> Fallout: New Vegas - Days of Danger > by Mkchief34 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue - Nightly Worries and Memories > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ponyville, Equestria, Castle of Friendship Twilight Sparkle's bedroom ==== With a gasp and a barely stifled cry, Twilight Sparkle threw herself upwards from her bed, while charging her horn for a magical blast upon her assailant. Only, once her vision cleared, the build-up of purple energy ceased, and she sat back against her bed. "Not again…" she sighed, wiping her brow of sweat. It had been only a week since the incident at the Ball, and quite frankly, she really wished Princess Luna could have helped her with the resulting nightmares. But that was the thing, as who wouldn't get nightmares after nearly being assassinated on her birthday, to have her life flash before her eyes, and then… Twilight groaned and slid out of bed to get a glass of water, making sure to use a muffle spell to silence her steps so as to not wake Spike. As she walked into the kitchen and retrieved a crystal goblet, she filled it up to the brim and drank the whole glass in one gulp. Twilight then looked to the window, and planted her face in her hooves. What happened that night, a week before, was still fresh in her mind, and no matter how much she wanted to… She couldn't stop herself from replaying the events once again in her mind. ==== One week prior, Canterlot, Grand Ballroom "So, now that we're in private…" Princess Celestia said as she and Twilight stepped away from the birthday revelry in the ballroom to a quieter sub-room. "Happy birthday, Princess Twilight." "Thank you, Celestia." Twilight said. "It's hard to believe you set all this up for me." "You deserve it." the Alicorn of the Sun replied. "After Tirek, I think we all needed some time for relaxation and merriment." Twilight had to agree. Tonight was a special night for her and her friends. After a smaller, private celebration in Ponyville with her friends and immediate family, it was off to Canterlot for the ball Celestia had scheduled and arranged herself. It was slightly less scaled than the Grand Galloping Gala, as invitations were sent by Twilight, not by the Princess. As a result, it would be more attended by ponies who Twilight knew and were acquainted with, rather than nobles who she learned of by name and title. On that note, she was glad Prince Blueblood was marked off the arrival list, under the category of "Do not invite under any circumstances", along with his cadre of nobles who did not look upon Twilight with any gratitude or respect. This minority, a vocal one at that, believed that Twilight's coronation was illegitimate, since every alicorn before her had some familial relation to Celestia. The cases of Princesses Luna and Cadance were set in stone, but seeing as these nobles, Blueblood included, saw Twilight as nothing more than a commoner and completely undeserving of her title… Well, let's just say Celestia had to send very harshly written letters, warning those who received that if they showed up and made a scene...they'd be arrested by the Guards before they could even utter a word. That was the exact phrasing she used, Celestia had told Twilight. And in the case of Prince Blueblood, she had to do things face to face with him to dissuade him from doing what he intended. Thankfully, none of these ponies were to be seen, and the ball was going splendidly. In fact, Soarin' of the Wonderbolts has asked Rainbow Dash if she needed an escort beforehand, Applejack had met with several Canterlot suppliers who were eager to purchase her family's cider, Fluttershy and Rarity were speaking with Fancy Pants and Fleur de Lis, and Pinkie was telling an enraptured crowd a rather long comedy routine, and the roaring of laughter was indicative of how she got along with everypony. "So, back to the subject at hand…" Celestia said after some quiet moments. "I believe this should prove helpful to you, Twilight. What's the birthday mare without a gift from her mentor?" Twilight blushed and accepted the package offered, which contained a journal with a lavender cover. However, as there was only one page in the book, it was certainly not what Twilight had expected. She opened it with curiosity and to her surprise, when she flipped the first page over, a new page materialized out of thin air, identical to the first and positioned perfectly behind it." "I enchanted the pages to appear as you need or turn them, with a very high limit of how many there can be." Celestia smiled as she explained. "The journal's pages aren't endless, but very close to that mark. In fact, it also cleans itself from any sort of stain, and will never age." "Thank you so much." Twilight smiled. As Celestia nodded in pride, Twilight's ears perked at a loud series of cracking noises. "What's that?" she asked as the noises grew closer. "Did you plan for fireworks?" "No, I did not." Celestia frowned as she went for the door, Twilight following. As they returned to the ballroom, they realized the sounds were coming from outside, in the main entrance area. Twilight and Celestia approached the door, and soon, the cracks stopped… Only to be replaced by a beeping noise, and then a large explosion that blew the oaken doors off their hinges. As Celestia cast a shield that stopped the blast, they caught a glimpse of what was going on. At least eleven Solar Guards were on the ground in pain, a hole in each one's front left leg, that was bleeding profusely. Celestia prepared to advance on whatever it was that attacked her Guards, only for a crack to echo, and a small object struck her shield at a speed that rendered it invisible. The projectile, to Celestia's surprise, struck hard against her barrier, making her groan. Several more projectiles impacted, then they stopped. "Who dares attack my ponies?" She growled. "Show yourself!" Then, steps could be heard as a bipedal figure approached. In the light, the two alicorns saw it was tall, with a slender frame. It wore a brown, black, and tan duster with armor, and a belt of small brass objects lay on its waist. It wore a helmet with a strange red visor and a circular mask, and a patch with a large number 6 lay on its neck brace. As it approached, it raised a small, metal object towards the two alicorns. "Who are you?" Twilight asked, charging her horn to aid Celestia. The creature simply shrugged, and spoke in perfect Equestrian. "Call me Courier Six." it, or apparently a he, judging by the tone of voice, said simply, then it fired another projectile from the metal object it carried. Only this time, it wasn't aimed at Celestia. It was aimed right at Twilight's head. She threw up her own shield in a flash, but the projectile penetrated the barrier and grazed her cheek, causing her to stumble to the floor, a cut from the impact bleeding. Celestia growled furiously and charged to attack, but the being stood unfazed as it continued to fire at her. Then, just as Celestia was about to reach the being and likely vaporize it with the power of the Sun, it stepped to the side and took out a small object, and clicked it twice. A small explosion went off that filled the room with white smoke, obscuring the vision of all present. As it cleared, Celestia saw that the creature was gone, and it left something behind. A small red sash lay wrapped around a column, bearing the sign of a golden bull. Celestia tore the sash away and incinerated it, before ordering in the Royal Canterlot voice for the Guards to assemble and to bring medics. In that moment, the last thing Twilight saw before passing out was her friends, brother, sister-in-law, and parents rushing to her side. ==== Twilight blinked her eyes open and turned to the side, realizing she had fallen asleep, and the day was about to come, as she remembered that Celestia raised the sun around this time during the summer. As she was about to head back upstairs, she heard a voice speak behind her with an urgent air. "Princess Twilight, it is I, Trixie." She turned to see the pale blue show pony approach, out of breath. Twilight saw a bandage on her leg, and immediately asked if she was okay. "Trixie is fine." she said. "But I have to tell you something. Something important." "What is it?" Twilight asked.  "Trixie found the assassin, Courier Six." Trixie replied. "But…he didn't..." "Didn't do what?"  "He didn't kill Trixie. In fact, he said he just wanted to talk and find out where he was." she replied. "Trixie shall start from the beginning. I was heading into the Everfree to find some spell ingredients…" > Chapter 1 - Trixie's Story > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Great and Powerful Trixie gave a "Harumph!" of frustration as she trudged through the Everfree Forest, leg-wraps keeping her hooves free of mud. She had recently run out of Bluebonnet nectar, the primary ingredient in her smoke-bombs, and was now searching in one of the few places it was found in ample quantity. Or so she thought, as she wasn't having much luck at the moment. As Trixie's eyes searched for the bushes that held her prize flowers, her ears twitched at hearing something strange. It wasn't the call of a bird, or the raspy roar of a Timberwolf, or anything Trixie expected to hear in the Everfree Forest. It was the sound of a song being sung by a male voice, in harmony with a long-string guitar. Trixie cast a vocalization spell to listen in, and she could hear the melody now. It was haunting, desolate, and yet somehow full of energy and vigor, and it reminded Trixie of the Saddle Arabian sand wastes. Now that she was close to the singer, she could hear the lyrics. "Broken bone and liar's lead…" "Caught off guard and left for dead…" "Luck keeps turning as the light begins to dull…" "By healing hands I'm saved, pulled from my shallow grave," "I can feel reprisal aching through my skull…" Trixie raised her eyebrows slightly as the music began to sound even louder. Whatever this song was about, it was actually beautiful to hear. "Set my sights on shining spires, set out on the highways tired…" "On the desert sands and ruined roads I roam…." "And this old lonesome road, shall bring me what I'm owed!" "These new empires on old stones shall be my home!" "Ooh, under the Mojave sky...I find my flag to fly!" Trixie mumbled the word "Mojave" to herself a couple of times. It wasn't referring to anywhere she'd been, and she'd been all over Equestria to perform. In fact, she even recently went to the Crystal Empire for a children's show, as Twilight had recommended her to Princess Cadance for the job. But that was beside the point. What or where was this "Mojave"? Then, the beat spiked and the singer picked up the pace, singing loud and with passion. "To tip the odds and rig the game...so deal another hand and play!" "Every card's a shift of circumstance!" "Let every bettor stake their claim...so deal another hand and play!" "Stack the deck, I'm letting nothing fall to chance!" Trixie poked her head through the bushes as she reached the singer's proximity, and dropped her jaw. She'd seen the wanted posters across Canterlot for the assassin called "Courier Six", and she even had one on her in her bag... ...and there he was, sitting by a campfire and strumming a guitar, as he continued to sing. Trixie could've easily knocked him out using a surprise blast of magic, or lunged out and demanded his surrender, but there was something about him that made her pause.  Was it the air of confidence and heroism that came from him, or the rugged face he bore, with hair of hazelnut brown and gray eyes that showed kindness?  Trixie knew that the assassin had been wearing a mask, with a red eye visor, but this being wore a red cap with a visor, with a splash of white across the brim. Emblazoned on the side was the word "Unity" in boldly painted black, and a scarf of white lay around his neck. But what was really strange was the gauntlet he wore on his left arm. It was colored a dull greenish gray, and she could see a white-glowing screen on it. As she stood there hidden, but thoroughly spellbound, the stranger finished singing, and set his guitar down. Then, he looked down on his gauntlet, and tapped it once. To Trixie's shock, a large cylindrical canteen appeared in his right hand, and he took a big drink of what was presumably fresh water. Trixie watched as he hooked the canteen to his belt, and that was when she noticed his apparel. The armor was the same design as the assassin's, only it was completely clean and free of scars or damage. Instead of a long coat, he wore a black track jacket with rolled up sleeves, and some padded armor on his forearms. Around his waist was a sash emblazoned with a two-headed bear looking towards a star. A looped belt carrying what Trixie presumed were the projectiles used in the assassination attempt was around his right upper arm. And lying next to him was a long metal object, made from black and gray metal. As the stranger picked it up and began inspecting it, Trixie moved back into the trees to think on a course of action. Until that course of action was chosen for her. "Hey there. You lost?" Trixie then realized that the stranger was talking to her. She came forward, and eyed him with as much suspicion as she could. "What's with that look?" he asked. "I haven't done anything wrong, have I? Besides, I've only been in this forest for three days, four at most." Trixie's train of thought suddenly came to a screeching stop. Three days, four at the most, she thought over in her head. The assassination attempt was a week ago. If this stranger had only been here three or four days...she made a mental note to go to Ponyville as soon as she could to tell Twilight. "Well...the Great and Powerful Trixie wants to know if this is you." she mustered her voice, handing the stranger a wanted poster of the assassin. He looked it over for some time, and then he did the one thing she didn't expect. He started laughing. "Oh, man. Oh, God." he chuckled. "Never thought I'd be so famous as to have someone impersonate me." "What does that mean?" Trixie asked. "You're Courier Six, aren't you." "Yep, that's me." he replied. "My name's Mark Rileigh. And just so you know, that's not me, not in the slightest. I can give you several good reasons why." "The Great and Powerful Trixie wants to hear them." "First, that pistol." he said. "That's a Pre-War N99, 10mm." he said. "Back in the world I come from, those things are so common, any decent gunslinger has at least two. Personally, I prefer the .45 automatic. Hits harder, shoots straighter, than a 10-mil." Mark pulled out his own pistol for comparison, and Trixie began to write on her notepad, another thing she always carried with her. "Second, that NCR armor this guy's wearing is totally outdated. The NCR rangers stopped wearing that type of light armor shortly after the first Battle of Hoover Dam. That was some time ago, 2277, if I remember right. Plus, seeing as the Mojave's a nuclear wasteland in a desert, it's too clean, too neat. No way it'd last that long without getting dirty." "And finally, like I said, I've only been here at most four days. This was a week ago. And miss Zecora can vouch for my every move." "Zecora?" Trixie asked, quite surprised. She had learned of the Zebra herbalist from Twilight after their magic duel, a little before Tirek, as Twilight had helped set up her strategy to win the duel with the herbalist while Trixie controlled Ponyville. "Yeah, when I got here, she patched me up after I stumbled into her house after some lion-scorpion thing attacked me. We traded some medicinal plants from here and the Mojave, and I've been camping here since. She comes by every so often to check on me." Trixie was shocked to silence. Apparently whoever it was that tried to kill Twilight, Mark Rileigh wasn't him.  "If you don't mind..." Trixie said. "The Great and Powerful Trixie shall help you clear your name, Courier Six. I know Princess Twilight Sparkle, I shall speak to her when I return to Ponyville." "By all means, I'd appreciate the help." Six replied. "I think it's for the best if you go alone. Seeing how as I'm apparently a wanted criminal, it'd look bad." "Thanks." Trixie said. "I'll be back soon." "See you around." And with that, Trixie departed, and ran straight to Ponyville, all thoughts of finding the flower that she had gone there to retrieve, quickly forgotten. ==== "I see." Twilight said nervously as Trixie finished telling her of what happened. "So this Courier Six that attacked me is an imposter?" "Yes, I'm sure." Trixie said. "Plus, Mark Rileigh didn't attack me on sight. And Zecora can vouch for him as well. According to Mark, he didn't get here until three or four days ago." Twilight gave a sigh and leaned back in her chair, thinking hard. "I'll tell Princess Celestia to stop the search parties and suspend the bounty." she said. "And I would very much like to meet this Mark Rileigh. If he can help us find the assassin...I guess I would be obliged to hear him out." Trixie nodded, bid Twilight goodbye, and departed. As Twilight wrote the letter, sent it to Celestia, and looked out the window at the dawn sky, she decided to get a little more sleep before getting ready. Because if what Trixie said was true, then Twilight had a new question for herself. "If Courier wasn't the assassin, then who was? What could they be after?" she thought deeply, as she collapsed into bed and drifted off. > Chapter 2 - Consequences to Actions > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Hey, Twilight, are you…" "Yes, Rainbow Dash, for the last time, I'm sure." Twilight Sparkle replied, as she, the other Elements, Princess Celestia, and a full platoon of Solar Guards marched through the Everfree, led by Trixie. "I've already spoken with Zecora, she can vouch for Trixie and this Mark Rileigh." "I just think we should be careful." Rainbow Dash replied timidly. "I mean, I know I'm one to talk, but…" "It's fine." Applejack said, placing a hoof on the pegasus's shoulder. "I'm nervous too, Dashie. We all are." "I agree." Rarity nodded. "Twilight...we're all here for you." Pinkie and Fluttershy nodded, and Twilight smiled thankfully. It had been a wild two days since Trixie told Twilight her story. Celestia, though dubious at first of Twilight's sudden request to hold the bounty, had agreed to speak with Zecora personally. The Zebra had described with great detail how she had met Mark Rileigh after a manticore attacked him upon his arrival five days before the current day. He had been injured, but Zecora witnessed him inject something he called a "stimpak" into his torn shoulder, and before her eyes, the wound healed and was gone within moments. Furthermore, Mark had traded her several plants she could use for herbal medicine, which was a skill he had "dabbled in", as he put it, in exchange for information, some extra food and water, and directions to the nearest river. Which was where he had camped out for the last few days, as Zecora had accounted for his every move during that time. Celestia, after thanking Zecora and departing for Canterlot, had made this public announcement and ordered all newspapers to print it as well. ==== We have reached a point of progress in our own investigation of the attack on Princess Twilight Sparkle. However, due to unforeseen complications, the bounty on the assassin known as “Courier Six” is hereby being withheld until further notice. I ask all who would continue the search to stop and await further announcements.  I have received evidence that the assassin has been using a false name, intending to frame another being, also known as Courier Six, for their actions.  Simply put...we have been gravely misled as to the identity of our would-be assassin. The real Courier Six has relayed sufficient proof of his innocence to me through a trusted source of the Crown.  As a result, I shall repeat once more that the bounty on the assassin is being withheld until we discover the true identity of the false Courier Six, and all those hoping to continue the search for the culprit, I urge them to halt their efforts immediately and wait until further notice. I thank you for your time and understanding. ==== So now, as the group approached Mark's campsite, they could hear him tuning his guitar through the still air. When he came into view, he waved them over and gestured to some fallen logs he had set up as benches. "Sorry if there's not enough seats for everyone." he shrugged. "Didn't know how many would be coming." "It is fine, Mark Rileigh." Celestia said cautiously. "Or should I call you Courier Six? Which would you prefer?" "Either works." Mark replied. "So...where should I start?" "I'd like to know how you came to Equestria." Celestia asked. "And the circumstances regarding it." "Sure. First, though, I want to know whatever it was that made me a wanted man." he replied. "I'm not budging on that, by the way." "Very well." Celestia sighed, proceeding to tell him of the assassination attempt that occured during the ball, and how the attacker called himself "Courier Six". Mark didn't ask any questions, but when he heard Celestia mention a red scarf with a golden bull, he visibly flinched and swore out loud. "Do you know what that symbol means?" Twilight asked hopefully. "I know what that Bull represents." Mark replied. "We wiped out the bastards that flew that banner nearly six months ago. And for the record, they deserved every bit of what they got in the end.” “Why would that be necessary?” Celestia asked cautiously.”What group is responsible for this?” “Caesar’s Legion.” Mark replied simply. “I guess it’s my time to start talking.” “It all began about eight months ago…near the town of Goodsprings in the Mojave Wasteland…” ===== Mark proceeded to tell the assembled ponies of his journeys, adventures, and escapades in the Mojave, from being shot in the head and left to die, finding and appointing the new sheriff of Primm, meeting the Great Khans, the Boomers, the Powder Gangers, the Brotherhood of Steel, and the other factions that called the Mojave home.  He told them what he knew of the world before the Great War, and how the Wasteland came to be through a torrent of nuclear fire. He spoke of the atrocities committed by the Legion, from the sacking of Nipton to their delight in slaving, crucifiction, and war…to their total destruction at the second Battle of Hoover Dam. The combination of the Boomer's artillery support, the late Mr. House's upgraded Securitrons, the manpower of the Great Khans, Powder Gangers, and the NCR, and the Pre-war-technological powerhouse that was the Brotherhood of Steel forced the Legion into a retreat, which quickly became a rout.  A rout that freed countless Legion slaves, secured a great many stockpiles of hoarded supplies, and ended the reign of terror of Caesar's Legion. Then, how he formed the Coalition, the alliance between all the factions outside New Vegas and in the Mojave, with the New California Republic. Supplies from New California began to flow in through caravans managed by the NCR and protected by the Powder Gangers, whose sentences would be nullified it they agreed to help the NCR's rebuilding efforts. With New Vegas and most of the Mojave finally in a state of peace, Mark had decided to journey to the Big MT to retrieve some pre-war tech as a favor to the Brotherhood of Steel.  Except the teleporter satellite malfunctioned due to its severely damaged components, Mark had to guess, and brought him here.  "And so…" Mark said, taing a drink from his canteen to soothe his dry throat, a result of the endless talking on his part. "I'm here now. That manticore may have roughed me up, but it was nothing a stimpak couldn't handle." Celestia was silent, thinking over his testimony deeply. All eyes were on the Alicorn of the Sun, and she eventually sighed deeply, turning to the Courier. "Mark Rileigh, your testimony is substantive, I'll grant you that." she said. "However, this imposter "Courier Six", is still at large. And if they have connections to and from Caesar's Legion that have reached Equestria…" "Then your entire country's at risk." Mark replied. "Allow me to volunteer my services, Princess. I'll find this imposter, and put him in the ground, along with anyone who'd bring back the Legion. If you give me some support and the means to get back to the Mojave, I'll see it done." "Very well, Mark." Celestia said, shaking his hand with her hoof. "You have a deal. Where shall we start?" "Where it all began." Mark nodded, as he swiftl packed up his campsite using his Pip-Boy. The Equestrians were mystified to see his guitar and supplies vanish into thin air, with a small puff of air being the only indication of its old position. As they began to walk out of the Everfree, Rarity turned to the Courier. "How'd you do that?" she asked. "What is that thing you're wearing, anyway?" "It's a pre-war piece of tech called a Pip-boy. I got from Doc Mitchell, the man who saved my life in Goodssprings." Mark replied, slinging his Marine Service Rifle over his shoulder. "It's pretty much invaluable to me." "Why's that?" Twilight asked.  "Well, they were made by a company by Vault-Tec, which built these giant nuclear shelters called Vaults back before the war, and seeing as they only gave Pip-Boys to those who were selected to enter the Vaults in the first place...they're very rare." Mark continued. "It comes standard with a local and large-area map, a radio receiver, matter-storage unit, a VATS system, and a personal readout. Tells me how much weight I'm carrying, how physically healthy I am, among other things." "Those Vault-Tec fellows must've known their stuff." Applejack noted. "That gadget sounds pretty handy." "It is." Mark smiled. "Been with me since I woke up and then left Goodsprings. I wouldn't trade it for anything." "Speaking of trading…" Celestia asked. "How exactly do you want to be compensated for your services, Mark? Besides a method of returning home, that is." "Food and board would be nice for now." Mark said. "I don't know what currency you ponies use, so...I guess we'll handle that later." "Then what do you pay for things with?" Rainbow Dash asked. Mark plucked something out of his pocket, and tossed it over towards the pegasus, who caught it, glanced at the object...and started laughing vigorously. The others then saw it was a red bottle cap, marked with the words "Nuka-Cola". "Bottle caps? You use bottle caps as money?" Rainbow guffawed. "That's so funny! Like, do I drink a soda and then I'm a buck richer where you come from?" "You may laugh now, but Caps are actually pretty valuable back in the Wasteland." Mark replied, as they all exited the forest. "Most buying, selling, and trading is based on barter, so Caps are pretty much the only universal hard currency you'll find. Nearly every merchant or trader across the Mojave and beyond uses Caps as the baseline for money. Trust me, it sounds weird, but it works the trick." "Don't you have coins? Paper bills?" Fluttershy asked. "No to the first, and there is Pre-war paper money, but we don't use it. We just use it for barter and sometimes as fuel for campfires." Mark said. "A lot of concepts you have here...kinda went up in flames when the Great War happened. It's a nuclear wasteland, remember?" "Oh...right." Rainbow sighed, wiping a tear away. "Yeah, I guess that makes sense." "It should make sense." Mark said with hardness in his voice. "This is just as strange to you as it is to me, but I don't like being laughed at. Just because it seems funny doesn't mean it is to the other fellow. They might not be as inclined as you are." Rainbow froze in her tracks,and looked at the Courier with a raised eyebrow. He seemed rather unlike the warm person he had been earlier.  She quickly apologized, and the Courier nodded. "Just remember one thing, miss Rainbow Dash. Sometimes, not everyone's going to be in on the joke." As the Courier headed to rejoin the group, Rainbow sighed and moved to follow.  > Chapter 3 - Stories Told in Ponyville > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- As the combined group of Equestrians, followed by Mark Rileigh, approached the outskirts of Ponyville, the eyes of everypony present were drawn to Princess Celestia. Seeing her in town and outside of Canterlot was rare enough, but what made the townsponies curious was the presence of ten Solar Guards and all six Elements. "Princess?" Mayor Mare asked as she approached nervously. "Is something wrong?" "A fair question, Mayor Mare." Celestia said, then she cleared her throat. "We have met with a visitor, who was more than happy to volunteer his services in hunting down the assassin. Mr. Rileigh, this is the duly elected Mayor Mare, of Ponyville." Mark approached and offered his hand, and Mayor Mare stepped back slightly in shock and apprehension. "You shake hands, or hooves rather, here, right?" he asked. "My name's Mark Rileigh. And just so you're aware, the assassin you're looking for is a fake pretending to be me." "I…see." Mayor Mare said with a raised eyebrow, and she shook his hand. "Well, I suppose you're welcome here in Ponyville, for now. Just keep yourself out of trouble. There’s a lot of eyes on you here." "I'd expected as much." Mark replied as the Elements approached. "So, seeing as I'm new here, would somepony mind showing me around town? I'd like to familiarize myself with the area." "Allow me." Twilight said, coming forward. "I've got questions of my own to ask you, if you don't mind." "By all means." Mark smiled. "Let's walk and talk." As they both headed towards Ponyville Plaza, Rainbow Dash came up to speak with Princess Celestia. "Are you sure we can trust this guy?" she asked, rubbing her front-right leg with her left hoof. "No, I am not." Celestia replied. "All I can do is believe in my instincts...and how they can guide me forward." ==== "So, this is Sugarcube Corner." Twilight said as they walked past the aforementioned building. "The best bakery in Ponyville. Pinkie helps out there all the time, since the owners, the Cakes, know her well." "I'd bet," Mark said, having tipped his cap to the family in question, who nodded back. "Just seeing the amount of things here that we don't have back in the Mojave...is staggering." "What's it like? The Mojave Wasteland, I mean." Twilight asked. "Is it truly just a scorched, lifeless desert?" "That depends on where you look." Mark replied. "The New Vegas strip is one of the largest populated areas, and places like Primm, Novac, and Goodsprings have their own attractions. Take Goodsprings for example, it's one of the largest sources of pure water in the Mojave. Plus, it's the place I started my journey. Lots of sentimental value to me." "Well, what about the flora and fauna?"  "That's a different story." Mark replied as they both sat down on a bench near some bushes. "Most of the wildlife in the Mojave and beyond is so heavily mutated, they look like nothing I've seen here. I mean, Cazadors are some of the worst examples. I hate those things." "What are those?" Twilight asked, not sure herself if she wanted to know. "They're flying insects, about the size of a guard dog." Mark said, pulling up a readout and image of one on his Pip-Boy. "They're highly aggressive, attack in groups of four or five, and have a really nasty stinger that's loaded with poison. They're also perceptive as far as bugs go, so sneaking past them is not a good option. You go near some or threaten their nests, they'll find you, and it won’t be pleasant." "That's disgusting!" Twilight exclaimed, grimacing in shock as she looked at the image. "And they're not even some of the worst that I've seen or dealt with." Mark added, pulling up readouts for the Deathclaw, Super Mutant, Centaur, Bloatfly, Radscorpion, and various other creatures in the Mojave and beyond. "Radiation does more than poison the environment it's exposed into. It changes and mutates living things over time. It usually takes years, but it'll do the trick eventually. And it’s not always the radiation that does it. Some of these creatures came about because of human-made science experiments.” Twilight felt like she needed to throw up, and Mark must've realized that, because he quickly guided her to a hidden spot in the bushes, where she did indeed throw up shortly. After coming out, she drank a gulp of water from Mark's Vault 13 canteen, and sighed in relief. “How do you deal with all this?” Twilight asked in disbelief. “Why do you deal with all those disgusting creatures, a ruined world, and those Legion fanatics on a daily basis?” “Because, Princess, very few others will.” Mark replied. “I didn’t know that being shot and left for dead would lead me to have all the adventures and escapades that I’ve been through. Look at where I am now, though, from where it all started. I’m the Founder of the Mojave Coalition, the Hero of Hoover Dam, and more. It all comes down to this, in the end.” “When your story gets told, both the good and bad parts, take pride in knowing it was told in the first place.” “I’ll take your word for it.” Twilight wiped her mouth with her hoof. “So…are there more humans like you in the Mojave?” “Oh, certainly.” Mark replied. “Would you like to know about some of my companions, or the friends I’ve made?” “Sure!” Twilight replied, now interested in discussing a tamer, more pleasant topic. “First, there was Doc Mitchell.” Mark began. “He’s actually a Vault Dweller, and he settled in Goodsprings, the town where it all began for me. He and a Securitron named Victor saved my life after I was shot in the head.” “Why were you, though? How’d it happen?”  “A man named Benny wanted the package I was supposed to deliver, and after digging me a shallow grave, he shot me. The package was actually a Platinum Poker Chip that contained upgrades for the Securitrons on the New Vegas strip.” “However, Victor saw that encounter unfold, dug me out, and got me to Doc Mitchell’s. Mitchell gave me back what gear I had, gave me his old Pip-Boy, and turned me loose with a “good luck”.” “He seems friendly enough.” Twilight nodded. “He is.” Mark continued. “After dealing with some of the Powder Gangers, I travelled to the Mojave Outpost, and met my first companion. Her name’s Rose of Sharon Cassidy, but she goes by Cass.” “She lost her caravan business due to attacks by Raiders, and after running some errands for her and the manager of the Crimson Caravan group, she agreed to travel with me. She’s a solid friend, and quite good with a long rifle or shotgun.” “What’s she up to now?”  “Cass actually took over the Crimson Caravan company after its former lead, Alice McLafferty, ended up being removed by the NCR over charges related to supply trafficking and weapons smuggling. Cass took the job, and it’s considered to be one of the most secure ways to send cargo in the Mojave now, thanks to Cass.” “Next was Boone. A former NCR sniper, Boone lost his wife and daughter to Legion slavers, thanks to a rather shady hotel owner who was in debt to them. He’s one of the best shots in the Wasteland with an Anti-Material rifle.” “Do you know what happened to his family?” Twilight asked. “I thought you defeated the Legion.” “We did. That’s…a complicated story.” Mark sighed. “After Hoover Dam, Boone and I, with some NCR Troopers and two Knights with the Brotherhood of Steel, were searching for a Legion hub in the eastern part of the Mojave. They were planning to use it as a staging area to get their remaining slaves back east.’ “We stormed the camp and killed the Legion troops there, and as we were freeing the slaves…Boone ran across a girl in one of the tents.” “Boone was about to call for a medic, when he stopped and recognized her. I walked in on them crying in each other’s arms. That girl was his and his wife’s child. Carla had only been pregnant when she was enslaved, but before her death, she had been given to a Legion leader when he visited Cottonwood cove. Her name’s Claire, and she’s nine years old now.” “And his wife?” Twilight asked, not sure if she wanted to know. “She’s dead.” Mark replied. “She died trying to escape from the Legion. from what his daughter remembered. After we patched her up, she led him to the Legion commander who had kept her prisoner.” “And Boone nearly killed him.” “Nearly?” Twilight asked. “His daughter actually convinced him to spare his life.” Mark replied. “That Legion soldier had done his best to care for her, and keep her from being sold. Because of that, we let him live, in exchange for all the information he could tell us. That guy’s currently in an NCR prison camp.” “After that, it was back to Novac to deal with Jeannie May Crawford, who sold them in the first place.”  Mark took a drink, and sighed in a sad manner, causing Twilight to look at him curiously. “What’s wrong?” “Just remembering the sad turn of events that happened when we returned.” Mark brushed his mouth with his sleeve. “Jeannie, when we arrested her, gave us every excuse in the book as to why she was innocent. Boone searched her office, and found the bill of sale she’d been given by the Legion.” “When we showed her that, her tune changed quickly. She said she only did it for the Caps, that she didn’t know what happened to his wife, a real sob story.” “Boone didn’t care.” Mark said. “He loved her, and she loved him. But now that she was gone, Claire was all he had left. He knew that he was better than this, that he didn’t have to kill her, not in front of his daughter.” “So…we agreed on a compromise. Jeannie was given a few supplies, some clothes, and told her to leave Novac and never come back. If she did, we promised he that we wouldn’t be there to stop someone from killing her on sight.” “We showed her to the edge of town, and she ran. Ran like she never had before. But just as she was about to disappear, a gunshot sounded, and she fell dead.” “It wasn’t Boone or any of the guys with me, because their guns were holstered, and Boone was standing right next to me. It wasn’t his daughter, because she was holding Boone’s hands. We never did find out who fired the shot. We buried her in an unmarked grave, and that was that.” Twilight thought she saw a tear fall from Mark’s eye, but he wiped his eyes clear almost immediately.  “For all her actions, she didn’t deserve to die like that.” Mark sighed. “It’s not one of the worst or even one of the sadder stories I know, but it still hurts to remember.” “Well, why don’t we get moving, then?” Twilight asked. “Come on, let’s get something to eat.” “Sure thing.” Mark replied, standing up. “After you, Princess.” And with that, they headed to Sugarcube Corner.  > Chapter 4 - What is Seen and Said, Part One > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "So…how is it?" Twilight Sparkle ventured as the Courier sat in silence, contemplating the cupcake he had just taken a bite out of. Pinkie had sat them both down in the VIP section, as many of the citizens of Ponyville still seemed wary of Mark's presence, despite Celestia's earlier declaration that he was here to help. Mark kept a straight face for a few moments, before he started chuckling, and then he began to laugh quite earnestly, earning a stunned look from Princess Twilight. "This is the best thing I have ever tasted in quite some time." he laughed. "I mean, this thing probably has so much sugar it puts those pre-war Sugar Bombs to shame. Hot damn, I wish we had these back in the Mojave." "Well, it is one of Pinkie's cupcakes, so many in Ponyville would share that sentiment with you." Twilight smiled, feeling a little relieved. "Anyway, we should get moving. I'd imagine we have other things to do right now that could be seen as more important." "I'd agree." Mark nodded. As they headed up to the counter, Pinkie Pie zipped over in a flash, causing Mark to do a double-take. "She wasn't here a second ago," he murmured. "How is that even possible?" "Please, Mark, don't ask for the sake of your sanity." Twilight deadpanned. "I tried once to analyze Pinkie's…abilities…and it did not go anywhere." "That's true!" Pinkie laughed joyfully. "Hey, Mark, was that your first ever cupcake?" "Yes, it was…" Mark replied, unsure of where this was leading. "Then it's on the house! Don't worry about paying for it!" Pinkie said to Twilight, who had already produced the requisite number of Bits for the cupcake. "Seeing as he's here to help, I think it's a fair trade!" "Good deal." Mark replied. "You know, if any of my friends from the Mojave make their way here…this is the first place I'm taking them, hands down." "Always good to hear, and take care now!" Pinkie said, waving them out of the bakery. As they entered Ponyville's town square, Princess Celestia and her Solar Guards awaited them by a set of Chariots. "We're taking those to Canterlot?" Mark sounded a little confused. "How far away is it?" "Normally it would be a three-hour train ride, or a two-hour flight." Celestia replied. "If you are comfortable with it, I could teleport us all there in the span of only a few minutes. However, I am not sure of the side effects it would have on you, Mr. Rileigh." "Go ahead and teleport us." Mark responded, causing both Princesses to raise their eyebrows. "Didn't I mention I was brought here by a teleporter satellite? It may have been burnt-out Pre-War tech, but it didn't seem to do anything to me, even when it malfunctioned." "Oh…very well then." Celestia nodded. "Guards, please stand by here and await further orders."  "Yes, Princess!" The Guards replied as they left the area, and were soon replaced by the other Elements of Harmony.  "We're heading out, then?" Applejack asked.  "Yes, if you are all prepared…" Celestia nodded. Once all the Elements and the Courier said that they were indeed prepared, the combined group vanished in a flash of golden light. ==== As they reappeared inside a conference room in Canterlot, Mark Rileigh seemed unfazed as he moved to look out the window, which had a vibrant view of Canterlot on full display. "Impressed?" Princess Celestia asked. "Canterlot has been the capital city of Equestria for over nine hundred years. I am quite proud to say that I've lived to see this place become what it is now." The Courier turned to the Solar Princess in shock, with a clear feeling of disbelief on his face. "How in God's name have you managed to live for over nine hundred years?" he asked, his jaw starting to slack. "Alicorns, such as myself, my sister Princess Luna, my niece Princess Cadance, and Princess Twilight, become immortal once they ascend." Celestia explained. "However, I can't give you the full details. The Rites are considered one of Equestria's deepest-held secrets, and even I am not certain how my mentor, Starswirl the Bearded, created them." "I see." Mark replied. "It's hard to believe, but I guess I've no choice but to take your word for it. Anyway, let's get moving." As the group exited the conference room and headed for the Day Court chambers, many of the Castle staff that they passed stood still as they saw the Courier walking with Princess Celestia. However, the presence of two Alicorns, four Solar Guards, and the Elements of Harmony seemed to reassure them that all was under control. "Is everything okay, Mark?" Applejack asked, seeing a frown on the Courier's face. "You look like you just bit into a bad apple." "You could say that." Mark replied. "I'm used to getting dirty looks, whether they be from raiders or captive members of the Legion. It's the general feeling of fear from everyone we've walked past that concerns me." "Why's that?" Rainbow Dash asked."I mean, you're super cool, Mark. What's there to be afraid of?" "The fact that everyone else hasn't gotten to know me like you all have." he responded. "I'd bet that your subjects still see me as a threat, even though that is about as far from the truth as you can imagine." "I do see your point." Celestia mused, before she had a sudden idea pop into her mind. "Would you like to make an address to the Day Court? I'd imagine that stating your intentions clearly may help your case, and alleviate some of my subject's concerns about your presence." "I think I can manage that." Mark replied, as they approached a set of oaken double doors. As two Solar Guards opened the doors for them, the entirety of the Day Court attendees went silent in fear. "Please, my little ponies, let him speak, as there is no need for fear." Princess Celestia said in a soothing manner. "He is here to help in any way he can to catch the fugitive responsible for attacking Princess Twilight." "Indeed I am." Mark said, as he took the podium. "My name is Mark Rileigh, or Courier Six. The assassin you're searching for is a fake pretending to be me. There's a few things I'd like to say, if you'll hear me out." "First, let me be perfectly clear that I am here as a friend, and I don't intend to cause any trouble. I may have come to Equestria by accident, but my purpose now, so to speak, is to aid you, just as Princess Celestia said." "Second, in the Mojave Wasteland where I come from, I'm seen as a hero. They call me the Hero of Hoover Dam, the founder of the New Vegas Coalition, among many other things. I led the charge that toppled the tyranny of Caesar's Legion. This Legion is who I believe to be responsible for the attack on Princess Twilight." There were murmurs of confusion from the crowd. Mark held up his hand for silence before continuing. "This won't be pleasant, so prepare yourselves accordingly." he said. "The Legion came from the east, aiming to conquer my home, the Mojave Wasteland, for their own purposes. Wherever they went, the Legion tore down homes, set towns ablaze, killed whoever they wished, and enslaved the lucky ones that they considered valuable." "Those that weren't so lucky were often crucified, hung on a wooden cross until they died," he continued. "The Legion was repulsed by the New California Republic at the Battle of Hoover Dam, but it was only a matter of time before they came back to finish what they had started." "For example, in my travels, I came to the town of Nipton, right after the Legion had occupied it. Those that tried to fight back were killed. Those that didn't resist were given a lottery." "Those that lost were decapitated and crucified. The third-place winners were enslaved. The runner-up had both of his legs broken, and the winner got to go free. I should also note that the town's mayor sold them out, but ended up being crucified nonetheless." There were shouts of horror, shock, and fear from the crowd. Mark again raised his hand for silence, before he spoke in a manner of steeled resolve. "What I saw that day changed me, and I resolved to put an end to these atrocities once and for all. I enlisted the help of the various factions that called the Mojave home, from the Brotherhood of Steel, to the Great Khans, to the Boomer Tribesmen, to the forces of the New California Republic, and many others, to put an end to the Legion. It was a long, arduous process, but we slowly came together…and we stood together as one." "At the second battle of Hoover Dam, I personally led the charge that broke the Legion's lines. Their forces scattered, turned around, and ran like their lives depended on it. Because, quite frankly, it did. The massive push from the west that followed, effectively destroyed the Legion once and for all. Their leader, Caesar, was killed, along with many of his commanders." "We freed their slaves, secured their resources for our own, and began the process of restoring peace to the Mojave." Mark continued. "From what I have been told, the Legion, or what remains of it, has it out for Princess Twilight." "Whatever they are planning, know I will put a stop to it, no matter the cost." he finished. "I am the real Courier Six, and to the imposter that took my name…you're done for. I will find you, and I will put you down along with any who would aid you." "Consider that a promise, and I never make a promise I cannot keep." There was stunned silence, before the applause came to life like the revving engines of a Vertibird. After several minutes, it quieted as Princess Celestia approached to speak. "And rest assured that you have the full support of the Crown in this endeavor, Mark Rileigh." Celestia said, offering her hoof. "Can I trust you in this?" "Of course you can, Princess.." Mark replied, shaking it firmly. As the applause began again and lasted for only a few minutes this time, Mark gave a wave of farewell as he, along with the Elements of Harmony, headed for the doors. "Darn fine speech there, partner." Applejack smiled. "What happens now?" "Now? I get to work." Mark replied. "And I'll be glad to have you all along for the ride."