Fallout Equestria: Endless Horizon

Chapter 10: To New Friends

Music droned through the young settlement, the heavy base and fast rhythm mixing with the chorus of gleeful cheers and drunken yammering. Skyward was alight with activity. Everyone was outside, feasting on grilled meat and shuffling to the unusually loud and heavy music from above the clouds. They were eating some pony treat where they cooked some fluffy candy over the fire, then put it on a cracker with chocolate! The sweet-salty and bitter mixed really well, though it was rather hard on my stomach.

No hearts bled for the loss of the once-great Lieutenant Steel Wing, least of all his ex-lover. Free had grieved for the loss of his friend long ago. The buck was thrilled we’d gotten to free the pegasi from the monstrous threat, just as he freed his squad from the enclave years before. I hoped he’d live up to his name by helping Scarlet and I save the prisoners of Vision. We needed all the help we could get.

Thunder Chain took command of the settlement. Lucky, as he preferred, was already hard at work in Steel's old house, workshopping his ideas on how to keep the town alive and thriving now that they had access to clean water. He was writing letter after letter to send to nearby settlements to buy farming equipment and seeds. If the rest of the town was as dedicated and hard-working as he was, Skyward would bloom into a thriving settlement that could give Whinnies Grove a run for its caps.

Our return was celebrated with a stream of hugs, hoof shakes, and gifts. By we, I mostly mean me. Thanks to the radio making me out to be the leader of our mismatched little crew, and be being the one to give them the water talisman they saw me as something of a celebrity. It was flattering but made me very uncomfortable. I didn’t enjoy being fussed over or anything, I always preferred to be in the background. I’d have given anything for a zebra stealth cloak or a stealth buck, honestly. The pegasi treated me as if I was special, and it felt wrong. Disingenuous. I wasn’t special. I was just a nerdy mare who won a fight, thanks to her friends, some drugs and a bit of luck. My parents were special. Aqua was special. I was just the wrench jockey who didn’t learn her left from her right until she hit double digits.

Still, I did my best to follow along with their strings of introductions and compliments. My mind was foggy and slow, and I was easily distracted by everything happening around me. My lacklustre attempts to focus and engage with the liberated pegasi were saved when Free ushered me into the settlement's infirmary. Free wanted to clean and cover my wounds, as well as check on my mental facilities as I crashed from experimenting with Dash. I was curled up on the musty bed of the ramshackle building as he did his doctory thing.

“How are you feeling? Dash is a pretty rough drug, and I’m not sure how it’ll mix with your anatomy. I’m worried about you, and I’m pissed.” The feathers on my head laid back as I curled tighter into myself. Of course, I’d upset him. I was using. Like a weak-willed filly. I draped a wing over my face to hide my shame. I felt his hoof stroking my wing as he continued. “Not at you. At the situation. You should have never been in a position where turning to such drastic measures was the best option. It isn’t fair, especially for someone who was previously so far removed from the wasteland.” ‘Removed.’ He had no idea…

“I sniffled and answered. “I feel terrible. I’m exhausted. I’m shaking more than normal. My brain is… cloudy, groggy. I have this terrible, thumping headache. I keep getting… confused or distracted. I can’t keep on task.” I explained as he looked over my vitals again. My heart rate had gone back to normal, though my blood pressure and oxygen were both lower than normal.

Free moved to a pair of buckets across the room and washed his hooves in them, one full of water, the other with homemade moonshine. “That matches up with what I’ve read about coming down from recreational amphetamines. You put a lot of stress on your wing and heart in a very short amount of time with that stunt. It’ll take time to fully recover. You need to rest and stay hydrated. Focus on healing. If seeing you around didn’t make the pegasi so damn happy I’d have Scarlet strap you down to the bed.

I blushed a bit at the thought and slowly rolled off the bed. A spear of pain tore through my left wing as I stretched out. I pulled the muscle in it, and lost more feathers than I was comfortable with. The rest were a mess, ruffled with their usual purple sheen lost under layers of muck and blood. Honestly, the pain wasn't too bad. The gunshot wound in my hind leg was worse, though thankfully the mostly healed bullet hole through my wing merely tingled. “I know it was a dumb move… It was stupid, and I know how horrible things can go when you get into chems, but… Without that drug, he’d have turned both of us to goo…” Despite my justifications, I still felt terrible about taking it. I felt weak, having to rely on my friends and drugs to get by.

“Who are you trying to convince?” Ow… was I really that transparent? I pouted a bit and wrapped my good wing around myself. “Just… Watch your drug use ok? They’re just as dangerous as they are helpful. Especially something as habit-forming as dash.” The doctor explained. With his back to me, I couldn’t read his face. I couldn’t tell if he was being genuine or if there was some subtext going over my head. I didn’t really care at the time though. I knew the speech, I knew the risks. I made the right decision. I beat the bad guy. I saved a settlement. I was alive. “By the way, you really need to start taking more care of yourself. I know this is the wasteland, but you still should be taking better care of your feathers and coat. When was the last time you preened.”

I clicked my beak and gave a tiny shrug. “I umm… Whinnies Grove, I think?” The buck narrowed his eyes. “W-we’ve been around people constantly! I'm not comfortable grooming myself around others…” My face felt warm as I looked down at the floor, embarrassed.

Free sighed and sat a hoof on her shoulder. “If that’s the case, you can ask for time to yourself Aella. It isn’t just about looking nice, all the extra drag from a messy coat and bad feathers is going to tire you out. Focus on yourself, at least for recovering.”

I nodded slightly and gave the buck a nuzzle. I still didn’t know him very well yet, but he cared about people. I think we were becoming friends! “Right, that communication thing you and Scarlet are so intent on teaching me. I’ll try to take care of myself…” I sighed and tried my claw at communicating. “Would you mind stepping out for a bit so I can tend my wings?”

The buck gave a curt nod and a satisfied smile then took his leave. I got to work going over my feathers, plucking any that were to warn for new ones to grow, and straightening the rest. I smiled as I looked over the smooth purple feathers of my now clean wings. I hadn’t lost as many feathers as I’d thought, they were just more of a mess than I was used to. I did have a habit of forgetting to take care of myself when I got into my work, usually leading to Aqua stepping in. But my sister was a world away, and I had to take care of myself. I brushed out my coat and quickly cleaned all the muck of battle off by the wash buckets.

I looked at myself in the mirror above them as I washed up. I did look much better than before. Though using a bucket to wash made me miss my shower, as shallow as the thought made me feel. These people were fighting for drinking water, and I was pouting about not having my shower! Though the settlement could use indoor plumbing. How water would be easy, even just using heat from the sunlight that blessed the area. There was lots of scrap pipe back where we’d fought Steel Wing, it’d only take me a few-

I groaned and pointed a claw at my reflection. “Nope, bad Aella! You told Free you’d try and focus on yourself! Mother, Father and the elders always said never to go back on your word. You saved this settlement, and you got hurt doing it! They don’t need plumbing built too! That isn’t my duty. Tonight, my duty is to myself… I can do that.

With my physical needs met, I made my way back out into the settlement. The hugs and backpacks were numerous, and I did my best to be appreciative. But honestly, I was tired, sick, and very overstimulated. I may have cawed at a sweet pegasi couple and flew off to our campsite. I know! It wasn’t nice of me, I felt super bad after.

On the flight over I did catch sight of my medic friend getting very close to a particularly handsome buck who was tending the large campfire in the center of town. It still surprised me how promiscuous that buck got when he wasn’t patching creatures up or going on adventures with me. I smiled and giggled a bit as he faded from view. After the hard work we all did, we all could use some R&R.

Our camp was at the edge of the village, but still almost 100 metres from where the rest of the highway had broken away. They had plans to build in the space over the next few years, though I didn’t know what. We just had a small fire, encircled by our bedrolls. Rumble was hovering next to the glowing flames, basking in its warmth. Otherwise, the camp was empty. Last I saw Scarlet and Jasmin a pegasus had challenged Jasmin to a game of horseshoe. Because in Equestria, having footwear was also entertainment? I didn’t bother asking, since I don't wear horseshoes anyway.

As I lay back in my nest roll, I saw a blur soaring across the sky. A vague pony shape against a star-filled break in the cloud curtain. The slightest hint of green and orange near the edge of my vision. I shrugged and turned my face towards the fire's warmth. I hadn’t heard any mention of flying competitions, but it sounded like something they would do.

I was just dozing off as I felt something next to me. The distinct feeling of Scarlet's magic made me wonder why she’d returned from the party so soon. I opened my eyes to find her holding a bottle of water in her magic. Rather than drinking it, she was pouring it onto her face and mane, like a landlocked Kelpie. “Trying to cool down. Those chickens really know how to dance…” She explained as she looked in their general direction. The nuzzle that followed was wet and sweaty, (They’re different things, I swear! I can turn into a fish, I would know!) but not unwelcomed. I returned it with a yawn. “You did really well today. I’m actually kind of proud. I didn’t know you had that kind of fire in you. I was worried about you, though. Free too, as much of a pain in the ass he is. Are you recovering ok?”

Proud… wasn’t a word I was used to hearing. It was praise that I’d only seen reserved for great feats. Father was proud that Mother had managed a temporal inversion spell to bring some dead crops back to life. Mother was proud to see Aqua become the youngest unicorn in Hippogriffia’s history to learn teleportation, or acute transformations, or how to hack into their secure terminals. Ok, they were upset about that last part. She just didn’t get into any trouble for it. Aqua would tell me she was proud of me sometimes, but it never felt real. Not after the amazing feats she did, stacked next to my father the genius inventor and my mother the magical prodigy. Next to those, macaroni art of me spelling my name wrong hardly had the same significance.

I nuzzled into the softness of my nest and held in a shutter. It was stupid. My heart ached, and my eyes watered. There was no reason for them too. I’d finally done something worthy of note, is all. No reason to happy cry. Or sad cry. Or… whatever it was I felt.

I cleared my throat and did my best to keep my voice from quivering. Once I steered the conversation away from myself, I’d be fine. The tears would stop and I could face her again. “I’m fine, thank you. Just worn out after everything. Free threatened to have you tie me down if I didn’t get some rest. What about you? Were you upset I had you away from the action, today?”

Scarlet flopped down on her bedroll, her muzzle inches from my face as she tried to look at it. “I was a little, but it was a sound plan. Best under the circumstances, I mean. Helping Jazy shoot was probably the best place for me, being flightless and all. You’re a surprisingly good leader when you step up to the plate. I didn’t expect that from you. Maybe DJ-Pon3 knows what he’s talking about, naming you Captain.” I looked up to find her grinning at me. “That make me your crew?”

Would I never live down the stupid title that radio buck gave me!? Still… He could be right. Everyone did seem to think I was in charge. Though I’d still leave combat strategy and barter to Scarlet, and Free to medicine and his steadily growing salvaging skills. I rolled onto my side and met her lime-green eyes. “I always had fantasies of being an adventurer as a fledgling. I think all children do. Never imagined myself in charge though. I always imagined I’d be equal with the rest of my flock.” She cocked her head. “Flock means… It’s family beyond blood. Deeper, more significant. The people you’d do anything for. The people you love, romantic or otherwise. Everyone is an individual, but they all add a part of themselves to everyone else. My parents had a flock, Karma's parents. It’s how we met. Though there's was more intimate than I imagined mine would be.” The mare reached out with a hoof as I brought up my late partner, resting it on my cheek. With Scarlet beside me, it was the first time talking about Jarma didn’t leave me with crippling heartache, lost in a sea of guilt. I just felt… warm.

“So a flock is like, found family. Best friends. But also like, a relationship sometimes?” I nodded with a small smile. The chat helped distract me from the horrid state of my body, even if I had to try harder than usual to follow along. Scarlet's ears dipped as she continued. “That makes sense. Can I say something?” Of course, I nodded again. Conversations wouldn't go far if she wasn’t allowed to speak. “Is it fucked up that I’m not upset about what’s happening to your people?” Thad made me recoil. “No, I mean… I’m sorry it’s happening, no one deserves it! But if it didn’t happen, you wouldn’t have come to Equestria. You’ve made a difference in so many lives in the short time you’ve been here. You don’t understand the wasteland or our society, but you put so much heart into everything you do. It’s special, and… I’m glad I got to meet you.”

A flutter of my wings sent a sharp pain through my side. It was a good distraction from the growing warmth in my cheeks if nothing else. I picked at the ground idly as I folded up my wings. “I… No, it isn’t F’ed up Scarlet. I understand what you mean. Honestly, I’ve never felt as alive as I do out here. I feel like I’m doing something, something that would have made my parents proud. I have friends… I never… really had friends before. I’d hang out with my sister and her friends, we’d play at the arcade or play tabletop games but it wasn’t the same. I was ‘Aquas little sister’ to them. With you and Free, you see me for me.” The parts I show, at least…

Scarlet nodded and gave me another nuzzle, before slipping into her sleeping bag properly. She understood what I meant. Of course, she did. Turned out she grew up more alone than I could imagine. “I never had friends growing up. My village didn’t have many kids my age, and I was usually working with my mom. When I was enslaved… Slaves don’t usually have friends. They form groups for protection, but it isn’t real friendship. More often than not you’re stealing from your fellow slave just to get by, or telling Grindstone about a couple's escape plan to get extra meals. Closest I got to being liked was when I was trading. I traded medicine, alcohol, hoof-made weapons; anything with value. It’s how I survived filly for so long. Even the odd slaver would come to me if they were having a hard time getting their mint-als or wanted some good dirt.” Why would someone purchase dirt, it’s literally everywhere. I guess maybe if it’s especially good dirt… “When I wasn’t trading, I was working or hiding out. Jasmin was actually my first real friend. She saved me after I escaped the second time, from Filly. We took care of one another, and eventually, both found work here.

“I’ve been meaning to ask about that. You Jasmin. I know you two um… Spent a night together. Is there more than just friendship there?”

She giggled and waved her hooves in front of her face. “No, no-no-no. No. Even if I wanted to be with her, Jasmin isn’t one to settle really. She likes to be able to move on when she needs to. Doesn’t like to weigh herself down with anything serious like that. She makes friends, but she never gets close to people.”

That made a lot of sense. She did seem the free-spirited type, so to speak. I yawned and rubbed my eyes, finding it hard to keep them open. My body's way of complaining about how despite being in a bed, we weren’t sleeping.

“Am I boring you already?” My friend asked with a giggle.

I laughed as well and shook my head. “N-no, not at all, just a long day. I think I’ll sleep now.”

“I think I’ll turn in, too. Goodnight Aella.”

“Night night Scarlet.”

I was out before she even settled into her sleeping bag.

*** *** ***

A hungover but joyful green buck sauntered into camp. Despite his mess of a mane and matted fur, he stood tall with his wings outstretched. He nodded to the rest of us and took a seat next to me with a content sigh. He wasn’t the only one who had an interesting night though. Across the fire from us was a mare with an adorable curly mane, and a coat the colour of snow. A pair of charcoal grey hooves were wrapped around her. Despite everyone getting started on their morning routines Jasmine continued to quietly snore against the snow-white mare's neck as they spooned. It was so adorable I wished I had a camera.

Free silently started helping me get breakfast together as I tended the fire. Something everyone was thankful for, as I’d cooked a total of seven meals throughout my life, including reheating canned beans. He fried up a mix of our freeze-dried, fresh, and canned veggies, and even fried up some radroach meat for me to add to mine.

The delicious food failed to whet my appetite though as I watched the buck skillfully fry and season it. On the contrary, the idea of eating food made my stomach lurch and churn. The effects of my reckless use of schedule one drugs. That mixed with my sore muscles and persistent exhaustion meant my day was going to be far less enjoyable than I hoped.

Scarlet watched quietly from her sleeping bag, going between observing meal preparations and observing the ponies of Skyward go about their morning chores. I wasn’t sure if she was lost in thought, or just quietly enjoying the scenery after the day before. Either way, she seemed happy. Or at least content.

Jasmine and her new friend woke as the food was plated and passed around. We offered to let her stay for breakfast, but the pegasus mare shyly excused herself. Jasmine had a goofy smile on her face as she got up to start her day. She gave Free a hoof bump as she grabbed her food, then discreetly took another Mint-al when she thought we were all distracted with our food.

Not feeling at all like eating, I packed my food away in an old tin I’d cleaned out to keep leftovers in. It was way better than the cooler bag I had on the Skystar, all I had to do to prep the food is set it on some hot coals!

Of course, once word got around that their saviours had woken, the townsponies came over to fuss over us. They’d taken up a collection to pay us, but I turned it down much to Jasmin's chagrin. We’d be paid for the bounty, and they needed that money to get the town on its hooves.

We headed out a few hours after we woke, hoping to make it to Vision before nightfall. None of my friends were hungover for the first leg of the journey this time, so we made a better time.

The travel was uneventful, by which I mean hopelessly boring. I spent most of it lagging at the back of the group, listening to Velvet and Saphire through Rumbles speaker. It was a good distraction from how horrid I felt. I was already on my third cup of coffee and I still felt run down. If I could help it I wouldn’t take dash again. It was the worst drug to come off of I’d ever done. I was shaking, tired, and weak. I felt slow and clumsy. Well, more clumsy than normal. My normally first-rate mind lagged behind as I struggled to process even basic conversations. I kept my wings extended as I walked to help me balance as I trotted along. The only bright side was that weird and quirky as I am, no one realized I was acting strange.

*** *** ***

I pulled myself through the gates of Vision a few hours before sunrise. I thought I’d feel better as the drugs worked their way out of my system and got food in me, but my body ached even worse than before. Every movement sent pain shooting through my points. I was completely run down. My mane was matted and my feathers were ruffled. I had dark circles under my eyes. Each of my friends had asked at least three times if I was ok. Eventually, we had to tell them I used dash during my fight with Steel Wing and it was kicking my ass. Scarlet looked conflicted about the news, though Jasmin gave me a hoof bump? Very different reactions from everypony.

The settlement was busy as ever, with creatures moving every which way as they went about their daily tasks. Several caravans were wheeling their way through the gate, carting in barrels of water and crates of produce. The train had finally arrived since the tracks were blocked. Several of the merchants and guards recognized us, giving us waves or nods. It seemed I was making friends everywhere I went!

The walk to the Sleepy Moon was a dizzying blur. I wasn’t even positive how I’d gotten there. The pearl-coated filly was curled up on a couch in the lounge with her muzzle in an old book, while her mirror image aged up a few decades watched over the inn from behind the counter. The filly waved at me excitedly as we cantered in, which I returned. My heart did a little flutter seeing how excited I could make the foal just by being around her. I’d never had that effect on someone before. The mare behind the counter, presumably Snowflake's mother waved us over to her.

“Heard you and your new friends were out for a pretty big score, Scar. Nice to see you back in one piece. Need a room? One you had the other day is empty.”

I sat a bag of caps on the counter with a smile that gave way to a grin. “The same one would be amazing. Thanks. Mission went well, surprisingly. Looking forward to the payday.”

“Glad to hear. It’s good to see you back in town.” The Innkeeper swapped the money for a worn key with a welcoming smile. “You’re all set. If you need anything let us know!”

Scarlet trotted back towards the room as I lagged behind. “There is one thing I need, actually?” The mare's ears perked up a bit. “I didn’t get your name.”

She let out a dry chuckle. “I’m Caramel Kiss, and of course, you’ve met Snowflake.” She motioned towards the reading filly, who waved at me again.

I giggled and waved back, before reaching out with my hand to shake the older mare's hoof. “It’s nice to officially meet both of you. I’m Aella Breeze!”

The mare nodded with a knowing smile. “Yes, Snow has been talking about you since you came in. She seems to be a big fan of the Captain. It’s nice to know there are good creatures trying to make a difference, even this far west. Has my little snowy interested in being a hero like you one day.”

The foal flew from her seat, darted between my legs, and finally came to a stop at her mother's side. “I want to go explore outside the wall now, but Mom doesn’t think I can handle it.” She wore an adorable little frown as she complained.

Scarlet raised a brow at Caramel, who nodded slightly. “Your mom is right, Snowflake.” My friend said to the filly. “Outside the wall is incredibly dangerous lately, even for grownups. Why do you think we always go out in big groups?” She smiled kindly at the still frowning child.

“Yeah, I know… I-I still miss Gob…” Snow buried her snout into her mother's neck, who wrapped a hoof around her tightly. The quiet snuffles coming from the foal made my heart bleed, even if I couldn’t understand why she was upset.

“Caramel, I’m so sor-”

The innkeeper raised a hoof to cut off Scarlet, wearing a sad smile. “It’s alright, you didn’t do anything. Thank you both, for helping make the world better for her. Everyone here appreciates it.”

“I’m just doing whatever feels right. But thank you. We’ll leave you to take care of Snow, and umm, I’m sorry if we upset her.”

The mare sighed. “It’s alright. Yule Carol's colt Goblet disappeared a few months ago, and a lot of the little ones are still bothered by it. He left the city to gather herbs for his mother, and well… yeah… Don’t worry about Little Snowy, she’ll be fine in a few minutes. Anyway, please, enjoy the room.” Her gaze moved towards me as she stroked Snow's mane. “Let me know if you need anything, alright hun? Maybe we can grab a drink so you can catch me up on how you came to be friends with Scar?”

“I’d enjoy that a lot, actually,” I said as I left her to tend to her kid. I understood now why Scarlet enjoyed this particular inn so much. Caramel was a super kind mare, making sure we had everything we needed.

Scarlet was already free of her gear and curled into her bed. Everypony planned on going out for dinner and drinks again to celebrate our victory, but I was going to stay in. It’d be a good chance to recover and catch up on my reading, at the very least.

Scarlet smiled and nodded to me as I walked in. I waved back at her with a wing and flopped down on the other bed. The sheets were pleasantly soft against my beak as I curled up with a happy sigh. “I forgot how much I miss beeeeeds!” I giggled into the covers.

Scarlet rolled her eyes at my dramatics. “So um, we still have the other job to do. I know we all need a little RnR, but I figured we could head for Astral pharmaceutical in the morning. Once things are figured out with the Visionaries, we can see what we can find out on medicine for your family.”

I gave a small nod which was completely hidden by the blankets. “Yeah, that sounds good. I’m going to stay in tonight though. I’m tired. And honestly, I just want to relax and read tonight. Maybe try and get that stupid rifle working.”

Her ears drooped a bit as her mood noticeably declined. “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that… We’ll miss you. Free said he won't be home again tonight. Made plans with that buck from the bar. Never pegged him for being hypersexual. Though I hear the bartender pegged him plenty~”

I nuzzled deeper into the blankets, covering my head with my wings as I squawk. “That isn’t an image I needed! Thank you!” I whined through the plush fabric.

She giggled at my embarrassment, the witch. “I swear, you are the most innocent pony in the entire wasteland. It’s just some light teasing.”

Free came by a short time later with a bag full of caps. We made 750 each from the job, which Scarlet said was a good amount for a day and a half of work. Granted any one of us could have easily died. I still wasn’t sure about how much trade value a cap had, but I hoped my life was more than 750 of them.

While Scarlet and Free got ready for their night out I decided to check over my barding. There were several tears, and a couple of the armour plates were cracked. By the time the sunset, my armour was sown back up, and my pistol had been disassembled and cleaned.

Next, I moved on to my Pipbuck, checking through the various functions. I pulled everything out of my saddlebags I was willing to part with and put them into a neat pile for my friends to sell later. After a moment of hesitation, I threw the three dash inhalers that’d been in my bag among the pile as well.

For a second I reconsidered the decision. They were a powerful tool in an emergency. Without it Steel Wing could have killed me and my friends. Still… What good would I be to my friends or my people if I destroyed myself taking it? I swore to myself I wouldn’t do dash again.

The rest of the night was mine! The first thing I did was completely strip down both Hurricane and a Nova Surge Rifle I’d scavenged from Steel wing. Between the two, I had an impressive pile of parts scattered around. The main thing I noticed was that the capacitor for Hurricane was a lot smaller, with a much more focused emitter. It was designed for lightweight, precise attacks and ranged accuracy, unlike the standard ones made to work in pairs for high fire rate in flight.

Once I swapped out a few bad crystals and resoldered the heat sinks into place with new thermal compound the weapon was coming together. The weapon was of course designed to be used with power armour, but I easily got around that. My Pipbuck was similar enough that I was able to link it with the rifle. With the Pipbuck already linked with my neural interface, I’d be able to fire the weapon hands-free!

Assuming it fired… I only had a few spark packs, maybe 30 shots worth. I’d have a better idea once the weapon was properly calibrated. At the very least it powered on now. I saw the ammo count appear in my EFS as the gemstones lining the barrel let off a dull orange aura.

Its energy was a lot more intense than my own weapon. The magic that flowed from Hurricane was angrier and more hostile. I wasn’t sure if that was a byproduct of the weapons design or just an imprint of a past user's own energy.

Shortly after my repairs, I found myself on the roof of the Ministry of Morale. I stood on the roof with my wings stretched out, allowing myself to feel the city around me. It was calm, quiet. A strange sense of peace that the wasteland lacked in so many places. The airbrushing past my feathers brought a pleasant chill, reminding me of the long cool winters back home. The icy wind also carried with it muffled conversation and laughter with it. The Mop building was across the campus from me, 300 meters at most. The creatures at Dragons were enjoying their downtime, my friends among them. Otherwise, the night was calm. Quiet.

Once I had my bearings I got to testing. A dozen cans sat downrange on a rusted-out air conditioning unit. I stood up on my back legs, rifle held firmly in my talons. The weapon didn’t have any visible sight or trigger, and I had to bolt a wooden grip on it to hold it properly. A reticle appeared on my EFS, allowing me to aim and fire with ease. It made taking a life terrifyingly easy. Like playing a video game.

My first shot went wide, turning a baseball-sized chunk of asphalt to luminous peach-coloured slag. After adjusting the lenses, I had to troubleshoot the bolts decaying before they got to the target. It was two hours of tweaks and adjustments. It was repetitive, and tedious. And the most fun I’d had in days.

The next shot I saw the fruits of my labour. A streak of brilliant orange left a golfball-sized hole in the target. The metal was red hot and slag free. The plasma bolt vaporized the metal completely. As I continued to practice my shooting and make adjustments to my new tool an eerie feeling settled in my gut. My hair stood on end, and the skin around my pearl shard tingled. I scanned the area in confusion. I felt like I was being watched, but there was no one around. I took a break from shooting to do a lap around the roof. There was nothing.

Finally, I dismissed the sensation. It was probably my imagination. I was tired, and still a bit under the weather. It seemed like a good time to head back inside. The gun was working, and I’d used up nearly all of my spark packs getting it up to spec. I headed down the stairwell to Visions' outlandishly pink shopping center.

The junk vendor was easy to find, which worked out because what I wanted to buy did fit under the category. His store was in the back left corner of the first floor, a room cluttered with shelves, filled to the brim with scrap and trash. There was no method to the madness of the shop, making finding anything on my own impossible. A lot of the parts he sold would have been great to have in my workshop, but it wasn’t worth his outrageous prices. I had no idea how far 50 caps could go, but I did know I could find scrap electronics in the wasteland for free!

A grizzly earth pony with a ratty yellow mane stood over a workbench near the register, duct-taping a sensor module to the side of a coffee can of all things. I think his coat was grey, but it was covered in such a thick layer of rust and oil I honestly couldn’t tell. His outfit was a mess of scrap fabric and leather sewn together, with street signs strapped onto him with electrical wire. Half a dozen grenade pouches were affixed to his chest, keeping their dangerous contents within muzzle reach. He had a detonator strapped to his hoof, like a PipBuck. His back left hoof was cut off at the knee, and replaced with an old broom handle. I knew it wasn’t just a normal wooden pole because the broom part was still attached.

I almost laughed when I saw him. Not because of his appearance or armour! It was just funny! I spent days travelling the wasteland, only to find someone who looked exactly how I imagined wastelanders growing up, but in the region's most civilized settlement! It was so unexpected and so satisfying! Just like the protagonist from the book “Forgotten elements: Reclaiming Junkertown!” It was really popular when I was a foal.

I walked up beside him with a shaky breath. I could shop for something. I killed an evil robopony. This was filly stuff! …Plus I spent the entire walk to the store working out what to say to him in my head.

“Umm, h-hello. I’m looking for something… can you help me?”

The skinny buck turned towards me with a toothy grin. “Well, yer the hippogriff everyone’s been going on about! Names Fawks, best junker ‘round. What’cha need?” He asked in an unusual accent.

“I’m Aella! Aella Breeze! I’ve been repairing this rifle I got recently, and there’s something super important I need to finish it up! But I can’t seem to find it?”

The buck nodded. “No worries, things are a bloody jumble in ‘ere. Let me give ya a hoof!”

*** *** ***

It ran me 90 caps, but it was worth it. Hurricane was perfect. I studied the workmanship as I trotted back to the room. Her body was a sleek dark purple, with sharp green accents. The rifle's name was easily visible on both sides. Father taught me you only get out of something what you put into it. So I put everything I had into getting that rifle working. It’d be protecting my friends and I after all. Even something as simple as making sure the weapon is properly painted matters to it.

I was prancing and skipping my way back to the inn, eager to show my friends the newly restored rifle slung across my back. I still hadn’t decided if I wanted to hold it in my claws or set it up in a battle saddle. Keeping my hands free would let me use both weapons at once if needed, or open me up to do other tasks at the same time. Of course, firing with my weapons in my grasp meant I didn’t need to move my entire body to aim, which would be a massive pain.

I was enjoying a celebratory bottle of pear wine, the last bottle we had. I made a note in my pip-buck to pick up more next time we were out near Whinnies Grove. I jumped a bit as I trotted into the hotel room, spilling some of my wine onto the stained carpet. Scarlet was sprawled out on her bed, having returned a lot earlier than expected. I sat my new rifle down beside my bed, then moved to check on her.

“You alright? You and Jasmine were talking about partying all night. She sat up with a groan and rested her head on my barrel. I suppressed a giggle as she nuzzled into my feathers. Her mane was a mess, and her eyes were red and puffy. A brilliant smile was painted on her rum-scented muzzle. I grabbed a bottle of water from her nightstand with my free wing and pushed it into her lap. “Here, you need to make sure you’re drinking water. You didn’t enjoy the hangover last time.”

She ticked my feathers with a giggle. “Yeah, I know… But it feels so nice in the moment. I’m warm and fuzzy! It’s like the issues of the wasteland are gone, and I can just be around the pone-people I care about. You’re such a sweetie sweet, thinking about everyone else.” I blushed as she moves to nuzzle against my neck.

I sat down beside her and wrapped my wing around her, pulling her close. She rested her head on my shoulder. “You are the most affectionate pony when you’re drunk, did you know that? Reminds me of when I woke to you snuggling against me, at Awesome R&D. Hard to believe that was just days ago…”

“I think about that day all the time,” Scarlet said somberly. The sudden change in attitude caught me off guard. She took a long swig from her water before she continued “I was wandering aimlessly. No water, food, weapons. A little floaty ball found me and said if I went there, I’d meet you. I-it sounded insane, but I had nowhere else to go! I went in the direction the little robot said and found some food and water there. Then you found me.”

Wait, a floaty ball told her to go there? What does that even mean!? That’s why she was so out of the way? Because a sprite-bot had spoken to her? It could have been a hallucination from the dehydration… Maybe a spirit was able to speak with her while close to death? Nope, focus, that isn't what’s important right now! Pay attention, Aella!!!

She looked down at her lap and sighed. “I’m sorry I hit you in the head. I didn’t know how selfless and kind you were. I was just so afraid… I couldn’t be captured again. What I'm trying to say is thanks. T-thank you for saving my life. You know, I still umm… I don’t know how to repay you, or anything. You do so much for everyone, and you’re always so smart and sweet, I umm… I really like being around you.”

I smiled at her and gave her shoulder a squeeze with my wing. “I like being around you too, Scarlet. You’re a really good friend, and I’m glad to have met you. I’d be super dead without all of your help” I gave the drunky mares head a nuzzle.

“No but I… I mean um… I think I like you more than a “good friend”. I look at you and I stand next to you and I feel… Safe and and cared for… I-Important. I like how you make me feel…” She lifted her head from my shoulder to meet my eyes. Tears were running down her face.

She… I… I’d never seen her like that before. I didn’t know how I was supposed to react. It was so sweet of her. I couldn’t say I didn’t return the feelings in some way. I cared about her a lot, though I wasn’t sure how deep it went yet. If I had romantic feelings for her, I’d been holding them back. It was to much. It was too soon. I wasn’t ready to let another creature in yet.

“I-I’m sorry…”

“Oh… No no, I-it’s ok I understand. Sorry I said anything. I’m just… drunk. It’s fine.” She moved away from my wing, curling back into her bed. The sadness in her voice shattered my heart.

“It’s not that you’re not totally amazing, you are! I just… Hang on…” I laid down beside her, meeting her at eye level. “I told you… I had someone in my life, once?” My friend nodded. My voice shook as I continued. “I lost her… Suddenly. Brutally. We were together for a couple of years, but I’d known her my whole life. Her mom was in my father's flock. Then just one day I go to see her and she’s just… gone. No warning. Nothing. I had no idea the last time I saw her would be the last time...”

It was my turn for the tears to fall. I felt the crushing weight of it. The love of my life died. Took her own life. I wasn’t there to help. I didn’t even know something was wrong. It was too much. Like the death of my parents, I was too weak to face it. I filed it away deep in my mind. Scarlet's hoof rubbed between my wings gently as I sobbed against her. I hated letting her see me cry. It was stupid of me to be crying. Something from the past shouldn’t have that much control over me. Being upset did nothing but waste time. It was unproductive. Wasteful.

“I hadn’t heard from her in a few days, and I came home from another town for a break from school. I found her… hanging in the bedroom… I just… I haven't… I’m still mourning… It was nearly a year ago but I haven't… I-I havn’…”

Scarlet pulled me into her chest. Every instinct I had to keep the thoughts and emotions in check fell apart, weakened by my now forgotten wine, and the comfort of my friend. She cradled me as I cried into her soft coat.

Emotions are hard. They’re hard to deal with. To understand. I was never up to the task. So I hid. Behind my work. Behind my logic. Behind drugs, when nothing else worked.

She praised me for what I did for her. She was the one who was special. She was always there when I needed her. Even in her drunken state, she took care of me through my breakdown. Handing me tissues as the tears and snot ran down my face.

By the time I pulled away from her and cleaned myself up I was emotionally exhausted. Terribly vulnerable. She didn’t think any less of me for it. “I’m sorry… I-”

She put her hoof to my beak and shook her head. “I understand Aella. I’m really sorry you had to go through all of that. Maybe someday you could tell me about her? I’d love to hear about her.”

I sniffled a bit. “I-Id like that I think…” I answered quietly. “I think I’m gonna go stretch my wings… try and calm down.”

*** *** ***

The city was beautiful at night. Lights shining from the windows. The little blobs of ponies going about their business in the distance. A bastion of hope and light surrounded by the wasteland. A terrifying blackness hiding all manner of evil. I could feel rain coming, though it was still a ways off. Sensing weather controlled by pony technology was different than at home, but I was getting the hang of it. All the massive white towers of the single pony project did to change the weather was adjust the pressure and wind currents. No different than how the weather changed naturally back home, just with far less warning.

It was peaceful, roosting on a building away from the settlement. Just watched the sleepless city while my mind wondered. It was a good way to calm down after spending half the night flying aimlessly with my thoughts. Hopefully, my friends weren’t too worried about me.

I sat on a roof a few blocks from Vision, taking in the sights of the seemingly sleepless city. It was a beautiful view. Seeing the lights and sounds from my own private roof space was peaceful. A good way to rest and gather my thoughts after spending half the night flying aimlessly.

The weather was thankfully holding off for now, though I could smell rain in the air. I mentally prompted my EFS to display the time. 3 am. Hopefully, my friends weren’t worried about me. I just needed to get away from people, have some time alone. So I landed on the power station a few klicks outside of the city, close enough to be safe but far enough to be quiet.

“You’re right about the view.”

“Ah!” I cried as I spun around on my hooves. I hadn’t heard anyone come up behind me, but somehow they’d managed it. My heart pounded in my chest from the sudden shock, though I didn’t feel like I was in danger. My pip-buck agreed, assigning the creature a white marker on the EFS compass.

For a moment I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. A princess! A princess stood on the roof before me. No… Not a princess. An alicorn. An experiment cooked up by the Ministry of Arcane Science. A creature created by The Goddess. My friends told me about them, after their encounter with them at the animal hospital.

He was a fair bit taller than me, with a far greater wingspan. His coat was a nice forest green, with a short blue mane that faded into purple near the tips. His barding was unusual. Black fabric with plates of chitin covering everything but the joints.

“Heh, yeah I’m actually the alicorns that helped your friends out a few days ago. Midnight Skies. Sky is cool. Good to meet you, Aella.” I moved to reply but was cut off before I could speak. “I was in the area for supplies when I felt you and your friends yesterday. That fight was really impressive. I’ve lost sisters to ponies like that.” His speech was far more casual than I expected. He was surprisingly laid back.

“Did you-”

“Yeah! I followed you from the pegasus settle-”

“Please stop cutting me off!” I cried out, stomping a hoof in frustration. “It’s super rude to keep doing that!” He raised his eyebrows at me. “Sorry… sorry, I’m just trying to talk with you and you’re making it super hard.”

“Oh, I’m sorry bud! It’s been ages since I’ve had to, you know, actually talk to anyone for very long.” He picked at the roof with a hoof, looking sheepish. “My sisters are all used to communicating this way, and us greens can all still do it! So um, we don’t do the whole back and forth conversation thing much…”

“Communicate? You… You’re telepathic? Y-you can read minds? That’s how you learned my name?” I’d never met a telepath before. I’d met Seers, empaths, shaman, scrawls, enchanters, even a mare with technokinesis! But I’d never met an actual telepath.

He chuckled and sauntered over to take a seat at the edge of the roof. I moved to join him. “That’s right! Greens got our telepathy, purples blink, and blues go incognito. Most of us know our own unique spell work as well. You have your own magic, too… Something about your sparkle is different than any hippogriff we’ve met. I’ve met. Umm, they met… Fuck. The Goddess had met a few hippogriffs in her past… though I don’t remember where or how. Just vague impressions, really. Sorry, it’s weird. Unity was… weird.”

I was stuck between being excited to learn about this new branch of magic I was unfamiliar with, and being uncomfortable with the fact that this pony could see into my thoughts. I didn’t even like experiencing most of my thoughts or feelings, so the idea some other pony could see it all left me feeling vulnerable. This was so much worse than somepony going through my pip-buck!

Though he did save my friends. By extension me as well. He didn’t seem like a bad person, and my friends said he lost several sisters during the fight to save them. Still, a few ground rules would-

“Ground rules sound cool.” He interjected as I thought of it. That was going to get annoying… “Get on the same page. I don’t wanna make you uncomfortable if I can avoid it.”

“Great! Rule one-” I put a claw to his muzzle as he opened his mouth to speak. “It’s rude to keep interrupting like this! Y-you may know what I’m going to say, but it’s less frustrating if you let me say it anyway. Especially if we’re around others since not everyone can hear thoughts as you do.”

“It does save time… Ugh, fine fine. I’ll try to work on it. What’s next?”

“Well, I’m curious why you came to speak with me? I know I have a bit of a reputation, but this is unexpected to say the lease.”

“I want revenge. Those bastards that killed my sisters operate somewhere in Trottingham, and I want to get rid of them. I wanna know why they’ve been hoarding medicine and weapons. What they’re planning. Velvet has ordered us to stay out of Trottinghams affairs. She doesn’t want the local superpowers to think we’re trying to manipulate the political situation in the region.”

“You ignored her and came anyway?”

The green pony nodded. “Of course. They were my family. We were all together when The Goddess… when Unity fell apart. We cared for one another. They helped me… adjust. I know a bit about your mission, to help your people. I think your adventures will bring you closer to them, and I want to be there when you find them. I want to make them pay for what they did. Help me get to them, and I’ll do whatever I can to help you and your people. I can talk with Velvet, I know she’d help!”

He was understandably upset. I couldn’t imagine the things he was feeling. Losing the people who were basically family, right in front of you? I’d be angry too. Maybe even angry enough to kill them. And having the Followers to help… I didn’t know a lot about them, but I knew they were significant. A large faction of ponies and alicorns started by the Light Bringers friend to help heal the wasteland. If they could help us, we’d happily offer what technology we could to assist in their cause. Having allies in the wasteland could help us long past just stopping the blue flu.

Sky smiled as he heard my decision in his mind, though thankfully allowed me to speak. “You already know you can come. I have no idea if killing them will help you fell better, but we could use the help. Both my friends and I with finding a cure for the New Plague, and Hippogriffia from the followers. Having a great and powerful alicorn on the team could be a big help. What I’m saying is um, welcome aboard! And ugh, I hope we can be good friends!”

Sky smiled brightly. “Thanks… I’ll do my best to pull my weight and stuff. I’m not as great or powerful as my sisters, but I’m amazing with a gun, and I know the wasteland pretty well. Lived here for over a hundred years. There’s another reason I’m curious about you… It’s your magic. Your shard..” I started rubbing the pearl shard around my neck without thinking about it. “Velvet hoped that such relics could be used to create males so that my species can fuck for something other than pleasure.” Ugh come on Aella, stop blushing like a child! This is a serious conversation! “I don’t care as much about that, honestly. The things we did to the wasteland… I don’t know if our species deserves to grow. My interest is more personal… That it might be able to make my form… More comfortable for me.”

The feathers on my head slunk back as I listened. “I can’t give you mine, sadly. I’m using it, and it’s important to me. A sign of my people's unity and resilience. Our connection to the spirit of our people. Maybe the magic itself could help you somehow? I’ll try to help in any way I can. I know how hard it is… dealing with what you are. Feeling alien in your own form. It’s hard.”

Sky raised his eyebrows and chuckled. “Huh… You do understand better than most. I hadn’t realized you were… Um, anyway… Will your friends be alright with my coming with?

I shrugged a bit. “They seem to value my choices, and everyone seems to think I’m in charge. You don’t seem like a bad person, and I wanna help you. So… Yes. I’ll double-check with them of course, but yeah… I think it’ll be fine. Do you have a place to stay for the night?” The stallion shook his head. “You can stay in our hotel room. I-crap… Originally Scarlet and I were gonna share a bed, and Free would sleep in the other one, but now…”

“That would send mixed messages after your conversation tonight?” He asked as he laid back on the cool roof.

“You heard all that? Mm, of course, you did… Or at least heard me thinking about it.” I sighed and shrugged a bit. “Come on, I’ll show you to the room. I should have headed to bed hours ago anyway..”

*** *** ***

Rumble moved back and forth across the room idly, keeping an eye on the dark room. Scarlet was out cold, the water I’d given her half spilled out across the bed. I rolled my eyes and smiled as I pulled the wet covers off of her, and wrapped her up in some dry ones from under the bed.

Rumble was floating back and forth across the room, keeping an eye on everything. Scarlet was out cold in her bed, the water I gave her half spilled across the covers. I smiled a bit as I pulled the wet blanket off of her, and pulled a dry one from under the bed for her.

I gave Sky my bed, while I set up my nest in the corner to curl into. It wasn’t as comfy as a bed, but it was the perfect shape for how I liked to lay. Sky watched curiously as I switched my friend’s covers out for dry ones, then crawled into the other bed. It was odd having a stranger spend the night with us. I knew so little about him, but he could know everything about all of us. At least I could be open around him.”

“I appreciate you allowing me to stay here with you. It’s far better than finding a place to camp outside.” I jumped as I felt the alicorn's voice in my head. I was sure it was him, but he sounded different than in real life. His voice was deeper and smoother.

I ran a claw over my ears and head feathers as my brain struggled to understand the telepathy. The tickle in my head it left was similar to how using my neural implant felt. A sensation in my temple as it worked to process some intangible data my squishy brain couldn’t understand.

“You can think back at me to respond if you’d like. Imaging pushing the words towards me as you think them. That way I can tell you’re trying to speak to me, rather than just thinking to yourself.” He smiled at me as he urged me to give it a try.

The tickle in my head was similar to how using my neural implant was. A weird tingle in the back of my head as it worked to process some intangible data my squishy brain couldn’t understand.

“Test… Testing. Aella Breeze, in brain space. Come in, Sky-butt!”

Sky let out a laugh, then quickly covered her muzzle. “Sorry! I’m trying to be quiet so we don’t wake Scarlet.” I stifled my own giggle at the sudden outburst.

Sky giggled out loud, then quickly covered his muzzle with a blush. “Sorry! I don’t wanna wake your friend!”

I nodded to him, stifling my own giggle. The words themselves came with a tingling feeling in my temple. His emotions carried with them, with a hint of the thoughts causing them bubbling underneath.

Sky suggested taking it easy talking with her like that. I wasn’t used to it, and my sensitivity to magic could lead to unpredictable side effects. After about an hour of catching Sky up on my wasteland adventures, as well as some details about my life back home, we went to sleep. I debated taking sleeping pills or not, but decided against it. We had a busy morning coming up, and I didn’t want to be drowsy.

*** *** ***

A surprised shriek from my scarlet friend's bed kicked off the morning. Apparently rolling over to tell your friend good morning and instead of finding an alicorn in her bed was a bit startling. After a second Scarlet recognized the pony, and calmed right down. My first wastelander friend was happy about us having another set of hoofs to help out, though she did complain about how outnumbered by wings she was becoming.

Scarlet was very understanding about the alicorn's gender identity as well, which made me impossibly happy. I wasn’t sure how accepted different flavours of queer were in the Equestrian Wasteland, but at the very least I could trust Scarlet not to be judgmental. I was a bit stressed about it, but I should have known better. I had good friends. Sky gave Scarlet a playful slap with his wing after the mare thanked him for his help at Doctor Faunas Clinic for the 8th time.

I pulled on my utility barding, smiling as I listened to the two ponies getting along. I rubbed my eyes with a wing and yawned. The lack of sleep left me feeling dead on my hooves and claws. Hopefully, the walk north would help wake me up, though.

We were leaving the Spark Core in the room where it’d be safe, as well as any other supplies we didn’t want to have to carry. Scarlet paid up the room for the next week, so our things would be safe inside.

AV Pharmaceuticals was a two or three days trot depending on how things went. I was tempted to fly south to get the Skystar, but it was a bad idea. It would take over a day to fly back to Whinnies Grove, and a lot could go wrong in that amount of time on my own. Better for everyone to stay together.

Nearly an hour after dawn Free still hadn’t made the walk of shame back to our room, but the rest of us were ready to go. Jasmin and Scarlet had said their goodbyes the night before, but I still wanted to say my farewell and thank her for her help with our last bounty. Mision? Quest? I like ‘quest’. People in adventure novels always went on quests.

Scarlet and Sky went to the market to resupply, and sell off our salvage. They were getting along better than I’d expected, and they both had a decent understanding of wasteland barter. They were perfect for the task.

The area by the rear gate was always quiet. Most people entered the settlement through the front, and the back didn’t have any construction planned for some time. It was mostly just rusted-out motor wagons and large steel shipping crates. Interestingly enough they had four motor wagons that were in working order, all covered in armoured plates or mounted with heavy weapons. They did mention in Whinnies Grove that they build and stored vehicles here. I definitely had to meet their mechanic at some point…

There were elevated platforms on either side of the rear gate, overlooking the town's metal wall. Sat on the right tower was a familiar grey mare clad in silver combat armour, her hooves resting against a gun emplacement. The presence of sunglasses and ear protection suggested she was still nursing the previous night's hangover. She noticed me walking up and waved.

“Aye, mammoth!” She shouted to the burly brown earth pony in the adjacent tower. “I’m going on break, don’t fall asleep!” Mammoth nodded with a loud grunt.

Jasmin lept off the three-story high tower onto a nearby shipping crate, then down onto the ground. She trotted up to me and pulled me into a hug. I’d just met her two days ago, but apparently, she already thought of me as a close friend. I returned the hug, enjoying the brief warmth of her perfectly brushed coat.

She pulled out of the hug and nodded behind her shoulder, towards an old picnic table. “I was hoping you’d come say goodbye, there’s actually something I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Oh?” I asked as I followed her to sit. Did she need something repaired? Or perhaps she had some suggestions on how I handled the last mission. I wasn’t one to turn down constructive criticism. Or to turn down getting to repair something of course.

“Scar told me about your next job. I thought I might be able to help. I’m working for the next week, so I can’t go, but I can give you some advice.” I nodded along as she spoke. “I studied all manner of magic growing up. I was actually from a stable, before ending up in Rust. We had books and holos of a lot of magic. I thought maybe it could help with your transformations?”

I cocked my head at her. “Aren’t you an earth pony? What would you know about magic?” The mare pulled her combat helmet off and brushed her mane aside. She did have the base of a horn under there, though the rest was gone. Had someone snapped or broken it off? It was a terrifying thought, though not unlikely in the wasteland. “Oh, I see… I’m sorry. Um, do you know much about transformation magic? I mentioned before that I wasn’t great at it… usually, my sister would help me with it. Anything beyond changing to my seapony form is well out of my skillset. If I can improve my transformation magic, it’d be another skill to throw in my toolset out here.”

“I know a few things, for sure. I was raised in a Stable for the first part of my life, we had a lot of books and stuff on different magic and spells. And I know the most common mistakes creatures make with different sorts of magic. The mistake that most creatures make when it comes to shapeshifting is that they don’t understand it at its core. It isn’t just changing how you look, it’s changing what you are. Growing into the role that you need, and making it you.”

“I’ve been thinking about that actually… I’ve been resisting the role of captain the radio gave me, but I do kinda fit the title. I command a ship, my friends follow me. Maybe I can try and grow into the position, and live up to the ideals that come with it you know?”

She smiled and nodded. “That’s great progress, actually. It might even help with your transformations down the line. Anyway, ponies have a tendency to fear change. I’m sure it’s the same with most creatures. You have to learn to be comfortable with change, in the world around you but also in yourself, and in those you care about. Transformation magic is more than just changing your skin or shape. Like all magic, all energy, it’s deeper. It comes from your mind and your soul. Change is natural, and resisting it leads to problems. Someone very important to be never learned that, she refused to change her ways to match the world we live in. It’s ironic, thinking back… Anyway, you need to be malleable, but at the same time strong of will. Then your magic will obey. You’ll be able to use it for yourself, and for others.

I nodded slowly. It made a lot of sense. It even explained why Aqua was so skilled at changing her form, not just to a sea pony but in countless other ways. She was open to change and eager to learn about anything that conflicted with her own view. I was the opposite. I found comfort in the familiar and found new things to be needlessly stressful. Like being thrown into a wasteland while my friends and family all slowly died of disease. For example.

“I think I understand… But it’ll take a while for me to really understand. I appreciate the advice. I’ll think about it, and see how I can incorporate it into things. You’re wise for somepony so young.” I told her with a smile, despite her likely being a few years older than me.”

She sighed and nodded. “I learned it in my Stable. The part about personal change I mean. Somepony important was unwilling to change. They held to their beliefs as tight as they could, no matter how much evidence showed things were different than how she thought. She died because of it. A lot of them did.”

“Oh… I’m sorry Jasmin.”

“It’s ok. Just take heart with what I said, and keep Scar and the others safe. Beer is on you when you get back though, I know you’ll have the caps for it.”

I giggled at her and nodded. “Deal.”

“So…” I said slowly, changing the subject. “We were about to head out. The others should be at the gate by now. So we’ll see you when we get back. Until then…” I pulled a small envelope from under my wing and passed it to her.

She pulled it to herself with a hoof and frowned at it. “Why do I get the feeling I won’t like this…?”

“Scarlet called it ‘insurance’. It’s the information we have on the jail. The conditions, the use of labour, of slaver enforcers. Everything. If something happens to us and we don’t come back, or if we go to see Prime and he tries to make all of this disappear… I want to have redundancy.”

“I’m the backup plan, your contingency.” She said with a sigh. “Fine. But it won't come to that. You’ll all be back here by the end of the week, and when it’s all settled I’ll return this letter to you.

“I don’t like this death talk, but I appreciate you trusting me with this. If you aren’t back in a week, I’ll make sure everyone knows what’s going on.”

“Thank you.” I pulled her into another hug across the table. She was a good friend. I felt a tug on my magic as I readied to leave, somewhat similar to how Sky’s telepathy spell felt, but more in my chest. Must be an effect of the unicorn's unusual magic.

“Stay safe,” I said with a soft smile, patting her back with my wing. She got up from the bench, tucking the note into the ammo pouch at her side.

“You too. Shoot straight, don’t get too relaxed on the roads, and listen to Scarlet. She’s a smart mare.” The pony said with a smile. I headed towards the front gates with a nod.

*** *** ***

Free, Scarlet, and Sky stood near the wall. Scarlet and Sky sat on the ground to watch the hustle and bustle of the growing settlement. Free stood off to the side, every so often eyeing the alicorn with suspicion. I sighed as I landed a few meters away. The last thing I needed was infighting right now… We’d have to deal with any distrust on the way to AV pharmaceuticals, or it could cause some problems. Hopefully, I was just misinterpreting it.

No pony was happier to be trotting away from the city than Sky. In his time shopping with Scarlet, he had dealt with multiple ponies complaining about the presence of an alicorn in the city. One mare pulled a gun on him, shouting ‘give my son back you monster!’ A ragged-looking stallion simply walked up and hoofed in him the jaw. The guards had to step in both times to put a stop to it, though no charges were filed. Apparently, Vision and the local towns had some issues with The Goddess before she was killed, and much of the animosity still stuck. Though not every pony was rude to our new companion, and the zebras and griffons all treated her with respect.

Even 200 years xenophobia was alive and well, even between members of similar species. I’d hoped 200 years after the war Equestria would have learned, but it’d only gotten worse They were all busy fighting one another for scraps to try and work towards something better.

We had enough food and ammo for a few days for everypony. Sky had saddlebags on now, filled with supplies she’d bought while out with Scarlet. Our adventures were getting more dangerous from there. There was no train going to the northwest. No patrols or governance. We were on our own to navigate the difficult and dangerous terrain.

Still, we were better off than many wastelanders. Scarlet had years of wasteland experience. Free was a trained medic and soldier. Sky was an alicorn with high-calibre zebra pistols holstered in his barding. And we had me. The technician. I was a genius, but that didn’t mean much in the wasteland. My brains wouldn’t kill raiders or stop bullets. There was nothing to fix or break in the wild. Even with all my weapons, I lacked the will to use them on others. If not for my friends it’d be impossible.

Worst case I had a few surprises in my saddlebags. A few homemade explosives, my cutting torch, tools, and the small assortment of drugs I’d collected through my adventures. I didn’t plan on using them, but then things rarely go to plan. They make things easier. So if the choice is between using chems and my friends being hurt, chems were the obvious choice.

Scarlet took the lead without a second thought, having years under her belt managing groups of ponies as they crossed the life-sucking wasteland. We always had a flier scouting out the area ahead for dangers as we moved. Sky took first watch, eager to stretch his wings and have some time away from the group. The way he kept glancing back at Free made me think my new friend was hearing some less than charming thoughts from the pegasus. It worked out perfectly, though. If he ran into any problems he’d be able to communicate with us easily enough.

The further from Vision we were, the more empty and dead the air became. We moved quietly through the great unknown. Conversation was brief as we all kept our eyes peeled for danger or salvage. Scarlet toyed with the idea of us buying a wagon to carry our gear in. It was a fun idea, though it wasn’t practical.

The wasteland in the rest was rife with rivers and bogs that would make pulling a wagon extremely difficult. We took the roads when we could, but often collapsed bridges or roadblocks forced us off them. By late afternoon I was sorely regretting not going to get my airship from the south. It was too late now though, we were committed to our journey on hoof and claw. If I was stronger I could pull Scarlet on my back and fly us over the sopping landscape, though Scarlet wasn’t the biggest fan of flying, to begin with. None of us were up to the task without leaving some of our gear and armour behind.

And so we walked.

Footnotes:
Welcome to level 9!

Perk added: Eggheads Anger! No creature hurts your friends! When your friends are hurt, you put every bit of magic you have into the fight! When an allies health falls below 20%, you gain +15 Damage Threshold and your strength is raised to 10

Author's Note

...I forgot to add the level up. Opsies!

All fixed now...