Chapter 1. New Home.
Okay, so what can I tell you about myself? I was born in Stable 65. Name's Harvest. Harvest Chaser. And yes, it sounds like a Pegasi name while I am a unicorn which is... Weird, I guess? But basically my parents thought it would be a totally awesome idea to make such a name. Wow. And while I didn't really enjoy my name, it's a pity they are now in the better place. Such a loss...
I'd like to give a short description of myself for anypony wondering. My eyes are bright yellow and my fur's color is grey. My mane is black and my cutiemark is a flask with green goo in it... Fascinating, isn't it? I got it after I've won the one and only chemistry Stable competition, where I've scored the most points than anypony else of my age. That's why I went to the science division once I got the choice to choose either the maintenance or the science division.
Oh, I forgot. Yes, the Stable had everypony split up into multiple divisions, such as the science division, the maintenance division (which was actually pretty similar from what I've heard of), the security division and the division, the name of which I've forgot. But what I do remember about the last one is the fact it was the place where all the cook ponies, the cleaners and so on were put. Basically, everypony who wasn't a smart or strong.
Sadly, both of my parents died just a few months after I got my cutiemark. The reason they did is because of some mysterious disease... Wonder what it was... I became an orphan and was forced to live in loneliness at a pretty young age - nopony wanted to adopt me because everypony already had a ton of problems going on. And I was annoyed by the fact I was forced to live in some underground bunker, created to protect the pony nation in cases of great danger, such as a megaspells warfare. So, some jerks thought it was a good idea to kill almost everypony in the world just to win the war for some... coal. Damned. COAL. Or so I was told in classes, which I didn't really much attention.
I mean, wouldn't it be just easier to find another source of energy? I'm sure it would be. And there wouldn't be cursed holes underground, in which we had to live and praise the Stable-Tec as much as Celestia or Luna. It's such a pain in the you-know-what to think about it, really. Ponies. Fighting. Zebras. Over some resources. And what did even happen to the Zebras? I mean, I don't know if we launched a counter-attack. Anyhow, I got off the track. What I wanted to say is I would like to tell you the story of mine, so take your time and enjoy the ride.
I woke up every morning with a bulb's light making me hide my face behind my hooves. And this day was not different at all. I got up from my cozy bed with a sad feeling, knowing that as soon, as I leave my room, I shall be greeted by the usual "get out of here" phrase, which everyone in my Stable told me if they had a chance, no matter whether I did something wrong or not. I looked around my room, searching for a pair of glasses, as I could see absolutely nothing without them. However, I couldn't find them, so I was forced to start an epic quest to find them, while digging through everything I've ever owned.
I started from the bedside-table with a lamp standing on it. Just near it I saw my still opened Daring Doo book, which I couldn't finish the previous evening because I had a very important task to help Whitemane, who's, like, the worst pony of all. He's the one who has always done the same thing no matter when or where - humiliate me. Damn it! I still wonder what has happened to Daring Doo after the snakes were unleashed upon her... Okie-dokie, geek stuff aside and continue the search. I won't be able to read it now anyway, considering the fact I don't have the glasses at this very moment.
When I almost gave up on finding the glasses, I noticed something shining just under the Daring Doo book. Well, that's lucky! At least, nopony sneaked into my room while I was asleep with the sole purpose to hide my glasses. I used my horn to levitate the glasses and quickly put them on. Much better! I trotted towards my locker, quickly opened it and put my white laboratory clothes on, which consisted of a blue maintenance suit and a lab coat. Then, I took a look at my PipBuck - the most useless thing of all, in my opinion. I mean, really. The only reasonable purpose of it for me was the in-built watches, which is indeed convenient. The S.A.T.S. and the E.F.S., also known as Stable-Tec Arcane Targetting Spell and the Eyes-Forward Sparkle would be useful only in case you were fighting on a daily basis. The map wasn't an important thing either - you are born here, you die here. During this period you'll be able to remember every single corner of this hole in the ground. Anyway, we got off-topic. I took a look at my PipBuck and noticed the fact I have a lot of time left until my duty starts.
I decided to go for a small walk to get some fresh air, if you could say so. Consdering the fact that I'm still underground in some hole. I left my room without a second glance and looked around. I was thinking to get some breakfast in the cafeteria and then go... I don't know where. Well, sounds like the best plan ever. I turned left and went towards the cafeteria, without even looking. In fact, I know this place so well I could go to the cafeteria blind-folded, I thought to myself and bumped into the wall right at that moment. Thankfully, my glasses didn't fall from my nose and break to pieces. Okay, so maybe it's not true I could go around here blind-folded...
Anyhow, I was moving towards the cafeteria, while looking at the endless grey corridors and its inhabitants. I was passing by a few residences and ponies who lived in them. Most of them were still sleepy, so I didn't even attempt to talk to them. The cafeteria entrance was getting closer and closer and soon I went in. The cafeteria presented an average-sized room with black and white tiles as floor, which always made me think of chess... There were red sofas to sit on and rectangle-shaped tables. Most of the seats were empty because it was still pretty early in the morning. However, there were those few ponies who were eating anyway. As I was looking at them, I wanted to eat more and more. So, I better have my breakfast now.
"Greetings, what's today on the menu?" I asked the cook mare politely, who seemed as though she was going to fall asleep right where she stood.
"Apple Casserole," the mare answered while being rather annoyed her dreams were interrupted by a pony like myself. Did I mention I'm not a popular pony? Well, if I didn't - now you know it.
"Nice. Can I get some?" I asked just before I noticed the mare was already passing it to me over the stand. "Thank you!"
I took a place in the corner and started eating the dish. You know, down here - everything is made of apples. Really. Apples, apples and apples. Apple pies, apple casseroles, apple ice-cream, apple crisps, apple fritters... Continue the list. Only sandwiches don't contain apples down here. I guess apples are such a common ingredient because they were meant to be the real food source, or something. Otherwise there wouldn't be a place, such as the "Apple Garden" on the Stable-Tec blueprints I got the chance to witness a few times. The casserole itself wasn't the most tasty thing, actually. It felt like I was eating water mashed up with apples and turned into a solid substance. Or maybe I indeed was eating water mashed up with apples. Who knows? I've never shown any particular interest in cooking in the Stable and what the foods are really made of. My thoughts, however, were interrupted. I saw a beautiful white Pegasi mare with yellow mane entering the area. Her name was Liberty. We're friends and colleagues. Both of us are woking in the same lab but we have rather different personalities. While I'm a typical nerd, she's a rather artistic pony. She's one of the most famous ponies in Stable 65, I'd dare say. She's good at almost everything. Science - check, singing - check, painting - check. But even though she's good at everything, it doesn't mean she's the best at everything. While she's good at science and works in a lab, she spends most of her time practising her singing and preparing to entertain the others. While I've never told her so, I've always been charmed by her. Just from the moment we first met. However, I noticed Whitemane, that stallion I mentioned, who always humiliated myself, was acting suspiciously. Every week just at about 7.30 am on Mondays, he sneaks his way to the Overmare's office, usually starting his path from the cafeteria. I wanted to know the truth, so I was planning to follow him on his way to it.
He simply took place by a trio of his friends, who were debating about something. Then, one of them started roaring with laughter and the other ones followed the example. However, I saw Whitemane taking a look at his PipBuck and he soon set off towards his destination, which I have mentioned earlier but will remind you anyway - the Overmare's office. I silently started following him but then I heard a few steps behind myself. I turned around and noticed Liberty following me. The hay?
"Why are you following me?" I asked barely moving my lips.
"Why are you following him?" she replied.
"He's been acting suspiciously for some time now."
"The same applies to you. Every time you see him, you look at him as though you are attempting to kill him with your stare."
"Well, every week he heads off towards the Overmare's office. I want to know why."
"Well, that is suspicious, I agree. But why would you be worried about it?"
"I just know he's up to no good, alright?"
"That's no proof," Liberty said and left.
I continued following Whitemane, as he progressed on his way. Soon, we reached the destination - the office. He started doing something with the lock and the door magically opened. Wonder how he did that. I took place around the corner, so that he wouldn't be able to see me. He started saying something to himself, so I quickly decided to use the PipBuck to record the audio. And it's the first time I appreciated I had it.
"...Come on, come on. Six letters... Hmm... Most likely the first and the third letters are H and C. Ah, just what I thought. They indeed are... Erm... Maybe, 'hacked'? Bingo. I can finally get all the info I wanted from this stupid Overmare. Just need to plug this in and wait for the PipBuck to download it," he said while hacking a terminal, presumably, and just after that I heard loud steps coming towards the office. Oh, damn. Then, there was a loud sound of something opening and closing - and Whitemane disappeared to nowhere... Dang it!
The Overmare was marching towards her office and before I could hide, noticed me and the open door. I'm screwed.
"Mister Harvest Chaser, what the hay do you think you are doing? How dare you break into my office?!"
"It's not me, I have pro--"
"Whatever the proof is, it's not worth my time. Tomorrow, you are leaving the Stable, as a punishment, and you'll never come back. You hear me?!"
"But... but please... hear me ou--"
"Go. Away."
I ran away as fast as possible and realized it was the time to go to my duty. I was a bit late for it... Then, the voice of the Overmare started talking from the loudspeakers.
"Today, a pony broke into my office and hacked my terminal. Because of it, he's getting banished from our Stable. Tomorrow, after breakfast he's leaving. This somepony's name is Harvest Chaser. That is all for now, be prepared for the future!"
Now, I'm totally screwed. I had to go to the duty either way, so I sprinted towards the lab, while watching the grey corridors go by. I didn't have any time to have some rest to watch my surroundings. Soon, I reached my destination. Ah, the laboratory. I opened the door and slowly walked in, as though I was not in a hurry at all. I quietly took place by Liberty, who looked as though she didn't see me. I decided to instead listen to the pony speaker, whose name was Jack, or something.
"...As I was saying, the numbers on this chart are telling that the amount of electicity consumed in our Stable is going up at a very fast pace. We'll need to decrease it in order for everything to function as it's meant to be," said the speaker and stopped for a moment to take a sip of water. "We'll have to come up with a way how to do so but for now we have the jobs for today... Harvest Chaser - there's a problem with the plumbing, so could you fix that for me? And the others - think about the issue we're experiencing with electricity. That is all for now."
Just after the speech has ended, I catched the looks of the others. Well, by the Celestia... Did somepony really believe the Overmare? I mean, who would think Harvest Chaser would break into the Overmare's office? And for the sake of my sanity... How did Whitemane leave the office? I mean, there isn't a super-secret underground pathway just out of the office, right?
And the ponies left the lab, leaving me alone. They were going towards the reactors, presumably. In the mean time, I was walking towards the lower levels to fix the plumbing problem, which I doubt to even exist. To get to the lower levels, you had to open a small door in the atrium, which had a glowing text above it, saying "MAINTENANCE". The door didn't require any keys - just a password. Which was, conveniently, "65" for every single maintenance door in the Stable. This password was told to anypony who was old enough and was going to work for a science or a maintenance division.
I opened the door and went down. The smell that came from the area was going to make me vomit my precious Apple Casserole just where I stood, if it wasn't for the fact I hid my nose behind my hoof. I was slowly going down the concrete steps, which were leading towards the mentioned area. There were two lower levels. The upper one and the... lower one? I hate repeating words. Anyhow, I took a fast glance at the ponies on the upper level, which were playing cards around the table, instead of working. Urgh. Wish I could do so.
I continued going down the steps and when I finally found the water pumps the smell increased even more. I ignored it as much as possible but it was smelling too badly, so I was forced to do the job as fast as possible. I quickly checked every single pump and found there was a hole in one of them, marked B-8. Darn it! I spent most of the day trying to fix the hole but unsuccessfully. In the end, however, I managed to fix it, somehow. When I ended to job, it was already afternoon and I had to report back.
I happily ran upstairs to the atrium, quickly cleaned myself and my clothes and came back to the lab. All the others were already there, talking about something.
"...I'm glad the electricity problem has been fixed, thanks to you all. Good job! Have some rest - you're free to go," said that speaker pony, who was our leader and sent me off to fix the plumbing. When he noticed me, he rather looked curious.
"Done," I said to him.
"Really? I wouldn't say so, considering how clean you look," he said.
"I took a shower and quickly cleaned my clothes. I also fixed the leak. Pump B-8 had a hole in it, so I fixed it."
"Well, okay. You're free to go too, I guess. Enjoy your last break," I was replied and he left the lab with the others. I took a look around and saw somepony sitting in the chair by the round table. It was Liberty, which I totally did not expect by any means.
"Why did you break into her office? You know the Overmare wouldn't tolerate this whatever you'd say," said Liberty with a tone, which said "You're dumb".
"I didn't break in, honestly! Just hear me out. I was following Whitemane, he broke into the office and hacked her terminal. Just listen to this recording," I answered and let her listen to the recording.
"By the Celestia, did you try to tell that to the Overmare?"
"I did and she didn't even bother to listen."
"That's unfortunate. You know, I think I'll help you. I won't come with you outside, of course - that'd be crazy. But I can prepare something, which will help you."
"Liberty, I just wanted you to know - I've always loved you, even if I didn't tell you."
"So have I."
Suddenly, Liberty jumped up from the seat and sprinted towards me. Before I could react, our lips were together in a very long kiss. Truly, none of us has ever told the other what we felt to each other. During that kiss, I felt the warmth spreading over my body and thought for a moment that maybe, just maybe, life is not that bad and I'll be able to survive in the new world I'm banished to.
***
I returned to my room with many thoughts in my head. Liberty... The way everyone treats me now... The new place I'm going to... Most likely, I will die. How? When? Because of what?
Life is such a weird thing. Since I was born, I've always thought that my life sucked. No, it hasn't. It sucks when nopony likes you but it's not a problem. A problem is the fact they don't even want you to exist. Disappear. Poof!
I put my clothes to the locker and went to bed. I had no mood to read the Daring Doo book, after all that has happened. I started digging through my items, searching for something that could help me outlive the expectations of Stable 65. However, I could not find a useful thing for me. So I just took a small bag and put all the useful things (in my opinion) that I had. A wrench, a screwdriver, a hammer, a pencil, a notebook, a pair of binoculars and a book-or-two. And that's pretty much it. Not much I had other than the listed, plus a few clothes. With that gathered, I went asleep. Suddenly, the cozy nest it seemed to be in the morning, sleeping in a bed brought no pleasure at all. It felt as though everything was pointless. I couldn't sleep and decided to go for yet another walk.
I silently left my room and went through the familiar grey corridor with yellow-and-blue stripes on both sides and posters, reminding of the basic rules. I turned right and walked through a small pathway, with glass instead of walls, through which I could see a large plain with green grass and trees. Of course, I knew it was just a small copy of the Old World - I think there's no grass at all now. I was passing by a few familliar faces, which were wandering around too, only for them to stare at me, as though I told them a very unfunny joke. Because of it, I just started ignoring them and carried on. Of course, I had my own problems, yet they weren't so serious in order for the whole Stable to be mean towards myself, even if the leader told them I'm a large problem. And, to be honest, Liberty has always been the only one who tried to help me whenever it was possible. Because of it, I'm truly grateful towards her for everything she's done for me. I just wish I wouldn't follow Whitemane into the office... It would be much easier, I wouldn't be hated by the others and would be just a usual part of the crowd... Then, I realized while thinking I stumbled upon a glass wall and bumped right into it, making my glasses fall down. I quickly attempted to catch them with my telekinesis and, luckily, managed to catch them before they've fallen down and broken to pieces. I really should watch what way I'm walking to...
I continued walking forward, passing by many small residences here-and-there. I entered the atrium, so I decided to go on the second floor for a better view... Of grey walls. Brilliant! Then, somepony appeared.
"You smart-ass think you are clever enough to follow me?" said somepony, whose voice I immideately recognized as Whitemane's.
"Shut up, Whitemane. It's my last day here, you got it? Nopony knows about it but me and you."
"I'd like to believe that."
And without any further talking, he ran towards me and hit me in the belly with all the strength he had. I felt as though all my bones were broken to pieces by this fierce attack.
"Goodbye, loser. I hope you die slowly and in pain, rather than get a quick death," he said and set off towards his residence.
I slowly got up and somehow managed to walk all the way towards my room. However, I didn't fall asleep just yet. Not yet. I took a seat by my terminal and started writing a small log.
Anypony who's reading this - please, take this to the Overmare. I was banished from the Stable not because it was me who broke into the office. I was actually following Whitemane, who's been acting suspiciously in the past, always going for the Overmare's office. The proof is attached to the file
-Harvest Chaser
After I finished writing this small message, I plugged a small cable, which connected my terminal and my PipBuck and copied the audio recording to the terminal. Just when after that Ijumped on my bad and soon was asleep.
***
I woke up in the morning, feeling as though every single bone inside my body was broken to pieces. It's time. I got up, took a shower, for some unknown reason, and walked out of the room. I was walking towards the cafeteria to get my final breakfast in the Stable. Many ponies were already up and looking at me as I was crossing the corridor.
"What, you afraid you are going to die in the first five minutes?" asked one pony.
"I bet he's not. He's going to die in the first minute!" said the other,
"Get out of here, Harvest Chaser. You are not welcome here."
These ponies were getting really annoying, so I sped up a little. I soon reached the cafeteria and went to get my meal.
"Good morning, Harvest. I bet you are hungry as hay, aren't you?" asked the familiar cook mare, who was serving today yet again.
"I sure am," I replied without seeing anything coming.
"Well, excuse us. We're out of breakfasts for now. Come later, if you can!"
And the cafeteria burst into laughter, knowing that it was supposed to be my last meal.
Celestia, I don't deserve to live with these degenerates - what did I do wrong?
I was forced to leave the Stable I was born in without even having a peaceful breakfast. Well, I got no choice... I was slowly walking through the familliar corridors towards the locked Stable door. However, I noticed somepony following me and turned around. Guess who was it? Whitemane, I thought to myself but it turned out it was Liberty, yet again. She looked even worse than yesterday but she had something with her. In her teeth I saw an large-sized pouch. She silently passed it to me and left. I didn't risk looking what was inside it with all the ponies watching me. I quickly put it in the bag while I could and continued moving towards the Stable door.
Many ponies had gathered to see how I was leaving the Stable but I just ignored them. Just when I went it, a guard pony pushed a button and a large piston got inserted into the cogwheel-shaped door. The steam came out of the piston and soon the door was opened.
I slowly started walking towards my doom. I could hear loud laughter behind me and many voices. But I didn't care.
I just had to keep moving, in order to stay alive. Because, if you stay in one place - Death is going to catch up with you much sooner than it would... Before passing through the exit I turned around to see the ponies one last time. I noticed Liberty sitting in the corner and watching me, which made me feel a little bit better.
"Goodbye," I quietly said, barely moving my lips.
I faced the exit and walked out into a cave with glowing fungus growing in it. Right at that moment, I heard a loud scratch sound and the door was locked up. I couldn't help it and started banging on the large Stable door with yellow numbers "65" painted on it. However, it's either the fact they didn't hear or just didn't want to. No matter which one, I'm not getting back.
"Let's get this show on the road," I said as bravely as possible. However, it sounded as though I was crying.
I faced the only way out of the cave I was in. It was a small shack-like door, through which I could see a small light. I was walking towards it, when I stepped on something. I looked down and realized I was standing on a... skeleton. I looked around and realized the whole cave was a crypt of the dead, who weren't able to get in. I was truly full of fear at that moment and all I could do is attempt to calm myself down. And it was not easy. Ponies shouldn't be dead... And there's a very small skeleton over there... Who was this pony? How old was he? Or is it she? By the Celestia, what in the Equestria has happened here? However, after a few seconds, maybe minutes, maybe hours, I still calmed down and walked towards the shack's door. When I opened it, I was blinded by the light of a... sun? I've heard of it but only from the books. I looked up and saw the entire sky closed with clouds. However, upon further examination I noticed small gaps in-between, which were supposedly the reason there was sun light.
After my eyes have adjusted to the light, I took a look around. I was standing on a hilltop with many trees, which was covered in dry grass, that was once green. These trees, however, were not covered in leaves and all of them, supposedly, were long-time dead. They weren't brown, rather black. I looked into the horizon and while I couldn't make it out perfectly, I definetely saw a fire's smoke. I guess, maybe this is not so bad... But before I went any further, I decided to check what was inside the pouch I was passed by Liberty. She mentioned some sort of gift preparation the day before... Hmm... I just can't handle it, I want to see what is it.
I opened the pouch, which felt a little bit heavy and... Oh. My. Celestia and Luna. It's... Perfect. Inside the pouch there were armor modifications for my clothes and a small and clean 10mm pistol with a few packs of ammo... I simply love Liberty, did I mention that? I mean, I hope I won't have to use the gun but who knows what dangers this world has for me? Maybe some mutated undead ponies roaming around and shouting "Brains!" just like those zombies in the last comic I read? Oh, boy. Well, I guess I'll put this on. I mean, armor's never going to make it worse, right? And so I put my armor on and levitated the 10mm pistol by my side, trotting towards the village.
I started running towards the fire, thinking I'm in luck. And I indeed was. There was a small village, consisting of small wooden huts. It was that moment I suddenly heard a loud *BOOP* from my PipBuck. I looked at it and noticed there was already a pretty accurate map of the surroundings generated, which were called "Trotfield Wasteland", and the village was actually called "The Ghost Town", which already was marked on the map... Erm, now that's a bit... dark, maybe? Well, I guess I'll have to check if the name states truth or the opposite. I was slowly walking closer and closer towards the village, when I heard voices near one of the huts.
"Think ye' got 'nuff caps to pay me? At least a hundred, I'm not killin' shiet for no money, got me?" said some earth pony stallion in the village, who was wearing... Something. I don't know what. Damned eye-sight! And... by the Celestia. Asking for caps? Which caps? And is this world really so screwed somepony would kill the other pony for... caps? I mean, really. By the Celestia... Now I am TRULY scared. So, I can just walk in, somepony would pay to kill me and I could be assassinated during my sleep?! It's so... Grim. I got no comments.
"A hundred bottle caps, that is," replied a young mare unicorn, whose face was covered in something similar to a bandana. And... Bottle caps?! That is crazy. No, this world is definetely screwed, I approve it. Imaginary stamp on the paperwork.
"I switched me mind. Ye' know, how about one-fifty?" continued the stallion, whose greed seemed to be endless.
"Fine, just do your work and shut the fuck up! Somepony could overhear us."
"S-u-u-u-re. Now stop gabbin' and let's get to 'dem work. I'll take the pay in advance," the merc pony said, took a small bag with his mouth, put it in the saddlebags and started moving towards a small hut, which didn't seem to have any lights on. I needed to do something... That pony was going to assassinate another pony... Curse the Equestria! What do I even do? I have never used a pistol before... And it's not like I've ever had to...
Suddenly, I realized the merc pony was gone, just like the mysterious mare... The next moment I noticed the assassin leaving the hut with a few drops of blood on his hoofs... How the actual FUCK could he do such a thing? I sprinted towards him and without a second thought pulled a gun on him.
"How could you?! I'm going to turn you into a freaking red paste! Hear me?!" I yelled at the son of a bitch, who murdered an innocent.
"Woah-woah, lad. s-s-Shut up, okay? I'll give ye' the caps, that what ye' want?" he asked rather annoyed.
"I don't want the damn caps! I want justice to come, you, motherfucker, killed an innocent!" I continued shouting at him, despite the fact I knew he was much a much more experienced fighter than I was and was wearing a metal set of armor, which is not the best condition for me.
"I don't see any other choice then," he quietly said and pulled a combat shotgun at me with his mouth. How dumb I was... Goodbye, everypony. Game Over, afraid there won't be a "Try Again" button, I thought to myself just when I noticed somepony behind the merc stallion.
"Any last words, Jack?" asked a mare, whose voice sounded somehow familliar... Maybe, she was the one who hired him? But that doesn't make sence - why would you hire somepony and then kill the pony...? Unless, you want to get rid of both... Now that makes sence. Less blood on your hooves. However, hiring someone is not better than killing somepony, I'd say. My thoughts, however, were quickly interrupted by a silenced rifle sound, after which the pony who stood in front of me turned into red insides.. Gross! Ugh, I don't think I usually feel myself like this... And sadly, I couldn't handle it and felt a sudden retch. Now it got even more gross.
"As for you, weirdo, I'm afraid you are going the same way he is. I don't trust you, stranger. Nothing personal," said the mare, who was wearing black robes all over her body, as she pulled the gun at me. The hay? What did I do to her? Come on, think. Maybe... Hm. Erm. I know little about guns, other than the fact they have a trigger. I'm out of any choices. Time to use the gun. I quickly hit my PipBuck with a hoof, hoping that I'd be fast enough to enter S.A.T.S. and the mare's body parts were immediately lighted lime green. I could target the head but I just can't... Kill another one? I... I can't. I could target the gun but it could ricochet back at myself... No, the chances of it are too great. I'll have to target the body. Full of sadness, I targeted her right leg and confirmed the sequence. I quickly loaded the gun with ammo and took a well-aimed shot at her legs, only thanks to the wonders of Stable-Tec. A blood splatter appeared where the bullet hit her leg and she yelled full of pain, falling down on the ground and losing the grip on her rifle.
"p-p-Please, d-d-don't kill me. I will give you a-a-anything you want - j-j-just don't kill me!" the mare pleaded me with horror in her voice.
"I won't kill you," I said but after a moment of consideration I added something else. "However, don't even try fooling me. I'll take your gun with myself. I don't want to get shot just after turning around."
"y-y-You... Will? y-y-y-You w-w-won't kill me?" she said with disbelief as I levitated her hunting rifle.
"You got enough. An injured leg is something, isn't it?" I simply replied.
"b-b-b-But... Everypony w-w-w-wants to kill me... Why won't you just d-d-d-do it? Stop p-p-playing around," said the injured pony with a mistrustful look. However, then she looked as though she finally made it 2+2 and then closed her mouth shut immidiately after that
"Hmm? And why does everypony want to kill you?" I asked rather to show the fact I'm polite than to know. I mean, who wouldn't want to kill somepony hiring others to kill ponies?!
"It's nothing. Just a bit... Weary. Could you come a little closer?" the mare said, as she was getting worse and worse.
"Of course," I said and came closer. The next moment everything was filled with smoke and I started coughing and trying to find at least some air.
"Goodbye, pony. Perhaps, we shall meet again. I won't kill you but only because you did not do so. Au revoir!" the mare yelled from afar. I could still hear the echo of her voice, as it was getting further and further away.
Soon, I managed to get out of the black cloud and gasped when I finally saw the precious light. I have never admired the fact there's light in this world as much as I did at that moment. What was I doing before all this... mess... happened? Checking the Ghost Town, right. I need to find somepony and tell them about the assassination as fast as possible, before somepony notices and thinks it was me, just like in Stable 65. Okay, right. I saw a large hut with a lit neon text over it, saying "The Buck's Place". Heh, does that mean it was built by a pony named Buck? Or it's just somepony who knew little grammar, yet was interested in bucks... And if the creator was a buck himself... Errrgh. Disgusting. I sighed, yet proceeded into the house. And, to my grief, guess what it was? Yush, the second one. It was a barn with two floors, the first of which was adapted as a bar and the second one... I could hear many male voices coming from my upstairs and the amount of lust my brain allowed has jumped to the skies. Even worse - the smell from upstairs was downstairs too. Ughh. Disgusting, alright? Back in the Stable there were those few ponies who were pracising this but it was strictly forbidden. And I was never interested in doing so, at all.
Okay, Harvest, just shut up and focus on the thing. Ignore the smell of semen and other fascinating liquids... A pony was assassinated, alright?! I quickly ran towards the one I thought to be the bartender.
"Excuse me, but I have someth--" I said but was immidiately interrupted by the bartender.
"Yes, how can I help? Do you want to have some extraordinary fun? Or do you want a drink? Maybe you wanted to book one of the huts outside as a place to stay in?" asked the stallion, who was annoying me as hay. Especially cause of the suspicious smell he had...
"Neither. There's a de--" I attempted to say but was interrupted yet again.
"If you don't want any of our services, then we don't need you either."
I sighed and tried to say the whole thing as fast as possible.
"THEREISADEADPONYOUTSIDEANDONEOFTHEPONIESINTHEHUTSWASASSASSINATED!" I yelled at him, which suddenly made the stallion worried, and the look on his face was getting even darker, as I was slowly re-telling the whole story of how I stumbled upon the village. When I finally finished, he was looking as though I spit on his face just after he had a bath. Which I bet he did not in his entire life, judging by the damned smell, shared with the rest of this brothel!
"Come on, then. Show me those two, be so kind," said the bartender and started following me, as I was moving towards the place where I remembered the events took place. Was it the second on the right? Or the third on the left? Urghh. I forgot.
However, in a few minutes I found the place where the shooting was going on. There were bullet marks... But the body was gone, yet the blood stayed. And just where the blood was located there was a small purple insignia, lying on the ground. It had a bird carved in it with a small text, which simply consisted of three words. They were "Honor the Nightingale". The next moment the stallion was running towards the Buck's Place. I threw the insignia away, cause it, presumably, meant something bad.
"The Nightingale Has Hit The Nest!" the stallion was shouting as he was running at all of his speed towards the Buck's Place. I didn't know what was happening so I was just following him and tried not to lose him. However, he was an earth pony and was in a much better physical shape than I was... Urghh. "Survival of the fittest" or something. I never paid this phrase much attention before but now I do understand its meaning.
When we both entered the hut the pony started yelling as loud as possible, trying to overcome the ponies talking and the sounds from the second floor. "Everypony, listen!" he said but his voice was barely heard by me, let alone the others. He had a worried look on his face and started shouting so loud I had to close my ears with my hooves. "THE NIGHTINGALE HAS HIT THE NEST! TAKE POSITIONS, EVERYPONY!"
With that said, all ponies took out their guns and pointed them towards the entrance.
I still did not understand what was going on so I decided to look in the window. The outdoors got much darker and there was no trace of a sunny yet cloudy day whatsoever. And even despite my bad eye-sight I saw something shining from afar... And it was shining red. Then, I realized there was a red high-lighted point on the glass, through which I was looking... Something didn't feel right about this and I immidiately fell on the ground. The next moment the glass was shattered, as a bullet has penetrated it and hit a pink mare with white mane. She yelled because of the pain and fell to the ground with a blood marking in her chest... Fuck! Ponies, who were organised just a moment ago started running around in panic, thinking somepony would help them. How stupid they were - if nopony was defending then nopony was going to help them... Celestia, did I mention I don't deserve to live with these degenerates?
I sighed and started my speech, which I hoped would make the brains of ponies turn on. "Everypony! Calm down! We need to organise. If we are in panic - nopony is going to help us. However, if we get organised there'll always be somepony watching your ba--"
Just after I finished the word "your" another bullet was shot, now penetrating the wooden wall and leaving a little hole in it. Whoever that pony was, that pony wanted to get rid of my head. And it's not hard to make a guess it was the mare I met, after all. Who would leave an insignia on a place of the killing other than the killer? However, I wonder where she'd get such a good sniper rifle... Just this morning she had a rusty hunting rifle which I confiscated, after all...
My speech did not help anypony - they continued to panic and every few seconds one of them was falling on the ground with blood coming of his or her limbs... I can't help them... But I can't just run away - I'm not a coward. These ponies are the definition of lust but even if they go against nature it doesn't mean they deserve to die... But what can I do to help them? They don't accept my help... So there's only one way to fix this. I levitated the confiscated rifle with me and left the building through a small hidden exit, which I did not notice at first. I need to sneak up to the killer... Otherwise these ponies are doomed.
I went outside and looked at the sky. Suddenly, something, which I presumed to be a raindrop, fell on my nose and I felt the wet. However, I didn't have time for experiencing all the wonders of the outside world. Something and to be done. And it shall, even if I don't want to. There were two ways towards the Nightingale - a long one and a short one. The first one was more safer to me, yet the lives of ponies will be lost. And a short one, where I could easily be noticed. I attempted the short one. The way was consisting of about three separate huts, which basically added small "space pockets" where I could take breaks before the next one. And so I did.
I sprinted towards the first one and hid behind it. After that, I quickly ran towards the second one and suddenly realized something broke under my hoof, which in truth was a small wooden stick. This could give a hint where I am, so I held my breath and stopped moving. I could feel the mare's gaze through the hut. Then, I heard steps, getting closer towards me. Very well then. I waited for the Nightingale to appear and when she did, I entered S.A.T.S. and took a shot to her head... That was what she deserved. However, I missed. Then I attempted to shoot again, yet I only heard a loud *CLICK*. The mare didn't wait for me and started a rapid fire with a sniper rifle in her telekinesis. Fortunately, the longer the barrel - the less useful it is in small ranges. The bullets were everywhere - some of them were missing, a few hit me. But I did not care. If that's what it takes to stop a psychopath - so be it.
I threw the rifle away and reached for my pistol in the saddlebags. My foe was drawing closer and the sounds of shooting didn't stop. I sprinted towards her and unloaded a barrage of steel. A part of it reached the target, a part didn't. Even when the pony already was dead, I still continued shooting her until I heard a sound telling that the thing was out of bullets.
Then, I realized what I've done. I killed a pony. A. Pony. How did it happen? I just wanted to help the ponies, even if they did... questionable things. I just wish I could find another way... Maybe, a better one. Then, I saw something glowing near the mare's body. I attempted to walk towards it, yet I felt the sudden ache in my left leg. I looked at it and noticed blood coming out of it. Of course... Whatever, just a scratch. I simply levitated the glowing thing up and noticed it was a... book. The hay? Anyhow, I guess I could take a look at a few pages. I quickly put it in my saddlebags and just after that the pain started sky-rocketing. The blood was coming out over and over again... The damn bullets... The world started fading to black and I fell to the ground. All I could feel were the cold raindrops touching me.
After that, I felt nothing. I passed out.
***
I slowly opened my eyes and noticed I was in a wooden hut, lying on some sort of bed. I could see somepony's face in front of me. There was a source of light... Somewhere. Did I go crazy? I heard voices, which sounded as though I was underwater.
"...He had quite a lot o' bullets in him. A tough encounter, that is. Look, he's waking up..." said somepony on the right. As my sight was getting back to normal, I could make out the silhouette of the bartender. I also realized my glasses were still on, fortunately. The familliar stallion continued. "Well, hey there. Ain't that a great thing ye' have done? Everypony is safe now. The Nightingale has finally been put to rest... Only because of a Stable pony. How funny that is, yet it's true. Ye' need some rest, friend. Once ye' back on ye' hooves, meet me by the Buck's Place. We got somethin' to discuss. Ye' will find ye' goods on ye' left."
After the words have been said, he left. Leaving me alone in the hut I was in. After my eyes have adjusted to the light, I took a look around. There was a small lantern standing on the floor. I took a look on the left and noticed all my inventory there. My clothes were lying there, just by the pistol with my saddlebags. What the hay was I thinking? I was injured, yet I cared about some book...? It doesn't matter now. I quickly got the blanket off and examined my leg. I found a blood-soaked bandage on it and just hoped they removed the bullet. I suppose, I have some spare time now, haven't I? Wonder what is in that glowing book.
To answer this question, I reached for my saddlebags with my telekinesis and put them by my side. I started digging through the stuff I took back from the Stable and after some time, I've finally found the one I was looking for. The one and only. The book had a bird image on the cover and the bird was actually pretty similar to the one on the insignia... So it's probably connected to the Nightingale, I guess. Well, no matter. Time to see what you are.
I opened the book on a random page, yet all the text was presented in weird symbols... Probably a cipher. Dang it! I'm not even trying to do that, alright? It looks like you need something else to decipher the containments of the book. I got up and put my clothes on. After that was done, I levitated the saddlebags and put them on my back. I'm ready for another day... Which was just the second. Dear Luna, is it even possible I'll last for more than a week...?
I left the hut behind and noticed it was one of the closest to the place, where the yesterday's showdown was going on. The leg was still hurting, yet much, much less. I faced the Buck's Place, where the stallion told me to go, and started slowly trotting forward. It's not like I was in some hurry... Ouch. The leg. Okay, maybe trotting is not a good idea. I changed the pace and soon entered the bar with the familliar smell. The ponies there were doing the usual... Playing cards, drinking, doing... something... on the second floor and that's it. I closed the door behind me and suddenly everypony stopped. Just after that, the ponies started cheering me and saying thanks... Ergh. I never was a famous pony and thought of it as though it was awesome to be one, now that everypony started paying attention only to myself... That's a bit annoying. I just wanted to talk to the bartender stallion. I somehow got past the crowd and got to the bar stand.
After the earth pony bartender took a sip from a bottle he started talking. Which is weird - bartenders aren't supposed to drink, are they? "Hey, ye'. We all just wanted to tell ye' that ye' have our thanks, if it wasn't for you - we'd get our flanks kicked. Now, here's a thing - have these. We also got your leg patched up and the bullets were removed," he said and throwed a pouch, which sounded as though it was full of something metal. After I took a look, I realized these were bottle caps, taken off from the Sparkle Cola bottles. I knew what Sparkle Cola was, because we had a vending machine back in the Stable... Yet it was always empty. Then, the stallion continued. "So, might I ask ye' how did ye' stumble upon this place? I mean, it's hard to believe it was on an accident."
"I just left the Stable and noticed a fire somewhere over here. I came here and that's it," I replied, yet I only heard laughing after that.
"y-y-You are not serious, a-r-r-e you?" said the stallion, attempting to stop roaring with laughter.
"I am," I said with a bit of annoyance.
"You... Just left?" said the bartender and continued laughing.
"I did."
"Well-well. If so, have fun. This place has all sort'a places you can die in. But I suggest ye' just head for the great shining place amongst the others - the University Tower. It was some sort'a large studyin' place before the War but then turned into a place, where most ponies stay in the Trotfield Wasteland. Ye' can find anythin' ye' want there. Armor? Check. Weapons? Check. Food? Check. Rooms with old fashioned walls and parquets? Check."
"I see. And could you suggest a safe route there?" I asked with curiosity.
"Ye' just follow 'em highway, which is just behind the Buck's Place. As ye' get closer, ye' may find ponies with guns. And not all of 'em are friendly, as you may already know. There will be the Tower's guards, who are going to wear some old-styled shiet with fedoras, and there will also be raiders, who just rob and kill everypony they meet. They are usually wearin' some weird robes these days, which barely cover 'em bodies and look like 'ey got it straight out'a landfill site."
"OK. Thanks for that. And is there a chance I could get a hang on a better weapon and some bullets?"
"I was just hoping you'd ask. Here," said the stallion and passed me a clean black rifle with a scope on it. And before I could ask "How much?" he said something unexpected. "Free. It's the Nightingale's. Ye' killed her - ye' take it, along the ammunitions."
"Well... I don't know what to say," I said and levitated the rifle. It was a little bit too heavy for me, but it seemed to be perfect for assassinating the hostiles... An extremely long barrel, a large clip and a glass scope, which was making the aiming times easier.
"Oh. And also. I heard ye' Stable ponies have some sort'a E.F.S. Suggest ye' turn it on - ye' may not know who's a friend and who is not."
"Aha. I forgot about that. Thanks!" I said and started digging through the protocols of my PipBuck. Finally, I found the one parameter I was looking for and switches it from "OFF" to "ON". I also noticed there were active radio signals. That's nice, I guess.
"Happy trails, partner! Now, I need to return to business," said the stallion and got back to his business - serving drinks. I couldn't find anything more to talk about, so I simply looked at the list of incoming broadcasts, which were: "The University Radio", "Enclave Protocol 59-V7" and "The Red-Eye and Co."
Judging by the names, the first one was what I'd like to hear.
"Hey'o, everypony. Hope ye' all have a wonderful day because we all know the Wastes are a harsh place. But don't worry, lads. There's still some stuff going on, which we're happy to share with you. It's the University Radio, as always. Anyhow, the Enclave is mobilizing its troops for the Equestria, as the so-called Lightbringer continues her fight against it. Because of it, most of them are leaving the place for the South - where the Capital Wasteland is - to get their flanks kicked. And if you are from the Enclave... Well. We got no idea what you're doing here - get out. Or not. Just don't point any guns at us, will ye'? In the mean time, the Red-Eye's Raiders are moving into the Trotfield Wasteland. Most of them are coming from the South, so if there's anypony out there - watch your backs because they may not be as safe as you think. That's pretty much it. And now for the sponsor of the day. "One Clip" is one of the best munitions shops out there, so if you're ever dropping by - don't forget to get all set up! Oh, and don't forget to say 'hi' from us, cause we are not getting paid for nothing, alright? That's it for now. Stay put, enjoy the songs. Until the next broadcast!"
Huh. I didn't understand a single thing but my thoughts were soon interrupted by a smooth stallion's voice, singing a beautiful song. I couldn't make out all of the words but I definetely heard these two lines:
"And if you're gonna go at this pace -
You shall fail, like the rest."
Okay, so there's this broadcast, hosted by the University Tower. Wonder what's "The Red-Eye and Co." was about. Sounded so friendly. Even too friendly, so I couldn't help but to turn it on. Oh, how bad it was.
"What's up, ye' bloody swabs? It's us at the Red-Eye and Co. radio! Fillydelphia is under the siege - but no matter! There's a reason why there's a separate radio, dedicated just for the one and only Trotfield. That's because we're a separate gang, bitches! Whatever you may be thinking - you should be pretty raider-ish in order to turn this thing on. So, there's somepony very dumb asking me how the hay does he join the crew? That's easy. Just come to the Ministry of Morale building in the town of Dolen. Then we may talk. Oh, and don't forget you're signing up to kill and rape everypony you meet, so no excuses to leave after that--"
I didn't care to continue listening to this gibberish and simply turned the broadcast off. I'm not planning to kill OR rape anypony any time soon. I'm no maniac. However, I still caught a few suspicious looks by the ponies inside the bar. I better find a way to this University Tower...
I opened the PipBuck's map and, to my surprise, found a few markers on the map. There were two new ones: "Dolen" and "University Tower". Indeed, just like I was told, there was a highway passing near the Ghost Town, leading all the way to the University Tower, which was to the Northwest of here. Comparing the distance between Stable 65 and Ghost Town to the distance between the Ghost Town and the Tower... Was impossible, alright. It was far, far greater than the other one was. If I was planning to get all the way to the place, I guess I'd need to stock up on food and water for the journey.
"Hey, bartender, where can I get some food and water?"
"Fourth hut on the right. That's the shop."
"Thanks."
With nothing else said, I exited the Buck's Place and went towards the shop. When I entered, a small bell rang and a young yellow earth pony mare without a cutie mark appeared out of the corner behind many crates, which were, supposedly, containing supplies.
"Hello. So, you're the one who killed the Nightingale? Wow. How did you do it? Tell me - tell me - tell me!!!" yelled the mare with excitement. However, in a few seconds she hid it behind a mask of a 'professional business pony'. "How can I help you?"
"Ahem, well - I wanted to get some food and water. I'm going to the Tower."
"I see. You'll be needing quite a stock. Well, here's a lunch package and three large bottles of purified water. The package comsists out of the most tasty things out there and the waters are cleaner than they have ever been before."
"How much?"
"100 caps, that is."
"Aw, c'mon. That's too much. Could you maybe make it a little bit less?"
"Fine, 90 caps."
"10 caps. What am I supposed to do with them? Maybe 80?"
"Okay, I'm done. 80. Not going any less."
"Pleasure doing business with you. Have a great day!" I said and exchanged the round metal pieces for a small lunchbox with three bottles full of water and left the hut.
It was now the time to leave for the Northwest. It may be dangerous but that's the only way I can see myself surviving - amongst other ponies. I could stick around the Ghost Town a little longer, of course, but it didn't seem as though anypony needed my help. We're setting off, for the University Tower that is.
S.P.E.C.I.A.L.:
Strength - 3
Perception - 6
Endurance - 6
Charisma - 4
Intelligence - 8
Agility - 7
Luck - 6
Tags:
Science, Repair, Sneak
Footnote: Level Up.
New perk: Mare Killer -- +10% damage against female opponents and unique dialogue options with certain ponies.
Speech: 25.