Romulus and I didn't speak for the rest of the day after our 'altercation.' I hated myself for pulling a gun on him. The closest thing to an interaction we had after that was him handing me my hand cannon. I hesitated taking it but returned it to its holster in the end. It was something sentimental more than a powerful firearm. It was one of the few things besides Romulus that reminded me of my father. He and I had worked on it whenever his kingly duties had died down. But that was in the past, And I built a wall around the past.

I never thought about myself until after I stormed out on Romulus. Something was wrong with me. I recognized that before the incident. I just never truly acknowledged it, I guess. Considering the hallucinations and nightmares that have suddenly flared up in high amounts recently. Something changed, and I didn't know what. I always tried to focus on the here and now. Leave the past in the past. But for some reason, No matter how strong or how tall I built the wall around the past. Little snippets would always find a way to squeeze through. I swore I would put my best foot forward, but something kept grabbing me. Trying to pull me back. And having People try and do what Romulus just did. It just made the cracks more prominent.

I sat in a jeep with Spyglass as the sun started the go down and the Caravan pulled off to the side of the road. I told Romulus to set up a bonfire celebration in Honor of Disty Doo joining the Caravan. I didn't tell him to change those plans otherwise. I had my feet kicked up on the dash as DJpone3's station blared out over the radio loud enough to where the music vibrated through my body. I needed the music to drown out my thoughts. Music was one of the only things that could drown out my thoughts. That and gunfire.

As the song ended, there was a small burst of static that ended any further music as DJpone3's voice replaced the tunes. Slightly pissing me off.

"This is Djpone3 here. Coming back at all you listeners out there with some very special news. I just got word that our wonderful Wanderer on Wheels is again back on his routes! That's right, folks, after a near two-week disappearance. The Trade master of the wandering Caravan is back on the road, Bringing supplies to the less fortunate across the Wasteland! He was last seen heading out from New AppaLoosa. And if the record serves right, He should be stopping at a settlement in White Tail Woods. If you folks remember correctly, our hero of the Caravan Managed to set up a settlement just outside those wicked woods. So if any of you wandering traders wanna make some decent caps, head on over to the whitetail woods settlement!"

Jeez, He makes it sound like im a god returning to his subjects after leaving them for centuries.

"in other news, I've also heard that Disty Doo of the 'Absolutely Everything!' Store has joined up with our trade master on his rounds. I could guess that the Residents of New Appaloosa weren't too thrilled about that, but the store still remains open from what I hear. I guess Disty doo found a way to ensure her store stays open as she takes it to the open road! Also, our good-willed Stable Dweller Managed to clear out Old Appaloosa and free the Slaves kept there! Good riddance to those raiders, and enjoy hell! That's where you all are gonna be for a while! Once again, our Lightbringer shines down on the less fortunate today. I'd say she and our trade master should meet up sometime and exchange notes on being a good Samaritan. That's all for today, folks! Here are some smooth tunes from our wasteland favorite, Sweetie Bell!"

There was another slight buzz of static as the music began pouring out of the speakers again. Letting my mind go free from head-pounding thoughts. Only for a few moments, though, as Spyglass spoke to me for the first time since I sat co-pilot.

"Sir, permission to speak freely?"

I was surprised. Normally if Spyglass had something to say, he would just say it. Hence him revealing my age so quickly to Littlepip and her friends.

"Go ahead," I said, pulling a lever and leaning my seat back. I put my hands behind my head for extra comfort.

"I know it's none of my business, but as the second most Advance specter here and a spilt off from Romulus. I have to ask, Are you okay? Like really okay?" he was nervous speaking to me. Which was a first. I never coded such things into him. I wanted a High processing specter with minimal emotion. But surprisingly, His coding evolved as Romulus's did. Guess that's what I get for copying his source code into Spyglass. I didn't even realize I was glaring daggers at him, making him more nervous.

"It can be a simple yes or no question, sir! You don't need to go into detail. I know it's none of my business, But I guess Romulus is rubbing off on me in more than one way. I just need to hear it, I think."

I sighed loudly as I stared into the dark overhang of the cloud curtain above. Highlights of pink seeped through here and there as the sun went down. A drop of water smacked me in the forehead, causing me to flinch in response to the sudden cold smack. Then another and another, and soon it began to rain. I flipped a small switch with my finger that sat on the dash as the Jeep cover came out from behind the back seats. Enclosing the Jeep.

"Look, Spyglass. I have ways of dealing with shit in my head. And it works, but it's like a house of cards. Anything could topple it, if Romulus shared the 'incident' with you. That whole thing was me protecting that house of cards. It was a pure instinct reaction. Because when people or ponies try to get something out of me, that is more personal. It Causes things to happen that I don't want to happen, let's put it at that. Even talking about it does it. So put simply, Yes, im fine. As long as im left to my own devices, if that makes sense."

Spyglass seemed satisfied, "Understood, sir."

"I will say this, if anything happens, that's a bit too much for me. You can rest your circuits knowing Romulus will be first to hear it." That did it for him. He nodded as the radio cut out and Romulus's voice rang out.

"Attention, all units! We're going to be stopping for the night. Go ahead and pull off here. And set up in bonfire circle formation. Our Trade master has gifted us with a Bonefire Celebration in the name of our New face of Pony trade! Disty Doo!"

Spyglass pulled off and waited for the larger vehicles to pull into position before parking alongside one of the mules. This Jeep in particular, didn't have a turret. So we parked in the middle ring as a Vale parked on our opposite side. I brought my feet off the dash and hopped out. Jogging over to the Canteen as it sat across from the M.O.V. In the pouring Rain, Several Ponies were dragging out a tarp as specters set up large posts to hang the tarp over a center fire pit that both ponies and specters alike were setting up. I felt a hand on my shoulder as Spyglass came into view. The rain was still pouring down on us.

"Sir, You know Romulus is just worried about you. He really cares a great deal about you. Not just because you are the last of the Royal Family. But ever since, Merlin became one with the elements. You're the first one to treat him as a brother than just another, shall we say, Servant."

"I know that, Spyglass. Look, why don't you go help set up while I get presentable for tonight." He looked down to the ground in Defeat, Removing his hand from my shoulder. He nodded and began walking away before he turned his head back.

"He's been trying to talk to you about your health for a while, you know. He's been dropping hints and remarks, trying to get you to talk about whatever is happening inside your head. His recent attempt only confirmed more suspicions that something was wrong. As advice from a friend, I suggest you talk to him before his next attempt. I fear next time. It won't end so peacefully." And He walked over to the specters lifting a grand post into place, lending a hand. Leaving me to stand in the rain, alone with my thoughts.

Later into the night, once the tarp was up. It was angled, so the water poured off into a side ditch that went on for miles. We had lit the large stack of wood and other various burnable items ablaze for the bonfire. The Canteen had a front-row seat to the scene. Being Parked Longways near the great fire as Ponies bustled about with food and drink from Double-shot's bar. We used DJpone3's broadcast as a DJ, playing music loudly through large speakers on the several cars parked around the fire. Fitting, I know. Since DJpone3 had most likely turned in for the night. His collection of Pre-war music played uninterrupted throughout the night.

I sat in the bed of a jeep facing the fire. I had unbolted the passenger seat and placed it in the bed behind the driver's seat. I chuckled to Myself as Spyglass, and several other specters acted as waiters. Frantically taking orders and delivering food as Double-shot had recruited them to help with the overwhelming amount of ponies. He even grabbed one to be a second bartender. That way, he could run the grill more efficiently. Seeing Spyglass's new natural nervousness as he took and delivered orders made me laugh internally.

From across the way, around the left side of the fire. Romulus was with Disty Doo, making sure she wasn't overwhelmed by the other ponies. Although it was her celebration, we also didn't wanna suffocate the mare. She seemed fine with all the attention. It was like this wasn't the first time she was swarmed with positive ponies. For me, this was the first time anypony had been this happy with a big member since... Nope. Not even going to re-open that scar. Fuck Redeye and that front he put up. Bastard can die in a ditch for all I care. He deserves it after all the lives he took.

In that short spurt of anger, I didn't even notice Romulus gathering everyone's attention.

"Hey, everypony! May I have Everyponies attention for just a moment, please?" Im never going to get fully used to those phrases. Romulus quickly gathered everyone's attention. Even a majority of the Canteen and their eyes upon him. Giving Spyglass and Doubleshot a short break from the overwhelming amount of orders. Once he had the good majority of the ponies, he began his speech.

"I hope everypony is having a good time tonight! I know that it has been quite some time since we've had a good pow-wow like this!" His response from the crowd was indicative of everyone having a splendid time. The roar of applause and joy was deafening. Once again, my hope for a small community of happier and more passionate ponies was a hard-earned reality. Fifteen years in the making, to be exact. One of the specter waiters tapped me on the shoulder. I turned as he handed me the glass of apple whisky I had ordered about five minutes ago, Which I took and took small sips of as Romulus continued.

"Good to hear! Now I hate to take up everyone's time, But I do have a few words to say before the night continues. First, I'd like to thank our Caravan leader for making tonight happen. Along with splitting up our makings from our last big stop at New Appaloosa in honor of our new face of trade. Disty Doo of absolutely everything!"

The number of eyes upon me and the applause was a little startling at first. But I shook it off and raised my glass in acknowledgment. I nodded to Romulus for him to continue as I took a sip from my beverage.

"Second, is about our mare of the night herself. I would like to raise a glass to our new face of trade, even though I cannot drink," he gave a robotic chuckle before continuing. Getting some good laughs from the crowd. "But I know some of new are thinking things like 'Is the trade master retiring?' and to that, I will assure you. No, he is not. While we as a Caravan are welcome in a great many of the places that we deliver to along our route. Our companions, the specters, aren't the most welcoming sight to see first when it comes to the Caravan. Our trade master wanted at somepony to be the face of trade while us more mechanical units run the insides."

The murmurs from the crowd and sighs of relief were somewhat shocking to me. I didn't know some many ponies gave a damn about what happened to me. It put a few things into perspective for me until one pony by the Canteen shouted out to Romulus with a damn fine question.

"Wait, with how the wasteland views ghouls, Wouldn't having one as our face of trade cause some trade issues?"

This time I stood in response to the question, Catching everyone's attention very quickly.

"If anyone out there has any issues with a ghoul among our ranks, then they can kiss my ass before they can buy a damn thing off us. You either accept us and what we provide, or we can move on. We have the supplies needed to live. We Provide what we do out of the hope that we can build a better Equestria. Not because we are inclined to by some contract." The reaction from the crowd was understandable. Losing business was not something anyone wanted. But I had an ace of my sleeve for such a reaction.

"But I wouldn't get too startled when it comes to loss of income. Most settlements rely on our supplies to survive out here. So I wouldn't expect them to have anything more than some slight annoyance for a little while before moving on. As for the larger settlements such as Tempony tower, Junction R7, and the few others, we make our Deliveries to." I took a long sip and gave a wide smile. "Leave them to me. Like with New Appaloosa, Im sure I can find a way to 'settle' such trivial discussions." I took my seat once again, finishing my short speech.

"Well said, sir!" Romulus began again. "Im sure there won't be a drastic change in income in any case, as our trade master stated so convincingly. Plus, we still have Dusselhoof as the main arguing point for ghouls. But now, I'd say it's time for the joy of the night to continue. That's why our Trade master has volunteered to Bring back the 'Iron Legionnaires' for a song performance tonight!"

I spat my whisky fucking everywhere! I had made no such promise or even slightly mentioned such a thing! But with the roar of excitement from the crowd, it seemed that Romulus had just promised for me. I could swear I saw him wink at me from across the bonfire. You fucker, I knew you were planning something when you started the speech!

The Iron Legionnaires were a band me, Romulus, and Spyglass formed way back before even the war was a thought. Our first time performing was during a particular wedding up in canterlot after a changeling invasion. After that, we only performed a few times at other various events like the Grand Galloping Galla or the Summer Sun Celebration. But during and post-war, we had mostly discontinued the band until we brought it back for the Caravan. We made sure to leave out the pre-war stuff and lied, saying we had just made this band to bring some joy to the Caravan. Then the whole Redeye shit happened, and I haven't mentioned them since. It was a simple band, though. Spyglass was drums, Romulus was backup Guitar or rift guitar, And I was lead singer with my own Guitar. Plus, we all could harmonize our voices for group vocals. Yeah, I know. I was shocked as well when People told me I had a singing voice. But not for the music you'd expect.

So the confusion and shock when I heard Romulus say we were Performing TONIGHT and that it was MY IDEA was quite understandable. Even as I rummaged through my old belongings in the M.O.V to find my Electic Guitar, I could only smirk as I thought of Romulus's genius in using the ponies I cared about and the soul of my Caravan to peer pressure me into performing. Like I said before, he knew how to appeal to the inner part of me. But now that I was committed to this by social expectation, I realized I hadn't rehearsed a song. I hadn't made one. Hell, I didn't even know which one to do out of the few I did know. Fuck, I need to figure this out quickly, or else ima look really stupid in a few minutes.

I climbed the ladder with one hand as I held the Guitar in my left hand. Im pretty sure that if I tried climbing the ladder one-handed with my left, it wouldn't end well. Romulus had cleared the top of the M.O.V and unbolted one of the railings on the long side by the time I found my Guitar. The only other thing on the roof was the map table, that and the two massive poles and the other long side of the vehicle. Protruding out of the corner railings held up the other half of the tarp keeping our gear nice and dry. Spyglass was setting up his drumset while Romulus went and checked all the microphones. Which were hooked up to the M.O.V speakers, along with some jacks for our guitars. Where the hell were we storing all of this musical shit this whole time? And why was it not in the storage manifest? You know what, fuck it, I don't care enough right now.

"Here, let me help you get all set up, sir." Romulus walked towards me with one of the Guitar jacks. He took the Guitar, but before he could plug it in, I grabbed his arm.

"You know you're a mother fucker right?" Even though he didn't have a mouth, I could see it on his face. He had the biggest smile on his stupid face.

"Very much so, sir."

"you know I haven't played the Guitar in like ten years, right? I don't even have a song rehearsed or anything. You literally put me in the worst situation."

"Ahh, you'll figure it out! Just like you always do." he shook free of my hand and plugged in the Guitar. There was a small pop on the speakers, and he did a quick test across the strings to ensure it was all hooked up. The speakers responded loudly, and the noise was heavily out of tune. It silenced the crowd's murmur below as everyone went silent. I snatched the Guitar out of his hand.

"Gimme that! I may be rusty in playing, but I know how to tune it. And turn down those speakers until we're ready." Romulus nodded. He walked over to the map table and turned a nob on the control panel. It was like that whole episode earlier had never happened for him. I mean, I was glad he wasn't making a whole ordeal about it but like, Really? Bygones just like that? If I were in his place, I wouldn't have talked to me like ever again.

I fiddled with tuners until It sounded correct over the speakers. Now at least if I didn't have a song ready, it would sound right.

"Spyglass, you all ready to go?" I heard Romulus ask behind me. I heard a few bangs of the drums over the speakers sounding powerful as ever, before he responded.

"Ready to go!"

"Sir, how you looking?" I knew he was asking me. I didn't want to respond. I laid my Guitar on the floor and stepped to the edge looking out over the crowd. I saw ponies in the Canteen, in jeeps and vales, a good bunch gathered around the bonfire. I never realized just how many ponies had joined my Caravan. I understood that the Caravan was big and we had to travel slow. But This was the first time since Redeye's betrayal that I truly took in the Caravan as a whole. I saw old faces and new ones. I saw just how many more vehicles we had added to our numbers since then. Some are rougher and made with recycled scrap. Others are sleeker and made with element steel. I saw the significant number of Supplies Stored on the Mules compared to what little we had when we crawled into Tempony tower so long ago. I saw how far we had come since Redeye. I saw the Disty Doo. The greatest good thing to happen to the Wasteland among everything I built. I was proud of all the work I put into this Caravan and how it's turned out so far, despite the Hardships. It was right then it clicked on what song I wanted, And I was going to have to write it while I sang. Well fuck me, I guess I liked doing it the hard way.

I turned to face my band. "You guys set in B flat minor?" They quickly changed some things on the instrument before responding in sync.

"Now we are!"

I walked back over to my Guitar and picked it up. "look, Im going to be winging it here. But you guys know how I work better than most. So Im trusting you both to give me the stuff I need to make this shit work, all right?"

They bother nodded, Spyglass raising his sticks in preparation. Romulus had his pick on the strings ready to go. I looked at the microphone on its stand. I unhooked my helmet off my belt and put it on. Connecting to the speakers via the helmet. Then I unceremoniously kicked the microphone to the side. It hit the ground with a thud that blasted over the radio. Catching everyone's attention below. I stood to the edge as everyone looked at me. A little bit of stage fright crept into my head but was quickly shoved aside as I readied myself on my Guitar, pick in my right hand.

I began as the Powerful sound echoed over the Speakers as I slid my left hand over the strings. Setting the Tone for the song, it was proud, powerful, and Uplifting with a hint of reminiscence. I went on only for a few moments before Spyglass set in the beat with his sticks, and Romulus followed suit. His Guitar was more bass filled and sat in the background as mine took front and center. But the Tone stayed the same, Just louder and more powerful. That's what my preferred style was, A good hard-hitting song that could rock the soul to its core. That's the power of rock and roll.

We went on for a few seconds, getting used to the beat and allowing me to prepare the first set of lyrics that came to mind, which derived from memories and events throughout my life in the Wasteland. I was right to trust Romulus and Spyglass. They knew when and where to chime in. Probably because I broadcasted to them what to do via neural sensors in my helmet and its built-in radio.

When I awoke, the World was so dark
Woah-oh
When the old World used to be so bright
Woah-oh
and everyone in this whole damn land
Woah-oh
Was Preaching friendship and peace
Woah-oh
Now the World's poisoned and burnt
Woah-oh
The Ponies are divided and poor
Woah-oh
How can one mere human, redeem this broken World?

Bombs Rained Dowwwwwn
Ponies fleeeed
Running Foooor, Stable Doooors
Some turned feraaal, some turned Greeeen
The rads poured ouuuuuut
The elements fleeed (go!)

I saw the Peace, yeah I really did
Woah-oh
So I focused on what they really need
Woah-oh
brought food, water, medicene across the land
Woah-oh
preached we could do better, some agreed
we put together Jeeps
Woah-oh
Made Vales and packed the Mules
Woah-oh
Now we've come so far
since Redeye broke the peace

While Romulus and Spyglass kept the pace, I got caught in the moment and let out one hell of a guitar solo. It felt raw and from my soul. For once in a long time, I was pushing pure passion through the strings of this guitar. Before I pushed that passion into more words. Paying no attention to the screaming crowd below.

Bombs Rained Dowwwwwn
Ponies fleeeed
Running Foooor, Stable Doooors
Some turned feraaal, some turned Greeeen
The rads poured ouuuuuut
The element's fleeed (go!)

Now we staaaand
stronger than beforrrrre
bonds forged, through trade and looove
Lifes still hard, But its betterrrrrr
through the liiiives
of the Caravaaaaan.

We ended on a grand final note that carried on for several seconds before fading out. It faded into the screaming crowd below as the cheers and stomping of hooves. I looked over the expanse of ponies as some form of weight was lifted off my shoulders. The wall in my mind sat stronger than ever, and I felt proud of myself. Mainly the fact that I wrote a song as I fucking sung it! I also felt really tired. Not sleepy tired but working hard tired. I gave a bow and turned towards my band. Romulus sat his Guitar down against Spyglass's drums as he came up to me.

"Brilliant, sir! That was Simply Brilliant!" I grabbed him by the shoulders and yanked him in for a hug, which he returned after a few seconds of hesitation.

"Sorry for earlier. There is a lot of shit in my head that im just not ready to sift through yet. I got a wall inside this old noggin keeping it all back until im ready." I broke the hug but kept my grip on his shoulders. "Thank you for this, though. It really helped clear the current shit bothering me."

He stared into my face before giving a response. "It was my pleasure, sir."

I smiled and walked past him, patting him on the back. I shot a pair of finger guns at Spyglass. "Damn fine work on that beat, Spyglass!"

"T-Thank you, sir!" His nervousness still showed prominently. I gotta look at his code sometime cause now it's so bad I think it might actually be a bug.

"Where are you going now, sir?" I heard Romulus say as I got to the ladder.

"Im gonna go work in the forge. Im definitely done with the Soicalitys for tonight. Plus, I need to make something to replace my Gladius since I lost it after the train crash." I started going down the ladder before I called back out to Romulus. "Also, make sure that shit was recorded! I wanna hear it, dammit!"

He gave a nod, and he began talking to the ponies again over the microphone. I didn't really pay attention. I was happy with the night ending there for me. Plus, Romulus held everyone's attention while I slipped into the forge. He knew better and didn't want me to get swarmed right now. Even as I lit the fire and started melting down some leftover Element steel. I hoped tomorrow was going to be a much simpler day and this trip to a time capsule would be just a senor error like Romulus said. But another part of me had a feeling something was in store tomorrow. Something, big.

Author's Note

This is my first attempt at a song in my Writing ever. I've been wanting to do this chapter for a long time since I first started it over on Fanfiction. SO any feedback to improve the piece would be great. I got the inspiration from The Offspring's song - 'The Kids Arent alright.' Im thinking about calling it. 'Things turned out alright.' Im not sure yet.