Chapter 1 (edit)

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In the days before the bombs, the salt flats and desert were a place one would have to visit at least once. Beautiful nights to see the stars, traverse mountain ranges, hidden caves, and caverns. A place where those who admire speed come to test their creations.

But the war changed all that: explosions tore up the land, mountains and hills rose and fell, radiation pockets dart the area, and the once beautiful salt flats have been hardened by balefire. A mere shell of its former self.

Even four years after the ‘Day of Sunshine and Rainbows’, it and the desert or The Flats as they now go by are still plagued by raiders, beasts, and secrets hidden with it.

Tools and creations from the past are being used and re-purposed. Those that were meant for speed are now being used to survive. Yet now, there are those who use them for battle. And now, a scavenger must find a way to stop a storm that could threaten those that have made The Flats home.

The wasteland changes everything, but war… war never changes.

FALLOUT EQUESTRIA: THE FLATS

`Knock` `Knock` `Knock`

The sound of knocking rapped on the wooden door. I grumbled a bit as I turned in bed.

`BANG` `BANG` `BANG`

I groaned louder and pulled the blanket tighter over my head.

“Come on dude, I know you’re awake. Time to get moving.” A voice called out.

Muttering something, my right hoof came out of my blanket cocoon. I reached to my side and grabbed air until hitting something hard. Moving it and also cursing as stuff hits the floor, I felt what I was looking for and pulled it back into the cocoon.

“Do I have to come in there to-”

“Alright, ALRIGHT, I’M UP! Just give me a minute.” I shouted. Untangling myself from the blanket, I got out of bed, a pair of black tinted goggles covering my eyes. Rays of light shined through the small window and into my makeshift home.

The wood floor creaked when I stepped on it and walked the short distance to the door. On the way, I grabbed my dark brown duster off the hook and put it on. I nearly tripped on something before I got to door. Cursing softly, I grabbed the handle and pulled it open.

Blue eyes and a small smirk greeted me on the other side. The owner was a yellow, earth pony stallion wearing stained blue overalls. A green bandanna covered his head but some of his orange mane stuck out. His smirk turned into a grin when he saw me.

“Rise and shine, Aero. It’s another beautiful day!” He declared with a grin. He couldn’t see it but I was outright glaring at his upbeat attitude.

“It would’ve been better if you didn’t wake me up,” I mutter.

“Sorry to interrupt your ‘beauty sleep’.” He sarcastically said with a smirk. “Come on, we got to beat the breakfast rush before you head out.”

I was still half asleep, so it took me and my brain a second to register what he just said before answering.

“Wait a minute, Sprocket. What do you mean ‘head out’? Today’s my day off.” I said.

“Not anymore it’s not.” He said.

“What?!” I nearly shouted. A couple of passerby’s stopped to look at me before moving on. Slightly embarrassed, I lowered my voice. “What are you talking about?”

“Sand Trap sprained his hoof fixing his ride. He’ll be out for a couple days.” He explained.

“Are you serious? Why can’t somepony else do it?! We usually have a few volunteers in reserve.”

“They all have their routes. Even the reserves are occupied. Besides, you know how it is: ‘If someponies’ down, another picks up the slack.” He turned around and began walking away.

I grumbled to myself as I closed my door and followed after him. That’s how it is in SunDown.

Over sixty years ago, a caravan decided to take a shortcut to the SCC through ‘The Flats’. They soon learned it was a bad decision with attacks from both raiders and beasts, not to mention the harsh environment. Nearly half of the group was lost until they stopped. They knew they couldn’t go back or forward so they went with the next best thing.

They decided to settle near a small cliff and salvage what they find out there. It was hard but the caravan grew and turned into a small settlement for salvagers and traders on their way to the SCC. It was composed of huts, trailers, and wagons scavenged from the wasteland to live and do business.

We had arrived underneath a large metal pavilion with makeshift tables and a line leading up to where the food is. We took our spots in the small line and waited for our turn.

“Alright, which route was he supposed to take?” I finally asked, resigning myself.

“Dune Rat said the southwest route, near the old road.” He said as we moved up.

“Why so far out?”

“He mentioned about it being a month since we last scouted there and maybe something new turned up.” He explained.

It wasn’t long until we were at the front of the line. A pink unicorn with a gray mane, in a smock, was behind a table, levitating trays and utensils for the next in line. She placed trays in front of us and began levitating various food from another table. Once she was finished, we picked up our trays and walked to a nearby table and sat down.

“What is this stuff?” Sprocket asked, picking up a spoon and poking at orange mush.

I scooped up some and brought to my nose to smell. “I don’t know but think it’s supposed to be carrots.”

Sprocket scooped some up and with hesitance, put it in his mouth. When the taste hit him, his face scrunched up and after a minute was able to swallow. After it was done, he gasped a bit.

“It tastes gritty and salty.” He muttered. Even with his reaction, I worked past the taste and ate it.

“Just be glad we have something to eat. Our last caravan is still a couple days out.” I said through a spoonful of ‘carrots’.

“I guess, doesn’t change the taste.” He reached to his right side and brought up a grey flask. He unscrewed the cap and brought it up to his lips. He tilted it back and downed something before moving it away and recapping it.

“Why do you always need to drink when we eat?” I asked.

“It’s the only thing that washes down the taste of this.” He answered. He then brought the flask over to me. “You want some?”

I pushed it away. “No thanks and I watch what I say. You know how Soup Can gets when somepony insults her cooking?”

As if answering, a spoon flew at us and hit him in the back off the head. He turned around to see said mare glaring at him while levitating a tray next. Sprocket gave a sheepish smile while holding his head before he turned around.

“Besides, I don’t see having whiskey with my breakfast, is a good mix.” I asked.

“Cause water’s scarce, and I ain’t paying no caps for a few small rations.” He said.

In a way, he was right. Water was hard to come by out here. The caravans brought back what they could and we traded with the few traders that came by. We rationed what we had. Extra rations cost and even then they were small. Any other type of liquid found was valuable in its own way.

Grudgingly, Sprocket finished his food and got up. “I’m heading to the motor pool to get ready. Go get geared up and meet me there.”

I nodded and he trotted off after dropping off his tray with others. At this point, there was a good size of ponies getting food and Soup had gotten extra helpers.

I finished up my breakfast and got up as well. I placed my tray with other ones and made my way back to my home. I moved past others going about their business until I reached the end of the small road.

My home was basically an old salvaged wagon with a faded blue tint to it that matched my mane. I grabbed and turned the handle and pushed in.

Inside was a little bit cluttered. Small shelves were full of scavenged bits and pieces of metal and little figures I made from them. Scraps of scavenged parts and tools littered the floor. Carefully, I made my way to a small trunk off to the side.

Taking off the jacket and putting it back on its hook, I opened the trunk and dug through it. I began pulling out my equipment and putting it on. I got out a thicker, heavier trench coat lined with metal and put it on. Next were my leg guards made from radscorpion hide. Then came my canteen that I slung over my shoulder, the strap resting on my left. Finally, I got my brown scarf and saddle bags out.

Once I got everything out, I closed the trunk. Before I put on my scarf though, there was more thing I needed to do. I glanced at the nearby table near my bed and found it. Next to a picture frame, hanging from a small, metal pony figurine was a pair of dog tags.

I walked over until I stood in front of it. I stared at them for a while before bowing down and closing both eyes. Softly, I breathed in and out.

“Princesses of the sun and moon, watch over this pony as he is about to depart.” I prayed and said the next part in Zebrican. “Wazazi, angalia na uniongoze ili niweze kurudi nyumbani salama.”

That finished, I straightened up, threw the bags on my back and loosely wrapped the scarf around my neck. I opened the door and left.

Leaving and closing my wagon, there was one more stop to make. Going up the trail and turning left, I noticed some of the foals were playing in the makeshift park in the square. I gave small smile as I saw them playing and laughing but slowly lost it when I saw one colt ran up and get hugged by his parents.

Looking for a moment, I shook my head and continued on my way. Reaching the end of the street, I made it to one of the few buildings here. The building was a good two stories tall and mostly made with scrap metal and wood. On the front was a big sign with black letters that spelled: ‘ARMORY’.

Opening the door, I walked inside. The wooden floor creaked as I moved to the counter, homemade and old weapons in the display case. I rang the bell and heard hoofsteps.

Coming from the open doorway to the back of the shop was unicorn. He was an old stallion, some small graying in his dull orange mane but there was still some spirit in his brown eyes. The wrench set cutie mark blended well with his dark grey coat.

“Aero, what are you doing here this early?” He asked, surprised to see me.

“I’m heading out soon, I need my equipment,” I answered.

“Ah, so you’re the one taking over for Sand Trap?” I nodded. “Alright, wait here, I’ll go get them.”

He went back through the doorway and disappeared into the back of the shop. I stood there, glancing around the shop, waiting for Socket Wrench. My eyes landed on a nearby radio and with nothing to do, I walked over and turned it on. There was a little static at first until a male voice came through.

“Hello all you wastelanders out there! This is your voice to the unknown, Audio Waves, coming at you from the edge off the SCC. Its noon, Celestia’s sun is shining down, and it’s time for some news!”

Looks like I tuned in just in time. Audio Waves’ broadcasts were our only link to know what’s happening inside and outside The Flats.

“Looks like it’s a slow day today but news is important. As you know, last week I got contact from a fellow radio head up in Manehattan about some help coming our way. Last night, I got confirmation! A Followers of the Apocalypse caravan is making their way here to our side of Equestria, so if you need aid, just hold out a bit more.

Finally, raider activity has increased since yesterday. I don’t know what kicked the hornet’s nest, but they’ve been spotted along the borders and going up the road south of here. If you’re out scavenging, I be careful out there, word is that these raiders have got wheels under their flanks.

That’s it for now, tune it later on for more but for now, enjoy some music. This is Audio Waves, your resident announcer, signing off.”

The stallion’s voice was soon replaced by an upbeat tune and a mare’s voice. I didn’t pay much attention to the music after the report on raider activity. I swore under my breath and didn’t hear Socket Wrench come back.

“Sounds like you’ll need these more than usual.” He gestured to the long weapon case floating in his orange magic. He placed it down on the counter and turned it towards me. Walking up, I undid the clasps and open it.

Inside were the instruments that have kept me alive. The larger of the two was a black, modified .223 rifle with a sniper’s scope and a silencer at the end. The other was a 10mm pistol with a silver finish.

I took the strap from the lid pocket an attached it to the rifle. I took it out and with ease, swung it over my shoulder until it landed on my back and the strap around my left shoulder. The pistol I took out and placed in a holster on my coat before closing the case.

“Are you sure you’re going to be okay with just those?” He asked, concern in his voice.

“Don’t worry, I’m not planning on getting into trouble.” I said. “But just in case, you got any .223 clips? I only got one spare.”

Wrench walked over to a nearby safe, undid the combination and opened it. Taking a moment, he closed the safe and came back with one clip in his mouth before placing it on the counter.

“I only got a few left, I can spare one but it’s going to cost 25 caps and no less.” He said, switching to his business tone.

Nodding to the amount, I turned and dug into my bags before pulling out a small bag. Dumping all the caps out on the counter, I counted out the amount before putting the rest back into the pouch and away. He took the caps and placed in a nearby register while I took the clip and put it in my bags. That done, I turned around and made my way out.

“Be careful out there. And tell that son of mine I need to talk to him.” He called out.

“Got it!” I shouted over my shoulder as I walked out the store and made my way to the motor pool.

The area itself was situated to the right of the town’s main gate, behind a walled-off section. Inside this part of the settlement, was where the vehicles where kept.

We used modified carts and wagons we either salvaged from the wasteland or built them ourselves with scrap. The rare times we find one with a sparkle powered engine, we either keep them locked up or give one to our best teams for their ride. Half of the metal we salvaged that didn’t go into helping the settlement, went here.

I walked through the entrance, my hoofs clacking against the metal floor. Sparks flew as mechanics worked on repairs or upgrading the vehicles. Each vehicle had a designated mechanic and or co-driver and the main driver, so with a total of eight vehicles in total, the pit chief and volunteer helpers, a total of thirty ponies worked in here. I made it to my pit and my ride.

A couple years ago, I found the remains of a mostly intact, old bombing chariot. Hauling it back took some time but when I did, it was time to work. The bar that connected the two halves was snapped in half on one side and the harness part wasn’t going to work with me. I used pieces of metal to make a makeshift floor and welded the two parts together. I built a roof above it to cover the top and added doors to the sides and repaired the back of the carriage part.

I modified the chassis with some spare parts for armor and some spare rubber tires we had. Making an entire engine system from scratch and putting in a steering system took months of trial and error but, with sprocket's help on that end, it was finally ready. Throw in some seats and a steering wheel, a coat of dark blue paint with yellow accents and the ‘Sky Runner’ was born. It was lighter and faster than the others but could take some hits.

Sprocket was busy underneath to hear me coming. When I got close, he finally noticed and slid out from under it and got off the board. A wrench was in his mouth which he soon spat out into a tool chest.

“She’s all set, just had to patch up the axle and tighten some bolts. Engine’s fully charged and ready.” He said.

Nodding, I went over to a nearby device that was hooked up to a barrel hanging from the roof. I brought up my canteen and took the cap off. I placed it under a funnel and pulled down a nearby lever. Water came from the barrel through a hose and into the funnel, filling my canteen. Once it was nearly full, I let go of the lever and the water stopped.

Putting the cap back on, I walked back over to where Sprocket was, just in time for somepony to call us.

“Nice to see you made it.” A deep voice spoke over the noise. A tall earth pony trotted up to us. Despite being a little older than Socket, Muscles rippled under his tan coat as his greying black mane was tied back and dark brown eyes regarded us.

“I hate to ask you on your day off Aero, but I got no one else for this.” He said.

“Why the sudden urge to turn up the south end though, Dune Rat?” I asked him.

“After that dust storm we had a few days ago, I wanted to see if something turned up from the ground. I would’ve checked sooner but we had to repair the outer wall.”

He dug in his bag and brought out a rolled up paper. He unrolled it on the hood which showed a map with a part circled at the bottom.

“This is the area that you should look at, find anything and bring it back, basic procedure.” He rolled up the map and hoofed it to me. “I heard on the radio, you spot any raiders out there, you stay out of sight, got it?”

I nodded in agreement, took the map and put in my bag. That done, he walked away from us and wen towards the gates.

“You sure you’re going to be okay out there?” Sprocket asked, a tone of worry in his voice.

“I’ll be fine. By the way, your dad wants to see you.” I said.

“What about?”

“Don’t know, he just told me to tell you that.” I explained.

I walked to the right side and grabbed the handle. The door swung open and I got in the driver seat. The dash board was made from one of the old panels I tore off. I pressed a button behind the steering wheel and a sharp hum came from under the hood before it evened out at a constant pace.

“No matter how many times it does that, I will never understand how you got this thing to actually work. And I helped you build most of it!” He exclaimed.

“Trial, error, and sheer stubbornness to not pull this thing everywhere, my friend.” I said with a grin, closing the door.

“ONE HEADING OUT!” Dune Rat’s voice sounded over the homemade intercom. The gate leading outside began rolling up until it was wide enough to get out.

I gave one more nod to Sprocket before grabbing the shifter and took off park. I pressed on the gas and slowly made my way out. Once I made it outside, the garage door closed, I pressed harder on the gas and sped off.

Chapter 2 (edit)

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Scattered clouds floated aimlessly as the sun glared down harshly onto the land. The cracked, dry earth below was an example of the scorching heat. The haze emitting from the ground blurred the surroundings and everything in the distance.

Dust kicked up from the ground as the blue vehicle drove across the ground. The scarf did its job at keeping it from going into my mouth. You’d think all the work put into it, the least I could do was put in a windshield.

Glancing down at the small clock on the dashboard, it’s been half an hour since I left. Stopping periodically to check the map, I should be coming up on the area. I slowed down once I passed a triangular boulder until I stopped. Pulling out the map, I checked it again.

“This should be it.” I said, my voice muffled by the scarf. I was somewhere near the center of the circle. Time to get to work.

I pressed the button again and the hum of the engine turned off. Opening the door, I got out and closed it. Lowering the scarf, I dug in my saddlebags and pulled out a small metal detector. Using my nose, I turned it on and began searching the area on three legs.

For a while, I didn’t hit anything. A few minutes later, I finally got something. Setting the detector down, I dug back into my bag and pulled out a shovelhead with a handle. I bit down on the handle and pulled, extending it to an actual short shovel.

Standing up, balancing perfectly on my hind legs, I began to dig. After a few minutes, I finally hit something. Pulling out the shovel, I dug the rest of the dirt away with my hooves.

I saw a piece of it and kept moving dirt away. When there was enough gone, I gripped it and pulled. After a few good tugs, I unearthed a long pipe. I looked it over and down the barrel, it was intact and I didn’t see any fractures. I walked over to the back of Sky Runner, dropped the back door, placed the pipe in it and went back to work.

I repeated the process for another hour or two. All in all, I found a few pieces and small sheets of metal, a couple of different sized gears, a tire iron and another pipe. Not bad I guess.

I had just got back in and started the engine when I glanced up and spotted something. Not that far away on the road, a large object stood there. Against better judgment, I decided to go take a look.

As I got closer, the object came into view. It was the battered remains of an overturned wagon. I came to a stop, parked and got out to take a better look.

The covering was ripped in a few places. The two left-side wheels were broken and there were signs of bullet holes on the paneling. There was a harness in the front, so it was pulled.

‘Hard to tell if it was going or coming from Salt Cube City or somepony trying to take a short cut through here.’ I thought, trying to guess where it was from. I walked around and gagged a bit when I probably found the owner or what was left.

The elements and wildlife had taken their parts but there were still, ugh, pieces left to tell he was a stallion. Half the face had been pecked off, damn vultures. If I had to guess and judging from the splatter behind him, a bullet to the skull was what killed him.

I won’t lie and say I didn’t make about puking but fortunately, I had an iron stomach from years trying Soup Can’s food. Even though it was wrong, I checked the inside of the wagon for anything useful. There wasn’t much left but I did find a couple caps, two bottles of water, a can of beans and a few healing potions, everything else was smashed or gone.

After adding the caps to my own and placing the rest in a case in the back, there was one more thing to do.

Call it what you want, but I couldn’t leave yet. I took down what was left of the covering and carefully wrapped what was left of the pony without puking. Now for the less disgusting part, I took my shovel and began digging a grave. It had taken time and I was out of breath but I finished it and buried him.

I had fashioned a makeshift cross from the wagon. I etched in a crude image of what was left of his cutie mark, a bottle cap with a star in the middle, at the top and a message at the bottom.

`Another soul lost, May he now know peace`

The deed done, I leaned on the shovel and offered a small prayer. I took my canteen, uncapped it and drank some water. After wetting my throat, I poured a little on the grave before recapping it.

“One last drink for the road.” I muttered. I collapsed the shovel, put it away and walked back to the Sky Runner.

I just made it to the door when my ears perked up. It was faint but I heard loud rumble sound off in the distance. This part of equestria didn’t get many storms, and I didn’t see the signs of a dust storm so where was it-

‘BANG!’

“Raiders.” I whispered. Diving in, I started the engine, drove off the road and began driving back to Sundown. I glanced to my left and saw what looked like three vehicles.

I was nervous, thinking they were close enough to see and follow me. That changed when I heard more gun shots and saw the two vehicles in back were shooting at the lead one. Whoever it was, they were deep trouble.

I stopped Sky Runner and looked at the chase. I turned away from it and placed my head on the wheel. Right now, I was debating on what to do next.

“Don’t do it Aero, don’t do it. Just keep driving and get back home. This will only cause more trouble than its worth.” I muttered to myself.

‘BANG!’ ‘CRASH!’

The loud sound brought me back to the chase to see the lead vehicle spin out and crash. The sun’s glare bounced off my goggles as I stared at the scene. Odds are whoever that was gone or wouldn’t last long. There was only one option at this point.

“Ah, shit.”

The overturned motor-wagon had thrown its driver out when one of its back wheels was shot. Two more stopped a few feet away from it, steel spikes jutting from the sides and dried blood splattered over them. Two raider ponies got out of the one on the right while three more sat in the left one.

“The little robin thought she could escape. No one escapes!” A yellow stallion cackled.

“I get first take.” His partner, a green stallion, said.

“I brought her down! I get first!” The first snapped, gesturing to the pistol in his mouth.

“Hurry up!” One of the bandits shouted from the other wagon. “Boss gets the first, then we all get to have her.”

That got a manic chuckle from all of them. The first two raiders began moving over to the wrecked vehicle. So caught up with thoughts of their reward they almost failed hearing something.

“Shut it!” The green raider yelled to the others. “You hear that?”

The other raiders stopped and listened too. A low humming sound was gradually getting louder and it sounded like it was coming toward them.

“What is that?” The armed raider pistol

His partner looked to him to respond but saw a glint coming in that direction. He squinted and didn’t react to the pistol raider shouting at him. When his eyes adjusted to the light, he shouted and dove forward. The pistol raider looked confused and decided to look at what his partner was staring at.

“What the hell is wro-” He didn’t finish as he dove forward and narrowly dodged a speeding object from running him over. The vehicle stopped and swung the back end left, slamming into the empty motor-wagon. The hit caused it to tumble and slam into the other, causing its occupants to bail out.

The green stallion was the first to recover to see what happened. He yelled in rage and spitting curses upon seeing the state of his ride. His rant was cut short when a bullet exploded out the back of his skull and he went down.

I sat in my seat as the barrel of my rifle stuck out the front. The fallen raider’s partner scrambled to get to cover. I adjusted my aim but before I could fire, his friends decided join in.

Using both motor-wagons as cover, they opened fire on me. I ducked as soon as the first bullet bounced of the hood. I crawled over the seats as bullets flew over my head, note to self: put some paneling for windows to avoid this mess! I reached the passenger door, opened it and got out.

I pressed my back against the side as they kept firing. When they stopped to reload I leaned out and returned fire. Because of their impromptu barrier, I couldn’t get a good shot and soon ducked back again.

“We’ll use your skull as a hood ornament!” One of them shouted over the fire.

I heard the hiss of air as one of my tires was hit. Cursing, I had to think of something or they’ll make good on that threat. I took a deep breath to calm myself, it was that moment that I smelled something.

‘Wait a second, I know that smell.’ And if I was right, only one thing smelled like that.

Moving to the back, I peeked my head out only to draw it back to dodge a bullet. Clenching my teeth, I peeked out again. The wagon I hit was on its side and near the rear, I saw a canister, and it was leaking.

Drawing my head back I clenched the rifle in my hooves. I probably only have one shot at this. I took one more deep breath, offered a silent prayer and began.

When the firing stopped, I dashed out from cover on my hind legs. Once out, I turned sharply, planted both hooves on the ground and steadied my aim. They had just finished reloading when I bit down and fired.

Time seemed to slow down as the flash from the muzzle spread out and the bullet flew out the rifle. It inched through the air, traveling towards its target. I eyes narrowed slowly as I bit down and fired twice more.

The three bullets moved slowly as the raiders began looking over their cover. As soon as the first one fired, time sped back up. One of their shots grazed my cheek as I ducked and rolled back to cover.

The first bullet I fired hit its target as it punctured the tank and fueled poured out the hole. The other two struck the sides and sparks came from them. They landed it the fuel stream, ignited and followed it to the source.

‘BOOOMMM!!!’

The vehicle became a fireball as its fuel exploded. It was lifted into the air a good few feet before coming back down. The raiders noticed but moved too late as the flaming wreckage came down on the second vehicle.

The result was the second one’s tank also igniting, resulting in a second explosion. I stayed behind Sky Runner as I heard bits and pieces of parts hit the exposed side and the top of it. When I heard the crash, I moved out of cover and looked.

Both vehicles were flaming balls of twisted metal. I heard screaming and looked left to see one of the raiders rolling on the ground in agony, trying to put himself out. One shot put an end to his screams as he lay burning.

I carefully made my way over to the wreckage, watching my steps over sharp or still burning pieces. When I got close, I slung my rifle over my back and got my pistol out. I feel the heat coming from the fire and the smoke coming from them made breathing a bit difficult.

I smelt burning flesh as I looked at one of the raiders that perished in the explosion, half his body burned from the fire. Looks like another was crushed because I only saw hind legs underneath the wreckage. Counting the one from earlier, that’s four raiders.

“Where’s the fifth one?” I muttered around the handle. My eyes darted around as I scanned for the last raider. I heard a groan and spun right to see where it came from.

The last raider, the yellow stallion from earlier, was a few feet away from the others, probably tossed from the force of the explosion. As I carefully walked over, I noticed a small pool of blood. When I was close enough, I found the cause.

A piece of a pipe had impaled itself into his side and judging by the pool, hit something important. He was on his back, coughing up more blood. When he heard movement, he raised his head to acknowledge me.

His mouth twisted into a snarl and tried to move, but his legs were too battered for the task. When he couldn’t do that, he just glared as I got close enough. The blood pool had gotten bigger, he didn’t have much time.

“Why were you chasing that pony over there?” I asked, figuring this is my only shot at answers.

The raider’s response was spitting at my hooves. The color was almost gone from his face. He was about to say something when he started coughing harshly. His head went back down as his chest rose slowly and slowly until it went still.

I stared at the dead raider for a moment before sighing. I placed my pistol back in its holster and finally let out the breath I was holding in. I breathed heavily as the stress of battle finally left me.

I looked back at Sky Runner, even from here I could see the dents, holes in the panels, and flat rear and front tire. Clicking my tongue in irritation, I instead focused on the cause of all this. As the shooting was over, I began making my way to the overturned wagon.

When I was right next to it, I could finally get a better look. It was smaller than the other two, it looked more like a cart than a wagon. There was a gas tank in the back but this one was still intact. Except for a missing wheel, the thing was in good shape.

“Three motorized vehicles? Where the hell did they come from?!” I muttered. Audio said that some raiders had were spotted with wheels, but this? About a few ways off, I found the driver.

Rushing over, I got close enough to get a good look. The driver of the cart was a mare with a red mane tied into a braided ponytail with a tan coat. She looked like she was wearing sheets of cloth wrapped around her chest and tied behind her.

I saw a cut on her head and her eyes were closed but she was still breathing, so she may have a concussion. I looked up and noticed it was getting late and she would need medical help. I need to get moving and fast.

The motor pool was still moving with activity. A few of the scavengers had come back earlier from less than fruitful finds. There were a few left out there and it was getting late. The rule was that anyone only had until sunset to get here before the gates closed, all those outside were on their own.

Sprocket was in his and Aero’s section, rearranging tools. He had gone to talk to his dad and came back a while later. Since then, he’s been helping around until Aero got back.

He glanced at a wall clock above him to check the time. There was still an hour or two before the gates closed. But that’s why he was starting to get worried.

“Worried that Aero’s still not back yet?” Sprocket turned around to see Dune Rat approaching. “That’s the third time you reorganized your tools.”

“Sorry. I can’t help it, he’s usually one of the first ones back and I’m starting to worry. What if he ran into some raiders?”

Dune Patted Sprocket on the shoulder. “Calm down, Sprocket. Aero’s smart enough to stay out of trouble, he’s fine. For all we know, he could be heading back right now.”

As if answering, a loud bell chimed three times above them. The two ponies walked out the space and looked up. A small tower was perched on the catwalk, peering out into the Wasteland with one pony up there as a lookout.

“What do you see, Welder?” Dune Rat shouted from below. A red stallion with a black mane, binoculars in one hoof, leaned over the edge.

“I spotted Sky Runner coming right towards us!” He called down, spotting Aero’s ride. Dune Rat gave Sprocket a small smile.

“See, nothing to worry about.” Dune looked back up. “How far away is it?”

Welder looked through his binoculars and answered. “If I guess, I’d say a few minutes and it looks like its leaning.”

“What do you mean, ‘leaning’?” Sprocket called up this time.

“I’m not sure. Also, it looks like its hauling something behind him.”

“What kind of something?” Dune Rate called. Welder brought his binoculars away and looked down.

“It looks like a wagon.” He responded. Dune Rat and Sprocket looked at each other in confusion. The two set out to get ready for the arrival.

A few minutes passed and everypony in the motor pool were assembled in the middle, Dune Rat and Sprocket at the front. The gate leading outside slowly started rolling up. All those assembled, waiting for what to come.

Sky Runner came into view and began slowing down. When it passed through the gate, all were surprised at its condition. For those that immediately saw it, dents and bullet holes lined one side of it and its tires were flat, punctured. But what really shocked them was the damaged, motor cart chained behind it. As soon as both vehicles cleared the door, it started rolling down and Sky Runner came to a stop, its engine turned off.

All the gathered ponies were stunned and hadn’t moved yet as the driver’s door opened. Sprocket was the first as he sprinted over as I came out.

“Aero, what the hell happened? You look like you’ve been in a fire fight!” Sprocket exclaimed, looking at the damaged side.

I closed the door and turned too looked at him. “That’s because I was in a fire fight.”

Sprocket’s jaw worked for a question as he stared at me after answering him. I heard hoofsteps behind me and turned to see Dune Rat looking at me with a flat, hard gaze.

“Dare I ask, why were you in a shootout?” He asked, mouthed worked into a frown.

Instead of telling, I moved past him and walked around the vehicle, Dune Rat and Sprocket right behind me. I got to the passenger side door and when they were clear, opened it. Everypony got a second surprise upon seeing the unconscious mare in the passenger seat, a cloth wrapped around her head.

“Who is that?” I heard Sprocket ask.

“She’s who the raiders were shooting at. They were chasing her and I saved her.” I answered.

That sparked all the gathered ponies into talking. Some wondered why I did it, others voiced their worries about repercussions, the rest asked about what happened. All this escalated until a sharp whistle silenced it all.

“That’s enough! We’ll deal with what happens when it happens. For now, we deal with this.” Dune Rat’s voice rang loud and clear across the motor pool. All the ponies immediately quiet down. He then looked at Sprocket and me.

“Sprocket, take her over to Suture to get looked at. Aero, follow me, we need to talk.” He then looked at the gathered ponies. “As for the rest of you, unhitch that cart, scrap it for parts and unload any scrap Aero found.”

Orders given, we all set about doing them. Sprocket and I carefully got the mare out of Sky Runner and onto his back. He gave a nod and began walking towards the motor pool exit into town.

I know I’ll have to explain things to him, but for now, somepony else was first. Dune Rat gestured me to follow as he walked over and up to nearby staircase to the catwalk. I walked after him but stopped at the stairs and turned back.

“Be careful, that thing runs on gas and I’m not sure how stable it is.” I called to the others as they were about to unhitch the vehicle from Sky Runner. They stopped and gave thanks began working cautiously. I walked up the stairs, onto the catwalk and turned right, a door was open at the end and went inside the room.

Dune Rat’s office was cluttered but the organized kind of cluttered. There were makeshift shelves lined with various objects, file cabinets and a metal desk in the middle of the room. Two chairs were in front of the desk and one behind it.

The stallion in question was behind the desk, sitting in the chair and waiting for me to come in. He gestured me to close the door and I did as I walked up to him and sat in the other chair.

“First, can you take your goggles off? You know I want to look you in your eyes when we talk.” He asked me. I gave a nod and used my hoof to push them up on my forehead. I had to squint for a minute to adjust to the light. Wearing goggles all day make seeing normal light uncomfortable for a bit

“That’s better. Now first, are you sure you’re okay?” He asked, worry in his voice. He must have seen the graze where the bullet got me.

“I’m fine, really. I few close calls those, but nothing serious. Just a scratch.” I said.

“Doesn’t mean I can’t worry. Now, tell me exactly what happened after you left, don’t skip on the details.” He said. Placing his hooves under his chin.

I took a deep breath and began telling him what happened. I told him from finding scrap to the battered wagon. I didn’t skip on burying the driver or hearing the shots. Throughout the explanation, he kept a straight face, he raised an eyebrow when I got to what the raiders were riding in but nothing more. He listened all the way to the end.

“…so after I used Sky Runner to pull the cart back onto its wheels and got her inside, I salvaged what I could and got out before anymore showed up.” I said, finishing my story

Nothing was said after I finished. Dune Rat just looked at me as he digested all this information. Finally, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath before releasing it and looking at me.

“Aero, while I understand why you did it, you may have put us all in danger. We don’t get into fights because we’re not equipped for it and the nearest place that could help is days away. You’re experienced enough to know this.” He explained to me.

“I know and I’m sorry. I thought about it but, I just couldn’t stand by and watch.” I said.

“Your heart was in the right place, as it always is. I just hope it turns out okay in the long run.” He said. Sighing, he rubbed his forehead. “Now, about this mare, do you have any idea why the raiders were after her?”

“No, she was out the whole trip here.” I said.

“Alright, until she wakes up and tells us, she’ll stay with Suture. Also, you brought her back, so she’s your responsibility while she’s here.” He stated.

“Alright, thanks for understanding.” I said. He got up walked around and placed a hoof on my shoulder.

“I’ve known you since you came to our doors, I know where your heart lies. Now, head on over to Socket Wrench, he’s probably worried sick about you.” He said as he began walking towards the door.

Getting out of the chair, I moved my goggles back in place and followed him out. The mechanics had already started breaking down the cart and I saw the gas tank placed in a corner. I made it back to ground level and headed for the exit.

“Aero, I swear one of these days, you’re gonna give me a heart attack.” Socket Wrench said as he looked me over.

I had only taken a few steps in before he came from behind the counter in worry. Sprocket must’ve given him an update on what he heard. Satisfied that nothing was missing, he stood in front of me.

“Didn’t you tell me you weren’t looking for trouble before you left?” He asked.

“Yeah, sorry about that. It just kinda happened.” I said.

“For your sake, I hope there’s no next time. Sprocket only gave me small details but I suspect there’s more than you just rescuing some random mare from raiders.” He said.

“There is, and I know what I did was dangerous but, I just couldn’t stop myself.” I said.

“I know you couldn’t, no matter how much you would try to. You have a kind spirit, something rare out here. It may lead to danger but sometimes, the rewards are great.” He spoke with a smile, giving some advice.

I returned the smile before speaking. “Thanks, speaking of Sprocket, where is he?” I asked, half expecting to meet him here.

“I don’t know, he still isn’t back yet.” He said.

“What do you mean?”

“After he told me you were back, he went to take the mare over to Suture. He hasn’t come back yet.” He explained.

That’s odd, I wonder what’s tak-

“Aero!” We turned around to see Sprocket panting hard at the doors. “We need help.”

“What’s wrong?”

“That mare you brought back, she just woke up. And believe me, she is tearing the place apart!”

Chapter 3: Part(1/2) (Edit)

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After his entrance, Sprocket turned on a dime and rushed back out. I looked back at Wrench and he gestured me to go. Giving an apology, I rushed out the store. Sprocket waited for me outside and when I caught up, led the way down the street.

Suture’s clinic was one of the few actually buildings built in town so it wasn’t hard to find. The clinic was two stories tall with a red cross painted on the front of it. It wasn’t long before we stood outside it.

“Sprocket, you mind telling me what is going on?” I finally asked just before we went in.

“Like I said, after I told dad you were back, I brought the mare here. Suture wanted to know what was happening so, I told him what I knew and we put her in a room. Next thing I know, she wakes up, starts throwing stuff, not calming down and Suture yells at me to go get you!”

“What took you?”

“I thought you were still at the motor pool so I checked there first. Dune said you left so I knew you’d be at dad’s place.” He said, pushing open the door.

I walked into the small lobby and immediately heard the sounds of a commotion in the back. We hurried to the right of the front desk and down a hallway. A couple rooms down, a small crowd had gathered in front of one. We pushed our way through to look inside.

The room looked like a war zone, only it was still going on. The floor was littered with trays, broken glass from a busted light, and other items. But the main focus was the cause of this, which was currently backed against a wall.

The mare I rescued currently had a scalpel clenched in her mouth and a hoof around a dented tray as she glared at the two stallions blocking off her exit. I’ve known those two as being some of the strongest here but judging from the bruises and cuts on them, some may doubt that.

“Aero!” A voice shouted. We looked to see the crowd disperse a bit to let somepony through. The voice belonged to our resident doctor, and he sounded irritated. The white coated stallion was well into his twilight years but age and many gray hairs in his black mane haven't dulled his skill or temper as his purple eyes glared at me.

“What the hell kind of patient did you bring me?” He questioned as he marched up to me before stopping. “She’s wrecking the place!”

‘THUD!’

We turned back to see one of the burly stallions on the floor, with the now very much dented metal tray wrapped around his head. The other one went stock still but inched back a bit as she grabbed another tray.

“And she’s making more trouble by the minute, go in there and FIX THIS!” He shouted.

I looked back at the carnage in the room before swallowing and turned to go in. Sprocket uttered a “Be careful” as I walked through the doorway and towards the mare. The burly stallion, whom I finally recognized as Roadblock by his gray coat, gave a nod to me as he moved his unconscious friend out of the way. I returned it and then looked forward as angry red eyes glared at me.

'Roho, nipe nguvu' Mental prayer sent, I cleared my throat so I kept her attention. “Um, hello there, nice to see you up and moving.”

She glared at my small talk but I had to think of something to calm her down. Testing, I took one step forward, making sure to keep eye contact. When she didn’t react, I continued talking.

“You don’t know me but, I was the one that wrapped that bandage around you.” I took another step. “You were being chased by raiders and took a hit to the head.”

Making sure she kept her eyes on me. I moved one hoof at a time as I tried to fill her in on what happened to her. Soon, I was only a couple inches from her.

“Then I gave you to my friend, he brought you here to the clinic and now, here we are.” I finished telling her. I slowly extended a hoof towards her. “So, if you could put down the tools, Doctor Suture can take a lo-”

‘CLANG!’

“OW!” I stumbled back as I held the left side of my face. I didn’t even see her move but now she looked more irritated. I brought my hoof back down and inched forward.

“You need any help!” Sprocket called from the doorway.

“I’m fine, I got this.” ‘I hope.’ I muttered the last part. Keeping my eyes on her while stealing glances at the tray still in here hoof, I made another step forward.

This time I saw the swing coming, I ducked my head and the tray went over my head. Seeing her initial attack fail, she brought it back for a return swing. I saw it coming and narrowly avoided another smack to the head.

It then boiled down to her taking different swings at me as I kept avoiding and inching backward. With each missed swing she kept getting more irritated. Glancing right, I saw that Roadblock was just staring at the little dance we were doing.

“Don’t just stand there, Help me!” I shouted at him, breaking eye contact.

That was all she needed. I looked back just to have the tray catch me on the chin and my head flew back a bit. I was stunned but I could still hear. Regaining my senses, I saw her come closer and brought the tray up.

‘Not this time.’ I brought my left hoof up and stopped her mid-swing, then used my right to knock the tray out of her grasp. It clattered to the ground as I held her in place, despite her struggle. I used a back leg to sweep her off her legs and moved forward as she fell backward.

We both hit the ground, the scalpel coming out of her mouth, me on top and pinning her down. She kept struggling and thrashing to get free but I managed to keep my grip.

“Will you please, stop struggling?! We aren’t going to hurt you!” I exclaimed, trying to calm her down.

She turned her head and glared at me and was about to say something when she stopped. At first, I thought she finally calmed down but, that wasn’t it. When she looked up at me, her eyes dilated to the size of pinpricks and I saw the faintest hint of something in them.

“AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!” She screamed at the top of her lungs causing all of us to wince at the volume. She then redoubled her efforts of trying to free herself.

“Hey, calm down! What’s wron-” I didn’t get a chance to finish. At some point, she managed to bring her hind legs up to her chest and planted both hooves on mine. Showing surprising strength, she bucked me off her, sending me to land on my back.

Wincing at the impact, I didn’t have time to recuperate as she practically pounced on and straddled me. She brought her hooves up and I saw the scalpel as she angled and brought it down. I got my hooves up in time and blocked it as the blade was inches from my throat but she kept pushing down to try and finish it with an enraged look until she was pulled off.

Unknown to her, Roadblock had managed to get behind and pull her off me. She continued to struggle and it looked like he was losing his grip. I then saw Suture appear on my right, a syringe in his mouth.

Despite the moving limbs, he managed to get a hold one of her legs, stick the needle in her and inject whatever was inside. The mare stiffened and her eyes widen for a minute before they slowly closed and she went limp. Suture gave a once over before pulling the syringe out.

“Place her on the bed over there and go get some straps. I don’t want a repeat of this when the anesthetic wears off.” He stated. Roadblock nodded and went about the order he was given. Sprocket appeared and helped me to my hooves.

“You okay, Aero?” He asked me.

“Y-yeah, I’m fine. Just let me ca-catch my breath.” I said, taking shallow breaths.

“What happened, one minute you had her pinned and the next, she screams and has a knife to your throat?!” Sprocket exclaimed.

“I don’t know but before she did that, I think I saw something.”

“What do you mean?”

“Before she screamed, I looked her in the eyes and for a second, I think she was scared of me.” I explained to him.

“It sounds like a case of trauma.” We turned to see Suture looking at us. “Something must have happened before you found her.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“I’ve had a couple patients like this, usually it happens as a result of a physical or psychological injury. Unfortunately, I can only guess at the cause.”

We turned to look to look at the once destructive mare, now sleeping almost peacefully on the bed due to the anesthetic.

“Do you think you can tell why she suddenly snapped and tried to kill Aero?” Sprocket asked the doctor.

Suture thought for a minute. “There're numerous reasons for that but the only one I can think of goes back to her trauma. Something must have triggered a response.”

I remembered the look in her eyes when she stared at me. Unconsciously, I felt a hoof go up to my face to readjust my goggles only to feel my right side uncovered, they had shifted up a bit. Thinking they moved from her last tray shot, I pushed them back into place.

“Look, why don’t you boys leave, I need to clean up and look at Crank Case before I get a chance to look at your ‘friend’.” Suture explained to us.

“You want us to help?” Sprocket offered.

“No thanks, Roadblock, and the nurses will help me. But Aero, I want you to come back here tomorrow to discuss this.” He explained.

“Okay.” I said to the doctor.

“Good, now head out. I’ve got a room to clean and pony with a concussion to deal with, but first?” He turned his head towards the door, where the small crowd was still gathered.

“Alright, show’s over! Now get back to your work or rooms, if not, you can watch over ‘Ms. Hellion’ here when she wakes up!” He stated, emphasizing the point was Roadblock returning with the straps.

That got a response as the crowd quickly dispersed. Suture gave a small snort and, not wanting to irritate him more, Sprocket began to leave. Casting one more glance at the sleeping mare, I followed him out. The sun was nearly down when we left the building.

“Well, this has been one interesting day, huh?” Sprocket asked as he looked at the sky. When he didn’t get an answer, he looked to see me staring up at the sky. “Aero?”

“Huh?” Hearing his voice, I turned to look at him.

“You sure you’re feeling okay?” He asked.

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Well, you did take a few shots to the head and had a knife to your throat. Add that to the day you’ve had so far, you can’t expect me not to be worried.”

“Oh. Yeah, I guess so. Don’t worry about it. I’m fine, just got a lot to think about.”

“You sure?” He asked.

“Positive, I’m fine.” I reassured him. Sprocket looked at me, pondering about my answer. After a minute, he sighed.

“Alright, I’ll trust you on this.” He glanced back at the sky. “It’s getting late, why don’t you come over. Dad’s probably got dinner almost ready.”

“Nah, I wouldn’t want to intrude.” I tried to decline.

Sprocket gave a small smirk. “When has that ever stopped dad from inviting you? Besides, you’ve come over ever since we were foals and you know his cooking is a lot better than our resident chef.”

I chuckled a little. “Be careful about what you say, you know how sharp her hearing is. Alright, I’ll come but I got to head to the motor pool first.”

“What for?” He asked.

“Got to tell Dune Rat the latest on our guest. Go on ahead, I’ll meet you at the shop.” I said.

“Alright.” was all he said before walking away towards the armory. I sighed and made my way to the motor pool. There was more room to walk because residents were either at home or in the eating area for dinner.

When I got there, it was almost quite. There were only a few stragglers cleaning up for the day. It didn’t take long to find him in his office going over papers. I moved toward him as he looked up at the arrival.

“Oh, hey Aero. Did you go see Socket Wrench?”

“Yeah, actually I came here to give you an update on our guest. As of now, she’s resting peacefully while Suture watches her.” I explained.

“I heard that there was a commotion at the clinic, what happened?” He asked.

“Well, she was a little …cranky, when she came too.” I said lightly.

He raised an eyebrow. “How cranky?”

“Let’s just say this: In the future, keep all the trays out of her reach or she will use them.”

Dune sighed as he placed his head in his hooves. “Was anypony hurt?”

“Aside from a few bruises, a massive headache, and some wounded pride, no serious injuries.” I said.

He looked confused and was about to ask before I caught him. “Just, don’t be surprised when Roadblock and Crank Case show up with bandages tomorrow.”

His eyes widen a bit before sighing again and rubbing his head. He then looked back at me. “Were you hurt?”

“No, I’m fine.” I said, a little faster than I should. He narrowed his eyes at the quick response. “She may have gotten in a shot or two.”

I didn’t add the part where she had a scalpel to my throat. That would have been all he needed to throw her out. Dune rat was understandable most of the time, but if there’s danger inside the town, he dealt with it.

“And you’re sure you’re okay?”

“Yes, Dune, I’m fine.” I stated. He looked at me for a long time before sighing again and muttering an “alright” from him.

“Ok, well if that’s everything, I’ll see you tomorrow.” I said as I turned around and began to leave.

“Wait a minute.” I stopped mid-step and brought my hoof down. I looked back to see him get up from his chair. “There is something you should know.”

“Anything wrong?”

“Not exactly, it has something to do with that motor cart you brought back. I was going to tell you tomorrow but seeing as you’re here now...”

“Was something wrong with it?” I asked, confused.

“Quite the opposite, at first, it looked like an armored wagon, but when we stripped it down, well it was modified very extensively.” He said.

“What do you mean?”

“The welds used on the panels were done well, something most raiders shouldn’t be able to do. The wheels were reinforced and treaded for better handling with sharpened rims to destroy wheels. Add a metal roof and these things are dangerous, but the real kicker was the engine itself.” He told me.

I listened as he listed off all the aspects of the wagon. No way could raiders build something like this, the tools needed alone would be hard to find out here. The details already had my hair stand up and there was one more bit of news.

“What about it?” I asked halfheartedly.

He narrowed his eyes a bit. “As hard as it is to believe, the piece was from-”

“-a car!” Sprocket said shocked.

After talking with Dune Rat, I decided to stop at home before going to the shop. I stripped off my equipment, placed it back in the chest and put on the jacket from earlier. I went through the right door in the back of the shop, which led to their home and greeted them.

This side had a small kitchen to prepare food, a pantry closet to the side, a makeshift table with some chairs, an old tattered couch against the wall, and some stairs that led up to their rooms. Sprocket was already situated at the table, waiting for dinner, and motioned me over while Socket was finishing. I had told them about what Dune Rat told me.

“That’s what he said. At first, He thought they made their own version made of scrap metal but no, it was the real deal.” I told them.

“But those parts are hard to come by. We’re lucky to find pieces of them out scavenging. How did raiders manage to get their hooves on intact parts?” He wondered.

I could understand his surprise, we only know about them from old books and documents.

Sometime before the war actually started, a few manufacturing companies started building machines to improve on the concept of motorized wagons. The result was a new forms of the carriage or ‘car’. A couple hundred different models were made and out in equestria for those that could afford them, most went to the elite for luxury while a few were soon modified for military use. Once the bombs fell, they all were either destroyed with the land or stripped down for metal. So finding pieces or actual parts are extremely rare. Let alone a never used one.

“I don’t know and that’s got Dune Rat both intrigued and worried about it.” I said.

“Don’t put too much thought into this, Aero.” I looked up to see Socket Wrench had turned to face me. “These are problems to think about at another time.

“Dad, aren’t you at least curious about this?” Sprocket asked.

“Of course, but it can wait. Now, who’s ready to eat?”

Socket used his magic to set three bowls on the table, one for each of us, and using a ladle, poured a fair amount of the content from the pot he was cooking from into each one. I leaned over and smelled the aroma and recognized it.

“Radhog stew with carrots. I thought you used the last of it last month?” I asked him.

“I kept a few pieces for special occasions, although the carrots are canned.” He said as he sat down.

“Special occasions?” I thought about what was special today until one thing came to mind. “Socket, you didn’t have to do this.”

“You did a good thing toady despite what others may think. I’m sure the mare, once she calms down, will be thankful that you saved her.”

“Oh, I’m sure when she isn’t trying to kill him.” Sprocket muttered, mouth currently full. That earned a smack on the head from his father. I gave a small smile.

“Thank you for this.”

“You’re practically family Aero, it’s no problem.” Socket Wrench smiled. “Now eat up, you’ve had a rough day and you need your strength.”

Nodding, I reached up and pulled my goggles down, picked a spoon and began eating. It had been awhile since I ate Socket’s radhog stew so I tried to savor it. We all sat in silence as we ate, the faint sounds of the clock the only noise.

“So, what are your plans for tomorrow?” Socket said, breaking the silence.

“Well, I got to stop by Suture to get an update on our guest. Before and after that, I don’t know.” I explained.

“Don’t you officially start scavenging again?” Sprocket said.

“Nope, before I left the motor pool, Dune Rat told me not to come in tomorrow. He figured that after today, I should finish my day off.” I said.

“Lucky.” Sprocket muttered. He picked the bowl up and brought it to his mouth to slurp the last bit of stew. Once he finished he glanced at the clock.

“Oh, Audio Waves should be on right now.” He said. He got up and walked over to a radio on a nearby table. He turned it on and fiddled with dial until something came through.

“Good evening, my fellow wastelanders! It’s your voice to the unknown, Audio Waves, coming at you for the second time today. The sun has set, the moon has risen, and it’s time for an update on what’s happening on our side of Equestria.”

The voice of Audio Waves filled the room as he told of what’s going on, mostly local information from Salt Lick City.

“It’s always something with this guy. Never a dull moment out here.” I muttered.

“True, but it’s good to be informed on recent things. Keeps reminding us that others are surviving out here in the wasteland.” Socket said. I could understand that logic.

“Hey, I think there’s more.” Sprocket spoke up, as we listened.

“…Now before I sign off, there’s one more bit of news for you to hear. It looks like we may have our own resident hero. I got my sources telling me that they saw a lone stallion taking on a bunch of raiders earlier today.”

I sputtered and choked a bit on my last bit of stew when I heard that. I banged my chest a bit and gasped when it went down. I glanced at the others, looking equally shocked, before looking at the radio.

“I don’t know the full details but apparently, this guy riding in some custom chariot sees some unlucky pony being chased by two raider-filled wagons. Now whether it was his conscience or something, he rides over smashes into one and goes commando on their sorry flanks!”

Sprocket looks back at me, eyebrow raised, wanting a response. I didn’t answer as I listened to the radio.

“Two explosions and few dead raiders later, he gets out of there with the pony and a wagon. Now I know there are salvagers and scavengers out here, looks like we got one with some bite. Also, I heard he even buried some poor soul by the road, talk about a good heart.”

Socket Wrench glanced at me as he too listened to the report like us.

“Well, that’s all for today. If this hero is listening, keep up the good work kid! Here’s an old classic from Sweetie Belle for the night. This is Audio Waves, signing off.”

A soft melody began as a mare’s gentle voice started to sing. However, we didn’t register the song as our attention was still on the radio itself, specifically that last bit of news. I couldn’t believe it: my little skirmish made it to the radio, along with a brief description. Groaning, I slumped in my chair a bit and my hooves met my face.

“Well …didn’t expect that to happen.” Sprocket spoke before turning the radio off.

After that awkward moment, I finished my food and said my goodbyes. Socket Wrench told me not to think about the news. The description was vague at best, no pony would know it was me. Even if he was right, I didn’t feel comfortable about it.

I left the shop and began my short trek back home. Small lamps on poles were lit to somewhat illuminate the small town. There were few ponies on the streets, probably on their way home.

I made it to my trailer and went inside. Locking the door behind me, I took off my jacket and placed it on the rack. I maneuvered my way to my bed and sat on it. I took my goggles off but paused before putting them on the dresser.

Looking at them, I stared at the lenses. Even with next to no light, I could still see my dark green eyes in them. Thinking back, I remembered what Suture said about the mare I brought back and her reaction.

“There're numerous reasons for that but the only one I can think of goes back to her trauma. Something must have triggered a response.”

Sighing, I placed them on the dresser. Feeling around, I found my small lamp and turned it on. Due to the added light, I found the item I was looking for and picked it up in my hooves. It was a small wooden picture frame with intricate carvings on the side with a black and white photo inside.

It showed a family of three: a mare, a stallion, and a colt in between them with smiles on their faces. The stallion was a Pegasus, he had a scar over his left eye and a sharp look in both but still looked peaceful. The mare next to him, however, was a little different. She had darker stripes that went down her back, hind legs, muzzle and right cheek. She gave off a caring and nurturing feel that showed a mother’s care. Finally, the colt looked up at both parents with a sense of innocence, rare in the wasteland. He wore a small jacket with gray stripes in his mane, tail and one stripe on his right cheek.

I looked at the mixed but happy family in the picture for a long time before looking at the zebra mare. I looked at her eyes, the same ones her son inherited and that caused fear in somepony.

“Wakati huponya majeraha yote, lakini vitendo vya zamani na vya sasa vinaweza kuzuia siku zijazo. Inachukua juhudi za roho jasiri na zenye kujali kuponya majeraha haya kwa kesho bora.” I spoke in zebra. “That’s what you always said, right mom?”

Giving a mental prayer, I placed the picture back on the dresser. “Good night, you guys.”

I turned off the lamp and got under the covers. I closed my eyes and sleep soon took me.

The next day arrived with the morning sun, light shining down on us. I had slept through most of the morning but got up just before breakfast was over. After that, I stopped by the motor pool to say hi and picked up a few spare parts before heading home to repair my shovel.

After tightening a few screws, I collapsed it after replacing a section of metal. Remembering to stop by the clinic, I placed the shovel back in my bags, grabbed my jacket and left. Arriving there, I saw one of the nurses at the desk.

The nurse looked up as I walked in. “Hello Aero, you here to see the doctor?”

“Yeah, do you know where he is?” I asked the pink coated mare. She said he was in his office at the moment. Knowing where it was, I said my thanks, walked over and went down the same hallway from yesterday.

Walking down the hall, I stopped at a familiar door only to see it closed. I wanted to, at least, see if she was awake but decided against it for privacy sake. Remembering Suture was waiting, I moved away and continued down the hall.

His office was located at the end of it, his name etched into a metal plate next to the door was the only identification. I went up to the door and rapped a few quick knocks on it with my hoof.

“What is it?” A voice called from behind the door.

“It’s me Aero.” I called back.

“Come in.” I grabbed the handle and pushed the door open. The office was a small room with a metal desk taking up the most space with an old file cabinet on the left and a medicine cabinet on the right. Suture looked up at me from some papers when I closed the door and walked up to the desk.

“Sorry for not coming earlier, I kinda stayed in for a while.” I said.

“Not surprising considering the day you had.” He said. “Especially with the shots are ‘guest’ gave you.”

My head throbbed a bit when he mentioned that.

“Yeah, speaking of which, how is she?” I asked him, wanting to know the situation with her.

Suture set the papers he was holding on a nearby stack and picked up his clipboard. He flipped a page or two over before speaking. “I gave her a complete once-over in case I missed anything and did what I could.”

“And?”

“The initial injuries weren’t bad: couple scrapes and bruises, no serious head trauma, no fractures or broken bones, no life-threatening injuries.” He listed off his diagnosis. “All in, she should be fine.”

I let out a small sigh of relief, at least, she’s okay. When I looked up thought, Suture hadn’t looked up from his clipboard.

“There’s something else, isn’t there?”

He glanced up at me for a second before looking back down. “Remember the trauma I talked about yesterday.”

Unconsciously, I lightly rubbed my throat. I remembered and the reaction it gave. Dreading the inevitable answer, I nodded for him to continue.

“During her physical, I checked for any signs of it. Without her consent, I was limited but …I found something.” He looked up and stared at me as he said the next part. “There was bruising on her thighs and old scaring around her ankles and neck under her fur.”

I felt a pit form in my stomach as my goggles covered my clenched shut eyes. Sadness and anger welled up inside me; even now, there are still those that do these acts. And I can almost guess on who the perpetrator was.

Breathing slowly, I looked at Suture. “Can I see her?”

Suture gave a nod and after setting the clipboard down got up from his seat. Walking around the desk and opening the door, he walked out and I followed close behind. We then began our walk down the hall to her room.

“Did she ever wake up from the shot yesterday?” I asked him as we neared the door.

“She woke up earlier; you can probably guess she didn’t like being restrained. Took us a while to calm her down enough just to feed her.” We stopped in front the right door. “She was still a little restless so we had to lock the door for precaution.”

“Do you think she’s still awake? I just want to talk to her for a minute.” I said as he undid the lock.

“If she is, just be careful and keep your distance.” He opened the door and walked in. “We wouldn’t want a repeat of yester-“

Suture stopped mid-sentence and halted mid-step and just stood there. Worried, I moved around to see him staring straight ahead, eyes wide in shock. Confused, I followed his line of sight and shared his shock at the cause.

“Where’d she go?!” The only bed in the room, which was supposed to have a strapped down mare, had its covers thrown aside and destroyed straps. But no mare.

I quickly moved towards the bed and picked up one of the straps; it looked like they were sliced with something sharp. Suture trotted up next to me and I showed him the strap.

“She cut herself free.” He took the strap and examined it. I dropped down and checked under the bed.

“Where would she go? There’s no window and the only way out is through a locked door.” Suture explained.

I got up from the floor and thought about that. Suture was right, where could she have gone? We got our answer when my ears perked up after hearing something faint. A look behind showed the source.

“Hey!” The mare, bandages wrapped around her head, stood in the doorway. Hearing my voice, she looked to give me the same hateful glare from yesterday before walking into the hallway, the door closing behind her. I sprinted to catch her but the door had closed shut; I tried the handle but the door didn’t budge.

“Ah, she locked it!” I cried out. Suture came up beside me and helped in the effort but the door refused to open.

“Damnit, how’d she get past us?!” He shouted.

“She must’ve been behind the door when it opened.” I said. Suture then began to pound on the door with a hoof.

“Somepony unlock this damn door!” He shouted through the door. Sighing, I backed up, turned around and reared up on.

“Get back.”

“What are you-” ‘THUD’ Hoof met metal as I bucked against the door, a solid thud resonating in the room.

“The hell are you doing?!” He said. I reared and bucked the door again.

“What’s it look like!” I bucked the door again, leaving a sizeable dent this time.

“That’s a metal door your hitting; you're just gonna hurt yourself!” He chastised.

One more buck and my legs came down on the ground, pain shooting through them. Gritting through it, I turned to look at the little damage I did. Well, that didn’t work, now what? As if answering, we heard movement on the other side.

“Dr.Suture, are you in there?!” I recognized that voice, it was the mare from the front desk.

“Unlock the door!” He called out. A moment later, a clicking sound was heard and the door opened. The pink nurse looking frightened and confused.

“Are you two alr-”

“Did you see where she went?!” I cut her off as I stood in front of her.

“Sh-she ran past the front desk and went outside.” The nurse said.

That’s all I needed.

I didn’t hear Suture yell out to me as I ran past the nurse and down the hallway. I pushed past others as I ran out the clinic. My head snapped left and right, eyes scanning the place to find the bandaged mare.

“Where’d she go?” I said to myself.

‘BLARE’ ‘BLARE’ ‘BLARE’

A loud alarm began going off that caused all of us to stop. Everypony looked towards the main gate as red lights on both sides started flashing. Those only go off when something bad I or has about to happen. Why would-

“Oh no.” I whispered in dread. I sprinted off towards the motor pool hoping I was wrong. I ran up to the doors and threw them open.

The scene that I got was as bad as I thought. There were tools scattered on the ground, ponies running around the place and the gate leading outside was busted outward.

“Aero!” I looked left to see Sprocket and Dune Rat walk up to me.

“What happened?”

“That crazy mare you rescued!” Sprocket exclaimed.

“She ran in here and before we could stop her, she got in one of the spare wagons and drove out into the wasteland.” Dune Rat explained.

“Damnit.” I whispered. This could not be any worse, she was in no condition to go anywhere. Looking around the, I glanced over at Sky Runner. I pushed past them and made my way over to it.

“Where are you going?” Sprocket asked as the two followed me.

“I’m going after her.” I said as I opened the driver’s door.

“Are you crazy?! You don’t even know where she went!” Sprocket said as I got in the seat and closed the door.

“She was my responsibility, I have to. Besides, she might get into trouble out there.” I pressed the ignition button and engine hummed to life.

“And what if you run into any raiders? You don’t have your gear!” He protested. I felt under the dashboard and unclasped something. I brought up a sawed-off shotgun for him to see.

“If it comes to it, I still got this.” I gestured before placing it back.

“Aero…” Dune Rat began.

“Look, I know what you’re going to say but it has to wait. I brought her here, so I’m responsible for what she’s done and may do besides, she’s not fully healed.” I said. “So please Dune Rat, I have to go cause the longer I wait, the farther behind I’m going to be.”

He looked at me for a long time; despite my goggles, he looked me dead in the eyes. He contemplated on what to say next.

“…The spark battery in the wagon she took wasn’t fully charged. It should be slowing down by now. If you hurry, you should catch up.”

“Thank you, I’ll be back before you know it.” I said. I popped it into drive and sped off through the hole and into the wasteland. Sprocket and Dune Rat watched as Sky Runner disappeared from sight.

“He’s going to be okay…Right?” Sprocket asked.

“…All we can do is hope for the best.”

Chapter 3: Part(2/2) (edit)

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The sun was slowly dipping as I made my way across the flats. I had been following the trail the wagon made to find her. I just hope she wasn’t in trouble. If the wagon died on her, she’d be stuck out here or worse.

Shaking the thoughts from my head, I stepped harder on the pedal and drove onwards. It wasn’t until a few minutes later that I spotted something in the distance ahead of me. As I got closer, I finally recognized the two shapes and one was moving.

The wagon had died on her and now it looked like she was pushing to get it going again. She was digging in with her back hooves and was too focused to not notice me.

I pulled to a stop close by and put on the break. I got out and slowly walked towards her. When I was close enough, I called out to her.

“Are you alright?” Her ears shot up when she heard me. That was my only warning before she dropped to all fours and took off running to the left.

“Hey, wait?!” I shouted, chasing after her. She must have been feeling better, she was a couple steps faster than me. She did a sharp turn that nearly made me trip before I corrected myself.

“Stop please, I’m trying want to help you!” My words fell on death ears as she just kept running. At some point, she tripped over something and stumbled, which let me catch up. I was close enough to tackle her to the ground.

“Get off me!” She screeched, struggling to get out from under me.

“Not until you calm down and listen!” I stated. I tried to keep her front legs pinned but her hind ones were more difficult from my position on her back.

“Would you please stop struggling and listen?” I asked her. “I just want to help.”

“I’m not listening to a word that comes out your fucking mouth!” She snarled as she turned her head to look at me with anger. “Now, get off me you striped hellspawn!”

Oh, …she did NOT just say that!

“Alright listen you! I know you did not jus-!”

‘THWACK’

PAIN!!! Pure agonizing pain! At some point, she managed to tuck in a hind leg and kicked up. This earned her a lucky yet painful shot at my private ‘bits’.

Rolling off, I laid on the ground, eyes and mouth clenched shut, with legs crossed to protect them from further harm. I heard her get up and had to force myself not to yell. Slowly getting up, I opened my eyes to see her make a beeline for Sky Runner.

Muttering some curses, I got back on my hooves and tore off after her. Pain aside, she had a head start on me but I wasn’t about to let her leave in my ride. That added thought got me moving and gave me an idea to veer off. She was a good couple of hoofs away from it before I collided into her from the side.

Cursing, she struggled a bit before glaring up at me. “You got a death-!”

“Will you shut up and listen for a damn second?!” I shouted, muzzles pressed against each other. “I’ve been trying to give you time and space but even my patience has limits!”

“I figured you had trust issues, hell I don’t blame you for everything but I’ve tried to give you the courtesy and sympathy you deserve, and what do I get!” My angered rant continued. “Hits and bruises aside, no one and I mean NO ONE insults my family without even knowing them!”

Breathing heavily after finishing my rant, I looked in her wide eyes waiting for a retort. What I got was something entirely different.

I didn’t notice but she was shivering, almost trembling under me and her eyes. The rage had been completely replaced, I had never seen so much fear in anypony or anyone.

She was outright terrified of me.

Realizing this, I got up and moved back. She scootched back further, drew her hind legs into her chest, all while keeping her eyes on me. Sighing, I closed my eyes and sat down hard on my flank.

“Look,” I began to say, my voice low and calm as possible. “I’m sorry I snapped at you and I understand why you have trust issues, especially with me. But you have to understand, I’m not like the one that hurt you.”

Her body stiffed up and she wrapped her front legs around herself in a protective hug, all while keeping her eyes on me. Waiting a minute, I continued.

“I know you want to get as far away from it as possible, but going off on your own in a random direction isn’t safe, especially in your condition.” I stood up and slowly walked towards her. “My home is the safest place out here. You can rest, get better, and then you can work on starting a new life.”

I stopped right in front of her, her eyes still on me but she didn’t move. Slowly, I raised my right foreleg and held my hoof out.

“I promise, I won’t let anything happen to you. So why don’t we head …back…home?”

I stopped talking when I looked left to see a dust cloud in the distance. I turned to get a better look it wasn’t big but I swear it was moving. It wasn’t windy enough for those, so what is it?

………… ‘VROOM’

My ears perked up when I heard something. It was faint but, it sounded like it came from the direction of the dust cloud.

……… ‘VRRROOOOM’

“What is it?” The mare asked me. She wondered what I was looking at. Problem was, I didn’t know either.

…… ‘VRRRRROOOOOM’

I pushed my goggles up and narrowed my eyes. The dust cloud was getting closer and I was getting nervous but I could almost make out that noise.

I swear it almost sounded like a…

‘VRRRRRROOOOOOOM’

My eyes went wide when I finally recognized that sound.

And we were in BIG trouble!

“GET UP!” I spun around and grabbed her shoulders. “Get up now, we’ve got to move!”

“Wh-what is it?!” She spoke, surprised and shocked by my action.

“No time, just come on!” I shouted. I grabbed her left hoof and started dragging her to Sky Runner.

“What the hell are you doing?!” She shouted.

“Getting us out of here!”

“Not until you explain what’s happening?!” She started struggling.

I looked back at her. “LOOK, we’re about to have company and it’s the kind we don’t want to know we’re here!”

‘BANG’

Something whizzed past between us and struck the ground. We slowly turned our heads to look down at the hole the bullet made. The engines were getting closer.

“COME ON!!!” I basically dragged her the rest of the way to Sky Runner. I threw the door open and pushed her in before climbing into the driver seat. Shutting the door and shifting gear, I slammed down on the gas and we sped off, tires squealing in the process.

My eyes were focused in front of me but I chanced a glance behind. I don’t know where they came from but there was still a big gap between us and them. Doesn’t mean it can’t change real quickly. And my passenger was not making any less stressful.

“We have to get out of here.” She squeaked out before looking at me. “Get us out of here!”

“What do you think I’m doing?!” I shouted. I heard the gunshots from the raiders behind us, only a few were hitting us. One shot actually made it through the opening in back and went past my ear and out the front.

‘I swear I’m putting in paneling if I live through this!’ I had to swerve right hard to avoid a boulder, nearly tipping over. Another round of bullets hitting the back brought out another scream from my companion.

“We need to find a safe place, take us back to town!” She said.

“I can’t!”

“Why not?!”

“I do that and they’ll just follow us. I’m not putting my home in this kind of danger!” I protested.

“Well, we need to do something!”

I glanced behind us and to my shock counted three motor carriages with raiders following us. I couldn’t tell but on the size and shape, I think they were the ‘Beetle’ model of the carriage.

‘Where the hell did raiders find those things?!’ They were catching up and we won’t last long out here. There wasn’t much time lef-

...Wait a minute.

“There’s a shotgun underneath the dashboard, grab it!” I said.

She paused for a second before ducking under and pulling out the weapon.

“How’s this going to help?”

“It might not be much but, I got a plan.” I turn to look at her. “Hold on, this going to get rough!”

The raiders were whooping and cackling as they closed in. They were out on a scouting mission when, by chance, they spotted a lone wagon slowing down. They kept track and followed at a distance, when it finally stopped and they were about to pounce, the shiny chariot showed up.

Now they had three prizes all in one package.

“Yeah, kill them!” The driver of a nearby black car yelled.

“Ravagers! Lord BrokenHorn will be pleased!” The passenger from the right one yelled.

“I shall become victorious! You wait and see!!!” The driver from the left one declared.

The chase had taken them farther north into where hills and ridges were becoming more present and objects from the past jutted from the ground. They had just past the remains of what might have been an airship’s bow when things got interesting.

The chariot took a sharp turn to the right before disappearing out of view behind a hill.

“Where’d they go?”

“They disappeared!” The lead raider shouted. “Fan out! Fan out and search!!!”

“No, no stick together. This one’s not stupid!” The right driver shouted. The three cars neared the hill to search for their missing prey.

What happened next went so fast, they didn’t see it coming. When the cars went past the hill, the chariot surged straight ahead and rammed the rear of the right one. The impact caused it to spin out as the chariot kept going. For the few seconds when the vehicles were parallel with each other, Aero’s passenger had the shotgun in her hooves and fired out the window, the shot had enough distance to hit and blast the driver in the face.

The carriage they had crashed caused the side to buckle inward from the impact. The hit caused it to clip the front of the middle one, which in turn caused the driver to lose control before driving into a small ditch, causing it to crash and flip over it and crashing hard onto its roof.

The last raider carriage still functioning was still being pushed by the chariot. The passenger was hurt while the driver recovered enough to grab a pistol and was about to shoot when their rear tire blew, causing the wagon to be pushed away and spin out of control. One more shot from the chariot’s passenger struck the exposed gas tank, igniting it and resulting in it exploding upward and landing hard onto the ground below.

Once the last raider vehicle was dealt with the chariot turned around and stopped, looking at the destruction.

I stared at the destroyed and burning wrecks before, pieces and parts of metal and raiders were thrown all over the place. My whole body was shaking, the adrenaline from it all leaving me, while my hooves had an iron grip on the steering wheel. I glanced over at my passenger and she was in the same state, breathing hard and clutching the shotgun close to her.

“…It worked.” She said, barely above a whisper. “I can’t believe it actually worked.”

I could only nod as I continued stared at the three destroyed raider vehicles, still shocked to see actual real cars. I drove slowly around the wrecks as I surveyed the damage.

“That was…the craziest and most reckless thing I’ve been a part of, in my whole life.” She announced.

“Yeah, not one of my better plans.” I finally spoke.

“Can we go back now? Please??” She asked, pleading.

I was about to say yes when I spotted something. One of the pieces from the wreck looked like something was on it. Curiosity topping better judgment, I applied Sky Runner’s brakes and got out.

“What are you doing? We need to get out of here!” My passenger said.

“There’s something on that part, I need to see what it is.”

“We don’t have time for this! More could be coming!”

“I just need a second!” I called back. Getting close, I pushed my goggles up and looked at the part. It looked like the door to one of the carriage but there was a design on it. It was painted white and looked like a jagged bull’s skull in the middle of half gear.

‘Weird design. I swear I’ve seen it before but, where?’ It’s truly weird because I swear I’ve seen something like this befo-

“AERO!!!” She shouted my name. I looked back at her and she pointed to something with her hoof. I followed the direction and my eyes went wide at the sight.

Multiple raider wagons were coming and closing in on us.

‘Oh no.’ I spun around and sprinted towards Sky Runner when they were on us. Wagons were circling around us as I got in and slammed the door shut.

“Get us out of here!!!” She shrieked. I took the brake off and was about to floor it when we heard something climb on top of the roof. Growling, I grabbed the shotgun, pumped it and leaned out the window.

“Get off!” I bit down and blasted the raider off the roof. Ignoring the splatter, I pulled back in and we both barely avoided a unicorn raider, who got close, shoving a sharpened pipe through the window. Grabbing the pipe, I punched the raider square in the muzzle, canceling his magic and throwing the pipe out.

Cursing that this can’t get worse, my passenger gave a shriek. My head snapped to the right to witness her being pulled out through the window by her mane.

“Let her go!!!” I shouted, reaching over to pull her back in. Before I could even touch her, another raider snuck up and grabbed me through my window. I struggled as another helped pull me out the door and throw me to the ground.

As soon as I hit it, they assaulted with stomps and kicks, one getting a lucky hit cracked my goggles. The pain was just piling on now, but I clenched my teeth to hold back any cries. I glanced up to see the unicorn I punched earlier, with a sadistic grin, levitate the sharp pipe with every intention on impaling me only to stop halfway through the act.

“Brokenhorn is here!” One raider shouted.

The other raider stopped and I could feel the ground shaking. Whatever or whoever was coming, it was big. I heard the sound of an engine and looked up to see where it was coming from.

It was the biggest and most intimidating thing I’ve ever seen in my whole life as it rolled to a stop, exhaust pouring from giant pipes on its front side. It looked like it was made from the parts of numerous vehicles. A modified giant gem engine with an actual intact car body welded on top of it and pulling what looked like a massive trailer on giant-sized wheels. The sight only would scare anyone, but that’s not what raiders were looking at.

They were looking at the figure atop of the massive object.

‘What the hell…’

Suspended above the trailer, metal braces extending from the car’s back, was a small, round, open platform. Sitting on an intimidating metal throne, flanked on both sides by snarling black dogs, was a massive figure. The glare from the sun cast the figure’s shadow that stretched over us. Getting up from his seat, the hulking figure placed a foot on the railing, glaring down, before jumping down and landing with a thud. Now, I could get a better look at the figure.

I remember my mother telling me about Minotaurs once, this one though might be an exception to what she described. He towered over all of us, scars decorated his body as large muscles tensed under his dark brown fur. A large brand of the symbol I saw was burned onto his chest as a black ring hanged from his nose. His right horn was cracked in half leaving serrated edges, but most disturbing part was that he had the heads of ponies impaled on pikes on his back as well as hanging from his belt with what might be the remains of his horn centered over his…‘personal effects’.

“Listen, my Hounds of Horror! You’ve hunted well!” He shouted, gesturing to the gathered raiders with arms open.

I was roughly pulled up by two of the raiders that took turns kicking me and held me in place between them. I glanced left and right trying to find her until I did. She was being held with a knife to her throat to keep her still.

Our eyes met and they showed pure terror and pleading for help. My heart wrenched at the tears going down her face. Damnit, this is my fault. Why didn’t we leave when we had the chance!

“You’ve have captured our prizes and what glorious ones they are!” He announced. He pointed at Sky Runner as he walked towards my captured companion. “You’ve seized a worthy chariot befitting to join the ranks of the Ravagers. Also-”

He stood in front of her now, I could barely see her trembling in fear at just looking at him. “You’ve recaptured our wayward dove who flew from our nest.” He grinned down at her as he placed a hand under her chin to lift her to look her in eyes. “My dear Scarlet, you’ve caused quite the hassle when you escaped, but all will be forgiven. Once we return, I know someone who would love to have his little bird back, after we have a discussion.”

“LEAVE HER ALONE!” I shouted at him, earning a hard jab to my ribs.

BrokenHorn heard the shout and turned around, finally recognizing my presence. Eyes narrowed, he let go of Scarlet and began walking towards me. As he got closer, I could see how truly big he was. Wasn’t long before he stood in front of me, I had to strain my neck to look him in the eyes.

“And what is this?” He spoke.

“The driver, he drove the chariot.” The raider on my right said.

The minotaur snorted and smirked. “So, this is the fox who thought it wise to attack my hounds.”

He raised his hand, gripped my throat lightly and with no effort, lift me up from the ground until we were eye level. It was hard to breathe and I couldn’t get him to let go even with all my strength. He watched my attempts of getting free and his smirk grew when he got a better look at me.

“Hmph, I know those eyes and stripes anywhere. Tell me, half-breed,” He sneered that last part. “What gives you the right to steal my property?”

The raiders cackled all around us as I glared at him. “Last I checked, no one’s property.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. She belongs to me, the Ravagers belong to me, these lands will belong to me! So tell me, why did you take her?” His sneer grew a little, showing his yellowed teeth. “Perhaps you wanted a taste of her nectar?”

A snarl escaped my throat. “I’m nothing like you, you udhuru mbaya kwa brahmin shit.”

The raiders laughing stopped as the smirk left his face and his eyes narrowed at me. He released his grip and I fell back to the ground where I was re-restrained by the two raiders. Breathing again, I looked up to see the unicorn raider, levitating my shotgun in his magic, walk over.

BrokenHorn grabbed the gun in his right hand and examined it. “It seems I must enlighten this fox of one important fact.”

He grabbed my mane and yanked it back to snap my head up to look at him.

“NO ONE PLUNDERS FROM BRACKUS BROKENHORN!” He announced. He spun the gun in his hand and grabbed the barrel. What happened next was fast, hard, and painful.

My head snapped to the right from the hit he gave with the stock of the gun after releasing my mane. The second hit came from the right, snapping my head back in place. I could already taste the copper substance and I was fading. Heading drooping, the last strike caught me under the chin, with enough force to lift me inches off the ground and flinging my head back, blood spittle coming from my mouth. After that, the raiders let go as I crumpled to the ground.

I was fading in and out of consciousness, I could hear the raiders began to move, beginning to move out. I felt hooves on me but I was too weak to struggle as they stripped off what I had. I heard Brokenhorn shout out an order as I heard engines start up and I couldn’t even move.

I think I had a concussion, my vision was real blurry at this point. Eyelids heavy, I just felt like closing them for a minute.

Just…for a minute...

…………

“AEROOOO!!!”

My eyes shot open as I coughed violently, blood spewing from my mouth as I rolled to my side. Still coughing, I looked up to see the raiders pulling out and leaving. To my right, the massive machine was driving away, with Sky Runner hitched up to the back.

Pushing up onto my legs, pain jolting all over my body, I half-staggered half-chased after it. The behemoth vehicle was starting to speed up and getting further away from me. Using what strength I still had, I pushed off the ground and made a desperate jump. Through sheer luck, I grabbed onto the back.

I had to grit my teeth as I felt my back hooves scrape against the ground. Growling in frustration, I pulled myself up and through the uncovered back, into Sky Runner. Any other day, I be mad this wasn’t covered, but not today. Moving forward, I got into the driver’s seat and tried to start her up with no luck.

“Damn it!” I shouted. They must have messed with the engine. Looking left and right, I could see the other raider vehicles as they moved beside or past us.

“Damn, which one is she in?!” The last look she gave, fearful eyes begging for help. I need to find her and we need to get out of here! Looking forward, I saw a big chain and it looked like it’s connected to the front bumper. Looking back, I saw one of my spare shovels and grabbed it.

Climbing onto the roof through the windowless windshield, trying to keep my balance as I moved to the edge. Looking down, I saw the hitch connecting the two vehicles. I yelped as we ran over a large bump and I had to reaffirm my footing.

Easing down gently to the beam, I balanced precariously on my back hooves as I gripped the shovel in my front ones. Eyeing the hitch and angled downwards, I struck it with the hope of detaching it. I struck a few more times, each hit more forceful until I missed and slipped.

I reached out and grabbed the chain, the ground rushing past my eyes. Breathing quickly, I pulled myself up and saw I did little damage to the thing. Growling loudly, my only choice now was to release the chain to this thing. Taking in deep breaths, I placed the shovel in my mouth, steeled my nerves and started climbing.

Feeling it rattle sent shakes straight to my bones as I kept my grip and climbed. Soon, I made it to the top and swung up onto the roof of the trailer. Looking at winch the chain was attached to, I only had a minute to think before I heard a growl.

“Prove your use, rip his throat out!” I only had seconds to put the shovel in front of me and turn around as one of the black dogs tackled me. Landing on my back and hissing, the shovel was my only barrier as the dog snarled inches from my face while the other, bigger one stayed back and waited for the command.

Adrenaline rushing, I pushed the dog back a bit to smack the side of its head with the handle of the shovel. The dog staggered back as I got up on my back hooves. It lunged at me, teeth bared, only to meet the flat side of my shovel. The dog growled lowly but quickly yelped as Brokenhorn grabbed it by the scruff of its neck.

“Worthless mutt.” He shouted as he latterly threw over the side, the poor thing crying as it disappeared in the dust cloud below. He then looked at me. “Be honored, you fall to the might of Brokenhorn!”

Instead of sending the other dog at me, he grabbed a cord at the top of his staff and pulled it. An engine sound revved up as the edges began moving. The top of the staff was a chainsaw.

“Oh, come on…” I muttered, staring at this monstrous minotaur with a shovel! The revving sound brought me back as I moved back to dodge a strike. I ducked as the thing went over my head, a few hairs sawed off, and then again on the return swing.

The sound of metal hitting metal made me look up to see half my shovel gone, leaving me only a sharp, metal stick. Looking up, I see Brokenhorn grin as he raised his staff to cut me in two.

Time slows down as I see the bladed weapon looming over. Was this it, was this how I was gonna die? I won’t be able to see my home, my friends and I won’t-

“AEROOOO!!!”

No, No Not yet. Not Yet!

NOT UNTIL I SAVE HER!!!

Yelling a battle cry, I lunged forward and pierced Brokenhoof through the shoulder. Surprised and stunned by the attack, I gave a hoof strike to his gut and jumped to nail his jaw. He staggered back and lost his grip on his weapon which allowed me to move quick enough to catch it.

Straining to keep it up, I heard a growl and saw the large dog come at me. Struggling, I moved the chainsaw to strike the dog as it jumped at me, lopping off the top part of its head. The canine landing beside me in a pool of its blood.

Looking up, I saw Brokenhoof refocus on me and growl. He reached behind him and I saw a gun. Moving fast, I rushed forward and knocked it out of his hand as it went off. Having lost his gun, he roared as he charged and before I could act tackled me, with the force of hitting a brick wall, to the ground, the pole snapping off and…

“AAAAARRRRRRGGGGHHHHHH!!!” He bellowed, in pain or anger I don’t know. All I saw was red as the chainsaw dug into his head, blood, and gore splattering on us. I felt his hands on my throat as he picked me up, the blade still going up.

He brought my face close to his as I stared into his bloodshot eyes as he growled and glared into mine. How could anyone have so much hate and evil inside of them?! He gave an enraged shout as he threw me away backward.

Last thing I remembered was hitting something hard and then nothing.

Fallout Equestria: The Flats

by GaleWind

Chapter 1 (edit)

Chapter 2 (edit)

Chapter 3: Part(1/2) (Edit)

Chapter 3: Part(2/2) (edit)