Honesty. I know, I know what you’re thinking: “Here we go with Sia’s pain-in-the-flank rambling, again.” I’m sorry, but honesty is a pretty important trait to have. I wish I could call myself an honest pony, but I won’t lie and say I don’t lie. Lying to myself is what I do best, actually. More so than to anypony else. I think everypony lies at some point. If you don’t, you’re lying. Don’t tell me you’ve never lied to your parents about something to avoid punishment, or lied to a friend to make them feel better. We can’t all be like Applejack. Heck, even Applejack couldn’t be Applejack, a time or two. I’m not saying everypony is untruthful every day, just that they’ve told a little white lie at least once. Don’t get yourself down about it, though. It’s perfectly normal. Especially in a land that was created by deceit, among other things. Ironically, the wasteland is nothing but the hurtful truth of the land that, so long ago, hid behind false peace and harmony. Did they think it would always be that way? I’m not sure I can answer that. Like me, they lied to themselves and others when they said Equestria would be alright.

Violet flew in front of me. I didn’t even have the energy to keep up. I kept my eyes on the floor, despite Violet telling me to watch out for the cloaked mare. I already knew she was long gone. She took the foals and it was my fault. I let her get away too easily. The blame I forced on myself was almost unbearable. I put lives at stake. I put foals’ lives at stake. Gritting my teeth, I tried my best to hold back tears.

“Hey, where did you say she-“ Violet set down next to me. “Sia, what’s the matter?”

I hid my face, wiping away the moisture from my eyes. “It’s nothing, really. Just… stressed.”

She grabbed me and hugged me before I could say anything else. “I know it’s not true, Sia. Nico was your first love and he had to go and do… well, you know. Ugh, I wish I could grab his horn and ram his face into a radhog’s butt for doing this to you.”

Wait, she thinks that’s my problem?

I raised an eyebrow. “I-“

“No, no. You don’t have to say anything. Let’s just focus on our current situation. After this is all over, we’ll have an intervention. Nico will have to listen to us! Especially, you.” She held my shoulders.

I blinked. “Y-yeah. That.”

“Okay, so you don’t have to worry about it!” She began trotting forward.

I stood, confused, for a while until I galloped after her.

At least I wouldn’t have to tell her the truth. Which, it did bother me a little, but I had managed to put that aside. For now, anyway. It’s not like I could think about that the entire time. Love was less important than the fate of Equestria. Besides, after what he’s done, why would I possibly consider-

“Hello, Nico.” Violet greeted him with a dangerously low tone. “I see you’ve decided to join us.”

I looked in time to see him open his mouth to speak. It was obvious he was about to say something snarky. That is, until he saw me staring from behind Violet. I wasn’t angry, honest. Just hurt.

He sighed as he looked away, shamefully. “Look, I know you guys are pissed at me. I’m sorry.” The bags under his eyes were pretty bad.

“Mhm. What is it you wanted?” She crossed her hooves.

“I saw that mare. Actually, there were two of them. One was waiting outside with a wagon.” He said.

I picked myself up. “Did you see which way they were heading?”

He only glanced at me.

“Where were they headed, Nico?!” I stepped closer, ready to shake the answer from him.

He shook his head, still refusing to look directly at me.

I grunted, then began to pace back and forth. “Now, what? What are we supposed to do?” My frustration could clearly be distinguished from my sadness.

“I don’t know, hon. We just have to keep trying.” Violet placed a wing around me.

“We have to go after them.” I slumped. “We just have to figure out which direction they went.”

I looked around for Redd and Zangth. They were galloping towards us, the latter panting.

“Have you found them?” Zangth asked through breaths.

“They escaped. We need to go after them before we lose them.” I said.

“How? We don’t know which way they went! Unless he saw.” Redd growled at Nico.

Nico kept his eyes away from anypony else.

I paced around the lobby, once more. They might try to kill me for following them, but I had to get the babies from them. We couldn’t just go one direction at a time. If only there were a way to search all at once. It was time to put my military skills to the test. I had to be a lieutenant on the field!

“That’s it!” I turned towards them. “We’ll split up and search each direction. It’d be best to go in pairs, just in case.” I checked the time on my pipbuck. Early morning. “In a few hours, we will meet back here. Whoever’s direction they are spotted, we will all head that way.”

“But, there’s only four of us.” Redd told me. “How are we supposed to go four directions if we are in pairs?”

Tapping my chin, I came up with a solution, quickly. “Zangth, how many security guards do you have here?” I asked.

“F-Five, but two are off duty.”

“I’ll go.” Cherish said from behind me. “Doctor Zangth needs to be with the patients I’ll go with one of the guards.

It was so comforting to know there were so many ponies who cared. The wasteland surprised me every day.

“Now, Zangth, tell two of your guards to go north. Cherish, you and the third will go south of here.” I pointed to each direction.

Violet spoke up. “Great idea! You and I can-“

“No! There’s no way in hell I’m traveling with that bastard!” Redd spat.

Everyone watched him swear and mumble. I didn’t want to see Nico’s reaction.

“Fine, you and Violet go east.” I glared at him.

“Are you sure, Sia? I can handle Nico.” Violet whispered to me.

I looked back at Nico, who faced away from us. I hated my stupid decisions.

“I’m sure. He doesn’t need to be scolded, and if I know my best friend, I know you would do exactly that.” I poked her, jokingly.

She smirked. “You know me all too well.”

“You have got to be kidding me!” Redd yelled. “You’re going with him?! Why can’t you go with me? I can protect you better than he ever could!” He thumped his chest.

“Stop it! For one thing, we have to go back to the tavern to get our things! In case you didn’t know, our guns are there! It’s west of here. I don’t know why you’re so jealous! Nico and I have talked it over before you caught him taking those pills. It was his idea for us not to be together!” I jabbed my hoof in his chest. “I don’t love him!” I shouted.

The lobby grew quiet. After my mane stopped steaming, I noticed everypony staring at me. I looked at Redd, who just glared at me some more. I snorted. I really didn’t have time for this. Checking the map on my pipbuck again, I took off for the exit. I felt something wet run down my cheek.

Why am I crying at a time like this?

“Go, Nico!” Violet whispered, loudly.

I ignored the hoofsteps behind me. Remembering he didn’t have wings, I landed and began walking. I shoved the door open, attempting to take my anger out on something. The breeze hit my face as soon as it opened. Gray clouds still covered the sky, like dull frosting on an upside down cake. The rain had started, too. I sighed. At least if I was crying, the rain would cover it up. Turning to the west, I picked up one hoof after the other. My mane was already soaked, by the time I was inches from the door. I just wanted to bring the foals back, safe and sound.

A thin, blue aura appeared above me. I stopped to look up, but continued when I realized who it belonged to. His hoofsteps grew louder as they caught up with me.

“Sienna, wait.” He called.

I didn’t answer him. I just wanted to be left alone.

“Please?”

I stopped, still facing the west.

He stopped behind me. “I…”

“You what? You’re sorry?” I whispered. “You lied to me. Of course, I don’t know why I thought you wouldn’t. You’re just a wastelander. It’s all you know. I guess I figured you’d be different. So, I’m sorry for mistaking you for somepony who cared.”

I didn’t think he was going to reply, so I marched on.

He caught up so he could walk next to me. “I… guess I deserve that, but I do care. I won’t tell you I’m sorry until I’m sure you’ll believe me. There’s just so much going on all at once.”

I faced him, tearing up. “How long have you been taking those pills, Nico?! How long have you been lying to me?”

He flinched. “I’ve been taking them since I lost Pepper. One every few days at the most. Sometimes, I wouldn’t take one for a whole month.” He lowered his head. “Then, you came along. A pegasus. It was so hard to bite my tongue. I started taking them every two days. Redd came along, then Violet. Now, I’m traveling with three. I know I’m wrong, I’m sorry.”

That explained a lot about his attitude towards us.

“Then, why don’t you just leave? Wouldn’t we, pegasi, just annoy you? You’re doing no good doped up, anyway! I- We don’t need you!” I yelled.

Nico bowed his head, his wet mane sticking to the base of his horn. “We’ll never be what we were, but I am keeping my promise, for once. I-I only hated myself for growing close to you. Why would I fall in love with… the same kind who killed her? I was judging your entire race for something only one did.” He looked at me with the most sincere expression I’ve ever seen him wear. “Let me help you do this, Sia. I want to make it up to you. Then, you’ll never have to see me again.”

He walked past me, still keeping the aura over my head. I began trotting behind him. The empty, gray land ahead of him was made up of small canyons and hills. I no longer wondered what lay before us. There would be nothing but more pain and suffering beyond those hills, I knew. A distant mountain, barely visible behind the fog, rose towards the cloud curtain. Canterlot Ruins. It was so far away, yet, I could almost see the past as if it were etched in stone next to me.

Something about his confession sounded familiar. I watched the rain drip from his muzzle as I realized something: I’m just as guilty as he is. I judged every wastelander for the same crime. I accused them all of being monsters. Even the ones who only helped me. I should have been ashamed of myself, but I really wasn’t. Like Clockwork.

Great, Sienna. You’re the bad guy, now.

Neither of us had said a word for the next half hour. It was probably best, anyway. Honestly, I didn’t know what to say. I’m sure he had more to tell me, but didn’t. It was probably something sinister. I sighed to myself. Daddy’s tavern would still be an hour from here if we continued walking at this pace. I opened my mouth, but stopped.

Damn it, I forgot he couldn’t fly.

I looked back at my wings and perked up. “Hey, why don’t I just fly ahead and get our th-“

“Shh.” He stopped walking.

I paused. His ears twisted around. I didn’t hear anythi-

“Nico!” A voice shrieked. I swung my body around towards the dead shrubbery next to us. A pink blur hopped from the bushes, tackling him. They rolled a couple of times. When they were stopped, I saw a dark pink mare squeezing him. She was sickly in appearance. Her long, gray and white mane was matted and dirty and her tail was tied into a bun. Her cutie mark was either three petals or three gems. I couldn’t really tell. She kept squeezing him. The pure astonishment on his face was enough to scare any foal around.

“You’re alive! I’m alive! Look at me!” She let go and circled a few times. She was acting like a foal.

Just as I was about to ask her name, Nico answered. “Pepper.”

My flank hit the dirt as I sat in utter shock. I couldn’t even blink.

“How? Where did you… You’re dead! He killed you! Why are you here?” He stumbled over his questions.

She twitched. “I’m here! Who said I was dead? Oh, they tried. Well, he tried. They can’t kill me! Heh heh. I was too much for him!” She scratched her ear like an animal.

I hated to speak badly of anypony, but this was Pepper? She was nuts!

He examined her. “Where have you been? Why are you in Shattered Hoof?”

“I was looking for you, of course!” She smiled. It wasn’t a normal smile, it was terrifying! When her gaze fixed on me, I wanted to fly away as fast as I could. Her smile faded. “Who’s she?”

“S-Sienna.” He looked at me. “Sia, this is… Pepper.”

Something was very wrong.

“H-How are you, Pepper. Nico has told me a lot about you.” I dipped my head.

She stood and trotted to me, circling me. She stopped at my flank and put her ear to it. I yelped, covering it and stumbling back. Pepper stretched one of my wings out and stroked my feathers.

“New in town. Pegasus. Enclave, right? Hmph. Fucking military bastards.” She poked my chest. “I’ll kill you if I found out you were screwing around with the good ponies of the wasteland.” Her eyes almost touched mine. I swallowed and shook my head, furiously.

“Wait, Pepper, she’s one of the good guys.” He gently tugged her hoof away from me.

I held my breath until she finally looked away from me. Her disturbing smile returned as she hung onto Nico. “Sweetie, darling, I’ve missed you.” She kissed his cheek, scratching her own.

“I-I’m so happy to see you again.” He hugged her.

Even though this mare was completely insane, I was glad for him. It was nice to see him happy, even after the mess we’ve been through. Now, he could move on. The small grin on his muzzle was enough to make me smile. That is, until she turned and gave me the biggest death glare I have ever received. My smile faded.

He let go of her. “You’ve changed, though. You’re more… happy.”

“Yes, yes, the pegasus gave me a drug that he thought would kill me. Turns out, it was only deadly to the winged bastards. To unicorns and earth ponies, it only makes us comatose.” She giggled, madly. “I stayed in an elderly mare’s home in a coma for months! She told me it had ruined my mentality. Psh! I feel better than ever!” She cracked her neck in an unholy way.

He glanced to me, making me shrink. Then, he shook his head and took her hoof. “You’re fine. You’re perfectly fine.”

Now, that is some blatant denial.

“I know.” She scoffed. “You, though. You look like hell! Please, tell me she did this.” She pointed, menacingly, to me. I swear, her fur stood up like an angry feline’s would. “I want to rip her ugly mane from her head.”

That did it. I flapped my wings, hovering away from them.

“No! Pepper, she’s not the problem. I’m helping her with something.” He stood in her path.

She gave me one more creepy glance before settling down and scratching her ear.

“Whatever. You’re being deceived, Nico.” She smirked.

He shook his head. “I promise, she’s a friend. Her, Redd, and Violet.”

She stood, quickly looking over her shoulder. “There are more of them?! How dare you! You’re a traitor!” She punched his shoulder before grabbing his hoof. “No, come on, we must get you rehabilitated!”

He looked at her. I could tell his heart was breaking. “Pepper, what have they done?” I heard him whisper.

I rubbed my neck. Awkward.

She stood still. “Nothing, I’m fine.” She smiled and hugged him for the tenth time. “Now, where are we going?”

This was going to be an even longer trip than I thought.

“This cannot be normal.” I whispered to myself.

Whoever did this to her should be thrown in some kind of jail. The way Nico spoke of her, she was kind and gentle. Now, she was a monster! She did say the drug put her in a coma. That was probably what messed up her brain, not the drug. I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of medication they gave her. I had never heard of the Enclave experimenting on wastelanders, but that had to be what happened. I couldn’t see a fellow Enclave officer torturing a wastelander for no reason. Especially one as kind as Pepper used to be.

I took a deep breath through my nose. The smell of something burning filled my nostrils. I exhaled quickly to sniff the stale air. Burning wood. Must have been a camp somewhere. I didn’t see how they could keep a fire going in the rain. I flew upwards to get a better view. It was hard to miss. A tower of black smoke ascended into the sky.

Right where the tavern would be.

My eyes widened. “Nico, the tavern! It’s on fire!” I yelled down to him.

“Shit, we have to go! Sia, fly ahead!” He took off towards the smoke.

I nodded, zooming in the same direction. My chest grew heavy with each breath. I grit my teeth and forced my body to move faster. The cold rain stung my face as I picked up speed. Hopefully, nopony would be hurt.

BOOM!

The smoke turned into a wall of fire, climbing an invisible ladder. I blocked my eyes with my forehoof. When I was sure it was safe to look, I peeked over my leg. The smoke was thicker and I could now see the tip of a flame.

“Daddy!” I screamed, shooting forward. The entire time, I prayed to the goddesses he would be okay.

The screams and cries were enough to make me want to panic.

I finally cut through the tree tops to get there. The building was up in flames, battling the rain. I stopped to watch ponies running or limping away. I searched the crowd for my father, but didn’t see him. Frantically zigzagging through ponies, I finally saw Specks leaning against a stump, coughing and hacking.

“Specks!” I called, running to him.

He looked up, trying to catch his breath. His mane was singed. The rest of his coat was black from the soot. “Sienna! What are ya doin’ here?”

“Where’s my dad?” I asked.

“In there.” He pointed to the building.

I panicked. “No!”

“He’s fine! He went back to help the others.” He said.

“I’ve got to help him! He’s gonna get himself killed!” I galloped away.

“Wait!” I stopped. “That fire is gonna reach them boxes o’ liquor! It could explode any minute!”

I looked back at the building. “I have to help him, Specks! Nico is on his way, tell him to help anypony who is wounded.”

“Damn it, just be careful.”

I nodded, galloping to the door. Smoke escaped from the broken windows. My eyes began to burn as the ashes flew into my face. Flames licked at me as I ran in. The heat was smothering. My lungs quickly tightened. I struggled to breathe. The panic attack crept up as I crawled under the smoke, like I was trained to do in this situation. Thank Luna for the Enclave’s training.

I had another problem.

The only thing that wasn’t on fire was the bar. Unfortunately, the liquor was behind the counter and the fire was quickly getting there. I dodged falling planks, searching for my father. Numbness spread from my neck to my chest. I felt dizzy. The smoke inhalation couldn’t have been good for my lungs after Hope almost killed me with chloroform.

“Daddy! Where are you?” I called between coughs.

I couldn’t hear over the loud crackling, but it sounded like muffled yelling. My ears turned towards the voices. They were in the back room. I crawled faster, until I got to a place where the smoke was thinnest. Still coughing, I galloped towards them. It was the only room behind the wall and it had a metal door.

I wheezed and coughed some more. My eyes watered so much, I couldn’t see anything. Using my hooves, I felt in front of me as I slid on my belly. Finally, my hoof hit the metal. It was extremely hot, so I snatched it away. I was sure it was gonna leave a mark.

“Daddy?” I called, putting my ear as close as I could to the door. I could still feel my fur scorching.

“I’m here! You need to get out of here!” He yelled from behind the door.

“No! I’m helping you! How many are in there?”

I didn’t hear him for a moment.

“Daddy! How many are in there?” I asked louder.

“Th-there’s five others, alive. Two… are gone.” He replied.

I wasted no time. “Do you have a way out?”

“This door is the only way out! No fire can come through, but the smoke is getting thick! One of the mares are starting to have a heat stroke!”

My thoughts raced, along with my heart. “Can you open the door? There is a path cleared to escape!”

“The door is too hot! None of us can touch it and there is nothing else to ram it!”

I hissed. My tail had been burning! I cried out as I stomped the flame. When it was finally out, I frowned at the blackened ends. My tail was now the same length as my mane. Which, for a tail, was pretty short since my mane was inches from the base of my neck. It hurt, too!

“Hold on, Daddy! I’m gonna get you all out!” I yelled, frantically looking around for something to open the door. I could already hear bottles of liquor breaking next to me.

I shook the fear from my mind and stared at the steaming door. I gulped. The only thing I could do was force it open with my body. Taking a deep breath, I squeezed my eyes shut and stepped back. Letting the smoky air out of my lungs, I charged into the door. Pushing with all my might, I could feel my armor warming up fast.

“Sienna? Are you okay?” I heard my father call.

I didn’t answer. I just stepped back and tried again, grunting as my hooves lost their traction. The door wasn’t budging! I galloped backwards, reared up, and charged, shoulder first. My entire body crashed into the thick metal. Finally, it moved slightly. I slammed my shoulder into it repeatedly. The searing door had burned through my barding and was now eating at my skin. The pain was intense, but I ignored it. I was not letting it stop me!

“Sienna! The door is moving, but the ceiling is about to fall in!” He yelled.

“Please, hurry!” A mare screamed.

Running back, again, I screamed as I lunged forward. The hot air stung the whole left side of my body. Upon impact, I felt the entrance move a little more. I figured one last push would do the job. Again, I backed up, took a deep breath, and charged. This time, I continued pushing, inching the door open. I felt the blisters forming on my hide. My legs and wing weren’t fairing too well. Through tears, I slammed my weight into it one last time.

CRACK!

The hinges went flying. The door, tumbled down, barely missing my father. I ran in, hugging Daddy as soon as I saw him. The others gathered at the door, staying behind him for protection from the flames.

He pulled away. “Oh my Goddess, Sienna! You’re hurt!” He scanned my hide.

Parts of the ceiling were now falling.

“No time! Come on!” I turned, holding my uncooked wing to my nose.

I belly crawled towards the main room. Looking over, the flame was close to the boxes. I looked back to see if everypony was okay. As each of the five passed by, I counted. My father wasn’t with them!

“Daddy!” I called.

The ponies stopped to wait for me. “No, keep going! Through there! The front is open!” I pointed towards the large opening.

They nodded, galloping out to safety. I, painfully, slid along the floor, looking for the large stallion. I backtracked into the room with the metal door. Spotting him, I saw what was keeping him: His hoof was caught between the fallen door and the floor.

Breaking into a run, I was almost out of breath. I slid to a stop beside him. “Daddy, hold on!”

“No, you go! I can get out! Just run! Now!” He nudged me forward.

“But-“

“Go!” He screamed.

I stomped, painfully. “Hell no! I won’t lose you! I’ve lost too many!” I jumped over his leg, and pushed the glowing metal. It had started sizzling where his hoof was touching it!

I screamed, turning and rearing up my back legs. With all my might, I bucked. The debris slid off of him, tearing his hide. It was bad, but better than letting him die. I breathed, heavily, about to pass out from the smoke. More bottles were breaking as the liquid started hissing.

“Let’s go!” I yelled over the noise.

He leaned on my good side, as we hobbled back where the bar was. I turned, just as a large crate fell into the flame. It happened so fast. First, the explosion that shook the building. Then, my father staring at me in horror. Last, the long piece of a chair that had impaled my abdomen near my back bone. I fell to my knees, fighting the pain that had come, all too slowly. I refused to pass out! I had to fight! I had to make sure everypony was safe!

“No, no, no! Come on, Sienna, you have to get up! Come on! You’re gonna be okay!” He yelled.

I looked over to see another shelf begin to fall. This time, the explosion would surely force the building to come down. I tried to warn him, but nothing escaped my mouth but noises. I pointed to the boxes. He gasped, picking me up and flapping his wings. I lay across his back, crying from the throbbing wounds. He hovered, waiting for the flames to die down next to the entrance.

“Hold on, baby. Please, hold on!” He said, softly.

I made a weird noise with my throat. It was a mix of pain, fear, and haste.

Like a bullet, he shot forward. Right when the crates impacted the lake of fire. I screamed the best I could as the fire caught the rest of my tail, diminishing it completely. Still groaning, I realized we were outside. The rain was coming down harder, now, each drop dissolving into the fires. I didn’t know how long it would take for the rain to put out the flames.

“Sia!” I heard a familiar stallion.

I gulped down the fresh air, coughing and sputtering. Daddy set me down, but I could barely stand. My hooves were blackened and burnt. I looked back to see the entire side of my body was hairless, save for a few spots. I no longer had a cutie mark on that side. My wing was featherless and blistered. Oh yeah, I was also skewered. I fell to my knees, unable to lay on my sides, as the debris was sticking out of both sides. I felt dizzy, again. Blood was seeping from the wound. If it were removed, I would surely bleed to death. The hurt was unimaginable.

“Fuck!” The familiar voice came again.

I slowly moved my gaze up towards Nico, who gaped at the wood hanging out of my side.

“That... might kill me.” I said, wearily.

“Shit! What do we do?” He looked to my father, who was tearing up.

He looked around. “Is there a doctor here? Or a healing potion? Something?!” He yelled at the many bystanders.

The echoing in my ears worried me.

“I-I’ll be okay.” I whispered, trying to put my forehoof in front of me.

“No! Don’t you dare move, damn it!” Nico screamed. “Stop being so stubborn!”

I stared up at him, tears blurring my vision more than the smoke.

Specks limped forward, a bag in his teeth. He dropped it in front of Nico. “Two healing potions, and some bandages. It’s all I could find. Your things are over by the sign if you have anything in there.”

Daddy poured the contents of the bag on the ground next to me. He quickly opened the bottle for me to drink it.

“Stop! Don’t give it to her, yet!” A pony in a white coat galloped from the crowd. She panted as she stopped in front of me. Cherish. She took the potion from him. “If you give it to her, the tissue will heal around the foreign object. We have to remove it, now.”

“She’ll bleed out! There’s no way in hell I’m doing that!” Nico screamed at her.

What is all the ruckus for? I’ll be alright with the stick in my side, right? It’ll make a badass scar, anyway.

“Then let me do it, fool! I have to make sure everything is fine before she drinks it! I have to make sure her spine isn’t severed.” She yelled back at him. Her horn glowed as she went over my body with the light. She stopped and narrowed her eyes at the wound.

“What is it? Can we please give it to her, now?” Daddy said.

“N-Nothing’s wrong. There are no broken bones or spines. I’m going to need you to hold her down, Mixer.” She said.

Daddy grabbed my side, gently.

“Be firm, but gentle. Nico, I’m sorry, you’ll have to pull it out.”

“What?! Why?”

“I have to get ready to distribute the potion and wrap her burns. Just pull straight out with your magic. If you use your hooves, we’ll risk infection.” She said. “When you’re ready.” The supplies hovered next to her.

Nico looked at me, sadly. “I-I don’t want to hurt her, again.”

I shook my head, grinning slightly. “Y-you’re okay. I p-promise I won’t be mad.”

“I-I don’t know if I can. You’ll be in so much pain, Sia. Can’t someone else do it?” He looked at Cherish.

“We don’t have time!” She yelled.

“Nico,” I whispered. “I’m not going to die. Cherish is h-here. I trust her abilities. And I want you to do it. Just think of it as… pulling out the stress in my body.”

He stared at me.

“D-Don’t hesitate like I did.” I begged. I remembered what my hesitation did to my comrades. “I lost Bolt Chaser and Wick because of it.”

He stared, before nodding. Squeezing his eyes shut, he wrapped the wood in his magic. I closed mine, also. This was going to hurt like hell and I knew it. The fear dimmed as a hoof gripped mine. I saw it was his, so I smiled. Everything was going to be okay. I closed my eyes shut and held my breath.

Cherish began the countdown. “Ten, nine, eight, seven…”

“I’m so sorry if I hurt you.” He whispered.

“Five, four…”

“Me, too.” I replied.

“Two, one.”

A split second passed before I heard the wood scrapping against bone. I fell over, pain shooting through every inch of my side. I twitched, seeing blood spurt from the hole. Quickly, Cherish poured half the contents of a healing potion into the hole. I kept screaming and crying. My eyes went wide. Something was wrong!

“My… chest!” I grabbed my throat, trying to breathe.

“What’s wrong?! Cherish, what’s happening?!” Daddy yelled.

“It’s an anxiety attack. A bad one. She’ll be fine, though.” She poured the rest of the potion around the wounds. “Sienna, look, honey, just breathe. You’re going to be okay. I need you to drink this, okay?”

I snapped my gaze to Nico, who nodded towards the potion. “Y-You’re gonna be okay. Remember? We’ll get through this. T-Together.”

I paused. My brain wanted to refrain from being an adult. I wanted to cry like a foal and scream for my mother. Instead, I let the potion pour into my throat. I gulped it down, not even stopping to breathe.

“Okay, you’re gonna be just fine.” Cherish smiled. She unwrapped the bandages, only to place them over my burnt hide.

“I think I’m gonna be sick.” I said, laying my head in the dirt.

“Don’t do that. You need to keep the potion down. At least until it has done its job.” Cherish said as she finished up.

I finally managed to sit up, receiving sighs of relief from Specks, Nico, and my father.

“How did you know where to find us?” Daddy asked.

“Well, I saw the smoke from the distance. I knew Nico and Sienna were headed this way, so I rushed over, thinking something had happened.” She said as she wrapped his hoof. His hoof looked like it melted.

While they conversed, I spotted Pepper in the crowd. She narrowed her eyes at me, almost seeming upset I was alive. I couldn’t help I was a pegasus. I knew it was why she hated me so much. Now, it seemed to claw at her since Nico was supportive of me. I just hoped she didn’t find out about our relation we had back at the shack. Cherish probably wouldn’t be able to undo the damage she would cause to me.

I ignored her, looking back to my father. He hugged me, trying not to touch my burns. “You saved me. And others, as well. I’m so proud of you.”

I buried my face in his shoulder. It felt nice to be held by a parent. “I told you I wouldn’t lose you.” I smiled.

“I’ve decided to go with you and help you with your duties.” He looked back at the tavern. “I don’t think I can go back to bartending for a while.”

I chuckled, my chest still tight a little. “We need all the help we can get. It’ll be nice to be with you, again, Daddy.”

“I’d love that. Now, let me go see what I can salvage. I think the flames are beginning to die down from the rain. Don’t stand up too suddenly.”

I nodded.

“I better go back to the security guard. I told him to wait for me. Zangth is still at the hospital. Let’s hope you won’t need him again.” Cherish said.

“Thanks, Cherish.” I took her hoof.

“Just doing my job.” She smiled.

I waved at her as she walked away. As I put my hoof down, my head started swimming. My forehooves started to slide out from under me. Before I hit the ground, I felt someone catch me. I knew the tan coat belonged to Nico. The scent, too. Thankfully, I didn’t think I was in heat anymore. I picked my head up, just to see his face. The feeling was so familiar. He’d caught me as I fell several times before. This time, though, we had no more love. It almost pained me to know it. I grinned up at him, earning a raised eyebrow. Goddess, I missed that snarky expression.

“Are you feeling better?” He asked, helping me back up.

I held on to his shoulders, longing for him to hold me like he did so many hours ago.

“Tired, sore, dizzy. I’m sure I’ll be fine.” I held my head with a hoof.

His smile faded. “I didn’t want to hurt you anymore. I know I’m the cause for your stress. I knew it when we were in the hospital. I-I’m so sorry.”

I shrugged. “It isn’t your fault.”

“Yes, it is. I told you I couldn’t be with you anymore. Right after…” He looked away.

“You did it to protect me.”

“Yes, and I still mean it. As much as I hate to say it. I don’t want to lose you. I feel useless, like I can’t protect you.” He sighed. “You’ll be safe when you leave this place. That’s good enough for me.”

I teared up. “Nico…”

“I-I’m sorry! I’m doing it again. Fuck my reputation. I can’t stand seeing you cry.”

“No. Nico, I can’t go back home.” My voice cracked.

He stared in shock. “Yes you can. I meant when you finish with the pearls.”

“No! I can’t go back at all! Redd told me they were considering us AWOL. They wouldn’t allow me to go back.” I hung my head.

“Wait, they won’t let you go back? B-but… It’s dangerous down here! You can’t stay here for the rest of your life!” He glanced around. “Sia, this is terrible!”

I just nodded. What else could I do?

He sighed. “Don’t worry. I-I’ll do something. You can stay with me.”

“I won’t do that.” I looked to see if Pepper was still watching. She was talking to another pony. “You have Pepper, now. I don’t want to intrude.”

He started to speak, but stopped.

“Redd and I will stay with Violet or Daddy. Don’t worry about me.” I smiled. I wished it was genuine. “And you know what? I’m happy for you, really. You’ll get to have those foals. I’ll come visit when I can. They’ll be adorable.”

He looked me straight in my eyes. I didn’t even try to decipher the sentiment he put on. “When this is over, I hope you know I’ll always be there if you need me.”

I still wore my fake smile. “I thought you said I wouldn’t have to see you again?”

“I don’t think I go without seeing your face, again.”

I blushed. I knew you could only tell my right side was blushing.

I managed to get on all fours. My hide was still red and scarred, but at least the potion had healed the blisters. It felt like the blood rushed from my head, but I did my best not to let anypony see. I slowly took a breath and let it out. Our bags were next to the sign like Specks had said, so I, dizzily, made my way to them. They smelled like smoke and were also black in some places. I picked up mine and looked inside.

One potion, gun, caps, letter, and fruit preserves. Everything is still here.

I sighed, looking back at my barding. The cloth part of my armor was gone, leaving the leather padding. It would do for now. Maybe I could make a new outfit. I had never tried to make anything other than blankets, pillows, and a stuffed toy or two. I’d have to get my brand new sewing machine from Nico.

At least I have something to look forward to, even if it was just a piece of machinery.

Level Up!

Health -3
Strength +2
Agility +1

New Perk:
Flame On!- You are 10% more resistant to fire.

Pepper has joined your group!
Race: Unicorn
Weapon: No weapon

Mixer has joined your group!
Race: Pegasus
Weapon: Melee

Author's Notes:

Thanks to Kkat for this amazing world!

Constructive criticism is always welcome! Thanks for reading!

-AP