So… you want to hear a story, huh? One about treasure hunters? Have I got a story for you.
Ponidora.
This is our home, but make no mistake, it is not a planet of love and tolerance. They say it's a wasteland, that it's dangerous, that only a fool would search for something of value here. Then maybe I am a fool
But do not be fooled by what Ponidora appears to be. There was a legend, many ponies tell it. The legend of the Vault. My father would always go on about the Vault, even with his dying breath. Advanced magical technology. Infinite wealth. Fame. Power. Mares.
So you can understand why some little foals who hear the stories grow up to become Vault Hunters.
Well, have I got a story you may not believe, but I tell you it's true.
The legend of the Vault is real, and it is here on Ponidora. And a… let's call her a guardian princess appeared to guide the Vault Hunters to their prize.
The tale begins right here on Ponidora, with the brave Vault Hunters, the guardian princess, and most importantly…
Me.
My name is Mirage. I am a unicorn mare, born on the planet Cerberus. I spent most of my life in the streets of the metropolis of the Rainbow City, fending for myself. I know how to use elemental weapons to greater effect than my peers ever did, particularly the submachine gun-type ones.
I was born with unusual markings over my skin, which ended up also colouring my fur above it. The mark of the Siren. I should have the ability to partially phase into an alternate dimension, increasing my speed and rendering me invisible for a short time. It only comes with experience, however. Experience I lack.
I grew up hearing about the Legend of the Vault on Planet Ponidora, named after the goddess with a box containing pure evil or something like that. I never paid much attention to myths. I know legends of what it contains, and I like.
So, you can expect that when I gathered enough money, I immediately bought a ticket to Ponidora. Thank the Princesses for jump-drives, otherwise I'd have been 50 by the time I reached the planet. It only took a few weeks instead.
I've heard that the planet's a wasteland, filled with monsters, bandits and psychos. When the ship landed in the spaceport I... got a feeling it was true. It was barren of anyone, heads of some large beasts hanging on the few shacks that vaguely constituted the customs desk.
Customs was stranger than back on Cerberus. The stallion at the desk asked if I had a weapon on me. When I said I didn't, he dumped a Sub-Machine Gun in front of me and a few magazines. I took it warily within my magic, and proceeded to leave.
The sign was damaged, but told me there was a bus stop a short walk away. Having no idea where to go, I decided to head on.
Standing at the stop were three other ponies. One had a mask, a dark creature resting on his back. Another had a suit of dark blue and gold armour with wings jutting out of gaps, reminiscent of the Golden Lance. The other...
Well, let's just say he's frickin' huge.
All of them looked like they'd kill a pony in a heartbeat, and despite me having a similar mindset on occasions I decided to approach with care. The Golden Lance pony turned to face me, and I froze with fear. Surprisingly, he smiled.
"Yo."
"Hey." I responded, almost reflexively.
"What brings you here?"
I thought for a moment, deciding whether to tell him about my true purpose. Well, it wouldn't hurt. "If I said 'Legend of the Vault', would you believe me?"
He chuckled. "There ain't nothin' on this dustball of any worth except for that legend."
"You got that right." The masked pony replied, flexing his wings... His bat wings. A batpony?
The brute nodded. "So we are all after Vault then."
"I guess we are." I mumbled. "I'm Mirage."
"Coverfire." The Lancepony said.
"Dead-On." The batpony added, not even looking at the group.
"Brick."
Well, now I have a group of companions. Allies could be good.
While waiting for the bus, I checked my SMG. It was a low-quality Bahl one, but it could easily kill someone. If they weren't looking. Or wearing shields. Or whatever most people on a gun-toting planet would actually be doing.
Ok, it's a piece of crap and it didn't have any elemental effects. But it'd do.
I heard a rumbling from my left. It was distant, and whatever was causing it was concealed in a huge dustcloud.
"Here comes the bus." Dead-On muttered.
True to his words, a bus did come around. It was weather-beaten, but looked at least somewhat comfortable. At least from the outside.
The metal sheet doors pulled open, a slightly-overweight, bearded stallion at the helm. He was wearing a red shirt, sleeves tied up. He grinned as he saw us.
"Welcome to Ponidora. I'm Hard Deal. You won't find a better bus driver in all of Ponidora." He chuckled. "Get in."
Reluctantly, I stepped in. He stuck out a hoof.
"How much?"
"Three bits."
I tossed him three bits. Ever since Equestria expanded from its one planet to six galaxies over the past 1000 years, all bits have been changed to a cheaper material than the traditional gold. There are also bits of plastic that denote an amount of bits greater than one.
At least, that's what I've learned at school.
I took a spot on the leftmost side of the bus. Coverfire and Dead-On took to the right, and Brick took up the entire back row.
"How long will it take to reach the nearest town?"
"At least a Ponidorian day." Hard called out. "That's... ah, three hours for normal ponies."
A three-day... Well, day. That's... Impressive. Well, might as well take a nap.
I slowly closed my eyes, letting sleep fall.