Fallout Equestria: Desperados V3 (Bonds of Platinum)

Fallout: Equestria

Desperado’s V3: Bonds of Platinum

Ch 25, The Enemy of my Enemy

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“We already knew she'd have ponies on the inside.” Lair said as she sat on Pewter's bed, letting Haunt play with her mane. “I mean, it's obvious the Desperados have been compromised to some extent, so why not the Platinum Guard or any other group.”

Pewter hoofed over a small glass of port wine to me, and I shot it down my throat. “I know, it's just that… I don't know who's trap we are falling into, her's or ours.”

“Both.” Pewter said as he poured himself some of the strong wine. “And I say, offering Alginate's pistols was a nice touch. It's an opportunity for a new ship that the Blessed Spears haven't had in a very long time.”

“Yes, no way they let Purity Spiral say no to it over some ratty church.” Pitch said as he sat at a desk, brushing his mane. “As important as they say their mission is here, the Blessed Spears have always been crusaders at heart. They prefer converting the non-believers through the sword over any charity work. How Purity ever convinced them to leave their ship is beyond me, but I suspect it involved an Archbishop or possibly a Cardinal. Maybe entering the tomb was an order from the Pope himself. You never know when it comes to the clergy I'm afraid.”

“Probably to prepare for a raid on the city, if the Clergy are still up to their old tricks.” Pewter said. “Get enough believers into a city state, cause problems that get the locals violent, then send in the crusaders to save the true believers. After that, anything left of the city will become theirs.”

“Wait, if that's why they're here, then why would Purity even negotiate?” I asked.

Pitch chuckled at that. “Why else, to get what she wants first! It's of no concern to the clergy if Purity swipes some heathen relics for her own personal collection. So long as she makes sure the Clergy has a strong presence here, and any artifacts of the Goddesses are kept safe, she is allowed to do as she pleases. Letting the Wrench Mares take over is only a minor inconvenience. All the Clergy needs to do is send their own Wrench Mares to replace mine, and the Clergy is back in power.”

“That's how they managed to burn down Old Royal from the inside almost two hundred years back.” Pewter added. “Though, I imagine it's not going to be as easy for them to do that here.”

“Not with the Coven and Guard keeping an eye on them.” Star said before looking at me with a raised eyebrow. “And when were you going to tell me about those guns?”

“Sorry, it slipped my mind.” I apologized.

She rolled her eyes back at me. “Whatever, it's not like I have any connection to that family other than in blood.” Star then returned her attention to the bicorns. “Anyways, so long as the Corps Brigade is pushed out, I can see those ponies keeping a lid on things.”

“Agreed.” Lair said. “The most important thing is to remove Purity Spiral and her influence from this land. After that, it's just a matter of pulling the weeds.”

“Then to the problem at hoof.” I spoke up. “Even if I can get her to agree to leave, what's stopping her from dragging me with her? I thank you for giving me a solution to the danger she poses to the city, but that doesn't solve my core problem with her.”

“Right, that issue.” Pitch said as he yawned and stretched. “Not really our problem. But… I'm sure Lair can help you with that.”

“You're worried about slip teleportation, correct?” Lair asked me, and I nodded. “Well, as good as slip teleportation is, it's easily disrupted. More accurately, the connection between the two ponies are fragile, and can be hijacked. So long as you have a pony who can tap into that magic, then Purity won't be able to call anypony in, or take anypony out. And yes, I can do just that.”

“Fizzy and I can counter any mind magic.” Star spoke up. Next to her Caval yipped, and she scratched him behind the ears. “Oh, what about the Ghosts Nightstalkers as backup?”

Looking at the snake dog, that didn't sound like a bad idea, though flawed. “Maybe, if they can keep themselves hidden. But even if she knows about them, I doubt Purity expects us to bring tamed Nightstalker with us.”

Pewter trotted over to pet Caval, the young Nightstalker was a bit weary of the older bicorn, but calmed once he got a head pat. “An interesting idea, but I advised you not to over complicate your plans. Maybe bringing just one of these remarkable creatures with you, and a few trustworthy ponies is best. We can ensure the Blessed Spears will be… less than cooperative with Purity, so her numbers may be small as well. As for this Corps Brigade… I can at least be sure Purity will keep them at legs length.”

“Not that it will stop them from inviting themselves to this mess.” Star pointed out. “Maybe I should hold back in case they show up in force?”

“We'd be fools to think Victoria would never show up. You told me that she tried to keep my presence hidden from Purity, so I doubt Victoria will want Purity to clame me.” I admitted. “Then I guess we need… two, no three teams. One to enter the tomb with Purity, another to stay outside to watch out for the Corps Brigade, and a third to keep the Blessed Spears busy.”

Pitch raised an eyebrow and smirked. “Why watch the Spears?”

“Simple, there is no way Purity will play by our rules.” I told him. “Also, two of the priestesses had the evil eye, along with Utopian, yet Purity does not. It's a hunch, but I think Purity's hold over the Blessed Spears is already unstable. So Victoria might be trying to usurp her control over them.”

“That does sound like Victoria, she never liked having other ponies be in control of her.” Star added.

I nodded. “And where Purity has to play by the rules, Victoria likely doesn't.”

“Or there are different rules this Victoria must follow.” Pitch said with a smirk. “It does puzzle me why such a mare like Purity is allowed to strut around the way she does. Then again, sacrificial pawns aren't known for their quality.”

“Wait, you mean Purity is here to be, what? Used and thrown out?” Star asked.

Pitch shook his head. “Not quite.”

“It's more using her as a forward scout.” Pewter then explained. “The longer they're out collecting information, the better it is for you. But if they get captured and killed, it isn't that big of a loss. Purity likely hopes to live long enough to be seen as actually important, and later be named an Archbishop. It would also explain her drive to have proper nobility in her bloodline. All for survival.”

“Oh, that makes some sense.” Star still looked a little bit confused, but seemed to grasp what the others were saying. “Then can I suggest Slowtrot keep an eye out on the Blessed Spears?”

“Wait, why?” I asked.

“You should know.” Star said sternly. “Magic doesn't work right on him. I mean I tested the evil eye on him and it sort of bounced back at me. I'm sure if they tried any brainwashing magic on him, it wouldn't work. Well I hope it won't.”

“And we can trust him.” I added with a nod. “Alright, he can watch the Blessed Spears, and make sure they don't try to start a riot or something. Star, you can be my backup. If Victoria can't teleport to me, she might go around and you can cut her off. Then I'll deal with Purity personally. Lair will keep her from using teleportation, Fizzy will block any charm magic, and Alpha will come with us.”

A slow and mischievous laugh came from Pitch. “Oh, I so wish I could come and see the chaos, but I'll be busy talking to the Blessed Spears about their boat. Still, I might as well send you some support. Sister Sprocket can at least defuse any dogmatic reasoning the Blessed Spears might throw out, and she can be quite dangerous if a fight breaks out.”

“Ay, if we fail to take control of this situation, it's going to be a headache for everypony for a very long time.” Pewter added, then passed me a sealed bottle of port wine. “Now get going, and give this to your elder as a sign of goodwill. There is much work to do, and even more work later on.”

And with it decided, it was time I made my way back to the Desperados camp, and prepared for what madness was to come.

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The wind blew through my mane as I looked over at the sunset on the demon grass, its red tint giving me an ominous feeling. It was annoying, as we just finished dealing with one problem, and were now in the middle of dealing with an even bigger problem. Worse, I knew things weren't going to get any better.

At least we have a plan, and plenty of friends and allies to help us. Still, I was worried about who was under Purity's hoof, and how much did they know.

Fortunately the ride was a bit more peaceful, as Hollow and Swift stayed behind, but we were forced to take Sister Sprocket along. She was very excited to ride in the Smuggler, and fortunately easily distracted. I could only guess Pitch sent her, because she didn't seem to have any ambition beyond studying tech, and likely wouldn't lie to him. Lair was also coming back with us, which I had less of a problem with.

Tapping on my pipbuck, and turning on the radio coms, I had some curiosity that needed to be sated. “Lair, just wondering, but is it just your family, or are all Bicorns… you know…”

“Cuntish, no, it's mostly my family. Hard to believe, but I have friends back on the Barbary Islands that are good and decent folk.” Lair said from the trailer. “That said, they will slit your throat if you give them a good reason to. The Barbary Islands isn't a safe place for anypony, and unfortunately, any weakness is an invention for trouble.”

“That sounds about right.” Star spoke up. “The Blackwater was the same way. I guess that's why I was drawn to Victoria, she seemed so strong and kind back then. But now I know it was all a manipulation. Though I might have already known that and didn't care.” After a moment's pause, Star then spoke up again. “Say, Lair, can you tell me some?”

“Sure.” She responded.

“That adorable filly, Haunt, she's your daughter isn't she?” Star asked out of blue.

We got no response from Lair, just the sound of the wind.

“It's alright, none of my business after all.” Star said.

“N… no, it's fine.” Lair replied, her voice sounding bitter through the radio. “It's like an open secret anyways. So long as we don't talk about it, most of us can pretend it's not a thing.”

This sent a pinch of pain into my heart, with how that reminded me of Silk, and how everypony was forced to just pretend her foal never existed.

“So, what happened, a lover ran out, or something worse?” Star pried.

“I don't think this is appropriate!” I spoke up.

“A little of everything actually.” Lair said. “I showed a bit of weakness, and for it, I became prey to a pony I trusted. And no, they aren't the father, mares typically can't get impregnated by other mares. Let's just say… she had a debt, and I was collateral.”

“That's… horrible.” Star said in shock.

“Like I said, weakness is an invention for trouble.” Lair sighed. “But you can say Haunt saved me, because if I hadn't found myself pregnant and nearly killed myself over it, then my Father wouldn't have called Uncle Pewter for help. Pewter has always known how to pry out a secret and keep it.”

“And that's how you ended up as a secret priest?” Star further asked.

“Ya, though it was more to protect our family's reputation than anything, but joining them did help me a lot. Like I said, I've never felt much like a lady, and trying to copy my mother and sister was driving me insane back then.” Lair explained. “I just made the mistake of not trusting them, and turning to somepony else for guidance. But it's all good now… mostly.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Mostly, are they still out there?”

A bitter chuckle came from Lair. “No, no, they're all dead. Father and Uncle made sure anypony even remotely connected to what happened to me were taken out. both to preserve our family's reputation, and well… you don't fuck with family. But, unfortunately I was left with a bit of a condition because of some potions I was made to drink during that troubling time.”

“like what, color blindness from using catseye?” I asked.

“No, I'm already nature colorblined, as are most Bicorns.” She explained. “But if you really want to know, I periodically lactate, causing me to get… bigger. A sick joke I was left with, and if it wasn't for Haunt, I'd have had somepony cut my tits off to just save me the trouble.”

That was a disturbing thought, and considering how Lair saw herself, larger breasts would be an issue.

“Speaking of, what about Haunt?” Star then asked through the radio. “Does she know you're her mother?”

“No, but we have plans.” Lair answered. “As good of a stallion my Uncle is, he's not going to be able to look after Haunt for long. That's why once I'm officially married to Pitch, we will be adopting Haunt. She will be expected to become my apprentice, and I'll produce an heir for the Blackhearts.”

“Sounds fairly standard.” I said out loud.

This time a more amused laugh came from Lair. “I bet. As shitty as my situation is, I can't imagine the bullshit the Blackhearts have it with all their political marriages. And a princess of Equestria, now that has to be some real bullshit politics.”

I couldn't help but sigh. “That's fairly accurate. I didn't have any sutours, but I know my sister, Rare Pearl, wanted me to be married off to some up and coming noble to placate the peasants. My sister, Silver Majesty on the other hoof, just wanted me dead.”

On the radio I could hear a struggle, with Lair yelping “hay, get off”

Star then laughed. “Fizzy is trying to comfort Lair with a hug.” She told me.

I looked over at Live, who seemed to be in deep thought. “You okay?”

Snapping out of whatever she was thinking about, Live blushed a little. “J… just wondering how I'd look if I was… well, bigger like Fizzy and Lair.”

I faced hoofing. “seriously?”

Live shrugged. “Well they are good looking mares, unlike myself.”

Letting out another sigh, I patted her on the shoulder. “Live, you're beautiful. So don't compare yourself to crazy ponies, please.”

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Fortunately nothing crazy happened while we were gone, and the Desperados were already settling down for the night. Still, it was clear that everypony was more on guard, as the ponies on patrol were a bit more heavily armed.

Arras was also waiting for us, so I stopped to talk with him as the others returned to their tent, Lair dragging Sprocket behind her.

“Another new member of your herd, Harp?” Arras half joked.

“I seriously hope not.” I said, looking over at the cybernetic crazy mare. “She's Bishop Pitch Blackheart's lackey, though likely more loyal to her faith than the Bishop.”

“Then I guess it went well?” He asked.

I nodded. “Well enough. Purity has no friends in Umberfoal, but they can't just force her out of Platinum Hill. Instead, we're going to have to play her game, and hopefully beat her at it.”

“That's never a good sign, but you at least have a plan, right?” Arras further asked.

“We're certainly not rushing in there and hoping for the best.” I said, forcing out a chuckle. “Mainly, the plan is to let Purity into the tomb, and from there isolate her. The Sanctified Cannons will be spreading descent among the Blessed Spears, all while we keep an eye out for the Corps Brigade. It's all flimsy at best, but if we can keep Purity from dragging the city down into chaos, then I count it as a win.”

“Fuck the city, what about you? No way am I letting that bitch nere you!” Arras protested.

That put a smile on my face. “It's fine. I already know their tricks, and thankfully Lair and Fizzy will keep her from trying anything once they are in the tomb. At the very least, even if they do stir up chaos, Purity can't simply take what she wants and run. And if everything goes right, the Blessed Spears will leave peacefully”

Arras still didn't look all that sure. “Well, if you need anything, just let me know. Your family after all.”

“I know, and thank you.” I told him before trotting off.

Inside our tent, most of the girls were already settled down, and chatting amongst themselves. Oddly enough, Sprocket was getting a lot of attention, the Wrench Mare already disrobed and being shown several dresses. Without the roab the mare looked more like a jigsaw of metal and meat, as some of the fur colors didn't quite match. But the oddness of the mare didn't stop the others from trying to doll her up.

“Thanks for the new toy.” Henbane said with a chuckle. “But where did you get that freak?”

“You think she's a freak, there's another one in Umberfoal that replaces her skin with something like porcine.” I told her. “But do be careful, she's not a toy, and a religious fanatic.”

“Seriously?” She asked and I nodded. “That's freaky shit.”

“Oh, just to ask, is it possible for Alpha to be taken out?” Just as I mentioned the Nightstalker, she appeared behind me.

Henbane reached out and scratched behind her floppy ears. “I don't know. She's still fairly feral, but also very smart. Unless you're okay with her killing somepony, then ya, take her with you.”

“That's what I wanted to hear.” I said as I petted the massive Nightstalker. “Hay Alpha, you want to help me out with a problem?”

Alpha let out a low growl, and then licked my hoof. Which I took for a yes.

“Anything you need from me, since you're clearly heading into trouble?” Henbane then asked.

“Maybe go with Star, I have a hunch we're going to have unwanted visitors wanting to talk with me. And I rather they don't.” I told her.

“Gotcha, and I'm guessing this is in the inner-city, so no screwing around with the rich folk?” She then asked.

I nodded. “Less excuse they have at accusing the Desperados of what might happen the better.”

“Harp!” The voice of Fizzy called out before she practically tackled me into a hug. “Please help me, Lair is clearly sad, but won't let me cheer her up!”

“Well, first, let me go.” I told her. Looking over at Fizzy, she was in her nightgown, which bearly hid anything not covered by her mane and tail. I couldn't help but feel jealous of her plump hips, slender waist, and adorable round face. It also didn't help that I could here herbtits slap when she moved quickly. “Well, maybe she has her own way to deal with her feelings.”

“You'd think she'd enjoy such affection.” Henbane commented.

“You think wrong.” Lair said, in a very similar, but darker nightgown. Though not as slender and plump as Fizzy, Lair was very much more toned, likely having well built muscles under her fur. And just like Fizzy, she too made a bit of a slapping sound as she trotted. “The issue is that I rather be the one giving it, not being smothered by brahman tits here.”

“Brahman tits! Says the lactating sowe!” Fizzy said with a pout.

Lair got muzzle to muzzle with Fizzy. “At least I have an excuse, where yours is just a load of fat.”

Either they were about to kiss or slap each other, and I rather not see either, so I cut in. “Girls, just calm down already, or I will have you sleep outside. Fizzy, if somepony doesn't want to be hugged, then leave them alone. And Lair, don't you have your own tent?”

Rolling her eyes at me, Lair sighed. “Ya, but I don't think being by myself is all that a good idea right now.”

Strangely, the Bicorn seemed to be oddly bashful. But she did have a point.

“Well, find a spot and join the pony pile.” Cherry Knott said with a chuckle.

“Please don't call it that.” Henbane responded in annoyance.

Cherry rolled her eyes. “Honey, if ya got a problem with how I call things, why don't you go back to ya colt friends tent.”

Henbane looked a bit nervous. “I… don't know what ya mean?”

“Oh don't play coy with us, we all know you've been fucking Crankshaft. You even smell like him, with all that grease rubbed under your fur.” Cherry said with a mischievous smile. “Unless… you don't mind if I pay him a visit?”

“Fine, yes we're… I don't know, something.” Henbane admitted. “Just go easy on me, I’m… new at this.”

That got everypony by surprise.

“Right, you were a virgin until we got to the Desperados.” Star Charter then said, supringing everypony even more. When Henbane blushed, Star trotted over and gave her a hug. “Oh come on, you're the one who asked me for help.”

Henbane brushed Star off. “I was just curious, and confused. Then ya poured booze down my throat and started that fuckoff with the Desperados mares.”

Right, and when I had forgotten that ever happened. Celestia damit Star!

“Speaking of which, any plans of another celebration like that, Star?” Cherry asked.

Star shrugged. “Not really interested in anything like that again. I mean, if it happens, it happens, but I'm not starting anything like that myself if I can help it.”

“How about a straight up no!” I told them, before pointing a hoof at Cherry. “You still have a long time until you're clean, so I don't even want to hear that you've been messing around.” my hoof then moved over to Star. “And please don't even suggest something like that again. Even now I sometimes have nightmares about that.”

A chuckle came from Henbane. “Having wet dreams you mean.”

My hoof shot right towards Henbane. “You shove it right up!”

I was then knocked over by Fizzy, giving me a hug. “If you're worried about nightmares, I can help you! I'm told that ponys who sleep next to me have nothing but good dreams.”

The much larger mare was too much for me to push off, leaving me stuck under her.

“I don't think those are the dreams she wants, honey.” Cherry said, coming in to save me. “Anyways, how many of those ponies that said that, you slept with?”

Fizzy mercifully got off me. “Some, but I also got a lot of ponies that paid to just talk with me and sit next to me.”

Cherry looked very disappointed and annoyed. “Seriously? You worked at one of the Wastelands most famous brothels, and pony's paid you to just… talk?” Fizzy nodded, and Cherry face hoofed. “Celestia fuck me with her horn, the closest I ever got to something like that was stallions choking me out to get off.”

We all looked at Cherry with concern, and she waved it off like nothing. “It paid well, and they had to bring their own healing potion too.”

“Fuck, makes me glad I got into brahman russling and not whoring.” Henbane said in mild shock. “Then again, the only stallions around me were my cousins. Didn't stop my sister though.”

I was about to say something, then remembered that my Sister, Rare Pearl, had been sleeping with our brother…

Then Lair started laughing. “Oh, you're all hilarious! If you ever visit the Barbary Islands, I can introduce you to a fairly high class host and hostess club I enjoy visiting.”

Taking a deep breath, I trotted over to my spot and began undressing to settle down. “Well, we might take you up on that offer, but until then, we should get some sleep.”

Lair shrugged and trotted up next to me a less than comforting smile on her muzzle. “I can agree to that.”

“Oh yes! Sleep is very important!” Fizzy added as she joined us.

“Please, don't.” I nearly begged. But both mares just layed down next to me, trapping me in place. “Somepony… help!”

Yet everypony just chucked and trotted to their spot, all except Sprocket. The cybernetic mare, looking down at me with her mechanical red eye, then tilted her head. “I can help.”

Remembering her Idea of help from before, I shook my head. “I don't need any cybernetics, thank you.”

Sprocket then shrugged. “Okay!” And as she turned and trotted off, the cuteness of her dress completely clashed with her crude looking cybernetics.

Giving up, I just relaxed between the two mares. Something like this would have once been a thing of my fantasies, but now… it felt wrong. It didn't help that I also felt a bit turned on, and I knew that these two knew it.

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