> Thanatos' Creed
>  by Shadowflash
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Aeron 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 1



Aeron



Edited by:
Gunsmith 
Eldorado
Sorren
Narlepoax III
RainbowBob

Pre-read by:
Regidar
ABronyLife42








Rainbow Dash burst through the doors of the Golden Oaks Library, furiously shaking the snow off her wings. A dim fire crackled in the hearth to her left, and she rushed towards it, warming up from the freezing weather outside.
"Rainbow Dash! What're you doing here?" a voice questioned behind her, causing her to turn around.
"Was freezing cold, and that snow’s making my wings too heavy!" she explained in reply to the voice, which came from none other than Twilight Sparkle.
"Well, a knock would've been appreciated, too," Twilight joined Dash by the fire, sighing.
"Sorry," Dash gave a small giggle, shrugging.
"Well, how're you going to get to your house in this storm? Unless you want to stay here," The rainbow maned pegasus shook her head.
"No way, I don't want to stay here! Clouds are way comfier. Besides, I was hoping you'd just teleport me to my house, or something," Dash said hopefully, but Twilight shook her head.
"Not in this weather. It'll disrupt the link between you and your house, and probably place you somewhere else. The chances of you ending up at your house are about one in one thousand," Twilight explained, and the pegasus groaned.
"Oh, come on! Like it'll actually happen. Twi, just teleport me so I don't have to go to my house in this weather."
Twilight shook her head again. "No, Dash. Just stay here. One night won't kill you. Besides, I have cocoa ready if you'd like some."
Dash sighed. "I'll take some cocoa, but no way I’m staying here."
"Why, because it's a library?" Twilight deadpanned.
She shook her head in retaliation. "No, it's because I want to be at my house. I don't like mooching off other ponies!"
Twilight put a hoof to her forehead. "Dash, is this a pride thing? Really, it doesn't matter. You're my friend and you're welcome to stay here. Don't think of it as a mooching thing. Think of it as me offering you shelter in an awful storm."
The pegasus thought for a moment, but shook her head. "Nope. No can do!" She snickered, making Twilight groan.
"Well, at least have some cocoa. Don't say I didn't offer to let you stay, either," She nodded as Twilight got up, heading to the kitchen adjacent the fireplace at which she sat at.
Rainbow Dash waited idly, staring at the flickering flames. The warmth brought blood to her wings, letting her relax and stretch out in comfort. She curled her wings and spread them out, before putting them at her sides  She laid down as Twilight re-entered the room, levitating two cups on a silver tray. Lowering the tray to Dash, the pegasus took the cup in her hooves, blowing on the piping hot cocoa.
"So, how long is this weather supposed to keep up?" Twilight asked, seating herself next to her friend.
"Until tomorrow morning. Morning crew will come up and sweep it away. About... six or seven feet of snow," Rainbow Dash took a small sip from the mug, letting the sweet liquid warm her throat.
"That’s quite a bit for Ponyville. Hopefully it doesn't cause too much trouble," Twilight took a gentle sip of her cocoa. Dash nodded in response.
They sat by the fire for the next few hours, discussing trivial things. New Daring Do books, Celestia, the upcoming weather, et cetera. Rainbow Dash kept looking back at a clock on the wall, keeping in check with the time. Six-thirty became seven. Seven became eight. Eight became ten. Once it hit eleven, she knew she had to leave. Her cocoa had been finished long ago, so she stood up, stretched her wings, and gave one last look to Twilight.
"Well, I'm off!" The pegasus turned around, heading for the door.
"Wait, Dash!" Twilight stopped her, causing her to turn around.
"Yeah?" 
"Are you sure you don't want to stay? I don't want you getting hurt," Twilight pushed once more, but the stubborn mare wouldn't have it.
Shaking her head, Dash grinned with pride. "I'll be fine, Twilight! I'm the best flyer in Equestria, after all! Besides, it’s only a little snow. Shouldn't be that bad." 
Twilight sighed, and nodded. "Be careful, then. See you tomorrow, okay?" 
"Yup! See ya tomorrow, Twi!" 
Dash swiftly opened the door to be greeted by a much gentler breeze than before. The snowstorm was still whiting out everything ten feet from her face, but she launched herself into the cold night anyways, forgetting to close the door.
Flying in the direction of her cloud home, the Pegasus sped off into the white sea of precipitation. A torrent of fluffy flakes trailed behind her as she did so, and the breeze turned into a rush of wind, chilling her sides. But it didn't aggravate her as much as before. This weather had the frigidity of a cold shower, rather than that of an ice cube. 
Nonetheless, Rainbow Dash kept her speed. Unfortunately for her, the storm decided to pick up further, causing her range of sight to shorten. Unable to see past her face, Rainbow  stopped. She was mostly hoping it was her speed, but it was not. No, the snow was raging furiously into a blizzard, and small shards of ice started to beat against her wings. 
“Hail?” She thought. “Only one place causes this weather... the Everfree.” Dash smacked a hoof against her forehead as the ice shards continued to beat against her wings with even more force. “I must've flew by my house completely! I gotta get ou  ”










Everything was hazy as Dash awoke. Darkness shrouded her peripheral, but a bright light was beaming onto her eyes. She squinted at it, her heart beating faster and her eyes constricting in retaliation. The pegasus coughed as she tried to move, finding herself unable to. Something next to her spoke with a high-pitched, raspy voice.
"... The hell is that thing, kid?" It sounded like a guy to Rainbow, but she couldn't be sure. 
"It's a pegasus, Jericho," a sophisticated voice replied. The voice was... elusive to Rainbow. It was almost like how Rarity's noble friends would talk, only male.
"A pega-what?" the guy named 'Jericho' responded next to Dash.
"I read it on some old files from an Enclave computer. Pegasus was a Greek legend  a majestic stallion with wings and was raised by the 'gods', only to be turned into one of the constellations. Which is a formation of stars, mind you," the sophisticated man explained, and Jericho grunted.
"Well, whatever..." A clink noise was let off, along with an audible snap. Dash turned over to see a something pointing at her.
"Let's eat, then?" Dash sat up upon hearing those words. 
Her eyes were greeted with a thick black circle in the middle of her vision, which menacingly stared at her. Feeling her heart race, and her mind telling her to move, she quickly blasted out of the way. A deafening noise entered into Dash’s ears, which sounded much like a firework going off, and soon began to ring in her ears. She looked to Jericho, seeing that smoke was coming out of his object. Whatever that sound was, it definitely came from that.
Heart racing, vision clearing and ears ringing, Dash started to make out the shapes before her. Although she could make out the shapes of the figures before her, she could still not make out their faces. The one on the right, which she assumed to be Jericho, was something she had never seen before. He stood up, on his hind legs, perfectly balanced. At its sides were were hands, similar to Spike’s only with five fingers, which were clenched in a threatening manner. Alongside that, he wore a brown and shiny-like metallic suit. It had the symbol of a talon on the left plate under the man’s shoulder. When trying to make out the rest of him, she could see that he wasn't a pony. 
On the left, the other creature wore a black material, instead. It was shiny like Jericho's, only it seemed to reflect more than the other’s, probably being metal. On the right side of his clothing, from Rainbow Dash's perspective, was an odd symbol resembling a talon of a bird. The man stood up next to Jericho, and crossed his arms.
The blur dissipated by now, and she could make out their weird faces. Jericho had small, beady eyes, which were of a sickly green colour. His face was an odd white, too, though stained with grime. Atop all that, his 'mane' seemed to be shaved.
The creature on the left seemed to be darker than Jericho. His—from what Rainbow Dash could tell—hide was brownish in color. Despite this man's eyes being beady like the companion next to him, they were a bright blue, surrounded by their whites. Somehow, they brought a sense of calm to Dash; though she was still scared for her life.
"Looks like it heard me, eh?" Jericho threw a backhand at his partner, making a slightly audible thud against his side.
"Seems like it..." They both stepped closer, Rainbow Dash scrambling back as they did, only to hit a wall, which crumbled around her.
"P-please, don't eat me! I-I'll do whatever you want!" Rainbow cried out, bringing looks of confusion to the faces of the creatures before her.
"Sapience; there's a variable I didn’t anticipate. Well, Jericho, we're not taking this as food."
Jericho let out a sigh. "Dang. Well then, what do we do with it?" Jericho held his tube-like weapon in one hand, aiming it at the ground.
Dash finally clued in to her surroundings. Everything was a hazy green against a sick yellow sky. The clouds above looked dark and polluted, accompanied by a lack of sunlight. Around her lay rubble and a lot of buildings which looked to be collapsing on themselves. Rainbow Dash looked around further, and found that what she hit was actually the door to a ruined building.
"So... you talk. Why not tell us your name? Do you have one?" The one in shiny black questioned softly, slowly walking forward.
"Uhh... uhm... R-Rainbow Dash," the creature raised an eyebrow, looking her over. Jericho was at his side, still holding... whatever it was in his hand.
"Odd name... Dash, what are you doing out here?"
Rainbow Dash struggled to answer his question. "I... I don't know. One minute I'm going home, the next I'm waking up to that guy wanting to eat me!" Jericho let out a chuckle as Dash pointed a hoof over to him. 
"Yes. Well, I can assure you, that won't happen. My name is Aeron, by the way. Pleasure to meet you," Rainbow Dash nodded, shivering slightly.
"So, Dash, seeing you're out here all alone, why not come with us? We're heading back to our home, and I'd like to get to know you a tad better."
"Kid, you sure that's a good idea? She's brighter than a fucking Glowing One, she’s sure to draw some attention."
Aeron nodded. "I'm positive."
Rainbow Dash shook her head at Aeron. "N-no way! I'm not going to trust you just like that!" she yelled, and Aeron put a finger to his lips.
"Shhh... Quiet. Never yell out here, Dash."
Dash shook her head again. "I'll yell all I want!" Dash stated. "LALALALALALALALA!" Dash sang, standing and starting to prance back and forth.
"Dash, sh—"
A few cracks of dirt shot up near Dash's hooves, making her jump back on instinct. Aeron and Jericho looked over to see where it came from.
"Ah-haha! It's killing time!" someone yelled in the distance, and Jericho held up his weapon.
"Incoming!" Jericho yelled out, the piece of metal in his hand bursting with light and a deafening report. The sounds of metal scraping metal and pressured gas hit Dash's ears as she hid behind the small wall of rock near her.
Aeron drew an object similar to Jericho’s in shape, except for some changes in colour. Rapid bursts of flame erupted from his weapon as he aimed it at the distant shouts, the chattering noise making Dash wince in pain. Blood-curdling screams could be heard in the direction they were firing as Rainbow Dash listened to the onslaught.
"Surprise, motherfucker!" A creature who looked like Aeron and Jericho, but obviously much less friendly, came out of seemingly nowhere with a large sledgehammer, a weapon Rainbow Dash actually recognized.
He swung for Aeron's head, missing and receiving a blow to the head from the other. Aeron shoved his weapon into the creature’s face, letting loose a volley of fire as blood spurted out of the man’s head and neck  some spraying Rainbow Dash. Aeron turned to Jericho, slapping him on the back. Dash, however, was far from impressed.
“You... you killed him?!” Aeron looked to Dash, only for more sprays of dirt to appear near him.
“Stay down, Dash!” Aeron yelled, firing loud bursts from his lethal object, Jericho joining in.
Maniacal laughing and screaming could be heard all around. Loud bursts were let off in the distance, and Dash could see small holes popping up around her. As the crackle of stone and dirt popped up around her, she instinctively backed away, trying to get to safety. Scared for her life, she placed her hooves on her head, cradling herself. Whatever was trying to hit them was missing.
“Fucking druggie maniacs! Can’t hit worth shit!” Jericho yelled as another scream echoed over the barren landscape.
“Fuck this! Grenade!” someone nearby yelled, as a small, yellow-and-black ball bounced off a nearby wall, landing in the rubble just a short distance away.
Dash was watching the scene unfold before her. It was utter chaos and warfare from her perspective. She was shuddering in fear, and the ticking of whatever the ‘grenade’ was was quite audible.
“Shit!” Aeron yelled as he and Jericho dove near Dash, narrowly escaping a plume of flames.
Metal chunks were flung everywhere. Many pieces lodged into the cracked building behind them and the rest were falling onto the road, either on fire or melting. Laughter erupted around them again  it grew louder and closer.
“Fuck sakes, Aeron! We can’t take this kind of fire. How’d Raiders get so well armed?” Jericho thumbed something into his weapon, and an audible click was heard.
“We just keep killing until they run away or stop. They don’t know who they’re messing with.” Aeron mimicked Jericho’s actions, refilling his own weapon..
“I’m gonna eat you alive!” Before Aeron and Jericho could react, their weapons were knocked from their hands, and two males grabbed them by their arms, holding them back.
“Fuck you, pigs!” Jericho yelled, spitting in one of their faces.
Dash looked up from her frightened state, looking up at the three Raiders that came near. They all wore spiked suits, much like Jericho’s, only bearing studs and other miscellaneous items. A few in particular stood out to Dash, however. From one Raider’s belt hung two severed hands. Dash cringed upon seeing what looked to be fresh blood upon them.
The one Raider that wasn’t holding Aeron and Jericho back approached Rainbow Dash. Dash wanted to do something, anything, but he was aiming one of the weapons towards her. Dash moved back, only to be grabbed by a fourth member of their clique.
“Ah, what’s a little horse doin’ out here? Never seen something like that before. Whatever. I’ve always wanted to ride a horse...” Dash’s face was shoved into the asphalt below her, and her tail was pulled into the air, making her raise her rump.
“This is going to be fun. For me, anyways.” Dash’s ears twitched upon hearing a sound of a zipper unzipping behind her.
No! Not like this! Please, no! Dash’s thoughts were raging as tears of anguish were spilling down the sides of her face. She’d ended up in... wherever she was, watched these things kill each other, and now she was about to lose her innocence. 
Just as she felt the heat of the male behind her, she reared her hind legs and bucked forcefully into him. He bounced back in pain, and Dash bolted free. The two holding Aeron and Jericho stared at Rainbow Dash with astonishment. Her allies looked at each other and immediately bunted their elbows into the Raiders’ groins. 
Collapsing, Aeron and Jericho immediately grabbed their weapons, aiming it at the Raider holding Rainbow Dash. The Raider let go of her tail and put his hands up; only to be killed by Aeron. Jericho’s weapon let off multiple bursts, consecutively, taking out the rest of the raiders.
“You okay, Dash?” Aeron looked over at Dash. She was breathing heavily and slowly rising to her hooves.
“Am I ‘okay’? I don’t know... I just woke up, watched you two senselessly kill those guys, and then my... m-my innocence was nearly taken from me!” Rainbow Dash turned around, her magenta eyes ablaze with anger.
“Do I look okay? No, I’m not okay! How could you just kill them?! What’d they do to you?!” Aeron shook his head, smacking his forehead.
“They were trying to kill us, Rainbow Dash. What did you expect us to do? Hand them lollipops and tell them we’re friends? Or, how about we let you get raped?” Dash’s brow furrowed at this.
“You could’ve talked them out of it!”
Jericho shook his head. “Kid, Raiders can’t be bargained or reasoned with. Alright? They don’t care who you are. They’ll either rape you, slowly kill you, or eat your dead corpse. In that order, if you’re lucky. You should be thankful we killed them for you. We never do that kind of thing,” Jericho explained simply to Dash.
“So, every now and then, you just get up in the morning and kill others?” Rainbow Dash sat on her haunches, “‘Today is a fine day to go out and kill some innocents who I could easily avoid!’” Rainbow Dash mocked Jericho raspy voice.
“Hey, watch your tongue, kid. I could just kill you right now,” Jericho threatened.
“Easy, Jericho. Listen, Rainbow Dash, it’s better to just not think about this. Those Raiders are hard to avoid, and will do anything to kill whoever is near. They just don’t care who you are. Just, calm down and let us talk about this a little, okay?” Aeron suggested calmly, and Rainbow Dash gave a nod, a little bit of anger still dwelling in the back of her mind.
“Fine. So, you killed them in self-defense. Is that what everypony does here?” 
Aeron nodded for a second. “Wait, everypo– nevermind. Anyways, yes. That’s what we do here in the Capital Wasteland. Essentially, anyways.”
“Well, what if no one is trying to kill you?” Rainbow Dash questioned.
“Simple. We don’t kill them. Unless they’re on some sort of hit-list,” Jericho answered.
“Mmm...” Rainbow Dash sighed. Her heart was racing with anger and confusion, but her mind was stuck on why she wasn’t home. How did a simple storm turn her world into... this?
“Rainbow Dash, it’s best if you come with us. We’ll provide you a place of safety until we get a few things sorted out,” Aeron stated simply, and Rainbow Dash looked up at him.
“Why should I go with you? How do I know you’re not going to just get up and kill me? I mean, Jericho was pretty close,” she reminded them, pointing at Jericho.
“That’s because we didn’t know you were sapient, and my radar wasn’t detecting if you were hostile or not.” Aeron held up his arm, where a green device was wrapped around it. Dash didn’t bother questioning it. Not now, at least.
“Dash, just come with us. I’m not asking you to go out of the way and trust us. I just want you to get out of this area, because nightfall is when most of the creatures start to lurk for food. I don’t think you’d like to know what an albino radscorpion would do to you.” Rainbow Dash looked at Aeron. He had a good point, and as stubborn as Dash was, she had to get out of here.
“Okay... I’ll come with you. But, if you guys try to kill me, I’m flyin’ outta here!” Jericho laughed at her ‘threat’.
“Oh, God, please... You’ll just get shot because you’re the brightest thing in this wasteland.” Jericho couldn’t stop laughing at Rainbow Dash.

I’m not going to like their relationship. As of now, Aeron thought, sighing.



> Tenpenny Tower
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 2



Tenpenny Tower



Edited by Pre-read by:
Gunsmith  
Eldorado
Sorren
Narlepoax II
Pre-read by:
Regidar
ABronyLife42










Rainbow Dash trotted alongside Aeron and Jericho, looking over the scenery around her. Buildings were on the precipice of collapsing, roads were cracked and worn with odd metallic ‘objects’—as Dash decided to call them—covered in rust and grime, and the dull yellows and grays barely gave any contrast to the Wasteland. 
Smoke ascended to the sky in the distance and merged to create a sickly overcast above. The sun was barely peeking through, down upon the desolate wastes, and where it was visible, it seemed to be setting. The Pegasus stared upwards, looking to Aeron. He seemed to be content with his surroundings, but Dash beyond curious to where exactly she was.
"So, what is this place, again?" 
"The Capital Wasteland," Aeron answered bluntly.
"...That's it?" She gave a displeased look to him, and he just chuckled.
"What you saw back there sums up what happens here. There’s quite a lot of gruesome things out here, and eventually, you’ll experience it all," Dash wanted to push him for more, but decided to not pressure him into saying what else was 'gruesome'.
They walked together for another couple of minutes, Dash's eyes slowly moving around the awful scenery once more. She spotted a few houses in the distance, all in varied states of ruin, few of them still, more or less, standing and even fewer that resembled houses. She immediately shook the thoughts out of her head and looked back at Aeron.
"So... what exactly are those things you carry?" The pegasus gestured a hoof to Aeron's weapon, then eyed Jericho's.
"Guns," Jericho answered, grunting slightly.
"Guns?"
"They're firearms,” Aeron explained. “I use a Chinese assault rifle which fires a five-point-five-six millimeter ro–"
"Whoa, whoa. Just give me the basics...” Rainbow interrupted Aeron. “Giving me a headache..."
"...Alright. It's an assault rifle, which means it fires small projectiles really fast. Fast enough to kill a man, anyways," Aeron explained simply.
"Okay... and Jericho has a...?" 
"Combat shotgun. Same thing, only fires eight smaller pellets. It shreds through armour. Or flesh, your choice," the pegasus shivered at the thought.
"How can you be so...'cool' with killing? Doesn't it... affect you?"
"It's life, here; you get used to it,” Aeron replied dismissively. “Honestly, I've killed so many idiots I've lost track." 
Jericho grunted in agreement, but Dash just gawked.
"Are you kidding me?! Back where I come from, none of that would've happened!"
"Well, you're not home, now are you?" Jericho chuckled.
No... No, I'm not... Rainbow let out a sigh as a heavy weight was placed upon her mind. I wonder what the others are doing. Maybe they know I'm gone and are trying to get me back! Yeah, that's it! Or, maybe they’ll just think I’m resting, hiding from the storm... She tried to be optimistic about her situation, but was soon flooded with negativity. No... They probably haven't noticed... Even if they did, they’d never be able to get me back from this place.	
"Why so glum, Dash?" Aeron asked, crossing his arms.
"Just... thinking about home. I don't want to be here," she admitted.
"No one does. But, we’ve got to live with it," Aeron stated.
"That's encouraging..." Dash deadpanned.
Aeron thought for a moment. Brutes like Jericho were nice to have around when the bullets started flying, but Aeron was always the strategist. He liked to plan, strategist, optimize their damage and create a plan that would work flawlessly.
If she can fly, I could put her to use as a scout, so we’d know what’s ahead of us. Alongside that, making good use of her flank from the sky, or rooftops would be handy... But, getting her alliance . . . She doesn’t even believe in killing, let alone squashing a bug... Unless...
"Well, there may be a way to get you home," Aeron spoke smoothly.
"Oh, and what's that?" Rainbow looked up from her deadpanned state.
"Well, I've heard rumours of a book that can transport things or people to places they desire the most. We can ‘work’ together, try to find it, and send you home. If you catch my drift," Aeron smiled lightly, not making eye contact with Rainbow Dash directly.
"What...? No! I'm not being your toy to kill... whatever you are!" Rainbow blustered, and Aeron just laughed.
"We're humans, and the term you're looking for is 'people'. Anyways, if you don't want to get home, then you're welcome to live out in the dust of the wastes and probably have another friendly encounter with raiders," Aeron knew he had her now, letting a small grin creep onto his face.
He has a point... If I stay out here, I'm a sitting duck! But, if I go with him, I'll have to....  to hurt these things, these 'people'.... Her options were thin and limited. The chances of her getting home could be slim, even nonexistent, but she was always one to take a chance. Not wanting to feel another Raider creep up behind her again, she let out a grunt.
"Fine. I'll 'team up’ with you two... But don't expect me to like it." Aeron smiled, and Jericho let out a laugh.
“What’s so funny?” She glared over to Jericho, and he just shook his head.
“Nothing,” he responded simply.
"Good,” Aeron stated. “Now then, we've arrived where I wanted us to be. Our home, and our 'base of operations', if you will," Aeron gestured his arn outwards to a large tower, which jutted upwards from the barren plains.
The tower ascended high into the sky, stopping just below the clouds. Its exterior was ornately decorated; it could have passed for a tower in Canterlot, once. Unfortunately, it was now much like the buildings Rainbow Dash had passed before   dilapidated and on the verge of collapse. But, the many metal sheets that surrounded one side of this building suggested that it was under constant repair.
The structure was also surrounded by tall concrete walls, creating a perimeter for whoever might reside within. The walls were laced with barbed fencing  the same kind used a lot in the Equestrian training camps  which suggested that this tower clearly considered itself important, and wished for no intruders. 
Rainbow Dash stared in awe, as Aeron continued. "Tenpenny Tower. A fine accomplishment of Allistair Tenpenny. Too bad he's dead." 
"'Tenpenny Tower'? And what do you mean 'he's dead'?" She questioned.
"Well, let me start with the former," Aeron began. "Tenpenny Tower has been here  and survived  since the year 2077. At least, that's the farthest the building could be traced back to. It was originally a hotel for the wealthy to live in at the time. When a Mister Allistair Tenpenny came from his Commonwealth Cove up north, he took it over and repaired it to live its former dream  housing the rich, keeping out the poor."
"Unfortunately, when I came across this beauty, he was denying entrance to some ghoul named Roy. Roy was quite wealthy and wanted to live there with his friends. But, Allistair was quite the bigot—someone who really hates a set group of people—and tried shooting them. Feeling the need to beat the shit out of that old coot, I helped Roy plan a massacre to kill every resident inside. Was quite the experience.”
"Now, it houses wealthy ghouls and anyone wanting to take refuge who can afford the rent. I live here with Jericho and Roy doesn't really charge us. Does that answer your question?" Looking over at Dash, he could see the disgust and confusion on her face.
"...You kil  "
"Don't even start. They were all assholes, anyways. Besides, a bigot is a bigot, and the less we have of those, the more this world can move on," Jericho grunted, cutting off Dash.
"Uhg. Well, what's a ghoul, then?" Aeron chuckled.
"You'll see," He smiled again.
She nodded, furrowed her brow and stayed silent as they all made their way to the tower's main entrance. The entrance was far less grand than the rest of the building, being built out of rusted scrap metal and salvage. Barbed fencing surrounded it, though a forbidding presence made Dash uneasy.
Aeron moved to the side of the door, pressing a button on a white box mounted to the wall there. The door slowly creaked open, the sound of sharp metal screeching against a metallic surface echoing through the wastes. Dash’s ears flopped down at the sound in annoyance. Once the door fully opened, the group made their way into the courtyard of Tenpenny Tower.
The courtyard wasn't as pleasing to the eyes as Dash was hoping. There were cracked tiles from what looked to be a marble floor, a dried up fountain, dirt, grime, and sandbags spread out everywhere. At the right of the courtyard was a small mass of rusted bed frames with destroyed beds upon them. Rusted springs jutted upwards from each mattress, and it made the mare cringe at the thought of sleeping on it.
Still following Aeron and Jericho, they made their way around the dried up fountain, and to the real entrance of Tenpenny Tower. A dirtied red carpet lead to a dark green door, which was surrounded by yellow stained marble pillars. Everything on the walls leading to the door was either breaking, broken, cracked, or destroyed. 
To think these guys think this is an 'accomplishment'? It looks awful, Dash continued forward, though, as Jericho opened the door for Aeron and herself.









Alhazred... Abdul Alhazred... G'yeth, Abdul Alhazred... G'yeeeeeth... It has come, Abdul. The Fallen Angel has come for you, Abdul... Hear my cries, Alhazred. Hear them before it takes you away from me, your most faithful. Alhazred... Abdul Alhazred. 
Four... Fifteen...... Fourteen... Fifteen... Twenty... Twenty-three...  Fifteen... Eighteen... Eighteen... Twenty-five...
Alhazred... I await your command... Alhazred  Abdul Alhazred. Four, nine, five. Four, nine, five.


Four... nine... five.










"Welcome to Tenpenny Tower's main lobby. Grand, isn't it?" Aeron was the first to speak as Dash gazed around at the sights before her.

The room was lined with many pillars supporting its upper floor, which was cut out to display the bright ceiling, illuminated by the rusty chandelier, which still managed to hold up an array of lights. Two staircases led to the upper floor in front of Dash, along with an elevator between them. At her right and left were two doorways: the right labeled "New Urban Apparel" with "The Federalist Lounge" beyond it  and the left labelled "Boutique Le Chic" followed by "Café Beau Monde". 
Dash continued to look over the interior of the building, proceeding forward with Aeron and Jericho. She could see a few rooms up the staircase, and could tell many more were above. Unfortunately, the pegasus's eyes fell upon something... vile. Her magenta eyes grew as wide as saucers, seeing a beast before her. Its shape was similar to Jericho and Aeron's, but its skin was cracked was rotted, was veiny, and was lacking the same decency. Its hair was nonexistent, its eyes hollow, its lips gone, and its nose caved in. This was truly a monster.
"GAAAAH!" Dash screamed, flying behind Aeron and Jericho. As courageous as Dash wanted to be, that was just too much for her.
"Why I oughta..." The 'thing' spoke with a raspy, low tone, drawing a gun similar to Aeron's, only brown and slimmer. 
"Whoa, whoa, easy there!" Aeron raised his hands to stop the thing as it aimed its gun through Aeron and to the pony.
"Last thing I need is another bigot in here, Aeron," it grunted.
"Roy, stop it. She's new here. Kind of like me, when we first met, remember?" Aeron tried to reason, but 'Roy' continued to aim his gun at Dash.
She peeked her head out, seeing his sickly-coloured face  a hideous mixture of blue, white, and blood red flesh. Whatever this “Roy” was, it was far from pleasant, and wanted to kill her for being scared of it. What kind of po... person does that?
"Fine. That's your only chance, you equine fuck," Roy slid his weapon around his back, letting it hang from the sling.
Aeron let out a sigh. "Listen, Roy, she'll be taking one of the empty rooms upstairs. Fine with you?"
Roy nodded. "Sure. As long as she doesn't freak out around the others."
Aeron nodded, walking to the elevator between the staircases, and gestured for the blue pony to follow. Trotting away quickly, she found herself in a rust bucket of an elevator. It had a somewhat of a lustrous look to it, but was a very dull attempt at making it appear so. 
Aeron pressed a button in the elevator and its doors rolled shut, leaving Dash staring into the eyes of her own reflection. No scars, cuts or bruises on her body, or face. Her mane was still frizzy, her eyes still had their regular sparkle, she didn't appear to be fatigued... but something was a little different. There was a black speck on her neck...
How'd that get there...? What is that, anyways? Scratching at it with the tip of her hoof, she noticed it seemed to be part of her coat, rather than something on it. The reflection in the door allowed her a vague glimpse of the shape, but, she needed a full-on mirror to be sure.
"Something wrong, Dash?" Jericho grunted. Dash looked back at him and shook her head.
"No... Not really. Just something on my neck... Can't see it with this mirror." Dash scratched her neck again, and Jericho just laughed.
"Probably just a scab. Plenty of those pop out of nowhere. Even if you stay inside," She just rolled her eyes, and looked back to the elevator's door.
How did I even get here...? the pegasus sighed inwardly, during which a loud ding came from the elevator.
The doors opened and the group walked out into a marble-ceramic room  the walls here were much like the outside of the building: yellow and crumbling. Two pillars supported the roof, cracks surrounding their bases to show the strain the building was giving them. The room's design of pillars and marble-ceramics, as well as its perfect square layout reminded Rainbow Dash a lot of Canterlot.
Celestia’s castle was far beyond 'grand', and it always brought joy to her and her friends when they visited. Even when Equestria was being turned into a plaything by Discord, or when she and her friends had gone to the Gala, or when they visited Canterlot before the whole ‘Sombra’ ordeal  it was always enjoyable to visit. Its luxurious manner, much as this room, gave off a vibe of security, wealth, and joy.
Rainbow Dash’s memories became painful as they began to fade. I'm stuck here... I- I'm in the middle of some awful place with a bunch of... ‘humans’ trying to kill each other, and I'm stuck here...!”
Rainbow Dash stopped only a few steps into the room, her face twisting in anguish. Aeron and Jericho looked back at her in confusion.
I'm stuck here... I won’t ever see my friends again... Ever. I never even told Twilight– Rainbow Dash felt sick. Her legs felt wobbly. She sat down on the cold floor, trembling, and she began to cry.
She sobbed for the first time in the desolate wasteland, the remains of a civilization. She cried in pain, desperation, and hopelessness, not knowing what else to do.
How am I supposed to know if these guys will get me home?! They don't care about me...! They're killers, they aren’t good people!
Aeron knelt down at Dash's side, while Jericho turned away, ignoring her. He ran a hand through her mane, gently stroking it, trying to calm her. 
"Dash, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" Dash sniffed, raising her head and looking over at him.
Her eyes were reddened and filled with despair. Aeron had seen eyes much like this, and not too long ago, either. 
“Those eyes... like my father's. Strained from endless hours of work. Filled with despair when he told me to "run". They had tears in them. My father would have been a hero to his Wasteland. Now, he's dead.” The thought of Aeron's father rolled around in his mind, before he shook his head, speaking to Dash once more.
"Dash. It's going to be okay." She just shook her head.
"N-no... it isn't! I'm stranded here and my friends back home don't even know I am!" 
Aeron shook his head, "Rainbow Dash, I told you I would get you home. All you have to do is listen to what I say and learn how to use a weapon, and help us. I know you don't want to, but just trust us. We know how to protect you, and we're far more intelligent than we might have come off as."
"How am I supposed to know if you two can get me home....? And how will I be able to use one of your weapons? They don't look easy to use..." Aeron smiled slightly.
"Dash, we know how to do a lot of things in the Wastes, and one is how to get people back where they belong. And guns may be hard to use, but I'll make you a proper weapon. Trust me. In fact, I have to get started on that now, so why not come into our room for a bit and relax?" Dash sniffed heavily and nodded, slowly standing to her hooves.
Aeron and Jericho lead her to the immediate right, where a rotting door stood. Opening it, Aeron presented the room to Rainbow Dash. Her eyes immediately fell onto the queen-sized bed to her left. Nightstands were at each side, holding up illuminating lamps. Two mahogany cabinets with a carved oval on each door were on its right side. To Dash's immediate front, there was a workbench, similar to ones she’d seen a lot in Cloudsdale, a safe, a door and a few refrigerators. 
Much of the room was, like the rest of the building, crumbling and old. But despite the worn appearance, it was quite tidy and clean. The air was filled with a slight musty smell of old books rather than the scent of burning fuel. Pillars supported the room’s ceiling, from which lights beamed down onto every surface. It was quite a sight to behold, even if it was breaking apart at every seam like the rest of the world Dash now resided in. 
"So... this is your guys’ room....?" She looked over at Aeron, and he nodded.
"Yup. I have a lot of things to teach you. So why not make yourself comfortable while I get my 'notes' in order?" Jericho let off a short laugh, walking over to the workbench and setting his shotgun down.
Dash obliged, making her way to the bed. Hopping onto it, she laid down and closed her eyes. She wanted to rest after the first hours she's been here, and the uneven grounds of the Wastes didn't prove too well for her hooves. Besides...

It was going to be a long day.


> The Wasteland
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 3



The Wasteland



Edited by:
Gunsmith  
Eldorado
Narlepoax III
RainbowBob	

Pre-read by:
Regidar




***







Inclement Storm. Pegasus, weather enthusiast, scientist, and very pissed-off stallion. Not only was he the head of the Ponyville Weather Clearing Sector  PWCS for short  but he was treading on thin ice with the Cloudsdale Executives, due to a lot of rookie mistakes and late pegasi.
He would train rookies for hours on end, teaching them the proper technique for destroying clouds, clearing fog, working in teams to create snowfall or create rain, and working together to remove harsh weather relative to the latter. But today was his last chance to prove to Cloudsdale he could run the PWCS properly. 
However, a certain rainbow-maned pegasus was hindering his progress. He trotted furiously back and forth in his office, tracing around a table in its center. Every now and then, he'd look out the window adjacent to it, hoping the pegasus would fly on in. He would always be let down when nopony was there.
"Dammit! Where in Tartarus is that mare?" Inclement yelled, smashing a hoof on the table. "For somepony claiming to be the fastest pegasus in Equestria, she certainly knows how to take her sweet time!" Grunting, he walked out of his office and into a large room filled with six pegasi.
The room contained various diagrams of clouds, weather patterns, and team formations for pegasi. It also had a large door at its back end for masses of pegasi to enter. Inclement looked each of them  Cloudchaser, Snowball, Raindrops, Flitter, Thunderlane and Storm Striker. He sighed, seeing his lead pegasus would be absent, and in turn slow down the cleanup process.	
"Alright then, Dash decided it'd be fun to ruin my life, and make all of your jobs harder. You're all on your own in clearing at least six feet of that snow, and clearing some of those clouds," Inclement began to explain, lack of faith apparent in his voice. "We need enough sun to melt the snow, but not too much. Winter isn’t over yet, and I'd prefer we didn't flood Ponyville."  The pegasi in front of him nodded.
"Good. Cloud, Flitter, Snowball, you clear the east section. I've laid out clouds on your map to move, and where to. Thunderlane, Raindrops and Storm Striker, you take care of the central section. Most of the snow is located there, and the markets still need to be open. Again, clouds are marked on where to be moved too. No storm is planned for tonight, so for Celestia's and Luna's sake, don't kick the damn clouds," Inclement stared over at Storm, who just rolled his eyes.
"Now, get your flanks out there, do the job right, and I might be able to keep my damn job," everypony nodded, and immediately left Inclement's sight. 
He trotted back into his office, sighing and smacking his head against the table. Frustration, anger, and confusion filled him  all because of Rainbow Dash. 
She usually arrives an hour early so she can get started before everypony else. Why is it she chose this day, of all days, to not do so? Inclement started smacking the top of his head with his hoof.
Dammit, Rainbow Dash. I'm going to get to the bottom of this, whether you like it or not.
Inclement sat up, glaring out the window. The sky was still crisp and clear; and that meant he could travel to her house and see why she hadn't bothered to show up. Growling, he looked around the room for his saddlebags, put them on, and bolted out of his office.






***






Darkness. Fear of the dark is truly a fear of the unknown, anxiety of what may lie ahead, and confusion as to why it's there. A light is usually nearby when one encounters it, ready to show what hides in the shadows. But, Dash is nowhere near that light. Dash lay there, upon the bed, simply dreaming away the worries she had just encountered. Thinking about her friends back home was all she had right now. It wasn't enough.		

Four... A low, barely audible whisper resonated throughout her mind. She jumped up from her sleepy state, only to notice the thick darkness around her.

"...H-hello?" she asked, receiving only silence in reply. 
Not one to be frightened easily, Dash tried adjusting her eyesight. Squinting every now and then would reveal a new object or lengthen her vision. But she could never fully see what was in front of her. All that she knew for certain was that she was on a bed. 

Nine... Another whisper trickled through her ears, sending a spine-tingling vibration through her body.

"Who's there?!" The pegasus sprang up, sitting on her rump and scanning around the shadowy room.
Something started to glow at the corner of her eyes. Every time she tried to investigate it, it would stop or move with her eyes. Dash was unsure what it was, but her mind was racing to find a coherent answer. Her heart was beating hard against her chest, making audible thuds in her eardrums.

Five... The whisper grew louder, almost a low rasp now. Following it was an echo of other whispers, repeating the numbers.
Four, nine, five... Dash looked around the room, frantically trying to find its source. Her mind was rapidly deteriorating into panic from the random numbers being churned into her ears.

"Who's there?" she yelled, looking all around her for an answer.

Four, nine, five... Eleven, nine, twelve, twelve... Five, fourteen, four...

"Aeron, this isn't funny!" Dash yelled for Aeron, but only the whispers responded to her. Her heart was beating against her chest furiously, and she was letting out short, jagged breaths. 
Suddenly, a flash of of numbers shot across Dash's view. They were all a sickly, bright red colour, nearly blinding her and embedding themselves against her vision. Trying to close her eyes, she found herself unable to look away. 
"F-four..." She spoke one of the numbers, completely entranced by its glow.

Face it, Rainbow Dash... a voice whispered in her right ear, echoing into the left. 

"... N-nin... Nine..." She was trying to stop herself from repeating the numbers. Her jaw was bouncing left and right, but she couldn't stop herself from speaking.

This is your abyss, Rainbow Dash. Face it. Abdhul Alahzred commands it... Face it, Hastur. Face my master's biddings... The voice was the same rasp, sounding confident and commanding.

"Fi-... Fiii... Fiiii-nooo! No, stop it! Stop doing this! Leave me alone! Leave me alone!" Dash yelled, resisting the numbers and whispers with all her might. 

Four...

"No! Stop talking! Just... get out of here! I don't want to hear those numbers... Please, make it stop!" she yelled again, putting her hooves over her ears.
The darkness around her faded, the voices stopped, and the commanding whisper left her ears. The pegasus collapsed onto the bed, whimpering to herself.






***






"Make it stop!" Rainbow Dash arose from her sleep, finding herself screaming as she re-entered reality. Looking around her, tears in her eyes, she found that the bed she was sleeping on and everything around her was illuminated. 
Aeron and Jericho were at the bedside, watching her. She looked over to them, tears visible in her eyes, then started sobbing. Placing her hooves over her head, she wept into the sheets underneath her. Jericho let out a grunt of annoyance and disgust.
"Fuck me, kid. Last thing we need is another whiny little bitch," Jericho grunted, crossing his arms.
Great... Aeron thought, running a hand through his hair, she probably had a damn nightmare. Probably the Wasteland hitting her hard. I remember when that happened to me, but I knew what I was getting myself into.
Rainbow Dash was crying furiously, tears flowing down the sides of her cheeks. Aeron shook his head, looking to Jericho.
"I'll handle this. Just go back to reading."
"Kid, I'm not going to read. You know I don't want to lea  "
"Just do it, Jericho. You reading could save our asses one day. What if my eyes get clawed out, and I need you to read a medical textbook when I can’t treat my own wounds? Or how about reading signs in the metro? You know how easy it is to get lost down there," Aeron retaliated immediately. Jericho furrowed his brow in anger.
"Fine. But I ain't gonna like it," Jericho left Aeron and Dash alone.
"Dash," Aeron leaned down to her, only to get sobs in response.
"Dash, look at me," Aeron moved her hooves, only to see the reddened eyes of the weeping pegasus.
"Y-yeah...?" she sniffed, wiping some tears from her cheeks.
"Dash, I'm going to be very clear, and I don't care how you take this," Aeron leaned closer, his nose almost touching her own.
"Never cry in the Wastes. You hear me? You must never, ever cry. There are many rules to living in this fucking hellhole, and that's one of them. Oblige to the rules, and the Wasteland won't be so cruel to you. Go against them and... well, I hope you like being beaten to death by raiders," Dash's eyes widened at his response. 
She was hoping to be consoled, or at least be cheered up. She didn't expect that. Aeron stood back up, turning away from her.
"Dash, if you want to live in our safety, then I suggest you listen to me. By all means, you will listen to me. Whether you want to, or not, you will listen. Got it?" 
"Y-yeah..." Dash didn't fight it, still a little stunned at him ignoring her feelings.
Is he always this ignorant...? Dash wondered, but noticed Aeron speaking again.
"I want to teach you a few things, Rainbow Dash. Survival will be easier with us, but you still need to master the skills of a killing machine," Aeron turned around, arms crossed and a frown on his face.
"Do you understand, Rainbow Dash?"
"I do, but... why're you being such a jerk about this?" she questioned.
"Because, it's who I am, and what I made myself to be. Live in the Wastes long enough, you realize crying about your problems just gets you dead," Aeron responded smoothly, rubbing his upper arms.
"I just had the worst nightmare of my life, and you don't even care?" Dash yelled, only for Aeron to retaliate.
"Don't you dare say that! I've cared for more people in my life than you probably even know, and I lost each and every one of them because I became close to them!" Aeron was yelling, but Dash didn't care. She wanted answers, and was about to demand them when Aeron started again.
"I killed my best friend's father, my father was murdered, I lost three companions to the bloodiest of deaths I’ve seen in this wasteland, and to top it off, I have to deal with getting you home. I could have left you out there in the Wastes, or I could’ve had Jericho just eat your flesh, especially when food is scarce. So don't you ever claim I don't fucking care!" Dash was taken aback a little, feeling bad for claiming he didn't care.
He is trying to help me... I'm such an idiot...
Aeron sighed. "Never mind. Now, I want to teach you a few things about the Wastes, and I want us to forget you ever had a stupid nightmare, and forget we ever argued. Deal?" Dash nodded.
"Good. Now, come with me, I have a lot to show you," Aeron gestured for the pegasus to follow, which she did.
Jumping off the bed, she followed close behind Aeron, leaving the room and heading off to the elevator. Inside, Aeron pressed a button labeled "B9". Dash cocked her head, seeing that it was the lowest button on the panel, and looked up at Aeron curiously.
"It's the ninth floor in the basement," Aeron answered.
I don't have a good feeling about this...






***






Inclement had been flying from the PWCS to Dash's cloud home for about twenty minutes. He would take a moment to look around and see the pegasi he ordered doing their jobs. Feeling a little relieved, he sped up, flapping his wings faster and pushing himself further.
After around five minutes, he arrived to see Rainbow Dash's cloud home. A pool of rainbow was flowing a stream of spectrum into the air, while the rest of the house silently sat against the wind. Sighing, he trotted up to the door, gently rapping his hoof against it.
"Hey, Dash! You in there?" he yelled.
All that answered was the cool breeze around the house, nothing more. Sighing, he turned the knob, finding it locked. Must've gone out, he thought, and immediately picked himself up, storming off to Ponyville.
If she's not there, somepony has probably seen her flying about. Hard to miss the only rainbow-maned pegasus in Ponyville.
Descending quickly, he found himself in the center of Ponyville. The market was being cleared of snow by ponies in the town, and a few banners that displayed the words "Town Center" were being repaired. He started to trot around to a small group of ponies.
"Excuse me, ladies," Inclement began. All of them turned to him.
"Have you seen Rainbow Dash anywhere? She's missing out on clearing the town, and I really need her," They all looked to each other for a moment, and then shook their heads.
"Sorry, Inclement. We haven't seen her since she brought the storm in yesterday. You could try asking her friends, though. Heck, maybe she's hanging out with them!" the red-maned pony suggested, and Inclement nodded.
"Good idea. Thanks," Inclement started trotting away from them, removing himself from the town center.
Inclement knew who all of Rainbow Dash's friends were. They had saved the Equestrian kingdom three times, so, it was hard not to know them. He was just outside the town center, and the closest place was Rarity's boutique. Heading in that direction, he could see the large purple-and-white shop. 
“Hopefully she knows where Dash might be.” Inclement sighed, making his way to the door.
Opening the door, he trotted inside. Immediately to his left, he saw a white and purple pony shoot up. It was Rarity, and she was grinning with glee as her blue eyes sparkled in the shop's light.
"Welcome! How may I, Rarity, help you today? New suit? Perhaps some more formal apparel?" Rarity's eyes darted to Inclement's saddlebag, and noticed there was a hole in it.
"Or, perhaps I can fix that hole in your bag?" Rarity asked, and Inclement shook his head.
"No, I'm here to ask if you've seen Rainbow Dash. I can't find her, and it's urgent I find her to help clear some of the snow," Inclement was looking at her with a sternly, and her gleeful mood dropped a little.
"No... I haven't seen Rainbow Dash since yesterday. She's probably out practicing stunts, as usual. Did you check the open fields?" Inclement nodded to her question.	
"When I went to her house, I didn't see her on my way. I kind of assumed she was playing hooky, but she's not at her house. Do you know anywhere she might be?" Rarity shook her head.
"I'm sorry. I don't know. I've been mostly stuck in here, and I only saw her yesterday before she set out for the storm. Maybe you could try asking some of my other friends, perhaps Twilight or Fluttershy. She usually ‘hangs out’ with them," Inclement nodded and gave her thanks, as he turned around and went out the door.
Shooting to the sky, he flew off to the library not too far into the town  staying outside of Ponyville and working there for a few years really gives one the layout of the place  and within a few minutes he landed outside the Golden Oaks library. Trotting up to it, he was about to knock when the door swung open, which made him fall forward into the library.
"Oh! Sorry!" exclaimed a childish voice nearby.
Inclement's face was plastered to the library’s solid wood flooring. Lifting his head, he shook it, and looked to where the childish voice came from. It was a young dragon with purple and green scales and piercing emerald eyes, staring at him curiously.
"Uhg... it's fine. Is Twilight Sparkle here, kid?" Inclement asked, and the young dragon nodded.
"Yup, just upstairs. Now, if you'll excuse me..." The dragon bolted out of the door, darting down the streets of Ponyville.
Standing to his hooves, he closed the door behind him, and walked into the library. He gazed up at the stairs to his right, and not wanting to waste time, he trotted up them to find a closed door at the top. Putting hoof to wood, he heard some scuffling of sheets, something that sounded like a box falling, and the sound of a book's pages smacking against the floor.
The door opened and Twilight's head poked out, and a nervous smile was spread across her face. Her cheeks looked quite red from what Inclement could see.
"Oh, hey, Inclement! Good to uh, see you! So, uhm, anything you need?" she asked shakily.
"Well, I was wondering if you've seen Dash. Normally, she arrives quite early for weather clearing, and it's urgent I have her here to help out with today's clearing," he answered.
"You mean she was late? That's not like her... Especially for weather duty..." Twilight walked out of the room, closing the door behind her. 
The two made their way downstairs, into the library's foyer. "Did you check her house, or any open areas? She usually does pra  "
"Practice, I know. On my way to her house, I passed by a lot of land. She wasn't there and when I arrived at her house, she didn't answer." He let out a sigh after he interrupted her.
"Weird... She would never be this late. She usually wants to clear the skies quick and then practice for her duty as a Wonderbolt cadet..." Twilight paced for a moment, thinking to herself.
What if she got stuck in that storm last night? This could be my fault! Maybe I’m just over-analyzing... She might just be away, or perhaps just sick... Looking back at Inclement, she gave a small smile. But if she is missing... I’ll need to find her myself.
"I'll handle it, Inclement. I know you need her urgently, but if she may be missing, we'll have to wait longer than a day to file any reports on it. I'll get my friends to help out and look around Ponyville. Alright?" Inclement nodded.
"Yeah... I really need her. So, the faster you find her, the better. It's my job on the line, and hers too," Twilight gave a nod in agreement.
Inclement walked out of the library, closing the door behind him as he left. Looking to the skies, he let out a tired sigh.“Rainbow Dash, for the love of Celestia, if this is a joke, I'm going to fire you myself before the executives do.
He shot into the sky, flying off to his post. Twilight sighed as she watched Inclement fly away through the window. Let’s hope we find her. She couldn’t have gotten far. Twilight frowned, looking around her library for a quick moment...






***






A dull ding resounded through the elevator as it reached floor B9, and the doors slid open. Aeron and Dash stepped out into a long, metallic-green room. The rusted floor was covered by steel grating, through which she could see the masses of ancient pipes and wires that seemed to meet in the center of the room.
Within the room's center were a lot of fake torsos  similar to Rarity’s mannequins but looking like Aeron’s upper body  which all had two separate targets on them. One for the head, and one for the torso itself. Dash and Aeron stepped out of the elevator and started walking into the room. 
“Uhm... What’s down here that’s so special?” Dash’s curious gaze slid upward to Aeron’s face.
"This is floor B9. Here, we practice firing our weapons to hone in on accuracy and form. Accuracy would concern the head, and more brute force for the body," Aeron walked away from Dash, to the left side of the room, and picked up an odd object.
Turning around, he showed it to Dash. Its back end looked similar to his own assault rifle, but the barrel was much larger, kind of like Jericho's shotgun. On top of the gun was a telescope, from what Rainbow Dash could see.
"This is a DKS-501 sniper rifle. It fires a .308 round, which roughly translates to 7.62x51 NATO T-65 rounds," Dash stood there numbly, thoroughly confused.
Aeron rolled his eyes. "A very lethal round. How about that?" 
Dash nodded. "Alright... But why are you telling me this?"
"Because, you need to learn how to kill. You'll be most useful to us if you master a long-range weapon, like this; since you can fly in the air. And being able to kill someone unsuspectingly will benefit the both of us," Aeron explained simply.
Uhg... My suspicions were right... Dash sighed, lowering her head a bit.
"Do I really have to learn this? Couldn't we just talk people out of fi  "
"Yes, you do. No, we can't. People know me too well, and a lot of them want to put a bullet in my damn head. So, unless you want to be shot with me, I highly suggest you try learning how to fire this weapon properly," Aeron gave her a stern, which only resulted in Dash nodding her head.
"No point in fighting it anymore. If I have to deal with... Whatever is out there, it's better from a distance. At least blood won't get all over me," Rainbow Dash said. Aeron gave a small chuckle.
"There you go. Look at the bright side! Optimism is always a good thing," Aeron continued to chuckle, but she just smiled weakly in return.
Aeron knelt down to Dash's level and then held the rifle out to her. Dash looked at it in question, and took it in her hooves. It felt quite lightweight to her, especially for its size. Unsure what to do with it, she held it close to her chest.
"Can you sit on your... er, bottom, for me? I want to put you in the correct stance," She nodded to Aeron's request, sitting on her rump.
"Left-hand  ... Err... Do you write back where you come from?" Aeron asked.
"Yeah. Usually we use our mouths. Why?" Dash answered. 
Aeron sighed. "Which hoof do you use more, for everyday stuff? Left or right?" 
"Right, mostly."
Aeron nodded.
He took Dash's right hoof and put it just in front of the trigger guard, supporting the back end of the rifle, and then took her left hoof and put it at the front of the gun, letting its barrel rest on it. After, he lifted it up and pushed its butt into Dash's shoulder. The rifle was extended quite far away from Dash, due to its sheer size. Looking over it, Aeron nodded.
"Alright, hold this pose. I gotta make some measurements. Since it's so big on you, I’m going to make it smaller... maybe remove that trigger guard, extend the trigger. Along with that, I have to extend the pistol grip," Aeron reached into one of the many pouches on his armour and pulled out yellow measuring tape.
As he took measurements, Dash thought of more questions. "Why are you doing this again? If you're such a jerk, why are you being so nice to me?" 
Aeron smiled softly. "Because, I can benefit from you, and you can benefit from me. It's simple bartering. In exchange for you getting home, a little Wasteland training and protection, you'll provide me support, teach me about what pegasi can do, and follow my orders." 
Dash looked at Aeron curiously. On one hoof, he was extorting her. On another, he provided quite a valid point. A favour for a favour. She didn't bother arguing, but just watched Aeron take measurements from the barrel to her shoulder, the pistol grip on the rifle—which she assumed was the piece behind the trigger guard—and measured her arms as well.
After a moment writing it down on a sheet of paper, he gently pulled the rifle out of her hooves, and Dash relaxed, holding the thing was actually a bit tiring for her. 
"I'm going to make some adjustments. It'll take a bit. In the meanti  "
Before Aeron could finish, a loud growl emitted from her stomach. Blushing, she gave a small smile to him, and he just shook his head.
"If you were so hungry, I could've given you something to eat," Aeron smiled softly.
"Heh... Didn't really notice... Do you have any apples or something?" she asked hopefully, but Aeron shook his head.
"Apples are quite expensive, and take months to grow. But, I do have some beautifully irradiated food," Aeron walked to the left side of the room again, only to a large white box. It looked similar to a refrigerator, but was covered in grime.
Opening it, he pulled out a small box, and tossed them to Dash, who caught them respectively. The box was labeled "Fancy Lads Snack Cakes" and decorated in red ribbons, showing the chocolate cakes. Not wanting to waste good food, she bit the box open and pulled out the cakes.
She looked them over. They looked quite old,  and held a bit of a crusty smell to them. Sniffing them a bit more, Dash could smell rotting chocolate, but preserved enough to keep a bit of its original aroma. Biting in it, a stale taste came to her mouth, followed by a dried up cream filling. They had quite a bad taste, but, something else was also off about them. Almost like a stringy, metallic taste was with them. Swallowing hard, she looked to Aeron.
"Why do these taste weird?" Aeron was at a workbench now, fixing up the rifle.
"They're irradiated. Do you not know what radiation is, either?"
"No, what is it?" Aeron sighed quite audibly.
"Radiation is the emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or as moving subatomic particles. In laymen terms, that means its just the energy produced from atoms. There's regular radiation, but the advanced form is much stronger," Flipping the rifle over, Aeron continued. "The stronger form can cause very harmful effects to animals and humans. Mutation of cells, cancer, extra limbs on children during birth and such," Dash then put the snack cakes back in the box.
"I don't want them, then!" 
Aeron just chuckled. "You'd need to eat over five hundred boxes of those snack cakes for them to kill you. Same goes for me. The amount that cake has is significant, but it's so minor compared to everything else out here, it's not a problem. Which is why I'm going to create a radiation meter to keep track of your rad levels," Aeron placed the rifle’s barrel into a vice, and grabbed a pipe saw from the workbench, slowly and carefully sawing away at it
"Well... What if I do get a high... 'rad' level?" Dash asked, eating the cake once more.
"Then it isn't a big problem. We humans developed a means of getting rid of it. It's gross, and it makes you need to use the bathroom immediately after, but it works and can save your life. So, no worries, Dashie," Aeron chuckled at his last comment, slowly sawing away at the rifle.
For the next hour, Dash and Aeron sat in silence. Dash had long finished eating her snack cakes, and only progressed to looking over the room. She found it was quite big, and extended far back to an angled platform. On the platform lay a bunch more targets for the torsos behind her. 
Aeron, however, was busy working away at the rifle. So far, he'd removed the trigger guard and welded a larger piece to the trigger, so Dash had room for her hoof. He also extended the pistol grip, as he said he would, so she could simply pull the trigger into it. On the matter of its barrel length, he shortened it by a quarter of its size. It took a bit of time to take the end-piece off of the barrel, but he welded it back onto the new, shortened rifle.
But there was one problem that occurred to Aeron as he was fixing this rifle up: the issue of reloading. He could just use his index finger to press a button and release the magazine from its well, then push another mag in and cock it. However, with Dash's hooves, this produced three problems: without fingers, she couldn’t press the release, grip and insert magazines easily, or pull back the rifle’s charging handle.
Aeron, however, figured a way around this. Simply by attaching a hex-nut, her hoof would be able to just smack the side of the rifle, and keep the rifle’s simplistic design normal, making a larger magazine to hold more rounds, and increasing the size of the cocking handle would help her out. The rifle looked perfect, and Aeron solved all the issues that were obvious to him. The only other issue was her armour, but he could worry about that later.

DING 

Aeron and Dash turned to the elevator to see Roy walking in, a smug grin on his horribly disfigured face. He had a cigarette in his mouth, but quickly spit it out and stomped on it.
"Well, well, well. Aeron and the little mutated rainbow," he laughed, Dash furrowing her brow.
"Hey Roy. Come to see her shoot?" Roy nodded.
"Yeah, let's see this little bitch fire a gun. I bet twenty caps she misses her first shot." 
"Hey! I'm still here, you know!" Dash yelled, making Roy and Aeron laugh.
"You're on Roy. Let me just show her how to fire and reload quickly, and teach her some basics." 
Aeron walked over to Dash, went down to her level, and handed her the rifle. Putting her back into the same position as before, she found it a lot easier to hold, and catered to it quickly. Aeron smiled, then took the gun away from her.
"Now, let me show you how to reload, cock and fire," Aeron pressed the larger button on the side of the rifle, showing Dash what he was doing.
The magazine fell out and onto the ground. Pulling out another box magazine from a pouch, he put it into the rifle's well, showing Dash which way to put it in. Smacking it in firmly, an audible click was heard. He pulled back on the charging handle and another click resounded as the internal hammer cocked back. He knelt down to the floor, aimed at one of the targets, and squeezed on the trigger. 
"Why isn't anything happening?" Dash asked. It was true; the gun did not fire off.
"Two reasons. One  the safety trigger is on, which stops you from firing. Simply hit this," he put the rifle closer to Dash, showing a small switch. "Switch to turn it on and off. Another reason is we're in a closed area, and it'd deafen us all. So..." Aeron stood up and grabbed three pairs of headphones.
Dash put them over her ears, having to adjust her ears to allow the headphones to stay upon her head, followed by Aeron and Roy. Aeron went back to her level, and aimed the gun again. Flicking the switch, he placed his finger at the trigger, aimed the rifle at one of the many torsos in the room, and fired. The deafening report filled the room, accompanied by a bright burst of light as a bullet exploded out of the rifle. 
Looking to the torso Aeron shot, Dash could see he had hit the perfect center of the target's head. Aeron unloaded the gun, ejecting the bullet casing from its chamber, before pulling the magazine out, and replacing the spent cartridge. He handed it and the rifle over to Rainbow Dash.
"Your turn," Dash looked at the rifle. The safety was off, so she decided to turn it on for this part. That elicited a smile and a nod from Aeron.
Picking up the magazine, she put it into the magwell, and smacked her hoof on its bottom. Although the headphones deadened the sounds around her, she felt the click the rifle made. Place her hoof against the cocking handle, she pulled it back until she felt another click.
She went into the stance that Aeron showed her earlier. Looking through the scope, she could see a clear zoom on the small target upon the target's head. Aiming for the middle, Dash flicked the safety off, and pressed her hoof against the trigger, allowing it to fire.
Dash was surprised at the force pushed into her shoulder. Thankfully, the rubber butt of the rifle softened the blow for her, but she could still feel a burning sensation in her shoulder. The rainbow-maned pegasus, however, hit the target.
"Yeah! Got it!" She smiled with glee, and Roy behind her was just laughing.
"Bitch, you ain't got shit. Look again," Rainbow Dash furrowed her brow at Roy, and looked back to the target. She did hit it, but she hit way off center, near the outer red ring.
"What?! But, I was aiming at the center!" Dash cried.
"Well, fuck. Looks like you're a shit rifleman," Roy insulted, laughing with his croaky voice.
Turning around, Dash scowled with anger. "Oh, and what makes you better?! We don't have these dumb things back where I come from!" 
Roy just laughed. "Oh, fun! The drugged-up mutated offspring of PeeWee Herman's rainbow-colored shit is mad at me! Well, get use to it, you fucking whore." 
"What'd you call me?!" Rainbow Dash yelled.
"Enough, you two. This is a gun training session, not a fighting session," Aeron stopped them, Roy giving off a soft chuckle.
"Whatever, kid," He pulled out another cigarette, lighting it up swiftly, and puffing smoke into the air.
"Look, I gotta take care of shit upstairs. You owe me twenty caps," Roy turned around, and walked into the elevator. It closed behind him, and a ding was heard as it left the floor.
Aeron looked to Dash, who seemed very disappointed. "Cheer up, Dash. No one learns immediately. Took me years to master weapons." 
Dash shook her head. "Not that... Why is everyone so mean? What'd I do?" 
"Dashie, Dashie, Dashie," Aeron mused. "You didn't do anything. But, you're just another creature of the Wastes that will be made fun of and discriminated against. It's how it is. Two-hundred years ago, that never happened. But now, things have changed. Now, would you like to learn why you missed?" 
Dash nodded, and went back to her original firing stance. Aeron huddled up beside her, and placed a hand on her back to support her.
"See, being in a relaxed position will make your shot more accurate, but your breathing also affects your shot. Along with stress and anxiety," Aeron started to explain, placing a hand on Dash's chest.
"H-hey! Why’re you touching me?" Dash exclaimed, making Aeron laugh.
"Calm down. I'm not going to do anything bad. Just breathe, alright?" Dash nodded, breathing normally.
"Take a deep breath," she took in a long breath, allowing the musky air to fill her lungs. "Now aim, and slowly breathe out. This should help you hit the target." 
Dash took aim directly at the center once more. She flipped the safety off, and placed her hoof at the trigger. Just as she started to breathe out, she fired  the butt taking most of the force out of the rifle's kick. Putting the rifle down, she looked at the target. The bullet was near the center, about a white ring away, but it was quite the accomplishment for a second try.
"Yes!" the pegasus cheered. Although she normally aimed to be the best at everything, this was still an achievement.
"Good job. But, you’re going to need a little more than breathing out a little to get a good shot,” Aeron crouched next to her, placing a hand on her shoulder.
“You’re too tense. Being tense will completely strain your body and cause your shots to deviate away from the center. I know the position you’re in is a bit uncomfortable, but relax your shoulders a bit,” Dash nodded as Aeron continued to explain.
“On top of that, try to only focus on the target. As a sniper, you’re going to be a distance away from the enemy, and you’ll not have to worry about distractions. Also, I saw that your hoof jerked back, rather then slowly pulling back. Jerking too hard will definitely put off your shot,” Aeron then pointed over at the target.
“Finally, your targets may be moving. If the target is moving, you want to aim ahead of where it’s going, not on him. Bullets are fast, but not instant. There’s also the matter of them being quite a distance away. The multiple crosshairs on the scope will indicate set meters. I’ll explain that later. Lastly, wind in the Wasteland that will push your shot farther left, right, upwards, or downwards. Can cause you to miss, and you may need to adjust yourself.”
As Aeron finished, he stood up, taking in a deep breath. “Now, it’s time to go practice on some real targets,” Dash furrowed her brow.
“Do we have to?” Aeron just gave her a plain look.
Dash sighed, and nodded. Training on dummies was what she was hoping for, but, hope seemed to falter here. The two made their way to the elevator and Aeron clicked the button labeled "F13". 






***






Abdul... Abdul, hear me, Abdul. I call your name. Hastur is learning... Hastur is damning you. Hastur... Your being... your goddess... is trying to kill you. Abdul, listen to me, your faithful servant... Let me lure them to my home... Let me fill them with the thoughts of destruction... Please, Abdul... Hear me.
Nine... ... Twenty-three, nine, twelve, twelve... ... One, twelve, twelve, fifteen, twenty-three... ... Nine, twenty... 
Thank you, Abdul. I praise your name in holy damnation, Abdul. I will do your bidding. For you, Abdul.






***






Aeron and Rainbow Dash arrived at the top floor, once again heading into the suite. Jericho was still reading away, and Aeron lead Dash through the door that she spotted earlier. Upon going through it, they were standing on a balcony, with a thick stone railing guarding it. The sunset of the Wasteland was presented to her in all its grime-covered glory.
Green and grey clouds filled the sky, mixed in with a lot of smoke and fires from below, stacks of smoke filled the air in the distance, attaching themselves to the sick clouds above. The biggest of the clouds was far out to the East, however. Its smoke cloud was quite massive, expelling outwards with constant puffs of black and green hues to the sky.
Dash didn’t enjoy the sight. Everything was either a yellow mess of dried soil, burning, or turned to ash. The things that weren't destroyed just littered the landscape with their scrap heaps, and contained an abundance of rubble nearby. 
“Ready to learn how to kill, Dash?” Aeron leaned the rifle against the stone railing, and looked down to Dash.
“Yeah, sure.” Dash said, not really wanting to delay the inevitable. 
“Good. There’s plenty of things you can kill out in the Wastes. From small radroaches to a mutated queen ant, to a massive behemoth,” Aeron pulled a chair that was leaned up against a wall over to him, sitting down in it.
“I want you to learn how to kill starting with a radroach. Not only are they extremely hard to hit from our height, it’ll help you build confidence in killing. Besides, it’s easier to kill a bug than it is to take a person’s life.” Aeron grabbed the rifle and handed it to Dash.
Dash took it and took her stance. The railing before her presented a problem, as she couldn’t crouch and be comfortable aiming through its breaks. So, she stood up on her hind legs and rested the rifle’s barrel against the surface surface of the railing.
Aeron looked over the railing. “There’s a small group of radroaches down there... But, with a sniper, it’d be a waste of ammo.” 
Dash looked over at him. “Then why tell me about starting with killing them?” she deadpanned.
“Good point. A fault on my part. Well, how about you start with that robobrain in the distance?” Aeron’s finger pointed to the West of Dash.
“A robo-what?” Dash asked.
“A robobrain. It’s a robot developed to run off of a human brain. All of the brains being "donors", of course. Humans aren’t that stupid to use brains without consent,” Aeron chuckled, still pointing west.
Gently turning the rifle and her body, she looked through the scope to see what Aeron was pointing at. Unsure, she raised question. “What’s it look like?”
“Look for a thing that’s very cylindrical, has weird tentacle arms, and a dome on its cylindrical body. If you’re lucky, you’ll see its brain,” Aeron answered, Dash scanning the dried wasteland.
After a moment of good searching, she found what he was talking about. A green, cylindrical, object was spinning slowly as its tentacle arms gently waved around in swift motions. The dome Aeron mentioned was there, connecting with many wires to its cylinder body. As Aeron had described, a brain was capsuled within it. 
Aiming carefully at its large body, she readied herself. It may have been in what looked like a frenzy, but Dash had a clear shot for its large body. Flicking off the safety, she placed her hoof near the trigger, and slowly started to breathe in and out. After a few moments of breathing, she fired off a shot.
The butt of the rifle smacked gently into her shoulder as the bullet propelled out of the rifle; a loud crack of wind quickly emanated from the bullet, a hazy vapor trail left behind it. Dash’s eyes followed the stream, and she saw a small explosion in the distance going off.
“Nice, nice. Too bad it’s only a robot, and quite a weak one at that. It was at a distance at least, but we gotta slowly move you up to the big times. So, continue firing off at the few others in the distance,” Aeron said, crossing his arms and watching.
Dash did as she was told, scanning the Wastes for more signs of the robotic life and continued to pluck them off. She spotted one that looked a lot slimmer compared to the robobrain she killed, and it seemed to be fighting off a couple cockroaches, which were one hundred times larger than the regular cockroach. She aimed, and fired off another round. 
The white light it had for a head blew off completely, and the roaches around it scattered from the flying debris. Continuing her practice, Dash found the more she did it, the more relaxed she became with the gun; although her shoulder was starting to get quite sore. Wanting to take a break, she turned the safety on, and set the gun against the railing.
“Uhg... That thing hurts after a while,” Dash sighed.
“Yeah. You get used to it. It actually feels good the more you use it. At least with my assault rifle, it does,” Aeron chuckled lightly.
“Hey, Aeron...” Aeron stopped chuckling, and looked to Dash. “I wanted to ask you something. About you,” the pegasus was looking to him with questions swimming in her eyes.
“Sure. What do you want to talk about?” Aeron held a smile on his face as she prepared her question.
“Well... You said the last few companions you had... died. So... I want to know a bit about them. Who they were and what happened,” She was rubbing a hoof against her left forelimb, now, signs of clear nervousness.
“Ahh...” Aeron’s smile faded, and he nodded.

Dash, tell me, do you know what it’s like to lose your family?

No... I still have my Mom and Dad. Why?

When I was just born, Dash, my mother died giving birth to me. My father never told me how, exactly, just that it was during birth. I grew up most of my life stuck in a vault that I thought was the best place in the world. Never left it until I was... nineteen, I believe. 
I left to chase after my father. The man I adored so much. Along the way, I met a lot of interesting people. Colin Moriarty was the first bastard of the Wastes I met. Asked about where my father was to him, and he made me bargain. Either I kill some woman to get him some caps—the currency out here—or I not know where he is at all.

What’d you do?

I killed her. I went to her house, walked in with the pistol he gave me, and I shot her in the head, taking the caps she had and paid the guy. When I killed her... I felt so bad. I had the same nightmares you had not too long ago, and I couldn’t sleep for days. Constantly I tossed and turned, hearing voices... hearing her screams of anguish and pain.
Then something came to me... While I was still awake in the darkening hours of the night, I found myself going to the bar, and met a man named Burke. He intrigued me, calling me all these grand names, saying my intelligence and competence was beyond any of the townsfolk. He then gave me a proposition. One I couldn’t refuse, really.
But, I should back up. The town I was in at the time was called “Megaton”. The reason being was because it was settled around an atomic bomb. The bomb was still active, and only needed a little spark... Mister Burke gave me that spark. Swiftly attaching the “fusion pulse charge ” to the bomb, I left the town, and made my way here with Jericho. I told him what I was going to do, and he was the only person who could relate to my struggle at the time. I wanted him safe from what I was going to do...

What’s an “atomic bomb”? Also, what’s a “fusion pulse charge”?

An atomic bomb is a bomb capable of causing massive destruction across a large radius. This bomb was quite weak compared to the many ICBMs—something similar to the atomic bomb, just stronger—that were held around the Wastes. A fusion pulse charge, on the other hand, activates the energy inside the warhead, making its atoms speed up to amazing speeds, and causing a nuclear reaction.

So... what’d you do when you got here?

I watched Megaton burn. Every last piece of it. Mister Burke even gave me the honours of hitting the switch, and kaboom. The entire town exploded into nothing but that radioactive cloud you see over to the West.

Why would you do that?! How can you be so heartless?!	

Because... Moriarity took my innocence away from me. He took away the beautiful life I knew in the vault, all in exchange for some bottle caps. He gave me nightmares for having me murder an innocent woman, and I repaid him with what he deserves. A face-melting explosion.
Would it be considered heartless then? Yes. Now? No. Not one bit. I don’t regret doing it. It made the nightmares stop. It made the headaches go away. It stopped those... Numbers. Those blasted numbers that constantly attacked me... I couldn’t handle it all, and by destroying that town, I served some sort of being out there, and it stopped those nightmares. I felt so alive. I felt free.
Which brings me back to my father. I decided to chase after him, trying to look for him. Jericho not wanting to be my sidekick, I made my way through the Wastes alone. People heard of my deed, and were very angry. They chased after me, and shot at me every chance they had. They didn’t understand, so I killed them all, as well. They may have been evil, or innocent. I don’t care.
During my adventures searching for my father, I met a great deal of quirky people. Clover was the first I found. She was a wild and ambitious girl from Paradise Falls; a place that gathers slaves and sells them off to people with enough caps.

You sell off... Humans here?!

Dash, why do you question this? You’ve seen what the Waste does to innocent women like yourself. Why should this be a surprise? Anyways, Clover was something I had to buy. She was an object and a bodyguard at the time. I kept her close to me, and shared all my feelings with her.
She was the loyalest of followers I’ve had, out of the three, excluding Jericho. When an enemy was near, she was ready to rip off its head and shoot down its neck. Crazy, wild, energetic. Even smart, when it came to feelings, too. But... All good things come to an end.
Clover was killed by something called a behemoth. I mentioned it before. It’s a massive creature which is a mutant offspring of a human being. The damn things carry fire-hydrants for weapons. They’re usually quite dumb, but, the one we met had a bit higher intelligence than most. This one could throw something called “Mini-nukes”.

I assume those do the same thing as the atom bomb did?

Close, Dash. It does ten times less than an actual nuke. But, its damage is quite massive and can rip a human apart just as easily. The damn behemoth threw some at us. I told her to get out of the way... But...
I watched her explode. Bits of her landing on me. I was quite angry when I saw it. The second friend I held dear to me at the time was now dead. I had to make that behemoth pay, and I killed it. No mercy.

Aeron sighed, rubbing his eyes of tears. Dash looked at him curiously, and very worriedly.

“Do you want to sto--”

“No.” Aeron interjected, “no, I... I need to say all of this. It’s been in my head too long, and I need someone to know. Jericho is great, but... I need someone else to know.”

So, as I was saying... I lost her. But, I had to move on. I had to find my father. Continuing my search, I found that he was working on a project to purify the Wasteland’s water sources. It would help rebuild the world we have around us, and would provide a much more supporting ecosystem... A little green wouldn’t hurt this place.
I dug through that project, though. Trying to find where he ran off to, and found he went to try and find something called a “G.E.C.K”. Garden of Eden Creation Kit, is what it stands for. It can create new life from nothingness. A lot of the G.E.C.K’s were unstable, and usually resulted in the death of the user. That’s not the point, though.
Trying to find him, I stumbled my way through some old Vault-Tec computers. I’ll tell you what a computer is later. But, as I dug through files, the only vault that contained a G.E.C.K was 87. I heard a lot about 87, and how hard it was to get in there. Vault 87 had a lot more information on it than the others, though. So, I went that way instead.
How was it hard to get to this ‘Vault’? Isn’t there a door?
There is, but as I told you before, radiation is very dangerous at high levels. Vault 87 was littered with it, according to what Vault-Tec computers were updated with. The update was fifty years ago, sure. But, I could imagine the build up if the inhabitants died. 
So, having to find a new way in, I made my way over to a cave filled with kids. Having to convince my way through, I found the back entrance to the vault. The damn place was crawling with what we call “Super Mutants”. They’re mutated and highly-evolved forms of humans, just very stupid. I’m surprised they know how to fire off their guns without shooting themselves.
Enough of that. I made my way through the vault and met up with my second follower. It was a damn intelligent mutant. Who would’ve guessed, huh? The thing wanted to be set free, and he said he could get the G.E.C.K for me. Asking him whether he saw any other person like me, he answered “No.” saying I was the first human to trek through.
But, the G.E.C.K was still important to my father’s work, and I released him. He helped me through the vault’s crazed mutants and retrieved the G.E.C.K in a super irradiated section of said vault. Upon leaving, though, I was captured by a group of people called “The Enclave.”
Apparently they captured the Purifier, and my father was helping them repair it. Unfortunately for them, I ran off and nabbed the G.E.C.K before they could activate it. By the way, The Enclave is an army devoted to defending a voice on a terminal that they think is the President of the United States of America. Honestly, a bunch of idiots.
I broke free of their stupid capture, though. Mostly because the “President” wanted to talk with me. Upon going to his office, I was greeted by the computer screen  having to fight a few crazed Enclave units beforehand, mind you  and given a stupid device that would kill anything with mutated DNA in its body. Which was about anyone and anything in the Wastes.
So, instead, I knew enough about science on how to get the computer to cause itself to explode. Damn thing went insane and I bolted out of there. I met up with the intelligent mutant from before. I never caught his name until that point.
Fawkes. Funny name, really. He was quite kind, and saved my life from the Enclave. But, unfortunately, he caught word of what I’ve done. He told me it’d be best I remove my body from his sight before he killed me.

Did you kill him?

No. But I felt very ashamed... I met a very intelligent being who was a super-enhanced genetic version of humans, and he hated me because I was considered evil. It crushed me deep down, and I couldn’t help but kill anything I saw on my way to Project Purity  on the other end of the Wastes, because where the Enclave was located, it was quite far away.
After a few days, I stormed into there, killing every Enclave soldier I saw. Idiots never saw me coming when I broke in. I arrived to Project Purity to find my father with a gun at his head. A man named Colonel Autumn was ready to kill him unless I handed over the device. 
The event plays out still, even today:

“Don’t do it, Aeron.” Dad told me.
“I suggest you hand over the device immediately. I’m sure you don’t want to lose your precious father.” Colonel Autumn had a damn smirk on his face as his pistol was glued to my father’s head.

Not one to waste time, I knew what I had to do. I quickly whipped out my gun and fired it at that son-of-a-bitches gut, and then his chest. I made sure he fell to the ground before he fired off that damn gun. My Dad and I embraced afterwards. I missed him so much... But, even he had heard what I did, and wasn’t one to hold it back...

"Megaton destroyed... You... You didn't have anything to do with that, did you?" He questioned me... I answered honestly.

"Oh, so now the father who walked out on me is going to give me a lecture?" I was angry with how he left me back there. None of this would’ve happened if he stayed home.

"What I did can't even compare to such a thing. All those people... You're still my son, and I love you, but I can't begin to tell you how disappointed in you I am.”

Those were the last words I heard from my father. A pistol fired off at him, piercing him through the chest. That damn Autumn was alive, and I made sure he died this time. I fired every last bullet I had into his damn face.

Trying to help my Dad recover, I was by his side. Holding him, and telling him it’d be alright. He looked at me, his dreary and dying eyes gazed at me with stilled disappointment. He was dying, and he was disappointed in me. I couldn’t stand the sight anymore, and I left him. I left the device, the mutagen killer, and his body there. 
That was the fourth most important person in my life. He may not have been a follower, but he was still disappointed in what I did... And I made sure to never forget that he’ll always be disappointed.

Aeron sighed, tears trying to escape his eyes. Dash was still confused though... He said he lost three “companions”. Not four.	
“Who was the first, Aeron?” She cocked her head, hoping for an answer.
“That’s... something I wish to keep to myself, Dash...” Aeron sniffed, wiping his eyes.
For a jerk... He’s really upset over this... She looked out over the depressing Wasteland  night had befallen it, and it was littered in creatures and monstrosities she wished to never encounter.
But, look at this place. He may have been evil... But, he did it for a reason! He’s not like Sombra, who just enslaved ponies for personal gain. Looking over at Aeron, who was now looking at the dreadful night, she let off a silent sigh.
I’m not sure what to think... Letting off a yawn, she rubbed her tired eyes.
“Bedtime, then. C’mon.” Aeron stood up, leading Dash back into the suite.

There’s still a lot you’ve got to learn, Dash. A lot.

	
	
> Infamous Dunwich
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 4



Infamous Dunwich

Edited by:
Gunsmith  
Eldorado
Narlepoax III
RainbowBob





***




A group had made their way through the desolate wastes, all sporting a set of black, metallic armour. They paced along the destroyed Earth as they made their way east. They all carried assault rifles and flashlights, except one, who was carrying a large, green box.
"So, where are we taking these explosives?" a burly voice came from the man with the box.
"Dunwich," came a reply from a lighter tone.
"Dunwich? You's gotta be kiddin', right?" an accented man exclaimed.
"They're our orders, Deimos. The Captain ordered us—Billy, Jarogniew, you and I—to deliver this to the lowest level of the building. After that, we scram and get our 5-K reward." 'Deimos' looked over at the man who spoke, nodding.
"Well's, if you's say so, Jaime."	
Jaime, Deimos, Billy and Jarogniew all trucked along the long dirt path to the place known as "Dunwich". The reason Deimos seemed to be scared of the building was due to the build-up of rumours about it. Dunwich was said to be  the site of innumerable religious killings, honour killings, and generally a dark and cryptic place. Many people in the Wasteland would believe this, and if asked about it, would not mention a word to its name.
Jaime never was one to put a lot of faith in rumours. He always found a way to doubt them or prove them false. His father made his way into Dunwich and came out alive. His father even said there was "nothing bad in there, just a lack of light," which is why Jaime brought powerful flashlights with him. 
The dilapidated ruins of what once might have been an office building sat in the middle of the jagged, rocky terrain and steep cliffs before them. The usual husks of cars lay abandoned in front of the building, yet somehow they looked more menacing than ever before. The building almost radiated a creepiness, the endless unknown of what could be inside gnawing away at them. The dry wasteland winds were either muted or absent, lending to the gloomy paranoia of the structure.
As the group made their way closer to the Dunwich building, the sound of a baby crying could be heard just west of them. Looking over, all they saw was the rocky outcrop, a baby carriage and a large scorpion nearing it. As the scorpion's tail stabbed at the carriage, it exploded, sending the small beast into oblivion.
"Shit. Glad we didn't head over there," Billy noted, as he adjusted the green box within his hands.
"Don't drop that. Grenades and ammo are in there, bud," Jaime warned with a grin plastered on his face.
"Oh, shut up. I got this," Billy retorted.
"Much like I got your mother?" Jarogniew jabbed, making the group laugh at Billy.
"Hey, fuck you!"
"I'll gladly fucks your motha'!" Deimos retorted, a small roar uprising from both Jaime and Jarogniew.
"Alright, enough of that," Jaime chuckled one last time, making his way up the small incline to the parking lot, "we have a delivery to make."
The group followed and walked to the desolate lot where only cars resided. The sound of the building's metal bending could be heard as they neared, which caused a small stir of fear in Deimos.
"Kinda creepies. Don'cha think, guys?" Deimos smiled nervously.
The group didn't pay any mind, and only pressed on. They reached the large metal door that stood between them and the interior. Jaime reached his hand forward and gripped its handle.
"I wouldn't go in there if I were you, lad," a voice called from Jaime's right. 
His eyes darted to the right, and he saw a burly man standing tall. He wore a dirty trench coat and a cavalier that covered his face. All Jaime could see was the small glow from the cigarette he was smoking.
Deimos immediately withdrew his assault rifle, aiming it at the man. "Who the fucks are you’s?"
"My name is not important. I'm not here to fight you people," The man spoke softly, his voice quite deep and muffled from the cigarette in between his lips.
Deimos didn't stop aiming at him, continuing. "Then what’s ya here for, eh?"
"To warn people like you  adventurers, mercs, wastelanders, travelers, tourists, dead Chinese people, you name it  about this building," Jaime just chuckled.
"You seriously want us to believe this building is haunted? You realize that's stupid, right?" 
The man shook his head. "I never said it was haunted. There are dangers in there, yes. It's a lot different now than it was, oh, say, two years ago."
"Right. Well, get out of our faces, we have a job to do," Jaime opened the door, and the man just laughed.
"Try not to die. You Talon Company always die the fastest when walking in there. I'll be waiting to loot your corpses," The man sat down, put out his cigarette and gave one last laugh before the group entered the building.
The darkness of the hallway that they entered covered every inch of the place. Unable to see, Jaime pulled out his flashlight and turned it on. The hallway lit up brightly, and the two doorways on either side became apparent; one leading to an office, the other to a larger room. The office was just a cubicle, while the room had a few tables and Nuka-Cola machines  presumably a "break room".
"Set up shop in the room with the machines. I'm going to check that cubicle and see if it has a working computer. Jar, go with Deimos and find some spare wood and a barrel," Jaime started to make his way to the cubical, only to be stopped by Deimos.
"You sure that's a good’s idea? Startin' a fire in a small’s area?" Jaime nodded.
"Yeah, don't worry. It won't be big. Might create a bit of smoke, for sure, but we'll put it out if it becomes too hazy. Just grab a little bit of wood. Break some doors if you need to," With that, Jaime went to the cubicle while those two gathered wood.
Billy just sat down at one of the tables, guarding the green box he had with him. The place didn't seem too creepy now that he was inside of it. The flashlights helped illuminate the hallway and get rid of the darkness that over-encumbered the place. Having time on his hands, Billy withdrew a cigarette pack from a pouch at his side. Pulling out a cigarette he swiftly put it between his lips and lit it up. Inhaling deeply through its filter, a sense of calmness flowed over him, along with a burning sensation in his throat.
Deimos and Jarogniew had started busting up rotted doors in search of firewood. Splinters of wood and chunks of decaying glass shot in every direction, narrowly hitting them many times. It wasn't much of a chore, but it was no less a hassle. Once they gathered a few more broken pieces, they made their way back to the break room, grabbing a nearby metal bin and tossing it all in. Deimos lit up a couple of rotted pieces of paper and placed them in the barrel; he added a few more pieces of tinder afterwards.
Jaime was sitting down at the cubicle where an old terminal lay. Minor power was being fed into it from a nearby fission battery, along with a small lamp radiating a yellow glow around Jaime. Typing into the terminal, Jaime pulled up some old files. Many were junk about office work, some guy bitching about the untidiness of bathrooms, and then a corrupted note. The note read:

Tu!1 B*ck N&^. T(er) ar* things th!@ ^@# *^# be seen. Honestly, I can)@ imagine the last time I've been so sca6*(. Please, whoever reads this, tu^) back. &^59$ %@$% %@#899@$% )!)!)# ) (#@ $!(@34  !@#$!@# !71$!@#    !@#$!#. Oh, God. % hear them whispe#@ng. Th#) !re scratching the walls... I’4 losing my mind... I need t

The text ended at that. The cursor slowly blinked after the letter "t". Jaime - not being stupid - typed in a few commands onto the terminal to access the original posting date. After a few minutes of digging, the posting date was:
"Twenty-Two-Seventy-Seven, August eighteenth. Just three days ago..." Jaime muttered to himself. 
Jaime's thoughts jumped to many conclusions, but one poked out the most: "Whoever typed this was pulled away at the last minute. Something grabbed them."
Looking down Jaime could see the gentle crimson illumination from the keyboard. Jaime put a finger on the area and brought it to his nose, inhaling. The metallic smell was undeniable: blood.
"Mmm... We have a job to do. Better not let suspicion drive me insane," Jaime stood up, powered down the computer, and his way back to the other mercs.
"Find anything?" Billy inquired as Jaime took a seat next to him.
"A lot of corrupted files. Useless junk. No maps, no files detailing the buildings layout, nothing," Jaime sighed, scratching his head.
"Well, even if there is no map on the computer, there's bound to be one around the halls or something," Jarogniew offered, his arms crossed as he leaned against the wall.
"Yeah’s. Coulds be a maps or somthins," Deimos smiled to offer a bit of optimism to the conversation.
Jaime nodded. "Good point. We should take a few more minutes of rest, then begin trekking through this hellhole."
The group agreed. Jarogniew took a few Nuka-Colas from the vending machine and passed them to everyone, standing next to the fire himself. Deimos was kicking some rubble and debris out of the room—secretly, he was a neat freak and the sight of dirty rooms really got him going—and occupied himself that way. Billy chugged back his Nuka-Cola whilst he watched the delivery and Jaime was making a holotape recording:

"Why the hell would he come all the way out here? Dad's been a little nuts for some time now, but not like this. Anyways, I made enough selling the meds Billy and I scrounged to have kept myself fed for weeks. Decided to join up with Talon Company and see some excitement. Well, this is excitement right here. Currently, we're in Dunwich, and delivering a package to a man living in the basement. Probably going to leave these around so people can follow the trail. Can never be too safe."

"Just going to leave this holotape right here. Don't pick it up," Jaime set down the metal holotape recording on the table, and then withdrew his assault rifle.
"Ready to head out guys?" Everyone nodded to his question, standing up and withdrawing their own assault rifles except Billy, who was too busy carrying the box.
They all made their way down the hallway. As they reached its end, a collapsed wall was covering the entrance to a different half of the building. Looking around for a different access point, Billy found a stairwell. They made their way up the stairwell and to the second floor. They were now in a small corridor which let off to the left and right. A door was just around the corner to a maintenance closet, as well.

Hisssssss...

"Anyone else hear that?" Jarogniew announced.
"Yeah, I heards it," Deimos answered.
"Mhm," both Jaime and Billy agreed in unison.
Jarogniew raised his rifle and locked its butt to his shoulder. He slowly moved forward to the end of the corridor, making swift left and right turns to check for signs of danger. Nearby, a pipe hissed steam. Jarogniew lowered his gun.
"Heh. It was just a broken pi--" 
Before he could finish, the floor beneath him collapsed and he descended down to the floor below. Jaime and Deimos ran forward quickly and aimed their lights down the newly created hole. Jarogniew laid there grunting in pain.
"Jar, you okay? Not dead, are you?" Jaime called.
"Just fucking peachy, Jaime! Jesus fucking Christ..." he answered, slowly rolling back and forth on broken tiles.
"Do you’s see’s anythin' down there?" Deimos asked.
Jarogniew looked around the darkened floor. Realizing he still had a flashlight, he grabbed it and flashed it around at the ceiling. Looking around, everything above was supported by still-standing concrete and metal pillars. The section above him seemed to be missing a lot of its support. Jarogniew squinted and could see claw marks made at the ceiling.
"Yeah... Lots of claw marks around the collapsed area. Someone thought it'd be funny to spend days weakening the floor, I guess," Jarogniew slowly moved himself in an upright position; joints popped as he did so.
"Hold on, let us come down," Jaime looked back to Billy. "Got the rope?" 
Billy nodded, setting the box down and withdrawing a rope from a sack on his back. He gave it to Jaime, who tied it to a nearby pipe and threw it down the hole.
"Let's-a-go," Jaime gripped the rope and slowly eased himself down, his body weight made him nearly fall as he did so.
Tease it... Tease it... Jaime finally made his way to Jarogniew, who helped support his way down.
Soon, Billy and Deimos followed. Once all of them reached the first floor, they could make view of the collapsed offices around them. A giant crater made its way into the ground, and a few pieces of corrugated metal acted as bridges. Clear signs of life to any wastrel.
"Careful. If someone set up that floor trap they definitely set up some more. Shotguns or somethi–"

Urrrrrggg... Hsssssssssk....

Before Jaime could finish, sounds emanated from the hole. All of them stood silent as it got closer and louder, as if it was rising from the hole itself. Looking closer, Jaime could make out a person coming out. 
"Hey! You here for this package?!" Billy called to the person.

The "person" was not actually a person at all. Upon it turning around, the horribly deteriorated face of a feral ghoul roamer could be seen, its glowing yellow eyes and pitless mouth gazing over its prey. Its broken Pre-War armour gleamed in the sunlight that was shining through the cracks of the building.
"Holy shit...!" For once, Deimos spoke normally and without his accent.
The ghoul hissed loudly, along with more hissing coming from nearby areas. All of them immediately rushed away from the ghoul and whatever else as well. 
"Oh, fuck that. Billy, Deimos, get the hell out of here! Jarry, help me fight these things!" Jaime commanded to the others as he withdrew his assault rifle and started firing on the small horde of ghouls making its way to them.
Jarogniew covered Jaime's back as he pelted ghouls jumping down from the stories above. They were swarming; thankfully only to them. Billy and Deimos had made their way out of the main area and to the hallways once more. They found a break in the wall, booted it down, and were back in the entrance hallway.
"Alright, we're safe," Billy started. "Let's get the hell out of here and get some he–" 
Before Billy could finish, a ghoul jumped him, and he was soon swarmed by four more. Deimos tried to act quickly, but only ran away as Billy let off agonizing screams. Deimos hid himself in a dark crevice near the collapsed doorway and forced his breathing to calm. Hissing and growls from the cannibalistic creatures resounded all around him. His body started shaking heavily as the shadowy area he was in soon started to enclose around him. Deimos' pupils started to constrict, his breathing starting to become erratic and his body shaking involuntarily. 
"Calms downs, Deimos!" he tried telling himself, only to alert a nearby ghoul.
The ghoul pounced him quickly, and started tearing him to shreds. In his state of shock, he did nothing to save himself.
"Fuckers keep coming, Jarry!" Jaime yelled. 
At this point, Jaime and Jarogniew had backed themselves into a corner guarded by collapsed cement. The ghouls fought their way through the oncoming bullets from the assault rifles. One by one they fell, but only to be replaced by another two.
"Jaime, we have to get out of here!" Jarogniew yelled, reloading his weapon.
"Alright, let  " 
Jaime stepped backwards, hitting a weak point on the floor he was standing on. The floor quickly collapsed and Jaime fell with it; he continued to collapse through floors until his body connected with hard ground. For Jaime, everything went black.


> Dunwich Horror - Part I
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 5

Infamous Dunwich

Edited by:
Gunsmith  
Eldorado
Narlepoax III
RainbowBob


***




Rainbow Dash awoke from yet another nightmare. It was less persistent than the previous, and it held her in a state of shock when she awoke. Her heart was racing, her breath was heavy, and sweat was pouring down her forehead. Looking around, she could see Jericho reading a burned book, and Aeron working on her rifle again. She sighed, hopping off of the bed and heading for the balcony door.
"Hey, uhm... Going to get some fresh... well, going to get some air," Aeron looked over at Dash and nodded.
"That's fine, just be careful," He then went back to work on the rifle.
Dash opened the door and closed it behind her as she walked out onto the balcony. The pegasus looked over the same grim landscape with an unmotivated expression. She knew Aeron was going to bring her out to the Wasteland and that she would have to kill something. 
I know I can't avoid it; just going to have to deal with it. But nopony is going to stop me from flying. Dash leaped off to the skies, a stream of color left behind from her mane and tail.
Flying swiftly through the air, she had a much better view of the area, and could even see a few landmarks. A large crater sat to the northeast, a massive city towards the east, and many factories to the west. Knowing this would be the only time to relax, however, she started to dart among the clouds. Trails of rainbows followed her and left a distinct pattern in the sky for anyone below to see.
Below, raiders were converging and pointing to the sky at the rainbow blur.
"The fuck is that thing?" one asked, pointing to the sky.
"Dunno. Shoot it and find out," another commanded, aiming to the sky and firing his weapon.
Feels good to fly with everything going on... Dash closed her eyes as the wind rushed through her mane.
Still... can’t help but wonder what Twilight and them are doing... Uhg, I gotta stop letting it worry me. Aeron said he can get me home... Dash sighed, opening her eyes again and coming to a stop on a nearby cloud.
Gosh, Aeron... I don’t get him. That story he told... it made no sense. Why would he blow up an entire town, rather than teach Moriarty a lesson? The pegasus groaned at the thought and brushed a hoof through her mane.
He’s taking me somewhere. Celestia knows where it could be. I just worry that I need to kill something, She put a hoof to her mouth, gagging lightly. 
Even the thought of killing just makes me want to vomit... I hope I don’t need to kill anything... The pegasus launched herself off of the cloud, spiraling through the air.
The wind furiously attacked her face, but it only relaxed her. The exhilarating flight was enough to calm her down and ease her worries.
At least, until Dash heard the crack of bullets. Her eyes looked down to see the bright yellow flashes coming from below and aimed at her, tracers streaking near her. Flying off as fast as she could, the pegasus started to make swift movements up and down in hopes this would throw whatever was shooting at her off.
Thankfully, the firing stopped and Dash made her way back to Tenpenny Tower's balcony. Aeron was waiting for her, and he didn't look too happy, either. Landing, she gave him a sly smile, only for him to grimace at her.
"Do you realize how fucking stupid that was? Both Jericho and I have told you how much of a target you'd be if you started flying everywhere! You're a goddamned blue dot on a white canvas out there, you idiot!" Aeron's voice was louder than normal, and it was quite clear to Dash that he wasn't happy.
"I told you I was getting fresh air! You didn't care!" Dash retorted.
"Didn't you just hear what I said? Jericho and I have warned you before! Even then, I thought you were just going to stand outside like a normal person!" Aeron had his fists clenched in anger and a few veins across his forehead were bulging.
"Well, I'm not a person now am I? I'm a pegasus who enjoys flying, and I'm not going to let that be taken away from me!"
Aeron shook his head. "Fine. You want to get shot? Go for it. I told you we'd get you home, but you clearly don't understand how dangerous it is for you out here,” opening the door to the suite, he looked over his shoulder. "If you would like to actually live, I suggest you come back inside and start gearing up. Jericho and I are heading out to where we might be able to get you home."
He slammed the door behind him and left Dash speechless. Normally, Dash would get the chance to respond more than that, but Aeron made his point quite clear once more: stay with him, she lives. Fly away, she dies. Faced with the same decision as before, she decided she'd just have to deal with it. The pegasus opened the door and didn't speak a word when Aeron looked at her. Instead, he walked over and passed her her rifle.

"C'mon Jericho, we're heading out," Aeron announced.
"Yeah, yeah. Let me get my gun," Jericho stood up and grabbed his shotgun from the workbench. 
Aeron grabbed a backpack and his assault rifle, putting the backpack on his back and holding his gun. Looking to Dash and Jericho, they nodded to him to signify they were ready.
"Alright. Let's get downstairs and start trekking. Going to be a long trip," Aeron then led the group out the door with not another word spoken. 
After taking the elevator and heading into the main lobby, Aeron started to check over things on a device attached to his arm. They stood in silence, until Jericho noticed a small problem: Rainbow Dash.
"Hey, kid, wont having her following us be a problem? She’s... y'know. Bright and sparkly," Jericho whispered into Aeron’s ear.
"That's quite valid... Forgot about that..." "Especially when I gave her shit for flying..." Aeron noted quietly.
"What're we gonna do? Just cover her in some cloth, or something?" Jericho looked down at Rainbow Dash, who was tapping her hoof on the granite floors and looking around the room.
"I think that's a good idea. Until we can get her some armour. Rainbow Dash," Rainbow looked up at Aeron. "Mind coming with me to the clothing shop so I can get you something dark to wear?" 
The pegasus nodded her head and followed him without a word. Aeron walked to the Urban Apparel store to their immediate left. It was quite small, but human mannequins wearing different assortments of clothing stood all around. A counter and a cash register hid the store owner, a ghoul wearing a pink dress. She immediately stood up and greeted them.
"Heya Aeron. How's it hanging?" The ghoul shook Aeron's hand.
"Quite well, Bessie. Need something from you. Do you have anything dark to conceal my friend here?" Aeron's hand moved and gestured to Dash.
"Hrm. Never seen anything like her before. But, I might have something. Give me a second," 'Bessie' made her way behind the counter and started fiddling with what sounded like a lock.
Aeron and Rainbow Dash stood in silence whilst they wait for her to grab the clothing. Many things loomed in the pony's mind as they prepared to greet the true nature of the Wasteland. 
Wonder what it’s going to be like out there... I mean, I already saw some of it. Those 'raiders' trying to... Uhg... Dash shook off the thought, as her ears perked up a bit from a nearby sound.
Huh... Where’s that music coming from? Looking around, the pegasus spotted a small box that was labelled “Radio #403”. She trotted up to it and listened to the tune that was playing.
Cool. We don’t have this back in Equestria, Rainbow Dash looked over at Aeron.

“What’s this thing?” Her hoof pointed to the ‘radio’.
“It’s a radio. Plays music and broadcasts news by receiving radio waves from nearby towers. A lot more complex than that, but, it’s easier to explain,” Aeron removed his eyes from Dash, continuing to wait for Bessie.

Neat-o. The music isn’t bad, either. Kind of reminds me of some songs played back in Equestria, Dash’s stomach started to ache at the thought of home.
Mrmm... I still worry that Aeron won’t be able to get me back. I want to see my friends so bad... I don’t want to deal with this Wasteland, The pegasus sighed as Bessie popped up from behind the counter.
"Ah. Here we go," Bessie announced.
She stood up, holding a dusty sweater. It was black, and quite large. Large enough for most of Dash's body. The ghoul passed it to Aeron, who gave it to Dash.
"Put it on. Let's see how much it covers," Aeron commanded, and she obeyed.
After a minute of sliding her hooves into the sleeves  and searching for the damn spot for her head  the mare's body was mostly covered. Her back end was still exposed, but Aeron thought it would do.
"How much, Bessie?" Aeron prepared to pull out some sort of payment.
"Twenty caps sounds fair," Bessie awaited Aeron's payment  which he delivered.
"Caps? As in bottle caps?" Rainbow looked up at Aeron.
"Yeah. Didn't I tell you this?" Aeron questioned.
"Oh... right. Forgot, sorry," She looked away and Aeron said his goodbyes to Bessie.
They made their way back to Jericho, who was smoking, and started to trek outside. Greeted by the sun and the green skies  along with bad air  the group proceeded out of the gates and into the Wastes.
Here we go... Rainbow Dash sighed softly to herself.



[hr



A new morning had dawned upon Ponyville, and Twilight was eager to start searching. She had gathered the others at Golden Oaks Library and explain the situation.
"It's not the first time she's been out of the picture, Twilight. Why fuss about it?" Applejack questioned.
"Because, it's been a whole day. Normally, I wouldn't mind either. But if she doesn't show up for her work or isn't anywhere near her regular spots, then she has to be missing. It's the only thing I can think of." Twilight was trotting around the room and floating certain maps and scrolls into her trademark saddlebags.
"Applejack, dear, I have to agree with Twilight. If our dear friend Rainbow is missing, it'd be best to look for her right away, correct?" Rarity offered to Applejack who nodded in agreement.
"That's true... Pinkie, Fluttershy, what's your input on all this?" The Earth pony's eyes moved to meet theirs.
"Well, I hope Dashie isn't missing... She's one of my best friends!" Pinkie pawed the library's floor anxiously.
"Me, either... Besides, it could pose a serious issue if we need her for something in Ponyville," Fluttershy looked over at Twilight.
"Exactly, Fluttershy. Not only is she our friend, she's another Element. Without all of them, we're just flowers in an open field for anypony to eat!" The lavender mare then levitated her saddlebags onto her back.
"Ready to begin searching?" Twilight smiled softly, and the others nodded.











Aeron, Jericho, and Rainbow Dash had made considerable progress through the Wastes. When they exited the tower, the group decided to take the route southward. Doing so rewarded Rainbow Dash a much closer view of the destroyed town nearby. Fires raged and many Wastrels were laying there, begging to die. Aeron only passed by them.
“Please... help me...” One of the Wastrels grabbed Rainbow Dash’s hoof, tugging on her. He was a complete mess, head to toe in grime and wearing rags for clothing. His hair appeared to be falling out, as well.
“I... uhm... How?” Dash looked down at him, his eyes filled with pain and suffering.
“Water... Purified water... Food... Anything... Ease the pain... Please,” The man kissed Dash’s hoof, only for her to quickly pull away.
She looked over at Aeron, only to see him walking still, “Aeron! Aren’t we going to help them?”
Aeron looked back and raised a brow. He sighed and walked back over to Dash kneeling down next to her.
“They need water and food, Aeron. Can’t we give them some?” The wastrel stared at the black man with pleading eyes. Aeron only smiled.
“Dash, helping them would be a sin. They’d expect to receive more food and water, thus, they’d die trying to get even more,” The man grabbed Aeron’s hand, gripping it weakly.
“We can’t leave them here to die, though! Please, Aeron, we have to help them!” Aeron only shook his head at her.
“The only way I can help them is by killing them, free them of their torment and suffering. I only have food for us three. Would you like to starve, Rainbow Dash?” Dash looked to the wastrel and then furrowed her brow at Aeron.
“I’d rather starve than watch you ignore him! They need our help!” Aeron only sighed.
“Don’t you get it, Dash?” Aeron gripped the wastrel’s neck, causing the scruffy man to cough. “This thing right here isn’t able to survive in the Wastes. He isn’t worth saving.”
He let the man go, withdrawing his pistol. “I can just end his life. That’s all I have to offer.”
“No... Please... I just want food and water. Just a sip or two... Please...!” The man was crying as Aeron put the gun to his head.
“Aeron, please, don’t do that! Just give him some food! Anything but kill him! He didn’t do anything to you!” Dash pleaded to Aeron, begging for him to stop.
“I can’t do that, Rainbow Dash. It’s not beneficial if I have any of us starving,” Dash shook her head towards him.
“Well, let’s go to Tenpenny Tower and get food for him! C’mon, Aeron, this isn’t right! Ponies back where I come from don’t starve like this! We help each other!” The pegasus had tears rolling down her face as her hooves jabbed at Aeron’s metal armour.
“You live in a society of Law and Order. We do not,” Aeron fired his pistol into the wastrel’s head. The wastrel let go of Aeron’s hand and collapsed.
"How–How could you just do that?!” Dash yelled into Aeron’s ear. His reaction was to cover it.
“Dash... I couldn’t explain it to you right now. There’s a reason for everything I do, but, you can’t understand... Not until you’ve learned what being a citizen of the Wastes is like,” Aeron stood up and spoke no more. 
I... I can’t believe it... Rainbow Dash looked over at the rest of the begging wastrels. All searching for salvation.
“C’mon, Dash,” Aeron called back to her.
I could just leave... Never deal with this... I could just hide from everything and not bother to fight, Dash sighed.
... I’ll give him one more chance... One more. Maybe what he did was right, somehow... She flew over to Aeron and Jericho, finally rejoining them.
The group traversed over the hilly area around them; finding, surprisingly, nothing too bad to deal with besides the environment itself. In the distance, Aeron pointed out the building they were heading for. The trio sped up into a jog until they met its hilly surroundings. 
The building that met them wouldn't have been brought justice if someone had described it as severely dilapidated. Standing alone on the cobbled road, its dreary colours and tall, square frame seemed to both blend into, and stand out from its surroundings. Rainbow Dash was having a hard time searching for anything that looked to be in good condition, at least from the outside. 
Parts of the walls had rusted away, while other sections had been blown off completely, and Dash was amazed that even one window was still intact, let alone at least a dozen of them. A part of her didn't want to go through the steel door at the center for fear of what was on the other side.
"This is the Dunwich Building. Quite infamous for killing off hundreds of people who dare enter. Let's head on in. We only have..." Aeron checked his device, "... six hours left."
They all held a fast pace as they walked across the cobbled parking lot and walked up to its door.
"Kid, you sure we should go in? What if we go all insane like some people did?" Jericho piped up.
Was thinking the same thing Rainbow Dash added to herself.
"Of course. Remember, I have an internal map on this thing," he tapped the Pip-Boy. "It shouldn't be a problem. Besides, we're armed. C'mon." 
Aeron opened the door and walked in, followed by Dash and then Jericho. After entering the hallway they were in was lit dimly enough to see a skeleton laying upon the floor. Rainbow Dash cringed and looked away. Aeron leaned down to see it held tightly to an ammo box.
"Shit... That's fucked up, man. Guess the rumours are true," Jericho pulled out a cigarette and lit it.
"Hrm... " Aeron was examining the skeleton closely.
He had seen many of them around the wastes. The worst was Springvale  where he found over twenty children's skeletons hanging or locked up in a jail cell. The difference between theirs and this one was that the children were all burnt, eaten by raiders, killed, most likely raped to death, and the meat from their bodies cut off. They were not torn to bits, like the one before him.
Something isn't right. There's claw and teeth marks on this skeleton... Aeron looked over at Jericho and then back to the carcass. 
"It has claw and teeth marks on it. Either someone is a cannibal, or a feral got him. Either way, we'd better keep our guard up. Jericho, see if you can't find anything in that room over there. Going to open this box," Aeron suggested.
"Yeah, sure thing. C'mon, lady," Jericho and Dash walked to the room which held a dying Nuka-Cola machine and a few tables.
Immediately, Jericho found a holotape labelled, "Jaime's Journal #1". He grabbed it and tossed it over to Aeron, hitting his side.
"Found that," Jericho laughed.
Aeron shook his head as he attached a small wire from his device into the holotape. The holotape started to spin, emitting a recorded voice.

"Why the hell would he come all the way out here? Dad's been a little nuts for some time now, but not like this. Anyways, I made enough selling the meds Billy and I scrounged to have kept myself fed for weeks. Decided to join up with Talon Company and see some excitement. Well, this is excitement right here. Currently, we're in Dunwich, and delivering a package to a man living in the basement. Probably going to leave these around so people can follow the trail. Can never be too safe."

"Seems like we got a buddy of Talon in this building. Whoever this Jaime is, sounds like he's still here. Or dead," Aeron went back to fiddling with the box and it sprung open.
Inside revealed a frag grenade and mags to an assault rifle. He took them all and put the grenade in his pocket. 
"Just some ammo. Only for me, though. Sorry Jericho," Jericho shrugged.
"Rainbow Dash, are you scared of the dark?" Aeron looked over at Rainbow.
She shook her head. "No. Why?"
"Just wondering. We're going to be in the dark here. I have a flashlight, but, if there's anything here it's best to stay hidden," he stated.
"Gotcha," she responded.
"Alright, so, we'll chill out for a few more minutes while I get some mapping data. Afterwards, we'  "

Hisssssssss... Raaaagggggkk...

"Kid... What the fuck was that?" Jericho pulled his shotgun off his back and held it close to his body.
"Sounds... familiar... I swear, I heard it before... A ghoul, maybe...?" Aeron tapped his chin as he aimed the flashlight down the hallway near a collapsed doorway.
"Why would a ghoul make that noise? Aren't they peaceful?" the pegasus questioned.
"Feral ghouls." Aeron looked at her, but she didn't understand. "They're delusional versions of normal ghouls. Ones who basically lost all form of thought and comprehension. They attack whatever they see, and eat it."
"Whatever it is, let's fucking kill it. I don't want that shit haunting me when I go to sleep," Aeron's companion said with a shake to his voice.
"Well, why don't we just find out? No point in standing around in hopes of it coming," Dash stated. "Besides, you two said this place is just a normal building. Nothing bad here."
"Good point. Might as well just shoot the thing and be done with it," Aeron agreed with Dash. "C'mon, let's head up those stairs."
Aeron lead the group to the nearby stairwell, stepping over bits of decaying bones and rubble. They, slowly, went up the stairs, Aeron and Jericho crouching and leaning against the walls. Dash just slowly climbed up while they did so. Aeron looked at his Pip-Boy to check his mapping data. Displayed before him were three red dot signals coming from around the corner. Taking a quick peek, he noticed a ghoul sniffing the ground and clawing frantically at nothing.
I hope there's only three. I don't even want to deal with this many. Aeron thought as he looked back to Jericho.
"Jericho, do you have my suppressor?" he asked his companion in a hushed tone.
"Yeah..." Jericho searched the pockets on his armour and pulled out a black tube, handing it over to Aeron.
"What's that do?" Dash asked quietly.
"Keeps the weapon quiet... Going to kill these ghouls without alerting any others," Aeron pulled out a pistol from his belt and screwed the suppressor on.
Here goes nothing. Aeron eased himself around the corner, aiming for the ghoul's head and ready to fire.

> Jaime's Tribulations I
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 6

Jaime’s Tribulations I

Edited by:
Gunsmith  
Eldorado
Narlepoax III
RainbowBob


***


“Ahg... Fuck, my back... My ass... My everything... ” Jaime finally woke up from his recent blackout. 
“What the hell happ  ” Jaime looked upwards to see a large hole above him. Squinting, he could see the body of his dead friend, Jarogniew.
“Ah, shit... Right... ” Slowly pushing his body up, the joints in his back cracking to signify his strain, Jaime decided to look around the room he was in.
It was dark, that was one thing made clear right away. Allowing his eyes adjust to the darkness    squinting and focusing on one area for a few seconds repeatedly    he found the outline of his flashlight.	
Jaime grabbed the flashlight and turned it on. He allowed the ray of light fly across the darkness to reveal that he was actually in a cave. It was pretty normal to see dugout caves like this, but this one felt... eerie. Especially when his eyes focused on a large, black object standing upright at the end of the cave.	
“What in God’s name...?” Jaime started to walk closer to the object. As he neared it, he could see it had stone carvings of people and vines wrapping around it. Arms reached out from its mass to the air, as if it was trying to find help.
“What the hell is this...?” he asked himself.
“It is the holy Ug-Qualtoth, my child,” a heavy, masculine voice answered.
Jaime jumped and reared around, looking for the source of the voice. It only laughed in return for his futile efforts.
“Where the hell are you?!” Jaime yelled. He reached for his pistol only to realize it was gone.
“Your weapons won’t harm me, even if you had them. As for where I am, why don’t you stare back at the holy Ug-Qualtoth.” The voice laughed again as Jaime slowly turned back to the pillar.
“T-this thing is you?” Jaime stuttered. 
“Indeed, my child. I am the holy Ug-Qualtoth,” The voice chuckled silently, “and I know something is now bothering you.”
“Yeah. I’m either losing my mind or this is actually fucking real,” Jaime grunted as he looked away from the pillar.
“This is more real than you know, Jaime.” Jaime faced Ug-Qualtoth again, staring at it in surprise.
“H-how...?”
“I am more than just a simple holy altar, Jaime. I am a benevolent and omniscient being. I see everything that happens in this world. I have been keeping a watching eye on you, especially.” The voice’s tone started to lower, but not enough for Jaime to be concerned.
“What do you want with me, then? I’m just a simple Talon delivery boy. I didn’t mean to stir up any ancient grounds, if that’s what this is.” Jaime backed away a few feet, only to feel something grip his arms.
Turning his head, he saw the face of a disfigured ghoul. Its eyes were glowing white and its face was nearly mangled to the point of non-recognition. Jaime froze in fear and only stared back at the pillar.
“I want you, Jaime. I need a prophet. I need offerings. I am weak without them. I will grant you immortality, power, absolution, and anything else you want. All I ask is for your loyalty. Anything you need, I will service,” the voice offered politely. Jaime’s eyes wandered along the sides of the altar, staring at the arms that appeared to be moving.
“What about... these ghouls? They killed my squad and they’ll kill me if I stay here.” The ghoul that was holding Jaime hissed in his ear, which made him cringe in response.
“These ghouls are my protectors and servants. I will make sure that you, and only you, will be recognized as a member of their ranks. The offer is quite good, if I may say so myself.” The voice chuckled softly again and Jaime nodded.
“Yeah... That offer is good... But... ” Jaime brought his free hand to his chin, and began stroking a non-existent beard.
“But...?” The voice asked.
“But... What if I choose not to accept?” Jaime bit his lip as he asked this question.
“Well... I am sure my friend there will enjoy turning your body into a mangled corpse. This is not an option, Jaime. You accept my offer or you die. The choice is yours, my child.”
Jaime started to chuckle nervously, turning his head to look at the ghoul, and then turning his head back to face the pillar.
What about my father? The main purpose of this was to follow him... Jaime’s eyes focused on the pillar as his thoughts flooded with images of his dad.
The book must’ve lead him to this. That damn book... Maybe I can get answers out of this guy if I say yes...
“The holy Ug-Qualtoth is waiting, Jaime...” The voice spoke with annoyance.
“I’m just... Let me think, okay? I’ve had a lot of my mind with my father running out here. I’m mostly here for him, not for this.” Jaime sighed
“Your father, hm?” Jaime nodded to the question.
“Yeah... Did... You perhaps see him?” Jaime raised a brow.
“I have indeed seen him. He has passed through here for a good hour or two. Sadly, his fate was quite... Unfortunate.” Jaime stopped breathing when the voice offered this news.
Hesitant to ask, he forced the question through his lips. “Wh... What happened to him? What’d you do?!”
Jaime tried to pull away from the ghoul, but it only hissed and tightened its grip.
“I have done nothing to your father. He had declined the offer and met his fate. I suggest you take it if you would prefer not to die.” The voice sadistically spoke.
“I...” Jaime went back to raking through his thoughts.
I’m in a bind, now. This guy  ... This fucking asshole killed my father for declining this offer! What the hell am I going to do...? Jaime brushed a hand through his hair.
I... My father is dead, my friends are dead and I’m being held captive by a voice that wants to kill me if I don’t take its offer. I really have nothing left but to accept this shit... Fuck, I really wish I didn’t take that job and never chased my dad... Jaime sighed heavily and looked at the pillar once more.
“I... I accept.” Jaime announced quietly.
“Good...” The voice started to laugh as Jaime accepted the offer. 
As it laughed, it  combined with several other laughs and soon sounded like the whole of a demonic being. Jaime started to shake slightly out of fear as the voice to spoke with several others, in a very low tone.
“Welcome to the nightmare, Jaime.” His eyes widened as the pillar in front of him expanded into a large, black mass.
The black mass started to emit tentacles and screams of agony and anguish, which then dove for Jaime’s body. They encased his entire body as he yelled in pain. Each tentacle dove into Jaime’s mouth, nostrils, and ears, as the tentacles squeezed his body. Jaime’s thoughts were littered with dread and confusion as all this was happening.

Serve the Lord.

Become the Lord.

Die as the Lord.

Alhazred, you will serve. Alhazred, you will die. Alhazred, you will find.

Kill. Die. Kill. Die. Kill. Die. Kill. Die. Kill. Die.

Eleven, nine, twelve, twelve... Four, nine, five... Eleven, nine, twelve, twelve... Four, nine, five...

These thoughts will continue, Jaime. Accept them. One of us... One of us...

One of us. One of us. Ug-Qualtoth is returned. You will kill all who defy Alhazred.

These... thoughts... Stop them... The pain....! Jaime finally let off a thought of his own in the midst of all that was happening.
This continued for several minutes. Thought after thought. Tentacle after tentacle. Both had entered his body until the mass was no more and the ghoul next to him had vanished. Jaime collapsed to the ground, writhing in pain, as he began to vomit a sickly, dark red liquid.
“What...?” Jaime stopped speaking as his voice had become scratchy and littered with phlegm.
“What did you do to me?!” he croaked, looking at the pillar for answers.
“You are the Lord’s servant, now. You will die serving. Let’s hope you don’t lose your mind like the others...” The voice’s spoke as if coming from Jaime himself.
After taking it all in, Jaime’s vision faded, and everything around him became darkness once more.  

One of us... One of us... Are you one of us...?





> Dunwich Horror - Part II
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 7

Dunwich Horror - Part II

Edited by:
Gunsmith  
Eldorado
Narlepoax III
RainbowBob


***


While Aeron fired off his pistol, it bounced upwards and the ghoul's head whiplashed as a bullet passed through it. After a moment, the ghoul slowly fell to the floor, hissing in response. Aeron sighed softly, looking over to Jericho and Dash.
"Alright, that takes care of one. Who knows if there are more? Let's just find the quickest way downstairs and not deal with any of this." Aeron checked his Pip-Boy again, seeing the other dots on his map had moved.
Slowly moving around the corner, they all took care in traversing silently. Aeron and Jericho's feet maneuvered around broken glass, miscellaneous objects and small piles of rubble. Dash tried to do the same, finding it difficult to find places for her hooves. While she was placing her hoof down, her hooves failed to keep her balanced and she collapsed swiping her hoof at a bucket and smacking it at a wall.
The clang of the bucket smashing against the drywall and bouncing against the floor echoed within the small corridor. The drywall crumbled and collapsed, showing the guts of the wall itself. Aeron and Jericho looked over at Dash with in annoyance, but only for a moment, turning quickly when the sound of gurgled roars came from nearby.

"Fuck," Aeron growled angrily.
Aeron holstered his pistol and pulled his assault rifle off his back. Looking back at Dash, he pointed to the wall. "Pull out a board. Wood is weak enough to do that. Strong enough for a good weapon. You can hold a giant stick, right?"
"Yeah, not hard," Dash answered.
"Good. Grab a piece. Quick."
Dash quickly moved over to the wall and slid her hooves behind one of the studs. It felt weak and squishy, as if it’d only be good for one or two uses as a weapon. She quickly pulled back and was immediately graced by a good chunk of the stud with nails protruding out of it wildly. 

The sound of footsteps clambering and struggling to climb up crumbling objects echoed throughout the lower floor. Following the sound was an amplified hiss. “Kiiiiiiiilllllll....”

"Be ready. Jericho, you cover that wall and shoot any getting too close, I'll remain right here and cover from this small distance. Dash, hang back and out of the way. Last thing we need is you getting hurt." Aeron moved over to the wall with the exposed studs while Jericho moved to the opposite. Dash followed her directions and moved a few feet back.
"Kid, are you sure staying in this small hallway is a good idea?" Jericho asked quietly while aiming his shotgun in front of him.
"Trust me, it is. Better than fighting them up close," Aeron answered.

“Found you...” A voice sang from nearby. Aeron looked down to see a ghoul's body jump out from the hole in the ground.

Jericho quickly turned and aimed for the ghoul's chest. A burst of light, followed by the sound of metal grinding against metal, came from his shotgun. Blood and ribs splattered in front of Rainbow Dash, her eyes growing wide in horror.
Don't... Rainbow Dash looked away, tightly wrapping her forelimbs around the piece of wood, gagging. Don't throw up... You can do this, Dash! C'mon, it's not that big of a deal!
Ghouls started to rush around the corners of the hallway adjacent to Aeron and Jericho. The two both fed bursts of gunfire into more incoming ghouls. More blood and body parts flew towards Dash, a few pieces actually landing on her.

Uhg... Th-this... This is too much. I can't... I jus–

"Dash!" Aeron yelled as a ghoul had made its way past Aeron and Jericho, and readied to swipe at her.
Dash watched as the ghoul ran towards her, its boney and fleshy hands outstretched to grab her. Thinking quickly, she used the board within her hooves to her advantaged and jabbed the nail end into its chest. The ghoul’s arms flailed wildly, trying to grab her and was silently screaming “fleeeesssh...”

“Help!” Dash yelled to Jericho, who turned immediately to see the pegasus struggling to hold out against the ghoul.
“Help her, I got this covered!” Aeron yelled as he fired off another burst from his assault rifle.
Jericho stood up and swung the butt end of his shotgun against the back of the ghoul’s head. Bits of its skull flew against the wall and blood poured from its brain from the brute force of Jericho’s hit.
“Jericho, look out!” Aeron called back to him  a ghoul broke through Aeron’s fire and charged directly at him with a loud hiss.
The companion raised his shotgun to the ghoul’s head, pressing his finger into the trigger quickly, only to receive no offensive response. The ghoul reared its claw-like fingers at the man, who only muttered “shit,” at the approach.
“Dash!” Jericho grabbed the ghoul’s arms, holding them in the air only to have the ghoul chomp in front of his face.
“What do I do?!” She yelled.
“Fucking kill it! Use the Goddamned board before it bites my fucking face off!”
Rainbow Dash held the weak board in her hooves and trembled to go through with the act. The ghoul was getting closer to Jericho’s face and pushing itself onto the companion. 
I can’t just sit here! Jericho will be eaten alive if I do! Rainbow Dash took in a deep breath at her thought.
“Kill it!” Jericho yelled as strain bellowed into his voice.
Dash quickly swung the board at the ghoul’s legs which caused it to stumble over and fall. It hissed violently and tried to push itself back up, however, Dash brought the board down on its chest causing it to shoot splinters and a chunk of the board off. 
The ghoul was still on the ground, rolling onto its stomach and using its arms to slowly push itself up. 
“Stay down!” The pegasus spoke as she brought the board down on its head this time.
She continued to hit the ghoul repeatedly, blood and bits of skull landing on her sweater, until the ghoul’s head was nothing but a gushy and bloody mess. Dash took in a few deep breaths to register what she did.
Wow... That felt... Just great! Dash shook the thought immediately out of her head and replaced it with reason. What am I saying? I just killed this thing! This thing that was... trying... to kill... me.

She stopped and began to glare at what was left of its head. Looking slowly at Aeron, she could see the bodies of many ghouls and blood trailing along the floor, ceiling and walls. He said nothing to Dash and only checked around the corners and down the hole for any incoming ghouls. When he noticed nothing the three regrouped in the small corridor.

"How'd that feel? To get rid of all thought and just kill?" Aeron asked with feigned excitement.
"I..." Rainbow Dash stopped for a moment, taking in a quick breath. "It felt great. To just... just let loose and let all worry drain away. I hate the thought of doing it, but, when I do it..." 
Rainbow Dash let her words trail off to which Aeron and Jericho both nodded. "Well, you'll get used to the feeling of not worrying about your problems. These things aren't human anymore and they just want to kill you. That should ease your mind, hopefully."
Rainbow Dash smiled softly to Aeron's sentiment, but, it quickly faded and she changed to a much more stern expression. "Let's check out this building some more. I'm ready." 
"Don't get too cocky, Rainbutt," Jericho chuckled softly, only to have Dash roll her eyes.


***


"Alright, so Inclement Storm  said he already searched all over Ponyville. I guess it's safe to say we can rule that out of the picture," Twilight told the girls while they were gathered around her.
"However, he never said he checked Cloudsdale. So, I think the best course of action is to fly up there, ask some ponies, put up posters and look around." The four around Twilight nodded with agreement.
"No wings this time, right? Hehe..." Rarity questioned with a nervous smile.
"Nope. Cloudwalking spell, remember?" Twilight smiled for a moment, her expression changing to one of determination.
"Ah, good. Just making sure we don't make the same mistake twice!" Rarity giggled softly and then returned to a placid expression.
"So Pinkie, you have the posters, right?" Twilight asked simply.
"Yupperdoodles!" Pinkie pulled a stack of papers from her saddlebags and handed them over to Twilight. Looking them over, it was a picture of Dash and then a description of her most prominent features.
"Good," Twilight gave an approving nod to Pinkie. "At least she didn't mess this up."
Twilight gestured for the girls to follow her, which they did, and she trotted over to a nearby clearing in which her balloon sat upon a hill. Twilight directed the others to prepare the balloon while Rarity stayed behind to talk to her.
"Twilight, dear, are you sure Rainbow Dash will even be in Cloudsdale?" Rarity asked, the frilly unicorn gazing in the distance to the floating city.  "I mean, I know I agreed to check there with you and so did the others, but are you entirely sure?"
The five friends were currently standing at the crest of a hill, perfect conditions for take off in a hot air balloon. Said balloon was currently being filled by Pinkie Pie, the number one expert on how to spew hot air. Fluttershy and Applejack were helping with preparations on the basket, leaving Twilight preparing the cloud-walking spell for everyone with Rarity to talk to.
"It's the best chance we have, Rarity," Twilight replied, her horn glowing with magic as she prepped the spell. "So far we have no leads or evidence where she's gone. Cloudsdale is our only other option, since I'm pretty sure she wouldn't be at Canterlot. If she's not there... then she's officially missing."
Rarity gave a faint smile of encouragement before it faded. The balloon was fully blown up and the other ponies had gathered around Twilight.
"Alright, let me just cast this spell..." Twilight's horn formed snake-like strings of magic  which wrapped around everypony's hooves, excluding Fluttershy's. After a minute of casting the spell, the glow and the strings faded, and the group made their way into the basket of the balloon.
With the hot air Pinkie ignited from the burners, they quickly took off, drifting on the gentle air currents leading to Cloudsdale. Twilight was the navigator while the others settled comfortably in the basket, including Fluttershy who decided to stick with her friend rather than fly.
Holding onto her hat to prevent it from flying off, Applejack asked. "So, why do ya gals think Rainbow Dash came here in the first place?"
"Well, it can't be because of the Wonderbolts. They aren't scheduled to appear in Cloudsdale for weeks," Fluttershy replied timidly, twiddling her hooves.
"Ooh, maybe she's planning a party for one of us!" Pinkie Pie guessed, giving the others a cheerful smile.
"Sorry hon, but none of our birthdays are comin' up soon," Applejack reminded her.
"Aww," Pinkie said sadly, her poofy hair deflating slightly.
"Don't worry, darlings. I'm sure Rainbow Dash is perfectly fine and safe. Just in Cloudsdale for whatever reason," Rarity tried to reassure them, glancing at Twilight for help.
Noticing the look of worry Rarity gave her, Twilight nodded her head.  Her horn glowed as she steered the balloon to the close approaching Cloudsdale. "Rarity is right. I bet Dash is waiting for us right at the entrance to the city. Probably a prank she decided to pull on us."
"Well, guess we'll know when we get there," Applejack mused, just as the balloon basket touched down on the cloud leading to the entrance to the splendid cloud city. Buildings and architecture made from clouds surrounded them, as magnificent rainbow rivers flowed down in waterfalls to the land below.
"I don't see her, Twilight," Fluttershy stated quietly.
"Hrm... Well, we have to be optimistic. Let's just take the time to ask some ponies if they've seen her around. Put some posters up, too." Twilight gave a faint smile to her friends, hoping they wouldn't see past it.
"Alright, no time for squanderin’, then. Let's head on out and try and find her." Applejack picked up her pile of posters, the others following suit.
"Meet back here in two hours. If we don't find her by then... Well, we'll have to try another place," the purple mare told the group, trotting off with her own posters.
The next two hours were spent putting posters up, asking passerby pegasi if they'd seen Rainbow Dash, and having no luck or clues to where she could be.


~


"Excuse me, partner, but have you seen my friend here?" Applejack held up the poster of Dash to a female pegasus. "She's gone missing and I need help finding her."
"Oh, well..." The pegasus held up a grey hoof to her chin, her blue and red mane swaying gently in the wind. "I think I've seen her work for the weather team. But, I'm not sure where she might be. I'm sorry."
"Ah, shoot, no worries. Thanks anyways." Applejack smiled gently as the mare walked away.


~


"Excuse me... Uhm... Sir...?" Fluttershy gently tapped the shoulder of a brown stallion, who slowly turned his head to her. "I don't mean to be a bother, but, uhm... I'm looking for my friend, Rainbow Dash."
"Rainbow Dash? You mean the mare on the weather team?" the stallion asked with a raised brow.
"Yes!... I mean, yes. Have you seen her lately? She's gone missing and my friends and I are getting worried." Fluttershy frowned slightly to the stallion.
He brushed a hoof through his chocolate brown and vanilla mane for a moment, and then shook his head. "Sorry. Haven't seen her. Only know her for being a weather mare."
"Oh... Thank you, anyways." Fluttershy sighed as the stallion nodded and walked away.


~


"Hi!" Pinkie jumped in front of a gray mare who jumped back in surprise.
"Hey! Don't do that!" the mare requested as Pinkie giggled.
"Sorry! But, I'm wondering if you've seen my super-duper-awesome friend Rainbow Dash?" The pink mare showed the poster of Dash to her, only to have her shake her head.
"Sorry. Haven't seen her. Excuse me, I have to do something for my family." Pinkie nodded as the mare flew off. After a moment, the pink pony let off a sad sigh.


~


"Any luck, girls?" Twilight sighed as they all sat with their faces showing feign enthusiasm.
"No... Nopony has seen our dear friend," Rarity announced with a bit of a groan.
"Yeah. Where else could she be, Twilight? I mean, we've had Inclement search Ponyville already, and Cloudsdale is the only other place she really goes to," Applejack said truthfully. 
"Maybe she went for a flight in the Everfree...?" Fluttershy suggested quietly.
"The Everfree? Why would she go there, silly?" Pinkie raised a brow to the Pegasus.
"Well, the weather was kind of bad when she left Twilight's house, wasn't it?" Twilight nodded to Fluttershy's question. "So, it'd make sense if she accidentally flew into the Everfree, right?"
"Yes, I have to agree with Fluttershy," Rarity nodded with a small smile.
"Right! Maybe she's staying with Zecora!" Twilight smiled brightly. "C'mon, girls, let's go!"
The five ponies got back into the balloon and floated it away from Cloudsdale and back to Ponyville. In about forty-five minutes, the girls had reached the edge of Ponyville which led to the Everfree. Twilight lowered the balloon to the ground, and then dropped the weights as they landed.
"Alright. Let's follow the path that Zecora showed us a while ago. Then, we can ask her if Rainbow Dash stopped by," Twilight said, trotting over to a small patch of dirt that lead into the forest.
The others followed suit, as they pushed past the bushes, trees, vines and roots making their way down the narrow path. After ten minutes, they pushed through a large bush and found the wooden hut that belonged to Zecora. Twilight quickly trotted to it and tapped the door gently with her hoof.
The door opened to reveal the zebra known as Zecora. The zebra's blue eyes scanned Twilight and her friends, the zebra raising a brow for a moment, and noticing a certain blue Pegasus was missing. 
"It appears one is missing from your group. Perhaps you can bring me into the loop?"
"It's just that, Zecora. Rainbow Dash is missing and this is the last place she would come to that we could think of!" Twilight gave off a panicked look, but Zecora smiled gently.
"Twilight, please, don't panic;  be calm. I'm sure Rainbow Dash is all but gone." Zecora smiled softly, moving out of the way of the entrance and gesturing for the five to come in.
They all did, and took their respective seats in the zebra's hut. The hut was filled with a strong scent of honey and a pot boiled gently in the middle of the room.
"That smells heavenly..." Rarity said, inhaling the aroma deeply.
"Ah, yes. I've been brewing for quite sometime. It's a new recipe of mine." Zecora picked up a white rose from a table and gently dropped it into the pot.
"Zecora, can you tell us where Rainbow Dash is? You had to have seen her!" Twilight was biting her lower lip in anticipation and impatience.
"I did not notice Rainbow Dash since last night. I watched her, as she had one heck of a flight." Zecora sat down as she slowly explained.
"So, where'd she fly off to?" Twilight asked quickly.
"She flew not here or there, but to a place where death is a burden to bear," Zecora said grimly.
"What's that mean? You mean she's... dea–"
"Rainbow Dash is far from that fate. But she is being threatened by a force of hate." Twilight was interrupted by Zecora's cryptic rhymes. 
"A force of hate? So, where is she? Who's threatening her?" Applejack growled angrily.
"I may have a clue that will solve this riddle. Please, be gentle, for it is very brittle." Zecora then pulled out a dirty newspaper from underneath a table, handing it to the five mares.
They all stared at it and read it over. It was much more astonishing than they could believe.


Friday, June 3rd, 2072


U.S. to Annex Canada


By Dorothy Proud


Capital Post Staff Writer


In a move that is being widely viewed as both necessary and overdue, the United States military today declared that they will begin the immediate annexation of the country of Canada.
The decision comes after a long and contentious relationship with the Canadian government that began shortly after the Chinese invasion of Anchorage, Alaska, in the winter of 2066. The Canadian leadership at that time expressed its opposition to American troops passing through their country or traversing their airspace, but ultimately capitulated.
Tensions with our neighbor to the North have only escalated since then as the United States has found itself relying heavily on Canada's natural resources—including wood cultivated from the country's great Timberland forests—to maintain the war effort against China.
But it was a recent near-sabotage of the Alaskan pipeline that finally tipped the American military's hand. 
"That was the last straw," said Buzz Babcock, commander of U.S. forces in Canada. "You know what's been stopping the Reds from pouring into downtown Juneau? American soldiers, that's what. And now we've got to worry about someone—Chinese, Alaskan, or otherwise—taking out the pipeline? I don't think so. Effectively immediately, United States troops are beginning a complete takeover of all Canadian assets and resources. Little America is ours. But let's face it, it always has been."

"Wh... What the heck is this?" Rarity looked it over again, not believing what it says.
"War? Annexation? Canada? America? Where'd you get this, Zecora?" Twilight asked the zebra in confusion.
"I do not know how it came to be, but, I do not want it with me," Zecora spoke with distaste.
"Thank you, Zecora. We'll take it with us. Perhaps it'll help us find her." Rarity gave a slight smile to Twilight, who nodded.
"It was my pleasure to try and help. I hope this goes well and without a yelp." Zecora smiled gently as the five mares left the small hut.
"What now, Twilight?" Pinkie asked with disappointment. 
"We send a letter to Celestia and Luna. They have to have the answers. But, first, we need to get home." Twilight answered with a sigh.
I hope we can find Dash... I really do... she thought to herself as they all left the area that was Zecora's hut.


***


Aeron, Jericho and Rainbow Dash had found themselves in a large room with a massive hole in its center. Down the hole, they could see light emanating from what appeared to be a room. As for the room they were standing in, the floor was all collapsed and aimed downward into the hole. Piles of rubble, glass and dirt were pressed against the windows, which had dim light flowing through them.
Aeron walked over to the crater and turned on his Pip-Boy light. He could see it wasn't that big of a drop, but decided to not risk falling through the floor below. "Jericho, Dash, find something we can use as some sort of staircase. Not going to risk jumping down this thing."
Jericho and Dash nodded and started to rummage through piles of rubble and debris, finding only junk or fungus attaching itself to something. Dash sighed as she had no luck and looked up at the ceiling. When doing so, Dash spotted a large, tin plank hanging off the edge of the collapsed upper floor. 
Flying up, she quickly pulled it off the piece of floor it was hanging from. It made a loud, thunderous noise as it bounced in the air but stopped as she lowered it to the ground. "Aeron, is this good?" 
Aeron looked over and nodded. "Yes. That's perfect. Just slide it down into the hole for Jericho and me."
The mare slowly dragged the material to the hole, gently leaning it against the floor below and the floor above, making a perfect ramp. Aeron and Jericho then made their way down and rejoined Dash. 
"Thank you, Rainbow Dash," Aeron ruffled the mare's mane jokingly.
"You’re welcome," Dash rolled her eyes, smiled slightly, and followed the two further down the hole and to where the light was coming from.
"A door. Hope it's not locked. Don't want to break it." Jericho joked as they saw a half broken door closed at the end of a small hallway.
"Would be such a shame, Jericho," Aeron smirked softly.
"What's so funny?" Dash raised a brow to the two.
"Oh, we have this thing with half broken doors at the end of hallways. If it's locked, I let Jericho blow it open with his shotgun. No door can withstand that power. Except metal doors and such," Aeron explained.
"Well, let's get this over with, then," the Pegasus sighed in annoyance.
"With pleasure..." Jericho smiled devilishly as he slowly approached the door.
Raising his shotgun, he pointed it at the doors knob. Quickly he fired and the door blew open, breaking off its weak and rusted hinges. Jericho laughed for a moment before he suddenly collapsed to the floor.
"Jericho?" Aeron ran forward to help Jericho, only to also collapse to the floor.
"Uh... G-Guys...?" Dash spoke quietly to the two, seeing as their unconscious bodies weren't responding.
“Guys, you okay?” Dash trotted over to them, quickly, and began to shake their forms.
What the heck happened? How’d they just collapse? The pegasus looked around her as the gentle creak of the building displaced the impending silence.
I-I... I don’t like this... Dash shook Aeron and Jericho’s bodies. “Guys, c’mon, wake up. Joke's over!”
Hastur... Come to me...A voice slithered into Dash's ears, making her jump.
"Wh-What?" The Pegasus looked around for a moment, seeing nothing around her.
See you soon, Hastur... Four, nine, five... It spoke with the whispering hiss of a demonic creature.
Before Dash could respond, she felt her eyes become very heavy, and her body drained of all energy. Her limbs slowly dragged her to the ground as an outside force pushed weight upon her. Unable to resist, she collapsed, just like the others. Her eyes very slowly closed as she watched something black approach from the room in front of her. Her eyes finally shut as one last word slipped into her mind.

G'yeeeeeeth...

> Dunwich Horror III
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 8

Dunwich Horror III

Edited by:
Gunsmith  
Eldorado
Narlepoax III
RainbowBob


***


All Dash could see was darkness. Her eyes were wide open, trying to adjust to the best of their ability to see through the dark, but she could not. The pegasus attempted moving her forehooves, finding that she was stopped by a loud clink and a strong tug that nearly caused her to collapse.
Uhg... What the heck? Dash thought as she pushed her hoof in front of her. A forceful tug quickly whipped her hoof back to the ground. Ow! What am I even attached to?
She attempted to move her hind legs, only to be stopped by another tug and clink. The mare realized that she was bound to something and couldn't move her hooves further than a foot or two. She decided to move her wings, neck and torso to check if they were bound. They were not.

"Uhg... Fuck..." The voice of Jericho echoed around Dash and she quickly called out to him.
"Jericho?" She yelled, and perked her ears up to listen for his voice. Dash's heart was racing in hope for the voice to be him.
Please tell me they're alright...
A rough scraping entered Dash's ears and a louder clinking noise echoed throughout her shadowed surroundings. A loud sigh flew into the air. 
"Yeah, Dash, I'm here. I'm stuck to chains, though," Jericho finally answered.
"I'm here, as well," The sophisticated voice of Aeron spoke up to answer Dash.
Whew... At least I'm not here alone... Dash breathed steadily as she calmed her heartbeat.
"Aeron, think you can turn on your light? Can't see shit in here," Jericho complained.
"Of course," a bright illumination flashed at Dash's far right and she looked over to see Aeron bound to the wall by chains. The light reached over to Jericho  who was directly across from where Dash was sitting  and upon the pegasus herself.
"Fuck, finally. Second time I'm glad to see ya, kid," Jericho chuckled softly before gripping one of his chains. "Sucks that we're in these."
"It is unfortunate. I'm not even sure how we fell unconscious... The Pip-Boy mentioned nothing about any toxins in the air or any nearby enemies..." Aeron was staring at the device on his arm before he looked over at Dash. "Did you see anything, Dash?"
"Yeah. Someone was with us. He spoke to me before I fell unconscious," the pegasus sighed for a moment, looking down at the ground with dissatisfaction. "I really tried to stay awake. But something was just forcing me asleep... I'm sorry." 
"No need to feel sorry, Rainbow Dash. It's not like we haven't been captured and bound in chains before. You tried, that's all that matters. Besides, I can figure out a way out of  "

Any thoughts of escape are futile, a voice whispered harshly into the trio's ears, causing Dash to jump.

"Who's here? What do you want from us? I swear to fucking God, I'll cut your goddamned throats open!" Jericho yelled violently, tugging at his chains in an attempt to break them.
"Jericho, calm!" Aeron raised his voice slightly and Jericho's aggressiveness was replaced with a grumbled response. 
"So, who is here?" Aeron repeated one of his companions' questions.

I am the servant and champion of our lord, Alhazred. You will be bound until I have eliminated the fallen angel, Hastur. She will bring destruction to our lord and I will not have it. The voice echoed within the group's imprisonment.

"Who the hell is Hastur?" Jericho questioned.
“In fact, who the hell are you?” Aeron added.

That name... That's what he called me before I was knocked out. Why would I be the end of this Alha dude...? Dash was looking at the two men, who were wearing confused looks on their faces.

The one with The Mark. The blue pegasus who accompanies you. She is Hastur, the voice answered. And I am Jaime. Jaime Dexter Palabras.

"I think you are confused, Jaime," Aeron replied. "Her name is Rainbow Dash and she doesn't have any mark on her body. Well, besides her flanks. So, may we leave?"
You are a fool. The voice seemed to no longer echo, but it sounded closer. Aeron took notice of this and soon another man was in the room, hovering over Rainbow Dash.
"On her neck..." the man-like voice spoke softly, avoiding the light as a sickly, disfigured hand  shedded skin, bulging veins and stubby fingers  gripped Rainbow Dash's upper neck and stretched it outwards. A black "N" was crookedly placed near the base of her neck.
As the hand touched the "N", it illuminated a bright red colour, hissing violently like hot steel was being placed in water. "That is confirmation that she is Hastur. She must be killed. For the greater good of Alhazred." 
“What the hell? How does that confirm she’s anything? It could be a fucking scab for all we know,” Jericho grunted.
“It is not a scab!” Jaime yelled to the old raider. “If it was a scab, then it would be protruded and covered in dried blood.”
Jaime, although the group couldn’t see it, was smiling. “No, this is the mark of Alhazred’s book  The Krivbeknih. The holy book of Alhazred. The thing that will be destroyed by Hastur...” 
Jaime tightened his grip on Dash’s neck as his smile grew wider with bloodlust. 
"What?! I'm not going to do anything!" Dash yelled, squirming in the hand's firm grip.
“It has been predicted by my lord that your coming will destroy the book,” the man stated with a shallow growl. “It is my duty to end your life and I will do so willingly.” 
"Hey, look, can't we talk this out?" Aeron asked, trying to dissuade Jaime. "This isn't exactly fair, here. You're part of a cult and thinking up crazy stories while we're regular, insane, human beings."  
"No. Justice must be served," the man replied. The cocking of a gun echoed in the prison and Dash's expression changed from that of confusion to terror.
“Justice will be served to persecute those who are fit unholy to Alhazred! For I, am Alhazred’s Champion. My word is his will and his command!” Jaime yelled violently. 
"Please, don't do this!" the mare yelled as she was pushed to the ground and forced in place by a heavy object. 
The illumination of Aeron's light was finally hitting the man who was imprisoning the trio  he was a ghoul, much like Roy from Tenpenny, only with a severe dis-figuration of limbs and major loss of skin. His boot was pressed up against Dash, keeping her in place, and he held a hunting rifle to her side.
"Stop this! We can talk this over!" Aeron yelled while struggling in the bonds. Jericho did the same, tugging forcefully at the tight chains. 
"Please! Stop! I-I promise I won't do anything! I j-just want to go home!" Rainbow Dash protested with Aeron.
"Fucking pussy! Let me out of these chains and I'll show you what happens when you fuck with us!" Jericho growled angrily at the man.
"No! There is no talk! Only justice!" The man yelled violently to the three. "And it will be served!"

He pulled the trigger and a bright flash flared at the sides of the barrel and the stock, exploding in the man's hands. The gun practically splintered into many pieces, a great deal of the small parts embedding themselves into the ghoul and causing him to collapse. Dash screamed in agony as she was shot and the man fell backwards from the initial explosion. The initial hit felt like a forceful punch to her ribs, cracking one or two of them in the process and leaving a burning sensation in its tracks.
At this point Aeron and Jericho had been tugging at the chains furiously and in the heat of the moment, Aeron noticed a large padlock holding them against the wall.  Quick to think, he opened a pouch on his armour and withdrew a bobby pin and attempted to pick its lock. The man was screaming in pain while Jericho was cursing and his furious movement caused his chains to rattle viciously. Aeron had a hard time trying to concentrate on the padlock's mechanism, fumbling with the bobby pin and trying to keep it from breaking.
"Uhg... Alhazred... I have killed her," Jaime called out loudly, groaning with pain. "I have killed her and justice has been served!"

Click, click, click, CLICK!

Aeron finally unlocked the padlock and the chains immediately broke off from Aeron's wrist's, neck and ankles. Standing up he shined the light at the ghoulish man  distaste filled in his eyes. He patted himself down to check if any weapons were left with him  to his dismay, there was nothing on him besides his bobby pins.
Aeron needed a weapon and quick. He wouldn’t be much of a threat to Jaime without any arms. He quickly flashed his Pip-Boy’s light around, searching the ground in a furious attempt to obtain anything lethal. Then, a large pole caught his eye.
Specifically, the barrel of the hunting rifle Jaime broke. He quickly picked it up and examined its structure   it was quite rusted and decayed, but it was still feasible enough to beat someone with.
This’ll have to do... Satisfied, Aeron walked over to Jaime and stared at him for a few seconds before speaking.
"You know how much shit you're in right now, correct?" The black man spoke with a low and hateful tone. The ghoul only laughed.
"You can do nothing to me! I am a servant of Alhazred! He protects me! He keeps me safe! He  "
Aeron quickly smashed the pole across Jaime’s face, interrupting his laughter and causing him to yell violently. "I don't think you'll be saying that when you're dead. Now, I suggest you tell us where the fuck we are before I beat your brains out. I don't have much time, as I have a girl bleeding to death and a very angry companion behind me wanting to get out of here."
"You can't hurt me! I am immortal! You're just a little pest in my life, in which Alha  " Aeron brought the barrel down onto the man’s legs. A loud snap echoed and caused Jaime to let off a raspy scream.
"So, what was that about immortality?" Aeron raised a small brow.
The ghoul growled and breathed heavily as he spoke. "We're in the under chambers of Dunwich. You may leave through a staircase over there."
The ghoul's hand pointed to a blackened area. Aeron didn't bother taking his eyes off the ghoul. He only smiled.
"Thank you for being so kind," he turned around, only to slowly turn back. "Oh, one other thing..."
"What?" The ghoul hissed in pain. 
Aeron turned around fully and stabbed the barrel through the man’s chest. An awful crack and agonizing scream entered Aeron’s ears. However, he was content with what he was doing, continuing a few more times and then finally leaving it there. 
Stay dead, you fucking lunatic. Aeron thought, turning towards Jericho.
Aeron returned to Jericho and freed him of the chains, quickly returning to Dash and freeing her as well. He gently tapped the mare's face to get her attention. She slowly opened her eyes  the normal magenta was now mixed in with bloodshot veins and tears squeezing out of them. 
"Rainbow Dash, stay with me, okay? We're going to get you the fuck out of here and fix you up," Aeron said calmly as Jericho joined him.
"Ae-Aeron... It really hurts... I don  "
"Shhh. Don't say that, Rainbow Dash. Yes, it hurts, but you won't die. Not on my watch, missy," Aeron interrupted her thoughts and gently brushed a hand through her mane. 
"Yeah, this kid here saved my ass a bunch of times. With my help, we'll fix you up in a jiffy," Jericho added a few words of encouragement.
"I... I'll try..." Dash forced the words out of her mouth as a burning pain emitted from her side.
"That's all I ask, Rainbow Dash. Jericho, help her into my arms  be careful with her," Aeron held out his arms as Jericho gently pulled Dash's black sweatshirt off, ripping a large strip out of it and tightly wrapping it around the pegasus' wounded torso.
Slowly, they flipped the mare onto her back and placed her in Aeron's arms. She was a lot lighter than the Wanderer expected, but he soon rationalized it to the fact that she can fly  which also carried the question on whether she broke a bone or not.
"C'mon, Jericho. Let's get the fuck out of here," Aeron quickly paced himself into the general direction of the exit.
"Couldn't agree more," Jericho answered as he caught up with him.
Dash, however, was struggling to stay awake. The pain was unbelievable  the burning in her side and chest was spreading like wildfire and was causing her to pass out with sheer agony. The pain was nothing Dash had ever felt before  sure, she’d broken a bone or two in crashes. That hurt, of course, but  this pain was now burning itself across her entire chest and she could feel her broken ribs jabbing themselves deeper into the wound.

After a few moments of feeling this pain and trying to stay awake, it was too much for her and she finally blacked out in Aeron's arms.


> Not Going To Lose Another...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 9

Not Going To Lose Another...

Edited by:
Gunsmith  
Eldorado
Narlepoax III
RainbowBob

***



Twilight flopped down onto her bed, letting out a loud groan. She was tired, she was worried, and above all else, she was confused. The newspaper Zecora gave her was a massive mystery, and it barely lead them to any further clues. It still didn’t help that Zecora only gave a cryptic answer to her question.
“What am I going to do...?” The unicorn sighed, rolling onto her back, and staring at the ceiling of her room.
I need to send a letter to Celestia soon, if we can’t find her... Twilight thought as she levitated the newspaper in front of her face.
What does this even mean? Dash could be anywhere, and my only clue is this? She sighed and set the paper down. I can’t give up, I know Rainbow Dash can’t be missing. Maybe it’s all a big prank... But if it was, then where’d this paper come from... ?
Twilight sat up and groaned loudly with frustration. So many questions that I can’t get answers for!
“Hey, Twilight, you okay in there?” the voice of Spike bounced through the door. “I know you’re having a bad time and all, but I found something interesting while cleaning the library today.”
Twilight sighed and looked over at the door. I need to relax... The day is almost over, and we still have one more to go.
“Twilight...?”
“Y-yeah! I’m fine! One second!” Twilight rolled off the bed, and trotted quickly to the door, opening it to see the dragon holding a large, pristine, light blue book.
“This is what you found? A book? That’s not very amazing...” Twilight said.
“Yeah, I know, but read its title,” Spike mumbled as Twilight levitated the book from his hands. 
Twilight looked at the title, which read The American and Chinese War - The Stars and Stripes of Communism  - Edgar Rosalov. Twilight’s mouth was agape now.
“It’s not in the directory for books. It was out of place entirely,” Spike said with confusion. “So, do you know what it is?”
“Y-yeah... I know what it is, Spike! This might help me find out where Rainbow Dash is!” Twilight picked up the baby dragon, hugging him tightly.
“R-really?” Spike struggled in Twilight’s grasp.
“Yes! Thank you, Spike. Feel free to take tomorrow off, I don’t mind,” Twilight was smiling, slowly flipping the book open and reading its contents.
“Wow, thanks!” Spike gleefully ran off as Twilight walked back into her room, closing her door.
“America Versus China: The Sino-American War,” Twilight read aloud the first sentence in the book, slowly scanning through its contents.
This may be connected to the newspaper in a way. I really need to study this to find out. Let’s just hope Rainbow Dash is alright, wherever she is... Twilight sighed softly as she began to focus on the large book’s contents.




***




“Fucking dammit, Dash, stay with me!” Aeron yelled and shook Dash to keep her awake. He was running towards a metal door labeled “exit”.
“I... I’m...” Dash groaned, her eyes slowly closing.
“Stay awake, Dash, don’t let it knock you out!” He yelled at her again. Jericho ran ahead of Aeron and opened the door for him.
They found themselves in a large and brightly lit utility room filled with circuit breakers, exposed sewage pipe entrances and generators. Along with a metal staircase leading up to an overhanging metal-grated balcony. 
“Jericho, we need a stimpak or something to keep her awake. Check my armour’s pockets,” Aeron said frantically. 
Jericho nodded and quickly patted all of the pouches on Aeron’s armour. Many of them were empty or filled with casings of his assault rifle. “You don’t have anything, kid.”
“Fuck, there has to be a first aid box. Dash, are you still awake?” Aeron looked at Dash who only let off a quiet groan.
“Y-yeah... Mrmmm...” The mare groaned in pain while answering Aeron’s question.
“Dammit... Jericho, do you see any medical kits around here?” Aeron was looking around and Jericho soon joined in. 
Jericho quickly spotted one and ran over to it and Aeron followed suit. He opened it up and it only revealed a bottle of irradiated water and buffout. “Fuck, nothing.”
“Shit, we need to find one. C’mon, let’s get upstairs.” Aeron ran up the staircase with impeccable speed, constantly shaking the pegasus awake. Don’t you dare fall unconscious, Dash.
When they reached the top of the stairs, they found a utility hallway  similar to something you’d find lining the sides of a metro tunnel  and made their way into it. Aeron and Jericho were greeted by more stairs and they both ran as fast as they could, only stopping to check a closet which contained nothing but a massive assortment of empty, rusted barrels... Along with a duffle bag loaded with their weapons. Jericho nabbed the weapons quickly, pulling out his “trusty” shotgun, leaving Aeron’s assault rifle and Dash's small sniper strapped to his back.
“Hey, kid, check your map, maybe it picked up some data, or something,” Jericho suggested as they reached the top of the stairs.
“Good idea, here, hold her,” Aeron gently passed Dash off to Jericho and quickly turned on his Pip-Boy’s map generator. 
It revealed a small array that was mapped out, which included the caves they had been in and highlighted hallways they were dragged into. There were many more utility closets, small offices and a few lit up hallways that appeared on his map. However, the Pip-Boy had labelled one of the rooms as “Medical Offices,” which was on the other side of the building from their current position.
“There is a medical area that we can get her to. It’s far away; we still need something to keep her awake, but if we get her there we can perform surgery,” Aeron stated to Jericho. 
It took us about three hours to get to Dunwich, if my senses are right, Aeron thought, frantically,  So going back to Tenpenny while carrying Dash means another three hour walk; two and a half if we hurry. There’s no way she’d make a trip that long, with a bullet hole in her.
“Alright, lead the way kid. I got her,” Jericho responded as Aeron ran up the continuing stairs, Jericho following suit once more.
The two had opened another door leading to one of the office areas the Pip-Boy had mapped out. The office was littered with rubble, destroyed computers and desks, along with the occasional burnt skeletal remains. The office was also quite small, but still traversable for the duo.
Aeron quickly spotted another medical kit and ran to it. Quickly, he opened it and inside was more water, Rad-Away  which he took  and Med-X. 
“Good news is that there is Med-X and Rad-Away in here, bad news is, no stimpak,” Aeron told Jericho as he held up the Med-X needle. “This will keep her awake long enough, assuming we don’t run into trouble.”
“I thought Med-X was just a pain killer?” Jericho asked.
“It also contains similar properties to adrenaline, although not as strong. It’ll do for now, until I get her under the operating light to remove that bullet,” Aeron explained simply.
“Dash?” Aeron gently nudged Dash who groaned once more.
“I’m going to give you something that’ll dull a bit of the pain and keep you awake. Do you understand?” Aeron asked the mare, who took a few seconds to give a nod in response.
Aeron slowly looked at the needle’s contents  squeezing some of it out for safety reasons  before feeling around Dash’s neck for her jugular. Although Aeron had some knowledge of horse anatomy from pre-war books, he still had no clue where it may lie. 
Relying on his index and middle finger to feel the pulse of her heart, he found one of them resting just next to her esophagus. Gently, he pressed the needle into the newly found jugular and squeezed slowly. Once all the contents of the needle were expelled, he pulled the needle out and tossed it on the ground.
“Alright, it should hit her in a minute or two. Let’s get going before it’s too late,” Aeron began to hop over some of the piles of rubble as he made his way to the opened hallway just outside the office.




***




“Alright, girls, it’s been two days so far,” Twilight announced to the other mares, and Spike, as she walked down the stairs of the library.
“Where else is there to search, Twilight?” Fluttershy asked meekly. “I don’t want to give up hope, but we’ve searched everywhere.”
“Not everywhere,” Twilight smiled softly as she levitated the book Spike gave her last night, as well as the newspaper article she received from Zecora. 
“A book and that newspaper article? I doubt she is in there, darling,” Rarity joked dryly.
“I know, but Zecora said Rainbow Dash wasn’t exactly here anymore. She’s somewhere else. Our only clues are the newspaper and this book Spike found in the library last night,” Twilight gave Spike a mild smile before returning to the conversation. “I’ve been reading through it and it speaks about some war between a country called China and one called America.”
“An’ who are they, exactly?” Applejack asked while fixing her stetson. 
“It’s not so important about who they are, but where they are,” Twilight opened the book with her magic, flipping through its contents until it stopped on a page with a large map. “This map isn’t one of Equestria. It’s of another place entirely.”
“And this is a good thing because...?” Rarity rolled a hoof for Twilight to continue.
“Last night, Zecora told us that Rainbow Dash is dealing with ‘forces of hate.’ If these ‘forces’ somehow captured Dash and hid her away, and the only clues that have popped up are a book, and a newspaper. Both speaking of places we don’t even know about. Doesn’t it put a thought into your head that she might not even be in Equestria anymore?” Twilight explained quickly.
Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Applejack all pondered this for a second before all nodding in agreement.
“Well, if she’s not here anymore, that’s not good news!” Pinkie Pie frowned.
“It’s good and bad news, Pinkie. The good news is that we know where she could be. The bad news is that we don’t know how to get there...”
Everypony in the room looked at the ground in a fit of disappointment. All but Spike. He was still processing this information and thinking up some way he could help...
There has to be a way to reach Rainbow Dash and bring her back... Spike thought, scratching his scaly chin. I mean, the Princesses have a lot more power than ponies give credit for. Maybe they’ll be able to reach Dash with no effort at all? But, I can’t be certain... It’s worth a shot.
“Why don’t you send a letter to the Princesses? I mean, they might be able to reach Dash no problem, right?” Spike offered to the group of mopey ponies.
“Yeah, Twi, didn’t ya’ll say you were gonna do that?” Applejack asked.
Twilight nodded. “Yes, I was. I don’t know if they’ll know a lot about this, but we have no other choice. Spike, will you take a letter for me?”
“Anything!” Spike quickly ran off to grab the writing materials.
“What exactly are we going to ask, though?” Fluttershy looked at Twilight with curiosity. 
“I’ll tell them our situation, what has happened, what we have found, and ask if they can help in any way,” Twilight answered softly. “It’s the only option we have left. Who knows what Dash is going through right now... I just hope she’s safe.”




***




“Fuck sakes, these ghouls don’t let up!” Jericho yelled as he fired another round from his shotgun.
“Just keep covering me while I get this fucking door open!” Aeron commanded as he fumbled around with the complex utility door.
Dash was pressed up against the wall next to the utility door. Her heart was racing quickly and her eyes were fully opened, watching the scene unfold before her. She was shot, she was in pain, and she wanted to go home.
“Dash, how are you doing?” Aeron asked quickly as a loud clink gave way from the door.
“I... I-I’m alright... It really hurts...” Dash forced the answer from her throat. 
“I know it hurts, just hold in there for a few more minutes. I’ll have this stupid door open and I’ll make that pain go away. I promise,” Aeron encouraged the mare as another clink sounded off.
“P-promise?” the pegasus asked as Jericho yelled and fired off his shotgun again.
Aeron stopped what he was doing and looked directly at Dash. His piercing blue eyes were all she could see besides the small lights from his Pip-Boy and the light from Jericho’s shotgun. 
“Dash, I promise you, I’ll get you in this room, fix you up, and get your ass home. I promise on my own life, you hear me?” Aeron told her sincerely. “I just need you to stay awake. Please.”
He really means it... “I... I understand... I’ll do my best,” Dash answered, a stab of pain shooting through her ribs for a moment, making her cringe before stopping.
“You shits can’t stop, can you?” Jericho bashed the butt of his shotgun against the fleshy skull of a ghoul.
“Feeeeeeeeeeed...” the ghouls sang in unison, as they charged for Jericho.
“Kid, get that fucking door open NOW!” Jericho fired off more bursts of his shotgun as Aeron quickly did more work on opening the door.
Jericho fired more rounds into the darkness as the sound of the ferals hissing filled his ears. “Fuck this is getting on my nerves. It’s like we found the headquarters of the zombie fucking apocalypse here.”
Aeron continued his work on the door, frantically trying to work with its complex mechanism as ghouls poured in behind him. Another two successful clinks bounced into his ears as he neared opening the door.
Two more ghouls came at Jericho, one taking him down to the ground and another rushing for Dash. The pegasus’ eyes went wide as the ghoul reared back its clawed hands, ready to strike. 
Jericho pushed the ghoul off of him, firing off another round and eliminating it. He looked around for the other one and saw it aiming to strike Dash. Jericho quickly raised his shotgun and fired  a large hole appeared in its back as bits of its torso flew everywhere.
“Kid, I swear to fucking God if that door isn’  ”

Screeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeech.

The utility door’s dial-like knob spun wildly and the door’s clamp let go. The door swiftly slid into the ground, opening up finally. 
“It’s open! Get the fuck in!” Aeron picked Dash up as fast as he could and carried her inside.
Jericho shot off more rounds before running into the newly opened door. As Jericho made his way in, Aeron attempted to close the door  the door's gears screeched to a halt while sparks began to fly towards the two. The door had jammed.
"Aw, God dammit!" Jericho yelled.
"God dammit! This is seriously not the time for this!" Aeron frustratingly said as he began to back away from the door.
"Fleeeeesh..." The echos of ghouls came through the jammed door and soon so did their bodies as they began to climb over its half-closed state.
"Shit! Jericho, you deal with this shit while I fix Dash up!" Aeron then ran into the room just behind him.
"Fuck sakes, kid, you better hurry!" Jericho began firing off rounds into the ghouls, holding them off as best as he could.
Aeron rushed into the small medical clinic, placing Dash on the large operating table. Okay, I need lights in order to see... Pip-Boy won't help... C'mon... His eyes wandered the room before they gazed up at the ceiling and spotted the operating lights. Quickly, he felt around its circular shape for its switch and turned it on. Its ancient bulbs sparked to life, only giving a dusty and very weak light upon Dash.
"Fuck, that'll have to do. Okay, I need some shit... Books, gotta be a book around here..." Aeron turned away from the operating table and looked behind him.
He spotted a small array of cabinets and rushed for them, pushing old tanks and monitors out of the way. Aeron busted each cabinet open, and quickly threw their contents out onto the floor. Aeron's heart raced as each cabinet began to give no sign for a medical book.
"C'mon, there has to be something in here! I don't have all day!" Aeron shouted as he pushed a bag of garbage to the side.
His eyes then locked onto a small set of books. He immediately pulled all of them out and set them on the counter the cabinets created. Aeron's eyes quickly gazed over each book's title, throwing away the ones that were too burned and the ones that were irrelevant to him. His eyes then fell upon the D.C. Journal of Internal Medicine. 
"Thank Christ!" Aeron quickly flipped the book open, looking through its table of contents to find what he needed to save Dash.
"Disease treatment, radiation treatment, HIV treatment, cancer treatment... Where the fuck is the God damned bullet wound treatment?" Aeron frustratingly yelled. He looked back at Dash and saw that she was still moving, her body twitching ever so slightly.
"Fuck, c'mon, find it!" He continued to frantically search through the table of contents of the book. "Oh, fuck, I'm on the fucking wrong section of contents!" 
Aeron raced to find the right section and soon found it. "Fuck, there it is! Treating internal damage from external objects, page eight-forty-seven."
Aeron's fingers shook violently as he began attempting to turn the pages. His entire body was shaking for the need to save Dash's life and for the fact that a pile of ghouls were attacking Jericho not too far away. Aeron finally stopped the book on the correct page and he gave a small sigh of relief.
"Okay, I need fucking tools..." Aeron began to look around again, "Didn't find anything in the bottom cabinets... Let's try the top."
His hands ripped open the upper-cabinets doors, and he quickly began pulling junk and other miscellaneous gear onto the floor. A vein began to appear on Aeron’s forehead as more frustration built up in him. 
"This isn't the fucking time for nothing to appear! C'mon, give me a fucking chance here!" Aeron yelled to himself as he opened up another cabinet.
To his avail, a medical kit fell out and landed on the floor. He quickly fell to the floor and opened the kit, revealing a small assortment of rusted medical tools.
"Okay, this'll work. Rusty, but fuck it," Aeron picked up the box and set it on the table. He quickly looked back at the book, to see what tools he'll need to finish the operation.
"Scalpel first... Makes sense, alright, scalpel... Scalpel..." Aeron's hand slowly and nervously sifted through the rusty tools until they gripped the scalpel.
He immediately turned around and rushed for Dash, ripping off the shirt that was tightly wrapped around her torso. Aeron looked at Dash for a moment. Fuck, she ain't going to last long if I keep sitting here like a fucking moron. C'mon, brain, just do what you need to do!
Aeron brought the blade to the small open  and bloody  wound. The blade quivered violently as his right hand agreed with his fast heart, and the blade slowly slipped from his grip from the sweat now coating it. 
"C'mon, this isn't the time to lose it! I'm trying to save someone's life, you piece of shit!" Aeron yelled at his hand, grabbed the blade with his left instead.
He took in a few deep breaths, attempting to calm his fast heart. Although it was to no avail, Aeron decided to give himself the illusion that it was and brought the blade to Dash's wound once more. He began to make an incision ju  

"FUCK!" Jericho reared back and fired his shotgun as two ghouls dove at his body. 

The pellets from the blast directly hit the operating light, causing its many bulbs to shatter.
Aeron jumped back from the explosion of the shattering lights, crashing into the counter behind him and falling into the pile of useless junk.
"Holy fuck! That got into my Goddamn eyes!" Aeron yelled. as his eyes slammed shut and tears streamed down the side of his face.
The ghouls that attacked Jericho began to crawl over to Aeron to finish him in his weakened state. Jericho, however, recovered much faster than the ghouls anticipated  if they could anticipate anything at all  and quickly bashed in the skulls of the vermin immediately.
"Fucking Christ, kid," Jericho breathed heavily.
"Are you mad, Jericho?" Aeron yelled.
"Well, shit, sorry! Not my fault that those two caught me off guard!" Jericho retorted.
"Well, now I can't fucking see! How the hell am I suppose to save Dash now?" Aeron asked, attempting to stand up, only to collapse in the heaps of garbage and useless junk on the floor.
"I don't know! How about we just leave the bitch and save our own asses? It's not like she's that important anyway!" Jericho answered honestly.
"No, Jericho! I told her I'd get her home alive, not in a fucking body bag!" Aeron slowly attempted to open his eyes, finding that his left eye was the least effected. "You're going to have to operate on her, Jericho, I can't do it with one eye, this job needs two."
"What? Are you kidding me? I don't know shit about this stuff!" Jericho admitted. 
"Well, I guess it's your day to learn, Jericho!" Aeron blinked his left eye multiple times, trying to clear it of its blurriness.
"Dammit, kid, I'm running low on ammo and I don't expect you to be able to fight off all those ghouls! Why don’t we just leave her?" Jericho asked violently. 
"I can deal with the ghouls, you need deal with Dash!" Aeron replied hurriedly.
"And how are you going to deal with them with one eye?" Jericho retorted again.
"I'll think up a way, okay? Deal with Dash! There's a book on the counter and tools in that medical kit, along with a dying pegasus on the Goddamn fucking table! Alright?" Aeron pushed past Jericho, handing him the scalpel, and began stumbling into the hallway, looking for a means to stop the ghouls.
"Ah, fuck me!" Jericho set down his shotgun and rushed over to the book, looking at the page that Aeron was on previously.  
"Dealing with Communism  bullet treatment. Two hundred years later and we still gotta treat everybody like communists,” Jericho announced to himself.
"Jericho, stop screwing around!" Aeron yelled from the small hallway.
"Fuck me. Alright... Let's see... A lot of big words here, that I don't know... What the shit is a ap... Appent Dicks? I don't want that on my junk..." Jericho sifted through the pages contents, to find that he couldn't read over half of the words.
"Fuck! The kid is counting on me, and I can't read half of this shit! C'mon, brain, help me out here!" Jericho's eyes squinted at the text as the page began to end. He turned it to find many diagrams on the next page.
The diagrams showed different areas on the body that were common for a bullet to enter. It also displayed where one should make an incision on these areas, what tools to use and how to close the wound. Jericho sighed. As he looked over at Dash he grabbed the book and rushed to her side, looking at the wound.
"Ugh. Man, I've been shot at before, but that's gross. At least she ain't bleedin' rainbows." Jericho raised the scalpel to her wound, looking down at the book as to where to make the incision.
"Alright... Pretty sure this looks go  " Jericho's thoughts were stopped by a loud crash. He quickly stood up and looked out at the hallway. 
Aeron had begun to rip filing cabinets from their respective walls and causing them to collapse. Jericho only shook his head.
"That ain't gonna hold!" Jericho yelled.
"Work faster and stop eyeing me, then!" Aeron roared back, continuing to rip filing cabinets down.
Jericho returned to Dash. He knelt back down and brought the scalpel back to her wound. His hands shook gently with nervousness, but he began to make the incision. Immediately, Dash  groaned in pain as blood began to stain the surgical blade. Jericho decided to ignore this and slowly cut a big enough incision for him to work with.
Jericho's eyes darted back to the book. "What the fuck are forceps...?" Jericho asked himself.
"Hey, kid, what the hell are forceps?" He called out to Aeron.
"They're tweezer-like-grabby things!" Aeron answered.
"What?" 
"They look like scissors, only they're more blunt and they can grab shit! They're in the box!" Aeron answered again.
Jericho quickly stood up and rushed over to the box. His hand moved through the bundle of tools, throwing things he thought were useless out onto the counter. His eyes spotted the scissor-like-tweezer-things that Aeron described vaguely and he quickly grabbed them, rushing back over to Dash.
"Alright... Shove these in hole, retrieve small bullet shit, throw away. Seems easy enough," Jericho told himself as he began to eye the wound, attempting to see in its dark and bloody cavity.
"C'mon, where the fuck are you?" He asked no one in particular, attempting to spot the small bullet that had entered Dash.
"Kid, I can’t fucking see!" Jericho yelled over to Aeron. 
Aeron was now in the small hallway, attempting to pull the nearby filing cabinets down. Their base was bolted into the ground, but Aeron tossed his body into it several times, weakening the rusty material until it came loose.

Thunk, thunk

The filing cabinet fell as the bolts removed themselves. Aeron moved quickly out of the way as it crashed violently into the opposing wall, making a perfect angled barrier between the door and the medical office.
“Fuck, this needs to hurry up...” Aeron told himself. “I really hope Jericho knows what he’s doing.”
Jericho didn’t receive a reply and shrugged, moving back to the box. “Maybe there’s a flashlight in here,” he said as his hand began rummaging through.
His hand soon found a small penlight. Jericho shrugged and attempted to turn it on, receiving a dim light in response. 
"It'll work," Jericho returned to Dash, shining the dim light on the small hole, attempting to find the bullet once more.
The hopes that the bullet would gleam were shattered as everything inside the small wound was giving off a bright red appearance and the slight movements of the internals coming from Dash’s breathing. Jericho attempted to move the light closer so more of the cavity was lit up. To his avail, he spotted the small, rusted, bullet not too far past the incision he made.
"Finally. Alright, scissor things, let's do this," He grabbed the rusty pair of forceps, slowly sliding them into the cavity. 
Since Jericho had no idea what he was doing, he realized he wouldn't know whether he had the bullet or not. So, he began to slowly clamp down and pull out, in hopes the bullet would pull out with the forceps. The first time had no luck, the second and third tries yielded similar results. The fourth made Dash groan in pain, he assumed he grabbed something he shouldn't have. The fifth was another failure. He pushed a bit deeper and clamped down again. As he pulled out, the bullet came with.
"There you are, you bitch! Alright, what next?" Jericho tossed the forceps and bullet behind him and returned to the book.
"Okay, a surg... Surgical needle and... Sut... Satire...? No... Suit turn? What? That can't be right... !" Jericho forced his eyes to scan the word, trying to think of a proper way to say the world.
"Sir-gih-cahl sue-chur... Surgical suture. What the hell is that?" Jericho poked out to the hallway to see Aeron stumbling back into the room.
"Kid, what's surgical suture?" He asked.
"It's metallic thread that's used to stitch wounds closed. Again, it’s in the box, on a reel. Y'know, cylindrical looking thing with a hole through it," Aeron continued to stumble into the room, cringing in pain. "I need water for these eyes."
Jericho ignored Aeron and went back looking for the needle and thread. He found both quite easily, as the thread was already knotted onto the needle. He moved back over to Dash and looked at the diagram on how to sew the wound back up.
"Insert in here..." He spoke to himself as he pushed the needle through Dash's tough hide, slowly making his way across the wound, making a line of "X's" in her fur. As he began to thread through her skin, the wound slowly closed and Jericho attempted to knot the end of the thread so it wouldn't open the wound again.
"Alright, she's fixed, kid, what next?" Jericho stood up to see Aeron splashing irradiated water into his eyes.
"We need a stimpak to wake her ass up. Help me fin  " 

"Deaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaath!" The sound of ghouls quickly interrupted Aeron and caused him to whip open the rest of the cabinets in search for a stimpak. 

"Quick! Before they break the filing cabinets!" Aeron shouted as he began to pull more junk from the cabinets above.
The ghouls had started to beat upon the filing cabinets, thrusting their bodies into them and wearing down the already deteriorating metal. Their claw-like fingers dug deep into the weak metal, and began to rip it to shreds, sending metal shards flying in the hallway. 
Meanwhile, Aeron and Jericho found two more medical kits, opening them in search for a stimpak. They removed more useless junk, throwing things like water bottles and tubing on the already junk infested clinic floor, until Jericho stumbled upon a lone stimpak in the bottom of his medical kit.
"Got one!" Jericho pulled it out.
"Quick, here!" Aeron held out his hand and Jericho handed over the stimpak.
In a hurry, Aeron rushed over to Dash, placing his hand on her chest to feel around for her heartbeat. Having difficulty feeling it with his nervous and sweaty hands, he placed his head on her chest, listening with his ear. Ba-dum, ba-dum, ba-dum, ba-dum, her heartbeat arose and Aeron placed a finger on the area where his ear was.
"Jericho, my hands are too sweaty. You have to inject her," Aeron handed the stimpak back.
"What?" Jericho asked, confused.
"Just do it!" Aeron commanded.
Jericho took the stimpak and held it in his right hand. "Alright, tell me what to do!"
"Hold it like you would if you were to stab a knife," Aeron clenched his fist and began to make a stabbing motion towards where his finger was pointing. "Then stab and inject! Quick! The ghouls are coming!"

"Feeeeeeeeeeed," the ghouls sang in unison.

Jericho looked at where Aeron's finger was pointing. He gently brought the needle down to where it was and Aeron moved his finger. Jerichio reared back the stimpak and quickly stabbed it into Dash's breastplate, the contents of the stimpak quickly injecting themselves into her heart.
Dash's eyes went wide and she quickly started gasping for air. The ghouls began stampeding over the rest of the barriers and Aeron took no time to hesitate, picking Dash up and quickly running out of the room. Jericho ran over to his shotgun, picking it up and firing off some bursts towards the ghouls, soon following Aeron.
The duo ran down a back hallway from where the clinic was. At the end of the hallway was another utility door and Aeron ran as fast as he could to it. He and Jericho made it to the door, Jericho quickly spinning the dial-like knob and opening the door. The duo ran inside and immediately closed the door, Jericho shooting the knob off on the alternate side in an attempt to either break or jam the door.

hissssssss

The ghouls behind the door were very faint with their noises, and it brought a sense of relief to both Jericho and Aeron. 
"We just narrowly escaped catastrophe, and quickly fixed up a magical pegasus pony. Didn't think we'd do that anytime soon, did ya kid?" Jericho laughed softly, attempting to catch his breath.
"No... Not one bit. C'mon, let's keep going and see if we can find a place to rest..." Aeron spoke softly, turning around and continuing to walk down the hallway.
No way in hell am I losing another one. I promised you, Dash, and this is a promise I’ll keep, Aeron sighed as he continued to carry Dash.

> Blood Off The Scalpel 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 10

Blood Off the Scalpel

Edited by:
Gunsmith  
Eldorado
Narlepoax III

Pre-read by: 
RainbowBob


***


Luna walked through the large door that barred outsiders from the throne room. When she entered, the many stained glass windows were projecting their beauty onto the large, red carpet that lead to the golden thrones at the end of the hallway.
“Your highness,” A royal Celestial guard greeted Luna as she stepped into the throne room.
“What is it sister has asked us to do?” Luna stared at the guard with a curious eye.
“She wishes to speak with you in regards of a letter sent by Twilight Sparkle, your highness,” The guard answered with a courteous bow.
"Thank you. Return to your duties," The princess stepped past the guard, approaching the throne where Princess Celestia sat.
As she neared her sister, Luna put on a smile. However, her sister didn't give one in return. Instead, she sat there with a distraught look upon her face, and her yellow aura surrounding a piece of parchment  which she assumed was the letter from Twilight.
Odd... Sister always greets me with a smile... This isn't normal. Luna's eyes glossed over the parchment for a moment, and then nodded to herself. Whatever Twilight sent her must be troubling. Let's hope it is not.
Taking in a deep breath, Luna trotted forward and removed her smile. Celestia's eyes moved from the assumed letter down to her sister. Immediately, she got off the throne and approached Luna.
"Luna, I am glad you arrived," Celestia said with no hint of emotion. "I have troubling news."
"What is it, sister?" Luna raised a brow.
"Read it for yourself, Luna," Celestia floated the letter to Luna, who took it within her own magical grasp.
"Dear Princess Celestia..." Luna began.

We have an issue with Rainbow Dash. She's missing. I didn't want to report this early, but now... I have no other choice, Princess. I write this to you because we have checked everywhere for Rainbow Dash. Cloudsdale, Ponyville even the Everfree. Our only clues were a newspaper and a book, which I will have sent to you with this letter. But... we have no other clues. I'm really worried for her, Celestia. I kind of blame myself for this, because I let her travel through the recent storm alone and now she's gone. Please, if there's anything you can do, we'll take it. Anything to have Rainbow Dash back home.

Sincerely,
Twilight Sparkle.

"This... This is most trouble, sister," Luna looked up from the letter and saw her sister walking towards one of the stained glass windows.
"Celestia, what is it she sent you that may have a clue to where Rainbow Dash is?" Luna soon joined Celestia, looking up at the window.
It was the window which bore all six of the ponies that saved Equestria. Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie Applejack and Rainbow Dash. They all surrounded their respective element and Nightmare Moon. Celestia sighed and closed her eyes.
"The newspaper and book that Twilight sent me are not from our world, Luna. Which is why it is very troubling to me because Rainbow Dash is no longer here," Celestia answered her sister's question.
"Celestia, that's absurd! Nopony could even fathom travelling to a different world! Not even Starsw  "
"I know Starswhirl couldn't!" Celestia yelled at her sister. Her sister reared, her ears flopping backwards in fear and confusion.
Sister never yelled at me like this before... Luna thought, composing herself for a moment before speaking. 
"I'm... I'm sorry for yelling, Luna. It's just..." Celestia sighed deeply. "If Rainbow Dash is no longer here, harmony may go unbalanced. Not only that, but one of our ponies is no longer in Equestria."
"I understand sister... But, if they're not in Equestria, then where are they?" Luna raised an eyebrow.
Celestia removed her gaze from her sister and placed it back on the window. Her horn's yellow aura began to show as she levitated a dirty piece of paper and a pristine, blue, book. Luna looked at them for a moment, opening her mouth to speak.
"Earth," Celestia stopped her from speaking, floating the book closer to her younger sibling.
"Earth? As in in the soil bel  "
"No. The planet Earth. A planet much similar to our own, but with different inhabitants," Celestia quickly corrected. "...and I fear that she may be in danger, if what this book says is true."
Luna looked at the books title and her eyes went wide. Quickly, her eyes moved to the piece of paper that was a newspaper article. She quickly read over it and shook her head. 
"Sister, this is most dreadful news!" Luna declared.
"It is... But, I do have a solution. A very small one. It won't bring Rainbow Dash back, but, it will help us greatly," Celestia finally turned back to her sister, a small smile on her face.
"What is it?" Luna asked curiously.
"You know how you helped Scootaloo get over her nightmares...?"



***




Aeron tossed in turned in the flat cot that he laid in. The three had found a small place to rest  some sort of waiting area or something  for a good half hour before the wandered off again, but Aeron couldn't help but stay awake. He sighed, sat up and began to fiddle with his Pip-Boy, turning its light on to a dim setting so he wouldn't wake Jericho or Dash up.
He began to go through the Pip-Boy's data, looking over old pictures of Amata and his father, along with pictures of his mother. Aeron couldn't help but keep a small smile formed on his face, thinking back to the days before he left the vault. Life was great. Just dad and I hanging out... I helped him with projects, he helped me with schoolwork... 
The smile was wiped off his face as his thoughts twisted. Until he decided to disappear many nights... I never knew where he was, Jonas just told me he was busy with the Overseer. Well, he was actually at that damn purifier having sex with some skank. Aeron growled softly. And then I have to leave and find his stupid ass because the Overseer wanted to kill me... along with me becoming a huge disappointment to my father.
A small tear welled up in Aeron's eyes as he sighed softly. Not only did he take my life away from me and replaced it with insanity, he took my only friend... Amata... She pushed me away like I was some hogwash vermin after she learned the things I did in the wastes. Thanks a lot, dad, you're a real chap.
Aeron sighed once more, moving away from the pictures of his past life. He turned off the Pip-Boy light and let his head rest against a wall for a few moments. His gaze slowly moved over to Rainbow Dash, who was lying still, sleeping, next to him. Now I'm here with you, Dash, and I can't even keep you alive for longer than two days. Fuck, you've nearly died and I couldn't even operate on you properly.
His sight moved over to Jericho. I had to have a grizzled raider, one who barely knows how to read, operate on you while I could've done it. God damn it, I can't do shit right! Aeron's fist clenched tightly as a vein began to appear across his dark forehead.
And I also brought you here for no reason. We gained nothing from this experience except a new insane friend and some occult bullshit. Fuck my life, why is it always going downhill? Aeron had tears streaming down his face; a lump building in his throat I have so much shit going on and I can't even do the most simplest tasks!
Gently and quickly, Aeron wiped the tears from his face, forcing the lump away. I won't start crying like this. No, I'm a man. Men are suppose to be strong. Men are suppose to be tough with no emotion  like a soldier... He let the thought linger in his mind for a moment before returning to it. A soldier... that's what I am. Just some soldier  no, a mercenary for hire. Here in the wastes to deal with other people's problems. Well, no... they're my problems. I just happen to be other people's problems now.
Aeron brought a knee up, resting his arm on it and taking care not to move Rainbow Dash. A merc who is other people's problems. That's all I am. God knows how many want me dead for what I did... I can't apologize for it. It's too late for that now...
... but I can remove myself from the Wasteland. Not have others deal with the misery of my existence. Wander off and hope for the best, living in burrows and caves. The wastes would be better off without me. Jericho doesn't need me. Dash doesn't need me. She can handle hers  

"Aeron...?"

Aeron stopped his thoughts and looked down at Dash. She was awake and her magenta eyes were staring up at him.

"Yes, Dash?" He spoke softly as he tried pushing the lump down his throat.
"I'm having trouble sleeping... I can still feel it hurting..." Dash explained.
"Don't worry. I can't sleep either. But, I promise, after this rest is over, I'll bring you back to Tenpenny and have a real doctor patch you up. He'll make the pain go away," Aeron answered honestly. 
"Okay, Aeron... I... I-I trust you," Dash slowly let her head fall into her forehooves, closing her eyes gently.
Dash... Dash does need me. She trusts me to get her out of this hellhole. I may not have helped her so much with the operation, but I sure as hell will get her ass out of this place. If I can't make up for my sins, I can still wipe some blood off the knife by helping Dash get home, Aeron smiled at his personal encouragement, setting his previous thoughts aside.
But... where do I start? I still don't know where that book is, and this place was just a nightmare... Aeron sighed once more, looking at his Pip-Boy's clock.

06:38:47AM, TUESDAY, MARCH 26th, 2278.

The sun should be rising by now. Hopefully we can get to Tenpenny without incident. I need her fixed up and then I need to make her some armour... I can't have her continue to take blows like that. Aeron slid himself gently off the cot, walking over to Jericho and shaking him.
"Mrm?" Jericho grunted.
"Get up," Aeron whispered. "Be quiet, though, I want Dash to rest a bit longer."
Jericho slowly sat up and yawned, smacking his dry lips. "Shit, kid, you got any water or somethin'? I'm thirsty over here."
"I found a fountain just in the hallway we came from. It's a few feet away from that door," Aeron answered quietly while he pointed to a door near his cot. "It may be a bit irradiated, but, it'll do."
"Eh, alright," Jericho stood up and walked to the door, slowly opening it and walking into the hallway.
Aeron, meanwhile, picked up his and Rainbow Dash's guns, strapping Dash's onto his back and holding out his assault rifle. He quickly patted some of his pockets and found two rifle clips left. Shit, some must've been in that duffle bag... Well, we have more at home, and I don't mind buying more, either Aeron told himself.
"Mrmmm..." Dash slowly stirred and sat up, rubbing her left eye. 
"Time to go, Dash," Aeron said. "Do you think you can walk?" 
Dash stood up weakly, letting her tired muscles regain some energy. She stretched out before cringing in the pain that her torso made. Slowly, she eased off the cot and onto the dirt covered floor, trotting a few feet and then back. 
"As long as we don't go over a massive hill, I think I'll be alright... It hurts a bit, still, but I can push through it," Dash said softly.
"Well, if we find any more medical kits and they have some Med-X, I'll give you some more painkillers to hold it off. But, for now, toughing through it is our only choice. Besides, it's the morning, so we'll be safe for the few hour trip, as all the creatures and critters go back into their nocturnal hidey-holes," Aeron joked.
Dash couldn't help but giggle softly, cringing in pain once more.
Jericho walked back in, wiping his lips. "Fuck, that shit is gross. Can't wait 'till we're back at Tenpenny. Jesus Christ."
"Don't worry, I'll get us some Rad-Away once we're back, as well. Last thing we need is radiation sickness." Aeron handed Jericho his shotgun. "Ready to go, you two? The faster we get there, the faster Dash can be fixed up."
Both nodded and then Aeron turned around, walking towards a door labelled "Maintenance Exit." 




***




"Your majesties, Twilight Sparkle and her friends are here to see you," a deep, booming voice of a royal guard announced to both princesses. "Would you like me to send them in?"
"Yes. Do so quickly," Celestia answered softly.
Luna only looked at her sister with worry. She must have a lot on her mind, but what she suggested to me will help us know if Rainbow Dash is safe, at least...
As Luna finished her though, a certain purple unicorn and a few of her friends came running down the velvet carpet to greet both her and her sister. Luna looked back over to Celestia, whose expression remained placid  no emotion to it. Celestia, this isn't like you...
"Princess!" Twilight announced, as she made her way closer to the throne, struggling to catch her breath. "W-we... We came as fast as we could!"
"Indeed you did," Celestia agreed.
Twilight stood there, breathing heavily as she caught her breath   along with her friends and Spike  in silence. Celestia direct eye contact with Twilight and her expression remained the same. A few more minutes passed by and Twilight finally raised a brow.
"Princess... Did you fi  "
Celestia raised a hoof, stopping Twilight. "Twilight, do you know what the Elements of Harmony do for this world?"
Twilight was taken aback by this question. Why would she ask me that, of course I know... "I-is that rhetorical, Princess?"
Celestia shook her head.
"Well, yes, of course I do. They help maintain balance between chaos and harmony, and making sure everypony is happy in Equestria," Twilight answered.
"Do you know what happens when one is missing?" Celestia asked.
"Uhm..." Twilight thought meekly for a second. I... I don't know... Why is she asking me this? Isn't Rainbow Dash more important right now?
"Well, do you?" Celestia asked again.
"N-no, Princess," Twilight answered as honestly as she could.
"Then, you do not see the situation we have at hand, Twilight," Celestia stood from her throne, trotting closer to Twilight. "If any of the elements or element bearers go missing, then evil can easily take over and cause Equestria's destruction. I did not want to put you on the spot, Twilight, but I need you to know this for any future endeavors."
"I understand, Princess. Rainbow Dash is important for the safety of Equestria... But, do you have any clue where she might be?" Twilight asked.
"I might. Luna, everypony, follow me," Celestia began to trot behind the throne, leaving everypony befuddled. 
Twilight looked to Luna for answers, who only nodded to Twilight and gestured her to follow Celestia. The group soon followed silently behind Celestia.
The princess lead them to a ratty wooden door, hidden behind a curtain. The door had the symbol of a crescent moon etched on it, and a small star above a small, sleeping, pony. As Celestia opened the door, the rush of dust and wind flew at the group, filling their nostrils with the scent of decaying books and aged rugs.
The group coughed, excluding Celestia and Luna, and they proceeded in. The hallway was shallow and dimly lit; cobwebs and dust covering old paintings and large, plain-stone pillars. As they proceeded down the hallway  in silence  the light began to become darker and darker. Soon, all they could see was a white glint at the end of the hallway; all they could hear was the clopping of their hooves and the creaking of what sounded like an old building on the verge of collapse.
As they neared the glint, Celestia had lit up her horn and illuminated the room. It was a massive dome structure, lined with what looked like thousands of empty picture frames. But, in the center of the room was a large throne. Much similar to Celestia's or Luna's, only this one was surrounded by four ornamental torch stands and had a large, white, stone sitting upon its headrest.
Twilight, unable to keep the silence going, turned to Celestia. "Princess, what is this place? How come I've never seen it before?"
Celestia's expression finally changed to that of a smile. "This is Luna's domain. During the night, Luna resides in here to watch over the many ponies dreams. She helps maintain harmony in the dreams of ponies to help them conquer their nightmares."
Celestia walked forward, the group following, and pointed to the throne. "This is where Luna sits to await the signal of a nightmare, which is marked by each of the four torches changing their colour to black, which is normally white. The moonstone upon the throne will then emit a light to the area in which a nightmare has occurred. However, for the past few days, she's been unable to watch over the dreams of everpony, which is why each frame is blank."
"So, you're telling us that Luna can see everything we dream about?" Fluttershy asked meekly.
"Yes, Fluttershy. Although it may look like invasion, Luna never tells anypony what she sees. Not even me. However, for this special occasion, all of us must see what will occur," Celestia explained.
"What do ya mean, Princess?" Applejack raised a brow.
"Well, the only solution in which would work, to find Rainbow Dash, is to find her in her dreams. Wherever she may be, Luna's power to view the dream will be able to extend to it and we'll be able to contact Rainbow Dash easily," Celestia smiled for a moment, and so did everypony else.
"So, can we bring Dash back?" Pinkie Pie asked happily.
Celestia's smiled faded and she shook her head. "No. The power can reach and communicate, but it cannot withdraw somepony from where they are. Even if we do have the exact location, we'll never be able to bring her back through any means."
Celestia looked at everypony. They all looked at the ground with grim expressions. "We want to do more... We really do. But, our magic isn't strong enough to pull them over to us like that... This is as much of an issue to us as it is to them..."
"But," Luna stepped forward. "At least we can speak to Rainbow Dash through her dreams. Well, I can and you may all watch. I will be able to figure out everything about Dash's current situation and whether she is doing well or not. Don't let it bring you down that we may not be able to bring her back, but she may be able to be more encouraged to find her way back with us supporting her."
Twilight smiled at Luna's sentiment, looking at her friends. "She's right. As much as we need Rainbow Dash here, we can at least speak with her and make sure she's alright."
"Well, we might as well take what we can get," Spike said. "There's no point in moping about it all."
Everypony nodded and put on meek smiles, looking back at the Princesses. "Then, Luna, if you will..."
Luna nodded, trotting up to the elegant throne. She slowly sat down and, as she did, the four torches immediately lit up to the white flame that Celestia told the group about. As the torches lit up, so did the many picture frames in the dome-like room. Each illuminated to display different pictures and detailing different ponies in each. However, Luna used her magic to target six specifically  the Element bearers. 
As she used her magic to turn the throne to the six pictures, one of the flames changed to a bright red. Celestia raised and eyebrow at this, something that wasn't supposed to happened and Luna soon halted the throne's movement.
"Why's that flame red, I thought it's only suppose to be black or white?" Twilight asked curiously.
"Luna, what's going on?" Celestia asked. Before Luna could answer, the other three flames had change their colour's to red, joining the lone flame.
The moonstone upon the throne had emanated a bright white beam, aiming it directly at the picture of Rainbow Dash. Luna shooked her head and stared in disbelief.
"Luna, what's wrong?" Celestia asked again.
"Rainbow Dash's... Rainbow Dash is hurt... She's awake right now, I can't communicate through the dreamscape, but I can feel her pain..." Luna finally answered. "It's in her side. A burning fire like no other rages in her body as she struggles to move..."
Everypony gasped behind the Princess. Twilight, however, had no reaction. She sat on her rump for a moment, waiting for something more.
"What else, Luna? Are the flames red because of this?" Celestia asked hurriedly. 
"No... It's much worse than we imagined, sister... There's something wanting Dash. Something ready to take her away. A demon, of some sort. I can hear it whisper in the back of her mind, telling her to give up, telling her to accept her ultimate fate... She's barely fighting it, sister," Luna answered, her eyes cringing shut.
Twilight cringed at the thought of what might happened to Dash, along with the others, but remained to hear more information.
"What else can you tell us? Is she with anypony? Where is she?" Celestia pushed for answers, needing them urgently.
"Your suspicions were true, sister. Rainbow Dash is no longer in Equestria. She is on the planet Earth... And yes, she is with someone. Someone who is... Erg, I cannot push myself too much more, sister. She is not asleep and it makes this harder, I must stop..." Luna got off the throne  the flames, the beam of white light and the many pictures disappearing. 
She sighed heavily, looking over at Celestia. "I'm sorry, I just couldn't push myself. Perhaps tonight, I can. By then, she'll be asleep."
"It's fine, Luna... Twilight, may I speak to  "
As Celestia turned around, she noticed Twilight was gone and no longer by her side. Looking to the other ponies, they all shrugged. She sighed and nodded. "Luna, take everypony to the mess hall and get them something to eat. I will go and find Twilight."
"Yes, sister," Luna agreed. "Come, everypony, let us eat."






Twilight sat outside  her head parked on a railing  on one of the castle's many balconies. In particular, the one to the old library she use to reside in. Tears had pooled on the railing and thoughts raced through her mind. Many of them being negative.
This is all my fault... I should've had Dash stay in my library... She would've been safe! Now look what I've done! She's hurt, there's some demon wanting to hurt her even more and she's most likely alone! Twilight sniffed, placing a hoof over her muzzle and lettering her tears soak into her coat.
I'm sorry, Dash... I really am... Please, please, please, come home! I didn't mean to have you go to some other world and end up getting hurt! I should've pushed you harder to get you to stay in my library... Not let you fly off and get stuck in a storm... I'm so sorry, Rainbow Dash...
Twilight let out another sniff, more tears building up in her foreleg's fur. A lump in her throat had built up  for the past three minutes she had been holding off the urge to bawl her eyes and scream to the skies. As she continued to cry, her ears perked up at the some of hoofsteps.
She didn't move, but only felt a gentle hoof being placed on her shoulder. "Y-yes, Princess?" She forced out of her mouth.
"Twilight... I want you to know that Luna and I will do everything we can to ensure Rainbow Dash's safety. We know how much of a friend she is to you and I promise you, she will return home. It may not be right away, but, we cannot let this bad news stop us from keeping her going," Celestia spoke softly.
"B-but there's nothing we can d-do!" Twilight stuttered, sniffing heavily as the lump in her throat continued to build up. "A-all we can do is sit and w-watch as she feels more pain!"
"Twilight, enough! Set those thoughts aside, this is not the end of Rainbow Dash's world, and it will not be the end of yours," Celestia turned Twilight around, looking her in the eyes  which were littered with tears and glossed with sadness. "Think optimistically about this, Twilight. You acted as fast as you could and now we are able to communicate with Rainbow Dash because of it. We'll be able to keep her going, Twilight."
"I... I-I just feel as if this is all my fault..." Twilight couldn't hold it anymore. 
She let the lump in her throat burst and let out a groaning cry. Her hooves wrapped around Celestia's neck and she pushed her face into her chest. Celestia gently wrapped her foreleg around the small unicorn, gently brushing her mane.
"This is not your fault, Twilight. This was fate's idea of trying to disrupt harmony and your friendship. Do not let it be the end of your world. You're a strong mare and so is Rainbow Dash. Keep fighting, Twilight," Celestia encouraged, letting the mare continue to cry.
"Keep fighting," Celestia whispered softly into her ear, keeping Twilight close to her as a mother would a child. "Keep fighting..."


***


“Yeah? Who is it?” The voice of Roy bounced through the gate’s staticy intercom.
“Aeron,” Aeron stated.
“Ah, fuck, one sec,” the static faded and the doors to Tenpenny towers screeched open, Roy standing there to greet them.
“Why the gate greeting? Something up?” Aeron asked as Jericho and Dash stood by his side.
“Some fuckers decided it’d be a good idea to place a threat notice on our gates addressed to me and your new friend,” Roy explained.
Dash tilted her head at Roy. “What? What’d I do?
“You existed, that’s what,” Roy laughed. “Kidding, though, I don’t know why, but they want that pony’s head. God knows how they found out about her.”
“May I see the note?” Aeron asked.
“Sure,” Roy slipped his ghoulish hand into one of his pockets, retrieving a yellow-tinged piece of paper and handing it to Aeron.
Aeron took it and gazed it over quickly, giving a small read.

Dear Roy Phillips,

It’s probably best if you keep all your doors closed and security increased for the next two weeks. I’ve got word that the Talon Company mercs and the Regulators are searching for some mutated pony thing and your buddy, Aeron. I’ve been watching their movements out by the Junkyard and they seem to be heading to Tenpenny. I understand why they might want Aeron, but why they may want some mutated pony thing is beyond me. They’ve never been ones to contract for killing random creatures. They’re usually contracted for securing locations and buildings. I doubt they’d give less than two shits about a Yao Guai. 

But, I highly suggest to watch out. God fucking knows what they’re bringing out there. I’ll send word to a few buddies to help fortify the place. I heard they got their hands on a new Fatman, too.

Sincerely,
  Miser

“Odd...” Aeron handed the note back to Roy, quickly tapping his chin afterward. “Why would the Talon Company and Regulator bounty hunters bother to search for Rainbow Dash?”
“I have no fucking clue, but I suggest you high tail it out of here so I have a reason to tell them to scram,” Roy said blatantly.
“We will. We just need to do a few things and we’ll leave until this blows over,” Aeron agreed as he walked past Roy and to Tenpenny’s doors.
“I’ll give you guys until tomorrow to pack your shit and hop out of here. Junkyard is quite a trip, so I imagine they’ll be here by tomorrow afternoon,” Roy advised Aeron as he began to walk through the doors.
“Alright, Dash, come with me. We’re going to have Doc Clyde properly tend to that wound. Last thing you need is an infection,” Aeron said as he walked to the left of the lobby’s main desk and to a back room.
Rainbow Dash and Jericho followed. The hallway was small and narrow but at the end a sign read “Medical Center.” Aeron opened the door, letting Dash in through first. She was greeted by a pink and slightly wrinkled-skinned man sitting at a desk, reading over something. His head was void of any hair and many of his veins were visible through his skin. 
Is he even a ghoul...? He doesn   
“Hello there, you must be that pony everyone is talking about,” he said in a very gentle and raspy tone, setting his papers down. “I am Doctor Phillip Clyde. Pleasure to meet you.”
“Uh... I’m Rainbow Dash,” Rainbow raised a brow at him.
Clyde sighed. “Yes I am a ghoul. The effects just... Took longer to kick in on me when I was exposed to radiation. So, I’m experience stage three effects  loss of skin density.”
“Oh, okay... Uhm, sorry, I didn’t mean to offend or anythi  ”
“It is okay. Many people ask me that question and I answer it politely," Clyde smiled. "So, what can I help you with?"
"She needs her wound properly treated," Aeron answered. "I fixed her up with rusty tools and improper procedures somewhere else just to keep her alive. I'm worried she'll get an infection."
"Ah, medical malpractice. Fun stuff," Clyde joked. "No problem, I can look at it and see what she will all need."
Clyde walked past his desk and into a small operating room. He patted the bed for Dash to lay on and she immediately did so, taking off the sweater Aeron gave to her. Clyde sat down in a chair and looked at the patched wound near her ribs. 
"Where were you when this happened? Also, how did you end up having a patch job like this? It looks like you did this in ten minutes," Clyde said, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Dunwich building. Ghouls were coming at us like a horror film and we just didn't have time to be accurate," Aeron answered.
"Dun  " Clyde stopped and slowly turned his head to Aeron, giving him a cold stare. "What were you doing there?"
"We were looking for a book. A special book that apparently has the power to transport things from differen  "
"The Krivbeknih..." Clyde sighed, putting his fingers to his temple.
"... You know of it?" Aeron asked.
"Know of it? I dealt with the damn thing before a nuclear blast went off and turned me into this," Clyde growled. "What are you trying to do with the book? Summon up demons? Bringing it back to Blackhall? What?"
"We're trying to use it to send Rainbow Dash home. She doesn't belong here, Clyde," Aeron explained through Clyde's hostility. "Do you know something about it that we don't?"
"Yeah... Yeah, I do. It's a very long story and I don't think leaving Rainbow Dash patched up like this is the best idea. Come back in an hour and she will be fine. Then, I will speak of Dunwich," Clyde gestured for Aeron and Jericho to leave.
Aeron pulled Jericho away from the small operating space and office and back out into the hallway. Aeron tapped his chin furiously.
If Clyde knows about the book  Krivbeknih  then maybe there's hope to get Dash home. Whatever his story may provide will help us in the long run... Or so I hope... Aeron thought as he tapped his foot on the ground.
"Somethin' on your mind, kid?" Jericho asked as he leaned against the wall.
"Yeah... Yeah, quite a bit," Aeron replied, letting silence succumb them for the next hour. 

> History
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 11



History



Edited by: 
Eldorado
Narlepoax III
mikemeiers


***



        The door creaked open after what felt like hours of waiting. Clyde looked over to Aeron and gestured for him to come in. Aeron and Jericho made their way back into the medical office with Clyde, who sat them down. He sighed and turned away from the two, looking into the room where Dash was laying.
        "Is she going to be alright?" Aeron asked.
        "Of course. Minor infection was coming on, some internal damage done, but I fixed that. She’s lucky the bullet didn't shred through her lung. Could you imagine trying to get a spare pony lung in the Wasteland?" Clyde said softly.
        "No I couldn’t... But, I’m glad she’s okay..." Aeron sighed with relief, "I assume she's asleep?"
        "I administered morphine to relieve the pain and knock her out for a bit. She needs the rest." Clyde turned to face Aeron and Jericho, a blank expression on his face, "I assume you want to know about Dunwich now."
        "Considering she's going to be out for a bit, I think I'd like some insight. Anything to try and get Dash out of this hellhole, anyways," Aeron said, leaning back in his chair.
        Clyde nodded and walked behind his desk, opening the drawer and pulling out a bottle of scotch and a dingy cup. He popped the cap off the scotch and quietly poured it into the glass. After he filled the cup, he took a swig from the bottle itself, letting the silence linger. 
        He set the bottle down before taking in a raspy breath, "Aaah... Would you like some?"
        Aeron shook his head, "No thanks. Jericho?"
        "Yeah, sure, pass the bottle," Jericho said as Clyde slid the bottle of scotch to him.
        "Didn't think you were much of a drinker, Doc," Aeron mused.
        "I have the occasional drink. No harm done," Clyde took a quick sip of scotch from his glass before changing the subject, "So, Dunwich. Where do you want me to start?"
        "Whatever you feel is relevant. I just need to hear your story and hope to set off and find the Krivbeknih," Aeron answered. 
        "I see..." Clyde leaned back in his chair for a brief moment, articulating what he would say. He stared at the ceiling for a minute before returning to Aeron, "Do you know what Dunwich did?"
        "Before the war? Or to you?" Aeron responded, “I’ve only ever heard it as being some Pre-war company. That’s about it. As for what it did to you, I have no clue."
        "Mmm, I see. Well, can't blame you for not knowing," Clyde sighed, "Well, Dunwich was a company, yes, but they specialized in heavy machinery.”
        Clyde stopped for a moment, taking another drink, and then started again. "At the time, when I was working there, they were working on a drill. The Dunwich brothers just unveiled it and told the public it was being shipped out to Canada..."



***



        Clyde honked the horn of his car wildly, the blaring of the car echoing into the night air as he yelled out to the driver in front of him, “Move it, asshole! The light is green!”
        A moment passed and the driver in front of him finally moved forward, letting Clyde drive behind him, “The people around this place. Swear to God...”
        Clyde drove his car around the one ahead of him and down the dimly lit roads. He kept his eyes on the road in front of him, and softly cursed under his breath. Roughly twenty minutes ago, he was called in for a midnight shift. Something Clyde disliked heavily.
        “Uhg, Jesus. Pager just had to go off at 11 so I could rush into work...” Clyde wiped his eyes quickly as he yawned, “Only one on shift tonight, too, so I get to deal with every floor.”
        “Would be nice if they organized the job list properly this time, too,” He yawned again, stopping his car at a yield sign, “Because fuck if that’s ever filled out by the other new kids.”
        Clyde held his foot on the brake as he began patting down his jumpsuit, “I brought my ID, didn’t I?” 
        Slightly panicking, he reached over to his glove box and opened it, finding a white card with his picture on it. A horn honked behind him, making Clyde jump and hit his head. “Fuck!”
        He quickly sat up, rubbing the back of his head, and continued down the road. “Should’ve pulled to the side of the road to check. Uhg.”
        Clyde slipped the card into his jump suit pocket, and proceeded to tap his thumbs against the steering wheel. I could really go for a cup of coffee right now, too. He looked down at an empty mug and shook his head. Need something to stay awake. Don’t want to crash at this time of night.
        Looking around his car with quick glances, Clyde attempted to find anything to keep awake. Candy, mostly. After a moment, he gave up and flicked on the radio. Blaring loud music will keep me awake.
        The radio hummed silently as he tuned it to a random station, which caused a distortion of voices to come through. Stopping on no station in particular, Clyde turned the volume up and continued to focus on the road.
“... And welcome back to Galaxy News Radio! Letting news reach the stars and beyond!” The man on the radio stated in an overly happy tone, as if he had too much coffee to try and stay awake and cheery for midnight listeners.
Clyde smiled as he heard his favourite DJ announce their slogan.
        “... One Richard Dunwich, CEO of Dunwich Borers has announced their new rock drill for the Cigar Lake Mine in northern Saskatchewan...”
        Uhg, fuck, no. Not that drill again.. Clyde groaned, All day at work I have to listen to the employees talk about it. I get it’s a big deal, with petroleum basically gone... But, Jesus Christ. Shut up.
        “... Big up-and-comer replacement for the old drill models they’ve been using. With this rig having been set up last year, the last bit of petroleum belongs to good ol’ US of A!”
        Yeah, yeah. Annexation! War! Wooooo! Clyde rolled his eyes. Fuck if that was a good idea.
        Clyde yawned as the radio continued to softly rant. Ah, shit... I think we ran out of Abraxo... I really hope Jane picked some more up. Wouldn’t want to clean the floors with bar soap and hot water.
        Clyde took a turn and continued down a small road leading into a mass of hills.
“The drill is on its way to Canada currently, and will be revealed to our news teams by the end of the week.”
Still not done rambling about it? Clyde chuckled softly. God damn, play some music.
         “With all this talk about resources, why don’t we get a little word from Frankie Laine about That Lucky Old Sun?
        A smile formed on Clyde’s face as the tune softly bounced through his ears. He gently tapped his thumbs against the steering wheel and nodded his head as he focused on the road.

        Clyde slowed his car as he neared a large building that sat against a mountainous background. The building was rectangular in shape, held up by large steel support columns and thick white concrete. Lights from the building caused it to illuminated a large portion of the terrain around it, revealing large outcrops of trees and a few small houses. 
        Clyde slowly pulled into the parking lot and parked next to a co-worker’s car. Getting out, he made his way to the single door on the building, all the while passing a sign labelled “Dunwich Borers LLC.”
        As Clyde entered the building, he was presented with the same long hallway he walked down every day. Making his way down the hallway, he stopped at a desk. A large woman with curly blond hair sat there, staring intently at a computer screen and typing furiously.
“Hey, Beatrice, mind if I sign in?” Clyde asked.
“Dunno. I didn’t hear a ‘please,’ now did I?” Beatrice stopped typing and looked up at Clyde.
“Aw, don’t be like this,” Clyde chuckled.
        “Well, looks like you ain’t gettin’ in, hun.” Beatrice smiled slyly.
        “Haha, very funny.” Clyde deadpanned, “But, seriously, I need to sign in. Big kids upstairs need me to clean their asses with turtle wax.”
        Beatrice didn’t answer him, but just stared at him with a deadpanned expression.
        “May you sign me in, please?” Clyde rolled his eyes.
        “Yeah, yeah, sec,” Beatrice giggled and quickly typed something into the computer and held out her hand, “ID, sweetie.”
        Clyde reached a hand into his blue jumpsuit pocket and withdrew a white card, handing it to Beatrice. Beatrice quickly swiped the card through a slot on the side of her computer and then handed it back to him.
        “Good to go, Clyde. Try not to get too dirty. Don’t want to give you a bath again,” Beatrice joked.
        Clyde shook his head, “Yeah, yeah... Thanks, Beatrice.”
        “No problem, sweetie.” Beatrice waved as he left.
        Clyde proceeded down the hallway and to a set of stairs. He quickly went up one floor to be greeted by his utility closet. Clyde pulled out a set of keys and unlocked the door. Inside sat a large metallic closet labelled “cleaners,” and two metal racks at his side, which held various towels, a set of toolboxes and a few boxes of latex gloves. Next to the metal racks sat a large green bucket with a mop dunked inside. As he looked to his immediate left, a clipboard was hung on the wall labelled “job list,” which marked various areas of the building that needed to be cleaned during what shifts. Clyde looked down the list to find the midnight shift had to clean the current floor and the next two floors above. 
        Nodding at the clipboard, Clyde hung it back on the wall and walked to the metal cabinet. He opened it, grabbed a bottle of liquid cleaner and hooked it to the side of the mop bucket sitting next to him. He moved over to the metal rack and pulled out a set of gloves from the box, quickly sliding them on, stretching them and letting them go with a quick snap! Grabbing the mop and bucket, he pulled it out of the closet and into the small white hallway. Before he closed the utility closet door, Clyde quickly nabbed a towel off the rack and whistled softly as he proceeded into the offices in front of him.
It was a typical office, for most people. Various cubicles organized in a grid like structure across the office space. The walls were a soft gray and seemed to have splotches of dirt smeared across them. The same could be said for the marble white floors, as they’re covered with a streak of mud   which led straight to a staircase at the far end of the office. 
“What’d they do? Mud fight? Never seen this much dirt here in my life.” He quietly shook his and began swishing the mop inside the bucket, squeezing the excess water from its thick strands of yarn and slapping it onto the dirt floor, beginning his cleaning duties.
        “Hopefully I can get this crap cleaned up and return home in under an hour...” He gently swiped a large bit of dirt off the floor and rinsed the mop clean before continuing. “God, this week’s been terrible. First, people coming to my door and telling me to buy a hundred thousand dollar ticket to get into some dumb vault, had to deal with incompetent newbies, constant drill tal   .”
        
        bumpbumpbump...

        Clyde stopped cleaning for a second and raised a brow. “What the hell was that?”
        He silenced himself as he tried to listen for the sound again. The gentle creaking of the floor beneath him and the work boots squeaking from the soapy water being spread across the floor were the only sounds that filled his ears. After a minute or two, Clyde shrugged and continued to clean the dirty floor.
        He shrugged. Probably just someone upstairs dealing with a bad copier. 
        Roughly thirty minutes passed as he cleaned the floors completely and began to move onto the cubicles. He began wiping down keyboards and desks, cleaning gum that was left on the bottom of them and moving through various drawers to clean out bits of pencils or ruined paper.
“Sheesh, how bored are these guys? Maybe give them something to do rather than shove paper in their desk, and start putting it in the recycle bin I gave them all.” Clyde complained as he tossed a wad of gum into a small bag.        

        bumpbumpbump

        The sound echoed from below the floor. The floor beneath Clyde seemed to vibrate softly, making him nearly slip on the soapy floor. After a minute, it passed and Clyde stood properly on his feet. Looking down at the ground, Clyde slowly knelt down, to listen to anything unusual.
        
        pop... pop... sssss... pop... pop

        Clyde shook his head as he wiped his jumpsuit’s sleeve across the soapy floor, clearing it of the various bubbles. Clyde put his ear to the floor once more to listen for sounds. Something softly hummed from below, the floor vibrating again, and the resounding bumps filled the man’s ear.
        Pulling away, Clyde stood up and shook his head. “What the heck? Okay, maybe it isn’t a guy upstairs...? Well, wha   ”

        SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEECH

        Startled, Clyde slipped on the soapy floor, falling onto his back and slowly rolling in pain. The loud screech continued to bounce throughout the room. The building seemed to literally shake. Cups, pencils, and sharpeners began to fall onto the floor. Desks started to rumble open and bouncing their contents out to join in the fray. Nothing seemed to take too much damage until the building let off one final jerk, causing three computers to slip off the desks and smash onto the floor.
        When it finally stopped, Clyde slowly sat up, looking around at the damage. It wouldn’t have been so bad if it was just the various openings of desks, but computers   few thousand dollar computers   had fallen onto the floor during Clyde’s shift. 
        Clyde shook his head wildly. “No. No! I’m not going to be blamed for this!” He yelled, still attempting to figure out what just happened.
        Clyde raced over to the computers and began lifting them back onto their desks. He found most of them, surprisingly, were intact with the monitors just having a couple scratches on them. 
        He let out a sigh of relief when he started finding that more and more of the computers were fine. As he came to another computer, he hoisted it onto the desk and saw that a large crack was across the screen.
        Clyde pounded one of his hands into the desk and let out an exasperated sigh. “Fuck!”
        He turned on the computer to see if it was still running. It buzzed to life as the green monitor shined brightly, displaying in the top left corner “Dunwich Employee Access Terminal.” Pressing the enter key resulted in the computer’s monitor to flicker wildly, the green dimming to a black and then shut off. He clicked the power button over and over, but, it gave no response.
        “Motherfucking titty Christ!” Clyde yelled violently as he kicked the metal desk, causing him to revolt in pain.
        Clyde sighed again, putting a hand through his thick hair before looking at the ceiling. “Oh, fuck, what if it happened upstairs, too?! Who knows how many computers broke up there!”
        Clyde stamped his foot furiously, cursing violently in the office before finally sitting down on the chair. Clyde looked at the computer for a moment and shook his head. The blame was going to be pinned on him for sure. But, if it was, he was going to find out why the entire building was shaking.
Clyde stood up from the chair and began pacing the room. He listened intently to the sounds as they continued to violently bash from below. Upon listening, Clyde found himself at the top of a staircase leading into the basement. He turned into the basement stairwell, but stopped short when he noticed the big red “4” shining on the utility door at the bottom. 
        “Level four access? CEO? This is normally marked level 2 for maintenance.” Clyde shook his head. Why would they label a normally level 2 security access door to level 4?
        Whatever it was, the rumbling and sounds seemed to come from below. For Clyde, this was going to cost him his job if he didn’t do something about it. Wanting to have proof, Clyde quickly rushed off out of the office, down the stairs, and back to Beatrice’s workspace.
        As he arrived at her station, she was gone, a small sign on the desk saying “receptionist out.” Clyde shook his head and sighed.
        “Shit. Wanted to ask if she knew anything about this... Fucking, whatever it is that is going on.” Clyde put his hands on his hips, pacing around in a small circle. 
        “Maybe I can break into the CEOs office. Go up there, clean floor, slide in...” Clyde bit his lower lips and nodded slowly. “Might find some information on this shit. I don’t know.”
        Quickly returning to his mop and bucket, he rolled it out of the office and into the hallway. To his right was another corridor leading to a set of double doors. He dragged the mop and bucket down the corridor, pushing through the set of wooden doors and entering a small furnished room. Immediately to Clyde’s left was the elevator door, which he swiftly approached. 
        Clyde pressed a yellow “call” button on a pad adjacent to the steel elevator doors. Behind the doors emanated a soft humming as the steel cables inside slowly brought the elevator down. After waiting patiently for a minute, the elevator dinged softly as the doors opened and revealed the stale interior. The walls were giant mirror plates   which prominently displayed Clyde’s figure   while the floor was a simple black and white checkered design. A light above gently buzzed as it illuminated the interior.
        Clyde stepped inside the elevator and pressed a button labelled “4,” which slowly closed the doors and caused the elevator to shift upwards. A soft tune left Clyde’s lips as he whistled nervously, idly tapping his thumb against the mop’s handle and watched as the dial overhead the door changed from “2” to “3,” and finally rested on “4.” The elevator dinged and its doors opened.
        A long and illuminated hallway greeted Clyde as he stepped out of the elevator. It was much like the floor he was on   mixture of gray walls and white marble floors   with the only difference being that there was a set of dark oak doors at the end of the hallway. 
        Pushing the mop bucket forward, Clyde felt his hands tremble as nervousness spread throughout his body. Since the guard robot had nearly zapped him last time he was on this floor, Clyde could feel his confidence dipping. For the most part, he was hoping that the security would be informed that a janitor was coming through to make sure the CEO’s office was clean.
        Clyde was closer to the door now, only a few meters away, and the loud metallic sounds of footsteps echoed loudly into the hallway. Clyde slowly looked to his left to see what was coming at him. It was roughly Clyde’s height    its lower half being very round in shape while it slowly thinned out to the glass dome at the tip, which looked like its head. A large vent took up most of its chest area, where the words “Dunwich Security” were printed on it. Its bulb-like armed lifted up slightly while its metallic hands softly spun as it approached Clyde.
        “All access to CEO: Dunwich, Richard is denied without proper authorization,” The robot spoke.
        Thinking fast, Clyde pulled out his ID card. “Uh, I was told to clean this floor tonight.”
        The robot stopped and lowered its arms. “Scanning employee ID...”
        Clyde moved the ID closer to the robot as it softly hummed and buzzed. After a few seconds, it spoke up again. “ID accepted. Janitor: Theodore, Clyde has access to floor levels 1, 2, 3, 4 and is permitted to access Dunwich, Richard’s office. Have a nice day.”
        The robot slowly turned itself around and began tromping in another direction. Clyde sighed heavily with relief as he opened the large oak door and went inside.
        The interior of the room felt more comforting to Clyde compared to the rest of the building. Its back walls had a set of large windows overlooking the mountainous landscape. In the center of the room was a large mahogany desk. On it was a giant gold nameplate belonging to “Richard Dunwich,” the CEO. 
 On the left side of the room were a few billboards depicting some sort of yellow, black, and orange logo of Dunwich’s name against a rocky background. The right side of the room, however, was a bit more peculiar. A set of bookcases seemed to be filled with various paraphernalia that didn’t seem right for a CEO. Clyde approached the bookshelf to examine the oddities. On a small wooden rack lay a thick black dagger, its surface glossed over with a dry and crusty substance. Clyde slightly revolted, presuming the substance was blood from an unsuspecting victim. 
Joined with the dagger were decks of cards, ouija boards, glass phials of various sizes filled with a strange black liquid, and several pentagram pendants. On the far left of the shelf was a stack of books that appeared to be covered in fur-like material. Clyde glanced over their various title names quickly: Occult America, Blood Sorcery Bible, The Book of Baphomet, and a blank book that was bound in a leathery material. 
        Moving away, Clyde went to Richard’s desk and began to scan the few documents before him. Most of them were filled with jargon about the company, or charts about current profits and the like. But, Clyde’s eyes settled on a few letters that laid neatly to the side. Picking one of them up, Clyde began to read through one of them.
        
        Thursday, September 23rd, 2077.
Dear Brother,
        
It’s been a long time since I contacted you. I haven’t been able to just call you up due to some issues regarding the book over here, but I still plan to visit within two weeks' time. The book will stay back, sadly, as the rest of our Family is intent on keeping it here as long as possible. They’re worried something might happen to it, and my attempts to reassure them that it will be safe with me are futile.
Based on your previous letter, you said that you’ve found pieces to his home? With the prospect of finding what we need coming to fruition, this will hopefully secure the book for us after my arrival. But, I must ask, how have you been lately? As much as I enjoy talking about our business, I do still care for you. From what I’ve heard, you’ve been working on that drill for Canada? That’s very promising for the company, and I must congratulate you on that.
I myself am doing well in my own endeavours. I have been able to secure a few key sites around Point Lookout for our use, and any friends we wish to bring along. But, I must end this letter here. By the time you receive it, I should be halfway across the state and doing business. Send me one in return, and I will delay any more letters after that. 

                                                                    									    Sincerely,
                                                                    									    Constance Blackhall.
PS: Do be safe, Brother. I worry for your health. He won’t be pleased if you’re weak and broken.

        Clyde set the letter down, sighing softly. He lightly bit his lower lip as he shook his head. “There’s gotta be something more than this...” 
        Looking at the desk, he began opening drawers and sifting through them. Various binders and files cluttered the insides of each drawer, along with more decks of cards or necklaces crumpled up and piled on the bottom of the drawers. 
        Eventually, Clyde stumbled across a small, metallic, box. He hauled the slightly heavy box from the desk to find it was bound by a set of combination locks. Looking around for some tool to use to just pry the lid open, his eyes fell on the dagger that was on the bookshelf. Grabbing the dagger, he pushed the slender tip into one of the small cracks and began to push down on the side of the hilt; treating the dagger like a crowbar. 
        The lid began to bend as he levered the dagger down on the box, pressing his weight into it. It took some effort to keep the box sturdy, but it eventually paid off. With a surprisingly un-metallic pop, a corner gave way to his ministrations. With nothing to hold it back anymore, the dagger's pommel clacked against the tile floor. Clyde quickly withdrew the dagger, and set it aside to inspect his prize. He slipped his fingers inside the box and tipped it onto its side, shaking any items in the box to the corner. He felt two things hit his fingers. The first was the keycard he was looking for. He clamped his fingers down on it and withdrew it from the box.
He quickly stuffed the security card into his pocket, satisfied that he found it. Being curious, however, Clyde reached into the corner of the box again and pulled out a folded piece of paper. He unfolded it to reveal it was another letter, only to Constance.

Friday, October 1st, 2077

Dear Sister,

It’s good to hear from you again. Sorry for such a delay in giving you this letter, but things have been picking up in regards to our business. Thank you, again, for your constant support. 
However, it is a shame that the family is being paranoid. There’s nothing to worry about, the book will be fine. Just reassure them that it will be. There’s also a few new issues popping up. Workers are beginning to... Quit. It’s very troublesome when we’re trying to excavate, but with how his home operates... I am not surprised.
Because of my constant workings here, the home itself has not done much to me. But, I fear you’ll quit as well, which is why I want you to wear that necklace I bought you. I have two, in case you lost the original. If you did, it’s where you always put it. If you forgot, I’ll leave the usual note. Until then, I hope your own endeavours go well. I cannot wait to see you.

PS: When  you come to grab the necklace, leave the letter on my desk. If you don’t need it, just give me the letter back. I want to shred it later so no one gets wind of what we’ve discussed. I hope you did the same with my previous letters.

                                                              										  Sincerely,
                                                              										  Richard Dunwich.

Clyde found, attached to the bottom of the letter, a small yellow note. He plucked it off and saw the words “Et In Libro De Morte” 
        Clyde scratched his head, unsure what the note was talking about. It definitely wasn’t a language he could understand and he was unsure if he even cared about grabbing this necklace or not. One thing that was on Clyde’s mind is why Richard had a ton of occult gear in his office, and what exactly he needed it for. The letter mentions a third party by the name of “him,” along with a book that Richard and Constance are seemingly interested in, but it doesn’t explain why this guy was so... obsessed. 
Clyde’s gut began to churn as a feeling of uncertainty loomed over him. If he left the necklace, he might just regret it. If he brought it, then who knows what might happen. He sighed heavily and nodded, deciding that he’d do what the letter says and take the necklace. Setting the letter aside, he began rummaging through Richard’s desk again, in search for some sort of necklace. Besides finding the various pentagram necklaces and pieces of scrap paper, he found nothing. 
        He frowned slightly and sat on the floor, looking intently at the note as if it were going to fill his mind with answers, or teach him this unknown language. He continued to look through the drawers and pull out the large binders or folders hoping to find some necklace that was different than the rest. After cleaning out the drawers, Clyde found nothing of value. 
        He put everything back where it was and stood up. He set the yellow note with the letter and looked over to the bookshelf. His eyes fell on the books he had looked over previous. Not wanting to leave anything unsearched, Clyde walked up to the bookshelf and flipped through the pages of the books. Most of them were riddled with symbols in place of words, or pictures of large goat-like beings.
        Clyde felt like giving up at this point. When he reached the last book   the unnamed one bound tightly in leather   he flipped it open. Inside, the pages had a large square cut dead center. Within the center was a small wooden box, which Clyde opened. He withdrew a star shaped brass pendant. In the center of the pendant was a large ruby. Clyde curiously glanced it over before placing it in his pocket and closing the book.
Not wanting to spend more time in Richard’s office, he left the room with the mop and bucket in tow. He quickly paced down the hallway and to the elevator, getting inside and returning to the first floor. He retraced his steps to the utility door in the office   ditching his mop and bucket along the way   and sighed heavily.
        Pulling out the card, he swiped it through the scanner at the side of the door. The door’s pistons slowly began shifting while a dial-like knob in the center of the door spun around quickly. Giant clamps holding the door in place hissed open, allowed the door to slide downwards and reveal a metallic looking room.
        The room was illuminated by a bright orange lights lining the walls. Dust slowly floated across the room, and colliding with many of the metallic surfaces. Small metal boxes with various wirings were neatly stacked on the right side of the room. The left side hosted a large metallic board filled with various blinking lights and buttons. What caught Clyde’s eye, however, was the elevator doors right next to the machine.

        ssssCREEEEEEEEEEch

        “Floor or two down, maybe?” Clyde said softly as he approached the door. Another card swipe was required. He quickly ran up to it and swiped the card in. He entered and clicked a button labelled “B2,” causing the doors to close and the elevator to move.
        “Hopefully nothing bad happened down there... Jesus, these executives are going to have an ear full tomorrow if I find they screwed up anything.” Ding The elevator opened up, revealing a large metallic room with various pipes and generators lining the walls, as well as a few tool boxes scattered across the floor.        
        A loud clicking noise stopped Clyde in his tracks. He raised a brow as he looked to his right. Attached to the ceiling was a security turret and it beamed a small red laser onto Clyde’s chest, aiming its gun at him. 
        Clyde didn’t get to say anything before the loud squeaking of wheels began to echo throughout the room. Clyde looked away from the ceiling mounted device and notice a large mass coming towards him. A soft whirring filled Clyde’s ears as the robot raised a gatling gun, pointing it directly at Clyde’s chest. It stood seven feet tall   a foot taller than Clyde   and was cone-like in shape. For what would classify as a head, it had a small streak of red across its face, protected by a steel grating. The robot softly stopped, pistons slowly lowering the robot down to Clyde’s eye level.
        “What. In the fuck. Is that...?” Clyde slowly stepped back from the large robot, a feeling of uneasiness washing over him.
        “Security sensors: yellow. Minor threat detected.” The heavy robotic voice called out, causing Clyde to stop.
        “Whoa, whoa, easy there! I-I’m supposed to be here! I’m not a threat!” Clyde held up his hands, showing they were empty.
        “Scanning request...” A light clicked resounded in the room as the robot continued. “Request denied without proper identification. If proper identification is not presented, threat will be removed by force.”
        Clyde fumbled as he quickly reached into his pocket, attempting to pull out the security card. Struggling to pull out the rectangular card, he furiously began tugging in a fit of panic. The robot’s gun slowly started to spin, taking this as a sign of aggression.
        “Subject must control themselves. If you do not comply, force will be taken,” The robot threatened.
        “S-sorry, sorry! I’m just trying to get the card out of my pocket!” Clyde let out a long sigh as he slowed himself down, finally pulling the card out. “Here it is!”
        Clyde held the card up, moving closer to the robot. The spinning of its gatling gun stopped as the red streak across its face changed to blue. A resounding click left the robot before the streak changed back to red.
        “Access level: four. Request accepted. Security sensors: green.” The robot lowered its weapon, as well as the ceiling mounted device retracted its barrel, and turned its robotic gaze away from Clyde.
        The large robot slowly turned its mass and raised itself from Clyde’s level. It softly began rolling away before Clyde spoke up.
“H-hey, I gotta ask something!” Clyde stopped the robot. “I need to know where those noises are coming from. I was sent down here to make sure nothing bad is going on.”
        The robot slowly turned to face Clyde again. It sat silent   aside from the cranking of its gears and electronics buzzing   as if waiting for further instruction.
        “Could you show me where that bumping sound is coming from?” Clyde asked, trying to be more specific.
        “Scanning request... Request accepted. Please be silent as audio from this building will be scanned.”
        Clyde did as he was asked as the robot’s red light turned yellow. It sat there for a good minute or two, slowly turning a full 360 to scan its environments. Once it turned a second time, its light changed back to red.
        “Scan complete. Analysis of audio request commencing...” 
The robot was incredibly slow at processing his request. Most likely built to target and fire at potential threats rather than scan audio in some building. But, it bothered Clyde with why this piece of military grade hardware was down here in maintenance. Was it protecting some secret nuclear warhead, or something? With most companies worried about corporate espionage, they usually deploy security units like the one Clyde saw upstairs. However, he’s never seen companies rely on military units to protect anything other than military assets.
Whatever was going, Clyde needed to figure it out and high tail it out of here. He knew he was going to lose his job by now, but, at least he’d be satisfying knowing what exactly was going on.
        “Analysis complete. Location detected to be on the floor below. There is a utility ladder at the end of the hallway that will lead you to the location,” The robot finally answered.
        “Alright, thanks... Uh, return to regular patrol,” Clyde said simply.
        “Request denied. Security request: escort has overridden. Please follow me to your destination.” The robot slowly began making its way down the hallway.
        Clyde slowly walked alongside it. He felt uneasy as the robot had ignored his request. As if someone was watching him, or knowing he was here, or maybe he was being paranoid and this is normal. Regardless, this was fairly unusual to him, even for security bots.
        Once they reached the end of the hall, Clyde looked to see the ladder leading down. 
        “Security request: escort complete. Returning to regular patrol patterns. Security...”          
Clyde zoned out at that point, as the robot began wheeling away. He began to climb down the ladder. As he slowly descended, the idea of finding answers to what was going on burst into his head.  Too much security for this stuff. Level 4 access cards, turrets, robots with guns... It’s all not making sense. I really hope it’s just my paranoia getting at me again, but something is way too suspicious.
        He reached the bottom of the ladder and found himself in a room filled with hard hats and orange vests hanging on the walls, as well as an open utility door. He walked over to the hard hats and vests and began putting one of them on. “Better wear these, in case someone gets suspicious.”
        As Clyde made his way through the utility door, the pungent smells of gasoline, charcoal, and burning steel rushed into his nostrils. He quickly covered his nose and began coughing violently, nearly tripping down the stairs in front of him.
        “Jesus... Christ... That smells awful.” 
        Plugging his nose, Clyde regained some stability, holding onto a railing as he began to look walk forward. Surrounding Clyde, unbeknownst to him, was the rocky formation of a cave, and a few metal paths leading deeper into it. Most of it was dimly lit by a few dying floodlights, making it somewhat easier for him to see, but still having trouble navigating.
        Clyde held onto the railing, though, and managed to follow the path deeper into the cave and into a much more open space. The space was dominated by large pipes lined on the walls, leading further down the rocky cave and into a glowing area. Around him were a few men chatting and working away at the pipes. 
        One of the men waved to Clyde and he waved back silently. He continued to silently walk into the large tunnel and looked at his surroundings. A vast amount of metal support beams seemed to run through the entire tunnel, and alongside it was a metal platform upon which two individuals were talking.
        Squinting, Clyde noticed that one of the individuals was familiar. Slowly walking closer, Clyde saw the facial features of the CEO: Richard Dunwich. Unsure what to think, but still wanting answers, Clyde walked underneath the platform and attempted to eavesdrop their conversation.
        “... So it’s uncovered?” The woman asked.
        “Yes it is, Constance. A few of the workers were immediately drawn into it and began worshipping. It’s all going to plan, dear sister.”
        Why is the CEO is down here? Clyde bit his lower lip, but proceeded to remain quiet as the two continued talking.
        “This is good, Richard. This is good. Once we get the Krivbeknih from Maryland, we’ll be able to re-incarnate Alhazred and be enlightened apostles in The New World,” Constance responded.
        “I cannot wait. Hopefully we’ll be able to get it shipped soon. This drill needs to be packed up and shipped out by tomorrow. The maintenance lead should be there soon to fix some of the parts to drill further into the Sanctuary. That way, we can access Alhazred’s home.” Richard chuckled softly.
        “It was all thanks to your brains, dear brother. If only we weren’t family... I would probably kiss you,” Constance giggled softly.
        Clyde quickly walked away and drowned out the voices of Richard and Constance. I’ve heard enough... He told himself as he placed his hands in his pockets. As Clyde made his way to the end of the tunnel, he was greeted by something far greater than what he could imagine.
        Below Clyde was a large crater with a mass amount of workers and vehicles. But, what stuck out the most was flood lights shining onto a large black mass in the center. 
        The mass seemed to be made out of stone, but carved in it were various body parts   hands, heads, skulls  and a large snake-like being constricting the mass in its stony grip. It seemed to hum with life as it drew a few of the men in the crater towards it. Eventually, they all fell to their knees and began bowing to it as if they were worshipping something.
        “Alright, let’s pull back and unload the drill!” A man’s voice yelled from below, seemingly uncaring for the men who pulled themselves away from their duties.
A large excavator slowly pulled itself back to the edge of the giant crater from below. Replacing the excavator’s bucket was a large drifter which slowly angled itself to a table-top position, slowly lowering the drifter to the ground.
“Is that the...? No, that can’t be it...” Clyde squinted as he tried to look closer at the excavator’s drill.
As he did, a few men approached it and began unhooking the hoses from its body. The loud thuds of hoses being dropped to the ground emanated in the cave as more men began unlatching the drifter from the machine with the intentions of putting it in a nearby truck. When they did so, Clyde could faintly make out the words “Cigar Lake Mine” labelled in bright yellow colours on the side of the truck.
“You’ve gotta be kidding me...”
        Wanting to get closer, Clyde began to walk along the side of the crater. A path was carved out leading downward, but, Clyde decided to stay at the edge and watch what was happening below.
        “Attention workers!” A voice boomed from above Clyde. Looking up, he noticed that the CEO was speaking into a megaphone. “Please proceed to pack up the drill and remove it via Gateway C. Any other materials must be directed towards Gateway B, and Gateway A. Thank you for your cooperation. That is all.”
        The megaphone buzzed out as the CEO began walking away. Looking down into the crater again, he noticed more of the workers being drawn to the large mass in the center. 

        Abdul...

        Clyde raised a brow as a shiver was sent down his spine. Looking around slowly and seeing no one near him, he refocused on the mass again.

        Feast of...

        The silent whisper slithered into Clyde’s ear, ensnaring his eardrum in a deafening hiss. Putting a hand to his ear, Clyde cringed, hoping the sound would go away.
        ... Deep Temple... Feast for... The Deep Temple...
        
        The hissing refused to stop, burning both of his ears as it slithered around in his head. Clyde put his hands to his ears and pushed his palms into them. His eardrums were pulsating, as if they wanted to burst, and a small trickle of blood began to slide down the side of his neck.

        Born again, here... Alhazred... Flay and say my words...

        “Stop! F-fucking! Stop!” Clyde hissed, falling to the rocky floor and curling into a ball.
        The pain in his ears not only continued, but began to get worse. It slithered all through his head, as if a small worm was digging tunnels through the gray matter that was his brain, gnawing out new places to store its food. 

        Flay and say my words... Abdul comes again... on the feast of the weaker...

        The hissing had ceased but was quickly replaced by the sound of loud screeching. It sounded like sharp claws grinding against a chalkboard, along with the small screams of antagonized beings joining in. 
        “Get... Out... Of my... Head!” Clyde slowly started to get up, each movement caused the sounds to become louder and louder, trying to discourage him from doing anything. Clyde tried his best to ignore it, continuing to push his palms against his ears while blood began to stain his jumpsuit. 
        Finally getting to his feet, Clyde began to slowly and quietly move to the tunnel he came from, each step being greeted with more painful sounds. Clyde’s vision began to blur intensely, making it hard for him to try and coordinate himself. 
His rocky surroundings began to slowly swirl and morph. The shapes of rocks turning into the horrifying sights of human bodies entangled with each other. As Clyde moved forward, he could feel the awful crunch of bones underneath his feet. Looking down, Clyde saw his feet in a pile of burnt or bloodied skeletons. They all looked at him, jaws agape, and screamed loudly, begging for him to stop.
“No! N-no! Go away! LEAVE ME ALONE!” Clyde yelled as he tried to walk forward.
Something grabbed his ankles and stopped Clyde in his tracks. He looked at his feet to see skeletal remains tightly ensnaring his movements and eventually climbing up his body.
“No! Stop! Please!” He begged, only for more of the skeletal remains to slowly climb up his body.
The screaming and hallucinations filled Clyde with utter fear, confusion, and pain. He violently tried shaking the skeletons off, but was weakened in his current state. The skeletons began dragging Clyde further down into the pile of remains, causing him to scream loudly in vain hopes for it to stop.
Clyde felt his breath almost leave his body. His mind raced to try and find a solution as it deteriorated with the hallucination. Quickly remembering back to the letter he head, he slipped his hand into his pocket and withdrew the necklace.
The large ruby on the necklace had a very vibrant glow to it. As Clyde gripped it, his hand illuminated like a torch and forced back the skeletal abominations. The pain in Clyde’s ears had started to silence, and the digging in his head had ceased. Clyde looked around to see the cave was returning to normal and he high tailed it out of there.
He immediately began running away from the crater and to the tunnel, running down the long corridor and back to the utility room, not taking a second to look back. He rushed back up the ladder and to the elevator, furiously cursing as he clicked the button to go back to the offices. The doors closed and he found himself back in the small room again. His feet began pushing his body forward as he began running back up the stairs, through the offices, and down the stairs to the receptionist’s hallway.
Clyde pushed himself out of the doors of the building and vomited the second he felt the cool breeze hit his face. He wheezed as he tried catching his breath, his heart racing and his head on pounding with pain. Clyde’s throat burned with the contents of his stomach having spilled out on the parking lot. Slowly, Clyde regained some stability to make his way to his car. He opened its door and quickly sat down on the leathery seat.
He put his head on the steering wheel as he tried to forget what he saw. Mass hallucinations that even an acid trip couldn’t give him. Clyde’s hand moved to the ignition and started the car. It rumbled to life as the radio play a staticy tune.
He slowly looked up at the building one last time. It just sat there, silently unaware of what it held within its bowels, illuminating the dark landscape around it. Clyde knew he wasn’t going to come back, and he knew Richard would most likely find out it was him who rummaged through his stuff. He quickly pulled out of his parking space and drove out of the parking lot, leaving the Dunwich building behind.







        “Needless to say... I never came back the next day.” Clyde took a quick sip of scotch before continuing. “If you’re planning on finding this book and somehow doing some good with it, then I’ll direct you to Point Lookout.”
“Point Lookout?” Aeron asked.
“Yeah. The letter I read in Richard’s office mentioned Point Lookout, and how Constance was doing something there,” Clyde explained. “Her family was also there, holding onto the book. I have reason to believe that it never even left the place. You can thank the war for that one.”
“So, you’re saying it wouldn’t be a bad idea to go there?” Aeron asked.
“Would be a start. Probably a better lead than anything you’ll get. I heard the old state park they had down there recently opened for business to prospectors. A boat brings them in and out of the D.C. area,” Clyde said.
“I see... Should make it a bit easier and give us some time to formulate a plan on the boat, or something...” Aeron nodded as the promise of getting Dash back home was becoming easier to achieve.
        “So, Point Lookout is where the book is, now,” Aeron repeated. “Anything else?”
        “Yeah. A big thing, actually.” Clyde pointed to the other room where Rainbow Dash was sleeping. “Did you ever look at that black N on her neck?”
        “Yes, actually. When we were captured, some ghoul named Jamie said that it marked her as ‘Hastur,’ and that she was to be killed,” Aeron answered. “He also said someone specifically wanted her dead. I forget... I was busy trying to keep her alive.”
        “His name is Alhazred. And, yes, it marks her as the fallen angel. Alhazred’s enemy. That gir—err... ‘Mare’ is basically something he’ll be attempting to torment until she’s dead or insane. I’m positive, from all my years of learning about this book, that he wants to deter her from destroying the book itself.”
        “I understand... But, how did you come across this mark during your studies?” Aeron raised a brow.
        “Experience. I had that mark for a few days when I left that cave. I heard the voices and screams constantly lingering in my sleep, trying to convince me to go back. Constantly nagging me, hurting me...” Clyde sighed heavily. “Just... At the time, I nearly lost my mind. Right now, she’s probably losing hers, too. Be there for her and make sure she’s safe, alright? God knows what that... whatever-the-hell-this-occult-thing-is is doing to her. ”
        Aeron nodded slowly. “Yeah... I’ll make sure she’s safe, Clyde.”
        “Promise me, Aeron? I don’t want this to happen over and over. It really needs to stop,” Clyde said, frowning.
        Aeron paused for a moment. Promises are a big thing to keep... His eyes wandered to Rainbow’s sleeping form. But...
        “Yes, I promise to keep her safe. I’ll also make sure to get her home without harm,” Aeron said firmly.
        “Thank you. She needs a bit more rest. You should get some too. I’ll call you back down when she’s awake and the morphine has worn off.” Clyde smiled softly.
        Aeron and Jericho stood up and left the room.
        “You okay, kid?” Jericho asked.
        Aeron looked at him for a moment before nodding. “I should be fine. A lot on my mind, Jericho.”
        “There’s too much on your mind, kid. Let’s just get something to eat and go to bed.” Jericho suggested.
        “That sounds lovely.” Aeron gave a faint smile.