**This is my fist ever attempt at writing, and it was also before I played any fallout game. I decided to stop writing it due to lack of feedback, near the end you can see I was throwing shit together. However, if people want me to keep going or make revisions I am welcome to it.
Pure unadulterated indignation radiated from the ancient God king, Ethstar, like that of a supernova at his new discovery. From his throne in the Realm of the Gods he glared through the hole in time and space, acting as a window, to what remained of a once peaceful and prosperous world: the Equestrian Wastelands.
‘Has it really been too long? how has so much changed since that time?’ The old God thought, his massive chin resting in his hand. He usually made it his duty to check in on the other Gods and ensure all was well between his subordinates. Something terrible has obviously happened since his last visit to Equestria about 250 years ago, just after Princess Luna was freed from her 1000 year banishment. He had personally come to congratulate the reunion of the two young Goddesses, and to learn of their bodies being melted into the marble of their magnificent castle in Canterlot was most upsetting.
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were to be among the newest addition to the realm of Gods, having proved to be responsible and sincere with their great power and knowledge, to both themselves and the beings they oversaw. Indeed, they were immortal Goddesses, but to be a true God one had to be accepted into the Realm of Gods, granting true immortality, the ability to transverse across the realms, and the power to re-shape ones from at will.
Ethstar had been the one to choose Celestia and Luna for the Goddesses of the realm they resided because of their immense magics and pure hearts, opting to raise them himself. They were almost ready to undergo the indoctrination to the Realm of Gods when Ethstar discovered the deaths of the Goddesses.
“Now, that’s hardly the way for the King of all Gods to act, throwing a tantrum at the first sign of trouble.” Startled from his seething thoughts, Ethstar directed his attention to Aliana, his beautifully divine wife. “As the queen enchantress I urge immediate action to rectify this situation, and as your wife I implore you to sooth your anger, before you inadvertently destroy our home.”
Taking a deep, calming breath, Ethstar began to analyze the situation, a plan beginning to form. “Yes my beloved, preparations are about to go underway. The bodies of the Goddesses, although horribly disfigured, still exist. Trapping their souls in the place they fell.” Aliana nodded, motioning for him to continue, “Because of their lesser immortality, if the body manages to die or deteriorate past the ability to sustain life the soul is still attached, unable to cross into the next life, unable to repair their bodies. The flesh becomes a prison for the rest of time or until the bodies are repaired or their souls are collected and moved into the next realm.”
“So what do you plan to do? Send an envoy to bring them to life? I hardly think anyone would willingly leave their own realm to assist another.” Aliana said.
“That is not a problem. They are my students, my responsibility. I will not simply standby and watch as I send a lesser being to revive them. Which is why I will be going personally.”
“Well in that case, perhaps you can cleanse the world while your there as well. Just a snap of your fingers and all is sunshine and rainbows again.” Aliana jeered.
“Don’t make me laugh, I would never interfere on such a massive scale, especially in the realm of my own hand picked protégé. For them to fail to resolve the situation themselves would surely disqualify them from joining our ranks, not to mention I would be a laughing stock of the Gods for choosing to raise two failures for God Head, forcing me to step down into an early retirement!” Ethstar said with a bark of laughter, dispelling the viewing portal and getting up to make preparations to depart.
“You still never told me your plan.” Prodded Aliana, circling around the throne to walk with Ethstar down the grand hall, guards flanking them along the way. “I don’t want to have to come to your rescue once you realize you have no idea what your doing.”
“HA! Not reading the lines of fate will make it interesting, and a good change of pace at that! I could use the adventure, maybe strut my stuff a bit.” Beamed Ethstar, earning a reproachful look from Aliana. With a sigh, “I plan to resurrect the Goddesses and oversee the re-formation of their world. Seeing as they sacrificed their lives in order to keep the toxic radiation within the city and not have it spread to the rest of the country was most honorable, and I have decided to accept them into the Realm of Gods a bit sooner than planned due to their noble sacrifice.”
“I can’t say that I agree with you, but once your set on something your stubbornness wont let you change your mind. I have no choice in this matter but to watch you go.” Aliana sighed reproachfully as they entered their resting chambers.
“Now don’t you worry none.” Ethstar said, sorting through various closets for the gear he will need in the wastelands, “Your overall in charge while I’m away, I don’t think there is any situation you can’t handle without my assistance. Now, I think it’s time for a more fitting look, don’t you?”
Ethstar began to change his appearance, shrinking from his massive size to just over six feet tall, the years seeming to simply fall away. His massive beard retracted back into his skin, which in turn smoothed out to look healthy and young. His long silvery hair retracting into his skull and stopping just long enough to cover his ears and eyebrows. His muscles shrank making his body look like a thin twig, yet not malnourished. Finished with the transformation, he began looking himself over, examining his short brown hair, bright blue eyes that had a hint of a glow, fingers and toes all accounted for. Perfect!
“Why did you choose a human form? Or did you forget that Equestria is a land of ponies no more that four feet tall?” Aliana inquired, admiring his handy work.
“Hmpf! A new being nopony has ever lain eyes on will surly get their attention!” The short figure that was the God king boomed in an epic voice, donning a plain brown shirt, pants, trench coat, and topping it off with a fedora. He then turned to his prized possession, the Omega Sword. Forged from a Neutron star in the heart of the black hole in the center of the galaxy. As long as Ethstar wielded it the enchantments made it weigh no more than a feather. To others, it was the unstoppable force, its hidden monstrous weight allowing it to slice through diamonds themselves as though they were butter.
“Not what I would go as, but I would certainly change the voice darling, before your greeting hello results in the planet ripping in half.” Aliana said.
Clearing his throat, Ethstar said in a much more normal voice, “Yes yes I know.” He turned around, then gathered a massive surge of energy before him, opening a rift to the Equestrian realm. “Well I’m off without further delay.”
“Wait, how are you planning to get there? I know you like a flashy entrance but I impel you to not go over the top. The forests on the planet of Kalimora are still blazing from the volcano you formed after your last dramatic entrance through the surface of the planet.” Aliana stated flatly.
“No, its something different every time.” Ethstar smiled, then moved the exit of the portal to somewhere far above the planet and jumped through, closing the portal on the way.
Ember Storm awoke with a start, orange fur soaked in a cold sweat. It was that dream again, always that same dream with the strange beings and the strange, impossible creature referred to as a human. ‘Why can’t I dream about a lovely mare for once? Just once?’ He asked himself.
Shakily getting to his hooves, he looked around at his surroundings, looking over the caravan’s various wagons he had been traveling with since before he can remember. It was still early in the morning, the sun just peaking over the far horizon. Irritated, he went about his morning routine. He had hoped to get a little more sleep than he had gotten because he was on the late watch only getting a few hours, filled with images he never understood.
Some of the elders of the caravan did not wish for him to take part in the guard watches, fearing he would be too young and would simply place himself in danger. Normally this would be true, as he was just turning his first year into adulthood. But they held their tongues after witnessing Ember run out in the middle of a surprise attack several years ago as a colt and summon giant flames, engulfing the enemies and leaving the caravan and its travelers untouched, earning his cutie mark - a horseshoe in a ring of fire. Such magical prowess and control led him to become an apprentice to the Head Enchantress of the group, where he learned to further control and increase his power.
Using his telekinesis, he began to style his mane, deep red at the base and fading into an angry yellow at the ends. Their was no reason to style it, other than the fact that it looked cool to make it look like his hair was itself fire, instead of a tangled mess of red and yellow.
Finished with his morning routine, he trotted over to the chefs wagon in hopes of an early breakfast of 200 year old pre-war food and maybe a few radroaches. Luckily the chef, Barb Ecue, was just finishing the first batch of radroach stew.
“Morning.” Ember yawned.
“Morning to you too sunshine, isn’t it a bit early to be up and about? I know you had the late watch, I have the watch bill posted here so others can check when they get their meals.” He said, motioning to a list of names, times, and locations, “Can never be too careful I always say, that bill changes at the most inconvenient of times.”
“Yea tell me about it.” Ember mumbled, trying to shrug off the impending long winded conversation. Quickly, he glanced behind Barb and noticed the stew simmering in the corner of the wagon. “Could I just get a bowl of stew, I’m not really that hungry.”
“Well, its not quite time for breakfast, but I don’t see the harm of an early start.” Barb said, pouring a decent portion into a clay bowl for Ember.
Ember took the bowl and sat down at one of the many tables strewn out in front of Barb’s wagon, forming a makeshift messing area. Ember watched the sun slowly rising over the horizon, absentmindedly eating his soup, all thoughts on the strange re-accruing dream. ‘What does it mean?’ Ember thought, ‘Probably nothing. When has a dream meant anything anyway? Oh yea, the dream of making peace in the war by making powerful megaspells and giving them to both sides. Yea that worked out superbly.’ Ember mused.
*CRASH!*
Ember nearly jumped out of his skin as a mare with blue fur and purple mane, Kaleen, dropped her trey of food onto the table.
“OH! I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you!” She said, trying and failing to stifle a laugh. Not like it mattered, others including Barb had seen and were rolling around in fits of laughter.
After a few minutes everyone had calmed down, some still giggling, and resumed their morning routines. Ember and Kaleen talked about their plans for that day, Kaleen was wanting to re-stitch some holes in her garments and clean a few wagons. Ember had plans to get some final training from his master and move from being an apprentice to a journeyman.
Finished with their food, they noticed more and more ponies lining up for breakfast, so they returned their empty trays and walked together back to the center of camp.
Most of the caravan was still sound asleep when the first explosion rocked the early morning, sending Ember and Kaleen flying several feet through the air. Ember’s surroundings erupted into chaos, half the caravan on fire, while the fleeing colts, mares, and fillies were ruthlessly gunned down. It only took a split second to figure out just what was happening.
Raiders! An entire army it seemed was coming from all sides in an attempt to overtake and kill everyone! Without another thought Ember jumped up and began firing homing fireballs at the nearest enemies, making them burst into flames on contact. Ember smiled a small smile as the three raiders before him ran around in a mad search for non-existent water, their flesh beginning to boil off their bodies before collapsing in a dead heap of burning meat.
“I have to check my family! They have to be safe!” Kaleen screamed, running in the direction of her family’s wagon. Ember could do nothing but watch her go, disappearing behind another wagon engulfed in flames.
Redirecting his attention to the perimeter of the caravan, Ember planted his feet firmly into the ground, squeezing his eyes shut in immense concentration, feeling the massive well of energy deep inside himself. His horn began to glow a deep, angry red. Ember grunted and strained, an overglow appearing around his horn, followed my a second. Soon sparks began popping off the tip.
Having reached critical mass for the spell, Ember unleashed the magic, summoning a twenty foot high wall of flames around the caravan, preventing any more raiders from entering. He could only sustain it a few minutes at most before collapsing completely exhausted.
Taking this as their chance, the remaining warriors of the caravan rallied themselves and began to first slaughter the remaining raiders inside the ring of fire, then the snipers on top of the wagons began picking off the remaining forces on the other side.
Ember watched with pride as his master began summoning streams of water to help put out the fires spreading to the other wagons.
Just when victory was within their hooves, a lone figure strolled through Ember’s defensive firewall, dispelling it completely. Dumbstruck, Ember tried to get a better look at the creature that so effortlessly dispelled his mighty flames.
“No… It couldn't be…” Ember whispered to himself in horror. He had heard stories of ponies with both wings and unicorn horn wielding immense power from the traders and the various towns they came across, but he thought they were all tall tales meant to scare travelers from traveling.
Ember watched in terror as the alicorn encased its body in an impenetrable force field that shrugged off the attacks of the caravan with absolute ease. If Ember didn’t know any better he would say that the alicorn looked board as it effortlessly blasted beams of pure magic energy, vaporizing the ponies that were struck.
Ember watched in horror as his master approached the creature encased in a shield of her own. He knew her shield was impossible to break, during their training lessons he used his most powerful attacks to break it, yet it was always unyielding. He noticed something different about this shield, it was thicker! She had been going easy on him! This stronger shield should surly hold off the alicorn’s attacks while the others fled to safety.
The alicorn noticed this, and approached the master enchantress. “My my, what have we here? A hero?” The alicorn laughed evilly, chilling Ember to the bone.
“You’ll never harm another as long as I still stand!” Roared the enchantress, attacking the alicorn with some energy beams of her own, bouncing weakly off the alicorn’s shield.
“A pitiful attempt. We could have used you, either your skills or your body! You will perish for your insolence!” The alicorn reared up, then blasted a mighty ball of energy at the enchantress, her shield holding for a split second before shattering like glass. The energy turned the enchantress to ash in an instant, leaving nothing but a ten foot crater where she once stood.
Ember had been watching this turn of events as he helped evacuate the last of the ponies of the caravan. Until this point he had been worried about Kaleen, having not seen her or her family since everything started.
After seeing his master fall, he felt something deep inside himself snap. An aura of fiery energy erupted from his body, encasing him in a massive fireball, melting the dirt to glass and vaporizing a raider that got too close. His eyes were glowing with deep red energy, and his body was floating a foot from the ground. His mane and tail had actually become flames and were at least twice the size of his body, beginning to resemble like molten lava itself.
“YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS!” Ember Storm roared, no longer in control as the magic overtook him.
The alicorn’s eyes grew wide in astonishment as Ember approached. It shot an energy blast at Ember, but it simply became fire and made Ember stronger. Ember retaliated with an attack of his own, a massive blast of fire and lava like that of a volcano engulfed the alicorn. The alicorn was forced to redirect all its attention to the barrier, so powerful was the blast.
Just when the alicorn’s shield was about to break and let the flames consume the alicorn, the massive amount of energy began to flux, the resulting explosion threw an unconscious Ember back into the side of one of the wagons, leaving him to his fate.
******
*BUMP*
Consciousness slowly returning to Ember, he realized he was moving. ‘Someone must have thought it rude to wake me and put me in my trailer when we left’ Ember thought. Realization of what happened suddenly flared through his mind as the pain from his ordeal made itself known.
Ember quickly stood, fury burning in his eyes, ready to give it his all to protect his people, only to throw up from the dizziness. Looking around he saw that three captives were in the cage, himself, the elder of the caravan, and a young mare, no older than Ember was.
“What happened?” Ember asked the elder.
“Red Eye. Thats what happened young one. That was his slaver army that attacked us, not only for our supplies but to recruit as well.” The elder Daisy Blue said.
“But what happened to the others? Why was I spared?” Ember asked, dismayed.
“The others were ordered to surrender, some did but the many who refused were hunted down and killed. They said they needed you and I, to what end I do not know.” Elder Daisy said.
“I’ll tell you…” The black coated unicorn mare, with an equally dark mane and target cutie mark spoke up, “Its a talent hunt. They want to recruit us to join their ranks, make them stronger. Sell us of for profit or to work for them. My name is Acura Night.”
“Acura Night!?” Ember exclaimed.
“Heard of me have you? It seems my reputation was my downfall.”
“You don’t travel as much as I have without hearing about the best sniper and all around weapons expert on this side of the Wastelands. So I take it they want you for your gunslinger and maintenance skills, right? That still doesn’t explain why they said they needed the Elder or myself.”
“Young one, you have more magical power and potential than I have seen or heard of since Princess Celestia’s personal student 250 years ago, a Miss Twilight Sparkle if I recall correctly. I proudly watched as you almost destroyed that alicorn creature.”
“What about Kaleen, did she and her family make it out ok?” Ember begged the Elder.
“Child, I can only hope they were among the few to surrender.” The Elder responded dejectedly.
The wagon gave a quick lurch, “Shut the fuck up, or I will cut out your tongues and rip out your eyes!” ordered a nearby slaver.
Not wanting to be mutilated at such a young age, silence quickly ensued.
After traveling in silence for what seemed like hours, Ember began to devise an escape plan. If he could take out the raiders in close proximity, melt the bars with his fire, then use a cloud of smoke to blind the others the survivors of the caravan just might escape.
Preparing the magic he needed, he saw Acura slightly shake her head, a pleading look in her eyes. She might be content to wait until it was too late, but Ember was having none of that!
He realized his mistake as soon as he began to unleash the magic. Instead going through the bars to incinerate the raiders, the magic was reversed and blasted back onto himself. ‘Damnit! Should have known this shit was enchanted! How else did they plan on escorting two unicorns across the countryside without some kind of control measure?’
Sitting back up he heard the insane laughter of the slaver ponies. “Its no use you little shit! Your trapped their until we let you out or kill you!” They jeered.
‘Well that put a damper on the escape plan’ Ember thought. With a sigh Ember gazed at the grey clouds that made up the sky on the wasteland, hoping for a glimpse of the sun before his ultimate fate.
******
The cage suddenly came to a halt in the middle of what looked like a small village, the doors were thrown open and several slaver ponies began beating the caged ponies with clubs and whips while dragging them out to the ground where they lay curled into a ball in an effort to protect themselves.
“Grab the hag!” The Elder screamed and fought to no avail against the stronger slaver ponies. “We need the others to learn what happens if they ever decide to cross us, and your going to be the teacher!”
The slavers around Ember and Acura whooped and cheered, while two more pinned the two young unicorns to the ground, forcing them to watch as the elder was pinned up against the wall of a building by two earth pony slavers, then a third slaver unicorn mare approached menacingly.
The unicorn first floated up a nine inch rusted steel pike covered in dried blood along with a massive hammer, and drove the pike through the right foreleg, just below the elbow.
Ember wanted to cover his eyes and ears, but try as he might he couldn't help but watch in horror as the Elder withered in pain, screaming in a pitch she hasn't managed since she was a young filly, blood slowly running down the wall, tears of pain and terror flowing from her old eyes.
As the cries of pain began to die away, another pike was floated up, and again driven into a foreleg, this time the felt, earning a fresh bout of screams from the elder. The slavers were dancing around and yelling, cheering, wanting more, begging for blood. Some began pulling out daggers and knives, most of which covered in dried blood and in very poor condition, thrusting them into the air with a roar of malice.
With a wicked smile and a bark of insane laughter, the unicorn levitated a third pike, this one glowing red hot, on the verge of becoming molten. The unicorn, instead of making it quick with the hammer, slowly forced the pike through the right hind leg at about mid thigh. The elder, in her immense pain from the torture lost control of her bowls, earning a gleeful look from the unicorn as she twisted and turned the pike, making it as painful as possible. The flesh was melting and flash fusing to the pike, only to be ripped off as the pike was twisted. The surrounding fur had caught fire and the blood was being boiled into steam.
The unicorn stepped back to admire her work. She noticed that the old mare she was torturing had lost consciousness. “Bring her back! Im not finished with her yet!” She ordered, then the two stallions that previously pinned the elder to the wall departed, and returned with a syringe of adrenalin and the other with wires connected to a battery.
The first stallion stabbed the syringe through the ribcage and pumped the adrenalin directly into the elder’s heart, then the second zapped her with the battery, bringing the elder back to full alertness.
“Glad to have you back, now we can continue.” The unicorn mare said ominously. Then attached a meat hook to a chain, which Ember followed with his eyes in dread to a mechanical wench. The unicorn stabbed the hook into the left hind leg, just above the hoof. She then used her magic to operate the wench, slowly taking the slack out of the chain. As the chain pulled tighter it lifted the leg, bending it to point parallel to the ground.
The crowd was silent in anticipation, for this part was their favorite. The Elder began to scream again as the leg was slowly pulled from the hip. With a loud pop the leg was dislocated, forcing the mare to scream harder, unable to retreat into unconsciousness from the adrenalin. Then slowly the muscles and tendons ripped and tore, before the entire leg was ripped off the torso, blood flowing onto the ground freely.
The unicorn mare, her job done, stepped aside as the other slavers rushed up to slice open the Elder, throwing her organs into a pile, strewing the intestines in a festive manner. A random slaver plucked the eyes from the elders skull while another ate the heart from her chest.
After the “festivities” a pale Ember and Acura were dragged to and thrown into another cage full of moldy hay and stained in blood for the remainder of the evening.
******
‘Wait, how are you planning to get there? I know you like a flashy entrance but I impel you to not go over the top. The forests on the planet of Kalimora are still blazing from the volcano you formed after your last dramatic entrance through the surface of the planet.’
That dream again, Ember realized with a sudden alertness. It was night and he didn’t remember when or how he had fallen asleep after what he was forced to watch. A quick look around told him Acura was still awake, also unable to sleep. She looked like she was still in shock, so he went and sat next to her, warping her in a loose comforting hug as she began to cry in silence.
Ember took this time to analyze why he wasn’t shaken as bad as the mare he comforted. ‘Why was she in more emotional pain than him, when the elder had been like his family?’ He thought. ‘What happened to Kaleen? Was she alright?’ Ember has yet to attempt to locate Kaleen, yet somehow he knew everything was going to turn out alright. That dream somehow made him feel comforted, like all was not lost, and gave him hope.
His ears suddenly perked up, hearing a faint noise he couldn't quite pin down. Looking around he saw nothing but the gloom of the slaver camp and the still warm mutilated carcass of his elder. The noise grew louder, and looking towards the sky he saw the clouds part around a gigantic ball of flames, like the sun itself was falling.
It didn’t take long for the slavers to notice as well, some beginning to panic as others set up defensive positions along the edge of the camp. The fireball impacted 300 feet away with a ground shattering explosion, forcing many slavers to seek immediate cover from the incoming debris.
Slowly the dust began to settle. Coughing to clear his throat of the dust, he tried to see through his watery eyes just what happened. He couldn't see anything at the moment, but soon there was movement.
“Who could survive such an explosion?” Acura whispered, earning a shake of Ember’s head in response, still trying to get a glimpse of the figure. The slavers noticed it as well and readied to open fire should the figure be hostile, or if they could capture and sell it to the highest bidder.
“Oh...no…. i-it can’t… c-can’t be… thats impossible…” Ember whispered in disbelief.
Acura looked at him in confusion, “What, you know what that is?”
“HELLO! How are you all doing tonight!?” Called Ethstar.
Ethstar casually strolled up to the barricade, not giving a care that everypony had a gun trained on him. “Who is the leader of this lovely encampment?” Ethstar’s smile lessoned a bit, smelling the stench of blood and various bodily fluids hanging in the air.
“That would be me.” A unicorn mare, the same one that tortured the village elder, trotted out to meet the newcomer. “My name is Blood Bath, and this is my humble army of slavers.” She motioned for several earth ponies to join her. “We will be more than happy to accommodate our new guest. Make sure he’s nice and comfy boys!” She ordered as she turned to leave.
The stallions bound Ethstar in barbed wire and chains, then dragged him into the cage with Acura Night and Ember Storm. “Wasn’t the warm welcome I was expecting.” Ethstar said with a hint of sourness.
Ethstar noticed Ember staring at him, slack jawed. Ethstar ignored him and began to survey the camp, noticing several decayed bodies and the corpse of the late elder staked to the wall. “Anypony mind filling me in on whats happening?” Ethstar said with a hint of anger at the atrocities he found himself within.
“This is a slaver camp.” Acura said tearfully. “They just attacked a caravan and murdered their elder to make a point, that we are now their property. Ember here was among the few survivors.”
‘Slavers? This is going to be less of an adventure and more like wading through a river of blood and tears’ Ethstar thought. ‘Not the escapade I had in mind. Well thats what happens when you don’t read the fate lines.’
“W-who and what are you?” Ember managed to ask. “How did you come from my dreams?”
Ethstar focused on the young stallion, noting the omega symbol on his flank. ‘Hmmm… perhaps I was meant to find him? This can be no mere coincidence. I sense immense power within this young one. Perhaps he is fit to be a god as well? This remains to be seen’ Ethstar pondered before stating flatly, “Thats not important right now. First we need to escape to safety.”
“But how will we do that? Magic wont work, the cages are enchanted. If they see us conspiring they will do worse to us than the elder!” Said a visibly shaken Acura.
“Don’t worry about that, I’ll provide the distraction and unlock the cages. When you see an opening head towards the east. You will come across a canyon. Set up your defenses and wait for me to return. Got it?” They all nodded in agreement.
“Wait, how do you know all this?” Ember asked, knowing the answer.
“I saw it when I came through the clouds.” Acura let out a small gasp. ‘How could this creature do such a thing, let alone survive unscathed?’ She thought.
Ethstar motioned for them to be silent, then approached the bars. “Hey! Doesn’t your esteemed guest get a bite to eat, let alone a decent place to sleep?” The Slavers spared him a brief glance then began to flock to the cage.
“Well, well. What have we here.”
“Mighty talkative today.”
“Teach them a lesson!”
“Shut it! Go get Blood Bath, see what she wants to do with it.”
“That’s hardly necessary, I’m here already.” Blood Bath said, trotting up to the cage. “I’m terribly sorry, but did you actually think you could just stroll in here and move about as you wished?”
“What gives you the right to do this?” Demanded Ethstar.
“Rights? Here, in the Wastelands?” Blood Bath cackled maniacally before continuing, “I don’t know what rock you crawled out from under but here there are rules. My rules. And my rules say you are a slave, and will be put to work for the remainder of your life, sold and traded, beaten and abused.” She smiled.
“Not if I can help it.” Ethstar said dangerously.
“A slave threatening the master?” Blood Bath sneered, “I’ll have none of that. Bring him out here!”
Several slaver ponies opened the door to the cage and began beating the ponies, while Ethstar was bound in more chains and barbed wire and dragged before Blood Bath.
“Think you've got guts?!” Blood Bath yelled, rearing up and slamming her hooves onto Ethstar’s head, the spiked hooves chipping his skull and tearing off his right ear. “Think your strong?!” She reared again, smashing into Ethstar’s back, rending huge gashes down his spine. “Don’t fucking try me!” She spun around, and gave a mighty buck into Ethstar’s ribcage, breaking several ribs and collapsing a lung.
Ethstar lay on the ground, coughing up blood, slightly concussed. He felt himself get rolled onto his back, looking into the crazed eyes of Blood Bath.
“You don’t want to do this.” Ethstar said, spitting out teeth and wheezing with each breath.
“Cut out his tongue!” Blood Bath ordered, using her magic to pry his jaw open and pull his tongue out. Another earth pony approached with a knife held in his mouth and began cut Ethstar’s tongue in half. The blade was dull from overuse and had to be forced through the muscle, Ethstar screamed and withered in pain, trying to pull away but his head was held fast by Blood Bath.
As the tip of the tongue separated from the base, Blood Bath said gleefully, “Now your free to complain about our accommodations!”
As the ponies began to drag him back to the cage, Ethstar managed to rear up and head butt one of the ponies and elbow another in the snout. His hidden strength made apparent as the ponies were flung across the encampment.
“What the hell? We have a fighter! Take him out!” Barked Blood Bath to the slavers of the camp. All guns were immediately turned on and fired at Ethstar, bullets piercing his flesh, ripping his body to shreds. A high caliber rifle cleaved his head in half in a great splash of blood, his entrails falling to the ground in a splatter. He stood upright for another moment before collapsing, the body absent of life.
“Enough!” Blood Bath ordered, “Save your ammo! Put it with the others and feed him to the slaves!”
As the slavers began to move the body, Ember whispered to Acura, “Well so much for the escape plan. I’m half tempted to bite my tongue and end it now than be a slave for however long they decide to keep me alive.” Acura nodded in agreement.
That won’t be necessary.
Confused, Ember looked for the source of the voice, a voice that sounded just like the creature that was gunned down. Screams suddenly erupted from the slavers moving the body, causing Ember and Acura to rush to the bars of the cage to get a better look.
“AAAHHHGGG!!!!”
“What the fuck!?”
“Its still alive!!”
“What? Don’t be ridiculous! Nothing can survive that! It was dead!!” Blood Bath yelled, trying to bring the slavers to their senses. Looking to the source of the commotion she saw what made them panic. The corpse of the felled creature was standing again, well, as best as it could, standing on two legs and most of the flesh hanging from the skeleton in bloody ribbons.
The mutilated body, missing most of its skull, the brain in a puddle of goop on the ground behind it, began to speak.
I was patient with you. I was willing to let you live. I did not come here to interfere with the workings of this realm, but this has gone on long enough.
The corpse began to dissolve into a black mist, the puddles of blood and various organs belonging to the body following suit. The mist floated several feet above the ground, two glowing yellow eyes with vertical pupils, much like that of a cat, if the cat had en eternal void of pain and death for pupils, appeared floating in the mist.
The ground began to shake as the mist emanated a low, feral growl. Screams of terror erupted all around the camp as skeletons and corpses broke their bindings and began pursuing the slavers, tearing their victims limb from limb, drinking in the blood of the fallen.
The remains of the Elder ripped itself from the wall, and began to hobble towards Blood Bath, seeking revenge. Not one to go down without a fight, Blood Bath gathered an assortment of weapons to kill the zombie.
Blood Bath used every ounce of magic and every killing method she knew in order to fell the new threat, but the Elder just wouldn't stay down! She tried fire, lightning, guns, and even sword to hack off the remaining limbs of her assailant, only to have the limbs float freely and swing at her like clubs.
The remains of the Elder lunged through the air, biting into the right shoulder of Blood Bath. Blood Bath screamed in pain and terror as the Elder ripped a large chunk of fur, skin, and muscle off her shoulder. Rearing up, she slammed her fore hooves into the Elder with her remaining strength, causing it so float back a few feet, before running as fast as her body would allow towards the remaining slavers.
The remaining survivors backed into and huddled close to Blood Bath as her blood flowed freely down her useless leg, forming an ever growing puddle of blood where she stood. Together they formed a last stand against the immortal zombies, a useless effort. As the zombies closed in, Blood Bath could do nothing but hope for a quick death as she closed her eyes, bracing for the bite that would rend her flesh from her body.
“….” She opened an eye, the zombies have halted their approach! They were safe! With a sigh of relief, Blood Bath turned around to notice the mist was now in the form of a giant doorway.
Now you shall learn of true pain and death, for the rest of eternity. I herby banish your souls to the Nether Realm, never to return, never to know peace.
“NOO!!!” Blood Bath screamed, as the door opened and tendrils of mist emerged from the center of the gate, solidifying into the heads of ravenous wolves as they began to consume her flesh, mind, and soul, lunging at the body with huge, gaping jaws.
Finished with the small group of survivors, the wolf heads trailed throughout the camp, consuming the corpse and soul of every slaver. The wolf heads let out a terrifying, ground shaking howl before returning to their realm. The door closed, then returned to mist, and began to form the outline of the creature it was before it was slaughtered.
Once the outline was set, the mist solidified again, this time shattering outward revealing an unscathed Ethstar.
“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” He said, lowering his head in sorrow. With a wave of his hand, the zombies he commanded laid down, the ground separating before them forming a grave six feet deep, five feet long, and three feet wide. The zombies placed themselves at the bottom to be buried, their souls to rest in peace.
Turning to the captives in the cages, he opened the first cage and undid Ember and Acura’s bindings, setting them free. They then set about making quick work with the rest of the captives and soon had everyone who had survived the raid standing in the center of the camp.
Acura had gone around the camp and managed to scavenge an innumerable amount of weapons, which she floated into a nearby wagon to be sorted and fixed up later.
Ember had walked among the cages and asked his fellow caravan members if they have seen Kaleen, much to his dismay nopony has seen hyde nor hair of her. Worry began to press over his mind, wanting to mentally break him once and for all.
Ethstar was going to each survivor, healing mortal wounds as he came across them and rewriting their futures for a life absent of the horrors they witnessed today, then ensured the souls of the dead made it safely to his realm, passing their care over to Aliana. Much to her displeasure, she made every accommodation.
“AAAHHH!!! Help me!!” A scream went through the camp. Turning to the sound the survivors burst into tears, more of their caravan family had survived! All the fillies and colts, as well as some of the younger mares were there, including Kaleen, trying to comfort her sobbing sister. The tears of happiness quickly turned to those of horror as they saw that they were held captive by not one, but three alicorns.
“We heard of an uprising, but we just thought of it as a mouthy slave, congratulations on taking the trash out for us. Now, if you would all be good little slaves and return to your cages, I shouldn't have to start killing innocent fouls.”
The alicorn on the left ripped Kaleen’s sister from her grasp, causing both to cry out in pain and sorrow.
“Back in the cages, all of you! Lest you want to see how far we can twist her spine before her eyes pop out!” Ordered the alicorns in unison. In fear for their loved ones, the survivors of the caravan began to slowly file back into the cages, tears streaming down their muzzles.
Acura, Ember, and Ethstar stood fast, glaring death at the alicorns for their threat. Acura readied an assault carbine, a combat shotgun, and a sniper rifle. Ember felt the same rage that sent his magic out of control well up again, but before he could lose himself to it, Ethstar placed a hand on his back and said, “Don’t fight it, realize what it wants and become the vehicle. The master controls the sword, the sword does not control the master.”
At that Ember closed his eyes and focused, listening to his heart. ‘Why do I fight? What am I trying to do?’ An image of Kaleen, smiling and full of life, floated through his mind. He realized he was in love with Kaleen, and every fiber of his being was dedicated to her and her family’s protection and happiness. Turning his will to protect Kaleen instead of killing the alicorns, the well of power inside him expanded three fold, sending him to before unknown levels of power.
“Oh? Not taking our advice? But we insist.” The alicorn then began to slowly twist the filly, screams of terror at her impending death filled the air.
Jumping into action, Acura opened fire at the alicorn in front, even sending several grenades, missiles, and mines at the alicorn’s shield. The missiles and mines did next to nothing, but to Acura’s surprise, the bullets and grenades were magically enchanted, making quick work of the barrier with the combined assault and rending the alicorn incapacitated.
“I will not have you hurt Kaleen or her family!” Ember yelled, using his newfound power to tear the filly from the alicorn’s grasp, returning her to her sister shaken but unharmed. He then summoned the inferno, much like the one before, but more powerful with his newfound control. Flames and lava emerged from the ground, encasing the alicorns shield, quickly shattering it as the first, the alicorn bursting into flames and melting in the lava flow.
Ethstar stood before the third alicorn, a smug grin on his face as his own shield shrugged off the alicorns attacks with ease. The alicorn, noticing its two companions were killed, tuned away from Ethstar to shield itself with its captives, only to come face to face with Ethstar again. The alicorn gave a terrified yelp and spun to flee, facing Ethstar a third time.
Looking around the alicorn was surrounded by multiple Ethstars, preventing any feeing. One Ethstar approached the alicorn’s barrier, raised a fist, and smashed it into the barrier, shattering it like cheap glass. The others rushed forward and held the alicorn down, forcing it to look the main Ethstar in the eyes.
“I know what you are, and I know your master can see this. And I want your master to know, I am coming for you, just try to stop me.” Ethstar finished, his copies holding the alicorn down ripped into its hide, tearing it to bloody pieces of fur, feathers, and meat.
As the sun set, the battle finally over, Ember quickly rushed to Kaleen’s side, holding her in a tight embrace, sobbing into each others shoulders.
“I thought you didn’t make it!” They said in unison, earning a small bout of laughter from the both of them.
“Where were you? What happened? I looked everywhere!” Ember said, relief flooding into him as he pranced around Kaleen before settling down next to the fire.
“Well,” She began, “after I left, I ran into a slaver. Luckily, his back was to me. I was forced to take a different route, dodging many slavers along the way. My family’s trailer was engulfed in flames, and I could hear my sister, Morning Dew, crying out from inside.” She shuddered at the memory, “I used my magic to break down the door, I quickly found her huddled in the corner, the flames slowly approaching her. As fast as I could I placed a barrier around her and floated her over the flames to safety, then we ran with the rest of the group fleeing the slavers.”
“Once we were a good distance away, we found our parents in the crowd.” Kaleen continued, “We saw your firewall surround the caravan, so we started making preparations to join in and help with the remaining slavers. Thats when two of the alicorns appeared. They bound us in chains and dragged us away into cages. We caught a glimpse of a third alicorn in the camp, and I saw you suffering from a magic flux, before we were all taken away to someplace not far from here.”
“I’m just glad you didn’t have to see what we witnessed.” Ember said mournfully.
“Say, now that I think about it, where is the Elder? And where did you learn that magic? I remember you mentioning a few new tricks, but of that magnitude?” Kaleen asked.
“The Elder… The Elder was killed in front of us. To make us behave ourselves.” Ember swallowed the knot in his throat. “As for the new bout of magic, I felt a deep well inside myself -”
“That was his raw power, brought forth by the will to protect you, his undying love.” Ethstar interjected, joining the group. Ember’s face burning red with embarrassment. “I don’t think he would be able to tap into that reservoir any time soon, not without the possibility of killing himself in the process.”
“I have heard and seen many things,” Acura said from behind Ember, “But nothing compares to what you did today.” She glared daggers at Ethstar, “Should I be thankful you walk among us, or cowering in fear, wishing the slavers were still in control of my life?”
At this statement the entire encampment fell silent, all eyes on Ethstar as he nodded and sat down on the ground in front of the fire, across from Ember, Acura, and Kaleen. “You need not fear me. I was never planning on doing what I did, but they went too far.” He said, turning to face Ember, Kaleen, and Acura.
“That still doesn’t explain anything.” Acura chided, resting on her haunches next to Ember.
“Well, it appears I have no choice,” Ethstar sighed. “My name is Ethstar, the God King, Watcher of Realms, and overall ruler of the universe.”
“Ha. Ha. Not buying it.” Said Acura hotly, “The only Gods here are Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, and, if you haven't noticed, they died over 200 years ago.”
“And that is precisely why I’m here. 2,000 years ago I visited this realm, still new and in its infancy. It was at that time I decided to place it under the rule of a God. I went amongst the villages and found two sister unicorn fouls, Celestia and Luna, with the most pure hearts and incredible magic potential, and took them into my care.” Ethstar said, gazing into the faces of those around him.
“I trained them personally, teaching them control, much the way I taught you, Ember.” Ethstar nodded towards the young stallion. “They soon grew and began to govern the realm the way they saw fit, asking of my knowledge in troubling situations beyond their experience. I soon left them to their devices and let them run their course. I was immensely disappointed in them both when Celestia banished Luna to the moon, Celestia for not listening to Luna and Luna vying for attention. However, they learned from their mistakes and were happily reunited after the thousand year banishment.”
“I came to pay them a visit once they were reunited, and congratulate them on a lesson well learned. That was the last I saw them,” Ethstar continued, “When I read into the past, I discovered that they died fifty years later, at the beginning of the fall of Equestria 200 years ago. I came here to bring them back, restore their bodies, make sure they cleaned up this mess, then welcome them to the Realm of Gods as true immortals like myself.” He finished with a sigh.
Still troubled, Ember asked, “If your the overall ruler of the universe, and they were your personal students, how did you not notice their deaths for 200 years?”
“Time passes differently for immortals. 200 years for us is but a small fraction of our eternal lives, no mortal can be asked to understand.” Ethstar said, “It was most surprising, discovering the events the way I did. I was in my grand hall, going about the business of the day when my mind wandered to my students. I was curious to how they were getting along after Princess Luna was freed. When I opened the viewing portal and witnessed this wasteland, I almost lost myself to my fury.”
“And thats when you spoke to Aliana about their souls being trapped in their bodies.” Ember stated flatly, not noticing all eyes diverting to him.
“And how is it you know my wife’s name? And the way of immortal souls?” Ethstar inquired, quite curious. ‘There is more to this than I originally expected, if he is truly what I think he is.’ Ethstar thought.
“Umm, I know this is going to sound crazy, but I have been having very vivid dreams of exactly what you just described for several months now, always the same dream.” Ember said, rubbing the back of his head with a hoof.
“And how does the dream end?” Prodded Ethstar.
Glancing at Kaleen, Ember continued, “Your form changes, and you cover yourself as you are now. Then you pick up a sword that you hold with high value and place it across your back.” Ember looked Ethstar in the eyes, “Then you open a portal to the wastelands, but before you go through you move it to somewhere over the planet. After that I always wake up in a cold sweat.” Ember concluded, turning to hug Kaleen.
“Your cutie mark, tell me what it means to you, and how you got it.” Ethstar said.
“You know about cutie marks?” Ember asked, bewildered.
Ethstar rolled his eyes, “No, I didn’t help found the laws of this realm.” Everypony stared at him blankly. Ethstar sighed, “That, my little ponies, is what is referred to as sarcasm.” Ethstar said slowly.
“Hey! Were not stupid, this is just a lot to take in all at once!” Acura said hotly.
“Yes, yes I know.” Ethstar chuckled. “But please, the origin of your cutie mark Ember, if you will.”
“Well, several years ago the caravan was traveling through a narrow canyon, when a bunch of raiders attempted to overtake us. Since I was still a young colt, I was to be with the other non-combatants. I took notice, however, that Kaleen was not among us -”
“I got trapped under one of the wagons and was too scared to move to safety.” Kaleen interrupted.
“Yes… well,” Ember continued, “When I looked out the wagon I saw Kaleen under another wagon several trailers back. Bolstering my courage I ran out to her aid, using what little magic I could perform to defend myself. I managed to get surrounded but I don’t remember what happened after that.”
“He had a magic flux, like this morning,” Kaleen filled in, “He summoned great flames and killed all the raiders, leaving the caravan untouched. He protected me that day, and he did it again today. He’s my personal hero.” Kaleen nuzzled a blushing Ember.
“Yea.” Ember coughed to clear his throat, “After I woke up I had this horseshoe in a ring of fire on my flank.” Ember smiled, motioning to his cutie mark.
“I also got my cutie mark that day,” Kaleen motioned to her flank, a red heart shaped shield upon it. “I fell in love with him that day, and swore to protect him as best I could in any way I could. I’m so happy to know he shares my love.” She finished, nuzzling Ember and giving him a peck on the lips, making them both blush and turn away.
“Ok, one more question.” Ethstar said, reaching behind him for his sword, placing it across his lap. “Can you pick this up? Use any method you wish.”
Ember looked at the sword, then at Ethstar, raising an eyebrow. He knew the sword was special, but in what way he did not know. Instead of asking more questions, he extended his magic to the sword, meaning to pick it up my the hilt. As he gripped it, he felt something brush against his consciousness, like a soft whisper. He tried to lift it, it was heavier than it looked, but with greater concentration he was able to will it into the air. Soon it felt as light as a feather, and he swung it around experimentally with great ease.
*Clap…* *Clap…* *Clap…*
Ember turned to Ethstar, “Bravo. You are the second being in the entire life of the universe to wield that sword, the first being myself. Look at your cutie mark.” Ember, confused, looked at his cutie mark to see the horseshoe glowing a bright blue, “That is not a horseshoe. That is the symbol Omega, it represents great power and the end of all things. This sword is the Omega Sword. Its true weight is more than enough to collapse this planet, but it seems you have a connection to it.”
Ember tried to return it. “No no, keep it. Its yours until it deems you an unfit wielder.”
Nodding in thanks due to speechlessness, Ember sheathed it across his back. The sword began to change, shrinking to the size of a one handed sword to be better wielded by a pony.
“Do you know where your going?” Ember asked.
“Unfortunately no. I chose a random spot on the continent and was hoping to have an adventure.” Ethstar said. “All I know is I need to get to canterlot, but that might have to wait.”
“Why is that? Why not just fly back into the air and get their that way? Whats stopping you from fixing all this?!?” Demanded Acura, everyone shocked into silence. “You talk about having an adventure like the wastelands are a theme park! I’ve seen your power, you smashed an alicorn’s shield with one blow, raised the dead, and banished an entire army of slavers after getting ripped apart!”
Ethstar sat in silence, waiting for the furious Acura to calm herself and listen to his wisdom. “Your right, I could fix everything in an instant.” Ember couldn't help but gasp, and Acura let a smug grin onto her muzzle. “Unfortunately, the balance of the world would become unstable, killing everyone as the planet ripped itself apart. Every divine intervention I cause deals a great damage to the planet. If its just myself, in this case getting gunned down and reviving myself, no damage is done. But when I opened the gate to the Nether Realm and took the souls of the slavers, a crack in space appeared. For the next 300 years strange occurrences will happen, disappearances and ghost stories to name a few.”
Ember suddenly sat up, “Can you tell us about the alicorns? You spoke to one as if you knew what it was.”
“Know thy enemy, you have much wisdom for one so young.” Ethstar chuckled. “I saw into its mind, the alicorns always travel in groups of three, and are all remotely controlled my a higher power, much like a God.”
“So your saying that another God like yourself is reigning chaos in the wastelands?” Ember asked.
“Yes and no. The power the creature is using is not its own, but the combined powers of the Goddesses of this realm. It somehow managed to drain the powers of the Goddesses from their bodies. If we reach the Goddesses and revive them while this creature is still in possession of their wills, they will be empty shells devoid of life and seal the fate of this realm.”
“Wait, what fate exactly?” Acura asked, leaning closer.
“You wont be alive for it, nor your children nor theirs. But the gap between this realm and the Nether Realm would collapse, bringing death and eternal suffering to those still alive.”
“I would have been fine with ‘something bad will happen’” Ember muttered to nopony in particular.
“Well I’m going with you.” Acura said, “I have no place to call my own anymore, those bastards murdered my family as we fled our home. Its time for some payback.”
“I’ll help too.” Ember said, “If my destiny ties into meeting you, Ethstar, then I’m going to follow you wherever you go. You helped me control my rage, and its because of you I was able to save Kaleen’s family.”
“Then I’m going with you, Ember.” Kaleen said. “I don’t want to spend another moment wondering if you were dead or alive. I won’t be useless either, I’ve been perfecting my healing magic and would be glad to help heal the wounds your bound to receive.”
“Excellent! We depart in the morning. For now let us rest our weary bodies.” Ethstar said, standing and putting out the fire with a kick of dirt.
Ember watched in horror as the Elder Mare was brutally tortured and ripped apart over, and over again, each time she died she would stare at him with her empty eyes sockets, and scream. Her scream pierced into his very soul, shattering his heart. The screaming grew louder as Ember tried to run, but no matter how far he went she kept getting closer. As he tried to run faster, the more it felt like he was running at the bottom of the ocean, water slowing his movement, pressing him from all sides as the Elder grabbed him and began to violently tear him apart.
The shaking escalated violently, the screaming still piercing his mind. “Wake up, damn it!” Opening his eyes, he slowly regained his senses, realizing it was him screaming, and the shaking, Acura’s attempt to rouse him.
“Um…” Ember panted, winded from the nightmare, “Sorry.” He smiled sheepishly to Kaleen, then to Acura, standing over him with a raised eyebrow.
“It’s alright.” Kaleen said calmingly, gently Nuzzling Ember. “I couldn’t sleep either. I noticed you were sweating and writhing around, but when I tried to shake you awake you started screaming.” She said, a worried look in her eyes.
“What did you see?” Ethstar asked, “Dreams are the gateway to the subconscious, its mostly symbolism meant to warn or encourage the dreamer. Sometimes they are visions, in your case, but I hardly doubt my life in the Realm of the Gods should be so terrifying.”
“Ok…” Ember said reluctantly, not wanting to willingly recall the quickly fading nightmare. “Well… at first it was the death of the Elder, in gruesome, vivid detail. But after she… You know…” Ember trailed off, the vision reliving itself in his mind’s eye.
“Died?” Acura offered, not realizing Embers sudden horrifying flashback, “After she died?”
“What?” Ember looked around, shook his head. “Yea, after she died, her eyes, I mean, what was left of them, looked at me. Looked though me. Then she started screaming, so horrifying, like my soul was shattering.” Ember turned his gaze towards Ethstar, still not really aware of his surroundings as he recalled the vivid dream. “She began to walk towards me, still screaming. I tried to run but I couldn't get away, felt like running through water. She soon caught me and was eating me when I woke up.” Ember finished, a single tear falling to the dry earth.
Ethstar closed his eyes, breaking down just what the dream had entailed, before stating, “Well, on the surface of the dream we can all see that you are emotionally shaken about the death of the Elder, as well as the events surrounding her death.” Everyone nodded, waiting for him to continue. “However, on a deeper level, its a message. You don’t want to run away from danger, but you don’t want to see the consequences of that danger, be it harm to you, a loved one, companion, even an enemy. But more importantly you must learn how to handle it. Find a resolve as strong as like steel, allowing you to do what must be done. You have one, you said it yourself yesterday facing the alicorn, do you remember?”
Ember raised a hoof to his muzzle, thinking back to the day before, he was in a blind rage facing the alicorn, until Ethstar told him to search his heart for his reason to fight. It was then he realized he wasn’t trying to kill the alicorn just because it was an enemy, but to protect Kaleen and her family out of love, and the alicorn’s death was the method to achieve that goal.
“I swore to protect my love, Kaleen.” Ember stated matter of factually, planting a gentle kiss on a blushing Kaleen, a blush forming on his muzzle as well. They stayed like that for a moment, existing only to each other. They reluctantly broke away, gazing into each others eyes.
“Well.” Ethstar cleared his throat, bringing the conversation back on track. “Don’t bottle it up either.” Continued Ethstar as though there were no interruptions. “Running from your feelings will result in the same anguish as was described in your dream, eating you alive, slowly, until you are nothing more than an empty shell.”
Ember nodded in acknowledgement, turning to his saddlebags to begin the day.
******
Later that morning, the group had gathered on the outskirts of the caravan, and were making final preparations to leave. They began going through their saddlebags one last time, making sure they did’t forget anything they need.
Acura had scavenged the best parts from the weapons she had gathered the night before, creating a custom combat shotgun, sawed off shotgun, the long range high power sniper rifle that annihilated Ethstar’s head the day before, as well as a standard range rife. The remaining space of her saddlebags were filled to burst with ammo, most of which could be traded to a merchant later.
Acura was also privy to a small pistol, her new prized possession. (She sleeps with it cradled to her chest like a newborn foal, don’t tell anypony!) The pistol was magically enchanted to fire stored energy, radiation, or taint, whatever seemed to be within at least fifteen yards. The energy cell was constantly charging, even when being fired. If ever it was fired too much, in a few moments it would be recharged and ready to unleash another barrage of energy blasts.
She had taken it for a test drive earlier that morning, testing its limits. If she fired a single round at a rate of two shots per second, the charge would last a good five minutes. On full automatic, quite impressive to say the least, she could fire about a thousand blasts before the charge gave out and powered down the weapon so it could recharge. She was also impressed that she could quicken the charge and make it last longer if she fed it even a little bit of her own energy.
Kaleen had raided the medical tent, the stockpile of potions and bandages enough to heal a mortally wounded army back to full health before lunch. She also brought along several anatomy and medical books, one herb book titled Supernaturals, and the Wasteland Survival Guide to finish the collection. She carried all the items in a pair of yellow steel boxes with pink butterflies on the sides.
Ember had gathered enough food them to eat healthily for about four days, depending on running into any wildlife or trader or any place to scavenge for food. Ember’s other bag was stuffed full, the contents softly clanking against itself as he placed it on the ground before the others, gathered in a circle at the edge of the caravan.
“Whats in that bag?” asked Ethstar, pointing at the overstuffed bag on the ground.
Ember beamed, “Bottle caps!” He said, opening the top to reveal the truth of the statement. “My entire life savings! I’ve been saving enough so I could move into Ten-pony Tower and begin another life, away from the danger and start a family.”
Ethstar raised his eyebrow in a quizzing gaze, opening his mouth to speak but was cut off as Kaleen asked, “What do you mean? You have more than plenty! This is enough for half the caravan to move in.”
“I just couldn't leave, Kaleen.” Ember said with a hint of sadness, “I didn’t know it then, but I couldn't just leave without you, and I still yearn for adventure myself. I just dont think Imo ready to restart my life right now.”
“WAIT.” Ethstar said, stopping the conversation so he could ask his two bits worth. “What exactly is the use of round pieces of plastic?”
“What do you mean?” The three said in unison, like they were just asked the most absurd question they have ever heard.
Ethstar motioned for them to elaborate, “We use it as a trade medium,” Acura stated flatly, “Like if I wanted a gun with a trade value at 40 caps, I could trade some ammo for 40 caps, and use those caps to trade for the pistol.” Acura finished.
Ethstar let the realization sink in before exclaiming, “Your joking. Right? Caps? As currency? Random bits of plastic found in the wilderness?”
The trio looked at each other, then to Ethstar, and nodded in unison, still not understanding just what, exactly, Ethstar was so confused by.
“Wow, things have changed. Know what? I’m not going to question it. Its not my place to question why this system was established the way it was, so I’m just going to go with the flow.” Ethstar said, giving in to the absurdness of the economy.
The group began to gather up their things, ready to depart, when Acura asked, “Wait, Ethstar, you gave your weapon, the Omega Sword, to Ember, won’t you need a gun or another weapon to fight?”
The group halted what they were doing to look at Ethstar, the same question on their faces. “You needn't worry. I can just cast a defensive barrier to protect me from anything, and I pack one hell of a punch.” He turned and punched a nearby bolder with all his strength, sending a shockwave through the air as fist met stone, the bolder remained solid. Ethstar’s fingers, hand, wrist, lower arm, elbow, upper arm, shoulder, and several upper ribs shattered as the stone should have, the skin torn apart from the sheer shockwave.
Ethstar collapsed to the ground, writhing in pain, coughing up blood and bile, earning horrified gasps from the unexpected weakness of the gods mortal body. Kaleen’s mind whirled, this kind of injury was far beyond her medical skills, even with all the potions in the Wastelands, this injury would not heal. There was nothing she could do, just hold Ethstar’s head as he screamed in pain.
Eventually, Ethstars screams became whimpers, then struggling gasps, as Ethstar died again in Kaleen’s hooves. They each hung their head in mourning, tears beginning to run down their muzzles, Acura looking away.
Oh stop that. Your being foalish, I’m immortal remember? I just have to re-build the body. One sec.
The three looked at the body, realization surfacing on their faces. Ethstar’s body once again dissolved into a black mist with glowing yellow cat eyes, then reformed the shape of Ethstar before shattering outward revealing a perfectly healthy biped.
“Ok, so it would seem my mortal body is unable to stand the direct shock of my amazing combat prowess. I need a weapon.” Ethstar stated as he walked briskly back to the center of the caravan. The trio could only shake their heads in bewilderment.
******
“Morning!” Ethstar called to the owner of the trailer housing the weapons used by the caravan’s guards, “I’m wondering if I might purchase a weapon before I depart?”
“Morning to you friend!” The owner, Gunpowder, a grey stallion with a red mane and a barrel of TNT for a cutie mark, called back to Ethstar, “What are you talking about? You? Purchase? You saved all our lives, and as thanks I’ll let you pick a weapon of choice!”
“You flatter me, sir.” Ethstar said, looking at the various assortments of weapons lining the walls of the trailer. Ethstar was quite impressed with the variety of the selection, ranging from crude spears to magic rifles.
“Oh, you don’t wan’t any of that sir,” Said Gunpowder. Ethstar turned to question why he was suddenly not allowed to have his pick of merchandise like he was promised. As Ethstar locked his eyes on what Gunpowder was presenting to him, he dropped the argument.
Propped against Gunpowder, was the most beautify crafted battle axe he had lain eyes on. It had a four foot long pole, intricately crafted and etched with magical runes all along its length, ending with a brilliant red gem in the shape of an apple. The pole was attached to a massive, curved blade, serrated into massive teeth like that of a dragon on the top, and a fine blade extending to the lower half, sharp enough to slice a hair dropped onto it. On the reverse side of the axe head was a huge block of steel, one square foot, with massive spikes protruding from the otherwise flat surface, also resembling dragon teeth. Centered between the two halves was another gem, this one green and in the shape of a maple leaf.
“They named it the Dragon Bane. This baby was meant as an accessory for the Steel Rangers, much like the grenade and missile launchers are, but this was a prototype, never put into production, they couldn't figure out the proper size to weight ratio, or thats what was passed down to me. This weapon is the pinnacle of magical close combat weapons, and has been passed down though my family for generations. My ancestor was one of the top engineers working directly under the Minister of Technology herself, Applejack, and was the one who designed it.” Gunpowder explained. “This weapon is infused with earth-based magic. I don’t know what its potential is, but I want you to have this as my thanks, and on behalf of the caravan as well.”
Ethstar was completely speechless. This turn of events was far too much to be a mere coincidence. Without hesitation Ethstar picked up Dragon Bane, its incredible weight fit comfortably with his Godly strength, the length more than perfect for his form. “Well, why don’t we go find out?” Ethstar said with a wide grin.
Turning, he headed for the edge of the caravan where the others were waiting patiently, Gunpowder following at his heels. Once he arrived the others oohed and ahhed at the beautiful battle axe. Ethstar looked out to the wasteland, and with mighty strength he raised the hammer end far above his head, and smashed it into the ground in front of him with all his strength.
The magic in Dragon Bane reacted to the ground, causing a row of spikes a foot wide, four feet tall, and thirty feet long to shoot up. Looking at the devastation, Ethstar was quite impressed. He raised the axe again, this time so the axe end would strike the earth.
With another mighty swing Ethstar brought the axe down in the same place. The magic this time split the earth, opening a narrow, deep slice in the ground. Looking to the boulder he killed himself with his last attempt to show his power, he positioned himself thirty feet away, and swung at the ground again. The effect was the same, however, when the slash reached the bolder, it too was rendered in half.
Smiling with pure joy, Ethstar turned to Gunpowder, “I’ll take it!”
Gunpowder smiled back, “Oh wonderful! I’m so glad I could be of service! Oh before I forget, it will never rust and never dull, but regardless please take care of her!”
“You have my word.” Ethstar motioned for everyone to gather their things, and with their final goodbyes, they trotted and walked out into the mid-morning sunlight.