Applejack and Fluttershy go on a unique friendship quest.
AJ and FS go on a friendship quest in a alternate universe, sent by the map itself. This is a crossover between MLP:FIM and Fallout New Vegas' DLC : Honest Hearts. This is my first time writing a fiction. Constructive criticisms are welcomed. MLP:FIM belongs to Hasbro. Fallout New Vegas belongs to Obsidian Entertainment.
Message to those who like or favorite this story: Thank you for liking and adding my story to your favorite, it really means alot for a rookie author like me. /)
Sun was shinning bright on the blue sky and the birds were chirping happily on the trees, it was a peaceful morning in Equestria. On the edge of Everfree Forest lives a butter color pegasus. Fluttershy, as always, was taking good care of her critter friends. Suddenly, she noticed a continuous stomp on the floor, it was no other then Angel Bunny.
“Alright Angel, I promise you that we won’t be late for our picnic.” said Fluttershy while Angel kept stomping the floor and the grump was still on his face.”Fine..., I will make you your favorite s- “ Fluttershy was shocked upon she noticed that her flank was glowing .“Oh, my...” Fluttershy exclaimed.
“I’m so sorry Angel, I really need to go to Twilight’s place now.” Fluttershy said while she was putting some food and water in her saddle bag. Angel was not pleased. He tried his best to persuade Fluttershy to stay, but to no avail, he eventually gave up.
“Don’t worry Angel, the picnic will be held as soon as I return, okay?” Angel nodded but still disappointed. “Thank you Angel, I’m so glad you understand.” Fluttershy gave Angel a warm hug then head straight to Twilight’s castle.
Meanwhile, at Sweet Apple Acres. After finishing their breakfast, the Apples was ready to face another day of work. "Whoo weee ! Another good day to buck some apples, don't ya think, big brother?" Applejack said energetically.
"Nope." answered Big Macintosh,whose face looked rather terrible and could barely stand.
"Didn't sleep well, did ya."Applejack said with a chuckle."Eyup." Big Mac nodded with a yawn.
Applejack put her hoof on Big Mac's shoulder, "It's alright, big brother.Your little sis will always lend a hoof if ya need." and give him a warm smile.
Looking much better, "Thank a lot, sis." said Big Mac.
"That's what families do, big brother. Now, let's get star-" AJ was cut by the glow on her flank.
"Aww, pony feathers. Seriously ?" Applejack facehoofed and sighed. "Me and Fluttershy just solved Kirins' problem few days ago." she thought out loud. "Sorry big brother, but Ah need to leave for Twilight's. Another friendship problem awaits. Oh ! And tell Granny Smith and Apple Bloom that Ah'll be back soon." and left to pack her stuff.
Big Mac waved good to Applejack and head toward the other family members. He knew what kind of responsibility Applejack hold. Even though he's very exhausted, he felt proud for her sister, and tried his best to do as much work he could.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A few moments later, Fluttershy and Applejack both arrived at Twilight's castle. "So, another friendship problem for us, huh~" Applejack said with her eyebrows raised.
"It...it can't be worse than last time, right ?" Fluttershy said nervously.
"Well, we won't know anything if we keep standing here, let's go find Twilight." Applejack finished and proceeded to knock on the front door.
Nopony was there to answer the door.
After a few awkward minutes, the door opened, and a small purple dragon peeked his head out. "Oh, great! You're here. Please come in." Spike greeted them.
"What took ya so long, Spike? Is anything wrong." Applejack asked.
"Something unique happened to the map, Twilight and Starlight is trying to figure it out." Spike answered.
"What happened exactly?" Asked Fluttershy.
"You two know what the cutie marks on the map do, right?" Spike asked.
"Yes." answered Applejack and Fluttershy simultaneously.
"Well, your marks are out of Equestria." Spike started to sound worry. "Even crazier is that they're out in SPACE!"
Upon hearing that Applejack started to panic and Fluttershy almost fainted, and fortunately was caught by Applejack.
"What in tarnation do you mean IN SPACE?" Applejack shouted and dropped the almost unconscious Fluttershy to grab Spike.
The trio reached the map room, and Applejack was shocked by the view. The room was a mess. The floor and the air was covered by books, Twilight was walking back and forth, she was totally stressing out, desperately looking for information, and Starlight was doing what Twilight was doing except she was sitting on her seat and she was a bit calmer.
"Starlight?" Applejack asked walking toward Starlight. "Spike told me a little about our 'problem' here. Mind telling us more detail?"
"Sorry Applejack, this happened for the first time. And both me and Twilight haven't found anything useful." answered Starlight. "Since Twilight can't do anything else right now, I asked Spike to write a letter to the princesses, hoping they can help us."
"Uhh...What happened?" Fluttershy said waking up from her unconsciousness. "I just had the worst nightmare that I am going on a outer space friendship quest with Appleja-"
"I really don't want to tell ya about this sugar cube." Applejack said. "That ain't a nightmare."
When Fluttershy was about to cry, both Applejack and Fluttershy's cutie mark glow even brighter. Soon after, a dazzling light blinded everyone including the Twilight-ing Twilight.
"What is happening!" shouted Spike.
"What is going on!" Twilight was finally out of Twilight-ing mode.
"I don't know!" Starlight shouted back.
About ten seconds later, the light died out, and everyone's vision was still blurry. "Is anypony alright?" asked Starlight.
"I'm fine." Twilight responded.
"Oh, thank Celestia. I'm still alive!" Spike responded and started kissing the floor.
And then silence, no response from both Applejack and Fluttershy.
"Applejack! Fluttershy!" shouted everyone.
"Oh, no!" - Spike put both of his claws on his head - "They were took by the light!"
"Oh no no no no no!" - Twilight biting her lower lips - "What are we going to do now?"
They all frustratedly sat on the floor, while another bright light took away all of their vision.
"Do we miss something?" said Princess Celestia accompanied by Princess Luna.
Wearing a brown pants, a tan long sleeve button-up shirt (ranger casual outfit)and a ranger brown hat on his head, Tom was a true cowboy. After getting shot in the head by Benny, and dug up by Victor. Tom had brought peace to region, and punish those who do the opposite, like the Fiends and the Powder Gangers, using his trust worthy .44 magnum which he got from a stranger who played good music with his guitar. He had a companion, a former owner of Cassidy Caravan, Rose of Sharon Cassidy, recruited while working with the Crimson Caravan, since they both love traveling and the most important 'whiskey'.
When he finally reached Vegas, and dealt with Benny with a bullet to the head (Talked about irony). He was running out of caps, and was trying to find some job to do. He went to the Old Mormon Fort to stock on some stimpaks.
"I think these will do, and thanks for these free stims, Julie." Tom said shaking Julie's hand, and gave her a gentle smile.
"It's no big deal." said Julie Farkas. "After all, you deserve these, for what you done for us, for Freeside."
"Alright, I'll be on my way then. Adventure calls." - Tom turned to his companion - "C'mon Cass, let's hit the road."
"Finally, this place makes me want to chug more whiskey." Cass complained. "Tom, the next bottle of whiskey is on you."
Tom looked at Julie, giving a awkward smile. "That's Cass for you. Thanks again, Julie." and waved goodbye to the Follower scientist.
"So, what now?" Cass asked.
Tom showed Cass his Pip-Boy. "I got a new broadcast about a caravan that is now hiring, and it say it will be better if we have a Pip-Boy." - Tom changed his Pip-Boy to the map option pointed at the map - "They're at this location on my map." the icon pointed at north of New Vegas.
"Well, ain't that convenient." said Cass
"Let's move on then." said Tom.
"Lead the way." said Cass.
When they reached their destination at Northern Passage. They met up with five people, three male and two female. And the owner of the caravan, Jed Masterton, greeted them.
"Howdy there, you must heard my broadcast and are here for the job." Jed said.
"Indeed we are. Now let's get on with the job." Cass said impatiently.
"Jeez, calm down there young lady, I was about to." Jed said while backing up a little. "Ahem." Jed stood his ground. "Now,let's cut to the chase. Do any one of you have a Pip-Boy?"
"I do." Tom said showing his Pip-Boy.
"Then you're in." Jed said. "Sorry, young lady. I'm afraid that you can't come with us." - Jed looked at Cass - "We only had one more room for your boy friend here."
"Wow, that's fucking bullshit!" Cass said angrily and pointed her finger on Tom's forehead. "When you come back, you're better repay me for leaving me here in this fucking place." - Cass turned around - "I'm going to drink my ass off at the Atomic Wrangler, peace out." and left.
Applejack opened her eyes and found out that Fluttershy was still unconscious right next to her. They are not in Equestria anymore. It was dark around her, assuming it's night time. And decided to find them a temperate shelter. She found a space near the cliff side with a tree and some bushes in front of it, making a good cover.
"Guess that will do." said Applejack. She carried Fluttershy to the trees and started a camp fire. "How did we get here?" she thought for a few moment. "We were at the map room, and suddenly the light," - Applejack jumped - "That's it, the LIGHT!"
"Ahhhh!" Fluttershy screamed and curled into a ball. "Please, please don't hurt me..."
Applejack ran to Fluttershy and embraced her. "Ah'm sorry, sugar cube. Ah just figured out how we came here."
Fluttershy looked around, and started to panic. "We're really not in Equestria anymore." - Fluttershy embraced Applejack harder - "What are we going to do?" she started to sob.
"It's alright, we still got each other. We're gonna find this friendship problem, solve it as soon as possible, so we can go home." Applejack kept patting Fluttershy on the back.
"But, how are we going to go home ?" asked Fluttershy as she started to feel more relieved.
"You remember the light ?"asked Applejack. Fluttershy nodded. "The light came from the cutie map, and it sent us here. I assume that if we finish our task, the map will send us back."
"I hope so." said Fluttershy.
"Now then, let's get some rest, we will try to find locals around this place tomorrow morning, and hope they speak Ponyish" said Applejack.
Applejack awoke from her sleep upon hearing somepony speaking. She took a sneak peek at who was talking, and was shocked at what she saw. Six biped creature that looked like Minotaur, but much smaller. They all wore some kind of clothing. What made her more surprised was that they were speaking clear Ponyish. She woke Fluttershy up, told her what she saw. Fluttershy was intrigued, a new creature that could talk, she liked to learn more about them and other creature in this world.
"Ain't no way we're coming back out the way we come. And then what?" Stella complained.
"God damnit, Stella, heard you the first time, and the fifteenth, too." - Jed crossed his arm in front of his chest - "The New Canaanites will know a way. And if they don't, we got the maps on our friend's pip-boy over there."
"New Canaanites? Is that suppose to be the locals here?" asked Fluttershy.
"Maybe. Let's keep on watching." Applejack replied.
"Enough lollygagging! Get moving and keep an eye out for tribals!" Jed said. And the caravan started moving.
"They're moving! Aren't we going to follow them?" asked Fluttershy.
"Not yet, Fluttershy. They seem kind of aggressive to me. We'd better be more passive." Applejack said.
"Shhhhh! Hold on now..." Jed warned everybody. "Could swear I heard something up ahead."
"Wait! Did they spot us!?" Fluttershy hid in the bush.
"Just calm down, I don't think they are mentioning us." Applejack said.
Suddenly, a loud bang rang through the air, and one of the biped creature's head got blown up to pieces.
"Goddammit, ambush! Cover, people! Watch yourselves!" Jed shouted taking out his 10mm pistol and took aim.
Applejack was totally horrified by it. When she tried to hide with Fluttershy. She couldn't. She was paralyzed. Applejack couldn't help but saw more of the biped creature brutally murdered by other biped creature.The image of the carnage would never left Applejack head.
After a long time of traveling, Tom had become friend with all of the member in the caravan except for Ricky because he's an arrogant piece of brahmin shit and even dumber than that guy he encountered when he first entered Nipton. Now, they just arrived at Zion, and already got ambushed by tribals. He tried everything to protect his comrades, but they were overwhelmed, and soon they all fell before him. Even himself, was hit by a tomahawk in the chest. He fought off the last wave of tribals. And rested along the cliff side, then fell unconscious.
After the fight, the air was filled with silence. Fluttershy was first to get up since her eyes was closed and her ears were covered the whole fight. She saw the horrible scene of the aftermath, dead bodies and gores were everywhere. Fluttershy felt sick, and she turned her head back just to see a traumatized Applejack.
"Oh my goodness, Applejack! Applejack!" Fluttershy tried her best woke Applejack up. After a few try, Applejack flinched a little. "Applejack! Are you alright?"
"No, ah'm not." Applejack sighed. "How could this happened? These creatures just got murdered for nothing. And ah just witnessed the whole massacre! I want to go home..." Applejack was so frustrated that she started crying.
Fluttershy gave Applejack a big warm hug. "I miss home,too. And I'm sorry for what happened to you. But, now, we're going to finish this quest together, so I hope you can pull yourself together. I need you, Applejack."
Applejack wiped out her tears. "Thanks, Fluttershy. I think I'm better now."
"Hey, I think I heard someone talking there." tribal A said and pointed to the two mares' location.
"I'll go check it out." tribal B said started sneaking his way through.
Applejack stood up."Alright, let's get going then. Ah think we'll be fine if we avoid any eye contact with th-"
"Well, well ,well. What do we have here." tribal B approached the two mares.
"Oh, hi there. I'm Fluttershy. What's yo- " Fluttershy was pulled back by Applejack.
"Stand back, Fluttershy. This one looks like those who started the attack." Applejack tried to look brave, but she wasn't ready for this. Fluttershy then hid behind Applejack.
"Two talking beasts, chief will heavily award me for this." tribal B said with a sly smile.
"Ah don't know what he was saying but ah one hundred percent sure it's not giving us a comfy place to stay." they both started slowly backing up. "Fluttershy, wait for my signal. And give him the Stare."
"I don't know, Applejack." Fluttershy's legs started shaking.
"We ain't gonna see our family and friends again if we let him capture us." Applejack said as they both were almost cornered.
The fear on Fluttershy's face was replaced by determination. She had to do this for her animals, for her friends.
"Now!" yelled Applejack.
Fluttershy spread her wing, fly to the height of the tribal, and started her 'Stare'. Tribal B felt overwhelmed, didn't know what happened. Applejack passed through the tribal, and gave her best buck to the tribal's butt. He crashed into the rock surface, knocked out in a just a blink.
"We made it." - Applejack swiped her sweat on her head - "Ah think we're save, for n-"
"Hey! What take you so l-" tribal A saw what happened to his companion. "That idiot can't even catch these two colorful animals. Fine, I'll do it myself." and took out of a fire axe from his back.
Tribal A charged at the two ponies, and swung his axe at Applejack. It was a quick attack, Applejack barely dodged it.
"Fluttershy, RUN! I'll keep him busy." Applejack dodged another swing and struck him with a hoof to the stomach.
"Gahhhh!" the tribal let out a painful scream. And charged at Applejack yet again."Stupid animal, stop moving!" tribal A shouted and started swinging his axe fiercely.
Applejack tried her best to dodge all the attack, but her dodging pattern was figured out by the tribal. Her head was hit by the butt of the axe. She fell to the floor, her vision was blurred. There was no hope for her. Before passing out, she heard a loud bang within the ringing, and she was out.
Fluttershy was desperately trying to find anything through tons of corpses to help Applejack. Fluttershy flew around, feeling sick, but could only find those long metal stick thingy that she didn't know how to use. She then saw three duffle bags sitting right next to a body with a tomahawk in its chest, she decided to search over them.
"Come on, come on! There must be something useful in here!" Fluttershy said out loud. But, all she could found was more of those stick thingy, some candies like metal and bottlecaps. Basically, nothing was nearly useful.
"ANY PONY, HELLLLLLLLP!" Fluttershy yelled and started crying on the floor.
Tom found himself standing on a canyon. The scene before him, was on giant scar on the Earth. The sky was as red as fire, and the wind as sharp as knife. He heard tons of gun shots, monstrous screeching and something traumatizing him, all kinds of screaming, men, women, and even children. Then he saw someone, the one that once he loved, she was screaming as she was being tore apart by a four legged creature. He witnessed the whole scene and was not able to defend himself, he would be the next victim. The creature stared at him, its jar opened, and then a giant leap.
Tom quickly opened his eyes, his heartbeat was faster then his first encounter with cazadors. It was just a nightmare. He heard someone calling for help, but was too weak to stand up. He ripped the tomahawk out of his chest and threw it on the ground. He looked around, only to saw a tribal that was readied to execute someone. The revolver was still in his grasp, so he took aim with his shaking hand, and pulled the trigger.
'Bang'
Fluttershy jumped up and saw what just happened. The tribal slammed to the ground, dead. Fluttershy ran next to Applejack, and was relieved to find out that she was still breathing. Only a few minor cuts and bruises. She looked at the one who did this, the creature that was next to the duffle bags. She softly put Applejack on her back and walk to the creature.
"Thank you for helping me and my friend." - Fluttershy reached out her hoof - "I'm Fluttershy."
"I'm T-" - Tom eyes opened wide - "You can talk!?" - Tom started to freak out - "I must still be dreaming." - Tom lifted his weak hand to pinch his own cheek as hard as he can, realizing that this is not a dream - "What in the god damn."
Fluttershy found out she had scared the creature before he (She knew the creature sound like a he) could introduce himself. "I'm so sorry, I don't mean to scare you. I'm so sorry." she started to back up.
"Oh my, she has the sweetest voice I've ever heard." Tom thought in his mind that was beginning to melt. He pulled himself back to reality, "No,no. It's okay. It's alright." - Tom calmed himself - "I'm Tom." and he reached his hand out, still shaking.
Fluttershy saw kindness in his eyes and knew he could be trusted. "Nice to meet you, Tom."
"You're horribly injured, doesn't that hurt?" - Fluttershy looked at Tom's bloody wound and took off her saddle bag - "Let me see I can help you, I remember that I brought some medicine and bandages."
"I'm fine, Miss Fluttershy. Save those for other times." - Tom searched his inventory through his pip-boy - "I have this." he took out an injector.
"What's that? Is that safe?" asked Fluttershy.
"It's called a 'Stimpak', a wonderful pre-war invention that will boost our body's regeneration effect." - Tom injected himself with a stimpak, and his wounds were soon gone and left with scars - "It's only for wounds, though." - Tom took out another stimpak - "Let me help your friend with this."
"Oh, thank you so much, Tom. I don't know how to repay you." Fluttershy said and hugged Tom.
"That's nothing. It feels good to help anyone in need." Tom tries to stand up, but he somehow couldn't. Even though his wounds were treated, but he still felt weak. "Ugh, I don't know what's happening to me." - Tom tried to get up again but failed - "I - I feel sick..."
"Oh, no. Let me hel-" Fluttershy was stopped by Tom.
"No, heal your friend first. I'll be fine." Tom insisted. Despite saying that, he knew he was poisoned. He didn't want to worried Fluttershy.
Fluttershy couldn't leave Tom like that, but still took his words. She injected Applejack with the stimpak and her wounds are cured in a few seconds. And moments later, Applejack slowly opened her eyes. "Flu-Fluttershy?"
Fluttershy gave Applejack a big hug, "Thanks Celestia, you're okay." - Fluttershy pointed at Tom - "Applejack, this is Tom. He saved you from that brute and treated you with this amazing medicine of his."
Tom tipped his hat. "Howdy, Miss Applejack."
"And, Tom." - Fluttershy pointed at Applejack - "This is Applejack."
Applejack tipped her stetson hat. "Howdy to ya, too, partner." - Applejack put her hat in front of her chest - "And thanks for saving our life."
"My pleasure, Miss Applejack." Tom said. "She reminded me of ma." he thought. "I think we still need to move on. This is not a safe place to stay." - Tom tried his best to stand up - "These damn legs..." he still managed to get up. "We have to cross that bridge, it's the only way."
"Are ya alright, Tom?" Applejack asked.
"I'm fine, thanks for the concern. But we have to keep moving." Tom replied.
"So, what are you, Tom?" Fluttershy asked.
"Well, I'm a human. I'm omnivorous, that means I eat both meat and vegetable." Tom said. "What about you two, I've never seen your kind before."
"Well, we're ponies. And what do ya mean you by that?" asked Applejack looking nervous.
"It is said that your kind was completely extinct after the Great War." Tom said.
"Extinct!" Applejack and Fluttershy both frustrated by the statement.
"Does that mean we are the only two ponies in this world?" tears came out from Fluttershy's eyes.
"I don't really know, exactly. And I'm sorry to tell you that." - Tom petted Fluttershy's mane - "And wait, you're not from this world?" Tom looked at Applejack. "I thought you two were created by radiation or something like that."
"We're from Equestria, a land of peace and harmony. A magical map took us here to solve a friendship problem." Applejack said.
When they crossed half of the wooden bridge, another one of those hostile tribal found them and started shooting them from afar with a machine gun.
"A friendship problem?" Tom was confused by the concept as bullets started raining."Get Down! And stand behind me! We'll continued our conversations later." yelled Tom. Applejack and Fluttershy hid behind him.
"Damn, this fucking poison is making my arm shake like I'm high on psycho or something." - Tom took a few shot at the tribal but all missed - "I can't FUCKING AIM!" his mind was on fire.
The tribal had shot for a few moment, but still haven't hit one of them. "Ha, that guy can't aim sh- God Dammit!" a bullet hit his one of his knee. "A bullet to the knee! It hurt like hell but I somehow find it funny." he thought.
"Tom!" Applejack and Fluttershy cried.
When the tribal was enjoying his time, "How's that taste. HAHAHAH-" there's a another figure snuck up on him.
The trio looked up and saw the mysterious figure, and he stayed neutral when they were crossing the bridge. When they reached the other side, the mysterious figure greeted them.
"Hoi, White Legs don't leave survivors often. You're some kind of lucky, let me tell you." he said.
"Thanks for saving us." Tom said. "And, who are you, by the way."
"I am Follows-Chalk, I am a scout for the Dead Horses tribe." - Chalk looked at Tom's wound - "Are you okay?"
"Got hit by a tomahawk, still feel weak." Tom replied.
"You are poisoned, drink this." - Chalk handed over a flask of liquid - "It can cure dark datura poison." - Chalk looked at the ponies - "These two yours?"
Applejack was a little triggered. "Excuse me, Mister. Me and Fluttershy here don't belong to anypony."
"Woah, they can talk!?" Chalk exclaimed. "Oh, I almost forgot. You came from outside, didn't you? From the civilized lands?"
"Yes, I am. And thanks for the anti-venom." - Tom pointed at the ponies - "And these two are from the another world."
"Wow...Joshua will want to hear about this." Chalk said.
"Who is this Joshua?" Fluttershy asked.
"I heard about him when I was wandering the Mojave wasteland." Tom said. "He was Caesar's legate, conquered many tribes for him. He was the meanest, toughest son of a bitch in the whole damn Legion."
"Oh my..." Fluttershy didn't even bother by the profanity. She was frightened.
"In the first battle of Hoover Dam, he made a huge mistake. And was punished by Caesar to teach everyone that even the highest rank, failure is not tolerable." Tom said.
"Wha...What happened to him?" Applejack asked.
"He was covered in pitch, lit on fire, and thrown into the Grand Canyon. It is said that he didn't even scream on the way down." Tom could feel the chill, even in this hot place. "I can't believe he is still alive. Is he here? In Zion?" he asked Chalk.
"Yes, he is." - Chalk's face became serious - "I do not know much of his past. But, when I was very young. He was...different. Prouder, yes, but harder, crueler, more driven. Really, I was terrified of him. We all were." - Chalk become calmer - "When he came back, I didn't believe he was the same man. He was...humbler."
The trio looked at Chalk. "He wanted to protect, not to destroy." Chalk finished with this strong sentence.
Fluttershy had a little faith in Chalk's words, she believed that maybe even someone like Joshua could change. On the other hand, Applejack wanted to trust Joshua, but he could still be a monster.
Applejack whispered to Tom."Can we trust that Joshua?"
"To be honest. We don't have much of a choice." Tom said.
Applejack sighed. "Guess you're right." - Applejack looked at Fluttershy - "Come Fluttershy, time to move."
On their way to meet Joshua Graham, Chalk told them some of the tribal survival technique, like they hid foods or healing herbs inside some specific logs. They also witnessed the wonder of the Zion canyon, to the ponies, it's like Appleloosa, but in different world.
"Who was those tribals that attacked us?" Tom asked Chalk.
"White Legs, nasty bunch. They been raiding deeper into Zion ever since New Canaan was wiped out."
"New Canaan was wiped out, how?" Tom was shocked by the news. "My caravan was going to do business there."
"That's what Joshua said. The White Legs came down from the Great Salt Lake in force, fell on New Canaan before they could mound a defense." Chalk explained. "Joshua found some of the survivors led by a man named Daniel. Most of them had fled the valley, but Daniel stayed on with the Sorrow tribe."
"How's the relationship between Joshua and Daniel, Mr.Chalk?" asked Applejack.
"They have been arguing over whether to stand and fight the White Legs or take the Sorrows and the Dead Horses out of the valley." Chalk said. "Oh, you can just call me Chalk."
"That's it Fluttershy, this has to be the friendship problem we have to deal with. Just like the Kirins remember?" Applejack said.
"Now you mentioned. Yeah, they sure feel similar." Fluttershy said.
"Oh, I forgot to ask you two. What was that 'friendship problem' you spoke of?" Tom asked.
"Oooo, interesting stories." Chalk said.
"Well, a friend of ours, named Twilight Sparkle, who is a princess that lives in a castle which has a map that can call us to solve friendship problems." Applejack said. "Still couldn't believe that it send us here to solve a problem."
"Woah, a princess. Life must be good to be a princess or her friend." Chalk said.
"Not really, we're pretty busy. Me and my five other friends, including Applejack and Twilight, are kind of a 'harmony bringer' of our world, Equestria." Fluttershy said.
"What do you mean by that?" Tom asked.
Just when Applejack was about to explain, they heard something roaring.
"Freeze!" - Chalk blocked the others with his hand - "Don't move a muscle."
"What is it?" Applejack asked.
"It sounds like a bear!" Fluttershy suddenly turned excited, wanting to make some new friend.
"Don't, it's a Yao Guai." Chalk said.
They looked up, and they saw a body of a giant green gecko, headless, dropping in front of them. The ponies were shocked. And a some how rotten-skined bear peeked out the edge, and looked around. And then it left.
"That was some kind of lucky. Guess that one was full of gecko, neh?" Chalk joked about the scene.
"What in tarnation are those!" - Applejack pointing at the body of green gecko - "Is that a gecko? Why is it so big?"
"It mutated. Just like another animals in these wasteland." Tom replied.
"That bear was mutated, too?" Fluttershy asked. "Every animals in these world are mutated!?"
"That's not entirely correct, my dear." Tom said. "There are still non-mutated creature in this cursed land."
"Don't get used to it, though. Yao Guai are plenty mean as rule." Chalk warned the others. "Let's get going."
Applejack and Fluttershy was confused by this new world, they definitely had to ask Tom all about it.
Before they reached the Virgin River, they saw a line of lifeless head on a stick. Tom was a little disgusted, but the ponies are totally disgusted, that they tended to throw up.
"See those dead sentries? Shamans say our enemies' soul are trapped in them, but Joshua says it shows we're serious about fighting the White Legs." Chalk commented.
Tom just shrugged, "That makes sense to me." and looked at the mares. And they just stared back at him angrily.
"What? Don't look at me like that!" Tom said, but he was rather enjoying it. They were just too adorable for him.
They walked down a slope, and a clear river was in front of them, the Virgin River. What interested the trio was that there had fish in this river. Tom heard about it from Cass, but she said it was just a toy or something, he got to tell her about this. And the ponies were glad that these fish were as normal as those back at home. The huge rock in front of them have some kind of painting on it.
"What are these painting suppose to mean?" asked Applejack.
"These paintings show the Dead Horses' victories against other tribes. Lots of them since Joshua came to us." Chalk said.
As they walked along the river, Applejack and Fluttershy was washing the dust and blood on their body. Tom was looking at his new found park ranger hat he found in a welcoming booth. He wasn't looking at the floor, and he almost stepped on to a bear trap.
"The river was full of traps. Gotta keep out the White Legs, eh." Chalk minded them.
"Why was that welcoming booth has some kind of white prints on it?" asked Fluttershy.
"The pre-war buildings and some caves are considered taboo by the Sorrows, think they have some kind of god in it, so they marked it with the hand prints. The Dead Horses didn't go in there, either, because they were scared by it." - Chalk looked proud - "Good thing I don't buy those things."
After a moment, the narrow river ended and they saw a small camp on the bank of the river.
"Here we are, the Dead Horses' Camp." Chalk said. "It is good to be back."
The trio was astonished by the marvelous scene, not noticing Chalk had backed onto to the land.
Chalk waved his hand at the trio, "Come, Joshua awaits." he yelled.
When the trio was about to enter the Angel Cave, some weird noice filled the air. A Dead Horses tribal wearing a Yao Guai gauntlet came out of the cave, fist bumping the air.
Tom walked toward the tribal and asked. "Who are you?"
"Two-Bears-High-Fiving." the tribal replied and walked away.
"What a wild wasteland, don't you think?" Tom asked the mares.
"Eyup, that's strange." Applejack said.
"I think that's a cute name." Fluttershy said.
"I'll wait here. You three go talk to Joshua." Chalk said.
The trio entered the cave, and was approached by a Dead Horses woman.
"Hoi! Owslandr zookuh Joshua Graham?" the woman said.
The trio was confused, not knowing what she was talking.
"Umm, ah beg your pardon?" Applejack asked.
"Show respect, owlslandr! Joshua Graham greatest war chief." the woman said with anger.
The trio side-stepped away. "Okay, okay, don't worry. We will be respectful, we promise." Tom trying to calm her down. And the woman just staring at them and turned back to do what she was doing.
"Jeez, is that how they treat their guest." Tom said.
"This Joshua sure is a great man to these tribals." Fluttershy said.
They trio went up, they soon entered a open space where there was a man, covering by bandage, inspecting a stack of pistols. It was no other than the Burnt Man himself. He didn't even bother stop inspecting his pistols and greeted them.
"We should have given you a better welcome on your first visit to Zion, but from I hear, the White Legs beat us to it." Joshua said. "White Legs seem to be the only visitors we have this days, and I wouldn't have expected anyone from the Mojave," -Joshua looked at the mares - "and other world to come looking for us." - Joshua looked back to Tom - "I don't know if you were close to the other members of your groups, but you have my sympathy."
"Thanks. By the way, my name is Tom, and these two are Applejack and Fluttershy." the two mares just waved at Joshua.
"Nice to meet you three. You can call me Joshua." Joshua said.
"How did you know about the ambush, Joshua?" Tom asked.
"And knowing that we are from the other world?" Applejack asked.
"The Dead Horses are capable scouts, nothing passes into or out of Zion without my hearing of it." Joshua replied. "And you're a courier, no less. Not the one I was expecting, but I suppose he wouldn't have come with a caravan."
"What do you mean by that?" Tom asked.
"Caesar would never openly admit openly," Joshua sighed. "but he knows I'm alive. I've killed enough frumentarii and assassins that have come looking. And one of them seems to be traveling as a courier."
"Hmm, I think I heard about him before." Tom thought to himself. "Ah, yes. He cancelled his job to deliver the platinum chip to Mr.House. I wonder who that is."
"I pray for the safety for all good kinds who come to Zion, but we can't expect god to do all the work." Joshua said.
Upon hearing this. The mares were happy to know that Joshua Graham was really not a bad guy after all.
"Tom, even though you made your way in, there's no easy way back." Joshua said. "Without a map, you'll die in the wilderness."
"Where can I get the map?" Tom asked.
"One of our missionaries, Daniel, can help you, but you've caught us at an... inconvenient time." Joshua said.
"And what's that?" asked Tom.
"We're under continued threat of the White Legs." Joshua said.
"Don't worry Joshua, I'm in." Tom replied.
"Me and Fluttershy will help ya as much as we can." - Applejack put her foreleg around Fluttershy's shoulder - "Isn't that right, Fluttershy."
"I...I don't know, A...Applejack. I don't want to see anymore violence." Fluttershy whispered.
"Well then. Joshua," - Applejack looked at Joshua - "we will help you as long as it doesn't include to many violence." Applejack said.
"You're a good neighbor to us. We all go through periods of darkness. In such times, we can turn to the Lord, but it's good to have friend." Joshua said.
The ponies were totally excited about this. They made another new friend in the new world.
"So, what do you need us to do, Joshua?" Tom asked.
"Daniel and I need Pre-war tools to help us navigate beyond Zion. Should we need to evacuate, these instruments will be vital to us." Joshua said.
"That sounds quite easy and peaceful, like a scavenger hunt." Fluttershy said feeling relieved.
"Why couldn't you just send the Dead Horses or the Sorrows to get them, though?" Tom asked Joshua.
"Don't you remember, Tom?" Applejack asked. "Chalk said that the Pre-War building in the valley are taboo to them."
"What about you and Daniel?" Tom asked again.
"We need to watch over the two tribes. I am preparing the Dead Horses for war and Daniel is preparing the Sorrows for ... other things. If we could, why am I asking you to do it?" Joshua said, and it made the mares a little worried about the future events.
"You got a point. Alright, we'll help you find the tools." Tom said.
"Thank you, Follows-Chalk can help you find your way around the valley." Joshua said. "He's inexperienced, but he knows enough of our language to ignore the taboos about Pre-War buildings."
"Before we go, ah think we need a little rest." Applejack said. Fluttershy nodded.
"I agreed." Tom said and let out a long yawn.
"We don't have much to provide, but make yourself at home." Joshua told them.
"Thanks for being so kind to us, Joshua." Fluttershy said. Joshua just gave her a chuckle.
Applejack, Fluttershy, Tom, Follows-Chalk and Joshua Graham sat around a campfire outside the Angel Cave, all of them were enjoying a good meal except Fluttershy because she saw the Dead Horses were cooking meat, and it made her not in a good mood to eat.
Applejack took out her self-made apple desserts, "Here, have a taste." and handed them to her new friends. "Made from the best apples in Equestria."
They all took a bite, and their eyes opened wide. "This is the best thing I have ever eaten!" Tom felt like being in a paradise.
"You are a good cook, Applejack." Chalk said giving her a thumb up.
"It tastes good, but it's a bit too sweet for me." Joshua said.
Applejack blushed, and saw Tom swallowed a piece of apple pie. "Slow down, lover boy. Ya might choke there."
"I say it's totally worth it." Tom said.
Follows-Chalk noticed that Fluttershy was not eating. "Fluttershy, why not eat? It's delicious."
"I know, but I'm not in the mood right now." Fluttershy said.
"What's the matter, sugar cube?" Applejack asked.
"I don't know you, but after saw the Dead Horses" - Fluttershy shivered for a bit - "cooked and ate the poor animals, I don't think I can handle that."
"I understand, Fluttershy. But this how is they make a living, and you can't expect them to change." Applejack embraced the upset Fluttershy.
"Actually, we can. But to me, life without eating meat is pure agony." Tom said with food in his mouth.
Applejack stared at Tom. "You're not helping."
"It's okay, Applejack." Fluttershy smiled. "I think I just need some time to adapt. Thank you."
"A valuable lesson it is." Joshua said. "So, why are you two doing here in this world, in Zion?"
"We're sent here by a magical map to solve a friendship problem." Applejack said.
"And what kind of friendship problem you're talking about?" Joshua asked.
"Ah assume is about the whole thing happening here." Applejack said.
"That's still kinda vague." Joshua said taking out his scripture. "We'll see what we can do to help you."
"Alright." - Tom stood up - "Tomorrow we find stuffs they want first, then we help you find the friendship problem."
"Sound good." Applejack said.
"Yeah." Fluttershy nodded.
"Count me in also." Chalk said. The ponies were happy to hear that.
"No, Chalk. After you take them to Daniel, you need to come back here." Joshua said.
"But, why? I want to help them as much as I can." Chalk complained.
"Because your people need you, Chalk. You need to protect them from the White Legs." Joshua said.
Follows-Chalk was very disappointed. "I'm sorry, Applejack, Fluttershy."
"It's okay, Chalk. We do want you to accompany us, but Joshua was right." Fluttershy comforted him. "These White Legs are big bad meanies, you have to protect your friends."
Tom sat down again. "Why did the White Legs attacked my caravan anyway?"
"They attacked everything that is not White Legs, especially caravans." - Joshua sounded more angrier - "The White Legs destroyed many tribes, including my home, because they want to join the Legion."
"What's this Legion?" Applejack asked.
"To be short, they are bunch of arrogant maniacs that worship a lunatic. They raid tribes or settlements, kidnapping women to become their breeding machines and slaves. Kill those who fight back, and force the surrendered to join their rank." Tom described it with disgust.
Applejack was disgusted, and Fluttershy was spooked.
"What a bunch of ...uh. And I thought White Legs were the worst." Applejack said.
"Don't worry, I'll make sure the Legion has little to go home with." Tom said with pride.
"Good, you're doing God's work, whether you believe it or not." Joshua said.
Fluttershy remembered what Tom said about Joshua at the first time. "Mr. Joshua. It's is true that you were one of them?" Fluttershy asked.
Joshua closed his scripture. "I don't really want to talk about it." he said.
"Sorry, I don't mean t-" Fluttershy tried to apologize, but Joshua just walked away. The scene made Fluttershy heart broken. She thought she might lose a friend like this. "I...I really shouldn't have say that." she started crying.
Applejack tried to comfort Fluttershy, but she was also worried when she recalled that Joshua used to be with the Legion. Did he really changed? Or he was just a wolf wearing a sheep's clothing.
"Just give him some time, Fluttershy. He'll be fine." - Tom petted Fluttershy - "Find another time apologize to him, alright?" - Tom stood up, brush down the dust on his pants. "Now everyone go get some sleep, we might have a long walk tomorrow."
It was 8 A.M in the morning according to Tom's pip-boy, the Dead Horses had already woke up to do their daily routines, and so did Tom. Some wood striking noise woke the ponies up. Tom was sitting next to them, browsing his inventory. He had several stimpaks, a few bottles of whiskey, Sunset Sarsaparilla and purified water. When he check on his weapons, his revolver was on low condition
Applejack let out a long yawn, "What in tarnation was that noise." rubbing her eye.
"Good morning, you two." - Tom pointed outside - "It's just some Dead Horses tribals practicing combat with their wooden clubs."
Fluttershy let out a small yawn and looked at Applejack. "Good morning, Applejack."
Fluttershy did look terrible. Her mane was messy and she got some serious dark circles around her eyes.
"It was about Joshua, wasn't it?" Applejack whispered to her.
"Yes, it was. I know he was a part of the Legion, but I was just curious. I'm afraid to lose him as a friend or even worse, anger him."
"I know, but judging by his action, he isn't the Joshua in the past, Fluttershy." - Applejack put Fluttershy's head on her chest - "Joshua was rude at that time, but it was reasonable."
Tom couldn't hear what they were talking about, but Fluttershy's appearance made it clear that she was still worried about what happened last night. He stood up, "I have something to ask Joshua, you two go get prepare for the mission." and walked away.
Tom walked to the workshop room and saw Joshua working on the workbench. "Joshua, before we head out, can you repair my gun?" Tom asked Joshua handing out his revolver.
"Sure, let me have a look." - Joshua started inspecting the revolver - "Don't worry, It can be fixed in no time."
After a moment, "Hey, Joshua. Were you mad about the thing happened last night?" Tom asked.
Joshua didn't answer, but he did finish his work, the revolver was good as new.
"Fine, I still think you two should have a talk." - Tom took back his gun and walked away - "Thanks for the repair."
Joshua just sitting there, recalling the event. He knew Fluttershy asked something he felt shame about, but he felt guilty for being rude to that innocent pony.
The trio had finished packing their stuff, and met up with Follows-Chalk outside the Angel Cave.
"So, before we move on." - Tom looked at the mares - "What can you bring to this team?"
"Well, ah'm a good kicker, Bucky McGillygutty and Kicks McGee never failed me." Applejack kicked the air with her legs and Tom could see the power in those kicks. "And Fluttershy here is good with animals."
"And how good is that?" Tom raised an eyebrow.
"She can actually communicate with them. Pretty impressive, right?" Applejack said. Fluttershy just blushed.
"You can talk to animals? I may have a task for you before we leave." Chalk said.
"Sure, what's the problem?" Fluttershy asked.
"The mountain Bighorners - whole herd of them up of the cliff there,"- Chalk pointed at the mountains, sure enough a few Bighorners could be seen - "became aggressive."
Fluttershy was exited first, but upon hearing the word 'aggressive', she started to feel nervous. "Why?" she asked.
"My guess is one of the calves got lost somewhere along the way. Bighorners are communal, one missing calf, and the whole herd gets ornery." Chalk said.
Chalk knelt down in front of Fluttershy. "If that calf doesn't turn up soon, they might very well come down into the valley and attack the camp." - Chalk held Fluttershy's hoof - "Can you help us?"
"Say no more." Fluttershy said with determination.
They walked up the cliff and the ponies met their first Bighorner. The Bighorner became aggressive when it saw them approach.
"I think me and Chalk will wait here, we are more likely to anger them." Tom said.
"Don't ya worry, I'll take care of her." Applejack said.
Fluttershy slowly closing her distance with the Bighorner, but it was still stomping the ground. "Don't worry, we're not here to hurt you" the Bighorner seemed to calmed itself down. "Tell me about your problem."
Both Tom and Follows-Chalk was amazed by the her performance, the Bighorner sat down and looked like it was talking back to Fluttershy.
After their little conversation, Fluttershy walked to them. "Her name is Belle, and it was her calf went missing." - Fluttershy looked at Follows-Chalk - "And she blame your kind for it."
"No, no. Please tell her it is not our fault." Chalk was panicking.
Fluttershy turned to the Bighorner. "Mrs.Belle, you have to understand, that they didn't take your child."
"Then, please. Prove me wrong." Belle told Fluttershy.
Fluttershy waved her hoof at the others telling them to come over.
Belle became aggresive again when the two humans approached her. "Only your orange friend can help you." - she stared angrily at the humans - "I can't trust them until you bring my child back."
"So, what's her problems, now?" Tom asked.
"Umm, she said doesn't trust you two and only allowed Applejack to help me find her child." Fluttershy said.
Tom let out a sigh. "Fair enough, I hope I can count on you ladies."
"Please, our camp's fate is at your ha- I mean hooves." Chalk pleaded.
"Don't worry Chalk, we'll bring her child back. Let's go Fluttershy." Applejack said.
Fluttershy nodded, "You can count on us." and went onward with Applejack, leaving the Bighorner, and the humans.
The scene was pretty awkward since they know what the Bighorner thought about them now.
On their way searching for the missing calf, they came across with a few stone bridges, but Fluttershy was not afraid this time, since they're just finding a missing calf, not a huge dragon. When they crossed the first bridge, they were stopped by a few more Bighorners.
"You're in our territory, strangers." the largest Bighorner said. "State your business."
The Bighorner in the front were larger than those yaks in Yakyakistan. Fluttershy gulped and her legs were shaking. "We're...We're finding Belle's missing calf, mister..." Fluttershy said.
"Big Horn. I'm the chief of these Bighorners." - Big Horn's voice became more serious - "And I'm afraid that you're just wasting your time," - Big Horn's voice became furious - "because the calf was taken by the humans down there!"
Fluttershy panicked. "No, Chief Big Horn. They didn't took him." Fluttershy tried to calm him down. "Belle's calf was seen in this area by the humans."
"Why do you speak for those filthy humans?" Big Horn asked Fluttershy. "They kill my kind just for our meat and fur, children are no exception."
"Chief Big Horn is mad about the Dead Horses hunt his kind for their meat and fur." Fluttershy said.
Applejack whispered in to Fluttershy's ear. "What are we going to do? We can't proceed without passing them."
Fluttershy fell into deep thought, and moments later, she called Big Horn. "Maybe we can make a negotiation with the humans since we are friends with them."
"I'm listening." Big Horn said.
"If we find Belle's calf and return to you, I want you to make peace with the humans down there, and the humans to stop hunt your kind in return."
Big Horn thought for a moment. "If you can't find him then we strike!." - Big Horn pointed his hoof at the Dead Horse's Camp - "Now go, tell the humans about the negotiation and come back to me. We have more to discuss."
Fluttershy nodded. "We'll be right back, Chief." - Fluttershy turned to Applejack - "Chief Big Horn agreed my proposal!"
"Phew. Nice one Fluttershy." Applejack cheered.
"Let's go find Tom and Chalk." Fluttershy said. Applejack nodded.
Tom and Chalk sat on the ground where they separated with the ponies, with Belle death-staring at them. They both felt uneasy at first, but managed to adapt it. Follows-Chalk was the first one to break the awkward silence.
"I hear some odd things about the civilized lands outside Zion. Is there really a giant thunder-lizard people live inside?"
"Not really, but there is one man setting up shop in that dinosaur, a pretty nice guy." - Tom chuckled - "He had like a thousand of mini-dinosaurs and toy rockets in the storage."
"Woah, that's a lot of them." Chalk was amazed by the information.
"Since I got the caps, I bought all of them except the rocket, they are irradiated as hell." - Tom handed Chalk a toy dinosaur - "This is for you."
"Oh, thank you, thank you so much." - Chalk took the toy - "Why did you keep those bottlecaps anyway, they jingled like crazy."
"We use it as some kind of currency which used to buy things." Tom explained.
"Why buy when you can just trade with food or cloth?" Chalk asked.
Tom knew the answer, but didn't want to offend Chalk, "Well, to be honest, it's a little hard to explain." he said. "What's your obsession you seem to have with civilization anyway?"
"Well, let me tell you a story." - Chalk cleared his throat - "When I was a boy, a man came through the valley with one of the caravans. Tall man, big mustache, carried a guitar. - Chalk placed his hands in front of him and pretended like he was playing a guitar - "I asked what he did for his living, and the interpreter told me he was a singer. What is that? I asked. The man explained that he went from place to place and sang for people, who gave him food and shelter and care in return."
"Hmm, that sounds familiar." - Tom thought for a moment - "Ahh, I know this guy!" - Tom took out his revolver - "I gave him a job as a singer in a casino and he gave me this baby in return."
"Really! You know him!" Chalk exclaimed. "What is his name?" he asked.
"Nobody knows, we just call him the Lonesome Drifter. He really is a charming guy."
"I couldn't believe that there was a place in this world where a man could do that. That's why I promised myself then that one day I'd explore that world myself." Chalk said with confidence.
"Really, did you tell Joshua about this and what did think of this?" Tom asked.
"I did, but he always told me to stay away from the civilized land, he said it was too dangerous." Chalk said.
"I think I can talk to Joshua about this for you. Be a neutral party." Tom said.
"You'd do that?" - Chalk looked surprised and soon calmed himself - "Sure, sounds smart to me. He might not get so mad at you."
Tom raised his fist in front of Follows-Chalk.
"What are you doing?" Chalk felt a little on edge.
"We bump each others fist, it's called Fist-bumping, a sign of trust and friendship." Tom smiled at Chalk. "You can count on me."
Chalk smiled back and bump Tom's fist. "Thank you, friend."
"Oh, maybe we can ask for the ponies opinions, too." Tom suggested.
"Good idea, let's wait for them, shall we?" Chalk said.
A soon after, Applejack and Fluttershy returned to the humans.
"So, how's your mission, ladies?" Tom asked.
"Well, I convinced the Bighorners to stop the attack, but in two conditions." Fluttershy said.
"And they are?" Chalk was eager to know the answer.
"Return the missing calf and stop hunting their kind." Fluttershy said.
Chalk's face turned a bit pale. "But, Bighorners are our major surviving source, the Dead Horses are hunters, we won't last long here in Zion if we can't even touch one of them."
"There might be a alternative, right?" Applejack said.
"There has to be." Tom said. "What about hunting other animals instead?"
Fluttershy was thrilled by the suggestion. "I know your kind hunt to survive, but there might be a better way to solve this." Fluttershy thought for a moment. "What about picking more fruit or vegetable?"
"Even we pick more, but it's still not enough and it's too risky right now. There aren't many fruit tree around the camp." Chalk said.
Applejack felt a little hungry in a sudden, she took out an apple from her saddle bag. She took a bite and realized something. "Hey, Chalk. Do your kind know anything about farming?"
"Not really. I heard about that, but we haven't try that before. We still stick to picking wild fruit." Chalk said.
"Take this into consideration, Chalk." - Applejack handed Chalk some apple seeds and an apple - "With a little hard work, you can have tasty apples without venturing out of your camp. So, what do ya guys think?"
"That's a great idea, Applejack." Fluttershy cheered.
Follows-Chalk took a bite of the apple. "I think we might give it a try."
"Sounds pretty good to me." Tom said. "Just like I did back...home." Tom's mood suddenly changed. He felt strange, his old memories are vague, but he did remember being a farmer back in California before he became a courier.
"What's the matter, sugar cube?" Applejack asked.
Tom pulled himself out from the flashbacks, "It's nothing, really. I'm fine. Let's talk to Joshua about this." and headed back to the camp.
The other three were concerned about Tom, but they still nodded and followed him back to the camp.
The sun was setting and it was almost time for dinner, Joshua was sitting next to the campfire reading his scripture, he then heard footsteps and hoofsteps from behind, and he closed his scripture.
"You're back, did you find anything we need?" Joshua greeted them.
"Not yet," - Tom scratched his head - "but we have a few question to ask you."
"Sure, ask away." Joshua said.
"First of all, Follows-Chalk said that the Bighorners up there are pretty angry about a missing calf, and they said the Dead Horses are responsible for it." Tom said. "They were planning to attack the camp."
"The Dead Horses have standards, they don't hunt the youngs." - Joshua looked a little confused - "And how did you know about it?
"Fluttershy can talk to animals, she already told them that you're not to blame." Applejack explained. "And she engaged a negotiation between you and the Bighorners."
"If that so, if those Bighorners really attack our camp, even we successfully defend our camp, we will be vulnerable to the White Legs. Tell me about the negotiation." Joshua said noticing that the team was still standing. "Come, take a sit."
Tom and Chalk both sat next to Joshua and the ponies sat next to Tom. Fluttershy was still concerned about her relationship between Joshua Graham. Fortunately, Applejack was there to comfort her.
"So, Fluttershy." Joshua said. "What do they want?"
"Umm, the chief said they won't attack your camp if we return the missing calf and stop hunting his kind." Fluttershy said.
"It's a fair deal, but the Dead Horses will face famine sooner or later if they stop hunting the Bighorners." Joshua said.
"So that's why ah suggest that we teach these Dead Horses" - Applejack shivered - "how to farm." Applejack took out some apple seeds. "The Zion Canyon's environment was similar to a place in Equestria, Appleloosa." - Applejack walked towards Joshua and handed him the seeds - "If the ponies there can grow the second best apples in Equestria, ah bet ya can, too."
Joshua took the seeds. "Thanks, Miss Applejack. We'll begin as soon as you come back from returning the missing calf."
"Don't worry, Joshua. Ah will help ya as much as ah ca..." - Applejack's stomach growled - "Ha, ha. Maybe we should have dinner first."
Shortly after they finish their meal, Joshua looked at Tom. "So, anymore question?"
"Yes, actually." - Tom looked at Chalk - "And it's about Chalk."
"Huh? Is anything wrong with him?" Fluttershy asked.
"Not really. Chalk said that he wants to venture out Zion to admire the civilized land." Tom explained.
"He wants to leave Zion Canyon?" Fluttershy said looking a little concern. "Is there anywhere safe outside this place?"
"Yes, but actually no." Tom answered. "Anywhere beside New Vegas is not safe in the Mojave Wasteland."
"What do you mean?" Chalk asked.
"There are aggressive animals like coyotes, giant geckos, mole rats," Tom said.
"That...that doesn't sound so bad. They may can be tamed." Fluttershy said.
"You're not wrong, Fluttershy. But you haven't heard the worst." - Tom inhaled - "Giant scorpions and fire breathing ants crawl through the dessert." - Tom waved his hand like he was flying - "If you think the scorpion stings are deadly, you will never want to encounter any cazadors, some mutated wasps or some shit.Their poison can kill you within a minute. Also, the infamous deathclaws, which can tear you into pieces in a matter of second."
The ponies had started cowering by each other, but Chalk still looked determined.
"May...maybe it's better for y...ya to stay here, Ch...Chalk." Applejack said hugging the terrified Fluttershy.
"I don't scared of these creatures. I'm great hunter, I know when to fight and when to avoid." Chalk said.
"If you really are capable of protecting yourself, then I think you should give it a try." Tom said.
"Thanks, Tom." Chalk said.
Joshua sighed. "Maybe animals are not problem to you Chalk, but there are more than dangerous creatures you need you to be cautious about. The Mojave is not a place for you."
"But...but." Chalk couldn't think a better excuse to convinced Joshua.
"No 'but', you need to stay 'here', Chalk. End of discussion." Joshua stood up and walked back into the Angel Cave.
"Joshua, wait!" Tom followed Joshua into the cave, leaving two horrified mares and a disappointed young man by the campfire.
"Joshua, I know the Mojave is dangerous, but do you have to crush his dream like that?" Tom said.
"Tom," - Joshua stopped and gave Tom a death stare - "do you know what is the true danger in this world."
Tom was a little confused, but he soon realized the answer was. "It's humans, isn't it."
"Exactly, you met the people in New Vegas, the Legion and the NCR. People think, Tom, and they aren't all selfless like you, they will do anything to benefit themselves." - Joshua let out another sigh - "Chalk may be a great hunter, but he's still an innocent tribal, people outside will definitely take advantage of him, he won't last long in the Mojave."
"I understand, Joshua. I will try to convince him to stay." Tom said.
"Thank you, and please tell Chalk that I'm sorry." - Joshua turned away - "Good night, Tom."
When he went outside, the ponies had fell asleep and Chalk was no where to be seen around the camp. Tom started to panic. He then noticed some fresh footprints heading out the camp.
"Oh, no." Tom thought. "Don't do anything stupid Chalk!" He then left the camp looking for Follows-Chalk.
When Tom reached the T-junction where they came from, he found out the river was a little bit red.
"No no no, this is not good." Tom took out his revolver and followed the red trail to the right.
Soon after, he heard someone talking, he traced the sound, only to find Follows-Chalk captured by four White Legs, one of them was using a mantis gauntlet, two of them were using sub-machine guns and the last one was using a anti-material rifle.
"Jeez, where did these White Legs find these weapons." Tom whispered.
The White Legs started taunting and torturing their prisoner. "Where is your Joshua now, huh?" one of the White Legs slap Chalk's face. "Without your Joshua, you Dead Horses and Sorrows are nothing." and punched Chalk stomach. "Soon you will join your worthless brothers and sisters." and started laughing.
"These bastards, they will pay for it!" Tom thought in his head. In the mean time, he was thinking how to rescue Chalk. He entered his V.A.T.S and aim at the White Legs, but his action point can only make him take three shot. "I hope Chalk know how to react. Here goes nothing."
"Beg for mercy, maybe I'll make it quick." the White Leg said.
"Go to hell, you White Legs scum." Chalk spitted on the White Leg.
The White Leg was pissed, "Fine, White Legs will kill all of you pathetic existence." and ready to execute Chalk with his gauntlet.
Bang Bang Bang.
One of the White Leg with machine gun's head got blown up, and the other one's arm was crippled by the bullet, and the third one hit the leg of the executioner. The White Legs started to fire at Tom's location, then he took cover behind a rock.
Upon seeing the chance, Chalk tackled the executioner, knocked him out, and charged toward the one with the machine gun with his hands tied. He kicked the White Leg's weapon off his hand, and head butted him to other universe. The rifle man noticed the situation and turned towards Chalk, but before he can fire, his skull was pierced by Tom's bullet.
Tom ran to Chalk, untied him and put down the rest of the White Legs for good.
"Are you okay?" - Tom gave Chalk a med-x - "This can ease the pain."
"I'm fine, and thank you, my friend." Chalk said.
"Let's head back to the camp then." Tom gestured at Chalk.
But Chalk just stayed at the same spot. "No." Chalk said.
"What do you mean..." - Tom sighed - "Chalk, the Mojave is not a place for you. The civilized land and people won't treat you kindly, trust me."
"Now you talk like Joshua," - Chalk became furious- "why don't you two let me pursue my dream!"
"You need to understand, Chalk. Me and Joshua stopped you because we care about you. It hurt Joshua when he realized he was stopping you from what you want. Joshua doesn't want to lose you, and your friends here don't want to lose you, too. You have family here, Chalk, it is your duty to protect your family."
"I...I..." - Chalk looked at the White Leg corpses on the ground and remembered what the White Leg told him about his people and the Sorrows - "You're right, I have to protect my family from our enemies." - Chalk looked determined - "Thank you, you are a true friend."
"How about we go back to the camp, and get some sleep?" Tom asked.
"Can't agree more." Chalk tried to walk, but found himself crippled.
Joshua couldn't fell asleep, he was worried about Follows-Chalk. He left the Angel Cave, only to see the ponies sleeping together by a died out campfire. He sat down next to them.
Joshua smiled under his bandages. "May God protect these two innocent creatures from the cruelty of this world."
Joshua looked up to the night sky and suddenly heard a weak tender voice. "Mr. Graham?"
"Ah, Miss Fluttershy, you're awake." - Joshua looked at Fluttershy - "Did I interrupt your sleep?" Joshua asked.
"No, no. Not at all." - Fluttershy brushed her mane with her hooves - "Mr.Graham, I just want to tell you I'm sorry."
"It was no big deal, and I am sorry for being rude at you." Joshua said.
Fluttershy looked at Joshua. "Does that mean we're still friend?"
Joshua patted Fluttershy on the head. "Of course." he then noticed movements on the river. Joshua stood up, taking out his pistol.
"What's wrong, Joshua?" Fluttershy asked.
"Something is coming from the river. Prepare yourself." Joshua aimed his pistol.
"Oh dear, are those Tom and Chalk?" Fluttershy exclaimed.
At the entrance to the Dead Horses' Camp came two figures. It was Tom and Chalk. Joshua noticed Chalk's condition and ran toward them.
"What happened?" Joshua asked while helping Tom assist Chalk.
Applejack woke up from her sleep, rubbing her eye, "What in tarnation is going on?" and she saw the badly injured Chalk. "Sweet Celestia, what happened ta ya?"
"I tried to ran away to venture the civilized land, but got myself captured by the White Legs scouts and almost..." Chalk felt ashamed. "I'm so sorry, Joshua."
"It's alright, the most important thing is that you are safe now." Joshua comforted Chalk. "Let's go patch you up."
Tom and Joshua carried Chalk into the Angel Cave, put him on a mattress. Joshua started applying medicine to Chalk's wounds. Tom and the ponies stood beside them, praying for Chalk to recover.
Joshua turned to the trio. "He's going to be fine, but he needs to rest."
"Joshua," - Chalk wiped the tears from his face - "I've been so foolish for wanting to travel to the civilized land."
"You are no fool, Chalk. You have grown up, and I know it's your dream to travel. But, your family needs you." Joshua said.
"After getting captured by those White Legs, they not only tortured me, but also threatened to destroy the Dead Horses and the Sorrows." - Chalk's face became serious - "So I swear that I will protect my family from the White Legs, even if it cost my life."
"Thank you, Chalk. Now, you need to rest." - Joshua stood up and walk to Tom - "Thank you. For saving Chalk."
"It's no big deal. Glad I found him just in time." Tom said.
"Alright, now go get rested. We still have a busy day tomorrow." Joshua said.
The next morning, the trio gathered at the entrance of Angel Cave. Chalk was still resting and was taken good care by the other Dead Horses and Joshua.
"Alright, ponies." - Tom looked at the mares - "You two have to find the lost calf ASAP. Understand?"
"No need ta worry, Tom." - Applejack tipped her hat - "We won't let ya fellas down, will we Fluttershy?"
"R...Right, we won't." Fluttershy said. "What are you going to do, Tom?"
"Since I am not allowed in the Bighorner's territory. I will be looking around the camp. Scavenge anything I find useful." Tom said. "We'll meet back at the camp." - Tom looked at his Pip-boy - "Time is money, let's move out."
The ponies nodded and head to the Bighorner's territory, and Tom headed the opposite direction out of the camp.
"Can't the conflict between these tribes solve with friendship?" Fluttershy asked.
Applejack looked a bit down. "Ah don't think it can. They are already at war, Fluttershy. And ah don't think those White Legs are reasonable. Remember what they try to do to us, and what they did to Tom and Chalk."
"You're right." Fluttershy felt sad, thinking why couldn't this can solve peacefully, why it had to so violent. "Then what do you think what our friendship problem is?"
"Ah don't know. Maybe we'll find out if we keep follow Tom after this." Applejack said.
Soon, they reach the Bighorner's territory and found Chief Big Horn was waiting for them.
"Ah, the ponies had returned. What did the human said about the negotiation?" Big Horn asked.
"They agreed." Fluttershy said.
"Very well. Now, go find our missing child, wish you luck." Big Horn said.
"Thanks, and don't you worry. We'll find him. Let's go Applejack." Fluttershy said.
"Alright." Applejack followed. When she get passed Big Horn, she just tipped her hat at him with a awkward smile.
They reached another rock bridge, and Applejack stopped Fluttershy. "Look at this place, where do ya think the calf will be?"
"He's still a child, so he may not move to far." - Fluttershy looked to the other side of the bridge - "And there is only one way up and down. He must be in the deeper section of this mountain."
"Let's not keep him waiting then." Applejack said.
They carefully crossed the bridge, and walked deeper into the mountain. On their way into the mountain, luckily for them, they didn't encounter any danger. After a long walk, their legs started to sore, so they rested by a alien plant full of fruits.
"What is this?" Fluttershy asked. "They smell pretty good."
"Ah don't know. We shouldn't eat anything that is alien to us, you know." Applejack said.
"Yeah, I know. But I think we can pick some of them and ask anyone whether it's edible or not." Fluttershy said.
"Sure, go ahead." - Applejack took out two apples - "Want one?"
"I do, but how many do you have left?" Fluttershy asked.
"Not many." - Applejack gave Fluttershy an apple and took a bite on hers - "We really need to find some new food to eat, don't we."
"Well, that will be inevitable." Fluttershy nodded. "Maybe I'll pick more of this fruit."
After they finished their apple, and rested for approximately thirty minutes, they continued to hit the road. Eventually they reached a dead end without finding any missing calf.
"Well, what now?" Applejack asked.
"Shhh, I think I heard someone crying." - Fluttershy noticed something between the rocks - "Over there!" she point at a small path that a normal size bighorner couldn't fit, but fortunately they fit through just fine.
The path got a bit wider as they went, and at the end of the path, they found the missing calf crying in the corner. The calf noticed the ponies and started to panic.
"I don't know you. Stay...stay away from me!" the calf shouted.
"It's okay little one." - Fluttershy tried to approach the calf - "We're here to safe you."
"Even if it's true, how can I trust you?" the calf was still cautious.
"Your mother, Belle, is worried about you, when we met her, she thought you were captured by the humans by the river." Fluttershy explained. "I'm Fluttershy. And there's Applejack."
"Uh, howdy?" Applejack waved at him.
"I'm Stevie." the calf said.
"Why are you here all by yourself?" Fluttershy asked.
"Few days ago, I was enjoying a nice meal of banana yucca fruit with my mother. And then I got distracted by some beautiful flying things and followed them here." Stevie explained.
"What's banana yucca fruit?" - Fluttershy took out an alien fruit - "Is this one of it?"
Stevie's eyes opened wide. "Yes, it is. And it's the best thing I've ever taste!" - Stevie's stomach growled and he blushed - "I've been hiding here for a night without eating."
Fluttershy walked next to Stevie, "Here, you can have this." and handed him the fruit.
"Oh, thank you Miss Fluttershy." Stevie started to feast on the fruit.
Fluttershy then noticed the Stevie's back leg was injured, "You're injured. What happened?" and took out some bandage from her saddle bag. She then proceeded to wrapped bandages around his leg.
"When I was lost in the mountain, a pack of coyotes found me, and I used my whole strength to escape. During the escape, I fell hard. Fortunately, when I fell, they no longer chasing me." Stevie said.
"Well, what happened to the little one?" Applejack asked.
"He was hunted by coyotes and injured his leg in the process." - Fluttershy pondered for a few seconds - "That's strange. Coyotes usually don't leave a easy prey."
"That's right." a female voice came from entrance of the path. "Coyotes don't usually leave easy prey."
When Tom separated with the ponies, he remembered that they came across a cave that was mark by tons white painting. Tom carefully avoided some of Dead Horses' bear traps and arrived at the cave entrance, his Pip-boy showed that this cave was called "Fallen Rock Cave".
"Wonder what kind of taboo they mentioned." Tom shrugged, "It's probably nothing but some spirits or stuff." and entered the cave.
Upon entering the cave, it was an open space with some sunlight shone through the crack. "It's quite bright here for a cave, I guess there's no need for flashlight." and took a step forward.
(Rope cut) Tom noticed he just tripped on a trip wire. "Fuck!" (Bang*2) He was not quickly enough to dodge all the bullets from two rigged shotgun and some hit his left leg.
"God Damn it!" Tom hit himself with a Stimpak and sit right next to the wooden crate. "So, these are the taboo. The cave was booby trapped. I gotta be more careful."
Tom crouched down, turned on his flashlight, and slowly move forward. He disarmed some trip wires, avoided a few frag mine, and nearly got blown up by a plasma mine. "Jesus Christ! Whoever lives in this cave, must be very sociable."
After disarming the last trip wire and a frag mine, Tom didn't notice that he had enter the main room of some sort. Two workbenches, a mattress, some crates to loot and a terminal on a desk. "Maybe I'll check that later. I wonder who fortified this cave." There was really nothing much in those crates, just a few ammunition,food and aid.
Then he noticed, a duffle bag next to the mattress. He opened it up, "I hit the jack pot!" and started looting. "One reinforced leather armor, two regular leather armor, decent amount of ammunition and...what's this?" he took out a strange weapon.
Tom inspected the new gun he obtained, "Hmm, it got some electricity marks on it. Maybe it's a energy weapon." and put it back into his inventory. "Alright, time to check out the terminal."
After surfed the terminal entries, Tom learned that this cave used to be a research station, and these entries were written by a man who survived the big ol' bomb two hundred years ago. The man lost his wife and child, and witnessed the tragedy made by the nuclear explosion, but instead of ended his own life, he chose to move on.
"Man, I don't know who you are, but I feel you." - Tom stood up from the terminal - "I tip my hat to ya, the Survivalist." Tom left the cave and went back to the camp.
Fluttershy and Applejack (She could only heard howling.) looked at the path they came from. And two coyotes emerged from the rocks beside them, and the alpha came from the entrance.
"Since the bighorner is injured, we're just using him as a bait, to wait for his fellow bighorners to find him." another voice said.
"You three are surrounded." the third coyote said. The others just confusingly staring at him. "At least from this side." he added.
The coyotes turned to their prey menacingly. "Any last words?"
"Fluttershy, took the calf and fly to safety!" - Applejack took out her rope - "I'll handle these gosh darn puppies."
"No! I can't leave you to fight by yourself again." Fluttershy cried.
"Take THE CALF to SAFETY. We don't have other choice." -Applejack stared back at the coyotes - "Now go!"
Fluttershy dropped a tear and took off with Stevie in her brace. Leaving Applejack and the coyotes just staring at the scene, stunned. A clear whistle ring through the air, and the three coyotes turned to face Applejack.
The coyotes were stunned witnessing their meal flying away, and the alpha was the first to snapped out. "Bob, stop acting like an idiot and go after them!"
Bob shook his head. "Aye aye, ma'am!" When he was about to start his pursue, his legs were wrapped by rope. Down to the ground he fell.
"Oh no, you don't." Applejack said. "Show me your moves."
The other two coyotes both charged at Applejack. One opened it's jaw and the other swung it's paw at her. Applejack swiftly backed up from the bite and dodge the swing. The two coyotes crashed together, feeling dizzy, they could barely stand. Applejack then turned to her back and gave them a good buck from her powerful legs. One went down, but the alpha managed to steady herself from the attack.
"Is that all ya pups got?" Applejack taunted.
The alpha just gave her a sly grin, and let out a loud howl, that even the camp could heard it. Applejack's proud expression was gone when she saw half of dozens of coyotes joined the fight. The joined coyotes helped out their tied up comrade, and the alpha turned away and ran after the flying pony and bighorner.
"Oh, pony feathers."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meanwhile, at the Dead Horses' Camp, Tom was waiting for his companion's return, then he heard the loud howl coming from the mountain. "Oh no." he then ran into the Angel Cave to find Joshua. Joshua was looking after Chalk, and he noticed the panicking Tom.
"Tom, calm down. What's wrong?" Joshua asked.
"I heard howls from the mountain. Fluttershy and Applejack might be in danger right now!" Tom said.
"What!" Chalk was shocked by the news, "Then we must go save them!" and tried to get up, but was stopped by Tom.
"No, Chalk. You are not in a condition to fight." - Tom put his hand on Chalk's shoulder - "We'll bring them back, I promise."
"Wait!" Chalk stopped them and took out a war club.
"I want you to have this." - Chalk handed the weapon to Tom - "Safe them for me."
Tom received the weapon, "Thank you, we won't let you down."
"Ready, Joshua?" Tom asked. Joshua just nodded. "Good, no time to waste."
Chalk just sitting on his mattress, looking at his caring father and best friend's back as they left the cave. "Good luck..."
On their way to the rescue, Joshua stopped Tom, "Wait, we're entering Bighorner's territory. We can't risk to get spotted by them, they will only slow us down. " he said.
Tom thought for a moment, and he realized something that might come in handy. He reached inside his inventory and took out two little device, and handed one over to Joshua.
"Stealth boy, good thinking." - Joshua pointed to the mountain - "There's only one way up, I'll meet you up there."
"See you on the other side." and they both activated the Stealth boy.
When Tom entered Bighorner's territory, he noticed that the bighorner herds seem to be affected by the howl, too, they were running all around the area, they were horrified. He kept moving forward, carefully dodging any bighorners that's in his way. Eventually, he heard something, something that made him mad, extremely mad, the scream of Fluttershy.
Fluttershy was still on her escape carrying Stevie. Stevie was shivering in her arms, and that made her a bit hard to grasp on him, but she decided to ignore it. She then noticed the mountain beside them stood like ten or more furious coyotes. Fluttershy started to panic, "Oh, no no no No!" but she was exhausted. She couldn't fly higher to avoid those ruthless predators. Her speed dropped a lot, since Stevie's weight was heavier than a grown pony, plus the Epinephrine effect went out. Coyotes started to pounce at their prey one after another.
"There's no escape." one of the coyote taunted after its fail attempt and returned to the high ground.
"Just give up." said another coyote.
Fluttershy tried her best to dodge any fierce attack and not affected by their taunts with Stevie in her arms, but the coyotes wave just wouldn't stop and she already got a few scratches on her body. Her pupils shrunk, for she saw the alpha coyote appeared from the mountain and pursuing her flank with the speed of fire.
The alpha used her whole strength to jump into the air, "IT. ENDS. NOW!" and struck Fluttershy's wing. Fluttershy let out a painful scream and fell to the ground.
Fluttershy noticed Stevie was no longer in her arms, she then looked around her to find him next to her. She crawled to him and embraced him again, opened her wings to fully protect Stevie from any harm.
The coyotes surrounded their preys. "Well, well, well. Still not giving up, eh?" the alpha struck Fluttershy again, injured her wings once more.
Fluttershy let out a quiet and painful cry, "Never!" she yelled with her maximum volume.
The alpha let out a sigh, "Why even bother? You both are already dead." and struck Fluttershy in the face, leaving a scar on her cheek. "I'll give you one more chance. Give up, and we may make it quick and painless."
Stevie realized that everything happening right now was his fault. "Mi...Miss Fluttershy." Stevie tried plucking up his own courage. "This is all my fault. Just leave me here and save yourself and your friend."
"No...I'm not...leaving you."
The alpha just started laughing and followed up by her crew's, "Touching." said the alpha. "I will consider that was your last words." - she gestured at some of her minions - "Do me a favor, give this flying hero and the bighorner a honorable death, and take both them back to the hive." The alpha walked out of the pack.
Fluttershy was almost fainted, "This is where it end, I am going to die in this cruel world, never to see my friend again." her eyes watered. "I'm sorry, Applejack. I was not able to save Stevie," She closed her eyes, "and you." prepared for what was going to happen.
Suddenly, her ears flicked, and she heard a familiar voice's battle cry. She opened her eyes and looked to the direction where the voice came from, "Tom...?" but nothing was there.
The coyotes became cautious, due to their great perception, they all started charging at the sound. Fluttershy was confused by the scene, even her vision was blurred, the coyotes just charged to nothing. And then, she saw that some of the coyotes were thrown into the mountain, and beaten by something, invisible? When there was only one coyote was left, it was lifted into the air by the mysterious force. And then, the coyote was surrounded by some electric field, and two human figure appeared from mid air.
Tom threw to coyote on the ground, "Scram!" he yelled. And the coyote whimpered and ran away. "Oh my god, Fluttershy!" Tom and Joshua ran towards the injured Fluttershy. Fluttershy finally released Stevie from her arms and laid on the ground.
"Fluttershy, is that?" Tom looked at the bighorner.
"Miss Fluttershy," - Stevie noticed the presence of the Burned Man and started trembling - "who...who are they?" Stevie asked.
"Friends..." - Fluttershy petted Stevie on the head - "Trust me...on this one." - Fluttershy turned to Tom -"Yes, the missing calf..." Fluttershy said on her breath, "Applejack...needs help." and pointed into the mountain.
"Tom, I'll stay here with Fluttershy, I got some medical supply." - Joshua took some healing powders - "Go save Applejack."
"Tis but a scratch." Applejack said after struck by a coyote.
Applejack stood her ground, dodging any incoming strikes, giving strong bucks whenever a coyote approached. She's a born fighter, but she was still outnumbered. She bucked one, the coyote retreated, and another just filled its place.
"Guess this where ah meet mah end." - Applejack panted - "Ah hope Fluttershy made it to safety." and prepared to make her last stand.
Not soon after she heard Fluttershy's scream, "Fluttershy!" Applejack was furious, she beat the coyotes in front of her, and tried to make a break through. She charged at the coyotes like a full speed locomotive and all of the blocking coyotes were crushed. When she got rid of the coyotes, she check her back, and let out a relieved sigh when she saw no coyotes were following her. Turning back, only to met with a lone coyote, the alpha, its menacing stance made Applejack nervous.
"So...yer the alpha...huh?" - Applejack dropped her stetson - "I will not...tolerate," - Applejack let her mane down - "anyone that Hurt My Friend!" She then charged at the alpha, giving out a powerful punch.
But the alpha wasn't someone to be underestimated. She quickly sidestepped the attack, and scratched Applejack on her waist. Applejack let out a small grunt, and kicked her back leg at the alpha, but the alpha jumped backward to avoid any impact. Applejack finally got another match. The alpha was a coyote version of Rainbow Dash, her attack was not that powerful, but she was too agile to hit. Her hit'n'run tactic was working, Applejack's motion gradually became slower after several missing reckless attacks. The alpha noticed it, and struck Applejack's leg. Applejack fell to the ground, painfully groaning and struggling to get up. The alpha put her paw on Applejack face, growling into the sky, claiming her victory.
Usually, whenever the alpha growled like that, tons of coyotes would start gathering around her, she found it strange for no coyotes have shown up. And then she heard it, "YYYYAAAAAARRRRRRR" coming from her back. When she turned around, only could see a human raising a wooden stick into the sky. SMACK!
The alpha fainted, "Lights out, bitch!" it was very effective."Applejack, are you alright?" Tom asked while checking on Applejack's condition.
"Just like ah said, tis but a scratch." - Applejack managed to get up by herself there's pain on her face - "Welp, maybe a bit more serious than a scratch."
"Here, stand still." - Tom gave Applejack a shot of stimpak - "This will do the trick." Tom looked straight at Applejack in her natural appearance and blush a little. "Boy, is it wrong to think a pony hot?" his mind was a mess.
Applejack then remember something important, "Is Fluttershy alright?" she asked.
Tom pulled himself out of the mess he just created, "Don't worry, Fluttershy is safe in Joshua's hand." then picked up the stetson hat on the ground,"You have done well." and put it on Applejack's head.
"Thanks, sugarcube." - Applejack stood up and tied up her mane - "Let's go meet up with the others."
Joshua knelt down next to Fluttershy, "It's gonna hurt a little." and applied healing powder on her wounds. Fluttershy bit her lips to endure the pain and let out small moans, but still, it's better than let it running its course.
"You stay here for a while with the calf, I'll be around picking up some herbs." Joshua then stood up, walking around collecting whatever he needed.
Fluttershy just sat there watching, and turned to Stevie. "There's no need to fear of Mr.Graham, Stevie. He's not as scary as he looks." She then noticed Joshua was making something, might be medicine.
After giving his medicine a final touch, Joshua knelt next to Fluttershy, "Can you hear me clearly?" Joshua asked. "Because I need you to listen carefully." Fluttershy nodded.
"Good." Joshua then show Fluttershy the thing he made. "This is bitter drink, and you have to down it in one go."
"O...okay." Fluttershy sat up and took the bowl from Joshua. She stared at the liquid for a moment, didn't like the smell. Gaining some self-confidence, and she gulped it in one go. It was bitterer than anything she has ever tasted, and her stomach felt awful, no wonder why Joshua said about it. But, with the effect of the healing powder and bitter drink, her pain around her body has eased effectively.
"Better?" Joshua asked.
"Thank you, Mr.Graham." Fluttershy then gave Joshua a big hug. "Thank you for saving me and Stevie."
Joshua just petted Fluttershy head, "No big deal, just doing the Lord's work."
"Fluttershy!" a familiar voice came to Fluttershy's ears, she immediately turned to see Applejack ran towards her with Tom right behind. "Applejack!" and they shared a warm embrace. "Ah'm so glad that you're fine." - Applejack looked at Joshua - "Much oblige, Joshua."
Joshua just nodded, "Let's take Stevie back to his kind, and called it for a day, Chalk is worrying about you." - Joshua reached his hand to Fluttershy - "Shall we?"
Fluttershy gave Joshua her hoof with a warm smile on her face and stood up. Applejack could felt the joy coursing through her vein, but she was exhausted after the battle, this made her really wanted to enjoy a good ol' massage at Ponyville Day Spa. Tom felt relieved that the ponies were safe, but he realized that he hasn't been that angry for a long time since...
"Tom? Yer alright, sugarcube?" Applejack kindly asked.
"O...of course. Something just popped from my head." Tom gave an awkward smiled at Applejack. "After you then."
As the Element of Honesty, Applejack knew that something was bothering Tom, she wanted to help him, but she knew that this world was not as peaceful as Equestria, what if Tom had a past that he didn't want to be mentioned, she was concerned about him.
At the Bighorner territory, the bighorners herd finally calmed down from the coyote incident, except for Belle, she was still panicking beside Big Horn, "You have to send some bighorners to go find my son!"
"No, Belle. We can't risk it. It's too dangerous." Big Horn said. "They're more savage than those humans."
Belle was frustrated, "Fine then, I'll find him my-"
"MAMA!"
"Oh my goodness, Ste-" - Belle noticed the human companions - "What are those Humans doing there?"
"Humans?"
"Human alert!"
The bighorners surrounded the group, and they're far from happy to see their lost calf's return. "Get away from my son, you blood thirsty hunters!" Belle yelled.
All Tom, Joshua and Applejack could heard were still angry roars, "Fluttershy, you and Stevie better do something about it. They don't see so happy." Tom said.
Applejack facehoofed. "Ya don't say."
"Wait! I can explain." Fluttershy walked towards Belle. "Me and Applejack found Stevie inside the mountain, not knowing he was a bait to lure your kind. We were ambushed by the coyotes."
"Then why is the human here?" Belle asked.
"They were my friends, they heard the coyotes howl and sneaked through your territory to save us, including Stevie." Fluttershy explained.
"And it's all true." Stevie said. "We almost became coyotes meal, but thanks to Miss Applejack, we got an escape chance, Miss Fluttershy protected me from any harm, and the humans beat those coyotes like you did to protect me." Stevie ran into her mom. "I'm so sorry, I won't run around by myself again. I promise."
Chief Big Horn heard the whole conversation, "Well, that does it then. Back down, everyone." and the bighorners backed down. Applejack and Tom let out a relieved sigh, but not Joshua though, he was calm all the time. "For the first time in my life, I feel threatened because of bighorners." Tom said.
"Miss Fluttershy, I don't know how to repay you for saving my son." Belle said.
"You don't need to, just make sure your tribe to make peace with the humans, and they will, too." Fluttershy said.
"I'll tell my kind to stop being aggressive when your kind came up here, you have my word." Big Horn said.
"Mr.Graham," - Fluttershy called Joshua to come - "they agreed to make peace with the Dead Horses as long as you stop hunting them."
"Indeed. I'll make sure my people stop hunting bighorners in your territory." Joshua said.
"Chief, the humans agreed and will not hunt any of your kind in your territory." Fluttershy informed.
"You are a friend to us, if you ever need help, come seek us." Big Horn said.
"Thank you for your kindness, but our quest may be too dangerous for your kind."
"I understand. My offer stands." Big Horn said.
"We'll be on our way then." Fluttershy waved goodbye to the bighorners and turned to her companions. "Let's head back to the camp."
Back at the Dead Horse's Camp, Follows-Chalk had got up and waiting for his friends by the campfire.The sun was setting from afar, but Chalk's heart was still felt like hanging in the same place, worrying about his pony friends. His heart beat faster when he saw four figures coming from the mountain, he waved at his friend.
"Oh, thank God you're safe." Chalk was getting excited, "Come, you must be very tired."
"Ya boys go first, me and Fluttershy gonna get ourselves cleaned first." Applejack said.
"That would be wonderful." Fluttershy said. And they both went to somewhere much more private.
"Sure thing, just don't leave the camp, alright?" Tom yelled. "Huh, does it get hot around here?"
"We are next to a campfire." - Chalk pointed the blazing campfire - "If that's why you're asking." Joshua chuckled, even he found this conversation amusing. "God, that was embarrassing." Tom thought.
Tom and Joshua sat down next to the campfire, Chalk took the Gecko steak he just cooked and handed to Tom. "Here, you must be hungry."
"Thanks." - Tom received the steak and took a bite - "So how it going?"
"Pretty well, can't wait for our mission tomorrow." Chalk said. "So, how was the bighorner problem?"
"It went pretty well, the girls returned the lost calf. And a peaceful treaty between your tribe and the bighorner was signed." Tom answered. "No casualties, maybe knocked out some coyotes, but who cares? They're the bad guys."
"Glad to hear it!" Chalk cheered, but he turned a little depressed after that. "What's the matter?" Tom asked.
"Oh, I just worrying about our future, will Applejack's plan work?" Chalk said.
Tom put his hand on Chalk's shoulder. "Come on Chalk, this place is a paradise. If the Mojave can produce crops, I don't see why this place can't. Your apples may be even better."
"Thanks, you'll be the first civilized people to taste our apple." Chalk then realized something. "No, you'll be the third, since Joshua and Daniel are civilized people, too."
"That's fine." Tom said. "But I think we're talking about this a little too fast, we still have ONE problem to deal with."
Applejack and Fluttershy went behind a giant rock in the middle of the river, not far away from the camp, and proceed to wash out all of the dust and blood one their body.
"Fluttershy, may ah ask for a suggestion?" Applejack asked.
"Sure." Fluttershy said.
"I saw Tom blanked out several times, and when I asked him what's wrong, he said he was fine, but I know he was not telling the truth." - Applejack sighed - "This world is not a nice place, maybe something horrible happened to Tom. I don't want to hurt him in any way?"
"I don't know, but concealing one's feeling is extremely harmful. We'll ask him, but we need to wait for a right time." Fluttershy said.
"You're right." - Applejack put her stetson back on - "If we're done here, let's head back to the camp."
After their refreshing clean-up, Applejack and Fluttershy joined their friends at the campfire.
"Whooeee, ah'm hungry like a horse." - Applejack browsed her saddle bags and took out an apple - "Only two apples left." she sighed.
"Maybe we should save them for another day." - Fluttershy took out a banana yucca fruit - "Is this edible? Stevie said the bighorners love this kind of fruit." and showed to the humans.
Chalk took a good look at the fruit. "Ah yes, the banana yucca. Bighorner's favorite. I don't know about you, but it's not poisonous to us."
"Well, guess we have no choice, but to find out by ourselves." Fluttershy stared at the fruit nervously, she slowly took it in front of her mouth, and took a small bite of it. "It taste pretty good, and it's very juicy." she passed one to Applejack. "Give it a try."
Applejack took the fruit, "Well, here ah go." and took a bite. Her eyes went wide, "Yer right, it is good." and chewed a bit faster. "How many banana yoca thingy did ya pick up in the mountain earlier today?"
Fluttershy checked her saddle bags. "About six. It should keep us going for a while."
"Do not worry. I did a lot of scouting, and I can say there are plenty more around the valley." Chalk said. "And I know how to cook a delicious gecko steak with banana yucca. Mind if I take one?"
"Sure, here you go." Fluttershy gave a fruit to Chalk.
"Alright, I already have a gecko steak here," - Chalk took a steak from the campfire - "and we just squeeze the juice out of the fruit and drip on the steak," - Chalk squeeze the banana yucca fruit - "plus, some pepper." and finished it by seasoning it with Jalapeño pepper.
Tom was intrigued. "Woooo, it looks delicious, and smells wonderful. What do you call it?"
"Gecko kebab." - Chalk gave Tom the kebab - "Here, have a taste."
"Wow. Thanks" and started enjoy the kebab.
"Hey, Tom." Applejack called. "So, what's your story? You only told us your name."
Tom finished of his kebab and cleared his throat. "I'm a courier for Mojave Express, and my last job almost, I mean almost, took my life."
"What happened?" Fluttershy asked.
"A checkered suit wearing bastard called 'Benny' hired some Great Khans and ambushed me at Goodsprings. He took my package, and shot me in the head."
Everyone except Joshua was shocked. "You were shot in the head by those metal thingy? Ah saw the damage that thing can do, how did you even alive by now?" Applejack asked.
"Well, a cowboy securitron named 'Victor' dug me up, and took me to a nearby doctor, and he managed to save my life." - Tom took out his revolver - "By the way, this is called a 'gun'."
"What a skillful doctor." Fluttershy complimented.
"You must be as strong as Joshua." Chalk said.
"What's a securitron?" Applejack asked.
"They are security robots armed with heavy weapons produced by RobCO before the Great War. Mainly patrolling the Strip." Tom answered.
"Guess this 'Strip' is very secure." Chalk said.
"You can say that." - Tom sighed - "But I hope they can patrol the whole Mojave wasteland to keep the road save from raiders." Tom said. "The only people I know to keep the road safe are the NCR and the Legion."
"What kind of place is this Strip?" Applejack asked.
"It's the heart of New Vegas, it's where you gambles, gets drunk or," - Tom cleared his throat - "satisfies your sexual desires."
The mares blushed, Applejack covered her face with her hat, and Fluttershy hid hers behind her mane, "So, it's...it's like Las...Las Pegasus in Equestria." Fluttershy tried to speak as loud as she could, but she was too embarrassed.
"Damn, clever horse puns." Tom thought, then he realized the situation, "It's no shame to have those kind of desires, we're all animals inside." he said.
The mares came out of their covers, "You ain't wrong, but let's just skip this kind of conversation, alright?" Applejack said.
"Sure, sure. Sorry about that." Tom said. "So, got anymore questions?"
Applejack cleared her throat, "You just mentioned the Legion keeps the road 'safe'? Aren't they the bad guys?" she asked.
"They're cruel, that's for sure. But some caravans said that they felt save when they cross Legion's territory as long as they are permitted." Tom said. "Hey Joshua. What do you know about that lunatic Caesar?"
"That human, Caesar. Was he, your friend?" Fluttershy asked.
Joshua put down his book, "Used to be. Edward Sallow, Caesar, he was once with the Follower of the Apocalypse, young and smart. I met him when I was still a missionary for the New Canaan. He and the others tried to teach some tribes." Joshua said.
"Then why did ya become one of his...what does it call..." - Applejack pondered for a moment -"Legate! Right, legate."
"He needed a translator, and that was where I came in. Translation became giving orders. Giving orders became leading in battles. Leading in battle became training, punishing, terrorizing. A series of small mistakes before the great fall." Joshua said.
"Don't you hate Caesar for that?" Tom asked.
"Love the sinner, hate the sin. With Caesar, it's often very difficult to see through all of that sin to the person inside. I can say that we were both lucky that NCR's supply lines and land routes north of Mojave Outpost were destroyed before the Battle of Hoover Dam." Joshua said.
"What do you mean?" Tom asked.
"Something bad happened near Death Valley, at a place called the Divide. NCR couldn't cut across anymore and it slowed down their reinforcements. Terrible storms ripped entire companies apart before they even got to Nevada soil. The aftermath of Hoover Dam could have been worse for Caesar." Joshua said.
"The Death Valley, whew... I will never go to a place with a name like that." Chalk said.
"Interesting..." Tom said, then he remembered the dream he had. "The monstrous storm, the devastating landscape, and those horrifying creatures...why do I had a bad feeling that I have a link to that hell." Tom thought.
Applejack noticed that Tom went blank again, "Ah hope it's nothing big." she thought.
"So, Tom. What are the NCR you just mentioned?" Fluttershy asked.
"I have been told that they are the Bull's greatest enemy." Chalk said.
Tom snapped out his thought, "That's correct. The New California Republic, they had good intentions, they want to bring the old world ideals back to the wasteland. Democracy, liberty. They used to leave any tribe alone when they refused to join under their flag, but as time went by, they annexed it in the name of the old world ideals." Tom said. "That's why when the NCR entered the Mojave, most residents were against it."
"But, it's still better than the Legion, right?" Applejack said.
"Not really, if the NCR took over New Vegas, the residents have to pay taxes, and that's when things gone awry. Corruption, and it leads to rebellion." Tom said. "Joshua. What do you think about the NCR?"
"Better than Caesar, and you're right. They have too much love for money and ownership, not enough love of God and giving. Any society that derives its power and authority from the will of man alone lives apart from God and will crumble in the end." Joshua said.
"So that's why I chose to banish the two factions from the Mojave, make it a independent state." Tom said confidently.
"How are you going to do that?" Fluttershy asked. "You can't fight those two factions alone."
"I already had a plan. And..." - Tom took out a small poker chip - "this is the key."
"What does that do?" Applejack asked.
"This thing here, is why Benny shot me in the head. It is a key to unlock a vault under Caesar's camp at the Fortification Hill. It was a securitron vault, an army of securitrons were stored in that vault, and the chip contained a software upgrade for the securitrons, making them more deadly than before." - Tom gestured a one - "But there was an one small problem."
"And that was?" Applejack asked.
"The original owner of those securitrons, Robert House. Been alive for almost 250 years." Tom said.
"How can someone live this long?" Chalk asked.
"Technologies kept him alive, that's all I can explain." Tom said. "So, after 'dealing' with Benny and Mr.House, now I am making friends around the Mojave to help me with my plan.'
"At least friendship is still a thing in this world." Applejack said.
"Friendship is very rare in this wasteland, it only happens when you can trust your companion not to back-stab you at any time." Tom said. "Speaking of friends, Joshua, mind lending a hand with that?"
"Sorry, but I would not get myself involve in anything happens in the Mojave." Joshua replied.
"It's fine, after all you been through." Tom said.
Fluttershy sighed. "I can't believe that you have to be paranoid while making friends. Why can't things be resolved in more peaceful way?"
"I really wish that I don't need to worry about getting shot at any time. But, this is how this world works." - Tom stood up and stretched his back -. "Well, that's enough about me for tonight, and it's getting late. After all you been through today, you definitely need some rest."
"We'll do." Applejack yawned. And all of them entered the cave and prepared to sleep.
In the middle of the night, when everyone was in their dream land. Joshua Graham was sitting next to the campfire, not reading his book this time, then he suddenly heard hoofsteps. He turned back, found out it was Fluttershy.
"Ah, Miss Fluttershy, what can I do for you?" Joshua asked.
"Thank you again for anything you did for me today." - Fluttershy sat next to Joshua, and looked at him - "May I ask you a personal question?"
Joshua thought for a moment, he sighed. "It's not something I enjoy, but I pray to God that someone may learn from my mistake. Ask away."
"All these bandages, is there anything I can do to help?" Fluttershy was concerned.
"You are kind to offer, but no, there's nothing you can do." Joshua replied.
"But, doesn't that make you always living in pain?" Fluttershy didn't want to give up.
"Yes. And I deserved to live with this pain. " - Joshua looked at the night sky - "I used to serve the Legion, and made a lot of sins. When I was thrown down to the Grand Canyon, I crawled back home. I thought they would kick me out for what I did," - Fluttershy put her hoof on Joshua's back, trying to comfort him - "but they welcomed me like I was never left, never done anything to shame them."
Fluttershy was surprised by the outcome."It is the love and kindness, whether from God or my friends, that rekindled my will to live. I fell into a dark chasm, but the fire of friendship burned on and on." Joshua said.
Fluttershy dropped a tear, "I'm so proud of you, Joshua." and gave Joshua a hug.
"Thanks for listening to my nagging, Fluttershy." - Joshua gently push Fluttershy away and stood up - "Sorry, I'm not a hugging type. Now go get some sleep, your task hasn't yet, finished."
Fluttershy realized it was true that even a man like Joshua Graham, can get salvation through love and friendship. Sometimes you just need to give them a little kindness.
Meanwhile, at Three Marys, the White Legs' main camp in Zion. Bunch of tribals were enjoying their feast around the camp fire until they heard someone yelling "Chief! Chief!"
"Who dares to interrupt my feast?" A man with a deathclaw skull helmet said as he saw a tribal ran towards him. Everyone except the chief were shocked because the tribal was full of bruises, and his head was stained with blood
"Chief...I..." the tribal knelt down and was almost out of breath from the running. "I don't mean to interrupt... but I have something to report."
"Out with it." the chief said.
"Our caravan raid was a failure, an outsider eradicated our entire raid team, and I was able to come back because I only got knocked out by two mysterious creatures." the tribal reported.
"What? You couldn't even kill an outsider!" the chief was furious. "The White Legs don't tolerate weakness. Give me a reason, why I shouldn't kill you right now?" the chief put on his white Power Fist.
The tribal started to panic, he closed his eyes, tears dripping, "No, no, this will not happen again, I promise. A...After I recover, I will find the outsider and present his head to you!" he pleaded.
The chief knelt next to him, putting his empty hand on his shoulder, "I sure you will." he said with a smug smile.
Upon hearing this the tribal was relieved and opened his eyes to thanks for the chief's forgiveness, "Tha-"
Before he could even finish a word, he got a powerful upper cut from the chief and his head was detached from his body. The head flew over the crowd, and dropped like a coconut fell from a tree.
"You should have died during the raid." the chief said with a cold tone.
The chief raised his voice "Like I said, the White Legs don't tolerate weaklings. To prove to Caesar's Legion that The White Legs is strong, we will destroyed the New Canaanites, not even an outsider or the burnt man will stop us. All hail the White Legs!"
The crowd fist bumped the air, "Hail White Legs! Hail Salt-Upon-Wounds!" they cheered.
At the intersection to the Dead Horse's Camp near the welcoming booth, Tom was checking the quest list on his Pip-boy.
"So, we need to find a compass, 2 walkie-talkies, 5 specific lunch boxes, and some medical supplies." Tom said. "Hey, Chalk." he called.
"What can I tell you?" Chalk replied.
"You know this place better than us. where should we start looking, here." - Tom showed Chalk his Pip-boy map - "Do you know how to navigate with a map?"
"Sure, I do. Let me check your map." - Chalk looked at Tom's map - "Lots of Back When places to choose from, but for the things we need, best to start with the really closed up places. Three I know of," - Chalk started pointing several locations on Tom's map - "a building down by the river called a "Fishing Lodge," the old ranger station in the northwest, and the general store right by it." - Chalk pointed at a location that was really close to theirs - "Closer to home, might be something you can salvage from the place where the little ones fell, just west of the Eastern Virgin."
On their way to the first destination, Tom and the ponies were still a little confused by what Chalk talked about, "What's this 'place where the little ones fell'?" Tom asked and the ponies just nodded simultaneously.
"In the river, there's a twisted pile of metal and glass, all full of bones. Joshua says they were scouts, but they looked awful small to me." Chalk explained.
"Oh..." was the only thing the other three could replied.
"Well, there it is." - Chalk pointed at the half-split vehicle - "See this? This is why your own two feet are better than any cart, whether it's pulled by critters or goes on its own.
Up close, just liked what Chalk said, tons of human skeletons, most of them were smaller than Tom and Chalk. "Oh, dear..." Fluttershy mourned.
Applejack took off her stetson and put it in front of her chest, "They didn't deserve this..." she said.
Tom followed up, "Chalk, please give us a minute." he asked. Chalk knew what was going on, so he just nodded.
After a minute of mourning, Tom and Applejack put on their hat, but Fluttershy still sobbing by a child's skeleton. Applejack came next to her to comfort her, "It's alright," - Applejack patted on Fluttershy's back - "take your time, sugarcube."
Tom walked towards the crashed bus, and searching for what they needed. Then he saw it, a broken compass in a child skeleton's grasp, "I'm sorry," - Tom took the compass - "but we need to borrow this."
Tom started inspecting the broken compass, "Hmm, I think I can fix this." and began tinkering with the little gadget. Few moments later, "And...here we go." the compass was good as new. Turned to his friends, "You okay there, Fluttershy?" he asked.
Fluttershy wiped her tears, "Yeah...I'm fine. Thanks for asking." she said as Applejack helped her standing up.
"I'm glad to hear that." - Tom gave Fluttershy a warm smile and raised his volume - "So, ready to head out?"
"Right behind you." said Chalk. "Lead the way." said Applejack. Fluttershy nodded, and gave a final pity look at the crashed bus as they left.
Back at the intersection, "Well, next stop, the Fishing Lodge." Tom said as they went on a slope and in front of them, a giant ant mound.
"Look sharp, lots of giant ants around here. We call'em picnic-killers. Don't really know what that means. Something from Back When, I guess." - Chalk pointed to a camp ground - "That way."
"Well, picnic is an activity when ya hang out with your family or friends in a park, eating snacks, playing games." Applejack said.
"Sounds nice." Chalk said.
"Oh no..." something came through Fluttershy's mind.
The others stopped and looked at Fluttershy, "What's wrong, Fluttershy?" Applejack asked.
"No...before we came here, I was preparing a picnic with my animal friends." - Fluttershy looked very concerned - "I hope Angel can take good care of them. Do you think he'll be okay? He is just a bunny you know." Fluttershy started to panic.
Applejack put her foreleg around Fluttershy's shoulder, "Ah know Angel, and so do you. Ah know he's a capable bunny." she said.
"You're right, but we have gone for so lo-" Fluttershy was interrupted as Tom poked her on the back.
"Ugh...We shouldn't have stay in front of the giant ant mound for too long, or el-" before Tom could finish his sentence, they all noticed the ant mound was shaking. "Oh, shit. Ponies, stay behind us, and back of slowly... Those things can snap you in half with ease." Tom pulled out his magnum as 3 giant ants came out of the ant mound. Chalk took out his .45 pistol as well, and pointed at the ants.
"Wait, let me talk to them first." she said. "Maybe they will let us go?"
"Talk to insects? I thought you only talk animals? Wait...are insects animals?" Tom asked.
"Yes, they are, and let's why I'm willing to try." Fluttershy said and flew in front of the ants while the others still backing up.
The ants tried to bite Fluttershy but quickly she dodged it, "Wait, I'm here to talk!" Fluttershy said.
"Talk? You're on our turf, what do you have to talk, food?" The ant in the front said.
"[Animal Friends 50%] We're just passing by, maybe you can pretend we're not here and let us go?" Fluttershy said with a pleading tone.
"[Succeed] Fine, the Queen is fed, so I'll let you go for once, next time you won't be this lucky. Leave." The ants then turned back and returned to there nest. Fluttershy then flew back to her friends.
"Woah, that was incredible." Tom said.
"Phew, that was a close one." Chalk said.
"Are ya alright, Fluttershy?" Applejack asked.
"I'm fine, but not the outcome I was expected. Those ants were aggressive, fortunately, their queen is fed, so they spare our live for this time." Fluttershy said. "Next time we won't be this lucky..."
"Don't worry, I will do what I must when thing goes dirty." Tom raised his revolver.
After a few minutes of walking, they reached a T-junction, two wooden bridges to the right, and a downhill to the left. "We'll turn left over here." Chalk said.
"What's across those bridges?" Applejack asked.
"That's Pine Creek up there. Supposedly it's one of only two ways out of Zion Valley. Of course, without a map, good luck surviving. Oh, and lots of Green Geckos and even Yao-Guais often linger there, never had the guts to go there." Chalk said.
Few steps later, Chalk raised his hand, motioned everyone to stop.
"What's wrong, Chalk?" Applejack asked.
"Shh... I heard something." Chalk said quietly. They all heard clicking sound and it was getting louder and faster. Tom and Chalk took out their gun, they were prepared.
Tom feel something wrong from behind, he turned his back to see three green creature rushing towards them, "Look out, Giant Mantises!" he shouted, and opened fire. "Applejack, Fluttershy, stay behind us!" and so the ponies did.
The mantises were larger than the ponies, almost taller than the humans. Their legs were as sharp as knife, and could easily snap any of its prey in half. Despite that, they were still vulnerable to bullets. Tom turned on V.A.T.S, it still took three shots in the head to kill the mantis. Fluttershy tried to intervene, but only to find out that those mantises were feral, there's no means to talk there way out.
Did I mention that the mantises were agile as heck? The remaining mantises dodged some of their bullets and closed their distances. Seeing the mantises have come in short combat range, and his magazine ran out of bullets. Chalk changed to his war club and swung at the giant bug with full strength, its skull was crushed as a result. With the last mantis standing, seeing its fallen comrade, it became berserk, focusing its attack on Chalk. Chalk managed to dodge and block some of the attack, but still got some minor cuts from the mantis. The mantis's strike was too fierce, he was unable to strike back.
"Hang in there, Chalk!" Tom loaded his revolver with hollow point rounds. Hollow points could deal significant damage to unarmored foes like the mantises, but extremely useless against the opposites. He tried to shoot at the bug, but it was moving so fast that he found it hard to hit. He turned on V.A.T.S, to only found his AP wasn't enough to fire a single shot, "Damn it!" he muttered.
Applejack noticed the problem, and couldn't stand to watch Chalk getting more harm from the mantis. She relentlessly charge at the mantis and gave a strong head butt at the mantis's torso, pushing it back, and gave it a powerful buck, staggered it. It gave Chalk a breathing moment, and Tom took the shot. One hollow point to the head, and it popped like a balloon.
"Chalk! Are ya alright?" Applejack asked checking his wounds.
"Thanks to you, it's just some flesh wounds." Chalk was still panting. "Whew! That was intense..." he sat down and started adding healing powder to his wounds.
Tom went to check on Fluttershy, only to find her curled beside him shivering, "Hey, you alright?"
"I'm fine..." Fluttershy replied. Tom could hear the disappointment in her voice, "Anything wrong?"
"I saw their eyes, they were soulless. I knew there was no chance talking them down." Fluttershy got up to her hooves. "But still, I'm fine."
"Okay, now we know we can't straight up walking towards any animals, especially insects." Tom and Fluttershy walked towards Chalk and Applejack, "That was a hell of a strike, Applejack." Tom complimented.
Applejack blushed, "After doing those farm works for so many years, I don't think kicking back a mantis would be a problem."
Tom then turned to Chalk who was still treating himself, "You need a hand?" he asked.
"Oh, no, no. I'm okay." Chalk politely rejected Tom's offer. "These mantises are tough, just like the green monster man."
Tom was shocked upon hearing the word, "Hold up, what do you mean 'green monster man'?"
"The are like man, but green, they're fast and scary, and often come with spitter plants." Chalk explained with disgust. "They aren't native to Zion, wonder where they come form?"
"Oh my god. There are Spore Creatures in Zion?" Tom exclaimed. "Oh, that's not good."
"Spore Creatures? What in tarnation are those?" Applejack asked.
Tom started to have a horrible flashback, "I was doing a mercenary job for the NCR, they sent me to retrieve some data and find a missing scientist in a loacl vault, Vault 22. When I first arrive, I was stunned by the view, it was like a jungle in the middle of a desert. The vault was invested with Mantises, Spore Plants and Spore Carriers. After explored it for a while, I checked some of the terminal, and discovered that Vault 22 was testing new plants, crops, fertilizers...etc. But then found out that one of the fungus turned out to be like a virus, it killed it's host from the inside and took control of their bodies, they became the Spore Carrier. Sooner or later, the thing spread, and the vault was abandoned."
"Did you find the missing person?" Chalk asked.
"Yes, I did. After I found the scientist, she told me to burnt all the potential fungus, almost got blown up by the explosion, but I still did it. And the dangerous data was destroyed, it's not worth the caps." Tom said.
"That's good of ya, Tom. By the way, Vault 22? Ya mean there are more of these 'Vault'? " Applejack asked.
"Thanks, and yes, these vaults seems to be built by Vault-Tec. I explored uhh... 6 vaults in the Mojave, Vault 3, 11, 19, 21, 22 and 34." Tom said. "All except Vault 19 and 21 were bad experiences."
"If...if Vault 22 was do...doing plant oriented experiments, what...what about the others?" Fluttershy was still thrilled by the presence of Spore Creatures in Zion.
"It's a long story, maybe I'll tell you what I learned later." Tom said."Back to the Spore Creatures in Zion. The last time I visited Vault 22, I'm sure if there's no survivors, but if they are Spore Carriers here in Zion..."
"There must be survivors, and they came to Zion!" Applejack said.
"Oh man, things are getting a little trickier." Tom was a bit frustrated - "Chalk, listen closely, if those things are here in Zion. The Dead Horses and the Sorrows are in great danger." Tom said.
Chalk nodded, "I'll talk to Joshua about this, what do we do now?"
"If possible, try to avoid any Spore Creatures for now. We'll deal with the White Legs first." Tom said. "Let's move out."
The team arrived at a wooden cabin with white handprints on it, "Here we are, the Zion Fishing Lodge." Chalk said.
"We don't know what's in there, let me take a look." Tom walked to the door, opened it a little bit, took quick peek, and closed it. "Geckos." he said as he looked towards Fluttershy."Take a look by yourself, see if you can talk them down. If you can't, run. We'll take care of them."
Fluttershy nodded, and sneakily peek into the cabin. Sure enough, there were a few geckos in there, big and small, then she closed the door. She not only had butterflies on her flank but also in her stomach, she looked at the others hid the cabin which Chalk gave her a thumbs up, Tom gave her a confident nod, "You can do it, Fluttershy." Applejack whispered.
Fluttershy took a deep breath, "Here goes..." and knocked on the door. "Umm, excuse me..."
A moment later, the door opened. Stood in front of Fluttershy, was a giant gecko, which had a bright golden skin, staring at her with its big round eyes. "May I help you?" it spoke with a high and rather gentle tone.
"Umm...uhh..." was the only thing Fluttershy could say.
"Don't worry. You seem nice enough. I won't bite, unless I had to." the gecko said.
"Oh...sorry, me and my friends needs to search this house for something, will it bothers you if we do that?" Fluttershy asked.
"Fine, just don't cause any trouble." the gecko said, went back doing his thing.
"Thank you!" Fluttershy let out a relieved sigh, and walked to the trio, "He let us in, as long as we don't cause any trouble."
"Yeehaw! You did it, Fluttershy!" Applejack cheered. "Good job, Fluttershy." said both Tom and Chalk. "Now, let's find ourselves 2 walkie-talkies."
Inside the cabin, they tried their best not to disturb any geckos. All except Fluttershy felt uncomfortable for being stared by several geckos, their eyes were just...yikes. Tom found a hunting shotgun behind the counter and a cabinet that was locked, he took the shotgun and holstered on his back, "The walkie-talkies have to be in this locked cabinet, do you guys find anything that can unlock this thing?"
"No." said Chalk who was searching the dining tables. "No luck." said Applejack searching the fireplace. "I think I found something..." said Fluttershy searching in the restroom. "There it is! A key!"
"Excellent, give it to me, I'll unlock it." Tom said as Fluttershy handed over the key. He unlocked the cabinet, and found indeed, 2 walkie-talkies.
"We got what we needed, let's head out." said Tom.
Before headed out, Fluttershy expressed her gratitude to the head gecko, "Thank you again for not hurting us." The gecko simply just nodded and Fluttershy opened the door to met up with others.
"The General Store and the Ranger Station are where we need to go now." said Tom.
"Lucky for us, the Ranger Station is next to the General Store, so it should be easy. Let me show you." Chalk marked the two locations on Tom's Pip-Boy. "And there is a campground and a bridge over there." he pointed the location west of the fishing lodge. "It's almost sunset. We can rest there."
"Fantastic!" Tom putting down his Pip-boy. "Let's head out."
When the team was about to leave the fishing lodge, Tom thought of something, "Do you think it was strange that we haven't met any White Legs' ambush?" he commented. This made the pony a bit nervous.
"Ah don't know, but ah still think we need to keep cautious. This is quite serious." Applejack said. Fluttershy nodded in agreement.
"Alright. You guys stay here. I'll scout ahead." Follows-Chalk whispered. The others nodded in response, and hid behind a car wreck. Chalk slowly sneaked forward, scouting for any possible White Legs' ambush and wild life threats. Despite what Joshua said about him, he was still quite a good scout in Tom's opinion.
Chalk hid behind a rock, and looked around his surroundings, nothing so far. He motioned his friends to come quietly, then he heard something, some people were talking, but not in his languages. Three White Legs' scout appeared from South West, where they came from, and they seemed to have not spotted them.
"What do you think the chief will award us, if we bring the head of the outsider and his pets? A promotion?" one of the White Legs said.
"Probably one woman for each of us, I really want to get laid." the second White Legs said, and started laughing out loud.
The first White Legs began to laugh, "You only care about sex, you big pervert." he joked.
"I don't know man, I heard that outsider slaughtered our entire raiding team." the third White Legs said quietly.
The other two laughed even harder, "What are you, a chicken?, bah bah bah bah bahhhh~"
"No, I'm not!"
"Yes, you are~"
"No, I'm not!"
"Yes, you ar-"
And they felt the ground shaking, suddenly one giant beast emerged from the ground, and dragged one of the White Legs into the ground. Tom immediately recognized that it was a Radscorpion. The other scouts panicked, they started screaming, then took out their machine guns and started firing at the ground. After a moment, the White Legs thought they were safe, but they were horribly mistaken. Two other scorpions emerged from the ground and overwhelmed one of the White Legs. The remaining one tried to flee but he was blocked by a Giant Radscorpion, at least two times bigger than an ordinary radscorpion. It stung the through his chest with his giant tail, it wasn't enough to kill him though, he was still screaming in agony. But injected with radscorpion poison, the scream became weaker and weaker, and only last no longer than ten seconds. Then the Giant Radscorpion burrowed into the ground with its meal. The others had finished feasting on the second one, leaving nothing but blood stains on the ground, and back to the ground they did. The air was filled with silence all over again.
Few moments after the small massacre, the ponies just sat there with their jaw dropped, motionless, too much cruel images to process. They tended to throw up, but at least there wasn't any remains to gross them.
"Is it safe now?" Tom asked.
"I think it's safe." Chalk said.
Tom stood up, patted the dust off his hands, "Well, that was brutal. Ladies, those there, were Radscorpions." he said. "Are you girls gonna be okay?"
"Ah'm fine... Just give us a moment..." Applejack said, still panting.
"What about you, Fluttershy?" Tom asked.
"Ye...Yes..." Fluttershy said, still a bit frightened.
Tom sighed, "Here, drink some water, you may feel better." he handed out two bottles of purified water.
"Thanks..." said both Applejack and Fluttershy.
Applejack took a sip, "To be honest, we have tone of dangerous creatures back in the Equestria, like the Manticores, Timberwolves, the Hydra, and even that Bugbear we fought during Cranky and Matilda's wedding. But to think about it, we never ended up like that..." she said.
"This is just the circle of life, we are just have to get used to it." Fluttershy said.
"Well, let's hope if we see enough of these here, we won't need to see them back home, am ah right?" Applejack joked.
Fluttershy gave a little nervous chuckle, "Yeah, you're right."
"Woah, you two are learning fast..."Tom was glad that the ponies could learn something from his world, despite it was based on rather unpleasant experiences, "Happy to see you two smiling again. Ready to move on?" he asked.
"Oh! Oh! Can you tell me what you know about the creatures in your world?" Chalk said excitedly.
"I am also curious, but we REALLY have to go now, it's getting dark." Tom said.
The sky had darkened when they arrived at the North Fork Campground, and they sheltered inside a trailer, where there were a few human skeletons, two suitcases, and a sleeping bag inside.
"I'm sorry." Tom said before he cleaned the trailer by taking out the skeletons. He then looted the suitcases only to find a few scraps metals, bottle caps, and a pre-war suit.
"Who the hay put scrap metals inside their suitcases?" Applejack asked as she put down her saddlebag in the trailer corner.
"I don't know. Maybe this guy was a mechanic." Tom answered. "Still, I can make some bullets with these things."
A cold breeze blew inside the crowded trailer, it made Fluttershy shivered, "It's quite dark, and breezy outside. Why not start a campfire?" she asked as she put her bags next to Applejack's.
"Can't risk getting spotted by any White Legs' scouts. They knew about you guys, and those scouts from earlier was probably finding you." Chalk said.
"Yeah, that make sense to me." Applejack said, taking off her beloved stetson.
Tom was checking whether he had enough ammunition, "Me and Chalk will take turn staying on guard for tonight, I'll go first, you three better go to sleep now." he looked at Chalk. "I'll wake you up, when the time's up."
"So, uhhh...What about the sleeping bag? Who is gonna use it?" Applejack asked.
Follows-Chalk took a look at the sleeping bag, "It looks big enough to fit both of you."
"But, what about you?" Fluttershy asked.
"Don't worry about me, I can sleep on the ground." Chalk sat down on the trailer floor. Unfortunately, since he was used to sleep on bed sheets made of fur, and the floor was too cold for his upper-exposed body, "Ahhh!" he jumped up immediately. "Too cold for me... "
Fluttershy and Applejack looked at each other, they both knew they have the same idea. Applejack gave her a firm look, and nodded her head. Fluttershy gave back a warm smile and nodded back. "Well, we decided to let you use the sleeping bag, Chalk."
Chalk was surprised by what he just heard, "What!? But what about you?" he asked.
"Ah think our fur can keep us warm enough." Applejack rubbed the fur on her chest. "We don't want ya to catch a cold, ya know."
Fluttershy nodded, "You are our friend, and friends take care of each other." and gave Chalk a hug.
Chalk felt the warm embrace from the pegasus, "It's so warm..." he thought. And he returned a hug, "Thank...thank you." and gave the ponies a pleasant grin, and so did them.
Tom watched the whole event outside, it was too pure, too innocent, "It's been so long since I feel this heartwarming in this wasteland." he thought, and couldn't help but felt a little jealous at Chalk for he just got hugged by one of the cutest thing he ever met.
It was twelve in the night, the ponies and Chalk have fell into a deep sleep. And for Tom, he was sitting at the trailer entrance, having some deep thought.
"Why did I have so many fragmental flashbacks for all of a sudden... I simply can't recall a lot of things before Benny." Tom then looked inside the trailer, at the cuddling ponies. "Applejack did reminded me of ma, and Fluttershy..." Tom had a blurry image in his head, an image of a woman, her blonde long hair, her beautiful face.
"Jane..."
They were a happy family living a small village in California, NCR territory, they do farming for a living. They worked from day to night, whenever there's trouble, they will be with each other. The only thing that was making their life challenging, was the NCR. Things were fine for a while, but in one unfortunate year, the drought struck the region, so the residents there won't able to pay any taxes to the NCR. The officials said it was okay, they could pay it when they could.
Beside being a farmer, Tom still had to do some hunting for his people, before he went hunting, as usual, Jane took him aside, "Be safe out there." and gave him a hug and a kiss.
"Well, I am not dead yet, am I?" Tom replied, giving her a little chuckle. Jane gave back a sunny smile, and waved goodbye to her beloved husband.
After a long day of hunting, he returned to his village with pride for he hunted a few radrabbits and a fully-grown radstag. When his village was insight, he dropped the radstag and everything he got for he was stunned by what he saw. His village was a total wreck, then he heard someone crying, he went to investigate with a hunting rifle in his grip, only to find one of his female neighbor crying over her dead husband who was severely injured. "What happened!" Tom asked.
"Deathclaws..." the woman cried. "The NCR soldiers were no where to be found, none of us could stop them, so those monsters slaughtered anyone they found."
Tom dropped his rifle, and rushed to his home, on his way, he saw the aftermath of the slaughter, survivors cried over their deceased comrades, when he reached his home, the door was ripped of from the frame, "No... no... Jane!!!"
Tom ran toward Jane, who laid in a pool of blood. Blood flowed out from the three big holes, pierced by the Deathclaw. There was nothing he could do, she was already gone. He knelt down next to her, despite knowing her fate, "Jane! Jane!" he shouted. He felt weak, fell onto her body, and started crying his eyes out.
Back to reality, by the time Tom was in his middle of his flashback, he started sobbing, and this woke up the others. When Chalk was about to tap on Tom's shoulder to ask him what's wrong, only to be stopped by a hoof, and looked confused at the source of action, Applejack. Applejack simply shook her head, put her hoof next to her ear, telling Chalk to listen. Chalk was still confused, but he complied.
"Jane..."
The trio was surprised when they heard the word, "Is that a name? Jane?" Applejack thought. "Who may that name belong to?"
Tom suddenly stood up, "No... no..." he weakly walked forward.
The trio began to worry about Tom, especially Fluttershy. She somehow felt his pain, and was heartbroken. She couldn't watch any longer. She gave Applejack an empathy look, hoping to gain approval from Applejack. Applejack sighed, and nodded her head. Fluttershy stood up and walked towards Tom, but when she was about to tap her hoof on Tom, he fell down to his knees, and then to the ground.
"Don't leave me like this..."
Chalk rushed towards Tom, and carried him to the sleeping bag. He noticed he was still breathing, then let out a relieving sigh. "He just fell unconscious, let him rest."
"Phew, that's good ta hear." Applejack said.
"We should have just waken him before that... I felt awful..." Fluttershy sat beside Tom, gently petting his head.
"Ah know... But it will be hard to get him to talk about his problem, that was our key, Fluttershy." Applejack tried to explain her intention.
"You girls go to sleep now, I will make sure you're safe." Chalk said and left the trailer.
"Be safe out there, Chalk." Applejack said and sat down next to Fluttershy.
Applejack looked at the unconscious Tom and towards Fluttershy, a sense of regret struck her, "Ah'm sorry, Flutters, ah just-" Applejack tried to apologize, but was stopped by a hoof on her mouth.
"I understand... Let's just keep this to ourselves for now. You know what I mean?" Fluttershy asked.
Tom woke up from his slumber, it was still pretty early in the morning, his head aching like hell, "God... What happened last night?" he thought. Then he recalled the whole event, he once again felt heartbroken. "Jane..." He then noticed the sleeping ponies besides him, the cuteness made Tom cracked a smile, he couldn't help himself but petted the ponies' head. Both ponies looked comfortable enough to give out a pleasant smile.
Moments later, Applejack was the first to open her eyes, and let out a yawn, "Morning, partner." she said tiding up her mane.
"Morning, Applejack. And morning to you too, Fluttershy." Tom stood up and stretched his back. "You girls seen Chalk?"
"Nope, he went on patrol last night, after...ugh..." Applejack found it hard to finish this.
"I fainted..." Tom said with a depressed tone. "I assume that you saw everything?" he said. Applejack and Fluttershy looked rather concerned, nervous.
"It's alright..." Tom tried not to worry them too much. "Since the day I met you, I started having flashbacks back before Benny put a lead in my head."
"Do ya mind telling us about those flashbacks?" Applejack asked.
"You don't need to if that makes you uncomfortable..." Fluttershy added.
"Let's just say, you both reminded me two important people of my life, we'll talk about more more of this later." Tom reached into his backpack and grabbed a can of cram. "Let's have some breakfast while waiting for Chalk."
When the trio crossed the wooden bridge, pointed out that the General Store and Ranger Station were not far to the right, but Fluttershy appeared to hear something. Something was crying, and she pointed out to the other, despite they didn't heard anything.
Fluttershy slowly approached the source of the sound, the view made the three gasped. it was two rad rats, and one of them was severely wounded.
Fluttershy ran towards the wounded rat, took out her medical supplies, "Let me help you." trying to stop the bleeding .
"Who are you, and what are you doing to my husband?" the other rat asked.
"We're here to help." Fluttershy answered and kept adding pressure on the wound.
"[Guns] Bad news, a 12.7mm bullet wounds." Tom analyzed and took out a syringe and injected something into the wounded rat. "And the good news is that the bullet didn't seem to hurt his vital organs. One advantage of being irradiated creature, you're more resistant than anyone else."
"So, can it be saved?" asked Applejack.
"[Medicine] I eased its pain with some Med-X. After Fluttershy stops the bleeding, we still need to take out the bullets if we want it to recover." Tom replied. "Unfortunately, I don't know how to operate a surgery."
"I know a bit of medical skills, but I don't know anything surgical, either." Fluttershy said, wrapping bandages around the rat's body, covering the wound. She turned towards the female rat, "He's gonna be okay, for now..."
"Oh... thank you so much." the female rat said, holding Fluttershy's hoof.
"So... do you know what happened?" Fluttershy asked.
"I don't really know... My husband went out to find food for our family. And then I heard a loud and scary noise, when I went out to investigate... I saw three humans, one with strange objects on its head, like your friends there. And it seemed like it was being chased by the other two humans that didn't have strange object on their heads." Upon hearing this, Fluttershy's face turned pale, "They ran over that way..."she pointed towards the direction where the cave was, "And then, my husband..." the female rat couldn't help but start crying.
"It's alright, your husband can be saved, but we have to find someone who can help." Fluttershy comforted her with a few pat on her head, despite feeling terrified by the info. "Do you know what we can find there?"
"There is a cave over there." the rat answered.
Fluttershy told Tom and Applejack what the rat witnessed from head to toe, "I think the one with a hat might be Chalk!" she said.
"He was probably chased by the White Legs. We have to help him!" Applejack said.
"Indeed, but first, I have to find somewhere safe for you two and the rats to stay." Tom said calmly.
"What!?" Applejack was shocked, "Chalk is 'OUR' friend, and 'WE' are going to save him!"
"I know... but no." Tom replied. "This rescue mission is too risky, and I can't put you two in danger."
"Ah don't mind any danger, if ah am saving my friend!" Applejack refuted.
"You're being to stubborn..." Tom started getting irritated.
"Yes, ah'm being stubborn, but ah don't care! I will come with ya no m-"
Fluttershy put her hoof one Applejack's shoulder, "Applejack, please. Calm down..." she tried to intervene.
"Calm down?" Applejack pushed Fluttershy away , "Our friend is in great danger, Fluttershy. And you're telling me to calm down!?" Applejack had lost her mind.
Fluttershy fell to the ground and couldn't help but started sobbing.
Tom finally lost his patience."That's enough!" he shouted. "Can't you see what you've done?" he pointed at the crying Fluttershy.
Applejack looked at the crying Fluttershy, realized what she had done, she then looked at her hooves, a sense of guilt struck her hard. She felt weak, tears started to drop, "What have...what have ah done..."
Tom sighed, and knelt beside Applejack, "I know you care about Chalk. But, you're suppose to protect Fluttershy. Not throwing yourself into danger, and expose your other friend to danger."
"But..."
"Chalk got into danger because of me, and I'm going to fix it." Tom wiped the tears off Applejack's cheek, "You just have to trust me, okay?"
Applejack nodded.
"Now," Tom stood up. "I'm going to find you two a shelter. And Applejack..." Tom stopped.
Applejack just stared at him.
"You know what you have to do..."
Applejack stood up and ran toward Fluttershy, not caring that her hat had fallen off, and gave her a big hug, "Fluttershy! Ah... ah'm so sorry..." she couldn't hold her tears anymore.
Fluttershy simply hugged back, still crying.
Tom looked at the scene and feel sorry, but also happy for them. They weren't suppose to be here, good friends didn't deserve this. But, this proofed that their friendship...
After a few minutes, Applejack and Fluttershy had calmed down, Tom handed over Applejack's hat, "You both ready?" he asked.
Applejack patted the dust dirt of her hat, "Yeah, ah'm ready." she turned to Fluttershy. "Ya ready sugarcube?" she asked as she put on her hat .
Fluttershy wiped out the rest of her tears, "I'm ready." she turned to Tom. "What's the plan?"
"We need to find a shelter for all of you first." Tom started to ponder. Moments later, he came out of something, "The rats must be familiar to this area, maybe ask... umm..." Tom didn't know how to call the rat, and didn't want to do anything embarrassing.
"Her." Fluttershy chuckled.
Tom let out a relief sigh, "Thank you. Asked her is there any shelter around here."
Fluttershy sit next to the rats, "Mrs.Rat, is there any shelter around here?" she asked.
"Yes, you can come to our place if you want. And dear, you can call me Pixie." the rat replied. "And this is my husband, Chip."
"Nice to meet you Pixie." Fluttershy smiled warmly, "Oh! I haven't introduce ourselve yet. I'm Fluttershy." she pointed at Applejack, "That's Applejack." and pointed at Tom, "And that's Tom."
"Can you help me carry my husband home?" Pixie asked.
"Of course." Fluttershy tried to put Mike on her back, but unlike the rats back in Equestria that were easy to carry around. But Chip was quite heavy for her.
Applejack and Tom noticed the problem, and Tom didn't think twice to lend her his hands, "Please, let me help." and he picked Chip up. "It's heavier than I thought." he thought, for this is the first time he carried a rad rat like this.
"Thank you so much. It's not far from here. Please, follow me." Pixie went up the hill, with the trio followed behind.
Up the hill, everyone noticed that there's a wooden structure no far away. When they reach the front porch, Tom noticed that this was the General Store, where there were supposed to be.
"Well here we are. Our lovely home." Pixie said.
Noticed that the rats weren't suppose to open the door by themselves, "I'll open the door." Tom said, turned the door knob with his one free hand. "How did they enter these places?"
Upon opening the door, the trio noticed that there were not only two smaller rats in there, but also a giant mole rat, and a giant mantis corpse in the corner. The mole rat was as big as the ponies, and it had a scar on its back. The radiated critters saw the strangers, they all hid behind the giant mole rat, shivering with fear.
"Great, first the giant green bugs, and now we got a human?" the giant mole rat muttered, not noticing that Pixie was with them. "We do not welcome strangers here!"
Tom raised his hands in front of his chest, "Woah, woah! I mean no harm to you." he said, before he realized he was trying to communicate with a aggroed mole rat.
"Don't worry, Chump." Pixie moved towards the giant mole rat, "Chip was horribly injured, but this human and his friends helped him."
"Ok, but why do you bring them here?" Chump was frustrated.
"They're looking for shelter, Chump. Can't you just let them stay for a while, they're still trying to heal my husband." Pixie pleaded.
"We have already encounter one big trouble, we can't afford another trouble." Chump scolded Pixie.
Fluttershy heard their little argument, and she wanted to figure it out, "Excuse me, but what kind of trouble are you talking about?" she asked Chump.
"Why do you care?" Chump replied.
Pixie pushed Chump away, "My apologies, Miss Fluttershy. Chump is a bit mean outside, but he is a giant softie inside. He just wanted to protect us. You know what I mean?"
"I understood, Ms.Pixie." Fluttershy gave Chump a sympathy look. "But do you happen to know what the trouble is?" she asked.
"We used to live in another place up this hill, but one day. Bark scorpions invaded, and we were forced to escape our old home." Pixie explained.
"Those Damn Scorpions!" Chump angrily stomped on the floor, after that, tears came out of his eye sockets.
Pixie sighed, "Chump's wife didn't make it." and shook her head.
Fluttershy gasped. "I'm so sorry Mr.Chump, I don't m-"
"Please, just let leave me alone right now..." Chump interrupted.
Pixie decided to continue the story, "And when we came here, we don't know that we got a giant green bug right here." she pointed at the giant mantis corpse in the corner. "So, Chump and Chip fought the giant bug and managed to beat it, he got that scar during the fight."
Meanwhile, Tom asked Applejack if she could find three more Li'l Scout Lunch Boxes for him, he already found two of them on the counter, he picked up the silenced .22 pistol next to them and stored it in his inventory.He walked behind the counter, he found the store key in the cash register, then spotted a Zion themed snow globe on the shelf behind the counter, he picked it up even though no one else was going to purchase it after the death of Mr.House. Suddenly, he had a feeling that his inventory just got a bit heavier for some reason, despite hadn't store the snow globe, so he just shrugged it off. He showed the lunch boxes to AJ, and asked her if she could find three more for him.
"Alright, ah'll try to find these lunch boxes..."
"Fluttershy, can you come here for a moment?" Tom waved at her. "We three need to discuss two things..."
"I'll be right back." Fluttershy said to the rodents, and trotted towards Tom.
"Before I go out and find Chalk, we need to establish something. First of all, are you two able to unlock this door?" Tom said as he locked the store's front door.
Both ponies watched how Tom locked the door, looked at their front hooves, looked at each other with a awkward face, then back looking at Tom, showing their front hooves to Tom.
Tom sighed, "Well, I'll leave it locked anyway. I have the key of the store." he showed the ponies the key. "Fluttershy?"
"Yes?"
"When I left, if any emergency happens, the rats must know some way out of here."
"O...ok..." Fluttershy didn't like what kind of emergency was going to happen.
"Now, we need a safety code, any suggestions?"
"Apple Bloom..." Applejack answered in a instant.
"Hmm, not a common word, and it's not that hard to memorize." Tom then saw sorrow on AJ's face. "What's the matter?"
"My little sis, her name is Apple Bloom." AJ covered her face with her stetson. "I... I miss her. I miss everypony."
"I know..." Fluttershy embraced Applejack, and started sobbing. "I miss them too."
Tom noticed that and even though he knew time was at essence, but he still knelt down next to them, and embraced both of them.
Half of a minute had passed, and the ponies have calmed down. Tom put his hand on Flutter's cheeks, then played a little with Applejack's hat.
"Don't worry. I'll make sure to come back with Chalk in one piece. And I'll do my best to send you home." he then stood up and turned to the exit. "I'll be on my way looking for Chalk then, stay low before I return."
Both ponies blushed, Fluttershy hid herself behind her mane, and Applejack gave a light chuckle.
"And Tom..." Tom turned to AJ. "Be safe out there."
"And you too." Tom tipped his hat, and left the store.
Tom returned to the spot where they found the rats, and followed the direction where the rat gave them. Not far away, he found tons of bullet casings on the ground, bullet holes on some trees, and a trail of blood. Couldn't tell if it's the leftover from the fight between Chalk and the White Legs, since it happened probably hours ago. Just a few meters away, he found a dead White Leg mongrel. The body was cold, but still fresh, and he noticed something. The mongrel's teeth were bloody, this could mean that Chalk might be bitten by this mutt, and was killed afterward. He was getting closer, he could feel it, so he started sneaking forward. And he was correct, he spotted a figure walking back and forth at a specific location, probably guarding something. Tom hid behind a rock, took out his binocular, and confirmed that it's a White Legs tribal.
"Something is not right..." he thought but didn't bother to check, didn't notice that someone had snuck beside him and looked at the same direction as his.
"What are you looking at?"
"Gahhhh!!!" Tom screamed and jumped, this got the White Legs attention, and started firing his machine gun at his location.
Tom and the stranger took cover, Tom unholstered his revolver (Mysterious Stranger jingle) while looking at the person that caused this problem. A caucasian male wearing a suit of combat armor, a park ranger hat. "Who the fuck are you!?" he asked.
"I'm Park Ranger Zach." he said with a silly tone."Who the hell are you?"
"I'm Tom. We can chat later." Tom said, and the firing suddenly stopped. He assumed that the tribal's mag had ran out, so he leapt, channeled VATS, time seemed to slow down. Head shot chance was lower than 30%, so decided to go for two torso shots and one head shot, the first two shots landed right on the tribal's stomach, even it was not vital, but the impact still made him lost balance. Then Tom did a unnecessary roll, and he let out the third shot.
It missed... This gave the tribal a chance to have a last stand.
"Fuck!" Tom whispered.
In a blink moment, before the tribal could fire, a combat knife dashed across the air, and stabbed into the tribal's skull, an instant kill.
Tom was amazed and turned back to see Zach still in his throwing stance. He might be an idiot, but he sure was a good fighter. "Much oblige, Zach." he retrieved the knife for Zach. "Here."
"I've never seen you before. You're not from here, aren't you?" Zach asked, still have that idiotic tone. Tom was pondering whether he was pretending to be like this.
"Yeah, I came with a caravan from the Mojave." Tom answered, started feeling nervous. "I really have to go now..."
Before Tom could leave, Zach grabbed his wrist, "I find you guilty on intruding this national park." Zach said angrily. "The punishment is to be lock with Park Ranger Zach for four hours!"
"Wait WHAT!?" Tom couldn't believe what was happening. This guy was not just an idiot, but also insane. "I don't have time for this!" and started trying to get rid of Zach.
"Stop resisting!" Zach was strong enough to get Tom into position that he could suffocate him.
Tom couldn't believe it, one of his friend's life was at stake, and the other two couldn't survive in this God forsakken wasteland without his help, but he was gonna get choke to death by an idiot as strong as a Super Mutant. Vision began to blur, and it was getting hard to breath.
Before fallen into unconsciousness, again, Tom merely saw another figure ran towards him.
It's been an hour after Tom fainted, even his friends were all with him, he still felt alone, probably because it's too quiet. Chalk had been sitting by the trailer, his pistol at ready, looking for anything dangerous. Nothing had happened so far, although being safe was top priority, Chalk started getting bored.
"Maybe I can scout around the camp?" he thought as he stood up.
Chalk shook his head, "No, what am I thinking? I can't leave my friends here." and returned to his sitting position.
Another hour passed, still nothing, not even any wild animal approached. Usually around this time, he was either sleeping at his lovely camp, or scouting with his people.
"Just look around the camp, I think it will be fine if don't leave to far." Chalk stood up again. "Let's be quick."
Chalk started sneaking around the camp, keeping a low profile, then he arrived at the General Store and thought, "Maybe I can finish the task myself, save time for my friends." but before he could open the door, he heard something , but before he could react, a bullet hit his back. It was painful, thankfully, it did not hit anything vital. There's no way he could hide in the store now, so he decided to flee, but no matter how fast he ran, he could not outrun a mongrel, it bit his leg and let out a painful grunt, couldn't let the enemy knew his position, he took out his club, and bash at the mutt, it didn't even budge, so Chalk had no choice, but to took out his pistol and shot a few bullets at its direction. The mongrel was dead, but his pursuers must have heard the gunshot. He got rid of the mongrel, it bit quite deep, and have no time to tend the wounds, he need to escape now. He then found a cave, even he knew caves were not good signs, it was his only chance to live.
Entering the cave he spotted a clear path on the left, and a path full of spikey groves, but after all these scout works he done, he became quite perspective, he managed to see a little path that he could squeeze through. Without a second thought, he attempted to went through the groves. Being poked by the spikes was not the major problem right now, so he gritted his teeth and kept on going.
Then, he heard a clear clanking sound, immediately after, immense pain coursed through his leg to head. Looking down, he stepped on a trap while still in the groves. He cried, but without any sound, then bent down and tried to release himself. He was exhausted, he used all his strength to open the bear trap, in the meantime, poked by the nearby groves.
Few attempts later, the trap was opened and he couldn't stop bleeding. The pain made him dizzy, but he thought, "It was either this, or being tortured by White Legs scums." he kept on going despite being crippled. And finally in the end of the path, he found little space and a wooden door, but it was locked. He sat by the door and took out anything that could help him treated his wound. He didn't have time to gather ingredients for meds, so all he got was some healing powders, bandages and few bottles of water.
After tending his wound with those meds, wrapping the bandages around it. It's still hurt like hell, but at least it was under controlled, for now. All these actions and blood loss exhausted him, he wanted to sleep, but he needed to stay alert. Even this place was quite well hidden (Not in the actual game though.), what if those bastards found him somehow?
"So tired..." Chalk thought, but before he passed out only one sentense came to his mind
Meanwhile, three White Legs tribals pursuing a lone Dead Horse tribal, they followed the trail of blood left by their prey and ended up at a cave entrance.
"What are we waiting for? I want to slice that Dead Horse into pieces!" tribal B said while playing with his tomahawks.
"Are you serious? Caves are bad news man..." tribal C started to shiver as he looked at the myserious cave.
"Don't tell me you believe in those degenerates' bad omens." tribal A gestured at the last two words.
Tribal C simply nodded, tribal A facepalmed and tribal B was just getting more slice happy.
"Ugh... Fine! You stay out here and guard the entrance. Kill anything that is not us." tirbal C let out a relived sigh.
"Let's get that son of a bitch." tribal A then headed in to the cave with tribal B.
Zach released Tom from his grasp, still riding on Tom's belly. Crossed his arm and pouted like a child.
The other figure knelt down next to Tom, "Jeez, you alright?" and checked if anything was fine.
"What the fuck...(cough) is wrong... with your friend!?" Tom asked, still dizzy. He examined the guy next to him, he wore a white shirt with a black leather vest and brown military jeans, but the most distinctive was that he was wearing a NCR 1st Recon beret."Also, can you please?" using his angry gaze to point at the big boy sitting on him.
"Oh!" the figure chuckled, "You heard him Zach." Zach unwillingly stood up, becoming even more grumpy.
"To answer your first question. Big boy Zach here loves jumping off high places, he thinks its funny. And Zion has plenty of them. But last time he landed... he landed on his head." the guy said. "Oh, let me give you a hand." he reached out his hand.
"Your friend is an idiot." Tom stood up and patted the dust from his pants.
"I can hear you!" yelled Zach.
"Zach may be an idiot, but... who am I kidding. He's dumber than a brick." the man laughed. Tom also chuckled a bit.
"Anyway, I'm Mike, Zach's butt buddy, and now his nanny." the man answered.
"Tom. I was in the middle of rescuing my friend from those White Legs savages, and..." Tom stared at Zach angrily.
"Hey! Park Ranger Zach saved your ass back there!" Zach yelled.
"You're trying t-" Tom sighed, "Whatever, I don't have time for this." he picked up his revolver. "Thanks again, Mike. And do please, keep an good eye on your KID, alright?"
"You got it! If you need help, we'll be at the ranger station up there, okay?" Mike pointed at the ranger station's direction.
"Yeah, thanks." Tom replied. "I guess..." he murmured.
Mike patted Zach on the back, "Alright Zach, let's go back figuring how to fix your head." and both of them went towards the cabin.
Before Tom entered the cave, he recalled the skill that Zach, and despite Mike's light-hearted manner, he still looked like a decent combatant. But considering Zach's mental state right now... He sighed. "Fine... Maybe I do need some help."
"Hey, guys!" Tom ran towards the duo. "I could use extra guns."
"And we're glad to help, right Zach?" Mike tapped Zach's arm with his elbow.
"Yeah... I guess..." Zach answered with a irritated face.
"Thanks." Tom gave a little smile.
"What do you want us to do?" Mike asked.
"Mike, what can you bring to the table?" Tom asked.
"I have this." Mike took out his carbine. "And I think I am quite okay with this."
"What about Zach?"
"I not sure about present Zach, but he WAS a gun nerd." Mike said.
"Well then, here..." Tom took out the hunting shotgun and a few ammunition he found at the fishing lodge and handed to Zach. "I hope you make good use for it."
Zach took the shotgun, mood lightened up a bit. "Park Ranger Zach appreciate your donation! But, don't think you can escape punishment after this!"
"Riiight... So, my friend was presumed to be hunted by those White Legs bastards into that cave, and we're going to save him."
"What does your friend look like?" asked Mike.
"Do you guys know what the White Legs looks like?" Tom asked in reply.
"Yeah." Zach and Mike answered in unison. "Dumb people with dumb hair." Zach added.
"Good, he wears a hat, but he's still kind of bald without it. Is that clear?" Tom was kind of satisfied when he saw both of them nodded.
"Here's what we gonna do. Mike, I want you to come with me. And Zach, I want you to sta-"
Zach was shocked, "Stay!? You think Park Ranger Zach not good enough!?" and started to get furious.
"No, please let me finish..." Tom tried to calm him down, and it didn't seemed to work at all.
Mike put his hand on Zach's shoulder to try comfort him, "Come on, Zach. Let him finish." he said.
It was quite effective, Zach took a deep breathe. "Fine. What do you want Park Ranger Zach to do?"
Tom sighed with relief, "Listen, I still have friends in the General Store over there. The door is locked, but they still need someone to guard them." he said.
"It's only fair that Park Ranger Zach protect your friends since you gave me the cool boomstick."
"Thank you, Zach. I really appreciate it. By the way, we have a safety code, it's 'Apple Bloom'. You got it?"
"No worries, Park Ranger Zach kicks butts." Zach said and went towards the General Store.
In the General Store, Applejack and Fluttershy were still trying their best to find all the 5 lunch boxes after Tom left, but they only found 4 so far, there was a locked drawer inside the only other room in the store, they thought it might be in there, but they have no way opening it, so they decided to wait for Tom to come back.
Resting beside a wall, Applejack stomach growled, "Right, we haven't eat anything. Fluttershy, let's check how many food do we have?" Fluttershy nodded, but when they tried to reach for their saddle bags, only to find out, they had left their bags in the trailer.
"Oh no! what are we going to do?" Fluttershy started to panic.
"Calm down, Shy. This is a general store, right? It has to have food in here." Applejack said.
Calmed down a little, Fluttershy nodded. "Yeah, let's find what we can eat."
Few minutes after, they gathered what seemed to be food in the store, and both started checking what was edible. Most of them had faded, so it's hard to identify.
Applejack started browsing the pile of packaged food. "Let's see here... Fancy Lad Snack Cakes, looks like cupcakes to me... Sugar Bombs, ah think this is a box of cereal... looks fine so far... Oh! Dandy Boy Apples!" She squinted her eyes to look at the sentence in the back, "Apples so good they never go bad, that's hardly believable. At least, ah can try some apples of this world."
"Umm, AJ?" Fluttershy called while holding a can.
"What the matter?" AJ came next to Fluttershy.
"I think these are meat." said Fluttershy, pointing at another packaged food. What she was holding was a can of Cram, and she was pointing at a Salisbury Steak. There were a few of them in the pile.
"Hmm... What about giving them to the rats?" Applejack said.
"Good thinking, so they won't starve and need to go out facing more danger." Fluttershy said, and walked toward Pixie, she was laying next to her husband and her kids, with Chump by their side acted like a guardian of some sort.
"Mrs. Pixie, we found some canned meat for you. Now you don't have to go out and risk of getting in danger." Fluttershy said.
"Oh, that's very nice of you, dearie. Mind bringing them to me? As you can see, I'm kind of occupied." Pixie said with of bit of embarrassment.
Didn't notice at first, Fluttershy saw Pixie was breastfeeding her children, she blushed a little. "Oh, of course. I'll be right back."
Fluttershy grabbed as many food as she could with of her foreleg, since her wings were still recovering from the coyote attack. But, it's still a little to much for her to handle. Didn't even bother to ask, Applejack helped her carrying the rest of the packages. Fluttershy gave her a warm smile, and both of them put the foods next to the rodents.
"Be careful, don't eat the package itself, especially this one," Fluttershy pointed at the Crams. "they might make you uncomfortable."
"Thank you so much. We're so lucky to have you here." Pixie said.
"Oh, by the way, do you need help feeding your husband?" asked Fluttershy.
"You're too kind, but I think I'll manage." said Pixie.
"If you need anything, just call my name." said Fluttershy.
Pixie nodded and kept on feeding her younglings. And the mares went back doing their business, managing food.
"So, do you think these are edible?" asked Fluttershy. "From what I heard, they might be contaiminated like the creatures in this world."
"We don't have much choice now, do we?" Applejack sighed, "Might as well get a full check-up before and after going back to Equestria." Applejack said as she managed to open a Dandy Boy Apples, there were three apple on a stick covered in syrup, she sighed again, "There goes nothing..." and digged in.
As soon as the 200 years old food entered her mouth, she immediatly spitted them out. "Bah, what the hay is this? This ain't apple, this is worse than those made by Flim and Flam!"
"Umm... Maybe you're too harsh on it. Let me have a try." Fluttershy reached her hoof out.
"Ah warn ya, they're awful." Applejack passed the packaged food to Shy as she took a box of Sugar Bombs from the floor.
Fluttershy took a bite on the syruped apple and chew for a bit then swallowed it, "I know you have a high standard on apple products,AJ. I think this is not that bad, but compared to your apples, it's a huge downgrade." she said as she took another bite.
Applejack sighed,"Thanks Shy, maybe you can have those apples. Ah'll try these Sugar Bombs instead." she managed to bite a little hole on the box. Take a look inside, "Yep, those were cereals alright." then she connected her mouth to the hole, gribbed it with her teeth, lifted the box up, and pour some cereals in her mouth. She took a few bites, swallowed them, then she froze, with a deadpan expression.
"AJ, what's wrong!?" Fluttershy waved her hoof in front of AJ, trying to get her attention. As she began to worry, she noticed AJ's pupils were getting bigger, then she started shaking. This didn't calm her down, so she embraced AJ, "It's okay, AJ. I'm here." then she heard AJ whispered something.
"Too... Sweet..." was the only thing Fluttershy could comprehensed, but she realized that AJ was in a sugar rush. She then took the cereal box from AJ and looked at its ingredients.
"Holy Celestia! This cereal contains more sugar than anything Pinkie Pie ever made!" she looked around to find something to stablelized AJ's blood sugar, but could only find a few bottles of water left by Tom on the store counter. Without hesitation, she opened a bottle with her mouth then started slowly pouring water in AJ's mouth. Minutes passed, she noticed AJ's pupils were getting smaller, and her expression slowly changed back to normal.
AJ hugged back, "Thanks Shy, I bet even Pinkie can't handle those sugar, sweet Celestia indeed." she joked.
"Jokes aside, that cereal contains tremendous amount of sugar, even these apples are a bit too sweet for me." Fluttershy said picking up another packaged food. "Maybe we should read all of their ingredients before we eat those stuff."
"Agreed. But I need a rest, still feeling dizzy from that sugar rush." AJ said then getting into a sleeping position.
Fluttershy nodded, and began to worry, "Tom, Chalk, I hope you're okay, we need you two."
But before Fluttershy could check any other packages, she heard something with her sensitive ears, footsteps...
On his way to the General Store, Zach was still in a grumpy mood, "Guard duty, not fun. Why does Ranger Assistant Mike always gets to have fun?"
Standing at the front door, he turned his head, nothing was in sight, "Quiet, need more action." Zach thought and proceed to knock on the door.
On the other side of the door, the rats cowered in the corner with Chump standing in front of them, Fluttershy started to freak out, she tried to calm the others, but didn't know what to do next, if it was Tom, it's fine, but she couldn't tell who that was. She couldn't risk letting others know they were in there, so she tried to stay quiet.
There were no responses, so Zach decided to knock a few more time, "This is Park Ranger Zach. Anyone copy?" he said still with his idiotic tone.
"A park ranger?" Fluttershy thought, "This human out there, he's a ranger here? Can he be trusted? Why does he sound like that?" so much questions popped out in her head.
Still got no responses, "Park Ranger Zach is here to protect you, Tom's order!"
"Wait, did he say 'Tom's order'?" Fluttershy wanted to trust the person outside, but he still might be someone who had heard of Tom and tried to use it to get close to them. She then remember they have a safety code, if he really was sent by Tom, Tom would told him the code. She decided to remain silent.
Zach was getting annoyed, before he barged in with force, he recalled something about a safety code. "Is the code 'Apple Boom' or 'Apple Broom'? Grrr...thinking hurts."
Seconds had passed, Zach finally figured out, "Tom told Park Ranger Zach about something of a safety code. 'Apple Bloom'!" he said confidently.
Fluttershy gasped, he knew the code, so she finally whispered out, "Did Tom really send you?" she asked.
Upon hearing a voice, a female one, and a rather cute one, Zach's mood got a drastic change. "That's right ma'am, Park Ranger Zach is here to guard this establishment under Tom's order."
"Thank you, Mr. Zach. My name is Fluttershy." Fluttershy was relieved, "It's a pleasure to have you here." she said.
Zach chuckled. "Park Ranger Zach thinks that too."
After the conversation, Zach started his guard duty. Guard the door for a few minutes, and patrolled around the store, then repeat.
"Fluttershy, who's that on the outside? Are we in danger?" asked Pixie.
Fluttershy came next to the rodents, "Someone sent by Tom to protect us, he's friendly." she answered.
"For now." Chump added.
This made Fluttershy uncomfortable, but Chump was right. All of them didn't know about Zach, so they still needed to be cautious.
Tom and Mike arrived at the cave entrance, the cold breeze, the gloomy atmosphere could make anyone want to avoid this place as much as possible. But it didn't bother Tom, for he had explored so many caves in the Mojave plus the one near Dead Horses Camp. He checked on his companion, and he still seemed pretty chill.
"Let's move out. And try to stay quiet, okay?"
Mike gave a confirmed nod.
The interior was dark, the only light sources were the glowing cave fungus spreading around. And it was so quiet, the sound of their footsteps felt like gunshot on the outside. Tom wanted to go faster, but he couldn't risk of getting spotted. Then the team was greeted by a face full of thick groves, didn't know if they were able to get through this, they also didn't have time to get rid of them.
On his left, there was another way that was clearer that went deeper into the cave. So, to the left they went. There was a little opened space to the left on the path, what they found a blood trail from the deeper of the cave that led to... A single spore carrier was feasting on a dead White Legs tribal.
Without thinking, Tom took a few shot at the creature, but it didn't kill it. It let out a horrible grawl and turned back to strike, but before it could hurt Tom, it was gunned down by Mike.
They both checked on the White Legs tribal, he got a lot of tears on him, and lost one of his arm, and burned marks here and there.
"Monsters from Vault 22..." Mike said as he looted the tribals weapon, a trail carbine and its ammunition, and handed to Tom.
In the corner of the open space, they saw two things, a dead spore plant. On closer inspection, it got several bullet holes on it, probably killed by the tribal they saw.
"We must hurry, Chalk could be in great danger if he is in this damn cave with those spore fuckers! Screw sneaking, come on." Tom then sprinted into the deeper section of the cave, with Mike behind.
This time, they arrived at a larger space with huge rocks and stone columns, the first thing they saw were three giant spore plants sitting on the second level, several various sizes of spore carriers feasting on something that looked like... human carcasses!
Tom gasped, his rage bursted out like an erupted volcano, then let out a piercing shout, and started blasting at the monsters with his revolver. It's not very effective to blast shots with a six shot revolver, and with this blinding rage, he couldn't even aim nor reload properly, so he took out the war club chalk gave him, and started smashing.
Even Mike was a bit terrified by his action, but he was calmer to take more precised shot with his marksman carbine. There were two thing that needed to be dealt with, the spore carriers and the giant plants. He wanted to help Tom, but he couldn't let the giant plants unload free damage to both of them, so he turned and shot at the plants, and that did the trick, he got the plants attention, they started spitting acid at his location, so he took cover behind a rock, and took chance to shoot those plants.
Adrenaline coursing through Tom's veins, like mixture of psycho and med-x, he struck every spore carriers he faced, and ignore every attack he took. His brute force could take out a small size spore carrier with one to two hits, but the bigger ones... those were a bigger problems. Not only they took more damage, they also deal more damage. But in this state, he couldn't give a damn, so even the bigger ones were smash into paste by his club.
After the spore carriers were dealt with, when he was about to check on what those fuckers were eating, he took a giant spit on the back from a spore plant on the first level. Thanksfully, his clothes took most of the damage from the acid, but it still contacted with his skin. The pain from the chemical burn was excruciating, but he took it like a man and he injected himself with a stimpak, then charged at the plant with his club.
The plant spat out more acid at Tom, but the acid projectiles weren't that fast, so he could dodge them horizontally. When he was face to face with the plant he swung at the plant, and the plant tried to bite him with its giant claw like jaw and spat acid at the same time. He smacked the plant's upper jaw, got spat again on his left shoulder, then he smacked its lower jaw, only to staggered it and left its jaw opened.
"Tom, dodge!" Mike's voice spreaded through all of the cave, he had dealt with the three giant spore plants on the second level.
Tom immediately dodged to the left, then he saw Mike threw a frag grenade in the plants mouth, the grenade fell into its stem via a big hole in its jaw. Seconds later, the giant spore plant exploded and green goo splashed onto Tom and everywhere neared it.
After the loud explosion, the cave fell silent, the combat was over. Tom's adrenaline faded, and pain started bursting out. But instead of dealing with his injury, he ran toward the human carcasses, and checked its belongings, but Chalk's hat was nowhere to be found, then he noticed the corpse's clothing, it resembled a White Legs tribal's clothing. In a moment, his relief was stronger than his injuries, then he blacked out, and crumbled.
Meanwhile, on his third round of guard duty at the door, Zach sensed something in the air, something hazardous. His expression turned serious in a blink. Swiftly tilted his head, he avoid a tomahawk to the face, it hit the door instead.
Noticing something struck the front door, Fluttershy and the rodents started to panic. Again the baby rats hid behind their mother and father, with Chump in the front. Applejack was still in deep slumber, but Fluttershy needed to woke her up.
"We're under attack, tell anyone in there to take cover! Park Ranger Zach guarantees your safety." Despite still speaking like an idiot, Zach actually sounded serious right now.
In a distance appeared five White Legs tribals equipped with different weapons, two with melee, three with firearms. The ranged ones, gave covering fire for the meleed ones.
"Everyone take cover! Over here!" Fluttershy shouted. "Applejack, WAKE UP!" she violently shook Applejack with her hooves.
The rodents then proceeded to sprint towards the counter, with Chump dragging Chip with his mouth.
Applejack barely woke up, "Huh, uh? What's going on?" she asked still feeling drousy.
"We're under attack!" Fluttershy yelled.
Applejack was woke by the alarming answer. "WHAT!? Are ya serious?"
"Quick, behind the counter!" Fluttershy said as both mares ducked behind the counter.
"Tom hasn't return. What are we going to do?" Applejack asked.
"Someone came to us after you fell asleep, he said he was sent by Tom to help us, he knew the safety code." Fluttershy answered.
"Who's 'he'?" Applejack asked.
"Park Ranger Zach... When we had our first conversation, he sounded... umm... not smart. But, when we're under attack, his attitude changed, feeling like a living 'Hazard'." Fluttershy said.
Applejack felt mixed with the response. "Let's hope he will always on our side."
Zach couldn't be more excited, despite bullets had started flying toward his direction, and some of them hit his armor. He made sure his hunting shotgun was fully loaded, held it with one hand, and took out his knife with the other.
With a hunting shotgun and combat knife in both of his hands, Park Ranger Zach sprinted straight into the fray. Even with his current state, Zach quickly analyzed the combat situation. The meleed enemies were not the deadliest, but they could keep the ranged one that were using auto-fired machine guns from shooting wrecklessly at his direction. But there was also one using a brush gun. So he attempt to fight the meleed one and without getting hit by any shots from the sharpshooter.
Zach holstered his shotgun and engaged full CQC mode, he charged at one with a shishkebab (A sword that could be covered in flames when turning on the valve on the handling part.). The tribal struck his flaming sword at Zach, but Zach somehow blocked it with his teeny knife. The heat was unbearable, no wonder the wielder always wore a heat resistant glove. Zach pushed the tribal back, but before he could react, a bullet hit through his armor through his chest, and a giant club made out of rebar and concrete struck him in the center, sent him flying toward a rock. Zach smacked into the rock, head first.
The tribals walked toward Zach's unmoving body, looked at each other, laughed out loud.
The swordsman patted on the clubber's back, "Nice teamwork!" he said.
"What about me?" the sharpshooter asked.
"Nice shot, I guess..." the swordsman said, but deep inside he despised those who faught with guns.
"The outman must be guarding something..." machine gun tribal A said.
"Then let's go check it out!" machine gun tribal B said, hopping towards the store's front door.
The tribal team then left Zach's body and moved toward the General Store.
The swordsman sighed,"To be honest, I would like to fight this guy, one on one." he said.
"Why do you think of that?" The clubber asked.
"That outman, for the first time of my life, I felt threatened." the swordsman said without any shame.
"Really!?" the clubber was shocked. "A great warrior like you felt threatened?"
"You didn't feel that? When he charged right towards us, it's like a wolf, hunting for its pray..." the swordsman said with awe.
"More like a crazy molerat, if you asked me." the clubber chuckled. "Forget about him, and let's start looting."
In the General Store, hearing all those gunshots and warcries made the ponies scared for their lifes, like the first time they came to Zion, but without seeing any blood and gore.
This kind of moment felt like hours, but only two to three minutes later, it fell silenced. They stood up, legs still shaking. They walked toward the door, they heard footsteps. Just when the mares hope that Zach came out as the victor, they heard more footsteps, and then, tribals speaking.
Fluttershy lost her legs again, and fell to the floor. This broke her heart, knowing that one human, a potential friend, died , protecting them. "It's... o...ver..."
"It's not over yet, Flutters. We need to find a way out!" Applejack tried her best to get her up.
"Mr.Zach... killed..." Fluttershy couldn't hold much longer and started crying.
"Huh? Looks like we got somebody in here boys!" one of the tribal said, and tried opening the door. It did not work obiviously, so he started barging the door.
Noticing the tribals were trying to get in, Applejack started to panic, "If we die here, then Mr.Zach's sacrifice meant nothing!" she yelled. "What about the rodent family? Our friends back in Equestria?"
Applejack was right, but all she felt now was guilt and sorrow, and these were enough to keep her down. "I know! But I'm exhausted, I... just gave up..." Fluttershy shutted her eyes.
"This damn door just won't open!" the tribal said.
"Don't worry, I got this." the clubber said, lifting his club, smashed it into the door. The door was damaged, it's not gonna last long.
Applejack knew she couldn't convince Fluttershy to leave, then she would stay with her, no matter what happened. She laid down next to her and gave her probably their last embrace.
In the back, the rodents saw this and instead of panicking, they came next to the mares.
Fluttershy noticed something was different and looked behind her, she gasped. "Ms.Pixie, Mr.Chomp, what are you doing? You need to leave now!"
"We can't just leave you here." Pixie said. "Plus, if we are going to die, we die fighting, right Chump?"
"That's right, I'm not going to meet my hon without a fight." Chomp answered.
This somehow filled Fluttershy with determination, but she's in no condition to fight, not like this...
"What in tarnation are they standing there for?" Applejack asked.
"They're not leaving, they rather die with 'dignity'!" with this answered, Fluttershy expression changed, full of determination. "And I'm willing to fight!"
"Ah'll be damned, that's what ah'm talking about." Applejack got up, and stretched her muscles. "Got any plans?"
"No."
"That's fair. It's nice to be your friend, Flutters."
"Me too, AJ...... Wait, did you hear somepony speaking Ponyish outside?"
On the other side of the door, when the tribal was about to give the door its fatality. They heard a sharp whistle, caught all their attention, someone was standing from afar.
"Hey Jackasses, let me introduce you to my ol' trusted Betsy!"
Mike holstered his carbine and came to Tom's side after he fell, checking if Tom was still alive, fortunately he only fell unconscious. He took out a med-x and a stimpak then injected it into Tom, hoping to deal with his wounds.
"That's better. What now?" Mike put his hands on his own waist, as he looked forward, noticing a path going up, maybe to the platform next to them.
Thinking whether he should leave him here to scout ahead, faster but might leave Tom to danger, or carried him along that he could take care of him, but enemy encounter would be much difficult. He sighed then carried Tom on his back, walking up the path.
Slowly going up the path, then entering the platform, Mike found nothing but some Spore Plants that he killed with his carbine. Couldn't let his guard down, there might be other Spore Carriers lurking in the shadow. On the other side of the platform, he found some containers, and a caged door.
"What have we here?" Mike walked towards the caged door, and before he reached the door, he quickly noticed something green.
"Jeez, a plasma mine." Mike backed off and put Tom down softly, then carefully disarming the mine. "Who would've plant this?"
Opened the caged door, there was a shelter, with almost anything basic survival needed, cooking station, work bench and sleeping bag, and interestingly, a working terminal.
"Jackpot!" Mike ran back to get Tom, and carried him to the sleeping bag. Checking Tom needed more treatments, when not , he began snooping around. He found scraps, a duffle bag with some supplies, and a locked wooden door.
"Locked door, curious." Mike attempted to unlock the door, but to no avil. He then took out a his own Pip-boy 2500, a different version of Pip-boy then wasn't arm-mounted, but hand-held.
He looked around and checked nobody was watching, he pulled out an antenna from the top of the device, pointed at the door. On his Pip-boy screen, pressed the 'Scan' key, and the wooden door was scanned and showed on his UI, then he entered "unlock" with the UI keypad and pressed "Enter".
With a click sound, the door magically unlocked, "Heh, I call myself Magician for reasons." as he opened the door.
When the door opened, a man's body fell in front of Mike, and scared the crap out of him.
"What the hell!?" Mike eye-scanned the body, the body was still fresh, but one of his leg was seriously injured and badly treated. He looked for any signs of life, his pulse was weak, but still alive. This man was not a White Legs tribal, this man might be the one they were been looking for.
Mike sighed, "What am I, a doctor? I'm a mechanic for crying out loud." as he carried the man to a makeshift bed next to Tom. Mike was not a medical expert, but there was no other choice.
Mike took the tribal's hat off, unwrapped the bandage on the tribal's leg, and started examine it. He discovered the source of injury, bite marks, probably by wild dogs. "That's not good..." he murmured.
But before that, Mike still tried to treat the tribal with some stims, it treated the wounds, but the infection was still not cured. He closed his eyes, started pondering what to do. Then he heard something, a man's painful groan. The tribal awakened, but he was still too weak to see clearly.
"You're finally awake." Mike greeted the tribal.
"Who are you? Where am I?" the tribal asked weakly.
"You can call me Mike, and you are in the shelter behind the door where I found you." Mike answered, and asked. "And you are?"
"Follows-Chalk, from the Dead Horse Tribe." Chalk answered. "You saved me?"
"I did, but if it were not for Tom, I wouldn't be here." Mike responded.
"Tom, you know Tom? Where is he?" Chalk got excited when he heard Tom's name, but it sored when he moved a muscle.
"Yeah, he asked me for help, and he's laying right next to you..."
"Really!?" Chalk squeezed all of his strength to turn around just to see a severly injured Tom laying right next to him, his heart stopped.
"My lord... What... what happened?" Chalk asked, knowing he was accounted for what happened to Tom.
"We're looking for you, and we fought a bunch of Spore Plants and Carriers in the other section of the cave." Mike explained.
"The Giant Plants and Green Men!" Chalk thought in his mind, "But Tom is strong... What happened?" he asked.
"We found someone torn apart and eaten by those things and we thought it was you. Then he become crazy and he fought them in close combat."
"It was all my fault..." Chalk starting crying. "Should not have go alone..."
"Hey, what happened, happened, at least Tom's still alive." Mike tried to comfort Chalk.
"Can you *sniff* cure him...?" Chalk asked while crying.
"I'll do what I can. But as for you..." Mike sit next to Chalk. "Your leg is bad news."
Chalk knew his leg hurt, but didn't knew what was wrong with it. "What...What's wrong?" Chalk asked nervously.
"For short, you got bitten, and because not well treated, it's infected." Mike responded.
"Can it be cured?" Chalk started to feel sick.
"I don't know, but from what I have seen and heard, it's a no." Mike patted Chalk on the head."Before the infection spread, immediate amputation is needed."
"Amputation?" Chalk didn't understand.
"It means cutting your infected leg off." Mike swung his hand up and down like he's cutting something.
"No!!!" Chalk couldn't believe it, "Is it really that bad?" and started crying.
"Yes, I'm afraid." Mike replied. "Let me ask you something... Do you want to live?"
"I DO!!!" Chalk started crying again. "But losing one leg..."
Mike shushed Chalk by putting his finger on his lips. "Don't worry, I have a plan."
"Really, what's the plan?" Chalk's eyes lighted up a little.
"You'll see. But I need your agreement on cutting your leg off..."
"I'm still alive because of Tom, he did all this just to find me..." Chalk looked at Tom. "I need to repay him, for that I need to stay alive."
"I have made my choice, do it, Mike." Chalk was determined.
"Good, no time to waste." Mike patted Chalk's shoulder and stood up gathering medical tools and meds.
Finishing collecting required tools, he came back to Chalk, took out 2 dose of med-x and injected them into Chalk. "This will ease the pain."
Mike then took out some cloth and gave it to Chalk. "It will still be painful, bite this to endure the pain." Chalk then do so.
The last thing Mike took out was medicinal alcohol, tons of bandages, and the cleanest amputator he could find. He cleaned the amputator with some alcohol then pouring the rest of the alcohol around the cutting edge.
"Get ready, and you might want to look away..."
Chalk closed his eyes, gritted the cloth, Mike then chopped down the infected part of the leg with the amputator. Chalk screamed with his lungs, but the sound was mostly supressed by the cloth. He felt something fell off, even with 2 dose of med-x. The process was quick, and Mike immediately started to deal with the hemorrhage, quickly wrapping bandages around the stomp, and injected stimpaks when possible.
Thanks to the power of stimpaks and proper stanch, Chalk's massive bleeding was controlled. Chalk's willpower was strong enough that he didn't fell unconscious after surgery.
Mike couldn't be more anxious, but the operation was a success, but the recovering process was another problem. He elevated Chalk's stomp, and fed him some purified water.
"You are a brave warrior, rest now. I'll keep an eye on you and Tom." Mike comforted Chalk.
Chalk nodded and fell asleep.
Mike stood up and do a bit of stretch, "Now, to work on the plan..." and headed toward the work bench.
Origin from the East, in the Capitol Wasteland, working as a mechanic, he also created a lot of interesting inventions in his free time. After the Brotherhood of Steel took over and the Enclave faded from the region, Mike left the Capitol Wasteland and traveled West. Four years later, arriving at the Mojave Wasteland and partnering with Zach, they settled in Novac. Compared with Zach's crappy hotel room, Mike's room was comfy and fulled of his creations, like a working showers, fridge, air conditioner in the middle of the post-apocalyptic desert. He also created goofy robots, weapons, his modified physic defying Pip-boy 2500 and even a time travelling machine that only he and Zach knew about.
While in the Mojave, Mike and Zach went on wacky adventures and worked as bounty hunters, during an operation near Bonnie Springs with Zach and other two companions, Hope Lies and Vincent Vincent. They encountered some Vipers raiders, and during the conflict, Hope and Vincent died in a bombing 'accident'. But their brain was still intact, so Mike created robot bodies for them and they were reborn as cyborgs.
Back in the cave in Zion, Mike was looking after his patients and preparing to create a prosthetic leg for Chalk, luckily he got all the ingredients he needed in one of his creation, High Capacity Inventory which could carry more than 1000 pounds of items and still feeling normal. From his experience, creating one leg would complete in no time.
Before he started his work though, he started to worry, worried about his best friend. Zach was capable, and they sometimes worked on operations seperately. But this time, Zach stuck as Park Ranger Self, with his intelligence at an all-time low, Mike's not so sure at all.
