The world used to be a beautiful place once upon a time, with bright blue skies and green plant life growing for miles while even in the biggest cities there was color to be seen, and it was from buildings instead of the colorful fur of the creatures my species had formed friendly relationships with.

Looking back on it, I hated what the world had become and it broke my heart to see all of that beauty just gone and replaced with the color gray, brown, and nothing but ruins as far as the eye can see.

These days, the world was nothing more than a shitty place filled with those who would either try to take advantage of you, kill you, or worse.

There were times that I wished I could turn back the clock and spend one last time with all the friends I had made but I couldn't even have that, which made it all the more depressing.

I let out a quiet sigh before taking a sip from my canteen, sitting outside the ruins of what used to be a diner and I had forgotten the name of it but I do remember coming here and getting something to eat during lunch break while chatting to one of my deputies.

The building had seen better days with the roof halfway caved in, windows broken, old rusted wrecked cars just resting in the cracked parking lot, and the bones of a few ponies and humans who had been enjoying what had become their last meals on this planet.

The worst part about it is that I knew a few of them, one of the skeletons possibly being one of my deputies if the wrecked police car told me anything and then there was Rick, the human working at the register who I had enjoyed talking to from time to time but now his bones were on the floor behind the counter, forever to stay there without receiving a decent burial.

I showed a small smile as fond memories of the old world came to me and I recalled feeling happy back then, but my smile went away and I showed a solemn expression before I leaned back and stared up at the sky, the gray cloud cover reflecting my mood.

That's right, I used to be happy back then when the world hadn't gone to hell and everyone just enjoyed the simple things in life, but thinking about it reminded me that all of that was gone and nothing was left so I envied the dead sometimes since at least they died quickly and never had to experience a neverending hell.

Yeah, it was all gone and I was cursed to wander this godforsaken hellhole until I died, if I died that is because of me being ageless and it was that simple truth that made me wonder if I was being punished for my sins since the things I had witnessed in the war of Afghanistan back on earth and the great war here would never leave me as long as I never die.

I heard a slight whimper and something nudged against my arm, making me look at Bullet as the german shepherd stared up at me with his eyes that held a glint of intelligence in them.

Seeing the dog being worried for me made me feel a little better as I went and scratched the spot behind his ears, something he always loved as I smiled slightly.

"I'm okay, just thinking about the past," I reassured as Bullet's tail wagged at my response and I let out a small chuckle since he always did know how to cheer me up, even when I was at my lowest.

Bullet responded with a single bark as I quit petting him and went to remove my black baseball cap so that I could run my hand through my light brown hair that had grey in it.

'Okay, break's over,' I thought as I put my hat back on and went to stand up to grab my backpack and my rifle, which was an M4A1 with a reflex scope and a tactical light.

As I was ready to leave the place that held good memories for me, Bullet's ears perked up before he got up on all four paws and a low growl left his muzzle, making me tense as I narrowed my eyes and unslung my rifle before aiming at my surroundings.

"What is it, Bullet?" I asked quietly when I caught a glimpse of movement in the dead trees across the road.

I reacted quickly by ducking behind a car just as gunshots broke out and the bullets struck the old wreck, Bullet snarling as the fur on his pelt bristled and he stayed next to me while I went to check my Pipbuck that was on my right wrist.

I used the EFS to get an idea of how many hostiles I was dealing with, then four red indicators showed up on the screen with two of them behind the trees and the other two heading across the road to my left to try and flank me while I wasn't looking.

I lowered my arm and scowled, really not in the mood to be ambushed by a group of assholes that wanted to kill me and steal my shit, though I've been dealing with it for over 200 years so this wasn't new to me but I was still pissed from almost getting my head blown off.

The first two raiders thought they were safe behind the trees but they clearly had no clue who they were dealing with or they would've had second thoughts about shooting at the most dangerous man in the entire wasteland.

I turned and peeked around the car, spotting the raiders attempting to flank me when a few more shots came from the trees, and one bullet missed my head by inches while the rest struck the car.

I caught the movement of the human raider holding an AK47 and wasted no time in popping out of cover and firing twice in quick succession.

The human raider took hits to the head and shoulder before dropping to the ground dead, then I turned my rifle on the other two before shooting back at them.

The first one's head snapped back in a spatter of skull, blood, and brain matter while the second one appeared to have realized that he was out of his league and turned tail before galloping toward the trees.

I wasn't going to let him go that easily so I quickly turned and fired two shots at him until the bullets struck him in the flank and hind leg, sending him tumbling to the ground.

"Ah, shit! Fuck!" the earth pony raider shouted as he squirmed in pain.

I ducked back into cover as the second human raider started firing at me, bullets embedding into the rusty metal but he eventually had to stop and reload once his rifle ran empty.

I let out a sharp whistle and Bullet zipped out of cover, the german shepherd snarling as I peered out of cover and could see the human raider widening his eyes as he didn't have time to reload his rifle and tried to run.

Unfortunately for him, Bullet was faster than him as the dog lunged at the raider and knocked him to the ground before savagely tearing into his arm with his teeth as the raider screamed in agony and thrashed around.

I popped out of cover and quickly snapped my rifle at the raider before activating S.A.T.S on my pipbuck and firing one shot, the bullet going through the man's brain and killing him instantly as his body stopped moving.

"Bullet, heel!" I ordered sharply, prompting the german shepherd to let go of the dead raider's arm and he bolted over to me before staying by my side.

I checked my pipbuck to make sure those assholes didn't have any more friends I needed to take care of, seeing nothing else on the screen to indicate that there were more hostiles waiting to ambush me.

Seeing that it was clear, I moved out of cover and saw the last remaining raider trying to crawl away by using his front hooves but I walked over to him and brutally slammed my foot on his wounded leg before keeping it pinned, getting a pained yell out of him as I slung my rifle and pulled my Beretta M9 out of my leg holster.

"Did you fuckers really think you could kill me and steal my shit? This world is already a shithole without you raider and slaver pieces of shit making it worse," I said menacingly as I aimed my sidearm at the back of the raider's head.

"Go to hell, you fucking prick!" the raider snarled defiantly as he spat at my combat boot that was keeping his leg pinned.

"You first," I stated coldly before I killed him with a single shot to the back of his head.

Once the raider was dead, I began checking the bodies for anything useful and found ammo and a few caps, also took the AK since I could always sell it to a weapons trader for more caps.

Much to my surprise, the last raider I searched had a tin full of Mint-als and even though it wasn't Party Time, I took it anyways since I'd take what I could get.

I stuffed the tin into one of the pouches on my black tactical vest and placed the AK into my backpack before starting to continue my travels through the equestrian wasteland.

As I walked, my boots crunching the rock and gravel underneath, I looked back at the decaying diner as memories of the old world came flooding back and I frowned as I recalled the time when I had heard about four Wonderbolts dying during their attempt to save seventeen ponies from zebra pirates.

***

(200 years ago)

It was a very nice day today in Ponyville as the sun was shining and only a few clouds dotted the sky with a mint-green pegasus flying about overhead, kicking them away.

I was walking through the streets of the town as other ponies and humans greeted me while passing by, and I kept responding with a nod as my mind was focused on other things at the moment since Twilight had come to the sheriff's station to find me and told me to meet with her and the girls since she had news that I also needed to hear.

I didn't know what she wanted to tell me and the other girls but it might have something to do with that incident where an entire squad of Wonderbolts had gone into zebra territory and managed to save seventeen ponies that had been held captive by zebra pirates at the cost of four Wonderbolts being killed.

I sighed as I thought about Rainbow Dash and hoped that she was doing okay since she took it pretty hard when she heard the news, though I hope the vacation she was on would help take her mind off it since she needs it right now.

It wasn't long until I found the girls in a field just outside of town as they were waiting for me, simply chatting to one another as I approached them until Applejack saw me coming.

"Howdy, sheriff," Applejack greeted and I sent her a nod while resting my hands on my duty belt.

"Hey, Applejack," I responded and the two of us went to watch the sky as the pegasus was doing a good job of clearing the clouds while a trio of bunnies darted between bushes, carrying radishes pilfered from someone's garden.

"Oh my..." Fluttershy said, watching through strands of her solid pink mane as the bunnies darted between her legs and for a moment, she seemed ready to break away from us and fly after them.

"New fella's doing alright, but it just ain't the same without Rainbow Dash," Applejack commented, looking up at the sky while Twilight used her magic to levitate a letter out of her saddlebags.

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about because I got a letter from the princess today. She says that Rainbow Dash isn't just on a vacation, but had signed up for the new Equestrian Skyguard," Twilight told Applejack and I was surprised to hear that.

"Really? First time I'm hearing about this so she must've been more shaken up about what happened to the Wonderbolts than we thought," I said and I felt terrible for the female pegasus since lord knows what she's feeling right now.

"Poor dear took what happened to the Wonderbolts really hard, can't say that I blame her," Rarity commented as she adjusted her newest hat creation so that the feathers all flowed with the summer gentle breeze.

"Yes, well, the princess doesn't want to see her get put in harm's way but it wouldn't be right of her to tell Dash no, so...Princess Celestia has given most of us a mission where we're to travel to the buffalo and try to strengthen diplomatic ties with them

Given Rainbow Dash's previous experience with them, the princess feels that she would be the ideal envoy," Twilight explained and I saw Pinkie beaming excitedly as she started bouncing.

"Oh goodie, I've been working on my song and I think-" Pinkie spoke up eagerly and I winced since I remember the last time she sang in Appleloosa, which caused the buffalos to nearly destroy the town and the town residents to throw pies back at them.

"Oh, hay no," Applejack moaned, cutting off Pinkie while she, Rarity, and Fluttershy grimaced.

"Oh dear," Rarity added.

"Umm..." Fluttershy trailed off while looking very uncomfortable.

"Pinkie, do I need to remind you of what happened last time? If I were you, I'd probably not do that unless you want to piss off the buffalos a second time," I pointed out and Twilight nodded firmly.

"He's right, so no singing," Twilight agreed sternly, causing Pinkie to look disappointed.

"Awwwww," Pinkie replied with a pout.

"Twilight, darling, did Princess Celestia say exactly why we are strengthening ties with the buffalo? I mean, other than to keep Rainbow Dash occupied?" Rarity asked, looking concerned.

Twilight shook her head and a heavy silence fell over all of us that was distinctly at odds with the cheery brightness of the day when Applejack was the one who broke it.

"I heard some talk from some of the folk at the farmer's expo last week and they're saying..." Applejack paused, as if she was scared of the words she was thinking and what would happen if she said them out loud when she let out a sigh and continued, "...we might be heading to war."

"Oh Jesus," I said quietly while my blood ran cold and Fluttershy gasped before disappearing behind a stump.

"T-That's impossible, Applejack. Equestria has never had a real war in..." Twilight paused, clearly running through her vast studies of Equestrian history and finding nothing as she said, "...I don't think Equestria has ever had a war. At least, not in over a thousand years."

"Shit, you're all lucky because I've been through war and...it's hell, plain and simple so even though I don't really like to talk about it, the thought of an actual war happening here makes me ill," I admitted as I went to adjust my brown ball cap that said sheriff in yellow letters.

"Yeah, well, we all know how mighty stubborn ponies can get when their livelihoods are being threatened, only this time, I fear it ain't gonna be pies they're throwing.

Big Mac brought home one of them new-fangled pony firearms to take care of the cockatrice that's been attacking our pigs-" Applejack said and was interrupted by Fluttershy, who let out an upset squeak after finally managing to come out from behind her stump.

"He wouldn't!" Fluttershy gasped in disbelief.

"Sorry, Fluttershy, but that thing was killing our pigs, and sometimes, ya just gotta take care of dangerous predators the hard way," Applejack said apologetically, though Fluttershy looked even more upset after hearing that.

"You should have told me since I could've stopped him for you, now your pigs will stay dead forever, you know. Only a cockatrice can reverse its own magic and he would have if I'd had the chance to tell him to," Fluttershy said, uncharacteristically raising her voice just a tiny bit and Applejack widened her eyes before looking none-too-happy.

"What? Aw, nuts and shrews," Applejack groaned and I sent her a look of sympathy since losing livestock in such a manner had to suck for the Apple Family but then Fluttershy went to look at Twilight meekly.

"There's not really going to be a...war...will there?" Fluttershy asked hesitantly, her voice faltering on the word 'war' and becoming a squeak.

"I hope not because I don't know what we'd do if there was," Twilight replied and I sighed.

"I pray to god there won't be a war because you girls don't know how devastating and horrible war can be, especially if firearms will be used," I stated as I recalled awful memories of losing fellow marines from an IED and ambush before letting out a shaky breath, causing the others to look at me in concern but I nodded to let them know I was okay.

"People and ponies would get hurt, and animals so we can't let that happen, we just can't," Fluttershy said as she was trembling, most likely at the thought of something so horrible happening.

"I think that's why the princess wants us to start talking to the buffalo," Twilight said with a look of uncertainty before I frowned thoughtfully.

"That reminds me, you said that most of us would be going on this assignment so what did you mean by that?" I inquired curiously, and Twilight sent me an apologetic look.

"Sorry Josh, I'm afraid you won't be coming with us since I'll be needing you to keep an eye on Ponyville while we're gone," Twilight told me and I sent her a reassuring smile.

"It's fine, politics was never my strong suit and besides, I'm the sheriff so I wouldn't exactly be doing my job if I wasn't here to keep the town safe," I remarked and a couple of the girls looked amused by my joke.

"Well, whatever the reason, we'll do this together so give me a few days to close up my shop and I'll be ready for the trip," Rarity asserted, prompting the rest of us to nod.

"You're right, ain't nothing we can't handle together," Applejack agreed, smiling at Rarity while Twilight looked more confident now.

"Right, whatever the cause, Princess Celestia has given us this mission and we will not fail. Girls, make whatever arrangements you need to since we may be gone from Ponyville for a while.

I'm gonna go get Rainbow Dash so let's meet back here in two days," Twilight instructed while I could almost see the faith she had in us virtually radiating off her.

The other girls nodded, even Fluttershy looking exceptionally nervous and particularly determined, then most of the girls galloped away to make their arrangements for the trip as Fluttershy and I were left alone.

"Oh, so much to do but we must not fail, Josh. We must not, must not, must not," Fluttershy fretted as she tried to stay calm, and I nodded in agreement.

"You girls won't fail, I just know it so as long as we all have faith in each other, then we can accomplish anything so I'm sure war will be prevented as long as you girls stay confident," I reassured and Fluttershy sent me a small smile for trying to cheer her up when she gasped.

"Oh dear, who will take care of my animals?" Fluttershy wondered and I was about to say something but I didn't even get the chance to.

"Can I help?" someone asked, startling Fluttershy as she jumped and crouched meekly when I looked and saw Ditzy Doo near us.

"It's okay, Fluttershy, it's just Ditzy," I assured her while I held up a hand at the gray cockeyed pegasus in greeting, and she waved back with a cheery smile as Fluttershy relaxed slightly.

"Oh, hello, Ditzy Doo...I didn't see you there. Um...sure, if you would like?" Fluttershy muttered while looking away shyly and Ditzy smiled happily.

"Well, I'm gonna go so I'll see you and others in a couple of days to say goodbye," I said before I started making my way back to town, then I smiled because as long as the girls are always willing to do what's right, then I don't think we'll have anything to worry about.

***

(Present day)

I snapped out of it as Bullet barked at me to get my attention, making me look down at him and he was tilting his head to express his confusion when I realized that I was standing in the middle of the cracked road like an idiot.

"I'm okay, just lost in thought," I reassured quietly and sighed before I sent one last look back at the ruined diner and continued walking down the road.

I inwardly chastised myself for being lost in thought like that since any raider, slaver, or mutated creature could've snuck up on me and I wouldn't have noticed until it was too late.

'Goddammit, I need to pay more attention,' I thought as I felt like a complete retard for making such a rookie mistake.

I shook my head and scowled at nothing in particular as I continued walking with Bullet right beside me, wondering if I was close to the nearest trader yet since I had a few things I needed to sell so that I could get the amount of caps needed for ammo, medical supplies, and other necessities to survive in this post-apocalyptic hell.

I went to check the map on my pipbuck and froze when I saw that I was close to Ponyville, which was no longer a nice place to live in since raiders had made it their home.

The thought of those sick bastards defiling the place I had called home and making good memories there made my blood boil but I let out a deep breath since it wasn't a good idea for me to lose my shit out here.

I knew it was highly risky, but there was a good chance the raiders inhabiting the once humble town might have the supplies I needed and there was no telling how long it would be until I came across a trader to sell a few things, not to mention that I was starting to run low on supplies.

So, it was either avoid Ponyville and run out of supplies while traveling or risk going into raider territory and loot the place for any supplies the sadistic fucks might have while dealing with who knows how many said sadistic fucks, both options not really all that appealing if I had to be honest.

In the end, I made my choice and let out a shakey breath before starting to make my way to Ponyville, gripping my rifle and preparing myself for a huge fight ahead of me.

Author's Note

Hey guys, this is my first MLP story so I hope that you'll like it since I was a little nervous at first but now I'm comfortable enough to start writing MLP stories.

In case you're wondering, this story does follow Kkat's story Fallout Equestria but I decided to put my own spin on things, such as what happened if earth had made dimensional technology and discovered Equestria because of it.

So yeah, this had a little bit of AU in it where there are humans in the Fallout Equestria universe and one of them is like a normal-looking ghoul who joins Littlepip on her adventure at the very beginning.

Also, I don't own Fallout Equestria since that honor goes to Kkat, whose story has inspired me to create a Fallout Equestria story myself so if you're reading this, Kkat, then I want to say thank you for being a big inspiration to me.

Well, with that said, let me know what you think and stay tuned.