Fallout Equestria: The Butterfly Effect

“Welcome to the Wasteland, Sapling,” I muttered to myself. It was almost exactly as I had imagined it to be, though not as I had hoped: it was barren, void of life save a few radroaches that clicked across the ground. Just like my foal-hood story book, The Book of Littlepip. After meeting Marian, I thought it would be interesting to see how much of the story was actually was true, but I guess the Gardens didn’t work this far away from the heart of Equestria. Still, it seems the Lightbringer actually exists. Speaking of light, it’s quite the day out here! We never had any light like this in the Stable. It was so brilliant, so... pure. I could just look out and stare at that big yel-- Ow! Blinding sun pain!

“Hey, hey, all you listeners out there!” WAH!!... Oh, it’s the PipBuck’s radio. “DJ D-Rails here, and that was Sweetie Bell with ‘Hush Now Rock’! Now for a little news. Looks like the Enclave is back and more powerful than ever. I’ve got word of a city called New Cloudsdale, somewhere past the Crystal Mountains, which they’ve taken over and begun using as a massive ship-production facility. The first wave of ships have already been used against Pegasi who oppose the Enclave. It’s only a matter of time before they start headed this way again. Thankfully, we still have our Lightbringer watching the skies and keeping us safe.

That’s it for the news, so it’s time to drop some beats by Vinyl Scratch, followed by fan favorite Velvet Re--”

*stumble tumble click*

I spat out the dirt that the wasteland so graciously forced into my mouth. Damn it! I’ve been trying so hard to get this PipBuck to work. Why is it that when I finally make something happen, a bump against the ground can simply shut it off?! Gah... Even though it makes a weird buzz in my leg, I gotta figure out how to get that radio back up and running.

Hmm...Hrmm...Ahmm...Hoh...mmm...*gnaw*

“How does this damn thing work?!” I beat it against the ground, hoping I’d make it actually do something. After an hour of trying, it seemed like the best option.

“Need a hoof?” Behind me?! “Whoa, there, calm down! I’m not gonna hurt ya.”

“Who are you?” I demanded of the earth pony, not dropping my guard in the slightest.

“Just a passerby. I can tell you just got out of the Stable by how clean your hood is.” What? Yes, I’m wearing my hood again. I don’t like showing my scars to people, okay? Besides, it could’ve been cold out here in the Wasteland. “Anyways, I saw you having some trouble with your PipBuck. Mind if I show you a few tricks?”

“Yes, I mind. I’m not going to hoof my belongings over to a total stranger. You could be a thief trying to take advantage of me.”

“I’m not a thief!” She pierced a whistle through my ears. That’s when I noticed she wasn’t alone. “I’m a raider, missy, and I’ll be takin’ that PipBuck along with the rest of your junk!” Six Earth Ponies, a leader with 5 lackeys gathered around her, all armed with knives, machetes and axes. Of all the things they could be armed with, it had to be fucking blades. Poundy object? I can deal with that. Shooty object? I can deal with that. Slicey object? Fuck...

“A group of six attacking one defenseless pony? How shameless!” I wailed.

“Tough luck, filly. Now hand over the PipBuck, or the six of us will do more to you than just a cutting!”

“Thanks for the confirmation. Bye-bye!” I bolted in the opposite direction. There’s no way I’m gonna let myself get caught by idiots who don’t know to surround their prey.

“Damn, she’s got some speed in her! Ringo, give me the Dash!” Did she say Dash...?

*...dathump, badathump, badathump, badaTHUMP, BADATHUMP!* Yep, that’s Dash. Shit she’s close!

“Whoa yeah! Gotcha now, missy!” Wait, if she’s speaking, she’s not using her blade! I glanced over my shoulder to confirm my suspicion and her position.

*Whirl CRACK CRACK!! badum badabadumpsshhh...*

“Aaaahhhhh! My legs! You bitch, you broke my legs!” the raider howled. Obviously she was unaccustomed to having bones broken. “When my crew gets here, you’re gonna be fuckin’ dead!”

“When your crew gets here, you’re gonna be fuckin’ naked,” I retorted. “There’s a lot of ground between us and them. Oh look, a knife! Was this yours?” Her eyes widened in horror.

“What are you..." *Rrrrrrrriiiiip...* NOOOOOOOOO!!!” *schick, schick, schick...*

***

“Come to think of it, I probably should’ve kept the knife.” I shuddered. Even if it’s a useful tool, the thought of having a blade so close to me just... Ugh. I did take the raider’s canteen and food satchel, though. Rule #1 of life: never pass up free food.

It didn’t take long for me to end up in the middle of nowhere. No water anywhere nearby, no critters around that I could see. No towns or buildings. Not even a cave. I wish I had a map that I could actually access, instead of this stupid PipBuck! Sigh...mechanics were never my thing. They’re all so buzzy. Make my whole body ache. All I can do now is move forward and hope for the best. This is going to be a long trek. I’ve gotta find some way of mitigating the boredom...

“And so, she moved forward, step-by-step, inch-by-inch, one hoof in front of the other toward her unknown destination. What awaits our heroine here in this Wastelands of Derby?! Is there danger? She glanced over her shoulder in the direction of the raider which she had buried to keep warm. After all, she thought, it isn’t nice to leave anyone naked out in the open air.

Hmm... Could there be a settlement, somewhere in the distance? There could! Lo, a train track just waiting to be followed! As she jumped in between the rails, she skipped with a new sense of hope that she hadn’t felt since leaving her Stable behind.

Where would this lead? What adventures awaited? Would she discover untold riches at the end of the trail, or heartbreak and sorrow? Is it even possible to feel heartbreak and sorrow if there is nopony around to break her heart?!

Sigh... she sighed. She knew this was going to be a long trip. She wondered to herself, ‘Could I be going crazy? It can’t be normal for a pony to monologue to herself.’”

*Snicker* “You got that right! BAHAHA!” A Pegasus dropped out of the sky in laughter.

“WAHH! Who are you? How long have you been eavesdropping?!” I bristled.

“Right around the point where you buried a naked raider. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of someone doing something that silly! Are all Stable ponies as kooky as you?”

“No, there are some very smart ponies in my stable. Wait, I’m not kooky!” I said, flustered.

“Obviously not. It’s perfectly natural for somepony to talk to herself like she’s reading her own book, isn’t it?” Grr... “By the way, why are you out here if you’ve got a Stable? Just looking for adventure like the pony in the story you were reciting?”

“Kinda."

“You should’ve stayed home. This place has a tendency to eat your kind for breakfast. I’ve only heard of a hoof-full of Stable dwellers who actually do well out here.”

“Like who?”

“Lightbringer and the Security Mare are the biggest names. Two of the craziest ponies you’ll probably never meet, but definitely tougher than the wasteland.”

“Lightbringer? Do you mean Littlepip? I have her book right here!” I took out The Book of Littlepip from my satchel and held it proudly in display.

“Good for you! That’s how most Stable dwellers nowadays trace their roots. Most end up raider food too.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I said as I put my treasure back in its pocket. “I thought while I was out here, I may as well see what’s true and what isn’t.”

“There’s a lot to the book that’s a load of radhogwash, but it’s based on historical fact. Just true enough to make you wonder about the past.”

“Maybe I’ll visit all the places mentioned in the book, if I can, and find out the real truth.”

“Don’t bother. That end of Equestria is hundreds of miles away.” Damn... Why couldn’t I have come out of Stable 2 instead of Stable 12? “Still, if you want adventure, you could always go to Twoton. They have a board up for anyone who wants to take on a job down at the Berry Bomb. It’s a bar at the front of town, can’t miss it. Just walk up to the owner and say ‘Hi! I’m (whatever your name is)! Have you seen my mom?’”

“What the hell sort of greeting is that?”

“The kind that’s actually a secret password to let you get the best work, of course. Duh,” he said evenly. Hmm... Can’t tell if serious, or really good at lying. Probably the latter.

“How old are you, colt?”

“How did you know my name?!”

“What are you talking about?”

“Oh... never mind. I'm 12.”

"That explains it," I said, matter-of-factly.

"Explains what?"

“It doesn’t matter. What matters is how to get to Twoton,” I replied.

“That’s easy enough. Just follow the tracks until you get to town. It’s about half an hour’s walk from here.”

“Great. Thanks, uh...”

“Colt.”

“Hey, sorry if I sounded condescending when I called you that, but I’d like to know your real name.” I said, a little irritated.

“Seriously. It’s Colt, as in Colt .45? Colt.”

“Oh. I see. Do you have a sister named Filly?” I smirked.

“How do you know my sister?!” he bristled.

“You’re kidding right? You don’t actually have a sister named Filly, do you?” By the blush on his face, I could tell I had stumbled onto the truth. “Hey, I’m sorry. I was only playing. I don’t really know your sister.”

“Yea, I know... There’s no way you could’ve right?” His hesitation said otherwise, but I decided not to press.

“So, I just follow the tracks to Twoton and talk to the owner of the Berry Bomb?” I asked in an attempt to change the subject. It worked.

“That’s right. Mind if I tag along? I was on my way home anyways.”

“You live in Twoton?”

“That’s right! Me and Filly live in a shack not far from the Berry Bomb.”

“Interesting.”

For the next thirty minutes, Colt talked my ear off. Everything from what life was like in Twoton to contemplating the Lightbringer’s true Identity. Celestia or, like the book claimed, Littlepip? Who were the Enclave, really? Filly was a Unicorn. Someday, he would do the Sonic Rainboom. You know, all the small talk that was standard for somepony his age. Finally, we reached Twoton.

“Welcome to my humble home.” Humble it was, at least compared to the Stable. “Want me to show you around the place?”

“Nah. I can find my way around. Just point me toward the bar, and I’ll be out of your mane.”

“Okay. Look right.” There, not ten paces away from me, stood a building with a sign above the swinging door which said ‘Berry Bomb Saloon’. Colt wasn’t kidding when he said it was right at the front of town.

“Thanks, Colt. See you around.”

“Sure thing!” He flew off down the road as I approached the building.

I walked into the saloon and looked around in wonder. There were a few circular tables, complete with leg chairs and ash trays. Two metallic rectangles covered in green cloth sat in the back right corner near a rack of perfectly straight sticks and a shelf with sets of balls no bigger than my hoof. In the opposite corner glowed a big, clear, glowy box. Inside were dozens of buttons and levers and switches that completely boggled me. I tore my eyes away from that mechanical monstrosity and looked at the floors. Hardwood, polished to a beautiful red-ish hue. In the center of the back wall was a door that said ‘Restroom’. It was a little worn compared to the rest of the building, so I’m sure it saw a lot of use.

Finally, I looked at the bar itself. Crimson cushions on gleaming metal stools lined a solid marble island. Rows upon rows of alcoholic bliss in all its forms lay behind the beautiful counter. Luna only knows what was hidden under that chunk of stone.

I walked into the ‘restroom’ to find even more amazement. White tile floors, marble sinks, polished fountain heads, enclosed stalls for relieving one’s inner piping... Not even the Stable was this nice! I could only imagine how much it would’ve cost to afford this magnificent place.

I helped myself to the stall before walking out. Behind the bar stood a large purple mare with a berry blue mane cleaning the glasses and placing them beneath the counter. A ray of sunlight glinted off the little band that circled her hoof.

“Are you the owner of this place?” I asked.

“Sure am, missy.” What a lovely smile she has. Complete with genuine, honest eyes. I shook my head. The grandeur of the place must’ve been getting to me. “What can I help ya with?” She asked amiably.

“This place is amazing! I never expected to see something that looked this good in the middle of the Wasteland.” The owner laughed heartily.

“Not many people do. That’s why I built this place. A little slice o’ heaven ta wipe yer troubles away. A lotta people have troubles lately that need wipin’,” she said. “Is that why yer here? Got something ya need ta get off yer chest?”

“No, not really. I’m here looking for work. A resident said there was a board here with a list of jobs to do?”

“That’s right, but I’m not one ta let a stranger come in an’ take all the work away from the locals. If ya wanna work fer the locals, ya gotta be a local.”

“Well, I don’t exactly have a home. What would it take to move into town?”

“Ya ain’t gotta home? Are ya a traveler? Merchant?”

“Ex-stable dweller.”

“Oh, I gotcha. Mind if I ask what made ya leave?”

“Yea.”

“Alright, I won’t pry. Anyways, if ya need a place ta stay, there’s a hotel next ta my saloon. If ya wanna place ta call yer own, then you’ll just have ta buy one.”

“Oh... I see...thanks for the help.” No money for the hotel, let alone a house. No available work. No reason to stay. Pity, that. I rather liked this happy mare, but there’s nothing for me here. I walked out.

The sky really is beautiful today. As I looked up, I saw Colt flying around doing loops and attacking stray clouds.

“Ya know, yer a bit odd. Why’re ya wearin’ a hood in the sun? It’s not a cold day today.” I glanced back at the owner. She was eying me with what looked like suspicion. I didn’t like it one bit. “Are ya hidin’ somethin’ under there, little filly?”

“That’s not your business, bar-mare.”

“Juniper, stranger. An’ if ya call me bar-mare again, I’ll trounce ya.” Given my background, I somehow doubted it, but she made me curious. I turned facing her and scanned her over. Earth pony, large, well built, solid stance, authoritative eyes, a single shotgun slung around her back. If she didn’t have the gun, I’d say she was a brawler. Could she actually beat me?

“Drop the shotgun, and I’ll take you up on that, Juniper. If I win, you let me do some work. I don’t need all the jobs, just enough to stay at the hotel and get supplies.” Her eyes wavered.

“And if ya lose?”

“I could just leave if that’s what you want, but I don’t think you want me to leave just yet. Why else would you stop me as I walked out of your saloon?” She wavered again. Looks like I was right on the money. “I’ll do whatever you ask of me if you win.”

“Yer not afraid I’ll ask fer something ‘unreasonable’?”

“Not very much is ‘unreasonable’ to me anymore. I’ll take my chances.”

“What’re the rules?” she asked after thinking for a moment.

“It’ll be a 1v1, hoof-to-hoof fight. First person to fall 3 times loses. Sound good?” She cocked her head at me with a curious look.

“Little filly, do ya even know who I am?”

“I only know that you’ve already decided to accept.” She grinned.

“That’s true. Yer a smart one, but really, really foolish Ya’ve gone and decided ta fight me in my element.” She took of her shotgun and set it next to the saloon.

“I know,” I said with an glint in my eye that refused to be masked. That put her on edge. She braced herself for the fight.

“Alright. When the Central Clock hits the hour, we start.” I looked over at the clock down the road. 1 minute until battle. Instincts flared and blood pulsed through me. Yes, I lived for this moment. That moment before the fight when everything stands still, and the air charges with the heartbeats of the competitors. When the music hasn’t yet begun, but the dancer feels the song within her soul.

*DOOOOooooonnnnnnng....* Let’s dance, partner.

Juniper was exactly as I had suspected: a very experienced brawler. She quickly closed the gap between us and launched her first flurry of punches, so I did what I always do when fighting an opponent of her caliber.

I waited for my partner to misstep.

Just as rocks have critically weak points, ponies have critically weak points. I don’t mean spots that are physically weaker than others, like the eyes or stomach. I’m talking about that one spot which will cripple a fighter’s flow. For Pegasi, that point is almost always the spot right under the wing, removing their ability to fly. For unicorns, that spot is usually their temples, forcing them to use magic through a migraine.

With earth ponies, you attack their roots, but they’re are all different because they all train differently. For those that train their bucks, attack behind the forelegs. For those that train their punches, attack the haunches. For those that are well balanced, attack their hooves.

And then there’s Juniper. Perfectly toned muscles, tough bones, well-defended pressure points, quick reflexes, excellent balance, few if any wasted movements. She’s the kind of pony you just have to wear down until she can’t continue. In a word:

Fun.

“Stop dodging, scamp! You’re not going to knock me down by just avoiding me.” Too true. Time to fight back. But where to start? Should I go for the eyes and knock out her reflexes? She’ll just turn her head, block, or worse, catch me and muscle me down. What about her hooves to take out her balance? Unless I can take out all four at once, she probably won’t fall. Maybe over-extend her until she reveals a pressure point? She’s too experienced for that.

Heh, I really am foolish for fighting her in her element.

“You’re a terrifying opponent, Juniper,” I praised. “I’ve never fought someone with your fortitude before.”

“Yer not too shabby yerself, ya little ghost.” I threw a swift punch which she immediately blocked and countered. I threw both forelegs in the way to block, but the force of her punch sent me sliding backward. Yea, this was going to be tough. Fighting her is like fighting a living, breathing Pearl. One that I can’t force into a dissonance point.

*SLAM badabathump* I went flying as one of her punches finally connected against my side. Ngh... I think I dislocated my shoulder...

“That’s one fer me! Took long enough, but I think I’ve finally figured out yer movements.”

“Really? Then I’ll just have to change them.” I abandoned dodging for a full on assault. Quick, precise attacks at all the usual weak points: eyes, groin, neck, belly, temples, everywhere! But with my bad shoulder, none of it worked. She was just too well defended, blocking and countering everything I threw at her. *grab* Shit! *thud thud swing crash!* Ow... landing face-first into a stairway is not a comfy thing.

“That’s two. One more an’ this match is mine!!” I shook my head, trying to stop the throbbing in my side and muzzle. I spat out a little blood, angry and only getting worse. This bitch is not going to beat me like this!

“Alright, bar-mare. You wanna play brute force? I’ll show you brute force!” Yea, I’m gonna wipe that smirk right off your face. She readied her punch as I charged, steam coming off my back. Her hoof connected with my skull and...

Cracked down the middle.

She leapt away, unable to put down her left foreleg. I didn’t waste any time. I harassed her until she finally revealed an opening, when I leapt in under her weak side and bucked hard, dislocating her right rear leg. Point 1.

Not that I cared about points now. Juniper was going to pay for making me look foolish! As soon as she stood up again, I crashed into her with a full body tackle, sending her rolling into a nearby trough. Point 2.

“What happened to ya? Ya went from bein’ a ghost to a damn nightmare!” Her head cocked awkwardly, then she closed her eyes and sighed. “I see. So that’s how it is.” She popped her leg back into place before struggling to her feet and turning to the pump over the trough. “Mind if I have a drink real quick? All this fightin’s makin’ me thirsty.” Opportunity for victory? Taken. I charged like a blitz as she filled the trough.

“GRAA--” *grab gurble struggle splosh splash... gasp!* Oh, the air never felt so good going into my lungs! Was she trying to drown me?! She clutched my head between her hooves and peered down my throat. Then she dunked me again, and a third time. Finally, gave a nod of approval.

“All clean? Good.” *Twir-wir-wir-wir-wir-wir-wir-wir-wirl* She set me down on dizzy legs and tipped me over. “That’s three. Looks like I win.”

***

Juniper mixed a couple brews while I clutch my head. “Yer not a bad fighter. What’s yer name, kid?”

“It’s Sap-- Agh... Sapling.” My head throbbed and pulsed as Juniper slid one of the concoctions in front of my hooves.

“Saplin’, huh? Here, drink this. It’ll dull the pain.”

“No offense to your craft, but I don’t drink.”

“Don’t ya worry, Saplin’. Not a drop o’ liquor in that one.” I noticed she sprayed some soda into her own, though. I drank, and the throbbing between my ears finally stopped. Not only that, but I felt the bruise on my side disappear as well.

“This is a health potion! Are you a chemist?”

“Ack! Now ya’ve gone an’ wounded me! My dear girl, I’m no chemist. I...” Pause for dramatic effect. “Am a Bartender. I make more different kinds o’ potions in a night than most chemists learn in a lifetime. Granted, most o’ my brews are alcoholic in nature...” She chuckled merrily. “But I got the basic materials fer more orthodox chems as well.”

“Interesting. What else can you do?”

“I can do just about anythin’ with these materials. Potions like yers, poisons, explosions. I can swing people’s moods from one end o’ the spectrum ta the other. I can even make Napalm rain!”

“Really.”

“Ayup.”

“Prove it. Ten caps says you can’t.”

“In my nice little slice o’ heaven in the wasteland? Yer outta yer gourd.” I didn’t press. Honestly, I didn’t care what she could do with her beer. “Now, about that wager...” Here it comes.

“I’ll do what you ask, and then be on my way. I’m not going to stay in a town that won’t let me earn a living.”

“Not even if I offer ya a job? I want ya ta work fer me.” Wait, what?

“I thought you said--”

“I said ya gotta be a local to take the local’s work. I’m not a local, though, so ya can work fer me.” I thought about it for a time, until finally I said:

“No. I’m sure you’d be a good boss, but I want to travel and see the wasteland with my own eyes. I’m not going to get very far if I’m chained down to a saloon.” Juniper sighed.

“Then I’m not offerin’. I’m orderin’. Yer gonna be a permanent addition ta my saloon.” Say what?!

“What are you talking about?”

“Yer gonna work fer me until I say otherwise. That’s what I get fer winnin’ the fight.”

“Slavery? That’s your victory condition?! I know I said not much is ‘unreasonable’, but that’s crossing the line!”

“Now look here, missy. I don’t wanna see ya fresh outta the Stable just ta end up at the barrel end o’ some raider’s gun. ‘Sides, I could use the company durin’ the week, when business is slow.”

“So instead of going through the trouble of searching through the market, you just claim me as your ‘companion’ here and now, is that it?”

“I’m givin’ ya a job! A steady income, a roof over yer head, food ta eat. Ya wanna go take yer chances in the wasteland? Fine. Get out, an’ don’t come back ta Twoton or I’ll hit ya with my brews!” She grabbed two bottles and glared at me menacingly. Honestly, I thought she looked very silly, but I didn’t bring that up.

“Damn it. I said I’d do anything you asked, and I meant it. I didn’t say I wouldn’t complain about it.” I finished my drink and slid the glass back over to where Juniper stood. “Better get started, then. What do you need me to do, master?”

“Fer starters, call me master again an’ I’ll wallop ya. Juniper’s good enough fer me.” She put her bottles back on the shelf. “Tomorrow we’re goin’ ta collect some radscorpion tails. The venom sacs in those tails are perfect fer makin’ antidotes an’ givin’ unruly customers a wicked hangover.”

***

“Quit yer whinin’, Saplin’. Since yer workin’ fer me now, ya gotta learn the ropes.” Juniper led me down the road.

“I’m just complaining. You wanna see whining? This is whiiiiiiniiiiiiing! My hooves are soooore! The road’s so dirtyyyyy! I wanna go back to the baaaaaaar! Why are you being soooooo meeeean?”

“Kid, if ya don’t quit it right now, I’m gonna tie ya up an’ leave ya on the train tracks,” she said evenly.

“Yes, ma’am.” As fun as it sounded, I didn’t fancy being tied down and left in the wasteland.

“Good. We’re here.” I looked up to where ‘here’ was. It was a marketplace, not unlike the one back home, if a bit smaller. To my right stood several booths selling weapons, barding, and ammunition. On the left, there was food, if you could call it that. 200 year old boxes of Sugar Apple Bombs? Radscorpion meat? I don’t think so. There were also potions and chems, for those ponies who were into that sort of thing. Down the road stood the Central Clock. “Ya’ve got an hour ta get some supplies. We’re headed ta radscorpion territory, so be prepared.”

I walked over to the shops and examined their wares. Compared to Stable 12, it wasn’t bad. The equipment was old and battered, but the selection was good. I found a leather barding that was my size, then went to buy some potions.

“Hey, you! With the hood! Yea, you!” I looked over to the pony who was calling me. She was in the chem shop. “I ain’t seen you here before. You with Juniper?”

“Who’s asking?” I asked. I didn’t like being called by somepony in a chem shop. Could be a junkie.

“Doesn’t matter. I’ve got a message I gotta get to Juniper, but I’m waiting for somepony. Mind giving this to her for me? I’ll pay you.” The mare held out a small bag of caps and a package. Can’t be much of a junkie if she’s giving up caps instead of blowing them on chems.

“Fine. Give it here.” I took the package and caps.

“Thanks, girl. Oh, there’s my somepony. Maybe we’ll meet again.” The nondescript pony trotted away before meeting with a pony in a rather well-to-do suit. Seemed a bit out of place to me in a town like this, but I didn’t have time to investigate. I trotted over to the Potion Shop and bought some health potions and a few antidotes, then continued down the road. More shops lined the sides, mostly specialist hubs. Rugs, glass work, gun repair, a few assorted junk sellers...

“What took ya so long?” Juniper asked. Huh, when did I get here? She facehoof’d and gave me a stern look. “Ya lost track o’ time, didn’t ya? Did ya get everything ya need?”

“Yes.”

“Where’s yer armor? Surely yer not goin’ inta a nest o’ radscorpions with just yer cloak.” I unzipped the front part, revealing the leather barding. “Potions? Antidotes?” I nodded both times. "Good. Let's go."

***

We walked for nearly an hour in silence, until Juniper decided to break the ice. “So, Saplin’... Been outta yer Stable long? How do ya like the wasteland so far?”

“It’s only my second day, and already I’ve been attacked by raiders, nearly drowned, and enslaved. If this is just the beginning, I can’t wait to see the end,” I said sarcastically.

“Hey, you picked the fight and lost, so don’t gimme any crap ‘bout that. I’m sorry ‘bout makin’ ya mine and all, but it’s better for ya this way, trust me. Yer not really capable o' livin' out here, yet.”

“Why should I trust you? Who’s to say what I’m capable of or not?”

“Ya seem like a smart kid, even if yer a bit foolish Why’d ya leave yer stable? Why leave the security an’ stability of a place like that fer the cruelty of a place like this?”

“That’s not your business, master.” *WHOMP* A powerful hoof came crashing down on my noggin. Hold on a sec. Let me get the dirt out of my

"Didn't I tell ya I was gonna wallop ya if ya called me that again? Juniper’s good enough fer me,” she repeated. “Now answer the dag question.”

“Fine,” I said, rubbing the bump that was beginning to form. “I left because I didn’t have a place there. I was a sort of ‘all-purpose task-completer’ for the Overmare, so I never really felt a part of anything. I learned a lot of skills, met a lot of ponies, but never worked with anypony more than a day or so at a time. Then she ordered me to do something that I can’t forgive. So I left.”

“I see. What did she make ya do?”

“What does it matter to you?” I asked, dodging the question. She was an experienced fighter, so she’d probably been to the Arena before. If so, she probably knew about Hooded Filly. I never wanted to be that pony again.

“Alright, I won’t pry.”

“Really? You’ve been strict about questions so far.”

“Because we’re here.” I looked out at the void in front of me. It was barren, except for a couple dozen decaying scorpions.

“Are you sure this is a nest? It’s more like a graveyard.” Juniper just looked at me.

“Ya don’t know anythin’ yet, kid. Yer gonna have ta trust me and keep yer voice down, or we’re gonna have some serious trouble.” She pulled a machete from somewhere and tossed it to me. “Here. Take this an’ start cuttin’ off the tails.” I cautiously picked it up as she began scouring the ground for whatever she was looking for.

“Can I do something else?”

“What? I need those venom sacs fer my brews. Ya don’t have a problem usin’ a machete, do ya?”

“Let’s just say I’m a little uncomfortable wielding a sharp, dangerous, slicey, deadly, cut-my-hoof-off-with-a-single-badly-placed-stroke machete. I don’t do well with blades.”

“Well, yer just gonna have ta deal with it. If ya cut yerself, ya’ve got some health potions fresh from the market, remember? ‘Sides, it’s not like yer gonna be swingin’ it around. Just set it on the tail an’ push down.” I did so with trembling legs and found the tail was easy to cut through. *Spurt* A shot of ichor hit me in the face. Ugh... After feeling my blade slide through several more tails, my body decided I couldn’t stomach it anymore and I puked.

“Kid, yer gonna have ta toughen up. There’s a lotta nasty things out here, an’ if a little pus makes ya go an’ lose yer lunch, yer gonna have a rough time.” I wiped my mouth off, not a little embarrassed.

“Well, sorry for not being used to chopping through dead bodies.” I retorted.

“How many have ya got? Only 5? Keep at it. I need at least a dozen tails.” I went over to another one and sliced down.

*SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECH!!!*

“What the--?!” The critter below me scurried away, its rear end bleeding profusely before it collapsed. Juniper walked up beside me.

“Please tell me ya didn’t cut a live one...” She whispered in my ear.

“Uh... What’s that noise?” For a moment, I thought I heard the faint sound of clicks. A slight tremor began to grow beneath my hooves.

“Time to go.” Juniper turned on her back hooves and bolted as the tremor grew and rumbled. It felt much like when I fought the gophers, only this time...

I ran.

Scores of holes exploded behind me as I followed Juniper back the way we came. I wish I hadn’t dared to look back, because when I did, I saw an army of menacing stingers and claws, all trying to reach the two of us. Most were tiny like the scorpions I had been scavenging, but there were more than a few large ones, and a couple that could easily snip me in half or spear me clean through. The worst thing about them though...

They were fast.

“They’re gaining on us!” I screamed as the front line came within a few feet of me.

“I know! Just keep runnin’!” Juniper yelled back. “If ya slow down even a little, you’ll be torn ta shreds!”

I felt a dart of pain flare through my leg. Not wanting to give it any more chances, I bucked the critter and kept running. Out of the corners of my eyes, I saw the wave of bugs begin to surround me. One leapt at me. I managed to dodge it, but more were coming. I’ll have to remember to thank Dusthoof for making me fight his damn gophers. I felt an odd tremor launch forward through the ground beneath me. Moments later, one of the large scorpions burst through the ground just behind Juniper.

“Watch out, Juniper! There’s a large one behind you!” She glanced back, then pulled a bottle out of her satchel. She tossed it behind her, hitting the beast square in the head. A blast of flame erupted before my eyes as the scorpion screamed and thrashed off to the side. Luckily, when it finally collapsed, it took out many of the bugs to my right. Thankfully, the rest of the front line chose to take the easier target, forgetting about me for a short time and feasting on the fallen creature.

Unfortunately, a hundred jaws make quick work of most anything.

I renewed my vigor as the next wave charged forward, not far enough behind me. Juniper drew several more bottles out of her pack and threw them behind her in different directions. Everywhere her bottles struck the ground, a wall of flame burst from the wasteland. The scorpions balked at the flames, seeming to hate the fire almost as much as I hated them. Suddenly a wall appeared directly in front of me. I leapt through it, hoping the scorpions wouldn’t do the same.

Thank Celestia they didn’t. Don’t get the wrong idea, though. Just because the scorpions stopped chasing doesn’t mean we stopped running.

***

We didn’t slow down until we reached Twoton, and didn’t stop moving until we made it back to the Berry Bomb. At which point, we both collapsed and took a rest.

“Are you alright, Juniper?” I asked.

“I’m fine, no thanks to ya. Cain’t ya tell the difference ‘tween a dead scorpion an’ a live one? Good thing I brought a few o’ my flares with me, or we’d probably be in pieces right now.”

“Well sorry, but all you did was throw me a blade and say ‘cut off the tails’, and in case you forgot, I’ve only been here two days! How am I supposed to know if something’s sleeping or dead around here?!” I said, jumping to my hooves.

Whoa... dizzy... *thump*

“What’s wrong?!” Juniper cried as I collapsed. “Damn it, Saplin’! I thought ya bought some antidotes!” I looked back at my leg; it was swollen and discolored.

“I did...” I said weakly.

“Then why didn’t ya use one when ya felt the sting? Idiot! The poison’s probably spread through yer entire system with all the runnin’ we did!” Juniper took out one of the antidotes I bought from the shop, tipped up my head and dumped the drink down my throat. “Damn it, kid. Stay awake, ya hear? Don’t sleep just yet.”

“But sleep sounds like... a good idea... My body’s... very tired... eyes... don’t wanna... focus... Just few minutes...” The world began to fade from view.

“Don’t you dare! Don’t you dare go dyin’ on me...”

Z..z..Z

“...I should probably start by explaining a little bit about PipBucks…”  The book closed slowly between my foal-sitter’s hooves. “And that’s the end of the story. How did you like it?”

“Huh?”

Harmonica smiled patiently. “I can tell your imagination is still running wild with moments in the book, even though it’s over.”

“What? It’s over?”

“That’s right.”

“NOOOO!!!”

“Now now, Sapling. Don’t throw a tantrum just because your favorite book has to end.” Harmonica ducked as blankets’n’things flew across the room, my little horn glowing as I levitated more objects.

“But it can’t be over! I want to hear more about Littlepip! More DJ-Pon3! More Calamity and Velvet!” What I really wanted was to stall for time so I could keep practicing my levitation, just like Littlepip.

“Well, that can’t be helped. It’s your bedtime. Maybe, if you’re a good little filly, I’ll start it over tomorrow?”

“But...” I have to think of something, fast! “Um... Pillow fight!” I hurled cushion after cushion from the couch towards my burgundy foal-sitter, hoping she would take the bait.

“Oh, really?” It worked. Half an hour later, the room was filled with laughter and cotton and all sorts of soft bludgeons. “That was fun! But now it really is time for bed.”

“Okay. Good night, Miss Harmonica!” I trotted happily to bed, levitating a few deflated pillows behind me to curl into. “Miss Harmonica, would you play me a song?”

“I most certainly would,” she replied. Out of her pouch, she grabbed her small namesake, took a breath, and played a single tone.

My body froze.

Another tone, then a third, then chords and lines of music filled the air as my body relaxed. Images of battle filled with music occupied my mind, moving from pillows to clouds and dragons, to Calamity’s Spitfire’s Thunder and Applejack’s Little Macintosh. To Littlepip using her levitation to do amazing things, like move train cars and carrying other ponies and even herself. When I finally woke up, I was ready to try out all the things I had seen.

“Oh, you’re awake! I thought you might be tired from last night’s fun, so I let you sleep in today. Breakfast is on the table when you’re ready.” Practice levitation, or eat breakfast? Such a hard decision!... Wait a minute!

“Mmm, it’s so delicious, Miss Harmonica! You make the best food in the whole Stable!” I scarfed my food as it floated around the table while my burgundy foal-sitter’s flank was turned. Cereal danced though applesauce hoops, doing laps around the table until each one was consumed. That was when I noticed her watching me from behind the counter. I quickly tried to put the applesauce back before she could say anything, but all that did was make a mess all over myself and the table

“I’m glad you enjoy eating your food almost as much as you enjoy playing with it.” I’m in trouble...

“Uh, I’m sorry about that. I promise I won’t--” Harmonica cut me off with a wave of her hoof.

“Don’t you worry about it, Sapling. If you’re going to be as strong as Littlepip, you’re going to need a lot of practice.”

I slurped up the applesauce off my face. “Thanks, Miss Harmonica!”

“Mind your manners.” Woops.

Z..z..Z

I awoke to find myself in my room at the Berry Bomb. Juniper was asleep in the corner. Has she been with me the entire time? How long have I been out? My legs still felt like jelly when I decided to get out of bed. It took several scoots to get there, but I finally managed to prop myself up against the wall and walk to the bathroom.

I looked in the mirror: a brown mare wearing a dirty, white hood stared back at me. She had large bags under her forest green eyes, making her appear old and tired. A small, matted patch of her mane peaked out, revealing the double-toned color which Harmonica used to describe as midnight/sunlight green. Dirt and plaque coated her teeth, since there were no apples around to clean them with. Behind her stood a purple mare with a blue mane... Wait a second.

“I was wonderin’ where ya’d gone off to,” Juniper said sleepily. “I’m glad ta see yer finally awake.”

“I’ll bet you are. It wouldn’t do to have your property keeling over on you, would it?”

“Kid, please don’t start... I was really worried about ya...” I looked into her eyes and saw honesty.

“Alright... Ugh, how long was I out?”

“‘Bout a day an’ a half. Do ya remember anythin’?”

“I remember collapsing here in the Berry Bomb, and you saying something about me being stupid for not taking an antidote.” Juniper nodded.

“I called ya an idiot, ya foolish little mare. Ya should’ve taken that antidote as soon as ya felt the sting,” she chided.

“Yea, you told me. Sorry Juniper.” My knees buckled under me.

“Whoa, there. Take it easy. Ya still need rest,” she said, lifting me back onto my hooves. “Let me help ya, okay?” I looked at her. She still has very honest eyes, like she genuinely cares about what was going on.

“Alright.” I leaned on her as she led me back to the bedroom. “Juniper, can I ask you a question?”

“Sure. What do ya wanna know?”

“I want to know the truth. Why am I here?” She glanced at me curiously.

“‘Cause ya walked here? Didn’t like bein’ at yer stable, as far as I know. At least, that’s what ya told me.”

“No, I mean why did you keep me here.” I sat with a plop on my bed.

“Didn’t I already tell ya that? So ya didn’t didn’t end up raider food.” She walked over to her own bed and curled up.

“Is that the real reason? You could’ve just sent me down to the marketplace to get some barding and weapons, and I’d be safe from raiders. You also said you liked the company, but there’s a whole town out there. I want to know the truth.” I peered into her eyes, looking for some kind of confirmation of my suspicions. There was a long pause and many gears turning in her head before she finally answered.

“I kept ya ta keep ya safe. I dunno why, kid, but fer some reason I like ya. Ya don’t know nothin’ ‘bout the wasteland, ya got no weapons, and yer alone. Not a good combination out here. Tends ta get ponies like ya killed or worse. Raiders, slavers, beasts. Any number o’ things could happen.”

“Then you could’ve just given me a few tips and sent me to the market so I could get some supplies to defend myself.”

“I could’ve, an’ I thought ‘bout it, but now I got a better idea. I’m gonna teach ya ta brawl.”

“How is that a better idea?”

“I can tell ya don’t like usin’ weapons. If ya did, ya would’ve got one from the shop in the market ‘fore we left fer the scorpion nest. Ya should’ve got one anyways fer good measure, but ya didn’t, an’ after watchin’ ya with the machete? Nah, yer a hoof fighter ta the bone, and ya gotta lotta potential at it too. Trouble is, ya got no oomph in yer legs, when yer sane. Yer all dodge an’ no strike. Learnin’ ta brawl can only help ya defend yerself better.”

“I guess you’re right about that. There’s just one thing that bugs me.”

“What is it?”

“What do you mean by ‘when I’m sane’?”

“Saplin’, do ya remember what happened ‘tween hittin’ the stairs and gettin’ dunked?” I thought back to the fight. Juniper had smacked me against the ground a couple times, then threw me. I landed at the staircase when I felt my lips bleeding and... then I was gasping for breath, my head soaked in trough water. Juniper’s hoof was broken, and her side showed several poking ribs when we went back inside the saloon.

“Did I blackout and do something?” I asked, afraid of the answer.

“Yer a Berserker, kid.” I winced. “Ya tasted blood on yer lip an’ went wildly gung ho. Got real powerful real quick, too. Even broke my punchin’ hoof an’ several ribs. Ya didn’t go back ta normal ‘til after I cleaned off yer tongue.”

“I’m sorry, Juniper! I didn’t mean to do that! I never meant for that part of me to come out...” I said, filled with guilt.

“Then why were ya so eager ta fight? Ya knew I was a brawler. I pound things, Saplin’! What did ya expect ta happen?”

“I... I don’t know. You said you could trounce me, and I didn’t believe you. But when I looked back and saw you standing there, confident and powerful, I couldn’t just walk away. I couldn’t just leave.”

“Kid, ya cain’t act like that, or you’ll end up seriously hurtin’ somepony. What if it hadn’t been me fightin’ ya? What if it had been somepony like Colt?”

“If it hadn’t been you fighting, I would’ve kept dodging. You can’t bleed if you can’t get hit.”

“Dodgin’s good an’ all, but sometimes yer gonna get hit, no matter who yer fightin’. That’s why I’m gonna teach ya ta brawl like a pro. Toughen ya up so ya can take a hit without bleedin’ like a pansy.” I looked for malice in those words, but her eyes still had that same honesty.

“Thanks, Juniper.” I smiled. Maybe she would actually be able to help me.

“Sure thing, kid. Need anythin’ else?”

“Oh, I almost forgot! I got a package for you that somepony gave me before we left for the nest.”

“A package? From who?”

“I don’t know know. Somepony sitting in the chem shop said she had a package for you, but was waiting for somepony else so couldn’t leave. I took the package, then she saw the guy she was waiting for. That guy was in a pretty sharp suit. I thought he looked a bit out of place for a town like this, but since I was already running late, I didn’t try to figure out who it was.”

“Hmm... Gimme the package.”

“It should still be in my satchel. I’d get it for you, but my legs still feel like goo.” Juniper walked over to my bag and looked inside. She took out two items. The first was her package, the second...

“I didn’t know ya had a PipBuck! Why don’t ya wear it?”

“Because I can’t get it to work.” I replied.

“Huh? But it’s workin’ just fine. Nothin’s wrong with it at all...” She held it up, flipping through all the features. Show off...

“It’s a curse. Mechanical doohickeys just don’t like me, and electrical ones are even worse. You can have it, if you want. I won’t get any use out of it.”

“Well, thanks. This’ll come in handy.” She set the device down beside her, then opened her package.

“This is...” For a moment, I thought her deep purple flushed to a pale lavender. Probably just the moonlight playing tricks on me.

“What is it?”

“Nothin’. Ya should get some rest. The poison’s gone, but yer body’s not ready fer too much movement just yet.”

“Alright. Good night, Juniper.” I curled up and laid my head down.

“Good night, Saplin’...”

Footnote: 50% to next level.