Fallout Equestria Shattered Memories

Baatar, Blue, Tapper and five other caretakers alongside them approached the abandoned facility. Light was fading, casting a dark, ominous shadow over the area.

The doors to the facility stood wide open, inviting them to enter. The structure looked old and decrepit, with years of decay and neglect evident. Baatar looks at Blue, her face set with absolution.

"This is it," she said. "We need to be extra cautious when we enter. Keep your gun ready in case we run into any trouble."

Tapper shot a disgruntled look at Blue, clearly still upset that an alicorn like her was helping out. Baatar didn't seem to notice, as she was focused on entering the old abandoned building safely.

Safeties clicked off as they approached the facility. Blue turned to Baatar, "I'm not sure how to load my gun."

"Let me see it," Baatar responded.

Blue looked down at the drawn gun, her eyes filling with uncertainty. Baatar raised an eyebrow. Blue gulped nervously, her eyes darting around. She brought up the gun, looking at it nervously, her hoof trembling slightly.

Blue looked down at the gun with growing fascination, her eyes filling with awe as she took in its details. The number 1911 was stamped on the side of the pistol and Blue was mesmerized by this piece of weaponry. She continued to gaze at it in a dazed, almost drooly state of wonder. Baatar noticed Blue's expression and raised an eyebrow, slightly concerned. "What's gotten into her," she wondered to herself.

A heavy hoof on Blue’s shoulder snapped her out of that child-like wonder. Baatar had a satisfied smile on their muzzle."I knew you could do it Blue!" Baatar praised her. Blue looked down at the gun and saw that she had somehow loaded it properly. As she looked back at Baatar, she saw her nod in approval.

She was confused and impressed at the same time. "Wait, how did I...?" Blue trailed off, still not believing what she had accomplished.

"Be careful, the scout has reported at least 10 sets of armor occupying this abandoned facility," Baatar warned as she and the other ponies took cover behind the entrance.

Suddenly, gunfire rang out, followed by the insane giggling of two Raiders who had emerged from the darkness. One of the stallion slaves fleeing was hit, his head blown apart and blood showering the entrance wall. His skull fragments flew in every direction, in a blind panic. Baatar shouted, "Regroup!"

"Run run run! It makes it more fun!" The Raider mare shrieked with reckless laughter, her words echoing off the walls of the abandoned facility. She reveled in the chaos and violence, relishing in the pain and suffering of her victims. The Raiders continued their attack, firing away at the helpless ponies who were desperately trying to find cover. It was a bloodbath and the mare's mad laughter filled the air.

Blue jumped behind a large mound of dirt for cover, her heart pounding in her chest. She turned to see her companions hiding behind a broken-down machine. It looked somewhat familiar to her, but she didn't have time to think about it now. The sound of gunshots and screaming filled the air. Blue could hear the Raiders' hysterical laughter, mocking their prey as they continued their merciless attack. She was overwhelmed with fear and adrenaline, her breathing heavy as she tried to stay focused and find a way out of this situation.

Blue was terrified. She had seen the stallion die just a moment ago and she could not fathom how quickly life could be taken away. At that moment, she was almost paralyzed with fear. Yet, she knew she had no choice. She closed her eyes and fired blindly. And she heard a scream and a gurgle, the madness of the Raiders' attack was silenced. Blue trembled, both from fear and from the rush of adrenaline that flooded her body. She didn't dare to move, not wanting to see what was left of her enemy.

The gunfire started back up again, bringing Blue back to the reality of the situation. She heard the sound of gunshots coming from both near and far away. But, she didn't want to move, too afraid of what she might see. The gunfire was loud and chaotic and she could not bear to watch what was happening.

She kept her eyes closed, hoping it would block out the sounds of battle and the screams of her fellow ponies. Yet, the gunshots continued, ringing out over and over again, echoing through the air like thunderbolts. Her heart raced, pounding against her chest like a wild drum, as she pressed her hooves tightly over her ears, trying ineffectively to muffle the chaos around her.

But it wasn’t just the gunfire that filled her mind. Voices began to creep in, swirling around her like shadows, rising above the cacophony of terror. “We are losing ground too fast, move, move!” one shouted, panic lacing its tone. “Someone get Blue the fuck up!”

Another voice broke through, trembling and desperate, “Help…I can’t feel my hooves, Baatar! Help me, please!” The anguish in that voice sliced through her like a dagger, driving her stomach into knots. Each shout felt like a physical blow, an unbearable cacophony that overwhelmed her senses.

Blue’s heart sank deeper as the voices crashed over each other, growing louder, drowning out the echoing gunfire and the cries of her fellow ponies. She squeezed her eyes shut tighter, her wings trembling against her sides, each pulse of panic echoing like thunderclaps in her mind. The noise twisted, turning into a chaotic symphony of fear and urgency, as if every soul in battle—it was all crashing down around her.

The voices clawed at her, insistent and oppressive, until she felt sick, her stomach churning with dread. She was trapped, not only by the violence around her but by the relentless phantoms invading her thoughts. She needed to think, to rally, to help—but amidst the overwhelming onslaught of sound, a sense of hopelessness began to seep in, wrapping around her like a heavy fog.

Until eventually, there was silence. The din of battle faded, leaving only a disorienting stillness that wrapped around Blue like a shroud. She waited, heart thundering in her chest, too afraid to open her eyes, convinced that the next sound would be the ominous return of chaos.

Blue felt a heavy tap on her shoulder, the touch startling her out of her reverie. Slowly, she opened her eyes, her breath catching in her throat as she turned to find Baatar next to her.

Her friend was a vision of horror and defiance, blood covering their face and body, glistening darkly in the dim light. The look of rage burning in her eyes was unlike anything Blue had ever seen. It was fierce and primal—a wild storm of emotion that made Blue step back in alarm, her heart racing anew.

"What the fuck was that, Blue?!" Baatar snarled, her voice filled with pure anger and frustration, echoing like a crack of thunder in the heavy silence. “Why weren’t you fighting?”

The words struck Blue like a blow. She trembled, stunned by the sight of Baatar and the sudden shift in her demeanor. Confusion twisted through her, mingling with guilt and fear. “I…I couldn’t…” she stammered, her voice barely a whisper as her mind raced, searching for the right words. “I was scared…I couldn’t hear…I didn’t know what to do…”

Baatar’s gaze bore into her, eyes wild and blazing. “You think we have the luxury of being scared right now?” she snapped, taking a step closer, the intensity of her anger palpable. “We’re losing ground! We need every pony fighting and you—” She gestured widely around them, her breath ragged, the weight of their dire situation pressing heavily upon her. “You just sat here!”

Blue groaned, clutching her head as the voices faded to whispers. A sharp, pulsating pain throbbed in her temples, each beat feeling like a hammer driving further into her skull. The world around her swayed, a dizzying blur that made her stomach churn. She squeezed her eyes shut against the wave of nausea that threatened to rise, desperately trying to keep it at bay.

“What the hell just happened?” she mumbled, pressing her hooves against her forehead, willing the pain to subside. She could feel the heat of panic creeping up her throat and she took a deep breath, focusing on the rhythm of her breathing to steady herself. “Inhale…exhale…”

“Baatar,” she said, her voice hoarse but resolute, “I–” she paused, swallowing hard to keep the unease from twisting her stomach again.

"I...I...I froze up." Blue was stumbling over her words, her voice small and weak in the face of Baatar's anger. Baatar kept staring, her eyes boring into Blue, like she couldn't believe what happened. Blue shrank away in fear, feeling guilty for her inaction. But, she couldn't find her voice, her throat closing up as she tried to explain what had happened. Baatar continued to glare, her eyes like razors cutting into Blue.

Baatar pushed Blue towards the facility, their angry face glaring at her, her voice filled with frustration. "There's more hiding in there. You go in and take care of it. I'll clean up the mess of the three who died. I don't care what you see and you don't get to run away." Baatar turned to the dead ponies as she started cleaning up the blood, her back towards Blue. Blue was still in shock from earlier, trying to process what had just happened.

"Why are you cleaning it up?" she asked.

Baatar didn't reply. She just yelled at Blue to "get moving" and pushed her forward forcefully. Blue jumped with a start and quickly went inside, dropping her gun into her saddle bag and closing it. Just as she stepped inside, a warning shot echoed through the facility. She froze for a moment and then continued walking deeper inside. She was nervous as she approached the unknown territory and her heart was beating rapidly in her chest.

"Oi, don't fecking move another step," a hostile voice called out. Blue halted in her tracks. "Otherwise, we use ya for target practice. My pals would love to use ya for that."

Blue was shocked. She didn't want to follow their orders. Just try to calm down…breathe Blue thought to herself, inhaling and exhaling, trying to reassure herself that she would be okay.

Having heard that threatening voice, Blue knew she was in a bad situation. She tried to be logical and felt she could be useful, thinking that maybe they would need her in some way. She took a deep breath and spoke up, trying to sound confident.

"Listen," she said, her voice still shaky with fear, "I can help you." She hoped that her words would be enough to spare her life.

"Wurk? Tha's a laff." The mare bellowed with a wild, sickening laugh. "Get a load o' that horseshit asphalt," her eyes gleamed with excitement. Blue stood still, unable to figure out how she could possibly help these raiders. She just wanted to survive.

"She finks we are like slavers," the mare Raider sneered, clearly disgusted by the idea. "Hah! We're Raiders! You little shit, we got a shit for brains." Blue felt a blunt object strike her eye and she let out a cry as blood trickled down her face. "Awww, red's cute on that purdy face," the Raider mocked her, clearly delighted to have caused her pain and humiliation. Blue felt powerless and angry, but she tried to keep calm and play along as best as she could.

As Blue looked around desperately, she noticed that there was another Raider behind her, the one who had whacked her with the barrel of the rifle. She felt her heart rate increase, fearing the worst. Would this Raider be even more brutal than the ones she had encountered a moment ago? She tried to remain calm and think of a way out of this situation.

Blood began to pool from the wound on Blue's cheek. It was split open, the chill air making the hot crimson feel cold on her skin. The pain grew unbearable, her head feeling light. She felt the ground beneath her sway, her thoughts running wild with fear and confusion. She wanted to scream, to cry out for help, but she knew that would only attract more attention from the Raiders. She looked towards the mare Raider and hoped that she would take pity on her.

"Just listen," Blue said with a slight waver in her voice, despite the pain she was feeling. "I know how to survive in this wasteland and I'm not a weakling. I think your group could benefit from having someone like me around, just think of all the things I could teach you."

The female Raider listened to Blue, her expression twisting. "Is that so?" she said, raising an eyebrow. The mare Raider mocked Blue, her voice dripping with pleasure. She seemed to enjoy Blue's pain and suffering.

The other mare grew impatient with her and said, "Stop playing with the prey and just kill her already."

The first mare shrugged. "Or send her out to the mines, we could use the extra labor," she said.The Raider looked Blue up and down, as if judging whether she would be suitable for mining work. Blue held her breath, not sure what would happen next.

The stallion Raider didn't seem as amused by the idea of having Blue around. "You're no fun, Lil," he said as he scoffed at Lil, the female Raider. Lil ignored him and kept pointing her rifle at Blue, looking her up and down.

"How much work could you actually get out of this thing?" Lil asked, her eyes narrowing at Blue's size. "She's big for a unicorn" she observed. Blue felt like she was being appraised like a piece of livestock.

Despite her injured eye streaming blood, Blue stood before the Raiders, desperate to convince them of her worth. Ignoring the mocking taunts, she continued, "I know how to survive in this wasteland and I'm no weakling. I can hunt and forage for food, cook for the group and I have knowledge of medicinal herbs." She hoped that her skills would be enough to sway them and that they would accept her as a member of the Raider group.

Blue knew that she was lying, just so she could survive. Yet, she tried to think of any useful skills she might have that could appeal to the Raiders. After all, her life was at stake and if she was lucky, they wouldn't call her out for lying.

The Raiders looked at each other and began to laugh. "You're a riot," one of them said sarcastically. "You're so bad at lying. Nothing grows out here, there's no animals to hunt.We don't need a cook." They continued to jeer at Blue and laugh at her failed attempt at gaining their favor. Blue couldn't hide her frustration and fear, feeling completely powerless as the Raiders taunted her. It seemed to be hopeless.

"Looks like the Bloody Fangs are eating well tonight!" the Raider snickered, her laughter sounding insane. She looked at Blue, a look of malice on her face. Her eyes gleamed with excitement, as if she was looking forward to Blue's demise. The other Raiders laughed along, eager for the meal and entertainment they expected to receive. Blue tried to hold back her anger, knowing that it would only make things worse. She had to find a way out of this situation before it was too late.

"We didn't agree to the 'Bloody Fangs'," one of the raiders said, the voice sounded like a stallion shouting angrily at the mare. The sudden outburst from the stallion took Blue by surprise. But, being the intelligent alicorn she was, she immediately realized that this tense atmosphere might be her chance to escape. The Raiders were bickering and distracted and that was the perfect opportunity to flee from the danger. She waited for the right moment and then she sprung into action.

"We never made you our leader Mary Bloodthirsty," one of the Raiders corrected her. "You don't get to choose the name. We are The Vicious Fang Clan!" It seemed like the Raiders couldn't agree on their name or their leader. This confusion created the perfect opportunity for Blue to escape. The Raiders were too busy arguing amongst themselves to notice her. She had to move quickly before they caught on.

Lil laughed, clearly enjoying the fight this was starting to turn into. She seemed to delight in the chaos and turmoil, not caring about the outcome as long as it entertained her. She looked over at Blue and smirked, enjoying the sight of her fear and confusion. It seemed like Lil was the type of Pony who enjoyed seeing others suffer and was not someone Blue wanted to deal with, if possible. But, she couldn't risk angering the Raiders further.

Suddenly, Lil got very upset, realizing that Blue was trying to sneak away. She shouted "hey get back here bitch!" out of anger, trying to intimidate Blue into staying. The other Raiders looked over, surprised by Lil's sudden aggression. Lil stood there, glaring at Blue, waiting for her to obey. Blue stood her ground, trying to remain calm and composed despite her fear and desperation. She knew she couldn't afford to antagonize the violent raiders further.

With Lil's shouts ringing in her ears, Blue decided she had no choice but to run away. As she did so, she happened to spot a house-sized cage mostly obscured by a cloth. She quickly walked up to the cage and worked on the lock, trying to figure out a way to get it open. After two hits with her baton, she broke the lock and managed to open the cage. Bullets flew past her and one hit her leg, causing her to scream in pain. Despite her injury, she forced the cage door open.

As the Raiders scrambled and yelled, Blue believed that maybe the people they had captured would be in the cage and that she had freed them. She took a step away from the cage as a giant paw came out, shaking the ground and causing Blue to step back, feeling scared of what she may have released. She didn't know if this creature was friendly or dangerous and she felt helpless in the face of this formidable opponent.

From inside the cage emerged a giant bear with blue fur and star-like patterns. It roared at the Raiders and spat out ice breath, sending the Raiders scrambling in fear. The Raiders panicked, began firing and took aim at the bear. They were yelling "Take the fucking thing down! The stupid bitch let out our highly coveted Ursa minor!" They continued to fire, but the bear easily deflected their bullets and claws with its thick hide. Blue's eyes widened as she witnessed the bloodshed. She didn't know whether to feel grateful or terrified.

As the bear attacked the Raiders, Blue stealthily snuck around, using her baton to break open the locks of the smaller cages actually holding ponies and griffins captive. Mary Bloodthirsty saw Blue and narrowed her eyes at her, however, she fled with the bear as it gave chase. Blue, on the other hand, continued her efforts, breaking free and helping the beaten up and broken creatures. When she was done, she then guided them to the entrance, waving for Tapper and Baatar to come over as the gunfire faded into the distance.

"I managed but what the hell came out of there," Blue said, fidgeting from the pain in her leg and on her cheek. She then turned to Baatar, saying, "I unlocked a cage and that thing came out, they called it a Ursa minor. Any chance you know what that is?"

Baatar shook their head and replied "No, but you got the captives. Good job," she chuckled lightly. She continued, "Despite you not assisting and getting my fellow caretakers killed...I don't know what I'm going to say to my old friend, knowing some of his friends are dead." Blue, however, was still focused on the Ursa minor. She was now wondering if it was safe to stay close to it. She turned her attention to Baatar and asked "So, do you know if this Ursa minor is dangerous?"

Baatar simply stated, "I told you, I don't have the faintest clue. It looks like a giant bear. Never seen one like that before." Blue's sadness grew as she realized she would get no further information about the weird bear-like creature. She was now unsure what to do next with the unknown Ursa Minor.

Blue winced from the pain and asked Baatar. "Do you happen to know where I can get any help for my wounded cheek?"

Baatar stated, "We have a pony who knows medicine that can help you.However," she paused, thinking of which requirement to disclose first, "you are going to need to pay in caps. Only those that show the best performance on missions can get free treatment." She shrugged, "If you don't got the caps you are shit out of luck."

Blue was saddened by this as she considered her options. Then, she remembered something and searched her saddlebags for a bottle. However, she had forgotten which one was the healing potion and which one was the flask of Royal blue she had obtained back in the Stable. Unsure of what to do with this silvery and black flask, she looked at the glowing blue liquid inside and drank it. Blue did so, despite knowing it could have negative effects. Immediately, Blue felt strange, almost as if something strange was taking over her body. She wasn't sure if the potion would be beneficial or harmful to her situation, but she hoped for the best outcome.

"Whoa, what the hell?" Blue said as she couldn't believe her eyes. She watched in amazement as the bullets slowly fell out of the wounds in her leg one by one as the holes closed up, healing themselves. She couldn't believe it! She felt amazing. The chills inside her body were gone and she felt alive and fantastic. She couldn't believe her luck. After everything that had happened, she finally felt good and in control again. She felt like she wanted to take advantage of this newfound power.

Baatar and Tapper both looked at Blue with curiosity. Baatar was the first to speak up and ask, "Hey hey, you good, Blue?" Blue looked back at them calmly, as if everything was fine. She even coughed and laughed playfully, acting as if it was nothing and was just in The afterglow of this potion she took. She pointed to the emptied silvery flask marked with the Stable’s numbers 375 and Baatar immediately responded by pulling Tapper back.

“Look at how fast her gunshot wounds mended..." Baatar whispered in a cautious tone to Tapper, then Baatar stated bluntly with a hint of aggression, "Freaky Alicorns and their bizarre magic.” She turned from facing Blue to facing Tapper. Baatar was now even more concerned, keeping Tapper as close as she could. She was clearly on high alert.

Blue stared at Baatar in thought as she responded. She seemed embarrassed and apologetic. With a sigh, she spoke again, "I'm sorry…I won't do this again. If it upsets you.” With a slight smile and hesitant tone, she followed up with her question, "Um...may I ask what place you visited?" Baatar nodded in agreement to Blue's apology, while keeping her eyes glued on Tapper. She now seemed slightly more relaxed, now that she knew that Blue was remorseful and willing to listen.

In response to Baatar's question, Tapper shook her head. However, she still glared at Blue, clearly unhappy with her actions. But, seeing as Baatar was starting to relax now that Blue had slid the empty metal flask into her saddlebag, Tapper continued to stay still and listen. Clearly, she was still on edge about what Blue might do next. She had to trust her to not make any other mistakes, but she wasn't confident.

Baatar answered Blue's question, stating, "It was near Splendid Valley, but I didn't stay there, though." She paused, as if to choose her next words carefully. She continued, "The locals say that it’s the hellhounds and well...your own kind, the freaks of nature." She couldn't help but sound slightly judgmental, as she spoke the last words. It was clear she wasn't thrilled with the idea of Blue and her fellow Alicorns.

Blue closed her eyes, looking a bit sad as she responded. "I'm not like them..." she said, "at least I don't think so. I don't have any memories and I don't even know how I'm supposed to act." Baatar paused, then looked at Blue. She wanted to respond, but Blue immediately cut her off, saying "It's fine, I understand, I might know what horrible things the other Alicorns did..." Blue paused, then ended her sentence with "...but I promise you, I won't ever do what they do."

As Baatar went to apologize, Blue quickly cut her off. "We have something to do. The raiders said there's mines. We need to find them and save whoever is down there." Blue was determined and didn't have time for apologies. Baatar realized this and agreed to head into the mines with Blue. "Right, Tapper, stay here with the others," she said, leaving no room for debate about that.

After a few minutes of searching, Blue and Baatar managed to find the entrance to the cave. As they approached the mouth of the cave, an awful stench greeted them. The warmth coming from the cave gave Blue a foreboding feeling. They both looked around warily as they entered the cave, trying to see if something lay in wait for them inside. Baatar quickly, pulled out their gun, as she looked around the dark cave cautiously.

"Are you also nervous to an extent?" Blue asked, her tone worried.

Baatar simply responded, "Anything other than being on edge is weakness, Blue." She then instructed, "Make sure your pistol is out." Blue quickly moved to follow Baatar's orders, removing her pistol from her saddlebag after opening it, then closes it again. Holding the pistol in her hoof. Blue was now fully alert and prepared for any danger that may arise as they ventured further into the dark and eerie cave.

The stench that Blue was familiar with from her stable had become even more intense. It was like death and dust, but now the cave was even warmer than the stable was. She could feel the heat on her face, causing it to sting a bit. However, she pressed on past the unpleasant scent and continued looking around the dark cave, her pistol still held in her hooves. She hoped that nothing would happen, but she was ready for anything as she proceeded with caution.

"Hey, do you know how to use that horn of yours?" Baatar asked, turning to look at Blue, as they continued to move forward through the dark cave. She then gave Blue a suggestion, saying "If you know how to lift things, use that magic to wrap your gun and boom, your hoof will be free to use still."

"You seem to know a lot, Baatar." Blue was impressed and a little surprised by her knowledge. She focused her magic, just like she did when she lifted the jacket towards her back in the stable and saw the magical glow form around the gun. The sound of her horn magic echoed throughout the cave and deeper within. They both heard a screech, followed by more screeches and the sound of hoofsteps was approaching closer. It was becoming more clear that danger was nearby. Blue had to be even more cautious now.

Blue and Baatar both froze in their tracks, as they heard the screeches and hoofsteps approaching. Blue's horn cast a glow over the area, revealing some decaying, pale ponies, with patches of fur. They had longer bodies and their hooves looked like claws. Blue yelled, "Run!" She quickly backpedaled, with Baatar right behind her. Baatar began firing their gun, desperately trying to hold off the creatures that were quickly catching up.

They both continued running, until they soon reached the entrance of the cave. "Hurry!" Baatar yelled, "Use your magic to push the loose rocks on the entrance and collapse it!" Blue quickly focused her horn, blasting out a blast of magic at the loose rocks near the entrance, causing them to come crumbling down and seal the entrance. They were now safely outside but they knew that the creatures were still just inside the sealed cave. They could do nothing but wait.

They both stood there, panting heavily, as they realized they had escaped the dangerous creatures for the moment. Baatar turned to look at Blue, impressed but also a bit concerned. She realized Blue used magic that she didn't know she possessed. "I wanted you to use your levitation magic but that worked out too."

Blue said, clearly a bit bewildered and confused, "I don't know...how or where that came from. It was just an instinct," she added, still trying to figure it out. Clearly, she was unaware of how powerful she can be.

Blue looked up and noticed that Baatar had a claw mark on their rear. She immediately panicked, worried that Baatar may have been injured. "Baatar! Are you okay?" Blue asked, her tone a mix of panic and concern. Baatar responded quickly, dismissing Blue's worries.

"No, I'll handle it. I got healing potions," she said, trying to ease Blue's fears. She wasn't injured at all, the claw mark just left an ugly mark on her rear.

Blue looks on as Baatar pulled out a healing potion from her bag and drank it down, before throwing the empty bottle to the ground, breaking it against the rocks. As the wound healed, she saw the reaction from the creatures in the cave. The entrance to the cave rumbled, as she heard muffled screeching coming from inside. Blue was relieved that Baatar seems okay but she was also worried about what those creatures might do, if they escape the sealed cave. She knew they had to be cautious.

"What the hell were those things?” Blue asked, confused and frightened as her eyes darted over the fallen rubble to make sure there were no gaps in it.

"I don't wanna be in this area anymore," Blue told Baatar. "I think we should move on." She wondered what to do about the people they had saved. "Are the rescued even able to move in their condition?" Blue didn't want to waste time trying to move them if they were too injured, so she waited for Baatar's answer.

Baatar calls out "Tapper!" she rushed over.

Tapper asks, "You are back so soon. What'd you find down there?" Blue listened in from the side, waiting to find out what Baatar was going to say next. She was curious to hear what they had discovered. She hoped nothing too dramatic would come of whatever it was they had found.

"Nothing," Baatar says to Tapper with an air of confidence. Blue watched closely, curious as to why Baatar was seemingly lying. "All the ponies down there are dead." Blue was a bit concerned, but she trusted Baatar, since they had been through so much together. They all decide that one of them should go and get their entire group and their doctor to come take a look at the ponies. Blue listens in, wondering who their doctor was, but she was intrigued and willing to go along with whatever they decided.

Baatar said "I think we should make Blue do it, since she's new and needs to earn more favor." Blue looked slightly annoyed but tried to keep a calm head. "Tapper, come with me and help bring the ponies out of the cold and in the facility, we need to stay here for a while." Baatar then looked to Blue, waiting for her response. Blue had no choice but to agree. She needed to earn more favor with the group and so she would have to do as Baatar suggested.

"Well okay, I'll do that for you," Blue said quietly. She seemed slightly bothered but tried to keep her cool. "I'm sorry I didn't help in the fight." Blue's voice caught in her throat as she spoke. "I'm sorry I got them killed," she then said, her voice filled with guilt. Baatar looked at Blue with some concern.

Baatar and Tapper looked at her with a mix of worry and resentment. "Look...I'm never going to trust you as much, seeing what you are," Tapper said to Blue. "I'll tolerate you and work with you, maybe I'll even join you when you need it." Blue felt like the group wouldn't fully accept her after this. She tried her best to stay calm and not let her emotions get the best of her.

"Just know I am a bit sorry," Baatar said, trying to be a bit comforting here.

"It's fine," Blue said with a calm tone. "I understand,Tapper. I'm an alicorn." She then added, "Just let me do a bunch of good though and I'll change your mind of me." Blue seemed determined to do what she could to redeem herself and earn back the trust of the group.

"I'll start with bringing you the group and the doctor," Blue said, "It will take a while though." She then turned and started to leave, to go and find their group and their doctor.

Blue returned to the group, after going to find their doctor. She was well on her way to meeting up with the group, having already found their doctor. She was now snacking on three of the bars she took from the stable and had possibly a whole month's worth of snacks in her saddle bag if she didn't share it with anyone else. It seemed like she was taking responsibility and doing what she could to help, despite Tapper’s earlier reaction to her.

"Hey, I was told you were the doctor?" Blue asked with a calm tone. She was now wearing her jacket tightly around her. She seemed mildly nervous as two guards watched the doctor work, but tried to keep her cool.

"Hey, dumbass," one of them said aggressively to her. "Doctor Biopsy is busy, she's tending to the wounded from the previous attack we dealt to the slavers out near the ruins of the crystal empire. Either say something important. Or move the fuck along."

"Ah..um..this..uh is very important," Blue said quietly. She couldn't quite find the strength or confidence to speak loudly in front of the guard, who now began yelling at her.

"Speak the fuck up, yes or no," the guard shouted, clearly frustrated at Blue's quietness. Blue felt even more anxious and stressed, as the guards continued yelling at her. "Yes or no? It's not that hard," he repeated.

"Yes," Blue answered forcefully. This seemed to appease the guards, who stopped yelling. She had now calmed down slightly, after taking some deep breaths. She seemed happy that the guards weren't yelling at her anymore. It was a big relief for her.

"Good, guess you ain't so dumb," The guard said, no longer yelling at Blue. "No funny business here," he added. "If ya try anything," he continued, "you gettin a bullet between ya eyes and left to be a practice body fer the ol doc ta work on." Blue was relieved that the guard seemed to be calming down and that he was now willing to listen to what she had to say. She didn't intend to make any trouble and wanted to stay away from any more conflict.

As Blue entered the building, she felt relieved that the guard had finally let her through. As she looked around, she noticed the doctor seemingly removing pieces of metal from another pony's body. "Dammit... there's more bomb shrapnel here than flesh," Biopsy said sounding exhausted. Blue kept her distance, trying to not interfere with the doctor's work. She wanted to help as much as she could but she also wanted to respect their profession and keep out of the way as much as possible.

Blue continued to watch the doctor work, intrigued by her skill and dedication. However, she couldn't help but notice how exhausted and stressed the mare seemed to be. After a few moments, she saw the doctor take a flask from inside her coat pocket and begin to drink it. Blue watched with curiosity, wondering what was in the flask and whether it was helping the doctor stay focused and in good spirits during such a strenuous task.

"A lost cause...there's nothing more I can do," Biopsy said, wiping the sweat from her brow. She was startled when she saw Blue looking at her and shouted, "What do you want?!" Blue got a better look at the doctor, who appeared terrible and exhausted. Her eyes were sunken in, she was pale and sweaty and her mane was a mess. This was surprising to Blue, who had not expected the doctor to look this way.

"Don't be afraid," Blue then said gently.

"I came here to take care of business on behalf of Baatar," Blue explained to Biopsy. "She and Tapper are just five hours from here... They are in dire need of our help." Blue went on to explain that there was a group of ponies who were in rough shape, unable to make the trip. She felt compelled to help them in any way she could.

Biopsy's ears perked up at the news that a group of ponies needed help and that Baatar and Tapper were nearby. She suddenly seemed more alert and eager to help.

Biopsy responded, "I'll help." She then informed Blue that they had a working wagon, which they had enchanted with a talisman to make it move on its own, which would cut the trip down to only three hours. However, due to the amount of equipment and supplies that they would need to take, they would only be able to fit five ponies comfortably on the wagon and she suggested they take two to make it four. She then added that multiple trips would be needed due to the amount of hurt people they would need to transport.

"What's a talisman?" Blue asked the mare, curious to learn more.

"What? Were you raised in a stable?" Before Blue could answer, she was cut off by Biopsy, who seemed annoyed by the waste of time. "I can see your Pipbuck," Biopsy said sharply. "Fine, I'll explain." She then added, "However, I expect you to trade a favor since you are wasting valuable time." Blue wasn't expecting this response, but she wanted to learn more. So she decided to accept Biopsy's terms. "Well, since I'm helping out anyway, I'll assist you, too."

Biopsy rolled her eyes and continued, "A talisman is a gemstone and it can do many different things. The one we have happens to make the wagon move quickly and on its own. This has been very helpful in moving supplies from one place to another.

“Unfortunately, we have been ambushed on a few occasions, but we mostly managed to make it out unscathed."

Biopsy pointed to a machine and said, "Well, we have to get a move on. Stop standing around and come help me with this." She took another sip from her flask and then pocketed the flask. She added, "We are going to take a while doing this. Hope you are strong." Blue could tell by the way Biopsy spoke that she was a pony who wanted to get things done quickly and efficiently, even if it meant working hard. This was something Blue admired and respected about the mare.

It had taken both Blue and Biopsy a long time to complete the task, but they had finally finished. Both of them were tired and Biopsy said that she was going to take a nap. "Okay, it will take three hours," she said, "I'm going to catch some well-needed shut eye...I haven't slept in thirty-seven hours." One of the guards would drive the wagon and Blue was told to keep an eye out. Biopsy then went to the back of the wagon and promptly fell asleep.

Blue looked around, taking in her surroundings. She noticed the snow falling gently, but it didn't seem like there was a blizzard outside. She saw lights throughout and tents that littered the area. The building she had emerged from with Biopsy was giant. Blue felt overwhelmed at the size of this world. "This world is so big," she thought to herself, feeling a bit scared and awed at the same time. Her heart rate began to accelerate slightly as she tried to process everything that was happening so quickly.

"I feel so small..." Blue continued with a sigh. She couldn't help but feel overwhelmed and inferior in this large, strange world. Her heart rate kept increasing as she felt like she was having a full blown existential crisis. She felt helpless and lost, like she was just a tiny pony in a big and scary world.

Blue quickly moved into the wagon and a mare sat next to her. She had icy silver mane, her eye was scarred and she wore what looked like a worn thick hide. The mare asked Blue with a grin, "Why you staring? Like what you see?" Blue immediately looked away, not wanting to be caught staring at the stranger. She felt relieved to have something else to occupy her thoughts and decided to concentrate on looking out into the dark night ahead.

"Hey," the mare continued, "I know I'm good looking and have stories, but I don't bite." She then asked Blue's name. "What's yours stranger?" Blue responded back, "I'm...Blue, that's all I know about myself." That's all she could answer for now, since that indeed was all she really knew about herself. She felt like a stranger in this new and unknown world, hoping that she could find out more about herself and her past through her adventure.

Lumi looked at Blue with a grin. "Ah, I'm Lumi," she said. Then she added in a soft voice, "Ask away, we have time." As the wagon began to move, Blue was startled and slightly off balance. She slipped forward a bit into the mare and said "Oh I'm sorry!" To which Lumi simply replied, "First time riding in a wagon, huh?" Lumi seemed slightly amused by how interesting and cute Blue was and was eager to know more about her.

The wagon continued to move as Blue corrected herself and went back to her seat, feeling more nervous than before. "I'm so sorry," she said honestly. "Yes, it's my first time," she added. She shared her feelings of feeling small and how it was overwhelming for her, due to the size of this new world she found herself a part of. However, despite that, she was still willing to help as much as she could and to do her best.

The wagon continued to move, as the two ponies engaged in a conversation. Lumi then said, "Ah, I wouldn't worry all too much." She shared her advice to Blue, "Just go with the flow and everything will work out." She said that this was how she views the world and offered to tell Blue some stories instead. "I know there's no stories you can currently tell me," Lumi mentioned, "But I'm open to tell you some since you seem eager."

Blue was embarrassed to learn how easy to read her emotions are and felt a bit shy. "Well, um how'd you come to be a part of this group?" She was curious to hear Lumi's story and how she ended up joining this group. Perhaps it would be something she could relate to and find comfort in knowing that she wasn't alone in this new and strange world.

"Ah, the heavy hitting questions first," Lumi sighed. She then explained her tragic past in detail, "I was sold by my parents to slavers. I spent years working myself to near death everyday, I was hardly fed...I had to please many, many people." Lumi had experienced true horror, abuse and misfortune in her past and the effects of it still lingered. Yet, she had found hope and redemption through the group of ponies she now called friends. Blue felt inspired by Lumi's strength and determination to push forward despite her past experiences.

The conversation between Blue and Lumi continued, as Lumi shared more and more information about her past. Blue could see that Lumi was a survivor, yet she didn't seem too sad or broken by her previous traumas. She seemed content, or determined, like she was never going to let those experiences define who she was. She expressed a sense of gratitude and loyalty to the group that helped her out, even if she felt like she would never be able to fully repay their kindness.

"I'll never get my eye back, or the horn they chiseled," Lumi shared, "but I won't let those disabilities stop me from working as hard as anyone else." She was determined to overcome her physical limitations and to stay strong despite them. She wasn't going to let her past define who she was now and was proud of her hard work and dedication. Even if it meant she had to work a little bit harder than other ponies sometimes, she considered it a small sacrifice to make in order to survive and prosper.

Blue was touched by Lumi's tragic story and could feel her heart ache for her. "I...I didn't know," she said. She felt overwhelmed by the cruelty of some ponies and didn't understand why they would be so terrible to others.

"It's fine!" Lumi laughed, trying to reassure Blue. "I'm just getting back at these monsters and saving others in the process." She was determined to stay positive and move forward, despite the hardships she'd faced. She wanted to make a better future for herself.

Lumi's expression got serious as she turned to look at Blue, her eye piercing. "Blue, you'll get used to the wasteland," she warned her. "It will warp you and change you." She continued, "It's up to you to figure out which way your path molds, I would hate to see someone who appears innocent, twisted and choosing the wrong path." Lumi spoke from experience and was concerned about Blue's future. She didn't want to see another innocent pony go down a dark path and become corrupted.

"I will do my best to not let that happen to me, Lumi," Blue promised her. "I promise you, Baatar and the group that I am helping."

"Don't just promise," Lumi replied with a soft smile. "Do 110 percent. Always."

Lumi was clearly a survivor, even after all her struggles and suffering. She had maintained her kindness, despite it all and was proud of her ability to stay generous and thoughtful towards others.

Blue noticed Lumi's armor and asked, "What's with your worn armor?" Lumi replied, "This was a gift from the head of this group. She gave it to me when I joined their guards." She explained that she had been through a lot of battles while using it and had taken many beatings while on missions for the group. Lumi also told Blue about her tragic mission to the ruins of the Crystal Empire. Despite the loss, she still remained hopeful and smiled back at Blue, as a sign of her strength and resiliency.

Lumi pointed to the hundreds of markings on her armor. "Every mark on this armor is from me," she told Blue with a soft smile. She explained how it was a way to remember all the ponies the group had lost, as they had gone through tough times during the last 7 years. "It's been a tough 7 years," Lumi confessed, "but we are still kicking. However, we aren't as big as we used to be." Lumi was determined to continue fighting and stay a resilient force in this world despite her hardships.

The stallion who was steering the wagon asked Blue, "Hey where do we go from here?" Blue walked up to the front of the wagon and looked at her PipBuck. "We go about straight for another hour and then turn left and keep going for 2 more," she replied. The stallion thanked Blue for her guidance and continued his task of driving the wagon. They were quickly approaching their destination and Blue's knowledge was invaluable for making sure they got there smoothly and safely.

Lumi chuckled, "Well, not surprised. Leave it up to these people. We're the Caretakers, we happen to..."

She stopped and sighed, "You already know that, that's our name."

Blue stared blankly at the wooden boards of the wagon ceiling, lost in the depths of her memories, her heart still racing from what felt like a fever dream. The dim light of day filtered in through the cracks, illuminating her pale face, etched with disbelief and horror. She was overwhelmed—visibly shaken, eyes wide in terror as she replayed the nightmarish scene in her mind.

In her recollection, she had found herself emerging from a giant vat tube, a twisted vessel of despair. As the slick fluid spilled around her, she had tumbled out, gasping for air while instinctively clawing at her throat, choking on the remnants of whatever vile concoction had imprisoned her. Her body had thrashed against the hard floor and as she fought for breath, she noticed them—skeletons lying as silent sentinels in the gloom, their bones white against the darkened surroundings, a chilling reminder of lives extinguished long ago.

She could still vividly recall her panicked glance around the cramped space, the dim glow highlighting the cracked and broken tubes. Those ghostly remnants of what had once contained something resembling life lay scattered like fallen soldiers. The only remotely decaying bodies were those submerged in the wrecked tubes, their flesh long lost; all that remained were traces of horror bottled within glass, forgotten by time.

The smell wafting through the air clung to her nostrils like a malevolent specter, an odor unlike any other—a pungent mix of rot and chemicals, a sickly sweet decay that made her stomach churn. It was a smell that seemed to linger, as if the very atmosphere of the Stable had seeped into her coat, binding her to that wretched place. She poured every ounce of her will to keep from retching inside the wagon, the memory pulling her deeper into its suffocating grip. Every fiber of her being screamed to expel the horror now swirling in her gut, yet she fought against it, desperately clutching the edge of the wagon, her forelegs trembling under the strain.

With trembling hooves, she wiped at the remnants of liquid that still clung to her face, the chill of it contrasting sharply with the heat of her rising panic. Each gasp of air felt like a desperate plea for life, as if by simply breathing she could ward off the potent memory of death that surrounded her. Blue could hear the echoes of those lost souls faintly in the back of her mind, their silent screams forming a haunting chorus that threatened her sanity.

With her chest rising and falling rapidly, she closed her eyes tightly, trying to escape the harsh reality of her memories that replayed like a broken record—the fear, the discovery, the overwhelming sense of helplessness that had engulfed her in that dreadful place. And as she sat there, amidst the ghostly remnants of a past she couldn’t erase, she wondered if she would ever truly escape the darkness that had become an indelible part of her. The thought alone was suffocating, yet she knew somewhere deep within her that she had to press on, to break free from the shackles of that horrifying experience, even while its echoes still reverberated through her thoughts.

"Hey Blue? You with us?" Lumi's voice cut through the haze of Blue’s thoughts, the concern lacing her tone pulling Blue back from the depths of her troubled recollections.

Blue blinked, momentarily disoriented, before focusing on Lumi’s earnest gaze. "Oh, I'm sorry. I was lost in thought. What is it?"

Lumi studied her for a moment longer, her brow furrowing slightly. "You haven’t said a word for the past five minutes. Are you okay?"

Taking a deep breath, Blue hesitated, the weight of her past still heavy on her heart. "Lumi... I came from Stable 375 and I..." Her voice faltered, the memories swirling in her mind too chaotic to articulate. She felt a swell of emotions clash within her—fear, vulnerability and an acute sense of isolation.

"Hey, you’re cool, Blue," Lumi reassured her, her demeanor warm and comforting. "No need to share anything you’re not ready to. Your business is yours."

Deep down, Blue appreciated Lumi's understanding; it provided a small measure of solace. Yet, despite the kindness evident in Lumi’s words, Blue was haunted by an overwhelming instinct to keep moving. The specter of danger loomed close and she knew she couldn't linger in one place for too long—whoever was in pursuit would surely find her if she did.

"Thanks for the entertainment; it's pretty quiet around the warehouse," Lumi remarked, breaking the heavy silence that hung between them.

"No problem," Blue replied, allowing a genuine smile to form—one that momentarily lit up her pale face. "I enjoyed chatting with you too."

As their conversation flowed, Blue couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her. Creating a moment of levity in her troubled existence felt refreshing. It struck her just how important these interactions were; in a world fraught with uncertainty, laughter and companionship were often the only lifelines to sanity.

Blue’s gaze drifted toward Lumi, her attention drawn like a moth to a flame. She admired the way the moonlight blue of Lumi's coat shimmered under the soft, filtered sunlight. The deep aqua of her eye sparkled with warmth and vivacity, further captivating Blue. There was an undeniable confidence about Lumi, an aura that radiated self-assurance and grace.

As Blue took in these details, she felt an unexpected flutter in her chest—a mix of admiration and attraction. Yet, alongside that intrigue came confusion. Why was she feeling this way? Was it mere physical attraction, or was it something deeper? Blue's internal struggle intensified; her heart raced with excitement, but her mind wrestled with uncertainty.

Rubbing her eyes as if to dispel the conflicting feelings, Blue turned her gaze elsewhere, unable to fully confront the burgeoning emotions that swirled within her. She fought against the gravity of her burgeoning feelings for Lumi, trying to untangle the web of attraction and affection. Was she simply drawn to Lumi's beauty, or was there a connection that transcended mere physicality?

The tension inside Blue was palpable and the feelings of intrigue and hesitation only deepened as she attempted to navigate through the blurring lines of friendship and something potentially more profound. Sitting there in the wagon, a safe haven surrounded by uncertainty, she couldn’t help but wonder if this connection with Lumi was the light in her life she desperately needed—or yet another complication to an already tumultuous existence.

"I...helped take out Mary Bloodthirsty and her raider gang," Blue finally admitted after a moment’s hesitation, uncertainty lacing her voice. "I was there with the Caretakers."

Lumi’s eyes widened in surprise, her curiosity palpable as she processed this revelation. It was clear from her expression that she was piecing together why Blue hadn’t mentioned this sooner.

"That must have been dangerous," Lumi said, her tone a mixture of admiration and concern. “I’m glad you’re alright, Blue. Now I understand why the Steel Rangers escorted you away from Stable 375. They must have known about your accomplishments.”

Blue tilted her head in confusion, her brow furrowing as she tried to grasp the implications of Lumi’s words. "Wait...but I didn’t..." she began to respond, trailing off as doubt crept into her mind.

"I’m not stupid," Lumi interjected with a laugh, the playful tone lightening the moment. "I’m stubborn and sometimes too helpful, but not dumb. I put the pieces together very easily and how you responded just affirms this."

Feeling suddenly put on the spot, Blue couldn’t help but frown. Embarrassment washed over her in waves. She had not expected this conversation to take such a turn; Lumi’s perceptiveness left her momentarily speechless.

"Okay," Blue managed, a hint of defensiveness in her voice. "But the Steel Rangers escorting me away from Stable 375 was just a coincidence. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Lumi cocked her head to the side, a skeptical glint in her aqua eyes. "That’s quite the coincidence, Blue. Can you blame me for being suspicious?”

Lumi burst into laughter, her voice light and melodic, teasing Blue in a way that felt both disarming and comforting. "Oh, Blue," she said with a teasing grin. "You need someone to help keep you out of trouble. Just accept the compliment; I had you figured out."

"Yeah," Blue replied sheepishly, feeling a mixture of gratitude and embarrassment. "I’m sorry, I’m just on edge."

Lumi’s expression softened, her warmth palpable in the space between them. "Blue, it’s okay to be on edge here," she said kindly. "Just don’t let it stress you out. Stress doesn’t look pretty on you."

A weak laugh escaped Blue, a nervous chuckle that carried the weight of her relief. Lumi was right—her paranoia was clouding her judgment. She needed to calm down, to be present in this moment instead of getting lost in her worries. Taking a deep breath, she focused on centering herself.

"Thank you again," Blue said sincerely, her voice steadier now. "You’ve been a massive help in easing my mind."

Lumi nodded, a sparkle of mischief in her eyes. "Hey, no one said I couldn’t lend my ear," she replied with a grin that made Blue feel a little brighter. "I’m here to help, Blue. Just let me know what I can do."

Blue couldn’t help but smile nervously, grateful for Lumi’s unwavering support. The exhaustion from the long day weighed heavily on her, yet Lumi’s presence infused a sense of comfort she desperately needed. She often felt alone in her struggles, but here, with Lumi, there was a shared understanding—a glimpse of connection that transcended mere acquaintance.

“Even though we are strangers in a way, we still share a bond because you chose to be part of the people who saved me,” Lumi said softly, her words wrapping around Blue like a warm embrace. The smile that had been with her since their first meeting remained, inviting and genuine.

Blue felt a swell of emotion at Lumi's words, an unexpected warmth spreading through her. She nodded in response, a smile breaking across her face. Lumi’s presence was like sunlight breaking through storm clouds and Blue found herself grateful for it. “Thank you for saying that, Lumi. I’m glad I could help,” she replied, her heart buoyed by their connection.

“We almost seem to be there now,” Blue said, glancing at the distant outline of their destination. Lumi nodded in agreement, her expression brightening with anticipation.

“Yeah, well, it’s always work, but it’s honest and good helping. Say, what happened?” Lumi asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Blue hesitated, the memories of the encounter at the facility swirling in her mind like a storm. She rubbed her temple, a wave of queasiness rising up at the thought of detailing the events. “Um…it was intense,” she finally said, her voice a bit shaky. “Some ponies didn’t make it and I fired a shot that…well, it wasn’t supposed to happen like that.” The words tumbled out, but they felt inadequate, like trying to squeeze a tidal wave into a bucket.

Lumi's brow furrowed with concern. “That sounds…really tough,” she said softly. “Do you want to talk about it?”

Blue’s stomach twisted at the invitation. She didn’t want to delve into the specifics. It made her feel sick just thinking about it. “I just…I don’t think I’m ready to describe it,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “It was chaotic and I didn’t handle it well…I…”

Lumi reached out and placed a comforting hoof on Blue’s shoulder. “You don’t have to explain if you’re not comfortable. I get it. Sometimes, it’s just too much to relive.”

Gratitude washed over Blue for Lumi's understanding. “Thanks,” she said, exhaling a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. “I just feel like I could have done more, you know? I… I hate that some ponies lost their lives. It wasn’t how it was supposed to go.”

Lumi nodded, her gaze softening. “You did your best under pressure, Blue. It's easy to feel guilt in situations like that, but you didn’t make those choices for them. Sometimes things are out of our control.”

Blue looked down, feeling the warmth of Lumi’s hoof against her shoulder. She appreciated Lumi's attempt to comfort her, but the weight of guilt still lingered. “I know it was chaos, but I just—I keep replaying it in my mind, wishing I could change what happened,” she mumbled.

A brief silence settled between them, filled only with the sound of wind rustling around them, enveloping the moment in a cocoon of tranquility. Eventually, Blue looked up and met Lumi’s gaze, feeling a bit more grounded.

"Look," Lumi said, her voice returning to a more cheerful tone. "The important thing is, you survived and you’re here now, ready to keep moving forward. That counts for something. You don’t have to carry that burden alone; I’m here for you.”

Blue felt a rush of emotions at Lumi’s words, grateful for the support from someone she just met. “But…we barely know each other," she protested lightly.

"Doesn’t matter to me," Lumi replied with a reassuring smile. "You radiate this innocent nature and I know you wouldn’t hurt me, so therefore I trust you. I can see how much you care.”

Her words struck a chord in Blue’s heart and she felt honored by the trust Lumi extended to her. “Okay...I need as much help as I can get. I don’t mind having someone as a companion,” she said, her voice steadier now. “I’ve been doing things on my own for almost two days and it’s starting to feel a little overwhelming.”

“Then it’s settled! We’re in this together, Blue. Consider me your support buddy!” Lumi’s enthusiasm was infectious and Blue couldn’t help but smile.

As they continued along their path, Blue realized that with Lumi by her side, perhaps she could face the challenges ahead, one step at a time. The daunting weight on her shoulders felt a little lighter and a flicker of hope ignited within her, signaling the start of a new journey together, fortified by the bond they were beginning to forge.

Hearing her own words reverberate in her mind, Blue realized that she truly did need someone there to support her. The feeling of isolation gnawed at her, a heavy weight she had unknowingly carried for what felt like a lifetime. Despite having only awakened a day ago in this strange world, the shadows of solitude loomed large and the stark absence of memory made her sense of self feel fragile and elusive.

But the comfort of Lumi's presence, strong and unwavering, felt like a lifeline. It brought a sense of reassurance she had never known. Here, lying against the hardwood, Blue could sense the gentle rocking motion of their surroundings, as if the universe itself was cradling her ever so slightly. The warmth from Lumi's body radiated next to her, a reminder that she was no longer alone in this daunting journey.

As they lay there, Blue felt an unexpected peace settle over her. Despite the uncertainty of her identity and the fragmented memories that danced out of reach, she found solace in the connection they had forged in such a short time. Lumi, with her quiet strength and unwavering resolve, seemed to embody everything that Blue was not—a beacon of hope and resilience.

“What’s going through your mind?” Lumi asked softly, her voice soothing in the stillness that enveloped them.

Blue hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. “I’ve never had anyone support me before. It’s strange, but comforting.” Blue closed her eyes.

“Let’s take that first step then,” Blue said softly, her resolve strengthening. After opening her eyes. “Let’s find out what lies ahead. We can uncover my past and, in the process, discover what we’re capable of together.”

Blue had fallen asleep and when she woke up, she was disoriented and confused. She stretched and yawned, trying to get her bearings and realized she must have fallen asleep. She felt a bit better and a bit more refreshed after her nap, but still exhausted and weary.

Lumi was still there and the two of them had made it to the facility they were staying at for now. Lumi was busy attending to some personal matters and hadn't noticed Blue awakening.

Blue rubbed her eyes and face as she started to stretch. Her legs felt slightly sore and her body felt more relaxed after the nap. She slowly got up to her hooves and yawned, feeling refreshed but still tired.

"O-oh, you actually made it. I would've thought you would've died out there," Baatar said in a smug tone.

Blue turned towards Baatar and didn't quite know how to respond to their comment. She felt a bit insulted, but she also wasn't surprised that Baatar would be this rude. Baatar was known for her blunt and callous behavior and Blue was used to it by now. She didn't waste her time replying to Baatar and simply went over to Lumi to help with whatever she was doing.

"Good job regardless," Baatar said, then she suddenly added, "However, come here, I have some other things you need to take care of."

Blue looked at Baatar with mild curiosity, not sure what she meant by 'other things'. What did she want her to do now? Blue walked over to Baatar, wondering what she had in store for her now. She hoped it wasn't too dangerous or difficult.

Baatar said, "You are going to keep a lookout with the stallion. It's a shame you couldn't bring more, but thanks to you, these 10 victims might actually survive their injuries. After they're done, they're going to be the first to be transported and then the equipment, too, with a guard in the wagon."

Baatar then added, "Finally, Biopsy, Lumi, Tapper and I will go and you'll see us off. We need someone to make sure we get out safely. There is no room for you, unfortunately."

Blue stopped, confused by what Baatar had just said. "Wait. What do I do after that? Where do I go?" Baatar, however, lied. "You go off and do something else. We really don't have room. Plus, I think it's best if you go and try to learn more about the wasteland and kill some people before coming back."

Blue looked stunned, feeling a bit manipulated by Baatar's words. She didn’t understand why Baatar wanted her to leave.

Blue felt something well up inside her and suddenly, without warning, she punched Baatar right in the face. Baatar staggered back, growling in shock. Blue looked at them in surprise and before she could say anything, she reared up and kicked Blue in the face, knocking her unconscious.

It was unclear how much time had passed before she regained consciousness. Was it minutes? Hours? A day? She had no way of knowing. But when she finally woke up, she was in a dark and silent place. Her head felt heavy, like it was filled with cotton and her ears were still ringing. She slowly tried to catch her breath and gather her bearings.

Blue sat up and scanned the area. She was in the facility on a makeshift bed. However, everyone was gone, the equipment she helped Biopsy with was gone and so were the people she came with. She suddenly heard something and saw Lumi appear from behind the wall.

"Hey, looks like little mutie is awake," Lumi teased.

Blue shut her eyes. She tried to process what had happened, but her head hurt, her eye was swollen and bruised and now she even felt cold. She finally noticed her jacket was gone and started to panic.

Lumi said, "Hey, stop that. I would've killed you in your sleep if you were dangerous. You might be an alicorn, but I haven't seen any others, so I don't have any idea I'm supposed to be scared of them."

Blue felt a bit relieved by Lumi's statement, but still had her guard up. She was unsure if she could trust Lumi, especially after all that had happened.

Blue sat up and after taking in the reality of her surroundings, she turned to Lumi and asked, "Why did you stay?"

"I said what I said," Lumi replied, her words calm but with a tinge of sass in her voice. "And besides, I wouldn't mind seeing the world and doing more outside of just fighting slavers and raiders all my life. I've been doing it for a long time. Plus, you seem fun."

Blue felt pleasantly surprised to hear Lumi admit that she found her fun. It gave her a bit more trust.

Lumi also said, "I didn't like how you handled that, punching my superior in the face. She might have deserved it, since she's an ass a lot, but you had no right though. Where did that come from?"

Blue felt herself getting defensive, but didn't want to cause a scene. She chose her words carefully, hoping Lumi would be satisfied with her answer.

"I-I didn't mean to," Blue said, lowering her gaze. "My body just reacted before I could think. It won't happen again."

"I hope so. I made sure you didn't get killed; Biopsy helped you onto the table but supplies were spread thin. They weren't going to treat you."

Lumi then said, "They were upset that I chose to stay behind, but I admit if they hate me, they hate me. I'll always make it up to the Caretakers. Now the question is: are you going to?"

Blue didn't know what to say after hearing that. She thought about it, wondering if the Caretakers would accept her back after violently attacking a supported member and getting three people killed. She wondered if they were just going to forgive her that easily. It felt like there were consequences for every action in this new world. She had no idea what to do next.

Blue looked sad, but Lumi quickly said, "Quit that shit. You need to look forward. Who fucking cares if you did that? Make up for it. Hell, go kill the top slaver groups. That's what I think would give favor to the Caretakers."

Lumi's harsh words snapped Blue out of her sadness real quick. She suddenly felt a bit more motivated and inspired. Why should she let herself be so down when she could turn this situation around? She could prove Lumi right and make up for what she did.

"You are right," Blue agreed. "I'm sorry." Blue slowly hopped off the table and almost fell, but Lumi caught her. "Whoa, whoa. Settle down mutie, take this slow. You might have a concussion. I spent awhile guarding Biopsy."

Blue suddenly felt a bit dizzy and held onto Lumi for support. It was probably best to take things slow for now.

"You seem to help me a lot, why?"

"Because you seem new," Lumi replied. "And you need help. I wouldn't turn away from helping one in need. Also, I want to see the rest of the wasteland. I want to feel like I could help people outside winter peaks."
Blue felt a little guilty that she had been so dependent on Lumi, but her words about wanting to help others warmed her heart a little. "Thank you," she said softly.

Being careful not to pry, Blue looked away from the cutie mark on Lumi's flank, a snowflake with a cage over it. She wondered what the story was behind the symbol but didn't want to ask. Blue wasn't sure if Lumi would want to share that information with her. Curious but not wanting to seem nosy, Blue simply nodded and turned her attention elsewhere.

Lumi said, "We should probably stay here for a bit. Unless you might have a healing potion inside your saddle bag?"

Blue rummaged around and finally found a healing potion, along with some of her bars missing. She took the potion and downed it after removing the lid.

Lumi said, "I got hungry. I stole some of your food, I wasn't going to eat anything these raider scum had lying around. This stuff is toxic."

"Is it really bad?" Blue asked, a tinge of concern in her voice. She didn't know how bad the food might be, but she was grateful that she didn't have to eat it. She knew she had her own food, however, she also did the math and figured out that she only had enough food for a little less than three weeks. Now that she understood how much food she had, she was going to have to be wise about her rationing and make sure she didn't run out.

"If you don't want to share more of that," Lumi said, "then I suggest we should actually get a move on."

Lumi paused and then added, "Also, I don't know what the food would do to you, but the raiders are filthy."

Blue saw Lumi was glad that she was willing to share a bit more of her food with her. She didn't want to risk eating anything that might make her sick. And the knowledge that the raiders were unhygienic gave Blue even more reason to stay away from their supplies.

"I think I'm feeling stable enough to walk on my own now," Blue said, her relief clear in her voice.

Lumi let go of Blue, dropping onto her hooves a bit unsteadily but managed to stabilize and not fall. She was still a bit dizzy, the healing potion had done its job and she was ready to move on.

Blue's vision slowly came into focus as she tried to shake off the haze that clouded her mind. The words on the wall grabbed her attention.

"The so-called Caretakers are nothing but deceitful. They'll only help you if you pay them, join the N.C.E.R instead, and you'll see what real help looks like. We've managed to survive in Winterpeaks for 80 arduous years since the catastrophic megaspells hit Summit, which included the crystalline valley of the Crystal Empire."

"It's probably best to make a quick exit," Lumi said, her voice full of enthusiasm again. "We don't want to be caught lingering in here any longer than necessary."

"Yeah we should," Blue agreed, "depending that those raiders might actually come back, we should."

Outside, she took a look at the landscape. The light was coming out, but she couldn't tell very well because of the cloud that was covering the entire sky. She wondered how she would navigate in this unfamiliar place.

Lumi, however, seemed more confident and sure-hoofed compared to Blue. She led the way with calm and purpose, making sure to keep an eye out for any dangers.

Blue paused her observation of the landscape and kept an eye out in front of her, watching for any dangers. She slipped her gun out of her saddlebag and closed it, making sure to have a means of defending herself even though she wasn't familiar with the weapon. She also needed to keep her guard up in case those raiders returned, or any other potential dangers. Lumi, however, had become more cautious and vigilant, constantly checking their surroundings as they moved forward.

As the light spread over the landscape, Blue saw that there was a group ahead and she and Lumi stopped in their tracks.

"What should we do?" Blue asked Lumi, but before she could reply, she felt a gun being put to her head, just like Lumi. A wave of fear rose in her belly as the situation shifted in an instant. It was clear that they were in danger, but from who? And what should their next move be?

"Okay, drop your fucking weapons right now and turn around slow," a voice ordered.

The voice was loud and commanding, filled with no hesitation or doubt. Blue and Lumi felt the pressure of the situation and quickly dropped their weapons and turned around slowly. Their brows were full of sweat and they hoped that they would be spared and not end up dead right there.

Lumi seemed more composed than Blue, but Blue noticed that she was still wary of the better-dressed gryphon in front of them.

"Okay, we did as told," Blue replied and she and Lumi were tied up, their eyes covered.
"Oooh look there Gale, this one is an alicorn, I think she's gonna sell for a good price," the voice said, laughing frantically.

Blue felt a chill run down her spine. She wondered where they were taking them and what their ultimate fate would be.

"Maybe, but I don't think her friend will sell for much." Then the voice said. "Actually, let's give her back to the Snowflakes. Seeing as she's got their brand."

Lumi, however, didn't take this so kindly. She fought back, saying "I'm not going back there! You can't make me!'' Unfortunately, she was silenced with a thud to the ground.

Blue didn't know what was happening and all she heard was the voice saying, "Bitch is a fighter."

The voice continued to speak, saying, "Make sure she's hog-tied and tie her muzzle. I don't wanna hear a peep from her."

Blue could only listen and imagine what they were doing to Lumi. She heard another thud and someone gasping for air.

"Hmmm alicorns are strong," the voice continued, "perhaps you'll help defend us. You'd look nice with a chain around your neck."

Blue was filled with fear at the possible future they were envisioning for her.

Blue's hooves shook and she tried to stay calm. "Awww, the alicorn is scared?" She heard the voice say. "You want the others to save you? Fraid you're shit out of luck. We haven't seen any other alicorns here."

Blue felt a wave of panic flow through her, realizing that she truly was alone. She had no one to come to her rescue and her situation was becoming more dire by the second. She needed to remain calm and focused in order to find a way out of this.

Blue questioned mentally, 'They think I'm with the alicorns? Maybe I could use this to my advantage.' She thought longer, her mind racing with thoughts:

'Wait, what if I...?' But her horn had been clamped by the gryphon and she couldn't use her magic. She was stuck, unable to do anything. The gryphon probably knew that she couldn't use magic with her horn clamped and it was beginning to look like a hopeless situation. Blue tried to think of any possible way out of this predicament.

Blue heard the voice on the ground still gasping and saying something. "I'll fucking kill you," she made out. Another loud thud and a cry was heard, making the situation seem even more dire than before.

Blue tried to listen to what the voice was saying, but her attention was drawn to the loud thud. It didn't sound good and the voice seemed to be struggling for its air. Who was it? And what happened to them? The future looked uncertain and Blue needed to think fast.

"Hey, don't break the merchandise before we get it to the Snowflakes, dumb fucking raider." The voice said, sounding irritated.

Blue was confused by the comment, but it seemed like the voice was referring to her or Lumi as "merchandise." It was all beginning to make sense now and Blue didn't like it one bit. They weren't going to be sold to the alicorns, they were going to be sold to others. Possibly even as slaves.

"But it's sooo funny watching them squirm!!" the other voice said.

But the female voice cut them off, shouting, "If you touch the slave one more time, I'm going to-"

Her sentence was cut short as gunfire began ringing out. Blue dropped to the ground as the raiders rejoiced. But the rejoicing was cut short by further gunfire ringing out and the voices of the slavers shouting, "You dumb raiders, you killed our boss! We shouldn't have trusted you fucking brain-rotten ponies."

Blue crawled and heard Lumi gasp and say, "B-blue...we need to get outta here....I...I can't walk on my own."

Gasping was heard and Blue rushed to the source to find Lumi. She managed to get the eye cloth off, but Lumi seemed injured and unable to walk on her own.

Blue knew that she needed to get Lumi somewhere safe and fast.

Blue said, "Don't worry. I'll get us out of this."

Blue felt the cloth come off her eyes and she could see again. Lumi's nose was bloody and she saw that they had broken her hooves.

Her friend, looking weak, removed the clamp as she winced at Blue with shock and fear.

"Blue...please..." Lumi said, her voice shaky and unsure. She knew she needed help, badly. A sense of urgency spread through Blue, as she knew she had to get Lumi somewhere safe quickly.

Blue looked at Lumi for the first time and saw that her friend looked truly afraid. Lumi said quietly, "I don't wanna go back there..." her voice trailing off, as she remembered what had happened before. Blue was struck by a moment of deep empathy for her friend, seeing her in such a vulnerable state. It was a stark contrast to the confident and spirited image that Lumi had shown before and showed just how much the previous incident had traumatized her.

Blue levitated Lumi onto her back and despite the weight, she rose to her hooves and tried to walk away from the violence. She managed to get away slowly, despite the binds, but she heard gunfire still ongoing. Blue wondered what else her horn could do.

She focused and said, "Protect me." A barrier formed around her, giving off a blue hue. The bullets bounced off the barrier and Blue looked relieved to be safe. She turned to Lumi and said, "Don't worry, I'll get us out of here. Just hold on."

Blue and Lumi made their way to safety, they heard the slavers sounding alarmed.
"Don't let that slave get a-"

A bullet flew into the slaver’s head and their head exploded on impact. The body collapsed onto the ground.

Startled, Blue and Lumi stopped for a moment, but they had to keep moving. They couldn't let their guard down. They didn't know how many more slavers there were, but they had a good head start and had to capitalize on the opportunity.

Blue and Lumi kept going, the gunfire slowly began to slow down, but the laughter did not.

"More meat, more meat! Feed feed feed. Murdering feels so good," the multiple voices were saying. The raiders were getting closer and Blue and Lumi had to pick up the pace if they wanted to escape.

They tried to pick up their pace, but the bonds were making it difficult to run away. They had to stay alert and aware of their surroundings, as at any moment, they could be outnumbered by the slavers or raiders.

"Why you running meatbag?!" One of the raiders said. "Awwww, don't you wanna stay and be our meal? Those dumb slavers always sell perfectly good food, it's no fun!"

Another raider shouted, "You run and you die!"

Blue turned to see and she recognized the raider as Lil. Lil was the least crazy of the bunch and seemed to have some sense of morality. But, Lil was still a raider and Blue and Lumi had to be careful around her.

Lil inspected closer and gasped at seeing Blue, saying "Wait, weird unicorn?" She continued, "Ooh so you were just a tiny alicorn, now ain't that sweet." Lil giggled, then grew serious and pulled out a wooden plank with saw blades on it.

"You are in for a fuck ton of hurt," she said. "We owe you for driving us from our little slice of home." Lil turned to Lumi and said, "My friend wants to say hello." Lumi was frozen in fear, wondering what Lil meant by her words.

Lil giggled and turned to Lumi and said, "This is my friend!"

She showed off the plank with saw blades in her hooves. "They want to really get intimate with your insides."

Lumi's eyes widened and she felt a chill run up her spine. She could sense the danger and she had a feeling things weren't going to end well. "Please don't," she said softly, holding still, hoping that Lil would show some mercy.

Blue heard Lumi's words and was concerned, but didn't want to let Lil see that. She spoke up, saying "Hey, Lumi, I will make sure you are safe. I'm not letting a raider touch you."

Lil giggled and responded, "Ooh what you gonna do? We outnumber you stupid bitch, once that magical defense drops, my friends are going to tie you down and I'm going to let boardie explore your flesh!" She added, "You get it? I love violence."

Blue felt disgusted by Lil's crude and vile descriptions of what she would do to her. It was like the raider took pleasure in the thought of causing pain and suffering. The thought of being powerless to stop it was terrifying. Blue felt anger brewing in her stomach, but she tried to remember to stay calm. They had to get out of this situation, but first, they needed to stay alive.

Lil laughed in glee, pushing more of Blue's buttons. "And while we do that," she said, "my friends are going to make you watch while they rip your friend apart and eat her alive."

Blue felt the anger rising within her, but she tried to keep a level head. She needed to stay calm and focused, because if she let her emotions get the best of her, she would be putting Lumi and herself in even greater danger.

"Why…"why would you?”," Blue said, straining her emotions.

"Because you got some of my buddies killed. I liked them. Revenge is revenge." Lil responded

"Mary Bloodthirsty is missing and I rounded up these fools. Thanks to the slavers who we betrayed, I got a band of raiders under me now."

Blue felt helpless with rage and frustration coursing through her, but she forced the emotions down and tried to stay focused. Lumi was counting on her.

"Who knows?" Lil said, still laughing. "Maybe I'll just chop your horn off, wear it like a necklace and make you my personal hoof stool. I'll treat you even like a punching bag to let my anger out on and until one day when you are so broken mentally and physically ill, throw you out and have you die alone. No one would ever have gave a fuck about the tiny alicorn."

The words stung, but Blue tried to stay focused. She couldn't afford to be provoked at the moment.

Lil thought for a moment, then said, "Hmmm, how about I let my raiders force feed your friend there and give her the raider disease. You'll be forced to either kill her or she will kill you."

Blue felt that final push and she let her anger soar. Everything in her vision went completely white. The rage that she had been holding back suddenly manifested in her power. The magic around her grew stronger and brighter.