Author's Note

I am now back with some info. It has been a long while since I've been onto this site. Demoralized by certain factors. But as I stayed away longer, I couldn't help but feel the need to get back into writing. And about a few years later, I have. I want to complete my stories. And I want to write as much as I want with the wonderful crossover that has been around since MLP FiM was only on its' third season. Which brings me to another note.

It is advised and recommended to read the prequal story before this story.

This story is a resolving of a subplot from the main story that will eventually lead into a proper sequel. That and giving the characters more development than they got before. Yes, character(s). There will be multiple one or two chapter stories that will resolve unfilled subplots. And when those are done, I will be well underway in creating a sequel.

Another Note: Fallout Equestria takes place before anything prior to season 3, but as it being an open community environment, many things in later seasons can be implemented into the world of FoE. My story follows the events of the original and partially Project Horizon at the north region of Equestria where the Crystal Empire lays. I've added things from season 3 when it had just finished into my story. So anything prior to season 3 will either not or will be touched on in the sequel. I love Fallout and the original FoE made it perfect for me to expand my horizons in story writing.

But please, keep in mind that this follows the original 12 years later when seasons 1-3 were in our minds.

Searching

Searching

The Frozen North. A frozen wasteland where the once ever prosperous Crystal Empire now sleeps. Its regions cut off by a strange land formation. To those of the scientific minds, it is considered an ecotone border. To those that know its' history, it is two regions of land split between each other. The deserted expanse on the other side belong to the New Neighvarro Desert. Where gangs make their homes and the capital of the Neighvarro, The Strip, remains an ominous memento to ages long past. Along the 200 mile border is a vast gated expanse that is watched by the Republic of the Crystal Empire, a faction dedicated to ensuring the laws of the anarchistic wasteland be brought under control and the gangs that run rampant quelled with blood and fire. Most citizens of the Frozen North and The Strip do not like their land of freedom controlled, thus wars amongst them break out. But the gangs also have their own fair share. The Strip is a centerfold of activity, the city of sin. Run under the watchful eye of Mr. House, who then gave control to certain sections of the city to be run by three tribal members that had been reformed by the mysterious figure of the city.

They are called The Family. Three houses of gangs run by powerful figures through heritage and power. Each having their own territory to fight over and never seeing eye to eye. Yet, while the Neighvarro Desert is the popular conflict of nature, The Frozen North remains an uninspired and unconquerable land. Where the Empire sleeps, a foggy snowy mist dwelling at its' base. Beyond its' surroundings, a vast snow field filled with unimaginable dangers. That is, if freezing to death wasn't a common occurrence. The irradiated wildlife adapted to the cold and can survive the nuclear winter. The citizens that inhabit areas of the Frozen North have adapted to a lifestyle of trade and delivery. More preferably, the home of couriers.

Unlike most couriers in the Equestrian Wasteland, The Frozen North shapes its' couriers. An entire community centered in a small valley of snow, a town thriving with activity, is the home that these couriers make. Pleasant Town. The deliveries and ambitions of these couriers make them the most hardened citizens. They walk the roads of the Wastes, delivering with anything or nothing. These individuals focused on the mission, taming the wastes as they go. Indeed, the most hardened of badasses under the guise of normal day postal ponies.

Life in the Frozen North is a hard battle to be won. With the current Capital of the Wasteland being the epicenter of ongoing peace with straggling conflict here and there, the Frozen North, however, is not a fortunate soul. The influence of the many that liberated the land of Equestria remain focused to its' rehabilitation. While the Frozen North and the New Neighvarro Desert remain shrouded and buried beneath its' war torn past. Its' previous two century old conflict unknown to most. That is, until a mysterious broadcast made the waves all across the land. It's haunting voice nipping at the inhabitant's minds throughout.

The Veil of Equestria has been pulled back. And now you must walk the Road to Redemption

Along with the message spawned something even more haunting. A forgotten memory, shrouded by a shade. So much so, that The Strip and The Frozen North have dubbed this mysterious apparition The Shade of the Wastes. For wherever souls go to make a difference in fighting the good fight, or watching out for special individuals, the result remains the same. A whisper in their ears.

Walk with Equestria... Walk with Equestria... Walk with Equestria...

Walk with Equestria. The Veil has been pulled back and you must walk the Road to Redemption.

"Never a more haunting message spawned by the land." The voice of a gruffy yet smooth talking pony could be heard over a small junk-ish radio. Somewhere in the land, a lone caravan and its' defenders trek through the leg deep snow. Their movements slowed by the ongoing blizzard and howling wind. Two ponies took the sides of the covered wagon. Each bearing a winter coat modified by thrown together metal plates and barding. Anything to combat even the slightest of cold. On the driver and passenger seat sat an old couple. A battle scarred looking grey mustang, an earth pony, looked out between his snow goggles, his fur hood bellowing along with the overcoat he wore. Next to him sat a shivering skinny looking mare. Her wrinkles quavering along with her body. She blew her hot breath into her fur wrapped hooves and rubbed them together in a plotting manner. She hugged herself, even huddled with her husband next to her to gain any form of warmth. Her heavy earmuffs and hooded trench coat doing their best to keep the fragile looking mare warm.

"That, my lovely listeners, is a message to all of us. I don't know about you, but it reminds me of the future. Heh. Funny that. A future left open to us. The more we listen to this message, the more I can't help but feel a little more at ease with our friends down in the Capital Wastes, working their plots off to revitalize a war-torn land. The same could be said for us lucky folk of the North. That is right. It is time for some Lightbringer news." There was the sound of papers being flipped.

"As you all know, 6 months ago, the Lightbringer was woken up, claiming to hear the call of duty to the Empire. A voice directing her to our troubled ongoings. It feels like it has been forever since then, but I promise, the work of the Lightbringer and her friends are well under way. In fact, she was last seen leaving the downed piece of an Enclave prison carrier in a frozen shore town of Glaciel. Having contacted the people that now inhabit the mechanical beast that once flew the air to be ready for sea voyage to our neighbors of the East and West. An admirable ambition to those lucky souls that have made it their proud duty to make contact with our neighbors, I say, let the maiden ship Scorpan sail our seas and discover new horizons! As for the Lightbringer, she was seen heading west of the town. Who knows what she will find. But her work has been acknowledged to the RCE.

"Now, I know the RCE haven't had its' nice side showing for us even in our darkest. But there are some good in the force. It's like picking out the rotten apples from the good apples. As vocal as our society is, we must remember that there is still good left in this wasteland. Ah, and that reminds me. Onto some news about the RCE and their quest for law over the Empire. The roads have been cleared and abandoned encampments now housing stationed RCE begin to plan their next official order, courtesy of the RCE president, Campbell. The president states: 'Let it be known that with the rehabilitation efforts of our central neighbors, we too have decided to walk with Equestria. We have now instead focused our efforts into housing our soldiers to secure future communities to thrive. But rest assured that with the now upgraded functionality of the Hoover Dam, thanks to the Lightbringer, that a fresh source of water and electricity now flows through The Neighvarro Desert as well as a great boost to citizen and troop morale. Let us not exchange our hooves for iron, but instead our duty. And our duty as the Republic of the Empire is to protect its' citizens and reclaim the Crystal Empire back to its' former glory.'"

"I tip my hat to you, President Campbell. May your efforts bring good fruition to our land. And with another note to add onto this bit of news, the RCE have made communications with our neighbors in the south central. An NCR ambassador was seen shaking hooves with Marble Puck, or as she would be referred to as Major Puck, a legend and hero amongst the RCE troops. Serving over thirty campaigns in reclaiming areas of raider infestations and wildlife control, this mare is considered the voice of the Empire. And it is quite the honor to have the NCR work alongside our own rehabilitation. Now for the last bit of news." The sounds of paper being flipped. There was a small pause as well, a soft slurp and gulp before what sounded like a cup was placed onto a table.

"The Family and Mr. House are still rebuilding from the aftermath of one of the big three members of the The Family that caused ensuing chaos and havoc along with an invasion of horrible creatures. Yet, if you remember of vice, you must also remember virtue. And our land once had virtue. You know what that is, my listeners? Love. Love made the war turn around. With the marriage of The Omareta's right hand lieutenant and the Omareta boss's daughter Al Capony, a strange sensation flowed throughout the city, that seemed to have an unusual effect on most of The Strip. Heheh. You wouldn't believe me if I told you for those that missed it, but even the rats and pests were hugging one another. For once, the land had a taste of what it had before the bombs dropped. And I believe whole heartedly that love will win the day. It will even bring back our Empire. As with the President's love of the Empire, there must be more love shown to our land.

"And that is all the news I have for today. This has been New Pegas, bringing you not only a fancy fedora, but love as well. Because no pony knows loves you like you love the snazzy beat of your hooves to Sapphire Shore. And that pony is me. I love you." And with that, the radio started to blare a voice of a swing jazz singer of Sapphire Shore, making a statement and preaching about love like no other than the fire that burns for you. At least, that was all that could be heard as the wagon suddenly jolted and a loud cracking sound could be heard. The two escorting the caravan wagon along with the old married couple, swore almost at once. Inside the wagon, the wares of trade toppled over onto a pair of ponies. One having barding that is ready for winter for everyday and the other, a red stallion wearing nothing but a scarf. The pony in the winter barding rubbed her head and groaned.

"What the hell just happened? Did we run over a dead corpse or something?" she called out as she peeked her head out from the back of the wagon. The other pony, a stallion covered head to hoof with fur, adjusted his carbine on his back before leaning down and inspected the broken off wheel of the wagon. He clicked his tongue and looked up to the old buck who was looking over his shoulder at the pony.

"You hit a pothole. Damn road is full of them. I'm surprised we even made it this far." the pony called out over the howling wind. The other pony came around and adjusted the wheel a bit.

"Wherever "this far" is! I can't see the road anymore!" The other pony bent down and with both their efforts, they hoisted the wheel up and began to roll it over to the wagon. The two ponies in the back hopped out of the wagon, the red stallion adjusting his scarf a little over his muzzle, stoically observed the event. The mare was using both her magic and whatever strength she could muster to help lift the wagon, leaving the other unicorn pony to aid her. They couldn't get the wheel or the axel to align properly. The one pony holding the wheel huffed as if all the weight of his fur barding was hindering him.

"Damn. why can't you caravans use wood instead of cast iron? That shit breaks so much in the winter." when the pony mentioned cast iron, the old buck grumbled.

"Great. The heater under the wagon must be damaged too after we hit that pothole. Can't catch a break." he sighed. His wife's teeth clattered together, and she shivered, looking frustratedly at the buck.

"'Ah told ya' should'a done repairs, ya' ol' bucket!" she exclaimed, doing her best to make her voice heard over the howling wind. The stoic stallion in the scarf had remained quiet. A shadowed figure in what little sight the ponies could see. Yet, he could see them no problem. He has lived in the Frozen North long enough and like every local that has been born and raised here, they knew how to control their temperature in the freezing weather as well as adjusting their sight in the blizzard. The stallion sighed quietly into his scarf before walking over, catching one of the mares by surprise due to her limited vision in the snow. She stepped aside with a small yelp and the stallion bent down, putting his back under the wagon and easily lifted it. the wagon rightened itself and he even adjusted himself to level with the wheel. The two other ponies were baffled by the strength of the earth pony stallion. But that was to be expected of him.

He is a farmer. And tending to his fields practically every day built his body to the point that even the heaviest object can be lifted and moved with ease. Yet, he is no super pony like one of his friends. Compared to his super mutant friend, the pony was just an ordinary farmer. The pony eyed the one holding the wheel and taking his look as a "get on with it", the pony hurriedly aligned the wheel and the second pony that had helped him with the wheel withdrew a plasma torch. The pony began to sodden and weld the wheel. The old married couple, specifically the buck, eyed the red stallion before speaking up over the wind.

"What's your story, boy?" the buck shouted. The pony spoke clearly, despite the howling wind and muffled muzzle. He could be heard clearly amongst everypony present.

"'Ah don't have one. Jus' along for the ride." he stated. His voice was brass with a hint of southern baritone. He could feel a couple of eyes on him. But he ignored it. He didn't much care for recognition, let alone be bothered to tell his tale. 'Everypony out here has had it rougher than 'ah have. My tale won't matter' He thought to himself over and over again. Indeed, as rough of a journey and life he lived that led him to being where he is now, was just any typical event that would happen here in the Frozen North. It was hard enough to keep crops alive during blizzards and icy weather, but he knew several tricks that made it easier on him. He wished he could find several tricks to ease the torture some ponies have in the world.

Digressing the thought of being a second Lightbringer, he watched as the pony finally sodden and weld the last bit of the wheel. The pony then opened the side compartment of the wagon and inspected a winding mechanical pipe with a box tucked in the middle of it. The pony clicked her tongue.

"The heaters out because the pipes were leaking. Ice is covering the leaks." She began to move the plasma torch over the specks of ice, covering the holes where the leaks were after the ice melted. The red stallion eased out from under the wagon, the wheel holding fast as if it was brand new. The pony that was eyeing him was off to his right. He looked out from the corner of his eye, seeing the mare pull down her muffler and removing her goggles. The stallion narrowed his eyes. She looked a bit familiar. But he couldn't quite put a hoof why. Regardless, he gave a kind smile and nod. The buck on the driver seat kept eyeing the stallion before speaking up again, apparently taking intrigue interest in the pony.

"So. what's 'yer name, boy?" he called out to him. The stallion looked back to the buck.

"My friends call me Brick." he stated. The other mare let out a snicker.

"Brick? Sounds like a funny name. I mean, no offense, but it just sounds like something the colts and fillies would call someone with the intelligence of one." The fur covered stallion nudged the mare, making the mare rub her foreleg to ease the slight pain it gave. "What? I'm just saying!"

"Don't mind her, Brick. Thanks for your help with the wagon." The pony then narrowed his eyes at him. "Say... I don't reckon I saw you before we took off. Are you a stowaway?" Brick shifted a little before nodding with a sigh.

"Eeyup... I apologize for it." he said. The ponies arched a brow. "I had been traveling for two days straight and had stopped in the settlement. I must have dozed off." The other mare eyed him with slight suspicion. But then she smiled and put a hoof on the stallion's shoulder.

"No worries, Brick. I think you made it up to the stowaway by helping with the wagon repair." There was a sudden cry coming from the brahmin in the front of the wagon. The ponies and Brick quickly darted to see what was wrong. The brahmin was laying on its' side. The buck swore.

"Ahh, fuck! No, no, no!" he hopped off of the wagon and trotted over to the two headed cow creature. Both heads had their tongues lolled out and their eyes glazed and milky. The buck cursed up a storm. He then turned to the ponies and sighed. "Well, looks lahk we be pullin' the wagon from 'ere on." he stated. The stallion groaned.

"Great, more wagon problems. It's almost like this frozen hell is testing us." Brick grinned before walking over and unfastening the harness from the now dead brahmin. The snow and ice were beginning to freeze the corpse. It'll take years for the body to decompose. He leveled the harness and fastened it on him. Brick made sure that his battle saddle with his weapon of choice was okay for quick access before looking at the others.

"The Frozen North loves to test its' ponies. 'Ahve lived 'ere long enough tah know her like my fields back home." The buck was in awe as well as the other ponies.

"What do you mean? You're a local?" he then looked the stallion up and down before noticing the fur and accessories the stallion was wearing. Only a scarf. And the cold didn't seem to bother him. In fact, he remained stoic and unwavering. It was like the land had already decided him worthy to trek across it. The stallion then smirked. "Well, count our lucky stars. It's one of the land's chosen." Brick chuckled. As silly and amusing as the locals like to make certain parts of the wasteland as if it was an actual living being, it was beyond that and more. He just lived in the land long enough to be alive today. It was never an easy battle.

"'Ah reckon that the land appreciates the hard work of labor." Brick said with a little bit of pride. He's a farmer through and through. There was always a sense of satisfaction to keeping his crops alive and his livestock fed. Or... was. The thought came back to nip and he began to hear a faint whisper in the back of his head.

Walk with Equestria...

Brick ignored the voice and motioned at the ponies. "Climb back on. I'll take ya' to your destination." The ponies nodded and got back in. The mare gave him one last look before putting up her muzzle and her goggles back on before climbing into the back. Brick then began to pull the wagon with ease. It was no more than a till to him. Brick smiled as he thought back to tending to his home. The field lively and livestock almost like family to him. Family... what was even more a family to him during his time as a farmer, was another pony in his life. Somepony he cherished along with his farm. Yes, Brick could see the figure in the distance. It was his dear and precious friend. It felt so long ago that they were enjoying coffee while admiring the hard labor for the day. Her kind smile, those gentle eyes. Brick remembered them fondly.

She also helped tend to his fields with him whenever she could. He couldn't help it, but she had brought him back up through his darkest moments. Always willing to get a little dirty with her hooves with soil than live high and mighty in a New Pegasus suite. He always appreciated a hard-working pony. Honest labor is hard to come by in this anarchistic world. And there was no pony he appreciated more than his dear friend. His eyes slowly went from happy to shock realization. He could hear the holler and cries of joy. The evil warmth that enveloped his fields and the metallic smell in the air. And then his name being called out.

Johnny!!

Brick shook his head. The harrowing memory being quelled back into his head. He wasn't sure how long he was daydreaming back to his old life. It must have been quite a while as they were nearing up a hill. He took one quick look around the area and knew exactly where they were. They were coming up to Berry Acres. Farmland that stretched far and wide. In fact, it was a marvel to behold. And when they got to the top of the hill, the buck smiled, and the mare groaned.

"Finally! Now to enjoy some real comfort!" the mare exclaimed. Indeed, the vast farmland the expanded before them looked well taken care off. Afterall, it is the Frozen North's pride and joy. Berry Acres. Private property, open bed and breakfast. It is also a thriving hub of livestock and crop trade. Brick could see the many roads that snaked through the property. The moving figures of Mr. Helpers and actual ponies walking between the rows. A massive greenhouse laid off about a hundred meters off to the back of the expansive looking mansion. Not only was this exclusively farmland, but it was also a production of metal as well. A bright grey snow-covered factory with smoking chimneys in the distance was branched off by a winding road. An Smeltington Hoof factory that was in complete working order. Brick could also see caravans and traders alike coming and going through the warehouses and barns that lined the side of the property.

Brick pulled the wagon down the hill and closer to the entrance. A rustic metal fence boarded off several hundred yards left and right of the property. Above it, a rustic fancy sign had the words 'Berry Acres' arced above it. As they passed it and got closer to the actual entrance of the property, Brick stopped an RCE guard approached them. The pony was dawned in elite looking winter barding. The white helmet with an insect like visor eyed Brick before turning to the old couple.

"Welcome back, Mr. and Mrs. Fiddle. Glad to see that your journey was safe along the way." The buck smiled and nodded his head.

"Thanks ta' the Lightbringer makin' it easier to travel. As usual, sir, we ar' 'ere fer rest and trade. Got a good supply of scrap an' junk fer ya'll!" The RCE troop nodded.

"Then it'll be the usual inspection before advancing any further." The RCE pony the circled the wagon slowly. Brick remained stoic and calm. Looking straight ahead but sensing and predicting the troop as he examined the wagon, he made a small grunt of approval from the ponies in the back. He then rounded up to the front and eyed Brick. "Dun' suppose you be into slavery now, Mr. Fiddle." The buck smiled and shook his head.

"Nah ser'! This boy was a stow away! But he made it up ter' us by helpin' fix our wheel and pullin' the wagon when our pullin' brahmin froze to death." The RCE troop made a wince and shook his head.

"I'm sorry for the loss." he stated. The buck shook his head.

"Nuh worries. We 'ave plenty back at ta' ranch." the buck was then bopped softly on the head by his wife and she grumbled.

"Enough wit' 'ta chit chat! 'Ah want warmth!" she exclaimed. The buck rubbed his head and grumbled himself.

"Alrite' ya' crazy kook! 'Ahm drivin'! 'Ahm drivin'!" he retorted. The RCE pony then waved them through and Brick pulled the wagon into the property. The way to the mansion was straight forward as can be. The crops lined the sides and were taller than the wagon itself. Brick led the wagon through the road and off to the left where a few dozen wagons were parked. Three RCE troops were stationed to guard the parked wagons. When Brick turned and backed the wagon up to a free space, The ponies hopped off and stretched a bit. Brick unfastened the wagon harness and adjusted his scarf over his muzzle again. As Mr. Fiddle was talking to one of the stationed RCE guards and the two hired guns escorted Mrs. Fiddle up the road where they were greeted by a pony on the porch of the mansion. Brick took the time to admire the property.

The amount of work and care into each and every crop. The livestock organized and well fed in the stable barn off in the distance. The fields tilled and grazed. That familiar stench of manure and the soft putty feeling of the mud mixed with the snow. He felt a little envious. But of course, he had every right too. Punch Berry is quite the idol for most farmsteads. She was the ideal farmhead known to the Frozen North. At least, to the honest hard-working folk. Was, because she had recently passed. It was quite a grievance for most. But now the farmstead is ran by her children, a brother-sister team.

Brick was so lost in thought, that he felt a shiver of surprise down his spine when he noticed the winter coated barding and the mare dawning them looking up at him. She removed her goggles and muffler.

"Brick, it's me." she said. Brick eyed the pony. The pony then held up her right foreleg and withdrew the sleeve, revealing only something stable dwellers were known to have. A fancy gadget that pretty much organized their lives. Brick balked a little as the mare threw her hood down and a brown mane that partially hid the grey horn on her head.

"Little Pip??"

Off in the distance, trouble was brewing. A figure on top of a hill behind the property eyed the valley. The farmstead was ripe for the taking. The pony was wearing animal fur and hide. The figure then turned when they heard the sound of barking. The bark was metallic. Before the figure was a camp. Enough to house a small militia. Exactly what the figure thought. Behind the covered face, a small grin was hidden. The two cyber dogs panted and wagged their wire like tails as the figure approached them. The figure scratched both of their heads before turning to a pony, one that wasn't wearing much barding, but enough to keep themselves warm. Metal spikes and a brahmin skull dawned over her head. She smiled wickedly at the figure. Behind the pony was a group of other less pleasing looking ponies. Matted manes and furs, several injecting drugs or stimulants into them as they sat around a campfire. On a spit roast wasn't animals. Nah, the figure wouldn't treat her people like animals.

No way were animals going to eat other animals. The flesh of caravan ponies did wonders for feeding the herd. Tents and makeshift quickly constructed areas dawned tarps to combat the cold. The spiked heads and body parts lining the gates of their encampments borders not only a display of trophies, but a sign of the ever-coming conquering of ponies. The figure gave a satisfied sigh as they watched their people feed off the corpse of a family and a couple of caravan ponies they had raided before making camp. The stock of food to feed them for tomorrow cowered in fear together in two cages. The figure eyed them. The caged ponies cowered. her gaze fell onto a filly and a mare. The two huddled for warmth, which was quickly replaced with fear. There was the sound of a foal crying in the mare's forelegs. The two backed away as the figure made their way over to the cage, the skull dawning pony following them along with the two cyber dogs. They barked and growled at the ponies in the cages, pacing back and forth, licking their metal sharp teeth and muzzle.

"Well, boss? What say we have a banquet tonight?" the mare with the brahmin covered head asked. The figure pulled down their scarf and removed the goggles. It was a mare. Her slightly tussled lemon mane and lavender fur hide stuck out amongst the sickly green, grey and pale blue ponies in the camp. She grinned and began to spoke.

"I say we enjoy tonight's feast and bedding!" she said, turning and raising her voice to catch the attention of the other ponies. She caught their eyes, making them focused on her. "That's right, fillies and colts! Tonight, is the night we take what is ours! We'll have more than we can fill our bellies with! We'll have more guns and ammunition than those gangers or metal heads could hope to have! We'll be known across the land, feared and inspired by us!" She gestured wildly to her audience. "The Fiends will rise from their ashes! Those RCE punks will get their reckoning! And might I add, plenty of ponies and food for our liking!" she then looked back at the cowering ponies in the cages. Her look wicked and her expression shadowed beyond maniacle. "So tonight! Have your bellies full! Plow as many mares and stallions as you want to sate your desires! It's on the house!" The whoops and cheers from the ponies were rising. "No need to thank me! Once that farm is ours, ain't no pony going to challenge The Fiends!" There was a roar of agreement from the ponies. But none more vocal than the skull dawning pony.

"Fuck yeah!! That's why you're the boss, Lavender!!" The mare scratched the two cyber dogs under their chins. They barked happily and wagged their wire thin tails. A filly yelped as the tail left a nasty gash on the foreleg. Her yelp caught the attention of Lavender, who turned and grinned.

"Have your fill, colts and fillies! I need you allllll rested for the raid." She chuckled maniacally as a Fiend pony came over and grinned wickedly, unlocking the cages. The caged ponies were too frightened to move. Soon, the area was filled with celebratory whoops and hollers, the screams of ponies mixing in along with the smell of burnt fur and flesh. The two howls of the cyber dogs, standing over a lifeless young colt and his mother, whose bodies were nearly picked clean at the chest, drowned out the cheers and whoops. So much so that even a passing patrol of RCE troops near the area hurried along, for fear that snow wolves were beginning to prowl.

"Welcome folks, to Berry Acres!" the sound of a gruff and stout stallion bellowed. His beer belly jiggling with laughter as he saw the advancing two ponies, Brick and Little Pip, approach. Brick smiled and nodded.

"A fine pleasure to be here, Mr. Berry." Brick said. The stallion had a gruff sounding voice and a waddle trot to back it up. It would have been almost comical to Little Pip, if she wasn't freezing her flank off.

'Strike me up the plot with an alicorn's horn, this cold sucks!' Little Pip thought with the clatter of her teeth. She glanced at Brick, who appeared to show no sign of freezing, let alone bothered by the blizzard. Little Pip had some expectations being in the Frozen North. She knew it'd be a snowy wasteland with hardly anything to make the land desirable to explore. With the small exception of a shack or two. Anything that looked relatively explorable were housing actual communities. Now that she thinks about, it's been only six months since she and her friends arrived in the Empire and rarely did they have time to explore anywhere here. The Strip was much more desirable than the Frozen North. 'At least I was warm enough there.' She focused back on the conversation that Brick and Mr. Berry were having.

"..and might I say you definitely have the marks of an honest hard-working pony, good ser!" Mr. Berry bellowed with a guffaw and pat the back of Brick, who didn't move much from it despite it sounding like it would have made Little Pip topple forward. Which is exactly what happened next when the stallion went to her and pat her back. Little Pip landed face first into the snow with an 'oof' and frowned with annoyance as she remained where she was. "Bwahahah! My apologies missy! you just had the look of fire in your eyes and I had mistaken you for a hardened waster!" The stallion adjusted the suspenders on his fancy suite. "So, what brings the Lightbringer here?" Little Pip groaned into the snow. She keeps forgetting that her reputation proceeds her. She wasn't bothered by it, but over the 6 months of hard work for the land of Equestria, she would think a hero like herself would at least get a bit of breathing room to just enjoy being a tad curious about the land.

Little Pip sat up and shook away the snow beard she had before looking at the pony. "Err... just in the area actually." she lied. Brick even narrowed his eyes at her, which made the mare squirm uncomfortably a bit. Mr. Berry, however, was more than delighted to hear it. he took ahold of her hoof and began shaking it a little too eagerly.

"Well, that's just might fine! Migh-ty-fine indeed!" he bellowed. It took a bit for Little Pip to notice that he had stopped shaking her hoof and she shook away the slight daze she got from it.

"Err.. yes. Well..." she began, but Mr. Berry wrapped his hooves around Brick's and Little Pip's neck and brought them close together, their cheeks pressed up against Mr. Berry's.

"Now, no need to be shy and all! You are more than welcome here at Berry Acres!" he let go of the two, the two adjusting their barding accessories. He waddled up the steps and turned to the two. "And let me be the first to say, it is an honor to be graced with the presence of the Lightbringer and her companion! I'll be glad to give you the grand tour of the property while you are here! Tonight's dinner and brahmin steak with sweet potato and corn!" Little Pip was about to protest, when Brick held up a hoof on her shoulder, causing her to look at the stallion. Brick smiled and nodded.

"'Preciate the hospitality, ser. But me an' Little Pip here are going to rest up a bit." The stallion seemed to ponder this before nodding and smiling.

"Well, then allow me to show ya' to yer' rooms! Right this way!" Mr. Berry turned and waddled his way to the front door. Brick and Little Pip exchanged glances before trotting after the pony.

Little Pip was in awe of the place. Despite some peeling wallpaper, the place looked pretty well maintained. A couple of maids were seen dusting off several places in a room and an old buck with balding white mane and a surprisingly well groomed stache bowed at them as they walked by. The mansion is three stories tall. The green and yellow zigzag wallpaper making it feel very homey. Portraits and pictures of what appeared to be the property's founding and previous owners dawned the wall down the hall that led to what the two could assume were the employee rooms and a break room. Next to the hallway was a staircase that spiraled halfway up to the second floor. Mr. Berry took them up the steps and lead them down to the hall on the second floor. They reached the end of the hall where a frilly looking curtain covered a window that looked out along the rows of crops, with the roof of a barn in the distance being visible. Mr. Berry unlocked a door to their left and opened it. It was a spacious room, two beds separated between a cabinet. A lamp was centered on the table. To the right of the room was another window that appeared to have been replaced. A radiator was running underneath it. To the left led to the bathroom. Next to the bathroom door, a dresser and a cabinet that had a frill drape on it with a vase. The strange purple flowers lay in the vase.

Little Pip eyed the flowers. "What are those?" she asked. Mr. Berry chuckled.

"Those, my curious Lightbringer, are lavender flowers. They give off a nice fragrance in the air to help ease even the most battle-hardened waster. Such as yourself." Little Pip gave him her best smile she could manage before rolling her should a bit. Sitting in that wagon was enough to cramp herself up. Mr. Berry took that as his que. "Well, if you need any accommodations, just holler at one of the servants and they'll be glad to help ya'. Dinner is in an hour." He then winked at the ponies before closing the door. Little Pip tested the bed. It felt different compared to the ones scattered around the Capital and The Strip. These felt... cleaner. Bouncier. And oh so soft and inviting. Little Pip suddenly let her body plop onto the bed and nuzzle the fabric with her face. It even didn't smell like two century old mold. She then felt eyes on her and she flushed a bit before looking up to see Brick, who was smirking at her.

"'Ah take it you dun' get much sleep." He spoke. Little Pip rolled onto her back and dangled her legs in the air, pretending to balance them.

"I've already slept for 12 years and a half. Honestly, I'm surprised things here in the Empire are like night and day compared to the Capital." She then looked at the upside-down stallion, who appeared to be occupied with the window. His eyes darting here and there as if searching for something. Which was indeed what was going on through the stallion's head. Though Little Pip wanted to dig deeper. "Hey, so... why are you this far out? I thought you were heading back to your farm?" she asked. Brick arched a brow at her.

"How'd ya' know I own a farm?" he asked quizzically. Little Pip was about to reply, when she stopped. She hesitated. She honestly... didn't know why. She racked her brain to remember where she had remembered hearing Brick owning a farm. Then, she had a sudden flash of a memory. They were in the Omareta hotel luxury suite. Around her was her friends and a few other ponies. She also remembered there being a Timberwolf. Her companions were chatting amongst each other. Calamity took the liberty of speaking with Brick. And she remembers overhearing the conversation.

"Say, friend. Ya' look like ya' a pretty built brute. Do ya' handle alot of heavy liftin'?" Calamity asked, tipping his desperado hat. Brick remained stoic but had a small smile on his face.

"More or less, friend. 'Ah used to own a farm up in the north. Tended to my crops everyday." Brick said. Calamity whistled a bit, resting a foreleg coolly on the windowsill.

"No kiddin'? Ya' look tha' part. But that saddle be speakin' a different tale." Calamity motioned at Brick's battle saddle. It was no surprise that Calamity had an eye on something valuable, even if it doesn't look it. The kleptomaniac pegasus was intrigued by the pony. Brick brushed the top of the sleek worn barrel.

"Eeyup. Belonged to ma' great grandfather who battled at the First Hoover Dam war. He was quite accurate with tha' pills. He showed me a few tricks for tha' weapon. Came out mighty useful." Calamity snickered.

"So, it's jus' as tough as tha' ponies in tha' North, aye?" Brick nodded and held out a hoof to the pegasus.

"Twas' the only choice ah' had on me. Name's Brick. Nice to meet a fellow farmer." Calamity smirked and shook the hoof of the pony.

"Calamity. But 'ah ain't no proper farmer. Yet. Though, ah' wouldn't mind pointers." Little Pip happened to look over to her best friend, Velvet. The pegasus's wife rolled her eyes playfully before winking at her.

"Boys." The attention was then shot to looking up at the stair well in front of them. The door above the balcony opened and Little Pip eyed a pony wearing a hood. Yet... something felt off. The pony didn't have a face. Or a structure of any kind for that matter. And the moment she met the eyes of the shade, her memory faded. As strange as it was, she probably thought it was something she was hallucinating that day. It was kind a long day of battling hallucinogenic gas.

"When we met at the Omareta hotel. Me and my friends were talking amongst yours and I overheard it from you and Calamity." she said. Brick nodded. He remembers Little Pip and her company showing up out of the blue one day while him and his companions were prepping for a journey in the suite. He had gotten to grow quite fond of the pegasus. Even went out of his way to talk about certain tricks to running crops and tending to them. As well as livestock managing. For a brief moment at that time, Brick had felt a longing feeling of homesickness. And yet, as strong as it was, nothing was stronger than his ambition to find his friend. Home didn't feel like home without her. Brick sighed and looked to the casually relaxed mare.

"As to answer yer' question. 'Ahm on a mission." Little Pip cocked her head. "Ya' see. about a year ago, 'ah ran a pretty good schedule. My crops were as tall as Berry's. Tha' livestock were like little kids. And while 'ah did all the heavy liftin' and such, 'ah... 'ah had a friend who would help me on the farm." The stallion smiled as the memory of the mare came back to him. A petite and carefree mare. He could remember her laugh, remember her calling him by his name when she wanted help with something. They did shop together. She went on caravan travels with him. Her company made the stallion feel right at home. Home...

My home is here. In Equestria.

Ignoring the silent whisper in his head, he sighed and Little Pip noticed the pony slump and look strangely... weak. His posture showing a sign of vulnerability that made her rather concerned for the health of the pony all of a sudden. She rolled back quickly onto her hooves and hopped off the bed. But Brick brought his head back up and looked at her. She could see the exhausted eyes staring back at her. And she remembers that look all too well. She has seen it in so many ponies back home. Even in her enemies did she see that look.

It was the look of a pony who was barely hanging onto hope. Who is hanging on to a thread of sanity and reasoning. That any moment, it could snap. The pony was giving off quite a negative aura. And as quickly as it appeared, it vanished. The stallion rightened his posture and rubbed his muzzle.

"Sorry about that. 'Ah just been haven't gettin' proper rest." Little Pip shook her head and smiled kindly at the pony.

"No, no. It's okay. I uhh... still need to control my curiosity sometimes. But uhh... I mean if you want to sleep, we can discuss this another time." The room went silent as the loud sound of a growl reached their ears. Brick arched a brow at the mare and she gave a sheepish smile, tapping the tips of her hooves together. "Err... when was dinner again?

Despite the exhaustion Brick was experiencing, he attended dinner with Little Pip. There were a couple of other ponies, including the Fiddle couple and the two hired guns. The dinner before them was a nice mix of greens and maize. There was bread and what looked like sweet potatoes mashed together. Brick helped himself to some bread and corn while Little Pip licked her lips and helped herself to whatever she found appetizing. Mr. Berry looked over the ponies that were happily dining. He sniffed in approval before tipping his gallon hat.

"Well, folks! Enjoy the food! Eat as much as you want. There's no need to be starving and cold!" Mr. Berry turned on his hooves and waddled out of the room with a maid following him after bowing to the ponies and closing the door. The sound of silverware clattering and mild buzzing chatter amongst the ponies filled the room. Little Pip and Brick couldn't help but feel wholly satisfied with the hospitality. She looked up at Brick with a bit of a stuffed muzzle and spoke through her food.

"Soh. Wash ta' deal witsh Mr. Berry?" she spoke. Brick casually chewed his bread before speaking.

"Mr. Berry is an interesting pony ta' be sure. He is tha' son of a rich farmhead who had recently passed away. Him an' his family have spent years before an' after tha' Great War expanding this valley. They bought property an' loaned them ta' farmers who were lookin' for good honest work. They invested into tha' land and it gave back. Soon after, they own tha' entire valley." He smiled. "There family is an inspiration to all farmers an' caravans that pass through here. An' tha' late Mrs. Vine Berry was quite the hospitable hostess. She was a combat nurse durin' the first Hoover Dam War." Little Pip listened intently, her mouth was in the midst of chewing as the story was being told. "When she passed not too long ago, her kids took over. Mr. Berry and his sister, Grape Berry, run the valley. An' so far, they haven't failed to please." Little Pip finally swallowed her meal and looked ahead at the portrait of the fireplace.

It was the picture of an old mare, looking quite stunning despite her age. She was dressed in a purple pre-Rarity dress. He white mane in a bun and her wrinkled purple and white hide blended perfectly with the dress she wore. Beside her from the chair she was sitting on was a mare. Her sharp violet eyes stared back at her. She too was wearing a pre-Rarity dress as well, only this one was white and captured her calm and commanding looking posture. Behind Vine Berry stood Mr. Berry. Dressed and groomed neatly in a white tuxedo. Their expressions were calm, commanding, yet respectable. They exhibited a powerful aura just by looking at them. Little Pip couldn't help but smile a bit at the ponies.

To think that these ponies were providing for the land and helping to take care of the denizens of this frozen hell. A sanctuary that commanded peace, order and the correct sense of duty. She then looked back to Brick.

"It's great to hear that there are actually better ponies out there still bringing what hope is left for our war torn home." she smiled. Brick smiled and chewed on his bread, swallowing after a bit before speaking.

"Eeyup. Tha' Empire didn't see much action unlike where you came from, but tha' radiation an' such seeped into this land as well as war." Brick tried to recall back to the books he read. The history of the Empire. Or what little he could remember that wasn't scratched, burned, faded or torn off. "The Empire was invaded by tha' stripes as well. But The Empire had a strong and valiant military power that they quelled anythin' that threatened peace. And the wars that were fought across the land was during a time when Sombra had jus' been defeated by Shinin' Armor and The Princess of Love, Candenza." Little Pip frowned at the name Sombra.

She remembers the tyrant all too well. Being nothing but a pain in her flank. But he wasn't just an annoyance. He was also quite a tactful fighter. Too many times have they came close to dying. Her heart felt heavy. She couldn't bear the memory of Velvet Remedy suffering from a poison tipped unicorn horn and Calamity on the verge of utter rage. But that's exactly what happened 6 months ago. When she and her friends were just discovering the luxuries and underbellies of the north, Sombra was always there to greet them. But... something strange had happened to her that she couldn't quite figure out. The Empire was suffering from a memory gap.

6 months prior to when the sky was suddenly flashed with a giant green megaspell cloud. She could remember it clearly. The horrible destruction that the technology had was beyond comprehension. It hurt to look at. The sickly green mushroom cloud. Homage even had to pause the broadcast to update the situation. Spike was also relaying the information to her before suddenly, there was a loud screech in Tennpony tower and a raspy voice began to speak. But the words were... incomprehensible. Only a few things stook out.

The veil has been pulled back.

It echoed over and over again. The voices suddenly were jumbled. It was the raspy voice, then the demanding voice, then the raspy voice again and the voice going from demanding to shock. Over and over, she could remember the broadcast being played throughout Equestria wide. She remembers having to work with Spike and several leaders of factions to stop another megaspell from being launched at the Gardens of Equestria. But... something was missing. There was more to it than that. A faint whisper in the back of her head nipped at her.

Walk with Equestria... Walk with Equestria...

She shook her head and looked to Brick, who gave a knowing look.

"Guess it really is affectin' everyone here in Equestria. Quite a strange epidemic if ya' ask me." Brick began to think. Was it someone telling them to do something? There had to be more than just "walk with Equestria". But what? Everything that lead up to it has been quite jarring. He remembers his journey. He was traveling with a group of ponies that he became good friends with. Yet, there was one thing that bugged him. Something or somepony was missing. Little Pip sighed.

"And we are still no closer to finding out where the broadcast is coming from. It's everywhere on the radio. And what's worse is that almost everypony I meet here have seen what they call the Shade of the Wasteland." Brick nodded. he shivered at the thought. There was one thing about the stallion that he felt he enjoyed more than farming as a hobby. It was being invested into the paranormal and superstition. He found it quite interesting to see how the borders of reality were ever clashing with an alternate reality so similar to theirs. And how each one manifests into their world. Creatures and ghosts alike. It felt rather thrilling than the everyday farming care. But he felt he juggled both pretty evenly.

There was suddenly a loud crash as a window was broken. The soft blizzard howling into the room. Brick balked as he saw a metallic apple roll across the ground. Without a second thought, he dove at Little Pip and kicked the table over.

"Grenade!" he shouted. To those that were fortunate enough to quickly react did. Those that weren't, were unfortunately hit the shrapnel. The house shook when the apple popped. Little Pip and Brick's table splintered and they were sent rocketing a bit into the far side wall. Brick grit his teeth, using his body to shield the mare. He grunted in pain as the dust seemed to settle. Little Pip was coughing, looking no worse for wear. Yet, she looked shocked and quickly reached into her saddle bag and pulled out a red liquid drink in a bottle. Brick chugged the health potion and he felt his back mend appropriately and his pain easing a bit. When their ears stopped ringing, the sound of peace was soon filled with shouting, gun fire and explosions. One of the hired guns was helping a grieving Mrs. Fiddle as she sobbed over what was left of her husband. The other took cover under the window and began firing back.

"Dammit... WE GOT RAIDERS!!" The mare shouted. Brick jumped immediately to his hooves and galloped out the door.

"W-wait, Brick!" Little Pip called out as she scrambled to her hooves. She quickly met up with the stallion and balked. "No..."

The fire was high, and bodies littered the yard. Crops were bent and some of the livestock were either panicking and running around or mutilated beyond recognition. Brick scowled and darted his eyes at the destruction. Several barns were caught on fire. RCE troops were scattered, trying to cover each other and their wounded. Farmers and caravaners were either fighting back or running in fear. The screams were jarring. But it triggered something with Brick. He blinked once and found himself being pinned to the ground. One closed as his face and muzzle was buried into the muddied snow. He could see the wicked grins of the ponies as they ransacked his house, mutilated and feasted on his livestock and started to burn his barn and his crops. There was a maniacal laughter as one of the raiders brought forth a beaten mare. Brick balked and struggled to free himself, but the raider sat on him like nothing. He was weak and feeling tired. Yet, he struggled to maintain his vision. The raider eyed the mare as they bound her together in a hog tie.

"No..." he began. "Please... stop..." he begged. The mare struggled as the raider began to explore every inch of her. Before the bigger one turned and fastened the rope onto his chest. He gave a wicked smile and laughed. The pony then began to gallop down the field, whooping and hollering as his audience also cheered. The mare was screaming as the pony ran through fire and jagged rocks. The pony came to a stop in front of the downed stallion. He scoffed and held the bloodied and partially burnt mare down on the ground with his hoof.

"Thanks for the girl and your food, sucker! We'll be enjoying ourselves this evening for sure! Let's ride, boys!!" Brick felt a heavy hit across his head, grunting in pain as his vision began to blur more and more.

"G-get away from me! No! Stop! Please, let me go! Help!! Johnny!!!" the cry for help was getting distant as well as the whooping and hollering. Brick managed to muster as much strength to stand up, but quickly fell back down. Bloodied, beaten, exhausted and coated in mud, the stallion watched as his hard work burned to the ground, his livestock that he cared for like his own children mutilated and devoured. And his dear friend... Calling for him when he couldn't do nothing. His expression was that of anger... frustration... and a quite vengeance that burned brighter than his crops. But all he could do was yell. His body not obeying his commands.

This completely took Little Pip by surprise. Brick was shouting. Yelling at the top of his lungs. Tears flowing down his face. It was as she feared for the worst. Brick had finally snapped. He quickly withdrew a pill from his saddle bag and loaded it into the launcher with the quickest sleight of hoof she has ever seen, and the stallion cocked the launcher. There was no more staying quiet. No more holding back. Brick had searched for too long. And this time, he will get the proper answers he was looking for.