Fallout Equestria: Desperados V3 (Bonds of Platinum)

Fallout: Equestria

Desperado’s V3: Bonds of Platinum

Ch 12, Culture, Part 2.

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Fizzy and I left the gift shop, the others staying behind to continue working on the clothing. Live Axle was most set on her work, looking rather happy as she stiched up a dress as she chatted away with the mares. They were her kin, and culture, so it made sense that here was where she felt at ease.

Still, it felt odd that our biker tough mare was such a natural seamstress and chatty girl.

Outside we were greeted by a unicorn mare in a silver a purple dress suit, a rifle slung on her back and a saber hanging off her side. “Greetings Miss Harp, and Fizzy.” The Knight Captain, Silver Leaf, greeted us.

I was a little confused as to why she was here, but manageable to not show it on my face. “Greetings Knight Captain, what brings you all the way down here? I doubt it's for the potato bread rolls.”

She chuckled. “If only. No, this is a business call if anything. As you know, the situation here isn't the most… stable. We had hoped to have Arras come up and talk to our elders, but there are issues with that due to the Rangers and your elder being a ghoul. Arras knows this, as does the Platinum Guard, so Arras has elected you to take his place. He seems to hold a lot of trust in you.”

I let out a sigh. “And when was this? Because it's the first I heard about it.”

“Just recently, so you're not going to be the only one.” Silver Leaf told me. “Actually, I'll need to inform our Elder first, so as to clear up any confusion on this matter.”

“And when is this?” I asked.

“Not long, they just want to resolve a few issues with the Desperados before the council hall meeting.” She informed me. “But until then, we'd like to invite you to tour the Tomb as a guest.”

My ears perked up at that last part. I was a little displeased by being thrust into more politics, but I did want to visit my ancestor’s tomb. “I guess I wouldn't hurt, and if Arras thinks I'll be a good stand-in for him, It would be rude to turn it down.”

“Good, I'll escort you to the tomb then. Nopony would dare try anything if I’m with you.” Silver said stoically.

“Oh, can I come!?” Fizzy asked excitedly.

Silver nodded. “That wouldn't be a problem.”

“Would having me join be an issue?” Lair Darkheart asked as she practically stepped out of the shadows. “Even if Arras is the elder, Swift is still the Warchief, and should have representation.”

A death like glare came from Silver, but the mare then let out a sigh of resonation. “Yes, you are right, though I loathe to admit that. Come if you must, just mind your tongue.” she then returned her attention to me. “I'll give you a few minutes to prepare, and meet you at the entrance.”

“Only a few minutes?” I asked.

“Sorry, but I would rather not stay here for long. If you must take longer to prepare, I'll meet you at the Hilltop Diner. But it's less likely you will be able to go on the tour if you take too long.” Silver informed me before trotting off.

“Me thinks she finds the Desperados too dirty for her liking.” Lair commented with a hungry grin.

I rolled my eyes at her, “The Desperados are too dirty for most ponies, anyways, Shouldn't you be asleep?”

“You mean last night, nah I'll be fine. I needn't much sleep. Your Star on the other hoof, I wouldn't be surprised if she's out for a long while.” Lair then chuckled to herself, which rubbed me the wrong way.

“You better not have-” I began to say, buth Lair cut me off.

“Trust that I am not a fool, little princess. If I were to do anything untoward to your companions, be sure that you would never know it was me.” She then smirked. “That said, if Star invited it, I wouldn't mind showing her how untoward I can be to her.”

I cocked an eyebrow. “What?”

“Well, I'll be just a few minutes. Toodles.” Lair chuckled out as she trotted off, leaving me both confused and concerned.

“You think she's into mares?” Fizzy asked, sounding just as confused as I was.

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There were only a few things we needed to grab before meeting up with Silver. Taking a simple scarf and my red cap, along with some money. I also made sure my revolver was properly snug under my vest, just in case. Fizzy sorted out her bottles of Sparkle-Cola, taking a few of the special darks with her, along an odd mug that radiated magic. She didn't change clothes, sticking to her dirty jumpsuit and messy mane.

When rejoining Silver, Lair had only just arrived, now in a stallion's relaxed wear with a long and thick black jacket over it. She was still decorated in gold and feathers, but it was far more modest than before. Even more striking was that she wasn't hiding her face anymore, sporting just sunglasses and a small bicorn hat on her head. Strangely, she gave off a far more masculine and natural feeling now, which felt… odd.

“Oh! She's, like, dapper!” Frizzy said with more excitement than I thought she would for another mare.

Silver just squinted her eyes at Lair. “A bicorn, that explains everything.”

Lair let out a laugh. “Why? Has my kin given you trouble before?”

“No, we have not seen a bicorn here since… possibly never.” Silver said, still looking at Lair with suspicion. “But the ancient text does mention your kind, and their capacity for evil.”

Clicking her tongue, Lair trotted right up to the knight captain. “Evil you say. Now I wouldn't deny such things, but… we can be no more evil than any other pony. Though, I can honestly say that my kin never tried to destroy the world just for spiteful victory. Can you say the same… unicorn?”

Letting out a huff, Silver turned and trotted up the Market road. “Let's go, or we'll be late.”

The three of us then followed close behind the Knight Captain, finding that most ponies gave us room as we trotted.

Like before, Lairs hoof steps were absurdly quiet, and though she was adorn in gold, none of it jingled. Getting a closer look, a lot of the jewelry looked like coins, each one depicting four symbols divided by a cross section. Her jacket also looked as though embroidered with gold, giving it a slight shimmer to it.

“You like?” Lair then asked.

“Not sure, maybe just curious.” I told her before asking. “Why that outfit? It's nice, but-”

“Not suited for a mare, oh I know.” She said with a chuckle. “My sister and mother aren't fond of my wardrobe choices, but dresses are just not… me. But tradition says that a lady must be in a dress, so I endure. So I treasure times like this, when I don't have to be a lady.”

“And the jewelry?” I further asked.

“Old tradition, ancient actually.” She said as she levitated a gold and silver coin from a breast pocket. “We've used the Doubloons for over a thousand years, both as currency, and for ritualistic magic. Those of the old faith decorate themselves with the symbol of our god and goddess, so that if their eyes fall upon us, we can offer them valuables in exchange for their continued indifference.”

Something didn't sound right about that. “Indifference?”

Lair put the coins back into her pocket. “Yes, indifference. The attention of the gods is not something a pony should desire, for it means that life will soon become… difficult. As a secret priest of the Dread Queen and King, this is one of the lessons I share with the faithful freely and often. Being alone in the world may be difficult, but never being alone, that can be far more so.”

That sounded like an odd faith, and rather grim. “Wait, secret… Priest?”

“Shhh.” She playfully shushed me. “It's not a secret if you say it out loud. But yes, though I am a lady of the Darkheart family, I am also a member of the secret priesthood of the Dread Queen and King. The Thorn’s Chosen aren't too fond of the old faith, so we practice in secret. Unfortunately, my beloved mother and sister are devout followers of Thorn, so I stick to my role as a lady when around them.”

“Okay, but why not a priestess?” I further asked.

But Lair just winked at me, but didn't answer.

Fizzy on the other hoof then spoke up. “I, umm. Like, know what you mean. Not being left alone. Would you happen to know something that might help?”

Lair smiled, and pulled out a gold coin. “Maybe. How about you take this, I'm sure it will help.”

Flipping the coin to Fizzy, a slight spark of magic flashed on contact with my new friend and few back, slamming into Lairs cheek.

Letting the gold coin fall back into her own cloven hoof, Lair places it into her pocket. “Ah, I think I understand. You don't mean the attention of stallions, but of something far more… tedious.”

“Y… ya. Sorry.” Fizzy apologized.

I wasn't sure how to feel about what I just saw, but I knew it was even more trouble. But strangely, it didn't seem that anypony had noticed the exchange, or the flash of magic. Likely because nopony cared to watch, or pretend to not to, but I had a feeling it was more that nopony but us could.

“Ahem!” Silver Leaf spoke up, standing in front of an ancient stone gateway guarded by two Platinum Guards. “Fortunately we are just in time for the tour, step inside and a Square will be waiting for you. I'll go talk to the Elder and let her know you have arrived.”

She gave Lair one more glare before trotting off.

“A shame, she'd be prettier if she smiled more.” Lair said in a mocking tone.

Fizzy let out a sigh. “Maybe she needs a hug, but that might make her more upset if I did it.”

“I think having you two around is what's making her upset.” I said with a sigh. “Now let's go before we miss the tour.”

The two ponies on guard looked us up and down, one telling us, “You may enter, but the rules as follow are; keep all tools or weapons on your person at all times, unless directed to take them out. Do not touch the walls, or flowers within. Do not take part in fighting, be it verbal or physical. Naver attempt to take anything from here. And most importantly of all, follow all instructions given to you by the guard within.”

Giving them a nod, the two guards stepped aside and we trotted forward. Passing the wall, we stopped at a magical barrier, it shimmering with a silver light. I knew exactly what this was, an exclusionary barrier, much like that pink barrier that blocked off the gemstone mine. But this one was made specifically by the royal family to keep all others out.

Trotting through the barrier was a pony dressed much like a ranger scribe, but in silver and purple colors. “Come this way, we are about to begin.” The pony spoke.

“Is this tour really that popular that you need reservations?” Lair then asked.

The squire nodded. “Unfortunately, we've had several thefts and other incidents in the past. As many ponies believe they can obtain powerful weapons here.” the squire explained. “Since then we schedule regular tours for those willing to donate to the ruins upkeep.”

“Donate? Must be very impressive for a pony to give up their money to take a look.” Lair said.”

“Indeed it is, we put a lot of work into the maintenance of this place after all.” The squire said with a smile. “Now follow me, I'll open the barrier.”

A pendant on the squires chest glowed, and opened up a hole in the silver barrier, letting out a pleasantly nostalgic scent.

Following the squire inside, I immediately noticed that the air became pleasantly warm, and a bit moist. Surrounding us were walls of plants, no, roses! Roses of every color and shape, all in bloom and well cared for. There were lilies and carnations too, also in every color I could imagine. It was like the garden back home, but so, so much more.

“Alright, I get it now.” Lair said.

We joined up with a small group of three ponies, and one dear, all of which were stylishly, yet casually dressed. A, what had to be a Saddle Arabian stallion in a shimmering robe. A mare and stallion pegasus, both dressed in well maintained old world clothing, including hats and scarves that obscured their faces. Then the deer, a Doe I think, yet had antlers and wore a white fur coat.

Several Platinum Guards stood about in their polished power armor, no weapons, or intimidating glares, just stoically on guard. Among them were several squires, who diligently trotted about, maintaining the flowers. Another Platinum guard, in a somewhat more decorated roabe trotted over, dismissing the Squire that led us here, then addresses us.

Seeing her was actually shocking, as the pegasus mare was partly translucent. Looking as though she was made of pale blue sapphire, with her mane and tail made of an even deeper blue sapphire, and her eyes a fierce rose quartz pink. She was a genuine Crystal Pony, and she shimmered in the light.

“Hello visitors.” The Crystal mare spoke, her voice considerably feminine and refined. “I'm sure some of you have been rather disappointed due to the week-long closure of this sacred place, and for that, I apologize. As part of our apology, I, Knight Sky Rose, will be your tour guide. And any questions you may have will be given extra attention.”

I raised an eyebrow, and asked Fizzy. “Is she important? Other than being a literal crystal pony?”

“I think so? Let me ask.” Fizzy then raised a hoof, getting the mares attention. “Miss Rose, why are you important again?”

Both Rose and I face hoofed. The knight then spoke. “Good to see you back, miss Fizzy. For those who do not know, I am a descendant of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, the once ruler of the Crystal Empire. Currently, I am sixth in line to the imperial throne, and stationed here to learn from the Platinum Guard for when it is time to reforge the Crystal Imperial Guard.”

I was both impressed, and not impressed at the same time. She certainly had the arua of a princess, that was sure, but she was unfortunately the descent of a mistaken alicorn. Still, at least she didn't claim to be of Equestria royal blood.

The Saddle Arabian then spoke up. “Ah, marvelous. Rumors of the return of the Crystal Empire have even reached my homeland. It was so tragic that such a land fell not long after returning from being lost to time.”

Rose nodded to the stallion. “To say it was a struggle is an understatement. The Crystal Empire is unfortunately at the center of a magical blizzard, one that has lasted for over a thousand years, and will last a thousand more. The citizens have struggled to keep the cold at bay, and only with the triggering of the Gardens of Equestria have we been given a renewal of hope.”

The Dear then spoke up, her accent reminiscent of the far north if I had to guess. “We are well familiar with such primal magic, as Olenia regularly suffers from such storms. Do you not still have the crystal heart?”

Rose shook her head. “It was sadly lost in the great war, but we have found other ways to fend off the blizzard. If I remember correctly, many of which we learned from your ancestors in Olenia. A debt we have not forgotten.” She then smiled and took a deep breath. “But enough about my homeland, you are here to experience the legacy of Equestria. Starting with the garden of Princess Platinum.”

Rose trotted over to one of the rose bushes, it having several different colors of flowers. “Many of the flowers here are descendants of the flowers in Canterlot, of which were flowers taken from Princess Platinum homeland. Here they are kept in what is a magical greenhouse, as you can feel, and bloom year round. Many of the flowers here will later be harvested and given over to the Coven of Clovers, in which to make perfumes and scented oils.”

I was strangely enthralled as Rose continued on, explaining the history of each flower here, their meaning in the language of flowers, and famous ponies who were associated with such flowers. The garden was just one beautiful turn after another, making me wish my mother could have been here. She too loved her flowers, and would spend hours pruning her roses, and singing to herself.

I remember, playing my harp as mother pruned, singing along as I plucked the strings.

“You okay?” Fizzy asked me quietly.

“I'm fine, just remembered a pleasant memory.” I told her as I wiped a tear from my eye.

The tour moved on as we trotted to an ancient stone building at the top of the hill, magic pulsing from it as it was the source of the barrier that surrounded this place. Much like Clover’s Teahouse, the stones here were engraved and imbued with magic, both ancient and powerful. Another power armor pony stood guard, only moving when Rose requested that they do.

“Now mind your step, we are entering the top level of the tomb, where many artifacts are on display.” Rose told us before entering.

Following, it was nice and cool inside, smelling of old stone and dried flowers. We had entered a large well lit room, light from the old world were side by side anchen brazers that burned with blue fire. All around us were ancient objects on display behind glass, either hanging on walls, inside cabinets, or propped up on stands. Things like ancient armor and weapons, paintings, jewelry, books, and a lot of carved gemstones. There were also less ancient artifacts, such as flintlock muskets, dresses, and several statues of ponies I knew of and those I didn't.

“Here is our musim, in which artifacts from a few hundred years ago, to over a thousand are on display. All owned by the Equestria royal family, and protected by the Platinum Guard.” Rose informed us, as she trotted to the closest batch of artifacts. “The most recent set of artifacts, dating back over four hundred years ago, from Equestria's age of exploration.”

Taking a look myself, there were several flintlock guns, a rudimentary naval uniform, sabers, a black flag, and a portrait of a mare next to Celestia and a Saddle Arabian.

“Oh, I know this portrait, one like it is on display in the sultan's palace.” The Saddle Arabian said joyfully. “Several portraits were made in celebration of the alliance between Equestria and my homeland.”

“Yes, and not just that, but Saddle Arabian was the first friend Equestria had made since the Crystal Empire fell to King Sombra's curse.” Rose explained. “During the age of exploration, Equestria had ended its long isolation, and reached out to conduct trade and make friends. Many alliances were made in this era, though none stayed as strong as the one with Saddle Arabia. But not all was sunshine and rainbows, as this era was what also spurred what would be known as the Barbary wars.”

Lair let out a chuckle. “I know this one, my uncle would tell me the legends as a bedtime story.” This got a cocked eyebrow from Rose. “Back before Celestia came around, the Barbary Islands were top dogs, conducting raids on any creature in the region, or were paid off to ignore certain ports or boats. Well when Equestria came sailing around, the Barbary pirates treated them no different, which upset Celestia off something fierce, and instead of paying tribute, or suffering like so many others, she decided to unleash the power of the sun on us.”

Rose looked a bit surprised before nodding. “This is correct, and to stop the pirate raids on her ships, Celestia formed the first Equestria navy. Of which, several members of the royal family would be her captains. Through skill of mind and magic, Celestia would then purge the pirates from the Barbary Islands and the surrounding costs.” She then pointed to the black flag, which depicted… Stars fucking cutie-mark! “Here we have the flag of pirate queen Alginate, whom fought Celestia throughout the Barbary war, known to be vicious, yet charismatic, she led one of the largest fleets of pirates at the time. Celestia herself had to fight her directly when her own apprentice had been taken hostage. The flag itself is said to mean that no matter where you are, Alginate will find her way to you. Under the flag is Alginate's guns and swords, which is said that she was a master with.”

I let out a sigh. “Star is so going to want to see this.”

“Hay, this alone makes coming here well worth it for me.” Lair said. “Though something is off, because the legend about Alginate was that her guns and swords were a gift from the Dread Mare herself, but they look painfully ordinary.”

I kept the thought to myself, but I was sure any real artifacts were deeper in the tomb, with everything here a reproduction.

“Say, Harp?” Fizzy spoke up. “Why dose that flag have Stars cutie-mark?”

I froze, having forgotten that Fizzy was another moron with a big mouth. I saw Roses eye zoom in on us, now aware of a pony named Star, with a cutie-mark similar to that flag.

Before I could think of anything to say, Lair chuckled and said. “Star's is Alginate’s decent, and almost all the ponies from that family have similar cutie-marks.”

“Oh… I guess that makes sense.” Fizzy said, satisfied with that answer. “We should bring her next time, I bet she'll love it!”

I eyed Rose, who took a long and nervous looking breath before return8ng her attention to the tour.

The tour then moved on, showing off several groups of artifacts from different eras of Equestria, along with the royal family members related to them. There were books from the founding of Celestia's school for gifted unicorns, which radiated a faint hint of magic. Fascinating enough was a full suit of jousting armor, a sport my family attempted to keep alive for five hundred years before Celestia stopped it entirely. Even now the armor and lance shined without a speck of rust.

“And here.” Rose spoke up, presenting several very old looking artifacts. “is our oldest artifacts, only known as the Dragons Head artifacts, they date back to beyond Equestrias founding, and were treasured keepsakes of Princess Platinum herself.”

Behind glass were several beautiful swords, but promptly on display was a shattered sword, and a large battered tower shield that depicted a dragon's head on it. Below that was a marvelous dress of silver and purple, adorned with many finely cut gems to form a tree pattern, which had runs etched into each of them. I was unsure if this was the real dress, but it was certainly something that Princess Platinum would have worn.

“Little is known about this time, other than the pony tribs falling into strife with each other and the arrival of the Wendigos soon after. But it is said that at one point all the pony tribes were united under a ruler known as the dragon head.” Rose further explained. “Was this individual a dragon, or simply call that is unknown, but supposedly they were related to Princess Platinum, who took over the role of leadership after the tribes had split. The fine dress here was once owned by Princess Platinum herself, and likely worn during the exodus to Equestria.”

The other tourists here began talking amongst each other and asking questions, but I myself looked upon the collection of swords, some heavily tarnished, and others in pristine condition. They were all reproductions, I was sure of that, but no less mesmerizing or without magic of their own.

“Well look at that.” Lair pointed at some of the swords. “that one must have been used by a Kelpie, see the hilt, it has a torch and pomegranate engraved on it.” Her cloven hoof then pointed at another sword. “Oh, and that one must be a Bicorn’s sword, see the engraving of a scepter and cerberus on the hilt.”

“How are you so sure?” I asked, but then remembered the coins she showed me, which had similar symbols. “Never mind, it has something to do with your religion I guess.”

Lair nodded.

“Then does that mean this sword is related to venus?” Fizzy asked, pointing to a sword that looked like it had a hoof mirror entangled by roses as a hilt. Among all the swords it was the most beautiful, and yet the most tarnished of them all. On the grip I could see a name written beautifully in ancient ponish. “Lancelot?” I read out the name, which made me feel ill by just saying it.

“You know ancient ponish?” Lair asked.

I nodded. “Not much, but it was a required reading in my youth. But that sword, I guess the welder was a worshiper of this… Venus, I guess.”

“Likely, and looking at that sword, the pony must have been full of themself.” Lair commented.

My eyes then drifted to two other swords, both depicting a two headed eagle over a purple shield, but one had a gold eagle, where the other had a silver eagle. Stranger was that the pomle of the silver eagle sword had a gold harp engraved into it, and the longer I looked at it, the more it felt familiar.

Wait, It was Majesty's magical Harp, I was sure of it.

“And last, but certainly not least!” Rose called out, gaining our attention. “Is the entrance to the tomb proper?” The Crystal pony stood in front of a large stone door engraved with Platinum. The engraving depicted the story of heartswarming itself, with how the six came together in friendship and founded Equestria. Yet, something was off. At the top of the door, the engraving was blurry, and a different image could be seen. The more I looked the clearer it became. A table, big and round, with ponies surrounding it. Two of each, earth ponies, pegasus, unicorns, they were there, but so were others. Ponies with bat wings, what had to be bicorns, and I guess were kelpies. Two more ponies were at the center of the group, one resembled Star Swirl the Bearded, but without the beard, and another with a crown.

“Now we cannot allow anypony to enter here, as the relics inside are considerably fragile, and must be kept in a steiral environment, but the door itself is an artifact in itself. Depicting the story of heartswarming eve, we get a, though not detailed, look at what the founders of Equestria looked like.”

I raised my hoof, getting Rose's attention. “Exuse me, but what about the engraving above it?” I asked as I pointed at the round table engraving.”

“Oh, that's just an engraving of Princess Platinums garden.” she told me, pointing at the same engraving herself, as though not seeing what I saw. “We could only guess it's there for aesthetics then for any deeper meaning. As wise as Princess Platinum was, she was still a mare who admired beauty after all.”

I felt out with my magic, but quickly pulled back after feeling a tremendous power reach back for me.

“Yes, that makes a lot of sense.” I said in agreement, still seeing the same image and not a garden. It was clearly magical, and not meant to be seen by anypony. But prying in anymore would only spell trouble, and the last thing I needed to do is open doors that don't need to be opened.

“Well, so ends our tour.” Rose then told everypony, “now you can stick around and observe this place for the next hour, but please be sure to not get in the squires way when possible. But you can ask them any questions, and they will answer to the best of their abilities. Now, if you follow me, I can take you to where we sell perfumes and other products made from the flowers here.”

The other tourists murmured happily as they then followed Rose back out. Among them, the covered up pegasus mare trotted by me, her wing tip flipping my ear. “Lancelot, what a nostalgic name.” she said in a slightly muffled voice.

“What? Hey!” I called out to the mare, but as she trotted off, Silver Leaf trotted in.

“Good, you're still here mMss Harp, our elder is ready to see you.” Silver Leaf told me, blocking my view of whoever that mare was.

Something about her was familiar and wrong, and I didn't like it. Letting out a sigh, I knew there wasn't anything I could do about it now. “The elder, yes, let's go see them.”

I took one more glance at the door to my ancestry tomb, the engraving of Heartswarming eve shifting a bit, and for a moment, showing a complete different story. One in which that big round table was left in pieces.

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