> Fallout Equestria: Dust
>  by Mr Foster
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue.  
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I would describe how war never changes, but you’ve already heard that story. While it is the same in some cases, and only the minor things change. The people, the reasons, the weapons.

My name is Dust. Nothing more, nothing less. Just Dust. I am part of the New Canterlot Republic, a Stallion ranger at that. This is my story; about how sometimes war is what you must go through to stop another. The story of 6 ponies that stopped what had been going on for so long. While it is not a happy story, it is one that will hopefully open your eyes. 

If you aren’t familiar with the story of the barren wasteland of Equestria, here it is. After a brutal war between who-ever it was, they dropped some powerful spells on the whole world. It caused massive destruction, and those who weren’t lucky enough to get inside some Stables, you were left to the hell that was the aftermath of the mega spells. Mutations, death, violence, and all out destruction. While the Stables were shrouded from the hell outside, ponies like me had to deal with killing from a very young age.

Drooping dragons, Mutated ponies, Raiders, mole rats, bloat sprites, and many other things. I killed my first pony at the age of 15. Before then, my family and I were farmers, happy, and content. We had made a living off of supplying the New Canterlot Republic with apples and such. Even though my cutie mark was a Star with a knife through the middle, but we all got weird cutie marks nowadays. It was almost like a normal life, if there was even such a thing. I never had any problems, except from having to blow the occasional bloat sprite out of the air.

I had a happy life, as well. If you were thinking of a dark backstory from a guy who makes a living off of killing ponies, think again. The only dark thing that has ever happened to me was the death of my parents, but that was life. Killing raiders was my thing, I guess. It wasn’t a very fun job, but it was necessary to make sure the wasteland was safe. While raiders strayed away from the bigger towns, places like ever free outpost and the crossroad plantation were always under attack. While things like the Steel Ponies and the New Canterlot Republic had joined together, factions like Chrysalis’ legion were always trying to take whole command the whole wasteland. 

Things had been going on a downhill slope since the legion popped up. There were murders, raids, and robberies across the wasteland. About at this point, I had joined the NCR (New Canterlot Republic). When I joined, I was considered cannon fodder, thrown into battle to be killed, so the elitist’s could come in and clean up after the enemy had run out of ammunition. I wasn’t down with that, so, instead of being killed, I did the exact opposite. I saved half of my platoon by using my wits and what little magic I had learned over the years to completely destroy the enemy, a group of Powder-Ponies. After that, I had been put in the special operations, and then The Stallion Rangers. I had a body count of well over 300, and I was viewed as a god by many of the soldiers on the field. But this whole time, I was completely alone.

Well, not completely. I had mare-friends here and there, but in the end, I was always re-stationed. 

Finally, when a good mare stepped into my life, Snow Flake, I finally took the thought of commitment seriously. I took a couple months off, and tried to have a normal life. A family.

Then, finally, when the time came, we had a child. 

Sadly, both Snow Flake and the baby died in child birth.

Afterwards, I tried my shot at redemption. I took command of my squad, and tried to be the best leader of them all.
To no avail, though. 

After our second mission together, I had gotten my squad massacred by a bunch of Legionnaires. I was left burned and bloody in the harsh desert, until a NCR patrol saved my life. After that little run in with fate, I turned to drugs, and alcohol. I spent what bottle caps I earned at the local watering hole, until I just had to face the facts.


I was depressed, useless. In fact, I had tried to kill myself on many occasions, but I guess that was just heavens way of saying they aren’t ready for me yet. That’s where we start. My latest attempt of suicide had left me bleeding in the middle of a sandstorm, lying next to what used to be a portal transporter. 

> Chapter 1: Ponies from another time
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Agh... What the buck?” I said, looking around. 

It was obviously a Sandstorm that was brewing up. I pulled myself upwards, slightly limping. I had thrown myself down a sand dune, onto a pile of Bark scorpions. It was a stupid idea, thinking they’re stingers would go through my armor. Only one even got a lucky shot, going through my fore hoof armor. It didn’t even have the lethal poison I was hoping for. I looked around, sighing loudly.

I healed myself, using what little healing magic I knew, and I walked along. The Gas mask was helpful, making sure I could see through the sandstorm, and marking live subjects through the HUD. I walked along, my boots sliding into the sand, as I walked towards the NCR encampment up the road. Then, something caught my eye. It was a little glowing motion on my HUD. It wasn’t some lost pony wondering through the wasteland. Perhaps a mutant. I took my high powered rifle from my back, using my magic to steady my hooves, and I looked through the scope. From what I could see, an old Teleportation station was starting up, and it was obviously getting some attention from some Powder-Ponies. They surrounded the portal, guns in hooves, and they aimed at it.

Then, 6 ponies stepped out of the portal, none of them dirty, or grizzled like the rest of the waste landers. I could tell that they were startled when the Powder-Ponies told them to get down. While a couple of them got down, the rest asked what for, from the looks of it. A single shot was fired, and the remainder of the standing ponies lay down. They were obviously from another time and place, perhaps from before the spells were released.

I breathed out, steadying my rifle once again. It was a semi-auto, so I could fire off rounds quickly, killing all the Powder-Ponies before they could react. I breathed in, and locked onto one of the Powder-Ponies head. I pulled the trigger, letting the bullet fly. I saw the spatter of blood, as the pony dropped, and I immediately locked to another ponies head. I fired, killing another Powder-Pony, his head splattering blood. I killed each of the Powder-Ponies before they had a chance to see my glowing red gas mask eyes. The other ponies, which had now looked around, seeing their captor’s dead, stood up, dumb founded. I put my rifle back into its position on my back, and I trotted over to the 6 ponies.

“Are you six okay?” I asked as soon as I got over there, pulling off my gas mask, so they could see my face.

They looked at me like I was a monster. I guess I looked like one, seeing as how I had multiple scars across my face, and a couple open cuts. They stood out on my Dirt brown coat as white cuts. It had been a while since I looked at myself in a mirror. I knew I had a sand colored mane, and glowing blue eyes, but not much else I had remembered. They just stared at me in fear, until one with pink hair and yellow fur spoke up.

“Um, we’re okay sir. Thank you for saving us.” She said her voice barely a coo in the loud wind of the Sandstorm. 

“You’re very welcome, miss. What’re you doin’ out here in the middle of a sandstorm? Shouldn’t you girls be inside?” I asked, having a quizzical look on my face.

“We don’t exactly know, sir. We just came from Ponyville, and now we’re here.” Said one of them, who had 3 Apples for a cutie mark.


“Well, that explains a lot. Ponyville’s ruins and it’s been a ruin for about 200 years at this point.” I said, looking around.

“Well, this is a retched place. I can’t stand to have my mane out in these elements” Said the white one, who had a purple mane.

“Well, have fun, because there isn’t any way to clean it within about 50 miles.” I said, putting my mask back on to protect my eyes from the sandstorm.

“That’s terrible! How will we keep clean?” Shouted one of them, probably the purple one, since the voice suited her.

“Well, I can’t exactly tell you that, but I can give you two options. I can either get you out of this sandstorm, give you a chance to survive, and bring you to New Canterlot, or I can leave you here, so the sand rips off your skin. Your choice.” I said. I had never been really one to be polite, but that’s what years of the brutal wasteland do to you.

“Gal’s, I suggest we go with the guy with the creepy gas mask.” Said the one with the Appleoosa accent. I nodded, and I gestured them to follow me to the APC which was about a mile away. 

“Um, excuse me sir? How far is wherever we are going?” Asked the one who had a bunch of butterflies for a cutie mark.

“Only about a mile. But then we’ll have to drive about 20 miles to the tram station.” I said, turning behind me. While it had been brief, I had a good idea who these ponies were. They were the ones who had once wielded the elements of the Harmony, but they weren’t there for us 200 years ago. I didn’t care much for that fact, but when it came to that, someone was going to have to confront them.

We reached the APC in about 10 minutes, and it was just sitting there, like I had left it. I opened the back, and the ponies piled in.

“What is this thing?” Asked the Blue one with the rainbow colored hair. 

“Armored personnel carrier. APC. They’re real handy for situations like this.” I said, turning on the engine.

“Why not just fly over this sandstorm?” she retorted, smiling smugly in the back.

“Well, the logical answer for that is some of us aren’t Pegasi.” I said, and she hoof pumped.

“But, the other reason is that some of us don’t like to be turned into atmosphere by the clouds.” I said, and her smug looked turned into surprise. 

“Wait, what happened here?” Asked the purple one, walking up to the driver’s seat.

“Well, it would seem if you really want to know, just look around you.” I said, opening the window slots.

I heard them yelp, as we passed massive craters, where drooping dragons and other disgusting creatures roamed around blast craters. I heard a ticking, and then Gas masks dropped from the Cabin of the Amtrak.

“Put ‘em on.” I said, pointing towards the gasmasks. 

“Why? They are extremely unfashionably, and they will ruin my mane!” Shouted the white one in fury.

“What’s more important, your mane, or your life?” I asked, turning to face them in the driver’s seat. 

They all obliged, and put on the gasmasks. The rest of the ride was quiet, except from the constant bickering between the pink one and the white one.

When we finally reached the Tram station, I stopped, and opened the cabin door, leaving the keys in the front.

“Masks off. Let’s get going, times ‘a wastin’.” I said, walking out. NCR troops surrounded the small Amtrak as I walked out, the mares in tow.

“Well, if it isn’t dust! Always picking up mares!”

“Get some flank dust!” 

“Danm dust, want to lend me some of ‘em once you’re done?” 

I gritted my teeth angrily, and I raised my helmet, showing them my scarred and burned face.

“Shut the hell up, you stupid colts!” I shouted, and they all backed away.

“Why do you even got ‘em, eh Dusty?” One of the NCR troopers asked, punching me in the shoulder. The mares all curled up together, facing away from the NCR colts.

“Government business.” I said, slowly waving the mares into the tram.

“Oh, so the old geezers are gonna plug ‘em, eh?” asked one of them, laughing hard. The rest of the group of soldiers started to laugh, and I snapped.

I used my telekinesis to bring the soldier who cracked the joke over to me. He just hung there in fear, gazing into my purple eyes. I then slammed my metal toed hoof into his face, breaking his snout. I dropped him, and he screamed in agony, as he held his nose. God, how I abused these men. I walked up to the tram, closed the door, and set us off.

“I’m sorry about how my men are acting. They have been driven insane by this post.” I said, putting my saddle bags down.

“It’s okay. Better than the way those colts treated us when we came through the portal. What is this place?” Asked the purple one, looking at the barren wasteland.

“You are looking at the Equestrian wasteland. Smack dad in the middle of nowhere. 1000 miles north of normal, and about 5000 miles east of safe.” I said, pulling a syringe from my saddle bags, and rolling up the sleeve on my forehoof.

“Well, let us introduce ourselves. I’m Twilight, this is Applejack, Rainbowdash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy.” Said Twilight, pointing to the mares. They all waved their hooves at me, except Fluttershy. I guess her name matched her description.

“I’m Captain Dust of the Canterlot Stallions. I would welcome you, but I’m guessing that where ever you came from was a much better place than here.” I said, injecting the syringe into my arm. I grimaced in agony, taking in the powerful medicine. I immediately felt better, letting all the radiation leave my blood stream. 
I rolled down my sleeve, and put the syringe back into the saddle. I sighed.

“Well, I guess that Ponyville was a better place, but about at this time, it’s gone, I guess.” Said Rainbowdash, her eyes lowered. I then realized that they had left before they were even part of they were ministry mares. This just got a whole lot more complicated. 

“I guess not even the elements of harmony could stop this crap from happening.” I said, lighting a smoke.

They all looked at me, slack jawed.

“Just because I may be a military pony, doesn’t mean that I don’t do my studying. I know who you six a- .” I was cut off by an explosion, and then I blacked out.




Footnotes: Level up! You have reached Level 7

Perks (From all 7 levels): 
Quick shot: Able to fire guns faster then anypony else!
Recon: You are extremely gifted in the art of recon. 20+ points for guns and sneaking
Intimidation: You intimidate your enemies! 20% more chance of enemies fleeing!
Big Mac' attack!: You inherit your strength from the one and only "Big Mac'". While in combat, your strength is doubled!
Escape artist: You need your stealth for you missions, don't you? 20+ points to sneak, lock pick, and speech
Field Medic: You can heal yourself and anypony else on the field without stimpacks with this perk!
Riflecolt: Whenever using rifles (Sniper rifle, Anti-material rifle, ect.) Your damage, chance for critical hit, and speed is doubled!

Much thanks to Kkat, Somber, and No-one
> Chapter 2: Welcome to Hell
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Buck! This is the second time today!” I yelled, putting on my saddle bags, and my helmet quickly, crawling out of the rubble. 
I grabbed my high powered rifle from my back, and quickly yanked off the scope. It was much better suited for close combat now. I looked around, seeing that 5 ponies had recovered. 5? There was someone missing. I then realized who it was.

“Where’s Fluttershy?!” Screamed Rainbowdash, ripping through the rubble.

“I’ll deal with that!” Shouted Twilight, who then turned to me.

“I’ll help, but first we got to deal with these Powder-Ponies!” I shouted aiming down the sights at the handful of figures on the horizon.

I fired a shot, and it rang through the air. The Mares covered their ears, seeing as how they hadn’t got used to the shot of a gun yet. I kept on popping rounds at the figures, the bullets whizzing around me as I reloaded my rifle. I slapped the action, and fired another round through the air. Then, it was silent. They were all dead. All of them. I stood up, putting my rifle on my back, and I trotted over to the bodies of the Powder-Ponies. I raided their bodies of ammunition, and grabbed what I could in medicinal supplies off of them. Some purified water, a couple stimps, and even a whole hit of rad away.

“Alright, let’s find Fluttershy.” I said, turning on the HUD on my helmet.
We started scanning the rubble, when I found a slight blood trail from where she was sitting on the tram. While it was a tiny one, I could only hope it was hers. I followed it, not telling the others about it, until I reached the end of the rubble. There, I saw that the blood trail had gotten larger, and there was a bloody bullet on the ground.

“God damn.” I said, further tracking the blood trail. 

I had gotten about 200 yards away from the crash, when I was attacked from behind. I screamed in agony as I felt a blade puncture through my coat, glancing off the side of my rib. I threw of the attacker, and I drew my machine pistol from my holster on the side, using my magic to aim it, and fired on him. While magic wasn’t usually used for combat, except for steadying your gun, it was good for spraying people with lead. The assailant fell to his knees, and two more attacked me. I kicked one in the face with my hind legs, smashing his nose, and I reloaded my machine pistol quickly, using my magic for a quicker reload. I unloaded on the two, and they dropped as well. I then turned, just to see a Powder-Pony holding a handgun to Fluttershy’s head.

“Put the gun down, kid.” I said, glaring at the Powder-Pony.

“If you even so much as lift that gun, I will blow her brains out.” Said the Colt, who was obviously nervous. 

You see, the only reason I had survived this long is because I was one of the few ponies to master combat magic. I could disarm opponents, stun them, cuff them, and even launch them. Most of the time, unicorns viewed their horn as not a receptacle for magic, but as a useless tool, except for impaling people. Oh how I wish that was the case. 

“Kid, I’m going to give you a chance. Put the gun down, and walk away, or I will destroy you.” I said, my mask glowing bright red.

“Buck you!” He shouted, and I sighed.
“Alright, if that’s the way you want it, that’s the way you get it.” I said, my horn glowing inside my gas mask.

The gun launched out of his hand, and he took another gun from his secondary holster. He fired a single shot, hitting Fluttershy on the hind leg, and fired the second one at me. I moved the bullet using my magic, so that it wouldn’t hit me, and I raised my own weapon, using my hoof this time for accuracy, and I let the bullets fly, killing the colt. But not before he fired another shot, straight at Fluttershy’s head. I jumped in the way, the bullet flying into my stomach. I groaned, and I hit the ground with a thud. I stood up, bleeding everywhere. I coughed, and I looked over to Fluttershy. She was trying to stand up, but the bullet in her right hind leg was keeping her from doing that.

“Don’t worry about it, Fluttershy. I’ll get you out of here.” I said, walking over to her.

“Oh, please sir, I’m fine. I’ll get blood all over you, and we don’t want that.” She said. It was true, she was covered in blood, but I didn’t care.

“It’s okay. C’mon, up you go.” I said, standing on my hind legs, picking her up. She groaned, and we walked over to where we had crashed. She was bleeding everywhere, and it was kinda obvious that she was screwed if we didn’t stop the bleeding, and clean out the wound.

“Fluttershy! What happened?” Yelled Rarity, trotting over to see her friend, who was now slowly going into coma due to blood loss. She had been hit in the waist with a small .22, but it bounced off, only leaving torn skin. The .45 had done the most damage, getting lodged into her leg.

“Everyone stand back. She needs medical attention.” I said, as an Amtrak pulled up, filled with more Stallion Rangers.

The door opened up, and the rangers piled out, clearing the area, when a lone female unicorn walked out. Her name was Sophia, and she was the only pony to ever be accepted into NCR from a stable. She was white, with a blueberry colored mane. She was pretty much one of my only friends, seeing as how we were trained together.

“Afternoon, Sophia.” I said, walking over to her. She saluted, and I laughed.

“Anyone hurt?” Asked Sophia, her eyes scanning the area.

“Yeah, we need emergency surgery on a mare. Bullet lodged in leg, probably a couple broken bones.” I said, pointing over to Fluttershy, where she laid on a soft patch of ground.

“Okay, I’ll get right on it. Men! You stay here.” Shouted Sophia, and the Stallion rangers groaned.

I ushered the Ponies onto the Amtrak, and I helped Sophia with Fluttershy, pulling her onto the fold out bed. Sophia pulled out her medical tray, and then tapped something on her Pipbuck. She then turned to Fluttershy, putting a mask across her face. She breathed in a couple times, than fell asleep. Her friends didn’t take to kindly to that.

“You monster! You killed her!” Twilight screamed, charging at Sophia with her horn down. I held her back, using my magic to make a barrier.

“Non-sense, you silly filly.” Said Sophia in her usual cheery voice. She had been out of the stable for about 8 years now, but she still maintained her cheery repertoire. 

“I simply put her to sleep, so she won’t feel pain while I do surgery.” Said Sophia, smiling, and putting on her medical mask.

“Oh Celestia. It’s been an hour here, and one of us is already in a near death situation.” Said Applejack, who was face-hoofing. I sighed, and I took off my gas mask, and put on a medical mask.

“Scalpel.” Said Sophia, and I levitated the scalpel over to her levitation reach.

She cut into the muscle of Fluttershy’s thigh, slowly going below her cutie mark. She then made a symmetrical cut to the right of the first cut, and lifted the skin and muscle. I heard Pinkie Pie gag in disgust. I continued to watch, bringing tweezers over to Sophia, so that she could pull the bullet out. She then cut away the muscle around the bullet wound, showing the silver bullet embedded in her inner muscle. I brought the tweezers over, and pulled the bullet away, tearing some muscle, and slipping it out of the cracked bone.

I had seen this before, seeing as how I was mostly a medic, not a sharpshooter (Didn’t explain that, huh? I started my career as a medic. Not an actual combatant.) I put the bullet on a tray, and then I got out the healing equipment. I injected a stimpack into her lower leg, and then we used our combined magic to repair a little bit of bone and muscle. While we had adapted to healing magic, it was a practice. A little bit drained us, so we mostly used it for bruises and cuts. Repairing a bullet wound is like a death sentence if you try to do it all with healing magic. Instead we made things like healing potions and stimpacks, using them to heal instead of actual magic. 

I put the flesh back in place, and started to sew away, as Sophia magically tapped on her Pipbuck. I then took out another Stimpack, and injected it into the lower leg again. By now, both Rarity and Pinkie Pie were throwing up, Twilight and Rainbowdash holding the bags for them. I looked over, shaking my head in pity. They had entered this world, a world without friendship, happiness, and families. Just hate, greed, death, and many other nasty things. I finished stitching the wound, and then burned the stitches closed. I saw Fluttershy’s sleeping face grimace in pain, and I sighed.

“Should we give her some healing potions and Rad potions?” I asked, turning towards Sophia. She nodded, still tapping on her Pipbuck. I sighed, putting some Medical potion inside a vial, and then connecting a needle to it. I put the needle inside, and injected, watching Fluttershy’s face go peaceful once again. I then took a pack of Rad-away, also known as Rad-apple extract, and hooked it up to a needle as well.

At this point, I was straining, my magic going on restlessly. Beads of sweat ran down my fore head, making it that much harder to see. I injected the needle into her lower thigh, and pumped some Rad-away into her legs, letting the sweet orange extract flow through her veins. I groaned in agony, setting the Rad-away down on the table, and pulling off my mask with my hoof. I slouched in the chair next to Fluttershy’s operating table, and I injected a shot of Rad-Apple extract mixed with Bloat sprite poison. It immediately perked me up, making me hyper aware.
“You know, Dust, you won’t be able to last much longer without getting addicted to Spell juice.” Said Sophia, turning towards me, sadly sighing. It was true, I was almost addicted to the stuff, but it was so useful for regenerating your magic.
I looked outside the window slots, and I saw we were approaching the magnificent city of new canterlot. 

“Girls, I suggest you look out the windows. This is the city of New Canterlot.” I said, pointing out the window.

They gazed in awe at the towering buildings. Canterlot had been completely rebuilt, now with neon lights, massive casinos, and other such things. While we weren’t actually able to go inside the city without passports, we passed the old-side whore houses and weapons shops. Colts and mares lined the streets, brandishing either holsters for those carrying smaller weapons, and the ones with larger weapons, brandishing battle saddle’s. I didn’t mention that, did I? Most of us used battle saddles, being able to shoot without using levitation, but some of us (Like myself) were skilled enough to steady the rifle with our hooves (hard to do.) and pull the trigger with our tongues or magic. I sighed, as we pulled into Camp Alicorn. Pretty corny name, seeing as how there only a single Alicorn left, that was being Princess Luna. But we’ll get to that when the time comes. The back of the Amtrak opened, and the 5 conscience ponies of harmony stumble out, carsick. I helped Sophia pull Fluttershy out of the Amtrak, rolling her out on the collapsible bed. A primary surgery team was waiting for Fluttershy, and they immediately took her, wheeling her away into the gleaming white hospital.

“What are they going to do?” asked Pinkie Pie, who had recovered from her sickness due to the surgery.

“Make sure she heals right. They’ll release her in a few days, but for now, she needs to rest.” Said Sophia, who was again tapping on her Pipbuck magically.

“Well, that’s good. Fluttershy’s a strong mare, she’ll pull through.” Said Twilight, looking around.

“Alright. I suggest that we get you checked in at one of the stable hotels they have.” I said, gesturing at the stable 57 sign across the clearing in the base. We walked along towards the towering hotel, as a moving picture flashed across one of the recruitment billboards.

“Courage. Strength. Honor. These are things you will get if you join the NCR, the most powerful military force in all of Equestria!” Said the metallic voice from the billboard, showing stills of Stallion Rangers. I identified the voice as Princess Luna’s royal canterlot voice, and I groaned. She was always telling us to join, even though our corps was extremely over populated. I lead the 5 over to the hotel, and opened the door.

“Just check in, and I’ll be back shortly with some food.” I said, and they all obliged, walking in.

“Getting more and more mares every single day, huh?” I heard a voice from behind me say.

“Danmit, Darin’! I already broke a colt’s nose today or that joke! I don’t want to have to break my best friend’s nose too!” I said, turning around, punching his shoulder.

Darin’s real name was Rose, but his last name was Daring. So we called him Darin’, seeing as how he enjoyed that much more than Rose.

“Man, Dust. I don’t see why you don’t want to get in a relationship with a nice mare.” Said Darin’ flapping his rose colored wings. He had a black mane, but everything else on him was rose colored. 

“It’s because every time I do, they end up being killed, or I get pulled into a different position.” I said, walking towards the medical cabin. While the bullet wound I had sustained had been mostly healed with some Medical potion, and a couple stimpacks, I needed to make sure I was going to heal up okay.

I walked in, Darin’ following behind me. I looked around looking for Sophia, but she was obviously not there.

“Well, I’ll see you tomorrow, Dust. We got lotsa’ work to do, my friend.” Said Darin’, as he walked out the front door. I sighed, and leaned back in my chair, drifting off to sleep.


Footnotes: 45% level up!

Thanks to Kkat, Somber, and No One
> Chapter 3: PonyVille
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Dust, get up!” Said an aggressive voice in my ear. I opened my eyes open slowly, and I saw Sophia staring at me angrily.

“What up, sweetie?” I asked in a mocking tone, slightly smirking.

“That’s what’s up!” She shouted, pointing at the bullet hole in my chest armor.

I groaned. She was always thinking wounds were so much worse than they actually were. I used my magic to pull off my chest piece, so she could make sure the wound was clean and uninfected.

“Grab a belt. I’m going to do live surgery on this.” Said Sophia, and I levitated a belt into my mouth, biting on it.

Sophia cut into my stomach, using a scalpel, and I bit down hard on the belt. The pain was unbearable, but it wasn’t the worse I had experienced. Sophia pulled the bullet out, and then healed the little incision and bullet wound closed.

“Thanks, I owe you one.” I said, putting my chest piece back on. 

“You owe me a whole lot more than one.” Said Sophia, walking over to the sink to clean off her tools.

“Say, this is off topic, but is there anyone special in your life?” I asked, fastening the chest piece snugly, so it wouldn’t fall off.

“Uh, well there’s this one guy, why?” Sophia asked, turning to me, her gleaming blueberry eyes gleaming in the darkness.

“Oh, no reason. Stupid Darin’ asked me why I haven’t settled down yet.” I said, looking around the wooden cabin. It was empty, which was a relief. I didn’t like seeing wounded ponies, and it always made me cringe. 

“Oh, well, he asked me the same thing.” Said Sophia, looking at the clock.
“I better go and check on those mares, make sure they’re settled down.” I said, walking towards the door.

“Wait, Dust! Where are you going to sleep tonight?” Sophia asked, slightly chasing after me.

I didn’t exactly know. Most of the time I slept in whatever town I was staying in’s tavern. I didn’t have a place at base.

“I don’t know. I’ll figure something out. Don’t you worry.” I said, walking out the front door, into the pouring rain. I sighed, pulling my gasmask from my saddle bags, and fastening it on. I walked over to the Stable 57 hotel, my red lenses glowing bright red. I entered the hotel, which was once a vault, and had now been turned into a hotel.

“Excuse me, can you tell me where the 5 mares that checked in about 3 hours ago rooms are?” I asked kindly, pulling off my gasmask.

“Yes. They are in room 204, second level.” Said the earthpony at the front desk.

I walked over to the stairs, and opened the door. I felt a whoosh of cool air hit my face, and I remembered that the stairs were hanging on the edge of oblivion. I walked up, not looking down into the never ending darkness, and into the second floors lobby. From there I took the left corridor down the hall, which had a disgusting wall paper on it, to room 204. I heard some talking from inside and the constant sound of Rarity’s complaints about not being able to wash her “glorious mane”.

I knocked on the door, and I heard Twilight shushing the ponies.
“Who is it?” Asked Twilight, looking through the peep hole.

“It’s Dust. I got some food for you guys.” I said, looking in my saddle bag. It was filled with pre-war delights, such as cupcakes, pie, and even a golden delicious apple. Then there was the crap I had to put up with, like bloat sprite meat, fire crocodile steak, and other such things.

The door opened and the girls looked at me worriedly. I then realized they wanted to know about Fluttershy.



“She’ll pull through. Here, I got you some food.” I said, pulling some of the Pre-war sweets out of my food compartment. They all walked over, and started to eat them, ravaging the multi-colored foods. It wasn’t enough to feed them all, so I brought out the nasty stuff. I laid out several cooked steaks, and some purified water.

“What is this?” Asked Rainbowdash, touching one in disgust.

“Sorry for the terrible food, but it’s all I could find that didn’t taste like dead people.” I said, pulling out the last golden delicious apple.

They all dug in, and surprisingly, liked it. All except Rarity, who was too busy pouting about her ruined mane.

“My goodness, it’s disgusting! It has dust, and dirt, and grime, and is uneven!” Said Rarity, who was using her water to clean out her hair.

“Oh, will you shut the buck up?” Asked Applejack, who was trying to cope with the stress of the hell hole she was in. I sighed, looking at all the ponies, when my radio crackled.

“Dust! Where the buck are you?” Shouted a voice through the speakers. Darin’.
I pressed the button with my lower jaw, and talked into it.

“Darin’! What’s wrong?” I asked, looking at the ponies, who had taken no notice to what I was doing.

“Chrysalis’ legion found about them ponies! Now she wants them, and she’s on the edge of what were sweet apple acres.” Shouted Darin’ through the radio. Applejack flinched at that, and immediately stood up.

“Alright, I’ll be there as soon as I can. Ponyville, right?” I asked, pulling my gasmask over my face.

“Eeyup. Get here as soon as you can, aight’?” asked Darin’, the sounds of gunshots in the background.

“Acknowledged.” I said, turning the radio off.

“Well, excuse me girls, but I must cut our visit short. Duty calls.” I said my rifles action cocking.

“I’m coming.” Said Applejack, who was now standing up.

“No you aren’t. There is no way in hell, that a civilian pony is gonna go in to battle, thinking that she can take the pain, just to get shot through the head by some Pegasus with good aim.” I said, abruptly walking out the door. I heard her sigh, and I walked out of the hotel. 

In the front of the hotel was a Humvee, ready to go. I walked over, jumped onto the roof, then into the gunner’s slot. We sped off the night surrounding our small car.


It was near 9 o’clock when I got to Ponyville. The place was a hellhole, filled with the explosions of rockets, and the sound of gunshots. I got out of the Humvee, pulling my rifle over my shoulder, and walking over to the library tree house. I climbed to the top, nesting myself in the branches. By now, the legion had made its way into the town, and was wreaking havoc. I turned on my night vision, and slid the silencer onto the rifle’s barrel. I aimed down the scope, finding a target, and firing. I felt the rifles kick, and I saw the blood spatter out of the Legionaries’ chest. He fell, still alive, screaming for help. 

Bait. 

I watched as his friends came over, and I fired more shots into them, killing these ones. The one who was incapacitated slowly bled out, as I watched his pulse of light in my scope slow to a stop. I then moved, seeing a bunch of unicorns holding machetes attack the flank. I turned my body around, firing into them. Most of them were killed off the bat, but there were an unlucky few who had their spines shattered by the bullets. I then heard a slight whistling, and I saw a mortar impact a group of NCR soldiers, scattering and dismembering them. I grimaced at the sight, and then scanned to see the mortar squad. I saw them, there heat signatures masked by the long dead apple trees on the edge of Ponyville. I fired a single round, and then the group exploded. I had hit their mortar box, and it obviously left devastating results.

Then, the legion’s cannon fodder came. Hundreds upon hundreds of soldiers walked over the hill, all carrying long range weapons. I took a deep breathe, and then aimed into the darkness. It was going to be a long night.


I woke up, the sunlight poking through the grey clouds. It was a rare spectacle, but it was enjoyable. I stood up, being wary that I was still in the tree. I stood up, looking across the barren landscape. It was a mix of blood, bullet casings, and bodies. The stench of burning flesh lingered in the air, and I noticed the pile Legion bodies. I didn’t have a good look at the enemy in the dark, but I presumed they were changelings, seeing as how Chrysalis is one. Instead, they were ponies. Piles upon piles of ponies. From the oldest hag, to the youngest filly. It occurred to me that the brutality of the legion was limitless, using slaves, and children to fight. I even saw a filly without a cutie mark. I pulled off my mask, and jumped off the top of the tree. I hit the ground with a grunt. I walked over to the pile of bodies, and I saw Darin’ crying over a body of a purple mare.
I very well knew who he was crying over. It was his sister, Violet Sun. She had taken a rifle round to her chest, and her breathe was shallow. 

“Darin’ I’m so sorry.” I said, putting my hoof on his shoulder.

“Just… just go away.” Said Darin’, his voice choking.

“Look, Rose. Relax.” I hadn’t used his first name in a long time.

“Please… just put her out of her misery.” Said Darin’, who was holding a handgun in his hoof. My eyes grew wide, and a tear erupted from my right eye. I couldn’t just very well kill Darin’s last family member. I grew up with them, they were lifelong friends. 

“Wait.” I heard. It was barely a whisper, but I knew who it came from.
“Violet?” Asked Darin’, who held her hoof-in-hoof.
“Rose. I wanted to say that you’ve been a good big brother too me. You taught me the ropes of life. You kept me alive and well after ma and pa died.” Said Violet, and then I heard Darin’ crying once again.

“Don’t do this to me, Vi.” Said Darin’, looking Violet in her dying eyes.

“I want you to know, you are my big brother. And you will always be my big brother. No matter what comes between us. Whether it is death, hate, or a wall, you will always be my big brother. I want you to know that. That no matter what, you are my family, and it will always be that way.” Said Violet, her eyes slowly closing. 

“Violet? Vi?” Asked Darin’, his eyes watering up again. She didn’t respond. She drew her last breathe, and then rested, eternally.

I pulled my gasmask over my heart, and the rest of the NCR troops standing around did the same, pulling their masks and hats over their chest. I sighed, and I looked around, when I heard a chuckling.

“Pussy ponies. You are always so weak.” I heard, to look down and see a Legion Zebra, laying there, his right for hoof blown off.
Darin’s eyes grew red with fury.

“What did you say, you piece of Legion crap!” Screamed Darin’, raising his hoof in anger.

“You’re so weak. You should have never joined the NCR. At least you will see her soon, when the legion kills you all, and takes back rightful glory of canterlot!” Screamed the Zebra, laughing insanely.

Then he was screaming. I kept on slamming my hoof into his face, smashing it into pieces. I felt his skull cracking beneath his skin, the blood spattering across my hoof. I kept slamming my hoof into him, until it was just the sound of crunching bones, and blood splattering.

“Captain! That is enough.” Yelled a voice.

I turned, and saw Chief Mallow. He was a purple earth pony, whose coat had been scarred so much that half of it was white lines and holes, and the other half was a shade of purple that had sat out in the desert sun too long. His mane was a clean shaven hue of blood red, and his cutie mark was a pure white star, with cross hairs in it.

“The Zebra’s dead. You can stop making brain salad now.” Said Mallows, not trying to hide his accent. It was a slow drawl, like the type you hear on drunks from Apploosa. 

I stood up, blood spattered all over my chest and hooves. I sighed, looking around the brutal battlefield. I looked at what was once a beautiful town, full of happiness. Even some of the skeletons from the mega-spells lingered. I saw a skeleton of a mare Pegasus, holding a much smaller colt Pegasus in her hooves. I sighed, and then picked up a shovel with my magic.

“I’ll help bury the dead.” I said, waving the shovel around.

“I’m sure the pasture will be a nice place.” Said a voice from behind us. I turned around, seeing that Apple Jack had made it all this way, with Twilight.

“I thought I told you to stay put.” I said, my eyes narrowing.

“Well, I thought those were unjust orders, so, with a little help of Twilight’s amazing seductive skills,” Twilight blushed. “We got over here.” Said Apple Jack, giving me a defiant look. 

I sighed, looking up at the barn on the top of the hill, which was surrounded by long dead apple trees. I sighed, smelling the blood in the air. I looked at Apple Jack, who was staring sadly at the barn house. I put the two and two together, and realized that she was once the owner of sweet apple acres. I sighed, remembering this is where the 6 ponies of harmony had hailed from. I looked in my saddle bag, for something I had found while looking around the barn house. 

It was a revolver, a pearl grip with the words “Forever Faithful” written on the side. It was black steel, gleaming in the sunlight, and it had gold engravings on the side, of a pony with a cowboy hat sitting underneath an apple tree, a reed hanging out of her mouth.

“Here, I believe this is yours.” I said, levitating the handgun over to her. She looked at it with dis-belief, and then her eyes welled up in tears.

“Where did you find this?” asked Apple Jack, her eyes still filled up with tears.

“I found it by the side of a skeleton of a big colt. Up in the barn house.” I said, my eyes wavering.

Apple Jack started to strait up bawl. I had never heard of her do that in the collection of stories I had read. Usually Fluttershy was the one who was crying, but I guess the revolver had sentimental value.

“Thank you. It means a whole lot to me.” Said Apple Jack, who was smiling through her tears.

“You’re welcome.”


Throughout the next 5 hours, we dug up holes all around the battle field to bury our dead. It was hard work, having to soften the ground. The strong colts pulled the hoes over the ground, pulling up the ground. We then dug up the now soft dirt, and put the bodies’ in. after we covered them back up, and planted apple seeds over the graves. Each tree would show a soldier who died. We then gathered the bodies of our enemy by the hundreds, and then burned them in piles. Afterwards, we planted poison fruit trees over the ashes, each tree showing a unit of 100 soldiers of the legion who fell to us. It was harrowing work, and I was glad to go back home to Camp Alicorn. I rode in the same Amtrak as Apple Jack and Twilight Sparkle, so I heard their first person accounts of the royal wedding, and such.

“It was so funny when Chrysalis was sent into Oblivion by Princess Cadence! The look on her face was priceless!” Laughed Twilight, who was buzzed on Apple Whiskey.

“A’hm tellin’ ya’ll whut’, her face was number one for idiotic look contest!” Shouted Apple Jack, who was also buzzed on Apple Whiskey. I could tell they weren’t going to have a good morning tomorrow, but we would worry about that when the time came.

The Amtrak stopped, and the door opened, and we stumbled out, laughing insanely. I looked up, and I saw an annoyed looking Sophia looking at me.

“Gal’s, I suggest you head to your room. I’ll bring you some food when I *hick* get some.” I slurred, stumbling over to Sophia. I had had a fair share of drinks myself to get over the death of Violet.

“Violet dies, and you are drunk?” asked Sophia angrily, her eyes filled with rage.

“Calm yourself, Sophia. It’s to numb the pain.” I said, acting serious. While it was hard to do when drunk, it is an attribute I have gained after years of practice.

“Fine. If you or any of the other ponies have a hangover, don’t come running to me.” Said Sophia, turning around, and walking to her shed, her Pipbuck shining in the night.

I walked quickly over to the food storage area, paying up front in bottle caps for a feast of good food. One of the traders had found fresh apples and some actual steaks from Fire-gators. I bought them all up, and stumbled to the hotel, keeping my balance fairly well. I walked to the second floor, and knocked on the door of the 5 ponies.

“Hellooooooo?” Asked a voice, who I identified as Twilight’s.

“It’s Dust, with a large amount of *hick* sultry treats! Come one, come *hick* all!” I half hiccupped, half laughed. They opened the door, and I had found all of them wasted off of some type of liquor. They were all laughing, blushing, and completely, and utterly out of their minds. 

“So, did you bring us anymore sweeeeeets?” slurred Pinkie Pie, who was now a weird shade of pink purple.

“Nah’, but I got some of them golden delicious apples!” I shouted, and they all cheered.

The night was just a blur. Nothing I ultimately regretted happened, just, conversations, except, drunk. Everyone talked about how Rainbow Dash was hot for Soarin’, how Twilight had a crush on (the late) princess Celestia, and how come I hadn’t found a mare to spend the rest of my short life with.

“Now, ladies, come on. I’m not old enough to have a family yet!” I said, looking at them.

“Well, I think that you should try and court that Sophia girl. She seems nice enough.” Said Rarity, who was trying to style my long, yet unkempt mane.
Not if I wanted to keep my ass from being torn apart by Darin’s dual mini-guns. 

“Well, I thought Fluttershy had an eye on him! Isn’t that what she said?” Asked Rainbow Dash, who was lying on the couch, leaning on her for hoof like she was bored. That made my ears perk up, but not too much.

“Oh, poor Fluttershy. She’s never been able to find a nice stallion in her life.” Said Rarity, who had finally combed out my mane.

“You have a really thick mane, you know that?” Asked Rarity, who started to twirl it with her magic.

“Never really cared for it.” I said, slightly tired due to the lack of sleep I had last night.

“Well you do. I’ll deal with it tomorrow morning. But I need some beauty sleep. Goodnight, darlings.” Said Rarity, who lay down behind me. I then realized that I had no place to stay for the night.

“Ah, well buck.” I said, rubbing my eyes.

“What’s wrong, Dust?” Asked Twilight, who was yawning herself.

“I don’t have any place to stay tonight. I’ll just check in on Sophia, see if she has a free bed.” I said, standing up, and walking out the door.

“Alright, I’ll be awake for another hour or two.” Said Twilight, pulling out a book from her saddle bag. All the other ponies were asleep, so Twilight could enjoy some piece and quiet for once. I closed the door, and walked outside into the rain, and across the parking lot to the small cabin where Sophia slept. I opened the door, and I immediately knew I should have never opened it up. I heard Sophia panting quickly, and I immediately knew what she was doing.

I quickly opened the door again, slightly embarrassed. It was quite well known that her and Darin’ were a couple, but I hadn’t realized they had gone this far. I decided that I should go back to the hotel, see if I could find a room. 



Footnotes: Level up! You are now Level 8!
Perk: Wakey, wakey, shakey! You can now go up to two days with sleep, and still have the well rested bonus.

Thanks to Kkat, Somber, and No-one.

> Chapter 4: Invasion
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I walked in, and I saw that the desk pony was dead, a bullet through her head. It looked like the handy-work of a trained assassin, maybe a Legionnaire. I ran up the stairs, pulling my gas mask over my face. I busted open the door to the second floor, my goggles glowing a bright red. I saw a number of legionnaires had knocked all the ponies out, and were now dragging them out. I pulled my massive .454 Casule from my holster, and fired six shots, all hitting their mark.

“Damnit! I knew this was going to happen!” I shouted, using my revival magic to wake up the 4 ponies in the hallway. Four? I counted Rarity, Twilight, Apple Jack, and Pinkie Pie. No Rainbow Dash? I stomped my hoof hard, looking around on the ground. I saw a small blood trail, leading to the door. I ran up the stairs pulling bullets out of my pack, and clumsily used my magic to reload the handgun. I got to the roof access, seeing the blood trail had leaded me up to it. It was barricaded, and I swore extremely loud. Bad idea. Bullets flew through the door, tearing at my armor, and one hitting me square in the chest, penetrating my armor. I spit up blood, but I didn’t falter, seeing as how I had been through worse. I slammed my body against the door, and it easily budged. The looks on the Legionnaires’ faces were priceless, seeing as how they didn’t expect a Stallion ranger to be pursuing them. I raised my handgun, quickly firing, and dodging at the same time.

In 5 seconds flat, I had fired all 6 shots, and picked up a combat shotgun, fully loaded, from a dead legionnaire. I knew that their armor would make buckshot at a range seem like BB’s, so I needed to get closer. I dolphin dived from my cover, firing shots at the Legionnaires, seeing their blood red cloaks be spattered with even more blood, and their Zebra faces ripped apart. Zebras? Oh right, they only sent their most elite soldiers to infiltrate the NCR, and those were always Zebras. After I had finished them all off, I looked around, trying not to focus on the pain of the bullet in my chest. I looked over at something shimmering in the moonlight, and I realized it was a Gyro Copter. And it was taking off. I ran towards it, trying to make sure it didn’t take off with Rainbow Dash. It was already too late, as the Gyro Copter took to the sky, but not before unleashing a hail of lead onto me. It tore into the bottom of my duster, and my forehooves. I fell to my knees, and screamed in agony. I had just lost one of the Ponies of Harmony, and now all they had to do was capture Fluttershy, and they would have both Pegasi. Then again, they could have captured her as well. I pulled a stimpack from my saddlebags, and injected it into my forhoof.  Bullets spat out of my body, and then the wounds closed up. I slumped in pain, as the Gyro Copter flew off into the night sky.


Then I heard it. A sonic boom.

A marvelous red circle emitted from the sky, sending an electric shockwave from all directions. Out of it, I saw a Pegasus, ribbon like auras trailing him. He slammed into the Gyro Copter, grabbing Rainbow Dash on the way out. The Gyro Copter exploded in a massive yellow and orange ball of fire, hitting the desert outside of Camp Alicorn. I looked into the sky, seeing the Red aura trailing upwards, and then coming down. I pulled a flare from my bag, lighting it, then throwing it down. I watched the Pegasus pull down, and come in for a landing on the rooftop. He had a dark red coat, and a light orange mane, a cutie mark of an explosion, and metal wings.

Metal wings? Who could afford that in this day and age? I mean, seriously, the art of auto-mail limbs died off long ago. He landed softly on the pavement, dropping Rainbow Dash from his teeth. He obviously had a very strong jaw if he could just hold another pony with his teeth.

“Howdy.” Said the Pegasus, who was brushing the ash from his coat.

I didn’t know how to respond. He had just saved Rainbow Dash, destroyed a Gyro Copter, and then acted like nothing happened. By now NCR forces were pouring onto the rooftop, and they didn’t look too happy about having some Zebras get into the compound.

“Dust! Who is this, and why in the hell did these Zebras breach our defenses!” Shouted a voice, which I recognized as Chief Mallow’s. He came out of the crowd of ponies, his red mane bristling, his eyes full of rage.

“Ah’m sorry for the intrusion, sirs, but I was just happenin’ to be flyin’ on by Camp Alicorn, when ah’ saw the fire faht’ on the roof top. I swung bah’ to see if anyone was hurt, and I saw the Gyro Coptah’ unleash on this here soldier. So I decided to destroy it. On mah’ pass by the Gyro Copter, I saw them danm Zebras were beatin’ this young mare, so I decided to save her as well.” Said the Pegasus, who had a battle saddle on, which were loaded with flame throwers. Seemed like he had a knack for explosives or things that cause explosions. 

“Yeah, well, I suggest you steer clear of us from now on! You could have killed someone from NCR, and we would have held you solely resp-.” I cut off Mallow with a raise of my hoof.

“Mallow, calm the hell down, old timer.” I said, then turning to the Pegasus.

“Thanks for the help, sir. It’s greatly appreciated, seeing as how you saved a grade A asset.” I said, pulling off my Gas mask out of courtesy. I hung it off the side of my saddle bags, and the Pegasus scoffed.

“No need to call me ‘sir’, just call me Napalm. And you’re very welcome, sir.” He said, his accent slightly more formal. He must have come from somewhere near Appleoosa, seeing as how he had that accent.

“Well, Napalm, I suggest you get outta here, before I have you formally executed.” Said Chief Mallow. I face hoofed, and sighed. Then, I saw something out of the regular. Where was Mallow’s cutie mark? Where he once had a pure white star, there was just a barren flank. I looked at him, and I saw his eyes flash green.

He was a changeling.

Obviously he hadn’t been a changeling for long. When I saw him last, which was when I got off the Amtrak about two hours ago, he still had the cutie mark. Perhaps he had been killed, and this changeling had taken his place. Most likely was that scenario.

Napalm saw his eyes flash green as well, and raised his Flamethrowers. 

Except they weren’t flame throwers.

The dual incinerators fired massive 20mm fire balls at the changeling, almost immediately scattering the changeling into black dust, and weird black goo. The NCR soldiers raised their weapons, aiming strait at Napalms forehead. The fire from the incinerator lit the night sky from a light purple, to a harrowing red above us. It was almost hypnotizing, watching the fire’s reflection dance across the clouds. The soldiers looked at the black goo, and lowered their weapons.

“What happened to Mallow? How could he have been replaced by a changeling?” Asked one of the lower soldiers, a scrawny unicorn, which was having trouble steadying his Assault rifle with his magic.

“He’s dead.” I heard Darin’ say from the back. The crowd parted, and he was carrying a bloody rag, or what looked like a rag, on his back. He dropped it down, letting the rag hit the ground with a thump.

It wasn’t a rag. It was Mallow, his head torn off, and his stomach cut open.

“Ugh, what the buck?” I gagged, seeing his intestines wobble a bit.

“It’s a message from the legion. They want the ponies.” Said Darin’, his face a bit flustered. I sighed deeply, looking at the startled faces of the soldiers.

“Alright everyone! Parties over! Get back to your stations! I want 24/7 over watch on the skies, the ground, even the god danm underground! You hear me? I don’t want another piece of crap Legionnaire to breach our defenses! We are on security level red, so that means everyone is suited up for when the crap hits the fan, you got it?” I shouted to the men, and they went off to their positions. The alarm was raised, and ponies came out of their quarters, still getting their uniforms on. It was like we were preparing for another god danm apocalypse. 

“Uh, ‘scuse me?” Asked Napalm, who was still standing there, his eyes looking across the compound, unimpressed.

“Yeah, what is it?” I asked, turning back to him.

“Yeah, ah’m not exactly sure how a bunch of untrained soldiers, like the ones who were just aimin’ guns at me, are gonna hold off a bunch of well-trained reds.” Said Napalm, kicking a bullet casing around.

I pondered that for a moment, and I realized it was hopeless. While we did have the numbers, and the technology, we were screwed. They were more trained then us, and they obviously knew what they were doing. They even killed the most paranoid pony in New Canterlot, who kept a shotgun trap by his door, right under our noses. And they would do it all to get the six ponies of harmony. My head spun, thinking about how we would fight them, if we could get some steel ranger help, or if I should just run away with the ponies. But wait, didn’t the six ponies come through a portal? Even though it worked for incoming teleports, it didn’t work for outgoing. But there was one that would work, and send them back to their own time, perhaps to stop the apocalypse.

“I need to see Luna.” I said quickly, and Napalm looked at me funny.

“Ah’ was just headin’ that way! You are welcome to tag along, if you want!” said Napalm, who was now smiling.

“Well, I guess you could help me escort them. But why are you offering your help to us again?” I asked, cocking an eyebrow.

“Well, ah’m in a helpful mood, and plus you seem like a swell guy, so ah’ feel like I should help you. You kinda remind me of mah’self.” Said Napalm, fluttering his metal wings.

“Alright, but first I gotta gather them up.



First stop was the hotel room. The four ponies, Pinkie, Twilight, Apple Jack, and Rarity were all paranoid, and throwing up due to a hangover. I gave them some pills to take, to reduce the sickness, and then we went back up to the roof to gather Rainbow Dash.

Then was the hospital, which was now bustling, making sure there were no changelings in the area. It was a mess. Ponies were screaming, being trampled on, and even killing themselves. It’s like they were expecting a Mega spell. Napalm and the 5 ponies looked at me weird, and I sighed.
“Buckin’ fabulous.” I said, pulling a handgun from my holster. I held it up in the air, firing a single shot. Within the hospital, the .454 made a huge bang, and made every quiet down.

“Shut the hell up!” I shouted, and they all simmered away. We walked down the corridor, until we reached a nice pink room, where Fluttershy was sleeping.

I was about to enter the room, when a doctor pulled me away.

“You can’t go in there. She’s sleeping.” Said The doctor, giving me a defiant stare.

I snickered a bit, then gave her a menacing stare.

“Shut up.” I said, pushing her away, and then pulling the door open. Fluttershy laid there, her chest rising up and down slowly. I nodded to Twilight, who was looking a little sick, and she walked over to Fluttershy. She woke her up, and they whispered to each other quietly. Fluttershy nodded, and slowly got out of bed, and limped over to us. She didn’t say anything, but by the way she was looking around, I could tell she was scared.

“It’s okay, nothing bad is going to happen to us.” Said Rainbow Dash, who was trying to comfort her. I sighed, and walked towards the stairs. I opened the stair access point, and walked down, then out the door. By now, the sun was coming up over the horizon, and I could see silhouettes in the distance, on top of the closest sand dunes. 

“C’mon, keep up the pace. We don’t want to get shot in the ass by these buckers.” I said, making all the ponies cringe. I have to admit, when I’m under pressure, my mouth turns dirtier than a whore’s pussy on a Friday night. I saw the Amtrak pull up on the curb, and we sprinted towards it. Except for Fluttershy, who was limping. Napalm brought up the pack. I was kinda surprised he was still here. He seemed like the type of guy who wouldn’t want to get wrapped up in the petty battles of the Legion and the NCR.

We piled into the Amtrak, and we started to pull away from the curb, when a sniper rifle round flew through the window. It hit the driver square in the chest, and he leaned on the steering wheel, hoof still on the gas. We were heading straight for the gates.

“Buck!!” I shouted, jumping up, and pulling the driver out of the seat, then pulling a hard right, steering away from the building. Our back end clipped the side of a pole, and launched everyone to the right side of the cabin. Then, to make matters worse, the rusty hinges on the Amtrak’s cabin door, snapped, sending the door flying behind us.

“Napalm! Cover our ass!” I screamed, and I heard the whirring of his dual incinerators.

“Gotcha Cap’n!” Shouted Napalm from the back.

We tore through the destroyed outer ruins of New Canterlot, being followed by multiple Zebras, and ponies. Or what had been ponies. If they had wings, they were torn off. If they had a horn, it was sawed off. Kinda stupid, if you ask me, seeing as how those gave you and edge in combat. The sound of incinerator grenades exploded behind us became like a scenery sound, it was so regular. 

“Hey, Dust? Where exactly are we going?” asked Twilight, who was using a magic shield to block her friends from taking on lead.

“Inner New Canterlot. I got to warn Luna about the threat, and find a way to get you back to your time.” I said, and I heard a number of gasps from the back. But I got no resistance.

“Uhh, Dust, we got some fast movers!” Shouted Napalm, and then I heard a crack. Napalm whinnied in pain, as I turned around, looking into the cabin. There were changelings flying towards us, their battle saddles equipped with hunting rifles. .308’s were going to tear through unarmored ponies like a scalpel through skin.
One of the changelings landed on the front, grinning like a psycho. He lowered his rifle, and I turned hard left, slamming through the ruins of was once a fashion parlor. I heard Rarity sobbing as we smashed through the fine workshop, which was still mostly intact. Finally, we hit a wall, sending the changeling on the front sprawling onto the wall. I then backed up, and crunched over the changelings head.

“Everyone alright?” I asked, unbuckling myself. The Amtrak was okay, but it needed a little bit of engine tweaking, since we had probably gotten a bit of rubble in it, while smashing through the building. I walked out and looked around. The lights in the building were still working, so it was easy to look through the dust. 

“Alrighty, it’s all clear.” I said, motioning for the ponies to get out of the Amtrak. Napalm walked out, a hole in his armor, which was no longer bleeding.

“Stimpack?” I asked.

“Stimpack.” Answered Napalm, and we walked out. The changelings gave up their attack on us, and flew back to their regiment.

“Napalm, blow up the Amtrak. Leave no evidence.” I said, walking out of the hole.
I heard the sound of explosives behind me, then an even larger explosion then the ones previously.

“Inner city is just ahead. Keep strong.” I said, as I looked on the horizon. It was going to be a clear day, which was unusual. It would give me good visibility, seeing as how sniping was my thing. We walked along on the street, until we found the back entrance to inner city. It was guarded by RoboDragons.

“NCR business, we need to see Luna.” I said, but the RoboDragons didn’t budge.

I sighed, and I turned to Apple Jack, looking at her revolver. She nodded, and took it into her mouth, and walked around the corner. She fired two shots, and then walked back over to where we were.

“Hey, there’s a bunch of raiders over there.” Said Apple Jack, slightly smiling. It was unlike her to lie, but I guess a pony’s got to do, what a pony’s got to do.

The RoboDragons rolled around the corner, and we slipped in the back gate. As we walked through the tunnel, we drew closer to the sounds of announcements that the Casino’s and the Whore houses were making over the inner city intercom.

“Invasion imminent. Please leave the casino, and return to your hotel rooms.
Same announcement each time, different voice. We walked out into the morning sun, looking at Canterlot tower. I sighed.

This mission is going to be a bitch.

Footnotes: 67% to next level!

Thanks to Kkat, Somber, and No-one
> Chapter 5: Road to Steel
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wake up, Dust.” I heard my mother say.

Oh crap, I was dreaming. Again. And it was the same buckin’ dream.

“Morning, Ma. What’s for breakfast?” I asked. Always the same pitch, some tone, same groggy sound.

“Oh, just some eggs, and some bacon. Your father needs some help, go out and meet him.” Said Ma, who gestured towards the door.

I almost walked out the door, but then I grabbed the lever action shotgun, and loaded it with shells.

“That’s my boy.” Said Ma, who was smiling happily. Buck, I hated that smile. It reminded me of better times. Times when she was still alive.

I opened the door, and walked down the path, looking into the long rows of corn and carrots. The radiation from the spells mutated them, making them bigger and healthier, so carrots were like corn stalks, and the corn was like trees. Bucking hell, I hated the path too. Everything about this god danm dream was pissing me off. I had only had it a million times before.

“Son, come here!” Shouted Pa, who was leaning on the fence.

“Hey Pa! What’s wrong?” I asked, looking over the fence.

“That’s what’s wrong. Danm raiders and they’re movin’ fast.” Said Pa, who was levitating some binoculars to his head.

I looked, squinting my eyes, and I saw they were heading straight to the ranch.

“Tell your Ma, and your little sister to hide.” Said Pa, who pulled out his bolt action rifle.

“What if they’re friendly?” I asked, trying to deny the situation.

“Son, they’re raiders! They’ll kill me, rape you’re Ma and you and your sister will be tortured. Now, get inside, and hide!” Shouted Pa, and I ran off. At this point, I was legitimately scared. I had heard on the radio from the NCR broadcasts that Raiders were bad news. Driven to the edge of insanity by years of killing and radiation, they were ruthless, and just wanted to kill. 

“Ma! Gather Sandy, and hide!” I shouted, busting through the door.

“What is it? Why?” Asked Sandy, just a filly at the time.

“Raiders! Lots of ‘em!” I shouted, and Sandy started to cry. Ma scooped her up, and got into the small crawl space underneath the floor boards. Outside, gunshots erupted, and I heard Pa scream in pain, then silence.

They killed him.

I didn’t have much time to think about it, seeing as how bullets tore through the walls. I was hit in the foreleg, and I grimaced in pain. I pulled a towel from the counter, and wrapped it around the wound, making sure I didn’t drip any blood. I couldn’t let them follow me, could I? It was apparent that we weren’t going to be able to hold off the attack, so why should we die? I ran to the basement, and grabbed a bunch of mines, that my Pa had kept in case something like this happened. I ran back up the stairs, arming and throwing mines across the floor. They made a hollow sound, and then lit up. Good, they weren’t faulty. Just then, the door busted open, and a tall mare stood there, grinning manically with a knife between her teeth. She was covered in blood, and one of Pa’s eyes hung from her belt. I think that’s when I lost it.

You see, there’s something about me most ponies don’t like to know. That when something that is too brutal for my brain to comprehend, like the death of my father, his eyeball hanging there like a trophy, I lose it.

And I don’t mean like I curl up into paranoia.

I mean I kill everything in sight that opposes me. I mean everything. Also, as an added bonus, I kill them in the most brutal manner possible. The only other time I had ever lost it was when my dog, Rusty, was killed by a drooping dragon, but I don’t want to get into details about that certain incident.

I pulled the top off of one of the mines, and threw the gunpowder in her eyes. The mare screamed in pain, and dropped the knife. I levitated it upwards, point facing the sky. I tore through her stomach, and then ripped out of her spine. She doubled over, and I walked over to the dying pony. I looked into her eyes for a second and slammed down on her throat. She gagged on her spine, which had torn into her windpipe. She twitched there for about 30 seconds, before just giving up.

“Pitiful.” I muttered, and turned back to the doorway, where a raider was standing, handgun in his mouth. He had a look between excitement and fear in his eyes, probably just seeing a young-ish colt kill a full grown, veteran raider, mare.

He was too slow. I raised my shot gun, and shot him in half, his innards splattering across the room. He was still alive when I walked over to him, choking on his own blood.

“Kill me… Please!” Half gagged, half spoke the dying raider.

“No.” I simply replied, walking out of the house, cranking the action on the Shotgun. A bullet whizzed past my head, and I saw 2 raiders taking pot shots at me with scoped handguns. I turned towards them, and looked around on the ground for a ranged weapon. The raiders were about 50 yards away, hiding among the corn stalks. I saw a raider galloping up the hill towards me, his sniper rifle glistening in the sunlight.

“Perfect. You idiots will be victims of your own weapons.” I said, my eye slightly twitching. The raider with the sniper rifle jumped at me, using his side arm to fire at me. The bullet hit my side, but I didn’t flinch. I pulled out my shotgun, and blew his head off, turning it into sausage, before it’s processed. He dropped to the ground, and his rifle skidded in front of me. I stomped on the back end of the stock, flipping it up to my eye level. I then caught it with magic, and fired a shot into the corn stalks. I was answered with a red explosion of blood, brains, and bone, spattering across the corn. I scanned the area, and I didn’t find a sign of the other raider. I saw the corn stalks moving, fast, and fired a shot into the forest of corn. I heard the raider cry out in pain, but not before she reached the house. 

Then, came the gunshots. 

And the screams of my mother and sister.

I galloped to the front door, kicking it in. There, in the middle of the room, stood the raider, holding a .44 in her mouth, standing above the dead bodies of my sister and mother. My eyes twitched, and I got an enormous grin. My legs started to wobble, and I started to laugh erratically. The raided looked at me like I was totally insane.

I was.

I lunged at her, slapping the gun out of her mouth with the butt of my rifle, and turned the rifle to her face. She slapped it away, and hit me in the face with her horse-shoe, splitting my brow. I didn’t even flinch, as I levitated the knife from the table, and flung it at her. It cut through her stomach lining, and her guts spilled out, onto the dusty, now red rug. She screamed in agony, but I could barely hear it over the sound of my laughing. I grabbed my shotgun from the ground, and jumped on the mares back, choking her with the shotgun. She fell backwards, trying to crush me, but I held on tight, choking her out. Her blood spilled onto my coat, her saliva pouring out of her mouth as she died. I giggle a little bit, as I snapped her neck finally, and crawled out from under her. 

I walked outside. It was still morning. Bright and early. I stumbled out of the house, my eyes still wide, and my grin still there. I looked back, and shot one of the mines, and the house exploded in flames, leaving whatever I had back there. I have to admit, it was a stupid move, but do you seriously think I was thinking?
I walked down the hill, trampling over the dead bodies of Pa, and the pony who’s head had been torn apart by a buck shot. It was a terrible sight, another pony who had fallen into the wastelands cruel ways, into killing, and not trying to make things right. I walked down the hill, and kept on walking until it was nighttime.



“Augh! Bucking hell!” I screamed, sitting up, looking around. I was in a dark room, lying in a bed. I was covered in magically lined bandages, and a small lamp was on in the corner.

I rush of memories flooded my brain. I had left the 6 ponies of harmony with Luna, who in all her mechanical glory, still remembered them. Napalm, Sophia and I had left for the Ender Land Memorial near Manehatten, to try and find a working portal. We were ambushed, and almost slaughtered by a bunch of raiders, who were well armed. We had all survived, but I was wounded bad, almost killed. Now I wake up in what looked like a hotel room.

“I reckon you’re awake.” Said Napalm from one of the darker corners.

“No crap.” I said, rubbing my eyes, looking at my surroundings. I must have been in either Manehatten, or Fillydelphia. I was pondering that, when the door opened. There was Sophia, standing there, the light silhouetting her. I covered me eyes, the sunlight harsh on the dark surroundings of the room.

“Seriously, Dust? This is the second time you’ve been injured in the past 2 weeks!” She said, walking over to me, and giving me a quick kiss on the cheek.

“I know- wait, two weeks? It’s only been 2 days!” I said, sitting up quickly, and I fell back into my slouch in pain. The wounds were too bad to just use healing potions and such on. I must have been asleep for the past week and a half, and I had just woken up. But the dream was so short. 

“Look, Dust, I’ll just patch you up, so you can get out of here. Things have kinda settled down back at Camp Alicorn, but there are a whole lot of legion officers and groups out there.” Said Sophia, who was waving her horn over me. I felt the pain receding, and Napalm stood up.

“We got the slaves out, they’re safe here.” Said Napalm, opening the curtain in the room, showing off the sight. We were in Manehatten, which was only a little ways from where we needed to go. In fact, this was only up the road from the Ender world memorial.

“Alright, well, we need to get a move on. It took us 2 weeks to get this far. It should take half the time to get back, and another week or so to get them here.” I said, sitting up. Sophia put a hoof on my chest.

“Uhh, Dust, I think the mission is called off.” She said, looking me in the eyes.

“Why?” I asked, putting on my gear, which was lay over my saddle bag.

“You’ll see.”


She was right. The portal didn’t work. We tried multiple times, but it was worthless. 

“Buck! How many ways can this wasteland buck us over?” I shouted, kicking the portals outline. The frame shuddered, and I sat down.

“Look, Dust, don’t worry, we’ll find another way to get them home.” Said Sophia, brushing some of my mane out of my eye. I had let my mane grow out, and I needed to cut it soon. It would become a battle incapacitation, and get in my eyes, ruining my accuracy.

“ah’ reckon we go an’ check with the Steel rangers. They love this type o’ crap.” Said Napalm, who was chewing on a blade of long, yellow grass.

“The steel rangers? Celestia bless! Why didn’t we think of that before?” I asked rhetorically, looking around. Their bunker would only be about 10 miles from here, and we could fill up the Humvee here.

“I dunno. Just never occurred to us, ah’ guess.” Said Napalm, spitting out the blade of grass.

“Sophia, go home. We’ll deal with the steel rangers. I’ll contact you as soon as possible, okay?” She gave no objections to my request, as she walked over to the NCR gyro copter, its rotors spinning up. But then she turned back.

“Wait, Dust, take this.” Said Sophia, walking over to me, and then handing me a Pipbuck. Its screen was blue, instead of green, and it said “Combat Model” on the side, with a Pony in Power armor, saluting, next to the words.

“You know, frankly, I have no idea how to work this thing.” I said, looking uninterested.

“You’ll figure it out. Just tap the sync button.” Said Sophia. I looked down at the Pipbuck, and put it on my foreleg. I found the red sync button, and tapped it. And then tapped it again. I kept on slapping other buttons, and it was angering me.

“Sophia, in case you haven’t noticed, I have hoofs! Who the hell designed this?” I asked angrily. My temper was short, seeing as how I was sort of pissed at the fact that we came all this way, just to find out that what we came for was a piece of pre-war crap
.
“Use your nose, you stupid colt.” Said Sophia, who didn’t turn back. I did as she asked, and I pressed the button with my nose. I felt a needle go through my skin, and a weird HUD appeared in my vision. I felt dizzy for a second, but then I was fine.

“So this is what stable ponies get to use? Danm.” I said, looking around. There was an aiming reticule in the middle of my vision, and an ammo counter in the lower right corner, along with a bar that had something about S.A.T.S. In the other corner, was labeled my heartbeat, my percentage of health, using my vitals to measure it. In the very middle, was a compass, with an E.F.S spell activator. I thought it was pretty cool, but there was no time to linger. 

“Napalm, I need some ammo. Let’s go.” I said, pointing towards the inside of Manehatten.


After a quick trip to the weapon shop, we headed towards the Steel rangers base in the trusty old Humvee. It was a short drive, but we were not oblivious to the dangers. After we were about half a mile away, we got out of the Humvee, and walked the rest of the way. It was much easier to dodge mines that way.
After about 3/4’s of a mile of walking, a warning shot past our heads was fired.

“‘Ah reckon that’s the Rangers.” Said Napalm, who was rubbing his ear. I guess the harsh whistling sound had hurt it.

“You! Out there! Stop where you are! Put down your weapons, and raise your hooves. A retrieval team will be out there to get you shortly!” Said a booming voice from the base. Through the massive sand winds, I could barely make out the compounds walls. My HUD outlined multiple ponies with Gauss rifles, Mini-guns, rocket launchers, and Magic laser weapons coming out of the compound.

“I don’t suppose you want to do what they say, do you?” I asked, turning towards Napalm.

“Nope.” Said Napalm, just standing there, his uninterested expression making it clear.

I dropped my weapons, and raised my hooves. Napalm did the same, and a group of soldiers in power armor stepped out of the sandstorm.

“Well, I reckon they won’t find happiness in seeing a Pegasus.” Said Napalm, who now had a face of a little fear. I remembered the scattered skirmishes that had happened between the Great Pegasi Enclave, and the Steel Rangers. While there were a few Pegasi that were never in the Enclave, like Darin’, but I couldn’t say the same about Napalm. I never asked.

“Well, well, well. So we have a NCR Ranger, and a former Enclave agent. You know, this isn’t really in your favor, boys.” Said one of the Steel rangers, and the rest of them metallically cackled. I groaned, and I looked at Napalm. I could see the desperation in his face.

“Well, we might as well take you inside, give you a couple drinks. We’re cool with the NCR now, but you,” The Steel Ranger pointed at Napalm “I will take you out of the sky for good someday.” 

The Steel Rangers motioned us to follow them, and we obliged. 

“You have a lot of god damn explaining to do, Napalm.” I angrily whispered, and she hung his head. We were lead inside the compound, and into a bunker. We walked into the commons area, and we sat down. There was no off duty soldiers, no scholars, no nothing. Just us. The Steel rangers walked off, and we just sat there.

“You were part of the Enclave?” I asked, anger filling my stare. I had taken my gasmask off when we entered, and my eyes were filled with rage.

“Eh’, yes. Look, I can explain.” Said Napalm, and I turned away.

“You stupid piece of CRAP!” I screamed, turning back, hitting him with the side of my Pipbuck. His brow split, and he hit the ground, groaning in agony.

“How do I know I can trust you? What if you are just spy for them, huh? I thought you Pegasi were killed by Little pip and her companions!” I shouted at him, standing over him. 

Little pip had been dead for over 100 years now, and the years of a disbanded wasteland were long over. Ever since she destroyed the enclave, from the ashes of her battle, people came together, and formed the New Canterlot Republic. Even somehow, Luna came out of the blue. While most of us knew that heroes like Black Jack, Little Pip, and Silver Storm had been dead for a while, we all still looked up to them. We all thought their actions were permanent. They were obviously not.

“Well, Dust, for starters, you can stop hitting me.” Said Napalm, who stood up. I then saw the Enclave symbol on his metal wings, the E surrounded by stars. 

“Kinda hard, when you’ve been hiding that, cousin.” I said, still standing over him.

“I’ve left that life behind. The only things I’ve brought are the Incinerators, and these here wings.” He said, Fluttering his wings. All of the sudden, the door slid open, and a scholar, surrounded by a group of Steel rangers. 

The Scholar was a Unicorn Mare, who had A White mane with a blue stripe through it, and a sandy light yellow colored coat.

“Well, well. We have an Enclave agent, and a NCR stallion Ranger. Definitely a sight to see, two opposing factions working together.” Said the scholar.

“I am not an enclave agent no more.” Said Napalm, he said turning towards to me. His brow had started to bleed terribly, and he was letting drops of blood drop onto the carpeted floor.

“We’re just trying to find a piece of technology. We were hoping you could help us.” I said, looking at the group of soldiers.

“What type of technology, and what for?” asked the scholar, looking at me.

“Well, it seems that there was a faulty portal caused the six ministry mares, long before they became ministry mares. They are probably from a little bit after the Royal wedding, which gives us a full 20 years before the Great War.” I said, pointing to the Pinkie Pie “Ministry of Morale” poster on the wall. I would have to explain what was to happen, and how they would affect the future to the ponies soon.

“Why would you send them back? They could change the wasteland in present day, by using the elements of harmony!” Said the scholar, looking wildly excited.

“It would mean another mega-spell, and you remember what happened last time. Sure, Fluttershy’s mega spells were re-engineered by the damned Zebras, but with all the crap that’s effecting magic now, who knows what could happen.” I said, looking at the scholar eye to eye.

“Uhh, boss, we’re going to leave you nerds to yourselves, but the Pegasus comes with us. We won’t hurt him, we promise, we just need to make sure he’s not a problem.” Said one of the Steel Rangers, and they walked out, Napalm following quickly behind him.

“Well, didn’t the stuff that Twilight was working on supposedly supposed to save the wasteland?” Asked the Scholar, who had now sat down at the table.

“Remember, this is a full 20 years before the war, which gives us about 15 years before the ministry was formed.” I said, looking around. I was kinda thirsty, so I pulled out my canteen.

“Alright. I’ll help you. I’m SandStorm, but you can just call me Sandy.” Said SandStorm, who went to get some bottles of soda. I looked around, when I heard a crackling on my Pipbuck’s radio.

“Dust, you there?” Asked Darin’s voice, sounding a bit distressed.

“Eeyup. What’s wrong?” I asked, looking around.

“They’re back. By the dozens. I thought Cloudsdale was destroyed man…They’re heading towards Manehatten, so I suggest you get out of there.” Said Darin’, his voice wobbling a bit.

“Who is back?!” I asked, but I already knew. This was no coincidence. The Enclave was back, probably alerted by Napalm or something, and they were coming to destroy the Steel Rangers.

“The Enclave.” 

Well, screw me sideways, that about ruined my day.

SandStorm had heard, and he scrambled for the P.A button.

“We got incoming Enclave fliers! We need you to activate the defenses, now!” shouted SandStorm, who had dropped the sodas.

“I need to find Napalm.” I said, grabbing my gas mask.

“Oh no you don’t. You are not going to escape here with that spy.” Said SandStorm, who reached for her laser pistol.

“I’m not going to help him escape; I’m going to put a bullet in his head.” I said, the action on my sniper rifle working.


Footnotes: Pipbuck Combat model acquired!
Spells added: S.A.T.S, E.F.S, Medical compensation!

Big thanks to Kkat, Somber, and No-one.
> Chapter 6: Tell 'em that god's gonna cut 'em down
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Okay, let me tell you this straight up.

I hate liars.

They are the worst of the worst in the wasteland. You will find raiders raping foals, slavers murdering families, Enclave units burning down towns, Legion soldiers crucifying fillies, but nothing comes close to the smooth words of a liar, because unlike raiders, and slavers, their words affect everyone. Like Napalm.
That asshole said he was going to help me, and find a way for the ponies to get home, but instead, he ends up trying to rip the Steel Rangers a new one, and back stabs in the back with his words. He was going to pay.

I walked through the winding hallways of the bunker, the red lights and steam running through the pipes distracting me. Multiple bodies of the Steel Rangers lay in the hallways, scorched. Somehow, Napalm had gotten his incinerators back, and was wreaking havoc around the bunker. I heard the screams of the Ponies being murdered from above, and I sighed. I needed to find Napalm soon, or the Steel Rangers were bucked. I smelled freshly used Gasoline, and I followed the smell. I turned the corner, and I saw Napalm running out of the bunker, into the flames that were engulfing the compound. I ran up after him, but he had already flown up to meet his Enclave friends. There were Pegasi, and Griffons flying around, dodging Mini-gun rounds, all the while firing rockets and bullets at the ground defenses. It seemed that the Rangers needed a crack shot. I pulled my rifle out, and kneeled down, putting the rifle in my hooves. I made sure that my heart rate was low enough so I could make some free shots, but I could always use S.A.T.S to take out the hard shots. I would have to go for neck shots, seeing as how those were the only area of the armor that was a vital that wasn’t covered.

I raised the rifle scope up to my face, and looked at my heart beat. 60 BPM. Good.
I looked at a nasty looking Pegasi in the Enclave armor, and I fired a single round, blowing off its head. I immediately recovered from the recoil, and I saw a griffon flying towards me. I activated S.A.T.S, and aimed at the eyeholes in her helmet. I fired a single shot, and I tore through her body, and she crashed at my feet.

“Pathetic.” I muttered, and aimed again.

It was 15 minutes of that. Aim, shoot, aim, shoot, aim, shoot, aim, shoot, aim, shoot, reload. Wash, rinse, repeat. Then, my rifle ran out of ammunition, and there were still dozens of the Enclave in the sky. I looked around, and I spotted an unmanned mini-gun, the gunner lay dead in a pool of blood at the foot of it. It was mounted of a swivel and chair, giving me fast reaction, 360 degrees shooting. I ran up to it, jumped in, and turned on all the weaponry systems. It had anti-air rockets, mini-guns, and even an anti-material rifle. I looked around in the air, and I saw that there were only about 12 left, 5 were bunched up, launching rockets at a unfortunate group of Rangers. I aimed the Anti-air missile, locking onto the middle one, and I fired. 

They never knew what hit ‘em.

The rocket flew through the air, and hit the middle of the group, and exploded, sending the bodies of the Enclave sprawling. I used my Mini-gun to finish off what was left in the sky, seeing as how I was a better shot then most of the steel rangers. But then there was one left. 

Napalm.

I was all out of mini-gun ammo, and there was only a single rocket in the chamber, and I had used that. I switched to the Anti-material rifle, and aimed in on him. He was too quick, and launched a number of exploding fire grenades at me. Most of them impacted the gun, destroying it, but some also impacted the ground beside me. It tore open my side, and I fell off the gun, bleeding out. I looked to the sky, as I saw Napalm cackling in happiness, firing incinerator rounds at the Rangers. He was gonna go for the Ministry Mares next, so he could take them back to cloudsdale, and then use them to make weapons. I groaned, and looked over to my torn flank. I sighed, and used all my magic up to heal myself. The wound was completely gone when I was barren of magic, and I was struggling to stand up. I grabbed my revolver from my holster with my teeth, and focused on Napalm. It was an impossible shot. My heart rate was 108, rising, and I only had a small bit of S.A.T.S left. He then banked left and flew straight towards me. 

Good. 

I aimed down my sights, looking straight into his eyes, and I fired.

Hit.

His wings tore off as the bullet snapped his neck, traveling through his spinal corn in an almost straight line. He flew down towards me, and splattered directly in front of me.

“Cousin, d-d-don’t do this.” Said Napalm, gargling in pain.

“Screw you.” I said, delivering the final bullet into his head. Blood spattered everywhere, and I sighed. At this point, the Steel rangers were surrounding me, their magic energy weapons lighting up, aiming at me. I maintained my cool, looking around.

“Stop this! It isn’t his fault! He was deceived!” I heard Sandstorm shout from behind me. She was with another mare, an aqua blue unicorn, with a candy pink mane, and an aqua stripe on her tail. She was wearing a scholars cape and a Pip-buck, but she was obviously more of an assistant, as she was carrying all the books and such. The Steel rangers lowered their weapons, and Sandstorm walked through the crowd. The assistant shied away from the rangers, and stopped next to Sandstorm.

“Thank goodness you saved us. We would have never survived if you hadn’t showed up.” Said Sandstorm looking around. She motioned for the rangers to start cleaning up, and they all disbanded. I took off my gasmask, and I sighed. It was beginning to feel like hell storms followed me.

“Let me introduce my assistant, Blue Blossom. Don’t mind her eyes; they’ve been changed by pink cloud.” Said Sandstorm, gesturing to blue blossom. 

“She’s that old?” I asked, my jaw dropped. Pink cloud had been long eradicated, for over 50 years now. Blue Blossom looked only about 20, or 21, which would make it seem near impossible for her to be corrupted by pink cloud.

“Ah, no. We found her in a cryo cell in stable 77. It was filled with pink cloud, still. We sent in the Haz-squad, and they pulled her out. Originally, she had blue eyes, but now they’re red.” Said Sandstorm and Blue Blossom nodded, smiling. She had the same look as Fluttershy. She was small and seemed to be extremely shy. Her eyes were curved in the same way, like she spent too much time looking down, trying not to make eye contact.

I looked across the sandy plains, and saw Canterlot in the distance. It was a tiny speck, but I remember when it was filled with ghouls, who helped us rebuild the city, and the rest of the land. Canterlot at one point was filled with pink cloud, but it got eradicated at some point. In fact, it killed Luna at some point as well, but somehow, the Steel Rangers found her remains, and revived her. While she is half robot and such, she is still a pure Alicorn.

“Okay, so, I suggest we go down to the library to find a book on time travel devices. We need to find the location of them. Since I know the Mega spells immediate effect area’s by heart at this point, I will know which ones have chances of working, and which ones won’t.” said Sandstorm, turning around. Blue Blossom followed, and I walked alongside her.

“So, how old were you when you were found?” I asked, trying to get friendly with her. I didn’t want to make her feel like she was helping a stranger.

“Oh, I was 13. In actual time, I’m about 422 years old. I’ve been around since 13 years before the mega-spells dropped. Our family was lucky enough to be getting a tour, and we all crawled into cryo cells. They died of freezer burn, but I was lucky enough to be found by Sandstorm.” Said Blue Blossom, who was smiling at me. She was pretty enough, but she was kinda secluded.

“Are you from a stable too?” She asked, looking at my combat Pipbuck.

“Oh, no. I got this from a very good friend. She was from a stable, but I forgot which one.” I said, looking at my Pipbuck. I was about at half gauge for my health, and to reinforce that fact, it showed that my heart, which was beating at about 75 BPM, was covered in blood, and was spurting it in every beat. Man, the animations on this thing were disgusting.

“Ah, here we are. The library. Make sure you’re quiet, and put all the books back into place.” Said Sandstorm, and we walking in. It was a brightly lit room, with rows of thousands of books. I walked in, and looked to my immediate right. I saw a book about something called “The Rainbow Factory” and other things. I lifted the book with my magic, but Sandstorm awkwardly pushed it down.

“Hehe, I don’t think you’re ready for that book. It kinda shows the true colors of the Pegasi.” She said, half smiling, half grimacing. I heard Blue Blossom face hoof, and I kinda got the idea.

“Anyway, the technology from the Ministry of Awesome is in the back.” Said Sandstorm, and we all walked that way. At the end of the row, I saw a massive blue book, with the words “Teleporter locations” printed on the spine of the book.

“I think that might be our ticket.” I said, and I lowered it down to a wooden table. Oh, how Twilight would love this place. It was 20 times bigger than her library, and with so much more information.

I opened the book, and flipped to the Equestria map. There were 10 locations on the map, one in every major town or city. That meant Paradise Foals, Fillydelphia, Manehatten, Canterlot, Appleoosa, Ponyville, and Maripony all had them. Sadly, they were probably all destroyed by Mega spells. There was also one out by the End land memorial, and one at the portal junction, the one where the ponies came through. But that wouldn’t take outgoing trips. I sighed, and looked at the last one.

The Moon Cathedral. 

Well, I was crap out of luck.

The Moon Cathedral was the failsafe bunker for the six Ministry Mares, but none of them saw the Mega-spells coming. It is guarded by monsters, robots, and Chrysalis’ legion alike. It was in fact, the HEADQUARTERS for Chrysalis’ legion. It was a suicide mission to go in for the kill there. It would take an army and a half to take them out.

Blue Blossom saw the look on my face, and she put a hoof on my shoulder.

“Don’t worry, we’ll find a way to send them home.” She said. How did she know about the ponies? Sandstorm must have filled her in.

“Well, it seems like there’s one portal out of the immediate effect of the Mega spells, and that actually works.” Said Sandstorm, pointing towards the moon cathedral.

“Yeah, about that. Uh, the Moon Cathedral was the failsafe bunker for the ministry mares. It’s uh, well, a fortress. Completely surrounded by monsters on the outer layer, robots in the frontal area, and filled with elite legionnaires, not to mention the enclave. After they find that it’s the last working portal, they’ll swarm it. Hopefully they will kill of the Legionnaires, but that’s where Chrysalis is staying, so I’m not exactly sure on how we’re gonna get in.” I said, and the other two unicorn heads drooped.

“Well, that gives us nothing to be eccentric about.” Said Sandstorm, who was now flipping through the book.

“Well, I need to get back to New Canterlot. If you would like to come, and assess the situation yourself, then you may. But I might need you if we need to get into Moon Cathedral.” I said, and stood up.

“I’ll come. I’ve always wanted to see New Canterlot.” Said Blue Blossom, who stood up. I realized she had tiny freckles next to her eyes, and I kinda found that cute.

Wait, what?

Ahh, buck. I was becoming attracted to Blue Blossom.

“Alright, get ready. I need to get some ammo, if that’s okay.” I said, turning towards Sandstorm, and she nodded.

“I will not be accompanying you. But I will be here when you need me. Here is the card that gives you permission to buy from the store. Just give it to Blue Blossom when you’re done.” Said Sandstorm, levitating a card into my saddle bag. I nodded gratefully, and I walked out of the library.

The tunnels were dully lit now, as the day drew to a close. It had been about 3:00 in the afternoon when we left for the brotherhood, which was about an hour’s journey, plus the 30 minute battle, and our little talk. They probably used the same technology that Sophia described in the Stables. I walked down the hall for what seemed like a long time, and the lights got darker. Soon, the only thing that was casting a harsh light was the shops little opening. I walked over to the window, and put the card down.

“100 .308 rounds, and 50 .454 rounds, plus an infrared scope and silencer for a .308 semi auto sniper rifle.” I said, putting my rifle on the table to give him an example. The shop keeper pulled out the items, plus a couple rad-away packets, some healing potions, and a box of stimpacks.

“I never asked for that.” I said, and the shopkeeper just shook his head.

“On the house. You saved us all, so this is just a token of our gratitude.” Said the shopkeeper, and I nodded gratefully once again. I grabbed the weapons and the other items, and walked back to the entrance. Blue Blossom was waiting there, wearing small pink shoes, and a silver protective barding. I didn’t think they matched, but hey, I’m a pony who wears a duster and armor to work every day, so what do I know about fashion.

“C’mon, let’s go. We’ll use one of our armored cars.” Said Blue Blossom quietly, and we walked out into the darkness. She led me over to the garage, and pointed to an armored car that looked like what they used pre-war to transport the ministry mares. I walked over, and opened the door, and hopped in. It was rather the same controls as a Humvee, but I could control the canon from the driver’s seat. It was rather comfy, with nice cushioned seats. Blue Blossom jumped in the passenger seat, and put on her seat belt.

“Ready?” I asked, and she nodded, happily. I pulled out of the garage, and drove straight for the glowing city of New Canterlot.

“You might as well get some sleep. It’s going to be a long ride.” I said, and she nodded, and put her chair back, so it was like a bed. I turned on the radio, and turned to DJ Pon-3’s channel.

“Looks like the Enclave are back, Mares and colts! They attacked the Steel Ranger’s base at around 4 pm today. They were fought off, but we’ve been getting more and more reports of enclave patrols flying around, destroying caravans. It seems like they like to prey on NCR soldiers, is it because they have something that the enclave doesn’t have? Well, all you NCR folk out there, keeping us safe when we sleep at night, I ask you to be careful, and have a good night! Here’s a song from Johnny Pony, “God’s gonna cut you down.” Good night everypony, and have sweet dreams!” DJ Pon-3’s mike cut off, and the song came on.

“You can run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Sooner or later God'll cut you down
Sooner or later God'll cut you down

Go tell that long tongue liar
Go and tell that midnight rider
Tell the rambler, the gambler, the back biter
Tell 'em that God's gonna cut 'em down
Tell 'em that God's gonna cut 'em down”

The song faded into background noise as I pondered on how I had been betrayed by Napalm. I guess god did cut him down, just with two bullets from the barrel of my .454. I rubbed my hoof across my face, and I kept on driving into the night.


Footnotes: Level up! you are now Level 9

Perks: RAGE! You've been backstabbed enough! When fighting an Enemy after dialogue with them, you will have 40% more damage!

Thanks to Kkat, Somber, and No-one
> Chapter 7: Bloom
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

We had been on the road for three days now. New Canterlot was getting visibly closer, but we were running out of gas. We had about 50 miles in the tank, and it was time to fill up. Again, it was just our luck to be in the middle of nowhere, about 90 miles away from the nearest filling station.

“What are we going to do?” asked Blue Blossom, after I told her about our gas situation.

“I could try and get us as close as possible to an old gas station, and we could try to fill up there.” I said, as we drove down the destroyed highway.

“No, no. Too risky. There could be raiders in the area, and no one likes raiders.” Said Blue Blossom, touching her chin in thought.

“Okay. You have any spells?” I asked, and she shook her head.

“I’m not that good with spawning spells. They’re extremely hard, and drain me. I’m good with repair, levitation, and stun spells though.” Said Blue Blossom, and I sighed.

I pulled up my map on my Pipbuck, and looked around on the map. There was the Maripony facility near here, but there was no way in hell I was heading there. Also, Fillydelphia was only about 40 miles away, but it was over a number of hills.
The only easy place to go was Rockland, but that was a scary place. It was filled with feral ghouls, but it was easy enough to slip in and slip out of.

“I think Rockland is a good place to head too. While it is filled with feral ghouls, I can handle them.” I said, and Blue Blossom nodded. We drove over to the entrance, and I stopped the car.

“I’m coming.” Said Blue Blossom, who had already unbuckled herself.

“Oh no you’re not. That place is filled with a metric buck-ton of Feral ghouls an-.” I was cut off by a hoof to my face.

“I can handle myself, Captain.” Said Blue Blossom, and she got out of the car. Man, she was shy when you first met her, but she was obviously more outgoing and hardheaded then most ponies when you got to know her.

“Alright, but if you get bit by one of them, don’t expect me to come running.” I said, and she sneered a bit.

We walked into the small bunker, the entrance of the small compound. Rockland used to be military base, but I guess it was abandoned early in the war, seeing as how it was near the Zebra-Equestria border. Though they did leave a large amount technology, but no one wanted to go there. It was filled with feral ghouls, and those were bad news. I could handle them, but then again, I had S.A.T.S, and a big rifle.

I opened the door, and we walked in cautiously. Red lights glowed, and I could see the shuffling movements of sleeping feral ghouls. I turned to Blue Blossom, and pointed towards the moving figures, and she nodded. We quietly moved quickly to the door, and opened it. The grey light lit up the room, and I guess it disturbed a couple of the dragons, because I heard some of the ghouls hiss in hatred. I walked outside, and I saw the filling station, directly in front of us.

“Watch out!” Screamed Blue Blossom, and I saw a bunch of ferals charging at me from the bunker. I pulled my handgun, and fired at them. I hit almost all of them, except for a quick, wingless Pegasus. I hit its soft skull with the back of my ivory grip on the .454, and it immediately dropped, dead.

I turned, and saw a couple more ghouls waking up from their slumber in the area around the filling station, and a couple inside the small buildings. 

“Crap.” I muttered, and the ghouls charged.

I have to admit, they were easy to kill. But seeing as how I had a sniper rifle and a revolver, there wasn’t really anyway to just spray and pray. I used a mixture of hand to hand, and quick scoping (Very hard to do, especially if you’re just using your hooves, and not your magic.) Blue Blossom used her handgun, which was a .45, made with black steel, and had silver grips. It made a huge bang, which almost completely dismembered the ghouls. She was inaccurate though, flinching every time she shot the gun. It was a bad habit, but I guess she was still the shy mare she was, not used to using guns.

After about 5 minutes, we had killed almost all of the ghouls, not counting the ones inside the buildings. 

“Blossom, I need you to fill up the tanks of gas. I’m going to check out the armory.” I said, pointing towards the largest building. It was barricaded, and had sentry turrets out front, but I could make short work of both.

“Alright. I’ll be here.” Said Blue Blossom, taking two red gas tanks from beside the filling station, and putting the gas hose inside one. 

I walked over to the Armory area, and the sentry turrets locked on to me. I activated E.F.S, and it read the turrets as friendly. I moved closer, and it stayed the same. I finally started to walk normally towards the door, when the ticks on the E.F.S meter turned bright red.

“BUCK!” I screamed, jumping out of the way of rockets and bullets. I hit the ground on my back, and pulled my handgun, and fired two shots, each one hitting the rocket pods on either turret, blowing them up.

I carefully looked over myself. There was no bullet wounds, or shrapnel wounds. It was my lucky day, I guess. Blue Blossom looked over at me, and I waved. She went back to filling up the tanks, and I started to pull off barricades off the door. They were rotten wooden planks, so they were easy. I finally opened the door, and looked into the dark room. I saw the flashing of robotic ponies waking up, and I groaned audibly. Could this get any more annoying? Laser shots flashed past my face, and I pulled my head back. I pulled my handgun out, and hid on the outside of the door. Lasers shot through the door, and I was grazed by one, tearing right through my barding, and cutting my skin. I flinched in pain a little bit, but I immediately recovered, pushing the door in the face of one of the robots. I jumped into the building, using S.A.T.S to take aim at each of the robots brains. I fired a single shot into each of them, and their cryo brain holders exploded with blood on the inside. They all dropped to the ground, as pools of blood streamed out of the cryo chamber.

“I seriously thought there was going to be a challenge.” I muttered, and stepped over the deactivated bodies of the robots. I went over to the left wall, and turned on the electricity. The lights sputtered on, and I heard a Robo-Dragon awaken from its slumber in the next room. I kicked a table over, and hid behind it. The Robo-Dragon rolled in, looking around. It obviously never saw me, so it rolled outside.

Outside? Blue Blossom was in trouble if that was the case.

I ran outside, following the Robo-Dragon, loading my handgun again. I heard the Min-guns spur up, and start to fire. Damn it, I have to save her! The Robot was firing at Blue Blossoms general area with the mini-gun, and I heard her faint scream through the sound of gunshots. I tried to activate S.A.T.S, but it was still recharging. That would it make it much harder to kill the massive robot. I could always go for the good old fashioned headshot, but that wasn’t going to work out. It was a robot for goddesses’ sake; it wasn’t like a regular pony. I scanned over its body quickly, and realized that it had a control panel on the back. I aimed for that, and fired a single shot.

Bad idea. Very bad idea.

It went into frenzy mode, firing all around, using its Gatling laser, Mini-gun, rocket launcher, and its plasma ray. Worst of all, it knew where I was. It turned around, using its Gatling laser and Plasma ray to shoot at Blue Blossom, and its Mini-gun and Rocket launcher to try and neutralize me. I used my well-honed dodging skills to evade the rockets, but the Mini-gun was too fast. The bullets first bounced off my barding, but then tore a little bit into it, bouncing off my skin. It hurt like hell, but I’ve been through worse. My main mission at this point was to get Blue Blossom to safety. I would deal with this guy later. I jumped and dodged my way across the middle of the compound, using old pieces of debris as cover, and occasionally firing bullets at it. While it did stun the robot, it didn’t do any real damage. Now I knew why they used them to guard the strip.

“Dust! Watch out!” Screamed Blue Blossom, as a Plasma laser shot whizzed past my head. 

“God damn! Does this thing ever let up?!” I half shouted, half choked. I realized I was almost crying, out of fear.

Get ahold of yourself, you big wuss, it’s just a robot. Remember your training.

I obliged the wishes of my thoughts, and I thought back to how to deal with one of these guys.

While Robo-ponies are hard, they are nothing compared to the monstrosity that is the Robo-Dragon. Know by pre-war military units as the K-112 Decimator, it has a thick 5 inch steel plating to protect is software. While it does have a control panel on the back, don’t shoot that, or it will go crazy on you. Use a high-powered weapon, and aim at its groin. Don’t ask, just shoot. It’s where the hard-drive is, covered by 3 inches of steel. It’s easier to penetrate, and is the most lethal of shots.

It was an easy shot. I mean, the groin on a 12-foot tall, 5 ton piece of rolling machinery wasn’t unnoticeable at all. It was like a tank, having no groin, except for a little part when the two “Legs” separated. I aimed towards it with my sniper rifle, activating my now full S.A.T.S. I aimed at the screen, and the little blue Pony in the top right corner, which I had never noticed until now, had a weird grin on its face. I fired a shot, and I saw the bullet penetrate the groin area, and its head exploded off, sending rockets, plasma, bullets, and lasers flying everywhere, including a rocket heading straight towards Blue Blossom.

Damn.

I ran after the rocket, using adrenaline spells to upheave my ability to sprint. It wasn’t enough, so I rose my left fore hoof, and looked at my medical supplies. I scrolled down, still sprinting, to a potion called “Speed”. Well, I guess the name said it all, because the needle implanted inside the Pipbuck, and injected me with the potion. I felt my vision blur, and my legs speed up. Before I knew it, I was running next to the rocket, and then in front of it. At this point, we were ten yards away from Blue Blossom, so I had to think fast. So, I did the quickest thing I could have done. 

I punched the rocket to the side.

While it did deflect the rocket a bit, it hit the gas station right next to us. For a split second, time stood still, as the look on Blue Blossom’s face went from relief, to complete fear. I jumped for her, the Gas station exploding to my left, sending bits of shrapnel into the air. I put my forelegs around Blue Blossom, and tackled her down, shielding her from the explosion with my body. I felt hot fire lick my back, and I grimaced in pain, but nothing more.

As soon as I felt it was safe, I raised myself from Blue Blossom. She was staring at me with her big red eyes, watering with tears.

“I promise I will never let you come with me on my little excursions anymore.” I said jokingly, and she gave me a weak smile.

“You saved me.” She muttered, still smiling.

“Eeyup.” I said, standing completely up.

“Thank you.” She said, and she pulled of my gas mask, and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. I must have been blushing as pink as her mane was, because she started to laugh.

“W-what?” I asked, half angered, half laughing.

“Have you never been kissed by a mare before? Because you’re acting like you haven’t!” She said, and we both burst out laughing. It was the first time I had laughed in a little while.

“I still got to go through that damned armory, I fought enough of those danm robots to get to it, so there better be something worthwhile in there.” I said, pointing back towards the armory. I trotted over, and walked in, looking around the now lit room. There was nothing else lethal in there, so I went over to the double doors on the right side of the room, and kicked them open, handgun in teeth. 

Clear. Except for a wall of weapons.

There was an assault rifle, which was labeled on my Pipbuck as “Armageddon”, a Flame thrower, labeled as “The scorcher”, a .50 semi auto handgun, labeled as “Justice”, and a beautiful bolt action .308 rifle labeled as “Mosin”. It looked like one of the old pony sharpshooter’s rifle, when they were fighting the Griffons when Equestria was just barely established. It was beautiful piece of machinery, such finely crafted. I grabbed all the weapons, ammo for all of them, and hauled them back to the truck.

“Well, I see you had a fun time.” Said Blue Blossom, who was filling the armored trucks gas tank.

“Eeyup.” I said, putting the weapons in the back.

“We have enough fuel to get to New Canterlot, and from there we can fill up.” Said Blue Blossom, who had just topped of the tank. I nodded, and hopped in the driver’s seat, and put the truck in gear. Blue Blossom jumped inside, and buckled herself in. She smiled at me, and we pulled out of the parking lot for Rockland, and drove off into the sunset.


It was 9:00 at night when we finally reached a NCR rest stop. Blue Blossom was asleep, and since she was, I decided to turn the radio to DJ Pon-3’s channel. More news about us.

Well, Ladies and Gentle colts, it seems that someone finally got the balls to raid Rockland! They hit it at about 5:00 today, and dealt with ghouls, robots, and even a gas station explosion! They got ahold of some good, pre-war gas, and even some sweet guns. I believe it’s the same Stallion who saved the Steel Rangers a few days ago, and it seems he has a Mare-friend with him. I know who’s getting lucky tonight! Stay tune, for some music, dedicated to our very own, Soldier of the wastes and his lady friend, to set the mood for this evening, from the Beautiful lips of Sweetie Belle, in her song dedicated to her husband.


I've been really tryin', baby
Tryin' to hold back this feeling for so long
And if you feel like I feel, baby
Then, c'mon, oh, c'mon
Let's get it on
Ah, baby, let's get it on
Let's love, baby
Let's get it on, sugar
Let's get it on.


I burst out laughing, so hard that I accidentally swerved the car. Seriously? She thought me and Blue Blossom had a thing. God, some ponies were stupid. A simple kiss on the cheek was nothing.

“Do you want to?” Asked Blue Blossom, who had now turned over, awake.

“What? No, no. We’re just friends.” I said, and Blue Blossom giggled.

“Right. Seems like DJ Pon-3 thinks otherwise.” Laughed Blue Blossom, and she turned and looked at the ceiling.

“Have you ever had anyone special in your life, Dust?” 

Not this question again…

“Uh, no, not really. I mean, at one point, maybe I had a crush on a certain someone.” I said quietly. God, all these questions about finding a special mare were making me feel lonely.

“I had a guy. He was Pre-war. Silver Star, a handsome, young Colt. He was strong, fast, and funny. Then, when the bombs dropped, he ran outside the stable to help an elderly pony inside. The stable doors closed right in front of him.” Said Blue Blossom. 

“Wow. I-I’m sorry.” I said, as we pulled up to the NCR checkpoint.

“You don’t have to be. You didn’t do anything.” Said Blue Blossom, her eyes welling up in tears.

Damn it, did I make her cry? Great going, Dust. You are such a smooth colt.
What do I do, kiss her? Make her feel better? I’ve never been in this type of situation, which is probably kinda unhealthy, but nonetheless, this is foreign territory.

Follow your heart, but remember, you can’t reverse this car, once you’ve got it going.

Well, here goes nothing, I guess.

“Look, don’t be sad. He’s somewhere better, somewhere where there is no violence, hate, or fighting. A place better than here, for sure.” I said, putting a hoof around Blue Blossom. She turned towards me, and smiled.

“You’re sweet. Thank you.” She said, and my nerves of steel were being melted.
Oh sweet Celestia, wherever the hell you are, grant me this one wish, to have these nerves for one more moment.

“Uh- I- um.” Smooth move, Casanova. 

Blue Blossom giggled, and leaned in closer. Ah, buck, what do I do now? Kiss her? 

“Hey, you two, get a room!” said a NCR officer, and he looked at me.

“Oh, sorry Captain. Your room is ready. 105.” Said the NCR officer, and he opened Blue Blossoms door. She carefully unbuckled herself, and got out of the truck. 

Oh, Sweet Celestia, Luna, and every other god out there, thank you for sending that officer.

“Lieutenant, here’s 20 caps. Go buy yourself a drink after your shift is done.” I said, handing the earth pony 20 caps. He nodded gratefully, and saluted. I walked past him, and looked at the huge statue of Spike standing tall. We were at the town of Spikeovac. Famous for the huge statue of spike, and also for the snipers that sat in his mouth, guarding the town, day and night.

I walked after Blue Blossom, who was already near our room. I carefully put the key in, and then opened the door. Blue Blossom walked in quickly, slightly shuffling side to side. I closed the door, and dropped my saddle bags. She did the same, and kicked off her pink shoes, and jumped on the bed. I sighed, and kicked off my cowboy boots, and then took off my duster. All I had left on was my barding, torn up due to the abuse it suffered at Rockland. It was quite awkward, really. I didn’t know what to do.

“Dust, I-I really don’t know how to say this, so I’m just going to say this straight up.” Started Blue Blossom, and my heart went into my throat.

“These past couple days, I don’t know, but have been really, really different. I thought traveling with a gun toting soldier was going to be like life back at the Steel Ranger base, but it’s not. I feel connected with you, like I’ve known you for a long time. Like you are a best friend, or a peer. My view of you has been warped in many different ways in the past few days, and I think I have a definite idea of what you are to me.” Continued Blue Blossom, who was now standing up, making her way towards me. Her red eyes were filled with a look of longing, and I knew what she was about to say.

“I-I think I’m in love with you.” She said, and my heart exploded…twice.

My jaw dropped, my chest started to fill up with air. All the blood went to my face. She loved me? Sweet Celestia, I think I’m dreaming. Pinch me, shoot me, and cut my horn off. I’m sure I’m dreaming.

“I-I think I love you too.” I said. GREAT! BUCKING PERFECT!

Blue Blossom leaned in, her eyes closing. I did the same, and time slowed to a crawl. It seemed like eternity before our lips touched, the warm scent of her mane flowing into my nose. Oh crap, here we go.

I put my fore hooves around her, keeping our lips touching, as we fell onto the bed. She tore off my nearly destroyed barding, and I slipped hers off, as we fell into love.

You know what, screw you, DJ Pon-3, but at the same time, thank you.

Footnotes: 62% level up! 
New Follower added: Blue Blossom.
New Perk: (Follower) Brain Child; Your Follower is the smartest pony you know! She gives you a bit of her intellect, and you gain 20 in science, medical, and energy weapons!

Thanks to Kkat, Somber, and No-one
> Chapter 8: Welcome Home
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


My eyes fluttered open, and for a moment I was in panic. For the last 3 days, I had been sleeping in a truck, so waking up in a room, lit by warm sunlight, was kinda a surprise. I looked next to me, and Blue Blossom was sleeping quietly in my arms, her head propped against my chest. I smiled, and exhaled. I closed my eyes for a couple more minutes, thinking of how this would have been every morning for everypony 400 years ago, back when all there was, was friendship, happiness, love, and tolerance. It had been a nice night; love had filled the hotel room. Nothing over the top though.

Blue Blossom stirred in her sleep, slightly squirming. I looked over at the window, which gave us a clear view of Canterlot, and I nearly flew out of the bed.

The Enclave were attacking Canterlot. And it looked like they were winning.

“What!? What is it?!” Shouted Blue Blossom, sitting up.

“We have to go. NOW!” I shouted hurriedly. I pulled on my barding and clothes, repairing them with my spells. Blue Blossom did the same, and we ran out of the hotel room.

“What’s wrong?! Is someone attacking us!?” Asked Blue Blossom, concern leaving her voice, and now being replaced by pure panic.

“Canterlot! The Enclave are attacking Canterlot!” I shouted back. I reached the bottom of the stairs, and used my magic to open the Truck door. I jumped in, opening Blue Blossom’s door as well, and put the truck in gear. I wasted no time.
As soon as Blue Blossom got in the truck, we drove off, at top speed. While the truck didn’t seem fast, with a few spells, it could go as fast as an angry Pegasus. We drove down the destroyed highway, kicking dust up in our rear.

“Oh my Goddesses. Canterlot is screwed if we don’t get there soon!” Said Blue Blossom, but I didn’t respond. It was hard enough to drive this thing at 50 MPH, but nearly topping 150 MPH was a nearly impossible task. 

Canterlot was rapidly approaching, so I knew we would be there in about 30 minutes or so. The speedometer read 176, and counting. It would be a hard park as soon as we reached Canterlot, so I needed to get everything in check.

“Blossom, arm the canon. I need you to be on gunner while I drive.” I said, and Blue Blossom obliged, taking the computer pad out, and syncing it with the canon. I heard the Mini-guns barrels spin once or twice, making sure they were operational, and then a couple test shots. The red tracer rounds flew in front of us, and then exploded when they hit the sandy dunes. Explosive rounds? 

This was going to be fun.

The Speedometer read about 194, and was still climbing. Soon, the needle would fall off the chart, and that was bad news.

“I hope the brakes on this are good!” I screamed over the sound of wind buffeting the windshield.

“Yeah, me too!” Shouted Blue Blossom, and I looked at her with dismay. She gave me an awkward smile, and I returned one. 

Canterlot was within 20 miles now, and we would be there soon.

“Look, I just wanted to say, last night was one of the best nights of my life!” I shouted over the noise. It sounded barbaric, but if I said it sweet and low, it would sound like a murmur.

“It was one of the best nights of my life too! I-I really mean it Dust!” Shouted back Blue Blossom and I smiled. I looked back at the road. I could hear the rocket explosions from inside the cab of the truck, and screams of people dying. The gates of Canterlot were fast approaching, and I turned back to Blue Blossom, giving her a nod. She pulled up the computer pad, and we smashed through the gates. 

Time slowed to a crawl as I watched the scene unfold before me. Darin’ was flying through the air, killing his Pegasi brethren. I saw tears fly out of his eyes, as he flew around, using his dual semi-auto rifles to kill off Pegasi. 

Below, Sophia was carrying wounded NCR soldiers to the hospital, using her magic to use her weapon. Her white coat was covered in blood, and tears were streaming from her eyes as well. I guess she thought that all was lost. 

Stallion Rangers were on rooftops, picking off Pegasi in the air. They were doing a pretty good job of it too. One of the rangers was tackled by a Pegasus of the building, so he pulled the pin on his grenade, and held the Pegasus in his arms. He exploded, taking the Enclave soldier down with him. 

Time sped back up, and I slammed on the brakes. They were good! I stopped in just under 5 seconds, and I gave Blue Blossom a stable area to shoot in. Within 10 seconds flat, the skies were clear. I sat there, the smoke rising from the barrels of the Mini-gun, and started to grin. I guess the enclave weren’t so tough.

I put on my gas mask, turned on the Red HUD, and kicked open the door of the truck. I stepped out, and looked around. NCR soldiers had their jaws hanging from their heads, Darin’ looked at me with a look of approval, and Sophia collapsed in relief.

“Miss me?” I asked, and everyone cheered. I have to admit, I felt like a badass. I had just saved most of Camp Alicorn, since over a hundred soldiers were emerging from their hiding spots. I motioned for Blue Blossom to get out of the truck, and she tentatively opened the door. She stepped out, and I heard a bunch of whistling from the men.

“Cut the chatter, you big bag of mules!” Shouted Darin’, and he winked at me. I guess he got the idea, about Blue Blossom and me.

Sophia got up, and started to throw up. 

“Buck! Sophia!” Shouted Darin’, and he ran over to her side. I did the same, and Blue Blossom followed.

“What’s wrong, baby? Are you okay?” asked Darin’, sitting her up.

“I’m actually marvelous. I wanted to tell you this morning, but we didn’t have time.” Said Sophia, smiling gently.

“Tell him what? Are you sick?” I asked, and Sophia shook her head.

“We’re having a baby, Darin’.” said Sophia, and Darin’s jaw dropped. I laughed a bit, and Sophia hugged Darin’.

“We’re gonna have a baby! We’re gonna have a baby!” Shouted Darin’, half crying, half laughing. I smiled, but looked back at the sky. Canterlot was still under siege, and someone needed to do something about it.

“Sorry to rain on your parade, guys, but I still have a job to do. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.” I said, standing up.

“Alright. Screw ‘em up, will ya?” Said Darin’, and I nodded.

“Where’s Napalm?” asked Sophia, and I sighed.

“That traitor was an Enclave, so you probably know what happened to him.” I said, and there was silence from behind me. I opened the door of the armored truck, and Blue Blossom got in after me.

“Is that the good friend you were talking about? The mare?” Asked Blue Blossom.

I put the truck in gear.

“Eeyup. I trained with her.” I said, and Blue Blossom nodded. We drove to the gates, and two lanky looking earth ponies opened it for us. We drove into Canterlot, and almost immediately Blue Blossom started to shoot at Enclave agents. She was accurate, almost never missing a target, and always, always, killing them.

“We got about ten more at 12 o’clock!” I shouted, and the Mini-gun spun around, and started to fire at the Enclave. She killed about 6 of them, but the other four were obviously good fliers. 

They shot rockets at the truck, and I knew that they were going to impact us.

“Get out!” I shouted, pushing Blue Blossom out of the truck. She tried to resist, but I was stronger. I opened the door with my magic, and shoved her out. She covered herself with a forcefeild, and the rockets impacted the truck, sending it into the air, a massive red and orange ball of flames.





“Dust, wake up.” I heard a familiar voice say, and I opened my eyes. I was not in the paved street, stuck in the carcass of the a destroyed truck, staring at Blue Blossom. 

Instead, I was hanging by my forehooves, in a bright white room, looking at Princess Luna, Blue Blossom, Darin’, Sophia (Who had a slightly swollen belly), and the six ponies of harmony.

“Did we win?” I asked, looking around. My head burned, and I felt my stomach wobble a bit. 

“Yes. We won by a long shot.” Said Darin’, who looked a bit uncomfortable. I noticed he was staring directly at my lower-midsection. I tried to look down, but something was holding my head up.

“How long has it been?” I asked, looking around, horizontally.

“Three months, I believe.” Piped up Twilight, and everypony else nodded.

“I’ve been out that long? Wow, I’ve been asleep longer then I’ve been awake, this year.” I said, and laughed awkwardly. No one else laughed.

“You actually haven’t been asleep, you’ve been dead.” Said Sophia, her voice slightly wobbling.

“We’ve been working on you for a while now. First, we gave you replacement organs, that was the main problem. While it was costly, you are pretty much invulnerable to sickness, and radiation.” Said Twilight.

“Plus, we gave you a magic booster. It recharges through solar exposure, and it’s much more powerful now.” Said Luna.

“Also, we repaired your weapons. And replaced your skeleton with steel. Nothing to fancy.” Said Rainbow Dash, and I sighed.

“Can I please look down?” I asked, expecting my legs to be replaced. Luna released the latch on my neck, and I looked down. Well, they were still there, for sure. No modifications, or anything. Just a scar from my throat down to my crotch.

“So, I’m still an organic being, then? I’m not a Robo-pony, or anything, am I?” I asked, and Luna nodded.

“Still same old Dust. Hopefully.” Said Luna. Then she went up to my ear.

“Blue Blossom told me the whole plan to get them back home. We can prevent the whole war if we do this! I’ve already explained what their roles were in the war, and such. Pretty much filled them in on the past 400 years, I guess.” Whispered Luna, and I sighed with relief. I was already in enough pain, seeing as how my body was getting used to my new organs. 

“Girls, and guy, I think Dust would like to get dressed.” Said Rarity, and I heard murmurs of compliance. They all left the bright white room, and the braces let go of me. I looked around the room, making sure that no one else was in, and I walked over to a table with some dark looking clothes on it. I put on the clothes, which included some new barding, a new duster, some leg armor, new helmet, and new boots. It was a nice change from my brown, dusty overcoat, my bloody barding, and my cracked helmet. 

I then looked over to another table, where my weapons were laying. There was the flame thrower, the Assault rifle, the .50 pistol, my .454, and the Mosin. I put the handguns on my thigh holsters, the flamer in my left battle saddle weapon holder, my assault rifle in the right weapon holder, and I strapped the Mosin to my saddlebags. 

I walked over to the door, and punched the red button to open the door. Blue Blossom was waiting right outside the door, tears filling her eyes.

“I thought you were dead…” She said, and my eyes softened.

“Far from it. I’m still here, aren’t I?” I asked rhetorically, and she smiled a bit.

“Yes, yes you are.” Said Blue Blossom, and she leaned in for a kiss. I did as well, and I heard a large amount of awwwwwwwwwww’s from the other ponies, who I hadn’t even realized were there. It didn’t discourage me in the least though. I pulled my lips away from Blue Blossoms slowly, and she just smiled at me.

“You haven’t lost your touch over three months.” She said, and I laughed a bit.

“Um, excuse me lovers, but I think we need to look at the problem at hand. I’ve already got the Steel Rangers geared up for a full frontal assault on Moon Cathedral.” Said Luna, and Rainbow Dash beamed.

“I still can’t believe I make their armor in the future! It’s so awesome!” Said Rainbow Dash, hoof pumping.

“Alright. How long ‘til we head over there?” I asked, looking at my Pipbuck. I took inventory on what Ammunition and medical gear I had.

>100 .308 rounds
>350 5.56 rounds
>50 .454 rounds
>50 .50 rounds.
>900 seconds of flamer shot
>20 stimpacks
>10 healing potions
>5 rad away
>10 Speed

Seems like everything was in check.

“We leave in an hour. All of us. We’ll be meeting our agent, Sandstorm there.” Said Luna, motioning towards the window, in the large, dark room. I walked over to it, and saw that there was a NCR Phoenix (A massive Helicopter with 4 propellers, and a massive amount of armaments).

“Well, hopefully, if we can break into the Area, after dealing with Chrysalis’ legion, we can send you guys back home.” I said, pointing over to the ponies. They smiled, and started for the elevator that would lead us down to the Heli-pad.

I continued to stare out the window, over the wasteland. It had changed in the past months I had been out. New Canterlot was being expanded by builders and it was being repainted. Probably something that had caught on when the Six ponies of harmony decided to clean the place up a bit. I sighed, and stared at the long, destroyed land that was once the beautiful land of Equestria.

“Welcome home.”

> Chapter 9: Legionnaires, Enclave, and Alicorns, Oh my
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I climbed onto the Phoenix, making sure that I had everything with me. Everypony thought the threat of the enclave was gone, but seriously, who would think that?
They were going to pop up at some point in the battle, no matter what. We had already taken precautions to take care of them, but I still felt a sense of unease rising up inside me. Last time I had faced the Enclave, I had been killed. It wasn’t going to be fun going up against them again. 

And what if…? 

No, no. They wouldn’t have.

What if they rebuilt Napalm? I mean, I remember having my head crushed by the chassis of the armored truck, so why couldn’t they repair a bullet wound? 

Questions flew around in my head like Pegasi, but I shook them away. Right now, my priorities were getting the Ministry mares home, possible preventing the war, making sure Darin’ got home to Sophia, so he could get some much needed TLC with his family, and to make sure that I got home, so I could be with Blue Blossom. While she was sitting across from me, she had to report to Sandstorm right off the bat. I wouldn’t be seeing her much on the battlefield, seeing as how she was a scholar, and I was a piece of machinery.

“Be careful, Darin’, come home safe. For me and the baby.” Said Sophia, kissing Darin’ goodbye.

“I’ll be home soon, honey. Then, we can name the baby.” He said, and winked. He got into the Phoenix, and we took off. I scoffed, and he just clucked his tongue.

“You now, once you get into a deep relationship with Blossom over here, things will be just like that.” Said Darin’, and Blue Blossom blushed. I laughed a bit, and looked out the window. The vast landscape was pockmarked with craters and such, smoke from fires tainting the sky.

I then looked back at the to-be Ministry Mares. They were all talking to each other, trying to break the tension in the cabin. 

It did nothing of that sort.

While hardened Ranger veterans like Darin’ and myself, just sat there in silence, others prayed to Celestia, or stared at me in awe. My armor was different now, all black, and instead of red lenses for the glasses, they were blue. I looked like the commander of them all, when really; I was just another foot soldier. I closed my eyes, trying to get a little shut eye before the big battle. While I had technically been asleep for the past 3 months, as I said before, it doesn’t really give you any real rest.


“Wake the buck up, Dust! We got 20 seconds ‘til jump!” I heard Darin’ shout into my ear. My eyes shot open, and I looked around, and everyone was laughing.

“Screw you guys. I was having a good dream!” I shouted at them, laughing myself now.

“About what, Blue Blossom? What dirty things did ya do to her, eh? Did ya plug ‘er?” Asked one of the Rangers, and we continued laughing. Blue Blossom was blushing, but smiling at the same time.

The helicopter landed, and I looked out the window. Hundreds of soldiers were bustling around, tents set up. On the left, strong colts were tearing the trees down so we could get a clear shot at the Moon Cathedral. On the right, both NCR soldiers and Steel Rangers were fighting off Alicorns from a distance.

Damn it. I didn’t think the Alicorns were going to be a problem!

“Darin’, I need you to go and deal with the Alicorns. I’ll go with Luna to talk to our agent. I’ll call you back with the radio when I need you.” I said, as the doors opened on the Phoenix.

“Gotcha, boss.” Said Darin’, who then put on his gas mask, and took to the sky. I walked out, the Pre-war ponies, Luna, and Blue Blossom in tow. The sound of gunshots rang out through the sky, and the Pre-war ponies covered their ears. I sighed, as I saw Sandstorm come out of her tent. As soon as she looked at us, her face lit up in happiness. 

“Blossom! Sweet Celestia I’ve missed you!” She shouted, somehow overpowering the gunshots. She ran over to us, and gave Blue Blossom a kiss. I recoiled a bit, but not too much. I mean, it was one thing if it was another colt, but it wasn’t half as bad if it was another mare.

“It’s nice to see you too, Sandstorm.” I said, pulling my gas mask upwards, and then lighting a cigarette. 

“I didn’t say hi to you.” She said, tilting her head in confusion.

“I know.” I said, pushing the cigarette into my mouth. I breathed in a cloud of smoke, and exhaled.

“Whatever. Somepony’s obviously cranky after his nap.” Sandstorm said, and both Luna and Blue Blossom giggled a bit. I rolled my eyes, and sighed.

“Okay, just give us the skinny on the operations. How is the assault going on Moon Cathedral?” Asked Luna, still chuckling from the joke Sandstorm cracked.

“Just fine. It seems that their dug in there good, and we are still bombarding them with missiles and mortars. The real problem is the Alicorns that have settled about 4 miles west of here. Mostly just jumpers, but they’re still annoying.” Said Sandstorm, and Luna nodded.

“Okay. I’ll send my men to deal with the Alicorns, and you just keep bombarding the cathedral. Seems like we have a good plan here.” Said Luna, who turned around, and walked over a large tent that was being pulled up by about 5 rangers.

“Well, I reckon I better rally up my troops to get the assault on the Alicorns, I guess.” I said, and started to walk off, when Blue Blossom trotted next to me.

“Be careful, okay? For me.” She said, and I nodded. I dropped the cigarette out of my mouth, and gave her a small kiss. She smiled, and ran off to Sandstorm. Sandstorm gave me a stern look, and I just shrugged.

“Now, let’s get this show on the road.” I said, pulling my gasmask on.



I walked slowly over to the Western front, which was just a long plain, for all I could see. There were a few crevices, and some rocks, but mostly just a 20 mile long death trap of yellow grass. A bunch of rangers were firing at purple silhouettes on the horizon, which kept on teleporting back and forth.

“Alicorns.” I said to myself as I walked down the small barricaded hill to the rangers encampment. A bunch of Steel Rangers walked along the makeshift trenches they had made, making sure none of the freaks had decided to use all their magic and do a super-teleport. I looked to the sky, and I saw Darin’, who was launching rockets at the enemies on the horizon.

“Darin’! Come down here! Rally up the troops!” I shouted, and he nodded. He swooped down in front of the rangers at the front like, shouting at them to meet up with me. They all pulled back, and the Steel Rangers took their place.

“Alright, gentle colts. We have a situation on our hands, as you may know. Those pricks out their keep on annoying the hell out of, using up some of our men that we could be using to get through the forest. Our contact and Princess Luna have authorized an assault on their little base. It’s about 4 miles from here, through the western area of the forest. Since there is rough terrain, were taking the journey on foot.” I said, and a bunch of the soldiers groaned.

“Can’t we go around?”

“How about we use a Phoenix?”

“I didn’t sign up for this!” 

“SHUT UP!” I shouted, and they all quieted down.

“I’m tired of your crap! If you don’t want to be here, get the hell out now! I’ve been dead for 3 months, and you see me here, right now do, don’t you? Get ahold of yourselves, you worthless excuses for soldier. Prove to me that you are actually worthy to be called rangers!” I shouted at them, my fury showing.

“Yes sir!” they all shouted in unison.


“Then lets get a move on,” I said angrily, walking along.

The soldiers followed me into the small forest, letting the footsoldiers deal with Chrysalis’ legion. It was a simple matter of just walking to where we were supposed to be. Sure, we came across a couple manticores, but besides from that, we were safe. 

It was sundown by the time we reached the small encampment of Alicorns. It seemed empty, but they had their ways of hiding. We approached carefully, activating our active camos. Silently, we scouted out the side of the camp we were facing, realizing the camp may be abandoned. We deactivated our active camos, and were suddenly under fire. 5 of us went down almost immediately, and the rest of us took a hail of laser fire.

“Get to cover!” I shouted, running behind a small concrete barrier.

The rest of them men followed my lead, except Darin’, who took to the skies, using his dual Gatling guns to dispatch the assailants. I peered over the barrier, and saw a bunch of Purple and Green Alicorns, firing upon us and Darin’.

“Okay, Longshot! I need you to lay suppressing fire with the .50! I’m moving up with the flamer!” I shouted, pulling the safety off the flame thrower.

Longshot nodded, and quickly stood up, his .50 cal firing. I sprinted into the camp, lighting everything flammable on fire. Alicorns screamed in agony as they burned alive, as did their prisoners. Sure, it was a terrible thing to do, but I had no time to deal with half-dead mutants right now. I needed to get those six ponies back to their own time as soon as possible.
After about 2 minutes of burning the camp to the ground, all the Alicorns were dead. There weren’t many to begin with, which was slightly odd, but we had a new trace to follow.

“Sir! Orders from Luna, she says we’re moving in on Moon Cathedral right now! We’ll be using the flank route!” shouted a soldier, a radio floating in his face.

“You heard him boys! We are leaving, whether you like it or not!” I shouted, and I heard audible groans.

We started marching again, and I started to ponder why the Alicorns had left their post. They were very territorial, not the type to just abandon ship. Perhaps those were remnants of the fighting force that had attacked the Cathedral? I didn’t have much time to ponder it, because before I knew it, we were in the defense mine field.

A massive explosion marked our entrance, as Longshot shielded himself from the massive explosion. A young earthpony wasn’t so lucky, being dismembered by a incendiary mine.

“Spread out! Sheilds up!” I shouted, running, covering myself in a bluish shield.

We ran through the explosions, some of us turning into mulch, the others barely surviving. We reached the inner area of the defenses, and jumped behind a log. I took a head count, and my jaw dropped.

Only 9 of us left, only the veterans. I groaned, and the others picked up the hint.

“Damn it! Why is it always us!” Shouted Longshot, looking around.

“Not sure, maybe because Celestia’s up there watching us, trying to keep us alive. I mean, technically, we’re protecting her sister.” Said Darin’, pulling his mask off, and lighting a smoke.

“Yeah, well, her sister can launch lasers that literally un-shift Equestria’s balance. It’s not like she can’t protect herself.” Said Longshot.

“Look, lets keep moving up. The legion will be weakened by now, and we can deal with them.” Said Darin’, pulling his mask back on.

With that, we took off once again, using our night vision to stalk through the forest. It was a short walk before we heard the screaming of soldiers, and the sound of guns and lasers. All 9 of us picked up the sound of lasers, and sprinted to the cathedral. 

It was a mad house.

The Alicorns who had deserted the previous camp were fighting the Legionnaires, the Legionnaires were fighting Enclave agents, who were fighting the NCR, who were fighting the Alicorns. All of the rangers went into attack mode, and started picking off enemies, easily killing them from 400 yards from the forest.

Suddenly, a massive fireball flew at us. 

Longshot was instantly incinerated, as was 2 other rangers. Almost as if on cue, two other fireballs landed directly near us. I was thrown back into a fiery haze, blood spattering against my HUD. I looked around, watching the already burned trees falling into their final fiery graves. I was being crushed by one of the shells of the fireballs, and tried to force it off me.

Suddenly, I felt a massive uplift, and realized I was being pulled from under the tree. I looked behind me, to see a burned Longshot pulling me along, floating a .454 beside him. He kept on firing at the enclave agents, who were swooping along, hitting him with lasers. He didn’t budge the least bit, just fired with more fury, screaming in rage.

Finally, we came to a stop, as he fell down, panting, blood slipping between his lips. I had only barely knew Longshot, but he put his final moments on Equestria into saving me.

“Get ‘em home, for my kids, Dust. For everypony. They deserve a hero like you.” Said Longshot, wheezing heavily.

I saluted, and gave him a grenade. He just smiled, and I sprinted off, towards the cathedral. I heard the Enclave shouting something at Longshot, then a faint explosion. Went out like a true soldier. Fighting until the end.
I got close to the cathedral, when I felt a shock on my back. I fell to my knees, my eyes closing, as I saw a familiar face overlooking me.

“Close your eyes Dust. You’re going to be turned into a rainbow, won't that be fun?”

> A/N: Finale, Sequel, and contests.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Okay, ladies and gentlemen. It's time to get right down to business.

As you may know, the Finale of Fallout Equestria: Dust is coming forward, and will be released late next week. Yes, I'm suprised too, but this is not the end! There will be a sequel, and I hope you will all follow it. 

I'll be releasing it under title "Fallout Equestria: Broken Bonds."

I'll be leaving a little preview after the final chapter comes out of the current Fallout Equestria.

Also, the contest to have somepony's idea in the final chapter is still open, but closing quick. It's time to pick and choose, because come Monday, 12:01 Hawaii time, If I don't have any ideas, ima have to wing it.

So, stay tuned, and I will deliver.

Thanks! -Storm
> Chapter 12
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here I am, hanging by my hoofs. Except this time, I was hanging over a pit of dead bodies, and with a exacto blade hanging in front of me, ready to extract my life essence. Was I scared? Yes. Why? Because I let everypony down. Because I was supposed to get those mares home, to stop this damned war. To change everything. 

Now, I was about to be killed. It was sad really. I was in Cloudsdale, from what it looked like, and I was about to be made into a rainbow. Looking back on it, I really should have read the book “Rainbow Factory”. 

“Wakey Wakey, Dust. Time to get executed.” Said the familiar voice.

I looked up to see Napalm, his head put back together. He was sitting in a control booth, with two other Pegasi. He had his hand on a control module, which would probably be used to end my life. Looking back on it, I never really did anything good. Fell in love, killed a couple hundred ponies, saved a few. I wasn’t a hero. I was just some soldier.

“So, this is how you plan to kill me, eh? Hang me like a criminal and gut me like a pig? You are so heroic.” I said 
distastefully.

“Oh, believe me, I would have killed you right there, Dust, but we are in desperate need to fuel our Vertibirds, so… We are going to use you.” Said Napalm, making the exacto blade twist in front of me.

I looked around the room, making sure there was nothing I couldn’t do to aid my escape. Everything was strapped down, and stasised, so I was pretty much stuck like this. I looked straight at Napalm, and angrily gave him a terrible look. He just shrugged, and nodded at the Pegasi. One of them pushed the knife forward, so close I could hear the buzzing of its extractor. The blade stopped right in front of me, and started to glow and twist quickly. It was about to penetrate my chest, when I felt something weird. Not like, something drilling into my chest weird. The airflow in the room stopped, the gravitational pull stopped. I felt like I was floating.

Then, Luna’s Moon cannon hit the factory. 

Remember how Longshot said that Luna could fire lasers that would unshift Equestria’s balance? Yeah, he wasn’t joking about that.

I was melted from my chains, and I wasted no time getting onto my hooves. The whole factory was burning down, the blue black fire melting everything in its path. I found a opening, and jumped outside, pulling my helmet over my head.
Sadly, it wasn’t a very good idea. There was a 60 foot drop in the opening, and I immediately slammed into the ground, spraining my front left hoof.

“Fuck!” I shouted, rolling.

I stood up, trying to find a way out of the melting factory. Ponies were running around, flaming and half torn apart. I grimaced at the sight, and limped through the melting metal.

“It was a mess. The whole factory was overloading. Ponies were getting plasma on them, melting away through their body. I was surprised I was still even alive after that fall. I guess being an android pays off sometimes. I got out of the factory, and I was greeted by a whole fleet of ships, opening fire on what was New Cloudsdale.

There were probably hundreds of little skirmishes going on across the now metal cloud that had been formed by the Pegasi. Whether it was Alicorns vs. Legion, or NCR vs. The Enclave, a war was being waged on this small area.

Suddenly, I started to be liftedup, along with everypony else on the could. A huge blue beam exploded into the middle, releasing an explosive shockwave, destroying literally everything within 500 yards. I looked up to see Luna flying through the air, ordering the troops around. She saw me, and landed.

“Is this all for me?” I asked, and Luna simply sighed.

“No. We presumed you dead. We came here because the enclave completely demolished the portal. They have one up here, though,” Said Luna, pointing towards a large tower under attack by NCR. “We brought everypony we could get. Alicorns, Legion, us. They’re all fighting one another.”

“What about Darin’?” I asked, and Luna solemnly sighed.

“He’s up there. You need to rendezvous with him and the Keepers of Harmony, and get them home,” Said Luna, lifting off again.

“Oh, I almost forgot. Here,” She said, dropping a rifle into my lap.

It wasn’t a rifle at all. It was a rusty, old lever action shotgun. The same one I had used the day my family was killed. I nodded to Luna, and ran towards the tower.

I got there without incident, the occasionally Legion idiot needing a slug to the brain, but nothing more. Darin’ was at the base, bleeding profusely from his left eye. The six mares were circled around, and Fluttershy was mending Darin’s eye.
“Well call me a whore in a church, if it isn’t Dust! I thought you were dead!” Shouted Darin’ standing up.

“Oh, um, I- I’m not… Never mind,” Said Fluttershy, as Darin’ hugged me.

“Go home, Darin’. This is my fight. You have a family now, I don’t,” I said, and Darin’ shook his head.

“You think I’m going to list-.”

“That’s an order. I can handle this.”

Darin’ just looked at me funny, and then shook his head.

“You’re an idiot, you know that?” He asked, and I nodded.

“Every day, brother. Every day.” I said, and Darin’ nodded.

“I owe you a beer after this,” He said, and he kicked a box next to his hoof.

“I’ll man the machine gun. You head up, and deal with whatever shit’s waitin’ for you up there,” Said Darin’, giving me a hoof bump.

I nodded to the mares, swiveling my shotgun. We walked into the tall, metal obelisk, and I pushed the button to go up.

“I’m scared, Twah,” Said Applejack.

“So am I, Applejack. We can get through this,”

“We’re all scared, girls. The Enclave, the NCR, the Legion, even the Alicorns. We realize each battle may be our last. Don’t think for one second we’re brave,” I said, aiming my shotgun at the door.

The doors opened, and there were two Enclave soldiers. I shot one in the head, tearing it clean off and splattering blood over the wall. The other lunged at me, and I kicked him back, cranking my shotgun. I shot him through the chest, and he fell to the ground. I motioned for the girls to get in. They piled inside the elevator, and I put the shotgun on my back, picking up one of the high end assault rifles the soldiers had. I opened the action, when the elevator stopped.

“Second floor?” I asked, and the mares shrugged.

“I guess we’ll have to fight our way up,” I said, as the doors opened. 

I put a shield up, and I walked out, bullets pinging off the barrier. I lowered the barrier, showing multiple enclave soldiers. I opened fire, as the soldiers reloaded. I killed 4 out of 5 of them, when I ran out of ammo. He aimed his rifle at me, when his head was cut clean off. 

I turned to see Twilight, her horn glowing purple. She was sweating, as she slid onto the floor.

“I killed him…” She said, and I sighed.

“Really? You’re worked up about that? Look, we need to go. We don’t have a whole lot of time before they destroy this one too. Come on,” I said, running ahead.

They followed at a brisk pace, and we went up the stairs, clearing floor by floor. It wasn’t until we got to the second to the top that things started to get serious. 

I was taking cover behind a small barricade, bullets pinging off the walls and glass. The mares were on the verge of tears, and I couldn’t let them break down in a time like this.

“Hey, keep your cool. We’ll get through this!” I shouted, and most of the mares kept cool.

Except one.

Rarity burst into tears, and ran right into the open. I jumped out in front of her, bullets pinging off my armor and coat. I tackled her, bullets hitting everywere around us.

“Keep down!” I shouted to the mares, and Rarity kept crying.

“Stop crying, you dolt!” I shouted, as I grabbed my rifle. 

I stood up, bullets flinging through the barell into my enemies. Sadly, I took the same beating. Bullets tore through the weaker padding of my armor, and hit me in my vitals. I fell back, blood spilling out of my mouth.

Wow, third time this year.

I lifted myself up, maintaining my calm, as I reloaded quickly. Bullets tore through my sleeves and into my hooves, and I kept on firing, my vision going blurry. Twilight started launching magic shots at the enemies, but the damage was done.

“C’mon…have…to…home…” I said, trying to stand up.

“Here darlin’, let me help ya,” Said Applejack, lifting me up so I could lean on her.

We slowly but surely reached the stairs, and we walked up, afraid of what was behind the next door.

“Be…be strong. You will… go home,” I said, taking through the massive amount of blood pouring out of my mouth.

“You’re not going to make it if you keep up this pace, Dust,” Said Twilight, and I scoffed.

“You don’t think I don’t know that? This is obviously my last mission, and I realize this. Now, open the door,” I said, and Rainbow Dash nodded.

The doors swung open, and a bunch of Enclave guards aimed their weapons at me. Their lasers were all focused on me, and out of the shadows, I saw Napalm walk out.

“Well, well, well. I didn’t think you had the heart. It’s over, Dust. Your war cannot continue. These mares will never get home, and we’ll rule the wasteland eternally,” Said Napalm, and I took off my helmet, throwing it so that everypony could see my face.

“Well, I’ve gotten this far. So why haven’t you killed me yet? I’ve killed hundreds of your soldiers, fought with legions, and transported these mares across the wasteland. And here I am. So what’s stopping you?” I asked, and Napalm scoffed.

“Good question… I think we’ll do that now,” Said Napalm, and the soldiers clicked their safeties off.

My horn glowed bright blue, and I made direct line to the portal behind Napalm and his soldiers.

“Go!” I shouted, and the mares ran into the portal, being transported to their own time.

The barrier closed, and the soldiers just looked at me.

“Congratulations. Now, die.” Said Napalm, and the soldiers opened fire.

It was instantaneous. I was dead. No longer living. My life, like a light bulb, turned off. I fell to the floor, blood flowing from my wounds, as a weird humming sound filled the air.

“What the…” Started Napalm, as minigun rounds tore through the tower top. 

Limbs were sent everywhere, as Darin’ made a flyby, tearing everything the tower apart. It made no difference. I was dead, and Darin’ had just eliminated one more enemy. Sure, Napalm had been killed, and was finally put to rest in a pile of mulch and blood, but I was gone.

Darin’ landed inside, tears in his eye. He ran over to me, looking me over.

“Dust… Come on Dust, wake up…”

“Wake up…”

“Come on, honey, wake up.”

I opened my eyes, and I was in a small room, surrounded by toys. I looked up to see a pretty mare staring at me, smiling.
“Todays your school play, Dusty! Rarity fancied up your costumes this year again!”

It was amazing that I even could retain a sliver of what had happened in my previous life. I guess it just stuck. I never knew how life ended over there, how things went on. All I knew was that things had changed for the better. Maybe just for me, or maybe even for all of us. I just hope to anypony who finds this, they had a better time than I had.



Blue Water stopped the recording, looking up at Darin’. Her eyes were full of sadness as she stared at the old Pegasus. New Canterlot,  now a full blown, new city since the great change had happened, towered in the background, near a lush green forest with vast emerald plains in the front. Blue Water was sitting on her family villa’s porch, listening to the one sliver of her father she had.

“So… He died that day?” Asked Blue Water, and Darin’ nodded.

“I guess his helmet uplink was still up and runnin’ after things changed. His came immediately, but ours took at most a year to change. Now things are back to normal, I guess. Just the heroes of the wasteland are remembered, instead of goddesses now,” Said Daring, his left eye hidden behind an eyepatch.

“Th-Thank you, uncle Darin’. This means a whole lot to me…” Said Blue Water, and Darin’ smiled.

“Don’t mention it. What are you going to do now, kid?” He asked, and Blue Water sighed.
“I’m going to find him,”

> You Know Nothing
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The ground of the prison was covered in bullet casings, as well as littered with the bodies of the inmates and soldiers whom had tried to fight against the invaders. Blood strewn the wall, as a single NCR ranger slowly walked over the piles of bodies and casings. The grunting of a lone pony, still alive after the horrific attack, echoed throughout the mess hall of the concrete jungle. The cracked walls carried the wails of a dying pony throughout the prison.

It did not phase the ranger, not one bit.

The ranger approached the sound of the moaning and grunting, her trot not increasing at all. Her helmets blue eyes scanned the bodies, looking for any sign of life in the terrible massacre. Her breath was audible, but just barely.

She turned a corner of the prison, too see a blood streak heading towards the entrance of the newly minted mass graveyard. She followed it, her trench coat blowing in the wind shooting through the destroyed walls.

She saw the pony, and started towards him. The blood streak was coming from the nubs of what were his legs, as he slowly crawled away from the ranger. As soon as he heard the sound of hooves, the wounded pony flipped over, his eyes wide.

"Wait! Ember, you don't know what you're doing!" He cried out to the Ranger, who kept her steady approach. "You don't know the repercussion of this!"

The Ranger stopped  in front of the pony, and knelt down. The sound of hooves appeared behind her, as 5 more rangers appeared, 4 with the modern black, carbon armor, and one with the old, leather and riot gear armor.

The eyes of the helmet the pony in front of the wounded pony was wearing turned from a cool blue, to a light yellow, progressively turning red.

"You know nothing." The ranger said, her eyes turning from yellow to orange, and then to Red.

The high pitched sound of a whistle shot through the air, as flames erupted around the wounded pony, engulfing him in a fiery death. His screams were carried far and wide through the prison, as the rangers simply walked off, leaving the burning pony to die.
> Sequel is Out!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey guys! Just as promised, "Fallout Equestria: Dust," has a new baby brother! It has been posted this morning, under the name "Fallout Equestria: A Dead Pony's Diary." Hope you enjoy! Make sure you check it out!