> Wasteland to Wonderland
>  by Necrogen Lord
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wandering.

That's all he ever does, now.

The Lone Wanderer, they call him.

Some know his as a hero.

Few would dare go so far as to say Messiah.

But he knew what he truly was.

He was a man.

Just like everyone else.

Like every one he had killed.

Every one he had passed.

Every one he had helped.

Just like them, he was just a man.

They didn't see him just as that, though.

They saw him as a legend.

He had brought back clean, un-irradiated water to the Capital Wasteland. Gave a healthy source of life back to the people who had given up on ever even trying to find it. But he knew that it wasn't just because of him. He knew that it was the work of his father, his mother, and everyone they had known that had been able to bring this gift to all. Just like his mother's favorite passage. Revelations, 21:6. Of course he remembered it, it was almost all his father would talk about when referring to her. Up until the day he returned to her, trying to save Project Purity. Yet another thing the people of the Capital Waste thought he was responsible for. The last thing they remembered of him before his death.

Even after he came back.

After absorbing more radiation than any Human, Ghoul, or possibly even Super Mutant, should be able to live through, the Lone Wanderer managed to pull through after two weeks, and brought back with him, a wave of justice over the Wasteland. Just when they had thought that their last light of hope was about to be smothered in the dark dampness of oppression, lead by the Enclave, he had managed to pull through impossible odds, and wipe out a massive majority of Enclave from the Capital Wasteland. With their operations spread thin, their main vehicles being under the control of their enemies, the Brotherhood of Steel, and their greatest foe returning from Death itself, the Enclave had retreated back to one final stand in the Wasteland. 

And that's where this man was wandering to. His final mission. One last stand for the Enclave in the East Coast, and hopefully, the last time he would ever needed to be called back into action.

Before the Lone Wanderer could complete his final task, however, he made a stop in a place he knew as a new home, Megaton. He checked his gear and emptied out his duffel bag before stacking up on only the weapons he'd need, around 100 Stimpacks, 20 Radaways, and all of the ammo he had ever gathered in his wandering days. On him now, was a .44 Magnum Revolver with a Scope, a 10mm Pistol, the same one he had from Vault 101, a Power Fist, a Hunting Rifle, a Sawed-Off Shotgun, an Auto-Axe from the Pitt, and the Tesla Cannon, gifted to him by the Brotherhood of Steel. As he rounded up the last of his ammo, he recounted the promise he made to the fair people of the Wasteland before donning his Sheriff's Stetson. Not much good against Plasma weapons, but with a shred of hope in his heart, a song on his Pip-Boy 3000, and his Companion, Dogmeat, at his side, the Wanderer set off on his last journey: to end the Enclave threat once and for all.

Little did he know, that this would truly be his final days in the Capital Wasteland.

\\\\\\//////

The Enclave didn't even put up a fight.

That was the first thing that the Wanderer noticed when he began to go through the facility.

The building they were residing in was one from the Pre-War era, being nearly crumbled to bits above the surface, so far out of the regular Wasteland that he regretted not taking a Vertibird. Underneath the surface, however, was a massive sprawl of computers and screens, untouched by the apocalypse merely five meters above it. They were all beeping and whirring about, processing data and crunching numbers at great speeds. The entire place was about five levels in total, and had been completely cleaned out, somehow. The Wanderer went up to a computer monitor and found a Plasma Pistol, completely disassembled. He held it up to Dogmeat, who gave a few sniffs before making a small whimpering sound.

"So, I see you've made it." A feminine voice called out behind the two.

The Wanderer drew his Magnum and pointed it square at the source of the voice, only to lower it when he saw the familiar face.

"Damn it, Lyons. Don't do that." The Wanderer sighed as he holstered his sidearm.

The Power Armor clad Sentinel merely crossed her arms and smirked.

"You know you missed me, Jason."

Yes, only a few knew the Wanderer's true name: Jason. At that, he smiled as well.

"Well, we've got some good news, at least. Enclave's abandoned this entire place. No life signs anywhere on my Pip-Boy, and Dogmeat can't smell a damn thing."

Dogmeat then barked and wagged his tail while approaching his master.

"Just in case, we should check this entire place to make sure there aren't any soldiers waiting for a surprise attack." Lyons said as she drew a Plasma Rifle.

Jason shook his head with a smile as he hefted the Tesla Cannon onto his shoulder.

"If we find 'em, we fry 'em." He added with a smirk.

"How many cells do you have for that, anyway?"

"After all the walking around I've been doing, I counted at least two hundred."

"By Steel." Lyons exhaled.

"I know. Gotta spend it somehow. And no, I don't plan on sharing it all with the Brotherhood. You've probably got just as much for your rifle right now." Jason stated, waving his free hand towards the Plasma Rifle.

Lyons coughed awkwardly as she walked past Jason and into the first room. Jason shook his head and followed.

\\\\\\//////

After a few hours of checking, re-checking, and triple-checking, the Sentinel and Wanderer finally reached the bottom floor of the facility. Waiting there for them was a large rotunda that extended towards the top of the facility, wiring and electricity arcing off of the walls, and a small metallic circle in the center of the massive room, surrounded by control panels and monitors. Jason approached one of the screens and began to push in multiple codes while he rested the Cannon on his back once again. Lyons watched with her Rifle raised as the Wanderer began to read the logs.

"It looks like they were testing something here. There's logs from before the War, during the Bombs, and directly after, up until 2100. After that, the Enclave started making logs the same time they began operations in the Wasteland, if what the Scribes told me is true."

"What were they doing here?" Lyons asked, watching as the metallic circle in the center began to spark along the edges.

"Let's see... yadda, yadda... testing for fluxes... capacitors and range... nothing about a firing mechanism, or communication links to anything in orbit, so probably safe to say it's not a weapon."

"Then what is it?"

"Hold on... mm-hmm... uh-huh... wha... oh... ooohhhh..."

"What?"

"They were working on an experimental set of technology they found in a crater back in New Mexico. Says that it's some kind of Alien technology, believe it or not. They actually thought that if they could reverse-engineer it from scraps, then we could perfect our own teleportation systems."

"That's ridiculous. There are no such things as aliens."

"Sure. Believe that, if you want." Jason muttered under his breath.

"Well, why would they need a teleporter?"

Jason typed in one last command before the screen gave him a significant piece of information.

"They... were syncing it with... one on the West Coast... oh God, they were calling for reinforcements."

Just as he stated this, the room began to roar to life around them, engulfing the circle with massive streaks of lightning.

"What's going on!?" Lyons shouted.

"Power surge! It's turning on!"

"WHAT!?"

"The Enclave's trying to come through!"

An arc of lightning struck out and burned a massive chunk of a wall next to the doorway before Lyons recoiled from the power of the impact.

"We need to get out, now!"

"If we do, this thing could either bring an entire army of Enclave, or rip D.C. in half by these logs!"

Another arc shot out and destroyed the terminal Jason was on, causing him to jump back.

"We can handle the Enclave if we need to!"

"No, if this thing goes critical, which it is going to, by the way-"

"How do you know!?"

"The terminals up there showed footage of everyone in here being vaporized by something, and now I know what it is! Just go without me! If this thing fires one more time, it might do more than just that!"

Jason pulled out his Magnum and shot at the exposed wiring on the panels around the circle, causing minor tremors to go through the facility as the structure began to rumble with electric power. He looked back to Lyons one more time. She gave a salute.

"It's been an honor."

Jason shot a quick salute with the flick of his hat.

"Likewise."

Dogmeat noticed their display and started to bark at Jason. The Wanderer turned to him and smiled.

"Always by my side, huh? Well alright then."

Lyons allowed herself one tear to drop as she ran for the exit, the sound of .44 rounds being pumped into more panels and circuits.

Jason had spent his entire Magnum's rotation before noticing that the circle began to shine brighter than the Sun itself. He reached towards the wall and leaned on it as arcs of lightning began to rock about the room once more, striking him in the right shoulder.

"DAMNIT!" He screamed as pain jolted through his limb.

As he fell to the side, his face fell on something sticking out of the wall. Jason struggled to open his eyes, but when he finally did, he gazed upon an emergency shut-off switch. He grabbed at it with all of his might, or whatever strength was left in his arms, but found no salvage. Without a second thought, he pulled out his Power-Fist and prayed it worked in reverse. Jason pressed the metallic pump against the wall and gripped the switch with the hand underneath. He activated the hydraulics of the device and shot the switch down with the last of his strength, sending him to the floor.

Jason watched as the walls of the room began to flicker and die out, proud that he had saved the Wasteland, yet again. His hopes were dashed, however, when he gazed upon the main device of the teleporter, however. In the center of it was a ball of energy that began to flux through every color he had seen. It even went so far as to show him colors in their purest forms, as if from the bounds of creation itself. In one final breath, the ball retracted and then exploded outwards, hitting Jason and Dogmeat with the might of what would probably be compared to one of the old Bombs, like in Megaton, and stripped them of their consciousness. As the world left his eyes, Jason pondered the things he had done, what he regretted, and what he didn't. With the last of his thoughts leaving him, Jason embraced fate and welcomed Death.

\\\\\\//////

Celestia enjoyed walking through the Everfree now and then.

Yes, it was crazy.

For any normal Pony.

She knew that they all saw this act as something near suicidal, though no-one would ever use such words, she was sure.

She recalled her youth with her younger sister, Luna, and remembered back to when they would stay in their castle in the forest.

Most saw it as an old relic, something for history books.

Celestia saw it as a place of relaxation and calming.

A place to remind her of the promises she made, the ones she kept, and unfortunately, the ones she had broken.

Though some bad thoughts crossed her mind, Celestia kept herself happy waling around the old ruins, flooding with nostalgia.

In the wake of everything, she remembered how she would come to this place when something reminded her of Luna, and the damage they did a thousand years ago to this very castle.

She remembered how much pain there was, when she first left.

But now, she could look at this place with new light, seeing as how her sister was now back.

Not only was her sister back to her, but her most faithful student, Twilight Sparkle, had finally seized her destiny, and became an Alicorn Princess.

Thanks to her, she could now see hope in this ruin.

Where her sister was once sent away as punishment, this same place was the very location that she returned to her sister's side.

As Celestia continued to look at the ruin, she teared up at how well her life had changed these past few years.

Her sister was back, her student had brought the greatest values back to the world, and now, she could finally see the light of hope in the darkest of places.

So much hopeful light.

... too much light, actually.

Celestia turned and wondered if she had skipped her duty to raise the Sun, as a massive wave of light flooded over her. What she saw, however, was not the sign that she was becoming forgetful, but an actual light source.

As it held there, there were thunderous bangs coming from a small hole that she thought she could see something in.

In the expanse of a single breath, however, the orb exploded outwards in a blinding flash of power.

Celestia shielded herself, but found that it was shattered by something solid colliding with it, and in term, her. She was sent flying with the mass almost embedded in her, rocketing through one of the old walls, and eventually, sending her straight into the dirt outside the castle. There she lay, unconscious from the might of an unknown force.

Along with a dog, and a Wanderer.

{\\\\\\//////}

S.P.E.C.I.A.L.

Strength: 		8
Perception:		7
Endurance: 		9
Charisma: 		10
Intelligence: 		10
Agility: 			3
Luck: 			6

Weapons/Ammo

Hunting Rifle/ 			180
10mm Pistol/ 		 	500
.44 Magnum/ 			120
Power-Fist/  		 	???
Tesla Cannon/ 		 	250
Sawed-Off Shotgun/	80
Auto-Axe/				???

Armor:

Vault 101 Utility Suit  	CND: 100%   		Lockpick +5, Repair +5
Sheriff's Hat  			CND: 100%   		Perception +1

Skills

Barter: 				65
Big Guns:  			35
Energy Weapons: 	60
Explosives:  			35
Lockpick:  			65
Medicine:  			100
Melee Weapons:  	45
Repair:  				100
Science:  			90
Small Guns: 			50
Sneak: 				20
Speech:  			100
Unarmed:  			40
> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Celestia awoke with a groan as she tried to lift herself from the dirt. When she moved, however, she noticed the mass that was now somewhat holding her down. She looked to her torso and gasped. Apparently, the blast was from some kind of teleportation spell gone wrong by one of her Ponies, evident by the blue Unicorn now lying on top of her. 

She struggled to move the Stallion without waking him, and as she did, she noticed how odd this Pony was. His blue coat was scarred in some spots of his face, and his brown mane was tangled and somewhat wild. He wore a strange blue jacket that matched his coat with the numbers "101" plastered across the back in yellow, along with a Stetson that had seen its share of time weathering. His saddle bags were strangely shaped, and clunked with a metallic tone as they moved, some deep and some light. There were odd things that hung off of his form, as well. The first she noticed was that on his back, as well, was a massive tube-like object that was filled with lightning. Another was small and mostly wooden with a metal tube going through most of it. The last two were on a strange cloth that went around his flanks, one with a small telescope, and the other box-like in design. The final note she made about the Stallion was his Cutie Mark, which was simply an atom being split.

Then there was barking and a low growl.

Before Celestia was a rather large dog, with light brown and black fur. Its ears were at its sides as the dog bared its teeth at her, warning her. Threatening her. With one last effort, the Stallion slid off of her, and the dog charged ahead, coming up to protect the Unicorn from her. She put the pieces together and figured out that this was its master.

Then, a groan from the unicorn.

The dog sharply turned around and started whimpering at its master, completely changing its own outlook in a second. If there were any predators nearby, they would likely take this as a sign of either massive weakness, or that whatever it was cowering to was dangerous.

With one last shake of his head, the unicorn began to open his eyes.

\\\\\\//////


"Uuuugghhh..." Jason groaned as he felt himself roll.

Before he could make a witty comment, however, he heard a familiar whimpering.

With a massive strain, Jason managed to open his eyes, proving that once again, Death was his bitch. In front of him, was his faithful companion. When the dog saw his master finally awaken, he began to happily bark and wag his tail. Jason grinned at him before responding.

"Good boy, Dogmeat." He managed.

Jason tried to reach out to pet Dogmeat, but before he even came close, he looked down at his appendage and noticed something completely off.

His hand was gone, replaced by a stump.

A stump that was blue.

He stared at the rounded end of his arm with more intrigue than anything else, really, watching as it turned without any pain present. Besides the one from being thrown at/through something, since everything was sore, but not weak. Evidence that this was not Radiation poisoning that he was seeing. He knew what it felt like to be poisoned to death, considering Project Purity as his first Death. Then he died again back at the Enclave Lab, busting up some kind of teleporter. Now here he was, alive, again, but with new features.

With a turn, he examined the rest of himself, and found that he was now dealing with several things. First off, he wasn't wearing pants. Second, he still had all of his stuff, bags and even the Vault 101 Suit, except it was now a jacket. Third, he was now an equal blue as the Suit. Fourth, he had a tail. Fifth, everything was colorful. Sixth, he had a tail. Seventh, he now had four legs and no arms. Eighth, he had a tail. Ninth, he had a horn. Tenth, Dogmeat was with him, too. And finally, he had a tail.

Jason stared at the new addition with interest as it swished about behind him, feeling everything it touched. It felt... odd. Not bad, but not that good either. It meant that he would have an all-new way to think with his tactics and balance, yes, but now he had a weird feeling above his ass 24/7. Either way, it was new, to say the least. He continued to examine his new form with caution before finding his Pip-Boy 3000 still intact. With a thought, he brought it up to the Stat-Screen, and examined his radiation level. His Geiger Counter was broken and pointing in the red with an almost inaudible whine. It clocked in at over 2,856 Rads. Once again, he should be dead. He chuckled at the prospect before Dogmeat peaked at the screen and whimpered.

"Don't worry, buddy," Jason comforted, stroking a round end across the dog's coat, "I've died enough times. You know I won't stay down long."

\\\\\\//////

Celestia stared at the unicorn with disbelief as he spoke to the dog, named Dogmeat, apparently. He just mentioned being dead. Multiple times, he implied. And yet, he just laughed at it. As if Death was nothing more than a cruel joke to him. To say that she was stunned was an understatement. One that had no analogy for. In order to break the tension, or some of it, at least, Celestia cleared her throat to gain the attention of the Pony.

\\\\\\//////

Jason looked around for a bit after hearing what sounded like a throat being cleared, and gazed upon something truly new to him. In the Wasteland, he met all sorts of strange creatures, but this one was by far the most out-there. It looked like a Brahmin, except with only one head. It also had the whitest fur coat to ever be seen in about 200 years. So pure that it was almost blinding, even in the darkness of night. It had a massive horn and wings as well, draped across its massive torso. On its flank was a picture of the Sun, for some reason. Finally, the hair. It flowed. There wasn't any wind to be felt for miles, but it flowed. As it flowed, it looked like a rainbow, like Jason had seen in the Vault books back in 101.

As he stared at it, it began to talk with the most angelic, soothing, motherly voice he had ever heard.

"Are you alright, my little Pony?"

Jason then assumed it to be a "her," because there is no way in Hell could something with a voice like that would be male. Unless it's like that weird shit with the aliens over D.C. That point being made, Jason knew that something may very well go awry. He stood up on all fours, trying his balance in the new form before lightly coughing while cracking his joints into place, along with a roll of his head, eliciting more pops.

"I-I'm fine, thanks." Jason managed. "Can I... ask you something?"

She smiled warmly at him before responding.

"Of course, my subject."

Jason frowned at this and reached to adjust his hat, pushing it down onto his head firmly.

"Alright, listen. I'm going to just ask some questions, not become part of some weird cult, alright? I'm not anyone's subject, and I never will be."

Her expression changed dramatically as she went into thought.

\\\\\\//////

'Did he just tell me off?' Celestia thought to herself, examining the situation at hoof.

The Stallion just told her that he "wasn't anyone's subject," and that he refuses to be one. This was not only shocking to hear from somepony in a crowd, but from somepony that was looking her in the eyes? She was absolutely baffled. As she pondered on this, she began to look into the Stallion's eyes, trying to figure out what she was dealing with here. A window to the soul, they truly were.

Only now, however, does she realize that some windows were meant to be kept closed.

She saw pain. More pain than anypony she had ever seen endure. More pain than any War Equestria had ever been through. She swore that she felt herself being harmed in some way just watching it all pass underneath the brown orbs. There was also sadness. Enough to remind her of when she banished her sister, so many years ago. It nearly drove her to tears. The rage. Pure hatred that she felt not even Tirek would deserve. 

Though, with all of these dark things looming out from his soul, she found something truly good about the Stallion in his eyes. Authority. He radiated a presence that spoke to her on so many levels, one being that if he was going anywhere, he meant business. Righteousness. She felt it earlier, looking at his Cutie Mark, but now she felt an overpowering sense of just filling her soul as she stared into his vast sea of might. And finally, in the back, just a small glimmer, was hope. In that glimmer, however, was enough hope to remind her of why she kept going through mundane tasks like paperwork, dealing with Nobles, and working hard to ensure peace and harmony. It was the kind of hope that no matter how small it was, it was that one ounce that pushed one past their limits. And it looked as though this speck of hope had done that plenty of times before, and would keep going for years to come.

As she stared, she saw the corners of his face move, as if he were speaking to her.

Celestia shook her head to snap herself out of his somehow captivating stare, and brought herself back to reality.

\\\\\\//////

"Oh, I'm sorry. What did you say?" She asked.

"I asked you your name."

Jason watched as the white being in front of him stumbled around on her legs for a bit before responding with a smile.

"Oh, forgive me. My name is Princess Celestia."

"Alright then, Princess. Call me the Wanderer."

She shot up a puzzling eyebrow, along with a questioning grin. Jason felt it odd how Human these faces were with... whatever he was now.

"That sounds more like a title. Don't you have a name?"

"Names are for friends or anyone trustworthy."

"And you do not trust me?"

"No offense, but I just met you. I have no idea where I am, how I got here, or even what I'm supposed to be. So yeah, I'm a little slow to trust right now."

\\\\\\//////

Celestia shot a more questioning look as she lowered her grin.

'What?' She thought.

"What do you mean by that?"

"I'm clearly not from here, right?"

Celestia once again examined his fashions and strange accessories before slowly shaking her head.

"Um... no, no you don't look like you're from here."

"Because I'm not." He deadpanned. "Last thing I remember is that I was about to be fried before being thrown into this world. Last time I checked, also, I wasn't... whatever you are. Pony, right?"

"Yes. You are indeed a Pony. Now, of course. I'm sorry, how did you get here?"

\\\\\\//////

Jason sighed as he recalled getting to this strange place.

"Last thing I remember, there were these people trying to use an experimental teleporter, and ended up abusing the device to the point where if it worked, it would have killed everything in a 50 kilometer radius. I had no other option than to seal myself inside of its chamber and disconnect it from its power sources before anyone else besides me had to die."

Celestia seemed to gasp a bit before smiling at him, again.

"That sounds very noble of you, Wanderer."

Jason chuckled a bit.

"Yeah, wouldn't be the first time I died, either."

Celestia shot him a curious look again.

"I heard you mention that earlier. How exactly do you mean that you died already? Do you use some kind of magic?"

Jason had to keep from laughing too hard, but ended up just smiling like an idiot.

"No, we don't believe in magic where I come from. That's all rainbows and Unicorns and-" Jason rechecked the situation he was in and proceeded to laugh very lightly to himself. "I-I'm sorry, it's just... this is too funny. So, anyways, the place I come from, it's literally a wasteland. That's half the name, right there. The "Capital Wasteland," we called it. You see, life there is a struggle, from day-to,day, no matter who you are, or where you are. One of the biggest problems just surviving was water. Everywhere you go, puddles, rivers, lakes, all of it's contaminated by radiation. You drink enough to keep yourself alive, then the radiation's gonna melt you from the inside. My dad worked as a scientist, trying to find a way to bring clean, fresh water back to the Wasteland, thinking that he could make life so much easier. He died for his work, but, in the end, so did I. When I activated the main purifier, radiation overloaded the main control center, flooding me with the toxic shit. I pretty much died for the same reason my father did, and in the same way. I thought that those were my final moments, but apparently, I couldn't die yet. Woke up two weeks later feeling fresh as ever."

\\\\\\//////

Celestia was trying to understand the intensity of the situation that this Stallion was put through. Life being an every day struggle. Living in a literal Wasteland. Loosing his father to such a cause. Not being able to drink without the constant threat of Death. That he thought he had died for a noble cause, only to be brought back. She was nearly in tears, thinking of how well her Ponies had it in Equestria compared to him. By the way he made it sound, her Ponies wouldn't last a day.

"Wow." Was all she could muster at that moment. "I... don't know what to say."

"Then don't say anything that doesn't need to be said."

"I wish I could help in some way."

"Don't bother. I've helped drive out most of the baddies, and left the rest to the Brotherhood of Steel. They're focused enough to realize that the people are what's important. Besides," He started, raising his left foreleg to his face, "if my Geiger Counter's right, then any kind of magic would kill them all."

"Why would you say that?"

"Because it's given me enough radiation to put down Deathclaw, and yes they are as hard to kill as it sounds."

Now Celestia was in even more shock. The magic that everypony relied on, what kept them all alive, was the very substance that threatened the Wanderer's home? How could she even imagine something like that? Something that's so vital to the life of everypony around her, on all of Equis, and yet is so deadly and terrifying to another world?

'And really, Deathclaws? I thought the Everfree had scary monsters. She thought to herself.

"So, where am I now?"

Celestia cleared her thoughts as she looked up to the Pony in question.

"Oh, uh, you're in the Everfree Forest. One of the most dangerous places in Equestria."

"I see." He said, gazing around them. "What about this place?"

"That's a very old castle that I used to rule with my sister. It's well over a thousand years old now."

The Stallion's head shot back at her with a stunned look.

"A thousand years? You're that old?"

"Why, yes, actually. I'm well over that."

The Wanderer looked up and down Celestia with his lips in an "O" shape as his head occasionally moved sideways.

"Wow." He stated, pulling his head back into its original position. "You don't look bad at all for that age. I mean, everything in the Wasteland's over 200, and it all looks like crap."

Celestia turned her head to smirk at him.

"Well, thank you. I must say, however, I wish to apologize for your fate."

"Why? I'm still not dead yet. Unless you plan on changing that."

Celestia stumbled back a bit as the Stallion hardened his gaze.

"W-what!? No! I-I would never! I just mean, not being in your world, and all."

"Please, I wasn't expecting to come back alive from that mission, anyways. Hell, I planned on dying more than five months ago, and I'm still here."

"Well, if you want to go somewhere safe, I can take you to-"

"Sorry, but no." The Wanderer interrupted.

Celestia looked at the stallion, confused by his words.

"Excuse me?"

"I'm called the Wanderer for a reason. I don't mind the fact that I'm stuck now, I've accepted that. But I'm afraid that I still don't have any reason to just let you take me anywhere I can't see yet. I'd like a chance to... put this body through the works, now that I'm here."

"But... you could get hurt. Or worse!"

The Wanderer chuckled a bit.

"Celestia, I don't mind if you actually care about my life, but this is something I do. It's my title. It's my reason. If I can't wander, I might as well just lay down and die. Give up."

At that, Celestia understood this Stallion.

He didn't need to search for his purpose. He wasn't trying to run from her or anything else, for that matter. She saw in his gaze that this was what he knew. She saw more than that, however. This was what he was, truly. She saw that as part of his very soul, and that he meant with every word that he did indeed mean nothing else. More than that, she saw somepony- no. Someone, that wanted to be left to their own devices. To be left with their destiny. Just as her student did. Just as all Ponies do. He meant to wander, and she saw his intent. She felt the righteousness from before pour out from his soul at the mention of the word, and how his life depended on the act. She smiled warmly as she returned to the conversation.

"I understand. But, if I were to recommend a direction?"

The Wanderer nodded. "Yes?"

"I would go along that path, there." She offered, pointing her hoof in the direction of the only path in the Forest.

"What's down that path?" He asked.

"A new beginning." She smiled. "I noticed that you're a Unicorn. Therefore, you need some help learning to use your magic. I believe it would make life quite easier for you, knowing how to levitate objects."

As if on cue, the large tube-like object fell off of his back and smacked into the grass audibly. The Princess and the Wanderer stared at each other before exchanging a laugh at the moment. The Wanderer looked between the object, his bags, and his hooves before smiling sheepishly at the Princess.

"Umm... I don't suppose you could... help? I would rather these all be in my bags for now."

Celestia grasped the object with her magic and lifted it towards the Wanderer's saddle bags, which she then opened up and carefully placed inside.

"Would you like help with the other things?"

"Uh, just the long one on my back, thanks."

As Celestia levitated the objects, she began to speak.

"So, what are these?"

"They're... tools. I use them in my travels."

"Oh, really? What do they do?"

The Wanderer grimaced as she locked his saddle bags with the objects inside.

"I'd... rather not say, sorry. Just know that I mean no harm with any of them."

Celestia smiled once more at him before returning to the conversation prior.

"Good to know. As I was saying, in that direction is Ponyville. There, you will find a large tree-like Crystal Castle, which now houses my previous student, Princess Twilight Sparkle. I have no doubt in my mind that she would love to help you adjust to our customs. Not only that, but she's quite gifted with magic, and would be more than willing to teach it to anypony that asks."

The Wanderer tipped his hat.

"Thank you, kindly, ma'am."

Celestia bowed her head before returning a farewell.

"Of course. Oh, also, if you take the train there up North, then you can find a large mountain city, Canterlot. My castle lies in the center, and if you mention yourself and how you know me to the Guards, they might let you inside if you ever wish to talk to me. If you can't reach Canterlot, then speak to Twilight. She can get a message directly to me at any time. Goodbye, Wanderer."

The Wanderer turned around towards the path before stopping in his tracks. He leaned over to her and spoke.

"Jason."

Celestia's ears perked towards him as she lowered her head.

"What?"

"Jason. That's my name." He added with a smile. "If you'll excuse me, I've got some wandering to do. Dogmeat! Here boy!" He called.

Dogmeat, sure enough, came running back to his master's side, almost three-fourths of his height side-by-side. The two continued off into the thick brush of the Everfree as Celestia stared with a smile.

He trusted her now. He felt that she had the privilege to know his name. To know the name of the Wanderer. She turned back and smiled deeply, knowing how right he seemed. That he would wander with a pure heart and just intent, across Equestria, as he did with his home. The bad things she saw, now, were what he had to deal with, but was relieved that before he would die, he would know at least the comfort of her land. And that she could bring that to at least one soul of the Wasteland. She also held a blush, reflecting on how casual he was with her. There were Ponies that grovelled at her hooves as though she were a truly all-mighty being, even once having to deal with a church based around her. Yet he had acted as though she were somepony like everypony else. Somepony that saw her as not just some royal figure to bow towards. It was an attitude that she hadn't seen in centuries, and it felt good to be casual.

\\\\\\//////

Jason waited as he heard a strange pop, followed by a small flash behind him. With a quick look back, he saw that Celestia was gone.

He looked to his right and saw that Dogmeat was now standing at nearly eye-level with him. Jason merely smirked at the dog before reaching his left arm... foreleg, up. He focused on the small knobs for a bit, trying to force them to move by mind. In a few seconds, one of the dials lit up with a faint brown glow and clicked it to the side, causing the radio to come on, replaying an old song. 

Once more, Jason looked out towards the expanse of trees, with Dogmeat at his side, a song in his Pip-Boy, and new-found reason and hope, he began his new life with one step.

"Equestria," He spoke to no-one in particular, "prepared to be wandered."
> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Jason continued to struggle forwards, pressing his new appendages against the ground, keeping tall with all of his will before collapsing into the dirt face-first. As he fell, he muttered several words.

"Fucking legs!"

Since he had left his meeting with Princess Celestia, he had decided to listen to her advice and began to wander towards Ponyville, whatever it was, and try to familiarize himself with this new world. Being a dead man in one world had its ups. For one, he didn't need to stress about going back again. They already thought he was dead once, and the Scribes of the Brotherhood couldn't stand trying to rewrite their records due to the fact that he wasn't dead after Project Purity. Forcing them to rewrite the records again might lead to them making sure he was dead before finalizing their records. 

Accepting the cold, hard, unforgiving truth that he didn't know the first thing about getting back, Jason decided to stay alive for as long as he could in this new world, and try to give himself a new life. Unfortunately, he didn't know the first thing about walking on all fours, especially not like a Pony. In fact, this was the first time he had ever even seen a Pony, and now he was one. A Unicorn, no less. He wondered for a bit why he was a Unicorn, but decided that could wait until he was being taught "magic". 

Bringing his face up from the ground, finally, he looked up and saw Dogmeat staring at him a few feet ahead on the path.

"How do you do this?" Jason asked, struggling to get back up. "I can't even believe I managed to stay up for that long talking to Celestia."

Eventually, Jason managed to stand up, albeit a bit wobbly, but was still standing none the less. He took a slow breath before focusing on each one of his legs.

"Alright. Slowly. And. Steadily." He whispered to himself.

Jason moved out his left foreleg and his right hind leg at the same time, and placed them on the ground at the same time. In the next breath, he slowly moved the opposing legs, right fore and left hind, trying to find a rhythm in the motions. After thirty seconds of slowly moving the legs, Jason got a good feel to the motion before finally getting down basic motion. Soon, he caught up to Dogmeat and together, they started to walk down the dirt path.

"Alright. Getting the hang of this." Jason said to no one in particular.

He moved his gaze to the trees and bushes around him before realizing something.

"Hasn't been a critter or Raider since we left Celestia. Think that they're just watching, waiting for us to slip, Dogmeat?" Jason asked, turning to his companion.

Dogmeat responded by sniffing around and shaking his head.

"Maybe they realize who's the real predator here, isn't that right?" Jason said with a smile as he rubbed side up to Dogmeat.

Dogmeat then responded by licking Jason's face a few times as they continued down the path.

After a few more minutes of walking, Jason saw the trees becoming more and more spaced out. He also noticed that the Sun was starting to peak over the horizon and was now flooding a majestic light over him and Dogmeat. When he felt it hit him, he felt power from it. More than just the power from the Sun in the Wasteland, this one felt... alive. Like it was reaching out to him and holding him tightly while shoving enough Med-X down his throat to ward off a Shotgun blast. He felt like he could take on the world. And by God, he was going to, that much was certain. There was also something in the Sun that felt... familiar, like he had felt it somewhere before. His thoughts were interrupted when Dogmeat started to bark towards the path they were on.

Snapping out of his stupor, Jason looked ahead and saw that they had finally exited the mass of trees and were now looking at a mundane wooden cottage. Although Jason had seen cottages before, he couldn't help but stare at how artistic and perfect this one was. It was made entirely out of wood, which was rather dull at first, but now that Jason really looked at it, it was far smoother and easier on the eyes than any ruin or shed that he had seen in the Wasteland. He also saw unbroken windows, a properly mounted door, and amazing scenery. There was a big tree that held small toy-like houses and a bridge that went over the cleanest river that Jason and Dogmeat had ever seen.

Only now did Jason realize how bone-dry thirsty he was. The two quickly went up to the small river as Jason held out his Pip-Boy. When he finally touched the water, the Geiger Counter didn't respond. Not a single Rad in the water. He swiftly reached to the water, only to splash it about when there wasn't a hand to cup. Jason stared hatefully at the new appendage as Dogmeat began to lap at the water, unaware at the rage building inside his master.

"Fuck all." Jason swore.

Dogmeat looked up to his master and started to playfully bark at him.

As they did this small exchange of banter, a certain Pegasus began to watch the two with caution.

\\\\\\//////

Fluttershy was having a rather nice day. She woke up with a nice stretch, had a great, healthy breakfast, and was ready to start her time with her animals. She went outside and readied herself with a breath of fresh morning air. The first ones that she would see was almost always, at this hour, the fish. The Pegasus made her way down to the stream with a bag of bread at the ready. When she came close, however, she heard a voice.

"Fuck all."

In response, the timid Pegasus shot into cover by the bridge and waited while carefully listening to the unknown source of the voice.

'Oh no, this is scary!' She thought to herself. 'Who's there? What do they want? Why would they curse like that? What could-'

"<Bark, Bark>!" She heard.

At that moment, Fluttershy realized that there was a dog nearby that was speaking to its master. By its tone, she understood that the master may be upset at the time, but that he was just trying to adjust to a new way of doing things. Now driven by the fact that there was now a new animal to meet, and how well it spoke to its master, she thought it might be a good idea to at least see who was cursing so close to her home.

Standing there was a light blue Stallion with a darker blue jacket and a Stetson atop his head, along with a horn. He had odd fabrics wrapped above his flanks, and an atom for a Cutie Mark. To his side was a very large dog. She had never seen one like it, being almost as big as her, if not exactly as tall. It had black fur on top of light brown that spread over the rest of its coat, and a rather strange face for a dog, as though it were bred for a specific use of its mouth and nose. The Stallion raised a hoof towards the dog and started to pet the dog's head slowly and playfully before lowering down and drinking straight from the stream.

Fluttershy found it odd that a Pony like that would do something so... strange, but she really wasn't one to judge. Especially since she knew Pinkie. With a deep breath, she slowly stepped forwards and spoke to the two.

"Um, e-excuse me?"

\\\\\\//////

Jason shot back up and stood in a defensive position when he heard the voice call out to him. Dogmeat perked his ears and merely stared at the Pony before them. It was definitely a she, considering the frame, voice, and hair. She had a yellow coat, almost like heavily radiated skin cells, like his Dad showed him. Her hair was a light pink, almost surreal at the moment. On her back were two growths that sprouted feathers of some kind. On her flank was a picture of three... things, with wings, that were also pink. And as well, she had a tail, almost as thick as the hair on her head, and in the same hue of pink.

He watched carefully as she slowly began to talk to them.

"Um... I'm sorry if I interrupted. I just wanted to know, why are you here? Also, who are you? If, that's not too much to ask." She stated, hiding behind her wall of hair.

Jason cleared his throat, now moist with clean water, before speaking up.

"Sorry, ma'am. Just needed a drink for me and Dogmeat, here. Isn't that right, boy?" He asked, turning to his companion.

Dogmeat barked in response as the Pony reeled back.

"D-dog... meat?" She asked, fear quaking in her voice.

"It's his name. At least, what he responds to. I wanted to call him Quasar, but he only responds to Dogmeat. Been my best friend ever since." Jason finished, smiling to his companion.

"Oh. Why is that his name, though?" She asked, inching closer to the now watchful dog.

"I honestly don't know. I found him in a scrap yard while wandering one day, and we just had something in common. We were both scared to be alone, and wanted someone to look out for. Turns out we were perfect to travel together, and we've been closer than brothers since then."

Dogmeat barked happily at Jason as the now Pony Wanderer began to rub Dogmeat's coat.

"Oh, how sweet." The Pony cooed. "You two must have really been thirsty, though, if you went to drink from this stream. If you want, I could get you something to eat."

Jason tipped his hat to the Pony before answering.

"Thank you kindly, but we're more of a traveling pair. We buy our food at vendors and eat on the way to whatever lies ahead of us. But, if you would be so kind as to point us in the direction of the next town, that would be mighty nice of ya." Jason stated, slipping back into his Wanderer accent.

"Oh, yes, I don't mind at all. Ponyville's just over that hill, there. You can't miss it. I'm Fluttershy, by the way."

Jason nodded towards Fluttershy in response.

"They call me the Wanderer. It's been nice."

The two were about to part when Jason remembered something important.

"Oh, before I forget, do you happen to know anyone by the name of "Twilight Sparkle"?"

"Oh, I sure do! She's one of my best friends!"  She beamed.

"And where exactly is her estate? I was told that I could learn about magic if I talked to her."

"Oh, she lives in a massive purple tree-like castle by Ponyville. If you go over that hill, you'll see it for sure. I'm sorry I can't introduce you to her, but I'm sure if you ask really nicely, she'll help you with whatever you need."

"Thank ya, once again. Have a nice day."

With that, Jason and Dogmeat began to trek towards the hills. When the two got to the top, they stood in awe at what was awaiting them. In the distance, they saw a massive town, sprawling with color and life like Jason had never seen before. All of the buildings were in great condition, and the way it was built reminded him of Big Town, except without the Super Mutants and constant threat of Death... hopefully. Jason looked up a bit and saw a massive purple building, indeed like a tree, sprouting up straight from the ground, showing off a massive star-like series of shapes and gleaming, perfect carvings that seemed all to perfect to be considered real. All in all, this place already seemed like a step out of Hell, and the first step on the Stairway to Heaven.

Jason heard a low whistle, and turned his head slightly to see what was making the noise. A train. An actually working train! He had seen some in wreckage, even rode in a small metro system from underneath the Capital, but never before had he seen a train in not only working condition, but rails that weren't teeming with Deathclaws and Raiders. Even more, he watched as the mass of colorful metals went off towards a mountain. On that mountain, was the purest, brightest, most perfect city that Jason had ever laid eyes on. It sat on that mountain, defying all laws of physics as if to show that whoever built it was superior to the forces that be in every way possible. Though he couldn't exactly see a sign, being almost completely out of sight, he guessed at what exactly he was looking at.

"Canterlot." He whispered to himself.

With a nudge from Dogmeat, Jason found himself back in reality, and together they began to wander forth towards their new destination.

\\\\\\//////

Celestia wandered about the Castle halls in deep thought about the Wanderer. About Jason. He had come to this world, expecting to die, yet he was content with merely wandering around Equestria. She had seen the purity of the intent in his eyes, and she held no doubt that he meant nothing but good, but for some reason, she found herself wary about him. He carried himself in such a way that she felt fear about just knowing him, yet felt as though she was safe underneath his vigilant eye. Yet Celestia couldn't help but hesitate at the thought of him just wandering into Equestria, her home. Something about those strange objects he had, yes, but more about what he had implied about them. That he wouldn't mean any harm to anypony. More than that, she felt comfortable knowing how he interacted. He was calm, not too quick to judge, and listened very well, yet was always on the draw, and spoke to her as if she were anypony else. Others may see that as an insult to her, but to know that even with her royal status and even the fact of her might being far greater than any other being in the forest at the time, he was still comfortable with speaking to her as somepony else. Like she was able to fit in, once again. And that thought made her wonder. She smiled to herself that someone accepted her more as a friend than a leader, and how much she would cherish whatever time she could spend with him if he decided to visit. All she had to do, was wait while he wandered.
> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"I really should have thanked Three-Dog for all these holotapes, right Dogmeat?" Jason asked his companion.

A single bark was the response.

Jason smiled at his dog before staring out towards the road ahead. The massive town made of wood and colors danced along his view as he moved his gaze about the scenery. His smile quickly dropped when he remembered the way he first felt like this. Back at Megaton. The first time he went there, he met the Mayor/Sheriff/Shred of Hope that town held dear. It was then that Jason found something good to look for in the Wasteland. That not everyone was a Raider that hung raped corpses in Elementary Schools. That there were still some folks worth saving. 

And that no matter how hard you try, you can't save all of them.

Jason cringed a bit as he remembered Lucas Simms. He had risked his life, for years on end, to protect Megaton and everyone inside its walls. And just as soon as Jason had met him, Simms was taken away. By his actions, no less. Jason knew that he should have killed that man from Tenpenny Tower the moment he was handed the Fusion Pulse Charge, but he wanted to play it safe. He had sent the Sheriff to his own grave that in that moment. With his dying words, Simms left the duty of protecting Megaton to Jason, and he would never forget the look in that Sheriff's eyes. The look of peace, knowing that he had left someone right for the position in charge. Jason held down his Stetson while grimacing at the prospect.

'I'm sorry, Lucas. I couldn't keep your promise.' Jason thought to himself. 

Distracted by his thoughts, Jason walked right into a sign that sent him back onto his ass. As he got up and began to rub his nose, he looked up to the sign.




Welcome to Ponyville




"Well, ain't that something. A sign that doesn't have a skull or rust on it. And no deaths threats! How nice." Jason joked as he slowly got back up.

With a quick twist of his head, Jason looked around and noticed that while distracted, he had made it to the small settlement. The Wanderer managed to will himself forwards and, along with Dogmeat, began to walk into the town for their first time.

\\\\\\//////

Celestia stared down at the letter she had written Twilight with mixed feelings. She had mentioned that she was more than proud of her new accomplishments, her friends were heroes of Equestria, the Castle isn't that spacious, the usual stuff like she would normally say in her letters to her former student since she managed to defeat Tirek. However, in this rendition, she had added something new to talk to Twilight about. The Wanderer.

She had written about how she met a Unicorn and his dog in the Everfree Forest, after he had traveled a great distance to come to Equestria. Since he was new, he had to learn to adjust to certain ways Equestria may be different than where he's from, and that she had mentioned Twilight and Ponyville to the Wanderer, whose name she left out of the message. After rereading the letter, and making sure that she told Twilight about how she might find him, she rolled up the parchment and sent it off in a flash.

With the distraction gone, Celestia focused on the reports piling up on her figurative doorstep. As well as her literal one. 

Reaching with her magic, she began to levitate each and every scroll report brought to her and read them to herself. As she had feared, it was more encounters with the Diamond Dogs. Far more aggressive than before, it would seem. At first, they were harmlessly throwing insults at the Guards on borders of towns near the Ends of Equestria. It escalated a bit when a group of Guards went to repay the Diamond Dogs for their constant remarks, but ended up coming back with broken legs across the board. Then it continued until the fair town of Marenor had been attacked and burned down to the dirt. Since then, Nobles and Captains of the Guard have demanded that she declare war on the Diamond Dogs for what they did.

After which, she contacted the Diamond Dog Central Packs, and found out that a faction had gone rouge from their ranks. Apparently, since they were being forced into mass production scales of labor, they had decided that they would need slaves to work for them in order to maintain a standard of living for their own kind. The Packs, however, saw it as unjust to own slaves for any reason, and that since the faction was so far off from the main sprawls they used for cities and towns, then it wouldn't bring any harm to use their entire section of land as a production ground. Since the dispute between the Council of Hounds, the highest ranking officials in the Packs, the Jaws, as the new faction of Diamond Dogs are calling themselves, have been relocated towards the borders of the Ends of Equestria, trying to outrun the pursuit of even their own kind.

Ever since they destroyed their first Equestrian piece of land, they have done nothing but attract attention to themselves by foalnapping, sieges on factories and storage facilities, and to cap it all off, out-right mockery. They were mocking the very principles that Equestria was founded on, and how soft that they were. They even boasted that if it came to it, they could just go up and wreck any village that they wanted to.

Unfortunately, they were right. Even with years of training, the Royal Guard was far from any kind of threat to any of Equestria's enemies, however few they are. They were supposed to be a a warning, but haven't been much else since the days of the Tribes, when the first of the Alicorns came down to Equestria and founded the basics of Pony society. Even after the focus on defense since the Royal Wedding, the Guards were still inexperienced in every sense of the word. She didn't want to admit it to her Ponies, but if it truly came down to which side can kill better, the Diamond Dogs, or the Jaws, rather, would win. Easily.

Unless, she recalled, the Wanderer had anything useful to add. He was from an entirely different world. Perhaps he could help in some way that she has yet to discover. After all, his world, he mentioned, was a deadly wasteland. But now she wondered, how could one survive for so long? Did the Wanderer know more about how to avoid conflict than the average Pony, or did he resort to... other, methods? Now she felt foalish for letting him go unsupervised. He had shown up, from another world, with strange equipment, no less, and had just... literally wandered off. How she let him go was beyond her. Maybe he had some kind of powers of persuasion? In any case, now she felt as though she had to worry about the Talons a little less.

Her thoughts were struck down when a scroll appeared out of a green mist before her. Quickly grabbing at it with her magic, Celestia unfurled the parchment to read the letter.

Dear Princess Celestia,

If what you're saying is correct, then this is indeed a rare opportunity for us, and I am more than glad to take up the chance to be able to converse with a Pony from outside Equestria!
I do, however, find it rather odd that a Unicorn wouldn't be allowed to study magic, and how he doesn't know the Equestrian terminology for anatomy, or Equestrian law, but don't worry. I can handle it!
Thank you, again, for giving the chance to study, as well as educate, a foreigner. This, "Wanderer," sounds like a great Pony, and I look forward to learning as much about him as he can learn about us.

Your Most Faithful Student,
Sincerely,

Princess Twilight Sparkle

Celestia smiled at the letter, reading about how eager the newest Princess of Equestria was to simply meet somepony new. However, her smile faded when she realized that Jason was still a wild card. For all she knew, he could try something completely alien to learn about magic and Equestria. He might not even try to listen to Twilight, or even heed Celestia's word about Ponyville. For all she knew, the Wanderer could have bypassed the town completely, and made himself nothing more than a memory to the Princess. A troubling, headache inducing memory. Could she trust him to not do anything bad to Twilight if she finds him? Should she trust him at all? Why did she let him go in the first place? With all these questions, Celestia considered what to write in response, and how to approach the new Unicorn.

Dear Princess Twilight,

I want you to exercise caution when meeting with him. Do not approach him immediately if you do see him in Ponyville. Wait until he sees you, and then speak to him. Be careful with how you talk to him, since his vocabulary may differ in use of certain words. Also, make sure that if he does want to learn about magic, that he has to stay with you or in an inn nearby, and that he doesn't leave until you send me a letter detailing what you teach him and his progress on said subject. Please understand that while he is a guest, his intentions and actions are still unknown to us, and I don't want you or anypony else to get hurt.

Princess Celestia

The Princess rolled up the letter and sent it off, eagerly waiting for a response. After another minute or so, Twilight's message came to her once again. Celestia unfurled the letter and read.

Dear Princess Celestia,

Don't worry one bit. I'm sure that this Pony, whoever they are, won't mean any harm to us. Even if they do, I have my friends to stop them. Speaking of which, I'm going to tell them about this "Wanderer," and how we should help introduce him to Equestrian customs. I know Rarity would want to do something about that jacket you mentioned. We have everything under control, Princess. You can count on us.

Sincerely,
Princess Twilight Sparkle

Again, Celestia found herself smiling at the letter, remembering the hardships that her previous student and her friends have gone through. The hardships which they faced together in order to become stronger. If anypony could take on this challenge, it would definitely be them. And this Wanderer, she thought, would either be another obstacle for them to overcome, should he do something wrong, or a more powerful friend, if what he said was true. As for whether or not he was going to keep his word, and not bring harm to her Ponies, only time would tell. And as Celestia looked towards the reports of Jaws, she hoped that time would for once, be on her side.

\\\\\\//////

Jason walked along the dirt path of Ponyville, watching in awe as more and more colors clashed before him in a mass of so many interjections to his senses that he couldn't find any way to react, besides continuously walking. There were all kinds of shades and hues of every color in the rainbow, and even a few rainbows in the mix. If his eyes weren't already adjusted with his new Pony body, he was pretty sure that this would have blinded him. Or given him a seizure. Or both. Either way, his eyes were working, and he couldn't believe what he was seeing. The Ponies were all smiling. All happy and strolling along without a care in the world. No one had a weapon, there weren't any kind of uniforms or gang members around, no flags or poles with skulls on them, nothing at all. The houses were all brand-new, untouched by any kind of war or aging beyond their construction limits like the Capital Wasteland. 

Everywhere he looked, smiles, colors, genuine pleasure and happiness. Something that he had worked his whole life to see in the faces of the citizens of the Capital Wasteland. Something he thought he would never see. And in term, it all made him smile. He felt the warmth of this place reach into him and start settling in right next to his heart. He thought that this type of living was only something to be fantasized about by some crazy junkie hopped up on too much Jet. Yet here it was, being acted out and fully held right in front of him. As he watched the Ponies go by, he noticed that there were much smaller ones without the weird tattoos on their backsides. They were children. All smiling and playing with each other. They ran throughout the roads and tackled into each other a lot, but never did anything besides that. They weren't trying to spill anyone's blood or trying to fight over something. Children playing happily in the streets. It almost got a tear out of the Wanderer. 

Which was stopped short by a low grumble that shook Jason to his core. Or rather his stomach. He sheepishly looked over to Dogmeat as the canine began to lick his lips.

"Guess we should find something to eat, huh?"

A single bark was the response.

Jason looked around for some kind of stand or salesman with anything food related or edible to purchase. Luckily, one of the first he spotted held a universal symbol of goods: an apple. With a small smile, Jason walked up to the stand with a few steps, and began to speak to the Pony behind the wooden stall.

"Excuse me." Jason stated lightly.

The orange Pony turned around as Jason got a full descriptive view of her, determining gender by the build and curves that resembled Celestia, only far smaller. She had an orange coat of fur and had blonde hair. Her head-hair and tail were both kept in a quite humorous way, both being tied in pony-tails. That feature earned a brighter smile from the Wanderer. Atop her head was a Stetson, like the one Jason wore. On her rear, like every other Pony besides the younger ones, she had a picture of something there. Specifically, three apples. Another odd way to see this world's sense of humor, but better than trying to understand Centaurs. The mention of said abominations made the Wanderer shudder a little bit. The Pony in front of him looked at him and smiled before talking.

"Well, howdy there, partner!" She proudly exclaimed with a similar accent to Jason. "What can I do for ya?"

"Well, how 'bout that?" Jason replied. "Thought I was the only one here with a good ol' fashioned hard worker's accent."

"Hoo-wee! How 'bout that, huh?" She replied. "You from another farm land or somethin'?"

"Nope, came from outta town with mah buddy, here, Dogmeat."

Dogmeat then barked at the vendor of goods while wagging his tail.

"Mighty nice dog, there! Dogmeat, 'cha said?"

"Eeyup. Only knows that name. Found him all 'lone in the Wasteland I called home. We came here together in hopes of finding something better."

"Lemme jus' say, then, welcome to Ponyville!" The Pony then raised her foreleg out towards Jason. "Name's Applejack!"

Jason smiled before holding up his foreleg slowly towards hers, bumping it before they both put their legs down.

"They call me the 'Wanderer'. And Ah'd like to buy some apples."
> Chapter 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight walked around the corner of the marketplace with Spike at her side, talking about the newest 'test' given to her by Celestia since she'd become a Princess. Spike, however, was not convinced that this was that so much as it was doing Celestia's work for her.

"Spike," the alicorn continued in their conversation, "I know that Princess Celestia wouldn't just leave a possible danger to Equestria loose, especially if she found them in the Everfree Forest. I'm sure that whoever this 'Wanderer' is, he's probably somewhere around here."

The young dragon rolled his eyes before gazing at the marketplace. He raised an arm out to stop Twilight in her tracks.

"What's wrong, Spike?" she asked.

"Um, didn't the Princess mention that that Wanderer had a hat that looked like Applejack's?"

"Yes, wh- oh..."

She let her words hang in the air as they stared at the scene before them: Applejack trying to do business with the very pony that the Princess of the Sun had told them to watch.

\\\\\\//////

"Well then," Applejack began, "How many apples ya want, Mr. Wanderer?"

"About three should be fine," Jason responded. "One for me, one for mah pal, here, and one for later on the road."

"That'll be three bits!" she stated happily.

"Alright then." Jason reached into a pouch on his side, grabbed three bottle caps with his teeth and placed them on the table. Applejack looked between him and the currency, and raised a questioning eyebrow, making Jason questi on what she was thinking before the realization hit him like a charging Deathclaw on about fifty shots of Psycho.

They were bottle caps. Not their currency.

"Shit," Jason whispered to himself.

"Uhmm..." Applejack started, "what're these? Bottle caps?"

"Oh, um... You see, I'm not from Equestria."

"Ah remember," she deadpanned with her eyebrow still raised.

"Well, in the wasteland where I'm from, we don't really have that much material to waste, especially on coins and bills, so instead of using something like... whatever you use, we just use bottle caps as money. I just... sort of forgot that it proba-"

"Hold on a sec'," Applejack interrupted. "Wasteland? Whadda ya mean, 'wasteland'?"

Jason sighed deeply before clearing his throat and looking back up at her. "Ya see, back about... two hundred years ago, my place had a nasty big war that nearly wiped out everybody. A few survived by living in underground bunkers called Vaults, and by the time the first ones opened, there was almost nothing left of the world: buildings were barely standing, vegetation was all burned away, and far as the eye could see, everything was nothing but a wasteland."

"Wait, why didn't cha just use boats to come on over to Equestria, then? I reckon there'd still be enough wood left to make enough if there were so few survivors."

Jason shook his head. "We had no idea that Equestria even existed. We were... secluded, far off from anywhere that you could find on any map. Not like any map is accurate anymore, anyways..."

Applejack was clearly taken aback by the tragedy of the Wasteland's history. "What wa s it like?"

"Well, if I could sum it up in one word... deadly, horrible, hellish. Take your pick. Whoever and wherever you are, every day is a struggle to survive. Most every critter evolved over time with one purpose: kill. If you don't die to the wildlife, then the poisoned water, the crazies, or about a million other things can do you in easily."

\\\\\\//////

Twilight was appalled. She had been watching the two interact, subconsciously taking notes with her magic, unaware that she was even performing a spell at all. Now, however, every sentence the Wanderer had said got her closer and closer to drop the writing materials.

The alicorn looked down to see a massively terrified baby dragon, now with his metaphorical jaw on the floor. She didn't want to know what he thought of the situation at hoof, but rested one of hers on his shoulder, pulling him closer. When he looked back , Twilight gave a smile that did its best to be reassuring before returning her attention to the unicorn by the apple stand.

\\\\\\//////

The truthful description stunned Applejack. Equestria had had its moments of conflict in the far past, but nothing close to the extent of the war Jason had described, and while there were places like the Fire Swamps or Ghastly Gorge, or even the Everfree Forest, the wasteland appeared to have about the dangers of all three combined.

Seeing what his exposition had done to the poor girl, Jason decided it best to change the subject. Noticing her fine choice of headwear, he tried to bring focus to something else. "Nice Stetson."

Applejack blinked a few times, coming out of her trance, and looked between his foreleg and her hat. "What?"

"I said that's a nice Stetson."

"Oh." She reached a foreleg up and brought it down... somehow. Whatever she did, it left Jason slightly bemused. "This ol' thing? Thanks." Applejack smiled sheepishly.

Noticing that the distraction was working, Jason decided to press further into the subject. "Got a story behind it?"

"'Scuse me?"

"It's just that, where I come from, Stetsons aren't just a nice thing to wear. There's a story behind why everyone that has one wears it. They're symbols of a promise that the owner would try to keep, no matter what the promise is. So, do you have a reason for yours?"

Applejack's features began to gradually sink into a sad smile. "I guess it kinda fits with what ya' said. It started when Ah was a filly. See, mah parents were honest workers, always makin' sure that we were up ta code on everythin' in the books, whether they're about how 'ta plant the seeds, or even fillin' our records. They were always goin' on and on 'bout how honesty is the best policy the Apple family lives by, and how we've always kept up good morals and such." Her expression fell as she continued. "A few years ago, right after they had mah little sister, Apple Bloom, they got in an accident on the side of a cliff... all the search teams could find, after days, was this here Stetson. I keep it as a reminder that no matter what, always be honest and true to mah morals."

Jason slowly nodded, feeling new-found respect for the pony before him. She had lost her parents, had a sister to look out for, and still managed to face the day with a smile, evident from when he first walked up to her.

Applejack then placed the Stetson atop her head before rubbing the area around her eyes, clearly forcing tears back down. "So, what about yours?"

Jason blinked, still as stone. "Excuse me?"

"Your Stetson. Doesn't yours have a story, or were ya tryin' ta just change the subject?"

Jason eyed her for a bit before shaking his head with a sigh. "I was trying to change the subject, sorry. I didn't want you to focus on... before. I'd rather just move on from it, to be honest."

Applejack softened her expression a bit. "Ah'm sorry ta bring it up, but-"

"No, no, I'm good." Jason interrupted. "See, I came from one of those Vaults that I mentioned earlier, the ones underground, safe from the war. When I first came out, I found a small town made out of scraps, called Megaton. The Sheriff there, Lucas Simms, was really nice, he tried to make sure everyone there was safe at all times. He never slept a wink. And then he met me. I helped him clear out some raiders from a collapsed school in a ruined town near Megaton, and he told me that from then on, I could be considered his friend. Finding friends in the Wasteland is no small feat, and making a friend is almost as hard as staying alive. I found Dogmeat here fighting for his life in a junkyard, for example."

The dog barked happily at the mention of his name, earning a slightly clumsy petting from the his master's hoof.

"But, after a few days, I met a ma-pony, in the town bar. A very bad... Pony. Just downright evil, I'd say."

"What makes ya say that?" Applejack asked.

For a second, Jason didn't respond, but then he closed his eyes and breathed deeply. "He wanted Megaton gone, whether with everyone still inside or not."

Applejack gasped.

\\\\\\//////

Twilight had to cover her mouth with her hoof to ensure that she wouldn't be caught trying to spy on the Wanderer. Spike was just standing next to her, so stumped that his fins were drooping flat against his scales, while his eyes had shrunk to pinpricks. Whatever this 'Megaton' place was, there was somepony bad enough... evil enough to just want it gone. The fact that somepony would go to that extreme was outrageous.

And Twilight was writing it all down without even knowing it.

\\\\\\//////

"Now just that, but, he wanted to pay me for making sure it was gone."

Applejack shut her mouth as her eyes blazed with righteous rage. "What kinda no-good, low-down varmint would do somethin' like that!?" she asked furiously.

"Someone that would go so low as to offer five hundred caps to someone willing to do it."

Her head shot back in surprise as Jason closed his eyes. "WHAT?! Pay that much for somethin' like THAT?!"

"The Wasteland can bring out the worst of who lives in it sometimes. Other times it keeps them that way forever. Then and there, all it would've taken is one moment of just that, one small second for someone, anyone, to say, 'deal'."

Applejack shook her head fiercely in disbelief. "What'd ya do?"

"The only thing I could think of. I brought the news to the Sheriff and we went on to arrest the guy. One thing led to another, and both the payin' devil and Sheriff Lucas ended up biting the dust. Before he died, though, he passed his Stetson to me, smiled, and told me that he was glad that there was at least one other soul in the Wasteland that knew right from wrong. He asked me to never forget those morals, never let go of what's right, and always bring justice to those that do wrong." As Jason finished, he reached to his Stetson and pushed it down a bit on his head.

Jason opened his eyes and looked to see the tearing eyes of Applejack as she held a hoof up to her mouth.

"Well then, sorry to waste your time. Come on, Dogmeat, let's find somewhere else to get some grub," he called, turning from the stand.

"Wait!" The Wanderer turned around slowly and watched as Applejack brought three apples onto the stand. "Ah can't let somepony like you go off starvin'."

Jason looked between the three apples and the vendor of the goods with narrowed eyes. "Why give me these?"

"'Cause you're right, Ah reckon. We've got history and morals to uphold, a reminder on our heads 'bout what makes us, and what we need ta keep ourselves true to. And mah family code says that even if you don't have the bits right now, you can just come back with 'em one day. And besides, Ah think you should try an' stay a bit, see that Ponyville's just about the friendliest place you can get in Equestria." She smiled warmly. "After that kind a' life, you deserve a little rest, don't cha think?"

Jason looked back down to the apples and back at her face before sighing lightly. "Thank you, thank you so much. It's just that... I've always thought myself to be just that after Sheriff Simms died, someone that the wasteland needed to protect it. But now I'm here, and there's these soldiers I met that are focusing on protecting the innocent and restoring the old world now, so it's not like I've left the folks of Megaton to fend for themselves. I think it's time I moved on. Thanks, again, Applejack, and I promise that I'll find a way to pay you back one day."

Jason then reached out his foreleg...

And rightly punched one of the apples off of the surface of the stand, sending it to the dirt.

Applejack and the Wanderer just looked at the apple, the gears in Jason's head turning in overdrive in reminder that he hadn't any hands at this time. Before the apple-vendor could ask a question Jason had an idea, and whistled.

"Here Dogmeat, come get an apple!" Jason called out.

The dog then pounced the apple with a happy bark and tore into it, sending juices flying short ways around the fruit as Dogmeat ate up every last bit of it.

The Wanderer looked on with a smile to see his friend able to happily dig-in to a rather healthy looking piece of food. He looked back over to the apples on the counter and saw that Applejack was smiling at the sight of Dogmeat enjoying one of her apples. Jason then reached a foreleg towards the apples and slid them across the table towards his bags. With some effort, he managed to flip one of them open and saw his stash of Stimpacks and Rad-Aways were untouched, thankfully, along with his other... necessities, such as Vodka. Jason plopped the remaining two apples into the bag before flipping the top back over to the side, concealing his inventory of other-worldly items.

"Shoot, reminds me of when Ah first got Winona." Applejack stated.

Jason looked up at the apple farmer with slight intrigue.

"Wait, you've got a dog too?" The Wanderer asked, eyebrow raised.

"Sure as sunshine!" She replied, turning to him.

"Boy or girl?"

"Girl. Looks an awful lot like yer dog, too, 'cept smaller. Maybe we can get 'em together one day." She added with a chuckle.

Jason smiled at the comment and turned to Dogmeat.

"Hear that, boy? You might get to meet a nice lady friend."

Dogmeat shot his head back as his tail began to wag faster than before.

"<bark! bark!>"

Jason smiled and shook his head before turning back to Applejack.

"Well, again, thanks. Have a nice day."

Applejack smiled at him.

"You too, Wanderer."

Jason nodded to her and turned around. He motioned for the dog to follow with a wave of the foreleg. Once Dogmeat was at his side, he eyed the road before him with a deep breath.

\\\\\\//////

Twilight watched as the Wanderer began to trot away with his dog after sliding the apples into his bag. As the two began to leave, something in her mind clicked on in realization.

"Spike!" She stated.

The small Dragon snapped back to look at her.

"Yeah?"

"This is our chance! We can finally talk to this "Wanderer" Pony now!"

Spike began to rub the back of his head.

"Um, how about you go? I'm... gonna go-"

"Spike, this is important. He's a foreign Pony with no sense of how Equestria works, and, no skills in Magic, at all! We have the chance to gain a whole new perspective on variations of Pony culture from an entirely different Pony, from a completely different civilization!"

The Dragon huffed a bit before crossing his arms and responding.

"Twi, do you really think it'd be a good idea? I mean, what about that stuff he said? How do we know he isn't bad like those Ponies from... wherever he's from?"

"Spike, you're not being very fair! I thought you knew not to judge others off of one experience with them. Maybe he's a kinder Pony than that. Who knows? Maybe he's more noble than some of the Ponies we've seen."

"Pretty sure anypony's more noble than some of the Canterlot stiffies that we've seen."

Twilight gaped at the Dragon's language.

"Spike!? Where did you hear that word!?"

"From Rainbow Dash, why?"

The Alicorn slowly began to grind her teeth. Noticing the amount of trouble that he may very well get in, Spike changed the focus back to the previous point.

"Hey, how about we go talk to that "Wanderer," huh?" He said with a fake smile.

Twilight looked down angrily at Spike before looking over to see the Wanderer turn a corner with his dog, right out of her view.

"Ugh, fine. But when we're done talking to him, I'm going to have a talk with Rainbow."

With that, Twilight picked up Spike in her magic and settled him on her back before trotting off down the road, hoping to follow the path of her last glimpse of the Unicorn in question.

\\\\\\//////

Applejack chuckled to herself as she watched Twilight gallop off after the Wanderer.

"That gal's always doin' somethin' in a hurry, I swear."

"Oh, hello there, Applejack, darling."

The farmpony turned around and smiled when she saw a familiar white Unicorn walk towards her with a small saddlebag.

"Hey there, Rares," Applejack responded, "How ya doin'?"

Rarity stopped in front of the stand and waved a hoof.

"Oh, just got back from the spa with Fluttershy, on my way home to make sure that there weren't any messages or requests sent since I've left. What about you?"

"Just made a sale to a new Pony. Mighty nice fella, actually. Think you'd like ta take a gander at his get-up, though." She added with a smirk.

Rarity rolled her eyes with a smile before settling her gaze on the bottle caps that the Wanderer left as payment.

"Applejack, what do you have here?"

"Oh, those are just some bottle caps the new Pony tried ta use ta buy apples."

The marshmallow mare scoffed at this.

"Why would anypony ever use these as..." Rarity trailed off as she examined one closely.

"Yeah, well, he ain't exactly from Equestria, and-"

"Hold on a second, Applejack." Rarity interrupted, holding a hoof up.

With a flash of the horn, Rarity pulled a small object out of her bag and held it up between her eye and the bottle cap.

"Uh, Rare?" Applejack began to question. "Ya do realize that's just a bottle cap, right?"

"Oh my, not at all, Applejack." The Unicorn stated before returning the object to her bag, placing the cap on the stand. "I thought I saw a familiar shine to it, but I had to be sure. This bottle cap is made of a special type of aluminum, rarely found in Equestria."

Applejack shook her head while listening to her friend, trying to process the fact that the caps were apparently not worthless.

"R-really? What makes ya say that?"

"Well, I noticed that their rust along the edges seems a bit too flaky for it to be entirely mixed with the cap itself, and the grime looks as though it would peel right off. Yes, this type is hard to come by. I've heard that this kind of aluminum in particular can actually be used to make a reinforced set of dining ware, and that they only use special utensils and pans and such for royal families in other nations. Why, by the look of it, and trust me on this, I know my minerals, that this much of the metal, however rusted and grimy it may be, is worth at least 30 bits. And since you have three here, I'd say that whoever gave you these unwillingly gave you 87 bits in a tip."

Applejack gaped at the news of the worth of the small discs.

"Wow. Wonder how much that fella's got on him now?"

Rarity blew a small amount of air from her lips with a dismissive wave of the hoof.

"Applejack, please. This type of mineral is far too hard to come by. I doubt that whoever this Pony is, he doesn't have that much on him."

The white mare turned around and began to move towards the road.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go home. Ta-ta!"

As she left, Applejack looked down on the small aluminum pieces with disbelief as she smiled and shook her head.

"Nah, she probably right. Fella can't have that much on him."
> Chapter 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Jason sighed as he turned into an alley between two shops after a few minutes of walking. When he and Dogmeat went into the rather nice space, Jason sat down as he reached around his Vault-Tec specialized bag.

"Real nice, huh, Dogmeat?" The Wanderer asked.

The dog in question merely titled his head at his master as Jason continued to rummage through his supplies.

"Spent all that time gathering useless ammo, pawning it, and marketing off all that tech to the Brotherhood and Outcasts, and now what do I end up with?"

Jason finally felt the lid to the re-purposed 5mm ammo crate and patted it with a chuckle.

"Yeah, that's 8,000 caps that'll never see the light of day again, huh?" He said with a shake of the head.

Dogmeat merely sat down next to him and looked up at his master as he panted.

"I just hope we can find some work or something. Who knows? Maybe we'll find some kind of bulletin board that puts out odd-jobs every now and then." Jason stated, withdrawing his foreleg from one of the bags.

He looked back at the flap to the bag with the two apples and decided he might as well try one. Jason adjusted himself so that the bag could rotate to the space in front of him, and with some effort, plopped it down between his legs. His appendages stretched into the bag and reached towards one of the red orbs inside. With a struggle of trying to not crush the food between his legs, the Wanderer slowly brought it up towards his face. When he looked at it, he nearly whistled at how it shined in the light, giving off a small reflection. Jason took a small look at himself in the small space of the apple and finally saw his own face since he came to this world.

There was a rather dull-pointed horn atop his forehead, sticking out just beneath the brim of the Stetson. His body was coated in a blue fur which, around his face, was trenched with scars. He saw the reflection of his eyes and noticed how absolutely massive they were. In all honesty, he was surprised they hadn't fallen out of his head yet. Much like every other pony he had come across.

After his quick examination, Jason breathed deeply before slowly moving the apple towards his mouth. Carefully, he bit into the skin of the fruit and tasted a euphoric juice spread across his tongue with a satisfying crunch when a piece of the orb had been cut into his mouth. He felt his senses take off as his eyes widened in shock. This was the greatest tasting thing he had ever eaten. As he slowly chewed, Jason brought the apple out a bit more and looked at it. Its insides were nearly white and leaking the delicious juice all over his arms. With the ferociousness of a wild animal, Jason lunged his mouth at the fruit as he brought it close to him once more.

\\\\\\//////

Twilight watched with a gaped jaw as the Wanderer tore into his apple in a manner similar to his dog had. She just assumed that, at first, he was taken aback by how pure and fresh the Apple Family product was, but now... It looked as though this was the first time he had tasted anything edible, like he hadn't eaten in days. And with the way he described his homeland, it was a possibility that she didn't want to think about. Beside her, Spike was watching in astonishment as well, the sight reminding him of how some other dragons would tear into their prey or their own hoard in such a beastly fashion. 

Just as the unicorn began to finish off the core of the apple, his dog turned his head towards the alicorn and dragon. Twilight and Spike stared at the animal for a second before it stood up and barked at them.

\\\\\\//////

Jason turned his head up and away from the apple when Dogmeat started barking at the entrance to the alleyway. When he turned, he saw a purple head with dark hair that had a streak of pink in it, along with a horn sticking out like his own. Below that head, however, was a smaller purple shape. This one had green fins on its face, and had eyes like a snake, glowing with an emerald light. As these thoughts processed, Jason stood up, dropping the core of the fruit, and glared at them with a deadly stare.

"Who's there!?" He shouted.

Just as he had called out to them, the shapes darted behind the cover of the building. The Wanderer tried to move forwards, but nearly tripped on one of his bags. When he hit it, a bottle of Vodka and a Stimpack came out onto the dirt. Wary of who might find them, Jason ground one of his forelegs behind the objects, rushing them into the bag. As they came in, Jason flipped the bag onto his side and darted towards the entrance to the space.

The Wanderer turned the corner and rammed straight into a mass of purple before he was knocked back by the collision. Jason hit the ground rather softly (by comparison to previous) and rolled once onto his stomach. He quickly got up and shook himself for a second before he eyed whatever, or in this case, whoever he had run into. What he saw made him go wide-eyed yet again.

The pony before him was entirely purple, like he had seen earlier, with a colored horn that matched her body. She (he assumed by the frame, which was clear after wandering enough) had her hair completely straight and evenly cut, displaying a well-kept shape and tone for her streaked color. Like everyone else, except the smallest ones, she had a brand on her thigh that depicted... something. There was one large purple star atop a large white star, and both were surrounded by five small white stars. The last thing he noticed, however, was that she had wings, like Celestia had. This pony, however, was nowhere near that range in size. In fact, she was smaller than him overall, her only trump card being the length of her horn compared to his, which he also noticed. 

Jason turned his gaze slightly as Dogmeat began to growl at another shape. The second shape was much smaller than a pony, about the size of the young ones. It was mostly purple, like the larger ones, but with great differences. It had two legs underneath most of its body, like a Human, and had a tale. Along its back, up to its head, were green plates that resembles blades that stuck out like broken bones. At either side of the torso were arms that each ended in four claws. This creature lacked any kind of marking, but was wild enough to be considered something dangerous by the Wanderer.

"What is that?" Jason asked to no-one in particular.

When he said that, the pony stood up slowly, holding a leg to her head as she spoke.

"Wha... hold on."

The small purple creature also began to stir, trying to sit up while holding its head.

"Sorry about that," The pony spoke, "I didn't mean to spy on you like that."

Jason huffed a bit before returning his gaze to the unknown creature.

"I'll ask again. What is that?"

\\\\\\//////

Twilight shook her head one last time, trying to pull herself together from a Rainbow Dash-esque collision. As her eyes began to focus, she saw the unicorn standing before her. His gaze was locked, however, on something else. She turned her head and gaped at the sight of Spike sitting a few steps away from her, eye-to-eye with the pony's dog. Who, at the time, was growling with all razor-like teeth bared. 

"Ma'am." The Wanderer stated, snapping Twilight out of her small trance.

She turned towards the pony and spoke.

"Oh, uh, that's Spike, my number one assistant. He's just a baby dragon, and-"

"Baby?" The Wanderer asked turned to her, to which she quickly nodded.

Before she could respond or question, the pony turned to his dog.

"Dogmeat! Down boy!" He called.

The canine then turned to its master before running over to his side, where a blue hoof began to pet the dog's ears.

"Good boy, always alert." The unicorn stated with a smile.

Twilight began to watch in awe as the ferocious animal that almost attacked Spike was now acting like any other domestic pet. As she watched, Spike stood up, carefully inching his way to Twilight's side as he watched the dog with caution. The unicorn eventually stopped and lost his smile as he turned to face the two that were admittedly watching him.

"So," He started, "care to explain why you two were watching me?"

The alicorn gulped uneasily as she tried to formulate a response.

"Well, you see... Mr. Wanderer, is it?" She asked with a raised hoof.

"Just Wanderer is fine." He deadpanned.

"Right." Twilight shifted a bit, trying to think back a ways. "We were... following you, after you met Applejack, and I just wanted to ask if you were the pony that Princess Celestia mentioned was coming to see me. Um, are you, by the way?" She added with a sheepish smile.

"So you're Twilight Sparkle, then." He stated.

At that, she beamed.

"Yes!" She exclaimed, shooting a hoof up.

Noticing the Wanderer's gaze, she laughed nervously as she settled down.

"Sorry, just a bit excited. I've never had the chance to study a pony from outside Equestria, and then Celestia says that I can also help you learn magic and-"

"Hold on there." The Wanderer interrupted, raising a hoof to her. "Study? What do you mean by that?"

"Oh, I just wanted to ask you some questions, take notes, maybe ask you about some differences between where you came from compared to Equestria, and what..." Twilight trailed off as she stared at the device on the stallion's left foreleg, "is... that?" She added, pointing to his foreleg.

\\\\\\//////

Jason followed her foreleg and brought his gaze down to his Pip-Boy 3000.

"Oh, this ol' thing." The Wanderer said with a slight smile. "Pip-Boy 3000, standard for all citizens of Vault 101."

The pony before him gaped a bit and tilted her head at the response. The dragon, however, tried a different approach.

"Looks like a light." He calmly stated.

Twilight shot him a look.

"Spike! Don't insult his things!"

"It's fine." Jason waved off. "Wanna know what it does?"

Twilight then shot her head back up and looked around for a bit.

"Maybe later. Right now, I'd like to offer you something."

"And that would be?" Jason asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, since you don't have anywhere to go right now, and you need to be introduced to Equestrian customs, as well as magic, I think we may be able to help each other. I have a ton of spare rooms, and you need a place to sleep. You need to learn about magic and I happen to be an expert on the subject. I would like to learn about wherever you came from, and couldn't just let you go about without any clue as to what you're getting into with wandering around Equestria. If you'd like, you can stay with me while you learn about magic and Equestria overall, while I can learn about some things from you. It'll be like a trade! Information for information! What do you think?"

Jason tapped his chin in thought. No one in the Wasteland would be trusted in this sort of situation. You don't just offer food, shelter, and, most importantly, knowledge, to someone you don't know unless you plan to kill them in their sleep or use them as a slave after drugging one of their meals. But, then again, this wasn't the Wasteland. This was a new world where everyone seemed to trust each other. Even his greetings when he came to this world were so hospitable that anyone else in his position would have either been reduced to a puddle of praise to everyone around them, or have shot Celestia and moved on to kill some more.

Even more so, Jason wasn't one to shoot down pleads or praise. He wanted to try and find the best of people. He tried to be as open as he could with everyone he met in the Wastes, and even then, it had almost been the death of him. Several times. From disguised Raiders to slavers, all the way up to agents sent by the Enclave in Megaton. It had always saddened the Wanderer, but now, he saw hope in this situation. This pony was offering him so much, for so little. Or maybe it was the other way around, with her wanting to learn about the Wasteland, of all things. 

With no valid currency, no sense of direction, and no way out without making at least one potential enemy, Jason decided what would be one of his most questionable choices by far.

"Miss Sparkle," He started, "I'd be honored to accept."

The pony before him made some weird sound that caused Dogmeat to tilt his head almost ninety degrees to the left as she began to bounce around.

"Oh! This is going to be great! I can't wait to document all of the things we can learn! I need quills and parchment for note taking, sending the Princess reports on your progress..."

As she trailed off about what would be, Jason focused a bit on what he had done. And secretly would have preferred stepping back into the Wasteland for the first time. At least then, it was empty, and only somewhat nightmare inducing. Jason raised a foreleg to stop her rambling.

"But," He stated, causing the pony to stop and turn to him, "on a few conditions. I want to look for some odd-jobs every now and then, because I like to get out. If I go, then Dogmeat goes too, no matter where it is you want me, or need me, to go. If you ask something that I don't think I should answer, I want you to stop pressing for it. Some matters about my past are sensitive, and I don't think you could stomach it. No offense, but I've seen what just the mentioning of some of the things I've been through does to others. Last of all, I want a place to keep my things, and I want the key to wherever it is. If I find out that you try to take or even touch anything, I'm gone, and you'll never see or hear of me ever again."

Twilight dropped her jaw, along with her dragon, as he finished his requirements. Jason sighed as he shook his head a bit before continuing.

"Look, I'm sorry if this seems pressing, but I've been shaped by the lands I'm from, and I need these rules allowed if you want me to adjust. If you don't want to agree with these terms, then I'll be on my way."

The pony looked at the ground for a bit as Jason waited. After about a minute, she looked up at him with determination.

"I accept these terms. And in time, I'll show you that there's no need to ever worry about any of that in Equestria. I promise that in time, you'll grow to trust us."

Jason looked at her gaze, then through her. He could see how sure she was that she would find a way to make a friend out of him, and while he wanted nothing less than that, he still had to make something clear to her.

"I don't doubt that. I'd like to be friends. You seem nice. But what I'm trying to be careful of is making sure that you can stay a trustworthy friend. Becoming my friend is easy. More than I'd like to admit, honestly. But proving that you're reliable is where most of my old friends turned tail and ran."

Twilight stepped back a bit in shock at his words. He wondered if he had just blown his only chance at having a good bed to sleep in tonight, or if he had made an enemy out of Celestia's recommendation already, and proved that he couldn't be trusted. His thoughts were dashed, however, when she nodded briefly and smiled.

"If that's the case, then I'll make sure that you see how reliable I am."

Jason smiled lightly at her sheer will, trying her damn best to prove herself to him. In all aspects, she seemed more than trustworthy for her to keep his name secret. But only time will tell if she can be truly respected enough to learn it. 

"If you want, I can show you where you can stay for now. You could lock up your saddlebags and walk around town, if you'd like." She added.

The Wanderer nodded.

"That'd be nice, thanks."

With that, the two began to walk off towards the edge of the small town, unknowingly being followed by a light blue blur with a rainbow streak.

\\\\\\//////

Celestia once again found herself wandering about Canterlot Castle's interior, contemplating the situation her kingdom was in. In the past few hours, she had gone through countless papers and letters, trying to get her to allow a Black-Hawks team to clear and secure any and all cave-like expanses in all areas around the mountainous area of Canterlot's boundaries. While they were indeed calm and collected in their discussion, their reasons for worry and justifications were far from meeting their composure. 

"Dear sister, you must not take these problems to heart."

The Princess turned around and smiled at the sight of her little sister.

"Hello Luna. How are you doing?"

Luna smiled as she approached her older sibling.

"Fine, Tia. I just wanted to make sure that you're fine as well."

Celestia frowned as she drew in a large breath for a sigh. Luna watched her sister carefully as she noted the features that became ever more present on her sister's form.

"Sister, tell me what ails you." Luna demanded.

"Luna, you've heard about the Diamond Dog renegades that are attacking, right?" Celestia asked, turning towards Luna.

"Of course. Is that truly the reason for this stress, though? I know for a fact that even with this threat alone, you aren't nearly as overwhelmed as this. I remember back when the Griffons tried to take Equestria while the first tribes came together. They had massive advantages of almost every scale imaginable, and yet you weren't as pressed as you are now. And these renegades, as you so put it, should barely be considered a threat. My Night Guard patrols have already swept the cavernous areas around Canterlot, and have found no traces as to indicate any sort of disturbance."

Celestia chuckled lightly.

"I knew you would have figured me out first. Come with me." She said before teleporting away.

In a duo of flashes, Celestia and Luna were in a private meeting chamber that had been cleared out recently. Fortunately, it was void of any other Nobles so the sisters could talk.

"Lulu, I think I should let you know something. Something important that I found... recently."

Luna's expression went to concern as she moved towards her sister.

"What's wrong, Tia?"

Celestia sighed as she sat on her haunches. Luna followed suit as she wrapped a wing around her sister.

"Hopefully, it's nothing to worry about, but... I was in our old castle last night. I did some thinking and-"

"You decided to try and date like I told you to!?" Luna beamed.

"Wha- N-NO!" Celestia stated with a blush. "I meant that I was thinking when something happened!"

Luna's smile dropped. "Oh. Hehe... sorry." 

"Anyways, while I was thinking, a light came up near me and something flew out of it, flying right into me. When I woke up, I saw a stallion lying next to me."

Luna gasped.

"Sister, were thou truly pillaged by some rogue stallion!?" She barked, her mane glowing with power. "I shall sicken unto him-"

"LUNA!" Celestia snapped. "Let. Me. Finish!"

The younger sister smiled sheepishly as Celestia cleared her throat.

"When I woke up, the stallion was unconscious, and I found out he wasn't alone. He had a rather large dog with him, which almost attacked me because I was too close, apparently."

"Wait, hold on," Luna interjected, "a dog almost attacked you because you were too close to its master? Did this stallion train it to attack anypony that got close or something?"

Celestia managed a smile.

"I believe it was because of how much it trusted its master. After he woke up, I spoke with him and found out how he got in the middle of the Everfree."

"Through that light you mentioned, right?"

Celestia nodded.

"Except I thought it was a spell. It turns out that it was a portal device. He told me that he was from another world."

Luna then stifled a laugh.

"Did you really believe that?"

"The stallion had no idea who I was and told me that he wasn't a subject that I could boss around."

Luna's gaze went stone-cold as Celestia continued.

"Besides that, he talked about the world he came from and how he got here. In the end, I thought it would have been the right thing to direct him to Ponyville, and have him meet with Twilight."

"Why? If he's truly from another world, how do you know what his intentions are?"

"That's why I'm stressed Luna. I'm still trying to figure out if letting him go was the right thing to do. But I looked into his eyes as we talked, and when he told me about where he was from, I saw every painful memory it brought to him."

Luna leaned in as she noticed a tear roll down her sister's cheek.

"His world... it was so grim. So horrifying. I only saw a fraction of what he saw and already it's clear to me that he's seen more violence than even we have, Lulu. And the pain... I could see his suffering, his guilt, his loss. And I understood it. I knew how he felt about that loss, the weight of the decisions, and I saw him... as somepony like me. I heard about his world, saw a small amount of the terror it held and what he was carrying. And I just let him go off into Equestria. I told him about Twilight and how she could teach him about this world he's in and just let him go."

"Sister," Luna started, "maybe you let him go because you saw a bit of yourself in him. Perhaps you saw something in him that meant you knew he could be trusted. Maybe he reminded you of a certain aspect that you had been longing for once, or because he's shared in your pain, as you put it. If you were to discuss this, I'm sure that the two of you would be able to see eye-to-eye on his terms of staying here."

Celestia sighed.

"I hope that I haven't made the wrong choice in letting him go to Ponyville. Maybe I should wait until Twilight sends me another letter."

"You asked her to look into this stallion?"

"Yes. I told her that he wishes to learn about magic and Equestrian society, being alien to it, and she wanted to ask him about his world and what it was like outside of Equestria."

"What if she goes digging too deep, sister? You said that he talked about how horrible his world is and how much pain it caused."

"I can only hope that he doesn't discuss that with her. But, if he does, I'm sure that Twilight can handle the words he gives her. She's handled plenty in her line of duty." Celestia finished with a smile.

Luna closely watched as her sister began to nuzzle her, and returned the gesture in that same instance.

"Thank you, Luna."

"Of course, dear sister."
> Chapter 7
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight walked out ahead of the Wanderer, with Spike perched on her back. "Twi, are you really sure about this?" the dragon asked. "I mean, I don't really like the looks he's giving me." Spike turned around to see the Wanderer shoot him a gaze of what looked to be a warning and curiosity mixed in... somewhere.

The dragon snapped his head back around forwards as Twilight continued. "Spike, you heard him talk about where he's from. He's probably just never seen a dragon before, or maybe he's just being careful. To him, everything here is an unknown, and therefore, potentially dangerous."

"Come on, have you seen the looks?! I think he could kill a timberwolf with that!"

"Spike!" Twilight hissed, trying to keep the conversation quiet.

"What? Seriously, he could out-stare Fluttershy's Stare!"

"I know you're not too comfortable now, but come on, Spike, if he gets to know you, then you won't have anything to be afraid of, right? Celestia told me that he can't even use magic yet. Do you really expect something that bad to happen? Besides, he's giving me a chance to study him and I want to learn as much as I can about where he's from."

"He called it a wasteland, Twilight," Spike deadpanned. "That should be enough."

"Well, maybe somepony wants to know how it got like that," she retorted.

Just as Spike was about to say something else, a shadow cast itself over them and drew Twilight's gaze. When she turned her head, she saw her castle lying before her.

\\\\\\//////

Jason was practically speechless at the sight. In front of him was what looked like a massive... tree, made out of giant purple crystals. Every surface shined boldly in multiple directions, and the spotless surfaces stretched outwards, giving shape to the structure. Atop the expanse of snaking crystals were walls of a building that shot upwards even further. Along certain parts, balconies could be seen being supported and covered by railings that looked to be made of pure gold. Finally, at the top of the structure, was a star that resembled the symbol on the side of Twilight Sparkle's hind legs.

With a quick motion, the Wanderer looked back at Twilight with a mixed feeling in his gut. 'The Hell is this?' he thought to himself. 'Did she make this? Is this what magic can do?'

While he thought this, Twilight continued her walk, moving ahead of him and up to the massive doors at the top of a golden staircase. She unlocked them and turned back to Jason. Turning back, she saw the stallion standing stock still a ways back. "Um, you can come inside now."

The Wanderer looked back at the pony before him as her horn glowed. Jason noticed that the doors gave off the same aura. As he processed this, he walked forwards into the massive structure, scoping out the interior. The main hall stretched at least another hundred meters ahead into a massive room with tall thrones, each with a symbol on it. Jason tilted his head and looked up and around to examine the perfectly cut crystal walls that beamed brilliantly. The ceiling reached almost out of view. He continued down a red carpet, almost tripping over the feel of fabric.

As he spotted four doors along the walls before him, two on each side, Jason stopped walking for a second to look around the massive entrance.

Twilight was trying to open one door on the left side with the purple glow. "Come on," she strained, just as the door swung open. Twilight peered inside, then motioned with one of her forelegs inside with a smile. "Here's your room," she added.

Jason looked inside and dropped his jaw a bit more as he examined the interior. It had a matching crystallyne theme that went with the rest of the castle, except much smaller. The ceiling could actually be seen, peaking at about three meters above the floor. To the left of the door was a massive bed covered with a plush, thick, green fabric that looked as though it was made of clouds. The bed itself lay within a frame of wood that was carved from a deep brown wood, which looked as though it was still growing, inside the room. Beside the bed was a large chest that had a key placed atop it, with a golden frame that stood out from the solitary purple of the box beneath it. At the far end of the room was a table with two chairs and two doors that each had a key inside their locks, ready for use. Overall, the room reminded him of his home in Megaton, only built to perfection with crystals. He looked back to see the pony smiling at him, while Dogmeat was busy with staring at the dragon. "Thanks," he stated simply as he entered.

The Wanderer made his way over to the chest and tried to get the key off the top of it. He tried to move it with his nonexistent hands, before deadpanning at the object and resorting to grabbing it with his mouth and raising his right foreleg. With some effort, he slipped the key into a pocket by his shoulder for the moment. Jason then moved his foreleg forwards to open the box, and once that was done, he propped the top of it against the wall before moving his bags around. With some struggle, Jason managed to move them to his front, slipping them off into the box.

One of the straps took the Stetson with it, causing the Wanderer to reach for the hat as it fell. He held it carefully between his forelegs before slowly placing it atop his head with a heavy sigh.

\\\\\\//////

Twilight watched the small display with both intrigue and embarrassment. It was interesting to see how the Wanderer was able to move the bags without a clip or trying to move anything with magic. At the same time, however, it was a bit like watching a foal with the way he handled his Stetson between his hooves, even though he was a unicorn. "You really don't know how to use magic?"

The Wanderer turned around to face her as he pushed the hat down firmly onto his head. "Yeah. Guess I never got around to it."

Twilight felt a poke by her side and looked to Spike, who was staring at a statue-still Dogmeat. "Twi," he started, "can I go somewhere else?"

The alicorn sighed. "Sure, Spike. Try to be careful, though."

As she finished, the dragon ran off into the depths of the castle, leaving the alicorn and dog to stare at each other. The dog then barked twice.

Just as Twilight was about to walk away, the Wanderer came out of the room. "I hate to ask so early, but can we start learning about how I'm supposed to use magic?"

Twilight gasped. "Yes! I know just the place we can practice!"

"Lead the way."

Twilight smiled at the unicorn as she turned around and began to move towards the main door. "Spike!" She called. "I'm going to town with the Wanderer! We'll be back soon!"

With that, the alicorn, the unicorn and his dog all exited the front door to the estate.

\\\\\\//////

The three walked along the path to the treeline of the Everfree Forest for a few minutes in silence before one of them broke the tension. "Can I ask you something real quick?" the Wanderer asked.

Twilight turned back to the unicorn. "Um, sure? What is it?"

"That dragon, or whatever it is, back when you saw me in that alley, what's the deal with it?"

"Oh, you mean Spike?" She said with a smile. "I hatched him from an egg a few years ago, actually. It was when I first became Princess Celestia's student."

"Do we have anything to worry about him?"

"Oh, not at all. He's harmless. You know, he was actually saying that you were giving him some funny looks on the way to the castle."

"Sorry about that, but where I'm from, it pays to be careful about what you don't know. Especially small scaled creatures."

"Do you not have dragons?"

"Only in mythology."

"Interesting..." Twilight pondered.

"Well, thanks for letting me stay in your castle, or whatever that is. It's been a while since someone offered a helping... uh..."

The Wanderer paused, looking as though he were thinking of the right word.

"Hoof?" Twilight offered.

"So that's what they are..." he muttered to himself.

"Don't worry about it. I just want to make sure that you have a safe time here in Ponyville," she added with a smile.

"Thanks anyways. By the way, what was with you finding me in the alley earlier?"

Twilight's pupils shrunk as a bead of sweat started to form on her brow. "Um, well... I kinda, saw you talking with Applejack and I wanted to make sure that I introduced myself before you could..."

"Wander off?" The Wanderer offered with a smirk.

Twilight chuckled a bit. "Good one. Actually, I want to ask something too."

"Shoot."

"What was with those bottle caps you tried to pay her with?"

"Where I'm from, we use caps as currency instead. Since there's no way to manufacture any more than there are now, some merchants a few decades ago thought they'd be a great way to make sure we don't have any kind of inflation while rebuilding the Wasteland."

"Wow... Can you tell me about this 'Great War' sometime? I've never heard of some war that's lead to leaving an entire country like a Wasteland."

"Maybe some day." The Wanderer stated flatly. "When you're ready."

"What does that mean?" Twilight asked, turning to face him.

"It means we're at the forest," he deadpanned, pointing a hoof to the trees before them. Twilight turned to see the trees that marked the edge of the Everfree Forest looming before them. Before she could say anything, the Wanderer moved next to her. "Let's go for it," he said before walking right through some of the bushes, with Dogmeat following full of enthusiasm.

Twilight watched them go further into the thicket before realizing that she was lagging behind, and shooting off to catch up.

\\\\\\//////

When the three emerged from the thick foliage of the Everfree's entrance, Jason looked into the clearing and saw a hut that was made out of a tree, which was decorated by painted wooden masks out in front of it. Twilight walked out in front of him and went for the wooden door. She raised a hoof to knock on it, but stopped when she saw a note taped to its surface.

Jason walked next to her to hear her read the note. "'My friends who may find this, I am leaving for my homeland for a while to catch up with relatives and to trade some notes of mine with my brother. I will be back in the next two moon cycles. Take care. Zecora.' That's weird, she usually rhymes her words when she talks."

Jason looked at the piece of paper that Twilight held in her magic. He noticed something hidden on the opposite side of the paper. "There's something written on the other side."

Twilight looked at him before flipping the note over and reading the new lines of text. "'If you are wondering why I did not rhyme the previous lines, then you haven't heard that I don't need to keep that up with everything I say in general, especially in what I write.' Huh."

Twilight levitated the note back onto the door and then turned to the Wanderer. "Well, looks like we've got this area to practice on our own."

"Why did you want to take me here in the first place?" Jason asked, raising an eyebrow.

"It's just that when I was trying to improve my magic a few months ago, Zecora helped teach me some breathing and concentration techniques that worked wonders. I thought that, if she helped teach you those exercises, then you'd be able to learn magic faster."

"Don't worry, I'm a fast learner. Now, what should we start with?"

Twilight beamed for a second before taking a few calming breaths, motioning her forelegs towards her and then away from her. Jason looked to his side to see Dogmeat not present. He turned to look for his companion before finding him sniffing at the edges of the hut, so he turned back to Twilight to see her bring several rocks and twigs towards him. She dropped the objects between them and spoke to Jason. "Alright, our first lesson is the most basic of techniques, levitation. This requires a low level of focus and concentration, and it's often the most used spell by all unicorns to do mundane things like chores or eating and such. I think that since you're... how old?"

Jason tapped his chin in deep thought, remembering back to his time in the Vault, and his last birthday. "Twenty. Going on twenty-one soon."

"Really?" Twilight blinked in surprise. "When?"

"Uh... July 13th?" Jason said, praying that they shared the same calendar system.

"Oh, that's just a few weeks away! Congratulations!"

Jason sighed in relief while thanking every deity ever recorded by anyone ever. "Well, I'll consider this an early birthday gift, I guess."

"Great! So, the first thing you should do, is take some deep breaths. Calm yourself and your magic before we start."

Jason nodded to Twilight and began to inhale slowly. As he did, thoughts ran through his mind, like how he was going to try and fit in with the world around him now, and what he would do to pay back the money he already owed. When he exhaled and eyed the rocks and sticks before him, he allowed those thoughts to be pushed back again.

"Good," Twilight commented, watching his motions. "Now, I want you to visualize the objects in front of you. Focus on nothing but those objects, right there."

The Wanderer again found himself going back to previous thoughts, like how he would keep his equipment in shape without proper replacement parts here in Equestria, what he would do with his caps, and on how the sticks and stones before him reminded him of all the graves he had visited in his travels. Once more, he pushed those thoughts out of his head and focused on the objects before him.

"Alright, some progress, I see." Twilight said with a smile. "Now, here comes the moment of truth. Try and put some images to mind, like picking up the rocks and sticks. Think of the use of magic like an extension of yourself. Just reach out and grab them."

Jason thought back to when he first arrived in Equestria when she stated this. He remembered leaving the Everfree Forest with Dogmeat as he played a song on his Pip-Boy. Just as the two were going to walk along a path, he had focused on turning one of the Pip-Boy's knobs and saw a flash of brown light highlight the device before the desired effect came to him. The Wanderer focused on that memory, trying to recreate the sensation as he stared at the pile of assorted junk before him.

As the Wanderer narrowed his eyes, the sticks and stones started glowing a faint brown. Both him and Twilight almost went slack-jawed when the pile was lifted into the air in a half-second and came together into a singular mass before him. The unicorn blinked in surprise a few times before realizing the sensation of using magic. 'Like having an invisible set of arms,' he thought to himself. 'I wonder if I could use my old weapons like this...'

With that thought, Jason rearranged the sticks into a rifle's shape and moved on to focusing on how to grip certain parts of it. Seconds later, the collection of rocks and sticks looked like a large club, held like the hunting rifle he was thinking of. 'Feels just like it. Yeah, this should work with my weapons, if I practice enough.'

Twilight walked over to him with a wide smile as he released his hold on the mass of debris. "That was great! You've already got the gist of levitation down in almost no time at all! It almost looks like you've known how to use magic!"

"I've gotta admit, it felt... almost natural."

"That's what you've been missing as a unicorn for so long. And now that you've got that down, we can start focusing on how far you can take it."

"Yeah, I'd like to see how far this can go, too." Jason then looked behind Twilight. "Now I have a quick question about this forest."

Twilight raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

"Are there wolves that are made of tree bark in here?"

"You mean timberwolves? Yes, there are, but why would you-" Twilight stopped mid-sentence as she realized the purpose of the question. She turned around slowly to look at the situation that the Wanderer had just mentioned: a timberwolf was sniffing at Dogmeat's backside, which in turn was sniffing the timberwolf's as they walked around in a circle.

"Just making sure I wasn't on any sort of hallucinogen, thanks," Jason deadpanned lightly, before he saw Twilight's pupils shrink to pricks as she stared at the wolf.

\\\\\\//////

Twilight looked on in terror as the timberwolf and the Wanderer's pet sniffed at each other. She looked to her right and saw that the Wanderer was just watching the two with some degree of fascination. "So," he asked, "are they poisonous?"

Twilight blinked a few times before shifting her gaze towards the Everfree creature in question. "... no, they're not, but they are highly territorial and travel in large packs... so I think we should get out of here very soon."

The Wanderer nodded before raising a hoof next to his mouth. "Dogmeat!" he called. "Here, boy, we're leaving!"

Twilight turned to him with a shocked expression before shooting her sight back towards the timberwolf. Much to her surprise, the 	Wanderer's dog simply ran up to his master's side, while the Timberwolf merely stood where it was and barked amicably towards the two. The Wanderer's dog barked back before the Timberwolf turned towards the bushes and vanished into the darkness of the forest, rustling the foliage.

The alicorn turned back to see the Wanderer and Dogmeat looking at her with a shared look of confusion. "Are you alright?" the Wanderer asked.

"How... they... Timberwolf... what?" She managed, pointing to the empty space where the creature stood before.

"You said we should get out, right? So let's go."

Twilight blinked a few times before simply nodding, being thankful for the sudden drastic change in the behavior of the wildlife. The three made way for the path to the exit of the forest as the Sun began to shade the sky in an orange cloak, its descent making their time consumed apparent.

\\\\\\//////

Jason watched on as Twilight once more opened the massive doors to the castle as he continued to think about his progressing situation. 

"Twilight?"

The princess turned around in the middle of the opening.

"Yes?"

"I just wanted to say thanks, again, for letting me stay here." Jason stated, raising a hoof to rub the back of his head. "Back where I'm from, the only way someone would offer this is if they have something to get out of it, like caps or labor."

Twilight smiled at him.

"Don't mention it."

As she began to turn around once more, Jason had a quick thought.

"By chance," The Wanderer started, "do you have any books I could read about Equestria? You know, some studying?"

Twilight froze mid-step as he finished voicing his question. Slowly and steadily, Twilight turned around to greet Jason's sight with one of the most... abundant smiles he had ever seen.

"You can bet your hat I do!" She beamed before taking off into the massive building.

Jason shrugged before going inside and closing the large doors as Dogmeat scurried off towards their room. The Wanderer looked up and around the empty foyer of the castle for a few seconds before a large flash popped a few feet in front of him. When the flash died down, Twilight was standing and smiling with a mountain of books in pristine condition.

"I have all kinds of things that you can study into! There's Equestrian History and Folklore, ancient struggles of the first Tribes, 1001 uses of magic, Scholar's Edition, and of course, Equestria 101: The Outsider's Tips to Trade and Travel! So, which subject do you want to look into first? Magic, History, or fundamentals of Equestria?"

The Wanderer stared at the mass of information before him before blinking a few times as he weighed his options.

"Hmm. I think I'll just... take them all for now. Is that okay?"

Twilight's jaw almost dropped to the ground before she smiled widely and flared her horn up once more. In a flash, the books vanished.

"Okay, what is that you keep doing?" Jason asked.

"You mean the teleportation spell?" Twilight asked with a raised eyebrow.

"So that's what it is? Huh. Never cared for teleporting, really."

"Why not?"

"Takes the fun out of the journey."

"Oh, right. Still, they're all in your room, next to your bed on a shelf."

Jason nodded before he began to trek towards the door to his quarters.

"One more thing," Twilight stated, "great job today, with the practice. Do you want to try something new tomorrow, or just keep focusing on that?"

"Actually, I'd like to try something else, yeah." Jason stated as he passed through the opening to the room. "Good night, Miss Sparkle."

"Good night, Mister Wanderer."

With that, Twilight vanished in a flash as Jason shook his head with a chuckle.

"Teleporting. Who needs it? Friggin aliens." 

Jason closed the door behind him as he examined the room once more. Dogmeat was propped on the massive bed, curled up on a large pillow. To the side of the bed, along the wall, were all the books that Twilight had brought down to him from... somewhere. Again, he found himself as an astute observant of magical practice in this new world. He shifted his gaze to the chest where he had placed his belongings earlier. Instead of reaching with his mouth, however, Jason focused on his magic once more, and watched with a smug look as the key levitated from his sleeve and into the lock on the chest.

As the lock clicked open, the smile on Jason's face vanished. He lifted the top of the chest and looked inside of the space within, easily finding the bags that held all of his belongings. With a thought, he levitated the bags out of the chest and walked with them to the table on the far side of the room. Jason placed the first bag on the surface as the other two were hung on the chair opposite of him. The Wanderer tried to sit down on the chair for a moment, shuffling awkwardly as his backside refused to abide to his demands. He responded by simply moving the chair out of the way as he laid the contents of the bag out before him.

Jason examined the spread of the weapons from his travels, stopping his gaze on the closest to him, the 10mm Pistol. With his magic, Jason grabbed onto the handle of the gun and slowly lifted it beside his face. He examined the weapon closely, as if for the first time, all the while feeling the cold metal in his non-existent grip. Jason imagined using his left hand to cock the weapon, and then began to focus on that. As he did, a blob of brown-tinted energy began to form around the back of the gun, and for the first time in a while, Jason heard the familiar click of the 10mm Pistol.

The Wanderer lowered the weapon back onto the surface of the table as he continued to examine the rest of the objects that were poured out in front of him. The Tesla Cannon stuck out vividly amongst the crystalline and wooden features of the room, drawing Jason's gaze over to it. Jason stared at it for a moment, simply shaking his head at the device before another idea came to mind. He looked back at the chest on the other side of the room and walked over to it, Tesla Cannon in tow. When he came up to the wooden box, he deposited the massive weapon inside of its bounds before turning back to the remaining weapons.

After a trip to the other side of the room once more, Jason laid out most of the contents of all of his bags onto the table, including the three 5mm ammo boxes which he repuropsed as containers. The first had all of his Caps, the second with most of his ammo, and the third he checked to ensure that it still contained all of his Stimpacks. Thankfully, nothing was lost in his transition of worlds. With a thought, Jason began to separate some of the Stimpacks and spare ammo for his smaller weapons into their own little pile. The rest of his belongings (save for one bottle of Vodka), including the Caps, were all put into their respective bags and then into the chest. The box was then shut and locked as Jason examined the small necessities he had arranged for himself.

In the stand-alone pile were 5 Stimpacks, 48 rounds for the 10mm, 12 rounds for the .44, the respective weapons, all 60 of his Bobby Pins, and the Power-Fist. Jason eyed the weapon carefully, mentally calculating all of the dimensions of the hydraulic device as he examined it, convinced that it looked smaller for some reason. Eventually, Jason just shrugged it off and brought all of the assorted items towards the final bag. Before he could fill the bag, however, Jason looked inside and saw a large set of faded numbers staring back at him. The armored suit with the label "101". Jason stared at the suit for a moment before simply placing all of the items above it, sealing the bag, and hanging it on the chair beside him.

The Wanderer yawned slowly and silently as he approached the large mattress. Jason raised a hoof to its surface and felt it sink slowly into its mass. Before it could sink too far in, however, Jason lifted himself onto the bed with a heave and plopped himself onto the soft surface. With a sigh, Jason allowed his form to sink as he took in how soft the bed actually was. After a moment, Jason felt the rim of his Stetson brush the back of his neck. Jason rose up and picked up the hat with his magic. As he placed the hat on a space atop the chest, Jason shifted the covers with his hooves and dug himself into the cool fabrics that pelted his senses with pleasant sensations.

Jason looked over towards the shelf of books next to him and decided to do some reading before he would sleep. He picked a book at random before grabbing it with his magic and pulling it close to his face as he propped himself on a few pillows. The Wanderer settled in place as he examined the book before him, challenging his intellect, daring him to dig into the contents within.

"Alright books," Jason whispered with a smirk, careful to not wake Dogmeat, "time to learn. Let's start with this. 'Anatomical Terminology: First Edition.' Bring it on."
> Chapter 8
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Celestia watched as her sister's moon was raised into the sky alongside the blinking of her stars taking their place amongst the vast expanse. She smiled when she looked down from her balcony to see her sister being cheered on by gatherers below, who had been watching her display with great interest. It warmed the Sun Princess's heart to see their subjects give her sister such welcoming cheers and praise, and it certainly showed on Luna as well.

Just as the Princess turned around, a green flame rolled up before her and dropped a scroll onto the ground before her. She picked it up with her magic, unfurled it, and began to read.



		Dear Princess Celestia,

I wanted to let you know that the "Wanderer" is staying at my castle for the time being. He told me that when he can, he will find his own place and has agreed to let me help teach him magic in exchange for knowledge from his own homeland. Just today, I helped him figure out levitation, but it was as though he had his fair share of experience with it. He also said something about not wanting to teleport, as it seems like cheating or such. While we were working on his magic, however, a Timberwolf came up near us and paid no mind to us at all. In fact, it looked as though it didn't even care we were there. I'll let you know about his progress and what I learn from him as soon as I can. 

-Sincerely
Twilight Sparkle



Celestia reread the passage to ensure that she had read it correctly, and then slowly rolled it back up when she realized that she had read it correctly.

"A creature from the Everfree..." She pondered. "No... they never just, let another creature be. Not unless they know they can't take it down."

Celestia stared back out over the expanse of Equestria, or rather, as much as she could from her balcony. A sigh escaped her lips as she eyed Twilight's castle.

'He better not hurt her, or I swear to Faust,' She thought.

\\\\\\//////	

Jason yawned loudly as he closed the book before him and placed it on the pile next to him. A quick glance showed the Wanderer that he had just read quite a few books. Enough to stack above the height of the bed. He thought about how many he had actually read, and nodded slowly as he recounted the number a few more times.

"Twenty-eight." He stated slowly.

Beside him, Dogmeat stirred and rose with a yawn before casting a glance towards him.

"Sorry, boy." Jason stated, reaching over to pet his friend. "I must have spent a while reading about Equestria. At least now, though, I might have a grasp at some terminology." The Wanderer trailed off as he rose from the sheets and hopped off of the bed. "Instead of hands, since ponies don't have any, it's hoof. And instead of man and woman," Jason strained as he arced his back, eliciting several cracks and pops to rock through him, "it's stallion and mare. A few more terms here and there like filly, colt, foal, and basically just any word that associates with roles just switches them out for the usual placement, like guardstallion instead of guardsman."

The Wanderer continued on his small recap of what he had absorbed as he made his way towards the table, which held an alluring bottle that called his darker desires. As he approached, he heard a whine from Dogmeat. Jason turned around to see the dog looking at him with sad eyes and drooped ears.

"Look, it's to help me get through this, alright?" Jason explained. "I don't need to add your judgement, too."

With that, he turned towards the bottle of fluid and reached out with his magic, thankfully having practiced it the entire time he had been reading. The cork popped off of the top as Jason took in the scent of alcohol.

"Ah, Vodka." He sighed out.

The bottle then found itself being pressed against his lips and lifted so that the inner fluids could rush down the Wanderer's throat. A surge of disgust and numbness attacked his senses as the liquid painkiller did its job, thankfully. When the bottle was half-empty, Jason raised it up and examined the exterior once more. He gave a sigh and placed it in the bag hanging from the chair beside him.

"<bark, bark!>"

Jason turned back to Dogmeat and gave him a glare.

"In case I need some later. Besides, it's not like-"

A knock on the door interrupted the Wanderer as a voice called from the other side.

\\\\\\//////

"I heard you were up, so I thought I'd come and tell you that Spike made breakfast. If you want some, just come to the back of the castle, behind the thrones." Twilight stated.

She heard shuffling on the other side as she assumed the Wanderer was getting something together. After a few seconds, the door opened, and there stood the unicorn, hat and all.

"Thank you. I'll be there in a bit." He stated before closing the door.

Twilight smiled lightly and turned back to start her morning with some breakfast.

\\\\\\//////

"Ah, shit." Jason stated with a chuckle.

He stared at the display on his Pip-Boy, reading the current time, which was apparently still relevant, since most people, Wasteland or anywhere, are up around 8:00.

"Well, another sleepless night. Whatever. Guess I'll just sleep later." He shrugged before going towards the opposite doors.

The Wanderer eyed the two entrances while shifting to either side. He considered what may be behind either door, and decided to see what the left held. With his magic, he reached out and felt the smooth, hard surface of the handle before twisting it. On the other side was a clean room that held a large tub to the left, and opposite the door was a sink, mounted to the wall. Atop that, was a mirror. In that mirror, for the first time, Jason saw himself. The new him. The Equestrian him.

Jason approached the mirror and carefully examined every part of himself. His face and body were still covered in the same clue coat that matched his jumpsuit. To his initial assumption, the jumpsuit had indeed lost its lower half, as his hind-legs were exposed. Upon his flank, was a mark. A "Cutie Mark," if what the medical journal said was to be trusted. The thought of having something like that made him shiver in disgust. However, when he saw it, he turned his back half towards the mirror and gaped at what he saw. On his flank, was an image of an atom being split in half. 

When he finished examining the mark, he examined the jumpsuit a bit more, noting how some spots were coated with a thin layer of dirt, along with his coat of fur. Some spots were torn apart, exposing the fur underneath. A quick step back allowed him to see the way the sleeves were still rolled up on his forelegs, right below the knees. His gaze continued upwards, until he saw his face. His hair, or mane, rather, was still horribly messy, as though he had never combed in his life (which was true, in a sense, since he had chosen to never use one for the past 12 years). It was still brown, thankfully, instead of any other color or shape he had seen as of late. His Stetson seemed to rest behind the ears which were now atop his head, pointed upwards slightly. He noticed that the right one seemed cut, though he wasn't sure how that had happened, considering he couldn't remember ever having a scar on his ear. On his forehead, rested a blue horn that seemed to blend its base with the fur on his head, as it fused into his skull. The sensation of the new part made him uncomfortable at times, but when he used magic, it felt as though he were using his arms again, so there was that.

Finally, he shifted his gaze down to his eyes. They were indeed massive, like every other pony he had passed, being the size of plates. Again, they shared the same brown color as his hair, and had the same feel behind them. The same sense of death, tiredness, emptiness, and just down-right coldness of the man he once was. The killer that he faced every morning. The destroyer that refused to quell. Once more, he felt his own soul reflected onto him, and indeed, he felt it. The wrath of one that proclaims justice and liberty, yet will rush to end a life if it opposes them in the slightest. The pain of the Wanderer. The Lone Wanderer.

Just as he continued to examine his scarred face, Dogmeat got up from the bed and started to scratch at the door. Jason turned around and walked over to the door alongside Dogmeat.

"Alright, let's go get breakfast." He said to his companion.

A thought crossed his mind as he turned to reach for his bag. Another thought came and the item was levitated over to him, and placed upon his chest before being secured around his waist-line. With a smile, he opened the door and allowed Dogmeat to rush out before him. The canine sniffed at the air for a few seconds before barking towards the hallway. Jason chuckled as Dogmeat shot off towards the scent of food.

Jason breathed in the faint scent through his nostrils, and felt the effects instantly. His stomach began to rumble loudly as his mouth began to desperately salivate in preparation for what was being promised. With some extra effort and a mind set on nothing else, the Wanderer began to run... gallop, towards the scent.

As he did, he passed by more doors along the same hallway, all with identical insignias on the center. When he reached the main chamber of the caste, he slowed down and looked up in wonder at the scale of the rotunda. In the center were six thrones, each with a different mark. Three of them caught his eye, as they resembled the "Cutie Marks" of three "mares" he had met thus far. Three apples, three butterflies, and the purple and white stars, all matched that of Applejack, Fluttershy, and of course, Twilight. Another glance upwards convinced Jason that the chamber could fit the Washington Monument before he forced himself to locate the food which was teasing him with its mere scent.

Jason examined the space behind the thrones for a few seconds before locating the opening to the next area. He quickened his pace and found himself walking through another doorway. On the other side was a large, open area that held dual staircases to a balcony level held above the rest of the room, with doors across the wall behind the railing. Below the raised platform, were books galore, spread across most of the walls in the entire space, save for near the doors and windows. To the right of the loft was an assortment of furnishings that reminded him of Tenpenny Tower's lobby, except made of finer fabrics, and not over 200 years old. To the left was a large archway that lead to a nice, wooden area that held what looked to be a kitchen, and thankfully, had an occupied table.

The Wanderer moved towards the table as Twilight waved at him.

"Good morning," She stated while levitating a fork, "sleep well?"

Jason stopped for a second as he thought of an answer.

"Uh... not really. Spent most of the night reading what you gave me."

Twilight smiled as Jason went towards the cushioned seat on the opposite end of the table.

"Really? What did you read?"

Jason examined the soft padding on the chair before positioning his rear towards it. He lifted his flank and was able to finally lean in and sit down on it, thankfully.

"Ahh... Oh, just some medical terminology, some basic societal guidelines, you know, the works. Practiced some levitation while I read, though."

"Well that's good. I'm glad to hear that you're adjusting."

With that, Twilight levitated a plate over to Jason. When he looked down, he had to fight to keep his jaw from dropping and pouring his saliva over the table. The dish had two shining, clean eggs, alongside some fried strings of some kind to the side, and a pile of cooked mush with some spices on it. From what Jason could remember from the the Wasteland's 200 year-old foods, it was more than likely potatoes. 

"I must say again, Miss Sparkle, thank you for letting me stay here as well as feeding my little buddy and I."

Dogmeat then barked in response, causing Jason to look over the edge, where he saw Dogmeat eating from a rather expensive looking bowl. Inside were splattered remains of eggs and potatoes. Jason shook his head with a smile, knowing that the poor pieces of food never stood a chance.

Just as he looked back at his plate, Jason's stomach made a rather present grumbling sound that echoed throughout the cavernous loft. He froze and examined the rest of the table, noting that both Twilight and Spike were staring at him wide-eyed with questioning gazes.

'Right. Haven't eaten anything in the past few days. Besides that apple.' He thought to himself.

"Umm..." Spike started, "are you alright?"

"Yeah, just... hungry." Jason stated, trying to move past the awkwardness of the situation.

The other two occupants of the table looked at each other and shrugged before returning to their meals. Jason looked down at the plate once more and licked his lips as he reached out with magic and grabbed a fork and knife, ready to devour it like a Raider on Psycho.

A swift motion of the tools in his grasp, and the fork held a chunk of all three different food items. Jason hefted the fork into his mouth, and in that moment, he experienced taste on a grand scale. Spices danced across his tongue as the textures made began to fill between his cheeks, filling his entire jaw with satisfaction that even Vault Birthday Cake couldn't match if it were cooked to perfection. He looked down at the plate, unaware that he had swallowed the food he had barely chewed, and began to tear into the plate like a Deathclaw.

\\\\\\//////

Twilight and Spike found themselves shifting back slightly as they watched the Wanderer literally tear into the food placed before him. At first, the alicorn wasn't sure if she should worry about the display, but before she could say anything, the plate was already being licked clean. She blinked a few times in shock before she realized that the unicorn had actually picked up the plate and was licking it. When he placed it down, his eyes were wide, and his muzzle coated with egg and bits of hay fries. He gave out a sigh and relaxed into the chair.

"Uh..." Twilight stated, unaware that she was even trying to speak.

The Wanderer shot his head back up and moved his gaze between her and Spike. He quickly raised a hoof to clean his face.

"S-sorry about that," He started, "it's just, I've never had something like... that, before."

Spike smirked as he gave a fake cough.

"Well, I do know my way around a kitchen, right Twi?" He asked, raising an eyebrow to her.

Twilight merely sighed as she turned her attention towards the Wanderer.

"It's alright. Why don't you just clean up, and we can head out to practice some other spells?"

The Wanderer stared at her for a moment before nodding briskly.

"Right. And uh, those rooms have working showers?" He asked, pointing a hoof to the door.

"Yes, they do, why?"

"Oh, no reason, just... making sure." He stated before rising from his seat. "Thanks, and again, sorry about that. I'll just... clean up now."

With one more nod, the Wanderer made his way back to the guest area. Hid dog, however, had moved from its previous position and blew air from its nose onto Spike's back. The dragon jumped in surprise and turned to look at Dogmeat. The dog merely stared back at the small dragon before its left ear flicked a bit and it wandered off, presumably to wait for its master. Spike turned back to Twilight and spoke.

"Really? Are we still gonna let him just... do that every morning?"

Twilight shot an unamused look at him.

"You just don't like his dog."

"Oh, come on! Have you even seen the way it looks at me!?"

Twilight chuckled to herself as she began to pick up the plates from across the table, ready to wash them as she heard the water pipes under the floor begin to sound off as the pressure was released in another area of the lower level.

\\\\\\//////

"JESUS!" Jason exclaimed, backing away from the stream of water.

His hoof was soaking wet, along with most of his sleeve, as well as the Pip-Boy. Though he had experience with showers, unlike most of the Wasteland, he hadn't expected the liquid to already be primed and heated. He waved the appendage off, trying to throw the water from his foreleg. As he did, the steam from the water began to rise up inside the room, and fog up the mirror. Jason let out a small sigh as he used his magic to find the line along the left side of the jumpsuit that would allow him to exit the fabric. When he found it, he pulled it up the length of his leg as well as his torso, and stopped at his midsection, where the suit now cutoff. 

The suit was then lifted off of his fur and exposed the messy, bloody stains and clumps that coated him, much like he had seen as a Human. He pulled the suit to the right and slid the remaining part off of him before straightening it out and placing it on the table outside the door. Along with it, his Stetson was also placed onto the table. A quick look down confirmed that he did indeed still have the white undershirt from the Vault, and it was still bloodstained and torn in many places. Jason sighed as he sat down on his haunches and lifted the shirt with magic. After a quick pull, the rolled it up and placed it alongside his suit before turning towards the stream of water.

Jason stepped into the shower and felt the hot liquid pound through his mangled fur and slide down his skin underneath. He felt it being absorbed by the mutation he received from Harold, and was thankful to be feeling the process of micro-enrichment from standing under the shower. He closed his eyes and gave a sigh of pleasure as he relaxed his muscles. Jason opened his eyes and saw a small bottle of liquid on a small shelf below the shower-head.

'How did I not notice that?' He thought to himself before levitating the bottle over and opening it.

After he sniffed it, Jason poured some out onto himself and tried to push it around with his magic. At that point, however, he learned that his magic couldn't exactly rub well on surfaces, despite how it feels. With a grunt, the Wanderer sat back down and dug his hooves into his chest, trying to at least get something cleaned before he had to rinse off. Thankfully, he managed to get some of his coat soapy, and sat there, admiring the feeling of a shower after being deprived of one for so long.

Jason rinsed out the foamy substance and looked around for anything to dry himself with. His eyes found a towel, on a rack opposite the shower-head, which was somehow dry. He applied friction to his fur with the drying cloth and felt himself shaking like Dogmeat without wanting to. He blinked a few times and waved it off as instincts of the new body. 

Finally, Jason had dried himself off, and examined himself once more in the mirror. His mane was still a bit wet, but now he had far less bloodstains on him. Somehow, he managed to crack a smile before walking out of the restroom and picking up his clothes once more. He managed to get the shirt on before a knock came at the door.

\\\\\\//////

Twilight waited as she heard some more shuffling around behind the Wanderer's door, alongside Dogmeat, who was laying down beside the door. The canine stared up at the alicorn with a somewhat quizzical look as she fidgeted in place. After a few more seconds, the door opened, and Twilight couldn't help but gasp at what she saw.

The Wanderer's blue fur was tangled and scared in multiple places along his midsection, and the shirt he had on was stained in ludicrous amounts of blood and tears. She might not be a fashionista like Rarity, but she knew when somethings weren't supposed to look a certain way. Such cases being a shirt coated with more stains and cuts than the original fabric.

"Yes?" He stated casually.

Twilight raised her hoof to point at his shirt as her mouth moved without forming words.

"Y-your... shirt..." She managed.

He looked down and gave a look of annoyance as he eyed the garment.

"Oh... don't worry about it, just give me a minute and-"

"No, hold on," She started, regaining composure, "we aren't doing anymore practice until I take you to Rarity and have... this," Twilight stated, motioning her hoof towards his shirt, "taken care of. And that includes your suit, too."

The Wanderer gave a sigh.

"Fine. But I'm gonna wear my hat, regardless."

Twilight nodded.

"Fine."

\\\\\\//////

Jason found himself amidst the center of the small town, once again. Alongside him, however, was not only Dogmeat, but Twilight. She made him follow with his Vault 101 suit and undershirt in tow, and continued to spew about how great her friend is at what she does.

"... As she did that, her lines started to be noticed up in Canterlot, as well." Twilight stated.

'Selling to the highest bidder as always,' Jason mentally commented, as he had been doing the entire walk.

Though he tried to focus on the story and the journey, he couldn't help but slow down and bask in the sunlight every now and again. He had tampered with the Pip-Boy's genetics function and found out how to program a photosynthesis-esque mutation to his own cells, after observing and noting tested mutation experiments in Vault 87. Thankfully, however, he had made sure that it was a subtle change, and was only a slight adjustment to his already tree-like mutation from his earlier days in the Wasteland. As the Sun's rays beamed down on him, he felt himself becoming stronger, more alert with its presence. He felt powerful underneath the shining orb in the sky, and above all, safer, knowing that as it sat there, dangling above like a fruit from the fishing rod of destiny, he could always recover from anything. He knew that every time it set, it would have to rise again.

Unfortunately, as he thought that, Twilight decided to stop, as he discovered while bumping into her side. Jason quickly backed away and looked around, before setting his sights on the building before them. It was a fine, white and pink building with small ornaments scattered about. The entire place was barely three stories, yet it held more elegance than the entirety of Tenpenny Tower.

The alicorn knocked on the door a few times.

"Just a moment~!" A voice came from the other side.

The three waited for a bit before Jason was looking at a new mare. She had a stylized purple mane, white fur that seemed to be almost as pure and void of stress as the first pony he met, Celestia. Atop her head was a horn, and nothing else, unlike Twilight. On her flank were three diamonds.

"Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where everything- oh, hello Twilight!" She stated.

"Good morning, Rarity, how are you?"

"Oh, I'm fi- DEAR CELESTIA!" She shrieked while raising a hoof to Jason.

The Wanderer raised an eyebrow and followed her hoof, which was pointed at a certain shirt, which was now glowing a light blue as it flew out towards Rarity, whose horn was glowing the same color.

"My, WORD! Of all the rags I've ever seen, this, I-I can't even begin!" She babbled, examining it while flailing it about the air like a flag.

Jason harbored a stern expression as he approached the mare.

"That's my shirt you're talking about." He deadpanned.

Rarity looked away from the bloodsoaked shirt and gave a questioning gaze to him. When she did, however, her eyes widened with horror as she looked at him.

"Dear- how- oh my... GOODNESS! What happened to you!?" She all but screamed.

He had no doubt in his mind that she had just examined the rest of him, especially the war-torn midsection, and was clearly beyond shocked. Jason merely sighed.

"Life in my homeland, that's what happened, now-"

"LUNA'S STARS, WHAT IS THAT!?" She screeched.

Before Jason could look to where she pointed, however, his jumpsuit flew off of his back and was being displayed by the unicorn before him. 

"Just, look at this! How can- my word, I've never- I... I can't even..." She babbled, examining every tear and stain on the suit.

"I can't help but feel insulted by everything about this right now." Jason stated.

\\\\\\//////

Twilight looked between the two as Rarity was having a meltdown. The fashionista was looking between the two garments with vigor, unaware of the unicorn to whom they belonged standing not even three meters away. As she did switch between them, she started to approach the boutique.

"Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, this will never do. I just have to throw these out." She stated, walking towards the door.

"Excuse me!" The Wanderer shouted, causing Rarity to snap back into reality.

"Oh, I apologize sir, I was just so..." She trailed off, staring at the battered clothes.

"You're not throwing those out." He deadpanned.

Rarity blinked a few times as she lightly gasped.

"Oh, pardon me, sir, I'm very sorry. It's just that these are so... broken and, dare I say, bloodied, I just-"

"They're my clothes. My only clothes, and I'd appreciate it if you didn't just take them and leave me here, insulted."

Rarity gaped for a second before huffing out in annoyance and stomping a foreleg down.

"Well, excuse me for trying to be a little kind. Honestly, I'm surprised you never considered throwing these out, the way they are."

"I don- ... didn't, have the privilege, at any time."

"Still, why would you walk around in something so... filthy?" Rarity shuddered as she spoke the final word of the sentence.

"Because they're valuable to me, and I'd rather keep them the way they are as opposed to anyone insulting them."

Rarity gave a 'hmph' as she folded the garments and levitated them back to the Wanderer, who took them back rather aggressively. Twilight frowned at the display between the two and decided to intervene.

"Wanderer, Rarity, please, let's talk this out like civilized ponies." She chided.

Rarity turned on the spot and approached the door once again.

"Not if this ruffian is insistent on being coated with..." Rarity shivered quite visibly, "such stained attire as well as jump to conclusions."

"I'd rather jump a cliff than let her destroy my suit and insult me." The Wanderer stated.

Just as Twilight was about to try again, a crying sound came from down the street, along with shouting.

"R_R_RARITYYYY!!!" A mare cried out.

The four (Dogmeat still present) looked towards the source of the crying, and watched a light brown Earth pony mare with a dark brown mane, blue eyes, and a Cutie Mark of a heart with a foal's bottle came running down the street towards them. While she ran, tears flooded her face and dropped to the dirt below. When she reached Rarity, the mare collapsed and started to wail.

"Miss Tap, are you alright?" Rarity asked quickly.

She gave a few more wails before looking up.

"D-d-diam-mond... Dogs!" She shouted before breaking down into tears once more.

As the mare continued to cry her eyes out, Twilight tried to approach her, but was beaten as a blue hoof connected with her shoulder.

\\\\\\//////

"Ma'am?" Jason asked softly.

The mare turned her head slowly as she sniffled.

"W-who...?"

"Please, just try and relax," He stated calmly, "and explain to us what's wrong."

The mare blinked a few times as she took in deep, shaky breaths, before exhaling slowly.

"T-the Diamond Dogs... out by t-the fields..."

"Wait," Rarity interrupted, "the fields? As in-"

"Let her continue." Jason stated harshly as he glared at Rarity.

The white mare puffed her cheeks in anger as he directed his attention to the pony on the ground before him.

"What happened in the fields, ma'am?"

"T-they just... came, out of nowhere and... a-and..." She started to cry out heavily as she began to tremble, "they took Sweetie and Button!" She managed before collapsing into her wails once more.

Jason shot his head up and widened his eyes.

'No... not this place, Goddamnit why!?' He thought, hiding his rage.

Rarity had looked as though someone had ripped her heart out and began to tear up massively.

"They... no... Sweetie... Belle?" She squeaked before wailing as well.

Jason looked over to Twilight.

"Which way are those fields?" He asked.

Twilight blinked a few times before she answered.

"Um, over that way," She pointed with a wing, "why?"

Jason removed his Stetson for a moment as he brought down his shirt and placed the jumpsuit over himself. When it snapped onto his Pip-Boy, the headgear found its place once more as he reached into his bag. Jason drew out the 10mm Pistol as well as its holster and strapped it onto his waist. Dogmeat barked twice as Jason nodded at his companion.

"Stay here with them, I'm going hunting."

With that, Jason and Dogmeat took off in the direction of the fields.
> Chapter 9
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight continued to run her hoof along the back of her friend as she continued to bawl out on the sofa, drenching the cushions as wails echoed through the boutique. As the white mare continued to cry, another was being attended to by a local Guardstallion, who had seen the break-down a block away.

"Now ma'am," The guard started again, "I need you to tell me exactly what happened, alright?"

The mare, whom Twilight and most everypony knew as 'Button's Mom,' was still crying, only now into a pillow as opposed to the ground a few minutes ago.

"W-we were, going from the park, t-to Whitetail Woods... and, they s-started to play in the grass, b-but then a D-Diamond Dog just... came out of nowhere, and said something about, ponies being needed for h-hauling something, I don't know what, b-but he went straight for the two... I... I was too far behind, I couldn't..."

"Ma'am, I understand that this is a troubling situation, but I need to know as much as I can before I can file a report. Okay?" The mare nodded slowly. "Good. Now, were there any Guards nearby who you could have informed?"

She seemed to freeze up and tear even more at that mention before continuing.

"There was... a Guard, a pegasus, who came down, and tried to save them. B-but before he could draw a spear or anything, another Dog came up and, just..." The mare began to flood her sockets as she wailed into the pillow. "THEY RIPPED HIS W-WINGS OFF! AND KILLED HIM!"

As she began to wail out once more, Twilight gasped in horror at the reveal.

"What!?" The guard shouted. "They... that's why..." He trailed off for a few seconds. "I need to go ready more Guards for this."

With that, the stallion stormed out the door and slammed it on his way. Twilight blinked for a few seconds before Rarity spoke up.

"I-I can't believe, Sweetie Belle... she..."

Twilight shook her head.

"Don't worry, Rarity. The Wanderer said-"

"You mean that stallion, or colt, rather, that argued with me about simply doing him a favor!?"

"He didn't want you to just throw them out, Rarity! You have to understand, he-"

"No, Twilight, I tried to just simply state something and he acted as though I were insulting him!"

"He might just be defensive about his clothes because he's so far away from his home, and-"

"That shouldn't matter, Twilight! Do you honestly think he, of all ponies, would help!? The way he seemed, I bet he galloped off so he didn't have to deal with us!"

"Rarity, I heard his conversation with Applejack, and I know that he wouldn't just... run away from something like this. He'll be back, and when he is-"

"Dear, can we please, just send a letter to Celestia or something along those lines? I'd rather trust her to know what to do at the moment." Rarity stated, looking up to her friend.

Twilight sighed in defeat before looking around for parchment and a quill.

\\\\\\//////

"Just shit." Jason muttered, staring at the mutilated form of an armored pegasus.

The pony's body was tossed to the side of a large pile of dirt with a trail of blood connecting the two. Across the front of the pegasus were long trenches of flesh and metal, a bit of meat spilling out from the gnash. The face was mostly untouched, although it allowed the eyes to show how much fear they held upon death, and the way Jason saw it, he was reminded of the Wasteland. On the back of the golden armor, however, were two broken boney stumps that hung loose with strings of nerves and muscles. Beside the protrusions were a pair of wings, which tipped off the identity of pegasus, each one bent backwards and ripped, coating the feathers with torn muscles and blood.

Jason examined the surrounding area as he muttered a silent prayer for the departed soldier. He tipped his hat towards the body before moving a hoof out towards the face, and slowly closing the eyelids of the pegasus.

As he finished, the ground began to rumble slightly underneath Jason before a wave of dirt and dried blood smacked him to the side. Upon landing, the Wanderer looked up to see a new figure. It stood on two legs, like he used to, except with stubby, almost child-like legs while the arms resembled a hairy Super Mutant. On the ends of... four-fingered hands, laid claws the size of a .44 round casing. It boasted plates of what looked like recycled I-beams, and a matching helmet that rested atop its massive head.

"Look what is found here," It spoke with a deep, cracking voice, also similar to a Super Mutant, only far less threatening.

"Diamond Dog..." Jason muttered.

The Dog hefted its left arm out and brought out a spear almost as long as Jason, with a tip covered in dry blood.

"You come work for Jaws, or die?"

Jason lifted himself up to all fours and glared at the Dog.

"You might as well try to kill me, because I'm taking those kids back, you fucking Slaver."

The Dog dropped its mouth open for a second before laughing.

"We no only Slavers. We take from pony, what we need. We not going to just, give pony back because you say so. Now, you die." It ended with a sinister smile.

Jason narrowed his eyes and charged the beast. As he ran, however, the Dog swept the spear beneath Jason's legs and sent him tumbling to the ground. When he skid to a halt, the Dog thrust one of its small, yet powerful, legs onto his torso, crushing the air out of Jason's lungs. The Wanderer felt the claws trying to dig through the Vault suit, but found to tears in the skin underneath. Before Jason could attempt to power through the hold he was in, the tip of the spear was brought between his eyes as a large hand clamped around his throat. The Dog laughed through its grin as Jason struggled to fight off the beast, smacking his hooves weakly against the monstrous arm. Just as the Dog was about to bring the spear down, a flash of fur collided with it as blood began to fill the air.

The Wanderer rolled over and started to gasp in air and cough as he regained muscle control. With a twist of the head, Jason looked over to find the large Diamond Dog having its throat ripped out by Dogmeat. Jason smirked as he watched his canine companion tear off a bit of flesh as he lunged back from a swing of the beast. A hand clasped around its own throat as blood began to spurt out into the air. As it was choking on its own blood, Jason stood up and brought out his 10mm Pistol. He walked up to the Dog and shoved the barrel between its eyes and pulled the trigger three times.

When the air became quiet once more, the Dog went limp as blood flowed freely from its open neck and fresh holes in its skull. Jason scoffed at the sight before he turned to see his faithful companion lapping the blood from his muzzle. He let a dry chuckle escape his lips as he reached over to pet him.

"Good boy, Dogmeat."

Dogmeat merely panted as the blue hoof began to rub his scalp.

That action soon ceased, however, as the dirt pile began to violently rumble and break apart. The two jumped back as a new form exited from the explosion of dirt, waving a sword towards them.

"You make Bounce dead! I make YOU dead!" It shouted.

Dogmeat jumped at the armored creature before being smacked by the blunt side of the instrument. The canine skid across the dirt as the larger being walked over slowly to Dogmeat's prone form. Jason glanced around before pulling out his 10mm Pistol once more. Once he pulled it up, the Dog raised its sword above his companion. The creature brought it down with enough force to make the blade give a slight whistle, before Jason narrowed his eyes, and activated the Pip-Boy's connection to V.A.T.S.

All around him, time slowed down to a near-halt as the Pip-Boy's computers merged into his mind, allowing Jason to think and observe his surroundings nearly a thousand times faster. As he watched, the Dog's arm seemed to be moving slower than a broken Protectron. Jason slowly began to line up the 10mm Pistol sights with the sword and watched as calculations began to spread across his vision. Without hesitation, Jason took aim at the sword and confirmed with the targeting computer, that he was to shoot the sword three times. Tracking his vision downwards, Jason also confirmed for two more shots to be placed right into the beast's right knee. After finalizing the actions with the Pip-Boy computer, Jason allowed the world to come back to him as he felt the trigger of his weapon move as swiftly as physically possible.

In a series of high-pitched cracks and rings, the sword the Dog held shattered in slow motion, parts of the blade flying out like shattered glass. With the last two, blood and bone parts rained out from the Dog's right leg, showering the opposite limb with gore as its frame began to slowly collapse.

Jason found himself back in the regular flow of time once more as the shouts from the Diamond Dog began to fill his ears. The Wanderer slowly approached the form of the creature while examining the area around him. As he did, the Dog merely grabbed at its leg with both hands as the helmet began to fall off its head. When it landed, it rang against a piece of the sword, drawing the Wanderer's attention. The unicorn picked up the shard and examined it for a second before turning to the Diamond Dog. With a yell, Jason brought the shard down hard into its forehead. Its eyes went wide with shock before it fell limp onto the dirt.

The Wanderer managed to find enough salivation to spit into the face of the dead body before turning to face the hole the two Dogs came out from. He walked over to their edges and peered down the holes. When he looked down them, the light from the Sun only allowed so much to be seen, but thankfully, it was enough to show that the holes ran deeper than a simple jump-scare tactic would require. Jason looked over to Dogmeat and motioned for him, to which a bark and a swift run were used to reply. The two looked down the hole for a moment before Jason jumped down the entrance and landed on the curve of the dirt underground. He looked around for a few seconds before turning on the Pip-Boy light, illuminating the small portion of, what was now, a tunnel.

"Let's get busy." He stated.

Before he took another step, however, he thought about his predicament and remembered another weapon he had packed. With a short focus, Jason brought out the Power Fist, which looked to be slightly remodeled, somehow. Where as the under part sported a five-fingered glove before, it was now just an extended piece of material that looked about the size of his hoof. The back of the device was also different, as it was thinner than its fingered counterpart, as if to fit the slimmer limb Jason had been given. Shrugging the change off, Jason slid his limb into the device, and gave a few test swings. With a twist, the hydraulic pumps shot forwards and left a large indent in the side of the tunnel. Jason gave a light smile as he saw the tool fully functional for his needs. A glance behind him showed that Dogmeat was waiting for him to proceed. Jason nodded at his companion before starting down the length of the tunnel.

\\\\\\//////

Applejack galloped through the doors to Carousel Boutique in a frenzy, sweeping her gaze across the main area for her friends. When she settled her eyes on Rarity, she saw how devastated she was. Rarity lied on her emergency couch, soaking the pillows with enough tears to start a small puddle underneath the sofa. Applejack paced towards her in a heartbeat, feeling that very pounding in her throat.

"Rarity!" She choked out, tears streaming from her eyes. "Ah came fast as Ah could! Can't tell ya'll how sorry Ah am!"

The alabaster mare rolled her head slightly upwards and allowed the apple farmer a view of her face. Her makeup was smeared mainly around her eyes, and gave her a truly devastated look.

"Applejack..." Rarity whimpered before waving her over.

Applejack went straight in to hug her friend close enough to feel how damp her fur was, and settled after a few seconds.

"I just... I can't even believe... I don't want to think about why..." Rarity barely managed.

The farm pony simply held her friend close as she began to run her hoof along the trembling mare's back.

"It's gonna be alright, sugarcube. Twilight'll solve it, hooves down, 'fore the day's end, right?"

"She wants me to believe... that that unicorn, the new stallion, of all ponies, is going to solve this."

Applejack backed up slightly and looked down at Rarity with a surprised look.

"Wait... the Wanderer?" She breathed out. "Ya'll don't trust 'im?"

Rarity scoffed.

"Please, the way he acted when I was trying to help, he was ready to storm out of town, if I read him well enough. Why would he even try to help me, hmm?"

Applejack raised a hoof to her Stetson and thought back to her interaction with the stallion.

"Rares... Ah've got a feelin' that Sweetie Belle will be just fine." She said with a reassuring smile.

Rarity gave a glare to her before flopping her face onto the couch once more.

\\\\\\//////

Jason continued to walk through the narrow passage, slowly creeping along corners as he scanned the dark caves with V.A.T.S. Thankfully, the Dogs had only put those first two on guard duty, convinced that they were capable of handling any kind of threat from local military. Though they were dumb at first glance, they were strong, Jason began to realize. They had nearly taken him down their first try, something that hasn't been done since his first encounter with Super Mutants. Despite that, however, Jason couldn't find it in him to back away from their stronghold. He had to face them. There were children at stake, and he wasn't about to sit by and wait for more ponies die because he was afraid to get involved.

After what felt like ages of walking through the tunnel, Jason finally saw a light peek out from the end. Switching his Pip-Boy light off, Jason brought his Pistol close to his face as he crept towards the opening. While he slowly came towards the end, he saw a large cavernous area that twinkled with minerals of many kinds, along with an occasional torch that lit the walls. When he looked down from the edge of the tunnel, there were no signs of Dogs in the area. With the coast clear, Jason dropped down with a cloud of dust, and after him came Dogmeat. The Wanderer stepped towards the small curve downwards, and found another opening across the way.

Jason turned towards Dogmeat and nodded towards the next opening before checking his 10mm Pistol's magazine.

"Damn." He whispered. "Four shots left. Better reload."

The Wanderer opened his bag and looked for the ammunition box he had packed. Unfortunately, when he looked through the sack, he found that he had packed the .44 ammo and .32 ammo boxes.

"Fuck!" He hissed out. "I try using the .44, they'll come running from every opening. Maybe even some new ones. Don't have time to reload a revolver, and I left the Hunting Rifle at that castle."

He peered out once more and noticed that the immediate area was practically empty and packed with tight boulders.

"Worst comes to worst, I'll try and flank 'em in these stalagmites. Hope I don't have to, though."

With that, Jason moved for the opening.

The two slowly crept through the entrance and examined the area. This cave was more spacious than the last one, with massive stalactites hanging from above, practically glowing with gems of varying colors. There was an elevated area with some wooden structures, where several large Dogs were lazing about, yelling at each other incoherently, and smacking the ground at some points, which caused dust to fall on them every time they clapped their hands on the ground.. Around them were racks of weapons, coated in blood across multiple parts. Opposite the risen area were four cells, surrounded by boxes and racks with reigns and collars.

At the sight of the collars, Jason began to grind his teeth while looking back at the Dogs. The slavers... the animals, were still barking at each other, smacking the dirt and sides of the cave as they argued. Jason knew that if they charged him now, they'd bludgeon him to death before he'd kill them all. Just as he thought about the terrain, Jason realized that there was dirt falling on them from above. He looked towards the ceiling and found a massive stalactite hanging above the Dogs. 

'Gotcha.' Jason thought to himself.

He quickly raised the 10mm Pistol and yelled at the Dogs.

"HEY, YOU FUCKING ANIMALS!!!" He shouted.

The Dogs all turned towards him with general surprise, some even waking up from their sleep. Jason aimed the Pistol at the stalactite.

"ENJOY YOUR DIG TO HELL!"

With that, he fired the Pistol three times. The resounding cracks of the weapon bounced off the walls, causing the Dogs to all grip their ears as the massive rock began to break from the top of the cave. After what felt like hours, the massive pillar fell and crushed the slavers in a massive storm of dirt and dust. The following sounds included the muffled explosion of the earth, breaking of rocks and bones, and Jason falling to the ground as pebbles began to pelt him.

When the calm finally returned, the Wanderer lifted himself from the ground and examined the area. The cave was stuffed with dust in the stuffy air, along with bits of wood and blood coating small spots of the ground. As the dust began to settle, Jason watched to see if any more would come from anywhere. After the clouds settled and quiet overcame the cave, Jason sighed in relief as he started to walk towards the cages.

On his way down, Jason turned the light to the Pip-Boy on and examined the barred containers. Inside one of them, were two small ponies. The first was a white unicorn filly with a purple and pink mane, while the second was a brown feature-less colt with a fiery mane, and a small hat with a propeller. The Wanderer ran up to the cage and spoke up.

"Wake up, come on!" He shouted in a slightly panicked tone.

Both of the young ponies bolted upright and backed away for a second before settling their gazes on Jason. They both ran up to the bars of the cage and cried.

"Help us, mister! Please!" The white one cried.

Jason nodded before speaking again.

"Are you Rarity's sister?"

She nodded feverishly.

"Y-yes! Please, get us out of here!"

"Alright, hold on."

Jason moved his head towards his back before realizing he left his bobby pins in his other bags. With a silent curse, he looked to the lock on the cage's door and saw that it was mostly rusted. He glanced down and saw the Power Fist was still waiting use on his arm, and turned his attention back to the foals.

"Stand back. Get away from the door." He commanded.

The two backed up as Jason reared onto his hind legs and held the Power Fist high.

'Please let this work.' He silently begged.

With a single motion downwards, Jason brought the hydraulic weapon onto the lock with enough force to unhinge the entire door. The collection of bars flew backwards and slammed into another side of the cage, causing the brown colt to back away in fear. Jason settled the Power Fist onto the ground with a loud thud and tried to not grin ear-to-ear at the sight of his beloved weapon still functioning. He turned his head towards the two in the cage and looked around for the exit. When he looked to the left, there was another entrance with light coming down it. He motioned towards the exit and shouted as he moved.

"Come on, let's get out of here!"

In that moment, both of the ponies bolted out of the cell and hurried after the Wanderer. Behind them, Dogmeat sprinted forwards and went past them, and came up beside Jason. The two managed to glance at each other before they stopped, overpowered by an all too familiar scent: death. In the large tunnel ahead, there were no torches lighting the walls, and to the right was another exit, where the smell of decay seemed to grow from. The two young ponies skidded to a halt behind him before they started gagging.

As he stared into the dark alternate path, Jason saw a swift motion in the darkness. Before he could back away, however, a mass of fur and metal crashed into him and rammed him into the wall, holding him by the abdomen. Jason looked down and saw a large, armored Diamond Dog with lop-sided golden armor, holding him in a crushing position. The Dog tightened its hold, trying to break Jason's ribs, causing him to yell in pain while dropping his Pistol. When it clattered to the ground, Dogmeat tackled the beast from behind, digging his teeth into the ear. As the large Dog cried in pain, it shifted its grip on Jason, digging claws into his flesh before pushing him to the ground, beneath it. The Dog reached up with its other arm and grabbed Dogmeat, bringing the canine to the wall with a yelp.

"Son of a bitch!" Jason muttered through his teeth.

With what little room he had, Jason managed to shift himself into a position where he swung the Power Fist into the Dog's right leg. When it impacted, there was a loud cracking sound as the joints reversed, breaking bones from the skin. The beast let out a roar of pain as Dogmeat dropped to the ground. Jason rolled out from underneath the Dog and swung the melee weapon in a sideways arc towards the other leg. Upon its impact, the entire leg bent inwards and snapped like a piece of dried wood, sending the Dog reeling to the ground. Jason went up to its face and looked right at it with eyes filled with their own type of pain. The Wanderer watched as it looked up at him in horror before passing out, going limp but still taking in air.

The Wanderer turned around and panted for a bit before spitting onto the ground. When he looked to the other ponies, they were holding each other close while their backs were to the tunnel, thankfully blocking out the entire fight. With a faint smile, Jason went up to them as Dogmeat came up to his side.

"You alright boy?"

"<bark! bark!>"

"Good."

The two came up to the young ponies, where Jason lightly tapped the white one on her shoulder. She jumped back on contact, and pressed herself against the wall, where the colt moved to hold onto her.

"It's safe, let's move." Jason stated calmly to them.

When they looked back at him, they stood up and walked by his side. The lot of them began to walk towards the farthest side of the cave, carefully moving past the limp form of the Diamond Dog. As they continued to walk along, Jason felt a metallic surface bump into his forehoof, causing him to stop. Before he could examine what he bumped into, a sharp snapping sound came from behind him, along with a high-pitched scream. The Wanderer turned around and shone the Pip-Boy light on the filly, and found her back right leg caught in a rusted bear trap.

"Sweetie Belle!" The brown colt shouted, rushing to her side.

The two held each other as Jason opened his bag and rushed through it.

"Hold on, I can get you out of this!" He yelled, reaching into the bag.

He pulled out a Stimpack, Med-X, and his half-empty bottle of Vodka before rushing over to the filly. Jason put his hooves between the jagged teeth of the trap and pushed them apart, forcing the rusted tips into his own flesh as he began to grind his teeth. With a fluid motion, the smaller unicorn pushed herself back from the range of the trap before Jason snapped it in the air. The Wanderer rushed to her leg and examined the wound, holding her up with his magic. He uncorked the Vodka as he spoke to her.

"Alright, I want you to bite down on something, anything you can find, this is going to sting."

The brown colt swiftly took off his hat and offered it to the filly as Jason splashed the slashes on her leg. She bit down on the small hat and muffled a scream that still managed to echo through the cave. Jason pulled the case around the syringe of the Stimpack as he looked for something to wrap around her leg. With no options in sight, Jason swiftly injected the healing substance near the wounds and began to pull at his right sleeve. The tearing of fabric brought the two young ponies' attention to the Wanderer as he got up from their side.

"Stay right here, I'll be right back." He turned to leave, but before he took another step, he turned back to the filly and brought out a smaller syringe and injected her on the thigh. "It's a pain killer. It'll help numb the stinging, but not for long. The spikes went deep into the flesh, and hit the bone. I'm going to find something to splint your leg with. Hold on to this." He finished by tossing his torn-off right sleeve to the two. "Dogmeat, stay with them."

"<arf!>"

Jason bolted down the small tunnel and turned towards the room that reeked of death, and slowly scanned it with the light. Inside, were broken and decaying bodies of ponies in golden armor, almost twenty, in fact. Some had limbs missing, their bodies collapsed inwards, and were turning green. Jason merely shook his head with a look of remorse before he moved towards the edge of the pile. At the edge, one of the ponies was impaled with a spear of sorts that stuck out nearly four feet from his chest. With a deep breath, Jason gripped the pole and broke off the farthest part, only taking around eight inches before he gave the bodies a silent prayer.

The Wanderer came out of the small section and ran for the filly, bringing the stick up to her leg.

"W-who are you?" She asked in a trembling voice.

Jason didn't even pause as he doused the stick in Vodka, and grabbed the ripped sleeve from the ground.

"I'm the Lone Wanderer. Most just call me by the latter. Friends know my name, but right now, none a' that's important. Hold still."

Jason stretched the filly's leg out and pressed the cold wood piece against her fur and tied the sleeve tightly around her wounds. With one last tug, Jason pulled her up and lowered himself near the ground.

"Get on." He stated.

The white unicorn slowly made her way onto his back, and settled in, parallel to the Wanderer. Jason shone the light of the Pip-Boy down the tunnel as he spoke.

"What're your names?"

"S-sweetie Belle..."

"Button Mash." The brown colt stated.

"Do either of you know a Twilight or Rarity?"

Sweetie Belle nodded.

"Rarity's my sister... why?"

"Button, your mom's got a cream-colored coat and brown hair, right?" Jason asked, ignoring Sweetie's question.

"Um... y-yeah, why?"

Jason pulled the 10mm Pistol out and aimed ahead.

"Because they're waiting for us."

He fired off a single shot and caused another bear trap to spring closed, startling the two young ponies.

"Button, stay close to Dogmeat, he's got the nose for this, right boy?"

Instead of making a sound, Dogmeat pounced forwards and began to sniff at the ground, weaving around certain bumps in the dirt and waiting for the brown colt.

"Let's move."

\\\\\\//////

After a short period of evading traps, the four found themselves outside once more, the sky blotted out behind a wall of grey clouds that rolled with thunder. Jason held out his Pistol and examined the magazine, finding the weapon empty, as he expected. He sighed, holstering the weapon, unable to reload it. When he looked up again, his vision began to waver a bit before he nearly tripped over, feeling exhausted. Jason pushed himself to stay awake, feeling his muscles burn in defiance to his movements.

His concentration was broken, however, when Dogmeat ran ahead and began to bark at the sky. Jason looked up and watched as a pair of golden armored pegasi came down from the clouds, their shouts blurring out as a weight left Jason's back. He looked to the right and saw Sweetie Belle limping over and tackling Button as they cried inaudibly. Jason looked down towards his Pip-Boy to try and figure out what was wrong, and read the new number on his Rad counter: 120.

As he stared at the number on his device, the world began to black out, and the Wanderer fell into familiar territory, on the borders of death.

\\\\\\//////

Twilight burst through the doors to Rarity's shop and scanned the area with haste before rushing over to her side.

"Rarity, get up!"

Rarity slowly rotated towards Twilight as she continued to lay on the couch in her main room, cradling an empty carton of ice cream.

"Twilight, what's wrong?"

"It's the Wanderer! He's back, but-"

"Twilight," Rarity raised a hoof, "unless he's brought back Sweetie Belle, I don't-"

"He did! He brought Sweetie Belle back!"

Rarity shot up from her couch.

"WHAT!? He- he went and... my word... where is she!?"

"She's in the hospital with some cuts on her leg, but-"

"Goodness! What happened!? No, I have to go to her! Thank you Twilight!" She stated before rushing towards Ponyville General.

\\\\\\//////

Applejack stared at the path to Sweet Apple Acres for a moment once more before sighing deeply.

"How'm Ah supposed ta tell that filly one o' her best friends is missing?" She thought aloud.

"Applejack!"

The apple farmer turned to see Twilight galloping up to her.

"Shoot, ya'll look like ya've been chased off by Cerberus! What's wrong?"

"It's the Wanderer! He found Sweetie Belle and Button Mash! But, he's in critical condition!"

\\\\\\//////

Celestia stared at the letter from Twilight with a mixed pot of feelings, having been trying to handle the situation. The Jaws managed to tunnel all the way to Ponyville and foalnap two innocent ponies, barely even in school, and one of the relatives of the Element Bearers, no less. As if that wasn't enough, she was told that the Wanderer, Jason, of all the ponies... of all the beings, in Equestria, went to save them. She nearly dropped her eyes out of her head when the second letter came, barely a few hours later, saying that both, the colt and filly, were safe in Ponyville General, yet Jason was in critical condition.

"Ready a chariot," She called out to the nearby Guards, rolling up the messages, "We're going to Ponyville."

One of the Guards saluted and took off down the hall while another addressed her.

"Your highness, is there anything you would like us to do involving the Diamond Dog gang?"

"Ready an investigation team to go by Whitetail Woods. I want full reports as soon as possible."

The Guard saluted before flying off down the hall.

'Who are you, "Wanderer"?' She thought to herself. 'Who are you, really? Should I worry for my ponies, or worry about you?'
> Chapter 10
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight and Applejack went through the automatic doors to the hospital and galloped straight for the back, near the intensive care ward. Upon reaching the waiting area, they found Rarity, who was pacing back and forth by the chairs, muttering pleads for Sweetie Belle's health. To the opposite side of the room was Button Mash and his mother, who was holding him tightly, smiling widely as they both cried into each other. Beside them was, surprisingly, Fluttershy, who was sitting next to Dogmeat, who was staring at the door and whimpering as she stroked his back with a hoof.

"There, there, boy," She cooed, "I'm sure he'll be alright. He's had worse, right? That is what you said earlier."

Dogmeat gave a few noises that couldn't be understood by anypony who wasn't Fluttershy, and earned a hug from the butter-yellow mare.

"Fluttershy? Why are you here?" Twilight asked.

Fluttershy turned her head and gave a soft frown as she patted Dogmeat's head.

"Oh, Dogmeat," She shivered slightly saying the canine's name, "came barking up to my house, crying up about how he was scared of his friend going to the hospital, I knew that I just had to be here for him."

"Which 'him'?" Applejack asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Why, for both of them, of course. If you could understand this little fella," She said while rubbing his side, prompting the dog to roll over for tummy rubs, "you'd cry how much they care for each other. It's so sweet."

Twilight watched as Fluttershy wiped a tear from her face, oblivious to the stream that had already poured out and stained her coat, and thought about the new pony from an even more interesting prospective. She knew that she had to press further.

"What does, Dogmeat, say about him?" Twilight asked, nearly choking on the name.

Fluttershy shifted herself in the chair before clearing her throat.

"Dogmeat?" She asked the canine, causing him to shift his ears towards her. "Would you like to tell us about your friend, um... starting with his name?"

Dogmeat gave a few noises and a bark Fluttershy spoke again.

"He said that unless his master," Dogmeat barked, "Oh, sorry... unless his friend, tells us his name himself, he's not going to use it, so we should keep calling him 'The Wanderer,' for now."

Twilight shook her head.

"I can't... even his dog, doesn't use his actual name?"

"Oh, no, not that, it's just that he said when talking about him to others that don't know yet. Dogmeat says that he doesn't want to insult their relationship by breaking their trust."

The mares that were listening were struck by this with intrigue as the dog continued to make sounds while whining slightly, occasionally looking to the doors.

"Aww," She said with a sad tone.

"What's he saying?" Twilight asked.

Before an answer could come, however, the doors opened, and gave way to a unicorn stallion in a doctor's coat, holding a clipboard in his magic, standing next to one-

"SWEETIE BELLE!" Rarity cried out, nearly tackling into her sister.

The two cried as they hugged tightly, while the doctor flipped through the papers.

"I must say, she's quite lucky that stallion found her."

Twilight came up to the doctor as she spoke.

"Why? What happened?"

"Well, when we brought in her and young Mr. Button Mash, they said that she had stepped in a... bear trap." He stated, scanning the page.

Rarity gasped and held Sweetie Belle out.

"A bear trap!? Oh, dear sister, why are you up, walking!? You should be resting, or in a wheelchair, or anything else besides-"

"Oh, no, no, no, no, Miss Rarity," The doctor interrupted, "she doesn't need anything like that. In fact, I'd say that she should be fully healed by next week."

"What?" She asked, freezing in place. "How?"

"Well, she told us what that..." He scanned through the papers, "Wanderer? Who'd name their foal that? Bah, doesn't matter. Anyways, young Ms. Sweetie Belle told us that when she was caught in it, he got her out and treated her right then and there, in the cave with the Diamond Dogs. She said that he pried it open with his own hooves, and gave her medicine as well."

"He..." Rarity trailed off, looking towards the doors, "he did... that? For her?"

"I'd say so. Whatever medicine he used was able to heal the deeper parts of the wound, and luckily enough, it missed her nerves by only a few millimeters. He even knew the proper procedure for disinfecting the wound and splinting the leg. If he hadn't done what he did, I honestly doubt we would've been able to save the leg at all. If you'll excuse me, I have to go check on him."

With that, the doctor left the group in the waiting room, thinking ever more so about the fate of the unicorn they had just met.

\\\\\\//////

Jason found himself slowly regaining consciousness as a massive throbbing in his head woke him up. Painfully, he opened his eyes and looked out into the world around him, instantly shutting his eyes as light flooded his vision. He let out a groan and slowly tried to pull himself up, but found himself bounded by pings of something in his arms... or forelegs, actually. With some strain, Jason managed to open his eyes again, and found himself in a white room that practically blinded him with how sterile its colors alone were. He looked down and saw that his arms were being penetrated by several needles, connected to tubes that went beyond his vision. Jason tried to move his forelegs, but was caught in a light blue aura, which also started a small clicking sound from the Wanderer's left foreleg.

"I can't believe you're even alive right now, let alone awake." A masculine voice stated from somewhere in the room.

Jason struggled to move his head, and managed to switch his gaze to the side of the room, where, in the doorway, stood a new pony. He, judging by the stance and voice, had brown hair that was clearly combed, a light brown coat, a white jacket, a pair of glasses on the bridge of his snout, and a horn in the center of his forehead. Around the horn was a faint blue glow that matched the one around Jason's forelegs, allowing Jason to connect the dots in the straight path they were placed so bluntly before him.

"Let go." He said in a dry voice.

The unicorn shook his head before bringing out a large folder and placing it onto a flat surface along the wall next to him. With a flip of the switch, a diagram of a pony's skeleton came up. This one, however, was different to the ones in the books Jason had read. This one had massive amounts of fractures, unknown substances around the edges of the outline, clearly representing the skin. The bones were all looking far thicker than they should, and on the right foreleg was a large lump, that Jason could already tell from the shape what it was.

"An X-ray of my skeleton." Jason stated. "Why are you showing me this?"

"Because I doubt you should even be breathing." The doctor said with a bit of anger. "Look, here. You have nearly 87 bits of shrapnel lodged... EVERYWHERE, in your body. Your bones are laced with, some kind of metal, that we can't even scan because it's sewn into you bones, your foreleg-mounted, thing, keeps ticking whenever somepony tries to use a healing spell on you, and we can't focus our magic on your actual wounds, or trying to magically scan you, because you literally pull in the magic like a magnet! Not to mention the mutations we've found underneath your fur, dear Sisters in Canterlot. The closest thing we can connect it to, of all things, is a plant. A TREE, good sir. Your skin is actually performing photosynthesis, as we speak, and we can't even begin to hypothesize how in Tartarus you're managing to even keep yourself together, and now here you are, awake!" The doctor began to pant as he finished ranting, before stomping up to him and looking him straight in the eye, anger pouring from his eyes. "You. Are. Not. Possible." He growled.

Jason held back a chuckle before retorting.

"Believe me, if there's one thing I know, it's that you shouldn't call anything 'impossible'."

The doctor gave him a stern look before turning around and walking out the door. When he left, the ticking from the Pip-Boy stopped as well, alongside the pressure from the magic holding him down.

"Stay in there!" The doctor shouted from the hallway before closing the door.

Jason sighed a bit before raising the Pip-Boy up to his face. He checked to make sure they didn't fuck anything up on his most valuable piece of tech from the Vault. Thankfully, everything was how he kept it. The maps were all blank, due to no satellites existing yet, probably, or that he was tuned onto the wrong settings. Either way, the personal messages and recordings were all there, including the music from Three-Dog's generous donations. He checked the STATS section, and found that the Pip-Boy had changed alongside him. Instead of the regular Vault-Boy representation, it was a pony version with the Vault insignia on its back end. Luckily, it showed perfect health across the board.

"Why do I feel so weak, then?" He asked himself.

That's when Jason looked to the Rad counter and found it at 298.

"Wait a minute..."

Jason began to remember when he first arrived in Equestria, that his Rad count was over 2,000, and after his encounter with the Dogs, and after a solid night of using magic to read, he was down to 120 before passing out.

"Great. Now I have to make sure I'm fucking irradiated." He sighed before plopping his head back onto the soft pillow. "Of course I couldn't just die. It's never that easy for me."

\\\\\\//////

The remaining mares had opted to wait for news on the newest Ponyvillian, as opposed to going straight to their homes and waiting for news there. Rarity simply sat and stared at Sweetie Belle as the filly napped away on one of the waiting room chairs. The doors opened to reveal Nurse Redheart, looking between several files with disbelief in her eyes. Twilight approached her and spoke.

"Are you here about the Wanderer?" She asked.

"You mean that unicorn with more metal in him than a sword?" She replied.

"What'cha mean by that?" Applejack inquired.

"X-rays came back showing massive amounts of shrapnel lodged in him."

The mares in the room all gasped, save for Rarity, who rose a hoof to her mouth while tears gathered in her eyes.

"Wha... shrapnel? How..." Twilight couldn't finish.

"Are you kidding? He's got more than that on his plate." She began to flip through the papers on the clipboard. "He's got unknown mutations across his entire body, his bones have some kind of metal infused with them, and he's got more scars than... I honestly don't think there's anything on this planet with that many scars... Dragon, maybe? I don't know, but practically every inch of him's got some kind of scar."

The group was entirely shocked by this. How could he have gotten these from just Diamond Dogs?

"Is... is he going to..." Fluttershy tried to speak.

"Hah!" Nurse Redheart practically shouted. "You kidding? You think we're dumbfounded by some corpse with all this? No, strangest part, right now, he's awake! It's like he's barely effected at all!"

The mares all looked at each other in stunned silence as the Nurse went back to sorting through the papers present on her clipboard. Behind them, the clopping of hooves came up with force. They all turned to find Celestia coming up to them with a squad of Solar Guards.

"Princess!" Twilight shouted before stopping short of bowing.

"Hello, Twilight. I see that... The Wanderer, has made himself acquainted with all of you, then?"

The mares all began to nod as Celestia went up to the doorway.

"I need to speak with him on... matters." She said with a stoic look.

Rarity sucked on her lower lip before speaking.

"Um Princess Celestia?" She asked from her seat. "Could you... let him know, that if he comes by my shop, I'd be glad to fix his little jacket, free of charge."

The alicorn stared at the alabaster mare for a few seconds before nodding slightly.

"I'll be sure to let him know."

With that, the Solar Princess opened the doors and walked through the halls.

\\\\\\//////

Jason perked his head up when he heard a knocking at the door to his room before the door open regardless of his input, and in walked Celestia. The moment she entered the room, however, Jason heard the Pip-Boy begin to tick away, feeling the Rad-Regen mutagen already putting the ambient magic in the air to good use. Behind her, a pair of ponies, one pegasus and one unicorn, clad in golden armor, also walked in, and stared at him. Jason merely looked on at them as Celestia began to speak.

"I'd like to talk to this patient alone. I'd prefer it if we weren't interrupted."

"Of course, your majesty." One of the Guards said before bowing and leaving the room, the unicorn closing the door behind him.

The moment the door closed, Jason spoke.

"If you're trying to scare me, then fuck off."

Celestia narrowed her eyes at him before speaking once more.

"We really need to talk."
> Chapter 11
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"What is there to talk about?" Jason asked bluntly.

"For starters," Celestia started, the stern tone in her voice ever present, "we need to talk about those Diamond Dogs."

Jason let out a snort.

"Let me guess, you're mad that I killed them?" He asked dryly.

Celestia stared at the pony before her, silently stunned by how casually he brushed the subject. He just went straight to it without a breath of hesitation.

"I can't say that I'm entirely mad." She responded. "I've been the ruler for this land for over a thousand years. I know that some situations, no matter how you tackle them, will result in bloodshed."

"And when was the last time that happened to you?"

"Around 300 years ago."

Jason gave a dry chuckle.

"Damn. Best record I've ever heard, jeez. So then, if you're not that mad, why are you even here?"

"I wanted to see how you'd be taking it."

Jason paused for a second to think before responding.

"Don't regret a damn thing. They deserved it."

Celestia stepped towards his prone form, causing the Pip-Boy to tick in a higher pitch.

"So you just think that you can justify ending their lives like that? You don't regret it in the slightest?"

Jason stared at her before slowly opening his mouth to respond.

"Princess, I may seem like some kind of ruthless killer to you right now. You probably think that I'm all guns and no talk. What I did to them was brutal, yes. What they did, however, was unforgivable. In the Wasteland, I dealt with plenty of their types, like Slavers. They tracked down the one place that those people could call 'salvation' and tried to bring them back in to custody. I killed all the Slavers then, and I did it knowing fully well that it meant that people that deserved freedom would keep it. Anyone, regardless of species, that tries to take away the birthright of freedom like that... they don't deserve to live."

"What if they had families? What if there were children waiting for them back home?"

"Didn't think you'd care about families of Slavers, of all things. Still, It'd be better for their kids to go without a parent that takes up that kind of work. Would you rather have a generation that was based off of the notion of kidnapping and slavery were a preferable way to live, or a generation that understands the value of other lives?"

"This isn't the world you knew. We could have at least tried a bit at first."

"Found a Guard of yours dead right outside their cave's entrance, and nearly 20 more, all dead, inside their cave. Tell me, how many more would you rather have sacrificed to get them to 'talk'?" Jason emphasized a bit more bluntly than intended.

"You still didn't give a clear answer earlier. You were talking about how you weren't a killer, and I don't see how-"

"Hold up," Jason interrupted, raising a hoof, "I never said that I wasn't a killer. I've killed plenty in my time in the Wasteland. Hundreds, even."

"If you're trying to sway my opinion towards your favor, you're dangerously off track."

Jason gave a chuckle before shaking his head.

"I'm not trying to win your opinion, nor am I trying to convince anyone in this room that I'm innocent, by any means." Jason brought up his Pip-Boy and swiped away all of the tubes that were connected to his forelegs, splattering blood and breaking apart the needles that were lodged in his skin. He shakily got up from his position and stood up in front of Celestia. He glared straight into her eyes before continuing. "I am a killer. There is no avoiding that fact. I have killed before and I, more than likely, will again."

The Solar Princess looked down at him with a slight pang of fear, hearing this... outsider, bluntly state that he knows fully well that he will likely take more lives the longer he stays. She narrowed her eyes and began to feel her anger seeping out.

"You just keep saying that you're a killer. Do you even care that I'm letting you defend yourself? Do you really have nothing to say that would even slightly be positive for you?"

"I don't think you understand. I don't care. I don't give two shits what you think of me. I know what I've done, what I'll do when I have to, and that you're not just gonna let me walk out of here with that mindset. But the funny thing," He gave a light chuckle, "the funny thing is, you think I even care about leaving."

Celestia was genuinely confused at this statement.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, you honestly think I care about being able to walk out of here?" He asked with a smile, shaking his head. "No, I've given up. I just don't care anymore. I've seen the worst the Wasteland had to bear, the horrors of what so many so desperate would do to make a living, and I didn't want to walk out then. I watched as the only people who could be remotely considered 'good' wasted away, being torn apart by bullets and plasma, and I didn't want to walk out then. I had to sit back and watch as my father died before me, coughing up his insides, inches away from my face, and all I could do was watch as he crumbled into a heap and boiled inside his own skin. I sure as fuck, did not want to walk out alive then. I gave up when I walked into that same room, where he died, locked myself in, and drowned myself in enough radiation to kill a hundred people. How happy do you think I was when I found out that several good people died dragging me out of that room!?" He shouted slightly. "If you think I'd just fight my way out, then I'm glad to disappoint. I'm fucking tired of trying to run for my life, when I literally tried to end it, so many times. So yes, I'm dangerous. Yes, I'm a killer. But I am not remorseless. Every time I kill, I pray that the next life taken would be my own. And if you're going to arrest me, execute me, or whatever it is you do here, then just get to it, because I. Don't. Fucking. Care."

Jason finished with a ragged breath as he glared death right into Celestia's eyes, letting her see the torment he's held. She had to resist backing away in fear and shock as they stared into each other. She took in a quick breath while she thought to herself.

'Dear Mother above, why is this one so complicated? I don't know if I should be afraid for his own life or for anything that goes against him.'

The Wanderer broke off from the eye contact and walked over to a nearby table, where his bag was waiting for him.

"I've got a load of medical staff already hounding me for living through the Wasteland, telling me that everything inside me should have killed me. There's a group of mares out there that want to try and know about my past, and they're pushing hard. Now, I've got an angry member of royalty here, telling me that I'm dangerous. So if you want to take me in to custody," Jason ignited his horn and whipped out the 10mm Pistol, and pressed the barrel to his temple, "you better hope your guards are faster than bullets." He turned back to Celestia before sighing. "What's it gonna be?"

Celestia stared at him for a minute while contemplating everything she had ever gone through, trying to search for anything reminiscent of this scenario that could help her. Here he was, the Wanderer, a pony she thought to be a definite source of trouble, ready to take his own life on a whim. He had just risked his life to save two foals, and had killed eight Jaws to do so. He spoke of no remorse, yet she could see that he was still horrified.

"Why are you so scared?" She asked.

"Why am I scared? Why am I-" He slammed the Pistol onto the table, cracking it a bit, before storming up to her. "I woke up one morning to find the only world I had ever known ending all around me, because the one person I could turn to in my life had left. I went after him in the slightest, faintest hope, that I could get back what I lost if I tried. I had to wade through Hell of so many kinds, I was terrified at what I might become. I turned into a killer, I turned into a hunter, into something that people would talk about around small fires in the night, praying that whatever it was, wasn't real. I've been targeted by assassins and hounded down by massive military organizations, and I remember, in gruesome, painful, excruciating detail, DYING!!! Then, I wake up to find the world in even more shit than when I left it, and guess who the fuck had to fix it?" He asked with a tired smile. "Then, to top all that shit off, I go off, ready to die, yet again, stopping a massive organization that wanted to take over the Wasteland. I get ready to embrace death, and then guess what happens. No, go on, FUCKING GUESS!" He waited a few seconds in the tense silence before continuing. "Yeah, I WAKE UP IN THIS WORLD! I wake up in a different world, in a DIFFERENT FUCKING BODY! Then, I see some giant version of whatever the HELL I'm supposed to be, and it just talks to me a bit before letting me go off to walk alone through that creepy as shit forest. I DON'T EVEN RECOGNIZE MYSELF IN THE GODDAMN MIRROR!!! DO YOU KNOW WHAT THAT'S LIKE!? YOU THINK I'M JUST CALM AND ACCEPTING OF THIS!? I'M NOT!!! I'M BEYOND TERRIFIED!!!" Jason was tearing up slightly as he took a step back. "If you're gonna go off on me now, make it quick." He said while turning around.

Celestia stared at him for a minute before inhaling deeply. 

'This might not bite me back that hard... but I'd rather not take a chance now that they're known in Ponyville.' She thought to herself.

"Jason," She started softer than before, causing him to stop dead in his tracks, "I'm not going to execute you, or imprison you. You did, after all, save two foals. Not only that, but you're the only one that can do what's necessary out in the Jaws' territory. They're the gang that's not only foalnapping ponies, but are also assaulting multiple towns. Right now, there are barely any Guards that we can afford to spare guarding so many towns. I think it would benefit all of us if you were to stay here in Ponyville."

The air was tense with silence as Jason merely breathed. A faint brown glow came around the bag on the table before the flap opened up to reveal the torn suit that signified his origin.

"Must be pretty desperate if you're coming to me for help. Fine. I'll stay in this town. Might as well. Who knows? Maybe I'll stay dead next time." He turned back to look at Celestia once more. "I'll leave Twilight's castle as soon as I can, so don't worry about her. Just remember that when I go against those Dogs, I will try talking at first. If they attack, though, I won't let them walk."

Celestia gave a deep sigh before turning back to the door, ready to leave. As she did, Jason sighed to himself as well.

'Killing or living. Goddamn it. Back to square one.'
> Chapter 12
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Celestia made her way alongside her escort of Guards through the doors of the Emergency care section of Ponyville General, and went through the doors into the waiting room. At the moment, the only difference was that the brown colt and his mother were gone, likely so that they could rest, while the few ponies that remained were now looking at her.

"Princess?" Twilight spoke.

"He's going to be out shortly. I had a little conversation with him, but I'm afraid I don't have too much time to talk right now. I had to move around some meetings for the Day Court before coming here, and I should get going." She smiled at her former student. "Goodbye for now, Twilight."

The two alicorns shared a smile before Celestia walked towards the exit.

\\\\\\//////

Jason felt the last shard finally exit his body and heard the high-pitched ring as the needle clattered to the ground. He gave a sigh of relief before scooping all of the shards up with his magic, and placing them in the Bio-Hazard container in the corner. The unicorn grabbed his bag from the table and looked inside. Thankfully, right in front of him, was his Stetson. He placed the leather mass atop his head and pushed down with a hoof. Jason stared at the stump briefly before going back to his bag. His Vault 101 Utility suit was stuffed in unceremoniously, showing him how torn it became during the small fight. Blood coated both sides of the fabric, and a massive chunk was noticeably torn off. The right sleeve.

With a sigh, Jason lifted the bag and hooked it up to his side before going towards the door. A white mare with pink hair approached from the other side and nearly collided with him as the door opened. She gaped at the sight of him, opening and closing her mouth while failing to make any kind of sound.

"'Scuse me." Jason said to her before scooting past her and walking out into the white hallway.

He looked around for a sign and found one that pointed towards an exit. Jason followed the arrows and turned around the corner, occasionally watching as a doctor turned their heads to watch him walk away. Inside some of the rooms were barely any patients at all, only a few in full-body casts and hooked up to I.V. bags. After a near minute of walking, a set of double doors met his gaze, and he bent his head down to push them open without having to use magic.

When he passed through the doors, a small mass of fur met with him, and began to bark happily.

"Glad to see you too." He said with a smile as Dogmeat began to lick at the side of his face.

Jason looked up from his companion to see the room full of familiar ponies, mainly Twilight, Applejack, and Fluttershy.

"Shoot, son," Applejack started, "heard you were walkin' 'round, but Ah thought the Princess was bein' generous. Didn't expect to see ya already walkin' on outta here."

"I don't stay down easy." Jason stated.

"Well, it's good to see you're alright." Twilight said with a warm smile. "Rarity also waited out here for a little bit, but she went back to her home with Sweetie Belle."

He nodded.

"Alright then. Twilight, I need to get my things from your place. I'm moving out."

Twilight gaped for a few seconds before responding.

"What!? You've only just started learning magic! And I still don't know some of the most basic things about you or your homeland! Why would you want to leave?"

"Because I'm going to be looking for a job soon, and I feel like I've already overstayed my welcome. It's time I got productive." He turned to Applejack and Fluttershy and nodded. "You two have a good day." He said before walking towards the exit.

Twilight looked between him and her friends before saying her goodbyes and galloping after him. When she caught up, she tried to talk to him.

"Princess Celestia went in to see you. What did you two talk about?"

"We talked about me almost dying, and that I should see about getting a job." He somewhat lied.

"Well, do you know what you'd do for a job? I mean, Ponyville has a lot of opportunities, but are you sure there's something here for you?"

"Never know unless ya try." He replied dryly.

The two continued on for several silent minutes before they were out of the hospital. Twilight took the opportunity to talk more about what had just happened.

"So, the doctors said that you really saved Sweetie Belle with whatever you did. When did you study medicine?"

"My father was a doctor, and taught me a few things while growing up."

"Well, Sweetie Belle talked about how you got her out of a bear trap and gave her some new medicine. What was it?"

"Stimpack. It basically works by stimulating the cells in a certain area, and increases the rate at which your body heals in that area."

"Oh, so it's like a health potion?"

Jason sighed.

"Yeah, I guess so. But it needs to be injected into the desired area."

They walked along an empty path for a few more minutes before Twilight spoke again.

"Thank you for saving them."

"Don't mention it. I did what had to be done."

'You wouldn't be thanking me if you knew how I saved them.' He thought to himself.

"How did you do it?" She asked.

'Just fuck me, right?'

"I'd rather not talk about it."

Twilight quickly gathered what he implied, and splayed her ears onto the sides of her head.

"Oh..." She waited a few seconds. "You know, my brother's a Royal Guard. I understand if you... you know..."

"You really don't want to understand anything about me. You'd be happier that way." He replied.

They walked along in silence until they were met with the structure of Twilight's Castle. She opened the doors and allowed Jason to go straight to his room. From the doorway, she watched as he pulled out the massive bags and strange objects before pulling them all onto himself. Within minutes, he had taken every one of his belongings. He went towards the door, and stopped to speak to Twilight once again.

"Thank you for letting me stay, honestly. But it's for the best if I just left. Goodbye."

With that, Jason walked out the doors to the Castle, Dogmeat at his side, and began a lonesome trek to Ponyville.

\\\\\\//////

Applejack happily strode up to the gates of Sweet Apple Acres and breathed in a mighty mass of the scent of fresh, delicious apples. She heard barking from the path, and galloped through the gates to meet a familiar mass of fur.

"Miss me, girl?" Applejack asked Winona.

The female dog began to lap at Applejack's face for a few seconds before pausing and sniffing at the air. She then hopped down and started to sniff at her master's forehooves, pressing up against her.

"Aw, ya smell Dogmeat there, girl?" She asked with a teasing tone.

Winona continued to sniff as her backside began to shift around underneath the apple farmer. Much to her curiosity, Applejack watched as Winona continued to sniff forcefully, backing up into one of her legs. She then widened her eyes in horror when she felt something moist and warm grind against one of her legs.

"Whoa, down girl!" Applejack half-shouted while backpedaling away from her dog.

The canine began to whine and drag her rear across the ground while licking her nose. Applejack stared at her now wet and mottled right foreleg with a disgusted look.

"That season already? Shoot. Guess ya found a good choice for a partner this season, hey Winona?"

Winona barked happily and ran around in a tight circle as Applejack cringed at the feeling of her wet fur against the breeze.

\\\\\\//////

Jason sighed as he looked around the small town, watching as so many faces were blending in to one another, smiling away through the day. He felt some kind of glee at the sight of everyone still being able to feel safe, despite what had recently happened. Some ponies stopped talking to watch as the strange unicorn with massive amounts of stuff in giant bags simply paraded through the streets. They gave no hint of warning or fear, only curiosity. It was nice. Relaxing, even.

After walking for about 40 minutes through town, Jason decided he should try and ask for directions as opposed to trying to find someplace to stop for the time being. He looked around the next area and found an Earth pony mare with an orange mane and carrots for a mark (he refuses to even utter the word "Cutie" even in his mind) talking with another mare with a blonde mane, grey fur, and yellow crossed eyes, with a mark of... bubbles. Jason slowly approached and coughed lightly to get their attention. 

"'Scuse me?" He asked in a low tone.

The two turned to him, and the blonde one went wide-eyed. She raised a hoof and spoke in a slightly bubbly voice.

"That's him! That's the unicorn I was talking about!" She spoke.

The other one gasped and went up to Jason.

"Oh my gosh, are you really the one who saved Love Tap's kid, Button?"

Jason blinked a few times.

"Wait... Button? Yeah, I remember him. What about, his mom, you said?"

"Oh wow! I heard you were in the hospital! How are you even walking right now?"

"How are you awake!? I saw them bring in emergency equipment to bring you back!"

"What can I say, I'm hard to keep down. I wanted to ask for directions to someplace I can spend a few nights, or maybe someplace I can look for a job. Do you know anywhere that has rooms for rent?"

"Oh, that's so weird!" The orange-maned one said. "Tap's husband, Prime Property, actually has a small bed and breakfast right here in Ponyville! You could probably get them to give you a room with a view for saving their colt! They're right down that corner, then it's the longest building to your left."

Jason nodded before getting ready to set off.

"Thanks."

"Wait," The blonde one stated, "what's your name?"

"I'm the Wanderer. I know it sounds like a title, but I'm not comfortable with others knowing my name." 'Shouldn't have given it to Celestia, but no, I had to go and be all trustworthy.'

"Well I'm Ditzy Do, but most ponies call me Derpy."

"And I'm Carrot Top. Thank you, again, for saving their colt. I've never seen Love Tap so upset. I was convinced that she was about to charge those Diamond Dogs herself!"

With that, Jason nodded once more and began to walk around the next bend. Carrot Top certainly wasn't lying when she said it was a long building, that's for sure. It looked to be around 200 meters of a two-story complex with wooden doors, all numbered, and one main part that rose its shingled roof a few inches above the others. He made his way to the section that seemed to be separated from the rest, assuming it was where the owner would likely live. When he came to the door, a fine red one at that, he knocked a few times before hearing something shuffling on the other side.

The door opened to reveal a stallion with a dark grey coat, a red mane and beard, and a mark that held what looked to be a piece of paper with a house on it. He eyed Jason with grey orbs that studied him carefully, before he spoke.

"Whaddaya want?" He asked with an annoyed tone, sounding almost like a Ghoul. "I've got company 'ere talkin' ta me about some stallion I don't even know about, so you better hope my boss gets here before I-"

"Woah, woah, calm down, Matters, I'm sure the boy doesn't mean any harm." Another, more appealing male voice came from the side.

Jason looked over to see a light-brown stallion with an orange mane, green eyes, and a mark with a scroll with checks on it walk up to him, while "Matters" went inside.

"Sorry about him, he doesn't like social interaction."

'Someone I can identify with.' Jason thought to himself.

"I'm Prime Property. Owner of Quality Property Bed & Breakfast (Trademark). Can I help you with something?"

"Prime Property, huh? I'm the Wanderer. Are you Button's father?"

Property widened his eyes and examined Jason.

"Are... you... y-you..." He looked up at his face with watery eyes. "... you saved Button... are you, really him?"

Jason felt something warm inside his heart grow as he nodded.

"Yes."

The stallion practically pounced on him, gripping his forelegs around Jason tightly while fighting back tears.

"Thank you." He whispered. "I don't think I could have lived with myself if he was hurt."

Property jumped off and backed away from Jason, wiping his eyes with an elbow.

"Um... yeah, don't worry about it. I saw someone that needed help, and helped. Speaking of which, I think you could help me."

"Of course. Let me guess, you need a room for the night? You're from out of town, right?"

"Actually, I just wanted to know where I could see about a long-term residence. I don't think I could afford staying here for a few months."

"Please, let me repay you. My son's life for a room for a few months? I'd give you the whole complex if you'd ask!" He joked.

Jason managed to smile while nodding before looking towards the rest of the complex.

"Do you know if I could get one in the next few hours?"

"Tell you what, I'll get you a key right now."

Property went into the main building, closing the door behind him... somehow, without magic. He came back out a minute later with a key in his mouth before tossing it to Jason, who caught it with his magic.

"Room's upstairs, number 101."

Jason chuckled a bit while shaking his head.

"Something funny?" Property asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Nah, it's just... lived my whole life in a place known as '101'. Just... funny."

'In the same sense as beating you to death with your lover's internal organs.' He thought to himself.

"Well, enjoy your-" He looked to Jason's side before stopping mid-sentence. "Oh... you have a dog. I'm sorry, but dog's aren't allowed on the premises. You'll... have to find somewhere else for him."

Jason looked back down towards his companion, who looked up at him with the Puppy Eyes, ears against his skull. He gave a sigh before turning back to Property.

"I think you could leave him with Miss Fluttershy, out by the Everfree Forest. Whenever a guest with pets stay here, they usually go straight to her, considering how close we are to the town's edge." He offered.

The Wanderer looked back down at Dogmeat, who had perked up already, barking in confirmation. Jason reached out with a hoof and began to pet him.

"You sure he can't just stay with me in the room? I'll look for a job and be out towards another place in a short while, anyways. I doubt any other residents would notice for long." Jason urged the owner, putting in some of his skills in sweet-talking.

"Well," The stallion droned, debating in his head, "I guess, if he's been trained, I could, make an exception. Just this once, though."

Jason smiled widely as he felt the joy of another successful conversation.

"Thank you." He said while turning to the stairs.

"Thank, you." Property replied. "Also, you can call me Prop. I'm sure my wife would love to meet you."

The conversation dropped there as Jason looked up at the wooden staircase and breathed deeply.

'Shit. Forgot about those.'

\\\\\\//////

Luna trotted along the halls of the Royal Palace, examining several documents and news articles from across the eastern-most parts of Equestria. Diamond Dog gangs had risen against their own military, attacking some of their own towns and villages, alongside Equestrian soil. Some reports detailed burn victims that had massive chunks of flesh and muscle expertly attacked. A few speculations rose that they were raising armies of unicorn slaves, but were shot down by teams that investigated the burns at hospitals, and said that they were too precisely seared to be any kind of spell, unless Arch Mages were siding with the Jaws.

She switched between these papers and several from the Night Court, going through several demands by Nobles and requests from the outer towns. Luna had decided to send more wings of specialist teams to guard the towns, not bothering to hesitate on the statistics. She would not loose anypony so soon after her return. Not under her gaze of the shadows.

Still, some good news was surely to be found somewhere in Equestria, she had hoped. Cycling through even more articles of current events, she found almost nothing to look into. Until she found one from a small town on the opposite side of the Everfree Forest. Hayton. There were some reports of monsters and wild animals trying to attack the town in an effort that, when studied by local wildlife experts, was to claim more territory for expanding numbers.

Out of nowhere, however, there were praises being sung about a different creature from the Everfree. One that breathed beams of fire that tore through Timberwolves like tissues, and had the might of ten Manticores. Apparently, somepony tried to get a photo of it, but ended up scaring it away, before it began to head back into the forest, never to be seen again. The photo was colored, somewhat, and allowed a strange thing to take shape. The only thing Luna could be certain about was that it was tall...

... and green.
> Chapter 13
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Jason breathed slowly and steadily as he slowly raised another set of hooves above the next few steps. Around the complex, some ponies were watching his pathetic ascension of the staircase. He did not pay them any mind, however, and instead focused on balancing himself as he rose up each step, trying to keep from teetering or falling back. After what seemed like hours of climbing, Jason finally made contact with the floor of the second level, and quickly hopped up.

When he regained his footing, he looked back to the stairs, where Dogmeat was standing at the base, looking up at him. In the span of seconds, the canine climbed the stairs with incredible ease. The Wanderer scowled down at his companion.

"Shut up." He growled.

Dogmeat merely panted and wagged his tail as Jason turned towards the row of doors and scanned for the familiar number. At the very end on his left, right next to the extension of the main building, was the room number. He walked towards the door and pulled out the key before pushing it in, twisted it, and opened the door.

Inside was a simple room with wooden surfaces and furniture. There was a chest and a desk beside it on the right side of the room, while the bed and two doors were on the left. The bed itself was far simpler than the last one he slept in. There were shelves with a few books by the opposite wall, and had a nice picture of a field. 

"It's nice." He said to no one.

Jason stepped in and hefted his bags over to the table while the door closed behind him. Dogmeat proceeded to hop onto the bed and curl up into a ball as Jason began to empty out his weapons onto the desk. He examined the 10mm and looked through his bags again, looking for the right ammunition. After finding a box labeled with the desired type, he pulled out a magazine and pushed it into the empty slot of the pistol. 

He left the gun there as he examined the Tesla Cannon for a bit, pulling out his Utility Suit from his bags and acquiring his tools. Every inch and bolt was observed and noted by the Wanderer as he examined the weapon until he was sure that it was in working condition. After checking it, he pushed the chest open with a hoof and placed the Cannon inside, leaving the top open for the rest of his belongings. Jason went over to another of his bags and searched around for another bottle of Vodka. Once found, he placed it on the desk as he laid out the Power Fist, Hunting Rifle, and Sawed-Off Shotgun.

"Might as well take inventory." He stated before popping the cap off of the drink and gulping down the ambrosia.

\\\\\\//////

Applejack counted off the last of the bits as she placed another empty small box by the mobile apple stand. She had finally gotten around to sorting out the bits from her last few days of working the stand in the market, and it was looking good. There was a higher profit margin than last year's, which had already grown since the year prior to that. She gave a sigh of pride, knowing that her parents would be proud at how well she was managing the family business.

The farm pony grabbed another of the boxes and dumped out the contents on the desk, and heard a series of clanks that differed from the rest of the bits. When she looked, there rested three bottle caps with the words, "Nuka Cola" scribbled on in some fancy way. She knew of only one pony who had given her these, and remembered also, what Rarity had told her about their value.

"Aw, ponyfeathers!" She whispered before sorting them out from the rest of the pile.

After counting off a total of 87 bits, she piled them into a bag, and placed it on the cart for when she went into Ponyville.

"Sure hope he'll be 'round there today." She said to herself before beginning to load in the apples.

\\\\\\//////

"I... wow." Was all Prop could say when the Guard finished talking to him.

They were currently inside of the office building attached to the complex, discussing the new pony known as "The Wanderer".

"Exactly how I reacted." The Guard said. "I still can't believe that he's out of the hospital!"

Prop shook his head in disbelief.

"I can't even... I can see why Celestia herself recommends this."

"Indeed. We could use somepony like him in the reserves. So which room did you say he was in?"

"Room 101. It's upstairs on the right, just up those stairs, or you could use the ramp on the other side of the building."

The Guard shifted a bit in his armor, feeling a bit of a burn from the heavy straps.

"You know, I think I'll do just that. Have a fine day, sir." The Guard said before going to the door.

\\\\\\//////

Jason carefully examined the gears of the Auto-Axe and lightly picked out every single bit of flesh that caught in it, discarding them into a waste bin he kept by the desk. He was surprised to see how much of the actual device was clogged with the chunks of Raiders and Slavers as opposed to the only occasional green bits from Super Mutants. He knew that he'd have to do something with the accumulating stack of ravaged meat, and luckily, Jason had found out two things: the bathroom had a toilet, and that toilets were almost identical to the ones he was used to. Although using one in the new body was rather troubling. 

The unicorn brought a soaked rag by the device and began to clean the blades. As he absentmindedly wiped the weapon of bloodstains, he looked down into the basked, about as big as the Shotgun he had, was filled up, almost half-way. He sighed as he raised up his Pip-Boy and checked the Rad count: 885. His little chat with Celestia had given him quite a recharge, and after he explored the bathroom in his small amount of time in there, he learned that all of the water was irradiated. Still, he figured that since it took more Rads, or magic, as they call it, to handle the recoil of a weapon, he had to make sure that he should stay well above 500 before he should try and fight again. 

A knock at the door brought Jason's attention back to the world outside his little tinkering. 

"Who's there?" He called to the door.

"Royal Guard, with a message from Princess Celestia herself." Was the response.

Jason eyed the door with suspicion before reaching with his magic and pulling out the Sawed-Off Shotgun and checking the contents to confirm that it was indeed still loaded. He held it out to the side and approached the door. When he reached it, he slowly opened it so that he could meet the armored pegasus, face to face, his Shotgun floating on the other side of the door, aimed at his head, just in case.

"Can I help you?" Jason asked.

"You are the one known as, "The Wanderer," correct?"

"Yes, I am. Care to tell me what brings you here?" Jason asked.

"We received word from the Princess when she visited our station here in Ponyville, and have come to ask you something."

Jason ceased his suspicion when he heard that the Guard just wanted to ask something, and slowly put the Shotgun on the table.

"So what's the question?"

"We would like to know if you would accept an invitation to become a Royal Regulator."

Jason was shocked at the title, especially what it implied for him, and began to question the Guard.

"Why do you want me to join your ranks?"

"Oh, no, you misunderstand. You won't be getting any kind of armor or training for the job, since it's only available by recommendation of Officers or anypony with enough authority. And the Princess was rather impressed by your skills while saving those two young ponies earlier."

"So, what, I just walk around town and make sure no one commits any crimes?" He asked.

"Sort of. While you do that, we may call you in for backup in case there's a situation that we can't handle, or don't have enough hooves for. You'd basically be waiting until we call you in for action, or you could spend your time working with local problems that the main Guards don't have time for."

Jason nodded.

"Alright then, I accept."

The Guard smiled widely before opening a wing and showing him a small badge with the Sun and Moon in a Yin-Yang fashion.

"This is your official badge. You can hide it anywhere you'd like, so long as you only show it during times when necessary."

Jason picked up the badge with his magic and nodded once again.

"Thanks."

The Guard nodded and turned to leave, but Jason spoke up again.

"Hold on a second. Can I ask you something?"

"Um, sure?"

"How'd you get up those stairs in that armor?"

The Guard looked to the stairs behind him and spoke.

"Oh, I didn't take the stairs. There's a ramp on the opposite side of the building."

Jason stared blankly at the pegasus as he slowly closed the doors.

"I'll start in a few hours." Was all he said before shutting the door and inhaling deeply.

\\\\\\//////

The forest was massive, stretching out in a million different rises and falls before the large being. He felt the light from the Sun glisten off of his skin, however deformed it may be. In his grip was a large chunk of metal, carefully put together to be a powerful weapon at close range. Hefted onto his back were several items, such as a large black box that held two large battery-like objects together, a metal object that could, at best, be described as a series of metal sticks and a small staff to hold it up by, which also supported a small trigger mechanism, and finally, a simple carrying bag. A large green hand patted the bag as the large being stood tall before his march.

"I still hope you're alive, friends."
> Chapter 14
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Rainbow Dash flew down by Sugarcube Corner, sending a small cloud of dust up as she landed in front of the door. She pushed the wooden barrier open and trotted inside as she spotted a familiar pink party pony sorting cupcakes.

"Hey Pinkie, what's up?"

Pinkie perked up and smiled widely at her friend.

"Hey Dashie! Just working on sorting out these delicious cupcakes! What can I do for you?" She asked while leaning against the counter.

"Just thought I'd drop by and see how it's all going." She shrugged. "Say, you heard about that new stallion in town? I thought I saw him a few days ago with Twilight."

"Oh, of course I've heard of him! Everypony's surprised that I haven't thrown him a party yet."

Rainbow Dash then nearly dropped her eyes out of her head when she stared at the party pony with absolute shock.

"You... know that there's a new pony in town... and you haven't thrown him... a party yet?" The rainbow-maned mare swiftly rushed up to Pinkie and placed a hoof on her forehead. "Are you feeling alright?"

Pinkie chuckled and patted her friend's hoof away from her.

"Of course I am! My Pinkie Sense just reminded me that I should wait until all of Ponyville's new arrivals come before I throw anypony a party!"

Dash blinked a few times and cocked her head.

"Wait, since when does your Pinkie Sense do that?"

Pinkie's mane deflated as her eyes dilated into pricks.

"Because there are forces out there that you cannot even begin to understand that are at work here."

Her cheeriness returned almost immediately as a ding came from the kitchen.

"OOP! New batch! Gotta go!"

Rainbow Dash stood there stunned for a few seconds before slowly moving towards the door and bolting out. Only to bolt back in and drop a few bits on the counter before she grabbed a brownie and took off again.

\\\\\\//////

Jason looked over the contents spread across the table once more. 20 rounds for the Hunting Rifle. 36 .44 rounds. 48 for the 10mm Pistol. One Power Fist. 5 Stimpacks. 3 shots of Med-X. 5 Bobby pins. The Rifle, Power Fist, and two hand guns were on the right side of the table, all resting in harnesses as Jason stared at the Stetson that rested in the center of the desk.

Instead of wearing his usual Vault Suit, Jason dug out something he thought he'd never have to use again. The Regulator Duster. He had brought it out earlier, and was surprised that it had changed to fit him. Of course, he remembered that the Vault Suit and even the Power Fist had changed as well, so maybe it was just magic. Ignoring the convenience, Jason had just decided to pin the new badge inside one of the flapping collars, so that it was facing him instead of the world.

He grabbed the items and organized them into the single bag that he would carry, and levitated it onto his body. Jason then brought out the holstered weapons and clicked their straps along his form, the Hunting Rifle resting on his back while the .44 and 10mm rested on his flanks, left and right respectively. The Stetson came last, fitting onto his head as Dogmeat began to rise from the bed. Dogmeat looked up to Jason as he grabbed the room key and eyed the numbers embedded into it.

"All bastards in the area, be on the lookout," Jason said to himself, "we're going on a walk."

\\\\\\//////

Twilight walked along the small path through the marketplace, searching through the stands for the items on her list. She perked up as she spotted Applejack, and remembered the much needed fruit on her parchment. The alicorn approached her friend and nodded.

"Good morning, Applejack. How are you doing?"

The orange mare nodded in reply.

"Mornin' Twi. Just keepin' the business up is all. Anythin' new at the castle?" She asked.

"Not really," she answered with a shake of the head, "Spike and I are just trying to focus on getting things sorted out for when we open it up as the public library." 

Twilight looked to the side of the cart of apples and spoke.

"What's in the bag?"

Applejack turned to see what she was pointing at and slowly nodded.

"That there's bits for the Wanderer."

"Applejack, how much is in there?" She asked.

"'Bout 87 bits."

"And why are you giving him 87 bits?"

"Oh, right, you weren't there. See, when he first came ta town, he tried buyin' some apples with Bottle Caps. 'Course, bein' an Apple family member, I thought it'd be best ta let him pay for 'em later, so I took the Caps and let him have the apples. Then Rarity came by an' said they're worth 30 bits a piece! After what he's been through, the least Ah could do is give him the change for his purchase."

Around them, the ponies began to hush and silence. Applejack peeked around the corner to see that it was because the Wanderer was walking through the small market. As opposed to his usual blue suit, he was in some kind of duster, with strange pieces of metal and wood hanging off of his back and flanks. Dogmeat was at his side, occasionally sniffing the air as the two walked through the crowd. Some ponies were just looking around, wondering why the rest were silent, some even looking panicked slightly by the hushed tones of the crowd, or rather by the cause of the drop in volume. A few were even nodding as they watched him go by, the events of the foalnapping having reached every corner of town three times over.

"'Scuse me!" Applejack called out to him, grabbing the bag of bits with her mouth.

The blue unicorn stopped and looked over to her as she trotted up to him and placed the bits on the ground.

"What's this?" He asked, picking it up with his magic.

"They're bits I owed you from those Bottle Caps. Turns out they're each worth 30 bits a piece, so I thought you'd want change for yer purchase." She finished with a smile.

Jason looked like he was almost broken, his eye twitching slightly. He breathed in sharply through his nose before smiling at Applejack.

"Thank you kindly, Applejack. It's good to know that they're not worthless here. I'll be sure to use them wisely."

He then levitated the sack into his saddlebags, before nodding to her and walking off. As soon as he turned the corner, the marketplace exploded into noise once more.

\\\\\\//////

Celestia munched on the leaf of lettuce that was closest on her plate, trying to focus on an enjoyable lunch with her sister.

"Tia, there's clearly something wrong." Luna stated, not even looking up from her plate.

The Solar mare sighed as she dropped her fork.

"Luna,-" She started.

"No, Tia, you've been like this since this morning. You need to talk about whatever is going on with you."

Luna then raised a hoof and sent the Guards outside of the room as she teleported by her sister and placed the same hoof on her shoulder.

"What's wrong?" She asked in a calm tone.

Celestia breathed in deeply before speaking.

"I went to Ponyville to visit that stallion again. The one from outside Equestria. Turns out that there was a foalnapping by the Jaws."

Luna began to hold her sister tighter as she continued.

"He went after those Diamond Dogs and saved the two foals that were taken. When forensics got to the cave the Guards saw him leave from, they found 23 dead Guards in their caves. Not only that, all but one of the gang members were dead when they got there. Most of them were crushed after what looked like a cave-in, but there were two outside of the hideout. They died of wounds that were difficult to explain, like how one had three holes in their head, and the one next to it had their legs ripped apart with such precision, there's no way it was magic or even any kind of weapon we've seen." She brought her hooves up to her temples and began to rub her head. "When I found that pony in the hospital, he was almost indifferent about the entire incident. I still don't know if it was a mistake to let him just... walk out of there. I've only ever seen a look like his once before."

Luna removed her hoof from her sister's back, slowly, before wrapping a wing around her.

"Sister, it's alright. If he truly wished to do harm to anypony innocent that day, he was given two golden opportunities to do so, and I doubt that you would be unable to stop him before he could do anything truly damaging. And don't forget, I have Dream Watching tonight. Maybe I'll share something I find with you when I find his mind in the cloud. Now let's just focus on eating, alright?" She finished with a smile.

As Luna trotted over to her seat, Celestia looked up and stared at the back of her head.

'I can never forget that kind of look.' She thought to herself. 'That kind of regret and pain. The desire to just... end.'

She looked down into her plate, and saw her reflection in a cleared portion of it.

'Like looking into a mirror, all those centuries ago.'

\\\\\\//////

Jason continued to walk along through the small town, earning looks from other ponies as he passed by them. He often saw some smiling at him, apparently having heard of the deed he had done earlier that day. It wasn't unusual to hear such stillness wherever he went, but to know that they didn't see him as a threat made him question their judgement even more. Which also further solidified his reason to stay in the small town.

After a few minutes of thinking over what Applejack had told him, he had calculated that his collection of Caps had accumulated to somewhere around 240,000 to 400,000 bits. So now he was sitting on a literal pile of gold, and had no idea what to do with it. He thought about paying for the room he was in, but thought that it wouldn't be the best idea to have someone overhear his price range and try to snake his savings from his pocket while looking for an actual house.

"Excuse me?" A small, slightly rough voice called from behind him.

Jason stopped and turned his head around to see a small pegasus filly looking up at him. She had an orange coat and a purple mane, and looked up at him with a small smile and beady, purple eyes.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

The filly rubbed one of her forelegs and spoke again.

"Thanks for saving Sweetie Belle."

Jason smiled lightly.

"No problem. If you ever hear or see anything that's out of the ordinary, let me know. I'm here to stay."

The filly nodded before running off, leaving Jason thinking once more.

'It's always been for that, right Dad?' He thought to himself.

He turned forward and walked off again, patrolling the outskirts of the town for the remainder of the day.

\\\\\\//////

Rune was lost in the dangerous forest at the break of dusk. That much was about all that he knew about the situation. Aside from the fact that he was supposed to meet his sister, Zecora, for a small trip to this forest. He examined the foliage around him in hopes of finding something close to what his sister described to him in their letters, to have some sense of general direction.

"Why did I even try this forest?" He said aloud.

He looked to his left to find a small path and beamed as he galloped towards it. Before he could make it to the path, however, a low growl shook the ground, and he froze instantly. His vision scanned the area, trying to find the source of the sound, and found only bits of rock scattered around. Slowly and carefully, Rune raised a hoof and brought it down gently onto the surface. At that moment, a rock seemed to crack open, and behind it, came a yellow, slitted eye.

The zebra panicked and screamed as he jumped back from a set of jaws that came from the ground, nearly snapping his legs off. As he rose from his fall, Rune looked to the formation of rocks, and watched as a massive creature resembling a crocodile formed from the rocks. It turned to him and let out a roar before the two bolted towards the small path.

Rune felt his heart race in the back of his throat as he felt branches scrape against his skin, ripping against his form as he heard the creature break down everything in its path while chasing him. The two continued down the small path until they found a small clearing. Opposite Rune, was a massive boulder, which spelled his end. The zebra tried to run and jump up the steep stone, but to no avail. He looked back at the approaching beast. He slapped his hooves together and screwed his eyelids shut as he yelled a prayer.

"Spirits, if you are watching, please don't let these words be my last!"

The moment his breath left him, he opened his eyes to witness what he thought would be the end, only to be stopped as a massive green mass burst through the foliage and collided with the head of the large animal. Rune watched in stunned silence, his prayer answered, as the tall, bipedal, green savior began to fight back the rock monster. It swung what looked to be a mighty hammer of steel, and when it came down onto the stoney scales of the beast, it left a massive crack before being readied for another swing. The bipedal stepped back and gave one last twist of its body before slamming the weapon into the side of the monster's face, sending bits and pieces of its head across the opening as the rest of it fell limply to the ground.

With the first threat dealt with, Rune began to examine the new creature. It stood tall on two legs, wearing some kind of blue cloth over its sickly green skin. Its upper body was made of muscle, and carried several large objects on its back. It had two arms, similar to a Minotaur, and had a large, bald head. The face of the creature seemed to be pulled back from the mouth somewhat, but seemed rather calm, despite the strain it seemed to put on it. In its arms was the mighty hammer of steel, barely worn down by the battle. The creature hefted the weapon and hung it on a strap at its side before approaching Rune.

"W-what are you?" Rune asked, trembling.

The large green creature offered its hand to Rune as it spoke in a deep, slightly growling voice.

"My name is Fawkes."

Rune looked at the massive hand before smiling and placing his hoof in it. Fawkes hefted him up and placed him on the ground, hooves-first.

"Rune. I suppose you're not from around here, since my sister's letters mentioned nothing of a green giant such as you."

Fawkes gave a low chuckle before he answered.

"No, I suppose I'm not. I am looking for someone, however. But it's getting dark," He said while looking to the sky, "we need shelter."

Rune scanned the small clearing and found a shimmering light coming through the trees. When he craned his neck, he found a small pond, and beyond that, a hut.

"I think I might know where we can stay."
> Chapter 15
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Jason pushed the door to the small room open as the cool air of the night swept past his form to acquaint itself with the interior. He left the wooden barrier open for a few more seconds as his companion walked in while brushing past his legs. 

"Short day," Jason commented as he closed the door behind him.

The stallion magically took off the holsters with the weapons still inside, and removed the bag from his waist. While stripping out of the Regulator Duster, he scanned the contents of his bag and took out the small sack of bits that Applejack had given him.

"This is gonna help quite a bit," he chuckled to himself.

Dogmeat then gave a low whine while splaying his ears against his skull.

"Fuck you, that was funny."

Jason shook his head at his companion before looking back at the small sack of gold coins.

'Thirty a Cap? Jesus Christ, I'm going to be loaded... or targeted if I end up getting too many bits at once. I should try and keep low for now. Who knows what that Celestia might think if I just walk out of town with enough money to hire a small army.'

He placed the bits on the desk as he lifted his forelegs to disrobe the duster. With a fluid motion, the clothing came off and carried the Stetson from his head and onto a nearby chair, where it would hang until morning. Jason turned to the bed and moved the cover aside with a hoof. Once the white sheets were exposed, he carefully hefted himself into it, and adjusted to a comfortable position.

"Ahhhh," he sighed. "Goodnight, Dogmeat."

Dogmeat hopped onto the bed and licked Jason's face a few times before circling a bit and laying down next to him. Jason closed his eyes as the world became dark once again.

\\\\\\//////

"And that should handle itself soon enough," Luna proudly proclaimed as another filly's nightmare was banished.

She had always enjoyed walking the plane of dreams, her own little realm that so few could truly find. Since her return, she had kept up a hobby of finding nightmares of intense proportions and putting minds at ease. Recently, she had to keep checking up on Ponyville, especially a select few of those closest to her. Dear Sweetie Belle had been foalnapped by the gang known as "Jaws," and was having reoccurring nightmares about them. At one point, Luna had to wake her up to stop the flow of the dream before it could get too bloody and surreal.

This night, however, there were fewer nightmares in Ponyville than she had seen in a long while. Just as she thought about trotting over to see the children of Manehatten, however, a new nightmare popped up amidst the dreams of the small town. She gazed into it, being drawn in by its seemingly mocking outlook, almost as if to challenge the semi-immortal Princess to a game of stability. With a smirk, Luna jumped down into the nightmare, ready to brave any kind of challenge it tried to throw at the suffering soul.

\\\\\\//////

Luna opened her eyes and found herself gasping in shock at the horror that was before her.

All around, bits of what looked to be a once mighty building were scattered across an open field. Pieces of jagged metals pointed to the skies like rotted limbs, grasping away at the sky to try and cling to whatever life they had in their final moments. The air was stale with an overpowering sense of death and ruin.

She scanned the area closest to her and noticed that they were mostly ruined one-story homes, made out of wood. Some were boarded up, while others exposed horrifying things to the Princess. To her right, barely a few pieces of wood stuck out of a pile of rubble that held what looked to be the skeleton of a large primate. It clung onto something that she couldn't see, driving her curiosity into overdrive as she pumped her wings. Looking at the wreckage from above, she could now see that whatever the skeleton belonged to, it had a family. A family that it held within its grasp as they died, huddled together in a pile of charred bones.

A stream of tears began to fall from her eyes as she imagined having a fate so horrible. For a nightmare, this was all too foreign. It was almost as if it were-

BANG BANG BANG

"We got him now, boys!" A female voice called from somewhere behind Luna.

The alicorn turned around to the large building, still in the air, and flew above the structure. As she did, Luna was shocked to find massive parts of it missing, exposing what looked like a school to the grey world beyond. Inside were bipedal creatures, wearing what looked to be makeshift armor from rusted metals and bits of rubber. One of them, however, was wearing a blue suit and crouching behind a large green bin. 

The one in blue stood up and rounded a break in the building's structure before raising its hands and pointing a small device at one of them. From the device, a series of loud clicks echoed through the world as one of the other bipeds had their cranium explode in a shower of gore. The remaining two ignored the loss and charged the blue one with what looked to be a club and a knife.

What could be considered the female rushed up to the blue one and swung at him, knocking the device out of its grasp before trying to slash its throat. The blue one dodged to the side before pulling something off of its back and pointing it at the female's leg. A thundering sound echoed through the dream as a scream pierced Luna's hearing before the female collapsed due to a missing limb.

Just as it got up, the blue one was struck in the head by the last one in makeshift armor, sending it back to the ground. The blue one tried to crawl away, but the last one brought down the club onto its leg, causing a male voice to scream through the world as Luna felt the impact in her own leg.

The one in red brought up the club for a final blow, but before it could swing it in any direction, a series of cracks sounded through the air, resulting in a shower of blood exploding from the torso of the last standing creature. As it collapsed, the blue one looked up to find the source of the sounds. By the edge of the cliff, another biped stood. It wore some kind of duster with a matching Stetson. Its skin was darker than the others, and in its grasp was a device that was longer than the other ones Luna had seen.

The new creature placed the device on its back as it drew a small needle from a pocket.

"If I had known you'd actually be willing to take these Raiders on, I'd have told you to find some better gear first," it spoke in a calm tone.

The blue one lifted its injured leg a bit, causing strain that Luna could actually feel in her own limb, before the new one brought down the needle. Pain faded from the world as Luna's leg felt as though it were being massaged from the inside. Realization struck her as she began to separate herself from the vision, unable to hear the conversation between the two figures.

\\\\\\//////

Luna gasped as she felt air rush into her lungs, the shock of leaving the Dream Realm too sudden for her magic. She began to cough lightly as she tried to form her thoughts.

'That wasn't a dream,' she thought to herself, 'that was a memory. What in Equestria is in Ponyville right now?'
> Chapter 16
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The morning sunlight poured through the shades of the window, covering the majority of Jason's face with the brilliant light. As he began to stir, a scowl appeared on his face while a certain mass of fur began to stir. Dogmeat began to stretch out atop the sheets as a yawn escaped both, his and Jason's mouths. Jason squinted at the thin layer that protected the window from his hateful gaze as he began to sit up.

"Fucking balls of plasma, always ruin my sleep," he muttered while arching his back, eliciting several loud pops to bloom.

Dogmeat merely jumped off the bed and shook off his tiredness while Jason groggily removed himself from the comforting embrace of the mattress. When his hooves made contact with the wood, he began to stretch in a manner similar to that of his canine companion. With a twist of the neck, Jason felt himself awaken inside as well, before he began to walk for the bathroom.

\\\\\\//////

Luna hastily scarfed down the delicious morsels the chefs had prepared for her morning, not bothering to enjoy the taste as the events she had seen plagued her mind, along with conversations she held previous with her beloved sister. To think that she would be trying to keep something hidden was... not, unheard of, but still managed to scrape at the Lunar ruler's nerves.

The massive doors opened up to reveal the pristine white coat of the elder alicorn, along with her pristine golden robe and frazzled mane making an appearance. Were they in any other situation, Luna would have taken the time to smirk and make some playful quips at her sister's condition. The Guards, however, were showing great proof of their training, remaining stone-faced at the sight of their ruler in such a state. Celestia made some grumbling sounds as her blood-shot eyes began to scan the table.

"Good morning, Tia. Did you sleep well?" Luna asked.

The Solar deity began to groan in her throat as a cup of caffeinated ambrosia began to float towards her.

"Sister, do you have time to discuss something?" Luna spoke, placing her silverware to the sides of her plate.

"Mmm... Later... have to... letters..." she trailed off, making her way to the exit already.

Luna sighed as she rested her head onto the undersides of her front hooves.

'She's truly dedicated to our ponies,' Luna thought to herself. 'Perhaps it be best if I try and focus on these gangs for now. Besides, Ponyville still stands. Twilight and her friends have faced terror before.'

She closed her eyes and thought back to what that dream, that memory, had shown her.

'Please let me be right.'

\\\\\\//////

The sound of a porcelain throne sentencing the lowest denominator to the depths of the underworld rung out in a joyous tune in Jason's ears as he exited the bathroom. Upon entering the small living area, he was greeted by the sight of Dogmeat sitting by the door, scratching at it. Jason walked over to the door and began to release the locks as Dogmeat rose to his paws. When the door opened, the canine rushed out and down the stairs, out of the Wanderer's sight in a second. Jason smiled lightly before turning back to the gear he had set up for his new occupation, and began to don his duster.

\\\\\\//////

Apple Bloom placed the broom carefully back into the closet that held other cleaning materials with a smile, admiring her own skill in the chores of the Apple homestead. She closed the door and trotted towards the kitchen, excited to start her weekend on a high note. When she went through the arch between rooms, a sudden red blur came around her barrel and hoisted her up before a hard surface began to rub against her skull.

"Mornin' Bloom," a familiar deep voice greeted with the messing of her mane.

"Cut it out, Mac!" she giggled out, failing to escape the grasp of her brother.

When the assault on her head ceased, so did the small bout of laughter that followed. Apple Bloom was paced back onto the ground as the large red stallion smiled down at her.

"Doin' alright?" he asked.

"Eeyup!" she answered cheerfully.

Big Mac nodded before moving a seat from the table behind him. The filly hurried into the seat before the stallion pushed her chair in to greet her with a healthy breakfast of Wheat Flakes cereal, milk, and a glass of orange juice. Apple Bloom looked up to the calender by the door and scanned it for the current date.

"Ooh! It's been a month! Time ta go get another batch o' herbs from Zecora!" she stated gleefully.

"Guess Ah'll get ta work on tha farm's extension later today. You stay on the path when ya go ta her, alright?"

Apple Bloom nodded rapidly before digging into her breakfast.

\\\\\\//////

Jason tightened the final harness on his bags as he heard a sound from the entrance to the room. At the door was Dogmeat, wagging his tail as he strode in. Jason gave a quick rub to his companion's side with a hoof before heading to the door himself. The two stepped out together and looked out over a small section of Ponyville. All around, children played in more numerous quantities than the previous day. A quick glance to his Pip-Boy later, Jason could guess that it must be Saturday for this place as well.

"Kids. Better keep a close eye on 'em," Jason muttered to himself and Dogmeat.

They turned to the left as the door closed behind them, locking on its own. The two began to walk all the way around the upper level of the building's exterior, having learned only recently about the opposite end's preferred method of elevated travel. As they approached the downward slope, Jason noticed a gleaming in his sight. He turned his head to search for the distortion, and found a pair of gold-armored pegasi that were patrolling.

The Wanderer began to slowly walk along the descending angle of the walkway as the clanking of metal plates began to ring in his ears. Just as his hooves hit grass, there was a voice that called out from behind him.

"Excuse me."

Jason slowly turned his head to meet the gaze of the approaching figure.

"Are you the new Regulator?" he asked.

"That depends on who's asking," Jason replied.

The white stallion let out an amused huff of air.

"You duster-wearing show-ponies all act the same, you know that?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.

"What do you need?" Jason asked.

The second one slowly approached as he spoke.

"You never came by the Guard Post to confirm your status, give an address for payment, or anything. Somepony had the idea of keeping some of the pay to themselves instead of giving it to you. So we'd like it if you could come over to the station and start filling out the paperwork."

Jason looked between the two for a second.

"How long is this gonna take?"

"Depends on several things, but this could take more than a couple of hours."

He gave a sigh before turning towards the two.

"Lead the way, then."

\\\\\\//////

Apple Bloom trotted along happily as she thought about what her day could bring. She thought about the crusading that she and her friends could partake in, listing possible ideas that they hadn't tried yet in her head. Also going through her mind was the time she could spend with some of her older friends later on. At one point, she thought about going to see Rainbow Dash practice with Scootaloo, or maybe even helping Fluttershy with her animals.

Before she knew it, the barrier of bushes and trees that made up the boundary of the Everfree was already behind her, giving way to a view of the interior of the forest. She peered deeper in, looking around for any wildlife that could try and spring on her. As she cautiously made way through the familiar path, a number of yellow eyes began to follow her through the bushes.

\\\\\\//////

Rune sipped at the cup in his hooves, tasting the essence that filled the small wooden object. As it began to flow down his throat, he let his senses take hold of him as he felt a burning sensation run up the back of his nose. He dropped the cup and slammed his hooves down to steady himself before the same fluid began to coat the floor as well.

"Well... that's expired," he said between spitting out the juices and taking in shaggy breaths.

A large yellow-green hand came to his side as a massive shadow cast over him.

"Are you alright?" came the voice of Fawkes.

Rune managed to nod a bit while wiping his mouth.

"I'm fine. I think I should have tried to insulate those herbs a while back. They were supposed to be edible leaves."

A pat on the side from the Meta Human reassured the zebra as he looked around for anything to clean the mess.

"So Fawkes, continuing where we left off, you said that you don't actually need to worry about your physical body?" Rune asked while moving towards the shelves.

"Not exactly," Fawkes started, "though I can heal at a rapid pace, I can only recover from so much. If I were to take too much damage, to the point where all of my regenerative cells are overworked, then I would indeed die."

"Fascinating."

Rune opened a cabinet door and found a large staff within. A smirk appeared on his face as he reached in for it. Once it was in his grasp, he backed away from the walls of the hut and gave it an experimental twirl.

"Even better," he said with a grin.

Fawkes looked over to him and watched as the staff began to swing around in Rune's grasp. As the zebra moved, his motions seemed to merge with the staff, turning it into an extension of himself as they flowed together. Once Rune stopped, Fawkes spoke.

"That was impressive. Is it a technique you learned?"

"Indeed," Rune replied with a chuckle. "I learned it from the Temple of the Patient. We specialized in fighting virtues for when we would need warriors to defend. My sister took a few lessons, but ultimately decided upon the Temple of the Wise. That's where the greatest minds in the tribes learn of our most sacred of ways. I'd say that the variety of masks and symbols is the most prominent evidence that she's a fully fledged adept of their teachings."

Fawkes nodded as he examined the tribal masks that hung on the wall, just along his midriff's height. He slowly ran a massive hand across its surface, closing his eyes as he took in the texture.

"You seem to be more akin to this sort of thinking," Rune observed.

"What you've told me about your people's beliefs reminds me of the Zen philosophy I read upon while I was... occupied. The focus on how desire can destroy, the right intention... and even so much as the same path that one must take... to achieve peace."

Rune smiled as he examined the gentle giant feel the carvings that read out into the symbols of the Temple of the Wise. As the zebra moved to place the staff in a corner, a high-pitched scream rang through the air, causing both of the hut's occupants to turn to the source.

"A young one," Rune breathed out as he moved for the door.

Behind him, Fawkes picked up his large metallic club and let out a growl. Rune raised a hoof to him before speaking.

"If it were something you need concern yourself with, we would feel the chase from here, as you did the rock monster. Who ever screamed is being attacked by something small, most likely wolves. I can handle simple beasts like those."

Fawkes looked down at the weapon in his grasp as he let out a sigh.

"I might scare them as well," Fawkes added as he placed the weapon on his side.

The zebra gave him an apologetic look before opening the door and bolting into the forest as a cry for help rang from the trees.

\\\\\\//////

"Somepony, help!" Apple Bloom screamed as another Timberwolf jumped towards her.

She had found safety in the embrace of a branch that she had jumped onto after being chased by the hunters. All around the base, three wolves circled and gnarled at her, snapping up at her every few seconds to remind her of their intent. Hot tears fell down her face as a cold sensation ran down her left side, where one of the beasts had swiped at her moments ago. 

Before she could scream again, there was an impact on the opposite side of the tree, where bits of wood flew past her face in seemingly slow-motion. She turned to see what had caused the impact, and saw a familiar fur pattern assault a blur of wood that flew below her. When the two blurs made contact with the ground, she had a good look at the figure as a Timberwolf bounced into the bushes.

The figure was a zebra, no doubt, but as Zecora had defined feminine curves, this one was sturdier and more blunt, giving it the shape of a stallion. As opposed to the Mohawk that the familiar zebra had, this one had long, stringy hair, much like Rarity's mane during the Poison Joke incident. A core difference, however, was the fact that it was varying between black and white instead of purple. This zebra also had some golden rings around their body, but instead of several around the neck, this one had a majority of them around his legs. He stood in an awkward pose, leaning on his left appendages while his right hind leg shot out, his right fore leg holding a staff in the bend of his elbow.

Without a word spoken, he shifted his legs across the dirt and swept the staff below the closest beast, knocking it over in the blink of an eye. In the same motion, the zebra carried the momentum with a twist of his torso before bringing the staff down onto the airborne neck of the wolf. The instant the Timberwolf made contact with the ground, a snap echoed through the area as the eyes of the beast went dim, bits of wood going limp seconds later.

The zebra remained in the position, keeping the staff in the crook of the wolf's broken neck as the remaining two began to circle him. Apple Bloom switched her gaze between the wolves and the zebra, waiting for one to strike first. The Timberwolf on the right of the zebra pounced with a great leap, almost gaining enough height to reach the filly's branch. As it flew above, the zebra jumped towards the opposite end of the staff and switched the grip. He rolled onto his back as the wolf came down, but not before parrying its charge with an upward swing from the inverted position.

In that same moment, the second wolf bounded towards him with its maw wide open. Just as it was about to sink its wooden teeth into his flesh, the zebra rolled above the predator, using its movement to his advantage. Once he was parallel to the back of the wolf, the staff failed to be stalled by the resistance the dirt offered, and flew beneath the two at an awkward angle. The zebra, however, adjusted his grasp and rolled his form while keeping the staff beneath the foreleg of the Timberwolf. A whine accompanied the snapping of wood as the two rolled across the dirt twice. When the zebra stood up, he swung the staff across his back and watched as the wooden beast's eyes flickered and died.

He gazed at the final wolf and stood still as stone, waiting for its attack. The wolf, however, examined the corpses of its brothers and gave a growl before running off into the depths of the forest. The zebra let out a deep breath as he relaxed his posture.

"It's safe now," he spoke.

Apple Bloom blinked three times before slowly releasing her grip on the branch she was perched on. When she did, she looked below before hopping down onto the dirt. The filly looked up to the Zebra to see him approaching with a smile on his face.

"You must be Apple Bloom," he said happily.

She looked up at him with slightly wider eyes before answering.

"Uh, um... yes?"

"Do not worry, I've only come for a visit to see my sister."

"You're Zecora's brother?" she asked with renewed interest.

"Indeed. I am Rune, of the Temple of the Patient."

"Temple of the who?" Apple Bloom asked with her head cocked to the side.

"I can tell you later. For now, however, we should return to her hut. It's much safer there."

The filly nodded and began to move down the path before a ring-clad fore leg came up in front of her.

"Before you go in, I want you to know of a certain... guest, I have invited to stay. He is tall, with skin of green and yellow, and packed with muscle. When you see him, know that he will not harm you in the slightest. Do not be afraid of him."

Apple Bloom thought about why she was being told this, but remembered how everypony reacted to Zecora at first. Since this was her brother, he more than likely heard about when she was thought of as an evil enchantress.

"I want you to give him a chance before you pass any judgement, alright?"

"Ah promise."

With that, Rune turned and led them both down the path to the hut. When it came in sight, Apple Bloom noticed a thumping sound inside that shook the ground slightly. She gulped down a lump in her throat before approaching the door. Rune moved ahead of her and swung it open, revealing the form of the "guest".

It stood incredibly tall on two legs, almost hitting the high ceiling, even with its hunched-over posture. The skin of it was indeed a sickening blend of green and yellow, looking almost like an infection. There were bits of clothes that were shredded across its body, as if it grew suddenly from a smaller form. It turned to her and showed its strained face.

"Is this who was screaming?"

"Indeed," Rune said while walking inside the hut. "She's a protege under my sister, from what I remember in our letters. In fact, she was the first one to actually welcome her to their town."

Apple Bloom slowly moved into the familiar hut, eyes locked on the massive creature before her.

"Apple Bloom, this is Fawkes," Rune stated.

Fawkes bent one of his legs forwards and leaned down to the filly, who was now petrified in fear. His meaty hands began to close in on her face as she closed her eyes. What she felt, however, was the sensation of her mane being pulled at. She cracked an eye open and saw the large being adjusting her bow. Apple Bloom blinked a few times, remaining still as Fawkes grunted slightly while tightening the knot without pulling a single strand of her mane.

"There," he said in a deep, throaty voice. "Sorry if I scared you. Your bow... it was falling to the side a bit... thought you could use a hand."

The filly looked up at the giant as he stood up again. When he did, she smiled up at him and spoke.

"Thank you, Mister Fawkes."

"No need for thanks. I'm a bit surprised you didn't try to run and scream, though."

"Well, Ah was a bit scared when ya reached for me, but then I saw that you were just helpin' me, so there's no reason ta worry, right?"

When Apple Bloom finished speaking, the corners of his mouth seemed to pull up a bit from their already strained position.

"That means... very much to me."

Apple Bloom watched as he began to walk towards another part of the hut, where a large metallic box and... tool, were placed.

"Mister Fawkes," Apple Bloom started, "if ya don't mind me askin', what are you?"

He gave a low growl in thought as he began to lift the large tool and box, revealing a complex bag that laid in the corner.

"I prefer the term 'Meta Human,' but most refer to me and... similar others, as 'Super Mutants'."

"Going on from that," Rune spoke from another corner of the hut, "what is the difference that you imply there?"

Fawkes set the device onto a cleared table, along with the box it was attached to, as he spoke.

"What most know as 'Super Mutants' are generally known as monsters where I'm from. They abduct innocents, attack the weak, and are hostile to everything that isn't one of them or their slaves."

Apple Bloom's pupils shrank as she took in a sharp inhale, along with Rune, who almost dropped another expired herb.

"Slaves?" Rune spoke. "As in captured and forced to labor?"

"Just like monsters would," Fawkes replied with while taking apart the long metallic tool.

As pieces of it were set aside, wires were exposed to the open, or more specifically, to Apple Bloom. Her eyes set on the workings of the device, she began to approach both it, and the gentle being that disassembled it.

"Are there more like you? Those that rebel in their ways?" Rune asked, his words unable to breach the filly's ears due to set curiosity.

"There may be, but I have yet to see any. All I know is that they've... succumb to their most basic of instincts, and have surrendered all kinds of cognitive thought... and run on only rage and an urge to kill."

"What sets you apart, then?"

"I spent two hundred years trapped in a small room, with no recollection of who I was at one point. I could only keep myself... awake, you might say, by reading about the world outside."

As he spoke, the filly present hopped up next to the table and looked over the strewn out parts of the device. She gasped in awe at the different pieces, seeing them click apart in Fawkes' hands. The Meta Human noticed this, however, and moved his hands to let her see it.

"Would you like to learn about this device?"

Apple Bloom nodded subconsciously as she spoke.

"What is it?"

"This," he patted the side of the device, "is a device known as a 'Gatling Laser'."
> Chapter 17
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Jason followed the two armored ponies along the different paths that twisted through the small town. They didn't speak a word as they walked in front of him, gold plates clinking together with every step they took. The Wanderer kept his gaze locked on their movements, waiting in case they would try to jump him because of "orders" they received. 

After a few minutes of quiet, however, one of them looked back and talked to Jason.

"So, been in Ponyville for a while?" he asked.

"Two days," Jason replied.

"Really? Only two days? Wow."

"Why's that surprising?" Jason asked.

"It's just... you're kinda famous. Everypony in town's been talking about how you went out of your way to go save those foals, and almost died making sure they were safe."

"You should hear some of the mares down by the flower district," the second armored pony started, "it's like you're some kind of fictional hero to them."

Jason blinked a few times before exchanging a look with Dogmeat. His canine companion merely tilted his head at him before Jason went back to speaking with the others.

"Were the caves searched after I came out? Because I'm pretty sure those damn gang members weren't the only ones who died there."

The two pegasi looked to each other before the first one replied.

"Yeah, some teams went to investigate the whole thing. I read in a report that there were over twenty bodies of Royal Guards, just like us, that were all sent to investigate the area, but never came back. Heck, they gave us eight more names to put up on the Ponyville Guard Memorial." He turned his head to look back at Jason before speaking again. "But then you come in and take down all of the gang members in less than a few hours, and save two foals in the process, it's no wonder why the Princess herself recommended you."

Jason furrowed his brow at the mention of the familiar ruler, and waited in silence before the second Guard spoke up.

"If you don't mind me asking, what's that thing on your left foreleg?"

"Pip-Boy," was all Jason said.

The Guard waited a few seconds before speaking again.

"And... what is that?"

"Computer, radio, medical analysis, and a recording device."

"Um... so, what does all that... mean?"

"Actually, now I do mind you having asked that question."

"Oh, sorry."

The four continued in, what was for the first two, an awkward silence, but for the latter half, a moment of peace.

\\\\\\//////

Apple Bloom watched as Fawkes continued to take apart the insides of the Gatling Laser, displaying certain parts before taking a small rag to clean them. As he did, the filly observed the collection of pieces that had accumulated beside the device. Every few times that he had stopped, she leaned close to the metallic parts and gave them a poke with her hoof before speeding back into her seat on the table, trying to look innocent as she could. At one point, however, Fawkes struggled to remove a certain box with wires connecting, and began to grow frustrated.

"Stupid... machine!" He growled while shaking it.

When he did, the table that Apple Bloom stood on wobbled beneath her, and shook the pieces to the side.

"Fine... Stay in there," Fawkes sighed as he reached for the parts on the table.

"Um, Mister Fawkes?" Apple Bloom spoke up.

"Yes, little one?" Fawkes asked as he began to reassemble the Gatling Laser.

"How come ya seem so mad sometimes?"

The Meta-Human paused for a moment before sighing deeply.

"I've lived in a cage... for two hundred years... my mind is, fragile, some would say. Sometimes I just... black-out, lose control of so much. Do not worry for me, though. I would not wish for another life, if it meant not knowing my friends..."

"But what if we helped ya find some way ta stay calm? Maybe there's a spell for somepony like you!" Apple Bloom suggested.

Fawkes turned to her and placed the device on the table before he spoke.

"Why would you go so far... to help me? I don't know you, neither you for me. Would you... go out of your way, just like that?"

Apple Bloom stood up and slowly approached him with a smile.

"Ah'd like ta know ya. If ya met mah brother n' sister, maybe ya'll could be friends too! If Ah just let ya go on like this, all sad n' angry, what'd mah Granny say? Apples don't abandon anypony in need, n' we always look out for each other."

Fawkes stared down at her and made several noises before slowly reaching down to the filly, and patting her head gently.

"Thank... you."

Apple Bloom smiled up at him before nuzzling his hand.

\\\\\\//////

Jason stopped in his tracks as the sight of a new building greeted him. The structure stood only one story tall, but was easily wider than the complex he stayed in. Its walls were made of purple bricks, and the entrance was only a single set of wooden double-doors. The Guards before him stood still before the first one spoke up.

"Well, here we are. Ponyville Guardhouse."

Jason nodded before he started to move towards the door, only to be stopped by a hoof that shot up from the second Guard.

"Ah, ta, ta, ta... there's the matter of your dog, right now," He said.

The Wanderer looked to his side where Dogmeat was, and looked down into the face of his companion. He inhaled deeply before speaking.

"Dogmeat, go play nice around here. I'll whistle if I need you, alright?"

Dogmeat barked twice before looking around and running off towards a group of children, who all smiled at the sight of the canine and began to chase after him. Jason shook his head with a smile before turning to the Guards.

"What needs to happen here?" Jason asked, his face having returned to a stoic look.

"Well, we just need to ask some basic questions before we can give you the paperwork that says you're here and you can receive payment."

The Guards opened the doors to the building before Jason quickly stepped inside, his head low and magic ready.

Inside of the building, most prominently, was a large desk, where two mares were moving papers and folders around with magic of their own. The first one had a grey coat with a black mane, and had a light green magic around her horn, while the second one had a green coat with an orange mane, and a grey glow around her horn. They didn't look up when the sound of closing doors came from behind Jason, and were still working as the two armored ponies walked by the right side of the desk.

"This way," one of the armored ones said.

Jason followed beyond the wide desk and found himself in a long, hallway-like room. Along the sides were lockers of varying sizes, weapon racks with spears and swords, and several doors with markings and texts. Two doors on the right side read, "showers," and were separated by only a single locker between the doors, and two distinct pony shapes. On the left side were doors that had signs that identified the as break rooms, restrooms, and supply closets. In the very back of the hallway, however, was a desk that was occupied by a new sight for the Wanderer. It looked like a pegasus mare mainly, with a pitch-black coat and a light purple mane, but had significant features changed drastically. Something immediate that Jason noticed was that she had leathery wings instead of the feathery fluffs that Jason had seen with every other one. The armor she wore, he noticed, was a deep purple, with an insignia of the moon on it, and on the end of her front hooves, were gauntlets that almost seemed to glow.

"Somepony's up early," one of the Guards said with a shit-eating tone.

The new mare groaned while rubbing her head with her covered hooves.

"Go burn in Tartarus, Spear," she said in a pained tone.

"Sorry Star Buck, but you've got some paperwork to help fill out for our newest member."

She slammed her hooves onto the table before her and glared at the approaching Guards, allowing Jason to see yellow, glowing eyes with vertical slits in the middle.

"Seriously!?" she shouted with rage. "Who the actual buck, would be stupid enough to sign on now, of all times!?"

"That how you greet all of the new guys?" Jason asked while approaching the table.

The mare in purple glared right at Jason, hatred burning in her eyes. Jason thought about staring right back, but saw that she was more tired than upset. He gave a small chuckle before speaking again.

"Relax. Neither of us wants to be here right now, so let's just get these questions answered so we can go back to what we want to be doing right now."

At that, the mare blinked in surprise before smirking.

"Nice choice of words, kid. What's your name?"

"I just go be 'the Wanderer'."

"Really? Just, 'the Wanderer'? No epic lines or anything stupid that hot-shots spew out?"

"No. That a problem?"

"Not at all," she said while swaying lightly to the side.

She rose from her seat and moved towards a cabinet behind the table. When she reached it, an armored hoof came up and tapped the door before a soft glow overcame it, resulting with the single wooden barrier swinging open. After it opened, the mare reached into it with her maw and pulled out a piece of paper. She came back to the desk and placed the paper on the surface before opening a drawer.

"So, what position are you here for?" she asked while extending one of her leathery wings.

"Regulator," Jason stated while reaching for the badge.

"Really? Well damn, that's a rare one to find," she said while pulling a pencil out with her wing.

As Jason eyed the appendage, Star noticed his gaze and snickered lightly.

"Never seen a thestral before?" she asked.

"I'm sorry, a what?"

"Thestral. Bat ponies, some idiots call us. Some are stupid enough to call us Vamponies."

"Interesting," Jason said while nodding.

"Think it's scary?" she teased.

Jason smirked before responding.

"I've had friends that didn't have skin. Barely anything scares me anymore."

Star Buck blinked a few times before writing something rapidly on the paper. Jason looked back to find that the two others that had led him to the station were unarmored, and heading into the shower room. They were engaged in conversation as they walked in, but paid no mind to what Jason had said, apparently. Beyond them, another door opened up to reveal a mare stepping out of the opposite shower room. She too, was a thestral, except she had a light ash-colored coat, and had a deep green mane. She shook her head and allowed the green strands to fly out as she examined the room. When her eyes landed on Jason, they widened as a mischievous smile spread across her face, prompting Jason to turn around.

'Fucking don't,' Jason thought to himself.

"Alright, so you're a Regulator. How old are you, anyways?"

"21 in a few days."

"Well, happy birthday to you," a sultry voice spoke from behind.

'God fucking damn it.'

"Dusk Wind, now's not the time to-"

"Just give me a few minutes, Bucky baby," the mare behind Jason said in a mocking tone, "this stallion looks like he could use a good ride."

Jason felt something prod at his side as the new thestral came into his view. Her face was lit up with an evil look, her eyes glowing a light yellow. Her tongue came out of her mouth and licked her lips, allowing Jason to see a set of fangs that were hidden from him.

"You know what they say," she said while bringing her tail into his view, "we've gotta break the new toys in at some time."

With that, the mare flicked her tail across Jason's face, sending a scent into his breath that pounded his senses. His mind started to haze in its awareness as his eyes started to become heavy. In his chest, he could feel his heart begin to beat faster as blood began to adjust its flow. Jason struggled to focus on his surroundings, and as he did, he got a view of what the mare was presenting him: her rear. Her tail swished slightly to the side and allowed him to see a set of wet folds of skin that showed a sliver of pink flesh.

Jason quickly stepped back and tripped over nothing, sending him to the floor. He rolled over his back in a swift motion and stood up, averting his gaze from the mares. As he did, someone made a pained sound before Star Buck began to scream.

"Are you seriously trying to molest another new recruit!? And right in front of me, too!? For Luna's sake, show some damn restraint!"

The second thestral was cowering close to the ground, and held her wings over her body.

"I-I'm sorry, it's just been so long! And did you even look at the kid's flank!?"

"DUSK WIND!!!"

"I'm just saying the kid's got strong looking-"

"DUSK! SHUT!!!"

Dusk then shrunk closer to the floor before practically crawling towards the lockers on the left side of the room, and retreated towards the restroom. Star sighed and shook her head as Jason started to speak.

"The actual shit was that about?"

"Dusk Wind had a bad habit in training, took too many potions, now she's got this condition where she's practically in heat all the time. She has medicine that helps her out, but... she didn't take any yet. Normally, now's when we're supposed to be sleeping, getting ready for the Night Shift, but when those foals were napped, we had to work overtime to make sure that there weren't any others in the area."

"How much attention did that whole thing get, anyways?"

"And how did you hear about it?"

"I was there. Saved those foals and killed all the Dogs, too."

Her jaw dropped as she pointed at him.

"Holy... you're the... oh stars above, I didn't think you, would..." she looked back to the desk and smiled sheepishly at him. "Paperwork, right?"

Jason nodded.

"Yeah, let's get this over with."

"Sorry about that, again."

"No one had to die, so let's leave it there."

Star gave a snort as she turned back towards the desk.

"I don't know about that. She might have tried face-sitting."

Jason blinked several times as thoughts of what he had seen came back to him. He shook his head as he tried to cool his face before following Star back to the desk.
> Chapter 18
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Fluttershy strolled through the market with her checklist in her hooves, looking for special ingredients for Angel's birthday cake. As she approached the first of many stands, she heard galloping from behind her, as well as a familiar barking. She turned her head to see Dogmeat sprint into the marketplace with an army of foals chasing him.

A smile found itself on her face as the pegasus watched Dogmeat roll on his back as foals continued to laugh and chase him through the streets of the small town. Every now and again, he would stop and wait for the little ponies to catch up and pretend to wrestle with him. They would say nice things about him, continue to pet his rugged coat, and when he would lick them, a few would playfully lick him back.

The mare smiled as the canine carried one or two of the foals at a time, occasionally barking happily at them. As this continued, she noticed a pair of small ponies that she recognized from time to time: Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. They began to approach the group with looks of disgust. Some foals took notice of the two and ceased their enjoyment. Eventually, all of the foals stopped to watch as the rich fillies began to address them.

"What are you all even doing with this mangy mutt?" she asked in a critical voice.

Another familiar shape came out from the small group of foals to reveal Pipsqueak.

"We were just havin' a good time playin' with the dog," he defended.

Diamond Tiara scoffed as Dogmeat stood up and looked down at the two.

"Don't you see how dirty it is!?" she wailed. "Seriously, like, it needs a bath."

Dogmeat barked at the remark, at which the group of children smiled, the fillies flinched, and Fluttershy gasped, understanding fully what he had said.

"Ugh, I don't speak mutt, you dumb animal!"

The canine growled for a bit before jumping at the pink filly. Diamond Tiara screamed and ducked under the charge as her friend rolled to the side to avoid the animal. Dogmeat opened his jaw, swooped down towards the filly's head, and grabbed the tiara right off of her mane before circling around and being praised by the group of foals. The rich fillies rose from the ground, where Silver Spoon gasped and pointed at Diamond Tiara's head.

"Oh my gosh! It took your tiara!"

Diamond gasped and felt around her mane with her hooves to find it, and froze when she saw it in the canine's jaws. Her eyes narrowed as she hissed out a sentence.

"Don't. You. Dare."

Dogmeat responded by crouching to the ground and digging as quickly as he could. Once a properly sized hole was made, he dropped it in and covered it back up. The two rich fillies were stunned by the display as the rest of the children cheered Dogmeat on. The canine approached the two slowly and lowered his head down as well. Diamond widened her eyes as he came closer to her, and when Dogmeat was close enough, he licked the side of her face, bringing her fur up and matting it with saliva. She began to wave at her face with her hooves, chanting something along the lines of "ew" as Dogmeat went back to the foals. 

Fluttershy was slightly surprised at what she had heard the canine say, wondering where he had learned such cruel words. A cough behind her reminded the mare of where she was standing, and when she turned around, the vendor had raised an eyebrow at her with a slight hint of a smile on his face.

"Are you going to buy something, ma'am?"

The pegasus nodded as she put her focus back on her shopping, dismissing the small occurrence as simply another interesting perk of Ponyville.

\\\\\\//////

"And... that's about it," Star Buck said as the final item was written on the paper.

Jason sighed as the news of his completion of the paperwork reached his ears.

"Thank God. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to patrol around the town a little."

When he turned around, however, he almost bumped into what felt like a living wall. As Jason reeled back, he looked towards whatever he collided with and examined another new face. This pony was a massive pegasus, easily more than six inches taller than Jason. His face was stern and scarred lightly, with a long one trailing across his left cheek. The coat of the pegasus was a drab green, and his harsh yellow mane and tail were cut incredibly short. The one thing that also stood out about this pony was that he too, was wearing what looked like a duster, only made out of an alternative fabric to leather, as it was more wrinkled in some areas.

"You supposed to be the newest Regulator?" he asked in a deep voice that resembled a dying Vertibird.

"Yes, can I help you?" Jason replied.

The pegasus scoffed at Jason's question and looked down on him.

"I came here because I heard that there's a new Regulator in this town, issued by the Princess herself. I thought I'd get to see somepony that actually deserves the spot, not just some piece of flank that 'her majesty' wants to lay with."

The sound of several metallic boots walking behind them grew louder as Jason narrowed his gaze at the "Regulator".

"Think you can scare me? I've killed ants scarier than you."

"Really? Really? Scary ants!?"

"Three-meter tall ants, armored like castles, and breathe fire. Yes."

"You're bucking crazy. You don't deserve a spot in our ranks, you little colt."

"That's not for you to decide, now is it?"

"Not only that," one of the earlier Guards spoke from behind them, "but you're talking bad about the Princess right in front of her Royal Guard. You think that's a wise move?"

The Regulator turned his head to see the two Guards that had gotten out of the showers, and were now glaring daggers at him. He snickered a bit before speaking again.

"Is it against the law to speak my mind about her, now? 'Cause if it is, you still can't arrest me. Regulator privilege, fillies."

"Everypony stop this, right now!" A voice yelled from the end of the room.

All heads turned to see a mare with a white coat, blue mane, and golden armor standing opposite the group around the Regulator. She stomped towards them as she spoke.

"We are all upholders of the law, whether you want to follow them or not, alright? You can talk about the Princesses as if they're whatever you believe in, but don't go starting fights with one another, got it!?"

The ferocity at which she unleashed her rage-filled voice caused the other Guards to back away from her and nod as the large Regulator widened his eyes and slowly stepped away. He turned back to Jason before glaring and speaking once more.

"You watch yourself, colt. World's not all about friendship and happiness, got it?"

"Thanks," Jason said with a sarcastic tone. "I'll be sure to remember that."

The Regulator huffed at him once before turning around and meeting the gaze of the Royal Guard mare, who was now on the edge of growling at him. He jumped back slightly in surprise before walking around her and out of the building. The mare sighed and turned to Jason before speaking in a hushed tone.

"I'm sorry about that. I, went to a seminar a few months ago, about asserting myself, and I've had troubles controlling myself. My name's Thorn Handle, Solar Guard. Nice to meet you," she finished with a raised hoof and a smile.

Jason looked down to it before smiling himself and holding his hoof up to hers.

"The Wanderer. Resident Regulator."

She nodded as the two stallions from before came up to him and spoke.

"So we realized that we never formally introduced ourselves to you. I'm Broadsword, and this is Spear Buck."

Spear Buck came up to Jason and nodded to Star.

"Star's my sister, in case you were wondering about the name thing. It's a long story."

Jason nodded as he was introduced to the Guards of the small town, and tried to remember the names and traits of the individuals around him. As they began to settle, another door opened to reveal Dusk Wind in a full suit of purple armor, blushing lightly through her coat.

'Wait, how the fuck is she blushing through a coat of fur?' Jason thought to himself.

"Hey guys," she spoke up, "maybe we could all head out to the bar for some lunch? First round's on me!"

They all looked to her and began to agree before Star spoke up.

"What about you, 'Wanderer'? Wanna get a buzz with the force?"

Jason took on a serious look before he replied.

"I'm not in the mood to get drunk."

As Dusk Wind frowned, he smirked before speaking again.

"I'm in the mood to forget the difference between red and South."

The group around him cheered and gave him several playful nudges as he felt a warm feeling in his gut.

'Maybe this will work out for me,' he thought to himself.

\\\\\\//////

Marrow adjusted the security harness on the quarantine suit as she stepped into the makeshift sanitation chamber.

"Are you sure we need all of this?" she asked over the short-range magic transmitter in her helmet.

"Absolutely. Nopony has any idea what this is supposed to be, and it's been tampering with the magic sensors since the forensics team picked it up," a static voice responded to her.

All around, plastic covers and tubes were strewn over what used to be a living room in the small town of Marenor. Since the Jaw raid a few days ago, the town was suddenly abandoned by the mercenary group and has been occupied since by the Royal Guard, both Solar and Lunar wings occupying the wreckage of the town. Marrow had been brought in because, apparently, they needed top-notch forensic teams to determine the capabilities of the weapons that the gang was using. Strange types of magical residue were found on multiple corpses, and some were found by piles of ashes and strange goop. Tests for DNA and magical signatures were being conducted as well, but for some reason, they needed her expertise with an autopsy on a pony found in one of the abandoned caves. She had heard that they found a crate of unidentifiable materials by the corpse, and that it was sent to Canterlot Science for studying from some of the Guards she had been escorted by.

As she neared the magical quarantine bubble, two Guards stood on either side of the doorway in full quarantine gear. Their horns ignited as the bubble extended towards her. Marrow stepped towards the extension of the pink glow and became engulfed in the field. She widened her eyes when she saw a team of ponies in similar gear working around a white table that had... something on it.

Whatever was on the table looked almost like a Changeling, with its black exoskeleton shell, except the body didn't have a horn, holes in the legs, or a mouth. Its eyes were glazed over with a sickly yellow, and on the sides of the head were tubes that ran from where the mouth should be. Marrow slowly approached the table as others in the proper equipment began to gather around it as well.

"Professor Marrow, how nice of you to join us for this," one of the operators spoke to her.

"What is this? Some kind of Changeling?" she asked.

"That's what we're going to find out, ma'am."

Marrow stepped up to the table and closely examined the creature's shell, and waited as the other specialists in the room began to work as well.

\\\\\\//////

Smooth Breeze shifted in place a bit while waiting for his partner in the patrol to finish his "business" behind a tree.

"Could you hurry up? I don't like the looks of this forest," he called into the treeline.

"It's the middle of the day, moron. Besides, there haven't been any attacks in days, why worry?" Chill Wind responded.

"But still, our shift's almost over, and I'd like to be back in camp as soon as we can."

"Jeez, you Rooks are all just a bunch of panzies, you know that?"

"Weren't you in the Academy once?"

"Yeah," the reply came from Breeze's side, "but I had the strength to overcome my disability."

Breeze glared at the officer before they began to march back to the camp in the outskirts of Marenor. Before they could leave the area around the forest, however, a rustling noise came from one of the bushes. Chill stepped towards the sound with a spear in his wings, ready to strike at whatever may come out.

"Hear that?" he asked Breeze.

The younger pegasus nodded before pointing his own weapon at the source of the noise as well. The two stepped closer to the bush as the noise subsided. Before they could say anything, a paw shot out of the ground beneath Chill and grabbed his muzzle. The Guard swung the spear towards the arm, but was pulled directly onto a small knife that had also been produced from the ground. The small blade ripped through the flesh of his neck, and sent the pegasus into a choking fit, breathing in his own blood as he thrashed about on the ground, the paw still planted firmly on his muzzle. Breeze thought about trying to save the Guard, but when he moved to help, Chill swung a hoof in the direction of the camp. Without saying anything, he lept into the air and began to put all of his power into the motions of his wings. As the wind began to whistle past him, a strange sound came from the forest, and seconds later, he felt a burning sensation through his entire left wing. Breeze screamed in agony as he plummeted to the ground, landing on his functional wing before feeling a sickening crunch as his armor crushed his own appendage. 

"I shoot good, boss? I shoot good?" a scratchy voice spoke.

Breeze struggled to open a single eye to see what was approaching, and widened his eyes at what he saw. Two Diamond Dogs were standing fully upright in strange black armor that had several glowing bits on the outside that made them look like lightning catchers. In their paws were strange clubs that had tubes and glowing green front-ends. What really surprised the Guard, though, was who was between them. It was a unicorn stallion with an olive-green coat, a brown-grey mane, green eyes, and a tan trench coat. The look on his face was one of absolute disgust, and as his horn ignited a green similar to his eyes, a box-like grey object floated forth. The unicorn pressed it onto Breeze's forehead and spoke in a commanding tone.

"You didn't take wind into account. Clearly you need more training."

The last thing the pegasus felt was pure fear before a burning sensation ran through his skull, and the world became nothing but blackness.

\\\\\\//////

"I think I found something," one of the operators said.

Marrow looked up from the stretched out hoof of the pony-like creature and watched as some of the other pathologists began to crowd towards him.

"It's like a locking mechanism, right here, by the base of the neck," he explained while bringing out a prodding device. "If I can just pick it open-"

"Are you saying that this is a suit of armor?" Marrow interrupted.

The professor looked up to her and hesitated a bit.

"Perhaps," came the answer. "Let's find out, shall we?"

Almost as soon as the professor had started, the "helmet" unlocked and began to hiss as the metallic skull began to shift. As it did, a sickening sound akin to wet skin was heard coming from the cadaver. A pair of operators moved towards it and slowly began to pull away the "helmet". When they did, a crackling sound filled the air, and when the first bits of flesh underneath were visible, strings of gooey substance were connecting the head to the interior of the helmet. After the pair managed to fully expose the head, Marrow tasted a bile rise in the back of her throat.

The body was now easily recognizable as having been pony at one point, only absolutely mutilated. The skin around the pony's head was discolored and filled with craters, strings of flesh going up into the helmet. Its jaw was propped open as if to show the horrified scream that they had during their death, and the eyes...

"Dear Celestia..." Marrow breathed out.

One of the scientists ran over to the side of the room and began to empty the contents of their stomach into a disposal bin as the rest recoiled from the sight. Marrow closely examined the face of the cadaver, trying to determine what kind of pony they were, earth or pegasus. She got in too close, however, and pushed the extended arm too fast, and with a wet snapping sound, the appendage broke off at the joint. When it fell off the table, a stream of greenish liquid began to pour from the opening, creating a pool of vile liquid.

The operators screamed at the display, as did Marrow, who backed away too fast and slipped on the substance. As she fell to the floor, she heard screams over the magical P.A. system, as a pounding sound began to come from the walls. The quarantine bubble faded around them as two heavily armored Diamond Dogs burst in and sent the Guards to the floor. While they were screaming, she could hear the speakers in the room blare to life as a new voice boomed in.

"Attention staff: as of now, you are officially working for the Enclave Jaws. You will obey orders given to you by my associates or will be executed on sight, and used as a warning for other fuck-wits that will inevitably try to take this land back. You will pledge your allegiance to the Enclave, to the greater good, and above all, to your new leader. You, and soon many more, will kneel before your new, and greatest leader, me. And once we take this pathetic country, you will all remember the name of the great man that led you all into a new golden age: Colonel Augustus Autumn."
> Chapter 19
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"Again, I'm really sorry about how I acted back in the station. It's just... have you seen your flank, though!?" Dusk Wind spouted out nervously.

"Relax, I'm not holding it against ya," Jason replied with a smile. "And no, I haven't really been too keen on looking at my own 'flank'."

"Well, you should try to at one point, because, damn!" she emphasized.

Jason laughed at the comment as the rest of the Guards around him began to chuckle as well.

"So," Spear Buck started, "heard you say something interesting to that Regulator. Something about, what, fire-breathing ants?"

"Yeah, what was that about?" Star Buck inquired.

The Wanderer sighed as the group continued to walk, but now with focus on his words.

"Well... back where I'm from, there was a large infestation of mutated ants that most called Fire Ants, and yes, they were all tall, armored, and shot fire from their jaws."

"Jeez, how'd you get those?" Spear pushed.

"It started when a scientist found a nest of mutated ants that were only called Giant Ants at the time. He spent some time working on a way to reverse the mutation and make the ants small, but he never tested it out before injecting it straight into the Queen Ant."

The group followed with a stunned silence for a few seconds before Broadsword spoke.

"Wow. Where are you from again?"

Just as Jason was about to enter, a bell ringing in front of the group drew his attention and he looked ahead to see Dusk Wind holding open a door. The building itself resembled a large, wooden barrel with a sign that had several fruits around text that read "Berry Bar: Sports and Sorts". 

"We're here!" she said happily.

"How about I explain after some drinks?" Jason offered.

The Guards all nodded to each other before Jason stepped forward and walked into the building. Inside was a slightly dark, open room with several tables, booths, and stools spread around evenly. To the left was a long counter with a surface of glass. Along the wall behind it were several hundred colored bottles of liquids that were well organized in terms of both size and color. Behind the elongated counter was a mare with a purple coat, a dark purple mane and tail, and a Cutie Mark of different fruits. She was cleaning out a mug that looked to be made of wood as the group came in, and looked up to smile at the bunch.

"Good day, officers," she greeted. "Is it that time already?"

"You know it," replied Spear.

"Alright then. Find some seats, and I'll be right with you."

Jason looked to his side to find that the Guards were all piling into a large booth with Spear and Broadsword on one side, and Star, Dusk, and Thorn on the other. They waved him over to the table before Jason began to approach the side with Spear and Broadsword. When he sat down, the group all began to examine the table closely for some reason. With an eyebrow raised, Jason looked down to see that there were menus of food actually in the tables themselves.

"Pretty cool, huh?" Broadsword asked.

"Yeah, I'll say," Jason replied before reading off the menu in his head.

\\\\\\//////

Scootaloo raced her scooter along the streets of Ponyville, occasionally bobbing and weaving around the locals as she performed several stunts in the air. She had passed by a group of foals that were playing with a large dog, but had used a ramp to sail over them and give her greetings to the lot in the most awesome way possible. The young filly surged through the crowded center of the town marketplace and examined the crowd in the detail that only a maneuvering pegasus could manage.

As she looked on, however, she saw another strange, new stallion. He was holding several things in his magic, such as boxes and random items. The stallion was dressed in a very bright suit, going well with his almost white coat. His tail was almost clear, as if to try and hide the fact that he was there. In fact, the only reason that she could really focus on him, was the fact that the stranger had dropped a very nice hat of some kind.



Scootaloo zeroed in on the accessory and sped towards in, dodging incoming ponies as she leaned over to the side to pick it up. When it was in her grasp, she buzzed her wings again and tried to locate the stallion once more. Seeing the boxes he carried hovering above most of the adults, she smiled before turning towards it and going back to dodging through more ponies. As she came up to the stallion, she kicked the back of her scooter and took to the air for a few seconds, dropping the hat and digging her wheels into the dirt as she stopped in front of him. 

She looked up to see the blank, emotionally void face of the mysterious stallion looking down on her as she smirked.

"You dropped your hat when I saw you," she said.

The stallion remained expressionless when he turned and began to walk away, seemingly leaving the filly's focus as he left. Slightly frustrated by how he had reacted, Scootaloo raised her voice at him.

"Now you owe me!"

Just as the last word left her mouth, the stallion seemingly vanished from sight. He had not gone into a deeper crowd, or even turned a corner. He had just... left. Scootaloo paid it no mind, however, as she seemed to completely forget why she was even in the marketplace to begin with.

\\\\\\//////

Twilight stacked another book carefully into the shelves of her Royal Archive as she checked off another item off of her to-do list. As she scanned the parchment, she heard the doors to the large chamber open up.

"Twilight?" she heard Spike call.

"Yes?" she responded.

"Apple Bloom needs to talk to you about something."

The alicorn placed the parchment onto a nearby desk before moving towards the doorway. When she made it to the other side, she saw Spike and Apple Bloom standing before her.

"What do you need help with, Apple Bloom?"

The filly rubbed the back of her head with one hoof as she looked to the side.

"Twilight, I wanted ta ask for yer help with a friend of mine."

"Well, who is it, and what do they need?"

"See, that's kinda one a' the problems. He's... not, from Equestria, and not even a pony. I wanted ta ask if you could come with me an' see if there's anythin' ya can do ta help."

Twilight was slightly surprised by what Apple Bloom had asked, but tried her best to not show it.

"Well, I'd be glad to help your friend. Where is he?"

"In Zecora's hut, in the Everfree."

"What? Why's he in there!?" Twilight panicked.

"'Cause if he comes ta Ponyville, everypony's gonna flip out and go all screamin' and running!"

"Why would anypony do that?"

Apple Bloom sighed as she lowered her hoof and looked up to Twilight.

"Ah think ya need ta see him for yerself."

Twilight was now driven by her overwhelming curiosity and charged a teleportation spell. In a flash, the two were gone from sight.

... and standing amidst the emptiness was a lone baby dragon.

"Really!?" he shouted, raising two clawed hands into the air. "Why!?"

\\\\\\//////

Rune meditated silently as his breathing became a constant motion of the air. To anyone that may see him, it may look like he was not breathing at all. That is, if they paid no attention to the fact that he was currently meditating above the surface of a large pool of water. Around him, and on the water below, the air moved with his heartbeat, and began to pulsate around his form. The golden bands that decorated his limbs began to slowly orbit their respective resting spots as they began to channel Rune's inner magic. The zebra took in one last breath-

*POP*

-before plummeting into the water below.

He flailed his hooves trying to swim up towards the surface of the water, and after a few seconds, he found the edge of the ground and pulled himself onto the dirt outside of the pond. After freeing himself from the depths of the water, he coughed up a bit before gasping for air.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry!" a feminine voice yelled by his side. "I didn't-"

Rune held up a hoof to silence the voice and steadied his breathing. When his breathes were no longer too fast, he opened his eyes and spoke.

"I'm alright. Just surprised by-"

Rune's words died on his tongue as he looked to his left to see a beautiful mare staring into his eyes with clear concern in their majestic color. The way the light danced across the colors of her mane, the pristine trim of her coat, and the scent of lavender that danced through the air as he-

"Are ya alright, Mister Rune?" he heard Apple Bloom ask.

The zebra quickly jumped back from contact with the mare and sunk back into the pond as he realized he had been staring.

\\\\\\//////

"And when the guy stood back up, he said, 'Ah'm sorry, Ah thought this was 'QUESTRIAH'!"

The group of Guards at the table burst out into guffaws when Star finished her story. After the tale that was told, even Jason found himself unable to contain his laughter. Someone cleared their throat by the group, however, and put an end to the laughter. When Jason looked up, it was the bar tender.

"Well now, who's this?" she asked, looking at Jason.

"Ponyville's newest Regulator," Spear answered while jabbing a hoof to Jason's side.

"Ya don't say?" she replied before extending a hoof out to him. "Berry Punch."

Jason extended a hoof out to greet her and smiled.

"The Wanderer."

Berry retracted her hoof and raised an eyebrow at the unicorn.

"Wait, aren't you the one who saved that Button kid?"

The Wanderer nodded with a quizzical look on his face.

"Wow. Oh, hold on a second," she said before retreating to the bar.

Jason looked back at the Guards before Broadsword spoke to him.

"She's heard a lot of news through the glass, if you catch my drift."

Before he could respond, the sound of glass hitting the table drew Jason's attention. He turned his head and saw a glass mug, filled with an amber liquid and foaming almost over the edge, right in front of him.

"Special drink on the house, courtesy of your newest enabler," Berry said with a smirk.

"What is it?"

"Apple Family Cider that they sold to me for quite a hefty bit. I only reserve about two barrels a year before Cider Season, then put 'em on sale for 25 bits a mug for our Royal Guards here. That's the first mug of the year, and hasn't been sold to anypony yet. Think of it as... my own way of thanking you for helping out my family."

"You're family with that kid?"

"Eh, kind of. Love Tap's my daughter's personal tutor for culinary arts, so he's technically related to me by proximity. Still, he's family. And so are you, if what I've heard about your new residence is right."

"Got me there. The father offered me a room and I couldn't turn down that kind of offer."

"Well," Berry pushed the mug closer to Jason, "drink up."

Jason reached his hoof through the handle and twisted the end of it before slowly raising the mug above the table and close to his muzzle.

"Cheers," he said before tilting the glass towards his lips, and pouring the liquid down his throat.

The beverage was definitely alcoholic, that much Jason knew off the bat, considering the kick behind it. But it was mild enough to let a wave of spiced apples greet his taste buds. As the taste settled in, Jason removed the mug from his lips so that he could let air into his lungs. He licked his lips as a satisfied sound escaped the opening. Jason settled the mug on the table before turning to Berry Punch and smiling.

"Holy shit, that's good."

\\\\\\//////

Twilight eyed the small pool of water with a raised brow as she spoke to Apple Bloom.

"Is... that, your friend?" she asked.

"Uh, no, that's Zecora's brother, Rune."

"She has a brother?" Twilight asked, turning to the filly.

"We never asked 'bout him."

Twilight slowly nodded before changing the subject.

"So where's the friend that you mentioned?"

"He's in the hut. But, before ya see him, Ah've gotta tell ya what he looks like."

"Alright, I'm listening."

"Well, he's really tall, taller than Princess Celestia, actually. He's got no fur at all, an' his skin's all yellow an' green. His face is, kinda stuck in sort of a snarl, an' ya can see his teeth while he's not talkin'. Oh, Ah almost forgot ta tell ya his name!"

"What's his name, Apple Bloom?"

"Fawkes!" she added excitedly.

Twilight smiled at the exuberance that the filly showed while talking about her new friend before turning towards the direction of the hut.

"Well, let's not keep him waiting, right?"

Apple Bloom smiled widely and began to gallop down the path to the hut alongside Twilight.

\\\\\\//////

"So, where did you say you're from, again?"

Jason looked to his left to eye Spear, who proceeded to stick a straw in his mouth and sip away at his beverage. The others paused eating their meals and looked up to Jason. Star and Dusk had ordered some kind of sandwich with long strings of crisp grass and red sauces, while Broadsword, Spear, and Thorn were sharing a large plate of some kind of chips, covered in different shades of yellow... stuff. The Wanderer glanced down at his own plate of food, which consisted of two "burgers," the menu had called them, which reminded Jason of certain foods he had enjoyed back in Megaton, and "hay fries," which he found went well with the burgers.

"You mean where I'm from specifically, or the place that I earned my title?" he inquired.

"Why not both?" Broadsword asked. "We've got time before our next shift."

Jason sighed before he took a swig of the Apple Family Cider he had set aside and prepared to tell the tale of the Wasteland.

"I grew up... in what we called a 'Vault'. Vault 101, to be specific. They're shelters that were built a long time ago to protect people from bombs that some feared would be dropped over cities. Around 200 years ago, several nations went to war with each other, and it ended with everyone dropping powerful bombs on each other, killing everything that wasn't in a Vault, or mutating whatever survived to the point of being unrecognizable."

He stopped telling the story to see the general reactions from the group of Guards. Thorn was shaking in the corner of the booth behind Star, who was staring at Jason with wide eyes. Dusk was looking off to the side, while on the opposite end of the table, Spear was hanging his jaw rather low, and Broadsword was looking down towards the table.

"Want me to keep-"

"Why didn't Celestia stop them?" Broadsword asked.

"What?"

"You said that it happened 200 years ago," Broadsword stated while turning his head to look at Jason. "Why didn't the Princess intervene?"

"Because no one knew about these nations until I came here. They're beyond that forest that everyone seems to be afraid of."

"Really?" Spear asked. "I thought those were just deserts and wastelands."

"Well, that's what we call it now. The Wasteland."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Dusk added.

"Well, I didn't see any of it until I left the Vault."

"Wait, you just said that they were safe, right? Why would you leave?"

"Because my father left the Vault, and the person in charge, the Overseer, wanted both of us dead."

And the damn of questions broke forth.

"Why would they want you both dead?"
"Why did your father leave?"
"Why would you try to go after him?"
"Why not negotiate with that 'Overseer'?" 
"How do we even know if this is all real?"
"What direction is this 'Wasteland' actually in, beyond the Everfree?"

The questions all began to merge in Jason's ears as he shut his eyes and tried to ignore the assault on his hearing. Before it could escalate to the point where they were all yelling at him, Jason slammed a hoof onto the table before responding to all at once.

"JUST STOP! I DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT THAT FUCKING PLACE, ALRIGHT!?"

He glared at the rest of the Guards that were at the table and examined their stunned faces. 

"Look, there's a damn good number of reasons for why I left. I don't want to be forced to focus on those horrible moments of my life, alright? All you need to know is that I made it out alive, and that . Can we please, please, focus on something that doesn't have to do with me, or where I came from?"

Jason relaxed into the seat of the booth as the others began to reel back from the shock. The silence was broken when Dusk spoke.

"I'm sorry, we didn't know it's this difficult for you."

The Wanderer looked up into her soft eyes and turned his head to see the rest of the group looking over apologetically at him. Jason sighed as he leaned onto the table.

"It's fine. I'm okay now." 

Silence once again reigned before Spear broke it.

"So... anypony read up on that race in Trottingham?"

"Oh, you know it!" Dusk replied.

As the atmosphere began to shift back into a positive mood, Jason allowed a smile to keep itself on his face as he scarfed down the food provided to him by his new friends.
> Chapter 20
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Fawkes groaned as he hefted the white bag of belongings onto the wooden table, preparing to examine the contents to try and ease his mind. He reached in and grabbed the first thing he could. In his hand came a Laser Rifle, brighter and in better condition than most of the ones he had seen across the Wasteland. It reminded him of the day he was freed. The red bolts that obliterated the skulls and arms of the Super Mutants that held him prisoner. 

His mind came back to the horrifying prison he was trapped in, unable to think of any place or state of being outside that damned trap before his best friend had saved him from.

Anger once again rose from the back of his mind as the words of the Super Mutants echoed.

Fawkes took in a long, deep breath, trying to calm his easily enraged blood.

He placed the Laser Rifle on the surface of the table and put his focus back onto the sack containing the forgotten items of his friend. Again, he reached in and pulled out a wooden baseball bat. The overall surface of the blunt instrument was smooth for wood, and had only a small amount of bumps on it. Fawkes turned it around in his grip and examined the branding underneath the handle, the familiar insignia of Vault-Tech seemingly taunting him with the reminder of his former Hell. This symbol, however, held a different set of numbers than the one of his prison, "101".

The only other items in the bag consisted of a few Microfusion Cells for the Laser Rifle, spare parts for other weapons, for his own as well, some novelty items, and a blue suit covered in leather armor.

A knock on the hut's door brought Fawkes' attention away from the items as he turned around.

"Yes?" he answered.

\\\\\\//////

Twilight flinched at the voice's response, thinking it belonged to something like a sick dragon. Rune went straight up to the door and cracked it open enough for him to pop his head through, but not much else.

"Hello, Fawkes," he spoke into the hut. "We've got another visitor. Apple Bloom went to find her because she believes that this one can help you. Would you like to meet her?"

"She... can help?" the voice responded.

Twilight felt a tap on her leg and looked to her right to see Apple Bloom.

"Twilight, Ah think you should know, he looks a bit scary when you first meet him," she warned.

"I promise I won't react badly, Apple Bloom," Twilight assured. "I'm sure he's better than any of the things your sister and I have seen in this forest."

Rune motioned for Twilight to come inside the hut as he opened the door fully. Twilight moved inside, but froze as she looked upon the green-yellow form of what waited inside.

"Greetings," it spoke with the same ragged voice, "I... am Fawkes. It's nice... to meet you."

When it finished speaking, it offered a yellow-green appendage to Twilight. Twilight stared wide-eyed at the beast of a being that stood before her, barely able to comprehend the situation. The alicorn felt a light jab at her side, likely from Apple Bloom, which snapped her back to reality. She shook her head to clear her senses and offered a smile to Fawkes.

"Hello, Fawkes," she finally spoke. "I'm Twilight Sparkle. Nice to meet you."

When she finished her statement, she hesitantly brought up her hoof to Fawkes' meaty hand. Part of her was worried that the behemoth's grip would likely crush her arm, or that he might rip off her limb altogether, but was pleasantly surprised to feel Fawkes gently grip her hoof and slowly shake before releasing her foreleg.

"Thank you... for giving me this chance," he stated.

"Oh, it's no problem, really. I'm just surprised. What are you, exactly? I mean, I've never seen anypon- sorry, anyone, that looks like you."

"I... am a Meta Human," Fawkes explained. "It is understandable... that you would be weary of me, or... what I am. There were others, I knew of... they share my looks, but not... my brains, my habits..."

Confused by the Meta Human's answer, Twilight pressed.

The alicorn magically pulled out a stool she knew was by her from her previous visits to Zecora's hut, and sat down before questioning Fawkes.

"Well, what exactly is a Meta Human, and where are you from?"

"Meta Humans, like myself, are... rare, to say the least. I come from a... place, known as the Capital Wasteland."

'Capital Wasteland,' Twilight repeated in her head. 'Why does that sound familiar?'

"We were, at one point, just Humans. But, when I woke up... for as long as I can remember, I was... in a prison. Mocked, beaten, and ignored, by who I thought were like me. Those... are Super Mutants. They too, were changed like I was... by the Forced Evolution Virus, but they... lost themselves. Nothing but rage and hatred in their minds... they terrorize the Wasteland, and hunt down any Humans they find."

"That sounds horrible," Twilight commented. "So, you were imprisoned by these, 'Super Mutants,' and were forced into changing like them?"

"Yes," Fawkes responded. "However, I retained some semblance of my former self. I can think, unlike them... I can remember some things... from my time in that prison."

"How long were you like that?"

Fawkes hesitated, blood heating in his ill-manageable rage.

"For two hundred years, I was in that prison... alone, and forgotten."

Twilight raised a hoof over her chest as she gasped in shock.

"And now... I still feel anger, because of them!" Fawkes said a bit forcefully. "They made me a monster, unable to control my rage! I wanted to take revenge against them! I wanted to beat them all until-"

Fawkes stopped himself from raging entirely. He remembered his Zen philosophy, trying to calm himself. When he looked back to the others, he saw Apple Bloom looking up at him with a worried expression, only somewhat filled with fear.

"Well," Twilight started, "I think I see now what Apple Bloom wanted me to help with."

Fawkes nodded as he leaned against the wall of the hut.

"Yes... my rage... it burns my blood, and hurts my mind."

"Well, I'm not exactly a licensed professional in Psychology, but I have glazed over a few books. I think-"

"Books?" Fawkes interrupted, standing up straight. "Do you mean, actual, intact, fully legible, paper-and-ink... books?"

"Yes, indeed," Twilight answered proudly. "I used to live in the town's library, but since a few weeks ago, I've been running the Library out of my new castle, and-"

"How many books do you have?" Fawkes asked.

"Well, last time I checked," Twilight stopped, having a sudden idea.

"I think I might know how to start helping you, Fawkes. How would you like to see what my collection has to offer?"

Fawkes didn't answer immediately. Instead, he turned away and began to pack up all of the items he had spread out over the table, stuffing them back into the bag he had carried for so long.

"During my entire time in that prison, there was only one solace... all that time, all that silence, never went to waste... I read every book I could, every file I could search for... reading, knowledge, and books... are my anchors to sanity. If you help me with this... it would be the second greatest debt I would owe in my long life. Thank you, Twilight Sparkle."

Twilight would have to ask several questions later, but for now, she thought about who to contact regarding Fawkes' mental stability. Off the top of her head, she thought about asking Nurse Redheart, considering she has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, but knew better than to take her out of where ponies needed her the most. Her mind went straight to wondering if she should ask Princess Celestia what to do with another newcomer, but this time, she remembered that she was a Princess as well. Twilight knew that she should be able to solve situations like this on her own at one point, and knew that the start was now.

"Well, Fawkes, I hope you can enjoy what writings that Equestria has to offer. When would you like to go?"

"Ya mean, Fawkes' gonna be alright?" Apple Bloom asked hopefully.

Twilight kept a warm smile as she pat Apple Bloom on her head.

"Well, not yet. But I know that with this, he's definitely got a chance."

Apple Bloom smiled warmly and trotted right up to Fawkes' leg before standing on her hind legs and hugging his overgrown boot. Twilight's smile warmed up even more when she saw that Fawkes noticed this and knelt down to return the gesture as gently as he could.

"Thank you, Apple Bloom," he stated, petting the filly's back. "If I could cry or smile again, I would do so now without shame."

Twilight saw, in the corner of her vision, that Rune was watching the display as well, and wore a small smile as well.

"Rune?" Twilight called to the Zebra.

Rune turned his head over to look at Twilight.

"I don't suppose you'd like to see what Ponyville has to offer, do you?" Twilight asked. "I have plenty of space at the castle, and I'm sure Spike wouldn't mind some more company. What do you say?"

The Zebra had a faint blush cross over his face before nodding and retreating into another room. Twilight sighed with a shake of her head.

"I don't know why, but I feel like I need to introduce him to Rarity."

\\\\\\//////

Pinkie hummed another merry tune, as usual, as she pulled a perfectly baked batch of blueberry muffins from the oven. With a flick of her tail, she closed the oven and merrily skipped over to the window to the counter, and rang the bell once.

"Muffins are ready~!" she called in a sing-song voice.

"Thank you, deary," Mrs. Cake remarked as she reached for a few.

Pinkie watched with glee as Mrs. Cake placed the freshly baked confectioneries into a small paper bag and rolled up the end. Mrs. Cake turned to the counter and placed the bag before the customer.

"Two freshly baked blueberry muffins for our favorite mailmare!" Mrs. Cake said cheerfully.

The pegasus in question merely smiled and dropped several bits onto the counter before taking the bag in her mouth and walking away.

"Come again!" Mrs. Cake called out as she waved goodbye to Derpy.

Pinkie was about to go back to baking before she heard it. Then, she heard Mrs. Cake scream in surprise. Pinkie burst out from the kitchen, her apron now hung on a wall somehow. The pink pony looked around for where he could be, then saw Mrs. Cake's face. She was staring into a booth in the corner of the bakery, usually where the Cake twins, Pumpkin and Pound, were kept during business hours, as to not have to worry about keeping an ear on a baby monitor and having to traverse the stairs several times. 

Outside of their playpen, however, was a new pony. He wore a lightly colored coat that concealed almost his entire form, and wore a hat of the same color atop his head. Barely noticeable was a horn, that when looked at for long periods of time, seemed almost nonexistent. His fur's color was almost indistinguishable from the coat, then seemed to contrast it entirely the next second. His mane and tail were either the color white, or just... anything. Overall, the stranger seemed to fade somewhere in between reality and somewhere else, almost like some kind of spiritual being. Pinkie, however, knew better.

"Uncle Mysty!" Pinkie cheered as she bolted over to the coated stallion.

Upon hugging the stallion, a warm laugh filled the air, seemingly coming into existence from everywhere at once.

"Pinkie! How's my favorite niece?" the stallion asked.

"I've been doing great! Are you off work right now?"

"Sure am," he answered, now sitting in a booth behind her.

Pinkie smiled wider than usual, somehow, and ducked out of sight before popping up right beside him. The stallion chuckled as he wrapped a foreleg around the pink pony, hugging her tightly.

"Good to see you've been practicing," he observed.

"Never stopped once!"

As they sat in the booth, Mrs. Cake had hurried over to check on the twins, and sighed in relief to find they were still asleep.

"Adorable foals, if I may say," the stallion complimented.

"Oh, well, thank you," Mrs. Cake responded. "I'm afraid we haven't met before. Are you related to Pinkie?"

The stallion chuckled to himself, knowing a part of what she said wasn't true, but answered kindly, nonetheless.

"Yes, I'm her mother's brother. She calls me Uncle Mysty, but you can call me Strange, love," he answered with a tip of his hat.

"Well, nice to meet you, mister Strange. I'm Cup Cake, Pinkie's boss. I must say, she does a fantastic job with every job we can think of for her. She's taken care of our foals, she's managed the register, ran the kitchen, cleaned the place up, and anything else that needs to be done. If you had any part of that, I sincerely thank you. She's helped make running Sugarcube Corner so much easier for Carrot and I. But, why hasn't she mentioned you before?"

Strange wiped his muzzle of milk, setting down a cup that was somehow half-full and wet on the edge before he spoke.

"I taught her how to be everywhere at once. I bet you've seen her sometimes, going about doing things that make no sense, right?"

Cup Cake had no choice but to nod, ignoring the confusion of how he managed to get a glass of milk and drink it without her noticing from mere inches away.

"Well," Strange started again, his voice slightly muffled by a brownie that had come out of nowhere, "I taught her how to use earth pony magic to alter the~" 

Strange's words seemed to fade into the ether as Mrs. Cake could barely comprehend the complexity of what was being said. Something about walls, timey-wimey, and buttermilk pancake batter continued to flow by Mrs. Cake's ears and back into the void of never-ending knowledge that he seemed to breathe.

A hoof was waved before Mrs. Cake's eyes before she shook her head to try and snap herself back into focus.

"Huh!? Wha? What's going on?" she stammered.

"Are you alright Mrs. Cake?" Pinkie asked looking concerned.

"Um... I'm, alright, deary. Why don't you take your Uncle to meet your friends? Or anywhere else?" Mrs. Cake pleaded.

"Oh, don't worry! I'm going to be meeting some of his friends in a few days for their 'Welcome-To-Ponyville' Party! They'll all get to meet him then. But I bet they won't remember~!" Pinkie ended on a sing-song note.

In that moment, Mrs. Cake's confusion was at the highest it has ever been, or ever will be, in her entire life. But finally, no matter how little she would recall from this small pocket of time, she now had an answer to how Pinkie Pie came to be like Pinkie Pie.

"I left the bits on the counter, and a little something for the foals," Strange said right behind her.

Mrs. Cake nearly had a heart attack of the sound of Strange's voice, but calmed down once she saw that he was no longer here. Disregarding the action as the source of all-things Pinkie, she went over to check on Pound and Pumpkin. When she looked in, they were wearing a matching set of trench coats and hats, with little symbols stitched into the right shoulders. It was a cartoon pony in a similar coat and hat set making a gesture one would use to tell others to keep quiet: a hoof to the lips.

\\\\\\//////

Jason stayed quiet as the group of Guards continued to talk about sports, keeping the group mostly happy after his own outburst at the bar. All around him, there were ponies that smiled and waved at their group, watching them with thankful eyes, but Jason noticed a few other types of looks. The kind he had seen in bars and by the occasional Raider. The kind of predatory desire for what he held. With these mares, however, it was different. Instead of having to lean on anything, they simply flicked their tails and bobbed their heads a bit, likely to try and lure him to their flanks.

He didn't fall for those looks in the Wasteland, he wouldn't fall for them now.

His thoughts were abruptly cut short when he bumped into someone. They both gave off a grunt and stumbled back a bit, Jason checking his weapon straps while the mare he bumped into brushed herself off.

"Sorry," Jason said, "I should've watched where I was going."

"Oh, it's alright," the mare replied.

Jason looked over the mare, seeing that she had a light coat of fur, a deep red mane and tail, pale-green eyes, and a rose for a Cutie Mark. She blinked several times before her eyes widened and she smiled warmly at Jason.

"Well, I didn't know I'd be bumping into a local hero," she said while batting her eyelashes.

Jason sighed internally, agitated by the way she was trying to compliment him. He had made that choice once before, and had made it a rule to never allow himself to fall for those tricks again.

"Sorry, I've gotta go," he excused himself while walking around the mare.

At the last second, her tail brushed by his nostrils, and again, Jason felt his limbs weaken and his senses dull as a powerful aroma assaulted his senses. She leaned in close to Jason's ear and whispered.

"Feel free to, 'bump' into me sometime around my store, alright, handsome?"

The mare walked away, leaving Jason standing there in the open, his eyelids heavy and a cold feeling going through his entire body. He shuddered one last time before shaking his head and looking for his new friends. Jason saw them up ahead, waiting for him. As he approached, Spear held out a foreleg and stopped Jason, looking at him with concern.

"You alright?" he asked.

"Why wouldn't I be?" The Wanderer responded.

Jason looked to his right to see Star making a wiping gesture by her nostrils, prompting Jason to do the same. He wiped a sleeve against his muzzle and examined it. It came back covered in blood. 

"Is there something wrong?" Broadsword asked.

The Wanderer looked between all of the Guards and wiped what he thought was the last of his blood off of his face before speaking.

"I'm fine. Just hit my face harder than I thought," Jason lied through his teeth.

The Guards, however, bought his lie and piled inside of the Guard Station. Jason felt a brief pain in his head before walking into the station and letting the door close behind him.

Seconds later, a tall greenish-yellow being walked right past the building's entrance.

\\\\\\//////

Doctor Stable examined the diagrams with a scowl on his face, and the temptation of alcohol calling to him stronger with each passing second. He had worked over the scans several dozen times since the patient in question had been admitted to Ponyville General. Since he came in through those doors, he was an enigma. No records were available on any unicorn stallion with those kinds of scars, build, or color combination. After doing more extensive research, no records existed on what that thing on his left foreleg was. That device, Stable recalled, was displaying several important bits of medical information that they could only display using advanced scanners, yet it brought everything up like common knowledge.

Blood pressure, blood type, condition of each individual limb, records of infections, records of injuries, and even some things that he couldn't understand, like FEVs and Modification Factors. The X-rays had shown that the device wasn't too deep, but was infused with his skin, nonetheless. Stable wanted to have it removed immediately, but later found that it tied directly into the Stem of the patient's brain, and quickly decided against it. The X-ray also showed that the patient's skeleton contained an amount of metal in his bones equivalent to the frame of a two-bed two-bath single-floor house in Ponyville.

The blood samples came back with a mountain of unknowns present. Some kind of green cells were present and were highly reactive to magic, absorbing all forms of it at all times. Even Purge spells that were designed to kill viruses like that one were absorbed and made the infection stronger. Everything about this patient was a nightmare waiting to erupt and start a new kind of plague, but it was Princess Celestia's word that kept him from being quarantined and sent straight to the Badlands.

Stable focused on an envelope on the end of his desk and quickly brought it up before his face. It was addressed to the best Genetics Researcher anypony could think of, and filled it with copies of everything the patient had come in with, including the actual reason for his being in the ER. He sealed it with magic and sent it towards the "Out" mailbox. Hopefully, in the next few months, this Geneticist would be able to shed some light on this fever-dream of a medical mystery.
> Chapter 21
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Jason kept his eyes on each of his new friends, examining what they were doing to prepare for patrols or whatever they were supposed to be ready for. Thorn Handle and Broadsword were starting to go through some papers, taking a few down from a board on the wall next to the door and replacing them with other ones. Spear Buck was taking out some things from his locker while his armor sat on the bench next to him with a rag on top of it. The stallion opened one up and began to pour a small bit onto the rag. Once there was a sizable amount, Spear flipped the rag and began to polish his armor.

The Wanderer turned his gaze over to the Thestrals of the group and watched with fascination as they began to go through their respective lockers as well. Star Buck pulled out two large objects that clamped onto her forelegs like Jason's Power Fist, but these were longer on the legs, and had a few slits of metal near the hooves. Star flicked her right foreleg out and the slits opened. When they did, three claw-like blades ejected and began to cackle with electricity, deadly arcs dancing across the blades. Jason stared in awe at the weapon, watching as Star turned it around and flipped the blades back in. He looked into her locker as she opened it again and saw a book that had the same gauntlets on the cover.

Eager to learn about the weapon, Jason got up from his seat and walked over to the Thestral. Once she saw him approaching, she smiled at him and spoke.

"What's up?"

"Just curious, what are those things?" Jason asked, pointing to the gauntlets.

"These old things? They're called Night Blades. Started around the time of the Nightmare Reign, specifically for use in the Nightmare Legions. They... sorry, I'm probably going to start boring you to near death with a history lesson," she said while looking away.

"I'm actually very fond of history lessons, believe it or not," Jason spoke truthfully.

He was truly interested in the history of the weapon, along with most of this world's history as well. He had spent a large sum of his time in the Wasteland reading old terminals that had lead up to the Bombs. Even when he was recovering in the Citadel Infirmary, Jason had asked the Scribes to regale him with what the terminals had recorded. History was an important aspect in rebuilding the world, Jason had considered, because they needed to remember where they went wrong, and how to avoid losing everything again.

"Oh, well then, why don't you sit down," she said, pointing to a bench next to them.

Jason sat down while Star opened her locker again, this time grabbing the book before she closed it and sat next to Jason.

"It was first introduced during the start of the Nightmare Reign, when Princess Luna was consumed by dark intent and rage. Nightmare Moon, her alter ego, wanted a weapon that was swifter and deadlier than the average swords and spears that the Solar Guard used. So she ordered the best minds and mages that were under her rule to start development of the Night Claw, the first iteration of the close-combat weapon you see here. They designed them to be used for fast, devastating strikes while also being able to use for defense. The first version was a full-body suit that had six claws extend from every hoof, front and back, and was basically a number of small swords that were held together by chainmail. After a few losing battles, they were re-purposed for stealth operatives, and were enchanted to not give any sound when they collided with anything. When Nightmare Moon was defeated almost two years ago, the Lunar Guard brought the idea of swift, close-combat claws without the full suit, though. They were redesigned with plating for the forelegs, and had the six blades replaced with three that had more space between each blade."

Jason nodded in fascination, examining the smooth armor of the Night Blade as he gave a low whistle.

"Damn."

"I know, right?" Star responded.

The Thestral held the book before Jason.

"If you want to know more, here's a manual with history of the weapon, as well as specifics on how parts of it function."

Jason blinked a few times before grabbing the book telekinetically. He looked to Star with a quizzical eye.

"Why would you give me this? I mean, is there a law or something about letting secrets like this out?" he asked, truly concerned about the possibilities it held if in the wrong hands. Or hooves, rather.

"Well, we're allowed to share the manual between members of the Guard, and since you're technically on our side, I don't see how it'll come back to haunt us anytime soon, considering you probably wouldn't be able to build one. I mean, you'd need several mages and a magi-forge to just get the blades to be stable, not to mention the materials you'd need aren't exactly sold anywhere in Equestria."

"Wait, then how does anyone make them?"

"They're shipped in directly to Canterlot from the Deer Countries. We exchange enchanted crystals and weapons with them, while they give us the metals and tools we need for building the Guard and weapons they can't make."

"Interesting," Jason contemplated.

Star patted him on the back, causing Jason to look up and see Star nod to a large metal door.

"Wanna see them in action?"

Jason nodded.

"Sure."

\\\\\\//////

Fawkes kept his head low as he tried to look as non-threatening to the inhabitants of the town of Ponyville. When he first came upon the small town, he insisted on walking around it, as to not disturb the peaceful community. But after the persuasion of one Princess Twilight Sparkle, and the pleading eyes of one adorable Apple Bloom, Fawkes agreed to walk with them. So far, he had seen several ponies staring at him as he lumbered by, feeling their gazes eating away at his flesh like rabid Mole-Rats. 

At one point, Fawkes was worried that the weight of all these stares would break his psyche, and cause him to go berserk. He kept his eyes closed, trying to cool his temper before he would do something he would regret for the rest of his painfully long (or swiftly shortened) life. Fawkes could feel his hand twitch over the handle of his Super Sledge, and pulled back. He had to find a calm. He couldn't lose himself here and now.

"Um, Fawkes?" Apple Bloom spoke.

Fawkes cracked open an eye to see the little one looking up at him with confused eyes.

"Why are ya keepin' your eyes shut?" she asked.

Fawkes couldn't stop his reflex as he looked up and took in the sight of the ponies around him. He would later be glad of his body's decision, since it revealed something that gave him hope.

Every pony was looking at him with a bit of concern.

They weren't running away or hiding from his line of sight, nor were they readying weapons or threatening him. They were just watching him stand there, and were actually concerned about the mutant's being. He looked around the town that surrounded him and saw that the windows that each house had weren't closed. Children were still in the streets, watching with fascinated eyes as the yellow-green tower of muscle and flesh walked amongst them. A few were actually smiling at Fawkes.

If the Meta-Human could cry or smile, he would likely be doing both.

"I... I'm, alright," he answered, feeling the tension loosening in his body. "I just... did not expect them, to be so... calm."

"Well," Twilight started, "here in Ponyville, we've seen things ranging from beings of Chaos, dragon attacks, Parasprite infestations, and the entire town being morphed and changed to wild degrees of silliness. To everypony in town, seeing something like you walking through the streets is something that we've gotten used to. No offense, Fawkes."

Fawkes stood a little bit taller, looking down at the ponies as he saw a group of children staring at him in awe. One of them, a white one with brown hair and spots, jumped above the crowd and started waving at him.

"None, taken," Fawkes replied happily, waving back to the child.

Twilight and Apple Bloom smiled to each other as they watched the yellow-green giant accept the atmosphere of Ponyville.

\\\\\\//////

Dogmeat panted as he laid amongst a puddle of small ponies in the middle of a park. They were all napping against him, their heads resting on his fur. Some of them were getting dirt on their faces, while others were likely getting little specs of blood from his fur. The canine had enjoyed the time he spent so far with the small children of the town. Very few times in his adventures with Jason had he been able to simply play around with the townsfolk. Sometimes he was thankful for that, like when they were in that one community where everyone dressed weird and Dogmeat could smell people blood from the shed.

A new series of hoofsteps snapped Dogmeat back to reality. 

A familiar shape was approaching, a yellow coat and pink hairs for her mane and tail. The scent of flowers and many different animals tickled Dogmeat's senses as she approached. When the mare came close to the pile of sleeping children, she knelt down and spoke softly.

"Aw," Fluttershy cooed, "aren't you precious."

Dogmeat's tail began wagging at the praise.

"You're so friendly and cuddly, aren't you?" she asked while bringing a hoof to pet Dogmeat's ear.

While the blunt surface was nowhere near the truly glorious euphoria of fingers behind the ears, it was still a serviceable massage nonetheless. 

"Why are you so... um, dirty?" she asked him.

Dogmeat proceeded to whine and grunt as to not wake the children.

"<Wasteland is nothing but rubble. Kicked up dirt and blood in travels.>" Dogmeat responded.

The yellow lady gasped before whispering to him.

"I'm so sorry to hear that, you poor thing," she said before massaging his ear again.

After a few minutes of ear massaging, the children started to collectively wake up, yawning and stretching in a fashion that Dogmeat found very practical. They all began to pet him as well before saying their goodbyes and walking away. When it was just Fluttershy and Dogmeat, she spoke again.

"Would you like a bath to get nice and clean?"

Dogmeat tilted his head in confusion at the notion before asking her what that was through a series of whines.

"Oh, well, you get in the water, and I'll help get the dirt and... uh, other things, out of your coat. Does that sound nice?"

Dogmeat stood up and stretched as Fluttershy smiled warmly.

"Don't worry, you'll be feeling fresh as a spring breeze in just a bit," she said as they walked off to the cottage.

\\\\\\//////

Jason watched as Star stepped into the middle of what looked like a firing range, with training dummies set up at random intervals, and closed her eyes. She took several deeps breaths as she stood there, feeling around her. Jason noticed her wings twitch a bit as her ears slowly started to rotate.

'Wait, can I do that with my ears?' Jason thought to himself.

He never got to think further on that, as the moment he thought that, Star opened her eyes. Her eyes' slits were thinner than before, and she seemed to give off a new type of air, one of a predator. Immediately, the claws from her gauntlets shot out and she used her wings to lift herself into the air. She surged forward, slashing out towards a training dummy. As her claws slashed through it, however, they merely left a large trio of red lines that seemed to exist around the wooden object. Star quickly twisted her body and adjusted her flight path, kicking off against another dummy before slicing widely through two more. She aimed her right foreleg at the last dummy before one of the claws shot out from it and impaled the thing, right in the center of a targeting ring.

Star quickly settled down, taking in long breaths as her wings started to flap slower and slower. After a few seconds, she rested her wings on her back and started to breathe normally. When she opened her eyes again, the slits were at their familiar width, and she seemed far calmer. Without uttering a word, she walked over to the impaled dummy, and held her hoof up to the blade. Slowly but surely, she slid the dull end back into her gauntlet before she flicked it back into its sheath. 

"Well, how was that?" she asked cockily, turning back to smirk at the Wanderer.

Jason was truly impressed. What he'd seen that most closely resembled anything "skillful" in the Wasteland was watching the Brotherhood Paladins being able to assemble their armors without even looking. After using the Power Fist for a majority of his close-range encounters, he'd never thought anything could have such a level of lethality with a similar weapon, much less being able to make it look so beautiful the way she did.

"Wow," was all he said.

Star chuckled a bit as she examined the Wanderer's personal arsenal.

"Say, I've been wondering what you do with those weapons," Star stated. "I mean, I know you've taken down some pretty heavy hitters with those, but I have no idea what they do."

Jason glanced back to his Hunting Rifle and back to the range of training dummies. Before he even thought about firing off a few rounds into the range, Jason remembered how little ammo he had to expend on anything in this world. There were no caravans that would come by to sell ammo, no places he could scavenge through to find bullets, and no way back to get more. The ammo he had with him now was the only ammo he'd ever have. Right now, he can't afford to waste any ammo.

The Wanderer looked around the room to try and find something that would give him an excuse to avoid admitting the ammo shortage. If they asked about the ammo shortage, he'd have to reveal that he's an alien, and didn't want to think about what they'd do to him. Thoughts of Mothership Zeta came to the forefront of his mind, but Jason quickly pushed those thoughts down, burying them alongside what he had done in the Pitt. Jason looked between the target dummies, the rows of wooden swords and spears, and then to the door.

The door was metallic and thick, much like the doors in Rivet City, and the Vaults. Jason suddenly remembered something he had picked up during his escape from his first true home.

\\\\\\//////

Jason swallowed the lump of air in his throat, watching the corners of the illuminated hallways of Vault 101. He felt his right hand being weighed down by the weapon that Amata had given him. It was a 10 millimeter pistol that belonged to a Vault Security. She had also given him some ammo for the weapon, and after a minute or two trying to figure out how to properly load the gun, Jason had taken everything he could from his room and began his escape.

After seeing an armed guard, however, Jason had ducked into the women's restroom to avoid having to shoot anyone. He heard the guard yell at something before grunting in effort. Jason heard several thunks before the guard began to walk away.

Jason sighed in relief and began to reach for the door control before he heard something clack to the ground behind him. He turned and gasped in shock when he saw a Radroach approaching him, its antennae twitching madly as it clicked at him. Jason looked between it and his pistol before he brought it up and pulled the trigger.

In the small, walled-off metallic room.

BANG

"Son of a BITCH!" Jason cried out as he dropped the weapon.

The Radroach exploded in a green shower of internal organs and chitin while Jason held his ears in pain.

\\\\\\//////

Jason cringed as he felt his ears flatten against the sides of his head. Shocked by the sensation, Jason looked over to see his ears actually move around.

'Holy shit! That's awesome!'

Jason looked back at Star Buck to see that she was looking at him quizzically. Jason cleared his throat and formulated an appropriate response.

"I'd give you a demonstration, but the first time I heard a gun go off in a tight space like this, I almost went deaf."

Star looked to the rifle and then to the walls of the room.

"Really?" she asked.

Jason nodded.

"I've never had perfect hearing, and when I learned that guns and tight spaces don't go well together, I never tried mixing them again. Plus, when I learned about that kind of terrible decision, it was with a weaker weapon that doesn't make as much noise as this one," Jason emphasized with a tug on his Hunting Rifle's strap. "Not only that, but I don't want to cause a panic when I fire off a shot, so I'd rather wait until I absolutely need to use it."

Star nodded her head in understanding as she thought about what the Wanderer had said. 

"I get it. I've been in similar situations with Mages that think firing off a thunderbolt is a good idea in a vent."

"Thunderbolt?" Jason asked.

"Yeah, a magically concentrated bolt of electricity. If it's like that, then I'd likely be deaf for a week or two. You see, Thestrals have hyper-sensitive hearing compared to other Ponies, so..."

As she continued to explain the biology of the Thestrals, Jason began to fidget with his left ear a bit. He rotated it at the base and smirked inwardly.

'I've got to try this in front of a mirror,' he thought to himself.
> Chapter 22
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Fawkes couldn’t help but stare at the massive building before him. He’d seen the once great majesty of the Lincoln Memorial, the imposing figure of the Citadel, and even the proud stance of the Washington monument, but this… this building stood proudly and brilliantly, shining like a star in the night sky. The crystal walls of the structure gleamed with the light from the actual sun, and seemed to radiate an air of its own. It was as if simply staring at this castle was doing something to him. He could feel his transfigured and mutated heart elate with every breath he took under its shadow.

“Fawkes?” a voice called.

Fawkes snapped out of his trance to see the source of the voice, Apple Bloom, looking up at him with a smile.

“Are ya’ll alright?” she asked.

The Meta-Human looked back up to the castle and nodded.

“Yes… I’ve just, never seen something of this…. Majesty, before,” he answered.

He looked around to see Twilight walking up to the massive doors of the castle. Again, the protrusion on her head glowed a purple hue before the doors were encased in the same glow. They parted easily and allowed Fawkes to peer inside.

“Well, come on in,” Twilight stated before going inside herself.

Apple Bloom followed her inside as Fawkes gazed around the interior. It was a stark contrast to the outside, being mostly greyish, smooth stone for the walls and floor, while the ceiling overhead remained true to the exterior’s color scheme. The main hallway was massive in width, length, and height, easily able to likely fit an entire army, should one need to. The passage was decorated with a few busts and paintings here and there, but did not stick to any specific theme or share any semblance that Fawkes could notice at first glance. 

Just as they were entering the main area, Fawkes’ eyes attempted to widen in shock of the beauty of the room. There were six massive seats, all made of stone, with a single throne off to the side of the largest one. Each throne had a different imprint on it, likely to differentiate who sat where. There was one with three butterflies, one with three diamonds, another with three apples, a cloud with a three-colored lightning bolt, three balloons, and the largest one with the same mark Twilight had on her flanks, a star-pattern. 

Past the massive room was a large spiral staircase, tall and wide enough to support at least three Super Mutants. Fawkes followed Twilight and Apple Bloom up the stairs, looking around to take in the atmosphere of the castle. 

As he walked through the castle, each step had seemed to be lighter than the last. Since Fawkes walked inside the building, it was like he was constantly becoming more at ease with everything around him. Every sight he took in, every step climbed, and every rough, uneven breath he took with his mutated lungs, the burden on his mind and body seemed to lessen. It was as if the castle was actually trying to help him calm down.

"Well, if you'd like, Fawkes," Twilight started, walking onto the landing of the next floor, "I can start reading up on psychological studies, and you could take a look around my library."

"Thank you, Twilight," Fawkes stated as he climbed the last few stairs to reach the upper floor. It was like the other hallway he was in earlier, only not as massive, being only around 16 feet tall, and 10 feet wide. Plenty of room for him to maneuver, though. On the wall to the left was a set of large double-doors, like an iron gate. Twilight's strange light covered a small locking mechanism before the doors swung open. Fawkes followed closely, stepped inside...

... and nearly froze.

The room itself was like the rotunda from the Capitol Building in the Mall, only three times as large in every direction, barely able to fit in his sight all at the same time. Though its size was impressive, it wasn't what stopped Fawkes. The interior was vastly different, coated in a brilliant sky-blue crystal that lined the walls up to the curvature of the dome itself, changing into a beautiful stylization of the night sky, each protrusion in the castle's ceiling blinking like a star in the false sky. These features, however, weren't even noticed entirely by the Meta Human.

What caught Fawkes' attention, was the massive collection of books that were stored in the room. Wall-to-wall, rows of shelves, spaces in the walls removed to hold more of the small holders of knowledge. Books, as far as the room stretched. Scrolls, papers, parchments, piled up and stacked about like a workshop belonging to the greatest minds.

It was beyond anything he could remember. Information of a thousand-thousand secrets and then some waiting to be touched, to be read, and yearning to be remembered. 

Fawkes couldn't form the words.

Thankfully, Twilight could.

"So, if you'd like, I can get you some copies of Encyclopedia Equestria for you to start on while I look for my psychological studies textbooks. I got them from the Canterlot University Library, so they'd be our best bet to try to start off on. Does that sound good?" she asked with a wide smile.

Fawkes stood almost as still as a statue for a full thirty seconds after Twilight's inquiry. Twilight looked to Apple Bloom with a questioning gaze, to which the filly responded with a shake of her head. Neither of them had any idea how to respond to Fawkes' current state. As if moved by their concern, Fawkes slowly stalked up to the nearest shelf. It took him less than three full strides of his large legs, and when he got close enough, he got to one knee. He seemed to scan the shelf before plucking out a trio of books, and tucked them into the space underneath his left arm. After that, he rose a bit from his position and grabbed two more books from the next shelf. Fawkes continued to grab more and more tomes of Equestrian literature until he was holding a pile of 37 books in his left arm. Unable to carry any more, Fawkes made his way to the nearest table and put them down gently. 

After setting down the books, Fawkes reached around himself and unlatched the Gatling Laser from his back before he set it down on the table to the left of the books. Shortly after being set down, the weapon was joined by the sack that Fawkes had carried over from the Wasteland. The Meta Human pulled out a crystal-reinforced stool and brought himself down to sit on it. Thankfully, it was strong enough to hold Fawkes up, and without a word spoken, Fawkes pulled the first book off the pile and slowly opened it. He brought it up to his nostrils and inhaled as smoothly as he could. A relaxed sigh escaped his perpetually-barred teeth as Fawkes lowered the book to eye level.

"The smell... of a classic. A great day, truly, for reading. Thank you, Twilight."

Twilight smiled warmly at the sight while Apple Bloom came up to her.

"Twilight, what's he readin'?" she asked.

"'Classical Literature from the Age of Union', a book on the famous short-stories during the time the Three Tribes unified under the Equestrian flag," Twilight said proudly.

Apple Bloom looked over the stack that Fawkes had pulled out, and then back to the shelves. Right by one of the shelves that Fawkes had gotten his collection from, the filly spotted the next book she would need to study for her potion classes with Zecora and Twilight. She trotted up to the shelf and pulled the book out with her teeth. Apple Bloom then pushed a stool over to the table Fawkes was at and sat atop it before putting the book down in front of her.

"Fawkes, would ya like some company?" the filly asked with a small smile.

Fawkes found himself able to actually look away from the book in his hands to see the look on Apple Bloom's face. The Meta Human still couldn't believe the scenario he was in. Not only had he found a fully stocked and pristine library, practically bursting with tomes of awaiting knowledge, but was also asked if he could be joined in his reading.

'These... ponies,' he thought to himself, 'they... they wish to stay by my side. Even in Underworld, they would leave me the moment I found something to read. But the ponies... these children...'

Fawkes nodded to the little filly, happy to have some company at last. She beamed, but jumped out of her seat. Before Fawkes could have a negative thought about her actions, she spoke.

"Ah just remembered! Today's Twilight Time! Ah can bring the Crusaders! We'll study together!" she cried joyously before running out the doors. 

Twilight shook her head with a smile on her face. Her horn was lit up as several stacks of parchment, an inkwell, and a quill were settled down on the table across from Fawkes. The alicorn took a seat as she spoke to Fawkes.

"I've been helping Apple Bloom and her friends learn some new skills. I'm sure they'd love to meet you. But be careful with Sweetie Belle, she's still recovering from a foalnapping from a few days ago. Still, I'm sure they'll be thrilled to see a new friend join them for their studies."

'Friend,' Fawkes echoed in his mind.

"If you'd like, we can talk about what you were saying earlier, about your imprisonment. I'd like to compare notes with what we can find in here to what you've experienced. I'd also like to send a copy to my old mentor, Princess Celestia. If you're looking for somepony that came from your world, she might be able to help find them."

Fawkes slowly closed the book in his hands as he leaned forward towards the table. He placed the book onto the pile and brought his elbows to the table's surface.

"Very well, Twilight," he answered. "The first I can remember, was a searing pain in a small room, two hundred years ago."

As Fawkes talked about his past, Twilight took notes autonomously, the notes practically being written by Fawkes' voice as his voice wavered at certain parts. He had to pause every few sentences, trying to keep his mind calm as he relived every detail of his painful existence. Twilight refused to withhold her sympathy for the strange being, having known nothing but pain his entire life. Little did she know, however, that the story would have an uplifting turn that would remind Twilight of her last guest, almost as if they were talking about the same pony.

\\\\\\//////

Sweetie Belle slept softly on the couch in Rarity's work area, curled up with her tail underneath her head and her legs tucked close to her barrel. She breathed softly as she remained mostly still on the red cushions while Rarity worked about her boutique. The alabaster mare was switching between projects constantly, her mane in a fritz as she switched between taking notes on one dress, to retaking measurements on a suit, to sewing up the hemline for another dress, and back to her notes to check her work with the specifics in her orders.

Every now and again, Rarity would check on Sweetie to see if she was still there, and doing alright. Thankfully, the former hadn't changed, but the latter had been constantly changing the past few days. Being abducted was indeed a traumatic experience for Rarity, but they merely wanted her for her special talent to locate gems, and even then she was a fully grown, intelligent and strong-willed mare who could use her wits to get her out of the situation. Sweetie Belle was but a filly and had witnessed a stallion of Celestia's Royal Guard be mutilated before walking into a literal deathtrap. Results were guaranteed to be different. Rarity had ceased all work for the remainder of that day to hold Sweetie Belle close as she wept into her sister's barrel. 

Of course, the demand for her craft were tripled with the discussions of the next Grand Galloping Gala in the spotlight of Canterlot's elites, meaning that she needed to start the next wave of attire before she could be overbooked. Thankfully, Sweetie could rest in the main workroom on her couch, allowing Rarity to attend to her work while also keeping an eye on Sweetie's recovery. Rarity, however, still felt as though she should close up for the rest of the week and help her sister, but Sweetie told her that she was physically fine, and insisted that Rarity needed to work to maintain her image in the industry.

Even now, she couldn't help but marvel at the speed of her recovery. Rarity remembered when she had confronted the nurse about Sweetie's recovery.

"We're still not sure how she was able to heal that fast, but she should be fine. There's no sign of infection, the bone's reset properly, and from what we can see, there's no scarring present, nor will there be," the nurse explained to Rarity.

Rarity sat in the waiting room with Sweetie Belle drifting between being awake and being asleep as the nurse gave the older mare details about Sweetie's results. Thankfully, there were mostly positives. No infections, no permanent damage, but still, it looked as though the mare was holding something back.

"However," the mare started again, "what she needs right now, above all else, is mentally recover."

Rarity was at a temporary loss for words.

"How... how do you mean?" she asked, growing afraid of what the nurse might prescribe.

"Well, you could schedule her with a therapist for a few months-"

"B-b-but, I can't just leave her out of my sight now! I've got to let our parents know, they'll want to come down and make sure she's okay," Rarity quickly interjected.

"Well, I'd strongly recommend that she get some degree of help. Even if it's the small things, like time with loved ones, it'll help her a lot more in the long run."

Rarity nodded her thanks to the nurse as she began to stir Sweetie awake to go home.

A bell ringing from the door snapped Rarity back to reality. She sighed as she started towards the entrance, preparing herself to drone out her usual greeting. Even if she was still exhausted from her work and already taxing her limits, she wouldn't dare to ruin the reputation she had built with Carousel Boutique.

"Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where everything is-" her mantra was cut off as she saw who had entered her store. "-oh, hello Apple Bloom. How are you doing?" she asked with a relieved smile.

"Hi Miss Rarity," the filly greeted. "Is Sweetie Belle okay enough to come to Twilight Time?" she asked hopefully with wide eyes.

Rarity sighed as she weighed the options in her mind. Sweetie Belle should have her rest, but she might have an easier time recovering if she spent this time with ponies she cared about and were willing to return in kind. Plus, they'd be with Twilight Sparkle, the most capable pony since Celestia herself. Not to mention the distraction would help to get Sweetie's mind off the... gruesome, events.

"I'll see if she's up for it," Rarity answered.

She went back into the work room and saw Sweetie fidget a bit on the couch. The filly let out a yawn as she stretched.

"Rarity? Is somepony here?" she asked while rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.

"Yes, Apple Bloom wanted to know if you'd like to join her for Twilight Time. Would you like to spend some time with your friends?" Rarity asked as she ran a hoof across her sister's back.

Sweetie smiled softly as she nodded and rose from the couch. She made her way to the door where Apple Bloom waited. Rarity watched as her sister walked out of the boutique with her friend, and soon, they galloped off to find their third member. With a deep breath, Rarity returned to her work.

\\\\\\//////

Alone, at a rather average sized desk, sat a lone mare. She sorted through the hundreds of books at a time, studying the contents at a speed that would put scholars to shame. Still, for her, it wasn't enough. The mare continued to sift through the dusty area of books and quills. Old notes were piled aside as she looked for something that had been unattended to for quite some time. Finally found beside an old picture-filled book, the object was surrounded in a pinkish glow and levitated towards the mare. Without hesitation, the mare used it to slice open an envelope, and quickly tossed it aside, likely to never be used again.

The mare took the contents out of the letter, and found it to be filled with medical records. Curious as to why she would be sent something like this, she checked the return address and saw it was still the same. The mare decided to look for the answer in the files she was sent and began to look through them. 

Almost immediately, she was hooked on the results.

Blood tests coming up inconclusive, unknown bacteria being found in samples, strange micro-organic phenomena inhabiting throughout the host's tissue sample, CAT scans and X-rays that looked like something out of a work of fiction, all of it grasping the mare's attention like a wild Zebrican Python. 

The envelope was held upside down until it dropped a small folded-up paper. Unfolding it, she read it to herself.



I know this may seem strange to just send the results of somepony I don't know to you, but these results are unlike anything we've seen at Canterlot Medical. Everypony thinks these are just some pranks by some hick-doctors in Ponyville, but I know most of the ponies that work there. They wouldn't try to pull a prank like this at all. Tartarus, the records show that since its founding, they've sent us notes on medicines and herbs we didn't know even existed. These results are real, and we need to find who they belong to. We need to make sure this isn't some kind of patient-zero of a future outbreak, but nopony wants to admit it. That's why I'm asking you to go to Ponyville and study this stallion and try to get whatever samples you can of his DNA, tissue, blood, anything. I know I can trust you. I notified the staff of Ponyville Central that you're coming to assist, but I didn't tell them what with. Just keep your badge close and your eyes open for that stallion.

P.S. Try making some friends, deary. I haven't seen them with you once since your twentieth birthday.



The mare ignored the last part of the letter, focusing instead on the main bulk of the writing. She adjusted her glasses and went to pack her things. In a matter of seconds, a suitcase filled with toiletries, sweaters, quills, parchment and ink wells was packed and by the mare's worn-down door. She adjusted the band that kept her hair up as she walked out the door. Before she got too far, however, she opened the front of the bag, where she kept her work ID. She brought it out and stuck it to her sweater as she locked the house behind her.

\\\\\\//////

A single, lonesome figure watched over a massive cavernous area. This lone figure stood on four legs, each covered in a pale green fur. The figure's fur was obscured as it wore a large officer's coat that faded to a lighter shade of green. Atop the figure's angular head was a patch of brown hair that was spotted with grey hairs. To each flank, a different weapon was strapped, one being thing and the other being a larger rectangular prism on a small handle. A horn protruded from the figure's forehead, lightly aglow with a brown shade.

A drink floated by his side, a glass of amber liquid with a few blocks of ice in it. As he lifted it to his mouth to sip, he watched his loyal followers working diligently in the cavern they had claimed as their own. 

Only a few months ago, these dogs were trying to pillage the remains of his once great army, only to fall in line as his primary line of troops. He had heard their woes, their need for survival, but wasn't moved in the slightest by it. Plenty of parasites, including those that were so disgustingly mutated as these freaks, were in need of a host to drain of life. One fact, however, they mentioned to him managed to bring them under a more favorable light.

To think, that he would loose one army to gain a somewhat superior one.

He remembered coming to this land, what seemed like a lifetime ago, and loosing nearly everything he had worked to achieve. Until he found these, "Diamond Dogs," as they are calling themselves, he had nothing to do but curse a God that may or may not even exist. Then they told him about where he was, and showed him what this world had to offer.

It offered a new chance for the Enclave.

A knock on the door behind him drew the pony's attention.

"Enter," he stated with a force behind his voice.

The doors behind him opened up to reveal three Diamond Dogs in Mark-II Power Armor, who saluted upon seeing the Colonel.

"Colonel Autumn, Sir," the smallest one greeted as he stood at attention, "we've come back with something you might be interested in, sir."

Autumn was pleased. In a mere few weeks, he was able to not only train the New Enclave, but also discipline these elite Diamond Dogs into soldiers that he might actually consider Americans one day.

"What is it?" he asked, placing the drink onto a smoothed mahogany table.

The smaller Dog waved the other two forward, each carrying something in large bags. The first one unloaded an assortment of at least four books, three looking fresh while the last one was faded. The second Dog placed the bag on the table, standing something inside it up, before lifting the bag off and revealing something strange.



"What am I looking at, Corporal, and where did you find it?" Autumn asked critically as he examined the object.

"Sir, we found it while scouting the Griffon city nearby, Griffonstone," the larger one that brought it in answered. "As for what it is,we secured this book," the scout pointed to the worn-out book, "that details the artifact's history."

Colonel Autumn lifted the book into view and read the title to himself.

"The Idol of Boreas. Interesting. What of the rest of these books?" he asked, pointing to them with his blunt appendage.

"When we recovered the idol, sir, we came across several small towns nearby. We've been taking notes on their populations, their structures, layouts, and the environment around them. But, that's only two of them. The third is from when we found another Griffon village near the bottom of the mountain range. It's a list of names."

"Why did you accumulate a list of names on a scouting mission?" Autumn asked sternly.

"Sir, when the Griffons had seen us pass through, they bowed to the idol. When we told them of the Enclave... they pledged allegiance to our flag, so long as we hold this idol."

Autumn nearly dropped his jaw. He looked down at the golden object on the table and slowly began to smile.

"These Griffons, tell me about them," Autumn ordered as he pulled his drink back to his lips. 

As the Dogs began to tell Autumn of the Griffons, the Colonel began to devise new strategies in his mind, and the promise this idol brought to the Enclave's future.
> Chapter 23
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Jason nodded along as he followed what Star Buck was lecturing, absorbed into the history lesson like he was back in the Vault classroom. 

“… and that’s how Princess Luna returned to Equestria,” Star Buck finished.

The Wanderer was absolutely shocked by how this world’s powers worked. 

An Alicorn, who could move the Moon with her mind, turned evil because no one respected her position or her various responsibilities. Then, her sister, whom Jason had already met, and was also apparently responsible for moving the entire fucking Sun, banished her younger sister to the surface of the moon for a thousand years. 

Cut to a thousand years later, which was about two years before Jason arrived, this, Nightmare Moon, returned with a vengeance, banished her older sister to the Sun, because magic, and tried to bring about eternal night for the whole planet.

Besides being impossible in thousands of ways scientifically, it would have been counter productive to the Nightmare’s goals, considering that if you remove the Sun from the world, all plant life will die off, meaning no food or air within months, effectively killing everyone.

Moving past the ridiculous assertion that this would have worked even for a fraction of a second in any way, how the problem was solved was what made Jason’s brain beg for the sweet morphine for the mind that was alcohol.

Apparently, the three ponies that Jason had met recently, Twilight, Fluttershy, and Rarity, along with three others, reignited a lost ancient artifact that was used to banish Nightmare Moon a thousand years ago, the Elements of Harmony. The six mares, written in the books and reported true by everyone involved in it, ‘used the power of friendship to free Princess Luna from Nightmare Moon and fix everything that she had done’.

“…” Jason was speechless for a solid minute.

Star Buck noticed this and raised an eyebrow curiously as she tried to get his attention.

“Wanderer?” she called to him.

Though Jason was sitting not two feet away from the Thestral, he seemed to have not heard her at all.

Star Buck waved her hoof past his eyes and was rewarded with no reaction whatsoever. 

“Anypony home?” she asked, beginning to worry.

Jason could barely hear her as he broke inside.

“Wanderer, you’re starting to freak me out.”

The Wanderer blinked a few times before shaking his head.

“I… I’m sorry, I think my mind broke for a second,” he said flatly.

“Oh… kay? Um… w-why?”

“It’s… uh… a long story,” Jason sighed as he brought his hoof up to his forehead.

“Alright… well, that’s just an average day here in Ponyville,” she added.

“… what the fuck did I get into?” Jason asked himself.

“Yeah, I know. One day, we’re just minding our own business, watching the forest line in the distance, then BAM!” Star emphasized by slamming her hoof onto the table between them, “Parasprites eat your entire collection of old bits!”

Jason shook his head as he began to mentally steel himself for whatever might come his way.

“What about you?” Star asked.

Jason looked up at Star and blinked.

“What?”

“I mean… you told us that you came from a wasteland, right? What was it like?”

Jason sighed as he cracked his neck.

“I guess it’s fair I repay you with a history lesson,” Jason stated.

Suddenly, the doors to the lounge opened and in walked something that neither of them wanted to see. 

It was another pony in a duster similar to the pegasus that harassed Jason earlier.

'How in the fuck do these ponies find me? Do I have some kind of tracking device planted on me when I was unconscious?' Jason asked himself.

This one, however, was a tall and thin unicorn with a slightly longer horn than Jason's own. He had light blue fur and a silver-colored mane and tail. His eyes were an icy blue, and he smiled upon seeing the Wanderer.

"So, I assume you're the one called 'The Wanderer'?" he asked in a rather surprisingly up-beat tone.

"Yes. Why?"

"I'd just like to apologize for my brother's actions earlier. You know, the pegasus built like a brick shit-house? I heard that he may not have left the welcoming message we were trying to get across."

Jason and Star glanced at each other before Jason sighed.

"Look, my mind is... somewhere between half-asleep and on a gallon of Jet right now," Jason sighed as he rubbed a hoof along his snout. "Can this wait until I've properly adjusted to this town for at least five seconds?"

"Oh, don't be such a bitch about it," the stallion remarked. "I just came to apologize for my brother's behavior, and welcome you to the Regulators. I assume you've heard everything you needed to know about us before Brick left, right?"

"No, he just threw around insults before he left. What exactly should I know?"

"Well, to make a long story slightly less long, we're tasked with watching over two things. The first being the Everfree Forest, which constantly spews out uncaring atrocities at us, practically at a bi-weekly basis."

'So same thing I've been doing for years now? Perfect,' Jason sighed as he thought to himself.

"And the second, well, you should know that by now. We target terror threats to Equestria, like slave drivers or illegal trading rings. Didn't expect to see the former so close to Canterlot, though. We're thinking they're either desperate enough to do something so extreme to turn any kind of profit, or somepony else is using them as a distraction."

Jason pondered his findings in the caves as Star Buck nodded.

"Well, we'll keep our eyes and ears open," she responded. "Anything else you'd like to share?"

"Just a few things," he said, igniting his horn.

Wrapped in a blue aura that matched his eyes, a small, flat box wrapped in brown paper floated up to Jason.

"This is a list of nearby Regulators and a map of recent criminal activity in the surrounding areas. There's also a paper with a list of rules, written by our founding members, and a manual that lists every know plant and animal in the Everfree. Some crazy things from there only have a few select weaknesses, but they usually don't come out this far from the forest."

Jason nodded as he grasped the package in his own magic.

"Thanks."

"Don't mention it. Oh, and by the way, name's Spice."

With that, the unicorn turned and walked out of the lounge, leaving the mare and stallion alone to look at the package.

"Sorry, Star, but I should go read this to figure out what I got myself into," Jason apologized as he stood from his seat.

"It's fine. I should probably check in with the rest of the gang, make sure the Guards on overtime keep us posted on what's up. See ya later."

With that, they both left the Guard station and went their separate ways.

\\\\\\//////

Scootaloo ran her hoof across the back of her neck as she stood atop her scooter outside Sugarcube Corner. She had a small sack of bits at her side, ready to be exchanged for something delicious and, hopefully, freshly baked. Just as she was about to remove her helmet, she heard somepony familiar call her name.

“Scootaloo!”

The filly turned around to see both Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle galloping towards her. She smiled to them and waved.

“Hey girls!” she replied.

“We’re about to go to Twilight’s Castle for some Twilight Time!” Sweetie Belle said happily.

The pegasus was glad to see that her friend was so close to being back to her normal self, thankful that they were all still together.

“Sounds great! Anything different planned for today?” Scootaloo asked.

“Actually, there’s somep-one, that I’d like ya’ll to meet. I met him in the Everfree, along with Zecora’s brother.”

“Zecora has a brother?” both Sweetie and Scootaloo questioned.

“Uh-huh, but he’s staying in Zecora’s hut while she’s out.”

“So what about his new guy? Is he another Zebra?” Scootaloo asked.

“Well, uh… no, he’s not actually a pony either. He’s… actually, kinda scary when ya first meet him, but he’s really nice! He’s kinda like what that Iron-something fella, but if he had Twilight’s mind, and, uh…”

Apple Bloom’s description fell short as she tried to explain the nature of Fawkes to her friends.

“Y-ya just gotta see him for yerselves!” Apple Bloom resigned.

The other two Crusaders shrugged at each other, willing to accept Apple Bloom’s word.

“Oh, and one more thing,” Apple Bloom started.

“Yes?” they both responded.

“Sweetie Belle, just relax when you see him, alright? He’s really nice and friendly,” she pleaded.

“Don’t worry, Rarity’s been helping me calm down after…” Sweetie Belle shook her head free of the thoughts of that horrible day. “I’m fine, really. Let’s just go have fun.”

Apple Bloom nodded and together, the Crusaders went off to Twilight’s Castle.

\\\\\\//////

Fluttershy strained her hoof against the water valve, making sure that the water flowing to the hose was stopped entirely before she sighed in relief.

She turned around to see that the new canine, Dogmeat, was beginning to drink from the outdoor washing tub she had just finished filling up.

“Oh, Dogmeat,” she pleaded, moving up to the animal, “you shouldn’t drink so much. You’ll get nauseous,” she warned.

The canine looked up to the mare and gave a whine.

"<Thirsty>"

"Oh, I'm sorry, I should have gotten you something. Why don't we get you clean, and then I'll fix something up for you?"

"<Yes>!" Dogmeat barked.

"Good. Now, just hop in," she persuaded.

The canine hesitantly stepped up the side of the bucket and dived in, splashing some of the liquid out of the bath before shaking himself and going from paw to paw, trying to adjust to the cold water. As he did, Fluttershy pulled out a bucket of cleaning substances that she kept near the bathing bucket for just such an occasion. She pulled a bottle of soap from it and applied a generous amount to a grooming comb and brought it to Dogmeat's fur.

Dogmeat whimpered at the contact, unfamiliar with the tool she was using as well as the questionably smelly substance being applied to his fur. He felt the spikes drive into his thick, mud and blood matted fur as it parted hairs and dragged the filth out of his fur. 

"<Feels amazing>" Dogmeat whimpered as he shivered under the caress of the brush.

"Oh my, I don't think I've seen a dog with so much grime in their fur," Fluttershy commented.

As she continued to scrub the canine's back, she noticed the water already staining a murky brown tinted with red.

"Dogmeat, are you bleeding?" Fluttershy asked, fearing she was being to rough with her scrubbing.

"<Not my blood>" Dogmeat barked.

Fluttershy nodded solemnly, thinking of what this dog had to have done to survive. The air became filled with the steady laps of Fluttershy's scrubbing and the sound of Dogmeat's leg tapping the bucket in delight. As the dog's fur began to finally lose its volume of dirt and blood, the pegasus applied more soap to Dogmeat's neck before scrubbing again. This time, however, the dog growled and craned his head back to look at the mare as he grumbled to her.

"<What is smelling>?" the canine asked.

"Oh, it's just some soap. It's specially formulated to keep away ticks and heart-worms," Fluttershy answered.

Dogmeat tilted his head.

"<Heart-worms? Ticks?>" he asked.

"You don't know about heart-worms? How does your friend keep you healthy?" she retorted.

"<He kills what I can't>" Dogmeat answered.

Fluttershy's eyes widened at the answer.

"W-what?" she managed to whisper.

"<Wasteland is dangerous>. <Just like dad said>. <Kill or die>" Dogmeat explained via growls, barks, and whimpers.

Fluttershy pondered this 'Wasteland' that Dogmeat was referring to. It must be just as bad, or horrifyingly enough, worse than, the Everfree Forest. 

"That sounds awful. I'm so sorry you had to go through something like that," Fluttershy cooed, brushing through Dogmeat's flanks.

"<We live today>. <All that matters>" Dogmeat commented.

"You two must be such close friends. How long have you known him?"

"<Two years>" Dogmeat answered.

"Were you alone before then?" Fluttershy asked.

Instead of responding, Dogmeat lowered his head and whimpered quietly.

"<For a while>. <Bandits killed first friend>. <Stayed with him before he found me>."

They remained quiet for the remainder of Dogmeat's bath. Fluttershy had to be cautious around Dogmeat's underside, seeing a few scars from what she recognized as burns. They were in a horrifying abundance on the canine's barrel, the fur thinning around them. She gently rubbed the soap with her own hoof around the burns while lightly going through the fur with the brush. 

After a few more minutes of scrubbing, Fluttershy went and got her hose again and set it to a slow and steady flow of water before rinsing Dogmeat with it. When she was done, she smiled and nodded at the canine, letting him know that he could get out of the tub of filthy water.

Without hesitation, Dogmeat shot out of the large bucket and shook himself off, sending water off in all directions. The canine was noticeably cleaner in appearance. His fur had much nicer shades of black and brown, the tufts of fur mixed with mud and gore no longer sticking above the rest of his coat.

As he began to run around and exercise his legs, Fluttershy checked the water to see how much she had gotten out of Dogmeat's fur. She gasped when she saw the water was colored a sickening mixture of brown and faded red. The pegasus tipped the bucket over and let the water flow down into one of the lower troughs by her home, watching as the dirt began to soak up the filthy liquid.

She turned to say something to Dogmeat, but paused when she saw that the canine was nowhere in sight. She looked around to see that Dogmeat was already running straight to Ponyville.

\\\\\\//////

"Ah... the regal words, of times... not so forgotten... how I missed this," Fawkes sighed as he held the book close to his face, taking shaky breaths as he inhaled the scent of the pages.

Twilight watched intently as Fawkes continued to take his time with each book he was reading. Surprisingly, he was an incredibly fast reader, having gone through three already. But to say that he merely read them was an insult. He took his time carefully turning page to page, admiring the smooth textures of the paper and cover as it shifted in his grasp. He even took in deep breaths to relish the smell of the printed word, as he described it to be one of the few anchors he had left to his sanity.

Twilight was truly at a loss for how to describe this Meta Human who she had already considered a friend. 

She remembered how the scent and textures of a new, freshly printed book brought her unbridled joy as a filly. She remembered how she would stay up late at night, the purple glow of her horn illuminating her greatest treasure: knowledge. It was the foundation of her life now. Everything around her, the castle, the library, her friends and understanding of friendship's true power, all stemming from her passion for the written word and the power a book could hold, from anywhere between a simple thought on remembering a moment, to the untold power of magic itself.

However, she never would have thought of them as the only way to keep oneself truly alive.

To see his rotting flesh, his decaying outfit, the rusted items he kept with him, and to hear the struggle within his words to describe his past... never would she have thought of these books acting as the one thing that kept him alive. He explained that even though he would physically be "alive" his mind would have been lost and fragmented, only leaving rage and hatred where his consciousness would have resided. To know that what he was holding now, flipping through and absorbing the words like the last drops of rain from a desert cloud, was one of the few things keeping him from fading away into a beast...

She was more determined to save Fawkes than ever before.

A series of knocks came from the door to the library. Twilight got up from her seat and went to open the door.

\\\\\\//////

Apple Bloom turned to Sweetie Belle before she started conversing with the white filly.

"So, I know you've had a rough couple of days," she started, "but trust me, Fawkes is really nice when ya get to know him."

"It's alright, Apple Bloom," Sweetie said with a tired smile, "I'll be alright."

"So, is it true about what you said about him?" Scootaloo asked.

"Yeah. He's got yellow-green skin, really tall, and big muscles. Are ya sure you're alright, Sweetie Belle?"

Sweetie Belle nodded weakly.

"Y-yeah. I'm fine. Those..." she shivered, "Diamond Dogs... weren't that bad, really... I... I-I..." Sweetie Belle rambled before stifling a yawn. "I'll be fine. Pinkie Promise."

Before either of the other Crusaders could say anything about Sweetie's health, the door opened to reveal Twilight.

"Oh, hi girls," she greeted. "Sweetie Belle, how are you doing?"

"I'm alright, tha-" she yawned softly, "thanks, Twilight."

"Apple Bloom told us about a super cool Metal-Hu-mane thing!" Scootaloo buzzed.

"I said 'Meta Human,' Scoots," Apple Bloom corrected.

"Whatever. Is he real? Is he in there?" Scootaloo pressed on.

Twilight looked back for a few seconds, her expression portraying a sense of deep thought before she smiled warmly and nodded.

"Yes. But please, try your best to not disturb him."

"Don't worry, we'll be quiet," Apple Bloom responded.

Twilight opened the door wide enough for all three fillies to walk in, and then watched as Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo froze. She didn't have to guess where they were looking to know that they were enraptured by Fawkes' alien exterior. Scootaloo beamed brightly as she zipped past Twilight to examine the Meta Human from different angles, while Sweetie Belle approached far more cautiously. Twilight noticed Sweetie's hesitant approach and spoke to her.

"Does Rarity know you're out?"

Sweetie Belle nodded.

"Good. But for now, let's let things settle for a bit before we tell her about Fawkes, alright?"

Again, Sweetie nodded.

Twilight turned to go back to search through the Psychology tomes she had piled up when she noticed Scootaloo standing on the table beside Fawkes' book.

\\\\\\//////

Fawkes looked away from the book and gazed upon another small pony. This one was orange with a purple mane and tail, and had a pair of small wings. As he inspected the appendages, he began running numbers in his head about how much they'd have to grow before being able to lift something as big as the pony. He then began to factor in internal components he wouldn't normally think of, such as hollow bone structures or possibly an organ that stores gasses and expands to assist with lifting the pony off the ground, or maybe-

His thoughts ceased when the filly looked him in the eye.

"Hey, what's up?" she greeted in a scratchy voice. "I'm Scootaloo! Apple Bloom's told us about you, Fawkes! You look way cooler up close, though."

All rational thought slowed to a halt as Fawkes tried to process this encounter.

"Scoots!" Apple Bloomed called out, climbing onto the table. "Twilight told us to not interrupt his reading!"

"Oh, come on, what's wrong with saying 'hi'?"

The following conversation was lost to Fawkes' ears as he thought deeply.

'She doesn't fear me... these little ponies don't fear me... No screams, no threats... no killing... have I found...'

Fawkes' gaze was drawn to a white object's motion in his peripheral vision. He saw another small, white pony with a curly mane and tail, colored two shades of purple, and dull green eyes. She stopped moving and looked up at Fawkes, craning her neck to look up to the behemoth of a being. The Meta Human closed his book and slowly extended a hand to the filly. She backed away suddenly, prompting Fawkes to retract his hand slightly before extending it slower than before.

The filly seemed to relax under his watch, and began to inch towards his hand. When she was close enough, the filly cautiously placed a hoof in Fawkes' hand, and he gently grasped her and shook it barely at all.

"Greetings," he managed to growl as softly as he could.

"H-hello," she responded.

"Oh, hey Sweetie Belle!" the orange one stated.

Fawkes released Sweetie Belle's leg and brought his hand back to the table.

"How can I help you?" Fawkes asked as he looked down to the orange one.

"I'm Scootaloo, second most awesome pegasus in Ponyville!" she greeted, extending a hoof.

Fawkes carefully reenacted the shake he gave Sweetie Belle as he replied.

"I am Fawkes."

"Girls, how about we give Fawkes some space while you practice?" Twilight hinted bluntly.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle nodded as Scootaloo groaned.

"Come on, Twilight. How many chances are we gonna get to talk to someone like Fawkes?"

"You can ask him questions if you manage to go through your unicycle routine ten times without faltering."

"Ugh! Come on, I can do that in my sleep!"

"Then it shouldn't be a problem," Twilight countered.

"Fine," Scootaloo surrendered, jumping off of the table.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle also followed Twilight's directions and began to seek out certain books. Twilight turned to Fawkes to explain their presence.

"Those three come by once a week for 'Twilight Time,' as they've grown to calling it. It's just a little get together to help them realize what they're talented in."

"That sounds interesting... perhaps I... could help with, something," Fawkes offered.

"Oh, well-" Twilight was about to tell Fawkes to not worry about participating, yet a part of her thought that interacting with the Crusaders might help him as well. "You know what, I'm sure the Crusaders would love to have you join them."

Fawkes stood from the table and followed Twilight.

\\\\\\//////

Beneath the layers and layers of crystal and stone structure, the Thrones of Friendship stood still as they were since the castle's spontaneous founding. They had never changed since the day Tirek had been banished back to Tartarus.

Today, however, Twilight's symbol glowed faintly, along with the other five symbols above the thrones, as the ground between the six thrones glowed with a myriad of colors.
> Chapter 24
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Rainbow Dash sighed as she watched the sky above her, the seemingly endless expanse of cool blue reaching beyond the peripheral of her vision. She laid upon a lone cloud, her wings spread through the puffy whiteness beneath her, absorbing a few droplets of liquid while cooling off.

She had stopped on this perch after attempting a quintuple-back flip into an aileron roll Rainboom at a 70 degree dive, and failed 17 times. When she thought of how the next attempt would have made a baker's dozen, she realized how hungry she was and had stopped by Sugarcube Corner for some brownies. Then... that happened, and she had flown out of there faster than she normally would have. Rainbow didn't know what was up with Pinkie, and frankly, she didn't want to burn out her mind by trying to understand her pink friend's antics. Twilight had done that for her months ago.

Rainbow stretched out as she licked her lips, wiping off a little more chocolate from the brownies. A content sigh escaped her lips as she relaxed further into the cloud. With a small twist of her neck, she looked down into Ponyville and watched some ponies walk about. There were a few foals running around, playing with random toys, a couple of ponies nuzzling in the park, a blue pony with a trench coat and stetson walking through the streets, a pair of twins with a birdcage\-

"Wait, what?" Rainbow stated to herself, standing on the cloud to look down.

In the middle of one of the roads was a blue-coated unicorn, wearing a stetson, similar to Applejack's own, and a trench coat, looking like he walked right out of a comic book. She had heard of this "Wanderer" through some of the circles in town, such as the Flower Fillies. 

"Guess I should go see who everypony's been making a big deal about," she mused as she poised herself over the edge of the cloud.

\\\\\\//////

Jason read, reread and memorized both documents that Spice had given him. He rolled them up and deposited the papers in one of his duster's pockets before looking around him.

'Guess I should familiarize myself with the town's layout if I'm going to be doing this from now on.'

Jason adjusted his walking cycle to balance himself while pulling out his Pip-Boy, using his magic to switch to the local map section. He began to focus his thoughts on the area around him as the Pip-Boy began to draw out a 2-D plane that began to fill itself in while he scanned his surroundings.

'Wouldn't hurt to have a map right about now,' Jason thought as he walked about the town.

"Hey there!" someone said above him.

Jason turned to see a blue mare with an almost painfully colorful mane and tail glide down with her wings extended before pulling up into a flip and landing in front of him.

"I've heard a lot about you from around town," she said in a slightly raspy voice. "Name's Rainbow Dash, but you've probably heard stories about me already."

Jason glared at the mare as everything about her sunk in. The attitude, her stance, her shit-eating grin, it all reminded him of that bastard from Little Lamplight.

"Sticky," Jason growled.

"What?" Rainbow said.

"Look, I've got a lot to do right now, so if you don't mind, I'll be on my way," Jason said as he tried to walk past her.

"Oh ho, no way!" Rainbow said as she flew in front of him. "I've heard too much from everypony about how cool you're supposed to be, so I thought I'd see for myself what everypony's getting hyped about. So why don't we compare adventures to try and see who's cooler. But be warned, I've probably already won."

Rainbow looked down to see that the Wanderer had already done just that.

She turned around to see him storm off around a building and flew over it to intercept him.

"Hey, real nice of you to just walk away," Rainbow scolded as she landed in front of the unicorn.

"I don't care," Jason said as he tried to walk around her.

Rainbow extended a wing to but him off as she spoke.

"Dude, calm down, I just wanna talk," she said.

"Well I don't, alright? Now let me get on with my job."

Jason turned around to walk away again but Rainbow just flew in front of him once more.

"You know, Rarity said she felt somewhat sorry about how you two hit it off and wanted to know if you two could start over. Why don't we talk about-"

"I said no, God damn it!" Jason shouted as he broke into a gallop.

Rainbow sighed as she flew ahead of him.

"Look, jerk face, apologize to Rarity and let her make you something or I'll drag you there myself!" Rainbow offered.

As Jason had much experience haggling the many merchants of the Capital Wasteland, he could easily find a way to charm his way into a better deal if he had used his talents to their fullest.

"How about you try fucking off and I'll find her on my own time," Jason proposed.

"Alright, what's your problem?" Rainbow said as she prodded the Wanderer's chest. "I've heard ponies talk about nothing but how great you were for risking your life to save Sweetie Belle and Button Mash, and all that you're doing now is getting mad at me and trying to run."

"Maybe it's because some people have more productive things to do than jerk off in front of a mirror while lying about how 'great' they are."

"Fine, you know what, go to Tartarus, plothole."

With that, Rainbow Dash took off into the skies and left the Wanderer to seethe in anger. When Jason found that he was once again alone, he huffed in annoyance before returning to his previous activity. As he scanned the town around him, he spoke to himself.

"Fucking idiots thinking they can bench press the world. I'm not about to let more of those idiots ruin what I'm making for myself here."

\\\\\\//////

Fawkes chuckled lightly as he felt Scootaloo's fur tickle his skin as she tried to hold on to his thick head and neck. She wore a small eye-patch over her left eye while holding a pirate flag in her teeth. In his left hand sat Sweetie Belle, who held a foam sword in her own mouth, a small hat with an equine equivalent of a jolly roger on it. Apple Bloom sat in his right hand as she pretended to use a tablecloth as a map before tying it up as a bandana underneath her chin.

"Onward, Crusaders!" Apple Bloom said, pointing a hoof to the other side of the room.

The four had long since left the library, the fillies convincing Fawkes to play with them in the main foyer to ease his mind. So far, this was working better than his breathing techniques, as his pains slipped away beneath the fog of war the three were weaving in their minds.

"Yar har har!" Spike chortled as he stood atop a small fortress of books that had been stacked in the center of the Castle's seven thrones. "Ye land lubbers are never going to reach this dragon's bounty!"

"Actually, Spike," Twilight said as she flipped through a book near the corner of the room, "the text that's seen as 'ye' in modern times is actually an incorrect perception of the original symbol, which was an abbreviation of the letters 'th', but ponies today mistook it for a 'y', so in actuality, 'ye' is pronounced as 'the'."

The four young ones looked at Twilight with bored expressions.

"Onward!" Apple Bloom said once more.

Fawkes held his arms out to the side as he tilted somewhat, making a sound that the Crusaders insisted resembled that of a pirate airship, holding the fillies close to the floor before pulling them up as he circled about the book fort. The fillies that grappled onto him began to pelt the dragon with recycled clumps of paper from several bins in the Castle, with Spike ducking into the well constructed and rather complex workings of Twilight's patented 'Fort Smartious Pantious'.

The alicorn smiled as she watched the Meta Human play with the fillies and dragon, even spinning about when one paper ball managed to hit his face. He pretended to fall down slowly enough to not hurt the fillies before offloading them onto the ground outside of the small fort. They laughed as they clashed paper and foam, Fawkes stepping back to watch them play.

Twilight sighed happily as she saw what could likely be called a smile on Fawkes' face, glad that these moments had as much an effect on the alien as they did for anypony else. 

Suddenly, Twilight heard the Castle doors open up before she heard somepony.

"Hey Twi, that guy that everypony says is a 'hero' is a huge jerk,you know," Rainbow said as she flew into the main room. "How could anypony defend-"

The pegasus paused when she saw the tall yellowish-green figure looming over the Crusaders. Fawkes looked up at her for a second before Rainbow brought a snarl to her face.

"Get back! Monster!" she yelled before flying straight for the Meta Human.
> Chapter 25
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Jason checked his Pip-Boy's map function as he examined the physical map he was given, comparing the two. He smiled as he saw the arm(foreleg?)-mounted device was more accurate to the shapes of buildings and width of streets, though he had to give the maker of the physical copy some credit due to its accuracy. 

A familiar bark came towards him and he turned to see Dogmeat running up to him.

"Hey, boy, doing alright?" he said.

"<Bark, Bark>!" was the dog's reply.

The canine stopped in front of Jason and began to nudge his rear leg while whimpering.

"Found something?" he asked.

"<Arf>!"

Jason placed the map in one of the duster's pockets as he stood up before following Dogmeat.

\\\\\\//////

Fawkes took a step back slowly as he examined the cyan pegasus while she was suspended in mid-air, encased in a familiar lavender glow. She was frozen in a pose that looked as though she were dive-punching someone as she scowled at him.

"Twilight, let me go!" the cyan pegasus said.

"Rainbow, calm down," Twilight urged. "Why would you just attack Fawkes out of nowhere like that? You should count yourself lucky that my reflexes were on point just now."

"Twi, there's a giant yellow thing standing in the middle of your Castle ready to attack the Crusaders! How am I supposed to calm down?"

"Rainbow Dash, he's not attacking us!" Scootaloo said as she cast the larger pegasus a pleading look.

"Yeah, we were just playing Sky Pirates!" Spike added. "He was pretending to be their airship!"

Rainbow looked down between the fillies and dragon before she dropped her look and smiled sheepishly at Fawkes.

"Uh... hehehe, sorry about that," she said.

Fawkes reached a hand out into the purple field and patted Rainbow's head.

"There is nothing to worry about... you didn't hit me, and I... can understand your concern. I look terrifying, and most others that look like... me, do not retain enough mental fortitude, to keep their rage in check."

As he withdrew his hand, the purple aura faded around Rainbow and retreated into Fawkes' arm. As it did, his veins began to tint a deeper color as his flaky skin smoothed out a bit. Rainbow watched with wide eyes, as did Twilight, who called off her magic as she watched the phenomenon unfold.

"Whoa, that's cool," Rainbow said. 

"Fawkes, what was that?" Twilight asked.

Fawkes stared at his arm as it began to accelerate its regenerative properties, the skin turning from yellow to peach for only a moment before it returned to its old color.

"That... that felt like..."

The ponies heard a knock at the Castle's main doors and turned their attention to the source.

\\\\\\//////

Jason waited at the entrance to Twilight's Castle and chuckled as he watched Dogmeat paw at the door.

"Easy there, boy," he said. "I don't know what's got you worked up, but there's no reason to get all antsy."

The hinges creaked as the door slowly moved open to reveal...

"Oh God damn it," Jason cursed.

There, in the doorway, was the rainbow-maned pony from earlier. Apparently, they shared the same sentiment about one another as she scowled at him.

"What do you want?"

"First of all, definitely not to talk to you, but I guess that miracle won't be granted," he answered. "Secondly, I don't know, Dogmeat apparently found something he wanted to show me. I may have left something behind that he picked up on."

"In that case stay outside while I look for it," she said before thrusting the door shut.

At least, she would have had Jason not put a hoof in the doorway. It slammed on his foreleg and bounced off hard, Jason hiding his wince as he felt his bones shake from the force.

"Yeah, no. I'm not about to describe anything of personal value to you for any reason, so I'll find it myself."

"No way, plothead. I just found out that Twilight has a guest here and I don't think she'd appreciate some jerk crashing in and ruining everypony's day."

"And yet you're still here."

"Rainbow, who is it?" Twilight called from the interior.

"Just some crazy trying to get inside!" Rainbow called back.

"Look, the sooner you let me in, the sooner I can get what I need and the sooner I can leave," Jason reasoned.

Rainbow glared at him before kicking the door open.

"Just get your crap and get out," she said before flying inside.

Jason motioned his head for Dogmeat to take the lead, which lead to Dogmeat running in with Jason following. They went past the front-most rooms in the Castle, leaving Jason to wonder what Dogmeat was trying to find.

"... just some jerk with a weird jacket and a cowpony hat," he could hear Rainbow say.

"Wait, did he have a foreleg-mounted device with grey parts and a green and black plate of glass?" he heard Twilight ask.

"Ugh, yeah, that guy. He's a super jerk."

"Rainbow, he's definitely not a jerk. I think you may have started on the wrong hoof, but-"

"Twilight, I tried to be friendly, and that didn't work for squat. He just kept walking away and shouting at me."

"Maybe he wanted to be left alone."

"Then why would he come here?"

'Why the Hell am I listening to this,' Jason thought.

Dogmeat was pawing at the door and looking at Jason. Realizing that what they needed was likely inside, Jason exhaled through his nostrils and pushed the door open.

Inside, he saw the two ponies conversing, three fillies playing with Spike, and...

Jason's eyes widened as he felt his heart jump.

"Fawkes?"
> Chapter 26
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fawkes turned about to face the new pony that had arrived in the main room. This pony was of a wider build than the mares he had met, and sported a blue coat of fur that held some scars. However, Fawkes' eyes widened somewhat when he examined the attire of the pony. It wore a coat made of leather, a duster it seemed, and a brown cowboy hat atop its nest of a brown mane. As he locked with the pony's brown eyes, a familiar scent reached his mutated nostrils.

Tears started to sting both of their eyes as Jason and Fawkes took in the sight of one another. Fawkes slowly approached the blue pony with a shake in his step as Jason trotted up to the Meta Human.

"F-Fawkes," Jason said, "you're here?"

"My friend!" Fawkes shouted, his arms going up. "You're alive!"

Fawkes then ran up to the transmuted Jason and scooped him up in a massive hug, his mutated muscles threatening to crush Jason's metal-coated skeleton. As he did, Jason felt his eyes let loose twin streams of tears as he smiled and began cackling like a psycho, his hooves wrapping around the thick base of Fawkes' neck.

"Fawkes!" he cried out.

As the two Wastelanders embraced, Dogmeat began to howl and jump about, the ponies nearby perplexed at the sight.

"What the hay is going on?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Hey, Sweetie, ain't that the stallion that saved ya from those Diamond Dogs?" Apple Bloom asked.

Sweetie Belle looked down at her hooves and kicked at the ground with a small smile.

"My friend! You're alive! And... blue!" 

Fawkes released the Wanderer as the unicorn cackled.

"Jesus Christ, Fawkes! I can't believe you're here!"

"So you know this thing, then?" Rainbow Dash said, rolling her eyes.

Jason turned, his face falling into a glare.

"Fawkes isn't a thing, you belligerent blue bitch."

"I was asking him, actually. He may look gross on the outside, but at least he's not some asshole that goes around insulting random ponies."

"At least I'm not so insecure that I feels like I have to hype myself up when talking to some random stranger to pretend I'm not worthless!"

"You wanna go right now, fuckface!?"

"LANGUAGE!" Twilight shouted, erecting a dome around the three of them. "I don't care who insulted who, but we do NOT curse like that in front of foals or Spike!"

"Look, Twilight, I'm sorry about cursing in front of the kids, but I won't apologize for sticking up for my friend."

"I'd be more willing to accept the apology if you were to take this conflict elsewhere, sir," Twilight said with a stern look. "I don't know what went on between you and my friend here, but I'd appreciate it if you weren't hostile towards somepony in my castle. That behavior is the exact opposite kind of air I'd like to have in this place."

"Alright, sure. But if you'd be so kind, I'd like to at least hear out how you managed to find Fawkes. He's a very close friend, you see."

"Only if you keep calm when in my home and apologize to Rainbow Dash."

Rainbow smirked as though she'd won as Jason narrowed his eyes at her.

"Fine. I'm sorry for being aggressive towards you, and I hope you don't take it personally. If you do, I'd like to ask you to keep it to me, and don't involve Fawkes. He's quite sensitive."

"Whatever, shit-stain."

"Rainbow!"

"It's fine, I'm used to worse than some stuck-up brat that thinks they're the center of the world throwing out a few cuss words thinking that something will stick."

"Oh, so you're a tough guy, huh!? How about you get a taste of a hoof sandwich with extra teeth knocked out! I'll even throw in some bruises for half off your ugly mug!"

"Okay, you see, now that's better."

"Both of you STOP!" Twilight said.

The two blue ponies ceased squabbling. A yellow hand poked through the barrier and tapped Jason's shoulder. Looking behind him, Jason saw Fawkes leaning over them.

"Excuse me, Twilight... I'm sorry for my friend's... rash behavior."

"Oh, Fawkes, it's alright," Twilight lied.

"Please, allow me to... calm my friend down," he said, picking Jason up.

"Hey, I don't like this! This feels weird!" Jason said.

Fawkes and Jason both phased through Twilight's barrier, the lavender sheen dimming as it splintered apart. Twilight released the spell and watched as the ambient magic fields seemed to fade towards the two.

"Twilight, what the hay was that!?" Rainbow hissed. "You're not just gonna let that scummy bastard go off without teaching him a lesson, are you!?"

"You're not exactly being polite yourself, you know."

"Hey, I tried being nice to that jerkwad, but he decided that he had better things to do and walked away! Then, when I tried to catch up, he insulted me!"

On the other side of the room, Fawkes was still carrying Jason, who was now kicking his legs about.

"Fawkes, come on, this isn't funny! Put me down!" 

"Aha ha ha ha! Stop tickling me!"

The Meta-Human released the unicorn, the Wanderer giving his mutated ally a crossed look. 

"Fawkes, as glad as I am to see a familiar face around here, I need to know a few things. Namely, how and why."

Fawkes took a knee as he patted Jason on the back. Dogmeat let out a whine of jealousy at the sight.

"My friend... I followed you to that... strange facility. I tried to open the door for you, but... I was too late. However, I am... surprised that you've taken a... local form!"

"Yeah, trust me, this shit's pretty weird. Thankfully, I can harness whatever this glowing stuff is so I don't have to worry about not having my guns. Not to mention that this stuff works almost like radiation on a fundamental level, so I'm sure we're gonna be alright in long-term livability. In fact, if I were a betting man, I'd put all of my caps on this 'Magic' being the reason I'm like this."

"Then... why did I not... change?"

"Probably because it couldn't overwrite the FEV in your body. Maybe it mutated on a smaller scale for you and Dogmeat since both of you were used to radiation-based mutagens."

"Hrm... I suppose it makes... some sense."

"So, did anything happen between you and that walking eyesore over there?"

"Nothing drastic, thankfully... She just thought that... I was a monster, attacking the foals. She acted as a mother should."

"I feel bad for whoever put it in her."

Fawkes let out a chuckle as Jason smirked at the giant biped. With a reliable friend at either side, Jason felt the weight on his shoulder loosen just a little bit.
> Chapter 27
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jason and Fawkes walked out of Twilight's castle into the sunlight, the Wanderer craning his neck back to converse with the Meta-Human.

"And so, I swung at... the beast, saving the striped one. He lead me... here, so then I started searching for you," Fawkes said.

"And that search ended up bringing you to the same place I stayed at. If only I had those kinds of odds back in the Wasteland."

"Ha! Indeed! I was worried I... would not get to see you once more!"

"Gotta say though, I'm surprised things like that Cragodile even exist in this world. Guess what ever God is in charge of this place needed some monsters to balance out the whole 'slice of paradise' thing this place has going for it."

"Yes, I... heard of those, slaving dog creatures. From the little white and purple, one." 

The two sat on the stairs to the entrance, Fawkes crouching down on the lowest step while Jason sat atop the highest in an attempt to shorten the distance between them.

"Has there been... anything else, of note that you... have gotten involved with? That blue, one back... there, she seemed to be fond of you!" Fawkes said.

"Ugh, don't even pretend. She acts like a female Sticky," Jason said, scowling at nothing.

Fawkes growled at the mention of the bastard, fists clenching as he pounded his knees.

"Damned miserable excuse for... a Human!"

"Yeah, I know. Can't even try tolerating her, but she did say something that I thought I should follow up on."

Fawkes took several deep breaths before motioning for him to continue.

"The small white and purple filly? Sweetie something, in there? Her sister was a bit of a bitch when we met, and apparently she wants to apologize. I thought about doing that, but are you gonna be alright? Can't imagine what you went through just to catch up with me."

"I will be fine... my friend. You just, make sure that... you do not do something that will, make us regret... being stuck here."

"Right. Well, I better- wait! Hold on! Sarah Lyons! Did she make it out?"

"Yes. A Vertibird... picked her up. The Brotherhood, they found... a massive, airship."

"Huh. Wish I could have seen that at least." 

Jason stood up and walked down the road.

"Fawkes, if you ever get into trouble or just need me, just whistle for Dogmeat. Big fella 'oughta be able to find either of us by smell alone."

"I don't think I'll need, the canine's help... to find your scent, my friend."

Jason smirked at the Meta Human before walking down the path towards Ponyville.

\\\\\\//////

Colonel Autumn examined the line-up of Griffons before him. Many were in terrible conditions, some barely able to stand under their own coughing fits while some were frail and brittle from malnutrition. A few weren't able to keep still, shifting from claw to claw as they eyed the armored Diamond Dogs, weapons trained on them from a distance.

"I was told," Autumn started, "that you all followed an envoy of my Dogs, all the way from a horribly diseased and rotten part of this continent. Told that if you were to follow, you'd be part of a whole greater than any sum you could all put together."

"Actually," a brown and green Griffon said, "we just followed because of the Idol-"

"I don't care if you only followed the damned Idol!" Autumn said, the Griffon shrinking back into line. "But what the Idol represents to you is meaningless to me so long as you pledge yourselves to the Enclave."

The Griffons mumbled amongst themselves, an old Griffon with a fez and glassy eye stepping forward. 

"We want to know what you rapscallions want with us or the Idol!"

"For you to pledge yourselves to a better future, a-"

"Just skip the fancy garble-dy-gook and tell us what we get!"

Autumn levitated his 10mm from his coat and shot the Griffon in his left claw. He screamed and fell back, clutching his mangled claw. 

"If anyone else wishes to interrupt or make their complaints known, please speak up now," Autumn said, leveling the pistol at the group of Griffons.

Most of them shied away from the Colonel's cold gaze, save for a couple of hens who pulled the injured Griffon back into their flock. 

"Good. Now, I expect a few things from the lot of you. First of all, you are to undergo proper introductions with your future trainers. ROVER!"

At his call, a pack of Diamond Dogs erupted from the ground, clad in X01 Power Armor, the torso intact but the arm pieces strung loosely apart over their wider appendages.

"Yes, Colonel, sir?" the one with a ruby painted on his armor said.

"Take these birds to the Training Chamber and put them through Hell. I want them broken and rebuilt in a month's time, ready to serve the Enclave."

"Yes sir!" Rover said, motioning for the other armored Dogs to the crowd.

The Dogs surrounded the Griffons and moved the flock deeper into the cave. Above the cavernous entrance to the Enclave, a blue feathered shape flew into the distance.
> Chapter 28
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jason sighed as he watched the sun reach the horizon, the eve finally closing on the seemingly infinite day. Having unexpectedly ran into Fawkes had considerably brightened his day, given the earlier encounter with the rainbow-one. Tucking the edge of his trench-coat off of his sweating neck, he smiled, walking off towards the inn.

"Well, been a day , huh? Feels like it's almost years. Still can't believe Fawkes got here. But..." he looked down at his own blue hooves, pondering. "... how the hell am I the only one that got mutated when the teleporter went off? Definitely something worth looking into if I can find a good lab."

Focusing on his walk, the Wanderer watched as several ponies in the marketplace packed up their booths, closed shops and carried tired foals on their backs. A few ponies turned to see him walking along, so they waved to him.

"Goodnight, Wanderer!" one stallion said from a table.

"Have a good night!" another said, a colt waving on his back.

"Goodnight, sir! Have sweet dreams!" a mare waved from the flower booth.

"Goodnight!" Jason said to those that called to him.

The easing mood of the townsfolk transitioning to the night gave Jason a sense of calm. He hadn't been walking through the town the first few nights, having spent the first night in Twilight's castle, but being able to walk about at the late hour was calming. Something about every pony around him being comfortable enough to retire for the night all at once was nice. It reminded him of how life was in the Vault.

"E-excuse me, Wanderer sir!"

Jason stopped at the voice, turning to see a familiar white unicorn approaching. 

"Oh, hello there ma'am."

"I... do believe, that we may have gotten off on the wrong hoof, darling," she said. "After I went out of my way to... criticize your attire, you went off and saved my beloved sister and her close friend. And... I wanted to apologize."

Jason looked her over, seeing the regret in her eyes and the shaking in her forelegs, her hooves trembling for the brief period she shifted between them. In his eyes, she was being genuine.

"... I'd also like to apologize, ma'm," Jason said. "I was being... irrational, when I talked back. I guess I was just, caught up in the piece's sentimental value, and I didn't have the right to speak to you like that."

"O-oh, no that, that's fine, I know how  easy it is to get attached to certain outfits, but I wanted to find you, I just-"

"No, no it's fine. I'm sorry about snapping at you and I hope that we can move on from this," he said, turning to her. "If you don't mind, though, I'd like to at least see my old clothes."

Rarity nodded. She levitated a white bag with a swirl and eyes as the logo over to Jason. He grabbed it with his magic and placed it on the ground. Peering inside, he could see the familiar 101 on the back, some stitches standing out with their bright discoloration. 

"I couldn't find a thread pool that matched the color exactly, but I did try to at least make the color bleed into the pattern," Rarity said. "A-and it's free of charge, of course. Not exactly a reward due for what you've already done for my sister, of course. If you've need of any of my services, simply ask and I shall waive any fees."

Jason pat the jumpsuit with his right hoof, feeling the bulge of the stitches contort about the suit. He blinked the myriad of echoing memories away and looked up at the unicorn.

"It's just as good as it's always been, ma'am. Thank you."

With that, he hefted the bag's strings onto a piece of his own personal luggage and secured it.

"You have a good night, now," he said.

"Yes, Darling, you do the same."

She gave a quick nod, to which he gave one as well, and the two parted ways.

\\\\\\//////

Dogmeat sniffed around the forest edge, keen on tracking the strange scent he had come across earlier. The hunting mutt had been following the scent since it had left Jason and Fawkes, and now he was closing in on the source. Of course, it was difficult for the dog to properly track anything in the new place he and his owner had found themselves, since there were so many new scents that Dogmeat was nearly overwhelmed when they first got here.

Thanks to the yellow one's ministrations, Dogmeat could no longer smell the Wasteland on his own fur, letting the mutt adjust to the varying scents and adapt his own to blend in. It put the dog's mind at ease to know that it wasn't standing out like a fresh can of beans opened in a fireant's nest. 

"<BARK>!" Dogmeat exclaimed.

Eyes and ears all locked on to Dogmeat's target, a red house surrounded by trees. He ran along the dirt path up to the gate and pushed off the ground, sailing over the barrier and tumbled into the dirt. Shaking off his landing, the dog hurried along the path, barking out to earn his prey's attention.

A large red pony poked its head out to see Dogmeat approaching, He chuckled at the sight and stepped outside.

"Aw, what're y'all doin' all the way out here, big guy?" the large red said.

"<Bark! Bark! Bark!>" Dogmeat explained.

Big red responded by rubbing the dog's back with a hoof.

"Ah bet ya came and followed little ol' Winona's scent, huh? It's that time a year, ain't it?"

This intrigued the dog.

"Well, you go on now, alright?" he said, patting the dog's head.

When the big red one went inside, he closed the door as well, leaving Dogmeat to tilt his head. The scent lead only up to this house, but didn't-

"<Arf>!"

Dogmeat jumped around, lowering his front onto the ground as he turned to face the source of the sound.

"Hey, it's that dog!" a yellow, bow-wearing pony said. "Ya ever meet this one, Winona?"

Dogmeat couldn't hear the words of the yellow one. Instead, he was transfixed on the sight of the brown and white, slender dog before him. She was panting, wagging her tail and smelled of the thing he had been following.

"<Arf Arf>!" Winona greeted.

"<Awoooo>!" Dogmeat howled, standing up.

Winona approached and sniffed Dogmeat's neck, burying her muzzle into his scruff. Dogmeat in turn sniffed at her ears, causing them to flap. They began circling one another, sniffing each other's bodies before Winona ran off, Dogmeat chasing immediately. 

"Huh. Alright then," Apple Bloom said, walking inside. "Maybe we'll get some puppies soon."
> Chapter 29
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jason rolled out of bed with a groan. He clutched a the pillow to his barrel before flopping onto the floor. Once he had landed, the unicorn stretched across the hardwood before slowly getting up. 

Looking around, he was reminded about the fact that Dogmeat had yet to return to him after wandering off on his own. Not surprising, given the size of the town, but he was still worried about what his companion could have gotten into. They knew next to nothing about what dangerous creatures lived in the nearby forests, though clearly they're dangerous enough that the Princess had to contract a team of ponies specifically to deal with it.

"Better get on that patrol route, then," he said, bringing up his Pip-Boy.

Switching tabs, he navigated to the significantly downsized World Map he had scanned in yesterday. After he placed a waypoint at the forest edge.

He went to the bathroom and relieved himself, taking another moment to examine himself in the mirror. Seeing his fully nude pony form was still disorienting, seeing the massive mane and plate-sized eyes would take some time to get accustomed to.

"Yeah, this happened. Still not a weird dream," he said. "But at this point... do I want to wake up? I mean... what was really left for me? Brotherhood of Steel? They can fix Liberty Prime. They can take care of Megaton. Rivet City only had one way in and they've got the Brotherhood right next door anyway. There's..." 

Looking down at his hooves, the sink was close to overflowing. He could see Her face in the wavering reflection.

He shivered, his whole body convulsing as he pushed the memory out.

"No... no. It's been a year. I... I can move on," he said, looking into the mirror. "I have to move on. They... they'd want me to, right?"

Nothing responded to his pondering.

"Y-yeah, yeah they'd want that."

\\\\\\//////

Calm rays of sunlight burned through the blinds, laying their shine on everything in the room. As the beams traversed the room, they glared upon a scruffy unicorn. Her response was to groan and pull her pillow closer, burying her face into its to mitigate the light.

As though provoked by the mare's action, the sunlight crept up along the bed and shined right on her eyelids. She groaned and muffed a half-hearted declaration of passive dislike against Celestia's sun as she got up from her bed.

"Mmmmm," Moondancer groaned. "I refuse to ever understand morning ponies. This is undoubtedly a punishment."

The mare rolled out of bed and began stretching. Reluctant as she was to admit it, those yoga books her mother had gotten her were definitely worth the few hours she had given them. Relaxing her haunches as she curled forward helped her focus on a constant morning ritual, and the fresh feeling her body attained after posing always got Moondancer's mood up before a hard day cracking at the books.

Except this time, there weren't books to crack, but actual legitimate tests to run. 

Routing through her bag, she arranged her supplies and hung up everything she needed by the inn's door. She checked everything twice, including the files her mother had copied for her, and prepared herself. Tying her hair into a bun, brushing the lint out of her sweater, ironing her lab coat and attaching her ID badge to the collar, she found herself ready to head out.

She slipped her clothes on and strapped her saddlebags on. With everything properly place, she opened the door-

THUD

"Gah, fuck!"

Moondancer yelped as she backpedaled from the door.

Outside her room was a blue pony with a trench coat, cowpony hat and a device on their left foreleg. Currently, he was flat on his back, holding his hooves to his nose.

"Doorknob got me right in the nose!" he said, sitting up. "Who fucking swings a door that hard!?"

He looked into the room, locking eyes with Moondancer, who trembled on the spot. 

Social interactions were never her strong suit, even when she and the other pony were on common, equal standing. Now, she had just assaulted a random stallion who looked like he was ready to hunt a manticore and was fully capable of it with his hateful gaze alone. 

Blood pouring down his nostrils framed his scowl, but after a few heavy breaths, his angry expression softened as his glare lessened its intensity. He took in a deep breath and sat upright, bringing himself off of his flank, into a standing position. 

"Sorry 'bout the nasty look, ma'am, didn't realize I had a neighbor," he said. "Hope you can forgive me."

Moondancer fumbled her hooves about the floor, stammering out a response.

"I-I-I-I-I-I'm sorry, I, uh, didn't think t-that anypony would be, I mean, the, uh... s-sorry."

"It's alright, it's alright," he said, rubbing his snout. "I should have watched where I was going."

Seeing the blood staining his hoof, she searched around her room and, with a trembling grip of her magic, levitated a box of tissues to the blue pony.

"Uh, h-h-here, sir."

He nodded, taking a few and cleaning his face with them.

"Thanks for that. Got a name, miss?"

"Moondancer."

"Well, pretty name for a pretty lady, no coincidence I'm sure."

"Buh- what!? Excuse me?"

Either she wasn't hearing him right or the doorknob hit him harder than she thought.

"Just on my way to get some patrolling done. Got a promise to keep and payments to earn. You know how that is, right?"

"Uh, w-well, I... y-yeah, sure."

"You're a doctor, right? Labcoat and name tag both have a red cross on it, so I assume you've got something to do with the hospital. Any field that's got your devotion?"

His deduction put Moondancer into an awkward state. Nopony had really asked her about her profession nor her interests. At least, not in recent years. The awkwardness of the fact that he was a stallion, one that she had just physically harmed no less, stormed a sea of uncertainty in her gut.

"Y-yes, I was on my way to examine some blood samples and run some tests. The ponies in the local hospital sent some strange samples and my mo- BOSS! My, boss, asked me to come here to check if the samples are valid. I also want to try and find the pony the samples came from and run some tests on them as well."

"Settles it, then," he said. 

He hoofed the bloodied tissues into the trash bin at the door, then eyed Moondancer with a smile.

"Why don't we try reintroducing ourselves on the way there?"

"W-what?"

"I was going to pass by the hospital on my way to try and find my dog before we go and patrol, so why don't we try and... try to move past that little accident. Plus, I could help you look for that patient you need to find."

He offered her a hoof.

"They call me the Wanderer."

She looked between the hoof and the eyes of the Wanderer. His brown eyes shined with a distant shimmer of genuine kindness, something that Moondancer hadn't seen in a long time. Her face lifted into a smaller smile and she accepted his hoof.

"Nice to meet you."
> Chapter 30
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jason smiled as he walked through the town, watching everyone wake up and embrace the day. A few ponies were moving plants and foods to their stalls, opening them up while others were snacking on their own prepared meals outside. Foals ran around playing with one another, some with pets beside them while a few read beneath the shade.

Walking alongside him, Moondancer also took in the fresh air of a Ponyville morning. The scent of the dew, the smooth grass under her hooves, it was such a far cry from the usual mornings she had in Canterlot. Those consisted of screaming foals, noisy traffic, and so much coffee. 

"Wow, I didn't think it'd be this nice out here," Moondancer said.

"It's a hell of a thing, isn't it? The difference a good morning has on how ya see the world," Jason said.

"I-it sure is, yeah. Sorry again, about the doorknob thing."

"Like I already told ya, it's fine. I've had worse introductions."

"I mean, I get that you're trying to be polite about it, but I really don't... uh, assault strangers very often and I just thought that somepony would be a bit more mad?"

"And I told ya, the-"

A rumbling interrupted the conversation, forcing both of them to stop for a moment. Moondancer blushed as Jason fidgeted with his hat.

"I-I'm sorry, I haven't had much to eat in a while, and with moving here and train food being what it is, I-I just... Breakfast?"

"Hmm? 'Scuse me?"

"Would you like to, have breakfast? My treat, of course," she said, smiling tentatively.

Jason flashed her a smile of his own.

"That'd be delightful, ma'am. But I won't make you pay for it all yourself, that's not polite."

Moondancer sighed her tension away, thankful to have brushed off the awkward moment.

\\\\\\//////

Pinkie hummed as she kneaded a chunk of dough, bobbing her head along to the tune in her head as she worked. As though guided by her own song, she popped pastries out of the oven and just as the timer in it dinged, slating in a new batch of cookies on the rack. Flipping the full tray over, she sent the cookies flying onto a large plate before twirling, picking it up, and tossing it into the display case. They slid in and landed perfectly, just as Mrs. Cake unlocked the front door.

"Alright Pinkie, we're just going to get the twins cleaned up," she said. "They had a little accident earlier and now Carrot needs a little clean with them. I'm sure you can handle the morning shift, but I just wanted to make sure you knew that we're going to be a while."

"No need to worry Mrs. Cake," Pinkie said, "I've got everything here under control."

"I know, deary, I just wanted to make sure."

With that, Mrs. Cake went upstairs, leaving Pinkie to hum and dance about the kitchen, preparing various sweets and snacks for everypony to-

*DI-DING-DING*

She stopped.

Nopony was supposed to come in for at least another three minutes, she was sure.

She peered over the kitchen's opening, seeing two ponies enter, specifically unicorns. One beige in a labcoat, one blue with a duster and cowpony hat. She recognized the second, but not the first. which needed rectifying immediately. 

"Wow, that smells amazing. Can't believe we're the first ones in."

"Luck of the draw, I guess."

"Goooooooood Morning~!" Pinkie sang, slipping out of her apron to the register. "Welcome to Sugarcube Corner! Home of the most spectacularly scrum-diddly-umptious sweets and treats imaginable! I'm Pinkie Pie! We offer free samples to ponies who provide names and occupations!"

"Um, really?"

Pinkie nodded vigorously.

"Yeppie-yep-yep! Anypony new in town should always be offered a sample. It helps bring us a bit of business and guarantees a new pony feels welcomed!"

"And... the name thing?"

"I just like to get to know everypony that comes through here. Make sure that they get a good smile in every day. So!" Pinkie said, tapping the display, "tell me a name and I'll get you on your way!"

"Oh! Well, I'm Moondancer, I work for the Canterlot Hospital, but I'm here to aid in some research at Ponyville General. And as for what I'll have... I think I'm going to go with the egg and potatoes on whole wheat."

"Ooooo~! Fancy science doctor, hmm? I'd ask a bazillion questions, but I think it'd be best to not keep sick ponies waiting! Would you like cheese on the side or any other condiment?"

"Ketchup and no cheese, thank you, but for the record I'm not actually a doctor. Just a geneticist."

Pinkie wrapped up the sandwich and passed it over the counter before waving the blue pony over.

"Good morning, ma'am," he said, nodding to her. "My name-"

"Don't worry, Mr. Over-Yonder, I know where you Wander," she said with a wink. "Everypony in town knows who you are by now. What can I getcha?"

He blinked in surprise, lifting his front hooves only to trot in place on them for a second.

"Alright, then, I'll get the... uh, what is this?" he asked, pointing to a wrap.

"Syrup-stuffed pancakes wrapped around scrambled eggs with raw onions. Surprisingly popular, even I have to admit that I thought these were gonna bomb. And I made them!"

"Well, nothing ventured. I'll take one."

The pink mare ducked down, grabbed one and wrapped it in one quick motion. She slid it over the counter and passed the two a couple of beverages.

"Waters are always on the house, but I'm afraid I'll have to charge for any other drinks."

"That's alright, thank you," Moondancer said.

"Have a nice day!" Pinkie said, waving to the two as they took a booth.

With the two unicorns seated, she went back into the kitchen, her mane grasping a pen as she wrote out a new name in her reliquary.

\\\\\\//////

"Mmm, okay, this is good," Moondancer said, sipping from her cup. "Nopony in Canterlot makes eggs this fluffy, stars above."

Jason sat back, leaning into the bench as he soaked in the flavor of onions, eggs and syrup. A combination that served to prod and provoke every bit of his tastebuds that he hadn't felt eating Wasteland food. The syrup was rich, the eggs were moist and the onions added a tang that felt wonderful. He chewed slowly and deliberately, savoring every sensation in the bite as though it were his first meal in years. 

"Oh, this was the best decision. If I had to get hit in the teeth with a doorknob every morning for this, I'd go for it."

Moondancer took another sip from her cup before she responded.

"W-well, hopefully we can skip that part... next time?"

"That sounds like a good idea. I'd be alright with that."

She smiled.

"Good. I certainly wouldn't mind. Now, uh, I believe we discussed you helping me find this patient?"

Jason blinked, looking back to Moondancer.

"Right. Of course." He swallowed, took a drink and nodded. "Anything you can tell me about who you're looking for?"

Moondancer nodded back. She pulled out a file from her bag, red tape and warning labels overlapping each other all over it. 

"As of now, the patient has yet to have given their full legal name, which is somewhat worrying considering their symptoms. If anything, or worse, everything, in this file is accurate, then we could be looking at the potential patient zero of a horrendous outbreak of Celestia knows what."

She spread the papers out over the table, showing microscopic images of DNA samples, blood cells, tissue samples and even open-barrel shots of the patient's innards. The mutated flesh in that photo showed organs overlapping and fusing, their lungs forming an amalgamation of their respiratory system. Even the few bones that could be seen were mutated, bent and deformed with a metallic sheen coating them. 

"Everything about this stallion's biology suggests that they should either be in a constant state of coma-inducing pain or dead, but reports say that he just walked out of the hospital like it's nothing."

Jason looked over one of the sheets, reading the details to himself.

"'Blood type B+, Eyes: Brown, Mane: Brown, Cutie Mark, an Atom split in'... wait," he whispered, checking his own rear.

"Though it took some convincing, my boss managed to get them to forward us a photo of the patient's face, so we can track him..."

Moondancer stopped as she stared at the photos, holding them up as she looked between the picture and the stallion they depicted.
> Chapter 31
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The hospital was abuzz with ponies going about their days, some there for mild check-ups, some visiting loved ones in urgent care. A few were in recovery for accidents and previous emergencies, though thankfully, they were mostly sparse and empty. 

Moondancer and Jason approached the building from behind, the Canterlot unicorn pulling out her credentials as they stopped at the door.

"So, pretty funny, huh?" Jason said, a crooked smile on his face. "Just happened to be the guy you're looking for. Guess that cuts out the middleman and saves us both some time."

"Okay, first of all, 'middleman'? What kind of phrase is that?" Moondancer said, raising an eyebrow. "Secondly, please don't joke about this in there, we've got some serious work to do. If any of these files are right, which I still doubt, you're a walking biohazard bin."

"Alright, I'll keep it serious, my bad."

"Ugh, it- it's fine!" she said, wrenching her access card from her bag.

She swiped it by a black box near the door frame. The double doors clicked and slowly drifted apart.

"Let's just find the testing labs and prep you for some exams."

Jason nodded, following Moondancer as they walked inside.

\\\\\\//////

Starlight threw herself on the ground as a green bolt soared over her head. The hissing mass of plasma singed her mane as it passed by, splashing against a rock, sinking a few inches before the rock cracked apart.

Behind her, she could hear everypony else screaming as the Diamond Dogs and Griffons attacked. Fires engulfed all of the houses in Our Town, three of them already collapsed in on themselves. The attackers, waving a flag depicting several stars surrounding the letter 'E', rounded up as many ponies as they could. Double Diamond was being dragged away by a pair of Griffons, his cry for mercy cutting through the chaos into Starlight's heart. Several pegasi were getting tackled out of the sky, save for one unlucky mare who had her left wing shot and burned to a sickly black.

Forcing herself to look away, Starlight got up and galloped to the road leading to the Cutie Mark Vault. Someone saw her, shouting that she was escaping. Peering back, she saw a trio of Griffons chasing her. In her panic, she fired off a volley of spells at them, striking one in the beak. When they fell to the ground, the other two stopped and dove back to check on their friend.

She kept galloping, eyes glued to the cave. She charged up a spell, stopped at the entrance, and fired it off at the Vault. The glass shattered, every Cutie Mark flying past her to the town.

Before she could take another step, the ground beneath her opened to a massive paw as it dragged her muzzle-first into the abyss.

"GHG! ACK!"

Starlight awoke to the sensation of ice-cold water flooding her throat, thrashing about as she choked on it. The more she struggled, though, the more her captors poured down upon her rag-covered face. She fought against the ropes binding her down, desperately clinging to her last vestiges of consciousness. 

"Alright, pull it back."

The torrent stopped, finally letting the mare regurgitate the water. She puked up a gallon before she could start hacking, her lungs burning for air after several minutes of deprivation. When she could breathe again, Starlight could feel her body trembling from everything. The cold sting of the water, the lack of Oxygen in her body, the beatings the Diamond Dogs had given her, and worst of all, the burning sensation of the strange liquid somepony had pumped into her veins. 

"Puh-pw-ple-he-heeeease! STOP!" Starlight screamed. "Why are you doing this!?"

Just as something ripped the cloth from her face, a hoof struck her jaw. She felt a crack in her face on impact, and cried when her jaw slammed shut, chips and fragments of her teeth breaking off. Before her stood a pony with a green coat and graying mane, a pony she ran into late at night and found looming about her for the past few days. 

"Because you're too much a liability to leave on the sidelines," Autumn said. "Either you break and swear loyalty and allegiance to me, or you stay in here and die a slow, torturous death. I'm just waiting to see which happens first."

"Fuck you!" Starlight screamed. "How many ponies died!?"

Colonel Autumn shook his head.

"Enough to have the rest know their place."

"RAAAAAGH!" Starlight roared, thrashing in her chains. "I'M GOING TO RIP OFF YOUR CUTIE MARK AND MAKE YOU CHOKE TO DEATH ON IIIIIT!"

"She's still of no use to us in this state. Keep her on the RadAway until she's ready to cooperate."

The short white Diamond Dog pulled the IV bag out of a box, removing the needle's cover and nodding to the bigger dog. The tall blue one slammed its hand onto Starlight's head, forcing her to keep still while the other dog pushed the RadAway into the side of her neck.

Starlight screamed as the liquid was injected into her bloodstream, feeling as though lava was getting pumped into her. She felt the magic in her body fade away as her intestines gave way. She soiled herself on the table, crying in agony and shame as the Colonel walked out the door.