The next morning, I was utterly exhausted. The bags under my eyes were sure to scare anypony away. As we walked throughout the day, it was oddly quiet. Sure, we came across a few radroaches or a bloatsprite, but I let the bucks handle it. Time had escaped us pretty quickly. When we stopped to scavenge, I’d read the letter, again. It was heart breaking, but it also made me happy. I kept the poor buck in my thoughts. Except for when Redd and Nico quarreled like two old stallions arguing about the weather forecast.

I sighed as I walked in front of my companions. It felt like I was a foalsitter. It was like Nico never even left!

“Pegasi are the superior race, when it comes to speed.” Redd bickered.

“Not if you can teleport.” Nico leered at him.

“Can you?”

“No, but I can learn.”

“Exactly. And let’s see you walk on clouds.”

“It’s pretty easy when you have feather dusters attached to your sides.”

The pegasus rounded on Nico. “Coming from someone with a dick on his forehead, asshole!”

“Bigger than yours.” Nico smirked.

At that point, I had started rubbing my leg with the pipbuck. It had started itching that morning. I was so caught up in moving it around, I didn’t notice Redd had headbutted Nico. I gasped as they started fighting.

“Guys!” I yelled in an attempt to stop them.

Both of their saddlebags went flying. Nico’s rifle landed on the ground beside me. Redd shoved him, making him stumble a hoof’s distance away from him. Nico hurled several stones at him, hitting him in the flank and eye.

“Please, stop!” I yelled, rubbing my forehead.

Several punches and kicks later, I grew tired of it. I picked up Nico’s rifle and pointed it at them. It was very heavy, so it was hard to steady myself.

“Fucking, stop!” I screamed as loud as I could.

The brawlers paused and held their hooves up as I bared my teeth.

“Watch it! That things loaded!” Nico warned.

“L-Lieutenant…”

“Shut. The fuck. Up! You both have done nothing but argue. I’m sick of it!” I slung the gun over my back and stomped up to them.

“I’m not this prick. You aren’t going to boss me around like I’m some kind of-“

CRACK!

Luckily I had the rifle pointed in the air and not at his head. At least he stopped talking.

“Are you done fighting like foals?” I said, coolly.

They nodded simultaneously.

“Good. I’d do something about your wounds, but I’d like to save what’s left of our healing supplies for emergencies until we can find more.” I said, turning around.

“We should have looted those slavers’ bodies. They probably had a few medical supplies.” Nico spoke up, trotting behind me.

I glanced back, disgusted.

“What? You gotta do what you gotta do to survive.” He said, flatly.

I rolled my eyes. It really didn’t surprise me.

“I feel pretty bad for your future offspring.” I couldn’t tell if Nico was being sarcastic or not.

“Don’t really plan to have foals.” I said, folding my ears.

He gasped in exaggeration. “Sienna doesn’t want foals? I thought you were compassionate and gentle! How can you not like children?”

“I do. It doesn’t mean I want any. The Enclave limits the number of foals in each household. I take it you really do want foals of your own.” I grinned.

He shrugged. “Actually, I do, but it would be difficult. I mean, I want to find the right mare, first. Not perfect, I just want somepony who would actually care for our foals and not just throw them around. Not many get to live happily ever after.”

What is this, a dating service? How did this topic even come up?

“Well, when you marry and have lots of Nico juniors running around, I’ll be sure to come visit. Maybe they won’t be little assholes like their father.” I laughed to myself.

“We would have beautiful babies.” Redd twitched his eyebrows.

I groaned. “Sorry, Redd. I think you should just find another mare.”

“So, are we still searching for Flashbang? We aren’t that far from Shattered Hoof.” Redd asked, ignoring my response to his absurd comment.

“Well, I guess if we don’t find her, we don’t find her. Maybe after the whole ‘destroy the pearls and save pony-kind’ thing blows over.” Nico said.

“We probably won’t even find her.” I said, flatly. “I kind of hope we don’t. If she’s as slick as Gladys says she is, I would hate to approach her.”

“She can’t be that dangerous.”

“Nico, your leg is still healing from a radhog. You’d better not get to cocky.” I remarked, getting a snicker from Redd.

He groaned and kept walking, sullenly.

“You should have stayed in that creepy state when you were inside Sky’s memory. You didn’t fuss as much, just talked to yourself about the war and chaos.”

I slowed down and matched his pace. “You’re right. Then, I wouldn’t have had to put up with your cynical attitude.”

“And here I thought you missed me.” Nico held his head high.

“No. You make a great bodyguard when you aren’t being attacked by mutated animals.” I smirked.

“I… Touché.”

Our journey continued until dusk. We spotted an old shack hidden behind a pile of dead brush. According to the pipbuck map, we’d get to Shattered Hoof within a day. Nico’s horn sparked, lighting a fire in the makeshift fire pit on the dirt floor inside. Redd flew off to gather a few more logs for firewood. I folded my hooves under me as I settled down, watching the flames dance about. Nico sat beside me, poking the coals with an iron rod he found. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught him staring. The flickering of the fire was the only light we had.

“So…” I tried to break the deafening silence. “You really want foals?”

He nodded. “Would love to. The whole family oriented characteristic in me, I guess. I’m kind of shocked that you don’t.”

“Well, maybe in the future.” I watched the reflection of the fire in his eyes.

He smiled. I knew that smirk.

“Would you have any with me? You think I’m cute, right?” How did I know he’d say something like that?

“No. You’re too much of a jackass.” I said, as nice as I could manage.

“True. I’d hate to see a foal with your anger problems.”

“Thanks.” I said, sarcastically. “Why are we talking about this, again?”

“You wanted to know if I would be a good father to your babies.” He didn’t even crack a smile.

I stared at him.

“I’m kidding.” He assured me. “Told you, this was too easy.”

Out of the shadows, a black figure appeared behind him. My eyes went wide.

He frowned. “What’s wrong?”

I pointed my pistol and mouthed, “Don’t mohve.”

“S-Sia…” He slowly held his hooves in the air.

I acknowledged the all-black getup. Also, this figure wasn’t ghostly, so that was a plus.

“F-Fashbahng…” I whispered through the gun in my mouth.

Nico tilted his head. He turned around and jumped back, startled. The mysterious pony tilted her head in response. Her hoof reached behind her head. She was grabbing a weapon!

“D-don’t mohve! Ah’ll shoot!” I yelled.

Flashbang stopped and shook her head. She continued to reach behind her until she felt her mask. It slowly peeled off, revealing her face. Her mane was a violet updo and her coat a pale green color. She narrowed her eyes.

“Sienna?” She stepped closer.

I holstered my gun. “Who…”

She stepped into the light. I gasped. “Violet?”

She nodded and galloped to me, with tears in her eyes. “Sia! Oh, my stars! I’ve missed you so much!” Her hooves wrapped around me.

“Violet! I’m so glad I found you!” I buried my face in her shoulder and bawled. “Where have you been? Violet, I thought you were dead!” I wiped my eyes.

“I grew tired of the Enclave’s shit. I managed to get away and I’ve been here ever since. Didn’t even have to be branded!” She beamed, pointing to her covered flank. Under the jumpsuit, I knew there would be an image of a mountain and skyline as her cutie mark. I stared at her. She wanted to leave the Enclave?

“Why are you here?” She looked me over. “You look terrible!”

I avoided her eyes. “Rescue mission. I’m the only one left.”

She hugged me again. “Sia, I’m so sorry. But, you’re okay! You lived! I’m so happy to see my best friend!” Squeezing me tighter, she sniffed.

We stayed in each other’s embrace for at least ten minutes. I told her how things were back home. The joy that overcame me was unbreakable. I found my best friend, again! She wasn’t dead!

“Oh, Violet, this is my friend, Nico.” I pointed to the buck who looked like the gears in his head were struggling to turn. She grabbed his hoof and enthusiastically shook it.

“Nice to meet you, but let me get this straight: You’re Flashbang?” He raised an eyebrow.

“That’s me! Now, you’re the one dating my B.F.F, right?”

He blushed. “N-no! I’m not-“

“Uh-huh.” She waved him off.

“Violet, how did you get to be… this?” I gestured to her suit.

“This old thing? I wore it when I first got here and helped out a caravan with a manticore. A few locals heard about it and started calling me Flashbang.” She shrugged. “The name just stuck. Kind of cool, actually. I’m like a superhero or some shit!”

I giggled as she flew around the room, punching and kicking the air dramatically. She, alone, had more energy than the entire Enclave.

“I hope this is enough.” Redd stepped inside and balked at Violet, dropping the logs. “Violet Horizon? Y-you’re alive!”

Violet grinned from ear to ear. “Cousin!” She tackled him in a hug.

“Wait, wait, wait!” Nico interrupted the reunion. “You three knew each other and didn’t bother to tell me?”

I rolled my eyes. “We went to school together. Redd and Violet are related. Understand now?”

“I take it you and Sienna know each other pretty well, eh?” She nudged him.

“W-why would you say that?” He stepped back.

She pulled him back and propped her elbow on his shoulder. “Look at your face. You can’t fool me. You guys are crushing on each other.”

Awkward silence.

“Really? You’re gonna act all shy? I know Sia is a nervous wreck around bucks-“

“Hey!” I yelled.

“-but come on, you should be able to woo her pretty easy. I mean, look at those muscles.” She picked up Nico’s foreleg and motioned with her own hoof. She put it down and twisted him around, facing away from me. “And this flank! Come on, Sia. Sexy, don’t you think?” She wiggled her eyebrows.

My mouth gaped open as I stared, turning red from my head to my hoof.

Nico snatched his tail away from her. “Wh-who do you think you are?!”

Redd growled. “Why would she like him?”

“Oh, shut it, Redd. She told you in high school she would never date you.” Violet pat his back, hard.

So glad to have my best friend back…

“So, Nico, was it? You have a crush on my little Sia, right?” She put a hoof around him, poking his chest.

He blushed. “I-I…”

“Sweet!” She exclaimed.

Violet broke him? He had a crush on me? Oh, Celestia and Luna’s sweet royal horseshoes! I’m sweating! Oh, no…

“Sienna?”

I looked up to see everypony staring at me. “Uh… um…”

Violet burst into laughter. “Oh, this is too awesome! It’s a love triangle!”

Redd stormed outside. She chuckled, watching him slam the door. “I may need to have a little cousin to cousin talk with Reddy boy, there. I’ll go help gather more firewood. We’ll catch up later, Sia!”

I watched her fly out after him, shutting the door behind her. My eyes stayed on the door, not wanting to look at the only other pony with me. The awkward silence grew unbearable until he set another branch on the fire. I chanced a glance. His expression was that of a grumpy old stallion.

“Well, that just happened.” I rubbed my foreleg. “I’m sorry about Violet. She’s… well, she doesn’t mind.”

“She’s right.” He said, without looking up from the fire.

About?

“She’s right. Only… It’s not so much as a crush as it is…” He was frustrated as he tried to find his words.

Oh, no.

“I hate myself. I despise myself. Why do I have to feel this way about somepony who is just going to leave me behind? I’m sorry to be so blunt, but it’s true. Look at the hardass, growing feelings for somepony he just met.” He stomped his hoof.

Damn it, Violet.

“I’m sorry, Nico. I-I never meant for this to happen.” I rested my head on my hooves.

He sighed. “It’s my fault. It wasn’t until you kissed me… I-I felt like I could… I don’t know.”

“I… don’t know what to say.” I said.

“Then don’t say anything.” He turned his back to me.

A tear rolled down my cheek and onto the dust, creating a small dark spot between my hooves. I wished this was a dream. No way, in Equestria, could he love me. I knew some things, but love was something I knew absolutely nothing about. What would others say if they saw us together?

I paused.

That’s your problem, Sienna. You don’t take chances. This is the wasteland, anything could happen.

Rubbing my cheek, I stood and made my way over to him. “Nico, I never wanted you to be hurt by the likes of me. I wish you would just let me do this, so you don’t have to be around me. Please, don’t take this the wrong way. I’m afraid if we grow closer, something bad will happen. I-I don’t know what I would do if I lost you.” I hugged myself, not wanting to be vulnerable physically or mentally.

He exhaled in frustration. “I told you, there is no way you’re going alone. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.” He finally turned to me with hurt on his face. “I’m sure the feelings will fade. Hopefully. It’s not like it can be mutual.”

I almost cried for him, but I was aggravated, myself.

“Why? Why can’t we just take our emotions and dump them somewhere?! It’s not fair! All they do is cause pain!” I stomped multiple times.

Nico touched my shoulder. “Isn’t that what makes us stronger?” He wore a damaged smile. “I know you’ve told me you never had time for love, but even it’s only for a few days, it’s a good feeling. I learned that with Pepper. I loved her. I lost her. Though, I enjoyed it while it lasted. Nothing lasts forever.”

I turned away from him. I understood what he meant, but I didn’t want to believe it. He was so kind, so caring… so aromatic. As he removed his hoof from my shoulder, I felt it. My eyes went wide as small droplets of perspiration formed on my face.

This is not the time, Sienna! Control yourself!

Nico had already sat down in his original spot, not looking at me. I was glad he didn’t notice the terror on my face as I lost control of my sexual urges. My pupils shrunk as I tried not to look at his body. I couldn’t stop myself. He had already taken his barding off. I observed his muscles, then moved my eyes to his flank.

Oh, goddesses.

I turned from him and laid down until the urge passed. The first urges were always the worst. I knew I’d be able to control it in the future. Now, though? I was struggling. I tucked my tail between my legs.

Nico sighed. “Sienna, I’m sorry if I hurt you.”

I shook my head, still avoiding his eyes. “You didn’t hurt me.” I said as calm as I could. Not wanting him to see me, I covered my head with my wings.

Oh, no. He’s walking towards me!

He laid down beside me. “Are you okay?”

No! I’m not! Get away! You’re making it worse, Nico!

I tensed my muscles. Maybe I could just kiss him. It should satisfy me, right? “C-can I kiss you, again? Just once more.”

He didn’t answer me.

Great. Now, he suspects!

Nico’s hoof slid under my chin. Gently, he picked my head up to look at him. His eyes softened. He touched my nose with his, as I felt my urge melt away. Closing my eyes, I felt his lips contact mine. My wings, slowly, moved off of my head and hung at my sides. Weakness flooded my body. It was like the world slowed down around us.

After a few seconds, I placed my hooves on the sides of his face. His forelegs wrapped around my waist. I wasn’t sure, but it seemed like he was giving in to his own needs. He pulled me into him, still kissing me. My forelegs moved from his face and around his neck. Nico stopped kissing my lips and made his way down my neck. I let out a small breath.

What is he doing? Wait! Don’t stop! Yeah, that’s it!

I saw his horn fire up and from the corner of my eye his barding spread out on the ground. He let go long enough for me to throw my own armor off. He caressed my back between my wings, making me shudder in delight.

I shouldn’t be doing this, I should stop right- Oh…

With his hoof behind me, he helped me lay back with him on top of me. Staring at me, he grinned nervously. I ran my hoof through his coarse mane. “What’s wrong?” I whispered.

He held his body over me with his forelegs. “I-I don’t want to do this to you. I know what I said and-“

I shut him up with another passionate kiss. “Just once. Show me what it’s like.”

Nico hesitated. I couldn’t blame him. It was hard to determine if I really wanted to do this or if it was just my impulses. Though, it didn’t feel like an urge. Finally, he ran his tongue down my neck and shoulder. I gasped. He made it to the base of my wing. Moaning, my back arched. Nico knew what he was doing, and I took advantage of it. I wanted to feel sad or guilty. Even anger would have made more sense to me. The only thing I felt was pleasure. He had been right. I guess I did need to feel loved.

He disappeared from my view. That didn’t mean I didn’t feel what was going on! His gentle kisses on my abdomen and thighs were all I needed to feel the immediate high of inclination. When it ceased, I could feel his breath on my marehood. He was teasing me! A wet slippery appendage caressed the swollen, throbbing lips between my legs. A high note escaped my muzzle as he licked between them. Without me knowing, my wings were dusting the ground. I slid my hoof towards his head, holding him in place.

I should do this more of-

“Fuck me!” I screamed. His tongue had found the sensitive spot I didn’t even know I had. I threw my hind legs around his neck. He kissed, lapped, and sucked his way to victory. Electricity jolted through my hips, causing me to moan. I didn’t know I could hit those high notes! Juices poured down my rear. Nico still continued, uncaring of what came out of me. It was almost heartbreaking that he had to stop.

Wiping his mouth, he made his way back up to my lips. As we embraced, he stroked just above the, already moist, area. Squirming under him, I was ready to force him inside me. Bringing his hoof back, he positioned himself to where he could easily enter me. His member pressed against it.

“Are you sure?”

I nodded, my lips parted, slightly.

Then, the tip parted my vagina, slightly. I wanted more! Wrapping my hooves around his back, I tried to push him in all the way. He smirked, resisting my forcefulness. I bit my bottom lip, waiting for him to enter me. Slowly, but surely, he brought his hips towards me. I flinched. It hurt a little.

“I can stop, if you want. Your first time can be a little painful.” He blushed.

I shook my head. “Keep… going.”

Once he was completely inside, he moved his hips in a rhythmic motion. I moaned, louder. My back legs spread, more, as he picked up the pace. I felt the wetness drip down my flank and onto his barding. This was going to be messy! Stroking his muscles with my hooves, I leaned up and kissed him, using my tongue. I thought of what he did to me, so I decided to try it. I nuzzled his jawline, running my tongue over his neck. I bit him, earning a sharp gasp of pleasure. Goddess, he was so hot! His thrusts became faster, making me breathe harder. Something was building up inside me after a while. I had no idea what it was, but I felt the need to release. However, the buildup was exciting me even more! When I said faster, he obliged. When I said deeper, he obeyed. I swear my eyes rolled to the back of my head when he nibbled around my collar bone. I was loving it. Whatever was building up, was about to come out.

“Nico…” I panted. “I-I think I’m about to- Nico!“ I screamed his name. A wave of indescribable pleasure rolled through me as even more fluid flowed down my rear. Nico’s groin was soaked.

When he started to slow down, I shook my head. “N-No! Don’t! Don’t… stop!”

Thankfully, he kept going. I grit my teeth. He called my name. The moment was definitely intense. His moaning was more frequent, now. I stopped him. His cheeks flushed, as I turned over and raised my flank in the air. Lifting my tail, I smiled, sneakily. He grinned wide, as he mounted me and slid inside. I moaned when he began nibbling my ear. His belly was warm against my flank. Electric tingles rolled over my marehood. This position was even better! His breathing down my neck made my fur stand up.

“Oh, goddess! I-I think… I love you!” He breathed.

Nico wrapped his foreleg around my lower belly, pushing me farther down his shaft. I lifted my tail even higher. He thrust even faster. By then, he was so far in, I could feel him in my cervix. He squeezed my belly tighter, making me plant my forehooves on the ground. He called my name one last time before I felt something hot spill into me. He stopped thrusting, letting his release shoot into me. I was sure it made its way into my gut.

He pulled out, white fluid drip out of me and onto his barding. I stood, shakily, feeling more fall out. Waddling my way to the fire, I backed up to it and lifted my tail in an attempt to dry it.

He let out a sigh and rubbed his neck. His mane was messy. “Sia… That was so…” He shook his head. “I can’t even describe it.”

“Amazing? Wonderful? Breath taking? You choose.” I smiled, breathing heavily.

He trotted over to me. “How about all of the above?”

“You said you love me.” I winked.

“Y-yeah. That kind of interaction can make you say crazy things.” He tried to wave it off, but I saw him blush.

I sat down, flinching from the soreness in my thighs. He grabbed me around my waist, before pressing his body against mine. Giggling, I kissed his cheek. He held up a hoof and closed his eyes to concentrate. A blue aura wrapped around his horn. It was just like when he created the illusion of stars. He started sweating. When his magic sparked, it became enveloped in a layer of overglow. I was getting a little worried when he bared his teeth in pain.

“N-Nico? Stop, you’re hurting yourself!” I grabbed his hoof in mine. The overglow solidified into a ball the size of my torso. It floated above us, the breeze putting out the fire. I tore my eyes away from the magic to check on him. He held his head in one hoof, his face twisted in agony.

I shook him. “Nico! Stop!”

With one more loud pop, his horn died. Smoke rising from the tip. As it sparked, he grit his teeth. I grabbed his face with both of my hooves and brought his face in front of me.

“Are you stupid?! You are going to end up hurting yourself! Why did you do that?” I yelled.

“You don’t have to… nngh yell. My head hurts.” He looked up and past me and smiled.

Following his gaze, I turned to see a huge glowing heart above us. It sparkled like no star I’ve ever imagined. It looked like flames dancing inside the twinkling shape. Magic swirled around it, giving the heart a living feel. A tear fell from my cheek, falling onto my leg. I nuzzled his chest, hearing the pounding of his own heart.

I started crying. In this nothingness that was the wasteland, I found something even more beautiful than the stars.

“Don’t cry.” He said, softly.

“I can’t help it. This is the most… It’s so…” I sighed, not able to think of what to say. “The stars don’t compare to this, Nico.”

“I need more practice, but you’re the only one who has ever seen me do this. You’re worth the headache.”

I chuckled, wiping my eyes. “Why?”

“You care about me. You gave some of your life blood so that I would live. That is something that just never happens here. Nopony has ever cared that much for me.” He hung his head, finally letting his emotions show. I hugged him. Actions speak louder than words, right? At that moment, I was at a loss for words. He smiled. “Don’t tell the others about this. I have a hard ass reputation to keep, you know.”

“Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me. Unless I decide to blackmail you.” I yawned.

“That much fun took a lot out of you. We should hit the hay. I’m sure Redd and Violet are passed out somewhere.” He fixed his barding and tried to wipe it off.

When he sat down on it, he smiled and patted the space beside him. I, happily, trotted over and snuggled next to him. I dozed off, quickly, lying in Nico’s sweet embrace. That night, the wasteland wasn’t dangerous. It was peaceful. I had no nightmares, no anxiety attack, and most importantly, I felt happy.

I should try this love thing.

A minute (hour?) later, I felt tapping on my shoulder.

“Sia?”

I groaned. “Five more minutes.” Nico squeezed me, gently, in his sleep.

“So sweet, but come on. I need to show you something.”

Rubbing my eyes, I saw Violet standing over me. “W-whahh?”

She grabbed my shoulders and pulled me outside. Looking back, I saw Nico still sleeping soundly. I smiled.

As we flew in the night, I closed my eyes. The cool breeze hitting my face was quite relaxing. Violet was saying something but I only responded with an “uh-huh” or “yeah”. She slowed down to fly next to me and crossed her hooves.

“Sienna!”

I jerked up. “What?! I-I’m awake! Just… blinking.” I yawned.

“Really? Did sex exhaust you that much?”

I woke up, then. “H-how did you…”

“I snuck a peek. I thought you guys were fighting until I saw him hitting it from behind. I must say, for a quiet filly, you are a freak!” She teased.

I blushed. “Violet!”

“Don’t worry, Redd was already asleep in an old hammock we found. I’m your best friend! You can tell me these things.” She rubbed her hooves together. “So, was he good? How big was it? Did he have a sexy moan?”

“V-Violet… I don’t-“

“Yeah, you’re right. We should wait until you aren’t drunk off intercourse. Then, we shall converse!” She chuckled.

I blushed. “You haven’t changed.”

She threw her forehoof around me. “I know. I always thought of you. Sometimes, I wanted to sneak back up there and just drag you down here with me.” She frowned. “I know you have a career to keep, though.”

“I’ll be going back, soon.” I watched the ground pass below me as we flew.

“You don’t sound too ecstatic about that.” She grinned.

I sighed. “Grandma and Grandpa are probably worried about me.”

“Well, I’m not going back.” She assured.

“Why? We have everything we need up there!” I put my hooves up.

“I’m sorry, Sia. Even if I had a choice, I wouldn’t go back. The wasteland may not seem like much, but there’s freedom! No more strict assholes breathing down my neck. No more dead-end job! I love it here.” She explained. “You were all I had up there, really.”

I pondered that excuse.

“You don’t really want to leave the wasteland, do you?” She crossed her hooves and grinned.

“I… I don’t know.”

She hugged me. “Give it some thought.”

I nodded. I did think about it until we landed. The choices I had to make were not only life changing, but lifesaving. We landed between two dead trees. Violet bucked a lever that was hidden inside a sickly bush. I started to think she was going crazy, until an opening in the ground appeared. Wearily, I followed her down the dozens of stairs. It wasn’t complex. Just a large room with iron walls. The farthest corner looked to be a sleeping area, complete with an old mattress and blanket. Another corner was complete with pots and pans hanging over a burner (I assumed it was a kitchen). The rest of the underground warehouse had junk everywhere. Guns, trinkets, old technology, and prewar items were scattered about on tables and shelves. Other than being cluttered, it was fairly nice.

“Welcome to my humble abode!” Violet bowed, playfully. “We should have a sleepover like when we were fillies.” She chuckled.

“How did you find this place?” I asked, tinkering with an old terminal.

“Oh, just exploring, really. I was taking a leak by that bush when I saw the lever. Before I sold everything, it was a place where they stored materials and weapons. Mostly ammo.” She trotted to a crate and lifted the lid. “Here it is! The only one of its kind: The UF Missile Launcher 3.0. It was originally a prototype before Gladys upgraded it. A weapon like this doesn’t belong in the claws of someone like her.” She snorted.

I facehoofed.

“What?”

“Violet, that ‘town’ they were going to blow up is full of slavers. They need it to destroy them before they become too powerful!” I threw my hooves up.

She stared at me for several, long seconds. “Well, fuck.”

“Violet, we have to get it back to her!” I shook her.

“She’ll kill me if I show my face!”

“No, she has never seen your face. She only knows you by Flashbang.” I pointed out.

She bit her bottom lip. “I… Fine. Let’s get this thing back. It’s cluttering my bunker even more, anyway.”

I propped my hooves on the side of the crate. The barrel was as long as a stallon’s torso. It looked pretty heavy. I looked from the hunk of metal to the opening of the bunker.

“How are we going to get it up those stairs?” I asked.

When I looked back at her, I immediately regretted asking.

“Time to hitch up.” She grinned, holding two industrial strength lengths of rope.

I groaned.

I need a vacation.

Level Up!

Health +2
Stamina +1
Non-Energy Firearms +1

New Perk:
Best Friends Forever- With Violet in your company, you are able to stay 25% more focused on your surroundings and you get a 10% increase on your health bar.

Violet Horizon has joined your group!
Race: Pegasus
Weapon: Twin Zebra Daggers

Author's Notes:

Thanks to Kkat for this amazing world!
Chapter 12? Check!
I decided to make a little bit of a visual image for this chapter, because... well, Violet. (Sorry for the lack of background)
Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy! As always, constructive criticism is welcome!
-AP