Family. What is it, exactly? Blood relatives? Ponies you put up with because you have no choice? Can you choose your family? Well, I would answer that with a yes and no. We may not can choose our origins, but family isn’t just biological. I always saw Violet as family. I guess you could say Nico and Redd are family, now. They protect me and I would protect them. Through the darkness, they help me find my way. I don’t know what I would do without them. As I have said before, I see Fleece as an older sister. I thought I had a hard time trusting others, but it’s not so bad. I think it’s more a desperation thing. In a world where danger lurks around every corner, I want to feel safe. I want to blend into a crowd of ponies I can trust. I want be with family. I sincerely apologize, I’m rambling again, but I’ve finally found the pony who was taken away from me!

“Daddy?” My eyes welled up.

“Daddy?!” Redd and Violet exclaimed at once.

Mixer nodded. I flew into him, sobbing. My dad was here! I found him! I closed my eyes as he wrapped his hooves and wings around me. He sniffed, rocking me as if I were a foal. The whispers in the bar continued, but I didn’t care. I was shocked! It amazed me how you could find something so precious in the simplest of places. I had so many questions. So many stories, but I kept them in the back of my mind until I could stop weeping.

“I’m so happy. We’re together, again!” He pulled away, holding my forehooves. “Look how much you’ve grown!” He squeezed me, again.

“Daddy, why did you leave me?” I asked through sobs. “You and Mom... I was so young!”

He looked away in shame. “It broke my heart. So many years I’ve lived, regretting that I left my only filly behind, but you were safer with your grandparents. Your mother and I, we tried to convince the Grand Pegasus Enclave to do more to help the wasteland. I didn’t know we’d be banished for treason.” He pointed to the brand on his flank. The Dashite brand.

“Mom?” I searched his face. His sadness grew.

“What happened to her?” I pushed him to answer.

“She… She was taken from me. What’s worse, she left willingly. I searched for her, but to no avail. I finally gave up and settled here.” He shook his head. “She didn’t want to be found.”

My heart sunk. I wanted to see her. How could she abandon us? Her own family! I looked around. Redd and Violet wore sympathetic frowns. They had gotten over their own shock. I felt hooves around me. I looked up to see Daddy holding me, once more.

“It doesn’t matter, now. I’m here. You’re here! My baby is a beautiful young mare.” He teared up again.

I smiled. “I missed you. I can’t believe you’re here! My C.O. told me… She said you were dead!” My voice cracked.

“They lied. Goddess, they lied. I’m more alive, now, than I once was!” He chuckled. “You’re in the Enclave?”

I nodded, unsure if I was proud of it, anymore. “I’m a first lieutenant.”

He wiped a tear from his eye. “I’m so proud of you. Grandma and Grandpa raised you to be a strong and independent mare, I see.” His smiled faded. “Why are you here?”

I sighed. “Long story, short: I was sent on a rescue mission that failed.” I didn’t want to give any details. Something told me he didn’t want to know, anyway. “But, it’s okay! Nico saved me.”

“Nico? My little buddy?” He laughed. “I knew he was a good buck. Where is he, anyway?”

I turned, thinking he was still behind me. The stool was empty. I looked over the crowd of ponies who had gathered around us. I didn’t see him. Turning back to my father, I held my hoof up.

“Be right back.”

Reluctantly, I walked through the crowd, towards the swinging doors. I guess the show was over, because ponies started chatting and laughing like nothing happened. I stepped out into the drizzling rain, spotting Nico pacing. It was almost dark outside, so I could clearly see lightning in the cloud curtain. I tiptoed over to him.

“Nico? Why’d you leave?” I asked.

He stopped and stared at me. “You are Mixer’s daughter.”

“Yeah, isn’t it great? I can finally be with my father!” I hugged myself.

He groaned. “It’s not great for me!”

“Why?”

“I had sex with you.” He rubbed his temples.

“So?”

“If he finds out, I’m as good as dead.” He chewed on the end of his hoof.

I rolled my eyes. “I thought you were friends. What’s the problem?”

He laughed, sarcastically. “That doesn’t mean anything! I seriously doubt he thinks I’m good enough for- I mean, he knows me, Sia!” He grabbed my shoulders. “He knows me!” He hissed.

I pushed him off of me. “What the hell is wrong with you? I thought you didn’t give a shit about anything? You’re acting crazy.”

He turned red in the face. “I’ll never be able to speak to you, again.”

“He wouldn’t do that.” I smiled. “I told him you saved my life.”

He sighed. “Look, just don’t tell him about… you know. As far as he knows, we are just good friends.”

I pushed him, playfully. “Let’s go back inside. You’re going to get sick out here.”

He grinned and followed me. “I need about five more drinks.”

“No kidding.” I said, giggling.

We trotted back inside. The number of ponies in the bar had grown by a few since we first got there. Daddy, Violet, and Redd talked at the bar as Specks poured them a red-colored drink. It was pretty thick. I looked over to Nico about to ask him what it was, but changed my mind when I saw his face. He was definitely afraid of my father. I couldn’t blame him. Daddy was pretty big and intimidating. I nudged him and smiled. He swallowed and forced his own smile.

“It’s alright. I’m not gonna tell him. Now, what is that they’re drinking?” I pointed to the glass in front of Violet.

“It’s called a Bloody Berry. They’re Specks’ specialty.” He said.

“What’s in them? Are they good? They have alcohol, don’t they?” I attacked him with questions.

“He mixes rum, berry extract, and tomato sauce. Yes, they are pretty good. I prefer straight rum, but you might like them.”

When we got to the bar, Daddy smiled and slapped Nico on the back. “There he is! I don’t know how I’ll repay you for what you’ve done for me.”

“It was nothing, really.” Nico was obviously timid.

“No, no. I insist!” Mixer turned to Specks. “Free drinks for Nico, here.”

“That’s… not necessary, Mixer. I-“

“Nonsense! We are celebrating!” Daddy hugged me. “Tonight is a very special occasion! In fact…” He raised his voice. “Free rounds for everyone!”

The building erupted with cheers. I smiled up at my father. “I think I’ll have one of those.” I pointed to the Bloody Berry.

He stared at me, unsure. “I don’t know…”

“Daddy, I’m an adult.” I said, flatly.

He sighed. “You’re right. It’s just that… Oh, never mind. One BB, over here!” He called to the barpony with glasses.

“Sure thing, Mix.” Specks got to work, mixing ingredients in a large pitcher. He whisked the concoction and slowly poured in the rum. As he finished, he tipped the pitcher over a glass and garnished the rim with what smelled like ground cinnamon. My mouth watered when he slid the drink over to me. The colorful liquid smelled amazing! Dad watched me pick it up and take a sip. I smacked my lips, immediately tasting the berry flavor. The tomato came afterward. What was really tasty, though, was the rum. The familiar warmth in my belly made me happy!

“This is the best!” I gulped some more.

Daddy chuckled. “If I wasn’t in the wasteland, I would have objected, but, hell, it’s a party!”

Violet and Redd were already downing shots beside me. I giggled as my best friend continued to embarrass her cousin. “Yeah, he wet the bed a few times!” She told Gladys, who exploded into laughter. The griffon drank straight from a bottle of black liquid. I didn’t even bother to ask what it was. Instead, I took a seat next to the blushing Redd.

“She givin' you a hard time, again?” I tapped his shoulder.

“You just don’t know.” He hid his face. “You know she’s always been this way. I don’t know why I never got used to it.”

“I know how you feel.” I chuckled.

He sighed. “I guess.”

It didn’t take long to get there. I was already buzzed by the time I was sipping my third Bloody Berry. Specks had to have put a ton of rum in them! Redd was a little tipsy, too. His usual conceitedness had escalated pretty quickly.

“Hey, Nico! I challenge you to a hoof wrestle!” He pointed to the unicorn stallion a couple of stools over.

“I don’t think so.” He replied. Nico sat at the bar, alone, with his head in his hooves. A large glass hovered next to him. He gulped the last of it and tapped the counter for another serving.

“Come on! You scared?” Redd grinned.

Nico narrowed his eyes. “You wanna go?”

“Looks like it.” Redd sat at a small table and held his forehoof up. Nico sat across from him and gripped his hoof in his.

“Uh oh! Hoof wrestle, everypony!” Violet flew over and steadied their hooves with hers. “I want a clean fight! No magic, no cheating!”

“Yeah, yeah.” Nico rolled his eyes.

She removed her hoof. “Go!”

Immediately, both of them grunted and strained. I stepped closer to the table to get a better look at…

“Sweet Celestia, look at those…” I stared at the muscular forelegs on the table.

Both stallions’ eyes were locked onto each other, both filled with determination. Nico grinned as he pushed Redd’s arm farther down. I thought it would be a quick win, until Redd smirked. His muscles bulked up and he squeezed Nico’s hoof tighter. I watched him make a comeback as he inched the tangle of limbs forward. My smile grew wide. Sweat beaded their foreheads, dampening their manes. It was almost too much for me!

Almost.

Ponies cheered on both sides.

“Go, Nico!”

“Come on, pegasus!”

Now struggling, Nico grit his teeth and forced his hoof up. They were back where they started in the center. Everypony in the room got quiet as they watched the contest. I was beginning to think it was tie. That is, until Redd slammed Nico’s hoof onto the table. It took me a moment to process what had happened, since I was already tipsy.

“Yes! That’s right! Get some, unicorn!” Redd shouted, punching the air.

Nico snorted and trotted back to the counter, hanging his head.

Redd laughed, triumphantly. “I guess he couldn’t handle my strength. Don’t fret, friend, there’s always next time.” He continued laughing as he hovered in the middle of a crowd. They complimented and admired him. I’m sure he enjoyed the publicity. I shook my head and smiled, making my way over to Nico. He sullenly crossed his hooves.

“If it makes you feel better, I was rooting for you.” I sat down with my drink.

“Thanks, but your wingboner says otherwise. I think you were just using us as pornography.” He smirked.

I blushed. “Well, I am drunk.”

“You’re kidding?” He said sarcastically.

I grinned. “You’re jealous.”

“No.”

“Yes, you are.”

Behind me, I heard Violet yelling excitedly. I turned around just in time to see her win a hoof wrestle with Redd. The stallion stared wide-eyed at the mare who just outdid him. I giggled as she performed a victory dance: The running buck.

“Speaking of dancing, what’s up with the music?” I asked Nico.

He shrugged.

I spotted my dad behind the counter and called for him. When he trotted over, I put on my best filly eyes and pouted. “Daddy, can you put some more music?”

“What’s wrong with this music?” He tilted his head.

“Nothing. Got anything by Rhythm Song?” I asked.

He tapped his chin. “I think so. Give me a moment and I’ll put it on.” He smiled.

I clopped my hooves.

When he went to the back, Nico snickered. “You actually like that stupid singer?”

I glared at him. “Yes, I do.”

“He’s a has-been.” He poured two shots and gave me one.

I downed it. “No, he’s attractive.” I hiccupped. “Stop being so jelly.”

“Stop being what?”

“Jelly. You know, jealous.” I giggled.

He sighed. “This is gonna be a long night.”

The old-time music stopped playing. I looked up at the old speaker that was only playing static, and frowned. I wished Dad would hurry with the music. I was in the mood to dance! After a few pops and crackles, a fast beat started blaring from the speaker. It was from a radio frequency.

I tapped my hoof to the beat, moving my torso to the rhythm. “Come on, Nico, stop moping!”

“I’m just relaxing.” He smiled. I knew it was forced.

“I don’t believe you, but okay. I’m going to dance!” I swallowed another shot.

I don’t remember how long it took to get to Violet, but when I did, I grabbed her and dragged her to a nearby table. When I jumped on top of it, she grinned and landed next to me. She read my mind! I knew we were destined to be best friends! We danced, moving to the beat of the song, earning some whistles from a few stallions. Gladys eyed Violet. I knew she had a crush on my friend. It was a little unsettling, but I continued on. What really surprised me, was when Redd joined us on the tabletop. He began dancing with us. I burst into laughter as he drunkenly shook his flank. I couldn’t tell if he was being serious or not, but it was truly a funny sight. Around us, ponies jumped onto other tabletops. Mares and stallions, alike. I spotted Nico sitting alone. He was the only one not having fun. I frowned. This was a party! Everyone should be having fun!

“Hold on, guys! There’s something I need to take care of!” I stumbled off the table.

Still dancing, I stumbled over to him. “Up on your hooves!”

He shook his head. “Hell no.”

“Get up!” I shouted.

“No.”

I grabbed his hoof and pulled him, nearly making him fall. I jumped onto the counter and dragged him with me. He flattened his ears and tried to get back down, but I smirked and blocked him.

“Sienna, stop! I’m not doing this!” He hissed, looking around.

I didn’t reply. With words, anyway. I danced around him. Unfortunately, my hoof missed the countertop, throwing me off balance. Just before I fell, a hoof grabbed my waist. Nico pulled me back up and closer to him.

“Yeah! You go, Nico!” Gladys whooped. “Nice moves!”

He blushed. “I’m not-“

I laughed, twirling in his hooves. He grabbed me, before I fell again.

“Be careful, princess.” He hissed.

I moved my shoulders and hips to the song, holding my hoof out for him. He sighed, taking my hoof. I twirled, falling into him. He caught me and smiled. We danced, move after move in unison as if we had done so many times before. The entire bar eventually climbed on tables, stomping to the beat. I’m sure Nico was worried about what Daddy would say, but I kept pushing him to dance with me, anyway. We’d worry about it in the morning.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed a cloaked pony peeking through the window. I blinked, the pony suddenly disappearing. It was her. I knew it was Hope, spying on me. That or the alcohol made my mind play tricks on me. It couldn’t be my mind, though. I stepped off the counter and trotted through the crowd. Nico stopped me.

“What are you doing?” He asked.

“I saw her.” I mumbled, keeping my eye on the window.

He waved it off. “It’s the drinks. You’re seeing things.”

Ignoring him, I continued out the door and around the building. Looking around, I didn’t see anypony. Maybe it was just my mind. Hope was really starting to get to me. I’d have to hurry up and get those pearls before she drove me crazy! Rain soaked my mane, making it fall in my eyes. Suddenly, I heard a twig snap around the corner. Slowly, I walked around the building drawing my pistol. I swallowed, getting nervous despite the alcohol that gave me courage. With swiftness, I jumped around, pointing my pistol at…

Nothing.

I groaned. “Seriously? I’m hearing things, too?”

“Let’s get back inside. It was probably just a radroach or some harmless animal.” Nico said.

I facehoofed and decided to give up. Before I turned around, I heard a loud “oomf”. I was afraid to turn around. It sounded like Nico! Twisting my neck, I saw him on the ground, unconscious. Over him, stood a grinning pony. I couldn’t tell if they were a raider or not, as they hit me before I could focus. The bat hit the side of my head and I hit the ground. The pain was so intense, I thought my skull had cracked. I tried to pick me head up, but a surge of agony went through my head. Blood trickled down my cheek, mixing with the rain. My vision started to blur. I looked up at the pony. They weren’t wearing the cloak, anymore. Before I fell into blackness, I could only say one word.

“W-why…”

My eyes flew open. I was sitting in a room, wearing nothing but my necklace. Focusing my eyes, I saw the room was empty, except for a bright light above me. The walls and floor were the same, white color. There were no windows, not even a door! I stood, the pain in my head dull. I trotted to the side of the room and put my hoof on the wall, feeling for any indention.

How could I have possibly gotten in here?

“Nico?” I called.

“No, just me.” A voice said, softly.

“Rarity?”

The white unicorn appeared in front of me, smiling warmly. I was relieved to see a friendly face.

“Am I dreaming, again?” I asked her.

She nodded. “Yes, I wanted to tell you Hope is sending her ponies to search for the pearls, as well. She feels you are running out of time.”

“I… I have plenty of time!” I argued.

“I know, but she is impatient.”

“So, what am I supposed to do? Leave Daddy, again? Tell him I may or may not live?” I looked at my hooves, tearing up.

I felt warmth surround me. It was delightful, actually.

“Dear, Sia. Your father will understand. You’ll be alright, darling.”

I was upset, but I knew it had to be done. I, now, had to protect him, too. Hope planned to take everypony from me. How could she be so cruel? So evil?

“Rarity, who is she? Who is Hope, really?” I begged for an answer.

She sighed. “The memory orb you found at the furniture shop, it will tell you.”

“I can’t look at it. I’m not a unicorn.”

“But, I can.” She said with a smile.

“How?”

“Expose it to the necklace. I’ll connect the orb to your mind, allowing you to see the memory.”

I remembered Nico not wanting to tell me who the pony in the memory was. He knew something wasn’t right. He was trying to protect me from something I didn’t know about. I continued to think for the next few seconds, realizing I had been dreaming for a while.

“The pony! I was hit in the head! Rarity, what’s going on? Where’s Nico? Why am I not waking up?!” I panicked.

“You were hit pretty hard. You must fight your way through your conscious. I… I can show you what’s going on through the gem, but…” She frowned, not wanting me to see.

“Please, show me! I need to know! If he’s dead…” I shook the thought away. “I need to know what’s happening!”

She hesitated. It must have been bad. Finally, she closed her eyes and ignited her horn, the room falling around me. When the room completely disappeared, I found myself floating in darkness. Rarity’s blue aura was replaced by the green tint of the gem, followed by a large, swirling vortex in front of me. The mass of magic grew until it molded into a window to another room. The vision had the same green tint. I must have been looking through the necklace! I looked at Rarity, who had opened her eyes and stared at me, sadly. She nodded towards the window, encouraging me to look through. I hovered closer, getting a decent view.

“Is this… right now?” I asked.

She nodded.

I continued watching. My own body was only partly in view, but I could clearly see Nico, still unconscious. I gasped. Why were they taking him? We were being dragged through mud and water, towards a wide building. I could hear them, talking.

“-a little scrawny, but we can get some meat off her. Before that, I want to see if I can fuck a corpse back to life.” A gruff stallion cackled.

I stared in horror. “Raiders…”

They dragged us through the place, finally stopping in a large area with machinery. It didn’t look like it worked. This must have been a factory. A stallion and two mares came into view. They were the same as the rest of them. Wild eyes, deadly nature, and ghastly appearance.

“Just tie her coltfriend up. He can watch his bitch get fucked. It’ll be like porn for him!” The mares laughed as they threw him towards a pillar and chained him to it.

“I’d like a turn with that horn. I don’t mean the one on his head, either!” The red mare licked his face, leaving a trail of saliva. Tears poured down my face.

“We need to get the axe sharpened and the fire built. Nail Head, throw the mare in the cage until we get everything ready.” The other mare ordered the stallion.

“But, I want to do it, now! I’m getting blue balls!” He growled.

“Do it, now! If you don’t, I’ll cut them off!” She spat, holding a machete in her magic.

The male raider grumbled, but did as she said. He pulled me by my tail, kicking me into a small enclosure with iron bars. The floor was covered in dry blood. A bone sat halfway out of the bars. The raiders trotted out of the room, shutting the door. It wouldn’t be long before they returned.

“Nico! Wake up!” I shouted at the window.

It took a long minute, but I wanted to believe he heard me. His head rolled around, slowly, as he started to wake up. I held my breath, waiting for him to notice my body. He groaned, opening his eyes. They widened when he saw what was going on. He looked around, fearfully. Finally, he spotted me, lying on the cage floor.

“Fuck! Sienna, wake up!” He whispered, loudly. “Shit, this is a raider’s place. Sienna! Get up, I can hear them!”

I lay, still and unmoving. I knew I wasn’t dead, but he probably didn’t.

“Please, don’t be dead. Get up!” He said, through gritted teeth.

He squeezed his eyes, in pain. They must have bashed his head, too! His horn sparked, only to die with a loud pop. He hissed in agony. Those bastards! He tried again, and again, only to end with the same pop. Eventually, it even stopped popping. It only smoked, blackened by the surge of forced attempts at magic. He struggled to escape the chains, to no avail.

“Sienna… Please, don’t die.” He whispered. “I… I need you!”

That was it. I had to get out of this dream! I had to save him!

“Rarity, stop the dream. I need to get up!” I told her.

She nodded, closing the window. The white room fell back into place around me. When my hooves were touching the ground, I darted about, trying to find an escape. There was nothing here! I felt along every wall and every tile on the floor for some kind of hidden switch. Nothing!

“Rarity, how can I get out?!”

“I-I’m sorry, darling. I can’t interfere.”

I growled as I continued to feel the walls. Finally, I had enough. Taking several steps back, I braced myself. Flapping my wings, I flew straight into the wall, trying to knock it down. It didn’t even crumble! I tried again. Then, again. Then, for a fourth time. It was still intact! I screamed, banging on the wall with my hooves as hard as I could. Through my screams, I began sobbing.

“There is no way.” I whimpered.

“There is. You just have to find it. Remember, the light always defeats the darkness, but sometimes, you have to suffer a small bit to make it through, alive.” She said.

I turned to look at her, but she was already gone.

“Wait! What do you mean?” I ran to where she had stood.

No reply.

“Through the darkness…” I looked around the bright room. There was no darkness!

Closing my eyes, I tried to think. The only darkness I see is my mind.

I gasped. “My mind!”

I squeezed my eyes shut, again. I saw nothing but black. Concentrating, I tried to find some kind of light. I searched my memories, my thoughts, even my dreams. Every good part of my mind had always turned clouded and distorted. Even when I felt happy, there was still some kind of negativity there to bring me down. I tried, harder. Not even my memories with Nico were truly blissful. Opening my tear-filled eyes, I realized this wasn’t the way.

Am I really that unhappy? Is there really nothing to brighten my life?

I lay on the floor, covering my eyes. It would have been better to give up. My life would never amount to anything. Even if I saved the world from Hope, what, then? Where would I go? What would I do? Fight for my life, every day? Right then, I wanted to panic. I wanted to feel short of breath just to know I was alive, but I couldn’t. I felt no pain. I was trapped in my own head!

I sighed, opening my eyes. A tear had rolled from my muzzle and onto the floor. I stared at the droplet for the longest time. The tiny reflection of the light in the room caught my attention. Looking up, I saw the fixture on the ceiling. I could see electricity waving around inside the large bulb. It was big enough to fit through!

The light in the darkness…

I flapped my wings, hovering next to it. The heat warmed my face, drying my tears. Slowly, I touched the bulb with my hoof. Pain shot through my leg. I winced. It was the only way. I’d have to get through, quickly! Nico needed me! I wouldn’t give up! Zooming to the floor, I paused, the only sound being the flapping of my wings.

“I’m coming, Nico. Just, hold on.”

Taking a deep breath, I prepared to launch myself at the fiery orb above me. A million thoughts flooded my mind as I darted towards it. Will it hurt? Will it kill me? Would I really be able to escape through? I was almost there, before the last thought flashed through my head.

Am I afraid?

I screamed as I crashed through the glass. My eyes shot open as thousands of tiny zaps pierced me. My body shut down as I jerked and twitched from the dangerous shock. I struggled to look up. When I finally did, I saw the blinding light, above me. It pulled me towards it, dragging me through the rest of the dark void. My breath refused to escape me. The pain was unbearable! I was dying. My own mind, had been the cause of my death, I was sure of it.

My shrieks were deafening, but I couldn’t stop. The electricity ripped the screams from my throat. Closer and closer to the light, I went. My eyes bulged from their sockets as the darkness disappeared around me. Whispers. Nothing but whispers! They were laughing at me! No, they were supporting me! The memories of my friends. My father. My grandparents. Nico. My screams stopped as I gasped for air. The light wrapped me in warmth I had never felt before.

I was alive.

Sometimes, you have to suffer a bit before you can make it through, alive.

%50 to next level.

Health -4
Speed +1

New Perk!
Alcoholic: Now, when you drink, nothing can stop you! That's what it feels like, anyway.

Author's Notes:

Thanks to Kkat for this amazing world!

I now have a DeviantArt! I plan to put my visual art on there for the story, so if you want to see a couple of scenes, just visit my page! I don't have a lot right now, but there will be, soon! My DA page!
As always, constructive criticism is welcome! Thank you for reading!
-AP

P.S: Happy July 1st to those who are just entering the month!