Long ago, Before Celestia and Luna’s rule, the nation of Equestria divided itself by race. Unicorns raised the moon and sun, pegasi controlled the weather, and earth ponies grew food for all of them. They may have worked together, but that didn’t mean they lived together in harmony. Because of the constant dispute, they would soon suffer the consequences of their actions. They were divided more than ever, unable to work together. Just before a severe snow storm would end their civilizations, three brave ponies learned that race made no difference when it came to the power of friendship. Because of this pegasus, unicorn, and earth pony, Equestria was saved from the terrible fate that almost took the nation. I don’t mean to bore you with a history lesson, but, in a way, hasn’t the remains of society fell back on this idea? Wouldn’t the Grand Pegasus Enclave be enforcing these ways?

Gliding by Nico’s side, I kept my senses on alert for Flashbang. I wasn’t sure if she was dangerous or not. Gladys had mentioned she took away her weapon because she thought the griffons were using it to take innocent lives. Wouldn’t that make her a good pony? The more I thought about it, the more it gave me a headache. Dusk approached as we came upon a village. It wasn’t as well kept as Floater, but I could clearly see several ponies walking along the muddy streets.

Squinting my eyes, I could tell the buildings were made of old storage containers, welded together. A barbwire fence encircled the town. Two guards stood at the only entrance holding rifles that were slightly smaller than Nico’s.

“Get down.” Nico grabbed Redd and I with his magic and pulled us out of the sky.

“What’s the deal?” Redd shouted.

“I’ve been in this town. They don’t take kindly to pegasi.” He hissed, glancing over the town.

I folded my wings. “Maybe they just don’t like the Enclave?”

“They don’t like anything with wings. If these ponies see one feather, they start shooting.” He scanned the horizon. “We are going to have to stay the night here, though. It’s getting dark.”

I gulped. How are we supposed to stay without getting shredded by bullets?!

Nico looked us over and scratched his chin. “We need to hide your wings.”

“No! Absolutely, not! I’m proud to be a pegasus! I won’t be humiliated just because a bunch of imbecilic racists don’t want us here.” Redd snorted.

“Well you’re going to have to find your own shelter, then.” Nico told him.

“Fine! I will.”

I put my hoof on Redd’s shoulder. “Redd, just please listen to him. He knows the wasteland better than us, and I don’t want anything to happen to either of us. Let’s just be safe.”

He groaned. “But, we, pegasi, have to carry our wings with pride!”

“I understand that,” I was getting frustrated. “But this is survival. We aren’t in Thunderhead anymore.”

He looked from me to the smirking Nico. Finally, he groaned, nodding his head.

I smiled. “Thanks, Redd.”

He blushed. “A-anything for you, Lieutenant.

“Okay, enough mushy crap. Let’s get going before something gets to my other leg.” He gestured to his, still bandaged, leg.

First, he went to Redd. As Nico was about to help him, he shoved him off. “I’m able, thanks.” Redd unhitched his rifles and set them gently on the dirt. I watched as he took of his barding. Sweat dampened my bangs.

Oh, no.

His body was sleek, just barely showing the muscles in his back and legs. He grudgingly folded his wings as tight as he could as he closed the wing holes in the uniform. The shield cutie mark on his flank shined with his coat. I never noticed how attractive pegasi could be.

Nico elbowed me. “You have a wingboner.”

I tore my eyes away from Redd, looking at my wings. They were flared out! Turning beet red, I forced my wings back to my sides. “J-just help me!” I commanded. Snickering, Nico watched me pull the armor off. I hoofed it to him so he could close my wing holes. I sighed as I flattened my wings on my sides. My wing had just healed and I already had to avoid using them, again.

“Don’t fret, princess. It’s just for the night.” He floated my armor back to me.

I snatched it and threw it back on.

“I can still see the lumps on your sides.” He pointed out.

“It’s not like I can detach them whenever I want.”

“Just put something over them. Redd has his rifles,” He looked over at the pegasus stallion. “Which he needs to disguise. I’m sure they would get suspicious of two intimidating energy weapons hanging off your sides.”

“How am I supposed to do that, dickhead?” He mumbled.

Nico picked up a clump of mud with his magic, and smeared it over the barrels and straps of the rifles. Redd growled. “Do you know how hard it is to clean these damn things?!”

“Shut up, already. Scared of a little dirt?” Nico’s grin was pissing him off. I facehoofed. It was like traveling with two colts!

Nico tore off the colors on the front of my uniform and took his saddlebags and set them on my back. “There. Now you’re just wearing a sweater.” He inspected my sides like I was some kind of machine.

“Alright, let’s go.”

Nico led the way while Redd and I stayed close together. I walked with my head down. Something told me I really didn’t want to make eye contact with this town. We approached the guard ponies. Glancing over at Redd, I met his gaze. He wasn’t nearly as nervous as I was. The guards looked us over.

“Race and business here.” One of them ordered.

Nico was our spokespony. “Two earth ponies and one unicorn. We just want to rest for the night.”

How in Equestria was he able to keep a straight face?

The guard left his post and circled us. I squeezed my eyes shut, praying they wouldn’t see past our disguises.

“You look familiar.” The guard stopped in front of me. I looked up at him and swallowed, hard.

“I-I do?” I squeaked.

“Yes. I’ve seen those eyes somewhere, before.” He squinted, getting closer to my face.

Oh, Luna, he knows! He knows I’m a pegasus!

“Do you know Buckshot Flannigan?” He asked.

What the buck?

“I-I’ve heard the name.” I lied.

“You’re his old marefriend! I knew I’ve seen you somewhere!”

“Y-yeah.” I blushed.

The guard turned and walked back to his spot. “I don’t blame you for not wanting to be associated with the buck. Haven’t met a mare who doesn’t regret sleeping with ol’ Buckshot. Go on through.”

I almost fainted. That was close!

“Seriously?” Nico raised his brow as we walked through the old streets. The only correctly built establishment sat in the middle of the town.

“I was playing along! Did you want me to blow our cover?!” I hissed

Redd shook his head. “This is ridiculous.”

As we trotted, we received several glares from the town ponies. They either suspected something or they were just very unfriendly. I walked as close to Nico as possible. His slight limp and my trotting that close almost made him lose his balance.

“Look, just relax. You’re going to make somepony hurt themselves.” He said, rubbing the bandage.

“Sorry. Let’s just hurry up and-“

The smell of alcohol filled my nostrils. It was so intoxicating, I almost followed the scent right to the bar. After the past few days, I could really go for a drink... or two.

“Bar time!” I trotted, happily to the large storage container with the saloon doors.

Nico stood in front of me. “Are you crazy? You’ll give us away, for sure, if you’re under the influence.”

I groaned. “Nico, come on! I need it!” I pouted, giving him the puppy dog eyes. “Please?”

He laughed. “You think that works on me?”

I forced my eyes to grow larger.

He frowned, staring at me.

I tilted my head and folded one of my ears to resemble a begging filly.

His eye twitched. “Fine, but I’ll go buy the bottles. You and Redd go ahead and get the room. Please, for the love of all that is holy, don’t do anything stupid.”

He hoofed over a small pouch of caps and walked off.

“Yes!” I hoof pumped.

“You drink, now? Lieutenant!” Redd scolded.

I rolled my eyes. “Oh, stop it. There’s a first time for everything. I just so happened to be addicted, now.” I headed straight for the wooden building with a sign that said “Inn”.

Redd followed after, trotting beside me. Entering the motel, I stopped and stared at the decorations in horror. The entire wall was covered in prewar posters, promoting the Wonderbolts. Only, they weren’t very supportive. Red paint smeared over each one, representing blood. On the wall behind the desk, a plaque hung with a mummified wing. I felt sick to my stomach. Redd growled, but I nudged him, putting a stop to it.

“Welcome! How may I help you?” A pink earth pony with a yellow mane waved from behind the desk. She was quite cheerful. The mare definitely didn’t fit in this town.

“W-we’d like a room, p-please.” I tried to sound friendly, but my angst showed through. I slid the pouch of caps to her.

“Of course. Just let me find a key.” She dug inside a small box.

“Is that a real pegasus wing?” Redd asked her, pointing to the plaque.

She beamed. “Why, yes! It belonged to an Enclave general. Our leader, Clockwork, took him down and personally dismembered the wing. It’s his greatest achievement, yet! The other wing hangs in his office just on the edge of town.”

I tensed. “Th-that’s… that’s great.”

Redd elbowed me.

“Here is the key to room two. Enjoy your stay! Tell your friends about us! Unless they’re pegasi!” She said, cheerfully.

I smiled, hurrying through the hall. Something was off about that mare. More posters hung on the wall, ruined by the red paint. Redd opened a door with a number two painted in red on the doorframe. Inside, the room was nothing but a broken dresser, an old chair, and a warped mattress. I closed the door and curled up on the floor at Redd’s hooves, whimpering.

“How could they do this?! This is an outrage! As soon as we return, I’m informing the council of this abomination of a town!” Redd stormed over to the window and covered it with the newspaper curtains. This motel was so... uncouth!

“Ugh. I need to stretch my wings.” He threw off his barding and rifles, stretching his wings and flapping a few times.

I did the same, only I put my armor back on. Can’t be too careful!

“Why don’t you just take it off?” He grinned.

I glared at him. “Let’s just wait for Nico. I really need to get wasted.”

He sat on his haunches and flexed. “It’s been a while since I lifted weights. What do you think, Lieu- I mean, Sienna?”

I tried not to stare, honestly. When I looked over, I started sweating again.

“Y-you look great.” I fanned my face with a wing.

He gave me a toothy grin, trotting over. I stepped back, hoping he wouldn’t notice my little situation.

He frowned. “What’s the matter?”

“N-nothing!” I slipped to the other side of the room. “It’s getting warm in here. I miss the cool breeze above the clouds.”

“You can take off the armor, you know. I won’t look.” He averted his gaze.

I paused. He had a point. It couldn’t hurt to air my fur. Even if it was stuffy in the room. I slowly pulled the light armor over my head. When I turned, he was staring at me from the side. I covered myself and glared.

“I thought you said you wouldn’t look!” I pointed.

He blushed. “Sorry. I just can’t help it. I never noticed how attractive you really are.” He slowly tiptoed over to me. “You know, I think you’d be happy with me. We could run away. I hear Neighvarro is a great place to raise foals. You’ll be well protected.” He was so close, I could smell him. And, boy, did I!

“I-I don’t know.” I tucked my tail.

“I can give you anything you want. We can go anywhere you want. Nico can’t go back with us, you know that. He’s not like us.” He held my hoof.

“I know that! I’m not into him! Why does everypony think that? Ugh. Listen, I’m not ready for anything serious. Besides, you bullied me in grade school.” I snatched away.

“I know, and I apologize. I was only a colt, I didn’t mean anything by it. Just give me a chance.” He moved closer, getting face to face with me.

I was sweating marbles at that point. The heat in my face was uncomfortable. “R-Redd…”

“Please?” He hugged my waist, flapping his wings and hovering off the floor with me in his arms.

My eyes grew wide. He lifted me without any effort. Redd’s muzzle was a hair from mine. I knew better, but he was right about certain things. I didn’t like Nico in that way, but Redd was more like me. I didn’t have to worry about what others thought if I was with another pegasus. Just as I was about to lean in, the doorknob twisted.

“Fucking line. I bought three bottles of…” He trailed off when he saw us hovering in the air. “Do I need to leave?”

I wiggled my way out of Redd’s grip, landing face first on the floor. “Ouch.”

“Let me help you!” Redd hurried down.

“N-no! No. I… got it.” Standing, I went over to the chair and sat down. I closed my eyes and leaned back, embarrassed of what I was about to do.

“So…” Redd landed next to me.
I sighed. “Redd, you’re sweet and the offer is… tempting, but I just don’t want a relationship.”

“Give it some thought.” He said, snatching one of the three bottles from Nico.

“Wow, you drink? I thought you had too much pride.” Nico sneered.

Redd ignored him, sitting on the old mattress

Staring at the floor, I propped my head in one hoof. In the corner of my eye, I saw a bottle of a pale yellow liquid. Nico smiled and winked, setting the bottle in my lap. I couldn’t read the label.

“It’s tequila. Not as good as Wild Pegasus, but it’s the same result. In Equestrian, it translates to Citrus Flame.” He told me.

I didn’t really care. If it had alcohol, I wanted it! Pulling the cork off with my teeth, I threw it to the side and took a long pull. Smacking, I tasted a hint of lemon. This was better than Wild Pegasus! I hugged the bottle, then chugged.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” He said, pouring a shot in a shot glass.

He carried a shot glass with him? What an alcoholic!

“Well, I don’t get to do this a lot.” I said. My gut started burning, slightly. It was amazing!

He shrugged. “Suit yourself. But, being in heat, you might try to screw anything with a penis.”

Redd coughed and choked on his bottle. “You’re in heat?! Oh, goddesses. Now every stallion we come in contact with is going to make a move. Maybe we should just avoid traveling.” He sniffed. “Now that you mention it, the scent is pretty damn strong.”

Why? Why does this happen to me?

I blushed, taking another big gulp. “Please, let’s not talk about this.” I covered my flank with my barding.

“What’s the big deal? It’s natural.” Nico downed the shot.

“Please, shut up.”

They ignored me. “Death is natural. Doesn’t mean it’s a good thing.” Redd countered.

“Stop, damn it!” I shouted. I didn’t want to hear two bucks talking about a mare’s cycle. That was unnatural!

“Sorry, princess. It’s an interesting topic.” Nico gave up on the shot glass and just started drinking straight from the clear bottle.

It didn’t take long for the tequila to take effect. My mind had become clouded and unclear. Redd and Nico had already started arguing about something else, but I didn’t care. I grinned, humming to the tune of a song I remembered hearing at the Wild Formal. I was sober when I heard it, so it was pretty easy to remember. I liked to think I had a good memory. I didn’t have a beautiful singing voice, but then, it didn’t matter. I just wanted to dance! The song played in my head as I sung along.

The song ended in my head. It was a wonderful song. I didn’t remember the rest, but the lyrics really spoke to me. I opened my eyes to see the two bucks smiling and watching me. I blushed.

Oh, no. I wasn’t singing in my head?

“Love that song.” Redd slurred.

“I know!” I squeed.

“I enjoyed the performance.” Nico stomped, applauding me.

Blushing, I drank more tequila. It wasn’t even half finished and I was beginning to see double! Redd had drank half of his, so he was passed out on the mattress. Nico rolled his eyes and glared at him. Too bad there wasn’t two mattresses. I wouldn’t mind sleeping with Nico!

“I should break the bottle over his head.” He grumbled.

I shook my head and hiccupped. “I’m enjoying my time with you.”

“Here we go.”

“I’m –hic- serious! You are so… so… Aw, I can’t think.” I giggled, hugging the bottle again. “This is so good! It’s better than Wild Pegasusus!”

He facehoofed. “You can’t even speak correctly, but thanks. I guess.”

“Listen, you’re a –hic- great pony. Don’t let anypony tell you otherwise.” I pointed at him and his twin. “I didn’t know you had a twin brother! You guys lo-hic-ok alike.”

He chuckled. “You should really go to sleep. I think the tequila was a bad idea.”

I hopped down and swayed over to him, putting my hoof over his mouth. “Shh. You’re worried, I know. You don’t have to worry about me, anymore.” I grabbed his head and held him close to my chest, stroking his mane and rocking back and forth.

“W-what are you doing.” He tried to get away, but I held on, tighter.

“I’m trying to re-hic-relax you. You’re so tense!” I nuzzled his mane. “You smell so gooooood.”

“Okay, S-Sia. You’re freaking me out.” He said, nervously. He was acting very strange! I was starting to think I was the only normal one in this group.

A soft knock at the door caught our attention. It was late, so I wasn’t expecting company. I stood and trotted to the door, oblivious to the tequila’s mind-clouding abilities. Nico tackled me, knocking me onto my flank. I didn’t even feel it!

“Are you crazy?” He hissed. “You’re wings are showing!”

The knock came again. “One second!” He yelled, throwing Redd’s barding over the sleeping stallion’s torso. He, then, threw his own armor over me and carried me with his magic, setting me on the chair.

“Hey!” I yelled.

“Don’t move! They can’t see your wings.” He whispered, hurriedly.

He rushed to the door, cracking it. A pony tiptoed inside. The desk pony.

“Close the door.” She whispered. Nico did as she said and sat in front of it.

She sighed, looking around at each of us. “Clockwork suspects your secret. He saw you trotting through town and a feather fell from one of you. I come to warn you that he is about to send two guards in here to investigate.”

“More friends!” I clopped my hooves.

“Sia, this is bad. This is very bad.” Nico paced.

“My name is Green Leaf. I want to help you get out of here before they arrive.” She looked back at the door and lowered her voice. “I don’t think we have much time.”

“I thought you didn’t like pegasi?” Nico asked her.

Leaf set her jaw. “I think pegasi are graceful and not all of them are ill-mannered. Clockwork is my father. If I don’t follow his rules, he’ll throw me out of town. I have to act like I hate them. He has eyes everywhere.”

Nico groaned. “Perfect. These two are drunk out of their minds. How am I supposed to get them out without being seen?”

“That’s why I’m here. A tunnel runs under this motel. It leads out of the town and into a warehouse just over the hill. If we hurry, you can make it out.” She said, pointing to the exit.

“Threesome!” I giggled. I stood, only to fall on my face.

“You can’t even walk.” Nico said, flatly.

“Nope! But I can fly!” I flapped, hovering above them. My wings then carried me towards the door. Straight into the wall. Nico groaned.

Leaf trotted over to me. “Hop on my back and I’ll carry you.” She turned to Nico. “Can you carry the stallion?”

He threw Redd over his back. “I don’t see how he flies. He weighs more than me!” He grunted.

“All those muscles.” I whispered to Leaf.

“Sia, was it? I need you to be as quiet as possible, okay?” She said.

I saluted. “Yes, ma’am!”

She smiled and grabbed my armor and pistol, throwing it over me. She then crouched, allowing me to climb on her back. She was a little bigger than me, so I figured she was also strong enough to carry me. I wrapped my hooves around her to hold on.

“Leaf, wanna be my new friend?” I twirled her mane in my hoof. “I love what you’ve done with your mane, darling.”

She chuckled under her breath. “Are you sure you didn’t take any drugs?”

She opened the door, peeking in the hall. Motioning for Nico to follow, she tiptoed down the narrow corridor and into a basement. She stopped by a large barrel sitting in the corner of the room. She bucked it, rolling it out of the way. A trapdoor was embedded in the basement floor. Hoofsteps could be heard above us.

“They’re here! Come on!” She whispered.

Nico opened the trapdoor with his magic and ran inside, Leaf and I close behind. She gently clicked the latch shut. Galloping down the stairs, I craned my neck to get a better look of the tunnel. There wasn’t much to it. Just splintered, wooden beams and old wiring holding the cavern up. She pushed a button on my pipbuck, turning a light on. I never knew it could do that!

“Duck!” She yelled, sliding under a board that had been placed lower than the others. As she lowered her head, I looked up, hitting my forehead on the board.

“Ow.” I rubbed my head.

“Sorry, I told you to duck!” She whispered back to me.

“It’s fine!” I hugged her.

“Er, thank you.”

We galloped for half an hour. Before I knew it, she had stopped. In front of us, the tunnel forked in three directions. Leaf was getting nervous.

“Which way?” Nico asked.

“I-I don’t know.”

“I thought you knew what you were doing!” Nico rounded on her.

“I’ve never been through here, I only saw the tunnel map for a brief time. I have it in my desk.” She looked down.

“Well that’s just great!” Nico pushed Redd off of him and paced, again.

I jumped off Leaf’s back and stepped up to him. “Shut up, Nico!” I yelled. “You’re being mean.”

“Do you have any better ideas?” He growled at me.

I poked his chest. “Don’t get in my face! You’re the one who wanted to stay in this fucking town!”

“Guys. Stop yelling. Head. Hurts.” Redd mumbled. He stood and looked around. “What’s going on?”

“Long story.” Leaf said.

“Wait, you figured us out? You took us!” Redd snatched his rifles and threw them on, aiming at her. I rushed between them.

“Now, you’re being mean!”

He paused, scratching his head.

“We need to get out of here.” She said.

“You four aren’t going anywhere.” A deep voice echoed behind us.

The four of us turned at the same time. A gray earth stallion stepped out of the tunnel we had just emerged from. Two guards with pistols followed him. The badge on his vest shined in the light of my pipbuck.

Leaf’s face twisted in horror. “F-father.”

“Green Leaf, what are you doing with these ruffians? Get over here, this instant!” He shouted.

Everypony is mean, today.

“Father, these pegasi are not evil! I-“

“Save it! I’ll deal with you, later.” He narrowed his eyes at Redd. “You pegasi have done nothing but corrupt and deceive our kind. Now, you’ll pay for corrupting my daughter.” He nodded for the guards to attack.

“Wait! Clockwork, you need to understand something.” I stumbled over to him. He was bigger up close. “Redd and I understand where you’re coming from.”

“Yeah, ri-“

“But,” I interrupted Redd before he said something stupid. “You can’t judge somepony by their race. I learned that the hard way.” I nudged his shoulder.

Clockwork stomped. “You think I have poor judgement? No, my dear. The citizens in my town hate pegasi for more reasons than you can count. I’ll have your wings in my office in no time.”

“You’re insane!” Nico barked.

A loud shriek echoed through our ears. Even Clockwork perked at the sound. When the echo ceased, everything became quiet. I turned to Nico whose face became pale. I swallowed. The courage from the tequila was wearing off pretty quickly. Multiple shrieks forced me to cover my ears.

“Ferals.” Nico breathed.

Fuck.

From the tunnels, dozens of monsters with sickly green eyes flooded the cavern around us. They snapped and growled, falling over each other. Redd started zapping the ones closest to him. I flew to the ceiling, dodging the bites and hits of the mindless ghouls. They swarmed Green Leaf, forcing her to pick up a board and start swinging.

“Leaf!” Clockwork boomed.

He bit down on a pistol and shot at a zombie, biting at Leaf. She grunted as she bucked him off. My heart thundered in my chest, making me grab at it. I began hyperventilating as I stared in horror. These were feral ghouls. Fleece had been right about them. It made me appreciate her even more!

“Redd, help the guards!” Nico yelled. He, too, frantically shot at the ghouls surrounding him.

“I don’t need help from a pegasus!” One of the guards shouted. He swung his spear, bashing the skull of a zombie. Just as he spun around, two ghouls tore into him. He screamed as they ripped into his flesh. I became nauseated as one of the ghouls clamped down on intestines and drug them out of his body. The guard quieted, his life blood pouring out of the large tear in his side.

Redd rushed to the other guard, who watched his friend be mauled. Snapping out of his daze, the guard bucked two zombies, crushing their skulls. Redd’s rifles zapped several more ghouls, before they started smoking.

“Fuck! The barrels are fried!” He shouted, knocking a ghoul away.

“Time to use your legs!” The guard shouted up at him.

Redd swallowed, diving for a group of zombies who had cornered Clockwork. The earth stallion nodded, thanking him, and went back to shooting.

“Sia! Behind you!” Nico yelled, reaching for me.

I twirled around, not before being knocked out of the air by a unicorn ghoul. I screamed, struggling to kick the zombie off of me. Another joined in the fight, aiding the ghoul that snapped at my muzzle. Ichor splattered on my face, making me nauseous. I stretched my neck away from the ghoul, spotting my energy pistol nearby. I reached for it, but the ghoul beside me kicked it farther away. Pain shot through my shoulder as it bit a chunk of hide. I screamed in agony. Suddenly, its head exploded, rotted gore covering the rest of my body. Nico bucked a ghoul behind him, then rushed over. He floated a healing potion from his bag and opened it, quickly pouring it down my throat. I gulped it down through tears. The wound slowly closed as I heard his rifle crack twice. He hoofed over my pistol and stood over me while I switched cartridges.

A zombie ran towards him, but he ducked, the ghoul rolling over his back. The loud crack of his rifle was deafening. Aiming my pistol, I aimed my shots into a group heading for Leaf. One by one, they burned.

Back to Tartarus with you!

The guard threw a grenade into a crowd, causing gore to fly every which way. A few of them, however, survived. Even though they were missing half their bodies, they continued to crawl towards us, shrieking in the most inequine way. I had never seen anything so terrifying in my life. Yet, I still fought. I still tried to protect Nico and the others like I promised I would.

“Father!” Leaf shrieked.

A ghoul slammed into Clockwork, while another tore his vest apart. I stared in shock at his sides. Deep scars stood out on each side where wings would be if he were a pegasus. They were old scars. I bit down on the trigger, turning the two ghouls to ash. Clockwork’s wounds were weakening him. Pushing Nico out of the way, I flew over to him, helping him to his hooves.

“I don’t… need you.” He snatched his hoof away from me.

Ignoring him, I pushed him out of the path of a ghoul. Instead of knocking into him, it hit me, slamming me into the dirt wall. Rubbing my head, I dodged the bites from the zombie. More ghouls ran from the tunnels. They were endless!

“Nico! We need to get out of here!” I screamed, shooting the ghoul that was trying to turn me into a meal.

“Redd! Grab Clockwork! Let’s move!” Nico yelled over the commotion.

I flew over to Leaf who struggled to keep a ghoul from biting her flank. I grabbed her under her hooves, flying over the flock of. She looked up at me, fear covering her features. I looked over at the remaining guard who was still fighting for his life. The crack of Nico’s rifle was followed by a spray of brown, stinking blood.

“Come on!” I yelled to the guard. My voice cracked as my throat began to tighten. I swayed in the air.

“S-Sia? What’s wrong?” Leaf asked.

“P-panic… attack.” I squeaked.

“D-don’t panic! We’re gonna get out of here! Set me down. I can gallop out behind you.”

I gently set her on the ground, continuing to shake and whimper as the lump in my throat felt bigger. Nico pulled me from the air with his magic. I folded my wings, letting him set me on his back. To avoid the attack getting worse, I buried my face in his mane.

Too bad I’m in the middle of an anxiety attack. I know he smells wonderful!

“Put me down! I will not be humiliated like this!” Clockwork yelled on Redd’s back.

“You’re hoof is broken, you crazy bastard!” Redd countered.

“I can handle myself!”

Redd continued flying, ignoring him. I chanced a glance behind us. The ghouls were limping, running, and crawling after us. The guard and Leaf ran flank to flank with Nico. I squeezed my eyes shut, holding onto Nico even tighter. His leg must have been feeling better, since his limp wasn’t as noticeable.

Nico stopped running. “Go on, I’ll catch up.”

“What are you doing?” I yelled.

A grenade hovered next to him. “Making sure they don’t get out of the tunnels. Now, go.”

I shook my head. “No! I-I’m not leaving you!”

He smiled. “Don’t worry about me, princess. I’ll be fine.” The ghouls were getting closer.

“No!” I choked.

Leaf grabbed me. “Come on. We have to go!”

She pulled me from him, dragging me away. I reached out to him, fighting her grip. He winked at me before turning around and pulling the stem from the grenade and throwing it. Leaf dragged me up the old stairs, holding onto me. She slammed the door closed as the explosion shook the ground. My eyes went wide.

Nico is dead. It's my fault, again.

Dust cleared from the room as Leaf let go of me. I fell to the floor and sobbed in my hooves. She sat next to me, putting a hoof on my shoulder. Nico was gone. I blamed myself, of course. Everypony who befriended me ended up dead. Maybe it was best if I were alone. At least then, they would have a fighting chance in the wasteland. I blamed this place, too. I blamed the ponies of the past. They didn’t have to start a war. They didn’t have to let things turn out like this!

“Thank you for saving us.” Clockwork spoke up. “I know this isn’t a good time, but I sincerely apologize for what’s happened.”

I stood, shaking and sobbing. “You’re a pegasus.” I said, without facing him.

He didn’t reply.
“You’re a fucking pegasus!” I turned, repeating my statement. “You are one of us, and you want to kill your own! Why? If you weren’t so selfish, Nico would still be alive!” I screamed at him.

He, shamefully, looked away.

“Father?” Leaf stepped beside me. “Is this true?”

He nodded.

She gasped. “You said those scars were from a battle!”

“How did you really get them?” Redd narrowed his eyes.

Clockwork sighed. “I cut off my wings.”

I couldn’t believe it. Wings were a very sensitive body part. I didn’t want to imagine the pain he must have felt.

“Why?” Leaf whispered.

“I’m ashamed of what we have become. For a while, I traveled across Equestria, searching for a new home. Everywhere I went, the Enclave followed me. They destroyed every town I came upon. They killed the ponies I called my friends.” He softened his gaze. “They killed your mother.”

Leaf breathed quickly. “Why am I an earth pony? You aren’t really my father, are you?” A tear escaped her eye.

“I am! Your mother was an earth pony, sweetheart. When you were born, I went through agonizing pain to make sure you never knew of your roots. I didn’t want you to feel hatred towards me, but it seems I failed.” He glared at the basement floor.

Leaf galloped to him, throwing her hooves around his neck. “Father, I’ll never hate you! I never hated pegasi. I just… I always thought you would disown me if I helped them.”

He hugged her back, tearing up. “I love you, my little filly. I’m so proud of you.”

“I love you, too, Dad.”

I looked back at the trap door, not bothering to open it. This family had dark secrets, but they still loved each other. My eyes watered as I thought of my own family. I missed them, sure, but I knew my grandparents were safe for now. I just had to do something about the pearls. If Hope was going to destroy the pegasi, it was my responsibility to save them. So many lives rested in my hooves, and I was afraid. Now that Nico was gone, I felt as though I wouldn’t be able to save them. I couldn’t do it without him.

Nico, I’m so sorry.

Level Up!

Health -1
Combat +2
Shooting +2

New Perk: Beggar- When you put on those cute puppy-dog eyes, you are %35 more likely to get what you want from normal ponies.

Nico has left your group!

Author's Notes:

Thanks to Kkat for this amazing world! I don't feel like she gets enough credit.

Chapter 9 is finally done! I've been going through some things, lately, so I haven't been working on chapter 10. I'll be getting around to it, though! I'm also going to start working on my concept drawing for Fleece one day this week. I already have drawings of Sienna and Redd (since they're OCs, Redd belongs to my "darling" hubby and proofreader. Credit for him, of course.) I'll be sure to throw those up one day.
Again, Thank you guys sooo much for reading! Constructive criticism is welcome!
-AP