Fallout Equestria: Brotherhood

CHAPTER 25: IRON CLAD GUARDIAN

Don't cry kiddo... I... I promised myself I'd always protect you...

Crickets chirped sweetly as dusk overshadowed the world. A mixture of dim lighting and the ever encroaching darkness of the coming night encased the landscape. Together, the three ponies trudged up the rolling hills around them. They had been walking for an hour over the hills, hoping that the pony that was leading them to Maneton was not lying about who he was.

Neo didn't trust him in the slightest, even if for the moment he seemed to be fairly passive. Adam had his own weapon drawn, though, after nearly an hour of watching the mysterious pony, it appeared that he wasn't any danger to them. But he needed to remain vigilant, because at any moment, he could strike them.

Yet, the pony named Wester intrigued him. And the very thought of what, or who he was, stirred the curiosity is his mind.

"So..." Adam hummed, "What kind of armor is that you're wearing?"

"Power armor." Wester answered.

"Oh," Adam replied puzzled by his vague answer, "then how do you know Lucy?"

"She was part of a squad the Steelhoof coalition formed shortly after she became a guardian."

"You said you were a freelancer, right? Do you still hold any loyalty to the coalition?"

"Negative. I hold loyalty to her, you, and my contractors."

"What did she do for you? You know, to get you to help us." Adam asked.

Wester stopped walking. Frozen in place, he stood there, looking out into the distance. Both brothers found his sudden halt odd, and waving a hoof in front of his face, Adam tried getting his attention. Shaking his head, Wester continued walking. Leaving Adam without an answer to his question.

"Was it something I said?" Adam asked his brother.

Neo shrugged. "I don't know, that guy is a mystery."

Coming to the top of a hill, they could see a faint halo light reflect off of the clouds above. Down below the hill they could see Maneton. The little town had not changed since they had visited it last time. Just like when they had first emerged from the stable, the town looked alive and it looked especially well during the earlier evening.

"We're here." Wester said pointing to the town below.

"Huh," Neo muttered, "look's like he was leading us to Maneton after all..."

Looking at a watch wrapped around his armored leg, he said, "We should get inside the walls soon. Night is when the raiders around here like to hunt for traders and travelers. If they find us, there is a low percentage we'll make it alive."

Neo looked around them, feeling as though something in the hills was watching them. "I didn't think I'd say this around you , but I agree. Let's get down there. I'm getting a bad feeling the longer we stand out here in the open."

"Affirmative. Let's not waste time anymore."

Trotting down the hill, they came to the roughly configured steel-plated gate of Maneton. As they got closer to the entrance of the town, something seemed off. Large blast marks, and dozens upon dozens of bullets holes were spread out all along it. Like the first time they had come to the town, the gate was closed.

Wester stepped up to the mechanically sliding gate, and pounded on it with a single hoof. An old pony peaked his head over the top of it and inspected them closely. In a rough, grinding old voice, he called out to them.

"Eh, who is it?" He demanded.

Wester looked up at him. "It's me, Wester."

Putting a hoof to his ear he leaned closer toward Wester. "Eh? Run that by me again, sonny?"

Wester sighed, "I said it's me Weste-"

"Eh, I knew it was you, sonny. Only you prance around in that armor. In my day, we didn't have ponies prancing around with armors. When we got shot at, we only had luck and skill protecting us. None of that fancy dancy-"

"I'm sorry to interrupt you, sir, but nightfall is coming. And we really need to enter the town." Wester interjected as politely as he could.

"Alright son, I'll do it, jus’ gimme a moment..." The old stallion said, disappearing behind the gate.

In moments, the entrance to the town shrieked metallically sliding to the side. Once it had completely moved open for them, Benny the Gate Pony motioned them with his hoof to come inside. "Come on in ya youngins. Dangerous folk be about when the dark comes."

Wester approached and bowed his head slightly toward him respectfully. "Thank you."

"It ain't nothin’, sonny. It's mah job."

Neo and Adam followed behind the armored pony into the main street of the town. But something was different about the town. For the most part, everything seemed as it did when they were last there. The lights that were strung across the street were illuminated and ponies looked like they were happy. However, they noticed that around some of the buildings construction, scaffolding was set up. Along with this were ponies with tools in their hooves working on the structures as though the buildings had been damaged.

Once again screeching loudly, the gate behind them closed shut. Benny took several large metal bars, and locked the gate tightly by sliding them into grommets along the side.

"What happened here..." Neo whispered to his brother.

Adam shrugged, "Maybe this was the reason Ally had to leave. You remember, right? The letter she got about something happening with Kat?"

"Maybe... Let's see if we can find Ally. Maybe she can shed some more light on it."

Wester stopped them, and looked at both of the brothers with his one piece red visor. "You know somepony here, correct?"

Neo and Adam shot him a surprised look. "How did you-"

He pointed to the metal ear sections of his helmet. "I have advanced hearing. My sense of hearing is greater than that of the average pony by approximately fifteen percent."

"Could you have told us this sooner?" Neo asked.

"You never asked." He responded.

Neo peered at him with an irritated glare and not responding went on, not answering his comeback, "To answer your question though, yes, we know some pony here."

"Ally Tales, correct?" Wester queried.

Both brothers nodded in unison. Wester didn't respond immediately after receiving their answer, instead, he took a moment to scan the town for Ally. It had only took him a moment before he pointed out where she was with his large armored hooves.

"There. Near the end of the street."

What he had said was true. For there, at the end of the street in front of the town hall, was Ally talking with an older stallion, who looked like he might be in his late fifties.

Wester took the folded rifle on his back, and inspected the ammunition cartridge. "I take it you'll be taking shelter with her for the night?"

Neo nodded at him. "Yeah, and what about you? Where do you plan on staying?"

Putting the cartridge back into the gun, he folded the weapon in half once more before swiftly returning it to his back. "I don't sleep much."

The armored pony's response at first puzzled the two brothers. Then again, most things about him did. After all, their time out in the wastes never had they found a pony quite like him.

"I'm needing to resupply myself. After rescuing you two, I've found that I am low on ammunition and supplies." He added, turning his gaze to Isaac's general goods store.

Returning to them, he pointed at Ally at the end of the street. "Please, get yourselves settled. I'll rendezvous with you at her living quarters in an hour."

"It takes you an hour to get ammo?" Neo questioned him.

"No," He replied, "it takes me an hour to restock and repair."

He started off toward the general goods store, "I'll return in an hour. We'll discuss your plans when we engage in conversation once more." With that, he left them in the middle of the dusty street of Maneton.

They both blinked. What had just happened? Did that pony just relay plans to them and just leave? This didn't help them at all learn more about the pony in the slightest. Then again, it did feel good to be in Maneton again and to some degree that compensated for the irritation the stallion caused them.

Neo made his way down the street toward Ally, who, with her back turned to them, hadn't noticed their arrival. Each step made Neo's heart beat faster and faster, and with the addition of his stomach feeling off sweat built itself up on his brow.

Taking calming breaths, Neo tried to calm himself. Adam noticed his brother's nervous behavior, "Brother, are you okay? You’re acting kind of odd."

"What? No no no, I-I'm not acting weird, no. It's just we haven't seen each other in a while, and well... What if she doesn't like me anymore? Or what if she's forgotten about us or-"

"Brother," Adam interjected sternly, "you're freaking out. Just calm down."

Taking in a deep breath Neo sighed, "You're right... I can do this. I've fought armies, Con-ponies and raiders to get this far... Talking to a filly i-is a walk in the..."

As he approached her he stopped, his white muzzle blushing brightly. "...Park..." He finished.

He was terrified, but with a few confident nudges from his brother, he coughed. Clearing his throat, the blushing around his muzzle didn't seem to fade.

"Uh..." He muttered nervously behind her, "Hi Ally..."

The pony with whom she was talking to looked behind her. "Ms. Tales, I think you've got somepony wantin’ to speak with you."

She turned around swiftly, sending Neo into a petrified state. The very moment his eyes looked upon her he stood completely still. Staring at each other, Neo mustered his courage and rubbed one of his forelegs shyly. "Uh... Hey..."

Her eyes started to water, and she started to cry. Neo was confused by this, "Ally? D-Did I do something wrong-"

Before he could finish, she dashed up to him and hugged him tightly a few small tears rolling down her soft brown cheeks. "No, you’re fine..." She cried hugging him.

The red color around his muzzle intensified. "Why are you crying?"

"Because... Because, you're okay... And you came back..."

She released him, and took a few steps back from him. Trying as hard as she could to stop crying, she chuckled slightly, wiping away some of the tears from her cheeks. "I'm sorry... I just... I just lost control of myself for a moment."

Adam noticed the older stallion behind her. "Did we come at a bad time?" He asked.

Sniffling slightly, she shook her head. "No, no, not at all. I was just talking to the mayor. We were almost done with our discussion about the repairs being made to the town."

The mayor stepped up to the two brothers with a friendly smile on his face and shaking both their hooves, he said, "I'm the Mayor Timberline. It's nice to meet you two. Ms. Tales here has told me a lot about you two."

Neo blushed again. "Really?"

Twitching his grey mustache, the mayor added just as warmly, "Why sure, she said that someday, you'd come back to our little town. I'm glad she wasn't wrong, I'm just sad you had to come when we were fixin’ up the place."

Adam glanced at the scaffolding that covered the fronts of certain buildings around them. "Why are you repairing the buildings anyway?"

Ally patted the grey back of the mayor. "Not too long ago, a massive group of raiders came through and attacked the town. That was the reason Kat sent me a letter asking me to come back. Several of the buildings got hit by bombs they launched over the walls. They managed to fight off the raiders before I got back, but Kat had broken her leg in the attack. I had to support her for a bit while she recovered."

Rubbing the back of his silver mane, the mayor said, "We're jus' cleanin the mess them blasted raiders made. Good news is, thanks to Ms. Tales here, we're almost done with pickin the town up."

Both brothers smiled, however, Neo was the next to speak. "It's great to hear that everything turned out okay. I can tell you guys are gonna get this place picked up and back to the way it was in no time."

"Yep," The mayor chimed merrily, "though since we covered the dates, we're going to take down the scaffolding. I'll be off to inform the other ponies workin."

Ally gave him a happy smile. "You don't mind if I catch up with them, do you? It's been a while and-"

The mayor waved his hoof in the air whilst shaking his head, "No, Ms. I believe that should be it for the night."

"Thank you, Mr. Mayor." She replied.

Before he went on his way, he wished them all a good night. Trotting off to the other ponies at the scaffolding, he left them alone in the well lit street of Maneton.

Ally turned her attention to the two brothers, "So. What have you been up-"

She paused for a moment for something that had caught her eye. Cocking her head to the side, she realized that both of their duster collars were bare. Neither one of them had a badge of Celestia.

"What happened to your badges?"

Both of the brothers looked down at their collars, and grinned in embarrassment. "That's sort of a long story..."

"Do you want to come over? It's getting late, and Kat's fixing up supper as we speak."

The loud grumble of empty stomachs shortly followed after the word food was mentioned to the brothers. "What's she making tonight?"

She shot him a playful smirk. "We're having meat stew tonight. Not just any meat stew, brahmin meat stew."

Neo and Adam's mouths watered. It was Neo's mouth though that was practically flooding the the area around him at the mere mentioning of the soup she spoke of. "If we head over there now, you guys can clean up and we'll catch up, okay?"

Despite Neo's craving for food, the thought of sharing a meal with her again melted his heart. "Sure... Lead the way."

Adam rolled his eyes at the way his brother acted. Only he would act that way when in the presence of a pretty mare. Especially around one that liked him. Though, together, the three of them strolled off to her home where promises of food and safe shelter were abound. Fueled by these feelings, they cheerfully went into her home, ready to finally rest after a very long trip.

Ally nodded, listening to both brothers telling her about the many adventures they had prior to their arrival at Maneton. From the train to the mech duel, all the way back to Stable 43, and the war they fought at Arkcannon. The ponies they met and the ones that didn't make it. Every small detail they could fit in was included. Along with their tale, Kat would serve them hot tin bowls of brown savory meat stew.

Neo didn't spare any time eating his food. Every chance he had, he took another gulp of the soup before quickly returning to their story. Newt, the small filly that lived with them, had a few pieces of brightly colored chalk, which she used to draw cute pictures of ponies dancing on the walls.

Serving Neo his fifth bowl of soup, Kat gave him a concerned look. "Kid, if you keep eating like that, you're going to puke out all that good food..."

Even Adam noticed this and while it did concern him as well, his brother had done this the first time they came to Ally's house. He also took into account that if he did, in fact, expel the food, he would quickly learn his lesson. Yet, he felt for his brother's sake that he needed to be at least informed of the dangerous rate at which he was eating his food.

Chuckling uneasily, Adam said, "Brother... You need slow down, or like Kat said, you'll lose the only food you've eaten all day."

Neo ceased his quick eating, and blinked at him. Taking the last huge gulp of his soup, he placed the bowl down on the table. Grinning with embarrassment, Neo rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm sorry... It's just really good soup."

Kat stirred the savory broth in the large steaming pot on the old pre-war stove. "I'm glad you like it. Just be sure to tip me before you leave or I won't have the cash to buy the rest of us something to eat."

Ally and Adam chuckled, "It's not my fault I have to be hungry! We can thank the universe for making me starve." Neo pleaded jokingly in his defense.

After things had started to calm down, Adam continued on with their story. "Anyway, that's what we've been doing. Right after that pony named Wester found us outside of that junkyard, we came here. The rest is pretty much clear from there."

Ally leaned forward, putting a hoof to her mouth in thought. "So you guys went through all of that? Wow... I missed quite a bit, didn't I?"

"I'm just happy we were able to make it out of all of that alive. It's a lot of stuff to take in for one day." Neo said.

Ally nodded, agreeing with him. "It is a lot... When I heard about what was happening in Arkcannon, I was terrified. I thought that something might of happened..."

"Hey, it's alright," Neo reassured her resting a hoof on her shoulder, "we're fine. Thanks to luck and that Wester guy we're still in one piece."

Neo pushed his cup back and glanced at Ally slightly unsure, "I have a quick question though... What happened to Lavender, after the bunker?"

She smiled hopefully at him, giving off a reassuring aura. "We found her a home with one of our neighbors. She still sort of off since that night, but she's shown signs of recovery. I'm still a little chiller about everything that happened that night. I just glad to see her happy."

Neo smiled, "I'm glad for her..."

"Yeah, she's a nice filly, and she deserved more." Adam commented.

Though as Neo sat there, he felt he didn't need to hold on to the thought of the bunker. Of Lu. It still haunted him, and rather than keep the feelings fresh in his mind he moved on. He had to. Adam had to also move on before old memories blurred his concentration.

"By the way," Adam added, "who is that pony anyway? You know, Wester."

Ally contemplated his question for a moment, "I don't know too much about him. He only passes through here every other week. Usually it's just to drink water and re-supply. I know him and Lucy are close, but other than that, I don't know too much about him."

Kat took the stew off of the stove and set it down on the dusty metal counter next to her. Picking up an old carving knife she held it close to her face, inspecting it menacingly, "Some say he's an alicorn who used to be normal before the war. Then, once the taint set in, he wore some freelancer gear he found and became a soulless cyborg. Now he roams the wastes, looking for other ponies to steal their souls just to become beautiful once more!"

All of the ponies in the room, including Newt, looked at Kat in complete bewilderment. Shrugging she returned to her pot smirking. "That's just a story I heard from some ponies down at the bar... You know, the drunken stupid type."

Just as she had finished, a loud knock could be heard coming from the door. Kat placed the knife back on the counter, and wiped her hooves on an old washcloth before rushing over to the door. "I'm coming, I'm coming." She muttered.

To her surprise, the pony who had knocked was Wester. Standing there in the doorway, the armored pony bowed respectfully, "Good evening, ma'am. Do you mind if I come in?"

Kat was slightly baffled at his sudden arrival. In fact, this was the first time she had actually met him face to face. From up close, he was slightly intimidating with his thick battle-worn armor. "Uh.."

"I hope I'm not intruding, ma'am. My main objective is to protect two brothers. A small blue one, and a white one. Are they here?"

"Uh, yeah... They're here. Come on in..." She stammered.

He bowed slightly once more, thanking her. Trotting on inside the building, he pulled off the huge folded sniper from his back and his saddlebags. "May I put my things down here?" He asked politely.

Kat, nodded gently as she continued to peer at him curiously. "Yeah... Sure thing..."

Placing his things down in the corner of the room, he trotted heavily over to the table where Ally and the brothers sat. Newt, the little filly, approached him with wide awed eyes. She tugged the corner of his duster and looked at him.

"Are you a robot?" She asked.

With his reflective red visor looking down at her he replied. "Heh, no kiddo, I'm Wester."

"Ooooh," she cooed answering like she understood who or what that was.

Sitting on his haunches, he gazed at the trio at the table silently. Every pony in the room had their eyes fixated on the armored stallion. Scanning the ponies around him he asked, "Did I say something?"

Everypony in the room shook their heads and returned to what they were doing. "No, not at all." Ally answered him.

"Very well, what is it you three were talking about?" Wester asked.

Adam had forgotten what they were talking about before mentioning Wester, but then the thought of their destination spawned in his mind. "Well, we were going to talk about where we were heading."

"Yeah, where are you two heading?" Ally queried.

Neo pulled up his Pipbuck map, and found the location marked on his map by Cool Blue. Showing it to the ponies around the table, he pointed to the small orange glowing blip on the small screen of his personal Pipbuck. "We're heading to Silvermane Tower."

Wester cocked his head slightly at him. "Silvermane tower? That is our destination?"

That last question surprised Neo. "What do you mean by our destination?"

"My objective is to protect you."

"So you're coming with us?"

"Affirmative." He answered.

"But I thought you just needed to help us get to Maneton. Not follow us around the wasteland! How long do you intend on following us?"

"Until your objective is complete."

Both brothers were taken back by what he had said. For now, not only did they have to still get to Silvermane, they also had him coming with them. Neo sighed, feeling like nothing they could say or do would not change his mind in the slightest.

"Even if we order you to stay here, you'll still follow us?"

"Affirmative."

Neo lowered his head and flattened his ears murmuring miserably, "I thought so..."

"You know," Ally added lightly, "the repairs are almost done, and Kat's pretty much healed up, so you know I could always... You know... Come, with you..."

Kat gave her a puzzling look. "You're going to leave? Again?"

She shook her head, blushing with embarrassment. "That is if you still need me here, Kat. Because I won't leave if you can't do well on your own."

She smiled at Ally and came to her side. Nudging her softly in forelegs she said. "You can go, you big dummy. Just this time, before you do, please say goodbye. You left in such a rush last time."

Ally's eyes grew wide as she leaped from her chair and hugged Kat tightly with excitement. "Oh, thank you thank you thank you, Kat! I'm so happy I could-"

She realized her sudden outburst of exuberant joy and let her friend go, just before taking her seat again. "Sorry, I just got a little carried away there for a second..."

"Just remember to say goodbye. Okay?"

Ally nodded at Kat, who yawned loudly before responding. "I'm freakin tired... I'm off to sleep, guys. You can stay up however long you want, but as for this gal, I'm out."

Just as she made her way to her bedroom door another knock echoed from the door. Slightly irritated, Kat frowned and made her way to the door to answer it.

Ally stood up, "I can get it if you want-"

"No," Kat sighed going to the door, "I'll get it..."

Opening the door, she plainly addressed the pony at the door. "Hello?"

With her hoof raised as though she was going to knock another time, Lucy blinked at Kat. The gray pegasus stood there for a moment before lowering her hoof. She had a large white bandage wrapped around her left wing. Which was supported by a metal splint between the wrappings.

Using one hoof, Lucy made gestures to help describe what she was looking for. "Yeah, my friend came through here. Big fellah, covered in armor. Ya seen him?"

She nodded, and step to the side for her. "I have, come on in."

Lucy tipped her hat toward her, "Much obliged."

Coming inside the house with a slight swagger in her step, she paused for only a moment looking at the ponies gathered around the table. Kat shut the door and with her head hung low, she tiredly shuffled her way to her room.

Everyone in the room looked at who the new visitor was and to their surprise, it was Lucy. It was slightly puzzling as to why she had a heavily wrapped bandage around her wing, but then again, they were happy to see her. Neo especially felt an uplifting sensation seeing their old friend again, even if she had been a complete nuisance in the past.

"I think that's all the visitors I can handle for one day... I'm off, see ya tomorrow morning." She mumbled.

Once Kat was gone, Adam got up from his chair and hugged Lucy. At first, she was taken back by the sudden act of kindness, though after a moment, she took one of her own hooves and returned the gesture warmly.

"We missed you, Lucy." Adam said hugging her.

"Yeah, I missed you kids too. Though, seeing as you're still here, that must mean that Neo didn't do something stupid to screw you over."

Neo sighed, lowering his head again. "I missed you too, Lucy..."

Adam let her go and noticed the bandage on her wing. Cocking his head curiously he asked, "Lucy, what happened to your wing?"

"Yeah," Neo added, "that's a pretty thick bandage you got there."

Glancing at her wing for a moment she rolled her eyes. "Fuckin’ raiders. I swear, some of those fuckers are willing to wait days for me to fly back just to shoot at me. Well, they got me. Pretty good too. I just got back from the clinic, the doc did her thing and I walked off."

"Do you want to sit down then? I could always get another seat-" Ally offered.

Lucy shook her head, "No need, I'm a big pony. I can take the pain."

"Then come on," Adam invited her, "join us. We were discussing our plans for tomorrow."

Around the table, all of the ponies in the room conversed. Lucy explained how in detail the raiders had shot at her and how it limited her flying. The brothers also covered their destination. Telling them how Silvermane was the best chance at finding their mother.

Lucy nodded, her eyes shut thinking about their plan of action. "Well, you kids sure have a goal. Unlike last time with Arkcannon, I'm sorry you kids had to go through that. I should have checked to make sure one-hundred percent that your mother was there."

"I'm also sorry about Wester kind of latching onto guys so suddenly. I don't trust Neo's judgement, completely. Plus, out there you’ll need the extra muscle."

"We got along just fine without him before and we could probably keep going without him." Neo said, looking at the armored stallion.

"Too late, kid, you're saddled with him till you find your mom. Deal with it."

"If I may," Wester added, "you were outnumbered in that scrap yard. You had roughly a twenty-four percent chance of surviving. If I hadn’t of intervened, you two might of been killed."

Lucy patted her armored friend on the back heartily. All the while, she tried to mask the fact that she didn't know what he was talking about. "Yeah, see? He helped you with that... Thing, in that scrap yard. You need him."

Before either brother could speak, Lucy continued, "Also, it just so happens that Wester here knows the fastest route to Silvermane. Don't you, Wester?"

"That’s correct." He replied.

Neo laid back in his chair pondering what she had just said. In his mind, he debated whether or not having Wester around would help them. If what Lucy had said was true, then there was no doubt that it would make their overall trip safer, faster and easier for all of them.

Neo sighed, with a hint of stubbornness in his voice he said. "Fine... I guess he could come."

She nudged Adam in the forearm playfully, "See! I knew he'd be useful. And with me and him by your side, you'll find your mom in no time-"

Neo's eyes shot open, and leaping up in shock he shouted. "What?! What do you mean you're coming too?!"

She blinked at him. "Well, isn't it obvious? If you're going to find your mom, you'll need a crew of skilled badasses, like myself and Wester here."

Neo was left speechless, he knew well what would happen if he disagreed with her. He didn't, in any way, wanted to feel the non-stop pain of his head being beaten by the crazy pegasus.

Pointing to her wing, she said, "And with my wing out of commission, I won't get any assignments. Won't that be fun? It'll be like the good ol' days!"

Neo slumped down onto his seat, sighing heavily he raised a hoof up cheering in rather low and saddening tone. "Yay..."

"Cheer up, brother," Adam said poking his brother, "it won't be that bad. Ally is coming and with them on our side, we won't have to worry about gangs or ghouls overwhelming us."

Adam's words did make him feel better about the situation. Especially now that Ally was coming. "Listen to Adam, Mr. Grumpy pants. It won't be that bad."

She shot Neo a devilish smirk. "Besides, I won't be too rough along the trip... Well, for most of it anyway."

"If that's decided on, then what do we plan to do tomorrow? What's our route?" Ally asked.

Wester walked over to his bags, and pulled out an old folded up stained map. Placing the weathered map on the table, he unfolded it. He placed the end of his armored hoof on Maneton. "We'll get supplies tomorrow and leave early. You'll need enough food, and water to last us the few days we'll be traveling."

He slid his hoof across the map up to Silvermane, which was located north of Maneton. "We'll travel the hillside country north of here, keeping to the lowest hills here. Not only do they give us better protection, but they make the trip easier for us. With that, we can gain better speed and cover more ground. If all goes well, we should be there before midday."

Neo yawned loudly. "Well, if we're going to have to get up early, we might as well call it a night."

"I second that thought," Adam agreed, "my brother and I have had a pretty long day, and a good nights rest sounds really nice right about now."

"Alright," Lucy said, "I'll probably head on over to the inn then. They fixed up the place for the most part."

Wester and Lucy got up from the table, together they made their way to the door. Just before they left Lucy turned back to the group inside. "Sleep tight, fellahs."

Wester nodded, "I'll be outside, waiting for dawn. If you should need me I will be out on the porch."

It was still very strange how he didn't need to sleep. Though, as the two ponies left, closing the door behind them, the last few ponies that remained got up from the table. "I found an old mattress you can sleep on, Neo." Ally said pointing up to the spare room.

"When you were gone, I remembered how you slept on the floor the last time. I found that extra mattress so other ponies didn't need to sleep on the floor."

"Heh," Neo chuckled nervously, "thanks. That means a lot."

She smiled at him, "Well, see you two tomorrow. We've got a long trip ahead of us."

"Yeah," Neo cooed softly, blushing brightly, "see you tomorrow."

As she went off to her room, Adam started up the stairs to the spare room of Ally's home. Adam rolled his eyes at his brother in the middle of the stairs. "Why do you get all loopy like that when you're around her?"

"I don't know," He replied following him upstairs, "I just can't control myself."

"Well, I just hope you don't have one of those dreams where you talk in your sleep like she’s with you."

"Hey! That was once when I was seventeen! And that mare was hot, okay..."

"Whatever you say, brother." Adam chuckled going into the spare room.

Together, they went into the room, where the mattress Ally had mentioned was. Along with the single pony bed that was there, they finally had two good bed that both of them could sleep on. Hopping into their beds, they lay down and relaxed. For once, they could sleep. Free from worry, or harm. All around them, the metal walls gave off a protective feeling of security and along with the dry warm air, it invited them to rest. Sleep this time wouldn't be violently interrupted by war, raiders or soldiers. And they were very happy that at last, they could finally sleep.

It was dark in Lucy's small room. The springs in her mattress creaked while she constantly twisted and turned in her sleep. Sweat ran down her brow and neck as she grunted loudly. Almost as if she was in pain she placed her fore hooves on her chest, tears going down her eyes. All the while, the few things that did come from her mouth were the low whispers of the name, "Wester."

Her eyes shot open as she sat up straight screaming, "Wester! Get up!"

Scanning the room quickly, she sat there in dusty sheets, panting and sweating. Placing a hoof to her chest, she inspected her breast to see if the pain was still there. Sighing with relief she wiped her brow. Moving to the side of her bed she buried her face in her hooves.

"Why is it I still have those dreams when I'm around him?" She muttered softly.

Moving off of the bed she went to her bags. Taking a canteen from her bag, she took several gulps of the cool water inside. Was this a good idea? She thought. And, putting down the canteen she moved over to the warped glass window of her room.

From the window she could a section of the scaffolding, blocking half of her view. The other half, however, gave her a clear view on the main street of the town. All of the lights were out and the whole town was silent. Only the dim moonlight that broke through the cloud cover above illuminated the street below. Across from the inn was Ally's home and there, on the porch, was Wester. Sitting contently on the porch in the dark, looking down at an old necklace. The necklace in question seemed to be a locket of some sort, from her current position, it was difficult to tell what kind of metal it was.

Staring down at the pony below, she thought hard about him. Wester, why did you have to leave those letters for me. Why? Why Wester, why? You know when I'm around, it's hard for me to sleep. Should I read them? Maybe it'll help me rest... No... But, then I'll just have the dreams again, of when we were together. If I took a look, just one look, would it hurt? Would remember?

The more she thought about the matter, the more she became conflicted. Until, sighing heavily, she went over to her duster. Throwing it on her body, she quickly took her fedora. Quietly she left her room. Taking the lightest possible steps she could as she went down the hallway and down the stairs of the inn. It was completely dark, with only the dim faded light from the windows providing a slight glimmer of illumination.

Carefully, she opened the door to the inn, stepping outside into the cool nighttime air and she began to make her way to Ally's home. Across the street, she trotted over to Ally’s front door. Next to it Wester just sat there looking down at the locket. He didn't seem to notice her, and even if he did, she couldn't tell. The helmet he wore hid any indications that he was aware of her presence.

Coming up to him, she at first found it hard to speak. "Wester... I..."

He looked up to her, the light from the broken clouds above reflecting off of his red visor. "Yes?" He replied.

"Do you... Remember anything about that locket?"

Quickly returning his gaze to the locket he shook his head. "No... Should I?"

Tears started to build up in her eyes, "No..."

"Lucky, you're crying. Did something happen?" He asked standing up urgently.

"No," She said wiping away the built up water in her eyes with her sleeve, "I'm... Just having a rough night, that’s all..."

"Is there anything you need then? Anything I can get for you?"

"I just need to go into Ally's house for a moment... I... I forgot something in there."

He looked at the door and returned to her. "Very well... Lucky, just call for me if you need anything, okay?"

She nodded, feeling tears build up in her eyes again. "Okay..." She whimpered, going to the door.

Wester watched her go inside and, without responding, he went back to looking at his locket. Lucy entered the building. It was dark inside the house, and taking light steps, she made her way to where Wester's gear was. In the corner of the room sat his saddlebag, along with his foldable sniper. Pulling a small flashlight out of the bag, she turned it on.

Holding the end in her mouth, she used the light to help her search through his bags. Inside was the basic supplies found on any survivor. Water, food, bullets and the tools to clear or repair weapons. Though, in a smaller leather bag, she found a small pile of letters, which along with some old worn photos were tied together with a thin piece of twine.

Taking the letters she went over to the table and sat down. Undoing the knot the twine made to hold the letters together, she lay them all flat on the table. At first, she hesitated to look at them, though finding the confidence to look she took the first letter and looked at it. Just as she unfolded the paper as faint whisper caught her off guard.

"Lucy? What the hay are you doing in here?" The voice asked.

She shot up, and spun around quickly to see who had spoke to her. Feeling her heart pound fiercely, she sat down seeing that is was Neo who spotted her. "Geez, Neo, you fucking scared the living shit out of me!" She whispered laying a hoof on her chest.

Neo came down the stairs and rubbed his eyes tiredly. "Sorry, but I was thirsty so I came down for a drink. I didn't expect you to be here."

"Well, I’m here. So get over it. Just get your stupid drink and leave me be."

"Lucy," Neo whispered, "what is with all those letters?"

"It's none of your fuckin business, that’s what they are."

He frowned at her, "Fine, you don't have to be an ass about it."

Moving over to the sink he took a glass and filled it. Lucy felt wrong inside her heart and stopping Neo, she said in the most positive tone she could muster, "Look... I'm sorry. It's just, these letters are important to me..."

"Who are they from? If you don't mind me asking." Neo replied.

She sighed, "Sit down..."

With the glass of water in hoof, he took a seat at the table. Turning on his Pipbuck lamp helped them see in the dark room. She took the first first letter, only as she held it in her hooves she began to tear-up once more.

"Neo?" She whispered mournfully.

"Yes?"

"C-Could you read it to me? I... I can't do it."

He found her request odd, and taking the letter from her he read it quietly aloud.

"Dear Lucky,

It's been a few weeks into our trip to Ironstead. I know we've been through a lot since our first meeting, but it's hard to write these. Look at me, I'm no good with words... What I'm really trying to say is that, kiddo, I'm happy to have met you. You're such a great little kid. Before I met you, I was a junky, a wanderer, a hopeless wreck of a stallion. All I had to live for was to see if I could get a meal tomorrow. Now, I have something to keep on going for. I have you. You're the only true friend I've ever had.

If you're reading this though, I'm probably dead. If I'm not, then I'll probably look like an idiot when you do read this when I catch you reading this. It really sounds sad and stuff, but if I'm dead, then it will be. But if I'm not, please slap me. Because I really need to start thinking more positively about this. It's just, it bothers me every moment we're together, I feel like any other day I could be gone. And you will be left all alone in this cruel world.

I now know that I can't stop writing. Even if it's sappy, because I want you to know that I care for you. Even if I haven't shown a lot of love recently. Kiddo, just know I care.

-Wester"

Lucy gave Neo the next letter to read. Clipped to the letter was a photograph. The photo was of a pony with a scraggly mane and a long coat. He had a certain happy, hyper energy about him. Even if it was just a photograph.

"Dear Lucky,

It's the first time I used my magic in years... It hurt. I thought I would never use it again. But when that hellhound came for you, I had no choice. My sidearm couldn't do jack against that thing. But after it was gone you came to me and helped me get better. You're such a good kid. I'm so sorry for what this new 'legion' group has done to your family... You deserve better than this hellhole. I just hope I can keep you safe.

Kiddo, if I'm still not dead by the time you read this... Don’t tell me you read it. You know I’m not good with words, kiddo... It’s just that I want to say thank you, because when that hell hound charged at us, I was thinking, what would I have done if you weren’t around? What would I do if I killed it? Just being happy that I did it? When you read this, just know I'm trying to say thanks. For being there to help me move on.

-Wester."

Neo took another letter and read it aloud to Lucy.

"Dear Lucky,

I coughed up some blood today... Damn raiders. I had to use my magic again, but this time the mutation is killing me. The more I use this magic, the more my senses become blurred and uncoordinated. I'm not sure if it's going to get worse or not. Right now, my chest hurts... Hopefully it'll get better. We can't stop now, not when we're getting closer to Ironstead.

Just know that even if I am ill, I'll keep going. For you. You'll get to your uncle and you'll be safe. This I swear. Although, to prepare you for the wasteland, I plan to teach you some skills. Sneaking, tracking and combat. I pray you won't have to use the last one. The last thing you need is to kill at your age. I'm hoping you're never put into a situation where you'll need to kill. But it's still a skill you need. If you can't defend yourself, then, what is the point of all the other skills?

Tomorrow, when we stop for the night, I'll show you how to make a pie. That's an important skill, right? I found some stuff to make one. Not a very nice one, but a pie none the less. Oh, and when we learn to cook meat, we can make steaks later. I wish there was some way I could record my voice, that would make things easier.

-Wester"

Before Neo could pick up the next letter, Lucy stopped him. Tears gently rolled down her cheeks, and picking up two letters from the pile she gave them to Neo. "Read these two... Please."

Obeying her, he took the first of the two letters and read it to her.

"Dear Lucky,

We're so close now. Steelmane City is so close now. There, in it's center, is Ironstead. Maybe your uncle can help me. He is a scientist after all. I want to see you grow up. I know that in Ironstead you'll grow up to be a strong, confident mare. You be sure to invite me to your wedding when you find a stallion, okay? I also got to make sure he's not a derp. Not with the eyes, but in mind... You know? Like the... Oh, never mind. Just remember that, okay, kiddo?

Yesterday, you know, when I was behind that building and I said I ate some bad meat? Well... I lied. It was blood. Every moment I can feel that stupid mutation fester in my head. It's like a drill slowly screwing into my mind. I'm losing my memory in some places. I can't remember my mother or father. Or where I came from... I do not yet know what will happen to me. Hopefully, we’ll get to Ironstead soon. Before... I don't want to think about what might happen...

-Wester"

Neo took the last letter and read it.

"Dear Lucky,

I'm sorry. I... I don't know if I can make it. I can't sleep anymore. The pain hurts so badly. This last time I used my magic outside the city, in that store, it drained me. I know it's a scary world... I know how hard it is must be for a little filly to lose so much. Her brothers, family, friends, and now... Me. I'm so sorry, kiddo.

It warms my heart to see you sleeping next to me, so peacefully. You're so hopeful and spirited. Ol' Wester is just... No, I can't say that. I need to keep going. I need to. For her. I need to protect her. I'm slowly losing myself, and I'm not sure how long I have left. I just can't believe this would happen to me right when we're so close to the end of our journey. Please, if I can't go on, make it to the end. Finish the trip. Live your life... Please, for me.

If I die, don't cry, kiddo, please don't. Just know that I'll always love you. You are my greatest friend and I need to protect you with every ounce of life I possess until the end. Don't forget me, kiddo... Don't forget what we've done. I love you.

-Wester"

Neo put down the letter, a grim look spread across his face. Slowly he turned his gaze toward Lucy, who with her hat resting on the table, was sobbing softly. A hint of confusion befell Neo, while it was sad to see Lucy acting the way she was, it was also confusing. Just, who was Wester? And what did the two of them do together?

"Lucy," Neo said trying to comfort her, "who is Wester?"

She didn't answer, "Lucy, please." He persisted calmly.

At first, it looked like she was trying to speak, only after a few moments she decided to tell him. "When I lost my family during the first purge of the Legion... I was scared. I was alone. The only family I had left was my uncle and he lived in Ironstead, all the way on the other side of the province. And that was... It was just too far for a little filly like me..."

She coughed lightly a few times, then continued, "I was not even a day into my trip... It rained, and every creature was after me... I hid inside the old ruins of a building and cried... I was so frightened... They... They were everywhere. I thought I was going to die...

Then, I heard him. Humming and singing... It was Wester... He found me, at the time, he was normal... He was scraggly and dusty with his dim red color coat. His eyes though... They were the most comforting part about him... I told him my uncle was a scientist and that he helped ponies feel better. It wasn't till later into our trip that I found out he had a deadly mutation... When he used his magic, it was strong, but it killed him."

"We traveled, and traveled... We laughed, and he was always so silly..."

She chuckled slightly with tears rolling down both cheeks, "I remember a time when he would put sticks on his head and pretend to be a monster on nightmare night... He'd chase me and I would be the little hero that would save the ponies from him... In the end, we'd laugh... He'd tuck me in... I... I felt safe with him..."

Wiping away some of the tears she went on, "He taught me how to survive. What to use as medicine, how to fight, and even how to bake... His baking wasn't that good either, but we still had fun trying."

Lucy reached for a pocket inside her duster and from it she pulled out a small combat knife. It had an oak hilt, with dull silver lining along the grip. "This was the knife he gave me... It was the first weapon he gave me to use on my own..."

Though she was still crying she laughed slightly, "I remember when he taught me how to use a gun... He said to me, 'Now, kiddo, shoot that at the can... No! Not at me! And no, not at the nice old mare either. No, Lucky, she isn't a zombie! Though, to be fair she looks just like one!'"

She held the knife close to her, "Those days are gone though... And he'll never remember any of it..."

"Why, Lucy?" Neo asked, taken slightly aback by her story.

Putting the knife back inside her duster she moved to a window that looked outside. From there they both could see Wester sitting on the porch, looking down at a locket in the darkness of the night. "That armor he wears, it's my uncle's. When the mutation became too hard to bare it risked killing him... The armor keeps him alive, along with some other robotic functions. For the most part, he's the same... Not as... Lighthearted as he once was, but the same... His heart is still there."

Resting her head on the window she cried softly, "One side effect of his treatment was memory loss... He knows his name, and some of his skills, but everything we did... The moments we shared together... They're all gone."

Neo felt empty inside, after hearing her story he felt devastated. "That locket has a picture he took of me and him... Sometimes, I like to think that those memories are still there and that he can feel them... That's probably why he stares at it..."

"Lucy," Neo whispered resting a hoof on her back, "I'm... I'm sorry... I just thought he was..."

"What?" Lucy asked.

"Well," He found it hard to respond to her, "just some random pony in armor."

"He isn't... He is my friend... And even though he can take care of himself, I have to protect him now... I want to come with you not just because my wing is fucked up. I want to be with him... I care about him, and just... I don't want him to go..."

Neo smiled and, taking the sleeve of his duster, he wiped away some of her extra tears. "If he means that much to you..."

She looked at him, her eyes still watering. "Thanks, kid... Thanks..."

Nudging him lightly, she sniffled, "Just, don't go around telling anypony that I cried like a bitch, okay? If you do, I'll sock you."

Neo chuckled quietly, "Don't worry. My lips are sealed."

"Good... Let's get back to sleep... It's just the letters he wrote, they help me relax..."

"Yeah, get some sleep, Lucy." Neo agreed, patting her on the shoulder.

Going back to the table, she took the letters and bundled them together. Neo though, had started back up the stairs to Ally's spare room where his brother was. Opening the door to the room, he quietly got back onto his mattress and went back to sleep. Adam was rolled over on his side, with his back facing his brother. His eyes were wide awake. He shed a few tears laying there, as the whole conversation rolled around in his mind.

Tiny dust devils twisted across the dusty road that lead through the town. A few work ponies were outside in the cool, early morning removing some of the building scaffolding along one building. Wester was outside of Ally's home, his rifle and bags on his back and a tiny ticking watch on his foreleg.

Looking down at the watch, he glanced at the time with Lucy strolling up to him from the inn, yawning. By his side, she rubbed her eyes tired.

"Hey Wester, where is the rest of the crew?" She yawned.

He turned his gaze to Ally's two-story metal home. "They got up a few minutes ago. Ally said they would be out in a minute. Since that statement it has been nearly three minutes and forty seven seconds past the said time."

"Wester," Lucy said nudging him, "it's a figure of speech. It means they'll be out in a little while."

"Really?"

"Yeah, ponies don't have the fancy timers you do."

"Hmm," He purred in thought, "figure of speech... Noted and logged."

The door to Ally's home opened up and one by one, each pony came sluggishly shuffling out. While most of them seemed tired, it was Neo who looked the most tired. Keeping his tired head low he moved on outside.

Lucy gave them all a worried look. "You guys look like death. What the hell happened? Did you secretly get wasted or something when I left?"

Adam yawned, and stretched his forelegs. "No, it's just that I was really enjoying the rest, that’s all."

"Same here." Neo sighed shaking his head, trying to wake himself up.

Wrapping Adam around the shoulder with her foreleg, Lucy heartily said, "Well, you're all going to have to perk up! We've got a long day of walking, walking and more walking! So come on, cupcakes, let's move on out!"

"Wait," Neo said.

"What is it?" Ally asked.

"Yeah, what is it? We've got to head out, daylight's a-burnin!" Lucy exclaimed exuberantly.

Neo pointed to the old shotgun on his back. "I've got no ammo for my gun and that's something we'll need if the trip is going to be long."

Lucy let out a frustrated sigh, "Fine, head on over to Isaac's. He has some ammo, tell him I'll sock him one if he doesn't give it up, kay?"

"Sure, sure." Neo said giving the pegasus a dismissing wave of his hoof.

"I'll come with him," Ally added, "maybe I can convince Isaac to give him a discount."

As both Ally and Neo went off to the Isaac's shop, Lucy called back to them, "Don't take too long you two!"

She blushed faintly before galloping over to Neo's side. Lucy shook her head and chuckled, "I tease them... Hopefully we can get out of here in ten."

"We should still be within the range of departure time, I'm more concerned about the fatigue of the blue one over there." Wester said pointing to Adam, who was resting on the porch.

"Heh," Lucy laughed, "Adam doesn't really tire out so easily. Then again, he was more rested back then."

"Hmm," Wester hummed.

Deep down inside the moment with Adam resting there on the porch made her think back. Back, to a time when Wester and she used to share little moments like this in the early mornings of days long past.

Lucy chortled briefly, as if she was unsure of what to say next. "Wester? D-do you remember..."

Wester looked at her, "What? Do I remember what?"

She didn't speak for a moment, "It's... It's nothing."

A soothing slow blues, with a low bass, played softly in Isaac’s shop. An old wagon wheel chandelier calmly hung from the ceiling above. Gray light from the windows poured inside and filled the room. Isaac was at his counter, tending to a customer. In front of him was a yellow stallion, with a blazing red mane, and set of crosshairs as his cutie-mark.

Isaac was a simple pony who ran a simple shop. He enjoyed business when it was around. Just about everyday, he would wear the same clothes. A brown leather vest edged with tan stitching, and a pair of round spectacles perched on his orange muzzle.

Sliding a rifle across the counter to the stallion in front of him, he smiled, "There you go, sir. Your rifle is fixed up, good as new. I had to replace a few of the bolts along the stock and clean up the inner parts, but it should work just fine now. Just stop on by if the thing starts acting up, okay?"

Taking a few caps from his bag, the stallion placed the tiny metal bottle caps on the counter. "No, thank you. I got to protect myself when I'm out scavenging, and this stupid old thing won't do me any good if it's busted."

"Ha! Well, ain't that the truth. Have a wonderful morning, sir. And stay safe!" Isaac replied cheerfully.

Removing the caps from his counter, he placed them into an old cash register. Swiftly pulling the lever down a loud cha-ching filled the room. The wooden door of his shop opened, causing the small bell above it to chime sweetly as two ponies walked inside. Just before they did, he went in through a door behind his counter, taking some old supplies to the back room of his shop.

Neo held the door open for Ally as she came through first. Nodding at him she thanked him, causing Neo feel warm inside. Just as she went through, he noticed something. Stepping inside himself, he peered at the other pony in the room. The stallion whom he gazed at turned around. It was Red Glare from Arkcannon.

Both he and Neo blinked at each other, only to have massive grins on their faces appear shortly after. Coming up to him swiftly and without warning, Red Glare gave Neo a bone cracking hug. "Neo!" He greeted him.

"Red Glare!" Neo replied wheezing.

Letting him go, he stepped back, a nostalgic energy had started radiating off of the two them. "So you made it after all? You didn't run into any trouble at all, did you? Raiders have been real active since I got here." Red Glare said.

"We made it here okay. How have you been since Arkcannon?"

"Good. It's kind of hard getting used to the freedom. I don't have to worry as often about the Legion surrounding you every second of the day. I'm getting by doing work for the town guard and scavenging here and there. What about you two?"

"I just stopped by to get some more ammo for my gun. We were about to leave to Silvermane, hopefully, we can learn where our mother is from there."

"Good, good." He replied.

Turning his gaze to Ally a playful smirk befell him. "Hey Ally, what's up?"

"I'm with Neo. I came in to make sure Isaac doesn't give him a hard time."

"Whoa there," He chuckled, "you did good, son! Ally is a nice gal. Take care of her when you guys are out there."

Both ponies felt slightly embarrassed by his comment. Neither of them knew what to say in response, and giving him large smiles, they tried to think of an answer.

Before they could, he patted Neo on the back heartily, "I like your modesty."

"You two better keep safe. I've got to go out, the best hunting is on the morning. It's been nice talking to you again."

Neo smiled at him, "Likewise."

Trotting off humming a joyful tune, Red Glare left the store, making the small bell above once again chime. Both ponies went up to Isaac's counter. Pressing the small silver bell that rested on the counter's corner, they waited for the salespony.

"It’s good to know that Red made it back okay. He talked about coming here, I'm glad he did." Neo said warmly.

Ally nodded, "Let's just hope he stays safe."

"He's a real trooper. He's been through hell and back again, bringing back souvenirs as proof of his trip." Neo chuckled lightly.

Ally laughed with him, as the two stood there merrily enjoying the moment, Isaac came through the door. The very instant that his eyes caught a glimpse of Neo, they narrowed. In a low, vengeful tone, he muttered, "Neo..."

Storming up to the counter he glanced at the white stallion harshly. "So, you're back, hmm?"

"Yeah, it kind of looks that way..." Neo said softly, looking at him uncertainly.

"Well!" He said slamming his hooves on the countertop, "You can't barter your way into my mind! Oh, no no no no! You see, I've been preparing for this day, the day we would meet again. The day the two of us would meet face to face. In my shop. On a quiet day. Just like today. Where we will-"

As he went on Neo rolled his eyes. I feel kind of sorry, I mean, did I leave that much of an impact on him? He thought listening to his monologue.

"Look, Isaac," Neo said breaking his monologue, "I'm sorry I bartered with you and I'm sorry you've been angry about that moment since. But if it wouldn't be too hard, could you please help me out?"

"Hmphf!" He grunted folding his hooves and pointing his snout to the ceiling in a pompous manner.

"I don't think I want to help you. You interrupted my monologue. Do you know how long it took to come up with that? Hmm? Do you? Three days. It took me three days, and what do I get? Interruption!"

"I'm sorry Isaac, it's just-"

Ally put a hoof up, and stepped in. Winking at Neo she spoke up, "Isaac. He has come a very long way and he still has a very long trip ahead of him. I know he interrupted you, but he didn't mean to offend you."

Isaac looked down at her, "He still made me upset, and now look at me! I'm all flustered."

"That may be so," She added kindly, "but let's work this out. If he swears deep down in his heart that he's sorry, will you help him?"

"If he swears, but only if he does! He also has apologize for cheating me out of supplies during our last encounter."

"What!?" Neo shouted, "I bartered with you fair and square, you little-"

"Boys!" Ally interjected.

She sighed, "Listen. All you have to do is give him a sincere apology, Neo, and Isaac, you just need to give him the ammo for his gun. Can you two do that?"

It was hard, but both ponies nodded in agreement. "Good." Ally chirped.

As sincerely as he could Neo crossed his chest with a hoof, making a small X where his heart was. "I'm sorry I bartered with you Isaac, and I'm sorry for interrupting your monologue."

Isaac peered at him unsurely at first. Then, straightening himself, he nodded. "Apology accepted."

Taking a few caps from his saddlebag Neo placed them down on the counter. "Could I have twenty rounds, please?" Neo asked, trying to sound nice.

"Yes. Yes you may."

Pulling several shotgun shells from the bottom of the counter, he laid them on the counter for Neo. "Will that be all?"

Neo nodded not saying another word. Taking the shells, he loaded them into his gun. With the extra shells he had, he placed them inside his saddlebags. And, bidding Isaac farewell, the two ponies exited the store. Like with every customer, the bell above store's door jingled. As the two left the store, Ally poked Neo's shoulder.

"Was that so bad?" She asked.

"No, I'm happy you were there though. If you gave me the time, I would have bartered with him the old fashioned way."

"Well," Ally giggled, "let's just be happy I was. We wouldn't want to make a mess of his shop."

Kat and the rest of the group were outside waiting. Lucy saw the two ponies come towards them, smiling widely she asked, "Did you get what ya needed?"

Neo nodded, "Yeah, we're all set."

"Fantastic," She replied nodding to Wester, "let's head out! We've got a long road ahead of us!"

Starting off down the road, Wester, Lucy and Adam moved to the town's metal gate. Before Ally and Neo could go, Kat rushed up to Ally, hugging her tightly. With one free hoof she returned the gesture.

"Don't go and die on me. I don't want Newt to go through that."

"I won't die, Kat. You worry too much."

Kat hugged her tighter, "I don't worry enough."

Newt, with huge sad eyes shyly came to Ally and hugged her leg. "Bye bye." She cooed.

Ally bent down to the filly and hugged her, "Bye Newt, I'll miss you too."

From the town's gate Adam called for the two of them, "Ally! Brother!"

"Coming!" Neo called back.

Letting go of Newt, Ally waved to her two friends. "Bye you two! I'll see you soon!"

Kat had foggy, tearing up eyes. Together, Neo and Ally galloped quickly down the dusty road to the metal sliding gate at the front of the town. Newt was waving to them goodbye as both Kat and Newt saw them go through the gate that hissed and shrieked open.

Together, all five of the ponies marched on through the gate into the wasteland. They had only walked a few feet before Benny the gate operator closed it behind them. Once the massive metal gate closed itself, the group moved on.

Just as the group moved on, an idea sprouted in Neo's mind. "Guys..."

The group paused, and looked at him. "Can... Can we make a slight detour?"

Lucy rolled her eyes. Frustrated, but slightly curious she asked, "What kind of detour?"

"Just something minor... It will only take a few minutes."

Adam cocked his head to the side and thinking about his brother's words, he knew what he wanted to do. Lucy sighed, "Okay, lead the way, but let’s make it quick..."

Neo motioned with his metal foreleg for the group to follow him, and bolting up several hills and ruined houses of the old world, they reached a huge rocky hill. Most of the group wondered what Neo was leading them to, because the only things they could see that was worth looking at was old ruins and the rocky slopes of the hill.

It was just a little further that Neo went until he stopped. Panting, the group looked down at where Neo was looking. Adam was at his brother's side, and he too was gazing down at the hill. What the two brothers were looking at was a door. An old wooden door that was stained by the dust in the air, and battered by the elements. But this door was special to them, for this door lead them back home to their stable.

"It's... A door?" Lucy commented.

"Yeah..." Neo muttered, thinking back to days long ago.

Adam smiled at his brother, and wrapped a hoof around his shoulder. Neo returned the gesture, "So close to home..."

In a way, looking at the door hurt, it reminded them of the things they missed the most. Mainly, it reminded them of their mother and just in the presence of the door made them feel that longing to be a family once more.

Turning around, Neo waved his hoof for the rest of the group to move on. "I... I've seen enough..."

Lucy shrugged and the whole group marched off into the hills. Passing by them was the ruins of old, ancient landmarks which served as a reminder that the peaceful world had ended. As nothing but the empty shells of the past remain. Wester lead them mile after mile of ruined countryside. Desolate charred trees dotted the landscape and wild dying grass crumbled away under their hooves.

It was several miles of long walking over high and rugged terrain. Finally, looking down at his Pipbuck, Adam saw the marker Cool Blue had left for them get closer to their position. Feeling a merry energy fill his chest, he bounded over to his brother. Neo smiled, feeling the same feeling ignite inside him.

Marching up a steep, dusty hill they each came one by one to the top. Upon reaching the top of the hill, the group could see nearly two miles off into the distance. However, as the group stood there peering out into the distance, the brother's eyes grew wide in awe at what they saw before them.

With a smile on her face, Lucy bowed to the awestruck brothers. "Gentlecolts. Welcome to Silvermane Tower."

Footnote: Level Up

New Perk: It Looks More Like a Puma To Me: Agility increased by +1 and barter increased by +2.

Footnote: Level Up

Would you like to level up Adam as well?

Yes-

No

New Perk: Somebody Want To Meet the Mrs?: Every turret you repair gives you additional XP.

Proofread by:

Noakwolf

Thefullmetalbrony

LyonAzakura

Wayofthepen

(AN: Personally, Wester is one of my favorite characters to write, and I plan on expanding a bit more on the relationship between him and Lucy. Anyway, I enjoyed making this chapter. It was real simple, but now we’ve got the group together. What will happen next? Find out in the next chapter of Brotherhood!)