Long Road Home

by Whiskeylullaby

First published 8th of March, 2015

Yet another Fallout tale, about a Mojave courier, and the strange girls who follow him..

Carter Daniels was a bright young Man from a small town on the Nevada/Arizona border. After a tragic incident left him Homeless and alone, he became a courier. One night, while camping in a ruined building, the sounds of screaming wake him up. He ends up rescuing four strange girls, who ask for his help in getting home. Unable to say no to four desperate and scared young women, he reluctantly agrees. Thus, he is dragged on an adventure full of strange occurrences and circumstances. Will the pragmatic young courier be able to protect his charges? And when all is said and done, will he be able to say goodbye?
Cover art by Sipioc visit here

A light in the Darkness

Boulder city was a flurry of activity as NCR soldiers and rangers prepared for the coming storm. The legion had gained a foothold on the damn and were trying to overwhelm the Retreating NCR forces, but explosives had been hidden along the path of retreat, and The city itself had been trapped. Carter Wrapped his duster around him more tightly as he gripped his battle rifle.

"This spell had better fuckin' work" he said grimly as Lyra and Rarity Held hands and began chanting.

"Twilight told ya it would Sugarcube. Have a little faith...We'll get through this yet" said Applejack from around the stock of her Brush gun. Carter idly noticed she'd carved three apples into the stock.

"um...are you sure I should be holding this?" asked Fluttershy as she held her shotgun nervously.

Carter looked behind him and smiled apologetically at the nervous girl. "Sorry Little Lady, but somebody's gotta cover the door. If the legion get through to us, all of this was for nothin'. If you see red, Blast 'em"

The nervous, pink haired girl nodded quietly. she didn't like violence but from what she'd seen of the legion... She shuddered involuntarily at the though and loaded the ancient pump action.

"Good. HERE THEY COME!" shouted carter as the Vanguard of the legion came rushing in. Shots rang out as the NCR fought back with everything they had. They HAD to make sure the majority of the legion forces were committed to this area. Even Carter and the girls had been helping snipe the centurions. Carter and Applejack Held their fire, because the sooner they were discovered, the more chance their escape plan failed.

"up in the building! Top left!" shouted a keen eyed legionary Carter silenced him with a .308 Round. Applejack's brush gun put a .45 - .70 govt round in his comrade's skull.

Carter began using his rifle's semi-automatic nature to his advantage, placing accurate and deadly fire on the red clad Invaders. "Take that you slaver son of a bitch!" growled the young man as he fired his last round into the head of a legionary with a minigun.

"Easy as apple pie!" whooped applejack as she reloaded. She grinned at Carter as He loaded a fresh clip. He smiled back, his bright green eyes full of venom. "Better dead than red" he joked, pointing at a faded poster on the wall.

The Door to the room flew open with a Bang and Fluttershy squealed. A legionnaire was raising a machete to kill the frightened girl when she closed her eyes and pointed her shotgun in his general direction and pulled the trigger. Fluttershy began sobbing as the corpse of her attacker fell. Carter looked over at her and his brow creased.

"applejack, I got the window, cover the door. Help Flutters if ya can."

The Blonde woman nodded and adjusted her stetson before taking position by the door, comforting her terrified friend as best she could.

"IT'S OPENING!" cried Lyra and Rarity as a bright glow began to emanate from in between their arms.

"Alright! Flutters! you're up first! I promised I'd get ya home now didn't I?" shouted Carter over the din of battle. The terrified Girl nodded and managed a small smile (and a bit of a blush) and stepped towards the bright light. The orb grew larger by the moment.

Fluttershy soon saw the other side of the portal, A green field just outside of Ponyville. She ran through the glowing edifice. A bright flash blinded everyone for a moment, before a yellow, Ragged looking Pony-girl appeared on the other side. A purple unicorn and A Tall stately alicorn ushered the yellow Pegasus away and looked expectantly and worriedly at the portal.

"Applejack! Lyra! You go together! I'll hold the door! Shouted carter as he took position.

Applejack smiled worriedly at him "See ya on the other side Pardner..." Lyra, concentrating on the portal, could only nod, but her brow creased in worry.

Carter noticed, and Grinned reassuringly. "I'll make it. Don't worry." he said. Lyra nodded.

Applejack and Lyra disappeared in a flash, blinding carter for just long enough to be tackled by a legionary. "GET. THE FUCK. OFF!" shouted carter as he threw the Red clad warrior into the rotting plaster wall. "RARITY! GO!" The portal shimmered a bit as she released her concentration but held with the help of the unicorns and alicorn on the other side.

"MR DANIELS!" shouted Rarity, watching as her courier friend rolled across the floor while entangled with the legionary again.

"RARITY! FUCKING! GO!" he shouted.

The purple haired beauty obeyed, reappearing on the other side of the portal as a white unicorn-girl. all of the unicorns held the portal open, but the effort was beginning to take it's toll. After freeing himself once again, Carter grabbed the Machete the other legionary had dropped and kicked his opponent between the legs. Then, as his enemy doubled up, Carter swung the machete into the unprotected meat of his neck. the legion soldier dropped, his spine severed.

Carter began limping towards the portal when the NCR detonated the explosives placed all around boulder city. Pieces of rusted rebar and shards of concrete ripped through Carter's battered frame as flames surrounded him. He felt agony beyond any he'd ever known as he was propelled through the portal to Equestria.

Celestia was hit by the smell of blood and burnt flesh as soon as the young stallion/man who had rescued her subjects was thrown through the portal in a gout of flame. Carter was bleeding Profusely, but his upper arm, (with the sleeve mostly destroyed) glowed with magical energy as a "cutie Mark" appeared. It was a Satchel leaning against a shield. His skin had taken on a pastel tan colour, and two tan pony ears poked out of his earthen brown hair.

The Newly Anthro-ponified Courier was panting heavily as he tried to stand, his ice blue eyes fluttering. Blood pooled under the wounded colt as everything went dark. He could hear shouting, and felt himself being lifted away. The last thing he saw before darkness claimed him was a pair of massive white wings.

Author's Notes:

Hey, Whiskey here! Just wanted to let you now I'm willing to listen to criticism no matter how unflinchingly brutal. so, Tell me how to make my story better. If you want to help, be it editing, proofreading, collaberation, etc. please contact me. I want to write something people will enjoy, not a "mary-sue goes to equestria" fic. Celestia only knows there's a metric ton already.

Loss and gain.

Carter's eyes opened slowly, to near blinding white lights. He lay in a hospital bed, albeit one cleaner and in better condition than he'd thought to ever see. His eyes wandered around the room, taking in the sights. The room, like his bed was clean and well kept. outside birds sung sweetly and fresh green grass flowed down a hillside to a gently babbling brook. Carter was Breathless at the beauty. Something felt off though, but carter couldn't put a finger on it... until he looked down and found the silhouette of his left leg was a foot shorter than the one on his right.

Leaning his head back and Breathing deeply, Carter tried to calm his nerves as he removed the blanket. he closed his eyes and swallowed before looking back down. His worst fears were confirmed. His right leg had undergone a strange transformation, ending in a hoof rather than a foot. He'd expected that. Hell, Nothing could faze you when a glimmering ethereal pony girl explains to you that the 4 crazy girls you'd just rescued from slavers were from a magical land of anthropomorphic pony-people...Except the loss of a limb. Despite how he'd hoped and prayed he'd been wrong, Carter's left leg ended in a neatly bandaged stump just under his knee.

"Fuck...Fuck..." was all he could say as his eyes blurred from tears. He heard a door open, And 7 people entered the room. Fluttershy gasped, ad tears welled in her eyes as well. Applejack's face went rigid with poorly controlled emotion. Rarity had to brace herself against a Table. . Lyra just fell to her knees and sobbed. Finally, Three women/mares with both wings and horns strode in. the first was pale white with hair that seemed like sunrise brought alive, the next was the color of night with a mane like the starry sky, and finally a purple girl with a pink stripe in her hair.

The tallest one, with the sunrise color scheme spoke first, very softly. "I am Princess Celestia. I'm sorry Mr Daniels. Despite all our doctor's attempts, and even our greatest magic, we could not save your leg."

Carter rubbed his eyes and forced himself to speak despite the painful lump in his throat. "so...What happens now? Where do I go? What do I do?" He asked, his eyes pleading. Celestia immediately regretted looking into those ice blue orbs. they were full of pain and regret, almost as much as she saw in her eyes when she looked into the mirror.

With herculean effort she was able to keep her composure "First, you shall rest. You have done a great service to equestria and myself by protecting these girls and getting them home. One they have told me they feel they could never repay." Celestia smiled gently and her horn began to glow. A wooden case floated into the room, surrounded by a glowing aura. It landed on Carter's lap gently. Celestia lightly touched his arm as he stared at it. "Open it" she said with that matronly air.

Carter opened the Box to find a beautifully carved wooden leg, magically enchanted to match his new skin color. Carter wept again, but this time it was tears of gratitude. the next few hours were spent on introduction. Pinkie Pie, Luna and Twilight were engrossed in Carter's stories about the mojave. Occasionally they'd look to Applejack to ask if Carter was being truthful. Applejack would nod with a small smile and they'd go back to listening. Within the hour, as the princesses, the party pony, and Rainbow listened to the sometimes zany stories the courier told, His four companions Stepped out.

Applejack was the first to speak. "He...He gave up his leg savin' our hides...But I could barely look at 'im without feelin ripe to bust out cryin'." She fiddled with her stetson as she spoke, eyes downcast. "so...Onta business. Where's Carter gonna stay until he can get back on his hooves- er hoof?"

Rarity, Fluttershy, and Lyra seemed deep in thought, until all three blushed. "um...I...Hadn't thought of that..." squeaked fluttershy as she stared at the door to Carter's room.

Lyra shook her head. "I wish I could take him home..." Lyra blushed as she realized what she said. "I mean, To help him recuperate! But Bon-bon already has her colt-friend staying over"

Fluttershy shook her head sadly. "Lots of animals got hurt and sick while we were stuck in Mohavee.... I wanna help too but..." She turned away as she started crying again. Rarity hugged her and began Comforting her.

"Sweety Belle would be a menace to the poor man, and with the backlog of orders, I don't know If I'll have the time to get him the proper care he'll need." said Rarity with a huff.

All three pairs of eyes turned back to Applejack, Who was trying to hide a small smile. "well then...It's decided. He'll stay with the Apple Family. Applebuckin' seasons over. and Granny can keep an eye on 'im when Ah cain't" With that, Applejack returned to Carter's room, Seemingly ignorant of the jealous eyes gazing at her back.

When the four returned, they Found Luna Holding Carter's guitar. "We Demand that you play! You are skilled yes? Then Play!"

Carter broke into the first genuine smile he'd had that day, Knowing that whatever may come he now had friends to face it with. "Fine. I'll play...But there's one thing you gotta know about couriers and cowboys...We only sing sad songs."

Carter hefted his guitar, an old hollowbody, ad began to sing. His voice was rough from crying, but it lent to the sorrow of the song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3FblZ9Tdp4

By the time Carter finished, there was not a dry eye in the house. Celestia and luna had a faraway look as they wiped their eyes. the rest were sobbing wrecks. A nurse and doctor in the hall were hugging as they cried, and a passing mailmare tearily offered a muffin to carter through his window.

Author's Notes:

If you are better with colors I'd appreciate some help. I'm colorblind, as it were. Damn John Moreland is good.

Train Rides and Memories.

Carter sat in the back of the train to ponyville, His face an impassive mask as he went over the last week in his head. He was walking fine now, although he'll probably need a cane for the rest of his life. (He can walk without it but it really hurts.). He'd just finished an audience with the Princesses as they went through the formalities of accepting him. Truth is, All three had been watching him as he'd traveled and protected Applejack, Rarity, Lyra, and Fluttershy. They had seen him at his best and worst, and they knew for a fact that he'd always done what he believed was right and moral. that didn't help him now though, as he looked dejectedly at his crumpled box of cigarettes. between the explosion and the bleeding, most of them had been ruined. He had four left in fact, and no chance or money to get more. Carter sighed as he lit up his zippo and began puffing away on one. three left.

Lyra on the other hand, was exhausted from the chewing out she had gotten. First she had purchased a dangerous and rare artifact, and then endangered and probably psychologically scarred half of the elements of harmony by teleporting them to a hellish, apocalyptic wasteland. The reason she wasn't imprisoned right now is because it was an accident, and that she had also been stuck in said hellish wastes. It was only through sheer dumb luck that carter had stumbled across them. He'd been camping nearby when he had heard them scream. He'd rushed in to find four (very nude and very pretty) girls fighting against an equal number of Fiends. Lyra remembered it clearly. There was shout, four loud bangs and silence. when she'd opened her eyes she found a new and worried looking face looking down on her.

"Did they hurt ya Miss? are you okay?" the figure had asked, his ice blue eyes rolling over her frame once before he took off his duster and placed it around her shoulders.

Lyra had gulped, before nodding and bursting into tears. The man, Carter had wandered off to help the others. After some words of solace and a few bandages all the girls were right as rain. Carter had bartered with a caravan for some better clothes than the worn out shirts and pants he'd given them. That was when twilight had contacted them the first time, and sent them on their way to get home... A quest that had led to Carter losing a Limb, and by extension, his ability to continue as a courier.

Twilight Sparkle sat and watched Carter from the corner of her eye. Since he came, something felt....off. Twilight couldn't put her hoof...Oh wait, had she always had hands? She hadn't. Now that she thought about it, she was a pony before he came wasn't she? Like, a full pony, four hooves and stuff like that? It was something to look into, and the fact that nopony else had noticed this meant that it was likely intentional.

Applejack was sound asleep next to Rarity, who was drawing up new designs for male formal and casual clothes (the fact that said clothes went well with a tan colour, and were for gents with a missing leg were coincidence...Right?). Rarity was tired as well, but...sleep came with nightmares. Luna had been helping, but the very nature of these dreams were painful for her. Rarity kept seeing Carter and her friends get hurt over and over gain, in ever more gruesome and painful ways. In the Mojave, she'd easily made the transition form making clothes to patching them. She, Like the others, had carried a firearm. It was a 9mm pistol with a pearl grip and a picture of a robed woman. written along the slide was 'ave'. Carter had bought the pistol from a gun runner who said it had once been a pair. Carter had blushed when he handed her the gift wrapped package. At the moment, it sat with all of their weapons in a locked trunk over in baggage. Rarity felt oddly naked without it right now.

Fluttershy Sat in a booth just across the aisle from Carter. No matter what she did, her eyes always seemed drawn to the tall fellow. she'd initially been scared of him...Until she saw how much he tried to avoid killing. Fluttershy couldn't help but wonder about him sometimes, how someone could go through so much hurt and still be so kind and gentle. Fluttershy absentmindedly rubbed a small scar on her palm, remembering the thug that had attacked her. While wandering through freeside, some drug addict had attacked her. She had raised her hand to block the switchblade when he struck, slashing at her with a sickening grin. Fluttershy still shuddered when she remembered. not just from the mad junkie, but Carter's own expression when he arrived. his normal bright demeanor had been replaced by a dark mask of pure cold fury. The junkie froze as a .44 Magnum pressed against the back of his skull.

"Fluttershy, How bad is that cut?" asked Carter in an even, calm sounding voice.

"u-um it's... not that bad..." she stammered, showing him her palm.

Carter nodded and leaned down until he was eye level with the attacker. "You got ten fucking seconds to run. If you ain't outta my sight by then, you get a bullet in the back. Understand?"

The junkie nodded vigorously. Carter lowered the gun, and in a flash, the fucker was sprinting away. Carter had knelt down and grabbed flutters hand and looked it over, before pulling out a stimpack and a medical bag. The stimpack promoted coagulation and disinfected the wound while he stitched it closed. His hat and obscured his face while he worked. when he looked up, he had a small frown on his face. "Are you sure you're okay? he didn't cut anywhere else right?" Fluttershy nodded the affirmative. Carter looked her up and down and sighed. "come on, let's get back to the others before Applejack loses all our caps on the card tables."

Fluttershy sighed and stood up. "Now now, Mr Daniels, You know those are bad for you." said Fluttershy as she removed the cigarette from his mouth

"but-" Carter began

"No. You are still recovering! I will not stand for it" Fluttershy huffed and lightly stamped her hoof to make a point, surprising nearly everyone. Carter just sunk lower into his seat and wordlessly handed over his last pack. zero left.

and thus, Carter's new life as a pony named Courier shield began. (wip name)

Author's Notes:

Things Carter is (or was) good at. / things he is not good at
Gunplay / Arm wrestling
maintenance and repair / fighting deathclaws
science / fighting cazadores
running / being vegetarian
running and screaming from deathclaws / Farming
running and screaming from cazadores / understanding pinkie
running and screaming from deathclaws AND cazadores / Cazadore-like sounds.
lockpicking / reading people
singing with guitar / staying awake while twilight talks.

hopefully next chapter will be better. I may end up editing this one a lot.~Whiskey.

Welcome to ponyville.

The train finally stopped at Ponyville station and the doors began to open. But as Rainbow dash awaited her friends, Her eyes ended up locking on a new arrival. He was tall, and clad in a T-shirt and duster with the words "East coast Regulators" written on it. His red glacier glasses reflecting the light as he stepped off the train. Perched on his head was a brown stetson. He was lean, tan, and had a couple small scars on his chin. Time seemed to slow and a song Started to play in her head. The sunset seemed to gleam off of a Badge made of a metal circle surrounding a star. The words U.S Marshal were written on it. The Stallion looked dangerous... until he fell flat on his face after tripping on the edge of the platform. Fluttershy and Applejack both rushed to pick him up, and Fluttershy placed a Cherry-wood cane in his left hand.

"Damnit Fluttershy! I will walk on my own! I don't need a cane!" Shouted the newcomer as he tried to cast it away.

"sure ya don't...Grandpa" Said Applejack, Rolling her eyes and smirking.

The newcomer Crossed his arms. "You're a year older'n me AJ, Should I call Ya an old maid?" Applejack raised an eyebrow and smacked him upside the head.

"Not polite ta make fun of a lady's age Courier. Now grab yer cane and let's get movin' " she admonished with a smile as he tried to readjust his glasses.

Rainbow Dash couldn't Help but laugh at the scene as she walked over. "Hey AJ! Flutters! You're Back! Rarity Too! Are you guys ok? Where have ya been? You just disappeared!" Applejack stopped her with a hand over her mouth.

"now now Rainbow. Talk any faster an' ya will sound like pinkie" Chided the cowgirl.

Rainbow Force herself to calm down as Lyra, Rarity, and Twilight left the train. "Yeah. Sorry. Who's the new guy?"

"car- er Courier Shield" Said Carter, Still unused to the name he'd been given to fit in better. He held out his hand to the rainbow haired girl, Rainbow she'd been called fittingly enough.

"Rainbow dash, Athlete extraordinaire" said the grinning, winged pony girl. "gotta ask though, What's with the cane?"

Carter Raised an eyebrow and leaned down. He pulled up the pantleg until Rainbow could see the straps attaching the artificial limb. "Explosion." he said with an emotionless monotone.

Rainbow went very pale,. "Sorry...I didn't mean..." she said, Looking caught between being ill and bursting into tears. She could only stare until Carter dropped the pants and put a hand on her shoulder.

"Did you blow off my leg?" he asked with a bitter smile. Rainbow shook her head. "Then you don't have ta be sorry." he said and patted her back. " besides. I'd still Prolly beat ya in a fo-hoofrace" he said nonchalantly." Rainbow dash shook her head a couple of times to clear it.

"bring it on! I won't go easy on ya!" Rainbow dash replied with a grin.

Applejack Just Smiled, Happy that Carter had gotten himself out of a bad situation. "Come on Courier. Let's get y'all set up at sweet apple acres, and get ya a homecooked meal. 'sides. I gotta tell mah family ahm okay."

Carter just nodded and stepped out of the station, Only to be flattened by a cannon's worth of confetti.

"WELCOME TO PONYVILLE MR. COURIER!" Shouted a pink girl. Carter had to double take as he saw her more clearly. The other girls were cute in their own way, but pinkie had a weapons grade rack and a Pillowlike tush. he'd thought Applejack had big ones before he saw those. Being a polite young man, he tore his eyes away from the finbags to look the pony-girl in the face, seeing her massive grin.

"Uh....Hi?" said carter, dumbfounded as he picked himself up off of the ground.

The girl just bounced around him until he got up. "SO! Are you ready to party! because I'm always ready to party! Oh, I'm Pinkie Pie by the way, What's your name?"

"Courie-" Carter tried to reply, But he got his mouth covered.

"you're Real name silly, not you're pony one!" said Pinkie with a giggle

"How did...what? What!?" Carter looked at Applejack but she just Shrugged

"Sorry sugarcube. Can't keep squat From Pinkie." replied applejack with a sigh.

Carter's shoulders sagged. "Just One of those days huh? I'm Carter. Carter Daniels. Pleasure ta meet ya miss Pie" He shook hands and politely refrained from staring at her unbelievably Huge Breasts.

Pinkie Noticed and got a Mischievous grin. She grabbed him and stuffed his face into her cleavage in what was ostensibly a hug. "Aww, Poor guy's been through a lot huh? Let auntie Pinkie take care of it!"

Carter couldn't breath, between the shirt material, and the breasts her was pretty much done in. He could think of worse ways to die though. He shivered at the thought of Cazadores. Eventually, Applejack freed him from the pink flesh and punted Pinkie into the distance. As she flew away she was giggling.

"See ya at sugarcube Corner, Courier! We'll have a welcome to ponyville party sooooooon!"

Applejack Helped carter up and dusted him off. She had a look of annoyance on her face. "Sooo....Pinkie Huh?" asked carter with a shit eating grin."

Applejack sighed. "Yup. and don't you even dare think of tryin' nuthin' with her. She's got a coltfriend."

"I can see why" said Carter. Applejack thumped him for that one. After a few moments, Rarity, lyra, and the others excused themselves to their homes to catch up on missed work.

"C'mon. let's get ta sweet apple acres. Yer gonna be stayin there fer a bit." said applejack as she took off. Carter followed. It was easy going, if somewhat slow. The pain in Carter's stump made him slow down a little and use his crutch more despite his protests. About halfway to the farm, they heard a shout.

"Gangway! Comin' through!"

Applejack dived o the side, but Carter was unable to get away in time and, as a result, ended up on the ground. Again.

"I swear by all that is holy, If I get knocked down one more time, I'm gonna snap." Muttered carter as he sat up. He found three young girls sitting on the ground in front of him and staring at his left leg. In the accident one of the straps had come loose and the prosthenic had fallen off. However, The girls only saw a leg bent at a near 90 degree angle in an unnatural position.

The first girl, with a big red bow, screamed. The second, A white girl with cotton candy hair, fainted. The third, and orange girl with purplish hair, Turned green in her face and flapped her hummingbird wings anxiously.

"Consarn It Applebloom! I tald ya to be careful when y'all play around. You should be glad that Mr. Dan-er Mr shields here ain't hurt!" Shouted Applejack at the young filly.

"But applejack! His leg is bent the wrong way! How is he not hurt!"

Carter smiled and lifted his pantleg again to readjust the prosthenic. " That's Because I don't have a leg, little Darlin'. Now you should listen to yer big sis here. She's saved my hide on several occasions."

Applebloom's eyes widened as the other Cutie mark crusaders recovered. "Is that where you went Sis? ta help this guy?"

Applejack shook her head. "Not exactly. Let's get home. I'll tell ya the story later."

Author's Notes:

For those of you who own new vegas and Want cool dusters and jackets and the like, Here

Cowgirls, Couriers, and down home cookin'

Soon enough, the Farm came into View. Carter was limping, but he hid his pain behind a smile as he carried scootaloo on his shoulders. He'd formed a bond with her as they'd talked about growing up without parents.

"how'd you become an Orphan Courier? What happened to your mom and dad?" asked Scootaloo. Applejack looked shocked.

"Scootaloo! Ah don't thin it's too polite ta ask things like that!" she said, Glaring at the filly. Carter just waved her off.

"It's alright AJ. Been a long time. It don't hurt no more." He said. "Buncha bandits burned my town. Me and a few others got away while the adults fought'em off. I was already 15 at the time, and with no family to hold me I drifted away. After that I got a job as a courier, Delivering mail and packages. Not as easy as it sounds when Bandits and monsters and Sandstorms are common."

Scootaloo grinned. "Aw that's pretty cool! Did you lose your leg fighting a big ugly monster?" she asked full of excitement. Applebloom and Sweetie bell joined in, Asking him to tell the story. Carter finally gave in. (he'd always been sucker for a cute face.)

"All right, I'll tell ya. No. I didn't fight a monster. I lost my leg gettin Aj and her friends home." Carter noticed how Applejack slumped at that. She turned her head away as they continued walking. Carter was no genius at guessing other's emotions but he could tell guilt when he saw it.

"Applejack, Don't you feel bad about yourself." he said sternly. "You and the others are the best Friends I've ever had. Besides, I consider a leg a fair trade for the companionship of a bunch of pretty girls." Said Carter with a mischievous grin. Applejack thumped him hard enough he had to pull his hat from over his eyes. Blinded as he was, he hadn't noticed the blush run across applejack's features. The Orchard came into view, And the Cutie mar Crusaders split off, waving goodbye as Carter and Applejack Continued towards the house.

Carter's stomach growled as they passed under the trees, and Applejack kicked a tree just hard enough to drop one bright red apple into her palm. "Here ya go Pardner! One sweet apple acres apple. Better than the Junk you ate in yer world." said applejack with a smile. Carter accepted and bit into the apple eagerly. His eyes lit up as the sweet, Untainted juices of the apple filled his mouth. He proceeded to Eat the apple like a starving man, before throwing away the core with a satisfied sigh.

"That....Had ta be the best thing i'd ever eaten." Carter said after a moment. "Mind If I snag another?"

Applejack just shook her head and smiled broadly. "Sorry sugarcube. Jest wait till we git ya to the house. ah'll bet supper is near fixed up about now. Granny is one mean cook." as they got closer to the house, The smell of fresh baked tarts and Apple casserole filled the air. Carter began drooling uncontrollably, much to Applejack's amusement. Soon enough, they were spotted by a massive, red fellow with blonde hair and freckles. He dropped an entire hay bale and hustled over to where Applejack and Carter stood.

"Big Mac!" shouted Applejack as she ran over to him. They met in the middle as Carter Struggled to keep up, resorting to his cane to move faster.

"it's good ta see ya big brother" said Applejack with a smile as she patted the much bigger Mac on the back.

Big mac smiled and coughed out "Eeyup" as he tried to recover his breath. Small or not, Applejack was strong. He noticed Carter and his eyes glanced at applejack curiously as he switched his cud to the other side. Applejack had long since become a master at reading her brother's Expressions and automatically Launched into explanation.

"That's Cart-Courier Shield. He Helped me outta the trouble that kept me away for the last two weeks." she said. Big MAc gave her a once over and then looked at carter. He walked up to the shorter stallion and looked into the ice blue orbs, seemingly searching for something.

"...." Big Mac just stared Carter in the eye for a moment.

"...." Carter stared back, Unflinching despite his height disadvantage.

"So ya saved mah sister?"

"Yup."

"that how ya got hurt?"

"Yup"

Big Mac eventually grunted and nodded. He looked over at Applejack and Grinned. "Eeyup" Applejack Blushed and Swatted at her brother.

"git back ta work Ya Varmint! Don't be botherin' mah guest!" Shouted applejack, Blushing heavily as Big Mac walked away chuckling . Carter just Cocked an Eyebrow.

"So...You gonna tell me what that was about?" He asked Tipping his hat back.

"J-Just don't worry 'bout it none. a Little Joke Mac pulled on me." replied applejack, walking ahead so that Carter wouldn't see her face. Carter just shrugged and followed. He was becoming more accustomed to the Prosthetic, But it still hurt. However, His pain was forgotten when they entered the beautiful old farmhouse. Carter had half expected to find what he'd always found in homes and buildings. Decay, old blood, and mildew. He was pleasantly surprised when everything looked worn, but clean and maintained. the smell of food and life filled his nostrils, and he felt some tension melt away.

An elderly lady walked into the parlor and smiled at Applejack. "Hooee! these old bones aren't what they used ta be! Yer home just in time fer supper. ooh, Who's yer handsome stallion friend Applejack! If I were forty years younger....Ah well. Howdy stranger, I'm Granny Smith. yer welcome ta join us fer super. Made plenty fer everypony."

Applejack facepalmed and blushed as Carter laughed.

"I'm Courier Shield, and i'd love to join you for dinner. thanks!" he said with a grin as he walked into the dining room and sat down. Granny Smith stopped Applejack short.

" Ah kin see whut's goin on here Aj. Ya haven't blushed this much since ya were a schoolfilly. But be careful, He's a wanderer. a lot like yer grandaddy, rest his soul. Ya'd best be prepared for heartbreak when he wanders away and don't come back... Now hurry up and jump his bones 'cause Ah wanna see my great grandbabies before I get called home"

Applejack just pulled down her hat to hide her face and steeled herself for a dinner full of obvious and embarrassing Matchmaking.

*****30 minutes later*****

Applejack couldn't believe it. How THICK is this guy? Granny smith Had basically been hinting at how single AJ was single and even Bic Mac had conspired against her, Taking a seat that forced her to sit next to Carter. Applebloom had caught on quick and even started talking about how nice it'd be to have another big brother, Especially a tan one with cool glasses. So far Carter hadn't seemed to notice, instead focusing on the delicious spread in front of him. He ate like he'd been starved his whole life (and honestly, he may have been). Applejack had lost her appetite and wandered outside to watch the sunset, Unable to take the embarrassment and heartache any longer. As the sun sank into the horizon, Applejack Tried to remember when she'd first started having feelings for the Courier.

A couple of days after Carter had rescued the girls, they were in Freeside. Carter had a delivery to make to the Followers of the Apocalypse, and He wanted to get them some decent Gear from Mick and Ralph before they set out. Applejack had seen Carter give out the last of his Rations to a couple of starving kids, And he plugged a giant rat so they could get the meat. She'd seen a small, Sad smile on his face. She knew that smile. It was the smile Granny smith had when she had to break the news of their Parent's death to Applejack and Bic Mac. A smile that said "I wish I could do more." She supposed that seeing how Hard he worked, and How Honest he was in his transactions had started the feelings, But seeing him put others, Especially children, before himself had ignited the embers. Didn't help matters that he was funny, Good company, and Family-Oriented. Applejack sighed. She was so caught up in her mind she didn't hear the Hoofsteps approaching.

"Hey..." said Carter, Snapping AJ out of her trance.

"Howdy" Aj Replied, Keeping her eyes on the Horizon.

"So...What was all that at dinner about? I can guess what they were hinting at but.....well, I wanna know how you feel about it." Said Carter, Fidgeting slightly. He knew His looks weren't stellar. In fact, he could be described as gaunt.

Appplejack Sighed again, but a small smile formed on her lips. "might be hope for the buck after all" she thought. "Well...Ah'll just come out with it. I like ya. A lot. You gave up a lot to help us out. First it was yer time, then yer leg, and finally yer home and everypo- everybody ya ever knew. To top it off, Ya act like it was a clear choice! I can even tell yer not lyin' either..." Applejack Trailed off, Tears in her Emerald eyes as she wrung her tail.

Carter just wrapped his arms around her and held her. "I may have joked about it earlier, But I didn't lie. After so long bein' alone, You four are more precious to me than life itself. I just didn't press any further because...well... I didn't wanna ruin what we had with feelin's ya didn't return." carter said. his whole face reddening with blush. "Ya might not believe me, But I don't have too much experience with women. Not many folks want their daughter with a courier, and a lotta women don't wanna wait for ya or join ya while ya travel. Eventually...I guess I stopped tryin'. Hurt too much, y'know? But.... If you want.... I could try Again....with you" Carter said, Applejack could tell from the heat radiating off of him that he was blushing, and she was too. But her answer? She turned her face to his and kissed him, Passionately and hungrily enough that he fell backwards. They held each other tightly for a few moments, lips interlocked, until Granny smith Called out.

"YEEHAWW! I'm gettin' Great grandbabies!" Big Mac just rolled his eyes

"Eeyup. he said, chuckling.

"D'aww" Said Applebloom from behind Mac's leg.

Applejack and Carter parted , Both Blushing Furiously

"I'll uh, Go set up the guest room....You...You go take a Shower or somethin" Stammered AppleJack

"Yeah...Right...Got it" Returned Carter with a dazed smile. Maybe Equestria won't be so bad after all.

Author's Notes:

Alright! Another chapter done! As always, criticism is appreciated! hit me with you're best shot, come on! Be cruel if you have to, in fact, I DARE you.
Also, Things look like they're Heating up on the Apple farm, But will Carter be up to the challenge of Equestria's strange , If necessary, mating habits? Colloqiually known as the "Herd"?~whiskey

Dressed to impress

Morning on the Apple farm came far too soon for Courier. Funny how he'd taken to his new moniker, it just seemed....Right. He rolled over to find Applebloom right in his face.

"Mornin'!" she shouted a mischievous grin on her cherubic face as courier flailed and fell off the bed. "Applejack sent me ta wake ya up! C'mon. Breakfast is ready, and you don't wanna miss Granny Smith's world famous Apple Flapjacks!" she said as she scooted out the door. Courier just groaned from the floor.

"Sonofa...." He said as he picked himself up "Damn kid nearly gave me a heart attack" He dragged himself over to the side of the bed and donned his prosthetic. Satisfied that it was secured properly, he grabbed a new tee shirt and cargo pants from his duffel and got dressed. (funny how much time is saved when you don't have to worry about boots or socks). Within a few minutes he was sitting at the Apple family table, Telling stories of the Mojave.

"There I was, Backed against a wall by 15 deathclaws, Down to a knife and my trusty .357. There was no way outta that mess but straight through so I-" Courier got interrupted by a spatula to the back of his head, As applejack smirked.

"quit cher lyin' Ya varmint. It was four deathclaws, and all you did was holler up a storm as ya ran away. Me an' Lyra saved yer behind with some well placed dynamite. Ya did make a good distraction though, ah'll give ya that." She chuckled as courier dropped his head to the table. Big Mac burst out laughing and Applebloom giggled. Granny Smith just snored away.

"Dangit AJ, Why'd ya have to go and ruin my story? I was just gettin' to the good part!" Said courier indignantly. Applejack just smiled.

"Hurry up and eat yer breakfast, Courier. Ah gotta git ya down ta Rarity's place. Gotta get ya some new duds fer yer party." She said as she sat down and started eating. Courier just cocked his eyebrow.

"Party? what part-" Courier was suddenly hit with realization "Ohhh, right. The pink Girl said somethin' about that didn't she?" Courier's face turned red when he remembered her, and her very....Welcoming....embrace. Applejack noticed and replied with a pancake to his face.

Soon enough, Courier and AJ were on the path back to town, walking in companionable silence. AJ sidled closer to Courier and he threw his arm around her.

"Does... this mean we're...Courtin' " ? asked Courier, his features reddening.

"Ah hope so. I've wanted ta be a part of yer herd for awhile now." admitted Applejack sheepishly

Courier just cocked his head and gave her an odd look. "My what now?"

Applejack shook her head. "Right, forgot ya don't have those in the Mojave. Ah'll give ya a quick rundown later. We're here."

Courier found himself standing in front of the girliest building he'd ever seen. The many hues of purple and pink nearly swam before his eyes. For the sake of his masculinity he stopped dead.

"Nuh uh. Nope. Not going in that place! It's about 100 shades too pink. nope." he said shaking his head. Applejack was forced to begin pushing him forth, and he fought back with every inch. He dug his hooves into the ground, causing applejack to dig deep furrows as she pressed him forth. Eventually they reached an impasse. Courier had dug in deep enough that he could hold against Applejack's immense strength, but he was tiring, and couldn't hold forever. Applejack just smirked and used a new tactic.

"Guess ah'll have ta forget about yer 'afterparty' now huh?" she said in a breathy voice right in his ear. Courier Instantly lost all his ability to reason as his blood rushed to his face and nether regions. Applejack had waited for that moment and pushed him through the threshold, where he fell face first onto the tile floor.

"Yer pure, unadulterated evil. Ya know that right?" said courier as he stood up.

"Element of honesty sugarcube. Think about it" said Applejack as she walked past him, swishing her tail.

Courier just went red again. "Damn mares are gonna be the death of me."

"Now now Mister Daniels, Language" said a voice from behind him. Courier turned to find Rarity chewing on the end of a pencil as she looked him up and down through stylish, horn rimmed glasses.

"C'mon Rarity, I'm Courier now. Courier Shield. The Princesses asked us to be, uh Discreet. that's the word." Courier said, with a ough as Rarity had gotten almost uncomfortably close, Staring into his eyes.

"Right. Right. Anyway, I think I may have the perfect suit for you right here" Rarity said as she pulled a mannequin wearing a suit and top hat out of the back room. "It was supposed to be for someone's wedding, but the poor dear got cold feet." she said, Pouting almost adorably. "ah well, t'was all for the best I suppose. Now I'll need to make a few size adjustments and it will fit."

"Uh, Rarity, I don't think-" said courier, Only to get interrupted.

"Just step behind the curtain and strip so I can get the proper measurements" Said Rarity, Seemingly lost in her element.

"But I don't-" Courier began again as he was pushed by the surprisingly strong Rarity behind the changing screen

"Tut-tut Mr D- Err Mr. Shield. I simply cannot make a quality product without proper measurements. So no complaining, and don't worry about the price, it's free. Consider it a thank you for getting us home." she said

Within seconds, Carter was shirtless and pant-less, Trying not to stare sown Rarity's rather revealing shirt at her cleavage while she measured his inseam.

"My my Mr. Shield, You're a bit bigger down here than I'd first thought." Said Rarity playfully. Courier instantly went red, even though he knew she was talking about his legs and waist. Seeing her effect on him made the socialite chuckle. "Just some teasing darling, relax."

"Rares, That's mah job!" Said Applejack from the other side of the screen.

Rarity just tossed her mane out of her eyes as she measured his shoulders and arms. "Oho Applejack, Stealing a march on the rest of us hmm? Rather dirty trick for an honest pony." she teased.

"steal a march? Does that mean that you also wanted ta-" asked Courier, Incredulously before being silenced with an alabaster finger to his lips. Rarity winked and leaned in close.

"That...Is for me to know, and for you" she poked him in the chest, just above his heart. "to find out."

Suitably dumbfounded, Courier just sat silently as Rarity Adjusted the suit. Rarity presented it to courier, and soon the three were on their way to the block party. Rarity was in a simple, but elegant pantsuit. Applejack was wearing jeans and a somewhat tight white tubetop and her signature stetson. Soon enough, they were on the street to Sugarcube corner, and it was packed. Vinyl Scratch was on tour, so local Celebrity Mercury Star was on stage with his band, Princess playing their greatest hits.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgzGwKwLmgM

"Huh. This guy's pretty good. sounds a bit like what we called rock n' roll back home." Courier commented as he bobbed his head to the beat and twirled his cane.

"Yes, they were quite popular a decade ago. Still, The stallion's a genius. If he hadn't been gay my mother might have married him." said rarity with a small smile.

"Ah don't much like this stuff. I prefer more folkey stuff on an acoustic guitar." Said Applejack with a nod.

"Sounds an awful lot like our dear Courier, doesn't it Applejack" said Rarity, Poking Applejack in the side.

"W-well ah suppose it does. That's just one of the reasons Ah like him though." Applejack said, Blushing.

Courier just shook his head. "These mares. Gonna be the death of me." he muttered as the next song came on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMnjF1O4eH0

Author's Notes:

Whoo! Finally done! It's one AM on Saturday and I'm beat. Figured I should get at least one chapter out this week. Now, Forgive me if it's a bit sloppy, but it's late and I've been carrying my granddad's heavy stuff around all day. He's movin' in. Anyway, Thanks for reading, and critics are appreciated, no matter how cruel. Hope to have another chapter out by wednesday~Whiskey. P.S, Found this group while trolling through youtube. Might use their songs in the story.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxqAoWiO8LA

Party Time!

The party was in full swing, and soon, Courier got cut off from the girls. The musician retired for the night, and a new one took his place, filling the air with an electronic kind of music that just sounded like noise to Courier's ears. Soon enough he marched up to the stage and picked the offending DJ up by the scruff of his neck and tossed him into the crowd.. Spying a Real electric guitar Courier's face broke into a grin, and decided to show these ponies some real music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKtzJb6guoo

Courier Ignored the pain in his stump as he danced like a fool while singing and playing. everyone else seemed to instantly catch on and began clapping and dancing around. Courier was glad he'd taken lessons from his buddy in the kings as he began the next song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FhbcmgIADQ

Grinning like a fool, Courier threw his top hat into the crowd as they cheered, and slicked back his hair in his best impression of the king's signature 'do. "A-thank ya. Thank ya very much. " he said, Imitating their goofy voices. he was tired and sweaty as he walked off stage, to be met with the guy he'd thrown off. Thankfully, he held no grudges as he patted courier's back with a wide grin.

"Nice. Ya probly won't be makin' any waves here, but it was pretty good." he said. "now I'm gonna finish my set. Take it easy bro." Courier nodded

"Sorry 'bout that. Started gettin' a headache from all that wubwub stuff. Play on, Maestro" courier said, shaking the other stallion's hand.

The Strange music started again as courier made his way to around to the back of Sugarcube corner. He needed to adjust his Prosthetic, and would rather not face a barrage of questions tonight. When he was suitably out of sight, he leaned against a wall and made the adjustments, rubbing his stump to ease the rawness. Courier then noticed the unforgettable aroma of cigarette smoke, and followed it around the corner. He found himself face to face with a lanky yellow pony in a bakery uniform.

"Um, Ah, this is.....ah...Please don't tell my wife! Things are so stressful between the bakery, the kids, and Pinkie that I-" began the pony before Courier clamped his hand over the other pony's mouth.

"It's alright Pardner, my only question is this.... Do ya happen to have one I can bum offa ya?" courier asked, his eyes glinting at the thought of nicotine. The other pony visibly Relaxed.

"Sure do, here." he said as he pulled another pristine cigarette from his pack, before hiding it under his little hat. After courier lit up and took a long drag he extended his hand.

"Carrot Cake. What's your name stranger?" said the yellow pony. Courier smiled and shook.

"Courier Shield. Pleasure ta meet ya" Courier and Mr. Cake continued smoking in companionable silence, until Pinkie came around with her Coltfriend, a grey unicorn with black hair. he was followed by several girls, and they backed Pinkie into a corner. Pinkie had a nervous, forced smile. Courier instantly tensed up. He didn't lie it when folks ganged up on someone, but he wasn't gonna jump in swinging until he knew she was in trouble. The group of ponies all had sneers on their faces as the grey pony walked up to pinkie.

"Throwin' a party for another stallion eh? After I get told ya hugged him? I'm a bit hurt Pinkie...." said the grey buck with a sickening tone. Courier had only heard that kind of voice from Raiders and bandits before so he began stalking over with gritted teeth

"HEY! FUCKFACE! YEAH, YOU, THE GREY GUY! LEAVE HER BE!" shouted Courier as he drew closer. Mr. Cake, Not being a fighter, slipped away to get help. Just as Courier had asked him to. The grey stallion just looked over at him incredulously.

"Well, Well, Well, It's the new guy. I gotta wonder though...What are you gonna do if I don't 'leave her be'?" He asked in that nauseating tone, before turning and slapping Pinkie hard enough to put her on the ground. Courier charged past the surprised mares and got one good punch on the grey buck, before he felt himself being lifted into the air. A bluish magical aura surrounded him as he struggled fruitlessly.

"Fuckin' Coward! Lemme down! I'll show you! Cheater!" shouted courier as he floated helplessly. The Grey buck just rolled his eyes and threw Courier into a wall, hard enough to knock the breath out of him. The grey buck began approaching with a vile grin on his face, before being blindsided by a rubber chicken. Dazed, The grey buck looked at the newcomer, another tan stallion in a yellow shirt. He had puffy brown hair and was wearing a poncho. The new stallion began to speak, Somehow making his words and mouth seem out of sync

"Ha ha! It seems I have caught you off guard! Ha Ha! You will have no mercy from my...PARTY-FU! WHOAAAWWWWW" he said as he dropped into a low stance and began twirling the rubber chicken around. Before the grey Unicorn or his flunkies could react, he was facing a barrage of blows with strange and sometimes hilarious sound effects. Courier stood up, shrugged and tackled a floozy that was trying to flank the strange newcomer.

Suddenly Courier noticed another of the enemy Mares flying away covered in confetti. Pinkie had gotten a Cannon from somewhere and was using it to great effect. Applejack and Rarity ran round the corner with most of the rest of the town and joined in. within moments, The grey buck, His girls, and courier, the stranger, and Pinkie were sitting in a holding cell.

"Thanks for the save back there Pal, I mighta been done for if it hadn't been for you. I'm Courier shield." Courier said as he shook hands with the Stranger.

"Cheese Sandwich, Expert party planner and master of Party-fu. It's like zebra kung-fu but funnier" said the poofy haired man. Pinkie just sat in the corner, looking dejected. Her usually frizzy mane hung flat and lifeless. Courier had never liked seeing somebody down in the dumps, To the point that he carried teddy bears and toys he found just to give to kids who looked sad or lonely. Courier looked at cheese sandwich, noticing a small blush on the guy's face as he looked at Pinkie.

"Got a thing for her huh?" asked Courier quietly, Causing Cheese sandwich to jump.

"I uh...Uh...Yeah..." he answered. looking at the ground. Courier smiled and patted Cheese's back.

"Go on then. Make'er feel better. Ya can't be as bad as her ex over there." said courier, pointing his thumb at the unconscious unicorn with a rubber chicken impaled on his horn. Cheese smiled gratefully and walked over to pinkie pie. Courier wasn't going anywhere, his leg had been confiscated by the sheriff as a "potential weapon". The sheriff, A pudgy man with a police-hat cutie mark had leaned conspiratorially towards courier while Locking up the prosthetic.

"Personally, I think ya did the right thing, but fair trial and all that. When all this blows over, d'ya see yourself as a deputy lawman? I could use the help!" exclaimed the chubby lawman, who then listed off the many disasters that have plagued Ponyville. Ancient chaos gods, Nightmare moon, Giant Centaur villains etc. Courier listened politely and shook hands. As it turns out, The Sheriff also ran the only bar in town, since, nobody would break the law drunk if your only source of alcohol WAS the lawman. It was allowed since crime was rare in the hamlet, and mostly involved petty theft and the occasional fight.

Courier just lay back on the bench he sat on. Remembering getting slapped by both Applejack and Rarity, Applejack was angry cause he should have gotten help sooner, and Rarity was livid about the state of the suit she'd given him. All in all, it was one hell of a party.

Author's Notes:

Blarg. Tired as all hell. yup I shipped the bodacious Pinkie with Cheese sandwich. Not gonna put all the mares into Courier's herd, Unfair to the other stallions right? Anywho, I'd like the courier to end up on a strange adventure with Dr. Whooves and Derpy, But I want somebody who can write for those characters to help Pm Me if you'd like to assist. Flutters, Lyra, and Rarity arcs to come. Peace! ~Whiskey.

The short chapter (because y'all have waited long enough.)

"And that's what a herd is!" said Pinkie pie as she and cheese scooted uncomfortably close to Courier. Courier was red in the face and felt ripe to die from embarrassment alone. Applejack and Rarity wanted to be part of his...herd? True, He liked them both, but could he really be a polygamist? It was at this point everything caught up with him. He was in a magical world of anthropomorphic Ponies. He was missing a limb. If he ever wanted to return to the Mojave, he'd have to talk to three immortal princesses who may or may not be deities. Oh, and he was sitting in a jail cell with a mare who had (several times already) broken the very laws of reality and physics.

"Y'know courier, If ya don't have a thing for mares, I swing both ways" said cheese with a waggle of his eyebrows. Courier's Brain ground to a halt as Pinkie cracked up. Courier just fell over, unable to compute all the information that had assaulted him that day. Cheese just laughed and sat by Pinkie. "do ya think we took the joke too far?" asked cheese conspiratorially. Pinkie just shook her head and giggled.

It was that moment the sheriff opened the cell door. "Alright everypony! the judge'll see you now." he said. The trial was over in about half an hour. (Funny how fast these things go when four of the elements of harmony are vouching for you) The grey unicorn (courier'd never gotten his name) and his herd were given community service and a restraining order, while Courier was deputized by the sheriff.

*******Three days later*******

Courier was as red faced as one could get as he looked at the four mares in front of him. "so... all four of ya wanna be part of my herd? No foolin'?" he asked tentatively, unused to such attention.

"Of course, dear! you are the epitome of the gentleman, with the heroic spirit of a knight!" Said Rarity, Flashing a smile so beautiful it caused a passerby to walk into one of the gas lamps that lit ponyville up at knight. courier just pulled down the brim of his old hat and hoofed the ground.

"Some knight I am. You and the others pulled my sorry hide outta the fire more times'n I kin count." Courier said

Applejack softly bopped his head and raised his face. "And you saved us, Taught us how to survive. Ya never asked us fer nuthin', Ya just treated us with Kindness and helped us along." said Applejack kissed Courier, before drawing back.

Lyra walked up and hugged him. "You taught me all that you could about humans....and proved that not all of them were bad. You listened, but you never laughed at me, or called me names. You just...cared." she said before drawing away also.

Fluttershy Fidgeted and her face, while half hidden by her hair, was almost as red as Courier's. She finally worked up the courage to step forward and throw her arms around him and nuzzle him. " You were always so nice...I could see how much it hurt every time you had to shoot somepo- er somebody. The way you smiled when you helped someone though...When you did something good? I-I just...I love you" Fluttershy kissed Courier deeply, her wings fluttering a bit before she broke contact and ran behind Applejack, who smiled warmly.

"See Pardner? We go together like apples and fritters." she said, extending her hand to take courier's. "Now come on, ah got first dibs, and ah wanna go on a date"

The date, and the morning after

Author's Notes:

Man, and Courier just got out of the hospital too. I may ye end up editing this chapter, or completely changing it. I feel like I may have been bullshitting with this one

Applejack held Courier tightly as they slowly made their way towards a secluded spot in sweet apple acres. She loved the way he smelled, deeply inhaling the comforting scents of Old leather, Dust, and cigarette smoke. Courier on the other hand, was nearly intoxicated with her scent of apples and hay. Soon enough, Courier and Applejack found themselves in front of a pair of well maintained gravestones. The names inscribed were Autumn Glory and Baldwin Apple. Applejack detached herself from Courier and placed her hat on the tombstone that said Baldwin.

"Mama, Pa, This is Courier. " AppleJack began...

************************

an hour and a half later.

"So that's how you lost'em huh?" Asked Courier, running his fingers through AppleJack's hair as she leaned against him. "I'm sorry for your loss."

Applejack sighed and held him tight. "They died protectin' their kin. I'm proud of 'em... I just miss'em so dern much." she said, wiping away a tear. Courier just held her tight.

"I'm sure they miss you too AJ, and I bet they're right proud of who you are and what you've done." he said as he leaned back against the tree, watching Luna's sky. Applejack leaned back too, resting her long blonde mane on is chest, and listening to his heartbeat.

"Ah love you Courier..." said Applejack as she closed her eyes. Soon enough, Both Courier and AppleJack had fallen asleep under the stars. The last thing Courier saw were two falling stars.

*********************

Courier woke up after being nudged rather roughly, and opened his eyes to find the stoic form of big mac standing over him.

"Uh....Mornin' Big Mac...." Courier said sleepily. Big mac just stared.

"Mind tellin' me what all this is about?" asked the larger stallion while crossing his arms. Worry immediately shot through Courier.

"I-I swear Big Mac, Nuthin' happened! You believe me right?" asked Courier hopefully.

"eeenope" Said Big Mac, Leaning down far enough that Courier could see the Mischievous grin that told him he'd never live this down. At that point AppleJack stirred, and upon seeing Mac, turned as red as one of her apples.

"Err...Mornin' Big Mac....Ah'll be hearin' about this for the rest of eternity, ain't Ah?" Applejack asked.

"Eeyup." answered the larger, grinning stallion.

"Aw Horseapples" Said applejack. After taking a moment to collect himself, and saying goodbye to Big Mac, Courier Started on the path home. He paused and swiveled his ears, certain he'd heard something. Courier Stood stock still and leaned on his cane before her heard it again, A filly screaming. Courier Took off in a loping, somewhat staggered run. He'd need to visit the hospital after this for another tub of the cream he used to reduce the rawness of his stump after this.

Courier found the source of the screaming, the Cutie Mark Crusader treehouse...Which was currently surrounded by timberwolves. Scootaloo and Applebloom saw him first.

"Deputy Shields! HELP!" they shouted, causing the Timberwolves to notice the new arrival. Courier counted them as they slowly closed in on him, choosing the larger, easier-to-get-to prey.

"Three" he said to himself as he gripped his cane. A Timberwolf jumped, Going for Courier's throat. Courier Raised his arms and put the cane between him and the razor teeth of the wooden Monster. Courier and the wolf tumbled from the attack, and the wolf landed on top, trying to snap at Courier. Courier held the wolf at bay with his sturdy cane, extremely thankful for the durability enchantments on it. Unfortunately, The Cane began to crack, Leaving Courier with just a moment to formulate a plan.

When the Cane snapped, Courier used the Sharpest piece to jab the eye of the Timberwolf, which reared back in pain. He then grabbed the wooden wolf by the neck, and using his adrenaline and earth pony magic fueled strength, pulled off the monster's head. Before he could celebrate though, the second Wolf grabbed his prosthetic, and swing him into the tree, knocking the breath from Courier's lungs.

"Why does that always happen" thought Courier as he tried to stand. He fell back over, and looked a his Prosthetic. It was shattered and unusable. However, it left him with his final hope, and the reason the fake leg was so uncomfortable. Courier reached into the hidden Comparment and withdrew his .357 Magnum, Chrome finish and pearl grip, and one speedloader. The third Timberwolf decided to attack while the second one tried to remove half of Courier's Prosthetic from it's teeth. Courier Just smiled.

Scootaloo and Applebloom watched in horror as the wolf bore down on their savior, Fully believing it was his end. ..Until he pointed a shiny thing at it. BANG! and the wolf went down. The remaining wolf, After finally having freed it's jaw from the remnants of Courier's just stared at the dead wolves, and then looked back at Courier, Who had leveled his weapon. It seemed Courier had the Upper hand, Until a fourth Timberwolf sprang from the Underbrush and grabbed courier by his other leg.

"FUCK!" shouted courier as the fourth wolf tried to drag him away. Courier tried to level his gun at his new attacker, But the third grabbed his arm and bit down. The pain was too much, and Courier dropped the gun.

"S-scoots! Applebloom! Get outta here! GAH!" he shouted as the wolves began pulling. Courier's Self sacrifice was short lived however, As AppleJack and Big Mac, sprinted into the clearing and attacked. the first Timberwolf became a pile of twigs as Big Mac landed on it and AppleJack Bucked the next one back into the Everfree.

Courier could only marvel at how beautiful her eyes were as for the umpteenth time, Darkness claimed him.

Revelations.

"Sonofa-" Courier mumbled as he once again woke up in a hospital bed. Looking at his new injuries, he found that they were very minor. A few bandages on his arm and leg were the only indication they'd ever been harmed. He noticed seven ponies in the room with him, sleeping fitfully. Scootaloo and Applebloom had fallen asleep at the foot of Courier's bed, while Lyra, Fluttershy, Rarity and Applejack leaned against one another in chairs. Sweetie belle was curled up in another hospital bed nearby, with gauze around both of her hooves.

"Fucking monsters must've gotten her when she was climbing." he thought, gritting his teeth. He begins thinking of all the people he could've saved had he been slightly faster or stronger, or had one more bullet. Yeah, he'd been lucky this time, but what about the next disaster? or the one after that? Courier couldn't stand it, once again it was his ass getting pulled from the fire by the girls. He loved them, but felt that if he couldn't protect them, he didn't deserve them. Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy had already saved the world several times! What use would they have for him huh? This wasn't the wasteland. Here, they had magic and abilities far beyond anything he'd ever been able to do. Hell, Even in the wasteland he'd relied on them. Applejack could spot even the most well hidden lie. Rarity could convince damn near anyone of anything! Fluttershy had TALKED deathclaws out of massacring them all. Lyra was even a better shot than he was! Courier just sat there, his mood darkening with every passing moment.

"Mr. Shield?" Whispered a voice. Courier snapped out of his reflection and looked towards the door. a nurse was had poked her head in and had noticed he was awake. "You have a visitor. I'll send her in now" she said simply as she walked away. Courier was a little confused. Most, if not all of the mares he knew were here. Who could be visiting? His confusion was cut short as princess Celestia strode into the room.

"Good Evening Mr. Shield." Said Celestia, Sporting a worried smile as she closed the distance to his bed. "I see that things have been...exciting...To say the least."

"Aw shove it princess. I'm useless." Muttered courier, rubbing his face. "I couldn't even stop a bunch of angry wooden sticks from hurting that girl or filly or whatever ya call'em. Before that, I got my ass handed to me by a bunch of punks because 'magic'. I can't even do the job I had, the one thing I was good at, because my leg's gone." Courier couldn't hold back the tears now. "I pretend I'm ok, but I can't help but feel useless. The sheriff made me a deputy, but if things really hit the fan, I wouldn't be able to keep up." Courier was sweating now, taking deep shuddering breaths while Celestia patiently listened. "I'm a useless fucking cripple. I can't do anything right...." Courier trailed off

Celestia reached down and wiped a tear from Courier's eye. Smiling a sad but motherly smile. "You're a kind and thoughtful young man who has been through much. Many who have been in similar situations would have broken much sooner. However, My reason for visiting is twofold. The elements have some rather dangerous tasks ahead of them, and despite my hesitance to use violence....It may come to that." Celestia shivered, unnerved by the mere mention of combat. "As one who has..." Celestia swallowed "...Killed... I would ask you to join them on their missions. To provide some modicum of protection from those who would ham the elements."

Courier was dumbfounded. Celestia, the magical princess of a peaceful land, was asking him to end lives. Courier slowly nodded. "I...I would....But wouldn't I just slow them down? Besides, I got beat by a bunch of timbre-wolves! How could I protect them from something bigger, or stronger?" Courier asked. The princess just turned her head and coughed into her fist.

"I may have...weakened you a bit..." She said, her horn glowing. Courier Instantly felt stronger and hardier. His vision became Sharper, and his reaction time seemed to speed up...which he found out because he accidentally slapped himself in the face when he was trying to raise his hand. Courier was Initially mad, but he calmed himself, realizing that the Princess had only meant to protect her people from an unknown. Hell, if an alien Appeared in front of him, Courier'd make sure he was disarmed too!

"You and I are gonna have a nice long talk sometime Princess...But it can wait. Looks like my other visitors are wakin' up." As he said that, Celestia disappeared in a flash of light, leaving Courier alone with his friends and loved ones.

Author's Notes:

Gah! The writers block hit hard, and I got really caught up in several other fictions. Hopefully the next chapter won't take a month eh? I've also been working on a side project, called the Spectral knight. When it comes out, I hope y'all will enjoy it ~Whiskey

Bonus Chapter: Back in the wasteland

Author's Notes:

Fallout 4 has been announced and the MC seems to be able to talk. In honor of this momentous occasion, I present a bonus Chapter! Hooray! This announcement has been brought to you by Vault-Tec: A brighter future, Underground.

The sun beat down on the desert wastes as Carter Daniels trudged into Nipton. If he had his druthers he wouldn't have stopped, but his supplies were running short. It was still about a day and a half's walk to Vegas, and he needed water, food, and ammunition. He also needed some clothes and armor for the 4 strange girls behind him. The very pretty one with purple hair had been grating on his nerves for the last two hours or so, whining about the heat, his fashion sense, and his smell in particular. Now, Carter didn't know where she was raised, or by whom, but he wanted to punch them in the mouth. It didn't help that the pink haired girl would jump at the drop of a hat. Quite literally, in fact. He'd thrown an old baseball cap he'd scavenged away, and the sound it made sent her right into the arms of the tall blonde with the southern accent. Carter liked her. she kept a level head and pulled her weight, carrying gear and using firearms and knives to help fend off raiders.

The last one, though, was a thin girl with mint-coloured hair. She kept asking questions nonstop, Ranging from the foods he liked to the social and political climate. Carter answered the ones he could, but she was incessant. Carter had luckily found an NCR encyclopedia and that survival guide from out east and shoved them into her hands to shut her up.

Things in Nipton were as he expected. It was a shithole of a town. Whores and pimps ran the place. Carter had never liked it much, but a lotta NCR guys came down to blow off steam. However, Carter's new companions were at risk. Pretty young women were always being targeted by the local brothels, and so many were drugged into addiction until they basically worked for nothing. It made Carter sick. He'd told the girls that the place was dangerous, but they still didn't truly understand. Nor did they truly trust him yet. To be fair, he had killed four men in front of them. Carter kept them nearby while he shopped. New boots and a brush gun for AJ, some "fashionable" travel clothes for Rarity, and 9mm ammo, and a 9mm grease gun for Lyra, and a set of leather armor. Fluttershy got meds and a dog whistle. She was so sweet and innocent Carter didn't have the heart to make her fight if he didn't have to. Her face after each and every encounter where violence was the only option was heartbreaking. Carter had vowed to protect her from the wastes for as long as possible.

As much as they annoyed him though... Carter realized that his loneliness had disappeared. For the first time, he had a real purpose: Get these girls home. To do that though, meant going towards the frontlines between the NCR and the Legion. Trouble had been brewing between them for months now, Exacerbated by Mr. House's declaration of independence. Carter could only hope against hope that he could keep them safe...Because war...war never changes....

A day with Rarity.

Courier walked down the pure white corridor towards the hospital lobby. He'd been stuck in a bed or a wheelchair for about a week when Princess Twighlight brought in her latest project at the behest of her friends. A Chunk of Magic-infused crystal. She and Rarity had shaped it, Forming it to Courier's stump, before fusing it. It had been an...unpleasant experience, but Courier was now walking, with only a slight limp to show he'd been hurt at all. He collected his personal effects from the front desk, donning his (now tattered) duster. Underneath, he wore a nice button-up shirt and jeans, made by Rarity.

Speaking of the purple Haired seamstress, she was sitting elegantly in the waiting area. Courier smiled as he approached.

"Mornin'. I keep ya too long?" Courier asked, flashing an apologetic smile.

"Think nothing of it dear! You were hospitalized. I understand. However, you shall be making it up to me." Said Rarity as she sidled up and grabbed Courier's arm. "But first, we really must do something about your ensemble." Rarity had a predatory smile and Courier was dragged along to her boutique, wondering what fresh hell awaited him.

*****One and a half hours later*****

Courier stood stock still as Rarity made the final adjustments to a Dress uniform for his status of deputy. Courier had told her he didn't need one, but the puppydog eyes and incessant whining had broken him down. However, as she worked Courier got to see the side of her he liked. She was working hard to make something for him, out of pure generosity. At first, their relationship had been rocky. She'd been used to a certain standard of behavior, even in the villains of Equus. The barbarity and harshness of the Mojave waste was one helluva thing to get used to. Plus, Courier had, at the time been a little...Terse. Now, he had his reasons, but she had found it a little rude getting ordered around. Courier could remember the arguments he'd had with her over damn near everything from his clothes, to his weapons, to the state of his rations. Things had come to a head just outside of Primm.

"I can't believe you! I was talking to that Gentleman!" Rarity had exclaimed as Courier shook out his wrist. Laying on the ground before him was a "talent scout" for the Omertas, who had been using his sleazy charms to get close to the girls.

"He was no gentleman, Lady" Courier spat, putting as much annoyance into the word as he could. "The Gomorrah is a goddamn brothel. He was probably planning to drug you, and when you were addicted to his stuff? He'd whore you out. Fuckin' omertas, Can't understand why house hasn't blasted them all to hell yet." Courier said, kicking the unconscious mobster. However, Rarity and Courier froze when the sound of several weapons being primed broke the stillness of the night Courier just positioned himself in front of Rarity and drew his pistol.

"Rarity. You go back to Primm and find the girls. tell the sheriff there's trouble." Courier said as several men in dirty suits stepped out of the darkness.

"Pal, Drop your gun and give us the girl. We'll double whatever she's paying for protection." said the lead mobster. Courier just set his jaw grimly.

"No deal. Rarity, fucking go!" said Courier harshly. Rarity was unable to say a word as she backed away. Could she really leave him to fight alone? Her answer came in the form of a gunshot. One of the Omertas fell, clutching a wound on his chest. Rarity could only stare in shock at the smoking pistol in her hand. Monsters and feral ghouls were one thing...but she'd just taken her first life. Courier was the first to recover, blasting the lead omerta away before training his gun on another. Rarity pulled her trigger again, taking advantage of the hesitation as the remaining Omertas tried to choose targets. Another fell and the last, seeing his fellows dead around him tried to run. Courier shot him in the back.

".....You ok?" Courier asked, his back to rarity as she trembled with fear and adrenaline.

"Does....Does it ever get any easier?" asked the terrified woman. Courier turned around and embraced her hugging her close.

"It doesn't....But I hope you never have ta do it again.....Thanks." Courier gave her a sad smile, causing her to realize how much his life weighs him down. His broad shoulders, which usually seemed so proud to her, now seemed so stiff and tired. As though the world itself weighed down on them.

"You gonna stare at my crotch forever?" came the curious voice of Courier, snapping Rarity from her revery.

"Well, it's such a fine specimen, I may just have to" joked the mare, smiling at making Courier blush once again. Rarity finished up and took a good look at her handiwork. "Hmm, maybe the cloak was a bit much...." She said, drawing a groan from courier as she undressed him to start again for the umpteenth time. Many hours would pass, and those who drew near the shop swear they heard the sobs of a broken man as a refined voice laughed.

Author's Notes:

Yeah. It's back....sorta. A friend asked me to continue and while it may come slowly, Long road home is officially back from the dead.

Revelations

Carter sat up, confused and dazed. He found himself in an old ranch house, with makeshift medical equipment strewn about.

"Whoa, easy there fella! You've been out cold for a couple of days now. I'm Doc Mitchell, Welcome to goodsprings...."

****1 year earlier****

Twilight sat and reread her findings with for the 50th time that day. Odd magical pulses have been detected all over Eqeustria, and Celestia had tasked her with finding the cause.....Unfortunately, the cause was a friend. Courier was the focal point for this oddity, and if it continues unchecked, All of Equestria was in danger. Portals would open to his world, and from the stories he told, and Applejacks solemn testimony that he had told the truth...It would be disastrous. There was no time for any more research, which left only one option. Courier had to be sent back to his wasteland.

"Oh Buck" Breathed Twilight as she began to weep

****Rarity's Boutique****

"Courier, Darling, you look so dashing in this suit! I just can't wait to show you off at the Gala! Oh, Blueblood will be so jealous!" Said the purple haired seamstress as she fitted courier's newest tux to his lanky body. Applejack whistled appreciatively, wearing courier's faded flat-brim in place of her normal stetson.

"sheeeeooot boy! you look tastier'n apple pie in that outfit!" she said, earning herself an unamused glare from the tan stallion

"Now Rares, I don't usually mind this, but this is the tenth time in a week ya've jumped me and dragged me here to fit this monkey-suit. " said Courier, crossing his arms as Rarity once again measured his inseam.

Rarity, with a sultry grin, squeezed Courier's inner thigh and began lightly tracing it. "What can I say, You have very defined legs dear, and I want to show off EVERY. LAST. INCH. of you I can while still maintaining your decency." she said, punctuating every word with a squeeze to Courier's Rear. Courier went bright red, as did Applejack, But the Farm pony seemed to edge closer rather than away.

"Ah'll say...." said the farm girl, lazily grinning as she eyed Courier up and down, causing him to blush harder.

"You girls are just plain evil." Courier mumbled.

"Oh we're just teasing you Courier. besides, I want to get this just right, and really bring out the exquisite colors of your crystal prosthetic." Explained Rarity as she stood and gave Courier a kiss on the cheek. Applejack strode over and grasped one of his arms before leaning into him, taking in his scent.

*Sniff* "Ahh...I love the way you smell Courier. " she said as she felt his arms wrap around her.

"NOW! RARITY!" Shouted Courier, holding Applejack tight as her eyes popped open

"YOU SNAKES IN THE GRASS! YOU TRICKED ME!" shouted the farm pony as Rarity approached with fabrics and Measuring tape.

"Just hold still, It'll all be over soon." Rarity said as she closed in on Her struggling prey.

Once Rarity's magic and coaxing had left her no other option, Applejack had Calmed. However, her annoyance was apparent on her face every time she glanced at her grinning coltfriend.

"Not so funny on the other side is it Applebutt" said Courier as he lit up a cigarette. He then Donned his normal apparel and made for Fluttershy's cottage.

****Back at Twilight's castle****

"Spike! take a letter to the Princess, Stat!" shouted the purple princess as she flitted back and forth, scanning through magical tomes and grimoires, trying to find something, anything to save Courier.

****Flutter's cottage.****

Courier limped up the pathway to Fluttershy's cottage, catching glimpses of the pink-maned girl as she went about her duties to the animals. Courier Put out his cigarette and stuffed it into his duster, confident the smell of old smokes would drown out a new one.

"Hold it right there Mister" Came a soft voice from behind, Courier froze, a cold sweat forming on him as he turned around to find Fluttershy giving him the stare. Courier tried to resist, but eventually he caved, handing over his hidden pack of cigarettes to the small Vet.

"Now, was that so hard?" she beamed as she hugged him close.

"Yes" Courier thought.

"C'mon Cory, I'd like you to have tea with Discord and I! Oh, It'll be so wonderful" said Fluttershy, nearly floating off the ground in barely repressed excitement. Courier smiled at that. Since she'd joined his herd, she'd become slightly more outgoing. However, Tea with a chaos god sounded a bit out of his league. But Courier was never good at saying no to women, and Fluttershy was damn near impossible. "Hopefully," Courier thought, "He's not the jealous type"

****Twilight's Castle****

Twilight sank into a chair as she read Celestia's letter.

My dear Student, and fellow Princess.

The unfortunate fact of the matter is that we cannot save Courier with our magic. Not even the Elements can keep him here, as the magic affecting both Courier and our world is unstable. or the safety of the world and it's people, we must send him back. However, I have the greatest confidence that you will be able to return him to us with all due speed. I would not lightly send a pony as good as him back into a hell like that, So I urge you to not tell Courier until after this upcoming Gala. If we cannot bring him back, I would like the last memories he has to be pleasant ones.

Your friend and Mentor, Celestia.

Twilight began to weep, her heart torn for the loss her friends were about to face. Spike stood solemnly next to her, rubbing her back. He and Courier had had their differences, but after He got over his crush on Rarity, the two had become fast friends. Besides...Sweetiebelle was getting pretty cute too....

****Lyra's place****

"Thanks for helpin' me clean up Lyra." Said courier as he poured chocolate milk out of his boots. "Discord took the news of Fluttershy bein' in the herd rather well, but he still pranked the hell outta me."

"well, He's just a big old softie since Tirek betrayed him. He's got few friends as it is, and Fluttershy is the only one who can seem to stand him for more than 30 seconds." replied Lyra, smirking as she took in Courier's Topless form. Courier had taken a shower to remove half of the random food and grime that had been launched at him by the smirking devil known as discord, and his clothes were still washing. Thankfully he had a spare pair of pants from pinkie's emergency pants stash (In case of pants-related emergencies).

"Sooo...You wanna hang out here tonight? Bon-Bon isn't here and maybe we could...Have some fun?" Said Lyra, Giving Courier Bedroom Eyes. Courier gulped, but nodded excitedly, while Lyra Squeeed and tackled him.

****An Hour later***

Sweat rolled down Courier's snout as he Strained.

"You..*Pant* Done yet?" he said, gasping as he stared into the defiant, if exhausted eyes of his Mare

"Not...Not a chance...One more round...Let's go..." She managed to gasp out. Courier once again flicked the spinner on the twister set they had been playing on, getting right hoof red. As he strained to put his crystalline hoof to the nearest red dot he finally collapsed.

"Okay Lyra...You win..." courier said, panting as he rolled over on the floor.

"Woohoo! Victory!" Lyra jumped up and did a cute little jig before lying down next to Courier. "Let's just sleep now...Gala's tomorrow and I'm beat" she said hugging him close. Courier just lifted his head and grinned.

"Yeah, let's"

Author's Notes:

Oh man readers. shit is going down. Courier is actually courier six? and what of the ponies? What happens at the Gala? Tune in next time, as I try to answer all of that without sounding like a mentally disabled gerbil.

What the hell just happened?

Courier could only stare at the pip-boy the good doctor had given him. Simple enough to use, even if it was a little weird to have a tiny computer tracking his vitals and equipment. Things had been tough for the first few months back in the wasteland, with him being forced to do odd-jobs and errands until he could afford a rusty pistol and some armor. He had quite a few caps now, But he doubted anything would fill the void left in him when he'd had to leave Equestria. Not much time to ruminate on what he'd lost though, Joe Cobb and his powder gangers had appeared on the horizon, while the impromptu Militia Courier had put together were loading their weapons and taking cover.

"Carter! Here they come!" shouted sunny smiles. Courier nodded and Loaded his Cowboy repeater. Gunfire broke the silence of the desert.

****In Equestria****

"YOU WANT TO WHAT!?" shouted Twilight at her friends, who stood armed to the teeth with the courier's weapons.

"I told ya already Twi. We're gonna go get him back" Applejack said, cocking her Brush gun before sliding it into her holster. Her face a mask of grim determination.

"Rarity...you too? You can't be serious! You hate dirt and complained about how awful it was the first time you went there!" Twilight said desperately, clawing at her fashionista friend's Cargo pants as She cleaned her pistol.

"Darling, I may have...distaste for dirt grime and...Combat....but I cannot Leave Courier in that...that...Awful place! We Care for him dearly, and I refuse to believe he's gone forever. You surely have noticed that he's an apt fighter by now?" Rarity said, holstering the chrome pistol.

Fluttershy held back tears as she packed a medical kit. She was deathly afraid, but the thought of courier being in the wasteland again, and crippled no less, had convinced her to steel her resolve.

Lyra said nothing as she racked a round in the the Anti-Material rifle she'd been repairing. Courier had picked it up, but it was in such poor condition he'd never fired it. She'd meant it to be a surprise for her gun-nut coltfriend, but She supposed she could live with using it to save him.

*Mojave*

Courier helped the towsnfolk drag Joe Cobb and his Unfortunate compatriots towards the cemetery. (After looting them of everything useful of course). Folks had decided it wasn't decent to leave them just lying dead in the middle of town, so the plan was to toss them in the hole Courier'd been pulled out of. Not much of a burial, but the outlaws could expect no less after attacking the town. Courier caught the looks people would send his way now and again. Some of it was awe (Mostly from the older kids and teens who'd never seen a gunbattle before this.) Some of it was admiration for helping the town. Either way, they'd accepted him and considered him a friend. Hell, it was a bit like ponyville. The bad thing was how close sunny as sticking to him.

"Hey Carter! Wanna get a drink after we toss this guy into the hole?" She asked, Nudging his arm as she help set Joe cobb's stiffening corpse on the edge before booting him in."

"Uh, Sure" Courier said, Hoping against hope that he was misreading the situation. Sunny was pretty and all, but he'd just lost the four girls he cared for in a dramatic and painful way, and he didn't think he was quite ready to try again. Then again, It'd been a year with no word. they might've given up on him, Or even saw him get shot by that fast talking ass in the checkered suit. he guessed he'd find out in a minute

Author's Notes:

HOLEE SHIT IT's been awhile. Sorry folks. I got Fallout 4, a new laptop, and a whole bunch of other shit that just hit and kept me off center for awhile. The other stories will update soon I hope.

The Gala

Carter sat by the fire, staring deep into the flames of the formerly Powder ganger controlled camp. Beside him, a worn, dirty canvas duffelbag. A collection of weapon parts sat before him, Each being carefully inspected before Either being used in one of his growing collection of firearms, or tossed aside as garbage. He sighed, leaning against the rusted hulk of the trailer, before pulling a photograph from the brim of his new hat. It was wrinkled, and slightly water damaged, but still quite clear. It was Carter and the girls, Waiting on the train to canterlot. A sad smile formed on his lips as he looked for a minute, before it fell from his face. A hardened expression took over s he put away the photo, remembering the events that had brought him back to this wasteland...

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The gala, as Carter had expected, was a stuffy affair of rich folk putting on airs. Each of them trying to be seen rubbing elbows with the other elites and nobles of the realm. However, the Party itself had seem a tad more relaxed. Pinkie had said it was a big improvement over the last one, if nowhere near the fun of one of hers. He didn't remember much of the party itself, other than being dragged off to see one thing or another by his mares.It was when celestia had pulled him aside that things had turned sour.

"Courier...There is something we must discuss. Something that will be hard to swallow. We have to return you to the mojave. There is a magical anomaly following you, and it is tearing rifts between our world and yours. So far they have been small, and short lived. However, they are getting worse, and larger. Its only a matter of time before something dangerous comes through." She said, shaking her head sadly. Courier just sat silently, holding his cane in a white knuckled grip and gritting his teeth, trying not to cry.

"I knew it. everything was so perfect. Going too well. it was obvious that the other boot was waiting to fall....Fuck...How are we gonna tell the girls? Should we tell them? Fucking goddamn it..." He choked, placing his head in his hands, sobbing. Celestia wanted to hug him, tell him it'd be okay, but she knew she could not. She was barely holding her own emotions in check. She hated that she had to send this good stallion back into that hell. She hated that it was almost assuredly a death sentence if they were unable to retrieve him quickly. However, She had to protect her people. The portals could easily cause chaos as mad raiders, horrifying mutants, and radiation seeped into her world. She opened her mouth as if to say something, but whatever it was was lost as a bloodcurdling scream came from the gala.

Both the princess and the courier shot to their feet, the royal's horn lighting up before they teleported with a flash. A Wide shimmering tear in reality was in the middle of the dance floor, and several angry Cazdores were wrestling against the telekinetic grip of several unicorns as the guards tried to push their way through the panicking crowd. More bugs were coming, however.

"Pinkie! Gun! Shouted courier to the pink mare blasting away with her party cannon. The concussive blast was keeping the bugs back, but only annoying them more as well without any real damage. The pink mare nodded seriously, reaching into her mane and tossin Courier's .44 and .357 to him, as well as his bandolier and holsters. Meanwhile Luna and twilight were scorching bright lights of blue and purple fire, incinerating and crushing the poisonous creatures as well as they could without harming the guests. Celestia was quick to join them, trying to seal the portal with her magic. However, all it did was spark, while across the room, carter screamed in pain as electricity coursed through him. Applejack, Rarity and FLuttershy watched helplessly from a corner of the room, defending the guests with magic, wind and broken furniture.
Courier recovered, as celestia landed by his side, shouting over the din. "Courier! You must go through the portal! Its the only way!"

Courier shuddered, wiping tears as he fumbled with his belt and loaded his pistols, taking one in each hand. "Why did it have to be cazadores..." He said, Rushing into the fray. His pistols barking as he felled any bug that got close. He saw lyra get cornered by one, her magic sparking as she panicked. With no time, he charged the mutant, knocking it aside and onto the ground. He rcovered first however, stomping his crystal hoof onto the stinger before unleading his .44 into the bug's head. Panting, he looked over to lyra one last time.

"I gotta go. It won't close unless I go through it" He said, pulling the mare into a kiss before pistol whipping her unconscious. The last thing she saw, was his silhouette running into the light...

Author's Notes:

Lotta things have happened, and I haven't had the will to even attempt writing this. I hope its of the quality y'all used to enjoy.