Red eyed strangerby ConnorcooperChaptersPart 1Part 2Part 3Part 4Part 5Part 6Part 7Part 8Part 9Part 10Part 11Part 12 (Red Sand War-Arc part 1)Part 13 (Red Sand War-Arc part 2)Part 14 (Red Sand War-Arc part 3)Part 15 (Red Sand War-Arc part 4)Part 16 (Red Sand War-Arc part 5)Part 17 (Red Sand War-Arc part 6)Part 17.5 -MGSR-Part 18Part 19Part 20Part 21Part 21.5- A Dark Vision (Halloween special 2022)Part 22Part 22.5 (X-Mas 2022 special, Non-cannon)Part 23Part 24 (The Invasion Defensive-Arch part 1)Part 25 (The Invasion Defensive-Arch part 2)Part 26 (The Invasion Defensive-Arch part 3)Part 27 (The Invasion Defensive-Arch part 4)Part 1Lead... Gunpowder... Brass... Fire... Point blank... I guess Benny was right I have a thick skull... unlike him... He might have stolen the platinum chip but he stole something from me fair more valuable. Memories... Still remember fragments like names, places, and faces... Yet dreams that I have seem... too real to be just dreams... Like places, I have never seen before. Almost... pre-war... I could be going crazy, after that auto doc pulled my brain out a while back he did say I had some form of light brain damage... Boy was my brain not happy about it either. Still... None of that really matters... Vegas mattered. A city that was an echo of a time before, almost completely untouched and self-sustaining thanks to hoover damn. Mr. House was right about one thing, Vegas was a hidden gem within the Mojave with such potential but... one man shouldn't have that much power. Not even me. Luckily I wouldn't be missed... After the NCR took the damn I decided to burn any bridge I had with Vegas and left... I parted with my companions on good terms. Boone was back with his team... Arcade was doing his best to make a difference... Cass rebuilt her caravan... Veronica helped the followers with the knowledge she learned from the brotherhood... Rex was back at Freeside with the king... Daisy was taking her medicine at half doses back at Jacobstown... Raul now was his old self again being an unsung hero in the Mojave... ED-E? I couldn't part with the old boy and he stayed at my side even coming with me to the big empty... Most people in the Mojave hated me for siding with the NCR so it was time for me to leave... But I never wanted to leave the wasteland itself... Fate has a funny way of doing things though... Spitting me from one desert to another... This one was a lot bigger. (Klugetown) The Stormking was dead... All eyes were on the magical projection of the equestrian princess of friendship speaking over the magical device, giving a speech over the magical spell sent out to every one of the glowing crystal projectors though out the regions that once was called the storm kingdom. "To that matter! I hope that one day that all that suffered under the storm king's tyranny would come out and join us here in Equestria! With the power of friendship, we can all come together and-" Twilight's messager was intrupted by the object hurrled at the magical image. A bottle from a pissed-off drunk threw his bottle of scotch at the magical crystal smashing it into a million pieces. "PISS OFF YOU DAMN HORSE! YOU RUIN OUR LIVES!" The large catfish face local shouted while others in the pub were just as pissed about what had happened. Sure the Stormking was a fucking asshole but at least he was the asshole responsible for the revival of the trade lines within the badlands and though out most of the areas that the Stormking ruled. When that happened a lot of jobs popped up in many of the backwater towns that were poor to the point that water and spices were basically gold in the badlands. When the Stormking died, so did the Storm kingdom AND the trade lines AND almost every job here in this rusted pile of scrap that was called a town. "THAT'S GOING ON YOUR TAB BISK! THOSE DAMN THINGS AREN'T CHEAP!" The pub owner shouted at the drunk to which the drunk only flipped him off while the owner sighed just as pissed off as many of his customers. "Hey sorry... can I get a refill?" Turning his head the owner noticed the empty glass of the drifter that walked in, grabbing a bottle of Vodka the bartender poured the clear liquid from the blue glass bottle into the small drinking glass. "Guessing that purple pony is really going to fuck things up around here," The large Landshark nodded his head putting down the bottle on the counter before nodding at the stranger's words. "Yeah, that damn 'princess of friendship' think everything can be solved though love and sharing! BAH! What a child," Spoke the owner. Moving the glass to the strange helmet that the stranger wore he watched as once again the stranger put the faceplate where a straw sucked up the liquid. The pub owner has seen his fair share of strangers even before the Stormking came in but those back then were weirder and fair more stranger. "She thinks it's so simple. That all the world is just some lesson in friendship or some other bullshit," The owner ranted while the drifter put his drink down. "Looks to me like to me she has it easy," This caused the Landshark to turn to him. "Come on it's not that hard not to notice," The owner shook his head. "No-no I agree with you... that Twilight has lived as some student to that bigger bitch Princess Celestia... the goddess of the sun apparently... how much you wanna bet when they come in they are going to start giving a sun tax?" The Bartender asked. "I would be surprised if they didn't... that while Equestria thing or whatever reminds me of something," Putting his glass down on the table he sighed. "Never again," "Paradon my curiosity stranger but what do you mean by that?" "Let's just say I worked for a group like those ponies... and even after what was said and done a lot of people ended up despising me for it," The stranger swiveled on his stool. "Eh, you do, what you do, to get by right? I wouldn't blame you," "Tell that to all the pissed-off people who probably want to see me burn in hell," Leaning his head back he then lifted it back up. "When do you think those pony people will be here?" The drifter asked. The pub owner shrugged. "With their fancy-ass Airships? Maybe a day or two, three if we're lucky," Throwing a dishtowel over his shoulder the Landshark looked at the stranger again who was petting that weird metal eye thing that came with him into the pub. "Why you ask? Looking to get out of town before they come in?" "Yeah... this is a nice town but it's always when I come into town something happens," The Stranger sighed before the Landshark shrugged. "I don't blame you. I'm going to head out myself," The pub owner stated. "I've lived here for nearly ten years stranger... times were hard but when the Stormking came in this shithole was actually livable. Sure there was some shady stuff going on but it wasn't as bad," "Where are you going to head off to?" The drifter asked out of curiosity. "I got family down south... my girl's expecting our first pup," Moving in his stool the Drifter shifted slightly. "Are you sure she can make that trip?" The Landshark nodded. "Yeah long as you avoid No-man's land everything is going to be fine," The stranger then asked a question that the Landshark wasn't expecting to hear. "What is No-man's land?" The pub owner was a bit baffled at what he heard the drifter just say... but then again some of the drifters and tribals have been living out in isolation in the badlands for years so it wasn't all that shocking. "Just a large area worse than the badlands," "How so?" The Landshark began to think for a moment. "Well unlike the rest of the badlands it's just this stretch of land flat sand, the sand is said to be thicker somehow to the point where it feels like you standing on solid ground. There is nothing there except for the few dust devils but those are the only company you will get, not a single town or well is there for miles... the solid sand is too thick to dig and the water is deeper than usual," The pub owner explained. "A total dead zone... not even the zebras or anyone else has claimed ownership of no man's land. Just miles upon miles of hot solid stone sand and the blazing sun above your head," Placing his glass on the counter the stranger looked at the pub owner. "Doesn't sound that bad... sounds like a natural road for caravans," "That's true but it's so long that you would spend up all your water before you would make it back into the main badlands and to a village for a refill... it's just too far," Pulling a map from behind the bar he placed it on the bar to show the stranger. "Here this might help you understand what I mean," The stranger eyed the map while the giant metal eye thing gave a slight beep noise, the paper map had key markers for what the stranger could guess were villages along with many smaller blue markers, and finally the big spot in the middle which the stranger thought was a coffee stain. But that large 'stain' was no-man's land. "Alright, you see these blue things?" The pub owner asked to which the Strange nodded. "Good because those are wells and you can see for miles upon miles no-man's land doesn't have a single well within the entire area," He then tapped on the big spot labeled the no-mans. "Caravan's need water to go across the badlands but since no-man's land has not a single well... it usually avoids that is if the caravan is feeling like they can handle it. They don't usually last a mile before running out of water," The pub owner stated before pointing to the other areas. "Even the Cats and Zebras want nothing to do with no-man's land," Looking back at the pub owner the stranger reached into his coat before pulling out a small leather bag. "Thanks for the tip..." Tossing it the owner caught the bag before opening it while the stranger got up. "Hope those are enough for my tab and something extra for the help," The Landshark pulled out a solid gold coin with the face of some strange creature on it, he bit down on the coin but back up at the stranger who was out the door. Flipping the coin in his hand he looked at the tail side seeing another creature that looked like a four-legged minotaur. 'What a strange-stranger,' *CRASH* "Oh by the gods! BISK GET OUT OF MY PUB YOU DRUNK ASS MOTHER-!" (Meanwhile) "*Curious beeping*" ED-E spoke to the courier while the two left the pub. "Yeah, I know this entire thing is strange. I wouldn't deny it but since the damn teleporter isn't working I doubt we could find a way back home anytime soon," "*Sad beeping*" "Yeah... we don't really have anyone to go home to... maybe this whole thing could be a blessing in disguise," The courier stated but then saw guard armored bipdel equines march forward, while another of the equines with less armor sat on top of a cart with a smile on her face. "Citizens of Klugetown! Don't fret we come with good tiding! For you no longer under the cruel fist of the stormking! For this day by the orders of Princess Celestia Klugetown is to be claimed in the name of friendship!" Pulling the collar of his duster the courier spoke. "Yeah... not this time... come on ED-E," "*Inquisitive beeping*" "Yep... I'm tired of helping out groups like this: 'Equestria' best we head out where we can be left alone," "*More inquisitive beeping*" "You read my mind bud... to no-man's land," The courier couldn't help but smile behind his gas mask. "*Joyious beeping*" The eye bot bounced up and down while floating in the air. "Heh... yeah back on the road again," Courier six told his trusty companion. (Sometime later) (Equestria) "🎵ALLLLLL NIGHT LONG~🎵!" Pinke sang and smiled partying like there is no tomorrow even though the party is long over. "Come on sugar cube thats enough," Applejack smiled resting an arm on one of the tables while her free hand held a bottle of hard cider. "How much you wanna bet she had a little too much," Rainbow dash asked on the other side of the table from her friend. Applejack laughed before turning to Rainbow. "She hasn't drank anything..." Rainbow blinked before smiling. "Why am I not surprised," Rainbow chuckled with Applejack. While most of the elements were relaxing while the castle staff was cleaning up the mess left behind by the party guests, Twilight stood at the edge of the railing overlooking the beautiful view of Equestria. "I wonder... how many more times must you save me and my sister," Luna asked stepping forward before joining her on the few. "Luna! Oh, Faust, you scared the bejeezus out of me," Twilight stumbled before Luna held out her hands. "Sorry, Dearest Twilight I didn't mean to scare you," Luna said while overlooking the vast view of the night-covered lands of Equestria. "I might have not put enough stars in the sky," "What?" Twilight looks up before speaking. "I think you put enough stars up there Luna," "Well... maybe your right," Luna looked at Twilight who was looking at the star-filled sky, narrowing her eyes slightly Luna then spoke up. "Thought I must ask... does my moon look like a pearl up there dear twilight?" Confused twilight looked up confused by the princess's wording. "I guess it does," Confused Twilight looked back at Luna not understanding what she meant. Luna who had heard quite the story from Queen Novo unsure how to proceed with the newest princess's actions, yes she was trying to save Equestria. But stealing the pearl a magical artifact that belongs to the hippogriffs for countless centuries even dating back before her mother gave birth to Celestia and her. "Ummm... Luna is everything alright?" Twilight asked confused. "Yes everything is alright," Luna then stepped away leaving a very confused purple alicorn. 'For now, that is," The night princess always knew that this world was different from the one where she was banished from, sure she had her sister to help her adapt to it but still. From the Equestria she knew was one of strength and order with freedom and peace for all, now this one was different. The ponies of this era had grown soft, self-centered, and most of all... Blind... Blind to the world around them, thinking that the entire world revolved around them and where it was worst was with the nobles, she remembers their ancestors that were founded in these noble houses. Brave, selfless, and wise Stallions and Mares but now? Their descendants were none of these... But from the nobles to the worker's ponies that she once ruled 1,000 years ago grew from loving and helpful people tosoxenophobia and overzealous to 'tradition' that wasn't even around before she became nightmare moon. The most blinded of all was her own sister... She allowed their kingdom to become what is today, plus the one she choose to be protégé was so misguided... Was she the one that would replace her sister AND her? To have the powers of her sister's sun AND her moon? What then? She understood the whole 'we can't hold her hand through everything' but having to rely on a Twilight to stop a dark king, a warrior queen, AND two gods by herself? Yes, she had her friend but what if they weren't enough? What if Celestia was wrong? What gave her the right idea to gamble everything on a single pony? The night princess bit her lip, being encased in that dark stone made her quest for her sister's actions, this storm king had grown right from under their noses and invaded Cantorlot along with finding magical relics that could defeat her, her sister, and their niece in a single blow! They would have gotten Twilight too as well. Along with that, Tempest Shadow was a prime example of one of the reasons why Equestrian is failing, this pony was like ponies that were under her night legion before Night moon. A skilled warrior yes, but something did bug her, the fact that the reason that she became the way she did was because of the spoiled nature of ponies. Who would disown their own child because she was scared by an Ursa major? Casting her aside their own flesh and blood because of an injury and everypony else shunning her, then learning years later that her parents had given birth to a new child with the same birth name as her. She sighed... knowing that she had to do something. Then Luna felt a dark part of her mind crawl out. 'We can't ingore the facts,' She went wide-eyed for a moment feeling her 'other' linger in the back of her mind, but then held her head and nodded. 'Yes... this is something we must address... but the right way,' Feeling her other agree with her Luna felt her alter-ego linger awhile longer. 'If not?' 'Then we act directly... only as a final resort,' (No-man's land?) "-Alerted beeping-" "Here?" Courier six asked to which the enclave eye-bot gave a confirming beep. "Alright, here we go," Placing down the large device on the spot of solid sand the courier flipped a switch while four support legs were fired into the hard thick sand before it lifted up off the ground slightly. Then lighting the night sky over the pip-boy light came a bright green beam of focused energy beginning to cut down into the surface of sand down to the water vein deep below the surface of no-man's land. "To new beginnings," The courier stated before summoning his sleeping bang and stuff to step up camp for the night. Even with all the mutations and implants he had, the courier did need sleep like everyone else, his mechanical buddy buzzed right over to help him set up camp while the laser drill did its job. Author's Note Well back to fallout... Not a full replacement for red guardian but from Noble six to Courier six I give you this. A story where the courier is honestly wanting to be left alone, stay out of trouble, and not get involved. But if you have planned Fallout New Vegas that is impossible for people like Six. So, what else? Yeah, if you guys couldn't tell I gave Luna a bit of a eye opener similar to that of a blue giant from another series. I always picture a dark backstory for Tempest since we never got a full one too. Besides that I put in ED-E in this story too! Because everyone loves that little floating cute robot. Also two people gave me inspiration of this, one of them just got back from deployment which I'm glad to see my boy back in the states. So yeah... Hoped you enjoyed and till the next one... Also 3,000+ words baby! Part 2(Two weeks later) The courier nodded his head to the song while he reached for a welding torch and his lenses adjusted to the sudden flash of light darkening his vision so as not to blind him from the light. Welding the two metal panels on the freshly built hangar that Courier six spent the last three days building from the ground up, getting away from the panel the courier couldn't help himself from shuffling slightly from the song. Putting the tool away in his pip-boy the courier stepped forward but stopped while a large robot rolled past him holding a large military crate over to the first hangar. "🎵 A little bit of rock a little bit of roll, a itty bitty little bit of rock n roll🎵," Walking onto the tarmac the courier walked over to the large device before summoning a cup while going to a faucet on the machine and twisting it. Pure filtered water poured out before he unstrapped his trusty helmet from his head and put the headgear on a pipe that came off the machine before bringing the cup to his lips to drink the clear liquid. Smiling at the amount of progress that happened over a few short days with all the tech from Mr. House and the big empty had turned this lifeless spot in no-man's land into a self-sustaining settlement. Automated robots buzzed about, sure they were no securitrons but the Sentry bots, Mr. Gutsy, and eye-bot copies buzzed about working hard on the base. Mr. House did have blueprints for an 'assaultron' but the courier didn't really want to build up his new home up fast as possible before working on anything new, he might have to up a pin it later on. But after all, was done he was going to relax because he desperately need a vacation after fighting literally zombies in a red toxic cloud to batshit former NCR and Legion who loathed him more than the citizens of vegas. In the next few days the courier's new home would be completed all with the essentials, a Biological research machine copy with Mr. handys working the maizes to turn into Salient or biodiesel for fuel. One of few the tribes of vegas, the Boomers were like his second family like that of Goodsprings, taught him a lot though he might have copied the blueprints for 'the lady' and VR simulation training without them knowing. Hell, his new home was heavily based on Nelis! Two hangars one a storage unit while the other was... well a hangar, his actual house was nothing too complex just a nice building that would be where the wrecked air tower was. He was still working on stuff 'under' everything but nothing too major just yet even he had to take his time working on all this. Like his vault 34 friends, he had the same idea of how to deal with unwanted guests. Differently, of course, some minor artillery nothing over a 155 shell... Two warning shots, one to tell them to get the fuck back, the other to scare, but the third? Well... his pip-boy did say he was prone to making a 'bloody mess' of threats. Plus a minefield around the area if they get too close but not close enough to the chainlink fence with razor wire and about 10,000 volts running through it. That is if they don't read the literal signs that ED-E used from the solid sand bricks that were used for warning signs so anyone can leave him alone! This world wasn't his own, best not get involved in any politics or anything. "*BEEP!*" ED-E caused the Courier to jump while turning to his metal friend. "What?" "*Angry beeping*" "Oh, that's..." The courier lifted his pip-boy before seeing the time. "SHIT I FORGOT WHAT TIME IT WAS!' Stopping the music and grabbing his helmet ED-E and the courier bolted towards the 'house' next to the first hangar. (Meanwhile, not far away) "Are you insane?" The Giant catfish shouted at the sly red-coated Abyssinian who was none other than Capper, and back to his old tricks again. "That's No-man's land! We'll never make it across there without dying of thirst!" "Come on now whiskers you worry too much... I got everything covered this isn't my first time crossing no-man's land. the Abyssian lands are just a hop skip away," The cat lied, this was his first time crossing the hardened sand wasteland but they didn't know that. "Bullshit," "Really you don't believe me... well I guess you'll have to find another way to the Abyssian lands... oh wait Equestria has already set up board portals," Capper reminded the walking Catfish. "look pal there is only one way to get either to the Zebra lands or my homeland without any ponies shaking you down for all your hard-earned savings. Going through No-man's land is your best bet," "Your one to talk... we barely have any money left for ourselves," The Catfish said. "Hey, A cat got to make a living somehow and besides I accounted for everything... including water," Capper smirked with his hands in his pockets. "Really? You that tiny bottle doesn't look like it can help any of us," The Catfish pointed to the metal bottle on Capper's belt. "Whiskers... you really need to understand... Capper's got everything covered," The Abyssinian pulled out a water stone. All of the small group had their eyes glued on the apple size blue gem in Capper's hand. "Where did you get that?" The catfish asked. "A friend..." He slipped it back into his coat. "So if any of you cats get thirsty come to old Capper... this stone is charged and ready to sate your thirst for no extra fee on me but showers are going to cost you extra," The group of former residents of Klugetown who were on edge about the whole idea knew with a rare magical item like that they could make it across with no problem. Sure enough, the fish took a bite of Capper's bait and they were off to the land of cats with him leading the way with the biggest smile on his face. 'This is going to be the easiest gig ever,' (Back with the courier and ED-E hours later) "*Victory Trumpet*" ED-E cheered while the courier cursed throwing his cards down on the table while ED-E gave what sound like chirping but was actually the Eyebot's version of a laugh as he yet again beat the courier at a game of Tragic. Pointing his hand at the metal ball he was pissed. "I swear your cheating!" "*Mocking beeping*" "That's still cheating! I don't have the entire rule book downloaded into my brain!" The courier leaned back in his chair. "God, why do I even bother playing with you anymore..." "*Beeping*" At ED-E's beeping the courier his head turned to the other table with a bunch of plastic figures waiting on a desk with small jars of paint and brushes waiting ever since he pulled him from his pip-boy. "Eh... I'll do those later," Getting up Six walked over to the Nuka-cola Fridge before pulling out a root beer, popping the cap off he lifted the bottle up and began to chug down the homemade soda. ED-E played a light tune while cleaning up the cards of pre-war game but then stopped when the courier began to cough. "*Worried beeping*" The courier smiled holding his hand up. "Sorry ED-E it went down the wrong pipe! There see perfectly I'm-" He then began to cough harder but to the point where he drop to his knees. ED-E rushed over to the courier's side worried for his friend. "*Even more worrying beeping*" ED-E didn't know what to do before his friend coughed one last time ending his coughing fit. Six groaned before looking at his hand and flinching at the sight before him. "Is that... my tooth?" Confused the courier rose up seeing his tooth had come out along with some blood but only from his tooth. "The hell," "*confused beeping*" "Yeah... you can say that again," Walking over to the table again where they were just playing their game the courier stared at his tooth, confused at how it shot out of his mouth. "It doesn't have a root," Looking at his lost canine tooth the courier turned to his pip-boy in confusion checking to see if it could show what was happening to him. But nothing? It said he was perfectly healthy... The two then turned to the homemade soda spilled on the floor. "*Beep*" "Yeah... probably a bad mix," "*Beep?*" "No, I'll lay off soda today," Standing up the courier walked over to his desk putting the lost tooth on his nightstand while moving his tongue to the gap between his teeth having lost one of his canines. Pulling off his duster the floating robot then spoke up. "*Commanding beeping*" "Okay, dad! Jeez, I was going to take a shower anyways... it's not like-" *BOOM!* The two flinched at the sound of one of the artillery cannons firing. "WHAT THE FUCK!" (Outside) (10:31 pm) "WHAT WAS THAT!" One of the refugees shouted in a panic hearing the loud boom. "Was that thunder?" "No, you idiot! Were in No-Man's land! It doesn't rain out here," "But..." "Shhhhhh!" Capper held out a hand confused at what he heard too while looking in the star-filled sky, there wasn't a single cloud in the sky but then his eyes turned down to what seemed to be... Lights? They were dim but you could clearly see light not too far away from where they were. Confused Capper narrowed his eyes trying to get a better look. That looked like some kind of settlement... but that was impossible. The sand was way too thick to dig down to the water below. "Guys! Check it! Lights there is a town out here!" A Landshark shouted noticing the lights that Capper saw too. Before the Abyssianin could say anything the refugees bolted to the lights before he could say anything, but before he could join them his cat-like eyes spotted something. Walking over to the strange object, it looked like some kind of small pillar, but having to lift his lantern Capper's eyes widen. It was a sign... A warning sign. "GUYS WAIT DON'T GO ANY FURTHER!" But Capper's words were barely heard as the second loud boom of thunder was heard, the group did stop again but not before hearing something. It sounded like something was falling from the- Capper was thrown back as from a few dozen feet away from him a blast of bright orange and yellow roared from an empty spot of sand. His ears ringing Capper pushed himself up off the ground seeing that the group in a panic make a run for the settlement. Pushing himself up Capper tried to speak to them but more storm-less thunder roared out followed by flaming explosions where many of the former Klugers were standing. Those that were faster than the rest ran but no thunder... yet that didn't save them from a similar fate. The moment they step forward on some patches of sand the ground under them rocketed them forward into the air followed by small blasts of fire tearing them up. In a few seconds, the entire group he was to escort to the Abyssinian lands were dead, torn to pieces by thunder and fire. Getting up Capper bolted away from the settlement running as fast as his little legs could carry him not wishing to become the piles of blood and cooked gore that the group had become. Not caring if he left his lantern behind that was slowly burning out and broken from the first explosion. Lighting the words on the small pillar of packed sand that read. 'Private property: Trespassers will be dealt with accordingly' Along with the clear image of a skull and cross bones... But the skull wasn't that of any creature Capper knew but he didn't care he knew what it meant. Author's Note Here you guys go... ehhhh just realized the number of words... 2020... damn it all that was a shit year. Still 2,000+ words? Sorry, if it was shorter than the first chapter. Still either way hoped you enjoyed the little humor I threw in... As to why the courier just lost a tooth? Well... being in a radioactive wasteland plus the fact he was experimented on by a bunch of brains in jars then experimenting on himself with implants and who knows what else? Before you say: "Is he turning into a deathclaw?" No, as awesome as that sounds no... Just side effects of the stuff from the big empty and radiation from searchlight and vault 34. Also no Assaultron GF. As much as the assaultron would make for the perfect companion (Since they are for any wastelander for a few reasons- like combat, seriously other 'personal' reasons aside) Courier six has already got ED-E and he is like the courier's version of Sox. If you got any more questions feel free to ask away. Part 3(???) "AHHHHH!!!" "SHIT!" "FUCK!" "OW!" "MOTHER-!" "SHIT FUCK!" "BITCH!" "DAMN IT!" "WAIT! NONONONO!" Falling down onto one of the mutated trees the Courier hissed in pain after slipping on the cliff and hitting every rock on his way down. Pushing himself down he hit the ground with a thud... If it wasn't for the metal-laced bones, splicing, and all the cybernetics he would most likely be dead. Again. "Are you alright?" The burned man asked who was currently sitting underneath the tree that Six fell on top of. "Whhhhhhhy meeeeeee," Six hissed under the pre-war helm. Turning his head from his most prized book, Joshua couldn't help but chuckle at the Courier's misfortune. "Perhaps it's the father punishing you for going into his caves," Joshua's dry humor made Six chuckles slightly even though he was hurting. "Please don't say that around the tribe... they'll think I'm cursed and avoid me like the plague," Flipping onto his back the green-eyed helmet look up at the fire-colored sky of Zion. Turning back to where he left off Joshua began to read through one of his favored verses in the good book. As the two just stayed there in each other's own company for a few minutes the man who cheated death at Goodsprings spoke. "Josh?" Not turning from the book Joshua gave a hum to which the courier proceed with his question. "Have you ever had that feeling when you remember something but you don't know what it is?" Interested in this question Joshua marked his spot in the book before closing it. "No can't say I had the feeling... explain it to me," "It's... Well," Placing a hand on his armored chest while the fire color of dusk slowly became darkened by the night sky while many of the stars began to reveal themselves. "I don't know how to explain it... but I feel like at some points that I remember something don't know what it is but... once when I saw this poster in the Mojave about Ice cream, then I get this cold phantom taste and my mouth waters but I never had Ice cream before," "Interesting what else?" "Well, another time when I was about to drink some Nuka-Cola I pictured the smell and taste to be... different more like corn syrup than the fruity taste of Nuka, or another time I found myself waking up in my room in the sink thing 'where the hell am I' or something," Six told the man covered in bandages. Josh began to think for a moment. "Perhaps you thinking of your past like... before you became what you are today... before Benny put you at the doorsteps of judgment... maybe the Lord wants to make sure you don't truly forget who you were," Joshua stated. "Sometimes even science can't explain everything... sometimes you just have to faith that you will one day find out who you were before that your meeting with Benny," Six pushed himself up before slightly scooting back against the tree next to Joshua. "Maybe your right... a little bit of Faith goes a long way right?" Joshua turned to the courier. "Can't expect God to do all the work," (Present day) (The Abyssinian lands AKA Abyssinia, Catton Castle) "Calm yourself my subject... take a moment and gather yourself," Abyssinia's king spoke in a calm voice at the chopper-colored Abyssinian that looked like he could have died from exhaustion the moment he barged into the throne room. King Damion knelt down at the green-eyed Abyssinian before him. "Take a moment," The king told his subject. "Just breathe," Usually, the royal guard would have tried to stop anyone from barging into the castle's throne room but this wasn't just anyone. This was Capper the Abyssinian who helped Equestria's Princess of Friendship defeat the Stormking, he didn't really care for Equestria and how they treat his people seeing them as a bunch of backwater savages. Yet the Stormking was close to declaring war and invading his home, even though he distrusted the ponies his subject before had a hand in slaying one of the biggest threats to his kingdom. From what his advisors told him Capper was a swindler and con-artist but the look in his eyes was pure fear and horror... Plus his words. "Capper... Slowly tell me... what happened?" Damion spoke. "Thunder... it came from the lights and then fire! Goddess, I wasn't quick enough to warn them!" Capper reached out to the King. "Thunder?" Damion thought for a moment. "I thought the storm king was dead," "No sire! This was different... the thunder! There weren't any clouds in the sky! The lights! We thought it was a settlement in No-man's land!" Capper nearly shouted through his dry throat. "What? A settlement in No-Man's land? That's impossible," "There were warning signs! I saw them but before I could the second thunder came with an explosion then the rest came!" Capper's words became more and more panicked. "Those that survived the first wave of explosions that rain down from the sky tried to make a run for the lights but then the explosions came from the ground! It killed them all!" Looking at his Advisors who were confused by the mad-cat's rambling, Damion turned to the former swindler. "How did you survive?" "I didn't cross the warning sign," Capper stated to which the king blinked, Damion has seen a ton of liars and fools who tried to trick him into something. But this? Damion knew one thing that would always be with the truth in someone's words. Fear... Yet what Capper said couldn't be true could it? It was impossible for any civilization to set a settlement in No-man's land, if it is the advanced magic of the ponies or the skilled nature of his allies the Zebras, the solid sand ground was too solid to dig into to reach down to any water. Yet here was a terrified cat in total shell shock rambling nonsense, yet Damion had a feel... "Capper?" The green-eyed cat looked up at the king of his homeland. "Where is this settlement?" "EAST! It's right in the heart of No-Man's land! We were on our way here from klugetown," Capper answered. "I ran straight here!" Looking at the crazed-cat the King rose up before waving his guards to take Capper to see the royal doctor, standing there silently all awaited what the king would say. "Reece," Damion's most trusted Advisor stepped forward. "Yes my king?" "Ready a small party of my finest scouts with enough water to drown a whale and send them to find this 'settlement'," "Damion, do you seriously believe him? He's clearly dilutional even if he wasn't a swindler why would believe him? The heat could have tricked his mind," Reece stated. "Old friend... It does sound like desert-madness but I wish to only be sure and see if what he saying is true... if there is a settlement out there we must know their intentions," Damion said, to which the advisor to the grey-colored cat nodded. "But if what he says is true... how we will learn of their intentions? Mr. Capper clearly stated there were warning signs of some kind... perhaps to warn those to not approach this settlement," The panther king turned his royal robes and covered everything below his shoulders leaving the scarred face of the old cat to look at his most trusted friend. He nodded before the king placed a hand on his sword before looking out a window to his kingdom below, a king's duty was to his people, and if this settlement was home to powerful beings that could bring forth cloudless thunder that caused an explosion and the very ground to explode? The last thing he need was to trade the stormking for an equally or more powerful new enemy. "Reece... this is our home... if there is a potential threat laying in the no-man's land right outside our doorsteps would you wish to know what it was?" Damion asked to which the grey cat sighed before nodding. "I would my king," "Then please... send the scouts," Reece bowed his head with a hand over his chest before moving out of the throne room leaving the king in the throne room with his guards and... the Equestrian ambassador. Not turning his head from the window overlooking his kingdom Damion spoke. "I am to assume your leaders didn't know if this 'settlement' either?" Damion asked to which the white-coated pony shifted. "No, King Damion, but I would like to inform the princesses if that is alright with you? Equestria must know of this settlement as well..." Damion didn't say a word but raised his hand signaling him he was allowed to do so but seeing the ambassador's reflection disappear from the window and a door shut the king quietly to himself. "Years ago Equestria didn't give a dung beetle's shit of what happens down here but now that they have territory down here they must know every little thing," Closing his eyes he then looked down at the palace ground seeing the lastest troops training. "But the last thing we need now is a war," (Six's base) Six whined holding his head while tossing in his bed. It felt like his entire body was on fire as if he had been injected with enough Dark datura to kill an entire pack of Deathclaws and his head... don't get him started there. He could hear his brain cursing to itself thinking of returning to its body and it should have stayed in the jar back in the big empty with Mobius the 'mad' brain. ED-E whined in worry for his friend, he had never seen Six in this much pain before... And that was saying a lot. Buzzing at the Auto-Doc MK. III that the courier built out just in case he either broke something or got addicted to Wine and Vodka again. This wasn't the same hyper advance Auto-Doc back at the sink so it was a little slower and was having difficulty finding a diagnosis of the sick courier's condition. Sweating like a Big horner the courier laid there only dressed in his trunks and pip-boy, the medicinal device grabbed his head before shoving a cotton swab down his nose to test to see if he was infected with some disease. But the implants wouldn't allow him to ever get sick or to be infected with any disease or virus... ED-E flinched shaking in fear. Shooting over to the Auto-Doc, a small pair of tiny hands moved from the underbelly of the Eye-bot to the medical device before typing to look for a certain pathogen. ED-E gave a beep that was best described as a robotic 'sigh' seeing the results for FEV were negative, yet... That didn't help in figure what was causing this. ED-E couldn't do anything... He could only watch as his friend struggled in the bed. Giving a sad beep ED-E dropped down onto the side of the bed watching the courier struggle in his sleep... "/Don't worry ED-E... I'll never leave you bud/" ED-E replayed the courier's own voice to himself while the courier slept. (The courier's dream) *BANG! BANG!* Two white-leg tribals fell down dead while the tribe's chief held his head scared while trembling like a child at the feet of the burned man and the courier. "We warned you at Syracuse, and you persisted," Joshua spoke with a hint of anger in his usually calm voice. "You took advantage of us at New Canaan to drive us out, and like the dogs of Caesar you are, you followed us to zion," Holding his .45 pistol Joshua was ready to put to take his vengeance. "And now you stand on holy ground, a temple to God's glory on Earth. But the only use for an animal in our temple is sacrifice," Salt-upon-wounds stared in horror behind the salvaged motorcycle visor of his headpiece. "Kale watcha nei conserva oh! You understand me, Don't you? Don't You!" Joshua's voice was no longer calm but filled with pure malice towards this frightened man before him, Salt-upon-wounds rushed to the courier's feet grabbing his foot. "Outman! Kuna-man mad! He kill all white legs! You talk! You stop!" Courier only looked down while wearing his desert ranger armor, this man that he had heard do so many horrible things to innocent people was now begging him to stop Joshua from killing him. This man who killed... no slaughtering an entire village without a hint of mercy, not only butchering the dead but salting the very soil to prevent anyone from growing anything there ever again. "Mercy? Why should we allow him mercy! Let Joshua have his pound of flesh!" "This has gone on long enough! There has been enough killing! If Joshua is upset that he has every right to be but if he keeps this up he might as well be Malpais Legate again!" "Yet this savage has killed Men, women, and children! And for a what?! A cause that is going to die out in a couple of years? Caeser is dead! Yet he still continues on trying to whip out the people of New Canaan," "But if we allow this to happen the cycle of violence will continue! We don't need to kill everyone! Yes, some people deserve death. Salt-upon-wounds might be one of them! But completely whipping out an entire culture? We are not Caeser!" "We are better than this..." "Don't listen to this... thing! His cries are those of a mad beast caught in a thicket! He gave no mercy to my family, and I will give none to his," Joshua argued ready to end the coward's life that trembled in fear. "Joshua, You've already won. Look around you! There's no need to kill him," Six word's caused the burned man to lower his sidearm before realizing the words that his champion said were true. While the two spoke the whole event had a guest to watch, from the cover of one of the cliff sides a midnight-dressed figure watched while the masked warrior and the wrapped warrior let the terrified tribal human run away. Unlike the one is known as 'Joshua' the dream walker could hear the inner thoughts of the dreamer... for the masked warrior had an internal conflict deciding what to do with the killer. From the battle were the two fights fighting through the waves of tribal humans to the point where they now, defeating these 'white-legs' but instead of whipping them all out. The masked warrior tempered his comrade's rage so as to not commit genocide, unlike what this 'Salt-Upon-Wounds' was planning to do to the wrapped warrior's own tribe. From the way they fought to the way they acted after the battle... these two would make fine Midknights... Luna had to see more of this dreamer... This masked warrior interested her, but something was wrong, it was during the day yet why was this dreamer asleep? She could sense pain... His mental pain was overbearing... but controlled but his physical? If she didn't know better it almost felt like he was being torn apart from the inside out. Author's Note Sorry for the wait... My computer took forever to charge and plus my Xbox was stupid... And I really got downed at one of my stories still collecting dust before it even got a chance to shine. Still... At least here it is! Another chapter in the courier's path. Well, he was mostly asleep, but remembering about his battle-brother (not 40k) Joshua. Plus if you played Honest hearts you know you at least you fell off a cliff once or twice, don't lie we all did by accident. So. Hope you like and hopefully, I get out the next part, peace. Part 4(Three days later) Coughing the Courier weakly rose from his bed his body screaming from the soreness that engulfed his entire body, ED-E gently pushed against Six's side to help him to get up. Reaching behind his neck he pulled off another large flake of dried skin the courier looked at the piece of dead skin. If he didn't know better he would think he was becoming a ghoul. But that wasn't it. Whatever was happening to him wasn't pleasant. Lost the most of his teeth but... They grew back. They were longer and sharper but his canines were broader line fangs, he cut his tongue when feeling them but only for to go numb for a while as if he ate one of Ruby's Casserole. His entire skin felt so tight that the courier could help but scratch at it only for a large layer of dead skin to peel off, lost his hair too but it grew back slightly but was thicker than before. Something was happening to him that was true and he was going to figure it out later. But right now? He had something he didn't really want right now, especially with his body screaming in sore pain. He had guests. Reaching out to his suit he slowly began to get dressed while ED-E moved over to the workbench with his helmet that had a slight change to it. (Outside the warning signs/markers) "I still can't believe what I'm seeing..." One of the Abyssinian scouts stated while looking at the many different metal creatures hard at work in the 'settlement'. "Flying metal squid and Three-legged metal golems this is right out one of those fantasy books back home," "Are they doing anything different today?" Asked the other scout sitting right next to the holding a notepad with rough sketches of the metal creatures including those floating metal eye things. The first scout looked from his telescope. "No, they're still moving those sand chucks and metal crates around. They're are almost like an ant hive working tirelessly even before we got here," The first scout said. The second cat scout returned to her notepad before turning to see the third scout looking low to the ground with his own notebook with a semi-map of the settlement with a bunch of marked black squares at random in front of the 'settlement'. "How about you? Got anything new?" The second scout asked. The third held out a finger before spotting a new pile of sand out of place before marking another spot with a square and filling it in with his piece of charcoal. "Found 39 more sand spots that aren't like the rest," "Still believe there are traps in the ground?" The second scout asked. "Yeah... there is almost a pattern but I can't be too sure," The third scout stated holding his chin to look at the map again to see if he missed something again. Returning back to her notes the second scout began to sketch one of the two metal huts in front of the black road in front of them. While working under the tent they set up providing shade for the three of them, the second scout began to wonder what was in those giant metal huts before the first spoke up. "Whoa! whoa! New guy coming out of the building next to the huts!" Turning her head she snapped up pulling out her own Telescope before looking down it passed the strange metal fence to look down it and to the building next to the huts. Sure enough, a new figure stood there with one of the metal eyes, but the one next to it look different from the rest that floated around. But the figure wasn't like the rest, it was bipedal and looked more like a living person, but due to the armor and clothing, it was hard to tell what it was. It wasn't a pony that was for sure even with the bulk of the armor, she could tell. The armor's design though... like the rest of the strange metal things were it was alien. The helmet had tubing and what she could tell a single stained red glass piece over the eye slit, the helmet held a strange star symbol that she didn't recognize. She felt her hand flip to a blank page before scrambling to draw the image of what she saw behind the telescope. From what she could tell the being looked quite unwell from the way it stood, the metal eye was under it's right arm to help it with stay up. But she couldn't shake the feeling that the being that stepped out was staring back at them... As if it could see them without the use of a telescope. Looking up from her telescope she stared back at the settlement thinking they were about to have first contact with this being. Freezing up the three heard something... Thunder... But they didn't cross the line! Did they anger the being? They didn't mean to! They were only trying to understand... Nothing did come to a matter of fact now that they listen close it didn't sound like a long thunder's boom but... Marching? Turning their heads behind their camp the three Abyssinian scouts spotted a bunch of figures match forward. "Of course... by the goddess I was really hoping they wouldn't come this way," The third scout bluntly stated. Getting up the three began to pack having to cut this trip short due to the new arrival, the last thing they need was vastly unprepared ponies to steal their water rations, and seeing how there are at least over a hundred of them that would happen pretty fast. As they packed up their equipment back onto the wagon the Equestrian's own scouting party arrived. "Greetings cat friends," The pony greeted with a smile holding out his hand. "I assume you spoke with the leader of this settlement?" The pony was dressed in clothing from that badland pony village... Somnambula if the second scout was correct. "No, we haven't," The first scout answered readying the giant sand lizard mount to take them back home. "Well... I assumed that King Damion wished to meet with the leader of this settlement after that incident with Capper," The silver-coated pony stated, but the cats just ignored the ponies already seeing the solar guard escort cooking in their heavy pure gold armor eyeing their water cart. "SO... I'm guessing Equestria will be the first to have diplomatic relations with this settlement?" This caused the three scouts to look up at each other before the third scout raised his hand from petting the large reptile's head. "How are you going to do that?" The Abyssinian asked. "Simple we are going to speak with the leader of this settlement," The pony smiled. "How?" The pony almost chuckled at the cat's question. "Why we will walk up of course," The pony stated bluntly amused by the question. Again the scouts couldn't believe their ears. "Buddy there is a warning sign to trespassers... it clearly says to say away," The first scout pointed out. "Pfffft, please... we aren't trespassers we are the diplomats from Somnambula sent by the sun goddess. Lady Celestia herself," The pony stated with a smile. "We will not be harmed," The second scout turned at the pony. "Are you mad?" She asked. "Did your informant tell you what happened when Capper's group crossed the line? They were blown to bits within seconds for trespassing on this settlement's land. Doubt they'll show you the same leniency... especially with your armed escort," The pony blew her off waving his hand. "Pure desert madness... perhaps Capper simply image the entire thing... with no water out here can be quite taking on the mind and body," The pony stated to which the scouts could tell some of the ponies were about to pass out or worse... "At least your right about that last part..." Climbing onto her cart the second scout stare down at the 'Diplomats from Somnambula' one last time. "By all means test to see if Capper was lying," "We will," The Pony held a smug grin before clapping to his men. "Forward men! Ready the trumpets to sound for our arrival!" Ten gold armor ponies with heavy long trumpets got up from the ground before moving forward next to the silver-coated pony, while they blew the trumpets the scouts began to move away before stopping at least a few away at a safe distance under sure what was to happen. The third and second scouts readied their notebooks while the first one climbed on top of the barrel with his trusty telescope to see what would happen. The moments the trumpets blared the Diplomat took a step forward passed the marker... he and the solar guard didn't hear the thunder, unlike the Abyssinians. They were too close to the trumpets which blared out the group held their breath before the second pound of thunder roared though out but this was followed by a second almost unheard sound due to the trumpets. The Diplomat and the trumpet players were thrown back from the blast of the explosion that landed right in front of them. The solar guard was supposed to be a fearless elite force of Equestrian's finest soldiers who would lay down their lives for the princesses. Yet the three scouts watched first while the elite fighting force screamed like children while the front row was screaming out of pain. The explosion maimed the ponies up front but the diplomat had taken the worst. His legs... They were blown off. Quickly the scouts bolted off what they just witnessed to inform their king of what they had just witnessed. (Back with ED-E and Six) "*Question Beeping*" "No... I don't think I was too harsh... if they can't read the signs like those cats then too bad... at least those ab... abbyss..." "*Beeping*" "I was getting there... at least those Abyssinians knew to keep their distance and read the sign," Courier six groaned before turning back to the building house. "I need to lay back down," "*Worried beeping*" "I know what I said... I just need to lay down longer okay bud?" "*Plays Mr. Sandman*" "Really?" If ED-E had a face he could smirk to which the courier gave a light-hearted laugh. Author's Note Almost didn't make it! But here it is! Another chapter! Hoped you enjoyed it... sorry for it to be a short one but something happened at work I swear and was there for an extra hour and a half. So I had to get this done within my new writing time frame. Again sorry if it was short... But what do you think happened to the courier? Part 5(23 hours later) (Catton castle) "So your scouts came to this 'settlement' and saw these creatures?" The Zebra king asked to which the panther king nodded while his ally looked over the copy of the scouts' draws of the 'metal beasts' that roamed the settlement. "I did... thought you should know of this too old friend," Damian stated to which the Zebra nodded before Damian grabbed his wine glass and took a sip. "But I want you to take a look at that one right there... the two-legged one. Placing a piece of paper of one of the three-legged and three-legged metal squid the zebra king picked up an image of the scouts called 'the figure'. Turning to the symbol at the side of the being helmet the Zebra squinted his eyes at the symbol, a star that sat inside a circle. "Does that symbol mean anything to you?" Damion asked to which Xavier shook his head. Looking up from the image to the cat-furred cat that sat beside the small table that divided their chairs. "I've seen many star symbols before but none like this... this one is simple but it almost looks like something from the equestrian military ranks or something similar. Perhaps Lunar guard?" "Doubtful... Our newest 'neighbor' isn't Equestrian didn't even allow the Diplomate of Somnambula to come to close before blowing off his legs," Xavier flinched at that but the king was total that the scouts did warn the foolish pony of the clear warnings that their 'neighbor' laid out and reminded them of the incident with Capper. "Still it seems our 'friend' has no love for Equestria... at least we have something in common with them," "We don't know that quite yet my friend but we can't rule that possibility out either," Damion placed his wine glass down while Xavier took his own to sip from it. Holding his chin the old cat began to think. What could this settlement be? Sell-swords? No, there only seemed to be one of them and from the scout's report, he didn't look well... Wandering Mages? Most likely not there wasn't any magic from what the scout could tell which makes those metal beasts even more interesting. Water Merchants? The water guilds aren't as rich as they once were many years ago doubtful they even have any equipment like what the settlement had. Damion was so deep in thought he didn't feel the tug on his cub. "I didn't hear you come up to me, little prowler! Come here... you wish to see the draws too?" Damion asked to which the young prince nodded. "Mhm," Prince Salem said, the young panther cub looked up at his father while the Zebra king quietly chuckled to himself. The panther smiled down at his cub before bringing down his arms to pick him up onto his lap and showing him a picture of one of the wheeled metal giants. "What are these dad?" The prince asked. "We don't know yet but they seem to be strong workers that can carry giant metal trunks bigger than you tirelessly," The King told his son to which the prince then spoke. "They look scary," The Prince asked looking at the almost spider-like heads they had. "Heh they do look a little scary but we shouldn't judge them... they might be hard workers buzzing around like bees in a hive," Damion said while Salem turned to Xavier. "Uncle Xavie can I see that one?" Salem asked to which the Zebra king chuckled before handing the paper to the little one. "Here you are little cub," "Whoooooa he looks cool," The prince was in awe at the image of 'the figure' and his metal eye friend that was supposedly supporting him up. "That he does," Damion said while Salem turned to his father. "Can we meet him?" Damion looked at his son kinda surprised but Damion's question made him think for a moment. "Perhaps... maybe... but he's kinda shy and doesn't like anyone coming too close to his home so we don't know how we could meet him," Damion told his son. "But why?" "Well little cub that is what your father and I are trying to figure out," Xavier told the young prince. "Our friend here usually stays in his metal hut with a fence around it and summons thunder to scare everyone away. So we can't really come up to his door and knock on it and meet him," "But why does he keep to himself?" Salem asked to which his father spoke. "We don't know that either Salem... we are trying to figure out a way to contact him and speak with him at least once to find out his reason in No-Man's land," Damion stated to which Salem blinked. "He lives in No-Man's land?" His father nodded. "Whoa! He has to be super tough to live out there!" The prince stated to which the two kings chuckled. "It sure does look like it," Damion said while looking down at the image of 'the figure'. "Still need a way to contact him," Xavier spoke to which Salem looked up at his 'uncle' but began to think a moment before speaking. "Oh! Why don't we get a giant sign and put it right outside his yard asking him so you can talk with him?" The two kings looked at one another before Xavier spoke up. "That's... not a bad idea," (Meanwhile) Getting up from his 'nap' Six woke up stretched his arms and legs and gave a long yawn before dropping a hand on the back of his neck. "Oh, man... that's what I needed," Six smiled feeling a lot better after closing his eyes for 'a bit'. "See ED-E all I need was a- ED-E? Buddy?" Turning his head he saw at the foot of his bed like Rex used to do back at the Lucky 38. "ED-E? You okay there buddy?" The eye-bot shot up from sleep mode the Eyebot looked from each side of the room then to Six. "*worried beeping*" "Relax bud... I'm fine... as a matter of fact, I feel great!" Six rolled his neck before getting out of bed, ED-E rushed over to his side ready to catch his friend but the Courier stood up like what happened in the last four days didn't happen. "Man my legs! Hold on," Six moved from his bedside to stretch his legs from side to side before jumping onto his hands and stretching them in the air before dropping back down and smiling. "I haven't felt like this in forever!" Six punched at the air before raising his arm up and sniffing. "WHOA! Yeah... definitely should have taken that shower before," "*Unmused beeping*" "Hey, I said I was going to it in the morning..." "*Sassy beeping*" "Watch it ED-E I know where you recharge at night I can always remove your Sass drives," ED-E then gave the courier a light zap from his frame. "OW! Okay!" Brushing himself off the courier and then walked into the bathroom in his house. (15 minutes later) Getting out of the warm shower, Six pushed open the shower door before walking up to the mirror. Placing his clawed hand on the reflective surface he pushed his hand across it's surface to finally get a look at himself. What he was wasn't at all recognizable. Anything resembling a human was gone, replaced by what could be describe as a Big Mountian experiment gone way too far... more than usual. Scales, Fur, Claws, and Venom-filled fangs... He looked like a Nightstalker... Holding the sink he never thought that splicing his DNA with a Nightstalker would do this to him... hell the Auto-Doc assured him that all he would have was a few minor changes for combat but nothing like this. Well... at least he wasn't an over size Cazador-Man mutant like that one old pre-war. Looking at his eyes the courier began to take a closer look at his face Six looked to see some small human features still remained. Some of his back teeth were still there in the back and his tongue was still there a little longer but not forked, his eyes were still the same blue color as before and his hair or rather fur fluff on his head was a darker color than his original stress grey colored hair almost a nice black color. Six was glad that he didn't grow a super long muzzle for him to completely refit his riot helmet to insane measurements, but luckily the short muzzle only required small changes that ED-E could do it without a problem. Thought his claws might be a problem... Retractable yes but he was going to have to get a new glove for his right hand, not a difficult change just means he was going to be wearing to fingerless gloves now. Six still wondered what could have caused this insane transformation in his DNA like this. Could it have to do something with this world having 'magic'? Maybe... until all this in his arrival to 'Equis' Six didn't believe in magic everything had an explanation. Sleight of hand, miss direction, and technology that was advanced that it could have been mistaken for magic. Still couldn't get over the 'Ghosts' of the Sierra Madre. Looking at his butt to see if he had a tail (which he kind of did) his pip-boy gave a familiar ding sound effect. 'A perk?' Looking down the Courier swapped over to the 'perks' in his pip-boy. Mostly the perks referenced great physical changes to his body or skills he picked up... But seeing how he was a human-shaped nightstalker this would count as a great physical change. A lifetime in their shoes! Due to your DNA splicing in a big mountain, your arrival in Equis has caused your body to rapidly mutate without warning and caused your Nightstalker DNA to branch out and rapidly evolve your body into what it is now! Hey, at least your skin is covered in soft scales that can take bullets like kevlar, sharp eyes to help you spot out baddies, and claws and fangs with natural venom! /+4 to DT, +1 PER, and +25% more unarmed damage/ *Image: Vault boy with fangs and cartoon-like scaly skin smiling with his arms out standing next to two Nightstalkers standing next to him* Hissing, Six pulled his right hand to his mouth at how snake-like that sounded. Groaning at how of course his pip-boy had to make fun of his misfortune like this again. Exiting the bathroom the courier got to his fridge before opening it. Seeing the root beer Six reached down and grabbed out. Staring at the brown soda Six huffed for a moment before popping the cap off and moving it to his lips. "*ALARMED BEEPING!*" Nearly dropping the soda bottle from his hands Six turned to ED-E. "What!? What happened!" "*Angry beeping*" "Wha- Oh... ED-E come on I doubt the soda caused this," "*Wary beeping*" "Look this is just a soda as long as I don't have those pop-rock candies I wouldn't explode or anything," Drinking the soda ED-E ducked behind cover. Seeing this the Courier lowered his drink. "Really? Man I swear your such a drama queen," Turning away to get dressed ED-E popped up before selecting a record from his sound files and turning up the volume to the max before silently sneaking over to the courier from behind. "/BOOM!!!/" This time ED-E made the courier drop his soda on the ground before glaring at ED-E. "/Crowd laughter/" "That's it come here!" Six then began to chase the Eye bot around the small little house hut that was their home all the while the moon began to rise up. While a group moved outside the warning signs from the base and a bunch of tool were laid out before the sound of saws and tails began to quietly echo though out the cold dry No-Man's land. Author's Note Okay, here you guys go! Another one! And to those who guess right about the Nightstalker mutation... treat yourselves to cookies! (Like peanut butter or Chocolate chip or both whatever floats your boat guys) I do hope you like this chapter! BTW I did base the king and the prince off the IDW comics but gave them my own twist on things. Also before you fire at me because Zebra king wasn't rhyming... well I SUCK at rhymes but my headcanon is mostly because not many people (outsiders) would understand him since he is a King and had to make his points clear enough to understand... Plus to all you star wars fans... it's kinda the same thing here that the Twi'lek's accent in star wars, similar to Hera from Rebels (not a big fan but hey it gave us Maul and Vader vs Ahsoka) See you in the next one guys, Peace. Part 6(Next Morning: 7:30 AM) ED-E played the courier's wake-up call, getting up out of his bed and popping his neck before walking over to the side of his room he began to stretch out his limbs before dropping down to start doing push-ups. ED-E moved to side of the side on the song while the courier did the morning route that he had missed for nearly five days, standing up Six began to do squats as ED-E hooved in the air up and down every time the courier went down. After he did some sit-ups, Six walked over to his hand-built coffee machine before changing the salient green tube and flipped on a switch the machine lit up. Walking over to the fridge the courier pulled out some Yeast milk and some sugar bombs from the pantry and walked over to grab a bowl. Nodding his head to the song, Six couldn't help but sing along. "🎵Say you're a winner but man you're just a sinner now... stroke me~ stroke me~🎵," After pouring himself a bowl he put the milk back before grabbing a nice clean mug that a certain obsessed robot would go crazy over. Placing it by the machine the courier pushed a button as the cloned coffee mix poured out before popping out a sugar cube and a creamer. Six didn't mind black coffee but he always had a sweet tooth, placing himself at his table Six looked at the bowl for a moment before bringing the Cereal to his lips wondering if... 'Aw screw it trial and error' Taking a bite the courier felt his fangs retract and his new teeth were like his birth ones even though they might be a little sharper. Nodding the courier smiled before taking another bite while ED-E 'Danced' which was mostly him bobbing his frame up and down around the dinner table. Looking at the back of the pre-war cereal box the courier smiled at the crossword, he didn't need a pen he already knew all the answers it was the name of different US states and presidents. Plus the advertisement for the upcoming 'Nuka-bomb' cereal which never saw the light of day sadly. After having finished his cereal Six handed the bowl over to the restored pre-war servo dish cleaner, getting up he summoned his outfit around him before picking up his coffee mug and the two left the structure. "🎵STROKE! (STROKE!)🎵" ED-E still played all the while the Courier left the building and walked onto the tarmac, still holding his mug and bringing it to his mouth seeing the base 'staff' hadn't stopped working even when the courier was sick. Turning his head the courier nearly spat out his Coffee as ED-E stopped playing the music. "The fuck? ED-E is that a..." "*Obersived beeping*" "Yeah, I can see that a giant sign in our front yard," Reaching to his belt Six pulled out his trusty vault 13 canteen and poured a little of the 'special' stuff in his coffee before taking a sip. "CAN WE TALK?" "My King he saw the sign," One of the Abyssinian scouts from before told the panther king. This caused the king to smile while the small group of cats and zebras sat in the shade of the large tent with both species having guards dressed in appropriate clothing but the wrapping covered their entire bodies and the sunglasses masked their faces making it hard to tell if they were an Abyssinian or Zebra. Didn't matter these two kingdoms were old allies for nearly two centuries, a combined dress of both cultures' sand survival gear. Both guards would defend either king... especially here in no-man's land. "Whoa..." Bring back up his telescope the first scout spoke causing the panther king to turn to his scout. "What is it, Max?" Daimon asked. "Last time... he was wearing a helmet," Looking back at his telescope Max then saw that the helmet was back on the figure but he was walking right towards the metal fence. "My king... he's coming this way," "Shut down minefield west side, middle zone M-N safe zone, Artillery target kill zone decreased by 10.5% from west side warning marker," "*Confirming beeping*" ED-E beep while the defense system the adjustment was made. Taking a foot forward the Courier pressed on his heels before jumping into the air over the eight-foot electric fence landing over it and standing up before dusting off his shoulder pad. ED-E on the other hand simply hovered over the fence to jump the courier on the other side before the two began to cross the minefield. Even though the mines were disabled he still avoided stepping on them, as he approached he saw the tent that sat next to the large fence. "Hey ED-E?" "*Beeping*" "Are those... mummies?" "/I dunno/" The old recording of ED-E's former owner played made the courier think about what happened to ED-E's 'twin'. Stopping about a few feet from the tent, Six placed his hands on his vest's collar while looking at the two highly dressed men on different style chairs. Both reminded him of Caeser... but luckily for them, they didn't give the courier the mad tyrant vibes. Looking at those who guarded these 'kings' wore sand-colored clothing and had the rest of their bodies in similar colored wrappings and goggles of some kind with dark lenses. These guards looked uneasy but Six just stood before the tent with ED-E ready to reactivate the default defensive system if they were to try anything along with alerting the sentry bots for a potential breach in the primary defensive line. "Mornin'," Six spoke breaking the quick. The black cat in the fantasy-style king robes flinched before smiling and speaking. "Good morning to you as well," "Don't mean to sound rude but what do you want?" Six asked bluntly. The Zebra in a similar but different dress seemed a little offended but that quickly changed into understanding. "Nothing just wanted to ask a few questions," The cat asked. Six quietly huffed getting the same feeling before the battle at hoover damn when he was within the NCR. "Okay shoot," The courier stated. "Who are you?" "Me? Just someone who is tired of being treated like shit after saving thousands of lives from a mad tyrant," This caused the two to look at one another. "I... *Clears his throat* who is this tyrant?" This time the zebra asked. "Does it matter?" The courier shrugged. "Guess not..." The two kings looked at one another for a brief moment. "But what I was asking what is your name is son," Six turned to the cat before shifting himself where he stood. "That's a long story... and besides you haven't told us yours," The courier answered. "Us?" The zebra was answered as the courier nudged ED-E that hoover next to him. "So that thing is-" "He..." "What?" "My partner is a him not a 'thing'," Told the Zebra king to which the king slightly bowed. "I meant no offense," "*Accepting beeping*" ED-E beeped as all within the tent blinked in surprise at ED-E 'speaking'. "He said: None taken it happens more often than not," Six stated. The cat king shifted in his chair before placing a hand on his chest. "My friend and I haven't come here to make offend you dear stranger we simply wish to know who you are and are here on behalf of our kingdoms. In the past week a few reports have come up about 'thunder' and 'explosions' coming to those who step pass that marker and we simply wish to know if you have any conflict with our kingdoms," The cat spoke before bowing. "I do apologize for not introducing myself before... I am King Damion Aleson III, ruler of Abyssinians," "And I am King Xavior Temple, I rule over the Zebra lands neighbors and long-time allies of the Abyssinian people," Xavior stated before Six noticed to one of the guards holding a notepad and using something while two others stood beside 'her'. (NAME THAT PERK!) Six hummed before turning back to the kings. "Well might as well introduce ourselves... This is ED-E he's my parnter and as for my name... well like I said... Long story," Six then shifted slightly. "I currently use the name: 'Six' I'm a courier," The two kings had their own looks of bafflement at hearing the name of the courier. "Six? As in-" "The number yeah... it's the only name I remember having," Six told the kings but before they could ask the courier spoke up again. "Again long story," Xavior looked at the courier's belt seeing a six's side arm. "Your not just a courier are you?" Xavior shifted. "I'm a courier first and foremost but yes I am many other things," Six answered. "Doctor, Engineer, Prospector, Hunter, Guard, Guide, Warrior, and many more," The zebra king looked back at Six before speaking. "I'm guessing out of all those things you're a warrior second?" Six gave an honest nod. "What kind," "The kind that is tired of being treated like the devil all because the side I helped out in the final battle," Unknowingly to Six the king's unspoken theory grew stronger after those words. "Now I want to be left to my own devices... that's why I came out here... to be alone with my buddy here in a never-ending vacation," Damion looked at Six before nodding. "I understand... after the reports we heard of what happened we had to see if you were a threat," The black cat told the master thief of the Sierra Madre. Six nodded back. "Fair enough," Six turned his back and held up his hand. "You all have a safe trip back," "Wait a moment Courier," Damion spoke standing up slowly. Six turned his head. "The second use of your weapons was used on a diplomat of Equestria, I understand they were trespassing but I fear they wouldn't know that and send another force larger to try to bring you to Equestrian 'justice' or something of the sort," Six nodded. "Thanks for the warning chief... but last time I checked were not Equestria and they were trespassing on my property..." But before Six could take a step he then turned slightly. "Hey, Damion?" "What is it Six?" "Your a cat right?" Damion was taken aback slightly. "Yes, I am... why do you ask?" "I never seen a cat before... just wanted to be sure... sorry if that sounded weird... by the way... you three," He pointed to the three scouts, even though they wore full-body clothing the courier nodded. "Thanks for respecting the signs and hey at least you tried to warn the dick," Turning to the cat with the drawing pad Six titled his helmet. "Hope you got my good side ma'am," He then turned and began to walk over the minefield before returning to the fence and then leaping over it leaving the two kings and their guards quite befuddled. ... Damion to Xavier/Six to ED-E: "I think that went well," (Equestria) "War? Sister, we don't even know what kind of people reside within the settlement!" Luna spoke baffled at the information her sister gave her. "Sister they mangled a diplomat and half of the solar honor guard unit with him without warning!" "Tia you know of the report... not only were they warned by Abyssinian scouts but there were clear warning markers not to trespass onto the settlement land," Celestia scoffed at this. "That isn't their land! Even after we freed them all from the Stormking this happens! Luna... those who live in the badlands only listen to one language and that is violence. Words mean nothing to them and if we do something like-" "Slaughter an entire settlement? Sister, there could be children harmed in an attack on this settlement! And from what your honor guard said... Sister, I think this settlement has weapons from beyond the mirror," Luna right then and there regretted her words. "Sunset... I knew it," Celestia huffed before storming off, it didn't take a genius to figure out what her solar sister was going. "Wait, sister! We don't know Sunset is behind this!" "Who else Luna!" Punishing the doors to the mirror Celestia summoned a hammer. "She could have slipped in with those human weapons! You read their history books! They have weapons that can level entire cities," Luna stepped in between her sister and the mirror. "Sister please stop this! Sunset could be still in the human realm and perhaps this is something else! Send a message to your student to see if Sunset can meet us over on this end... Don't do something you're going to regret," Luna spoke, Celestia glared at her sister for a moment then to the mirror and back to her lunar sister. "Fine..." Celestia then dissolved the hammer back into magic before turning away causing Luna to sigh. 'Sister... what happened to you?' Author's Note Sorry, this chapter was a bit late... I had to head to bed early since I had to get up extra early for some raffle thing at one of the locations one of the companies we hired for... (I am an account my dad had to be there since he is the assistant manager though most times he acts more like a boss than my company owner- 09/02/2022 update which I am no longer employed) Besides the delay... Watcha think? The whole event with Six meeting the two kings went pretty well right? I mean sure they just met but hey all it takes for a beautiful friendship to kick off is the first meeting. Even though Six wants to be left alone. Perhaps it will be a quiet/natural friendship all parties respecting each other and leaving the courier alone to his own devices with ED-E. As to the clothing the Zebra and Abyssinians wore? I was picturing the clothing similar to what the sand benders from Avatar the Last airbender wore mixed with Zebra and cat like themes. Now Celestia? Well let's just say Luna didn't her own self reflection experience while frozen... but Celestia? Well a lot of 'thoughts' were in her head. Part 7(Two days later, Work hangar) Looking at the freshly cut metal piece, Six bounced his right heel to the song while hard at work on the large piece of machinery. From Goodsprings to the divide, Six has gotten his hands on a lot of data and other things that groups like the NCR and Brotherhood of steel would kill over. From the Technology, he pulled from Mr. House's servers to the data storage vaults of the divide... hell even ED-E had some serious Enclave data on him. That Hellfire armor that the recording spoke of sounded amazing but Six already had his power armor, but he might tinker with it some more later on with some of the data files he found off ED-E's hard drive. Carefully he inserted the part into the machine before using some screws to attach the pieces together before the courier reattached the main piece on the side project he was working on. "Okay ED-E try it now..." The bot chirped before pulling and turning on the engine, the giant machine roared to life while the bio-diesel filled the powerful engine that gave the armored vehicle life. Smiling at his work the courier waved for ED-E to turn off the machine, doing so the courier got up walking pasted the two large 40mm machine guns ready for action. Stretching his bionic spine while moving in front of the previously completed vertibird, walking to the Nuka-cola vending machine the courier pushed for the ice-cold cola. Popping the cap off the courier sat down in a rolling chair placing a hand behind his hand while looking at his latest creation. "*Question beeping*," ED-E asked. "Yeah... had to do some slight changes to the original design... what did ever happen to Russia?" ED-E just tilted in thought before speaking. "*Unsure beeping*" The courier looked at his partner before back to the almost finished war machine, picking up his legs on top of a storage crate. "True... but we may never know," "*Another question in beeping*" The courier smiled at the Eyebot's query. "ED-E you know me... I like building things. Sure your 'drones' can build it faster than I can plus it helps pass the time and keeps us busy," "*Agreeing beeping*" But before the two can rest for a moment ED-E shook violently. "*Wary beeping!*" "WHAT!" Six shot up at ED-E's code. "HOW MANY!?" "*Beeping*" "Wait... only six?" The courier blinked before looking back at ED-E. "I don't know if I should be offended or not," (A few moments ago, Storage Hangar) "Twilight are you sure this is safe? I mean... after what the Princess said these folks don't sound quite welcoming," Applejack asked while the elements of harmony teleported into the second metal hut within the 'settlements' border. The princess of friendship nodded. "Don't worry Applejack as long as we stay quiet and out of sight the settlers wouldn't even know where here," Twilight answered before going over to one of the metal crates. "Now come on girls let's see what we can find," Applejack held the brim of her hat before looking at all the alien designs of the large metal hut they were in, metal crates were stacked about neatly while a large amount of perfectly cut hard sand of No-Man's land was organized nearly next to the creates. Among other things large tanks filled with unknown liquids were on another side of the hut, if the farmer didn't know any better she would assume they were in some sort of flashy warehouse. "OOOOOH lookie at what I found!" Pinkie pie shouted causing the girls to quietly shush her. "Oh right sorry... but look I found!" "What is it Pinkie?" Rainbow Dash asked to which the element of laughter smiled. "It's a note," "Well, what does it say, darling?" The element of Generosity asked. Pinkie pie cleared her throat. "Okay, dokie loki here goes: 'Six remember to move all this when the other storage space is ready. I really want to be a garage to keep the stuff we make- Six'," Pinkie said causing the girls to look at her. Rainbow Dash looked away from one of the metal crates she was trying to open for her pink friend. "Uhhhh... who's Six? Why is there two of them?" the element of loyalty asked. Twilight took the note before looking at it. "I think this is a self-note to remind this 'Six' character," Twilight stated before Applejack spoke up. "But what this about a Garage? Last time I checked this settlement doesn't have any train tracks and I'm pretty sure we are too far away from any water for anyone to be making a boat," Twilight looked up from the note, it took a moment for her to remember about her time in the human world and the strange machines that were. What were they called? They were called, Cars... well if she was not mistaken. So that meant her mentor was right, this being somehow came from the human world but how on Equis were they able to bring all this equipment from the human world through the mirror and sneak it out of Canterlot without being seen. But... what could these humans really want? Why was it here? What were their plans? Gutting Rainbow Dash was back at the metal crate trying to pry it open with a metal rod from one of the racks that held a bunch of these things. "COME ON OPEN UP!" "Um... be careful Rainbow don't hurt yourself," Fluttershy spoke worried for her friend seeing how hard she was trying to get the crate open. "Almost got it-" The rod snapped in half causing Rainbow to fall forward on her face, her snout hit the ground first causing her to hit her nose hard. "AHHH! BUUUUUUCKKKKK!" Holding her broken nose Fluttershy opened her wings to rush over to her friend. "Here let me see," "Ahhh how bad is it?" Rainbow asked to which the element of kindness shook her head while looking at her friend's nose. "Not bad here just don't tilt your head back," Pulling tissues from her side bag and handed them to Rainbow who covered her nose. Applejack looked at one of the metal crates before turning it around and flipping a switch and opening it, Rainbow watched her friend turn to her with a smirk on her face. Growling at her friend's face, Applejack turned to the items within the crate. Lifting her hat up to get a better look Applejack needs to take a moment at what she was looking at... Reaching down she picked up one of the wrapped 'bricks' but the moment she touched it the element of honestly blinked in confusion. "Clay?" Looking at the wrapped brick of 'clay' she inspected it before looking at the top of the wrapping it held some small text but two large texts that didn't make much sense. "C4? What kind of name is C4 for a bunch of clay?" Reaching to the wrapping's lip she pulled on the tab, the moment she was about to pull back the plastic wrapping the metal hut's large front door along with the many bulkhead side doors opened at once. "Intruder! Halt!" Giant metal being rolled forward with three large legs that held wheels on their ends while three-eyed and three-legged metal creatures floated from the sides. Fluttershy yelped before bidding behind rainbow dash who picked up her fists ready for a fight, Rarity hid behind one of the large tanks but quickly something zapped her from behind causing her to yelp as a large metal eye-like creature looked at her. Pinkie quickly threw a cardboard box over herself and didn't move, Applejack's wrist was grabbed by a metal claw from one of the metal squids who took the 'C4' away from her and put it away from the open box. Twilight held out her hands while the metal was being moved forward. "Hey! We mean you no harm! Look we-" Twilight was then interrupted as the metal being stopped, two of the metal giants moved aside allowing a being in an armored duster and red-eyed helmet to walk forward. "Are trespassing," The being spoke before stopping before them, he then sighed before placing his hands on his belt. "Um... hi there! I'm Twilight Sparkle princess of frie-" "I don't give a shit who you are... get the fuck off my property," The figure hissed... quite literally. "Well... I'm sorry but we can't do that," This caused the figure to lift his head at what she said. "Why is that?" "See this isn't your property and as a matter of fact you are trespassing on equestrian land... so if anyone is trespassing it's you and your metal friends here," Twilight Sparkle said. "Along with that your people attacked and mauled Equestira diplomat and multiple members of the Equestria solar guard... by Equestrian law you are to surrender whatever weapons you possess and your people are to turn themselves in for judgment on-" Twilight blinked noticing that the being was playing with what looked like a colorful cube puzzle of some kind not paying any attention to her. "Um... excuse me," The element of magic spoke to which he plainly ignore her. "How do I do this again?" As he said this another metal eye moved up next to him, but this one was different and didn't look like the others. "*Beeping*" "Oh like this?" To this, the metal eye beeped again. "Ah yeah I see it now," "Excuse me!" Twilight shouted. "Damn it! Fuck I messed up!" The eye thing beeped at him again. "No I think... ah there we go! Alright now you try," He then began to mix the color again before handing it to the Metal eye who used its smaller arms to quickly solve the puzzle. "Show off," The metal eye then bounced up in the air up and down while playing music of some kind. "EXCUSE ME!" "Oh, you still here? I'm pretty sure I told you guys to piss the fuck off," The being took the cube back before trying to solve it as the metal eye did. "Did you hear what I said! You and your settlement attacked an unarmed diplomat and his escort! You are-" "Not really giving a shit about it... Look last time I check this 'land' you so claim that belongs to Equestria is called 'No-Man's land' which I'm pretty sure doesn't belong to your queen or whatever," The man interrupted again. "That's it I had enough of this!" Rainbow Dash shouted before taking flight and rushing into the air and at the figure. "No one disrespects my fr-" *ZAP* Pulling a device from his side, a single blue laser hit the flyer dead on causing her to freeze up while her muscle tensed up and her joints locked together. "RAINBOW DASH!" Fluttershy screamed seeing her friend hit the ground behind the figure not moving. The figure held the smoking weapon before speaking. "Relax I only stunned her but I could have picked something else more lethal to kill her with... now consider this your only warning since you apparently see the damn signs outside," "You meanie! You are just a bunch of bullies who think you can get away with hurting ponies for no reason!" The figure just shook his head. "I... not going to bother with this... Sarge if you would," The large bot nodded before turning to them as it raised its arm. "Yes sir," A volley of blue laser fired at the remaining five ponies causing them all to freeze up as Rainbow Dash did. "Now here's what's going to happen," The figure then walked up to the paralyzed Twilight Sparkle. "When you can feel your legs again you're going to go back to your home and tell your fellow pony friends that whoever decides to trespass will not get any warnings shots you will be fired upon... and if you decide to teleport back here again I'll send your ashes back home in a soda bottle am I clear?" "Uffffff," Unable to speak Twilight watched as the figure looked down at her. "Good... Sarge, please escort them off the base," Unable to do anything the princess of magic and her friends were approached by the metal creatures who then picked them up before taking them out of the hangar. (One hour, Six's house) "Goddamn it! Why can't they leave me be!" Six shouted. "*Unsure beeping*" ED-E Answered. "Fuck..." Six held his face still not using his new canine-viper snout. "Now we gotta build an anti-teleport device," "*Beeping*" "No it's not going to be that hard should have it done in the next thirty minutes... but still are we sure that everything was accounted for in the storage hangar?" "*Confirming beeping*" "Good... we should have the storage area done by the end of the week to move all the supplies to that and make room for the lady II," "*Question beeping*" "Not to worry buddy I helped build the first one I know what to do," "/I have a bad feeling about this/" ED-E spoke using a recorded line from an old Pre-war movie. "Hey don't worry about it bud everything will be just fine," Author's Note Well, I don't usually post on Sundays but... I was able to max out all my Fallout NV skill on my newest run, no joke you can do it if you use the 'skilled glitch' and collect all the skill books. Now back to the story... I hoped you liked it, but got to ask what do you guys think? Besides the fact he's planning on working on building another 'lady', what do you think he's working on now? Well... Here just so happens I have a blueprint for you guys... It wouldn't be a surprise that either the US Military or Mr. House was able to somehow get their hands on the blueprints for a Russian tank design (Fallout). But the courier had to fix a major design flaw if you can't tell. Still... hoped you liked this chapter and see you all in the next one. Part 8(Dream realm) She found the door again. Luna was unsure if she wanted to peer into the mind of this 'human' again. But lately, her sister has been rather... unreasonable. At first, she thought it was the whole Stormking incident. Being frozen in that magic crystal wasn't at all a present experience, when it began to crawl over your flesh the black crystal would burn at it before closing around your mind. Consuming you into the darkness... Luna knew the darkness all too well, you can say she was born into it. Yet her sister and niece only knew the light, Cadance had felt the touch of the darkness thanks to Sombra but her sister? Only a few times has she used dark magic but it was only for a moment and it would harm her physically, to her the darkness was like poison. Being imprisoned in that crystal wasn't easy for Luna to be in either, but she had spent the past 1,000 years within her own personal darkness and after the elements saved her she learned to handle it. So when she was imprisoned she held back the dark magic of her crystal prison from her mind, while imprison she could only think of how easily they were taken by storm by a single pony. Yet she was so focused on how weak the military of Equestria was she was blindsided by the fact of her sister's actions. She should have said something when her sister moved Equestria forces into occupying the form Stormking empire but only when this new door opened did she really get to see what was going on. This 'human' stepped in and everything got a smack to the face... Her sister is focused on expanding and even trying to arrest this human for 'trespassing' on Equestria territory even though the 'human' was in the thick of no-man's land. After what happened with the diplomat and the elements? Her sister was about to march an entire invasion force into the badlands to take out this settlement, if not for Luna talking her out of it. Even though she spoke just days about how humans have waged war for centuries non-stop! During her time in the mirror world as 'vice-principle Luna' she looked into the history books of human civilization, and almost every chapter in their life held a war. Her mind still shivered at the weapon the humans used known as the 'Atom Bomb'. She need to find a way to calm things down, yes she wanted to try and revive the military of the equestrian army but having the entire army including her knights thrown into the dry 'No-Man's land' without proper training or equipment only for them to be slaughter? Leaving Equestria open to invasion by any diamond dog warlord or one of the enemies of equestrian waiting for the golden chance to strike. First, she need to find a way to contact this human... right now this human could be a very powerful enemy if she didn't step forward. Hopefully, he would show the same mercy he did to 'Salt-Upon-Wounds' if she remembered correctly. Opening the door Luna almost gasped at the sight of what she saw... "By mother's mane," The legate crawled on his side... The bane of the bear... Monster of the East... Butcher of Rangers... Caeser's right hand... The avatar of war was trying to get away. Surrounded by his dead guard the former fearless warlord was now crawling trying to get away from the red-eyed courier that slowly walked over to the gold armor brute. Six put his police pistol away before walking over to the Legate and looking down at the beaten monster groveling at his feet. The featureless face of the golden mask that terrified countless hardened NCR rangers didn't seem so scary to the courier. Kicking the Legate on his wounded side the bane of the west cried out in pain before clenching his wound. "I got to be honest... I really excepted this to go down differently... but not the way you think," The courier crouched down to the legate. "I really thought this fight was going to take everything I had to take you down... but all it took was a few hits and your whimpering like a puppy," "AGHHHH!" The Legate threw out his fist to try and clock the Courier's riot helmet but six casually caught the attack with his hand. "Okay, I'll give you that one... I may need buffout to match your strength but that's it," The courier then began to close his hand causing the bones in the Legate's hand to break. His body wasn't as strong even with the cybernetics from the big empty but with a mixture of Buffout and a special cocktail he learned from a pre-war war ghoul. Six wasn't taking any chances with this entire fight, he had pull every string he could pull for this final battle at Hoover damn. From getting all the tribes to pull their weight into pushing the Legion back to pumping his entire body any chem he had on him to finally cripple the legion and kill its remaining leader. Six had pulled the: 'Frank Horrigan special' but he was now thinking this entire thing was unneeded, from using Esther with high yield mini-nukes to High-Ex rockets to deal with the large groups of the bunched-up legion and for those who were hand-to-hand with NCR soldiers they were dealt with 12.7 hollow points from Randall Clark's old rifle. Was it overkill? No... Six hated the legion with every fiber of his being. To him, it wasn't enough kill. He already killed Caeser after killing the entire legion force at the Fort, Six just walked right into Caeser's tent with ED-E at his right and good ol' Boone to his left. All it took was a single high explosive missile for the old man. For the legate? Just a few regular bullets. Letting the golden butcher go causing him to clench his mangled hand while howling in anguish, Six reached down before grabbing the mask of the legate off from the man's face and for once the legate could do nothing about it. Pulling the mask up into the air the courier looked down at the Legate who couldn't hide his fear behind his mask anymore. Six brought the butcher's own mask down upon his face, hitting it once, then twice, then three times, and... Again. And again. and again. And again. And again. Until someone grabbed his shoulder. "That's enough!" The courier snarled before turning away in a chem-filled rage to around. Expecting to see Boone the courier blinked in confusion to see a midnight color equine pony, confused for a moment the courier then realized what was happening. This was a dream... "Yeah, I don't remember this happening... that's kinda weird never seen you in my life before," Six stated casually ignoring the fact of the 'dream copy' of the legate that was dead at his feet. "Hmmmm though why would I be thinking about one of you guys?" Six-eyed the midnight-colored pony, while the Equine held a look of totally baffled at how casually Six would act after banishing a man's head in with his own helmet. "Though you look kinda cute though in a certain way..." Six said to himself before realizing what he just said. "Damn did I really just say that?" Luna blushed slightly but then cleared her throat. "I am not a figment of your imagination human I am real... my name is-" "And there is that... man that purple pony really must have to affect my subconscious..." Six interrupted before gently touching her mane. "Though this looks so much like the star nights from Zion," Blushing again the courier then began to gently pet her mane before clearing her voice and swatting his hand away. "Look human I don't have enough time of this before you awaken and-" "Whoa! Man, this is weird! Wait didn't Mobius have a book on dreams? What was it called?" While the courier held his chin the entire battle of hoover dam was changed into an entire library of books. "Brain dreaming? No that's not it..." "Excuse me! I am not a dream that your subconscious created I am-" "Though your voice does sound familiar but I never think I have heard it before I think I-" "HUMAN LISTEN TO ME!" The pony shouted this time she interrupted the courier's words but when she did music shouted out. (Morning) Six yawned at ED-E's wake-up call causing the courier to get away. "Thanks, buddy... that dream was starting to get weird," Six got up out of bed popping his neck before walking passed by the five helmets that sat next to the courier's snowglobe collection. Going over to start his daily morning route the courier began to start my warm-up. Author's Note Sorry for the shortness but happy 4th of July guys... (Really cutting it close here but hey better late than never) Again sorry for it to be short... But the way am I not the only one who collected all the marked beast helmets from the lonesome road and put them on display at one of my player homes? (I would always put my 'trophies' in the sink, I put the helmets next to the toaster not as he can burn them) Also here is an easy guide to finding all the snow globes: Till then guys see you in the next one... Again it's an American holiday so sorry for the shortness, but what are your thoughts. I do try to read them all. Part 9(Morning) Sitting in a lounging chair with a large umbrella providing shade and an ice-cold Nuka-cola the courier smiled while overlooking the base that had grown in the past few days. After the break in the courier had to up his base defenses by adding in an anti-teleportation system, which wasn't really that hard if these ponies teleport the same way his transportalponder worked. Then came the ideas of more ways how they would break in... After adding in the CIWS anti-air system and after that he decided to add sentry turrets within the buildings within the base so no of those ponies get any chance to break into say his armory or something. Besides, Six finished his latest project and was putting the 'lady' to work on a later list right now Six need a day off. An ice-cold drink in the shade with a place of his own without a care in the world. "*Query beeping*" "What?" "*Repeating beeping*" "Uhhhhh... I don't follow," Six pushed down his shades to look at ED-E who was on his own custom chair with his own umbrella giving him shade. "*Annoyed Beeping*" "I guess but why though," Six looked at ED-E who shook while beeping slightly causing the hybridized being to hold his hand to the eyebot. "Alright... alright! A name got it..." The courier held his chin while thinking before smiling. "New new vegas?" Joked. "-How bout no?-" ED-E played a video clip recording. "Fair enough... The sandslot?" ED-E thought for a moment before beeping. "Yeah that's a baseball thing... okay how about Sand springs?" The eyebot beeped again clearly not liking the sand theme going on. "Okay okay! Everyone's a critic... what about New Navarro?" This caused ED-E to raise up beeping. "Huh, you like it? ED-E bounced up and down as if to nod giving happy beeping, Six got up and looked at his companion. "Yeah... those old timers rubbed off on me... who knows hopefully they would start to give the enclave a good name or something," ED-E gave a slight title. "Don't think so?" The robot shook it's frame. "Eh, never hurts to some faith," Floating back down to his chair the two rested back on their chairs looking at their home... 'New Navarro' Stringing his straw in his drink the courier lifted the drink to take a sip but stopped when he spotted something. '"ED-E?" The eyebot beeped. "You see that?" ED-E turned to spot what the courier saw only to give a slightly annoying beeping. "No, I don't think that's a pony," (A little time later) After leaping across the fence once again and avoiding the minefield the courier slowly approached the lone figure standing in the desert standing next to a cart of water along with one of those lizard creatures from last time. "Howdy," Six greeted the lone Abyssinian who was out of breath after swinging her arms around trying to get the courier's attention. "H-hey..." Panting the female raised her hand. "You know you can always paint another sign to get my attention," Six joked slightly seeing the Abyssinian pull down her cloth mask over her face. "How long have you been out here doing that?" "About twenty minutes," "In this heat? Lady, there are better ways to get my attention," Six summoned a bottle of a yellow-green liquid. "Here..." "What is this?" "Water-Aid little something I cooked up... it has electrolytes, vitamins, and other things good for your health," Six offered it to which she looked at it for a moment before taking it and twisting off the cap to drink it. Six looked at her tilting his head while she drank the lemon-lime flavored drink, drinking it within a few seconds as expected she took a moment to collect herself. "Better?" "Yeah... this stuff is amazing," Looking at the bottle before turning to the courier. "I'm sorry Mr. Six I wouldn't have come here if there was nothing else" This confused the courier while he looked at the humanoid cat. "Mr. Six please you have to help," Looking up at him the cat held a look of pure terror on her face that Six knew all too well, the fear of loss. "My sister she's sick and no one knows what's wrong with her... please you said you're a doctor right?" "How did you..." Six blinked in confusion but looked at the cat before recognizing her bone structure and poster, she was the one drawing him when King Damion and King Xavior came to speak with him. "Oh, it's you," The cat blinked before looking down at the scout's soft cyan eyes before him. "Look lady I'm trying to avoid affairs with the outside world and-" Holding her hands together the cat gave what the courier only could describe as 'puppy dog eyes' but her's were beautiful and pulled at the courier's synthetic cybernetic heart. Signing the courier crossed an arm across his chest before holding his face plate with his other to think for a moment. *Rushing beeping* ED-E buzzed in the courier's ear causing the courier to hiss which started the scout but only for a moment as the courier lowered his hand pointing it at her. "Is she too sick to be transported here?" "Yes... she has been bedridden for days," The scout answered. The courier hit his helmet with his free fist before giving a huff. "ED-E?" *Natural Beeps* "Get the stuff," (A hour later) 'This is stupid...' Sitting in the back of the cart while the scout drove them to Abyssinia, the courier hung his head feeling exposed like this he wanted to take the vertibird for a long-range test flight but decided against it since all it would do was gathered unwanted attention. Being out here was a big risk with those ponies about almost got their hands on his shit, at least he left the base in the metal hands of the 'hive' anything much as blimp up will be leaving the base in a Nuka-cola bottle. Yet... Six has always had a soft spot for kids. He didn't know why. Ever since he was in freeside seeing those kids having to hunt fucking giant rats for a scrap of food made the courier feel empty. He fed those kids ever since then and sometimes he would think about them even now... Maybe it was some parental instinct he had or something, before that night in goodsprings he had a younger sister or brother in his past, or perhaps he was a dad? No... that he knew even with his serious brain damage from the bullets he would remember. ED-E head-butted his leg snapping the courier out of his trace. "What?" Lifting up the ED-E turned to look up, and the courier almost lost it... Abyssinia was nothing like Klugetown or any settlement in the Mojave hell vegas didn't hold a candle to this city! This was right out of a Grognak the Barbarian comic book. The courier couldn't help but stand up at the sight of the city, these structures were like pieces of art! The streets were filled with cat people going around to the many vendors around the streets... Colors... Sounds... Smells... Even with his helmet, his senses were flooded with such things he never thought possible! "First time in Abyssinia?" The scout asked noticing the courier's reaction, not taking his eyes off the city before him the courier gave a nod. Smiling slightly as she pulled down her face mask the scout pulling on the reins leading them to one of the buildings, getting down the scout untied the large lizard from the harness before tying it to a post with a few other lizards and water trout. Hoping down from the cart the courier walked over to the cat who was petting the sand lizard's head before the courier looked at her. "Where is your sister?" (Moments later) Lightly knocking on the door the scout pushed the door open, she peeked into the room seeing her sister had not moved since she had been away freezing slightly at the sight but her sister's cough caused her to give a sign of relief. Moving the door slightly the younger cat's ear twitched before she opened her own emerald eyes the scout smiled. "Hey kiddo how you sleep?" Her little sister smiled slightly upon seeing her big sister. "Good," The little one couched slightly while the big sister walked up to her. "Did you find that doctor?" Kneeling down next to her little sister the scout held her sister's hand smiling. "I did he's hopefully going to help you," Slowly stepping into the room the courier entered, the kitten was slightly terrified of the courier's look but her sister reassured her that he was here to help. Walking over to the bed the courier looked at the little cat before him... he could already tell just by looking at her and hearing her coughing that whatever she had was really bad. To the little girl who eyed the courier seeing he wasn't like any of the other doctors, he didn't have any bag with metal things or any needles to stab her with. As her little sister moved away the courier got down on his knees before reaching up and grabbing his helmet. The kitten went wide-eyed at the sight of the man's face, it made her shiver in fear but she watched as he crossed his arms on the edge of his bed before resting his head on them and tilting his head to look at her. "Hey there little kitty," The courier's voice greeted slightly hissing with a smile. "How are you feeling?" "It hurts..." The smile on the reptilian canine's face disappeared. "I bet... don't worry little kitten I'll make sure it doesn't hurt anymore," He whispered to her before getting up and looking at the bigger sister. "Can we talk?" She nodded. "What's wrong?" The little sister asked the courier but he smiled at her. "Nothing is wrong... hey how about you met my assistant ED-E he would love to meet you," The courier stated to which the little sister got up seeing the floating robot ball which playfully beeped at the kitten. Shutting the door the scout felt her legs grow heavy sensing there was some seriously bad news. "What is it?" "It's a very aggressive disease," The courier answered before turning away from the window. "Has this happened to anyone else in your family?" "I... don't know," The scout held her arm. "Our father was-" The courier held out his hand. "Say no more it sounds like a very touchy subject but right now your sister takes top priority," The courier stated. "Can you help her?" He nodded which caused the feeling of dread to wash away but the feeling came back, it couldn't be this easy... "I'm sensing a but..." "But I need your approval," "What?" "I can treat your sister but to do so I need to perform an operation to remove the tumor," The courier stated. "What? A tumor?" The scout asked. "Yes, the disease I can treat easily but it has already caused her body to form a tumor above her liver it's small but I still need to perform surgery," Six answered. "Look officially I'm not a doctor but I've treated a lot of stuff like this before and I've had a lot of medical knowledge from the greatest of doctors and medicine men from my home," The scout looked at the courier before giving a sigh. "I... Please help her she is all I have left of our mother do what you need to do," She answered to which the courier nodded. "What do you need?" "Got a spare room with enough space?" (???) "Wait wait what are you getting at... you know the guy who lives in no-man's land?!" "Oi! Keep your voice down! Those ponies have ears everywhere," The bartender waved his hand to his buddy. "But yeah this guy was in my bar right after the stormking's death hell I remember what he drank. Straight pure vodka no ice. I thought this guy was weird but hey he paid really well... hell I would be out of here with my girl with what he paid if the ponies didn't take it with that new 'down payment tax'," "Yeah, I hear that 24 storm coins for a single bit that's bull what do they think were sleeping on a pile of gold coins like a dragon?" His fellow Landshark sighed. "But do you really think that guy is the one that those ponies are so pissed off about?" The pub owner nodded. "I believe so... I knew I liked him for a reason," The shark smiled. "Kono `otoko' wa ima doko ni imasu ka?" The two landsharks turned to a hooded woman sitting a few seats away. "I'm sorry?" The woman cleared her throat before her holding a glass of Vodka. "Do you know where this 'guy' is?" The woman asked. "I don't know who you're talking about lady," She gave a smile on her semi-exposed muzzle before holding out her hand. "It's fine he's a friend of mine," "Oh?" "Yeah... actually he's a friend of my... father I've come a long way to find him," The lady answered. The two looked at the strange woman sitting away from them. "Why?" "My father is worried about him so he sent me to find him to make sure he's alright," She asked which caused the two sharks to laugh slightly. "Well from what I hear he's just fine and as a matter of fact he's pissing off the ponies that crazy friend of yours has some real heavy balls messing with Equestria like he has been," The pub owner answered. "I beat... but still I wish to find him if that's alright just to be sure," She asked turning on her stool to look at the two with a bright red eye shining behind her hood. The two sharks shivered slightly before the pub owner nodded before pulling out the map that he had shown the courier a little while ago. "Arigatō," "Mr. Six is this going to hurt?" The little kitten looked up at the courier in the makeshift freshly sterilized surgical room. "You wouldn't feel a thing kitten," He looked down at her in his scrubs from the big empty while looking down at her behind his surgical mask and glasses. "Okay, kitty I want you to start counting backward from 10 alright?" The abyssinian did so while the courier watched the little sister pass out before turning to ED-E. "Alright pal ready?" Author's Note Oh man, it's been a hot minute since I worked on this! But here it is! The latest chapter in the courier's path. Leaving 'New Navarro' to save the sickly sister of the scout, but word travels fast in the badlands wait till some certain ponies catch wind of Six's presence in the Abyssinia. He doesn't have to worry about ponies either... there is someone else also lurking in the endless sands of the desert too. Also, Six has someone tracking him down, who? Well, apparently her 'father' send her to find him... but who? I'll let you guys guess but I bet you never figure out who is looking for him BUT you guys might know the father. Maybe... again I'll let you guys guess. Till the next one. (Also before you ask I know it's not in Fallout New Vegas but in my headcanon the courier has the 'child at heart' perk) Part 10"I've been to every doctor from her to the Zebra lands and no one knew what was happening with her and all you need to do was look at her and in an hour treated her," The scout looked at the courier holding a tea cup with a fresh brew mixture of real freaking tea and none of that expired pre-war stuff either. He smiled while looking at the bigger sister who was watching her sister sleep from the doorway to her room. "Yeah call it a blessing," The courier stated his bionic eyes adjusting to the light from the curtains. "But I have to say I'm impressed by your loyalty to her," Turning from her sister the scout watched the courier sipping his tea before shifting in the doorway. "Why is that?" "From where I'm from most of my people tend to abandon the sick and dying even if they are family members but there are few out there that have the same dedication and devotion to their family... your loyalty reminds me of someone I know," The courier stated remembering a certain scribe before sitting in one of the chairs in the large apartment. "Should I be flattered?" Scout joked. The courier nodded. "You should... she was very loyal to her family and a great friend," The courier answered but slowly frowned at the memory of his past companion. "What happened to her?" The scout asked. "I don't know," The mutant gave a sigh about thinking about the punch-happy scribe. "Things are a lot different where I'm from," Sitting down in the chair beside his the scout titled her head. "How so?" "You wouldn't believe me even if I told you," Finishing his tea the courier summoned his helmet slightly surprising the scout. "Like that magic you use?" "Magic?" The courier looked at his pip-boy before laughing. "No no this isn't magic this is a personal data conversion system that breaks-" Looking at her clearly confused look he then gave a sigh. "Guess you can call it magic," The courier looked at the scout before speaking up. "You know my name but you never told me yours," "Oh by the goddess with everything going I forgot I do apologize," She cleared her voice. "I am Aella of his majesty sand devils," "Sand devils?" "We are trained outside of the main army force of Abyssinia to survive in the badlands and even transverse no-man's land for days on end even by ourselves if necessary," Aella stated with pride. "Only few can make it to be a sand devil," 'So they're like Rangers,' "I beat," The courier looked around the apartment. "Guess that pays for all this?" She nodded. "I had to find some way to support my sister," The Abyssinian stated while playing with her long white hair. "It's an honest line of work and you are a part of a good cause," Six nodded but looked at the ears of the cat before him, he flinched slightly as she noticed her eyes turn to him. "Something the matter?" "Nothing," She tilted her head. "Six what's the manner?" His very short tail shifted in his chair before he smiled slightly. "Can I- can I pet your ears?" Aella blinked before blushingly a deep red. "You can," Getting you she sat down next to him before the courier lifted his hand up reaching out for her head, Aella still blushing gave a small smile before letting him gently pet her ears. Feeling the softest of her ear, the courier couldn't help but scratch her behind the ear mostly out of habit with the many animals he encounters in his travels. (Animal friend) The moment he did he backed off when he heard her give off a low sound like a soft growling. "I'm sorry," The courier flinched. Looking at him she blinked in confusion. "What are you sorry about," "You were growling," "Growling? I wasn't growling. Are there no cats were you from Six?" The courier shook his head. "No, I've never seen a cat back in my homeland," Grabbing his hand she smiled before placing it back on her head. "What are you-" The low growling came back but Aella smiled causing the courier to blink before petting her head and brushing the white locks of her silk-like hair. Her growling was soft and... calming almost soothing. Moving his hands he began to scratch the back of her ear again causing the sound to grow louder as her head pushed against his hand. *Sly Beeping* The two turned to see ED-E floating in the hallway. "ED-E hey... um, what's up buddy," Six greeted his friend moving his hand away from Aella. "Big sis?" Aella bolted up seeing her little sister in the hallway. "Marie! What are you doing out of bed? I-" Rushing over to her sister the scout held her younger sister's shoulders. "I'm fine big sis I feel so much better," Blinking at her sister she looked her sister up and down before smiling. "Really?" Marie nodded to which Aella gave a slight cheer before picking up her younger sister and picking her up in a hug. "You okay!" Six smiled before 'fist bumping' ED-E before the two watched the two sister laugh in joy. "Six thank you but how is she up like this? I'm not complaining but shouldn't she be in bed?" The courier shooked his head. "Yes you should be resting little one. Yet seeing how fast she recovering I say in about a few days you'll be back to your old self in no time," Six smirked before holding up a small plushie. "And Ted will be there as you get better," Marie gasped at the sight of the new toy before clenching the yellow-furred toy to her chest, Aella looked at her little sister in her arms and then at the courier who nodded to them. "If you need anything you know where to find me Aella," Six placed his helmet back on while turning to the door. "Six," Turning his head the courier looked at her. "Thank you," Giving a two-finger salute to her he left the apartment to the two sisters. "Hey ED-E I was thinking about something," "*Query beeping*" "Well maybe we could provide some medical aid to the Abyssinians," Six answered while the two went down the stairs while a lone tabby Abyssinian looked up to see the courier coming down the stairs, waving to the cat the two moved down. "It wouldn't hurt would it?" "*warry beeping*" "I know I know... it's just a thought," ED-E gave a slight hum before the two exited the apartment. The courier was the first to step out but the moment he did something reached out and slammed against his covered head, stumbling from the blunt force Six was grabbed and thrown down the stairs to the apartment. ED-E shocked at what had just happened dashed in to save his friend but was grabbed as a net was thrown over him pulling the floating drone to the ground. Hissing in pain, Six tried to get up but was forced to the ground as five figures jumped onto his back holding him down. "HOLD IT DOWN!" "BY FAUST MOVE FASTER!" "GET THE COLLAR ON IT NOW!" Collar... Six felt his implant kick in as the world around him slowed, looking through his red lenses he saw the ones dogpiling him were none other than ponies clad in golden armor. Another not on him held something Six spotted right away before he felt the sudden rush of Psycho and buffout enter his system. "GET THE HELL OFF!" Throwing the ponies off of him Six reached out and grabbed one by the chest plate and threw him into the one holding the collar. Quickly he summoned greased lightning over his right arm followed by punching one of the ponies in the face, the impact broke the jaw of the pony sending his teeth flying out. Still, in shock, the ponies watched while the courier slammed his weapon-covered fist into the helmet of another pony denting it inward. Recovering some of the ponies tried to take down the courier grabbing two of the three that ran at him he slammed their heads together with the third in the mid with incredible force. Spotting the ponies who were trying to take ED-E the courier leaped into the air switching his power-fist for a blood nap, cutting off the hand of the pony closest to him. Causing the pony to scream in pain, the courier reached out grabbing the pony by the chest plate and slamming his head into the pony's own. Slashing outwards with his trusty bowie knife he cut ED-E free from the net who floated up before firing an electric shock into the golden armored ponies still clenching the net. Screaming as their own armor cooked their flesh caused another pony to panic drawing his sword and running at Six with a warcry but upon swinging his sword going for the side of Six's neck. Upon contact, the blade snapped at the contact with Six's Saturnite armor-weaved undersuit, slowly the red-eyed helmet of the gasmask turned to the pony staring right at the pony who attack him. He was young and VERY stupid. The courier lurched out grabbing the pony's neck with one hand and the pony's wrist in the other before crushing the equine's wrist. Dropping the sword with a scream the courier lifted the gold armored pony before throwing him into one of the vendors, green vegetable balls crashed and exploded as the pony impacted the stall. Standing above the broken remains of the ponies who jumped him Six held his bloody knife ready to go to defend himself from any other pony. "MY CABBAGES!" The courier snapped out of his rage-like state upon hearing the cry of the merchant. "Oh shit!" Seeing the Abyssinian in a green suit looking at his broken vendor the courier put away his knife. "I'm terribly sorry these guys rushed me and-" "Do you know how much this will cost," The Abyssinian cried to which the courier summoned some golden coins before holding them out to the cat to repay the damages he accidentally caused in his psycho-influenced state. "Here will these cover it?" The Abyssinian eyed the gold coins, while offering the coin the courier spot a pony. After handing over the legion coins to the merchant the courier walked over to the pony trying to reach his spear. Stepping on the hand of the pony Six stared down the pony before reaching down and grabbing the pony by the mane. "You have some nerve coming at me in daylight last person who did that I shoved their bodies in a dumpster like the trash they were," Six hissed. "Who sent you?" "Sir Six that is enough," Lifting his head up Abyssinians rushed forward in red-colored armor. "You with these guys?" The leading abysinian shook his head. "No sir Six a matter of fact we have come here to stop these equestrians before they could have gotten to you... but it seems you have already taken care of them," The Abyssinian bow. "Forgive our delay interception of these ponies," Six rose up before waving his hand. "It's fine," Six stated. "Wait do you know why they attacked me?" The leading Abyssinian waved to his comrades to take the ponies away before moving forward. "I'm afraid these damn ponies were trying to arrest you for your apparent crimes against Equestria," The courier blinked at the answer the guard gave him. "Do they have the right to do that here?" "No, most definitely not sir Six a matter of fact they have no right to even do this to you or any citizen here in Abyssinia! Even though you are no citizen but that doesn't allow these ponies to even try to arrest you," The cat explained. "King Damion learned of your efforts to help Lady Aella's sister but as he caught word of your arrival here he assumed the embassy did too so he sent us to stop any ponies and escort you to safety if need be," ED-E bounced slightly in the air at that. "*Semi-Happy beeping*" "Yeah, that was really thoughtful of King Damion... Does he wish to speak with me?" The guard shrugged. "I mean no... not to sound bias Sir Six but it would be good to see King Damion to thank him if I were in your possession," Six nodded before holding out his hand. "I'll like to check in on him either way," The cat smiled. "Please Sir this way," (Meanwhile in the Zebra lands) "By the great goddess why does Celestia do this?" Xavior gave a loud huff before shifting on his thrown. "First she laid calm to the storm king's territory now she is accusing me of taking some of that monster's own land? That border has been like this for countless generations she knows that!" Throwing the leather in one of the open fire pits the Zebra king sighed, before lifting his head up. "What else does she want?! My throne!?" Holding his face in his hand the king sat in silence before lifting his face up. "Konard my friend can I ask you a question?" The general turned to his king before nodding. "Of course old friend what is it?" "I'm asking you this as a friend to a friend, not as a king to his general... do you believe Celestia is willing to go to war over what has been happening?" The general blinked at the question before looking down. "Honestly Xavior I don't know. Equestria has known one thousand years of peace I don't think her army is able for the task of war but... Celestia and luna have countless centuries of experience in the art of war along with the powers of the sun and moon plus they have those magic items and the pillars on their side," Konard sighed. "If war does happen my friend it will be bloody and I fear it could be us who losses," Xavior nodded before lowering his hand to rest on his throne. "Perhaps your right but... perhaps we need to call upon an outside party for aid," "My king?" "Send a message to Abyssinian I hear that Six was spotted there... I wish to speak to him," Author's Note First of all, I wanted to get this out ASAP and I hope you enjoy it kinda in a fallout mood right now so you know riding that train as long as I can. AND Oh, boy things are really starting to spice up... Equestria basically attempting to arrest someone outside their domain? Pretty sure that is an international incident right? Plus Equestria claiming that the Zebras stole land that was 'rightfully' theirs... Well don't wanna spoil too much but Six is going to find himself involved in all this whether he likes it or not. Part 11(Abyssinia royal palace) "Let me remind you boy your guests are in my kingdom and I will not allow you to go around thinking you have a free claim to not only assault other guests in my country thinking I wouldn't know!" Damion yelled. "Your guest has assaulted and mangled a diplomat and his escort along with now ten ponies of the Equestria Embassy!" The pony growled back. "And now you have them under lock and key like criminals! Must I remind you-" "MUST I REMIND YOU THAT THIS IS MY COUNTRY! AND THESE ARE MY PEOPLE! AND I CAN NOT ALLOW YOU TO GO AROUND BEHIND MY BACK AND ATTACK SOMEONE WHO IS A GUEST IN MY COUNTRY THAT HAD COME HERE TO HEAL A DYING KITTEN!" Damion roared standing from his throne in a rage. "You best be glad I don't send your guards to the dungeon and not the healing chambers who should be guarding the Equestria Embassy as my great-grandfather and Celestia agreed to when the terms of our alliance were written before your father was even kicking in your grandmother's womb!" Daimon stared down at the pony. "You're harboring a fugitive of Equestria that is a-" "Watch your tongue ambassador you are very close to outstaying your welcome here," The panther king poked a claw into the rich robes of the pony. "I believe we are done here... guards escort the ambassador to the embassy," Glare at the king the Ambassador turned with a huff and was out before passing by a certain guest they were speaking of, the pony glared at the red-eyed courier who simply stared back through his expressionless gasmask. Daimon gave a sigh at the sight while the courier approached the king of the country of cats. "Six... I do apologize for what happened with the ambassador and his guard attempting to hunt you down I had no idea he was bold enough to do something like this," Daimon greeted the courier. Shrugging the courier held his hands in his pockets before answering. "It's fine Damion I've had worse experiences when visiting new places for the first time," Damion chuckled at the courier's words. "I bet... but I do hope it hasn't ruined your first visit here in Abyssinia," "It hasn't a matter of fact this place is breathtaking," Six admitted. "Almost overwhelming," "Really now?" Damion smiled. "Why is that my friend?" "Back in my homeland, we had nothing like this place... even the capital doesn't shed a light on your country," The courier stated holding out his hand to the palace throne room. "Don't get me started on all this!" Damion laughed. "Thank you... yes, Abyssinia is a beautiful place but wait till you see what the Jackals and Zebras have," "Jackals?" The cat waved his hand. "I get ahead of myself... tell me how is Aella's sister fairing?" Six nodded. "She making a speedy full recovery in about three days she'll be playing like a kitten her age again," Six answered. Damion gave a chuckle at the good news before smiling. "That's great to hear that little Marie will be alright," Damion spoke before he grabbed Six's shoulder pad. "But I must ask how long are you staying in Abyssinia after all it's not every day I have a guest like yourself come visit my kingdom," The courier chuckled slightly at Damion's words. "I beat... but sadly due to some unexpected events I think it's best I take my leave," Six stated to which Damion frowned at that but nodded his head in understanding. "Very well I do understand but next time you come to Abyssinia I shall ready a feast next time you visit to make up for the pony 'foul play' during your first visit," Damion moved his hand from the shoulder pad down for a handshake. "Till next time Six," The courier nodded before accepting the handshake but grabbing the king's forearm, Damion looks down at the handshake before the courier spoke up. "I hold you to it," Nodding the courier broke free from the handshake before walking off with ED-E buzzing right next to him, Damion looked at his hand before giving a chuckling. Turning to the leaving courier the panther king spoke up. "Do you need a ride back?" Damion asked. He lifted his hand. "Nope, my ride is already here," Confused Damion took a step back at a strange sound and a shadow passing over the windows. (Outside) The guards pointed their weapons at the sight of the vertibird ready to defend themselves against the strange metal machine before them. Six walked up before patting one of the guards on the shoulder surprising the cat and causing him to turn to the courier. "Don't worry this is for me," Moving passing the shocked guard before ED-E soon followed behind him before turning to the guard. "*Chirping noises*" The doors to the flying machine opened as the courier and ED-E boarded before Six turned back to the guards and even Damion who was outside holding a hand over his head. Saluting the king with a smile under his mask before shutting the doors to the cabin and taking off into the air leaving the king and his men in complete shock. Sitting down in one of the seats Six tabbed a hand on the small console between the two seats all the while a hidden compartment opened up with a small set of drinking glasses and a bottle of Goodsprings whiskey. Pouring himself a glass the courier unsummoned his helmet before taking a shot of the liquid fire. "What an interesting day," ... The trip back to New Navarro took one-fourth of the time as it did when he was riding with Aella, slowly the vertibird entered the opening in the hangar before coming to a complete stop. ED-E was the first to exit the air vehicle before shaking his frame. "*Dramatic beeping*" "It wasn't that long you floating pile of bolts... man not bad for a remote test flight huh?" Six asked to which ED-E beeped with joy. "I know and I'm proud of it too you did good with the control matrix," "*Joyful beeping*" Exiting the hangar the two walked into the tarmac to the living quarters. "I was thinking should we add the remote feature to the la-" Six froze at the mat on the porch, any one else wouldn't have noticed it but Six wasn't normal. "ED-E there hasn't been a breach of security. Right?" ED-E looked at his friend before down to the mat and gave a chilling beeping sound. "Ready the units that damn device might have malfunctioned," Six reached out before summoning the compliance regulator causing ED-E to give annoying beeping. "I know what I said... I'm only using this because my snow globe collection is in there," Pushing the door with the front of his stun gun he entered slowly before turning the door to enter V.A.T.S but his pip-boy didn't detect anything in his visual. Slowly the courier looked around his home seeing someone had left the lights on and even broke into his fridge and touched his record player. Slowly moving over to the record player seeing that the 250-year-old vinyl wasn't even damaged, the courier gave a sigh at the sight of old disks it took him forever to find a working vinyl player for these pieces of vinyl he found in fiend filled vault 3. ED-E moved past the courier watching his partner's back, the two looked at the couch before them not even having to look at each other the two moved forward. Before they made it to the couch the two froze hearing the bathroom door open, slowly the two turned to the battle room seeing someone standing before them with a towel around her chest. Six took a step back at what he saw before him almost falling back into the couch at the sight of who was before him. "The hell?" The being looked at six with deep red bionic eyes before smiling. "Kon'nichiwa courier six it's good to finally meet you," The canine looking female spoke in a lightly accented voice. Six held out a hand before pointing to her. "This... you..." Honestly, Six didn't know how to respond to what was before him, for it was just a theory on a combination of synthetics and splicing but the concept he designed was somehow now standing before him. "I..." "*Alert beeping*" ED-E laser pointed at the figure ready to fire. "ED-E NO!" Six turned to the female pointing a finger at her. "You... get some clothes on and sit the fuck down I want some answer," The female nodded before holding out her hand. "Yeah, that's fair," (A long time ago) (Earth- Big MT) "Lobotomite I must insist! What your is Subjecting is impossible!" Klein shouted as loud as his auto system would allow while Six rolled his eyes while in front of a whiteboard with a few of the other brains. "Klein wasn't that your whole job to do during the war? To do the impossible and cool your jets this only in theory," Six turned back to the whiteboard but the control freak that the brain was moved forward not happy that the courier had three other brains brainstorming on such an insane concept of science. "But this very idea is affront to science! This is something a first-grader would come up with! This isn't true science!" Klein shouted. "Actually doctor Klein the lobotomite might be onto something sure it's... different but this concept is quite remarkable I remember hearing something like this from the Institute of Technology in Boston of synthetic beings but what the lobotomite is stating is textbook," Doctor Zero stated. "I was talking to the lobotomite not you O!" "It's ZERO! With a slash through it Klein you know this!" "I MUST AGREE WITH ZERO DR. KLEIN THE USE OF HUMAN DNA AS A TEMPLATE FOR THE SYNTHETIC ANIMAL TISSUE TO FORM A BOND IS REMARKABLE!" Borous narrated. "THIS ISN'T THAT DIFFERENT THAN THE CAZADORS OR NIGHTSTALKERS!!!" "I... eh... but why is the theoretical subject a female!?" Six and the two male brains stopped before turning to Dala. "Um... that was my subjection Doctor Klein," The soft-spoken brain answered. "And there is nothing wrong with that Dala this is just a theory," Klein rattled to himself. "I am to assume Mobius will also be aware of this theory?" "Yes of course," The leader of the think tank hissed at the sound of his rival being in on this new idea of science. (Present day) (New Navarro) Six sat on his couch while he looked at the being sitting across the subject still processing at what was sitting before him... A synthic android... with canine features while wearing a white Big MT jacket. "So um..." Six held up a finger to tell her to give him a second while still trying to process everything. "Okay..." She tapped her legs with her hands before turning to look at ED-E who hadn't moved when she sat down and not having moved his laser that was trained on her. Shifting in her seat the android watched while Six lowered his hand. "First off... I'm not mad at you... just surprised you um-" "Exist?" "Not really the word I would say but sure go with that," Six moved his hand down. "I'm currently stumped at what I should be feeling right now," She tilted her head. "What are you feeling?" "Pride... confusion... shock... surprise... and confusion again," Six stated honestly before looking at her with his reptilian eyes. "Okay... who made you? Borous? Dala?" "Morbius actually," "Figures... okay how did you get here?" "A riftronulm," "A what?" "Mobius name it not me... It is a device to open a small Einstein Rosen Bridge tracked close to your last location your last known location your transportalponder was able to transmit to the big empty," Six lifted his hand from his face. "He created a device that opens wormholes?" "Yes," "Of course... now why did Mobius send you here to find me?" "He wished to know if you were alright," Six dropped his arm at her answer. "Your joking," "No that is what he wished to know but now that I see you just fine I can tell him that your alright if he gave me a way to contact him," The android gave a slight chuckle. "Um... he didn't give me anything to contact him," "That sounds like him... I'm guessing he going to keep sending others?" "Actually the device that brought me here was a one-use item since it burned out... due to the strain of the energy," "Of course," Six looked at the female. "Um... we can always return with your transportalponder right?" "Can't... the power core got fried when I first arrived here," The android blinked in surprise before rubbing the back of her head. "So what now?" The android asked. "You tell me..." "I um... was supposed to find you but I did that so... um... what am I supposed to do now?" "Well that's your choice," Six stated before summoning his flask while she gave a confused look. "What you mean?" "Oh boy... what I mean is that you a free to do whatever you want I wouldn't stop you as long as you don't try to kill me or ED-E or steal from us. I can give you some supplies and you can go out into this clearly very screwed up world that is home to a bunch of entitled ponies..." "Yeah, I met a few," The android started rubbing the back of her neck. "Or you can stay here," Six stated. "I'm kinda in more than one way responsible for you being here," The ear's on the synthetic perked up. "You mean it?" "Yes I may not have my actual birth heart anymore that doesn't mean I ain't heartless," Six stated while the android smiled. "You got a name?" "I... don't but I have a serial number," "That's not a name," Six looked at her. "Do you have any idea for a name you would want?" "How about Roxie?" The courier stated at her. "Okay that's a good name but I know a cyber-dog with the same name," "Oh guess that would be a little awkward," Six nodded. "How about Amelia?" "Is that what you want?" The android nodded. "My name is Amelia," "Nice to meet you, Amelia... ED-E and I could always use more help around the base anyways plus we need a third person to play cards," Six joked to which Amelia chuckled smiling. "Thank you, courier," "Not a problem," "But one question," "Yeah?" "Where am I going to sleep?" (Abyssinia) "Dad! Is it true that Six guys was here?" Damion turned to see Salem running up to him while he was working on some paper work behind his desk. "He was," "Why didn't you tell me I want to meet him!" Damion chuckled at his son's comment. "You will hopefully... Six had to go back home early for personal reasons of his but I did tell him when he comes back we'll throw a big feast," "Why?" "Why not Six had saved the life of a little kitten not that older than you," Damion looked at his son. "Besides a good king is to also be a good hoist to his guests," Salem looked at his dad confused then suddenly the door to Damion's office burst open with a Zebra rushing forward with two guards hot on his tail. "Forgive me your majesty but he said it couldn't wait," Damion waved his man to pick up the zebra. "What your name son?" The panther king asked the still panting Zebra. "I... must... find the one known as Six... my king needs his aid," Damion shook his head at the sound of the messager's words. "What? What for?" "Celestia... is most likely planning to start a war with my people," The Zebra panted while being patted on the back by one of the cats. "Where is your escort?" "We... were-" Before he could answer the messager passed out from having run for so long. "Get him to the healers... and send for a message of my own," Damion ordered. "Also send for my war console... if Xavior people is in trouble we must be ready to defend our old ally," Author's Note WOW! This was different... Longer than normal but hey more plot and another chapter are I, right? Like what happened to the messager's escort? Mobius created an android based on a theory the courier had. And there is a third nation of jackals? Let's just say for that last one the desert is a VERY big place and the ponies like to copy others too so... let's just say the 'Egyptian' ponies of Somnambula's time were nomads and there were other races living there before them. No spoilers... mind you. As for the newly revealed Stalker... Okay, I did base her off a mod fallout 4 but with the technology in Big MT who is to say it can't happen? Plus I think this mod is quite impressive. (This may or may not be the reason she speaks Japanese...) So yeah still impress how they were able to modify this into fallout... Besides that, hope you all enjoyed this chapter and I'm hopeful I can get another out soon. Also, Courier Six isn't Amelia's father or anything the only reason she used that term was Mobius is technically the one who created her to find Six but like the scatterbrain that he is he forgot to do the last 20% of his plan. Part 12 (Red Sand War-Arc part 1)(The next day) Amelia awoke in the courier's bed waking from her first night in this new world, lifting herself up from the bed she looked around the room to see the couch where her hoist rested the night before was empty. Stretching out she stood up and off the large bed before stretching her arms together to the left and to the right before yawning and walking out to the bathroom in the sleepwear that Six let her borrow. The bulky red clothing loosely fit around her body almost making her stumble on herself, entering the bathroom she shut the door before seeing her clothes from the other night cleaned and folded on the top of the sink with a small note on it. 'Cleaned these for you last night... unless you want to wear those rags you got at Kudgetown again- 6' The android smiled slightly before taking off the velvet-colored sleeping clothes, Six must have been super quiet this morning so as not to wake her not only to have her clothes ready and folded but a toothbrush and other stuff someone would need. Putting on her coat last she walked out of the bathroom fully refreshed for the day ahead and walked out of the small building onto the buzzing tarmac with robots out and about. 'Seems like Six upped the security after I went through the 'backdoor',' Chuckling to herself she walked to the second hangar with its wide door open with music and the sound of power tools echoing through it. Peaking her head into the open doors seeing the courier working on an open panel on 'the lady' while working on the large aircraft's wiring. Smirking to herself Amelia slowly began to approach the courier from behind moving through the hangar bay using the loud music and noise from the construction drones to mask her approach. Lifting her hands up out she smirked ready to drop her hands on his shoulders to give him a scare but before she could the courier held out a hand to her. "Amelia, can you pass me that power connection unit?" Six stated causing the android to move back in surprise but gave a slight sigh before grabbing the requested part and handing it to him. "What gave me away?" Amelia hopped on top of a supply crate while watching the courier work. "Well you did a pretty good job but Amelia I've been to places where letting your guard down is a one-way ticket to an early grave... White-legs, Ghost people, hell even some Legionary assassins tried to get the drop on me but I got to them first," Six stated while Amelia rested her elbows on her knees before dropping her head onto her hands. "How you sleep Amelia?" "I slept well," "That's good to hear," The courier snapped the part in before grabbing a cloth to whip his hands off. "So what're the plans for today?" "Well... I was thinking about adding a room to the house so you can have your bed and everything then work on the under complex some more," "Under complex?" Amelia tilted her head. "Yeah I mean this hangar was a kind of warehouse for a while before I decided to have the units add some space under our feet to start working on bigger projects like Lady here," Grabbing the panel Six put it back on the large flying machine before summoning his duster around his armor, holding the collar of his duster Six flinched before turning to her. "How's your shooting arm?" "What?" Amelia lifted her head. "What I mean is how is your experience with firearms? Or combat in general," Six asked while looking up at her to which Amelia chuckled. "Well, Doctor Mobius did download all of your combat training programs into my brain when my body was being developed and-" "That's not true experience Amelia... training doesn't prepare you for true combat and experience isn't something that can be downloaded into your head," Six informed the android. "I did fight some locals at a bar the other day," "They were drunk weren't they?" Six questioned. "Yes... but they were a lot bigger than me and I was able to take them down," Amelia countered placing her hands on her hip. "Bigger targets are easier to hit Amelia especially if they are drug as you say they were," This caused the Android to puff out her cheeks before crossing her arms. "I can still fight heck I can even take down you too," "Oh? Let's see it then," "Eh?" Amelia's synthetic blood ran cold while the courier gave her a fanged smile. "Come on then get down and come at me," "Wait... here? But-" "In a fight, you don't always choose where the battlefield is... so come on Amelia show me what you got," Six smiled holding out his hands with the universal gesture for 'come at me'. Amelia looked at Six with her red eyes before holding a look of determination and holding up her fist. "So how are we-" Before she could finish Six threw a fist at her which the android easily dodge as the courier clearly held back. "Oi! Kōseidenai I was talking!" "Sometimes you need to let your actions do the talking. Now come on!" The android glared before throwing a punch of her own but the courier pushed her fist away before Amelia recovered going for a roundhouse kick. Sadly for the synthetic, the more experienced fighter blocked her kick by grabbing her boot before he pulled her forward to him. Moving his arms under her own Six held the back of her head in a hold while Amelia kicked and squirmed in the courier's grasp. Not able to counter or hit the courier the android got an idea before back kicking into the courier's crouch... Letting her go the courier stumbled back after the blow to his... family jewels. "T-that's smart... v-v-very good Amelia... damn that hurts," Holding his crouch the courier looked up at the smirking Android. "Ah-ha! Told you!" Amelia boosted with pride. "Yeah but remember what I said," The android looked at the courier who was pushing through the pain. "Never let your guard down," Readying herself for another fight Six is unaware of the Eyebot behind her. *ZAP!* A light discharge from ED-E's non-lethal riot Tazer caused the android to freeze up before falling forward into the courier's arms as she huffed from the shock, Six smiled while Amelia glared at Six and ED-E "That * Was * A * Dirty * Trick," "Says the lady who kicked me in the balls," Helping the android to her feet the courier chuckled at her misfortune. "But it seems I'm you weren't wrong you can handle yourself in a fight... mostly need to work on your combat awareness some," "Mth," Amelia recovered from the tazer before holding her jaw. "How long will this feeling in my teeth last?" "Should last a few minutes," "I hope you're right... this feels weird," The android rubbed her cheeks to held try and soothe the numbness. The courier summoned his helmet before noticing her clothes. "Another thing is we might need to get you some armor instead of that jacket," Amelia looked at the courier as if he had said something horrid. "No! I love my Jacket!" Amelia held her arms clenching her white MT jacket to her body. Six blinked before giving a slight chuckle. 'Heh just like me and my duster,' "Okay but at least let me weave some saturnine fibbers in it and maybe add some combat padding," Amelia blinked before nodding. "I guess that is okay... but don't ruin it," Six rolled his eyes before putting it on. "Alright come on I think it's time for-" "FIREBALL!" "What?" Amelia pointed to the air while the courier turned to see a flaming ball of fire come down. "FUCK! ED-E REACTIVE SHIELDS NOW!" ED-E buzzed as blue lights fired up around the base while hard light shielding appeared before Six grabbed the hangar door but despite its large size the courier slammed the massive door shut. Turning back the echo of the fall balls impact caused the three to flinch but Six looked at ED-E who was already trying to determine the source. "*Alert beeping!*" "From that range? Ready 155mm and shell it!" ED-E bounced in confirmation. "Six are we under attack?" Amelia asked to which the courier nodded. "Yeah Amelia I think we are... guess you're going to get your trial by fire sooner than expected," Six summoned a certain camo-coated gun before offering it to her which Amelia took before pulling out the magazine to inspect the bullet type. "Armor piercing?" "Hand made every round myself," Amelia looked at him before he handed her four more fully loaded magazines. "We had a lot of free time... but keep it in semi-auto never waste ammo," Handing it to her Amelia loaded the old gun from vault 34 before taking the magazines and putting them into her jacket's pockets. Looking down the sights to zero it for herself, Six summoned the rifle that once belonged to Randel Clark before the three exited the hangar through the side door and out to defend their home. (Meanwhile) "INCOMING!" The trebuchet spotter shouted as he pointed to an incoming object coming right for them, the whine of the incoming projectile caused the crew to flee the large siege device. Seconds later the trebuchet and her fleeing crew were blasted into oblivion, while other crews flinched at the quick and accurate response to the first strike. The commander noticed this and raised his spear into the air before shouting at his men. "WHAT ARE YOU ALL GAWKING AT? RETURN FIRE!" Some of the ponies flinched while others fired the large siege weapons as the magical fire crystals in each payload ignited upon being thrown through the air. The frontal guard watched as the crystal was lobbed into the air hitting the settlement's 'yard' causing explosions to go off singling the guard to advance. Rushing forward the ponies of Equestria and Somnambula gave a war cry advancing to the front of the field but expected a few of the traps they were warned about weren't destroyed by the trebuchet's attack. Making their way to the metal-linked fence one of the guards leaped forward grabbing onto the fence ready to climb it but screamed as pure electricity entered his body causing the pony to convulse in pain as his flesh began to burn and his eyes melt. Other ponies joined in on this fate not noticing the first one to do so, other ponies shifted while some began to try and use their spears to dig under the fence. Of course, this would prove fruitless due to the solid sand at their feet, some unicorns created stair-like constructs to get over the fence letting other ponies get across. The moment they cross over of the smoke-covered battlefield they were stopped in their tracks by large metal golems on the black road before them. In seconds the first group that got over the fence were mowed down by red light from one of the arms of each metal golem unable to see the slaughtered man, the unicorns believed the screams were a warcry from the battle going on the other side unknowingly sending their allies to their deaths. Before the smoke could even settle the towers began to open fire with similar red beams of light while the ponies believed the smoke would hide them. How wrong they were... Ponies were turned to ash in seconds leaving behind the melted armor and weapons, some ponies tried to attack the golems but the three-legged metal squid was there to defend the giants. Firing orbs of green light liquified the ponies and if they got too close the saw on their arms cut through their flesh and armor easily. Still, the ponies didn't let up some getting through and attacking the metal golems aiming for the gaps in their metal shells with their spears and swords. As the sky was filled with fire and flying metal high above were the Equestrian airships and pegasi units expecting to get the drop on the settlement and provide support for their buddies was blown. Yet they underestimated the power of this settlement as weapons were fired at them directly attacking the pegasi with lines of hot metal that cut through them like a hot blade through butter. The airships didn't have it easy at all while large exploding ballista was fired at them which caused the airships to be turned into a blazing inferno upon weapon impact, those airships that were hit right away had their skyjumpers leap out early out of the airships moment prior to they’re destruction. Opening their parachutes they tried to get behind the battle line but while the airships came down burning many of the ponies could only watch their parachutes caught fire causing them to fall to a quick death, if any surviving pegasi couldn't catch them. They got off easy while the weapons that targeted the pegasi had much easier targets now slow and wide open, the skyjumpers were sliced in half as their numbers dropped from the thousands to the double digits. Those who did survive either landed behind the fence or most unfortunate landed on top of the electric fence's sharp razor wire, but those who got past the main line were too shocked to know what to do. Unfortunately, more golems were waiting for them along with the leader, one of the primary targets of the force to capture or kill. The skyjumpers, pegasi, and those ponies who got past the first combat line didn't last long as they were torn apart with terrifying weapons. Yet after so much death, they continue to push only to fall in droves... Even while they used their dead for cover they watched their meat shields turned to ash and goo while those unicorns that tried to create magical barriers were ripped apart by the beams of red light and orbs of green light. Only finally did some of the ponies begin to retreat after seeing such a slaughter, running back to the fence only to remember why they couldn't scale it or go over one of the surviving unicorn's magical staircases. Running far away from the settlement back to camp expecting the mighty rows of siege craft waiting for them only to find the entire camp was little more than a bunch of fresh smoking craters. Frozen in shock the ponies didn't even notice that the settlement wasn't done with them quite yet as it began to rain down sharp metal rods that began to sweep up the fleeing assault group. (A short while later) 'Damn it... fucking moron! Look at this mess Six!' Six hissed to himself. 'They got past the fence AND took down an entire row of sentry bots and Mr. Gutsey in minutes! I knew that this base need more defensive measures!' "Six?" Snapping out of his train of thought Six looked away from the burning pile of ash and melted golden armor at his feet. "Sorry, Amelia just zoned out... something wrong?" Amelia shook her head before looking down at the dead before them. "No just... why?" "Why what?" "Why did they do this?" Six shifted in his thoughts ready to explain what all wastelanders had to understand since day one. "Why did they just throw themselves like that?" Six turned his head back to the android who tapped on a dead body's shoulder with her foot. "Throwing yourselves like that? I'm surprised they made it this far in by just throwing bodies at us," Amelia stated. "Did they honestly think their overwhelming numbers would beat us? Did they seriously not read about when the Spanish fleet first came to Mexico?" "Wait... what?" Amelia turned to Six. "Like for real where is the logic in this plan of theirs? Throw fire rocks at the minefield then throw everything they had at us? Sure they got a few robots but did they honestly think they could win it with numbers alone?" Amelia ranted. "I surprised the ponies made this far as a military force," ED-E and Six look at each other than at Amelia who was currently going off on how illogical this entire attack was. "Buddy..." "*Clearly confused beeping*" "I think I'm in love," "" Amelia's ears perked up stopping her rant. "Six you say something?" The synthetic asked. "Nothing just talking to ED-E," "What?" "I said... oh damn it hold on," Waiting past the loud noises of artillery fire and robot servos buzzing to retrieve the fallen first line Six walked over to the Android. "I said I was talking to ED-E," Amelia gave an understanding nod before turning around to the dead ponies. "Well... this whole thing with the ponies was seriously dumb," To which Six nodded. "Yeah completely agree I mean but what's that about the Spanish fleet and Mexico?" "Wait... you heard that but how did you hear me if I couldn't hear you?" "Selective hearing trust me it'll come to you but what this?" Amelia blinked before remembering what she said. "You know, when the Spanish fleets first try to establish colonies in the new world," Six looked to the side for a moment before it hit him. "That? Amelia this isn't Earth... different history you know," Amelia looked down at the bodies before their train or realization hit her. "Oh shit your right! Dang it, my bad Six just got lost in the whole thing," Six waved to her. "It's completely understandable it happens to all of us now besides that Equestria did make a really bold move coming at us like that," Six then shook slightly feeling a chill go down his cybernetic spine. "ED-E?" "" "Send a message Eyebot to Abyssinia right now," "," "Because if Equestria had the balls to do then I can only guess that our cat friends might be in the same spot," "," Amelia nodded understanding the Eyebot's chilling logic. "We could only hold them back with our advance weaponry... but Six I thought you didn't want to get involved," Amelia stated. Six placed his rifle on his shoulder. "It seems that I am now," The courier gave a sigh before speaking up."ED-E?" "," "Wake them up," (The under complex) Flashing brightly the lights of the vault under New Navarro flashed to life as the place Six used to store most of his things not only had supplies but something else. Something he had just in case... Something he didn't aim to be using anytime soon... But after today he needs that something... And it was waking up... Author's Note Damn... Three thousand words? Haven't done something this long in a while. As for the story well it seems that Equestria has made it's move on the board against Six and perhaps the other desert dwellers as well. Also before you ask me why the ponies got through the defenses not everything is perfect and how the ponies took down a few sentry bots? Numbers can overwhelm even the most advanced machinery, think of a tank getting swarmed from all sides by the enemy at that point even a mighty tank is screwed. But like Amelia said numbers alone don't win the battle. Besides that, I really do hope you guys like the chapter, and more will be out soon... Part 13 (Red Sand War-Arc part 2)(Abyssinia) "I have ruled this kingdom for twenty-five years. My father gave his life to Abyssinia and raised me since I could walk to rule Abyssinia. My wife is buried here. This is where my son took his first steps. I've raised my sword in defense of this kingdom, and I would gladly give my life to my people. Yet you want me to give you my homeland?" Damion looked down at ponies standing before him donned in full golden plate armor. All the while the Equestrian ambassador stood before the king with a page of parchment with the wax seal of princess Celestia demanding the king stepped down from his throne to give over his homeland. "You have let a known criminal of Equestria walk freely in your lands and allowed him to kill and mangle members of the royal guard and allow him to leave freely without turning over to Equestria custody," The Ambassador smiled. "And as the king of your land. You are to do what is right for your people... and surrounding your kingdom over will save your people a lot of heartaches but if you don't sign well once the army is done bringing that settlement to justice they will take your kingdom by force," Damion tried his best to not slam his fist down on his throne. "Are you threatening me, Ambassador?" "No, I am not... I'm simply telling you the facts of the current events," Damion stared down the Ambassador and his armored escort before tapping his clawed hand against the front of his armrest. The only sound through the throne room was the king's sharp claw tapping against the silver lion's head on his throne. *Tap* *Tap* *Tap* "Celestia has some nerve coming to me like this after not only threatening the safety of my people but assaulting a messager's escort of one of my allies and cutting off the trade roots not only to my kingdom but to the Zebra's and Jackals alike," He moved in his seat while staring down the Ambassador. "Have you heard the tale of the fool that once came into this same throne room 500 years ago when my ancestor 'Queen Blair the kind' was threatened the safety of her people by some bold dune raiders?" The ponies grabbed their weapons at the king's words. "My Ancestor had that title for a completely different reason," More of the Abyssinia guard stepped from the shadows while some of the sand devils looked down at the ponies from the 'catwalks' on top of the throne room. "She was so kind enough to hand the warlord that threatened her the heads of his entire family on a silver plater and allowed him to leave the kingdom alive and unharmed while letting him keep the sliver plater," Drawing their weapons the guard moved around the Ambassador who stared at the king not changing the look on his face. "Equestria is no Warband of raiders! We have the power of the sun and moon! You are damning your entire kingdom and your people to a life of misery if you do this!" He stepped forward with the contract up. "We have the tools of GODS your entire race will be turned to stone if they were lucky by the elements of harmony! Or your entire land will be not but glass by the power of Celestia hersel-" The King who was moments ago was on his throne but in the blink of an eye was before the Ambassador with his claws covered in the blood of the pony who seemly forgot where he was or who he was talking to. Damion heard enough of the pony's voice so he took it from him, silencing the pony by clawing out the throat of the Ambassador. Almost like clockwork, the Abyssinian guard stepped in to defend their king while the sand devils leaped from the ceiling at the ponies below taking them by surprise. These ponies couldn't match the speed and reflexes of the felines along with the heavy gold plate weighing them down allowing the cats lions, tigers, and pumas to attack through the gaps in their armor. Watching the ponies die at his feet Damion spat at the wax seal before holding up his still bloodied hand. "Ready the army we must be ready to defend our home and our allies! Aella!" The sand devil scout turned to her king while whipping the blood of her sword using an equestrian's solar guard white fur to do so. "Yes, my king?" "Ready a detachment of the sand devils to go out into no-man's land... I cannot spare much but we must hold our ally in the wastes whether he likes it or not were all in this together," Aella nodded before standing up sheathing her blade but before she could leave to follow with her orders the doors to the throne room open as an outside guard peaked his head in. "Milord? Looking at the guard the panther king spoke up. "What is it?" "There is someth- em sorry someone here wishing to speak with you," "Who?" "It's that floating metal ball that accompanied Sir Six the other day," This caused the king to shake his head before waving to the guard. "Well... let him in son!" The guard pushed the door open allowing the metal floating creature into the throne room as it dashed forward. "ED-E?" Aella blinked seeing the similar framed machine but it held a different orange and black color than the eyebot she first met. "Not really," Six's voice echoed through the grilled speaker on the front of the machine while it turned to her slightly. "Six? What happened to you!" Damion shouted baffled believing the machine was Six. "What happened to me? Wait... ohhhhhh! No! Damion I'm fine perfectly healthy and well for the most part The eyebot spoke. "I sent this eyebot to make sure you weren't assaulted like we were over here and I wanted to make sure you guys weren't attacked as well," "Well um... Six it is very considerate for you to see this message to us but you should be more focused on your front I can imagine the strain the equestrian army is giving you currently. Don't worry I'm seeing some of my best to aid you in your time of need-" "Actually Damion we're all good over here," "What?" "Yeah they attacked us but we handled it," "The entire Equestria army?" "That was their ENTIRE army? Okay... Amelia was right that was extremely stupid to come at us like that with everything they had," The courier chuckled through the ED-E. "I'm just glad you guys are s-" Before the courier could finish the entire throneroom shook while the echo of an explosion caused the entire structure to shake. "Son of a-... just had to open my big mouth," Rushing out of the throne room Damion pushed the doors open and froze upon seeing the wave of Equestrian troops outside the city walls and siegecraft suddenly appear through magical teleportation blimps. "Milord get down!" Aella tackled the panther king down as a hail of arrows came crashing down from above, the eyebot quickly moved up before firing a pulse sending backward and softly landing backward. Getting up Damion watched as the machine turned towards him. "You all alright? Can't really see you," "We're fine my friend your messager here shielded us from a rain of arrows... what is this one's name?" "His name? I called this one Hex... send him not to only be my voice but at least help out before we can get to you. He may not be as smart as ED-E but he'll do his best," "Thank you my friend please ride swiftly I don't know how long our walls can hold out!" "We'll be there in five," "Five? Wait in five hours?" The Eyebot didn't respond as it just floated in place. "Damn..." Damion turned to his men before holding up his bloodied fist. "What are you all waiting for it's time to defend our homeland! To arms!" The guard and the sand devils raised their weapons before Damion pulled his king's robe from his shoulder revealing his armored body, while the troops began to form up. "Aella," The sand devil scout looked as the king stopped her. "My king?" "Do you think our faith in Six will not be misplaced," Damion asked the scout who flinched at the king's words. "I can't really say..." "Aella... I'm not speaking as your king but as a friend who wishes for another friend's advice," Aella looked away from Damion, she had not known Six long but she gave her trust that the courier was able to save her sister's life and he did. Giving a nod the lioness nodded. "I do believe we can count on his aid," The scout answered to which the king nodded. "Then let us get to work," Stepping forward the King was handed his blade before taking to action with the scout and the eyebot behind him. 'I only hope we can hold out for five hours' (Meanwhile) "WHHOOOOOW!!!" Amelia laughed while at the wheel all the while Six was holding for dear life in the turret seat as the transport they were in hit a sane dune sending them in the air before hitting the ground. "," "Yeah please, Amelia I know were in a rush that was really unnecessary," "Watashi no warui~" The android gave an apologetic look before turning back to the viewfinder while Six looked at her and then to ED-E on his docking station, Six looked back at Amelia before speaking as he went back to calibrating the weapon system. 'Hey, Brain-me,' 'Yeah?' 'Points for picking up that language course when we were separated,' 'You were the one who got me ripped out of you,' 'Hey, we talked about this,' 'More like thought about it,' 'Don't get snarky with me,' 'I'm you asshole' 'Now who is the one using vulgar language now,' 'Shut up... eyes forward two minutes,' Flipping a few switches the twin 20mm machines came to life as the weapon platform lit up as the targeting computer and lenses were activated. Six looked through the three monitors to the outside, and on either side of the reborn pre-war death machine where a small army of securitrons easily keeping up with the tank. Six did work for Mr. House before his time with the NCR and even after his order to kill the 200-year-old living mummy Six had kept a few things from his time like the entire data network from the lucky 38 and the one thing that set him on this path. He definitely earned the right to keep the chip after all he has been through... he was never letting it up. "One minute ready to show me your 'superior driving skills' Amelia?" The Android laughed before flooring the gas. "Kore o yarou!" Author's Note Not as long as the last chapter but I hope you enjoyed it... Also yes I did add a little something to the front of Part 12 that's not a mistake... this is the Red sand war-arch. Where the arch will take the palace in the badlands along with Six now involved, where they have to establish connections with the half of the badlands outside of Equestria's control. Help the Zebras and the somewhat isolated Jackals and fit the trade lands and who knew Six might gain new allies... And one of them is not the one you will expect... X) Part 14 (Red Sand War-Arc part 3)(Abyssinia, Outside the city walls) "SECOND LINE! FIRE!" Throwing out his arm to single the trebuchets, which caused the middle row of the siege crafts to release a barge of fire crystals at the Abyssinia city. Roaring through the sky, the balls of fire exploded upon impact at the city wall and some went over the wall and to the city behind. Abyssinian civilians screamed in fear while some of the guards tried to help pull away the citizens away from the danger the fire watch tried to put out the flames before they spread. Pulling away a fallen wooden beam Aella looked down at the knocked-out tabby cat below, pulling the rubble off the civilian she got the attention of a medic who rush over to help out. Letting the trauma medic do so, Aella turned to the wall before going up the stairs and on top of the wall before looking down at the sieging force below. The ancient anti-siege countermeasures that have not been used in centuries were quickly undusted and reawakened. Fires were set under the giant black kettles with the oil waiting to be boiled while giant stone boulders were rolled forward and readied to be dropped down. Looking down over the wall Aella saw the pony sieging force preparing themselves to go for the wall with siege ladders and giant siege towers. Looking up at the siegecraft she spotted a pony with a red flag lifting it up, she couldn't hear him but she could read his lips from here. "THIRD LINE! FI-" Every single trebuchet exploded as the fire roared out from explosions followed by a chain reaction of the magical crystals being set off. In a burst of fire, thunder, and ice all of the siege weapons were destroyed causing the attacking force to almost hail to a complete stop by the sudden blast of chaos. The ponies weren't the only ones baffled by the sudden chain reaction as the Abyssinians saw something coming out of the flames from the siege weapons. Emerging from the fire were tall machines on wheels rushing forward almost looking like they were running on the single wheel that seemed to be the only way for them to move. At the spearhead was an even larger machine but it looked more like a steam engine of some kind at first due to how fast it was going the rampaging machine held two tubes on part of it's body that roared with fire. The front of this engine of war held some kind of ramming blade that crushed anything in it's wake from broken siege weapon remains or dead pony bodies. The attacking ponies were boxed in as they were against the city wall of Abyssinia on one end and the army of metal on their back. Aella watched as some of the wheeled beings tucked their arms into their bodies before their shoulder's opened up and fired something from them at the ponies. The objects that were fired exploded on the ponies while the lead Warmachine fired it's barreled gun at the siege towers. Explosions, smoke, and blood filled the air as a mere seconds ago Equestira's siege of Abyssinia had ended after only seven minutes of chaos. Where the machines of war began to mop the ponies were now banging their fists on the gates of the city trying to get in while those on had siege ladders tried to scale them but were pulled off by other ponies or the Abyssinians pushed the ladder before they could reach over the walls. Slowly the machines stopped before the wall and surviving ponies were at the mercy of the second force as the leading war engine pointed it's barrels at the equestrian force silently as the only sound it gave was the low growling it gave off. Suddenly a hatch on the strange beast opened as the familiar red-eyed helm of Six popped out before climbing partly out of the vehicle. Aella was shocked to see the man who saved her sister's life riding in such a destructive machine, he then picked up something from within the great war engine and held it up in front of his face. It looked almost like some kind of... "Alright listen up you gold plated horses! I'm going to say this once! You are outnumbered and clearly outgunned! There is no way any of you making out of this alive if you try and fight! The way I see it you all either lay down your arms and surrender and be taken as prisoners of war or you can find yourself being buried in a soup can! You have ten seconds to comply!" The Abyssinians watched over the safety of their wall at the ponies below who were shaking with fear at what to do... Six stared them down while still holding the megaphone in his left hand. "TEN!" "FOR CELESTIA!" A single pony gave a war cry before rushing at the line of machines but one of the machines next to the six's vehicle aimed it's arm before firing a single bolt of red energy at the pony, to which the pony fell down into a pile of as and melted gold armor. "ANYONE ELSE?" Upon Six's words, the ponies dropped their weapons before raising up their hands. "WE SURRENDER!" (Sometime later) Being chained together the ponies were then escorted by part of the Abyssinia guard who watched their every step while an Abyssinian tally master began to record the aftermath of the attack by counting the dead and what was used. The golden armor of the ponies was thrown onto wagons while another tally master weighted each piece on scales to record the total weight before the armor would be melted down by the goldsmiths. All the while the securitrons rolled back and forth sorting through the mess and assisting the cats on Six's order, speaking of whom was sitting on top of the tank while speaking with Aella. "So these things... they're like your friend? ED-E correct?" Six nodded. The lioness turned her gaze to the tank. "And is this too?" Aella asked to which six shook his head. "Not quite. This is a machine but it's more like- Okay so this machine isn't like those over there," Six pointed out before shifting on his spot. "Those machines can move on their own but this one requires someone to help guide it," "So what you're saying those machines are like golems and this machine is like a steam engine?" Six flinched at the sound of a familiar human pre-war device here in this world "Yeah... I guess so," "Amazing," Aella looked at the side of the tank before gently touching it's side. "And you made this?" "With my own two hands... and a bunch of tools," Six answered. "You're a doctor and a craftsman? Heh, what else are you?" Aella smiled at the courier who chuckled to himself. "Whatever I need to be," "What he needs to be is help me with this!" A voice came from within the turret. Aella flinched at the female voice as Six stood up and walked over to the hatch, before looking down into the inside of the machine. Six and the voice began to talk about some stuff she didn't know about while he then ducked his head into the tank before telling the voice about knocking something into place. "Six my friend is everything alright?" Damion's voice startled the courier who lifted his head in the tank accidentally hitting his head. "OW! Mother of-" Lifting his head out of the tank the courier looked to see the King looking up at him. "Oh hey Damion what's going on?" "Nothing much we had a siege seven minutes ago before you arrived and once you arrived the army ready to shed our blood was now throwing down their arms in fear of your metal beings and this machine of yours," Damion admired the large tank. "Thanks I told you I would be here in five," "And I thought you meant five hours," Damion chuckled to himself. "Every time we met you always have something to surprise me with," Six shrugged while smiling under his helmet. "Though I wish we could have seen this attack sooner," The king stated. The courier waved his hand. "Hey stuff unexpected stuff happens and we need to overcome what happens," Giving a low sigh the panther king spoke up. "I fear if you weren't here to aid my people Abyssinia would have fallen," Six looked down at Damion before a realization hit Six. "Wait..." The king looked up at Six. "What is it, my friend," "What of the zebras? That Celestia pony tried her force to attack here and my home at the same time what about Xavior and his people?" Six stated to which Damion nodded. "Normally I would say attacking multiple enemies at once is very unwise but after what happened today I say she would do such a thing I'm already rallying a large detachment of some of my army to aid the zebras but I must ask a favor," Damion then bowed his head slightly almost ashamed of asking for more of the courier's help. "Please can you aid me and my allies in such times we are currently faced with now?" Standing there on the tank, Six wanted to speak but before he could Amelia popped her head from the hatch. "Of course, we would!" Amelia answered causing the courier to snap his head slightly to the right by her sudden answer. It wasn't like he didn't want to help his 'neighbors' but the last time he tried to help others he was outcasted from the resistants of Vegas for assisting the NCR against the legion. Then again he wasn't in vegas any and perhaps this time things will be much different, who is to say? "Yes," Six looked at Amelia who could tell the courier was glaring at her from behind his mask to which she gave a nervous smile. "I will aid you and your friends out to the best of my ability," Six turned back to the king to which Damion smiled while Aella eyed the synthetic android next to six. "Thank the goddess... my friend are you aware of the Jackals from the south?" Six shifted his head slightly. "Jackals?" "Yes, they are the ones who controls the flow of water through the badlands if Celestia is 'clearing the board' she will most likely target the Jackals and hit them the hardest because he who controls the water-" "Controls the Mojave," Six intrepid to which the king tilted his head. "Mojave?" "It's the name what my people call the desert... we had a similar quote," Six answered before looking at the king. "I'll help the jackals but my 'friends' here can't really go with your men to aid the zebras I apologize," The panther shook his head with a smile. "There is no worry my friend as much as I admire your forces my own can held ourselves and besides our army will show ten times the fury you showed this day to the ponies that believe they can take the badlands," Damion balled his fist out before opening his clawed fingers. "Celestia will learn what happens when you mess with a cat you get scratched," Six smiled at the king before the king lowered his hand and spoke up. "But I will not leave you alone in this please take a detachment of my best... the same that once scouted your home before we met long ago," Damion requested as Aella turned away from the android and turned to Six with a smile. "There's some room in the backseat but I have to ask how well you know these Jackals?" Six asked to which Damion gave a nod. "Many believe due to the Jackals being canines and my people felines we would be hated rivals but in reality, we are good allies not as good as say the zebras. But they have been friends with the Abyssinians almost just as long," Damion spoke. "Though they are more isolated than the rest of us and don't take well to badland outsiders very well... if you aren't 'sand-born' they will know," The courier looked at the king for a moment and spoke up. "Got a map?" "I'll show you the way," Aella spoke up to which Amelia took her moment to look at the lioness, Aella did the same staring right back at the Android's glowing red eyes, six noticed the two just staring at each other. 'What's going on here?' (Badlands, minutes later) Back in the landraider Six sat in his seat while looking at the overlay while Aella and her fellow sand devils sat in the passage seats. The old pre-war tank design was original to the soviet design but after the Americans got their hands on a copy they started to redesign the tank due to the sudden depletion of resources, the entire project was swept under the rug for the use of power armor. The courier just got lucky finding the file for this Warmachine back in the military base's data vaults back in the divide after of course he added a few designs features himself, turning his head to the sand devils the courier spoke. "How are you guys back there?" Aella gave a thumbs up while one of the sand devils patted another on the back while the last of them was currently not feeling well. "Motion sick?" Six asked to which the third scout answered with a nod. "Cats... don't... fly..." "Well thank god we ain't flying," Six reached for his pip boy and summoned an empty leather sack. "Here if you gotta puke go in this," Handing the scout the sake Aella got up and looked over the courier's shoulder. "Are we still heading south?" "Yeah," "How can you tell? This thing doesn't look like it has a compass," "Internal guidance computer," Amelia answered tapping the console in front of her. "We can be in a sand storm and still know where we are going in this thing," Six looked at Aella. "It's kind of an advance compass and map altogether," The lioness looked at the back of the android's head before moving back to seat back in her spot, Six looked at the sand devil and then back to the android. Moving over he whispered to the eyebot next to him: "Did I miss something?" "*Coy beeping*" "What is that supposed to mean?" "*Chuckling beeping*" "What? I wait... don't you dare turn on the music I'm trying to-" ED-E began to block out Six's question with music (???) "What is that..." Standing in the ruins of a forgotten temple a being cloaked in the darkness took a deep breath before smiling slightly. "*Sniff Sniff* Something's burning..." Taking another sniff of the air the being tried to remember that smell with those razor-sharp fangs of hers and sent was all too familiar to her. "Oh... it's been too long since I last smelled that. Burning pony flesh," Opening her wings the being smiled. "It's time I go for a walk," Author's Note Ahhhh I love writing a good siege same it was short-lived... Hope you guys enjoyed this I would have added the music for the siege but seeing how quick the counter-attack the song wouldn't last long. I am aware the design of the tank is from red alert 2 but we have barely seen any armored vehicles besides those freaking disgusting pieces of metal from fallout 4... seriously two 105 guns on a single tank? That's a nightmare waiting to happen, two 20mm machine gun tanks do exist for anti-air plus the apocalypse tank might fit in the fallout series (it's literally called the apocalypse tank that should count for something) Kinda wondered what happened to the other countries like Japan, Canada, or even Russia in the fallout lore, or texas... man I don't know how many of you guys are aware of what we have down here in texas. I mean a fallout game in Dallas (JFK was shot+bonnie and Clyde along with tons of museums) or Austin (Texas capital) or Santonio (the Alamo) would be fun seeing how you can't go two feet without bumping into something historical down here! Enough of my ramblings... Hoped you enjoyed this one! Part 15 (Red Sand War-Arc part 4)"You stood with the bear..." "I still do..." "And now they hate you..." "I know..." "..." "Ulysses?" "Hm?" "Do you hate me?" "I used to. Not anymore," "Ulysses?" "What is it?" "Are we friends," "..." "Sorry just wanted to-" "No..." "Oh..." "You're my brother," Six just stared at his fellow courier for a moment before turning back to the ruins of the divide, most likely knowing this would be his final time to visit this place before leaving and this time never returning. Ulysses would stay as the divide's warden but Six wanted to talk with the original sixth courier before he went on a new road to god knows where. Lowering his head Six summoned something to his hand before tapping the flag bearer's shoulder with it, the former tribal looked at the object before taking it in his hands. Standing up the courier stood up one last time from his spot on the ledge before turning to look at the gas-masked courier who wore an old world flag on his back. "Something to remember me by," Six stated before walking to the pass and turning his head to the warden of the divide. "And to keep you from going insane... at least have your story in one place this time," Ulysses watched the courier leave as he looked down at the blank book in his hands with something sticking out of it... An NCR metal... (The Nile kingdom) The role of a ruler is difficult... Sure being the ruler might sound nice with all that power at their fingertips with a life of total luxury and comfort but it wasn't all easy going for the leader of a kingdom. The meetings... The schedule... And worst of all... The paperwork... The one thing that took up most of her day was the paperwork... Slowly the queen of the Nile looked down at the scrolls before writing her signature on the report... Closing the scroll she handed the report to a servant who took the report with a bow and moved off before she unrolled another report. Putting it before her she was about to unroll the scroll before the doors to her work chamber opened while the guards shifted slightly at the door ready to defend their queen. But the moments when a Jackal royal servant caused the guards to relax, holding his head down the servant walked up to the queen before bowing slightly, rising up the servant didn't look up before speaking. "My queen, please forgive my interruption but there is something that requires your attention," The servant apologized. The queen didn't smile but silently thanked the gods for this sudden intervention of an actual excuse to stop doing this headache of merchant reports. "What is it?" The message was a little hesitant but spoke up about the reason for his interruption. "My queen we have strangers at our gates and one of them claims to be a messager sent by King Damion of the Abyssinians," Slowly the queen rose from her chair slightly surprised. "Well, what was the message?" "My queen... he wishes to speak in person," "Why?" The servant shuttered slightly. "Well, my queen... he speaks of war," Slowly the queen made her way to the gates of the outer city while she was forward in her carriage to the gates she wondered why the message didn't come to the palace. While the carriage was put down she stepped out forward with her bodyguards on either side of her, slowly going to the gate she saw why the message didn't come to the palace. Metal golems with a single wheel where their legs would be and in the middle were what looked like some kind of large machine. Standing before the machine stood a being dressed in strange attire donned in an armored long coat and with a helmet with red eyes staring blankly into nothing. Accompanying him were a few of the Abyssninia's sand devils, on the machine were two others a strange floating metal ball and what looked like one of her own people in similar strange clothes and a white jacket working on something. Walking forward the queen soon stood at the gates while the red-eyed helmet of the stranger looked up at her. "Good afternoon ma'am," "Salutations... you must be the messager of King Damion," Speaking to the stranger who nodded. "Kinda," The being stated before moving a hand over his chest and giving a slight bow. "My name is Six ma'am... but I'll be honest with you we all thought your people were under attack," The queen raised her brow at Six's words. "What makes you think that?" One of the sand devils took a step up. "Well, your highness... Abyssinia was just attacked by Equestria," The queen took a second to process what she just heard. "And... you believe Equestria would dare try and take the Nile?" The Jackal queen asked. "Ma'am we wouldn't be here if we didn't believe so," The queen looked at the stranger and then to the sand devil who gave her a nod... Slowly she nodded back. "Let us speak in private... but leave the golems," (The Neil palace) Six looked out through the open palace out to the Neil kingdom, the courier was baffled at how similar this entire place was to that of a civilian from earth's past long before America became a country. 'What did the textbook call it? Yeah... Egypt,' "Amazing aren't they?" Turning his head from the giant pyramids to Aella who smiled while Six nodded. "The Jackals built to bury their kings or pharaoh as they call them," "This is... I can't... wait are the tops gold?" "Yep, every single one," "How are these built?!" Six's brain was being overclocked, first Abyssinia and now this!? Six didn't think there was this much gold in the world, the only large amount he had seen was the thirty-seven gold bars he left in the vault back at New Navarro. Here the entire kingdom had gold on top of superstructures with golden statues of strange-looking idols and pieces of art! "Many many years," Aella stated to which the queen laughed slightly. "It's not as long as you might think," The queen stated from her throne, the two turned while the queen sat still looking at Six's choice of appeal. "But I believe we are to take about Equestria attempting to take the badlands," Sitting on her golden throne, the Jackal queen rested in her white silk clothing before tapping her fingers on the golden armrest. "So Celestia attacked not only Abyssinia but your home as well Six," The queen stated. "Which I'm still trying to understand how someone could live in that wasteland," "I'm used to it..." "Hmhm," The queen looked at Six before speaking up. "Where are you from Six?" "South," Six answered to which the queen lifted her hand up pointing to his head. "Take your helmet off I wish to see your face," The courier froze for a moment before pulling the strap under his helmet and removing his helmet from his face revealing his... 'unique' features. Six watched as the queen's eyes adjusted slightly to see his face before she stood up and walked forward to him before standing right in front of him. "What... are you?" Six gave a slight chuckle before smiling at her with his fangs lightly poking from his mouth. "I'm many things... but I'm a first courier ma'am," Grabbing his chin the Sand devils shifted at the sudden grab but the queen didn't mean any harm to Six but only to inspect his face. After inspecting his face she reached and grabbed some of his furs before pulling a lockout causing the courier to hiss in pain before holding the sudden action. Holding the spot she pulled from, Six gently rubbed his neck before the queen brought the lock of fur to her nose to sniff it before looking back at the courier. "Where were you born," The queen then began to circle the courier. "Ma'am I believe we were-" "Answer the question Six," Aella whispered to which the queen stopped at Six's side. "Yes... answer my question courier," Six looked at her with his bionic reptilian eyes. "I don't know," The queen narrowed her eyes at him. "How do you not know," "I... don't remember," "Why is that?" "Long story..." The queen smiled at the lock of fur in her hand before she asked another question. "Who was your father?" "My father?" "Yes," "I dunno-" "Oh shit!" One of the Abyssinian scouts pointed to the front of the Nile causing the entire group to look forward. "Please tell me I'm the only one seeing this!" The Queen took a step forward looking to the open ocean at the mouth of the Nile. "She would dare..." Turning to the courier. "Seems like you were telling the truth after all," Throwing the lock of the courier's fur in a golden bowl she pointed up at the captain of the guard. "Keel! Rally the rear guard! I want the fangs up before those ships get even close!" "Yes me queen," She turned to the four before her. "I don't know who you are Courier but show me I can trust you... go to the rear and fight as you did for Damion's kingdom," The queen poked his chest plate. Six rolled his shoulder. "Sure but allow me my 'golems' to fight with me," The queen waved her hand. "Do what you must... I will be watching... the eyes of Aya sees all," Six looked at the golden eyes of the Jackal before she turned and moved forward before Courier looked at Aella, the scout nodded like: 'Yeah she not joking'. Gulping the courier put his helmet back on before the sand devils and he exited the palace before going outside. (A few minutes before) "Jōdandeshou!" The android roared in laughter before looking at the Eyebot. Speaking of ED-E looked at the android from within his spot in the tank. "Wait... you really thought?" Amelia laughed at the eye bot before holding her head. "Kiiiiii! No wonder Six is confused! ED-E I thought cats were all gone Dr. Mobius told me they all died out. Plus do you think she has seen anything like me before?" "*Confused beeping*" Tapping the top of his frame Amelia gave a chuckle before lifting up her Nuka-cola up to her lips and taking a sip before the current hatch opened up and Six dropped in. "Amelia..." "Hey, six did it go well?" The synth tried her best not to laugh before the courier noticed her smile. "Did I miss something?" "No... no... ED-E said something funny," Amelia laughed before Six looked at the eyebot who shifted in his slot. "Well, we're up," The android looked up from her seat before looking at Six before looking at her radar. "Wait... now? I didn't see anything," "Because they're up front," Six stated to which the android put her drink down. "Up front?" "Going at the Nile by ship... we got a fleet to deal with," "Oh... Kuso..." "ED-E?" The eyebot beeped while the courier nodded. "Ready the lady just in case," "," Author's Note Well... shorter than normal but the defense for the Neil kingdom is about to begin. (Though to be honest I kinda wish this chapter was a little better doesn't feel like one of my best) This might be a challenge for the Courier even with the tank and securitrons helping since invasion water are different from land sieges, that's why he might need to pull out the lady for this battle. Also for some context the Neil kingdom is heavy based off the ancient egyptian culture and I kinda based Aya off of the goddess Anput but not really what I was going for. I was originally thinking of a golden jackal but might save that thing for another time or something. (My friend made the art which I'm basing her on but I'm not so sure if I should post it here or maybe link it later on) So this will be interesting... Can't wait to write what I have planned. Part 16 (Red Sand War-Arc part 5)-Sunspot, the equestrian navy Pony-of-war flagship of the 2nd solar fleet- Sailing forward the large many decked ship along had her crew pull out her canons while the crew readied themselves for the invasion of the Nile kingdom. Sitting behind the helm with an old cap on top of his head, the old admiral relaxed his old legs before the first officer walked up and stood next to the admiral. "Admiral Sentry! I'm proud to report that the Sunspot has her canons loaded and ready to fire along with the rest of the fleet," The officer stated buffing out her chest with pride, but the old admiral looked up slightly. Wake Sentry had been on the sea for many years and done many things in the name of Princess Celestia from clearing pirates from the merchant ship's routes for nearly thirty years to escorting expectations to protect them from sea monsters and the like. Once the head of the first fleet before stepping down to let a much younger pony take his place at the first fleet and spending the last few years on his ship in peaceful sailing and escorting cruise ships or noble yachts. But having been ordered by the royal court to be moved down here to perform an invasion of the Nile kingdom for affiliation with the rest of the badland kingdoms who declared war on Equestria. Wake had been to the Nile kingdom a few times in his long life sure they were a bit... odd but they were artists and very zealots to their gods, sure they would be upset if you were to say Celestia was the princess of the Sun and not their god Ra but they wouldn't stab you for it. This whole thing didn't sit well with Wake, most of his crew were replaced with fresh young blooded ponies ready to shoot fire and ask questions later in the name of Equestria. They were too eager in fact... He just hopes his young nephew wasn't the same way. "Admiral?" "Huh... oh yes very good Salt rush," "Sir, should I fire the warning canon to give them their chance to surrender?" The admiral looked up and nodded. "Yes," The officer gave her salute before marching to ready the message provided to them by the royal court. Giving a sigh the old pony pulled out his pipe pushing in a few dried tobacco herbs into it before standing up to look at the Nile kingdom. "Faust have mercy on us all," "HURRY UP YOU RUNTS AND PULL!" Keel ordered while the warriors of the Nile pushed on the leveler wheels to pull up the chains for the Nile's gate and to pull up the large black iron stakes to prevent land invasion by the beach. The Jackal captain turned to the being known as Six who was currently looking through what seemed to be some kind of double telescope looking at the ships in the distance. His golems were evenly lined out on the right beach which they were currently on but leaving the left beach completely unguarded but the massive beach tower had the side covered. Along with having his machine device in the middle, in between him and the groups of his men ready to defend their home in a perfect pattern. This caused the Jackal to at least relax knowing this snake-dog knew what it means to strategize but he had yet to prove himself in combat. "What do you see Courier?" Keel asked to which Six looked through his telescope thing to the ships. "A front line I think they are trying to get close enough to see our defenses so they can avoid them before they send the landing parties," The courier stated from on top of his war machine. "Then again I'm not big on sea battle not much water for this sorta thing back home," "Think your golems can defend the Nile just as well as my men," Six lowered his telescope device to look at Keel but before he could say anything Aella spoke up. "His golems whipped out an entire Equestrian siege force in a single attack just a few hours ago... so I think they can hand a few small ships," The sand devil stated while holding her sword in hand before revolving the blade around her hand. "Don't judge a book by it's cover Keel," The Jackal huffed while turning back to oversee his men finishing up bringing the accident sea defenses from their deep water sleep. Returning to his telescope device the courier looked back to the ships before noticing something on the leading flagship. "Hold on looks like... hold on those things have cannons!? Wait they're- SHIT CONTACT!" Six flinched while the leading flagship fired one of it's cannons as a projectile fired through the sky rushing down towards them. All braced for whatever was to come before the projectile exploded in midair... revealing a magical image of a pony donned in robes of the solar royal court. "You are all of you vermin... cowarding in the sand... thinking what I wonder you might escape the burning fire? No, your lands will burn until it's nothing but GLASS! And not even your 'Courier' will live to wander blackened from it's hole to watch us perform our just crusade upon you lawless lands. For too long you have commented crimes against Equestria unpunished! For your coming judgment is the will of Celestia! And I am her blood!" The magical message broke apart as the courier baffled at what he just saw turned to Keel confused. "What the hell was that?" "That was a declaration of war," Keel stated as he watched the magical after dust. "I don't know if I should be flattered if they called me out by name?" Before Keel could answer some of the ships had turned to face their broadside cannons at the beach. "BRACE YOURSELVES!" Six's ears rang as he pulled himself off the sandy beach after the blast from the sudden impact of cannon balls sent him flying off the tank. Screaming and warcry echoed through his ring mind as the courier reached for his helmet pulling it from the sandy beach and placing it on his head strapping it on tighter. Getting to his knees Six noticed that the ponies were already on the beach with landing ships... 'How did they? Shit... they must be teleported forward... I'm starting to hate magic,' The rings in his ears slowly died down before the courier noticed a pony give a war cry rushing at him with a sword, pulling his coat back the courier pulled out his trusty sequoia pointing it at the pony and firing the large caliber bullet blowing the head off the pony. Pushing himself up to watch as the tank's secondary built-in Gatling laser opened fire at the beach while the main turret targeted the land parties trying to get to the beach. Shooting another pony Six watched as a cannonball knock the arm off one of his robots but the advanced Robco robot switched to his secondary firing arm and fired at the ponies with it's 9mm submachine gun. This battle was not at all what six could have predicted, but at least they were holding the beach he need to get the lady over here and quick! Moving towards the Tank the courier spotted Keel in a bind between two ponies quickly he entered V.A.T.S and with pinpoint accuracy, he fired two high-caliber magnum bullets into the skulls of the attackers. Keel turned his head to Six but soon turned back to fighting ponies with his curved blade, being jumped himself Six threw off a pony over his shoulder before shooting another pony in the chest easily going through the equine's gold plate armor. Lifting his trust side arm once again pointing it at another pony but as the hammer of the weapon dropped down an arrow hit right in between the cylinder and the barrel of his weapon. The weapon exploded in his hand causing the Courier to watch in horror as his beloved sequoia was completely blown apart by the arrow blocking the bullet. If his glove didn't have the specialized armor weave then the explosion would have taken his right hand as well. Hissing in rage for his favorite weapon being destroyed in his hands the courier turned to an archer pony on the beach aiming her bow at him. This pony was different than the rest, dressed in a different set of armor with a split horn on her head and seemed to have scales on her body that the armor didn't cover. Six was pissed beyond words that the weapon belonged to the old NCR chief, that same weapon was used to kill Ceaser for christ's sake and this fucking lizard-looking pony destroyed it! Rushing forward at the strange wooden armored pony who fired more arrows at the courier who easily dodged the sharp pointed projectiles. Narrowing her eyes from behind her hood the pony creature loosen five arrows rapidly like a machine gun aiming for the eye slot of Six's visor. The courier brought up his pip-boy to shield his face while selecting a weapon to really teach this pony what happens when you destroy one of a gun lover's favorite weapons! Bring forth 'Knock Knock' the courier swung the black-handled fire axe at the pony with his right hand, the pony dodged with grace and landed light-footed on the sand not even making a footprint. The pony shouldered her bow before drawing two short blades in each hand which caused the courier to know he had to put away the old fire ax in his hands. 'Oh, it's going to be like that huh? Sorry, Knock Knock maybe next time old girl,' Pulling Blood-Nap Six rushed at the pony who parry his attacks and countered with her blades going for his neck and sides, feeling the sharp blade glide against the side of his helmet Six hissed. He had enough of this damn pony so he let a certain implant activate as the entire world began to slow around him allowing Six to de-summon Blood-Nap and bring out another weapon of his. Punching upwards in a fighting style he learned from the legionary before his choice in choosing a side for the Mojave, Six gave a swiping uppercut. The look behind the cloth mask of the pony was just enough to tell Six she had no fucking clue what just happened as the saw blade of his industrial hand had cut through her chest opening her chest cavity open to the world. Falling back to the beach the pony watched as Six raised his foot before bringing it down on the exposed heart of the pony crushing it under his steel-toed boot. "MURDER!" Three ponies ran at the blood-covered courier but before they could draw their blades back a sudden gust of wind blew past them and their necks exploded into blood spigots. Standing with a bloody blade in her hand Aella stood with her long white locks slowly dropping down after her sprint of super natural-like speed. She smiled at the courier who was finally seeing her in action for the first time, the courier turned his gaze to a hail of canon fire to which Aella bolted forward with the same speed as before grabbing the courier by the shoulder and bringing him behind the tank as cover. The tank got hit by a cannonball but the advanced armor easily reflected the cannonball as the courier looked at Aella before giving her a thumbs up and putting his weapon away. "We need to deal with those ships! Can't ED-E take those things out with the tank?" Aella asked. "They way out of range... hold on I need to make a call," Six tapped the side of the tank's hatch before it opened revealing a bulletproof window. "Amelia you two alright in there?" "Subete yoi Six," Amelia smiled while at the helm before ED-E buzzed like a mad droid finally happy to fire the gun. "ED-E call her in! Those ships will ripper apart the city," "*Affermtive beeping*" "Don't take long buddy," The hatch went down as Aella looked at Six. "Reinforcements? What else do you have up your sleeve?" Aella asked while Six summoned 'Light in shining darkness' shooting a pony who spotted them. "This and a couple more aces now we don't have to wait long before help arrives-" Suddenly like a roaring scream, the sky echoed a loud boom that sounded like thunder but there wasn't any lighting or rain in the dark clouds above. But a large shadow passed by the sky above causing Aella to smile and Six to look up at the large dark figure in the air. Passing over them the shadow went to the Equestria Navy before beams of golden light fired down upon the warships setting the countless ships ablaze. Six lowered his weapon while the shadow passed again with more beams of light upon the ships, burning the ships, even for brief moments flashed boiled the water around the fleet. "That's the lady you were talking about?" Aella asked stunned by what she was seeing. "No... that's not one of mine," That was unless Six was so drunk he built an ARCHIMEDES II laser beam weapon on the lady, which was extremely unlikely. Watching the light show Six walked from behind the tank as the pony's morale had been broken by the sudden destruction of the Navy. Standing on the blood-stained beach while the surviving defenders brought the remaining attackers to their knees with blades at the equine's throats. Six, on the other hand, looked towards the sky and to his shock what was in the sky wasn't the giant war plane but some kind of larger winged beast in the sky. Soon the Jackals noticed the figure and gave a mighty cheering warcry. The being soon turned it's gaze to the beach before smiling down at the defenders below, slowly the giant in the sky moved down to the beach but as the being came down it shrank it's size but stopped once it touched the beach before the courier. Standing about seven feet the courier looked at the dark purple being who looked down at him with a smile, Six didn't know what to make of this creature but the Jackals kept howling for the being. "THE SPHINX HAS RETURNED!" (Sometime later) Six felt the soft tissue of the Jackal in his hands as he carefully tended to the wounded Jackal warrior while stitching up his wound. The whole battle was bloody on both sides, something Six didn't expect was the fact the ponies had fucking cannons yet only on their sea ships. If he had known about the whole Cannon thing he would have prepared for the entire thing otherwise this battle would have been a lot different. Wrapping the wound the courier stood up from the bloodied Jackal who was currently groaning in pain as the Jackal medics tended to the rest. Luckily Six was able to help save the limbs of a few of the Jackals before the medics could demand their arms and legs a lost cause to have them removed. All of them would make a speedy recovery, Six whipped his hands off as he turned back to the still-burning ships before walking to the shoreline feeling the water creep up on his boots. For his first battle by water was a bloody one... hell even the water was slightly red from the blood spilled into the blue sea. Six felt the sea breeze push his coat slightly as something tapped against his boots, looking down at his feet he saw what seemed to be a hat of some kind reaching down he picked up the strange-looking hat the courier turned it around to find something inside the headdress. 'An unopen letter... or unsent?' Six looked at the name of the letter he raised his brow at the strange pony name: 'Flash Sentry' He was somewhat tempered to open the letter but he didn't probably out of old habit since he was a courier after all it was frowned upon to open someone's mail. Putting the seal note back in the hat Six turned both into data to be stored in his pip-boy before he turned back to the beach but he was met with the purple being standing before him. "My~ My~ you smell of blood," The 'Sphinx' stated while the courier just looked at her. "Well, that kinda happens when you fight in a battle like this," Six answered feeling slightly uneasy around this tall being before him. "No... that's not it... you reek of blood... not just pony something else... something I never smelled before and I have smelled all kinds of death," The mythical creature stated. "Almost couldn't smell it over the burning flesh of ponies," "If you're saying I killed before I wouldn't deny it... what do you want lady?" Six felt a chill go up his cybernetic spine. "Nothing I simply wanted to see the courier I've been hearing so much about and you 'little red eyes' are quite different than any other mortal I've encountered," Sphinx stated before turning to walk away. "I wonder what else you are capable of doing... I hope you don't disappoint," Six watched the giant walk away before leaving the courier back alone to his thoughts on the battle. 'I need a drink,' Author's Note WHOA, ALMOST 3,000 WORDS! Differently made up for the slow pace of the last chapter! Also, I did replace the dragon tag with Sphinx to mask the surprise of her reveal. Sorry it's not Chrysalis or Genderbent bat-pony Alucard (though I'll be honest I was aimming to make the Sphinx's personality like Hellsing ultimate's Alucard) I did say you might not guess who it was. Before I'm chewed out by the whole 'why do ponies have cannons?' I have two words for you... actually make it a name: 'Pinkie Pie' she literally has a freaking cannon used for parties whose to say that cannon was 'pinkified' for parties of an actual ship cannon. The 20mm cannons couldn't hit the ships since they were out of range as I said and the reason why the ship navy was able to pepper the beach is actually easy. A bigger caliber but not very accurate for aiming at selecting targets... I did have some slight halo 3 inspiration in part of this chapter but I've given you hints of what's going on. Hopefully, you guys can figure out the hints until it's revealed later on... What else? You guys got to see the power of a sand devil and a Sphinx... and sadly Six lost his beloved hand cannon I got an idea for him to get a replacement. God, I love that scene... Well, the last part of the Red Sand War while being in the following chapter. Part 17 (Red Sand War-Arc part 6) You take a sip from your trusty vault 13 canteen Lowering the old canteen filled with fermented Xander Root and Broc Flower, one of the few drinks the courier made in this world that he really enjoyed. Looking up into the turning sky Six rested his head on the back of the tank's turret, not quite sunset not the end of the day yet but it seems like the old saying is true... time does fly. "Soooo think I got some of that 'Real' experience you were talking about?" Amelia asked, sitting crossed-legged on the turret on the courier's right. Six gave a small smirk before lifting his drink up to the Android. "Don't get ahead of yourself... but you did do good work today Amelia," Six told the synth who took his drink before taking off spiked ginger medicine. Looking back to the beach the courier watched as the Jackals move about picking through the wreckage of the battle, while they did the securitron, and began to help fix one another. Tapping Amelia's leg with his hand out the android passed him back the vault-themed item back to him while the courier took back his drink before taking a sip out of it. Looking at the bodies of dead ponies that were being collected by Neil's warriors made the courier think for a moment, these ponies had fought similar to the legion with a little discipline, and bared seemed trained. How they acted was like a bunch of over-hyped zealous recruit legionaries, though a few acted similar to prime Legionaries, and that half-pony/lizard was just like one of those legionary assassins that used to hunt him down. Six titled his head at that thought, that strange pony was clearly targeting him... and before that, the picture clearly spoke his name. But... Why? Did he really make that big of an impression already? "Well... at least I have some experience now... can I have some more?" Looking up at her the Android right away knew her wording was off. "The drink I mean," Handing her the vault 13 'canteen' Six went back to thinking again about how big his reputation was spreading when it hit him. Snapping his fingers the courier turned to his Pip-boy going to the Stats screen and scrolling through before coming to a familiar tab he knew all that well. 'General' AKA basically a record of everything he has ever done, almost everything he did do some things in his past he had to delete. Snapping a lever the vault boy in robes with a beard and halo over his change, where expected to see a boomer-themed vault boy and girl but instead, the old tabs of each Mojave faction were replaced in their place were four new ones. Abyssinia Empire- Liked (An Abyssinian Vault boy wearing a desert merchant outfit pulling down his cloth mask with a smile, next to him was an Abyssinian Vault girl in a sand devil outfit with a sword while holding a finger to where her lip would be) Zebra Lands- Natural (A Zebra vault boy in warrior garb with a spear in one hand and a round shield raising them in the air while giving a silent war cry, standing next to him was a Zebra vault girl in a strand suit with a mask while holding smoking bottles in either hand) Equestria- Stunned (A pony vault boy in solar guard armor standing at attention with his nose in the air, right next to him was a pony vault girl in an expensive dress while holding her hand to her face giving the 'ho-ho' laugh) Kingdom of the Nile- Accepted (A Jackal Vault boy in some silk robes with a note in one hand and a feather pen in the other writing something with a focused look on his face, besides him, was a Jackal Vault girl in a silk gown with snakes around her arms with a slight smirk on her face) 'Okay, I swear this thing has a mind of it's own sometimes,' Lowering his arm back down, he held out his hand to the Android who returned his drink to him. "So what's our next play?" Amelia asked to which Six looked up at the android before he took another sip from his flask. "Guess we check in with Damion... ED-E," Six pound his fist against the land-raider as the Eyebot on cue buzzed out. "" "Connect to Hex," (The zebra lands) Damion pulled his sword from the head of a Kirin assassin the panther king panted his heart racing, it had been a long time since he had to fight like this. Grabbing the fallen equestrian flag he cleaned off the half-pony's blood on the symbol of Celestia's sun before moving up onto the remains of the Equestria force. Sheathing his blade he watched as his troops moved in to attend to their zebra allies causing the old cat to give a sigh at the site of the fallen warriors before him. The Zebras had given it their all in defending their homeland from the poisons they were known to use against their foes among other things. Yet somehow the ponies broke through their lines with the same shock tactics that they used on his own kingdom, it's almost like the- "<Binaric beeping>," Damion turned to his floated companion that had stayed by his side during the battle and protected him. "What is it, my metal friend?" Hex's black and orange frame shook before a low beep was heard then a familiar voice picked from it's speaker. "Damion you there?" "Six! Glad to hear from you how is everything at the Nile?" "I think it went good... we held off a full-on invasion force most likely trying to take the Nile," Six's voice responded through the eyebot. "How are you guys holding up?" "Not good as I wanted it to be. We were able to rally behind the ponies but they had already breached the gates of the zebra land slaying many zebra warriors... and citizens," Hex went quiet for a moment before the courier gave a sigh from his side. "I'm sorry to hear that I wish I could have been there to help out," "Don't blame yourself Six you are only one man you cannot be in two places at once," "Still... is Xavior alright?" The Abyssinian king smiled as he looked at his striped friend currently smacking the shit out of a pony officer that he captured and was currently going off at him. "He is alive Six and very VERY angry," "Glad to hear he is alright... were you able to find out why these ponies attacked us all?" Damion shook his head. "No, I fear we haven't learned anything out of this but I have noticed something," "What is it?" "The banners they carry all have just Celestia's sun crest on it and not Princess Luna's which is unusual. Unless..." Damion looked at the banner still in his hand as he looked at the blood-stained crest. "Unless what?" "I don't truly know but there have been rumors about the equestrian royal court. The thing about corruption, internal power struggles, and stuff about a group of Equestria's elite... I never bothered as long as it didn't affect my people but- "Now it does," "Yes, I do... I believe it is time for the circle to meet," Damion gave a heavy sigh before dropping the flag onto a burning pile. "The circle?" "All three leaders of our land must meet... all this death, all this blood, it cannot go unanswered," Damion looked at Hex before he gave a breath. "Six. I already asked something of you today but I must ask one more thing," "Name it," "Got to Aya and tell her to 'complete the circle' she'll know what it means," Damion asked through the eyebot. "Alright I'll pass the message along," "Also Six..." "Yeah?" "I wish for you to go to our meeting this may involve your land as it does our own," "I understand... stay safe out there Damion," "You as well Courier," With that the signal was cut as Hex gave a soft beep. Damion held his chin as he stood, the circle of leaders hadn't been formed in many years but this act of sudden war was a response for the circle to be formed. Perhaps the circle might have a fourth seat added to it, for the courier has been proven to be a trustworthy and powerful ally in the short amount of time that Damion has known of him. But it wasn't just him to decide all of them must agree to this... "Bah! Nothing!" Xavior walked up to his friend clearly angry at getting anything out of the pony he captured. "So my friend have you received word from our friends in the south?" Damion nodded. "Yes, I have... Six has defended the Nile from an equestrian invasion force," Damion answered before holding the hilt of his blade in worry. "Though I believe it is time for us to form the circle," Xavior froze up for a moment before giving a small nod. "Yes, I do believe that is the wisest action, my friend but it could be risky with all of us being in one place," "True but we must all act together... each of us has been attacked in our homeland unproved," Damion answered before turning to the damaged city. "Though your people required your guidance now," "Yes, but the circle must be set. I hope my beloved would guide our people in this time," Xavior stated as Damion gave a smile. "Zella is a wise leader she will take care of her people," "What of your kingdom Damion?" "I left my home in the capable hands of my council they will be my people guide in my short time away," Damion responded. "To the temple?" "To the temple," (The Nile kingdom) 'Where are you from stranger? What is a New Reno? Or a Goodsprings? By the gods what are these names of lands I do not know? What are you!' Aya held the Six's lock of hair trying to find out what the courier was, though his birth is that of Sand like all those within the badlands, he was of two places of birth none of them she knew. What were his motives? Where was he from? And most important... WHAT WAS HE!? Holding the lock to her face, the queen glared at it before the doors to her throne room opened as a pair of large footsteps echoed throughout followed by the familiar form of the Sphinx. Throwing the lock of hair into a golden bowl the queen looked up at the powerful beast before her who smiled at Aya. "So you returned after what? two thousand years?" Aya asked looking at the velvet-colored magical creature. "More like two thousand two hundred years young queen," The sphinx joked before walking forward looking at the painted carvings on the wall. "And after my time away the Nile has remained the same as the day I left," "In which you targeted the pony kingdom after they tried to copy our kingdoms which you sought to destroy after you believed they insulted the gods by doing so," Aya asked to which the Sphinx's mile turned into a slight snarl. "I didn't believe... I KNEW!" The guards all froze up at the Sphinx's voice being raised but didn't raise their weapons at the servant of the gods, the beast collected herself before smiling again. "But that's all in the past and the gods have found me worthy to return home after my long banishment and just in time too after they attempted to take the Nile," Aya narrowed her eyes slightly at the Sphinx's comments before giving a sigh, guess the stories of the Sphinx's personality were true. She was a handful... "Well I am glad for your return Sphinx the Nile is glad to welcome her protector after so many years," Aya said while the Sphinx gave a half bow before raising up. "And I am glad to have been allowed to return... now about those ponies-" "Excuse me sorry to interrupt," Six budded while walking up past the giant half-beast. "But I got a message from Damion to you ma'am," Walking up Aya shifted at the being she was trying to figure out moments before crossing her legs. "Six... not an hour after the battle and you already have a message from Damion does believe another battle is coming to my lands?" Aya questioned but Six only shook his head. "No, he said to tell you to: 'complete the circle'," Aya shifted on her throne as the Sphinx's smile grew at the courier's words which made Six a little uneasy at the large sharp tooth smile of the giant beast lady. Aya meanwhile was currently tapping her hands on her throne's armrest. Guess this day was going to be a lot longer... 'By the gods will this day ever end?' (???) "This one..." Watching the scene of the battle for the Nile again through a magical mirror the large being looked upon it pointing at Six cutting down the Kirin assassin. Smiling the being replayed the scene of the battle where it was it's most bloodied the courier mercilessly kill the pony attackers that tried to take his life. Smiling at his performance the being chuckled. "I think I found my newest champion," Licking her lips the entity smiled before rewatching the entire battle again. Author's Note OH BOY! Sorry for the wait but... this is the end of the Red Sand War Arc. A short bloody war began when the sky was blood red and ended when it was blood red with the blood of the equestrian invaders had their blood stain the sands throughout the badlands. Now the leaders are bound to meet for a meeting to determine what to do next, while the courier doesn't seem to catch a break when he's trying not to get involved. But I must say this: everything isn't as it seems... on both sides. Along with that this bloody 'war' has caught the attention of external forces it seems and who knows what else is to come. Expect me... I know XD So what do you guys think of this 'war' and what is to come? Also, ask and I'll try to answer any questions for you guys without spoilers. Part 17.5 -MGSR-Author's Note This is kinda a little joke chapter mostly to have some fun with the whole Metal Gear Solid Rising return to the top of the memes so I decided to fit the themes (most of them) of every boss to characters from my story who I think they would fit. Guess you can call this cannon, I don't really do these kinds of chapters anymore mostly because I feel out of favor but I must do it... For the memes. But tell me if you guys think I picked the right ones for the right characters or not. (plus I added two characters at the end I hope you don't mind) Part 17.5 -MGSR- Six: ED-E: Amelia: Damion: Aella (Couldn't find an image for Aella that I pictured for her but here's one I kinda imagine her being I guess) Ulysses Joshua Part 18Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Part 19(One week later) Placing down his broken sequoia onto the workbench Six gave a sigh looking at his trusty iron now completely unusable, ED-E floated over next to him before looking at the weapon and then at the courier. "," "Yeah," Six stared at the weapon thinking of what to do with it. For nearly a week he has avoided doing this mostly because of his promise to his friends but he knew that this couldn't be sat on forever. He needs a working sidearm, sure he had plenty of other side weapons he used in the past but this it was his favorite from the high caliber to the replayability of this weapon. Like all revolvers this one never would jam or break as easily... plus he liked the feel it had in his hands when he first used this weapon to kill Caesar himself. Shot him right through his eye and into his brain. A hot leaded lobotomy. Something to make the former owner smile in the afterlife. There was no saving this beautiful weapon, it was completely scrapped and he had no other weapon like it. Sure he had a few other revolvers he collected over his travels but none of them could match up to such a weapon, maybe if all of them were... Six's brain lit up with an idea before he gave a fanged smile at the broken weapon, Six then began to summon his other revolvers onto the table. A police pistol from the Sierra Madre 'Lucky' from that Safe in Primm A Mysterious Magnum he got from a stranger And a hunting revolver he got from that prick Orris Nodding at the five weapons before him, the courier gave a look toward ED-E who got the same idea as his friend before playing some working music for Six. Taking apart each weapon on the table Six got to work, looking at each part carefully Six began to sort them out while ED-E fired up his multitool. Carefully taking apart the destroyed sequoia ED-E went to his part by 'fixing' the weapon as he melted off the gold lining from the black metal. The process was easy for someone like Six having fixed power armor with some broken metal armor scarp before, making sure each part was up to the task he carefully began to move in with his plan. Taking parts from other guns and completely rebuilding some parts the courier began to assemble his new weapon keeping aspects of some of the weapons he collected and making some new ones too. Having helped the Eyebot hoover back while he watched Six finish up the last part of the weapon, it wasn't a true replacement if he didn't add a little of his own touch as a memory of the original sequoia. Placing the last piece onto the freshly carved ivory grip, Six held up his new weapon before bringing it to his ear and rotating the cylinder with his thumb. *Click* *Click* *Click* *Click* *Click* *Click* *Click* Lowering his hands down the courier looked at his newest weapon. "," (New Navarro) Stepping outside Six watched as dozens of robots buzzed around like a swarm of ants moving out expanding his home even more. Due to the change of events, the courier had to change a few things around his home from expanding, adding a gate, and guard towers, and expanding the harvesters down below. The entire week has been busy from building drones to building better roads connecting the kingdoms together to building communication hubs between the kingdoms along with showing his allies how they worked. All that was done on Monday! Plus sending construction drones along with a sentry bot detachment to help out the Zebra lands and having a talk with Queen Aya about a better way to defend the Nile. This leads him up to this thing that he had been working on for a while now, this thing would act not only as a defense system against the equestrian navy but also as a resupply platform, undersea mining, and finally a wet dock. Something he pulled from the Enclaves book. A Sea Rig. Building inland in pieces before building it out in the water. If Six was going to be a part of this he wasn't going to hold anything back, hell he might use the very thing the cult worships against them. Giving a sigh Six stepped forward into the sidewalk and into the hangar that held the lady while music roared out within, entering the hangar he walked over to the Lady who was still waiting to take flight. Amelia was on top of a moving platform painting on the aircraft's nose causing the courier to tilt his head to the side upon seeing it. Two playing cards of the two of spades and seven of diamonds in the hand of a woman with a pearl bracelet, with the words 'the lady' written in a similar text to the lucky 38 logo. Though that wasn't a human hand but a fur-covered clawed hand. "Not bad Amelia," Six said over the music on the radio player next to the android. Turning over to him she smiled having finished the nose art before pushing a lever on the platform down causing it to move down to level. "Thanks... I heard it was good luck to put art on such a bomber's nose," "Huh, I didn't actually know that. I thought they were just to look cool," Six looked back at the painting before looking back at the Android. "You busy?" "Not really boss. What's up?" Amelia asked turning the music off. "I have been meaning to ask you... what are your thoughts on everything," Six asked to which Amelia blinked in surprise before leaning on the railing of the moving platform. "Hmmm... Well, I'm glad we're helping out everyone that we can. The old brain used to say that the big empty was made to help people before the great war and he hoped that I could help people like what they used to do before the war," Amelia smiled at the courier. "You think he'll be proud that I'm helping out in this whole thing?" Nodding the courier could only imagine Dr. Mobius even with his scattered brain mind would believe in his 'heart' that after two hundred years he finally created something that was doing a lot of good. "Yeah I would like to think so too," Six then turned to the lady and back to Amelia. "How fast does that paint need to dry," "Not long why?" "Wanna go for a test flight?" The courier asked. "You know just... you and me?" Amelia lifted her head up slightly. "Yeah I would love to," The Android smiled while the courier nodded. "Alright let's get in the air," The massive engine of the massive warplane began to roar to life as the plane lined up on the runway. "Yeah, I'm sure buddy plus it'll be good to have personal time with Amelia you know?" Six said through the radio while Amelia was double-checking the back. "<Sly beeping>," Shifting back for a moment the courier then looked back to the still-closed door behind him. "I guess it is," ED-E gave a recording of cheering before beeping. "Alright settle down buddy," Entering the cockpit Amelia smiled at the courier before taking the copilot's seat. "We're all set Six," Amelia smiled while the courier gave a nod before holding up his radio. "Alright ED-E were going to take her out wish us luck buddy," "<Confirming beeping>," Strapping into her seat the Android nodded at Six as he took the stick and the entire plane began to move forward and then speed up before it took off into the air. Amelia never have been in any aircraft before shifting back in her seat not at all expecting the g-force of taking off, laughing in the seat next to her. Soon the large aircraft was in the air flying high above... Unsummoning his helmet Six looked down at the ground below looking down at it with his own eyes, he hadn't actually been in the air like this before. Plus the simulation copy he had from Nelis Air Force base didn't do the view he was currently seeing any justice at all. "Amazing," Six stated while Amelia looked down at the view below completely at a loss for words. "Hey, Amelia look I think that's Abyssinia," Turning over to look at what he was pointing to the android backed up. "Whoa... it looks so small from up here," "I know," Six stated before turning to Amelia. "You wanna take the wheel?" "What?" Amelia froze up at the courier's question. "Do you wanna fly for a bit?" "Sure... can't be too hard from driving the land-raider," Amelia answered but Six noticed her hands which shook slightly before he could switch the controls over to her side. "Actually it kind is a little different," Six stated before waving to her. "Come here Amelia," "Huh?" "Unbuckle and come here I'll show you," Six told her to which she did so and walked over to him. "Okay, so this is th-" By surprise, Amelia popped down right on top of the courier's lap causing Six to be taken aback by the sudden action. "What it's not safe to fly unseated plus I get a better view at the controls from here," Amelia answered to which Six couldn't argue with that logic, he began to point out all the parts of the controls before her as she listened carefully. A little while later the android was at the controls with the courier gently guiding her. "Careful don't want us to tip over," Six stated over her shoulder. "Got it," "There you go. See you're getting the hang of it," Watching her move 'The lady' through the sky without his help the courier nodded. "Alright how about you go to your seat and try it without me," The courier asked but Amelia didn't get up from his lap. "Um... Amelia is everything okay?" Feeling her head gently rest against his the Courier felt her relax against him before she spoke. "Can I stay like this for a little bit?" Amelia asked to which Six didn't know how exactly to respond before he relaxed with a warm smile. "Sure just for a little bit," (Equestria, Ponyville) "I think that Six-person is behind this," Rainbow Dash pointed out while her friends were trying to found out a way to re-establish friendly terms with the three major kingdoms on the east side of the badlands after they suddenly broke off contact a week ago. "He's probably using some kind of mind control do-hickey to use enslave the three kingdoms like Sombra did with the Crystal empire," "Yeah! That super-meanie pants is probably planning to use his big super evil death ray on Equestria!" Pinkie pie blurred out and Twilight looked at her clearly confused. "How do you know if he has a death ray?" Twilight asked to which Pinkie Pie zoomed up next to her. "He totally has one I can feel it! All evil villains have one! I beat you he is twirling his mustache on that weird face of his!" Pinkie Pie raised her fist. "We must stop the death ray!" Facepalming at Pinkie's very wild imagination the princess made a mental note to tell Spike to stop showing their party-loving friend his comic books. Giving a deep breath the newest princess collected herself before standing up and looking at her friends. "Alright, girls I wanna get this out of the way... this Six character bad as he is. Could or could not be responsible for the badland kingdoms to break off from us completely," Twilight stated. "There could many other reasons for this sudden change... it could be something else entirely but the task we have doesn't include that Jerk from No-man's land. The task we have is to somehow get the kingdoms to open up their trade routes again to us otherwise a lot of stuff on the market is going to be a lot more pricy," "A lot more? Darling the prices for fabric have shot through the roof! And I also can no longer find any of my shops that are stocked with Nile woven silk or Abyssinian satin!" Rarity cried out before Applejack shook her head. "Rarity you think that's bad? The other day Applebloom went to get some natural medicine for some of our trees at the farm from Zecora but she had left back to her homeland... the chemical medicine we were forced to buy was more expensive and most of our trees didn't make it in time," Applejack pointed out to the white unicorn. "Yes things are bad news because of the sudden change but this is why we're here! We need to get those trade lines back open though talking with them," Twilight stated. "Who has any ideas on what we should do?" Author's Note Things seem to be going up with the entire population of Equestria not knowing what happened with the badland's change and it's now completely affecting their very way of living. Even some of the elements of harmony are being affected by the sudden change. Bad things happen when your allies cut off from you. Along with that, the badland kingdoms are now receiving non-combatant aid from the courier with some minor things for now. He'll slowly introduce new things and the like to help out but nothing much. Six is also assembling a sea rig similar to the one the Enclave had back in fallout 2 but a lot more armed. If anything it's more like a small fortress on the water with a few other bells and whistles. I will explain what happened to the prisoners of the 'Red Sand War' later but I kinda wanna leave this chapter on a more heartwarming note. Plus a date in a flying bomber? That's quite an interesting first date experience even if no dinner or whatever and I love doing romantic-wholesome stuff. Since sadly romance is dying in our current day and age. Part 20(Cantorlot) The sounds of low moaning echoed through the halls while the stench of lust was overwhelming. Throwing on an expensive robe over his body the masked pony sat down before looking at another masked pony but this pony was more covered, unlike the barely dressed pony. "So why is it that you decided to come to me after I told you not to come back after the badlands attacked," The pony stated to which the more covered one bowed his head in shame. "I know my prince but there has been a sudden disturbance during your leave to the crystal empire," This caused his 'superior' to shift in his seat. "What 'disturbance' have those mongrels attacked us or not?" The pony shook his head. "No my prince... a matter of fact they have cut themselves off from the rest of the world," "What do you mean they cut themselves off from the rest of the world?" "It's how it sounds my prince... the Jackals, the Abyssinians, and even the zebras have cut all contact beyond their borders even summoning an earth wall around the entire east badland's borders," Hearing the report caused the pony to sit up grabbing the pony by the front of his cloak. "How?! They possess no such magical ability to do such a thing!" "They didn't... it's rumored that the Sphinx has returned and created the wall," "What!" The pony shouted causing the pony he was holding to flinch. "I was told if the attack did fail they would declare war and we could have all that wealth in the palm of our hands! Not 'cut themselves off' so tell me... Where is my war?!" "I don't know my prince I swear perhaps the goddess herself would-" "Be silent! The goddess will not act unless they act first! It is our duty to make sure they do and claim our rightful spot as the masters of Equis," The yellowed mane pony snarled behind his mask before throwing the pony before him forward. "Fix this or I will find someone else that will," The pony gave a fearful nod before the prince sat back down while he held his chin before mares crawled their way over to him, smiling he looked down at them causing Prince Blueblood to lick his lips. (New Navarro) "Aella! Aella! Look at that one!" Watching her sister run up forward to one of the metal men that guarded 'New Navarro' the little kitten smiled as the screen face on it changed from a confused face to a silly face upon seeing her at it's large wheeled leg. "Marie be careful Mr. Six told us to be careful," The sand devil said before walking over with a duffle bag in her hand. "Ahhh Ms. Aella welcome to New Navarro the courier is currently making sure all accommodations are ready for you and your fellow Sand Devils," The metal man said with his face turning into a basic smile. "Please wait a moment I shall ring for him," Marie turned to her older sister who looked at her younger sibling before smiling at her big sis. "Oppf," Behind them the two other sand devils gave a grunt lowering the large trunk. "Agh... why does this all weigh so heavy?" "Dude this is your stuff," The other sand devil stated while the Abyssinian shook his head. "All I packed was the essentials," "We'll you barely own anything," "Hey, I don't buy stuff that I don't need like you," The first argued. "Don't say that just the other day you borrowed my waffle maker," "You don't like waffles!" "Well, at least I had one!" "Ladies your both pretty now stop being a bad role model for the little one," A familiar voice broke the two teammates up, while Six approached. "Mr. Six!" Marie rushed over to the courier before he was given a rushed hug to his gut. "Hey there little kitty how do you feel?" Six asked looking down at her. "So much better!" Marie let the courier go before bouncing up and down. "Not even a day after you left she was almost bouncing off the walls," Aella stated while the courier just chuckled. "That so... has Ted been making sure you were okay?" Six asked to which the small cat lifted the restored teddy up to the courier. "Yep! He's been making sure the monsters stay away!" Raising his brow Six at her words before Aella rolled her eyes causing the courier to put two-and-two together. "That's great little kitty... you ready to see your new room?" The kitten nodded before looking around. "Where's ED-E?" Upon her asking the eyebot appeared while giving a chirping beeping, she rushed over to the eyebot who lowered down allowing her to give him a hug. "Hey Six sorry about this," Aella told him to which he shrugged. "Hey, Damion wants you guys to make sure not of those... um... what were they called again," "Kirin assassins?" "Yeah, those guys. From attacking me or whatever... even after I told him I handle assassins before," Six stated before Aella shrugged. "Though to be honest I think he wants you guys to be safe here since you guys were at the Nile," "Yeah that could be true too," Aella stated before the other sand devils walked forward. "Well, I'm glad to be out of scouting duty for one," "Pssh by scouting he means sleeping in the back of the wagon for the entire time," "Dude!" Six shook his hand. "It's fine I wouldn't tell anyone... though I hate to ask this after what we've been through but what are your names again?" "Oh, Shi- *notices Aella glaring at him* -cky did we not tell you our names?" Six shook his head, to which the two cats looked at one another before the dark maroon one spoke. "I'm Simmon it's nice to meet you, sir," "And I'm Grif," The orange cat stated to which the courier looked at them. "Alright, Simmon and Grif it's a pleasure," Six greeted. "Beat you guys are hungry from your trip here?" "Oh man, I can eat an Ursa Major," Grif groaned while Simmons hissed. "You're always hungry! I'm surprised you don't have a gut yet," "Well, I hope you don't mind but we will be eating some squirrel stew," "Ewwwwwww," Marie stuck out her tongue at the mention of such a meal. "Don't worry little one Six is just joking. We are having corn beef soup," Turning her head to the new voice a strange woman walked up next to the small child before moving down to her level placing her hands on her knees while smiling at her. "Kon'nichiwa I'm Amelia you must be Marie your sister has told me so much about you," Leaning in slightly the android whispered. "I think you'll like it here... wait till you see your new room," Marie's curiosity perked up at the mention of her new room before smiling at the Android. (Meanwhile) The Sphinx stood on the very top of one of the pyramids with her arms crossed watching the citizens of the Nile go about their day from before looking to the sky. It had been so long since she left to burn down those ponies who insulted her home, but even after many years, this place hadn't changed that much. Though back in the day this kingdom and the Nile itself were so much bigger and vast when she was just a cub back when her creators lived within the Nile kingdom. In those days the badlands was once called something else but it had been so long since she heard it been said that even she had forgotten it. But she never forgot the gods... Her creators and her masters. Back then though... many of the gods still lived before- Shaking her head the Sphinx looked towards the setting sun, once that very thing was controlled by the most powerful of all the gods. Ra, the true god of the sun and the most powerful. He was the one who would control the sun so long ago while Khonsu held control of the moon and stars. Long before this 'Celestia' and 'Luna' were brought into this world. But that did change when they were betrayed by that damn pony, she had it all! The gods never wanted a war... even her mentor didn't want such a war which is kinda saying a lot since her mentor was the goddess of war. Still, that damn pony after uniting her lands wanted more so she attacked the badlands and the gods themselves killing them and stealing their powers. Which was more insulting she placed the powers of the heavens into children! The power-hungry pony kept wanting more and more before she was finally driven back but even after her defeat the Sphinx's creators were forced to flee to the heavens for centuries to heal themselves after such grievous wounds that would kill any lesser beings. Leaving her and her fellow Vessels behind but many of her kin had given up or were slain over the years leaving only her to protect their home. That was before those ponies mocked her home by attempting to steal their very culture as their own, after she heard of it she sought to destroy it but that damn pony Somnambula beat her driving her out. After this, the gods who remained to watch over the remains of the Nile cast her out as punishment for many years until recently allowing her to return to her duty to protect the Nile. Though after what happened of late it seems her duty in protecting the Nile has changed. This 'alliance' in a way was a part of the Nile which meant now that the entire East Badlands was her duty to protect and watch over. Well, at least that courier from No man's land was doing most of her job for her by using those machines of his to help prepare for the upcoming war. And this war that was to come would be a bloody one... Hell, she could even sense the presence of her mentor watching down from the heavens. Perhaps she would make her return during this war! Though the Sphinx could feel her mentor's gaze not fall on her but rather on the courier. Author's Note Okay sorry for the shortness... and dare I say it. 'Filler'-like (Just typing it makes me feel weird) But I kinda wanted to reveal some things in this chapter that didn't mostly involve Six even though he is the MC. From the cult to the Sand devils moving into New Navarro along with the Sphinx reminding me about the past plus the fact I might have spoiled the big reveal. In the end hoped you enjoyed and again sorry for how short this chapter is. Part 21(???) "Hello and welcome to bedrock prison... whatever your reason for Incarceration is, allow me to shed some light on the rules of your new home for however long your sentence is," The image of a cartoon faced being wearing a watchman's cap and oversized sunglasses was on the screen of the machine before them. "First of all, this prison is ten miles below sea level with one way out... that being was the lift you were all brought down," The machine started while other beings that were much larger and were on three wheels instead of one watched over them training their weapons on the chained ponies who all had different expressions. The one in the lead shifted forward slightly then back on his large 'leg-wheel' before holding out it's three-finger metal hands out to them. "The lift is always to be on the top side when not transporting so don't get any ideas your all going to be down here for a while might as well get comfortable. Now as you can tell this isn't normal prison, you are all prisoners of war and will be treated as such down here. This prison has a strict no-tolerance rule, misbehave in any way and it's a strike and one week in the box no exceptions," The robot clicked. "Upon three strikes though and it's a month in the box followed by a meeting about what punishment you will get upon your misbehaving which will either include more time in the box or death," Many of the ponies shifted at this but were settled down by the red lights of the larger machine glaring them down. "Luckily the rules are very simple to follow and aren't at all hard but I think some of you might find a way to break these rules so before you break any rules let me show you what the box is," Above them is a large screen light up before showing off what seemed to be a cramped dark room with a mat for a bed and a hole in the ground. "You'll have half food and water rations along with that you'll be chained to the wall and have zone contact with anyone outside," The ponies all looked at the screen before the scene shifted to an image of the collar they were all wearing. "That pretty necklace you all have is a specialized collar re-made by Mr. Six to keep from doing anything you'll regret and make sure you're following the rules. The collars have a monitoring system and a tracking system along with a small explosive pointed right at the base of your skulls which will be used accordingly," The screen then went dark as the 'warden' looked at them. "Also there will be no sexual activity in this prison. I mean it... that is also a part of the no-tolerance rule any and all sexual activity whatever it might be will be a strike and a week in the box. One more thing, before you get the idea about there aren't enough boxes to hold you all... there is we have more than enough," The caged doors then opened up before them. "With that out the way... please enjoy your stay here in Bedrock prison," (New Navarro) Holding the cloud-stained acoustic guitar Six began to strum some notes while sitting across from Marie who nodded her head to the beat while the courier was freestyling with the old instrument he found abandoned in the Sierra Madre. Smiling at him the older sister of Marie chuckled while adjusting the cuff of the new suit Six had made for her and her teammates before Griff fell back when trying to put on his boots. "Gah... why are these so hard to put on?" Griff growled trying to kick his boot on, while Simmons facepalmed. "Damn it Griff your supposed to move that small knob on the side... Six told us before we put these on," "I did see it doesn't work," "No that's a bolt, you dolt!" Simmons nearly shouted, rolling her eyes Aella turned back to her sister and Six who were letting her hold the guitar before showing her how to play a note. "Oh, this one?" "Yes!" Aella felt someone lightly elbow her arm, the lioness turned to see Amelia who smiling slightly. "They always like this?" Amelia asked to which Aella chuckled before nodding. "Sometimes... honestly I forgot they aren't brothers but how they act it's easy to get the idea that they are," Aella explained before Amelia turned to Six and Marie. "Kinda how Six acts around Marie?" Marie looked at the courier who was nodding as Marie played a note correctly. "Yeah though he's not arguing with her. To be honest, never seen her this comfortable with someone else besides me and those two blockheads over there," Aella whispered while Simmons and Griff were in another arguing match about why there was no 'food pocket' in the suits. "He's really good with her to be honest... hey Amelia?" "What's up?" "Does Six have a younger sibling?" Amelia looked confused by the feline's question before holding her chin for a second to think before shaking his head. "No... well I don't think so at least. He did say he saw two others as his brothers but not related to him in any genetic way," Amelia explained. "Who?" "Joshua and... I think the other was named Ulysses," Amelia answered. "Those are interesting names," Aella pointed out before shrugging. "Then again he's named after a number," Aella pointed to Six who took back the guitar and play a few more notes. "Finally! There you happy now the suits all on like the way you want it, Simmons," "I want it? It's the proper way to wear it as Six showed us!" "Well what's the point of these don't get me wrong these are nice but what's wrong with our armor?" "Because you are in no man's land," Six spoke up over him playing his guitar. "It's hotter here than it is in the main badlands... those suits are made to keep you cool and hydrated," Amelia nodded before turning to the two tomcats. "Those suits your wearing is based on a set of 'recon armor' meant to be for to be worn under power armor," This caused Griff's ears to perk up. "Ooooh, what's that," Griff's words caused the maroon cat to sigh with a facepalm. "Don't get your hopes up that removed that part of the armor and replaced it with the cooling and water recycler system," Amelia explained which caused all three of the scouts to look at her confused. "It's a system where it recycles all your sweat, urine, and even tears into clean drinking water just in case you are strained in the desert," "Yuck," Marie stuck out her tongue having eased dropped on the android's conversion but Six was the first to speak up. "Yes it is kinda gross but it's that or passing out from dehydration kiddo," Marie looked at Six before tapping her fingers together. "But I don't have to wear one do I?" Six shook his head. "Not at all little kitty," He then leaned in slightly and playfully whispered. "Though the suits are a little too big," Marie's ears flatten slightly. "That's not nice," "What is?" "Saying my sister is fat," Six could have sworn he heard glass break upon the younger sister's words. There were many things he learned in the wasteland and one of those was not to comment how... um... 'large' a woman was in the wasteland and dare you to say anything about a woman's weight in the wasteland. He learned such things the hard way by accidentally commenting on the weight of the power armor veronica which ended up having him get punched in the gut by her not-weaponized fist. "That's not what I said," Six stood up looking at Aella who now had her arms crossed showing she wasn't quite amazed by Six's comment either. "I just said that the suits would look too big on your sister," "So you are saying Marie is fat?" Aella asked still holding that unamused look on her face. "No! I'm just saying the suits are designed for military-trained adults. Not saying your fat or anything actually you're very slim and athletic," Six pointed out before Aella chuckled and punched his arm lightly. "Relax I'm just messing with you," "Oh thank god," Six gave a sigh before rubbing the back of his head. "Alright so let's get everything ready for the day yeah?" Six-pointed out. "Hey ED-E?" The eyebot chirped upon Six's request. "Can you show Marie here to the game room?" ED-E gave a cheerful beeping before guiding Marie away, and Aella watched her little sister follow the metal machine. "Hey it's okay she's safe here," Amelia told the scout to which Aella looked at her. "I know but... it's just-" "Relax ED-E will watch over her," Amelia stated before Six nodded as he put away the old guitar. "So let me take you guys on that tutor I promised you," (Equestria) "Okay so let me get this straight... you want me to go with you and your friends to the border," "Mhm," "Guide you through the badlands to the Zebra lands," "Mhm," "All the while I'm completely unarmed and unarmored?" "Mh-mh," "Okay I'm sorry twilight but I can't do that," Tempest answered which caused the princess of friendship to groan slightly. "Why not?" "Well, I can't! Like I cannot go there without it turning from bad to worse," "How come?" Tempest held the bridge of her snout before looking at the princess. "Twilight I was a part of the storm king's army remember?" "Yeah but that's in the past," Twilight stated. "It might be but Twilight remembers the storm king had tried to pull in the entire badlands under his rule," Tempest explained only to have Twilight roll her shoulders. "So?" "So?! Twilight you aren't listening... the Storm king was threatening the kingdoms and I was there wearing his symbol! While he did the threatening in front of the leaders!" Tempest pointed out. "I'm sure they have forgiven you, Tempest. I don't know why you're making such a big deal about this that was like a million years ago," Twilight said to which the dark purple pony gave the 'uhggg' expression. "Try months ago!" Tempest looked back at twilight. "Look Twilight his whole 'peace' thing might not even work after the rumors I've been hearing and it sounds to me that the badlands want to be left alone. Along with that even if you somehow get to the leaders and try to talk it out it wouldn't end the way you think it would," Twilight just looked at the former commander while she shrugged. "It did with you," "That's different! This is something completely different! Twilight there is one thing I learned in my travels the stuff we were taught in other kingdoms is ALOT different," Twilight rolled her eyes before smiling. "I know... I've been to Yakyakistan, Dragon lands, and the griffin Isles," Tempest hissed slightly. "Twilight this is nothing like that... you only saw their 'capitals' not their mainland or anything," Tempest stated. "Look this is something you are not ready for," "Of course I am... Tempest, I'm the princess of friendship they'll know I mean well," "Like that Six person, you told me about," "Well, that was different," "Twilight- *Gaw* look you might need to replan your approach to this and I cannot be a part of it because if they see me they might see you as a hostile threat or something," Tempest explained. "Along with that going with your friends while wearing the elements is also a bad idea... maybe just go with a small escort of guards or have Starlight act as an envoy or something she knows a thing or two about this kind of thing," Twilight looked at Tempest before crossing her arms and looking to the side. "I don't know Tempest..." "Just think about it alright? Please... I don't want to be a part of another war," Tempest explained before finishing her milkshake and getting up from her seat. "And one more thing Twilight," The princess looked up at her friend before Tempest gave a sigh. "Be careful alright... the past that land has is nothing like the Equestria textbooks say it is," Leaving her friend at the booth Tempest pulled on her leather jacket while Grubber got off the bar after finishing his cake. Twilight watched while the veteran leaves the sugar cube corner before giving a sigh and resting her head on her hand while looking out the window at her booth seeing the dark clouds in the sky. 'Weird there wasn't supposed to be any rain planned for the week' Author's Note Alright! 2,000+ words again... Now you guys know what happened to the ponies who survived the 'red-sand-war-event' where they are now. Though I was somewhat inspired by a few prison movies for 'bedrock' though like the warden said this prison isn't like any other, it uses tech from the Sierra Madre and Big mountain so that can tell you how interesting it is. Similar to a storm that is about to brew up at ponyville, this is only the calm before the storm for the fate of the badlands and Equestria. Things are about to happen along with choices that cannot be undone. Man, I'm so excited too. Plus the research I've been doing on an upon-coming character is actually pretty shocking and somewhat funny though that could be just the format of the source I've been using, then again I've been using this source for mythology since high school. Besides that I hope the scene with Marie and Six wasn't weird or anything I did base it on this: (I'm trying to do my best to make Six a good role model) Hope you guys enjoyed this! Quick update/PS- I finally found an image that somewhat matches Six's Nightstalker body: (This is surprisingly close to how I pictured Six in this story, though I pictured him with a shorter tail and lacking a rattler on the end but all in all almost a perfect match although this character isn't Six, nor is Six in my story is named Cassidy. Just saying this is the closest thing I could fix that was SFW and looked both semi-realistic and one I liked) Part 21.5- A Dark Vision (Halloween special 2022)(???) The storm was not letting up she had to move quickly her protection spell wears off unless she wants to be torn apart by what the high winds carried. Walking on the glass surface her boots dug their heels into the fragile surface with each step she took, holding up her face covering the wander looked down at the map in her hands. The cloud cover sky make it hard for her to see what was going but her goggles allowed her to see in the darkness, looking back up she saw it. Walking forward passing by the crystalized skeletons that littered the ground before her, looking down she couldn't help but noticed that some of the skeletons had melted gold fused to their bones while others seemed to have metal slag caking their remains. Lifting her head up the wander smiled at the sight before her. 'New Never-row,' Well, at least what was left of it within the crater at her feet. Kicking off she began to carefully slide down the massive hole in the glass-covered wasteland before making it to the bottom where her boots clanged on something metallic. Looking down sure enough there she was standing on top of a metal floor of some kind, unlike the rest of the crater this was completely undamaged. Walking forward to the massive archway on the side of the crater, the lone figure moved towards it, and sure enough like what she was told it was. The doorway... Doorway to where? No one really knew but everyone she knew had heard stories of many different others going into the opening and no one ever returned except one. That poor soul had entered this place with thirty others but only he came back out and after what happened he was never the same. He had spoken of things so unbelievable that they couldn't be true and they called him mad for it, in the end, he was slowly gone insane after his experience, and before he could get help he ran back here screaming about someone taking it all away. No one saw that mad dog ever again but the things that he had spoken of had gotten the attention of fortune seekers and treasure hunters going to this place. Sadly like the many before them none had ever returned, she on the other hand wasn't a fortune seeker or treasure hunter. She was here because not out of want... but need. Her home had been falling apart after someone she thought was her friend took power and was running their entire home into the ground while destroying the lives of others that weren't like them. She hoped in some way to stop the madness but everything she did was in vain until she started to have dreams of this place. Something or someone was reaching out to her through an old magical spell... Princess Luna was long dead but someone here was reaching out to her through the land of dreams. So after days of journeying to this place she had finally arrived, hopefully, finding something to end the madness within her homeland. Entering the massive gear-shaped doorway she walked onto some sort of massive metal platform but the moment she step onto the middle of the floor the entire thing shifted her way back and was blocked with a metal fence. Yellow lights flashed within causing her to be taken aback, pulling off her goggles she looked up seeing that the metal platform she was on was now moving downwards. After a few minutes, the platform stopped as the metal fence in the front moved down. Stepping off the platform into a barely lit metal and concrete hallway the wander felt a shiver go down her spine as she walked deeper in. Walking through the halls she finally came to the end where a massive hall waited for her causing the wander to shake her head and sense something about this whole place was off. Almost felt like something was poking at her very mind. "Finally..." The coat of fur on the back of her neck stood up upon hearing the voice that spoke to her. "For a moment I thought you lost your way... luckily you didn't," Every fiber of her body was on edge before she took her first step into the massive hall, although there was little light she looked around seeing massive machines of alien design all about this place. From the Ceiling, floor, and even the walls with cables seemly connecting them all. Yet these very machines made her feel uneasy just by looking at them, for many of these glass tanks were extremely foggy but even though the thick green liquid she could have sworn she saw something move within. "I..." She took a breath before pressing on. "I've seen this place once... in my dreams a-are you the great mage known as Starswirl the bearded?" "My dear... I killed starswirl," Stopping in her tracks the wander froze up before the voice gave a low chuckle. "I have been every voice... you have ever heard... inside your head," Snapping her head back at the sound of something massive being shut her blood froze at the sight of a door lock itself to her only exit from this place. "All through what I did was little compared to what your people have done. It didn't really take much, did it? Just one little thing for you kind to start to turn on one another and I didn't have anything to do with it," The voice chuckled. "But sometimes I wish that I did," Looking through the darkness trying to find an escape route she was going to try and escape but her eyes widened with horror as machines rose from the darkness. Machine with glass tanks that within them held the one thing all sentient life had... a brain. "You believed that this place would hope for your people... it's funny how naive you all can be," The voice stated. "Especially when your beloved princess of the sun believed she killed me. Yet she forgot one thing," Feeling a presence behind her the wander could hear the pounding of her heart in her ears. "I have died before and besides what doesn't kill you..." Slowly she turned her head to the voice behind her no long echoing through the hall. "Just make me stronger," Looming over her was a massive being large almost completely glowing red, eyes like hot coals stared right down at her while one of it's giant claws wrapped around her while she was unable to move out of fear. Lifting her up the mouth of the creature twisted itself into a giant smile filled with razor-sharp teeth with two large fangs dripping with glowing venom. "I almost feel bad for you Sunny... everything that has happened to your people and how your home was shattered is almost sad but after what your kind did to me and my people?" Moving her close to him the pony flinched as one of the massive curved horns threaten to take her eye. "Let's just say I was glad to return the princess's actions and full," Looking at her the massive monster that turned her home into a waking nightmare, he snorted before turning to something and then back to her. "Though there is still a blood debt to be paid one that your kind has yet to pay fully even after what I did... like cockroaches you survived hiding in the dark but now? Now I'll make sure that you'll tell me everything," Sunny spat in the face of the giant. "I'm not saying anything!" Chuckling 'the devil' whipped his face off. "You will... you just need to take a dip," Walking across the room Sunny felt the giant rip off her clothing leaving her bare but she was then slammed into something before she could react her arms were forced to hold herself before cloth fired around her wrapping her in some kind of cloth. Trying to break free of her bindings, the pony felt the device she was on move back before needles dug into her skin causing her to scream in pain. Her veins roared out in pain while her mummy-wrapped body was grabbed by something, as she was pulled up one of the wrappings around her left eye came to lose. What she saw terrified her. Giving a muffled scream the metal claw holding her up let her go before she fell down, falling into a giant pool of glowing liquid Sunny felt her entire body scream out in pain as she sinks into the thick green liquid. The screams of the pony went silent as the liquid slowly went still before an orange fur-covered hand reached out of the liquid before the color of the coat began to turn from orange to ashen grey followed by the fingers of the hand turning to talons as sharp quills grew out on the forearm. Before another similar mutated hand reached from the liquid followed by a skeletal face of the creature that was once Sunny Starscout. A similar fate waited for the rest of Celestia's 'sweet little ponies' to destroy her very memory. Author's Note So I did write a blog about something similar to this, about a dark future involving gen 5 but I wanted to go deeper into that kind of trope. This somewhat grim dark future would happen if the sphinx wasn't allowed to return to the Nile during the invasion. This would result in Six using the lady for the first time which would lead up to a full-scale war that would involve a pretty bloody war. Where the cult would get their war but like what happened 200 years ago back on earth when the bombs dropped, Six dropped everything he had no other choice. Basically giving equestrian it's own 'great war' leaving the ponies and other races outside the badlands to survive in the fallout no pun intended. This dark version of Six is where he had finally gone off the deep end and is so hateful of Celestia that he went down the same dark road Ulysses went. But unlike his fellow Courier Six went down to the end of that dark road and came back as something different. I did base this dark courier off Palpatine, The master, and even Ultron. Which I don't have an image of what he is but in a nutshell Six is this heavily mutated creature that would give Frank Horrigan a run for his money. Basically a companion of Deathclaw, Nightslaker, and a super mutant clad in power armor. But I did have an idea of this being a dream where Six met Six from little nightmares where he would be her protector and give the little yellow raincoat child a new path to take. Yet that would be a happy ending and this is Halloween, plus my little nightmare knowledge isn't the best so... I do hope you enjoy this special. Also, this isn't canon to the main story think of it as a 'dark mirror' concept or something. Part 22(???) "Come on you open up," "Open the vault," "I can make it worth your while," "Think about what you're throwing away!" "I have other weapons. Other technology I can share with you!" "The big empty! I know the way there. I know some of it's secrets," "The collars! The collars were a mistake! I see that now! Why would I kill you? After all you done? After all WE done together?" "ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME!?" "Everything down here. I swear! So much you can see! You can rule the wastes with what's down here!" "Make your own army. Reshape the world. And if others disagree? Put collars on them I can show you how," "DON'T YOU LEAVE ME HERE! YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME!" "Eh? It's getting dark in here. Machine... machine's losing power, no. I still have pip-boy light... maybe... maybe... no, no, that doesn't work," "Where? Where is that door? Can't find the door!" "Calm, been in worse situations... find a way out... somehow, then find that courier," "Maybe Veronica? No... no... she thinks I'm dead," "Must be someone... maybe that other courier, the one with the flag on his back... maybe... no... no... said he'd never come to the Sierra Madre," "No way out. Can't... Can't end like this," "You," "I know you can here me," "When you die, Courier... I'll be waiting," "Your grave's going look just like this vault," "When you die..." "I'll be here waiting..." "At the Sierra Madre. Waiting..." ... "You can't be so mistaken you old fool," (New Navarro) "SIX!" Before he had the chance to even open his eyes Six felt something small crash land on top of his gut, grunting Six opened his eyes still a little groggy the courier lifted his head up to look at the small cat smiling at him. "Wake up!" Marie looked at him causing the courier to push himself up from his lounging chair. "Already bored with your new room?" Six joked while Marie sat up on his lap. "Of course not. I just want to be out here with you," Marie answered to which Six titled his head. "Well, here you are now. What do you wanna do?" "Play with me," Marie patted his chest plate causing Six to laugh. "Alright sweetie what do you want to play?" Looking around she then pointed to the small table to the two of them. "Why not that?" "Chess? Do you know how to play?" "Noooooo..." She rocked back and forth before looking at him. "Can you teach me?" "Alright might be awhile," (Meanwhile) (Las pegasus on the border of the western badlands) Holding a bag over her shoulder Starlight couldn't believe what was right in front of her. 'The wall' A massive barrier that had to be 500 meters tall and ran across the entire border as far as she could see and from what she was told the wall had to be at least 100 meters thick. Along with that, it was all completely enchanted in ancient magic she wasn't even familiar with which was really saying something from her countless years of experience studying all forms of magic. This was something out of her ballpark. "Ma'am?" Turning her head to her escort who all were completely unarmed and unarmored pegasi only wearing simple military uniforms. Somewhat uneasy going in so 'bare' Starlight understood the reasoning behind this after what she heard and the last thing she wanted to start was to start a war. Her goal was to try and make contact with the government leaders of nations within the western badland for negotiations which shouldn't be a complete mess. This could be some sort of 'friendship' problem they can just talk about and have the wall down at the end of the week if she was lucky. "Sorry, I'm ready now. I was just overthinking about things again," Starlight joked while her guard nodded before the two went over to the chariot. Climbing aboard Starlight gave a deep breath as the final guard threw on his harness before the four trained flyers opened their wings before running forward and taking off into the air. Grabbing the handlebar before her to hold tight starlight hated the royal chariots, these things were outdated and it showed. It seemed whoever made these things was more focused on the pegasi harness rather than the passage, the chariot themselves were made from extremely light wood that was so thin that it provided very little protection to the passenger and it lacked a back which could be very hazardous for a few obvious reasons. Along with that, the only thing that the passenger had from falling off was a single handle that was barely screwed to the front of the cart. Thankfully she was a unicorn and she could use her magic to help out but she could only imagine what kind of mad earth pony would go out in one of these. Making it over the border wall Starlight couldn't help but look down and sure enough, the wall was wide as the reports have stated them being. Slowly she felt the chariot begin to level out while Starlight relaxed in the back looking at the badlands below and reaching into her bag to pull out a telescope. Unfolding the gold tube she looked down at the land before seeing a whole bunch of sand and nothing really else as expected, that was until something caught her eye. Turning her gaze to the small pew of smoke she looked in the direction of what seemed to be a moving trail of smoke. Confused she looked in the direction of the potential source of smoke but when she did Starlight nearly fell backward from the thing she was seeing right before her! There in the middle of the badlands was a train! An actual non-equestrian train right here in the badlands! It was a complete shock to her to see something that was only made in equestrian now out in the badlands of all places, the equestrian badland's did even have a working rail system. While the railroad company was currently planning out it's future expansion here the western badlands had what seemed to be a working train and railroad. She quickly reached into her backpack before pulling out her camera to take a picture of the train before something else caught her attention. What looked like a scrapyard not far from the station turn her gaze over to it but upon looking through the lens of the camera she almost fell off this time from what she was seeing. An entire field fenced off had giant machines out lined up and large factories most likely building such machines within their walls, then she saw a much large area that looked like some sort of construction site within the fenced-off area was a large machine being built as a large tube rested next to it. Taking picture after picture Starlight didn't even notice two objects flying through the air close and slowly going down to either side of the chariot. The low roaring caused not only Starlight to turn but her escort as well to look to see two massive metal birds-like machines fly up on either side of the chariot. Frozen in shock Starlight looked at these remarkable machines flying in the air upon closer inspection she noticed in the glass dome in the front of one of the flying craft was a strange helmet-wearing creature and behind them was one of the metal creatures Twilight described. Turning its head to her the strange helmet-wearing stared at her before lifting up his hand and pointing downwards. All though she didn't know who these people were or what these machines were the hand gesture was one that didn't take a genius to figure out. 'Land now' (Back at New Narravo) Walking forward Amelia was still trying to gather what she had just received over the radio, apparently during a training route for future badland pilots they encountered an unidentified flying object which turned out to be an equestrian flying chariot. Honestly, she didn't know what to make of this and currently was going over to Six to see what he could figure this whole deal. She already sent out a report to Damion, Xaviar, and Aya about this sudden breach in the badland's air space but since the flying chariot was spotted almost forty miles without being noticed by the air portal made she know this was a huge problem. "Six I think you should see this," Turning the corner with a notebook in hand she looked up but froze at what she was seeing. Little Marie was playing chess with the courier, it was kinda cute seeing the mirror image of Six and Marie both hand their arms on their legs while holding their hands together in front of their faces. Moved his piece and then the small Abyssinian would move hers before she snapped up and smiled. "HA! Checkmate," Marie roared with laughter before Six followed with his own laughter. Smiling Amelia slowly walked over before Six noticed her. "Hey, Amelia what's up?" Six asked. "Nothing much can I get your attention real quick?" "Aw can't we have one more game?" Marie cried before Six smiled standing up and patting her head. "How about a little later," Six moved over and walked up to Amelia. "What's going on?" Amelia leaned in close to his ear. "We may have a slight problem," "What kind of problem?" "Flying ponies," "Shit," "Yeah," Amelia looked over to the chess board before looking back at Six. "You let her win didn't you?" "You said it not me," Six stated before shaking his head. "Really hope this whole deal doesn't cut into what I have planned later," "Oh? What plans?" Amelia leaned back with a smirk on her back. "Oh, nothing... I was thinking something like you and me small dinner and watch one of those pre-war movies?" Six asked before Amelia blushed slightly and held up her notepad to hide her smile. "Then I guess we should hurry then," (Interrogation room A-3) Starlight shivered at the cold metal vices wrapped around her wrists causing her to look down at them despite how thin they looked and the chain that held them to the table in front of her they were surprisingly strong. Along with that, there was for some reason a mirror in the room and a strange machine with a tiny black window looking down at her while it gave a blinking red light towards her. Ever since they were forced to land Starlight and her Escort were taken into custody before her bag along with her camera was taken by the machines and military personnel here. What was weird was that this military personnel wasn't just one species but it had each member of every settlement closed off in the western badlands. From Jackal, Zebra, and Abyssinian all were here wearing strange armor painted with a strange sand yellow pattern. It was hard to believe what she was seeing but all she could do was company rather than be awestruck. Before she knew it the unicorn was placed in this room alone, where she has been for what felt like hours. That was before someone opened the door to the room before someone entered, unlike the rest of the soldiers this one was dressed differently and walked up from behind her before seeing across the table from her. Upon sitting down Starlight quickly recognized the being sitting across from her, his red-eyed helmet and armored coat told her who this was. Her friend described this being many times before after they were literally kicked out of the strange settlement in no man's land. Six... "Well," Six spoke his voice muffled by his mask. "What brings you to the badlands?" "Oh. I'm here to speak with the leaders of the badlands about the wall and why they have cut all trade routes with Equestria?" Starlight answered the surprisingly casual question. Six gave a nod before lifting up her camera. "So you weren't taking pictures of our trains and work sites?" Six asked to which Starlight moved back before nodding. "Well yes, I just saw it and-" "You thought you could get some recon intel for your superiors?" "Recon intel?" Starlight lowered her cuffed hands to the table before narrowing her brow confused. "No, I-" "You know this isn't a good look for you lady," Six stated before moving down his hand. "You could be facing serious charges for this," Starlight froze before leaning back. "For what I took some pictures!" "Espionage," Starlight felt her blood freeze solid before holding back up her hands. "I'm not a spy. I'm an evony sent by princess twilight for peaceful negotiations with the leaders of the badlands," "Then why were you taking pictures?" "Because I just..." Starlight froze not knowing what to say. Six stared at her behind his non-blinking red visor before giving a deep muffled sigh and holding up his free hand. "Say what you're going to say," "Excuse me?" "Say what you were going to say to the leaders of the badlands they can hear you," Six stated before lowering his freehand to the table. "How?" "Does it matter?" "Yes it does I wish to speak to them in person," Starlight answered. "Well, you are currently in front of one. Say what you're going to say," "Your not a leader of any badland land kingdom," Starlight scoffed to which Six did not. "True I don't rule a kingdom but I am a leader and I'm allied with the three kingdoms here," Six corrected before tapping his fingers on the table. "So if you one to speak with one of us in person well here say what you will," "Fine. Why have you cut off trade routes to Equestria?" Six stared at her before turning to the mirror and holding up his free hand towards it like a 'is she for real' gesture before turning back to her. "Well you come to the wrong place to ask that question," Six stated. "You can find your answer back in equestrian," "What do you mean?" Six stared at her for a moment before he pointed right at her. "You attacked us," "Wait? No, the elements didn't-" "That was an infiltration and it was against me that's not what I mean," Six interrupted her. "No your kingdom came in on a four-front invasion attack targeting not only my home but my three allies," "What we didn't attack any kingdom," "Yes, you did," "No, we did-" Six summoned something to his hand before slamming it onto the table causing her to freeze at the site of the golden helmet of an equestrian guard. "-not," She looked at him and then towards the helmet before speaking up. "I don't understand when? well, why? I? Celestia would never have," Starlight was at a loss for words before looking at Six. "I heard rumors about something but that's just it rumors," "Rumors of what?" "A small part of the equestrian army and navy just... disappearing but it's just a rumor," This changed Six's posture while he stared at her. "Just disappeared huh?" "Yeah but I'm not into the whole military presence but how-?" "Maybe you should start to look into it," Six stated before Starlight watched him sitting up. "You and your buddies will be escorted across the border but I'm confiscating your camera," "That was a present from my friend," Six silently stared at her before walking away with her Camera before she dropped her head onto her hands. Slowly raising her head to the helmet Six's voice echoed in her mind. (With Six) "You going to keep staring or are you going to ask me if I did the right thing?" Six asked casually to Aya who walk next to him. "No, I believe that went well," Turning to the queen of the Nile Six tilted his head. "Not something my interrogators would have done but I think that is why it went so well," "Heh. What do they do usually?" "Boil them in oil or whip them," Aya stated before Six shifted. "Damn," "I'm joking Six," "That's the first time you ever said a joke to me," Six laughed lightly. "Come now I have joked before," Aya countered to which Six shook his head. "Not really," Turning from him with a smile on her face the two proceed to keep walking. "All though I might need to hurry up that air radar system," This caused Aya to give a nod. "That you do," "Maybe put something up on that wall just to be safe," "What you thinking of," "Well I might have an idea about some things but my mind is currently on something else," Six stated honestly. "Oh? Do you have plans with someone?" "Yes," "Who?" "Amelia," "Amelia? Not Aella?" Six turned towards her confused. "What do you mean by that?" Shaking her head Aya smiled. "For a man with such sharp eyes, you can't be so blind sometimes," Stopping Six watched the lady of water walk away but Six couldn't help but notice her swaying her hips while she walked. "<BANG!>" ED-E blurred out causing Six to flinch before turning to his buddy who was bobbing up and down seemly in laughter. "ED! I swear do that again and I'll turn you into a toaster," "*Coy beeping*," "Don't tempt me," Author's Note Man, that was a pretty long break but I'm back in the saddle with this story having chatted about some ideas with my pals over discord. Along with that, I got a plan that would be leading up to the next story Arch, also I'm not trying to rush the whole herd/pack deal kinda slowing it here since fallout romance is just as slow but very sweet. Before I forget a friend of mine is writing a 'What if' scenario just a heads up and I ain't going to spoil anything but it will be similar to my Halloween special. Also, yes the start of the story is Father Ejiah's 'last words' though I have done the Safety deposit box ending for dead money. Although for some reason my game never would seem to work properly then again I got out with all the gold and loot from the vault so that could be why vegas was always a bit of a glitchy game. Here's a video of Ejiah's last words: Besides that, I hope you enjoy this story's return. Part 22.5 (X-Mas 2022 special, Non-cannon)"Aella! Aella! Aella!" Groaning as the small Abyssinian tackled her sleeping sister causing the older sibling to rise from her bed. "What is Sweetheart!" Aella asked while Marie pointed to the doorway. "Someone was here last night! They left a tree and boxes in the big room!" Marie panicked causing the sand devil to rise up reaching for her blade that rested next to her bed frame. "Where?" Pointing the way Marie hid behind her big sis while Aella slowly drew her blade before they rounded the corner to find a strange tree in the big room with small boxes wrapped in colorful paper. Confused Aella tilted her head before noticing someone shift behind the tree and after telling her sister to say behind the corner she raised her sword before rushing over to the intruder. Giving a warcry she rushed over but froze when the familiar mask of Six turned to her. "Six?" "Aella! Um... you up early," Lowering her sword she looked down at Six before rolling her arms confused. "Six... what in the god's name are you wearing?" Aella asked by the courier's sudden change in wardrobe. "What? You don't like my Santa duster?" Six asked holding his red and white fluffed duster. "Santa duster?" "Yeah, you don't like it? I mean sure it's not like my actual duster but you know the holidays thought I would spice things up a bit," Six stated while adjusting the red and white sleeping cap that covered the top of his riot helmet. "Holidays... I'm so confused," "Wait? Do you know what today is?" The Abyssinian shook her head. "Aella it's Christmas! Wait-" Six then realized the obvious fact he was missing. "You don't have that here do you?" "No we don't," Looking at the tree and then at Six she sheathed her blade. "Is this a big holiday from where you are from?" "Heck yeah... besides Halloween and thanksgiving but this is a huge one and I actually have people to celebrate it with," Six stated while noticing Marie peaking out. "It's okay kiddo," Slowly the kitten walked towards them before the door to the base opened and Amelia and ED-E entered with more gifts in their hands. "Merry Christmas!" Amelia smiled while ED-E gave a cheerful beeping. Wearing her own red and white outfit and ED-E wore a similar colored nightcap that Six and Juno were wearing on top of his body's frame. Marie walked over to the tree before Six moved down to one of the wrapped boxes before handing it to the little one. "Here you go this one is from me to your kitten," Looking at him before at the gift Marie took it with a smile before she began to unwrap it, gasping at the sight of the small robot dragon in her hands. Aella gave a sigh before looking toward Six. "Seriously? You're really spoiling her," Aella stated before Six raised a gift to her. "What?" "For you," "I didn't get you anything," "Doesn't matter," Six told her before she took the gift and opened it revealing a beautiful necklace and a pair of red-eyed sand goggles. "One's for work and the other is for parties," Smiling at him she nodded before taking a seat and while Griff walked out of the hallway hissing. "Hey what's going on out here-" Stopping in his tracks before noticing the whole setup. "What's going on here?" "It's Chrisssmas!" Marie smiled while hugging the robot's head that rested on her shoulders. "Okay... wait are those cookies?" (Later) "<🎵All I want for Christmas is you!~🎵>" The record player played while Six sat with a smile on his face with Amelia holding her brand new labcoat that Six custom-made for her. "Hey, Six?" Amelia pulled Six's attention from Marie who was playing with her new robot friend while ED-E buzzed a little jealous at his newest competition. "What's up?" "How long has it been since you last celebrated Christmas?" The android asked to which the courier tilted his head slightly. "Now that you mention it," (One year ago) (The lucky 38) "Come on Boone don't be such a stick in the mud," Veronica said in a cheerful tone while the rest of the companions of the courier were in the TV room. "I ain't wearing it," "Oh come on it's Christmas! Don't be such a scrooge!" "Who?" Cass chuckled while holding her mug of whiskey-laced deathclaw eggnog while Raul petted a panting Rex that was resting at his feet, Arcade holding a Nuka-cola nervously glancing at ED-E all the while Lily hummed a tone while doing her best to knit a sweater. The plastic Christmas held some used vacuum tubes that were turned into little Christmas lights resting on each branch with some vault-tec packaged holiday cookies. Six stood next to the doorframe a smile on his face while looking at his friends while Mr. New Vegas played his winter wonderland over the radio. Watching while Veronica forced Boone to wear a Christmas sweater the courier got up putting his helmet on before going to the elevator. "Six?" Cass's voice caused the courier to turn to his friend. "Yeah?" "Where are you going?" The whiskey-loving gal asked to which Six nodded his head. "I got to make one stop today to someone," While the doors opened to the lift he stepped in before the doors closed he held up a small wrapped gift in his hands. "No one should be alone on Christmas," (The divide) "Come to talk some more before the battle of hoover damn again courier?" Ulysses asked not having to turn knowing it was the courier who entered through the wreckage behind him. Expecting the courier to drop a small colorfully wrapped box next to him. "What this?" Picking it up he turned to his fellow courier. "Merry Christmas brother," "Christmas? A pre-war holiday it was-" "Oh my god! Just take the gift!" Ulysses stared at the armored man before opening the small box and upon seeing what was within he couldn't help but smile. "I found it when going through Caeser's tent... he had a bunch of shit that didn't belong to him but I thought you would want this back past or not," The courier stared up at Six before giving a low dry chuckle. "Thank you, Courier," "What are brothers for?" (Present day) "I do hope he's still going," Six smiled while Amelia looked at him for a moment before reaching down a lifting a box to him. "For me?" "Merry Christmas Six," Opening it Six could help but smile at the gift he was given. Author's Note And a very merry Christmas to you all! Sorry if I have been lacking in updates but hey when have you been given the entire metro series and two Warhammer games-Inquisitor marty and Adaptus Mechincus, For early Christmas presents you get tied up. Along with a sudden urge to watch old madness combat stuff for some reason. Sadly, Darktide isn't on console yet but I'll try to get it whenever. Speaking of X-mas stuff I found a few really cool things I wanted to use for this like a X-mas skyrim outfit mod but it was kinda NSFW (not really though just showed a lot of skin) but nothing showy just didn't trust it. But I was inspired by this for Six's Santa riot outfit: (You know being festive and all that jazz) All in all, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Part 23"Alright agenda completely cleared," "*Affermtive beep*," "All calls on standby?" "*Affermtive beep*," "Drinks and food?" "*Affermtive beep*," "Guns loaded with extra ammo?" "*Affermitve beeping*," "Alright! I got this," Six commented to himself while the eyebot buzzed next to him. "I just need to not screw this up," "*Cheerful beeping*," "Yeah-! What?" Confused by what ED-E had just suggested Six turned his head to the robot. "No... just... why? 'Human mating calls'? That's just wrong. Besides she ain't human," "*Coy beeping*," Six faced palmed at ED-E's response. "Just... go Amelia will be here any minute," "*joyful beeping*," "I'm pretty sure Marie is waiting for you to play with her or something," Six shooed the eyebot away with a smile on his face while the Enclave robot floated away. Staring down at the firing range Six held his chin for a moment. "All through is this really appropriate for a date? Damion did offer a table at that restaurant maybe this wasn't such a good idea," Not having another second to rethink his plans when a pair of hands went over his eyes. "Guess who," Surprised by the synth's voice Six gently pushed her hands from his bionic eyes. "Well seeing how you are the only one who can sneak up on me it wasn't a hard guess," Amelia smiled while crossing her arms. "I was actually trying to make you jump. You make a cute sound whenever you do," The Synthic replied causing the courier to blush slightly. "I do not," She nodded. "You totally do," Amelia argued back with a sly smile on her face, her eyes drifted behind Six when she spotted the surprise he had for her. "Ohhhhh what is that?" "Nothing much just some rattlesnake steaks with a bottle of scotch from Mr. House's personal collection," Six moved his hand to the table when moving his hands over to something over on the range covered by a cloth. "And some 'dessert' for later," Eyeing the covered object Ameila's tail began to wag in excitement for what could be under the piece of cloth. (Equestria, Ponyville) Running through the massive Storm that had been plaguing the small town none stop for the past several days, Starlight who had returned back to Ponyville after being 'escorted' out of the divided board of the western badlands had booked it back home. Pushing the doors open Starlight ran forward not even caring about the mud she tracked in. "Twilight! Twilight!" Rushing up the stairs to the chamber that held the table of friendship Starlight ran forward. "Twilight! I'm back we need to-" Pushing down the doors to the room Starlight froze at the sight of her friend staring at the table in front of her. "-talk?" She hadn't been gone that long and it seemed to her that Twilight had been worse for wear, her purple fur looked almost pale as if she had been in shock. "Twilight?" Starlight casually took a step forward, this got the princess's attention causing Twilight to rise up at her friend's return. "Starlight!" Ran over to the princess and hugged her. "Your okay!" Starlight froze before hugging her friend back. "Of course I'm okay... Twilight are you good?" Starlight ask breaking the hug to which Twilight shook her head. "No... no... I'm not... I'm so not good... so much is not good... all is not good... so not good," Twilight rambled causing Starlight to raise her brow at her friend's change in personality over a short amount of time. "Twilight did something happen when I was gone?" "Did something happen? DID SOMETHING HAPPEN?!" She shot towards Starlight before grabbing her coat. "THEY HAVE SPIKE!" "What?" "Spike was taken shortly after you left for the badlands by..." Twilight shivered while holding her arms. "By who?" "Who do you think?" Twilight hissed with venom in her words. "HIM," "Him?" Starlight looked to the side for a moment before looking up at Twilight. "You mean Six?" "YES! That... that... that monster! He came here broke into the castle and snatched up Spike! Killed two guards who tried to save Spike and wounded one," Twilight roared causing her student to flinch. Confused Starlight watched the princess sit back down this time holding her head in her hands, thinking for a moment Starlight shook her head not able to make heads or tails of the accusations that Twilight just spoke. She had met Six once and despite their 'talk' they had not so long ago the courier didn't seem to be the kind of person to kidnap someone after letting her and some guards go. "Why would he do such a thing?" Starlight asked to which Twilight shook. "To 'get back at us' why else?" Twilight answered. "He was trespassing on Equestrian soil and had the nerve to threaten me and my friends after kicking us out and then taking half the badlands under his control... then he dragon-napped Spike," Twilight was now shaking with rage while Starlight stood in a place frozen by what she had heard. "That doesn't-" "That doesn't what?" A new voice asked causing Starlight to turn to an unfamiliar pony walking in. "That doesn't make sense? My dear from what I've been told of this ghastly courier he doesn't need any reason to do as he wishes," "I'm sorry who are you?" Starlight asked the yellow-coated stallion who walked into the chamber. "Ah forgive me. I am Lord Firerun the third servant of the solar court. I was sent here to oversee the investigation of Mr. Spike's sudden dragon-napping," The pony stated. "Since when does the solar court care about a dragon-napping?" "Oh my dear the court cares for the student of Celestia's well-being of course and by extension her dragon and the elements," Firerun answered. Starlight narrowed her eyes at Firerun's answer while her conversation with Six lingered in her mind for a moment. "How do you know it was Six?" Starlight asked causing Firerun to chuckle. "Elementry! The window to Spike's room was blasted in by a metal ball before that awful courier entered and reached for Spike but three brave guards heard the ruckus and attempted to stop them Six murdered two of them in cold blood while severely crippling the third. Before the rest of the guard could arrive to save Spike, the courier was already gone with the poor dragon," Firerun explained. Turning her head to her friend Starlight leaned toward her. "Twilight where were you when this was happening?" Starlight asked. "I was with Fluttershy and Rarity having tea and when I came home Spike was gone," Twilight shivered trying not to cry. Starlight looked at her friend before turning back to Firerun who held up his chin with that stupid look all nobles had on them thinking they were better than their fellow ponies. "Can I see Spike's room?" "But of course, it has been untouched since the attack," Firerun explained. "I don't think you will find the evidence point to that courier," Pulling up her coat after sparing one more glance at Starlight the pony left with a weird feeling in her chest. This whole thing didn't sit well with her. (New Navarro) "EEEEEEEEEE!" Amelia cheered at the site of the freshly built light machine gun. "An MG3!" Sure enough right under that covering there was a modernized german-designed light machine gun having been by Six from one of the many different files he pulled from the old military base back at the divide's data vault. "Yep that's a good eye you got. I had this thing built to test-fire it and see if it's good from what I read. Hell, I custom-made some 7.62x51mm for this test," Six pointed out. "And I decided to test it with you," Her pale face blushed at Six's words while she bounced up and down in place. "Can I try it out first?" "Of course," Six agreed which cause her smile to widen. Rushing over to the weapon she lay down on the ground going over to the weapon, inspecting it Amelia carefully checked the weapon before pulling back the bolt on the left side of the weapon. Six got down next to her while she readied the modernized old-world machine gun while staring down the targets. "I loaded a tracer round every five rounds on the ammo belt to show where you are shooting. It's a pretty basic machine gun nothing you're not used to," Six pointed out while Amelia just stared at him. "I know you don't have to nag me," Amelia replied as she returned to aiming. Holding up the bullet chain in his hands Six didn't need to tell the android before she pulled the trigger. Not a normal date by any means but it was one to remember. Author's Note Oh man, it's been a short break but it's back from sleeping mostly because of writer's block + life like usual. What better way to return it is with Six and Amelia going on a date and more conspires arising from the mainland? Sorry for the shortness but I will tell you guys this, there will be another major arch arising in the story. All in all glad to be back writing this. Till the next one guys. (Also that is NOT a MG34 but a MG3 it exists in the real world and since the MG42 does exist in the fallout universe plus the fact old world USA had a bunch of german weapons lying around I would expect they did know about the modern 'MG42' AKA the MG3) Part 24 (The Invasion Defensive-Arch part 1)(A week later) "Clear first area! Go! Go! Go!' "Area cleared! Move into the building!" "Melee with your knife!" "Last area! Move! Move!" "Sprint to the exit! Clock's ticking!" (Border outpost Delta) "Ohhhh yeah 2.01 seconds too slow sandy better luck next time," The Zebra smiled looking at the timer while the Abyssinian hissed under his breath at his score. "Oh, that's bullshit! There's no way!" Sandy growled while the Zebra crossed his arms with a smile. "Don't know what to tell you cloak doesn't lie," This response got the Zebra a quick glare while one of the 'new' soldiers of the western badlands stared at his rival. "You fucking hit the cloak early," "Pffph I did not!" The Zebra shrugged. "You're lying out your striped ass! I know you did!" Sandy growled while the Zebra held up a smile on his face with his hands out. "I so didn't," "Your right eye twitches when you lie Xeron!" This caused the Zebra to hold said eye confused. "It does?" "I knew it!" As the two bickered one of the other western soldiers ran past the finish in the brand new combat mark two armor he was issued in. "By the gods! Why must we do this? I already know how to fight! Why must we change thousands of years of our ways of battle overnight?" The Jackal barked causing the Abyssinian to nod slightly out of partial understanding. "I hear what you're saying, brother, but look at what we have! These weapons and armor are years ahead of anything we had before Sir Six came to the badlands," Sandy responded holding out his standard-issued marksman carbine. "These weapons are far more powerful than the crossbows we had back in my homeland!" The Jackal groaned while pulling on his sand-colored chest plate of combat armor. "Say what you will this armor is far too tight for my liking," This caused the two to chuckle at their comrade's comment. "I agree! But I have been told this armor can protect us far better than we had before," Sandy pointed out, looking at his armored hand and making a fist. "It makes me wonder if this is the most basic armor from Six's homeland what does the more advance stuff look like," Xeron leaned back on the wall behind him with a smile. "I heard rumors about that actually," "Oh really?" The Jackal asked reloading his weapons. "Yes, Sir Six and Lord Xavior have been talking about something called 'power armor' which from what I heard is far better than even this armor we have the honor of wearing now," Xeron explained. "Do tell," "I don't know but-" *BOOM!* The three didn't have time to react as a loud explosion sent them flying into the walls of the trenched training course they were speaking in. Sandy was the first to get up, his ears ringing from the blast and his vision entirely obscured by a thick cloud of dust. Slowly the ringing in his ears died down while he found his weapon to take up a defensive position but suddenly he froze at the sound of a warcry. Even though the dust was still thick in the air Sandy could see the figures rushing at his position with what seemed to be spears. Raising his weapon he opened fire at the attackers, he attempted to hold his ground but the attacking forces were more than a single Abyssinian warrior could take. Even though each one he shot fell down like a sack of bricks Sandy found that he emptied the entire magazine of his weapon forcing him to pull out his sidearm, this didn't stop the invader's charge. When the dust began finally settled Sandy threw his 10mm pistol at one of the attackers he reached down pulling out his knife. The longer weapons of the enemy's spears however prevented him from getting close as an attacker in gold armor rushed him trying to stab his weapon into the cat's chest. Only to find the superior armor of the Abyssinian was able to push the blade away from it's mark and allowed Sandy to recognize the one's reason for the attack. Ponies... Not surprising. Able to jab his knife into the neck of the golden armor pony Sandy moved to perform another attack on another pony only to find himself being stabbed in the thigh in a gap between his armor. Teeth clenched Sandy grabbed the spear still stuck in his leg and backhanded the pony who wounded him, quickly thinking he used the blade to cut the wooden poll below the spearhead and turned for a counter-attack but was once again stabbed by another pony this time close to his armpit. Unable to use his knife hand now Sandy grabbed something from his belt and bashed it against the other pony's head knocking him down. The Abyssinian looked up towards the base now able to see clearly the carnage that was going on around him, the standing warrior watched as his fellow survivors attempted to hold the line while others began to regroup for a counter-assault to hopefully push the ponies back. That was until he saw a massive gaping hole in the border wall, no wonder the base was nearly blown down the gap in the wall was near twice the size of the base. Whatever the ponies used it really had a big kick to it... Feeling another spear tip jab itself into his flesh Sandy bite down on his tongue as he fell to his knees followed by another spear in his lower abdomen. Turning to see Xeron still alive and fighting Sandy held out the object in his hand and bit down on a piece of metal on it, the zebra reached out trying to save his comrade but he was too far away. But far enough away that he would be saved from what Sandy was planning on doing. Both knew that he was going to die as three more spears found a place in the gaps in his armor, the feline however simply wasn't going to go down quietly. "No mercy," Sandy growled before pulling the pin on his plasma grenade with his teeth which then went off in a cloud of green flame eating away at the ponies surrounding him and the bench in the base defenses. (Meanwhile-New Navarro) "How the hell did they get through?" Xavior asked his hologram overlooking the similar holographic map of Outpost Delta where it was currently under siege with a massive gap in the border's wall. "If I had to guess they used that," Aya's hologram pointed to the holo-table where a giant force of ponies had gathered around the breach in the wall with what seemed to be a massive piece of siegecraft weaponry. "What in god's name is that?" Six asked the only one on the table actually being physically present, confused at what he was seeing. He had seen many things back in the Mojave and none of them were this, a massive tube being barely held up by six giant airships. If he had to guess it was one big ass cannon but nothing could compare to this weapon, looking quite old and very well... weird and that was saying something. Looking up Six noticed the Sphinx staring at the image of the weapon with a slight look of fear on her face which was surprising. Usually, she had a look of confidence and pride on her face... "What is it" Six asked. "Something very powerful... something I hadn't planned for when raising the wall," The sphinx answered. "I never expected to see one of these since-" The sphinx stopped herself before unfurling her wings. "Why are we talking?! We are being invaded!" The sphinx turned to Six. "Are all of you going to stand there gawking and ask questions or are you going to honor your places at the table!" Six and the leaders of the three kingdoms were taken aback by the Sphinx outburst. Taking action Six pushed a button on his side. "I'm sending a detachment of vertibirds to reinforce outpost delta Xavior think you can spare any of your forces?" Six asked the Zebra king whose kingdom was closest to the eastern badland border. "Of course... they should be there within the hour," Xavior froze upon seeing his screen before smiling. "Make that within the next ten minutes. Such marvelous machines you have given to us my friend," Nodding Six began to select more functions on his command module. "I'll have the rig ready to defend against any attempts to cross the western water cost... but Aya best be prepared for the worst-case scenario," The Jackal queen smiled. "Those ponies will not breach our defenses this time, but Six be careful how you address me I am not some soldier you can order around," Aya told Six with her eyes narrowed while Six moved to avoid her gaze. Damion and Xavior chuckled, the Abyssinian king then spoke. "And I shall have my forces ready to reinforce any other outpost if necessary although I doubt they have more than one of those massive cannons," "Damion. My old friend we should not underestimate the ponies they have proven that they have more than a few tricks up their sleeves," Xavior reminded which all nodded in agreement. "This might be a good day to test something..." Six hummed which got the attention of Damion. "What are you thinking my friend?" Turning his head to the panther king, Six smiled barely baring his sharp fangs. "A little experiment," (Sometime later at the breach) "Forwards you maggots! The cannon will not do all the work!" The solar commander announced while the troopers marched though the breach. "Captain!" One of the lower-ranking soldiers made his presence known. "What is it private?" The commander asked while pulling back on his cloak to turn towards the soldier. "News from the front: We have encountered a enemy strong hold not fair beyond the breach we currently have it under siege but despite it's small size we aren't getting through," The private informed causing the commander to give a small smile. "No worries simply encircle the stronghold we will have the mighty solar cannon blast it away before the enemy has a chance to respond and by the time they get word we will have a stronghold of our own right in the middle of their trade routes!" The commander beamed with pride. "Also sir Captain Flash has taken a battalion of solar guard deeper into the territory without informing Captain Fast Stand," The young soldier finished to which the commander looked back at the breach while smiling. "Well, I'll be... didn't think you had it, you Sentry," "Sir, should I send a messager to tell Captain Flash to withdraw back to the main line?" The commander threw out his hand. "That wouldn't be necessary Captain Flash had lost his grandfather to these savages... let the lad have his payback," The commander commented. "Now have the solar cannon target the wall again let's make this breach bigger as to allow more soldiers to flow into the-" The commander and the soldier messager stopped to turn to the sky and looked up seeing what seemed to be flying metal boxes in the distance towards the breach. "What in Celestia's name?" Author's Note Oh boy sorry for the wait but here is the next Arch as promised... Things are going to start to get really spiced up now that officially the ponies have attacked the western badlands. Which is resulting in the counter-attack of the... I really need to give the western badland's faction a name. Still, I'm sorry for how long this has been for the update just been busy as of late. Better late than never. Don't worry I'll have a scene change back to Starlight later in the next part but as for now, I'll let you guys think about whats going on and what Six has planned for this invasion. Not to mention a new face will make a reveal in this arch. Till then my fellow wastelanders. Part 25 (The Invasion Defensive-Arch part 2)"Keep them back!" Xeron covered in blood and sand hid behind a wall rumble with his standard issue marksman rifle in both hands, he had been here with his fellow defenders holding outpost Delta. His comrades opened fire at the marching pony force, despite their primitive equipment of heavy gold armor and basic spears and shields they had made a huge advancement upon them. They had quite literally caught them with their pants down for a lack of better words. "Xeron!" Turning to his commanding officer the zebra froze slightly at the sight before him, the old Jackal had his arm blown off from the blast and part of his face was exposed including his right eye yet he was still barking at him. "Oi stop staring and return fire already! Hold this point!" "Yes sir!" The Zebra lifted himself up back and began to lay down a firing line of 5.56 rounds at the marching attackers. Despite the advanced firepower they held the pony attacker had their unicorns cast a series of bubble shields to protect them from the small arms fire. "Sir they're not going down we need more firepower!" A soldier beside Xeron spoke out while the combat medic tended to the officer. "Then get to work! I ain't your mama here dog! Get that damned launcher and use it already!" The officer ordered pointing to a dead explosives specialist with a missile launcher. "But sir they have magic users out there! They'll fry me the moment I run out to get it!" The old veteran didn't get a moment to start chewing out the young recruit for disobeying his orders, Xeron on the other hand ran from behind cover and bolted to the launcher. Almost right away a sharp pain hit the back of his knee as he stumbled down, biting his tongue the zebra picked up the launcher and took aim at the approaching line. Launching a missile at the line the magical shields couldn't withstand the impact of the blast causing those closest to the initial explosion to become a shower of blood and gore. Those that survived had their shields broken and were met with armor-piercing rounds that shredded through their gold shields and armor. However there was no time for celebration for another row quickly took the former's place, Xeron pushed himself up where he went wide-eyed at the sight of his leg. For it was two feet away from his body... Looking back up at the approaching force Xeron kept biting through the pain and reached for another missile only to feel the impact of another magical attack hit the launcher from his arms. Some of the unicorns in the line who were not providing shields were firing magical projectiles at the defenders including the wounded zebra. One of the unicorns charged their horn to finish off Xeron who was completely exposed in the open, upon firing the Zebra lifted his arms to hopefully protect himself from the impact. This wasn't the result for the impact never hit his arms rather it hit something else... something stronger than basic combat armor. Flinching the Zebra looked up and gasped at the sight of a giant being clad in metal armor while wielding a massive weapon, it's shoulder pad that took the hit smoked for a moment while the wearer gave a low chuckle. "I can get used to this," The strange helm of the armored savior looked toward the wounded defender. "Yo. You good stripes?" Xeron nodded slightly while the armored savior chuckled. "Sweet don't worry stripes we'll get patched up in no time," The muffled voice of the savior spoke followed by others of similar armored beings in the same sand camo as Xeron had on his own. "Hit it, brother!" One of the armored beings order while the savior laughed leveling the massive multi-barrel weapon in his hands to the line. "FINALLY! Been inching to use this thing!" (Moments prior) -If you wish here is some music- -I find it fitting for this- "Alright, ladies! This is it!" Sergeant Gage spoke while moving down the path in the vertibird cabin they all were in. "A bunch of hoof lickers have come into our homeland yet again expecting another easy fight... well we're not going to make it easy for them again are we!" "NO SIR!" "So what are we going to do about that?" "SHOW THEM HELL!" "Damn right, we are! In 30 seconds were going to deploy and show off these suits of T-51F power armor a certain Courier has given us the privilege of using! Because we are going to use these suits and beautiful tools of death to turn these damn horses into glue if they don't get the fuck off our lawn! To the first one to step on the eastern badland border!" "TO THE FIRST!" The men and women in power armor roared back while the commander nodded putting on the power armor and stepping into an empty deployment slot. The red light in the cabin flashed for a moment pier to turn green and the panels under their armored feet opened the only thing keeping them up is the deployment harnesses. "GREEN LIGHT LADIES DROP!" Right away the power armored troopers fell down onto the ruined line of attacking troops, and Gage right away crushed a pony's helmet with his armored fist. Looking at his hand the zebra within smiled finally realizing the power these suits of 'T-51f' possessed gathering himself he raised his Laser rifle up. "Move up ladies!" His helmet's external speakers order while the second power armor group pushed forward while the first stayed behind at outpost delta to remain on the defensive while groups two and three provided a counterattack from the shock assault. This was followed by a group of securitron robots assisting the power armor troops, while in the air the vertibird although their main purpose was to be troop transports had their gunners provide covering fire to deal with any stragglers that tried to make a break away from the breach into the western badlands. At the spearhead of group one stood the one responsible for the advancement in the development of all this advanced technology. ED-E sent bursts of energy at the ponies who attempted to continue with the charge despite the reinforcements only to be turned into grey ash. Six was the only one not in a set of power armor rather after he gave the entire western badland's a kick start to it's technology the courier had thought it fitting to give his armor a much-needed upgrade. His 'Superior' Riot gear had new armor plates while not sacrificing his ability to move freely, along with adding a saturnite armor weave to his duster he added a commanding unit module within his helmet that connected with his implants and pip-boy to provide real-time battle updates with his troops and send orders plus receive messages via personal links. Even added a new coat of paint to the faded suit followed by him replacing the '101' with a freshly added '06' and finally placing bloodnap on his shoulder for quicker use. Like many of the troops, he was fighting alongside with he was eager to try out his new equipment despite it just being an upgraded version of old pre-war equipment. Loading in custom AP 5.56 rounds into the 'All-American' rifle he got in that ghoul-infested vault back in the Mojave felt the rush of battle once again and it made him smile. "PUSH THEM BACK!" Six ordered while the troops and robots charged alongside him. Not knowing their actions were being witnessed by other powers. (Cantorlot) All within the war court chambers watched the battle for the battles progressed through a magical viewing spell. Celestia and Twilight watched with hate written all over their faces, the solar princess raised her hand to the commander. "I am giving authorizing the use of the solar canon to be fired once again to target their countercharge," Celestia ordered sun flare. "Yes princess," The pony nodded while going over to allow access to the weapon again, that was when Luna barged into the massive chamber out of breath. Looking at the magical image before her she shook her head horrified at what she was seeing before her, she was practically flying over to her sister. "Tia! Stop this! We swore to never use these kinds of weapons since Mother's death! You know what you could bring if you use them again!" Luna warned while Celestia glared at her sister. "I will use all that is necessary into recovering Spike from the western badlands," Luna looked at her sister with fear in her eyes at what her sister was doing. "Sister I understand your vexation but... the solar cannon? Celestia. Please we can resolve this peacefully," "Any form of peace died the moment they took my Spike!" Twilight interrupted to which Luna turned to Twilight who held the same look of rage that Celestia had. Looking back at the image she watched as the solar cannon was charging up before her very eyes causing her to turn back. "SISTER PLEASE THIS IS MADNESS!" Luna pleaded with her sister who was not having it with her younger sibling. "Madness?! MADNESS! LUNA THESE... THESE... BARBARIANS HAVE TAKEN SPIKE OUR FRIEND AFTER SLAUGHTERING COUNTLESS INNOCENT PONIES! THIS ISN'T MADNESS BUT RETRIBUTION!" Celestia rose up from her seat. "I SHOULD HAVE DONE THIS THE MOMENT THAT 'SIX' MONSTER STARTED KILLING MY LITTLE PONIES! FIRE THE SOLAR CANNON!" Luna took a few steps back stared at her sister for a long moment then turned to the image and back to her sister wide-eyed before speaking. "I don't even know who you are," Luna turned away and walked out of the chamber, Celestia scoffed at her little sister's behavior and sat back down. "Flare! Why hasn't the cannon been fired yet!" "Still charging your grace it will be ready in a few moments," Spoke the pony, Celestia held her head while staring at the image before her while the thoughts in her mind raced. 'This is for the betterment of Equestria... right?' Her thoughts were stopped as a bulter walked up with a tray having a wine bottle and glass resting on top of it. "Your wine ma'am," The butler announced while Celestia without a second thought grabbed the wine and almost chugged it while the butler opened his left eye. "Pour me another glass," Celestia ordered while the butler didn't hesitate to pour her another, all the while Celestia didn't notice the tattoo on the butler's wrist neatly hidden under his sleeve and glove. (Back at the badland) "FIRST!" One of the powered armor troopers announced making it through the breach into eastern badland territory. "Roland you and the rest of the second squad that made past take up defensive positions until the rest of the countercharge!" Gage ordered over the radio to which the power armored soldier took a knee while did two others. "Yes sir!" As they were ordered the three opened fire along with a securitron robot that was able to keep up with them. "Sir Six part of team two has made it past the breach what are our orders once the rest make it past the point," "We dig in," "Sir?" "Trust me sergeant I have a plan," Roland and his fellow teammates kept firing at the line, yet something felt off Roland the first to make it past was also the first to stop firing and figure out what was giving him a bad feeling. Looking up the zebra froze upon seeing the massive cannon now in clear view floating up in the sky starting to glow causing him to drop his weapon, quickly he turned on his radio. "SECOND AND THIRD SQUAD TAKE COVER BEHIND THE WALL NOW! THE CANNON IS GOING TO FIRE!" "Say again Roland-!" "TAKE COVER!" His last words echoed through the radio while the pure solar magical energy made quick work of the armor plating around the powered endoskeleton around the soldier's bodies. "ROLAND!" Gage roared while Six grabbed the power-armored back of the sergeant and pulled him back throwing the massive bulk of a soldier onto the ground before the beam sliced past the gap. The beam was so hot that even though they were all out of the way the heat cooked their armor and turned the surrounding ground to glass around the breach. Baffled at what just happened Six watched as the beam evaporated, turning the corner he looked up seeing the cannon in the sky. 'Fuck! I miscalculated the recharge of that thing! But the size and material of that thing had to account for... wait... I hate magic,' He was hoping to get a foothold before going with his plan. "Amelia, is she ready?" Six asked over the radio to which the android responded back. "Payload is ready and willing darling... you and boys settled in yet?" "Change of plans Amelia. That cannon fired sooner than I had expected we wouldn't be taking any ground you're going to have to go with plan B," "Roll out the red carpet?" "Yes, Ma'am," Six answered back. "Plan B?" One of the power armored troops asked slightly confused to Six. "Always had backup plans if necessary kid... now watch this," Six pointed while the troops on Six side of the breach looked up to see a certain plane slowly lower itself down slightly just barely into view. "Roll the red carpet, Amelia," ... "Wait did she call you darling?" "Uhhhhhhhh," (On the lady) Amelia smiled at the controls while flipping the payload switches, while the lady was on autopilot the android was quickly setting the target data to the payload that the massive plane was currently holding well over a few hundred pounds of explosives. While dialing in the data she realized something... There was no music. Usually, Six would have something playing but sadly he wasn't in the lady so as the machine was processing the data she quickly reached to the draw full of holotapes with old pre-war music still burnt on them. Her fingers quickly combed the deck until she stopped at one and looked at it. "Heard Six sing this one in the shower," "I can work with this," Looking at the targeting system one last time she grinned while having her hand on the release dial. "Ka-Boom," With one move of the wrist and the bomb bay doors flew open founded by hundreds of bombs dropping down upon the attacking force below. (Below) "Commander! We have orders to use the blessed solar cannon once again from Princess Celestia!" The message spoke to the commander who gave a smirk and pointed to the breach. "Have the crews of the airships possess the cannon there at that point those fools think their wall will shield them! Ha! Let's show them the folly in their judgment," The commander ordered to which the messager saluted and ran off to relay the order. The commander's smile faded at the sound of a strange noise, confused he looked up seeing something pass over the ground they were currently occupying. If it wasn't for the sun being right over their heads he could have made out what it was but from what he could guess it was some sort of bird followed by something strange falling down behind it. 'Wait a minute,' At first, came the sound, almost like the sky was screaming, and then came the fire. Author's Note Alright! A slight change of plans from what I had imagined to have a scene for Starlight talking with Luna about her findings but due to the whole war room scene I have to move it to another part. Still hope this was a good chapter with battle and counter-attack, don't worry this arch is nowhere from being done the previous part was just the intro to set the groundwork. Btw I didn't mean to base the solar cannon on the (not true) star wars movie with the whole death star cannon but rather I had inspiration form an old Steampunk movie I saw once can't remember the name of it. So here's to the next chapter where Flash Sentry is going to make himself known and something huge is going to go down I promise you that. Also appreciate the names suggestions for the faction and I think I may have something. (U.S.F.E)-I'll let you guys guess the name. And for a bonus here's the image that I based Six's new 'superior riot gear' off of: Thank you all for being so patient with me! Part 26 (The Invasion Defensive-Arch part 3)"No one's responding to our hails!" "Try again!" "It's no good... all I can do is try to reinvent the spell," "Than do it," "Yes, princess... oh by Faust is that-" "Send in the rear guard," "Princess?" "Do it!" "Princess Twilight if we do that we will not be to defend ourselves from any oncoming attacks," "Do as my student says. NOW!" "Y-yes princess," (The breach) "Sir our suits are clicking like crazy what's going on?" Six turned to one of the troopers attempting to reach for his helmet but the courier stopped him. "STOP!" The attack groups turned to him while the courier took a breath. "Don't take off your helmets. Keep your armor closed," "Why?" Sergent Gage asked to which the courier held up his finger. "I think you might get a demonstration of why not to," Pointed his raised figure beyond the rubble to which a new line of golden soldiers ran forward. "By the gods! How many are there!!!" One of the troops raised his Gatling laser only for Six to grab the weapon's barrel. "Watch," Sure enough, the wave of gold-armored ponies began to fall down like bags of sand once they got closer only stopping when the back line witnessed the death of the center line. The power-armored troopers shivered at the sight while Six rose up looking at his gigger counter. It was clicking like crazy... It was about 85/rads a second. (The war chamber) All eyes were glued to the magical image having witnessed the silent deaths of five hundred solar guards, while those armored beings in strange armor stood unharmed in the sand that almost shined like glass. Twilight looked wide-eyed in complete horror, she had many things in her life but none were like this, horrifying her to the very core. Upon her time on Earth, she knew of such weapons were used during the Earth's second full world war but this was something else. Did Six have such weaponry all along?! Where was this all from? How could he do such things? If he possessed such technology it was no wonder how he was able to kidnap Spike. Was Spike even alive in that manner!? She needs to- To- *GACK!* Her eyes started to bleed as she fell down causing her mentor to rush over to her side, demanding aid for her student's sudden collapse on herself without warning. (Zebra land's border) "Sir we shouldn't go too far the breach we could get surrounded like this!" One of Flash's troops asked while the determined but young leader pushed on. "They'll take that stronghold in no time we'll have a foothold at the Zebra lands when they finish clearing it out," Flash Sentry responded his hand gripping the hilt of the blade while his men staggered behind him. Walking on the road the troops under Sentry's command were trying their best to march forward under the hot sun's heat in heavy gold plate, all the while Flash pressed on un-heeded. Slowly they came to a stop following the action of the yellow-coated stallion in front of them, for there was the zebra lands however the force Sentry was leading had been meeting with a force far larger than his own. A large force of Zebra's in that same strange-colored armor stood outside their homeland armed with those tubed weapons pointing right at them. To Flash, they looked similar to the cannons on would be on ships of the Equestrian's navy like the kind his uncle had on his own ship. Before- "Sir... were outnumbered," One of his troops whispered to him while Flash narrowed his eyes. The whisper of his comrade was followed by the silence of the badland's where not a single trooper of either side moved a muscle until one of the zebra's moved up something in his hand. Confused by what it was some of the ponies thought it was some kind of weapon but their confusion was quickly cleared up by the sound of a voice that was amplified from the device. "Warriors of Equestria! I am King Xavior of the Zebra Lands. I don't know the reason you came to our home a second time but I assure you this will not end well for you. You stand at the defense of two thousand souls ready to defend their home once again along with the might of weapons that will shatter you. You cannot win this battle... I am offering you a chance to peacefully surrender yourselves and I will promise you that all of you will be treated fairly as prisoners of war!" The force of equestrians all looked to their leader who stood narrowed his eyes, hand still on his blade he simply began to walk forward while his troops stayed behind. Silently walking Flash stopped halfway to the zebra's defensive line while standing still, not able to see Xavior's face he could watch the movements of the zebra king before walking forward after handing the device away to one of his troops. Shifting his golden plate, Flash Sentry stared down the Zebra king who began to approach him in a different set of armor than the rest of the Zebra forces. Rather than the full set Xavior's armor was rather different looking more lighter than the rest with some traditional king war attire having been placed over the sand-colored armor. Unlike Flash, Xavior walked forward with two of his sand devil guards he had heard so much about completely wrapped head to toe in their famous wrapped attire save for a few new pieces of armor like the rest of the force. Stopping halfway like Flash, the captain could finally see Xavier's face where a look of unease rested on his face, the two stood in silence for a moment when the king was the first to speak. "Do you lead these men, lad?" Xavior asked to which Flash nodded. "Have you come to surrender? There is no need for further bloodshed," "I have not come to surrender Zebra king... blood must be spilled," Xavior sighed causing him to look at Flash disappointed like a father would be with his child. "Lad... your young I understand you're eager to fight for your leaders. Trust me, I was a young man once... but think of your men. Think of their lives are you willing to send them to judgment over your desire for battle?" Xavior asked to which Flash gripped his blade. "I am here for my men... and my uncle," Flash spoke causing the look on Xavior's to turn from disappointment to understanding. "By the gods. I was afraid of this. What is your name lad?" Xavior asked to which Flash lifted his head up. "I am Flash Sentry nephew of Admiral Wake Sentry of the 2nd solar fleet that was attacked by your allies the Jackals unprovoked! Where he and the 2nd solar fleet were lost at sea after they were slaughtered by them," This caused the Zebra to stare at Sentry completely taken aback at what he was hearing. "I'm not just here because Princess Celestia ordered me. I am here for my Uncle and his men that were murdered in cold blood by those dogs at the Nile and you Zebra king and your men are standing in my way," Xavior gave a deep breathe. "Lad listen-" Flash however didn't allow him to finish. "But I am not blind to the fact that your force outnumbers mine ten to one. However, I can't not surrender which will shame the very memory of my uncle. So I challenge you in the old ways Xavior. Trial by combat: leader to leader," Flash spoke loudly for all to hear. Xavior shifted on the road causing him to narrow his eyes. "Flash, this is unnecessary you need not waste your life," Flash however ignored the king's words. "If I win my men and I will part back to beyond the broader until the solar army comes to lay siege to your kingdom only then we will return. If you win my men will surrender as you demand and I will lay dead at your feet," Flash's voice caused his troops to roar in agreement while Xavior huffed not wanting more death. "Very well Lad. I hope that you'll find peace in the next life after your great judgment," His sand-devil bodyguards backed away while Xavior pushed off his coat and pulled out his curved sword while Flash pulled out his gladius, unlike the spear the rest of his men carried. "Don't be so certain about my fate. I've been trained by the pillar who is my very namesake!" Standing at the ready with his shield the zebra king and the captain stared each other down. That was when Flash rushed forward, Xavior expected the attack and countered it with a slash of his blade yet Flash lifted his shield blocking his head from the swing. Following the block with a shield bash Xavior sidestep with his lighter armor but Flash quickly took a fresh stance followed by a sweep of his gladius. Surprising the zebra king, he had to pull his gut in as the tip of the blade grazed his chest plate. Shield up Flash thrust his blade forward at the stumbling Xavior but the Zebra had other plans for this wasn't his first battle, he sidestepped the blow and with the force of him pulling back he swung around going for Flash's neck this time. Ducking from the swing Xavior's blade cut through the crista on Flash's helmet causing the pony to growl and go for another attack this time however when Flash swung his blade the zebra king was able to cut the space between Flash's shield arm and shoulder plate. Blood poured onto the road as the wound on the young captain's bicep wasn't deep enough for permanent damage but one that would be a scar. The pain from the wound caused the guard captain to drop his shield while Xavior kicked Flash to the ground, walking up with Flash on the ground Xavior lifted his blade up to the young stallion. "Concede lad for you and your men," Xavior pleaded to which Flash glared at the zebra not before gripping some sand in his free hand. Throwing sand into the eyes of zebra king's eyes caused him to flinch but this moment gave Flash an opening, the blade of steel priced the plate under Xavior's left breast. Xavior shocked could barely make out the blade in his lung as he slowly fell down, Flash rose up pulling the blade out of the zebra king's chest and raising it back. "Dirty trick la-" Flash cut the king off by letting the Zebra's head roll from his shoulders. Blood dripping from his blade, Flash reached down and picked up his shield before whipping the blood off his blade and sheathing it. He looked at the two sand devils who if not for the old ways would have sliced him to pieces but could only watch as Flash reached down picked up the old Zebra's head and true to his word walked back to his men. The ponies cheered and roared while the Zebras stood silently moaning about what they had witnessed, Flash and his men began to walk back to the 'stronghold' not knowing the fact that they were trapped in the badlands. (The Nile) The Sphinx stood at the ocean side ready to defend the Nile as she has done a thousand times before, even though Six's little 'defenses' would make things easier for her to work. But however, she couldn't help but shake a feeling when she saw that massive siege weapon and the terrible memories it made her remember. The days back when her masters still roamed... when she was a naive little kitten. When the marks of that war terrified her, watching her fellow sphinxes and mythics being slaughtered by such weaponry by those ponies and their leader... the red-maned devil. Who stole from her masters and slayed them. Memories of that battle haunt her mind like freshly carved wounds never wishing to heal. Her masters... her creators... if only she had been stronger then as she was now. Closing her eyes the Sphinx took a breathe. She could smell the blood from here it wouldn't be lone till- Wait... She sniffed the air again this time she opened her eyes in shock, snapping her eyes north-west to the breach, the guardian of the Nile froze up. No, it couldn't be. "Mistress?" Author's Note An interesting chain of events... and before you ask no Six didn't use nukes but rather had some of the smart bombs fixed with mini-nuke warheads. The half-life is much shorter and doesn't last as long so they don't have to worry about the radiation lasting that long. Also, fear factor for the ponies too. But the battle wasn't one-sided this time sadly losses happen, and Xavior found him on the wrong end of the blade. Not everyone is invincible guys but now Damion is not going to be too happy about his best friend's death. Revenge is a vicious cycle guys... However, things might be changing pretty quickly with Twilight's sudden collapse and the Sphinx sensing something or rather... someone. Any guess (not including my discord buddies) Part 27 (The Invasion Defensive-Arch part 4)"You damned fool!" Blueblood slapped the mask off the face of the pony before him. "I told you to put the drug in her cake not HER WINE!" The servent dropped to the ground holding his face to hide it while reaching for his mask while blueblood glared down at the pony at his feet. "Do you realize that you could jeopardize years of planning because of your failure to communicate a simple order!" Blueblood barked. "Forgive me my liege but it was a mistake the waiter had not expected the princess of friendship to drink the-" "SILENCE!" The masked servent placed his forehead on the floor and a coward at blueblood's voice, the prince however turned to the window overlooking Canterlot. "However the failure of your agent could work in our favor if played correctly," Blueblood stated holding his chin while in thought. "By what means milord?" "Ignoring your agent's failure to follow my basic order... we could have this played off as an attempt to poison Twilight by means but having this happen so soon to our other 'accident' may prove tricky especially with that Starlight currently investigating the dragon's disappearance," Blueblood glared back down at the servant. "Prehaps we could have this done to where we can kill two birds with one stone... having more reasons for the public to hate those desert beasts while we can post the blame onto those like filthy rich for being a spy of some kind," "Brilight planning my liege," The masked pony stated while still groveling on the floor. "But we will need to plant evidence and bribe ponies not only to lie about this but to be silent about our plans... bah! More of the causes treasury wasted! If we are to move up with our plans we will need to recover this wasted funding," Blueblood barked before pointing to the door. "See to it that we begin with this 'clean-up' and keep word about this reaching ponyville as long as possible! The last thing we need is more ponies second-guessing," "Right away my liege," Standing up the pony placed his mask back on before swiftly disappearing into the darkness leaving Blueblood to groan. "This is too much work..." (The badlands, Zebra land outpost) (Three hours after wall breach) Six didn't know the zebra rule all that well honestly. Only what he knew from Damion. He was a king loved by his people and a true friend to those he gave his loyalty. Now he was here, lifeless, unmoving, decapitated. Looking at the sheet-covered body the courier turned his head away while the panther king bowed his head over his friend's corpse. "Who did this?" Damion voice echoed through the room, despite the tone he spoke with, all in the room could feel fury seething from within his soul. Aya stood across the table with her arms crossed. "A pony. Laid calm to the old laws," Damion looked at her with watered eyes. "I know it was a damned pony. What was the bastard's name!" "Sentry. Flash Sentry if what his guard said is true," The Jackal queen answered causing the panther king to stare down at the unmoving body before them. "Damion. I'm- I'm sorry," Six words caused the Abyssinian to shake his head. "No. This isn't your fault. This is on Flash Sentry... and all of Equestria," Damion turned to the two standing beside him. "If they think they can keep getting away with this. They can't. Not again. No more will the sands of our home drink more of our blood," Staring down at the two Damion bared his fangs with a growl. "No more," Damion hissed. "Every Abyssinian. Every Zebra. Every Jackal. Every steelman. We will bring fire to Equestria. And I will mount the head of that bastard who did this to my throne!" The panther looked back to his dead friend as he hung his head. "For our people... For Xavior," All stood in silence until the queen spoke. "No," Damion's ears perked up at the sound of her statement causing him to tilt his head slightly. "What did you say?" "We are not conquerors, Damion. Even with the developments Six has made. We have been a shield. Not a sword," Aya looked at Six then back to the panther king who stared at her. "We need to focus on our homeland. Here. On our home. On our people. On our legacy," Aya slowly walked over to the slab on the opposite side of Damion as she looked at the king's corpse. "Equestria is rotting away already we know this. It's only a matter of time before it falls," Aya placed her hand on the shoulder of Xavior's body. "If they wish to keep sending their people here to die. Then so be it," "This is Xavior, Aya. We were raised together. We saw each other as a family. Doesn't that mean anything to you?" "Yes," "Than for us to do nothing is... is..." Damion bared his fangs at the thought while looking up at her. Aya stared at her fellow ruler. "Say it," "Cowardice," The two looked down at the slab. "I don't wish to bury any more of our people," "You wouldn't have to," Six voice had the two turn to him. "If Equestria wants a war. I'll give them one," Six turned on his heels and marched from the morgue placing his helmet on with ED-E following after him, leaving the two alone to mourn. (Equestria) (Ponyville, cider-side bar) Starlight sighed, placing her drink on the bar, staring at the evidence she had collected over the past few days involving Spike's apart kidnapping. Normally she wasn't one to drink but these past events have caused the master Unicron to go for the bottle to evlate her ever-growing headache. It was safe to say none of the facts she found didn't make any sense! Suspecting that Six guy and the kingdoms of the badlands made even less sense for the fact. Ever since her talk with Six, his words had lingered in her mind, almost repeatedly repeating like she knew she was missing something. Sure he was a bit of a jerk to her but Starlight slowly came to the reality, that Six might not be the person many accused him of being. 'Goddess! Why is this such a headache,' Lifting a picture of Spike's bedroom Starlight stared at the photo, the room was a complete mess, with broken tables and chairs, ripped cloth everywhere, a broken window, and not to mention a large sum of blood. There was a struggle that was for sure, Spike had to have been fighting back that was for sure. However, something bugged her about the picture. The window was broken that was for sure, however, the guard informed her that the intruders busted through the window to escape before they could enter. Another fact was there were no eyewitness reports of any pony seeing anyone flee the castle of friendship. Only a single piece of evidence pointed to the badlands, a small patch of Abyssinian fur with a piece of cloth similar to the sand devil from Abyssinia. That was the only proof they had connecting the badlands to the kidnapping, something told Starlight this wasn't the case. From what she read Sand devils were expert trackers and survivalists able to go days on end without aid from any outside help, along with that they were discipline fighters who could swiftly and quietly deal with any threat their way. Yet from what she read the attack seemed like Spike saw his attacker coming, if the books about the sand devils were true Spike wouldn't have seen them coming even if they were right beside him. Spike was a dragon but he wasn't a trained fighter. From the damage in the room, this told her that the attacker wasn't a trained professional, which the sand devil was. Had he been attacked by a sand devil the Abyssinian would have him tied, bound, gagged, and wrapped up nice pretty within a heartbeat. 'No offense Spike,' Finally the glaring problem above all... There was no trace of window glass INSIDE the room! Grabbing her drink she downed her third glass with a grunt, pushing the glass forward Starlight stared at the documents unaware of the pony that sat down next to her. "Hard day?" The stranger's voice caught her off guard, but the pony quickly relaxed seeing him speaking to her. Starlight shook her head. "More like a hard week," "Yeah, I hear that," The pony held out a hand to the barkeep. "I'll have what the lady is having," Pulling his hand down over his eyes Starlight looked up at the pony, he wore a large brim hat with a poncho wrapped around most of his body. The poor lighting of the bar made it difficult for her to make out his coat and his face, the barkeep passed the pony a drink and was quickly repaid. "Don't look at me so much," The pony whispered causing Starlight to give him a weird look. "They got eyes everywhere," Confused the Unicron was about to speak, but the pony slowly pushed something to her from underneath his sleeve. "Look I know you don't know me. But listen real shady stuff has been happening in the badlands even before the whole cut-off from the cats and zebras," The pony responded. "Who are you?" Starlight asked while the pony took his drink. "Doesn't matter," The pony crossed his arms on the bar while secretly pointing to the thing he pushed to her. "I'm in trouble here Starlight and I've heard you are looking in the wrong direction for answers. That is what I found and- Oh boy does this rabbit hole go deeper than a sand-shifter on a hot summer day," Starlight pulled the small book he handed her. "What goes deep?" Starlight questioned. The pony shifted in his seat. "Listen I don't have much time they're onto me Starlight. All I know is you are one of the good ones sure you had a rough past but I've been told you're good and you'll stop at nothing to bring the truth into the light," The pony pointed out. "These guys are real bad news and if they continue who knows what will happen they've already-" The pony froze when he noticed something in the darker parts of the bar. "Who's they?" Starlight asked but the pony got up from his seat. "I can't say any more I gave you what you need," With that the pony bolted out the bar leaving Starlight with the small book. Opening it she saw it was a journal, a bit confusing but her eyes soon widened at what she was reading. "Oh god," Author's Note OH my god, I am so sorry here lads. Just... been a long hard past couple of months with different mind rushes and lack of fallout inspiration. Along with work Drama However here is an update to one of my longest-running fallout stories, THAT'S NOT DEAD! (yet) Still a destiny-inspired start along with Noir detective bar scene with Starlight now going to learn the truth about spike's disappearance. However, She might find it difficult after what is going to happen with a full-on war brewing up. The next update will not take a year, which I promise to you guys. Till then.
Part 1Lead... Gunpowder... Brass... Fire... Point blank... I guess Benny was right I have a thick skull... unlike him... He might have stolen the platinum chip but he stole something from me fair more valuable. Memories... Still remember fragments like names, places, and faces... Yet dreams that I have seem... too real to be just dreams... Like places, I have never seen before. Almost... pre-war... I could be going crazy, after that auto doc pulled my brain out a while back he did say I had some form of light brain damage... Boy was my brain not happy about it either. Still... None of that really matters... Vegas mattered. A city that was an echo of a time before, almost completely untouched and self-sustaining thanks to hoover damn. Mr. House was right about one thing, Vegas was a hidden gem within the Mojave with such potential but... one man shouldn't have that much power. Not even me. Luckily I wouldn't be missed... After the NCR took the damn I decided to burn any bridge I had with Vegas and left... I parted with my companions on good terms. Boone was back with his team... Arcade was doing his best to make a difference... Cass rebuilt her caravan... Veronica helped the followers with the knowledge she learned from the brotherhood... Rex was back at Freeside with the king... Daisy was taking her medicine at half doses back at Jacobstown... Raul now was his old self again being an unsung hero in the Mojave... ED-E? I couldn't part with the old boy and he stayed at my side even coming with me to the big empty... Most people in the Mojave hated me for siding with the NCR so it was time for me to leave... But I never wanted to leave the wasteland itself... Fate has a funny way of doing things though... Spitting me from one desert to another... This one was a lot bigger. (Klugetown) The Stormking was dead... All eyes were on the magical projection of the equestrian princess of friendship speaking over the magical device, giving a speech over the magical spell sent out to every one of the glowing crystal projectors though out the regions that once was called the storm kingdom. "To that matter! I hope that one day that all that suffered under the storm king's tyranny would come out and join us here in Equestria! With the power of friendship, we can all come together and-" Twilight's messager was intrupted by the object hurrled at the magical image. A bottle from a pissed-off drunk threw his bottle of scotch at the magical crystal smashing it into a million pieces. "PISS OFF YOU DAMN HORSE! YOU RUIN OUR LIVES!" The large catfish face local shouted while others in the pub were just as pissed about what had happened. Sure the Stormking was a fucking asshole but at least he was the asshole responsible for the revival of the trade lines within the badlands and though out most of the areas that the Stormking ruled. When that happened a lot of jobs popped up in many of the backwater towns that were poor to the point that water and spices were basically gold in the badlands. When the Stormking died, so did the Storm kingdom AND the trade lines AND almost every job here in this rusted pile of scrap that was called a town. "THAT'S GOING ON YOUR TAB BISK! THOSE DAMN THINGS AREN'T CHEAP!" The pub owner shouted at the drunk to which the drunk only flipped him off while the owner sighed just as pissed off as many of his customers. "Hey sorry... can I get a refill?" Turning his head the owner noticed the empty glass of the drifter that walked in, grabbing a bottle of Vodka the bartender poured the clear liquid from the blue glass bottle into the small drinking glass. "Guessing that purple pony is really going to fuck things up around here," The large Landshark nodded his head putting down the bottle on the counter before nodding at the stranger's words. "Yeah, that damn 'princess of friendship' think everything can be solved though love and sharing! BAH! What a child," Spoke the owner. Moving the glass to the strange helmet that the stranger wore he watched as once again the stranger put the faceplate where a straw sucked up the liquid. The pub owner has seen his fair share of strangers even before the Stormking came in but those back then were weirder and fair more stranger. "She thinks it's so simple. That all the world is just some lesson in friendship or some other bullshit," The owner ranted while the drifter put his drink down. "Looks to me like to me she has it easy," This caused the Landshark to turn to him. "Come on it's not that hard not to notice," The owner shook his head. "No-no I agree with you... that Twilight has lived as some student to that bigger bitch Princess Celestia... the goddess of the sun apparently... how much you wanna bet when they come in they are going to start giving a sun tax?" The Bartender asked. "I would be surprised if they didn't... that while Equestria thing or whatever reminds me of something," Putting his glass down on the table he sighed. "Never again," "Paradon my curiosity stranger but what do you mean by that?" "Let's just say I worked for a group like those ponies... and even after what was said and done a lot of people ended up despising me for it," The stranger swiveled on his stool. "Eh, you do, what you do, to get by right? I wouldn't blame you," "Tell that to all the pissed-off people who probably want to see me burn in hell," Leaning his head back he then lifted it back up. "When do you think those pony people will be here?" The drifter asked. The pub owner shrugged. "With their fancy-ass Airships? Maybe a day or two, three if we're lucky," Throwing a dishtowel over his shoulder the Landshark looked at the stranger again who was petting that weird metal eye thing that came with him into the pub. "Why you ask? Looking to get out of town before they come in?" "Yeah... this is a nice town but it's always when I come into town something happens," The Stranger sighed before the Landshark shrugged. "I don't blame you. I'm going to head out myself," The pub owner stated. "I've lived here for nearly ten years stranger... times were hard but when the Stormking came in this shithole was actually livable. Sure there was some shady stuff going on but it wasn't as bad," "Where are you going to head off to?" The drifter asked out of curiosity. "I got family down south... my girl's expecting our first pup," Moving in his stool the Drifter shifted slightly. "Are you sure she can make that trip?" The Landshark nodded. "Yeah long as you avoid No-man's land everything is going to be fine," The stranger then asked a question that the Landshark wasn't expecting to hear. "What is No-man's land?" The pub owner was a bit baffled at what he heard the drifter just say... but then again some of the drifters and tribals have been living out in isolation in the badlands for years so it wasn't all that shocking. "Just a large area worse than the badlands," "How so?" The Landshark began to think for a moment. "Well unlike the rest of the badlands it's just this stretch of land flat sand, the sand is said to be thicker somehow to the point where it feels like you standing on solid ground. There is nothing there except for the few dust devils but those are the only company you will get, not a single town or well is there for miles... the solid sand is too thick to dig and the water is deeper than usual," The pub owner explained. "A total dead zone... not even the zebras or anyone else has claimed ownership of no man's land. Just miles upon miles of hot solid stone sand and the blazing sun above your head," Placing his glass on the counter the stranger looked at the pub owner. "Doesn't sound that bad... sounds like a natural road for caravans," "That's true but it's so long that you would spend up all your water before you would make it back into the main badlands and to a village for a refill... it's just too far," Pulling a map from behind the bar he placed it on the bar to show the stranger. "Here this might help you understand what I mean," The stranger eyed the map while the giant metal eye thing gave a slight beep noise, the paper map had key markers for what the stranger could guess were villages along with many smaller blue markers, and finally the big spot in the middle which the stranger thought was a coffee stain. But that large 'stain' was no-man's land. "Alright, you see these blue things?" The pub owner asked to which the Strange nodded. "Good because those are wells and you can see for miles upon miles no-man's land doesn't have a single well within the entire area," He then tapped on the big spot labeled the no-mans. "Caravan's need water to go across the badlands but since no-man's land has not a single well... it usually avoids that is if the caravan is feeling like they can handle it. They don't usually last a mile before running out of water," The pub owner stated before pointing to the other areas. "Even the Cats and Zebras want nothing to do with no-man's land," Looking back at the pub owner the stranger reached into his coat before pulling out a small leather bag. "Thanks for the tip..." Tossing it the owner caught the bag before opening it while the stranger got up. "Hope those are enough for my tab and something extra for the help," The Landshark pulled out a solid gold coin with the face of some strange creature on it, he bit down on the coin but back up at the stranger who was out the door. Flipping the coin in his hand he looked at the tail side seeing another creature that looked like a four-legged minotaur. 'What a strange-stranger,' *CRASH* "Oh by the gods! BISK GET OUT OF MY PUB YOU DRUNK ASS MOTHER-!" (Meanwhile) "*Curious beeping*" ED-E spoke to the courier while the two left the pub. "Yeah, I know this entire thing is strange. I wouldn't deny it but since the damn teleporter isn't working I doubt we could find a way back home anytime soon," "*Sad beeping*" "Yeah... we don't really have anyone to go home to... maybe this whole thing could be a blessing in disguise," The courier stated but then saw guard armored bipdel equines march forward, while another of the equines with less armor sat on top of a cart with a smile on her face. "Citizens of Klugetown! Don't fret we come with good tiding! For you no longer under the cruel fist of the stormking! For this day by the orders of Princess Celestia Klugetown is to be claimed in the name of friendship!" Pulling the collar of his duster the courier spoke. "Yeah... not this time... come on ED-E," "*Inquisitive beeping*" "Yep... I'm tired of helping out groups like this: 'Equestria' best we head out where we can be left alone," "*More inquisitive beeping*" "You read my mind bud... to no-man's land," The courier couldn't help but smile behind his gas mask. "*Joyious beeping*" The eye bot bounced up and down while floating in the air. "Heh... yeah back on the road again," Courier six told his trusty companion. (Sometime later) (Equestria) "🎵ALLLLLL NIGHT LONG~🎵!" Pinke sang and smiled partying like there is no tomorrow even though the party is long over. "Come on sugar cube thats enough," Applejack smiled resting an arm on one of the tables while her free hand held a bottle of hard cider. "How much you wanna bet she had a little too much," Rainbow dash asked on the other side of the table from her friend. Applejack laughed before turning to Rainbow. "She hasn't drank anything..." Rainbow blinked before smiling. "Why am I not surprised," Rainbow chuckled with Applejack. While most of the elements were relaxing while the castle staff was cleaning up the mess left behind by the party guests, Twilight stood at the edge of the railing overlooking the beautiful view of Equestria. "I wonder... how many more times must you save me and my sister," Luna asked stepping forward before joining her on the few. "Luna! Oh, Faust, you scared the bejeezus out of me," Twilight stumbled before Luna held out her hands. "Sorry, Dearest Twilight I didn't mean to scare you," Luna said while overlooking the vast view of the night-covered lands of Equestria. "I might have not put enough stars in the sky," "What?" Twilight looks up before speaking. "I think you put enough stars up there Luna," "Well... maybe your right," Luna looked at Twilight who was looking at the star-filled sky, narrowing her eyes slightly Luna then spoke up. "Thought I must ask... does my moon look like a pearl up there dear twilight?" Confused twilight looked up confused by the princess's wording. "I guess it does," Confused Twilight looked back at Luna not understanding what she meant. Luna who had heard quite the story from Queen Novo unsure how to proceed with the newest princess's actions, yes she was trying to save Equestria. But stealing the pearl a magical artifact that belongs to the hippogriffs for countless centuries even dating back before her mother gave birth to Celestia and her. "Ummm... Luna is everything alright?" Twilight asked confused. "Yes everything is alright," Luna then stepped away leaving a very confused purple alicorn. 'For now, that is," The night princess always knew that this world was different from the one where she was banished from, sure she had her sister to help her adapt to it but still. From the Equestria she knew was one of strength and order with freedom and peace for all, now this one was different. The ponies of this era had grown soft, self-centered, and most of all... Blind... Blind to the world around them, thinking that the entire world revolved around them and where it was worst was with the nobles, she remembers their ancestors that were founded in these noble houses. Brave, selfless, and wise Stallions and Mares but now? Their descendants were none of these... But from the nobles to the worker's ponies that she once ruled 1,000 years ago grew from loving and helpful people tosoxenophobia and overzealous to 'tradition' that wasn't even around before she became nightmare moon. The most blinded of all was her own sister... She allowed their kingdom to become what is today, plus the one she choose to be protégé was so misguided... Was she the one that would replace her sister AND her? To have the powers of her sister's sun AND her moon? What then? She understood the whole 'we can't hold her hand through everything' but having to rely on a Twilight to stop a dark king, a warrior queen, AND two gods by herself? Yes, she had her friend but what if they weren't enough? What if Celestia was wrong? What gave her the right idea to gamble everything on a single pony? The night princess bit her lip, being encased in that dark stone made her quest for her sister's actions, this storm king had grown right from under their noses and invaded Cantorlot along with finding magical relics that could defeat her, her sister, and their niece in a single blow! They would have gotten Twilight too as well. Along with that, Tempest Shadow was a prime example of one of the reasons why Equestrian is failing, this pony was like ponies that were under her night legion before Night moon. A skilled warrior yes, but something did bug her, the fact that the reason that she became the way she did was because of the spoiled nature of ponies. Who would disown their own child because she was scared by an Ursa major? Casting her aside their own flesh and blood because of an injury and everypony else shunning her, then learning years later that her parents had given birth to a new child with the same birth name as her. She sighed... knowing that she had to do something. Then Luna felt a dark part of her mind crawl out. 'We can't ingore the facts,' She went wide-eyed for a moment feeling her 'other' linger in the back of her mind, but then held her head and nodded. 'Yes... this is something we must address... but the right way,' Feeling her other agree with her Luna felt her alter-ego linger awhile longer. 'If not?' 'Then we act directly... only as a final resort,' (No-man's land?) "-Alerted beeping-" "Here?" Courier six asked to which the enclave eye-bot gave a confirming beep. "Alright, here we go," Placing down the large device on the spot of solid sand the courier flipped a switch while four support legs were fired into the hard thick sand before it lifted up off the ground slightly. Then lighting the night sky over the pip-boy light came a bright green beam of focused energy beginning to cut down into the surface of sand down to the water vein deep below the surface of no-man's land. "To new beginnings," The courier stated before summoning his sleeping bang and stuff to step up camp for the night. Even with all the mutations and implants he had, the courier did need sleep like everyone else, his mechanical buddy buzzed right over to help him set up camp while the laser drill did its job. Author's Note Well back to fallout... Not a full replacement for red guardian but from Noble six to Courier six I give you this. A story where the courier is honestly wanting to be left alone, stay out of trouble, and not get involved. But if you have planned Fallout New Vegas that is impossible for people like Six. So, what else? Yeah, if you guys couldn't tell I gave Luna a bit of a eye opener similar to that of a blue giant from another series. I always picture a dark backstory for Tempest since we never got a full one too. Besides that I put in ED-E in this story too! Because everyone loves that little floating cute robot. Also two people gave me inspiration of this, one of them just got back from deployment which I'm glad to see my boy back in the states. So yeah... Hoped you enjoyed and till the next one... Also 3,000+ words baby!
Part 2(Two weeks later) The courier nodded his head to the song while he reached for a welding torch and his lenses adjusted to the sudden flash of light darkening his vision so as not to blind him from the light. Welding the two metal panels on the freshly built hangar that Courier six spent the last three days building from the ground up, getting away from the panel the courier couldn't help himself from shuffling slightly from the song. Putting the tool away in his pip-boy the courier stepped forward but stopped while a large robot rolled past him holding a large military crate over to the first hangar. "🎵 A little bit of rock a little bit of roll, a itty bitty little bit of rock n roll🎵," Walking onto the tarmac the courier walked over to the large device before summoning a cup while going to a faucet on the machine and twisting it. Pure filtered water poured out before he unstrapped his trusty helmet from his head and put the headgear on a pipe that came off the machine before bringing the cup to his lips to drink the clear liquid. Smiling at the amount of progress that happened over a few short days with all the tech from Mr. House and the big empty had turned this lifeless spot in no-man's land into a self-sustaining settlement. Automated robots buzzed about, sure they were no securitrons but the Sentry bots, Mr. Gutsy, and eye-bot copies buzzed about working hard on the base. Mr. House did have blueprints for an 'assaultron' but the courier didn't really want to build up his new home up fast as possible before working on anything new, he might have to up a pin it later on. But after all, was done he was going to relax because he desperately need a vacation after fighting literally zombies in a red toxic cloud to batshit former NCR and Legion who loathed him more than the citizens of vegas. In the next few days the courier's new home would be completed all with the essentials, a Biological research machine copy with Mr. handys working the maizes to turn into Salient or biodiesel for fuel. One of few the tribes of vegas, the Boomers were like his second family like that of Goodsprings, taught him a lot though he might have copied the blueprints for 'the lady' and VR simulation training without them knowing. Hell, his new home was heavily based on Nelis! Two hangars one a storage unit while the other was... well a hangar, his actual house was nothing too complex just a nice building that would be where the wrecked air tower was. He was still working on stuff 'under' everything but nothing too major just yet even he had to take his time working on all this. Like his vault 34 friends, he had the same idea of how to deal with unwanted guests. Differently, of course, some minor artillery nothing over a 155 shell... Two warning shots, one to tell them to get the fuck back, the other to scare, but the third? Well... his pip-boy did say he was prone to making a 'bloody mess' of threats. Plus a minefield around the area if they get too close but not close enough to the chainlink fence with razor wire and about 10,000 volts running through it. That is if they don't read the literal signs that ED-E used from the solid sand bricks that were used for warning signs so anyone can leave him alone! This world wasn't his own, best not get involved in any politics or anything. "*BEEP!*" ED-E caused the Courier to jump while turning to his metal friend. "What?" "*Angry beeping*" "Oh, that's..." The courier lifted his pip-boy before seeing the time. "SHIT I FORGOT WHAT TIME IT WAS!' Stopping the music and grabbing his helmet ED-E and the courier bolted towards the 'house' next to the first hangar. (Meanwhile, not far away) "Are you insane?" The Giant catfish shouted at the sly red-coated Abyssinian who was none other than Capper, and back to his old tricks again. "That's No-man's land! We'll never make it across there without dying of thirst!" "Come on now whiskers you worry too much... I got everything covered this isn't my first time crossing no-man's land. the Abyssian lands are just a hop skip away," The cat lied, this was his first time crossing the hardened sand wasteland but they didn't know that. "Bullshit," "Really you don't believe me... well I guess you'll have to find another way to the Abyssian lands... oh wait Equestria has already set up board portals," Capper reminded the walking Catfish. "look pal there is only one way to get either to the Zebra lands or my homeland without any ponies shaking you down for all your hard-earned savings. Going through No-man's land is your best bet," "Your one to talk... we barely have any money left for ourselves," The Catfish said. "Hey, A cat got to make a living somehow and besides I accounted for everything... including water," Capper smirked with his hands in his pockets. "Really? You that tiny bottle doesn't look like it can help any of us," The Catfish pointed to the metal bottle on Capper's belt. "Whiskers... you really need to understand... Capper's got everything covered," The Abyssinian pulled out a water stone. All of the small group had their eyes glued on the apple size blue gem in Capper's hand. "Where did you get that?" The catfish asked. "A friend..." He slipped it back into his coat. "So if any of you cats get thirsty come to old Capper... this stone is charged and ready to sate your thirst for no extra fee on me but showers are going to cost you extra," The group of former residents of Klugetown who were on edge about the whole idea knew with a rare magical item like that they could make it across with no problem. Sure enough, the fish took a bite of Capper's bait and they were off to the land of cats with him leading the way with the biggest smile on his face. 'This is going to be the easiest gig ever,' (Back with the courier and ED-E hours later) "*Victory Trumpet*" ED-E cheered while the courier cursed throwing his cards down on the table while ED-E gave what sound like chirping but was actually the Eyebot's version of a laugh as he yet again beat the courier at a game of Tragic. Pointing his hand at the metal ball he was pissed. "I swear your cheating!" "*Mocking beeping*" "That's still cheating! I don't have the entire rule book downloaded into my brain!" The courier leaned back in his chair. "God, why do I even bother playing with you anymore..." "*Beeping*" At ED-E's beeping the courier his head turned to the other table with a bunch of plastic figures waiting on a desk with small jars of paint and brushes waiting ever since he pulled him from his pip-boy. "Eh... I'll do those later," Getting up Six walked over to the Nuka-cola Fridge before pulling out a root beer, popping the cap off he lifted the bottle up and began to chug down the homemade soda. ED-E played a light tune while cleaning up the cards of pre-war game but then stopped when the courier began to cough. "*Worried beeping*" The courier smiled holding his hand up. "Sorry ED-E it went down the wrong pipe! There see perfectly I'm-" He then began to cough harder but to the point where he drop to his knees. ED-E rushed over to the courier's side worried for his friend. "*Even more worrying beeping*" ED-E didn't know what to do before his friend coughed one last time ending his coughing fit. Six groaned before looking at his hand and flinching at the sight before him. "Is that... my tooth?" Confused the courier rose up seeing his tooth had come out along with some blood but only from his tooth. "The hell," "*confused beeping*" "Yeah... you can say that again," Walking over to the table again where they were just playing their game the courier stared at his tooth, confused at how it shot out of his mouth. "It doesn't have a root," Looking at his lost canine tooth the courier turned to his pip-boy in confusion checking to see if it could show what was happening to him. But nothing? It said he was perfectly healthy... The two then turned to the homemade soda spilled on the floor. "*Beep*" "Yeah... probably a bad mix," "*Beep?*" "No, I'll lay off soda today," Standing up the courier walked over to his desk putting the lost tooth on his nightstand while moving his tongue to the gap between his teeth having lost one of his canines. Pulling off his duster the floating robot then spoke up. "*Commanding beeping*" "Okay, dad! Jeez, I was going to take a shower anyways... it's not like-" *BOOM!* The two flinched at the sound of one of the artillery cannons firing. "WHAT THE FUCK!" (Outside) (10:31 pm) "WHAT WAS THAT!" One of the refugees shouted in a panic hearing the loud boom. "Was that thunder?" "No, you idiot! Were in No-Man's land! It doesn't rain out here," "But..." "Shhhhhh!" Capper held out a hand confused at what he heard too while looking in the star-filled sky, there wasn't a single cloud in the sky but then his eyes turned down to what seemed to be... Lights? They were dim but you could clearly see light not too far away from where they were. Confused Capper narrowed his eyes trying to get a better look. That looked like some kind of settlement... but that was impossible. The sand was way too thick to dig down to the water below. "Guys! Check it! Lights there is a town out here!" A Landshark shouted noticing the lights that Capper saw too. Before the Abyssianin could say anything the refugees bolted to the lights before he could say anything, but before he could join them his cat-like eyes spotted something. Walking over to the strange object, it looked like some kind of small pillar, but having to lift his lantern Capper's eyes widen. It was a sign... A warning sign. "GUYS WAIT DON'T GO ANY FURTHER!" But Capper's words were barely heard as the second loud boom of thunder was heard, the group did stop again but not before hearing something. It sounded like something was falling from the- Capper was thrown back as from a few dozen feet away from him a blast of bright orange and yellow roared from an empty spot of sand. His ears ringing Capper pushed himself up off the ground seeing that the group in a panic make a run for the settlement. Pushing himself up Capper tried to speak to them but more storm-less thunder roared out followed by flaming explosions where many of the former Klugers were standing. Those that were faster than the rest ran but no thunder... yet that didn't save them from a similar fate. The moment they step forward on some patches of sand the ground under them rocketed them forward into the air followed by small blasts of fire tearing them up. In a few seconds, the entire group he was to escort to the Abyssinian lands were dead, torn to pieces by thunder and fire. Getting up Capper bolted away from the settlement running as fast as his little legs could carry him not wishing to become the piles of blood and cooked gore that the group had become. Not caring if he left his lantern behind that was slowly burning out and broken from the first explosion. Lighting the words on the small pillar of packed sand that read. 'Private property: Trespassers will be dealt with accordingly' Along with the clear image of a skull and cross bones... But the skull wasn't that of any creature Capper knew but he didn't care he knew what it meant. Author's Note Here you guys go... ehhhh just realized the number of words... 2020... damn it all that was a shit year. Still 2,000+ words? Sorry, if it was shorter than the first chapter. Still either way hoped you enjoyed the little humor I threw in... As to why the courier just lost a tooth? Well... being in a radioactive wasteland plus the fact he was experimented on by a bunch of brains in jars then experimenting on himself with implants and who knows what else? Before you say: "Is he turning into a deathclaw?" No, as awesome as that sounds no... Just side effects of the stuff from the big empty and radiation from searchlight and vault 34. Also no Assaultron GF. As much as the assaultron would make for the perfect companion (Since they are for any wastelander for a few reasons- like combat, seriously other 'personal' reasons aside) Courier six has already got ED-E and he is like the courier's version of Sox. If you got any more questions feel free to ask away.
Part 3(???) "AHHHHH!!!" "SHIT!" "FUCK!" "OW!" "MOTHER-!" "SHIT FUCK!" "BITCH!" "DAMN IT!" "WAIT! NONONONO!" Falling down onto one of the mutated trees the Courier hissed in pain after slipping on the cliff and hitting every rock on his way down. Pushing himself down he hit the ground with a thud... If it wasn't for the metal-laced bones, splicing, and all the cybernetics he would most likely be dead. Again. "Are you alright?" The burned man asked who was currently sitting underneath the tree that Six fell on top of. "Whhhhhhhy meeeeeee," Six hissed under the pre-war helm. Turning his head from his most prized book, Joshua couldn't help but chuckle at the Courier's misfortune. "Perhaps it's the father punishing you for going into his caves," Joshua's dry humor made Six chuckles slightly even though he was hurting. "Please don't say that around the tribe... they'll think I'm cursed and avoid me like the plague," Flipping onto his back the green-eyed helmet look up at the fire-colored sky of Zion. Turning back to where he left off Joshua began to read through one of his favored verses in the good book. As the two just stayed there in each other's own company for a few minutes the man who cheated death at Goodsprings spoke. "Josh?" Not turning from the book Joshua gave a hum to which the courier proceed with his question. "Have you ever had that feeling when you remember something but you don't know what it is?" Interested in this question Joshua marked his spot in the book before closing it. "No can't say I had the feeling... explain it to me," "It's... Well," Placing a hand on his armored chest while the fire color of dusk slowly became darkened by the night sky while many of the stars began to reveal themselves. "I don't know how to explain it... but I feel like at some points that I remember something don't know what it is but... once when I saw this poster in the Mojave about Ice cream, then I get this cold phantom taste and my mouth waters but I never had Ice cream before," "Interesting what else?" "Well, another time when I was about to drink some Nuka-Cola I pictured the smell and taste to be... different more like corn syrup than the fruity taste of Nuka, or another time I found myself waking up in my room in the sink thing 'where the hell am I' or something," Six told the man covered in bandages. Josh began to think for a moment. "Perhaps you thinking of your past like... before you became what you are today... before Benny put you at the doorsteps of judgment... maybe the Lord wants to make sure you don't truly forget who you were," Joshua stated. "Sometimes even science can't explain everything... sometimes you just have to faith that you will one day find out who you were before that your meeting with Benny," Six pushed himself up before slightly scooting back against the tree next to Joshua. "Maybe your right... a little bit of Faith goes a long way right?" Joshua turned to the courier. "Can't expect God to do all the work," (Present day) (The Abyssinian lands AKA Abyssinia, Catton Castle) "Calm yourself my subject... take a moment and gather yourself," Abyssinia's king spoke in a calm voice at the chopper-colored Abyssinian that looked like he could have died from exhaustion the moment he barged into the throne room. King Damion knelt down at the green-eyed Abyssinian before him. "Take a moment," The king told his subject. "Just breathe," Usually, the royal guard would have tried to stop anyone from barging into the castle's throne room but this wasn't just anyone. This was Capper the Abyssinian who helped Equestria's Princess of Friendship defeat the Stormking, he didn't really care for Equestria and how they treat his people seeing them as a bunch of backwater savages. Yet the Stormking was close to declaring war and invading his home, even though he distrusted the ponies his subject before had a hand in slaying one of the biggest threats to his kingdom. From what his advisors told him Capper was a swindler and con-artist but the look in his eyes was pure fear and horror... Plus his words. "Capper... Slowly tell me... what happened?" Damion spoke. "Thunder... it came from the lights and then fire! Goddess, I wasn't quick enough to warn them!" Capper reached out to the King. "Thunder?" Damion thought for a moment. "I thought the storm king was dead," "No sire! This was different... the thunder! There weren't any clouds in the sky! The lights! We thought it was a settlement in No-man's land!" Capper nearly shouted through his dry throat. "What? A settlement in No-Man's land? That's impossible," "There were warning signs! I saw them but before I could the second thunder came with an explosion then the rest came!" Capper's words became more and more panicked. "Those that survived the first wave of explosions that rain down from the sky tried to make a run for the lights but then the explosions came from the ground! It killed them all!" Looking at his Advisors who were confused by the mad-cat's rambling, Damion turned to the former swindler. "How did you survive?" "I didn't cross the warning sign," Capper stated to which the king blinked, Damion has seen a ton of liars and fools who tried to trick him into something. But this? Damion knew one thing that would always be with the truth in someone's words. Fear... Yet what Capper said couldn't be true could it? It was impossible for any civilization to set a settlement in No-man's land, if it is the advanced magic of the ponies or the skilled nature of his allies the Zebras, the solid sand ground was too solid to dig into to reach down to any water. Yet here was a terrified cat in total shell shock rambling nonsense, yet Damion had a feel... "Capper?" The green-eyed cat looked up at the king of his homeland. "Where is this settlement?" "EAST! It's right in the heart of No-Man's land! We were on our way here from klugetown," Capper answered. "I ran straight here!" Looking at the crazed-cat the King rose up before waving his guards to take Capper to see the royal doctor, standing there silently all awaited what the king would say. "Reece," Damion's most trusted Advisor stepped forward. "Yes my king?" "Ready a small party of my finest scouts with enough water to drown a whale and send them to find this 'settlement'," "Damion, do you seriously believe him? He's clearly dilutional even if he wasn't a swindler why would believe him? The heat could have tricked his mind," Reece stated. "Old friend... It does sound like desert-madness but I wish to only be sure and see if what he saying is true... if there is a settlement out there we must know their intentions," Damion said, to which the advisor to the grey-colored cat nodded. "But if what he says is true... how we will learn of their intentions? Mr. Capper clearly stated there were warning signs of some kind... perhaps to warn those to not approach this settlement," The panther king turned his royal robes and covered everything below his shoulders leaving the scarred face of the old cat to look at his most trusted friend. He nodded before the king placed a hand on his sword before looking out a window to his kingdom below, a king's duty was to his people, and if this settlement was home to powerful beings that could bring forth cloudless thunder that caused an explosion and the very ground to explode? The last thing he need was to trade the stormking for an equally or more powerful new enemy. "Reece... this is our home... if there is a potential threat laying in the no-man's land right outside our doorsteps would you wish to know what it was?" Damion asked to which the grey cat sighed before nodding. "I would my king," "Then please... send the scouts," Reece bowed his head with a hand over his chest before moving out of the throne room leaving the king in the throne room with his guards and... the Equestrian ambassador. Not turning his head from the window overlooking his kingdom Damion spoke. "I am to assume your leaders didn't know if this 'settlement' either?" Damion asked to which the white-coated pony shifted. "No, King Damion, but I would like to inform the princesses if that is alright with you? Equestria must know of this settlement as well..." Damion didn't say a word but raised his hand signaling him he was allowed to do so but seeing the ambassador's reflection disappear from the window and a door shut the king quietly to himself. "Years ago Equestria didn't give a dung beetle's shit of what happens down here but now that they have territory down here they must know every little thing," Closing his eyes he then looked down at the palace ground seeing the lastest troops training. "But the last thing we need now is a war," (Six's base) Six whined holding his head while tossing in his bed. It felt like his entire body was on fire as if he had been injected with enough Dark datura to kill an entire pack of Deathclaws and his head... don't get him started there. He could hear his brain cursing to itself thinking of returning to its body and it should have stayed in the jar back in the big empty with Mobius the 'mad' brain. ED-E whined in worry for his friend, he had never seen Six in this much pain before... And that was saying a lot. Buzzing at the Auto-Doc MK. III that the courier built out just in case he either broke something or got addicted to Wine and Vodka again. This wasn't the same hyper advance Auto-Doc back at the sink so it was a little slower and was having difficulty finding a diagnosis of the sick courier's condition. Sweating like a Big horner the courier laid there only dressed in his trunks and pip-boy, the medicinal device grabbed his head before shoving a cotton swab down his nose to test to see if he was infected with some disease. But the implants wouldn't allow him to ever get sick or to be infected with any disease or virus... ED-E flinched shaking in fear. Shooting over to the Auto-Doc, a small pair of tiny hands moved from the underbelly of the Eye-bot to the medical device before typing to look for a certain pathogen. ED-E gave a beep that was best described as a robotic 'sigh' seeing the results for FEV were negative, yet... That didn't help in figure what was causing this. ED-E couldn't do anything... He could only watch as his friend struggled in the bed. Giving a sad beep ED-E dropped down onto the side of the bed watching the courier struggle in his sleep... "/Don't worry ED-E... I'll never leave you bud/" ED-E replayed the courier's own voice to himself while the courier slept. (The courier's dream) *BANG! BANG!* Two white-leg tribals fell down dead while the tribe's chief held his head scared while trembling like a child at the feet of the burned man and the courier. "We warned you at Syracuse, and you persisted," Joshua spoke with a hint of anger in his usually calm voice. "You took advantage of us at New Canaan to drive us out, and like the dogs of Caesar you are, you followed us to zion," Holding his .45 pistol Joshua was ready to put to take his vengeance. "And now you stand on holy ground, a temple to God's glory on Earth. But the only use for an animal in our temple is sacrifice," Salt-upon-wounds stared in horror behind the salvaged motorcycle visor of his headpiece. "Kale watcha nei conserva oh! You understand me, Don't you? Don't You!" Joshua's voice was no longer calm but filled with pure malice towards this frightened man before him, Salt-upon-wounds rushed to the courier's feet grabbing his foot. "Outman! Kuna-man mad! He kill all white legs! You talk! You stop!" Courier only looked down while wearing his desert ranger armor, this man that he had heard do so many horrible things to innocent people was now begging him to stop Joshua from killing him. This man who killed... no slaughtering an entire village without a hint of mercy, not only butchering the dead but salting the very soil to prevent anyone from growing anything there ever again. "Mercy? Why should we allow him mercy! Let Joshua have his pound of flesh!" "This has gone on long enough! There has been enough killing! If Joshua is upset that he has every right to be but if he keeps this up he might as well be Malpais Legate again!" "Yet this savage has killed Men, women, and children! And for a what?! A cause that is going to die out in a couple of years? Caeser is dead! Yet he still continues on trying to whip out the people of New Canaan," "But if we allow this to happen the cycle of violence will continue! We don't need to kill everyone! Yes, some people deserve death. Salt-upon-wounds might be one of them! But completely whipping out an entire culture? We are not Caeser!" "We are better than this..." "Don't listen to this... thing! His cries are those of a mad beast caught in a thicket! He gave no mercy to my family, and I will give none to his," Joshua argued ready to end the coward's life that trembled in fear. "Joshua, You've already won. Look around you! There's no need to kill him," Six word's caused the burned man to lower his sidearm before realizing the words that his champion said were true. While the two spoke the whole event had a guest to watch, from the cover of one of the cliff sides a midnight-dressed figure watched while the masked warrior and the wrapped warrior let the terrified tribal human run away. Unlike the one is known as 'Joshua' the dream walker could hear the inner thoughts of the dreamer... for the masked warrior had an internal conflict deciding what to do with the killer. From the battle were the two fights fighting through the waves of tribal humans to the point where they now, defeating these 'white-legs' but instead of whipping them all out. The masked warrior tempered his comrade's rage so as to not commit genocide, unlike what this 'Salt-Upon-Wounds' was planning to do to the wrapped warrior's own tribe. From the way they fought to the way they acted after the battle... these two would make fine Midknights... Luna had to see more of this dreamer... This masked warrior interested her, but something was wrong, it was during the day yet why was this dreamer asleep? She could sense pain... His mental pain was overbearing... but controlled but his physical? If she didn't know better it almost felt like he was being torn apart from the inside out. Author's Note Sorry for the wait... My computer took forever to charge and plus my Xbox was stupid... And I really got downed at one of my stories still collecting dust before it even got a chance to shine. Still... At least here it is! Another chapter in the courier's path. Well, he was mostly asleep, but remembering about his battle-brother (not 40k) Joshua. Plus if you played Honest hearts you know you at least you fell off a cliff once or twice, don't lie we all did by accident. So. Hope you like and hopefully, I get out the next part, peace.
Part 4(Three days later) Coughing the Courier weakly rose from his bed his body screaming from the soreness that engulfed his entire body, ED-E gently pushed against Six's side to help him to get up. Reaching behind his neck he pulled off another large flake of dried skin the courier looked at the piece of dead skin. If he didn't know better he would think he was becoming a ghoul. But that wasn't it. Whatever was happening to him wasn't pleasant. Lost the most of his teeth but... They grew back. They were longer and sharper but his canines were broader line fangs, he cut his tongue when feeling them but only for to go numb for a while as if he ate one of Ruby's Casserole. His entire skin felt so tight that the courier could help but scratch at it only for a large layer of dead skin to peel off, lost his hair too but it grew back slightly but was thicker than before. Something was happening to him that was true and he was going to figure it out later. But right now? He had something he didn't really want right now, especially with his body screaming in sore pain. He had guests. Reaching out to his suit he slowly began to get dressed while ED-E moved over to the workbench with his helmet that had a slight change to it. (Outside the warning signs/markers) "I still can't believe what I'm seeing..." One of the Abyssinian scouts stated while looking at the many different metal creatures hard at work in the 'settlement'. "Flying metal squid and Three-legged metal golems this is right out one of those fantasy books back home," "Are they doing anything different today?" Asked the other scout sitting right next to the holding a notepad with rough sketches of the metal creatures including those floating metal eye things. The first scout looked from his telescope. "No, they're still moving those sand chucks and metal crates around. They're are almost like an ant hive working tirelessly even before we got here," The first scout said. The second cat scout returned to her notepad before turning to see the third scout looking low to the ground with his own notebook with a semi-map of the settlement with a bunch of marked black squares at random in front of the 'settlement'. "How about you? Got anything new?" The second scout asked. The third held out a finger before spotting a new pile of sand out of place before marking another spot with a square and filling it in with his piece of charcoal. "Found 39 more sand spots that aren't like the rest," "Still believe there are traps in the ground?" The second scout asked. "Yeah... there is almost a pattern but I can't be too sure," The third scout stated holding his chin to look at the map again to see if he missed something again. Returning back to her notes the second scout began to sketch one of the two metal huts in front of the black road in front of them. While working under the tent they set up providing shade for the three of them, the second scout began to wonder what was in those giant metal huts before the first spoke up. "Whoa! whoa! New guy coming out of the building next to the huts!" Turning her head she snapped up pulling out her own Telescope before looking down it passed the strange metal fence to look down it and to the building next to the huts. Sure enough, a new figure stood there with one of the metal eyes, but the one next to it look different from the rest that floated around. But the figure wasn't like the rest, it was bipedal and looked more like a living person, but due to the armor and clothing, it was hard to tell what it was. It wasn't a pony that was for sure even with the bulk of the armor, she could tell. The armor's design though... like the rest of the strange metal things were it was alien. The helmet had tubing and what she could tell a single stained red glass piece over the eye slit, the helmet held a strange star symbol that she didn't recognize. She felt her hand flip to a blank page before scrambling to draw the image of what she saw behind the telescope. From what she could tell the being looked quite unwell from the way it stood, the metal eye was under it's right arm to help it with stay up. But she couldn't shake the feeling that the being that stepped out was staring back at them... As if it could see them without the use of a telescope. Looking up from her telescope she stared back at the settlement thinking they were about to have first contact with this being. Freezing up the three heard something... Thunder... But they didn't cross the line! Did they anger the being? They didn't mean to! They were only trying to understand... Nothing did come to a matter of fact now that they listen close it didn't sound like a long thunder's boom but... Marching? Turning their heads behind their camp the three Abyssinian scouts spotted a bunch of figures match forward. "Of course... by the goddess I was really hoping they wouldn't come this way," The third scout bluntly stated. Getting up the three began to pack having to cut this trip short due to the new arrival, the last thing they need was vastly unprepared ponies to steal their water rations, and seeing how there are at least over a hundred of them that would happen pretty fast. As they packed up their equipment back onto the wagon the Equestrian's own scouting party arrived. "Greetings cat friends," The pony greeted with a smile holding out his hand. "I assume you spoke with the leader of this settlement?" The pony was dressed in clothing from that badland pony village... Somnambula if the second scout was correct. "No, we haven't," The first scout answered readying the giant sand lizard mount to take them back home. "Well... I assumed that King Damion wished to meet with the leader of this settlement after that incident with Capper," The silver-coated pony stated, but the cats just ignored the ponies already seeing the solar guard escort cooking in their heavy pure gold armor eyeing their water cart. "SO... I'm guessing Equestria will be the first to have diplomatic relations with this settlement?" This caused the three scouts to look up at each other before the third scout raised his hand from petting the large reptile's head. "How are you going to do that?" The Abyssinian asked. "Simple we are going to speak with the leader of this settlement," The pony smiled. "How?" The pony almost chuckled at the cat's question. "Why we will walk up of course," The pony stated bluntly amused by the question. Again the scouts couldn't believe their ears. "Buddy there is a warning sign to trespassers... it clearly says to say away," The first scout pointed out. "Pfffft, please... we aren't trespassers we are the diplomats from Somnambula sent by the sun goddess. Lady Celestia herself," The pony stated with a smile. "We will not be harmed," The second scout turned at the pony. "Are you mad?" She asked. "Did your informant tell you what happened when Capper's group crossed the line? They were blown to bits within seconds for trespassing on this settlement's land. Doubt they'll show you the same leniency... especially with your armed escort," The pony blew her off waving his hand. "Pure desert madness... perhaps Capper simply image the entire thing... with no water out here can be quite taking on the mind and body," The pony stated to which the scouts could tell some of the ponies were about to pass out or worse... "At least your right about that last part..." Climbing onto her cart the second scout stare down at the 'Diplomats from Somnambula' one last time. "By all means test to see if Capper was lying," "We will," The Pony held a smug grin before clapping to his men. "Forward men! Ready the trumpets to sound for our arrival!" Ten gold armor ponies with heavy long trumpets got up from the ground before moving forward next to the silver-coated pony, while they blew the trumpets the scouts began to move away before stopping at least a few away at a safe distance under sure what was to happen. The third and second scouts readied their notebooks while the first one climbed on top of the barrel with his trusty telescope to see what would happen. The moments the trumpets blared the Diplomat took a step forward passed the marker... he and the solar guard didn't hear the thunder, unlike the Abyssinians. They were too close to the trumpets which blared out the group held their breath before the second pound of thunder roared though out but this was followed by a second almost unheard sound due to the trumpets. The Diplomat and the trumpet players were thrown back from the blast of the explosion that landed right in front of them. The solar guard was supposed to be a fearless elite force of Equestrian's finest soldiers who would lay down their lives for the princesses. Yet the three scouts watched first while the elite fighting force screamed like children while the front row was screaming out of pain. The explosion maimed the ponies up front but the diplomat had taken the worst. His legs... They were blown off. Quickly the scouts bolted off what they just witnessed to inform their king of what they had just witnessed. (Back with ED-E and Six) "*Question Beeping*" "No... I don't think I was too harsh... if they can't read the signs like those cats then too bad... at least those ab... abbyss..." "*Beeping*" "I was getting there... at least those Abyssinians knew to keep their distance and read the sign," Courier six groaned before turning back to the building house. "I need to lay back down," "*Worried beeping*" "I know what I said... I just need to lay down longer okay bud?" "*Plays Mr. Sandman*" "Really?" If ED-E had a face he could smirk to which the courier gave a light-hearted laugh. Author's Note Almost didn't make it! But here it is! Another chapter! Hoped you enjoyed it... sorry for it to be a short one but something happened at work I swear and was there for an extra hour and a half. So I had to get this done within my new writing time frame. Again sorry if it was short... But what do you think happened to the courier?
Part 5(23 hours later) (Catton castle) "So your scouts came to this 'settlement' and saw these creatures?" The Zebra king asked to which the panther king nodded while his ally looked over the copy of the scouts' draws of the 'metal beasts' that roamed the settlement. "I did... thought you should know of this too old friend," Damian stated to which the Zebra nodded before Damian grabbed his wine glass and took a sip. "But I want you to take a look at that one right there... the two-legged one. Placing a piece of paper of one of the three-legged and three-legged metal squid the zebra king picked up an image of the scouts called 'the figure'. Turning to the symbol at the side of the being helmet the Zebra squinted his eyes at the symbol, a star that sat inside a circle. "Does that symbol mean anything to you?" Damion asked to which Xavier shook his head. Looking up from the image to the cat-furred cat that sat beside the small table that divided their chairs. "I've seen many star symbols before but none like this... this one is simple but it almost looks like something from the equestrian military ranks or something similar. Perhaps Lunar guard?" "Doubtful... Our newest 'neighbor' isn't Equestrian didn't even allow the Diplomate of Somnambula to come to close before blowing off his legs," Xavier flinched at that but the king was total that the scouts did warn the foolish pony of the clear warnings that their 'neighbor' laid out and reminded them of the incident with Capper. "Still it seems our 'friend' has no love for Equestria... at least we have something in common with them," "We don't know that quite yet my friend but we can't rule that possibility out either," Damion placed his wine glass down while Xavier took his own to sip from it. Holding his chin the old cat began to think. What could this settlement be? Sell-swords? No, there only seemed to be one of them and from the scout's report, he didn't look well... Wandering Mages? Most likely not there wasn't any magic from what the scout could tell which makes those metal beasts even more interesting. Water Merchants? The water guilds aren't as rich as they once were many years ago doubtful they even have any equipment like what the settlement had. Damion was so deep in thought he didn't feel the tug on his cub. "I didn't hear you come up to me, little prowler! Come here... you wish to see the draws too?" Damion asked to which the young prince nodded. "Mhm," Prince Salem said, the young panther cub looked up at his father while the Zebra king quietly chuckled to himself. The panther smiled down at his cub before bringing down his arms to pick him up onto his lap and showing him a picture of one of the wheeled metal giants. "What are these dad?" The prince asked. "We don't know yet but they seem to be strong workers that can carry giant metal trunks bigger than you tirelessly," The King told his son to which the prince then spoke. "They look scary," The Prince asked looking at the almost spider-like heads they had. "Heh they do look a little scary but we shouldn't judge them... they might be hard workers buzzing around like bees in a hive," Damion said while Salem turned to Xavier. "Uncle Xavie can I see that one?" Salem asked to which the Zebra king chuckled before handing the paper to the little one. "Here you are little cub," "Whoooooa he looks cool," The prince was in awe at the image of 'the figure' and his metal eye friend that was supposedly supporting him up. "That he does," Damion said while Salem turned to his father. "Can we meet him?" Damion looked at his son kinda surprised but Damion's question made him think for a moment. "Perhaps... maybe... but he's kinda shy and doesn't like anyone coming too close to his home so we don't know how we could meet him," Damion told his son. "But why?" "Well little cub that is what your father and I are trying to figure out," Xavier told the young prince. "Our friend here usually stays in his metal hut with a fence around it and summons thunder to scare everyone away. So we can't really come up to his door and knock on it and meet him," "But why does he keep to himself?" Salem asked to which his father spoke. "We don't know that either Salem... we are trying to figure out a way to contact him and speak with him at least once to find out his reason in No-Man's land," Damion stated to which Salem blinked. "He lives in No-Man's land?" His father nodded. "Whoa! He has to be super tough to live out there!" The prince stated to which the two kings chuckled. "It sure does look like it," Damion said while looking down at the image of 'the figure'. "Still need a way to contact him," Xavier spoke to which Salem looked up at his 'uncle' but began to think a moment before speaking. "Oh! Why don't we get a giant sign and put it right outside his yard asking him so you can talk with him?" The two kings looked at one another before Xavier spoke up. "That's... not a bad idea," (Meanwhile) Getting up from his 'nap' Six woke up stretched his arms and legs and gave a long yawn before dropping a hand on the back of his neck. "Oh, man... that's what I needed," Six smiled feeling a lot better after closing his eyes for 'a bit'. "See ED-E all I need was a- ED-E? Buddy?" Turning his head he saw at the foot of his bed like Rex used to do back at the Lucky 38. "ED-E? You okay there buddy?" The eye-bot shot up from sleep mode the Eyebot looked from each side of the room then to Six. "*worried beeping*" "Relax bud... I'm fine... as a matter of fact, I feel great!" Six rolled his neck before getting out of bed, ED-E rushed over to his side ready to catch his friend but the Courier stood up like what happened in the last four days didn't happen. "Man my legs! Hold on," Six moved from his bedside to stretch his legs from side to side before jumping onto his hands and stretching them in the air before dropping back down and smiling. "I haven't felt like this in forever!" Six punched at the air before raising his arm up and sniffing. "WHOA! Yeah... definitely should have taken that shower before," "*Unmused beeping*" "Hey, I said I was going to it in the morning..." "*Sassy beeping*" "Watch it ED-E I know where you recharge at night I can always remove your Sass drives," ED-E then gave the courier a light zap from his frame. "OW! Okay!" Brushing himself off the courier and then walked into the bathroom in his house. (15 minutes later) Getting out of the warm shower, Six pushed open the shower door before walking up to the mirror. Placing his clawed hand on the reflective surface he pushed his hand across it's surface to finally get a look at himself. What he was wasn't at all recognizable. Anything resembling a human was gone, replaced by what could be describe as a Big Mountian experiment gone way too far... more than usual. Scales, Fur, Claws, and Venom-filled fangs... He looked like a Nightstalker... Holding the sink he never thought that splicing his DNA with a Nightstalker would do this to him... hell the Auto-Doc assured him that all he would have was a few minor changes for combat but nothing like this. Well... at least he wasn't an over size Cazador-Man mutant like that one old pre-war. Looking at his eyes the courier began to take a closer look at his face Six looked to see some small human features still remained. Some of his back teeth were still there in the back and his tongue was still there a little longer but not forked, his eyes were still the same blue color as before and his hair or rather fur fluff on his head was a darker color than his original stress grey colored hair almost a nice black color. Six was glad that he didn't grow a super long muzzle for him to completely refit his riot helmet to insane measurements, but luckily the short muzzle only required small changes that ED-E could do it without a problem. Thought his claws might be a problem... Retractable yes but he was going to have to get a new glove for his right hand, not a difficult change just means he was going to be wearing to fingerless gloves now. Six still wondered what could have caused this insane transformation in his DNA like this. Could it have to do something with this world having 'magic'? Maybe... until all this in his arrival to 'Equis' Six didn't believe in magic everything had an explanation. Sleight of hand, miss direction, and technology that was advanced that it could have been mistaken for magic. Still couldn't get over the 'Ghosts' of the Sierra Madre. Looking at his butt to see if he had a tail (which he kind of did) his pip-boy gave a familiar ding sound effect. 'A perk?' Looking down the Courier swapped over to the 'perks' in his pip-boy. Mostly the perks referenced great physical changes to his body or skills he picked up... But seeing how he was a human-shaped nightstalker this would count as a great physical change. A lifetime in their shoes! Due to your DNA splicing in a big mountain, your arrival in Equis has caused your body to rapidly mutate without warning and caused your Nightstalker DNA to branch out and rapidly evolve your body into what it is now! Hey, at least your skin is covered in soft scales that can take bullets like kevlar, sharp eyes to help you spot out baddies, and claws and fangs with natural venom! /+4 to DT, +1 PER, and +25% more unarmed damage/ *Image: Vault boy with fangs and cartoon-like scaly skin smiling with his arms out standing next to two Nightstalkers standing next to him* Hissing, Six pulled his right hand to his mouth at how snake-like that sounded. Groaning at how of course his pip-boy had to make fun of his misfortune like this again. Exiting the bathroom the courier got to his fridge before opening it. Seeing the root beer Six reached down and grabbed out. Staring at the brown soda Six huffed for a moment before popping the cap off and moving it to his lips. "*ALARMED BEEPING!*" Nearly dropping the soda bottle from his hands Six turned to ED-E. "What!? What happened!" "*Angry beeping*" "Wha- Oh... ED-E come on I doubt the soda caused this," "*Wary beeping*" "Look this is just a soda as long as I don't have those pop-rock candies I wouldn't explode or anything," Drinking the soda ED-E ducked behind cover. Seeing this the Courier lowered his drink. "Really? Man I swear your such a drama queen," Turning away to get dressed ED-E popped up before selecting a record from his sound files and turning up the volume to the max before silently sneaking over to the courier from behind. "/BOOM!!!/" This time ED-E made the courier drop his soda on the ground before glaring at ED-E. "/Crowd laughter/" "That's it come here!" Six then began to chase the Eye bot around the small little house hut that was their home all the while the moon began to rise up. While a group moved outside the warning signs from the base and a bunch of tool were laid out before the sound of saws and tails began to quietly echo though out the cold dry No-Man's land. Author's Note Okay, here you guys go! Another one! And to those who guess right about the Nightstalker mutation... treat yourselves to cookies! (Like peanut butter or Chocolate chip or both whatever floats your boat guys) I do hope you like this chapter! BTW I did base the king and the prince off the IDW comics but gave them my own twist on things. Also before you fire at me because Zebra king wasn't rhyming... well I SUCK at rhymes but my headcanon is mostly because not many people (outsiders) would understand him since he is a King and had to make his points clear enough to understand... Plus to all you star wars fans... it's kinda the same thing here that the Twi'lek's accent in star wars, similar to Hera from Rebels (not a big fan but hey it gave us Maul and Vader vs Ahsoka) See you in the next one guys, Peace.
Part 6(Next Morning: 7:30 AM) ED-E played the courier's wake-up call, getting up out of his bed and popping his neck before walking over to the side of his room he began to stretch out his limbs before dropping down to start doing push-ups. ED-E moved to side of the side on the song while the courier did the morning route that he had missed for nearly five days, standing up Six began to do squats as ED-E hooved in the air up and down every time the courier went down. After he did some sit-ups, Six walked over to his hand-built coffee machine before changing the salient green tube and flipped on a switch the machine lit up. Walking over to the fridge the courier pulled out some Yeast milk and some sugar bombs from the pantry and walked over to grab a bowl. Nodding his head to the song, Six couldn't help but sing along. "🎵Say you're a winner but man you're just a sinner now... stroke me~ stroke me~🎵," After pouring himself a bowl he put the milk back before grabbing a nice clean mug that a certain obsessed robot would go crazy over. Placing it by the machine the courier pushed a button as the cloned coffee mix poured out before popping out a sugar cube and a creamer. Six didn't mind black coffee but he always had a sweet tooth, placing himself at his table Six looked at the bowl for a moment before bringing the Cereal to his lips wondering if... 'Aw screw it trial and error' Taking a bite the courier felt his fangs retract and his new teeth were like his birth ones even though they might be a little sharper. Nodding the courier smiled before taking another bite while ED-E 'Danced' which was mostly him bobbing his frame up and down around the dinner table. Looking at the back of the pre-war cereal box the courier smiled at the crossword, he didn't need a pen he already knew all the answers it was the name of different US states and presidents. Plus the advertisement for the upcoming 'Nuka-bomb' cereal which never saw the light of day sadly. After having finished his cereal Six handed the bowl over to the restored pre-war servo dish cleaner, getting up he summoned his outfit around him before picking up his coffee mug and the two left the structure. "🎵STROKE! (STROKE!)🎵" ED-E still played all the while the Courier left the building and walked onto the tarmac, still holding his mug and bringing it to his mouth seeing the base 'staff' hadn't stopped working even when the courier was sick. Turning his head the courier nearly spat out his Coffee as ED-E stopped playing the music. "The fuck? ED-E is that a..." "*Obersived beeping*" "Yeah, I can see that a giant sign in our front yard," Reaching to his belt Six pulled out his trusty vault 13 canteen and poured a little of the 'special' stuff in his coffee before taking a sip. "CAN WE TALK?" "My King he saw the sign," One of the Abyssinian scouts from before told the panther king. This caused the king to smile while the small group of cats and zebras sat in the shade of the large tent with both species having guards dressed in appropriate clothing but the wrapping covered their entire bodies and the sunglasses masked their faces making it hard to tell if they were an Abyssinian or Zebra. Didn't matter these two kingdoms were old allies for nearly two centuries, a combined dress of both cultures' sand survival gear. Both guards would defend either king... especially here in no-man's land. "Whoa..." Bring back up his telescope the first scout spoke causing the panther king to turn to his scout. "What is it, Max?" Daimon asked. "Last time... he was wearing a helmet," Looking back at his telescope Max then saw that the helmet was back on the figure but he was walking right towards the metal fence. "My king... he's coming this way," "Shut down minefield west side, middle zone M-N safe zone, Artillery target kill zone decreased by 10.5% from west side warning marker," "*Confirming beeping*" ED-E beep while the defense system the adjustment was made. Taking a foot forward the Courier pressed on his heels before jumping into the air over the eight-foot electric fence landing over it and standing up before dusting off his shoulder pad. ED-E on the other hand simply hovered over the fence to jump the courier on the other side before the two began to cross the minefield. Even though the mines were disabled he still avoided stepping on them, as he approached he saw the tent that sat next to the large fence. "Hey ED-E?" "*Beeping*" "Are those... mummies?" "/I dunno/" The old recording of ED-E's former owner played made the courier think about what happened to ED-E's 'twin'. Stopping about a few feet from the tent, Six placed his hands on his vest's collar while looking at the two highly dressed men on different style chairs. Both reminded him of Caeser... but luckily for them, they didn't give the courier the mad tyrant vibes. Looking at those who guarded these 'kings' wore sand-colored clothing and had the rest of their bodies in similar colored wrappings and goggles of some kind with dark lenses. These guards looked uneasy but Six just stood before the tent with ED-E ready to reactivate the default defensive system if they were to try anything along with alerting the sentry bots for a potential breach in the primary defensive line. "Mornin'," Six spoke breaking the quick. The black cat in the fantasy-style king robes flinched before smiling and speaking. "Good morning to you as well," "Don't mean to sound rude but what do you want?" Six asked bluntly. The Zebra in a similar but different dress seemed a little offended but that quickly changed into understanding. "Nothing just wanted to ask a few questions," The cat asked. Six quietly huffed getting the same feeling before the battle at hoover damn when he was within the NCR. "Okay shoot," The courier stated. "Who are you?" "Me? Just someone who is tired of being treated like shit after saving thousands of lives from a mad tyrant," This caused the two to look at one another. "I... *Clears his throat* who is this tyrant?" This time the zebra asked. "Does it matter?" The courier shrugged. "Guess not..." The two kings looked at one another for a brief moment. "But what I was asking what is your name is son," Six turned to the cat before shifting himself where he stood. "That's a long story... and besides you haven't told us yours," The courier answered. "Us?" The zebra was answered as the courier nudged ED-E that hoover next to him. "So that thing is-" "He..." "What?" "My partner is a him not a 'thing'," Told the Zebra king to which the king slightly bowed. "I meant no offense," "*Accepting beeping*" ED-E beeped as all within the tent blinked in surprise at ED-E 'speaking'. "He said: None taken it happens more often than not," Six stated. The cat king shifted in his chair before placing a hand on his chest. "My friend and I haven't come here to make offend you dear stranger we simply wish to know who you are and are here on behalf of our kingdoms. In the past week a few reports have come up about 'thunder' and 'explosions' coming to those who step pass that marker and we simply wish to know if you have any conflict with our kingdoms," The cat spoke before bowing. "I do apologize for not introducing myself before... I am King Damion Aleson III, ruler of Abyssinians," "And I am King Xavior Temple, I rule over the Zebra lands neighbors and long-time allies of the Abyssinian people," Xavior stated before Six noticed to one of the guards holding a notepad and using something while two others stood beside 'her'. (NAME THAT PERK!) Six hummed before turning back to the kings. "Well might as well introduce ourselves... This is ED-E he's my parnter and as for my name... well like I said... Long story," Six then shifted slightly. "I currently use the name: 'Six' I'm a courier," The two kings had their own looks of bafflement at hearing the name of the courier. "Six? As in-" "The number yeah... it's the only name I remember having," Six told the kings but before they could ask the courier spoke up again. "Again long story," Xavior looked at the courier's belt seeing a six's side arm. "Your not just a courier are you?" Xavior shifted. "I'm a courier first and foremost but yes I am many other things," Six answered. "Doctor, Engineer, Prospector, Hunter, Guard, Guide, Warrior, and many more," The zebra king looked back at Six before speaking. "I'm guessing out of all those things you're a warrior second?" Six gave an honest nod. "What kind," "The kind that is tired of being treated like the devil all because the side I helped out in the final battle," Unknowingly to Six the king's unspoken theory grew stronger after those words. "Now I want to be left to my own devices... that's why I came out here... to be alone with my buddy here in a never-ending vacation," Damion looked at Six before nodding. "I understand... after the reports we heard of what happened we had to see if you were a threat," The black cat told the master thief of the Sierra Madre. Six nodded back. "Fair enough," Six turned his back and held up his hand. "You all have a safe trip back," "Wait a moment Courier," Damion spoke standing up slowly. Six turned his head. "The second use of your weapons was used on a diplomat of Equestria, I understand they were trespassing but I fear they wouldn't know that and send another force larger to try to bring you to Equestrian 'justice' or something of the sort," Six nodded. "Thanks for the warning chief... but last time I checked were not Equestria and they were trespassing on my property..." But before Six could take a step he then turned slightly. "Hey, Damion?" "What is it Six?" "Your a cat right?" Damion was taken aback slightly. "Yes, I am... why do you ask?" "I never seen a cat before... just wanted to be sure... sorry if that sounded weird... by the way... you three," He pointed to the three scouts, even though they wore full-body clothing the courier nodded. "Thanks for respecting the signs and hey at least you tried to warn the dick," Turning to the cat with the drawing pad Six titled his helmet. "Hope you got my good side ma'am," He then turned and began to walk over the minefield before returning to the fence and then leaping over it leaving the two kings and their guards quite befuddled. ... Damion to Xavier/Six to ED-E: "I think that went well," (Equestria) "War? Sister, we don't even know what kind of people reside within the settlement!" Luna spoke baffled at the information her sister gave her. "Sister they mangled a diplomat and half of the solar honor guard unit with him without warning!" "Tia you know of the report... not only were they warned by Abyssinian scouts but there were clear warning markers not to trespass onto the settlement land," Celestia scoffed at this. "That isn't their land! Even after we freed them all from the Stormking this happens! Luna... those who live in the badlands only listen to one language and that is violence. Words mean nothing to them and if we do something like-" "Slaughter an entire settlement? Sister, there could be children harmed in an attack on this settlement! And from what your honor guard said... Sister, I think this settlement has weapons from beyond the mirror," Luna right then and there regretted her words. "Sunset... I knew it," Celestia huffed before storming off, it didn't take a genius to figure out what her solar sister was going. "Wait, sister! We don't know Sunset is behind this!" "Who else Luna!" Punishing the doors to the mirror Celestia summoned a hammer. "She could have slipped in with those human weapons! You read their history books! They have weapons that can level entire cities," Luna stepped in between her sister and the mirror. "Sister please stop this! Sunset could be still in the human realm and perhaps this is something else! Send a message to your student to see if Sunset can meet us over on this end... Don't do something you're going to regret," Luna spoke, Celestia glared at her sister for a moment then to the mirror and back to her lunar sister. "Fine..." Celestia then dissolved the hammer back into magic before turning away causing Luna to sigh. 'Sister... what happened to you?' Author's Note Sorry, this chapter was a bit late... I had to head to bed early since I had to get up extra early for some raffle thing at one of the locations one of the companies we hired for... (I am an account my dad had to be there since he is the assistant manager though most times he acts more like a boss than my company owner- 09/02/2022 update which I am no longer employed) Besides the delay... Watcha think? The whole event with Six meeting the two kings went pretty well right? I mean sure they just met but hey all it takes for a beautiful friendship to kick off is the first meeting. Even though Six wants to be left alone. Perhaps it will be a quiet/natural friendship all parties respecting each other and leaving the courier alone to his own devices with ED-E. As to the clothing the Zebra and Abyssinians wore? I was picturing the clothing similar to what the sand benders from Avatar the Last airbender wore mixed with Zebra and cat like themes. Now Celestia? Well let's just say Luna didn't her own self reflection experience while frozen... but Celestia? Well a lot of 'thoughts' were in her head.
Part 7(Two days later, Work hangar) Looking at the freshly cut metal piece, Six bounced his right heel to the song while hard at work on the large piece of machinery. From Goodsprings to the divide, Six has gotten his hands on a lot of data and other things that groups like the NCR and Brotherhood of steel would kill over. From the Technology, he pulled from Mr. House's servers to the data storage vaults of the divide... hell even ED-E had some serious Enclave data on him. That Hellfire armor that the recording spoke of sounded amazing but Six already had his power armor, but he might tinker with it some more later on with some of the data files he found off ED-E's hard drive. Carefully he inserted the part into the machine before using some screws to attach the pieces together before the courier reattached the main piece on the side project he was working on. "Okay ED-E try it now..." The bot chirped before pulling and turning on the engine, the giant machine roared to life while the bio-diesel filled the powerful engine that gave the armored vehicle life. Smiling at his work the courier waved for ED-E to turn off the machine, doing so the courier got up walking pasted the two large 40mm machine guns ready for action. Stretching his bionic spine while moving in front of the previously completed vertibird, walking to the Nuka-cola vending machine the courier pushed for the ice-cold cola. Popping the cap off the courier sat down in a rolling chair placing a hand behind his hand while looking at his latest creation. "*Question beeping*," ED-E asked. "Yeah... had to do some slight changes to the original design... what did ever happen to Russia?" ED-E just tilted in thought before speaking. "*Unsure beeping*" The courier looked at his partner before back to the almost finished war machine, picking up his legs on top of a storage crate. "True... but we may never know," "*Another question in beeping*" The courier smiled at the Eyebot's query. "ED-E you know me... I like building things. Sure your 'drones' can build it faster than I can plus it helps pass the time and keeps us busy," "*Agreeing beeping*" But before the two can rest for a moment ED-E shook violently. "*Wary beeping!*" "WHAT!" Six shot up at ED-E's code. "HOW MANY!?" "*Beeping*" "Wait... only six?" The courier blinked before looking back at ED-E. "I don't know if I should be offended or not," (A few moments ago, Storage Hangar) "Twilight are you sure this is safe? I mean... after what the Princess said these folks don't sound quite welcoming," Applejack asked while the elements of harmony teleported into the second metal hut within the 'settlements' border. The princess of friendship nodded. "Don't worry Applejack as long as we stay quiet and out of sight the settlers wouldn't even know where here," Twilight answered before going over to one of the metal crates. "Now come on girls let's see what we can find," Applejack held the brim of her hat before looking at all the alien designs of the large metal hut they were in, metal crates were stacked about neatly while a large amount of perfectly cut hard sand of No-Man's land was organized nearly next to the creates. Among other things large tanks filled with unknown liquids were on another side of the hut, if the farmer didn't know any better she would assume they were in some sort of flashy warehouse. "OOOOOH lookie at what I found!" Pinkie pie shouted causing the girls to quietly shush her. "Oh right sorry... but look I found!" "What is it Pinkie?" Rainbow Dash asked to which the element of laughter smiled. "It's a note," "Well, what does it say, darling?" The element of Generosity asked. Pinkie pie cleared her throat. "Okay, dokie loki here goes: 'Six remember to move all this when the other storage space is ready. I really want to be a garage to keep the stuff we make- Six'," Pinkie said causing the girls to look at her. Rainbow Dash looked away from one of the metal crates she was trying to open for her pink friend. "Uhhhh... who's Six? Why is there two of them?" the element of loyalty asked. Twilight took the note before looking at it. "I think this is a self-note to remind this 'Six' character," Twilight stated before Applejack spoke up. "But what this about a Garage? Last time I checked this settlement doesn't have any train tracks and I'm pretty sure we are too far away from any water for anyone to be making a boat," Twilight looked up from the note, it took a moment for her to remember about her time in the human world and the strange machines that were. What were they called? They were called, Cars... well if she was not mistaken. So that meant her mentor was right, this being somehow came from the human world but how on Equis were they able to bring all this equipment from the human world through the mirror and sneak it out of Canterlot without being seen. But... what could these humans really want? Why was it here? What were their plans? Gutting Rainbow Dash was back at the metal crate trying to pry it open with a metal rod from one of the racks that held a bunch of these things. "COME ON OPEN UP!" "Um... be careful Rainbow don't hurt yourself," Fluttershy spoke worried for her friend seeing how hard she was trying to get the crate open. "Almost got it-" The rod snapped in half causing Rainbow to fall forward on her face, her snout hit the ground first causing her to hit her nose hard. "AHHH! BUUUUUUCKKKKK!" Holding her broken nose Fluttershy opened her wings to rush over to her friend. "Here let me see," "Ahhh how bad is it?" Rainbow asked to which the element of kindness shook her head while looking at her friend's nose. "Not bad here just don't tilt your head back," Pulling tissues from her side bag and handed them to Rainbow who covered her nose. Applejack looked at one of the metal crates before turning it around and flipping a switch and opening it, Rainbow watched her friend turn to her with a smirk on her face. Growling at her friend's face, Applejack turned to the items within the crate. Lifting her hat up to get a better look Applejack needs to take a moment at what she was looking at... Reaching down she picked up one of the wrapped 'bricks' but the moment she touched it the element of honestly blinked in confusion. "Clay?" Looking at the wrapped brick of 'clay' she inspected it before looking at the top of the wrapping it held some small text but two large texts that didn't make much sense. "C4? What kind of name is C4 for a bunch of clay?" Reaching to the wrapping's lip she pulled on the tab, the moment she was about to pull back the plastic wrapping the metal hut's large front door along with the many bulkhead side doors opened at once. "Intruder! Halt!" Giant metal being rolled forward with three large legs that held wheels on their ends while three-eyed and three-legged metal creatures floated from the sides. Fluttershy yelped before bidding behind rainbow dash who picked up her fists ready for a fight, Rarity hid behind one of the large tanks but quickly something zapped her from behind causing her to yelp as a large metal eye-like creature looked at her. Pinkie quickly threw a cardboard box over herself and didn't move, Applejack's wrist was grabbed by a metal claw from one of the metal squids who took the 'C4' away from her and put it away from the open box. Twilight held out her hands while the metal was being moved forward. "Hey! We mean you no harm! Look we-" Twilight was then interrupted as the metal being stopped, two of the metal giants moved aside allowing a being in an armored duster and red-eyed helmet to walk forward. "Are trespassing," The being spoke before stopping before them, he then sighed before placing his hands on his belt. "Um... hi there! I'm Twilight Sparkle princess of frie-" "I don't give a shit who you are... get the fuck off my property," The figure hissed... quite literally. "Well... I'm sorry but we can't do that," This caused the figure to lift his head at what she said. "Why is that?" "See this isn't your property and as a matter of fact you are trespassing on equestrian land... so if anyone is trespassing it's you and your metal friends here," Twilight Sparkle said. "Along with that your people attacked and mauled Equestira diplomat and multiple members of the Equestria solar guard... by Equestrian law you are to surrender whatever weapons you possess and your people are to turn themselves in for judgment on-" Twilight blinked noticing that the being was playing with what looked like a colorful cube puzzle of some kind not paying any attention to her. "Um... excuse me," The element of magic spoke to which he plainly ignore her. "How do I do this again?" As he said this another metal eye moved up next to him, but this one was different and didn't look like the others. "*Beeping*" "Oh like this?" To this, the metal eye beeped again. "Ah yeah I see it now," "Excuse me!" Twilight shouted. "Damn it! Fuck I messed up!" The eye thing beeped at him again. "No I think... ah there we go! Alright now you try," He then began to mix the color again before handing it to the Metal eye who used its smaller arms to quickly solve the puzzle. "Show off," The metal eye then bounced up in the air up and down while playing music of some kind. "EXCUSE ME!" "Oh, you still here? I'm pretty sure I told you guys to piss the fuck off," The being took the cube back before trying to solve it as the metal eye did. "Did you hear what I said! You and your settlement attacked an unarmed diplomat and his escort! You are-" "Not really giving a shit about it... Look last time I check this 'land' you so claim that belongs to Equestria is called 'No-Man's land' which I'm pretty sure doesn't belong to your queen or whatever," The man interrupted again. "That's it I had enough of this!" Rainbow Dash shouted before taking flight and rushing into the air and at the figure. "No one disrespects my fr-" *ZAP* Pulling a device from his side, a single blue laser hit the flyer dead on causing her to freeze up while her muscle tensed up and her joints locked together. "RAINBOW DASH!" Fluttershy screamed seeing her friend hit the ground behind the figure not moving. The figure held the smoking weapon before speaking. "Relax I only stunned her but I could have picked something else more lethal to kill her with... now consider this your only warning since you apparently see the damn signs outside," "You meanie! You are just a bunch of bullies who think you can get away with hurting ponies for no reason!" The figure just shook his head. "I... not going to bother with this... Sarge if you would," The large bot nodded before turning to them as it raised its arm. "Yes sir," A volley of blue laser fired at the remaining five ponies causing them all to freeze up as Rainbow Dash did. "Now here's what's going to happen," The figure then walked up to the paralyzed Twilight Sparkle. "When you can feel your legs again you're going to go back to your home and tell your fellow pony friends that whoever decides to trespass will not get any warnings shots you will be fired upon... and if you decide to teleport back here again I'll send your ashes back home in a soda bottle am I clear?" "Uffffff," Unable to speak Twilight watched as the figure looked down at her. "Good... Sarge, please escort them off the base," Unable to do anything the princess of magic and her friends were approached by the metal creatures who then picked them up before taking them out of the hangar. (One hour, Six's house) "Goddamn it! Why can't they leave me be!" Six shouted. "*Unsure beeping*" ED-E Answered. "Fuck..." Six held his face still not using his new canine-viper snout. "Now we gotta build an anti-teleport device," "*Beeping*" "No it's not going to be that hard should have it done in the next thirty minutes... but still are we sure that everything was accounted for in the storage hangar?" "*Confirming beeping*" "Good... we should have the storage area done by the end of the week to move all the supplies to that and make room for the lady II," "*Question beeping*" "Not to worry buddy I helped build the first one I know what to do," "/I have a bad feeling about this/" ED-E spoke using a recorded line from an old Pre-war movie. "Hey don't worry about it bud everything will be just fine," Author's Note Well, I don't usually post on Sundays but... I was able to max out all my Fallout NV skill on my newest run, no joke you can do it if you use the 'skilled glitch' and collect all the skill books. Now back to the story... I hoped you liked it, but got to ask what do you guys think? Besides the fact he's planning on working on building another 'lady', what do you think he's working on now? Well... Here just so happens I have a blueprint for you guys... It wouldn't be a surprise that either the US Military or Mr. House was able to somehow get their hands on the blueprints for a Russian tank design (Fallout). But the courier had to fix a major design flaw if you can't tell. Still... hoped you liked this chapter and see you all in the next one.
Part 8(Dream realm) She found the door again. Luna was unsure if she wanted to peer into the mind of this 'human' again. But lately, her sister has been rather... unreasonable. At first, she thought it was the whole Stormking incident. Being frozen in that magic crystal wasn't at all a present experience, when it began to crawl over your flesh the black crystal would burn at it before closing around your mind. Consuming you into the darkness... Luna knew the darkness all too well, you can say she was born into it. Yet her sister and niece only knew the light, Cadance had felt the touch of the darkness thanks to Sombra but her sister? Only a few times has she used dark magic but it was only for a moment and it would harm her physically, to her the darkness was like poison. Being imprisoned in that crystal wasn't easy for Luna to be in either, but she had spent the past 1,000 years within her own personal darkness and after the elements saved her she learned to handle it. So when she was imprisoned she held back the dark magic of her crystal prison from her mind, while imprison she could only think of how easily they were taken by storm by a single pony. Yet she was so focused on how weak the military of Equestria was she was blindsided by the fact of her sister's actions. She should have said something when her sister moved Equestria forces into occupying the form Stormking empire but only when this new door opened did she really get to see what was going on. This 'human' stepped in and everything got a smack to the face... Her sister is focused on expanding and even trying to arrest this human for 'trespassing' on Equestria territory even though the 'human' was in the thick of no-man's land. After what happened with the diplomat and the elements? Her sister was about to march an entire invasion force into the badlands to take out this settlement, if not for Luna talking her out of it. Even though she spoke just days about how humans have waged war for centuries non-stop! During her time in the mirror world as 'vice-principle Luna' she looked into the history books of human civilization, and almost every chapter in their life held a war. Her mind still shivered at the weapon the humans used known as the 'Atom Bomb'. She need to find a way to calm things down, yes she wanted to try and revive the military of the equestrian army but having the entire army including her knights thrown into the dry 'No-Man's land' without proper training or equipment only for them to be slaughter? Leaving Equestria open to invasion by any diamond dog warlord or one of the enemies of equestrian waiting for the golden chance to strike. First, she need to find a way to contact this human... right now this human could be a very powerful enemy if she didn't step forward. Hopefully, he would show the same mercy he did to 'Salt-Upon-Wounds' if she remembered correctly. Opening the door Luna almost gasped at the sight of what she saw... "By mother's mane," The legate crawled on his side... The bane of the bear... Monster of the East... Butcher of Rangers... Caeser's right hand... The avatar of war was trying to get away. Surrounded by his dead guard the former fearless warlord was now crawling trying to get away from the red-eyed courier that slowly walked over to the gold armor brute. Six put his police pistol away before walking over to the Legate and looking down at the beaten monster groveling at his feet. The featureless face of the golden mask that terrified countless hardened NCR rangers didn't seem so scary to the courier. Kicking the Legate on his wounded side the bane of the west cried out in pain before clenching his wound. "I got to be honest... I really excepted this to go down differently... but not the way you think," The courier crouched down to the legate. "I really thought this fight was going to take everything I had to take you down... but all it took was a few hits and your whimpering like a puppy," "AGHHHH!" The Legate threw out his fist to try and clock the Courier's riot helmet but six casually caught the attack with his hand. "Okay, I'll give you that one... I may need buffout to match your strength but that's it," The courier then began to close his hand causing the bones in the Legate's hand to break. His body wasn't as strong even with the cybernetics from the big empty but with a mixture of Buffout and a special cocktail he learned from a pre-war war ghoul. Six wasn't taking any chances with this entire fight, he had pull every string he could pull for this final battle at Hoover damn. From getting all the tribes to pull their weight into pushing the Legion back to pumping his entire body any chem he had on him to finally cripple the legion and kill its remaining leader. Six had pulled the: 'Frank Horrigan special' but he was now thinking this entire thing was unneeded, from using Esther with high yield mini-nukes to High-Ex rockets to deal with the large groups of the bunched-up legion and for those who were hand-to-hand with NCR soldiers they were dealt with 12.7 hollow points from Randall Clark's old rifle. Was it overkill? No... Six hated the legion with every fiber of his being. To him, it wasn't enough kill. He already killed Caeser after killing the entire legion force at the Fort, Six just walked right into Caeser's tent with ED-E at his right and good ol' Boone to his left. All it took was a single high explosive missile for the old man. For the legate? Just a few regular bullets. Letting the golden butcher go causing him to clench his mangled hand while howling in anguish, Six reached down before grabbing the mask of the legate off from the man's face and for once the legate could do nothing about it. Pulling the mask up into the air the courier looked down at the Legate who couldn't hide his fear behind his mask anymore. Six brought the butcher's own mask down upon his face, hitting it once, then twice, then three times, and... Again. And again. and again. And again. And again. Until someone grabbed his shoulder. "That's enough!" The courier snarled before turning away in a chem-filled rage to around. Expecting to see Boone the courier blinked in confusion to see a midnight color equine pony, confused for a moment the courier then realized what was happening. This was a dream... "Yeah, I don't remember this happening... that's kinda weird never seen you in my life before," Six stated casually ignoring the fact of the 'dream copy' of the legate that was dead at his feet. "Hmmmm though why would I be thinking about one of you guys?" Six-eyed the midnight-colored pony, while the Equine held a look of totally baffled at how casually Six would act after banishing a man's head in with his own helmet. "Though you look kinda cute though in a certain way..." Six said to himself before realizing what he just said. "Damn did I really just say that?" Luna blushed slightly but then cleared her throat. "I am not a figment of your imagination human I am real... my name is-" "And there is that... man that purple pony really must have to affect my subconscious..." Six interrupted before gently touching her mane. "Though this looks so much like the star nights from Zion," Blushing again the courier then began to gently pet her mane before clearing her voice and swatting his hand away. "Look human I don't have enough time of this before you awaken and-" "Whoa! Man, this is weird! Wait didn't Mobius have a book on dreams? What was it called?" While the courier held his chin the entire battle of hoover dam was changed into an entire library of books. "Brain dreaming? No that's not it..." "Excuse me! I am not a dream that your subconscious created I am-" "Though your voice does sound familiar but I never think I have heard it before I think I-" "HUMAN LISTEN TO ME!" The pony shouted this time she interrupted the courier's words but when she did music shouted out. (Morning) Six yawned at ED-E's wake-up call causing the courier to get away. "Thanks, buddy... that dream was starting to get weird," Six got up out of bed popping his neck before walking passed by the five helmets that sat next to the courier's snowglobe collection. Going over to start his daily morning route the courier began to start my warm-up. Author's Note Sorry for the shortness but happy 4th of July guys... (Really cutting it close here but hey better late than never) Again sorry for it to be short... But the way am I not the only one who collected all the marked beast helmets from the lonesome road and put them on display at one of my player homes? (I would always put my 'trophies' in the sink, I put the helmets next to the toaster not as he can burn them) Also here is an easy guide to finding all the snow globes: Till then guys see you in the next one... Again it's an American holiday so sorry for the shortness, but what are your thoughts. I do try to read them all.
Part 9(Morning) Sitting in a lounging chair with a large umbrella providing shade and an ice-cold Nuka-cola the courier smiled while overlooking the base that had grown in the past few days. After the break in the courier had to up his base defenses by adding in an anti-teleportation system, which wasn't really that hard if these ponies teleport the same way his transportalponder worked. Then came the ideas of more ways how they would break in... After adding in the CIWS anti-air system and after that he decided to add sentry turrets within the buildings within the base so no of those ponies get any chance to break into say his armory or something. Besides, Six finished his latest project and was putting the 'lady' to work on a later list right now Six need a day off. An ice-cold drink in the shade with a place of his own without a care in the world. "*Query beeping*" "What?" "*Repeating beeping*" "Uhhhhh... I don't follow," Six pushed down his shades to look at ED-E who was on his own custom chair with his own umbrella giving him shade. "*Annoyed Beeping*" "I guess but why though," Six looked at ED-E who shook while beeping slightly causing the hybridized being to hold his hand to the eyebot. "Alright... alright! A name got it..." The courier held his chin while thinking before smiling. "New new vegas?" Joked. "-How bout no?-" ED-E played a video clip recording. "Fair enough... The sandslot?" ED-E thought for a moment before beeping. "Yeah that's a baseball thing... okay how about Sand springs?" The eyebot beeped again clearly not liking the sand theme going on. "Okay okay! Everyone's a critic... what about New Navarro?" This caused ED-E to raise up beeping. "Huh, you like it? ED-E bounced up and down as if to nod giving happy beeping, Six got up and looked at his companion. "Yeah... those old timers rubbed off on me... who knows hopefully they would start to give the enclave a good name or something," ED-E gave a slight title. "Don't think so?" The robot shook it's frame. "Eh, never hurts to some faith," Floating back down to his chair the two rested back on their chairs looking at their home... 'New Navarro' Stringing his straw in his drink the courier lifted the drink to take a sip but stopped when he spotted something. '"ED-E?" The eyebot beeped. "You see that?" ED-E turned to spot what the courier saw only to give a slightly annoying beeping. "No, I don't think that's a pony," (A little time later) After leaping across the fence once again and avoiding the minefield the courier slowly approached the lone figure standing in the desert standing next to a cart of water along with one of those lizard creatures from last time. "Howdy," Six greeted the lone Abyssinian who was out of breath after swinging her arms around trying to get the courier's attention. "H-hey..." Panting the female raised her hand. "You know you can always paint another sign to get my attention," Six joked slightly seeing the Abyssinian pull down her cloth mask over her face. "How long have you been out here doing that?" "About twenty minutes," "In this heat? Lady, there are better ways to get my attention," Six summoned a bottle of a yellow-green liquid. "Here..." "What is this?" "Water-Aid little something I cooked up... it has electrolytes, vitamins, and other things good for your health," Six offered it to which she looked at it for a moment before taking it and twisting off the cap to drink it. Six looked at her tilting his head while she drank the lemon-lime flavored drink, drinking it within a few seconds as expected she took a moment to collect herself. "Better?" "Yeah... this stuff is amazing," Looking at the bottle before turning to the courier. "I'm sorry Mr. Six I wouldn't have come here if there was nothing else" This confused the courier while he looked at the humanoid cat. "Mr. Six please you have to help," Looking up at him the cat held a look of pure terror on her face that Six knew all too well, the fear of loss. "My sister she's sick and no one knows what's wrong with her... please you said you're a doctor right?" "How did you..." Six blinked in confusion but looked at the cat before recognizing her bone structure and poster, she was the one drawing him when King Damion and King Xavior came to speak with him. "Oh, it's you," The cat blinked before looking down at the scout's soft cyan eyes before him. "Look lady I'm trying to avoid affairs with the outside world and-" Holding her hands together the cat gave what the courier only could describe as 'puppy dog eyes' but her's were beautiful and pulled at the courier's synthetic cybernetic heart. Signing the courier crossed an arm across his chest before holding his face plate with his other to think for a moment. *Rushing beeping* ED-E buzzed in the courier's ear causing the courier to hiss which started the scout but only for a moment as the courier lowered his hand pointing it at her. "Is she too sick to be transported here?" "Yes... she has been bedridden for days," The scout answered. The courier hit his helmet with his free fist before giving a huff. "ED-E?" *Natural Beeps* "Get the stuff," (A hour later) 'This is stupid...' Sitting in the back of the cart while the scout drove them to Abyssinia, the courier hung his head feeling exposed like this he wanted to take the vertibird for a long-range test flight but decided against it since all it would do was gathered unwanted attention. Being out here was a big risk with those ponies about almost got their hands on his shit, at least he left the base in the metal hands of the 'hive' anything much as blimp up will be leaving the base in a Nuka-cola bottle. Yet... Six has always had a soft spot for kids. He didn't know why. Ever since he was in freeside seeing those kids having to hunt fucking giant rats for a scrap of food made the courier feel empty. He fed those kids ever since then and sometimes he would think about them even now... Maybe it was some parental instinct he had or something, before that night in goodsprings he had a younger sister or brother in his past, or perhaps he was a dad? No... that he knew even with his serious brain damage from the bullets he would remember. ED-E head-butted his leg snapping the courier out of his trace. "What?" Lifting up the ED-E turned to look up, and the courier almost lost it... Abyssinia was nothing like Klugetown or any settlement in the Mojave hell vegas didn't hold a candle to this city! This was right out of a Grognak the Barbarian comic book. The courier couldn't help but stand up at the sight of the city, these structures were like pieces of art! The streets were filled with cat people going around to the many vendors around the streets... Colors... Sounds... Smells... Even with his helmet, his senses were flooded with such things he never thought possible! "First time in Abyssinia?" The scout asked noticing the courier's reaction, not taking his eyes off the city before him the courier gave a nod. Smiling slightly as she pulled down her face mask the scout pulling on the reins leading them to one of the buildings, getting down the scout untied the large lizard from the harness before tying it to a post with a few other lizards and water trout. Hoping down from the cart the courier walked over to the cat who was petting the sand lizard's head before the courier looked at her. "Where is your sister?" (Moments later) Lightly knocking on the door the scout pushed the door open, she peeked into the room seeing her sister had not moved since she had been away freezing slightly at the sight but her sister's cough caused her to give a sign of relief. Moving the door slightly the younger cat's ear twitched before she opened her own emerald eyes the scout smiled. "Hey kiddo how you sleep?" Her little sister smiled slightly upon seeing her big sister. "Good," The little one couched slightly while the big sister walked up to her. "Did you find that doctor?" Kneeling down next to her little sister the scout held her sister's hand smiling. "I did he's hopefully going to help you," Slowly stepping into the room the courier entered, the kitten was slightly terrified of the courier's look but her sister reassured her that he was here to help. Walking over to the bed the courier looked at the little cat before him... he could already tell just by looking at her and hearing her coughing that whatever she had was really bad. To the little girl who eyed the courier seeing he wasn't like any of the other doctors, he didn't have any bag with metal things or any needles to stab her with. As her little sister moved away the courier got down on his knees before reaching up and grabbing his helmet. The kitten went wide-eyed at the sight of the man's face, it made her shiver in fear but she watched as he crossed his arms on the edge of his bed before resting his head on them and tilting his head to look at her. "Hey there little kitty," The courier's voice greeted slightly hissing with a smile. "How are you feeling?" "It hurts..." The smile on the reptilian canine's face disappeared. "I bet... don't worry little kitten I'll make sure it doesn't hurt anymore," He whispered to her before getting up and looking at the bigger sister. "Can we talk?" She nodded. "What's wrong?" The little sister asked the courier but he smiled at her. "Nothing is wrong... hey how about you met my assistant ED-E he would love to meet you," The courier stated to which the little sister got up seeing the floating robot ball which playfully beeped at the kitten. Shutting the door the scout felt her legs grow heavy sensing there was some seriously bad news. "What is it?" "It's a very aggressive disease," The courier answered before turning away from the window. "Has this happened to anyone else in your family?" "I... don't know," The scout held her arm. "Our father was-" The courier held out his hand. "Say no more it sounds like a very touchy subject but right now your sister takes top priority," The courier stated. "Can you help her?" He nodded which caused the feeling of dread to wash away but the feeling came back, it couldn't be this easy... "I'm sensing a but..." "But I need your approval," "What?" "I can treat your sister but to do so I need to perform an operation to remove the tumor," The courier stated. "What? A tumor?" The scout asked. "Yes, the disease I can treat easily but it has already caused her body to form a tumor above her liver it's small but I still need to perform surgery," Six answered. "Look officially I'm not a doctor but I've treated a lot of stuff like this before and I've had a lot of medical knowledge from the greatest of doctors and medicine men from my home," The scout looked at the courier before giving a sigh. "I... Please help her she is all I have left of our mother do what you need to do," She answered to which the courier nodded. "What do you need?" "Got a spare room with enough space?" (???) "Wait wait what are you getting at... you know the guy who lives in no-man's land?!" "Oi! Keep your voice down! Those ponies have ears everywhere," The bartender waved his hand to his buddy. "But yeah this guy was in my bar right after the stormking's death hell I remember what he drank. Straight pure vodka no ice. I thought this guy was weird but hey he paid really well... hell I would be out of here with my girl with what he paid if the ponies didn't take it with that new 'down payment tax'," "Yeah, I hear that 24 storm coins for a single bit that's bull what do they think were sleeping on a pile of gold coins like a dragon?" His fellow Landshark sighed. "But do you really think that guy is the one that those ponies are so pissed off about?" The pub owner nodded. "I believe so... I knew I liked him for a reason," The shark smiled. "Kono `otoko' wa ima doko ni imasu ka?" The two landsharks turned to a hooded woman sitting a few seats away. "I'm sorry?" The woman cleared her throat before her holding a glass of Vodka. "Do you know where this 'guy' is?" The woman asked. "I don't know who you're talking about lady," She gave a smile on her semi-exposed muzzle before holding out her hand. "It's fine he's a friend of mine," "Oh?" "Yeah... actually he's a friend of my... father I've come a long way to find him," The lady answered. The two looked at the strange woman sitting away from them. "Why?" "My father is worried about him so he sent me to find him to make sure he's alright," She asked which caused the two sharks to laugh slightly. "Well from what I hear he's just fine and as a matter of fact he's pissing off the ponies that crazy friend of yours has some real heavy balls messing with Equestria like he has been," The pub owner answered. "I beat... but still I wish to find him if that's alright just to be sure," She asked turning on her stool to look at the two with a bright red eye shining behind her hood. The two sharks shivered slightly before the pub owner nodded before pulling out the map that he had shown the courier a little while ago. "Arigatō," "Mr. Six is this going to hurt?" The little kitten looked up at the courier in the makeshift freshly sterilized surgical room. "You wouldn't feel a thing kitten," He looked down at her in his scrubs from the big empty while looking down at her behind his surgical mask and glasses. "Okay, kitty I want you to start counting backward from 10 alright?" The abyssinian did so while the courier watched the little sister pass out before turning to ED-E. "Alright pal ready?" Author's Note Oh man, it's been a hot minute since I worked on this! But here it is! The latest chapter in the courier's path. Leaving 'New Navarro' to save the sickly sister of the scout, but word travels fast in the badlands wait till some certain ponies catch wind of Six's presence in the Abyssinia. He doesn't have to worry about ponies either... there is someone else also lurking in the endless sands of the desert too. Also, Six has someone tracking him down, who? Well, apparently her 'father' send her to find him... but who? I'll let you guys guess but I bet you never figure out who is looking for him BUT you guys might know the father. Maybe... again I'll let you guys guess. Till the next one. (Also before you ask I know it's not in Fallout New Vegas but in my headcanon the courier has the 'child at heart' perk)
Part 10"I've been to every doctor from her to the Zebra lands and no one knew what was happening with her and all you need to do was look at her and in an hour treated her," The scout looked at the courier holding a tea cup with a fresh brew mixture of real freaking tea and none of that expired pre-war stuff either. He smiled while looking at the bigger sister who was watching her sister sleep from the doorway to her room. "Yeah call it a blessing," The courier stated his bionic eyes adjusting to the light from the curtains. "But I have to say I'm impressed by your loyalty to her," Turning from her sister the scout watched the courier sipping his tea before shifting in the doorway. "Why is that?" "From where I'm from most of my people tend to abandon the sick and dying even if they are family members but there are few out there that have the same dedication and devotion to their family... your loyalty reminds me of someone I know," The courier stated remembering a certain scribe before sitting in one of the chairs in the large apartment. "Should I be flattered?" Scout joked. The courier nodded. "You should... she was very loyal to her family and a great friend," The courier answered but slowly frowned at the memory of his past companion. "What happened to her?" The scout asked. "I don't know," The mutant gave a sigh about thinking about the punch-happy scribe. "Things are a lot different where I'm from," Sitting down in the chair beside his the scout titled her head. "How so?" "You wouldn't believe me even if I told you," Finishing his tea the courier summoned his helmet slightly surprising the scout. "Like that magic you use?" "Magic?" The courier looked at his pip-boy before laughing. "No no this isn't magic this is a personal data conversion system that breaks-" Looking at her clearly confused look he then gave a sigh. "Guess you can call it magic," The courier looked at the scout before speaking up. "You know my name but you never told me yours," "Oh by the goddess with everything going I forgot I do apologize," She cleared her voice. "I am Aella of his majesty sand devils," "Sand devils?" "We are trained outside of the main army force of Abyssinia to survive in the badlands and even transverse no-man's land for days on end even by ourselves if necessary," Aella stated with pride. "Only few can make it to be a sand devil," 'So they're like Rangers,' "I beat," The courier looked around the apartment. "Guess that pays for all this?" She nodded. "I had to find some way to support my sister," The Abyssinian stated while playing with her long white hair. "It's an honest line of work and you are a part of a good cause," Six nodded but looked at the ears of the cat before him, he flinched slightly as she noticed her eyes turn to him. "Something the matter?" "Nothing," She tilted her head. "Six what's the manner?" His very short tail shifted in his chair before he smiled slightly. "Can I- can I pet your ears?" Aella blinked before blushingly a deep red. "You can," Getting you she sat down next to him before the courier lifted his hand up reaching out for her head, Aella still blushing gave a small smile before letting him gently pet her ears. Feeling the softest of her ear, the courier couldn't help but scratch her behind the ear mostly out of habit with the many animals he encounters in his travels. (Animal friend) The moment he did he backed off when he heard her give off a low sound like a soft growling. "I'm sorry," The courier flinched. Looking at him she blinked in confusion. "What are you sorry about," "You were growling," "Growling? I wasn't growling. Are there no cats were you from Six?" The courier shook his head. "No, I've never seen a cat back in my homeland," Grabbing his hand she smiled before placing it back on her head. "What are you-" The low growling came back but Aella smiled causing the courier to blink before petting her head and brushing the white locks of her silk-like hair. Her growling was soft and... calming almost soothing. Moving his hands he began to scratch the back of her ear again causing the sound to grow louder as her head pushed against his hand. *Sly Beeping* The two turned to see ED-E floating in the hallway. "ED-E hey... um, what's up buddy," Six greeted his friend moving his hand away from Aella. "Big sis?" Aella bolted up seeing her little sister in the hallway. "Marie! What are you doing out of bed? I-" Rushing over to her sister the scout held her younger sister's shoulders. "I'm fine big sis I feel so much better," Blinking at her sister she looked her sister up and down before smiling. "Really?" Marie nodded to which Aella gave a slight cheer before picking up her younger sister and picking her up in a hug. "You okay!" Six smiled before 'fist bumping' ED-E before the two watched the two sister laugh in joy. "Six thank you but how is she up like this? I'm not complaining but shouldn't she be in bed?" The courier shooked his head. "Yes you should be resting little one. Yet seeing how fast she recovering I say in about a few days you'll be back to your old self in no time," Six smirked before holding up a small plushie. "And Ted will be there as you get better," Marie gasped at the sight of the new toy before clenching the yellow-furred toy to her chest, Aella looked at her little sister in her arms and then at the courier who nodded to them. "If you need anything you know where to find me Aella," Six placed his helmet back on while turning to the door. "Six," Turning his head the courier looked at her. "Thank you," Giving a two-finger salute to her he left the apartment to the two sisters. "Hey ED-E I was thinking about something," "*Query beeping*" "Well maybe we could provide some medical aid to the Abyssinians," Six answered while the two went down the stairs while a lone tabby Abyssinian looked up to see the courier coming down the stairs, waving to the cat the two moved down. "It wouldn't hurt would it?" "*warry beeping*" "I know I know... it's just a thought," ED-E gave a slight hum before the two exited the apartment. The courier was the first to step out but the moment he did something reached out and slammed against his covered head, stumbling from the blunt force Six was grabbed and thrown down the stairs to the apartment. ED-E shocked at what had just happened dashed in to save his friend but was grabbed as a net was thrown over him pulling the floating drone to the ground. Hissing in pain, Six tried to get up but was forced to the ground as five figures jumped onto his back holding him down. "HOLD IT DOWN!" "BY FAUST MOVE FASTER!" "GET THE COLLAR ON IT NOW!" Collar... Six felt his implant kick in as the world around him slowed, looking through his red lenses he saw the ones dogpiling him were none other than ponies clad in golden armor. Another not on him held something Six spotted right away before he felt the sudden rush of Psycho and buffout enter his system. "GET THE HELL OFF!" Throwing the ponies off of him Six reached out and grabbed one by the chest plate and threw him into the one holding the collar. Quickly he summoned greased lightning over his right arm followed by punching one of the ponies in the face, the impact broke the jaw of the pony sending his teeth flying out. Still, in shock, the ponies watched while the courier slammed his weapon-covered fist into the helmet of another pony denting it inward. Recovering some of the ponies tried to take down the courier grabbing two of the three that ran at him he slammed their heads together with the third in the mid with incredible force. Spotting the ponies who were trying to take ED-E the courier leaped into the air switching his power-fist for a blood nap, cutting off the hand of the pony closest to him. Causing the pony to scream in pain, the courier reached out grabbing the pony by the chest plate and slamming his head into the pony's own. Slashing outwards with his trusty bowie knife he cut ED-E free from the net who floated up before firing an electric shock into the golden armored ponies still clenching the net. Screaming as their own armor cooked their flesh caused another pony to panic drawing his sword and running at Six with a warcry but upon swinging his sword going for the side of Six's neck. Upon contact, the blade snapped at the contact with Six's Saturnite armor-weaved undersuit, slowly the red-eyed helmet of the gasmask turned to the pony staring right at the pony who attack him. He was young and VERY stupid. The courier lurched out grabbing the pony's neck with one hand and the pony's wrist in the other before crushing the equine's wrist. Dropping the sword with a scream the courier lifted the gold armored pony before throwing him into one of the vendors, green vegetable balls crashed and exploded as the pony impacted the stall. Standing above the broken remains of the ponies who jumped him Six held his bloody knife ready to go to defend himself from any other pony. "MY CABBAGES!" The courier snapped out of his rage-like state upon hearing the cry of the merchant. "Oh shit!" Seeing the Abyssinian in a green suit looking at his broken vendor the courier put away his knife. "I'm terribly sorry these guys rushed me and-" "Do you know how much this will cost," The Abyssinian cried to which the courier summoned some golden coins before holding them out to the cat to repay the damages he accidentally caused in his psycho-influenced state. "Here will these cover it?" The Abyssinian eyed the gold coins, while offering the coin the courier spot a pony. After handing over the legion coins to the merchant the courier walked over to the pony trying to reach his spear. Stepping on the hand of the pony Six stared down the pony before reaching down and grabbing the pony by the mane. "You have some nerve coming at me in daylight last person who did that I shoved their bodies in a dumpster like the trash they were," Six hissed. "Who sent you?" "Sir Six that is enough," Lifting his head up Abyssinians rushed forward in red-colored armor. "You with these guys?" The leading abysinian shook his head. "No sir Six a matter of fact we have come here to stop these equestrians before they could have gotten to you... but it seems you have already taken care of them," The Abyssinian bow. "Forgive our delay interception of these ponies," Six rose up before waving his hand. "It's fine," Six stated. "Wait do you know why they attacked me?" The leading Abyssinian waved to his comrades to take the ponies away before moving forward. "I'm afraid these damn ponies were trying to arrest you for your apparent crimes against Equestria," The courier blinked at the answer the guard gave him. "Do they have the right to do that here?" "No, most definitely not sir Six a matter of fact they have no right to even do this to you or any citizen here in Abyssinia! Even though you are no citizen but that doesn't allow these ponies to even try to arrest you," The cat explained. "King Damion learned of your efforts to help Lady Aella's sister but as he caught word of your arrival here he assumed the embassy did too so he sent us to stop any ponies and escort you to safety if need be," ED-E bounced slightly in the air at that. "*Semi-Happy beeping*" "Yeah, that was really thoughtful of King Damion... Does he wish to speak with me?" The guard shrugged. "I mean no... not to sound bias Sir Six but it would be good to see King Damion to thank him if I were in your possession," Six nodded before holding out his hand. "I'll like to check in on him either way," The cat smiled. "Please Sir this way," (Meanwhile in the Zebra lands) "By the great goddess why does Celestia do this?" Xavior gave a loud huff before shifting on his thrown. "First she laid calm to the storm king's territory now she is accusing me of taking some of that monster's own land? That border has been like this for countless generations she knows that!" Throwing the leather in one of the open fire pits the Zebra king sighed, before lifting his head up. "What else does she want?! My throne!?" Holding his face in his hand the king sat in silence before lifting his face up. "Konard my friend can I ask you a question?" The general turned to his king before nodding. "Of course old friend what is it?" "I'm asking you this as a friend to a friend, not as a king to his general... do you believe Celestia is willing to go to war over what has been happening?" The general blinked at the question before looking down. "Honestly Xavior I don't know. Equestria has known one thousand years of peace I don't think her army is able for the task of war but... Celestia and luna have countless centuries of experience in the art of war along with the powers of the sun and moon plus they have those magic items and the pillars on their side," Konard sighed. "If war does happen my friend it will be bloody and I fear it could be us who losses," Xavior nodded before lowering his hand to rest on his throne. "Perhaps your right but... perhaps we need to call upon an outside party for aid," "My king?" "Send a message to Abyssinian I hear that Six was spotted there... I wish to speak to him," Author's Note First of all, I wanted to get this out ASAP and I hope you enjoy it kinda in a fallout mood right now so you know riding that train as long as I can. AND Oh, boy things are really starting to spice up... Equestria basically attempting to arrest someone outside their domain? Pretty sure that is an international incident right? Plus Equestria claiming that the Zebras stole land that was 'rightfully' theirs... Well don't wanna spoil too much but Six is going to find himself involved in all this whether he likes it or not.
Part 11(Abyssinia royal palace) "Let me remind you boy your guests are in my kingdom and I will not allow you to go around thinking you have a free claim to not only assault other guests in my country thinking I wouldn't know!" Damion yelled. "Your guest has assaulted and mangled a diplomat and his escort along with now ten ponies of the Equestria Embassy!" The pony growled back. "And now you have them under lock and key like criminals! Must I remind you-" "MUST I REMIND YOU THAT THIS IS MY COUNTRY! AND THESE ARE MY PEOPLE! AND I CAN NOT ALLOW YOU TO GO AROUND BEHIND MY BACK AND ATTACK SOMEONE WHO IS A GUEST IN MY COUNTRY THAT HAD COME HERE TO HEAL A DYING KITTEN!" Damion roared standing from his throne in a rage. "You best be glad I don't send your guards to the dungeon and not the healing chambers who should be guarding the Equestria Embassy as my great-grandfather and Celestia agreed to when the terms of our alliance were written before your father was even kicking in your grandmother's womb!" Daimon stared down at the pony. "You're harboring a fugitive of Equestria that is a-" "Watch your tongue ambassador you are very close to outstaying your welcome here," The panther king poked a claw into the rich robes of the pony. "I believe we are done here... guards escort the ambassador to the embassy," Glare at the king the Ambassador turned with a huff and was out before passing by a certain guest they were speaking of, the pony glared at the red-eyed courier who simply stared back through his expressionless gasmask. Daimon gave a sigh at the sight while the courier approached the king of the country of cats. "Six... I do apologize for what happened with the ambassador and his guard attempting to hunt you down I had no idea he was bold enough to do something like this," Daimon greeted the courier. Shrugging the courier held his hands in his pockets before answering. "It's fine Damion I've had worse experiences when visiting new places for the first time," Damion chuckled at the courier's words. "I bet... but I do hope it hasn't ruined your first visit here in Abyssinia," "It hasn't a matter of fact this place is breathtaking," Six admitted. "Almost overwhelming," "Really now?" Damion smiled. "Why is that my friend?" "Back in my homeland, we had nothing like this place... even the capital doesn't shed a light on your country," The courier stated holding out his hand to the palace throne room. "Don't get me started on all this!" Damion laughed. "Thank you... yes, Abyssinia is a beautiful place but wait till you see what the Jackals and Zebras have," "Jackals?" The cat waved his hand. "I get ahead of myself... tell me how is Aella's sister fairing?" Six nodded. "She making a speedy full recovery in about three days she'll be playing like a kitten her age again," Six answered. Damion gave a chuckle at the good news before smiling. "That's great to hear that little Marie will be alright," Damion spoke before he grabbed Six's shoulder pad. "But I must ask how long are you staying in Abyssinia after all it's not every day I have a guest like yourself come visit my kingdom," The courier chuckled slightly at Damion's words. "I beat... but sadly due to some unexpected events I think it's best I take my leave," Six stated to which Damion frowned at that but nodded his head in understanding. "Very well I do understand but next time you come to Abyssinia I shall ready a feast next time you visit to make up for the pony 'foul play' during your first visit," Damion moved his hand from the shoulder pad down for a handshake. "Till next time Six," The courier nodded before accepting the handshake but grabbing the king's forearm, Damion looks down at the handshake before the courier spoke up. "I hold you to it," Nodding the courier broke free from the handshake before walking off with ED-E buzzing right next to him, Damion looked at his hand before giving a chuckling. Turning to the leaving courier the panther king spoke up. "Do you need a ride back?" Damion asked. He lifted his hand. "Nope, my ride is already here," Confused Damion took a step back at a strange sound and a shadow passing over the windows. (Outside) The guards pointed their weapons at the sight of the vertibird ready to defend themselves against the strange metal machine before them. Six walked up before patting one of the guards on the shoulder surprising the cat and causing him to turn to the courier. "Don't worry this is for me," Moving passing the shocked guard before ED-E soon followed behind him before turning to the guard. "*Chirping noises*" The doors to the flying machine opened as the courier and ED-E boarded before Six turned back to the guards and even Damion who was outside holding a hand over his head. Saluting the king with a smile under his mask before shutting the doors to the cabin and taking off into the air leaving the king and his men in complete shock. Sitting down in one of the seats Six tabbed a hand on the small console between the two seats all the while a hidden compartment opened up with a small set of drinking glasses and a bottle of Goodsprings whiskey. Pouring himself a glass the courier unsummoned his helmet before taking a shot of the liquid fire. "What an interesting day," ... The trip back to New Navarro took one-fourth of the time as it did when he was riding with Aella, slowly the vertibird entered the opening in the hangar before coming to a complete stop. ED-E was the first to exit the air vehicle before shaking his frame. "*Dramatic beeping*" "It wasn't that long you floating pile of bolts... man not bad for a remote test flight huh?" Six asked to which ED-E beeped with joy. "I know and I'm proud of it too you did good with the control matrix," "*Joyful beeping*" Exiting the hangar the two walked into the tarmac to the living quarters. "I was thinking should we add the remote feature to the la-" Six froze at the mat on the porch, any one else wouldn't have noticed it but Six wasn't normal. "ED-E there hasn't been a breach of security. Right?" ED-E looked at his friend before down to the mat and gave a chilling beeping sound. "Ready the units that damn device might have malfunctioned," Six reached out before summoning the compliance regulator causing ED-E to give annoying beeping. "I know what I said... I'm only using this because my snow globe collection is in there," Pushing the door with the front of his stun gun he entered slowly before turning the door to enter V.A.T.S but his pip-boy didn't detect anything in his visual. Slowly the courier looked around his home seeing someone had left the lights on and even broke into his fridge and touched his record player. Slowly moving over to the record player seeing that the 250-year-old vinyl wasn't even damaged, the courier gave a sigh at the sight of old disks it took him forever to find a working vinyl player for these pieces of vinyl he found in fiend filled vault 3. ED-E moved past the courier watching his partner's back, the two looked at the couch before them not even having to look at each other the two moved forward. Before they made it to the couch the two froze hearing the bathroom door open, slowly the two turned to the battle room seeing someone standing before them with a towel around her chest. Six took a step back at what he saw before him almost falling back into the couch at the sight of who was before him. "The hell?" The being looked at six with deep red bionic eyes before smiling. "Kon'nichiwa courier six it's good to finally meet you," The canine looking female spoke in a lightly accented voice. Six held out a hand before pointing to her. "This... you..." Honestly, Six didn't know how to respond to what was before him, for it was just a theory on a combination of synthetics and splicing but the concept he designed was somehow now standing before him. "I..." "*Alert beeping*" ED-E laser pointed at the figure ready to fire. "ED-E NO!" Six turned to the female pointing a finger at her. "You... get some clothes on and sit the fuck down I want some answer," The female nodded before holding out her hand. "Yeah, that's fair," (A long time ago) (Earth- Big MT) "Lobotomite I must insist! What your is Subjecting is impossible!" Klein shouted as loud as his auto system would allow while Six rolled his eyes while in front of a whiteboard with a few of the other brains. "Klein wasn't that your whole job to do during the war? To do the impossible and cool your jets this only in theory," Six turned back to the whiteboard but the control freak that the brain was moved forward not happy that the courier had three other brains brainstorming on such an insane concept of science. "But this very idea is affront to science! This is something a first-grader would come up with! This isn't true science!" Klein shouted. "Actually doctor Klein the lobotomite might be onto something sure it's... different but this concept is quite remarkable I remember hearing something like this from the Institute of Technology in Boston of synthetic beings but what the lobotomite is stating is textbook," Doctor Zero stated. "I was talking to the lobotomite not you O!" "It's ZERO! With a slash through it Klein you know this!" "I MUST AGREE WITH ZERO DR. KLEIN THE USE OF HUMAN DNA AS A TEMPLATE FOR THE SYNTHETIC ANIMAL TISSUE TO FORM A BOND IS REMARKABLE!" Borous narrated. "THIS ISN'T THAT DIFFERENT THAN THE CAZADORS OR NIGHTSTALKERS!!!" "I... eh... but why is the theoretical subject a female!?" Six and the two male brains stopped before turning to Dala. "Um... that was my subjection Doctor Klein," The soft-spoken brain answered. "And there is nothing wrong with that Dala this is just a theory," Klein rattled to himself. "I am to assume Mobius will also be aware of this theory?" "Yes of course," The leader of the think tank hissed at the sound of his rival being in on this new idea of science. (Present day) (New Navarro) Six sat on his couch while he looked at the being sitting across the subject still processing at what was sitting before him... A synthic android... with canine features while wearing a white Big MT jacket. "So um..." Six held up a finger to tell her to give him a second while still trying to process everything. "Okay..." She tapped her legs with her hands before turning to look at ED-E who hadn't moved when she sat down and not having moved his laser that was trained on her. Shifting in her seat the android watched while Six lowered his hand. "First off... I'm not mad at you... just surprised you um-" "Exist?" "Not really the word I would say but sure go with that," Six moved his hand down. "I'm currently stumped at what I should be feeling right now," She tilted her head. "What are you feeling?" "Pride... confusion... shock... surprise... and confusion again," Six stated honestly before looking at her with his reptilian eyes. "Okay... who made you? Borous? Dala?" "Morbius actually," "Figures... okay how did you get here?" "A riftronulm," "A what?" "Mobius name it not me... It is a device to open a small Einstein Rosen Bridge tracked close to your last location your last known location your transportalponder was able to transmit to the big empty," Six lifted his hand from his face. "He created a device that opens wormholes?" "Yes," "Of course... now why did Mobius send you here to find me?" "He wished to know if you were alright," Six dropped his arm at her answer. "Your joking," "No that is what he wished to know but now that I see you just fine I can tell him that your alright if he gave me a way to contact him," The android gave a slight chuckle. "Um... he didn't give me anything to contact him," "That sounds like him... I'm guessing he going to keep sending others?" "Actually the device that brought me here was a one-use item since it burned out... due to the strain of the energy," "Of course," Six looked at the female. "Um... we can always return with your transportalponder right?" "Can't... the power core got fried when I first arrived here," The android blinked in surprise before rubbing the back of her head. "So what now?" The android asked. "You tell me..." "I um... was supposed to find you but I did that so... um... what am I supposed to do now?" "Well that's your choice," Six stated before summoning his flask while she gave a confused look. "What you mean?" "Oh boy... what I mean is that you a free to do whatever you want I wouldn't stop you as long as you don't try to kill me or ED-E or steal from us. I can give you some supplies and you can go out into this clearly very screwed up world that is home to a bunch of entitled ponies..." "Yeah, I met a few," The android started rubbing the back of her neck. "Or you can stay here," Six stated. "I'm kinda in more than one way responsible for you being here," The ear's on the synthetic perked up. "You mean it?" "Yes I may not have my actual birth heart anymore that doesn't mean I ain't heartless," Six stated while the android smiled. "You got a name?" "I... don't but I have a serial number," "That's not a name," Six looked at her. "Do you have any idea for a name you would want?" "How about Roxie?" The courier stated at her. "Okay that's a good name but I know a cyber-dog with the same name," "Oh guess that would be a little awkward," Six nodded. "How about Amelia?" "Is that what you want?" The android nodded. "My name is Amelia," "Nice to meet you, Amelia... ED-E and I could always use more help around the base anyways plus we need a third person to play cards," Six joked to which Amelia chuckled smiling. "Thank you, courier," "Not a problem," "But one question," "Yeah?" "Where am I going to sleep?" (Abyssinia) "Dad! Is it true that Six guys was here?" Damion turned to see Salem running up to him while he was working on some paper work behind his desk. "He was," "Why didn't you tell me I want to meet him!" Damion chuckled at his son's comment. "You will hopefully... Six had to go back home early for personal reasons of his but I did tell him when he comes back we'll throw a big feast," "Why?" "Why not Six had saved the life of a little kitten not that older than you," Damion looked at his son. "Besides a good king is to also be a good hoist to his guests," Salem looked at his dad confused then suddenly the door to Damion's office burst open with a Zebra rushing forward with two guards hot on his tail. "Forgive me your majesty but he said it couldn't wait," Damion waved his man to pick up the zebra. "What your name son?" The panther king asked the still panting Zebra. "I... must... find the one known as Six... my king needs his aid," Damion shook his head at the sound of the messager's words. "What? What for?" "Celestia... is most likely planning to start a war with my people," The Zebra panted while being patted on the back by one of the cats. "Where is your escort?" "We... were-" Before he could answer the messager passed out from having run for so long. "Get him to the healers... and send for a message of my own," Damion ordered. "Also send for my war console... if Xavior people is in trouble we must be ready to defend our old ally," Author's Note WOW! This was different... Longer than normal but hey more plot and another chapter are I, right? Like what happened to the messager's escort? Mobius created an android based on a theory the courier had. And there is a third nation of jackals? Let's just say for that last one the desert is a VERY big place and the ponies like to copy others too so... let's just say the 'Egyptian' ponies of Somnambula's time were nomads and there were other races living there before them. No spoilers... mind you. As for the newly revealed Stalker... Okay, I did base her off a mod fallout 4 but with the technology in Big MT who is to say it can't happen? Plus I think this mod is quite impressive. (This may or may not be the reason she speaks Japanese...) So yeah still impress how they were able to modify this into fallout... Besides that, hope you all enjoyed this chapter and I'm hopeful I can get another out soon. Also, Courier Six isn't Amelia's father or anything the only reason she used that term was Mobius is technically the one who created her to find Six but like the scatterbrain that he is he forgot to do the last 20% of his plan.
Part 12 (Red Sand War-Arc part 1)(The next day) Amelia awoke in the courier's bed waking from her first night in this new world, lifting herself up from the bed she looked around the room to see the couch where her hoist rested the night before was empty. Stretching out she stood up and off the large bed before stretching her arms together to the left and to the right before yawning and walking out to the bathroom in the sleepwear that Six let her borrow. The bulky red clothing loosely fit around her body almost making her stumble on herself, entering the bathroom she shut the door before seeing her clothes from the other night cleaned and folded on the top of the sink with a small note on it. 'Cleaned these for you last night... unless you want to wear those rags you got at Kudgetown again- 6' The android smiled slightly before taking off the velvet-colored sleeping clothes, Six must have been super quiet this morning so as not to wake her not only to have her clothes ready and folded but a toothbrush and other stuff someone would need. Putting on her coat last she walked out of the bathroom fully refreshed for the day ahead and walked out of the small building onto the buzzing tarmac with robots out and about. 'Seems like Six upped the security after I went through the 'backdoor',' Chuckling to herself she walked to the second hangar with its wide door open with music and the sound of power tools echoing through it. Peaking her head into the open doors seeing the courier working on an open panel on 'the lady' while working on the large aircraft's wiring. Smirking to herself Amelia slowly began to approach the courier from behind moving through the hangar bay using the loud music and noise from the construction drones to mask her approach. Lifting her hands up out she smirked ready to drop her hands on his shoulders to give him a scare but before she could the courier held out a hand to her. "Amelia, can you pass me that power connection unit?" Six stated causing the android to move back in surprise but gave a slight sigh before grabbing the requested part and handing it to him. "What gave me away?" Amelia hopped on top of a supply crate while watching the courier work. "Well you did a pretty good job but Amelia I've been to places where letting your guard down is a one-way ticket to an early grave... White-legs, Ghost people, hell even some Legionary assassins tried to get the drop on me but I got to them first," Six stated while Amelia rested her elbows on her knees before dropping her head onto her hands. "How you sleep Amelia?" "I slept well," "That's good to hear," The courier snapped the part in before grabbing a cloth to whip his hands off. "So what're the plans for today?" "Well... I was thinking about adding a room to the house so you can have your bed and everything then work on the under complex some more," "Under complex?" Amelia tilted her head. "Yeah I mean this hangar was a kind of warehouse for a while before I decided to have the units add some space under our feet to start working on bigger projects like Lady here," Grabbing the panel Six put it back on the large flying machine before summoning his duster around his armor, holding the collar of his duster Six flinched before turning to her. "How's your shooting arm?" "What?" Amelia lifted her head. "What I mean is how is your experience with firearms? Or combat in general," Six asked while looking up at her to which Amelia chuckled. "Well, Doctor Mobius did download all of your combat training programs into my brain when my body was being developed and-" "That's not true experience Amelia... training doesn't prepare you for true combat and experience isn't something that can be downloaded into your head," Six informed the android. "I did fight some locals at a bar the other day," "They were drunk weren't they?" Six questioned. "Yes... but they were a lot bigger than me and I was able to take them down," Amelia countered placing her hands on her hip. "Bigger targets are easier to hit Amelia especially if they are drug as you say they were," This caused the Android to puff out her cheeks before crossing her arms. "I can still fight heck I can even take down you too," "Oh? Let's see it then," "Eh?" Amelia's synthetic blood ran cold while the courier gave her a fanged smile. "Come on then get down and come at me," "Wait... here? But-" "In a fight, you don't always choose where the battlefield is... so come on Amelia show me what you got," Six smiled holding out his hands with the universal gesture for 'come at me'. Amelia looked at Six with her red eyes before holding a look of determination and holding up her fist. "So how are we-" Before she could finish Six threw a fist at her which the android easily dodge as the courier clearly held back. "Oi! Kōseidenai I was talking!" "Sometimes you need to let your actions do the talking. Now come on!" The android glared before throwing a punch of her own but the courier pushed her fist away before Amelia recovered going for a roundhouse kick. Sadly for the synthetic, the more experienced fighter blocked her kick by grabbing her boot before he pulled her forward to him. Moving his arms under her own Six held the back of her head in a hold while Amelia kicked and squirmed in the courier's grasp. Not able to counter or hit the courier the android got an idea before back kicking into the courier's crouch... Letting her go the courier stumbled back after the blow to his... family jewels. "T-that's smart... v-v-very good Amelia... damn that hurts," Holding his crouch the courier looked up at the smirking Android. "Ah-ha! Told you!" Amelia boosted with pride. "Yeah but remember what I said," The android looked at the courier who was pushing through the pain. "Never let your guard down," Readying herself for another fight Six is unaware of the Eyebot behind her. *ZAP!* A light discharge from ED-E's non-lethal riot Tazer caused the android to freeze up before falling forward into the courier's arms as she huffed from the shock, Six smiled while Amelia glared at Six and ED-E "That * Was * A * Dirty * Trick," "Says the lady who kicked me in the balls," Helping the android to her feet the courier chuckled at her misfortune. "But it seems I'm you weren't wrong you can handle yourself in a fight... mostly need to work on your combat awareness some," "Mth," Amelia recovered from the tazer before holding her jaw. "How long will this feeling in my teeth last?" "Should last a few minutes," "I hope you're right... this feels weird," The android rubbed her cheeks to held try and soothe the numbness. The courier summoned his helmet before noticing her clothes. "Another thing is we might need to get you some armor instead of that jacket," Amelia looked at the courier as if he had said something horrid. "No! I love my Jacket!" Amelia held her arms clenching her white MT jacket to her body. Six blinked before giving a slight chuckle. 'Heh just like me and my duster,' "Okay but at least let me weave some saturnine fibbers in it and maybe add some combat padding," Amelia blinked before nodding. "I guess that is okay... but don't ruin it," Six rolled his eyes before putting it on. "Alright come on I think it's time for-" "FIREBALL!" "What?" Amelia pointed to the air while the courier turned to see a flaming ball of fire come down. "FUCK! ED-E REACTIVE SHIELDS NOW!" ED-E buzzed as blue lights fired up around the base while hard light shielding appeared before Six grabbed the hangar door but despite its large size the courier slammed the massive door shut. Turning back the echo of the fall balls impact caused the three to flinch but Six looked at ED-E who was already trying to determine the source. "*Alert beeping!*" "From that range? Ready 155mm and shell it!" ED-E bounced in confirmation. "Six are we under attack?" Amelia asked to which the courier nodded. "Yeah Amelia I think we are... guess you're going to get your trial by fire sooner than expected," Six summoned a certain camo-coated gun before offering it to her which Amelia took before pulling out the magazine to inspect the bullet type. "Armor piercing?" "Hand made every round myself," Amelia looked at him before he handed her four more fully loaded magazines. "We had a lot of free time... but keep it in semi-auto never waste ammo," Handing it to her Amelia loaded the old gun from vault 34 before taking the magazines and putting them into her jacket's pockets. Looking down the sights to zero it for herself, Six summoned the rifle that once belonged to Randel Clark before the three exited the hangar through the side door and out to defend their home. (Meanwhile) "INCOMING!" The trebuchet spotter shouted as he pointed to an incoming object coming right for them, the whine of the incoming projectile caused the crew to flee the large siege device. Seconds later the trebuchet and her fleeing crew were blasted into oblivion, while other crews flinched at the quick and accurate response to the first strike. The commander noticed this and raised his spear into the air before shouting at his men. "WHAT ARE YOU ALL GAWKING AT? RETURN FIRE!" Some of the ponies flinched while others fired the large siege weapons as the magical fire crystals in each payload ignited upon being thrown through the air. The frontal guard watched as the crystal was lobbed into the air hitting the settlement's 'yard' causing explosions to go off singling the guard to advance. Rushing forward the ponies of Equestria and Somnambula gave a war cry advancing to the front of the field but expected a few of the traps they were warned about weren't destroyed by the trebuchet's attack. Making their way to the metal-linked fence one of the guards leaped forward grabbing onto the fence ready to climb it but screamed as pure electricity entered his body causing the pony to convulse in pain as his flesh began to burn and his eyes melt. Other ponies joined in on this fate not noticing the first one to do so, other ponies shifted while some began to try and use their spears to dig under the fence. Of course, this would prove fruitless due to the solid sand at their feet, some unicorns created stair-like constructs to get over the fence letting other ponies get across. The moment they cross over of the smoke-covered battlefield they were stopped in their tracks by large metal golems on the black road before them. In seconds the first group that got over the fence were mowed down by red light from one of the arms of each metal golem unable to see the slaughtered man, the unicorns believed the screams were a warcry from the battle going on the other side unknowingly sending their allies to their deaths. Before the smoke could even settle the towers began to open fire with similar red beams of light while the ponies believed the smoke would hide them. How wrong they were... Ponies were turned to ash in seconds leaving behind the melted armor and weapons, some ponies tried to attack the golems but the three-legged metal squid was there to defend the giants. Firing orbs of green light liquified the ponies and if they got too close the saw on their arms cut through their flesh and armor easily. Still, the ponies didn't let up some getting through and attacking the metal golems aiming for the gaps in their metal shells with their spears and swords. As the sky was filled with fire and flying metal high above were the Equestrian airships and pegasi units expecting to get the drop on the settlement and provide support for their buddies was blown. Yet they underestimated the power of this settlement as weapons were fired at them directly attacking the pegasi with lines of hot metal that cut through them like a hot blade through butter. The airships didn't have it easy at all while large exploding ballista was fired at them which caused the airships to be turned into a blazing inferno upon weapon impact, those airships that were hit right away had their skyjumpers leap out early out of the airships moment prior to they’re destruction. Opening their parachutes they tried to get behind the battle line but while the airships came down burning many of the ponies could only watch their parachutes caught fire causing them to fall to a quick death, if any surviving pegasi couldn't catch them. They got off easy while the weapons that targeted the pegasi had much easier targets now slow and wide open, the skyjumpers were sliced in half as their numbers dropped from the thousands to the double digits. Those who did survive either landed behind the fence or most unfortunate landed on top of the electric fence's sharp razor wire, but those who got past the main line were too shocked to know what to do. Unfortunately, more golems were waiting for them along with the leader, one of the primary targets of the force to capture or kill. The skyjumpers, pegasi, and those ponies who got past the first combat line didn't last long as they were torn apart with terrifying weapons. Yet after so much death, they continue to push only to fall in droves... Even while they used their dead for cover they watched their meat shields turned to ash and goo while those unicorns that tried to create magical barriers were ripped apart by the beams of red light and orbs of green light. Only finally did some of the ponies begin to retreat after seeing such a slaughter, running back to the fence only to remember why they couldn't scale it or go over one of the surviving unicorn's magical staircases. Running far away from the settlement back to camp expecting the mighty rows of siege craft waiting for them only to find the entire camp was little more than a bunch of fresh smoking craters. Frozen in shock the ponies didn't even notice that the settlement wasn't done with them quite yet as it began to rain down sharp metal rods that began to sweep up the fleeing assault group. (A short while later) 'Damn it... fucking moron! Look at this mess Six!' Six hissed to himself. 'They got past the fence AND took down an entire row of sentry bots and Mr. Gutsey in minutes! I knew that this base need more defensive measures!' "Six?" Snapping out of his train of thought Six looked away from the burning pile of ash and melted golden armor at his feet. "Sorry, Amelia just zoned out... something wrong?" Amelia shook her head before looking down at the dead before them. "No just... why?" "Why what?" "Why did they do this?" Six shifted in his thoughts ready to explain what all wastelanders had to understand since day one. "Why did they just throw themselves like that?" Six turned his head back to the android who tapped on a dead body's shoulder with her foot. "Throwing yourselves like that? I'm surprised they made it this far in by just throwing bodies at us," Amelia stated. "Did they honestly think their overwhelming numbers would beat us? Did they seriously not read about when the Spanish fleet first came to Mexico?" "Wait... what?" Amelia turned to Six. "Like for real where is the logic in this plan of theirs? Throw fire rocks at the minefield then throw everything they had at us? Sure they got a few robots but did they honestly think they could win it with numbers alone?" Amelia ranted. "I surprised the ponies made this far as a military force," ED-E and Six look at each other than at Amelia who was currently going off on how illogical this entire attack was. "Buddy..." "*Clearly confused beeping*" "I think I'm in love," "" Amelia's ears perked up stopping her rant. "Six you say something?" The synthetic asked. "Nothing just talking to ED-E," "What?" "I said... oh damn it hold on," Waiting past the loud noises of artillery fire and robot servos buzzing to retrieve the fallen first line Six walked over to the Android. "I said I was talking to ED-E," Amelia gave an understanding nod before turning around to the dead ponies. "Well... this whole thing with the ponies was seriously dumb," To which Six nodded. "Yeah completely agree I mean but what's that about the Spanish fleet and Mexico?" "Wait... you heard that but how did you hear me if I couldn't hear you?" "Selective hearing trust me it'll come to you but what this?" Amelia blinked before remembering what she said. "You know, when the Spanish fleets first try to establish colonies in the new world," Six looked to the side for a moment before it hit him. "That? Amelia this isn't Earth... different history you know," Amelia looked down at the bodies before their train or realization hit her. "Oh shit your right! Dang it, my bad Six just got lost in the whole thing," Six waved to her. "It's completely understandable it happens to all of us now besides that Equestria did make a really bold move coming at us like that," Six then shook slightly feeling a chill go down his cybernetic spine. "ED-E?" "" "Send a message Eyebot to Abyssinia right now," "," "Because if Equestria had the balls to do then I can only guess that our cat friends might be in the same spot," "," Amelia nodded understanding the Eyebot's chilling logic. "We could only hold them back with our advance weaponry... but Six I thought you didn't want to get involved," Amelia stated. Six placed his rifle on his shoulder. "It seems that I am now," The courier gave a sigh before speaking up."ED-E?" "," "Wake them up," (The under complex) Flashing brightly the lights of the vault under New Navarro flashed to life as the place Six used to store most of his things not only had supplies but something else. Something he had just in case... Something he didn't aim to be using anytime soon... But after today he needs that something... And it was waking up... Author's Note Damn... Three thousand words? Haven't done something this long in a while. As for the story well it seems that Equestria has made it's move on the board against Six and perhaps the other desert dwellers as well. Also before you ask me why the ponies got through the defenses not everything is perfect and how the ponies took down a few sentry bots? Numbers can overwhelm even the most advanced machinery, think of a tank getting swarmed from all sides by the enemy at that point even a mighty tank is screwed. But like Amelia said numbers alone don't win the battle. Besides that, I really do hope you guys like the chapter, and more will be out soon...
Part 13 (Red Sand War-Arc part 2)(Abyssinia) "I have ruled this kingdom for twenty-five years. My father gave his life to Abyssinia and raised me since I could walk to rule Abyssinia. My wife is buried here. This is where my son took his first steps. I've raised my sword in defense of this kingdom, and I would gladly give my life to my people. Yet you want me to give you my homeland?" Damion looked down at ponies standing before him donned in full golden plate armor. All the while the Equestrian ambassador stood before the king with a page of parchment with the wax seal of princess Celestia demanding the king stepped down from his throne to give over his homeland. "You have let a known criminal of Equestria walk freely in your lands and allowed him to kill and mangle members of the royal guard and allow him to leave freely without turning over to Equestria custody," The Ambassador smiled. "And as the king of your land. You are to do what is right for your people... and surrounding your kingdom over will save your people a lot of heartaches but if you don't sign well once the army is done bringing that settlement to justice they will take your kingdom by force," Damion tried his best to not slam his fist down on his throne. "Are you threatening me, Ambassador?" "No, I am not... I'm simply telling you the facts of the current events," Damion stared down the Ambassador and his armored escort before tapping his clawed hand against the front of his armrest. The only sound through the throne room was the king's sharp claw tapping against the silver lion's head on his throne. *Tap* *Tap* *Tap* "Celestia has some nerve coming to me like this after not only threatening the safety of my people but assaulting a messager's escort of one of my allies and cutting off the trade roots not only to my kingdom but to the Zebra's and Jackals alike," He moved in his seat while staring down the Ambassador. "Have you heard the tale of the fool that once came into this same throne room 500 years ago when my ancestor 'Queen Blair the kind' was threatened the safety of her people by some bold dune raiders?" The ponies grabbed their weapons at the king's words. "My Ancestor had that title for a completely different reason," More of the Abyssinia guard stepped from the shadows while some of the sand devils looked down at the ponies from the 'catwalks' on top of the throne room. "She was so kind enough to hand the warlord that threatened her the heads of his entire family on a silver plater and allowed him to leave the kingdom alive and unharmed while letting him keep the sliver plater," Drawing their weapons the guard moved around the Ambassador who stared at the king not changing the look on his face. "Equestria is no Warband of raiders! We have the power of the sun and moon! You are damning your entire kingdom and your people to a life of misery if you do this!" He stepped forward with the contract up. "We have the tools of GODS your entire race will be turned to stone if they were lucky by the elements of harmony! Or your entire land will be not but glass by the power of Celestia hersel-" The King who was moments ago was on his throne but in the blink of an eye was before the Ambassador with his claws covered in the blood of the pony who seemly forgot where he was or who he was talking to. Damion heard enough of the pony's voice so he took it from him, silencing the pony by clawing out the throat of the Ambassador. Almost like clockwork, the Abyssinian guard stepped in to defend their king while the sand devils leaped from the ceiling at the ponies below taking them by surprise. These ponies couldn't match the speed and reflexes of the felines along with the heavy gold plate weighing them down allowing the cats lions, tigers, and pumas to attack through the gaps in their armor. Watching the ponies die at his feet Damion spat at the wax seal before holding up his still bloodied hand. "Ready the army we must be ready to defend our home and our allies! Aella!" The sand devil scout turned to her king while whipping the blood of her sword using an equestrian's solar guard white fur to do so. "Yes, my king?" "Ready a detachment of the sand devils to go out into no-man's land... I cannot spare much but we must hold our ally in the wastes whether he likes it or not were all in this together," Aella nodded before standing up sheathing her blade but before she could leave to follow with her orders the doors to the throne room open as an outside guard peaked his head in. "Milord? Looking at the guard the panther king spoke up. "What is it?" "There is someth- em sorry someone here wishing to speak with you," "Who?" "It's that floating metal ball that accompanied Sir Six the other day," This caused the king to shake his head before waving to the guard. "Well... let him in son!" The guard pushed the door open allowing the metal floating creature into the throne room as it dashed forward. "ED-E?" Aella blinked seeing the similar framed machine but it held a different orange and black color than the eyebot she first met. "Not really," Six's voice echoed through the grilled speaker on the front of the machine while it turned to her slightly. "Six? What happened to you!" Damion shouted baffled believing the machine was Six. "What happened to me? Wait... ohhhhhh! No! Damion I'm fine perfectly healthy and well for the most part The eyebot spoke. "I sent this eyebot to make sure you weren't assaulted like we were over here and I wanted to make sure you guys weren't attacked as well," "Well um... Six it is very considerate for you to see this message to us but you should be more focused on your front I can imagine the strain the equestrian army is giving you currently. Don't worry I'm seeing some of my best to aid you in your time of need-" "Actually Damion we're all good over here," "What?" "Yeah they attacked us but we handled it," "The entire Equestria army?" "That was their ENTIRE army? Okay... Amelia was right that was extremely stupid to come at us like that with everything they had," The courier chuckled through the ED-E. "I'm just glad you guys are s-" Before the courier could finish the entire throneroom shook while the echo of an explosion caused the entire structure to shake. "Son of a-... just had to open my big mouth," Rushing out of the throne room Damion pushed the doors open and froze upon seeing the wave of Equestrian troops outside the city walls and siegecraft suddenly appear through magical teleportation blimps. "Milord get down!" Aella tackled the panther king down as a hail of arrows came crashing down from above, the eyebot quickly moved up before firing a pulse sending backward and softly landing backward. Getting up Damion watched as the machine turned towards him. "You all alright? Can't really see you," "We're fine my friend your messager here shielded us from a rain of arrows... what is this one's name?" "His name? I called this one Hex... send him not to only be my voice but at least help out before we can get to you. He may not be as smart as ED-E but he'll do his best," "Thank you my friend please ride swiftly I don't know how long our walls can hold out!" "We'll be there in five," "Five? Wait in five hours?" The Eyebot didn't respond as it just floated in place. "Damn..." Damion turned to his men before holding up his bloodied fist. "What are you all waiting for it's time to defend our homeland! To arms!" The guard and the sand devils raised their weapons before Damion pulled his king's robe from his shoulder revealing his armored body, while the troops began to form up. "Aella," The sand devil scout looked as the king stopped her. "My king?" "Do you think our faith in Six will not be misplaced," Damion asked the scout who flinched at the king's words. "I can't really say..." "Aella... I'm not speaking as your king but as a friend who wishes for another friend's advice," Aella looked away from Damion, she had not known Six long but she gave her trust that the courier was able to save her sister's life and he did. Giving a nod the lioness nodded. "I do believe we can count on his aid," The scout answered to which the king nodded. "Then let us get to work," Stepping forward the King was handed his blade before taking to action with the scout and the eyebot behind him. 'I only hope we can hold out for five hours' (Meanwhile) "WHHOOOOOW!!!" Amelia laughed while at the wheel all the while Six was holding for dear life in the turret seat as the transport they were in hit a sane dune sending them in the air before hitting the ground. "," "Yeah please, Amelia I know were in a rush that was really unnecessary," "Watashi no warui~" The android gave an apologetic look before turning back to the viewfinder while Six looked at her and then to ED-E on his docking station, Six looked back at Amelia before speaking as he went back to calibrating the weapon system. 'Hey, Brain-me,' 'Yeah?' 'Points for picking up that language course when we were separated,' 'You were the one who got me ripped out of you,' 'Hey, we talked about this,' 'More like thought about it,' 'Don't get snarky with me,' 'I'm you asshole' 'Now who is the one using vulgar language now,' 'Shut up... eyes forward two minutes,' Flipping a few switches the twin 20mm machines came to life as the weapon platform lit up as the targeting computer and lenses were activated. Six looked through the three monitors to the outside, and on either side of the reborn pre-war death machine where a small army of securitrons easily keeping up with the tank. Six did work for Mr. House before his time with the NCR and even after his order to kill the 200-year-old living mummy Six had kept a few things from his time like the entire data network from the lucky 38 and the one thing that set him on this path. He definitely earned the right to keep the chip after all he has been through... he was never letting it up. "One minute ready to show me your 'superior driving skills' Amelia?" The Android laughed before flooring the gas. "Kore o yarou!" Author's Note Not as long as the last chapter but I hope you enjoyed it... Also yes I did add a little something to the front of Part 12 that's not a mistake... this is the Red sand war-arch. Where the arch will take the palace in the badlands along with Six now involved, where they have to establish connections with the half of the badlands outside of Equestria's control. Help the Zebras and the somewhat isolated Jackals and fit the trade lands and who knew Six might gain new allies... And one of them is not the one you will expect... X)
Part 14 (Red Sand War-Arc part 3)(Abyssinia, Outside the city walls) "SECOND LINE! FIRE!" Throwing out his arm to single the trebuchets, which caused the middle row of the siege crafts to release a barge of fire crystals at the Abyssinia city. Roaring through the sky, the balls of fire exploded upon impact at the city wall and some went over the wall and to the city behind. Abyssinian civilians screamed in fear while some of the guards tried to help pull away the citizens away from the danger the fire watch tried to put out the flames before they spread. Pulling away a fallen wooden beam Aella looked down at the knocked-out tabby cat below, pulling the rubble off the civilian she got the attention of a medic who rush over to help out. Letting the trauma medic do so, Aella turned to the wall before going up the stairs and on top of the wall before looking down at the sieging force below. The ancient anti-siege countermeasures that have not been used in centuries were quickly undusted and reawakened. Fires were set under the giant black kettles with the oil waiting to be boiled while giant stone boulders were rolled forward and readied to be dropped down. Looking down over the wall Aella saw the pony sieging force preparing themselves to go for the wall with siege ladders and giant siege towers. Looking up at the siegecraft she spotted a pony with a red flag lifting it up, she couldn't hear him but she could read his lips from here. "THIRD LINE! FI-" Every single trebuchet exploded as the fire roared out from explosions followed by a chain reaction of the magical crystals being set off. In a burst of fire, thunder, and ice all of the siege weapons were destroyed causing the attacking force to almost hail to a complete stop by the sudden blast of chaos. The ponies weren't the only ones baffled by the sudden chain reaction as the Abyssinians saw something coming out of the flames from the siege weapons. Emerging from the fire were tall machines on wheels rushing forward almost looking like they were running on the single wheel that seemed to be the only way for them to move. At the spearhead was an even larger machine but it looked more like a steam engine of some kind at first due to how fast it was going the rampaging machine held two tubes on part of it's body that roared with fire. The front of this engine of war held some kind of ramming blade that crushed anything in it's wake from broken siege weapon remains or dead pony bodies. The attacking ponies were boxed in as they were against the city wall of Abyssinia on one end and the army of metal on their back. Aella watched as some of the wheeled beings tucked their arms into their bodies before their shoulder's opened up and fired something from them at the ponies. The objects that were fired exploded on the ponies while the lead Warmachine fired it's barreled gun at the siege towers. Explosions, smoke, and blood filled the air as a mere seconds ago Equestira's siege of Abyssinia had ended after only seven minutes of chaos. Where the machines of war began to mop the ponies were now banging their fists on the gates of the city trying to get in while those on had siege ladders tried to scale them but were pulled off by other ponies or the Abyssinians pushed the ladder before they could reach over the walls. Slowly the machines stopped before the wall and surviving ponies were at the mercy of the second force as the leading war engine pointed it's barrels at the equestrian force silently as the only sound it gave was the low growling it gave off. Suddenly a hatch on the strange beast opened as the familiar red-eyed helm of Six popped out before climbing partly out of the vehicle. Aella was shocked to see the man who saved her sister's life riding in such a destructive machine, he then picked up something from within the great war engine and held it up in front of his face. It looked almost like some kind of... "Alright listen up you gold plated horses! I'm going to say this once! You are outnumbered and clearly outgunned! There is no way any of you making out of this alive if you try and fight! The way I see it you all either lay down your arms and surrender and be taken as prisoners of war or you can find yourself being buried in a soup can! You have ten seconds to comply!" The Abyssinians watched over the safety of their wall at the ponies below who were shaking with fear at what to do... Six stared them down while still holding the megaphone in his left hand. "TEN!" "FOR CELESTIA!" A single pony gave a war cry before rushing at the line of machines but one of the machines next to the six's vehicle aimed it's arm before firing a single bolt of red energy at the pony, to which the pony fell down into a pile of as and melted gold armor. "ANYONE ELSE?" Upon Six's words, the ponies dropped their weapons before raising up their hands. "WE SURRENDER!" (Sometime later) Being chained together the ponies were then escorted by part of the Abyssinia guard who watched their every step while an Abyssinian tally master began to record the aftermath of the attack by counting the dead and what was used. The golden armor of the ponies was thrown onto wagons while another tally master weighted each piece on scales to record the total weight before the armor would be melted down by the goldsmiths. All the while the securitrons rolled back and forth sorting through the mess and assisting the cats on Six's order, speaking of whom was sitting on top of the tank while speaking with Aella. "So these things... they're like your friend? ED-E correct?" Six nodded. The lioness turned her gaze to the tank. "And is this too?" Aella asked to which six shook his head. "Not quite. This is a machine but it's more like- Okay so this machine isn't like those over there," Six pointed out before shifting on his spot. "Those machines can move on their own but this one requires someone to help guide it," "So what you're saying those machines are like golems and this machine is like a steam engine?" Six flinched at the sound of a familiar human pre-war device here in this world "Yeah... I guess so," "Amazing," Aella looked at the side of the tank before gently touching it's side. "And you made this?" "With my own two hands... and a bunch of tools," Six answered. "You're a doctor and a craftsman? Heh, what else are you?" Aella smiled at the courier who chuckled to himself. "Whatever I need to be," "What he needs to be is help me with this!" A voice came from within the turret. Aella flinched at the female voice as Six stood up and walked over to the hatch, before looking down into the inside of the machine. Six and the voice began to talk about some stuff she didn't know about while he then ducked his head into the tank before telling the voice about knocking something into place. "Six my friend is everything alright?" Damion's voice startled the courier who lifted his head in the tank accidentally hitting his head. "OW! Mother of-" Lifting his head out of the tank the courier looked to see the King looking up at him. "Oh hey Damion what's going on?" "Nothing much we had a siege seven minutes ago before you arrived and once you arrived the army ready to shed our blood was now throwing down their arms in fear of your metal beings and this machine of yours," Damion admired the large tank. "Thanks I told you I would be here in five," "And I thought you meant five hours," Damion chuckled to himself. "Every time we met you always have something to surprise me with," Six shrugged while smiling under his helmet. "Though I wish we could have seen this attack sooner," The king stated. The courier waved his hand. "Hey stuff unexpected stuff happens and we need to overcome what happens," Giving a low sigh the panther king spoke up. "I fear if you weren't here to aid my people Abyssinia would have fallen," Six looked down at Damion before a realization hit Six. "Wait..." The king looked up at Six. "What is it, my friend," "What of the zebras? That Celestia pony tried her force to attack here and my home at the same time what about Xavior and his people?" Six stated to which Damion nodded. "Normally I would say attacking multiple enemies at once is very unwise but after what happened today I say she would do such a thing I'm already rallying a large detachment of some of my army to aid the zebras but I must ask a favor," Damion then bowed his head slightly almost ashamed of asking for more of the courier's help. "Please can you aid me and my allies in such times we are currently faced with now?" Standing there on the tank, Six wanted to speak but before he could Amelia popped her head from the hatch. "Of course, we would!" Amelia answered causing the courier to snap his head slightly to the right by her sudden answer. It wasn't like he didn't want to help his 'neighbors' but the last time he tried to help others he was outcasted from the resistants of Vegas for assisting the NCR against the legion. Then again he wasn't in vegas any and perhaps this time things will be much different, who is to say? "Yes," Six looked at Amelia who could tell the courier was glaring at her from behind his mask to which she gave a nervous smile. "I will aid you and your friends out to the best of my ability," Six turned back to the king to which Damion smiled while Aella eyed the synthetic android next to six. "Thank the goddess... my friend are you aware of the Jackals from the south?" Six shifted his head slightly. "Jackals?" "Yes, they are the ones who controls the flow of water through the badlands if Celestia is 'clearing the board' she will most likely target the Jackals and hit them the hardest because he who controls the water-" "Controls the Mojave," Six intrepid to which the king tilted his head. "Mojave?" "It's the name what my people call the desert... we had a similar quote," Six answered before looking at the king. "I'll help the jackals but my 'friends' here can't really go with your men to aid the zebras I apologize," The panther shook his head with a smile. "There is no worry my friend as much as I admire your forces my own can held ourselves and besides our army will show ten times the fury you showed this day to the ponies that believe they can take the badlands," Damion balled his fist out before opening his clawed fingers. "Celestia will learn what happens when you mess with a cat you get scratched," Six smiled at the king before the king lowered his hand and spoke up. "But I will not leave you alone in this please take a detachment of my best... the same that once scouted your home before we met long ago," Damion requested as Aella turned away from the android and turned to Six with a smile. "There's some room in the backseat but I have to ask how well you know these Jackals?" Six asked to which Damion gave a nod. "Many believe due to the Jackals being canines and my people felines we would be hated rivals but in reality, we are good allies not as good as say the zebras. But they have been friends with the Abyssinians almost just as long," Damion spoke. "Though they are more isolated than the rest of us and don't take well to badland outsiders very well... if you aren't 'sand-born' they will know," The courier looked at the king for a moment and spoke up. "Got a map?" "I'll show you the way," Aella spoke up to which Amelia took her moment to look at the lioness, Aella did the same staring right back at the Android's glowing red eyes, six noticed the two just staring at each other. 'What's going on here?' (Badlands, minutes later) Back in the landraider Six sat in his seat while looking at the overlay while Aella and her fellow sand devils sat in the passage seats. The old pre-war tank design was original to the soviet design but after the Americans got their hands on a copy they started to redesign the tank due to the sudden depletion of resources, the entire project was swept under the rug for the use of power armor. The courier just got lucky finding the file for this Warmachine back in the military base's data vaults back in the divide after of course he added a few designs features himself, turning his head to the sand devils the courier spoke. "How are you guys back there?" Aella gave a thumbs up while one of the sand devils patted another on the back while the last of them was currently not feeling well. "Motion sick?" Six asked to which the third scout answered with a nod. "Cats... don't... fly..." "Well thank god we ain't flying," Six reached for his pip boy and summoned an empty leather sack. "Here if you gotta puke go in this," Handing the scout the sake Aella got up and looked over the courier's shoulder. "Are we still heading south?" "Yeah," "How can you tell? This thing doesn't look like it has a compass," "Internal guidance computer," Amelia answered tapping the console in front of her. "We can be in a sand storm and still know where we are going in this thing," Six looked at Aella. "It's kind of an advance compass and map altogether," The lioness looked at the back of the android's head before moving back to seat back in her spot, Six looked at the sand devil and then back to the android. Moving over he whispered to the eyebot next to him: "Did I miss something?" "*Coy beeping*" "What is that supposed to mean?" "*Chuckling beeping*" "What? I wait... don't you dare turn on the music I'm trying to-" ED-E began to block out Six's question with music (???) "What is that..." Standing in the ruins of a forgotten temple a being cloaked in the darkness took a deep breath before smiling slightly. "*Sniff Sniff* Something's burning..." Taking another sniff of the air the being tried to remember that smell with those razor-sharp fangs of hers and sent was all too familiar to her. "Oh... it's been too long since I last smelled that. Burning pony flesh," Opening her wings the being smiled. "It's time I go for a walk," Author's Note Ahhhh I love writing a good siege same it was short-lived... Hope you guys enjoyed this I would have added the music for the siege but seeing how quick the counter-attack the song wouldn't last long. I am aware the design of the tank is from red alert 2 but we have barely seen any armored vehicles besides those freaking disgusting pieces of metal from fallout 4... seriously two 105 guns on a single tank? That's a nightmare waiting to happen, two 20mm machine gun tanks do exist for anti-air plus the apocalypse tank might fit in the fallout series (it's literally called the apocalypse tank that should count for something) Kinda wondered what happened to the other countries like Japan, Canada, or even Russia in the fallout lore, or texas... man I don't know how many of you guys are aware of what we have down here in texas. I mean a fallout game in Dallas (JFK was shot+bonnie and Clyde along with tons of museums) or Austin (Texas capital) or Santonio (the Alamo) would be fun seeing how you can't go two feet without bumping into something historical down here! Enough of my ramblings... Hoped you enjoyed this one!
Part 15 (Red Sand War-Arc part 4)"You stood with the bear..." "I still do..." "And now they hate you..." "I know..." "..." "Ulysses?" "Hm?" "Do you hate me?" "I used to. Not anymore," "Ulysses?" "What is it?" "Are we friends," "..." "Sorry just wanted to-" "No..." "Oh..." "You're my brother," Six just stared at his fellow courier for a moment before turning back to the ruins of the divide, most likely knowing this would be his final time to visit this place before leaving and this time never returning. Ulysses would stay as the divide's warden but Six wanted to talk with the original sixth courier before he went on a new road to god knows where. Lowering his head Six summoned something to his hand before tapping the flag bearer's shoulder with it, the former tribal looked at the object before taking it in his hands. Standing up the courier stood up one last time from his spot on the ledge before turning to look at the gas-masked courier who wore an old world flag on his back. "Something to remember me by," Six stated before walking to the pass and turning his head to the warden of the divide. "And to keep you from going insane... at least have your story in one place this time," Ulysses watched the courier leave as he looked down at the blank book in his hands with something sticking out of it... An NCR metal... (The Nile kingdom) The role of a ruler is difficult... Sure being the ruler might sound nice with all that power at their fingertips with a life of total luxury and comfort but it wasn't all easy going for the leader of a kingdom. The meetings... The schedule... And worst of all... The paperwork... The one thing that took up most of her day was the paperwork... Slowly the queen of the Nile looked down at the scrolls before writing her signature on the report... Closing the scroll she handed the report to a servant who took the report with a bow and moved off before she unrolled another report. Putting it before her she was about to unroll the scroll before the doors to her work chamber opened while the guards shifted slightly at the door ready to defend their queen. But the moments when a Jackal royal servant caused the guards to relax, holding his head down the servant walked up to the queen before bowing slightly, rising up the servant didn't look up before speaking. "My queen, please forgive my interruption but there is something that requires your attention," The servant apologized. The queen didn't smile but silently thanked the gods for this sudden intervention of an actual excuse to stop doing this headache of merchant reports. "What is it?" The message was a little hesitant but spoke up about the reason for his interruption. "My queen we have strangers at our gates and one of them claims to be a messager sent by King Damion of the Abyssinians," Slowly the queen rose from her chair slightly surprised. "Well, what was the message?" "My queen... he wishes to speak in person," "Why?" The servant shuttered slightly. "Well, my queen... he speaks of war," Slowly the queen made her way to the gates of the outer city while she was forward in her carriage to the gates she wondered why the message didn't come to the palace. While the carriage was put down she stepped out forward with her bodyguards on either side of her, slowly going to the gate she saw why the message didn't come to the palace. Metal golems with a single wheel where their legs would be and in the middle were what looked like some kind of large machine. Standing before the machine stood a being dressed in strange attire donned in an armored long coat and with a helmet with red eyes staring blankly into nothing. Accompanying him were a few of the Abyssninia's sand devils, on the machine were two others a strange floating metal ball and what looked like one of her own people in similar strange clothes and a white jacket working on something. Walking forward the queen soon stood at the gates while the red-eyed helmet of the stranger looked up at her. "Good afternoon ma'am," "Salutations... you must be the messager of King Damion," Speaking to the stranger who nodded. "Kinda," The being stated before moving a hand over his chest and giving a slight bow. "My name is Six ma'am... but I'll be honest with you we all thought your people were under attack," The queen raised her brow at Six's words. "What makes you think that?" One of the sand devils took a step up. "Well, your highness... Abyssinia was just attacked by Equestria," The queen took a second to process what she just heard. "And... you believe Equestria would dare try and take the Nile?" The Jackal queen asked. "Ma'am we wouldn't be here if we didn't believe so," The queen looked at the stranger and then to the sand devil who gave her a nod... Slowly she nodded back. "Let us speak in private... but leave the golems," (The Neil palace) Six looked out through the open palace out to the Neil kingdom, the courier was baffled at how similar this entire place was to that of a civilian from earth's past long before America became a country. 'What did the textbook call it? Yeah... Egypt,' "Amazing aren't they?" Turning his head from the giant pyramids to Aella who smiled while Six nodded. "The Jackals built to bury their kings or pharaoh as they call them," "This is... I can't... wait are the tops gold?" "Yep, every single one," "How are these built?!" Six's brain was being overclocked, first Abyssinia and now this!? Six didn't think there was this much gold in the world, the only large amount he had seen was the thirty-seven gold bars he left in the vault back at New Navarro. Here the entire kingdom had gold on top of superstructures with golden statues of strange-looking idols and pieces of art! "Many many years," Aella stated to which the queen laughed slightly. "It's not as long as you might think," The queen stated from her throne, the two turned while the queen sat still looking at Six's choice of appeal. "But I believe we are to take about Equestria attempting to take the badlands," Sitting on her golden throne, the Jackal queen rested in her white silk clothing before tapping her fingers on the golden armrest. "So Celestia attacked not only Abyssinia but your home as well Six," The queen stated. "Which I'm still trying to understand how someone could live in that wasteland," "I'm used to it..." "Hmhm," The queen looked at Six before speaking up. "Where are you from Six?" "South," Six answered to which the queen lifted her hand up pointing to his head. "Take your helmet off I wish to see your face," The courier froze for a moment before pulling the strap under his helmet and removing his helmet from his face revealing his... 'unique' features. Six watched as the queen's eyes adjusted slightly to see his face before she stood up and walked forward to him before standing right in front of him. "What... are you?" Six gave a slight chuckle before smiling at her with his fangs lightly poking from his mouth. "I'm many things... but I'm a first courier ma'am," Grabbing his chin the Sand devils shifted at the sudden grab but the queen didn't mean any harm to Six but only to inspect his face. After inspecting his face she reached and grabbed some of his furs before pulling a lockout causing the courier to hiss in pain before holding the sudden action. Holding the spot she pulled from, Six gently rubbed his neck before the queen brought the lock of fur to her nose to sniff it before looking back at the courier. "Where were you born," The queen then began to circle the courier. "Ma'am I believe we were-" "Answer the question Six," Aella whispered to which the queen stopped at Six's side. "Yes... answer my question courier," Six looked at her with his bionic reptilian eyes. "I don't know," The queen narrowed her eyes at him. "How do you not know," "I... don't remember," "Why is that?" "Long story..." The queen smiled at the lock of fur in her hand before she asked another question. "Who was your father?" "My father?" "Yes," "I dunno-" "Oh shit!" One of the Abyssinian scouts pointed to the front of the Nile causing the entire group to look forward. "Please tell me I'm the only one seeing this!" The Queen took a step forward looking to the open ocean at the mouth of the Nile. "She would dare..." Turning to the courier. "Seems like you were telling the truth after all," Throwing the lock of the courier's fur in a golden bowl she pointed up at the captain of the guard. "Keel! Rally the rear guard! I want the fangs up before those ships get even close!" "Yes me queen," She turned to the four before her. "I don't know who you are Courier but show me I can trust you... go to the rear and fight as you did for Damion's kingdom," The queen poked his chest plate. Six rolled his shoulder. "Sure but allow me my 'golems' to fight with me," The queen waved her hand. "Do what you must... I will be watching... the eyes of Aya sees all," Six looked at the golden eyes of the Jackal before she turned and moved forward before Courier looked at Aella, the scout nodded like: 'Yeah she not joking'. Gulping the courier put his helmet back on before the sand devils and he exited the palace before going outside. (A few minutes before) "Jōdandeshou!" The android roared in laughter before looking at the Eyebot. Speaking of ED-E looked at the android from within his spot in the tank. "Wait... you really thought?" Amelia laughed at the eye bot before holding her head. "Kiiiiii! No wonder Six is confused! ED-E I thought cats were all gone Dr. Mobius told me they all died out. Plus do you think she has seen anything like me before?" "*Confused beeping*" Tapping the top of his frame Amelia gave a chuckle before lifting up her Nuka-cola up to her lips and taking a sip before the current hatch opened up and Six dropped in. "Amelia..." "Hey, six did it go well?" The synth tried her best not to laugh before the courier noticed her smile. "Did I miss something?" "No... no... ED-E said something funny," Amelia laughed before Six looked at the eyebot who shifted in his slot. "Well, we're up," The android looked up from her seat before looking at Six before looking at her radar. "Wait... now? I didn't see anything," "Because they're up front," Six stated to which the android put her drink down. "Up front?" "Going at the Nile by ship... we got a fleet to deal with," "Oh... Kuso..." "ED-E?" The eyebot beeped while the courier nodded. "Ready the lady just in case," "," Author's Note Well... shorter than normal but the defense for the Neil kingdom is about to begin. (Though to be honest I kinda wish this chapter was a little better doesn't feel like one of my best) This might be a challenge for the Courier even with the tank and securitrons helping since invasion water are different from land sieges, that's why he might need to pull out the lady for this battle. Also for some context the Neil kingdom is heavy based off the ancient egyptian culture and I kinda based Aya off of the goddess Anput but not really what I was going for. I was originally thinking of a golden jackal but might save that thing for another time or something. (My friend made the art which I'm basing her on but I'm not so sure if I should post it here or maybe link it later on) So this will be interesting... Can't wait to write what I have planned.
Part 16 (Red Sand War-Arc part 5)-Sunspot, the equestrian navy Pony-of-war flagship of the 2nd solar fleet- Sailing forward the large many decked ship along had her crew pull out her canons while the crew readied themselves for the invasion of the Nile kingdom. Sitting behind the helm with an old cap on top of his head, the old admiral relaxed his old legs before the first officer walked up and stood next to the admiral. "Admiral Sentry! I'm proud to report that the Sunspot has her canons loaded and ready to fire along with the rest of the fleet," The officer stated buffing out her chest with pride, but the old admiral looked up slightly. Wake Sentry had been on the sea for many years and done many things in the name of Princess Celestia from clearing pirates from the merchant ship's routes for nearly thirty years to escorting expectations to protect them from sea monsters and the like. Once the head of the first fleet before stepping down to let a much younger pony take his place at the first fleet and spending the last few years on his ship in peaceful sailing and escorting cruise ships or noble yachts. But having been ordered by the royal court to be moved down here to perform an invasion of the Nile kingdom for affiliation with the rest of the badland kingdoms who declared war on Equestria. Wake had been to the Nile kingdom a few times in his long life sure they were a bit... odd but they were artists and very zealots to their gods, sure they would be upset if you were to say Celestia was the princess of the Sun and not their god Ra but they wouldn't stab you for it. This whole thing didn't sit well with Wake, most of his crew were replaced with fresh young blooded ponies ready to shoot fire and ask questions later in the name of Equestria. They were too eager in fact... He just hopes his young nephew wasn't the same way. "Admiral?" "Huh... oh yes very good Salt rush," "Sir, should I fire the warning canon to give them their chance to surrender?" The admiral looked up and nodded. "Yes," The officer gave her salute before marching to ready the message provided to them by the royal court. Giving a sigh the old pony pulled out his pipe pushing in a few dried tobacco herbs into it before standing up to look at the Nile kingdom. "Faust have mercy on us all," "HURRY UP YOU RUNTS AND PULL!" Keel ordered while the warriors of the Nile pushed on the leveler wheels to pull up the chains for the Nile's gate and to pull up the large black iron stakes to prevent land invasion by the beach. The Jackal captain turned to the being known as Six who was currently looking through what seemed to be some kind of double telescope looking at the ships in the distance. His golems were evenly lined out on the right beach which they were currently on but leaving the left beach completely unguarded but the massive beach tower had the side covered. Along with having his machine device in the middle, in between him and the groups of his men ready to defend their home in a perfect pattern. This caused the Jackal to at least relax knowing this snake-dog knew what it means to strategize but he had yet to prove himself in combat. "What do you see Courier?" Keel asked to which Six looked through his telescope thing to the ships. "A front line I think they are trying to get close enough to see our defenses so they can avoid them before they send the landing parties," The courier stated from on top of his war machine. "Then again I'm not big on sea battle not much water for this sorta thing back home," "Think your golems can defend the Nile just as well as my men," Six lowered his telescope device to look at Keel but before he could say anything Aella spoke up. "His golems whipped out an entire Equestrian siege force in a single attack just a few hours ago... so I think they can hand a few small ships," The sand devil stated while holding her sword in hand before revolving the blade around her hand. "Don't judge a book by it's cover Keel," The Jackal huffed while turning back to oversee his men finishing up bringing the accident sea defenses from their deep water sleep. Returning to his telescope device the courier looked back to the ships before noticing something on the leading flagship. "Hold on looks like... hold on those things have cannons!? Wait they're- SHIT CONTACT!" Six flinched while the leading flagship fired one of it's cannons as a projectile fired through the sky rushing down towards them. All braced for whatever was to come before the projectile exploded in midair... revealing a magical image of a pony donned in robes of the solar royal court. "You are all of you vermin... cowarding in the sand... thinking what I wonder you might escape the burning fire? No, your lands will burn until it's nothing but GLASS! And not even your 'Courier' will live to wander blackened from it's hole to watch us perform our just crusade upon you lawless lands. For too long you have commented crimes against Equestria unpunished! For your coming judgment is the will of Celestia! And I am her blood!" The magical message broke apart as the courier baffled at what he just saw turned to Keel confused. "What the hell was that?" "That was a declaration of war," Keel stated as he watched the magical after dust. "I don't know if I should be flattered if they called me out by name?" Before Keel could answer some of the ships had turned to face their broadside cannons at the beach. "BRACE YOURSELVES!" Six's ears rang as he pulled himself off the sandy beach after the blast from the sudden impact of cannon balls sent him flying off the tank. Screaming and warcry echoed through his ring mind as the courier reached for his helmet pulling it from the sandy beach and placing it on his head strapping it on tighter. Getting to his knees Six noticed that the ponies were already on the beach with landing ships... 'How did they? Shit... they must be teleported forward... I'm starting to hate magic,' The rings in his ears slowly died down before the courier noticed a pony give a war cry rushing at him with a sword, pulling his coat back the courier pulled out his trusty sequoia pointing it at the pony and firing the large caliber bullet blowing the head off the pony. Pushing himself up to watch as the tank's secondary built-in Gatling laser opened fire at the beach while the main turret targeted the land parties trying to get to the beach. Shooting another pony Six watched as a cannonball knock the arm off one of his robots but the advanced Robco robot switched to his secondary firing arm and fired at the ponies with it's 9mm submachine gun. This battle was not at all what six could have predicted, but at least they were holding the beach he need to get the lady over here and quick! Moving towards the Tank the courier spotted Keel in a bind between two ponies quickly he entered V.A.T.S and with pinpoint accuracy, he fired two high-caliber magnum bullets into the skulls of the attackers. Keel turned his head to Six but soon turned back to fighting ponies with his curved blade, being jumped himself Six threw off a pony over his shoulder before shooting another pony in the chest easily going through the equine's gold plate armor. Lifting his trust side arm once again pointing it at another pony but as the hammer of the weapon dropped down an arrow hit right in between the cylinder and the barrel of his weapon. The weapon exploded in his hand causing the Courier to watch in horror as his beloved sequoia was completely blown apart by the arrow blocking the bullet. If his glove didn't have the specialized armor weave then the explosion would have taken his right hand as well. Hissing in rage for his favorite weapon being destroyed in his hands the courier turned to an archer pony on the beach aiming her bow at him. This pony was different than the rest, dressed in a different set of armor with a split horn on her head and seemed to have scales on her body that the armor didn't cover. Six was pissed beyond words that the weapon belonged to the old NCR chief, that same weapon was used to kill Ceaser for christ's sake and this fucking lizard-looking pony destroyed it! Rushing forward at the strange wooden armored pony who fired more arrows at the courier who easily dodged the sharp pointed projectiles. Narrowing her eyes from behind her hood the pony creature loosen five arrows rapidly like a machine gun aiming for the eye slot of Six's visor. The courier brought up his pip-boy to shield his face while selecting a weapon to really teach this pony what happens when you destroy one of a gun lover's favorite weapons! Bring forth 'Knock Knock' the courier swung the black-handled fire axe at the pony with his right hand, the pony dodged with grace and landed light-footed on the sand not even making a footprint. The pony shouldered her bow before drawing two short blades in each hand which caused the courier to know he had to put away the old fire ax in his hands. 'Oh, it's going to be like that huh? Sorry, Knock Knock maybe next time old girl,' Pulling Blood-Nap Six rushed at the pony who parry his attacks and countered with her blades going for his neck and sides, feeling the sharp blade glide against the side of his helmet Six hissed. He had enough of this damn pony so he let a certain implant activate as the entire world began to slow around him allowing Six to de-summon Blood-Nap and bring out another weapon of his. Punching upwards in a fighting style he learned from the legionary before his choice in choosing a side for the Mojave, Six gave a swiping uppercut. The look behind the cloth mask of the pony was just enough to tell Six she had no fucking clue what just happened as the saw blade of his industrial hand had cut through her chest opening her chest cavity open to the world. Falling back to the beach the pony watched as Six raised his foot before bringing it down on the exposed heart of the pony crushing it under his steel-toed boot. "MURDER!" Three ponies ran at the blood-covered courier but before they could draw their blades back a sudden gust of wind blew past them and their necks exploded into blood spigots. Standing with a bloody blade in her hand Aella stood with her long white locks slowly dropping down after her sprint of super natural-like speed. She smiled at the courier who was finally seeing her in action for the first time, the courier turned his gaze to a hail of canon fire to which Aella bolted forward with the same speed as before grabbing the courier by the shoulder and bringing him behind the tank as cover. The tank got hit by a cannonball but the advanced armor easily reflected the cannonball as the courier looked at Aella before giving her a thumbs up and putting his weapon away. "We need to deal with those ships! Can't ED-E take those things out with the tank?" Aella asked. "They way out of range... hold on I need to make a call," Six tapped the side of the tank's hatch before it opened revealing a bulletproof window. "Amelia you two alright in there?" "Subete yoi Six," Amelia smiled while at the helm before ED-E buzzed like a mad droid finally happy to fire the gun. "ED-E call her in! Those ships will ripper apart the city," "*Affermtive beeping*" "Don't take long buddy," The hatch went down as Aella looked at Six. "Reinforcements? What else do you have up your sleeve?" Aella asked while Six summoned 'Light in shining darkness' shooting a pony who spotted them. "This and a couple more aces now we don't have to wait long before help arrives-" Suddenly like a roaring scream, the sky echoed a loud boom that sounded like thunder but there wasn't any lighting or rain in the dark clouds above. But a large shadow passed by the sky above causing Aella to smile and Six to look up at the large dark figure in the air. Passing over them the shadow went to the Equestria Navy before beams of golden light fired down upon the warships setting the countless ships ablaze. Six lowered his weapon while the shadow passed again with more beams of light upon the ships, burning the ships, even for brief moments flashed boiled the water around the fleet. "That's the lady you were talking about?" Aella asked stunned by what she was seeing. "No... that's not one of mine," That was unless Six was so drunk he built an ARCHIMEDES II laser beam weapon on the lady, which was extremely unlikely. Watching the light show Six walked from behind the tank as the pony's morale had been broken by the sudden destruction of the Navy. Standing on the blood-stained beach while the surviving defenders brought the remaining attackers to their knees with blades at the equine's throats. Six, on the other hand, looked towards the sky and to his shock what was in the sky wasn't the giant war plane but some kind of larger winged beast in the sky. Soon the Jackals noticed the figure and gave a mighty cheering warcry. The being soon turned it's gaze to the beach before smiling down at the defenders below, slowly the giant in the sky moved down to the beach but as the being came down it shrank it's size but stopped once it touched the beach before the courier. Standing about seven feet the courier looked at the dark purple being who looked down at him with a smile, Six didn't know what to make of this creature but the Jackals kept howling for the being. "THE SPHINX HAS RETURNED!" (Sometime later) Six felt the soft tissue of the Jackal in his hands as he carefully tended to the wounded Jackal warrior while stitching up his wound. The whole battle was bloody on both sides, something Six didn't expect was the fact the ponies had fucking cannons yet only on their sea ships. If he had known about the whole Cannon thing he would have prepared for the entire thing otherwise this battle would have been a lot different. Wrapping the wound the courier stood up from the bloodied Jackal who was currently groaning in pain as the Jackal medics tended to the rest. Luckily Six was able to help save the limbs of a few of the Jackals before the medics could demand their arms and legs a lost cause to have them removed. All of them would make a speedy recovery, Six whipped his hands off as he turned back to the still-burning ships before walking to the shoreline feeling the water creep up on his boots. For his first battle by water was a bloody one... hell even the water was slightly red from the blood spilled into the blue sea. Six felt the sea breeze push his coat slightly as something tapped against his boots, looking down at his feet he saw what seemed to be a hat of some kind reaching down he picked up the strange-looking hat the courier turned it around to find something inside the headdress. 'An unopen letter... or unsent?' Six looked at the name of the letter he raised his brow at the strange pony name: 'Flash Sentry' He was somewhat tempered to open the letter but he didn't probably out of old habit since he was a courier after all it was frowned upon to open someone's mail. Putting the seal note back in the hat Six turned both into data to be stored in his pip-boy before he turned back to the beach but he was met with the purple being standing before him. "My~ My~ you smell of blood," The 'Sphinx' stated while the courier just looked at her. "Well, that kinda happens when you fight in a battle like this," Six answered feeling slightly uneasy around this tall being before him. "No... that's not it... you reek of blood... not just pony something else... something I never smelled before and I have smelled all kinds of death," The mythical creature stated. "Almost couldn't smell it over the burning flesh of ponies," "If you're saying I killed before I wouldn't deny it... what do you want lady?" Six felt a chill go up his cybernetic spine. "Nothing I simply wanted to see the courier I've been hearing so much about and you 'little red eyes' are quite different than any other mortal I've encountered," Sphinx stated before turning to walk away. "I wonder what else you are capable of doing... I hope you don't disappoint," Six watched the giant walk away before leaving the courier back alone to his thoughts on the battle. 'I need a drink,' Author's Note WHOA, ALMOST 3,000 WORDS! Differently made up for the slow pace of the last chapter! Also, I did replace the dragon tag with Sphinx to mask the surprise of her reveal. Sorry it's not Chrysalis or Genderbent bat-pony Alucard (though I'll be honest I was aimming to make the Sphinx's personality like Hellsing ultimate's Alucard) I did say you might not guess who it was. Before I'm chewed out by the whole 'why do ponies have cannons?' I have two words for you... actually make it a name: 'Pinkie Pie' she literally has a freaking cannon used for parties whose to say that cannon was 'pinkified' for parties of an actual ship cannon. The 20mm cannons couldn't hit the ships since they were out of range as I said and the reason why the ship navy was able to pepper the beach is actually easy. A bigger caliber but not very accurate for aiming at selecting targets... I did have some slight halo 3 inspiration in part of this chapter but I've given you hints of what's going on. Hopefully, you guys can figure out the hints until it's revealed later on... What else? You guys got to see the power of a sand devil and a Sphinx... and sadly Six lost his beloved hand cannon I got an idea for him to get a replacement. God, I love that scene... Well, the last part of the Red Sand War while being in the following chapter.
Part 17 (Red Sand War-Arc part 6) You take a sip from your trusty vault 13 canteen Lowering the old canteen filled with fermented Xander Root and Broc Flower, one of the few drinks the courier made in this world that he really enjoyed. Looking up into the turning sky Six rested his head on the back of the tank's turret, not quite sunset not the end of the day yet but it seems like the old saying is true... time does fly. "Soooo think I got some of that 'Real' experience you were talking about?" Amelia asked, sitting crossed-legged on the turret on the courier's right. Six gave a small smirk before lifting his drink up to the Android. "Don't get ahead of yourself... but you did do good work today Amelia," Six told the synth who took his drink before taking off spiked ginger medicine. Looking back to the beach the courier watched as the Jackals move about picking through the wreckage of the battle, while they did the securitron, and began to help fix one another. Tapping Amelia's leg with his hand out the android passed him back the vault-themed item back to him while the courier took back his drink before taking a sip out of it. Looking at the bodies of dead ponies that were being collected by Neil's warriors made the courier think for a moment, these ponies had fought similar to the legion with a little discipline, and bared seemed trained. How they acted was like a bunch of over-hyped zealous recruit legionaries, though a few acted similar to prime Legionaries, and that half-pony/lizard was just like one of those legionary assassins that used to hunt him down. Six titled his head at that thought, that strange pony was clearly targeting him... and before that, the picture clearly spoke his name. But... Why? Did he really make that big of an impression already? "Well... at least I have some experience now... can I have some more?" Looking up at her the Android right away knew her wording was off. "The drink I mean," Handing her the vault 13 'canteen' Six went back to thinking again about how big his reputation was spreading when it hit him. Snapping his fingers the courier turned to his Pip-boy going to the Stats screen and scrolling through before coming to a familiar tab he knew all that well. 'General' AKA basically a record of everything he has ever done, almost everything he did do some things in his past he had to delete. Snapping a lever the vault boy in robes with a beard and halo over his change, where expected to see a boomer-themed vault boy and girl but instead, the old tabs of each Mojave faction were replaced in their place were four new ones. Abyssinia Empire- Liked (An Abyssinian Vault boy wearing a desert merchant outfit pulling down his cloth mask with a smile, next to him was an Abyssinian Vault girl in a sand devil outfit with a sword while holding a finger to where her lip would be) Zebra Lands- Natural (A Zebra vault boy in warrior garb with a spear in one hand and a round shield raising them in the air while giving a silent war cry, standing next to him was a Zebra vault girl in a strand suit with a mask while holding smoking bottles in either hand) Equestria- Stunned (A pony vault boy in solar guard armor standing at attention with his nose in the air, right next to him was a pony vault girl in an expensive dress while holding her hand to her face giving the 'ho-ho' laugh) Kingdom of the Nile- Accepted (A Jackal Vault boy in some silk robes with a note in one hand and a feather pen in the other writing something with a focused look on his face, besides him, was a Jackal Vault girl in a silk gown with snakes around her arms with a slight smirk on her face) 'Okay, I swear this thing has a mind of it's own sometimes,' Lowering his arm back down, he held out his hand to the Android who returned his drink to him. "So what's our next play?" Amelia asked to which Six looked up at the android before he took another sip from his flask. "Guess we check in with Damion... ED-E," Six pound his fist against the land-raider as the Eyebot on cue buzzed out. "" "Connect to Hex," (The zebra lands) Damion pulled his sword from the head of a Kirin assassin the panther king panted his heart racing, it had been a long time since he had to fight like this. Grabbing the fallen equestrian flag he cleaned off the half-pony's blood on the symbol of Celestia's sun before moving up onto the remains of the Equestria force. Sheathing his blade he watched as his troops moved in to attend to their zebra allies causing the old cat to give a sigh at the site of the fallen warriors before him. The Zebras had given it their all in defending their homeland from the poisons they were known to use against their foes among other things. Yet somehow the ponies broke through their lines with the same shock tactics that they used on his own kingdom, it's almost like the- "<Binaric beeping>," Damion turned to his floated companion that had stayed by his side during the battle and protected him. "What is it, my metal friend?" Hex's black and orange frame shook before a low beep was heard then a familiar voice picked from it's speaker. "Damion you there?" "Six! Glad to hear from you how is everything at the Nile?" "I think it went good... we held off a full-on invasion force most likely trying to take the Nile," Six's voice responded through the eyebot. "How are you guys holding up?" "Not good as I wanted it to be. We were able to rally behind the ponies but they had already breached the gates of the zebra land slaying many zebra warriors... and citizens," Hex went quiet for a moment before the courier gave a sigh from his side. "I'm sorry to hear that I wish I could have been there to help out," "Don't blame yourself Six you are only one man you cannot be in two places at once," "Still... is Xavior alright?" The Abyssinian king smiled as he looked at his striped friend currently smacking the shit out of a pony officer that he captured and was currently going off at him. "He is alive Six and very VERY angry," "Glad to hear he is alright... were you able to find out why these ponies attacked us all?" Damion shook his head. "No, I fear we haven't learned anything out of this but I have noticed something," "What is it?" "The banners they carry all have just Celestia's sun crest on it and not Princess Luna's which is unusual. Unless..." Damion looked at the banner still in his hand as he looked at the blood-stained crest. "Unless what?" "I don't truly know but there have been rumors about the equestrian royal court. The thing about corruption, internal power struggles, and stuff about a group of Equestria's elite... I never bothered as long as it didn't affect my people but- "Now it does," "Yes, I do... I believe it is time for the circle to meet," Damion gave a heavy sigh before dropping the flag onto a burning pile. "The circle?" "All three leaders of our land must meet... all this death, all this blood, it cannot go unanswered," Damion looked at Hex before he gave a breath. "Six. I already asked something of you today but I must ask one more thing," "Name it," "Got to Aya and tell her to 'complete the circle' she'll know what it means," Damion asked through the eyebot. "Alright I'll pass the message along," "Also Six..." "Yeah?" "I wish for you to go to our meeting this may involve your land as it does our own," "I understand... stay safe out there Damion," "You as well Courier," With that the signal was cut as Hex gave a soft beep. Damion held his chin as he stood, the circle of leaders hadn't been formed in many years but this act of sudden war was a response for the circle to be formed. Perhaps the circle might have a fourth seat added to it, for the courier has been proven to be a trustworthy and powerful ally in the short amount of time that Damion has known of him. But it wasn't just him to decide all of them must agree to this... "Bah! Nothing!" Xavior walked up to his friend clearly angry at getting anything out of the pony he captured. "So my friend have you received word from our friends in the south?" Damion nodded. "Yes, I have... Six has defended the Nile from an equestrian invasion force," Damion answered before holding the hilt of his blade in worry. "Though I believe it is time for us to form the circle," Xavior froze up for a moment before giving a small nod. "Yes, I do believe that is the wisest action, my friend but it could be risky with all of us being in one place," "True but we must all act together... each of us has been attacked in our homeland unproved," Damion answered before turning to the damaged city. "Though your people required your guidance now," "Yes, but the circle must be set. I hope my beloved would guide our people in this time," Xavior stated as Damion gave a smile. "Zella is a wise leader she will take care of her people," "What of your kingdom Damion?" "I left my home in the capable hands of my council they will be my people guide in my short time away," Damion responded. "To the temple?" "To the temple," (The Nile kingdom) 'Where are you from stranger? What is a New Reno? Or a Goodsprings? By the gods what are these names of lands I do not know? What are you!' Aya held the Six's lock of hair trying to find out what the courier was, though his birth is that of Sand like all those within the badlands, he was of two places of birth none of them she knew. What were his motives? Where was he from? And most important... WHAT WAS HE!? Holding the lock to her face, the queen glared at it before the doors to her throne room opened as a pair of large footsteps echoed throughout followed by the familiar form of the Sphinx. Throwing the lock of hair into a golden bowl the queen looked up at the powerful beast before her who smiled at Aya. "So you returned after what? two thousand years?" Aya asked looking at the velvet-colored magical creature. "More like two thousand two hundred years young queen," The sphinx joked before walking forward looking at the painted carvings on the wall. "And after my time away the Nile has remained the same as the day I left," "In which you targeted the pony kingdom after they tried to copy our kingdoms which you sought to destroy after you believed they insulted the gods by doing so," Aya asked to which the Sphinx's mile turned into a slight snarl. "I didn't believe... I KNEW!" The guards all froze up at the Sphinx's voice being raised but didn't raise their weapons at the servant of the gods, the beast collected herself before smiling again. "But that's all in the past and the gods have found me worthy to return home after my long banishment and just in time too after they attempted to take the Nile," Aya narrowed her eyes slightly at the Sphinx's comments before giving a sigh, guess the stories of the Sphinx's personality were true. She was a handful... "Well I am glad for your return Sphinx the Nile is glad to welcome her protector after so many years," Aya said while the Sphinx gave a half bow before raising up. "And I am glad to have been allowed to return... now about those ponies-" "Excuse me sorry to interrupt," Six budded while walking up past the giant half-beast. "But I got a message from Damion to you ma'am," Walking up Aya shifted at the being she was trying to figure out moments before crossing her legs. "Six... not an hour after the battle and you already have a message from Damion does believe another battle is coming to my lands?" Aya questioned but Six only shook his head. "No, he said to tell you to: 'complete the circle'," Aya shifted on her throne as the Sphinx's smile grew at the courier's words which made Six a little uneasy at the large sharp tooth smile of the giant beast lady. Aya meanwhile was currently tapping her hands on her throne's armrest. Guess this day was going to be a lot longer... 'By the gods will this day ever end?' (???) "This one..." Watching the scene of the battle for the Nile again through a magical mirror the large being looked upon it pointing at Six cutting down the Kirin assassin. Smiling the being replayed the scene of the battle where it was it's most bloodied the courier mercilessly kill the pony attackers that tried to take his life. Smiling at his performance the being chuckled. "I think I found my newest champion," Licking her lips the entity smiled before rewatching the entire battle again. Author's Note OH BOY! Sorry for the wait but... this is the end of the Red Sand War Arc. A short bloody war began when the sky was blood red and ended when it was blood red with the blood of the equestrian invaders had their blood stain the sands throughout the badlands. Now the leaders are bound to meet for a meeting to determine what to do next, while the courier doesn't seem to catch a break when he's trying not to get involved. But I must say this: everything isn't as it seems... on both sides. Along with that this bloody 'war' has caught the attention of external forces it seems and who knows what else is to come. Expect me... I know XD So what do you guys think of this 'war' and what is to come? Also, ask and I'll try to answer any questions for you guys without spoilers.
Part 17.5 -MGSR-Author's Note This is kinda a little joke chapter mostly to have some fun with the whole Metal Gear Solid Rising return to the top of the memes so I decided to fit the themes (most of them) of every boss to characters from my story who I think they would fit. Guess you can call this cannon, I don't really do these kinds of chapters anymore mostly because I feel out of favor but I must do it... For the memes. But tell me if you guys think I picked the right ones for the right characters or not. (plus I added two characters at the end I hope you don't mind) Part 17.5 -MGSR- Six: ED-E: Amelia: Damion: Aella (Couldn't find an image for Aella that I pictured for her but here's one I kinda imagine her being I guess) Ulysses Joshua
Part 19(One week later) Placing down his broken sequoia onto the workbench Six gave a sigh looking at his trusty iron now completely unusable, ED-E floated over next to him before looking at the weapon and then at the courier. "," "Yeah," Six stared at the weapon thinking of what to do with it. For nearly a week he has avoided doing this mostly because of his promise to his friends but he knew that this couldn't be sat on forever. He needs a working sidearm, sure he had plenty of other side weapons he used in the past but this it was his favorite from the high caliber to the replayability of this weapon. Like all revolvers this one never would jam or break as easily... plus he liked the feel it had in his hands when he first used this weapon to kill Caesar himself. Shot him right through his eye and into his brain. A hot leaded lobotomy. Something to make the former owner smile in the afterlife. There was no saving this beautiful weapon, it was completely scrapped and he had no other weapon like it. Sure he had a few other revolvers he collected over his travels but none of them could match up to such a weapon, maybe if all of them were... Six's brain lit up with an idea before he gave a fanged smile at the broken weapon, Six then began to summon his other revolvers onto the table. A police pistol from the Sierra Madre 'Lucky' from that Safe in Primm A Mysterious Magnum he got from a stranger And a hunting revolver he got from that prick Orris Nodding at the five weapons before him, the courier gave a look toward ED-E who got the same idea as his friend before playing some working music for Six. Taking apart each weapon on the table Six got to work, looking at each part carefully Six began to sort them out while ED-E fired up his multitool. Carefully taking apart the destroyed sequoia ED-E went to his part by 'fixing' the weapon as he melted off the gold lining from the black metal. The process was easy for someone like Six having fixed power armor with some broken metal armor scarp before, making sure each part was up to the task he carefully began to move in with his plan. Taking parts from other guns and completely rebuilding some parts the courier began to assemble his new weapon keeping aspects of some of the weapons he collected and making some new ones too. Having helped the Eyebot hoover back while he watched Six finish up the last part of the weapon, it wasn't a true replacement if he didn't add a little of his own touch as a memory of the original sequoia. Placing the last piece onto the freshly carved ivory grip, Six held up his new weapon before bringing it to his ear and rotating the cylinder with his thumb. *Click* *Click* *Click* *Click* *Click* *Click* *Click* Lowering his hands down the courier looked at his newest weapon. "," (New Navarro) Stepping outside Six watched as dozens of robots buzzed around like a swarm of ants moving out expanding his home even more. Due to the change of events, the courier had to change a few things around his home from expanding, adding a gate, and guard towers, and expanding the harvesters down below. The entire week has been busy from building drones to building better roads connecting the kingdoms together to building communication hubs between the kingdoms along with showing his allies how they worked. All that was done on Monday! Plus sending construction drones along with a sentry bot detachment to help out the Zebra lands and having a talk with Queen Aya about a better way to defend the Nile. This leads him up to this thing that he had been working on for a while now, this thing would act not only as a defense system against the equestrian navy but also as a resupply platform, undersea mining, and finally a wet dock. Something he pulled from the Enclaves book. A Sea Rig. Building inland in pieces before building it out in the water. If Six was going to be a part of this he wasn't going to hold anything back, hell he might use the very thing the cult worships against them. Giving a sigh Six stepped forward into the sidewalk and into the hangar that held the lady while music roared out within, entering the hangar he walked over to the Lady who was still waiting to take flight. Amelia was on top of a moving platform painting on the aircraft's nose causing the courier to tilt his head to the side upon seeing it. Two playing cards of the two of spades and seven of diamonds in the hand of a woman with a pearl bracelet, with the words 'the lady' written in a similar text to the lucky 38 logo. Though that wasn't a human hand but a fur-covered clawed hand. "Not bad Amelia," Six said over the music on the radio player next to the android. Turning over to him she smiled having finished the nose art before pushing a lever on the platform down causing it to move down to level. "Thanks... I heard it was good luck to put art on such a bomber's nose," "Huh, I didn't actually know that. I thought they were just to look cool," Six looked back at the painting before looking back at the Android. "You busy?" "Not really boss. What's up?" Amelia asked turning the music off. "I have been meaning to ask you... what are your thoughts on everything," Six asked to which Amelia blinked in surprise before leaning on the railing of the moving platform. "Hmmm... Well, I'm glad we're helping out everyone that we can. The old brain used to say that the big empty was made to help people before the great war and he hoped that I could help people like what they used to do before the war," Amelia smiled at the courier. "You think he'll be proud that I'm helping out in this whole thing?" Nodding the courier could only imagine Dr. Mobius even with his scattered brain mind would believe in his 'heart' that after two hundred years he finally created something that was doing a lot of good. "Yeah I would like to think so too," Six then turned to the lady and back to Amelia. "How fast does that paint need to dry," "Not long why?" "Wanna go for a test flight?" The courier asked. "You know just... you and me?" Amelia lifted her head up slightly. "Yeah I would love to," The Android smiled while the courier nodded. "Alright let's get in the air," The massive engine of the massive warplane began to roar to life as the plane lined up on the runway. "Yeah, I'm sure buddy plus it'll be good to have personal time with Amelia you know?" Six said through the radio while Amelia was double-checking the back. "<Sly beeping>," Shifting back for a moment the courier then looked back to the still-closed door behind him. "I guess it is," ED-E gave a recording of cheering before beeping. "Alright settle down buddy," Entering the cockpit Amelia smiled at the courier before taking the copilot's seat. "We're all set Six," Amelia smiled while the courier gave a nod before holding up his radio. "Alright ED-E were going to take her out wish us luck buddy," "<Confirming beeping>," Strapping into her seat the Android nodded at Six as he took the stick and the entire plane began to move forward and then speed up before it took off into the air. Amelia never have been in any aircraft before shifting back in her seat not at all expecting the g-force of taking off, laughing in the seat next to her. Soon the large aircraft was in the air flying high above... Unsummoning his helmet Six looked down at the ground below looking down at it with his own eyes, he hadn't actually been in the air like this before. Plus the simulation copy he had from Nelis Air Force base didn't do the view he was currently seeing any justice at all. "Amazing," Six stated while Amelia looked down at the view below completely at a loss for words. "Hey, Amelia look I think that's Abyssinia," Turning over to look at what he was pointing to the android backed up. "Whoa... it looks so small from up here," "I know," Six stated before turning to Amelia. "You wanna take the wheel?" "What?" Amelia froze up at the courier's question. "Do you wanna fly for a bit?" "Sure... can't be too hard from driving the land-raider," Amelia answered but Six noticed her hands which shook slightly before he could switch the controls over to her side. "Actually it kind is a little different," Six stated before waving to her. "Come here Amelia," "Huh?" "Unbuckle and come here I'll show you," Six told her to which she did so and walked over to him. "Okay, so this is th-" By surprise, Amelia popped down right on top of the courier's lap causing Six to be taken aback by the sudden action. "What it's not safe to fly unseated plus I get a better view at the controls from here," Amelia answered to which Six couldn't argue with that logic, he began to point out all the parts of the controls before her as she listened carefully. A little while later the android was at the controls with the courier gently guiding her. "Careful don't want us to tip over," Six stated over her shoulder. "Got it," "There you go. See you're getting the hang of it," Watching her move 'The lady' through the sky without his help the courier nodded. "Alright how about you go to your seat and try it without me," The courier asked but Amelia didn't get up from his lap. "Um... Amelia is everything okay?" Feeling her head gently rest against his the Courier felt her relax against him before she spoke. "Can I stay like this for a little bit?" Amelia asked to which Six didn't know how exactly to respond before he relaxed with a warm smile. "Sure just for a little bit," (Equestria, Ponyville) "I think that Six-person is behind this," Rainbow Dash pointed out while her friends were trying to found out a way to re-establish friendly terms with the three major kingdoms on the east side of the badlands after they suddenly broke off contact a week ago. "He's probably using some kind of mind control do-hickey to use enslave the three kingdoms like Sombra did with the Crystal empire," "Yeah! That super-meanie pants is probably planning to use his big super evil death ray on Equestria!" Pinkie pie blurred out and Twilight looked at her clearly confused. "How do you know if he has a death ray?" Twilight asked to which Pinkie Pie zoomed up next to her. "He totally has one I can feel it! All evil villains have one! I beat you he is twirling his mustache on that weird face of his!" Pinkie Pie raised her fist. "We must stop the death ray!" Facepalming at Pinkie's very wild imagination the princess made a mental note to tell Spike to stop showing their party-loving friend his comic books. Giving a deep breath the newest princess collected herself before standing up and looking at her friends. "Alright, girls I wanna get this out of the way... this Six character bad as he is. Could or could not be responsible for the badland kingdoms to break off from us completely," Twilight stated. "There could many other reasons for this sudden change... it could be something else entirely but the task we have doesn't include that Jerk from No-man's land. The task we have is to somehow get the kingdoms to open up their trade routes again to us otherwise a lot of stuff on the market is going to be a lot more pricy," "A lot more? Darling the prices for fabric have shot through the roof! And I also can no longer find any of my shops that are stocked with Nile woven silk or Abyssinian satin!" Rarity cried out before Applejack shook her head. "Rarity you think that's bad? The other day Applebloom went to get some natural medicine for some of our trees at the farm from Zecora but she had left back to her homeland... the chemical medicine we were forced to buy was more expensive and most of our trees didn't make it in time," Applejack pointed out to the white unicorn. "Yes things are bad news because of the sudden change but this is why we're here! We need to get those trade lines back open though talking with them," Twilight stated. "Who has any ideas on what we should do?" Author's Note Things seem to be going up with the entire population of Equestria not knowing what happened with the badland's change and it's now completely affecting their very way of living. Even some of the elements of harmony are being affected by the sudden change. Bad things happen when your allies cut off from you. Along with that, the badland kingdoms are now receiving non-combatant aid from the courier with some minor things for now. He'll slowly introduce new things and the like to help out but nothing much. Six is also assembling a sea rig similar to the one the Enclave had back in fallout 2 but a lot more armed. If anything it's more like a small fortress on the water with a few other bells and whistles. I will explain what happened to the prisoners of the 'Red Sand War' later but I kinda wanna leave this chapter on a more heartwarming note. Plus a date in a flying bomber? That's quite an interesting first date experience even if no dinner or whatever and I love doing romantic-wholesome stuff. Since sadly romance is dying in our current day and age.
Part 20(Cantorlot) The sounds of low moaning echoed through the halls while the stench of lust was overwhelming. Throwing on an expensive robe over his body the masked pony sat down before looking at another masked pony but this pony was more covered, unlike the barely dressed pony. "So why is it that you decided to come to me after I told you not to come back after the badlands attacked," The pony stated to which the more covered one bowed his head in shame. "I know my prince but there has been a sudden disturbance during your leave to the crystal empire," This caused his 'superior' to shift in his seat. "What 'disturbance' have those mongrels attacked us or not?" The pony shook his head. "No my prince... a matter of fact they have cut themselves off from the rest of the world," "What do you mean they cut themselves off from the rest of the world?" "It's how it sounds my prince... the Jackals, the Abyssinians, and even the zebras have cut all contact beyond their borders even summoning an earth wall around the entire east badland's borders," Hearing the report caused the pony to sit up grabbing the pony by the front of his cloak. "How?! They possess no such magical ability to do such a thing!" "They didn't... it's rumored that the Sphinx has returned and created the wall," "What!" The pony shouted causing the pony he was holding to flinch. "I was told if the attack did fail they would declare war and we could have all that wealth in the palm of our hands! Not 'cut themselves off' so tell me... Where is my war?!" "I don't know my prince I swear perhaps the goddess herself would-" "Be silent! The goddess will not act unless they act first! It is our duty to make sure they do and claim our rightful spot as the masters of Equis," The yellowed mane pony snarled behind his mask before throwing the pony before him forward. "Fix this or I will find someone else that will," The pony gave a fearful nod before the prince sat back down while he held his chin before mares crawled their way over to him, smiling he looked down at them causing Prince Blueblood to lick his lips. (New Navarro) "Aella! Aella! Look at that one!" Watching her sister run up forward to one of the metal men that guarded 'New Navarro' the little kitten smiled as the screen face on it changed from a confused face to a silly face upon seeing her at it's large wheeled leg. "Marie be careful Mr. Six told us to be careful," The sand devil said before walking over with a duffle bag in her hand. "Ahhh Ms. Aella welcome to New Navarro the courier is currently making sure all accommodations are ready for you and your fellow Sand Devils," The metal man said with his face turning into a basic smile. "Please wait a moment I shall ring for him," Marie turned to her older sister who looked at her younger sibling before smiling at her big sis. "Oppf," Behind them the two other sand devils gave a grunt lowering the large trunk. "Agh... why does this all weigh so heavy?" "Dude this is your stuff," The other sand devil stated while the Abyssinian shook his head. "All I packed was the essentials," "We'll you barely own anything," "Hey, I don't buy stuff that I don't need like you," The first argued. "Don't say that just the other day you borrowed my waffle maker," "You don't like waffles!" "Well, at least I had one!" "Ladies your both pretty now stop being a bad role model for the little one," A familiar voice broke the two teammates up, while Six approached. "Mr. Six!" Marie rushed over to the courier before he was given a rushed hug to his gut. "Hey there little kitty how do you feel?" Six asked looking down at her. "So much better!" Marie let the courier go before bouncing up and down. "Not even a day after you left she was almost bouncing off the walls," Aella stated while the courier just chuckled. "That so... has Ted been making sure you were okay?" Six asked to which the small cat lifted the restored teddy up to the courier. "Yep! He's been making sure the monsters stay away!" Raising his brow Six at her words before Aella rolled her eyes causing the courier to put two-and-two together. "That's great little kitty... you ready to see your new room?" The kitten nodded before looking around. "Where's ED-E?" Upon her asking the eyebot appeared while giving a chirping beeping, she rushed over to the eyebot who lowered down allowing her to give him a hug. "Hey Six sorry about this," Aella told him to which he shrugged. "Hey, Damion wants you guys to make sure not of those... um... what were they called again," "Kirin assassins?" "Yeah, those guys. From attacking me or whatever... even after I told him I handle assassins before," Six stated before Aella shrugged. "Though to be honest I think he wants you guys to be safe here since you guys were at the Nile," "Yeah that could be true too," Aella stated before the other sand devils walked forward. "Well, I'm glad to be out of scouting duty for one," "Pssh by scouting he means sleeping in the back of the wagon for the entire time," "Dude!" Six shook his hand. "It's fine I wouldn't tell anyone... though I hate to ask this after what we've been through but what are your names again?" "Oh, Shi- *notices Aella glaring at him* -cky did we not tell you our names?" Six shook his head, to which the two cats looked at one another before the dark maroon one spoke. "I'm Simmon it's nice to meet you, sir," "And I'm Grif," The orange cat stated to which the courier looked at them. "Alright, Simmon and Grif it's a pleasure," Six greeted. "Beat you guys are hungry from your trip here?" "Oh man, I can eat an Ursa Major," Grif groaned while Simmons hissed. "You're always hungry! I'm surprised you don't have a gut yet," "Well, I hope you don't mind but we will be eating some squirrel stew," "Ewwwwwww," Marie stuck out her tongue at the mention of such a meal. "Don't worry little one Six is just joking. We are having corn beef soup," Turning her head to the new voice a strange woman walked up next to the small child before moving down to her level placing her hands on her knees while smiling at her. "Kon'nichiwa I'm Amelia you must be Marie your sister has told me so much about you," Leaning in slightly the android whispered. "I think you'll like it here... wait till you see your new room," Marie's curiosity perked up at the mention of her new room before smiling at the Android. (Meanwhile) The Sphinx stood on the very top of one of the pyramids with her arms crossed watching the citizens of the Nile go about their day from before looking to the sky. It had been so long since she left to burn down those ponies who insulted her home, but even after many years, this place hadn't changed that much. Though back in the day this kingdom and the Nile itself were so much bigger and vast when she was just a cub back when her creators lived within the Nile kingdom. In those days the badlands was once called something else but it had been so long since she heard it been said that even she had forgotten it. But she never forgot the gods... Her creators and her masters. Back then though... many of the gods still lived before- Shaking her head the Sphinx looked towards the setting sun, once that very thing was controlled by the most powerful of all the gods. Ra, the true god of the sun and the most powerful. He was the one who would control the sun so long ago while Khonsu held control of the moon and stars. Long before this 'Celestia' and 'Luna' were brought into this world. But that did change when they were betrayed by that damn pony, she had it all! The gods never wanted a war... even her mentor didn't want such a war which is kinda saying a lot since her mentor was the goddess of war. Still, that damn pony after uniting her lands wanted more so she attacked the badlands and the gods themselves killing them and stealing their powers. Which was more insulting she placed the powers of the heavens into children! The power-hungry pony kept wanting more and more before she was finally driven back but even after her defeat the Sphinx's creators were forced to flee to the heavens for centuries to heal themselves after such grievous wounds that would kill any lesser beings. Leaving her and her fellow Vessels behind but many of her kin had given up or were slain over the years leaving only her to protect their home. That was before those ponies mocked her home by attempting to steal their very culture as their own, after she heard of it she sought to destroy it but that damn pony Somnambula beat her driving her out. After this, the gods who remained to watch over the remains of the Nile cast her out as punishment for many years until recently allowing her to return to her duty to protect the Nile. Though after what happened of late it seems her duty in protecting the Nile has changed. This 'alliance' in a way was a part of the Nile which meant now that the entire East Badlands was her duty to protect and watch over. Well, at least that courier from No man's land was doing most of her job for her by using those machines of his to help prepare for the upcoming war. And this war that was to come would be a bloody one... Hell, she could even sense the presence of her mentor watching down from the heavens. Perhaps she would make her return during this war! Though the Sphinx could feel her mentor's gaze not fall on her but rather on the courier. Author's Note Okay sorry for the shortness... and dare I say it. 'Filler'-like (Just typing it makes me feel weird) But I kinda wanted to reveal some things in this chapter that didn't mostly involve Six even though he is the MC. From the cult to the Sand devils moving into New Navarro along with the Sphinx reminding me about the past plus the fact I might have spoiled the big reveal. In the end hoped you enjoyed and again sorry for how short this chapter is.
Part 21(???) "Hello and welcome to bedrock prison... whatever your reason for Incarceration is, allow me to shed some light on the rules of your new home for however long your sentence is," The image of a cartoon faced being wearing a watchman's cap and oversized sunglasses was on the screen of the machine before them. "First of all, this prison is ten miles below sea level with one way out... that being was the lift you were all brought down," The machine started while other beings that were much larger and were on three wheels instead of one watched over them training their weapons on the chained ponies who all had different expressions. The one in the lead shifted forward slightly then back on his large 'leg-wheel' before holding out it's three-finger metal hands out to them. "The lift is always to be on the top side when not transporting so don't get any ideas your all going to be down here for a while might as well get comfortable. Now as you can tell this isn't normal prison, you are all prisoners of war and will be treated as such down here. This prison has a strict no-tolerance rule, misbehave in any way and it's a strike and one week in the box no exceptions," The robot clicked. "Upon three strikes though and it's a month in the box followed by a meeting about what punishment you will get upon your misbehaving which will either include more time in the box or death," Many of the ponies shifted at this but were settled down by the red lights of the larger machine glaring them down. "Luckily the rules are very simple to follow and aren't at all hard but I think some of you might find a way to break these rules so before you break any rules let me show you what the box is," Above them is a large screen light up before showing off what seemed to be a cramped dark room with a mat for a bed and a hole in the ground. "You'll have half food and water rations along with that you'll be chained to the wall and have zone contact with anyone outside," The ponies all looked at the screen before the scene shifted to an image of the collar they were all wearing. "That pretty necklace you all have is a specialized collar re-made by Mr. Six to keep from doing anything you'll regret and make sure you're following the rules. The collars have a monitoring system and a tracking system along with a small explosive pointed right at the base of your skulls which will be used accordingly," The screen then went dark as the 'warden' looked at them. "Also there will be no sexual activity in this prison. I mean it... that is also a part of the no-tolerance rule any and all sexual activity whatever it might be will be a strike and a week in the box. One more thing, before you get the idea about there aren't enough boxes to hold you all... there is we have more than enough," The caged doors then opened up before them. "With that out the way... please enjoy your stay here in Bedrock prison," (New Navarro) Holding the cloud-stained acoustic guitar Six began to strum some notes while sitting across from Marie who nodded her head to the beat while the courier was freestyling with the old instrument he found abandoned in the Sierra Madre. Smiling at him the older sister of Marie chuckled while adjusting the cuff of the new suit Six had made for her and her teammates before Griff fell back when trying to put on his boots. "Gah... why are these so hard to put on?" Griff growled trying to kick his boot on, while Simmons facepalmed. "Damn it Griff your supposed to move that small knob on the side... Six told us before we put these on," "I did see it doesn't work," "No that's a bolt, you dolt!" Simmons nearly shouted, rolling her eyes Aella turned back to her sister and Six who were letting her hold the guitar before showing her how to play a note. "Oh, this one?" "Yes!" Aella felt someone lightly elbow her arm, the lioness turned to see Amelia who smiling slightly. "They always like this?" Amelia asked to which Aella chuckled before nodding. "Sometimes... honestly I forgot they aren't brothers but how they act it's easy to get the idea that they are," Aella explained before Amelia turned to Six and Marie. "Kinda how Six acts around Marie?" Marie looked at the courier who was nodding as Marie played a note correctly. "Yeah though he's not arguing with her. To be honest, never seen her this comfortable with someone else besides me and those two blockheads over there," Aella whispered while Simmons and Griff were in another arguing match about why there was no 'food pocket' in the suits. "He's really good with her to be honest... hey Amelia?" "What's up?" "Does Six have a younger sibling?" Amelia looked confused by the feline's question before holding her chin for a second to think before shaking his head. "No... well I don't think so at least. He did say he saw two others as his brothers but not related to him in any genetic way," Amelia explained. "Who?" "Joshua and... I think the other was named Ulysses," Amelia answered. "Those are interesting names," Aella pointed out before shrugging. "Then again he's named after a number," Aella pointed to Six who took back the guitar and play a few more notes. "Finally! There you happy now the suits all on like the way you want it, Simmons," "I want it? It's the proper way to wear it as Six showed us!" "Well what's the point of these don't get me wrong these are nice but what's wrong with our armor?" "Because you are in no man's land," Six spoke up over him playing his guitar. "It's hotter here than it is in the main badlands... those suits are made to keep you cool and hydrated," Amelia nodded before turning to the two tomcats. "Those suits your wearing is based on a set of 'recon armor' meant to be for to be worn under power armor," This caused Griff's ears to perk up. "Ooooh, what's that," Griff's words caused the maroon cat to sigh with a facepalm. "Don't get your hopes up that removed that part of the armor and replaced it with the cooling and water recycler system," Amelia explained which caused all three of the scouts to look at her confused. "It's a system where it recycles all your sweat, urine, and even tears into clean drinking water just in case you are strained in the desert," "Yuck," Marie stuck out her tongue having eased dropped on the android's conversion but Six was the first to speak up. "Yes it is kinda gross but it's that or passing out from dehydration kiddo," Marie looked at Six before tapping her fingers together. "But I don't have to wear one do I?" Six shook his head. "Not at all little kitty," He then leaned in slightly and playfully whispered. "Though the suits are a little too big," Marie's ears flatten slightly. "That's not nice," "What is?" "Saying my sister is fat," Six could have sworn he heard glass break upon the younger sister's words. There were many things he learned in the wasteland and one of those was not to comment how... um... 'large' a woman was in the wasteland and dare you to say anything about a woman's weight in the wasteland. He learned such things the hard way by accidentally commenting on the weight of the power armor veronica which ended up having him get punched in the gut by her not-weaponized fist. "That's not what I said," Six stood up looking at Aella who now had her arms crossed showing she wasn't quite amazed by Six's comment either. "I just said that the suits would look too big on your sister," "So you are saying Marie is fat?" Aella asked still holding that unamused look on her face. "No! I'm just saying the suits are designed for military-trained adults. Not saying your fat or anything actually you're very slim and athletic," Six pointed out before Aella chuckled and punched his arm lightly. "Relax I'm just messing with you," "Oh thank god," Six gave a sigh before rubbing the back of his head. "Alright so let's get everything ready for the day yeah?" Six-pointed out. "Hey ED-E?" The eyebot chirped upon Six's request. "Can you show Marie here to the game room?" ED-E gave a cheerful beeping before guiding Marie away, and Aella watched her little sister follow the metal machine. "Hey it's okay she's safe here," Amelia told the scout to which Aella looked at her. "I know but... it's just-" "Relax ED-E will watch over her," Amelia stated before Six nodded as he put away the old guitar. "So let me take you guys on that tutor I promised you," (Equestria) "Okay so let me get this straight... you want me to go with you and your friends to the border," "Mhm," "Guide you through the badlands to the Zebra lands," "Mhm," "All the while I'm completely unarmed and unarmored?" "Mh-mh," "Okay I'm sorry twilight but I can't do that," Tempest answered which caused the princess of friendship to groan slightly. "Why not?" "Well, I can't! Like I cannot go there without it turning from bad to worse," "How come?" Tempest held the bridge of her snout before looking at the princess. "Twilight I was a part of the storm king's army remember?" "Yeah but that's in the past," Twilight stated. "It might be but Twilight remembers the storm king had tried to pull in the entire badlands under his rule," Tempest explained only to have Twilight roll her shoulders. "So?" "So?! Twilight you aren't listening... the Storm king was threatening the kingdoms and I was there wearing his symbol! While he did the threatening in front of the leaders!" Tempest pointed out. "I'm sure they have forgiven you, Tempest. I don't know why you're making such a big deal about this that was like a million years ago," Twilight said to which the dark purple pony gave the 'uhggg' expression. "Try months ago!" Tempest looked back at twilight. "Look Twilight his whole 'peace' thing might not even work after the rumors I've been hearing and it sounds to me that the badlands want to be left alone. Along with that even if you somehow get to the leaders and try to talk it out it wouldn't end the way you think it would," Twilight just looked at the former commander while she shrugged. "It did with you," "That's different! This is something completely different! Twilight there is one thing I learned in my travels the stuff we were taught in other kingdoms is ALOT different," Twilight rolled her eyes before smiling. "I know... I've been to Yakyakistan, Dragon lands, and the griffin Isles," Tempest hissed slightly. "Twilight this is nothing like that... you only saw their 'capitals' not their mainland or anything," Tempest stated. "Look this is something you are not ready for," "Of course I am... Tempest, I'm the princess of friendship they'll know I mean well," "Like that Six person, you told me about," "Well, that was different," "Twilight- *Gaw* look you might need to replan your approach to this and I cannot be a part of it because if they see me they might see you as a hostile threat or something," Tempest explained. "Along with that going with your friends while wearing the elements is also a bad idea... maybe just go with a small escort of guards or have Starlight act as an envoy or something she knows a thing or two about this kind of thing," Twilight looked at Tempest before crossing her arms and looking to the side. "I don't know Tempest..." "Just think about it alright? Please... I don't want to be a part of another war," Tempest explained before finishing her milkshake and getting up from her seat. "And one more thing Twilight," The princess looked up at her friend before Tempest gave a sigh. "Be careful alright... the past that land has is nothing like the Equestria textbooks say it is," Leaving her friend at the booth Tempest pulled on her leather jacket while Grubber got off the bar after finishing his cake. Twilight watched while the veteran leaves the sugar cube corner before giving a sigh and resting her head on her hand while looking out the window at her booth seeing the dark clouds in the sky. 'Weird there wasn't supposed to be any rain planned for the week' Author's Note Alright! 2,000+ words again... Now you guys know what happened to the ponies who survived the 'red-sand-war-event' where they are now. Though I was somewhat inspired by a few prison movies for 'bedrock' though like the warden said this prison isn't like any other, it uses tech from the Sierra Madre and Big mountain so that can tell you how interesting it is. Similar to a storm that is about to brew up at ponyville, this is only the calm before the storm for the fate of the badlands and Equestria. Things are about to happen along with choices that cannot be undone. Man, I'm so excited too. Plus the research I've been doing on an upon-coming character is actually pretty shocking and somewhat funny though that could be just the format of the source I've been using, then again I've been using this source for mythology since high school. Besides that I hope the scene with Marie and Six wasn't weird or anything I did base it on this: (I'm trying to do my best to make Six a good role model) Hope you guys enjoyed this! Quick update/PS- I finally found an image that somewhat matches Six's Nightstalker body: (This is surprisingly close to how I pictured Six in this story, though I pictured him with a shorter tail and lacking a rattler on the end but all in all almost a perfect match although this character isn't Six, nor is Six in my story is named Cassidy. Just saying this is the closest thing I could fix that was SFW and looked both semi-realistic and one I liked)
Part 21.5- A Dark Vision (Halloween special 2022)(???) The storm was not letting up she had to move quickly her protection spell wears off unless she wants to be torn apart by what the high winds carried. Walking on the glass surface her boots dug their heels into the fragile surface with each step she took, holding up her face covering the wander looked down at the map in her hands. The cloud cover sky make it hard for her to see what was going but her goggles allowed her to see in the darkness, looking back up she saw it. Walking forward passing by the crystalized skeletons that littered the ground before her, looking down she couldn't help but noticed that some of the skeletons had melted gold fused to their bones while others seemed to have metal slag caking their remains. Lifting her head up the wander smiled at the sight before her. 'New Never-row,' Well, at least what was left of it within the crater at her feet. Kicking off she began to carefully slide down the massive hole in the glass-covered wasteland before making it to the bottom where her boots clanged on something metallic. Looking down sure enough there she was standing on top of a metal floor of some kind, unlike the rest of the crater this was completely undamaged. Walking forward to the massive archway on the side of the crater, the lone figure moved towards it, and sure enough like what she was told it was. The doorway... Doorway to where? No one really knew but everyone she knew had heard stories of many different others going into the opening and no one ever returned except one. That poor soul had entered this place with thirty others but only he came back out and after what happened he was never the same. He had spoken of things so unbelievable that they couldn't be true and they called him mad for it, in the end, he was slowly gone insane after his experience, and before he could get help he ran back here screaming about someone taking it all away. No one saw that mad dog ever again but the things that he had spoken of had gotten the attention of fortune seekers and treasure hunters going to this place. Sadly like the many before them none had ever returned, she on the other hand wasn't a fortune seeker or treasure hunter. She was here because not out of want... but need. Her home had been falling apart after someone she thought was her friend took power and was running their entire home into the ground while destroying the lives of others that weren't like them. She hoped in some way to stop the madness but everything she did was in vain until she started to have dreams of this place. Something or someone was reaching out to her through an old magical spell... Princess Luna was long dead but someone here was reaching out to her through the land of dreams. So after days of journeying to this place she had finally arrived, hopefully, finding something to end the madness within her homeland. Entering the massive gear-shaped doorway she walked onto some sort of massive metal platform but the moment she step onto the middle of the floor the entire thing shifted her way back and was blocked with a metal fence. Yellow lights flashed within causing her to be taken aback, pulling off her goggles she looked up seeing that the metal platform she was on was now moving downwards. After a few minutes, the platform stopped as the metal fence in the front moved down. Stepping off the platform into a barely lit metal and concrete hallway the wander felt a shiver go down her spine as she walked deeper in. Walking through the halls she finally came to the end where a massive hall waited for her causing the wander to shake her head and sense something about this whole place was off. Almost felt like something was poking at her very mind. "Finally..." The coat of fur on the back of her neck stood up upon hearing the voice that spoke to her. "For a moment I thought you lost your way... luckily you didn't," Every fiber of her body was on edge before she took her first step into the massive hall, although there was little light she looked around seeing massive machines of alien design all about this place. From the Ceiling, floor, and even the walls with cables seemly connecting them all. Yet these very machines made her feel uneasy just by looking at them, for many of these glass tanks were extremely foggy but even though the thick green liquid she could have sworn she saw something move within. "I..." She took a breath before pressing on. "I've seen this place once... in my dreams a-are you the great mage known as Starswirl the bearded?" "My dear... I killed starswirl," Stopping in her tracks the wander froze up before the voice gave a low chuckle. "I have been every voice... you have ever heard... inside your head," Snapping her head back at the sound of something massive being shut her blood froze at the sight of a door lock itself to her only exit from this place. "All through what I did was little compared to what your people have done. It didn't really take much, did it? Just one little thing for you kind to start to turn on one another and I didn't have anything to do with it," The voice chuckled. "But sometimes I wish that I did," Looking through the darkness trying to find an escape route she was going to try and escape but her eyes widened with horror as machines rose from the darkness. Machine with glass tanks that within them held the one thing all sentient life had... a brain. "You believed that this place would hope for your people... it's funny how naive you all can be," The voice stated. "Especially when your beloved princess of the sun believed she killed me. Yet she forgot one thing," Feeling a presence behind her the wander could hear the pounding of her heart in her ears. "I have died before and besides what doesn't kill you..." Slowly she turned her head to the voice behind her no long echoing through the hall. "Just make me stronger," Looming over her was a massive being large almost completely glowing red, eyes like hot coals stared right down at her while one of it's giant claws wrapped around her while she was unable to move out of fear. Lifting her up the mouth of the creature twisted itself into a giant smile filled with razor-sharp teeth with two large fangs dripping with glowing venom. "I almost feel bad for you Sunny... everything that has happened to your people and how your home was shattered is almost sad but after what your kind did to me and my people?" Moving her close to him the pony flinched as one of the massive curved horns threaten to take her eye. "Let's just say I was glad to return the princess's actions and full," Looking at her the massive monster that turned her home into a waking nightmare, he snorted before turning to something and then back to her. "Though there is still a blood debt to be paid one that your kind has yet to pay fully even after what I did... like cockroaches you survived hiding in the dark but now? Now I'll make sure that you'll tell me everything," Sunny spat in the face of the giant. "I'm not saying anything!" Chuckling 'the devil' whipped his face off. "You will... you just need to take a dip," Walking across the room Sunny felt the giant rip off her clothing leaving her bare but she was then slammed into something before she could react her arms were forced to hold herself before cloth fired around her wrapping her in some kind of cloth. Trying to break free of her bindings, the pony felt the device she was on move back before needles dug into her skin causing her to scream in pain. Her veins roared out in pain while her mummy-wrapped body was grabbed by something, as she was pulled up one of the wrappings around her left eye came to lose. What she saw terrified her. Giving a muffled scream the metal claw holding her up let her go before she fell down, falling into a giant pool of glowing liquid Sunny felt her entire body scream out in pain as she sinks into the thick green liquid. The screams of the pony went silent as the liquid slowly went still before an orange fur-covered hand reached out of the liquid before the color of the coat began to turn from orange to ashen grey followed by the fingers of the hand turning to talons as sharp quills grew out on the forearm. Before another similar mutated hand reached from the liquid followed by a skeletal face of the creature that was once Sunny Starscout. A similar fate waited for the rest of Celestia's 'sweet little ponies' to destroy her very memory. Author's Note So I did write a blog about something similar to this, about a dark future involving gen 5 but I wanted to go deeper into that kind of trope. This somewhat grim dark future would happen if the sphinx wasn't allowed to return to the Nile during the invasion. This would result in Six using the lady for the first time which would lead up to a full-scale war that would involve a pretty bloody war. Where the cult would get their war but like what happened 200 years ago back on earth when the bombs dropped, Six dropped everything he had no other choice. Basically giving equestrian it's own 'great war' leaving the ponies and other races outside the badlands to survive in the fallout no pun intended. This dark version of Six is where he had finally gone off the deep end and is so hateful of Celestia that he went down the same dark road Ulysses went. But unlike his fellow Courier Six went down to the end of that dark road and came back as something different. I did base this dark courier off Palpatine, The master, and even Ultron. Which I don't have an image of what he is but in a nutshell Six is this heavily mutated creature that would give Frank Horrigan a run for his money. Basically a companion of Deathclaw, Nightslaker, and a super mutant clad in power armor. But I did have an idea of this being a dream where Six met Six from little nightmares where he would be her protector and give the little yellow raincoat child a new path to take. Yet that would be a happy ending and this is Halloween, plus my little nightmare knowledge isn't the best so... I do hope you enjoy this special. Also, this isn't canon to the main story think of it as a 'dark mirror' concept or something.
Part 22(???) "Come on you open up," "Open the vault," "I can make it worth your while," "Think about what you're throwing away!" "I have other weapons. Other technology I can share with you!" "The big empty! I know the way there. I know some of it's secrets," "The collars! The collars were a mistake! I see that now! Why would I kill you? After all you done? After all WE done together?" "ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME!?" "Everything down here. I swear! So much you can see! You can rule the wastes with what's down here!" "Make your own army. Reshape the world. And if others disagree? Put collars on them I can show you how," "DON'T YOU LEAVE ME HERE! YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME!" "Eh? It's getting dark in here. Machine... machine's losing power, no. I still have pip-boy light... maybe... maybe... no, no, that doesn't work," "Where? Where is that door? Can't find the door!" "Calm, been in worse situations... find a way out... somehow, then find that courier," "Maybe Veronica? No... no... she thinks I'm dead," "Must be someone... maybe that other courier, the one with the flag on his back... maybe... no... no... said he'd never come to the Sierra Madre," "No way out. Can't... Can't end like this," "You," "I know you can here me," "When you die, Courier... I'll be waiting," "Your grave's going look just like this vault," "When you die..." "I'll be here waiting..." "At the Sierra Madre. Waiting..." ... "You can't be so mistaken you old fool," (New Navarro) "SIX!" Before he had the chance to even open his eyes Six felt something small crash land on top of his gut, grunting Six opened his eyes still a little groggy the courier lifted his head up to look at the small cat smiling at him. "Wake up!" Marie looked at him causing the courier to push himself up from his lounging chair. "Already bored with your new room?" Six joked while Marie sat up on his lap. "Of course not. I just want to be out here with you," Marie answered to which Six titled his head. "Well, here you are now. What do you wanna do?" "Play with me," Marie patted his chest plate causing Six to laugh. "Alright sweetie what do you want to play?" Looking around she then pointed to the small table to the two of them. "Why not that?" "Chess? Do you know how to play?" "Noooooo..." She rocked back and forth before looking at him. "Can you teach me?" "Alright might be awhile," (Meanwhile) (Las pegasus on the border of the western badlands) Holding a bag over her shoulder Starlight couldn't believe what was right in front of her. 'The wall' A massive barrier that had to be 500 meters tall and ran across the entire border as far as she could see and from what she was told the wall had to be at least 100 meters thick. Along with that, it was all completely enchanted in ancient magic she wasn't even familiar with which was really saying something from her countless years of experience studying all forms of magic. This was something out of her ballpark. "Ma'am?" Turning her head to her escort who all were completely unarmed and unarmored pegasi only wearing simple military uniforms. Somewhat uneasy going in so 'bare' Starlight understood the reasoning behind this after what she heard and the last thing she wanted to start was to start a war. Her goal was to try and make contact with the government leaders of nations within the western badland for negotiations which shouldn't be a complete mess. This could be some sort of 'friendship' problem they can just talk about and have the wall down at the end of the week if she was lucky. "Sorry, I'm ready now. I was just overthinking about things again," Starlight joked while her guard nodded before the two went over to the chariot. Climbing aboard Starlight gave a deep breath as the final guard threw on his harness before the four trained flyers opened their wings before running forward and taking off into the air. Grabbing the handlebar before her to hold tight starlight hated the royal chariots, these things were outdated and it showed. It seemed whoever made these things was more focused on the pegasi harness rather than the passage, the chariot themselves were made from extremely light wood that was so thin that it provided very little protection to the passenger and it lacked a back which could be very hazardous for a few obvious reasons. Along with that, the only thing that the passenger had from falling off was a single handle that was barely screwed to the front of the cart. Thankfully she was a unicorn and she could use her magic to help out but she could only imagine what kind of mad earth pony would go out in one of these. Making it over the border wall Starlight couldn't help but look down and sure enough, the wall was wide as the reports have stated them being. Slowly she felt the chariot begin to level out while Starlight relaxed in the back looking at the badlands below and reaching into her bag to pull out a telescope. Unfolding the gold tube she looked down at the land before seeing a whole bunch of sand and nothing really else as expected, that was until something caught her eye. Turning her gaze to the small pew of smoke she looked in the direction of what seemed to be a moving trail of smoke. Confused she looked in the direction of the potential source of smoke but when she did Starlight nearly fell backward from the thing she was seeing right before her! There in the middle of the badlands was a train! An actual non-equestrian train right here in the badlands! It was a complete shock to her to see something that was only made in equestrian now out in the badlands of all places, the equestrian badland's did even have a working rail system. While the railroad company was currently planning out it's future expansion here the western badlands had what seemed to be a working train and railroad. She quickly reached into her backpack before pulling out her camera to take a picture of the train before something else caught her attention. What looked like a scrapyard not far from the station turn her gaze over to it but upon looking through the lens of the camera she almost fell off this time from what she was seeing. An entire field fenced off had giant machines out lined up and large factories most likely building such machines within their walls, then she saw a much large area that looked like some sort of construction site within the fenced-off area was a large machine being built as a large tube rested next to it. Taking picture after picture Starlight didn't even notice two objects flying through the air close and slowly going down to either side of the chariot. The low roaring caused not only Starlight to turn but her escort as well to look to see two massive metal birds-like machines fly up on either side of the chariot. Frozen in shock Starlight looked at these remarkable machines flying in the air upon closer inspection she noticed in the glass dome in the front of one of the flying craft was a strange helmet-wearing creature and behind them was one of the metal creatures Twilight described. Turning its head to her the strange helmet-wearing stared at her before lifting up his hand and pointing downwards. All though she didn't know who these people were or what these machines were the hand gesture was one that didn't take a genius to figure out. 'Land now' (Back at New Narravo) Walking forward Amelia was still trying to gather what she had just received over the radio, apparently during a training route for future badland pilots they encountered an unidentified flying object which turned out to be an equestrian flying chariot. Honestly, she didn't know what to make of this and currently was going over to Six to see what he could figure this whole deal. She already sent out a report to Damion, Xaviar, and Aya about this sudden breach in the badland's air space but since the flying chariot was spotted almost forty miles without being noticed by the air portal made she know this was a huge problem. "Six I think you should see this," Turning the corner with a notebook in hand she looked up but froze at what she was seeing. Little Marie was playing chess with the courier, it was kinda cute seeing the mirror image of Six and Marie both hand their arms on their legs while holding their hands together in front of their faces. Moved his piece and then the small Abyssinian would move hers before she snapped up and smiled. "HA! Checkmate," Marie roared with laughter before Six followed with his own laughter. Smiling Amelia slowly walked over before Six noticed her. "Hey, Amelia what's up?" Six asked. "Nothing much can I get your attention real quick?" "Aw can't we have one more game?" Marie cried before Six smiled standing up and patting her head. "How about a little later," Six moved over and walked up to Amelia. "What's going on?" Amelia leaned in close to his ear. "We may have a slight problem," "What kind of problem?" "Flying ponies," "Shit," "Yeah," Amelia looked over to the chess board before looking back at Six. "You let her win didn't you?" "You said it not me," Six stated before shaking his head. "Really hope this whole deal doesn't cut into what I have planned later," "Oh? What plans?" Amelia leaned back with a smirk on her back. "Oh, nothing... I was thinking something like you and me small dinner and watch one of those pre-war movies?" Six asked before Amelia blushed slightly and held up her notepad to hide her smile. "Then I guess we should hurry then," (Interrogation room A-3) Starlight shivered at the cold metal vices wrapped around her wrists causing her to look down at them despite how thin they looked and the chain that held them to the table in front of her they were surprisingly strong. Along with that, there was for some reason a mirror in the room and a strange machine with a tiny black window looking down at her while it gave a blinking red light towards her. Ever since they were forced to land Starlight and her Escort were taken into custody before her bag along with her camera was taken by the machines and military personnel here. What was weird was that this military personnel wasn't just one species but it had each member of every settlement closed off in the western badlands. From Jackal, Zebra, and Abyssinian all were here wearing strange armor painted with a strange sand yellow pattern. It was hard to believe what she was seeing but all she could do was company rather than be awestruck. Before she knew it the unicorn was placed in this room alone, where she has been for what felt like hours. That was before someone opened the door to the room before someone entered, unlike the rest of the soldiers this one was dressed differently and walked up from behind her before seeing across the table from her. Upon sitting down Starlight quickly recognized the being sitting across from her, his red-eyed helmet and armored coat told her who this was. Her friend described this being many times before after they were literally kicked out of the strange settlement in no man's land. Six... "Well," Six spoke his voice muffled by his mask. "What brings you to the badlands?" "Oh. I'm here to speak with the leaders of the badlands about the wall and why they have cut all trade routes with Equestria?" Starlight answered the surprisingly casual question. Six gave a nod before lifting up her camera. "So you weren't taking pictures of our trains and work sites?" Six asked to which Starlight moved back before nodding. "Well yes, I just saw it and-" "You thought you could get some recon intel for your superiors?" "Recon intel?" Starlight lowered her cuffed hands to the table before narrowing her brow confused. "No, I-" "You know this isn't a good look for you lady," Six stated before moving down his hand. "You could be facing serious charges for this," Starlight froze before leaning back. "For what I took some pictures!" "Espionage," Starlight felt her blood freeze solid before holding back up her hands. "I'm not a spy. I'm an evony sent by princess twilight for peaceful negotiations with the leaders of the badlands," "Then why were you taking pictures?" "Because I just..." Starlight froze not knowing what to say. Six stared at her behind his non-blinking red visor before giving a deep muffled sigh and holding up his free hand. "Say what you're going to say," "Excuse me?" "Say what you were going to say to the leaders of the badlands they can hear you," Six stated before lowering his freehand to the table. "How?" "Does it matter?" "Yes it does I wish to speak to them in person," Starlight answered. "Well, you are currently in front of one. Say what you're going to say," "Your not a leader of any badland land kingdom," Starlight scoffed to which Six did not. "True I don't rule a kingdom but I am a leader and I'm allied with the three kingdoms here," Six corrected before tapping his fingers on the table. "So if you one to speak with one of us in person well here say what you will," "Fine. Why have you cut off trade routes to Equestria?" Six stared at her before turning to the mirror and holding up his free hand towards it like a 'is she for real' gesture before turning back to her. "Well you come to the wrong place to ask that question," Six stated. "You can find your answer back in equestrian," "What do you mean?" Six stared at her for a moment before he pointed right at her. "You attacked us," "Wait? No, the elements didn't-" "That was an infiltration and it was against me that's not what I mean," Six interrupted her. "No your kingdom came in on a four-front invasion attack targeting not only my home but my three allies," "What we didn't attack any kingdom," "Yes, you did," "No, we did-" Six summoned something to his hand before slamming it onto the table causing her to freeze at the site of the golden helmet of an equestrian guard. "-not," She looked at him and then towards the helmet before speaking up. "I don't understand when? well, why? I? Celestia would never have," Starlight was at a loss for words before looking at Six. "I heard rumors about something but that's just it rumors," "Rumors of what?" "A small part of the equestrian army and navy just... disappearing but it's just a rumor," This changed Six's posture while he stared at her. "Just disappeared huh?" "Yeah but I'm not into the whole military presence but how-?" "Maybe you should start to look into it," Six stated before Starlight watched him sitting up. "You and your buddies will be escorted across the border but I'm confiscating your camera," "That was a present from my friend," Six silently stared at her before walking away with her Camera before she dropped her head onto her hands. Slowly raising her head to the helmet Six's voice echoed in her mind. (With Six) "You going to keep staring or are you going to ask me if I did the right thing?" Six asked casually to Aya who walk next to him. "No, I believe that went well," Turning to the queen of the Nile Six tilted his head. "Not something my interrogators would have done but I think that is why it went so well," "Heh. What do they do usually?" "Boil them in oil or whip them," Aya stated before Six shifted. "Damn," "I'm joking Six," "That's the first time you ever said a joke to me," Six laughed lightly. "Come now I have joked before," Aya countered to which Six shook his head. "Not really," Turning from him with a smile on her face the two proceed to keep walking. "All though I might need to hurry up that air radar system," This caused Aya to give a nod. "That you do," "Maybe put something up on that wall just to be safe," "What you thinking of," "Well I might have an idea about some things but my mind is currently on something else," Six stated honestly. "Oh? Do you have plans with someone?" "Yes," "Who?" "Amelia," "Amelia? Not Aella?" Six turned towards her confused. "What do you mean by that?" Shaking her head Aya smiled. "For a man with such sharp eyes, you can't be so blind sometimes," Stopping Six watched the lady of water walk away but Six couldn't help but notice her swaying her hips while she walked. "<BANG!>" ED-E blurred out causing Six to flinch before turning to his buddy who was bobbing up and down seemly in laughter. "ED! I swear do that again and I'll turn you into a toaster," "*Coy beeping*," "Don't tempt me," Author's Note Man, that was a pretty long break but I'm back in the saddle with this story having chatted about some ideas with my pals over discord. Along with that, I got a plan that would be leading up to the next story Arch, also I'm not trying to rush the whole herd/pack deal kinda slowing it here since fallout romance is just as slow but very sweet. Before I forget a friend of mine is writing a 'What if' scenario just a heads up and I ain't going to spoil anything but it will be similar to my Halloween special. Also, yes the start of the story is Father Ejiah's 'last words' though I have done the Safety deposit box ending for dead money. Although for some reason my game never would seem to work properly then again I got out with all the gold and loot from the vault so that could be why vegas was always a bit of a glitchy game. Here's a video of Ejiah's last words: Besides that, I hope you enjoy this story's return.
Part 22.5 (X-Mas 2022 special, Non-cannon)"Aella! Aella! Aella!" Groaning as the small Abyssinian tackled her sleeping sister causing the older sibling to rise from her bed. "What is Sweetheart!" Aella asked while Marie pointed to the doorway. "Someone was here last night! They left a tree and boxes in the big room!" Marie panicked causing the sand devil to rise up reaching for her blade that rested next to her bed frame. "Where?" Pointing the way Marie hid behind her big sis while Aella slowly drew her blade before they rounded the corner to find a strange tree in the big room with small boxes wrapped in colorful paper. Confused Aella tilted her head before noticing someone shift behind the tree and after telling her sister to say behind the corner she raised her sword before rushing over to the intruder. Giving a warcry she rushed over but froze when the familiar mask of Six turned to her. "Six?" "Aella! Um... you up early," Lowering her sword she looked down at Six before rolling her arms confused. "Six... what in the god's name are you wearing?" Aella asked by the courier's sudden change in wardrobe. "What? You don't like my Santa duster?" Six asked holding his red and white fluffed duster. "Santa duster?" "Yeah, you don't like it? I mean sure it's not like my actual duster but you know the holidays thought I would spice things up a bit," Six stated while adjusting the red and white sleeping cap that covered the top of his riot helmet. "Holidays... I'm so confused," "Wait? Do you know what today is?" The Abyssinian shook her head. "Aella it's Christmas! Wait-" Six then realized the obvious fact he was missing. "You don't have that here do you?" "No we don't," Looking at the tree and then at Six she sheathed her blade. "Is this a big holiday from where you are from?" "Heck yeah... besides Halloween and thanksgiving but this is a huge one and I actually have people to celebrate it with," Six stated while noticing Marie peaking out. "It's okay kiddo," Slowly the kitten walked towards them before the door to the base opened and Amelia and ED-E entered with more gifts in their hands. "Merry Christmas!" Amelia smiled while ED-E gave a cheerful beeping. Wearing her own red and white outfit and ED-E wore a similar colored nightcap that Six and Juno were wearing on top of his body's frame. Marie walked over to the tree before Six moved down to one of the wrapped boxes before handing it to the little one. "Here you go this one is from me to your kitten," Looking at him before at the gift Marie took it with a smile before she began to unwrap it, gasping at the sight of the small robot dragon in her hands. Aella gave a sigh before looking toward Six. "Seriously? You're really spoiling her," Aella stated before Six raised a gift to her. "What?" "For you," "I didn't get you anything," "Doesn't matter," Six told her before she took the gift and opened it revealing a beautiful necklace and a pair of red-eyed sand goggles. "One's for work and the other is for parties," Smiling at him she nodded before taking a seat and while Griff walked out of the hallway hissing. "Hey what's going on out here-" Stopping in his tracks before noticing the whole setup. "What's going on here?" "It's Chrisssmas!" Marie smiled while hugging the robot's head that rested on her shoulders. "Okay... wait are those cookies?" (Later) "<🎵All I want for Christmas is you!~🎵>" The record player played while Six sat with a smile on his face with Amelia holding her brand new labcoat that Six custom-made for her. "Hey, Six?" Amelia pulled Six's attention from Marie who was playing with her new robot friend while ED-E buzzed a little jealous at his newest competition. "What's up?" "How long has it been since you last celebrated Christmas?" The android asked to which the courier tilted his head slightly. "Now that you mention it," (One year ago) (The lucky 38) "Come on Boone don't be such a stick in the mud," Veronica said in a cheerful tone while the rest of the companions of the courier were in the TV room. "I ain't wearing it," "Oh come on it's Christmas! Don't be such a scrooge!" "Who?" Cass chuckled while holding her mug of whiskey-laced deathclaw eggnog while Raul petted a panting Rex that was resting at his feet, Arcade holding a Nuka-cola nervously glancing at ED-E all the while Lily hummed a tone while doing her best to knit a sweater. The plastic Christmas held some used vacuum tubes that were turned into little Christmas lights resting on each branch with some vault-tec packaged holiday cookies. Six stood next to the doorframe a smile on his face while looking at his friends while Mr. New Vegas played his winter wonderland over the radio. Watching while Veronica forced Boone to wear a Christmas sweater the courier got up putting his helmet on before going to the elevator. "Six?" Cass's voice caused the courier to turn to his friend. "Yeah?" "Where are you going?" The whiskey-loving gal asked to which Six nodded his head. "I got to make one stop today to someone," While the doors opened to the lift he stepped in before the doors closed he held up a small wrapped gift in his hands. "No one should be alone on Christmas," (The divide) "Come to talk some more before the battle of hoover damn again courier?" Ulysses asked not having to turn knowing it was the courier who entered through the wreckage behind him. Expecting the courier to drop a small colorfully wrapped box next to him. "What this?" Picking it up he turned to his fellow courier. "Merry Christmas brother," "Christmas? A pre-war holiday it was-" "Oh my god! Just take the gift!" Ulysses stared at the armored man before opening the small box and upon seeing what was within he couldn't help but smile. "I found it when going through Caeser's tent... he had a bunch of shit that didn't belong to him but I thought you would want this back past or not," The courier stared up at Six before giving a low dry chuckle. "Thank you, Courier," "What are brothers for?" (Present day) "I do hope he's still going," Six smiled while Amelia looked at him for a moment before reaching down a lifting a box to him. "For me?" "Merry Christmas Six," Opening it Six could help but smile at the gift he was given. Author's Note And a very merry Christmas to you all! Sorry if I have been lacking in updates but hey when have you been given the entire metro series and two Warhammer games-Inquisitor marty and Adaptus Mechincus, For early Christmas presents you get tied up. Along with a sudden urge to watch old madness combat stuff for some reason. Sadly, Darktide isn't on console yet but I'll try to get it whenever. Speaking of X-mas stuff I found a few really cool things I wanted to use for this like a X-mas skyrim outfit mod but it was kinda NSFW (not really though just showed a lot of skin) but nothing showy just didn't trust it. But I was inspired by this for Six's Santa riot outfit: (You know being festive and all that jazz) All in all, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Part 23"Alright agenda completely cleared," "*Affermtive beep*," "All calls on standby?" "*Affermtive beep*," "Drinks and food?" "*Affermtive beep*," "Guns loaded with extra ammo?" "*Affermitve beeping*," "Alright! I got this," Six commented to himself while the eyebot buzzed next to him. "I just need to not screw this up," "*Cheerful beeping*," "Yeah-! What?" Confused by what ED-E had just suggested Six turned his head to the robot. "No... just... why? 'Human mating calls'? That's just wrong. Besides she ain't human," "*Coy beeping*," Six faced palmed at ED-E's response. "Just... go Amelia will be here any minute," "*joyful beeping*," "I'm pretty sure Marie is waiting for you to play with her or something," Six shooed the eyebot away with a smile on his face while the Enclave robot floated away. Staring down at the firing range Six held his chin for a moment. "All through is this really appropriate for a date? Damion did offer a table at that restaurant maybe this wasn't such a good idea," Not having another second to rethink his plans when a pair of hands went over his eyes. "Guess who," Surprised by the synth's voice Six gently pushed her hands from his bionic eyes. "Well seeing how you are the only one who can sneak up on me it wasn't a hard guess," Amelia smiled while crossing her arms. "I was actually trying to make you jump. You make a cute sound whenever you do," The Synthic replied causing the courier to blush slightly. "I do not," She nodded. "You totally do," Amelia argued back with a sly smile on her face, her eyes drifted behind Six when she spotted the surprise he had for her. "Ohhhhh what is that?" "Nothing much just some rattlesnake steaks with a bottle of scotch from Mr. House's personal collection," Six moved his hand to the table when moving his hands over to something over on the range covered by a cloth. "And some 'dessert' for later," Eyeing the covered object Ameila's tail began to wag in excitement for what could be under the piece of cloth. (Equestria, Ponyville) Running through the massive Storm that had been plaguing the small town none stop for the past several days, Starlight who had returned back to Ponyville after being 'escorted' out of the divided board of the western badlands had booked it back home. Pushing the doors open Starlight ran forward not even caring about the mud she tracked in. "Twilight! Twilight!" Rushing up the stairs to the chamber that held the table of friendship Starlight ran forward. "Twilight! I'm back we need to-" Pushing down the doors to the room Starlight froze at the sight of her friend staring at the table in front of her. "-talk?" She hadn't been gone that long and it seemed to her that Twilight had been worse for wear, her purple fur looked almost pale as if she had been in shock. "Twilight?" Starlight casually took a step forward, this got the princess's attention causing Twilight to rise up at her friend's return. "Starlight!" Ran over to the princess and hugged her. "Your okay!" Starlight froze before hugging her friend back. "Of course I'm okay... Twilight are you good?" Starlight ask breaking the hug to which Twilight shook her head. "No... no... I'm not... I'm so not good... so much is not good... all is not good... so not good," Twilight rambled causing Starlight to raise her brow at her friend's change in personality over a short amount of time. "Twilight did something happen when I was gone?" "Did something happen? DID SOMETHING HAPPEN?!" She shot towards Starlight before grabbing her coat. "THEY HAVE SPIKE!" "What?" "Spike was taken shortly after you left for the badlands by..." Twilight shivered while holding her arms. "By who?" "Who do you think?" Twilight hissed with venom in her words. "HIM," "Him?" Starlight looked to the side for a moment before looking up at Twilight. "You mean Six?" "YES! That... that... that monster! He came here broke into the castle and snatched up Spike! Killed two guards who tried to save Spike and wounded one," Twilight roared causing her student to flinch. Confused Starlight watched the princess sit back down this time holding her head in her hands, thinking for a moment Starlight shook her head not able to make heads or tails of the accusations that Twilight just spoke. She had met Six once and despite their 'talk' they had not so long ago the courier didn't seem to be the kind of person to kidnap someone after letting her and some guards go. "Why would he do such a thing?" Starlight asked to which Twilight shook. "To 'get back at us' why else?" Twilight answered. "He was trespassing on Equestrian soil and had the nerve to threaten me and my friends after kicking us out and then taking half the badlands under his control... then he dragon-napped Spike," Twilight was now shaking with rage while Starlight stood in a place frozen by what she had heard. "That doesn't-" "That doesn't what?" A new voice asked causing Starlight to turn to an unfamiliar pony walking in. "That doesn't make sense? My dear from what I've been told of this ghastly courier he doesn't need any reason to do as he wishes," "I'm sorry who are you?" Starlight asked the yellow-coated stallion who walked into the chamber. "Ah forgive me. I am Lord Firerun the third servant of the solar court. I was sent here to oversee the investigation of Mr. Spike's sudden dragon-napping," The pony stated. "Since when does the solar court care about a dragon-napping?" "Oh my dear the court cares for the student of Celestia's well-being of course and by extension her dragon and the elements," Firerun answered. Starlight narrowed her eyes at Firerun's answer while her conversation with Six lingered in her mind for a moment. "How do you know it was Six?" Starlight asked causing Firerun to chuckle. "Elementry! The window to Spike's room was blasted in by a metal ball before that awful courier entered and reached for Spike but three brave guards heard the ruckus and attempted to stop them Six murdered two of them in cold blood while severely crippling the third. Before the rest of the guard could arrive to save Spike, the courier was already gone with the poor dragon," Firerun explained. Turning her head to her friend Starlight leaned toward her. "Twilight where were you when this was happening?" Starlight asked. "I was with Fluttershy and Rarity having tea and when I came home Spike was gone," Twilight shivered trying not to cry. Starlight looked at her friend before turning back to Firerun who held up his chin with that stupid look all nobles had on them thinking they were better than their fellow ponies. "Can I see Spike's room?" "But of course, it has been untouched since the attack," Firerun explained. "I don't think you will find the evidence point to that courier," Pulling up her coat after sparing one more glance at Starlight the pony left with a weird feeling in her chest. This whole thing didn't sit well with her. (New Navarro) "EEEEEEEEEE!" Amelia cheered at the site of the freshly built light machine gun. "An MG3!" Sure enough right under that covering there was a modernized german-designed light machine gun having been by Six from one of the many different files he pulled from the old military base back at the divide's data vault. "Yep that's a good eye you got. I had this thing built to test-fire it and see if it's good from what I read. Hell, I custom-made some 7.62x51mm for this test," Six pointed out. "And I decided to test it with you," Her pale face blushed at Six's words while she bounced up and down in place. "Can I try it out first?" "Of course," Six agreed which cause her smile to widen. Rushing over to the weapon she lay down on the ground going over to the weapon, inspecting it Amelia carefully checked the weapon before pulling back the bolt on the left side of the weapon. Six got down next to her while she readied the modernized old-world machine gun while staring down the targets. "I loaded a tracer round every five rounds on the ammo belt to show where you are shooting. It's a pretty basic machine gun nothing you're not used to," Six pointed out while Amelia just stared at him. "I know you don't have to nag me," Amelia replied as she returned to aiming. Holding up the bullet chain in his hands Six didn't need to tell the android before she pulled the trigger. Not a normal date by any means but it was one to remember. Author's Note Oh man, it's been a short break but it's back from sleeping mostly because of writer's block + life like usual. What better way to return it is with Six and Amelia going on a date and more conspires arising from the mainland? Sorry for the shortness but I will tell you guys this, there will be another major arch arising in the story. All in all glad to be back writing this. Till the next one guys. (Also that is NOT a MG34 but a MG3 it exists in the real world and since the MG42 does exist in the fallout universe plus the fact old world USA had a bunch of german weapons lying around I would expect they did know about the modern 'MG42' AKA the MG3)
Part 24 (The Invasion Defensive-Arch part 1)(A week later) "Clear first area! Go! Go! Go!' "Area cleared! Move into the building!" "Melee with your knife!" "Last area! Move! Move!" "Sprint to the exit! Clock's ticking!" (Border outpost Delta) "Ohhhh yeah 2.01 seconds too slow sandy better luck next time," The Zebra smiled looking at the timer while the Abyssinian hissed under his breath at his score. "Oh, that's bullshit! There's no way!" Sandy growled while the Zebra crossed his arms with a smile. "Don't know what to tell you cloak doesn't lie," This response got the Zebra a quick glare while one of the 'new' soldiers of the western badlands stared at his rival. "You fucking hit the cloak early," "Pffph I did not!" The Zebra shrugged. "You're lying out your striped ass! I know you did!" Sandy growled while the Zebra held up a smile on his face with his hands out. "I so didn't," "Your right eye twitches when you lie Xeron!" This caused the Zebra to hold said eye confused. "It does?" "I knew it!" As the two bickered one of the other western soldiers ran past the finish in the brand new combat mark two armor he was issued in. "By the gods! Why must we do this? I already know how to fight! Why must we change thousands of years of our ways of battle overnight?" The Jackal barked causing the Abyssinian to nod slightly out of partial understanding. "I hear what you're saying, brother, but look at what we have! These weapons and armor are years ahead of anything we had before Sir Six came to the badlands," Sandy responded holding out his standard-issued marksman carbine. "These weapons are far more powerful than the crossbows we had back in my homeland!" The Jackal groaned while pulling on his sand-colored chest plate of combat armor. "Say what you will this armor is far too tight for my liking," This caused the two to chuckle at their comrade's comment. "I agree! But I have been told this armor can protect us far better than we had before," Sandy pointed out, looking at his armored hand and making a fist. "It makes me wonder if this is the most basic armor from Six's homeland what does the more advance stuff look like," Xeron leaned back on the wall behind him with a smile. "I heard rumors about that actually," "Oh really?" The Jackal asked reloading his weapons. "Yes, Sir Six and Lord Xavior have been talking about something called 'power armor' which from what I heard is far better than even this armor we have the honor of wearing now," Xeron explained. "Do tell," "I don't know but-" *BOOM!* The three didn't have time to react as a loud explosion sent them flying into the walls of the trenched training course they were speaking in. Sandy was the first to get up, his ears ringing from the blast and his vision entirely obscured by a thick cloud of dust. Slowly the ringing in his ears died down while he found his weapon to take up a defensive position but suddenly he froze at the sound of a warcry. Even though the dust was still thick in the air Sandy could see the figures rushing at his position with what seemed to be spears. Raising his weapon he opened fire at the attackers, he attempted to hold his ground but the attacking forces were more than a single Abyssinian warrior could take. Even though each one he shot fell down like a sack of bricks Sandy found that he emptied the entire magazine of his weapon forcing him to pull out his sidearm, this didn't stop the invader's charge. When the dust began finally settled Sandy threw his 10mm pistol at one of the attackers he reached down pulling out his knife. The longer weapons of the enemy's spears however prevented him from getting close as an attacker in gold armor rushed him trying to stab his weapon into the cat's chest. Only to find the superior armor of the Abyssinian was able to push the blade away from it's mark and allowed Sandy to recognize the one's reason for the attack. Ponies... Not surprising. Able to jab his knife into the neck of the golden armor pony Sandy moved to perform another attack on another pony only to find himself being stabbed in the thigh in a gap between his armor. Teeth clenched Sandy grabbed the spear still stuck in his leg and backhanded the pony who wounded him, quickly thinking he used the blade to cut the wooden poll below the spearhead and turned for a counter-attack but was once again stabbed by another pony this time close to his armpit. Unable to use his knife hand now Sandy grabbed something from his belt and bashed it against the other pony's head knocking him down. The Abyssinian looked up towards the base now able to see clearly the carnage that was going on around him, the standing warrior watched as his fellow survivors attempted to hold the line while others began to regroup for a counter-assault to hopefully push the ponies back. That was until he saw a massive gaping hole in the border wall, no wonder the base was nearly blown down the gap in the wall was near twice the size of the base. Whatever the ponies used it really had a big kick to it... Feeling another spear tip jab itself into his flesh Sandy bite down on his tongue as he fell to his knees followed by another spear in his lower abdomen. Turning to see Xeron still alive and fighting Sandy held out the object in his hand and bit down on a piece of metal on it, the zebra reached out trying to save his comrade but he was too far away. But far enough away that he would be saved from what Sandy was planning on doing. Both knew that he was going to die as three more spears found a place in the gaps in his armor, the feline however simply wasn't going to go down quietly. "No mercy," Sandy growled before pulling the pin on his plasma grenade with his teeth which then went off in a cloud of green flame eating away at the ponies surrounding him and the bench in the base defenses. (Meanwhile-New Navarro) "How the hell did they get through?" Xavior asked his hologram overlooking the similar holographic map of Outpost Delta where it was currently under siege with a massive gap in the border's wall. "If I had to guess they used that," Aya's hologram pointed to the holo-table where a giant force of ponies had gathered around the breach in the wall with what seemed to be a massive piece of siegecraft weaponry. "What in god's name is that?" Six asked the only one on the table actually being physically present, confused at what he was seeing. He had seen many things back in the Mojave and none of them were this, a massive tube being barely held up by six giant airships. If he had to guess it was one big ass cannon but nothing could compare to this weapon, looking quite old and very well... weird and that was saying something. Looking up Six noticed the Sphinx staring at the image of the weapon with a slight look of fear on her face which was surprising. Usually, she had a look of confidence and pride on her face... "What is it" Six asked. "Something very powerful... something I hadn't planned for when raising the wall," The sphinx answered. "I never expected to see one of these since-" The sphinx stopped herself before unfurling her wings. "Why are we talking?! We are being invaded!" The sphinx turned to Six. "Are all of you going to stand there gawking and ask questions or are you going to honor your places at the table!" Six and the leaders of the three kingdoms were taken aback by the Sphinx outburst. Taking action Six pushed a button on his side. "I'm sending a detachment of vertibirds to reinforce outpost delta Xavior think you can spare any of your forces?" Six asked the Zebra king whose kingdom was closest to the eastern badland border. "Of course... they should be there within the hour," Xavior froze upon seeing his screen before smiling. "Make that within the next ten minutes. Such marvelous machines you have given to us my friend," Nodding Six began to select more functions on his command module. "I'll have the rig ready to defend against any attempts to cross the western water cost... but Aya best be prepared for the worst-case scenario," The Jackal queen smiled. "Those ponies will not breach our defenses this time, but Six be careful how you address me I am not some soldier you can order around," Aya told Six with her eyes narrowed while Six moved to avoid her gaze. Damion and Xavior chuckled, the Abyssinian king then spoke. "And I shall have my forces ready to reinforce any other outpost if necessary although I doubt they have more than one of those massive cannons," "Damion. My old friend we should not underestimate the ponies they have proven that they have more than a few tricks up their sleeves," Xavior reminded which all nodded in agreement. "This might be a good day to test something..." Six hummed which got the attention of Damion. "What are you thinking my friend?" Turning his head to the panther king, Six smiled barely baring his sharp fangs. "A little experiment," (Sometime later at the breach) "Forwards you maggots! The cannon will not do all the work!" The solar commander announced while the troopers marched though the breach. "Captain!" One of the lower-ranking soldiers made his presence known. "What is it private?" The commander asked while pulling back on his cloak to turn towards the soldier. "News from the front: We have encountered a enemy strong hold not fair beyond the breach we currently have it under siege but despite it's small size we aren't getting through," The private informed causing the commander to give a small smile. "No worries simply encircle the stronghold we will have the mighty solar cannon blast it away before the enemy has a chance to respond and by the time they get word we will have a stronghold of our own right in the middle of their trade routes!" The commander beamed with pride. "Also sir Captain Flash has taken a battalion of solar guard deeper into the territory without informing Captain Fast Stand," The young soldier finished to which the commander looked back at the breach while smiling. "Well, I'll be... didn't think you had it, you Sentry," "Sir, should I send a messager to tell Captain Flash to withdraw back to the main line?" The commander threw out his hand. "That wouldn't be necessary Captain Flash had lost his grandfather to these savages... let the lad have his payback," The commander commented. "Now have the solar cannon target the wall again let's make this breach bigger as to allow more soldiers to flow into the-" The commander and the soldier messager stopped to turn to the sky and looked up seeing what seemed to be flying metal boxes in the distance towards the breach. "What in Celestia's name?" Author's Note Oh boy sorry for the wait but here is the next Arch as promised... Things are going to start to get really spiced up now that officially the ponies have attacked the western badlands. Which is resulting in the counter-attack of the... I really need to give the western badland's faction a name. Still, I'm sorry for how long this has been for the update just been busy as of late. Better late than never. Don't worry I'll have a scene change back to Starlight later in the next part but as for now, I'll let you guys think about whats going on and what Six has planned for this invasion. Not to mention a new face will make a reveal in this arch. Till then my fellow wastelanders.
Part 25 (The Invasion Defensive-Arch part 2)"Keep them back!" Xeron covered in blood and sand hid behind a wall rumble with his standard issue marksman rifle in both hands, he had been here with his fellow defenders holding outpost Delta. His comrades opened fire at the marching pony force, despite their primitive equipment of heavy gold armor and basic spears and shields they had made a huge advancement upon them. They had quite literally caught them with their pants down for a lack of better words. "Xeron!" Turning to his commanding officer the zebra froze slightly at the sight before him, the old Jackal had his arm blown off from the blast and part of his face was exposed including his right eye yet he was still barking at him. "Oi stop staring and return fire already! Hold this point!" "Yes sir!" The Zebra lifted himself up back and began to lay down a firing line of 5.56 rounds at the marching attackers. Despite the advanced firepower they held the pony attacker had their unicorns cast a series of bubble shields to protect them from the small arms fire. "Sir they're not going down we need more firepower!" A soldier beside Xeron spoke out while the combat medic tended to the officer. "Then get to work! I ain't your mama here dog! Get that damned launcher and use it already!" The officer ordered pointing to a dead explosives specialist with a missile launcher. "But sir they have magic users out there! They'll fry me the moment I run out to get it!" The old veteran didn't get a moment to start chewing out the young recruit for disobeying his orders, Xeron on the other hand ran from behind cover and bolted to the launcher. Almost right away a sharp pain hit the back of his knee as he stumbled down, biting his tongue the zebra picked up the launcher and took aim at the approaching line. Launching a missile at the line the magical shields couldn't withstand the impact of the blast causing those closest to the initial explosion to become a shower of blood and gore. Those that survived had their shields broken and were met with armor-piercing rounds that shredded through their gold shields and armor. However there was no time for celebration for another row quickly took the former's place, Xeron pushed himself up where he went wide-eyed at the sight of his leg. For it was two feet away from his body... Looking back up at the approaching force Xeron kept biting through the pain and reached for another missile only to feel the impact of another magical attack hit the launcher from his arms. Some of the unicorns in the line who were not providing shields were firing magical projectiles at the defenders including the wounded zebra. One of the unicorns charged their horn to finish off Xeron who was completely exposed in the open, upon firing the Zebra lifted his arms to hopefully protect himself from the impact. This wasn't the result for the impact never hit his arms rather it hit something else... something stronger than basic combat armor. Flinching the Zebra looked up and gasped at the sight of a giant being clad in metal armor while wielding a massive weapon, it's shoulder pad that took the hit smoked for a moment while the wearer gave a low chuckle. "I can get used to this," The strange helm of the armored savior looked toward the wounded defender. "Yo. You good stripes?" Xeron nodded slightly while the armored savior chuckled. "Sweet don't worry stripes we'll get patched up in no time," The muffled voice of the savior spoke followed by others of similar armored beings in the same sand camo as Xeron had on his own. "Hit it, brother!" One of the armored beings order while the savior laughed leveling the massive multi-barrel weapon in his hands to the line. "FINALLY! Been inching to use this thing!" (Moments prior) -If you wish here is some music- -I find it fitting for this- "Alright, ladies! This is it!" Sergeant Gage spoke while moving down the path in the vertibird cabin they all were in. "A bunch of hoof lickers have come into our homeland yet again expecting another easy fight... well we're not going to make it easy for them again are we!" "NO SIR!" "So what are we going to do about that?" "SHOW THEM HELL!" "Damn right, we are! In 30 seconds were going to deploy and show off these suits of T-51F power armor a certain Courier has given us the privilege of using! Because we are going to use these suits and beautiful tools of death to turn these damn horses into glue if they don't get the fuck off our lawn! To the first one to step on the eastern badland border!" "TO THE FIRST!" The men and women in power armor roared back while the commander nodded putting on the power armor and stepping into an empty deployment slot. The red light in the cabin flashed for a moment pier to turn green and the panels under their armored feet opened the only thing keeping them up is the deployment harnesses. "GREEN LIGHT LADIES DROP!" Right away the power armored troopers fell down onto the ruined line of attacking troops, and Gage right away crushed a pony's helmet with his armored fist. Looking at his hand the zebra within smiled finally realizing the power these suits of 'T-51f' possessed gathering himself he raised his Laser rifle up. "Move up ladies!" His helmet's external speakers order while the second power armor group pushed forward while the first stayed behind at outpost delta to remain on the defensive while groups two and three provided a counterattack from the shock assault. This was followed by a group of securitron robots assisting the power armor troops, while in the air the vertibird although their main purpose was to be troop transports had their gunners provide covering fire to deal with any stragglers that tried to make a break away from the breach into the western badlands. At the spearhead of group one stood the one responsible for the advancement in the development of all this advanced technology. ED-E sent bursts of energy at the ponies who attempted to continue with the charge despite the reinforcements only to be turned into grey ash. Six was the only one not in a set of power armor rather after he gave the entire western badland's a kick start to it's technology the courier had thought it fitting to give his armor a much-needed upgrade. His 'Superior' Riot gear had new armor plates while not sacrificing his ability to move freely, along with adding a saturnite armor weave to his duster he added a commanding unit module within his helmet that connected with his implants and pip-boy to provide real-time battle updates with his troops and send orders plus receive messages via personal links. Even added a new coat of paint to the faded suit followed by him replacing the '101' with a freshly added '06' and finally placing bloodnap on his shoulder for quicker use. Like many of the troops, he was fighting alongside with he was eager to try out his new equipment despite it just being an upgraded version of old pre-war equipment. Loading in custom AP 5.56 rounds into the 'All-American' rifle he got in that ghoul-infested vault back in the Mojave felt the rush of battle once again and it made him smile. "PUSH THEM BACK!" Six ordered while the troops and robots charged alongside him. Not knowing their actions were being witnessed by other powers. (Cantorlot) All within the war court chambers watched the battle for the battles progressed through a magical viewing spell. Celestia and Twilight watched with hate written all over their faces, the solar princess raised her hand to the commander. "I am giving authorizing the use of the solar canon to be fired once again to target their countercharge," Celestia ordered sun flare. "Yes princess," The pony nodded while going over to allow access to the weapon again, that was when Luna barged into the massive chamber out of breath. Looking at the magical image before her she shook her head horrified at what she was seeing before her, she was practically flying over to her sister. "Tia! Stop this! We swore to never use these kinds of weapons since Mother's death! You know what you could bring if you use them again!" Luna warned while Celestia glared at her sister. "I will use all that is necessary into recovering Spike from the western badlands," Luna looked at her sister with fear in her eyes at what her sister was doing. "Sister I understand your vexation but... the solar cannon? Celestia. Please we can resolve this peacefully," "Any form of peace died the moment they took my Spike!" Twilight interrupted to which Luna turned to Twilight who held the same look of rage that Celestia had. Looking back at the image she watched as the solar cannon was charging up before her very eyes causing her to turn back. "SISTER PLEASE THIS IS MADNESS!" Luna pleaded with her sister who was not having it with her younger sibling. "Madness?! MADNESS! LUNA THESE... THESE... BARBARIANS HAVE TAKEN SPIKE OUR FRIEND AFTER SLAUGHTERING COUNTLESS INNOCENT PONIES! THIS ISN'T MADNESS BUT RETRIBUTION!" Celestia rose up from her seat. "I SHOULD HAVE DONE THIS THE MOMENT THAT 'SIX' MONSTER STARTED KILLING MY LITTLE PONIES! FIRE THE SOLAR CANNON!" Luna took a few steps back stared at her sister for a long moment then turned to the image and back to her sister wide-eyed before speaking. "I don't even know who you are," Luna turned away and walked out of the chamber, Celestia scoffed at her little sister's behavior and sat back down. "Flare! Why hasn't the cannon been fired yet!" "Still charging your grace it will be ready in a few moments," Spoke the pony, Celestia held her head while staring at the image before her while the thoughts in her mind raced. 'This is for the betterment of Equestria... right?' Her thoughts were stopped as a bulter walked up with a tray having a wine bottle and glass resting on top of it. "Your wine ma'am," The butler announced while Celestia without a second thought grabbed the wine and almost chugged it while the butler opened his left eye. "Pour me another glass," Celestia ordered while the butler didn't hesitate to pour her another, all the while Celestia didn't notice the tattoo on the butler's wrist neatly hidden under his sleeve and glove. (Back at the badland) "FIRST!" One of the powered armor troopers announced making it through the breach into eastern badland territory. "Roland you and the rest of the second squad that made past take up defensive positions until the rest of the countercharge!" Gage ordered over the radio to which the power armored soldier took a knee while did two others. "Yes sir!" As they were ordered the three opened fire along with a securitron robot that was able to keep up with them. "Sir Six part of team two has made it past the breach what are our orders once the rest make it past the point," "We dig in," "Sir?" "Trust me sergeant I have a plan," Roland and his fellow teammates kept firing at the line, yet something felt off Roland the first to make it past was also the first to stop firing and figure out what was giving him a bad feeling. Looking up the zebra froze upon seeing the massive cannon now in clear view floating up in the sky starting to glow causing him to drop his weapon, quickly he turned on his radio. "SECOND AND THIRD SQUAD TAKE COVER BEHIND THE WALL NOW! THE CANNON IS GOING TO FIRE!" "Say again Roland-!" "TAKE COVER!" His last words echoed through the radio while the pure solar magical energy made quick work of the armor plating around the powered endoskeleton around the soldier's bodies. "ROLAND!" Gage roared while Six grabbed the power-armored back of the sergeant and pulled him back throwing the massive bulk of a soldier onto the ground before the beam sliced past the gap. The beam was so hot that even though they were all out of the way the heat cooked their armor and turned the surrounding ground to glass around the breach. Baffled at what just happened Six watched as the beam evaporated, turning the corner he looked up seeing the cannon in the sky. 'Fuck! I miscalculated the recharge of that thing! But the size and material of that thing had to account for... wait... I hate magic,' He was hoping to get a foothold before going with his plan. "Amelia, is she ready?" Six asked over the radio to which the android responded back. "Payload is ready and willing darling... you and boys settled in yet?" "Change of plans Amelia. That cannon fired sooner than I had expected we wouldn't be taking any ground you're going to have to go with plan B," "Roll out the red carpet?" "Yes, Ma'am," Six answered back. "Plan B?" One of the power armored troops asked slightly confused to Six. "Always had backup plans if necessary kid... now watch this," Six pointed while the troops on Six side of the breach looked up to see a certain plane slowly lower itself down slightly just barely into view. "Roll the red carpet, Amelia," ... "Wait did she call you darling?" "Uhhhhhhhh," (On the lady) Amelia smiled at the controls while flipping the payload switches, while the lady was on autopilot the android was quickly setting the target data to the payload that the massive plane was currently holding well over a few hundred pounds of explosives. While dialing in the data she realized something... There was no music. Usually, Six would have something playing but sadly he wasn't in the lady so as the machine was processing the data she quickly reached to the draw full of holotapes with old pre-war music still burnt on them. Her fingers quickly combed the deck until she stopped at one and looked at it. "Heard Six sing this one in the shower," "I can work with this," Looking at the targeting system one last time she grinned while having her hand on the release dial. "Ka-Boom," With one move of the wrist and the bomb bay doors flew open founded by hundreds of bombs dropping down upon the attacking force below. (Below) "Commander! We have orders to use the blessed solar cannon once again from Princess Celestia!" The message spoke to the commander who gave a smirk and pointed to the breach. "Have the crews of the airships possess the cannon there at that point those fools think their wall will shield them! Ha! Let's show them the folly in their judgment," The commander ordered to which the messager saluted and ran off to relay the order. The commander's smile faded at the sound of a strange noise, confused he looked up seeing something pass over the ground they were currently occupying. If it wasn't for the sun being right over their heads he could have made out what it was but from what he could guess it was some sort of bird followed by something strange falling down behind it. 'Wait a minute,' At first, came the sound, almost like the sky was screaming, and then came the fire. Author's Note Alright! A slight change of plans from what I had imagined to have a scene for Starlight talking with Luna about her findings but due to the whole war room scene I have to move it to another part. Still hope this was a good chapter with battle and counter-attack, don't worry this arch is nowhere from being done the previous part was just the intro to set the groundwork. Btw I didn't mean to base the solar cannon on the (not true) star wars movie with the whole death star cannon but rather I had inspiration form an old Steampunk movie I saw once can't remember the name of it. So here's to the next chapter where Flash Sentry is going to make himself known and something huge is going to go down I promise you that. Also appreciate the names suggestions for the faction and I think I may have something. (U.S.F.E)-I'll let you guys guess the name. And for a bonus here's the image that I based Six's new 'superior riot gear' off of: Thank you all for being so patient with me!
Part 26 (The Invasion Defensive-Arch part 3)"No one's responding to our hails!" "Try again!" "It's no good... all I can do is try to reinvent the spell," "Than do it," "Yes, princess... oh by Faust is that-" "Send in the rear guard," "Princess?" "Do it!" "Princess Twilight if we do that we will not be to defend ourselves from any oncoming attacks," "Do as my student says. NOW!" "Y-yes princess," (The breach) "Sir our suits are clicking like crazy what's going on?" Six turned to one of the troopers attempting to reach for his helmet but the courier stopped him. "STOP!" The attack groups turned to him while the courier took a breath. "Don't take off your helmets. Keep your armor closed," "Why?" Sergent Gage asked to which the courier held up his finger. "I think you might get a demonstration of why not to," Pointed his raised figure beyond the rubble to which a new line of golden soldiers ran forward. "By the gods! How many are there!!!" One of the troops raised his Gatling laser only for Six to grab the weapon's barrel. "Watch," Sure enough, the wave of gold-armored ponies began to fall down like bags of sand once they got closer only stopping when the back line witnessed the death of the center line. The power-armored troopers shivered at the sight while Six rose up looking at his gigger counter. It was clicking like crazy... It was about 85/rads a second. (The war chamber) All eyes were glued to the magical image having witnessed the silent deaths of five hundred solar guards, while those armored beings in strange armor stood unharmed in the sand that almost shined like glass. Twilight looked wide-eyed in complete horror, she had many things in her life but none were like this, horrifying her to the very core. Upon her time on Earth, she knew of such weapons were used during the Earth's second full world war but this was something else. Did Six have such weaponry all along?! Where was this all from? How could he do such things? If he possessed such technology it was no wonder how he was able to kidnap Spike. Was Spike even alive in that manner!? She needs to- To- *GACK!* Her eyes started to bleed as she fell down causing her mentor to rush over to her side, demanding aid for her student's sudden collapse on herself without warning. (Zebra land's border) "Sir we shouldn't go too far the breach we could get surrounded like this!" One of Flash's troops asked while the determined but young leader pushed on. "They'll take that stronghold in no time we'll have a foothold at the Zebra lands when they finish clearing it out," Flash Sentry responded his hand gripping the hilt of the blade while his men staggered behind him. Walking on the road the troops under Sentry's command were trying their best to march forward under the hot sun's heat in heavy gold plate, all the while Flash pressed on un-heeded. Slowly they came to a stop following the action of the yellow-coated stallion in front of them, for there was the zebra lands however the force Sentry was leading had been meeting with a force far larger than his own. A large force of Zebra's in that same strange-colored armor stood outside their homeland armed with those tubed weapons pointing right at them. To Flash, they looked similar to the cannons on would be on ships of the Equestrian's navy like the kind his uncle had on his own ship. Before- "Sir... were outnumbered," One of his troops whispered to him while Flash narrowed his eyes. The whisper of his comrade was followed by the silence of the badland's where not a single trooper of either side moved a muscle until one of the zebra's moved up something in his hand. Confused by what it was some of the ponies thought it was some kind of weapon but their confusion was quickly cleared up by the sound of a voice that was amplified from the device. "Warriors of Equestria! I am King Xavior of the Zebra Lands. I don't know the reason you came to our home a second time but I assure you this will not end well for you. You stand at the defense of two thousand souls ready to defend their home once again along with the might of weapons that will shatter you. You cannot win this battle... I am offering you a chance to peacefully surrender yourselves and I will promise you that all of you will be treated fairly as prisoners of war!" The force of equestrians all looked to their leader who stood narrowed his eyes, hand still on his blade he simply began to walk forward while his troops stayed behind. Silently walking Flash stopped halfway to the zebra's defensive line while standing still, not able to see Xavior's face he could watch the movements of the zebra king before walking forward after handing the device away to one of his troops. Shifting his golden plate, Flash Sentry stared down the Zebra king who began to approach him in a different set of armor than the rest of the Zebra forces. Rather than the full set Xavior's armor was rather different looking more lighter than the rest with some traditional king war attire having been placed over the sand-colored armor. Unlike Flash, Xavior walked forward with two of his sand devil guards he had heard so much about completely wrapped head to toe in their famous wrapped attire save for a few new pieces of armor like the rest of the force. Stopping halfway like Flash, the captain could finally see Xavier's face where a look of unease rested on his face, the two stood in silence for a moment when the king was the first to speak. "Do you lead these men, lad?" Xavior asked to which Flash nodded. "Have you come to surrender? There is no need for further bloodshed," "I have not come to surrender Zebra king... blood must be spilled," Xavior sighed causing him to look at Flash disappointed like a father would be with his child. "Lad... your young I understand you're eager to fight for your leaders. Trust me, I was a young man once... but think of your men. Think of their lives are you willing to send them to judgment over your desire for battle?" Xavior asked to which Flash gripped his blade. "I am here for my men... and my uncle," Flash spoke causing the look on Xavior's to turn from disappointment to understanding. "By the gods. I was afraid of this. What is your name lad?" Xavior asked to which Flash lifted his head up. "I am Flash Sentry nephew of Admiral Wake Sentry of the 2nd solar fleet that was attacked by your allies the Jackals unprovoked! Where he and the 2nd solar fleet were lost at sea after they were slaughtered by them," This caused the Zebra to stare at Sentry completely taken aback at what he was hearing. "I'm not just here because Princess Celestia ordered me. I am here for my Uncle and his men that were murdered in cold blood by those dogs at the Nile and you Zebra king and your men are standing in my way," Xavior gave a deep breathe. "Lad listen-" Flash however didn't allow him to finish. "But I am not blind to the fact that your force outnumbers mine ten to one. However, I can't not surrender which will shame the very memory of my uncle. So I challenge you in the old ways Xavior. Trial by combat: leader to leader," Flash spoke loudly for all to hear. Xavior shifted on the road causing him to narrow his eyes. "Flash, this is unnecessary you need not waste your life," Flash however ignored the king's words. "If I win my men and I will part back to beyond the broader until the solar army comes to lay siege to your kingdom only then we will return. If you win my men will surrender as you demand and I will lay dead at your feet," Flash's voice caused his troops to roar in agreement while Xavior huffed not wanting more death. "Very well Lad. I hope that you'll find peace in the next life after your great judgment," His sand-devil bodyguards backed away while Xavior pushed off his coat and pulled out his curved sword while Flash pulled out his gladius, unlike the spear the rest of his men carried. "Don't be so certain about my fate. I've been trained by the pillar who is my very namesake!" Standing at the ready with his shield the zebra king and the captain stared each other down. That was when Flash rushed forward, Xavior expected the attack and countered it with a slash of his blade yet Flash lifted his shield blocking his head from the swing. Following the block with a shield bash Xavior sidestep with his lighter armor but Flash quickly took a fresh stance followed by a sweep of his gladius. Surprising the zebra king, he had to pull his gut in as the tip of the blade grazed his chest plate. Shield up Flash thrust his blade forward at the stumbling Xavior but the Zebra had other plans for this wasn't his first battle, he sidestepped the blow and with the force of him pulling back he swung around going for Flash's neck this time. Ducking from the swing Xavior's blade cut through the crista on Flash's helmet causing the pony to growl and go for another attack this time however when Flash swung his blade the zebra king was able to cut the space between Flash's shield arm and shoulder plate. Blood poured onto the road as the wound on the young captain's bicep wasn't deep enough for permanent damage but one that would be a scar. The pain from the wound caused the guard captain to drop his shield while Xavior kicked Flash to the ground, walking up with Flash on the ground Xavior lifted his blade up to the young stallion. "Concede lad for you and your men," Xavior pleaded to which Flash glared at the zebra not before gripping some sand in his free hand. Throwing sand into the eyes of zebra king's eyes caused him to flinch but this moment gave Flash an opening, the blade of steel priced the plate under Xavior's left breast. Xavior shocked could barely make out the blade in his lung as he slowly fell down, Flash rose up pulling the blade out of the zebra king's chest and raising it back. "Dirty trick la-" Flash cut the king off by letting the Zebra's head roll from his shoulders. Blood dripping from his blade, Flash reached down and picked up his shield before whipping the blood off his blade and sheathing it. He looked at the two sand devils who if not for the old ways would have sliced him to pieces but could only watch as Flash reached down picked up the old Zebra's head and true to his word walked back to his men. The ponies cheered and roared while the Zebras stood silently moaning about what they had witnessed, Flash and his men began to walk back to the 'stronghold' not knowing the fact that they were trapped in the badlands. (The Nile) The Sphinx stood at the ocean side ready to defend the Nile as she has done a thousand times before, even though Six's little 'defenses' would make things easier for her to work. But however, she couldn't help but shake a feeling when she saw that massive siege weapon and the terrible memories it made her remember. The days back when her masters still roamed... when she was a naive little kitten. When the marks of that war terrified her, watching her fellow sphinxes and mythics being slaughtered by such weaponry by those ponies and their leader... the red-maned devil. Who stole from her masters and slayed them. Memories of that battle haunt her mind like freshly carved wounds never wishing to heal. Her masters... her creators... if only she had been stronger then as she was now. Closing her eyes the Sphinx took a breathe. She could smell the blood from here it wouldn't be lone till- Wait... She sniffed the air again this time she opened her eyes in shock, snapping her eyes north-west to the breach, the guardian of the Nile froze up. No, it couldn't be. "Mistress?" Author's Note An interesting chain of events... and before you ask no Six didn't use nukes but rather had some of the smart bombs fixed with mini-nuke warheads. The half-life is much shorter and doesn't last as long so they don't have to worry about the radiation lasting that long. Also, fear factor for the ponies too. But the battle wasn't one-sided this time sadly losses happen, and Xavior found him on the wrong end of the blade. Not everyone is invincible guys but now Damion is not going to be too happy about his best friend's death. Revenge is a vicious cycle guys... However, things might be changing pretty quickly with Twilight's sudden collapse and the Sphinx sensing something or rather... someone. Any guess (not including my discord buddies)
Part 27 (The Invasion Defensive-Arch part 4)"You damned fool!" Blueblood slapped the mask off the face of the pony before him. "I told you to put the drug in her cake not HER WINE!" The servent dropped to the ground holding his face to hide it while reaching for his mask while blueblood glared down at the pony at his feet. "Do you realize that you could jeopardize years of planning because of your failure to communicate a simple order!" Blueblood barked. "Forgive me my liege but it was a mistake the waiter had not expected the princess of friendship to drink the-" "SILENCE!" The masked servent placed his forehead on the floor and a coward at blueblood's voice, the prince however turned to the window overlooking Canterlot. "However the failure of your agent could work in our favor if played correctly," Blueblood stated holding his chin while in thought. "By what means milord?" "Ignoring your agent's failure to follow my basic order... we could have this played off as an attempt to poison Twilight by means but having this happen so soon to our other 'accident' may prove tricky especially with that Starlight currently investigating the dragon's disappearance," Blueblood glared back down at the servant. "Prehaps we could have this done to where we can kill two birds with one stone... having more reasons for the public to hate those desert beasts while we can post the blame onto those like filthy rich for being a spy of some kind," "Brilight planning my liege," The masked pony stated while still groveling on the floor. "But we will need to plant evidence and bribe ponies not only to lie about this but to be silent about our plans... bah! More of the causes treasury wasted! If we are to move up with our plans we will need to recover this wasted funding," Blueblood barked before pointing to the door. "See to it that we begin with this 'clean-up' and keep word about this reaching ponyville as long as possible! The last thing we need is more ponies second-guessing," "Right away my liege," Standing up the pony placed his mask back on before swiftly disappearing into the darkness leaving Blueblood to groan. "This is too much work..." (The badlands, Zebra land outpost) (Three hours after wall breach) Six didn't know the zebra rule all that well honestly. Only what he knew from Damion. He was a king loved by his people and a true friend to those he gave his loyalty. Now he was here, lifeless, unmoving, decapitated. Looking at the sheet-covered body the courier turned his head away while the panther king bowed his head over his friend's corpse. "Who did this?" Damion voice echoed through the room, despite the tone he spoke with, all in the room could feel fury seething from within his soul. Aya stood across the table with her arms crossed. "A pony. Laid calm to the old laws," Damion looked at her with watered eyes. "I know it was a damned pony. What was the bastard's name!" "Sentry. Flash Sentry if what his guard said is true," The Jackal queen answered causing the panther king to stare down at the unmoving body before them. "Damion. I'm- I'm sorry," Six words caused the Abyssinian to shake his head. "No. This isn't your fault. This is on Flash Sentry... and all of Equestria," Damion turned to the two standing beside him. "If they think they can keep getting away with this. They can't. Not again. No more will the sands of our home drink more of our blood," Staring down at the two Damion bared his fangs with a growl. "No more," Damion hissed. "Every Abyssinian. Every Zebra. Every Jackal. Every steelman. We will bring fire to Equestria. And I will mount the head of that bastard who did this to my throne!" The panther looked back to his dead friend as he hung his head. "For our people... For Xavior," All stood in silence until the queen spoke. "No," Damion's ears perked up at the sound of her statement causing him to tilt his head slightly. "What did you say?" "We are not conquerors, Damion. Even with the developments Six has made. We have been a shield. Not a sword," Aya looked at Six then back to the panther king who stared at her. "We need to focus on our homeland. Here. On our home. On our people. On our legacy," Aya slowly walked over to the slab on the opposite side of Damion as she looked at the king's corpse. "Equestria is rotting away already we know this. It's only a matter of time before it falls," Aya placed her hand on the shoulder of Xavior's body. "If they wish to keep sending their people here to die. Then so be it," "This is Xavior, Aya. We were raised together. We saw each other as a family. Doesn't that mean anything to you?" "Yes," "Than for us to do nothing is... is..." Damion bared his fangs at the thought while looking up at her. Aya stared at her fellow ruler. "Say it," "Cowardice," The two looked down at the slab. "I don't wish to bury any more of our people," "You wouldn't have to," Six voice had the two turn to him. "If Equestria wants a war. I'll give them one," Six turned on his heels and marched from the morgue placing his helmet on with ED-E following after him, leaving the two alone to mourn. (Equestria) (Ponyville, cider-side bar) Starlight sighed, placing her drink on the bar, staring at the evidence she had collected over the past few days involving Spike's apart kidnapping. Normally she wasn't one to drink but these past events have caused the master Unicron to go for the bottle to evlate her ever-growing headache. It was safe to say none of the facts she found didn't make any sense! Suspecting that Six guy and the kingdoms of the badlands made even less sense for the fact. Ever since her talk with Six, his words had lingered in her mind, almost repeatedly repeating like she knew she was missing something. Sure he was a bit of a jerk to her but Starlight slowly came to the reality, that Six might not be the person many accused him of being. 'Goddess! Why is this such a headache,' Lifting a picture of Spike's bedroom Starlight stared at the photo, the room was a complete mess, with broken tables and chairs, ripped cloth everywhere, a broken window, and not to mention a large sum of blood. There was a struggle that was for sure, Spike had to have been fighting back that was for sure. However, something bugged her about the picture. The window was broken that was for sure, however, the guard informed her that the intruders busted through the window to escape before they could enter. Another fact was there were no eyewitness reports of any pony seeing anyone flee the castle of friendship. Only a single piece of evidence pointed to the badlands, a small patch of Abyssinian fur with a piece of cloth similar to the sand devil from Abyssinia. That was the only proof they had connecting the badlands to the kidnapping, something told Starlight this wasn't the case. From what she read Sand devils were expert trackers and survivalists able to go days on end without aid from any outside help, along with that they were discipline fighters who could swiftly and quietly deal with any threat their way. Yet from what she read the attack seemed like Spike saw his attacker coming, if the books about the sand devils were true Spike wouldn't have seen them coming even if they were right beside him. Spike was a dragon but he wasn't a trained fighter. From the damage in the room, this told her that the attacker wasn't a trained professional, which the sand devil was. Had he been attacked by a sand devil the Abyssinian would have him tied, bound, gagged, and wrapped up nice pretty within a heartbeat. 'No offense Spike,' Finally the glaring problem above all... There was no trace of window glass INSIDE the room! Grabbing her drink she downed her third glass with a grunt, pushing the glass forward Starlight stared at the documents unaware of the pony that sat down next to her. "Hard day?" The stranger's voice caught her off guard, but the pony quickly relaxed seeing him speaking to her. Starlight shook her head. "More like a hard week," "Yeah, I hear that," The pony held out a hand to the barkeep. "I'll have what the lady is having," Pulling his hand down over his eyes Starlight looked up at the pony, he wore a large brim hat with a poncho wrapped around most of his body. The poor lighting of the bar made it difficult for her to make out his coat and his face, the barkeep passed the pony a drink and was quickly repaid. "Don't look at me so much," The pony whispered causing Starlight to give him a weird look. "They got eyes everywhere," Confused the Unicron was about to speak, but the pony slowly pushed something to her from underneath his sleeve. "Look I know you don't know me. But listen real shady stuff has been happening in the badlands even before the whole cut-off from the cats and zebras," The pony responded. "Who are you?" Starlight asked while the pony took his drink. "Doesn't matter," The pony crossed his arms on the bar while secretly pointing to the thing he pushed to her. "I'm in trouble here Starlight and I've heard you are looking in the wrong direction for answers. That is what I found and- Oh boy does this rabbit hole go deeper than a sand-shifter on a hot summer day," Starlight pulled the small book he handed her. "What goes deep?" Starlight questioned. The pony shifted in his seat. "Listen I don't have much time they're onto me Starlight. All I know is you are one of the good ones sure you had a rough past but I've been told you're good and you'll stop at nothing to bring the truth into the light," The pony pointed out. "These guys are real bad news and if they continue who knows what will happen they've already-" The pony froze when he noticed something in the darker parts of the bar. "Who's they?" Starlight asked but the pony got up from his seat. "I can't say any more I gave you what you need," With that the pony bolted out the bar leaving Starlight with the small book. Opening it she saw it was a journal, a bit confusing but her eyes soon widened at what she was reading. "Oh god," Author's Note OH my god, I am so sorry here lads. Just... been a long hard past couple of months with different mind rushes and lack of fallout inspiration. Along with work Drama However here is an update to one of my longest-running fallout stories, THAT'S NOT DEAD! (yet) Still a destiny-inspired start along with Noir detective bar scene with Starlight now going to learn the truth about spike's disappearance. However, She might find it difficult after what is going to happen with a full-on war brewing up. The next update will not take a year, which I promise to you guys. Till then.
