Fallout EQ a Different Perspective
Our story starts in a wasteland after the Megamagic dropped following a young unicorn pony in Fallout Equestria named Lavender. She came across a note one day about two long-lost lovers named AngelFlight and DitzyDoo. The young Lavender decided to reunite these two lovers again.
"Huh, what's this?"
Lavender was standing on the edge of an old city. It had once been a very thriving place but now it was nothing more than rubble and ruins. A few ponies lived here and there. They were mostly scavengers looking for things to sell or use as food. Many of them looked up at her curiously when she came out onto the street.
She walked over to one of the buildings that seemed intact. It was a small shop. She looked at the shopkeeper and asked if she knew anybody with the name AngelFlight, according to the man he went missing after the Megamagic dropped.
He gave her a knowing look and said, "I don't know anyone by that name but I can tell you where to get some food." He pointed down the road and told her to go to a certain building called The Blue Moon Café. "Perhaps someone in there knows about your missing friend."
Lavender trotted off to the Blue Moon Café in hopes to find someone who knows anything about AngelFlight. When she walked into the Café there was a little bell that went off. Everyone looked right at her and then went to their business after a second.
"Excuse me! Do you know anyone by the name of..." Lavender trailed off.
A Pegasus stallion, with dark blue fur and yellow eyes, came walking up to her. "Well hello there, I might know something about your missing person."
Lavender looked around the room. "Do you know him?"
"Oh, yes," he paused and thought for a moment. "Yes, I do. He was in the Equestrian Marine Corps, they say he was the best but, he retired and lived about 15 minutes outside of Ponyville," the stallion paused for a second to take a sip of his drink. "He went missing a year or two after the Megamagic dropped, rumors say he left to find his beloved DitzyDoo. People say they were put in separate vaults because of his prior military experience."
Lavender felt her heart begin to race. "Where would I find him? Would you happen to have his phone number or address?"
The stallion shook his head. "I can give you his address but you won't find him there any more people think he's been dead for a while now." Lavender rushed out of the café to the address she was given by the stallion and on her way, she met a Pegasus named Cheerilee.
Cheerilee was a grey pegasus who wore a green jumper. Her mane and tail were a light pink and she sported a pretty white smile. "Hi, rumor has it you are on your way to find AngelFlight?"
"Yes, I am," Lavender replied. "What's your name?"
"My name is Cheerilee."
Lavender then introduced herself. "Nice to meet you, Cheerilee. My name is Lavender."
Cheerilee smiled back at her. "I have looked everywhere for him legend has it he was the best shot in the Equestrian armed forces." Cheerilee said grimly, "No one has seen him in a year or two though everyone is thinking he died I know better he has to be out there."
They arrived at the rundown house which is supposedly the house of AngelFlight. In this house, they find boxes of ammo with a couple of pistols and health potions around. Suddenly they are attacked by slaver ponies who have been waiting in the house. The group gets away but the ponies are injured.
"What happened?" Lavender asked.
"It must have been a trap by slavers and we barely escaped with our lives," Cheerilee said.
Lavender remembered her mother telling her stories about the wasteland and how dangerous it could be and she looked concerned.
"We were lucky to escape as we did," Cheerilee said.
Lavender and Cheerilee decide to travel to Ponyville so they can find AngelFlight.
They arrive at a town named Good Springs. They ask around and meet a shopkeeper named Hatter. He was a large blue earth pony with a top hat.
Hatter was an odd pony with a habit of talking in riddles. "You have been asking the wrong questions all along, the question is not 'who' but 'what.'"
After that conversation, they go to a bar called The Broken Jug. There they meet a griffon bartender named Hilda. Hilda was a tall griffin with a scruffy beard and mustache. She wore a red vest and had a pair of goggles over her eyes. She tells them to look up and there they see a pegasus fly over with 2 guns mounted under his wings, 1 under his body, and another in a holster on his hip.
Hilda says to them, "Ask that fellow he has never told us his name."
Hilda goes on to tell them that the unnamed pegasus flying over retired from the Equestrian Marine Corps and was protecting the town of Good Springs or at least that's what she hoped. She also mentions that the stallion has mentioned trying to find someone.
The group decides to keep following the unnamed pegasus and eventually he comes to a stop to rest for the night. He takes out his gun and shoots between Lavender's legs with a few rounds.
"Are you alright?" Cheerilee asks Lavender.
"Yeah, I wasn't hit." She responds.
"What the hell," Lavender slurs at the unnamed pegasus.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," he says.
Lavender looks at the unnamed pegasus and realizes that he has a scar on his face. "Wait a minute, you're him!"
"Who?" He says with a confused expression.
"You're AngelFlight! You were once a marine in the Equestrian Marine Corps."
AngelFlight looks shocked. "How do you know my name?"
Lavender explains to him that she found the note that was written by him.
"Was that you?" Lavender asks.
He nods his head. "Yup, I'm AngelFlight."
"That's good to hear. We have been searching for you."
"Why haven't you come forward?" Lavender asks.
"Because I had to protect myself."
Lavender seems concerned. "Protect yourself from what?"
"The Megamagic dropped and everything changed, no one trusted me anymore, so I had to hide."
Lavender looks sad. "But you still love her, the girl you wrote about in your letters, don't you?"
AngelFlight begins breaking down a small tear rolls off his cheek. "Of course, I loved her to death."
"Then let's go and find DitzyDoo," Lavender says.
***
After a few days of traveling the group arrives in a town called Paradise Falls.
There they find a bar with a sign that reads: "Please Wait, the bartender will be with you shortly."
Inside they find a blue earth pony named, Woodstock. He was a short pony with a thick beard and mustache. He was wearing a dirty brown vest with a wooden spoon on his chest. "Welcome to the Cocktail Lounge, what can I do for ya?"
"We were wondering if you could help us find out where to find DitzyDoo," Lavender says.
Woodstock thinks for a moment. "Well, I might be able to help you out. What's your name?"
"Lavender, AngelFlight, and this is Cheerilee," Lavender replies.
Woodstock ponders for a minute. "Well, I do know a lot about the town and the people who live here. I'll try to help you out as much as possible."
"Thanks a lot," Cheerilee says.
Woodstock tells them that the town is located right next to the Enclave base. The Enclave has been trying to take over the town for a long time and they have tried to kill everypony that lives there.
He warns them that the Enclave may be after them if they go to the town.
"Can you tell us how to get there?" Lavender asks.
"Sure thing," Woodstock replies. "Head south from here until you reach a bridge over a river. Cross the river and enter the town through the only entrance. Once you are inside just follow the main road straight ahead. You should eventually see the town square on the right-hand side."
"Thank you very much," Cheerilee says.
"Don't mention it," Woodstock replies.
"Is there anything else you can tell us?" Lavender asks.
"Nope, you're welcome to stay at the Cocktail Lounge if you need a place to stay."
Cheerilee thanks him and they leave the bar and continue on their journey to Paradise Falls.
When they arrive at the town Lavender and Cheerilee are greeted by a pony wearing a blue uniform and carrying a gun. He salutes them and introduces himself as Sergeant Major. "I am the Enclave's head of security."
"We are looking for someone who recently went missing," Lavender informs him.
"I'm sorry, I don't know who you speak of," Sergeant Major replies.
Lavender and Cheerilee are suspicious.
Sergeant Major notices their concern. "Look, I'll go check the records. But I'm afraid I may not know who you are talking about."
Lavender and Cheerilee are getting more and more worried. "I know that's not true! Please help us find her!"
Sergeant Major sighs. "Alright fine, I'll check the records but please understand that you are trespassing into Enclave territory and I warn you that I am authorized to use lethal force if needed."
Lavender and Cheerilee agree and Sergeant Major leaves to check the records.
While he is gone, Lavender and Cheerilee begin exploring the town. They find many abandoned buildings and ruins.
They run across a group of raiders. The group is led by a unicorn named NukaCola. He is a tall, muscular stallion with red eyes and a scar on his chest.
The ponies greet each other politely. After a brief conversation, NukaCola has his lackeys start looting the town while he continues chatting with Lavender and Cheerilee. He mentions that a high-ranking officer came to him a day or two ago and said that an armored tank had just appeared and headed north. He also suggests going to the square in town for more info.
As soon as Sergeant Major finishes checking the record, he runs outside. "You have got to be kidding me! This is unbelievable. There must have been some sort of mistake."
All four stallions are puzzled.
"Excuse me, sir," Cheerilee interrupts.
"What? Speak up girlie. Who wants to talk first?" Sergeant major responds.
"Uh, my name is Cheerilee, I wanted to ask if anypony would happen to know where the missing pegasus is."
"That's what I thought, a civilian who doesn't even belong here. Your type shouldn't be bothering me," Sergeant Major scoffs.
"We haven't bothered you. We're simply asking for information."
"Fine, whatever. What kind of information would you like?"
"We are looking for a pegasus named DitzyDoo," Cheerilee answers.
"She isn't a very well-known pegasus so I doubt anyone knows exactly where she disappeared from."
AngelFlight speaks up annoyed with the Sergeant Major. "Can we please just drop it!? If you don't want to help us then go away! Don't make us force our way in here!"
Suddenly all four ponies turn on Cheerilee and start to attack her. "Stay back, mare!" Sergeant Major says before charging at Lavender.
"Enough!" Angelflight shouts and tackles one of the raiders to the ground. He turns towards another pony, kicking him hard between his legs. Then grabs one by the neck and throws him down with great force. All of the raiders are stunned.
"Who do you think you are!?" The Colonel growls angrily. He tries to step in front of his men but Sergeant Major knocks him aside.
"I knew the enclave was bad for the Equestrian military," AngelFlight yells.
The colt charges forward, knocking down yet another raider with ease. Suddenly out of nowhere, a shot rings out. The bullet hits the colonel smack in his snout. Blood sprays everywhere as the colt falls backward, dead.
"Damnit! How dare they kill our commander! Who dares cross us!? Now, will someone please tell us who this freak is!? And get the hell off of our streets!"
Another pony steps forward. He is wearing a large purple suit that makes him look larger than he already is. "I am Commander Browning of the Equestrian Marine Corps."
"Sir," AngelFlight responds saluting.
"Good to see you again AngelFlight you became something of a myth in the wastelands," Browning responds returning the salute. "Let's take care of these unruly animals and show them no mercy!"
"Yes sir."
It has become obvious to all who are left standing that Angelflight killed every last raider and defeated Sergeant Major.
Browning puts his weapons away and smiles. "Well done AngelFlight."
"Thank you, sir."
He gives the colt a pat on the flank and heads over to Sergeant Major's corpse, checking it. "How did that happen?"
"Sorry about this sir. I had to do what I could since he kept telling me he didn't know anything." AngelFlight apologizes.
AngelFlight picks up a rifle from one of the corpses and tosses it to Cheerilee. "Here...just in case we have any further trouble."
"Thank you."
"No problem."
The small party starts walking away into the center of town. As the group approaches, the few remaining soldiers around take notice. A huge crowd begins to form, eager to meet the new leader. Soldiers surround them, making sure nothing else happens.
Cheerilee notices that Angel Flight seems different somehow. His coat looks as though it's shinier and healthier than before. She wonders idly what could have possibly changed so dramatically.
A Unicorn pony named Anna watched as all this chaos went down and she decided that she wanted to approach the group and talk to AngelFlight. When she noticed AngelFlight noticing her she quickly hid behind another pony. "Why hello there!" Anna giggled.
"Ugh," AngelFlight grumbles under his breath.
"My name is Miss O'Hara," Anna responded with a bright smile.
"Miss..?" AngelFlight responds looking more confused.
"Just call me Anna!"
"Anna..." AngelFlight thinks to himself. "The name is unfamiliar."
"Oh sorry," Anna immediately apologized.
"Oh well then." AngelFlight shrugged.
Anna wasn't sure how to read his response. Was he trying to put her off or just being nice? Or maybe something else entirely...? After all, these ponies were strange and pretty much never talked to anyone unless their superiors told them. "So you must be Angelflight right?"
AngelFlight looked at the unicorn in confusion, still unsure. "Don't know what's it to you." He looks around nervously for whoever sent Anna over to him. Cheerilee jumps in between the two.
"Hi, I'm Cheerilee."
"Ahhh! Yes ma'am!" Anna smiles. She seems somewhat relieved when he doesn't seem hostile anymore. "What are ya'll doing here?"
"That's none of your business," AngelFlight responded with a wave of his wing.
"Oh come now! Don't say that! You're not some scary military type, are you?" Anna asks.
AngelFlight frowns.
"Please I saw everything that happened, everyone from my hometown knows your story!" Anna explains, pleading with him.
Angel's eyes widen a bit.
"Oh oh, can you please introduce me to the rest of the gang?" Anna pleaded excitedly.
"Ugh." AngelFlight groans. This was going to make things difficult for both of them. "Alright alright fine, but let's do it quick."
"Wow!" Anna gasped excitedly. "Really? Okay, ok yes I'm glad you don't think I'm dangerous."
AngelFlight leads Anna to meet lavender as Cheerlie follows along. "Hello! A pleasure to meet you!" Anna squealed happily and shook each pony hoof.
Lavender, who stood by quietly the entire time, seemed quite annoyed. However, when she realized there was no point in acting like this Angel flight creature that showed up to save everyone would hurt either of them; she sighed and smiled warmly. "Well, uhm hi Anna!" She said a little awkwardly.
"Nice to meet you."
After talking for a few minutes Anna asks to join the hunt for DitzyDoo, to which many ponies agreed. Even though they all felt uncomfortable including a stranger, their curiosity was piqued. After all, she claimed to be familiar with AngelFlight despite never seeing him fight. Could she really be trusted or not? That remained to be seen.
***
It was dark out, the only thing lighting up the horizon being the moon and stars above and the city lights below. The search party was spread far apart, searching everywhere for clues on where DitzyDoo might be found.
As the small group walked down an alley, a mare named Deezie turned to face Lavender. She knew the filly couldn't see her because of the darkness but she tried anyway. "I need your help, Miss Lavi," she whispered softly to her friend.
Lavender nodded gently. "Yes, of course." She placed her hooves carefully and continued to walk. They didn't speak again until the others had left.
They stood atop the roof of a building overlooking the streets below, the other three members of the hunting team standing beside them. "Okay, listen up. What did you find?" Lavender asked slowly.
Lavender scanned the surrounding buildings and eventually spotted what she'd been seeking. She pointed up, then back behind herself to Deezie. "There."
Deezie strained her neck upwards, keeping a careful eye on the area around her as well.
Finally, she managed to catch sight of it. A green glow from within one of the houses nearby, casting a faint light across the streets and alleys.
"Well done, Miss Lavi," Deezie praised. "Now, do you think we should go talk to them ourselves?"
"Yeah... It's worth a shot," Lavender responded with a nod. "We have very few leads on this DitzyDoo pony and now this is one more. If she's in danger, we want to bring her back safe."
***
AngelFlight watched all this unfold with no small amount of shock. He kept his wings tucked tightly against his body playing around with his small handgun as Cheerilee pulled him aside.
"Hey, uhm, can you talk to them?" She inquired cautiously.
The pegasus blinked. "You mean...about Ditzydoo?"
Cheerilee nodded timidly. She looked over at Anna, whose tail wagged anxiously. She seemed so curious about AngelFlight and DitzyDoo.
"Sure thing," Angelflight answered with a soft smile and approached the shy unicorn.
Anna blushed. "Why, hello there, uh...Angelflight. Are you looking for something?" Her voice trembled slightly.
AngelFlight paused mid-step and shifted his muzzle downwards toward Anna. She flinched away a little before he spoke. "Yes, actually. There is a little pegasus named DitzyDoo who before the MegaMagic dropped was my lover. Lavender and Cheerlie are helping me find her."
Anna took a deep breath, her heart skipping a beat as she faced AngelFlight. His words and tone were so full of honesty and sadness yet warmth and understanding. For some reason, her previous thoughts of him seemed silly in comparison. She opened her mouth to respond but nothing came out. Her eyes widened nervously. Finally, her words spilled out. "What happened to DitzyDoo?"
A few minutes later AngelFlight told the tale of him and DitzyDoo before the Megamagic dropped and what happened after. Many times during the story, the fillies gasped in surprise and covered their ears, winced, or cried softly. Some of AngelFlight's descriptions brought tears to Anna, Lavender, and Cheerilee's eyes.
Once finished, the group had spent enough time outside. They thanked Angelflight for sharing with them what he could remember and went inside. While everyone else settled themselves down, Cheerilee sat next to AngelFlight. With no small amount of worry, she asked, "Um...are you okay?"
Angelflight leaned forward and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Oh yeah, I'm fine. Just the thought of the events and memories still haven't completely sunk in." He gave a chuckle.
He smiled at the filles. "Anyway, thank you both for listening to me, and sorry if I made you cry. By the way..." He grinned jovially. "...I'll stop calling you kids once you're older than me!"
The three fillies laughed nervously. AngelFlight giggled along with them. This was quite different from when he first encountered this group of fillies. He quickly felt much closer to them. Not that he could deny feeling somewhat close to these filles regardless. But before he knew it, they started talking. About the last six months, mostly. Things hadn't gone so badly since then and he just wanted to share and make sure everything was going alright.
Eventually, though, his thoughts returned back to Ditzydoo. He sighed heavily. "Unfortunately, none of us has seen any sign of her since then."
Suddenly they got attacked by a group of raiders ponies. Luckily, Angelflight recognized the situation right away and the four of them handled themselves rather effectively. Unfortunately, Angelflight wound up being injured because one of those mares shot him with her laser pistol. In turn, she and her gang ran off while Cheerilee captured one of them alive. AngelFlight laying on the floor bleeding starts barking orders at Anna to help him patch up. Shortly afterward, the rest of the party chased off the raiders with AngelFlight's 25mm machine gun. After it's all over, Angelflight found himself examining her captive closely. And as he examined this pony carefully, an idea began forming in his mind. It sounded crazy but at this point in time, anything was possible. He started pacing slowly around the house. As he stood in front of Anna, he had his arms folded together behind him as he paced back and forth. "How do you feel about traveling out into the wasteland to look for Ditzydoo? Do you think you would like to join me in my search?"
For many minutes, no answer comes and nobody moves. Even more, tension builds between them, with every single heartbeat passing faster and louder inside their heads. Then, all of sudden, Anna nods. "...Sure." She murmurs, "But, only if you guys stay here for the night so I can sleep easier knowing you aren't alone in the dark."
Sitting next to each other, Anna and Angelflight lean against the wall of the rundown house and stare silently at the dark vast abyss above them. They keep quiet except for occasional short phrases they throw out almost without thinking. The constant silence makes them start to breathe more rapidly, making their hearts seem to run even harder and pumping out the blood coursing through the vessels of their bodies. And when the stars begin blinking from the vastness of space, they soon fall asleep contentedly, holding one another for security and comfort. Lavender and Cheerilee look on as AngelFlight and Anna fall asleep together. From up above them, a star sparkles brightly. One shining star that represents hope in the desolate hellscape of this world.
***
After the fillies have fallen asleep, AngelFlight wakes up and is busily looking through some old letters he wrote DitzyDoo. He finds a particularly long letter dated several years ago from Ditzydoo. That letter contained her plans to travel with AngelFlight. Sadly, when he looks at the date, It reminds him of good times long gone. When suddenly, his eyes go wide as he remembers something important. And this memory brought back from deep inside his mind sent chills throughout his body. A great urgency fills him, causing him to snap upright on the floor and leap up in terror. His eyes dart around the dimly lit room, trying to find the source of the voice that haunted him for all these months. All of a sudden, he sees something black sitting next to the wall. And as AngelFlight turns his head left and right searching for what had caused this feeling of dread and unease within him all these years, Anna leans forward slightly.
"Hey," she whispers, "What's wrong?"
Her question brings AngelFlight's attention back down toward the ground again. It takes him several seconds until he realizes there wasn't anyone else besides him and the 3 fillies. But then, he feels something bumping gently against his shoulder blades and quickly reaches under him, grabbing whatever it is. Much to his surprise, it was Anna. Her tail twitches a few times. Suddenly, another memory returns to AngelFlight's mind; this same sensation that has been plaguing him ever since that night all those years ago. Then, before he can speak or react, the black figure melts away and disappears into the darkness. AngelFlight sits still for quite some time, wondering if someone just tried to scare him. Before he knows it, the 3 filles begin to stir softly. But suddenly, as they sit up and try to stretch awake, he hears some words spoken among the three fillies: "W-whats going on..."
AngelFlight feels a shiver run down his spine once more but decides not to worry. He understands now why he felt the fear he did. But as much as he wanted to share all these memories, he knew better than to tell the girls about it, especially if they weren't aware of the terrible things that happened in the past. Anna, Cheerilee, and Lavender go to try and comfort the visibly upset AngeFlight. He swallows and gulps heavily, still holding onto his emotions tightly bottled up inside him. "I...sorry, but...you see, earlier tonight I had a dream.." He turns around and stares deeply into the fillies' faces as they lay next to each on the floor. The girls snuggle up closer to him to comfort him. Although it may be a little uncomfortable sleeping together, Angelflight finds this comforting at the moment and closes his eyes to continue reliving this horrid memory.
Lavender sighs happily while nuzzling herself next to Angelflight. Cheerilee rubs her chin against the back of his neck. Anna hugs him tight against her chest. Soon the fillies fall back to sleep. Angelflight remains awake for a while longer as he stares off into the darkened sky above them, remembering all these painful feelings returning to his heart.
Tomorrow will be full of stars.
Tonight the heavens shine bright.
And when tomorrow's dawn has come,
we shall rise from our slumber.
They say angels cry. And so do ponies, fillies, children, and any living creature for that matter. Angels aren't always happy and cheerful like they're described to be by so many people. That's simply not how life works. No being is perfect no matter who you are. You can't be forever happy. Happiness comes with sadness and loss. Things change constantly. Ponies grow, evolve, and learn new things every day. AngelFlight slowly drifts to sleep.
***
As the sun rose over the wastelands, AngelFlight woke up lying under Cheerilee. Though tired he doesn't want to get out of bed yet, so instead, AngelFlight lies quietly in a hug position with both arms wrapped around Cheerilee, head resting comfortably on her fluffy side. Meanwhile, the fillies wake up, rubbing their sleepy eyes and stretching.
Anna gets a hint that something weird is going on with Angelflight but doesn't ask him any questions. She already senses that something terrible happened yesterday evening. They all fully wake up and leave the dilapidated building and eat at a somehow still functioning dinner known as Pancake town. Before the Megamagic dropped the pancake town has always been known for always being open and for fights to break out. They entered the somehow untouched building and were greeted by a nice pony named Cheertronix.
"HEY! This isn't a bad time, huh? Come on, don't look so gloomy." He said cheerfully while preparing pancakes. He makes two plates of the stuff and puts them on a table outside, knowing very well what they were planning on ordering. The three fillies nodded happily along. Just as soon as Cheertronix finished, they decided to finally give him some answers. With an almost unnatural flair, Cheerilee places one plate in front of her and hands the other to Angelflight, while he follows suit, sitting. AngelFlight asks if some coffee happened to survive.
Cheertronix nods excitedly. "Sure did."
Cheers could be heard. The small diner seemed to have some life to it as well as breakfast. With some ponies coming and going for a while. As they finish up the food, Cheertronix brings AngelFlight a mug filled with coffee. He thanks him and sips his coffee while everyone continues chatting.
"So yeah..." Cheerilee pauses and glances at their friends before continuing again, "...well we gotta talk about last night. Angel, care to explain?"
AngelFlight gulps down nervously, then inhales sharply through his nose. After taking a long hard breath of air, AngelFlight says softly, "You should probably sit." Anna grins at the prospect of something juicy. As soon as everyone was seated, AngelFlight looks at Cheerilee. His expression clearly shows how distraught he actually feels. He takes a deep breath and begins: "Once upon a time..." he paused for dramatic effect "It all began during the war before the Megamagic dropped."
"I was an E5 in my barracks room it was 0129 in the morning when we heard it. A loud bang and then the alarms went off. we all ran to the arms room everyone was pushing and shoving until I got there. I was the head armorer at the time knowing that it was an attack I was just giving and going. I got everybody out of that room within minutes being just myself supplying maybe 1000 ponies I thought I was doing a good job I grabbed my service rifle and my own personal handgun and rushed out of the arms room" Angelflight looked pale and visibly shaken
He continued," I didn't know what time it was I remember being hit right off the bat the shock wave hitting me like a sack of bricks the rounds coming in one after another it wasn't very far away, maybe 300 meters or so. Then everything goes black I don't recall anything till I woke up later that day I stood up shaken by a grenade blast I watched as the last of my comrades died."
AngelFlight takes a sip of his coffee to calm his nerves a bit then continues. "That day abhors me I should have been killed during that but as I watched the last pony die at the hands of these monsters I picked up one of my closest friend's grenade machine guns and I slaughtered them all."
AngelFlight takes another sip of coffee. "They couldn't stop me they begged for mercy and I was not so merciful after another hour of just explosives going off"
AngelFlight paused. "I was lifted out of there covered in blood, dirt, and gravel that's what has been haunting me for these years and why what happened last happened."
AngelFlight took one final gulp of his coffee. "For the longest time, I tried to forget the atrocities of what had happened... That's why I ended up alone in the wastelands. Once I became close to lavender when I started forgetting about that but the ghost of my lost friends keeps haunting me."
The room remained silent as Angelflight finished up. Both Cheerilee and Anna seem stunned. The only sound that is heard is Angelflight's breathing. When he speaks again there is no emotion left in his voice.
"I left and wandered the wastelands for peace and tranquility but as soon as I saw you all..."
A tear runs down the pegasus' cheek. Cheerilee quickly wipes it away with her hoof. She extends her hooves to hold him and gently touches his shoulder. "We're not gonna leave you hanging here," she says. The other ponies nod, knowing Cheerilee would say the same thing. She turns toward him and takes his hand in hers.
"We will help you feel better. It wasn't your fault." Anna whispers reassuringly into Angelflight's ear. Her ears were down and she was looking at the floor.
After a few minutes of silence, the group falls silent. Anna can see how deeply affected Angelflight still was from reliving what must've truly been a traumatic event in his life. Cheetronix has already begun to clear things up around the diner. While Anna looks back at AngelFlight who seems more relaxed now. Anna's eyes roam around the dining area seeing that nothing really needed cleaning and making sure everyone was doing okay. She begins to turn towards Cheerilee. Just then Angelflight says, "but at least I know what was done to them. And it was never forgotten I guess." The group nods and agrees.
Cheertronix finishes clearing off tables.
"Wow already 1100, " Lavender says as the 4 ponies leave the diner and enter the wastelands. "So where do we go next?" Angelflight replies, "Well there is an old marine base near us so I think we could stay there for some time while we plan our strategy or whatever." Everyone agreed on that idea. They decided to look for signs of life along the way until they found a settlement that looked decent enough to spend their nights in. After a few hours of walking and exploring, they finally reached a small farmhouse. There was no sign of people inside but there was a nice-sized barn and several outbuildings. "Hey guys, this place doesn't seem that bad!" exclaimed Lavender as she walked up to one of the outbuildings, finding a well-maintained workbench full of tools including wrenches, sockets, hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, and a tool kit that was packed with assorted bits and bobs.
"Till we get some food and water let's take a quick break," Anna suggested. "Yes, that works for me!" cheered Angelflight as he stepped through the doorframe with Cheerilee close behind. She moved over to join the others beside the fireplace before stepping into the kitchen.
Lavender opens the closet and rummages around for something to wear, while Angelflight and Cheerilee walk further into the farmhouse. They find one of the bedrooms to sleep in. Meanwhile, Lavender walks over to the trunk of one of the bedroom doors. She digs deep in the dark recesses inside the chest before pulling out an old-looking denim vest with faded letters and pictures sewn onto it. Lavender also finds a couple of boxes of .45 ammo she shouts out to AngelFlight who is ecstatic to finally be able to get his hooves on some.
The sun began setting by the time most of the group had settled in for the night. The ponies share stories, swapped tales about themselves ,and got to know each other. Their night was spent mainly trying to make some weapons and items useful out of the junk they found strewn about in the waste. Eventually, the first rays of light shone over the horizon, and the morning came too soon. All ponies arose early, refreshed and eager to start the day. "Good morning! Ready to head back to the wasteland? We should probably try and find a nearby settlement for food and supplies," said Cheerilee.
After much discussion, everyone agreed. But Angelflight said he wanted to stay behind and have some breakfast. He had forgotten to mention leaving him with the others a couple of days ago and his conscience was bothering him a little bit. The girls did not object to his idea and asked him to give them some time to return home and fill their tummies. So the 3 fillies headed out of the farmhouse together. As Cheerilee, Lavender, and Anna have a little girls' day in the nearby settlement AngelFlight makes food with some supplies he received from Cheetronix waiting for the 3 fillies to return.
Angelflight whistled a song as he worked and watched as the stove was stoked, letting smoke curl into the air, and prepared food that would be ready shortly after. With some fresh bread, some meat sauteed in the pan, and a touch of seasoning, Angelflight brought his creation to the table. A smile spread across his lips. He ate alone waiting for the 3 fillies to return in an hour. That thought kept him occupied as he took another bite of his meal.
He heard the sounds of hooves coming up the path to his front porch. He looks out the window and his eyes grew wide when he saw who was there. It wasn't the girls. It was DitzyDoo. Angelfight's eyes teared up. He finally saw her gorgeous grey body and her wonderful blonde mane. His jaw dropped open as she hopped up the steps and into the house. She was wearing a courier outfit. She knocked on the door with her hooves and shouted that she was looking for a unicorn named Anna. Angelflight was beyond surprise. He opened the door DitzyDoo looked up and immediately started breaking down in tears as she threw her arms around Angelflight and buried her face between his neck and shoulder. through tears, AngelFlight asks "Where have you been?"
A sob escaped his mouth as Angelflight comforted the crying girl. She wouldn't stop, however. He picked her up in one hoof and carried her to the couch and sat down with her on his lap. Angelflight wrapped his left arm under her legs, holding both her hind and forelegs with his hand, and pulled the blanket off of the chair and draped it over the top of them both. DitzyDoo calmed herself in Angelflight's grasp, sniffling quietly.
"I was looking for you. we were placed in separate vaults due to your prior military service. I still have the handgun you gave me the day we separated." DitzyDoo says holding back more tears.
Angelflight sits silently for a moment, gathering his thoughts and feeling the warmth radiating from DitzyDoo's body against his own. He caresses her back and tells her that all will work out. DitzyDoo begins to cry again but this time they are happy tears. DitzyDoo leans closer and kisses his muzzle softly and snuggles her head to his neck once more.
She pulls away again and wipes the tears from her cheeks with the back of her right wing, smiling happily at him. The 3 fillies returned home with empty stomachs and sore bodies. They sat outside the front door and watched AngelFlight embrace DitzyDoo. He then carries DitzyDoo inside the house as well. He places DitzyDoo on her feet and she stands next to him for a moment looking at the three new ponies standing patiently on the porch. With a wry smile, Angelflight turns towards the 3 fillies and smiles warmly as if welcoming them to a party.
"Angel you gonna introduce us to your little lady friend?" Anna says with a coy tone
AngelFlight nods yes while keeping a confident grin
"My name is Ditzydooo!" She shouts as loud as her frail voice can manage without dissolving in sobs again
The 3 fillies clap in excitement while Ditzydoo bursts into joyful laughter.
AngelFlight introduces the 3 fillies
"These are Lavender, Cheerilee, and Anna." AngelFlight goes on about how he met the 3 fillies.
"Lavender and Cheerilee went out in search of me after Lavender found a note that I wrote you before the MegaMagic dropped." he continues.
"Anna here joined us just a few days ago. She joined us in search of you these 3 fillies have been trying to reunite us and well I'd say they have done a fine job." Angel rants on.
Trying to prevent tears from AngelFlight's eyes he suggests that they enter the old farmhouse and get ready to eat a little bit. The Lavender says that's a good idea before the food gets too cold. The 3 fillies, DitzyDoo, and Angel enter the doorway the house had a stark difference from the nuclear wastelands that lay around them. They all eat and Angel pulls out a thing of some surviving sarsaparilla he scrounged from a rider they encountered a little while earlier. Anna, Lavender, and Cheerilee ask for some but Angel responds jokingly saying that this beverage was for adults only. DitzyDoo laughs the same with Angel as they share a bottle of Sunrise Sarsaparilla. He eventually pulls out a bottle for the 3 fillies to share knowing that it didn't have alcohol and that if it did they were old enough to drink. Little did AngelFlight know the bottle he and Ditzy shared was spiked with whiskey. His mind began to spin and as he spoke he got even drunker.
Anna giggles saying "Oh my! Look at Angel. It looks like the angel is getting his wings!" Ditzydoo gasps and covers her mouth in shock starting to snicker a bit. Lavender and Cheerilee laugh loudly. Angel flies around the room and flops onto the floor with a thud. When Ditzy realized the bottle they had was spiked she threw it out and proceeded to get a fresh bottle. As Ditzy stood up with the now clean bottle in her teeth the house began to shake from an explosion outside. This was followed by gunfire and screams and panicked neighs.
They look through the windows and see a battle in full swing between several raiders and a pack of Guards from the nearby settlement. DitzyDoo runs into another room and returns holding two handguns and a rifle that AngelFlight owned. The 2 Fillies and DitzyDoo left charging the battle to help fend off the raiders. Cheerilee stayed behind to prevent AngelFlight from doing something stupid or hurting himself while in his stupor. AngelFlight points and tells Anna to grab his high-caliber sniper rifle. Cheeilee not wanting to give Angel a gun tells him no. He yells that it was for her to use. AngelFlight despite being tipsy still has perfect coordination with the rifle he quickly teaches Cheerilee how to shoulder that particular rifle to minimize the most recoil. He tells her to aim carefully and pull the trigger when ready and be prepared because it kicks. After 30 seconds of aiming Cheerilee pulls the trigger and you hear a loud bang. everyone looked her way then at the raider-pony whose head is missing. The raider immediately falls to the ground. Another raider who had just run over the fallen pony screamed in fear. Another bullet caught the second raider in the heart which caused a cloud of blood to gush out. While Lavender and Ditzydoo fight with their guns, a raider notices the open window behind Cheerilee and rushes at the young mare to attack. Before she could defend herself with her knife one quick swipe of Angel's rifle hits the raider in its left hind leg causing it to crumble to the floor. Angel follows suit falling on his face as the other raider ponies run away in fear. Anna, DitzyDoo, and Lavender rush back into the house making sure everyone was safe. Everyone was fine except AngelFlight who is laying on the floor drunk.
"Didn't realize you were such a lightweight Angie," Anna teases.
"He has never drank before that's why." Responded DitzyDoo.
"Someone should go check on him and make sure he's alright." Said Cheerilee. She climbs up the stairs carrying AngelFlight's rifle. Lavender checks on him and he is out like a light. Anna and Ditzy pick him up and follow Cheerilee carrying AngelFlight on their backs. They lay him in a bed. Angel promptly collapses into sleep on the bed. "It's okay. Just rest. We'll handle things here," Anna says putting her hoof under his chin to wake him up. They both chuckle as they leave AngelFlight lying in the bed.
The four girls stay up keeping watch for raider ponies. They start joking about AngelFlight and how he only had a single bottle of spiked sarsaparilla. They all begin to worry about if he had any more bottles that were spiked by the raiders he picked them up from. The four girls talk about what vault they came from and what they were after during their travels. Lavender mentioned a unicorn friend she made in Vault 92 named Hilarius who wanted to escape the wasteland along with others but didn't know where to flee too. They heard the door creak as Cheerilee peeked inside to make sure everything is alright with Angelflight.
After talking awhile Lavender decides to go back upstairs and check on AngelFlight again and also report this new information to Cheerilee. She knocks on the door and comes in saying "Everything is clear!" The girls rush to the bed seeing AngelFlight is still fast asleep. Anna peers in close to AngelFlight's face and sees several small bruises on his cheeks. She also notes that one of his eyes seems to twitch and move slowly. As she approaches the side table she picks up two empty sarsaparilla bottles with caps on them that read: Sugar & Spice. They find out that Angel drank the only spiked bottle and they snuck a few more bottles from Angel's saddle bag. Lavender looks back to the bed to see Angel peacefully sleeping while humming to himself. Ditzydoo asks if he ever told the story about the scar over his eye. They all shake their head no. They all agree to ask AngelFlight the next morning and they 4 go to sleep at the base of the bed. Anna wakes up in the middle of the night from a horrifying dream and decides to crawl into bed with Angel. At first, he doesn't notice her until she wraps her forelegs around him to sleep. When dawn breaks Ditzydoo is the first one awake and she sees Anna and AngelFlight together and freaks out thinking she is losing AngelFlight. Anna explains there is nothing going on between her and Angel and Ditzydoo only gets more hostile. When the others wake up they discover Anna and AngelFlight. Anna attempts to hide but ends up turning red. They all laugh. Anna explains how she woke up scared by an awful nightmare and crawled into bed. She feels bad that Ditzydoo thinks she and AngelFlight are a couple since they spend so much time alone together in these times. Anna lies and promises that Ditzydoo shouldn't feel jealous or threatened and she will tell her if anything changes. Cheerilee pipes up "Hey AngelFlight could you help me with Target practice?"
"Sure thing Cherry!" He helps carry targets and shooting cans to the top of the hill overlooking the town. The three other girls keep a close eye on them. After each shot, Cheerilee explains what was wrong with the shot to Angel. On one attempt Cheerilee misses her target because the scope wasn't zeroed correctly. They pause for a moment and hear more gunshots in the distance. They slowly snuck up on the small camp filled with raider ponies. Angel flies over to the camp to get a better view and is immediately shot at forcing him to retreat. He yells at lavender to head back to the small shack they were currently living at and to prepare his 25mm. Angel arrives back at the shack and noticed that he has been shot in the hind he quickly rushes to patch himself up before heading to defeat the attacking raider ponies. AngelFlight rushes out of the door and takes flight with his 25mm machine gun mounted and ready to fire underneath him. Soon after the sound of gunfire starts echoing in the air, followed by shouts coming from various directions and screams. Angel detects movement and begins to shoot his way through the camp. After all, this wasn't the first time he's killed several he was used to the bloodshed. The 4 fillies at the shack heard the explosives they knew what had happened triggered something within AngelFlight. It was like his body and mind gave in to the rage and fury and allowed it to take control. Anna rushed to him frantically and grabbed AngelFlight's shoulder to try and calm him down but she couldn't move and let out a scream in fear. All 4 Fillies were silent with mouths hanging open waiting to see what will happen next.
With his guns firing relentlessly the shots ring out throughout the small camp destroying everything. The lead raider pony was able to get away with her life even though she received a wound that nearly knocked off her horn. Another raider pony got trapped under the rubble due to some debris that was kicked up by AngelFlight's explosions. After shooting the last raider Pony Angel felt a feeling of euphoria that began to take hold of his whole mind. His eyes glaze over as he stares up into the sky and forgets about everything else except killing everypony there. He didn't think any of those raider ponies deserved to live anymore he wanted to kill everyone. He took off and flew away but before AngelFlight realized what was happening he crashed right into the base of one of a building in a nearby town. Angel went completely catatonic when the adrenaline rush wore off after crashing. Fortunately, the female pegasus inside was a nurse named Latte. She tended to Angel's wounds and nursed him back to health using potions and healing magic. Over the course of a few hours, his violent demeanor vanished replaced with remorse and guilt over what he did. What was left of the camp was covered in a thick layer of dust and rubble.
As Angel and Latte talk things begin to come to light. Angel explained how the explosions triggered something in his subconscious. Suddenly Anna burst through the door to the room Angel Flight was being kept in.
"Angie we have been worried sick about you," Anna says as Lavender and Cheerilee walk through the doorway. The others quickly clear a space in the middle of the floor to make room for the party to gather around. As the Fillies look on anxiously, AngelFlight can still feel the guilt from what he has done. Latte puts her hoof out trying to calm Angel but all he does is glare back at her and try to push her away. "You don't understand! Those ponies I just slaughtered those ponies!" Latte takes a step back in shock while the other three fillies cover their ears in an attempt to block out the pain from Angel's yelling. After a long period of silence, Angel finally calms down.
Anna turns to face AngelFlight with tears in her eyes. She touches his muzzle gently and rubs his cheek. "It's ok Angie. We're here for you. Let's go home."
Latte Chimes in to suggest she go with them to keep an eye on Angel's health. After a short time in the shack, Angelflight's demeanor returns to normal. He apologizes to all the girls and helps clean up. It suddenly hits AngelFlight that Dtzy is nowhere in sight. "Where is Ditzy?" Angel asks.
"She went outside to grab some fresh air," Cheerilee replies.
"I'll be right back I promise." AngelFlight rushes out of the shack and sees Ditzy running away from the shack crying. He runs out of the shack after her and grabs her by her mane and wings. "Ditzy!" he cries.
"Let me go Angel please," she pleads.
"But why are you so scared of me? I love you."
"No. I don't love you. Not anymore."
"But I made mistakes. It was an accident. Please let me explain."
"What do you want from me?" she asked as she looks up at him.
The two begin to fight over who would speak first until Latte interrupts by asking them if everything is alright. AngelFlight immediately stops fighting with Ditzy and sits down on the ground. "We were attacked by some raiders and I killed them all. I'm sorry it's not my fault. I don't know what happened. I...I.." Angel begins to cry.
"Why are you crying?" Ditzy asks.
"Because I feel like such a terrible person. I shouldn't have done that. I killed all those somewhat innocent ponies."
Ditzy unphased just walks off and tells Angel to never come looking for her again. After a moment Latte steps forward and hugs Angel. She strokes his mane and tells him that they will find a way to make it right.
Over the next several day Angel slowly recovers from his ordeals. The group stays in the little shack not wanting to leave the only place they have all called home in the wastelands. One day the foursome is sitting around the fire discussing their options for the future when a loud crash comes from outside. The four fillies and Angelflight look toward the window and see smoke billowing up from the distance. "That's odd" Cheery states.
"Something must have caught fire," Angel responds.
"Or maybe there's another raider encampment nearby." Angelflight agrees.
"Either way we should stay alert. If worse comes to worst we can always hole up in here until morning." Cheerilee says.
The group goes silent as they watch the smoke rise into the sky. A few moments pass before Cheery decides to break the silence. "Maybe we should get some sleep." Everyone nods in agreement and the foursome all lay down in the shack and fall asleep. The next morning everyone wakes up to the sound of Latte screaming.
"There's another pony outside!" Latte yells.
The group jumps up and rushes outside where they find the lone survivor of the raider attack. The survivor is covered in blood with a large wound on his head.
"Can you stand?" Angelflight asks the young colt.
"I think so." He replies weakly.
"Let's get you inside and cleaned up," Angelflight says as he helps him to the door.
Once inside the survivor is greeted by Cheery who lets the survivor rest on a bed. "How did you survive?" Cheery asks.
"They ambushed us as we were traveling through the wasteland. I fought back but one of them cut me with his sword."
"Where are your friends?" Cheery asks.
"Dead. All of them."
"What about any other survivors?" AngelFlight adds.
"None. They were all dead except for me." The lone survivor replies.
Latte comes up behind Cheery and whispers in her ear, "Oh no. We're going to need more bandages." Cheery turns around and looks at Latte surprised. Latte quickly explains the situation to Cheery and asks if she could help by making bandages. Cheery agrees and begins to work on the injured survivor.
As the day passes the survivor recovers and regains his strength. Soon enough he is able to walk and talk without any problem. The survivor introduces himself as Bonfire an Earth pony and after introductions and a quick meal everyone settles down for a long night.
A few hours later Latte gets up to use the bathroom. While walking down the hallway she notices something strange and runs over to it. She picks up a small object and walks over to AngelFlight. AngelFlight is still lying in bed and Latte hands him the object. Angel glances at it and realizes what it is. It's a piece of metal.
"Where did you find that?" Angelflight asks.
"In the hall. Why?" Latte replies.
"It's part of a broken weapon," Angel answers.
"Oh. I thought it was a decoration." Latte says.
"Not exactly," Angel responds.
Angel takes the object and starts to examine it. He examines it from every angle and soon discovers its purpose. A few minutes later he's able to put the pieces together. "I don't believe it."
"What?" Latte asks.
"This is a part of an old single shot 40 mm grenade launcher."
"Really? Can we use it?" Latte asks excited.
"Well, I don't know. We'll have to see." Angelflight replies. AngelFlight decides to fall asleep on the bed. Latte tries to go to sleep too but finds herself unable to sleep. Finally she gives up and heads out of the shack. She walks outside and looks around the area in the dark.
She wanders around the settlement and sees a suspicious-looking metal tube she picks it up and realizes that it's for a grenade launcher. she gathers the parts and heads inside where she falls asleep in the makeshift kitchen the group had after she set the parts on the table. AngelFlight wakes up first and sees Latte on the ground sleeping. He takes a closer look at the parts and realizes that they are indeed part of a grenade launcher.
After breakfast, Angelflight and Latte decide to take a look at the weapon. They carefully move the parts into the center of the room and begin to assemble the rifle. Once everything is assembled the two test the rifle and find that it works perfectly. Latte puts a 40mm grenade into the weapon and makes sure it's ready for firing. Bonfire chimes in
"That's a lot of ammo you've got there."
"Yeah, we might want to look for some other weapons like this," Angelflight responds.
"How do you plan on finding anything like that?" Bonfire asks.
"I'm not really sure. Maybe we can ask around." Angelflight says.
"Maybe we should go north," Latte suggests.
"You mean towards the capital?" Angelflight replies.
"Yes. If there is a town near the capital then it would be a good idea to check it out." Latte replies.
"Alright. Let's go." Angelflight says.
"Wait a minute. What if we run into raiders or something?" Latte asks.
"We'll just have to deal with whatever comes our way," AngelFlight replies. Cheerilee wakes up the same as lavender and Anna.
Anna decides to be a little flirtatious with AngelFlight as they prepare to leave. "Mooooorning Angie!" She says playfully.
AngelFlight smiles back and replies, "Morning Anna."
"So how has your morning been so far?" Anna asks. AngelFlight laughs.
"A bit rough," Angelflight answers.
Anna decides to get a little more flirtatious. "Do you need me to help make it better?" She asks.
"I think I can handle that all on my own," AngelFlight replies.
"No, really," Anna insists.
"I assure you I am fine," Angelflight replies.
"Okay. Well if you change your mind..." Anna says before she leans forward and gives AngeFlight a quick peck. After a short kiss, Anna pulls away and says, "See ya later."
AngelFlight just stares at her.
"I said see ya later!" Anna shouts at AngelFlight.
"See ya later," Angelflight repeats. Anna leaves the hut and Angelflight turns his attention to the weapon. Angelflight holds the rifle in front of himself and stares at it for a while.
The group set off toward the capital after breakfast. The trip was uneventful they went to the capital and went into a Pancake Town. CheerTronix waved them in. "Welcome to Pancake Town! Can I take your order?"
"Yes please. We will have 4 pancakes with some bacon and eggs on the side," Angelflight replied.
"Sounds good. I'll have mine with extra meat and no fruit," Bonfire added.
"And what about you?" Cheertronix asked Latte.
"I'll have the same thing as Angel," Latte replied.
"Will that be all?" Cheertronix asked.
"Yes. That will be fine," Angelflight responded.
"Great. Here are your order and your meals will be ready in a few minutes," Cheertronix said.
"Thanks!" Angelflight says.
"Your welcome," Cheertronix says. Latte thinks that pancake town looks nice.
"Hey Cheertronix," Latte says.
"What's up?" Cheertronix asks.
"It's just that this place is pretty nice." Latte says.
"Well, I appreciate the compliment. Thank you very much," Cheertronix says.
"Oh yeah, by the way, where's the bathroom?" Angelflight asks.
"You can use the one next to us," Cheertronix says.
"Ok thanks." Angelflight says as he walks over to the bathroom. CheerTronix watches him go and thinks to himself. He was going to ask AngelFlight if he wanted coffee but now that AngelFlight isn't here, he doesn't have too. Cheertronix gets back to work making breakfast. Latte notices a sign in the shop window.
"Pancakes, French Toast, Waffles... and more!" It reads.
"Is there anything else besides those things you just listed?" Latte asks.
"Oh yeah! You can get a sandwich made with pancakes and French toast," Cheertronix replies. AngelFlight returns from the restroom and asks CheerTronix if he was a Synth. "Are you an android?" AngelFlight asks.
"Yes, I am an android," Cheertronix replied.
"What kind of synth are you?" AngelFlight asks.
"I'm a synth that is programmed to make pancakes, waffles, sandwiches, and other stuff like that," Cheertronix replied.
"That's cool!" AngelFlight says.
"Yeah. I guess so," Cheertronix says.
The group sits down at a table and waits for their food. The food comes out soon and Cheertronix serves everyone. The group takes a bite out of their food.
"MMM! This is delicious!" Bonfire says after eating his meal.
"This is great!" Cheerilee adds.
AngelFlight nods his head. "Yep. This is pretty good," he replies.
"Good job Cheertronix," AngelFlight says. Anna just takes one of AngelFlights pancakes. Lavender just eats the eggs. AngelFight just starts shoveling his food into his mouth.
After they finish, they pay and leave the cafe. "Let's keep moving," AngelFlight suggests. They go into a small store and pick up some bottled water and other supplies. Then they leave.
"I hope we reach the capital by nightfall," AngelFlight says.
"Me too," Latte replies.
"Hey guys?" Anna asks. The group stops to listen.
"Yes, what is it Anna?" Angelflight replies.
"Can we stop for a bit?" Anna asks.
"Sure," Angelflight says. The group stops and sets up camp.
Latte wakes up the next morning. She gets up and finds a bottle of water on her bag. Latte drinks some and then she goes out into the world again. She hears something behind her and turns around. AngelFlight is walking toward her. Latte puts her hand on AngelFlight's shoulder to hold herself steady as AngelFlight walks past her. "Morning Latte," AngelFlight says.
"Yeah. How're you doing?" Latte asks.
"Pretty good, I'd say," AngelFlight replies.
"I've been having problems sleeping lately," Latte admits.
"That's rough," AngelFlight replies. He gives her a little smile.
"Have you ever had any trouble sleeping?" Latte asks.
"Yeah but eh what can I do," AngelFlight says with a shrug of his wings.
"Yeah, me too," Latte answers. "Maybe we should talk about it."
"What happened that made you think that?" AngelFlight asks.
"I don't know but when I heard you mention that it reminded me of a time I couldn't sleep because I had nightmares," Latte explains.
"Oh," AngelFlight says quietly.
"So tell me, did you ever hear a certain song that would always put you to sleep?" Latte asks. AngelFlight thinks for a moment and shakes his head no. Latte sighs and says, "Well let's go find a new song for both of us."
"Sounds like a plan," AngelFlight replies.
"You got to be kidding me," Anna groans, looking up at the sky dreary. "It's still dark out."
"Yeah," AngelFlight answers.
"And it's not even morning yet," Anna continues.
"No, it's not sleepy head," AngelFlight agrees with her teaseingly.
"Geez you two," Anna says. "I don't need this right now."
"I don't either," Bonfire says, giving them a look rubbing his eyes with his whooves.
"Alright, alright," AngelFlight says. He gets up and walks over to where Anna is sitting.
"I'll give you a nice warm hug," AngelFlight says. Anna looks up at him and smiles. "You know what? I'll give you a hug instead of a kiss on the cheek," AngelFlight teases.
"Ooh! That sounds like fun!" Anna laughs. She stands up and hugs AngelFlight tightly. Lavender and cheerilee wake up.
"Aww, what are we missing?" Lavender asks.
"Nothing," AngelFlight responds.
"Do you have a crush on Anna?" Cheerilee asks.
AngelFlight doesn't reply.
"Is she your girlfriend?" Lavender teases.
"No," AngelFlight answers. Lavender frowns and looks away.
"So you're single then?" Cheerilee asks.
"Yes," AngelFlight says.
"Now that's more like it," Cheerilee says with a smile.
"I'm sorry," AngelFlight says. "I guess ever since Ditzy left I guess I am single again."
"Don't worry about it," Cheerilee says.
"Why don't we all get ready for the day?" AngelFlight suggests.
"Okay," everyone says. They go back to their tents. Anna starts to pack up her stuff. She packs up her things and picks up her bag. She sees AngelFlight watching her from afar and smiles. She goes back to her tent and sits down. She opens up her bag and pulls out a notebook. She places her pencil to the paper and begins writing. She writes down the lyrics to a song. She sings the song softly in her mind while she writes. Her pen moves quickly across the page. She finishes her song and closes her notebook. She puts her journal away and puts on her jacket. She heads out of her tent. AngelFlight follows her.
"Where do you want to go?" AngelFlight asks. Anna stops and turns around to face AngelFlight.
"Anywhere that isn't here," Anna replies. AngelFlight nods and they walk off together.
"Hey there, sugarcube," a voice says from behind AngelFlight. He turns around to see Cheerilee faking a southern accent looking him in the eye. "Can I come in?" AngelFlight sighs and lets her in.
"Come on, sweet cheeks, tell me what's bothering you," Cheerilee says still faking an accent.
"I just...I just don't feel like myself," AngelFlight says. Cheerilee nods and smiles.
"When was the last time you slept well?" Cheerilee asks. AngelFlight thinks for a moment and finally answers, "I guess. It's been a while."
"That's what I thought," Cheerilee says with a smile. "Now, tell me everything. What's wrong? You can trust me."
"I'm sorry," AngelFlight says. "I really don't want to talk about it." Cheerilee nods and smiles.
"Maybe later then. For now, why don't you go take a nap?" AngelFlight nods and goes inside his tent. Cheerilee watches AngelFlight walk into his tent and shuts the door. She sighs and leaves.
"What's going on?" AngelFlight asks himself. He gets out of bed and goes outside. The others are already gone. He walks off to find them and notices a note lying on the ground. He picks it up and reads:
Dear AngelFlight,
It's me. Ditzy. I'm sorry to leave like this but I couldn't bear to be with you anymore. I know you love me and I really did try to make this work but I've made my decision. I hope you understand.
Goodbye,
Ditzy
***
"Well, I guess that means she's truly gone," AngelFlight says to himself.
He gets back into his tent and lays down. He tries to sleep but he keeps thinking about Ditzy. Finally, he gives up and jumps up. He runs outside and searches for Cheerilee. He finds her sitting alone in front of a tree.
"Cheerilee?" AngelFlight asks. Cheerilee jumps up and turns around. AngelFlight rushes over to her and hugs her as tight as he can tears running down his face. Cheerilee returns the hug but breaks away after a moment.
"AngelFlight, what's wrong?" Cheerilee asks.
"I'm so sorry," AngelFlight says. "I'm such a fool. I should have never let my feelings cloud my judgment. I didn't think she would do something like this."
"She's not even your girlfriend," Cheerilee says.
"Yeah, I know," AngelFlight says. "But I still care for her." He wipes his eyes and looks at Cheerilee.
"You know if you need anything or anyone to talk to, I'm right here," Cheerilee says. AngelFlight nods and smiles.
"Thanks, Cheerilee," he says. "I'll keep that in mind." AngelFlight starts walking away when Cheerilee calls out to him.
"Wait!" AngelFlight stops and turns around.
"Yes, Cheerilee?"
"Forget about her," Cheerilee says. "Focus on yourself. That's all that matters." AngelFlight nods and smiles at Cheerilee.
"Thank you," AngelFlight says and continues on his way. He makes it to camp and finds everyone else gathered together talking. They stop and look at him when they notice him. He tells them he is going to pack up and go to his home or at least whats left of it and he doesn't want them to follow. After all, he only wants to be with himself. They all nod and he heads off into the wasteland. He arrives at whats left of his house surprisingly intact. he takes off his armor and cleans up a little bit he boards up a broken window. He is alone and quiet again.
He sits down on the couch and thinks about his life. About how everything is falling apart because of one stupid mistake.
"I'm so sorry, Ditzy," he whispers to himself. He holds his head in his hands and cries until there are no more tears to cry.
"Hey," AngelFlight hears a voice say. He looks up and sees Anna standing by his door. He jumps up and puts his helmet back on and draws his handgun.
"I heard you were leaving us," Anna says.
"Well, yeah," AngelFlight holstering his weapon says. "After everything that happened, I just needed some time to myself."
"Is something wrong?" Anna asks. AngelFlight shakes his head and stares at the floor.
"No," he says. "Everything's fine. I was just thinking." He sighs and walks past Anna. He heads over to the counter where his food is stored and grabs two pieces of bread with cheese and meat. He eats quickly then heads back to his room. Anna follows him and sits on his bed.
"Are you okay?" Anna asks.
"I don't know," AngelFlight replies. "I mean, I feel like everything is falling apart and I don't know what to do next." He rubs his neck and thinks about things.
"I don't know why, but I feel like I knew Ditzy better than anyone else in this world. I felt closer to her than anypony could possibly understand and now she's gone." AngelFlight looks down at his hoof and places it over his heart.
"I miss her so much," he says. Anna wraps an arm around his shoulder and squeezes him tight.
"I know, buddy," she says. "But I promise you're gonna find someone special who will love you more than Ditzy ever did."
"I really hope you're right," AngelFlight says. "I don't know how I'm supposed to move on from this."
"Listen," Anna says. "If you wanna talk about anything, I'm here for you. You know that, right?" AngelFlight nods and Anna sits up.
"I'll see you later," she says and leaves his room. AngelFlight lies back on his bed and stares up at the ceiling. He thinks about Ditzy and how she had changed his life. He thought he would never be able to love another pony like he loved her, but now he doesn't know. He closes his eyes and tries to sleep, but he can't help but think about how he might have lost what might be the last chance at happiness in his life. He lays awake and thinks about everything that's happened to him.