of the gate was a pedestal with a section that appeared to not only be able to hold a Hoof-pilot but with an imprinted section for a hoof. Instantly you knew that this was so that a suit like yours with the Hoof-pilot synced up could also activate the pedestal.

Walking up to the pedestal, you took your hoof and placed it into the slot. For a moment nothing seemed to happen.

“Hmmm… is the door rusted shut?”

It was then that the gate began to move, a slight grinding sound resonating through the room as the door slowly pulled itself open. You cringed as the sound of scrapping metal filled your ears.

Once the gate was completely open, you saw that beyond the entrance was what appeared to be some sort of cave. No doubt, PACS-039 had been built this way to ensure that no creatures could find the shelter's entrance and thus increasing the chances of the inhabitants’ survival.

With nowhere else to go, you stepped away from the pedestal and out of the facilities entrance into the cave system. Unfortunately it seemed that the gate was so old and in disrepair that it wouldn't be able to close behind you. Hopefully the cave was concealed in such a way that nopony would attempt to intrude. Even if they did it wasn't like they would be able to call the elevator.

Carefully you moved through the tunnel, the lights on your helmet illuminating the way. After walking for a few minutes the tunnel opened up to a concrete room. Judging from the machinery around the room, it was possible that the company responsible for creating the PACS might have still been trying to set things up when the original evacuation had occurred.

Walking over to one of the machines you saw a logo for a company called, Rich Industries, which you had recalled also being the same company that had in fact created the PACS. After further inspection you discovered that the machines, while old and no longer functional, didn't seem to have been salvaged for parts.

"Well, let's hope that means nopony knows how to access this area."

Looking around the room, you discovered a concrete staircase. Walking to the staircase, you discovered that you were currently on the basement level of whatever building you were in. Ascending the steps you made your way up to the first floor, as you did you noticed a strange gray dust like substance on the stairs.

When you reached the first floor, you stepped out of the stairway and discovered that you were in an old decrepit building, the glass windows mostly broken. Outside you could see that the landscape consisted of broken concrete buildings and more of that strange gray substance.

“What happened here?”

Everywhere you looked there were ruined buildings and gray sand for miles around, as far as the eye could see.

As you pondered this, you hud started to beep, signifying that your Hoof-pilot had picked up some sort of signal. A dot appeared on your digital compass, showing where the signal was coming from.

“Well, if there is somepony still alive out here, it might be nice to find them.”

Carefully you walked out of the building and into the gray desert landscape. The strange powder seemed to crunch beneath your hooves. Wandering through the wasteland, the eerie sense of loneliness flowed over you as you surveyed the broken buildings buried in gray.

As you wandered through the wasteland, you thought you saw something off to your left, turning you saw something moving through the gray sand before disappearing.

You continued walking and as you did you saw it a second time. It was like a jagged, gray stone that appeared to move in and out of the ground. This made you feel uneasy as if something were stalking you. In response, you deactivated the parts of the suit that covered your wings.

“Grrr! This is so frustrating!” An angry voice barked off to your right. Turning, you saw next to a buried building what appeared to be some sort of vessel with three ponies moving around it.

Seeing this a sense of security came over you. There were survivors out here and perhaps they could help you with whatever was stalking you.

“Hello!” You called out, waving your hoof as you approached the vessel. Suddenly the ponies around the vehicle stopped.

The strange vehicle looked almost like one of the boats you had read about in books with various mechanisms attached to the side. There were also a few decorations on the side that were hard to identify from a distance.

"Well, what do we have here?" One of the ponies on the vessel asked, an earth pony stallion with a large toothy grin making you feel uneasy. He wore some sort of leather jacket with some metal spikes around the shoulders.

"Shiny sock for Roph!" Another pony said, in a gruff voice. This one being much larger and wearing some sort of mask. It looked almost like the head of a boar with two cylinders attached on both sides.

"Uh, hello," You said, trying to remain calm as you introduced yourself. "I was just wondering if you might know where the nearest city or settlement might be."

"Do you hear that?" The smiling pony called. "The shiny wants ta know where the city is."

The two of them chuckled as the third pony joined them. Upon seeing the new arrival your heart skipped a beat.

It was a tall earth pony mare whose body was covered in scars, however what unsettled you the most was the pony skull that she wore upon her head. Seeing you, the mare’s eyes lit up with cruel intent, her scarred lips pulling wide to reveal sharp teeth.

“Gut ‘em!” The mare commanded, stretching a hoof toward you.

With a chuckle, the other two ponies jumped off the vehicle and landed on the ground, each carrying fearsome weapons.

“Shiny sock for Roph’s dingaling!” The pony you believed was Roph said as he charged at you with a big, heavy cleaver. It soon became very clear that the last thing you wanted to be was a sock for Roph's… dingaling.

Immediately you turned around and began to flee, the hoofsteps of the mad ponies behind you. Instinctively you tried to fly, however, due to your panicking you overstrained your wings and fell to the ground.

While there were a few areas back in PACS-039 where you could fly, they were a bit cramped. Furthermore it seemed like the air pressure out here was different, thinner somehow. This was something you hadn’t considered and now it might cost you your life.

“Oh, so lame,” one of the crazy ponies said, “they can’t even fly! Let’s eat his wings first!”

"Fine, but I want his skull!" The mad mare barked.

After taking a few steps there was a loud bang as suddenly something ripped through your left shoulder, a sharp pain tearing through your body. You stumbled forward as your left foreleg gave out from under you.

“We got em now!” the fearsome mare called out.

As you lay there, your blood dripping onto the ground, seeping into the gray powder. Even as you lay there dying, you thought you heard the sound of something moving through the sand. Suddenly there was a loud cry from one of the ponies that was cut short.

“Ash lurker!” You heard the fearsome mare call out as another gunshot rang through the air.

Screams filled the air, but you were barely able to make them out as the world around you began to turn dark, your vision turning black until you saw no more.

Author's Note

Hello, thank you all for coming and enjoying my story.

For those of you who don't know, one of the many things that drew me to this fandom was in fact the story, Fallout: Equestria by Kkat. While I don't agree with many of the choices made in that story, I do still have some fond memories of it. I also love Monster Mares and I've just been drooling over the idea of having some monster mares living in a post-apocalyptic setting.

Thus after some pondering and seeing an interesting thread in one of the Fallout Equestria groups, I came up with the idea to create a post-apocalyptic setting that could serve as a bit of a parody of Fallout: Equestria as well as a few other post-apocalyptic games/movies/books, while working monster mares (as well as just monster ponies in general) into the setting.

Savior

The world around you felt warm and calm. Soft fabric covering your body. For a brief moment you thought you were in your room back in PACS-039, then you remembered the crazy ponies and that you had been shot. Their cruel laughter echoing through your skull.

Immediately your eyes opened in fear, to find yourself in a dark room, a warm blanket covering your body. You lay on something that felt almost like a sack of beans which seemed to shift and adjust to your movements. The only lights that illuminated the room were a few flickering Hearth’s Warming lights, which would occasionally reveal a few of the stuffed animals and dolls that appeared to be lining the room.

Feeling a sharp pain in your shoulder, you looked to see that somepony had bandaged you while you were unconscious. Furthermore, your throat felt dry.

As you lay there alone, you could occasionally hear somepony moving around in another room. You tried to get up, before suddenly noticing a heavy weight around your neck. With the flickering of the lights, you realized that a metal collar was secured around your neck, a chain jiggled with your movements.

“Was I caught?” You whispered, afraid that perhaps one of those mad ponies had managed to catch you. The fear that Roph might turn you into a shiny… sock, was disconcerting.

You fell quiet as you heard somepony humming in the other room. From what you could tell it was a feminine voice and immediately the image of the mare who was wearing the pony skull popped into your head. Even as you pondered this, the sound of the humming started to grow louder.

Trying to pretend that you were asleep, you slumped back into your position, waiting for an opportunity to hopefully escape your captor.

Emerging from behind a certain was a dark shape, a seemingly large pony wearing some sort of armor, however it was difficult to see in the dim light. As soon as the pony stepped into the room, their humming stopped and they began sniffing the air.

“Hmmm… seems like my pet is finally awake.”

The pony walked over to some sort of rock or bag, it was kind of hard to tell in the low lighting, and lay down. Did they have something long hanging off their hindquarters, like a weird skirt or… her tail? It seemed rather long.

“Well, let’s have a better look at him.”

Suddenly there was a loud bang as what might have been the mare's tail struck something metal and two bright lights flickered on above, illuminating you and this mare.

Upon seeing your captor, you were caught by surprise. At first you thought she might have been wearing a suit like the crazy mare you had met earlier, however it soon became very clear that this wasn't a costume.

On the top of the mare's head, going all the way along to the tip of her fish-like tail was dark gray bony platting, with a dorsal fin like structure on her back. She had a grayish purple coat with pale purple fur extending from under her chin, down her belly to the underside of her tail. What appeared to be a white mane emerged from underneath her bony mantle. From behind her ears were two horns, which were just a slight shade lighter than her body plating, that reached back toward her spine. Her yellow eyes watched you from within their dark gray sclera. Upon seeing all of these features you realized what you were looking at.

This was a monster pony, one of the many creatures that had appeared in the cataclysm with the arrival of the Vermillion Hourglass. And there she was sitting on some sort of big, puffy bag. Your heart froze and your feathers shivered.

Almost as if sensing your nervousness, the monstrous mare smiled, showing off rows of sharp, deadly teeth. Next to her was a stuffed parasprite doll that was almost as big as a foal as well as an old plate with a few strange looking plants resting on top.

"Now I know that isn’t your face there pet," the mare spoke, "so why don't you take it off. It certainly would be better for you if I didn't have to."

Sensing that the mare might be hinting that she might try to remove your helmet with her teeth, you figured it might be wise to have it magically disappear. After quickly looking at your hud and confirming that the air was safe to breath, you activated the command to remove it. Gradually the helmet appeared to dissolve as a line of blue energy moved from top to bottom, exposing your face to your captor.

"That's better." The mare purred, before pulling the doll closer.

Seeing this mare face to face, you had to admit that she was rather intimidating, especially considering that she appeared to be maybe a head taller than you.

"Who are you?" you asked, hoping to obtain some answers from your captor.

This question elicited a gleeful chuckle from the monstrous mare.

"My name is Runt, the princess of ash," she said, "and the one responsible for saving your life."

As Runt said this, you recalled seeing the thing that moved through the ground. It was then that you made two realizations. One, that the gray substance you had been walking on was ash and two, that this creature was able to move through the ash like an ancient aquatic predator. Memories of old books showing such creatures came to mind with one in particular coming to mind. The shark.

Though she did seem to lack the gills that you had seen in the pictures. How strange.

It would seem that Runt might have saved you from those crazy ponies you had encountered. She must also be the one responsible for bandaging your injured shoulder. However, despite how encouraging this thought was, you were still fully aware of the collar around your neck.

"So then why am I chained up?" You asked.

"Isn't it obvious," Runt asked, "I saved you, therefore you are my pet now."

Instantly Runt gave you a look as if this was something you clearly should have known.

"Now you've been asleep for two days, so eat one of these," Runt said as she brought over the plate with the unusual vegetables and set them down on your bedding, which you now realized was a large, blue bean bag.

The plants in question looked like radishes with black and white stripes. Picking up one of the vegetables you took a bite, a tart taste filled your mouth as you chewed, however it did seem to be high in moisture, which sated your parched throat. Judging from the weird hair like structures on its surface, you guessed that it might be some kind of root. You looked over at Runt who munched on one of the plants happily.

Still you couldn't help but feel a little surprised. You had been unconscious for two days.

Runt chewed on her food. "I would have tried feeding you during that time, however I couldn't remove your helmet, so I just kept you warm until you woke up. Of course, I also had to secure you, my little pet, to make sure you didn't just wander off."

While you were thankful that she had saved you, you weren’t too sure you were fond of the idea of being her… pet.

“But… what if I don’t want to… be your pet?” you asked.

Runt snickered. “Then I guess you need to earn your freedom.”

Judging from Runt’s expression, she might already have a task in mind for you to do. Could this have been her plan from the moment she spied you from beneath the ash?

“What do you want me to do?”

Runt traced a hoof along the large bean bag she lay upon.
“Well… the other day, I spied one of my… subjects in an abandoned store. Unfortunately, Miss Merrybelle, as I would like to call her was taken by some… grotesque ponies. If you can save her for me, then you shall be free to… wander or whatever it is you want to do.”

So Runt did have something planned out after all and apparently she wanted you to go rescue one of her “subjects,” whoever they were from more crazy ponies.

“That… seems like a tall order,” You said.

A chuckle rippled through Runt’s throat. “Don’t worry, just follow my orders and you’ll be just fine.”

Even as Runt said this, you couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

The two of you stood in a building overlooking a few of the other surrounding buildings. Glancing down you could see a structure that had some ponies walking around it. On the front was an old, damaged sign with the only legible word being family.

"That's where those raiders are holding Miss Merrybelle," Runt said, "while I distract them, you'll sneak in and retrieve her."

As Runt spoke, she removed the chain that was attached to your collar.

"Okay, and what just keeps me from running away?" You asked.

Runt licked her lips. “For one I know the scent of your blood, so I can track you through the ash for miles. Though if you don’t want to help that’s fine… I’ll just eat you.”

Seeing Runt’s glistening teeth, you were uncertain if she actually meant that or if she was just joking. Still it would probably be unwise to tempt fate. You could try to run with this heavy collar and hope that Runt didn’t catch up with you or you could sneak into the building, evade the raiders and hopefully earn your freedom.

“Alright, I’ll do it.”

“Yay!” Runt clapped her hooves together happily. “Then get into position, my little pet and wait for my signal.”

Without another word Runt jumped from the building’s ledge and dived into the ash below. For a brief moment you wondered if she might be dead, only to peak over and see her bony dorsal fin moving through the ash.

After activating your helmet and having it materialize over your face, you began to carefully make your way down the buildings levels until you reached the ground floor. While you had been tempted to try to fly down, you recalled what had happened the last time you tried to fly. It would probably be better to try to practice using your wings before flying headfirst into any dangerous situations.

From the darkness of the abandoned building you were hiding in, you examined the structure that Runt wanted you to infiltrate. The building was itself some sort of store with an alleyway between it and another building. Spying a door in the alley, you guessed that would probably be the safest way to enter the building.

In front of the building were three raiders, all covered with extremely bright paint, spikey body armor and occasionally bones that were of a very questionable nature. As you spied on the raiders you saw a familiar dorsal fin moving toward one of the raiders at high speed. The raider turned a horrified look on his face as he saw the incoming threat.

“Ash lurker!” The raider cried out as he raised his gun and attempted to fire at Runt, however before he could pull the trigger, Runt arose from the ash and chomped down on the weapon, shattering it to pieces.

With what appeared to be a toothy grin Runt did a backflip, smacking the raider in the face with her tail, before diving back into the ash.

“Come on! Let’s kill it!” One of the other raiders called out.

"YEEAAAHHHH!!!" Another bellowed.

Immediately the three raiders began to pursue Runt through the ash, carrying their firearms and weapons that may or may not have been scavenged, street sign posts or pony spinal vertebrae. Once all three of them were far enough away you began to move toward the alleyway. A rusty door with blue paint chipping off came into view.

Carefully approaching the door, you were pleased to discover that it wasn’t barred or locked. As you proceeded to open the door, your eye caught what appeared to be a bear trap sitting on the floor. While you were glad that you didn’t trigger the trap, you made a mental note to keep an eye out for further traps.

Carefully you sidestepped the trap and entered the building, quietly closing the door behind you.

Your helmet illuminated the way for you as you moved through the abandoned store, making your path through the building easier. Carefully you moved from shadow to shadow, evading the eyes of the few raiders that were still residing inside the store.

From what you could gather from your surroundings, this building used to be a small shopping mall. Littered around were a couple cardboard cutouts that sported a pink pony. Sadly it would seem that the raider's had fun either using them for target practice or writing gross phrases in what you guessed probably wasn't tomato sauce.

On the walls there was some graffiti, some clearly of the raider’s making and some that appeared to predate those, sprayed on with paint written in a strange yet coherent manner. Looking at one of the walls, you were able to read one of these old messages.
The End has Come! It said in yellow and pink letters with a smiley face created from red fluid within the letter, o.

In the back of the building there was another door with a chain holding the door shut, the chain being wrapped around the doorknob and a metal ring that was secured to the wall. No doubt that was where this Miss Merrybelle was being held hostage.

Once the raider patrol had walked past, you quietly walked over to the door and quickly examined it. After tugging a bit on the chains you realized that you wouldn’t be able to take them off the door.

“It’s a shame I don’t have a strong wire cutter.”

Giving the door a quick look over, you noticed the hinges on the door and an idea came to mind. Pulling forth a screwdriver from your suit, you proceeded to remove the screws from the hinges. Once the last screw was removed the door gave way, the chain being the only thing keeping the door from falling over and making a loud noise.

Pulling the door aside, you passed through into the room. The room appeared to be a manager’s office with a desk, an old broken computer that somepony had apparently rammed their hoof through the screen and a few file cabinets. In the center of the room was the body of a pony wearing tattered clothes, her head was missing and judging from the smell this had happened maybe a few days ago. There was a symbol of sorts on the garb, however due to the mutilation the body and clothing had received, you couldn't make it out. If this was Miss Merrybelle, then she was dead.

“Well, that’s unfortunate.”

Next to the body was a stuffed animal resembling a chimera, its body carrying the characteristics of a goat, a tiger and a serpent. Remembering the collection of stuffed animals Runt had, you took the toy and placed it in your saddlebags, the item magically disappearing into your inventory.

“Maybe Runt will accept this when I tell her that her… subject is dead.”

You were about to sneak out of the room when you noticed something strange on the wall. It was a weird blue crystalline structure, which appeared to be resonating with a greenish energy and shadowy essence. As you examined the strange crystal, you could have sworn there were green eyes looking back at you from the reflective structure.

This strange crystal seemed to have emerged from the concrete wall, almost like a plant piercing the soil.

Whither out of compulsion, curiosity or stupidity you reached forward and touched the unusual crystal with your hoof. As you did suddenly the world around you went dark.

You sat inside a cafe with a cup of coffee sitting in front of you. The scent of warm coffee filling your nostrils as it wafted up from the white, ceramic cup. The shop's interior was crystalline and shiny, far more pristine than the wasteland you had been in moments before. Even the rooms in PACS-039, weren't anywhere near this beauty.

While you had never seen this place before, it seemed that the pony whose eyes you were peering through was fully aware of this place.

As you sat there in the cafe, you heard the bell on the door ring as somepony entered. Looking up from your cup of coffee you saw a strange mare, which while you didn’t recognize her, the pony whose eyes you were looking through did.

“Amble, it is great to see you.” You said with a voice that wasn’t your own.

The mare in question appeared to be an earth pony mare with a pale blue coat along with a tan mane and lavender eyes. However, much to your surprise she possessed spiraling, ram-like horns on the side of her head and tan fur around her neck like a fuzzy collar.

“I’m glad to see you too.” Amble said as she sat down across from you. “How is Irisa doing?”

“She’s been doing well,” you answered, “after seeing you last Hearth’s Warming her confidence has improved.”

“That’s good.”

You took a sip of your coffee. Your… magic, coursing through your horn as you picked up the cup and brought the beverage to your lips.

For you the feeling of magic coursing through your host's horn was a bizarre sensation, yet for them it seemed completely normal.

“Now while I am happy to be here,” you said, “something tells me that you didn’t call me here to the Crystal Empire to talk. Not that I’m complaining.”

Amble sat there, looking a little uneasy. After taking a deep breath, the strange pony looked deep into your eyes, her gaze coming across as intimidating.

“What do you know about Tricorn Pharmaceuticals?”

You blinked as your vision returned to normal, finding yourself back in the room with the body. The crystal you had touched now seemingly dissolving and crumbling away.

“What was that?”

Was it some sort of memory from the past or something else entirely?

As you pondered this, you noticed the icon of a green eye appeared on the top right of your hud. Suddenly the icon began to blink.

‘It’s a memory fragment sir,’ a feminine voice spoke.

“Whose that?” You asked, startled by the mysterious voice.

In response to your inquiry the icon began to blink again. ‘You may call me Oracle, when you touched the memory fragment I uploaded myself into your Hoof-pilot.’

“So you’re… inside my suit?”

‘To an extent I am sir,’ Oracle replied.

“Hey you!” You were startled to realize that one of the raiders had walked into the room while you had been talking with Oracle.

The raider was a mean looking unicorn mare with an alabaster coat, pink mane and a bloodshot green eye, an eyepatch covering her left eye. Her body was covered with leather straps and what appeared to be a griffin’s skull that she was wearing as a pauldron. With a smile, the raider held a revolver with her green magic, pointing the firearm at your head.

“I look forward to using your skull as a mug,” the raider chuckled. Even as the raider spoke it was clear that she wasn’t completely coherent.

‘Well, it seems that you are in a predicament sir,’ the Oracle said, ‘however I think that if you act quickly you should be able to overcome them.’

It didn’t take you long to come up with a plan, activating your inventory, you pulled forth the wrench that Flint had given you, the instrument appearing in your right forehoof before you slammed it as hard as you could into the side of the raider’s head.

There was a cracking sound as Flint’s lucky wrench struck the raider’s head, causing her to fall over onto the ground. Judging from the way her chest was moving, you hadn’t killed the raider but had simply knocked her out. The pistol she had been holding tumbled to the ground.

‘Before the cataclysm, friendship was believed to be the best solution, but now sometimes violence may also be an answer. Especially with ponies like these.’

Curious, you walked over and picked up the firearm. The weapon felt heavy in your hooves. Suddenly the image of a window with a loading bar appeared on your hud.

‘Allow me to download the application, Aim Checker 3.1, to assist just in case you desire to use that weapon, sir.’

“What are you?” you asked.

‘It’s complicated, sir,’ Oracle answered, ‘however I can say for certain that I am your friend in this world.’

Hearing this you weren’t sure how assuring this was, seeing as Oracle had just appeared seemingly out of nowhere after touching this strange crystal.

‘Now I suggest that you move, sir. There might be more of these raiders nearby.’

Taking the gun, you left the room. As you did the unhinged door made a loud creaking sound. Unfortunately it would seem that somepony else had heard this as two raiders turned to face the door. One a really buff earth pony mare and the other a lean unicorn stallion.

“Hey Cutless is that you?” the earth pony raider asked.

“That ain’t Cutless!” the other raider said as he used his magic to level a hunting rifle at you and fired off a shot. Fortunately you were able to duck behind a concrete structure that might have been some sort of plant holder before the cataclysm. A chunk of concrete flew into the air, as a bullet impacted the structure.

‘This is unfortunate,’ Oracle said, ‘however Aim Checker 3.1 has finished installing, so this might be an opportune time to use it. If you would like, aim with your newly acquired firearm sir.’

With your pistol in hoof, you peaked out from behind your cover. As you did the world around you seemed to slow as one of the raiders moved around the parameter, an axe wielded in her hoof. The other raider was pulling back the barrel on his rifle as he tried to reload.

Dealing with the closest threat you aimed your pistol at the raider that was charging at you, a digital icon saying 79% showing above her head and a small timer at the top left of your hud, showing ten seconds. As they drew near you fired off three shots at the raider. The first shot missed, hitting the wall behind her, the second shot hit the raider in her shoulder, causing her to drop her axe and the last shot hit her in the head causing her to fall to the ground dead.

Turning to the other raider, you fired your pistol twice at the second raider. Above this raider’s head was an icon showing 51%. One bullet missed hitting the wall, while the second one crashed into his hunting rifle, breaking the weapon in his magical grasp.

It was then that two things happened. First the timer on your hud hit zero and the world resumed its normal spend.

“Oh, crap!” the raider barked as his gun fell to pieces.

The second thing you noticed was the clicking sound coming from your pistol as you pulled the trigger and nothing happened. It would seem that the pistol only had five bullets and was now completely empty.

You heard chuckling as the raider pulled forth a machete. “I guess we’ll have to play the hard way!”

As tempting as it was to face off against this raider in hoof to hoof combat you were sure that doing so was more than likely to result in your death then in his. So you did the most logical thing you could think of. You proceeded to run toward the door you had used to sneak in.

"You can run, but I'll still cut you to ribbons!" The raider cackled maniacally as he proceeded to pursue you.

Running into the room you remembered the bear trap you had sidestepped earlier. Thinking fast, you moved past the trap and pulled open the door before rushing outside.

"Stop being so slippery you- AHHH! B-" you heard the raider cry as he apparently ran into the trap.

Looking over your shoulder, you smiled at your clever maneuvering… only to feel something ramming into your side, right as you stepped out from the alleyway.

You coughed as you fell to the ground and something heavy jumped on top of you. Looking up you were surprised to see the raider you had previously knocked out, who must have been Cutless sitting on top of you.

"Did you really think you'd get away?" Cutless said, a large cleaver made of metal and bone held high with her magic. With a wicked smile, the raider brought the blade down to your neck.

So this was the end, your fate sealed by the raider's cruel blade. Well, at least you had saved PACS-039, so if this was the way you were going to die, then maybe it wasn't so bad after all. Preparing for the end, you closed your eyes.

Suddenly you heard a loud yelp as the weight of the raider on your body was lifted. Opening your eyes you saw Cutless on the ground as a massive creature hunched over her. A beast that you recognized as the very monstrous mare that had saved you. The raider barely managed to let out a squeal before there was a snapping sound and she fell silent. Despite the raider's silence, you could hear the creature before you, still biting into the ponies neck.

Fear gripped you as you looked on.

"Runt?" You asked nervously.

For a moment, the creature stopped and turned to you, her eyes completely black, blood staining her teeth and muzzle. As she gazed at you, you felt as if you were staring back into the eyes of a fierce predator. A beast higher on the food chain with the scent of blood in her nostrils. Then with a blink it was gone, her eyes returning to their usual size.

After blinking a few more times, Runt's lips turned upwards into a smile. "Oh, hello little pet, did you manage to find Miss Merrybelle?"

"Finally I'm free!"

Both of you looked to see the raider that had pursued you standing in the doorway, an annoyed expression on his face, until he noticed both Runt and you looking back at him. Runt gave a growl, no doubt annoyed at being interrupted. Hearing this the raider's face went pale and his ears drooped.

"Excuse me…" the raider coughed before backpedaling back into the building and closing the door.

Now that the two of you were alone, Runt turned her attention back to me.

"Well, did you find her?" Runt asked excitedly. She might have even looked like a cute filly expecting her Hearth's Warming gifts if it wasn't for her blood stained mouth.

Remembering the body you had found you let out a deep sigh. "Sadly she's no longer alive."

Runt blinked. "What?"

You nodded. "Yeah, apparently it would seem the raiders killed her."

Hearing this Runt sat on her haunches, looking rather depressed.

"However, I did find something that might cheer you up," you said as you reached into your inventory and pulled forth the stuffed animal you had found.

Upon seeing it, Runt's eyes lit up. "Miss Merrybelle!"

You were suddenly shocked by Runt's explanation. "What?"

Before you could say anything else Runt grabbed the stuffed chimera doll and began hugging it. A sight that would have been cuter if Runt didn't have blood on her face. Still a part of you couldn't believe that all this time, the subject that Runt had sent you after was a stuffed animal.

"Now that I have you Miss Merrybelle, nothing will stand in our way!" Runt said, raising a forehoof in a wide arching gesture.

While a part of you was a bit put off by this revelation, you had to admit that it was nice seeing Runt looking happy. Especially considering how dangerous she had looked just moments before.

"Thank you so much for helping me pet," Runt said with a smile.

"You're welcome," you replied, "now are you going to free me."

Suddenly Runt's mood changed from her joyous expression to one that was more sullen.

"Oh, I guess that was a part of the deal wasn't it. You found Miss Merrybelle for me in exchange for your freedom. So if that is what you want."

Runt walked over to you, her mouth opening wider as she approached. For a moment, you were afraid that this monstrous mare's idea of freedom might be eating you. That was until her teeth went around the sides of your collar. Your heart rate seemed to increase as you felt her breath against your neck.

Then with a snap, Runt's jaws closed, her teeth cutting through the metal collar around your neck. Your breathing seemed to resume as you heard the broken collar landing in the ash.

Runt stepped back, a sad smile on her face. "Well, thank you for your help pet. Maybe we'll see each other again someday."

After whipping her lips, Runt took the doll of Miss Merrybelle and placed it on her back, before she started walking back to her home.

As you watched the monster pony walk away, you considered what had happened. While Runt was some weird creature and her mannerisms were a little odd, she had proven to be trustworthy and was probably the friendliest pony you had met while on the surface. So while you could just wonder this dangerous world alone, it might be a better idea to stay with this monstrous pony. At least for a little while.

Looking at your hud, you could still see the indicator on your compass, showing the signal you had discovered two days prior.

"Maybe another day," you said, before you started walking in the same direction as Runt.

As you followed her, it took Runt a moment before you stopped and turned around to face you, her expression filled with caution.

"You're free now," Runt said, “you don't have to follow me if you don't want to."

"I know," You answered, as you deactivated your helmet revealing your face. "However, for now I think it would be beneficial for both of us if we stay together."

Hearing this Runt’s face lit up as her lips stretched into a wide smile. “Yay!”

Now that you were returning to Runt’s home, you had a better understanding as to what her home actually was. It was a secure refuge built out of the remains of an abandoned subway system that might have at one point belonged to some raiders or other ponies that Runt had renovated into her lair. Hence why the cave had a generator that was supplying it with power. Along with the festive lights, Runt had also decorated it with blankets, stuffed animals and other items from the wasteland.

The plushie toys rested on rusty shelves, cardboard boxes and old wooden crates. All sitting around in a relaxed manner.

Hanging from the ceiling there were a few monitors, their screens black and lifeless, a few cracked and damaged.

After “saving” Miss Merrybelle it became very clear that Runt’s stuffed animals were in fact her “subjects.” One could say that her cave and the surrounding ash was her kingdom.

Upon entering the living area of the cave, Runt flipped a switch causing the lights to come on, a few around the room still flickering. Perhaps with your mechanical expertise, the wiring could be improved upon.

"Well, you've already been here but welcome to my home." Runt said as she motioned around the room with her hoof.

Now that you were a guest here and not a chained up pony, this lair took on a whole new light. It was warm and cozy, a place that anypony would be proud to call home.

"It's nice," you said genuinely.

"I'm glad you think so pet."

"I'm not you pet," you retorted.

Runt shrugged. "You might be free, but you're still my pet..."

While you were a little annoyed by this statement, you decided not to worry about it. So long as Runt didn't put another collar on you or try to eat you, you wouldn't mind her calling you pet every once and awhile.

"...And now with you by my side, my reign will be unstoppable!" Runt continued with a mischievous smile on her face.

"Uh, huh."

Yeah, Runt was a little weird, but it didn't seem like it was something you couldn't handle, at least not at the moment.

"Now let me grab us something to eat," Runt said, "tonight we must celebrate our victory in retrieving Miss Merrybelle!"

Upon saying this, Runt walked off into an alcove off to the side, humming as she went. While Runt did this, you decided to make yourself at home, walking over to the large bean bag chair that you had awoken in earlier that day. It definitely looked much more comfortable without a chained collar wrapped around your neck.

Sitting down on the bag, you could feel your muscles relaxing from your stressful day.

'She seems nice,' a familiar voice spoke into your ear from one of your suit's earbuds.

"She is definitely less threatening now then she was earlier," you said in a whisper, "why have you been quiet this whole time?"

'I didn't want to intrude sir,' Oracle answered, 'I must admit that I am surprised that you are able to interact peacefully with the Ash Lurker.'

Hearing this, you recalled the couple times that the raider's had encountered Runt. All of them had referred to her as an Ash Lurker. Was that perhaps the name of Runt's species?

"Her name is Runt."

'I meant no offense sir, I was simply trying to mention that most Ash Lurkers like Runt, don't typically interact well with ponies like yourself.'

Well, considering that all the ponies you had met so far were crazy raiders that was highly understandable. Though the way Oracle said that, raised a few questions for you. One was why Runt had treated you differently compared to the other raiders when you first met as well as...

"Are there other ponies here on the surface?" You asked.

'Yes, while many of them are groups of raiders, there are a few settlements where pony kind still lingers.'

"Can you help me find them?"

There was a brief silence before Oracle answered. 'I might be able to assist you in finding them if that is what you truly wish for sir.'

Hearing Oracle’s hesitation, you had to wonder if there was a reason they wouldn’t want you to go to one of these places.

At that moment, you were interrupted as Runt returned, a platter holding some of the strange striped plants you had seen earlier as well as another plant that looked like a large, orange, fuzz covered berry.

"Tonight we shall have zebra roots and furry apples," Runt said happily.

Hearing the names, you were a bit concerned as to the nature of these plants, since you couldn't recall ever hearing about those types of plants before. They certainly weren't anything that had ever been grown in PACS-039. However, considering that you hadn't suffered any side effects from eating the plant that you guessed was zebra root, more than likely they would be fine.

Runt set the platter down on a small table between the two large bean bags, before sitting down on her own bag.

Having already tried the zebra root, you decided to try out the… furry apples. Picking up the fruit you brought it to your lips and took a bite. While the fuzzy exterior was a little odd, the juicy sweet insides of the fruit was worth it.

“Where did you find these?” You asked.

“There are some patches of ash where the plants can grow beneath the surface,” Runt explained, “I happen to know where a few are located.”

Needless to say you enjoyed the sweet tasty treat. As you chewed toward the center, you discovered what appeared to be a hard, round seed.

“So where’d you get the suit?” Runt asked.

At first you weren’t sure how to answer. While the two of you seemed to be friends now, could you trust her with the fact that you were from a PACS? Would sharing such knowledge potentially jeopardize the safety of those whom you had left behind? You contemplated it for a moment, so long as you didn’t tell her where it was neither she nor anypony else should be able to find it. So it might be alright.

“I’m… from a PACS.” You replied.

Runt gave you a confused look. “A what?”

“A PACS. A Pony Accommodation Containment Shelter.”

Despite your answer, Runt seemed to have no idea what you were talking about. “Never heard of it.”

Perhaps the knowledge of the PACS had been lost over the years or maybe the Equestrian government had tried to keep it a secret. Of course, it was also possible that Runt just happened to have no knowledge as to what a PACS was.

“It’s kind of an underground shelter that was designed to keep ponies safe during the cataclysm,” you explained.

Runt shrugged, clearly not aware of the significance of this. “Fine, so you went exploring and found the weird suit in an underground ruin.”

“No, I actually grew up there,” you answered, “and it’s not a ruin. It’s a completely functional facility.”

Runt was about to take a bit of a zebra root, when she heard you say that it was functional. Before she bit into the vegetable she looked back up at you.

“So you mean it’s actually a secure location and there are more ponies like you there.”

Suddenly you felt as if you might have said more than you should have. Runt examined you sniffing the air.

“Well… uh.”

You remembered what Oracle had said earlier and for a brief moment you wondered if maybe Runt might turn on you. For a brief moment Runt seemed to be pondering something before looking deep into your eyes.

“So if this… facility is so functional, why are you here on the surface with the likes of us?” Runt asked, a hint of malice in her tone.

Well, now you had a choice to make. You could try to come up with some lie or just tell her the truth.

"Be-because it was damaged," you answered, "a fuse on the outside burnt out and somepony had to go outside and fix it. Whoever fixed it wouldn't be allowed to return and I chose to do it."

"So you're stuck out here with the rest of us."

"Yes."

Runt's mood changed slightly from her sturn mannerisms to deep contemplation. You were uncertain if she was still your friend or if somehow this revelation might have earned you an enemy far deadlier than any you had encountered on the surface.

"If you want me to leave, I will." You offered, hoping to sort this out peacefully.

Runt shook her head, a small smile gracing her face.

"No, it's fine," Runt said, "I've just had to work hard for everything I have is all. But that doesn't matter…"

With a hoof, Runt pulled a stuffed elephant close to her.

"You're my pet now and one of my royal subjects. It would be foolish for a princess like me to just throw you out right after such a glorious day."

While you had to admit that Runt's delusions of being a princess was a little odd, you were glad that she still wanted to be your friend.

"So tell me, what is it like to live in such a place?" Runt asked, taking a bite of her zebra root.

From what you could tell any angry or annoyance Runt had before was now gone, replaced with genuine curiosity.

"Well, my parents died due to a small sickness caused by some contaminated food," you explained, "thankfully there were some ponies who took care of me. After that I wanted to help give back to my community and so I trained for the maintenance team."

"I'm sorry to hear that you lost your parents," Runt said sullenly.

"It's okay," you reassured her, "I was young at the time so I don't exactly remember them. Plus there were many ponies that took care of me, so it worked out fine."

You took another bite of your furry apples. Looking back at Runt you noticed that her expression had turned sullen.

“What about you?” You asked, “Do you have any parents?”

“I have a mother.” Runt replied, her tone turning a little sharp.

“Okay, what is she like?”

For a moment, Runt was quiet. You could feel the air around you grow tense.

“I’d rather not talk about it.”

Judging from Runt’s mannerisms, whatever relationship she had with her mother must not have been that pleasant. Maybe it would be wise to try to lighten the mood. After all this was supposed to be a celebration.

“So… uh,” you stuttered, “wha- who is your oldest subject?”

As you asked the question, you waved a hoof at the surrounding plushy animals. Once the question left your lips, Runt looked around the room, her face growing brighter at the new topic.

With a hoof, Runt motioned to the doll of a gray pony with button eyes and a few patchwork legs that had clearly been resewn on a few times.

“My first royal subject was Mister Goodyhooves,” Runt answered, “while he has gone through a few surgeries to help him with his loose limbs, he has been doing well. I found him while investigating a pit filled with garbage. Apparently Mister Goodyhooves loves collecting garbage.”

You couldn’t help but chuckle a little at that. Your new friend certainly did have a creative imagination. Even Runt seemed to giggle at her statement.

As you finished your furry apples, you discarded the seed on the platter in the center.

“Out of curiosity are there any settlements nearby?” You inquired.

“Well, there is the town of Bite Apple as well as the city of New Ponivile,” Runt answered as she finished her zebra root.

“Would it be possible for us to visit one of those areas?”

Admittedly you were kind of curious how such a location might be like, even if they were filled with monstrous ponies. Especially if there were no raiders around to cause any problems.

“It is possible,” Runt replied, “however, that suit of yours would draw too much attention if you have to go anywhere. So you will probably need to find you something else to wear, or at least something to cover it.”

That made sense. Your suit did seem to stand out compared to what many of the raiders were wearing. Perhaps a cloak of some sort could be used to conceal it.

You nodded. “That’s a good idea.”

“You’d probably also want to stop by the junk pit for supplies.”

The way that Runt said ‘you’ made you wonder if she had no intention of accompanying you to one of these locations. That was a little disappointing but perhaps over time you would understand her reasoning behind this.

It was about then that your host let out a yawn and stretched her forehooves upward.

"The night is drawing near," Runt said, "we should prepare to rest."

Standing up, Runt fetched some blankets and brought them over. With a hoof she set down a couple next to you, one that was gray with a few different patches on it and another that was blue with white clouds on it.

"If you want I can have one of my subjects take care of you. Just to watch over you for the night." Runt motioned to the various stuffed animals around the room.

"Are you sure?"

Runt nodded. "As long as you're nice to them they won't mind."

Following your host's queue, you looked around the room at the fuzzy toys until you spotted a cute stuffed penguin that caught your attention.

"What about that one?"

"Oh, I'm sure Mister Snugglefeathers would be more than happy to keep you safe." Runt said as she walked over and carefully picked up the penguin plushie.

Bring it over, Runt set Snugglefeathers down next to you.

"Perfect." Runt smiled.

Walking back to her bean bag, Runt hit a switch on a pole, causing the lights to dim, before she lay down. Bringing Miss Merrybelle closed, the monstrous pony pulled up her blankets before closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep. Looking at Runt you had to admit that she kind of looked sweet sleeping there, even if she was well… a monster.

Still it was kind of nice having somepony to share with, even here in the wasteland.

Once you moved into a comfortable position, you closed your eyes and succumbed to the sweet embrace of sleep.

Sojourn

You stood looking out over the ashen wasteland, carrying the burlap sack that Runt had given you. Looking down the hill into the gray valley, you noticed patches of ash that were much darker than the rest. Around these patches were some large parasprite like creatures floated above the patches in a defensive manner. Moving carefully in between them was a bony dorsal fin.

After your talk with Oracle about finding the other ponies, you had heard no more dialogue from her. Was she afraid of something? Oracle's reluctance had seemed rather odd to you.

You were pulled from your daydreaming when suddenly Runt burst out of the ground, clenching a round, gray object in her teeth. Immediately the mutated parasprites buzzed angrily and began to swarm toward her.

Diving quickly in and out of the ash, Runt moved at high speeds toward you. The parasprites charging after her, their teeth gnashing at the air.

Carefully you held the sack open as Runt drew near. With a swift motion of her neck, Runt flung the item she was holding, a strange papery sphere into the sack.

"Let's go!"

As soon as Runt dove into the sand and you heard the buzzing of wings, you knew you had to flee by yourself. After shoving the burlap sack inside your saddlebags, you began to run as fast as you could.

Stretching out your wings, you tried taking to the air and for a brief moment, your flapping seemed to work… before you face planted into the ash. As you lay there on the ground, you heard the sound of buzzing wings drawing near. Sitting up, you saw a mutated parasprite drawing near, its mouth filled with razor sharp teeth.

The monster hissed as it proceeded to lung at you before a familiar set of jaws emerged from the ground, biting into the mutated parasprite and pulling it beneath the ash. Standing up you continued to run, Runt had bought you time and now it was time to flee.

You ran and ran until you could no longer hear the ominous buzzing of the swarm. Sitting down in the ash, you tried to catch your breath. It would seem that you needed to work harder if you wished to use your wings.

Hearing the sound of moving ash off to your left, you turned to see Runt emerge.

“You got it?” Runt asked.

You pulled the burlap sack from your saddlebags. “Yes.”

“Good, then we should head back.”

“What is it?” You asked as you peered into the sack and looked at the large, papery ball.

“Food, duh.”

You shrugged and after sealing up the sack, put it back into your inventory. No doubt, it would make more sense once you returned to the lair.

Standing up, you began to follow Runt back to your new sanctuary, when something caught your attention off to your right. Turning you saw in the distance a statue of what must have been one of the princesses who lived before the cataclysm, its features eroded away by time. At the foot of the statue stood a pony shaped figure, antlers or maybe root like structures covered in thorns, reaching up into the sky. Lavender spheres of light floating around those strange antlers.

“What’s that?” You asked, pointing toward the creature.

Runt followed my hoof, her expression turning sour as she saw what I was pointing at. “You’d better stay clear of those things, pet.”

“Why?”

“Servants of the sleeping goddess are not to be messed with,” Runt explained, “they are unpredictable and dangerous.”

That was strange coming from a monstrous pony like her. Still you weren’t feeling up to challenging Runt’s words, especially considering how she was currently your only ally in this world.

Still the way, Runt uttered sleeping goddess made you feel uneasy. Who was this goddess? Some sort of monstrous alicorn-like creature or maybe something far scarier. What sort of being would intimidate an Ash Lurker like Runt? Perhaps that was a question to ask her another time, for now you needed to return back to base, your journey drawing you deeper and deeper into the city ruins.

As the two of you returned to Runt's lair, you spotted the strange vessel you had encountered with the raider's when you had emerged from PACS-039. Seeing the ship, a bit of curiosity overcame you, as you walked over to the vessel.

"What are you doing?" Runt asked.

"I'm just taking a quick look at this contraption," you answered, as you pulled yourself onto the vehicle.

Aside from a couple bloodstains and a few disturbing decorations that the raiders had left behind, it was a decent looking ship. From the top of the vessel you could see that it was very much like a medium sized boat but without the sails, the machinery serving as the ship's propulsion.

Examining the vessel, you realized that it was in pretty good shape aside from the damaged terminal, which you guessed was used to pilot the vessel. With the right equipment you could possibly repair it.

"I think I might be able to fix it," you said as you jumped down from the vessel.

Runt looked at the vehicle in disgust. "I guess if you really wanted to."

"Are you alright?"

"I don't like Ash Hoppers," Runt said, "they make a lot of noise and they bring nothing but trouble."

"I see."

You could understand what she meant, the only time you had seen this type of vehicle, you had been attacked by raiders shortly after. However considering the scavenging nature of the raiders, you had to wonder who had previously owned such a machine. Even with that thought you had to admit that this Ash Hopper was fascinating.

"Let's go!" Runt said as she resumed her walking.

"Oh, okay."

Following your host, you resumed your walk back to the lair.

The two of you stood in the cooking alcove with the papery sphere sitting on the table. Inside the room were a few nets carrying zebra roots, fuzzy apples as well as a strange fruit consisting of various blue pods, which Runt referred to as screech berry. There were also some shelves holding scavenged dishes with a group of bottles containing water in the corner.

Runt stood nearby looking really excited.

“Are you ready for a yummy treat?” Runt asked, her mouth watering.

“Uh, sure.”

With a smile on her lips, Runt grabbed the sphere with her teeth and pulled, tearing the gray orb open, revealing what was inside. Much to your disgust you saw numerous grabs wriggling around inside. Their black chitinous heads attached to a pale tan body.

Picking up one of the grubs, Runt bite off the grub’s head, a milky slime squirting from the body. After chewing on the grub’s head for a few seconds, Runt threw the rest of its body into her mouth.

“Yummy!” Runt declared happily.

Just seeing this made your stomach churn. “I’m not sure I’d say that.”

Runt looked at you with a confused expression before her eyes opened wide with an epiphany.

“Oh, that’s right, I heard that some of you ponies have weak stomachs,” Runt said, “perhaps I can cook something up for you, little pet.”

“I would appreciate that,” you said as you stepped out of the makeshift kitchen.

Stepping into the main living area, you looked around the room at the numerous wires and machines that were hooked up. Seeing the flickering lights, you decided it might be good to try to fix up the wiring. Taking off your suit, you pulled out your equipment and started working.

After ten minutes of tracing the wires and adjusting them you were able to fix the lights, the Hearth’s Warming themed lights staying on.

“There we go.” You said, as you whipped sweat from your brow.

Looking up around the sitting area, you spotted the monitors hanging from the ceiling.

“Why don’t I go ahead and give those a look.”

Examining the wires, it was clear that the monitors had power, but since there weren’t any devices linked up to them, when the screens were turned on only static appeared. Seeing this you let out an annoyed sigh.

“I doubt there is anything like that that could still function in this world.”

Indeed, more than likely most of the computers in this world were either damaged, destroyed or probably kept secret by anypony who knew how to use them. As you considered this, you realized you knew of something that might work.

“My Hoof-pilot!”

Bringing the suit over, you took some of the wires from the monitors and attached them to your Hoof-pilot. As you worked on your little project, a fragrant scent drew near.

“Whatcha working on, pet?” Runt asked.

Looking up from your suit, you saw Runt setting a platter with two bowls of soup on the central table.

“Oh, I was hooking up my suit to your monitors to see if anything would appear,” you explained.

Runt blinked a few times before shrugging.

“Well, that’s cool I suppose,” Runt said, “personally I just moved them here because I thought they looked pretty.”

That… wasn’t all that surprising considering the type of pony Runt was. Still it might be interesting to see what might happen once you finished setting things up. Sniffing the air, that delicious aroma filled your nostrils once more.

“That smells nice,” you said, licking your lips.

“Well, thank you,” Runt said, “I hope you like it, my little pet.”

Standing up, you walked back over to the table and examined the contents of the bowls. It was a creamy, yellow soup with chopped up zebra root inside. It at least looked and smelled more appetizing than the grubs from earlier. You didn’t see any spoons on the table, which shocked you for a brief moment.

Runt then proceeded to take one of the bowls before sitting down, holding the bowl with her hooves and drinking its contents.

Taking the remaining bowl, you sat down on your bean bag and began to drink from it like your host. The soup was warm and savory, the creamy treat moving smoothly down your throat.

“What’s that?” Runt said, pointing to your cutie mark. You then realized that you hadn’t taken your suit off before on the surface until now and this was probably the first time Runt had seen your full body before. Admittedly… this was a little bit awkward.

“Oh, uh, this is my cutie mark,” you answered, “this symbolizes my special talent.”

“Okay, how do you get one?”

As Runt asked this, you realized that she was lacking a cutie mark herself. Seeing this you weren’t too sure how to explain it.

“It just kind of shows up after you learn your special talent,” you answered.

Runt raised an eyebrow at you questioningly. “Okay…”

Yeah, this was not something you were prepared to explain. If Blue Cheese was here, she would probably be able to explain how cutie marks worked to Runt. That was of course, assuming that Runt or any raiders in the area hadn’t tried killing Blue as soon as she entered the wasteland.

You decided to try to change the topic.

“So you mentioned that there were a couple towns nearby,” you said, “would it be possible to visit one of them?”

Runt gave an irritated expression. “If you want to go, you can.”

“You wouldn’t want to come along?”

“No.” Runt shook her head.

“Why not?”

Runt looked down at her empty bowl, her expression becoming sullen. “Because nopony wants me there.”

Hearing this, you felt a little sad for Runt. Here she lived in her princess fantasy and you hadn’t considered why. Perhaps it was because here, Runt could actually feel accepted by her subjects as imaginary as they might be.

You were about to apologize when suddenly some blue lights caught both you and Runt’s attention. After a second, you realized it was coming from the monitors that were linked up to your suit. Looking up at the screens you saw that they were blue with the green symbol of an eye in the center.

‘Hello.’ A familiar voice came over the speakers.

“Oracle?” you asked.

Runt looked confused. “Uh, who?”

The screens blinked a few times as Oracle spoke. ‘Yes, it is me. While I’ve been having some difficulties, I did manage to find the location of some other ponies for you, if you’re still interested.’

A part of you cringed at this, considering the discussion Runt and you had just had. Looking back over at Runt you saw a depressed look on her face.

“P-pet, who is this?” Runt asked, her mood turning sour.

‘It is... complicated,’ Oracle said, ‘most ponies refer to me as Oracle, though I don’t typically talk with many of them. As of right now I have uploaded myself into his Hoof-pilot.’

Judging from Runt's expression she still wasn't pleased with Oracle's answer.

'Sir, if the timing is inconvenient, I can update your Hoof-pilot with the coordinates you were asking for.'

"Y-yes, that will be fine," you replied, "thank you."

After a few more blinks the eye disappeared and the screens returned to static. The room was silent with Oracle's absence. Runt would be the first to break the silence.

"So, you're leaving," Runt said, her words seemed heavy.

You let out a reluctant sigh. "At some point, yes."

"Why?"

Hearing Runt's question, you pondered the matter. Why did you want to leave? It wasn't like this place was bad, you had a friend who had protected you in this alien world, a shelter and even food. So why did you want to leave?

You shrugged. "I guess I just want to see if there are any others like me left in this world."

Even as you said this, you could feel Runt's piercing gaze upon you. With a harrumph, Runt looked away.

"Fine, whatever!"

You stood outside the entrance to Runt's lair, your suit fully donned, your helmet in place. Your saddlebags stocked and secured.

Despite her bad mood, Runt had been gracious enough to give you a decent supply of zebra roots, furry apples and a few bottles of water.

Examining your hud, you saw an icon resembling an eye on your compass, indicating the first coordinate Oracle had given you.

Looking out across the landscape of ash and ruined buildings, you felt your heart ache at your lost companionship. Yet you knew that you needed to do this. In this mysterious world you wanted answers.

"Maybe someday I will return."

Assuming that Runt didn't want to kill you upon your return.

'I will mark this location for future reference,' Oracle said through your helmet.

As reassuring as that was, you still felt bad for leaving. After taking a deep breath, you began to walk into the wasteland.

After taking a few steps a familiar voice called out from behind you. "Hey pet, you forgot something!"

Turning around, your vision was obscured as a piece of thick fabric covered your head. Pulling the cloth off your face, you realized that it was a makeshift cloak made of brown fabric.

Looking up, you saw Runt walking toward you, her body covered with a similar garment.

"Runt, what are you doing here?" you asked.

A toothy grin graced Runt's lips as she drew near.

"As of right now you are still my pet," Runt declared, "and as long as you are one of my subjects, I will do everything in my power to take care of you."

While Runt stood there giving you a proud, toothy grin, you could see a slight shade of pink on her cheeks. A part of you was tempted to tease her about it, like how she would tease you by calling you pet, however at the time you were just happy that she was coming along with you.

"Thank you," you said, as you pulled your cloak over your environmental suit.

"Now lead on, pet." Runt motioned with a hoof.

With a smile, you looked at the compass on your hud and began to walk, the two of you setting out into vast wasteland.

The air in the cafe, between Amble and you was strangely tense and you weren't too sure why?

You remembered hearing about Tricorn Pharmaceuticals. Apparently it was a fairly large medical drug company that had mysteriously gone bankrupt like three years ago.

"I am aware of them," you answered Amble's question.

Amble nodded. "Recently in my efforts to create the sanctuary, I have uncovered that the company, well while it was still functioning, had been performing unorthodox experiments on monsters and ponies with abnormal traits. While they are no longer functional there are still ponies out there that are suffering from their treatments."

You recalled things that both Jagged Nibble and Irisa had told you. About the white rooms. Your blood boiled at the thought that such a company existed.

"That's terrible," you muttered, your stomach churning with anger.

Amble's expression changed from one of concern to that of sadness.

"Yes, it is an atrocity that will take time to mend."

Even as Amble spoke, you felt that she was trying to be careful with her words, as if there was something else that was bothering her.

"Well, once your sanctuary is up and running, the victims will have a place to heal."

Amble nodded, but remained quiet for a brief moment.

"Unfortunately there's more," Amble said, "we did some research on those who worked at Tricorn around the time it disbanded."

Reaching into her saddlebags, Amble pulled forth a manilla folder and placed it in front of you. Opening the folder you saw a photograph with the image of a familiar unicorn stallion with a tan coat and brown mane. His blue eyes framed by the glasses he was wearing. A professional smile on his lips.

Upon seeing the photo, your heart froze.

"It would seem that your brother was one of them."

Author's Note

You have survived a few days in the wasteland and have this learned a new perk. Please select one of the perks mentioned below:

Adapted Mechanics: Having observed the technology outside of the shelter, you know that some of it is vastly different. No matter, after some quick studying you should be able to learn how to fix and enhance this technology without blowing yourself up... in theory.
Gunner: After some practice, you learn how to better handle firearms and improved your accuracy.
Wings and Horseshoes: You practice doing the one thing you really couldn't do often while in the PACS. Fly. Now you can maneuver through the air both in and out of combat when necessary.