Fallout New Vegas: A New Road

The human let out a huff as he sliced through a particularly dense thicket of twigs and leaves. The bush gave way to his immensely sharp bowie knife. He stomped foliage underneath his boots as he continued on, his rifle swinging about as he plodded along at a reasonable pace.

His bags jiggled and ruffled as they had before, yet he didn’t pay much mind. They might be a bit of a hazard later, and they were snagging here and there on the branches. For now, though, he just needed to find somewhere clearer to set up shop.

It was a strange sensation, being somewhere so overgrown like this. Reminded him of places like Zion and Vault 22. Two of many locations that proved that plantlife-filled areas were out there in the wastes. Of course he was more into trekking deserts instead. Forests, those were a different story.

Still, he kept his eye out as he walked, making sure nothing was resting in a nearby bush or behind a nearby tree to ambush him. He knew he could take a coyote or wolf if needed, no sweat. However, the last thing he wanted was to come face to face with a damned Yao Guai or some other monster.

Perhaps there’d be a trail of some sorts he’d discover eventually. After all, there was so much ground to cover. If he couldn’t find it, then a river would do too. Just follow that to civilization. Maybe do a bit of trading, get some tools. Yeah, it was a good thought. A plan was forming in his brain nicely. Just needed a bit more molding.

The specifics could wait though, as now he was re-focused on finding his way out of the greenery that encompassed him. He allowed himself to go sort of on autopilot, body-wise. He just walked, slashed through any bushes that were in his way, and stomped over the leaves and twigs.

Slash, stomp, advance. Slash, stomp, advance. Slash, stomp, advance.

It was getting a bit tedious, and if his radio worked, (it was seemingly another victim from the rough fall) he’d put on some tunes. Marty Robbins would definitely make this a lot more bearable. As it stood though, he could manage. He always had.

After a few more minutes, the thicket began breaking. Bushes and dense foliage softened out to manageable weeds and thinned out brambles. He walked on ahead, knife still in hand, and rifle in reach in the event things went south.

His bright red lenses stuck out against the slight darkness the trees provided. Even with the sun overhead, the shadows were present. He advanced on, looking around and taking in his surroundings. The deep green leaves filled his gaze, and he felt a bit of joy taking in nature without interruption.

Normally by this point he’d have killed something. Though perhaps here things would be different. Maybe this place was more civil, or at the least deserted. Either one wouldn’t be that bad of an option at least.

As he gazed around at the lively trees, he kept out an ear the entire time to listen for either chatter, footsteps, or the sounds of rushing water would be all he needed. Sadly, he heard neither and he shrugged before continuing on, his pace a bit quicker now that he didn’t have to slash apart some plantlife with each step.

After he deemed the woods ahead more manageable, he wiped his bowie knife on his sleeve. He rubbed off the dirt and leaf remnants that had coated it from his swings before he put it back into a sheath that was neatly concealed beneath his duster.

He looked backwards at his pack and numerous bags, being reminded a bit of his trek to Zion, and the weight limit the Happy Trails Caravan required. He could manage up ahead with the gear but at a slower pace if the thickets picked back up. He weighed his options for a moment, taking a few seconds to think.

As he did, he rubbed his hands together for a few seconds for no real reason. He could feel the calluses that had adorned them rubbing into the smooth of the gloves. He ceased this action quickly, and then shrugged his shoulders to no one in particular.

Then he decided to himself with a nod. He walked over to a large fallen log. He examined it closely, bending down and finding the interior hollow. He smirked to himself at that, and soon enough he was stripping himself of a large portion of his hefty gear.

The duffle bags and the metal, lead-lined suitcase were the first to go. They were shoved deep into the hollowed log, more towards the thicker center portions so they wouldn’t be easy to grab at. After a moment, the survivor was stripped of most things.

He looked at his remaining large backpack and considered keeping it for a moment, before shaking his head. He needed to be as light as possible and to travel on quickly. That too joined the others inside of the log.

After shoving some dirt and larger rocks in place at both ends of the fallen tree, he nodded to himself at a job well done. He took a moment to look around, making sure no one had seen him.

No rustling in the bushes. No swaying of the trees. Alright, good, good. Everything currently seemed reasonable, and his stash would likely be safe for now at least.

“Alright…” he mused, not finishing his sentence as he walked on ahead.

He checked his Pip-Boy, partly in search for the time and partly out of instinct to mark the spot on his map, but then stopped himself as he realized it likely wouldn’t be right anyways; it never updated itself earlier when he checked. He also figured correctly the map wouldn’t work either

With a lot less weight dragging him down, he moved more spryly, going from a decent walking speed to a jog at this point. He still was slower and more methodical, not rushing ahead and taking time to keep his eyes peeled, but hopefully he could find some place more civilized soon.

“Come on, pick up the pace!” Rainbow Dash called out, hovering overhead of the other ponies as they continued advancing through the hilly and winding trail towards Winsome Falls. “The Weather Team called for a storm today, I doubt you all wanna be soaked by the time we get to our campsite.”

“Of course, on the only days we have free time, they have to schedule a downpour,” Rarity sighed.

“Hey, it could be worse,” said Sweetie Belle, while she carried her sister’s luggage like a champ. “It’s only for tonight at least, tomorrow it’ll be nice and clear.”

“Yeah, and we should be at the falls by then!” agreed Applejack, trotting alongside the others.

“If only we didn’t have to collapse that cave shortcut we found,” Apple Bloom said, a bit downtrodden. “I really liked the waterslide.”

“Yeah, me too,” agreed Sweetie, nodding along with her fellow crusader.

“I gotta admit, that did make that cave a lot less scary,” Scootaloo agreed with a smirk.

“I just hope you don’t get worried if we have to camp in another one,” Rainbow Dash said, flying down to her little adoptive sister, smirking coyly as she did.

“Me? I uh… I won’t get scared,” gulped the orange filly, before putting on a brave face. “Not with my big sister around.”

“Atta girl, Scoot!” Rainbow encouraged, ruffling the small filly’s purple mane.

“Speakin’ of caves,” Applejack injected, “we’re almost near one now, just a few hills ahead. Not a bad spot to stop and set up camp.”

“I must agree, my hooves are simply killing me,” Rarity said with a nod, to which Sweetie Belle giggled, luggage still firmly in place on the filly’s back.

“Not our fault the route’s longer this year,” Applejack responded. “There’s been reports of a swarm of Fly-ders recently. Bit up a few ponies somethin’ fierce. Better to take the long way and avoid them critters than to get our hides ate up.”

“It’s a good thing I packed bug spray this time,” mused Rarity.

“Even with that, I don’t think we have enough for an entire swarm of ‘em,” responded Applejack.

“Between Rarity’s spray and my hooves, I think we’ve got better chances this year,” boasted Rainbow Dash, gliding downwards, closer to her friends and sister.

“Yeah, ya sure showed them last time,” smirked Applejack, making Rainbow Dash roll her eyes, though she gave a small chuckle moments later.

“Girls, I think I see the cave!” Sweetie Belle excitedly called, gaining the attention of the others.

They soon crested a hilltop and found a relatively level stretch of ground. A few dozen paces in front of them was a large cave entrance. It was elevated up off the ground a bit, so water couldn’t easily seep in and flood it should the storm get too strong.

“Yep, that’s her alright,” Applejack nodded with a smile.

Scootaloo examined the dark entrance. The light of the sun didn’t penetrate that deeply from its current angle, making it difficult to see too far inside. She couldn’t help but imagine stalactites as long, jagged teeth, waiting to swallow her up.

After taking a deep breath, the little pegasus soon managed to banish her fears. She calmed herself by remembering back to what Luna and Rainbow Dash had told her. This year she had no reason to be afraid.

She was stuck in her musings for so long, she didn't really notice as the other ponies entered the cave, speaking amongst themselves all the while. She also didn't see Apple Bloom approach her as she was still transfixed on the rocky maw, which seemed as if it could engulf everything if it so desired.

“Scootaloo,” Apple Bloom said casually.

“WHAT!?!” cried the orange filly in question, turning in surprise, obviously frightened after having let her mind wander a bit. She shook herself back to her senses quickly. “I mean… yeah?”

“Yer on firewood duty,” responded Apple Bloom with a deadpan expression.

“Oh yeah uh… right!” Scootaloo nodded, her face taking a determined expression.

“You want me to help you? I’m supposed to help Applejack set up the tent in the cave, in case any water gets in, but I think she can manage without me,” offered Apple Bloom, consoling her friend.

“No,no! It’s fine!” assured Scootaloo, gaining back her confidence, this time more thoroughly. “The sun’s still out, and I’m not gonna be scared like last time!”

“Well, alright, be careful out there,” Apple Bloom replied, nodding before she turned and trotted off back to help the others make camp.

Scootaloo for her own part was alright. She gave herself a small breather and then began her trek off into the forest.

“Now don’t go and get lost squirt!” she heard Rainbow Dash call over her shoulder, with the blue pegasus having already gotten out their sleeping bags and other supplies. “I don’t wanna have to go grab ya!”

“I’ll be fine, no need to worry!” responded Scootaloo, for the filly had a plan!

She figured if she could bring back a large enough hunk of wood, it would be enough to use throughout the night. Her imagination ran wild, causing her to smile at the idea, thinking about all the delicious marshmallows and smores she and the group would be eating. She used both the future taste of those sugary treats, and reassurances of her own awesomeness to drive herself forwards.

If only she’d packed her scooter, she’d be even quicker. Still, her trot was enough! Especially as her little wings buzzed in excitement. There was much fun to be had, she’d be back in no time to make sure she didn’t miss it!

Forests were far more obnoxious to navigate than deserts. That was the one thing the human gathered from this unintentional expedition. No damn wonder he’d never gone north. These brambles and winding paths. A lot less safe, and a lot more dangerous than the simple flat deserted dunes of the southwest.

Even Utah would be more agreeable, minus the raider tribes of course. Though who knows, those bastards could exist here too. Oh well, enough about that!

He looked over the landscape with a pair of binoculars. He was currently standing atop a rather sturdy branch, and had his left arm slung around the tree’s trunk itself, making sure he was kept firmly in place as he overlooked the landscape. A lot of hills, a lot of trees, and a lot of green.

Not a bad vista, beautiful even. Chalk might’ve enjoyed it. He himself didn’t really need a vista right now, though. He needed shelter, and not the kind he could make with some shitty sticks and leaves.

The man absentmindedly scanned the environment in a sweeping motion as he pondered numerous musings to himself. He wondered-

Wait!

He tilted his head back to the left a bit more.

Amidst the green, he could see faint traces of water. Rushing water! Yes, that’s perfect!

He smiled to himself as he let the binoculars go, allowing them sag downwards against his chest, connected to his neck with a sturdy bit of string. He then began to climb downwards, one branch after another.

Despite his previous tumble, he didn’t allow that to scare him off from any more elevated tree-business. No sir! He was ready for it this time anyways, and after a few minutes of slowly climbing downwards, he was soon home free with the ground back underneath his boots.

He grabbed his marksman rifle, which was resting against a nearby tree, before he briefly pondered going and reclaiming his gear. He soon thought better of the idea, as at first, he needed to know the locals, assuming there were any, and their intentions. He was better in a fight when he wasn’t slowed down, after all.

With the general destination of the river in his head, he began the trek towards it yet again. He was brisk, sliding between bushes instead of having to chop through them, continuing forwards at a speed a bit above a jog.

His feet never got caught on any roots or stray holes as he continued on, his light step making sure of that. Even with his rifle dangling around his neck for ease of access, he continued on without issue, both of his hands free as he didn’t have to hold it in place.

Just got to get to the river and follow it. Nice, simple. Easy, too.

He continued up further, swatting aside any wayward thickets that blocked his vision when needed. Before long he could see through a gap in the trees, and smiled to himself as he spotted the river’s bank. He stopped as he reached the edge of the trees.

The water was currently flowing from left to right, so he decided to travel upstream for the moment. His heels crunched wet grass underneath with each step he took. He slung the rifle over his back this time, so it wouldn’t be clattering with his movements, and held onto the strap with his right hand, ensuring it wouldn’t be yanked away from him when it was needed.

He scratched at his cloth-covered neck as he walked, brushing off some flakes of dust and dirt that had accumulated from his impromptu forest trek. As he continued, he examined the river. It was decently wide, easily over about eightish feet, give or take.

The man grabbed a nearby branch and snapped it off before leaning over and carefully poking it down into the medium-moving rapids. He got the entire thing in, at least over three feet deep, and it easily went deeper than even that.

While the man wasn’t a stranger to swimming, he figured he’d rather not have to endure those rapids. Still, he kept a few feet of distance between himself and the water as he continued on. Who knew if any lake- or rather in this case, riverlurks, could be in there. Not to mention who knows what else.

For the next solid few minutes, it was a simple, even peaceful walk. Nothing to listen to except for the splashing of the waters on occasion. Sometimes from a twig falling in, and others from some fish or frog leaping out.

As he hiked along, he pulled out a small pack of bubblegum. It was irradiated, but it wasn’t like that mattered to him. He popped a stick into his mouth, moving his helmet upwards for a few seconds before returning it over his face.

What he didn’t eat, he shoved back into one of the many small satchels on his chest. It didn’t taste good, exactly, but it let him focus on something other than just walking. As he strolled, he heard his Pip-Boy let out the sound of a geiger counter, but he paid it no mind, and before long it had ceased. It wasn’t enough to do much damage anyways, he figured.

He continued plodding along, his body going into autopilot as he just let his mind wander a bit. The scenery was nice. Lots of multicolored birds. He didn’t see those all too often, so they were a nice change of pace.

Could see squirrels too. Typically he would be eating them, but this was one of the few occurrences he could admire them scurrying about, planting their nuts in the trees above, or eyeing him up a few feet away in the denser portions of the foliage.

The bank continued along a good many minutes longer, and he could see it stretch further and further, sometimes curving, but remaining ever-present. At this point he was beginning to wonder if he’d walk an entire fucking state at this rate. He sighed to himself.

“Ah hell. I almost wish I had someone to talk to,” he mused to himself. Typically he wouldn’t speak, but he did so in a hushed tone, making sure even with his sarcastic tone, no potential threats could hear it.

Thankfully for him, nothing heard him speak… but the water nearby began to bubble and rise.

“What the fuck!” he coughed, choking the gum down his throat in surprise as he turned towards the river, backpedaling a few steps as he grabbed and shoulder his rifle in one swift motion.

He steadied it, looking through the scope as something began to stir from the water. His finger was over the trigger, ready to fire if needed. Still though, he waited a few seconds, seeing if whatever it was before he determined if it needed a dosage of hot lead.

Purple scales stirred within the water, and the man’s eyes widened as he realized how large this thing was. It looked snake-like almost, though way fucking bigger. He stepped back, trying to slowly and silently make his way to the treeline. Maybe he could duck into a bush?

Strange, orange-colored hairs began to appear in the water too. Ah shit, are those eyes and a mouth, and a… mustache?

“What-” he began, before immediately being silenced.

“Helloooooo my good fellow!” a fabulous sounding male voice called out.

“Huh?” he moved his eye away from the scope and just… took it in, so to speak. Took him in, rather.

He was long, scaly, snake-like, obviously, but… He was almost dopey. Eyebrows, a large mane of hair, and a big, goofy mustache.

“What?” said the human, looking up at the massive serpent.

“I said hello, sir,” responded the huge creature. “It is such a marvelous day out, isn’t it. Despite that, I didn’t exactly expect to find any other creature out here!”

The rifle went slack, no longer pointed at the obviously non-hostile target. The human let his arms sag down. He would’ve fallen over from sheer and utter confusion, had he not had his boots firmly planted on the ground, his own strength keeping him standing.

“Are you alright, you are looking rather… strange,” said the serpent, with his sing-songy voice, before he caught himself. “No offense of course, I apologize if I upset you.”

“I… uh,” stuttered the smaller man. “I’m just looking… for a town.”

“Oh, you must mean Ponyville!” began the purple snake. “I completely understand! The place has become a bit of a tourist hotspot since, well, the princesses and the elements saved the day over and over again, especially after last time!”

“Yeah uh… sure,” was the lackluster response from the human.

“Oh, I do apologize sir, I did not give you my name! You must not exactly be comfortable with strangers, especially big sea serpents like me!” spoke the strange creature in an understanding tone. “I am Steven Magnet! Might I ask for yours?”

“I am-…" he stopped, as if thinking deeply.

"Yes?" asked Mr. Magnet expectantly.

"Just call me... Courier Six,” concluded the Courier.

“Ah that is,” Steven paused as he made a bit of a face, as if searching for a way to compliment such a peculiar name, “very unique! Not the name I would've chosen for you, but it is your name nonetheless! Where are you from, might I ask?”

Weirdly enough, the Courier was unsure if this was the weirdest creature he’d talked to. Robots, a sentient toaster, giant blue mutants, his own brain. Somehow, the giant snake with a mustache was close to topping at least some of them.

“The Mojave,” Six began, “have you heard of it?”

“Hmmm, I apologize, my friend, but that does not ring any bells, and I am a well-traveled sea monster!” Steven replied with a smile.

“Maybe Nevada?” asked the human.

“Nnnnope!” Steven shook his head.

“New California?” responded the Courier.

“I have not even heard of an Old California, sir!” Steven said good-naturedly.

“Uhh… New Vegas? Used to be called Las Vegas?” tried the Courier.

“Ditto, I’m afraid,” Steven sadly replied. “Though I admit, that does remind me of Las Pegasus… Perhaps a coincidence.”

“What the fu-...” The Courier stopped himself, taking a moment to shake off the strange similarity, before continuing.

“Are you alright?” Steven asked, leaning in.

Damn he was big, easily a few dozen feet long. Bet he gave the Robo-Scorpion a run for his money. Those thoughts were shaken off as the human spoke again.

“I’m fine… all that figures, just my luck anyways. Look uh… Mr. Magnet, do you know the way to… ‘Ponyville’?” the Courier asked, still sounding a bit confused about the whole thing. Felt like a damned chem-trip.

“Oh certainly! Though I do admit, you must’ve gotten rather sidetracked, as you seem to be going the wrong way,” Steven replied, showing sympathy for the poor mailman. “I can give directions, but it will be a bit of a doozy.”

“It’s fine, I can just take notes,” the Courier assured, looking at his Pip-Boy, ready to write whatever he needed. At least this function wasn’t broken. “Don’t worry by the way, I have plenty of time.”

“Oh well, I don’t figure you want to endure a storm, correct?” Steven responded. “From what I’ve heard, the Weather Team has scheduled a doozy today.”

“I can handle a storm, Mr. Magnet,” replied the Courier. “Now about those directions?”

“Oh, certainly!” said the helpful sea serpent, before he began to speak, with the Courier taking notes all the while.

Scootaloo looked around herself, mentally mapping the way back to the camp as best she could as she advanced deeper into the forest. She was grabbing smaller twigs to rest on her back, but all the while she kept an eye out for any larger branches or even chunks of fallen logs.

The sun was a bit lower now, casting a yellowish-orange tint across the sky. It was a beautiful sight for sure, but the little filly was getting a bit anxious now. She was sure she’d been walking for almost half an hour at least, and still no truly great firewood in sight.

She’d need to find something big to last all night. Especially once the downpour began. She could even see some dark gray clouds drifting into view overhead, likely carried along by a pegasus-created breeze.

Scootaloo shook it off. She’d be fine, just find some firewood and go back to the camp! Why was she worrying herself silly over it? She almost laughed at how goofy her fears were. Again, there was no headless pony or evil monster out to get her.

She was a trickster daredevil, afterall! Why would some darkening woods spook her? Now, where was some high-quality wood? Those smores wouldn’t make themselves, especially without a nice cozy fire!

The filly considered briefly trying to fell one of the trees, almost like Rainbow Dash had done so awesomely during their first camping trip out here. But Scootaloo soon noted that she had neither the strength, nor the wings to do such an amazing feat, thus she had to keep her eye out for any fallen logs.

Truthfully, she was getting a bit annoyed at the lack of them. An entire freaking forest and not a toppled tree in sight? This was getting ridiculous!

“Oh, come on,” she huffed, making her way through some more bramble to find nothing of interest.

Even with her small bundle of twigs, she knew it wouldn’t be enough to create a long-lasting fire that would be needed for a night of hopefully-not-scary stories! She looked around the small clearing she’d found herself in for anything to use, and after ignoring the numerous little branchlets no bigger than her hoof, she saw a potential target.

At the edge of the clearing in front of her was a small, withered looking tree. It was nice and dried out too, a husk of its former self that would no doubt burn for a good long while! It was tilted backwards, and she could see some of its decaying roots poking out of the soil. Just a little push could topple it by this point, surely!

“Perfect!” she exclaimed, giving a concentrated smirk before she stepped back.

This big guy would totally help her keep the fire going all night and then some if needed! Perfect for everything being kept warm and dry! Even just a few chunks of him would work!

Scootaloo stamped her hooves, getting ready for a running start as her wings buzzed excitedly. After a moment to prepare, she rushed down the decaying tree, and jumped, ready to slam her hooves into it and send him tumbling to the ground!

Unfortunately, the young filly didn’t exactly take heed of where exactly the tree was, at least not until she had slammed into it. Her hooves made it give a loud cracking noise as all four of them were planted firmly through it. Sadly, that meant she was now riding it downwards as it rocked over, tearing up dirt with its decayed roots.

Her eyes widened as the tree leaned all the way over. She and it both were sent careening off the edge of a deep slope that was previously hidden behind some bushes. Practically invisible from her prior viewing spot, it was all to visible now, with it being almost a sheer drop! A rush of horror hit her gut, making her feel almost lightheaded.

“Oh no!” Scootaloo managed, trying to backpedal, but she only then realized that her hooves were stuck. She did manage to pull her forelimbs out, but by then it was too late!

She let loose a cry of shock and terror as the thing began sliding, almost falling straight down as it went. The tree absorbed the hefty portions of the fall as it slid downwards more and more, but the shocks still made her body ache a bit as her mane whipped this way and that along with the wind.

While Scootaloo was used to that particular sensation, she wasn’t exactly in the mood for a DIY roller coaster, and thus, her screams continued as the tree slammed into a large patch of other trees that had rested below.

Green filled her vision as she slammed through the roof of the lower level of the forest, with the old dead log hitting the ground hard, splintering apart as she was slammed downwards into it by gravity. A hefty BOOM rang out from the impact, sending some birds flying upwards and away.

As for Scootaloo, she groaned as her vision spun, she’d hit her head into the dried tree from the jolt. Thankfully she couldn’t taste or smell blood, so her snout was fine, but her head was aching, and her eyes spun about in their sockets, showing just how dazed the little filly was from the blow.

She reached a forehoof up to rub her head, groaning in pain. She checked herself for any other signs of bleeding, rubbing her hoof through her mane and the like. Thankfully all she found were twigs and leaves, but still, that hurt!

As she stumbled off of the fallen tree, she realized she’d landed far down in a denser pocket of forest. The sun was still visible, but it had sunken towards the horizon all that much more, and she swore she could faintly hear the sounds of thunder.

She looked up, trying to see if she could spot any weather ponies, maybe they could help her! She looked around, trying her best to see through the trees and up at the clouded, reddening sky. Sadly, she saw nopony to help and thus the filly whimpered fearfully.

Scootaloo briefly considered trying to scale the cliff face she’d fallen down, but upon taking a few glances at it, there was no way she could make that. Not without tools or wings anyways.

“Oh nuts,” she managed. “Now what?”

She considered calling out or waiting here until the other ponies had found her. She’d cleared a lot of distance looking for firewood, sure, but maybe Dash could still find her. She was quick enough, she always was!

However, dark thoughts began to take hold. She never told Dash which exact direction she’d gone, and she never left a trail to follow back. Even without tumbling down this cliff, it was a mistake, but now… Oh Celestia!

She looked around, now suddenly feeling a lot smaller, and a lot more vulnerable. A faint trace of her rationality told her to calm down, but it was buried by even more bad thoughts.

What if the storm started soon. Then even with all her speed, Dash would never find her! Oh no, that’d be horrible! Her, all alone, out here in the middle of a stormy night, like it’s some horror story! And what if some horrible monster showed up too, just like in one of those stories?! The Headless Horse? A pack of Timberwolves? Maybe it would be something even worse!

Scootaloo began to bolt, running away from the cliff edge and into a random direction. She was almost hyperventilating, taking deep breaths as she ran about.

“Gotta find a trail! Come on!” she shouted to herself as she picked up the pace.

She rushed through the bramble at break-neck speeds. She ignored it as some of the twigs and branches hit her in the face and forelegs. She had to find some type of way back to her sister and her friends!

Still, the forest remained thick. Oh no! No, no! None of this was familiar at all. She couldn’t recall the trail exactly, she didn’t have eyes for the forest like Apple Bloom, and with her panicked state, she couldn’t behave rationally.

She was running so fast, but the forest never gave way. She was sure she was sprinting for many minutes on end by this point, and all she could notice was the sun growing dimmer with each passing second. It was dusk now, and the redness in the sky had turned into a deep, pale blue. Soon even that would be gone.

Soon enough she broke through a clearing, getting out of some bushes only to see more ahead. She took some deep breaths, allowing herself a moment to rest. She felt her little heart pounding inside her chest.

The filly just needed to remain calm. Banish these dark thoughts and scary ideas as Luna and Dash said. Scootaloo almost managed to calm herself down with this small breather. Even in the darkness, she could get back to the others. Yeah… she was tough, and brave! With her little pep talk to herself, she was beginning to feel a tiny bit better…

And then a small raindrop plopped down right onto her muzzle…

And then another hit her ear…

And then more began pelting her…

And then she screamed.

The Courier had parted ways with Mr. Magnet about an hour or so ago by now and was currently trekking back through the woods. For a big ass snake, he sure was a friendly fellow. Nice hair too. Could do without the mustache, but that was just Six’s preference.

Six had figured he was some sort of post-war mutation, and after asking him several questions relating to radiation, bombs, robots, literally anything about the post-war hellscape that America now was… He never got a good answer back.

That was fine. Maybe Steven wasn’t aware of it all. The Courier knew many who weren’t exactly familiar with the outside world, locked in their own little scuffles. Still, it was strange that Magnet hadn’t seen any humans whatsoever before. Surely they’d be common in an area as beautiful as this!

From what he’d gathered, the dominant lifeforms here were… strange, multicolored ponies. Who could also be pegasi or unicorns. It felt like the dream of some pre-war girl. One who owned far too many Giddyup Buttercups for her parents’ wallets’ sake.

Still, he couldn’t admit it was that much weirder compared to a bizarre hellscape like the Big MT and its many experiments. Though it did look nicer at least. Less buildings though, that was a negative. Less robots and Cazadores, that was a positive.

As he mused, he felt several droplets begin to hit his helmet and shoulders before rolling down his body. He wiped them off of his riot helmet’s lenses as he continued onwards, musing some more to himself.

The rain looked nice, reminded him of Zion. That was another positive, as his geiger counter wasn’t activating. That meant fresh rainwater at the best of times. Guess that evens it out and all tha-

A shrill scream cut off his musings and he instinctively jerked around towards its direction. He reached for his rifle for a moment, before realizing that said scream belonged to a young girl.

He didn’t rush towards it though, even with that knowledge. Children were… fickle. They could sometimes be little brats, rarely be decent lore-expositories, and sometimes they could be holding live grenades if the Legion was anything to go by.

Still, that sounded genuine but even then, who’s to say it wasn’t a recording or someone really good at mimicking terrified little girls. Six pondered his options.

Option one, go rushing head-first into danger, kill a bunch of assholes, save a kid.

Option two, go rushing head-first into danger, realize the kid wasn’t real, and then have to kill a bunch of assholes.

Well, both weren’t the worst choices. Still, hedge the bet and he'd lose his trump card: surprise. Should he really-

Another scream rang out in the distance, demolishing that thought yet again. It was further away now, but just as terrified sounding. Same girl, no doubt.

“Oh fuck me!” he growled, and then bolted off towards the direction it came from, slinging the carbine over his shoulder as he did.

He just hoped he wouldn’t regret this...