Fallout Equestria: Desperados V3 (Bonds of Platinum)

Fallout: Equestria

Desperado’s V3: Bonds of Platinum

Ch 14, Culture, Part 4.

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The Hilltop Boutique was as fabulous as it was yesterday, with several different articles of clothing now on display. There was even lingerie on display further back, but mostly it looked as though Heartwind was preparing for winter. Lots of padded clothing with hoods, and fur lined leather boots.

“Is that you, Harp?” Frilly Ribbons called out as she peeked from the back, the pudgy and likely pregnant mare trotting out with two saddlebags filled with cloth. The mare looked a bit disheveled, and had a slight limp, but the slight grin on her face showed me she was not in any distress. “Good to see you again, I'm glad you took my advice coming here. It's good business to have friendly relations with other businesses after all.” She then winked at me, the grin still on her face. “You should try and come in earlier and ask for the… special discount.”

Her smile then dropped as she noticed Silver Leaf. “Oh, Knight Captain, I didn't see you there?”

“Good to see you out and about, miss Frilly Ribbon, not up to any mischief I hope?” Silver asked.

Filly nervously laughed as she trotted to the exit. “Nothing of the sort, just the normal business between clothing merchants. Now I must go, time is money after all, and I'm wasting both the longer my shop is closed.”

She quickly made her way out, the door's bell ringing a bit louder as she did.

“Let me guess, she's got a history?” I asked.

Silver nodded. “oh ya. Used to live in the inner city until she got caught up in several affairs. Still don't know who the father of her foal is, and nopony wants to take responsibility.”

Fizzy then sighed. “So, Heartwinds type.”

Another nod came from Silver. “Oh, ya.”

“I guess this Heartwind and my Uncle have the same taste in mares then. Gladly, I don't.” Lair commented before winking at Silver. “I prefer the more reserved and private type of mare.”

“Then maybe this Uncle of yours should share a drink with me.” Heartwind said as he came out. He was well dressed as ever, but was slightly disheveled, with a noticeable lipstick mark on his shirt collar. “Good to see you again miss Harp, and Fizzy, you're looking as young as ever.” He then looked more serious as he said, “Knight Captain Silver Leaf.”

“Mister Heartwind Winters.” Silver said sternly. “I see that you're offering special discounts again.”

“Maybe, but I don't see how that's any of your business.” Heartwind said as he rubbed the lipstick mark of his shirt's collar. “Now tell me, who's the new face? She's clearly a dapper one, I might even offer her that discount.”

“Lair Darkheart.” Our Bicorn companion greated with a bow. “I'm sure I don't need a special discount, though, if I'm in the mood, I might consider you up on that offer. But only if you're aggressive about it.”

I cocked an eyebrow at her, and she chuckled before whispering to me. “Oh come now, you can't deny that he's quite the silver fox, and clearly knows how to be rough. I can't help but be a bit curious.”

“I like you.” Heartwind said to Lair. “If you're here to browse, then you're in luck, as I recently started displaying my winter line. Stylish and warm.”

Lair gave me a wink, then trotted over to the older griffin. “Do you have anything that can match my color, though I do love black, it all tends to blend together.”

Heartwind scratched his beak for a moment. “Something to go well with your natural red and black? Well tan is always a solid choice, it's both professional and functional, along with hiding dust better. Gray as well, but that's all business.” He then took an extra long look. “but I get the feeling that a navy blue or white might suit you better.”

The bell to the door rang again, and stepping through was a beautiful griffin hen, who looked like an older Bianca. She had a striking red dress on, and was decorated in gemstones and gold all over her.

The new griffin then stopped, a bit of concern on her face. “Knight Captain Silver Leaf? I do hope there isn't anything I need to hear from you?”

Silver smiled gently. “Oh no, not at all, I'm here just to browse, Wendy. I hope the mayor hasn't been giving you any problems.”

Wendy laughed. “No more than usual. Mayor Morning Mist is still spineless as ever, and the guilds are just as abnoxus.”

“Mom! Move your fat flank, I, like, can’t get through.” Bianca spoke as she squeezed in, holding a roll of cloth. “Oh, Silver, you're like, here!”

“Good to see you again, Bianca. Out shopping I see.” Silver said to the younger griffin hen.

“Managed to finally get this old-world silk out of the lockup, thanks to mom.” She said as she held up the roll of cloth victoriously.

“We had to cut a deal with Omar to pressure the Merchant Guild into not keeping it all to themselves. The usual brahminshit.” Wendy said, a hint of annoyance in her voice. “And who is your new fri… Is that you, Fizzy?”

Fizzy had been sheepishly hiding behind me, slowly stepping out to wave. “It's good to see you again, Wendy.”

Wendy rolled her eyes. “Oh come now, Fizzy, don't be shy! It's been years, let's have some tea.”

“Y… you're not mad?” Fizzy asked.

The older hen clicked her tongue. “Mad that you skipped out on our fashion show.” She glared down at Fizzy with a cold anger. “Maybe… but I've long gotten over it, so come, let's catch up on old times.” She then pointed her wing to the back where Heartwind and Lair were looking at suits and dresses. “Go tell your father that we have the silk, and then help clean up whatever mess he made in the back.”

“But mom!” Bianca whined.

“No buts. Just get it done and you'll be free for the rest of the day.” She commanded.

Bianca sighed. “Yes mom.” As she trotted off, the young griffin waved at Fizzy, who waved back.

“Now let's go to the parlor.” Wendy said as she directed us with her wing.

Trotting to a side room, I was taken aback by the style of the room. Lots of polished dark wood, stained glass, and even a stone fireplace. It felt a lot like Clover the Clever's teahouse, but not as old.

“You like?” Wendy asked, and I nodded. “It is of griffinstone style. Took years collecting the furniture from Talon companies from all over the wasteland, but we managed to make a little peace of our motherland.”

Looking closer, though a lot of it was worn, and partly damaged, I could also see carvings of griffin on most of the furniture. A lot of it was griffins fighting monsters with swords and bows, but there were a fair amount of images of families closely together.

Turning on an electric kettle, Wendy directed us to sit at a lovely little table. “So, where have you been for these last eight years, Fizzy?”

Fizzy then chuckled nervously, and gave a brief explanation to what had happened to her. By the time she was done, the water had started to boil and tea was then prepared.

“I see, that must have been troubling.” Wend said as she sipped her tea. “But I can't say you didn't deserve it… still, I'm glad you're alive.”

“Th… thanks Wendy. And, like, sorry for running out like that, on both of you.” Fizzy apologized.

Wendy groaned. “Don't apologize to Silver, she should have known better in the first place.”

Silver's eyes shifted away from Wendy, a hint of guilt on her face. “She already gave me an earful about that.”

“As sheltered as you are, Silver, you should have known better.” Wendy said coldly.

“I guess you and Fizzy are rather close?” I then asked Wendy.

The griffin Hen smiled. “Well, you can say that. Fizzy and I did live through a similar situation, as well as dealing with my dear husbands… eccentricity.”

I cocked an eyebrow. “You don't mean?”

“Heartwind has a thing for prostitutes and sluts.” Wendy said as she motioned her claw in a way that clearly involved stroking a certain part of a stallion.

My eye then drifted over to Fizzy, who was hiding her face in her hooves, then back to Wendy, who only just realized that she said something she probably shouldn't have.

“Oh, you don't know?” Wendy then placed her face into her claw in embarrassment. “Oh, I'm so sorry, I thought she'd have told you.”

“It's fine Wendy.” Fizzy said as she stopped hiding behind her hooves. “You remember when I said I had been sold into slavery, and ended up at the Ursas Den casino.” I nodded. “Well, I, like, did a lot of work in their brothel. I was even their most popular mare for a time, for whatever that's worth.”

Somehow, I wasn't shocked. A bit surprised, but not shocked. “That doesn't seem all that uncommon out in the wasteland.”

“No it's not.” Wendy said bitterly. “Even among the Talons, prostitution is common. Both willingly, and less so.”

“You two?” I asked.

She nodded. “I unfortunately wasn't born with the strength or eyesight to fight like a Talon. So I was trained to do mediation, busy work, and a bit of medicine. I was also considered considerably pretty in my youth, with many roosters desiring me. So naturally, I was pressured into being a Talon company whore. If not for Heartwind, I'd still be a talon company whore, or just some lowly company veteran's mistress. That's why I turn a blind eye to his… fetishes. As much as I hate it, he still provides for me and our daughter. And seeing Bianca grow up never knowing how hard life can be, fills me with joy. It's also why I don't hate Fizzy, though the poor dear can't seem to forgive herself.”

I looked over at Fizzy, as she sipped her tea. “B.. but.”

“But nothing.” Wendy said dismissively. “You did right by my daughter, and that's all that matters. Anyways, it's not like you kept on the relationship and got pregnant, like some other sluts in this city.”

“So you did sleep with him.” I said to my friend.

Fizzy nodded. “At the casino, in the Redlight Showroom, Heartwind was a regular of mine. He even offered to help me if I ever left, so when I did, I took him up on the offer.”

“My stupid husband failed to mention that he was married, and kept up the charade when Fizzy first arrived.” Wendy explained. “Eventually the affair was found out, since Fizzy had become a popular model of ours, and was his type. I wasn't happy about it, but Fizzy was so sincerely horrified that she had taken part in an affair, that I couldn't be mad at her.”

“You're still too kind to me.” Fizzy said sheepishly

“Oh come off it, it wasn't even your fault.” Wendy told her dismissively. “Also, you were too beautiful to be just thrown out onto the street. She was also making us a lot of money, and I'd be a fool to not exploit that.” She then let out a sigh. “Anyways, It's not like I didn't understand. If you don't have the strength to stand on your own in the wasteland, or the support of others, you either die or become a thing for others to use.”

Silver shifted around uncomfortably. “Y… ya, I keep forgetting that's how life is beyond the city.”

I nodded to that. “I'm not much different. Ignorant to the suffering around me. Well, until I found myself neck deep in it,”

“Trust me, that's nothing to be ashamed of, it just means you're living a good life.” Wendy said before finishing off her tea.

“And making yourself weak.” Lair said as she trotted in and poured herself some tea. She was out of her suit, with nothing on but black laced lingerie. Her cutie-mark was of two broken masks, one silver and the other gold, with a red and black heart underneath. As she sat, I noticed that she had rather noticeable breasts, though far smaller than Fizzy, yet weirdly the braw supporting them seemed a size or two too small. “Life itself is suffering, and we all must rise and overcome it. Life without suffering just leads to weak ponies who cannot protect themselves or others.”

“Spoken like a Talon.” Wendy said.

“Or a Desperados.” Silver added as she averted her eyes from Lair.

Lair grinned mischievously, positioning herself so that Silver got a good view of her. “And both are survivors, am I right?”

“In a sense.” Wendy said with a hint of disdain in her voice. “But they don't build, they don't improve. As soft as my Bianca is, when she takes over this business, her name will go down in history and bring great wealth to all those around her. Something the Talons have been incapable of doing since they were founded.”

I remember Dead Axle mentioning something like that about the Desperados. That the worst thing that happened to them was being proven right, and now they're unable to change. I could only imagine what the Desperados could have built if they hadn't stayed in their survival mindset.

A mocking huff came out of Lairs muzzle before taking a sip of her tea. “Maybe, but have you seen what became of those builders? Nothing but ruins, and by their own hooves. Still, you're not wrong. So many wonderful things were built by them.” She flared out a hoof, as to display her underwear. “Just as I can't help but love a good suit, the more secretive clothing also excites me. Things that survivors just don't make. So I do wonder what your adorably beautiful daughter will make. Though I do worry about her safety, with how vulnerable she is.”

Wendy's eyes narrow. “I may not be much of a fighter, but I was still a Talon, so watch your tongue.”

“My apologies, I mean no offense.” Lair curtsied to Wendy. “Just that the girl has no sense of real danger, not like you and your husband have. I've tragically seen others like her trot right into the maw of predators. Ponies that you think would be trustworthy, only to take advantage of you at the first sign of weakness.”

“Your own victims I asum.” Silver said with distrust.

Lair rolled her eyes at that. “By no means would I ever harm a fair lady, I am after all, a refined gentlecolt… spirituality I mean. Though if invited to do so, I am more than willing to demonstrate the brutality of this world. That said, I do worry for them, for the sweetness of honey will attract the most monstrous of beasts.”

Wendy let out a sigh. “No, you're right. I worry about that every day. That some brutish Talon will take my baby away.”

“Had an ex-coltfriend that wouldn't let me leave him.” Fizzy said with absolute disdain. “I was more of an objective for him to be shown around. One of my biggest regrets is that I ever thought of him as a good stallion.”

“Didn't you say you were a teenager at the time, and he was… older?” Wendy asked.

Fizzy looked embarrassed by the question. “Y… ya. But I still should have known better.”

Wendy reached out and patted Fizzy on the shoulder. “Now now, you're not the only one here who's been entranced by those much older. Or overlooked the negatives.”

“You mean Heartwind.” Silver pointed out.

Lair laughed at that. “Naw, his negatives actually make him more attractive. You know what you're getting I bet.”

“I am right here you know.” Wendy said in annoyance. “But yes, Heartwind may have his negatives, though he doesn't hide them. And he makes sure any creature knows that I am his number one, and will always be. Though it turns out that a devoted husband is rather sexy to mares who aren't in relationships.” She then tipped her now empty teacup at Lair. “Though I may not stop you from try to fuck my husband, that's an effort I long given up on, but I will kill you if you hurt him.”

“Oh, I like you even more.” Lair said before winking. “Maybe I should go after the both of you.”

Wendy didn't look phased by that at all. Just putting down her teacup and taking a deep breath. “Maybe this isn't the best time to chat about such personal things.”

“Then maybe later when I pick up my new suit?” Lair asked.

“Maybe.” Was Wendy's answer.

At this point I gave up on whatever relationship was going on here, and just accepted that things were a bit messed up under the surface. The kind of thing was best left alone.

“Soo… how much does Bianca know about this?” I asked.

“Very little.” Wendy said coldly.

Just then Bianca hopped in, dressed in a rather lovely floral pattern blouse. “About what?”

Wendy was quick to answer. “About your father and my time as Talons.”

Bianca scrunch her beek at that. “Oh, that's like, totally boring.” She then trotted over to Fizzy. “I’m free now, let's get you out of that, and in one of my latest designs! Oh, I've wanted to do this for so long.” her eyes then drifted to me, a smirk on her face. “You too, all of you. Especially you miss Lair, we need to like, get you a better bra”

Something in me wanted to say no, but something else in me screamed for it. It's been forever since I got to dress up, so why not.

“Bianca dear, do try not to get overly excited. But, since Fizzy is back, I'll let you use whatever we have in the store. The Knight Captain and I have more to discuss, so we'll be here if you need help.” Wendy told her daughter.

The young griffin squealed as she took Fizzy’s hoof. “This is going to be, like, so fun!”

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We lost track of time as a collection of suits and dresses opened up to us, with Bianca sorting through them all to find the best ones.

It felt like I was back home, having the maids fuss over me before a ball. I had my favorite dresses that I wanted to wear, but the maids had authority over things like appropriate dresses. It was the same for Mother and the rest of my family, that though we had higher authority, we couldn't step on any other ponies hooves. If the royal guard told us where to go, we did as they said. This way if we made a mistake, the royal family wasn't at fault, so long as we stayed within our role.

It was a nostalgic feeling, weirdly enough.

Bianca had put me in both a sunny yellow dress, and a light green dress, something to do with it bringing out my natural colors. The dresses were simple, yet quite elegant as well. I think it gave Bianca ideas, as she said that a green dress with gold embroidery might fit me just right.

Lair offered some real gold, hinting on me being in a pirate jacket.

Speaking of the bicorn, Bianca had her in a tan dress decorated with dark blue ribbons. It was odd, but was a rather lovely look on the mare. She also tried on different lingerie along with the rest of us, having a much easier time than Fizzy, who required custom underwear. Bianca even put Lair in an all white suit, which ended up looking more sinister than dashing on the Bicorn.

In the end, Lair actually bought and kept the tan dress on.

Now Fizzy was clearly the star of the show, going through more dresses than anypony. Sadly, most had a hard time fitting her, or looked a bit odd. Turns out Fizzy had very wide hips, was a bit taller than the average mare, and of course, her massive tits got in the way of most short dresses. Her height and hips did make her a good model though, helping her stand out in even a crowd, if she ever wanted to. Fizzy also seemed to enjoy dressing up, which was rather nice to see.

Whenshopping, Live Axle had her girly moments, but never to this extent. And Star had no style at all, often just throwing on some Celestia awful yellow dress.

We even got to see Bianca try on a few outfits, the young griffin looking absolutely beautiful dresses in both fancy and modest outfits. Watching her, it was like looking at an Equestria not scared by war, but filled with creatures who trusted and loved each other.

But as with all things, the good time had to come to an end, and we had to leave. Both because we were running out of dresses to try that matched us, and we were starting to get hungry. Bianca actually cried a little, as did Fizzy, when we left. Silver had already left ahead, which was a bit disappointing to not see her in a new outfit.

As we trotted off, I couldn't help but ask Lair. “So why keep the dress, you didn't seem to enjoy them all that much.”

“Like I told you, I have ro play the part of a lady, otherwise my sister will get pissy with me.” She replied. “If I return in this dress, then she'll asum I haven't been going around and seducing ladies, but being a lady myself. It's to save me from a major headache that would come if I didn't put on the dress.”

“Right, that begs another question. What's your deal? Like, I don't get you at all?” I asked in all honesty.

A chuckle escaped her mouth before telling me. “A fair question since we'll be working with each other, though not an easy one to answer. In short, I am me, an individual not like my sister.”

“In long?” I pressed.

“A mare with issues, of which was saved by the guidance of the gods. One who enjoys the company of young ladies, but occasionally stallions as well. Mentally I'm off, having the mind of a stallion, but the body of a mare. And through discipline and education I have found inner peace.” Lair then winked at me. “But most importantly I am a mare of secrets, both of my oen and that of the worlds.”

I tilted my head. “Ya, I might be even more confused than before.”

“Switched souled.” Fizzy said. “Maybe. It's a term from my fathers cult, we're a ponies soul switched with another. If they are of opposite genders, it causes problems. Like one is a mare, and the body acts like a mare, but their soul or mind screams stallion.”

“That's not far off, which is't surprising from a pony of the cult of Venus.” Lair said. “But no. No switching souls, or being trapped in the wrong body. I was simply born with a mental illness that needs to be managed, otherwise I could easily be driven to madness and self harm.”

“And how much of this does your family know? And why tell us?” I then asked.

“Other than my Father and Uncle, the rest of my family thinks I went through a phase as a teen. It's to keep the peace in my family, as my mother is very traditional, as are all my aunts, cousins, and my beloved sister.” Lair told us before lowering her sunglasses and looking me in the eyes. A sensation much like Star's evil eye washed over me, freezing me in place. “And if you dare to tell them anything, consider this peace of yours shattered, and prepare for a new war.”

Lifting her glasses, the eye magic that gripped me was canceled, letting me move. “R.. right, I understand. You're showing us trust, so I should do the same.”

A mischievous smile crept up on Lairs muzzle. “Fantastic, and speaking of them, maybe you should come with me to Umberfoal. I know my mother will love you, as you just got that high class feel to you that she adores.”

“Sure, why not.” I said flatly.

“Oh, can I come too?” Fizzy said excitedly.

The smile shrank to a less menacing smirk. “Sure why not. actually, I bet they'll love you too.”

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Returning to the Desperados camp, things were calm as usual, though I was disappointed to see that the stockades were empty. I was also disappointed to see that everypony had already finished eating lunch, and were cleaning up.

Not a damn scrap left.

Annoyed and hungry, we made our way down to the old giftshop, hoping they could make something.

Fortunately, almost everypony we left there was still at work. A few mares had left, but Live, Cherry, Henbane and Thunder were still sitting around and working on some clothes.

“I see you picked up a new mare. And one in quite the dress.” Cherry said with an unsure smirk.

Lair showed herself off in it. “It's a Hilltop Boutique original. Not quite my taste, but if I were to travel in a dress, this does just nicely.”

Cherry gave an approving nod as she inspected the dress. “That's true. Not too fancy, and made from sturdy material. The dark blue stitching is an interesting touch, and the dark blue ribbons are used sparingly enough that they don't overpower the look.”

Henbane let out a huff. “Y'all know that's just khaki overalls made into a dress?”

“I think it's cute.” Live said as she scrunched up her nose. “But why'd you not tell us you were visiting the Hilltop Boutique?”

“Next time.” I told Live.

A grumbling then came from my stomach, causing me to chuckle a bit. “That aside, we sorta missed our opportunity to eat. You got anything here?”

A laugh came from Thunder Crack. “No problem, Henbane actually has a stew simmering in the kitchen.”

“Hay now, that's for the pot pie!” Henbane complained, but then shrugged. “Ehh, whatever, I guess you can have some. I do need a few opinions on how it's turning out. I'm more used to cooking toads than rad-bits, so it may not be that good.”

We watched as she trotted to the back, fainting her grumpiness. The shimmer of an invisible nightstalker following her.

“Oh, Harp, you can have this back now.” Live Axle said as she hoofed over my jacket.

Holding it, the jacket was a bit heavier now, and had an inside that looked super fluffy. “Ah? What did you do?”

“Not too much, just added a Shaggy pelt layer inside.” Live told me with a smile. “We had some extra in the back, so I thought, why not. Their skin is rather light and thin, so it makes garbage armor, but it's really good insulation from the cold. Now try it on!”

I slipped it on, the jacket having been already a size big on me, so the extra matiral actually helped it fit more snugly. Looking at the sleeve, it was covered in subtle blue embroidery of flames and skulls. On the collar was the Desperados symbol, but the stetson hat had been replaced by a red flat top cap. “What's with the symbol?” I asked.

“Well ya got your own herd, so ya need your own banner.” Live told me. “So we thought maybe Red Cap's would work nicely.”

“You do seem to love that hat of yours.” Cherry added. “And it's rather catchy.”

“Please don't tell me you're going to start making red cap's for everypony?” I asked as my eyes looked over at the roll of red cloth.

Thunder let out a laugh. “Hay, that's a good idea. Get the Red Caps a bunch of red caps.”

Poking her head out from the kitchen, Henbane shouted. “Fuck off with that idea. We ain't no joke themed gangers.”

“I second that motion.” I quickly added.

Laughter then quickly began to spread to everypony, lifting our spirits. And the longer I had the jacket on, the more I liked how it felt. “I guess I can at least accept the name, for now.” I told them. “Anyways, I'll take you all to the boutique next time, along with some spending money.” I then looked at Cherry. “Oh, and please don't flirt with the owner, I'd rather not piss off his wife.”

Cherry then smirked. “Oh, now I'm curious, what kind of stallion is he?”

“A silver fox Griffin with a thing for sluts.” Lair said.

“Not saying good things about yourself, Lair.” I snarked back at her.

She did a mane flip, mocking me with a smile. “Oh, jealousy isn't a good look on you.”

I rolled my eyes back at her and turned my attention to the others. “Anyways, I'll likely be busy for a day or two, so don't get excited just yet. But I'm sure they won't mide so long as Fizzy is with us.”

Looking around, I didn't see her. “Um, Fizzy.”

She poked her head out from the kitchen, her mane bound up in a really poofy ponytail. “I'm helping Henbane with her rad-bit pies. But ya, I'll ask Bianca and Wendy if we can schedule a group shopping trip.”

Somehow, I got the feeling that the pie was going to taste like Sparkle-Cola now. But right now, that didn't sound all that bad… I hope so at least.

Letting myself take a seat, and studdy my improved jacket, the smell of cooked food reached my nose and I relaxed. I felt safe here, at least for now I did. Yet something irked me, like a bad itch.

Right, the covered up pegasus mare from the tour. Why did she touch me with her wing, and why was the name Lancelot nostalgic to her. With how my luck went, I might find out sooner or later.

But right now, it is best to not worry about such things, and enjoy myself.

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